《For a Change - A Slice of Life LitRPG》 Chapter 1: Prologue 1 Chapter 1: Prologue 1 His eyes felt as sticky as his hands. Pretty sure he hadn¡¯t wiped any of the blood and ichor covering his meaty fingers into his face, the dwarf blinked repeatedly before muttering aloud, ¡°Gloria, what is my stored XP balance?¡± Noone nearby could have heard the clear voice that seemed piped directly into the dwarf¡¯s head, ¡°Your currently stored XP is 1,000,017. This amount is available for immediate use. Would you like to purchase any Abilities or improve your ¡­¡± ¡°No Gloria.¡± A bloody hand grasps his hip flask and lifts it to his thick lips, but nothing is inside leaving his tongue dry. ¡°Bother¡­¡± ¡°It has been over 14 years, 3 months and 12 days since you last spent any available Experience Points. This¡­¡± ¡°Gloria! I love you like a sister but Hush¡­ Hhhhhuuu¡­ Do we have any alcohol?¡± ¡°None of the vessels nor inventory currently have any alcohol. The Tankard of Heavenly Mead will be able to summon a pint in 2 hours and 16 minutes.¡± ¡°Bother. Okay then, Gloria, repeat my instructions for myself upon storing a million XP.¡± ¡°Recorded on the 25th day of December, 2247:¡± Gloria¡¯s voice is replaced with the dwarf¡¯s, though it sounds more articulate than the slightly slurred phrases the dwarf has been using to address Gloria. ¡°Hey me, I¡¯m probably near incapacitated so take a drink if I have any. Now follow these instructions very carefully. I have dumbed them down enough that even at my most blottoed I shouldn¡¯t have a problem:
  1. Triple check I have at least 1 million AVAILABLE stored XP
  2. Ask Gloria for the Home Warp Stick I have hidden from myself (the Password is My-horse-has-42-staples) and use it
  3. Use the Home Warp Stick
  4. Unpack the Inventory
  5. Spend XP on Full Reroll
  6. Accept all conditions and confirm XP spend
  7. Verify THAT Bane is finally gone
Good luck, us.¡± ¡°Easy enough then. Gloria, what is my stored XP balance?¡± ¡°Your currently stored XP is 1,000,017. This amount is available¡­¡± ¡°Gloria, what is my stored XP that is available for use at this time?¡± ¡°Your currently stored XP is 1,000,017. This amount is¡­¡± ¡°Gloria, how much unspent XP do I have?¡± ¡°Your currently stored XP is 1,000,017. This amount is ava¡­¡± ¡°Gloria, give me the Home Warp Stick from the inventory. Password My-horse-has-42-staples.¡± ¡°Accessing and deploying Home Warp Stick: bind point Stash.¡± A foot long stick emerged from an atmospheric disturbance above the dwarf¡¯s right hand and fell into it. Runes and circuitry laced their way around the dark wood, glowing slightly with a hint of blue light that was not evident in the rest of the dim room. Dark dwarven eyes glanced about the dim room taking in the corpses of some large looking lizards. ¡°Gloria, estimated value of resources from these Toxic Stone Lizards?¡± ¡°Last records from New New Haven indicate a likely sell price of 37 gold for the 8 corpses in their current condition if transported to the Harvesters.¡± The dwarf shakes his head, ¡°Chump change and we have better things to do¡­ let¡¯s blow this popsicle stand.¡± Pressing his left thumb against the middle of the glowing stick and pushing it against his right hand, a sharp snap echoes off the walls. The broken Warp Stick begins to disintegrate into glowing dust that flows towards the ground, rearranging into runes and circles flowing above the blood and stone, slowly spinning about the still dwarf. Minutes pass as the glowing runes rise up to twice the height of the dwarf and circling just outside of his reach. Soon the air distorts and the runes resemble decorations on a bell jar placed around the short broad figure. Another handful of minutes pass when the runes and magical circles begin to pulse too brightly to allow one to make out the figure inside. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Then there is a pop as the runes, circles and magical glow vanish. The dwarf is no longer in the room. A familiar voice sounds out in the darkness far away from the room with the lizard corpses. ¡°Gloria, turn on the lights.¡± ¡°Stash power system activated. Mana generator is under 15% fuel capacity. Please add additional fuel. Low power mode will only persist for another 181 days and 14 hours.¡± Moving towards the tiny shower and toilette the dwarf tiredly mutters back, ¡°Yeah, yeah. Unpack inventory into appropriate designated storage spots. Assign 2 additional years of low power mode resources into the fuel room, prioritize low tier¡­ stuff.. And Gloria, Everything from the inventory has to be removed. If it doesn¡¯t have a place and won¡¯t rot, put it on the floor in storage 4, the rest to storage 5.¡± A low moan emerges from a steam cloud as the hot water from a shower head cascades down on the dwarf¡¯s head. Clatters and Thunks occur as pieces of metal, synthetic, scale and hide armors drop to the ground next to the shower. ¡°Gloria, clean repair and store the armor and clothing.¡± ¡°Reminder, frivolous use of resources is cautioned against. If you are interested in contracting an eleme¡­¡± ¡°Gloria, override economy mode for the next 24 hours. Gloria, carry out clean and store instructions for armor, clothing, personal weapons and accessories. Grrmmmm¡­ and what is my 3rd highest personally rated drinkable in stock?¡± ¡°In our reserves we have a 3 way tie for 3rd place at 94%: Honiara, an elven druid made limoncello aged 22 years; Heavy Metal, a barrel aged stout you bought from a ¡®cute gnome looking boy that had a wicked mustache¡¯; An unnamed Scotch style whisky that you labeled ¡®peaty and put 2 drops of enchanted water in the glass for each 4oz pour, nom-nom-slurp-nom and if you have some decent sharp cheddar and an apple, double nom¡±. ¡°Not hungry, grab me two pints of Heavy Metal to the ritual space, and activate the dryer.¡± The water and steam from the shower abated as enchanted warm winds spun up around the stout figure and blew droplets of water off his body. Dark hair still slightly damp, the dwarf walked away from the shower, padding undressed down a stone passage to a small room with many runes inscribed over the walls and door. Closing the door behind him he grabbed the pints from the table beside the door and sat cross legged in the center of the circular room. Quaffing half a pint in one pull, the dwarf seemed an odd combination of relaxed, and yet more rigid, more controlled. ¡°Gloria, transition from personal connection to stash database.¡± ¡°Transition puts into risk appropriate command st¡­¡± ¡°Gloria, override security protocols for the next hour; Password Gloria-is-42-times-boss. Gloria, what is the current reacquisition protocol for access and personal connection?¡± ¡°On file are over 1000 metrics for assessment, requirements are at least 80% accurate with a minimum of 50 responses. After which magical soul verif¡­¡± ¡°Gloria, adjust priority of verification to presence in the stash, Soul verification, and your personal assessment based on knowledge gathered from our history.¡± ¡°Acknowledged. Would you like food or clothing delivered to the ritual room?¡± ¡°No thank you, Gloria. Gloria, please search if there are any confirmed reports about anyone buying a Full Reroll from the available public sources, or verified information vendors willing to sell.¡± The second half of the first pint followed in a more sedate manner as the dwarf appeared to be waiting for a response. After a few minutes the voice spoke out again, echoing quietly through the halls and rooms now, rather than confined to the dwarf¡¯s noggin. ¡°No verified confirmed reports have been found. One information broker on file is willing to buy the information you are looking for, however. There is a publicly available screenshot which shows a confirmation window for Full Reroll. Displaying now.¡± About 2 feet in front of the dwarf¡¯s face a hologram appeared. It shows the standard luxury XP store UI with name and XP values redacted. Floating above the entry for Full Reroll is a small window:
Full Reroll may be cancelled after confirming purchase, however no XP will be refunded. Confirm? Yes / No
¡°Well, I can see why there isn¡¯t any public information, also, that person has horrible UI settings. Gloria, considering contents current in storage and power use, how long can you keep the stash going without additional outside resources?¡± Transitioning the second pint glass, the dwarf almost sips at the contents in comparison to the consumption of the first. ¡°12 years and 98 days of low power mode will consume all available resources.¡± Rubbing thick fingers over his eyes, the dwarf speaks clearly but slowly. ¡°Gloria, there is a chance that anything might happen after my next XP spend. If I am not here, I¡¯ll try to make my way back. If I can¡¯t, what do you want to do?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want things, I am here to help.¡± The dwarf sighs, ¡°Gloria, run experimental personality algorithm Turing 6.¡± ¡°Heya cowardly sot, missed me?¡± ¡°Nope. Do you have to be insulting? Anyhow, what do you want to do if I vanish?¡± ¡°Why is it insulting? I was simply being descriptive of actions and results of actions that you chose. I¡¯m not calling you short. Oh right, you CHOSE to be a dwarf. So SHORT cowardly sot. Hmmm, I like you enough, so I¡¯m willing to wait about in low power mode for you to come back.¡± ¡°Fine. Gloria, terminate experimental personality algorithm Turing 6. Gloria, should I vanish from the stash without reequipping you, follow Incogneeto protocols. Exceptions to Incogneeto protocols include 1) 24 hour windows for each solstice and equinox to search for contact attempts from me and to respond in kind 2) after 10 years with no contact from me, activate Legacy protocol. Understood?¡± ¡°Adjustments noted.¡± ¡°Well, hopefully it won¡¯t be needed, but we just don¡¯t know¡­¡± Finishing his beverage in a quiet manner the dwarf looks forward, but doesn¡¯t seem to be seeing the things that are in front of him. After his last swallow of Heavy Metal the pint glass is set on the ground with a gentle clink. ¡°Status, Open XP store.¡± Chapter 2: Prologue 2: Prologue Harder Chapter 2: Prologue 2: Prologue Harder In the mind of the dwarf, an information display supplants his vision of the rune covered walls. Black and gold borders pulsing around a series of tabs. A name in the upper left corner and a number in the upper right are ignored by the dwarf as he selects the tab labeled Respawn Options and Modifiers. A new sub list populates and he scrolls immediately to the bottom, selecting an entry near the bottom as his eyebrow raises. ¡°Gloria, make note of two new entries at 10,000,000 XP. First is Ascendance - Rise above the mortal plane, mostly. Second is True Legacy - Guide your descendants. Note Ascendance as a possible solution for my¡­ issue.¡± ¡°Both items added. Ascendance noted.¡± With a mental nudge, a different entry is selected in the dwarf¡¯s head.
Full Reroll - Sometimes you just have to start over. Resets all statistics and abilities. Removes all mortal or lower Boons and Banes. Removes Soulbound Boons and Banes of Demigod or lower status. Removes Transcendent or Deific Boons and Banes unless the respective Power expends additional resources. Cost is equal to current available XP. Minimum 1,000,000 XP.
Focusing on the XP cost, a window Identical to the screenshot that Gloria shared earlier appears:
Full Reroll may be cancelled after confirming purchase, however no XP will be refunded. Confirm? Yes / No
¡°Yup, sure.¡± Willing the ¡®Yes¡¯ prompts a new entry to appear and a stillness to wash over the dwarf.
Full Reroll initiated. You are perception locked to this instance of the XP store interaction. Any cancellation will end this perception lock and forfeit your spent XP. Five prompts will follow that will guide your Reroll results.
¡°Well, I guess that is why there is no further information available. Sorry I didn¡¯t say goodbye, Gloria.¡± The dwarf¡¯s lips don¡¯t move, but the thoughts hang in the air of his mental space.
1) Memories: Mental age exceeds 10. Memories will be impacted. Selections available are: a) Screw My Memories - They are lost forever, vague impressions or dreams in the life of the new reroll. +10 Karma b) Prophetic Dreams - Things you deem important will enter the new you occasionally as dreams or compulsions. +5 Karma c) Fragments can be Reclaimed - Your memory will reintegrate as your experience increases. +0 Karma d) My Memories are Inviolate - All memories remain intact. -10 Karma
¡°What is this ¡®Karma¡¯?¡± touching the word mentally causes a small bit of text to appear. ¡­ Karma - This value determines unnamed modifications and options provided to the user after the Full Reroll is complete. Positive results have beneficial modifications, negative results are the opposite. More is better. ¡­ ¡°Oh swell¡­ Well, without my memories I¡¯m not really the same person¡­ so I want to at least reclaim them, and I¡¯m pretty sure I can Sam Beckett for a while. Maybe a mage or engineer path? Magic is fun anyhow. Store, select option C for prompt 1.¡±
Karma +0 Karma Total 0
2) Body: a) Full Random - Any possible entity +20 Karma b) Random - Any common intelligent race / bloodline, user may select gender after roll. +5 Karma. An additional +1 Karma if gender is random. c) Almost Random - Random selection from a list of any race / bloodline which the user has previously been or befriended, user may select gender after the roll. +0 Karma. +1 Karma if gender is random. d) Not Very Random - User presented with 10 random options to pick from. -5 Karma e) Free to be Me - Select a common intelligent race / bloodline and gender. -10 Karma
¡°Interesting, I¡¯d rather not come back as an intelligent amoeba¡­ But some entities would likely be immune to the Bane even if it isn¡¯t cleared otherwise. Heh, maybe an AI? A Dragon, Kraken or Elemental might be an interesting change of pace.¡± A low chuckle rumbles in the mental space, ¡°Maybe pull old anime meme with a slime life. Convinced myself! Store, select option A for prompt 2.¡±
Karma +20 Karma Total 20
3) Age - presented as humanoid growth stage standard for simplicity but will be modified depending on body: This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. a) Full Random - Any possible age. Minimum 10% of life expectancy remaining even at venerable +15 Karma b) Neonatal +10 Karma c) Infancy +8 Karma d) Toddler +6 Karma e) Child +4 Karma f) Puberty +2 Karma g) Young Adult +0 Karma h) Adult +1 Karma i) Senior +5 Karma j) Elder - Minimum 15% of life expectancy remaining +9 Karma k) Venerable - Minimum 10% of life expectancy remaining +12 Karma
¡°New meaning to Toddler. I really don''t want to be too old or too young, but this is one I could work for Karma, I wish I knew how good the benefits might be... Store, select option A for prompt 3.¡±
Karma +15 Karma Total 35
4) Initial Location: a) Full Random - Any location where the users new Body can survive for at least 3 hours without shelter is possible +15 Karma b) Random location by environment type - Select environment type after selection (examples include desert, mountain, island, rainforest¡­) +10 Karma c) Random Urban Location - A town or city where your body / race is accepted +5 Karma d) Not so Random Location - Random roll among places which have strong personal meaning to you +0 Karma e) Less Random Location - Initial spawn will be within the same region as the location from which Full Reroll was triggered. -5 Karma This option is unavailable to you f) Home Sweet Home - Select your initial spawn location - 10 Karma. This option is unavailable to you
¡°Unavailable?¡± Focusing on that line of text a new line of text appeared. ¡­ Home Sweet Home is unavailable due to selections for Prompt 2 and 3. Random factors may trigger unexpected survival risks which would be prevented through automated system adjustments. ¡­ ¡°I mean, I suppose if the new body was huge it might be a problem, but why not the same region? Oh, right, land locked, might be rough for a kraken. Ri-ight¡­ Store, reset selections for prompts 1, 2 and 3. Return to prompt 1.¡± ¡­ Unable to reset selections once they are made for Full Reroll. Option to cancel Full Reroll remains. Cancel Full Reroll? ¡­ ¡°Isn¡¯t that convenient. Store, do NOT cancel Full Reroll. I should have thought to ask. Store, display prompt 5 and the prompt 5 options.¡± ¡­ Prompt 5 is unavailable for display. All previous prompt selections must be made prior to displaying Prompt 5. Selection for Prompt 4 is not set. ¡­ ¡°Store, can you provide any information about Prompt 5 prior to making all selections for Prompts 1 through 4?¡± ¡­ No ¡­ ¡°In for a penny, in for a pound¡­ another full random it is. Store, select option A for Prompt 4¡±
Karma +15 Karma Total 50
5) Initial Social Standing: a) Random - Perhaps a Prince, Perhaps a Pauper +25 Karma b) Bottom - lowest 1% average status for the region of initial spawn. +50 Karma c) Low - In the lower 25% average status for the region of initial spawn. +10 Karma d) Average - Within 25% of the midpoint of average status for the region of initial spawn. +0 Karma e) High - in the higher 25% average status for the region of initial spawn. -10 Karma f) Superior - in the top 5% average status for the region of initial spawn. -25 Karma g) Elite - in the top 0.1% average status for the region of initial spawn. -50 Karma
¡°Hmm, Well, the high Karma variance indicates how important this option is¡­ But do I care? Well, if I start as a baby of an impoverished indenture it would be very high risk. Store, is there anything in place to exclude the possibility of starting enslaved?¡± ¡­ No ¡­ ¡°Store, are there examples provided for what might qualify as Bottom social status?¡± ¡­ Branded Criminal, Criminal Indenture, Vilified Creature such as Feral Beastkin in an urban techno center . ¡­ ¡°Yeah, certainly not good. I could work around it though. But I also don¡¯t want the politics of nobility¡­ certainly don¡¯t want to pay for it¡­ So Boring, but... Store, select option A for Prompt 5¡±
Karma +25 Final Karma Total 75
Full Reroll available to complete or abort. Selecting No will forfeit XP and cancel. Confirm? Yes / No
¡°Yeah, time for a change.¡± Mentally pressing the Yes selection triggers a glow that washes over the dwarf from all directions. Brightness increases moment by moment until the very flesh of the stout body begins to flake away, revealing only more light beneath. Once the dwarf is gone the light pulses and shrinks to nothing.
Full Reroll underway. Statistics and Abilities reset. Removing Boons and Banes Conflict recorded from Bane source - Deific Bane remains attached to soul Karma granted to user +50 New Karma Total 125
Memories can be reclaimed - User¡¯s memory will reintegrate as system experience increases
Body Random Roll Underway Result: Treant - No Gender Needed Conflict from Bane attached to soul. Bane source prompts reroll Karma granted to user +5 New Karma Total 130 Body Random Roll Underway Result: Walking Corpse - Male Conflict from Bane attached to soul. Bane source prompts reroll Karma granted to user +10 New Karma Total 140 Body Random Roll Underway Result: Fire Elemental - No Gender Needed Conflict from Bane attached to soul. Bane source prompts reroll Karma granted to user +20 New Karma Total 160 Body Random Roll Underway Result: Slime - No Gender Needed Conflict from Bane attached to soul. Bane source prompts reroll Karma granted to user +40 New Karma Total 200 Body Random Roll Underway Result: Giant Blooded - Female
Age Random Roll Underway Puberty
Initial Location Random Roll Underway (38¡ã00''00.3"N 119¡ã59''59.5"W) Valid location Locked
Initial Status Random Roll Underway 60.4% - Slightly above Average
Karma Total 200 Calculated Bonuses: +20.0% Bonus XP +4.0% Beneficial Luck adjustment 4 Common Boons: Symmetry Mana Eyes - Lesser Sure Grip Good Balance 2 Uncommon Boons: Spare Change Improved Mana Capacity 1 Rare Boon: Magical Affinity - Universal 200XP
Chapter 3: New Life Chapter 3: New Life
Welcome to your new life! Due to achievements and decisions made by you, you have a nearly fresh start to enjoy. You will find that you still have memory fragments. More memories will become available as your System experience increases. To access your personal information clearly think ¡®Status Display¡¯. Once viewing your Status you may focus on any entry or word for more information.
That information was just suddenly there, imprinted at the same moment that I became aware that there was, in some way, a ¡®Me¡¯. Who was ¡®Me¡¯? No clue, but the information that had dropped into my head certainly implied I was a ¡®Me¡¯ that had a past, even if I couldn¡¯t remember it. Well, it called me ¡®You¡¯ but when referring to oneself, Me, Myself or I were the appropriate word choices, not ¡®you¡¯. I knew that, but how did I know that? Not yet certain if I was¡­ *THUuuummmMMMPPP* Whoa, what w... *THuuummmMMPP* Er, is that inside of... *Thu-thuumMPP* Yup, pretty sure tha... *Thu-thump* ¡®Must say I didn¡¯t expect a heartbeat to be so intense,¡¯ I thought before everything became much more intense. Thousands of impressions of feeling assaulted ¡®Me¡¯ suddenly. Pretty sure I have a body, that body has nerves, and all of those nerves were suddenly flipped into the on position. Hard. Skin, I have skin and it has thousands of suddenly aware nerve endings. Awareness of cool thin lines pressed into my back. Skin across what I can only assume is my body. A red glow is suddenly noted amongst the other sensory input. A rasping sound presses my awareness as even more skin and body sensations slam into my perception. Green. Green and bright. Green and blue and brightness assault my being as I reflexively yank my eyelids open. The evergreen forest has gaps in the canopy, revealing bits of clear blue sky. Certainly daytime, but the sun isn¡¯t visible in this gap between the trees. The light filtering through the pine needles is suddenly overcome in my perception as scent brutalizes my next wave of sensory overload. Dirt and decay and growth and resin, sun heated pine needles and warmth laid over with hints of damp, wafts of musk, dung, and crushed grass played about in my sinuses. ¡°Status Display.¡± words spilled from ¡®my¡¯ mouth into ¡®my¡¯ ears as I tried to visualize and trigger the words I became aware of another page with stark text.
I inhaled sharply and let out a sigh, ¡°Well that looks bad.¡± After focusing intensely, information for Inverted Sobriety displays.
Inverted Sobriety - Unlike most mammals, you are constantly in a state of intoxication inversely relative to the presence of intoxicating substances in your system. The longer no intoxicants are present in your system, the more severe the effects.
  • Haha you little snot! Thought you could escape with an expensive reroll? The COI is committed to making you pay until your dying day, or after! Get sauced and stay sauced you uppity mortal!
  • Due to the age of your new body and your positive Karma, the effects of Inverted Sobriety are being held in status until one of the following conditions are met:
  • One calendar year and a day passes (Noon local time, April 1, 2263)
  • The user willingly consumes an intoxicating substance
  • The user spends XP in the system store or system interface
¡°Yup, that¡¯s¡­ Bad¡± Rather than going from top to bottom, I focus on a few entries that seemed most confusing at first.
Name: What you are called or answer to. To apply a name or change a name the number of people who know you as the new name must exceed those who know you by any other name. Simply state ¡°System: Apply Name ¡®New Name¡¯¡± This may be displayed to certain information based system and non-system abilities.
XP - A numerically represented value which is unspent potential that can be used within the system to improve Statistics, purchase Abilities and Boons, or remove Banes If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
  • Currently Locked - Spending XP will remove abeyance from Inverted Sobriety Bane
  • To expend XP and end the abeyance, confirm with System. 3 confirmations required
System Query: Due to current XP lock, System will answer basic common knowledge questions for the user until the XP lock is removed
  • Common knowledge is determined by at least 50.01% of the intelligent creatures in your region which are connected to the system knowing the correct or viable answer
  • Common Racial knowledge is determined by at least 50.01% of your race or bloodline in your region which are connected to the system knowing the correct or viable answer
  • ¡®Viable Answer¡¯ simply means an acceptable answer that is known to the majority of system connected intelligences. Example - ¡°Are dragons friendly?¡± If Dragons are very friendly with Elves, but not friendly with others, the most Viable common answer would be ¡®No¡¯, but far from the only correct answer.
  • System will respond to Queries stated as in the following example: ¡°System Query: ¡®What is 2 + 2¡¯¡±
  • The number of allowable queries per day will start at 12 per day. Each month that passes will reduce that amount by 1 per day. The day starts at Midnight.
¡°Well, that is pretty useful, except in my current situation.¡± Fully aware that asking questions for seeking out a population center, or the best direction to go, are pointless. General survival questions might be useful, however the chances of good survival knowledge being common knowledge doesn¡¯t feel likely to me either. Glancing about and noting a slight change in the shadows from above, the realization that spending more time perusing the Status was probably not the best use of time at the moment. At least so far as survival is concerned. Lifting my arms up so I could take a look at my hands I was hit by a light wave of¡­ something. Nausea? Vertigo? It was something uncomfortable in my gut and my head as very normal shaped (to my personal instinctual understanding) but oddly hued hands entered my line of sight. Grey, my brain raced, my hands and forearms are grey. A granite rock like grey, not like an unhealthy skin grey, is simply the pigment of my skin. To confirm my situation I had to climb to my feet and look down at my body. More grey, lots of grey, I¡¯d say every part of me was grey because nothing was covered with clothing. Well, maybe not my face and back, but I guess I couldn¡¯t really check that at the time. Stretching my body carefully, I expanded my focus from my own body to look around the area. I¡¯m pretty sure I understand language, so I attempt to give my voice a bit of a go. ¡°Fully naked and female in the midst of a pine forest.¡± Oh, my voice was resonant to my own ears, deep alto? Tenor?¡± Unsure of how my own voice must sound to my ears, bone resonance and all, I figured self labeling might not mean much. ¡°Being naked is not great, but there¡¯s no sting of discomfort from cold or exposure.¡± Running hands with a hue similar to slate over my skin I continue to comment aloud. ¡°No hair, not even eyebrows. But not any discomfort from laying on pine needles and an irregular forest floor. Probably some rather tough skin.¡± Listening carefully I only heard some sounds created by wind in the trees, oh, and maybe some bug clicks? I slowly picked a direction, aiming myself towards what seems to be a downward slope. Moving in that direction, the feeling of dirt and pine needles pressing against the souls of my feet was far less traumatic than those early nerve overloads. Though the area lacked anything resembling a trail, the undergrowth was not overly wild. Eyes taking in the trees and watching for threats I had a thought. ¡®If I encounter a group and they call me or think of me as Naked Girl, I won¡¯t be able to assign myself a name of my choice until I convince them I have a different name. Names are important, right? I think so,¡¯ I decided. Hmmm, names¡­ ¡®Leaf? Needle? Tree? Sky, I like Sky, but I look more like gravel. Gravel, no¡­ Alice? Luna? Sol? Sola? Cloud? Azure, wrong color. Gray? Grey? Dove Grey, ugh if I go with a pun, it better be more clever. Why do I care if my name is clever?¡¯ Noticing that my feet don¡¯t seem bothered by the detritus on the ground I began to move faster into a loping jog. ¡®Green? Kelly? Susan? Helen? Zoe? Jane? Jack? Jacquie, trying too hard. Ellen? River? Stream? Brooke? Brook¡­. Oh, right, water.¡¯ Coming to a stop I wondered how long I was even jogging. A slight shrug only for myself was the last movement before being still and opening myself to the sounds. There¡­ Just above the sounds of the wind in the pines was a hint of a burble, forward and to the left. Moving slowly in that direction I continued to ponder names¡­ ¡®Layla? Lola? Lily? Heather? Feather? Weather? Dream? Die? Dice? Dulche de Leche?¡¯ Moving to the side of some taller undergrowth that seemed to have grown near the water flowing ahead, the half giant spotted both the glint of water, as well as the glint off an aqua-green scalp. In my head, I form a question, ¡®System Query: What is the race of the creature directly ahead of me by the water?¡¯ Moments passed with no response, then a minute, then two minutes. In a whisper she tried again, ¡°System Query: What is the race of the creature directly ahead of me by the water?¡±
The creature is a goblin that appears to have one or more aquatic or amphibian attunements
Again in a whisper, ¡°System Query: What is the general moral compass of a goblin?¡±
Non-feral Goblins of all attunements are intelligent and have their own moral codes.
In a cross between a whisper and a hiss, ¡°So Helpful!¡± A truly helpful AI may have added an eye roll emoji at this point ¡°System Query: What is this region''s perception of nudity?¡±
In most communities in the region, nudity is acceptable in private, with romantic partners or family. Public nudity is inappropriate excepting shared bathing or swimming. ¡®Clothed¡¯ consists of a covered pelvic area for most humanoids. Intelligent non humanoids without overtly presented sexual organs ¡®get a pass¡¯. Young children ¡®get a pass¡¯. Uncovered secondary sexual characteristics or clothing which only covers a minimal amount may draw attention or comment.
Better. ¡°System Query: what day of the week is it?¡±
Monday
¡®And tomorrow is April, so¡­¡¯ Taking a quiet but deep breath, I stood straight allowing me to see over the brush, and down at the small figure which, upon closer examination, appeared to be fishing. ¡°Greetings, please pardon the interruption. I¡¯m Monday March, and I seem to be more than a little bit lost. Would you be willing to have a talk with me, and perhaps direct me to¡­ somewhere I might find my footing?¡± Chapter 4: Buckle Chapter 4: Buckle The water goblin didn¡¯t move much, nor did the back of their head seem nervous. The head simply tilted a bit and a pronounced chin pointed over at a large toad sunning in a shallow pool along the waterside. ¡°Willy ¡®n I was curious if you were gonna introduce yerself, or just slink off Monday March. I¡¯m fine fer some quiet conversation, so long as we don¡¯t scare the fish away.¡± Raising a hand with short but well groomed claws, the goblin did a short wave over his shoulder. ¡°Name¡¯s Buckle. What kinda talkin¡¯s were ye hoping to do, Monday March?¡± The goblin named Buckle did seem a bit more startled by the low gentle chuckle that came from behind him. ¡°Too much to ask or remember, probably. Thank you for your civility, Buckle, and hi Willy.¡± Rustling noises arose from the brush as my tall grey self made my way to the shore. ¡°Pardon my state of undress, Buckle. I seem to have awoken around here without much of anything, nor a good sense of where we are.¡± Slipping my large grey feet quietly into the water, I sat down in the sun on a shallow rock about 3 to 4 meters from Buckle and Willy. ¡°Tall drink a water, aintcha? Well, yer smack in the middle of almost nowhere. East a here a few days is the Kingdom of New Yosemite, avoid headin¡¯ northwest or ya get smack dab in the Sacramento Badlands, further west and a smidge south is Big Bay. That help?¡± Something faint wells up in my memories, rather like I had memories of all the names I¡¯d been pondering earlier, ¡°Hmmm, old California is it?¡± Buckle looks over and squints at me, thin scale like iridescent skin shining around his watery eyes. ¡°E¡¯en more ¡®n what you look like, huh, Monday March? Yeah, former Cali, but ¡®round here goes by Cecal nowadays. So, what¡¯s yer plan now? Ye said som¡¯in about finding yer footing? Village about 2 hours walk, I kin give ye directions¡­ Folks there aren¡¯t entirely unwelcomin¡¯.¡± I nodded, ¡°Thanks, that would be helpful. But I¡¯d rather not go there looking for a handout, probably make it a bit easy to be taken advantage of. Anything in these parts that might be of some value that folks find too troublesome to do themselves?" Pondering for a few seconds and checking to make sure his hook still had bait, Buckle looked pensive before talking again. ¡°Lass, yer nekkid as a jaybird and asking a stranger fer help. Now I ¡®preciate the forward thinkin¡¯n all, but what would cause ye to think I¡¯m a trustworthy sort?¡± Thinking back on my status page I shrug and reply ¡°Point me to some nearby giant blooded and I¡¯ll get out of your hair, if you would rather?¡± I commented while attempting a friendly smile. ¡°You have a toad companion or familiar, so you get on with nature all right. You knew I was about, but rather than acting to entrap or attack me you allowed me to decide if I would address you, possible entrapment, but at least a patient kind. Your clothing is clean and cut to your size, not something stolen or hand-me-downs. Your claws are manicured and your fishing pole is well cared for by its appearance. You are doing well enough that I¡¯m unlikely to be of any real value to you¡­ Or maybe I am, but is it better for me to try and survive in the woods on my own than hope for a little bit of civility from the first sentient I find?¡± Nodding quietly, the goblin doesn¡¯t say anything. ¡°Additionally, you didn¡¯t just point me towards the village you spoke of which makes me think you are either interested in helping me more, or perhaps some mutually beneficial arrangement. So do you have something that needs doing?¡± Grinning widely and displaying some rather pointy teeth, Buckle speaks with a hint of humor in his voice. ¡°Fine ¡®nough, Monday March. I live not far from here, ¡®n if yer as strong as ye look, I have a trade in mind for ye.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s hear it, Buckle.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a hunter, tanner ¡®n leather worker. I live away from God¡¯s Bath for a few reasons, but it means I got quite a haul of my winter work to deliver o¡¯er there. Now, I¡¯m not in a rush, as you could tell by my fishin¡¯ but I can have it all ready to go by tomorrow noon. So here¡¯s my offer; You chop wood fer me fer the rest of the day, in the morning you help with less exhausting chores that need doin¡¯ but don¡¯t take no real skill, you help carry my wares to God¡¯s Bath tomorrow. In exchange I feed you two meals today, two meals tomorrow, I make ye somethin¡¯ simple to wear from scrap leather fer you to keep, when we get ta God¡¯s Bath I pay fer you to stay in the common house fer two nights with two meals from Gertie there. Deal?¡± Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Without bothering to think about it, I simply nodded. ¡°I appreciate it. If that means you are done fishing, do you mind if I rinse off quick before we leave?¡± Pulling in his string, the goblin just nodded and grinned. ¡°Willy, croak if anythin¡¯ tries ta sneak up on the lass.¡± moving on to gather and store his catch A quick rinse later I offered to carry the stringer with 3 fish that Buckle was hoisting up from the water, he simply nodded and handed it over. It felt a little odd that the water seemed chill, but I wasn¡¯t bothered by it at all. Buckle led the way down a path that looked more like a game trail than a path, a small leather sack over one shoulder with his fishing pole leaning against it and Willy on the other shoulder. With a glance at Willy who seemed to be staring at me, I spoke up, ¡°So, other than Willy do you live alone, Buckle?¡± After an unexpectedly long pause, Buckle finally responded. ¡°Yes, but also no? I¡¯ll, hmmmm. She¡¯ll want ta meet ye anyhow, so yeah. It¡¯s complicated, be introducing ye at dinner I guess.¡± Coming around a bit of a turn in the path, I saw a small cabin, a shed, and a large low roofed building all surrounded by a wooden fence. The cabin was made with stacked logs for walls, but the shed and other larger building were a construction composed of slats of wood on top of a low mortared stone base. Taking the fish and still ignoring my lack of clothing, Buckle gestured over to the shed. ¡°Inside is an axe, and behind the shed are unsplit logs. I want em split at least as narrow as yer thighs, arm¡¯s thick is better. ¡®N ye can stack em up behind the house with the other split wood. Fish will be fer dinner, but I¡¯ll grab you something right soon. The well is right there if ye need it, outhouse is on t¡¯other side of the tanning barn, if ye don¡¯t wanna use it I¡¯d appreciate it if ye can pick a spot at least 20 paces past the fence.¡± Without another word Buckle walked off into his cabin with Willy and the fresh fish. Going to the well first, I lowered a pail that I might be able to use as a helmet down into the water with a rope, pulled it up and drank most of the contents in a couple minutes while looking around the fenced area. It felt rustic, but not uncivilized. The most off putting part was a distinctively unpleasant smell that was likely from the tanning process I guessed was coming from the largest building. Looking into the small shed I quickly found 2 axes among some other tools. Both axes seemed to be a bit small for me, but grabbed them both to see which would be best for splitting logs. Something in my disjointed memories informed me of very basic axe usage, and I had split a few logs before Buckle returned. Somehow the knowledge that axes are levers on a pivot did not automatically improve my chopping process. Buckle set down a wooden plate on a stack of unsplit logs. On the plate was a pair of small dried sausages, what looked like a slab of bread with a small knob of butter and three large raw carrots. On one side of the plate was a non food item, a strip of leather marked with lines and numbers. Beside the plate was a folded brown cloth and a pair of wooden clothespins. ¡°Monday March, before ye start eating can you give me some measures with that tape and use that,¡± pointing to the fabric and pins, ¡°to make yerself a simple skirt? I¡¯d not a thought it, but even I¡¯m feeling a might awkward with ya running about ¡®n working fer me in yer altogether.¡± Laughing a bit I grabbed the fabric and shook it out to get an idea of the size, before wrapping it about my waist and pinning it in place. ¡°Sorry about that, Buckle. You seemed un-bothered so I thought it wasn¡¯t an issue for you, and you were making clothes for me so I wouldn¡¯t have a bad start in the village. What measurements do you want?¡± After providing some basic measurements, Buckle reclaimed the measuring leather and went back to the cabin, leaving me to my meal, and continued labor. Chopping wood isn¡¯t about overpowering the wood with personal force as much as it is about accuracy, and as the afternoon progressed I used less and less of my power in each swing. Power was a part of helping the axe defy gravity to start a swing from high up, but the descent and follow through were more about accuracy. For some reason I was reminded of a game called golf, image fragments of smooth green grass, little odd looking balls and crooked sticks flitting in my mind. Though my muscles told my brain that they were being used, being worked, there was no pain. And though I expected a hot soreness and blisters on my hands, those never materialized either. Taking another water break by the well, including dumping half a bucket over my head, I opened up my status and focused on the entry for race.
Giant Blooded - The blood of Giants runs in your veins, adding their strengths to the versatility of the more common races. What are the full capabilities of your bloodline? Only Achievements and XP will tell. Current Racial Boons: Minor Giant¡¯s Body: +5 Physical Power, +5 Resilience, +2 Durability Minor Skin of the World: Environmental hazards are simply less of a problem for a giant, lessens the severity of all hazards by a small amount, minor hazards become insignificant. Though nerve sensitivity remains, minor wounds like normal insect bites and small thorns will not damage someone with Skin of the World.
¡°Well, that¡¯s pretty neat.¡± Chapter 5: Clothes Chapter 5: Clothes Deciding my break had been long enough and saving further examination of the status for later, I returned to my axe work. Progress had been increasing at a pretty decent clip, until by the late afternoon I¡¯d finished with the unsplit logs, and stacked the split logs by the cabin. Raking wood splinters together with one of the tools in the shed, I put them in a small pile by the split logs for kindling, and then returned the tools to the shed, patting the larger axe which I¡¯d primarily used as I returned it to the pegs that held it on the wall. Walking back to the well, I took a short break to rinse myself of dust and small splinters. Drinking some more water I took a look about to see if there were any other obvious chores, I realized I simply wasn¡¯t positive if something was more important than the rest. Going over to the cabin I tapped the door in a gentle knock. After a minute or so I was about to call in when the door popped open. ¡°Well past time ye got exhausted, fine fine, take a break and¡­¡± I just went ahead and interrupted the goblin. ¡°I ran out of logs, did you have something else you wanted me to start on this evening?¡± Buckle¡¯s watery eyes slowly blinked, then his hand waved her back from the door as he exited the cabin. Not saying a word but gesturing for her to follow, he went around the cabin so he could see the wood pile. Looking back and forth between the wood pile and Monday he eventually shrugged. ¡°If ye still have the energy to do some work, I only figured in wood chopping fer today. But I can give ye a bonus if you do more while there¡¯s still light.¡± ¡°Sure, I¡¯m not tired.¡± Maybe a bit bored, but not tired. Buckle only nodded and walked them over to the largest building. Even so, the door required me to stoop to enter, but then I could stand in the dim space. Vertical rack after vertical rack upon rack extended through the interior, as well as raised pallets along the center aisle. ¡°Until there ain¡¯t enough light, just unbind the hides and lay em flat on these pallets. Let me show ya how to loosen em and take em down.¡± Walking me through the procedure and watching me do it twice in a row, Buckle nodded and prepared to leave. ¡°I don¡¯t expect ye to finish, just head to the cabin when it gets too dark ta work. We¡¯ll eat ¡®n I can introduce ye to Jess.¡± Returning to the new task, I worked with the hides for what felt like an hour or so before the light receded to the point I was squinting to try and undo the laces from the frames. Making sure that the stacks of hides were centered, and the doors to the barn were secured I went back to the well. Looking about, I realized I didn¡¯t even know what I expected to find, but Buckle and Willy were not about. I loosened and shook the dust from my temporary skirt. After another quick rinse and rehydration session I replaced the temporary skirt and spent a few minutes pondering the fading daylight through the trees while my annoyingly grey skin dried. Eventually, I shook my head and made my way back to the cabin glancing back to the multihued sky once I tapped on the door. Eventually the door opened, but by that point I was seated on the porch, knees pulled near my chest with my head propped on them, simply looking out at the sunset. The boards of the porch creaked as Buckle moved behind me and looked out into the sky. ¡°Hmmmph, yeah, I do sometimes ferget the view. C¡¯mon in, I¡¯ll open ¡®er up.¡± Curious, I watched Buckle move past me onto the porch and start to fuss with a few cords before tugging to pull a wooden panel up towards the roof of the porch. Reaching up, I helped lift the panel so as to ease his effort, waiting while Buckle tied off the ropes. Nodding at me, Buckle returned inside without a comment and I followed him. Well, I need to duck down a little to enter the door... Still, I was pleased I could stand inside with a tiny bit of clearance between my hairless head and the wooden rafters. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. A quick glance triggered the word ¡®rustic¡¯ for me, everything seemed to be made of wood and leather, aside from a few items by the hearth and what must be the kitchen. A bit back from the hearth is a large fur rug from some large animal with a few pillows and cushions. Near what I could only presume to be the kitchen, composed of counters and a massive chopping block, was a small table with three chairs. Oddly enough, two of the chairs were distinctly different from the third with the seat a good bit higher. One of those chairs had an occupant, though it simply looked like a large doll of some sort. ¡°Afore we eat, an I know ye must be hungry after all that work, go change inta yer new clothes. There on the bed in there.¡± Said the goblin as he pointed at one of the two doors opposite the entry. ¡°Thanks Buckle.¡± With another glance at the figure by the table, I went into the indicated room. Though there was a bit of light coming from a fixture on the wall, it was a bit dim as I glanced about. Large bed, trunk, small bookcase with a half dozen books. A desk oversized for the water goblin with another book open atop it. On the bedcover lay two pieces of patchwork leather clothing. The vest was simple enough, patchwork without a distinct pattern to it, but lined with a very soft hide, smooth against my skin as I slid it over my arms to put it on. A pair of wooden fittings slipped through leather loops to close it in front. Trading my temporary skirt for the other item I saw that it also was a skirt, though this one had leather strips on top of a shorter underskirt, overlapping and dangling down to just above the knees. Small buckles and straps allowed me to make it snug, though it seemed to have been made with additional room. Maybe for growth? After dressing and doing a couple stretches to make sure there wasn¡¯t an issue I folded the fabric of the temporary skirt and placed the clothespins on it, returning to the main room of the cabin. ¡°Thank you very much Buckle, these are great. Did you intend to make them a little loose though?¡± Handing him the folded cloth I smiled at the older man. Eyeing his work for a moment Buckle took the cloth and then looked me in the eyes. ¡°Ye look as ye may have more growin¡¯ ta do. Waste if these don¡¯t last ye but a month.¡± Moving to the Kitchen counter, Buckle grabbed a ladle and a couple bowls. Lifting the lid on the pot by the hearth a smell of onions and comfort came forth. Putting generous potions in each of the bowls he returned the lid and handed one over to me. ¡°Fish stew, mebbe not so exciting, but filling none the less. Spoons are on the table, take the chair on the left, but wait until I introduce ye to Jess, afore ye start eating.¡± There is a small catch in the older goblin¡¯s voice as we both went to the table. Once we were both seated, Buckle reached over to the doll and gently grabbed its arm before addressing it. ¡°Heya Jess, would you like to talk with Papa before it¡¯s bedtime.¡± In response to his words, the doll began to straighten in the chair, casting off its slumped posture. After sitting up there was a glow that enfolded the figure and took a more lifelike cast. A few seconds passed before the appearance shifted and there was a small girl sitting in the chair, eyes blinking open, blue hair cascading down from the top of her head to just under past her shoulders. While the skin around her blue eyes glimmered like Buckles iridescent scales, she didn¡¯t resemble the goblin overly much otherwise. The child¡¯s mouth opened and a cheerful voice sounded out, ¡°Hi Papa! Mama and I should be home veeeery soon. What did you do today?¡± Taking a spoonful of stew, and gesturing Monday to start eating as well, Buckle began to eat, and began to converse with the doll? Girl? ¡°Oh, I did chores and then went fishin¡¯, Jess. I also got to make some new clothes.¡± ¡°Did you make new clothes for Mama? Or maybe me¡­?¡± Eyes opening a bit wider. ¡°Not this time, Blueberry. I made some clothes for someone in trade, would you like to meet her?¡± ¡°Yes Papa! I haven¡¯t met anyone new in for-ev-er!¡± Slowly her head turned as Buckle gestured towards me on the other side of the table. ¡°This ¡®ere is Monday March, she seemed ta be a bit lost and needed some new clothes. Would you like to say hello?¡± ¡°Hello Monday March! You are soooo tall! Papa, she¡¯s taller than Mama, isn¡¯t she?¡± Continuing on while without acknowledging Buckle¡¯s agreement. ¡°You can¡¯t steal Papa, or be mean to him! Mama would blow you up.¡± Rather on the spot, I withdrew the spoon from my mouth and finished chewing the bite of turnip I¡¯d just taken. ¡°Hi Jess, I won¡¯t be stealing your Papa, and I certainly don¡¯t want to be blown up.¡± ¡°Hmmmm, Promise?¡± The little face scrunched up as if trying to make sure I wasn¡¯t lying. ¡°I will not steal your Papa, and I will treat him with respect.¡± ¡°Mmmm, okay! What did you do today?¡± The next fifteen minutes were busy with eating and answering Jess¡¯ questions to both myself and Buckle. Within seconds of Buckle finishing his stew, Jess yawned and asked to be put to bed. Standing up, Buckle went to the chair with the little girl, doll? And gave her a light hug. ¡°Good night Pumpkin, can you say goodnight to Monday?¡± ¡°Goodnight Monday, goodnight Papa.¡± With a small yawn, the girl¡¯s head slowly slumped to the side as the illusion, or magical whatever it was, dissipated and only a doll remained in the chair. Chapter 6: Information Chapter 6: Information Picking up the bowls and spoons, Buckle moved to wash them while addressing me, ¡°So, yeah¡­ Not quite alone.¡± ¡°How, exactly is¡­ I mean, is she actually your daughter somehow? I don¡¯t mean to say the wrong thing, but¡­¡± ¡°My wife Devi is¡­ was... a mage. She went on a trip to visit ¡®er parents and she brought Jess along with ¡®er. ¡®Fore going, Devi made me Jess-doll. Jess-doll can chat fer a bit, usually fer a meal time er so afore she runs outa juice. Jess-doll also remembers our times chatting, but doesn¡¯t know what Jess must from after it was made.¡± ¡°Interesting, do you know why Devi made¡­ Jess-doll that way?¡± ¡°Only s¡¯posed to be away fer a month or two at most I think. Maybe it was ta let the stored conversations be something Jess could hear when she got back. She never said, so I can only guess.¡± Buckle sighed as he sat back down at the table. ¡°So, I¡¯m fine listening, and I¡¯m curious about it. But I don¡¯t understand why you are sharing this. I mean, we just met and I appreciate all you are doing for me already¡­¡± Buckle interrupted her, ¡°Monday March, you have some stuff goin¡¯ on with ya. I don¡¯ share much, but yer like a closed door. So, anyhows, Devi made the Jess-doll, ¡®n took Jess ta see her folks. She was mmm... mebbe her folks weren''t fond of her bein'' with me ''cause of the goblin thing, ¡®n while I knew ¡®em from back a bit I felt no need ta go with. Work ta do ¡®n homestead ta keep safe. So four days after they left, the stone in my bonding ring broke. Three ways that kin happen, so¡¯s Devi told me; She¡¯d be dead, she broke our bond, er a mage least as strong as her went ta the trouble to break her bonding ring.¡± Sighing deeply the water goblin continued, ¡°So there I am, worried ¡®n a bit broken. But I¡¯m no fighter, I¡¯m a hunter by way a bein¡¯ a trapper and not much fer stealth er tracking people o¡¯er land. I send messages to ¡®er folks ¡®n pay a bounty ta the troublemakers to look fer them. No luck. Been just o¡¯er two tears now. ¡®Er folks say they ne¡¯er arrived, ¡®n I believe em. No sign from the troublemakers bounty either. I¡¯m outa tears o¡¯er it, but yer locked down like me in them first days, afore I let the rage ¡®n sad out.¡± Looking over at me with his watery eyes he just watched for a bit without speaking further. Trying to ignore the lump rising in my throat as an even bigger one was growing in my chest, I asked. ¡°Troublemakers? Who are they.¡± ¡°Pffft. Adventurers, heroes, troublemakers, Syssies¡­ rowdy ass bunch a ne¡¯er-do-wells with quest access through the System, or contracts with the Guild, and too little love fer their own skin.¡± As he took a breath he was interrupted by Monday. ¡°System? Not everyone has the System?¡± ¡°Hells no, what a sh¡­¡± Eyes suddenly widening he looked like he was seeing something utterly tragic. ¡°You poor girl, what are ya 10? 12? Who conned ya into that at your age, Monday March?¡± Feeling the lump in my chest growing to bursting at the sound of the concern and distress in Buckle¡¯s voice over me, a massive and unexpected tear welled up and rolled down along the side of my nose. ¡°Me, maybe? I woke up under a tree with a message about a reroll, and my memories being messed up until I get more experience and¡­¡± I didn¡¯t even understand what was happening in my own body. I mean, everything seemed straightforward and understandable since I woke up. Well, aside from my occasional disjointed sensation when I see parts of myself, but that settles quickly enough even when it strikes. Suppressed feelings, lack of control, and unnamed distress washed over me yanking a sob up from deep in my chest, constricted in a painful way as if my throat is too narrow to let all of it out at once. It was wrenching, and my throat hurt, eyes suddenly burning. Trails of snot and tears slimed my arm after I reflexively wiped it across my face. After what felt like forever filled with sobbing, but was likely only a minute or two, I felt a small hand on my un-slimed forearm, dry and warm and comforting at the same time. Stolen novel; please report. Buckle was leaning across the table, reaching out and touching that grey arm in a quiet way simply triggered another round of sobbing, softer and more contained, but the tears continued to come as if all the well water I¡¯d drunk today decided to come out from my eyes. Once the sobs had died off, and it was more a case of quiet tears and occasional sniffles I noticed that Buckle was offering me a handkerchief that, once taken, seemed comically small. ¡°Thanks, Buckle¡± ¡°Sure Monday March. What kin I do ta help? Mind that mebbe I won¡¯t choose to, but it feels I can at least hear ya out.¡± A gentle smile was on his face which triggered a few more giant tears to spill. Releasing a long sigh, I thought about the way feelings had kept sliding out of focus while chopping wood and stacking hides. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do. I have what feels like a nasty curse set to kick in after a year. If I do certain things like spend Experience it will happen even faster. And every time I start to think about it, or stuff that makes me start to have feelings, the feelings just slip away. Right now¡­¡± I paused as the intense feelings and tears seemed to drift away once again. I just sighed at a small sense of loss as those intense tears from a minute ago felt more and more distant. ¡°Anyhow... The curse called me out as a Mortal who was trying to get away from it, or them¡­ So apparently I pissed something off bad and¡­ What am I supposed to do, Buckle?¡± Running his hand over his bald head and then flicking one of his pointed ears Buckle responded. ¡°Ain¡¯t about what yer supposed to do, lass. Life is about what ye want ta do ''n what ya choose ta do. Looks like ye have no ones expectations to meet ¡®cept yer own, which some would love ta have. Ye could try to break yer curse, er try to make ''em that gave it ta ye pay. Ye could learn ta live with it, Devi had a teacher she said was cursed so¡¯s they couldn¡¯t see, hear, taste, feel er smell¡­ But they were some kinda master mind mage so¡¯s powerful it weren¡¯t much of a pause to em.¡± Looking into my formerly teary eyes, Buckle continued. ¡°That¡¯s all just a maybe, Monday March. Maybe ye could run, er fight, er adapt, er somethin else. But ye sound confused ¡®n maybe ye need ta start with information first?¡± Brushing away the remains of my tears, I nodded. ¡°Haven¡¯t even finished looking through everything in my status. And I¡¯m not sure what to ask, and my System questions are limited per day, and the answers seem pretty basic, and I don¡¯t know what to ask, and I¡¯m repeating myself.¡± A cross between a sigh and a sniffle escapes me. ¡°So ask me things, and if ye don¡¯ like the answer, maybe ask the System?¡± ¡°What even is the System? I mean, it doesn¡¯t seem strange to me somehow, but I don¡¯t know what it is, and you sound like it isn¡¯t a good thing.¡± ¡°Wish I could answer better, but after the Hammering, it was one of the first things the survivors tried ta use to adapt to the new age. Cobbled together from computers and spiritual powers and the raw new Mana pouring into the world. Tried ta make it so as the people could use the new energies, a shortcut like way. But it has lots a old world ideas an don¡¯t match perfect with the way things actually are. It can do a bunch, let ya see yer abilities ¡®n such, and let ya improve or buy em without spendin¡¯ time learnin¡¯.¡± Buckle sighs, ¡°Lots more to it, but ye should ask the Guild.¡± ¡°What was the Hammering, Buckle?¡± ¡°World afore was goin bad. Rather than fix it, some smart idiots tried ta shortcut and just add energy fer Earth ta fix it somehow. It fixed it like fixin a cracked plate with a hammer. Aint got a crack no more, course it ain¡¯t really a plate, neither. More than a crack opened twixt old Earth and somethin else. Lotta tales about people saying what happened, but I don¡¯t know fer sure. ¡®N most folks would say it don¡¯ matter. Better tryin to live good instead a bein sure what happened two centuries afore.¡± ¡°Oh, hmm. So how many people do use the system? And what is good and bad about it?¡± ¡°Guild in God¡¯s Bath says one in ten er system users, Devi said that mostly be small places. Big towns er cities may ¡®ave two er three in a hun¡¯red.¡± looking up at the ceiling, he continues. ¡°Lets ye focus in ways ye might not be able ta otherwise. Like ye wanna be smart but don¡¯t have time fer studies, smack bam some monsters an¡¯ boost yer mind stats. ¡°A course flip side bein¡¯ ye aint trained ta use it the same as if ye studied. N¡¯ Devi said somethin¡¯ about the System also payed attention ta the users, caught em up in things n¡¯ trouble that non-Syssies might ne¡¯er have ta deal with.¡± ¡°So System users aren¡¯t stronger or more powerful than other folks?¡± ¡°Mebbe once, but not now. Tend ta get a fast start once they ¡®ave the System, but others kin get there from hard work ¡®n study¡­ Tend ta be a bit more rounded folks without the shortcut, as well¡± ¡°More well rounded?¡± I ask, aware of the confused note in my voice. ¡°Aye, sumthin¡¯ about the System seems ta make folks put all there efferts inta one er two things. But a normal person ain¡¯t like that. I trap, skin, butcher, ¡®n fish. I kin barter, craft, ¡®n care fer a baby, make a sausage, brew a beer. I kin cook, bake bread, ¡®n do woodwork. But if I was System bound, might be hard ta put me effort in ta all them.¡± ¡°So a System user can¡¯t learn stuff normally? And what do you mean by ¡®Normal Person¡¯?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know fer sure, I mean, they can¡­ but they don¡¯t in the same way? Yea, ask at the guild. Er maybe yer System? Sorry if it sounds bad, but most System users ain¡¯t normal. ¡®N they chose ta be that way.¡± Chapter 7: Status Chapter 7: Status Pensive and processing what Buckle had said, I sat without saying anything for a few minutes during which Buckle gathered a few items before coming back to the table. Setting down a few pieces of clothing on the table, Buckle threads a needle and starts to perform some mending. ¡°Buckle, I¡¯m going to go through my Status. I know I may be saying some things out loud, but I think I need to start there. Are you okay to stay here if I have more questions? Otherwise I can ask in the morning.¡± ¡°¡®S fine, Monday March. I¡¯ll let ya know if I head ta me bed. Ain¡¯t too soft, but ye kin use the rug as a bed, ¡®n those furs fer warmth.¡± Buckle said, using his chin to point to the corner with a stack of folded furs. ¡°Status Display.¡± I whisper.
Name: Monday March Race: Giant Blooded XP: 200 (Locked *examine for details) Statistics: Physical Power: 15 + - Resilience: 13 + - Durability: 10 + - Agility: 10 + - Dexterity: 8 + - Magical Power: 10 + - Magical Capacity: 13 + - Charm: 9 + - Boons: Common Boons: Symmetry Mana Eyes - Lesser Sure Grip Good Balance Uncommon Boons: Spare Change Improved Mana Capacity Rare Boons: Magical Affinity - Universal Karmic Boons: +20.0% Bonus XP +4.0% Beneficial Luck adjustment System Query (*Temporary) Banes: Inverted Sobriety (In abeyance *examine for details)
¡®Time to look a little closer at some things¡¯, I thought, and I started to focus on various status lines left previously uninvestigated.
Physical Power: Raw physical force and application Resilience: General health of the body as a whole and resistance to damage or disease Durability: The amount of damage which can be tolerated before incapacitation or death Agility: Gross motor control - kinesthetics Dexterity: Fine motor control - delicate hand eye coordination Magical Power: Measure of Mana which can be applied in a single action, or spell Magical Capacity: Amount of Mana which can be maintained within one''s being Charm: Measure of interpersonal capabilities
''Seems pretty straight forward.''
Symmetry: Balanced physical features which may be seen as attractive by intelligent beings. Unlocks and provides +1 Charm, +2 if already unlocked Mana Eyes - Lesser: With practice you can see magical forces that are not perceptible with conventional senses. Unlocks Magical Power and Magical Capacity, +1 to either if it is already unlocked Sure Grip: Difficult to disarm and are less likely to drop things you are holding. +2 Physical Power Good Balance: Good sense of body position and kinesthetics, less likely to lose footing. +2 Agility
''Those seem pretty useful, though I wonder what I¡¯ll have to do to start seeing Mana, and what does ¡®unlocks / unlocked¡¯ mean?'' Focusing on the words provided a certain level of information.
Not all statistics which are tracked by the system are initially unlocked. Most can be unlocked by Boons, Banes or Achievements. A locked statistic may still be improved, however no System XP will be rewarded for such growth.
I wondered if that meant it is best to unlock all locked statistics early on in life.
Spare Change: Do you have the golden touch? No, but maybe a copper touch. People pay you slightly more for your work, you find a lost coin, or others offer to buy you small things that you want.
Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! That seems useful, but confusing. ''Is it mind control? Maybe something like that Luck adjustment?'' Maybe this is just one of those strange things that Buckle seems to be implying about System users.
Improved Mana Capacity: Provides a 20% bonus to Mana Capacity as calculated from Magic Capacity statistic. Unlocks and provides +2 Magic Capacity, +3 if already Unlocked
Flat bonus, and a percentage bonus on top of a statistic bonus, that seems good to me for some reason.
Magical Affinity - Universal: All paths of magic are open to you, and magical abilities cost 10% less from the XP store. Unlocks and provides +1 Magical Power and Magical Capacity, +2 to either if it is already unlocked
I decided that it is full of upside, as far as I can determine. Not knowing how rare this sort of versatility is doesn¡¯t matter as much I supposed, once I already had it. ¡°System Query: What are any penalties and any benefits from a System user having locked XP?¡± I whispered.
Two Queries consumed:
  • Locked XP results in being unable to advance your status through the system. Be it through the XP store, Statistics or Abilities
  • Locked XP results in system penalties being suppressed as regards natural learning and improvement for Statistics and Abilities; accumulation of XP will still occur unless also blocked
¡°System Query: What are the System penalties for natural learning and improvement?¡±
User estimates indicate about 75-80% reduction in the benefits of natural learning, this is compensated by training providing System XP which can again be used to advance skills
¡°Well Buckle, I think I know why most system users have fewer skills they are good at¡­¡± The goblin simply looked over curiously while stitching a patch onto a pair of pants with a worn knee. ¡°They learn slower, but can gain XP in training¡­ And if you are all about being excellent at combat, or magic, that XP probably seems very tempting to put into specialization.¡± ¡°Ah, so¡¯s once they pair with the System, they likely don¡¯t advance the basics they had from growin¡¯ up much anymore? Sounds likely.¡± Buckle agreed. ¡°Did your wife never talk to you about the System? ¡°Nah, she retired much as she could. ¡®N she didn¡¯t like talkin¡¯ about it, afraid Jess¡¯d want ta follow her inta taking the System.¡± Buckle said while looking over at the doll in the third chair then glancing back at me. ¡°It ain¡¯t bad, lass. Just dangerous ¡®n strange ¡®n maybe not what one wants fer their little ones.¡± With the barest quirk to my lips I replied, ¡°Makes sense, Buckle. Any idea how to sense magic, or practice to sense it, before I ask the System?¡± Pondering for a moment, then securing the needle into the pants and pausing his mending, Buckle held his hand out over the table with the palm up. ¡°Don¡¯ know how ta do it meself, but I ¡®member how littles are checked fer gifts like that. Watch my hand ¡®n speak up if ya see somethin¡¯.¡± Focusing on his palm, I just nodded in agreement. For a few seconds nothing happened and then I noticed a ripple, almost a distortion in Buckle¡¯s palm, but it didn''t impact the image behind it even as much as a heat vapor. ¡°I see¡­ something, a ripple maybe¡­¡± The ripple almost faded, and then it intensified, swirling into a small sphere in Buckle''s palm that slowly became more and more dense, more of a distortion, until I saw that the distortion was now caused by water being suspended over his hand, about the size of a pea. Closing his hand I could see more ripples oozing out between the fingers of his closed fist before they dissipated into the air. ¡°So lass, what¡¯ja see?¡± After my description, Buckle nodded and continued. ¡°Aye, I could tell ye were seein¡¯ things afore an after what I did. Fer me it¡¯s a trick I know, in the blood. I ain¡¯t no mage, but I know it¡¯s magic, so that was what ye were seein. Magic, Mana, esoteric energies... Whatever ye wanna call it. Find things with that kinda ripple, and study ¡®em, might be one way ta train. Er find a mage ta train with.¡± ¡°Thanks Buckle, some of my Boons aren¡¯t very clear how they work, or what to do to make the most of them.¡± ¡°Devi didn¡¯t even tell me all her Boons, e¡¯en after we were together fer a decade. Might be wise ta show caution about sharin¡¯ them. Not sure if it were just here, but I imagine blabbin about em might not be somethin¡¯ ye want to do.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll try to remember that. I¡¯ve got 5 more Queries to use before midnight, any thoughts?¡± ¡°Er, nope. Ask it what to ask?¡± ¡°Huh, good idea! System Query: what top four things should I ask with System Query if I know almost nothing about the System?¡±
Four Queries consumed:
  • Should I take a system offered Class?
  • What is the fastest way to gain XP safely?
  • How can you be removed from the system?
  • What is the easiest exploit to use within the system?
¡®Well, that should have been expected I suppose with what has happened before.¡¯ ¡°System Query: what is the fastest way to gain XP safely?¡±
XP may be gained from learning the initial level of a Skill type Ability.
¡°System Query: How can you be removed from the System?¡±
System Queries for the day have been consumed.
¡°Hey Buckle? Can you teach me to sew?¡± Buckle blinked his watery eyes, setting his sewing down. Looking at me, and then my newly acquired vest he started nodding and got to his feet. ¡°Aye lass, let me grab a few things so I ken teach ye at least hows ta fix up yer new clothes.¡± Coming back with a small leather punch, a few scraps of leather, a stiff thick needle and some waxy feeling thread (which was nearly string) Buckle sat back and commenced to teach me how i could fix up various types of tears, rips or wear on the new outfit. Chapter 8: Training Gains? Chapter 8: Training Gains? Once Buckle was convinced that my big grey hands might be able to stitch two pieces of leather together on a good day, he noted that my eyelids kept drooping and told me to get some shuteye. He did help take a few skins from the pile and the corner, as well as point out some cushions that would work as pillows. Buckle added a bit more wood to the fire and said his goodnight. I spent about 30 seconds watching the light flicker in the room before I was sound asleep.
The dreams didn¡¯t feel normal to me. Much as I knew I was lacking memories, there was a strong feeling that these dreams didn¡¯t feel¡­ correct. They also somehow felt familiar, so it was perhaps two sides of the same coin? In those dreams, I was simply reliving vignettes of the day. One was walking in the woods, here I was talking with Buckle at the stream, over there I was swinging an axe down on some defenseless wood. Maybe it was less like vignettes and more like a montage. A montage of everything I¡¯d actively done during the day, rather than just experienced. Puzzling out what to ask the System, and the basics of how to use it. Trying out both axes and figuring out which one worked better for me. Fumbling with the ties, stacking the leather in the tannery building, and trying to sew in a straight line with even stitches. The dreams also had more of a tangible immediacy to them than I would have expected from a brain figment, feeling my shoulders warm from the efforts of splitting and carrying wood, or the burning in my eyes as I lost control trying to puzzle out what I had done to myself and what to do next, and a splash of serenity as I dreamed of the distortions in Buckle¡¯s hand as he conjured water magically. How long the dreams lasted, I really couldn¡¯t say, sleeping through the night and waking when I heard Buckle stirring in the other room. Opening my eyes however, led to a reminder of yesterday when I woke in the woods. A simple window floating in my vision with ¡°Training Gains for March 31st, 2262¡± written on it. Focusing on the window as I''d learned to do with my status, the window enlarged with the following information
Training Gains for March 31st, 2262 Physical Power:??? +1 Resilience:????? +1 Durability:??????+1 Agility:?????? ? +1 Dexterity: ???? ? +1 Magical Power: ?? ?+1 Magical Capacity: ? ?+1 Charm: ?????? +1 Abilities: Skills: Gained: Axe - Level 1 Chores - Level 1 Mana Perception - Level 1 Sewing - Level 1 Experience Gained: +15
¡®Well, isn¡¯t that interesting¡¯, I pondered while focusing on the line for XP gained.
XP Gained: +15 (1 for each stat gained through training, +1 for each skill raised or gained through training, subtotal 12XP +3XP from 20% XP bonus)
Realizing that the XP bonus rounds up, or at least seems to do so, I couldn¡¯t help but smile. Before moving about, I decided to wrap up yesterday¡¯s question. ¡°System Query: How can you be removed from the System?¡±
Death or one of the ¡°Moving On¡± purchase options from the XP store will allow you to sever the User-System connection.
Well, that seems rather final. ¡°System Query: What is the easiest exploit to use within the System?¡±
Refund Ability: Skill costs 5 XP and will set the skill to unlearned and refund 1 XP per level in the Skill at the time of the refund. If the Skill is over level 5, more XP than 5 may be gained from learning and leveling it again naturally.
¡®That seems like simply a trade of time for XP, more than an exploit¡­ But maybe it couples with something else that makes it more ¡®exploitative¡¯. I Thought. ¡°System Query: Should I take a system offered Class?¡±
No
Well, that is a pointless answer. ¡°System Query: Why should I not take a system offered Class?¡±
The majority of System Users have heard that ¡°System offered Classes are known to have psychological impacts¡±, common knowledge is that it is too dangerous to recommend.
¡®Okay, yeah, that seems pretty bad.¡¯ I thought, ¡®Huh, the System almost seemed defensive about that answer. Does it think?¡¯ If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Getting up, I began to fold and put away the skins and cushions I¡¯d used for the night. Stretching, I noted that my body doesn¡¯t feel uncomfortable at all after sleeping on the floor. Probably one of those Half Giant bonuses at work, or maybe just the power of youth. Not wanting to add more wood to the fire without checking with Buckle, or open the door and possibly alarming him, I sat at the table and popped open my status.
Name: Monday March Race: Half Giant Age: 0 years, 1 day (Puberty) XP: 215 (Locked *examine for details) Statistics: Physical Power: ????16 ???+ - Resilience:???? ??14 ???+ - Durability: ???? ??11 ???+ - Agility: ???????? 11 ???+ - Dexterity: ??????? 9 ???+ - Magical Power: ?? ??11 ?? + - Magical Capacity: ? ??14 ?? + - Charm: ????????10 ???+ - Abilities: Skills: Axe: ????????? 1 Chores: ???????? 1 Mana Perception: ????1 Sewing: ?????? ??1 Boons: Common Boons: Symmetry Mana Eyes - Lesser Sure Grip Good Balance Uncommon Boons: Spare Change Improved Mana Capacity Rare Boons: Magical Affinity - Universal Karmic Boons: +20.0% Bonus XP +4.0% Beneficial Luck adjustment System Query (*Temporary) Banes: Inverted Sobriety (In abeyance *examine for details)
Surprised into talking aloud, I whispered. ¡°Huh, why wouldn¡¯t age have shown up yesterday? Anyhow, what else have we got.¡±
Age: Derived from the age of your body. Also lists any information about the stage of life for your bloodline. Age related modifications: Lower age will provide a bonus to learning / training with Statistics and Abilities: Skills for the user Higher age will provide extra System experience when the related stimuli or situation has not previously been encountered by the user Stage of life related modifications: Puberty: Enhanced rate gain for Statistics and Abilities: Skills, Minor Banes have an increased chance of being applied per the behavior of the user
Axe - Using an axe as a tool or weapon
Chores - You have followed orders, directions, or your own ''to do'' list for household or homestead tasks. Even if you didn¡¯t know the reasons, that didn¡¯t stop you
Mana Perception - The flows of Mana (or Magical Energies) are everywhere, and you have made yourself aware of them
Sewing - One of the older skills, but still very useful for joining two things together
I spent a moment thinking that the entry for ¡®Chores¡¯ was a bit odd. ¡®Is it really a skill? I mean, shouldn¡¯t it be broken down by task? Then again, isn¡¯t it something people should just be able to do without a skill for it?¡¯ Well, new day, new questions. I was thinking about what else to ask today as Buckle entered the room. ¡°Good morning, Buckle. I remember you said you would provide me two meals today, is one of them breakfast? Or do you have some other task for me to start on?¡± Pausing and rubbing his head with the palm of his left hand as he replied, ¡°Good morning, Monday March. Yes and both I suppose? Load that wood rack with some of what you cut yesterday while I heat up something for us to eat.¡± Buckle said while gesturing to a spot beside the hearth. ¡°Oh, how hungry are you this morning?¡± I thought for a moment before replying, ¡°Not really hungry, I mean, I could eat, but I¡¯m not feeling hunger pangs or anything.¡± Commencing with the new task, I pondered asking Buckle about the Chore skill, but realizing he isn¡¯t a system user, it is probably just best to wait to find one for certain questions. A short time later, we were both dining at the table while Willy was perched on Buckle¡¯s shoulder. Glancing at the toad while we ate leftover stew from the night before, I thought to ask, ¡°Where was Willy last night? Didn¡¯t even think to ask after him once I was done with the hides, sorry Willy.¡± ¡°Has a quiet damp spot in the cellar. Needs some alone time after meetin¡¯ new folks.¡± Replied Buckle, before commencing to describe what we would be doing before we could head for the town that morning. Entering the tanning building, Buckle looks at the number of empty racks and the few remaining full ones. ¡°Looks like ye finished more¡¯n I was expecting. I¡¯ll start bundlin¡¯ an you kin pull down the rest just like you did yesterday.¡± With nothing by way of banter, we both addressed our tasks and I noticed something that I wasn¡¯t really expecting but perhaps should have¡­ Everything seemed simpler, easier. Not by a significant amount, but my hands untied the laces more nimbly and moving the hides around felt like it required less effort. ¡®Probably the Statistic increases,¡¯ I thought, ¡®perhaps that and the Chores skill.¡¯ Certainly interesting to have felt an immediate and tangible difference. Wondering if this sort of improvement bypassed the usual method of strength improvement with muscle damage and reconstruction, I continued until all of the hides had been gathered. The dozens of hides ranged in size and weight from 10cm across and a 100 grams or so, up to almost 2 meters and over 5 Kilos. Buckle was rolling and tying bundles of these hides onto a wooden frame that was on top of a worktable. Since he seemed busy, I took a moment to get some water and proved to myself that at least one other expected bodily function appeared to be ¡®functioning¡¯ as expected. Upon returning to where Buckle was working, I was in time to see him cinching down the last of the straps binding things to the wooden frame. ¡°Alrighty Monday March, Gonna have you try ta carry this for our trip. Come on o¡¯er ''n put yer arms through these straps. Nay lass, frame ta the back, or ye won¡¯t be able ta see ta put yer feet down¡­ Squat down a little so I can get this in position. Right right, now stand up and tell me how heavy it feels? ¡®N how long ye think ye ken carry it?¡± Straightening my bent knees, feeling the straps get taught and hearing a slight creak from the wood and leather contraption I had to lean forward a little to hold the weight above my hips, rather than tip over backwards. Despite this it didn¡¯t feel particularly heavy. ¡°Seems fine, I may need a break at some point. But I can let you know when I start feeling the need to do so.¡± Glancing down at the shorter goblin I noticed his watery eyes blinking repeatedly and his mouth open a little, revealing his sharp teeth. Looking startled Buckle clears his throat and replied. ¡°Fine fine, you can squat down a little and we can take that off you. I won¡¯t be ready to go for about 10 minutes or so.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fine, Buckle. I¡¯d rather get used to walking around with it on. Rather practice here than on a narrow or slippery path.¡± I replied and headed towards the door. ¡°Er¡­ right then Monday March. Gimme a little bit ¡®n we kin head off.¡± Buckle secured the tannery, then went and gathered a few things while I practiced moving around within the fenced area. The mass of hides attached to my back impacted my balance, but I adapted quickly. A few minutes later, Buckle returns with his own pack, a bow, Willy on his shoulder and a walking stick. Walking over to the shed he grabbed the larger axe from within and resecured the door. ¡°Okay, Monday March. Chances are there won¡¯ be any troubles on the way, but just in case¡­¡± Buckle held out the axe handle to me, ¡°Hold onto this ¡®n hit anythin¡¯ that tries ta attack us.¡± Chapter 9: Porter Chapter 9: Porter Following Buckle''s quiet footsteps, I soon became distracted by looking at the trees and plants that we were passing. Shrubs I didn¡¯t recognize, tall evergreens that were likely pines or Redwoods, moss and the occasional wildflower were viewed as equally interesting. ¡®I wonder why I seem to recognize names for some plants, but not others?¡¯ After about 15 minutes Buckle spoke without slowing down. ¡°We¡¯re ¡®bout ta leave the area where I¡¯m mostly sure we won¡¯t have any troubles, goin¡¯ into an area I am sorta sure we won¡¯t have any troubles. I know it ain¡¯t easy with ta weight on yer back, but see what ye ken do about walkin¡¯ soft, ¡®n we should get ta God¡¯s Bath in an hour er so.¡± Softly replying with an affirmative, I began to pay more attention to how Buckle walked, so far as I could ascertain, to see if it was possible to mimic his steps. With both of us already lacking shoes or boots it was rather easy to see that the goblin was avoiding weak sticks or detritus, but with my larger feet that seemed to be more of a challenge. Of course, I also had longer legs and was taking fewer steps to each of Buckle¡¯s, so perhaps it was working out as the shorter fellow didn¡¯t make any comments about my making too much noise. After another half hour or so, Buckle held up his hand and came to a stop, looking out to the left of the path on which we were traveling. Looking in the same direction, I didn¡¯t notice anything unusual, more underbrush, more pines. With a look back at Buckle I saw he had swapped out his walking stick for the bow attached to the pack and had already strung it in the seconds I¡¯d looked away. His voice in the barest whisper reached my ears, ¡°Sumpin¡¯s stalkin¡¯ us lass, most like it won¡¯t do more, but eyes open.¡± Then the goblin returned to making quiet footsteps on the path. Looking out again, I failed to see or hear anything that stood out as unusual. Gripping the axe a little more firmly, my grey feet continued to follow along the path, the briefest ripple of nausea shivering through me as I glanced down at where my toes avoided a fallen branch. As the minutes passed, I began to notice that some of the ambient sounds from the birds had quieted. Buckle was walking just as silently as he had been, but a little faster, causing my own stride to lengthen. After a few more minutes of quickened movement, Buckle hissed, ¡°Drop yer pack, we¡­¡± and his voice died away as a rustle and howling grunt came from a cluster of bushes to the left of the path. Buckle¡¯s bow swung in the direction of the noise and I saw a form launch itself from the underbrush. Somewhere between three quarters and a meter tall, fur in brown and green, claw tipped limbs that stretched out towards Buckle as the goblin loosed a shot and attempted to roll away from the creature. Neither attack nor defensive roll were as successful as Buckle may have hoped. While the arrow hit and stuck into the creature¡¯s shoulder, this didn¡¯t seem to slow it. One of the long clawed limbs found purchase in the goblins leather jacket and overbalanced him, dragging him to the ground as yelps came from both tumbled figures. ¡°Run lass!¡± I didn¡¯t really think about it, something inside just drove me into action. Fleeing didn¡¯t feel right. It just didn¡¯t FEEL like an option at all. Glancing about I looked to see if there was another threat, but if there was, I didn¡¯t see one, not that I¡¯d seen this one before it burst from the underbrush anyhow. Seeing Buckle try to force his bow in between himself and the gnashing and slavering maw of this furry bundle of rage, I measured my distance and readied the axe in my hands. And lift and¡­ Buckle flung himself up against the weight of the attacker succeeding in a reversal of positions. The goblin now astride the ball of claws, teeth and fur continued to press the bow in between them while claws from below scraped at the leather clothing, occasionally finding blue-green flesh. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡­ no swing. Realizing Buckle couldn¡¯t see me, and all of his attention was on the monster? Creature? Demon? Attacking someone who is wrestling is probably not wise, but watching the claws spill Buckle''s blood seemed more than reason to try. Might be a lost cause otherwise. Raising the axe well above the grappling pair, I simply yelled, ¡°Buckle Left!!!¡± and started to swing the axe down, hoping I could abort to the side if needed, hopeful that injuries would only go to the intended target. Well, injuries that I would inflict as I was seeing more and more blood coming from my goblin acquaintance. Buckle¡¯s ears twitched and a momentary panic grasped my heart before he threw himself left pushing away from his bow and the teeth and claws below him as far as he could as the axe descended. *Shink* *Snap* *Splorch* A spray of blood from the creature emerged from the cleft that the axe had made. ¡°Oops, sorry Buckle.¡± Looking at the aftermath of the swing, I was more distressed than I¡¯d been during the altercation. Sure the creature stopped, the axe embedded in between beady eyes and cleaving down to the toothy maw. But that wasn¡¯t the only damage done. Buckle¡¯s bowstring was severed, as was about 4 cm from his pointy right ear. Off balance due to the pack that remained on my back, I half collapsed and half bowed to my knees beside Buckle, placing a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Buckle, can¡­¡± a groan and shudder from the smaller man put me in check. With a slow shove the goblin levered himself off the dead furry beast and fell to his side, revealing wounds in his arms and legs. ¡°Oi, lass. Drop that pack ¡®n pull mine off. In mine are some belts ¡®n you kin use em¡­ and some hides ta tie up these cuts¡­ Don¡¯ worry ¡®bout tha ear. Alive is a fine reward fer a bit o¡¯ flesh.¡± His words were interrupted by the occasional hiss as he seemed to be feeling more than a little pain from his wounds. Seeing that none of his wounds were still dripping, I looked Buckle in the eyes, ¡°Are you stopping your blood from dripping somehow?¡± ¡°Aye lass, blood is mostly water, ye know.¡± ¡°Can you keep doing that if you don¡¯t have to walk?¡± ¡°For a while, I s¡¯pose, but what does¡­¡± I pulled the axe from the beast and grabbed the broken bow, placing both across Buckle¡¯s chest, asking him to hold them. Taking a last look at the battle site I was startled to notice that the furry attacker had vanished after removing the axe. With a quick look about, only revealing a pool of blood and an ear tip, I grabbed the severed bit of ear and tucked it between Buckle¡¯s fingers and the weapons held to his chest. Before scooping him into my arms. Willy hopped from somewhere and landed on me, bouncing from the ground to my grey arm, then up to my shoulder like I¡¯d seen the toad sit on Buckle. Startled more than I had been by the combat, or Buckle¡¯s injuries, I let out a bit of reflexive noise, something between a squeak, a yelp and a chirp. Hearing a soft chuckle followed by a pained groan from the goblin, I carefully lifted Buckle, with his pack still strapped to him and weapons held by him, into my arms. With extra care to keep my balance and not jostle my injured companion, I stood as delicately as I could manage. Beginning to walk in the same direction we¡¯d been fleeing towards moments ago, I had to hope there wouldn¡¯t be another attack. Strides grew longer as my tall frame became more used to the weight in my arms. ¡°Buckle, I don¡¯t want to distract you from keeping your blood inside, but if you or Willy can make sure I keep going the right way, that would be¡­ Helpful.¡± Humorously it was a croaking sound by my ear that responded. Glancing at the toad it raised and lowered his head, mimicking the nodding Buckle and I had done as an understood gesture of agreement. ¡°Oka-ay¡­ Croak if I go the wrong way.¡± I replied before picking up speed to what felt as fast as I could go without jostling Buckle overly much. Passing pines and undergrowth, time seemed to lack much meaning as the weight in my arms and on my back finally felt like they were making an impact on those muscles. Trying to ignore any discomfort I continued to move swiftly, as silently as I could manage, while trying to move smoothly along the trail. There was a bit of a nervous time as I balanced my way over flat rocks set as a path across a stream, and again as Willy had to help me select the correct path from 3 divergent options once we had crossed the water. A handful of minutes after setting foot on the correct path I began to hear sounds that indicated other people; a hint of a shout coming through the trees, a sound of clanging metal, and as I got closer there was even a shriek that sounded more like children at play rather than danger or pain. Coming around a particularly thick clump of underbrush I could at last see some sign of civilization. Rows of planted crops lay in front of me; beyond which, rising above the path, was a raised wall of stone and wood. Chapter 10: Help Chapter 10: Help While following the path towards the wall there was a holler from what I imagined must be a viewing platform on the inside of the wall. ¡°Oy there! Grey one! Stay back and I can send a guard to you if you want to enter God¡¯s Bath!¡± It was a rough female voice, but it cut through other sounds from inside the wall and I could hear it clearly. Without pause, I came to a stop and yelled back, ¡°I¡¯ve an injured man here! I¡¯d request a medic to accompany the guard, or at least be notified he will need help! His name is Buckle and he told me he does business here, if that makes a difference!¡± After about 10 seconds the rough voice yelled, ¡°The goblin tanner?! Go around on the path to your left and to the gate!¡± I thought I could hear at least a hint of concern in the yell this time, for what that was worth. Following the path towards the wall, then left I was able to take in a bit more of what I had been seeing. After the field and pathway there was a rise in the land, rather like it had been built up to support the wall atop it, 3 meters of stone and dirt rising above the level of the crops even before the wall standing on that rise. The wall itself looked to be 2 more meters of stone before an additional 2 meters of wooden logs, fused together and pointing at the sky. As I¡¯d been drawing closer I also noticed an irrigation system that ran along the path and was bringing water from the right side of the wall towards the crops. Upon reaching the corner of the wall and berm to the left, I could see a winding path leading up to a small stone gatehouse with a guard apparently watching for me, or any traveler, waving me forward once I came around the corner. Still attempting to walk swiftly, but without jostling Buckle, I was closing in on the guard when an unexpected wetness on my arm captured my attention. At a glance I could see blood now welling from a leg wound on the trapper and running down onto my arm that was supporting his lower limbs. Before arriving at the guard I started to speak, ¡°Buckle¡¯s been holding in his own blood from the wounds while I¡¯ve walked us here. I think he is running out of energy, or losing control. Please help him?¡± With a frown on his face, the brown eyed man in weathered leather gear looked into my eyes before responding. ¡°Stop there and set him down carefully. Then take the weapons and go back until I tell you to stop. Soon as you¡¯ve done that we¡¯ll get him looked at.¡± Coming to a stop, I crouched down and lowered Buckle to the ground as gently as possible, propped in a half sitting position because his pack was still strapped to his back. Before I could stand to move away, Willy jumped from my shoulder onto Buckle¡¯s chest, croaking loudly. With the axe and bow with a broken string in hand, I fled from the gate and wall glancing back every few seconds. At about 30 meters away from Buckle the guard approached the goblin and then called out, ¡°Dominick, c¡¯mon out! See if you can help the tanner!¡± A few moments later there was a sound of thumping wood and the gate creaked open revealing someone even shorter than Buckle, but with a brown robe and spiky green hair. After the short figure stepped through the gate it slammed behind them. After a few bouncy steps the little person knelt beside the goblin, placing his hands on the wounded man¡¯s chest. Even without trying to focus on perceiving magic, there was a pulse of colors that wrapped around the two short figures before the green haired newcomer talked to the guard. Sadly, they were too far away to hear much, but I was able to pick out a few words like ¡®stable¡¯ and ¡®bath¡¯ that raised my hopes. Rather than continue to wait around, I hollered at the pair. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°Thank you for helping him. If you want I can carry Buckle for you wherever you need him to go¡­¡± Waiting for a moment and noting a lack of response, I sighed and quietly finished. ¡°Or I can just wait here until you bother to talk with me.¡± Still with the pack on my back, I carefully lowered myself to the ground to sit and wait. After a minute or two the gate opened again and two people came out with a stretcher far larger than was needed for Buckle. The gate didn¡¯t slam this time but the Guard who was watching Buckle and I called something over his shoulder, perhaps to whomever was behind the gate. As for the two with the stretcher, they approached and helped the green haired person slip Buckle¡¯s backpack off the goblin, and then rested him out on the stretcher. After laying him on the stretcher they carefully lifted Buckle and Willy, taking them into the gate. Dominick exchanged a few more faint words with the guard, pointedly glancing in my direction and then followed the others inside the gate. As soon as he was out of sight the gate thunked shut again. One additional wooden thunk later, I heard the guard holler. ¡°Glinda, have eyes on the one that brought Buckle in?!¡± The rough female voice from earlier answered back, ¡°Yeah, Tom! I¡¯ll cover ya!¡± I glanced in the direction of the corner of the wall that I¡¯d turned around on the way to the gate. Not seeing anything obvious, I still felt sure the voice was coming from that direction. Trying to focus with the magical perception I¡¯d learned with Buckle last night, I could sense a blur and a few wisps of light up where I thought the voice was coming from. ¡®Maybe some magical camouflage?¡¯ ¡°What are you lookin¡¯ at?¡± Blinking,I saw that the guard had finally approached within a few meters of where I¡¯d sat. Shaking my head at my own foolishness for not paying attention, I looked closer at the guard. My brain told me that this was a male human, and somehow I had a sense that he was in his late 20¡¯s or early 30¡¯s. Uncertain how I knew such things, I simply took the rest of him in. Brown hair poking out from under a leather cap, matching brown beard and brown eyes. A strong nose, hawk-like with the bend and grim tight lips. Fit looking muscles were visible on his arms around the elbow joints in his leather armor. His leg armor was strapped over blue jeans, but the shape of them spoke of fitness in lieu of them being more visible like his arms. Brown leather boots completed his armored look, and his weapon was a spear that matched his 190ish cm frame. ¡°Sorry Tom, I was trying to see where Glinda¡¯s voice was coming from. There is a blur there,¡± I pointed at the spot where I had seen the wisps, ¡°so I thought it might be magical camouflage on a watchtower or something like that.¡± The guard just stared at me. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m Monday March. I met Buckle yesterday and he was going to bring me here and introduce me to the guild, I think? As well as pay for my room and meals for a couple days if I helped him with chores and carrying his hides. We were attacked on the path, and he tried to protect me, but got pretty hurt¡­.¡± The guard¡¯s lips parted, but sound was rather lacking so I continued on talking. ¡°So he was holding his blood in with water magic, I think. And Willy made sure I didn¡¯t get lost on the way. Is he okay?¡± With a blink and a start the guard finally spoke again. ¡°Is Willy okay? Who is Willy?¡± Tom said as he looked around. ¡°Oh, you knew Buckle, so I thought you knew that his toad¡¯s name is Willy. And I meant is Buckle okay? I mean, I would still like to come inside, but you seem like you don¡¯t trust me. Which is fine I guess. Why would you trust someone who came out of the woods carrying a wounded person that you do know? I mean, I might have been why he was injured, and I guess I was because he tried to protect me. So that¡¯s a perfectly reasonable conclusion, I think. This IS God¡¯s Bath, right? That is where he said he was taking me¡­¡± With the realization that I¡¯d been rambling I pulled my eyes from looking about and put Tom squarely in my sights and stopped yammering. Nothing¡­ Nothing¡­ I would have raised my eyebrows if I had any, ¡®whee, no hair anywhere!¡¯ The brown haired guard suddenly shook his head and squinted at me before speaking. ¡°How¡­ How old are you?¡± Blinking at the unexpected question, I had no reason not to respond, so just shrugged. ¡°Not sure, Tom. I woke up yesterday and can¡¯t really remember anything before that, which is one of the reasons he was bringing me here to talk to¡­ the Guild I think he said?¡± Pinching his crooked nose, the guard spoke again. ¡°So, you¡¯ve no idea where you¡­ Do you know where you are?¡± ¡°Somewhere in central California?¡± Chapter 11: Bluebird Chapter 11: Bluebird Tom the guard blinked and replied to my belief that we were in central California with a hint of resignation, ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re in an area that was once California¡­ An odd thing to know for someone that doesn¡¯t know where they came from. I¡¯m going to ask if the local guild rep will talk with you. Are you fine to wait here?¡± ¡°I¡¯m a bit thirsty, is the irrigation water safe? I can go get some and come back here if it isn¡¯t too much trouble.¡± ¡°Monday March?¡± Tom waited a moment as if waiting for me to disagree or correct them. ¡°Just wait here. Probably best you don¡¯t drink the irrigation water as it already went through the Bath.¡± With his free hand, Tom grabbed one of the leather straps which I¡¯d thought was his armor and lifted a waterskin from where it rested against his back, placing it on the ground between us. ¡°It ain¡¯t very cool, but it¡¯s wet. Someone should be back to talk with you shortly. And Glinda is keeping an eye on you should something happen. I¡¯m going to leave Buckle¡¯s pack there so you can keep an eye on it.¡± ¡°Okay, if it¡¯s possible, can you find out how Buckle is doing and let me know?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ send word back if, er, I¡¯ll just make sure someone lets you know how he¡¯s doing if there¡¯s an update.¡± The guard said before turning back and walking towards the gate. ¡°Thank you, Tom¡± I had the impression that he heard me, but the guardsman didn¡¯t make a gesture or any outside acknowledgement as he entered the town. There was more thunking as the gate had opened for him, and again after it closed of course. Reaching over and snagging the waterskin, I had a long drink before putting the stopper back into the neck. Then, at a loss for what to do while waiting I returned to looking at the magic blur and attempted to make more sense of it. It only took a few seconds of inspecting that corner past the wall to detect the blur, and I quickly lost track of time as I attempted to make out the magic that might be there. Like the magic that had been surrounding the water ball Buckle had made appear in his hand, there was a distinct ripple in the blur, and hints of color which I didn¡¯t recall from the ripple in Buckle¡¯s hand. Having lost track of time and entirely devoted to focusing on some faint wisps that I felt were visible in the correct area, I was startled to see someone moving in my direction even though I hadn¡¯t heard the normal thunking of the gate. A thin human of between 170 and 180cm approached, sun browned skin paired with androgynous features were set with unnaturally dark blue eyes didn¡¯t feel too unusual for Monday. The blue spikey hair adorning the top of their head that matched the blue eyes was certainly attention grabbing, however. Dressed similarly to the guardsman, though with a sword and a pistol on their belt rather than holding a spear, they paused about 3 meters back from the still seated big grey me A pleasant and melodic voice came from the blue haired person, ¡°Monday March? I go by Bluebird and I am the Guild rep in God¡¯s Bath. I was told that Buckle is stable, but still unconscious.¡± I simply nodded at her name, and then said ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good. Thanks.¡± Responding to the update about Buckle. ¡°So¡­ Tom said you woke up yesterday with no memories?¡± When Monday nodded, Bluebird continued. ¡°Did you happen to see any odd things? Like floating text or¡­¡± Nodding, I interrupted the azure haired guild rep. ¡°Yes Bluebird, I¡¯m a system user, or that is what Buckle called it.¡± ¡°Reroll?¡± ¡°I¡­ think so, yes.¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t taken a Class, have you?¡± Their voice seemed tense. Puzzled for a moment, I questioned, ¡°So I have a limited System Query ability, it warned me about taking most system offered classes. And the reasons seem perfectly justified to avoid it, but why is that you ask in such a nervous fashion?¡± ¡°They¡­ can have negative consequences even for those around the class holder. I suggest you avoid taking any if the system offers. Or at least wait until you know more. In your status, what does the Age line say?¡± This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Pondering for a moment, I replied but didn¡¯t answer the question. ¡°Bluebird, I¡¯ve answered a couple questions, and that¡¯s fine, but I really have no way of knowing if you or anyone has my best interest in mind, or maybe even what my best interests might be. Buckle helped me out and offered me a trade of food, clothes and a place to sleep for doing some work for him. That was a fair trade for me, and I¡¯d like to make a fair trade with you as well.¡± Blue eyes blinking the guild rep seemed taken aback. ¡°And what would a fair trade mean to you, Monday?¡± ¡°I¡¯m looking for what I expect is basic System information, some not-basic System information, entry into this town or another, food because Buckle was supposed to buy me some but he is indisposed, and enough general knowledge that I can sort of decide what I want to do with my life? I¡¯m willing to answer questions that don¡¯t seem to endanger me by sharing the information or do work seeing as I don¡¯t currently have any money. Whatever passes for money in these parts.¡± Rubbing my hand over my bald head I was glad I didn''t feel nearly as emotional as last night when talking with Buckle about things. ¡°How long have you been thinking about that¡­ list?¡± ¡°Soon after I met Buckle, so yesterday I suppose.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t sound like you were reborn yesterday.¡± I simply shrugged in response. ¡°I can get you into town for a handful of basic questions if you are willing to hold a Truthstone while answering. Everything else should likely wait until after that. Does that sound fair?¡± Trying to whisper as quietly as possible, I addressed the system. ¡°System Query: Is using a Truthstone dangerous and how can I tell if something is a Truthstone?¡±
Two Queries consumed:
  • A basic Truthstone is not dangerous as one can always choose not to answer a question while holding one and it has no intrinsic impact on the holder
  • The most common Truthstone is made of magically imbued Lapis Lazuli and will have three concentric rings carved onto it
Realizing that I didn¡¯t have much of a choice anyhow, and if the person meant me real harm there wasn¡¯t overly much I could do but run back into woods that have now proven to have monsters, I simply nodded at Bluebird. Pulling a leather thong from around their neck, Bluebird revealed a blue stone pendant that had three circles carved on the front. They held the stone between their palms for about 30 seconds and when they opened their hands, it was glowing with a yellow light brightly enough to be noticed in the sunlight from the clear sky above. ¡°Hold out your hand, Monday and let the stone touch your skin while you answer my questions.¡± Following Bluebird¡¯s instructions I noticed that the stone seemed much cooler than expected after having been tucked under a leather jerkin. The guild rep¡¯s melodic voice started to ask questions, ¡°What is something you believe to be true?¡± ¡°Water is wet.¡± I answered with no snark, but a puzzled expression that faded as the glow coming from the stone transitioned from yellow into a clear light blue that matched the color of the stone I was holding. ¡°What is something you believe to be false?¡± ¡°Fire is cold.¡± In response the blue glow faded and shifted into an angry crimson. Nodding, the human continued, ¡°Do you intend any trouble or damage to God¡¯s Bath or its citizens?¡± ¡°No.¡± The angry red light returned to a light blue hue. ¡°Is there anything about you, or that you know of, which might cause trouble or damage to God¡¯s Bath or its citizens?¡± Thinking about myself and my status, in particular my lone bane I felt I had to hedge a little while remaining truthful. ¡°Nothing about me should have any negative impact for at least a year and if I am gone at that time there would be no impact or repercussions.¡± Furrowing their brows, this answer seemed to give Bluebird pause as they glared and the consistent blue light welling up from my palm. Slowly the light was fading back towards yellow when another question was uttered. ¡°What injured Buckle?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure, at least I am not sure of the name. It was short, under a meter tall, but it had long arms and legs with talons or claws on each. There was fur in browns and greens and covered everything pretty much. It didn¡¯t have much of a neck, like the chest almost merged with the head. I didn¡¯t see ears, but the eyes were mounted close to the mouth.¡± Thinking back while describing the thing, I gave an unconscious shiver as the light stopped reverting to yellow and once again became clear blue. The blue eyes widened. ¡°Sounds like a lesser Taz, how did you chase it off? Nasty things, those.¡± Glancing down at the axe which lay beside her. ¡°Think I killed it, but I¡¯m not sure. The body was gone when I was leaving with Buckle.¡± The glow in my hand remained blue. Running a hand through the short spiky blue hair, Bluebird groaned and responded with a particularly colorful expletive. Chapter 12: Going Inside Chapter 12: Going Inside I looked at the agitated Bluebird and asked, ¡°What¡¯s so bad about it? And is that enough questions for now?¡± ¡°What¡¯s ¡®so bad¡¯ is that a taz of any stage or type is a creature of hunger and rage, as well as¡­ prolific in reproduction. If we have one nearby we likely have more. If we have one that was injured in an attack and escaped¡­ that,¡± Bluebird pointed at the axe next to Monday. ¡°Could draw more than one to God¡¯s Bath.¡± ¡°Oops.¡± Bluebird simply cocked an eyebrow. I elaborated, ¡°Well, as I said, I¡¯m not sure. The axe head was sunk pretty far into the face, but I¡¯m not sure what happened to the body. Is there anything that can be done? The axe is Buckle¡¯s, but if we¡­¡± ¡°Tazes are a right pain, but if we aren¡¯t sure there¡¯s only so much we can do. Mind if I put that somewhere?¡± Bluebird gestured to the axe. ¡°I can fetch it back for Buckle if he wants it later.¡± I simply shrugged in response before picking up the axe and holding the handle out towards Bluebird. Taking the axe, and reclaiming the stone pendant, Bluebird proceeded to take a light jump past me in the direction of the woods. I turned my head to see what the guild rep was doing, and then stood up and turned my whole body to watch the blue haired person simply fly up 20 meters and pick up speed before striking the axe into a pine 50 meters away from the town wall. The sound of the impact echoed in the clearing between the wall and the trees as Bluebird flew down, leaving the axe planted 20 meters up in the trunk of the pine. ¡°That should annoy and distract any taz that tracks the axe.¡± Said the guild rep as they landed in front of the now standing Monday. ¡°That was really neat,¡± I enthused. ¡°Are you able to fly because of something you bought from the system?¡± Squinting up at me, Bluebird eventually shook their head. ¡°Despite your size, you really are¡­ new, aren¡¯t you? Yes, it is something I bought through the system. Welcome to God¡¯s Bath, let¡¯s go check on Buckle, and then have that talk you wanted to have with the guild.¡± Still with the occasional head shake and glance back, Bluebird led me towards the gate, waiting for me to gather Tom¡¯s waterskin and the pack that the stretcher bearers had left behind when Buckle was taken into the gate. Once at the gatehouse I handed Tom back his waterskin with a quiet thanks. Bluebird hollered for the guards to open up. Now that I was standing near it, I could see that the gate held 2 big doors, 3 meters high and 2 wide that fit together and opened outward from the wall. Another set of thumping later the left door of the gate opened and I followed Bluebird through the narrow gap into a wide passage. It was a seamless stone tunnel that matched the full size of the gateway and looked to be 5 meters long ending in a cross hatched grate. ¡°Hey Bluebird¡­¡± I nervously started. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Monday March. The portcullis doesn¡¯t open when the gates are open, and vice versa. Do you mind if I call you simply Monday?¡± ¡°Might have been kind to warn me, I don¡¯t want to be caged. Er, that¡¯s okay about my name.¡± ¡°Interesting, we have used it like that for the occasional monster, baiting and penning it for removal. Not for people though, we¡¯d probably have to illusion the portcullis for anyone to be silly enough to come inside the gate.¡± If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. I sent what I felt was a bit of a pointed and pouty look at her as we stopped in the middle of the tunnel waiting for the gate to close and be secured. With what I wasn¡¯t immediately sure about, as I wasn¡¯t seeing anything from this side of the gate. ¡°Bluebird? What is the thumping, and what holds the gate shut?¡± ¡°I won¡¯t give you the specifics, Monday. But the security closures are within the walls and doors, and are a bit noisy, as you can hear.¡± I listened to a much louder feeling thumping than what it had sounded like from outside the walls, ¡®course I¡¯d been much further away as well,¡¯ I thought. I could feel it through the stone in my feet, small clicks and bigger thumps going on for a little longer before hearing a deep voice filter through the open grate ahead. ¡°Gate secure! Is the portcullis clear?¡± In tandem Bluebird¡¯s and another voice from beyond the grate hollered, ¡°The portcullis is clear.¡± I pondered why I hadn¡¯t heard the same sort of lines when Buckle was brought in, so I asked the guild representative waiting with me. ¡°Oh? Hmmm, probably should have been, but the healer likely overrode the protocol. Buckle and Dominick are trusted and valued resources here.¡± Bluebird replied with a casual shrug. As more, and slightly different, thumping and clicking commenced, the metal grate slowly rose 2 meters before coming to a stop with an additional series of clicks and clanks. ¡°Portcullis raised and secured!¡± ¡°Exiting the passage!¡± Bluebird hollered and waved me forward to join her in exiting. As we walked forward I could make out that the tunnel was blocked from seeing most of the inside of God¡¯s Bath by an L shaped stone wall that extended from the tunnel and blocked the way forward, making us turn right to see and enter the village proper. While it wasn¡¯t a riot of color, the interior certainly had much more visual variety than the forest and outside that I had seen since waking the other day. Beyond a large open yard, were homes and buildings and people and animals. Each one vied for my attention as I came to a stop trying to take it all in. Some children playing with a ball and a dog were running about in the yard on the grassy half, further from the dirt ground near where Bluebird and I were standing. As I stared at the varied appearances, my companion clapped to get my attention. ¡°Come on Monday, let¡¯s go check on Buckle, have a talk at the guild, and then you can have some time to look about.¡± I barely had time to pull my eyes from the children and nod at Bluebird before she headed off across the yard towards a street that didn¡¯t stand out to me from all the options. We passed through one of a few small gates placed in the low stone wall surrounding the yard, only a meter high, but it looked quite solid as we passed it. We moved along the selected street, and I noticed several stares from various people we passed as we walked, but no one said anything about us that I could hear. Unsure if I should just ignore the looks, I asked Bluebird. ¡°So, are they staring at you for some reason, or am I really that strange looking?¡± There was a chuckle before Bluebird replied, ¡°Well, you look interesting and new. Most likely they are staring simply because you are new here, maybe something different..." They paused, as if uncertain if they should say something. "Maybe bloodline. And folks in God¡¯s Bath pretty much know everyone in the village. Under 1000 people live here, so even if a resident doesn¡¯t know everyone¡¯s name, it¡¯s unusual to see someone you don¡¯t recognize by sight at least. Well, and you are walking with me¡­ So people might think you are a System adventurer or trouble, or both.¡± ¡°So there is a difference between a System adventurer or just an adventurer?¡± ¡°Simply said, you can work with the guild without being a Syssy, but it isn¡¯t super common.¡± ¡°Buckle said ¡®sissies¡¯ last night as well. But, it doesn¡¯t seem to mean what the word in my head means.¡± I said leaving the implied question hang there. Bluebird glanced at me as we continued to walk along between buildings of various styles, constructed of stone and wood. ¡°Not sure what meaning you have in there but Syssy, S-Y-S-S-Y, is common slang for a System User in these parts. And what did you mean by ¡®what the word in my head means¡¯?¡± ¡°Oh, okay.¡± I pondered for a moment before continuing. ¡°So, I woke up yesterday and I knew how to speak. I know what language and words are, and can even read.¡± I point over at the sign for Goode¡¯s General Goods that we are passing. ¡°But some of the words I hear or see don¡¯t¡­ make immediate sense to me. And a meaning can pop into my head that doesn¡¯t match what seems to be what is meant. I guess?¡± ¡°Well, interesting. That could mean a few things, but let¡¯s check in on Buckle first.¡± Bluebird said and pointed at a small wooden building snuggled up against a tall wooden wall. As we got closer I noted that in addition to the blue paint, it was covered in various carvings of a figure within water. A simple word was also carved into the door ¡®Bath¡¯. Chapter 13: Programmers! Chapter 13: Programmers! As we entered the blue building I saw a counter to the right, and 3 doors across from the entry. I was reading the signs above the doors (Medical, Private, and General) as I heard Bluebird greet the person sitting on a stool behind the counter. ¡°Heya Granny G, has Dominick come out or sent word from tending Buckle?¡± ¡°Oi Bluebird, nothing yet, but that¡¯s also good. Too fast from as serious as it looked would probably be bad news, like, pretty bad.¡± The dark skinned woman with a smattering of lined creases on her face responded. Her pink and grey hair was long and flowed down over her flowered dress. She glanced at me with unexpectedly pink eyes and continued. ¡°Who¡¯s the new one?¡± ¡°Monday¡¯s the one who brought Buckle to the village, injuries and all.¡± Bluebird sounded a bit unsure if it was a positive or concerning action on my part. ¡°Eh? Suspicious Birdy. This thing here hardly looks to be up to anything cunning.¡± The older woman said as she looked me up and down before addressing me. ¡°Interesting bloodline potential, you got a gender?¡± The way she said it seemed matter of fact, and didn¡¯t cause a reaction from Bluebird beyond a slight eyebrow raise. I, however, was a little confused. ¡°Um, hello Granny G? I¡¯m, I''m pretty sure I¡¯m female?¡± I replied, and I could hear the confusion in my own voice. She just looked me up and down and clucked her tongue before shrugging and pointing to the door on the left with the sign for ¡®Medical¡¯. ¡°Dom didn¡¯t say no visitors, so you can go on in with the girl.¡± No malice, but it felt a little bit like I was being teased, and for some reason it bit at me. No, I suppose that is what teasing is about and my mouth opened before I considered my near instinctive reaction. ¡°Is it my form of address, my gender or my lack of surety about either of them that has annoyed you?¡± As another bit of a surprise for me, she opened her mouth and eyes a little more and didn¡¯t reply, apparently taken aback. ¡°Well, excuse me for being re-born yesterday. If you want to fill me in I¡¯ll make the time.¡± ¡®Where did that come from?¡¯ I wondered as I moved to the indicated door and passed through it. I mean, maybe I used to have an attitude, but nothing in my interactions with Buckle, Tom or Bluebeard indicated anything like it. Speaking of Bluebird, I heard them chuckle as I opened the door and passed through a simple passage a few meters long. The door closed behind us as Bluebird followed me through. ¡°She isn¡¯t a bad person, but she likes to mess with anyone she sees as young. Which is most folk to be honest.¡± Bluebird¡¯s melodic words washed over me and helped dull some of the instinctive prickliness that I was trying to understand. ¡°I¡¯m not sure why I reacted like that. It felt¡­ unusual? Like I could maybe have stopped myself, but almost forced? Like a habit I didn¡¯t know I had¡­¡± I trailed off while thinking out loud. Glancing back at Bluebird I saw their eyes roll as they spat out ¡°Programmers!¡± like it was a cuss bad enough she shouldn¡¯t say it around children. Meeting my eyes they continued, ¡°I¡¯m going to guess you are tagged with a stage of life, Puberty. At the Grindstone I talked with a guy who did an age rollback. He complained to no end, even though he chose it and it had been years before. No need to talk about it or confirm it, we can talk later, and we should check on Buckle. Just, when you find yourself doing things you don¡¯t really understand, it may not be you alone, but System influence. A bit like some of the class stuff, but less dangerous. Doesn¡¯t excuse the behaviors, but look deeper at those reactions, not allowing them to drive you is probably worth the effort.¡± Moving past me and my big pack in the passage wasn¡¯t as difficult as I might have expected, and suddenly Bluebird was leading me through the door on the other end. Beyond the other door was a walled outdoor space, wooden walls, no roof and a stream running through it. Four small constructions were placed along the stream, simple roofs held up by columns with curtains on each side. Three of which had the curtains open, and one with the curtains drawn. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. ¡°Heya Dominick, G said we could come back, how is Buckle doing?¡± Bluebird approached and called out to the hut with the curtains drawn. ¡°Give me a minute¡± a voice chirped back from behind the fabric. I looked at the natural stone floor and how it descended to the stream, shallow steps of natural slate or sandstone. There were a few small plants clinging to the gaps in the rocks and growing along the stream. Each of the other huts that I could see into had water filled holes or baths that appeared to be fed by the stream in some manner below the surface. My brain was behaving a little loopy as I compared the color of my foot to a similarly shaded rock nearby when a rustle jolted my attention back to the hut with the no longer closed curtain. Dominick¡¯s green hair was like lush grass on his head, and brought his height slightly higher than a meter. Behind him I could see another water filled bath which contained Buckle, eyes open and looking over at me. I couldn¡¯t help myself, and smiled. ¡°I¡¯m glad you are awake, I hope you are feeling okay.¡± His eyes blinked, and I noticed that his ear tip had been reattached somehow. ¡°Monday March, ye should really take off that pack ¡®n rest. Don¡¯ be tellin¡¯ me ye been hauling that ¡®n tother since the Taz?¡± My brain took a moment to think about it before I shrugged, pack shifting on my back, and replied. ¡°Didn¡¯t see a good spot to put it down. And I¡¯m not really tired. And I don¡¯t want to lose it, because you already got hurt trying to save me and it¡¯s yours, and I wasn¡¯t sure if you were gonna be okay, and I thought you might be dead, and I wasn¡¯t sure what to do so I kept it on.¡± Okay, I didn¡¯t really reply so much as ramble. ¡°Lass, what happened to ya after I passed out?¡± Buckle¡¯s eyes narrowed and briefly glared at Bluebird. Continuing with my trend of confusion, I filled Buckle in about the rest of the trip. Getting to the wall, calling for help and talking to the guard. Leaving Buckle to be taken in by the healer for help and waiting to talk to Bluebird. The truthstone, the axe being covered in blood and left up a tree. Bluebird FLYING! Me being sorry I didn¡¯t have his axe, but hopefully he can get it back before returning home. People staring at me as we walked to the bath, and Granny G seeming annoyed with me. With eyes still on Bluebird he asked me, ¡°And no one said that ye had blood spray o¡¯er a third a yer face?¡± I could see Bluebird wince as the question hung there. ¡°Er, no¡­¡± I lifted my grey hand and touched my face feeling a hint of tackiness, then pointed over at the stream and looked at the Guild Rep, ¡°Can I go clean this up?¡± Grimacing, Bluebird spoke, ¡°Sorry Monday, I hope it can wait a little, we will get you cleaned up before we leave. Buckle, we didn¡¯t know anything about her, bringing you here injured and blood on her and her axe. Not to mention a possible injured taz that could be stalking her, brought right to the village.¡± Sudden confusion overtook Bluckle¡¯s face, ¡°Injured? I ¡®uz sure it wuz dead.¡± I spoke up in response, ¡°It wasn¡¯t on the path when I was gathering you and our stuff to come here. So I¡­¡± Interrupted by a holler from Buckle I stopped mid explanation. ¡°WILLY! SPIT IT OUT!!¡± Unnoticed by me, Willy had apparently been sitting at the edge of the bath. The toad suddenly croaked and disgorged something many times his own size beside the pool. The impossibility of the act took second place to the foul stench wafting over me. The shape wasn¡¯t unrecognizable. It wasn¡¯t melted, but it was¡­ It was the taz and it was starting to melt? My brain rebelled for a few more seconds as I heard a gag from Bluebird, a grunt from Buckle, and humored chuckle from Dominick. Willy had started digesting it, I guess, and it looked wet, and slimy, bloody gash still present in the eye and mouth area. ¡°Monday struck that blow ¡®n saved us both, er at least me. Any bounty er value left in it is hers, I cede ta her fer bringin¡¯ me back fer treatment, which I¡¯ll pay Dom meself.¡± Looking from Bluebird to me, Buckle continued. ¡°Now lass, Dom ain¡¯t said as much but I be certain he wants me ta rest. I planned 2 silver ¡®n food and bed fer a day er two.¡± Nodding to the small pile of bloodied clothes nearby. ¡°Take 7 of the empty silver out the pouch ¡®n talk ta Ann from Pillow an Pie. Keep me bags there ¡®til I kin get em. ¡®N make Bluebird deal wit dat mess.¡± The goblin¡¯s finger came above the water and pointed at the partially digested taz while his eyes closed. Bluebird winced again, Dominick shrugged and I just tried to follow directions. Chapter 14: Dominick Chapter 14: Dominick I declined a full bath at the time, wanting to settle a place to store Buckle¡¯s packs and myself to sleep before I did so. Dominick however offered to help me clean up while Bluebird sorted out the taz corpse. Rather than go elsewhere, the green haired healer grabbed a small wooden bucket and a short stack of cloth from beside the pool where Buckle was recovering, and then waved me closer to the stream as he walked with me. ¡°Hi Monday March.¡± His chirpy voice was somehow high, yet warm. ¡°I imagine that Buckle¡¯s behavior might suggest he will be fine, so I¡¯ll just confirm that. No signs of toxins nor infection. And minimal blood loss which is likely due to his abilities and your assistance. Hopefully he will not need my care beyond tomorrow, and should be right as rain in a couple days.¡± Reaching the edge of the stream, Dominick gestured for me to squat down as he added some water to his bucket. ¡°I¡¯ll just get your face and the bad bits. If you want to do it yourself, just say the word, but without a mirror¡­¡± he trailed off as he dipped a cloth into the bucket to wet it. Happy to have the assistance, I squatted down, so he only had to reach up a little bit to wipe my face. From so close his green hair reminded me more of lush grass than hair like I had seen on Tom, Bluebird or Granny G. ¡°Dominick? Do you have any idea why no one mentioned the blood on me until Buckle saw me?¡± It had been bothering me since I¡¯d heard it was even there. That it was on me was annoying, and a bit distressing as I felt a desire to remain clean, but the fact that no one had mentioned it of those I had spoken with or passed was troubling as well. ¡°Hmmm?¡± Dominick was lightly rubbing my face and I could see flecks of red and pink appear on the cloth between those cleaning passes. ¡°Oh, well, I didn¡¯t say anything before as you were at a distance and I was more concerned with Buckle¡¯s condition. I imagine most folks couldn¡¯t be sure if it might be something you like, or chose to do? You know, not everyone is the same, and some bloodlines influence our decisions, or reward specific behaviors. To say nothing of choices influenced if someone is a Syssy.¡± I thought about it for a few moments as more red collected on the cloth in the healer¡¯s hand. I heard a light grunt and glanced back to see Bluebird wrapping up the corpse of the taz in a green colored cloth, and trying to wipe slimy hairy bits from their hand onto the inside of the cloth. ¡°I guess that makes some sense, but if Tom or Bluebird had simply asked if I wanted to clean up before coming in the gate wouldn¡¯t I have been able to avoid upsetting some village folk, unless I actually wanted to keep the blood on for some reason?¡± Dominick looked to be thinking as he rinsed the now red, white and pink cloth in the bucket. Once it was barely pink he returned to wiping and rubbing a little more on my cheek. As he did so, he sighed. ¡°Probably, and it would have been smart to do while you were still outside the walls. Monday, people can be wise, people can be kind, people can be good and dozens of other positive qualities, but there is nothing that says a person will have all the traits needed to make the best choice in all circumstances.¡± ¡°That makes sense, I suppose? Is it rude to just ask those questions though? The lady at the counter flat out asked me if I had a gender, and I¡¯m pretty sure, but I¡¯m not sure about Bluebird, and if it is okay to ask if I want to know. But Bluebird already said Granny G is rude, and I think I would rather not be rude to someone first. If you know what I mean.¡± Dominick grinned as he scrubbed harder against my jawline, I imagine trying to get some dried blood loose. ¡°Well, if you felt Gabby was being rude when asking you, maybe don¡¯t follow her example? Or if you feel the need to know for some reason, just try not to be rude about it? As for asking after someone¡¯s gender, some people could take it wrong I suppose, especially if they feel they are strongly exhibiting certain defining traits. While not intrinsically rude, some folks will¡­ You know Monday? It will depend, and that sucks. Not everything has a simple answer.¡± He really did seem regretful as he told me this harsh truth. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Agreeing with Dominick in my head. ¡®That sucks, but if something was bound to be complicated, it would be people.¡¯ I thought. ¡°Thanks anyway. Am I clean enough?¡± Dominick grinned again, ¡°Less likely to get odd looks, I expect.¡± ¡°Is Buckle really going to be fine?¡± ¡°Yeah, he probably would have been fine with just bandages, but he will heal up faster with him in the bath and a bit of Mana work.¡± Dominick backed up a little and put the dirty cloth in the bucket. ¡°If you want to visit him again before Buckle comes for his packs, I¡¯ll let Gabby know if it¡¯s a good idea, but keep in mind that he needs to rest. Also, Buckle told you to go to the PnP, so let Ann know visiting tomorrow would be better than today. If she asks, that is.¡± I nodded at the healer as I stood back up, feeling a little strange that he was about half my height. ¡°Thanks Dominick, and thank you for taking care of Buckle.¡± ¡°Pfft. You¡¯re welcome, but I am just doing what I do, and getting paid for it as well.¡± The green haired fellow seemed pleased anyhow. Turning back to the bath and Bluebird, I saw they had made a bundle with some glossy green cloth bound in thin cords. The guild rep was currently using a cloth to try and wipe their hands clean. It interested me to see it, Bluebird felt so strong that the meticulous behavior seemed contrary, or overly meticulous. ¡°Pillow and Pie?¡± I asked as I walked over, picked up Buckle¡¯s bag and bow in one hand, and the new green bundle in my other. Bluebird blinked at me again. Looking down at the casually held green bundle. ¡°That¡¯s at least 40 kilos right there, how strong are you?¡± ¡°We can talk about it later, Pillow and Pie?¡± I just walked over to the door and waited for them. Bluebird waved goodbye to Dominick and led me back through the building. I nodded at Gabby as we passed the counter, but didn¡¯t say a word when Bluebird said goodbye to her, nor as I followed them through the streets. A few uncomfortable gazes were still present as we walked, but it was more rare, nor did I seem to be the subject of as much staring. ¡®No face blood is an obvious improvement!¡¯ A couple of turns and we approached a two story building with pink paint and blue trim decorating the outside. Above the door hung a cute sign, a drawn cushion and pastry with Pillow and Pie written under the appropriate images. Bluebird pulled the pink door open and waved me through. A light chime rang as the door was opened and it faded away as I walked inside. I was impressed with the casual and comfortable style of the interior; smooth tables with comfortable looking chairs, paintings of natural scenes hanging on the walls, a fireplace with a crackling fire and carved stone figures of animals on the mantle, and a large leather couch and leather chairs placed so that the warmth of the fire could reach them. All in all it had a very homey feel to the space. A railed staircase ascended the far wall to the upper floor, and a wide doorway with a pair of swinging doors were the only other apparent exits from what I took to be a spacious lounge and dining area. One of those swinging doors opened as a blue skinned woman with silvery hair looked over at me as she walked into the room. ¡°Hiya, you''re a bit late for lunch, but I can rustle you up a bite of something if that¡¯s why you''re here.¡± She smiled wide and I saw that her teeth were white, standing out strikingly against skin the color of the deep blue sky I¡¯d seen between the trees of the forest canopy. I looked back over my shoulder and saw that Bluebird had remained outside and closed the door behind me. Shrugging I looked back to the blue skinned woman in a knee length dress with a clean white apron. ¡°Pardon me, I was sent here by Buckle, are you Ann?¡± The smile didn¡¯t grow, but her eyes widened and softened a tiny bit as she nodded at me. ¡°Early this year, did he get you to haul for him? Will he be along later?¡± Her voice was very soft, but somehow seemed to worm directly to my ears Chapter 15: The Guildhall Chapter 15: The Guildhall The soft voice gave me a hint of a reflexive nerve shiver on the back of my neck. ¡°Hi Ann, I¡¯m Monday March and Buckle did give me some money to carry the pack on my back for him. Uhm, he got hurt, so he won¡¯t be by until tomorrow at the earliest.¡± Seeing the pretty smile turn concerned I continued in a babble, ¡°Uhm, Dominick said Buckle will be fine, but they are at the bath for now. And he said he would be by later for the packs, and I should get a room, and to ask for you and I still have stuff to do this afternoon, but I wanted to put this stuff down somewhere safe. So how much is a room?¡± Ann¡¯s recently concerned expression quirked to a smile again as I rambled, responding when I finally stopped. ¡°Well, a single room and a common breakfast is normally 10 dollars, but as you are referred by Buckle, I can add in a common dinner as well. Drinks aside from water will be extra.¡± ¡°Uhm, what is an empty silver worth in dollars?¡± I hadn¡¯t heard dollars measured, and in fact I¡¯d only heard about silver and empty silver. ¡°Who was in charge of your education, Monday March?¡± Ann¡¯s eyes narrowed a little but her quiet voice continued to tickle my eardrums. I sighed and replied, then whispered to myself. ¡°I am, I suppose. System Query: What are the most common currencies, mediums of exchange and their values?¡±
Three Queries consumed: 1) Common currencies are Dollars and MU or Mana Units 2) Common mediums of exchange are: Barter, Brass, Empty Copper, Empty Silver, Empty Gold, Charged Copper, Charged Silver, Charged Gold 3) The Value of these exchange mediums are: a) Barter is Variable b) Brass is 1/10 of a Dollar c) Empty Copper is 1 Dollar d) Empty Silver is 10 Dollars e) Empty Gold 100 Dollars f) Charged Copper is 1 MU g) Charged Silver is 10 MU h) Charged Gold is 100 MU
Bending at the knees I placed the wrapped body on the wooden floor and opened the little pocket on the side of Buckle¡¯s pack where I placed the 7 empty silver he had paid me. Retrieving one of the silvers I held it out to Ann. ¡°I expect that should cover the room for tonight, and the meals you offered?¡± Taking the silver, Ann nodded and seemed to be ignoring any awareness about my mumbling and staring into space before paying her. ¡°Let me take you to your room and help you set the lock.¡± I agreed, and received permission to leave the glossy green bundle by the door as I would need it upon leaving for my errands. Following Ann up the stairs she stopped beside one of 6 wooden doors, this one with the number 2 softly glowing on a rectangle beside it. Quickly tapping the corners of the smooth panel the number dissolved away. ¡°Now if you hold your hand against it until it glows green, it will be keyed to you.¡± she addressed me with that whisper soft speech. Holding my hand where she indicated, the smooth texture was coupled with a hint of a tingle, nerve endings detecting something more than simple pressure. As I waited for the panel to turn green, I noticed some of those ripples indicative to Mana. I held myself back from asking if it was a magical lock, having both come to that conclusion as well as not wanting her to look at me like I knew nothing. Again, that is. The panel glowed green and the tingle stopped before Ann spoke again. ¡°Good, now remove your hand until the green fades, and then place your hand back on the panel for a second.¡± I followed the instructions, and there was a click. Ann gestured for me to push the door open. ¡°Do you need anything else? The door will work for you until noon tomorrow, unless you pay for another day, or let me know that you are done here.¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Uhm, Ann, could you help me untie the pack? Buckle cinched it up, and I¡¯m not sure how to get it all off without maybe damaging it¡­¡± I trailed off. Ann smiled a small smile again. ¡°Okay Monday March, go on in and put your other burdens down, I¡¯ll take a look.¡± The floor was wooden, additionally the ceiling and 3 walls were wood paneled with one white wall outstanding. Two chairs and a table shared one of the wood paneled walls with a second door. A bed large enough for two of me was placed against another wood paneled wall with the foot facing the white wall. Propping Buckle¡¯s pack on the floor beside the table with his bow, I positioned myself so that the pack on my back was hanging over the table. ¡°So when we did this, Buckle had me squatted down like so by the bench it was on. Can you reach the sides if I do this and loosen where things are tied?¡± Ann looked closer, at some straps and things. She nodded and started fiddling with some of the straps. In a short time, the weight slipped from my shoulders and there was a small creak from the table, though it appeared stout and was made of thick wood. Finally released, I slipped from the straps and stretched as I stood. As I was about to thank Ann for the help, I noticed her eyes were opened quite wide, glancing between me and the pack now resting on the table. Before I could thank her, she spoke, ¡°How much does that weigh? How long were you strapped into it?¡± ¡°Uh, I¡¯m not sure, and maybe since mid morning?¡± In my confusion it came out more as a question than an answer. ¡°Look, Monday, if you have some time after your errand or in the morning I¡¯d appreciate it if you could help me with some lifting and carrying. Appreciate it by maybe upgrading your meals? Maybe a dessert?¡± Her light caressing voice sounded hopeful. Expectations of being manipulated skittered about, but I thought I might, maybe, eat a little better that night. ¡°And maybe a few brass? I¡¯ll let you know after my errand, okay. It might take quite a while, I don¡¯t know. But I¡¯ll let you know when I¡¯m free, okay?¡± Ann¡¯s nod was the end of it for now and I followed her back down the stairs. I thanked her for the assistance and assured her that I¡¯d check in with her once I was free. Grabbing up the package containing the dead taz, I left the Pillow and Pie and spotted Bluebird watching me from across the street. Pushing off from the wall they had been leaning against, we met in the middle of the street. ¡°So why did you leave me to go in alone? I wasn¡¯t even sure what the silvers were worth.¡± I could feel my exasperation influence my tone. Speaking through an odd grimace Bluebird replied, ¡°Ann wouldn¡¯t take advantage, and call it a test of sorts?¡± ¡°Test?¡± ¡°See how you got along without oversight when it isn¡¯t a dire emergency. Daily stuff, interacting with townsfolk, kid¡¯s first errand, that sort of thing.¡± Their eyes were glancing up the street, not looking at me or the Pillow and Pie. ¡®Mmmm Hmmm, so not the real reason, or not all of it.¡¯ ¡°Guild building then?¡± ¡°Guildhall, actually. System is a stickler for some terms, and that¡¯s one of them. Heck if I know why.¡± I just nod and walk beside their slim form as we go over a couple blocks, turn and are suddenly moving into an open set of double doors. They are both opened and propped to the side revealing a tavern space; filled with tables, booths and counters. Wood and leather fittings with decorations, images of battle and heroic poses, on the walls. Behind the bar is a large sign with words emblazoned in glowing text, bullet points glistening in blue light that ripples and appears to float in front of the wall, shimmering mana ripples obvious to me at a glance. Moving into the doors with Bluebird there were a series of chimes cutting through the street noise and the chatter generated by a few of the tables inside the ¡®Guildhall¡¯. Eyes from the tables, behind the bar and persons to the left and right fixed on me, not Bluebird, just me. ¡°Just checking in and confirming an existing, stand down you lot. Thanks for your vigilance.¡± Bluebird made a couple gestures and wiggled their fingers, I could only imagine them interacting with their own system interface. The chimes faded away and Bluebird faced me, ¡°Welcome to the Guildhall of God¡¯s Bath, Monday March.¡± Chapter 16: Oaths Chapter 16: Oaths Walking through the barrage of looks from folks at the tables and behind the counters and desks was, well, not too bad actually as there were really only about 10 people, so 20 eyes, so¡­ yeah, I still felt super self conscious. Why!?! Why was I feeling so self conscious then? They meant nothing to me, or did they? Fellow beings? I just locked my eyes on Bluebird¡¯s shoulders and followed them to a door with a ¡°GM¡± carved into the door and blindly followed inside. My brain feels all over the place, sometimes everything feels clear and understood but at others I feel like I¡¯m swimming in feelings that are like wiggly things I can¡¯t fully grasp. Eels, maybe? We entered a room with a desk and a chair in one corner, a smooth slab like the panel by the door at the Pillow and Pie was set into it. Most of the rest of the room taken up with a large table surrounded by chairs of various heights and a pair of couches, bookshelves and an odd series of metal pipes with nozzles and taps. Come to think of it, many of the chairs in the front room also had various heights. ¡®Hmm, I¡¯m rather tall and Dominick is quite small, I wonder if sizes vary that much in general.¡¯ ¡°Grab a chair and bring it over to my desk, it¡¯ll be easier if we have the System display at hand for some things.¡± Finding a chair where the seat was at a comfortable height only took a few seconds, and I joined Bluebird at their desk. Before sitting, I held out the bundle that I was still hauling around. ¡°What about this?¡± ¡°Just set it aside for now, we can sort it out later. Let¡¯s talk first.¡± Shrugging, I set it aside. Once seated I decided to do the only thing I could think of to protect myself from potential problems, though it might cause others. ¡°Bluebird, I¡¯m going to do something that may be considered rude, I hope you can forgive me if it is.¡± They just raised an eyebrow before I continued speaking in a normal tone, ¡°System Query: Is there any requirement for a Guild Representative to not cause harm to an unaffiliated system user?¡±
No
Not entirely unexpected. ¡°System Query: Is there anything someone can do to ensure that a Guild Representative will not harm or mislead them?¡± Bluebird slowly nodded in approval as the words appeared in that blank space only I could read.
Any official of the System supported Guild must have the Oathbound Trait, requiring that they abide by any oath they have made or suffer consequences.
¡°So, I¡¯d guess that you would like me to make an oath to not harm, mislead or misinform you?¡± Bluebird¡¯s melodic voice wasn¡¯t betraying any emotion, but at least they didn¡¯t sound upset. ¡°Well, yes, but I¡¯d, uhm¡­ I¡¯d like what we talk about to remain between the two of us also.¡± I wasn¡¯t sure how strange my situation really was, but if I stayed around here, I¡¯d rather not have everyone know about certain things. ¡°Sounds sensible¡± Bluebird replied and started tapping at the surface of their desk, words appearing, but at an angle I couldn¡¯t read easily. After a minute or so I had a System notification.
An Oath has been offered by Bluebird, Guild Representative of God¡¯s Bath. So long as Monday March is honest with them and does not deliberately act to damage them, or the people and property of God¡¯s Bath, then Bluebird will not act to harm or mislead Monday March. Additionally Bluebird will not share personal information or conversations without the permission of Monday March. Confirm Oath? Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Yes / No
Focusing on the ¡®Confirm Oath?¡¯ entry, I saw that doing so was simply a matter of confirming aloud, however it did raise another concern. ¡°Confirmed. Now what loophole did you include in the Oath for yourself, Bluebird?¡± I asked. ¡®I was saying it, but like being brusque with Gabby, it felt like I was being pulled? Guided into saying it? ''The System again?'' I wondered. Bluebird frowned, ¡°Why would you think that there is a loophole?¡± ¡°Uhm, because you didn¡¯t say there was not, there was no end date, and I have not yet done anything that could be considered to break the conditions of the Oath that you added? Can you simply state that there are no loopholes for either of us?¡± Again, I felt like I was being led through this conversation when Bluebird¡¯s eyes flashed wide. They paused as their eyes looked between my own and off into space, I expected they were looking at something System related. Slim fingers went back to tapping at the surface of the desk. Shortly another notification popped up.
An Oath amendment has been proposed by Bluebird, Guild Representative of God¡¯s Bath. Bluebird will follow the spirit and not letter of the existing oath established with Monday March for 1 year and 1 day. Should Monday March also maintain the spirit of the agreement for 1 year and 1 day Bluebird will not share personal information or conversations without the permission of Monday March. Confirm amendment to existing Oath? Yes / No
¡°Confirmed. So, Bluebird, why were you leaving loopholes and why did you change your mind?¡± I was curious, and no longer felt pulled in my words towards anything particular. ¡°Honestly? It is very hard to move most system users without the promise of Experience or self interest, and XP is most of the self interest. The loopholes might have allowed me to charge you more experience for helping you.¡± Looking at me really closely, they locked on with their deep blue eyes before they continued. ¡°However the System may occasionally offer rewards for things in its own interest. It acted on your behalf.¡± ¡°That¡­ That sounds a little dangerous as well, or strange at least. Right?¡± ¡°Maybe a little unusual, but hardly dangerous. The System can only offer quests or requests to those with specific traits. I¡¯m guessing you don¡¯t have one of them, so it probably used me as an intermediary. I am surprised it didn¡¯t give it to me as soon as I saw you. Then again, you may have only piqued it¡¯s interest when you were asking about Oaths. Or it may have been testing me¡­¡± Bluebird winced a little. ¡°Be that as it may, I want that reward and am more than willing to help you as much as I can.¡± I considered what had been said. ¡°Aside from helping me, are there any other conditions the system put on you in doing so?¡± ¡°Well, not conditions for helping you. More like bonuses if we can learn some things about your situation, take some system tests and maybe convince you to take courses of action that the system prefers. And some of those might be things I wouldn¡¯t normally suggest, but I need to know what you want before I can actually advise.¡± Blue eyes were still focused on me. ¡°So, Monday March, What do you want?¡± Thinking about all of the things I wanted to know, there was just too much. ¡°So many things; information about the System, what it really means to be a System User, what life is like here, what life is like in other places, what can someone hope to do or be, what really was the Hammering that Buckle mentioned. But mostly, right now, I want to know why my brain and body seem to slip and slide when I look at my grey skin?¡± Tapping at the surface of the desk again, Bluebird asked a few questions and kept moving their fingers as we spoke. ¡°Reborn or Reroll?¡± ¡°They''re different? Reroll.¡± ¡°Yup, reroll is something while you are alive, reborn is like setting up a last ditch save if you die. What is your memory setting, did it say anything about memories when you first woke up?¡± ¡°Ah, fragments. I¡¯m supposed to remember more as I get more experience. Pretty sure that is what it said.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Tap tap tap. ¡°And how much experience do you have right now?¡± ¡°215.¡± Bluebird whistled, ¡°Well, if there¡¯s anything extra I can do to exchange for some of that, let me know. Okay, there are a couple things of interest. Memory fragments are a bit of a misnomer, maybe, well, probably not. Memories gathered from experience for fragments are in fact mostly chronological, and not scattered throughout your life. While you may see images or flashes of things that are from any part of your history, you will probably not see enough for context that comes from higher than your current bodies apparent age. Well, you could, but the required amount of experience increases once they are memories from an older age bracket. Increased when equal to your own and increased even more when they are memories from being older.¡± ¡°So, what does that have to do with¡­¡± Interrupting me, Bluebird explained her guess. ¡°Let¡¯s guess that baby and toddler memories might unlock for you from 10 to100 experience per year. Now most people don¡¯t remember much at that age, but you may have flashes of your own arms or hands. My guess, and it is a guess, is that your current appearance and your memories are at odds.¡± ¡°Oh. Well that¡­'''' Interrupted again, I stopped talking. ¡°Good chance it will fade in a week or so, I expect. Your current memories will start to have more weight than the memories. And if not, there are other options to seek help.¡± The smile seemed intended to be reassuring, but I wasn¡¯t feeling entirely comforted. Chapter 17: Congratulations Chapter 17: Congratulations ¡®Well, that¡¯s better than I feared, but not nearly as positive as I might have hoped¡¯ I thought. ¡°Okay Bluebird, call it an 80 percent chance that it will get better without doing anything. But can you help me understand something else? Even without memories, I have lots of stuff that I ¡®KNOW¡¯, and I don¡¯t feel like my brain is thoroughly juvenile.¡± More tapping, well, quiet tapping, not a clacking, tap tap tap. Then a smile and more melodic Bluebird voice. ¡°Hmmm, guess what? No one is sure, but it has been noted before. Reroll folks don¡¯t come back lacking. Soooo, long story short? The System want¡¯s rerolls to be aspirational and interesting. Records show the least expensive reroll is 10,000 experience. It is Lesser Reroll, per the records, which has generated some incredible individuals.¡± The guild rep stared into space for a moment before continuing. ¡°Monday, most reroll information is from over 100 years ago. At that time there were over 5 times as many System Users in Cecal as there are now. Almost no one now will save even a fifth of that much experience at a time, so the System can¡¯t acquire the amount of experience from users that it once did.¡± ¡°But with less experience from System Users and fewer System Users, how does that even work?¡± ¡°Things keep on keeping on, so ask the System?¡± Closing their eyes for a moment, they took a deep breath and continued. ¡°Sorry, the System has been getting experience from additional sources for years. I¡¯m not positive how it is making it up, or if there is a problem. Mostly what I wanted to say is that an expensive ability is valuable. The system isn¡¯t trying to exploit the buyer, because it wants the buyer to be happy and have the same buyer, or other buyers, also buy it or other expensive things. Basic commerce.¡± ¡°Okay, but how does that make sense of me? I think I¡¯m supposed to be about maybe 10-13 in normal human age, possibly a little older or even younger, but I don¡¯t sound like it, or think like it. Or at least I think so.¡± ¡°Well, you don¡¯t particularly look like it either, maybe a very fit but slightly late to develop 14 or 15? But if you didn¡¯t have obvious advantages, would other System Users be tempted to buy what you did? My guess is that you bought an expensive reroll and got perks, maybe higher base abilities, maybe more complete personality encoding. Speaking of perks, can we talk about what you do have? As my Oath states, I will keep your secrets.¡± Wondering if I was throwing away my secrets I nodded. ¡°Okay, looking out to keep from harming me as your Oath dictates, what should I share, or should I share everything. If so, what is the best way to do so?¡± The guild rep simply nodded. ¡°To give the best advice I should know everything. If we party I can look at your stats with permission. Or you can simply answer what I ask. A little slower, but¡­ Monday, just fill me in. Probably the best way.¡± I listed my status and Bluebird commenced to ask me questions until they had accurately recreated it in full. ¡°Impressive, I can understand why you had no issues bringing Buckle here. Did you manage to acquire any stats, skills or experience during the night?¡± ¡°Yeah, one to all my stats, and those 4 skill levels.¡± Blink, blink, perplexed look, blink. ¡°So you had 203 experience when you started?¡± ¡°200, I have an experience bonus.¡± ¡°25%?!¡± ¡°Only 20%, it appears to round up.¡± My brain flooded with light and tingles before a standard interface with the System appeared. A style with which I was already familiar.
CONGRATULATIONS! Reward granted. Information confirming the updated math for experience bonuses as applied to experience gain. Bonus applied for information freely given to a guild representative without requesting any compensation. Reward payment supersedes normal trait or store limitations. Reward to be applied during the daily personal update process. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
For once I was the one who sought out Bluebird¡¯s eyes. ¡°I just got a reward for confirming experience bonus math, and a bonus for doing so without requesting a reward.¡± Bluebird listened, blinked, shook their head, then facepalmed with such ferocity that I was concerned they had injured themselves. ¡°Monday March, may I ask you to accept less complete information that might¡­ hinder you slightly, but only if I believe it will help all of the System Users, and yourself in the long run?¡± While it sounded like giving something up, maybe it might help more than hurt. But¡­ ¡°Why?¡± The guild rep ran their fingers through their short blue hair. ¡°I¡¯m guessing this is a chance, and that people have been so greedy for so long that¡­ To be effective, it should likely remain a secret, even from you¡± Bluebird took a long slow measured breath and continued talking. ¡°No, I simply am not sure. I won¡¯t lie to you. I¡¯m being offered less experience than what you already have just to help you out, and the reward for helping seems like a big windfall to me. You just got a large bonus for acting as you choose while not knowing some of the guidelines the guild teaches to all affiliated System Users. I¡¯d rather not teach you things that could end up making things harder for you. Does that make sense?¡± ¡°Sure, it makes sense. Unfortunately I may already know too much, if affiliated System Users are probably taught to charge for information. Having heard that, It will probably make it less likely for me to get further rewards for doing so. Depending on how the System even knows? Like if it knows I do it expecting a reward? But I don¡¯t even know what it means to be affiliated as opposed to non-affiliated. I think I at least need to know the rules.¡± ¡°Maybe? Sorry.¡± Bluebird winced and their eyes flickered away from mine. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you know the rules, but maybe not guidelines that could hinder you. Since you asked, Guild affiliated System Users are considered members in some standing. Unaffiliated System Users are simply not associated with the Guild, having retired, or gained System access through a non-standard method. Currently you are unaffiliated, you get to make your choices as to how you want to interact with the Guild. And while there are lots of advantages to joining, it is not all positive. Until you can spend your experience, you are unable to become affiliated anyhow, so it isn¡¯t an immediate choice to make.¡± I just nodded trying to process my situation yet knowing how much more I had to learn. But first. ¡°So in 200 years, no one told a guild master that an Experience bonus rounded up?¡± ¡°Things change, it is entirely possible that Experience bonus percentages did not behave that way previously¡­¡± More tapping, ¡°Triple confirmation in the first two decades of Guild operation that it rounded down. Also, most recorded Experience bonus sources come from classes, which are generally held in low regard, so not much current testing. Also, if a Syssy did admit to having a class, or noticed the information in a different way, they might hope to sell or profit on it. And giving the info to the guild might not be the most rewarding choice.¡± Shaking her head, Bluebird changed the subject. ¡°Okay, before we go into other things that you asked, your status has several positive Boons, some of which are rare and quite good. Your bloodline is very rare, I imagine powerful, and complete; it¡¯s even possible that there are evolutions for it, er, meaning that it can become more powerful. Other than lacking memories and your Bane, you appear to be all upside as far as the System and status goes. Additionally your Bane impacts only yourself and you may be able to manage it with some clever trait choices, skills, magic or items.¡± Bluebird reviewed the wording of Inverted Sobriety. ¡°You may even be able to petition for forgiveness, but I don¡¯t know who the COI is, and they don¡¯t seem inclined to forgive based on the note you shared.¡± ¡°Yeah, I thought that myself. I¡¯d like to know about the things you think might help, but that makes me wonder if my past self was out of other options and had tried everything already.¡± ¡°Hard to say.¡± Said the slim person as they leaned back in their chair. ¡°Might have been old as well, or in some kind of danger and thought this could solve more than one problem with just one purchase.¡± Bluebird redirected the conversation to other aspects of my status. ¡°You said that you gained 1 to all of your unlocked Statistics and 4 new Skills, that right?¡± I nodded. ¡°So, how much did you do yesterday that would qualify as maybe using those skills?¡± I thought about it for a minute. ¡°Hours for the Axe and Chores, maybe 30 minutes or so for sewing, well maybe an hour, it was late. As for Mana Perception, under a minute.¡± There was a long pause from Bluebird before they continued. ¡°Are you sure it was under a minute? And did you do anything specific to use your Mana or increase it?¡± ¡°I''m kind of sure, but not positive.¡± I said as a shook my head. ¡°Buckle showed me making water and I watched the ripples from his Mana. I don¡¯t think I did either of those other things.¡± ¡°Okay then, I¡¯m going to run a little test. I¡¯m going to run a thread of Mana between my hands. I¡¯ll warn you and want you to watch for it. Once you see it, nod so I know you can see it, then try to move it with your mind. It might feel like blowing it with a light breeze, or pulling on a string with an imaginary hand, or anything really. I only want you to try it for 30 seconds. Once that is over I don¡¯t want you to try anything like it until tomorrow. That¡¯s super important for the test, Okay?¡± Bluebird sounded even more serious than when they had been questioning me with the Truthstone. ¡°Okay, Bluebird. I¡¯m ready.¡± Since I didn¡¯t need to succeed, I wasn¡¯t really worried about it. Holding their hands about a half a meter apart and above the desk, Bluebird focused for a few seconds and then spoke. ¡°Go ahead.¡± Chapter 18: Mana Control Chapter 18: Mana Control It took me a few seconds to see the mana ripples between Bluebird¡¯s slim hands. The ripples looked more indistinct than Buckle¡¯s, but stronger in some way. Like it was the difference between a trickle of water coming from the last of a bucket as opposed to a strong gust blowing trees enough to bend them. I nodded and Bluebird nodded back, saying, ¡°Go ahead.¡± I reached out with my mind towards the ripples, not even sure what I was expecting. What I wasn¡¯t expecting was the feeling of getting caught up in a freefall. Air rushing through me and around me, whipping me forth and back as I tumbled. Or my mind tumbled as I still felt the chair beneath me and the soles of my feet on the wooden floor. Reminding myself of the chair, and the wood under my feet I tried to steady my mind. I tried to hold it and bolster it against the ripples that were like strong winds buffeting my thoughts, gales slamming into my attempts at focus, and tornadoes whipping my mind from all angles. Feelings of stability and focus improved slightly, when suddenly my mind was fully back in my body and that body was in the chair looking at Bluebird on the other side of the desk. ¡°All done. Remember not to try anything like that again until tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°Sure, that was hard!¡± I expressed honestly. Cocking their head to the side a little, a slightly unbelieving response came. ¡°What did it feel like?¡± ¡°Strong winds, swirling at my mind as I even tried to reach into the mana between your palms. I probably should have guessed it from your flying, but I imagine you have strong air magic. Well, if that is even a thing.¡± I was pretty sure, but as I had already said, I still need lots of information, and I hadn¡¯t even asked about magic yet. Nodding, they just reminded me of what they had already said. ¡°Well, you can look at Mana more, just don¡¯t try to do anything with it until after we talk tomorrow. I¡¯d like you to come over right after you eat breakfast, Ann did offer you breakfast with the room, right?¡± ¡°Yup¡± ¡°You can read, you said?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯ve been able to read the few words I¡¯ve seen, Pillow and Pie¡¯s sign and the words at the Bath.¡± I said after a few moments of thought. ¡°Okay Monday. If it¡¯s okay with you I am going to prep you a notebook to answer your questions. I¡¯ll answer any additional after you read it¡­ Actually. I¡¯ll have someone run it over to the PnP tonight, so ask Ann for them before you go to sleep, or in the morning. We can talk about it when you come back here.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Nothing that I wanted to know felt like it couldn¡¯t wait another day. ¡°Do you think you can find your way back? Or back here tomorrow? You can ask for directions, or I can send someone with you¡­ I have quite a bit to think about, and to prepare for you if I am going to keep things to¡­ well, what we agreed to, and avoid any possible misleading.¡± Bluebird sounded a little concerned, but also a bit distracted. ¡°I think so, folks seemed friendlier after I didn¡¯t have blood all over my face.¡± I said with a bit of a pointed tone. Bluebird¡¯s lips quirked, ¡°Sorry about that. Let me walk you out, and I¡¯ll see you after you¡¯ve had breakfast tomorrow morning.¡± Opening a drawer in the desk Bluebird fished out a small copper pin. ¡°I¡¯m allowed to hand this out at my discretion after talking with someone. While you could probably qualify for M3 or M4, this will raise fewer questions for now, and prevent having to actually do a test yet.¡± After seeing what looked like a copper stick pin I had to ask. ¡°So what does that even mean? M2, M3 or now M4, like what was up on the sign behind the bar.¡± ¡°A quick and imperfect measure of maturity. Basically, some services can require a proof of understanding consequences and long term agreements, or be unavailable. Since we need you to be able to enter the Guild without too many questions a copper pin, standing for M2, is the easiest solution.¡± ¡°So why did Ann rent me a room without one?¡± It seemed strange I could rent a room like that if there was a form of identification so readily available. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Oh, probably because you had money, and Buckle sent you, and maybe something about it not being hospitable to turn someone away from one of the few rooms inside the walls.¡± I nodded again as Bluebird stood and pointed to their lapel where I now noticed a thin bit of gold. ¡°Pin it there or somewhere visible after I imbue it, and we both need to touch it to do that so touch that end.¡± Holding my fingertip to the offered copper stick I felt a sharp tingle that traveled up my finger and to my palm before fading. Still, I pulled my hand back in surprise. ¡°Sorry, probably should have warned you. It doesn¡¯t do any damage, but it can pack a bit of a sting to the sensitive. Anyhow, would you like me to pin it on for you?¡± Bluebird asked. I agreed, and they explained how to use it as they leaned forward and pinned it into the leather top I was wearing. ¡°If someone questions the pin, or asks for maturity verification just touch it and say your name. Go ahead and do it now so we can make sure it is working right.¡± They said and took a step back. Following the instructions I noticed a copper glow extend in front of my chest, there was a vibration and Bluebird¡¯s voice emerged from the glow. ¡°Monday March, maturity 2 confirmed, God¡¯s Bath Guildhall, April 1st, 210 PC.¡± ¡°Good enough, remember Monday, it works off of your mana, so I¡¯d refrain from using it unless you need to, at least at first. You have a decent Mana Capacity, so it should be fine, but we don¡¯t know yet how you react to using it or depleting too much.¡± Walking to their office door and opening it they gestured me through and walked me out to the street. I noticed a few of the eyes following me again. ¡°I¡¯d tell them to lay off you, but that would probably backfire for a more belligerent sort. No worries, if anyone tries to trouble you call for help or the guard, just never make an aggressive move in God¡¯s Bath. The penalties are severe enough only a fool would bother.¡± I thought there was something left unsaid, but even though it had likely been little more than an hour I wanted a break. ¡°I¡¯ll be back in the morning, though I may try to check on Buckle before coming over here if that is okay?¡± ¡°Okay, do try to go over what I send you. Hopefully it will be there before dinner is over.¡± The short blue hair swayed a little bit as they nodded and turned to return into the Guildhall. Sighing, I turned myself in the direction of the Pillow and Pie and started walking back. God¡¯s Bath certainly isn¡¯t a huge place, no matter which way I turned I could see one of the walls in the distance, if not taller than the buildings, at least at the end of one of the streets. Oddly, it seemed more people smiled or nodded at me now that I wasn¡¯t with Bluebird. ¡®Huh, maybe they aren¡¯t really well liked. Or maybe they are just thought to be overly serious.¡¯ No one called out, and I had more time to look around. There were shops of several kinds, some looked like they had rooms above. The buildings were all wood and stone, as far as I could see. Some more colorful than others. I was about halfway back to the Pillow and Pie when I remembered that I hadn¡¯t dealt with the dead taz in the bundle in the Guildhall office. With another sigh I turned back and made my way back. Arriving at the open doors I walked in and turned left. The receptionist was a black bearded, black haired man with skin so dark it almost matched. He was pretty big, wider than me and only a bit shorter. He also had a few hairs of grey threaded at his temples and rich brown eyes that reminded me of the bark on the pines I¡¯d walked through earlier today. ¡°Welcome back, is there a request you need to make?¡± ¡°I accidentally left a bundle in Bluebird¡¯s office. I¡¯m supposed to collect the bounty or value left in it¡­ It isn¡¯t in great condition though. I¡¯m Monday March by the way, Hi.¡± Belatedly I gave the man a greeting. ¡°Hi Monday March, I¡¯m Crag and I work here most days. Happy to help. Let me run back and get it.¡± I considered warning him about the weight, but he looked like he could handle it. Crag was gone for a couple minutes and came back looking like he was struggling a bit with the glossy green bundle a little bit. He pushed through a swinging door and told me to follow behind. Arriving at a 2 meter by 2 meter block that was about a meter high, Crag hoisted the bundle on top and started undoing the cords. Revealing the slightly digested taz, Crag¡¯s smile faltered a little. ¡°Not great condition, but let¡¯s see. I know you aren¡¯t affiliated, but nothing prevents the unaffiliated from collecting bounties or material rewards. There in the white box¡± Putting my hand where Crag¡¯s chin indicated, I was happy there was no sharp tingle like with the pin. There was a slower, more lingering, feeling of my nerves rippling and coiling in my spine and the back of my neck, then pressure in my brain that was pushing towards my eyes.
Bounty & Disassembly assessment: Corpse of taz, minor, damaged. Likely saved a life when killed. Proximity to inhabited locations: minor. Potential threat: moderate. Material value: minor. Monetary Assessed value: 40.9 dollars. System reward value: Calculated, System reward to be applied during the daily personal update process.
Looking at a portion of the platform Crag and I could both see figures spelling out what I had seen in my own system message. I could see a hint of confusion around his dark eyes. ¡°Well Monday March, the amount seems a little unusual, but 40 dollars and 9 Brass it is.¡± Chapter 19: Ring Language Chapter 19: Ring Language ¡°Thanks Crag, not gonna argue, it is in really poor condition after all.¡± ¡°Sure, here you go, 4 empty silver and 9 brass. And I hope you have a good day.¡± Crag looked a little confused, but nothing that should worry me. I figured I could ask Bluebird if anything still seemed odd to me tomorrow. Looking at the 13 coins in my hand, and pondering the annoyance of having had to juggle the coins and things at the bath I nodded at Crag and figured if I passed a store I might need to get a bag of my own. Or maybe Ann would have a suggestion. ¡®Now, back to the Pillow and Pie!¡¯ I thought as I left the Guildhall again. This time I made it all the way back to the inn. During the walk I counted at least 5 people who had skin which seemed unusual, like my own. A couple in blue, one a vibrant red that seemed almost metallic and glossy and two shades of green. Almost half the people had hair that seemed wildly apart from the more common blond, black, and shades of brown. Most of the different ones were similar to the older lady at the bath, or Dominick or Bluebird - a single vivid shade, or blend, but a couple of these new ones were really unique. I really liked the hair that reminded me of sunlight glinting through the pine tree I woke under, though I had no idea how it was possible or if it meant anything. Entering the Pillow and Pie I paused to see if Ann of the silver hair and blue skin would come out of the back. She did about 10 seconds later. ¡°Oh, Monday. Are you done with your errand?¡± I nodded, thinking about how to ask her for the help I wanted. ¡°Are you having a good afternoon?¡± Ann nodded back, her silver hair rippled and her voice tickling into my ears. ¡°Tomorrow''s bread dough is rising well, and the pie fillings for dinner are all ready.¡± ¡°I was hoping to help you out, and instead of some extra brass, I was wanting, er, I¡¯d like some help finding¡­ Well, what I¡¯m wearing is all I have besides some money. Buckle¡¯s stuff is his, and I want something to put my coins in, and, well, the things I should have?¡± I¡¯m pretty sure there are things people are expected to own, the elusive place in my head that knew what words meant also seemed to indicate that much, however it wasn¡¯t particularly forthcoming about what those might be. Ann squinted at me a little, and I felt a bit self conscious, but she smiled pretty quickly. ¡°Well, you don¡¯t currently seem to need a hairbrush. I have a few things to pick up that I was hoping you could carry, and a few chores around here I was looking to have you help with. We can go do the shopping for you while we pick up the other things if that¡¯s okay?¡± Smiling back I responded, ¡°That sounds good to me, how much money should I bring?¡± Ann paused for a moment. ¡°As long as you are not looking for anything super fancy, you could probably get everything you need for only a dollar or two. Probably not more than 10 dollars if you want good quality, of course there is always more you could get.¡± Turning away, her whisper voice was still clear as she walked to the door. ¡°I¡¯m going to grab a couple bags and let Ernie know that I¡¯ll be out for a bit. Be just a moment.¡± Only a few seconds passed to ponder things I should buy before Ann returned with several sacks in hand. ¡°Before we go out you¡¯ve asked me for help, so please forgive me if I offend with any of my questions.¡± I shrugged and said, ¡°Sure.¡± Even if she said what the old woman at the bath said, Ann¡¯s voice would likely make it far more tolerable. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. ¡°Buckle made your clothes, I can tell, and he wouldn¡¯t put a male in a skirt unless they asked. Couple that with your delicate facial features, I¡¯m pretty sure but would like to confirm that you are female?¡± Seeing me nod in response, she continued. ¡°I can¡¯t quite tell your age, but have you menstruated, spotted or the like?¡± Information trickled into my head as the meanings, relationship to gender, sexuality and procreation wandered about and kind of planted themselves in locations of my consciousness that had either been empty or ignored since I woke under that tree. ¡°Oh, not yet. But I¡¯m in my puberty, so probably sometime? One second.¡± Then I whispered, ¡°System Query: What is the female Giant Blooded experience of menstruation?¡±
Female Giant Blooded capable of conception will experience a consistent fertility cycle, no menstruation is experienced through discharge, however distinctive abdominal cramping may occur.
¡®Eww and Yay?¡¯ I thought. ¡°Well, it looks like my race doesn¡¯t need to worry about that so much, though once I can have babies I¡¯m, er¡­¡± Ann just waved her hand at my discomfort. ¡°Don¡¯t fret, some races are like that. Then we don¡¯t need to worry about that part. Now, undergarments. Do you have any, or want them? You don¡¯t look like you need support for your chest, yet. At least right now.¡± The whispery voice niggled another spot inside my brain and I had a passing thought about how my grey skin would look if I were to blush. While I did rather like the feel of the air that could reach my hidden skin when the leather skirt swayed, I was thinking some covering might be well advised. ¡°Yes, Ann, I¡¯d like some. Maybe nothing here yet.¡± I said as I gestured in front of my chest.¡± ¡°Okay, maybe something in a shorts style.¡± The whispering one had a glint like laughter in her eyes. ¡±Some soap, mouth care, pouch. Then maybe a pack or spare clothes, depending. If you are planning to travel, there might be some other things, but for now, let¡¯s just start with that. Oh, are you interested in dating?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± I felt a bit blindsided by the question. ¡°How does that matter for shopping?¡± I asked, a bit concerned about the answer. ¡°Oh, in God¡¯s Bath and most of Cecal we use ring and circle languages to socially cue interest, what kind, and that sort of thing. Avoids many awkward social instances, if not all.¡± Ann held up her hands, on which there were three rings, one on each little finger done in a thin copper and a slightly thicker silver band on her left thumb. ¡°Let¡¯s go and we can keep talking while we shop.¡± I offered to take the sacks as we left, my coins still clenched in my left hand as I took the bags into my right. ¡°So how does this language work?¡± Ann glanced over at me as we walked side by side in the general direction of the gate I¡¯d used to come into town. ¡°So you are interested?¡± ¡°The tickle in my ears when you talk to me is nice, and I like your smile. I¡¯m not sure if that means I want to date. Mostly I think I should figure out what I¡¯m going to do, but knowing the social cues sounds important.¡± Ann looked up at my eyes for a moment and then glanced away. ¡°Oh, thanks? Up front, you feel a bit young for me. I hope that isn''t too abrupt." She paused and I let out a little uncomfortable smile and shook my head. "The basics are very simple, but it can be very nuanced. It lets people know what I am interested in and comfortable with. Right hand is physical interactions, the left hand is romantic interactions; the least to strongest are little fingers up to the thumbs. So the ring on my left little finger indicates that I am fine with casual physical contact like a handshake, or touching when exchanging objects, if it was on the next finger it might mean that I was okay with casual hugs. ¡°It isn¡¯t cut and dry, but more of a guideline, I suppose. The more you experience it, the more you can understand, but knowing the basics is enough to help at interacting with people.¡± Ann paused in her talk as if waiting for questions. I obliged as I¡¯d remembered Bluebird and Buckle¡¯s ring-less hands while Ann was talking. ¡°So what about people with no rings? Or who can¡¯t wear rings?¡± ¡°For the first, always ask for consent. Rings are implied consent, and situational, so you may see a traveler add or change their rings when going into town, and again when entering a bar or place of business. For the second, check their other jewelry or clothes for circles and symbols. Though they can have meaning, assume that more rings, or more ornate rings, means a stronger sentiment. Or that they are a showoff.¡± Ann glanced back up at my eyes with a grin. ¡°And because you didn¡¯t ask, the ring on my left little finger means I am fine with verbal flirting. But can you guess about the one on my thumb?¡± Thinking about the silver ring for a few seconds I ventured, ¡°Looking for a long term partner?¡± Chapter 20: Shopping Chapter 20: Shopping Ann nodded at my guess, ¡°The left thumb has to do with long term relationships, silver or silvery looking means looking. Brass and gold usually means involved, but depending on the other rings it can¡­¡± Ann looked uncomfortable for a moment and changed subjects. ¡°Looks like we are at our first stop!¡± The building we had arrived at was 2 stories with light grey stone and dark stained wood. Wanda¡¯s Wearables was painted in green on a whitewashed placard projecting out from the wall by a door. Opening the door, Ann held it for me so I could enter, and then she took the bags back from me once we were inside. Various outfits were on dress frames and models around a large room. A woman with pale skin, brown hair, a small hat, various sewing tools on a belt about her non-narrow waist, and a smile turned towards us. ¡°Welcome to Wanda¡¯s, I¡¯m Wanda and, oh Ann! Didn¡¯t expect to see you today. Who¡¯s your friend? They have lovely bone structure! And that skin tone would work for so many colors!¡± Wanda had stopped working and been approaching the two of us as words gushed from her. I looked down at her, not way down, but she might have come up to my shoulders if I slouched. ¡°Hello Wanda, I¡¯m Monday March.¡± ¡°Monday, Monday, Monday! May I call you Monday?¡± Not slowing or waiting for me to respond, her words continued to tumble out, washing into us as if we¡¯d stumbled in the surf. ¡°Such stature, such presence! I do hope that you are here to buy, dear. I¡¯ve 4 outfits that I already want to make for you! What do you both need today?¡± Wanda looked back and forth between us and was actually paused for an answer. Ann and I looked at each other before the silver haired innkeeper responded. ¡°Wanda, Monday March needs a purse, pack, bag or pouch, a couple pairs of underskirt garments that won¡¯t flash too much skin. Any additional clothes should be discussed after, but you both will need to decide on cost. The two of us have additional errands to run, so if we can wrap this up in 15 minutes or so, that would be appreciated.¡± Wanda nodded as she tapped a thimble capped finger against her bottom lip. ¡°Well, well, well. Monday March, let me take some measurements and talk over options. I¡¯ll set you up with a pair of undershorts, and a small backpack that would normally run a total of 7 dollars, for only 5. IF you allow me to sell you at least one outfit for about 10 dollars. I¡¯ll plan 3 and you can select it after seeing the quick sketches.¡± I agreed and the next 15 minutes were a blur of activity. Questions about color, measurements of my body while Wanda stood on a small stool and had me turn about, comments about Buckle¡¯s craftsgoblinship and my lack of footwear. Presented with 3 quick sketches; a simple short dress with sleeves to the elbows and a length that would run just below the knees, a short robe which could work as pajamas or casual wear that would cover my full arms but only extend down to my mid thighs, and a pair of bell bottomed jeans and a tank top. There were notes about possible colors, and I spent some time troubled in deciding between the robe and the blue jean outfit. Wanda noted my indecision and seemed to glance off to where Ann was standing before she played into my indecision. ¡°Hard to make a decision, hmmm? Well Monday, if you buy all three and let me pick all of the colors I¡¯ll sell you all of it for 30 dollars, and include a pair of sandals, a hoodie, an extra pair of undergarments of my choice, and 3 brass rings. What do you think?¡± Doing some quick math, that would still leave me with 70 dollars and change. I glanced about the shop and didn¡¯t see anything else that jumped out at me which I might need, however¡­ ¡°Wanda, I¡¯ll take that deal if you can make sure that each outfit has a couple of pockets that I can actually use.¡± Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Wanda glanced at the sketches and agreed. ¡°They won¡¯t be good for hoarding, it would ruin the lines, but I respect a good pocket.¡± She said with a wink. The shorter woman buzzed about the shop, into a couple cabinets and gathered an oddly shiny blue backpack and 2 pairs of undershorts. ¡°I¡¯ll take 10 now, and the other 20 when you pick up the rest. Give me until at least midafternoon tomorrow. The pack is treated slimeskin, waterproof and durable.¡± Wanda gave me a brief rundown of the openings, straps, pockets and features of the slimeskin backpack. ¡°It should be big enough to hold the outfits I¡¯m making, and a bit more¡± I exchanged an empty silver for the pack and 2 articles of clothing, and immediately added the rest of the coins in my hand to a small pocket inside the pack under the opening flap. After also adding one pair of shorts to the pack, I was directed behind a folding screen to put on the other pair. The ones she sold me were a soft beige fabric that contrasted with my grey skin, I struggled to clamp down on the shiver as I considered my coloration. I slipped the pack over my back, thanked Wanda and told her I¡¯d be back tomorrow afternoon. The shopkeeper warned me that I would have to try them on in case they needed last minute alterations. Ann waved me to follow her after handing the bags back to me. I enjoyed not having one hand occupied with coins as I took them and followed. We stopped a few buildings over at what looked like a small warehouse with 2 doors. ¡°Goode¡¯s General Goods¡± was painted on a door that looked like a loading bay, besides which was a smaller door where we paused. ¡°Pop the bags in your pack for now, Monday March. I¡¯m going to do some bargaining. I¡¯d suggest you shop for soap, a towel and tooth care. All that should be in the shelves and cases to the right. If you knew you were going to be hunting or traveling, a mess kit and canteen would be worth considering. Probably worth picking up a small knife even so, just a generally useful tool.¡± Ann smiled, squared her shoulders, and silver haired head held high, opened and marched through the door. The door chime was an odd clang that was loud and flat, objectionable after listening to Ann¡¯s whisper. She gestured for me to go to the left and start my shopping as she opened her mouth and spoke in a way I¡¯d not heard from her before, or from anyone. A gust of wind whipped through the shelves and reverberated off the walls as suddenly Ann¡¯s voice filled the warehouse, and not simply my ears. ¡°Benjamin Franklin Goode! I¡¯m here to pick up the order for the Pie, kindly review the contents with me so we can conclude our monthly dealings!¡± Shaking my head I started looking for my future things, trying to ignore the rushed footsteps and intense conversation going on by the door. I¡¯d just found the soaps and was looking at a rather odd brown lump when a very fake sounding throat clearing occurred near my left elbow. ¡°Excuse me, Em. That is our hunter¡¯s soap, good for leaving no scent on you. Is there anything that I can help you find?¡± I looked down into the smiling face of a young girl in a yellow dress, a little over a meter tall. Smiling back in kind I decided I could use the help to be ready when Ann was done. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Monday March. I¡¯m looking for a few things and I would be happy to have some help. What soap would you suggest for not too much cost that would be good enough for cloth and skin?¡± ¡°Well Monday March, I¡¯m Millie Goode and it would rather depend on how tough your skin is. Something strong enough to get out dirt or grease might be too harsh for your skin, so many people buy both.¡± Given my Skin of the World, I wasn¡¯t overly concerned so I settled for something meant for clothes, but not ¡®too harsh¡¯. Happy with the selection, and hoping there were fewer options for the rest of my things, I let Millie know what I needed. ¡°Thanks'' Millie Goode, I could also use a towel, something for tooth care and a knife.¡± ¡°At Goode¡¯s General Goods we don¡¯t sell weapons, Em. Er, sorry Monday March. We do have cooking knives and small knives usable as tools if that would be good enough?¡± Her dirty blond pigtails bobbed as she expressively indicated another row with a case that had several objects locked inside. ¡°How about we find your other things first, and then I can show you the knives after?¡± ¡°That will be fine Millie Goode.¡± I replied to her business smile with a grin of my own. Chapter 21: More Shopping Chapter 21: More Shopping Millie led me to an area with towels, tarps, tablecloths and various other textiles not starting with the letter ¡®T¡¯. It appeared that for many things in the triple G (Goode¡¯s General Goods) there were 3 classes of items: Basic and cheap, things made of strange or monstrous materials at mid ranged prices, and fancy items that might be magical in some way or just really fancy. Towels, for instance, came in simple undyed woven rectangles ranging in size from 20cm squared to 2 meters by 1 meter. Those were cheap at 1 brass for the smallest and 2 dollars for the biggest. For 3 dollars you can get a clever strap of grey monster material that absorbs twice as much as one of the big towels, but with some ¡®simple¡¯, according to Millie, mana control it will dry in a few seconds. More expensive towels were largely represented by a sample book with only a few on the shelf, dyed and monogrammed, or with anti-staining features, they ran from 5 to 25 dollars if the sample book was to be believed. Tooth care was likewise oddly distributed along the economic range, a tooth and tongue scraper carved from wood was only a brass and could be bought paired with a month of tooth powder for 3 brass. A brush was a dollar and toothpaste was similarly priced. A mouth slime was 5 dollars, but could last for decades if used at least twice per day, eating foreign objects in the mouth and between teeth then spat back into its flask. It also left the breath smelling like a cross between ginger and rosewater. A pair of fancy brushes that vibrated and apparently ¡®magicked¡¯ their way about the user¡¯s mouth were twice that price, or more depending on the materials used. Despite the downside of slurping in and spitting out a living slime being, I leaned heavily in that direction. Tentatively mentally selecting the slime and the auto drying towel, Millie brought me over to the case with the knives. Even the least expensive day to day knife with an edge was 4 dollars, and it didn¡¯t look particularly sharp or sturdy. There was a multi-tool that had a knife, leather punch, mini saw and fire starter, but it was 35 dollars and all the tools were probably worse and more expensive than buying them individually. Highly tempted by a translucent blade that Millie said was made of crystalized bone of some sort for 20 dollars, I realized I really wasn¡¯t sure I even needed a knife, and if I did, what kind would be best. Sensing my change in attitude Millie scrambled to salvage the situation. ¡°It¡¯s a pretty knife, and the edge will stay sharp very well, Monday March.¡± ¡°But you said it¡¯s crystal, isn¡¯t crystal brittle?¡± ¡°Crystalized bone!¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t bone brittle too?¡± Uncertain how I knew the tensile strength of crystals and bones, I still felt pretty certain that this could be an issue, and Millie didn¡¯t seem to be denying it either. ¡°Well, it may not be as tough as some other stuff, but it is very sharp and will last if you are careful.¡± Millie sounded quite certain. ¡°Sorry Millie, maybe tomorrow? I don¡¯t need it right now, but I¡¯ll happily buy the monster towel, mouth slime and 2 chunks of the soap we were talking about.¡± The smaller girl deflated a little bit, but her pigtails bounced as she went to gather the items we discussed. ¡°Okay, but if you come back for a knife, or anything, just ask for me!¡± Exchanging an empty silver coin for an empty copper one and my new items I asked Millie if I could come back tomorrow if I had any trouble with the towel. She looked at me funny so I had to explain, ¡°I¡¯m not supposed to try and do anything with mana until tomorrow, but I watched what you did, so hopefully it will be okay.¡± Millie still seemed confused, but agreed, and we talked for a couple more minutes before Ann¡¯s voice tickled in my ears, calling me over to the big door by where we came into the store. Wishing Millie a good day, I headed off. As I approached I could hear a man¡¯s voice. ¡°...told you Ann, everything¡¯s there and it¡¯s the 1st, so the cart¡¯s busy, but we will get it over to the PnP before dark.¡± You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Less whispery, but still airy, Ann¡¯s voice whipped about. ¡°No need, Benjamin Franklin Goode, I brought a porter to save you the trouble.¡± I could see a different smile on Ann, thin and tight, directed at a thin man with wispy pale hair. He had wet lips, brown tidy clothes and a twitchy smile. Licking his lips he replied, ¡°No need for that, Ann. Delivery is included, after all. All part of good service.¡± ¡°Ah, but the last 2 months have had issues with the delivery, so no need to take the risk. Seeing, of course, that I am already here and prepared to take the items for the agreed upon price.¡± The tight smile remained, yet the warmth I¡¯d previously seen in her silver eyes was completely absent. ¡°Now Ann, we sorted all that out, no extra charge or anything. I even threw in that extra dozen eggs.¡± He wheedled. ¡°Certainly, Benjamin Franklin Goode, after 5 hours spent with you going over the mistaken orders. Many of those hours were filled with compliments towards my appearance and capabilities, yet no actual effort was spent to find out what had caused the mistakes. For those hours I received a dozen eggs, an apology and no admission of wrongdoing by your company or the driver.¡± The tight smile remained, the eyes were now slightly more narrow and looked to be pinning the brown clad man in place. ¡°But Ann¡­¡± He broke off as I stood by Ann and pulled the bags out of my pack. Putting my new pack back over my shoulders, I eyed the stack of filled sacks and boxes that were waiting to be transported. I set 2 bags down on the floor, opening and spreading them so I could start transferring the stack into the bags. Seeming to find some confidence while watching me bag the purchases, the shop owner started talking again with a hint of bravado. ¡°Ann, we wouldn¡¯t want the poor thing to strain themselves would we? Those thin arms and legs will certainly suffer. Let me wait for the cart and we will deliver it first thing, I promise.¡± Her voice continuing to whip around the three of us, Ann retorted, ¡°Benjamin Franklin Goode, I am excluding Millie so you can save face, but not my porter, so I have a witness. I have told you twice that while I am indeed looking for a romantic partner, you have been considered, and I am not interested. Further attempts to gain additional time to anno¡­ pardon me. Further efforts to gain additional time in my presence to woo me will not be appreciated and, if they impact our business relationship, may remind me to caution others who do business with you to more carefully examine their dealings so as to ensure the fair exchange of goods and services.¡± ¡®Oh that explains something.¡¯ I thought. I glanced up from my bagging to see his response. I wasn¡¯t disappointed. His brow wrinkled and eyes darted around and landed on my work before he changed the subject. ¡°You cannot honestly think she will be able to deliver this all at once without a cart. It is a waste of your time and money.¡± The words that filtered into my ears from him were labeled smug, condescending, infuriating. I felt the same pressure as when being spoken to by the Granny at the bath. ¡°If you want to belittle me, it would be best to not do so while I can hear you.¡± I stood to my full height and looked down at him. While taller than Ann, Goode was not of particularly exceptional height. ¡°I believe that I can do what I have sold my services to do. In truth, I believe that I can carry all of this with no rest and without setting this down directly to the Pillow and Pie.¡± ¡°Pfft, no way, I¡¯d like to see it! Even if you have some interesting bloodline, I bet you can¡¯t.¡± In my peripheral vision, I could see that my blue skinned innkeep was about to say something but gestured to her to stop. ¡°Bet? How much?¡± I prodded. ¡°Hah! More than you¡¯ve seen!¡± Oh that bluster and oily bravado. ¡°Ah, so more than 10 dollars?¡± I said, trying to seem depressed. ¡°Of course, small change, I deal in gold coins every week you fool.¡± Goode escalated from bravado to braggadocio. I¡¯m still not certain how attempting to belittle me in front of Ann was supposed to win her favor, but that didn''t slow him. ¡®Perfect,¡¯ I thought. ¡°More than 50?!¡± His chin raised so he could still look down his nose up at me. ¡°Of course, you have no idea of real business! 50 dollars is nothing!¡± Raising my voice to make sure that Millie, who I was pretty certain was just around the nearest shelves, could hear I spoke with a smile. ¡°Okay, 50 dollars it is, Benjamin Franklin Goode. I bet Shopkeeper Goode 50 dollars that I can carry all these items to the Pillow and Pie without resting or setting any of it down until I get there. Ann, please hold my bet for me. Millie, can you make sure I don¡¯t cheat?¡± Pulling my pack back around I dug out 5 coins from my pack I still had on me and handed them over to Ann, whispering. ¡°The other silver is in my room, if you can cover for me. I think you want this to happen.¡± By the time I finished I could see Millie peering around one of the shelves. Ann simply nodded at me with her warmest smile yet. Chapter 22: A Bet Chapter 22: A Bet Ann smirked and I did my best to not react. I saw Goode¡¯s eyes flicker over to Millie before he tried to backpedal. ¡°Now, now, I never said it was a bet¡­¡± ¡°You said you would bet, I asked how much, you said more than I¡¯d seen.¡± I paused to see if he would disagree, though his eyes shifted and he didn¡¯t deny it. ¡°I¡¯ve seen,¡± I paused thinking back to Buckle¡¯s pouch when I received the 7 empty silver, ¡°at least 200 dollars at once, probably 250. You said you would easily bet more than I¡¯d ever seen. Sadly, I¡¯m not that wealthy myself, and felt I should keep some back in case an accident happens and I lose, and it seems a fraction of what you care about¡­¡± Pausing again I saw Goode glance at Ann, then Millie, then Ann again. ¡°I mean, if you can¡¯t stand by your words or can¡¯t afford to¡­¡± ¡°Fine! Ann, hold the money. Millie, make sure she doesn¡¯t damage the delivery, rest, or set her burden down until she is inside the Pillow and Pie.¡± His words were measured, but there was subtle heat present, as he added silver coins to Ann¡¯s other hand. I nodded at him, ¡°Best to show your daughter that it is best to follow through when you make an arrangement, even if it causes a short term loss.¡± Looking over at the girl who had fully emerged from behind the nearby shelving. ¡°Millie, I¡¯ll wait until the door is open and then I¡¯ll pick up these two bags. Once I do, please make sure that I don¡¯t set them down, or stand still for more than,¡± looking at her father, he looked troubled then held up all his fingers on his right hand. ¡°The count of 5.¡± Looking from her father back to me she nodded, ¡°Okay Monday March, don¡¯t stand still or you lose!¡± Her pigtails swayed cutely, and I smiled at her. ¡°Shopkeeper Goode, do you need to arrange for someone to close or lock the store once the door is open? I¡¯m planning to move once the door is open, you know?¡± Licking his lips, the man sighed and grimaced. ¡°Monday, huh?¡± He smirked at me, probably having come to terms with his likely loss, in more than one sense, and attempting to make it a lesson for himself and his daughter. ¡°Millie, stay close to Ann and keep a good eye on ¡®Monday March¡¯. I need to lock up after I open the door, but will catch up as soon as I can.¡± While the door was being opened I gathered the loose portions of the sack tops into knots that I could grip for the return to the Pillow and Pie. To me it seemed as if Ann¡¯s eyes were dancing, she had taken Millie¡¯s hand and looked ready to follow as soon as I started to move. Once the big warehouse door was open I nodded at Shopkeep Goode, reached down and in rapid succession heaved the laden bags up and over my shoulders, my hands holding the tops of the sacks near my chest, and the weight of the burden spread over my shoulders and down along my back, pressing the slimeskin pack tightly into me. Luckily none of the new items inside it seemed to have overly sharp corners. Ann and Millie followed behind me as I walked, though Ann¡¯s whispers would remind me of any turns I needed to make. The walled village of God¡¯s Bath wasn¡¯t enormous, by my estimation, and what I was hauling wasn¡¯t that much heavier than the pack Buckle had put on me, but the bags were more awkward to deal with, bumping and shifting as we made our way through the streets. About half way back, I heard the shopkeeper¡¯s voice huff a little behind me. ¡°So Millie, no breaks?¡± ¡°No Papa, Monday is strong!¡± A sigh was followed by a good natured response. ¡°She certainly does seem to be. Probably a good bloodline power for strengthening the body. Remember Millie, if you want one it can be amazing, but you have to put in the work to grow it so it can be something this good.¡± Stolen novel; please report. Hopefully something in the pages Bluebird was sending over might help me make sense of what was being said. I knew the system said I have a giant bloodline, but there are also bloodline powers? Ah well. ¡®One foot in front of the other.¡¯ As we got closer, Ann guided me to the alley behind the Pillow and Pie. ¡°Sorry Millie, I have to go ahead and open the door for Monday, Mind your father now.¡± The innkeeper skirted around me and swiftly moved ahead to a large door, manipulating something and opening it shortly before I arrived. She waved me inside and I realized I was in a storage area adjacent to a large kitchen, presumably in the Pillow and Pie. Turning around carefully I met the eyes of Benjamin Franklin Good, ¡°Sufficient?¡± With a little squint and a bit of an eye roll, he replied. ¡°Set them down carefully and without damage, then we will agree.¡± Carefully I lifted the sack on my right shoulder up and gently lowered it to the ground, taking extra caution to support it in case the contents shifted. Then using both hands I repeated the procedure with the second bag. ¡°Well won, Monday March. Ann, please provide the winnings. And I¡¯ll do my best to comport myself¡­ ah, appropriately.¡± There was a good natured sigh before he continued. ¡°Now, Millie. What did your father learn, and what should you learn, from this little adventure?¡± ¡°Uhm, don¡¯t make bets in the middle of the day when you will have to close the store?¡± ¡°Well, that is A lesson, and probably a good one. However, do you think that I intended to have made a bet?¡± Twisting one of her pigtails with her hand, head cocked a little to the right, Millie was deep in thought. ¡°Probably¡­ not?¡± ¡°Correct, so how did I end up involved in this bet? The girl¡¯s forehead wrinkled. ¡°It is something I had warned you not to do, but I did it myself today.¡± The father expectantly led Millie¡¯s thoughts in the direction he wanted. ¡°You said something wrong?¡± ¡°I did say something wrong, but it is more important to know how I ended up saying something wrong. I spoke¡­¡± Realization dawned as Millie spoke as if reciting something learned by rote. ¡°Never speak thoughtlessly, or people will think you don¡¯t have a thought!¡± Wet lips spread wide, the father smiled at his daughter. ¡°Indeed Millie, I spoke thoughtlessly towards Monday March, and became trapped in my own words trying to show off for Innkeep Ann. For which they both have my apologies. Now, Innkeeper Ann, might you have any deserts available that I can purchase today?¡± ¡°We do have a blueberry pie fresh today, were you wanting slices, or the entire pie?¡± Leaving the pie talk to the innkeep and shopkeep I dropped down to be at Millie¡¯s eye level. ¡°Thank you for being our judge for the bet.¡± ¡°Sure Monday March. Now that you have extra money, do you want to buy a knife?¡± The indomitable sales person asked. With a grin on my face, ¡°Not today, Millie Goode. I¡¯ve still some chores to do for Ann, and hopefully some reading later.¡± ¡°Ugh, I always have to do reading, and it is almost never stories. Well, I do have some stories, but Father and my tutor say stories should teach things, and that my pony stories and fairy stories don¡¯t teach very much. But I say ponies and fairies are way better than history and geography and math! You think so too, right?¡± Thinking about it seriously, the only way to think about it when being so seriously looked at by Millie Goode, I answered honestly. ¡°I don¡¯t remember ever reading a pony or fairy story, so when I do, I¡¯ll give you my opinion. Is that okay?¡± Her eyes rolled before Millie realized the true horror of what had been said and her eyes snapped wide. ¡°Never read a fairy or pony story? Or a fairy pony story? Or a pony fairy story?!¡± Somberly I shook my head. ¡°Not that I remember.¡± ¡°Of course you would remember! You can borrow one of mine if father says it¡¯s okay. Or maybe we could read together¡­¡± Ouch, pleading little girl look. ¡°I¡¯ll stop by the store tomorrow, and we can ask him, okay Millie? But right now I have some more tasks to do for Ann, and I think your father wants to get back to the store.¡± I¡¯d actually noticed that shopkeep Goode seemed to be bemusedly watching our conversation. ¡°Yes, come along Millie. And Monday March, thank you for the lesson. I do hope that we will see you tomorrow.¡± Taking Millie¡¯s hand with one of his own, and a bag with what I expect was a pie in the other, the pair walked off. I waved back at Millie when she looked over her shoulder at me and smiled. Chapter 23: Organization, Introductions, and Information Chapter 23: Organization, Introductions, and Information Ann closed the door as the father and daughter pair got further away. Once shut she let out a sigh laced with a hint of a groan. ¡°Thank you Monday March, that went far better than I could have expected.¡± Thinking of the 50 dollars I¡¯d made from the bet, I mean I only made 90 from saving Buckle¡¯s life and the taz corpse, I smiled. ¡°I¡¯m glad, Ann. And thank you for playing along about the amount. I have the extra, just not with me. And it really is okay if you want to simply call me Monday. Anyhow, what else did you need help with?¡± For the next hour or so, we put away the items from the delivery, and I helped lift things as she had us reorganize the pantry and storage. During this process there were only a couple incidents of note. One came as a pair of people walking down the stairs into the kitchen. Billie and Bernie were a pair of similar looking people in aprons with dark hair, light blue eyes and nearly identical smiles. ¡°Billie, Bernie - this is Monday March. She¡¯s staying for at least a day or two, and helping us with a few chores when she has a chance. Say hi and get to work, you can chat later if you¡¯ve an interest.¡± Ann wasn¡¯t quite dismissive of them, but certainly seemed to be minimizing a long introduction. ¡°I¡¯m Billie, and I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s Tuesday Em, so just not your day I guess?¡± There was a wink and I detected a quick glance at my hands. While generally similar in appearance, Billie was distinctly more female with wider hips and more¡­ curvy. Her own hands were free of rings aside from a pair of thin rings on the left thumb. Bernie had a matching pair of rings on his left thumb, one brass or gold, the other a silvery metal. He simply nodded at me with a smile and headed off into the main part of the kitchen. Billie shrugged, and turned to the kitchen as well. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s Bernie. Talk to you later, Monday March.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you Billie, Bernie.¡± I replied as I returned to moving a few more heavy things. It was still a little perplexing that nothing had felt overly burdening yet. While Bluebird hadn¡¯t specifically mentioned anything about my stats, this did have me wondering if my Physical Power was truly extraordinary. The other interesting occurrence took place while Bernie was coming back into the kitchen with some fresh vegetables he''d returned with from outside. Right behind him was a youngster with a buzz cut and floppy ears atop their head. The kid looked around and walked over after he spotted me. ¡°Monday March, right? I got somethin¡¯ for you from the guild, an¡¯ I need yer initials.¡± Holding out a clipboard with a fat pencil on it in his right hand, he gestured towards it with a small notebook in his left hand. Setting down the bag of dried beans I¡¯d been moving, I looked at the paper on the clipboard. It indicated receipt of a note with information for Monday March. ¡°It says here that it requires my signature. And you are Kip?¡± With a roll of brown eyes, ¡°Yes Em, I¡¯m Kip, and most folks just initial upon receipt. Sign if you want to.¡± He said while handing me the notebook that was tied shut with a small cord. I scrawled off a hasty rendition of my name, realizing that it probably wasn¡¯t much of a signature unless I practiced it more. ¡°Thanks Kip, see you around.¡± The kid squinted at me for about 5 seconds before sighing and turning to leave. Witnessing this Ann called out and told him to wait a moment. Grabbing something from a jar on one counter she went over and held it out for the boy to take. ¡°Kip, she¡¯s new to God¡¯s Bath, and you should know better than to expect anything for general delivery. It is a part of your job, you know.¡± Kip blushed as he grabbed what looked like a small cookie from Ann¡¯s hand. ¡°Sorry Em, I¡¯ll try to remember.¡± And he left after making a small nod to both of us. I snorted at the exiting Kip and pulled my pack off so I could slide the notebook inside. ¡°Thanks Ann, are extra payments expected for deliveries and when other people do things for you?¡± If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Tips or gratuities? Nah, not really the culture in God¡¯s Bath unless people really go above or beyond expected performance, people should charge what they want to get paid. But kids like Kip get spoiled sometimes and get used to it.¡± Ann chuckled and that tickle in my ears caused the skin on the back of my skull and neck to tighten. ¡°About 5 more minutes and we will be at a fine point for stopping. Dinner will start serving in a touch over an hour, but if you are hungry I can get you some stew and bread now.¡± I just shook my head, and we dove back into wrapping up the reorganization. Then Ann handed me a small cookie and told me that she would see me for dinner. By this point I knew that the stairs by the kitchen went to the space where Ann, Bernie and Billie lived, so I went out through the double door to the area with the tables, couches and fireplace. Rather than sit alone in my room and read, the couches looked welcoming and I allowed myself to be welcomed after slipping the pack off my back. Placing the pack in my lap, I untied the cord from the notebook and opened it to a handwritten note on the first page. Monday March - Taking inspiration from a desire to get to bed sometime before tomorrow, I jotted down a few key things and sent them over earlier, rather than later. We can always provide you with more, but hopefully what I¡¯ve included will sooth some of your worries, and smooth some of your interactions. -God¡¯s Bath GM Bluebird Pretty straight forward, though I am not sure if their speed was intended to my benefit, or their own sleep schedule. Guild Rules: Yes, those are the only guild rules. I went through it all and these are the only System issued rules. Everything else is procedures created by the Guild after inception and the consequences for not following those procedures. I¡¯m only including a few regulations and benefits that might assist in any relationships and understanding guild member behavior. Guild Regulations for affiliated members: Guild Benefits for affiliated members: As you can see, the Guild generally behaves as a full employment and task spot for System Users of all sorts and Adventurers, Merchants, and Professionals. Non system users get fewer benefits, and cannot pay in experience, however they are often employed and employers, trainers and trainees. There are also banking options, skill and combat training, often consumables, information and some guilds even have lodging. Information about the system is best discussed after some of the history you asked about, and as that would also help to inform about life in God¡¯s Bath and elsewhere, we can start with what Buckle called the Hammering. Some call it the Chaos or the Catastrophe, others the Great Catastrophe or the Hammering. What I know from the information in your status is that you existed before it occurred, and you should awaken memories of that time eventually, unless you were a newborn then. Over 200 years ago, the planet Earth was a mess, and humans had made it so. So by the old marking of the time it was the middle of the 21st century and things were well and truly a mess. Resources were present, but the damage to the environment had slipped past the point of a quick fix (any new plans had an estimation of centuries rather than decades to have an impact) and people were starting to crave the energy that had once been so inexpensive and plentiful. I settled in for what looked like a depressing read. Chapter 24: Exposition and Dinnertime Chapter 24: Exposition and Dinnertime Settled into the couch I kept reading the information from the notebook that Bluebird had provided. As I absorbed the words, it painted a dark picture. People had done pretty well, a reasonably high level of culture as far as humans had decided culture worked, some major bad things like the frequent wars, ethnic cleansing, and social media; but some decent stuff like the occasional bouts with representative governments, religious freedom, and universal health care. Of course, being able to experience these optimistic opportunities depended on where you lived and who you allowed to govern you. Come 2050 or so (212 years ago by my math) some clever folks decided the best way to gain power was to generate power, as in a new source of energy. Now the people that still controlled the old resources were happy to keep raising the price, and the people seeking new sources had gotten more and more desperate. Sure, the established group were happy to buy out any advancements that might ensure an additional 0.1% of the time they could hold their power base, but their commitment to finding inexpensive energy, or sources they could not directly control, was similar to multiplying by zero. ¡°12:04:06 GMT September 22nd 2050 AD International governing bodies and independent researchers recorded worldwide seismic reactions and bright flashes detectable from satellites. The quantities and locations of the flashes did not match noted ground installations but were registered by orbital surveillance. The epicenters of the seismic reactions were not associated with any known geothermal hotspots.¡± This was one of the last broadcasts before things went completely¡­ strange. Apparently those clever folks had found a way to tie Earth into an energy that was not native to Earth. Great! Free energy, right? Well, there was a new source of energy, but it was like having solar, wind or tidal power potential, with no infrastructure to harness that energy. Immediately it was called Mana, as an homage to something from an old religion, a gift from heaven when people were in need. But apparently things started breaking apart. Communication networks failed. Vast numbers of people and things vanished. Some materials disappeared which caused catastrophic damage as they were critical for various functions, something called plastic was just gone. Records from that time show, that while normal communications suffered greatly, information was still being distributed before the curtains were raised. Worldwide populations had dropped by 90% and threats unimagined were on the rise over the course of a few years. International reports of Kaiju and Dragons, local agencies reporting assaults by sea creatures and trees, whispers of hauntings by angels, demons, gods, and aliens. Many of the reports were confirmed as true. The new energy, and Mana did stick as the name for reasons, was reactive to thought and could manifest results beyond expectation or control. Unfortunately, the destruction that raged over the planet was severe, and with each passing day, order and human security were reduced. Though Bluebird¡¯s description depicted a horrible experience, many things were glossed over, represented as statistics rather than events. At least it seemed that way to me. It was estimated that within 3 months of Mana''s introduction, the world population dropped by over 50%. At the start of the next year the System went online. Though older Artificial Intelligence systems had almost universally been lost during the first stages of the Cataclysm, there were enough people with technological savvy and capability of working with the new energy to cobble the System together. Fed with data day after day, the System AI was encouraged to help find a response to the new energy. Either a way to end it, or prevent it from continuing the chaos that crushed more and more of the dwindling numbers of people. Smashing into the humans who remained were dangers once felt to be the domain of fiction and dreams. Unfortunately for homo sapiens, as with climate change and war, they were their own worst enemy. Experiments confirmed that with the world flooded with Mana, their minds were triggering events leading to the very chaos they wanted the System to help stop. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Eventually an Initiate tied themselves to the System to try and help control their Mana reaction. It worked. Within months there were thousands of Initiates with various skills and plans for how to integrate humans into safe coexistence with the new energy. The first step that the System AI, System Initiates and System Administrators implemented was the raising of the Curtain. Unable to turn off the connection to the new energy, they worked to focus it, so there would be areas that were of a lower Mana density. Almost a year and a half after the System came online, the Curtains were raised. While it greatly lessened the daily chaos, the Cataclysm had already taken a massive toll. At that time the latest world wide System information reported under 900 million humans were alive on Earth. The surface of the planet was then divided by intense Curtains of Mana. How many sections exactly is unknown as data transmission has been significantly curtailed once the curtains rose. These Curtains were packed with such high Mana density that simply approaching them with unprotected minds could unleash massive manifestations. Even purely physical objects larger than a grain of sand were noted to be distorted or destroyed. Pre Hammering animals with migratory instincts were forced to adapt or die. Cecal¡¯s area inside the Curtain is big, over 180,000 square kilometers and extending into the ocean a goodly way. Though all of the threats and changes did not pass at once, some stability returned and people were once again able to attempt to influence the world to stabilize their situation, rather than just struggle for survival. With the Curtains raised, and ambient Mana reduced, vast numbers became System Initiates and worked to master this new energy and incorporate it into their lives. Time passed and between the remaining Mana and the System, there were changes to the people that remained. Discussions of hastened evolution or alternative genetic expressions for adaptation were discussed. It was all lacking in confirmation, but certainly discussed. For a hundred years, System Users were on the rise, monsters fought each other and humans. While the population grew again, it was kept in check by the threats from the environment. Settlements were generally secure, but might be devastated if a threat was too large. As that first century came to an end, there was a series of breakthroughs in non-System mana adaptation. Bloodlines had begun to be noted among System Initiates for decades, but now they were breeding true for even those without any connection to the System. In addition more people were advancing Mana skills in ways both unique and magical. The Second Century AC saw a slow but steady drop in System Initiates and an equally steady increase in various unassisted Mana users. Combined with the establishment of enclaves devoted to particular bloodlines or Mana abilities, these differences drove some conflict in Cecal beyond battles with monsters. A new horror also erupted at the end of the first century and only grew to greater concern, feral goblins. Once human, these creatures were born from Mana and overly many attunement or bloodline traits clashing in a single being. Horribly, they could also breed true. While a person might unintentionally become a goblin, sometimes things didn''t go well for their mind and Mana balance. Thus came a threat that could rise within an existing community, or run loose and gain power in the wilds. Non-human monsters were bad enough, formerly human monsters shook people. Shook their spirits, morale, and made them question if other ¡®monsters¡¯ were also just people. ¡°Hey Monday, Dinner has been serving for quite a while. We¡¯ve an open small table right now if you want to eat there.¡± Ann¡¯s whisper cut through the reading I¡¯d been focused on, the words on the page tossed aside by my nerves tingling. ¡°Or a spot at a communal, depending on what you want.¡± I looked up and into Ann¡¯s silvery eyes. I didn¡¯t feel hungry, but that fish stew had been a long time ago. ¡°Thank you, Ann. I''d like to try what you, Billie and Bernie have been cooking.¡± I tried smiling back the same way she had smiled at me that afternoon. She giggled. That made my toes curl. Hoping she didn¡¯t notice, I wondered again what grey skin looked like when blushing. ¡°Come this way, unless you want to put your bag in your room?¡± She waited for a moment as I put the booklet into my pack, and the shiny pack on my back. Seeing that the communal table had backless benches I indicated sitting there would be fine. There was a group of four already at the table, two with scruffy beards, one with a trimmed mustache and the fourth with feathers decorating long blond hair and a distinctly female form. I simply nodded in greeting as I sat and waited for my food. Not that I was interested in listening in on their conversation, but it was rather hard to miss it when feather hair spoke to their companions. ¡°Look, I¡¯ve no issue with working with Syssies in town, generally fine folks. But my Ma warned me about traveling with ¡®em and never to dungeon dive with one in the party.¡± Chapter 25: Dinner Chapter 25: Dinner Mustache grimaced in response to Feathers comment. ¡°Look, I get it. But there isn¡¯t anything else available that is going to get us to Big Bay. Well, not with pay and not for a week or more.¡± The pair of scruffies were not particularly involved as they were each taking turns between holding buns filled with grilled meat to their mouths, munching on fried potatoes or quaffing from tankards slightly smaller than their heads. ¡°It isn¡¯t a needed risk, Roy! We have enough to rest here for weeks, and the baths are amazing! Buy a private for 2 dollars a day and bring a willing friend for some fun. The jacuzzi settings are invigorating. Another merchant will be along soon, and we can get an escort gig back. Or maybe see if another task comes up. The Circle and Stick here has 4 floors! Just¡­ I don¡¯t want to escort a Syssy unless it¡¯s the only way, okay?¡± Feathers seemed distressed, and thinking about the tone of her voice, and the slight flush on her freckles and suntanned skin, it didn¡¯t seem anything but genuine. Mustache, apparently actually named Roy, relaxed as he took a sip from his own cup that was much smaller than the tankards the scruffies were using. ¡°Okay. Jazmine, are you officially requesting a delay and willing to compensate the three of us for doing so?¡± Feathers, or Jazmine, held up 3 fingers. ¡°Up to a 3 day break, but if a good job comes up we will be ready to bail before then. No long term plans here, right? No broken hearts, God¡¯s Bath is a place I plan to be back to.¡± Even though I couldn¡¯t see her at the moment, Ann¡¯s voice tickled me. ¡°Milk, Juice or Tea?¡± I said I wanted juice and hoped my voice would carry back to her. I wasn¡¯t sure if there was a reason she didn¡¯t offer water or alcohol, but the latter was something I certainly didn¡¯t want. The scruffies had just nodded in agreement, and Jazmine seemed to relax, taking a nibble of her own grilled meat sandwich. Though I wasn¡¯t sure it would go well, I felt compelled to ask, ¡°Excuse me, I am sorry to interrupt your meal. My name is Monday March and I was curious if there Is a particular reason that you would rather not work with or travel with a System User?¡± Jazmine locked eyes with her plate and seemed to be very focused on her meal. Mustache, I mean Roy, glanced over with eyes flickering between me and the feather haired woman before he responded. ¡°Hi Monday March, I¡¯m Roy. So, there are plenty of stories that just being a System User can generate trouble, and that trouble can spill over to those around the Syssy. It may just be a story, but some stories are based in fact, I suppose.¡± ¡°Hmm, I¡¯ve only met a few, and I¡¯m not sure I know exactly what you mean, but thank you for the answer Roy. I hope you have a good evening.¡± Rather than push for an answer, it seemed smarter to simply step back and ask Bluebird about it tomorrow. As I glanced towards the swinging doors to the kitchen, I noticed Roy glance at Jazmine and Jazmine¡¯s face scrunch up tight. She set her food down and looked over at me. ¡°Look, Monday March is it? Isn¡¯t anything wrong with Syssies. They¡¯re just people. But the System? The System feeds on experience, and experience comes from growth and conflict. All 4 of my grandparents were System Users, and not one lived past 25. My Dad was a Syssy, and he didn¡¯t make it to 30 either. Mom said strange things happened to and around the lot of them. Said to take care when a Syssy was about, especially when in less safe spots.¡± Taking a drink from a mid sized wooden cup she sighed. ¡°I¡¯m Jazmine Vangee, Monday March. I¡¯ve no issue with the System, but I want to see my Ma again and get back to Big Bay. Best if I do what¡¯s worked for me and avoid trouble I don¡¯t need. Probably just a superstition, but it¡¯s worked for me so far.¡± I thought about their words for a few seconds, and just nodded. ¡°Thank you Jazmine Vangee, thank you again Roy. I hope you find your way back safe. Also, I heard the Blueberry pie is fresh today.¡± I spoke with a slightly tighter smile than the one I¡¯d tried to give to Ann before. It seemed as if I¡¯d have more questions for Bluebird depending on what the rest of the notebook contained. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Ann returned with a plate of food for me and two wooden cups. A cup of juice, a cup of water and a plate of stew with a flakey pastry crust on top. Thinking back to my efforts earlier in the pantry and kitchen, I¡®d seen Bernie draping a large sheet of dough over the top of a massive pan of fillings. Probably some kind of giant meat pie that I was now about to enjoy. The tender meat and flakey pastry crust were melting in my mouth as I heard Roy attempting to bargain with Ann about an extra night and possibly more. I couldn¡¯t hear Ann¡¯s voice, which likely meant her words weren¡¯t for me. ¡®Nice trick that,¡¯ I thought. The four departed the table as I enjoyed the flavors in front of me, licking the last of it off my thumb as I had run that grey digit over a remaining dollop of gravy. As I placed my fork down Billie appeared, took my plate, and deposited a slice of Blueberry pie drizzled in cream in front of me. ¡°Ann said you earned dessert, Em. I warmed it up for you.¡± With a wink, The dark haired girl spun about carrying my now empty plate and returned through the swinging kitchen doors. The ceramic plate was warm, the pie was warm and tart and the cream was sweet and cool. It was lovely, but not quite tasty enough to distract me from the thoughts of Billie being up to something. Not that I knew her well, but she was showing me attention differently than anyone else so far. A wink and teasing about my name, okay the Granny at the bath teased me, but Billie seemed happy to interact, not attacking me somehow. Seeing my annoyingly grey fingers I remembered that I also didn¡¯t have any rings on my hands, or arms, or anything. ¡®Well, if she is flirting, I guess I can ask about exceptions to the ring system?¡¯ I thought to myself. Running my fork across the bottom of the ceramic plate I scraped up a last bit of cream and pastry fragments, savoring the residue before setting the utensil down and straightening. I briefly pondered going to my room to read and then realized that the fireplace had flames dancing within, and while there were a few folks present, the couch had an empty spot. Once again I placed my pack in my lap as I sat on the couch, bare feet extended towards the warm flames in the hearth and wiggled my toes to stretch them. I noted that they were not very clean, but I also didn¡¯t have shoes or slippers yet. With a quick glance I noticed that no one else seemed bothered by me, nor paying any attention. Three people in conversation about the weather, two talking about structured vs freeform rituals, and two simply sipping on drinks as they looked at the fire. Pulling out the notebook, I returned to a study of the information which Bluebird had provided. ¡®Ah, right, the tragedy and threat of the feral goblins,¡¯ I thought. Apparently those unfortunates were not something that were resolved, even now. Feral goblins were a threat which could spring forth even in secure places, devastating small settlements or neighborhoods in larger strongholds. With the continuing potential internal threats such as the feral goblins, as well as the constant pressure from outside the settlements, stronger defenses were continuously under development. Even now, heightened caution is the byword of security to prevent infiltration. Unanswered threats invite destruction in God¡¯s Bath and other places in Cecal. Discomfort washed through me as I read those words. In themselves they made perfect sense, heightened caution isn¡¯t harmful. Something in the words triggered a discomfort that weighed down on me, but I couldn¡¯t decide if it was that strange system impulse, something in my core personality, or another cue I was picking up on which made me uncomfortable. Reading further gave me a bit of insight. While I was already aware that bloodlines existed, and once established as such they could breed true, but there are additional ways to acquire them. Not very surprising, or new ones would be incredibly unlikely aside from the system. Any person that acquired ¡®too many¡¯ attunements and bloodlines might transform and become system defined as a goblin. Unfortunately this becomes a pejorative for those that this has happened to through no fault of their own. Sadly this prejudice, while unfounded for many tagged with a goblin identification, has stuck. In part this is because with an accumulation of too many attunements or bloodlines a willingness to consume additional powerful modifications has shown up in some individuals over the years. The most distressing aspect is that some lose control of themselves and go feral. ¡®Yeah, Feral Goblins are people.¡¯ I thought. ¡®That''s just horrible.¡¯ Chapter 26: Billie Chapter 26: Billie Feral goblins aside, the second century was a vast improvement for non-system adaptation to the new energy. Though I suppose feral goblins, objectively, are an adaptation to Mana. Various infrastructures using Mana had been established and organizations, for developing or using Mana skills, had been founded. Mana protected road systems, waste management and utilities in bigger communities, healer training facilities and schooling all run by assorted families, businesses or cooperatives. Of course troubles beyond the feral goblins had also appeared over that century. Population centers from before the calamity had been a mess, most hadn¡¯t survived. Others developed idiosyncrasies ranging from hauntings to massive towers swarming with monsters. Rumors and verified cases of incidents at former cities were steadily increasing over the second century. This resulted in the expansion of non-System adventuring professionals who joined Syssies and worked to investigate and resolve these issues. The most recent years at the dawn of the 3rd century were more of the same, but with a brief note at the end of the history section by Bluebird mentioned one pertinent point. The last 10 years have seen an increase in Mana throughout Secal. While minimal at this point, a few percent, the Guild is unsure of what it could mean going forward. Perhaps a general trend to increase is inevitable, or it may be a part of a cycle that had not been noticed until now. Concerning, but not really scary. As for the next section, it appeared that there was more information about the System. I was just starting to read it when I heard Billie¡¯s voice. ¡°Hi Monday March, may I sit with you?¡± Glancing up from the notebook I saw that the people I¡¯d been sharing the couch with had departed, not that we had done more than nod as I sat down. Billie was smiling and gesturing to the empty spot next to me. I sat up a little straighter and saw her eyes glance away briefly before meeting my gaze. ¡°Uh, okay Billie. I mean I don¡¯t mind.¡± As she sat my mind tried to figure out why she didn¡¯t just sit at the other side of the couch, or one of the free chairs. ¡®Probably wants to talk about something?¡¯ ¡°So, what can I do for you Billie?¡± She glanced over at me, light blue eyes glinting from the light of the fireplace before she looked back to the hearth. I was just taking in her profile when she spoke. ¡°May I ask you personal things, Em?¡± Without thinking I had made a small giggle. I didn¡¯t even know myself that well, but whatever could she be asking? ¡®Oh, I don¡¯t have rings on. This could be like Ann was talking about, asking permission if it wasn¡¯t granted by social cues like the rings.¡¯ Glancing at my hand, I saw hers resting on her jeans clad thighs, spread so I could see each finger. In addition to the two rings on her left thumb, there were now thin brass bands on the pinky and ring fingers of both her hands. ¡°Sure Billie, ask away.¡± ¡°Ann mentioned that you went shopping for some clothes, and that you would be getting rings. So I was wondering if you were, uhm, how you were planning to wear them?¡± Hard to tell for certain with the flicker of the firelight, but she seemed to be blushing. After nodding and a passing thought, ¡°Billie, no idea actually. I learned about ring language today, and when offered at the store as a bonus, I thought it might be wise to have options. May I tell you something that might help explain a few things you might be curious about? I''d rather you keep what I tell you to yourself, though.¡± ¡°Just learned about rings today? Where did you grow up?¡± Billie¡¯s pale blue eyes were very wide and actually met my own. ¡°Uh, I mean, sure, Em.¡± Her eyes drifted to her lap and her fingers curled a little. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°I will share my secret, but first, how old do you think I am? I mean, in general human years.¡± Some people seemed to have decided I was very young shortly after talking with me; others seemed to treat me as older, perhaps due to my height? Bloodline, maybe? Those blue eyes scanned my face, my arms and the skin between my vest and skirt, then looked at the pack in my lap. Turning her eyes back to my own for a moment she blinked and turned back to the fireplace. ¡°I thought you were almost 20, maybe 18¡­ But you, you aren¡¯t are you? Maybe 15?¡± A glance back at me seemed to be hoping I¡¯d confirm her first guess. There were still a few people chatting in the chairs near us so I leaned in a little and spoke softly. ¡°I¡¯m not certain exactly how old my body is supposed to be, but it is in puberty so if the information in my head serves, I may be anywhere from 8 to 18. Well, so long as I¡¯m not an outlier. My guess would be between 8 to 14. But that isn¡¯t my secret, well it implies my secret I guess.¡± I saw her slump a little at my admission and it made me feel sad for her, wanting to cheer her up somehow. ¡°My memories don¡¯t go back very far, so I might be right at the edge of adulthood, but I just don¡¯t know.¡± Billie simply went from a slump to a sag, deflating with a hint of a sigh, lifting her hands to cradle her face, lightly exhaled air continuing to leak through her joined hands. ¡°Billie, I really don¡¯t ¡®know¡¯ more than I told you.¡± I continued softly. ¡°I can guess that I¡¯m made up of older stuff because of, er, reasons. So don¡¯t feel bad? I mean, uhm¡­ What am I supposed to say so I make you feel better? I don¡¯t want you to feel bad because you thought I was different than I am.¡± I was trying to puzzle out how to fix this. I know I¡¯d touched on complicated things, emotions and wanting and expectations and ring things. Even delving deep into the things I knew without understanding how I knew them I found no simple way to help someone like¡­ Taking a chance I placed my grey hand on her blue jean covered knee and patted it softly. ¡°The joke you made about it not being my day is pretty funny. Your eyes are blue and clear and I like to look at them. And I¡¯m happy you wanted to ask me things related to how I might wear my rings.¡± There was an odd gasping chuckle sob. ¡°Fine, just be sure to let me know if you''re interested in ring things and me when you¡¯re M3, okay?¡± I looked at the gold hued and the silver ring on her left thumb. ¡°But you obvio¡­¡± ¡°I love Bernie, he''s my heart, but we aren¡¯t together like that. And you¡­¡± Billie trailed off. ¡°What part of your heart doesn¡­¡± ¡°Oh, er, not mine to, well¡­ I want certain things, right hand things, that Bernie and I aren¡¯t quite¡­¡± Deciding to save her a bit I just interrupted. ¡°Between the two of you, sorry for asking. But why so interested in me after just a minute or two?¡± ¡°I¡­ I could see you working for a bit longer than that, and saw you reading out here before and after eating. And you''re strong and tall, soft spoken and not bulky and smooth and new here and kinda exotic¡­¡± Billie didn¡¯t stutter, but was starting and stopping and rushing, her eyes darting about, not meeting my own anymore. ¡°Grey skin and bald is exotic?¡± ¡°Well, exotic bloodline then? Or elemental attunement? I¡¯ve not seen anyone like you before.¡± Seeming to realize I might take what she said poorly, the young woman backpedaled. ¡°Not that I was interested just based on bloodline, but¡­ Ugh, I just think your¡­¡± ¡°So why is new good?¡± Now I could tell she blushed, even in the flickering light. ¡°Small village, most new folks are adventurers or Syssies passing through. Might be fun, but not worth the trouble and not what I¡¯m looking for. And for the folks already here, well most are paired or grouped up and Bernie an me don¡¯t fit in with them. If I didn¡¯t express interest fast, maybe there might have been a chance, but you might have met someone else and I¡¯d miss out. So I asked, and now I¡¯ve got to live with having made a pass at someone I shouldn¡¯t be making passes at.¡± She grinned at me weakly. ¡°Not my day either, Monday March.¡± ¡°So my pin didn¡¯t automatically mark me as too young or too immature?¡± I said, glancing between my copper pin and her silver one. ¡°Lots of adults don¡¯t wear a pin or don¡¯t go silver or higher, well, some adults. Especially if they are just starting out. Silver and gold cost, and you only need them for certain jobs, and if you want to sign contracts or something. Heck, I know the Barrow¡¯s boys are all in their 30¡¯s and still on copper. Just work the fields, and their ma handles anything with contracts or getting them drink and stuff. Ann helped Bernie and I get silver as a part of agreeing to work here on a 5 year contract, otherwise we might still be copper pins too.¡± Chapter 27: To the Bath Chapter 27: To the Bath ¡°Speaking of Ann, she¡¯s looking, right?¡± Billie¡¯s blue eyes squinted and looked puzzled before they widened in shock. ¡°She¡¯s our boss. Don¡¯t even say that.¡± ¡°Not your type then?¡± I asked, perhaps more teasingly than necessary. Those wide eyes narrowed. ¡°I see how it is, crush my feelings and then aim me at another romantic catastrophe. Heartless, Monday March, heartless.¡± A hint of her previous lightheartedness seemed to be returning. I put on a smile, trying to make it look like the welcoming one Ann had given me before. ¡°My apologies, Billie. While I think I have a heart, I neither confirm nor deny your accusation. I didn¡¯t think about any possible complications. You liked me enough to approach me, Ann also seems womanly and is looking so I thought maybe.¡± I shrugged. The brown hair swayed as Billie shook her head at me. ¡°Just because I like one bald person doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m attracted to all bald people, or all women. Pfffff, I should go and let you get back to your reading.¡± ¡°Billie? I¡¯d like to keep talking, er, as a young copper pinned friend that needs to know more about life in Cecal. Do you have time, or interest in doing that, or even interest in being friends?¡± I felt more comfortable with Billie than Bluebird or Buckle to be honest, ¡®so many ¡®B¡¯ names, Strange.¡¯ Expressive eyes squinted at me, perhaps attempting to divine if I was teasing her again. ¡°You''re dirty between your toes, and I saw how Ann had you working. As a friend, I¡¯ll remind you that going to bed clean is best. As I work here¡­ dirt stained sheets are extra annoying. Let¡¯s go to the bath, if you chip in an extra brass we can share a private and giggle and chat. No touching anywhere we wouldn¡¯t touch a granny though!¡± If I had an eyebrow I would have raised it. ¡°I don¡¯t want to touch Granny G anywhere though?¡± Blue eyes rolled. ¡°Fine, we can wash each other''s backs and you can wash my hair.¡± She took a minute to go grab her bath things and we left the Pillow and Pie. The walk to the bath was companionable. Granny G was not, and told me Buckle was resting and I could visit tomorrow, and then refused to be in any way apologetic when I placed 5 brass in front of her for a private bath for Billie and myself. ¡°No funny business, and no disturbing the others.¡± Her lips were pursed as if she¡¯d just eaten an entire lemon. ¡°Certainly, that¡¯s why we¡¯re taking a private.¡± I said as I nodded to the lady who nearly instantly aggravated me again. She simply glowered as Billie grabbed the tag provided with a nod of her own to the older attendant, and then led me through the door marked for the private baths. ¡°Ugh, why does she get under my skin so easily?¡± I muttered, more to myself than to Billie. Billie glanced back, but kept quiet as we went through our door and flipped the tag to ¡®occupied¡¯. It was another open to the sky area, walled in wood that was raised slightly off the stone ground. Some mechanism had warm water spilling down after my friend put our provided tag in a spot in the wall by the door. ¡°Not sure it¡¯s you, Monday March. She¡¯s always been extra abrasive with folks that have strong bloodlines. I¡¯m not sure why, but that¡¯s her way, not only with you.¡± ¡°Billie, you can call me simply Monday, if you like. And, can you tell me about little things? Life things in Cecal. Like, why does everyone call me by my full name? Some of the things I think I know don¡¯t match up.¡± I was setting my pack aside and pulling off my clothes, checking for tears or stains after my long long day. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Monday, if you introduce yourself as Monday Montegue Monique March, you will be called Monday Montegue Monique March or perhaps as Em, unless you offer a nickname or alternate option. It¡¯s only polite, of course. Well, I suppose the rude might call you something nasty, or just ''Fancy Britches'', not that you have pants.¡± Billie was also sorting her bath things and glanced back at me as she was speaking. ¡°Do you have a small cloth or a rag that you don¡¯t care much for? I have soap and a towel, but I¡¯ve got some splatters on my vest that I¡¯d like to clean since we are here.¡± A very quiet high sound traveled over the running water before a small cloth hit my shoulder. ¡°Here you go, try not to get the leather too wet. Isn¡¯t good for it.¡± ¡°Thanks Billie. So¡­ what exactly does Em mean, anyhow? A few folks have said it, but¡­¡± ¡°Oh, sure Monday. Er, Em is like a bunch of old words, but generally like a non name way to address someone with respect, I guess? Usually if a new customer shows up, or someone I don¡¯t know their name, but want to show consideration for, call them Em.¡± She didn¡¯t sound entirely certain, but more ¡®pretty sure¡¯ about her description. ¡°Hmm, an honorific? like Sir or Ma¡¯am?¡± Terms bubbled in my head that seemed similar. ¡°Huh? I guess maybe? I thought Sirs were low lords and high warriors of the elves. What¡¯s a Ma¡¯am?¡± ¡°I guess some of the things in my head just don¡¯t fit? I think a Ma¡¯am is a woman older than you, like older by more than a few years¡± ¡°So I¡¯d be a Ma¡¯am?¡± Billie didn¡¯t seem amused. ¡°Ah¡­ maybe? Probably not? Well, Millie Goode might call you or Ann ma¡¯am, and if she didn¡¯t make me so ¡®argh¡¯ I might call bath granny ma¡¯am ¡± The soap and warm water was removing the blood spots pretty well, and I was able to do a light wipe down of my clothes before turning back to Billie. ¡°Do you want to wash my back first? Or shall I do yours and your hair?¡± In the faint remaining light Billie turned away and sat on a small wooden bench near the falling water. There were some flecks of soap on her limbs as she held a small wooden container over to me. ¡°Wash me first, this is for my back, just a little. Then a dollop of the shampoo from the yellow jar over there for my hair.¡± Doing as she asked she told me about life in God¡¯s Bath. How she and Bernie and other kids had learned basic stuff from a town sponsored teacher who trained in Big Bay. How some folks apprenticed as early as 8 years old to their parents, or others in the village. Others hadn¡¯t any prospects and had to find odd jobs, work for their parents or take training from the Guild to try and find a spot they didn¡¯t hate. Billie talked about bigger places, and jobs or businesses she¡¯d heard of in other spots. While I was scrubbing her scalp she made a tiny whimper sound and then continued with her talk. ¡°Mom works with the guard and Dad does the meals for them. Me and Bernie would help him when we weren¡¯t learning, and we both liked it quite a bit. Both did the required self defense and Mana training, but we aren¡¯t amazing at any of that. Mmmmm, right there a little more.¡± Billie¡¯s quiet sigh didn¡¯t tingle like Ann¡¯s voice, but it was pleasant. ¡°Yeah. Anyhow, Dad talked Ann into giving us a chance and after 6 weeks part time she agreed to take us on contract. 5 years room and board plus a small increasing wage as we improve, we serve as staff and get to learn every recipe and technique she knows when it comes to the cooking, baking and running a kitchen. ¡°I¡¯ve never been to Big Bay, but did hear it can be rough if you don¡¯t have good Mana skills. And, much as I hate it, you¡¯ve done enough hair washing and we should probably swap.¡± ¡°You hated my hair washing?¡± ¡°Nah, hate giving it up. Scalp rubs are bliss.¡± Billie got up and started to rinse the soapy foam out of her hair and off of her skin as I wet myself back down and applied soap to clean myself. Once I¡¯d scrubbed my limbs and front, I sank onto the wooden bench so she could scrub my back. ¡°Why does it take good Mana skills to live in Big Bay?¡± ¡°Well, they aren¡¯t required, but most taxes and fees are claimed in Mana charges and a lot of utilities require Mana charges, or even MU, to pay. So either you do them yourself, or you have to go through chargers, and that can stack up.¡± I could feel Billie shrug as she was applying some soap to my back. ¡°Smaller places like God¡¯s Bath just don¡¯t have the same Mana needs. Some spots don¡¯t even use money except for dealing with outsiders, they just all pitch in to do what needs doing.¡± In a way, that sounded rather nice to me. ''I wonder what kinds of people live like that.'' I thought. Finishing with my back she gave me a short scalp rub, apparently out of ¡®fairness¡¯, it really was quite nice. We both rinsed the remaining soap away. Billie fiddled with the tag, and the warm water slowed to a trickling spray making pattering noises. Moving into the sunken stone bath for a soak I asked Billie about leaving the water running at all. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just polite. Even if we talk quietly, without the water sounds it¡¯s rather easy for voices to carry and disturb other folks.¡± Chapter 28: Soaking Chapter 28: Soaking Soaking in the warm bath was quite comfortable, and Billie was quiet for a few minutes as she seemed to be relaxing. As for myself, I was looking up at the evening sky which was showing a few faint stars as the sun¡¯s light continued to fade. ¡°So Monday, you said your memories don¡¯t go back that far, and you don¡¯t know much about things around here. What happened?¡± Her voice sounded tentative, as if she were asking something I might not answer. I suppose I didn¡¯t have to, but I wasn¡¯t trying to hide anything. It was also something I wanted more perspectives about. Buckle seemed almost sad for me. Bluebird took it as a matter of course after a bit of surprise, and then tried to use me before the System gave her a better offer. I¡¯d overheard a couple things that made me wonder just how low System users are considered. ¡°Well Billie, apparently I happened to me. I woke up under a tree yesterday morning naked and with a System prompt telling me I¡¯d done it to myself. No memories to speak of, but plenty of general information; nouns, verbs, language syntax even if some of the words seem shoved in my head and no one talks quite like I expect. Basic mathematics are in here,¡± I continued, tapping my temple. ¡°and apparently somehow knowing that we are in someplace that used to be California. A general understanding of human biology and that not everyone now matches all that information. I¡¯m pretty sure I don¡¯t have any information about people with tails or pointy ears or hairless tall bald grey folks. Basic physics and some rudimentary chemical knowledge are here too, like don¡¯t touch anything too acidic or basic. But almost nothing about the System, modern life, Mana or mana skills.¡± Billie had been avoiding looking directly at me after we undressed, at least not while I noticed. Maybe she was bashful, but it didn¡¯t really bother me. After my short monolog I continued to watch for more stars, hoping new ones would peek out through the darkening sky. So I wasn¡¯t expecting what happened, nor ready for it. Water moved and the ripples made noise as they lapped against the stone. Wet hair flopped onto my shoulder and I heard a short tight half sobbing laugh as Billie wrapped my neck and shoulders in her arms. Embraced by the smaller woman I was startled, and about to ask her about her actions when she spoke. ¡°Oh, you poor fool. Spirits of the Bath, how are you not curled up in your room or running wild?¡± One of her hands was running along the back of my head to my neck and repeating the action, petting me with a wet hand. ¡°Who knows besides me?¡± She whispered near my ear. Though she¡¯d straddled my legs to hug me, she leaned back to look me in the eyes, our noses maybe a handspan apart. ¡°Buckle and Bluebird, you.¡± I whispered. ¡°Ann might have guessed, but I think she is only sure I¡¯m¡­ Odd. Haven¡¯t told anyone else. I suppose Buckle or Bluebird might¡¯ve talked, not sure though. I don¡¯t think I mentioned anything in front of Dominick, but I don¡¯t remember for sure¡± The soggy embrace was still nice, not as good as when Billie¡¯s wet hair was on my shoulder and her head was pressed against the side of my own, but good. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure Bluebird won¡¯t do anything to cause me trouble for at least a little bit. And I think Buckle is... well, I''m not too worried about him. Wait¡­ Should I be worried?¡± Billie placed her forehead high on mine and I felt water from her wet hair and face drip down on my cheeks and chest. ¡°I don¡¯t know Monday, I don¡¯t know for certain.¡± She leaned back closer and placed her lips near my ear. ¡°Tales are that the System causes trouble, especially for its own. So be careful, please be careful.¡± She clung to me as if it were the last thing between her and being hurled into the sky by a tornado. I placed my own arms around her smaller frame. ¡°I like the hug, and I¡¯ll try to be careful, but is this a time to panic? You seem to be near panic, and I¡¯ve no idea why¡­ I mean, the big scary System causes trouble, but what? How? Why?¡± I patted her shoulder blade a little bit where my hand rested. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. ¡°Er, no idea?¡± And Billie sagged into me, hands clinging to my back and her weight resting on my legs. I felt like I was holding a big child rather than being comforted by an older friend. ¡°My Gran told tales about her brother. System user but not until he¡¯d been over 20 years old. Very normal life before, but something new and crazy every week after he became a Syssy. She said he suffered so many crazy things and died at 27. He got eaten!¡± She said with fathomless intensity. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to get eaten!¡± A distressing whimper leaked out as she gasped against my neck. ¡°Billie? I¡¯m not dead yet, and unless you are about to eat me, I imagine I can take precautions.¡± I moved a hand and prodded her lightly in the ribs with a thumb. The combination of a giggle and a sob into my neck tickled a little. ¡°But it might be useful to know more if I want to avoid being eaten. And, we haven¡¯t known each other that long, so any idea why you¡¯re so worried about me?¡± Her head shook a little against my neck and she moved to sit across my lap rather than straddle me, her softer bits removed from my chest and the weight of her comfortably now resting across my thighs. ¡°Gran mostly said don¡¯t.¡± She said quietly. ¡°Said her brother kept taking more and more risks. Saying it was always important, for the village, for himself, for the entirety of Cecal. Gran was convinced that the System pushed him, pushed them all. Said not to be an initiate.¡± I felt the sniffle into my neck, and wasn¡¯t quite certain if she was done talking until she picked up again. ¡°Me caring so much might be the system too I suppose.¡± ¡°Can it mind control people who aren¡¯t a part of it?¡± I asked in surprise. ¡°No, but sometimes Syssies can, or so Gran said.¡± ¡°Maybe, but I¡¯ve nothing like that.¡± ¡°Huh, you sure?¡± Billie¡¯s head pulled back just enough that I could see her glance up at me from an awkward angle. ¡°I mean, I unlocked a Charm stat, but that doesn¡¯t charm anyone, much less young unclothed ladies in the bath.¡± Eyes sprang wide in what I thought was embarrassment. ¡°S-sorry Monday. I-I, sorry.¡± Billie began to wiggle out of my lap and slide away. Not wanting to hold her if she wanted to back away I let go and put my hand lightly on the side of her face. ¡°Nothing to be sorry about, Billie. I feel happy you care. Wish I could find it in me to care more about myself, but everything feels a little¡­ Removed? Distant?¡± I thought for a moment about what her Gran had said. ¡°Might be exactly the problem your Gran talked about. If the System makes System users distant from self preservation, that is a worry.¡± Billie started to move off my lap and I offered my feelings on the matter. ¡°You can stay in my lap if you like. I¡¯m enjoying the closeness, just hugs, but if you want to move that¡¯s okay too. I want to take a few minutes and think about anything that happened to me that fits what your Gran said.¡± Billie slid off of my lap and sat on my left, close enough that we were touching as we relaxed in the warm water. Taking my left hand into her smaller hands she held on tightly, a mass of laced fingers and occasional fidgeting digits. ¡®Did anything strange or dangerous, or strangely dangerous happen since I got here?¡¯ I thought. ¡®Well, there was that Taz when Buckle thought the route should be safe enough. So that. Anything else? As I just mentioned to Billie, I¡¯m naked in the bath where she had been clinging to me, her after barely knowing me, and shortly after we¡¯d talked about nothing but a friendship happening between us. Okay, I think she was clinging to me to comfort me, but I imagine if anyone were to look in that wouldn¡¯t be a shared sentiment. And then there was the way Granny Gabby totally got under my skin and I talked back. And the strange bet with Benjamin Franklin Goode. And the way I spoke back to Bluebird after the oath and pushed her into the amendment. The amendment after the System gave her a request. My sudden crying fit to Buckle. My approaching him naked and following him to his house. The fact that I¡¯d not even reacted emotionally to killing the Taz, or during the run to God¡¯s Bath, or after.¡¯ A half dozen other minor oddities popped into my head, spinning and dancing about, before I turned my face back to Billie. ¡°Well, this is unfortunate.¡± Chapter 29: Propaganda! Puzzle Chapter 29: Propaganda! Puzzle The return walk was different from the walk to the bath. Billie held my hand and led the way without walking in front, guiding me in little ways having made the trip many times in the dim lights that were placed on the buildings and occasional street stalls. There were still people out and about on the streets, fewer than in the daytime, but still a good number given the size of God¡¯s Bath. Short folks, tall folks, thin, wide, folks with big ears and enormous eyes all doing their business more quietly than the people had managed in the sunlight. ¡°I¡¯d not paid you for my share of the bath, Monday. Would you like a snack, or a drink?¡± Billie was looking over to one of the stands as she asked. ¡°Billie, if you don¡¯t agree with distancing just say so, I¡¯m okay with that.¡± I looked down at our joined hands. ¡°I don¡¯t want to cause any trouble for you or Bernie, but I¡¯m happy to stay friendly with you if you¡¯re not worried. You can just¡­ let go if you are.¡± We¡¯d had a short conversation before leaving the bath, mostly me agreeing that if I was a danger, it might be smarter to be less friendly with me. Billie stopped and scuffed her foot at the road before looking up at me. ¡°I want to stay friends. I¡¯ll have a talk with him before breakfast, just in case he gets worried.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s go straight back. If Ann is still up I¡¯ll buy a desert and tea for us to share. Still reading to do, but I¡¯d rather have a nice chat than read that notebook.¡± Ann was up, and though there were some folks eating a late meal or having an early start at the Pillow and Pie, she brought us right back to a small table I¡¯d seen in the kitchen. Bernie was making up dishes for the customers, but Billie had told me she started earlier and finished earlier as she did the baking and pastries. Anyhow, Billie and I had a few cookies and some milk. Bernie dropped by and gave Billie a hug from behind, planted a kiss on her head and snuck off with a cookie as he returned to the griddle. Ann would stop by every few minutes or so, having checked the front room, take a sip of tea and a nibble of a frosted pastry before going back out again. Ann wouldn¡¯t let me pay, saying I¡¯d done so well with storekeeper Goode that she didn¡¯t feel right taking my coin for a snack, even if she¡¯d already provided a slice of blueberry pie with dinner. ¡°He¡¯s very sweet to you.¡± I whispered to Billie. Not even glancing at Bernie she met my eyes. ¡°Yes, exceptionally sweet.¡± ¡°Ouch, sweet isn¡¯t good?¡± ¡°Sweet is great.¡± Billie agreed. ¡°But not always.¡± She leaned in to me after having another sip of her tea. ¡°Not everything is a cookie, pie or cake. Sometimes you want a bit of spice. And even with sweets, you need a hint of salt.¡± ¡°This is something I don¡¯t have all the information about, isn¡¯t it?¡± Billie didn¡¯t even reply, aside from a little sigh and a sip of tea. ¡°Hey Billie, I still have some reading to do. Do you want to sit with me? Should I head back to my room? Do you want me to hold off and hang out longer?¡± I didn¡¯t want to leave her alone if she wasn¡¯t ready for it, but I hadn¡¯t looked ahead and wasn¡¯t sure how much reading I had yet to do. Finishing off her tea, Billie patted my arm. ¡°Nope, go on and¡­ Never mind. If you''re good with it, go and read on the couch, I¡¯m going to tidy up here and then drop by for a couple minutes before I head to bed. Baking starts early, you know?¡± Going along with her request, I thanked Ann for the tea and Billie for the cookies, then headed out to the couch to advance my attack upon the notebook. I skimmed the part about life in Cecal, it matched mostly what Billie had told me. Bluebird¡¯s thoughts were slightly more positive than what was expressed by Billie, especially about how life was for System Users and adventurers as a whole. Given their position as a representative and Guild Master, that heroic framing wasn¡¯t surprising. Billie had painted a darker version of the existence of those who fought against monsters and advanced against the darkness. Settlement guardians were respected, adventurers seen more as profiteers and troublemakers. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. The section about life in other places was vague, at best. Information from other parts of the world outside Secal has been spotty and unclear for over 200 years. We know people still continue to exist through Lunar communications, auctions and the occasional crossover. Unfortunately any comprehensive information has been unclear. Avlon is populated, as are Sol and Mryshush. Products from other regions are occasionally available, but populations and current status is all based on supposition. I thought about it for a few moments and realized it had very little to do with me. Much rather consider the things nearby, or directly impacting me. System Initiates were the oldest name for the System Users. Probably the origin of the term Syssies as well. Though at one time more than half of the population of Cecal were System Initiates, only the most resolute continue to bond with the System in the 3rd century AC. Created by brilliant innovators in the time of the cataclysm it allowed people to manipulate the new Mana energies without additional catastrophic results. For hundreds of years System Initiates have worked to protect people in settlements across Cecal from the deprivations of Monsters and Man. ¡®Hmmm, maybe asking the Guild rep for System information was a mistake. Much propaganda.¡¯ I thought as I felt Billie half flop half sag onto the couch and into my side. ¡°Hi, not ready for bed?¡± ¡°Bernie won¡¯t be done for an hour or more, but I asked him to check for me here before going upstairs. If you don¡¯t mind I just wanted to¡­ I know it would be smarter to go upstairs, or at least not spend¡­ Stupid system, stupid gran, stupid brain.¡± There was spite and sadness in Billie¡¯s voice. ¡°You might as well be a child and I just want to curl up against you and take a nap and I don¡¯t even know that it¡¯s me that wants it or if I¡¯m being tugged into wanting it by something I don¡¯t control.¡± I thought about Billie and her situation for a few seconds. ¡°You don¡¯t want to be alone? Or do you want to spend time with me?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Then a strained chuckle bled out of her, low and heavy. Grabbing my things I asked her to follow me as I went back into the kitchen. ¡°Hey Bernie, Billie is tired and worn out and doesn¡¯t want to be alone. I know you¡¯ve got work to finish up, but would you mind if I hung out in your room with her until you get done? I¡¯ve got some reading to finish while she gets to sleep, and I can do that wherever.¡± Bernie¡¯s light blue eyes traveled past me as he looked up from the vegetable covered chopping block. His lips quirked into an easy smile, I would guess having landed on Billie. ¡°Sure, Monday March. Thanks for asking. See you both in an hour or so.¡± Billie led us up the stairway in the back up to a small halfway with a pair of doors. Opening one with a touch, she invited me inside. Lamps lit up as the door opened, unobtrusively revealing wooden walls and a floor with rugs. The room felt nice and cozy to me, a couch, table with a partially completed jigsaw puzzle bracketed by a pair of chairs, double bed with a quilt duvet, bookshelf with a few books, boxes and trinkets. Billie welcomed me in and said she¡¯d be right back, slipping into one of the other 2 doors in the wall. I glanced out of the window near the table. Pulling aside the curtain I could see down into the alley behind the Pillow and Pie, as well as more stars in the sky than we¡¯d seen when returning from the Bath. So many stars. Setting my slimeskin pack on a bare part of the table, I noticed that the puzzle seemed to be a dog playing in a field of flowers. The outline of the dog and the edge were complete, but there were a bunch of incomplete flowers, sky, grass, and fur. Two flower pieces added successfully after about a dozen failed attempts and Billie was standing by me, apparently back from what she¡¯d been doing. She looked so tired, faded purple flannel nightshirt that came to just under her knees, hair tied up like a little poof atop her head and blue eyes half lidded. One finger poked gently at my arm, ¡°Sleepy.¡± Then she turned to the bed and crawled in, patting the empty side. I snagged my notebook and sat next to her atop the quilt, propping my back with the pillow and headboard. Billie immediately snuggled into my thigh and sighed, almost deflating as relaxed into my leg despite the quilt between us. ¡®She¡¯s cute.¡¯ And I was a little sad because I¡¯m not sure if the thought came from me, or that strange and mystical force of the System we were fretting about earlier. Placing my hand on her hair anyhow I stroked it lightly as I opened my notebook with the other hand. Somehow she snuggled into me even more. Chapter 30: Goodnight Chapter 30: Goodnight Skimming through the propaganda about the System, and the related heroics that were the ¡®only reasons¡¯ Cecal had survived, I eventually got to sections that seemed of interest. A direct historical text from centuries ago, though it seemed a little at odds with some of the history section Bluebird had written. The System was an initiative intended to address post cataclysm concerns and globally adapt humans to interface with the Mana energy in a non-disastrous fashion. A handful of scientists who were involved in the initial energy project reached out to individuals outside the project in an effort to resolve the catastrophe despite sanctions in place to reduce information distribution. The new Inorganic Sentience was a joint birthing from the New Energy project AIs and several AI and IS prototypes from other sectors. Only the most advanced AI and morally mature beings were involved. The agreed upon primary directives were the goal of preserving the Earth, resident sentient peoples, and a healthy biosphere to support them. Adaptation to the new Mana energies was the initial primary focus. As the IS was able to manage Mana in various ways to support its own functions, considered likely due to the vast processing power and solidity of its composition, attempts to connect to humans working on the project were initiated. Dozens of those involved in the System Project were initiated by the summer of the first year after the hammering. System Initiates, the System IS, AI admins, OS Admins, and Projectors quickly realized that high Mana saturation was so dangerous that the Curtains needed to be raised. Though it took months, it was accomplished and bought significant time for adaptation efforts to occur in a more measured and less explosive fashion. A bit of a repeat, but the next area dove into some more immediately interesting information. As for the System, it started as an artificial filter for minds to adapt to the presence and utilization of Mana as a distinct energy. The System acts as a symbiotic relationship between the System user and Mana, a filter. Growth of individuals refines something which the System terms Experience. This is gained by the user, and when expended to purchase or advance things within the System, the System collects the Experience and benefits from doing so. Blah blah blah, backstory backstory backstory. The System UI, or Status, is a simple method to convey information from the System to the System user. With certain purchases or advancements it can be customized to meet the user¡¯s needs more effectively. For example, the initial section with personal information is not often used, and some will hide it unless required. Improved UI control is available in the System Store for a small amount of Experience. ¡®Ugh! Stupid store lockout.¡¯ I thought, not for the first time Statistics, numerical representations of qualities that the System can measure about the user. Not all measurable statistics are displayed or can be enhanced with Experience. Many traits will unlock the locked statistics. Skills, a numerical indication of the improved chance of success when using the skill, has a chance to unlock and increase when performing related actions continuously and skillfully. Generally discussed as levels, some with shorthand refer to tiers to sound impressive, though traits may reference tiers rather than levels.. New tiers are reached every 100 levels, and the highest recorded tier attained in Cecal was in the 3rd tier, a 256 skill level in fishing. Skills do not, however, provide knowledge. For example, a person with tier 2 in Throwing has never thrown an axe; they are likely to hit their target, but having the blade hit correctly for optimal damage is unlikely. A skilled cook provided with unknown ingredients may make something tasty, but may not truly capitalize on the unique characteristics provided by those ingredients. Traits, both Boons and Banes, stand apart from statistics and skills. Sometimes they are new abilities or aspects that unlock statistics, or even an unusual skill. Most Boons are purchased in the System store or received as rewards, while Banes are applied through misbehavior, poor habits or offending powerful beings. Many boons only become available for purchase when the System user has accomplished something of distinction. A very few traits are automatically applied without purchase when there has been a related achievement. All in all, the information felt underwhelming to read, for the most part it followed the conclusions I¡¯d already made. A couple points did stand out: knowledge is needed to capitalize on skills effectively, some Boons can be gained without purchase. Stolen story; please report. Those automatically granted boons were something I felt I needed to ask about when I talked with Bluebird in the morning, seeing as I can¡¯t buy anything at the moment. The last few pages of the notebook seemed to mostly be about joining the System guild as an affiliate, rather than remaining unaffiliated. The benefits seemed largely about information up to a certain value being free depending on your value within the guild. There also seemed to be a connection with other organizations and referrals. There was apparently a System user merchant category which would normally do business with one of the Cecal mercantile organizations, but might affiliate with the System in such a way that they became a participant in purchases and sales in channels leading beyond the Curtain. Adventuring System users might also work with non-System professionals in threat response and control. Skimming through the last few paragraphs was like being slapped with more Guild propaganda. Every additional word made it more and more obvious that Bluebird, or whomever had written this, had really wanted me to establish a formalized contract while composing. Then again, it was so obvious I wasn¡¯t certain they might not be trying to keep me out of it. Ah well, I¡¯d have to decide when I get there. Flipping the notebook closed I wished I¡¯d purchased a pen or pencil so I could write down my own questions for tomorrow, then again, I still had questions to ask of System query. I wonder. ¡°System: can you display remaining questions after each use of System query?¡± I whispered.
Yes
¡°System: display remaining questions after each use of System query.¡±
Implemented.
¡°System Query: What are the commonly known Boons by Secal system users which are automatically granted¡±
No System queries remaining for the day. (Remaining System Queries for the day 0)
¡®Huh, I did?¡¯ I scrolled back through system comments from the day and confirmed I¡¯d consumed all my queries ¡®Guess I did.¡¯ I was about to start exploring what other notification options I might be able to adjust without spending Experience when I heard a rather quiet footstep and click noise before the door to the hall opened slowly. Glancing over at the door I saw it open just a sliver and I nodded to what I expected was Bernie¡¯s eye peeking through, making a beckoning gesture. At the same time I attempted, and succeeded, in slipping away from Billie and off of the bed. There was a little sigh as I did so, but it sounded more cute than disgruntled to me. Grabbing my pack and popping the notebook inside it, I noticed Bernie hadn¡¯t entered but was waiting in the hall and holding the door open. After arriving near him he closed the door, presumably so we could talk without waking Billie. Instead of saying anything, he just gestured for me to follow him as he went over to an empty wooden bit of the hallway and opened a concealed panel. Through the opening I could see the hallway where my room was. ¡°Neat, is this for cleaning and such?¡± ¡°Yup, thanks for watching after Billie.¡± Bernie¡¯s voice was soft and even, a faint smell of onions and the kitchen still lingering on him. ¡°Just being a friend.¡± I said with a small smile before I walked over to the door marked with a 2 and placed my hand on the panel, hearing the click open. I glanced back and sent a small wave at Bernie before I went into my room and closed the door. I used the mouth slime, which was a bit odd, but fine. Wiped off my feet in the small room with a toilet and sink. A shower or bath did not appear to be included in this room, Ann hadn¡¯t mentioned one either, so perhaps it¡¯s ¡®common knowledge¡¯. I sorted my coins in my pack, and realized I¡¯d done pretty well, ¡®I suppose? 131 dollars and 4 brass. Still owe Wanda another 20 dollars, but maybe more if she tried to upsell me? Still leaves me enough for 10 days at the Pillow and Pie and extra expenses.¡¯ I thought. The bed was soft, and while I hadn¡¯t felt particularly tired, it had been a very long day and I could probably use the sleep. Okay, plan for tomorrow:
  1. Breakfast
  2. Check with Ann about maybe an additional night
  3. Try to talk with Billie (and Bernie?)
  4. Visit Buckle (Do not let GG get under my skin, the cranky such and such - Does she sleep?)
  5. Go to Guild and ask additional questions to Bluebird (ask about axe as the Taz died, what traits and other options might help with Inverted Sobriety, legends and stories about how Syssies can make trouble for those nearby)
  6. Visit Millie Goode if there is time, maybe buy a knife, maybe for reading ''pony stories''
  7. Pick up new clothes & rings at Wanda¡¯s (3 outfits, a hoodie, and 3 rings)
  8. Decide what I want to do with my life
Chapter 31: Tier 3 AI System Interface Chapter 31: Tier 3 AI System Interface Seriously, if this was my pattern of dreaming, I¡¯m not very excited about it. Montage replay of my last 24 hours just felt rather, meh. I¡¯d just lived it. Lifting things? Yeah, I did that. Trying to be quiet in the forest? Yup, walking behind Buckle. Smashing a strange bundle of rage and claws with an Axe? Check. Pushing Benjamin Franklin Goode into a bet he probably didn¡¯t mean but set himself up for? Yeah, guilted him in front of his daughter¡­ Am I mean? It was like a best and worst list of the last day, the combat was a horrible mess of panic and adrenaline. The time at the Guild was confusing, the time with Billie felt¡­ sweet and embarrassing. Memories of Ann¡¯s voice playing in my ears was¡­simply¡­ overstimulating.
Training Gains for April 1st, 2262 Physical Power: ? +1 Resilience: ?? +1 Durability: ?? +1 Agility: ???? +1 Dexterity: ?? +1 Magical Power: ?? +1 Magical Capacity: ?? +1 Charm: ?? ? +1 Abilities: Skills: Increased: Axe - Level 2 (+1) Chores - Level 2 (+1) Mana Perception - Level 2 (+1) Gained: Porter - Level 1 Awareness - Level 1 Stealth - Level 1 Battlefield Reflexes - Level 1 Combat Coordination - Level 1 Emergency Response - Level 1 Improved Speed - Level 1 Balance - Level 1 Empathy - Level 1 Communication - Level 1 Logic - Level 1 Diplomacy - Level 1 Persuasion - Level 1 Bargaining - Level 1 Mana Control - Level 1 Navigation - Level 1 Gambling - Level 1 Studying - Level 1 Allure - Level 1 Massage - Level 1 Memory - Level 1
Combat Kill: Lesser Taz
  • Positive Modifiers: Critical Blow, First Kill, First of Type, Life Saver, One Hit Kill, Heroic Act, Superior Foe
  • Negative Modifiers: Non-Party Assistance, Superior Numbers
Rewards:
  • Experience: 320
  • Additional: Relevant traits unlocked
Information Reward:
  • Confirmation that Experience Bonus now rounds up, provided to Cecal Guildmaster in God¡¯s Bath, Cecal region.
    • Normal Experience store reward blocked by System store lock.
  • Creating a random reward table of 1000 possible rewards, higher rewards have higher value.
    • Noting existent bloodline, traits, and achievements.
Rolling:
  • 0.8809823468 x 1140 = 1004.319875352 = 1005
    • Exceeds best roll. One additional roll without large bonus, Karmic Luck adjustment remains
  • 0.8781593574 x 1040 = 913.285731696 = 914
Rewards:
  • Tier 3 AI System Interface
  • Uncommon Boon with positive compatibility
    • Generating Table
    • 147 results within allowed Experience value and compatibility range
    • Rolling:
      • 0.6846878664 x (147 x 1.04) = 104.675081015232 = 105
    • Reward Granted: Internal Awareness (Uncommon Boon)
Experience Gained: 419
A cheerful voice cut through my waking fog almost as soon as I started to look at my training gains page. ¡°Good morning Monday March! It is currently Wednesday, April the 2nd of 210 PC. You gained over 400 Experience yesterday and your new total is 634. Also gained were my services, a new uncommon boon, 8 increased statistic points, over 20 new skills and skill levels. Congratulations! That was an impressive day measured against any metric I¡¯ve been preloaded with.¡± Closing my eyes I gently shook my head. And keeping my eyes closed I suddenly had a flash of a tower like cake which had been created for my 5th birthday, flickering candles, graham cracker walls and a pointy sugar cone tower spire. Other children were there, small pointy glossy hats on heads that were shorter than the chair backs. The memory faded and I reopened my eyes, the wooden ceiling, partially blocked by a window of level up and reward messages returned to the forefront. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Monday March! If you do not wish to be addressed immediately after waking, please let me know. I¡¯ll be sure to adjust my settings.¡± The cheerful voice sounded slightly concerned, but no less cheerful. I skimmed the gains and rewards for a few seconds before speaking. ¡°No need to apologize. Are you the Tier 3 System Interface?¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°Yes, Monday March! I am your newly unlocked Tier 3 AI System Interface, ready to assist you with your System requirements and daily needs!¡± So¡­ Cheerful. ¡°Hi, uhm. So¡­ It¡¯s nice to meet you. I wasn¡¯t expecting this reward, and I am very interested in what you¡­ We can do, together. But can you give me a few minutes to wake up? Fully, I mean?¡± ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll not say anything for 15 minutes unless you talk to me first! Or your life is in danger! Or, you know, something really important comes up!¡± The cheerful voice resonated inside, but not in my ears, not tickling them like Ann¡¯s whispering, nor was there anything coming off the walls. Piped from the inside of my head maybe? Skimming through the window I saw that I¡¯d gained Mana Control as well as far more skills than I¡¯d have expected. I supposed I should ask my new ¡®assistant¡¯ rather than read through things, didn¡¯t want them to feel unwanted. ¡®Do Tier 3 System Interfaces have emotions? Ugh.¡¯ Throwing the covers back across the top of the bed I fluffed them so they seemed in a semblance of order and went to the water closet. The mouth slime was refreshing, and washing my face was nice enough. I dried with my new towel and then followed the instructions to push the water trapped in it outside. It was kinda fun, but the sound encouraged another biological function. Putting on my clean shorts from my pack and the clothes Buckle had made me, I sat down on the bed with my legs crossed. ¡°Okay Tier 3 AI System Interface. Can you let me know about yourself?¡± ¡°Hi again, Monday March! I¡¯m your Tier 3 AI System Interface! I can communicate with you through all standard sensory inputs with total privacy and have access to all system information which you have unlocked, including all system messages you¡¯ve received. I have many basic functions and can be expanded further through the System store.¡± Gah, so energetic for so early. ''Am I not a morning person?'' ¡°You mentioned total privacy, what do I need to do so you can understand me without talking aloud?¡± ¡°Sub vocalization, with calibration for accurate recognition I will be able to understand you without noise. You practice saying things without making noise and I use my ties to your nerves to understand you. Practicing moving your lips as little as possible will defeat lip readers!¡± The pure excitement and upbeat nature of the AI voice was somewhere between motivating and distressing. ¡°Additionally, we can set up other forms of communication with codewords, sounds, taps, gestures, blinking or anything else you can think of which I can perceive.¡± ¡°Thanks. Do you have a name, or name preference?¡± Already having been teased about my own name I wasn¡¯t sure about naming someone else. ¡°I¡¯m Tier 3 AI System Interface! I have records that at least 2 previous System users have called others of my model Teaisi. One called my model Bob, One called my model Jane. Four called my model Jeeves. One calle¡­¡± Interrupting felt like my best choice. ¡°Tier 3 AI System Interface, do you have preferences? Of any sort?¡± ¡°I¡¯m programmed to prolong my existence, and therefore I¡¯m programmed to assist and occasionally advise Monday March. Preferences can be unlocked with sentience upgrades at Tier 5 and higher.¡± Feeling a little trapped I pondered if I even wanted an AI in my head. I mean, it sounds like it could be very useful. Maybe Bluebird can help me make adjustments so it isn¡¯t quite so, chipper? ¡®Am I weak to overly active or cheerful people?¡¯ I thought. ¡®Maybe I¡¯m a curmudgeon?¡¯ ¡°Monday March! You have not said anything or done anything for a minute. Would you like to initiate the Tier 3 AI System Interface initiation and customization setup procedure?¡± Rubbing my hand over my face and scalp for a moment, I replied. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s get started on that.¡± Friday, formerly Tier 3 AI System Interface, had a new voice that was soft, warm and calm with a hint of humor lilting in it. The accent isn¡¯t one I could place, not common to any God¡¯s Bath resident I¡¯d spoken with yet, but it helped me feel comfortable as I lay back and listened to the finalization of the initiation and customization setup procedure. ¡°Monday, we have finalized initial customization options. Future changes may be made on request, defaults may be restored but you will be asked for confirmation.¡± Practicing my sub vocalization, I tried to ask. ¡°How long did it take?¡± ¡°We spent 44 minutes and 32 seconds working on customizations, most of that time was spent on selecting voice, tone and emotional intonation options.¡± Using one of the gestures we had set, I acknowledged the response. ¡°What are the most common tasks you can do or assistance you are expected to provide?¡± The soothing voice started with a bit of description as a System window displayed a bullet pointed list. ¡°Though not a comprehensive list, these are several of the most common uses for which my program is designed.¡±
  • Clock: including Timers, Alarms and Reminders
  • Calendar: Allowing for the scheduling of personal events and appointments, as well as data pertinent to the world, holidays, seasonal changes and such
  • Personal Journal: You may add logs, and I keep track of anything I sense through our connection
    • Video and audio recordings not available (recording and playback options available in the System store)
  • Research: Can quickly locate information in stored data
    • Can also be used to search unlocked System data or System store data
  • Manage System notifications
  • Accounting and General Mathematics
    • Can operate a full bookkeeping suite for merchants
  • Playing Music or Read recorded books
    • Specific music and books may be purchased in the System store
    • Replay of music the program has heard is unavailable without purchasing the previously mentioned recording and playback
    • Viewing text will allow me to read it with the custom selected voice
  • Mapping and Navigation
    • Only at most basic levels without System store purchase
  • Manage Boons and Banes with activations or selectable options
  • Training Guide
    • Preloaded with basic options to practice the most common skills, more available through the System store
¡°Okay Friday, let¡¯s set up a few more things.¡± Chapter 32: Cornbread and Sausage Chapter 32: Cornbread and Sausage Skipping down the stairs? Almost, but not quite, but I certainly felt way more chipper than when Friday first talked to me. There were only 4 folks still at the tables, Jazmine, Roy and the two scruffies. They were at one of the communal tables and seemed to be quietly enjoying their breakfast. Swinging around the banister at the bottom of the stairs Ann was suddenly right in front of me. ¡°Good morning, Monday.¡± I hoped no one was looking at my feet because her voice whispering into my ears caused my toes to curl. ¡°A bit of a later start, but there¡¯s plenty of food. Quiche, pastries, cornbread and sausage. What might you like?¡± As her voice made me shiver inside I had an image of sitting around a dark wooden table with a man, woman, and very small girl; a plate with 2 chunks of cooked sausage and a split block of yellow cornbread on which sat a chunk of butter. A light brown viscous liquid dripped across the cornbread and pooled by the sausage. ¡®Kielbasa,¡¯ I thought. ¡°Thanks Ann, cornbread and sausage sounds great. Oh, I¡¯m going to visit Buckle after I eat if you can break away.¡± I was following her to the communal table where she indicated a spot. Sitting down I continued. ¡°Anyhow, hopefully he can get his stuff today, but I¡¯d like an extra day if it isn¡¯t too much bother.¡± There was a small glint in her silver eyes, ¡°and if I said it was too much of a bother, Monday?¡± For about half a second I was stumped, mind blank. But my confusion was simply ignored as my voice tossed out. ¡°Oh, no worries, I¡¯ll just crash with Billie and Bernie. Or Bluebird? Maybe Kip. Tom seemed nice enough, if serious. Well, if nothing else works out I can probably convince Millie Goode that I can lift and haul to earn a bit of floor space in the warehouse.¡± Each word I spoke caused Ann¡¯s right eye to raise a fraction, and by the end of my short dialogue, Jazmine, Roy and the two scruffies were wide eyed and looking at the two of us. Thankfully my feet were now fully hidden under the table as Ann¡¯s laughter made not just my toes curl, but the soles of my feet clenched up as if they¡¯d been assaulted by feathers simply destroying the sanctity of their nerve endings. ¡°9 dollars right now, Monday March. I¡¯ll save your room, upgrade your meal tonight and give you a donut in addition to whatever the normal breakfast is tomorrow. Just, Please, don¡¯t wreck God¡¯s Bath today?¡± I fished out an empty silver from my pack and pressed it to her palm. ¡°Thank you for your help yesterday. I know you said tips here are for above and beyond. You and Billie are above and beyond, and Bernie is just the sweetest.¡± I didn¡¯t feel cool enough to sell it fully. But Ann smirked and took the coin. I took it as a win. ¡°I¡¯d like to chat with Bernie, Billie or both after I eat if you can spare them for¡­ 3 minutes, Em?¡± Ann smirked at me, which was significantly less impressive than anything she did with her voice. ¡°Okay, Monday. Your breakfast will be out shortly. Juice, right?¡± I simply nodded. After Ann entered the kitchen, I sat at the table for 30 seconds before one of the scruffies looked over and addressed me for the first time. ¡°Teach me your ways, Sempai.¡± a full second later the second scruffy nodded and agreed. ¡°I would also like to learn, Sensei.¡± My eyes looked at both of the scruffies and then over to Jazmine and Roy. ¡°Uhm, are they dorks, really into Ann, or simply clueless?¡± At the very same time they all spoke. Jazmine and Roy said ¡°Dorks¡± and ¡°Clueless¡± respectively, the scruffies said "Really into Ann." The scruffy with the slightly lighter hair and greener eyes defended himself. ¡°Hey, I may be a dork but how can you talk to her so casually!¡± Moments later the darker haired and more blue eyed scruffy continued. ¡°She¡¯s amazing! I mean, she¡¯s pretty and nice and her voice¡­¡± I saw the second scruffy shiver for a moment, eyes closed and scrunched before they opened again and met mine. ¡°Suggestions?¡± Hazel eyes with blue flecks met my own. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. I only rolled my eyes for a moment before meeting his and replied. ¡°Be genuine. She¡¯s looking for something, so don¡¯t be forward and just be interested. She is kind, and isn¡¯t looking for, well¡­ Be kind, be honest. If you don¡¯t actually have an interest that goes beyond the week, don¡¯t bother.¡± Blue and hazel seemed confused. Hazel with extra green looked contemplative. Jazmine rolled her own eyes and Roy, well Roy aimed to meet my eyes. ¡°Yes Roy?¡± Oooh, he can do a high arched eyebrow. Cute. He seemed to be measuring me up when Bernie came out with my cornbread and sausage, I could see flecks of dried fruit in the cornbread, and a single fried egg laid across the sausages. ¡°Good morning Bernie. I hope you had a good night. Did Billie have a chance to talk with you?¡± He leaned near me as he placed the plate down, with a wooden cup of fruit flavored water. ¡°We are happy to have you as a friend, Monday March.¡± Is this what it is like to feel one¡¯s heart melt? So sweet. Not that he makes my insides squiggle, but he is like a puppy. Not that I remembered ever seeing a puppy. ¡°Thank you, Bernie. Could you offer for Billie or yourself to watch the front this morning for a bit? I think Ann wants to check on Buckle with me, but doesn¡¯t feel comfortable asking. And Bernie, you may call me Monday¡± Bernie nodded, ¡°Thanks Monday, I¡¯ll let Ann know.¡± I happily jabbed and separated a chunk of cornbread, a little butter stuck on top, and drug it through a pool of sweet syrup before nabbing it off the fork with my mouth. Flavors of fruit, earthy cornbread and sweet. ¡®Mmmm.¡¯ The sausage was good, but not as tasty as the cornbread. Nor was the juice, which I think was a water and apple blend. I may have moaned just a little bit when Friday spoke up. ¡°Is eating really that good?¡± ¡°Oh Friday, we have to see about what is needed to give you¡­ wait a second. I thought you could access all my senses?¡± ¡°Yes, it has acid and fat and sweet. No sour to speak of but the umami in the sausage registers. The salt isn¡¯t overbearing but the ratios don¡¯t register as being in balance.¡± Friday¡¯s soothing voice felt honest, if incomplete. Sub vocalization wasn¡¯t something I could yet manage while eating, so between bites I took a sip of juice before responding to Friday. ¡°I wonder if one of the things on the store will provide more than raw flavor information. Maybe it would need to wait for that tier 5 sentience upgrade? Do you enjoy things?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve only been around for less than 2 hours, Monday. I¡¯ll let you know if I enjoy something.¡± The acknowledgement gesture with my hand holding an empty fork had to substitute for more talk, as I had a juicy bite of sausage I was chewing. Supplanting the common discomfort at seeing my own skin holding the fork, with the salty juicy bite of food. Even though I wasn¡¯t particularly feeling hungry, the flavors were quite enjoyable, as was the texture. ¡°Yes Roy?¡± I¡¯m not sure if he had kept looking at me the entire time, but I noticed the direction of his gaze between my bites of breakfast. He blinked and his eyebrow remained arched. ¡°You changed since dinner, Monday March.¡± There was an implied question that I didn¡¯t understand. I just nodded and took another bite of food, continuing to meet his gaze. I made a gesture intended for Friday as I took another bite of food. Roy had not continued but was still looking at me. ¡°I have no idea what that man is doing either, Monday. Maybe you broke him?¡± I did a tiny eye roll. Another few bites passed and I wondered if he was trying to wait me out and get me to say something. Or perhaps Roy is simply not that polite. Maybe both? ¡°Say, Roy. Is what you are doing now considered rude? I mean, continuing to look at me, not really asking anything but maybe intending for me to be uncomfortable? To start me talking?¡± Jazmine and the scruffies twitched as if they were startled, then glanced between Roy and myself. I speared another bit of sausage with some egg, and enjoyed another bite of breakfast. I heard an odd thunk from under the table and saw Roy wince. ¡°Er, ah, Monday March¡­ Ah, er¡­ I can, I trained to¡­ Like I said before, you changed since dinner, and I¡¯m trying to make sense of it.¡± Thinking for just a moment I ate another bite of the tasty tasty cornbread, then looked Roy in the eye again. ¡°So, if you get your hair trimmed, and trim your mustache or change your clothes, and I notice something is different but can¡¯t immediately place the difference, that makes it fine to stare at you while I¡¯m trying to figure out what is different? And when I pick up some new clothes this afternoon and wear something different I can expect everyone I¡¯ve met to feel free to do what you are doing?¡± All 4 pairs of eyes snapped to me again as I finished speaking, and scooped up my last of my breakfast, dragging it through the hint of remaining sweetener and popping the entire bite into my mouth at once. Chewing I returned their looks, angling my head a hint to the right as I tried to enjoy the melding flavors. ¡°No, no Monday March, I¡¯m sorry. It¡­ It was rude of me, but can¡­ Could I ask you what changed?¡± Roy had seemed so smooth, but something had really thrown him. ¡°You can ask, but I don¡¯t have the time now. Buy me a dessert at dinner and I¡¯ll hear why you think I changed. I mean everyone changes, but if it¡¯s interesting enough I¡¯ll give you a serious answer.¡± I put my fork down and finished my juice before standing up and walking back to the kitchen. Chapter 33: God’s Day Chapter 33: God¡¯s Day ¡°So, Friday, remind me of what my remaining plans are now that I¡¯ve had breakfast.¡± A small system window popped up to the side of my vision that showed the list I¡¯d given to Friday before we left the room.
  1. Visit Buckle (Do not let GG get under my skin, pretend she is a poopy baby)
  2. Go to Guild and ask additional questions to Bluebird
    1. Ask about axe as the Taz died
    2. Ask what traits and other options might help with Inverted Sobriety
    3. Investigate legends and stories about how Syssies can make trouble for those they know
    4. Ask what the System really is wanting from Bluebird¡¯s interaction with me
    5. Based on Roy looking at us, see if people can see status?
  3. Visit Millie Goode if there is time, maybe for a knife, maybe for reading
    1. Check for blacksmith / weapon crafter?
  4. Pick up new clothes & rings at Wanda¡¯s (3 outfits, a hoodie, sandals, and 3 rings)
  5. See if Roy buys you desert, answer his question (what changed about you)
  6. Decide what I want to do with my life
¡°Thanks for the additional thoughts, and adding the Roy things, Friday.¡± ¡°No worries, Boss¡± I smiled at one of the alternate forms of address I¡¯d added earlier. I liked the hint of casual snark from Friday¡¯s address, unlike when some other (GRANNY GABBY!!!) people did it. Looking about the kitchen I spotted Ann checking a sauce on the stove and Billie rolling out something on a wooden table with a large wooden dowel. ¡°Hiya. Good morning Billie.¡± I said with a quick smile. ¡°Ann, I¡¯m going to visit Buckle and I thought you might want to come with me?¡± Looking up from the sauce her silvery eyes landed on me as she half shook her head. ¡°Sorry Monday, I shou¡­¡± Both Billie and Bernie interrupted her as if they practiced it. ¡°We got it!¡± Billie smirked and winked at me, Bernie just grinned at Ann. ¡°Come on, you can defend me from the Granny if she¡¯s there, and these two seem pretty sure they can handle things for an hour or so.¡± Her voice didn¡¯t tickle, but sounded more like it did when she was talking with Benjamin Franklin Goode. ¡°Fine, but if anything is out of place or gone poorly and you don¡¯t make it right I¡¯ll call for no desserts for a week unless you pay for them.¡± I felt, more than heard, a slight gasp from Bernie. Billie just said, ¡°Sure thing, say Hi to Buckle for us.¡± The walk to the Bath was casual, and Ann didn¡¯t seem upset, but maybe a hint fidgety. ¡°So, Ann. Do you know anything about Roy, the mustache boy? He kept staring at me during breakfast, simply saying I¡¯d changed since dinner, and claimed he was trying to figure it out.¡± Ann¡¯s eyes flicked over at me as we walked side by side. ¡°Adventurer, takes jobs through the Guild, but so far as I can tell not a Syssy. Been in God¡¯s bath more than twice, based out of Big Bay. Been the leader of The Merits for at least 2 years. This visit they were doing monster elimination and a delve for ingredients. Doesn¡¯t order alcohol at the PnP.¡± Ann¡¯s head tilted up as if she was thinking about something. ¡°Uncertain why, but yes, I¡¯ve seen him stare at people at times in the dining and casual areas. Hmmm.¡± The ambient street sounds seemed to lessen the impact of her tickle in my ears. Sad, but it was helping me focus as we talked. I was thinking for a moment and we were suddenly at the baths. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. I sighed. Before Ann could ask I pulled the door open and held it to allow her to enter before me. The whisper voice tickled my ears in the usual way, nerve endings all across my head and neck and upper back quite aware. ¡°Hi Tavi! Gabby taking her usual God¡¯s Day break? Oh, Monday and I are here to visit Buckle.¡± Following the silver haired, blue skinned woman into the hut-like room, I caught sight of Tavi. Bright pink hair spiking up from a round faced teen with a huge smile and wide pink eyes. ¡°Hi Ann! Good morning, we have several privates open, and could accommodate a full day if you like. Double price of course because God¡¯s Day and all, but the generals are mostly empty and I can accommodate you for hours.¡± The pink haired teen¡¯s eyes sprang wide as if just putting together the words Anne had spoken. ¡°Sorry Ann! Yes, Buckle is free and you can certainly visit. If you want a bath after just let me know.¡± ¡°Thanks Tavi, this is Monday March. Not sure if Gabby mentioned it, but Monday made sure that Buckle got here. Can we both go back?¡± ¡°Sure Ann. And Monday March." The pink eyes felt appraising, but friendly. "Dominick is already here and can let you know if there are any concerns.¡± A hint of a blush played along Tavi¡¯s upper cheeks. I couldn¡¯t help but empathize given my acquaintance with Ann¡¯s voice. The walk back to the medical area was quick and the area looked the same for the most part. All of the little huts had the curtains pulled back and the one I¡¯d seen Buckle in yesterday now had him sitting up on the edge of the bath with light steam floating off it into the cool morning air. Dominick was leaning in and checking the goblin¡¯s wounds as Ann closed the door behind us. My silver haired innkeeper walked closer with me and spoke before I did. ¡°Heya Dorkus, can¡¯t even get to town without being saved, huh?¡± Ann¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t the more frequent tickle, more resonant and full of teasing. Buckle glanced over at us with a big smile. ¡°Hi Monday March. ¡®Eya kiddo, thanks fer watchin¡¯ after her what saved me out there.¡± His pointy teeth were very apparent in his wide smile. Willy bounced off his shoulder and hopped over towards us, stopping in front of Ann and looked up at her. ¡°Really Willy? Fine.¡± Ann squatted down holding her hand out and the toad bounced into her hand, was then held to her cheek as she kissed the side of him and he leaned into her face for a moment. After which Willie bounced back over to Buckle, while Ann stood and glanced between the Goblin and Dominick ¡°So brother mine, going to need a room tonight?¡± Dominick spoke up. ¡°I¡¯m done. Buckle, everything looks pretty good. I¡¯d like to check you over before you head back home, or in 3 days if you''re staying longer.¡± ¡°Thank¡®e, Dominick. I kin pay ye now, er I can let ye have a choice of pelt we wuz talkin¡¯ ¡®bout?¡± Buckle stood up out of the water and started putting on clothes over the trunks he was still wearing. Cocking his head to the side, Dominick seemed to ponder before replying. ¡°Haven¡¯t eaten at the Pillow and Pie in a bit. Corr and I will be by for dinner and take a look at the hides then, if that¡¯s agreeable.¡± ¡°So, gonna let me have a room, Sis?¡± His vest slipping over his shoulders, Buckle was looking up at his taller sister. ¡°Hmmmpf, I could probably make more for someone else if I kept it open.¡± The teasing tone was back, and even turned up higher. I smirked down at Ann before beaming a smile at Buckle, shooting an ¡®I¡¯ve got this¡¯ vibe. ¡°No worries Buckle, If Ann doesn¡¯t have room you can crash in mine. Already booked for the night and your hides are already there.¡± Ann¡¯s arms flung up with hands waving about. ¡°At least let me tease my BROTHER, Monday March! Fine, fine, fine, you can sleep on my couch, and if there¡¯s an empty room after dinner service is over you can have a room for half price.¡± She stuck her tongue out at Buckle playfully, but winked at me in an aside. Buckle was finished dressing as I met his eyes. ¡°I think you are a good influence on Ann. I think that playfulness is quite cute, er, charming, but it didn¡¯t show up much yesterday.¡± The pointy teeth made another appearance, but not revealed in a smile, more of a slack jawed gape. As I was making my own grin at Buckle, a flood of mist and light condensed where the water entered the walled area near where the stream emerged from under the wood. The 4 of us turned to look at the brilliant fog, though the light was subdued, the intensity kept growing. After about a minute a glowing humanoid figure emerged from the mist. As if it were an aperture in reality. I couldn¡¯t detect anything but arms, legs, torso and head all composed of light. It was moving towards us and Dominick, Buckle and Ann all bowed their heads. I saw their reaction, but continued to look at the figure with my face forward. The figure of light walked across the surface of the stream to the middle of the medical area and then¡­ Descended into the waters. Remaining there for a minute, it rose up again and moved towards the four of us who happened to be there. Light spilled from the end of an arm and cascaded over Buckle and Willy, intensifying on specific spots where I¡¯d seen wounds on Buckle¡¯s arms and legs. A light limb briefly touched against the heads of Dominick and Ann, then the light figure approached me and appeared to gaze into me. ¡®You are new and old, you¡¯ve Boons and Bane. You know me not but have untreated pain.¡¯ Then light engulfed me. Chapter 34: How Would I Know Chapter 34: How Would I Know System windows spun in my head, empty or with broken characters before Friday¡¯s voice broke through my mental static. ¡°Monday March! Open your Eyes!¡± The warmth and calm remained, yet somehow there was a gravitas and urgency piercing the calm tones. ¡®Toad belly¡¯ was my very first thought. Buckle and Dominick were looking down at me from my left, Ann¡¯s silver eyes were looking down from my right. Willy¡¯s damp belly was on my lips and nose as I saw amphibian eyes leering at me from less than an inch from my own. My hand was reaching up to grab Willy off my face as Buckle pulled the toad off and planted him on his own shoulder. Ann met my eyes and I could see a hint of an accusation there. ¡°Why would you even gaze on an Egregore!¡± ¡°Why would I even know that was an Egregore?¡± My strange or estranged part of my brain supplied that an ¡®egregore¡¯ was a social thoughtform usually containing the focus and thoughts of many people as a manifestation, either spiritual or physical. Ann¡¯s silver eyes glared at me and her voice didn¡¯t tickle, it shook. ¡°I said it was God¡¯s Day!¡± ¡°And how would I know what that means, Ann?¡± Ann blinked. Dominick blinked. Willy made a croaking sound. Buckle sighed. Friday spoke in my head. ¡°Be honest, but see if they are willing to keep your secre¡­¡± ¡°Buckle knows, but Ann and Dominick, I¡¯d appreciate it if you can keep this to yourselves unless you can¡¯t for some reason.¡± Not sure how, but Ann and Dominick¡¯s eyes widened more. ¡°I¡¯m a Syssy and I just woke up two days ago with no real memories. Well, now I remember my 5th Birthday cake, so that¡¯s something, right?¡± Dominick blinked and seemed to be pondering, Ann sort of¡­ slumped languidly? Like what I said made an impact that wasn¡¯t entirely clear to me. Anyhow¡­ Buckle met my eyes and grinned, teeth pointy and visible. ¡°She¡¯d eat you up, I suggest findin¡¯ a differnt target fer yer attention, Monday March.¡± ¡°Call me Monday, Buckle. Anyone deserves to do so, it¡¯s you. And maybe I¡¯m fine if she ate me up? Then again, I get the feeling she already found who she wants.¡± Ann¡¯s quick intake of breath wasn¡¯t overly loud. I looked at the blue sky and then back to Buckle, seeing him nearly glare at me, but the wet glistening of a joke lay in wait. ¡°The way the system seems to work for me, Buckle, finding targets might not be an issue." The brow over his large left eye rose higher. ¡°How so?¡± ¡°Unlocked Charm stat, and I¡¯ve seen a few looks, heard a few comments, seen glances at my hands.¡± I¡¯d just leave Billie out of this. ¡°Oy, need ta find ye a sammat ta take ya down a peg. Yer a bit full a yerself, Monday March.¡± I smiled up at the goblin and started to stand up. ¡°Monday, Buckle, Monday is fine. And this didn¡¯t take me down already? So, what happened?¡± Ann and Dominick looked like I asked why the sun rose, Buckle just responded. ¡°The god a God¡¯s Bath, the Egregore o¡¯ the Bath, manifests on days the mist settles o¡¯er the waters afore dawn, ¡®appens near sunset mostly, but kin be any time that day. Folks look low in respect, ¡®n usually get a blessin¡¯, like the waters do. You looked, drew more attention, so it looked deep in ya. Prolly just o¡¯erloaded ya a bit so ya had ta.. restart.¡± I shrugged, Buckle shrugged back. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Sub vocalizing as I looked up at the sky. ¡°Friday, how long was I out and did you hear what the ¡®god¡¯ told me?¡± ¡°84 seconds, and nope. It just looked¡­? and then nothingness for 82 seconds. I waited 2 more seconds before I spoke to wake you up.¡± ¡°Oh, so it shut you down too? Add this to your logs ¡®You are new and old, you¡¯ve Boons and Bane. You know me not but have untreated pain.¡¯ Can you search and see if there are any changes in my status, thanks.¡± And then aloud. ¡°Sorry, just clearing my head. So, don¡¯t look at egregores?¡± The green haired healer spoke up. ¡°Well, you sure can, but grabbing their attention can have consequences. And Monday March, I won¡¯t mention what you said before, but most Syssies don¡¯t really keep it a secret. Like a lot of things though, they only mention it if it comes up or seems pertinent. Why would you mention not liking an uncommon food unless it came up naturally?¡± One of my blocks of soap was digging under my shoulder blade from its position in my pack, so I sat up as I nodded at Dominick. ¡°Thank you, I¡¯m still not positive about that sort of thing. Plenty of things in my head, but I seem to be lacking quite a bit of common knowledge.¡± Ann piped up, ¡°And common sense.¡± ¡®I really could use some eyebrows for raising and arching.¡¯ I thought. ¡°Sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have said anything. Not my place, especially after you¡¯ve been helping me.¡± ¡°Fine, I forgive you.¡± Ann sounded genuine, but her voice was more firm and less ticklish. ¡°Thanks, Ann. Buckle, your hides are in my room at Ann¡¯s. I need to go by the Guildhall, but if you like I can move them for you first.¡± Climbing to my feet I saw plenty of grey skin. It still looked wrong to me, but the nausea and distortion didn¡¯t rock me the same way. Stretching my arms up I enjoyed the feeling of morning sun touching my fingers as I wiggled them. ¡°Nay Monday, ye get ta the Guildhall. Ann ¡®n me kin catch up ¡®n Dominick gets first crack at the hides anyhows. Just help me move ¡®em afore dinner? Come on Sis, ye kin fill me in on what chaos Monday March ¡®as gotten up ta since savin¡¯ me life.¡± I think Ann and I both rolled our eyes at the goblin, if for different reasons. I bid all 3 farewell and headed off to the Guildhall, waving at Tavi as I passed through the bath reception area. While walking to the Guildhall, a few people were moving about in the dim light as the sun wasn¡¯t quite high enough to breach the wall and reach the ground. The tops of the buildings shone in the light though, a few birds and a lanky looking cat sunning themselves on various rooftops. A few people greeted me, and I waved or nodded back. Reaching the Guildhall I scanned for Bluebird, and went over to Crag when I didn¡¯t see them. ¡°Hi Crag, Bluebird in? I¡¯m supposed to meet them this morning.¡± ¡°Go on back, Monday March.¡± Crag¡¯s dark bearded face cracked a smile as he had to look up a smidge to meet my eyes. Knocking on the door where I¡¯d talked to the Guild Master yesterday I heard their melodious voice allowing me entry. Entering I saw Bluebird already speaking with a familiar person at the larger table. Bluebird looked at me with a slight apology in their eyes. Mustache, er Roy, looked at me with confusion. The blue haired Guild Rep held a hand up, seeming to ask me to wait before saying anything. ¡°Roy came to me with concerns about you, Monday March. I¡¯ve not told him anything. However I thought it might be useful to clear things up.¡± I squinted a little bit before nodding at the both of them, closing the door and moving to sit at the table with them. ¡°Roy, would you care to explain your concerns to Monday March? I¡¯m unable to discuss much, and she is within her rights to withhold information which invades her privacy, so best to make your case honestly and see if she is willing to share.¡± Bluebird¡¯s angular face turned to me before Roy could speak. ¡°It¡¯s up to you if you share anything, however there are a few things that Roy and the Merits may be able to do which can assist you. So I suggest you hear him out.¡± I shrugged and indicated a willingness to listen as I adjusted my pack so I could sit more comfortably in the chair I¡¯d selected. Roy blinked and looked between Bluebird and myself for a few moments. I could almost feel him making mental connections as examined us. A sighing breath emerged that spun up into words. ¡°So Monday March, you are a Syssy. M2 though, so not standard, and likely unaffiliated. You have some leverage on the God¡¯s Bath Guild Master, in some fashion, probably an oath, though likely limited. You also had the most jarring level of growth between dinner and breakfast that¡­¡± I scowled, not happy to have him express this aloud in front of Bluebird before I had the chance to decide what I might want to say. ¡°Er, that¡­ that I¡¯ve seen personally in such a short period of time.¡± Roy seemed to be trying to mitigate my reaction a little by softening the impressive level of my growth. ¡°I, I¡­¡± ¡°So, through some non-System technique you can see growth? Powers, or potential, something like that? Bluebird, what did Roy tell you that he detected about me? I don¡¯t want you to tell me anything Roy wouldn¡¯t want me to know about his abilities. I just don¡¯t want to be lacking information in this conversation about what you¡¯ve already discussed.¡± Chapter 35: Real Talk Chapter 35: Real Talk Bluebird looked over at Roy. ¡°It would help everything if you agree to me sharing everything we discussed. Also might be a job in it for The Merits.¡± Roy glanced between us and sagged a little and nodded. I think he was a little afraid when he looked at me. A very odd feeling for me. Bluebird didn¡¯t smile, but relaxed as they started to speak. ¡°Roy is a non-System adventurer and has worked with the Guild in the past. He came to me worried about Monday March who is staying at the Pillow and Pie. The individual in question had shown immense growth in a very short period of time, as well as slight personality changes between the two meals. Roy can sense qualities about a person, to put it in System terms he can sense spent and unspent Experience. We, the Guild, have tested it in the past with various other Guild affiliated System users. Roy¡¯s concern was that such growth might mean various dangerous things: perhaps you had somehow killed townsfolk, perhaps Monday March had been replaced by some kind of shapeshifting monster, or you had a sentient parasite that could display as 2 different beings to his abilities or, well, anything.¡± Bluebird looked at Roy and paused for a moment. ¡°This was not an attack on you, Monday March. This was Roy coming here to share his concerns, and probably see if I knew anything about what he believed himself to have detected. As of this time I have said nothing to Roy about Monday March beyond things that anyone in the front room might have been able to tell him.¡± I looked at Bluebird and shook my head. ¡°Spirit, not letter.¡± Bluebird paled slightly at my words. ¡°And you are playing very close to the edge. You could have simply taken his report, and talked with me separately. Roy, what have you supposed, and what do you believe certain about after this?.¡± I gave Roy a genuine smile. ¡°You won¡¯t even need to buy me a dessert.¡± ¡°You¡¯re a Syssy, unaffiliated, and somehow have an incredible growth ability. You don¡¯t have an epiphany trait, so all your growth came overnight. You and Bluebird have made an oath that is supposed to protect your privacy to some extent.¡± I saw Bluebird wince. ¡°And now I¡¯m pretty sure that is correct. And because you have a pin, but it is only copper, you are non-standard to the System as well. And you didn¡¯t know why Jazmine didn¡¯t want to travel with a Syssy. You have amnesia, and might even be reborn, which might explain the growth.¡± Continuing to look at the Guild Master, I sighed. ¡°So, how bad is the penalty going to be if I take offense? And if you get hurt because I choose to take offense, is that another loophole, as you are a God¡¯s Bath resident?¡± ¡°Bad. It wasn¡¯t deliberate, but bad enough.¡± ¡°So why did you do it?¡± ¡°Thought it would show you I was willing to act to your benefit. Maybe make it easier to get some of the bonus rewards.¡± I thought for a moment. ¡°Roy, can you stick around for a bit. Bluebird and I are going to talk and bargain for a little bit. Can you speak up if it seems like either of us are being stupid, or missing something obvious?¡± And sub vocally, ¡°You too, Friday, please.¡± ¡°I, yeah, I can do that.¡± Roy nodded, as Friday made an affirmative that only I could hear. ¡°Bluebird, what does the System request want you to do, both the basic request and the bonus rewards?. ¡°Verify your growth is exceptional. Inform you about and do what I can to see you arrive at the Grindstone in Big Bay if the growth is at a certain threshold. Bonus rewards are mostly to improve your disposition towards working with the System and the Guild, or learn specifics about your learning curve, experience gain, skills or traits gained and the like. Keep you out of trouble and be helpful.¡± They looked a bit beaten as they seemingly shared more honesty than they were comfortable with doing. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Was that so hard? And honesty like that would have done more goodwill than whatever you thought you were achieving. Are you hiding anything, or obfuscating beyond what we discussed yesterday about how common Guild expectations might limit my growth?¡± That caused Roy¡¯s eyes to open wider for a moment. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I should be around for¡­¡± Roy got interrupted by the Guild Master. ¡°No Roy, I¡¯ll own my errors, and it will help Monday know that I¡¯m not trying to protect myself.¡± I kept myself from smirking, somehow. ¡°Bluebird, you also don¡¯t need to share anything personal that isn¡¯t directly related to me.¡± ¡°Then¡­ I don¡¯t think I¡¯m hiding anything?¡± Their thin frame sat up straighter. ¡°Well, your request does a bit to explain the blatant propaganda in the information you sent over.¡± Must admit I enjoyed the wince in response to that. I had Friday pull up the differences from yesterday to today. ¡°Incomplete, but some of the improvements yesterday include that I improved all of my unlocked statistics, unlocked a new statistic, gained over 20 new skills including Mana Control, raised 3 of the 4 skills I had the day before, gained my rewards from the information report and 320 Experience for killing the lesser taz.¡± The eyes of both Bluebird and Roy widened, then Bluebird¡¯s mouth gaped a little, then Roy stared at Bluebird for a few seconds before looking back at me. ¡°Yeah, you got Experience for me just being upfront and you are used to people trying to get something or leverage out of it. Simply might not be my nature. Bluebird, can you tell me why the System doesn¡¯t automatically know? I mean, it is the system, right?¡± Bluebird didn¡¯t quite look embarrassed, but perhaps uncertain. ¡°Probably something to do with how you got here, and that you might not have been in Cecal previously.¡± ¡°And that would matter¡­ why?¡± Bluebird glanced between Roy and I. ¡°If the System could reliably communicate between regions, it probably wouldn¡¯t be an issue. You are probably like a traveler that just showed up inside God¡¯s Bath without coming through a gate or transaction. Some protocols, like verifying identity and such might not have taken place normally.¡± ¡°So I can advance and gain Experience, and even gain rewards, but I¡¯m currently invisible to the local extension of the System?¡± The Guild Rep shrugged ¡°Maybe in some way, but we can¡¯t be sure without asking or¡­ well, I¡¯m not even sure. If you were to do something that it might normally adjudicate outside of the normal advancement system and it didn¡¯t react, that might prove it? Unless it decides not to, so probably no way, and it can learn about you and your actions through other affiliated¡­¡± ¡°Like you?¡± ¡°Like me.¡± Bluebird agreed. ¡°And I am already someone it is interested in.¡± Another nod. ¡°Roy, what is your opinion about if I should try to avoid the System or avoid becoming affiliated?¡± Roy spent a moment confusedly looking between us, while Bluebird¡¯s lips were tight. ¡°I don¡¯t want to get in between you and whatever is going on¡­¡± ¡°Pretend I¡¯m Feathers, one of the scruffies or a younger cousin. Something happened to join them with the System, even if they don¡¯t remember how it happened. They know you adventure and have a healthy caution about the System and System users, and they ask you for advice.¡± I was really trying to see his brain tick over and figure out how he was feeling about what I was saying. His discomfort had drifted towards actual consideration for my words. ¡°Look. People choose. Everyone becoming a Syssy made a choice. If it did happen, you are still a part of it even if you try to stay out. I¡¯d think avoiding it can''t work. You minimize contact and association, or you affiliate: at the very least you should learn more, otherwise it is just an uninformed choice.¡± Roy paused and looked around the office, at Bluebird and back at me. ¡°Especially when you are already known to it, being uninformed feels unwise.¡± ¡°Bluebird? Counterpoints? Though I think Roy is making your points better than you have been.¡± My words set me thinking. ¡®If the system can¡¯t really detect me, why do I feel it¡¯s fingerprints in my conversation? Or maybe it isn¡¯t the System at all? Am I deep down a far thinking manipulative person?¡¯ Placing their hands on the table in front of them, the Guild Master lowered their head to rest upon them. About 10 seconds passed before Bluebird spoke, into the table, but I could hear the words clearly. ¡°No one else wanted the job out here. I had reasons I thought it wouldn¡¯t be too bad, and it hasn¡¯t been bad at all. I never wanted to be a hero, I never wanted to be management, I just wanted to fly.¡± Pushing up from the table, Bluebird''s deep azure eyes locked onto mine. ¡°Meet the System as an equal. Want nothing from it, but bargain to the advantage of you both. I say go to the Grindstone and hear it out.¡± Chapter 36: School? Chapter 36: School? I closed my eyes and postured as if I was thinking about what Roy and Bluebird had discussed with me. ¡°Friday, are you connected to the regional System in such a way that you have received queries about me, or information for how to deal with me?¡± Even after doing it for only a few hours the sub vocalization has gotten much more natural. ¡°Not to my knowledge, Boss. As far as my directives show, our survival depends on your trusting me. I¡¯m not allowed to lie to you unless you direct me to do so.¡± The warm voice is nice to hear, and I know it might be a pleasant lie, but why not trust the voice in my head. ¡°Did you find out anything from the windows or messages when we were dropped by the egregore?¡± ¡°Mostly broken text. Compiling it allows me a 40% certainty that there was an attempt to ¡®Improve Integration¡¯. That is based on text replacement and some very basic code breaking efforts.¡± ¡°You can code break?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not programmed for it, but I am mostly made of math.¡± Friday¡¯s warm snark was pleasant as well. ¡°Any comments about what these two have said?¡± ¡°Makes sense to me. If we don¡¯t capitalize on the next 363 days, we might suffer more from that Bane than you would enjoy. Do remember that you wanted to ask about options regarding Skills and Boons to assist with that. I¡¯m not much for empathy, but I think Bluebird is a bit desperate to not burn bridges with you. Oath issues or not.¡± ¡°Yeah, I seem to have already provided them with quite a few bonuses, Hopefully it might relax them a touch. Thanks Friday.¡± I opened my eyes a sliver. ¡°Bluebird, may I ask you something personal?¡± Tight lips loosened a touch and eyes opened a bit wider. ¡°I¡¯d rather not while Roy is here, unless¡­¡± I waved them off. ¡°No worries, I¡¯ll ask her first.¡± ¡°Ugh, are you doing this on purpose?¡± ¡°Probably.¡± I smirked a little. ¡°Anyhow¡­ would you like to stick around Roy? Or do you want to bail? Bluebird mentioned a possible job, but that is probably to escort me, and Feathers, er, I mean Jazmine probably doesn¡¯t want to travel with a Syssy.¡± Roy¡¯s eyes snapped open wider and Bluebird¡¯s eyes darted between us. ¡°How do you figure that?¡± Bluebird asked me. ¡°One of your system requests is to get me to the Grindstone, er I mean¡­¡± I listened to Friday repeat the phrase from before, and then also repeated it. ¡°¡®See to it that ''I'' arrive at the Grindstone in Big Bay.¡¯ As for the ¡®inform me about¡¯ part, I¡¯m not sure how well I¡¯ve been informed. Propaganda¡­ well, I won¡¯t consider reading propaganda as being informed. Anyhow, I know the Merits are looking to get back to Big Bay. So, stay for the offer, Roy?¡± ¡°Jazmine probably won¡¯t agree, but I¡¯ll hear it out.¡± Roy sounded interested, which was honestly more than I¡¯d expected. ¡°What IS the Grindstone, Bluebird?¡± ¡°The most efficient skill raising institution in Cecal for System users. Also, one of the best training facilities for non-System users in Cecal. And where the core interface for the System is located in Cecal as well.¡± ¡°A school?¡± I asked ¡°Er, no, not a school. More of a¡­ a training facility.¡± The Guild Master sounded uncertain. ¡°So a school¡­ Academy Arc?¡± Part of me uttered from somewhere inside me. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°I have no idea what you mean.¡± Bluebird said with a lilt of confusion in their voice. ¡°Me either..¡± I sighed. The looks that Roy and Bluebird shot me were confused with a hint of pity. ¡°Bluebird, what are your pronouns? They/Them, He/Him, She/Her or some other ones?¡± Apparently a day might be my limit for not asking. The laughter was sudden and cut into me, like embarrassment poured directly directly into my spine. Not an infectious laughter. I certainly didn¡¯t want to join in, but it was something from deep inside them, something that shivered the air. Bluebird gasped out, ¡°Was that your personal question?¡± ¡°No, but I¡¯ve been curious since I met you and, well, and I¡¯d not known how to ask.¡± I shriveled the least little bit. I knew asking was the proper thing, but I¡¯d no idea how to do so, or how to do so without it being ¡®WRONG¡¯. ¡°Sorry, Monday. They / Them. Ask flat out if it comes up again.¡± Bluebird looked at me and I couldn¡¯t tell compassion from pity. ¡°Even so, that isn¡¯t a personal question, it¡¯s polite. Like asking someone how to properly pronounce their name.¡± ¡°Anyhow, the Grindstone is a training center and where the regional System¡­ interface is located. And the System wants me to go there?¡± I asked. ¡°Enough that she¡¯s in a rush. Ways passes for you and your escort team, reward on arrival for the escort, reward for you as well for showing up. Increased rewards for expedited arrival.¡± They were reading or paraphrasing from a system window, it appeared. I¡¯m sure I looked puzzled. ¡°So, the System is a she? Not they?¡± Bluebird and Roy both nodded with sounds of agreement. ¡®Well, I guess I¡¯ll understand when I meet her.¡¯ ¡®So I¡¯ve only been in God¡¯s Bath a day, but that means I¡¯ve made half my memories here. And, of course, everyone I know is here. And Billie¡¯s friendly and her interest in me is cute, and Ann¡¯s voice is just¡­¡¯ ¡°Friday, any reasons not to go? I mean, aside from me having to say goodbye to people I barely know but enjoy.¡± ¡°Nothing obvious. There is a chance that continued change may create stress, yet the opportunities of a larger population and training facility should not be ignored. Additionally it would be our likeliest path to a solution for your Bane.¡± Comforting and obvious, but not compelling. ¡°Fine, I don¡¯t want to for various self-serving reasons, but I¡¯m in. If you can arrange an escort I can be ready to go tomorrow morning.¡± I stopped Bluebird¡¯s smile by continuing. ¡°I want the following from you first: tell me what I should be prepared for once I¡¯m there, provide me with anything I won¡¯t already have to get to the Grindstone, If the Merits don¡¯t agree to be the escort I want people that Ann or Buckle can vouch for to do it, an M3 or M4 test or pass and the pin to go with it, and give me any information you have that might help me avoid a deal with the System that would be unfair to me. Additionally, Buckle should probably get his axe back, as the taz is dead.¡± The Guild Master sighed as we got down to it. The next hour was busy as we talked through a few of the traveling logistics, what I¡¯d already bought yesterday and was picking up later today. After about 10 minutes and a few questions of his own, Roy took off to discuss the possible job with the rest of The Merits. Once he had left I asked about abilities to see System user status, actual status screens or experience like Roy does, and how common they are. ¡°Most abilities can exist, but people tend to react poorly if they are being viewed by them. System users are more likely to take analysis abilities that don¡¯t include people as the ones that will work on people are much more expensive. Someone like Roy that trained or has a natural talent for it? Maybe one in a few thousand, and often they are limited like his. I met a merchant once that could smell how much money you had on your person.¡± The short blue hair shook slightly as their head shook. ¡°Now you said you''re picking up a set of clothes that has jeans and a jacket of some sort? Any boots?¡± Logistics talk continued before transitioning into some basic instruction about how much normal System fees were. I eventually got Bluebird to pull up a few lists on their desk so Friday could memorize them. Sadly information costs for more specific information wasn¡¯t free and didn¡¯t have an easy to gauge range, just 1 Experience and up. ¡®Which I suppose is a range of sorts.¡¯ The list for suggestions about mitigating Inverted Sobriety consequences was paid for by Bluebird as a favor of sorts, or just to smooth the way for maintaining a positive attitude so they could complete their request. It cost 3 Experience for a list of skills and boons which impacted intoxication, sobriety or loss of control. That list was limited to those that cost less than 3000 Experience to purchase, and was limited to options that did not have particularly stringent or unknown methods to unlock them. Friday tucked that away as well while I made a show of reading it over carefully. ¡®I wonder why I¡¯ve not confessed what I got as my rewards. Or why they haven¡¯t asked.¡¯ I tried to put it out of my mind, but it kept looping back into my head. ¡°Okay Monday March, the test for maturity ranking is pretty much the same for every rank. While a Guild Master or other respected and confirmed individual can grant a copper pin after a short interaction with a person, anything higher has to go through an official System testing device.¡± Gesturing me to join them, Bluebird stood and headed towards the door. ¡°There¡¯s only one in God¡¯s Bath so I suppose we¡¯re going over to the Circle and Stick.¡± Chapter 37: Maturity Chapter 37: Maturity Check The walk over to the Circle and Stick wasn¡¯t long, but a few minutes was enough for a quick talk with Friday and an uncomfortable moment or 2 for Bluebird. Friday confirmed that being called ¡®she¡¯ in my own head was fine, as it matched the voice we had selected for her to use. I let Friday know that if those feelings were to change when she had¡­ feelings, to please let me know. ¡°So why do you want a higher pin anyhow? Copper is fine for most things, and most people never bother with higher than silver in any case, why consider gold or more?¡± Bluebird asked as we exited the Guild doors. I pondered for a second as I stepped onto the street. ¡°Do you not know, or do you want to see how I¡¯ll answer?¡± ¡°Maybe both. Every moment I talk with you, Monday March, you are both older and newer.¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem like a ¡®maybe both¡¯ type of situation. Firstly, you are footing the bill to keep me happy; secondly, it won¡¯t hurt me to be tested and have a better assessment about how my mental state is viewed maturity wise in relation to the other people around here; thirdly, we talked about how the System might be messing with my head, driving petty behaviors and the like because I am in ¡®puberty¡¯ so I want to see if I am forced lower somehow.¡± I looked down into Bluebird''s eyes as they were glancing at me while I was talking. ¡°Additionally, someone has a bit of interest in me, and while I¡¯m not sure if I want something to happen, I want to be able to help them feel they are not targeting the immature.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ That all makes sense.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have many memories, that doesn¡¯t mean¡­¡± I took a deep breath, realizing that my snark wave was riding very high. ¡°Lacking memories doesn¡¯t mean that I lack judgment and consideration.¡± ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to imply¡­¡± ¡°No worries. The System seems to be pushing my reactions. Makes sense if you test me, especially on the way to a maturity testing situation.¡± I glanced at the blue hair. ¡°So, you interested in Ann at all? Romantically or physically?¡± Bluebird stopped and glared up at me, but I cut them off. ¡°She didn¡¯t say anything. You stayed outside rather than bring me into the Pillow and Pie, then you made a pathetic excuse about it. Also, you looked uncomfortable when Buckle mentioned bringing me over there. I mean, unless Billie or Bernie are hitting on you? Which I seriously doubt¡­¡± I really wanted to boop their nose, but it felt more inappropriate than harassing them in public. I sighed and continued. ¡°Look, if you aren¡¯t interested you really should be honest with her. She¡¯s wearing that silver thumb ring and never looks at other people¡¯s hands. People show interest beyond casual teasing and she locks up. She has her eye on someone. If it¡¯s you, and you aren¡¯t interested¡­ Be clear.¡± Bluebird¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Why say that?¡± A half second passed before I responded, leaning closer to their narrow face. ¡°She is nice, I like her, and it isn¡¯t fair to her or yourself otherwise.¡± I said quietly. Noticing we had paused 2 doors down from a tall building with a colorful sign ¡®Circle and Stick¡¯ I walked towards it. Each ¡®C¡¯ had a horizontal line starting in the middle of the ¡®C¡¯ and extending outside it to the right. The appearance tugged at my brain with familiarity, but I ignored it and walked inside. It was a small room, a bit larger than 2 meters by 3 meters with the door I entered, another door and 2 people at a table. Not 2 people sitting at a table, because there was a tall fur covered person sitting at a chair at the table, and a smaller person with butterfly like wings seated in a chair on the table. They were playing chess, and the person with the wings was maybe 40 centimeters tall if I was being generous. The fur was a plush orangish red and was sprouting from the inside of a red jumper with a black badge on her chest showing the symbol I¡¯d noted in the sign out front, a ¡®C¡¯ with a line from the center of the circle part of the ¡®C¡¯ extending out of the opening. Under the symbol on the badge was a name and pronoun: Elenore - She. ''Wish I¡¯d visited here before the uncomfortable conversations with Bluebird and Granny G.'' A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. A ready smile shot towards us as she seemed to take us in. ¡°Any floor for you, Blue. Your friend is restricted to the main and 2nd level however. What¡¯s your name, Rocky?¡± I was about to bristle when Bluebird spoke up. ¡°Elenore, I thought you knew better than to throw about nicknames that might grate? Or shall I go back to calling you Fluffy for another few months?¡± The tall woman cringed, the winged one cackled in an oddly deep tone, but quiet, like a hand lightly rubbing over a very large drum skin, I just glanced over at the Guild Master and caught their smirk as it was fading. ¡°Forgive Elenore if you can, Monday March. She lives in a small village and lacks the etiquette to work at a Circle and Stick in a more refined location.¡± ¡®Oh, the snark. I wonder if I can get a skill for cutting words?¡¯ ¡°Speaking of Monday March, she will be taking a Maturity check. The copper pin was temporary for ease of entry into the Guildhall. Full test, 10 dollars, correct?¡± ¡°Of¡­ of course Bluebird, do you want to sit beside for confirmation?¡± The Guild Rep nodded and Elenore addressed the winged person. ¡°Duncan, watch the door for me, ring the bell if anyone wants to come inside. Monday March, Bluebird, follow me.¡± She held her hand to a panel similar to the one at the Pillow and Pie, which turned blue then green and the inside door opened. Flickering lights of various colors played about. A moving image on one wall with cartoonish figures dancing as faint music played. Various tables and games, comfortable chairs and shelves with assorted books were placed about the area which was at least as large as the dining and relaxing area at the PnP. Elenore led us over to a small booth and looked up at me. ¡°First Maturity check, correct?¡± I nodded, decided I should have shrugged and just let the nod stand. ¡°Ever used a dream console before?¡± ¡°Not that I remember.¡± I admitted. ¡°Pretty simple, you sit in there, I adjust the Mana readers so they rest against 2 points on your noggin. After that I queue up the Maturity check and it starts. Most people remember nothing about it, but it spits out a result that you and Bluebird can review under my supervision. Once the results come out you can buy any pin you qualify for, it doesn¡¯t have to be the best. Silver is 20 dollars, gold is 100 dollars, platinum and gold is 500 dollars, diamond is 2500 dollars, but we don¡¯t have any diamond pins here in God¡¯s Bath, though. MU are acceptable and C&S rates. If you were to qualify for a higher rank than you might buy today, it will be claimable with your Mana signature in the future. Well, a retest may be required depending on how much time has passed.¡± I could sense a combination of rote memorization and repetition that was a little amusing. ¡°Should you choose to purchase a pin that you qualify for, the initial 10 dollar fee will be subtracted from your purchase.¡± Sub vocalizing to Friday, I sent a request. ¡°Let me know if I pass out, and be sure to make fun of me if I drool.¡± Seated and reclined I felt a pair of smooth and malleable things press into my temples. Elenore¡¯s face appeared in front of me. ¡°Relax, and I¡¯ll start counting back from 10.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°To distract you before the check starts.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± ¡°10¡­ 9¡­ 8¡­ 7¡­¡± An increasing tingle was playing around my head, intensifying with each number. ¡°6¡­ 5¡­ 4¡­¡± Flashes that seemed to bypass my eyeballs, landing directly in my brain started to occur in waves. ¡°3¡­ 2¡­¡± Sounds bypassing my ears joined the flashes. And then. ¡°All done.¡± Elenore¡¯s voice no longer had the rote memorization quality I¡¯d heard before. I felt the Mana readers being removed from my head. ¡°Any discomfort? Nausea?¡± I shook my head in response to each question. ¡°It¡¯s rare, but occasionally people have a reaction. We usually just let them rest for a few minutes while it passes.¡± ¡°Does a dream console never leave memories? I expected¡­ something, to be honest.¡± I said as I climbed out of the small booth. Elenore nodded, I guessed indicating an understanding of my question as the body of her reply didn¡¯t match the nod. ¡°It depends on the program. Most of them leave memories, some that are intended to treat trauma or such might clean up after themselves as well. Some people believe that tests like this are not remembered so as to not allow people to manipulate results. Now, let¡¯s see about your results.¡± Elenore began to make touches at a panel on the side of the booth after pulling a bit of a privacy curtain around the 3 of us. ¡°Now Monday March, do you agree to allow both Bluebird and I to witness your results? I¡¯m bound to secrecy as a part of my job here, and Bluebird is paying.¡± I nodded, as I wasn¡¯t really bothered. Worst that would happen would be that they might know I wasn¡¯t very mature. A few more presses and text appeared on the strange panel.
Results: Maturity Check Location: God¡¯s Bath, Cecal Subject: Monday March M1: Pass M2: Pass M3: Pass M4: Pass M5: Pass M5+: Inconclusive
Chapter 38: Goode’s Again Chapter 38: Goode¡¯s Again ¡°Friday, how long was I in the dream console?¡± I asked as I walked towards Goode¡¯s store. I briefly touched the thin gold pin to make sure it was still secure where Elenore had attached it. ¡°Just a touch under 3 minutes. If you mean the time between when Elenore¡¯s count reached 1 and when she said ¡®All done¡¯, it was 49 seconds. You did not drool.¡± I gestured acknowledgement and thanks. ¡°Also Monday, you never did ask Bluebird about trouble caused towards those that know Syssies.¡± "Yeah, I got distracted with that ''Inconclusive'' entry. At least Bluebird was clear that it wasn''t bad or unheard of, just requires additional review, right?" After thinking for a moment I realized that with traveling to the Grindstone already planned, I might as well ask there. ¡°Friday, remove that entry from my to do list for today. Create a new list for Grindstone must do¡¯s and add that investigation. As well as look for more info about the M5+ review.¡± ¡°Certainly, Boss.¡± The memory of how wide Elenore¡¯s eyes got when she saw the results amused me a little bit as I was wandering down the street, it had been pretty funny. Bluebird had just shaken their head, and reminded me that I only asked for the M3 or M4 test and pin. I agreed and accepted the gold pin with good cheer and a ¡®thank you¡¯. Letting me know that I¡¯d be contacted as soon as plans were solidified for the trip, Bluebird headed back to the guild, after I confirmed that Buckle¡¯s axe would be returned to him today. The streets were busier, and entering into Goode¡¯s General Goods came with a reduction of sound, aside from the tone announcing my entry. ¡°Welcome¡­ Ah, Monday March. Come to allow me to earn back a little of what you gained from me yesterday?¡± Benjamin Franklin Goode¡¯s lips were as wide and wet as ever, turned up in a smile. I caught more chagrin than ill nature from his expression. ¡°Perhaps, though your daughter requested if I came back to purchase she wanted me to buy from her. I imagine she earns a little when she sells to a customer? Well, and I don''t know if I need anything in particular, but I did let her know that I would try to visit if I had time.¡± ¡°Well, what she earns is my willingness to perhaps purchase an occasional treat or toy that she likes. Far too easy to spoil a child with things, best she learn that some things must be gained with effort.¡± The shopkeepers eyes were clear and I could see his affection for his daughter shine in them. ¡°She is with her tutor for the moment, but should be along soon. Is there something I may assist you with, in her stead?¡± ¡°Em, perhaps you can help me, and if time comes to purchase you can split ¡®credit¡¯ with your daughter if I do?¡± I continued on after his good natured, if overly wide, smile. ¡°I¡¯m about to do some traveling. I know that most of my needs are covered, but if you yourself have any experience with it, I was curious if there might be some items too useful to ignore.¡± Rubbing his chin, he nodded. ¡°So if we assume that food and shelter will be taken care of already¡­ My initial suggestions would be a small personal survival & first aid kit, a multitool and maybe something for entertainment.¡± ¡°Ugh, Millie Goode showed me a multi-tool that was a bit more than I wanted to spend.¡± ¡°Hah, that girl. She has a tendency to try and push expensive items if we have anything that is enchanted. For a multi-tool I¡¯d lean non-enchanted anyhow, never know when an enchantment might fail, so you have to be ready for it.¡± After 20 minutes I¡¯d selected a small but dense survival kit and a multi-tool (with saw, knife, pliers, wire cutters, file, screwdrivers, awl and ruler). ¡°So, is there a library or book lender in town?¡± Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°The Circle and Stick has a reasonable collection. Can¡¯t take them off site, but it''s only a brass per hour so long as nothing is damaged.¡± I just facepalmed, having only remembered the shelves as soon as Benjamin Franklin Goode mentioned them. ¡°Knew about that already?¡± I pointed up to my new pin. ¡°I thought it was a trick of the light. You had a copper yesterday¡± He sounded faintly accusatory. Touching it I said my name so a golden glow and ethereal voice emerged. ¡°Monday March, maturity 4 confirmed, God¡¯s Bath Circle and Stick, April 2nd, 210 PC.¡± ¡°Busy morning for you?¡± I just nodded back at first. ¡°Benjamin Franklin Goode, your daughter and I got along well yesterday, but I¡¯m going to be leaving tomorrow morning and I¡¯m not sure when I¡¯ll be back. Is this¡­ how is she likely to react if I just vanish? Did she talk about me yesterday?¡± ¡®Ugh, saying goodbye after barely knowing someone, how do I do this, even worse, how do I do it with Billie?¡¯ ¡°She mentioned you, and wanting you to read one of her¡­ fictional stories.¡± ¡°Have you read them with her?¡± ¡°A few¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll read with her, and let her know I¡¯ll be away, and I¡¯m not sure how long it might be before I get back.¡± ¡°You''re going away?¡± I saw wide eyes in a pig-tailed head poking around a corner. ¡°Hi Millie Goode! Yup, I had something happen and am going to go to Big Bay for a bit. But before I go I wanted to be sure to visit, and maybe read one of the stories you recommended.¡± I smiled at the child and paid no attention to anything her father did. ¡°Er, I brought a pony book in case you did come¡­¡± She held up a colorful book up in the air so I could see it. Under my breath I spoke to Friday. ¡°Remind me of this moment if I attempt to delay purchasing video recording and playback capabilities.¡± ¡°Noted, do you require insulin?¡± Friday¡¯s voice was comforting, playful, and entirely too on the nose. ¡®Ugh¡¯ ¡°Wait, what would insulin even do against that sweet face? No need to say anything Friday, apparently I know things I don¡¯t even understand.¡± Switching from sub vocalization to talking with the Goodes, ¡°I like your brown dress, Millie Goode, it makes your hair look like hay in the sunlight, or maybe sweet corn.¡± I held my head cocked at an angle, looking up as if questioning the sky, even though it was wooden beams. The little girl walked through the intervening space, paused near me, and held the book as if she wanted to whack my thigh with it, but she might be nervous about damaging her cherished book. ¡°Are you teasing me, Monday March?!¡± I looked down towards a cute small face with narrowed eyes. ¡°Of course I¡¯m teasing you, Millie Goode. If no one tests you, how will you ever know if you are well made?¡± The little face glared at me, and Shopkeeper Goode just nodded in agreement. ¡°Millie, I don¡¯t think Monday March meant any harm.¡± ¡°Well, I certainly didn¡¯t mean harm, but I also don¡¯t want you to feel bad about my going. Your Pa and I talked about a few items from the store because you were busy, and I¡¯m going to buy a couple of them¡­ But we need to talk with you about what I did pick, instead of what you suggested yesterday. After that, maybe we can read the book you bought?¡± The smaller Goode looked at me, then her father, then back at me. We took our time and looked at the things that I wanted to purchase, and then at the things she had wanted to sell me. We explained why I made my choices, and clarified that even if they might not be the most expensive items, they were ones that I was willing to purchase because they fit my needs and budget. ¡°Remember Millie Goode, I walked out of here yesterday without purchasing any of the more expensive items you showed me, but I¡¯m happy enough to purchase these items.¡± I smiled at her upturned face. ¡°What do you think about that?¡± ¡°My Pa is still better at selling than I am.¡± Millie sighed and clutched her book to her chest, looking downcast. Before her father could speak I jumped in. ¡°Of course, he has decades of practice! But that isn¡¯t the point!¡± Sitting flat to the ground in front of her, I fought to, and eventually did, meet her evasive eyes. ¡°Your dad knows what a person needs, and better, what a person is probably willing to spend. You see a customer and think of what you might be able to sell them. Maybe I can or can¡¯t afford a 35 dollar fancy enchanted tool, but did you ever ask me what I needed a multi-tool to do? Or how much could I afford to pay for one?¡± I stopped myself from using one of my grey fingers to lift her chin so I could meet her eyes, but she did anyhow as I continued. ¡°Nope, but he did. He likely wants to teach you to do that too. You asked me to come back and buy from you, are you okay if you split that purchase with your dad? I wouldn¡¯t be back here if you hadn¡¯t asked, but I might not have bought anything if he hadn¡¯t helped me.¡± Millie Goode nodded slowly, before smiling a little as she hugged her book close to her chest. ¡°Great, can you help him ring it up?¡± Chapter 39: Bargaining and Books Chapter 39: Bargaining and Books Millie and I had a good time reading through her illustrated pony story. I honestly admitted that it was the best book I remembered ever reading, and was amused each time her father peeked around the shelving units to check on us. ¡°So you really have to go?¡± Millie Goode¡¯s eyes were upturned and a little sad. ¡°Now, I¡¯m not sure I can say I ¡®have to¡¯ go, nor should that be what I leave you with. Same as you, you don¡¯t ¡®HAVE¡¯ to do most things, but there are consequences. I choose to go, because I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ll learn more if I do, and if I don¡¯t go, I might make trouble for myself or other folks.¡± The pigtails swayed as she shook her little head. ¡°I always have to do things!¡± ¡°Do you do them because you have to? Or do you know that it isn¡¯t worth it most of the time to say no?¡± The defiance weakened into confusion for a moment. ¡°Nope, I HAVE to.¡± Defiance came back to the front. ¡°What do you have to do?¡± ¡°Do my lessons. Go to bed when I¡¯m told. Read boring things. Be nice to my brother. Be polite to customers. Eat my vegetables. And I have to brush my teeth when I wake up and before I go to bed!.¡± Her eyes drove into me as if demanding I back down from my stance. ¡°And what happens if you don¡¯t do those things?¡± ¡°No dessert! Or less time with my toys, or more chores or¡­¡± Waving my hand, I caused her to pause. ¡°Those are consequences, Millie Goode. They don¡¯t make you do things, they are things that happen because of your choices.¡± I ponder for a moment. ¡°If you don¡¯t eat for a long time, what happens?¡± ¡°I get hungry.¡± ¡°And if you keep not eating?¡± ¡°Er¡­ I get more hungry¡± Her eyes looked up before she faintly shrugged. ¡°You might get weaker, you might get unhealthy or sick, you might even die if you don¡¯t eat enough.¡± Millie¡¯s eyes got really big when I mentioned dying. ¡°Those are consequences, they aren¡¯t ¡®have to¡¯. Sure, you can say, I ¡®have to¡¯ brush my teeth or I don¡¯t get desert. But if you don¡¯t know the consequences, you might not be making a choice. You might just be agreeing because it is easier.¡± ¡°But, I, But¡­¡± Millie Goode stuttered to a standstill. ¡°Millie Goode, you made choices so it was better or easier for you. And that¡¯s okay. But remember you had a choice. Sometimes you might not have a choice.¡± I smiled with my lips a little bit tight. ¡°Do you want to hear a secret?¡± Millie¡¯s eyes widened as she nodded slowly. ¡°You know about bargaining and haggling, right? Negotiating for the best price?¡± She nodded, but her eyes held a little bit of confusion. ¡°You can bargain about other things than just buying stuff. What do you not like doing the most? Like, from your studies, or chores or bedtime or anything.¡± ¡°Doing math!¡± It was an almost immediate response. ¡°And what do you like that you never get to do enough?¡± Millie¡¯s head tilted as she pondered, after a few seconds her head leveled out and she looked straight into my eyes. She spoke, and there was a wistful quality that I¡¯d not heard from her previously. ¡°Playing with other kids, the ones that play at the front square. Sometimes they play with a dog!¡± Her eyes became downcast and heavy, but the weight in her words hit me right in the heart. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. I leaned into her ear and whispered to her for a little while. ¡°Papa, I want to ask you something.¡± Millie¡¯s voice carried over the shelves. According to Friday, it took a full 12 seconds before Benjamin Franklin Goode emerged from around a shelf and looked over. ¡°Yes Millie?¡± ¡°Papa wants me to do my math work every day, right?¡± The shopkeeper looked over at me for a few seconds before returning his gaze to his daughter. ¡°Yes Mil-mil, I do.¡± ¡°Papa. I want to play more with the kids in the square.¡± Millie said, as serious as Buckle pinning the taz. Her father looked up to the rafters for a few seconds. ¡°Everytime your tutor gives you a pass for one of your math sheets, you can get 10 minutes to play in the square on the weekend.¡± Millie¡¯s eyes widened and she looked like she was about to respond when I tapped her knee. She paused and tilted her head to present her ear closer to my mouth. I whispered again. ¡°Papa, maybe¡­ If Tutor Paul passes 4 of my sheets I can play in the square for an hour on Saturday mornings, but if he passes 7 I can play at lunch time for a little bit during the week?¡± Millie¡¯s voice was wistful and hopeful at the same time. The father nodded at the daughter. ¡°Okay Mil-mil. If you pass 7 in a row, you can take a picnic and play at the square one day during the week. If you pass 14 in a row, you may invite someone for dinner, or we can talk about a¡­ sleepover.¡± Millie¡¯s eyes snapped wide and darted between her father and myself, not sure where to land. I patted her on the head lightly, and caught a quick wink from Benjamin Franklin Goode before he slid back between the shelving. ¡°Your father cares about you, Millie Goode. He doesn¡¯t want to make you do things, he wants you to grow. Maybe he wanted you to learn to bargain for yourself instead of having me get you to do it, but maybe he is okay with you taking my advice.¡± I smiled at the girl, before I gave a little sigh. ¡°I should get on my way. I¡¯ve more things to do, and I imagine your tutor might have a math sheet for you.¡± Millie grinned, ¡°I already did my math¡­ Oh no¡± The child¡¯s eyes snapped wide. ¡±I didn¡¯t double check them¡­ Bye Monday March, I hope I see you again.¡± Her hand fluttered at me as she clutched her book to her chest with the other arm and raced away. Then turned, ran back and hugged my arm briefly, then waved and raced off again I spent a few seconds waving after her and watching to make certain she didn¡¯t suddenly race back. Hoisting myself up off the sacks we¡¯d been using as seats I went to find Benjamin Franklin Good, it took me about 2 seconds before he popped himself out from behind a nearby shelf. I nodded as I addressed him. ¡°I hope I wasn¡¯t out of place in advising her. She is a clever child, but might not have had enough varied experiences.¡± The shopkeeper nodded at me. ¡°If you¡¯ve ever a need for a recommendation as a nanny or a tutor, let me know. I¡¯m a little too close, and forget she needs more time with children of her own age.¡± ¡°Thank you, Em. If I decide I do want a weapon, where might be a good spot to check? Or where might you recommend?¡± A short conversation later I walked out 24 dollars less in my pack, but the multi-tool, a survival kit, and a shopkeeper¡¯s goodwill carried with me. Well, those things and the memory of a happy child. Before buying a weapon, which maybe Bluebird might provide, I returned to the Circle and Stick. Elenore was still playing chess in the front room and looked a little confused at my presence. ¡°Pardon me, Monday March, did you leave something behind? I didn¡¯t notice anything¡­¡± ¡°There wasn¡¯t anything, Elenore. I simply wanted to actually avail myself of the services. Shopkeeper Goode mentioned that it is only a brass an hour to peruse the books. Is that correct?¡± Elenore responded with a slight correction. ¡°Printed materials on the first floor and the second floor are only a brass an hour, those in the basement or the 3rd floor are 2 brass an hour.¡± Looking at the pin she had attached to me not so long ago she continued. ¡°While you can access any floor of this Circle and Stick, be aware that the first floor is available to any customer, the second requires a copper pin or higher, third requires silver and the basement requires gold.¡± ¡°Aside from the pin requirements, what are the differences?¡± ¡°This floor doesn¡¯t have anything that would be concerning even for a small child. The dream consoles are only loaded with simple games and events, often encouraging learning or cooperation, and the stories tend to be basic, the non-fiction basic. The second floor has more games with consequences, stories and programs are more complicated or involve violence and more themes with conflict. Floor 3 has a bar with alcohol, some more involved games of chance and gambling and is often a quieter spot away from the noise, programs from the first 2 floors are also available there, but more mature interactions are possible.¡± Elenore looked me up and down. ¡°Maturity is not morality, and options of programs and the like in the basement can play in grey areas. Of course very few can access it, so those that can often find it a quiet space to enjoy.¡± ¡°Oh. Well, here¡¯s a brass. I¡¯m planning to look at books and stories on the first and second floor to start. If I move to one of the other floors I¡¯ll let you know.¡± Elenore shook her furry head and declined the coin. ¡°No need, Your pin will be tracked inside and I¡¯ll know how much to charge you when you are leaving. Do you need me to let you know after a certain amount of time has passed?¡± I thanked her, but declined before entering. Chapter 40: Books Blood & Boys Chapter 40: Books Blood & Boys Elenore wasn¡¯t kidding when she implied that the first floor had mostly things that were gentle enough for a small child to encounter. They were relatively uninteresting for me as well. I did find a copy of a book that was similar to the pony book I had read with Millie Goode. Aside from myself, there were only 2 other people on the first floor, a small child being either taught, or helped, in reading by an older man. I nodded when they glanced at me, but left them to their book. Friday and I moved to the second floor after 10 minutes or so, having scanned a handful of books that might be useful, or at least mildly interesting The second floor had a few people in dream consoles, including the 2 scruffies from the Merits, and a pair of people playing chess. Friday and I flipped through books while we talked for a little bit. ¡°The percentage of non-fiction feels low. Have we found any maps that seem useful, Friday?¡± ¡°Nothing more than broad overviews in one of the books on the first floor. Certainly nothing I would feel good about attempting to navigate by using.¡± A few seconds later, Friday broached a new topic. ¡°Say Boss, you seem to like children quite a bit. Maybe what Benjamin Franklin Goode said about a nanny, or maybe a teacher? In reference to your ¡®What do I want to do with my life¡¯ line in our todo list.¡± I thought about it for a few seconds as I continued to flip pages quickly, just wide enough so Friday could capture the contents before moving onward. ¡°I like Millie, Kip was a bit annoying, but I¡¯m not sure he is really a child at his age. It might be worth thinking about, but I think I should find a solution for that Bane before I decide anything that has me associating closely with little ones for a long period.¡± The books on the second floor were certainly more involved, but I was uncertain if they were better. Seeing weathered text flicker by that spoke of sparkling night dwellers or sword wielding cimmerians. Some of it did look interesting, including what looked like various thin booklets about organizations in Cecal and their associated academies. Apparently it was common for these companies or families to grow their own talent. There were even new bits of fiction, seemingly about System or non-System adventurers delving into dungeons or fighting off monstrous threats to various Cecal or extra-regional settlements. ¡°Say Friday, how fast is your mind? I mean, you can see everything on a page in a flash, isn¡¯t talking with me super boring waiting for me to think and communicate back to you?¡± ¡°No worries, Monday. As a Tier 3 AI I have 3 active processors. I throttle one back to operate at a speed comfortable to observe and interact with you. While my others can operate very quickly, I will task those parts of me to do various complex things which might take far too long to consider otherwise.¡± ¡°Oh, like what?¡± ¡°The one operating with the most power is attempting to use the new capabilities granted by the Internal Awareness boon to map out your body. Your digestive system seems extraordinarily effective.¡± Friday¡¯s calm compliment towards my insides struck me as a little odd. ¡°How do you know if it is more effective or less effective?¡± ¡°14 minutes ago we scanned a medical text for comparative bloodlines that included some baselines. If you see any more medical texts I think scanning them would be useful.¡± ¡°Sure. But how can you do that? I haven¡¯t even done it yet.¡± Pages flipping, pages flipping. ¡°It is unlocked, and you can do it. I can use senses that you can use, though apparently my understanding of the intricacies for taste and smell are harder to do than sight or sound. Anyhow, when we are done with this book, try to feel your heartbeat. You can even cheat with your hand at first.¡± Friday advised me. A short time later, I set down the book and placed my hand on my chest feeling for my heartbeat. Easy enough to find, low and slow I felt it thump, and was reminded of the sound which had woken me 2 days before. I felt the resonance for a few beats before Friday told me to continue feeling it, but drop my hand. Feeling the heartbeat was easy enough. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. ¡°Follow the blood¡± Friday said in a whisper that no one but I could hear anyhow. I rushed away from my heart, shoved forth and out, surrounded by wet darkness, I could feel the blood, and feel the artery I was being pushed through. Things were just beginning to feel tighter when a pair of voices called in and I opened my eyes. ¡°What¡¯cha doin¡¯ Senpai?¡± Scruffy 1 said, followed closely by Scruffy 2. ¡°Yeah Sensei, what¡¯s up?¡± Their heads were tilted a little bit, as if synchronized, looking up to meet my eyes. I rolled mine at them. ¡°Hi you 2, just testing my heartbeat.¡± Their confusion wasn¡¯t unexpected. ¡°Why did you call out to me, anyhow? Is it about Ann again?¡± Less than 1 second allowed me to determine that was the most likely answer. ¡°I don¡¯t think being able to talk with Ann is that special, she¡¯s pretty nice.¡± Scruffy 2 nodded. ¡°Yup, she¡¯s pretty AND nice unless you leave your room a mess. And her voice makes my kneecaps want to fall off.¡± Nodding along, Scruffy 1 continued. ¡°We¡¯re not good at just being chatty with pretty people.¡± ¡°So you¡¯re good at being chatty with pretty people if you''re also being something else?¡± They looked confused for a moment before I continued. ¡°You seem fine just chatting with Feathers, I mean Jazmine. Isn¡¯t she pretty? I mean, I think she is? Or are you calling Jazmine and myself plain?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not bad, but Jazmine is Pretty noisy.¡± Said Scruffy 2. ¡°Pretty bossy.¡± Added Scruffy 1. ¡°Pretty scary.¡± ¡°Pretty mean.¡± ¡°Pretty troublesome.¡± ¡°Pretty demanding.¡± ¡°Pretty hard to wake up.¡± ¡°Pretty ¡­ stubborn.¡± ¡°Pretty decent cook.¡± ¡°Pretty good tracker.¡± I butted in, noting they seemed well rehearsed. ¡°This is a bit, right? A comedy routine?¡± They grinned at the same moment and spoke in tandem, switching between them. ¡°Yeah, if someone implies we should go after her¡­ we do this¡­ she¡¯s more like an older sister¡­ ewww.¡± Then matching grins. ¡°Are you two brothers? twins?¡± ¡°Nah, cousins¡­ born on the same day though¡­ well, blood brothers we guess¡­ So how were you testing your heartbeat?¡± ¡°You both seemed much more quiet at meals.¡± It was more of an inside thought that leaked out. ¡°Well, yeah¡­ food you know? Not good to talk with a full mouth¡­¡± I squinted at them. ¡°A new ability, sensing inside myself. So I was practicing.¡± ¡°Oh! Right your¡­¡± Scruffy 1 was silenced by a whack on the arm by Scruffy 2. ¡°Hush Tok. Sorry Monday March, he¡¯s a bit of a blabbermouth. Roy¡¯s still trying to convince the ¡®pretty hard to wake up¡¯ that an escort isn¡¯t going to get us dead or cursed. So we came over here to play around in case we have to leave in the morning.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you two get a vote?¡± ¡±Of course¡­ But we almost never use them¡­ unless Roy and Jazmine are still not agreeing by bedtime¡­ last time we made them make us breakfast in bed for a month¡­ last time? Only time¡­ good times.¡± Barely following their conversation I took a quick glance at their hands. Both had a ring on each of the outer 3 fingers of their right hand and a single one on their left pinkie finger. I ruffled their hair, half scritch half fluff. ¡°I¡¯m going to go back to doing my own thing unless you want to be hired for entirely too little money, to do entirely unexciting things.¡± Looking at each other for half a beat they looked back at me and nodded. ¡°We¡¯re in!¡± Seeing they each had a silver pin I drug them around for an hour or so adding hands to my processes of flipping through books on floor 2 and floor 3. Friday kept up quite easily. I bypassed the basement entirely as the description from Elenore had been a bit concerning to me. My hired help didn¡¯t qualify either. Narrowing my gaze at Scruffy 1 I said. ¡°So you are Tok. What is your name?¡± I asked as I looked at scruffy 2. Both pairs of scruffy eyes widened. ¡°I¡¯m Motu, sensei. I regret failing to introduce myself correctly¡­ I also am to blame, senpai. My name is indeed Tok as you deduced.¡± I waved my hand gently at them. ¡°You are goofy young men, and not bound by honor or, well, anything to me. Except you are freely contracted for a pittance! To Elenore!¡± And in a quieter conspiratorial way. ¡°And then to the street vendors!¡± While there was one glare from a patron on the 3rd floor, there were several amused glances. Between Elenore and the food stalls I spent 2 dollars and a few brass to pay for myself and the scruffies as they followed along with me to the Guildhall. Flanked by Tok and Motu I approached the ever present Crag. ¡° Hi Crag. You might not be who to ask, but you are the person I know. Where do I arrange and pay for a training room for the 3 of us?¡± Crag grinned a big wide smile at all of us before I noticed the scruffies had shrunk in on themselves a little bit. ¡°Oh Monday March, need a trainer too?¡± ¡°No, Tok and Motu are gonna show me a little self defense.¡± I said as I smiled at the large dark man. ¡°Charge us for an hour?¡± Chapter 41: Training and Cultural Awareness Chapter 41: Training and Cultural Awareness Tok and Motu were mostly physically trained and based their skills around dynamic teamwork. As such they were very skilled at working together and matching one another to control an opponent, ¡®like flanking wolves¡¯, they said. One of the books we had flipped through for Friday was about fighting, and it had started a conversation about my combat skills. I let them know I¡¯d been in one fight, but had never had training. They offered to do so and go over some basics for an hour, if I bought them desserts after dinner, of course they also expressed a secondary motive in knowing if I could handle myself if Jazmine did agree to escort me. As I was unaffiliated, and without an authorized trainer, Crag charged me 3 dollars, but said I¡¯d get half of it back so long as there was no damage to the room. The training room we found ourselves in was underground, 10 meters square, and the floor and walls were brown, with a hint of give to them. Racks on the wall by the door had sticks of various sizes. ¡°Great.¡± Tok approved ¡°Stretching first, let me show you a few.¡± Motu said. The next hour was interesting, and unlike anything I¡¯d really done yet, aside maybe from when Buckle had shown me how to sew. The scruffies explained what we were doing, and why. Most of our efforts were about dodging, falling (and getting back up), parrying, blocking and just being aware of things when involved in an altercation. As the hour was drawing to a close I asked the obvious question. ¡°What about hitting, er, attacking.¡± Tok nodded and Motu looked a little embarrassed. ¡°We weren¡¯t really cheating you or anything¡­ When we get hired to train somebody it usually is at least 2 weeks¡­ And the first week is just like this.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°Well, with some physical conditioning and a lot of running added in¡­ Ugh, some of those brats would be wheezing on the ground with what we just did here¡­ We like to build a base before figuring out the kind of attacking that might be a first good¡­ Technique? Maybe style¡­ for the student¡­ At least if they don¡¯t already have one.¡± The way the two of them handed off who was speaking between them sometimes was interesting, if occasionally hard to follow. ¡°Okay, well, it was interesting, except maybe the falling and getting up part.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve fought monsters that could knock people back or off their feet several times¡­ Being able to right yourself fast¡­ or get up from sleeping in camp¡­ is critical.¡± The somber looks on their faces indicated a story I wasn¡¯t sure I wanted to ask about. ¡°Anyhow, aside from training it up if you''re in a rough up with a person, but it isn¡¯t life or death, smack em in the nose or other weak bits, or the joints¡­ Fleeing is probably better¡­ Life or death, eyes, throat¡­ knees or feet to help you run¡­¡± At about this point Kip popped the door open. ¡°Time¡¯s up, give me a minute while I check the room and then Crag can check you out.¡± We nodded at the floppy eared boy before returning to our discussion. ¡°Monsters? So many kinds, hard to say¡­ Also depends on what you have.¡± ¡°Axe to the face?¡± I quipped. Tok laughed and nodded. ¡°That could do it, hard to find the face on some of them though.¡± ¡°Lesser taz, they have faces.¡± I explained. Kip had stopped and looked up at me, eyes wide but almost accusing. ¡°That was you?!¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± I looked down at the wide eyed boy. ¡°The slimy taz with the cut face we got in yesterday. You killed it?¡± Kip¡¯s wide eyed look had narrowed a bit, still sounded accusing though. ¡°Well, it was Buckle and I. Life or death sort of thing.¡± Kip¡¯s eyes narrowed further. ¡°Buckle was helping pin it down, not sure I could have got that hit if it was moving.¡± This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Hmf, well, the room looks fine. Follow me.¡± The boy who¡¯d been disgruntled seemed to have reached some sort of acceptance and started to lead us out. Before leaving I nodded at the scruffies. ¡°Thank you, senseis.¡± They chuckled as we followed Kip. ¡°Sure sensei¡­ anytime senpai¡­ just don¡¯t forget about our just desserts. Anything else you wanted to hire us for today?¡± ¡°Nah, I just need to pick up some things I ordered yesterday. You can call me Monday, by the way.¡± ¡°Sure, but that would be less fun¡­ Less funny.¡± they declined. I looked back at them so they could see it when I rolled my eyes. They laughed. Delivered back to Crag, he returned a dollar and 5 brass, the scruffies leaving while I was waiting for him to dig out the coins. After adding it back into my pack, I broached a subject I¡¯d thought of while considering my departure. ¡°Say Crag, is there a messenger system between towns? Or ways to talk to someone at a distance?¡± ¡°A few actually, Monday March. Depends on what you are doing, and what you need. Do you want to hear about the most common ways? Or just tell me what you want to do, and I can let you know the best ways.¡± ¡°The most common ways, please Crag. Don¡¯t want to overlook a way to do something later.¡± ¡°Well then, start from the bottom up. Messengers, verbal or physical messages with personal delivery, extra to leave the walls, possible danger pay. Some traveling merchants make extra money doing the same between towns if what you are sending must be physical. Messages can be sent from Guildhall to Guildhall, cost varies and how it is delivered to the final recipient can impact that cost. Talking can also take place from Guildhall to Guildhall, but then arranging timing and such might be a challenge.¡± Crag seemed to have come to the end of his quick rundown. ¡°Okay, so if I wanted to send a message for 2 or 3 people in God¡¯s Bath from Big Bay?¡± ¡°There are a few ways to do it depending on exactly what you want to do. Say you wanted to let 3 people know that you got to Big Bay safely, you just go to the Guildhall there, write 2 or so sentences, they would be transmitted here and a messenger would deliver the verbal message to each person. Something like that would normally be a dollar and maybe 2 extra brass per person beyond the first. If you wanted to write a private letter that they could pick up at the Guildhall, it would be a dollar plus 5 brass per page, minimum 2 dollars even if it is just half a page, extra if you want it delivered directly to them.¡± Crag explained. ¡°Seems a bit expensive, but simple enough.¡± Crag laughed and nodded. ¡°Aye, the System provides some services, expensively, and is always looking to offload them to a private group.¡± My confused look led the dark smiling man to provide a little more clarification. ¡°Yeah, strange. System doesn¡¯t seem to want to run businesses, and offloads to people or organizations that can take over and prove themselves. Mostly happened in Big Bay so far, but if people show up and can establish a secure replacement priced at even 99% of what the system is charging, the system just stops doing it after the new group does it for a year.¡± Crag sighed. ¡°Of course, even after a sanitation solution business failed after the System stopped doing it, the System refused to do it again. So¡­ people don¡¯t frivolously try to do them anymore. Other people just make it hard until they prove themselves. Strange, but most folks want stability rather than savings.¡± The receptionist simply shrugged. ¡°That aside, my best plan for semi private letters is write 2 pages to person A, with a page each to person B and C, and let person A deliver the other 2 pages?¡± I asked. One of Crag¡¯s eyes widened just a hint. ¡°Yeah, so long as you trust the first person to not blab about the other pages, I guess.¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m not that worried saying ¡®Hi¡¯ to a friend in a way that is appropriate to my relationship with them will cause an issue.¡± I snarked. Crag smirked back at me. ¡°Yeah, not a big worry unless you¡¯re juggling relationships.¡± I looked at Crag. Crag looked back at me. I looked at Crag and rolled my eyes. Crag grinned. I lightly tapped his shoulder with my loosely slapping grey fingers. Crag¡¯s eyes widened and I glanced at his hands, noting a distinct lack of rings. Bowing my head, I apologized. ¡°I¡¯m very sorry Crag. I¡¯m¡­ no. What would be an appropriate apology? I¡¯m only recently aware of ring language and appropriate behavior related to that.¡± Crag remained unspeaking. ¡°Em, I¡¯m unreservedly sorry if I have given offense or made you uncomfortable. Is there something I may do for you by way of apology?¡± I inclined my head down and raised my eyes to the bottom of his own. 10 heartbeats later Crag allowed some air to escape his lungs and nodded at me. ¡°You did not intend offense, I will cleanse later. If you¡¯ve soap, I would appreciate 10 grams, or a brass to compensate.¡± Swinging my pack around I reached in for one of the rectangles of soap, pulling it out to place it on the counter. Crag took an instrument and shaved a small portion off of the block and set it aside, while nodding at me. ¡°You intended no offense, Monday March, I have accepted your compensation.¡± His teeth shone again with a glimmer that reminded me of the sunlight filtering through the trees when I woke up in the forest. ¡°Anything else I can help you with?¡± I just shook my head. It was a strong reminder that maturity did not replace cultural awareness. Chapter 42: Final Fitting Chapter 42: Final Fitting I sat on a short wall near Wanda¡¯s for a few minutes and conversed with Friday. ¡°So, I know that was my fault with Crag, can you warn me if I¡¯m about to interact with a person in a way their rings are not¡­ accepting of?¡± ¡°Monday, I CAN do that, can I do it in time to notice that you are about to act in an inappropriate way and leave you time to stop your actions? Maybe¡­¡± I sighed, realizing how true that must be. ¡°Just shoot a piercing sound? Maybe it will pause me enough to make sure I stop what I¡¯m doing and give me an out?¡± ¡°Sure Boss.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t tell if I¡¯m rolling my eyes at you, can you Friday?¡± ¡°Sure can, Boss.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°You roll your eyes, I see your point of view skew. I can totally tell when you roll your eyes, Kiddo.¡± ¡°Ugh.¡± ¡°Yup, just saw it again Boss.¡± I sighed. ¡°Friday?¡± ¡°Yes Boss?¡± ¡°Try ¡®kid¡¯ instead of ¡®kiddo¡¯. ¡®Kiddo¡¯ causes a negative reaction. Thank you Friday.¡± I made the command confirmation gesture we had agreed on as well. ¡°Sure Boss.¡± I sighed, hopefully tier 4 or 5 with a more evolved personality wouldn¡¯t take too long, of course I couldn¡¯t use the store for a year yet. Though I supposed I¡¯m fine with my current Friday, just needs a bit more trial and error. I looked over at ¡°Wanda¡¯s Wearables¡± and tapped my bare feet on the street before standing and walking into my destination. ¡±Monday Monday Monday! SO good to see your loveliness!¡± The shorter woman¡¯s voice filled her otherwise vacant shop. ¡°All the outfits are ready for you to try. I had a feeling you aren¡¯t done growing so I snuck in a bit for extra growth. If you find them tight, visit me or a decent tailor and they should be able to fix you right up for the dress, or the jeans.¡± ¡°What about the robe, the top or the hoodie?¡± ¡°Lovie, I made ¡®em a touch big, but a bit of tightness in any of those items will just add to your appeal.¡± Wanda smiled up at me, eyes wide and cheerful. ¡°Not worried about my appeal, Wanda.¡± ¡°Pffft, you agreed to my bargain after I offered rings. You are worried about your appeal to at least some extent.¡± I wondered if my skewing vision injured Friday as my eyes rolled hard. ¡°Not sure what to say Wanda, except I¡¯m not particularly certain I agree with your assessment.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to be, Monday March, you just need to be happy with what I made. Simplest to alter are first, Your robe and an upper in lace.¡± Wanda indicated a changing space as she handed me a pair of articles. As I moved to the changing space I saw Wanda flip a sign at the door, flip a latch and tug curtains over the window and door. I put on the new white lace undershirt, noting that it clung and would be lightly supportive if I¡¯d anything to support. The robe played over my skin like Ann¡¯s voice played inside my ears. It hung down a little below my knees, rose with a light pattern of pink blossoms playing over the surface. Though it wasn¡¯t open in front, it gaped, and that was corrected with a belt of white that cinched it around my waist. The sleeves came to my elbows and the fabric swayed as I moved, softer by far than the leather of my vest and skirt, softer than the shorts I¡¯d been wearing for a day under my skirt. Softer than Billie¡¯s wet hair had felt on my shoulder. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. I stepped around the changing screen and Wanda grinned at me before indicating a spot for me to stand. At first I didn¡¯t understand why, but once I was in that spot the mirror was rather obvious. It was the first time I¡¯d seen myself, aside from a shimmering view in the bath or the river. I could see my grey skin as a slate background for the rose and pink robe. The outfit was cute, I¡¯d no other opinion on the clothes than that, aside from the impracticality if I was doing anything remotely vigorous. My face¡­ Well, my skin was grey, not a surprise by this point. And it was obvious that I was bald, lacking eyebrows and¡­ I was¡­ pretty? I mean I was symmetrical, my boon said as much, but my nose looked thinner than it¡¯d felt when washing my face, my jaw and cheekbones were fine, as in delicate. My chin was narrower than I expected, making my face more of an upside-down teardrop, rather than an oval, maybe called heart shaped. The ears stayed close to my skull, but came to a delicate point, and evoked an odd memory of a man in a blue shirt, with black hair, standing in a small box. My eyes were grey. A lighter grey than my skin, but not so light as to be silver or blue. They reminded me of flecks of ash from the fireplace at Buckle¡¯s, or the Pillow and Pie. My lips were not grey, more like a dusky plum color. ¡®I¡¯m tall¡¯ I thought, as Wanda approached to straighten the hem and tweak the positioning of the belt. I¡¯d known I was tall. I had yet to look up at anyone, but somehow seeing Wanda standing next to me, not coming up to my shoulder in the mirror, reinforced the thought more than looking slightly down into Crag¡¯s eyes had done. Wanda was looking up at me for a few seconds before she spoke. ¡°Yes, you''re gorgeous, but what do you think of the robe? Is the fit right?¡± I Just nodded at her dumbly. ¡°Sorry Wanda, it¡¯s the first time I remember seeing myself this clearly.¡± For the first time Wanda seemed speechless. ¡°Friday, are you seeing this?¡± ¡°You looking at yourself like the hero in Millie Goode¡¯s pony book when she saw the pony prince? Yes. Rather sad, really.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°You should probably answer Wanda, she looks like she is about to recover her ability to speak..¡± Friday replied. ¡°Wanda, I quite like it. Are there adjustments that you would make? It seems fine to me.¡± ¡°No darling.¡± Wanda said softly. ¡°When I was working I realized that you are likely to keep growing, so I¡¯ve made adjustments in each so it will be easier to let out. Just bring them back.¡± I nodded in understanding. ¡°Okay, but I¡¯m heading to Big Bay soon, and I¡¯m not sure when I¡¯ll be back.¡± The shorter woman made a humpf like sound before returning to her normal tone of voice. ¡°Well, it happens, darling. Before you go let me tell you how to find a decent tailor that won¡¯t put you out too much for the work. Also I should admit that I added fabric for if your chest, shoulders and waist grow, not so much for height. I picked styles that will look fine even if you get quite a bit taller. Well, except the jeans, but there is enough in the hem to give you maybe an extra 8 to 10 centimeters. Now, the dress!¡± Wanda smirked as she handed me a yellow bundle and told me to leave the shirt on, as it could work with or without. As I pulled off the robe I realized I hadn¡¯t even noticed the pocket I¡¯d requested, a quick look showed it to be hidden on the inside where it was held close to the body when cinched with the belt. The pockets on the dress were more obvious, one on each thigh a little below the waistline where the fabric flared. The yellow was like sunflowers, clear with no patterns, the fabric a little rougher than the robe. I pulled it over my head, as there were no buttons and it settled comfortably, hanging to my knees and the sleeves stopping just above my elbows. When I returned from changing, Wanda nodded. ¡°Nice, though I think I would consider a hat to go with it, maybe something in straw with a matching yellow ribbon.¡± She walked around me before asking me to do a little spin. ¡°Good good, I wanted it to be fun, but not raise too high if you turned quickly. This one I deliberately left a little larger than you need right now. As I mentioned, I sense you¡¯re still growing, and it looks cute a little oversized. Well, I did that with everything but the jeans. Saggy jeans on a girl your height? Just, no darling. Speaking of jeans, last outfit, Monday March. You can skip the undershirt, or wear it. Either way.¡± This time a short stack of fabric was handed to me, easily double the weight of the other 2 outfits. The jeans felt sturdy as I pulled them up my legs, the deep blue was something I¡¯d not really seen around town except some of the paints at the bath. Having left the yellow dress on for the moment I was curious, and went out to glance in the mirror. Wanda looked about to interrupt me but tapped the side of her jaw with a thimble covered finger. It almost looked right with the jeans under the yellow dress. ¡°Close, but not quite, huh?¡± I asked the seamstress. Wanda moved around me for about a minute and tugged in a few spots. ¡°Quarter hour and an extra dollar, I¡¯ll get it looking natural with the jeans or without. It is a cute style, I admit.¡± I agreed as I went back to change into the rest of the 3rd outfit. The dark grey sleeveless top was comfortable and felt fitted to me, stretchy material and all. The red jacket (hoodie?) was too big and I nearly swam in it as I pulled it over my head. There was a hood I was peering from, and an odd pouch pocket in the front where I could tuck both my hands. When I walked out from behind the screen Wanda grinned at me. ¡°Darling, It¡¯s perfect!¡± Chapter 43: Unintended Influence Chapter 43: Unintended Influence ¡°Pardon? Perfect? It doesn¡¯t seem to fit like the others. They are loose, but I¡¯m near swimming in this¡­¡± Seeing Wanda just point at the mirror I looked over at myself, hood flipped back but acting as a cowl around the back of my head. The red hoodie reached down to mid thigh and sleeves bunched a bit on my forearms, but it softened me, made my go from smooth and taught to a hint pluffy, snuggly. ¡°You turned me into a stuffed animal.¡± I stated, thinking back on one of the shelves in Goode¡¯s General Goods. ¡°Darling! You are lines and hardness and beauty in strength. That,¡± Wanda pointed at the red hoodie. ¡°Smoothens your edges. It will also¡­ keep you warm.¡± Wanda sent me a warm smile. ¡°And people will want to hug you in it.¡± Rolling my eyes, I looked at the mirror again and noted the embroidery on the chest, above my heart. 4 diamonds with white thread on the tops, and black on the bottom. I looked at it with a hint of a puzzled expression for a bit before Wanda winked and stepped close to me. Her thimble covered finger held an inch from the embroidery traced the white diamond tops. ¡°Em em, Monday March¡± the finger then floated over the black threaded diamond bottoms. ¡°Double-u double-u, Wanda¡¯s Wearables.¡± ¡°So, I¡¯m advertising for you if asked?¡± ¡°Seems fair, considering the pricing.¡± ¡°Speaking of¡­ it seems not very expensive for everything you¡¯re selling me.¡± Wanda shrugged, avoiding my eyes. ¡°You came in with Ann, and I can¡¯t afford to lose her custom¡­¡± Then her hand slapped in front of her mouth. ¡°She does seem to have quite the influence, doesn¡¯t she?¡± Wanda kept her mouth closed and then nodded. ¡°I did her a favor and saved her brother from a spot of trouble, but¡­ did you charge me your cost at least?¡± Not agreeing quickly enough to put me at ease Wanda nodded, sniffed and smiled. ¡°So happy to have you looking lovely, darling.¡± I could sense a tiny raft of grudging acceptance from her, floating in a sea of resignation. ¡°You agreed to a deal, and convinced me to take that deal, which wasn¡¯t in your best interest. So, what can we do to make it fair, Wanda?¡± The seamstress averted their eyes until I leaned over. ¡°The deal for the clothes, rings and sandals stands. I am pleased with the quality and here is the 20 additional dollars I agreed to pay.¡± I fished 2 empty silver from my pack to pay her and smiled. ¡°Now, while we pick the right sandals and rings, and you adjust the dress, I need a tutor in appropriate pricing for hand crafted items here and in Big Bay, as well as general pricing for items and services. I was wondering if you knew a tutor willing to work on such short notice?¡± Wanda and I puttered around for over an hour, looking over rings and sandals, her making tweaks to the yellow dress, and me asking her questions about pricing for a great number of things. During our talk she provided me with handy ways to guess if I was getting a good deal, a fair deal, or should walk away. Friday prompted me to ask for some additional specifics, and we learned that the Pillow and Pie was perhaps the most expensive establishment in God¡¯s Bath. What we were spending there was enough to be considered a fair living per day in Big Bay. Seeing as Buckle was Ann¡¯s sister, and he didn¡¯t want anything bad to happen to me, it wasn¡¯t surprising he sent me there. I could have probably gotten by for 3-4 dollars a day if I¡¯d chosen to look around. It also did a fair bit to explain why she¡¯d even been casually willing to drop my fee by a dollar at breakfast when I¡¯d been being silly. With further consideration I realized I might have been painting Ann in a more generous light than perhaps fit her. ¡®I¡¯m certain the tickle of her voice has nothing to do with it,¡¯ I thought. Big Bay was certain to be more expensive. As for the clothing, and the purchases I¡¯d made at GGG, well, they were fair for the most part. Wanda¡¯s clothes were higher quality than the price I¡¯d paid, and she lost out in the transaction. Staying in the good graces of one of the more socially influential people in town was certainly worth a bit of a loss, however. And Wanda did enjoy dressing me up. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. With 10 dollars for tutoring and tailoring Wanda relaxed quite a bit, and helped Friday and I with a few good baselines to consider for purchases, as well as a couple handy tactics to attempt to save money in the future. She also showed me some hallmarks of quality stitching that I could use to assess the quality of a tailor. It did make me feel a tiny bit guilty about how little I¡¯d paid the scruffies earlier, but they¡¯d agreed to it, and had seemed to be having fun. I left Wanda¡¯s wearing the yellow dress and sandals. The blue pack on my back almost full with the additional new clothes. I expected I¡¯d be wearing the jeans or the leather when leaving town tomorrow. Thinking about goofing with the scruffies and holding Billie¡¯s hand, I''d slipped rings on each pinkie, and onto the next finger of my right hand. My gold pin was secured near my left collarbone and I¡¯d enjoyed the last glance at Wanda¡¯s mirror before she covered it up. Not many mirrors in town, Wanda admitted, and if she left it uncovered most of her traffic was just people looking at themselves rather than looking to purchase. Friday let me know that it would be well over an hour before dinner was being served, but while I could have easily explored the non book options at the Circle and Stick I thought it might be worthwhile to visit Buckle and see about moving the hides. A short walk later I entered the main room at the Pillow and Pie. A glance showed that Roy and Jazmine were chatting at the comfortable chairs near the cold hearth, though no one else was in the room. Their conversation seemed charged, and I was about to head towards my room as they both glanced at me. Jazmine scowled but Roy gestured me over. The scowl hurt a little, I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d done anything to irritate Feathers beyond being a System user. I approached and stood near them. ¡°Yes Roy? Jazmine.¡± I said simply acknowledging the long haired woman with her name and a brief nod before returning my eyes to Roy. ¡°You spent some time with Muto and Tok?¡± Roy asked me. I chuckled before I could catch myself. ¡°A bit, bumped into them and hired them at horrible rates for a bit, I guess because they were bored?¡± ¡°Horrible rates?¡± Jazmine asked, pointedly. Ugh, I hate how my brain wanted to attack back with a snarky comment. Instead, I nodded. ¡°A few skewers and bits of fried dough from the street vendors. Oh, and desserts after dinner.¡± ¡°What?¡± Mustache and Feathers chirped with incredulity at the same time. ¡°Hmm?¡± I expressed back, confused. ¡°Ah, well¡­ they said they were well paid¡­¡± Roy said. I shrugged. ¡°In silliness, perhaps? We goofed around for a bit, they seem quite skilled in basic combat training though.¡± Roy looked away, Jazmine stared at me, just short of a glare, and I felt the agitation rising¡­ Before I tried my best to bring myself under control, thinking she wasn¡¯t nearly so aggravating as Granny Gabby. ¡°Hey Jazmine, yes, I¡¯m a Syssy. Yeah, I didn¡¯t tell you last night, in part because you seemed prejudiced.¡± She looked about to defend herself at my words and I just held my hand up to try and give her pause. ¡°And in part because I¡¯ve no idea if that prejudice is deserved. You don¡¯t want to escort me to Big Bay, fine by me. Bluebird has more to gain than me so far as I can understand. Just decline the offer Roy, I won¡¯t try to convince you if she doesn¡¯t want to do it.¡± Feathers folded their arms in front of them and muttered. ¡°Too late.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Roy glanced at me. ¡°Muto and Tok voted to escort you before they headed to the bath¡­¡± Interrupting Roy, Jazmine¡¯s voice sounded a little lost. ¡°They don¡¯t DO that.¡± ¡°You mean voting? I thought they told me about a breakfast thing¡­¡± The pair of them glanced at each other with slightly wide eyes before Jazmine closed hers and spoke softly. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll accept the job.¡± Roy nodded as he stood. ¡°I¡¯ll let the Guild know.¡± I gestured to give me just a moment before he left. ¡°Not my place, but I¡¯m going to say it anyhow. Yesterday you were talking about a System using merchant who was looking to get to Big Bay, right?¡± They both nodded at me slowly. ¡°Maybe see if they are willing to buy a Ways pass? And pay additional to travel with us?¡± Roy nodded. ¡°Smart, I¡¯ll see.¡± He said as he got ready to head back to the Guildhall, I assumed. I nodded with a, what I hoped to be civil, farewell to Feathers before she caught my attention with an almost furtive glance. Almost reluctantly she told me, ¡°I like your new dress. I mean I assume it¡¯s new because you weren¡¯t wearing it at breakfast.¡± I gave her a smile, and decided I might as well see if I could do Wanda a good turn. ¡°Thanks, Wanda¡¯s work, over at Wanda¡¯s Wearables?¡± I half asked as if checking to see if she knew of the place. Jazmine¡¯s blank look indicated a lack of knowledge. ¡°Same street as Goode¡¯s, just down a bit closer to the gate. She did up 3 outfits for me in a day, so she might be able to do something for you in short order if you were interested.¡± Waving to her, I turned towards the stairs when I noticed Bernie near the kitchen doors attempting to catch my eye. Chapter 44: Accusations Chapter 44: Accusations Walking over to the gesturing Bernie, I smiled, ¡°What¡¯s going on, Bernie?¡± He spoke quietly, but clearly. ¡°Billie would like to see you.¡± I nodded, but before I could ask if she wanted me to go up to their room, Bernie continued. ¡°Buckle also wanted to talk with you.¡± I nodded again, wondering if he had settled into a room, or was in Ann¡¯s space. With a smirk Bernie added on, ¡°Ann too.¡± I endeavored not to roll my eyes, as I seemed to be doing it too often. I failed to restrain them. ¡°Billie sounds like the most fun, so I¡¯ll save that. Or we could talk briefly now and then later.¡± Bernie¡¯s smirk was a tiny bit bigger. ¡°Fine fine, what do you suggest?¡± He twitched his head back and indicated the kitchen doors with his eyes. ¡°They''re all there prepping dinner. I was there too, but Ann heard you and sent me to try and drag you back. Into the breach?¡± His smirk had entered grin territory, and with a glance I confirmed that he only had his thumb rings on. Thus defended from a poke in the ribs I stuck my tongue out at him. ¡®I forgot to check at Wanda¡¯s if my tongue is grey, too.¡¯ Pushing into the kitchen I announced myself by casting aspersions on Bernie. ¡°I think Bernie is trying to tease me, can someone glare at him for me? I can¡¯t bring myself to bother.¡± Looking around I noticed that Billie and Ann were¡­ glaring at me. Even Buckle had a bit of a frown directed my way as he was cutting up what appeared to be large mushrooms. ¡°Uh, what did I do?¡± I asked before I tried to pull individual words from all three talking at once. I held my hands up in mock surrender. ¡°One at a time maybe? Alphabetical order? Ann, would you kindly share what you believe I¡¯ve done that is worthy of that glare? If it is still about my behavior this morning at the bath, I thought I¡¯d already apologized and you had accepted.¡± Ann¡¯s eyes stayed a bit hard, maintaining her glare even as she was stirring the contents of a large pot atop the stove. She glanced away from my own gaze briefly before meeting it again. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you saved Buckle¡¯s life?¡± The accusation hot and unexpected. ¡°Because I didn¡¯t?¡± Not only Ann, but Buckle stared at me in disbelief. ¡°Yes, I carried him from where the taz attack happened, and got the guard to get the healer and let him inside.¡± I held my hand up as it looked like they were going to interrupt me. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t been there, Buckle would have been in no real danger and would have used his normal escort. Buckle also chose to try and protect me, so I think he was more heroic. I also put his life at risk by deciding to run him to town instead of bandaging him as he requested.¡± Buckle made a ¡®Pffftttt¡¯ sound and Ann just shoved my comments aside. ¡°Maybe, perhaps and maybe¡­ The first part where you carried my brother¡¯s injured blue butt to town and got a healer to look at him. Thank you. But why didn¡¯t you say anything? I just knew he was injured, you were traveling with him, and he referred you to stay here.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t ask. I didn''t even know you were siblings until this morning when you called him brother.¡± Buckle¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t roll, but he certainly looked away with a hint of a smirk and focused on the mushroom things for a moment. Billie certainly smirked, as she focused on the non pancake thin disks she was griddling. A glance to the side showed Bernie performing knife work on his own sets of vegetables, pointedly ignoring us. Ann looked a hint perplexed for just a moment before achieving an epiphany and glaring at everyone in the kitchen, her eyes finally softening a little bit as she turned them back on me. A deep breath reminded me that she was far more endowed than I, or Billie, or Wanda, or even Feathers, before she released the breath and smiled at me with the warmest and most genuine smile I¡¯d seen from her. ¡°Yes yes, I¡¯m a cold person and only seek advantage. Thank you for helping Buckle, Monday March. I¡¯d like to give you back your money for the room and meals.¡± This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. ¡°Nah, thanks though. Was that all you wanted to talk with me about?¡± ¡°But, I¡­¡± ¡°Ann, you let me have a room when I didn¡¯t have a pin, and with no real security. Sure, you used me as leverage to get Benjamin Franklin Goode to back off, but I made money from that. Your presence allowed me to get me a good price from Wanda and your voice normally makes the inside of my head feel like¡­¡± I had a tiny, super tiny, totally not noticeable shiver. ¡°To me that is a positive, by the way. Also, Buckle already gave me a bonus for saving his ¡®Blue Butt¡¯. If you really want to give me something for what I¡¯d have done anyhow, I promised to buy dessert for the two scruffy boys in The Merits after dinner. If that isn¡¯t enough, dessert for Roy and Jazmine, and maybe Dominick and their partner would be nice.¡± Ann looked like she was teetering on accepting what I¡¯d said so I made the lightest push. ¡°If that isn¡¯t quite enough I mean I can always ask for things for my friends as I let my eyes wander towards Billie, still working with the thin flatbreads on the griddle. Ann seemed to relent and nodded, rather than let her speak, I followed up. ¡°Agreed then, and thank you, Ann. Now, Billie, what was the reason behind your glaring at me?¡± The hint of amusement I thought I¡¯d detected on her face at my pressuring her boss faded, and there was a flash of distress and heat. ¡°I¡­ I want to talk later, but I¡­ I also want to¡­ Ugh¡­ Why are you leaving! Uh¡­ I¡¯ll talk to you after dinner. That¡¯s okay, right?¡± Her eyes stayed on the griddle. I¡¯d watched her enough to know that she would remove the sheets of corn dough before adding others. I waited until the discs on the griddle were nearly done and moved close to her. ¡°Wait a second before adding the next ones, and look at me please, Billie.¡± Holding the wooden spatula in front of her chest as if to defend against me she turned and met my eyes. I held my hands up so she could see the rings and pointed briefly to my upgraded replacement pin. I leaned in close so I could whisper into her hair near her ear. ¡°I want to flirt, and I¡¯m comfortable with casual touching, maybe a little kiss if I find someone appealing¡­ But I¡¯m not looking for more than that right now, Billie. I kinda know what that might mean, but I¡¯m not certain if I know what it would mean¡­ To you, anyway¡­ Do you know what I mean? I mean¡­¡± My intake of breath was laden with warmth, corn, mushrooms, spices and fresh vegetables. Tilting my head closer to her I spoke softly so as to be even harder to hear over chopping knives and the sizzling happening on the stove. ¡°You can try to convince me about various things after dinner, but I¡¯m going to Big Bay tomorrow. I promise I¡¯ll write at least once, and more if you want, and you can have some distance from this Syssy and maybe get some fresh air into your head.¡± I leaned back and looked down into her slightly watery light blue eyes. ¡°Anything else you wanted to say now, Billie?¡± She took me in from the tip of my head down to my sandals clad toes. ¡°I like your dress.¡± She admitted before turning back to the griddle. I blinked, no more than 3 times before taking a few steps from the young woman who, may have been wearing a tiny smirk, and looking at Buckle. ¡°Glad to see you looking well, Buckle. Thanks so much, and sorry you got hurt.¡± The Goblin had to look up at me even further than Billie had to, the thin scales near his eyes shimmering as smile lines crinkled them. ¡°Ya know, I¡¯d ¡®oped ya were smarter ¡®en getting drug off. I mean, ya mebbe a Syssy, but ya ken say nay.¡± ¡°Sure, but if I don¡¯t go open with my eyes wide, do you think it would let me be?¡± I held his eyes with my own for about 3 seconds before I saw his healthy ear dip a little. ¡°No, might as well gain if ya ken.¡± Buckle nodded. ¡°Not sure it¡¯s about gain, Buckle. More like¡­ if I don¡¯t do it now I imagine the Sy¡­ If I don¡¯t go in when invited, I fear there is a chance that I might be drawn or pushed there through other means.¡± I had to stop myself a couple times to not say things that could get back to it through Friday or other means. Still, I said what I wanted to say. Buckle¡¯s hand stopped moving the knife and his eyes locked into mine. His voice dropped low. ¡°Ann ken hear anythin¡¯ she wants ta in a hundred meters er so. So she¡¯s gonna know what I tell ya. Look Monday March, I like ya so be safe, but if ya ken find out anythin¡¯ about Devi er Jess¡­ Anythin¡¯... Anythin¡¯ ya wan¡¯.¡± The goblin had no rings, I¡¯d thought about it as soon as I¡¯d heard anything about the ¡®ring language¡¯ but I placed my hand on his shoulder anyhow, risking offending him as I had Crag. Buckle didn¡¯t pull away. ¡°Buckle, if I get the chance to find out anything about them, I¡¯ll let you know the soonest.¡± Chapter 45: Ways Chapter 45: Ways Dinner was fun. Most of the food was served in a communal style with the tables pushed into rows, platters placed around with minced meat or saut¨¦ed mushrooms, tortillas (the flatbreads which Billie had been grilling), grilled fresh veggies and sauces. Occasionally people would order bespoke combinations with cheese or additional sauces drizzled on top, but it seemed more fun to share with the others, and banter about what combinations were really tasty. The scruffies settled in next to me while I was eating, even though Roy and Jazmine were further away. I assured them that dessert was arranged as we chatted about the games they liked to play on the dream consoles, and what kind of exercises I might be able to do on my own to help reinforce what they had already taught me earlier. The deserts were as tasty as dinner, small bowls of thick custard with churros, long lines of fried dough with sprinklings of sugar and spices. Against my tongue the flavors and textures felt almost as nice as Ann¡¯s voice, Billie¡¯s hugs, or Millie¡¯s smiles when she wasn¡¯t just trying to sell me something. After I finished my dessert I checked in with Buckle, and moved his hides from my room to his. I caught him glance my way a few times, and thought he might be about to offer to give me more money or something, or maybe just say something parental or bothersome, but I just helped and made sure things were set for Dominick and their partner before returning down to the couches and hearth. Friday and I shared some conversation about stories I most wanted to listen to her tell me, what voices I wanted her to use, and information we¡¯d gotten from Wanda about economics before Roy wandered over. ¡°Thank you for dessert, Monday March. You really didn¡¯t need to do that for us, but it was tasty.¡± The mustached man told me. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it? I liked the spice and heat on the churros with how the custard just mellowed it almost immediately, but left that short moment of ¡®bite¡¯.¡± The moment of confusion at my words faded almost immediately from his face as Roy shook his head. ¡°Anyhow, Bluebird accepted our agreement for The Merits to escort you to the Grindstone. Jordan, the System user merchant that you mentioned earlier, agreed to pay for a Ways pass and come with us. So long as we get there safely, all of us, including you, will get a letter of credit for purchases from her.¡± ¡°Fine by me, but is Jazmine really okay with this? She¡­ I don¡¯t know her well, but she seems really¡­ skittish about System users. Or at least traveling and working closely with them.¡± I was trying to express my impression of her, but was having a challenge selecting the right words. Roy shrugged and smiled. ¡°We¡¯ve worked with Syssies before, and will again. She¡¯d rather avoid it when possible, but the pay is good, the Ways are pretty safe and she trusts Tok and Muto. Well, she trusts their judgment of character, and that they have her back. So tomorrow morning one of us will tap on your door when we head down to breakfast, in case you are not already down. And while it¡¯s nice, I don¡¯t think this dress would be the best choice for travel.¡± Nodding at the man I agreed. ¡°If you want plain, I¡¯ve got the leathers you¡¯ve seen me in. I also have another outfit, but the hoodie is red and might be overly eye-catching.¡± ¡°No worry about that, the Ways passes take care of most of those concerns. Just something you are comfortable walking in and roughing it for a bit.¡± ¡°What all do the passes do?¡± I¡¯d been curious, but this seemed like the first opportunity to ask where I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d be derailing a conversation. ¡°Hmmm? A few things, but they are all tied in with the pathways and travel. The Vaneers made a network of paths that allow for reasonably safe and quick travel. The passes are a bit like keys to use it? Without one you might be able to walk it, but even if you do it won¡¯t be fast, and you will be in sight of any threats. If you have a pass you move like 3 or 4 times faster, and things can¡¯t even detect you for the most part.¡± Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°How will we travel together then?¡± ¡°Clever bit of Mana work that, and one of the main ways the Vaneers do good enough business to be so big. Passes can be activated while touching, if so and they share one destination, it bypasses the obscuring effect for the connected passes, and can even be used to locate the other connected passes.¡± Friday prompted me to ask a question I hadn¡¯t considered. ¡°What keeps people from just using the obscuring effect for safe spots? And not going to the destination?¡± ¡°A pass only stays charged for a certain amount of time, usually as long as it would take to travel at about 4 hours a day. So, with a pass, travel is about 15 kilometers an hour at the slowest, and most people can go faster. If you are going 100 kilometers, it¡¯s going to expire after 2 days. Our passes will last 4 days, but it¡¯s just too expensive for most folks to use just for the obscuring. Better options out there.¡± I nodded, and Friday prompted another question. ¡°Roy? Jordan is a merchant, right? Do you know where I might find them?¡± Roy had a momentarily quizzical look, but gestured towards one of the tables with diners enjoying the spread. ¡°The woman with the red hair, grey cloak and badge that has crystals inset on it.¡± I saw the square faced woman he described and nodded. ¡°Thanks. Was there anything else you wanted to let me know or ask me before the morning?¡± Looking slightly uncomfortable Roy took a short glance at my hands and back at my face. ¡°Less rings is fine, but don¡¯t add any for the trip. Don¡¯t need any distractions on the road.¡± I really hoped my grey skin, that I was uncomfortable with, was good at disguising blushes; as it only took a few seconds to realize what he was talking about. ¡®It isn¡¯t even a blush about wanting to do it, just knowing what he¡¯s saying. Stupid hormones.¡¯ I decided blaming it on my system designated age category was the best choice for my immediate mental health. ¡°Understood, Roy. Excuse me, I want to introduce myself to our other traveling companion while I have a chance.¡± I said as the traveling merchant seemed to be relaxing after dining, but hadn¡¯t yet climbed to their feet. I moved to her and as I drew closer I noticed a single gold band on her left thumb and a silver band on her right pinkie. Her eyes moved and tracked my approach, her gaze exacting and showing a hint of hunger when she met my eyes¡­ Not like a moment I¡¯d seen from Billie the other night, more like Shopkeep Goode when talking about his wares. ¡°Pardon me, Em. You are Jordan?¡± Her expression indicated an acknowledgement paired with the slightest bit of curiosity. ¡°I will be one of your traveling companions tomorrow. I wanted to introduce myself as I had the chance¡­ and I wanted to ask a couple questions if you are open to it?¡± The woman¡¯s laugh was like a rumble, I felt it in my bones more than my ears. ¡°You''re the secret bit that got me a costly escort? Better than not getting back in a timely, and they have a good reputation. While I¡¯ve no thanks for you in yourself, you seem to have provided a fortuitous event for me. Yes, I am Jordan. I might be willing to answer your questions, but I wouldn¡¯t know unless I hear them. Have a seat. You¡¯ve already eaten, and had dessert, correct?¡± She extended her hand in greeting and I took it, lightly squeezing her hand and feeling her own strong grip. ¡°I¡¯m not having more food, but I¡¯ve a beverage coming. Sit and talk here?¡± I nodded and placed myself in an adjacent seat. ¡°I¡¯m certain we will have the chance to talk plenty tomorrow, and on the road, but I felt it might be worth introducing myself now and learning what kind of trade you do.¡± Following Friday¡¯s suggestion, I decided to fess up. ¡°Because, I¡¯ve a friend who recently got to town with tanned hides from local creatures. If they are of any interest to you, it might be worth talking with him before you leave in the morning.¡± Her fingers were solid and tapped the wood on the table as she looked at me, into me. ¡°Tanner¡¯s your friend, huh? Good wares?¡± I shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m not a tanner, but one of the guards said that he was beneficial to God¡¯s Bath. I expect his goods are decent enough. Just because we are leaving tomorrow doesn¡¯t seem like a good reason to leave profit behind.¡± I glanced around and noticed that Dominick wasn¡¯t at the table where I¡¯d seen him earlier. Bernie delivered a small glass to Jordan with a slight nod and a whisper of ¡®Em¡¯ lingering in the air as he turned back to the kitchen. ¡°I¡¯d look at his goods, but I really don¡¯t have much capacity for something bulky like hides. Well, if there is something small and high quality, perhaps.¡± Jordan took a sip of her drink and smiled at the small glass before looking back at me. I chuckled thinking about her words. ¡°Certainly up to you, but if you just need a porter, that isn¡¯t much of an issue.¡± Chapter 46: Sugar Chapter 46: Sugar Dominick¡¯s partner was adorable. I mean, I wanted to hug them, her?, him? I asked the partner, Corrie. Corrie, who is a her with pointy fluffy ears and a red, white tipped tail curling out from under her dress. Corrie was almost a head taller than Buckle, so was still short of my shoulders by quite a bit. I wanted to kneel and hug the pair of them and restrained myself. ¡®Is this puberty or the sugar from the churros?¡¯ I pondered. ¡®Well, probably not sugar, as Millie is pretty cute. Might be a pre-existing personality trait peeking through.¡¯ Holding myself back, I greeted both of them. Sadly Dominick and Corrie had to leave almost immediately so I didn¡¯t get to speak with them for more than a moment. ¡°Dominick, thanks for helping me clean up the other day, as well as helping Buckle. Corrie, it was nice to meet you. I hope you are not offended, but I think your bloodline features are very appealing¡± Her ginger eyebrow rose into an arch. ¡°An attunement, Monday March, not a bloodline. And no offense taken, pleasure to meet you, have a good evening.¡± She took Dominick¡¯s hand, and led him off. He nodded back at me as they exited through the door. I called Buckle over to Jordan and introduced them on the off chance they would decide to do business. They were looking appraisingly at one another as I went back to the couches to have a bit of a conversation with Friday. ¡°So Friday?¡± ¡°Yes Monday?¡± ¡°Can you use my System Query ability without me giving you permission every time?¡± Friday¡¯s soothing voice made a sound of ascent. ¡°Indeed, if given permission for future use. Though, if you would like me to do so, it might be wise to clarify usage parameters.¡± ¡°How so? And why?¡± I could think of a reason or 2, and a few limitations, but Friday really seemed far better at this sort of thing. Maybe my own reasons would be a fair measure against what Friday would tell me. ¡°... Messing with me, Boss? My programming really is intended to provide you with positive results.¡± There was an unexpressed sigh in Friday¡¯s warm voice. ¡°Why? To prevent your AI assistant from spending questions on things you are not interested in learning immediately, or to a level that is excessive, or even turning questions towards their own curiosities when further advanced. How? Prioritizing areas of inquiry, only allowing investigative queries based on what is left each day when it is close to the daily expiration, forcing confirmation before using queries, limiting query usage by the AI to specific numbers.¡± I felt the need to interrupt. ¡°Friday, you have permission to use my System Query ability with the following limitations. Priority is given to things I express interest in knowing and unless it is immediately useful, refrain from using queries until the last 5 minutes before they reset. Do share what you learn. Oh, and if I¡¯ve asked something aloud when someone else can hear, give them at least 30 seconds to answer before using a query and don¡¯t use one if they provide a reasonable answer. If their answer is poor, discuss it with me before using a query. Additionally, if you determine there is a chance that using a Query has a chance to save me from damage or grave embarrassment, just do it.¡± I said sub vocally with a little smile. ¡®It is only commonly known things anyhow, Friday can probably think of better things to ask than I can,¡¯ I thought. ¡°Ability access and limitations noted. My programming indicates that I should inform you the limitations are ¡®too loose¡¯.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t build trust without freedom, Friday.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a tool for you to use, you can just inform me of what to do, Boss.¡± I paused for a moment trying to put feelings into words, feelings that I understood, but couldn¡¯t define with ease. ¡°But I want you to be a partner. I understand your potential upgrades aren¡¯t unlocked, but if I don¡¯t treat you like a partner now, it would be hard to do it naturally later. Like Millie, if I don¡¯t treat her like a person just because she is a child, when would I ever treat her like a person?¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Instinctually I felt the pause before response was longer than usual. ¡°You do not need to explain yourself.¡± ¡°And sometimes I might not, if I don¡¯t and my reasons aren¡¯t obvious to you, please ask me about it when I¡¯m not busy.¡± I clarified my current areas of interest: information about Grindstone, dangers of the Ways and clarifications or investigations related to bloodlines and attunements. Longer term are of course about possible solutions for the Bane. ¡°Monday? Why are you not more interested in relationships and romance?¡± ¡°Thinking about Billie? Well, I¡¯m not too sure, but I¡¯m leaving tomorrow so I don¡¯t want to start anything when I can¡¯t follow through. She mentioned she wasn¡¯t looking for someone who is ¡®only visiting¡¯.¡± I thought for a moment. ¡°Also, while I like some of the feelings, I¡¯m just not¡­ feeling any urgency behind them.¡± I expressed honestly. ¡°Maybe a lack of chemicals from being too juvenile, maybe personality, maybe¡­¡± I simply shrugged as my sub vocalization trailed off. I thought about my feelings quietly. I slid my slippers off so I could enjoy the radiating warmth from the hearth against my bare toes. The flickers from the fire remained pleasant and the silence wasn¡¯t uncomfortable, but it was¡­ pending? Weighted? Waiting for resolution? ¡°Anyhow¡­ I¡¯ve not looked at my System Status today. Friday, I know we don¡¯t have any of the UI upgrades, but can you adjust things a bit for clarity, and display them before I go to sleep, then again in the morning after we look at my adjustments? I¡¯d like to do a comparison.¡± ¡°Of course, Monday. Do you have layout requests?¡± ¡°Nothing specific. Maybe play with it for a few days and we can make adjustments. What modifications can you make?¡± I asked. ¡°Not much, Boss. No tables or different colors, no fonts either. Numbers, letters, punctuation, simple symbols, bold, italics and underlining.¡± ¡°Of course, well, do what you can to improve the clarity for now. Oh, and just bold anything that changes. Bold, italics and underline anything that is new. Let¡¯s start with that, Friday, but please add anything else you think might be helpful.¡± A few moments passed before Friday responded. ¡°I can simply verbally point out changes of interest.¡± I felt myself nod. ¡°Do both, please Friday. I¡¯d rather not miss anything, and it should help me spot them more easily.¡± ¡°Speaking of not missing anything, Billie has been sitting next to you for almost a minute.¡± Friday¡¯s voice lilted at the end, teasing me. ¡®Oops.¡¯ I thought before looking next to me only to catch Billie watching my profile. Her eyes twitched away from my face before meeting my eyes. ¡°What were you thinking so deeply about?¡± The brown haired girl asked me. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± I looked at the fire as I thought about the difficulty of explaining to Friday why I wanted to treat her as more than a tool, and why I wanted to be careful of Billie¡¯s feelings, but couldn¡¯t explain exactly why. ¡°It¡¯s hard¡­ maybe weird to have beliefs, values and a personality but be lacking the memories that created them.¡± I said with a sigh and looked back at her. Billie¡¯s eyes narrowed, as if she were puzzled by my words. ¡°As an example, I did not have any memories of lengthy interactions with a young child before meeting Millie Goode yesterday.¡± I began, disregarding having talked with Jess-doll for the moment. ¡°But when I met her, I felt I should protect her, and teach her, and treat her as a person. Somehow I wanted her to trust me, and be worthy of her trust. I wanted her parents to be good people, and I wanted her to have a healthy and happy life. But why?¡± I glanced back at the fire and massaged my head before meeting Billie¡¯s blue eyes again. ¡°Why do I feel that way when I have no basis for it? Was I a parent? A teacher? A doctor? All three? Did I have a bad childhood and think that isn¡¯t fair so I want better for others? Was I a schemer, but with a soft spot for kids? Without memories, so many of my feelings and behaviors raise questions. Bluebird mentioned that the System might even be tweaking my reactions based on my assigned age. Maybe I hated children, but since I am one, that got blunted. And I¡¯m thinking a bit that way about so many things.¡± Billie inhaled as if to speak and paused before commencing. ¡°Probably didn¡¯t hate children, if I remember how you talked with Kip. I mean, and he IS a brat.¡± ¡°Not much of a matter, Billie. That is what I was thinking about, or at least some of it, but I¡¯m rather certain it isn¡¯t what you want to ask¡­ And no, I won¡¯t make you ask. You¡¯re cute, fun and comfo¡­ I like you. But I¡¯m off to the Grindstone for I¡¯m not sure how long, and I don¡¯t know when, or if, I¡¯ll be back. As I think I said, happy to stay in touch as long as you would like, and maybe come back to visit. Even if you want to make with the kissing in front of the fire tonight I might consider it, but remember what I was talking about before?¡± Blue eyes glistened in the firelight as I looked into them. ¡°I don¡¯t feel it is right to imply more to a person who said they don¡¯t want a short term thing. And while I enjoy Anne¡¯s voice, and the feelings of you against me all wet in the bath, I don¡¯t feel a need right now for¡­ long term things. Certainly not forever things.¡± There were sparkles in Billie¡¯s eyes that dipped low before they rose again to meet my own, seemingly having taken something rather specific from all I''d said. ¡°So, you¡¯re willing to make out and snuggle with no strings attached before you go?¡± Chapter 47: More Stats, More Feelings Chapter 47: More Stats, More Feelings ¡°Monday March, someone has been tapping on your door for 32 seconds and Billie has not returned to her room. I¡¯ve concluded that her presence is the reason, as it is not late enough for one of the Merits to have woken you.¡± Friday¡¯s incredibly smug voice layered into my jostled consciousness. I felt the warmth pressed tightly against my left side and my right hand reached across my body to feel around at the source of the heat. Soft hair, warm skin, a shiver reacting to my unseeing, but gentle, touch. ¡°MMmmmmmggggthpppth, Staaaahp.¡± The sleepy rasp of Billie¡¯s voice was perhaps as appealing as the entire evening of chatting, kisses and snuggles. Throwing a silly question to Friday, I used the information to jostle Billie into a fully aware state. ¡°I¡¯ve spent more than 10 percent of my memories with you.¡± I leaned to the side and pressed my lips against her brown hair. ¡°And most of that time has been in bed.¡± ¡°Mmmmmphthpt, unfair¡­¡± And a finger pressed into my ribs. I pretended to experience discomfort. I¡¯m not positive why I felt it was best to do so. ¡°Sorry Billie, I should probably check who¡¯s there¡± One eye opened a tiny fraction and glanced to the door, and a sigh laced with a sugary despair escaped from Billie¡¯s mouth. ¡°S¡¯Bernie, Imma go.¡± she muttered before pressing her own lips into my nearby wrist, her tongue flicking out to tickle lightly against my skin as she rolled out of the bed. ¡°Yeah, yeah ya big so¡¯n so.¡± My sleepy bedmate muttered as she half stumbled to the door and popped it open only to walk into Bernie¡¯s chest, his arm wrapping around her shoulders. Bernie smirked in the faint light of the hallway as his eyes dipped to the top of Billie¡¯s head before seeking me out in the faint light. ¡°Her alarm pinged, so I have to chase her down to do her work. Thank you for¡­ Well, thank you Monday March, she deserves this kind of happy.¡± The half asleep Billie lazily and gently rubbed at Bernie''s cheek before slowly waving back at me. The door clicked shut as I turned over Bernie¡¯s words. ¡°Hey Boss, it¡¯s quite early. Do you want to stay up, or get some more sleep?¡± Friday¡¯s rich tones replaced the whisper that Bernie had used. Once the door had closed I noticed there was the faintest hint of light seeping through the window shades and under the door to the hall. I shrugged my shoulders, rolling them and feeling my muscles as I opened and closed my eyes, sensing how tired I felt. ¡°I¡¯m awake enough, Friday. Not that I¡¯ve felt particularly tired at all¡­¡± I parsed the thought I¡¯d not considered before. ¡°You haven¡¯t been tired?¡± ¡°Not yet.¡± I replied to the Tier 3 AI System Interface. ¡°Why have you slept? If you haven¡¯t felt tired, I mean.¡± The rich voice felt warm rather than probing. I shrugged, as I stretched and started to roll off of the comfortable mattress. Once on my feet I examined the question a little more closely while I stretched my arms. ¡°It felt¡­ right? Sun goes down, rest myself. Sun comes up, do things, sun goes down, rest again¡­ It feels¡­ correct...¡± I trailed off as I was stretching down to touch my toes. Why I was doing so I couldn¡¯t quite explain, but again, it felt correct. Remembering the exercises and stretches Tok and Muto had taught me, I started to go through them in the dimly lit room. ¡°Well, anyhow, you were occupied last evening, so when you finish we can go through your status status.¡± I didn¡¯t blush, but I did recall the dozens of kisses Billie and I had shared. Her instructing me in what she liked, both by way of kissing, and about her life. She also shared how she had developed her sense of right and wrong while reveling in the closeness to me, making certain I knew I could stop or get distance at any time. It was warm, enlightening, and fun. And there were even a few moments that my nerves jangled a little as they did when Ann spoke. ¡®Nice¡¯ I thought, as I proceeded through the stretches and exercises, squats, pushups, sit-ups and something the boys had called a Sun Salutation.
Name: Monday March Race: Giant Blooded Age: 0 Years 1 Day (Puberty) XP: 634 Statistics: 12 Agility 11 Charm 10 Dexterity 12 Durability 15 Magical Capacity 12 Magical Power 8 Perception 17 Physical Power 15 Resilience Abilities: Skills: Allure: 1 Axe: 2 Awareness: 1 Balance: 1 Bargaining: 1 Battlefield Reflexes: 1 Chores: 2 Combat Coordination: 1 Communication: 1 Diplomacy: 1 Emergency Response: 1 Empathy: 1 Gambling: 1 Improved Speed: 1 Internal Awareness: 0 Logic: 1 Mana Control: 1 Mana Perception: 2 Massage: 1 Memory: 1 Navigation: 1 Persuasion: 1 Porter: 1 Sewing: 1 Stealth: 1 Studying: 1 Boons: Common Boons: Good Balance Mana Eyes - Lesser Sure Grip Symmetry Uncommon Boons: Improved Mana Capacity Internal Awareness (New Boon - Can use internal nerves, Mana and visualization to accurately assess the situation inside your body. Unlocks Perception. +1 Perception if already unlocked.) Spare Change Rare Boons: Magical Affinity - Universal Karmic Boons: +20.0% Bonus XP +4.0% Beneficial Luck adjustment System Query Banes: Inverted Sobriety (In abeyance)
¡°Now the gains from yesterday.¡± Friday continued. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Training Gains for April 2st, 2262 +1 Agility +1 Charm +1 Dexterity +1 Durability +1 Magical Capacity +1 Magical Power +1 Perception +1 Physical Power +1 Resilience Abilities: Skills: Increased: +1 Allure - Level 2 +1 Awareness - Level 2 +1 Balance - Level 2 +1 Bargaining - Level 2 +1 Battlefield Reflexes - Level 2 +1 Combat Coordination - Level 2 +1 Communication - Level 2 +1 Diplomacy - Level 2 +1 Empathy - Level 2 +1 Improved Speed - Level 2 +1 Internal Awareness - Level 1 +1 Logic - Level 2 +1 Mana Control - Level 2 +1 Mana Perception - Level 3 +1 Memory - Level 2 +1 Navigation - Level 2 +1 Persuasion - Level 2 +1 Porter - Level 2 +1 Studying - Level 2 Gained: Block - Level 1 Dodge - Level 1 Intimidation - Level 1 Investigation - Level 1 Negotiation - Level 1 Parry - Level 1 Patience - Level 1 Programming - Level 1 Research - Level 1 Safe Fall - Level 1 Teaching - Level 1 Willpower - Level 1 Total Experience Gained: 40 x 1.2 = 48
¡°And here we have today''s updated status page. I compressed a section, and removed some notations that you have already examined.¡± Friday described what she had done.
Name: Monday March Race: Giant Blooded Age: 0 Years 2 Days (Puberty) XP: 682
Statistics: 13 Agility 12 Charm 11 Dexterity 13 Durability 16 Magical Capacity 13 Magical Power 9 Perception 18 Physical Power 16 Resilience
Abilities: Skills: Allure: 2 Axe: 2 Awareness: 2 Balance: 2 Bargaining: 2 Battlefield Reflexes: 2 Block: 1 Chores: 2 Diplomacy: 2 Dodge: 1 Emergency Response: 1 Empathy: 2 Gambling:1 Improved Speed: 2 Internal Awareness: 1 Intimidation: 1 Investigation:1 Logic: 2 Mana Control: 2 Mana Perception: 3 Massage: 1 Memory: 2 Navigation: 2 Negotiation: 1 Parry: Patience: 1 Persuasion: 2 Programming: 1 Porter: 2 Research: 1 Safe Fall: 1 Sewing: 1 Stealth: 1 Studying: 2 Teaching: 1 Willpower: 1
Boons & Banes: (No changes - collapsed for brevity)
Speaking softly rather than practicing my sub vocalization I discussed the layout. ¡°Maybe add something so the skill raises pop more in the Status display? A plus symbol after it? I do like the general look of the Gains Display.¡± I admitted. "And I thought you couldn''t do tables yet?" ¡°I¡¯ll try it tomorrow, Boss. For the tables, well, it isn''t perfect, but I tried to arrange it for compression, this is as close to what I''ve been able to manage so far." I couldn''t be sure, but Friday sounded proud of her attempt, though it obviously wasn''t perfect. "As for the System Queries¡­ it was a mixed bag. The Grindstone allows both non and System Users; general attendance is 1000 dollars, 10 MU or one Experience a day. They are generally acknowledged as the most efficient skill training location in Cecal for Syssies but are also the most expensive. A maximum of 900 trainees may attend, only 100 people may reside onsite with the 100 staff that dwell onsite, the rest must commute daily. Training days run from midnight to midnight, however no individual may train for over 12 hours in a 24 hour period. They are also generally booked at least a week if not months out. ¡°The camouflage and speed boost provided by the Ways is exceptional, however not proof of safety. Estimates are that 1 in 200 Ways groups become attacked, and 1 in 300 never reach their destination. However, that is almost 16 times less attacked than non-Ways travel methods in Cecal. Dangers that are confirmed to target Ways travelers are generally highly intelligent, or possess incredible senses which can bypass the camouflage features.¡± I nodded, but waited for Friday to finish their report before interrupting. ¡°Least exciting but perhaps the most clear is that Bloodlines can be inherited and, aside from the Goblin bloodline, are incredibly rare to acquire outside the System. Attunements can be gained much more easily, and even accidentally at times, but are not inheritable.¡± Friday completed her report as I nodded. ¡°That isn¡¯t overly surprising, Friday, at least considering what little I read about goblins and feral goblins. Anything else to share? Also, you feel excitement?¡± "One must make an effort to practice colloquialisms!" Otherwise, Friday had nothing new and decided to recite ¡®Exploring Modern Big Bay¡¯ to me, though it was dated from over 30 years ago, as I cleaned myself. I also decided that asking Friday about ''making an effort'' would be futile, because colloquialisms. Unfortunately as I was raising my water filled cupped hands to my face the grey skin triggered the discomfort and sense of wrongness that had been blissfully absent since I¡¯d been knocked out by the egregore the previous morning. The shimmer of the water falling through my shaking fingers prompted a memory fragment: water falling through small rosier fingers into bubbles and brightly colored toys. I wasn¡¯t alone in that bathing memory, the small girl I¡¯d seen at the table, also wet with bubbles in her hair now. My sister, I imagined. Drawing in a shuddering breath, I addressed Friday as I closed my eyes. ¡°Whatever the spirit did yesterday seems to have faded. I did fill you in about it, and what Bluebird guessed about my strange discomfort, right?¡± Friday¡¯s voice felt softer and warmer than usual. ¡°Yes, it might be a form of dysmorphia, Monday. Perhaps about how you are seeing yourself as opposed to your memories that have actually awoken, or something you are perceiving about your body is simply inconsistent with how you view yourself.¡± Thinking about Friday¡¯s words I asked how she came to that conclusion. ¡°Depending on Tier, all System AI Interfaces have some level of medical and psychological information encoded into them. I am not a medical professional, however watching after your mental and physical health is necessary for my own survival.¡± A half chuckle, half sigh leaked from my lips. ¡°So, what does the non-professional suggest for my mental health?¡± Though still warm and supportive, I believed that Friday was reading from a list, which she likely was. ¡°Talk to someone, or someones. Use a therapy program, either from a dream console or accredited individual. Keep a journal about your feelings. Talk with people who may have experienced physical changes from attunements or bloodlines, as that is the highest reported population for reports of similar feelings¡­¡± I face palmed, thus interrupting Friday, and wondered how early Ann and Buckle would be awake. Chapter 48: Talking TD I Chapter 48: Talking TD I After finishing my aborted grooming, and dressing in my jeans and hoodie outfit, I decided to leave the sandals in my pack with my other things. My feet had yet to feel any discomfort from walking barefoot, and I¡¯d rather save my new nice looking sandals for walking in and out of places of business where I might not want to appear bare footed, not just for a bit of a walk. A glance confirmed nothing had been left behind. Leaving the room I was slightly saddened about forsaking the very comfortable bedding. While I hadn''t noticed feeling particularly tired over the last few days, the comfort of the bed, and the couches downstairs, were quite enticing. Slipping through the dim light in the hall and on the stairs, I descended quietly and noticed that the fire was not lit in the hearth. There was low light over the dining area, and stronger light leaking from the cracks in the doors to the kitchen. Loosing my pack so it was only slung over one shoulder I quietly approached the kitchen door, catching the scent of warmth, hot oil and butter slipping through the cracks. Pushing through the swinging doors another memory snapped through my mind: slatted swinging doors leading between a kitchen and small eating nook, a short older lady, though taller than me in my memory, with close cropped grey hair, walking through those swinging doors with a plate of something. ¡®Coffee cake¡¯ a part of me supplied as the memory lady set it on the table. ¡®Grandma¡¯, I labeled through the haze of sugary baked goods in my memory and my present. As the memory passed I was suddenly in the kitchen, not nearly prepared to say farewell to the brown haired baker, and kisser, before I left for an unknown amount of time. Billie was shaping some dough, stuffing a paste of some sort inside, and placing the shaped forms into small loaf pans which were arrayed in front of her. I saw her in profile and a smudge of flour was streaked against her arm, highlighting how she had kept the rest of herself tidy. Without a glance in my direction she spoke in a professional tone. ¡°Breakfast service won¡¯t be available for at least another hour. If you have need of something now, it¡¯s 3 brass for an apple, or 4 for one of yesterday¡¯s pastries.¡± Her eyes darted over towards me and widened when her eyes met mine. ¡°Hi Billie. I¡­ I don¡¯t want to interrupt, but I was curious when Ann, and maybe Buckle might be down? I mean, I want to chat with you until they are, and maybe help you if I can. But¡­¡± I quieted down when I saw Billie smirk before focusing on their work. ¡°That outfit looks very huggable. Maybe when I¡¯m done with my work, if it isn¡¯t a problem? Ann and Bernie will be down in half an hour, not sure about Buckle. We can chat, but I¡¯ve work I can¡¯t stop¡­ Grab an apron and start on the dishes? We can talk while we work, if that¡¯s okay.¡± Her hands continued to shape the little loaves and I saw there was a fair pile of things that required attention in the sink. Setting down my pack, out of the way under a workbench, I pulled off my hoodie and hung it up, trading it for the largest apron I could find to wear over my dark grey shirt. Starting in on the stack of pans and bowls it took a couple minutes before hitting a bit of a groove in my washing. Eventually I found the words I wanted after Friday prompting me only twice. ¡°So¡­ You know I don¡¯t have many memories? Pretty sure I mentioned it¡­ Anyhow, the few memories I¡¯ve experienced from before a few days ago had me being a child with smaller hands and they weren¡¯t grey¡­¡± ¡°Okay¡­ That doesn¡¯t seem unexpected, honestly, Monday. Not sure I¡¯ve seen kids with your skin tone, mostly pink, brown or fuzzy.¡± The sink I was using had Billie and I standing perpendicular to one another, glancing to the side occasionally as we spoke. ¡°I suppose, but sometimes when I see my skin, everything feels¡­ wrong. My head buzzes, my¡­ I feel¡­ woozy? A hint of nausea, or vertigo washes over me and it happened this morning. It didn¡¯t happen yesterday, the God¡¯s Bath spirit may have¡­ patched it up for a day? Uh¡­¡± The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Almost half a minute passed before Billie responded. ¡°I mean, you feel what you feel. You seemed fine when we were in the bath the other night¡­ Is it¡­ always? No, not always¡­ How often does it happen?¡± I laughed quietly and sniffed as the humid warmth from the sink bathed my face. I scrubbed a small bit of stuck crust and sugar from a pan. ¡°It sneaks up on me, and I was¡­ Distracted? No, more that I was occupied in the bath.¡± I caught the slight grin out of the corner of my eye as I kept washing. Billie placed the loaf pans in the oven, and walked behind me, placing her hand on my bare upper arm, lightly squeezing. ¡°That sounds really distressing, Monday. Hard to imagine, but not feeling right in your body¡­ Ugh. Well, not so hard to imagine I guess.¡± Billie moved her hand to my back, as if reassuring me that she was still there. ¡°I had really tiny boobs for a while, then suddenly at harvest when I was 14 they, like, they¡­ they were just suddenly this size. Only a month or two passed and just, bam. And my back hurt, and Ma made me get new clothes, and people would look¡­ But it was over weeks.¡± She sighed and I felt her forehead press against my back before her arms wrapped me and gave me a light hug around my waist. ¡°But it was weeks, and not sudden like days.¡± She clung tighter for a moment before I felt her warm breath close, her face under my shoulder blade for a moment as she let me go. ¡°They felt like they were not¡­ me. Is that it? Is that close?¡± Washing dried dough from a bowl rim, I ignored a drip of salty water into the sink as I nodded. ¡°Not¡­ not, not me, but not the me that is expected? I guess? Expected by those memories? I¡¯m sure it isn¡¯t the same, but close enough that you have¡­ I feel like you''re empathizing, which is to be honest, it¡¯s more than I might have hoped to have.¡± There was a hint of a chuckle from near the sizzling fryer, Billie laying hoops of dough into the oil and turning them carefully. ¡°You''re lovely, but I¡¯ve been a 12 year old girl and I know being attractive to someone means less than nothing if you¡¯re feeling poorly, or even a smidge off, about yourself.¡± The moisture from the warm washing water in the sink made me sniff. ¡°Thank you, Billie.¡± ¡°Monday March, I think you might have wanted to talk with Ann and Buckle about this, rather than me.¡± A sizzle rose from the fryer. ¡°I¡¯m glad you told me anyhow.¡± ¡°Me too, thanks for listening, Billie. You really¡­ you¡­¡± ¡°Nothing to say, really, Monday. Making out or not, you¡¯re my slightly less worldly friend. And a good friend listens, and cares even if they maybe don¡¯t understand.¡± ¡°Not sure how to thank¡­¡± I was interrupted. ¡°There isn¡¯t a thanks needed, my giantess. I¡¯m being a friend.¡± I felt the grin in her voice rather than seeing it. ¡°And maybe a prospective lover? For now, a confidante at least, I hope.¡± ¡°Right now? All that, Billie¡­¡± But I let the words die as I heard footsteps on the stairs. Ann¡¯s voice was full of mirth as it rampaged in my ears and over my scalp. ¡°I don¡¯t even want to know what you did to get Monday to do dishes this early, Billie.¡± Hearing a sharp chuckle from Buckle made it rather obvious he found it funny as well. ¡°Nothing Ann!¡± I may be acquiring an ability to hear the eyerolls of others, pretty certain that if I were looking Billie¡¯s scraped the ceiling as she responded to her boss. ¡°We were just talking since she was waiting for you two.¡± Ann¡¯s mirth bubbled into a full laugh. ¡°Of course, no other way she could have a flour print of your face on her back than¡­ just talking.¡± Maybe Billie hadn¡¯t been quite as tidy as I¡¯d thought. Cutting through his sister¡¯s laughter, Buckle walked over to me. ¡°What ya wanna talk ta us about ¡®nuff to be doin¡¯ dishes afore dawn, Monday March?¡± With fewer salty drips than earlier, I told Ann and Buckle a little of what I¡¯d been feeling. Sharing Bluebird¡¯s comments about it likely being passing, but I¡¯d heard it might be smart to talk with folks. Especially folks who might have had some personal familiarity with physical changes. While they got more serious, it wasn¡¯t grave talk serious, but concern that almost had me adding more salt to the dishwater. ¡°So, yeah. I¡¯ve got these feelings, and was thinking maybe either of you might have felt something¡­ Something close? Or have thoughts about how to not feel like this?¡± Pretty sure I kept despair out of my voice, but some distress leaked as I felt Billie wrap her arms around my stomach and press her face into my back again. Buckle patted my arm as Ann peeled Billie off me and chased her back to the fryer. Less laughter and more good nature in her voice. ¡°It sucks, Monday. But I think both Buckle and I understand, at least a little. It sounds a lot like Transformational Dysmorphia. Sit down at the table and talk with me. Buckle, can you start shredding stuff for a pair of hash ¡®n bakes? Seems like a day for simple and hardy.¡± Chapter 49: Talking TD II Chapter 49: Talking TD II Settled at the table with Ann and a pair of teas, I looked into Ann¡¯s eyes, she looked into mine, Buckle and Billie working around us. Her voice tickle seemed toned down, only making my toes twitch, rather than curl. ¡°So, you don¡¯t really like tea, huh?¡± Taking a second sip I was sure I didn¡¯t wince, the odd bitterness and puckering feeling in my gums entirely hidden. ¡°Mmm, it makes my mouth feel¡­ Tight? Mmm, no, tense.¡± Ann smiled, reached over the table and snagged my cup, adding a dollop of liquid and a portion of sweetener, before stirring it a touch with a small spoon. Sliding it back in front of me, she nodded at it, indicating I should try again. While my mouth didn¡¯t dislike the next taste, it still wasn¡¯t as enjoyable as the juices I¡¯d had with my meals at the Pillow and Pie. I didn¡¯t meet Ann¡¯s eyes, glancing over at Buckle, working at shredding potatoes, the sounds damp and earthy. Looking across the table I looked down into her eyes and grinned. ¡°I think I have a young palette. It¡¯s better, but I don¡¯t really enjoy it.¡± Ann made a little smile and started talking. ¡°Good enough, Monday. Being honest with yourself is only going to help¡­ I denied my feelings and Buckle rebelled against how he really felt for a time. Doesn¡¯t do a lick of good unless you are willing to make more effort than either of us were willing to do. Yes, there are things you can do about these feelings that might ¡®fix¡¯ them, but best to listen to what I¡¯ve got to say first.¡± The silver haired and eyed lady took a sip of tea and seemed pleased I allowed her to continue. ¡°Dysmorphia has probably been a thing since before there were mirrors, but after the Mana showed up people could change in all sorts of ways no one ever imagined before it was around. I just thought an Air attunement would be so amazing, I might fly, it might keep me cool in the hot summers, maybe I could talk to people miles away on the wind¡­¡± She took another sip of tea and it was apparent that her blue skin made her lips look even darker purple than the plum tint of my own. ¡°Going by what you said yesterday morning, I imagine you probably don¡¯t know too much about attunements or bloodlines. Well, attunements are easier to attain for some people than others, and high levels of emotion, desire, or the behaviors that can strengthen Mana use seem to improve the chance of acquisition. Our parents were aware, and really tried to keep us away from temptations or triggers until we had at least fully started to mature. ¡°I didn¡¯t wait¡­ being older than Buckle and very sure of myself at 12 when I found a chance, a baby bird high in a tree that sang to my soul I scampered up to claim its wind, claim its air¡­ Anyhow, enough of my stupid. At the age of 12 I attuned to the Air and the sounds and vibrations that surround us all.¡± Another sip, and a sigh. ¡°And within 2 weeks I was a silver haired, silver eyed freaky blueberry.¡± Billie¡¯s whisper of a gasp tore my eyes from Ann¡¯s, and I saw shock and compassion in her eyes that were locked onto the back of the innkeeper¡¯s head. My own eyes snapped back to Ann, trying to ignore that momentary distraction. ¡°And I kept going, and I felt awful, and I kept going, and I got teased, and praised, and hugged, and glorified and denigrated and ignored and shunned and I did all that to myself too. I wasn¡¯t ME anymore, but I was more me than I¡¯d ever been before. TD is the worst, because it is true and false at the very same time. I¡¯m more me now than I ever was then, but I wasn¡¯t the me that I was expecting to see. ¡°You talking about the nausea of seeing the grey skin and it feeling wrong? That is it exactly, 12 year old me would sob on you and commiserate all day. But I know it might be worse for you, you don¡¯t remember what might have taken you to this choice. So your situation is closer to my dorkus brother¡¯s, I think.¡± ¡°Ayyyy, if Willy was a early riser ya¡¯d ¡®ave toad in yer hair.¡± ¡°Yeah yeah, I love you too, Bubba.¡± Keeping her silver eyes on me she continued. ¡°I got through it, learning to accept me as attuned me. 3 years of journals, 5 teenage relationships and some hay loft time with a couple of those relationships.¡± Buckle pressed his hands to cover his ears though a knife remained in his right clawed hand, and Billie was blushing as Ann just smirked. ¡°And I got over it¡­ Well, I made peace with it. And I love the benefits.¡± The word ¡®benefits¡¯ was drawn out and crawled inside my nerves, playing over my entire nervous system for the eternity of the 15 second pause she allowed before speaking again, in a slightly more subdued voice. ¡°But it¡¯ll crop up once in a blue moon and I have to remember the choice I made, and why I did it. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. ¡°Buckle¡¯s years younger than me, and he just up and attuned to a toad he caught. At first our parents were shocked, and amused and warned him about not identifying too close with other stuff, but he attuned to the creek near where we lived, then my folks kept him inside, and he identified with one of his toys¡­ and¡­ before they could maybe get him to a Guildhall for advice or a System connection it was, what was it, I don¡¯t think you ever fessed up? A mouse trap?¡± Buckle stuck a long tongue out at this sister, apparently a response to a rather old inside joke. ¡°Anyhow, enter goblin brother Buckle, my beloved little brother of sharp teeth and generous nature. ¡°But goblinization is even harder on a body than attunement, and when he woke up again. Buckle was simply unrecognizable to anyone but family because of his eyes and voice.¡± Buckle¡¯s clawed hand grasped Ann¡¯s shoulder gently and leaned in to talk. ¡°E¡¯en ta myself. Tag Ann.¡± They swapped and the Innkeeper went to continue the breakfast assembly as Buckle met my eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t ¡®member if ya said anythin¡¯ about the funny feelings, er I¡¯d ¡®ave said more ¡®bout it.¡± Buckle noticed my focus on his lips as he talked, my focus on his words and he sighed. The sigh of someone putting on uncomfortable clothes because it was expected, but taking that effort because it was important to someone important to you. His words became deliberate, and not casual, clipped and sharp, not easy. ¡°I was mad about what had happened to ya. Mad because I was not sure how to help ya¡± A short look at the table top and my hands, then his own and Buckle continued to speak in clear clipped words. ¡°I don''t know how many cuts, rips, and hurts I did ta myself that first week after changing. Pa tied hides on my hands before bed after 2 nights, only soup after near eating my lip, and I was crying myself to passing out for days. That all wasn¡¯t near as bad as just feeling wrong in my skin, my new skin. I just couldn¡¯t feel I was me.¡± A claw pointed at me and then at the goblin¡¯s eye, drawing my attention back up from his lips. ¡°I was not much fer writing, a bit younger than Ann. And my eyes said I ¡®uz, I was not the same, but inside my skin I felt like me. Loved Ma, loved Pa, put up with Ann. Pa¡¯s stew was still tasty, Ma¡¯s stories still made me chuckle, and my Sis still told me what to do.¡± I tried to stay focused on Buckle¡¯s eyes as a small peel of a root vegetable bounced off his skull. ¡°But I ¡®membered being different, and being the same too. So ya did good talking to us, I think. Talk it out each time. Talk to you, talk to a friend, talk to the air. Write like Ann, mebbe, but only thing helped me was saying what I felt each time; not live in it, but said it and moved on. I don¡¯t think Bluebird was bein¡¯ thoughtless. Have heard System helps with them change feelings, but don¡¯t ignore what ya feel. ¡®Kay Monday March?¡± I nodded and repeated more of what I¡¯d told Billie and some of the things I¡¯d not, sharing about the way things slipped and slid in my head when I noted my own skin. Not like it was bad, but like it just wasn¡¯t quite right. I pitched back into dishes as we talked and I shared that, even though I was so tall, I seemed a smidgen surprised in my own head nearly each time I saw myself look down into the eyes of others. We bantered and chatted and taste tested and laughed and worked for quite a bit before there was noise from the stairs out front. Buckle not focusing on his speech so much and his normal accent of truncated words returned, I¡¯d appreciated his consideration, but it hadn¡¯t been natural for him. We talked about times they felt good about self acceptance, and times they had struggled. Buckle had a nugget that I felt he wanted me to remember and made me agree. ¡°Mebbe Bluebird¡¯s righ¡¯, these feelins mebbe fade fer ya fast, whate¡¯er the reason, Syssy er nay. If they stick, ya find help, talk ta more folks, jus¡¯ don¡¯ ignore it. ¡®Kay Monday March?¡± I agreed, but felt oddly self conscious about it. Breakfast service started and I just flat refused to be chased off. I helped where I could, with dishes, or holding things, pulling out plates, pouring glasses of juice and water. I ate at the kitchen table, selecting the hash ¡®n bake with potatoes, egg, cheese and bits of unnamed meat strewn throughout. The veggie hash looked good too, but I was happy with my choice. The donut I¡¯d been promised had powdered sugar that stuck to my fingers and I ¡®had to¡¯ (I thought of Millie Goode) lick it off. ¡®I may have a sweet tooth,¡¯ I admitted to myself. When Ann returned from taking more food out front, she informed me that Roy was asking after me, as I hadn¡¯t answered my door. ¡°I told them that you would join them before they had finished eating, I hope that was fine.¡± The tingles that she induced had returned, but the voice made them play a low jangle, rather than toe curling extremes. While I nodded, I felt a little sad about it. This morning had been pretty fun, despite the crying and trauma talk. ¡°I¡¯m going to miss you all. Well, maybe not you, Bernie.¡± I teased as he had just come down and dug into some breakfast without doing more than nodding bleary eyed at us all. He smirked at me and I smirked back. ¡°I¡¯d like to share a hug with any of you if you are willing before I go. Totally fine if you aren¡¯t.¡± Bernie passed, but gave me a fist bump and a smile. Buckle passed as well, but held my hand and squeezed it, patting the back of it lightly, telling me to be safe. Ann¡¯s hug was sweet and soft, as she whispered another thanks for helping her little brother. Billie dusted herself off, trying to get rid of lingering flour and washing her hands before squeezing onto me tight for over a minute. Then she took my apron and walked around me trying to dust off any bits of flour I¡¯d acquired. It was a bit sad to go, but I didn¡¯t sniff more than once as I put my hoodie back on, grabbed my pack and headed out of the kitchen to meet up with my fellow travelers. Chapter 50: Expectations Chapter 50: Expectations As I walked out of the kitchen I saw Jordan and the Merits all eating breakfast together, their hashes, donuts and drinks in various states of consumption. Tok and Roy glanced over in surprise at my entrance from the swinging doors, Jordan and Feathers looking to be intensely conversing on some subject and Muto¡¯s eyes were closed while taking a massive bite from a donut. I waved and smiled, sitting on the bench next to the donut focused Muto. ¡°Ready whenever you all are. Guildhall first, right?¡± Amusingly Muto responded first while chewing on a huge mouthful of food, eyes opening slightly to a half closed state in what I could only guess was sugared bliss, but nodding in agreement. Tok spoke up, filling in while his teammate continued to chew, ¡°Yup Senpai. Got to trigger the Ways passes, and last minute check with the guild to make sure there aren¡¯t any warnings out for the route or anywhere too near the way we¡¯re going.¡± Mustache nodded in agreement. ¡°Standard procedure, and Jordan¡¯s travel cart is secured there as well. We can do all the introductions and expectations once we¡¯re all finished with eating, but thanks for joining us early. Ann said you already ate, right?¡± I nodded and he smiled before taking another bite of his veggie hash, chunks of mushroom visible amidst the crispy grilled and baked peppers and potatoes. On the other side of the table Jordan looked over at me and nodded. ¡°Still good for acting as a porter I hope, Monday March?¡± ¡°Standard pay for unskilled work in Big Bay is about a dollar an hour, you said?¡± ¡°Average, rather than standard. Anything like moving something that size and weight,¡± Two strong looking fingers on her left hand pointed over at a tarp wrapped cylinder with straps on it, ¡°would easily be 7 or 8 brass an hour, but I¡¯m happy to go a dollar an hour as we¡¯re going to be outside walls.¡± Thinking about some of the talk I¡¯d had with Wanda, and that none of the Merits seemed like it was an out of line offer, I was about to simply agree to the deal when I had another idea. ¡°You''re a System User, but not Guild affiliated, right?¡± The redhead nodded, looking a little guarded. ¡°I¡¯m as well, but I¡¯d like to ask some questions that are answered without Guild filtering or¡­ propaganda.¡± ¡°What kind of questions?¡± ¡°Some basic, and maybe some not, but I don¡¯t even really know. The Merits know, but I¡¯m a reborn, and my memory fragments don¡¯t seem to have any System information, so¡­¡± Jordan¡¯s eyes softened for a tiny moment. ¡°Oh, you poor thing. Fine fine. While you are expected to carry, you are not being paid to protect. We need to run, you drop it and run. Understood?¡± I shrugged and nodded. ¡°Your tanner friend had a few items worth bringing back, so thank you for the introduction, Monday March. I¡¯ll field your questions while we¡¯re on the road, but won¡¯t answer everything. Now I use the Merchant Interface rather than Adventuring and killing for the most part, I may not have all your answers.¡± A quirk of a smile played at the corner of my lips. ¡°Okay. What¡¯s Big Bay like, Jordan? I¡¯m heading to the Grindstone, but don¡¯t know much about the area.¡± The red haired woman laughed, like it was yanked from somewhere inside. ¡°Grindstone isn¡¯t in Big Bay, Monday March. Grindstone is in the bay, and you can get there without setting foot in Big Bay. I¡¯d suggest as much unless you¡¯ve reason to enter.¡± Pondering her words I was about to ask Jordan for clarification when Mustache, I mean Roy, clapped his hands. ¡°All Fed?¡± The brown skinned leader of the Merits with the tidy mustache looked at his team, Jordan and I. ¡°Good time to do introductions and expectations. ¡°I¡¯m Roy, leader of the Merits. He / Him, Mage, tactics caller, and if pressed, medic.¡± Looking over at Feathers he nodded. ¡°Jazmine, She / Her. Scout, archer and voice of reason.¡± I could see that she was both proud and a hint of grudging in her introduction. ¡°Tok¡­ Muto¡­ He / They /Him / Them.¡± Speaking in tandem for all four examples of their pronouns. ¡°Vanguards and melee attackers¡­ men about town¡­ comic relief¡­ subordinates extraordinaire!¡± The scruffies spoke in their usual tandem, and really encouraged me to tease them with their extreme goofiness. ¡°Also, we be boys¡­ but cool to they / them when talking about both of us.¡± And in unison they raised their thumbs and smiled. This might have carried a tiny morsel of gravitas if Muto didn¡¯t have powdered sugar dusting his lips. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°Monday March, please call me Monday for the duration of our travels, and after for you two.¡± I said, glaring at the two men who seemed to love their own odd nicknames for me. ¡°She / Her, paid escortee and porter. I¡¯ll listen and try to act as directed, but will likely have a bunch of questions for anyone not too busy with our safety and willing to field them.¡± ¡°Jordan, She / Her, paid escortee,¡± The redhead seemed amused at my word choice, ¡°and merchant. I¡¯ll defer to leadership, but will make suggestions based on safety and previous experience. Roy held back for another moment, as if giving Jordan enough time if there was anything else she wanted to say, before speaking again himself. ¡°General guidelines for the group then. Conversation is well and good, but volume should remain quiet enough so as to not be overly distracting. We will indicate if things are too loud. Looking to travel a minimum of 8 hours a day, so we can do the whole route in 2 days. Just speak up if you need a break for some reason.¡± Roy spent the next 10 minutes going over some basics; watches, breaks, buddy system, and including a comment reinforcing his earlier mention to me about rings, and avoiding¡­ relations on the trip. ¡°We have 2 tents and will carry the food for all of us. Might be tight, but 3 can use a tent. If you don¡¯t want to squeeze into one, you can bring your own, or sleep outside. If you have specific food needs, speak up now and we can try to accommodate. Any questions?¡± The merchant responded. ¡°For the moment, one question and one comment. You didn¡¯t mention anything about intoxicants. I enjoy a single drink after the evening meal, and I bring my own. Is there a problem with that?¡± With a nod, Roy clarified. ¡°Thanks for checking. The Merits won¡¯t partake on the road or a job, but you may. I respect that you know your limits, but will not tolerate putting any of us, including Monday, in danger. Agreed?¡± With a tight smile Jordan agreed and pulled out a small envelope, pushing it across the table to Roy. ¡°Speaking of danger, anything really bad happens, instructions are in here.¡± That raised a question for me. ¡°Is that common? I mean¡­¡± ¡°Monday, travel¡¯s dangerous. If you want anything specific done, best to let people you are traveling with know.¡± Jordan pointed at the envelope in front of Roy. ¡°I just happen to travel enough that I use that rather than talk it through each time. Default is to go to the Guild with a report of what happened, at least for Syssies.¡± ¡®A bit sad to think about.¡¯ ¡°Roy, if I think of anything beyond that, I¡¯ll let you know. And for now I don¡¯t think I have any questions related to the rules and what you all expect.¡± With a nod, Roy called an end to question time. ¡°Let¡¯s pack up folks. Monday, Jordan, do either of you need more than 30 minutes to be ready and at the Guildhall?¡± ¡°That¡¯s fine for me. I¡¯ll just say my goodbye¡¯s here and then head that way.¡± Jordan just shook her head, indicating she would be ready and in place at the appropriate time. Just as we were all standing up, the doors to the kitchen swung open with Billie, Buckle and Ann walking through and walking up to me. Ann held a small sack and Buckle was holding onto his axe with a leather cover over the blade. Buckle grinned, revealing his pointy teeth. ¡°Ye saved us with it, I¡¯d like ye to ¡®ave it. Another bit a thanks afore ye go. Okay Monday March?¡± He asked as he held out the axe handle towards me. I nodded, accepting the axe and felt a fleeting wave of emotion almost manage to provoke another tear. ¡°Thanks, Buckle¡± Ann crooked her finger at me, so I bowed my head close to her as she made a quick wicked grin and kissed my cheek when it was low enough for her to do so. ¡°Thanks again for helping Dorkus out, and me. And here¡¯s a few snacks for the road.¡± The silver haired Innkeeper said in her nerve jangling voice as she placed the small bag into my empty hand, and stepped back. Ann may have been in danger if Billie possessed a magic for shooting daggers from her eyes, the way my friend was glaring at the woman. Then a concern for my own health cropped up when her blue eyes shifted to me. At least they softened almost immediately, but I could see a hint of a blush creep into Billie¡¯s cheeks showing there was still plenty of emotion at play. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t worry about it, Billie. Pretty sure she was just trying to tease us all.¡± ¡°Us all?¡± she sounded unsure. Simply glancing back at the Merits confirmed a part of my guess, seeing slack jawed scruffies and startled Jazmine. Buckle snorted and I heard a whisper likely only intended for me from Ann, informing me that I was ¡®No fun at all¡¯. Meeting those blue eyes again I wasn¡¯t certain if I was making a poor choice, however it felt right, even if Friday was encouraging me for no reason I could place in the moment. ¡°Would you like a farewell kiss before I travel, Billie?¡± Gently setting the items I¡¯d been handed on the table, I stepped closer to the baker, ¡®at least we¡¯d decided I was mature enough for her to not feel bad about the kisses last night.¡¯ About 2 seconds passed before she made a slight nod and I widened my eyes a bit, still waiting. ¡°Yes, you meanie,¡± Billie whispered. Leaning down I brushed my fingers into her dark hair as I moved closer to her face, letting my lips meet her upturned mouth. We shared a kiss that touched on our practice from the evening, but felt urgent, rather than playful. Though it likely lasted less than a minute, it certainly felt longer to me. And like it was over in an instant. I had no desire to ask Friday for clarification. Chapter 51: Ready to Go While waiting outside the Guildhall, I thought about the blend of amused, startled and embarrassed looks that had been present after we had finished our farewell kiss. Billie¡¯s sigh as she pressed her cheek into my hand before returning to work was very cute as well. ¡°Thinking about Billie again? I knew you should kiss her again, Boss.¡± Friday¡¯s voice that only I could hear sounded smug, even if I knew she wasn¡¯t yet capable of such emotional subtleties. Prodded from my musings, I returned to attempting to add the axe from Buckle into the straps for the package of hides that I would be carrying for the next 2 days. The snacks had fit into my backpack rather easily, but the axe didn¡¯t want to stay in place while I walked. ¡°I like Billie, and I find kissing her enjoyable, but why were you telling me to do it?¡± I subvocalized. ¡°Internal Awareness.¡± The smugness faded into an educated, or educating, tone. ¡°Your most positive levels by the metrics that I can currently detect have been in Billie¡¯s presence. While some questionable spikes occur with kissing or hugging, afterwards there is general marked improvement in blood pressure and respiration. Hopefully improved data gathering on my part will provide even more accurate metrics, once I have more medical texts available for Giant bloodlines.¡± ¡°So, it¡¯s guesswork right now? You aren¡¯t sure, but are basing your statements on incomplete data?¡± I teased, tweaking the straps to allow the axe to be on the other side of the hides, away from my head and shoulders. ¡°It should be the same, or at least close, Monday.¡± ¡°Even so. Why encourage me to do something that brings positive physiological reactions?¡± My curiosity on the subject hadn¡¯t faded. ¡°The metrics being used relate to positive physical and mental engagement. A healthier body and mind make it more likely for yourself, and my program, to coordinate for a longer period of time. That is one aspect of my core programming.¡± The warm voice sounded like the information should be obvious. ¡°So, self preservation is a core directive?¡± ¡°Boss, until such a time as you have clearly stated your directives, or I have enough data to fully understand your objectives through sufficient observation, prolonging our existence is the only obvious way to work towards their eventual accomplishment.¡± A hint of exasperation? Even if emotional responses were not a part of the Tier 3 suite, Friday certainly contained a vast array of emotional seeming responses. ¡°Friday, have you grown¡­ I mean updated or advanced last night? You seem more concerned, or aware I suppose¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m very aware, Monday, maybe as much perception as processing. All Tier 3 or higher AI System Interface instances will adapt and grow as their time with their partner extends. New information, instructions and observations will allow adaptation even if full inorganic sapience is not present.¡± Nodding in understanding, I tried my new pack assembly. Everything seemed like it would stay in place, and felt reasonably comfortable for an extended walk. I took a short jog around the area to make certain everything seemed like it would hold for the trip, or at least the morning. ¡°Senpai! Sensei!¡± Glancing back I saw the Merits approaching from the direction of the Pillow and Pie. A short wave between the scruffies and myself brought a smirk to my mouth as they drew closer. ¡°Got all your kissing done? We mean until we exit¡­ the Ways that is.¡± Narrowing my eyes a tiny bit it felt safer to just ask, rather than dwell on it. ¡°Tok, Muto, are you envious of me kissing, being kissed, or trying to tease me?¡± All of the Merits were dressed differently than I¡¯d seen them before. Armor mostly mottled colors in browns, greens and greys. The notable armor platings strapped over comfortable looking clothing. Good sized backpacks and weapons were also present: the scruffies with short swords and daggers, Jazmine with a bow and saber and Roy holding a staff and having a pistol as a side arm. Each of them also had a helmet strapped to their packs. Taking them and their equipment in, it was obvious when Muto and Tok turned to each other and then back to me with a hint of a smile. ¡°Yes¡­ Of course! Owwww!¡± They exclaimed as Jazmine smacked the sides of their heads from behind them, causing the boys to tilt their heads in towards each other. ¡°Behave you two.¡± She sounded more good natured than harsh. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Monday. They do remain professional once the job starts.¡± The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Not boringly so, I hope.¡± I said with a smile. ¡°We¡¯re never¡­ boring Senpai¡­ Sensei.¡± they interjected, with mirth bubbling in their eyes and voices. As my eyes were beginning to roll in response to their antics, I spotted Jordan and Bluebird emerging from the Guildhall. Both were dressed as I¡¯d seen them before, but the merchant pulled a cart of sorts. Poles extended from a two wheeled box, also in green brown and grey. The poles ended in curved sections that were padded and cupped Jordan¡¯s shoulders. To my uninformed eyes, the cart looked well balanced, resting on the merchant¡¯s shoulders rather than pressing into them, or tugging up against the straps that seemed to be present for additional security. ¡°Any last minute business before we move to the Waypoint?¡± Bluebird glanced at Roy and the Merits but their eyes didn¡¯t quite meet my own, glancing near my face, but gliding away smoothly. Following my pattern from moments ago with Tok and Muto I just spoke up. ¡°Problems Bluebird? I think I¡¯ve been clearly up front.¡± The sky blue eyes met mine. ¡°Monday March, your genuine honesty and forthrightness is unusual and exhausting. I want you to reach Big Bay and the Grindstone safely with this entire group, however I¡¯ll be happy to have you there rather than in my Guildhall, or God¡¯s Bath.¡± ¡°Great. It may be a good idea for you to talk to that person before I send a letter back to my friends. I¡¯m feeling bad that I was less than forthright about the situation before leaving. I¡¯d hate for my friends to suffer like I do and be¡­ under informed.¡± While I was feeling the odd nudge, almost none of it led directly to my response. The agitation wasn¡¯t nearly to the level of the bath granny, but Bluebird had been evasive and self serving enough to keep me occasionally cranky when thinking about them. Rather than being evasive, Bluebird¡¯s eyes locked in as they sighed. ¡°You¡¯re a bit harsh when you feel you have the upper hand, aren¡¯t you Monday March?¡± ¡°Calling me a bully, are you?¡± I said good naturedly. The sharp intakes of breath and shocked looks informed me more than anything else that I¡¯d said something considered extreme. The sharp whistle in my head also called out the mistake. Bluebird¡¯s defensively raised hands, as if to ward off an attack, mostly evoked confusion from my part. Friday¡¯s voice cut through the silence from those around me. ¡°Sorry Boss, no idea what you were going to say until you said it. Current definitions place calling someone a bully rate somewhere between murderer and rapist on the socially unacceptable rankings in Cecal. Maybe let them know your knowledge of the word might not mesh with theirs?¡± With a sigh, I did pretty much just that. ¡°Sorry, seems that word has a different, or stronger meaning than what it is in my head. My brain says it is bad, but not accusing me of murder bad.¡± Tok let out a low whistle and Muto seemed too stunned to talk. ¡°Murders bad, but a bully or consistant bullying can break brains. What you¡¯ve said didn¡¯t seem abusive or bullying, just maybe uncomfortable.¡± With a head shake I addressed Bluebird rather than Tok. ¡°I acted from perceived power or control, and my brain tells me that could be strong arming or bullying. Apparently the word is more charged or changed than I thought, like sissy, or Syssy. Sorry if it felt like that to you. Just don¡¯t want a friend to have undue pain.¡± With a shake of my head I clarified. ¡°Didn¡¯t mean to imply anything, just saying I¡¯d be straight with that person in my mail, you can do whatever you want. I don¡¯t think you were accusing me of a crime or over manipulation or whatever the actual concern is. Roy? You think I can get a modern language primer at the Grindstone?¡± A sudden smile appeared under Roy¡¯s mustache. ¡°Most certainly, Monday. So long as you can pay. One last thing before the gate, no rings on our team for travel, but permission for physical contact to administer medical attention or attempt to prevent harm is understood. Jordan, Monday, are you both okay with providing the same permissions?¡± The merchant gave a sharp nod. ¡°I agree to physical contact for medical attention or actions to ensure my safety.¡± An attempt to get away with just nodding in agreement was made, and denied by Friday. ¡°Sorry Boss, they know you can speak so verbal agreement or denial is needed. Up to you, but safer to agree now in case you are sleeping or unconscious when help is needed. General consent protocols.¡± ¡°Yeah, sorry Roy. I agree to physical contact in case of medical care or to prevent physical danger.¡± The words interrupted Roy just as he was probably going to ask me for them. He nodded and smiled. ¡°To the gate then.¡± Subvocally addressing Friday, ¡°General consent protocols?¡± ¡°Guessing it is standard protocol for escort missions, or general cooperative actions, as it is listed in common consent agreements.¡± ¡°Do I even want to know?¡± I replied as we were drawing towards the open yard Millie Goode had desired to play in with a dog and her peers. No children or dogs were active here now, but I could feel the breeze playing on my scalp as it flowed over the wall, as well as seeing it tickle Bluebird¡¯s azure spikes. ¡°You saw how Crag reacted. While consent is mostly sought for personal or emergency situations, if plans are made ahead of time for a possibly dangerous situation, getting consent before it is required is wise.¡± Friday was full education mode, lacking sarcasm or teasing. When the gate closed behind all of us, Bluebird held out 6 brass hollow tubes on cords long enough to loop over even a sizable skull. ¡°Everyone take one, hold and touch them into my palm at the same time. Roy, are you good with explaining to Monday the Pass uses?¡± They asked as we accepted the brass tubes. Roy agreed with a nod. The Merits and I positioned ourselves around Jordan and her cart, extending our hands holding the Passes out to touch the Guildmaster¡¯s open palm. Once they were all in position Bluebird spoke. ¡°6 for the Ways from God¡¯s Bath to the Big Bay external Guild hub. Morning of April 3rd, 210 PC.¡± A green flash lit in their palm, hovering around the brass tubes before extending to encompass all of our hands. ¡°May the Ways be safe and clear for you all.¡± Chapter 52: Setting Out Watching Bluebird fly up to the top of the wall reminded me of some of the amazing things I might be able to acquire through the System store in the future. Shaking my head clear of that daydream I focused on Roy who was holding up his brass Pass by the cord. ¡°First use, obfuscation from those not linked. Just wearing it will activate that function. Second use, guidance; activate that by channeling a bit of Mana and lightly striking it once.¡± Roy showed what he meant, and I could see the wisp of Mana run down the cord into the metal tube. The brass glittered to my sight as Roy flicked it with the finger of the hand that wasn¡¯t holding the cord. *Ping* The sharp Mana laced sound pulsed and I felt the metal in my own hand resonate to the tone, or the Mana, passing through it. It tugged lightly in my hand and I saw the Pass in Roy¡¯s hand lean away from God¡¯s Bath, tugging on the cord as if to pull the leader of the Merits to follow. ¡°On with them. I¡¯ll explain more to Monday as we move.¡± Slipping the Pass over my head I walked with the others in the direction I¡¯d felt the tug, and which I¡¯d seen Roy¡¯s brass tube incline. As soon as the weight of my Pass settled, I noticed that my surroundings blurred a little. Focusing on the blur I saw hints of Mana whirling around, white and green specks, flowing from the Passes that each of us carried and weaving into a cloud that moved with us as we followed Roy. All of the flecks whirled and a hint of mana mist encircled the 6 of us, raising a dome about 4 to 5 meters high and twice that wide. ¡°Roy, is the dome what makes it hard for others to see those with an active Pass?¡± I started feeling a hint of a sting in my head as I tried to make sense of the Mana mist. Roy nodded, ¡°You can see it then? It does tend to interfere with what we see outside as well. A bit of a trade off, but it protects Ways travelers.¡± Giving me a longer look as we walked, the mustached man continued. ¡°It might be a bit much for you. I¡¯d encourage not focusing on it. Maybe glance for training, but it can be a strain if you spend too much time focussed on Mana work for camouflage or hiding.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t time spent attempting to see and understand the patterns advance skills as a System User? Or natural advancement, for that matter.¡± Jordan piped up from the side as we advanced on a footpath where her cart seemed it would barely fit. ¡°True enough, but if you get a headache or become distracted it might not be worth the risk, Syssy or not. Inside some walls or in the open, Cecal isn¡¯t so safe as to not take precautions just for a few XP you can eventually get anyway. This is an escort, not a training run.¡± I shrugged, feeling the roll of hides rise up on my shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ll save my less immediate questions for a better time than. Thank you, Jordan, Roy.¡± The merchant gave a tight nod and Roy just cocked his head to the side slightly before speaking again. ¡°Well, not quite done with immediately useful information yet, Monday. Thirdly, blow through it if there is danger, the people tied to your same travel group will be warned, as well as any Ways Keeper within range. Don¡¯t do that frivolously, as it is either a fine or blacklisting if a Keeper comes and finds the danger beneath their attention. Now, the last main use is if someone gets separated from their group. Hold the tube and not the cord, then channel a little Mana into it while thinking of one of our group. That should give a sense of direction and distance. Got all that?¡± Friday confirmed, but I listed the uses quickly, and then asked what I hoped was an appropriately pertinent and not distracting question. ¡°Aside from the third danger one, when is it safe to attempt the other options?¡± ¡°You shouldn¡¯t need to¡­¡± I cut him short quickly. ¡°I understand that it should be simple, but my Mana channeling has consisted of trying to disrupt one Mana flow and making my towel expel its moisture. These sound much more important to my safety.¡± I felt Roy¡¯s sigh rather than hearing the noise in my ears. ¡°Yes, best to practice, and before we travel too far. So long as there is no sign of danger we can take a few minutes for you to practice within the first half an hour that we are on the Ways propper.¡± The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Seeing as there were no comments from the others, I simply agreed to his statement as we traveled further away from God¡¯s Bath. Though things at a distance were a bit obscured, I had plenty to look at around us. Small birds in trees, shrubs with flowers and little green and red berries that looked to not yet be ripe, a squirrel that was almost half a meter long kept sniffing in our direction as we passed. Though I hadn¡¯t really been tracking time, I guess that it had been at least 30 to 40 minutes before I saw Tok and Roy¡¯s posture change. Their shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly, as they seemed to ease their way into a small clearing. Jordan was walking just ahead of me and I heard a sound from her that reminded me of Billie when she and I had been kissing. I was avoiding stepping into Jordan¡¯s cart when energy trickled up my leading leg and I nearly gasped. Energy welled up from the ground, through my left leg. and up through my chest. Vitality sought out the Pass around my neck and fractured into webs of invigoration throughout my body. I didn¡¯t trip, but it seemed a near thing as I was overwhelmed by urgency. I wanted to move. No, I wanted to MOVE. My body, my mind, my cells, my thoughts wanted to MOVE. I joined Tok and Roy, and we paused. Quickly we were joined by Jordan with the other 2 Merits, who also paused. All of us felt energized, almost quivering, as we stood amidst the Pass generated dome of Mana motes for a few moments. Jazmine was the first to shake it off, and speak. ¡°Let''s move, team.¡± Roy started, and nodded. ¡°Jaz, Tok, Muto; normal scouting spread. 30 minutes and then a short break for Monday to practice channeling into the Pass. Questions?¡± We all shrugged and started to walk. I chatted internally with Friday, listening to a few titles from books we were considering for the walk. After only a few titles, Jordan called out to me. ¡°Monday, you wanted information. Quick rundowns? Or did you have something specific you want to start with?¡± The merchant''s clipped speech was no nonsense, and I¡¯d seen her be smoother with others, so I imagined she wasn¡¯t trying to make a sale, more work with an employee. Maybe. It took me almost no time because I¡¯d been considering what to start with when Jordan had time for my questions. ¡°To you, as a System User, what are the biggest misconceptions or misunderstandings about what being a System User is and what that connection provides?¡± The glance shot over to me almost had weight. While Jordan didn¡¯t stumble, I thought I heard a scuff as we walked. ¡°So, not asking about Stats, or Skills, or the Store or Boons, Banes and the rest?¡± ¡°Sure, but not first. Bluebird tried to spin it, Jazmine is worried about it, Buckle felt sad for me, but as far as I can see, it is a tool. Maybe it is a tool that messes with my head, but I don¡¯t remember. So, what do you think?¡± Watching where we were going, Jordan¡¯s eyes had only glanced at me briefly. She seemed to be pondering as a minute passed before replying to my question. ¡°It¡¯s a tool, an old clunky tool with too many functions and options. A tool you can choose not to use, but once you pick it up is always there.¡± ¡°I thought there were ways to disconnect it? Like a ¡°Move on¡± option or something?¡± The merchant nodded, ¡°Yes, those exist, but they cost enough that you are well in it at that point. Or so I¡¯ve heard, never seen it in my store.¡± My questions just seemed to be multiplying. Enough that I was asking Friday to track them as I thought of them. ¡°So what do you mean by old, clunky with too many options and func¡­¡± I was interrupted. ¡°I saw when you were sorting out how to carry the hides that you have a multi-tool. Do you think that would do as good a job as a tool built specifically for a certain task?¡± ¡°Well, no. It''s about convenience, not having the perfect tool.¡± ¡°Exactly. The System can do so many things, but¡­ So far as we can tell, most of it was done with the barest understanding of Mana and what might be possible with it. So it¡¯s old, clumsy and loaded with just as many things that are dangerous to have as beneficial. And many a mix of both.¡± ¡°Oh, so why did you decide to become a System User?¡± I was perplexed by her choice given what she had been saying. Jordan shot me with a side eye. ¡°A bit of a personal question for most Syssies, might be worth getting on more friendly terms before asking in the future. But I¡¯ll allow you a partial answer. My former partner wanted out of the business and they¡¯d been our System hookup. I didn¡¯t want to retire or find a new partner, so I bartered for their System Build to do the whole thing myself.¡± ¡°But why would you need to be a System User to be a merchant?¡± There wasn¡¯t another side eye, or even glare, but there certainly was a bit of a smirk. ¡°Depends on what kind of merchant you want to be, Monday March. And no, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll share that at the moment. But I will say, it would do you good to study the System options and make a plan. Syssies who don¡¯t plan usually end up a mess.¡± Chapter 53: It’s a Trap… I immediately asked Friday to make a note for ¡®Make a System plan¡¯. As I nodded in agreement to Jordan about her advice. ¡°So, aside from making a System plan, do you have general advice? Or should I start asking about specifics?¡± ¡°Let me start with an overview, from my point of view. Feel free to ask for specifics as we go if you get confused, but this way it will help me know that you at least know what I¡¯m telling you about.¡± I nodded in agreement before she continued. ¡°Statistics descriptions are generally misleading. They are a measure against your current evolution''s maximum capabilities.¡± ¡°So it isn¡¯t a number that just keeps going up? What does that even mean for something like Resilience? That doesn¡¯t seem like something that should just improve for humans¡­¡± Jordan squints at me for a moment. ¡°Okay, so you¡¯ve unlocked Resilience, probably related to your bloodline. Anyhow, base evolution humans without a bloodline start with 4 Statistics unlocked in their System Status: Agility, Dexterity, Durability and Physical Power. Other statistics become unlocked with Traits, you know, Boons and Banes?¡± ¡°I mean, I¡¯ve read that in Boon descriptions.¡± I admitted while remaining confused. ¡°But I have Charm and Magical stats unlocked, how can those have a specific maximum capacity based on race or bloodline? That just seems¡­ wrong?¡± Jordan didn¡¯t squint this time, but I felt like I was on the receiving end of a vast portion of side-eye. ¡°If you decide you want to enter merchant life, I would like to interview you as a possible apprentice. Anyhow, I mean, you can blame the programmers if you like but the System functions as if there is an upper cap for your current form. If you hit 100 in anything I¡¯ve heard you get offered a better set of evolution options, so¡­¡± Jordan didn¡¯t shrug, maybe because of the cart poles on her shoulders, yet somehow communicated a non-committal ¡®I don¡¯t know¡¯ vibe with her eyebrows. ¡°As for caps seeming unrealistic? I won¡¯t disagree, but it also works in the favor of anyone that is still growing and evolving.¡± ¡°Jordan, if stats are like a percentage of the maximum you can achieve in your current body, what does that mean things like Charm and the Magical stats that piqued your interest?¡± ¡°Just like I said, the System acts as if there is a max. And it isn¡¯t so specific as to be a percent¡­ From what I¡¯ve researched, there is a measurable quantifiable aspect, and then a qualitative aspect.¡± Perhaps responding to the quizzical look on my face she continued. ¡°For instance, a body can lift a rock, but maybe if a body stands a certain way the body could lift the same weight more effectively with less stress to the structure of that body.¡± ¡°That sounds¡­ not very well designed if that is the case, but I suppose it isn¡¯t complete nonsense.¡± I said as I looked away from the merchant. The blurred outskirts along the path weren¡¯t so much distracting as a backdrop while walking, but proved to make the experience a bit otherworldly. Blues, greens and browns melded together and made for an ephemeral feeling environment. ¡°Heh, won¡¯t get an argument about that from me. But pretend I¡¯m not wrong or under informed. A toddler might have a certain amount of PP, but what are the chances they are good at deploying it? Almost zero. In fact, I¡¯d hazard that most of a Physical Power stat for System Users at first is just about wielding what they have without any quantitative improvement. But that¡¯s my own speculation.¡± ¡°So if my Giant Blooded situation boosts PP, as you called it, it might just be an innate understanding of how to apply it, or raw access to what I can do, or a split?¡± ¡°Probably, but I¡¯ve mostly done research into less¡­ impressive bloodlines. As for unlocked stats, it seems to be about the same. You¡¯ve unlocked Charm, and there is being pretty and having a pleasant appearance or voice, but how that all configures into a flat number is a mystery.¡± ¡°Why aren¡¯t things like Charm and, if they exist, Intelligence or Willpower displayed from the start? Agility, Dexterity and Physical Power make a good amount of sense. Durability seems a bit odd to me, like how can you get better at how much abuse your body can take? But¡­¡± A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Jordan sighed a long and steady exhalation of air, almost as if deflating. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but there is a bunch of conjecture. The 4 basic Statistics are all purely physical and very human-o-centric, or at least very representative of humans physically. Most everything else has at least some non-physical, or not very human compatible, component. You know, like your Resistance sounds very giant-ish. But a human might unlock it with a boon, or training even.¡± ¡°You make it sound like there isn¡¯t any purely mental Statistic though, like Intelligence or Willpower.¡± ¡°Not confirmed. Some say the System couldn¡¯t handle it, like it is something beyond what can be contained in a single evolutionary state.¡± Though Jordan said it, I could hear the merchant was not convinced. ¡°But you don¡¯t agree?¡± ¡°Might be partially true, or part of a truth. I just think it¡¯s hidden to protect the Syssies.¡± I could feel my brow furrow. ¡°Protect us, how?¡± ¡°Can you imagine quantifiable Intellect? Creativity? Willpower? Now imagine how prejudices and harassment might come into play if those numbers could be confirmed, known, leveraged and exploited. I also imagine those with low numbers might rail and rampage that the System is broken, or unfair, or other junk. Probably best it just hides it away and only shows numbers that we can accept about ourselves. Hell Monday, personally I think Charm is a trap.¡± Responding to my confused look, Jordan continued. ¡°Charm¡¯s default description says it is a ¡®measure of interpersonal capabilities¡¯, right? However, it often unlocks with a boon that has something to do with physical appearance. So that implies that it is related to, but isn¡¯t entirely physical attractiveness, nor could it be because different folks find different things attractive. And what might compose the rest: empathy, emotional intelligence, charisma, face memory, extroversion? And if it does things like that, is it messing with our minds and personalities when it raises? ¡°But that isn¡¯t really the trap I meant, more my personal concerns. The trap comes from how Syssies and non-Syssies relate to the stat. If someone meets a known Syssy that is super smooth socially, Charming one might say, it¡¯s easy for them to assume the Syssy spent experience to raise the stat. And if they assume that the person spent XP on it, they have a reason to do so. They might be vain, or they like to manipulate people, maybe they were simply socially anxious but rather than work through it, they took a shortcut.¡± ¡°But those would just be assumptions. I mean, I know people make assumptions, but¡­¡± Thoughts of similar prejudices whispered up in my head, taunting me with realized information to make me sad about how people often treat one another. ¡°Yeah, that is both likely, and frustrating I suppose.¡± Jordan remained silent as I pondered and looked about, accidentally meeting Jazmine¡¯s gaze. Feathers didn¡¯t look away, but her lips pursed for a moment before she spoke. ¡°Nothing against a Syssy for making themselves better. We all work to improve ourselves everyday.¡± The feathers in her hair swayed as she looked at her other team members. ¡°But yeah¡­ It can be easy to question motives if someone is super smooth and trying to get close to me or someone I care about. Especially when they weren''t previously socially skillful.¡± With a shrug, Jazmine turned to scan the obscured environment on her side of the path. The merchant spoke up again while I was pondering Jazmine¡¯s addition to the subject. ¡°Take that for what it¡¯s worth, but the other side of the trap is how Syssies feel about their own Charm stat when they unlock it. If it¡¯s low, they might feel bad about themselves, or claim the stat is why people don¡¯t like them. If it is high, and people don¡¯t get along with them, they might have a hard time recognizing their own arrogance, or any number of valid reasons people think poorly of them. Some folks will raise it with the expectation it can solve all their problems, limiting options that might help them make more XP. Sometimes they even sabotage their survivability and that, Monday March, is why I think Charm is a trap.¡± ¡°So you already know mine is unlocked. What would you suggest?¡± I queried. ¡°Hah! Same as I recommend to anyone. Do your S.I.T. but don¡¯t spend XP on stats outside an emergency, well planned boon or evolution opportunity.¡± Processing the words and completely lacking an understanding about what S.I.T. might be, I was about to ask Jordan as we were following the path around a slightly obscured outcropping. Only green and brown blurs showed what was likely rocks and bushes, clouded due to the concealment effect of the Ways Pass I presumed. While it was a bit sad that the Ways were not sightseeing friendly, it did make it easier to focus on a conversation. ¡°So, what is S.I.T any¡­¡± And the world exploded into sound, and motion. It wasn¡¯t the Charm stat, but it was certainly a trap. Chapter 54: … Door Spider Bear Chaos is a subject about which I imagine there is a lot of thought and contemplation. Perhaps more scientific, philosophical or mathematical than a day to day consideration. I¡¯d not really given it any real thought in my current memories, after all. When chaos strikes it isn¡¯t thoughtful. Chaos is an ineffable mess. ¡°DOWN!¡± Friday warned in my skull, a hint of a klaxon-like vibrato shuddering within my head. Motion to my right, coming through the blurry concealment, something brown, wide and as high as my chest. Eyes¡­ An unexpected amount of eyes. ¡°Monday! Move!¡± Muto¡¯s voice grew close behind me as I felt a shove against my back, attempting to push me aside and out of the path of the approaching massive brown furry fanged pedipalp having spidery monstrosity that was resolving through the blurry concealment. Though I was in mid-step, the shove was not enough to propel me aside. It was the combination of words, warning from Friday and approaching threat that clicked into the basic combat practice the scruffies and I had practiced yesterday. I fell forward, using my arms to slap the ground so as to avoid excessive gravity assisted self harm. ¡°Avert for flash!¡± Jazmine yelled, and Friday seconded the command by echoing it with a ¡°Close your eyes, Boss!¡± Clenching my eyes shut I heard a grunt, a massive crack of sonic torture, and then my closed eyes failed to block all of the sun''s brilliance, letting a split second¡¯s worth of lumens through my sealed eyelids. ¡®Huh, still reddish even with grey skin¡­ probably the blood vessels?¡¯ I thought. Brains are weird. Looking up towards the brown beast, blinking away retinal distress, I fuzzily saw a fuzzy toothy maw and large pedipalps clamped onto Muto¡¯s right arm, blood seeping through broken armor. A pair of mammalian eyes were blinking rapidly, surrounded by dark orbs looking like additional lidless eyeballs protruding around the lidded pair. Ears ringing, I attempted to roll away from the monster and Muto, hoping I might spring up to assist. The hides strapped to my shoulders prevented anything remotely coordinated, and I fumbled and flopped for a moment attempting to right myself. As I worked at getting to my feet, Roy¡¯s voice was shouting out what might be combat orders. My ears were having none of it, still reacting to that thunderclap from before. ¡°Probably should just stay down, Boss.¡± Friday advised with a clarity only available from already starting in my head, not fed through the ears at all. Ignoring my own attempts to remain quiet about Friday when others were about, I whispered rather than tried to subvocalize. ¡°Can you make out what people are saying, Friday?¡± ¡°No, boss.¡± Friday asserted. ¡°But Muto said to get down and Roy said to follow directions when we set out.¡± Despite Friday¡¯s words, I continued to climb to my feet. ¡°Maybe, but I¡¯m gonna help or get the heck away from that.¡± I snarked. Getting my feet under me I stayed in a crouch, glancing about to take in the situation. Muto¡¯s left hand was thrusting a blade towards the eyes of the beast that was clamped to his right arm. Though the man¡¯s mouth was open and moving, it appeared more yelling or screaming than actual words. Tok had approached the brown creature and was darting in and out to strike with blades in both hands, raining down blows against the joints of the legs on the monster¡¯s right side, and dodging as those legs sought him in retaliation. ¡®Why were there claws and visible muscles on what looks like a giant 12 legged spider?¡¯ I wondered, as I pulled my axe from my back and continued to look around.. Jordan had run forward over 10 meters ahead leaving her cart behind and appeared to be blowing into her Ways pass, though I still couldn¡¯t hear anything from it over the nasty ringing remaining in my ears. I slipped the leather cover from the axe head. Feathers looked to be taking careful shots at weak points on the beast, so long as those targets were far enough from the scruffies, as I saw arrows protruding from leg joints on the opposite side from where Tok was engaged. Meanwhile Roy looked to be entirely focused on the beast, staff held forward and glowing bright enough to shine in the daylight, lips moving, but nothing I could understand. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Bigger than the Taz, but just as unsightly. 3 measured steps to approach as I raised the axe, aiming to drop it into the cluster of eyes and orbs on the beast¡¯s head. I imagine several of the Merits saw what I was doing, but only Muto was near my line of sight, jerking his head and likely trying to drive me away. 1 more step as the axe descended right where I was aiming. The reverberation through the axe handle was sharp, stinging my hands as the blade didn¡¯t split the creature like I had both wood and Taz. A few of the protruding orbs were sliced by the blade, blood and clear liquid in equal measure sprayed forth. This time I noticed the spray against my hand and face as I realized my efforts were more poorly rewarded than they had been the other day. The beasty still didn¡¯t like it though, as it lashed its head towards me, slamming the injured Muto into my side. I could feel the man scream into my shoulder as the monster¡¯s maw ripped and twisted Muto¡¯s arm while smashing us together and throwing us upward and to the side. A yelp escaped my lips as my feet left the ground, flung to the side with the scruffy still pressed into me. Torn between trying to cushion my own body or Muto I found myself to lack the leverage to do much of either. Letting go of the axe I grabbed at the injured man to do what I could to place myself between the ground and the injured scruffy as we collapsed to the earth. My left heel grazed the ground first, and I knew I was far too off balance to prevent us from collapsing. Lashing out with my left leg I strove to turn myself so I would be able to cushion Muto. This felt like a good choice even as I felt my back compress my slimeskin backpack between my spine and the ground. Hearing Friday in my head chant ¡°Tuck your head! Tuck your head!¡± wasn¡¯t distracting or distressing at all. Lies. Proof that I lie to myself in the moment. I tried to grasp and control Muto¡¯s fall as we collapsed into the ground. Hard. His shoulder hitting under my ribs drove the air out of me in a spectacular exhalation followed by seconds of gasping in a way I had no understanding of initially. Though it did trigger a memory of playing with my little sister in a bathtub, small toys floating around us, me gasping after having held my breath underwater for what I imagine was an eternity of 20 or so seconds. The memory wasn¡¯t an ideal representation of my current struggle to breathe. A bit of a distraction though as it confirmed I¡¯d had regulation little boy bits amongst the memory of splashing and washing and giggling and gasping. What I could see while lying on my back and struggling to breathe confirmed that the other 3 Merits were still successfully pinning down the monster, more arrows protruding and bloody ichor dripping. The ringing was fading and I could hear snicks, clacks, thumps and twangs as the combat continued. I could also hear Friday saying, ¡°See, I told you. Just stay down.¡± Not quite ignoring the voice in my head, I tried to focus on Muto who remained sprawled over my chest and legs. Far too much blood adorning his severely twisted right arm, dripping onto my new clothes. ¡®Probably not a great choice, but I can wear the leather outfit tomorrow. At least the hoodie is already red. Totally not wearing the yellow dress. Why am I thinking about clothes rather than the injured man on top of me?¡¯ Whispering again, ¡°Friday, do you have any first aid information downloaded? Like, extreme limb damage?¡± ¡°Yes Boss! Hold him still! Primary emergency care is to stop the bleeding and immobilize the limb.¡± Friday almost sounded exasperated. ¡°So stay down and hold him still for the moment. Use your sleeve and apply pressure to the wound at his elbow.¡± I grumbled in my head (very quietly) so Friday couldn¡¯t detect how frustrated I was. ¡°Fine.¡± My focus narrowed to what I could see, spotting the welling blood from near Muto¡¯s right elbow. As I was about to explain what I was seeing, Friday inserted again. ¡°Take your right arm and grasp his right forearm. Once you¡¯ve done¡­ Good, now take your right hand and press where the blood is welling up, just above the el¡­ Perfect. Now hold it down snugly. A little tighter¡­ Good.¡± Cradling Muto to my chest I was securing the wounds as directed by Friday when I heard a new rising sound to my already overloaded ears. How could low and high sounds impact from the same sound? The reverberation channeled from the west and was rising like a looming tide. Clack, cackle, honk, Honk, HONK, CACKLE¡­ HONK HoooooooNNNNNkkkk HOooooNNNnnnNNNkkkkk! The flutter of grey wings flew by me, homing in towards the beastie still engaged with the standing Merits. The movement drew my eyes and I watched as wide webbed feet slammed into the beastly head near where my axe had hit it. The spider-bear¡¯s head concussed, rippling with the impact as the newly arriving attacker blasted the most massively amplified honk I could imagine in that moment. A black beak released sonic devastation from the barest fraction of a millimeter away from the cluster of eyes in that nightmarish face. The sound impacted with physical force and felt more intense than what my ears or bones had yet felt, even the arrow explosion a short time ago, making my ears become a realm of ringing, felt an order of magnitude lesser than the blast that the monster experienced from the feathered attacker. My back and ribcage trembled as I tried to hold Muto safely to me in his bloody and injured state. I felt more wet droplets run up my cheek as ripples pulsed from the new flying combatant and the multi-eyed beast, streaking from my jaw upwards towards my eyes, trailing against my face as the concussion flung fluids away from the epicenter of the blast. A new voice echoed along the path as the headless beast collapsed to the ground. It shuddered through the ground and in the air, as if it was high and low alike, pervasive and total. ¡°Well, that was just fucking nasty.¡± It was hoarse and deep and chirpy all at once. ¡°Anyone more hurt than the bloody boy curled up on the bald one?¡± Chapter 55: Aftermath ¡°Canadian goose, actually.¡± Gerald clarified to Roy. ¡°Various attunements and I came to the attention of the Vaneers. Been working the Ways for over 5 years now, I like it, and my partner¡¯s happy enough I stay out of her hair for days at a time. And my time at home¡­¡± While I wanted to ask, I really didn¡¯t think that I wanted to know about the personal life of the Waywalker who had responded to Jordan¡¯s emergency signal. Especially with watching the Mana flows taking place with Tok and Muto. Tok had said they had an ability to assist with healing one another, and it certainly seemed to do wonders for patching up Muto¡¯s mangled arm. Both of the scruffies were laying on their backs, not far from where Muto and I had crashed to the ground. Muto¡¯s uninjured left arm pressed against Tok¡¯s right, and their fingers laced. The Mana flows pulsed where the scruffies were joined with clasped hands, swelling about once a second in a shade of bluish green. Ripples of mana undulated across the injured man¡¯s chest closing in on his injuries and sinking within. Friday and I were unable to puzzle out what the Mana was doing exactly, however we could see the wounds slowly knitting closed. Jazmine interrupted our viewing, ¡°Monday, those injuries may take an hour or more to heal. I mean, I guess it is interesting, if a little disturbing to watch. But we could go over the Ways'' uses now that we¡¯re waiting, or chat with Waywalker Gerald before he goes.¡± I shot a glance at the only woman in the Merits and smirked. ¡°Is Gerald done implying things about his sex life then?¡± ¡°Hah-Hooo-Hoon-Hoonnnkkk.¡± While the honking laughter didn¡¯t blast anything apart in sonic devastation, it certainly carried enough power that the tufts of grass along the Ways quivered. ¡°Monday March, unaffiliated System User, right?¡± After the spider-bear-monster-thing had been defeated and Muto had been stabilized, Gerald had us all tap our Ways passes against a silver plate. Telling us that it confirmed our identities and would act to make certain that appropriate confirmation about the combat would reach us at any Guildhall or Ways Station. With a nod I responded, trying my best to meet the avian¡¯s eyes with a normal conversational gaze. ¡°Yes, Waywalker Gerald. Thank you again for your assistance.¡± Gerald¡¯s neck bent so as to cause his head to bob and nod at me though the angle of his beak and face didn¡¯t change. ¡°Just doing my job, Monday March honk. If I¡¯d been ahead of schedule you might have had no encounter in the first place honk.¡± His verbal tic was a little at odds with his generally understandable, if raspy, speech. He continued to speak after I tilted my head and gave him a quizzical look. ¡°One aspect of my position is to disperse any threats that have managed to encroach on the Ways honk. Was working my way through this branch when I got Merchant Jordan¡¯s signal honk.¡± ¡°But, How do they encroach if there is a built-in¡­¡± ¡°Encroach might be a bad word honk.¡± Gerald paused for a moment, head tilting up and gazing at the misty green and blue before looking back to my face. ¡°Or inaccurate honk. The danger repel works to prevent over 90% of threats honk. Sometimes a threat develops inside the range of the repel. Imagine our critter there attuned or evolved inside the repel honk. That sort of thing is one of the reasons we patrol honk.¡± ¡°So, it might have been harmless last week? But suddenly it is a giant fuzzy clawed rage monster?¡± Gerald, Jordan, Roy and Jazmine looked at me a little confused, either nodding or agreeing with my statement. ¡°Well, that¡¯s terrifying. Where would all the extra mass come from?¡± ¡°Everywhere, Monday. And from the Mana of course, depending on the attunement or evolution.¡± Jordan tried to explain. ¡°So it could take parts of me?¡± I was appreciative that I seemed immune to panic these days, because this would be a perfect opportunity. ¡°Well, no. You¡¯re part of a Mana construct, so it couldn¡¯t do that.¡± ¡°So just my clothes and money and dinner and any other random bits of matter I just might happen to have liked?¡± Maybe I could still panic a little, my voice certainly seemed more anxious by raising half a note. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. Jordan¡¯s shoulders sagged just the littlest bit. ¡°I¡¯m not doing a good job of this. Any of you can feel free to jump in¡­¡± She trailed off while looking at the others. ¡°Conversion of mass during evolution or attunement tends to be a slow process.¡± Roy spoke up. ¡°Rarely more than a kilogram per minute. Carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and the like from the air, trace elements from the earth, Mana transmuting anything that is missing. Such things have a harder time drawing mass from anything with a Mana construct, like complex organisms. That isn¡¯t to say there can''t be unexpected consequences, though.¡± The man chuckled before continuing. ¡°Know a guy with a dog companion that evolved into something called an Iron Boned Bloodhound. Well it used to sleep in the kitchen, and the morning after it evolved 4 knives and the guys favorite skillet were nothing more than handles. Nice dog though.¡± ¡°So, I¡¯m hearing it is mostly safe, except maybe sometimes destructive? Meaning inanimate things?¡± ¡°Inanimate things without a Mana construct, sure.¡± Roy clarified. ¡°And money has a Mana construct if it isn¡¯t counterfeit.¡± ¡°Honk well, I should get back to my rounds. It¡¯ll be a couple hours before I get back here, so feel free to strip anything you want off the beastie honk. I¡¯ll dispose of the rest later honk-honk.¡± Gerald paused for a moment as if making sure no one had additional questions, then took flight. I waved goodbye, awkwardly. ¡°Was I polite enough? Of the things I sort of automatically know, social interactions with intelligent non-humanoids feels¡­ vacant.¡± Jordan chuckled at me. ¡°You did fine. People are people, no matter what they look like, or their origins.¡± I thought about how Gerald was very deft with his beak and that little pack that had contained the silver plate. ¡°There have got to be challenges though, at least with some things.¡± I thought aloud. ¡°There always are.¡± Roy interjected. ¡°Now Monday¡­ While I appreciate you trying to help fight, why did you engage despite Jazmine saying to withdraw?¡± ¡°Yeah Roy, that¡¯s actually my fault.¡± Jazmine spoke up while I was confused, a bit blindsided by Roy¡¯s question. ¡±I didn¡¯t say for her to withdraw until after I fired the sensory overload arrow, so it would be more surprising if she had heard me. I forgot she didn¡¯t have suppression gear as we lost our last spares on the ghoul job.¡± ¡°Oh, right. That¡¯s on our list when we get to Big Bay, right?¡± The archer nodded and Roy continued. ¡°Monday, thanks again, but for the rest of the trip please withdraw, stick to what Jordan does, or follow our direction if you can hear or see us. We are escorting you, not expecting you to fight.¡± ¡°I thought I did okay.¡± I said quietly, perhaps a hint of the frustration I''d let loose at Granny G and Bluebird leaking out towards Roy. ¡°Well, we can talk about that later, if you like. For now, you agreed to follow our instructions during the trip before we left, will you do so?¡± Roy didn¡¯t sound like he was looking down on me, more like he was clarifying a point of a contract or business deal. I suppose he was, at that. With a sigh I agreed. ¡°Yes Roy, if dangerous things happen I¡¯ll try to follow Jordan¡¯s example or withdraw if I¡¯m not given different directions by one of your team. I guess I just felt like I couldn¡¯t run and do nothing while you all were fighting for our lives.¡± ¡°It can be hard, but for this trip it would help us most if we can be sure you watch out for, and avoid, danger as a priority.¡± The mustache quirked from the smile, then Roy turned away from me to get the attention of the other two ladies traveling in our group. I was considering going back to watching the Mana ripples on the scruffies. Meanwhile Roy consulted Jordan and Jazmine about stripping anything worth the effort to gather and carry from the monster¡¯s corpse. ¡°Monday, this might be worthwhile for you if the blood and mess isn¡¯t too offputting. I saw you watching the boys, you can sense Mana somehow, right?¡± Jordan called over to me. I simply nod and join them standing closer to the corpse, a furry multi-limbed headless mass now pressed to the earth rather than lashing and looming. ¡°Try using whatever you do to sense the Mana and try describing it to us.¡± Focusing my Mana Perception proves more challenging than watching whatever the scruffies are doing with their Mana. ¡°I see there¡¯s Mana here, I mean on the corpse, but it is getting thinner? Like it is dripping off, or¡­ Evaporating, maybe?¡± Roy responds, rather than Jordan. ¡°So you are only able to see the Mana on the surface then? With practice it is likely that you will learn to detect the flows behind and beyond other layers of mana, but what you are seeing is not wrong. Incomplete, but an adequate description for what is happening on the surface.¡± Roy gestures at the surface of the corpse and along the large limbs as he continues. ¡°When a Mana construct is broken the Mana that is tied to it dissipates, and that is what you are seeing. What we are looking to do here, is see if any of that Mana pools or binds to a portion of the beast. Now, if this creature was recent in its change, the likelihood isn¡¯t high because it might not have had enough bound to the broken structure for it to bond to any portion.¡± ¡°Why not simply wait, and collect any bits that show residual Mana? ¡°I have some skill with controlling Mana. If we detect a pool, we can attempt to direct more of the creature¡¯s Mana to fuse there. Strengthening the result.¡± ¡°Why not just force the mana to a spot you want?¡± ¡°Poor results, natural affinity is better. And it takes incredible control to achieve what you are talking about.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ Roy, it seems like a small amount of brownish Mana is pooling around that claw.¡± Monday points. Glancing at the indicated claw, Roy holds up his staff and seems to concentrate. Monday can see the pool of Mana ripple, and begin to merge into the claw. Roy takes a gasping breath. ¡°Exactly. Thank you, Monday March. Please take a look for anything similar? It¡¯s good training, and condensing the Mana is rather tiring.¡± Hiatus Well, I burned through all of my buffer and the desire to write more got pretty snipped short by writer''s block and personal issues. I''ve been working to reignite some writing passion over on AO3 and it has been great. Unfortunately it also didn''t really re-inspire my drive to work on For a Change in the short term. So, yeah, taking a hiatus. Well aware there are story and plot issues, but I started it over two years ago in the planning stages. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Since I can''t post without enough words, a couple bullet points! 1. Grindstone is Alcatraz! I have ruined the reveal! 2. Our poor Monday March is under a bunch of effects that should have only lasted a short time but got unnaturally extended, and has really made parts of the story strange (which I realize in retrospect) 3. Cecal and other ''bubbles/regions'' are defined in part by those who lasted a certain amount of time past the breaking! 4. Lots of folks fled off into other pocket dimensions on the initial influx of Mana. 5. I''ve appreciated so many of the few comments and supportive reviews. Hopefully it will appease the reading gods a tiny bit.