《Reinvention of the Master Manipulator》


 1- Introduction to the Master Manipulator

    "Oh, I love fantasies!" Scribble scribble scribble. "Oh, honey, don''t waste your time on guys like that. Go for the strong ones. Protection is the most important thing you can have nowadays." Scribble scribble scribble. "Oh, it''s not that hard. Here, watch." I flip to another page as the girl walks up to me. Her pair is a dark blue, cut into a bob. She wore the normal school uniform (a white shirt, blue blazer, and black dress pants. "Hey there." I look at her, a small smirk on my face. "Why, hello." She smiles back. "You alone today?" I pretend to look around. "Hmm, looks like it." Her face beams with confidence, and cockiness, as she asks to take a seat, which I accept. "So, this doesn''t seem like your kind of seen." I chuckle. "Felt like I''d do some studying." She raises an eyebrow. "Okay, you got me. Maybe a little procrastinating." She rolls her eyes. "Why am I not surprised?" "I don''t know, milady. Perhaps surprise is for the uneducated?" She seems surprised. "You read Kingdom Caverns?" I nod. "Just finished it last week. Moved on to the sequel series. So much worse, honestly." She scoffs. "Understatement of the century. Who thought it would be a good idea to turn an action adventure into a rom-com?" I nod my head. "I know, right? We bought your book for the edgy boys, just give us the edgy boys." She laughs, stuffing under her hand. "Okay, how about Lillith''s Grove?" I stroke my chin. "Undecided. There''s good and bad." She nods along. "Don''t worry. Get to book three and you won''t regret it."


    I think you get the idea. This chatter went on for maybe 10-15 minutes before her friend tapped her shoulder, a dark look on her face. "Ah, I''m really sorry." The girl in front of me gave her friend a sincere apology. "Hey, trade addresses?" I nod, sliding my finger through the air. A window opens and I send a request to the girl. "Tamila? Nice name." "Not so bad yourself, Francis." I chuckle once more, shaking her hand and watch her walk off. Scribble scribble scribble. I return to the page I''d been writing, before closing the notebook. Another entry complete.


    ¡­Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    My father was a stalker. A manipulative, vile piece of trash, using his gift of observation to get ahead of others. He died the center of a gigantic harem, more powerful connections than anyone else in the world, and had managed to turn a struggling family business into the most powerful empire in all of Vernice City. I may hate him, but I can''t lie, he was an impressive man, and I suppose I''d be a hypocrite we''re I to ever bring up that argument. After all, I was doing the same. I''d returned to my apartment and placed my notebook in a bookcase, filled with 16 other notebooks, each one filled to the brim with my successes of manipulation. I don''t wanna say I''m a good person, but I do believe my motives are more tolerable. I just want to make friends, and when you''re amazing at people watching, you''ll get them. I hopped on my laptop, typing away at the story I''d spent the last week on. I didn''t consider it amazing, but It was filled with enough wish fulfillment that nobody would care. I''d risen up the ranks on that website with ease. Hey, I can''t blame them. In a place as dead and emotionless as Vernice, you need all the fulfilment you can get. So, yeah, call me a man for the people, or some stupid shit like that. Oh, hey, I''m done. Volume 20 will be out on time after all. I copy the chapter and paste it into an email, sending it to my editor. With that done, I leaned back into my chair, watching the time. Five more minutes before my workout. After that, I hit the library and crunch through another five books to keep up conversation with all the people who seem to love me for liking them. I give a long sigh, running my hands over my face. "Coffee. Right." I walk over to the kitchen and then the fridge, opening it. I grab the cold brew at the back and start to chug it when a window opens. The window displays a guy in a red hoodie, under it the name, "Dave Ha." I tap a button on the earbuds around my neck, plugging one into my ear.


    "Ey, Francis! How''s my bud doing?"


    "Fantastic, Dave! What can I do for you buddy?"


    "Ah, what a great attitude. You wanna meet for lunch?"


    I look to my clock. ''If I move my workout to my free period, that''ll still give me an hour to relax.'' "Sounds good, Dave. Where to?"


    "Gaben''s? You know their alfredo is to die for!"


    I feel vomit rise in my throat. Last I checked, the place was being closed down for health violations. Managed to weasel out another month of service, which was surprising, since more often than not, with enough bothering, the safety body would eventually lay off. Ugh, whatever.


    "Sounds perfect. Meet you there." I hang up, scream into a paper bag, and walk out the front door, grabbing a jacket.

 2- A Truth Long Kept Secret

    It took all I had not to cringe from whatever strange, squishy substance I was sitting on. I flash a plastic smile at the man sitting in front of me. He was wearing the red hoodie and loose jeans combo he always wore. His face was frozen with confusion. "Err, Dave?" The man looks up. "Oh, heh. Sorry, not enough sleep. Working with that new author I was telling you about. Interesting outline, but his editor is a little busy with Lilith''s Grove. Don''t worry, though, your series release is still set." I shove a fry in my mouth, immediately regretting it as a wave of grease releases, coating my mouth with a disgusting taste. "Sorry about the food choice. It''s best to talk where nobody listens." I nod in agreement, taking a swig of water in hopes to drown the taste. "Good. So, how are your online numbers?" I chuckle, scratching the back of my neck. "Oh, you know, it isn''t much different then last week. A few thousand views, no real controversy, you should be fine. There are even a few people hyping the release!" Dave finally smiles. "Don''t deceive me like that. Tell me how you really feel." I sigh, my enthusiasm disappearing. "I think I might just be having doubts." Dave cocks his head. "What exactly are you doubting?" "I don''t think I''m doing a very good job." Dave shakes his head. "Francis, there''s something you need to understand. I receive a lot of bad, thoughtless drafts during my time, even when we were just Book Barn. I wouldn''t have chosen your story if I didn''t think it was worth our time. You''re young, and I don''t doubt your story has flaws. But it wouldn''t be as popular as it is if it didn''t have something that connected with people. So, relax. If we find problems with the adaptation to print, we''ll be more than happy to let you know and walk you through fixing them. Understand?"


    I didn''t know what to say. Dave had always been the one person to see through my behaviors. After all, he and my dad had been lifelong friends. He was the only person I recall my father treating with respect. I cursed myself for trying to slip into character, and nodded once more. "Yeah, I do. Thank you." Dave held up a finger. "And, while we''re here, I''d like to formally apologize for missing your birthday." I shook my hand. "No, no, it''s fine, really." Over all my life, I''d never told anyone about my birthday. I figured it would be a waste of time, and definitely dangerous, should some people I''d befriended clash heads. That''s the problem with a big friend group, I guess. Dave reached into the string bag he''d brought with him, and pulled out a book. "I know you have a lot to read, for that club of yours and all those people you''ve been talking to. But, I must ask you give this one your time. Very rare, the only copy being the one I hold in my hand." I grabbed the book from him, holding it tight. "Uh, thanks, Dave." "Yes, well, it wasn''t really my choice¡­" he went quiet. "Your father was insistent it go to you when you turned 18." I froze. "My dad got me this?" Unbelievable. He''d always told me to get what I wanted with my own money. Even on my birthday, all I ever got was a half hearted, "Happy Birthday." Why would he have a change of heart? Dave shrugs his shoulders, like he was just as confused as I was. "Took a look through it myself. Very interesting. I only ask you believe what it says, even if it seems...unrealistic." I got up, handing him a twenty. "Thank you for lunch, Dave. See you Monday?" The man nodded his head. "You have a good one, kid." Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    ¡­


    "23...24...25¡­" music blared through my earbuds as I lowered my body and brought it back up. "26¡­27...28." My timer beeped, and I dropped to the floor, totally exhausted. I grab my phone, setting a new timer for an hour from now. After hitting start, I lay against my bed frame. My eyes drift around the room. It was dark out now. The time was about 8:30, so that''s to be expected. I suck in a breath, picking myself up, when my gaze focuses in on the book laying on my desk. ''Why?'' The only word that floats through my mind. I just can''t get over it. He hated me, right? So, why would he do anything for me? I obstructed his path to success, I back talked him, I did whatever I could to make him realize what he was doing was wrong. ''Well, you''re doing the same thing, right?'' No, I''m not. I just want to make friends. I don''t want to trample over people. That''s just not who I am. ''Are you sure?'' I move over to the desk, sit in my chair, and rest my hand on the silky feeling cover. I guess I''m not sure. I turn it open. I was immediately struck by the handwriting. It was a journal, written with what I assume is a pen.


    Son, if you''re reading this, then that means Dave kept his promise. I don''t doubt he would, he''s a pretty reliable guy. I know our relationship isn''t the best, and that maybe, when I die, you''ll be the happiest man in the world. But, I have a story for you. And when I''m done telling it to you, I believe the reasons for my death should be clear. I visited the world beyond the wall, Francis. And I think the people in the city want to kill me before I can share it. I pray you:ll believe me, but what you do when I finish my tale is solely up to you. Just, for now, except what I say. It''s all I ask.


    I felt a fire burning in my chest. The compulsion to close that damn book and throw it away was strong, and tempting, but I persisted.


    I ignored my timer when it beeped again, transfixed on the tale being woven before my eyes. A tale of a man finding himself in another world, not so unlike his own. When the back cover was closed, it was around 11:00. That one simple question that had taken over my mind was replaced by another; ''Is he lying?'' My father had never been one to lie. He was an asshole beyond belief, but he never lied. The one really admirable thing about him. But, if he''s telling the truth, then the last sentence worried me beyond belief. I couldn''t sleep that night, it had me so worried.


    I failed my mission to save that world, son, and I can try my hardest to protect you from that, but, I''m sure, that one day, my past will come to devour you. So, be prepared.

 3- The Day of Confirmation

    I made my way down the dark sidewalk, eyes fixed on what lay ahead. Living near the walls was admittedly quite difficult. For uniformity, every home or hotel had its parking lot on the right. Yeah, try pulling out and not hitting the giant wall of stone right next to you. Whatever, I don''t need a car anyways. Anywhere I was gonna go was close enough to make it useless, and I certainly don''t need to stroke my ego. I pass by a wall covered in political propaganda.


    "Vote me into office and I''ll end hunger in the city."


    "Vote me in and I''ll cure cancer."


    "Vote me in and I don''t kill you all." This message was written in red spray paint.


    ''Geez, appreciate the honesty.'' I smirk, continuing on. Most buildings on this side of town were still being rebuilt after the Skyscraper incident. It happened ten years back. A particularly nasty storm sent a tree crashing into one of the few giant buildings in the city, leading to the destruction of all of 7th St, about 50 deaths, more injured than I feel comfortable telling, and even did some damage to the right wall. I was a kid back then, I think I was with one of dad''s friends when it happened. She''d taken me into the emergency bunker, and held me tight, promising everything was okay. She was a good woman. Never found out what happened to her. I wipe my eyes, realizing I''d been crying. My entire body was begging me to stop, too tired to keep going. I pushed those warnings back, hoping I wouldn''t pass out before even getting to the cafe. Vinnie''s, to be exact. The only one open at 6 in the morning, and I still hadn''t done groceries, so hey, don''t have any other options. I stop at the red light when I notice a figure in the distance moving toward me. I pull out my pocket knife, just in case. "Francis, It''s Tamilia!" I recognize her once she gets close enough for me to discern her face (which isn''t very far, I''m tired as hell.) "Oh, yes, nice to see you again." I pull out a smile, holding out my hand. She takes it with a strong grip. "Firm hand." I chuckle, letting go. "Meh, got bored of waiting around to get mugged." She responds, shoving her hands in her pockets. "Uh, hey, you alright?" She asks, probably referring to my heavy looking eyes. "Huh? Oh, yeah. Was up all night writing." She whistles. "Writing, huh? Alright, hot shot, where''s your fanfiction posted?" I scoffed. "Screw off, mate." She waves off my response. "I''m just joking. Jeez, no need to be emotional." "E-emotional?" She laughs at my response. I shrug, yawning into my elbow. "Professional release next month, so I kinda need to catch up before I end up screwed." She whistles. "Well, sounds exciting. You''ll be on the shelves with all those books you love so much, ya nerd." "Those who tend to mock others deserve mocking themselves."


    She frowns. "You keep quoting those lines. I''m not sure you know what context is." I feel sweat trickle down my forehead. "I-it wasn''t that cringe." She nods her head. "No, it was...ya nerd." Her smile returned. "And there you go bullying me again. I demand you retract that-" I stop as a person pushes through the both of us. Something drops in front of me. "Hey, asshat, you dropped something!" I yell, grabbing the red item off the ground. The person doesn''t stop, continuing into the distance. I look back at the item. It seems to be a pencil pouch, and in mint condition, to boot. The name "Francis" was scrawled across it. "Huh, I guess we have the same name?" I look at the girl in front of me. "Let''s open it." She states, her tone serious with a hint of mischief. "Yeah, sure." I unzip the pouch, opening it wide. Inside was a note. I felt my heart sink into my stomach.


    I know you have it.


    I thought back to the whole reason I was even up this early. A chill crept up my spine. "Do you know what it''s talking about?" I shake my head. "Must be a prank." I remove the slip of paper. There was one left inside.


    Do you want to change this world? I chuckled a little, feeling myself relax. What cliche drivel, it just has to be a prank. Still, I can''t let go of it. "Well, I don''t know Francis, sounds like a pretty good idea." She said in a strange voice. I laugh more, shaking my head. "Stupid pranks. They never quit, do they?" Despite that, I still pocket the pouch. "Hey, wanna grab some breakfast?" I offer. She seems to think about it for a moment. "If you''re paying!" I nod, and the two of us leave the moment the light turns green again.


    ¡­


    "Ah! Never been more full in my life." I watch in stunned silence as she finishes her second breakfast sandwich. ''Maybe I shouldn''t have said all you can eat.'' I cursed myself, taking a bite from a piece of toast. "Thanks for the food." She wiped her mouth with a napkin, throwing it onto her plate. "Yeah, no problem." I laxly respond, looking over the other patrons. A few wave when our eyes meet. "Wow, you have quite a few friends." She notices the people waving. "Meh, honestly one would be enough for me. Seems I''m just likable." "How arrogant." "Why you-" I give up, leaning into my booth seat. "It''s a good idea to have a friend in this city, especially nowadays." She nods vigorously. "Just last night I had to protect my friend from a group of muggers. Everyone here is going mad." She responds. "I mean, hey, how long can someone stay in this small city without going a little mad?" She doesn''t respond to that, instead taking a sip from her coffee. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    "-and I promise to care for our wonderful community here in Vernice."


    I look to the t.v and see a man dressed in a nice suit talking nonsense. "Sure you do." I say a little too loudly. "I don''t know, he may be good." I roll my eyes at her weak defense. "Yeah, fair." She places her chin in her hand. "Well, maybe one day." I mutter. Tamilia grits her teeth. "No. Not if someone reasonable doesn''t decide to join the running." I''m shocked by her sudden, clear hatred. "Maybe you should run." I say. "Huh?" "I can''t say anything about your leadership, but you seem to have the right idea." She chuckles, cheeks going red. "I-I don''t really think-" her bob bounces as her shoulders jump. "Well, why not? It''s not like anybody else is going from your angle." She responds, "That''s...not it." I make a motion to show interest. "I...don''t think I''d be a good leader." She admits. "Oh. That''s a shame." She looks at me. ¡°Again, I don''t know you all that well, but I do know that, with how things are going, I think you should give it a shot. Who knows, you may actually do better that that guy in the nice suit." She smiles. "Francis?" "Yes, milady?" "Thank you." I feel myself start blushing. "No problem. I just don''t want you to waste your potential." She declares, (almost promising, really) "I won''t."


    ¡­


    My day went on without further incident. I received a few friendly nods and waves, even had some discussions, but mostly, I was alone. At five, I checked in the books I''d read, checked out another, and left the library, ready to grind out another few chapters. The walk back was mostly calm, until I  noticed the smell of smoke. As I got closer to home, the smell worsened. I felt my lungs crying out for fresh air. That''s when I saw it. 7th Street had been lit ablaze. A group of people wearing masks, packed in an old minivan, roared past me, one person taking the time to throw a rock that hit me in the arm. I was stunned, unable to respond, when I heard a scream come from a house. I sprung into action, throwing my bag to the ground, racing toward the house I heard the noise come from. I charged through the door, stopping myself before I fell into the sea of flames. "Hello?! Is anyone here?!" I heard a scream from upstairs.


    Rushing to the stairs, I hopped up each step, feeling a few break under my weight. Arriving in the upstairs hall, I saw him. A boy I''d come to know during one of my observations; Chris. He was a good kid, working hard to support his family, who had been injured in the skyscraper incident. "Francis, It hurts!" I bolt to him. He was being crushed under a cabinet. I gripped the long side, slowly pushing it up. Once I''d gotten it off him, I finally saw the real damage. The cabinet had dug into his back, probably breaking his spine. Blood poured out onto the ground, and the sight of his insdes froze me up, until I remembered I had a first aid kit in my bag. "Chris, this is gonna hurt, but I''m gonna help you. Do you trust me?" "Yes! Yes, just please help!" With his permission, I slowly lifted him up. His pain filled screams echoed in my mind as I made my way to the stairs, dragging his feet across the floor. "Just hang in there. We''re almost out." I slowly made my way down the rotting wood staircase. The last stair breaks, sending me falling onto my face. "Ahhh!" He grits his teeth, tears falling down his face. "Just relax! Were getting out!" I slowly picked him up, pushing myself forward and, finally, out the door. I rushed over to the lawn, leaving him on the porch to grab my bag.


    "Okay, Chris, I need you to be absolutely still, okay?" I ripped the first aid kit out of my bag, trying to ignore the whimpers coming from his mouth. My hands were shaky, but I managed to bandage the wound quickly. I''d been screaming for help during the process, but It seemed no one was around, or I was being ignored. I hastily open a call window, typing in the emergency number. I waited in tense patience. They didn''t pick up. "What the hell?!" I try calling again when I feel the weight in my arms change. I look down, and see his lifeless eyes staring back up at me. The boy was dead. His body weighed heavy in my arms. ''You failed.'' I didn''t know how to respond at first. I even thought for a moment it was just a hallucination, and that the boy was only being still from pain. But, no. He was most definitely dead. "Ah...ahhhh...aaa." I felt my throat choking up, and I couldn''t even form a word as my eyes filled with tears. ''His mom, his dad, oh god, what would I tell them? Would the realization kill them? Those...those thugs that drove past me...did they do this...they did this and I didn''t even bother remembering their fucking plate number!'' I grit my teeth as my hands clenched around the boys arm. People like them wouldn''t just do this once. They''d do it again. And again, and again, and again, and the useless prices of shit meant to protect us won''t do anything. They''re useless! All of them! Laughing it up like they''re some bringers of justice. The words rose from my throat, like the screech of a dying man. "I''ll kill them! Every last one of them!" I paused, tears clogging my throat. "I-I will find justice."

 4- I Will Change the World Part 1

    "Alright kid, make this quick. I don''t have much time till I need to start security stuff." The man standing in front of me had on a long black coat and a hood, hiding his face. "I need to buy a server. You have one open?" The man grunted. "I have a couple. How long are you thinking?" "A week will do." After giving him my timeframe, he takes out a notepad, writes some stuff down, and holds out his hand. "35 dollars." I pull out the money, handing it over quick. "Alright, when the time comes, you''ll message me at this email and I''ll make a copy of the logs and bring them to you when I can." I nod and the man hands me the paper he''d been scribbling on. "Hold onto that. That gets in the wrong hands, and I''ll sell you out quick." After that, the man disappears. I held the paper in front of me, sighed, and made my way down the street.


    ¡­


    Francis: Rolecall, everyone.


    I held my breath, praying everything went well.


    Ella: Here.


    Tamilia: Hey-lo.


    Gerber and Silica: Sup, chumps.


    Alex and Neville: Hi.


    There were no nametags on this server forum. So, in order to understand who said what, we had to write our names. It was annoying that I''d spent 35 dollars and didn''t get a simple feature like that, but no government observation? Now, that''s where it''s at.


    Tamilia: So, what are we doing here?


    Ella: Yeah, I was studying. This better be important.


    Francis: Someone burnt down 7th St. Chris is dead.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    A collection of what''s and other phrases of the like fill my screen.


    Francis: And I''m sick of the government allowing this crap. The muggings were enough, but now we have pyromaniacs to worry about. I say we put an end to it.


    Gerber: LOL. Yeah, no. Sorry, loser, we aren''t all suicidal.


    Alex: Well, let''s have faith. What''s your plan?


    Francis: I''ll be splitting you six up into groups. Each one of you will work to spread the word to the populace. On Friday, there will be a Political Pep Rally. All potential presidential candidates will be there, the president included. When that day comes, we''ll storm it. If our job is done right, we''ll have enough people present that they''ll have to listen to us.


    Tamilia: Uhhh¡­


    Ella: I gotta go.


    Francis: WAITWAITWAIT! Let me finish, please.


    Ella: Grr...you''re lucky you''re cute, or else you''d already be buried.


    Francis: Gracias. Anyways, Alex and Neville, I want you spray painting government associated buildings. Something like, "Don''t support cowards." Whatever you think will throw the hardest punch. Gerber and Silica, I need you to make posters for people to hold during the march. Tamilia and Ella, you two will manage recruitment. Whoever wants to join goes through you two.


    Ella: Sounds pretty simple.


    Tamilia: Err¡­


    Francis: Any objections?


    Gerber: Um, yeah, how about no? Do you even realize how screwed we all will be if we get caught? Jail will sound PLEASANT! And what will you be doing while we''re out risking our lives?


    Francis: Probably mapping out the rally area, scheduling out attacks, moderating the server, and helping out whenever you need it.


    Gerber: Oh well that''s fan


    Silica: We think you could be doing more.


    Francis: I''ll come help all of you with everything. Sound good?


    Silica: No need to be a smartass.


    Francis: No, really.


    Silica: Hmm...meh, why not?


    Alex: Sounds fine. You better not mind being lookout.


    Ella: Always helpful if things get hairy.


    Tamilia: I''m hesitant about this.


    Francis: Why''s that?


    Tamilia: I''m just not sure we''ll have enough people come Friday. I mean, it''s Monday. How many people are we gonna get in four days?


    Francis: At least, 107. I''m hoping for more, but that should be enough to get a minute of attention. Have faith, Tamilia. We can do this.


    Tamilia:...yeah. Okay, let''s do this.


    Francis: First meeting over. I''ll upload details on our first strike tomorrow.


    I close out the forum, leaning into my chair. I feel a smile spread across my face.

 5- I Will Change the World Part 2

    Tuesday:


    The time was 10:30. The city had gone to sleep, leaving the streets empty, save for those looking for any stragglers they could mug. The exception to this rule being the three of us, standing in an alley, faces covered by horror movie masks. "This is really all you had?" I whine, readjusting my ''blood covered'' hockey mask. "Hey, man, maybe some of us don''t have money for the high quality stuff." Alex said, face covered by a cutout of Freddy Kruger''s face. Oh, and Neville was there too, wearing a mask of a demon. "Whatever. You guys have everything?" The two boys nod. "Alright, then let''s make this quick. We have maybe two minutes before we get noticed." I repeat my warning from a few hours before. With their confirmation, we sprint down the street. Once we arrived in front of the large building, I did my part quick, taping copies of the photos from 7th St burning, before backing away and letting them do their thing. Watching them work was wonderful. I remember the first time I went out on a job with them. It was a simple job, then. Spray painting some rich guy''s car. He''d been taking anger out on the hired help...Chris included. So, you could say we went easy on him. If ''I''ll pay ya to let me abuse ya'' being written on your car is considered tame. "Done! Take the pic!" I''m pulled from my nostalgia and make a motion. My glasses flash for a moment, before showing me the picture they had taken. Above the pictures was written, "Is this what YOUR justice looks like?" After that, we booked it. The sound of a door opening persuaded us to run faster. We ran down the dark streets, running into a scruffy looking man driving a van. We banged on his window. "Who the hell are you-" "Help us out!" The man looked both ways. "Hop in." The three of us jumped in, closed the door, and he shot off. "So, what ya do that''s got you all wound up?" I tapped Alex''s shoulder, putting a finger over my mouth. "We vandalized a government associated building." I felt my hands wrap around Neville''s neck when the man clicked his tongue. "Tame, huh? Good to hear there are still people like that. Kinda lost hope after 7th St." I perk up. "Do you know who did it?" The man laughed. "Just a few randos. You know how it is. They start feeling cramped, decide if they''re gonna be locked up, then they''re gonna fight, and it all just keeps going downhill." I nod. "If only the people up top had a backbone. We may not be suffering right now." The man shakes his head. "I doubt it would change much." Confused, I ask, "What do you mean?" The man goes silent. The drive continued on for another ten minutes, before he stopped in front of a motel. "You guys rest up. And maybe not go on with any plans for future excursions, kay?" We nodded our heads, making our way out of the truck. He sped off with no further words. The brothers collapsed to the ground. "So close." Alex mumbled, laughing. Neville was doing the same. "Alright, moment of truth. Send the photo, Francis." I nod, opening my photo gallery and sending the photo to the two of them. "Alright, this should work fine. Come on, we should go before we get noticed." Alex says, before him and his brother walk off. I, however, stand in that spot for a moment longer. "Of course it would change things. I mean...it should, right?"


    ¡­


    Wednesday:


    Once the photo had been taken, it was only a matter of mass creating bot accounts, posting the picture over and over, and placing the pic under every tag in existence. The accounts slowly got taken down, but the photo garnered well deserved attention. Soon, it had become the top hashtag. While this was happening, I was sitting in a cafe booth, in front of a few nervous kids, just about Tamilia''s age (18, somewhere around there.) Speaking of, Tamilia and a girl with dyed grey hair, green eyes, and wearing a black jacket and jeans named Elizabeth (but I called Ella under threat to my life) were on either side of me, making me feel squished. Yesterday they succeeded in bringing over thirty five people to the group. With that said, we still needed more. "So, um, we won''t, like, get in trouble or anything, right?" Unfortunately, they''d picked a rather cautious bunch. "Well, obviously. If you''re gonna go against the president, you may get in serious trouble." Ella scoffed at them, leading to the group giving some terrified faces. "Um, we should be good." They started getting up. "Wait wait. Just five more minutes, please? You won''t get in any trouble just talking to us." They looked at each other, groaned, and sta back down. I tap Tamilia''s shoulder. "Mm?" "Well, convince them." Her face went pale. "No, maybe you should." "Tam, have faith. You got this, kay?" She took a deep breath. "How many people have tried to mug you in the past week?" The three went into thought. "A good amount, I assume?" They nod. "And I also assume each of them got away?" Again, they nod. "Does that seem fair to you? Having to let other people walk over you because the people with more power don''t do anything?" They didn''t respond to that, but I could tell their answers from their faces. "Why do they get to keep acting all high and mighty while we sit here and suffer? Is a leader who does that even a leader? No. They''re just selfish cowards. Cowards who need to be brought back to reality. So, are you really scared of getting in trouble? Cause I assure you, your fates are a whole hell of a lot worse the moment you step out that door." They started at her, their eyes reflecting the fiery expression on her face. "I-I want to join your match, please!" The boy in the middle declared. "Y-yeah, me too!" "Don''t forget me!" Tamilia smiled. "Thank you for joining us!" Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    They left soon after. Then, it was just me, Ella, and Tamilia. "Well, good on you, rookie. For a second there I thought you''d screw us. Ain''t that right, Francis?" She jokes, leaning into me. "I''m just glad we have there more people going with us. Thanks, Tamilia." She nodded. "No problem. Maybe you were right about me after all." I respond, "Well, we''ll say I just have good intuition." "Yeah, that''s the spirit." Ella blurts out before yawning.


    ¡­


    I set to work on writing. Strange, what had once caused me great stress was now much more peaceful. Maybe my extracurricular activities were starting to put me at ease. Well, whatever the case, my fans seem happy, at least. My right hand reached out and grabbed the book I also, at one point, had been stressed about. The signs of use where clear on the things now wrinkled spine. I flipped through the pages, when my thumb got stuck between two. Opening the caught pages, I found my father''s recollections on his first discussion with the keeper of the abyss.


    He told me he took me because of my fiery spirit. That I may prove useful in his battle against the emperor. Something I was, unfortunately, unable to be.


    Fiery spirit, huh? Was that really my dad? Well, no point thinking about it now. I set the book down and returned to my work.


    I do not know how to explain the dreams that haunted me that night. Dreams of flames brighter than the sun itself. Of watching people I''d come to know be burned to ash. Of feeling cold metal wrap around my ankles, pulling me into darkness. Of falling. Falling, falling, falling.


    I feel water flowing across my cheek. With hesitancy, I opened my eyes.

 6- I Will Change the World Part 3

    I am surrounded by darkness. I feel wet, my clothes sticking to my body like they are sewn to me. I rise up, realizing I was laying in a pool of water. "W-where am I?" I mumble, my head shooting around in panic. "Okay, relax. Relax. Everything will be okay if you calm down." I hold my head, millions of thoughts swimming through my mind. I wipe my eyes, finally adjusting to the darkness. The first thing I notice is a long staff lying near the water. I grab it, using it to rise back onto my feet. "Okay, well, which way do I go?" I have two options; right or left. I wait a moment, seeing if I can hear anything. Nope. The sound of rushing water has effectively numbed my hearing. With hesitancy, I choose the left path. Making my way down the dark tunnel, the water grows distant and I begin to hear something. Crackling. ''Is that fire?'' My pace hastens some, till I''m practically stumbling to get to the end. When I arrive at my destination, I feel myself freeze. There is a fire, sure. An animal about the size of a mole, engulfed in flame. "Ahh...ahhh¡­" I cover my mouth, backing away silently. Once I''m far enough away, I fall to the ground. "Should...should I try right?" I look to the path opposite me, and find my answer. A wolf lays at the end, sleeping, it seems. A bolt of electricity snaps from it''s skin. My body wraps itself in a layer of sweat. I grip the staff tight. "I- I have to get out of here. I have to." I look to the left tunnel. "Probably have a better chance against the mole. If I could carry some water with me, maybe I''d stand a chance." I sigh, curling into a ball. "Wait." My desperation is replaced by a hopeful grin. I turn to the water, lean down and suck some into my mouth. I almost hurl as a mix of water, gravel, and what was most certainly something else disgusting enters my mouth. I do my best to ignore it. I grip my new staff with both hands, stealthily making my way back down the tunnel. My stomach ties, my throat dries, and my eyes start watering, but I keep going.


    I arrive at the end of the tunnel. I hesitate to attack, and in that time, I notice something. An area, blocked off by what looks like a stack of rocks. "Interest-" I jump when I hear a squeal. I look to the thing that is now rushing toward me. In panic, I spit out the water. It lands over the thing, making it scream in agony. The fire disappears, allowing me time to slam my staff down on it. The staff, to my amazement, bounces off it''s skin. While I''m stuck in a horrified state, the thing picks itself up. It opens its mouth wider, and wider, until it''s mouth has grown to almost the same size as me. I stumble back into the wall. I can''t exactly count how many layers of teeth it has but I can say it is definitely more than ten. And said teeth are pristine, and look sharper than a finely made butcher''s knife. It screeches, running at me. In a panic, I hold out my staff, aiming for the hole right in the middle of it''s layers of teeth. The staff enters, to my surprise. The thing gags, and I feel the stick trying to leave its body. "Oh no you don''t!" I slam my foot, protected by the sneakers I remember buying long ago, down on it''s lip, and use all my might to ram the stick as far as it will go. I feel the stick vibrate from each organ it plunges through. The thing squeaks a little as the staff arrives at the other end, before it finally goes limp. The dead body weighs down my stick, and I drop it. That''s not the only thing being weighed down. I feel my heart sink into my stomach. "I really killed it. I...killed it." A strange mix of shame, adrenaline, and ecstasy rush through me. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    The yellow window appears suddenly. "Congratulations on killing your first monster!


    Exp +10! Level up! You went from Level 0 to Level 1!"


    I read the message in my head. I feel on my face for the glasses I always wore. Nope. Gone. ''This is real? No, it can''t be! I''ve probably just gone insane. Yeah, I''m insane!'' I laugh at myself for a moment. "That''s wrong as shit, isn''t it?" I fall to my knees. "I¡­" I stay in that position, slowly accepting my situation. "You''re gonna die." I slam my fist into the hard stone. "No! Not yet. I can''t die yet. We...still haven''t done it yet." I paused, and then continued, "We haven''t changed the world yet." The thought is enough to get me back on my feet. ''Until you''ve done that, you aren''t allowed to die. So, the real question is how the hell do we get out of here?'' I nod, looking at the area this monster had once inhabited. It was nothing interesting, save for the rocks. I walk over to them, touching them. Noticing a hole, I peak inside. A stairway leading downward, illuminated my torches. "It''s the only way I can go." I lose myself in thought. "That wolf has electricity. If I threw water on him, maybe¡­" I grin. Yeah, okay. The first thing to do was skin this mole thing. I grip a part of it''s lips, and slowly pull it into two. From there I slowly trace around the edge of it''s lips. After that, I pull back, tearing the skin away from the meat of its body. The sight of its meat was enough to make my stomach rumble. "What use does it serve to let this go rotten?" I ask nobody in particular before biting into the monster meat. There was just enough meat on it''s bones to keep me mostly satisfied. Once I finish eating, I split it''s skin in two, and begin plucking the teeth out of its mouth. A few ended up cutting my fingers, but when I think about all I could do with them, I chuckle. The teeth were all placed in one of the skin packs, which I tied and put in my pants pocket. I grab the other skin pack, kick the corpse off my staff, and made my way to the water. I hold the free skin pack in the water, tied said pack under water, and made my way over to the wolf. It had managed to stay asleep during my encounter with the mole monster. I stayed as far as I could from it, poking it with my staff. The things eyes bolted open, and that''s when I ran. I hop over the spot of water, drift by the corner, and stop in the same corner as the rocks. The wolf stops just in front of me, growling. Saliva drips from the corners of its mouth. "Come on, you managing mutt!" It pounces, and I roll under it. The wolf slams into the stone, falling to the ground. As it tries to collect itself, I run up to it, releasing the water. The things body sparks dangerously, slamming against the cave walls. The rocks fall away after a powerful zap and I practically jumped for the stairs. I turn to watch the area I''d just been in be engulfed in stone. I wipe my face, the stress leaving my body.


    I turn to face the staircase. I grab one of the torches and make my way down.

 7- Traversal of the Abyss (1)

    I''ve been going down for near eternity. I feel my legs start to give out when I finally see the end. A sudden determination fills me and I hop down the last steps, landing on the smooth stone once more. I turn my attention to the giant door before me. The carving of a hand sits in the middle of the door. I poke it with my staff first, making sure it won''t explode. Once I confirm I probably won''t die, I place my right hand on the carving, and feel a light tension reverberate on my hand. A voice begins speaking in my head.


    Welcome, adventurer, to The Abyss. The oldest labyrinth in the kingdom of Yarmen. I, the Keeper of the Abyss, shall ask that you complete the challenge I''ve set up for you. Though, if you''ve made it this far, you must realize this is your only option. So, I shall lay it out for you. This labyrinth has 50 floors. You are currently on the 2nd floor. Make it to the end, and I''ll reward you with freedom, and maybe even something else. That''s all. Don''t die now!


    Once the message finishes playing in my head, the door slowly opens. I hold out my torch, observing the area. Two long, stone walls form a straight path before splitting off into two different directions. I take a step forward, when a piece of paper hits me in the head. I grab the paper off the ground, unrolling it.


    The puzzle on this floor is simple. There are two keys in this maze that will unlock the door marked on your map. On the backside of this paper is the map leading to both keys. Seems simple, right? Well, it should be! As long as you don''t get eaten, of course¡­Have Fun!


    I groan. "It can''t be easy, can it?" I turn the paper over, revealing to me the layout of the maze. Take a left, a right, open a door, and I''ll find the first key. After a deep breath, I begin my trek. The trip is peaceful, but something keeps nagging at the back of my mind. ''Is this guy just teasing me?'' I doubt it, but nothing has happened yet. Before I know it, I''ve arrived at the door. I touch the door knob when I hear something deep inside the maze. A cage breaking open. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    "RAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"


    I open the door, grabbing the key off the hook. I unroll the map again, trying to find where I need to go next. Forward, right, left, right, down, next key, take a left, and then the door. I take a moment to memorize it when loud slamming makes its way to my location. I take out the teeth I''d collected from the monster above this floor and make a line of them before booking it down the path, place another line of teeth at the turn, and continue the process. I can tell it isn''t holding this thing back for long, but it''s long enough. I rip open the door, grabbing the last key. I start sprinting, hearing the slamming from close behind.


    I take another turn when something slams into me, pushing me to the ground. It turns me around and we finally face each other eye to eye. A beast with long, red ears. It''s the same size as a gorilla. It''s eyes are sealed shut, it''s mouth long and hanging open. I reach out for my staff, as it leans down to bite into me. My instincts kick in and I slam my knee into it''s stomach. The thing shakes it off, grabbing a piece of my arm. It rips off a chunk of meat. I hold my agonized screams in my throat as I finally grab my staff and slam it into it''s throat. It chokes, backing off for a moment. I take that moment to run. Run run run run run, blood pouring from the wound I''ve been haphazardly covering. ''The door!'' The door finally appears. A giant stone beast, with two keyholes surrounded by gemstones. With it stamping along behind me, I take out both keys and slam them into the holes, turning. The door groans in confirmation, swiftly opening. I fall through, watching the doors close on the beast. I sit there for a moment, in shock, waiting for the doors to tumble down and for me to meet my end. Nothing happens. After a few minutes I realize that I''ve once again reached temporary safety.


    I turn my attention to the wound. Thankfully, there wasn''t enough gone to be worried about bleeding out quickly, but to say it wasn''t serious would be a flat out lie. I rip off a sleeve of my shirt and wrap it around the wound, tying it tight. My shoulders quiver, and I breath out a hearty, "FUCK." I sit there for who knows how long, collecting my bearings. Eventually I pick myself up, turning to the staircase. "I have to do this 48 more times?" I hold my head, shaking it. "Well, won''t accomplish anything here." I take a step down.