The developer and his game characters met in the cabin where the NPCs resided. Of course, Nathan sat with Lilith, Olivia sat with Jack (much to his chagrin), and the rest sat in their own couches.

"So, why are we here now?" Nathan asked as he coldly gazed at the developer. "I don't like seeing your face, you know."

"I know that you guys will attack England soon, so I thought I should give some suggestions like the generous developer I am!" The developer responded with a smirk. "But before I do, I gotta ask, do you guys know where blessings come from?"

"Is it from sadistic people who enjoy ruining people's lives like you?" Nathan sarcastically answered.

"Nah, well, maybe?" The developer said as he rubbed his chin. "But that's not entirely true. Blessings are just aspects of a so-called god's power, usually given to humans from birth."

And that's another reason to question who the hell this developer is. Nathan thought.

"Aspects of a god's power?" Lilith repeated with confusion on her face. "What do you mean by that?"

"Let's say a god of tricks bestows a blessing unto a human. They may receive the ability to create illusions to trick people." The developer explained. "Also, the blessing received can be stronger than most depending on how powerful the god is."

Am I to freaking assume that this bastard is some kind of god? Nathan thought. Even if he is, what kind of god would he be to give me an inventory blessing and Lilith a knight blessing? I don't see the correlation between those two.

"The best way to improve your blessing is by focusing on it alone. For example, since Lilith has a knight blessing, having the mentality of protecting your Nathan is necessary." The developer explained, which embarrassed Nathan and Lilith. "To see improvement, the gods want you to focus on the blessing they invested into you. It's like you're worshipping them. Greedy of them, huh?"

"You know quite a lot about the origins of blessings...makes you wonder," Nathan said. "Also, while it is unusual for a bastard like you to give us any help, I'm confused about how this will help us in battle."

"Let's just say I've done my studies in that area," The developer vaguely responded, to which Nathan rolled his eyes. "And how it will help you, well...things have changed. I've become aware that a human, likely in England, has received a blessing from a rather powerful god - one of the strongest gods in existence."

"Oh? That sounds like a fun battle, right?" Charles interjected.

"Maybe so, but I told you guys how to improve your blessings so you don't get surprised by that individual when you're ready to complete the mission." The developer responded.

"I'll fight that person! I call dibs!" Charles declared.

"It's fair play as long as I kill as many buggers as possible," Jack said. "I know my purpose, mate."

"Sure, we can attack," Nathan suggested.

"Really--"

"After a little more training," Nathan finished his sentence, much to Charles and Jack's annoyance.

Should I just kill this guy? Jack thought. No...I'm pretty sure the developer wouldn't allow that. Nathan is just so damn annoying.

* * *

Returning to the Enlightenment Program's grounds, Amber and Aiden rested on the beds of an infirmary room. The air was still as there was complete silence.

Her eyes fluttered as Amber came to consciousness. Groggily rubbing her eyes, Amber sat up on her bed. She arose with a bland expression, as the sight of the infirmary was familiar to her.

"...I'm alive," Amber muttered. She then looked over and noticed her friend, Aiden, resting soundly on another bed. "You're okay too, Aiden..." She said with a sigh of relief. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have made it. Thank you...so much."

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

You have no idea how happy I was to hear your heartfelt words. Amber thought. But I need to become stronger...so I won't lose people like you, who I care about again...

My daughter, you are doing well. Amber's goddess spoke in her head. You need not feel like you are not adequate, as you will continue to grow.

Oh, it's so good to hear your voice again, god. Amber responded. You've been helping me a lot, haven't you?

What do you mean?

It's just, that I never thought I'd be the type to fight another person. But here I am, getting into many battles.

Ah, that's what you mean. I've been watching you and your family's dedication towards me. Even though you might not have been aware it was me you were following, I knew you were perfect for my power. Amber's goddess explained. Of course, you might have problems physically against other criminals, and psychologically...due to your past traumas. To rectify that, I've been directly improving your physique in fights...and strengthening your mental capacity so nothing in your way against evildoers when I bestowed the blessing unto you. I've accelerated your growth compared to most blessed humans as it's necessary in this war-filled era.

I see. I have one more question, though. Amber thought. What exactly is my blessing, my god? My power isn't clear to me compared to my friends.

Ah, I haven't told you, I'm sorry. The voice apologized. Yours is a blessing of justice.

A justice blessing!? Amber replied with a mixture of a surprised and excited expression.

Yes, with the light of justice produced by your blessing, you can forge your body into a weapon of justice. The more lives you save, the stronger you will become. The voice continued. Over time, you will acquire more techniques than you can currently do. True justice is in your eyes, my daughter.

I understand. Amber said as she laid back down on her bed. I'm sure things will get more chaotic quickly, seeing as how that mafia hitman failed to eliminate me. Keep helping me, my god.

* * *

Changing to Chief Barry, he walked down a dark, narrow hallway with Ryzen beside him. Ryzen's crimson eyes radiated a faint glow in the hallway.

"...How have you found teaching the soldiers in the Enlightenment Program," Barry asked as he started a conversation.

"It's alright. I mean, there isn't much potential there besides a few students, in my opinion," Ryzen responded.

"Potential? Who might you say is talented of the lot?"

"Well, there's Ariel with that taming blessing of hers, Sariel with the technological manipulation blessing, and I guess Amber with her justice blessing," Ryzen responded.

Justice blessing? Is that the blessing Amber has? Barry thought. Well, Ryzen's never wrong about someone and their powers...

"Is that why you indirectly put Amber in danger?" Barry questioned. "To bring her potential out?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"You're the one who recommended Amber to survey the district in which Theodore Dexter ran his casino. They fought, and because she annoyed the mafia, they sent a hitman after her." Barry explained. "It seems you knew that would happen, huh?"

"Haha, you're funny, Ol'Barry," Ryzen chuckled. "It's not like I'm a clairvoyant, ya know."

"...Your actions might be weird and unpredictable at times, but I can tell you didn't recommend her to do that by accident," Barry said. "This must be your twisted way of bringing her potential out. Why you want to is the real question."

There was a few seconds of silence as Barry waited for Ryzen to respond.

"...Let's just say her growth is necessary. We both know she will want to fight Jack to avenge her dead family, so she must become strong quickly." Ryzen finally said. "I mean, you gave her a chance to fight Jack by bringing her to the program she's in. You were intrigued by her energy levels, right? Bringing her potential out is only necessary."

I would have liked it if she avoided fighting Jack, though. Barry thought. She doesn't need to see someone like him again. I accepted you and Kreuger so you two would get rid of him for Amber when the time comes...

"Well, that doesn't matter right now. What matters is that it seems the mafia has launched an unprovoked attack on Amber and, by proxy, us," Barry said as they approached a steel door. "If that's the case, we will no longer sit idly by."

Barry touched a blue holographic fingerprint scanner, and the door slid open. Upon opening, the door revealed a bandaged, unconscious Harold sitting on a metal chair in a darkened room. His arms and legs were bound, so he couldn't think of escaping.

"Wow, Amber did a number on the guy, huh?" Ryzen commented as he noticed Harold's extensive bandages.

"I've been mulling it over since Amber's battle with Theodore. I didn't want to deal with Jack and the mafia, but it doesn't matter now," Barry said. Simultaneously, groans were audible from Harold as he roused to consciousness. "It's been over a month, and there have been no reports of Jack. We can afford to use some of our forces to bring down the mafia before Jack. This is the conclusion of the alliance between the mafia and the military."

You cannot ally with animals, after all...