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Grace woke up in a sweat, a vague ominous feeling in her guts, like a nightmare forgotten. Rowan slept blissfully beside her, exhausted. She felt the need for another love session but abstained. It was an important day.
Showering, arranging her hair, painting her nails, dressing in a pencil skirt that advantaged her silhouette, and elegant shoes with a bit of heels to make her look taller, took time. She wasn’t hungry, so he let Rowan and Lizzie eat, whatever Dmitri was able to make.
At half past nine, they exited the house, and Isla came to pick them out. They squeezed themselves into the back of the police car, Grace frowning, because she was afraid to wrinkle her skirt.
At a quarter to ten, they arrived in the new Town Square and had conversations with the Mayor and other officials. Lizzie fretted all over the place, uncomfortable in her princess dress, a real tomboy, despite her acute cuteness. Isla disappeared somewhere, to take care of security.
Finally, the majestic clock in the tower rang ten o’clock.
Incoming town-to-town portal from Vladivostok
The notification floated in the air, for everyone to see. There was a Yes/No option to allow the portal to open, to which Rowan acquiesced. Three persons walked out from a large blue circle. First, an elegant blonde woman, with striking red lipstick, wearing a pencil skirt as well. Then, a short man, carrying a trumpet. And finally, a tall, immense man. Large as a bear, or even larger. Behind him, the portal closed.
The short man stepped forward, played a short call on his instrument, then clamored: “His Majesty, Knyaz.... greets Elkins Town and Randolph County.”
The name got lost on Grace, as the man's presence inspired her of another, a similar tall and large man, a celebrity, an opera singer, his most famous role Boris Godunov. Lizzie’s true father. Not her idiotic boyfriend who forgot to use protection, as she always lied, no. A visiting teacher, for a masterclass, a position of power, a light attracting a small, ugly duckling moth. Herself.
She had cheated on his boyfriend, and lied, and when she had resolved to carry Lizzie to term, no matter what, she also had accepted the bribe. Money, to put as an advance for the house. To secure a place for her child, in exchange for her silence. Tears filled her eyes.
After exchanging accolades and handshakes, the Knyaz leaned and whispered something to Rowan. The latter leaned his head backward, roaring in laughter, and patted the Russian on the back. Beckoning the trumpeter, the Knyaz said something into the musician's ear, who nodded and played a few loud notes, before clamoring:
“Count Allinder and Knyaz…—"Boris Godunov, Grace's mind replaced the real name“—of Vladivostok have agreed to offer the public a martial demonstration, a non-lethal boxing match. No spells, special skills, or perks are to be used”
The trumpeter's announcement was met with raucous applause. Her heart skipped a beat. Lizzie was screaming, cheering for Rowan, and Isla was screaming too, but insults, cursing Rowan for not delegating her, the better boxer, to fight in the match.
The two men undressed, shirtless. Rowan’s muscles were a marvel, a masterpiece, a living sculpture. Boris Godunov was fat, but fat, on a bear, is deceiving. Grace’s head throbbed with apprehension. A cloud was hanging over her mind, preventing her from Seeing the outcome of the match.
Rowan danced around the hulking Russian, throwing hits, at first to probe the adversary, then to overwhelm him. But the Knyaz soaked Rowan’s attacks like they were breakfast cereals. His fists found their target and the younger man was thrown back, but landed on his feet and rushed back to fight.
Everybody was yelling, making her dizzy. Grace closed her eyes and covered her ears, just to make it stop. Strange words appeared in her vision, floating in the dark, colored words: Don't do this, idiot! You don't understand yet how this world works... Shut up! You don't tell me what to do.
There was a loud noise, and a dampened sound followed. When she opened her eyes, Rowan was lying on the cobblestones.
The System has decided to transform the boxing match into a Leadership Challenge and transferred captaincy to the victor. Randolph County is now the vassal of His Majesty, Knyaz—Boris Godunov, her brain said again—ruler of Vladivostok. All laws in place are to be kept. The Town’s Core is transferring Admin rights to His Majesty.
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Grace woke up in a sweat, a vague ominous feeling in her guts, like a nightmare forgotten. Rowan slept blissfully beside her, exhausted. She fondled his cheek, softly, just because the happiness she felt from loving him was overwhelming. A short yawn, then Rowan's eyes found hers. He stretched his arms and pulled her into his embrace.
They made love like never before: rough, passionate, and intense beyond words. In the end, they stared at each other, enjoying the eye contact and the love that it projected.
"I love you, Isla," Rowan said.
And suddenly, Grace saw the world through his eyes. The woman in Rowan's arms had long blonde hair, lean and muscular arms and legs, and blue eyes. She screamed.
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Grace woke up in a sweat, a vague ominous feeling in her guts. Nightmares, all night… Rowan was awake, he could hear him chatting downstairs, with Dmitri. She jumped out of bed, throwing a house robe on her, feeling in her guts she needed to tell him about the dreams. Maybe they were a premonition…
[Cory]: Stop right there!
"Ah!" Grace jumped back.
[Cory]: C'mon, get over it already, I'm part of your life now. Stay put and listen. There's something amiss. I'm detecting glitches in the System, all around this house. Red and blue lines of code fighting, the red wants to access your mind, and the blue is preventing it.
"Red and blue? I saw it in my vision," Grace blurted.
[Cory]: Tell me everything. You're the only Seer in Town and the System is glitching around you? This can't be a coincidence.
Trying to remember her nightmares in the smallest details, Grace began to tell her story, clutching the house robe at her chest, in search of an illusory armor, and sitting on the bed, as she felt dizzy by the madness around her, the new Awakened world, her class, everything.
[Cory]: Fuck… This is bad… Look, the System is a complicated thing. It has subroutines, like multiple personalities. It's not 'young' by any means, but it is programmed to adapt to each new Awakened planet. It looks like the process is still incomplete, and the subroutines are fighting over the way forward…
Grace sobbed, covering her face with her palms. "I'm… so new at this… it overwhelms me… I have to tell Rowan," she rose, stepping toward the door.
[Cory]: Don't. The blue code won and chased away the red. I have an idea of what's going on… The System likes to throw unexpected challenges in your path, to make you stronger. If you tell Rowan, The System will find another way to challenge him, and it will be much worse. Let's go with it, for now… I'll try to find a way around it. It's not for nothing I'm nicknamed the Queen of Exploits.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
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“Well fought, kid,” the Knyaz offered a hand, helping a dazed Rowan back to his feet, then hugging and patting him on the back. “You'll be my right hand here. My people!” the Russian roared. “Let’s party!”
The crowd roared. It had been a fair fight, a beautiful fight. Grace pinched herself. Was she in another nightmare? So far, reality had followed her nightmare in every little detail. The trumpeter, the blonde, everything.
“It’s not fair!” Lizzie screamed, in tears. “My Daddy’s the best!”
The Russian came forward, along with his two followers, and started chatting with the authorities. Rowan dressed and joined Grace, sulking, his shoulders sagging.
“At least he’s an honorable man… I didn’t like being the boss anyway. Don’t worry, sweetie, I’ll be able to spend more time with you,” he patted Lizzie’s head.
“But it’s not fair! You’re the strongest daddy in the Universe!” she yelled back, tearful.
The crowd dispersed, little by little, and the officials showed the way to the new City Hall and the dining room. The mood was mixed, again. Some rejoiced some looked depressed. In the middle, Rowan, oscillated in between, like he was not yet decided if he was sad or merry.
It was too much. Letting Lizzie in Dmitri’s care, Grace took a glass of wine and went outside, on the terrace, to look at the hills and cry. What was the bloody Core doing? She promised to find a solution.
Hi, Grace.
She turned, to see who was talking to her, but the voice was in her head.
It's me, Cory. This is all my fault, I should have seen it coming. The Russians took a System Oath, not to attack us, before coming. But a boxing match is not attacking… The Knyaz was just a puppet for bigger players, and they knew that in a no-holds-barred, Rowan would have won. But what’s done is done, let’s concentrate on the future. Do you want to restore justice? I promised you I'd find a way, and I did, but I need you for that.
“What do you me to do?” Grace blurted.
Keep your voice low. I want you to kill the Knyaz.
“I’m not a murderer.” Grace shook her head. "We'll deal with it. It's… not important…" She struggled against her gut feeling which screamed at her it was immensely important. "Rowan will be the second in command, you heard the Knyaz."
Have you listened to what I said? The Knyaz is a puppet for darker forces whose villainy you can't even imagine. You need to become a killer, fast. For the County’s sake, and yourself. Look behind you.
Turning and resting her back on the railing, Grace peered inside the dining hall. Isla approached Rowan. Grace caught a few words:
“I would not have won either. He’s too strong.”
“I think you could have, but I guess we’ll never know,” Rowan shrugged. “I apologize for not letting you fight in my place.” Then Isla fondled his cheek and went away, and Rowan looked longingly after her, staring at her feline gait and firm tushy.
He thinks you’re beautiful, and loves you. But Isla… he desires, and she desires him back. Pure animalistic lust. Rowan is not a nice guy, only his will makes him so. He’s wild and unpredictable, you’re not his type, she is. You two are together because of Lizzie. But what will he do once he’s purposeless, with a lot of time on his hands? They’ll sleep together. 'I’m sorry, I have feelings for Isla,' he’ll say. 'It’s OK, I can share you, just don’t leave me,' you’ll say, your heart breaking. 'I can’t do this to you, you’re worth more than this,' he’ll say. Then, goodbye. You’ll hurt, Lizzie will hurt. Kill the Knyaz, and he will never leave you. One never leaves a woman strong enough to murder to keep one safe. Then, you’ll be more than Isla, more than his type. A force of nature he’ll worship and adore.
The last nightmare, the one in which Rowan made love to Isla, hit her like a bullet to the brain. Grace’s knees started trembling, so hard she had to put the glass down and grab the railing with both hands. She nodded, slowly.
Good. Now, let something be clear. I’m helping you, but you’ll owe me one. One day, I’ll ask you to return the favor. A pound of flesh and a pint of blood. Nod if you agree… Perfect. Check your interdimensional email, I sent you an attachment. Just think of downloading it.
“What’s this? Grace asked, examining the little black square in her hand.
Something forbidden on civilized planets. Necromantic poison. Pour it into his drink, somehow. You have less than an hour. More, and his hold on the Core will be permanent.
Palming the poison, Grace nodded and returned inside, trying to keep her composure. She went directly to Lizzie. “Sweetie,” she caressed the girl’s hair. “Can you do something for me and Rowan?” The six-year-old looked at her intently. “When I wink at you, could you attract everyone’s attention? Taunt them with your magic? It’s important.”
The girl nodded. Little by little, Grace made her way to the Knyaz. Many people were sucking it up to him, but as soon she was near him, he bowed and raised his glass.
“Milady.” A polite salute, but many things showed through it. Large men liked shorter women, vulnerable ones. Maybe he was honorable and held no ulterior motive, but staring from height at her boobs was acceptable for him, that was clear enough.
I wish the other Boris Godunov could be in your place, Grace thought.
She turned her head toward Lizzie for a second and winked.
“A MOUSE!” the girl screamed. Everyone looked at her. Many jumped to help, to find and chase the monster away. After all, she was so cute. Rowan stared befuddled. The only one to perceive the taunt, because of his high will. If she didn’t know, Grace would not have noticed it either.
Grace pretended to jerk and let the black square slip into the Knyaz’s glass. It didn’t make any sound, or let any visible trace. Just disappeared. “I’ll have to calm my daughter,” she said to the officials.
A minute later, the Russian’s face started to sweat profusely. “Gah!” was the only sound he made before he collapsed, his skin blackening, and the body vanished into blue dust.
The System has adjusted its goals. You have slain the Knyaz of Vladivostok (Level 50). You have reached level 36. 4 Attribute Points, have been automatically invested in DEX, INT, and CHA. Secret Quest: Save Randolph County From an Insidious Takeover has been fulfilled. +1 free AP. You have 18 free APs to allocate. Secret Secondary Class unlocked: Assassin, Rare tier (can evolve into Spy, Manipulator, or Seducer). Same level as the Main Class. Same Main Stat as the Main Class (CHA). There are no supplementary APs gained from having a Secondary Class.
Warning, your class is extremely weak to self-inflicted Debuff: Negative Karma. Criminal activity will make you become a Pariah and Bounty Hunted. Working with the sanction of legal authorities negates this Debuff.
Perks:
Dexterity Perk, Threshold 1: Stealthy and Unnoticeable, tier 1. Depending on the context, you are better at avoiding detection. All damage you do from Stealth or Unnoticed is Critical and inflicts a 1.5% HP Poison DOT/second.
Intelligence Perk, Threshold 1: Tactical Planning. You can put up a plan for attack or retreat in mere seconds. Synergizes with your fiance’s Strategic Sixth Sense. Teaming together will enhance your performance.
Will Perk, Threshold 1: You have what it takes! Synergizes with Body Control. Your potential to go beyond the boundaries of social norms is enhanced.
Charisma Perk, Threshold 1: Death with a decolletage. Synergizes with Trustworthy. +25% chance to distract men. They’ll eat poison from your palm. Literally.
The official notification said another thing.
The Knyaz of Vladivostok has succumbed to an acute peanut allergy, combined with Mana Exhaustion. If his entourage doesn’t claim the right to trial by combat, Randolph County’s leadership will be reverted to its previous ruler, Count Rowan Allinder.
“I’m good, I’m good!” the Trumpeter yelled.
“Only idiots… Only idiots…” the tall blonde woman sneered, showing two pointy canines. In a lightning-fast gesture, she extracted a cigarette from nowhere, lighted it, and vanished.
Randolph County is again ruled by Count Rowan Allinder.
[Cory]: Normal chat restored. And you’re welcome. One more thing. You are the first person on Earth to unlock your secondary class. Don’t. Tell. Rowan.
“Why?” Grace mumbled in an inaudible voice.
[Cory]: One, because getting Secondary Classes is a rare feat, people will be jealous. Two, if Rowan realizes a second class is attainable, his subconscious might automatically select one from him now. ATM, the strongest contenders are Forklift Operator and Bourbon Production Manager. I want him to mature in the new environment, and unlock a proper class. Now go take care of your family.
Grace sighed and grabbed Lizzie’s hand. There was so much agitation around that she had to put her elbows to good use to reach Rowan.
“Let’s go home,” she said. There was awe in his eyes, but no rejection. Respect. He knew.
“Yey! Daddy won after all!” Lizzie proclaimed.
Isla looked befuddled and gestured shrugging with her palms up, her lips soundlessly asking what happened? but Grace was not in the mood for conversation and beelined for the exit, after throwing back a frown. BFF or not, no one was allowed to fondle her man’s cheek.