by Tao Wong
***
Time passes and people slowly leave. I Portal nearly everyone away, leaving only a few of us standing in the cemetery. In the corner of my eyes, I see the blips inching their way in, monsters growing slowly bolder as the gathering disperses. Scavengers and opportunistic predators, hoping for the weak or distracted. I briefly consider showing them how wrong they are.
“President Markey called and asked if I would accept the position of Deputy Governor,” Roxley says, his voice cutting through the ashen haze that fills my mind.
“Pardon?”
“President Markey called—”
“I heard you the first time,” I cut Roxley off and wave. “Why?”
“I believe he’s looking for assurance and backing. With the splintering of your other human factions, humanity’s position has grown more precarious. We spoke of acting against the groups of Independents within North America, as well as ceding certain territories to regain his United States,” Roxley says.
“He asked me for help too,” Lana confirms, a slight twist in her lips. I wonder what it means, but don’t find the motivation in me to pursue the matter.
“India and China?” I ask softly.
“Already fighting at the borders.” Mikito sighs, rubbing her temple. “The champions have their hands full trying to keep the dungeons and Galactics at bay. Cheng Shao is doing her best to slow down China, but there’s no equivalent in the Indian sub-continent. They’re all—”
“Fighting. Trying to become the top dog. If it wasn’t for the internal strife, they’d be in all-out war,” Lana says. I have to admit, I’m grateful for human idiocy.
“Can Rob get the votes?” I ask, and looks are traded around. In five years, we’re going to have to do this all again. With the current state of affairs, we might get less than fifty percent of the vote if we’re lucky.
“Five years is a very long time…” Mikito voices the only hope we have.
Though I took back every settlement taken by the Fist and one of theirs, it’s not enough. Not by far. I know more and more of their people are pouring in, an aggressive stance they’ve taken which hasn’t broken into outright war. Yet. Even the additional taxes and entry fees Rob has thrown up are doing little to slow the Fist.
“President Markey also asked if I had a recommendation for the envoy,” Roxley adds, and I twitch. “It is just a term, not a designation.”
“Heh. Just don’t want them returning the favor,” I say.
“No. We have rules,” Roxley says then smiles grimly. “Though the fact President Markey hails from the same country as the perpetrator has less than desirable optics.”
“No shit.” I scratch my head, thinking about Roxley’s question.
I look at the two ladies, and Mikito gives me a shrug. Yeah, fair enough—the lady is an even worse choice than I am. Most of Mikito’s contacts would be less than suitable. Lana on the other hand…
“Stop looking at me like that,” Lana says, her eyes narrowing.
I offer her a light shrug and look away. Fine. Maybe I do put a lot of hopes and burdens on the lady. On the other hand, I do note how in the months I’ve been back, I have yet to actually meet her boyfriend. I’m not exactly sure what it says about what she thinks of me, that even now she refuses to introduce us.
“It’s not as if I have a list of people who should go,” Lana adds. “It was supposed to be Rob… but…”
“But he’s Governor now.” I grimace. “And there was no guarantee he’d go. Doesn’t he have anyone on his staff he can tap?”
“Probably busy,” Lana says with a shrug. “Anyone good enough to go would be good enough to run a settlement. And we’re a little pressed on that front.”
I can’t help but agree. The need for good, competent, trustworthy individuals is not small. In some cases, I know we’ve had to compromise and go for two out of three. And once in place, not many settlement owners are willing to give up their spots.
“What about Peter?” I say, recalling the Diplomat. After all, we’re literally talking about a diplomatic mission. And his work has been good.
“He’s on the team, but Rob has suggested we find someone else if possible,” Roxley says. “I agree. It would be best to find a Diplomat who is not tied directly to the Governor. This is meant to be a mission for the entire planet.”
Fair enough, though I’m not entirely sure asking us is much better, considering we’re from Canada. If half the world before the apocalypse couldn’t tell the difference between the two countries, I’m not sure it’d be any different now. Still, perhaps we could find a settlement owner with a competent assistant like I had. Of course, people like Katherine…
“Oh. Duh.”
“You thought of something, John?” Roxley says.
“Katherine.”
Everyone pauses, their brains working on overdrive before there’re a few curses for forgetting such a simple answer.
“Exemplary suggestion. I shall endeavor to inform President Markey and allow him to extend the invitation,” Roxley says.
“And I’ll inform Katherine beforehand so that it’s not a complete surprise,” Lana adds.
I nod. With that major issue dealt with, Roxley asks for a Portal back to Whitehorse. Lana departs next, leaving me with Mikito and Ali as the monsters close in. The Samurai tilts her head, looking at me.
“So. What now?” Mikito asks.
I consider her words. There are still settlements in doubt, dungeons close to overflowing, a space station commander who needs to be repaid. People to say goodbye to, arrangements to be made. But glancing at the grave, I find a sardonic smile crossing my face as a wave of exhaustion runs through me.
“What do you think of bannock?”
***
A few days later, after Katherine had—politely—bitched about being tossed into the deep end, the Erethrans find me in the middle of clearing a dungeon by myself. With the champions stretched thin by the various conflicts and my reputation for killing settlement owners and taking settlements, I’ve been banished from dealing with the politics. It doesn’t help that my Reputation took a bit of a ding when I wasn’t able to completely cover all the deals I’d made. The agreements I’d had with Bipasha were voided after her death, and while Rob was thankful for our help, he was also less willing to play ball. Sadly, the man is smart enough to realize I can’t and won’t do anything to him, so he’s gone ahead and screwed me over a bit to get what he wants. I can’t complain too much—it’s not as if I didn’t sacrifice him earlier to the altar of expedience.
I admit, I’m still surprised to see the Erethrans. The champion looks around the Level 80 dungeon with a sniff and waves at the team of Erethrans, who rush forward at her command. Within seconds, we’re left alone except for her usual shadows.
“Champion,” I greet Ayuri before I nod at Unilo and Mayaya. “Shadows.”
I get a slight smile from Unilo, but Mayaya just stares at me with his blank expression. I roll my eyes theatrically before Ayuri coughs into her hand, drawing my attention back to her.
“I wanted to meet with you before you left,” Ayuri says.
“Calling in your favor?” I say.
“It’s Unilo’s. And no. I wanted to inform you that we’ll be leaving soon,” Ayuri says. “Matters at home have progressed. It’s possible we might need you to return to Erethra at some point soon. Try not to get yourself killed.”
I chuckle but sober up when Ayuri doesn’t even crack a smile. She’s surprisingly serious—for a woman who doesn’t seem to take much seriously.
“You crossed the Fist. And while Asgauver and his cronies were not particularly strong, they were connected,” Ayuri says. “Your actions have made your position in Erethra even more tenuous. We are, technically, part of their faction.”
“You are?” I exclaim.
“Of course. We’re a warrior-based society. The Army by itself has nearly twenty-four percent of our population under arms, and that doesn’t include independe
nt Adventurers,” Ayuri says. “The only way we are able to keep those numbers viable is via Dungeon Worlds like yours.”
I feel truly conflicted now. I always knew the Erethrans focused more on quantity than quality for their defenses, though the Honor Guard is obviously the cream of the crop. Still, the realization hits hard. The Erethran’s, the group I’ve somewhat allied myself with are part of the Fist, a group that elected to cause our apocalypse. With a slight shake of my head, I push it aside for later consideration.
“So you figure I’m going to be forced to deal with hardliners if I ever come to Erethra,” I say with a slight twitch of my lips. Well, damn.
“When you come, I expect you’ll anger many of the traditionalists and Fist adherents,” Ayuri agrees. “I would also consider distancing yourself from your people once you arrive in Irvina. It is highly likely you will be targeted.”
“More assassinations?” I sigh loudly.
“Among other things. Be careful. Irvina is a hotbed of politics, and you, Mr. Lee, are as subtle as an orbital strike.”
The statement gets a chuckle from Unilo. Warning given, I’m actually shooed away as the Erethrans proceed to hog the dungeon. Left with no monsters to kill, I walk out of the dungeon and Port back home, heading for the Shop. I need to pick up a few things before we leave in a few days and deal with all the loot I picked up from Fang Lei’s, Asgauver’s, and their cronies’ bodies. Bipasha’s I’ve returned to her settlement. There’s something about looting your allies that seems wrong, no matter the kind of advantage it might give you. But still, whatever else I had to say about Fang Lei and the hippo, they had good stuff. I’ll need to rework some of it to be more suitable for me, but I figure it’ll be ready for when I get to Irvina.
As I walk toward the Shop, I pull up my Status Screen, looking at the progress I’ve made since I came back from the Forbidden Zone. It’s been a crazy half year.
Status Screen
Name
John Lee
Class
Erethran Paladin
Race
Human (Male)
Level
23
Titles
Monster’s Bane, Redeemer of the Dead, Duelist, Explorer
Health
3470
Stamina
3470
Mana
3220
Mana Regeneration
272 (+5) / minute
Attributes
Strength
227
Agility
307
Constitution
347
Perception
172
Intelligence
322
Willpower
352
Charisma
110
Luck
68
Class Skills
Mana Imbue
3*
Blade Strike*
3
Thousand Steps
1
Altered Space
2
Two are One
1
The Body’s Resolve
3
Greater Detection
1
A Thousand Blades*
3
Soul Shield
2
Blink Step
2
Portal*
5
Army of One
2
Sanctum
2
Instantaneous Inventory*
1
Cleave*
2
Frenzy*
1
Elemental Strike*
1 (Ice)
Shrunken Footsteps*
1
Tech Link*
2
Penetration
3
Aura of Chivalry
1
Eyes of Insight
1
Analyze*
2
Harden*
2
Quantum Lock*
3
Elastic Skin*
3
Beacon of the Angels
1
Eye of the Storm
1
Vanguard of the Apocalypse
2
Society’s Web
1
Combat Spells
Improved Minor Healing (IV)
Greater Regeneration (II)
Greater Healing (II)
Mana Drip (II)
Improved Mana Missile (IV)
Enhanced Lightning Strike (III)
Firestorm
Polar Zone
Freezing Blade
Improved Inferno Strike (II)
Mud Walls
Ice Blast
Icestorm
Improved Invisibility
Improved Mana Cage
Improved Flight
Haste
Epilogue
The world spins slowly beneath us, showcasing an endless vista of blue. The Atlantic Ocean is covered in spinning white clouds that earmark the start of another massive hurricane, the islands which make up the Caribbean hidden at this angle. A part of me winces at how bad things will get for my friends below. Ever since the apocalypse, hurricanes have included Elementals and Spirits galore, creatures of fickle disposition and violent nature. Still, the violence which is about to erupt is only in my mind. In my vision before me is only a peaceful blue globe.
“Taking one last look?” Katherine asks as she stands beside me, her hand resting lightly on the railing of the ship’s observatory.
I don’t blame Phil for putting us on the passenger ship as soon as possible, rather than keeping us on the station. Well, not much.
“Yeah. Trying to imprint it on my mind.” Not as though it’s particularly hard, not with the Intelligence I have. Some things, like an almost photographic memory, come naturally to me now. Just another damn change.
“You make it sound like you don’t expect to see it again.” The words are uttered like a statement, as if Katherine knows the answer.
And so rather than answer her, I fall silent. As usual, Katherine doesn’t push, for which I’m grateful.
“Eh, I’ve seen prettier planets,” Ali says, standing beside us and sipping on a drink.
“Not all of us live in the elemental plane of stupidity,” I reply to Ali.
“Hey!”
“Well, it seems both Ms. Pearson and Lord Roxley would regret it if you did not return,” Katherine says.
I grunt, turning sideways to spot Mikito seated on a comfortable chair, staring at a broadcast arena match. The Spear of Humanity just showed up at the teleportation pad this morning, as if her presence was perfectly reasonable. When I inquired about what she was doing there, she simply said “Baka,” and walked away.
“Perhaps. But it’ll be a lot of years…” I finally say.
“Five. Not much longer than when you were gone,” Katherine says. “Did I ever tell you thank you?”
“What for?”
“Hiring me.”
I snort. “Pretty sure that’s my line.”
“No, it’s mine. I was lost. In this world, I was nothing. I only survived because others, braver others, sacrificed themselves to save me. I had no purpose, and so when you and your mismanagement happened, I jumped at the chance. I was so scared you would turn me down,” Katherine says, looking at me.
I refuse to meet her gaze, focusing on Earth beneath us, the slowly diminishing planet. “I’d have been a fool to do so.”
“True.” Katherine half smiles. “I never did ask why.”
My lips twist slightly, amusement at the sudden change in temperament. Then again, we are leaving Earth—for the first time in Katherine’s case. A certain level of sappiness is to be expected. “You’ve got a lot of work ahead of you. A lot to learn. It’s a completely different ball game, and we’re minnows in a great big, blue sea. And, Katherine, when we arrive…”
“Yes?”
“
Ali and I will be separating from the group. While we have to use you to get into the capital, you need to distance yourself—and Earth—from us as soon as possible.”
“What are you planning?”
I straighten, Earth already no larger than a particularly large yoga ball in the viewport. It’s strange we don’t even feel a touch of the acceleration. Then again, there’s artificial gravity too. So hey, what’s a little inertia dampening?
I flash Katherine a comforting smile before I turn away. “Remember. Distance yourself.”
We have nearly two months to get there on this cruiser. Two months to train, to study, to prepare. And then… well. Then we’ll finally be able to start answering the question that’s been plaguing me since the beginning.
What the hell is the System?
###
The End
For now.
John and Ali will be back in a new Galactic arc in book 7!
Author’s Note
Well, that’s it. That’s the second arc of the System Apocalypse series. The next arc takes John and Ali into the Galactic arena, with the pair of them having to face a whole new world. John’s grown a lot, both in Class and as a person, but the challenges he’ll face next will be galactic in scope.
I also wanted to discuss why John’s Master Quest was not in this book, but instead we skipped four years ahead. This wasn’t an easy decision and one that I struggled with through the entire end of book five, as I contemplated the next book.
As many of you have noticed, John didn’t rise in Level at all during his stay in the Forbidden Zone. The entirety of his Master Quest can be considered a very long training montage. And while I enjoy writing fight scenes, an entire book of endless fights without any Level gains might be extremely boring and certainly not very LitRPG. Rather than subject readers to that, I time-skipped the process. In addition, while the effect of the Master Quest was important, the actual process itself is not important to the story.