- 8 -
The ride in the elevator was incredibly smooth. Drew did not feel any acceleration when they departed or any deceleration when they arrived at their destination.
Drew watched the Earth shrink to nothing before Augusta pressed a button and the glass frosted over.
I guess earth is gone. I really jumped off the deep end here.
“Okay Andrew, select the left option on this next prompt, I’m giving you access to speak with me, and others like me for now.”
Drew followed the instructions and the prompt dropped away before the words could translate.
"Great now that that is done. You'll be meeting with a panel of 4 representatives, one of whom will also be from the nature faction like me." Agusta said.
"They'll be reviewing your achievements from your first life and translating them to your stats for your new life. Since I’m essentially your caseworker for the time being; I’ll be there with you. I’ll give them a little intro about Earth to rile them up so they give you a lot of points for next life here on Lisaria.”
Drew nodded, trying to calm his nerves. “We have interviews on earth, what is going to happen here?”
"The four factions are the Mages, the Crafters, the Death Faction, and our Nature Faction," Agusta continued on with her speech as if Drew hadn’t spoken.
"Each faction values different skills and abilities, so it's important to be honest and open about your strengths and weaknesses.”
“People tend to have faith and a trade that align with one faction and build credit with that faction over generations. They usually have a special ability or blessing their family has earned that helps them in their next lives.”
Oh geeze. I really am dead and starting over in a new world. I am going to be the first of my family line. The patriarch. Will I get married and have a family? My mom and dad are probably identifying my body at the hospital by now. What are they preparing for my memorial?
“The average person reincarnates with 1000 points, 800 of which may come from the two factions their life experience aligns with most. In your case you are starting from scratch you are going to want a special ability more than the points. And if you can get both then you are doing really well.” Agusta continued.
My friends and family would have heard the news. Many of them would not be surprised I was gunned down, they likely don’t know I wasn’t a cop. I bet my cousins had placed bets on how I would die.
I will never see anyone I knew ever again.
My parents must be devastated.
He put his concerns in the back of his mind for later and squared his shoulders.
If this interview goes badly then I could end up as some weakling without the ability to help anyone. Thats not the hero I want to be. No pressure.
“Alright let’s do this, make me a hero.” Drew said.
The elevator doors slid open to reveal an amphitheater, like a college lecture hall for about 500 people. Drew’s definition of people broadened quickly as he saw what he could only describe as elves, orks, minotaurs, hobgoblins, dwarves, fairies, and even a handful of mermaids. Each was wearing a cloak of white, black, or gray accented with a shoulder sash of red, green, blue, or purple.
A middle-aged human woman in medieval peasant clothes stood center stage before a table of 4 representatives. A ghostly woman in flowing black robes stood beside her. Drew realized he and Agusta were in a glass viewing booth unable to hear what was being said.
Agusta stepped up to the glass and gestured to the room.
“This is a small quorum of representatives of the 4 Deities. One of a hundred that the factions sit in audience for at one time. The members gathered here achieved greatness in the name of their deity and earned their a seat. For now, just know they completed a bunch of quests for one faction or another. The woman down there will be awarded with points to select her race, racial options, stat points, abilities etc in her next life.”
Holy crap… this is just like an RPG game!
“Wait, she’s getting stat points? Can she customize her whole build for her next life?” Drew asked.
“Yes, if she can afford it. Mostly she will get to make alterations here and there.” Augusta said.
“Will she retain her memories? Or is she going to become lemonade?” Drew asked, thinking back to the spectral crowd he was in moments ago.
“Oh her? She’s lemonade. But if she gets lots of points or strikes a deal today she could get a fuller glass of juice for her next self to work with this time around.”
Drew watched as two representatives discussed the woman’s life as if it was the weather.
“This will be interesting, the speakers today might work well in your favor. Well except for Valerius Nightshade; the Death Faction’s current Speaker. You can see him there on the far right with the purple sash.”
Agusta pointed to the tall dark skinned elf in a black robe with white hair. He seemed to be bored with the interview already.
“He’s from Ghrimmoor, the holy city for the death faction in Eesayum. He’s a bit of a fanatic and won’t like that you were anything less than a mass murderer back on earth. We are going to have to get tricky if we are going to get an ability for you from him.” She said with a shrug.
Agusta pointed to the next person at the table. She was one of two fair skinned elves at the table. Her blond hair cascading down over her blue sash and white robes. She had her hands clasped lightly on top of a book while she asked questions.
“She is Teraphine Winterthorn, the Speaker for the Mage Faction. She hails from Arcanum City, in the southern deserts. She should recognize that earth has a lot of knowledge to offer.”
“Next to her is Thoren Stonebeard. He ascended to the Speaker’s seat for the Crafter in the last hundred years. He hails from the mining city under Mount Titanus in the North. He will be excited to see your Earth technology.”
Thoren was exactly what you would expect a dwarf to look like. He was tinkering with something on the table in front of him, completely checked out from the interview.
Drew had once seen an alarm clock break open at his grandfather’s house, and recognized that Thoren was working on something similarly complex but with a steam engine inside. The dwarf had engine grease stains up to his elbows and large globs of the grease stained his bushy red beard.
Agusta nodded to the other tall Elven woman, this one had green hair and green eyes. “And that is Elara Sunleaf. She and I are in the Nature Faction. She has been our Speaker for over a thousand years. I used to work with her back in Sylvanvale. Although I have not spoken with her in the last 400 years or so.”
Elara stood and spoke with a flourish, the white robed members of the audience clapped. She sat and looked over at Drew.
A status card appeared in front of the human woman. Her representative picked it up and the two of them were enveloped in a purple column of light and then disappeared.
Alright, here we go. It is just the most important interview of my life. I can do this.
Drew took a deep breath to steady his nerves.
The seam in their glass booth separated and the panels dropped into the floor. Agusta walked him forward to the center of the room and stood by his side.
“I present Andrew Bonsen for the quorums consideration.” Agusta said.
“Welcome, Andrew. I am Elara Sunleaf, I represent the Nature Faction. Since we are sponsoring you, I will be hosting the interview. If everyone is ready we shall commence."
After nods from each of the other Speakers, Elara continued.
“My fellow Speakers, the Nature faction is presenting something rather rare today. Before you you see a transfer from the newly discovered planet; Earth. He has agreed to be reincarnated in our world with his retained memories.”
Thoren waved his hand over the trinket and tools in front of him and they vanished.
“Earth is an interesting planet, nearly overrun with people like Andrew and no other sentient races. It is a world entirely without magic. The Nature faction has recently acquired a transfer permit. Andrew is the first to come over and we are still assessing the rate and volume of transfers their system can handle.”
The other three speakers all started making demands at once. Elara silenced them with a gesture.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
“I know you all have many questions. No, we do not have approval to open Earth up to other factions. The interview will proceed as normal, and any updates regarding contracts or permits with Earth will be handled outside of this session.”
- 9 -
"Let us begin. Agusta, you have been to the planet and will have insight for this quorum. What was your observation of Earth?” Elara sat as Agusta stepped forward to address the room.
“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed and respected representatives of the Crafter and Mage, Valerius.” Agusta raised her hands and an image of Earth appeared above her.
“Earth is a world devoid of magic but people have achieved extraordinary feats through their ingenuity and scientific prowess. Watch as I show you a planet where massive cities bustle with millions of inhabitants, living harmoniously despite the absence of magical aid.”
Elara raised her hand to ask a question. “How do they manage to sustain such large populations without magic?”
Drew stood passively as the images of Earth shifted to show massive industrial farms with chickens and pigs, huge swaths of corn and wheat, and semi-trucks delivering food by the ton to stores.
“Earthlings, or Humans as they call them selves. Humans have mastered the art of efficient resource management and sustainable practices. Their advancements in agriculture and infrastructure ensure a stable food supply, clean water systems, and adequate shelter for all.”
Teraphine raised her hand next. “Surely such population density creates conflict and spreads disease. How do they heal the wounded and cure diseases without magic?”
The images of earth showed bustling urban streets, supermarkets, hospitals, and highways packed with cars.
“Earth's medical advancements are truly remarkable. They possess advanced knowledge of physiology, advanced surgical techniques, and thousands of years of breakthroughs.” Agusta received a nod from the Mage’s Speaker and Thoren raised his hand to speak before Valerius could.
“What about their art and engineering? Can they rival our craftsmanship?” The dwarf asked.
The images of earth changed to show skyscrapers, jet airplanes, massive cruise liners. They shifted again to show oil paintings and marble statues, Big Ben, and the Eiffel Tower lit up at night with a drone light show.
“The humans of earth have freed up much of their time for leisure and crafting. They have created thinking machines, and advanced tools that allow them to build flying carriages. Their artists and craftsmen have had millenniums to pursue their craft.”
Valerius spoke up, cutting Agusta off. “And what of their weapons and war? Without magic how do they fight their monsters?”
Agusta glanced at Thorin to confirm her answer had satisfied him, he nodded back and relinquished his turn to Valerius.
The image shifted to scenes of war. Heavy artillery, infantrymen charging across the sands and firing assault rifles, a nuclear bomb detonating over Japan.
"The humans of Earth have developed powerful weapons, ranging from intricate firearms to devastating explosive devices. While their technological prowess lacks the elegance of our magical weaponry, their creations are worth studying. They have overcome their natural predators thousands of years ago and begun turning against each other."
Teraphine pondered aloud. "Indeed, their achievements are impressive. I wonder how their innovations could complement our own magical practices."
Thorin mused to himself. "While their creations may lack the finesse of our craftsmanship, they hold value for further review."
Valerius Nightshade interrupted, standing up. "And who is this plain looking man you bring before us? Your stories of this new world sound intriguing, but who is this man here today?"
Agusta began to explain.
"Andrew is an example of an average human. He has benefited from Earth's global education system, possessing knowledge of mathematics, and combat typical of most Earthlings by mid-life. On Earth, his career as a medic, allowed him to specialize in non-magical healing. He is highly proficient in this area."
Valerius raised a screen over the table, displaying combat logs. "If he was in the field of battle, where are his combat records?"
"Andrew did not participate in the war; it happened before his life time. Drew, tell us about your experiences thus far and how you have utilized your unique abilities to aid others." Agusta said.
Here we go. Become a hero. You got this Drew!
"Hello your Honors. Everything you have heard about earth is true. From what I have heard of your world we are a couple thousand years ahead of you.” Drew said.
They have a different definition of combat. How do I explain to them that my highest kill count is in a video game?
“I haven't seen much combat outside of training or simulations. Most people in cities don't fight unless they are criminals. Killing is a crime on earth. I trained to be a police officer, you could compare them to a town guard, but ended up as an EMT, focusing on saving lives and protecting them. While I've been in a few fights and I can defend myself reasonably well by earth standards, nobody kills anybody."
Valerius scoffed, gaining murmured support from the audience.
"It seems you have avoided engaging in anything remarkable that your planet might have to offer us. The Nature faction has painted a grand picture of these humans from Earth, but you, an average specimen, have seen less combat than the children of our world. How can we assess your true capabilities if you shy away from confrontations?"
Elara raised her hand to silence the room.
"I must interject, Valerius. Andrew's ability to find peaceful resolutions should be applauded. He has displayed resourcefulness and a deep understanding of strategy in his endeavors. Experience is not solely measured in lives taken or duels won."
Valerius turned his cold stare towards the representatives in the crowd.
"While peaceful resolutions have their merits, let us not forget the harsh realities of our world. Experience gained through combat is a necessary part of growth. Drew's background as a healer and pacifist does not qualify him for any significant recognition. The Death faction would consider it a waste to spend more than 10 stat points on his creation."
The crowd was excited by the strongly negative offering. Conversations bubbled up around the gathered crowd. Elara raised her hand to quiet the room and give Agusta the opportunity to speak.
"If it pleases the quorum, let us clear up some misconceptions about Earth before we proceed. It seems that some of us are making hasty and ignorant decisions.” Agusta said.
Valerius scowled across the table at the second affront. Decorum forced him to wait for his chance to speak.
“Earth is a violent planet without magic or status cards. There is no system to guide humans to level up. Merchants have taken over, and violence is now a sport for a few eccentric individuals. Andrew's knowledge from Earth, is average by earth standards, but it is exceptional by our own.”
“His knowledge of earth technology could benefit the magic and craft of our world as much as it can teach us new ways to kill each other. With the right advantages, he could lead us to great advancements for any faction. Each Speaker must carefully consider their nominations and not undermine the potential of a nominee for personal gain. Let us not neglect our duties."
The room filled with murmurs as various factions discussed amongst their peers.
Valerius grinned as the other Death representatives whispered amongst themselves.
Thoren Stonebeard stood up on his chair and spoke.
"Valerious speaks truthfully. This quorum is not here to speculate about a candidate's potential future behavior; our focus is on their past life, and no faction can afford to throw away hard earned stat points, even for a transfer. Unless the Nature faction discloses the location of Earth for the other factions to assess these claims ourselves, our decision would align with the Death Faction."
"Tell us, Andrew," the Mage faction representative leaned over the table. "Our world is not a game to be taken lightly; it is all too real. You will not get another chance to bring your memories to your next life the next time you die. You would need to think for yourself, and push yourself to learn and grow rapidly to protect yourself and others. Could you fight for your life? Could you maintain the focus necessary to wield magic in battle?”
Drew responded quickly, though his confidence was shaken.
"Magic was the main reason I signed up to come here. Now that I have died, realize that I did not fit in on Earth. Maybe I would have been better off as a soldier. I never got the chance to fight for my life, or truly protect the lives of others. I certainly would like the chance to try.” He replied.
His thoughts drifted to the moment when his life was ended by a kid with a shotgun.
Valerius went back on the offensive, gaining confidence from the support of the two other faction leaders.
"Surely you realize that criminals in our world would be high-level fighters, constantly slaughtering everything on their path to grow stronger. To survive, you would need to be strong as well. Pacifists and healers do not level up quickly." He said.
Drew looked around the room searching for support from Agusta or Elara.
Agusta attempted to interject, but Valerius kept speaking over her, driving his point home.
"Clearly, there is no evidence that Andrew could keep up with our violent world or fight daily for his life. He is a healer from a world of pacifists. He is not a frontline fighter. If the death faction were to grant him one of our blessings, he wouldn't use it for fear of killing his opponents. He wouldn't even level it up in his lifetime!"
The Death faction representative laughed, glancing at the other speakers.
Agusta quickly stepped forward, keeping Drew quiet with a hand on his shoulder.
"Drew accepts the blessing from the Death faction, and we acknowledge their nomination for 10 points."
A murmur rippled through the room as Valerius kicked a leg of the table in frustration. A Death representative approached him, whispering in his ear for a few seconds before he composed himself.
"Deceit from the Nature faction, a rare success indeed. Well played, we concede. The Death faction awards him the Assassins Bane ability at level one." Valerius replied with a sneer. “Be warned Andrew it is a powerful blessing, you may end up relying on it more than you expect.”
The room grew tense as they awaited the next speaker's decision. The Mage speaker stood up.
Valerius typed something on a screen visible only to him and then sent it.
"We acknowledge that earth’s higher standard of education puts him at the level of our scholars.” Teraphine said.
She looked down for a moment at a screen only she could see.
“But we are concerned with his lack of magical experience.” She said.
“In favor of providing Drew with the Scholar trait at Rank 1, the Mage faction nominates him for 10 points towards his next life."
Valerius smiled. He leaned forwards to hear the next speaker make their commitment.
Whoa whoa wait. What’s happening here? These traits sound good but don’t I need those points?
Agusta put their hand on his shoulder before he could speak.
"Indeed, Elara. Drew's knowledge of Earth technology, even diluted, would ratchet up the technology of our world.” Thorin said. He flipped a slate device over to hide the screen before he continued to speak.
“The Crafter acknowledges the potential that this candidate brings new technologies into our world. We would nominate him for 11 points to get his engine started. At Rank 1 we award him the Tinker trait so that he may quickly start creating new wonders for our world.”
The representatives in red sashes grumbled. Some seemed pleased with their speaker’s commitment. Teraphina scowled at the one-upmanship.
Elara, the Nature Speaker, stood up and smiled warmly at Agusta.
"Finally. The Nature faction awards Drew 200 points towards his next life and grants him the ability Basic Heal at level 1, and the Healer's Blessing ability at the first rank.”
Representatives in green sashes cheered around the room at the extremely strong commitment. Valerius looked outraged and slammed his fist on the table.
“It is my honor, for the first time in a thousand years, to announce that this quorum recognizes Drew as a Hero with a blessing from each faction!"
A hero! Damn right I am! Suck on that Valerius!
Applause echoed throughout the room, and Drew felt a mix of emotions as he received recognition as a hero. He caught a nasty look from Valerius before his status card appeared floating in front of him.
Grasping his card, he was beamed up in a shimmering green light.