“Woof! Woof! Ah-woo!” Wook, the Banished Lone Dire Wolf, barked and howled with a low gravelly voice as he excitedly jumped up and down on the wood floor.
Each time his sharp paws landed and scratched the floor, the heavyweight sent a low thud throughout the room and shook everything in the house. The giant brown-furred wolf then leaped onto Anton, knocking the young man into his swivel chair, and happily kept licking his new employer’s face.
“I take that as a yes? Hahaha! Welcome to the family, buddy!” Anton laughed as he ruffled Wook’s cheeks. Lucky for Anton, Wook withheld his strength and paid close attention to how much force he exerted on his new employer.
“Aw, no fair, Anton! I want a pet, too!” Ansel complained, running over to Anton.
Anton huffed back, “And who was it that said my choosing of the Nexus Crystal was useless, hmmm?”
Ansel innocently looked around, acting dumb and clueless in response to his brother’s sarcastic comment. He shrugged his shoulders, saying, “Did someone say that? They’re obviously wrong.” The quick-witted youngster immediately changed subjects. “Hey! I know! How about we share Wook, Anton? That’s his name, right? I promise to help take real good care of him!”
Anton scoffed, “Yeah, uh huh. Just like Chum, your pet hamster in Heaven?”
“No! That wasn’t my fault, okay?! I just came home, and Chum stopped moving! It’s probably his fault because he ate too much and didn’t like to use the treadmill I gave him.”
Knowing he was never going to win just like with his mother, Anton rolled his eyes as he sighed. “Fine. But don’t harass Wook, OK? No abuse either, Mr. Can’t Keep a Hampster Alive. Because if Wook doesn’t like it here, he can leave. I won’t be able to do anything about it, and I can also be liable for fines, got it?”
Ansel gasped in horror but not out of worry for his brother. “Abuse? Me? Never!” He immediately put on his innocent sweet face and thumped his chest with his hand. “You can count on me, bro! Like I said, Chum’s death wasn’t my fault. Besides, he’s in a better place now. Come on, Wook. Here, boy! Let’s go find you something yummy to eat!”
Hearing anything related to food made Wook’s furry ears immediately flip up vertically. His tail wagged back and forth with a happy bounce, slapping side to side into the remaining standing piles of supplies as he followed after Ansel. Anton could only shake his head, thinking to himself, Did I just lose against a fourteen-year-old? Yet, again?
Anton sighed, voicing out his frustration. “Such a brat. He’s too spoiled. That’s why he gets away with everything. And I can’t believe I just let him get away with all that just now, too.”
Hearing a charming giggle from Hyleil, who stood beside him in his mother’s white fuzzy bathrobe, Anton snapped out of his thoughts. He hurriedly said, “Sorry, Hyleil! I got distracted! Let me look at your contract right now!”
But the Elf maid did not mind. If anything, she worried about what Anton would think after seeing her stats and contract conditions. It left her feeling open and vulnerable once more. Even though she was no longer scantily clad and essentially naked—per the Systems required initial summoning wear, which was literally just underwear. In a sense, the System was very merchant-like, always finding interesting ways to lure and entice new buyers to their wares. As the saying goes, sex sells.
[Assistants Page]
(Wook - The Banished Lone Dire Wolf)
(Hyleil - The Unwanted Mix Breed)
Name: Hyleil Thryean-Paunter
Age: 102
Sex: Female
Race: Hybrid (High Elf/Human - System Ascended)
LVL: 010
Heavily Cursed: Magnitude 5
System Marketplace Locked, Level Locked, Combat Class Locked, Debuffed, Racial Traits Locked
Contract Rank: Two Stars
Contracted to: Anton Randson
Contractual Obligations and Agreements:
* The contract is specifically and only for non-combat role requests.
* Failure by the Contractor to comply will result in a heavy violation and punishable by fines and suspension of System effects. (Other punishments may apply.)
* Penalties do not apply if the Contractee initiated—by their own volition—to perform combat-related requests or other actions.
* By the Contractee's request, the Contractor must not have a criminal record or a history of abuse.
* The contractor must also be deemed ‘fair’ and ‘well decent’ per System evaluations.
* 30 System Points must be paid 30 Planetary Days after summoning and every 30 Planetary Days thereafter.
* In addition to the 30 System points, the Contractor must also provide an additional recurring item request—limited to a maximum cost not over 200 System Points. However, periodic accumulation is allowed, and the System advised the Contractor to always reserve 230 points for every cycle. Failure to pay Contractees will result in fines, punishments, and cancellation of the contract.
* No time restrictions or contract completion dates are listed.
* Food–particularly fresh greens and fruits—water, and shelter must be provided or attempted to be provided. The Contractee is willing to negotiate to allow for self-foraging and farming for sustenance.
* Hygiene items must be complementary along with room and board.
* Poor treatment deemed as abuse or harassment of any kind will have a three-strike policy, ending with a penalty on the party and cancelation of the agreement, which will also result in additional fines.
* The Contractee is to abide by all reasonable requests made by the Contractor so long as requests do not interfere with the moral values of the Contractee.
* If breached more than three times, the Contractee is free to cancel the agreement at no penalty. The Contractor will be fined. (Exceptions may apply.)
* While under contract, the Contractee is hereby restricted from harming the Contractor and all Contractor assets and properties.
* Both parties will have a period of 30 Planetary Days to cancel the contract at no penalties.
* If not, canceling of System Contract will result in a penalty of 200 System Points for the party canceling the contract.
* However, a case-by-case review will determine all situations and circumstances upon each request. Results may vary.
* Other scenarios and situations will be evaluated and judged by the System should they arise. The System reserves all rights to ‘fair’ judgment and resulting consequences. The System may designate representatives to assist cases on behalf of the System when needed.
Combat Occupation:
Warrior/Mage - Hybrid - Mana Weilding Blademaster (Epic) - (Locked by Curse)
Non-combat Occupation:
Maid - The Almost Perfect Assistant (Common -> Epic) - (Evolved)x2 (Press for further enhancement requirements)
An epic feat! With much hard work and determination, the basic maid role has evolved twice and is but one more evolution away from the Legendary role, ‘Perfect Assistant.’ As an almost perfect maid, the user is capable of many home and office logistical needs.
Required Class Quests to be completed.
Required the following skills to be at LVL 10: Mana Manipulation, Needlework, Agriculture, Common Life Magic, Restoration, Cleaning, Cooking, Arithmetic, Reading, and Writing.
Grants the following LVL 1 skills: Negotiation, Inventory, Bandaging, and Brewing.
Grants: STR+1, CON+1, DEX+4, INT+2, WIS+2, +5 Free Stats, and +10 Skill Points per level up.
Free Stat Points: 000
Remaining Skill Points: 000
Stats: (Max LVL: 10 average stat threshold for a High Elf/Human is roughly 82, while the average is 69.)
Strength: 20/25
Constitution: 37/39
Dexterity: 55/63
Agility: 36/38
Intelligence: 42/49
Wisdom: 39/44
Charisma: 23/23
Health Points: (CON)+ x (3) -> 111
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Satiety Fullness: 09/12
Mana Pool: {(INT+WIS)+(Racial Bonus +10 - Locked)} x2 -> 164
Endurance: (STR+AGL+SAT) x1.10 -> 71.50
Skills:
Mana Manipulation LVL 10
Needlework LVL 10
Agriculture LVL 10
Common Life Magic LVL 10
Restoration LVL 10
Cleaning LVL 10
Cooking LVL 10
Arithmetic LVL 10
Reading LVL 10
Writing LVL 10
Negotiation LVL 1
Inventory LVL 2
Bandaging LVL 1
Brewing LVL 1
Herbology LVL 5
Analyze LVL 3
Massage LVL 4
Experience to Next Level Up: (Locked)
Anton looked at Hyliel’s status screen, wanting to ask many questions but not knowing where to start.
She’s over 100 years old? No way. With a face like that?
Anton’s surprised face confirmed the Elf maid’s suspicions. Her blank face, trained to not show all her emotions, did not alert Anton to her inner thoughts, so he kept pondering while looking at the blue screen.
And why is she cursed, and with such a strong curse, at that? It seems the System imposed. However, she can still obviously use some of the System still. I wonder who or what placed that curse, and how did the System get involved. Probably something to do with her mixed race? She definitely leans more towards her Elf heritage. Looks-wise, anyway.
The Elf’s stiff apprehensive muscles relaxed a bit, seeing the softening eyes of Anton’s face showing pity. The young man was not thinking of immediately rejecting her.
I feel bad, though. She should be much more powerful than she currently is. Especially with that locked combat class of hers. I saw it on the System Marketplace for sale earlier. Mana Wielding Blademaster. Sounds so cool! There were only three, but the cheapest was well over 60,000 points. Too expensive.
However, Anton knew it was not his business, and so he did not pry. Instead, he only addressed the contractual obligations between him and Hyliel.
“I strongly believe we can make this deal work, Hyliel. Although I don’t know how to obtain System Points yet, I am definitely ok with your terms. I will do my best to obtain the monthly items you desire. Let me know what you would like for me to get you. Would you be willing to help my family in return? Your support skills would be a perfect fit for us. And with the barrier outside our home, it should add on another layer of protection.”
“Of course, Master. I shall do all that I can. Please accept my formal thanks.” The Elf maid curtsied in the bathrobe—an unusual wear for such respectful actions, but the Elf knew not that the warm, comfortable, and luxurious-feeling robe she wore was unsuited for such grandeur actions. Yet, it looked not awkward at all, as her back remained poised and straight. Every motion emanated an elegant grace that no normal common being would be able to reproduce.
But the normal, somewhat commoner young man that Anton was, he did not connect the dots that his new assistant was someone of much higher standing. Albeit, unwanted and rejected. But he did not have time to deeply ponder as his new assistant continued speaking.
“Master, many things can be exchanged with the System for points. For now, items in your world can be sold for points. The only methods of doing so are either through selling items directly to the System, placing them on the Marketplace, or listing them in an Auction. Each has its unique advantages and disadvantages. However, before any item can be sold, it must be first inspected by the System. A subsequent general value and description will be assigned. I advise Master to find items of value known to the people of this planet to sell first, as the System is extremely precise and calculative—charging for all services. Many have fallen into debt for the multiple identification of useless items.”
With a more urgent tone, Hyliel added, “Master, I advise we begin searching immediately before the next countdown finishes.”
Overhearing the last bit of their conversation, Theo walked over with Sandra and Lutheran, whose chiseled midriff remained partially exposed due to Theo’s borrowed clothes not nearly fitting the muscular Lycanthrope’s physique.
The mother—unlike her usual demanding tone with her family—politely—polite by her standards—asked the Elf maid, “Hello. My son informed me of his skill and your resulting appearance. Could you repeat what you just said again? You said, ‘before the countdown finishes.’ Can you elaborate on that?”
Theo looked at his son, then at the beautiful elf, and then back at his son again. A smirking grin pulled from ear to ear as he turned to his wife. “Honey, don’t they make a great couple?”
Anton choked and coughed at his father’s sudden remark as his cheeks reddened. However, Ansel stomped over with Wook, who licked the remaining smidge of beef jerky from his lips. The younger brother was clearly unhappy by his father’s remark.
“No! No, they don’t, Dad! Ms. Hyliel, don’t make any rash decisions! I may be young, but I am the better man compared to my brother!”
Anton’s face deadpanned as he just looked at his ridiculous father and pouting brother. A certain fact crossed his mind, and he wanted to poke fun at Ansel by revealing that Hyliel was much older than their parents. However, he thought it would be rude and a poor show of character to use his new assistant as a joke, so he refrained.
However, before any of the family members could react, Hyliel responded. “Mr. Ansel, I appreciate your sentiments. However, you may scurry away in fear from the knowledge that I am 102 years old. But if the fact did not deter you, I would give you a chance, were you of age. But alas, it is currently impossible.”
Everyone's jaws dropped, forming a large ‘O’ with their mouths. Everyone except for Lutheran, that is. He looked at the Elf unphased. Three of the family of four were shocked with disbelief by Hyliel’s age that they missed her additional statements. With her soft porcelain skin that held no marks or blemishes, Hyliel looked at most in her early twenties. But Anton clearly heard her other statement. It surprised Anton the most. He found her fondness for his younger brother hard to believe.
Ansel did not know what to think. The youngster was shocked, and in more than one way: Hyliel’s age for one. However, she did not look it, so it bothered him not as much. But the eye-turning, jaw-dropping beauty would actually give him a chance! The youngster’s face turned bright red with embarrassment but also held a beaming smile, stretching across his face. He definitely caught everything Hyliel stated, especially the part about not being of age.
“Then wait for me, Hyliel! Give me four more years! I’ll be an adult by then! I promise to treat you right and feed you well! I’ll protect you! I’m going to be a powerful space mage! I won’t be anything like Anton!”
Anton frowned. “The heck? Now you digging at my job again? Brat, I’m more man than you’ll ever be!” The older brother then indirectly taunted, “Hyliel, why wait four long years when you can try to date me right now?”
The maid smiled but did not respond. She rarely interacted beyond her professional role with her employers. She also could tell her new employer was simply using her to egg on his younger brother. The entire situation was not serious, and she was not one to make empty statements.
“What?! No! You can’t! You can’t do that, Anton!” Ansel said as he began shouting.
“Early bird gets the worm, little brother. You’re four years too young and too late. Haha!” Anton chuckled; this time, he was not going to let his brother off so easily.
“Boys. Boys. Manners in front of the Lady Elf.” Theo jumped in and said, shaking his head at his sons. He turned to Hyliel and apologized. “We’re sorry for their childish behavior, Ms. Elf. I’m Theo, by the way.”
The mother also shook her head while introducing herself. “I’m Sandra. Please forgive my foolish sons. Hyliel, right? Could you continue with what you were saying regarding the Sky Clock?”
Hyliel slightly bowed her head as her long locks of golden hair slipped down her shoulder. “Of course, Master’s parents: Mr. Theo and Mrs. Sandra. But I was not at all bothered by your sons’ brotherly show of affection. If anything, it was refreshing to see again after all this time. I am pleased to be working with a kind employer and his loving family. But yes, we must get back to the matter at hand.”
Pointing to the countdown of the Sky Clock that reset itself, Hyliel drew everyone’s attention to the blaring red timer that read:
47:22:01
“The events that occur next after the System Unlock vary due to the intentions of the purchaser. However, it is, more often than not, detrimental and dangerous to the native inhabitants. As you can see, it appears your new owner has reset the timer for another ensuing event. From what we experienced moments ago, it seems the Supreme Entity added another set of Natural Laws into this universe. I am not certain if any were removed. But Mana, which was non-existent before, is now readily available. I suspect the all-powerful being is quickly forcing the new energy to settle before its next agenda. What that is, I do not know. However, I advise you all to obtain known items of value from your world and sell them to the System to obtain points. At a minimum, you all must have both your combat class and non-combat classes equipped. Next would be armor, weapons, and skills. We must prepare for what may ensue. Luck favors those who are prepared.”
“My Lady, the half-Elf is correct. We must make haste.” The quiet Lutheran added.
Sandra heavily nodded in agreement, “I couldn’t agree more, Hylie, Lutheran. Thank you for sharing your opinions and knowledge with us. The question now is how do we go about obtaining said items? I’m thinking we split into two teams. One will stay here and protect our stronghold while also searching around the house. At most, they finding out about our neighbors’ situation. I do worry about the Houstons across from us and the Lings and the Torres beside us.”
“Not the Tanners, Dauphines, or the others, honey?” Theo said with a small chuckle.
“Hmpf. They called me a crazy doomsday lady. Well, jokes on them now! While we worked like ants collecting resources for winter, they all took trips, laughing and playing during the summer. Winter is coming. They now reap what they sow. If anything, we need to be more wary of those neighbors. But everyone else, in general. Troubled times bring out the worst in people.”
She looked up and down at Hyliel, trying to evaluate her capabilities. “I don’t mean to be rude, but can you fight and defend yourself? I know Lutheran can fight and protect us until we learn how to help in that area. I think you’re knowledgeable, like Lutheran, but in different fields. Additionally, the two of you would be better guides than us in determining what might be able to be sold and what not to bother taking.”
Anton immediately butted into the conversation, refusing to allow Hyliel to go on the scouring/scavenging mission. “Mom! Hyliel can’t go! She only performs non-combat-related duties only! Housework and office work are her forte. We are not allowed to request her to perform any combat roles, and she’s not in a situation where she can use her combat job to defend herself.”
Sandra hesitated. She preferred Hyliel to be part of the scavenging team and help her summon in case anything happens besides scavenging. But after Anton’s words, she needed to reassess their teams.
However, Hyliel stepped up and responded, “Master, let me be a part of the group that will leave and search for items to sell.”
Anton replied with a worried voice, “But what if you get hurt? You don’t have any offensive or defensive skills to protect yourself.”
“Not to worry, Master. Your mother is correct. Although not extensive, my little knowledge will be more helpful for those searching outside. Besides, I have basic bandaging skills and life magic. My inventory skill will be most beneficial for storing and bringing items back. Although my stats for a LVL 10 entity are on the lower side, you forget they are still much higher than all of you, whose stats are likely still at LVL 01. I can defend myself without the use of skills.”
Anton could not refute his assistant’s logic. Maybe she used that Negotiation skill? Anton could only sigh and agree. Why does it seem like I always get steamrolled by everyone?
“Fine, Hyliel. Your reasoning does make sense, but don’t force yourself, okay?”
“Rest assured, Master. But I shall do what I can to aid and help those venturing out as well.” The Elf’s words did give some comfort to her master as Anton’s stiff shoulders relaxed.
Sandra clapped her hands and made the final decision, “Alright! Now, the following members will be on the scavenging team!”