The small building didn't look like much outside, but it was. Rodger, drunk and tired, needed rest. I had the feline maid, Natalie, who gave me her name, take him to my room and put him to bed. The ale had been robust, but the conversation had sobered me completely.
The Inn was named Sally's Shipwreck, and by the look of the dilapidated building and how the wood aged as if waves and time constantly bombarded it, it fit pretty well. We were indeed on the fringe of the world, and shark bite territory comprised nearly a complete population of people in the realm. It had once been part of the main canon, an expansion that required adventurers to travel here and sail across the edges of the islets that coated the world's edges. But that was nearly five expansions ago, far too long for anyone to care anymore. The gear and loot had been power-creeped into the forgotten realm of items only the aesthetic or cosmetic collector cared for.
I thought it was peaceful as I perched on the edge of a port, feet dangling inches above the water's surface.
This is how it should be; a whole continent ruled by the people of the realm would be peaceful. That was a romanticization, and I knew it, but it definitely would beat what we adventurers did to the land. How we plundered it, how we sucked the soul out of the biomes and moved on without a second thought.
Enough of that, I said as the quiet sea and its gentle waves became my verbal dancing partner.
In the distance, the Black Sea fell into nothing, into what only a few of my men and I knew awaited them—not black, not nothing, but another land that Shadeo presumed was either a failed expansion or meant for the far future.
Two good theories, but I had my own.
I don't think the Shattered Lands are another extension of the system; they are just another land—one in which the system holds no power—one that our system, our jailor, wishes us not to experience. But why?
As I stared, my eyes caught the lighthouse's light, which rested on a spire of scragged rock. The lighthouse stood tall, looming over the midnight water.
Because you're an insecure fucker that's why. You don't want your toys to find another playground. You're scared we'll like it there more.
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As if by chance or fate, a sudden squall brought a wave rushing upon me. Fierce, I thought, as the damn thing would have tackled me down with force, but I wasn't there anymore. I wasn't in the Shattered Lands.
With a mental trigger, I pulsed with an energy that repelled the water, sending it back below.
{Mana Barrier Activated}
{Your Mana bar will be set at 80% capacity for as long as it remains active}
Why don't you strip me of your power? Huh, I'd be easier to take out that way! Do it, you bitch! But you won't because you know I would fight with that other power, that inner strength of the realm. This power can still be equated to the system, but if I was stripped of my system rights…I might attract some followers, showing them how to achieve power without your contract.
Huh, so that's what it's all about.
The sea no longer responded; it didn't crash or move, just placidly rested there.
I was right; I know it, and now you are sitting quietly as if you aren't there. I'm like a kid who discovered that Santa's not real, and here you are, trying to play coy.
I laughed out loud with a roar that rippled the waves under me. I clutched my stomach as I bent over backward, resting on the splintered wood as I continued to let it all out.
You won't respond, so I don't know if I am right, but either way, I am. Now, let's get down to that business. My words broke out, Shelly, but I prepared myself, steeled my heart, and sheltered my soul. My emotions didn't become physical, and the pain from earlier hadn't returned.
It's been six years since I left you. I didn't choose this. I would have stayed and wanted nothing more than to challenge the realm with you by my side. Yet, it wasn't fated to be. Now, as I sit here, I realize that six years is a lifetime, especially in the realm. Even though my heart is purely yours, I know I can't expect the same from you. I want nothing more…
My words became frayed; they began to wilt as my emotions crept in and began to take control.
I want nothing more than to have you again.
If only I had the power, then,
If only I could…
Channeling deep within, finding that spire of power, modeling it, playing with it, then realizing it into the world shooting straight forward, a prismatic beam caused the water to bend around it as it pierced the darkness like the ultimate torch. It was gone to become a shooting star in the Shattered Lands.
If only I could have done this. But that would have been too easy. Like going back in time or being reborn with the power at the right time, life doesn't work like that. Great power comes out of great necessity, given enough time to grow. You have to sacrifice. And I hope I've sacrificed enough and get to start using this power to make some change.
Chuckling, I added: Some religious cult is probably gonna use that beam as a sign of God's divine plan when, in reality, it was just a man with a power he shouldn't hold in a realm against him.
Sitting up, I brushed myself off even though there was nothing to brush at. The passive Mana barrier prevented anything from hurting me, let alone dirtying me. Habits die hard.
That Settles it. I'm coming for you, system, so don't stay put. If you are just one of us elevated, like the lore says you are, I would get to grinding up. You've got a guy possessed on your tail now.