by Tao Wong
Tae Song began to turn, but Vaone caught his arm. “Our warriors have the problem handled. Your time will come. Introduce me to your people for now.”
The Fort was dark due to the heavily shuttered windows. In the stream of light through the doorway, I saw groups of people huddling together. Too many were missing limbs. Rachel had already found John propped up near the door and was now stroking his hair as she gazed at his missing legs in shock.
Ms. Jaine and two other teachers hurried forward with Mr. Sanders close behind. “Thank you so much for assisting us in defending the Fort.”
Stepping forward, Vaone gestured for me to join the group. Tae Song had already moved to join Janet, and I reluctantly turned from my friends, wondering what I could do among the adults.
Vaone bowed slightly to Ms. Jaine. “I would do more, but I will need access to do so. The Family is prepared to purchase this Fort from you at a reasonable price. We planned to set up a guard post in the area even before knowing there were children to protect, but now the matter has become urgent.”
I hoped they would accept, since we didn’t have enough resources to shield the new Safe Zone now that we’d bought it. I’d been worried about how we would guard both areas even before the attack, and now we’d lost even more people.
Ms. Jaine glanced at Mr. Sanders, then shook her head. “It’s not as though we have a hope of defending ourselves without enough credits to shore up the defenses on our new property. If we accept, will you help us clear the school Safe Zone so we can move soon?”
Vaone gave a firm nod. “When the security and protection of children are at stake, The Family is generous. We offer one hundred thousand Credits, which is what the Fort would be worth if it were not currently under siege. We govern this entire area, and the Fort will be tasked with securing safety for those who live here. This includes clearing your Safe Zone as long as you maintain your Commercial Partnership with us.”
Sumay made herself visible. “This is a very generous offer by any standards.”
Ms. Jaine sighed. “Give us a few minutes to discuss it. If you’ll wait here, we’ll return shortly.” The teachers picked their way across the room, discussing the offer in low voices.
I turned to Vaone. “Thank you for your generous offer.”
Their face tightened as they looked around the room. “We do not expose our children to such overwhelming dangers.”
Eventually, Vaone must have received a message because they gestured for me to follow them back outside. “The area is secure for now.”
Soon after, the teachers joined us. This time Watson was with them, his face tense with frustration. I took the opportunity to try Con Containment for the first time. My Mana dropped by four hundred, and I wondered when he’d notice that his abilities had been locked down for the next five hours.
Unsurprisingly, everyone agreed to sell the Fort. There were too many obvious benefits with our survival on the line, and the Credits would help them upgrade defenses on the new Safe Zone.
Vaone formally completed the transaction, and we watched in shock as the entire area transformed in moments. The broken walls reformed and thickened into a two-meter-high walkway around the perimeter. A long, curved building with multiple doors took shape on one side. Above us arched a shimmering shield. Beneath our feet, the rubble melted away, replaced by what appeared to be a ceramic patio. I turned back toward the original building, which remained unaltered. It looked dingy and out of place in contrast to the flowing design of its surroundings.
“Your building will not be altered until everyone has been moved into the new barracks. Our floor plan is too different from the current layout to upgrade it safely while occupied.” Vaone nodded before turning away. “I will be in the transport if I am needed.”
I bowed formally alongside Mr. Sanders as the rest of the adults looked on.
Watson’s frustration had developed into a simmering rage. We barely made it through the door before Watson turned on me. “You may have saved us for now, but you have stolen our freedom in the process, you traitor! They’re already taking away our abilities and planning to enslave us.”
Mr. Sanders pushed between us, knocking Watson back a step. “I take it you’ve realized you can’t use your Spells anymore? Did you really try to manipulate our benefactor, or were you attempting to control our choices instead?”
“You all agreed it is my job to ensure we remain united and organized as a team, working together to ensure our survival! Why are you suddenly questioning me as if I am in the wrong for doing what you yourselves asked of me?”
Ms. Jaine stepped forward. “My Skills are currently working just fine, Watson, and I have seen no evidence of betrayal. We agreed to do what it takes to secure our safety. Adrian had nothing to do with this decision. What is going on with you?”
With a sigh, Mr. Sanders leaned back against the wall. “I thought we’d postpone this discussion until after we take care of moving everyone over to the barracks. Still, I suppose I can summarize for now. First, Watson has been using his Skills to assault our students and cover up the evidence. Second, Adrian purchased a law enforcement Spell that will temporarily prevent Watson from using his Skills and Spells so he can’t manipulate anyone.”
He turned toward Watson. “The block on your abilities has nothing to do with the Beoheva. It’s a necessary precaution. I completely support limiting your abilities until we can sit down and review the evidence Tae Song and Adrian have gathered.”
“I’ve done nothing wrong!” Watson sneered at me. “I can’t believe you’d accept the word of a rebellious child when you know how much I’ve sacrificed to help everyone.”
Mr. Sanders sighed. “You really don’t understand, do you? There is no such thing as a secret anymore, Watson. The System records everything we do. We all have access to our own experiences. With enough Credits, anyone’s records can be bought. When I looked into it, even I have witnessed questionable behavior toward Tae Song, actions for which I would usually have immediately brought you before the committee. Yet for some reason I forgot these events occurred until I ran a specific search for them.”
The expressions of the teachers varied, from Miss Angela’s intense concern to Mr. Pots’ firm solidarity with his longtime friend. Most just looked overwhelmed at this new complication on top of the tragedy of the attack. A heated conversation broke out, and I couldn’t figure out whether they were more offended at the accusations against Watson or the fact that the System was so invasive as to record everything.
As their voices began to rise, Tae Song interrupted. “We could use some help moving to the barracks. They have bathrooms and food over there and enough beds for everyone. Besides, I think Liaison Vaone would appreciate upgrading this building as soon as possible so they have a place for their own people as well.”
Ms. Angela immediately turned to gather the younger kids, who were the only ones who had made it through without a scratch. Her shirt was shredded and bloody on the back, though she’d already healed.
As I helped move our few remaining supplies, I learned we had lost another seventeen of our friends. Cher was among them. She was stung while carrying John to safety, and Joachim hadn’t been able to counter the poison in time to save her. I ended up claiming the alcove next to John, and I huddled there listening as he and Rachel cried together.
I found myself wordlessly shivering with grief as Sumay murmured comfortingly. It felt as though I’d been trapped in ice. Eventually, Tae Song found me and pulled me out into the sunlight next to the transport.
Sumay showed herself briefly, hovering face-to-face with Tae Song. “I’m leaving Adrian to you for now. I’ll be back soon.”
He bowed as though she were offering him a great honor. “I’ll be here.”
I sighed as his words mirrored the painful thought that had been drilling into me all afternoon. “If only I’d been here, I could have saved Cher.” I dropped to the ground and stared up at the cloudless sky.
; “You know ‘if only’ is just a dream.” Tae Song settled next to me. “We’ll help others in honor of her memory.”
We sat in silence for a time as I refocused on trying to solve the problem lying ahead of us. “What are we going to do about Watson?” I winced at the memory of Watson’s reaction to my Skill. “He’s furious that I can shut him down with Con Containment, and several of the adults still aren’t sure who to believe. I overheard them talking, and the things my parents told them still undermine me as a witness.
“Since you’re my friend, some are jumping to the conclusion that I’ve somehow corrupted you. Mr. Sanders and Miss Allison have seen enough to believe us and are on our side, but the rest are overwhelmed and confused.”
Tae Song settled his swords across his knees. “I’m not sure what they’ll do even if they do acknowledge he sexually assaulted us and abused his power to manipulate them. Kill him? Even kicking him out is equivalent to a death sentence. Imprisoning him would be a burden on the rest of us when we scarcely have enough people to protect ourselves. We’re basically cut off from justice even if they agree he did wrong.”
A new voice broke in on our conversation. “Justice resides with The Family of the Beoheva and arrives with us when we claim new territories. Since you are Commercial Partners, I can represent you. Only keep in mind that, once we become involved, our justice is enforced by the System, without exception.”
I spun in place, surprised to see Vaone standing nearby.
“Vaone is your ally in this.” Sumay landed on my shoulder. “I decided it was important for them to know the difficulties you are facing and told them of the problem before bringing them to you in time to overhear your conversation.”
I nodded at Vaone. It was too late to debate Sumay’s decision, and I had to admit I couldn’t think of any other solution aside from becoming a murderer.
“Join me, if you will.” Vaone smiled slightly. “I prefer not to sit on the ground.”
We scrambled to our feet and followed them into the newly remodeled central building of the Fort, now a curved, trilevel cone with a ramp spiraling up the exterior to a platform at the top. The second level contained a large, round room with a stone table in the center, reminiscent of the room in which we had met the Vizier.
“I’ll call Sanders and the rest.” Sumay didn’t wait for me to agree before swooping out the door.
Vaone examined us for a moment. “First, let us discuss how best to protect the two of you from those who may not understand your choices. We wish to hire Tae Song and any others who are suitable as guards, to be stationed here at the Fort.
“Adrian, your unique abilities are useful to us as well, though you will primarily be exploring our lands in search of Dungeons and nests. As employees of The Family, you will live in the barracks, receive a weekly income, and work alongside our mercenaries to secure the area. Your primary tasks will be to locate resources, cull predators, and guard the Safe Zones within our territory. Are you interested?”
Tae Song and I glanced at each other, then nodded firmly. “Yes.”
“We’ll negotiate the details later. Understand we would have made this offer even without these circumstances. However, even if these people choose not to accept our judgement regarding this Watson, you will no longer be under their influence.”
Vaone’s eyes glinted with anger. “Those who prefer to debate blindly rather than seeking out information that easily enables them to know the truth have not earned the right to be responsible for guarding the young!”
“I agree!” Mr. Sanders stepped through the door, closely followed by the rest of the teachers.
Watson was looking a little too smug. I realized my Skill had worn off and quickly refreshed it. Moments later, his expression shifted from arrogance to fury. Had he really assumed I would let him use his abilities in this situation?
“We should deal with this later! We need to clear out the Safe Zone and move everyone into the dorms. This is a waste of our time.” Mr. Pots stood beside Watson as the others arrayed themselves around the table.
Tae Song stepped forward nervously. “I know you’re concerned about the monsters outside, but those are easy to recognize and to fight. I’m more worried about a monster among us. How can I protect myself and my friends when you don’t take this threat seriously?”
Vaone glanced around the room. “Do you accept that as Liaison of The Family, everything I observe of your behavior will affect my decisions? I am the one who decides on trade privileges. I decide on the level of support and protection we offer your community. Think carefully where you stand. Sexual assault is not a crime taken lightly among the Beoheva.”
When nobody objected, Vaone masterfully took charge of the room. They led everyone step by step through intense questioning, clarifying the sequence of events since I had spoken up, before the System had arrived.
By the time he linked everyone to the records of Tae Song’s interactions with Watson, most of the teachers had already shuffled away from Watson’s side of the table. A series of nauseatingly manipulative interactions played out in front of us. Eventually, even Mr. Pots stepped away, unable to overlook the evidence that shattered his trust in the end. For once, Watson seemed unable to find an excuse and stood silently, his eyes narrowed.
One of the warriors who had arrived with the transport appeared soon after to remove Watson from the room. He exploded in fury, and the sound of his ranting trickled back through the open door. “They manufacture lies using this cursed System, and you just swallow them whole? How can you trust these demons?”
His voice faded in the distance as everyone slumped wearily. Realizing that nobody was prepared to take the lead, Mr. Sanders finally hustled the teachers from the room before turning back to study Tae Song and me with a shake of his head. “I’m sorry this didn’t happen sooner. I should have pushed harder when you first spoke up, Adrian.”
Tae Song slumped against the wall beside me, seeming as emotionally drained as I felt. I hesitated a moment, fishing for the right words. “It’s like you said. Everyone was trapped by the old system in the same way that we’re stuck with this new System. It just wasn’t as obvious. I’m just relieved there are ways to prove the truth now, and that it’s finally over.”
“My wife and I loved being dorm parents, since we couldn’t have children of our own. She would have been proud of you both, just like I am.” Mr. Sanders’s voice cracked, and he patted my shoulder gently before walking into the shadows beyond the door.
As he left, Tae Song dropped to the floor and scrubbed his face. “I don’t want to sleep in the barracks tonight. I’m sure they’ll soon start judging me for being gay.”
Vaone moved to the door, then turned and nodded. “We’ll complete our negotiations in regard to your employment tomorrow morning. For now, rest here. I understand you find our gathering circles comfortable.” As they spoke, the table sank into the floor and a familiar sofa arrangement slid out from a wall to take its place. They stepped out and the door closed behind them.
Sumay settled on my shoulder as I offered a hand to help Tae Song back to his feet. We dropped into the sofa with sighs of relief.
“I guess we can consider ourselves officially graduated now that we’re going to work for a living?”
He laughed. “I could never have imagined we’d be jumping at the chance to work as guards.”
“At least I’ve got friends to face it with me.” I slumped back against the cushions and sighed.
“I can’t imagine it any other way.” He flopped to the side against a cushion and craned his neck to look at me. “As far as I’m concerned, we’re family, you know.”
I turned to rest my head on the same cushion and stretched my feet in the opposite direction. “I feel the same way. Maybe we can adopt Rachel and John too.”
He yawned. “And Mr. Sanders. I think he wishes he’d been your dad.”
“Maybe… huh.” It was too much to think about just now. “Go to sleep alread
y. We can talk about this more later.” Whatever lay ahead, I’d just have to do my best to prepare myself.
I opened one of the books Sumay had insisted on, Inside Polymorph History and Culture. It was time to explore this new life. Maybe one of these days, I’d find the courage to show Tae Song my new form.
Name | Level
Adrian | 21
Class
Toxic Apothecary
Race
Polymorph (A)
Title
Rebel Within
Health
500
Stamina
500
Mana
520
Mass
60 (55-75 optimal)
Strength
31
Agility
32
Constitution
55 (-5)*
Perception
25
Intelligence
52
Willpower
36
Charisma
15
Luck
15
Skill Descriptions
Skill
Description
Subversive Stealth Skill
Hide from localized System Scans, Spells, Skills, and Senses.
Chameleon Skin Skill
Superficial skin alterations to merge into the environment.
Danger Sense Skill
Warning of immediate danger & direction of origin; improved chance to see through stealth.
Speed Boost Skill
Temporarily increases speed.