S1E3 - Explanation Unknown
----------------------------------------
Don't feed RUMPs to your PLUMs
----------------------------------------
While we're on our way from the academy to the next destination, let's talk about privacy for a second. Or in my case, a total absence of it. All those slight of hand manipulations I had to do with Snick just now made me think that something has to be done about it soon, especially since Rindo is not with me right now
When you talk about privacy nowadays, the conversation will inevitably involve Network at some point. Historically speaking, magical transmission of thoughts isn't anything new - you get a thought, you envelop it with magic, you emit it like a regular spell, you throw it at someone's head. The magic consumption is huge, the distance is small, and you have to focus really-really hard, so for a long time it wasn't considered anything more than a fancy gimmick. That is, until some giga-brain discovered a way to control and detect the oscillations of light vexels, which transfer almost instantly and reach almost anywhere. Alchemical device for immediate information transfer - Magical Transceiver - was created. And with this, the Network was born
Not right away, of course. At first, they were just capable of having a proper conversation between two fixed points, but even that was a pretty big deal. You see, this invention happened almost right before the Great Collapse, during which most of those who were even capable of having a proper conversation were separated by hordes of hungry monsters, so informational exchange became kind of vital at this point. Some say that the role Magical Radio played in helping Kaladerra get through the First Impact can even be compared to the involvement of Hero and his wild bunch
After the Great Collapse was dealt with, this magical tech went through the expected booming phase, which resulted in the creation of Magical Network - interconnected global structure dedicated to information transferring. Today, it covers most of the civilized parts of Kaladerra with an intricate system of cables, transceivers, overleveled mediums, overmutaded creatures, thinking trees, and anything else those weirdos from Dominion of Truth can come up with. Those freaks are the ones running the Network, and they are the only ones that know how it all actually works. Everybody else is just using it
Which is mandatory, by the way, as long as you choose to live in the country that is affiliated with the World Summit. Every citizen is required to have a personal Network account - it includes Magical ID, name, level, class, rank, vextra-coin balance, stats, skills, soma, magic, achievements and some other stuff. The information is publicly available, unless your rank is high enough to request it not to be
To access your account, you need a link to the Network. And for that, you need PLUM - Personal Link-providing fully-Upgradable Magical assistant. Another concoction from those Dominion of Truth freaks, PLUM is an overmutaded animal - familiar - with a bunch of infused skills and some sockets for alchemical implants. I think initially they are transmutated from some form of lower dragon to give them higher resistance and ability to levitate, then they probably get increased resilience and data processing skills from insects, illusion magic and transformation from beasts and regeneration from sea creatures. Don't forget to add some capacity to store and telepathically transmit and receive information, and after all that you can bind the resulting creature to your own Magical Signature to get a personal connection to the Web of Truth
Basically, that's what PLUMs are - very sturdy floating magical transceivers with a very good memory, that can appraise anything they look at, show you pictures with illusion magic, and provide you access to your account - or any other part of the Network. For example, they can scan your current condition, reference it to the official leveling system, and then show it back to you in a form of Status Screen. They can analyze the loot you're picking to a certain extent. They can present a map of the city with the most popular restaurants marked on it. And if your favorite Dungeon Divers decided to stream they current progress through the eyes of their own PLUMs, your familiar can display it to you in real time. Fun stuff
Plus, they act like a passkey to the areas that may require it, and every big city usually has a lot of those. Your PLUM automatically presents your rank for the verification, and if it is high enough, you can pass. If it's not - well, then you should go away and think about contributing
Anything besides keeping itself alive and handling your information goes besides the scope PLUM's basic functionality. For extra features, they can be equipped with alchemical implants, but those are usually expensive as fuck, and they also need Rechargeable Universal Magical Power elements to run. Your familiar fuel itself with food, so basic options are free of charge, but if you want to rely on those shiny implants - then better pop some extra batteries. PLUMs themselves are provided for free, by the way
Like my Snick, that weird looking rat, for example! Sure, a lot of companies will happily offer you dozens of overpriced fancy models to choose from, but if glamour isn't your thing, the state-provided PLUM will do just fine. There's a question of satisfying an unbearable urge to show the abundance of your vextra-coins, but the answer to that question depends on a personal preference. My family's preference was to spend as little money on me as possible. What can I say, I'm well loved
Anyway, what PLUM can see - it remembers, what it remembers - it can transmit. Officially, only the information required to update your personal account is transferred automatically, everything else (with few exceptions) can be sent only through your direct command - when you want to do a live broadcast, share some photos from your birthday party, or start a video call. But what is less widely known - or rather, deliberately ignored by everybody - is that you're not the only one who can give that command. Network Operators can give it too, remotely. Yes, all Operators are from Dominion of Truth. Yes, they stick to they precious Codex. No, they don't do it all the time. They also can be bribed, threatened, brainwashed, or simply convinced. By authorities, or any other party interested in a certain information
And as far as interesting information goes, my personal one is pretty tempting for a lot of people. Hero of the World and all that - who'd want to miss an opportunity to get a scoop? And the guys who are trying to get it through some tricky methods are just the tip of the iceberg. Those who are legally entitled to it are much more numerous and a lot harder to deal with
Sure, my personal account is not open to public entirely, and it only shows some major details that clarify that I, you know, exist. That wasn't done through my request - my humble D rank isn't enough for that. Especially since I'm not even an actual D rank in the first place - I was temporarily promoted as a special exception, since anybody with the rank lower than D can't even enter our beloved Capital of the World in the first place. No, the reason for this secrecy is because, according to the Concordat, all access to the Hero's personal information is supposed to be managed by Hero Assisting Intercontinental Assembled Initiative
That should, theoretically, keep my personal data secure, but that's just until you remember that any organization that agrees to follow the Concordat of Heroes can request access to my info, as long as they manage to convince HAIAI that it is necessary. And boy, do they try to be convincing! As a result, the amount of people that know my every move without even having to rely on any sort of shady tactics is pretty astronomical. And not all of them are good guys
Do you want to know how many times the enemies have appeared exactly in the right fucking place and at the right fucking time during my journey? How many times they were ahead of my every action, how many times they mysteriously knew something that they clearly shouldn't? And when I say "enemies", I don't particularly mean demons - those guys are comparably easy to deal with. They just destroy stuff and kill people. To stop them from doing that, you just have to fucking kill them instead. You can even occasionally be praised for doing so
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Hitting things with pointy sticks doesn't work that well in all those... other types of situations. Not that I ever tried, since I was always a goody two shoes. How about this time around, I do a little experiment and...
...
Nah, I'm just kidding! I'm on my way to Heroic Retirement, so what do I care? They can enjoy their petty squabbles and power moves to their heart's content. Go ahead, knock yourself out, fellows! The one to come out on top will get to watch the world being destroyed from the highest vintage point
Me, I'm just regular mediocre Hero doing my small mediocre Hero things. For that, I want my humble mediocre Hero privacy, and for that, I need a help from the professional. Because when there's a person that comes up with a way to build something, there's always going to be a person that comes up with the way to break it
Well, seems like I've finally arrived - there's that alley, and there's that door that isn't different from all the others but will open for some reason. At least I hope it will - this whole thing is a gamble, to be honest, but then again - what exactly wasn't today? Let's try it...
----------------------------------------
At the long last, their endless chase across the whole world brought Hero Party to this criminal lair, well-hidden, surprisingly, not so far away from where their tireless pursuit has begun. As they step down the stairs, they remember all the cryptic clues they had to assemble and all the great many dangers they had to brave, until they reach another door and get ready to meet a mysterious villain...
----------------------------------------
Man, what a pigsty! I know those creeps value knowledge above all else, but still. Yes, the morons from Dominion of Truth call themselves Librarians, not Janitors, but did that ever occurred to them that keeping your working and living environment clean is also a pretty useful knowledge to have?
Anyway, I'm in luck - he's actually here, sitting in a chair in the middle of this dumpster, surrounded by magic formulas and a dozen of familiars flashing their screens. Or is it "she"? Baggy clothes, hood that hides the face, and the voice... well, most of the Librarians have inorganic voices, but this one definitely trying to set a new record. Just listen to it
『What does the "Hero" need from me?』
Yup, creepy as fuck! Hey, wait a minute! Did I hear some mockery in a way you pronounce my splendid title? Unforgivable! I only choose to overlook such barbarism because of my eternal love for peace and non-violent solution. Be grateful, you filth! Anyway, to the main topic
『I want you to make my PLUM disobey any command that isn't coming directly from me』
『K-k-k-k-k-k-k!』
That weird noise is the best attempt at laughter this moron can muster, I suppose. Eternal love for non-violent solution, protect me!
『This version of the "Hero" is a rebel. Does the "Rebel" not afraid that making this conversation public will affect his reputation in a negative way?』
『Well, it's just you and me here, and I'm guessing you've been jamming the transmission since before I even got close to the door, so no, the "Rebel" is not really afraid』
『What makes the "Rebel" think I will help him?』
『Nothing makes me think that! *Heroic smile*』
『...』
『...』
『OK, how about you get my official permission to take a peek at my Heroic antics through my PLUM whenever you want?』
『I can do this without permission from the "Rebel"』
『True, but having a proper invitation has a very different feel to it, right? VIP tour across the planet on a world saving journey with Hero as your personal guide!』
『!...』
『I can even throw in some exclusive merch to sweeten the deal some more. I have this brilliant idea for a T-shirt design, you're gonna love it! Imagine - me, in a bathrobe...』
『Give the familiar to me』
Snick, that's your queue to be grabbed by me and thrown onto the lap of this peeping enthusiast. Now all that's left is to wait for this weirdo to do the weirdo magic thing and... seems like it's done. I hope it is, anyway, since I have no Idea what just happened
『I provided the "Rebel" with the root access to the core functions in addition to overriding priority levels. This will make the deal more sweet』
『Thanks! I'll make sure to do a shout out to you when I slay my first dragon! And if I ever figure out what the fuck it is that you just said, we can hold a private handshaking event!』
『...』
『Anyway, I'm gonna leave now, because I know you're busy. See me soon!』
Sometimes it almost feels like I know what I'm doing
----------------------------------------
That, my friends, was a world-wide celebrity - "Dammunie", the infamous rouge Librarian that betrayed Dominion of Truth. Countless misdeeds of this Network criminal include hijacking personal and corporate accounts, interrupting broadcasts and stealing and then disclosing classified data. Some say that Damunnie went crazy, but I say it's just an attempt to flatter Librarians by implying that the rest of them are actually sane. Even during my oblivious looping, I had an impression that all this Network vandalism was just for shits and giggles, but everyone was, like, "he's a real menace, go catch him!" And so we went around the globe collecting cryptic hints just to "catch him" two steps away from where our quest started, in that basement I just left from. After that, I don't think we ever tried to double-check, but knowing what this renegade Librarian is capable of, I don't think Damunnie even made it to prison after the "arrest".
So why just sit there and wait for us like a fucking idiot? Based on our previous conversations, I assumed that the reason might involve a personal interest in someone within Hero Party. Being an infinitely humble person that I am, I bet on that "someone" to be me, and it feels like I was right. Or maybe Damunnie finds the idea of Hero of the World running around with illegally modified PLUM hilarious. Not entirely sure, but how can you really be with those guys
Hey, at least this time I'm "the Rebel"! Wanna know what I was called during our previous interactions? Well, too bad, 'cause I'm not telling! All you need to know is that it was a very respectful name that's truly befitting my brave Heroic character! Now, let's just grab a few things from the dorm...
『How dare you show your face in front of me, human! Do you think I've forgotten those despicable insults you threw at me?』
『Waaaah!! It's Ellie, the Hero Slaying Monster!! Run away!!』
『*twitch* D-don't think you can address me in such casual manner... Wait, who are you calling a monster?! Get back here this instant, human!!』
Heroic Retreat Activated!
----------------------------------------
You know what, let's go get on the train instead for no particular reason. Man, I really should do something about this angry royal cunt. Eventually
Right now, we are going to the District Ulurumbia, located on the outskirts of Vitalberia. Originally, Ulurumbi was just a small town near the capital, but when a dungeon appeared, the academy decided to make it a training ground for its students, so they build all the proper infrastructure and then moved the city boarders to make it part of the capital. I'm sure the people of Ulurumbi were very happy to become proud vitalberians. All those who were allowed to stay, at least
Look, you can already see it from here! A giant dome of thick silver fog surrounded by a fence with a sizable building guarding the entrance. Practice dungeon of the University of Liberal Combat Arts, most commonly known as a "Noob Dungeon". Let's hurry up, I can't wait to get my first proper dungeon loot of the run!
Get off the train, check the status just in case to see if the access to the dungeon is still there, enter the Dungeon Hub right across the road from the train station, wave to the receptionist in the hall and go towards the exit gate
『Hello there, young fella! Looking good! Lil' bit late in the day for a dungeon divin', doncha' think?』
『Worry not, Lovely Lady of the Reception! I have a feeling I'm going to get lucky and score big time very quickly!』
『Now, aren't you a funny young man! Being enthusiastic is fine, but let me tell you - it ain't gonna be that easy! This here is a trainin' dungeon, you see, so most early floors have been cleaned up pretty good. If you're hopin' to earn big, you're gonna have to go looking through the deep parts, and - no offence - that's a lil' early for you right now, young fella!』
『Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me, Lovely Lady of the Reception! The beauty of your compassionate heart makes the Spirit of Adventure within me burn even stronger! I shall answer its call right away and proceed through this uncharted maze, while making sure that all the safety procedures are being properly followed!』
『You do that, young fella! Practice or not - dungeon divin' ain't no joke! Remember - no shame in running away if you ever find yourself in over your head, you hear?』
『I will embody the Spirit of Cowardly Escape in your honor, my lady!! See you soon!』
『Keep your head on a swivel, young fella!!』
This sheep-girl from the reception really is a lovely lady. Shame her boyfriend is such a fucking asshole! Anyway, finally go through the exit gate, clear the distance to the wall of silver fog, step through it, take a moment to adjust to the environment, go behind the nearest corner and quickly check that nobody's around
『Snick, ignore』
『*looking away*』
OK, let's hope that whatever Dammunie did is working properly. Take the battery from the bomb out of your pocket and throw it on the ground
『Snick, look』
『*staaaaare*』
『Oh my, would you look at that!! What an intriguing oddity I just happened to find completely by chance right at the entrance of the dungeon!! Let's pick it up and see what it is!!』
>> ACQUIRED : RUMP (grade M-2) (38%) [ULCA Dungeon]
『Seems like it's a rechargeable universal magical power element!! What can it be possibly doing here, I wonder?! A total mystery!!』
First proper dungeon loot GET!! Now, let's sell it and gear up properly! Huzzah!!
----------------------------------------
Now Loading........