Sense: A Fantasy LitRPG Saga (A Touch of Power Book 3)

by Jay Boyce

“They were guarding the exit since I’m here.” Ashanna opened the doors, answering her simply. Jade nodded, since with the queen in the room, more guards were generally present. “Please, come in. Guards, you can go back to the hall.” The guards filed past her after she entered, with Ashanna closing and locking the balcony doors. Camille let them into the hall before closing and locking that door too. When Jade raised a brow at all the locking, Ashanna explained, “I promised you an explanation earlier.”

  It took a minute to sink in as she thought over the day’s events and what Ashanna might have promised to explain to her. Finally, she remembered that Victor told them he mentioned the failure to the travelers, and Ashanna promised then that they’d talk and she’d tell her more. Nodding slowly, she followed as the queen led her and Camille to a small sitting area where they all made themselves comfortable.

  Once they were settled, Ashanna asked, “So, what did Victor actually tell you?”

  Thinking back to that conversation, she shrugged. “Honestly, not much. Just that you’d been able to help me because I was the traveler, but that at one point, you failed the traveler and that people had forgotten about it.”

  Ashanna sighed, tracing the patterns on her dress absently as she spoke, “It’s not that the public has forgotten, so much as that it was hidden from the public as much as possible to stop them from rioting.” Glancing up, she noted that she had Jade’s full attention, as well as Camille’s silent eyes from the side, so she went on, “What people don’t know is that there have been not three, but five travelers before you in Caoi. You’ve heard of Caldwell the Diligent, Corrai the Wrathful, and Varden the Proud. The last two are all but forgotten in our history, because they represent our darkest times.”

  With a wave of her hands, Ashanna created an illusory map that Jade was somewhat familiar with. Unlike the other maps which showed the nearby kingdoms as well, this one displayed only the borders of Caoi. “You know the four cities of Caoi, but originally, there was just the capital.” The single dot representing Caoi was glowing green, while Abhain, Mianach, and Malartu glowed red. Slowly, smaller green dots spread out between the four, and Jade instantly realized these were smaller villages radiating out from Caoi as people reclaimed the wilderness, even going into Basaigh Woods.

  “The great expansion under Caldwell saw the beginning of many cities as we fought to reclaim our place in the world. The entire valley was being tamed piece by piece, but Caldwell was getting old and the monsters fought back. Any supply caravans were heavily attacked, and only the gates which were brought to the end of the line were able to get supplies safely. After Caldwell died, people fell into despair without his leadership.”

  She paused, then pulled up an illusion of a black man that was obviously a painting. Even from that artist’s depiction, she could tell the man was rail thin and covered in scars. “At that time, Jim the Patient appeared. He said he came from a land called Joja, where he was a slave who worked on a relroad. When he learned of their supply problem, he decided to teach them how to build this relroad. Jim had a hard time adjusting to magic, and insisted on overseeing everything to make sure it was done correctly. However, they had yet to reach the first village when they were attacked by tialon, and when they finally fought them off, they found Jim among the dead. The people believed the project was cursed by the gods, who struck Jim down, and thus the project was abandoned, since they didn’t know how to use the relroad anyway. Jim never told them how to use the metal above the ground to supply things. It’s always been a mystery. Over time, the metal was reclaimed for other uses and the relroad was forgotten. Jim was erased from public memory, mostly because people thought the gods were displeased and killed him.”

  Jim’s image faded, and the dots between the cities began to disappear. Jade might have chosen to say something here if she hadn’t been in shock. Joja? Relroad? She had the strangest feeling that Jim had been a slave from Civil War era Georgia. They were from the same world, but put a few hundred years between them, and everything changed. Sure, she’d showed them a train earlier at dinner, but she’d never even considered making it, since they possessed the gates.

  “After Jim came Corrai. The villages were being overrun by monsters, and he led the people to rescue them. Everything between the cities was abandoned, fortifying our primary defenses to ensure our survival on the whole. And yet...there were only so many that could be saved. Most of the brave who struck out to settle new lands were lost to the beasts. The population dwindled, so Corrai trained them in defense to better preserve those that were left. We learned the hard lesson that any village gets destroyed.”

  Dismissing the illusion, she sighed and started tracing her dress again. “After Corrai passed, a new traveler was called in Mianach. He was found by a miner in one of the caves. He called himself Roger, though we’ve since named him Roger the Kind. At first, the miner was kind to him, sharing his food and explaining about the world. Unfortunately, this was an attempt to use the traveler, as the miner, Oscar, was unsatisfied with his life. Roger was weak, but his special ability was something used to strengthen those around him permanently. Oscar tricked Roger into using it on him, and when he felt the effects...he got greedy.”

  She paused, then pulled up a new image. It was of a damp cave, an emaciated man in the corner. He was an older gentleman with unkempt silver hair. Huddled into himself, he looked up and met their eyes with despair. His voice was a mere whisper as he asked, “Why?”

  “Imprisoned by Oscar, Roger was forced to use his ability on the miner and his closest friends, who grew stronger and stronger as Roger got weaker. They only allowed him food after he’d used his ability. Imprisoned and unable to break free, he didn’t know the havoc Oscar’s gang was causing in Mianach. Mad with power, they started murdering nobles for their wealth and targeting the rulers of the city. We believe they were attempting to take complete control over the city when they were finally stopped.”

  She let the image disappear as she finished her story, “Caoi received word that people were going missing. Over a hundred elites were dispatched to the city to help restore the peace. They eventually found Oscar’s group and learned the truth from a member trying to save his life. Less than twenty elites survived the fight. They rescued Sir Roger, but he was so very weak at that point. When he learned of all the harm Oscar’s group did with his help, he vowed never to use his ability again. Several days later, he was found with his wrists slit. Though not his fault, he wrote that the blood was on his hands and he could not bear the burden.”

  Finally Ashanna concluded, “Twice, we have failed to protect the traveler to disastrous results. That was why Derrick and I were so angry we’d not immediately been informed of your existence when you were found. We grew up with our grandfathers telling us the story of Roger and Oscar, as they were part of the group that went to Mianach. Ever since then, we’ve done our best to discover, help, and protect the travelers.”

  Silence reigned over the room. Jade curled her knees into her chest, hugging them more tightly the further into the story Ashanna got. She was horrified. That Roger guy apparently didn’t get the same advantages she did when boosting someone else, but she was horrified to realize that it could have just as easily been her. If she hadn’t woken up in a safe place, if she hadn’t been protected by the royal family, if they hadn’t believed that the skeleton of a girl was the traveler...if she’d told people how her ability truly worked…

  “Hey, you’re safe here; you know that, right?” Camille spoke for the first time since her mother’s arrival as she moved to Jade’s couch and enveloped her in a hug. Nodding absently, Jade’s mind was still reeling with information. Who knew the truth? Jessica and Kaylee. They found out, but instead of reporting it to any higher-ups, they talked to her about it. They watched over her and saved her life. Earlier, she’d been feeling blessed she landed in Caoi and not one of the other countries. In reality, even in Caoi, there was danger, and she’d gotten incredibly…lucky.


  She finally moved, hugging Camille back as she said softly, “Thanks. I was just a little shocked at realizing how bad it could have been, and how good I’ve had it.”

  Ashanna joined them, putting her arms around both girls and initiating a group hug as she spoke softly, “No matter what happens, we’ll always be here for you. You’re family now.”

  Camille added in petulantly, “It’d even be official if you married one of my stupid brothers, but they don’t deserve you.” The three of them burst into giggles, the tense atmosphere lightening beneath her disparaging remarks.

  Sticking her tongue out at Camille, she asked, “What, you don’t think I deserve them?”

  Ashanna grinned, shaking her head as she interjected, “No, they’re absolutely hopeless. They’d drive you crazy within a day.” She seemed to ponder for a moment, then added, “Hunter has been different lately, though, ever since you brought him back. More thoughtful and observant. Before, he was always making trouble.” She gave Jade a considering glance as Jade shook her head vehemently,

  “No, no. Don’t go matchmaking me with Hunter, PLEASE. I think of him as my kid brother! Adorable, and family. Off limits!”

  “Ouch, poor guy. Knocked out of the running without a chance.” Camille was still grinning, and she asked mischievously, “So that makes Hayden out too, I guess. Does that mean you like Will or Victor? Or is there someone else who’s caught your eye?” She paused, giving her a considering glance as she went on, “Lucas has been following you around whenever he can, and I’ve seen the way some of the other guys at school look at you…So?! Who is it?” Jade groaned, burying her face in her hands. How did serious traveler talk turn into a girly sleepover? Camille poked her in the side, making her flinch away as it was a ticklish spot. “Come on, spill!”

  Protecting her sides from further abuse, she shrugged helplessly. “I don’t know! I mean yeah, I’ve noticed how some of them look at me, but I don’t...feel anything like that? I’m only eighteen, and I’ve only been healthy for a few weeks! It’s not something I’m really concerned about right now, you know? I’m not in any rush. Plus, until I figure out a way to know for sure that they like me for me, and not because my charm stat is emitting some high frequency pheromone, or because I’m the traveler…” Her voice trailed off despondently.

  Camille flopped back on the couch, nodding morosely. “Yeah, I get that. You’ll get used to it eventually. At some point you realise that your stats and status are a part of who you are, and whoever it is will have to love you despite, or perhaps in spite of that?”

  Ashanna patted them soothingly. “Don’t worry; you’ll figure it out.”

  Perking up, Jade stared at her as she asked, “Actually, how did you meet Derrick?”

  Blushing, Ashanna opened her mouth to speak when Camille interrupted, “She cheated! They grew up together and were basically in love since they were kids.”

  “Oh hush, it’s not cheating, it’s just different. Besides, do you think no one besides your father ever courted me? Or that he didn’t have his own flock of admirers?” Camille was speechless, staring at her mother in a new light. Mussing her daughter’s hair, she turned back to Jade as she said, “While it’s true we grew up together because our grandfathers were best friends, we weren’t always in love. We fought and dated other people, like anyone else. However, eventually I realized that whenever I was out on a date with someone else, I’d be comparing and wishing it was him. He was my best friend, my confidant, and he made me feel like I was the most important person in the world. He still does.”

  She had a secret little smile on her face, obviously remembering something sweet he’d done. She grabbed the girls’ hands, looking at them expectantly as she said softly, “When you find that person who makes you feel like a thousand crowns, someone you want to spend all your time with and make them feel loved in return...there’s no feeling like it. When you find that person, hold onto them and never let go.”

  Squeezing their hands, she finished, “It’s not about having a perfect life or a perfect relationship. He’ll do things you don’t agree with or that frustrate you. He’ll make stupid decisions, and so you will you. But, at the end of the day, you want to be with that person and work through your problems, because life wouldn’t be as wonderful without them. Because being with them makes you happy, even in hard times.”

  They talked for a little while longer, but Ashanna excused herself soon after to return to Derrick. It was pretty cute, and Jade and Camille enjoyed teasing her and making fun long after she was gone and they were getting ready for bed.

  Camille watched in amazement as Jade inhaled her second–or was it third?–dinner. She’d briefly explained that she needed the energy for the changes she went through at night, then left a few things out for easy access. “Do I need to be concerned?” Camille asked hesitantly upon watching her preparations.

  Shrugging, she replied, “Probably not. If you wake up and I’m not moving and looking pale, just, you know, shove some juice down my throat. But I’ve gotten a lot better at preparing and dealing with the changes.”

  “Oooooookay. If you say so. Good night, Jade.”

  “Night, Cami! Sweet dreams of wonderful things!” Tucked into the sheets, Jade had a grin on her face as she chose her options.

  She hoped that if she ever had kids someday, she’d be happy to tell them stories too.

  Chapter Forty – Burn

  Day Fourteen

  She woke peacefully from the deep slumber itchy pain induced after her siphoning the night before. Well, perhaps deep slumber wasn’t the correct term. Completely blacked out might be more accurate. At least she’d had the presence of mind to wait until Camille’s breathing steadied into sleep before she picked, causing the girl to miss the hiss of pain that escaped before she passed out.

  Before she could contemplate too much, her stomach grumbled softly, making its demands known. She quickly pulled out some dried jerky, chewing on it as she slipped out of the bed. She placed her feet carefully, not wanting another episode of Jade Breaks the Floor as she adjusted to the changes she could feel. The room was still dark, and not wanting to wake Camille, she slipped towards the balcony, creating a bubble of air to stop any noise as she opened the door and stepped out into the crisp morning air.

  Her bubble dropped as she closed the door and she took a few steps out, shivering slightly at the chill. She endured the cold in hopes of raising her resistance and continued to munch, moving towards the stone railing. While it was still dark out, the sky to her left was beginning to lighten with the beautiful colors of dawn. She paused, frowning as she glanced around.

  The giant mountain she’d always taken as being north due to its position on the maps was nowhere to be seen, which meant it was behind her. She was looking in what she thought was mostly a southern direction, towards the Basaigh Woods. The colors were brightening beyond it, closer to the sea, which she would have considered as mostly south, a bit to the east. But if that was true east...did they even use the cardinal directions here? She couldn’t remember anyone doing so, and suddenly she was doubting herself.

  She was mildly relieved that she’d never tried to use the sun to pick a direction before. She was mildly annoyed that she hadn’t realized it wasn’t rising and setting where she thought it should be, and her assumptions were wrong. What other little things had she missed? Her eyes narrowed. The sun was rising above the sea now, but the woods before it...she could see the tiniest of flashes above the giant trees. If she was right about that, then it was the dragon nest she’d learned about the night before.

  Taking a deep breath, she reveled in the fresh morning air, watching the tiny glints in the distance that no one else would likely be able to see without assistance. Having enhanced senses did sometimes come in handy, and the clean smell of the world after a heavy rain was almost intoxicating. She spent a few more moments in blissful peace, watching the city below come to life as people began moving about for the day. Knowing her uninte
rrupted time would soon end, she pulled up her profile, smiling as she saw two blinking green dots. She quickly clicked on them, wanting to see what wonderful announcements awaited her this time!

  Congratulations! Because you have acquired a basic understanding of Assassination, Aura Manipulation, Bluff, Danger Sense, Deception, Disguise, Lock Picking, Mimicry, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth, your skills have combined. You will forevermore be known as Obscured.

  Congratulations! Because you have acquired a basic understanding of Cold Resistance, Heat Resistance, Magic Resistance, Mental Fortitude, Pain Tolerance, Poison Resistance, Resilient, Shock Resistance, Stun Resistance, and Warding, your skills have combined. You will forevermore be known as a Resistor.

  She almost crowed with delight at the fact that she’d gotten twenty different skills combined down into two. Not only did it most likely make her more powerful, but it helped to clean up her truly ridiculous skill sheet. Her plan to get as many things to intermediate as possible to see what combined was obviously the right choice. She was now a rogue with the resistance of a barbarian! Or something like that. Either way, it was only good news. Grinning, she pulled up her actual profile.

  Name: Jade Winward

  Age: 18

  Strength: 27.89

  Dexterity: 28.60

  Constitution: 29.49

  Intelligence: 29.44

  Magic: 32.17

  Charisma: 24.33

  Luck: 24.26

  Special Abilities: Adaptable², Instinctual Insight, Keen Senses, Siphon²

  She was making good progress, if she did say so herself. She’d focused primarily on magic last night, but the lower numbers everyone held in it made progress so much slower than the other stats. Strength went up over a point, dexterity, constitution, and intelligence about a point and a half, magic went up almost two points, while charisma and luck were a little more than half a point each. What was frustrating was that she’d siphoned luck off a decent amount of people, but the stat increases for that were even more abysmally low than that of magic. The only reason she kept doing it was because she was aware that her insane luck was probably the only explanation for how she’d managed to make it to this point. Ah well; there wasn’t much, if anything, she could do about it now, so she pulled up her skill sheet to see how that changed.