“Yes, Alexia. For you. No one can harm you here. I’ll provide for you but you need to help them build new lives here. Lives and homes. Okay?”
“Yes, Runner. I shall do as you command. I will be worthy of you.”
“Good. For now, here,” Runner said and then emptied half of his foraged food and water into a trade window. It would keep her fed for at least three months. Thinking of the dark nights, he added every torch and piece of firewood he had on him, including a ring with Campfire enchanted on it. Last but not least he threw in a caster’s robe from a failed project he had been working on. It was in his colors—black and red—and did little except project a feeling of positivity. The area of effect was small, which made it a failure.
“I’ll see what I can do for the settings of this zone as far as getting animals and the like to spawn. Here’s food, water, torches, and the ring will allow you to build a fire at will. I also threw in a robe since yours are…ruined. Remember, build a house, gather everyone together, help them start lives here.”
“I shall remember. I will remember.”
“Thank you, Alexia.”
/GMHub Settings
Day/Night Cycle On
/GMHubReturn
Teleporting…
Runner shifted his balance around upon his return. The sudden transition from grass to wood threw him off a little.
“Were you preparing the site for their banishment?” Thana asked, standing beside him.
“Yep. Alright, let’s get this over with.”
Runner exited Boxy and set his sights on the church. As he walked he changed the spell from GMHub one to GMHub two.
“I need to assemble twenty or so sets of tools for building and excavating. Preferably in a large wooden container. Could you arrange that for me?”
“Certainly. Though I’ll charge you for it.”
“Oh? Steep prices?”
“You’ll pay it.”
Runner didn’t feel much in a flirty mood. He did appreciate her willingness to keep his mind off the bad and in a positive direction. She kept his peace of mind paramount even when the world sought to break him. She always worked at keeping him mentally balanced.
She had her own mind and will. Her own life that existed beyond him. She always kept him part of her focus though.
“I love you, Thana,” Runner blurted out.
Runner could see the ring of Sophia’s guard that encircled the troops now. He’d be on them in a minute or less. She’d done well in hiring so many people so fast.
Thana said nothing immediately in response. Runner couldn’t handle the lack of an answer and finally glanced over to find her staring at him as she walked.
“I love you too, Runner,” Thana whispered, smiling shyly at him.
Then he was amongst his guards. There was no time for saying anything further. Entering the ring, he moved to the front of the church and took the steps two at a time.
“Everyone please remain outside. Keep this door shut and allow no one out.” Not waiting for naysayers, Runner turned and opened the church doors and entered.
As the doors boomed shut behind him, Barbarians from every walk of life turned from their seats to look at him.
Sighing, Runner held up his hands.
“Good evening, everyone. While this brings me no pleasure, I must interrupt your services today.”
Runner took a moment to confirm his personal safety and that no one could pass him at the door.
“I’d like to take only a minute of your time and talk to you about the triumvirate of Vix and their ability to save you. I promise I’ll keep it short and to the facts. Unfortunately, though, I’m afraid I’ll have to be insistent when it comes time for a decision. Forgive me.”
Chapter 18 - Extinction -
8:41 pm Sovereign Earth time
11/22/43
Runner looked around at the empty church and rubbed at the back of his head. No one had resisted him, but neither had they renounced their beliefs. Alexia was probably drowning in the sudden onslaught of people. He’d have to head over soon to see what he could do to help her.
“No deaths, at least,” Runner muttered to himself. “Rabbit will be happy. Brunhild, Ernsta, Amelia. I need your assistance.”
Summoned directly, the three women appeared in a wedge formation. Brunhild at the front, Ernsta to her right, Amelia on her left.
“Good work, Runner.”
“Yes. You did great, little lamb.”
“Invite me back later tonight. It was… exciting watching you hurt him.”
“Thank you, ladies.” Runner smiled wanly at them. “How do I destroy this church? I assume it’s a temple. What empowers it and what do I do to break it?”
“That’s simple, love. In this case the symbols. Like that big silly starburst on the wall. Gaudy bit of trash, that,” Amelia said, pointing up at the huge emblazoned star on the wall.
“She’s right, Runner. Destroy the icons,” Brunhild agreed, folding her arms under her chest.
“Very well. Could I ask a favor of you three lovely ladies? I need a golden triangle with a silver background. Equilateral lengths and six feet long on each side. On the inside of the triangle I need each of your icons in gold. Each icon to take exactly one third of the space. That or something with all of you together.” Runner stood up with a groan.
“What’s your plan?” Ernsta asked, even as she summoned a triangle of pure gold from the air and set it on the ground.
“Oh, you know. Dedicate a church to a trio of beautiful women. Get it full of religious and spiritual power as my soldiers pray to you directly here. Maybe get a hug or two from you all. The normal,” Runner answered, standing under the star. He focused his Fire into the huge sculpture, and it began to melt and ooze down the wall.
“I love it when you talk like that. Tell me more about what you want to do to me.” Amelia leaned over the triangle and filled it with molten silver.
“You’re always a blast, Minxy. One of these days I’ll take you up on it and see where your mouth leads you.” With a sudden crack the starburst exploded into motes of blue dust and became nothing.
“That’s easy to answer. Straight to your co—”
“Enough, little sister,” Brunhild commanded, patting Amelia gently on the head. “Silly thing. Now, let’s see…”
Brunhild’s voice trailed off as a flash of light blinded everyone in the room. The triangle was filled. A beatific image of each of the goddesses now filled the triangle. Each filled their third but overlapped slightly into their sisters’ adjacent sections. Their poses also looked more in line as if they were supporting each other’s area rather than standing alone.
“Lovely, Brighteyes. You’ve such an artistic hand. Okey dokey then. One more favor if you would, my dear ladies? Please arrange the interior as befits your triumvirate. This may be a small church, but it’ll be the first where you’re all together. I’ll be designing a temple in Vix dedicated to you all personally. I’ll use whatever you put here as an idea of what you like. As always, I personally prefer black and red.”
Runner grunted and picked up the triangle. The weight of it nearly overloaded his meager carrying capacity. Lugging it over to the wall, he eyed the bare patch of wall. Abusing his Air spell, he navigated the huge religious symbol into place. It fit the exact spot that had been previously occupied.
“I do love your colors, my little lamb. They suit me perfectly.”
Runner glanced over his shoulder to find Ernsta admiring her handiwork. In the span of seconds, she’d redecorated the entire interior.
“Fantastic. Alright, my beautiful goddesses. I must ask for your departure. I’ll begin filing everyone through for prayer momentarily. Oh, Minxy, two seconds of your time?”
Brunhild and Ernsta took their leave after a moment of silent communication between the trio.
“Sweetie, you know my time is all yours. And I couldn’t think of a better way to consecrate our church. Be gentle, it’s my first time.”
�
�Minxy, down. You’ll actually get me to start believing this sex kitten act.”
“It’s not an act. I mean every word I say to you.”
Runner sighed and pulled out the clothing he’d had Srit pick up earlier. Black pants, a black tunic with an attached mask, black boots, and a red undershirt. All matching his personal colors. They had been cut to suit a full feminine figure while allowing movement and working in the shadows.
“The top can be rolled up to cover the red or down to emphasize… err… your ample figure,” Runner said, pushing the clothing into the trade window.
“Just accept the trade, think inv—”
“I know, I know. You shouldn’t have. You really shouldn’t have,” Amelia said, giggling. Immediately her black and red bra and panties were visible in the flash of a second as she swapped clothes.
Standing before him, she spun a little, posing and looking down at herself.
“It’s perfect, lovey. I’m ecstatic. Now if I could only get you to take it off me? We should really consecrate this church,” Amelia said again, her eyes catching his. They glowed with an inner fire that made him start to sweat.
“Minxy, I have a lot of work to do so I’ll have to pass. You do look great in it though. Beautiful even. Really pulls the eye in.”
Then she was in front of him, her fingers curling into the leather of his armor. A small smile played over her lips as she watched him.
“It’s not an act, Runner. I can feel your eyes on me. They burn me. Scorch me. I’ll leave for now. Thank you.” And then she disappeared.
Letting out a slow breath in relief, he felt the tension inside him wind down. She really was too much. He’d have to stop calling on her if he could avoid it. Runner moved to the church doors, opened them, and stepped out to his waiting guard.
“This church is now dedicated to the triumvirate of Vix. The Ladies Brunhild, Ernsta, and Amelia are receiving devotees. I can personally vouch for the fact that they personally have graced this church. There’s no doubt in my mind that they will hear everyone willing to pray in their first church. Please spread the word,” Runner boomed out into the night for anyone and everyone to hear.
Letting his feet take him from the building’s entryway, he looked around. No one from his immediate group was around. So he set off for where the blue dots of his personal group were on the minimap.
A warm bedroll by a fire sounded like a godsend. He’d snuck in a nap but the day still felt endless.
Instead of heading towards the edge of town, he seemed to be traveling towards the center. Then it clicked.
They’ve rented a room at the inn. Even better.
Runner felt his mood pick up at the thought of sleeping in the same room with everyone. Sleeping with his comrades would always be one of his fondest memories of their travels. Often times they’d while away the time in the evening with cards or other games. Sometimes they’d talk deep into the night about a new book or about what one of them found on the database.
He didn’t always contribute but he enjoyed their conversations immensely.
A spring in his step returned as he pushed open the door to the inn. Loud and raucous laughter filled his ears as he took the measure of the place.
It had the look of any other inn, nothing was out of the ordinary about its decorations or furnishings. Simple, wooden, clean. A room with tables and chairs and a standing bar. A hallway in the back that led to first floor rooms and a set of stairs that led to the second floor rooms.
Normal.
Except that it was packed with women. Only women. Human, Sunless, Barbarians, a complete mixed bag, but all women. When he’d entered the inn, every head in the place had turned to see the newest guest.
Recognition of who he was passed through them like a wave. Then they all returned to their own business. Smiling politely, he began weaving his way through them. They parted easily around him as if working in concert to see him through unhindered.
Targeting Nadine, he saw his reticle jump to a room on the second floor. Taking the steps quickly, he nodded at a female Barbarian guard at the end of the hall. He passed several doors before reaching the one with his party in it.
Rotating the lever, he stepped inside and opened his mouth to greet them, then stopped.
The light was out and he belatedly checked to find the sleeping icon next to Nadine’s portrait. He was probably the only one who had taken a nap on the way over. Realizing the hour was rather late, he paused in the entryway.
A hand gently took the door handle from him and closed the door.
“Your room is this way, Lord Runner,” said a guard he didn’t know.
“Oh, thank you. My apologies. I should have checked the accommodations before bursting into rooms.” Runner felt a small ache in his chest. The very idea of sleeping with everyone had felt so… correct.
“No harm done, Lord Runner. We took up the entire inn. Most of the guard is sleeping here this evening, in the common room, the rooms, or outside and around it. I’m sure you saw quite of a few of them downstairs.”
“Ah, I see,” Runner said as the woman escorted him to another door. “That makes sense. They seemed quite happy down there.”
“Of course. Sophia hired us to be the guard of someone who will surely change the world. Look no further than my old homeland. It now has a queen where women were prohibited to rule previously. Here you are, Lord Runner,” the woman said, opening the door for him.
“Thank you. And thank you for serving. I’ll be relying on all of you. Goodnight,” Runner said, ducking his head at the woman and stepping into the room. She closed the door quietly behind him.
“Damn,” Runner whispered. He checked out his solitary room and found it to be a suite with a small attached dining room. A cursory inspection revealed nothing that shouldn’t be there except for a wooden chest. Inside that chest were forty sets of tools instead of the twenty he’d asked for. Chuckling to himself, he sent the chest off to Alexia.
Stripping down to his nightclothes, he made his way to the comfy looking mattress. Reaching out, he grabbed the corner of the sheets to flip them back.
A hand shot out from under the covers and yanked him into the bed. Dark black eyes burned through him as the hand that grabbed him pinned him to the bed.
“Love,” whispered Katarina as she moved over the top of him. Her leg slid over his hips as she leaned in close to him. She kissed him deeply before pulling back. “Tonight you’re mine.”
Runner grinned up at her. Suddenly he didn’t feel so bad about having his own room. At all.
“Kitten, you’re such a tigress.”
6:08 am Sovereign Earth time
11/23/43
“Dear heart, time to get up,” Thana said, shaking him lightly.
“Mmm. Sleep.”
“No, time to get up. The others will be here shortly. Katarina is getting the table ready.”
Runner reached out and caught the front of Thana’s robe and pulled her down. Kissing her firmly, he tried to smash her with his charisma, then let her go, flopping back into the bed.
“Sleep.”
Across the room he heard Katarina laughing.
“Get up. I’ll call a certain goddess down.”
“That’s not even funny. Do you know how hard she’s pushing?”
“Yes. Get up. Thana, you look like a dazed farm girl. Help me,” Katarina said.
Runner blew a raspberry into the pillow, rolled a few times, and fell out of the bed onto the ground. Groaning, he pushed himself up off the ground and stretched.
“Clothes,” Katarina called out.
Runner looked down and felt his cheeks burn. Slapping at his inventory, he got his clothes and armor on. Finished, he turned around. Thana and Katarina stood side by side, watching him.
“Idiot.” Katarina shook her head at him. “We’ll get breakfast. Finish waking up.” Thana nodded her head slowly at Katarina’s words, following along behind when Katarina opened the door and exited.
Maybe I hit her too hard with the charisma.
Running a hand through his hair, he considered the situation. They would be crossing the border to Human territory today. From here on out it’d only get bloodier. Skirmishes and battles would be a guarantee.
“Brighteyes, did we actually cause him harm last night?”
“We did. Though his power is still as strong, losing a temple is a serious blow that affects his ability to channel his divine power,” said her disembodied voice.
“Thanks, Brighteyes. Pretty sure I wouldn’t be here without your guidance,” Runner said thankfully. Sighing, he called up his GM abilities and selected Alexia’s hub.
/GMHub 2
Teleporting…
Active settings only:
Death=Off
Food/Water=On
Damage=Off
Gravity=100%
Biome=Plane
Day/Night Cycle=On
All around him men and women worked. Digging in teams, they were utilizing the tools he’d provided the other day. He felt a warmth in his chest and wondered if the temperature of the hub had gone up.
“Runner!” came a feminine voice from his side.
Turning, he found Alexia, dressed in the dark robe he had given her the previous day. She was cleaned up and looked renewed.
“Alexia, you look to be a sight better this morning. Are you well?”
“Most definitely. Everything is exactly as you said it would be,” she agreed. Her voice had lost the frantic edge to it and she seemed normal.
“I’m glad to hear it. I worried for you.”
“No, all is well. I’m sorry to have given you a reason to feel concern. Are you here to finish creating this world?”
“So to speak. We shall see,” Runner said, letting his eyes take in everyone around him. Everyone looked to be working diligently on digging. This was good. Far better than he’d hoped.
“Foundations?” Runner asked, pointing at the nearest set of people.
“Indeed. We’ll need materials, but I felt it best if everyone started there.”
Otherlife Nightmares: The Selfless Hero Trilogy Page 33