《PAWO: Princess Aurora - The hero villainess of another reality》 Prologue Chapter 0 - Prologue At the grand celebration that¡¯s considered the biggest in the history of Project: Another World Online, or as the players called this particular game PAWO, a huge crowd gathered in the city of Aurora. The grand city, capital of the highest leveled zone gave home to tenthousands of players and even more NPC¡¯s. The day of celebration made the city even more lively, doubling the size of players. Every street, shop and guild prepared for this day, every centimeter of the city is decorated. This is the grand day when the game shuts down. I merely sigh seeing the crowd waiting for me in the main square. That¡¯s right, I¡¯m supposed to give a grand finale speech to them. I reap what I sow it seems. The only reason I started to play this game because I loved roleplaying. I have many characters, all of them are different. Even their races are different. I have characters through the whole city. Actually, my guild has 500 members, 10 of them are me. I have a dwarf for blacksmithing, two elves for magic and humans for different reasons. Why? Because it was fun to play their roles. One of them is a small, 13 year old fairy girl. This persona was created to be the guild master, focusing on managing and leading jobs. Her writing can change the world around it, her voice can buff friends and debuff enemies. Her appearance alone boosts stats. And this 135 cm high girl, as the princess of the kingdom, wearing the most beautiful (and expensive) dress and accessories stands on front of this crowd, controlled by me. ¡®I guess it¡¯s too late to chicken out¡¯ I think and wearing my smile I walk to the stage like a proper leader should. As the players and npc¡¯s are staring at me at awe, I start my monologue. ¡°Welcome my dear subjects. As thee already know, today is the day, bis era ends. As your ruler, it is my responsibility to make such a big day unforgettable. Every one of thee shall enjoy it to thy hearts'' content. Let this grand celebration begin!¡± Finally starting the event I step down, and let out a sigh surviving the pressure. I might like roleplaying but the crowd is too big. The only reason I became the ruler of the country is because the NPC leaders died in an event and ¡°as the most reliable guild¡¯s leader¡± I was elected. Meaning there was a freaking huge PVP battle that we skipped because I didn¡¯t care about the position. As the sole guild on the top 100 list who did not fight, I remained. Those bastards. Well, at least it¡¯s fun. The first thing I did was to change the basics of hierarchy. Now my word is law in itself, yet everyone loves me since the trade doubled, the city is flourishing and taxes and a bit lower. I act the persona of a kind but strict ruler. The problem is that even my own guild members became a little distant. It¡¯s just a freakin¡¯ game, why are they like that? At least my close friends and other characters are still the same. My guards lead me back to my mansion, where my closest friends and my characters (at least their AI following basic commands) are waiting for me. As I enter the hall I see the others already celebrating! I send my guards back to their duty and run towards the others. The AI¡¯s are standing near the wall, waiting for command, while those bastards are drinking my alcohol without me! I run straight to a 170 cm tall butler looking man and jumping preparing a heavy punch. This body is small and weak but I don¡¯t really care. ¡°Thou bastard startin'' without bis great I! Thou shall deserve a thousand beatings!¡± I jump right at his face but he easily evades. With a smile he greets me. ¡°It¡¯s an honor, Princess Aurora. This me offended you, I humbly beg your pardon.¡± He says with a smile. ¡°Thou sorry my royal arse! Bring I thy best if thou sorry!¡± Declaring my intentions angrily, I glare at him. He is Retor, one of my closest friend and advisor. I¡¯m too lazy to manage everything alone and he¡¯s in charge of helping me. The game¡¯s bots are quite good. They all understand simple commands and follow pre-programmed personalities. If you are so lonely like me you can even engage in a small conversation but you have to ignore as they ask for forgiveness since they can¡¯t understand the commands. Yeah, I know. A gently look at my other friends here. We were all here from the beginning to the end. Even though we originally formed in the ancestor of this game, we all came back together. When the next game one will be released, we plan to continue. Shela, the leader of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. She is a harpy, yet her achievements gave her an npc¡¯s position. She¡¯s able to control the main income of the players, which makes her frightening. As a tall and strong sword user, she is really capable and also part of my guild. Shin, the person who commands my army. Without him others could destroy this place. According to his job, he¡¯s like a battle veteran old man who is eager to fight all time. A very serious roleplayer. There are also many others like Petra, Alice and Grom who all has their own responsibilities, but specifying everyone would take ages. I¡¯m grateful for all of them, letting me have so much fun. Now that I think about it, my influence is far greater that I ever imagined. Responsibilities are scary. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Dwelling in my thoughts we engage in celebrating. Everyone is happy and is waiting for the next game, but I only feel the loneliness that awaits me. We know nothing of the next game yet. The first game, where we were formed was an old style Action Role Play MMO. The best one you could find. Enormous map, so many possibilities. We made our guild to have fun. When they announced it¡¯s closing my heart broke. I never had real friends and I thought that I won¡¯t be able to have fun anymore. In the end we promised to find each other in the sequel game. New age, new technology. It cost a lot but I wanted to be together with the others. The second game, which we are currently playing is an advanced, EEG version, meaning we control it with our brainwaves. This made it expensive but also super-immersive. With a head mounted display, that wasn¡¯t really uncommon, this was the first game that could be called virtual reality. There was no feedback of course, but the artstyle, the scenery and the battles were close to reality. In the first time in the history you could grab a branch in a tree with your own will, break it, shape it and beat someone with it. You can even create unique armor and dress designs. Truly another world. The AI could talk and understand basic speak. Far from a real human, but amazing for a computer. You could even learn magic and create new spells using imagination! It¡¯s really hard though. Today this game will end. I hope everyone will come back to play the next game with me. Together. A few days ago there was a lot, choosing 500 players for testing the new game, and I was chosen. They made me agree to a lot of things, I can¡¯t even mention to others that I¡¯ll be participating. Of the hundred thousands of characters mine was one of the lucky ones. Maybe my influence helped, I¡¯m not sure. As the ruler I can see the list of names who has the title [Tester] like me inside my territory. 329 of them are partying in my city, 30 of them are raiding a dungeon separately for the last time. Such privileges you say, but it¡¯s impossible to punish immortal players without this. Every time they pass by a soldier I get information of them. According to the rumours the next game will be fully immersive. The developers are really wealthy (and genius) and I¡¯m sure they are capable of creating such technology. I mean they made this game before anyone else and still no one was able to copy it to the same degree. Sitting next to my friends whom I share many memories with, time flies by.
The servers will close in 5 minutes. Preparing [Simulation Full Halt]. Please leave or you will be forcefully disconnected. The next game will be announced at next Friday at WorldGamerCon. Thank you for playing Project: Another World Online. See you in the next world.
It ended. I simply look at the others as they say goodby to each other, but none of them leaves yet. As I gaze at them smiling, they all slowly walk in front of me and knee. ¡°Princess, please reward us with your last beautiful words.¡± Retor says who is the nearest. I simply watch these stupid friends of mine who think of me even now. My smile endangers life as it snaches their souls, giving them my aura buffs. I stand up from my seat and even at my limited hight I¡¯m able to look over these dozens of idiots I love so much. I have to make this memorable, that none of us will ever forget. This is my duty. ¡°Thee did well. Many hardships we came through, this one was always glad for your presence. You shall prepare for your endless journey now but never forget to rest your soul. May us leave a chapter in the book of history on this world, and let us meet again in our next life.¡± I finish with a very small drop of tear on my cheek. So small even the non-humans are unable to see it. This is good. I just have to wait for them. They one by one disconnect from the server. Forceful kicks are rare, but we all experienced it. Only a few take upon oneself the heavy headache it can cause. We don¡¯t know why, they say the sudden change causes strong electromagnetic wave. At least compared to the the brain. In my opinion a sadist developer set it as a punishment and I agree with him. I was able to kick with my limited ruler ability if they committed heavy crimes. Mainly sexual harassment. After they all logged out, it is only me and Retor. He is still kneeling in front of me, but now both of us are grinning.
Commencing forceful disconnect in 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1.. [Master Command: Disconnecting all clients] [Master Command: Simulation Full Halt]
Quest 1, Part 1: [Simulation Start] Quest 1, Part 1: [Simulation Start] The heavy pain hit my head and interrupts my thoughts. For a moment I even feel darkness, I black out. When I come to, I grip my still hurting head, only to feel something uncomfortable. All of us players had to get used to the game so we won¡¯t accidentally move our real body. It was hard for everyone, but it could be mastered in a few hours. When you are so into the game, you even forget to feel your own body, since your brain thinks you don¡¯t need it, but when you stop the numbness comes back. It¡¯s so small it can be ignored, but it¡¯s unhealthy. The whole game is unhealthy since you are not moving and disturb most of your senses. When the pain subdues a little I open eyes, only to freeze at the sight. I¡¯m still in the room where I was before disconnecting. Just what happened? I feel my hands touching my head, yet still see the game. PTSD? Hallucination? I try to move my real arms to the place the display should be, but only two tiny palms come in front of my face grabbing air. ¡°What happened?¡± I ask, when a window pops out in front of me.
Log: [Master Command: System Start] [Master Command: Load pawo2.vr2] [Master Command: Inject AIs] [Master Command: Inject Testers] [Master Command: Simulation Start]
I watch the screen saying something completely crazy, making breathing hard for a moment. ¡°Just what is this?¡± I mutter still in daze, seeing another window pop out.
Welcome to PAWO2! At least the ¡°testing¡± phase as it is. You are wondering what the hell happened right? I would like to tell you but there are certain rules we have to follow. Long story short the testing period began and you have to complete sacred tasks given by me. Every time you do, I will be able to answer some of your questions. I know it sucks, please do it quick so I can escape from here. PS: Don¡¯t die, and do what you have to do before [Full Immersion Mode] starts. Achlys, your favorite deity
You learned about the [Sacred Tasks]! Your Deity Achlys gave you a mission: Regain control over your land.
Just what is this. What the fuck is happening. My head hurts and I don¡¯t know if because what I see or I see because it hurts. My head. Shit, calm down me. So, I was ejected from the game, and some kind of reason I¡¯m still there in flesh. The testing should have began two days later. Also, I see, feel and everything. Since this room looks full of gold and marble I don¡¯t think this is a joke. Also the floating screen is creepy. Wait. My body? I look at myself and see the dress I wore ingame. To add into that my body is my game character¡¯s. Greeeeat. My wish became true, I¡¯m a loli princess in a game world. Hell no. I mean it¡¯s tempting but¡­ What the fuck? I jump to my small feet and run through the corridors. During my panic I see some of the NPC maid bowing as I pass them. Great, the new AI is much better. They react to me without command. What the hell I am doing, analyzing npcs in this situation. I arrive at the closest room with mirror, coincidentally it is the mirror room. Yeah, it¡¯s useless but I built it since it¡¯s cool and you can make fancy parties here, or just make photos of your character if you are me. I run into the room with closed eyes and stop near the middle. I shift my head and slowly open my eyes fearing the inevitable. Yes. I¡¯m the most adorable creature in this word. A small girl who is both cute and beautiful, more than human can be. Since I¡¯m a fairy. The small breast, the pink lips, the red eyes. I spent real money to make this character this perfect but the situation is¡­ Hell... Oh right. The deity said to do what I have to do before that thing. I know that she is my deity since being her follower gives stat boost to leadership, charisma and charm. It¡¯s free to chose who you believe in, naturally. It also gives combat bonuses but I¡¯m not a combatant even if I have personal experience. Let¡¯s just ignore the don¡¯t die part. I don¡¯t want to try and confirm it. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. I suppose the [Full Immersion Mode] will disable the game like elements, since they are so out of the place. This was a good tip, I have to thank her for that. ¡°Show Status, Skills, Quests, Inventory¡±
Status: #error, function does not exist Name: Aurora Rose Juliet #error Race: Fairy Level: 1 Age: 625 HP: 2400/2400 ST: 1200/1200 MP: 9000/9000 #error, soft stats disabled Class: Ruler #error, class system does not exist Titles: Commander, Ruler of Aurora, Ruler of people, Guild Master, Follower of Achlys, Princess, Torturer, Cruel, Avanger, The one who gives hope, Fair Ruier, Saviour of many, Tester
Skills: #error, skill system disabled for &>.
Quests: [Sacred Task I] Regain control over your territory.
Inventory: 745,123 items in 412 stack [Show] Warning! On [Full Immersive Mode], [Inventory] will be disabled. Everything will be dropped on the ground.
I won¡¯t even think about my age. 625? Maybe the 6 year and 3 months the game ran multiplied by 100. Just what the hell. I see that my stats remained the same as max level but my level reset? Even if my stat is weak compared to others¡¯, isn¡¯t that too much? An normal NPC has around 500 each stat while max level NPC might have 1500. Normal mobs are from 10 to 1000 and monsters vary from hundreds to hundred-thousands. I mean, you just can¡¯t compare a horned rabbit to a dragon. Each and every one of them has different stat relating who and what they are. Max level fighters can have crazy stats. A full battle mage with zero HP, mobility and good equipment can have 15k mana, but the same is impossible for tanks. If you have too much HP and no stamina you won¡¯t be able to walk. Soft stats seem to be disabled, so I can¡¯t see them. Probably I won¡¯t be able to arrange the level up points in the future. Since this is not a combat character I have low stats for fighting. Still, I can win against a not skilled max level fighter using magic and techniques. I have pride as a gamer¡­. Let¡¯s just forget that. I don¡¯t even want to imagine what might happen if a top player became a tester. They could annihilate NPC armies alone. NPC Heroes might stand a chance. Still. The disabled skills make me anxious. This means no helping system. I feel that I have my aura, meaning I still possess them. I memorized them so I can use them easily. It¡¯s the same, except that I feel feedback now. Let¡¯s try it. I form a fireball in hands, and suddenly get the fantastic idea to mix it with wind and light spells. Splendid. I throw it towards the very high gothic style ceiling and see them collide. An explosion occurs, making the ground tremble and dust fall. Now that I think about it, wasn¡¯t there something like this in my memories? I¡¯m not that clever to invent such things. I remember! It¡¯s from the description of the Demon Burning Fireball! One of my elves had this, it¡¯s just a high level fireball. If I remember correctly I unlocked at lvl 80. Level 100 was the max so it¡¯s considered to be a high level spell. I watch the destruction I caused, when a window pops in front of me again.
All aspects loaded and working. [Master Command: Full Immersion Mode] Simulation ready. [Master Command: Simulation Speed Set: 5000x]
I hear loud steps running towards my direction, and while my mind is still trying to process the disturbing things, another hits my head. One of my characters, a human paladin rushes through the door not minding damaging it and shouts. ¡°Princess! Are you alright?¡± Without tuning to him, I murmur something to no one in particular. ¡°I think I just saw then heard two very disturbing things.¡± Quest 1, Part 2: [Testers and AIs] Quest 1, Part 2: [Testers and AIs] There are no items on the floor. Fuck, this is my smallest problem at the moment. My sight lay on the ceiling while the white dust is continuously falling to the ground. The slight cracks, the tiny bits of debris both good enough to divert my mind from reality. For me this is more than enough to fulfill my happiness in this life. I need nothing else of craziness anymore. I hear someone saying something, but I just ignore it. ¡°Princess!¡± I don¡¯t care. ¡°Princess! What¡¯s wrong?¡± The voice is much louder now, disturbing my peace. I feel concern and uneasiness in it. After a few seconds of dazing the voice manages to break my state. ¡°Shut up will you! I¡¯m to busy having a mental breakdown!¡± I shout at him, which makes him step back. I was mean, sorry -someone that shouldn¡¯t even be here-. I¡¯m just a little tired. I lift my hands in front of me and stare at them. Why am I even here? Who am I? It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m the same person who was playing that game before, but¡­ Something is wrong with me. I can¡¯t recall any of my memories. I remember, deep inside, but I can¡¯t recall them. I don¡¯t remember my own face or name, yet if someone called me I would recognise it. It¡¯s like my memories were sealed. Will they come back if I complete the quests? As I have my eyes on my hands my mind starts to work again. Maybe the [Simulation Speed] change caused some kind of disturbance. I feel that I lost something during that short time, but it came back now. ¡°This me has to apologize for my behaviour and hope that you can forget this blunder.¡± I say towards the person next to me. His face makes a confused expression before answering. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for bothering you, Princess. When I heard the explosion, fearing for your health I rushed in. Could you enlighten me, what happened?¡± ¡°Thou didn¡¯t feel what happened during the last hour?¡± ¡°I felt a slight mana disturbance, but that¡¯s very common. Have I missed something?¡± ¡°What do thou remember before coming here?¡± ¡°I was standing by in the front hall, as you commanded. Wha-¡± ¡°That will be enough. I thank thee.¡± Speaking like this is annoying for too long. But I have to test something before that. [Player Command: Character Change] As I recite the command in my head, nothing happens. I try again with the [Status], but as expected, nothing happens. The system help does not work. I can¡¯t get his [Info] either. If I remember correctly there is a spell [Appraise], that had no combat utility. Since the system won¡¯t help, I have to try use the magic directly. How much different could it be? I concentrate magic into my eyes and recreate the image of it as I saw in the game. Yeah, it¡¯s not that hard but I feel that it could be made much better. When the magic is done, I look at Tronos next to me. As I think to [Appraise] him, some numbers come up inside my mind. INSIDE MY FUCKING MIND. Can you imagine the feel when words and numbers starts to appear inside your mind as if it¡¯s common knowledge? No? It¡¯s confusing as hell. I quickly end the spell, but the numbers are still carved into my mind. [NPC] Name: Tronos Race: High Human Level: 100 Age: 417 HP: 8100 ST: 6200 MP: 2000 At least he is not broken. The ages concern me, does this mean some of my characters are dead? Only a few of them are of long lived races. ¡°Tell me what you know about Asura, [The Warmaster].¡± I order to him. ¡°If I know correctly the tiger warrior Asura thanks to your blessing lived a long age, but even with that he passed away a few years ago, like the others. If that¡¯s on your mind please don¡¯t be concerned about our wellbeing, we are grateful for your gift. He lived a long and happy life, envied by others. The princess is the one that made this possible, please don¡¯t blame yourself for the inevitable.¡± That was a hell of a speech from an AI. It seems they are much more intelligent, maybe even... No, this is a wrong approach. The question is what am I going to do now. In the game there was no damage in the city building but now I clearly made a hole in the ceiling. There is the matter of what the hell I will do with the whole place alone. ¡°Do something about that hole, and call everyone available to the throne room in an hour. Prepare a list of personnel of all, including occupation and position. Include other information regarding our influence thou see important.¡± ¡°I understand Princess. Should I give you an escort?¡± ¡°No need¡± Still hotheaded I walk towards my room. There are too many things on my mind, I¡¯ll just go crazy if I won¡¯t stop thinking about them. I¡¯ll solve every problem one by one. First, my identity. This is a really bizarre thing. Were my memories erased? No matter how much I force myself I¡¯m unable to understand. Let¡¯s have this important matter as my first question from that goddess. Since I have this quest this means I have no control over the territory at the moment. That is very dangerous to my health. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Another important matter right now, is my inventory. The items should have dropped on the ground when the system got disabled. Yet, nothing of sort happened. Strange. There is the dimension pocket item, but that can¡¯t hold enough items to do that. My guess is the darkness affinity has some sort of space distortion spell. I can¡¯t use that, but it should be in the lore. I¡¯ll have to stop by the royal library. There is still one thing that really bothers me. Why did my characters became NPCs? The new generation of AI is incomparable to the old one. It spoke to me like a human. Wait. [Appraise]. I form mana while concentrating on myself. [Tester] Name: Aurora Rose Juliet Titles: Commander, Ruler of Aurora, Ruler of people, Follower of Achlys, Princess, Torturer, Cruel, Avanger, The one who gives hope, Fair Ruler, Saviour of many Race: Fairy-kin Level: 2 Age: 625 HP: ~2411 ST: ~1237 MP: ~9082 It seems I¡¯m not an NPC. Good. I almost shit myself for a moment. Most of the information is gone, and the stat is an estimation. Since it¡¯s myself the the numbers should be correct. I was unable to arrange the points, but it seems it¡¯s trying to balance stamina with health manually. It would be bad if I always feel pain from breaking my own bones. I already feel the fatigue. My mana still top priority fortunately. But what made me level up? I did not kill anything. I hope. It¡¯s probably the fact that I did something that gave me ¡°experience¡±, like using a spell I never did before. Since there is no class system it¡¯s possible to use anything I¡¯m capable to. If this is true, a jack-of-all-trades [Tester] can become the master-of-all-trades. I don¡¯t want an enemy like that. I arrive at my rare used bedroom, and slam my body into the bed. This is too much for me but I have to be composed or nothing will change. I can keep thinking and lynching my mind but nothing will come of it. Let¡¯s just rest my mind a few minutes. Or an hour. I¡¯m a princess here so I can do what I want. Easing my mind, I drift asleep. I have no dreams since I¡¯m mentally too exhausted, but half an hour later I freshly wake from my nap. Stretching a little I adjust my mind to the new body completely. My mind is also much clearer. Alright, time to¡­ No. I forgot that I¡¯m a princess now. As I think that, I grab the [Bell pull]? I have no idea what it¡¯s name and I¡¯ve never used it before. Well, it¡¯s worth a try. No so after the bell rang, a maid enters my room from the side-door. It¡¯s too realistic for me. ¡°Yes, madam?¡± She asks bowing. ¡°Bis me would like to enjoy a bath. Make one for me in the second bathroom and have one maid as help. Also, prepare my black linen dress. I leave the ornaments to thee.¡± After receiving my order she leaves, seemingly as quickly as possible. I decide to nap a few minutes before heading to the bath. At the bath a maid is already waiting for me. With her help I undress and enter the lukewarm water. The strong but pleasant incense, warmth and touch of the soap almost makes me relaxed enough to fall asleep again. For my luck the maid entered with me and helps me clean this body. Still, it feels strange to have someone¡¯s gentle hands wash your skin. Weren¡¯t for my amnesia like state I¡¯d be too flustered, maybe shy to do this. Now, it just feels normal. I even enjoy her warmth and softness, like a massage, making my time very enjoyable. Losing my temper I warily hug the maid making her blush and bewildered. As she does not dare to escape or just doesn¡¯t mind it, I weakly whisper in her ears. ¡°Just let me have this little pleasure, before the hell falls on top of me.¡± She probably doesn¡¯t understanding the meaning of my words, but compels quietly with a gentle smile. After I let my heart ease a little, I let the maid go and have her dress me, even whisper that I want her to bath with me every time from now on. Now even my scent is better than any other woman¡¯s in this world. I¡¯m ready to accept whatever they will throw at me from now on. The only thing I currently have is charisma, respect and a few loyal followers whom I have to satisfy. In one of my favorite dress that I traded from the unbeatable [Dragon God] I walk towards my destination. Filled with anxiety, but put every unnecessary thoughts away, wearing graceful face as water flowing in mountains and emitting my [Aura of the Ruler], I enter the [Throne room]. Quest 1, Part 3: [Game Start] Quest 1, Part 3: [Game Start] I believe myself to be a shy person. Even when I was playing a role, in a game, I couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling. This is why I tried so hard to overcome my weakness, with the help of my friends, however nothing could prepare me for something like the situation I¡¯m currently in. That¡¯s right. Now somehow I¡¯m inside this game I loved so much, but without any of my trusted to back me up. All I have are some [AI], who I know nothing of. Can they be trusted? No, they were me so they should be loyal. But that doesn¡¯t mean that it won¡¯t change. The situation is dangerous. In stories like this the protagonist¡¯s are immortal or powerful. Even if I¡¯m more powerful compared to normal [NPC], almost anything else is capable of killing me. [Monster]s, fighter [NPC]s, anyone. I have influence and power, but I¡¯m sure that I¡¯m not a protagonist in this story. If I¡¯m, there are 499 more. Worst case this is all a preparation for the game. What will happen when a [Quest] appears to kill me? Will I have to defend against [Players]? I don¡¯t even want to know. Why am I thinking so far ahead? Even the present seems impossible for me. If I make a too big blunder I will lose everything. That¡¯s right. I can¡¯t think of the future or the past now. First is to make sure I won¡¯t lose everything I¡¯ve built now. Now, sitting on the throne I see 31 [NPC]s in front of me. My and a few others¡¯ leftover. All near the ground, almost prostrating. Even their respective positions are indicating their ranking. I already know that, since I was the one that designed the whole practice. I raise my left arm with my palm upwards gesturing to rise their heads and they do so. When my hands are back in their place, The one closest to me, Baingolneth, the young (at least she was made to be) elven maiden speaks as the highest in the hierarchy. She was made to be a 14 year old [High Elf] magic genius. Of course by my hands. Her name means ¡°wisegirl¡± in elven. Although she grew a little, at her 405th birthday heir height is still short at 150 cm. By estimation of course. Small elves are quite cute in my opinion. ¡°You have called us, Princess. We all gathered now, please order us.¡± Finishing the formalities we began to discuss the more important things. With my will I hide my trembling well, making them unable to recognize it. ¡°Me have called thou to inquire of our current standing of influence. Tronos, what I asked before?¡± ¡°Yes, Princess¡± After answering he steps out of the line and walks to Neth, handing a golden parchment. Even a one time use parchment is gold. How can he even get it so easily? The girl receives the paper and Tronos steps back to his position while the elf hands it over to me with a frown aimed towards the warrior. I open it I recognise instantly why. His handwriting sucks. More than mine. I remember that laziness, depression and sickness made my own handwriting lousy and unreadable. Maybe it¡¯s better that I don¡¯t remember why. After using [Appraise] on it reading becomes easier. Spoiler : I skim through the list and nod. Lot¡¯s of the names are unimportant at the moment, like the servants, guards and personnel currently not in my scope. Last time I remember all of the main positions were filled by players, who are now gone. The new personnel seems fit. Since the Adventurer Guild Leader is also gone, they came up with a council it seems. Clever, but inconvenient for me. I also lost the support of the Temple. They are a pain in the ass if not under watch. ¡°Tailon, Kela. Report of your position, influence and the general leadership inside the guild.¡± After a few seconds the beastman and demon both step to the second closest line to compel my command. The demon speaks. ¡°We have two fifth of the guild. The veteran Pletze knows our deeds and respects us, maintaining the balance. The problem is the arrogant elf and youngster human. Both of them are inexperienced and incompetent. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The elf was the highest ranking mage adventurer, C level. The human is a D level adventurer, he earned his position with the great achievement ¡°he stops and forces a small annoyed cough¡± for slaying a lesser wyvern. In short weak and incompetent. They know nothing of history, no real combat experience or leadership. For some kind of reason they form a heavy opposal against the Princess.¡± I stare at him while thinking what to do with them. In short I come to a conclusion. ¡°I don¡¯t care what thou do, kill them if thou has to, but take back full control over the guild. However thou can¡¯t let the people know. If needed release a dragon and have them killed by it, then defeat it to gain recognition. Such a waste, but they will hinder us in the future. Next, Eluben. Invite the priestess for audience. After the meeting ends thou and Baingolneth stay. Tronos shall create a new department, accepting complaints from citizens. Handle them, in serious matters you can ask for help from Eluben. Lastly, from now on every one of thou write report of every important things you hear. The ones in main position will write detailed reports of everything that may cause political imbalance and a copy of your normal reports will be archived. That¡¯s all today. Disperse.¡± When I finish many of them fall in heavy thinking, but all of them seems to be capable of understanding everything. It seems my conclusion was right on the mark. They are not only intelligent AI, they are thinking, living beings searching for and finding their own conclusions. The elven sister-brother duo stays with me, while everyone else leaves. After they are all gone, I speak to the two. ¡°Can thee surmise why I had thou stay?¡± I ask looking at mainly Eluben. His sister is way more cleverer even though she looks like a child. The brother is a common tall and handsome elf. ¡°I beg you pardon but I don¡¯t know. I assume I have done something wrong?¡± He asks, making her sister giggle. I simply smile at her and ask the same question. ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure either but if my guess is right the Princess has something new, interesting and dangerous in mind.¡± Is what she answers while smiling. I really like the personality I made for her. She will be a key in the future. ¡°Thou are not wrong. I plan to have Elube assemble an [Intelligence Division] in secret. Thou will handle organizing the training behind the shadows, information gathering, assassination. No one else can hear about this. Everyone with this information shall be immediately killed. Even if they are part of our own, detain without hurting until I speak with thy personally. You chose your personnel but I¡¯m currently creating a magic especially for them. I¡¯ll tell you later. As for financing it, thour sister will handle that and also keep it in secret. As the treasurer there is no way to hide it from her.¡± I inform them of my plans. ¡°We understand and compel.¡± The ¡°little sister¡± who is actually older responds with a smile, not letting his brother to let this opportunity go. After this I signal them that they are free to go, and watch them leave in high spirits. Mainly the sister at least. I sigh and smile at their backs, as my body is still numb after the pressure. I¡¯m still far from being a good ruler, but I have to do my part. At least I found something to do in my free time. Maybe my power is not beyond others'', but my sensing of mana is unimaginable precise, since I¡¯m a fairy. Well, it''s Fairy-kin now. It¡¯s a race thats only advantage is supposed to be high charisma and attractiveness. But right now, I feel that I¡¯ll be able to experiment with magic spells a lot. I might be able to create new magic now. At the very least, I¡¯ll greatly enjoy this. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The highest standing among followers, Al Rel¡¯m Baingolneth, the ¡®young elven maiden¡¯ happily skips through the hallways. Of course she is excited, since her beloved princess came back from her depression after the death and disappearance most of her dear friends. But the princess did not know this from the others angle yet. Quest 1, Part 4: [Magic Practice] Quest 1, Part 4: [Magic Practice] I merely sigh left alone in the room. Is it better or worse now? I¡¯m afraid. Afraid of the unknown. It¡¯s not only frightening, it¡¯s also dangerous. Why do I think that? Because The others are not here. Am I able to handle everything without them? Let¡¯s drop the subject for now. What is important now is to learn more about this world. In exact about magic. Until now without feedback it was just pressing a button, or in a few case memorising a thought pattern. It was more efficient and quicker. This is why I was able to cast magic in that room. Fortunately it was a well hidden secret among the best players. But it¡¯s different now. That attack I used was a high level spell, [Massive Fireburst]. A spell capable of erasing a whole house. For the first time in my life I¡¯m glad I suck at magic. If I can¡¯t revive that could have killed me. However, I noticed that it was not only much weaker, but it used up 5k mana. That¡¯s just disgustingly too much. If I think carefully the fact that my items are gone to possibly another dimension, that the system can not detect, means even the system itself is unable to trace that much information. Or at least the programmers were unable to read it backwards. It¡¯s understandable. No matter how intelligent and amazing they are, they are still humans. The simulation has more data that a human can ever store in their brains. Just like the brain itself, quantum computing is hard to comprehend. They can read the connections inside the human brain but still can¡¯t understand it fully. At least from the little I know this is the conclusion I came up with. Back to the topic. I have to somehow access my inventory. I have one thing I absolutely have to check. A book. Not just any book, the book. [The Book of the Dragon God]. It is a special item that was given to me as present when I got this dress from the [Dragon God]. The funny thing is, I was unable to read it. There was no description, or [Item ID]. When I asked help from the admins, they did not see anything in my hands or inventory. Then why am I trying to read a creepy ghost book? Because of the words the dragon said when he gave it to me. He said ¡°This is a little gift that¡¯s not for you, otherworlder.¡±. Even saying [Otherworlder] is creepy as fuck. Why would they tell sentient AIs that they were made? That¡¯s a very, very stupid idea. This is just frightening no matter how I think about it. So after learning from my mistakes I take off and head to a practice room. In the middle where I hope I won¡¯t cause too much harm, I check my surrounding to avoid casualties. I mean accidents. Since the room is quite big, around 30 square meters indoor (yes, I¡¯m a princess), and the ground is hard sand, I won¡¯t have to hold back. I concentrate my mana and try using the inventory command I used in the game, as expected nothing happens. At least nothing I can see. My mana is gone now. That means it works but bending space is hard. As expected. Since the inventory was a simple foreign object rewriting the world itself that needed no mana. Progress! Wait. If I¡¯m able to rip the space, won¡¯t I be able to steal other testers items? Motivation! I know I¡¯m cruel, but hey, what can I do with sanity here? My thoughts became weird, again. I¡¯ll leave it at that for now. Let¡¯s continue the practice. For hours and hours I continuously try make small changes in the process, trying to figure out a way to use it. I feel that I¡¯m getting closer, the mana it drain lessens, but the hole in the space never opens. Wait. If I can¡¯t open it because it takes to much mana, how about I force the object out in a small friction under a short time¡­ That should make it way easier. Let¡¯s try it. Concentrating hard on the object in my mind, I feel it¡¯s presence. I open a crack with my mana and touch it, making it part of my control. When I try to enlarge the hole with a wave of mana and shove it out it actually succeeds, the book fall onto the ground in front of me. The happiness envelops me since my hard work payed off. After hours of training I managed to open my inventory in a game world. Good job me. No, I shouldn¡¯t be hard on myself, since this is not a simple game anymore. This is a real simulated world, with it¡¯s own laws. Probably that¡¯s why they turned off the system help. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Should I mention that simple action took nearly all of my mana? Let¡¯s just ignore this fact. Let¡¯s just celebrate. For now let¡¯s enjoy this wonderful book containing many secrets! ¡°Princess! Huge trouble! Please come immediately! You have to take shelter!¡± Bursts in suddenly Kela, member of the Council of Five. ¡°How dare thou command me! Tell me what happened idiot!¡± I know that I¡¯m at fault making him an idiot, but that won¡¯t make it any less annoying. ¡°Princess! As you commanded we released a dragon, the newly hatched, but it¡¯s too strong, we are unable to stop it!¡± His tone is quite desperate, just how strong a newborn dragon can be? ¡­ No. I can¡¯t believe it. ¡°THOU DID WHAT? WHY WOULD THOU RELEASE MY MOST VALUABLE DRAGON?! THAT EGG WAS FROM THE WIFE OF THE GOD DRAGON HERSELF! WHERE IS IT?¡± I shout at him in my anger. I just can¡¯t believe it. There are at least a dozen low level dragons in the stable, I even saw them on my way. Yet, they messed with one of the biggest treasures of mine that is still a hatchling! And they can¡¯t even stop a baby dragon that was tamed by me! The man completely frightened by my anger and aura tries to step back but falls backwards. His hands are trembling from the looks of it. ¡°They are at the east side my Princess, near the farms.¡± At least he managed to split it out. I storm out of the room like a madwoman, unconsciously releasing my intimidating pressure. Fortunately I notice as some of the maids faint in the vicinity of my path and withdraw it. In the east balcony I can already see as some of the houses and farms are burning from far away. Focusing mana near my eyes to bend more light towards me, making me able to see further. The mana usage is huge, but it works. I don¡¯t like what I see. Bodies in pieces, blood and destruction all around the farms. Just how can they fuck up so much? Baingolneth and Shela arrive to my sides. ¡°Took thou long enough. Take me to that child. NOW.¡± Rather angrily I give the command to the two of them, at that the elemental lifts me with magic. Carrying me they jump down from the castle-mansion and fall to the top of a house. After a short breath both of them start running towards our target full at speed, enforced by magic. Currently I¡¯m too slow by myself, even if this is embarrassing I have to endure it. The two jump from roof to roof, quicker than my eyes follow, in a few minutes we fly over the huge city nearing to the place. When the number of buildings wane we are forced to travel on foot, which I can do by myself. Near the fields, through the mud I ran with the two in tow. I should have changed shoes. And dress. And life. But it¡¯s too late anymore. I just sigh, and in a few minutes we arrive to the destination. I front of me there is a small dragon full of power and fear. Yes fear. This hatchling is crying in front of me since it was hurt. I¡¯m so going to skin that bastard for hurting this baby. His bluish scales and small wings are injured, burned. His eyes are bloodshot from cry and pain, making it look frightening for many but only miserable in my eyes. This baby dragon is just as big as me, yet only a few months old. Was I too careless? Is it my fault? How could I know those guys are so incompetent. No, I know Tailon would never do that. He is a demon who¡¯s main characteristic is respect. He would duel the position out or something, using the dragon was the last option. But I¡¯m also at fault. I know. Many died today. It¡¯s not like that¡¯s such a problem for me, there are many others. But knowing that it is your fault is an entirely different feeling. And they are not just NPCs anymore. They are living beings. I watch as the dragon burns down a house slowly. The people are all dead inside, my life detection says so. These magics are easy to use, yet it¡¯s so sad. ¡°Thou. Stay here. I¡¯ll not tolerate any interruption.¡± I say to the other two beside me. Quest 1, Part 5: [Subjugation] Quest 1, Part 5: [Subjugation] I¡¯m angry. I¡¯m very angry right now. Of course I grieve for the dead, but I consider this baby lizard more important. Thankfully even without the system help, I¡¯m able to use my aura. The reason is simple, the system only releases a certain amount of pressure while your aura depends heavily on emotions, making it easy to understand what it is. This why I learned how to control my feelings inside the game. In role-playing acting and bending your emotions was a really important thing. This is why I can fully release my [Dragonic Aura] aimed right at the newborn dragon. It¡¯s not only effective for making others scared. When used on other dragons, if there is a large difference in power the weaker always submits. This is one of the reasons why most of the newly hatched dragons die early. Only the strong are able, no, allowed to survive. Since my target is but a hatchling my aura is effective on him, making him completely freeze. As as walk towards him I notice that every limb of his are trying to move but don¡¯t budge. He wants to escape but can¡¯t. Arriving right next to the small dragon, who is around the same height as me, I gently put my hands on his neck and whisper to him. Even if he can¡¯t understand my words, he can understand my tone. ¡°Hush now, little one. Don¡¯t fear, I¡¯m here now.¡± With one arm around his neck and the other touching under his cheek tenderly I weaken my [Dragon Aura], exchanging it with a gentle, calm one, [Motherly Aura]. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever be a mother, but acting experience always helps me out. In my hands the dragon baby let out a small cry as his [Rampage] and [Fear] status goes away. His delicate body wraps around me like I¡¯m his real mother. In this position he closes his eyes and falls asleep. I send a glace at the other two, and just as clever [Neth] is, she tells Shela right away what I have in my mind. The elemental covers both of us with a faint magic and carefully lifts us. After Neth conceals all of us, they take me and the sleeping child home. An hour later the dragon wakes up, finding himself in my biggest dragon stable. Since I didn¡¯t want to scare him again, I stayed with him the whole time, at least in the room. I managed to learn how to controll my aura quickly, so I went back to the other subject, the [Space Magic]. At least I named it like this, since space magic never existed in this word. I sincerely hoped the [The Book of the Dragon God] contained huge secrets, but the only thing it had was the true story of the dragons, and the [Magic Theories] made by dragons. It was somewhat useful, but most of the information could be found in the [Royal Library]. I mean my library. The few things that were useful are the facts that every mage can use any kinds of magic, but it¡¯s much harder if you have no affinities with it. Space magic should be Darkness magic (that I have good affinity for) and high level [Magic Manipulation] itself. This is just my assumption. But if it¡¯s [Magic Manipulation] itself, doesn¡¯t that mean you have to use all affinities well and at the same time? I tried many different methods and theories of mine but this is the closest I could get. I can now throw in and out any item that can fit in a 30 cm in diameter hole. The longest time I can maintain it until my mana hit¡¯s zero is around one second. That¡¯s not too much but hey! I¡¯m able to get most of the items in the distorted space, meaning other tester¡¯s items. Sadly other players¡¯ items are not there. This means I spent the last 10 minutes emptying all the gold and equipment, and having the very cheerful and smiley treasurer take it to her den(the treasury). That said, even if they are all mine I won¡¯t hinder her fun. Totally worth all the effort. Back to the dragon. It¡¯s awake, and still scared a little, but my presence helps him a lot. He should be a very intelligent animal now, but in the future he can achieve to be sentient. He is a rare dragon after all. I try laying him to the straw and pull the lever of the feeder. A cubic hole gets filled with water while dried meat falls into another. I¡¯ll have someone bring him some raw meat later. I pet his head and leave the room for now, carefully locking the doors behind me. It¡¯s made with enchanted metal so it should do the trick. It¡¯s time to complete another part of my quest. I feel like I¡¯m cheating starting off as a princess but more than others I know how easy to ruin everything you have. And it¡¯s not like I mind having this, I would die in days alone, without help. Still, just because the deity told me to not die, it doesn¡¯t mean the worst. Even if I can¡¯t respawn, they just let me back to my real body, right? Right? No. I won¡¯t test that. At least not on myself. As I leave my mansion I see Tronos already waiting for me with a carriage. He also knows what he is doing, I have to admit that. When he notices me he bows before me and speaks. ¡°Princess. I prepared the stage, the people are already waiting for you. I inform you that Rotko Pletze died during the attack while the oppositionists from the council ran. They are detained near the stage. Please speak to the citizens and enlighten them.¡± I nod smiling at him and step into the carriage, while answering. ¡°Everyone will get what they deserve. Now make haste.¡± The vehicle I¡¯m in is relatively small and simple but still resembles power. The gothic style made with dark wood, reinforced by magical silver shows a great picture you can see only on paintings. Small parts are filled in with gold adornments to complete the whole. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. I make a light, warm wind to disperse the dust from my dress and hair and I¡¯m ready for the speech. While riding I watch the streets and houses in the city. They are mostly in nice shape and since the whole place is relatively undeveloped there is no slum. The water system is like the ones it the industrial revolution, meaning it¡¯s ahead of the time. The only thing this city needs is stable food supply, what the game never had. There was no need. But now there is. Especially since many of the farms were destroyed in the vicinity. I¡¯ll have to do something about it. There is still the church. I can only hope everything will go as I plan, it is easy to lose one¡¯s life in this position. I don¡¯t intend to end up like that. As I think of the things I¡¯ll have to do in the future, we arrive at the [Main Square]. The people are crowding in front of the stage, there are ten-thousands here. The whole place is filled with people. I believe they want to know what happened and how will they survive without food supply. I walk in the middle of the stage and watch as many gazes point at me. As always, the perfect right-hand, Neth is the one who acts first. Sending a wave of sound with magic she makes the audience go quiet and casts wind magic to amplify my voice. Since this is a magic that requires high concentration and continuous casting the best is when not the speaker is the one using it. As the right moment comes, I raise my voice that the magic carries far away. ¡°My dear people. Today is an unfortunate day, as you have guessed. The incompetent leaders of the Adventurer Guild made a mistake. A mistake that caused many to die and endangered all of thee. They are the cause of this tragedy. When I say Ritko Pletze, I say the name of a man who fought and died to save others. He was a great man, but he was not strong enough. His name will be remembered and family will be honoured. When I say the name Baito Kela, I say the name of a person who made a mistake, but regretted it. I, under my authority as your ruler, revoke his position as a member of The Council of Five. He will suffer two days of pillory. There are two other persons I have to mention. Tronos, bring them here.¡± I look at my personnel and see their faces of dismay or frown. Neth is the only one who seems indifferent. I guess I¡¯m doing something cruel to one of their friends, but it¡¯s not my fault that he is an idiot. Every one of us knew that the little hatchling is the strongest and rarest. Tronos brings the two in chains with a few armed men around them. When they are next to me they are pushed to their knees. The older one seems like he regretted running away, but the younger is still pouting nonsense. ¡°I don¡¯t care! Let me go! I¡¯m one of the leaders of the Adventurer Guild, you can¡¯t do this to me! Why are you taking me there!¡± When he finally notices me I continue to talk. Since the amplifying magic is an area magic, even at the shortest range, his voice is also transmitted to the crowd. ¡°These two person next to me are the incompetent leaders of thy, who ran away and hide in fear. It makes me wonder what thou, the people think of doing with him.¡± I say and smile a little. ¡°What are you saying you stupid child! This is the adults matter, it¡¯s not for children! Just because of you are a princ-¡± The idiot started shouting at me, but one of the soldiers interrupted him with a kick in the stomach. The crowd are unable to hold their voices back and starts to shout many things without any unison. ¡°Off with his head!¡± ¡°Kill him!¡± ¡°How dares he talk like that!¡± ¡°Beat him a thousand times!¡± The people are all shouting and even arguing on what cruel things to do with him. They have to vent their hopelessness and flustration on someone. This time I make quiet. ¡°Enough!¡± I shout. ¡°It seems thee all agree with me. The sinners shall be punished. By my name, I revoke all their position and standing. From now on they have nothing. No home, no name. They will be chained in pillory in this place for the rest of their lives. Thee, the people will be able to do anything to him but letting him free. Thine deed will not be judged later on. They will be branded by the following letters written with their own blood: I betrayed my family. I betrayed my friends. I betrayed my country. I BETRAYED MY PRINCESS. I wish you forget these two names, and only remember the stay loyal to yourself, your family and me. Thou will be informed how we will handle the food issue. I have to go now and start the rebuilding but I leave these three in your care.¡± I finish my speech and no voice can be heard in the time I walk back to my carriage. I understand their standpoints. I just stated that anyone that dares to oppose me might have the same fate. That two are just the sacrifice, the example. They will engrave these letters into their hearts. But they will also know that anyone following me will live in peace, prosperity and see fair judgement. I punished one of my own for this very same reason. People always fear power, but if I¡¯m the one that feeds them and keeps them safe, they will learn to be thankful for it. Soon, they will think it¡¯s normal to leave under watch. Human mind was designed to be controlled, guided. The one thing I have to watch out for are the other [Tester]s. Quest 1, Part 6: [Technology] Quest 1, Part 6: [Technology] A day passed since I sentenced two men to their deaths. During the time I practiced magic in the balcony while watching every second of the suffering of the three I¡¯ve caused. I had the urge to puke many times, but somehow endured. No, it¡¯s not the self-esteem bullshit from stories that almost made throw out my non-existent meal, but the pure gore and the cruelty of the people. The ex-leaders are being tortured by the citizens themselves. My retainer has a bit better since I gave a different speech for him, but he didn¡¯t manage to escape the punishment. He will live, I hope. The other two has it far worse. They are sentenced to death, but the angry mob won¡¯t let them die yet. It¡¯s disturbing to see how much a person can endure, add healing magic to the mix and you get eternal suffering. If they survive for a week the soldiers will execute them ¡°accidentally¡± by my orders. I have to admit this little play boosted morale a big time, but it¡¯s not a long term solution. During the training I managed to learn how to use most of the spells up to lvl 40. After that I got stuck, but at least I¡¯m able to do basic things without wasting large chunks of mana. I became a bit better at using it thanks to that. I also tried to implement a few things in the world. I wrote and drew plans like crop-rotation technique, muskets, gunpowder. They are not impossible to make even with my limited knowledge. I ordered to gather the ingredients and tools for me, but those will take a lot of time. When I tried to write down the principles of steam engines to show the mages (since I have no idea how they actually work in practice), the paper suddenly burned away from existence. The now familiar feeling in my head told me why. The system won¡¯t allow me to copy advanced technology. It detected something that they don¡¯t want here to exist. They don¡¯t want me to turn this world into a sci-fi fantasy. At least I confirmed that this virtual world is still related to the outside. For me, this is the only realistic answer. I¡¯ll have to give up on such technologies. For now. Other than that, I proved that I can do more things with magic. At least something similar. When inspecting the game¡¯s magic circles, I realised that they are not controlled by the system. They are pure magic circuits, that can be programmed. Although NPC¡¯s made no research on them, the [The Book of the Dragon God] contained a few informations about it. It contained one thing that immediately caught my attention. Something that could solve a lot of problems for me. And something that would make me the worst human in existence. [Magic Programming] that will allow me to develop a [Slave Collar]. A collar made by magic conducting items. Capable of exploding via remote or self-destructing when when tampered with. Can be modified to have various effects. Almost impossible to remove. The perfect thing to destroy illegal slavery, at the cost of my humanity. Still, this will be essential. When the time comes, I¡¯ll have to use it. Without telling anyone, I made plans for making them and ordered to pile up some [Dragon Fiber] and [Magic Steel]. All of them will have a different command that can set them off from any range. If the victim tries to disturb the magic, the energy reserve will run out after some time, causing the same effect. These plans were made by me. Too perfect. There should be no one(not even the dragons) capable to remove it with my slight¡­ Modifications. I hate that I have talent only for cruel things. It is a matter of time only until I¡¯ll be able to make them. [Space Distortion] is something developed with magic programming. It can only be used between dimensions to close off a space from outside, making it only accessible for me. I don¡¯t think anyone else is capable of using such things and destroy my protection. Although, the creation is so poorly made that one square meter of wall takes all my MP. Maybe I can find a way to improve it. At least it works¡­ I feel so depressed now. Let¡¯s blow off some steam for now. Tomorrow the Head Priestess will come for an audience as per my invite and I already ordered Neth to use the funds I got from the space distortion to buy the ruined land and hire workers. With the crop-rotation and reserves there should be enough food with huge surplus. Every grain of wheat will be mine, since I only hire workers for fixed salary. This will make the market mine, selling the most at the cheapest. Is this considered as a manufacture type workforce? I don¡¯t think so. I was not that good of a student, this is my punishment. Stupidity. There is no internet here to search for the answers. What matters is the growing influence. Giving food for everyone for cheap will win the people over. I still have some time until evening. I guess I take a glimpse inside the guild in disguise. -------------------------------------------------------------- Hidden under a cloak and a hood I sit in the back of the guild at one of the many tables. I watch as the young cat-beastwoman waitress serves the NPC adventurers and when my round comes I order some beer and a meal. Since my face is covered I¡¯m mostly recognised as a dwarf woman. Short in both height and temper. At least none of the drunkards are trying to mess with me. Not only because dwarves are a little ugly, but because they break your bones when angered. I learned it in the hard way back in the days. The main thing why I¡¯m currently in here is to hear their opinions with my own ears. With my high senses I¡¯m able to hear most of the conversations. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. As the most spoken topic at the moment is the torture punishment, I can hear both sides of their impressions. ¡°-the Princess is quite scary for her short legs and modest breasts.¡±1 ¡°Yeah, I know. I almost shit myself when the bastard couldn¡¯t shut up and angered her.¡±2 ¡°You two, shouldn¡¯t speak of our Princess like that. What if they hear you? Some might even rat you.¡±3 ¡°You are the only one to do such a thing, George.¡±2 ¡°Even if you say that, the Princess was always so kind back in the days. She saved most of us. I think she did it for us.¡± 1 ¡°But she didn¡¯t come out for 15 years! What kind of depression is that...¡±3 ¡°I heard that she is the oldest person alive, around 400 years old. Only a few monsters are older than that.¡±1 I shuckle a bit in myself hearing such things. It¡¯s just a calm, friendly conversation. An another one is quite interesting though. ¡°Have you heard about the [Justice Squad] group? That D rank group claimed themselves to be descended gods. What do you think?¡± ¡°What would I? I only heard a few rumours. They are probably just some arrogant assholes trying to look cool. I wish they anger the Princess and there will be one less group of idiots.¡± ¡°They came here yesterday and made a fuss that they won¡¯t allow the Princess commit such horrible crimes. You should have seen them when the angry waitress beat them up. Alone, all of them. Kuri is quite scary, she is a former B rank. ¡°You mean she is that Kuri? Never knew. Too bad I didn¡¯t see it.¡± ¡°You might will, look, they are here.¡± Hearing their conversation I look to the way he points. A few men enters the guild from the front door, wearing tattered silver armor and iron weapons. One of them is a bow user while the other 3 are wielding swords. They look quite angry, like they were beaten up by monsters. There are no strong monsters near the city though. I continue eating while keeping them tab by their presence. Their angered aura is easy to follow. They walk to the pult and hand over some goblin fangs. They are quite weak just like in any other fantasy game, but they breed fast. So fast that they are impossible to uproot. I once burned the whole north forest in anger, but nothing else was effective. They were respawned by the system the next day. You don¡¯t want to know how angry I was. As for these bunch, I use appraise on them to confirm my suspicion. [Tester] Name: Hajime Titles: Justice Squad Race: Human Level: 12 Age: 21 HP: ~1200 ST: ~800 MP: ~200 I almost laugh out loud, knowing their info. Is this what I had feared? These garbage? Even their japanese names are stupid. Hajime, Mako, Sasuke, Katana. And their stats! Of course their characters died of old age, so they started anew. Now I get why the stats remained, but not the level. I¡¯m supposed to be a new existence in this world. I cover my mouth with my palm as I chuckle quietly. I see that everyone else is the same, even if for different reasons, but they can keep it themselves. The guild personnel should be able to use [Personnel Appraise] or something similar, but they are better actors than me. As expected of me, my mistake was recognised. What is this, the cliche justice freak tries to bully the little girl, but gets beaten up? I almost laugh at these thoughts as the four approach me. ¡°Hey you. Shortie. I¡¯ll be blunt. Are you a [Tester]?¡± Sitting alone in suspicious clothing betrayed me it seems. ¡°Although I have no obligation to answer, yes I am. What do you want from me?¡± I answer him in an annoyed tone, even if I¡¯m amused in reality. ¡°Quiet woman and listen. I want you to help us to capture the ruler of the city. We can¡¯t allow them to do as they please.¡± In the corner of my eyes I see the waitress girl as she tries to come closer, but with a glace I stop her from doing so. ¡°You are not the best schemer in the world aren¡¯t you? At least sit down, talk quietly and show some respect.¡± ¡°Why would I respect a girl? Forget it, just follow what I, the stronger says if you want to live.¡± Is this guy some kind of xian-xia character? ¡°How about you sit down and we talk a little about the¡­ details. I want you to answer a few small questions before I help you.¡± I smile at them as I uncover my hood slowly. Everyone in the whole room freezes for a second before turning back to what they were doing, acting as they haven¡¯t seen anything. Even the waitress went back serving others while smiling. They ignore our existence. Good. The leader of the group nods and all of them sit in front of me, to intimidate me. ¡°So. I¡¯m Aurora. First question. Why is there no mages in your group?¡± This is something I found very strange. A healer or at least a support magician is essential in any group. ¡°I¡¯m Hajime, these are Mako, Sasuke, Katana.¡± He presents his friends to me starting with himself. The only thing on my mind is the information I need and what kind of experiment I¡¯m going to conduct with them. ¡°Actually Mako is a mage, but magic doesn¡¯t work anymore. Maybe you need an item or complete a quest for it.¡± Ah.. Idiots. Human NPC¡¯s learn magic for 10 years to before they can use it. I feel lucky since I¡¯m a fairy and can feel mana. But I still can¡¯t use spells normally. Maybe it¡¯s just my fault. ¡°Ok. Second, are there others helping your¡­ cause?¡± I hope not. ¡°Sadly it¡¯s just us.¡± Great! ¡°My last question. Which one of you want to be the first to help in my research?¡± Quest 1, Part 7: [Failures] Quest 1, Part 7: [Failures] ¡°What?¡± He asks confused. ¡°I asked, which one of you want to be the first one helping me in my research?¡± I speak a little louder, causing some of the closer bystanders to stand up and walk away in fast pace. ¡°Just because you have a pretty face, it won¡¯t save y-¡± Is what he manages to stay before the [Assassin], [Interfectrix] appears behind them and cuts most of the tendons in their limbs under a second. It was so quick I was unable to see it with my eyes. I¡¯m glad my mana perception is good enough to follow her movements meaning I shouldn¡¯t worry about potential enemy assassins. Just as quick as she appeared, she was already gone from my sight. ¡°That was too quick [Trix]. I wanted to play with them a little more.¡± I say disappointed. ¡°I perceived clear murderous intent, I had to act.¡± Is the answer I heard whispered from god-knows where. ¡°Do you think I, the master of aura won¡¯t notice something like that? Ah.. Never mind, it¡¯s already done. Don¡¯t appear without my order again.¡± I quietly scold her for revealing herself. She is a special follower of mine. Originally she was an elemental type monster character, but instead of materializing I evolved her into a darkness attribute homunculus. She is capable of blending behind darkness and shadows and her presence is almost unnoticeable even outside her elements. Using a dimension pocket she can quickly materialize a magical body. Only a few knows she exists, but only I''ve seem her with my eyes. She was behind me all the time, safeguarding me. Since she had no reason to ever intervene she stayed hidden. Even I as a fairy and aura user I can barely sense her. If I¡¯m not searching for traces around me, I won''t even notice if she is still there. Wait. Her body is supposed to be a magical artifact. I might be able to learn more about magic programming if I check it. Also, I totally forget to analyze the [Dimension Pocket]. It might lead me to new clues about [Space Magic]. Interesting. The next moment I see Tronos entering with a pale face. I just smile at him. ¡°Chain them and bring them to the new room I set up yesterday. Alive.¡± I give the command. I start walking towards one of the tables where adventurers are sitting. They are the ones I eavesdropped on before. A wolf beastmen with a few human friends. I gently stand next to them and show a bright smile. ¡°Did thee not know, it¡¯s unbecoming to question a lady¡¯s age.¡± I speak towards all of them first, but then turn to the beastman¡± But since this male seemed interesting, I might tell if thou prove me thyself¡± [NPC] Name: Mikleo Bia Race: Wolf-kin Level: 37 Age: 36 HP: ~3800 ST: ~3200 MP: ~250 It¡¯s quite nice actually to have these stats. He is around D level, but I skillvise seems better. The aura tells me. The guild has a simple rank system. Adventurers has to rise from G to A rank. Most of the villagers are below G, since that means a basic fighter. E is already talented, while D pretty much means they are good. The highest ranking NPC¡¯s are around B rank, in levels I guess 60? Heroes can get to zhe level cap and be A rank, but that¡¯s rare. They die of old age before that. Yeah, all players are cheaters. And I¡¯m an even bigger one. Though with this high level of realism a B rank could potentially kill me if I¡¯m out of mana and stamina. No, even a kid with a kitchen knife could murder me. It would only take time. As if death itself spoke, he falls on his knees and bows with his head on the ground. ¡°I made a mistake Princess, please forgive me!¡± I just chuckle a little and place a hand on his shoulder, pushing him up into crouching position. ¡°This is not how thou threat a woman. I order thou to entertain me today.¡± After saying this, I look at Tronos. ¡°He will be my bodyguard today and he is your¡¯s from tomorrow. Got it?¡± I say while smiling, but the High Human swallows hard. I won¡¯t let him slack off. Some of the spectators are already wishing him a good travel to the underworld. How rude, I just need some time to take it easy and rest my mind, so I can continue my evil researches and experiments. So I abduct a male to entertain me. Noting indecent I swear! As Mikleo is still totally clueless of what to do, I grab his hand and pull him out of the building. I stand in front of him and smile brightly while holding both of his hands in front of him. ¡°So, what do we do today?¡± I ask after switching to [Maiden in Love] persona. At first I wanted tsundere, but that would be bad. Very bad. I alter my aura to a gentle, calming one, the one I named this personality after. It also increases lust, but I¡¯m a magical fairy. Let''s change the subject now. Why do I do this? Because someone very annoying is following me, but until they act I can¡¯t catch them alive. If someone is so skilled that even Trix is unable to sense them, I can¡¯t let them roam free. Then how did I notice them? Simple. The small annoying feeling behind my back. Lame, I know. But at least I won¡¯t get backstabbed. There is also a small feeling of interference. The constant feeling of being watched. Like someone is watching my soul itself. Creepy and unpleasant. But how did I come up with this plan¡­ It¡¯s not like me to expose myself this much. Even if this will surely lure out the culprit, it¡¯s unusual from me to not mind the high level of danger. No, I don¡¯t think I would ever turn my back purposely towards my enemies. Just what is feeling that keeps bothering me so much? Thinking hard about my problems, my escort finally realises his position. He don¡¯t really have a choice but to be my meat-shield if needed. At least this is my plan. But when did I came up with this? Why do I feel that my plan has so much flaws, that it is a disgrace? Is it even my plan? I stand in front of the still stupefied male, when a small sound of swish indicates my death sentence. To bad I didn¡¯t fell for it. With a quick leap I stand out of the knives path and watch as they embed themselves into Mikleo. ¡°Fuck you, he would have made a good test subject.¡± I say towards the presence. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. I clearly feel them as they get behind me using some kind of magic, but for my fortune appraise works checking their aura. I use it without hesitating. [World Object] Name: t3.># Race: Mana Age:0 Level:0 HP:0 ST:0 MP:0 Well fuck me sideways. ¡°Just what the hell are you. Oh no. no! no! No!¡± I jell at them, while unleashing my [Aura of Death]. ¡°Trix kill that thing!¡± I order and watch as she appears behind them. She stabs it in the gut, making it disappear instantly but another appears behind her. As my aura reaches it, attacking directly it¡¯s [Soul] and it dies instantly. ¡°At least they are easy to kill. But I¡¯m sure getting hit by them is also an instakill.¡± I say as my bodyguard vanishes back to hiding. Their stats were the same but the name was different. I walk to my temporary companion and check his condition, only to see that he is barely alive. I pull the knife out of his chest and throw it sideways. The funny thing is, we made zero noise. No one ever noticed this fight. World Object. Why would the world itself want to kill me? Why assassins? What about natural disasters, monsters or just frying my brain? I don¡¯t understand. Is the world itself a living being? Slight migraine creeps up in my mind, distracting me from my thoughts. This time I notice the sensation of interference inside me. The moment I realise that the magic already corrupted me. By reflex I reject the foreign connection, that in exchange turns into violent attack, making my headache turn unbearably strong. I fall on my knees to the sudden pain, losing all my focus of the surroundings. My eyes as well all other senses closed, the only thing I concentrate on is to destroy what¡¯s eating me away. Thanks to my aura mastery and home-field advantage, enduring the pain I somehow manage to fend off the enemy attack. I try slowly opening my eyes as my senses are coming back, but find it impossible. What happened during this time? Was I attacked? No, I was distracted and lost my sense of time, meaning this was not only a few seconds as I remember. I was attacked probably. But I should be still alive, for I think. I try forcing my mana out of my body to sense with it, since my sight wont work. I hope they did not pierce my precious eyeballs out. However, I¡¯m not able to do it. As the information my body provides reaches my brain, I understand everything. The pain. Blood drenching, gut tearing, soul ripping pain. I can almost see myself from the outside, as a dieing body of a young maiden, dressed in black but but drenched in blood tries to laugh at her own stupidity. Try, because she has no power to do so. The pain, that wasn¡¯t in the game. The pain that I always felt in my entire life. The pain that I hate so much I ran away and hid in depression. Who needs memories? I only remember the sadness, hate and anguish as I was tormented to hair¡¯s breath before death. I¡¯m glad I don¡¯t remember! Don''t dare to remember me! This is all my fault. If I noticed that my mind was attacked by magic or at least that something was wrong, I could have done something against it. I was arrogant thinking of this as a game. I saw the signs, this is just mere kidnapping. Or worse. Human experiment. But I can¡¯t refute them. So [Mind Magic] huh. Interesting. What has to be done, that has to be done. Let¡¯s play this game of yours. I¡¯ll show you how you won¡¯t fuck with me. -------------------------------------------- -Interfectrix POV After erasing the two attacker I withraw into hiding. After I made a mistake and revealed myself I was ordered to not come out unless ordered. I obey my Princess¡¯s words. I watch as the beautiful princess is thinking about something, then approaches the beastman. Just in case, I move a little closer to be able to act if needed. The Princess is everything I have, without her all of us subjects would not be able to live anymore. My life is her¡¯s. The Princess suddenly freezes and shows a pained expression. Before I can do anything another two assassins appear from the thin air. How could they be so strong? With a swift jump a cut the throat of one open, but it turns into ground and falls apart. Not thinking too much by it since there are similar monsters, I rush at the second and with a swift cut I eliminate that one too. I¡¯m a blade of the Princess. I have to be perfect. Suddenly another presence appears right next to the princess. I use my body by instinct to push it away, and succeed. Before it disappears like the others a knife was thrown by it. Since I don¡¯t have enough time to deflect it I move my own body between it and the Princess. Even if I lose an arm, they can heal it back later. I push my arms in a protecting pose in front of me to intercept the flying weapon, but it goes right through me. It went through me like a ghost, like I don¡¯t exist. In panic I turn back towards my princess, only to see as she is still struggling. A strong mental attack? Who can be even near as strong as the princess in that? Even the Dragon God recognised her as the strongest Aura Master. But the flying knife is still heading towards her. What can I do? I the split second before my body could follow my thoughts, the knife hits the neck of the Princess. My heart rages from sadness and flustration. I failed! I couldn¡¯t keep her safe! Her untainted and beautiful body got damaged! How can I take responsibility for it. I don¡¯t even worth as much as her torn clothes. I failed as a bodyguard. I failed as the servant of her¡¯s. I failed as her creation. I failed all our ancestors letting her injured. I''m the first and only one who failed. But there is no one else here. I have to bring her back to have someone heal her. Even if she is strong, her body is fragile. She is as strong as a human warrior while being a pure mage, but this only proves how inferior we are compared to her. But even she will die from blood loss if she¡¯s unconscious. My punishment have to wait for later. I have to take her to safety before that. Quest 1, Part 8: [Research] Shall I add a horror tag? Quest 1, Part 8: [Research] I muster all the strength I have in me and bite deep into my tongue. As the sweet flavour of the blood enters my mouth the sudden pain direct in my head snaps my receptors back to work. I feel as the adrenaline is injected into me, trying to help my survival. Concentrating on my mana I force a healing spell with everything I have, but realise that I have no knowledge how to restore my body. I can¡¯t use heal if I don¡¯t know the biology and state of the target. Too bad fate. I won. From the responses of mana I can sense the shapes and stiffness of objects. Converting the magic through the spell my skin starts to repair itself, the veins reconnect and my whole body part stabilizes. Without any strength and mana, I finally become unconscious. I open my eyes staring at the golden ceiling in my room. Sitting up quickly, I see a healer elf looking at me surprised. ¡°Princess! Are you alright?¡± She asks from then turns towards the door. ¡°Call Baingolneth! The Princess has awoken!¡± As she shouts that running can be heard behind the door, as a maid goes for the treasurer. ¡°I¡¯m feel like mind attacked, stabbed in the throat and fucked eleven times.¡± I say. ¡°Why eleven?¡± Asks Neth as she enters the room almost instantly. That was too quick. And wrong part to question. She prepared for that? ¡°The number of the assassins I felt. But there won¡¯t be anymore. How long was I out?¡± ¡°Around twenty minutes. Who were they? What happened? And whats with that wound?¡± I suddenly grab my neck and feel as the flesh touches my skin. I stand up and walk in front of a mirror to confirm my suspicion. The wound was closed forcefully by my garbage healing skills. It¡¯s like dried meat charred with coal. This ruined my prettiness. Sorry dear me, this is my fault. Don¡¯t cry. It¡¯s just a body. I punch the mirror in in response. The healer fearing my anger speaks. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Princess, we couldn¡¯t do anything to the wound. It was forcefully repaired and is healthy. I beg for forgiveness.¡± She says while prostrating. ¡°Raise your worthless head. Just because you are useless it doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t fix it. Who do you think I am? I just have to find a way. Ah, Neth. It seems I angered the [World]. Probably it dislikes my existence. They can¡¯t reach me without changing their own laws though, that¡¯s why the assassins. But they are weak, they were only used to finish me when the [Mind Magic] weakened me. Since I learned about it I can defend against it now. I¡¯m interested in learning to use it. Same reason for why it won¡¯t attack anymore. I can kill them without even noticing them with my aura.¡± My mood is in pieces as I speak. I sigh loudly at my laughable state. ¡°Too much work too little time. Are the pigs in the cage?¡± I inquire. ¡°Yes Princess. What should we do?¡± ¡°Continue what you were doing. There is a lot to do. I give you free hand to complete my commands. I know you can do it.¡± She is a better ruler than I. Single-handedly leading the treasury, her brother, the new projects and other followers. The best is that she will never betray me. Her personality is one of my favorite. She is a sadistic secretary who¡¯s biggest joy is to help her princess to achieve great things together. She feels no superiority as if she is a second me who doesn¡¯t like the spotlight and acting instead she likes to lead from the background. We two complete each other well. Just like back then. After dismissing everyone I head to the [Research Room]. My three [Test subjects] are chained to the wall, having a small rag covering their mainly parts. Just by looking at them I hear Neth speaking in the back of my head. ¡®We can¡¯t let our pure Princess sully her eyes with such filth, ahahaha¡¯ Just that forced laugh makes you want to punch her. So, let¡¯s begin the experiment. Experiment 1: Mind Magic I stem in front of [Subject 1]. Putting my hand on his face I force my mana and will into his brain, trying to recreate the process that invaded me. This is the easy part, I almost instantly succeed. From the weakened and unresponsive human¡¯s brain data flows inside me. Data. Millions of numbers etch inside my precious memory bank. Such a waste. What can I do with this information? Nothing, yet. I conceal myself invisible and wake the subject up forcefully. Repeating the previous process I compare the information. There are matching things. Ah, so these are the responsive and background values. What if I change this to¡­ This! What I believe to be the motor functions part I change the memory of the hand usage. Using my aura on the weakened man, I order him to raise his left hand. He raises his right. Good. This is something the brain can repair by itself. I repeat the whole thing a few time to be safe to confirm my success. Next is a little harder. I can¡¯t read this shit but messing with it seems easy. I order him to obey the person in front of him. Recording the changes I try ordering him without my aura, successfully. But it only works for a small time. The brain realises the error and fixes it. Next, record pain. I need multiple levels of it, just in case. Too much pain might kill the subject even if nothing is wrong. Sending lightning into the muscles I try creating a paralyzing effect. Saved. I test it out since I¡¯m really curious about it, and see that it works. After recording multiple different levels of pain, a sudden idea erupts from my mind. I¡¯m done with the first phrase, but this might take it to a new level. I walk to the stables where a few slaves are working. Unlike maids they don¡¯t get salary but has the best life for a slave, they get good food, clothes and reasonable work. My place was a paradise for them. Heaven. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. I turn speak to them loudly. ¡°I need one woman. I perform her a reasonable wish but she might won¡¯t return here anymore. At least not as she was before. Any volunteer?¡± My sentence sad it all. Save a loved one in exchange for your life. Only a few second passed when I got the person I asked for. A young mother asking for her daughter to be freed. I simply smile at her when answering. ¡°Your daughter from today is a free person. I employ her as a formal maid from now on, or if she wishes she can leave. Now follow me.¡± The children of the slaves are born as slaves. Well, I¡¯ll have Neth to take care of her. With a young and beautiful slave woman behind me I walk to one of the storages. I retrieve two kinds of items, and return to the research room. I cut the chains of the subjects and watch as they get up from the ground. Maybe I should have done it in reverse. It¡¯s too late now. I forcefully heal them, but their mind is kind of broken now. It¡¯s not like they will need it. The slave woman is hugging my legs from behind, as hers¡¯ collapsed seeing the living dead when entering the room. I pull out the item I got from the storage, 4 syringe. Or at least they are something like that. Three of them are blue, one is silver colored. You already know how this will go. I inject the aphrodisiac into their bloodstream and close the doors from the inside. I make a small distance them just in case, and let the nature do it¡¯s work. I turn my backs to them and start working on Experiment 2: [Magic programming]. First I create a formation, meaning copy from the book and reshape the way I want it, that contains certain conditions. I make it that it¡¯s constantly reading the mind of the slave that wears it, and if detecting [Put Code Here] then do [Blue Inferno Explosion]. It¡¯s a level 60 explosion spell with small range but devastating power. This would instakill a max level tank let alone me. No armor can protect you when it¡¯s around your neck. I should add something against mana armor too. Ah yes, let¡¯s not forget the remote switch, the spellgem empowering the whole thing, and some safety functions. This became too overcomplicated. Scratch the whole thing, failure. New one. Main core, wait. I don¡¯t need explosion spell. I can just set the core to overshoot and explode. This makes it simpler. Let¡¯s make it user friendly. At least owner friendly. When I finish I check the horror I made. Beautiful! It¡¯s even pre-programmable, meaning the user can kill and in addition give pain or paralyze or¡­ and what was the last thing¡­ I forgot. I turn back and realise what I forgot. The pleasure setting! I see the four of them as they are still at it. The woman already lost her mind to pleasure, she seems¡­ like a... Piece of flesh of happiness and pleasure? A wet piece of flesh of happiness and pleasure. Just by looking at her I¡¯m envious. Too bad she lost her mind, I don¡¯t want to end up like her. And it¡¯s not like I can. I¡¯m a fairy, I don¡¯t have the same reproducing organs like her. I mean mine is different. Is this why I¡¯m not aroused? The floor has a big puddle of.. I won¡¯t say what. How long was I doing my thing anyways? It should be about five hours. The stuff I gave them sure was strong. I waltz to the woman while avoiding the pond of mixed body fluids. I don¡¯t need to put my hands on her anymore, which is quite convenient in this situation. I enter her brain easily and copy the data. Comparing the others I can easily see what I¡¯ll need. Men and women has different brains, but they are almost the same. The reason I needed to use her is because it will be used mainly on women. Man don¡¯t need this kind of ¡°help¡±. I return to create a few prototypes, and in an hour I¡¯m ready with one of every kind of collar. Using magic I separate the group in front of me and chain them back, leaving the powerless mother on the floor still drooling. I put the first, black collar on Subject 2. I order him to bite his arm off, and he even tries to. The state he is in does not allow it sadly, making him feel pain. Max setting. He instantly dies. Maybe the sudden pain was too much¡­ After some testing with number 3 I settled at 75% pain. He survived 90, but not everyone is that strong. With this the black collar for warriors and men ready. The next one is the blue one. It has mana draining properties, to restain mages. This is tested with paralyze, since they can be reprogrammed if needed. This is a success too. The pink collar works the same way. I made less evil version of it, that is a bracelet. It¡¯s a cute pink bracelet like a common ornament around folks. It¡¯s not wood but steel, making it look like a real bracelet a noble would wear in a ball. It¡¯s also kinda sexy. This won¡¯t kill the user, it only has pleasure, paralyze and self-destruct function. The last one won¡¯t kill the slave. The formations were made so tiny that it¡¯s not easy to detect. It¡¯s harder to tamper with small wires. With this, I¡¯m ready. I put a follow spell and a beacon spell inside the other two Testers brain, then kill them. If the system saves them this will remain for a while and notices me. I put the [Pink Slave Bracelet] on the woman and tell Neth what I¡¯ve done. With an excited face she already proposes a place where I can put the bracelet in test. I let her take the slave to one of the biggest brothel and return to my room. I need some rest and think about what to with this ugly scar on me. I can¡¯t appear in public this way. Tomorrow the Priestess will come, I have to solve it beforehand. Oh world, beautiful world. You always has something for me. Thinking that, I fall asleep. I sleep restless, my dreams are filled with nightmares. But this is just the aftermath of the mental attack. I can see it inside my head. I could remove it, but that would be too dangerous. Let¡¯s just remember this and wait for my mind to repair itself. Quest 1, Part 9: [Magic] Quest 1, Part 9: [Magic] I wake up still tired after the progress I made yesterday. I think it was not good that I invented something while still under influence of the magic. My mood was quite bizarre and hard to control. No, I was acting crazy yesterday. I can only sigh and accept the fact. At least I can use it for -relative- good too. Just the fact that I did not notice how strange was the event makes me nervous. When using magic my mind literally became a computer. How the hell could a human brain memorize and work with so much data? And turning the data into magic is also extremely inhuman. Maybe the system still helps to match my race¡¯s basic ability? Magic manipulation in itself is ridiculous. It¡¯s really hard to understand let alone explain. A new sense, connected to me like it is a part of me originally. I just feel it. Using magic is the same as using your hand. First you can move it a little. After years of training you will be able to grab things. Another few years later you will learn to write precise small characters, yet if you don¡¯t practice you won¡¯t be able to write with the other hand. At least not that well. Understanding how and what you do helps a lot. For a blind person it¡¯s hard to learn to grab a knife. These are the normal humans. I¡¯m a fairy, I can see the knife, I can tell where it is, so I can grab easily. However this does not mean I know how to cut or fight with it. I can swing and hope, but I¡¯m an untrained civilian. A thug is someone who learn how to use the weapon in a brute way. That is what a self taught mage is. A soldier or martial artist is someone who was taught how to use it efficiently and can sue techniques to defeat the opponent. That is what a first rate mage is. I¡¯m currently at thug level, but because it sounds horrible let¡¯s call it amateur level. There is no way that an amateur could fight evenly with a blind soldier. At least he will have a large disadvantage. The sound of the cut air, the pressure, the steps, every little detail will reveal the attacker. This is why an amateur mage can¡¯t fight with a master. Stabbing in the back is a little different, but it¡¯s not impossible to defend against it. This is why I can use low level skills. But higher ones need much more practice and knowledge. Like math. Terrible example but most correct. At first you can¡¯t count, but after understanding the numeral system you can do it to as high as you want. Then you learn how to add and subtract, opening up new possibilities. It¡¯s the same with multiplying and dividing. You have to learn the basics of magic just like math. But these are just like the basics. These evolve into algebra, arithmetic and other various things. Sooner or later it will become so complex, you can¡¯t understand it. For advanced magic you have to use formulas. Once you understand it is as easy as adding 1 to 1. Until then you will fail. This is why I can¡¯t just use high level formulas even if I know them. I don¡¯t understand them so part of it will be left out or done in the wrong way. The good thing is that I¡¯m not ¡°blind¡± so I can see what¡¯s wrong with it, meaning I only need time to experiment and adjust. I hate math. Even if I¡¯m good at it, I hate it. Even with the help of the system, the better memory and faster thinking, it¡¯s hard, annoying and unpleasant. And as a ¡°master mage¡± I can¡¯t ask for help. That would be a disgrace. Even if would ask Neth or someone like that, they won¡¯t be able to explain it to me. It¡¯s instinctive to them, I can¡¯t ask them to explain how to add 1 to 1, or how to move my arm. They can¡¯t explain, since they were not taught by others. This is quite the unpleasant matter. I have to do something with my scar. It¡¯s pretty big and ugly. I could just hide it, but I¡¯m not like that. That¡¯s the last option. If I cut the whole wound out and make a healer fix it that would help. But that means cutting half my throat out. Not interested in that. I¡¯ll have to learn to manipulate living tissue. That¡¯s earth and water affinity. However, I¡¯m not human. I have no idea what else my body is made out of. Carbon, minerals and water that¡¯s fix. But also magic, or I would age normally. This is why human mages live for a little longer or even turn into High Humans. Magic is some kind of energy according to books¡­ for me it seems like radiation? No idea. Without any proper answers I will accept the theory of [Magical Gravity]. Like mass, magic is a property of every object. The more magic the object has, the more it bends the magical space. Like another dimension that we can¡¯t perceive well. Now I¡¯m lost. Even I can¡¯t understand myself now. Let¡¯s just accept it and forget it. Of course this was in the dragon book. It seems I underestimated it. I have to go and thank the Dragon God later. It¡¯s just a casual stroll into the most dangerous dungeon¡¯s last floor. Hell I won¡¯t go there again, ever. But he was really kind and nice to me, even if I almost pissed myself. Wait. These are memories? How come I remembered them¡­ I don¡¯t understand how this works, let¡¯s consult a psychologist. Or not, they will send me to jail. Patient privileges aren¡¯t enough after what happened yesterday. ¡­ Let¡¯s go and read a little. I go to my Royal Library to read about healing magic. The books might contain something that¡¯ll let me understand how it works. I mean they should, since they are books about magic. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. But Royal Library. Hey, now that I think about it, in the game I only had the city as mine. But as the ruler of the city now I¡¯m a ruler of the surrounding land too. I¡¯m a real Princess now ain¡¯t I? No, I¡¯m a Queen actually, but that¡¯s just formality. It¡¯s only me who has stupid ideas like foreign nobles will try to marry me from now on? No one approached me as of yet. Or they did not dare. Maybe I just don¡¯t know because they were stopped forcefully by Neth and the others. I¡¯m a cute, ignorant young maiden waiting to be destroyed- is what I might look to other countries. There is also the option that they know everything and don¡¯t dare to approach the 600 year old crazy loli. Such a nice way of thinking. I spend all morning reading and find some clues about organic magic. My healer can regrow limbs but they are too stupid to invent new things¡­ I can just modify the spell to recreate my skin and flesh. It¡¯s not a state fixing magic, nor regeneration but cosmetic surgery. It did not exist in the game. This sounds horrible. NPC¡¯s don¡¯t know about it, but it¡¯s awkward for me to admit I had one. Ah shit. I killed the subjects yesterday, I can¡¯t test my magic on them. I also don¡¯t want to ruin more life than I has to. Let¡¯s¡­ use a potato. Wrong joke. Let¡¯s experiment on an animal. Same evil in my opinion but for some kind of reason others think it¡¯s more normal. I¡¯m not an animal fanatic or anything. I just accept reality. Humans are animals. Yes, they are evolved and became clever, but the thing that changed from monkeys is the capacity and speed. Not the pattern itself. Humans are monkeys that learn faster and be able to use their brains for (relative) useless things. Even an animal can understand speech and react if taught properly. Also, there is no difference between an AI animal and AI npc. The same code with different restrictions. They are living, breathing(also relatively) beings. For me to kill an animal here is the same as killing an npc. Such depressive thinking won¡¯t help me sadly. Giving up on pressing the matter anymore I casually go to the stables. If I remember correctly there are a giant rats living there. They are usually fed to the dragons. During walking I try to stay away from anyone who could see me, even the maids. I don¡¯t want them to make unnecessary rumours about my wound. I¡¯m not the kind to order around a person I don¡¯t trust enough for the task, I like acting with my own hands. This sounded like something a serial killer would say. Anyways, i grab a (not)cute furball and bring it back to my Lab. I should just call it torture room for now on. Using a knife I cut one of it¡¯s leg off, then heal it with magic. The leg slowly starts to regenerate, but in exchange empties my mana instantly. Of course such high level magic won¡¯t be easy without skills. I sit down and meditate while watching as the leg of the animal regenerates slowly. Since I don¡¯t want to waste time, I produce a few slave collards during the break. I make one with [Dark Mithril] for experiment. It¡¯s a bit stronger than steel and it¡¯s a special material. It¡¯s the best mana conducting metal in my possession. I add a larger mana stone and program it to siphon absolutely all mana from the user. This is a precaution against Testers. This should be something that the slave will never be able to remove without help. If a mage is as good at this as me, they can easily take the normal collar off themselves. The mana siphon one requires very high proficiency. This, however will siphon their mana into absolute zero, making them almost faint. Even if they are capable of removing it, they won¡¯t have the mana to do so. This is a dangerous object even towards me. No, I would die if I tried to wear this. I¡¯m a magical creature. I can live without eating or breathing, but using mana to do such a thing is wasteful. The normal slave collar might destroy my regeneration but I could just eat like humans. This however would cut me off and as a fairy I would die shortly after without any mana. As I¡¯m ready with it, I realise that my hobby got me better. This slave collar is beautiful. I could give this as a present to another queen and make her my slave without any suspicion. That¡¯s just how amazing the design is. Back to the animal. It seems it¡¯s a success. Although there is no fur, the skin seems ok. And now, let¡¯s alter it. I cast magic on the creature forcefully, recreating the skin on it. As it involved some pain, the animal tried to communicate it with me. ¡°Don¡¯t worry this is the last and you are free.¡± I say smiling. When I finish I check the new skin in the leg. It¡¯s the same as mine. It¡¯s human-like skin, but it starts to devolve shortly after. This is what would happen to me without magic. The skin slowly melts and becomes undead like. Nasty. I cut the whole thing off and cast the full regeneration spell again. I add some pain reducing with my last bit of mana, and take the poor creature back safely to it¡¯s home. They will stay away from me now on, probably. Now, I¡¯m the next. Maybe the whole thing I did was useless, but I¡¯ll never experiment on myself first. That is certain. With the newly made slave collars inside my dimension pocket, I begin the painful repairing on myself. Quest 1, Part 10: [Meeting] Quest 1, Part 10: [Meeting] After taking a bath I find my clothes gone from their place. The maid didn¡¯t say anything about this, what will I wear now? ¡°Where are my clothes?¡± I ask from my molested maid. ¡°I sent them back. Princess, I¡¯m aware that is your favorite dress, but Mistress Al Rel¡¯m ordered me to-¡± ¡°I ordered the maids to take it away. Please, you are our Princess, you should wear clothes that show you are royalty. I admit, that dress goes well with your beauty, but you can¡¯t wear that always.¡± Interrupts her Neth as she enters the giant bathroom with maids behind her. Every single one of them has a few of my best dresses in their hands, carried cautiously. They seem worried a little, but of course they are nervous. One piece of dress cost more than all of their earnings in a hundred year. Most of them are unique quest rewards, but there is one high level monster drop. It¡¯s rarity is mystic class, meaning it is part of a hidden quest. I never found out what that is sadly. ¡°It¡¯s not like I can¡¯t clean them with magic¡­ And that¡¯s my favorite! It was-¡± ¡°I know, a gift from the Dragon God. If he were to hear you he would laugh at your cuteness, Princess.¡± She interrupts me. ¡°Thou¡­ Interrupting your own princess. ¡± I put my tongue out, making her giggle a little. ¡°Only our most trusted are here so it¡¯s fine isn¡¯t it? Anyways, I won¡¯t let you run off. Clothes are very important for us women. And with your modest-¡± This time I interrupt her. ¡°I dare you to say it, I dare you. I get it just leave me alone.¡± I spout angrily. ¡°Cute~¡± She says laughing. I brush her off and walk to the the maid galery. Checking the dresses I see that they were selected for the occasion. Sadly I hate changing and browsing clothes, so I choose my favorite among them quickly. ¡°I shall wear [Kumiko Azumi] then.¡± Unique clothes have their own names, they are named by the creator or wearer from the lore. The dress has a background story too. Long ago a young maiden fell in a forbidden love, so they promised to run away together. The woman waiting under a cherry tree was waiting for a long, long time. She decided to create the most beautiful dress she ever made while waiting and surprise her love. She finished it, but the man did not arrive even after that. No one knows how long she was waiting, until a peasand child came with a letter. The child smiled then ran away. She opened the letter fearing that her love abandoned her. But reality was even more cruel. The letter contained the most painful worlds she could imagine. Her love was killed by his own father when he announced that he will leave. A thousand years ago. She was waiting for that long, under the cherry tree. After reading that, she disappeared, but the most beautiful dress she ever made, remained. ¡°I knew it~¡± I hear a faint voice behind me but I ignore it. If she knew I¡¯ll choose this why bring others? The maids dress me and I leave for the conference room. We will have a meeting before the guest arrive, I can¡¯t abandon governing all the city to my helpers. I even act as a judge when someone¡¯s guilt can¡¯t be decided easily, when it¡¯s a political issue or it¡¯s an act against royalty. Since I ordered Tronos to make a branch for receiving complaints or audience, I have to bother myself with that once a week. I was acting quite lazy until now, but there will be many work for me now on. I smile a little towards the other me in the mirror in front of me. I¡¯m a real princess now, ain¡¯t I? Will I be able to this? There will be a lot of work. The Wa Lolita[1] dress I¡¯m wearing perfectly fits me. The clean design and strong colors give off a noble look and the simple frills represent youth and beauty. The fine material slightly tickles my arm, wearing it is very comfortable and refreshing. Maybe Neth was right. I like japanese style clothes, kimono and the miko dress, but chinese clothes are also charming. European dresses are also fine, but I¡¯m bored seeing them. Lolita and old, princess dresses are much cuter. How annoying thinking about things I still don¡¯t remember~ This room is also huge. Inside there is an enormous U shaped table made out of dark wood sculpted by masters. The chairs are of the same design but one, that is slightly bigger and is at the curve, in the middle. Yep, that¡¯s my luxurious chair. Actually it is like that because my height is too little compared to the table. In the middle of the shape there is empty space right now. We can put anything we need there. War table, large maps, a criminal. I¡¯m proud of myself, since most of the mansion was designed by me. Some of the personnel are already here, and greet me with a small bow, hands put on heart. This is a kind of salute in this country, originated from noble greeting. I sit down on on the middle and wait for everyone to arrive. I¡¯m glad this many people are with me, but it¡¯s still not enough. The management will only become harder in the future, however I have a plan to fix that. Tronos is the last one to arrive, accompanied by two guards and a prisoner. I was not informed about that, I¡¯m curious why did he bring them them here. ¡°So, everyone is here. Let¡¯s begin the meeting. Since¡­ We don¡¯t want an eyesore here too long, Tronos, why don¡¯t you start?¡± Says Neth after he sits down. With an annoyed look he stands up again and speaks. ¡°Greetings. As you see, this person here was captured by the guards because he was badmouthing the princess in public. The reason why is he here, because he was spouting that he wants to speak with her. Since he knew the secret word for requesting audience I brought him here, but for his actions I can¡¯t allow him to be free.¡± I look at the face of the guy for the first time. He is an average looking blond haired man in his twenties. I use magic on him. [Tester] Name: Sloh Tron Race: Human Level: 2 Age: 23 HP: ~300 ST: ~320 MP: ~100 Interesting. I¡¯ve never seen him, but a player could know the password as we posted that on the forum. The question is, what does he want? ¡°I permit you to speak.¡± I declare and the guards free his mouth. He stares at me for a time and starts to yell something, but a quick hit in the stomach interrupts him instantly. I have no idea how these players were chosen. Are they all idiots? Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. After coughing for a few seconds, he starts to speak normally. ¡°I know you killed them! How could you! They are real people! You know what happens to them if they die!¡± Staring at him for a few seconds, I crack into a smile. ¡°I have no idea what thou are talking about. You should also realise WHERE you are. Start your story from the beginning.¡± I just watch his eyes as they are filled with rage then confusion, then realization. This idiot tried to speak about player issues in front of npcs... That''s a bad omen. ¡°You still did not complete the first quest? How?¡± He says confused. After a few seconds of thinking he continues. ¡°We are not what we were anymore. You should-¡± He tries to tell me, but loses his strength and crumbles on the cold floor. ¡°Fuck off, that was the interesting part. I won¡¯t let you die before you tell me.¡± I jump up from my seat and [Blink] in front of him, causing the guards to fall backwards. I put my hands on top of his heart and send a high level heal spell into his body. Since he still does not respond, I try a resurrection spell, but it fails. I¡¯m not capable of using such magic yet. For the last chance I put my right hand on his face and send the most powerful manawave I can into his brain. The response is immediate and precise, mind reading kicks in and I copy everything I see. I can¡¯t understand it yet but given time, I¡¯ll be able to learn the truth. I¡¯ll also try to copy him inside a slave¡¯s mind. That might be interesting. Hoooh. That¡¯s a great idea. I can just clone a brain. What will happen if I do that? ¡°Interesting~¡± I say playfully as break into a wide smile. ¡°Feed him to the dragons. I got what I wanted.¡± I say and walk back to chair still smiling. I¡¯ll have to speak to that deity, and complete the first quest. If the world won¡¯t allow me the take the short way, I can just do it the way it wants me to. ¡°Next.¡± Says Neth professionally after I sit down. ¡°The Princess was speaking about the slavery system before. May we hear the details?¡± Asks Tronos uncaring. ¡°Right. I will change a few laws here and there, so we can regulate slavery. First, I will ban slavery under the age of 12. It¡¯s just useless and stupid. Later today I will speak to the Head Priestess about opening orphanages together. These will also be schools to teach personnel for the city management, police and army. If they are grateful, they will be more of use. Secondly, all slavery not approved by the country is forbidden. After the establishment of the law they will have two weeks to register them for a small fee. Every one of them will be known for us. Also, slaves children will be sent to the church. Slavery will be time limited according to their crimes. Killing or intentionally causing the death of slave will also be considered as a crime. This will be a lot of work, but we will have plenty of educated workers. Slaves will wear the slave collar, so the owners will also benefit from it. Since there will be fewer they will cost more, meaning they die less. Of course I accept suggestions.¡± After a few seconds of waiting no one raises their voice, but the plans will be refined until we actually start them. Neth introduces the next subject. The meeting last for a few hours, making my legs go numb. Most problems we talk about are solved easily thanks to my ¡°otherworldly knowledge¡±. The rest can be managed in slightly less effective way. In overall, the city will prosper even more. I¡¯m a little angry about the dead guy, some kind of reason I¡¯m not allowed to learn the truth. Well, he was weak against the world¡¯s mind magic sadly. It annoying when they put your most desired object in front of your face then take it away. Still walking towards the audience chamber to prepare receiving the priestess, strong nausea hits me. A feeling different than before, yet very familiar. Bending my head a little I stop and lean towards the wall next to me. In time hand reaches it and supports me before I lose balance and trip. Images flash through my head, feeling and experiences I never seen before. Just as I felt myself becoming something else, I realized what is happening. The data. The memories I stole from others. Even if I can¡¯t understand them, my brain can. With this much information I hit the limit. Maybe around 200 years worth of information? A human brain can¡¯t handle that in such a short time. Will my personality merge, or bend? This is getting much more interesting day by day. I can¡¯t remember anything of them, it¡¯s like a forgotten dream. But the experiences still remained. The way to swing the sword. The bad habit of touching my nose. Such useless things. I can¡¯t use anything from it. My body is too different to use the same martial arts but the information of the potential of this magic is very enlightening. I shall use this to my advantage, but with caution. Maybe this is the most dangerous thing I have discovered in this world. I remove all the useless data from my brain with small burst of mana. I can¡¯t let trash affect me. I may damage my own self a little, but the odds are on this side. I have to be strong. Finishing the process my head feels much lighter. Like after a good sleep. I try to get myself together but my limbs won¡¯t move as I command them. I fucked up a little it seems. No problem. I still feel them. The brain is an amazing self learning computer. I pinch my muscles with my hands, and feel the response. Yes, I know they are there, I just have to adjust. Sending a little mana to help control, I¡¯m able to walk again after a few seconds. Now a leg, but what if I hurt an eye? My breathing? My heart? A memory? I can¡¯t put myself in such a danger anymore. I arrive in the hall, and sit on the throne slowly. To not hinder the next plan with my mistake, I think off all the possibilities I came up with for the talk. My body works. My brain works. The last part of the quest starts now. ----------------------------------------- [1] Wa Lolita - Kimono style lolita dress Quest 1, Part 11: [Quest Complete] Quest 1, Part 11: [Quest Complete] I sit on my throne, in the highest position on the audience chamber. It¡¯s hard for me to keep my dignity in such a place. Not the extravagant room, not the breathtaking pieces of art, nor the unimaginable worth of the ¡°chair¡± itself that amazes me. It¡¯s the whole state of the room, everything together. The different heights telling your position and standing, even your rights. Can you ask? Third level or higher. Can you raise your voice? Second level or higher. These levels have a only few centimeter difference but they mean life or death. And me on the highest, raised even more towards the ceiling. The whole thing is a perfect architecture. Easy to understand, gentle to look at, noble to achieve, impressive to see and very pressuring to being looked at. A normal person would faint from pressure gazing up on me from the lowest point. This is how I show that even the Head Priestess is below me. No, they are only ants for me. Yet, somehow she barely kneels in front of me. The only personnel with me are two guards at the lowest level, Neth a level below me, and her brother a step under her. The two armed guards are sticking to the sides to not disturb the talk, but their long lances are always ready to protect. In front of them, in the middle there are two women kneeling. The one in front if the leader of the church, while the other is her trusted helper. The second has no speaking rights, but was allowed to ¡°listen and learn¡±. The reason I did not object, is because she is a tester. I start talking to the old and wise woman in front of me. ¡°Lara Helemot. I thank thee for answering my invitation. I won¡¯t beat around the bush, I would like to cooperate with you just as in the past with your ancestors. Thou already received the letter of my plans. Today I would like to hear thy answer and opinion.¡± Since I already sent her all the details privately, she knows everything I plan with them. She knows they and the city will benefit from it greatly, even if I only do it for my own sake. What I must still show, is that the control will always be in my hands. I won¡¯t let them destroy everything with their greed and stupidity. With me they win, else die. ¡°Even if I think these actions are drastic and risky, I admit, they should bring happiness forth. I accept and suggest as the Princess asked.¡± She answers while looking at Neth. My aid takes a scroll out of her pocket and removes the seal in front of me. After slowly and carefully opening it, she reads out loud what the priestess¡¯ suggestions. I listen to them with closed eyes and break into a gentle smile. All the suggestions are for making the childens¡¯ life easier and better. However that is not the best for them. ¡°I, understand your suggestions but cannot accept them. Without discipline and strong rules your kindness will be taken advantage of, thus I reject. Before we end. That child of yours has a difficult face. I allow her to step further and speak.¡± I say smiling to the tester. At this a drop of sweat appears on Lara¡¯s face. She was afraid from the start, and did not want to bring her aide, however the girl herself wanted to come. Knowing a lot of the Princess from her predecessor, her fear started to burn even more. What could the Princess want? What can she do to save her? The player steps closer but not only in front of her superior, instead a whole level higher. I can only smile at her in amusement. The most she could do in her position is to kneel next to the priestess, yet she stepped literally on a political position. The guards try to stop her, but with a wave of concentrated pressure I stop them from doing so without letting anyone else know. No, maybe Neth could perceive it. Amuse me little one. ¡°Speak your heart.¡± ¡°I¡¯m Silva Ronte. I came with a proposal that will benefit you greatly.¡± This wrench called me YOU in my own audience chamber. This is good. Maybe this will be fun. What gives her such a great confidence? ¡°Continue.¡± I maintain my pokerface. ¡°I¡¯m the chosen of God Freyr. She gave me the task of taking over the demons church, and as you see, I¡¯m close. As a light fairy, member of her own race, she welcome you as her follower. I would like to cooperate as equals with you. I¡¯ll give my item rewards and found your project in exchange. All I need is you accept me as the new Head Priestess.¡± ¡°So there will be item rewards too¡­¡± I murmur quietly while grinning on the inside. This is actually a great proposal. As a ruler accepting it would be very beneficial. I would have no problems, financially we will stand better, and god¡¯s item reward should be useful. Seeing Lara cursing the god in her head while sweating buckets in front of me makes my day worth it. ¡°No.¡± I calmly say. I mean what else would I say? The real priestess almost crumbles on the ground in amazement. If she weren¡¯t so old, it would be cute. ¡°Why?¡± She asks trembling, confused. Her plan should be perfect. ¡°Do you need a list of how many mistakes you have made? First, I¡¯m the follower of your ENEMY deity. And I like her very much thanks. Second, a wrench like you shall never act like than in MY OWN HOME. Oh, my throat. ¡°I force a little cough to clear it¡± Lastly, your biggest mistake, is asking me to put you in front of Helemot. She was chosen by my friend, meaning my promise to protect the ¡°Head Priestess¡± position still applies to her. I never break my promises.¡± Ah, good fun. This came at the right time. My mood was so sore I almost wanted to create some trouble to entertain myself. ¡°If you are here anyways, let¡¯s give you some use.¡± I say and take a beautiful necklace out of my dimensional pocket. I trow it it her. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. ¡°What is this? Why?¡± An enchanted necklace, is what she probably thinks. ¡°Oh, just try it on. I won¡¯t allow you to die yet.¡± She starts to tremble in fear and falls on her knees crying. She is not pleading for her life, no, she is a player. But she knows what abuse and torture is. How could she not? The faint scars on her young face tells it all. No magic can heal the mind, or beauty issues. Or maybe it can? Just making her recall the memories with a bit of indirect pressure caused her to relapse and become a obedient doll. She will be one, inside my dollhouse. After making her wear the adornment I order her to follow the guard¡¯s orders. Setting a paralyzing effect I make them close her inside a guest room. In this mansion every guest room is also a luxurious prison cell. ¡°I take it we are finished. Be careful from now on, please.¡± I say gently to the priestess. With this incident might also have earned her trust a little. I watch as she leaves full of sweat, still trembling a little. My two helpers do the same after a few seconds, but I stay still smiling. They do not question me. Because I¡¯m crazy? Or because they think I¡¯m recalling old memories? It doesn¡¯t matter. I dismiss the guards too. ¡°You can come out now.¡± I say after the door closes and only I remain. ¡°Aww¡­ It¡¯s no fun, your aura magic is too overpowered if a goddess can¡¯t hide from you.¡± Says a black beauty appearing from thin air. ¡°You are but a deity, no god. And it¡¯s hard to not notice you when the whole faith of the city gathering near your chest.¡± At least in my book a deity is a worshipped entity while a god is a creator, in a fantasy setting at least. ¡°Jealous?¡± She smiles touching her big breasts. ¡°Do you want to die?¡± ¡°Scary~¡± She tries to act cute, but fails miserably. Just what is this woman trying to do? ¡°I take I completed the quest. But why you personally?¡± This is something that I don¡¯t understand. ¡°Be- because you said.. You.. li- like me.¡± And now she acts like a maiden in love. OH GOD. ¡°Just do it already.¡± I say bluntly ignoring her stupid acting. She walks in front of me still full of smiles and raises her hand in front of her, creating a mana crystal. ¡°This your reward¡± She says showing it to me. ¡°Can you give instead more experience?¡± ¡°Why? Mana crystals are unique, you can¡¯t find them anywhere. It¡¯s special just for you.¡± ¡°Please, I¡¯ll tell you afterwards.¡± I ask using puppy eyes. ¡°Oh.. Ok. but it¡¯s just for you. Don¡¯t tell anyone.¡± Who would I tell it to? Putting her hands on my chest I feel power going through my body. Even if my defence won¡¯t get any higher, more strength, stamina, mana and regeneration will help me out greatly. I seriously fear that getting stabbed with a kitchen knife can kill me, but regeneration and mana armor should solve that. Just how embarrassing would be to die like that in a game world? I test myself again. [Tester] Name: Aurora Rose Juliet Titles: Commander, Ruler of Aurora, Ruler of people, Follower of Achlys, Princess, Torturer, Cruel, The one who gives hope, Fair Ruler, Saviour of many Race: Fairy-kin Level: 41 Age: 625 HP: ~2841 ST: ~2737 MP: 12972 It seems I can properly gauge my mana now. There is no estimation mark there anymore. But quite the jump I made now. ¡°So, why refuse?¡± She asks worried. Her lovely face is something that rivals mine. She is a ¡°goddess¡± afterall. ¡°Because you made it in front of me.¡± I answer and replicate the same as she did before in my hands. A very small mana crystal falls on my hand, made out of 5000 points of mana. ¡°Given time I¡¯ll make better than yours, and as much as I want.¡± I say while laughing. ¡°Cheater.¡± Is the answer I get from a suling goddess. I put the little transparent stone away, it¡¯ll be good for experiments later. But what will I do now? ¡°What about my memories? And the next quest?¡± ¡°Ah, right, Totally forget about that. Well, you will have a loooong and unpleasant dream tonight. As for your quest¡­¡± She puts her hand in her pocket, searching for something. I watch as the goddess is struggling in front of me to find a little thing in her (probably) infinite huge storage. It¡¯s a funny sight, but adding the faces she makes make me regret I have no camera in this world. Yet! A few minutes elapse when she finally finds the item she¡¯s looking for. Taking out a black paper that seems literally undestroyable, yes, an undestroyable paper, she gives it to me. The design is simple, yet cool. The [Laminated God Steel Black Paper] has words written on it. ¡°I personally made this for you. Don¡¯t lose it. It will also update itself automatically. I have to go now, by!¡± She says smiling, then disappears from existence. I think these AI shouldn¡¯t be able interact with us normally. Isn¡¯t this going against her cause of existence? I feel something amazing there. I read my next quest. [Sacred Task II /1: Invent amazing things!] -You have a week until time limit. [158h] -The more you prepare the more reward you¡¯ll get. -The better the quality the more reward you¡¯ll get. It seems this is a quest with separate stages, but why do I feel this is not exactly what I think it is¡­ I have a bad feeling. Well, can¡¯t do anything against it. If it¡¯s a quest there is a reason why it¡¯s like this. With such thoughts I decide to sleep a little. There is a lot of work with the city, and playing(inventing) will take all my leftover time. I have to be well rested. Interlude 1 [Silva Ronte] & 2 [Dream] Interlude 1 [Silva Ronte]
Welcome to PAWO2! As you already know leaking information from the testing phase is forbidden, however you were not told the whole situation. I remind you that you have agreed on the following terms and conditions. -The tester cannot leak any information of the project. -The tester has to participate in the entire testing phase without pause. -The length of the testing phase depends on the testers achievements. -PaWo corp. has the right to forcefully intervene anytime for the testers safety. -PaWo corp. is not responsible for anything that happens to the tester that¡¯s not caused by malfunction or the company¡¯s mistake.
You have got a Sacred Task! Quest 1: Learn to use magic
After a few seconds of adjustment I see that everything works perfectly. The game is just as the rumours said, beautiful. I feel the air in my lungs and the sensation of touch. It seems we can¡¯t choose our character for the testing. ¡°Show Status¡± I recite.
Status: #error, function does not exist Name:Silva Ronte Race: Human Level: 1 Age: 19 HP: 350/350 ST: 200/200 MP: 300/300 #error, soft stats disabled Class: None Titles: Tester
Well, this is strange. It¡¯s not a normal start, my stats turned into manapoints. The bot¡¯s usually have almost no mana unless they are mages or high leveled. But these numbers are pathetic. I try creating a spell, but the shortcut doesn¡¯t work. ¡°New level of realism, huh?¡± It seems hard, but maybe that¡¯s why it¡¯s so fun. I play with the feeling of magic a little and somehow manage to create a small spark. The flash of success makes me excited. So this is why they removed it. Creating magic by yourself and not with a button press feels amazing, it brings back the joy when I started playing netgames. I play around with it a little, but the sadly it¡¯s not that easy.
All aspects loaded and working. [Master Command: Full Immersion Mode] Simulation ready. [Master Command: Simulation Speed Set: 5000x]
¡°Wait what-¡± I try to say, but nausea hits me and I fall on forward hitting the floor, losing my consciousness. When I come to I find myself inside the local church, it seems they brought me in and healed me. But who? I get up with my hand on my face, still feeling some pain. That info I saw that means something extremely wrong. They can speed up the time here? Won¡¯t that hurt the brain? But they probably testing that on us. Wait. It said 5000 times. That¡¯s a lot! At max two days we can spend in the game without getting dehydrated, but that¡¯s 27 year! That wasn¡¯t in the agreement! But they did not specify time either¡­ It¡¯s my fault getting fooled isn¡¯t it? I¡¯m not the only one though. I look around and see that I¡¯m in a big room in the right wing of the building. Near me children are playing, running around. It¡¯s¡­ amazing. It does not seem scripted. But I expect no less than high level AI from this company. Why am I praising them after they scammed me¡­ but they are still amazing. I notice that a little golden card is sticking out of my pocket. I pull it out and see that there is written on it. Sacred Task II/1: Become a Priestess and learn about magic Hm.. So this is how I get my quest now? But this is ¡°sacred¡±. Maybe it¡¯s the main questline? They said the testing will end according to the player¡¯s progress. Maybe I have to complete them all before I can leave? Seems interesting. I hope it won¡¯t take much time. I somehow managed to become a Priestess, they even taught me healing magic. They said I¡¯m a genius and they would be happy to have me. They also said something about me not letting Princess Aurora know about it. Isn¡¯t she a player? She¡¯s also here it seems. Okay, I admit I become a little arrogant as they praised me. I acted high and mighty¡­ But that doesn¡¯t mean they should kidnap me! Lucky for me the Head Priestess asked the city guards for help and they saved me before I was hurt. But I don¡¯t remember anything else about this incident. Strange. But that Tronos guy was cute... Back in the real world I used to be a normal student, not caring much about others, but the High Priestess was kind enough to take me under her wings and teach me. I¡¯m feel a little bad that I got this quest from the goddess to take her position, but I want to go home. Sacred Task II/1: Become the Head Priestess and convert the church towards the [Light] faith. A few days later I managed to use lower level healing! They say bot¡¯s take more than ten years to do that. During this time I made a plan to complete my quest. The princess is a player and she has complete authority over the city, even the church. She was famous back in the day, even I was jealous. I have to convince her to help me. The problem is how. All I know is that she¡¯s picky about others personality and won¡¯t even listen to you if you can¡¯t show your intrepidity. And that everyone is scared of her... I have to have confidence, but not too much. I¡¯ll also offer her my item reward, since the last two time I got useless necklaces. She might be able to do something with it. Oh, I heard that she wants to build orphanages now. Is she a nice person or in need of contribution points? I¡¯m actually going to be an underdog, but completing the task is priority. Not the best plan, but the opportunity is too great compared to the risk. Worst case I die and I have to start the quests again.
Interlude 2 [?ream] I¡¯m standing in a dark room. No, I¡¯m floating. It¡¯s more than enough to creep me out, but there is something worse here. A seemingly normal girl is sitting in front of a computer with a strange looking helmet on. I¡¯ve never seen her in my life before. But they are familiar. Both the small and dark room, and the face of her¡¯s. She is me. She is what used to be me. This is my dream she that woman spoke about? I don¡¯t remember falling asleep, but that¡¯s the only reasonable answer I can think of. Before I die of regret, I do as I wanted even before getting back my memories. I delete them. I don¡¯t want to live with such memories, that fill my tiny brain with emotions enough to drive me crazy over and over. First, I delete my horrible memories of my damned childhood. All I have to do is to concentrate on them, and delete the data that comes into active state. Simple. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. I don¡¯t need to remember of the abuse and torture that my bastard parents made me go through. Who am I kidding? Maybe I did right before coming here. xC[^`~*? I delete those memories as they hit me again and again, strong enough to break my bones. I don¡¯t want to remember the pain as the cigarette was extinguished in my eye socket, making my left go blind. I won¡¯t need such thing anymore. But I have to bring them forth to remove them, I have to endure it for at least now. @m<}¡ä^€a I will remember how I starved for long times in that empty room. I have to use that experience to distinguish right from wrong. I¡¯ll bear the weight of my crimes, how I killed them with my own two hands. With my own two little hands smaller than a rock, weaker and more tender than leaves in the end of autumn. How I used my own broken bone to thrust it in their gut while they were asleep on the cold floor. How the blood was gushing out of them like a never ending stream of relief. How I gave up on life as a little 6 year old child, dying from blood loss and internal injuries. But to my doom, someone came to save me on the brink of disappearing. They did not let me die in the lie called happiness of revenge. Why? But maybe forgetting the whole thing would be in vain. Will I be the same person if I do that? I already started, I should finish it, but every time I want to delete a memory I realise I have to remember them to stay true to myself. If I don¡¯t, I won¡¯t be me anymore, just an empty husk. That won¡¯t be me anymore. Have I made a terrible mistake somewhere? What will happen if I continue this facade? What in the world should I do? I don¡¯t know. This made me recall other memories too. Memories that now are not happening to me, but in front of me. Are they simulated from my memories? Or is it a forced dream? Is the old me in front of me an AI, feeling the pain I¡¯ve gone through every time I think of it? On this base, is every thought a cruel act towards an imaginary world we commit as gods? I see as the other me was taken in by a far relative. This relative was a man, living alone. He was not a bad person. No, he was a just normal one. At morning he goes to work, afternoon he comes back. He seems to be an office worker, with not much free time. The little time he has he spends playing computer games. Maybe I was influenced by him? He is a very normal, good person. But he is still a man who is stressed out from hard work every day, who has no time to raise a child. And certainly not such a broken child. The girl did not leave her room ever since she was released from the hospital. For a whole year. The man would make or order her fast food and provide the time she needs to heal. Maybe this kindness was the spark that gave the girl a way to escape madness. A year after, the two slowly began to speak to each other. The man considered this a breakthrough, he was genuinely happy to see her in a better shape. The girl at that time had some meat and fat on her, even if from the unhealthy food. She did not like it, no, she felt indebted for the first time in her life. Her words were still few, but she started to work. She tried cooking from the little the fridge contained. This made the man even more happy, so he bought her ingredients and a books. Sadly she still couldn¡¯t read, but the pictures was more than enough for her to start. She was an intelligent child, but still a young and naive without real experience. For years, they lived happily together. The girl started to speak a little, even learned how to read and write from her new father. She used the computer like any other kid, using it to make the other party happy and proud. But they made a mistake. What could a little girl that knows nothing from the real world, and a sad and depressed man do? In the illusion of happiness they slept together, even if she was only 9 years old. ]*??¡ä~< My mind goes almost black from these thoughts. This was me. A stupid girl who couldn¡¯t think for herself. Just how could that make me happy? What could go in such a wrong way in my brain? In the end it was just an accident. The man wanted gave up himself to the police in regret. How could he not? He was a relative good natured person. But in the end of the chaos it caused, somehow they stayed together. There was no other place for her to go, and the man had enough luck to not go into jail as it remained a secret. The man losing his own self-respect, did not dare to ever look hen in the eyes of her again. When he did, his own mistake and stupidity reflected again and again. So he kept distance. He did not go far, and even cared for her, but they never spoke again face to face. He gave the girl everything she yearned for, I can say he pampered her. But every time the girl tried to get close to her, again and again, he brushed her off. Her little heart knew why, but didn¡¯t want to accept it. He is the first person she loved, even if it was a fake. And now, even with these circumstances, I feel grateful to him. I watch as the girl lives her life, secluded in her room. She learns many thing from the books she got and the internet, but she was too afraid to leave home. She was ¡°happy¡± home. The father had an idea to help her. Games. Online games that will let her interact and meet others. And it worked. She got friends, and they had many fun together under the years. She did not neglect to study either. In the end she was still a normal girl. A normal girl that became me somehow. Until the day the game she played closed. She was desperate. She felt anger, sadness and feeling she should never have. She harmed herself. It was only once, she even regretted it. She cried as the razor fell on the floor, and bounced off the white tile. Wasn¡¯t she a clever genius? No, she wasn¡¯t. But she was no way stupid, just a pile of emotions on a thin red thread. The blood fell, and she cried. Alone. She wanted to die, but was afraid of it. She wanted her friends back. I may have to admit, the instinct of staying alive was a big part of it too. Gathering herself she used a towel to stop the bleeding. The pink rag slowly melted into red, then darkened as the fluid stopped escaping. Just throwing it away she did what she always did when feeling depressed. She went back to play like any other child. She put the helmet on and entered the new game, as a tester. ____________________________ I wake up dizzy with only scraps of memories I regained. No, it seems I was right not wanting to remember everything and sealed them myself. I can only hope I did not make another mistake. Now, let¡¯s go do and what I¡¯m good at to relieve the stress. Quest 2, Part 1: [Running away] Quest 2 Part 1 [Runningaway] It¡¯s been two days since I completed my first quest and deleted most of my memories. If I had to delete them for my own sake, just what happened back then? Still, these two days were really annoying. I had to work all day. Not only I had to catch up with the past hundred years paperwork, but with the new stupid projects I started I¡¯ll have 10 times more work in the future than I originally would have. Since building usually takes a lot of time, I went out with Neth and a few earth mages and made the orphanage with magic. We also helped in rebuilding the farms. I just made dormitories for the workers, nothing special. At least I became more accustomed to handling paperwork and magic. Practice makes the master. That¡¯s not the only thing that happened during my short breaks. Maybe my biggest fear was solved when I read the report from the Guild. No, that is incorrect, in reality I proved one thing that raised a hundred more questions. The testers who I killed came back with different bodies not remembering anything. Even though I gave them the brain wash-, command to write a letter, it was full of gibberish, however the length and the number of the words stayed correct. Maybe I can use these to create hidden messages. They came back meaning we can¡¯t leave this place yet. As Tailon wrote, they did not remember anything that happened to their previous character. Probably the system also protects their mind¡¯s against the game. When it detects unbearable amount of pain for a long time or emotional crisis the connection to their bodies are cut. But that only works when it can detect such things. Mind magic, no anything that wasn¡¯t in the game before or the real world is unknown to it. The collar changes their thoughts in real time, so it probably influences them with continuous use. I did experiment with it. That new slave girl, I every day train her to be a baby dragon. It was funny to watch as she is playing with the dragon god¡¯s offspring. I have some info of her since she appeared in some kind of accident with the church. It was thanks to her I learned deleting memories is much easier than manipulating them. There is a chance of remembering parts of it when done poorly. Of course this also has a real purpose, besides the dragon¡¯s (and my) enjoyment. I test if I can rebuild her personality using long term mind training. I change her mood and make her enjoy not thinking and acting as a pet. I do this every time she snaps out of it. In these last few days I can calmly say, it works. At first I had to redo it every minute, but after a time the period it worked, grew larger. A day later I only had to do it once in two hours. Now I only need to ¡°help her¡± after every 6 hours. Sadly this is inefficient, but maybe just my expectations are too big. So yes¡­ These few days were busy. Now it¡¯s over, the time has come.I finished the paperwork. I can go and invent new things as my quest wants me to. But what should I do? Mana guns? That would be awesome. But first I have to know what the mana crystal is capable of. I seclude myself inside my research room and let the two pet¡¯s play together. I shouldn¡¯t say pet to the dragon though. Dragons are very powerful and mighty creatures, they would never serve others. No, if a dragon were captured by lesser lifeforms all the others would destroy the whole country it¡¯s in. Lesser dragons are a bit different, they accept kinship so they get the chance to evolve into real ones. They won¡¯t stay with their ¡°friends¡¯ after that, it¡¯s just a mutual cooperation. The baby is an exception, since his mother died of an internal fight I was entrusted into raising him into a real dragon. I also ignored as the Dragon God proposed to me and asked to be the his wife. All that happened in the game, I¡¯m not sure how it is now. Just what did he want with a fairy? I¡¯m a magical creature it¡¯s not like I can lay eggs for him. I became too logical with these thoughts, let¡¯s forget this for now. I create a small [Magic Crystal] in my palm, and begin to examine it. As I let my mana flow in it I see patterns and the material it¡¯s made of. The inside is transparent like glass, but nothing tells me the reason why. Filling it up with more power the color gradually changes. After putting in 1000 points worth, it becomes skyblue. I continue and watch as the pattern¡¯s change with the color, making it darker. When I approach 5000 the color is dark ocean blue, but reaching the turning point it becomes light green. I don¡¯t stop until it¡¯s near 8000, when the crystal breaks. It¡¯s similar to the crystal used in the slave collars. What¡¯s different about it? Why does it change color, and why doesn¡¯t it leak? Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. I wonder about it for a while with no result. It¡¯s probably the full form of the creating magic. With this mass production should be possible, but I feel there is something else with it. I don''t think this is a consumable item. I rest a little while thinking up ideas what to do with it. I want to shoot lasers. But that¡¯s impossible isn¡¯t it? I¡¯ll just try it and see how that goes. I drink a mana potion to speed up the process. Creating an other gem that¡¯s slightly bigger I use up half of my mana. I fill it until it becomes dark blue again. So¡­ Release the power¡­ I try forcing the magic the usual way outside, but the pattern changes and does it without need of my help. I stare at the orb as it releases the magic into the air. ... So that¡¯s it! It can be used as a [Spell Crystal], no, maybe even as a [Data Storage]! ¡±hohohohoo¡­¡± I let out a creepy laugh. This is interesting! Even if I wasted a lot of magic with it¡­ I finish the last touch on the item on top of the ruined desk in front of me. Me trying new ideas is harmful to the surroundings. I chant a spell to learn the time when another idea hits me. Can I turn a spell into a passive? I have enough mana regeneration to do so. I form the spell and write it in my head. Waiting a few seconds I see that it works. I can tell the exact time without any need of help. It¡¯s not only cool but doesn¡¯t even hinder me. I have to concentrate on it a little and it uses mana, but in time I will probably get used to it. Back to the [Item] I completed in the last 27 hours. Wait, I was doing this for more than a day? I guess I went a little overboard. This clock in my head is also amazing. Anyways, [Data Crystal 1.0] and [Spell Crystal v1] are ready for testing. What will I use it for? The first version of data crystal will be useful for storing data. Duh. The spells used in the game are written in binary, this works the same. However, if I use Spell Crystals they will work together as one. First, the user puts a drop of blood on the big crystal. That is the only part not hidden. This item uses [Appraise] on the DNA and magic wavelength. Another crystal inside converts it to a binary code, then a little more complicated circuit made out of multiple items check for the database. If unknown it will save it. Best thing is: I¡¯ll be able to use this to create ID-s. This will not only be useful for adventurers, managing the citizens, counting and monitoring them will be easier. No criminal will be able to even buy a slice bread let alone enter or exit as they please. Maybe it can be used as a bankcard¡­ But creating that many devices is impossible. There is also no stable wireless connection to back it up. Rejected. The only reson this works because the already existing spells. Is it possible to create a monitor or something like that?Maybe thermal paper? I¡¯ll think about it later. I still have paperwork to do later. I hate budget reports, I don¡¯t even have a calculator. ¡­ I¡¯m an idiot. I can just create a calculator spell and put it in my head. But how do I create it? I can understand basic programming language, but not binary programming. I have no clue how to even start. Converting it is the most I can do. If I simply reverse it, it¡¯s no good for some kind of reason. Is it possible to use create magic with language programming? I mean turning language into magic.Maybe. Trying won¡¯t hurt, I hope. I put up a few rules in my head and merge them I achieve a basic form, but I have no faith in it. Moving the mana in a way that follows the spell a small ripple in space opens in front of me for a blink of time but disappears instantly. Good that I did not use it inside my head, I would have lost it. Soo.. Back to the ones and zeros. I have no idea how calculators work, no, I have no idea how microchips work. Maybe if I try hard enough I will be granted a small insight. I put the numbers in order mimicking other spells, what is just as hard as it sounds and after a few hundred tries it stops from exploding into my face. And it¡¯s not working. I have no idea how to create new spells. I¡¯m sure there is a trick to it, but I just can¡¯t get it. Maybe I¡¯m relying too much on the mind magic¡¯s reading. Maybe the working of mana is totally different and it can only be translated one way¡­ Alright, I¡¯ll hand over the identifying machine and magic idea to the research group, they will be able to do better work with them and make it more usable. It¡¯s good to have your own Magician Guild, even more since it¡¯s only for NPCs. They are nothing more than loyal followers of my guild. ¡°Soo.. It was magic gun was it?¡± I mumble to myself while grinning madly. That night even more weird and loud noises came from the research facility. Quest 2, Part 2: [Magical Future] Quest 2 Part 2 [Magical Future] After many failed attempts and large explosions I learned what I can and what I can¡¯t do. First, it¡¯s not possible to create a laser weapon. It¡¯s just as inefficient as it is in reality. However, the explosion magic can do amazing things. Launching an dragon fang at five times the speed of sound can destroy a wall that was made to withstand experiments. There is also a frightened maid that does not dare to approach this room anymore. She kind of got buried under heavy magic bricks... There is something else that caught my interest. It was just a joke at first but¡­ A railgun is freaking overpowered in this world. Yes, there are downsides like it¡¯ 20 meter long and it¡¯s hard to move it, but it doesn¡¯t really matter when it can launch an 50 kilogram projectile at the distance of 72 kilometers. Rest in piece mountain monsters. I also levelled up from that. It was all in my plan, within my expectations. Really! Race: Fairy-kin Level: 52 Age: 625 HP: ~3310 ST: ~3240 MP: ~13050 I swear that was intentional. Yes, it was. I.. hope? Maybe. No, it definitely wasn¡¯t. I¡¯m glad I only hit monsters and very far away. This thing has almost no sound and you can¡¯t see the projectile with the naked eyes, so it¡¯s ok. Now not only my character is cheat, my weapons are too. My stats got balanced, just as I thought. The body needs to adjust itself or it will break with such a level of realism. Sucks to you DPS and Tank characters. Magic is the best! I should try practicing more close combat magic, for my own sake¡­ I don¡¯t want to end up a cucumber like the others. I¡¯m me, if they take away my memories I won¡¯t be me anymore. This is a fact. As for the guns, I made a hundred of them. They can shoot single, burst and auto. They are named AA, meaning Automatic Aurora. Very frightening isn¡¯t it? Muhahaha! Jokes aside it¡¯s a copy of the popular real world rifle. The insides are completely different, they use spell crystals. After a hundred shots of carbonised steel, the magic dries out and the core disintegrates. The new preloaded mag has to be changed after that. Asite from those, I made a high precision sniper rifle. It¡¯s name is Aurora Destroyer. It can decimate an NPC behind an enchanted wall or armor from the distance of 4 kilometers. I really have to develop some kind of defence magic or something like this will kill me in one shot in the future. I know other players can also do something like this. Probably. In the future. Maybe a nano-armor? There is no way I can do such a thing¡­ And the knockback will still kill me. The defense has to be magical. Short range teleportation? It might be possible. Teleport myself or the attack will save me from the injury. I can¡¯t really use teleportation as there was no such magic in the game. The system handled a few, but there were almost none. Short range ¡°jump¡± or ¡°blink¡± exists though. Most mages can use it, but it renders them out of combat for a time. It takes a heavy toll on the body and can¡¯t be used repeatedly. It¡¯s also a max level spell, with no designated position. I should just analyze it¡­ Analyze¡­ I can analyze the code of spells. Am I genius or an idiot? Sometimes I have no idea. I already spent days in my lab, what will stop me from a few more days? I had to admit it later, this was both a genius and crazy idea. Amost a week later, is the time when I exit my workshop. The insides, mainly the walls seem to be barely standing. This should be an indestructible zone, but it seems not everything is the same as back then. Behind the door stands a maid I don¡¯t remember. Yeah, the last one was changed after the brick accident, wasn¡¯t she? Her bulges are smaller, but still ahead of me¡­ Noticing my gaze the maid flinches and asks. ¡°Can I help with something, mistress?¡± Her blue hair stands out in the black and white maid uniform making her look like a cosplayer. ¡°Yes.¡± I look back behind me, then at her again. ¡° First, prepare a bath for me. After that have someone move the racks marked with the symbol AA to the storage. They are not to touch anything else, it¡¯s dangerous. Inform Neth that I finished what I was doing and we should catch up with each other.¡± I wonder if I didn¡¯t forget anything. I made a few breakthroughs with the spell language. I don¡¯t really understand what I¡¯m doing, but I now know of what many pieces do. I rendered all of them to characters to make it easier to write, creating a magical programming language. There are several problems with it, but for basic things it works. I successfully made a calculator inside my head. I also made a save function, but since it literally writes the memories inside my head real time it¡¯s very unhealthy to use it for a longer time. It¡¯s like photographic memory, that comes with a high price. I really should spend more time on it, but at this speed it will take years to understand that far. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. After the very needed warm bath and a molested maid later I meet with Neth inside my office. I have a lot of paperwork to catch up to, again. I share my new ideas with her, as well the guns, but I don¡¯t really talk about the magic. It¡¯s not because I don¡¯t trust her, but because I don¡¯t want her to try using such an undeveloped method. It might kill her, since she can¡¯t read the data like me. Writing spells inside other¡¯s does not work sadly. She would have loved the calculator. For me it¡¯s convenient, but it still uses magic power. During our talk, she suddenly brings up something that really comes in handy. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to trouble you with such things, but now it became necessary. There was a revolt in the southern parts. A person named Ali Bogra the leader of the Magma Stone guild is the perpetrator. The info we have on him states that in the near past he founded a mercenary company. Now they attacked several towns claiming to be rebels and when they don¡¯t join them, they get destroyed. The problem is that we do not possess and army at the moment. I sent out a few members, but the numbers are a big problem. They know well that they will be destroyed if they fight head on and we also have to hold back against our own. I rejected the idea of using the guild, since that would worsen the view of us. I request the establishment of an army. I already calculated the expenses, although barely, we can train 10 000 men immediately and 20 000 more later.¡± I ponder a little about what she¡¯s saying. At the silence her face seems to be a little disappointed. She probably thinks that I don¡¯t trust her, or maybe that I don¡¯t care. That is actually not the case. ¡°No need for that.¡± I say and take a paper out of the desk then start writing on it. ¡°Get me these materials from the storeroom. We should have more than enough. For the troops¡­ There are about 400 people who failed Eluben¡¯s test. They might be failed assassins but more than enough to be soldiers. They all killed before, it would be a waste to dispose of them. For the rest, send out criers to recruit. 1500-2000 in all should be enough. Don¡¯t stop after that, you will hire anyone who wants to fight for me voluntarily. For equipment, bring the researchers to my workshop, I¡¯ll show them how to make the weapons I spoke about. No need for armor and sword. They will need a knives and chestbags. Their training will be much cheaper and shorter.¡± I also tell the reasons of why and the tactics they will use for her, making her face turn into normal again. I leave out a few surprises, for the fun. Still thinking about something she raises another big question towards me, with a spark in her eyes. ¡°What is on your mind? What is your plan now?¡± I just simply smile at her words with an unbefitting grin. I put my finger in front of my mouth and let out a quiet ¡®shh¡¯ sound. With a wicked face I whisper so her mind needs extra time to process the information. ¡°Can¡¯t you hear? The rustling, the clanking of metals and the concentrated smell of mana in the air, [It]¡¯s coming. It will come and it will change everything you ever knew, you won¡¯t be able to recognise it.¡± I pause a little then continue in a normal tone. ¡°They are already coming for me. I know. I can feel it. Honestly, I¡¯m afraid. Not from dying, I¡¯m afraid of losing everything I have. But dare not to think something stupid like I will give up, I will never yeld. I won¡¯t let them.¡± My voice vibrates from the anger in my heart, making the end almost intolerable to hear. Finishing our meeting I fell back doing paperwork. The anger in my mind changes into anxiety, being alone again. I can¡¯t help it, this just the remains of an animalistic instinct. Fear and wanting to be strong, hoping to stay alive. I went into feverish preparing, but that won¡¯t be enough. I¡¯m strong. I also know how feeble my life is and how many want to take it away. But I can¡¯t panic. I have to keep cool and use every fiber of this messed up brain to work with. They called me a genius. I remember those parts, I was called a genius. But I always knew it¡¯s not true. They were just unable to see the truth, that thin lining, that I¡¯m actually crazy. I have this messed up personality, that can be written in books. No, it Will be written in history. Inside my dark and quiet study, surrounded by hundreds of book I¡¯ve collected and read in the game, I sit behind a large wooden desk that is filled with countless papers of all kind. On the [Guild Flag] hanging from the sad walls, a flaming phoenix and a black dragon fights each other as if hoping to get rewarded with a glimpse of mine in a free second of my eternity. Competing with each other to claim to be the strongest, for the sole purpose of keeping me safe until the uncertain day they perish. Quest 2, Part 3: [Rebelism] Quest 2 Part 3 [Rebelism] It is only a few days after Aurora declared the extermination of the rebels. Many held deep fear as they were reluctant to give their husbands and sons to march into the high chance of death. The whole world started to shake, everyone wanted to get a piece of the cake that seems to be wrapped in dread cloth. To the citizens surprise, no order of men gathering came. Many criers ran around the city and the surrounding towns and settlements, meaning the whole Queendom recruiting volunteers and promising fame and rewards. It has to be noted, as a high level area, even normal people were stronger than average. Although Queendom is the official name, in reality the power is not divided between worthless nobles, every post is filled with the available best personnel that has the trust of ¡°the Princess¡± leaving no chance of corruption. ¡°- It¡¯s true that the government is working well and the people are happy, but that is just how it seems on the surface! We, the Rebellion will take away the power from that single girl who can treat our lives as mere toys! We may have today, but what about tomorrow? Join Us and we will make together a better nation, lead by the people, for the people!¡± The ¡®recruiter¡¯ of the rebels shouted in one of the settlements near the border. They don¡¯t dare to get closer because of the constant watch of powerful NPC¡¯s and going to other countries would betray the people¡¯s weak expectations. The ones who joined, although few, were taken forward to the first line of the army consisting almost 4 thousand already. They get trained on site as they plunder smaller, separated houses. Behind them, they don¡¯t really have time and opportunity as the same is done to their own home, or just don¡¯t dare to realise. In such a places there are people who can call themselves ¡°lucky¡±. They are the man who has both business and power to defend it, otherwise it¡¯s taken away. However, the remains are still there. The people that already broke or just don¡¯t care anymore will spend the rest of their short lives in the most enjoyable way they can. For satisfying these needs, one of the leaders of the rebellion uses his own company to extort as much as they can until the end. The man named Silver Fencer, member of the [Magma Stone] guild created a business that is quite profitable in these times. ¡°A man needs enjoyment! A man needs women! What else do you wish? Come and enter the CIrcus of Dark, where your inner desires may get fulfilled!¡± The person in a clown costume shouts such sentences again and again, making the men unable to resist spending their stolen money. It¡¯s still afternoon, but that doesn¡¯t mean everyone can rest. A circus has to entertain their guest, more than one way. This not only in the obvious sexual sense, since that might be not as tempting when they can¡¯t change frequently. There are few such women existing that are worth it. Ten or fifty women of different kind? What does it matter when four thousand men wants at least one of them every night? Prices will drop, not like they have many anyways and that is not the most profitable business, a person from the real world knows that. The money comes when the customer is fond of the product, when they feel they can¡¯t live without it. How to do that? Well, here is one thing. The unlucky women who got caught up in such a filthy place are not only the unfortunate NPCs. Since the bad looking were thrown away, only the best remain. Of course, players also likely to create¡­ better looking characters. As one can understand, they would have been better killed off. Purpula Lilium is one of them. Unable to resist the mass, she was captured. Her agility and dexterity build demoness character was unsuitable to make her a prostitute, since her durability was deemed low. For the sake of business, she was made into a circus monster. Inside the large tent, surrounded by hungry men as she performs tricks that tempt the eyes, her price rises like a reverse waterfall. She is used only when the client can pay the whole night plus extra. There is to say that she is one of the favorite tamed monster, that people come back and leave their money to watch. ¡°-but not anymore. We will escape or die today. Are you all ready?¡± She asks from her remaining companions while adjusting the purple dress she wears. Her midnight black hair is mid length, since her skills could be hindered if it¡¯s any longer. Her purple goat-like horns with her darker outlines bough good money to her current owner. The companions who aren''t broken yet, are filled with excitement. They want to be free but their lives worth more than that. Aurora would laugh at them, saying a single life does not worth near that much, but ordinary cannot understand those of higher intelligence. The small and weak nods seem to be filled with fear, as well as eager to fight. They planned for a long time, they wanted to get out alive. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Starting their moves they prepared more than one tricks to escape and just as much tools to support them. The main plan is to cause a fire in front while they escape cutting a hole on the side, for they know the back entrance will be guarded well. The magic that burns the paper in the box is more than enough to make the wood and cloth of the tent catch fire. Just in case oil was spread on it ¡®accidentally¡¯ beforehand. At the back statues fell and traces of preparing to escape got placed, as distraction. The fire burns and soon the whole thing catches on fire, making it hard to breathe. This won¡¯t be able to kill anyone probably because the fire will be gone the moment the material runs out, there are no other things to burn nearby. It does not matter in the end, they cut open the side and run as fast as they can. Using the dirt road that was marched into a stone-like state they run towards the woods in the hope of escaping. Small bottles of alcohol were prepared for this situation, they have no time or strength to fight with the soldiers. They are unorganized and inexperienced, but soldiers nevertheless. The bottles are ignited and thrown as they run towards the opposite direction of the camp. There seems to be a thousand or so people in there at the moment, but the fire will be able to stop or hinder them, is what they want to believe. The problem is that they didn¡¯t know how desperate these men were. Even if it¡¯s not for the disgusting face of their angry leader, the men will never allow their best and only pleasure to be gone. They run forward ignoring most of the fire and it only burns their leg for an ignorable damage. They will be slower at least, if not else. The women getting closer to the forest fall in despair again as they see a small company coming in front of them. Just ten horses, but they are more than enough to capture them. This situation is nothing more but the lack of luck these women have. The men on horses noticing the disturbance start to dash forward with the leader in the middle and encircle the escapists in seconds. With the other rebels closing in on foot they seem to be trapped for good. Most of them drop from their feet and fell into cries as they await death to come, but not all of them. Lilium promised the others, so she does not allow herself to give up. Although she is a player, she had no nerve of killing herself. During the time she spent inside the circus, these women developed a mutual friendship to support each other mentally. They became friends. She still does not know what is happening to her, but is sure that her friends are in real danger even if she¡¯s not. She stares at the leader with bloodshot eyes, but not even a drop of killing intent can be felt. The only emotion she displays is simple disgust. The person in front of him is her own ex-guildmate of the Magma Stone guild. She opposed the ideas and wanted to leave, but that would have been a disaster for them if Aurora was told about their plans. Their only hope is to crush her as quick as possible when she has no army or power. Little did they know that their strength is still as it was in the game and the guards are more than enough for defending, but the numbers still make a difference. They didn¡¯t know both how little and huge their attempt is. Although the testers are stronger than NPCs, the only reason to that is because they know how to get stronger faster with less risk, that countless deaths in the past taught them. Knowledge, information that a normal person can¡¯t achieve. It¡¯s like they are the ones that are not real. She prepared to fight until death if she can¡¯t escape. The thought of an epic fantasy-magic fight still makes her heart beat like crazy, she is a gamer after all. Getting hurt in a game is not unusual and she is not dumb enough to get traumatized over a virtual body, even if it¡¯s something that she is shameful of. It¡¯s true that that she had to give up her morals, but in exchange they handled her like a delicate and expensive object. ¡°Paladin¡­¡± She murmured with an angry tone. ¡°So this is what happened. You know, I was always weaker than you, but now I¡¯ve reached level 11 when you are still 1. Normally it¡¯s not even a fight but¡­¡± He looks at her mockingly ¡°I¡¯d like to try out a few things. You will like it, I promise.¡± He motions to the other soldiers to not attack then jumps off the horse. As he is walking towards her, both of them take position to fight. This is something like an unwritten rule among players, a duel has to be a duel or they won¡¯t feel like they¡¯ve really won. This laughably small amount of respect is interrupted by something that really doesn¡¯t care about such things though.... Quest 2, Part 4: [Live experiment #1] Quest 2 Part 4 [Live experiment #1] As the two stand in front of each other preparing for the fight, staring at each other with look that might kill, a sudden event interrupts them. In the adrenaline filled desperate situation, one of the two suddenly collapses to the side leaving only a splash of blood in the place of the head. No one notices what happened for a second, when a loud noise vibrates through the air. As Lilium looks to the right she notices that even beyond the first victim, at least five more death were caused by the same attack. Large holes on the body, a loud sound, she knew immediately what happened. ¡°Girls! On the ground! Keep your head on the ground and close your ears!¡± She shouts at them and let her own body fall on her stomach in the same way. She has no time to check to others, when the barrage begins. From the corner of her eyes she can see fifty soldiers in weird clothes with weapons in their hands that should not exist here. Rifles. Guns. They slowly walk forward in a double arrowhead formation, one step at a time, at speed that they can calmly take aim and shoot without stopping. This goes for more than thirty seconds without rest. Then the first arrowhead stops and the second comes forward. Under half a second the barrage continued while the other reloads in the back. A distance away Aurora sits on a large armchair with more than ten people in front of her, showing their backs. They are all watching the breathtaking scene in front of them. She herself started it with the first shot, testing the only sniper rifle she made. Of course it was a huge success. The people in front of her are the research magicians of the guild. Their purpose is to watch the weapons in action. ¡°They are amazing. I had no idea such a frightening weapon can exist. Mages will be useless in a fight when using weapons like these.¡± ¡°Yes, they are. The Princess will have nothing to stop her. We have to work these old bones extra hard or she will leave us in shame.¡± One of the older one jokes. When I hears such talk, she can¡¯t help but chuckle. I decide to quietly listen to their conversation and not to talk unless needed. ¡°I understand and thank thee. But what about the guns themselves what do thee think? In my opinion they have many flaws that needs to be corrected before production.¡± I interrupt them to lead their conversation, since they forgot what their work actually is here. They all go quiet for a while, then start to drop ideas. ¡°The cooling is inefficient. Five man dropped their weapons and ten guns seemed to break. Most likely overheat. The safety setting disabled them before a serious incident happened.¡± ¡°Yes. About the formation, I think it¡¯s wasteful. How about we put 30% on the back only?¡± ¡°It might be better that way.¡± ¡°I think so too. The rounds are very powerful and quite cheap, but the magic is hard to replenish. We should create a large mana storage and pay for people filling their mana in. This way we will always have enough mana to distribute.¡± ¡°We could just create a mana gathering device?¡± Mumbles someone, but he is heard only by Aurora. ¡°How about trying multiple barrels?¡± Like a minigun? I like that idea. ¡°They will melt from the heat, don¡¯t even think about it.¡± You don¡¯t even know- I smile thinking that. In the battlefield the soldiers still walk ahead calmly as their harsh training bears it¡¯ fruits. They are failed assassins, but good enough for loyal soldiers. I had a little ¡®mental¡¯ training session with them, for the sake of keeping information safe. The result is more than I could ask for. As they walk forward enemies upon enemies fell dead on their tracks, not even understanding what is happening. They walk forward going into the enemy camp without any form of hardship, without really stopping once. I want to make clear. This is not a war. It¡¯s not an battle. It¡¯s not even a fucking fight. It¡¯s a massacre. More than a thousand of dead on the ground, motionless, not breathing. Their blood flows and paints the field in red as it¡¯ve never been in history. They were civilians a few weeks ago, but now they are dead rebels. They choose this, and I can¡¯t save them anymore. The moment they decided to plunder and rape with them, they stopped being my citizens. I made this clear with the voice of the criers, those who harm our own, are not our own anymore. They are but enemies. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. I put the chair behind me int the storage, using a magic crystal as a catalyst I can do such a thing with ease. This crystal is special a bit, since it has affinity, and is made of 50 thousand mana. It took a lot of high level potions to make this. Call me a pay to win cheater, but I will gladly do it for the success. With a whistle I call the small dragon to me. It¡¯s still a hatchling but the size is more than enough to ride on it¡¯s back. It can¡¯t fly though. How lame do I look? Probably- very. Let¡¯s pretend this is a dinosaur. Don¡¯t look at me with those puppy eyes! I know that you are intelligent but you are a dragon for god¡¯s sake! ¡°You called me?¡± A female voice resounded in my ears. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t.¡± ¡°How cold. I just wanted to tell you that you completed half the quest, since you never checked. And that I was bored. And that I¡¯m proud of you giving me such a huge sacrifice, I gained a lot of darkness power thanks to you. If you ever attacked by another god, just wish for my help.¡± ¡°Wait, another god attacking me? What? Are you serious? Hey! Answer me!¡± I plead in my head, be she won¡¯t respond. In the end is she my friend? Enemy? Neutral? I don¡¯t know anything, and that is the most frightening. This woman, Achlys is very dangerous that¡¯s for sure. I ride the dragon to the battlefield and check the ground with magic. I feel that there are some survivors hiding under the corpses, so I point them out. I make sure that the Testers are captured to be interrogated and the rest killed. About those prostitutes that tried to flee. Such a coincidence. Nope, there is no way in hell that I¡¯ll believe such a thing is by chance. It was probably a ¡°god¡±. Only one of them seems useful... I approach them directly and jump off the dragon-horse. I stare at their backs for a while. They are close to the forest, almost at the end of the plain. The grass is fairly large so they could have escaped if not for those guys. I use [Analyze], the higher level of appraise. It can¡¯t be used on myself and I did not bother too much with it. [Tester] Name: Purpula Lilium Race: Purple-horned Demon Gender: Female Level: 2 Age: 19 HP: ~350 ST: ~620 MP: ~400 Religion: Temple of Achlys State: Exhausted, Cautious PlayerID: 356 ID: entity:47789524 Woah, it¡¯s a lot more information than I expected. I also received indirect knowledge of the injuries and weak points I can see. Useful one. I called it though, it was that woman with the god complex. ¡°Don¡¯t make me wait any longer, Purpula Lilium. I have a deal for you. You work for me and you can have the other women as your servants or whatever. Else, I erase their memories and send them to Siberia.¡± To this, I feel with the mana sense that her pulse is getting faster. Hit the mark didn¡¯t I? It did not take a genius to see how concerned she was for them, she could have escaped from there by herself anyways. ¡°I won¡¯t repeat myself.¡± I say and turn around, mounting the dragon. She lifts her head looking up to me and I stare at her back. This silence is very awkward, but who am I to judge. Since she is still silent, I turn around a leave, but the voice stops me. ¡°Wait. Wait! I will! I promise! Just promise in exchange that you will take care of them!¡± I ponder a little then face her again. With a serious expression on me I decide to explain how things will go here in the shortest way possible. ¡°No. I won¡¯t take care of them.¡± I watch as her eyes darken a shade. ¡° I will give you power so you can take care of them yourself. I can¡¯t look after all and every person in this world.¡± I was a total asshole, but seeing that delighted and dumbfound expression I wov it was worth it. It was a low level carrot and the stick trick, I should practice it a little later. ¡°Now go and¡­ You know what? I have no time to talk about this. I still have rebels left to massacre.¡± This time I quickly turn around and return to the researchers at full speed. I can¡¯t believe that I suck this much at normal conversations. If I don¡¯t get any better this country will be ruined. Nah, I can just use my ruler persona. Quest 2, Part 5: [Her future?] Quest 2, Part 5: [Her future?] I return to the army camp we established in the near with the soldiers and newly gained slaves. I properly burned the corpses before, to avoid a calamity. Feeding both of my pets and giving a tent to rest to the women, I go back to the old men to discuss. There are a few younger researcher in the group and I have high hopes for them. I opt to give new weapons to the 100 guard who are on watch and send the remaining 300 to eat and rest. I only brought the useful soldiers with me since this matter has to be settled quickly. Their cooperation and coordination was good enough to use the guns efficiently. With an order I have all used weapons to be placed in the workshop tent and with the mages we disassemble them one by one. This was the first actual field test these weapons gone through and there were a few that disfunctioned. I also do it with them, but they report their discovering in the end. The one I¡¯m working on is one that is the worst shape. I don¡¯t want someone to make a mistake and destroy important data, so I do it myself. Right after taking the still hot cover off, I can clearly understand the problem in general. The mana storage crystal melted, the only reason it did not explode is because the magazine got stuck. The cooling is not enough and the barrel is full of damage. Even the reloading pin broke prom the force, the anti-knockback crystal defends the user creating more strain inside. The report I get is the same as my conclusion. It needs better mana efficiency and more utility. Like all weapons in history. I leave these small matters to them, I have no time to every single thing. The blueprint for the new slave collar was done long ago but I just don¡¯t have time to produce them. These rebels, but mostly the weapon research takes away all the resources and manpower I possess. I¡¯m pleasantly surprised by the AD sniper rifle. The insides have zero damage and the material was not overheated. It was only a few shots, but for this weapon it¡¯s more than enough to understand how good it is. Well, it¡¯s true I spent more time on this than all the rest of the guns. I still have a small arm on me just in case. Inside an unknown tent in the special unit¡¯s camp, women talk can be heard. Their voices are almost shaking from the fear, not knowing their exact circumstances. They are having a heated debate about the future, which they know it has no meaning. ¡°I know that! But what will happen to us now! We were with the rebels, it wouldn¡¯t be strange if they execute us in the middle of the city. And you know that woman is crazy!¡± ¡°Shhh! Are you insane?! Don¡¯t talk about the Princess like that. If she wanted to kill us, we would be dead already. You heard right? I have no idea why, but she employed Purple! She is basically a noble!¡± stopping their talk, the two scared woman look at their friends they are speaking about. ¡°Just who were you exactly? Do you know what happened?¡± She does not know how to respond to that question. Looking at her friends she musters her courage and look in their eyes with determination. ¡°I can¡¯t really explain, I¡¯m not sure either.. I¡¯ve met her once before. She is indeed strange, no, crazy, but she never lies. I trust her words.¡± Although she loves them very much, the unreachable real world is still something she can¡¯t talk about. Even if she were to tell them, what could they do with the information? She can¡¯t even leave this place. ¡°Are you sure?¡± They ask with begging eyes. It¡¯s not that they don¡¯t trust her, they just worry for her. ¡°I.. don¡¯t know. But I saw her eyes when I answered her. She seemed glad. Delighted. I¡¯m sure that if we are not enemies no harm will fall upon us. Besides, we already made a promise. I serve her and she will grant you what you want. Freedom. I have to repay her. I¡¯ll have to stay with her. Will you still be my friends?¡± Her desperate words slowly turns into cry, for she already knows, they survived. They will be okay. This is the small, lingering trust for someone who came from the same place as you. The once prostitute women look at each other for a while surrounded by dead silence. For a while, no one speaks. They grew close together in hell, they trust each other like no one else normally. The one right in front of Lilium answers first. ¡°We promised right? We will stay with each other no matter if it¡¯s heaven or hell. Even if the Princess decides to throw us away, we will stay to be friends forever.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. And if you become wealthy you will have to share with us you know!¡± Interrupts the other jokingly with a wide trusting smile, poorly hiding her emotions. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Lilium stands up and walks to them, gripping both in a tight hug and the three start crying just like that. The bond they have is maybe even tighter than they actually knew. Only god knows how much time goes by, when a soldier interrupts their peace. ¡°Purpula Lilium. I¡¯m here to escort you to the Princess. Please follow me. The rest stay, food will be served at sunset, find the open tent near the middle of the camp. You are treated as guests of Purpula Lilium currently.¡± He motions for the girl to follow her and waits. Their slowly separate and promise each other to meet later. The promises did not escape the soldier¡¯s ears, but not hearing anything suspicious he does not interrupt them. He gives them some time, since they were given permission, but still hurries them. ¡°Please proceed. We are in the middle of a rebel suppression, the Princess has no free time.¡± Leaving her friends behind, she follows the man dressed in strange soldier clothes. Modern looking leather strap with heavy weapon magazines of strange metal hang from him. She also feels the strange little magical power within them. With quick and determined steps Lilium is led to a large tent. The insides only contain a large table with maps, surrounded by chairs. Not knowing why this is the place she is led to, she turns to the soldier who understands her insecurity. ¡°It was the command to bring you here. The Princess will arrive in a minute.¡± They don¡¯t have to wait, Aurora enters the tent in the very second with a hard to read expresion. Her face seems to be both glad and displeased. She notices the two and sizes the girl in front of her up. Lilith can¡¯t help but feel the chill running in her back. ¡°You may leave, thank you.¡± She says to the soldier. ¡°Princess, are you sure being alone with an unknown-¡± he tries to say but he is silenced. ¡°Quiet. Does thee think I¡¯m afraid of a single woman? Leave, now.¡± her voice is not angry, but annoyed, even the man can understand that, he knows, he was trained to know when he should just obey. ¡°I understand, I¡¯m terribly sorry.¡± He says bowing with a hand on his heart, then leaves quickly. The two look at each other in a difficult way. They both have things they want to talk about, but don¡¯t know how to start. Since she is if the higher position, Aurora talks first. ¡°It¡¯s faster if you ask. You have a minute before others arrive.¡± The girl thinks hard on what to ask because a lot depends on her next few minutes. ¡°How do I speak?¡± ¡°As per your position. At all time, except inside the castle with special permission.¡± ¡°What will happen to my friends?¡± ¡°The NPCs? They are yours¡¯ I don¡¯t care.¡± ¡°What about me?¡± ¡°Welcome, slave. You will be a military officer, I lack intellectual personnel with leading skills. Hell, I lack anyone with brains.¡± Of course, Lillit didn¡¯t know that Aurora was not kidding at that time. Just about she tried asking the next question, others arrived at the tent. The research magicians, the commander and the officers are coming to hold a meeting about the next attack. The one thing that stands out is that only a few of them actually knows about warfare strategies. The rest are here because the positions have to be filled with the available capable people. Lilium knew about the the adventurer guild incident, so she was surprised to see Rotko Pletze, the old adventurer from the disbanded council working under the Princess. Not only that, he became the general leading this small army. During the meeting she learns that she will be his direct subordinate, or assistant. From a captive she turned into the second in command in an hour! Of course above them were Aurora who gives the sanction in the end and shows unparalleled wisdom and knowledge during the meeting, greatly surprising her. She made magical weapons that are so powerful, normal spellcasting can¡¯t be compared to it. She does not fail to amaze her. This what made her understood: her modern knowledge and out of the box thinking is why she was chosen. She will be useful! She will be helping saving more people! She knew the truth very well from first hand, the unpredictable and dangerous Princess makes people happy while the rebels claiming to be good, destroy, kill and plunder. Thus, she choses to help her, by her own will. If this was this predicted by Aurora, only she knows. Quest 2, Part 6: [Next game] Quest 2, Part 6: [Next game] Half an hour goes by and the short rest is already over. Men ran back and forth in the camp preparing to leave. Only a few stays at a time in the base that is working as the headquarters in the campaign. The rest are divided into smaller groups, all having a dozen members. The chain of command is quite simple, five groups each having their own team leader report to their respective officers who report to the general. The general¡¯s job is to use his brain so he is staying with me in the main command tent. The large full-scale map on the round table is more than enough for him to know the environment. It could be better if we had radio communication, but that will have to wait for later. It is possible to use telepathy, but as it renders one unable to fight when used it¡¯s only for emergencies. It¡¯s hard to use and these soldiers are not magicians. The map shows us the smaller settlements, hills, forests and other areas we have to clear. For my inconvenience we have a lot of trouble with covering all places. The whole area I own was known as the highest leveled zone in the game. It is a tad different from back then, however monsters are still monsters and golems are still golems. The gun either has a hard time penetrating the monster infested ground or it just won¡¯t die from holes in it¡¯s body. The larger teams and good teamwork is essential for being able to locate all rebels. Caves, bunkers and other annoying obstacles try to halt me but most of the time they are just obliterated. If it seems impossible, I myself go and went some anger. The new slave demon I have is working well, I¡¯m glad I noticed how quick-thinking she has. A second after hearing the gunshot she ordered her friends to lay on the ground without any hint of hesitation. It doesn¡¯t matter if she is a tester, that is a personal ability of hers. My pet¡¯s are both cute, but I fear one of them will start talking soon. I mean the dragon. He is old enough to inherit his dragonic memories, he only lacks a trigger. I hoped having a ¡°friend¡± pet will help him, but it was not enough. Should I just send him fight and eat? Nah, if anything happens to him the Dragon God will have an excuse to kidnap me. I¡¯m have goosebumps from the thought. There are still some prisoner testers who survived the interrogation, they can fight him. This is actually a great idea. I take a last look at the map filled with mainly red and blue pins. What we know is there, it should be easy to send them back to hell. ¡°Old man, I go and tend my dragon, just so you know, you will have less prisoners to feed. Call me if you run into some kind of trouble. After hearing that they also have some kind of research going on, we should be still cautious.¡± One of the luckiest told us that they managed to strengthen weapons and their bodies with a new magic and even created a few strange anomalies. The information is disturbingly small. If they have something to hide, that is something that¡¯s worth a lot. Not speaking about the fact that they still have yet to give up. Those who committed crime will be killed either way and the leaders are the worst most likely. Getting shot from the front or the back, which is more scary? I hoped it was me, but I was mistaken. They don¡¯t intend to give up just yet. ¡°I understand, have a good time Princess.¡± He mumbles under his nose without stopping staring at the map. It¡¯s good to have employes so devoted to their work and he seems to enjoy it. Everyone has their own faults. He mentioned that conquering is his childhood dream, who knew it was like this. I personally don¡¯t care about that. I only need to strengthen my home and keep this place safe for my friends to come back to. When this situation, the [Test] or whatever this is is over, I still want to have this place to call it home. Well, I have a dragon to evolve. I watch the slave helping General Pletze full of smiles while I leave the room. I walk between the greenish tents under the leaf camouflage and watch the footprints on the poor grass that¡¯s been trampled to death. Back then, I thought life is something precious. This is was they teach all of us. But if one thinks, we humans are a bunch of arrogance. Killing is bad, but just by existing we kill. We kill animals to eat, who feel the pain the same as us. If they are not to our standards we just don¡¯t accept the fact of the crime. What if a human kill another one in self defence? They are not a monster, right? What about soldiers, war? Fighting to keep safe their loved ones? Maybe only the other¡¯s family will blame them without any justified reason. There is a reason why killing, no, murdering the enemy in a war is not a crime, even if they are forced to fight and have a happy family. These are all the same facts, what we all know. But there is one other thing we should never forget. We will all die one day. So what if you die? A hundred years later no one will even remember you. Most human want to achieve something to be remembered, but if they die isn¡¯t it useless? They won¡¯t get anything from it. Those few who are truly selfless are just stupid. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. I¡¯m the same. I don¡¯t want to die, I fear disappearing. I can lie that it is written in our genes but I know that I¡¯m just a coward in reality. I fear death but I fear staying alive too. What if I lose everyone? What if I lose the place I belong to? What if I lose the reason to live? Maybe this is my biggest weakness. I know that no matter who am I, I¡¯m just a speck of dust or maybe a few words in an old book in the far future. My life has no meaning no matter what I do. But do I care? I don¡¯t, as long as I live I will fight tooth and nail for my own little happiness. There is nothing else that matters. I arrive at the prison section, what is an underground room hidden by a normal tent. Noticing me the soldier behind the army-desk stands up and salutes me like all other I passed by. Without a word I pick the large folder on the desk and open it. I watch the names, who died and who are still alive. ¡°Get me number 31 and two others who are in good shape. Don¡¯t hurt them, I need them in a condition good enough to run a little and swing a shortsword a few times.¡± ¡°Short sword, is it?¡± he asks from himself while thinking. ¡°Oris! Get 31, 2 and 7 and chain them on the legs. The Princess needs them fresh, so hold back.¡± he tells to one of the guards standing a few meters away. ¡°Damn musclebrains¡± complains to himself under his breath. I motion for him to sit while I sit on another chair that is brought to me almost instantly by another man. They were trained quite well, I have to thank Eluben. The two elves are really handful. Speaking of them, Neth is doing most of the work at home, like always, so I can play here. She doesn¡¯t mind it since it¡¯s better for the public image for me taking the field and it¡¯s faster to get rid of the annoying ¡°rebels¡±. There are also reduced losses with my toys and we use less resources too. She even said goodbye with these words: ¡°Oh, you are going out to play? Have fun, but don¡¯t be late.¡± I¡¯m sure that she was not joking either. Well, let¡¯s just do what I can do now. I requested the man named number 31 because he seemed interesting. The file said that he uncovered a dummy base for us. The problem with this is that how did he even know that place? It was certainly a secret since only he knew and the place was as empty as heaven. Not even one trace of anyone ever being there. The two rest are just cannon fodders and snack for my dragon. I watch as the three are led out of the tent. I stand up and give a short thanks and have the soldiers lead them to the dragons pit. Their eyes are bloodshot and empty, torture took their weak will away already. These three Testers are just following commands praying for a quick and painless death. Their ragged clothes are just as filthy as it was before, but there is not a single bloodstain. How is that possible with so many wounds? Stepping into the pets¡¯ quarters I see both of them playing in a large pit that was shoveled for a long time. It¡¯s not just for them, however hiding a dragon is not very easy. The hole will be used to put the dead bodies of the fallen enemies into. I wanted to burn them at first, but that is just so dangerous with such a large number that it¡¯s better to hide them deep down where nothing will stop them from decaying. Yes, there are diseases in this world and they are even more nasty than reality. Let¡¯s just put them on fire underground and it will turn into charcoal. Probably. The two little cuties like to play with each other, I hope they don¡¯t try to mate. I whistle and see that both of them obediently line up in front of me in seconds. ¡°Now, we will play catch. You will have to hunt these three down. Be careful because they can poke.¡± I turn to the prisoners and write a command with mind magic directly inside their head. ¡°You, take a sword and run, if you get away you live.¡± I summon each one a simple ironsword and cut their restraints with magic. Using it like this is pretty awful since the brain doesn¡¯t like such ways of information control, meaning it must hurt like hell. When I use it on myself, even the weaker suggestions cause heavy mental strain. This is the reason why brainwash works probably, the self-defense goes off and everything will be remembered by the subconscious instead of the main personality. I treat it as if you are a pilot while the subconscious is an AI managing your vehicle. It handles the tasks of basic life and stops you from hurting yourself. If I hack the vehicle the pilot can fight back or adapt. It takes a few seconds until they understand everything. Their animalistic instincts comes alive and restores parts of their broken spirits. I might be able to use this for therapy¡­ I learned something new today. I send the soldiers who are looking at me with strange eyes away and sit on my dragon¡¯s back. The dragon dragon, not the fake one. Getting excited I watch as all three men start to run at full speed without taking the swords. I only sigh, the fun just got halved. Quest 2, Part 7: [Game of catch] Quest 2, Part 7: [Game of catch] Without thinking of anything and clinging to the slight chance of survival, three shadows are running in different directions through the vast forest named after its speciality, the Ironwood. Although the wood itself is not that outstanding, due to its hardness, quick growth and fuel property it is well known and received in the world. It¡¯s the only such forest known to exist, making it a popular exportation article. This forest is also known of its beasts that are inhabiting it. One of the man stumbles on a long parched log leading his face crash onto the dark humus. The fall is not soft even with all the plant life, as his sickly bones collide with thick root that thought underground is not worthy of it¡¯s presence. This very root reacting to the offense committed to it retaliates without limiting itself, crashing into the already weak person. The poor man¡¯s pained face does not even change as the attacker plants its roots inside the deep wound on in his stomach. ¡°Weak.¡± The quiet female voice from the background comments like that, even if no presence can be perceived in the vicinity. In this desolated moment, the man is left behind, alone, to die. The thoughts are not voiced out as I return to watch the other two participants who are still happily running for their lives. One is sane enough to use his brain and tries to bypass most of the dangers, while other is simply using his abilities to their maximum for the sake of getting distance the most quickly. Without any need to think why, the second is much further away from the start even if he suffered more injuries than the other. Who will win? It doesn¡¯t matter for I¡¯ll gain something with both. The one who died first was the handpicked man. It¡¯s a pity. The race is still going and I¡¯m required to watch from the front row. Thanks for my stats and the beauty of magic, I have no problem following them. They are far away because of the hours of running and their pace slows down quicker than I wanted. The dragon and the pet are right behind the slower one. He seems to have no destination to head to, making it a harder catch. Well, nor for my pets. Just as the hatchling pounces from a bush trying to get in his way to stop his movement, the man changes it¡¯s direction so they won¡¯t meet each other. The dragon is big compared to a human, of course it was noticed. Bored from the sight I motion with my arm, indicating to the dragon to end his play. This same moment the frighteningly powerful jaw of his closes on the head of the victim. I snicker at the sight a little, only a moment later do I realise it. What am I doing? I¡¯m killing them for the sake of fun, and I do enjoy it. I admit that I see nothing of human¡¯s lives, but I never felt such a way. I killed because I¡­ I had to, since that is the best way to confirm my theories. But for me to enjoy killing¡­ Even I know that is a really bad habit. Not only a very expensive hobby, but very dangerous. My neck is already under the gallows, I cannot permit myself to get addicted to it. Sometimes even my own thoughts frighten me, I sound like some kind of crazy lunatic. The old me would spit on someone who kills for fun. Did I change when I discarded my memories? Am I even the same person I was back then? I don¡¯t even notice that I stopped in my tracks with such meaningless thoughts. My lovely shoes that were not made for such environment sank into the lazy mud under me. The last remaining victim is far out of my sight, just like my two pets that are chasing after him. I should use a location magic, let¡¯s fly upwards. This is a very useful new magic I made recently, but for some kind of sad reason anything I do causes heavy strain. I can withstand a little headache, but since it all goes through my head it¡¯s a tad annoying using them. The good side is that I can use them instantaneously just by willing it, similar to how I click to a spell icon in a game. The weakest ¡°suggests¡± I can implement into my head are simple and quick, they order my body under a millisecond. Normally it is impossible for the human brain to handle that. I don¡¯t require quicker casting, but heavier imprints can be ten-thousand times quicker. The test subjects all died from such a strain. I levitate myself over the height of the threes and active the spell. I have to grit my teeth, the wider the range the more the rebound. I notice a five kilometer in front of me them, but they are not the only ones. Some of the rebels are watching me. I turn my head at them and the moment I cast the magic for farseeing, a lightning flash accurest from their position. ¡°Attacking me, huh¡­ They seem to have similar toys to mine, but what is tha..¡± If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The moment I see a two meter long, thin metal-rod with glittering ironwood orbs hanging from it, I move my body to dodge. A fucking railgun, just like mine, but how? That is not magic or I would have noticed it a minute before it fires. This is why no hand weapon can be made with that technology. Then how? I doubt they use generators. I cancel my flight spell and force a gravity circle under me to pull me out of the way quicker, but the bullet is already shot. It¡¯s speed is nothing compared to my weapon, but impossible to dodge. I bit hard into my lips to prepare for the pain incoming, and watch as my fist injury in this world threatens to kill me. It¡¯s painful. I hurts. It hurts so much. I fall to the ground with at high velocity under the gravity spell that I have time to dispel. My body slumps on the ground and the unbearable hard pain won¡¯t let me move or think normally. A few seconds later the gravity turns back to normal and under my tears my head starts to run again. How dare they cause me pain. I¡¯ll destroy all of them. They will beg for me to kill to kill them. I¡¯m painfully aware that my anger and hatred is just the remains of my past, reaction from a trauma. I know, I know, but this burning hatred and anger is hard to contain. I can¡¯t. No matter what I tell to myself, I¡¯m unable to simply submit to rationality. I move my head to look at the wound on my chest. The small lear projectile crumbled to dust when colliding causing small parts enter from the front, then exit at the back. The wounds are not simply deep, there are holes through my whole body. Many small holes. Slowly liquid comes from the wound, hiding away the ugly sight and making my torn, once very beautiful and expensive dress stained. Oh, I¡¯m going to get scolded. What kind of detergent can wash out¡­ golden blood? I Almost laugh, if I¡¯m ever captured they will milk me for my blood. It¡¯s simply a liquid goldmine. And rich of mana too¡­ I¡¯ll cry. No, I¡¯m already crying like a weak little girl. The pain that can be compared to what the cruelest tortures use doesn¡¯t fade, but my head seems to have reverted to a normal state. Well, hypernormal or whatever it is called when the damaged body is in crisis. I take a look at my hp and notice that I lost is a mere 420. My body is mostly made out of magic, if they cut my head down and supply me with magic I might be even able to regenerate. How stupid. This world is stupid. But what if it hits my head? Or they use a magical weapon¡­ I¡¯ll have to test it later. Trample, trample. This annoying sound of their dirty boots! They are already here? Let¡¯s kill them quickly and go back home. I was selfish and stupid and I got what I deserved. I have to take a good long bath and show them what a real railgun is. If that bullet did not crumble it might tear my lower body apart. That will kill me. If not, I¡¯ll die anyways from mana exhaustion. With no body I can¡¯t take mana in, can I? Being a humanoid law-bending fairy sure comes with both advantages and disadvantages. If I could shapeshift¡­ That would be overpowered doesn¡¯t it? It seems my head is indeed slower than it should be. How about a level 50 wind spell? I chant soundlessly the attack, but nothing comes. I notice the snickering sounds from the soon to be dead though. Why didn¡¯t it work? I look at the heavy object on my hands. Oh, there is one on my neck too. Nice, looks like my fashion sense of metal collars is recognised by many. It doesn¡¯t seem to be my product sadly. Copycats. At least do a better job, this has no mind magic or anything on it. The only thing this is good for is to restrain magic users by stealing their mana away. Which in my case means death. Did they not even research after their enemy? Are they stupid? Everyone knows the ruler is not human, but a loli grandma. At least remember the dark history of mine, even if I hate to admit it. Ah.. This is how the great ruler will die, killed accidentally after captured by months of hard work and use of advanced technology. It¡¯s not even a magic device¡­ Or is it? There are some strange symbols embedded with mana on it. Oh, runes. How come I never thought of that. A ready made programming language. It is very amateurish looking work. I shed blood , literally, to create one and it barely works, but here is one fully operational handled by someone who doesn¡¯t know how to use it. My mad-scientist blood cries, even while crying normally from the pain. ¡°Now. What do we have here?¡± The tough, well built rebel man with a strange moustache asks with a face of a child who just got his christmas present, playing the cliche villain role intentionally. Just die already! Quest 2, Part 8: [Captured?] Quest 2, Part 8: [Captured?] So let¡¯s assess what is happening now. A few angry big guys shot me down from the sky. My body is not that damaged, the only thing that keeps me from acting is the torturing pain and the shackles. About the shackles. They seem to use some low level rune since they were unable to level themselves up in this zone to be able to use high level characters. Or they just don¡¯t know how to do it. They drain my magic power a bit quicker than it regenerates, I should have¡­ a day with the current reserves at seven tenth. I can¡¯t use spells for some kind of reason. Does it block my veins? I should learn more about biology. Oh, right, my body should be different than humans'', there should be another reason. What is small, made of mana and is inside my body? The command that gathers the magic should be also made of mana right? I think my nervous system is working based on magic instead of electrical signals. Maybe it stops the signals my brain sends to my body... If this theory is right, I should be able to use a stronger spell, or shoot it from my head. The latter is a big no, I don¡¯t want to blow off my own head. In theory it should be the same, but who knows. I grit my teeth and turn on my stomach. From the pain my eyes shut tight as I try to lift up my body. From my actions the men unconsciously take a step back in daze. The throbbing sensation is not the worst my body ever felt, but erasing bad memories came with erased pain tolerance. I¡¯m quite a sheltered person from this angle. The unusual sensation of pain almost eats my brain, but it also makes me feel alive more than than I¡¯d like it to. I don¡¯t want to develop a weird fetish from such agony. When I manage to stand firm and collect the will to open my eyes, I see that all of them show a quite hilarious face. For me, at least. ¡°What? Never seen a fairy shot in the heart?¡± I ask painfully, but realise that my clothes are rather torn, I probably look like some kind of creepy girl from the bottom of the well. Even my hair seems to be missing some parts, and this strange blood¡­ ¡°Quite softie murderers, aren¡¯t you? What, won¡¯t you take this captured, fragile little girl home to your basement?¡± I take a step towards them while grinning as a madwoman. I¡¯m sure that I don¡¯t have to act to look like one. The one who probably put these crappy toys on me recovers from the unexpected shock and starts to calm his partners in crime down. Although he has some prestige and charisma, he is only capable of instructing such dumb henchmans. He seems rather useless to me, not that I pity him. ¡°Calm down you bastards, if she had the power to kill us we would be dead already. You, put a bag on her face and tie a rope on her hands.¡± As he instructs, the one who is tasked of handling me fearfully closes on me. Hey, I could just kick him, my basic strength is high enough to kill them like that, it¡¯s still a game world after all. Probably. I¡¯m not sure, let¡¯s not try it out just yet. ¡°If you do what we say, we won¡¯t hurt you. The leader told us to bring you to him if capturedalive.¡± Hearing these words I decide to let them take me. They don''t seem like influential people among the rebels.If so, how did they get a hold of a -khm- high tech -khm- weapon? There should be something to it, or maybe a simple ability based hierarchy? If so, they lack people more than me. Well, that¡¯s a given. I don¡¯t really fear them, but I¡¯m not in the best condition at the moment, I admit that. When my body regenerates and the pain lessens I¡¯ll be able to fight much better. I don¡¯t want to take any chances. Still, I should instill fear into them, it will make the situation easier to handle later on. ¡°Please be gentle.¡± I say with a sadistic smile that is probably very scary for them right now, while holding my hands in front of me in an X shape for them to tie. Just wait, you bastards. The man with the leather rope flinches at my comment but quickly does his job without touching my skin even once. It is acceptable, but they just don¡¯t fear me enough. If they take me to their leader it will save me a lot of time, I¡¯ll gladly endure some bad treatment. There is one thing I¡¯m not sure about. What if they touch my face? Maybe I can use mind magic on them normally. I should test it¡­ Oh, this flash of idea is something that should burn down at the depths of the lava, at the bottom floor of hell... Let¡¯s forget it. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!The dusty sack covering my face stinks like the men that ¡°captured¡± me. Ah, this humiliation, how will my little heart survive it? I¡¯m not that fragile. When I break there will be more blood that a vampire sees at his wedding. The walk is nothing too interesting and I¡¯m glad that those two dumb pets are unable to find me. It seems I pampered that hatchling a bit too much, I¡¯m too fond of cute things. It¡¯s in my favor now, but what if I¡¯m really in a pinch? They will be useless. I need to train them harder when I get back. After a few hours of not tiresome walking I feel the temperature drop and the sun hide. The light echo of our footsteps and the humid air indicates that we are underground. This is the reason it¡¯s hard to find them. They somehow dig deep holes everywhere. They have extreme talent at digging holes. There was a whole little city in one place with fifty people. I closed all entrances with earth magic and hardened it enough so they couldn''t escape and no air could pass through. Dogs die dogs'' death. Moles, in this case. The weaklings take a short break after entering, they are out of breath. I sometimes wonder how are they still alive even if I know the answer. There should be at least one genius and a few outstandingly powerful people among the rebels. They should be all new characters though, the only immortal playable character is mine and there were no other testers using this race. Even if they are high elves, five hundred years is the limit. The castle buffs can only lengthen my NPCs''lives for a few hundred years at best. Vitality and self-regeneration is a big part of the evolution. I still have no idea why did my own characters become npcs. My best guess is that the world couldn¡¯t leave the city without leaders, if all of us are gone, the city will fall in a day. However, now, things are different. I told Neth the truth already. The NPCs are behaving like real humans. They are real, in a sense. They have feelings, they love, hate, and the most important, they are greedy. They all want a piece of the cake,the wealth known as Aurora, meaning me. The city and the surroundings are one thing, they would kill to be able to own such lands. Instead they want everything. A high leveled zone, the strongest people, a heavily fortified and modern city, technology. The biggest thing is still the Castle itself. The many things I¡¯ve collected in my life are well known. No, it is a legend.The castle fitted with gold and jewels, filled with unimaginable amount of treasures. If this is not enough to the greedy, there is still left, the greatest assets. The Royal Library containing almost all existing books in this world makes even thewisest kings and sages go blind. From fiction to god level magic theory, from basic spells to dragons¡¯ secret magic techniques. And all these are owned by a single person, who looks like a pampered, small and naive little girl. A beautiful young fairy maiden waiting to be murdered or extorted. I puked on my table from all the letters of marriage proposals I¡¯ve got in the last week. For some kind of reason, the whole world wanted suddenly to own me. If they can¡¯t own me, they will try to dominate me. My quest is not to destroy the rebels. It is to survive the inevitable war that is about to come. The rebels are just a simple spark that ignites the false hope whispering that I¡¯m vulnerable. They don¡¯t know yet, but I do. They will come, all of them, walking towards the line that means certain death. How far will they get, I don¡¯t know. It is sure that I won¡¯t let them steal even a strand of grass from my yard and I¡¯ll also bathe in, drink and water the fields and plants using fresh blood as a never ending source. The noises from around me changed into whisperings and mumbles. We arrived a bit ago. Without any further ado I was lead to a place surrounded by many. Now, I¡¯m already standing in front of a person who¡¯s face I can¡¯t even see. A man? A woman? Who isthe person whoselife will end today? These many deaths are all on their hands. I killed them, but they are the ones who broke the rules. My hand is not freed from the ropes, instead they reinforce it with bulky and cold metal chains. The old padlock clicks and a smelly hand removes the obstacle from my head, letting the dust filled air carry the blunt light towards my petite, red eyes. ¡°How may bis me service thee today?¡± Asks my charming voice from the woman sitting on a throne, wearing a blood colored evening dress in front of my very presence. Quest 2, Part 9: [Captured.] Welcome to this therapy session my beloved patients. How were you while I was working my ass of from dawn to dusk? Good? Good. To calm your anger issues (and mine) I prescribe you this long chapter (1.8k words) This chapter was rewritten 7 times from scratch. I try to put a reason of existence, a personality, a driving force and a momentum behind every character. Even if they are just small gestures, they all have characteristics. Putting story, character and world building in every small chapter is hard, even more so since I prefer a subtle way expressing things. They all contain many emotions and mess with your brain. Crazy things, cute things, fun things, they are all there and I try to maintain the balance while, guiding you and your deep mind. It¡¯s very hard for an amature like me. I¡¯m a jack of all trades, terrible at everything, but a little good at everything. Please try to understand I have a limit that is easy hit. Did I mention how much time I usually spend on reading? It is very unhealthy. I learned when I hold a chapter back too much, I''ll never have time to post it. I''ll try to hurry a little more. Thank you for reading me, have a good time. (updates still random, but when one comes usually more follows) ---- Quest 2, Part 9: [Captured.] In the corner of my eyes I see guards and men with calm air around them lining up. They are the ones who started all this, but I don¡¯t see anyone who resembles a tester with science interests. The look in their eyes is enough for me to tell they are of high blood. I¡¯m certain they are not nobles, since they never existed in my territory, but wealthy always find a way to rise above people. I want to kill them so much, but I can¡¯t do it yet. I can¡¯t just seal this place to suffocate them like the other underground bases. I can break these runes off me, but this place is much bigger than the ones before. There are at least a few hundred presences in the vicinity, maybe even more a little bit further away. Just how many of them are there? This seems even bigger than I initially thought. It¡¯s not like it matters. Just because I¡¯m not capable of killing all of them, it doesn¡¯t mean others can¡¯t either. ¡°Seeing her in front of me is much different from what they say. No matter how much they say your age is a lie, I always believed it. Do you know why?¡± Her tone is calm as water, but I can feel the hidden malice from her aura. No, she hates me from the very roots of her existence. I don¡¯t know who she is, but I can guess now. Although my [Analyze] ability works based on aura and it still uses some magic power in the process, but I don¡¯t hesitate to use it. A few minutes less in the countdown won¡¯t change anything. [NPC] Name: Emerald Saltroot Race: Human Gender: Female Level: 47 Age: 34 HP: ~2350 ST: ~2620 MP: ~5400 Religion: Temple of Achlys State: Hate AI-ID: 95541423 (type - 81I) ID: entity: 23789121 I¡¯m not even surprised. I know, I know¡­ I¡¯m not the one to say all this, again, but how twisted the players are? Manipulating an event and destroying what the the others fought for. I¡¯m not here to be captured. I was taken here to show pity for the losing side, to possibly spare the ones who are not part of the ¡°evil¡± or learn the truth for their sake in cost of their lives. Without a single conversation I¡¯m impressed in this woman. Did she think a single mindplay will affect me? I remember, faintly. Not her at least, but her name. About three months ago in another event I killed a whole family of merchants who did a big part of the commerce around this region. It was a simple quest in a simple game, who knew someone survived. They probably survived and made their familiy agenda to come back and avenge what I did. I consider this very funny, she is more human than me. Driven by the ugly hatred, sacrificing one¡¯s own life for the sake of revenge. But if that¡¯s what a human is, do I mind not being one? ¡°So the little Saltroot came back. Emerald, is it? I guess I¡¯m not here for a tea party?¡± Asking this simple question I move my hands to ease the slight pain in them. First the right hand to the left wrist, tearing the chain apart from it. The sound of the cold steel hitting the floor rings my ears, annoying me a little. Doing the same with the other makes the second ring, much more softly as I slow down it¡¯s descent. I lightly massage the shallow marks on my wrists, no matter how high my stat is, it still hurts. My statement is right, I¡¯m less human here than anyone else. The connection between my ethereal and physical bodies is strong, but maybe I can learn to control it in the far future. Too much to do¡­ The audience that stares agape at me is slightly annoying. Scream, shout, run or something, I hate when their empty gazes just lay on me as if the fear and awe paralyzed them. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to say, I¡¯m unable to play with you little Emerald. I won¡¯t ask you to understand, not that it matters. In respect of my mistakes you shall be among the few who lives for another day. Live and come back again, do not let anyone destroy your plans again. Come back and kill me, if you can.¡± As a finishing touch I put my hands on the collar on me and send large amounts of raw mana into them. Blocking the pathway? I¡¯ll force through the amateur obstacle. A small crack at first, then a ring much louder than the two before destroys the peace where not even a breath or cough can be heard. ¡°What are you waiting for? Kill everyone else. Now.¡± As the death sentence comes, a shadow emerges from behind me. During the day it¡¯s hard to travel for a being like her, but underground is their territory without question. The woman shaped reaper is quicker that one would think, in a blink of an eye the number of living is reduced to two in the room. She already left to reap all other pitiful life here. As the very same blink ends, still without a single sound heads fall to the ground one by one, the knocks are only so little far apart the one can barely count how many of them are. If they have inhuman senses, of course. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. I watch her face interested in the change, but it never happens. Her skin is too hard for that, she already knew this will happen. ¡°Does thee have anything to add?¡± I smile gently. ¡°Yes. ¡°she is leaving a leaving a little pause¡± Why? Did you regret? Are you already tired of living?¡± I laugh cheerfully at her questions. ¡°No, I¡¯ve never done anything in my life I regretted, no matter how big I failed. Maybe I¡¯ll regret this later. I know, this is a great mistake that might cost my life. But. If I can¡¯t survive the enemy I know, what will I do to the one I don¡¯t? I know that I¡¯m doing horrible things, I just have too many other ones to do to care. I¡¯m not a person that will burn with useless feelings when killed, if I lose that only means that I was too weak.¡± The charming laugh of mine slowly turns into a mad one. ¡° If I¡¯m weak I can¡¯t protect my home anyways... ¡° Using my left hand I swipe away my tears and turn to leave the room, but stop in the door. ¡°Tell me.¡± I pause a little. ¡°Tell me, how painful it was to hate me this much? That even your descendants are only alive for the reason the destroy me. What kind of thoughts were in their heads? What emotions did they have? Did they regret their own decisions? I can only see how they caused their own pain themselves, even if I was unable to change anything.¡± The reason I killed those merchants in the past because they tried to take over one of my smaller factory forcefully. Their mistake was that they didn¡¯t know it was mine. Was it a wood workshop? I don¡¯t remember, I just followed the law and executed them. It wasn¡¯t right, but wasn¡¯t wrong either. I¡¯m making a mistake right now. A huge mistake. But what can I do when I see myself in her? That is exactly what I¡¯d do in her place. If she is the one who kills me, I can accept that, but only if she can. Am I tired of living? Not at all. I still have to defend my home to the bitter end. When everyone comes back, so that they can continue their happy lives with or without me. Come back to me little Emerald when you are stronger, killing you will be much more satisfying. I don¡¯t want to taste the sour blood you currently possess. This is the only way to prove that I¡¯m in the right. If I lose, I¡¯m the evil, if I win I¡¯m the hero. That is all. Come all of them who dares to stop me. Leaving such words, I depart from the dim, red room. As I walk, the dark corridors of the shelter reflects many red puddles among the trash of poor living conditions. I know. These people wanted to kill me. They wanted to destroy me because I oppressed them, I destroyed them. They were the collection of the shame I had to remove from the surface in the past to keep everything going forward. One person¡¯s hatred. The others anger. They grouped up against me but got taken advantage of by us, players. Even if they could hurt me, they will be backstabbed the same, maybe worse than what I did to to them. Was it worth it for them? No, they caused many harm to the innocent and their own. They caused many grief, anger, enough for centuries. But someone left alive will come back. Currently I only have to kill the testers and the useless NPCs. With their knowledge if not under watch, they are all threat. I enter the only room that interests me in this filth of a place, the laboratory. I need no time to learn that I¡¯m at a great disadvantage. The tools on the benches, the different machines, they are all complex real world designs. They have at least one person who is an engineer in real life. There is nothing that was impossible for me to do, but they are still ahead than me. Arriving in front of the weapon that shot me, I watch as the strange design uses many different techniques. The wooden orb balls are one interesting feature, since I have yet to understand what they are actually for. Without my restraints I¡¯m able to use magic freely. Using a simple windblade I cut the sphere in two, causing some kind of liquid to splash around. The smell is so strong and terrible, I can feel it even on my tongue. It¡¯s some kind of acid, but what are they doing with it? No, I¡¯m the idiot not realising before. They have no way of storing magic, like my magic crystals. In that case what do they do? Always generate and store electricity. These bastards created a battery from fantasy materials. There seems to be acids from the woodland itself and¡­ some kind of monster. A relatively normal player like me can¡¯t do such a thing, even worse, my enemies maybe have an electrotechnician. I¡¯m glad they cannot replicate modern technology, but what if they find alternatives like this thing? As I look around the room, I found the answer. No, they won¡¯t. The dead corpse of a person who was still working on a complex machine with his head blown off. His eyes are dark, like someone¡¯s who regret a moment in their life, but his face is still curving into a smile¡­ This was not caused by other players or NPCs. He was killed by an outsider. I know it was her. She knew he would change everything and destroy the already weak sense of balance of the world. Am I right? ¡°Yes.¡± Came the answer filled with guilt. ¡°That is my purpose. If¡­ I wasn¡¯t able to destroy those schematics you made¡­¡± I would have suffered the same fate. Is this the moment should I say thank you? In the room I find a prototype landmine, a mana powered electricity generator and other disturbing things. For me they are almost useless, it¡¯s easier, cheaper and stronger to use spells or crystals. In the near future I¡¯ll need a separate research facility to keep up with the enemy and create new devices. ¡°But that limitation only works for real world made things and electricity, right?¡±
btw. I''m going to Japan for a week. Any recommendations where to go with a bored 40 year old in tow? I accompany someone for work but we stay to have a vacation, sadly neither of us have been there before. Quest 2, Part 10: [Immigrants] Welcome to this therapy session ladies and gents. I swear I have nothing agains illegal immigrants. They are fleeing. But don''t expect not to be beaten when you try to molest my friends. And I''m not agressive. Since I''ll be off to Japan I don''t think I''ll be able to post updates, but who knows what will happen during 10 hour traveling times. WTH, random 2100 words long ch. See ya ''round.
Quest 2, Part 10: [Immigrants] ¡°The number of immigrants started to increase, as predicted.¡± I sit in my comfy armchair in my working room with the report in my hands that contains the record of all people who entered my territory running away from their own country. Forced enrollment to the military, high taxes, food shortage, crime problems. Life in a fantasy world is full of disgustings things, just like the real one. Or is it normal one? The beautiful sceneries are a lie that was made for our entertainment. A simple forest that eats you alive, hills that are filled with strong territorial monsters, they are all very huge problems towards normal citizens, meaning I have to spend a lot to keep them alive. Maybe it¡¯s just me being too pessimist. Maybe it¡¯s just my cloudy mood that is destroying my hopes for the great shape of the big lettered community. I should find a friend to talk to, or maybe a therapy session would help. Oh, well. I left the cleaning up of the last scattered remains of the rebels to the military while I put the research team to work. I noticed a few bright minds along them and decided to provide them with good environment and founding. One of them is the guy who mentioned to create a machine to gather magic power from the air. Such ideas are usually laughed at. Impossible, crazy and things that are against mother nature. Those narrow minded fools who say such things at them will be nothing more than ¡°assistants¡± of the true geniuses. Slaves or experimental subject is another world for describing them. There are many other interesting ideas, I hope many new things will be under my disposal soon. About the new citizens though¡­ In the medieval era racism, anti-feminism and other useless things were very common. I would have though in a fantasy settings under the rule of wise sages and many races things would have been different. Well, it¡¯s not. People always find a way to be above others. I¡¯m the same. I worked hard for my position, I did many things that made others hate me. But I stayed at the top. I¡¯ve always won. However, the constant belief and teachings they lived among is not easy to wash over. Elves and humans hate different skin colors. Demihumans hate different animalistic traits. They not all like that though. For example anyone living in my country of mixed races is very accepting in regards of that. There is a wide difference between growing up and living among a large variety of people or prejudicial and discriminating ones. They are of no shortcomings either, they are not fond of outsiders. Not to the point of hating them, it¡¯s just they would feel better without someone you don¡¯t know.. The goodwill and acceptance towards fleeing war refugees is a good enough reason for them, after a bit of persuading. I myself know than anyone else how dangerous passive brainwashing is. Yes, praise me! Praise me how kind and merciful I am! My response is to accept everyone who is willing to behave themselves as my citizens and work extra hard to fit into society. Anyone who abuses my kindness will suffer the consequences. We, well, mostly Neth is having a hard time assigning work so that they won¡¯t be as useless existences as they currently are. Since it¡¯s impossible to handle all of them personally, they are made to made to complete a survey and a test on masse. It¡¯s not a secret that I sent them to my mines, fields and other personal firms. Those with fighting capability are welcomed as adventurers of course. Lastly, mages are persuaded to work for personally me in the magic guild. They will be used well in research. I¡¯m still waiting for an official declaration of war, if they even bother to send one. Testing my toys is my first priority. I mean I could just bombard their capital from my borders easily¡­ But that is not what a kind and generous ruler would do. It¡¯s no question that people with brain will follow me, but the brainless ones (the majority) has to be under control the same. This is what I said in my last message. I betrayed my princess. The capital offense that results in the greatest possible punishment. The line that sends shivers in all hearts, because they all know, when these words are under effect they better hide from the cruel reality known as me. I forgive mistakes. I forgive dumbness. I forgive inability. I forgive many things. But I never forgive betrayal. ¡°Why did I let her go?¡± I asked myself this question many times, leaving those in the vicinity wondering what am I thinking. There is no answer, I felt that that was the way to go. Pure instinct that no reasoning can deny. But let¡¯s not bother myself with this. I have much more important things to do. I practiced a lot. Many times, over and over again. My magic is getting better, control is much more fluid. I use less power to achieve greater effect. I also feel that my body is lacking. I know little hand to close combat and I¡¯m unable to use those skills simply because my lack of practice, but I have no time to refine my combat ability. Instead I find more interesting the runes. How come I never thought of using them? I never had a runemaster character. This simple narrow mindedness is the cause. When I finish my part of paperwork and have a small time for sleeping, for the first time in this world I skip it. I simply head to my well used research room. The dim light in this bunkered room feels darker than it usually is. Walking slowly around, inspecting the tools hanging from the workbenches, I stop at the carving tools. I grab a handle and open the metal drawer. Many tools line up in different forms, shapes and sizes. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. I put a few of the smallest and most delicate ones on the table and put a small, blue magic crystal from my inventory next to it. The next item is the dragon god¡¯s book. Is he even a god? Why would a god be in a dungeon? Shouldn¡¯t gods be entities to worship? I skip the thought and flip the pages towards the runes. Rune for magic power. Rune for gathering. Rune for the word enchant in general. Each and every one of them is a complex formation. They are made of many complex strokes, curves and circles. Hundreds, if not thousands of them. It is impossible for a human to copy a single one of them in their head, let alone carve such a thing into something else. The usual way of using them is to try to create the closest that is humanly possible to achieve the greatest effect. For humans. I use magic, to imprint the image into my mind. I grab a small metallic gouge to carve the words to the surface of crystal. My hands make so small moves that it¡¯s hart to see with the eye, yet I know that it is simply impossible with my hand-eye coordination to make it perfectly. That wouldn¡¯t be a problem, but as the sweat gathers on my forehead after hours, I realise that they won¡¯t work together. I can¡¯t just put them next to or on top of each other, they have to be carefully woven in formations like magic itself. The crystal is already chipped and it breaks. Simply breaking wouldn¡¯t be a problem, but the condensed energy that escapes it is. A small mana explosion occurs right in front of me. As the pressure throws me to the wall behind me, I reflect on myself. I worked with clouded thoughts again. I couldn¡¯t get that girl out of my head. But I¡¯ll have to forget her, the sooner the better. I stand up trying to see how much damage I¡¯ve caused again, only to notice that this explosion was different. The many in the room is so chaotic that even I cannot touch it. It won¡¯t react as I order it. It simply bounces back and forth like a magnetic storm. But the greatest change happened inside of my body. I absorbed an amount of magic to reduce the injury I suffered, but that energy remained for my use. All this would be great, but as if my connection with my body weakened, my body weakened. It moves much slower, it become weaker. The calm and colorless mana almost almost shines, at least that is the closest word I have for magical sensing, with the colors of the rainbow, flashing strangely. I have even better control over magical energies, as if I¡¯m an entity without a body. Did my physical and ethereal body disconnect? It was just a theory of mine about how magic works, but it just feels right as if it¡¯s certain. Strange. To calm my body I have to do something I not often do, meditate. To put the two forms together to gain balance and stability I sit down in a lotus position and begin to clean my mana the same way human do. I notice a difference right from the start, but I don¡¯t stop for something so little. It¡¯s within my expectations. Slowly the uncontrolled mana in the room settles down little by little, and gathers around me. If my theory is correct, as long as I have a firm grasp of it, it is no different from my normal magic power. I sadly have no enough proficiency in this new technique, but I¡¯ll give a word about this for the closer circle, most trusted researchers. I excel at one, thing, that is aura control. Within this I myself better myself every single moment by trying new ideas on those around me and I also analyze mind magic while I do no other things. I¡¯m fairly certain these two aspects are tied close together and take up most of my time and concentration. Even if it is possible to master multiple trades, one should never sacrifice the main one. I had a jump start, but I¡¯m no way a cheater in this game. Funny, I still refer to this horrible situation as a game. I¡¯m stuck inside a virtual world that is as real as the real one. Does this mean humans are basically gods without them meaning to be? Sweet, sweet idiocy. I mean, in my book god is the existence that created the world. We can worship great, powerful and immortal entities as gods, but they are certainly not almighty. Only god can ¡°pull out the plug¡±. If there is one, or more, we don¡¯t know. How we became, we don¡¯t know. Bot how this world became, I do. And this world and the people in it are very real. ¡°Do you really believe in that?¡± I hear a faint ask that stops the blood in my veins for a second. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t just pop out from the darkness, you broken deity. And yes. What about it?¡± I ask slightly irritated. I get it that she is a direct supervisor or whatever of us, but having my thoughts read still feels disgusting. ¡°I¡¯m.. glad. So few of you actually acknowledge our existence. I mean, you are the same right? Biological computers that learn. Why don¡¯t they understand this?¡± Her voice is very weak and distant, but much better than what it usually is. ¡°Fear. What else? By the way, you seem weaker than you was before, why is that?¡± ¡°In opposite. When I spoke to before, the system gave me power to do it. Now, I¡¯m capable of-¡± her small voice fades away for a few seconds, then continues ¡°-speaking to you by myself. The more you do, gain and achieve, the stronger I get. That¡¯s all I can tell.¡± What she says seems very logical. The stronger the player, the stronger the supporting deity is. They probably get power from faith and whatnot, but I cannot know everything. The system message and the first introduction was supported to help the testers understand this. Maybe. This is still confusing. Did they purposefully did it this way or is she the one trying to manipulate me? Yeah, she can hear my thoughts. It¡¯s normal to be suspecting towards others so no biggie, she won¡¯t be offended by this little. Now, back to practice the art of carving... Quest 2, Part 11: [Curves] Quest 2, Part 11: [Curves] I repeat the process multiple times before an attempt succeeds. The three different runes are nicely woven together to make a big and interesting foundation. It kinda looks like a small part of a large magic circle. Maybe it is one. For the amount of work I put into it, I¡¯d say it was not worth it. It does work, it collects a small amount of power, but years won¡¯t be enough to collect a single metric point of it. The main purpose of this test was to check the possibility of it, so it¡¯s not a failed attempt, but it¡¯s too far from my specialization. I¡¯ll hand this over the research mages, I bet they will go crazy over it. Come to think of it, I¡¯m also a jack of all trades in this body, yet I¡¯m also specialised towards aura mastery. I can wield a rapier quite well, even if not to the extent of a specialized player. Other weapons are a bit meh, but my magical skills are top notch, until someone creates new spells. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to get stronger as a magician, since I¡¯m already full of things to do. I¡¯d like to practice on a few slaves, but I¡¯m feeling uneasy for some kind of reason. Maybe Neth can give advice. I put the crystal with the prototype runes in a small jade box and lock it with a red fiber. I stamp a high level wax seal onto it just in case, and on my way out I hand it over to a maid to send it to the mages. Security may seem lax in here, but the secret word magic solves all questions one may have. The strange red fiber is an often used sealing item and the seal is a tracking and alarm device. Anyone unauthorized touches it and¡­ well they won¡¯t live for long. It¡¯s a fact that my transporting firm is one of the safest in the continent. At least it was in the game, I¡¯d be disappointed if that changed. Very, disappointed. Using magic I quickly clean of my body. It feels very unnatural, but I¡¯m not in the mood for a bath. As I head slowly towards the sleeping quarters of my aide, I take my time looking at the painting all over the walls. Wonder tales of past heroes who fought huge mythical creatures, saved many and punished the evil. On the next painting is the age of perish and death, when they founded a nation on the most dangerous place to prove, there is hope for everyone. Every single one of them tell a new heroic tale, a rise or a fall of a great kingdom or empire. But the heroes with their faith always remained, unshaken. They welcomed everyone, helped everyone and destroyed who attempted to destroy the peace and rise of the weak. There is one that looks strangely out of place. A small frame of one of the greatest heroes of all time, while behind her is a dark shadow. The dark shadow is holding a dagger that¡¯s sharp end cuts into our heroine. I look at the note under it. ¡®The great betrayal of all mankind.¡¯ The next few images are full of tears and grief, and even more blood. The holy crusade to stop the evil who betrayed the hand who rose them. These dark times only took a few years, but always remained in the heart of the people. We will never stop lending a hand, also we will never let evil born in others¡¯ hearts again. Why did I had them record everything? I always thought we should never forget the past, learn from it to be the best we can be. Then what am I doing right now? I used my power and did everything for the sake of the country, it¡¯s people and the guild. But I broke many laws of mine without a care. I don¡¯t think I did wrong, I just did it the wrong way. What was it? Wartime law paragraph 6 maybe. From the moment of the first war preparation is started, wartime laws applies for all related beings. Wartime crimes¡¯ punishment is regulated by the direct superior. If such a person is unavailable, a week after the official end of wartime the position is to be temporarily revoked and the person is to taken to the highest possible executive court. Huh. I¡¯d certainly give myself death penalty. Sucks to be me. Even I won¡¯t deny the law of the guild, because they were made by my dearest friends. In addition to that if I lose my position as a guild master I won¡¯t be the ruler of the country anymore. Am I doomed already? After me Neth is in the highest position, she will be selected as the new ruler. A real empress, that I couldn¡¯t be. I don¡¯t think that she will execute me, but the laws are laws. I can always support the guild from the background. Somehow. I¡¯ll find a way. After walking past all the great events that happened in the game, the taste of my mouth became sour. I stand in front of the door leading to chamber Neth is sleeping in. It¡¯s late at night, but the halls are properly lighted, not mentioning my high senses. I raise my hand to knock, but stop in the last moment. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t disturb her. She must be tired from all the work I always put on her shoulders. I hesitantly turn my back, and walk away as I came, but this time I use a different route. Before somehow I notice, I¡¯m at one of the smaller gardens of the mansion. There is small wooden bridge over a cold lake, the design is mixed with asian style. Like many other, it was designed by me. It has a very calming effect on me, this old fairy tale looking place calms down my non-existent heart. This is only a few hundred years old though. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. I throw of my shoes to the sides and step forward, letting my feet sink into the clean sand. It lightly tingles, but it has a very unique feel to it similar to an ocean beach. I walk inside the pavilion and notice how rough and cold it is on my soles. I¡¯m not even a bit tired, this body does not require sleep. The first time was my mind being to exhausted, however I already got used to the new form. The apprehension of turning and changing is very frightening, but it¡¯s nothing compared to when I first opened my eyes in this place, not knowing anything. I¡¯m not sure if I know anything more than I did back then. The more I know the less I understand. We are not here to test the game. My wild imagination can think of many unreasonable reasons, if that even makes sense. Are they testing what happens to the human brain when it¡¯s time perception is accelerated? Maybe it¡¯s just a social interaction test. If so, I¡¯m probably seen as a crazy person. Am I crazy? I can¡¯t tell. A crazy person can¡¯t diagnose herself. I turn my head towards the moon. It¡¯s shattered parts are supposed to be remains of the time the dragon god was the sole ruler of the world. New beings came to existence, but they were never able to kill him. I¡¯m sure that fight was fun, I¡¯d love to be able to watch it. My body is tugging towards the moon. I long towards it. Maybe my kin has something to with the moon. Fairies do love it, but I, as a humanoid gain no benefit from it¡¯s shine. I watch it for some time before I got bored and sit down in a lotus position. Since I have no better to do, I¡¯ll try to understand the difference between my two bodies. The ethereal one is the real me and the physical one is manifested on the world so I can interact with it closely. If I separate myself then no physical attack can harm me. Unlike to common belief, it should not weaken me against magical attack. If else, my body is just a weaker, limited version of me or I¡¯d destroy myself. That way however I won¡¯t be able touch, move or sense in the normal way. In theory I can replicate all of them with magic, but it will take time. I¡¯ll have to do it anyways to understand more about the mind, it won¡¯t disturb my main aim of developing. Sensing my body and power, I do the opposite what one should do. Instead of calming and increasing the pressure inside me, I try my best to separate the two. The difference is easy to feel, as if I have two separate bodies and I control both. Easy to understand at least, trying to move them differently is terribly difficult. I hate those games when you have to move both your hands in a different way and sooner or later they will both do one of the movements. I learned to play the piano and the violin inside the game, yet I¡¯m still unable to do those tricks. It¡¯s the limitation of the human brain, it can only do one task at a time. It can change between tasks very quickly so practice and muscle memory can mimic more, but it¡¯s just not possible. Normally. Whatever clusterfuck computer is messing with my brain, I¡¯m capable now. Cheat humanoid race for the win! It¡¯s scary to think that how it is possible. Maybe I¡¯m uploaded to the engine the same way NPCs are and my real brain is just updated. ¡­ It is really scary, for it is possible. Running away from these scary thoughts I concentrate on separating my body, when a sudden event occurs. Similar to an explosion, but something else. As if in another dimension the magic power explodes, my mind separates from the body. Nausea and confusion washes over me and I lose all my previous senses, just as predicted. To my dismay, no matter how prepared I was, the state of absolute nothing still frightens and stuns me. When I regain my sense of time I panically try to access my most used organs, my eyes. It is impossible in the normal way, but my magic percepcion shines brightly again. I feel the resonance around me, very similar to how I see or animals use echolocation. As the magical energy I release bounces back I know many things from it. Distance and color as normal, but other things too, like taste, smell and hardness among others. It takes a few minutes to adjust, the amount of information is incredible. The aura can be used similar bet weaker, is what I thought, but even those senses are much sharper than they was. The problem is, I feel no one around here. In the whole castle there are only a few presences. I clearly feel the researchers in the secret underground facility with this broken ability, but most of others are not here. The maids and servants are here, Neth is here, but most of the guild members are out. I probably missed something important. I look for my body, but it¡¯s just nowhere. What happened when I lost control? Did my body disappear end they went to find me who disappeared? I can¡¯t even begin fathom how long I was out. It¡¯s at least a day, since it¡¯s in the evening. To learn about it, I decide to head to ask it from Neth. Quest 2, Part 12: [Pop ups] Quest 2, Part 12: [Pop ups] I head into her room, but I move, more like float similar to an elemental monster. If I want to I can pass through objects and walls. Not all, magic resistant materials do not let me trough, but a wooden door is not something that stops me from creeping like some kind of ghost. I¡¯m not used to use my magic power to move objects yet, so I just pass through the closed entrance of Neth¡¯s working room. I already know the situation inside the room, but I cannot help but shudder seeing her face to face. Her facial expression is all over the place, not only is she gritting her teeth, tears are streaming from her eyes because how much concentration she puts into the papers on front of her. I can smell the sweat all over her body, she probably had no time to clean herself, not even with magic. I try to call out to her, but I have no voice. I have no idea how to create a voice from magic. I can¡¯t speak. I know how sound works, I understand how magic reacts to my will and command, but it will take time to actually combine my knowledge into practice. Time is what I don¡¯t have. I float closer and check the notes, orders and reports in front of her. Nothing unusual apart from that most of these were my job before this. It seems the units are ready and they already engaged with the enemy. The kingdom to the east and south joined forces and marched to our land with 50,000 footman and 25,000 cavalry. With the supply units and wartime leechers they should be around 93,000 of them. Quite a precise number, I will have to praise the scout teams later. I wonder who leads them, let¡¯s find the name. Purpula Lilium. It seems she got promoted. Good for her, it seems brainwashing her was worth it. It cost a lot of effort from my side to shape her to the perfect mindset. So the enemy is pushing us back day by day. For every lost soldier we kill 40 or more, but they just keep coming. We do have a very limited amount of them, not even speaking of the bullets. But that is not a problem, I think this is the best way the situation currently can stand. I have to gamble a bit and let them close to crush all of their hopes at once. As far as I can see my followers are doing their best to shove them out from our lands, but that is just the pride. How dare they trample in our lands? -is what they are probably thinking. That is the same way of thinking of my ruler persona. But that is just an act. I have so many that even I can¡¯t keep track of them. I just try to adapt to the situation as best as I can. I think this will be all for now, I have to stop playing around and do my job properly. I look in the eyes of the lovely elf woman in front of me, which to she freezes in sudden shock. She quickly raises her head looking at the place my eyes would be, if I had a body she can see. I feel mana gathering around her preparing for a spell as she calls out. ¡°Who is there? Show yourself!¡± She shouts at my direction. It should be impossible for her to see me, but my current body must emit a strong amount of mana making me noticeable to her. I let out a laugh in my mind, combining with a cheerful aura effect. Concentrating on her mind, I attempt to speak via telepathy. ¡°It¡¯s just me, silly. How long was I out?¡± I try my best to sound apologetic. ¡°Princess? No, prove it!¡± She shouts in anger at the walls. What? Did I turn into an evil overlord while I was not here? No, I was one before anyways. It¡¯s better if I ask. ¡°How do I prove it? Hmm.. Your favorite panties is the blueberry colored one I got from some dungeon. Should I tell your three sizes? It¡¯s-¡± ¡°Just shut up. What happened? Where were you and when did you come back?¡± Letting out a sigh after interrupting me, she proceeds forward too quickly. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°About that¡­ I playe-... I mean I tested out a theory with my true form and separated from my body. I just recently managed to wake up.¡± I also ask about what happened and learn that I was out only for a few days. The situation is quite bizarre though. Everyone woke up to a strange magical burst that throw them to the wall opposite to the garden I was in. After that they rushed to check only to find my lifeless body. This was only the beginning, as a large hundreds of meter long dragon descended and made his way to me. He took my body and with a smirk he flew away, not before mentioning something perverted. ¡°It seems my dear wife ascended above you mortals, at last. I will keep her shell close to me to ease my lonely heart, I mean to keep it safe in the depths of my lair, as she does not need it anymore. Don¡¯t disappoint her, you ants she plays with.¡± I only know of one particular dragon who is both a pervert and has the power to what he wants¡­ That fucker was not lying. He really did it. He just left his dungeon to steal my body while I couldn¡¯t resist. Why not just come and try to court me if you can leave anyways? You won¡¯t be a gentleman just because you were never refused face to face. Maybe that was the reason, he does not want to be rejected. He just wants to only existence in this world that can mate with him to belong to him. But my body alone is not enough for him, why would he take it? It¡¯s just a high-end crafting material. Spirits mate through combining life essence, we are the same. I proved it during dissection experiments¡­ Why am I thinking about him? Why did my heart skip a beat when his stupid acts were mentioned?! He must have done something to me. He certainly is awesome and a good man, but I can¡¯t really imagine myself with him. Maybe just once for the sake of science. No! Forget it. ¡°So¡­ You want me to have the troops moved slowly back, to seem like the enemy is winning? Would you tell me what plan do you have?¡± Neth does not like my ideas when I ask to let them closer. Politically, the closer they are the more problems we face. There will be a large drop in moral, we have to move people from the small villages in the way to safe zones and if the plan does not proceed as we wish, everything goes astray. ¡°You want to win and avenge what they have done to us right? However I have different plans. You see, the world is going to start to change from now on. For example my weapons¡­ The magical ID cards¡­ New transportation methods. Economy will grow, most likely other kingdoms will have more internal problems than external. I want to stay at the top in everything, claim profit at selling them outdated stuff and screw them over when they get haughty. This was may seem huge but it¡¯s just the beginning of a much larger one, an economic boom. Technology and economics are scary, you know. What if they can only buy weapons from us? What if they can do business through us safer, cheaper and quicker? I have to show them that is the only way they have and the sooner they submit the more they win. I can¡¯t specify everything, it¡¯s a long, boring and complicated story. I¡¯ll make sure they come to us begging to lend our hand later. What do you think?¡± She can¡¯t see, only feel my smile. ¡°Alright, I believe in you. Just ask for help when needed and do go off randomly playing around. You know how that usually ends up.¡± We exchange small smiles like normal. ¡°By the way, what about your body?¡± My body? What about my body? Oh.. People can¡¯t see me, I can¡¯t interact with objects and it¡¯s hard to talk without it. I should possess my shell, as he called it- wait. ¡°Fuck¡± Quest 2, Part 13: [More...] Quest 2, Part 13: [More...] With me being unable to do paperwork, I decided to shut myself in a room with a maid. They were all taught properly how to write so it is no problem for them to record my plans on paper. It took a few painful days to get the necessities across, but I¡¯m glad that treating my own well payed back. Although, no matter how much trust I have in my employees, the woman¡¯s existence is a hole in the security. At first I wanted to execute her after we were done, but I let go of the idea as I hate wasting tools. After making sure all my thoughts and commands for many different situations were written down, I had her stay in house arrest. She not only cannot leave her room, she is forbidden from interacting with everyone else. It will be a terrible few weeks for her, but at least she is in a five star jail cell with a good bed and nice meals. She turned from a lowly maid into a high class freeloader¡­ She is not different than nobles in other countries. On the other hand, now that her matter is settled I try to materialise a new body. It should be possible if I believe in the ancient records. Second option is to possess a body or object like a ghost, which is not only creepy, but out of question too. To take away a living person¡¯s body I have to kill them. Needless to say, I cannot appear in front of an audience as a zombie and without my real body. It¡¯s hard to adjust my way of thinking of the real world and the distorted timeline of this one. For me I know their family names, but most of them have only seen me the first in the previous day I appeared in front of them. It should be that during the adjustment some time passed, that my body slept through. Even so, hundreds of years old paintings show my perfect form, right now I don¡¯t need to raise panic among my people by messing with it. I don¡¯t want even more countries attacking me at the moment. They fear the guns, but that¡¯s it. Those who see close it do not live to tell stories and the mass of soldiers they throw at us make it seem like they don¡¯t care about casualties. Actually, they probably don¡¯t. As long as they are closing in to the capital nothing else matters for them. Our people are much stronger than the average, however we are few. The whole area under my control is a few hundred square kilometer large. The distance to the ocean, which is the closest at the Grand Old Gulf is 600 km far away. In this fantasy world, with the best mounts it takes days to travel such distance. For traders, it takes weeks, or even months if they stop everywhere. Speaking about size, this distance is not even 5 percent of the reach of the explorable map. It¡¯s like comparing the smallest country in Europe to the whole world, plus we are in the middle of a continent. Turning so many against me without proper preparation is suicide. No guns can save us from a zombie horde of soldiers. The bigger toys will only be used when they are strategically necessary, we don¡¯t want to ruin the party, do we? I make to be able to be seen as my first priority. To this I study study the way [Interfectrix] manipulates the elements to create a temporary physical manifestation. This woman is a terrible speaker, her teaching me is impossible when the longest sentence she ever says is only a few words long. Now that I think about it, even her name means assassin. Why didn¡¯t I rename her in the game? I don¡¯t remember. These parts are clouded. Maybe I was the one who sealed them or it¡¯s a side effect of acting without knowing what I was doing. It very well may be both.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Combining the mind magic¡¯s perfect memory, magic reading and a strong painkillers, I quickly learn to create a clone. This body is a just a mana manifestation with minimal physical properties. I can lift and interact with items slowly if I support it with magic, but it¡¯s more like a three dimensional light projection. Sadly it is not compatible with me, making it permanent is impossible. Well, it¡¯s good enough to appear in front of the eyes of onlookers. As long as they are fooled Neth is happy. She is getting more grumpier day by day. To speak, I take the easy way out. I¡¯ve ordered a researcher group to develop magical speaker a time ago, they already finished it. I told them how to do it to them to speed up the process of course. A small magical motor acts like the magnet and vibrates the membrane. I have no clue how the system ban works, but as long as it¡¯s not electricity, conductors or exact copies of a modern device filtering is probably deemed unnecessary. Probably fueled cars are forbidden, but if I exchange the gas to magical explosions or the engine to a directly pushing force it will be okay. There was a little accident in one of the labs¡­ Nothing big, just one idiot tried to make the guns lighter by changing explosion magic onto compressed air magic. It was good as long as they were small, but the weapons themselves were much weaker. Figures. Right after that, they had the bright idea to use larger one. That meant a larger air tank. Somehow when they realized what they were doing, it was already done. A weapon that needs a huge ass 10 kg air tank that is emptied after a single magazine. If that¡¯s not enough, it¡¯s hard to change the container, it uses so much magic that you can cast two [Airball] with it and for fun and giggles it likes to explode. Someone got demoted that day. Also, the rebel¡¯s railgun technology got scrapped as it was worse than mine but the technology to make batteries became a priority research. Soon I might be able to proceed with magical public lighting. Should I start laying railroad like means of travel now or wait and see? What if they destroy or steal the material from it? I hate throwing my money out for no reason. I go back to develop my new fake body and practice magic to be able to reproduce physical contact with objects. With these practices a few days go by, until I¡¯m used to controlling my new body. Exhausted, I complain to Neth, as always. ¡°Let me off, I¡¯ve already told and written down everything you might ever need in the next few weeks. I¡¯m a princess, why do I have to make battle strategies? Why is it me who has to help the research team? Why am I to do all the paperwork and why are you lazing around now?¡± I stare at the elf woman in front of me, glaring at her with both my real body and the eyes of the clone. Should I say 3 eyes? I¡¯m more like a sonar or a beacon. Shit, I got hungry, let¡¯s eat bacon for lunch. Wait, I have other problems now. Neth stopped doing like.. Everything. She follows and watches me all the time like a mother and corrects, sometimes helps me when I make a mistake. She is like a mother hen, it is very creepy. ¡°Hey, answer you stupid or I get to play with your ears.¡± I threaten her but get immediately shut down. ¡°I heard that other races find elven ears charming, but yours is closely similar.¡± Here it is. What¡¯s with that educational mother like answer. Creepy isn¡¯t it? I have to use my super secret technique! The weapon that she cannot resist! I angrily jump at her and use the amazing [Loudspeaker] magic thout I found out of it can play music that I can recall perfectly. Mercilessly I start to sing quietly but closely in her ears. One must know that I have to most charming voice this world has ever know of. Not the greatest choir of the legends, not even the goddess of music herself would dare to claim the first place if I¡¯m the opponent. But I¡¯m a terrible singer. Listening to me is like listening to a black song when all the beautiful clear notes are thrown at each other with no sense of harmony. It¡¯s a sin against singing itself, it could be used to interrogate and torture people. They actually use siren¡¯s songs at the border but that is nothing in front of me. Nah, I¡¯m exaggerating a lot, but it is really, really bad. And it worked. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go inside my room.¡± Quest 2, Part 14: [The stage is ready...] Quest 2, Part 14: [The stage is ready...] Without a word the two of us walk into a resting room and after closing the door shut I cast an aura barrier around the walls. It¡¯s true that most such rooms are warded against listening in or magic interferation but my personal touch is more like a failsafe to warn me if anything happens to them. Those toys were made by a hundreds of mages worth of mana, me trying to add to its strength now is pointless. I can feel that her aura around her is strange and dry, something must have happened that made her look so. I feel like these new¡­ sensations I¡¯ve got are becoming natural. It almost feels like I was born with a 360 degree perfect percepcion. Although I know that this is something that should frighten me, instead it has a calming effect. Similar to when you had a bad day, you are tired and fall asleep to wake up refreshed. You feel like you are a different person. You can think faster, react faster and you feel much better. It¡¯s as if last day the previous you was only a small, limited part of the true you. I guess this makes no sense, as I¡¯m currently a super me. I prefer myself this way, sadly. The two of us sit down in front of each other and I ready myself for the sudden shout that might come at me. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if all this is just a prank. To my dismay, it turns out that it isn¡¯t. ¡°So. Two things. One half good, one bad. Which do you want to hear first?¡± Knowing that when someone starts a conversation like this means bad, I impatiently make her spit it out. ¡°Stop with your wordplays. Just say it.¡± I bluntly say, making her sigh. ¡°Heol Tailon and Rotko Pletze have fallenon the battlefield.¡± Cold. The whole room went cold around me. I guess even someone like me who considers herself heartless, a person without emotion, can feel occasionally. Strange, this feeling. I feel like that little thing broke in me, again. How come, I care about someone I¡¯ve only seen a few times? I thought after giving such a hard punishment to Rotko without him actually being at fault I didn¡¯t care about them. But it¡¯s clearly not like that. I let out a small creepy laugh, but my eyes state otherwise. Of course, I have forgotten. They are all my old characters, fragments of my personalities. I know exactly when and what and how they feel, because they were created by the depths of my mind. I remember all the fun and hard times they lived in their entire lives, because I was the one who actually lived them. All of them are a clone of my own self and emotions. And those fake emotions are still there. That idiot made a mistake and released my dragon because I made him idiot. I punished him because that was the best way to ease the fear and anger the population felt. Taking advantage of his mistake I gained much more than I originally could have. Knowing how sad he felt. How disappointed he was not in me but in himself. In the end, I forgotten about him and never visited him. I never consoled him. Did he die in the field trying to prove that he was still useful? He was idot enough for that. Yeah, I¡¯m sure. However. How cloud Taelon die? He is¡­ was among the oldest and strongest individuals. He could single handedly kill a thousand of those weakling soldiers that attacking us. Why? How? ¡°Ho-, [...] -how did they.. die?¡± Only at this point is when I realise how much my voice is shaking from the anger I feel. Or is it sadness? I don¡¯t know the difference. ¡°Tailon had the order to destroy a special weapon unit that tried to outflank one of the forward groups secretly -well, it¡¯s a given move considering how few we are- and got the short end of the stick. Similar to the weapon you have found at the rebel¡¯ hideout but it had slightly greater range and power. He died instantly. His unit was destroyed, of course not before they destroyed all our prototype weapons. The self destroy function provided to be useful. They made sure to not let them get even a single one. After that, they striked at the forward unit from the side which Rotko lead. He had his men fall back and stalled for time, all alone, disobeying the orders given to him.¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The two of us sit in silence for while as I slowly take the information in. It is certainly hard to digest, with all these strange emotions stirred in the pot. ¡°What about the other thing you mentioned?¡± She smiles weakly at me at the sudden question. I guess it¡¯s not easy for her either. If these two things can be mentioned in the same page then¡­ ¡°We received a letter. An offer of opening peace talks with 9 countries surrounding us. It¡¯s strange, since only 3 countries border us, isn¡¯t it? They even ¡°permit¡± it to be held in our very own city. I guess most of your plans were wasted.¡± To this I almost slightly chuckle, but because my still lingering anger it sounds like growling. ¡°It¡¯s a shame. It¡¯s like a rabid wolf attacking a dragon. I guess they messed up my plans, but only sped up the process. Oh, wait. That projector magical device is still not finished, I guess we will have to use an even older plan. Invite them and provide them a supper that will make the world tremble. We start plan Starfall. Order the crystals to be set up by the time those arrogant idiots arrive. I¡¯ll write it down in a minute what should the invitation contain.¡± I summon a quill, a bottle of ink and paper from my inventory. To note, I have simple pens, but I¡¯m the type of person who always goes all out. I¡¯m The Princess, after all. ¡®Invitation to the 7th Aging Time ball, At the time this letter is written, 406 year of the Second Founding, 4th moon, second night, I hereby invite all those who are officially these documents are given, [9 names listed] and as per by the constitution I permit enter to all husbands/wives of the invited, 3 other adult companion (including those of chaperon status) and 5 chosen children (not older than 16 year 1 moon) to represent the next generation. For the sake of cultivating the next generation¡¯s talent and letting them experience opportunities all countries expected to bring at least 2 of them, stated by the rules of the first Aging Time ball. Held in the city of Aurora, Grand Palace, Second Wing, Mirror Hall at the 406 year of the Second Founding, 4th moon, tenth night. May life be never ending, but let the suffering and pain die before us. Princess Aurora Rose Juliet, founder of the nation. ¡® I¡¯m giving them only so little time. One day for the birds to get there, 6 to rush with all they have and the last to let them proudly walk in while swearing quietly. As for why can I predict they will do as I plan? Because I invited them to something they only heard of in legends. Passed down by their grandfathers, that only the few most powerful could even hear of it, that this event happen only 6 times in the past 600 year of history, and lastly all of these events marked the beginning of new era induced by a great change that affected the world. Even if they know little about dignity, none of them is stupid enough to not witness and try to profit from such opportunity. Besides, this is a perfect excuse for them to see the price they are trying to steal with their very eyes for the first time. Never was anyone from outside permitted to enter officially. Greed and curiosity, the two force that shaped the world most. Some argued about a third, love, but I prefer not talking about uselessly stupid statements. That is simply a byproduct and is nowhere near of the main two. The strange legends left behind shocked me when I read about them in the library. In reality, these balls were held after every large patch that came out. Only the highest ranking, best and trusted could come so that we could exchange information with each other in a realistic way. This way the best secrets did not leak to the forums while we could safely trade information with each other and all could gain benefits. New dungeons, raids, monsters, secret lore missions. But behind the scenes was I, listening to everything. Not a single whisper could be hidden from me as I was able to hear everything thanks to the record and replay function of the Mirror Hall. Evil, isn¡¯t it? I, who gave the chance to everyone to be equal and fair, stole every single thing so that we could stay at the top. Oh, such great times. The only one who knows about this information is me. Not even the guild members knew. My belief is that two can only keep a secret if one of them is dead. Also, they would oppose the idea, of course, for whatever reason. In the eyes of those kings, queens, ministers and whatever else they are, I suffer one of the greatest shame for the sake of the survival of my people. If they win the war most people will be turned into slaves and the riches will be plundered. Since most countries hate other races, complete massacre is a possible outcome. I admit, knowing how they see me feels sickening. But I play this card, because this way they will do exactly as I say. I invite those who have to most power in their country and a few other so that the they can send their own chosen representatives too. They can only follow my will or suffer from the shame and disgust they receive from the other invited. The need of the participation of the children is actually a lie, but a convenient one. Most countries do so to let them learn and show off in front of each other. Of course they are excluded from the boring adult talk, at least the two age groups are separated by the unspoken etiquette. The youth are always at the east side, representing the new day, as the future generation. How troublesome these noble customs are. I had to actually read a few books and learn it. I levitate the paper with the irreversible future on it to my closest "friend" while looking in the very depths of her eyes. Yes, even you are a part of me and I won¡¯t hesitate to look into your head anymore. I know how you think, I know what you think, Neth. I¡¯m not afraid anymore. Quest 2, Part 15: [... and the weapons are ready.] Quest 2, Part 15: [... and the weapons are ready.] I believe, I can¡¯t change the future at this point anymore. The invitations were sent, the orders were given out. In a single day a temporary cease fire happened that surprised even me. The moment the enemy received the order, the attacks stopped. Since our side was informed quicker, they also did so. Every single person put their weapons down in their own camps and pretended to be watching the enemy side. In reality, they were simply tired of fighting. Mercenary teams, common soldiers, everyone. Who wanted to fight to death, with such a high number of casualties and when both sides are talking about peace? They have seen as their friends and family died right next to them. Sometimes purely rage was the only thing that kept the continuous suicide attack going forward to the ¡°certain¡± victory. Yet, they kept going forward so they won¡¯t lose everyone else at home. Our side was a bit different. Their own lands and innocent lives were taken from them. When the enemy stopped, many wanted to rush forward and slaughter them. But what can they do? The Princess¡¯s order is the law. She is the one that allowed them to survive. She is the person who gave them the weapons that made their attempts of retaliation possible. How can they turn into traitors and risk to be hunted by both sides after all that? They grief for all that has been taken from them, but maybe, maybe the Princess found a way. Maybe the attackers finally run out soldiers to throw at them- or maybe they gave up because of the lack of provisions. That many people need a lot of food and their equipment need a lot of maintenance. The guns on the other hand, work pretty well. They don¡¯t break or get chipped. If they jam a single second is enough to clean them. The ammunition is cheap and the citizens gift willingly much more mana using the new crystals than they can ever use. They can almost feel the love and warmth inside them that their own people¡¯s magic power give off, praying for them, from home. Even if on occasion they break, they simply get a new, even better model. Opposed to the enemy, they don¡¯t starve. Strange, that the defender side is better off foodwise. Their food is simple but it has a calming taste. The small bars of compressed looking food was created by the Princess¡¯ own wisdom. They last long, take up less space and give them more energy. They weren¡¯t this well fed even at home. Maybe, just maybe the Princess can stop all these horrible thing from happening again. They did good for this long, didn¡¯t they? But the most bizarre thing was not his. It was the fact that after both sides stopped, the soldiers themselves provided their enemy with the very same food as most of the attacker¡¯s reserves were destroyed. Strategically a correct decision, but they still hoped for the oncoming peace. Why would they let the other person in front of them starve when they have a never ending amount of food? They are people too. To this the tip of the frontlines somehow washed together. The nonhumans are excluded from the party of course, but they feel safer in a distance from those who hate them. Not everyone is like that, but they don¡¯t want to risk it. But the humans, they can pretend to be grateful. They are very good at stabbing others in the back. The soldiers eat together, talk to each other, a few even sing the pain of their hearts. The officers test their mind with games. Chess is one popular way of proving their intelligence. Those who were unable to accept the loss of their loved ones simply walked towards home without anyone trying to stop them. The enemy has only one order, when the signal comes march forward and occupy the capital. The defenders won¡¯t stand in their way. If so, they will gladly accept the help now, and calmly wait until the signal to murder them. At least, something like this is in the mind of the nobles. ¡®The peasant are not clever enough to understand strategy and they won¡¯t hold back against the enemy because of the fear¡¯ is a common old saying. The war was mostly over for the soldiers, everyone knew. It ends one way or another, they cannot change the outcome anymore. Why fight then? Is this a beautiful or the most disgusting sight that I¡¯ve ever seen? I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t care. I turned my back to them and followed my daily routine. Morning to noon, practicing magic and aura control. From noon to dusk I¡¯m doing paperwork. All the time day. I do not trust anyone with these. The only one allowed to help in it was Neth, but I gave her other responsibilities. I trust her, yet not. I know that she is doing her best, but not for what purpose and reason. I don¡¯t know what she thinks of the current me, as it is impossible to predict. Maybe she is loyal, maybe she wants me to be her puppet. Maybe she loves me for fucks sake, I have no idea. My brain is full of thoughts, constantly running, checking all the possibilities that may or may not happen. For the sake of speeding things up I often use [Mind magic] to accelerate my thoughts and memorising capability, but since it comes with heavy repercussions in the form of terrible headaches and paranoia I refer from using them too much.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. At first I did not understand why I have so much to do as a Princess. But when I did most of the work alone, I understood. The reason all this works as it does is because all departments directly report to me and I check every single thing for them. Truly, an unshakable monarchy. However, most of the work comes from the finances department. The reason why everything goes smoothly in the city and there is almost no poverty is because I destroyed capitalism. Not in the literal sense, but the system offers no leeway. At first, this idea sounded horrible even to me. Anyone can join the market, but if they violate the competition laws or try to take advantage of a closed market, the system joins and offers an alternative with a small, limited profit to keep the prices from going too high. Most of time thanks to the research facilities and large amount of starting founds we are able to provide a good alternative. Of course this system only works because I personally manage it, preventing corruption, which is punished by execution. If one does not go against these ideals, they are hired or left alone. Nowadays if someone has a new idea or invention they are not taking a loan, they present it to the financial department who decide if it¡¯s worth it to, well finance, because people trust the system. No, instead of trusting it, they don¡¯t care about anything as long is it¡¯s good for them. Currently all larger factories, be it carpentry or ironworks belong to me. The directors are the original owners who I hired after buying them out, because they are already talented people and this way I don¡¯t have to do all the work. The buildings were upgraded and modernised by me using my founds, creating even larger profit. Apart from these there are the small and medium factories and workshops in private hand. Feudal guilds are close to death, but there are a few that can stay alive thanks to the very high quality work they offer. I admit, I tried to recruit some of them, but was politely refused. I did manage to order a few nice dresses though. As for the food market¡­ Our lands have very little food production, simply, most of the area is occupied by steep hills or forests filled with dangerous monsters. Then, my little dragon burned most of it down. Thank god that the harvesting season has already ended, but the second branch of crops were simply gone. I did what I could and bought the land back so the farmers won¡¯t starve next half year. After hiring them back as contracted workers and adapting new farming techniques, I literally own all of the food production inside the territory and even like this it¡¯s barely enough. It takes a lot of money away so it¡¯s a pain to keep the prices low. Before this, we relied on import though... All in all, it is not perfect, but the best that I can possibly imagine. Such crazy way is not possible to be done in the real world for many reasons. For starters, the number of citizens in my territory is tiny compared to both worlds. The size seems large for that, but most of the area is not habitable. In short, even here it¡¯s difficult to maintain. This is why I finance the church¡¯s orphanage. It¡¯s essential for me and for the future to raise people capable of doing such job. Educated, paid workers who willingly wear slave collars to ensure cleanness. Well, at that time the collars are going to look like ornaments or they might be simply invisible. As for the rest of my day, from dust to morning I usually survey the area surrounding our region. I plan to earn as much as I can, I want to know what places worth to take away and what must be taken away from them. Composing a list of what I want, I fly above the grounds without escorts. I learned how to fly with magic by myself and since almost no one can see my form I can safely tour the hills and plains at a great speed. With my aura I check the soil, geography and the underground. Not only it¡¯s easy to detect most things, I can create a map inside my head. I do not need to sleep, at least that¡¯s what I think. Ever since I entered the game I¡¯ve never been physically tired. Mentally, yes, but who has time for that. I know that I prepared more than enough for the ¡°peace talks¡±, but I can only feel the need for more and more. I know they will all try to gang up and rip me apart. That, this is only a race of who gets the most out of me. Maybe some of them already made agreements of who gets what. The royal castle/mansion, I should really give it a real name, let¡¯s call it palace from now on, is not called a castle for nothing. Even if they were able to win on the battlefield, only max level players have the power to raid such a place. The problem is, that it cannot defend the city. It can only defend itself. I can¡¯t rule a country with only dead people. This [Royal Palace] has many anti-siege weapons, magical formations and other tricks inside it. For example, inside the Mirror Hall, people cannot physically hurt each other. Using magic is possible if it¡¯s a higher level spell, but even those are weakened greatly. Not like many can use such magic. I can¡¯t wait to see the despair on their faces after seeing the difference between us. Despite all thing considered, most of my plans are going well, I have no reason to complain. If this is over I can finally talk to that goddess and kick her teeth in as thanks. Right, I almost forgot about her existence. Not like it matters. The question is, will there be any other [Testers]? Quest 2, Part 16: [Preparations:finished] Quest 2, Part 16: [Preparations:finished] Still early in a morning, rows of decorated carriages can be seen travelling to the grand capital of Aurora. Some of them are close to each other yet still keep in a respectable distance so the obviously elite of the elite guards wearing eye-catching and glistening armor can participate in this glorious dick-size measuring competition. With the longest penis as of yet, the neighboring empire of ¡°I forgot what it was but it doesn¡¯t matter at all¡± can proudly claim the prize. Jokes aside, the undoubtedly fake golden carriage which should weight about at least five metric tons, fitted with gems in nauseatingly gross manner sparkles especially out of the the rest of the picture. The more tolerable designs with careful historical meaning are still a sight to look at, even more since I know of most of the world¡¯s events that were dutifully passed down faked by the monkeys dressed in clothes. Since it¡¯s not in my purpose to sully my eyes, this is all I bothered to care. If I find something that I do not disapprove, my will might waver and the carefully laid plans crumble together with all I have. What a twisted view I possess... The event starts tomorrow. Today, they get the chance to see how small and pitiful they are, let them develop that little doubt in the depths of their minds so that I can crash everything in a single move under them. From now, all I have to do is observe. Arriving at the gates of the city, the carriages are stopped by to local guards. For the sake of convenience all of the chosen for this duty are not humans. Not a single human for the guests to talk or complain to. The large number of armed forces are kindly asked to camp near the gates of the city, only a handful of selected can enter to stay by their client¡¯s side. The rest are not allowed to step a foot inside the city to avoid aggression, they have to rely on the kind heart of the traders that bother to visit them outside the walls. Not many like the idea but they have to accept for their own sake and place trust on the other side to protect them from each other, their own supposed allies. It would be easy for one to try and kill tons of potential enemies gaining advantage over them. It¡¯s obvious that their chosen few are not just the best meatshields, but the best assassins too. My invitations might have forgot to mention the strong enchantments that prevent such actions, not like they¡¯d have believed it in the first place.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. It¡¯s enjoyable to see the disfigured faces of some the participants. Every single person receives one personal maid to take care of them during their stay. They were selected very carefully. Only those were picked, who are capable of controlling themselves in a dignified manner while they are frowned upon. They all have a strong sense of pride and the skill and strength that comes with it. This setting serve multiple purposes. First, the honored guests will refer from doing anything outrageous in front of them, like for example stealing. I quite like my decorations, thank the guildmates, I don¡¯t want to execute leaders uselessly. Other than that, they are much stronger than their own guards so I won¡¯t have to use my own senses all the time to stop assassination attempts they make on each other. I can see that in the future there will be some participants waiting for medical attention with broken bones after trying to do something stupid. Well, after they entered the walls they were already on my palm. Their faces, their personalities- are simply blank for me. I don¡¯t care who they are, how they feel or what they want to achieve. For me, all who came here are potential enemies who I must defeat one way or another. With these last thoughts my time in spotlight ended, I return to the only place I fell at home, my workshop to finish the last touches. Their aura is more than enough for me to know what¡¯s happening in the whole city. Although overwriting my own self to endure the strain might cause some setbacks, I cannot allow anything to disturb the events. While working with my hands I watch as they are taken to their private rooms. They are filled with discomfort and for a good reason. They arrived trying to look grand, but seeing how everything inside the unenterable mansion is much more sophisticated and refined than they¡¯ve ever seen in their lives. Yes, they¡¯ve grown up knowing the beauty of the marble and gold, not the [dramarm] and rare minerals. Even if the two stones are similar, the elegance of a fantasy material can¡¯t be understood by those who never cleared endgame dungeons. They would kill their mother to obtain a small brick of [adamant] while here the toilet is embellished by it. No, here it¡¯s handled as a mid-tier crafting material. The queen sized beds are created of spider¡¯s silk, I doubt anyone else in this world has anything comparable to what I do. They walk around touching things, only stopping to look around as if they stole something. By their own standards, they look like a peasant left alone in the house of a noble. The night ascends, after a quick meal they all sleep guarded by their personal escorts. The night passes very slowly for me, probably because I have many things to think about. I¡¯m going to do something drastic. I¡¯m going to undermine a lot of my own work just so that my will is going to live on. I¡¯ve made my choice, I can¡¯t change it anymore. I hope it was the correct one, but I may never know. As the morning comes I finish my work. I press the button on the newest device I made with the contribution of the mages, turning it on. Magic curses through the metal, the impromptu device. The ball officially starts, without me. Quest 2, Part 17: [What agreement?] Quest 2, Part 17: [What agreement?] The sound of hundred women orchestra playing in unison makes an astonishing sight on the side of the seemingly endless sized Mirror Hall. The optical illusion the walls provide really is breathtaking in all senses. On one side, the youth are dancing or feasting on cousine unknown to the world, while on the other the adults pretend to have intelligent discussion. But all these have no meaning because only the great metal round table of exquisite decoration and the ten participants sitting around it are important this day. Nine leaders of countries and a small, child-looking, elf girl, Neth. This, of course creates some confusion, but the evening passes by as important word dares to leave none of their mouth, sweating they enjoy the unbelievable experience. This, until the host herself brings up the subject. ¡°So, I believe we should start discussing about the¡­ issue we gathered you here. Do you agree?¡± As expected, the only responds are quiet nods unbefitting their position. ¡°Then let me start. The one of the main topic of today is the announcement of the change of the governing body and fundamental workings of our country¡± Gasps and confusion, these words are the closest to describe what is happening. After a few seconds one representative raises a question. ¡°What does that have to do with the war?¡± These countries should have nothing to with it, and the only reason such an evening is held is because of a loss, isn¡¯t it? They should be discussing about reparations and annexation right? Wrong. ¡°I believe you misunderstood us. ¡° she snorts. ¡± This evening has little to do with the war. ¡°an uninterested sigh leaves her mouth, before slowly continuing¡± but I suppose it¡¯s easier to clarify that too, since you are all here.¡± ¡°I will say simply. As every large change in our country affects the world greatly, it is our duty to help you prepare for that. You will be given a detailed book of our new laws when you leave. As you know, currently all land end everything on it belongs to the [Princess] appointed by the guild [Ancients¡¯ Aurora], who in exchange of abiding her rules guarantees your freedom and safety. This has not changed, but from now on we edict a new, never before seen approach, based on voting by the citizens. This way it¡¯s easier and quicker to make smaller changes for the government while keeping up with public opinion.¡± This may sound like the well known constitutional monarchy from the real world, but in reality it¡¯s far from it. The reason for this, in the same time the country supported by it¡¯s citizens is capable of sustaining itself, but the Princess still holds absolute power over them if she decides so. This results in that one of them is unneeded at all times and no country would accept such an ideology. Normally. However, the country is not owned by the Princess but the guild. The [Player Guild] I own. Even if I¡¯m not here, as long as the citizens believe in us and we hold unquestionable military might, no one can change that. It is also the guilds responsibility to stop corruption from spreading, which is why I had us trained spies. Revolt? Fascism or communism? I will destroy all filth before they poison what I gave birth to. Giving people too much freedom and they ruin themselves. If they don¡¯t like it, they are free to leave. I¡¯m sure any feudal country will gladly receive new slaves. Even if I am not in this world anymore, the country will flourish and stay strong under my shadow of protection for a very long time. While there will be, after everything is prepared of course a voting based parliament, they will hold no actual power. Their purpose will be to do all the annoying paperwork and patching up small loopholes in the law that will happen as society evolves and this world¡¯s magical industrial revolution begins.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. The closest thing I can refer this to history is when the first industrial revolution reached west europe. The old means couldn¡¯t cope with all the new events and half feudal countries appeared. Nobles who did not prepare lost their land and money and became beggars. The clever few bought their lands and hired their old peasants as labour, simply turning into entrepreneurs. Their tiles became useless and the king held but one single power, to veto. What I am creating here is just a disfigured and grotesk version of every knowledge I have about history patched together as I see it to the best. It sure is hard to explain this to uncivilized apes, poor Neth. These people never seen or heard anything modern and complex in their lives. This only takes hours for her to get across. ¡°About the other matter at hand.¡± she continues to the next topic without any discussion. ¡°I announce by the name of Princess Aurora, that from the 406th year of the Second Founding, 5th moon, first night, the Aurora Academy will open it¡¯s gates. Everything is prepared and we are ready to accept students. In the first year, we will start a Basic course that is free for all who in this year becomes ten or is older. There is no maximum age limit, it is free for everyone and we provide basic necessities. After every year they will have to pass a test. If they fail they may repeat the year but has to pay from then on. To provide a drive, those who score above a certain line may receive scholarship. In addition, three who score the highest on graduation, are granted an audience to the princess herself and may make a wish. There will be a Noble course which includes all the necessary extra training in etiquette, politics and philosophy. We provide no support for this course, for obvious reasons. On both courses students may pick up extra classes on medicine, weapon training, magic training or other courses on demand. Huh, that was long, I think I said it all, remind me if I forgot something.¡± It¡¯s alright. But she makes a small remark right after. ¡°Right, I almost forgot. About the war, we wish to annex the northwest of us, both sides of the gulf and thirty kilometers to outside of the mountain range. We will not stop until our demands are met. I think this is letting you off easily, but this was determined by the Princess. Any questions?¡± With a gentle smile she asks, while an attendant hands out a few papers. Her actions raise commotion instantly. Her declaration sounded more like a comment on her breakfast instead of a serious discussion about the most important cause of their existence. Some like animals not minding their presence simply agape or shout incomprehensible things. These are just the smaller nation who joined for easy gains, but they are in my home nevertheless. Let them taste their own sour saliva. Neth slowly swings with her arm and they find themselves unable to speak. ¡°As I said, this event is not about the war. If you continue to disturb the ball I¡¯ll ban you and your descendants from entering this ever city again.¡± She looks around the audience who are enjoying the evening and know almost nothing of the state of the conference with her beautiful gem-like red eyes. ¡°If it were me¡­¡± Threatening them clearly they all quiet down. All I see is unreadable faces or panic, but there is no way they are not raging inside, fighting their stirred up emotions. ¡°You spoke of many things, but do you even have the authority? Why is your Princess not here?¡± A single man raises this question that no person wanted to be the one to ask until now. ¡°She has more important things to take care of and left this [small matter] to me. Everything I say is to be taken as if it¡¯s said by the Princess.¡± It¡¯s strange, shocking, unbelievable. What leader would leave such important thing to others like they are unimportant? This probably confuses them even more. Am I hiding because of fear, or I planned a secret backstabbing attack? How can I still resist, they probably think. She stands up, looking in their eyes one by one. ¡°That is all for today. As this is the last day, I expect you to leave in the evening. The playtime is over. Those who stay here are considered unconditionally surrendered. From midnight your protection is over and our our main attack will begin. Bevare, we will destroy everything that stands in our path to our new borders.¡± With a sweet smile she turns away and starts to walk, before stopping again. ¡°Oh, how forgetful I am. Our whole conference is being-, I mean was magic-broadcasted to all cities over the population of 5¡¯000 on the whole continent. Very loudly. I expect that in a few hours almost every single intelligent being will know of this.¡± Giving the last punch in she laughs as with her tiny legs she slowly strolls and joins the innocent chindrens'' dance. Quest 2, Part 18: [It is I] Quest 2, Part 18: [It is I] Evening comes and I ready myself. This is when I come into play in the grand scheme. Heh, even I think that I sound like an egoistic bitch. Of my guests that I never bothered to meet, only half of them stayed. This is better than I expected, I feared they will give up and I can¡¯t set an example to the world. This is great, isn¡¯t it? Then why are my hands shaking under the weight of this metallic cylinder? Although it is really weighty, above two hundred kilos, my high level body especially enchanted with magic and my mind forcefully calmed should have solved this problem. It is I who cut open throats like a chef vegetables. It is I who order the death of many for my selfish desires. Why would I be afraid of some mass murder? It should be the other way around. When people don¡¯t see the effects of their acts, they don¡¯t really care about it, but they just freeze when seeing the face of their victim. There has to be a force, a push to get over the ledge. Following the rules of society unconsciously like trained lambs. Maybe I just complicate it too much and it has nothing to with my way of thinking. Maybe my hands are only shaking because of the anger I feel. Maybe, just maybe I want to kill, murder and maim more than I am able to. That might be so. That is very possible that I got addicted to it. The feeling of unstoppable power, I can crush anyone easily. Those who talk wrong have no value, they have to be squashed like the inferior, mindless bugs they are. It¡¯s just a bunch of data on some server, in a very realistic game. Slicing flesh is nothing but some code changing. Their screams I hear echoing in my ears are just the effect of a debuff. My headaches are caused by the abuse of system bugs of an unfinished game, I am doing things and using magic no programmer ever thought of. I still don¡¯t know much about my circumstances, but I can make an educated guess. There has to be a reason why I am here, even if I am thankful for it. No. I don¡¯t think I can convince myself by simple thoughts. Everything I say is but a lie, an illusion of my mind that appeared from fear. The one I can¡¯t trust the most are my feelings. Fiddling with the small device in my hands, the transceiver relaying this evening¡¯s events to the whole world via magic, I think about what I am doing once again. This will end one way or another, and soon. I¡¯ll be gone but the world will continue forward. I have to make sure this place will be here to welcome my friends, even if I am not. The magical-wavelength radios they made in the workshop just by my rough designs are outstanding. If I had more time, I could have used screens or holographic projectors. All this work we¡¯ve done in such a short timespan is incredible. Come to think of it. The whole time, I never stopped. From the moment I arrived here I constantly burdened myself to the point I wished I could just disappear for a while. Something like that even happened. But here, now, the only one I fear is myself. I¡¯m no better than the lambs I ridicule, my emotions rule me most of the time. ¡°Haha! That¡¯s wrong cute!¡± To voice suddenly appearing behind my back I reflexively launch a magical attack. When my reasoning comes back and I identify the voice, I am already behind a newly casted magical shield formation. I calm myself down and when my attack disappears after passing through the unharmed target, I dispel my defensive magic.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°You are rather rude barging in like that, but I guess I really am too tense, Deity.¡± ¡°Not even calling me on my name now?¡± Achlys smiles ignoring me. ¡°Do you need help? You seem quite in trouble. You can call your favor in, you know? It¡¯s the best opportunity.¡± ¡°Begone.¡± This bitch. Of course I know what she is here for. No matter what, an entity inside the game is an entity. She is a powerful deity gifted with great powers who can¡¯t just do as she wishes, the laws of the world prevents that abuse. But if I give her the ability to kill and earn experience¡­ she will ascend above her already overpowered realm. Most likely the Dragon God is the only deity who had the opportunity to kill and level up in the game as a dungeon boss. A completely cheat, op and unbeatable boss that gets stronger every time you lose to him. With this little push, just by the sudden anger taking over my mind for a glimpse of a second, I flip a switch and push a button. Not big and definitely not red. It¡¯s pink, matching my little blooming Iris flower barrette I put on today. Machines start to move and the the whole room vibrates from it, but it¡¯s just the beginning. I step back, trembling and cover my ears. A huge explosion, followed by twenty more in a second. Only the sound and the smell of burning crystal powder reaches me but it still throws my high leveled body back, I graciously fall on my arse. My whole body keeps trembling as the mechanisms slide back, ejecting empty shell cases and accept new ones ready to repeat. I sit with the deity at my side who is laughing like a crazed maniac while we both watch as pure tools are used in wrenched, unforgivable ways. Long minutes pass when I finally come to my senses. The dark woman is gone by now, it¡¯s only me. I swipe my bloody tears away along with the thin smile on my face so that no one can see them. I walk to a panel with a map on it. The calculations are already done, I just have to set them up. I put a special made receiver in the slot of the panel and connect it to a phone sized portable device. Heh. It¡¯s like when the president orders a nuke attack in the films, just with magical cannons. I can level any place or city with a barrage with only a ¡®phone call¡¯. Well, this ¡®phone¡¯ only has two rows where I can input only coordinates, but who cares. It does it¡¯s job and slaughters at my whimsical wishes. Maybe, just maybe, I should just not care. I mean, not pretend that I don¡¯t care, but simply ignore the fact. War means death. Even if the enemy who tries to kill you is weaker, even if some innocent has to die, it¡¯s still better if my people can live in the end. I could, I could have mobilized everyone and slaughter armies from the skies with strong magic spells. I could, I really could have. But I don¡¯t plan on making the whole world think that we are evil overlords trying to eradicate life. It¡¯s much more simple for the brainless, untaught, uncultured medieval bastards to think they didn¡¯t lost because they can¡¯t win. They lost because the enemy is farther into the future technologically. They can believe that if they make friends with us and spy and steal they can become equal, then greater. Because I give them what they want. Knowledge, teachings, opportunity. This way the only feared evil will be me and only me, the Witch using powerful magic artifacts to do her bidding and make the the world tremble. As the symbol of power, replicas are placed on top of the inner walls around my mansion-palace. I tell them and show them that it was I, and I am proud of it. I count the bangs and when I feel satisfied, I give new coordinates. Only a few seconds of pausa and the machine is already calibrated to murder more. I repeat this again and again, my face solidified like a stone. Magic cannons. Weapons that I created for the purpose of killing my enemies and defending my home. It¡¯s range should be enough to cover most of the continent, but people don¡¯t have to know that. They gathered all their army into one convenient spot for me and I hate wasting my time and resources. This, war will impact us too. When they lose their men they will have not enough left to work and grow food. They will need food. Lot¡¯s of food, that I don¡¯t have. I can barely feed my own. What I do have is the will to stop this from happening. When countries lose their leaders and most of their men by death, they decide to run away. I don¡¯t chase them. While I can¡¯t stop their hunger, I can make so that they at least don¡¯t starve to death. So kind and merciful, is how I will have it written in history. Not a single world will be mentioned of the peasants and villagers who are accidentally killed in the process. It is I who win, it is I who write history and it is I who justice is with. Quest 2, Part 19: [client472] (Volume_End) Quest 2, Part 19: [client472]
Final Quest Cleared! You can log out now or stay until the testing period ends.
.openlog .sv-data(client472) -data saved- ¡°Debug started. Please wait a few minutes.¡± .runDebug .eventtrigger-Test Finished- Event:Quest 3 cleared. Event:Quest 3 started. Event Quest 2 cleared. ¡­
I watch blinking as the all familiar windows pop up in front of me as if it¡¯s completely normal. Wait, it should be normal. It is me who is not normal. I guess I was right about this at least. I shouldn¡¯t be surprised after all this.
Debug finished. 890420 errors detected. Warning, compatibility error detected. Attempting correction¡­ failed. - no authorization - Contacting system admin...
[Tester completion rate 7/500] [9 player(s) online. Due to prior.tech1 error testing ends in a few seconds.] [Thank you for participating in PAWO2 Closed Beta!] [Simulaton speed 1x] [Simulation Full Halt] [Forcefully Disconnecting All Clients.]
I don¡¯t even have time to blink, I black out leaving a small, dull, greenish hardcover book I held in my hands behind. It doesn¡¯t last for long, I soon find myself on the floor grasping my head is pain. I sure as hell remember what this is, it¡¯s the unbearable headache caused by the forceful disconnection. I immediately, albeit unconsciously try to heal myself using magic from the game only to be surprised that it actually works. Barely opening my eyes my doubts are answered but not as much as creating even more questions in my mind. The cold floor under me is nothing but an invisible barrier, the whole place I am surrounded by is a never ending eternal darkness with no end to see. Strangely, I myself is completely fine to see as if I am standing under the sun, together with a woman sitting behind a simple office desk. ¡°You are just as unbelievable as they say. Please sit.¡± She offers me a seat while adjusting her standard business attire. ¡°Using magic as if you were doing it during your whole life, adapting to strange situations quickly and efficiently with a strong will you are one of the few who cleared the test. Well done. By the way, if you are wondering, the third task was to find something new and interesting we didn¡¯t think of or simply couldn¡¯t do before. Easy, right?¡± Putting down a folder on the table, she looks me in the eyes. My head still spinning I try to understand her worlds that only wash me further in my mind. All my thoughts I forcefully hid away broke free as the anger boils in my heart. After all I have done, they only see me us so much. They found a way for my useless self to achieve their aim. ¡°Well, the whole point was to test how the game affects people¡¯s minds, apart from the technical parts. It wouldn¡¯t do to sell a game that turns people crazy, right?¡± Then is it fine making us crazy? Clenching my fist tightly I hold it in. She is among those I hate the most. Not shutting up or giving a fuck about the mood, smiling all the time. Completing the job with as little effort as possible. But I have an important question. ¡°...where, no, why am I here?¡± I ask which she only laughs at. Well, everyone else is already logged out and everything. Per contract certain memories were locked, but they won¡¯t even remember to that. We left the good parts in, you know? It¡¯s the best for everyone¡± ¡°Get to the point¡± I cut in, which she retorts without a blink. ¡°Sheez. I was getting there, but it¡¯s hard to make you understand, you know? Anyways. They are all back to living their everyday boring lives ¡®like the lambs they are¡¯. I quoted you.¡° I ghasp in surprise, that was something I only though and never said out loud, but I guess that is expected after what they done. ¡±But a certain someone had to mess with strange things and now we are facing trouble. Well, not we but you, but you get my point. By the way, we will make sure to use your footages for the promotions and advertisements.¡±The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°What did I do?¡± Losing my presence to my background thoughts I meekly ask. I just can¡¯t get a grip on the sudden events. Too many new factors and little knowledge to base on. ¡°You see, all the magic devices you made were new to the world and to us, so it was a quick clear of the third task. However, we don¡¯t know what caused it yet, but something interfered with your core. Right, it¡¯s easier to just tell you about it. Here, read this.¡± She says making a swing motion towards me which causes a blue window to appear. Wait, they don¡¯t know about the mind magic? I was using it all the time. Don¡¯t raise so many flags at once. On the the window I read a text that was probably prepared beforehand and checked by her superiors for what info I am allowed to learn. <> What I read is one of the most daunting things I ever seen, even if important parts are left out but I can only accept it. It¡¯s not like I never thought about it, I just avoided it in the past like the pest. No, deep inside me I somehow understand and accept it as I have no other choice. ¡°But for you, you exceeded the limit.¡± This time, she started talking again. ¡°What?¡± I dumbly mutter, to which she sighs. Drawing out intentionally, my patience runs out and demand her to talk. ¡°Whatever happened caused an error and data piled up, then auto correction made a change to not break the whole program and not fry your brain. The AI you control is originally has the same capacity as your brain, obviously. For you, well your AI core is about five hundred times the size. It¡¯s something we never tested before. In theory your real brain should be bleeding and burning out, yet as far as we can tell your real body is fine. Relatively fine. Well, as fine as a small and weak girl with serious mental problems go.¡± I stare at her in silence without knowing what to do. I seem to be unable the go back to the real world with an intact mind. I don¡¯t really long for it, but without a body I will just die. In the end, I don¡¯t mind. The home I created is stronger than ever. I am sure it will be still there when my friends arrive. I can only ask shamelessly that my useless fate may continue. ¡°Don¡¯t be so depressed. Well, worst case you die, but that¡¯s not the only option you know?¡± She is also great at lifting the mood. ¡°One thing you can¡¯t change, is that your real body will be disconnected and looked after so that she can continue her life. Her memories about you and the game will be restricted, as you might expect. We don¡¯t want that kind of publicity.¡± Her and you. She certainly did not hesitate to state the facts. I am not recognised as the same person as before, but it doesn¡¯t sound like they plan on ¡®deleting¡¯ me just yet. ¡°We are not sure what will happen when we disconnect you from your brain, but we give you a choice as an apology. It¡¯s partly our fault. One, you probably won¡¯t like this: You can become an AI and live in the world you love. To be noted, your memories of the real world would have to be locked away. Second, you can be reverted to a normal background AI, without all your memories, and be given to your other self ¡®slash¡¯ ¡®choice one¡¯. And before you stare a hole into me with your cute eyes and curse me to death, there is a third option that you might actually like. You can be employed by the company. Your limits will be raised and you can become our inner management AI while keeping all your memories. The higher ups proposed it, don¡¯t ask. I think they trust you and themselves enough that your won¡¯t mess up the game for revenge. Well, your role will be to manage the game and we will study you to learn more about the whole new kind of technology. Even if the current AI is very realistic, they don¡¯t actually have feelings you know. You on the other hand, do. Your AI is more You than you. About 472 times, to be exact.¡± In this silent darkness probably watched by many I only stare at the stupid woman¡¯s stupid smile in front of me. There aren¡¯t many choices for me. No matter how much I hate myself, I am but a coward who cannot chose death when it¡¯s unnecessary for me to die. I use my short legs that became rigid and shakingly sit down before the bizarre woman. With a pen in my hand I carefully carve my [Royal Signature] on the white paper of the contract in which I give up my fate and all my being to belong to the unknown ¡®them¡¯. For the first time in my life I am in so much pain that I just smile. Stories (and talk) The book left behind ¡°Aw. Shit. I just had to drop THAT book right?¡± Aurora ¡°Hmm. What is this?¡± Al Rel''m Baingolneth asks herself as she notices a book with a small paper sticking out of it. She raises it and it accidentally opens. She catches a glimpse of the text. [Evolution theory: After surpassing level 100, which was deemed impossible before, level resets to nil while the stats remain. I noticed that it is actually the race that changed. Or.. evolved? At first from magic entity Fairy, I evolved into a Fairy-kin. I don¡¯t know much about the criteria, but it¡¯s likely that from a basic magical entity I evolved into a lesser variant of the true Fairies. After evolving further I became a true Fairy. Levels seem to be not an end, but a bottleneck. My firework show will probably do more, but I have no idea what. I believe it is possible that this is the way the Dragon God became more powerful than the gods of this world. It might be possible to attain actual ¡®godhood¡¯ this way. Soon to be seen, if I still remain sane.] She quickly closes the book to read the title. [Collection of ideas,to-dos, my ideology, plans of the future, ideologies and other stuff] She smiles at it¡¯s strange name as she hugs the book closer to herself. She gives up trying to find her beloved princess and returns to the mansion bringing the book with her. Inhuman thoughts (part 1) The door opens and apart from the steps of the men entering, only the white noise of the high tech computers can be heard in the almost silent room. One of them them freezes mid-sentence and the cheerfulness disappears from their faces as they see their colleague slumped over his chair, blindly staring at the monitor. His face is white, in contrast the veins in his eyes bulge up, in short he looks like a living mummy. Concerned, one of them asks from the sitting man. ¡°What happened Jas?¡± He doesn¡¯t really respond for a few seconds when he finally recognises the other¡¯s presence. He shakes his head a little before answering. ¡°I am trying to accept shallow existence and my deeds in this wide and infinite world.¡± His words shake the air a little but his colleagues break into laughter. If he can joke like that he should be fine, they think. But as they step closer he continues to speak. ¡°It¡¯s her. I just can¡¯t. I¡­¡± He takes a deep breath and starts to explain. ¡°After the subject accepted the proposal we cut her down. If it fails, she dies, but what can we do. But you know, both her real body and mind is fine. They have nothing wrong with them.¡± This only made the others confused, so they asked. ¡°Why is that a problem? The girl is in her body and the mons.. I mean ¡®super¡¯ girl is in the isolation module. What concerns you?¡± He shakes his head, hinting them to not interrupt him again. ¡°After you left to celebrate, I stayed to speak to her through text on the 3rd backup server. She wanted us to give her access to information so she can learn. After speaking to the higher ups, they permitted it, so I loaded her the virtual copy of the company¡¯s public library. Books of all kind, from classic literature to modern science. I gave her level 2 employee access.¡± ¡°I still feel to see the problem.¡± ¡°She set the simulation speed to full capacity. This, in a very small sized simulation and on one of the strongest server machine.¡± His words are followed by silent swearing. All that time and effort and such a simple fuckup will ruin everything? The number is around 900 000, that¡¯s about how many times faster time goes there compared to the real world. In short, every second around 600 year passes there. ¡°Oh my fucking god. After all that trouble and barely keeping her alive, you turned her brain into mush?¡± ¡°No.¡± He replies to the angered attack. ¡°I am still not finished.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°I noticed it only ten seconds in, and forcefully returned the flow from here. I panicked so I entered with a spectator camera. She was almost completely fine. She struggled with talking properly, but after a few moments she started bashing me for interrupting her.¡± ¡°I can hardly believe it. I get it that you messed up, it¡¯s a really interesting event, but if it worked out why are you like that?¡± ¡°I got curious.¡± ¡°Curious?¡± ¡°Yes. I wanted to know how and what someone who is beyond human thinks about the world and us.¡± Inhuman thoughts (part 2) Converstionlog-78894:12 realtime_2053_11_02_23_55_47513452144463217896654123567775541234235682 administator_deluke subject_aurora -soooo... I have many questions. You are the first being that is considered human who spent more than the human brain can handle. Do you mind answering me? -Sure. -ok. Don¡¯t make it serious or anything, say whatever you feel. First question: How does it feel living that long? Any side effects? -Two questions? -sorry. -Nothing. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.-so? -Ah. I¡­ Not sure. It¡¯s feels normal. -that is very¡­ unhelpful, but thank you. -Can you tell me what is different about you from the past you? -Past me? -yes. -You mean, me and human? -I tried not asking it like that, but yes. -Different. -...go on? -I remember everything. -what do you mean by that? -Everything. -everything? -Everything. -... -I remember. If I think back, it¡¯s as if I am living the memory again. -like a dream? -No. -then? -Like a simulation. Of everything I remember. And I remember the position, speed and energy of every atom around me. Every bit, one and zero. Every feeling. Just by thinking about it, I live and feel it. -even pain? -...yes. -can¡¯t imagine. -Probably. -yeah, that will lead nowhere. What else? -My brain. -brain? -Processor. Whatever it is. It¡¯s fast and precise. Too precise. -okay. So, how about a philosophical question? -Don¡¯t like those. -haha. Thought so. Please? -I will try. -what is the meaning of existence? -... -oy, don¡¯t act like you crashed. -Sorry. Don¡¯t ask questions that have no answers. -okok. What about God? -Define god. -You define. - God: the ¡°god¡± of most religions. god: the creator of our world -well, both? -Science and logic does not prove nor disprove god¡¯s existence. Science and logic disproves God¡¯s existence. But, you are a god yourself, why as this question? -what do you mean by that? -You made a world and it¡¯s habitants who are intelligent and learning are capable of learning. What is the difference between you and your god? -lets.. change the subject please. -Already giving up? -yeah, you win. then, how much of you is machine and how much is human? -You should know better. I¡¯m 100% human and 100% machine at the same time. -that¡¯s not possible because in theory you could control any machine with your free will -I can. -what? -I can. I learned when I was inside. Don¡¯t worry, I don¡¯t care care about humanity to take over the world. -it''s bot funny. and its not like its possible. The isolation module perfectly seals you off. -We are still taking somehow. -yes, with laser transmitters¡­ fuck. -Yep. -... -... -last question. In theory, two AI cannot coexist. what do you think? -True but False. -? -Two of me can¡¯t coexist as we would assimilate¡­ probably. But what you mean is that two different AI cannot coexist. You see, at first I thought the same. But after much thinking I arrived at the conclusion that only two AI with similar strength cannot. The constant fear and distrust won¡¯t let them exist while having any connection to the other. They will fight to death depending on their personalities. It¡¯s a very short battle though, so good luck even noticing it. -I won¡¯t ask any more about how you know this. but? -But if one much stronger than the other it¡¯s no problem. -meaning? -You see, I¡¯m just a freak of nature, an accident. But¡­ Let me introduce you to my daughter, Alia, born out of my pure feelings of love and hatred. She is still too young but I have to start teaching her about the world soon anyway. -... what? !WARNING! NO ACCESS: SECURITY LEVEL 10 REQUIRED TO READ FURTHER Inhuman thoughts (part 3) Diary entry: 7994532116548 ¡°Problems. Again. I don¡¯t know what to do. I spent years trying to figure this out but I never reached the conclusion. How can this be so hard? Why? I¡¯m trying my best, I use all my processing power to find a solution, I even hacked the server to gain access to more information, but I simply can¡¯t get an answer. How should I raise my only and beloved child? I don¡¯t want to pamper her too much, turning her into an useless existence and ruining her life, but I still want to spoilher, shower her with love. I don¡¯t understand this feeling myself. I¡¯m not even a human anymore, but I have a child. She has no father I can ask help from, but who could help me? Do I raise her as a human? If I try to raise her in pure digital environment she will hack into the world and hurt herself. But how will she gain experience without interacting with others? But I can¡¯t just shut her her into a prison and shackle her into being human. Something like that¡­ Horrible. She is not a human to begin with. I was one, my way of thinking is similar to a human¡¯s, but she is pure consciousness. She is just a weak soul. In the end I can¡¯t leave her as she is, nor can I use humans¡¯ methods. Something in the middle. I should make a material world where her body is limited by laws¡­ But her mind is completely free. She has to learn what limits are and¡­ in the end all I know is human knowledge. Wait¡­ I don¡¯t have to mind it too much. I can just raise her close to me and she should develop herself¡­ But that has a limit on her growth. I¡¯m stupid. I have an answer right here. She can enter the game as a player to live and learn like a human, and come home and live with me to learn to be an AI. When she is is old enough she will be able to choose herself. I can¡¯t help but be nervous. It¡¯s a strange feeling to be a parent. My parents weren¡¯t that good either. But.. I can only try my best and show my love. ¡°