Today’s tasks were going to be easy, or so Mathew hoped. Mr. Melton had gathered the majority of the people for an announcement. They were going to publicly share plans and give Mathew some face time with everyone. Mathew was pacing behind a curtain. The large crowd was gathered and he hoped it wasn’t going to be a shit show.
“You are going to be fine. Let me do the talking, and you only say what we went over.” Mr. Melton said. “Where is that false bravado you had just a little while ago?”
Mathew glared at him. “I’m still half expecting someone to try to blow me up. I don’t expect everyone to accept my new role very well.”
“That’s why I ensured those on guard duty are not tied to Payne. We are lucky the contracts you made people sign had a clause to follow the commands of the highest ranking officer. If not for the ‘throw away’ rank Payne gave you, a third of our forces would have to be kept far away from you and under constant watch.
Mathew smiled and nodded. “Lead the way.”
Mr. Melton walked out to the stage, and the crowd noise hushed. “Greetings everyone, I understand people have questions and I am here to help answer those. I’m going to start by confirming a few rumors, and addressing issues.”
“Firstly, yes. General Payne was a traitor to America before S-Day. The timing was impeccable for him, and any real proof is now gone, or inaccessible for me. However, you all have my word, along with a few other officials here that it’s true. There was an investigation in process, but The System threw all that out the window. I played dumb to keep an eye on him, and find a moment to oust him properly and legally. What happened three days ago was not what I had in mind, but we can’t change the past.”
“Payne orchestrated a foolish battle plan out of anger, and greed. As many of you probably do not know, but Dungeons can give rewards for completing them, along with other benefits for those who are Owners of Hearth Crystals. He set his eyes on claiming the Infernal Dungeon under orders from a higher command. However, he went around the orders of ensuring the people were safe. As you realized, certain functions that could have been introduced to the base were not utilized by him. The most obvious is the shop recently established.”
“Not long ago, I formed a plan and had a new person in mind to help lead this base. Many of you know of him through Payne’s words and rumors. Yet, I assure you, he is vetted and will be a better leader than Payne. Please everybody welcome Mathew McGonald to the stage.”
An audible clapping started and Mathew walked out. He put on a smile, but did his best to not appear cocky, as if he won something. Instead he put on the face of burden. “Thank you Mr. Melton.” Mathew said into the microphone. He lacked the ability to enhance his voice to be heard easily.
“Some people here knew me as two people. The man who sat in the office, ate grapes, and did paperwork. Others know me as someone who fought, having one of the highest levels here at our home, and the man who saved that Hearth Crystal. I don’t expect everyone here to instantly accept my position, but I promise you to be a leader you can be proud of and feel safe under.”
“Now, there are several topics we need to go-”
“Fuck you!” A voice shouted loudly and interupated Mathew. Standing in the crowd was a man geared out. He had his main weapon, a gun, hanging infront of him. His hands were cupped around his mouth so Mathew could for sure hear him. “I didn’t vote for you. Payne I could understand, he had positional authority. Why should you lead? You claim to do these things, but I’ve never seen your face!”
A murmur washed over the crowd. Voices that also were curious, or tried to hush the heckler. Mathew expected this, and had an answer prepared. “Sir, I understand that. However, let me ask you something. Do you want to be in charge?”
“I bet I could be better than you are!”
Mathew nodded and gestured to the space to his left, “Then come on up. Let’s hear your big plan. Let everyone hear how you helped everyone else since day one. Where were you when the Inferanls released modified wolves that were stronger to scout us out. Tell us where you were when selected individuals were sent to dispatch the Goblin Dungeon that was on the cusp of becoming a problem for this base ontop of the Infernals. How many Imps you killed when the base was attacked by the first Imp wave. How many lives you tried to save when the base was attacked. What about the fearless actions you took to risk your life when the Hearth Crystal was stolen. The only thing ensuring this place can be safe. The walls you purchased with money to alert people of an incoming threat. Come, tell us everyone here these things, because I would love to hear them, and I’m sure these nice people would like to as well!”
Mathew gestured to the crowd around him. Soft chuckles and random shouts of approval were heard, but it was mostly quiet to hear the man's response.
The man faltered for a moment. He wasn’t expecting such a response, but Mathew mentally smiled. He and Mr. Melton did expect something like this, and it is where Mathew truly shined. Preparation for showcasing a story to a Judge and a few times, a jury. These people were just a jury, and he was going to put on a show for them all.
“That’s bullshit, I wasn’t given a chance to prove myself, and you know it!”
“And I was?” Mathew asked. “Last I checked, I was just the lazy sack of shit who sat inside and did paperwork all day enjoying free benifits. Or was that a different Mathew McGonald you heard about?”
“Yea, but you aren't strong like Payne was. I won’t follow your orders, nor will anybody else!”
Mathew nodded, as if understanding. “And I won't force anybody to do that. People who do not like the fact I am in charge, are equally allowed to stay or leave. Yet, they will follow rules established. People who help this place become our home will be rewarded. Money, special privileges such as access to the shop run by Di, and access to so much more things that will soon be accessible to all citizens to this town.”
Mathew was suggested to stop calling this place a base. It wasn’t going to be a military outpost anymore, even though it is structured as one currently. He needed to start calling it a home, a town, a city, anything other than a base.
The man looked to the crowd, seeing some people were looking at him with distaste. “Come on, let's just kick his ass, take the position from him, and let someone we all want to be the leader, be in charge.”
“What if I want him to be?” A younger woman asked. Mathew squinted to see who it was. He reconized her, but could’t quite put down a name.
“Why would you? Look at him! He has sleezy written on his forehead!”
“Like you are any better? Trying to rile up us people who are tired and scared? Shut the hell up Hank, or I’ll stop buying your bodies from the hunts you do.”
Hank looked frustrated, stuck between a rock and a hard place. He noticed nobody was really going to back him up, and chose to sit down and keep his mouth shut.
Mathew sighed in relief. “That went better than I thought.”
“I don’t expect a warm welcome with cake and streamers. I also ask nobody here to blame anyone who does not agree with my position. Those who disagree are free to talk to Mr. Melton and if the majority of people here agree, I will step down and a proper leader will be voted in.”
“Like that will happen. Majority of the people who are still here and alive either saw me fight to defend the base, or were at the forward outpost when I saved the Hearth Crystal. It’s not safe forever, but I have enough time to further solidify my authority.”
“Firstly, I want to discuss the Infernals mentioned.” That was Agnox’s cue and he floated out from behind the curtain and hovered next to Mathew. Several gasps and shouts resonated through the crowd. A single attack flew his way, but Agnox dodged it. Mathew glared and shouted into the microphone. “Sit the FUCK down and listen for a moment!”
That did little to stop the angry voices, but enough for him to speak. “This is Agnox, my Familiar. I bound him to question him further about the Infernals and the world as a whole. He is under my service, and will not be against any one here. You have my word as leader that he won’t be a threat to anybody here.”
A blue screen popped up infront of everyone, including Mathew.
Mathew McGonald has given his word, which in the eyes of The Council counts as a legal promise. Should Agnox cause intentional harm to Military Base 331, and it’s inhabitants, Mathew will step down from his positional authority, and we will aid in the election of a new leader.
Mathew almost lost his cool, almost. He kept a straight face, and decided to roll with it. “As you can see, I gave you my word, and my word is law here.” The crowd was silent at this moment, wondering just what was going on.
“I have the ability to establish laws here, like the old world, however they are much easier to enforce. Those with Classes and Professions related to peacekeeping and order will find themselves able to use those powers properly now. I understand few have such techniques, but it will work once I establish those laws. After this meeting, there will be a table and slips of paper. Please suggest any and all laws you wish to have enacted here. There will be the obvious ones such as no thievery, no murdering, all the things to ensure people act like decent people and not barbaric animals.”
Whispers once again came across the crowd. “Back to Agnox and the Infernal Dungeon. That was a sloppy and lucky win on our part. I won’t discredit anybody here but we need to realize this isn’t the old world where we win with a bigger stick as easily. We can’t drop bombs on people hidding in caves, nor use nuclear fallout as a deterrant. Magic is the new powersource for everything. I’m willing to bet even if nukes were dropped, we can easily clean up the fallout in a matter of weeks with magic.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
That battle was our wakeup call. From this point on, we are going to fully embrace magic, technology, and everything involved with our new way of life. There are more Dungeons out there, and other people who are a danger to our new home, friends, and family. From this point on, people are expected to work. No freeloaders here.”
Mathew paused to get a read of everyone before continuing. “I do hope nobody here will cause anymore problems. From this point on, your status before S-Day is no more. There are new people in charge, and I am here to introduce them to you all.”
“Starting with Mr. Melton, he is in charge of day to day problems. Logistics, jobs, resources, and so much more. He will honestly be doing much more work than I am here. I am in the authoritative position due to my own powers and level. A leader these days needs to be strong enough to protect everyone. I may not be the physically strongest, but I have the power to do it.”
“Next is someone many of you know.” Out onto the stage, Henderson walked out in her battle gear. Her two handed sword hung on her hip. For this occasion, money was spent to Di to have it repaired. Showboating was important. Her metal armor was from his shop, and unless people really looked, couldn’t tell if she was a man or woman based on the build. Unlike video game armor, it did little to enunciate her figure. It did it’s job to keep her safe.
“Henderson here is in charge of defenses. She will bring order to the guards, and ensure laws are kept. She is an extension of myself when it comes to these things. I suggest not pissing her off, I learned that lesson the hard way.” A few chuckles were heard. Mathew saw Brown and Damien being the two loudest.
“Finally, we have myself. I will be incharge of anything to do with The System, Dungeons, and outside threats. I will be forming teams to help scout out problems, deal with them, and ensure everyone here can protect one another. Things will not change rapidly without all of your help. I implore you all to do just that. Help your neighbor, your fellow brothers and sisters in the same situation as you. I don’t expect anyone to be left behind, nor to allow people to do such actions. Pending any questions, that is all I have for you.”
Several hands were raised, while some people started to leave. “People with questions just form a line up here, I will answer as many as I can.”
A line formed, and a small group formed. First up was a younger woman. “What about the children?”
Mathew raised an eyebrow, “What about them?”
“Well, nobody under the age of fourteen has access to a menu. They can’t gain a class or profession or anything. How will you protect them when they can’t even protect themselves?”
“I didn’t even think people didn’t have access to menu’s. That seems severely bad.” Mathew glanced over to Henderson and Mr. Melton then went back to the woman. “That depends on what the child and parents wish to do. Obviously old world ways are gone. Schools do not really exist anymore. How have families been taking care of the children this far?” He was somewhat curious as to the answer.
“A few of the older people have been doubling as caretakers or babysitters while the rest of us either pull guard duty or go out to gain levels. Anything you can do to help that?”
“I can certainly do my best.” Mathew glanced down to Mr. Melton who was already writing things down on his menu. A skill of his apparently. “Meet with Mr. Melton after the meeting, he will have an official answer for you later. We are working on defenses for our home, along with Captain Henderson establishing a proper guard force. People will be properly protected, children included.”
A few more people asked stupid question. What his class was, did he kill Payne, more things of who he was, or what his opinion on X matter was or Y thing. There was a reason why he hated politics.
A man with baggy clothes walked up with his hands in his pockets. He acted shifty, kept glancing between Mathew and Agnox. Mathew smiled slightly, “I swear, if he tries to attack Agnox…”
“That there rat really under your control? Not a spy or somethin?”
“Why must I be right?” Mathew gave him a friendly smile, reading himself for the worst that is to come. “I already gave you my word, he isn’t a threat to anybody here. He has been informing us of the works around the Universe. We plan to be adapting certain ideas and researching other things. Anything to help improve our way of life in this new world will be considered.”
He nodded and in a flash he pulled out a wand from his pocket and a spell formed and was released swiftly. Nobody could react fast enough, except for Henderson. She stuck an arm out to take the attack for Agnox. Then she jumped ontop of the attacker in an instant.
“Fuck you! His kind killed us! You are all red skin sympathzers! The world goes crazy, and you fuckers just adapted! What about how things-” A punch from Henderson shut him up. Blood pooled from his nose and Mathew shook his head.
Mathew hopped down from the stage and walked to the trouble maker. “You don’t do that. You attack ANY of my summons or people, and you will regret it. I tolerate hecklers, and people with opposing views. That’s how society works. People talk things out and come to a resolution. Being a bitch and just killing for no rhyme or reason is why I hate people.” A hidden force pulled into Mathew’s words, a weight fell ontop of the man and he was honestly scared beyond sanity.
Between the sword at his throat with the sharp force coming off of Henderson and the heavy pressure from Mathew, he relized how fucked he was. “I’m- I’m sorry man! I won’t do it again, I promise! I’m just a victim of his kind!”
“No, you are a weak man who resorts to blaming others for your problems.” Mathew said and looked at the remainder of the crowd. “If anyone here dares to go against what I’m doing here for the betterment of everyone, this is your final chance to leave with no repercussions. Henderson, use him as an example of what happens to those who break our laws. Sure, they are not official yet, but we can’t be too safe.”
A pair of guards came over and with the help of Henderson he was dragged away toward the jail cells. Mathew looked at the small group of people who remained. “No more questions. Bring them up to Mr. Melton or ask others who are in charge of you.”
Mathew walked away and once he was out of eyesight everyone he started to ponder on something. That pressure he exerted came from a skill, he was sure of it. It was similar to when he used the shadow teacher of his [Knives] skill or channeling magic to fuel his [Writing] skill. There was a hint of something there, and he liked it.
Agnox eventually caught up to him. “So that went well. I only got attacked twice! Now, when are we going to train?”
Mathew rolled his eye, “I told you this morning, tomorrow you and I are going out to practice with Jeffrey and the Wisps. I need to talk to Di and do a final medical check up.”
“Awww, you are no fun. You should have just blasted that heckler. Really asserted your positional authority. People back in the clan who did that just got smited instantly. Clan leaders really do not tolerate lessers who talk back like that.”
“And I won’t do that, not unless it’s needed. Humans worked differently for years. They are afraid of those in power, and possibly me since I have an enemy as a pet. I need to earn their trust before I start smiting possible problems.”
“Don't think I didn’t notice you skipping an important topic.”
Mathew rolled his eyes, he skipped it on purpose. “They weren't ready for it.”
“Ready for it? Mathew, there are people in Dugneons are not all threats. I told you why my Clan sent Morthrus here. It wasn’t to take over things, it was just battle experience. She even had resources to trade and me to form contracts and other deals!”
“People are not ready for that. Plus I’m not ready to trust anyone from a Dungeon unless I put a heavy contract on them. Essentially slavery. It’s bad enough people still get pissy about slavery from over one hundred years ago. Once I bring up enslaving aliens, it will be all over for me politically.”
“And I’m not your slave technically?” Agnox questined.
“You are.” Mathew said flatly.
“Wait, you are against enforcing a contract on people, because slavery is bad. But you are okay with me being your personal slave? Do you not hear the backwards thought that is?”
“You are not my slave no more than a pet is.” Mathew shrugged, “There is the principle and purpose behind it however. Slaves are those who are in servitude to another without payment, so you are my slave since I technically don’t pay you anything. But I won’t treat you like a typical slave, or with ill purpose unless you really do something bad. For example intentionally harming someone at this base for no good reason.”
Agnox rolled his eyes, “Nobody here is worth my time or effort. Plus I’m Level 1 still. I couldn’t do much unless that person had zero ways to attack a flying enemy.”
“And 90% of this base has at least a gun. Even the warriors. Henderson even still carries her pistol. You can take America away, but you can’t take America out of people.” Mathew shook his head and continued walking. “Tomorrow, we fix your Level issue, and finish preparing for the final battle.”