Chapter 8 - Nothing

Kai got up, double checking the fit of his pant as he rose to his full height and took in his new surroundings.

He was standing in the centre of a large stone stage. The giant stone was riddled it cracks and fractures, a dim glow emanating from within the stone.

Before him a series of what he could only describe as private booths. The majority of of which weren’t actually occupied. Those that were had there own distinct set of individuals, all of them watched him closely.

‘You got isekaid right onto a purpose built summoning stone… a big one,’ Syl said, her smooth voice entering his mind in a way he now considered telepathy. ‘Don’t do anything to spook the locals, play along till we know exactly what’s going on.’

As he looked out over the different parties he felt a wave of pressure wash over him, ‘Syl what is happening?’

‘They are examining you, or at least they are trying too.’

He decide fair was fair, if they thought it was okay to examine him then he could do the same.

He tried desperately to get his own examine off as he looked from one group to the next, they were getting restless, the pressure of there own examinations growing stronger by the second.

Examine wasn’t something he and Syl spent the time practising. Syl had explained it was a system action that he should instinctively know, technically a skill everyone was given hiding out as part of the system itself, but that was semantics.

Things seemed to be getting borderline hostile as tall silver haired El’vei man in fine man locked eyes with him and his examine skill finally triggered.

Thanric An’aladduin ( ??? )

Ambassador of the Tranquil Empire, The Sage.

The man rose from his seat pressing his robes neatly and spoke. Addressing him directly, his words smooth and deliberate, almost lyrical.

Kai listened intently, not wanting to be rude. The only issue, he didn’t understand a word of it.

“I’m sorry, could you repeat that a little slower,” Kai said once the man finished, he was hoping the system would kick in and start translating for him.

Kai once again had the rooms full attention. A few dozen sets of wide eyes directed his way as a fresh wave of examine landed on him. The room erupting in a raucous discourse that he realised he couldn’t understand one word of.

‘Syl? I think we have-“ a problem.

‘Hold, doing System Guide stuff.’

‘Syl i-‘ need.

‘Hold.’

‘At least tell me why they keep hitting my with examines!’ it was weird begging Syl for answers in his own mind, but he had not put learning a whole knew language on his to do list. He was terrible at languages back in school, so much so he had been excused from taking them.

‘Its because you’re passively resisting them. Most of these people are way higher level than you. They can detect how week you are and it baffles them that they can’t actually examine you at the level they are use too.

Something to do with your old soul and abyssal walker traits working together, now hold!’ Syl said the last part with a tone of finality he decide best not to push.

‘Fine, ill hold, but if you start playing crappy music ill ask to speak to your manager the first chance I get.”

He heard a scoff and Syl mumbled, ‘I am the manager.’

He would wait and see what she was up to, it had to be something to help him out, she was bound to him after all.

He had a strong feeling he was summoned to this room, this stage, for a reason and not wanting to upset a group of locals that apparently were a way higher level than him he sat down and waited.

The room he had arrived in wasn't actually that large, it just felt that way because of the sheer size of the stone stage he had peen placed so neatly upon.

He rubbed his face, he could still feel a dull throb from where he had landed, but it seemed to be getting better by the second.

The people who had been present for his arrival seemed to have been sequestered to the booths based on what he first though was their race, but upon closer inspection it had to be some other determinant factor.

They were arranged in a large semi circle that seemed to put all the focus on him.

Even the floating crystals that gave the room is light was directed his way.

How anyone besides himself got in here he didn’t know. There wasn’t exactly an obvious entrance to the room, no archway, no door, not even an obvious hidden entrance. Just a solid stone wall surrounding the lot of them.

Noting that plan little girl wasn’t going to work in this situation he decided to fall back on behaving. Part of behaving was knowing what and or who you were dealing with.

Examine had worked once for him, getting use to doing it with a captive audience couldn't hurt too much. He wondered if it was considered rude, staring was considered rude, and in a way examine was a more invasive version of staring. He decided it didn't matter right now, he was still being hit with the occasional examine. So fair was fair.

All the way to one side of the room was the El’viairen man that had tried talking to him earlier. He was in his own booth with no one else but a much younger El’vei girl sitting to his side.

She looked around eighteen years old, but he had no idea if El’viaren were as youth-full as the stories of earth typically claimed. She was dressed from her neck down to her toes in tan and white leathers, her platinum blond hair kept back in a tight braid exposing her long slender elven ears. She was pretty, like Syl, just not quite as elegantly matured as she was.

Alicia An’aladduin Lv.5

El’viairen Age.40

The moment he managed to examine her she looked up at him, her golden eyes caught his for just a second before she looked at the back her hand, inspecting her nails, instantly dismissing him.

Surprised she was actually forty years old and still only level five he moved on made a quick mental note to get more information on the different races and shelved it with all the other mental notes he would forget to checkup on later.

The booth next to them was full of Dwarves. One very impressively bearded fella surrounded by woman aged in what looked like their early twenties right through to their forties, possibly higher, he actually had no point of reference.

He would have asked Syl, but she was currently mumbling a little tune. He was still on hold.

The most difficult one to put an age to was the man, the male? How exactly did man and woman work with different races, he would use what he knew until corrected.

His age was difficult to determine because only his forehead eyes and nose were visible the rest of him was hidden by a thick black, glossy beard that was just full of different braids, each braid adorned with charms, beads and jewellery. Starting at the mans nose and falling down to the mans belt without thinning in the slightest it was an impressive sight.

Assuming the woman with him were also Dwarves as they seemed to match the guys stature ,he was a little disappointing they didn't have beards of their own.

All of their attention that had gone into the mans beard seemed to have gone into there hair instead. Though they each had one or two braids none had anywhere near the amount of accessories as the bearded fella.

He would have assumed the man had some kind of harem situation going on but the poor guy looked a bit put under as he was currently getting a good talking to. Though maybe it was a harem and he just liked a good strong woman telling him whats what.

Examining the poor guy as he nodded enthusiastically along with the woman crowding around him returned:

Orrick Stormvairn ( ???)

Chosen of The Houses, Master of his line.

Like the higher level El’viairan man he just got a name and what he assumed were titles.

Checking on the woman that had been brow beating the guy the most got him:

Etelle ( ??? )

Mistress of The House.

No last name, but he didn’t know what the cultural conventions were, Syl and himself hadn’t even set a last name.

Checking the next woman who was giving an powerful verbal lashing each time the first woman paused to catch her breath.

Egrette ( ??? )

Mistress of The House.

In fact, checking each of the woman in turn he found none of them had a last name like the man had. But each of them was the mistress of the house, he didn’t know if it was the same house or an entirely different one.

No matter what it was, it would have to be something he figured out as he gathered more information on the different cultures of Alea.

Moving on again the next two booths were completely empty. The next occupied booth seeming to have required a bit of buffer. He immediately knew why.

That booth gave him the creeps. There was a row of young men and woman, a mix of races, the same races he had been given the choice to choose from not so long ago. That and a few others that he hadn’t been given the option.

Humans, dwarves, elves, and a few more more beastly looking race individuals with furry little ears stood silently at the back. All of them wearing the same impossibly white thin linen uniform. They didn't move, didn’t even fidget, just stared straight ahead, not one of them paying him any attention.

Checking one out of curiosity he was shocked when he got nothing back. It wasn't that his examine failed, they just had no identity.

… Lv.10

El’viaran Age.17

He checked another.

… Lv.10

Human Age.16

And another.

… Lv.10

Leonid beastkin Age.21

They were all the same, it was eary, they didn’t even react to his examination: they just stood, motionless staring off into nothing.

In front of them sat a middle aged human man lounging back in heavy plate armour as a beautiful El’viairen woman attended to him.

Caradin Arellabast ( ??? )

Emperor, king, lord and master of the Shattered Kingdoms, Master of chains, The Conjurer, Bringer of Faith, The Undefeated, The Despised, The Terrible, Hand of Themagol.

Just looking in the mans direction gave him the creeps.

Waves of pressure emanated from the man, he seemed entirely indifferent to the space the other parties were giving him and his party

Kai didn’t want the guy catching him showing any interest so he moved on as soon as he got a successful examination hoping it wouldn’t draw any attention.

Another two booths along there was something entirely new to him, well partially new: He had just seen similar people within the row of really creepy identity-less line people.

There was woman, curled up, snoozing, against the chest of a giant white wolf that encircled her protectively.

The furry cat ears atop her head twitched as he looked her way, she must have sensed something as she cracked an amber eye to look back him before he had even tried examining her.

Aniceia Arroki ( ??? )

Pack Master of the Arroki, Chosen of The Kin.

The fur on the nape of the wolfs neck rose sharply the moment his examine triggered on the woman, but with a swish of her long feline tail the giant canid visibly relaxed. Her own feral eye closing a moment later as she grinned a sharp toothed smile and curled back into the beautiful beast she was using as a giant pillow.

Dire Wolf ( ??? )

No name, did that mean the wolf was a monster, a tame of some kind.

‘Hey Sy-‘

‘What part of hold do you not get!’

He immediately shelved his questions about his chance’s of getting a big pet dog on this world for later, he had always wanted a dog maybe he could get one sooner than later. Ooh what about something more mythical, dragons could be a thing here.

In the very next booth was a singular human man. He wore a smart robe that seemed a bit more functional than luxurious.

Dim Cickle lv.21

Human Age.53

First minister of the city state of Kackle.

He did not look anywhere near fifty three. No where near as youthful as the forty year old el’viairen woman in the first booth. He would have guessed the man was in his early thirties.

Maybe the years on Alea were much shorter. Syl had already said people got closer to their ideal as they levelled. But the woman was only level five, looked around eighteen whilst actually in her forties. Nothing made sense.

Another thing to ask Syl when he wasn’t on hold.

The mans eyes moved about nervously, he hadn't actually reacted to Kai’s examination. He just sat in his chair trying to look as small as possible.

Kai got the feeling the man had come not knowing what company he would keep.

The booth next to him was dominated by three very large, very powerful looking orec’kien woman that seemed to be running a daycare of manic pink goblins.

Only slightly surprised that they were deep shades of red instead of the stereotypical green-skins his old worlds fiction. He recalled his race change had shifted into the same hue before Syl passed the race by.

He focused in on the the orc sitting in the centre of the booth, picking her out as the one in charge as she nodded patiently along older looking goblin in a formal looking suit of all things as he went over a piece of parchment.

Lela Enrock ( ??? )

Voice of the clans, Speaker of dawn, Binder of Pacts.

The intimidating red woman noticed his examination and gave him a vivacious tusked grin, winking at him provocatively before he could break eye contact.

He knew that look, it was one Syl liked to tease him with from time to time.

Muscle mommy was not his type, so as soon as her look registered and his brain caught up he shifted his attention. Not even sparing the time to scan anyone else lest she take his continued examinations as approval.

A barrier around the next booth popped and buzzed quietly as indistinct shapes and shadows shifted silently inside.

‘Ignore that one, you do not want the attention of the fey.’ Syl said. “It’s weird that they’re here at all. So far they seem to be focusing on the fact they’re stuck in the booth. Fey don’t like feeling trapped, they typically do the trapping, its usually their thing’

‘Weird that I didn’t notice them till now.’

‘That’s the fey’s doing too. They don’t like attention, especially when they feel trapped.’

‘What am I supposed to be doing here? Am I still on hold?

‘Yes. There’s a system timer. I’m requesting info from the local System. Sit down and shut up. Try those breathing exercises we went through.’

Kai sighed, he was already sitting but he let it slide. Syl didn't like it when he got smart with her.

Probably far more used to working to a system timer than he would like to admit he did as Syl suggested.

Crossing his legs beneath himself he took in a deep breath. He ignored the fresh wave of examinations as air filled his lungs and he realised there was something different about the air here.

Despite being sealed inside a chamber with no windows doors or vents of any kind the air felt fresh, better then fresh.

This was apparently due to the high amount of natural magic Alea had.

It was everywhere, in everything and with his vastly improved mana core courtesy of his new race he could literally breath it in.

It was his absorption, conversion and flow stats that dictated how well he could breath in the mana, but apparently focus and technique could improve it too.

Syl had taught him this was one of the many ways he could refill his mana faster and that he would want to learn the active skill as soon as possible. With work and a bit of time he could improve the skill to have more positive effects on his passive mana regeneration.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

In a long drawn out fight it could mean a few more spells or magical augmentations which could be the difference between life and death.

There was allot of things that could mean life and death according to Syl, he tried not to dwell on it.

He didn’t have the first clue about magic itself but apparently this was a first step to many things.

Even if he didn’t go down a magically focused path this basic meditation had other positive effects on his physical self, going so far as helping to restore his health and restore his stamina. So again in a long drawn out fight it could mean life and death.

At the moment the effects would be minimal. The boost to stamina and health a byproduct of fresh mana flowing through his channels, whatever they were, and bleeding out to restore his other aspects.

Technically it was him being inefficient with the mana he was taking into his system, but as he couldn't actually detect that mana yet to help guide it, there was little he could do about it.

If someone wanted too they could intentionally direct the mana to restore health and stamina instead of filling their mana core. Which was why despite him not knowing what path he planned on taking Syl had insisted on him getting the skill.

Syl had mentioned a system timer, but she had failed to mention how long that timer was.

So he just sat there, taking in one deep steady breath after another. Trying to feel the power sources he would need to make literal magic happen as he took it into himself.

He felt nothing beyond the air filling his lungs, but it was sharp, different to back on earth so he hoped he was doing something right.

He had been warned it wasn’t something everyone could learn, some people just weren't cut out for magic. But with his race Syl said she would be surprised if he couldn’t, just that it might be a matter of time.

Realising he had had let his mind wander a bit he was surprised to feel a distant notification pulse softly as it let him know it wanted his attention. Pulling himself form his meditation he acknowledged it.

Skill Acquired:

Sloppy Meditation.

You have learnt that though delibrate focus many things are possible.

3% boost to mana recovery, 1% boost to Stamina Recovery and a 1% boost to health recovery.

How those percentages translated he didn’t know exactly, and he felt his meditation hadn’t been sloppy at all. But at least he had gotten something.

‘Took you less time then I thought it might, you sense anything?’ Syls asked suddenly

‘Nope, air feels crisper here, that’s about it.’

‘Works better when your mana is near depletion, your body naturally draws more in so its easier to get a sense for it. Detecting it outside your body, even seeing it, that’s the hard part.’

‘Got another skill for you. You ready to see what these people have to offer?’

Skill Acquired:

Omniglot.

‘Whats omniglot do? The skill doesn't have a description.’

‘Oh that, I was shooting for the just the local languages. I would have been happy if we at least got what passes for the common tongue. But the System eventually got back to me with this. I technically still know every language past and present from before, the system stepped in and let me pass that on.

Why do you think I’ve had you on hold for so long. Sorry about the headache.’

‘What head-‘

He was glad he was sitting down. had he not been he would have back to lying flat on his face.

Cradling his head he felt like his brain exploded and turned to slush inside his skull as billions of new pathways formed as his mind was flooded with information.

It only lasted a moment, but that alone was enough for him to reassess what agony truly meant.

Blinking in an attempt to clear his head of any lingering pain he noted a distinct shift in the room. The constant indistinct murmur he couldn't understand came into focus and he realised he could understand what people were saying.

“Whats the bairn up to know, we got bare minuets left to come up with a decent bid and he’s just sitting there holding his head, bleadin’ out of his ears and nose like his mama just gave him a well deserved smack.” Said the one of the dwarven woman in a thick accent he couldn’t quite place yet somehow totally understood.

“Sorry about that. Just got a new skill from-

‘My system guide.’ Syl prompted him.

-my system guide.” Kai finished.

“New skill? System guide?” he watched as the woman eyes went wide in horror, “you’re using the thick tongue!”

“You dare use the Thick tongue,” Orrick, stepped forward his beard jingling as he moved, “when I get out of this ere booth.” His eyes seemed to bulge as a massive rune worked sword appeared in his fist.

“Relax friend Orrick, he meant no offence.” came a smooth voice, it was Thanric the El’vei man in just one booth over.

”Observe,” The El’vei turned to address Kai directly, “Greetings, my name is Thanric An’aladduin, Ambassador of the Tranquil Empire but most know me simply by my preferred title, The Sage.”

“Greetings Thanric, names Kai, no titles, but I suspect everyone here got that much with their many, many attempts to examine me. I really did mean no offence,” Kai said looking between both the him and the dwarven man, “I don’t even know what the Thick tongue is. This world is entirely new to me.”

Thanric smiled, “Impeccable nirashii, always wondered how was meant to sound,” he said as he turned back to Orrick, “I believe our friends new skill was one of language, somehow the system is assisting him and he doesn’t even know it.”

“Aye, seems so.” Orricks sword vanished.

“Sorry, I’m still a little lost.” Kai said trying to get a bit more information.

“Ah I spoke to you in three languages, one my own, another the common tongue of Alea, and the third long forgotten to all but the most cloistered of scholars. You even spoke the thick tongue as a native not a friend. Tell me, did you even notice.”

Kai shook his head, “I couldn’t understand a word before. Got the skill just now your all speaking English so far as I can tell.” He said as he used the hem of his t-shirt to clean the blood from his nose and ears. It was all he had, and it was black so it shouldn’t cause an obvious stain.

“He best be careful who he goes talking to,” Orrick said, “he hasn’t earned the right, a lesser dwarf would cut him down to size. Stones he needs to come with us.”

The room had gone silent as almost everyone seemed to be listening in on there conversation. But Orricks declaration that Kai should come with us caused someone to scoff dramatically.

“I think I like him now,” the creepy man spoke up.

He had risen from his lounging position and seemed to study Kai intently. “if anyone interferes with my bid I promise the might of the kingdoms will-“

“Oh please it’s called the shattered kingdoms for a reason, all the minor powers you could bully Caradin had sense enough not to come,” one of the orec’kien woman said interrupting him.

“Your going to have come up with a promising bid if you don’t want to go back to your middling lands empty handed. Besides we like him too, he looks to be of quality stock. Especially if his knew skill lets him truly sing the songs of our people,” another orec’kien said.

“Songs of your people?” Kai asked

Thanric coughed, “mating songs.”

Kai turned a deep shade of red, the orcs would break him in two.

“See he wants to come with us, he is already adopting the true colours!” roared the centre-most orc, Lela Elrock. As her booth began to roar with laughter and giggling goblins.

‘Want backup?’ Syl asked him in the privacy of his own mind.

He just nodded.

‘Going with plan Will-o'-the-wisp.’

‘Will-o'-the-wisp?’

‘Yeah, you’ll find it familiar and it shouldn’t blow their minds too much with true fey hanging about.”

A ball of ethereal cyan flame, tinged with a hint of crimson, appeared beside him.

The room grew quiet again as dozens of examines shot off at once. Only the sound of orcs and goblins remained as in their amusement they hadn’t noticed the little floating flame manifest.

Syl just shot off from where he floated heading straight for the orec’kien booth killing their raucous laughter instantly.

Syl was able to pierce the protective barrier of the booth and she moved to flit around the heads of the three orc women, “no sing, you not worthy,” Syl said in a childish sing song voice.

“What is this?” Lela asked sounding amused as the goblins in her company focused on their sudden intruder.

“That would be Syl, my System Guide.”

The murmurs grew louder again.

‘Syl I swear, if you start floating around saying hey listen !’ he said inside hoping Syl could hear him through their connection.

‘Relax, I think Alea is way too far for them to send a cease and desist letter, besides I’m not a glowing fairy, not much they could do if I did.’

‘And don’t get any ideas about singing for any orcs, these ladies would wear you down to nothing.’

‘Already thought of that.’

‘I bet you did you naughty boy.’

Ignoring Syl as she zipped out of the orcs booth Kai got up and approached the edge of his platform off to the side closest to the dwarves and Thanric.

“Thanric, Orrick, Ladies. Can anyone of you be so kind as to explain whats happening? Why I’m here?”

Orrick went to open his mouth but was pulled back by one of the woman in his cadre pulled him back.

“Kai, What do you think is happening?” Thanric asked him as he too approached the edge of his booth.

“I was sent here by a…” Kai suddenly realised he couldn’t say System Authority in front of these people. “I was sent here by the System when my home world started system integration.”

“Interesting, is there anymore you can divulge.”

“I was told i would be going somewhere I could thrive. The perfect world for me apparently.”

The dwarves all watched the el’vei man.

“I detect no lies,” Thanric said to the waiting dwarves. “Tell me, what is your current level? You have no distinguishable aura, at least not in the traditional sense, and you resist examination. All we got was your name.”

“Zero, didn’t even get to participate in my worlds tutorial. I was pulled out and sent here instead.”

“Stones, whats the system playing at.” He heard one of the dwarven women mutter. “He truly is a bairn fresh from his mothers teat.”

“I think we are about to find out.” Orrick said as he look off to the side.

Time for deliberation has ended, submit your bids.

“Whats the bidding for?” Kai asked as he got a very bad feeling.

“Oh, the usual, control, power, wealth, the fate of our world and you...” Thanric said as he turned and headed back to his seat.

Dim Cickle has withdrawn from the bidding.

There was a yelp as the solitary man disappeared from his booth the instant the system message appeared.

No one still presents paid it much attention.

Caradin Arellabast has submitted their first bid on behalf of the.

Noble title of Viscount and all associated rights and honours.

Appropriate lands and other such holdings withing the borders of the shattered kingdoms territory.

5000 serfs to work awarded lands.

1000 platinum crowns.

Required:

System backed Oath of Fealty to Caradin Arellabast and his line in perpetuity.

Kai looked over at the man, he had returned to lounging in his booth. A pretty young human woman now attending to him.

Kai had the feeling the man was deliberately acting as if he hadn’t just offered up a part of his kingdom and the lives of thousands.

Lela Enrock has submitted their first bid on behalf of the united clans.

Mating rights.

Right to participate in the hunt.

Right to participate in raiding parties.

No tribute required for 1 decade.

Access to the trials.

Required:

System backed pledge, 10 strong children capable of passing the trials.

Well he wasn't going to give the orcs the pleasure of seeing him react to that one.

Still he felt a mild bit of heat in his cheeks.

Aniceia Arroki on behalf of the united tribes of beasts and The kin.

The Protection of the pack.

Required:

System backed pledge, Contribute to the pack for a minimum 2 decades.

Well that could mean anything, at least he didn’t have to find the time to pop out ten children anytime soon.

Orrick Stormvairn has submitted their first bid on behalf of the greater houses.

Gear appropriate for a level 0.

Masterwork gear at level 10.

Tailored Masterwork gear set at level 25.

A curated supply of recovery items.

Free Room and Board at any Guild house.

Required:

System backed pledge, loyalty to the Houses for 5 decades.

Five decades felt like a bit much, but he didn’t know how to quantify the rest of the bid.

Orrick was grinning at him like a mad man, the women with him all nodding appreciatively.

Syl had come over at some point and was floating around the bearded mans head.

“Can someone please explain these bids, each one requires a decade or of my time. And Who is going to decide which bid wins?” Kai asked not a little worried he might be forced into an agreement he didn’t like.

Thanric An’aladduin has submitted their first bid on behalf of the Tranquil Isles and its greater Empire.

Become an apprentice to Thanric An’aladduin, the Sage of Alea.

Required:

System backed pledge, loyalty to the Tranquil empire for 3 decades.

“Its the system event,” Thanric answered, “each party present must propose a bid, but the system is forcing an equal or mutual gain contract, I could set no lower then three decades when offering you an apprenticeship.”

Thanric turned and gestured to the elf girl beside him, “I wish my current apprentice would also come to value my time and effort as much as the system does.”

She just looked off to the side, “I endeavour to do better master.”

“Yes, I would hope you would,” Thanric said before turning back to Kai. “As far as who decides which bid wins. The system will not force anything like a contract on an unwilling participant. so I believe it is you who will decide our fates."

The Fey have submitted a bid on behalf of the fey realms of Alea.

Become Fey.

Required:

Become Fey.

All bids submitted.

The bids will now be shared.

Kai has 30 minuets to select a winning bid.

If no bids are selected there will be a 5 minuets intermission to prepare and submit a new bid.

The bid of Caradin Arellabast has been rejected.

The bid of Lela Enrock has been rejected.

The bid of the Fey has been rejected.

“That was quick.” Orrick said his bear jingling as he nodded along with his cadre.

“Wasn't me.”

“Terrible, naughty, nasty bids.” Syl chimed childishly.

“Caradin is not going to like that.” Orrick whispered into his beard

Kai looked over to see Caradin up on his feet staring daggers at him. the poor El’vei woman who must have been serving him on the floor cradling a broken face, blood pouring from the fresh wound. No one moving to help her, she didn’t even whimper.

“Not good enough for you! What could a peasant like you possibly want? whatever you want I can get it for you. Join me, I can give you whatever you desire. Wealth you never dreamed of,” Caradin said with certainty at a volume just shy of shouting.

“Not too interested in wealth. And the title and lands just sounds like a lot of work, a poor peasant like myself wouldn't know where to start.” Kai said knowing he could barely look after himself.

He turned away from the man not wanting to acknowledge him anymore than he had to. The young el’vei girl Alicia caught his attention immediately as she was studying him intently, Syl slowly circling her.

“Oh, you want a woman? I can get you any women you could ever want: el’ve women, beast women, gnomes, children. You like that little el’vei girl over there. I have hundreds, you can take your pick. when your done you can pick another.”

“Oh hell no!” Kai said raising his voice above Caradin’s own. His stomach turning violently as barely contained rage building inside him.

“If not woman, men then, boys? I can fulfil you deepest darkest desires.”

“What makes you think-“ Kai didn't even get to finish his sentence before Caradins booth shimmered and everyone in it just vanished leaving only a fresh blood stain behind.

Caradin Arellabast has been rejected three times.

“That is going to be a problem isn't it,” Kai said to both Thanric and Orrick.

“That man is a problem for everyone. But yes you may be the focus of his ire for a while.” Thanric replied to Kais rhetorical question.

“Bad man, weak. weak god, mess with worlds integration, stall peoples development,” Syl said practically singing the words. She paused in front of the el’vei girl and started to bob up and down as she a piece of paper appeared just in front of her.

Thanric was too busy sharing a look with Orrick and the other Dwarves. “I suggest we leave this discussion for the council.”

“About our bid?” Orrick asked Kai.

Letting his rage at Caradin go for now Kai looked over the dwarves bid again, “It’s difficult, gear sounds good. But I don’t know how hard gear is to come by. I don’t even know if masterwork is actually any good. I’m new to the System, I’m new to this world.”

“Offers too much, requires too much, could interfere with Kai finding his true path.” Syl said, still hovering next to Alicia.

“I know many who would kill for a single piece of master worked gear, never mind a full set,” Thanric said.

“The pledges too are a big problem for me, I don’t know any of you. That Caradin guy was a real piece of work but imagine he played things much better. Imagine he fooled me into accepting his bid.” Kai couldn't help but shudder.

“And don’t think I haven't notice the others over there eyeballing me like a piece of meat.” Kai said as he looking over to see Lela blow him a kiss.

“Aye,” Orrick chuckled, “you did give everyone a proppa good eye full when you arrived. Even my ladies were impressed, and they are used to the good stuff.”

Orrick gave him a cheeky wink as Mistress Etelle Punched him hard in the arm.

“Oh I thought I caught myself in time.”

“No, you floated there for a good ten seconds before you landed on your face. Not sure if it is the fashion where you came from but your style of dress seems a little…” Thanric said leaving his true opinion unspoken.

Kai looked down and adjusted his jeans again. “Yeah, I wasn't exactly given the chance to change before I got here.”

“You need not worry about the others, Anicia is here as an observer. Her people are nomadic and have already made an agreement. We all have, even the Orec clans have a tentative agreement with The Houses.”

“So they weren't serious about the whole children and mating rights thing?”

He watched as the booth full of dwarven women just turned to him with looks ranging from amusement right through to outright pity. Even Alicia too took a moment from Syl took at him with something like pity and curiosity.

“No orcs where you come from?” Thanric asked.

“Just humans. Though allot of our fiction features the beauty of elves, the skill of dwarves and the er- barbarous nature of orcs.”

“Interesting, elves you say not El’vei, very interesting,” Thanric said as he cupped his chin thoughtfully.

“Then what do you want?” Estelle asked taking the lead of the conversation and setting it back on track, “It seems your not going to accept our bid. Tell us what you want? Name your price.”

“Well I clearly need a change of clothes, training and some gear…”

“That what you need,” Estelle stepped in front of Orrick, “we thought of all that when we found out you were still at level zero, tell us what you want and maybe the cost wont seem so steep.”

Kai looked at Syl, she was still hovering next to Alicia who now held several pieces of paper, each one turning to dust as she dropped it to the floor.

He got an idea as he watched Syls non physical manifestation pulse, “A body?” he asked tentatively.

They all just looked at him in confusion.

“One that I can give my system guide.” Kai said quickly hoping to avoid a misunderstanding.

“Like a golem?” one of the female dwarves he hadn’t examined spoke up.

“No you idiot, golems work on Instruction sets. We would need to completely rework its matrix. That’s even if it was possible.” Another said shutting them down.

Kai grimaced as he imagined Syl trying to tease him as a giant hulking clay figure

“Isn’t that mad woman working on automata powered by elemental cores. Supposedly they maintain the temperament and rudimentary intelligence of the elemental used. That might work.” Another dwarven woman offered.

“Doesn’t matter.” Estelle interrupted, “I just tried adding it to our bid, system rejected it. The offer of a theoretical body for the system guide isn’t something we can guarantee.”

“Stones and low ceilings. Thought we were onto something there.” Orrick said, “What about you sage, any ideas?”

“I suppose it might be possible with necromancy, but that has been outlawed for centuries. Even if it was allowed for diplomatic reasons I doubt there is anyone skilled enough. Caradin might have someone tucked away experimenting in secret. But I don’t think you are foolish enough to sell your soul to that man.”

The mental image of a decaying Syl had Kai speak up, “I was thinking more of a natural flesh and blood body, unused.”

He saw the dwarves deflate at the mention of flesh and blood. Thanric however was still thinking things over.

“Beyond receiving a boon from a god I don’t see a way of getting an actual body for your guide. There is the possibility of a system reward.”

The dwarves came back to life. “We control a number of reward dungeons. We can give priority access.”

“No good, those dungeons are all above level fifty, I can’t even verify we will maintain control over them when he reaches that level.” Estelle said.

“Elf tits!” Orrick groaned.

Alicia jumped to her feet, her golden eyes wide. “Master.”

“Orrick please, such idioms may be commonplace but Alicia is-”

“No master, look.” Alicia said as she passed Thanric a piece of gilded card.

Thanrics eyes tightened almost imperceptibly as the card he was reading suddenly turned to dust in his hand. To his credit he collected himself quickly and he turned to Alicia to give her his full attention.

“Alicia if you choose to do this you must do so on your own. I am bound by agreements and oaths sworn between the Houses and The Empire. You are not. I’m not even sure this will be possible.”

Alicia nodded.

Alicia An’aladduin has submitted a personal bid.

Nothing.

Required:

Nothing.

Bid shared.

Orricks eyes went wide, “there’s a flamin loophole!”

“Orrick you handsome fool, there’s always a flamin loophole!” Cried Estelle.

“But the event says whosoever offer is accepted will control the world wonder. Nothing was actually offered.” Orrick said as he started stroking his beard abashed at Estelle’s chastisement.

“Taking too long, requirements too high, I made quest, only way.” Syl sang as she danced around the dwarves heads.

‘I made an offer to the girl, she accepted, now its your turn,’ Syl said directly to him. ‘Unless you want to make a system pledge and put at least the next twenty years of your life in the hands of another,”

‘The Dwarves seem upset,’ Kai replied as he noticed a few grumbles.

‘Do you want to sit here and negotiate? The systems enforcing mutual return on whatever they offer and as you have nothing but the shirt off your back to offer them you'll always get screwed.’

‘I could offer to do something.’

‘Wont work, has to be something you can do or give now.’

‘Even the children thing.’

‘Technically that’s possible: they’re already planning a similar bid, now that they know your only a level zero system virgin they might just be gentle.’

“So, if I accept this bid will there be political ramifications?” Kai asked hoping he wouldn’t stir up any more trouble then he had with Caradin.

“Many,” Thanric said, “but the main point of the agreements made were to prevent Caradin from winning the auction. It was agreed that The Houses were the most likely to outbid the combined wealth of the shattered kingdoms, whilst remaining the most neutral party when it came to managing things.

“Aye, then you showed the foppish git what he is worth to yah,” Estelle said “no, the houses will hold no grudge, no bargain was broken.” She looked around and one by one each mistress of the house nodded. “We actually have a clause in all our agreements that should we not win the bid we gain certain other rights.” Estelle grinned.

“You do?” Thanric asked not sound at all surprised.

“Loopholes,” Syl sang more cheerfully than ever as she span around Thanric giggling.

Thanric shrugged, “I suppose I should have known.”

Thanric turned his attention back to Alicia, “are you sure you are okay with this, you know what it means. Your still just a child and you’ve only just been granted permission to advance.”

Alicia looked away, her cheeks changing to a distinct shade of red Kai knew all to well. A moment passed before she turned to Kai, looked him up and down, thought for a moment more, then nodded.

“Okay then, I accept the bid of Alicia An’aladduin.” Kai said meeting her golden eyes.

The bid of Alicia An’aladduin has bee accepted.

A window popped up in front of Kai as a gilded piece of paper formed out of nothing in front of Alicia

A Mutual contract has been offered.

Nothing is required of the other, simply an agreement between equals.

Do you accept this binding contract?

He looked past his floating message box to see a pair of golden eyes locked on him.

There was an odd feeling of something settling over him as he mentally accepted the contract.

Thanric somehow sensing his agreement started clapping, “Sietra is going to kill me.”

The room erupted, the dwarves all applauding and stamping their feet in rhythm whilst the orcs and goblins whooped and hollered on the other side of the room, even Anicia was standing in her booth clapping.

“Whats happening?” Kai asked.

“About that.” Syl said.

As nothing was exchanged, control of the World Wonder of Alea will remain with Kai.

They have 1 year to decide where the World Wonder will set down and establish a controlling authority.

The auction is now over. All participating parties will be returned to their point of origin.

“Looks like we will be seeing each other again soon enough.” Orrick said just as everything twisted and went black.