image [https://imgur.com/f4ERgqa.png]

Nina watched while Luka slowly turned a few fat birds on spits over a crackling fire. The sun had gone behind the trees and the air had a gentle coolness to it. She closed her eyes, marveling at the pleasantness of dusk in this world. No bugs bit at her, the air was perfectly scented with the smell of nature, and she felt completely comfortable in her dress. She was certain now that this world was entirely false. Not fake, she felt this was no dream or virtual world, but no REAL place could be this pleasant for this long. Against her own will she felt a strong desire to not only stay in this world, but to protect it against… what? The “bad” part of the world? She hardened her mind further. She knew who she was, who she had been, and who she would become.

She stretched and rubbed at her eyes sleepily, like a child. “Luka… you’ve met a lot of Chosen, right?” He nodded, eyes watching the sizzling grease. “Did any of them talk about “technology”? I took some classes back home, perhaps some of them could help the side of Good?” She had a daydreamy look on her face, as if these were idle thoughts. She had to be careful here. Any sweet hearted fool from her world would know about gunpowder, airplanes, the internal combustion engine, but they wouldn’t necessarily know how to make those things. She did. Well, she had spent years researching any technology she thought she could bring into this world and re-create, so she had a pool to draw on at least.

Luka looked at her. “It won’t work.” Her heart shivered. “Wh-what?” He smiled. “I’m sorry, but it won’t work. Technology from your world simply is not allowed to operate in this one.” Nina frowned. “But… our technology is based on fundamental laws of the universe.” She waved at the fire. “Okay, so for instance, if we put water above that fire and brought it to a boil, then the steam could be used to rotate some paddles, which could move gears very fast, and that in turn would… why are you shaking your head?”

“The water would boil, the steam would rise, the “gears” may even start to turn… and then it would all stop. Permanently.” Nina’s eyebrows rose as Luka continued. “It’s not that your technology is somehow flawed, I’m telling you that it won’t be ALLOWED to work. It is some kind of pact between the Gods. Things are allowed as they are, and weapons of death from your world, even tools of peace, would disrupt some kind of balance they keep in place.”

Nina frowned, trying to keep it cute and keep down the genuine frustration inside. She would have to experiment on her own time but she didn’t feel like Luka was the type to lie to her about something like this. Then again, he probably thought the same about her so she didn’t entirely trust any honest seeming person. She watched the fat sizzle on the meat over the fire. No, it checked out. She wasn’t the first from her world to come here, so either an industrial revolution would have forced its way forward by now, or there were higher powers stopping that from occurring. Perhaps it was better this way, guns did even the playing field, but she didn’t exactly want that did she? She could force a “technology” to work if she applied magic to it, like that air cooling device in her room, but that was also probably factored in. She furrowed her brow, making sure to keep it at least a little “cute”, but she was thinking furiously. Well, when they got to an actual town she would look at what kind of devices they sold. Were crossbows a thing in this world? What about mustard gas?

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Luka was looking at her, and cleared his throat. “I don’t mean to pry, but usually a Chosen gets a skill by this point. Skills are extremely tailored to the individual and some people can end up with many varied skills, while others only get a few. They are a reflection of your intention and personality. May I see?”

Nina forced herself to not tense up. She had already practiced back at the Inn, she just had to keep her mind clear. “Of course!” She moved her hand through the air and silver floating letters appeared. “Can you see it?”

[Charisma skill-Pure Heart]

Passive skill

You can tell when others are lying. You see the truth of their intentions. People are inclined to tell you the truth. They are inclined to trust you. Friendships come more easily.

10% to Charisma.

Luka smiled, shaking his head slowly. “Well… I can certainly feel the effects of your skill. I don’t know how well it will help you survive but I do appreciate what it says about you. I’m almost sad to hope for a more offensive skill next time.” He frowned after a second of thought, looking at the silver letters more closely.

“Still, this is a Charisma based skill. You need to have at least one point in Charisma to get such a skill…” Damn! She didn’t know that. Made sense though, that was sloppy. Nina nodded, smiling. “Yesterday I put a point into Charisma, I really wanted to be able to make friends in this world.” She smiled at him, really pouring it on. “A friend like you, Luka.”

His brow furrowed and he looked like he was going to protest. “Luka… can I call you my friend?” He immediately stiffened. She moved closer, her eyes looking at his, willing them to lock onto hers. This was going to be delicate. “I know I’m just another “Chosen” to you, and I appreciate that. But…” She let her voice waver. “I… I’m just really really grateful for all you have done, and… and…” She made it as if she would put her arms around him, and then retreated, hugging herself.

“I never had friends back home… I always felt like I belonged somewhere else. I never knew my mom or dad. I never knew any family… and you’ve been so kind to me… thank you Luka…” All lies. From a purely analytical perspective her family had been caring and present. She let herself sob now. She burbled out more words that were mostly nonsense. She waited until a gauntleted hand delicately settled onto her back before she calmed, sniffling. She knew her face would be a mess now, eyes and nose running. Good.

She looked up at him, and caught his eyes with hers, staring in a way that didn’t allow him to look away. “I want to become a great hero, Luka. I want to HELP this world. And… I need you as a friend… please…” She had to be careful here. She didn’t want this to become a romantic or sexual relationship at all, it needed to be purely paternal. That was a path that would make him hers completely. But simultaneously it had to be a gratifying role for him, not one that bred resentment. She had walked it before, and as his eyes softened she felt certain of her footing. The lies about herself would be augmented by her skill, [False Heart], and she wanted to use that to maximum effect.

Luka cleared his throat. “I… also… do not have many friends, Samantha. My job does not allow for that luxury.” He smiled sadly, his eyes still looking into hers. “But you are right. Perhaps some friendship is needed in this life. Even as a friend I can only do so much, I hope you understand.” Nina let out a sound of happiness and hugged him tightly. He very very gently and awkwardly hugged her back. “Let’s get back to the inn, Samantha. We have a big day tomorrow.”