The Champions were assembled at the long-range teleportation platform, awaiting their team leader. All ten of them stood in silence, using their links for a last minute review of their squad’s assignment in preparation for their deployment. Each of them was the very definition of a ‘veteran’. In fact, this particular squad had been serving together for over 200 years, some of them having been on other teams for many years before that. They knew their duties and fields of expertise, and by reading through the mission profile, they had a good idea what orders their leader, Champion Charity, would give out.
Off to the side of the room, the technicians attended to their duties, careful not to disturb the quiet atmosphere. For them, it never got old to see the Champions in person. It wasn’t uncommon for any of the teams to be deployed, but it was always unnerving how still they stood, and how the essence of the room was so still. It was said that no one could cast in the presence of a Champion without their permission.
Champions were the soldiers of the Populators. Their order had been founded at the beginning of Oglivarch by King Leonard Oglivarch the first, known as the first among equals. He lived for 800 years before dying in solo combat with a wyvern, trying to regain the desire for life. He founded the current capital of Oglivarch, the city of Hennings, named for his first wife and queen. She died before the founding, while fighting for control of the city. As a champion of freedom, from her deathbed she extracted a promise from Leo that he would succeed in their dream. The Populators were the order of warriors who made that dream a reality.
They wore specialized armor, the secrets of its construction known only to the order. Covered from head to toe in silver, with faceless helms and psychic halos, the Populators were feared and respected across all of Oglivarch. Where they went, growth followed.
The doors to the chamber opened and Champion Charity walked in. Although she was only 5’6’’, her tall strides made her seem like a giant. While she was in armor, Charity was her name. She had taken over from the previous Charity after years of brutal training. Countless challenges needed to be met before she earned the honor of carrying the mantle. This Charity had served the people for 500 years and was considered one of the most powerful of the Populators. Her squad was known to rarely call for reinforcements, and to never leave an assignment unfinished.
Upon her entry, all of the silver helms turned toward her. The technicians watched in silence, as the Champions conferred over their private thought-hub. Making sure not to disturb the Champions, the technicians quietly double checked the transportation platform for any targeting errors, it was imperative that there would be no errors getting the Populators to where they were needed.
“You’ve all read the mission briefing. Any questions?” Charity asked over their network.
Receiving nothing but silence in response, she continued, “I’ll carry the command network, team leaders will host their own. The fate-weavers said that there might be a disruption in the local link network at some point, so do NOT join our networks to the local Thought-hub. Team leaders will be Diligence and Tenacity. Remedy, you’ll be acting as a solo.”
The Champions then split into their teams with practiced steps. “Diligence, I want your team to teleport directly to the mage tower, take over their scrying hall, and find the enemy force. Locate and identify any local conspirators. Tenacity, you’re with me. We’ll be verifying the reports we received and I want to view the memory concerning the anomaly that was mentioned in the briefing. Remedy, you’ll be going to the local thought-hub, I don’t like what the fate-weaver said. His exact words were, ‘there is a possible interruption of local link services’, which could mean anything. Anyone have questions?” Charity asked.
One of the Champions said in a curious tone, “Is the anomaly mentioned in the report that kid with the soul from out-sector? The one that the arch mages are constantly scrying like it was their favorite new past time?”
Charity sighed, “Yes, that’s him. Due to the fact that he is central to a lot of what is currently happening in Dorchester, I went to speak with Arch Mage Jennings. The crotchety old man finds the young man, named Nero Walker, amusing. Jennings was the first one to notice the soul’s incursion onto our plane. He traced its path to outside our sector, and confirmed that the it wasn’t tainted or a danger. His report noted that there was a residual mind imprint remaining even after its journey through the upper planes, how much of one is still in question. Although an oddity, the boy has not been determined to be a danger to Oglivarch’s people. In fact, Council mage Matherson published a new scrying technique that he developed specifically to see what the kid was reading while muttering about ‘scientists here being unimaginative fuck-wads’. The irony of the situation made the story quite popular and I heard it from several people.
“Arch Mage Jennings went on to ask me to deliver the boy some books along with some cryptic words of wisdom. He also wanted to offer him a position in Center-Point Hennings. The King personally forbade the offer, but allowed the books and made sure that I would repeat his words in detail. ‘His path is his own, and he’ll get here eventually’ were the King’s words. I wasn’t there, but I heard that after Jennings heard the King’s decree, he was so angered that he might just go to Dorchester himself.
All of that is immaterial to the mission. We will find the evidence, if it exists, of an Islangur incursion. If Nobles are involved in acts of treason… We will burn it to the root,” Charity finished.
All of the Champions responded as one, “So that the forest may grow.”
Charity nodded her head. It was the first time she had moved since she took her place in front of Champions. “Any questions pertaining to the mission?” She asked, clearly ready to be moving. After taking a moment to make sure there were no questions incoming, she moved onto the long-range transportation platform. The squad moved into position behind her.
Turning to the technicians, she spoke for the first time since she entered the room. “Transport to Dorchester Central Keep Throne Room, authorization: The King’s Will Be Done.”
With a flash of light, the Champions vanished, and the technicians held their breath. One of them looked up and said, “Dorchester Central Keep Throne Room reports a good transport, all Champions delivered in good health.” Shoulders sagged in relief, and the tension left the room. Smiles all around, they congratulated each other and went about the rest of their day.
-----------
Nero walked back to the dorms in a daze. ‘Did all those charts from the books really matter? There was so much math. Argh….. I’m going to have to go over everything again.’
Plodding along like he was on his way to do chores, every step forward took effort. ‘Maybe it won’t be so bad. I’m sure it’s all important, but will it change anything if I just treat that part of my identity as information that is ‘good to know’ but not important. It could be like the details of a terms-of-service agreement. It’s important to know where to find it, but you don’t really HAVE to pay attention to it… I’ll go over the section again, but I won’t stress about it,’ he decided, trying to cheer himself up.
Heading across the courtyard, he felt his stomach rumble. Checking his link, he looked for an easy way to get to the cafeteria without going through the large lobby. ‘Dammit, the hawk better not be there. I can’t take another person giving me shit today.’
Timidly entering into Ms. Averett’s domain, Nero looked around to see if he could spot her. The coast looked clear, so he increased his pace. Making sure not to jinx it, he didn’t drop his guard until he was in line for food.
After collecting a large helping of some type of lasagna and some steamed vegetables, he got something to drink and looked for an empty table. Although the cafeteria was pretty full, there were plenty of spaces to find some solitude. He put down his tray and used his link to find a copy of that book he kinda already read. This time he didn’t intend to skip anything. Or at least he would thoroughly check to see if what he skipped was important. ‘This is probably why I majored in communications,’ he thought, completely ignoring the irony.
It took Nero over an hour, and three coffee refills, to get a good overview of what the identity actually does. He was kind of right. The identity tracks what you are, but it also tracks how you live. The stress numbers are about how much ‘stress’ you put on a particular facet of your being. So to get more power, he needs to workout.
Nero closed his link. Standing up, he remembered why he hated school. Ninety percent of what you learned was common sense. It was the ten percent that you didn’t think about; that’s where they get you.
Heading back to his room, he thought about his numbers vs. the averages listed. Typically people in different regions had different starting numbers, which were based on how they lived their lives before awakening. Nero’s numbers made no sense. Most people were between 10 and 20 at most in all their base numbers, even their soul numbers. His soul adaptability was like 270, and his density was over 100. ‘I guess going through the afterlife and getting burned by a giant bug zapper does some serious shit to a person,’ he thought.
He also noticed that he had a lot of zero’s in the ‘level stress’ column. The only way to increase those is to put effort into improving that aspect of his life. ‘If I start focusing on this crap, I’m going to turn into one of these drones,’ he thought to himself as he looked around at all the people scurrying about.
His ‘operative’ column was just about how much essence he has absorbed and how strong his numbers are in practice. That number is improved by adding stars to the overall stat. Although, he still didn’t understand what stars actually did. But, for now, he was alright with knowing that ‘more is good’.
Getting to his room, he noticed his now clean robes in a nice bag hanging off his door. ‘Wow, they just leave this in the hallway?’ he thought as he looked around. He felt kinda bad that he just assumed people would fuck with personal things left out in the open. Taking them off the door, a circle under the bag lit up on the door with a flash. Stopping himself from jumping back, he realized that there must be some magic protection type stuff protecting the bag from being moved by someone other than the room’s occupant. ‘OK… so they aren’t completely naive. And I’m not an asshole for assuming people suck,’ he thought with a smile on his face.
Opening the door, Nero was surprised to see his room was exactly how he left it. He saw his desk covered in random papers, some of which were on the floor. ‘This is a personal growth moment,’ he thought with a sigh as he slumped his shoulders.
Soon, his fresh clothes and robes were put away, and his desk was organized. He went to the bathroom, got a fresh glass of water, and sat down for some more studying. Before he opened his link to check out his ‘digital library’, Nero decided to check his center to see how much more he could take before he should switch to his physical books.
Name
Nero Walker
Level
5
Race
Human
Growth
89%
Tier
1
Condition
100%
Age
14
Center
52%
Body
1
Mind
1
Soul
1
Confluence
10
Stars
1
Pillars
0/0
‘OK, I should switch to physical books for now. Did my leveling speed slow down, or is it still fast? Doesn’t matter, levels will come when they come,’ Nero thought to himself with a nod.
Pulling out his materials for studying magic, he focused on memorizing the simple essence patterns that made up his beginner spells. One of the methods for learning was to pretend to imbue essence into a spell and visualize pattern. Eventually, a mage could be so precise with his thoughts that he would ‘stamp’ the pattern into being. Nero didn’t aspire to be an average mage that just used essence, he imagined a future where he could ‘stamp’ his will into being. For right now, he had to carve the imagined essence. ‘One step at a time. I’m gonna be like one of those sword masters on the internet that can cut bullets. It all starts with practice,’ he thought to himself, while burning that conviction into his mind.
Nero was at it for hours, right up until his link interrupted his concentration. He had received an urgent ping from Nick waiting for a connection. ‘I forgot to check the syllabus!’ he remembered.
Nero muttered a quiet, “shit”.
Opening the connection, Nero tried to head off the expected tirade. “Hey Nick, I’m just about done with the syllabus. I think everything David chose is great. I was just cross referencing the book list wi-’
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Nick interrupted. ‘Never mind all that. The army is going to be busy, there won’t be daily classes that you can join. I just received word that the Populators are here. They must have been sent the moment the Capital learned of a noble house possibly turning traitor. I’m just pinging you to make sure that you stay on Center grounds for the next few days. You have a habit of causing me headaches, and you being at the army compound is a bad idea,” he finished emphatically.
Nero was confused, ‘So no training with the army tomorrow?’
“No Nero. No training with the army tomorrow. Probably no training with the army for a while,” Nick replied.
“OK… are we being invaded or something? And who are the Pop people?” Nero asked, still confused.
The worry Nick was feeling had no trouble coming through the link loud and clear. “Populators Nero. Don’t screw up that name. They have been around since the beginning of the kingdom, and they are the backbone of Oglivarch. The name comes from when they would pacify a region of monster activity and allow for the growth of cities. Their ranks are recruited from the best of us. They are an elite cadre of mages and soldiers dedicated to the protection of the realm, maintaining the balance of power, and they answer only to the King.
“In fact it was the first King of Oglivarch who bestowed on them their purpose and name. He told them, ‘You will burn out corruption and chaos, and leave only order and opportunity. The wicked will fear your coming, but the righteous will greet you with love. Go, and leave the path wide and clear for our people’s growth.’ It is a very famous quote from the founding of Hennings.”
Nero did NOT think that this was a welcome development. “So religious zealots have come to Dorchester from the Capital. Is there going to be a purge or something? Can I come with you, or am I on my own?” he asked in panic. As he was speaking, Nero stood up and started shoving things into his satchel.
“Come with me where? More importantly why do you think religious zealots have come to Dorchester? Nero, I can feel you panicking. What’s wrong with you?” Nick asked. All of the worry from his connection was gone, leaving only confusion.
Nero was almost ready to go, his satchel was filled with his books and spare clothes. “Because you said that they’re here to ‘burn out corruption’, doesn’t that sound like religious zealots? I just need to know if you’re going to take me with you when you leave. Wait, you’re not going? I don’t want to be in the city when the purges start. I always hated those movies where the main characters chooses to stay for some stupid reason. I’m not ready for a rebellion. I’ve barely started my training arc!” Nero practically shouted over the link. His heart was racing as he imagined the city was already on fire.
‘Nero, I need you to calm down. There are no religious zealots. No purges. Or well at least you won’t be purged. You’re perfectly safe. Take a breath, and try to control your mind. I don’t know what conclusion you have come to, but it’s wrong. You don’t have to run away. No one is leaving the city or fighting in a rebellion. I’m simply pinging you to let you know that you won’t be going to the army compound to train, because they’ll be busy doing army things…. Are you calm now?” Nick asked.
Nero had sat on his bed while Nick was talking. Clutching his bag to his chest with both arms. Nero said over the link, “I’m perfectly calm. So why are the ‘poplators’ here if they’re not going to purge anyone?”
Nick responded with a mental sigh, “Populators Nero. Pop-u-lat-ors. As in, they populate. The name is very important, try to remember it. And I didn’t say they weren’t going to purge anyone. In fact, that’s a pretty accurate word for what they do. I’m just saying that you have nothing to worry about.”
Nero snorted, and replied, “That’s not helping me keep calm Nick. Who is getting purged? And more importantly, why are we sticking around a place where there is purging going on?”
“Nero, I need you to listen very carefully. I shouldn’t be telling you this, so don’t tell ANYONE. Yesterday, The captain who found you, Captain Angelton, called an emergency command meeting. He brought up some conclusions you had made when you spoke with him. Specifically the one about how there might be more to the merchant train raid than it simply being a target of opportunity. He showed us his memory of your interview. Due to that, I can make some educated guesses as to what happened next.
“Most likely, Central command looked into the possibility of an enemy force being hidden outside the city. The only reason Populators would be requested is in the event of a Noble house committing acts against the kingdom. Therefore, I would guess Central Command found something yesterday, or this morning. I am surprised that the Captial moved this quickly though. It’s possible that someone was already aware of the situation and plans were in place. Either way, the most likely conclusion is that the Populators are here to expunge some traitors, and the army will be fighting whoever is hidden outside the walls. None of this has anything to do with us. Does that address your concerns?” Nick asked in a calming tone.
Nero was a little surprised that all of this was a result of the merchant train massacre that spawned him. Overall, it seemed like it was being handled in an infuriatingly logical manner. Much more calm, Nero said, “So when you were talking about ‘burning out corruption’ and all that stuff, you were being literal. I should have guessed. Do you guys even believe in gods?”
“Of course we believe in Gods. There are plenty of records of people ascending to godhood. There are churches to different Gods in the religious districts, along with shrines to this sector’s Sovereign. Although Sovereigns aren’t technically Gods, as they don’t have a divinity, they are also worshiped,” Nick responded, sounding rather offended.
“Look Nero, I have 3 conversations going on right now. It takes too much focus to deal with your questions at the moment. I just wanted to let you know that you don’t have to go to the army compound in the morning. Come to my office at 7 tomorrow and I’ll have either David or Kendra answer whatever asinine questions you have then.” Nick then promptly cut the connection.
Nero wasn’t sure if he had offended Nick, or if he was just annoyed at Nero. Deciding that it didn’t matter, Nero checked the time. ‘OK… it’s almost 22. Which puts 7 tomorrow morning 15 hours away.’ he thought, and tried to work out whether he should consider this night time. Looking out the window, he saw that the sun had recently set. ‘Fuck it, I’m hungry now. I’ll just budget 10 hours for sleep. That gives me 4 hours to eat and do some more studying’
Nero stood up and did some quick stretches to alleviate the remnants of his panic attack. Unpacking his satchel, he left for the cafeteria with just his book on essence manipulation.
Walking through the dorms, there was a noticeably different atmosphere. People looked stressed. The lobby was rather empty, Ms. Averett wasn’t at the front desk, and only a few people were at the Class hub. The fact that the Populators were here must have made it into the gossip mill. It was reassuring to see that something could crack the calm and polite atmosphere that usually permeated the Center.
After getting his meal and sitting down, Nero didn’t bother pulling out his book. He was going over the day, and how quickly everything changed with the arrival of the Populators. When he had woken up that morning, he thought he was starting to get a handle on this place. By the end of the day, he knew that he didn’t even understand his identity. ‘Isn’t that just ironic in a very literal way,’ he thought.
Walking back to his room, he tried to come to terms with the fact that so much happened without his involvement. Nick had met with the Captain and they had talked about the merchant train massacre. Mrs. Salvatore dealt with the family of the guy whose body he took. Ms. Averett is off doing something. The Captain is off investigating an invasion. A lot of things happen in the background. ‘Am I not the main character of my own story?’ he wondered.
Shutting the door to his room and tossing his satchel on his desk, Nero looked out the window onto the courtyard. He decided that he didn’t feel like studying any more. Sighing, he went to take a shower and get ready for an early night.
Eventually finding himself in bed, he stared at the ceiling. Arms crossed behind his head, Nero thought about his goals, and how unlikely they were. Wasn’t Nick like 90 years old or something? Magic would take a lifetime of study. He could make a basic flame now, but it took effort. He idly pointed his right hand toward the ceiling and started manipulating the air to contain some streams of light. A small globe of weak light formed in the air. ‘It doesn’t matter how long it takes, I’ll master this. Even if most of the important things happening have very little to do with me right now, eventually I’ll make this story mine,’ he swore to himself. Closing his hand in a fist, the light snuffed out.
‘Ding’ he heard the world call. The essence in the air around him sung, and his sheets flapped in the wind.
He came down from the high of leveling and checked his identity.
Name
Nero Walker
Level
6
Race
Human
Growth
0%
Tier
1
Condition
100%
Age
14
Center
100%
Body
1
Mind
1
Soul
1
Confluence
10
Stars
2
Pillars
0/0
Going over his stat breakdowns, he saw that his level stress hadn’t gone back down to zero, and his gains weren’t calculated. He thought he remembered something about the stars being an essence infusion. ‘So level has nothing to do with it,’ he thought. Maybe the stars solidified the gains when they were used. It was also abundantly clear that he should start doing crunches.
Body
1
Base
Operative
Level Stress
Presence
9
10.8
1.5
Durability
7
8.4
0
Recovery
13
15.6
1
Speed
11
13.2
0
Adaptability
24
28.8
6.8
Power
8
9.6
0
Mind
1
Base
Operative
Level Stress
Weight
20
24
1.1
Control
21
25.2
4.8
Field
8
9.6
4.1
Precision
22
26.4
11.6
Endurance
26
31.2
15.6
Focus
6
7.2
8.2
Soul
1
Base
Operative
Level Stress
Size
26
31.2
0.1
Density
101
121.2
0.1
Intensity
76
91.2
0.1
Pressure
23
27.6
0.5
Harmony
3
3.6
1.6
Adaptability
270
324
0.1
No longer tired, Nero decided to do some more studying. He wouldn’t get anywhere without putting in the work. Around three hours later, Nero was passed out at his desk.