Chapter 31 – Negotiations

The brief silence in the room after Nele finished her story made it feel awkward to say anything. I am unsure how to proceed with negotiations for an alliance after hearing such a tragic tale of the past.

Heroes only exist in stories, for bad guys are the strongest. This is what I always believed in. However, my belief has been challenged by Nele’s hero. I wonder how this man, who came from my world felt as he died saving it.

The tea has gone cold after such a long story. I tried sipping it to occupy myself with my own thoughts. I can only hear the sounds of breathing as no one made a sound. Decided I had to get the ball rolling to move the conversation to my liking.

“Tragic story. Sorry for the loss of your hero. What he did was admirable.” –Dasas

“I, Nele, thank thee contractor of the spirit kings for such kind words.” – Nele

Nele lowers her head a bit to me as I ponder what to say next. Then I decided in order to really create an alliance, I might have to reveal a secret about myself. Can’t build a friendship without trust, for I only know all too well what happens when there is not any.

“About your hero…he may have come from the same world as me.” –Dasas

I cautiously said so. Not sure how people will react to it and especially my crew. Too many things are on the line and I can’t afford to not take risks.

“Same world as Ryuutaro…” –Nele

“Master do you mean Arlenia?” –Saber

“Hehehe. C’mon guys should know anything is possible with boss by now.” –Archer

“If it is master…hah…master is far…” –Lancer

The people around me give various reactions and replies. I don’t really blame them. Nele looks speechless at the moment. Saber just looks at me a little confused and I’m not sure what to think of Archer. She is always smiling after all.

Lancer looks kind of shocked, but quickly nods as if I could be or do anything. I wanted to tell her I can’t but decided against it. Even I am unclear as to what I’m truly capable of. The elves Byron and Calista are again silent on the issue.

“I believe Ryuutaro came from Earth. The same world I came from. A country called Japan does indeed exist there. However, I never heard of the city called Edo. But then I’m not well versed on all the geography of my world.” –Dasas

I know a bit about Japan from being an anime fan years ago. Sadly, I only know of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hokkaido for the land marks. My memory is vague about Japan. I became addicted to Arlenia Fantasy Online and did not care about anything else. I can only kick myself for my lack of knowledge.

“…………………” –Nele

“Master, does that mean all players come from Earth?” –Saber

Nele has a blank face on as she appears to be dazed and lost in a daydream. The question from Saber caught me off guard, for I was unsure how to answer. She knows about players…

“Fumu, on Arlenia, all players come from my world.” –Dasas

“The world master came from…I wish to visit it someday.” –Saber

“Me too!! Me too!! Definitely take me along boss when you go.” –Archer

“Me too…(nodding)” –Lancer

My crew wants to visit my home world. Makes me feel worried as to how will my NPCs react, if they find out Arlenia is a game. They all used to be made of data composing of 1s and 0s, and not real people.

Going back to Earth, for me was an impossible dream once I came here to Anahita. However, after discovering the giant crystal in this great forest it might be possible now. The question that frightens me the most is what happened to my old body. Did I die? This is what I’m scared of learning, if I go back to my old world.

“Yes!! Take me with you!! I wish to visit Japan the country of my beloved Ryuutaro!!” –Nele

Nele snaps out of her daydream and excitedly shouts out her request. Now this is getting more complicated as even I’m not sure it’s possible to go back there. Not to mention they are not exactly human, aside from Lancer.

I’m not sure how the people on Earth will react to alien races. When I think of Earth governments I can only think of bad things if aliens were to visit. Sure there are those out there that probably love fantasy and alien races and want to meet them. They will be useless against the might of the government.

What if I retain my administrator powers? However, Earth is another world and it should have its own administrators. My mind is hurting from this topic. Best to leave it for another time and hope they forget about it.

“Let’s put aside the matter of going to my world. Let that be a matter for the future to discuss. Now we have to deal with the bitch goddess. Saving this world takes priority over traveling to some other one.” –Dasas

“My apologies. Contractor Dasas is correct. How you propose we stop that witch?” –Nele

The excited face of Nele turns into a serious and anxious one. The others are only looking at me and waiting for what I have to say. I want to say stop looking at me and find someone else to drag into this mess. Sadly, I am that someone to them.

“As you know, for I am at war with the bitch goddess. What I’m hoping from you is to create an alliance. Deploy your warriors to join my army.” –Dasas

I tried saying it with utmost confidence and bravado. The spirit priestess Nele only gives me a shocked and worried look at my request. She seems to be thinking about it at the very least. The other wood elves are sullen about it as they look to Nele. This is not looking good for me.

“I’m sorry. Your request to send my warriors to join your army is not possible.” –Nele

Nele bows deeply to the floor as she denies me. Anger rises up in me as I wanted to lash out at her for wasting my time coming here. However, after learning about the giant crystal interface I can only swallow my anger and push it down.

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“How dare you! To deny my master! I ought to cut you down here and now!” –Saber

“Yea! Yea! I’ll shoot you guys for being assholes!” –Archer

My NPCs seems to be angry enough for me and yell out at the spirit priestess. They even have their hands on their weapons as the situation became tense. At the very least my NPCs finally learn some sense and not start killing right off the bat.

“Calm down you two! Leave this to me.” –Dasas

Told my NPCs to stand down with a very firm voice to let them know I’m serious. Hate to be the bad guy on this but sometimes I have to draw the line. Punishments might be in order, but I don’t want to as it might leave them with resentments. Being the manager of subordinates is mentally draining.

Saber and Archer withdraw and sit down quietly as the wood elves are relieved a fight did not break out. Lancer was calm throughout the whole ordeal. She probably is used to it.

“Contractor Dasas. You have loyal followers…not to mention odd considering their races.” –Nele

“Err…yea…thank you?” –Dasas

I’m kind of embarrassed at the situation and want to move along quickly. Sweat drops are forming on the forehead of Nele. Saber is still fuming but at least she knows not to take it any further. Archer again only smiles and is unreadable. Is she a troll? Damn trouble maker.

“The elves of Elfheim can’t join your army. We have to protect the great forest and the spirit crystal. Please understand our position.” –Nele

“No worries. I suppose protecting the crystal is more important. The world is at stake. How is it that the bitch goddess is not able to enter this forest?” –Dasas

Nele did mention some sort of barrier for the forest in her story that prevents the goddess from entering. I’m curious as to how some barrier made by mortals can stop a god.

“Ah yes. The spirit barrier that spreads across the great forest is maintained by the spirit trees.” –Nele

From what Nele tells. Those treants our group met earlier are the ones that made this spirit barrier. All the treants in the forest act as a relay station to power up the barrier. The wood elves are assistants that help provide spirit power to the barrier and protection if and when needed.

“As a sign of friendship, for I will join you on your quest to deal with the witch Lana.” –Nele

“My priestess, you can’t!” –Calista

“If you go spirit priestess. I will join you. Can’t have you go alone this time.” –Byron

I was not expecting Nele to volunteer joining my cause alone. She is strong level wise for sure. However, there can only be so much a single person can do when numbers is what matters. I decided to accept as to foster an alliance, since they do have the world interface in their possession.

“That will work. I accept.” –Dasas

“Thanks for having me, contractor Dasas. And Byron, you and Calista will stay in Elfheim. You two will be in charge while I’m away.” –Nele

“As you command priestess” –Calista

“Going alone is not wise my priestess! However, protecting that thing is important, so I will stand down for now.” –Byron

The negotiations for an alliance had been settled. I was disappointed with the results, as I was hoping for an army and not a single individual. Threatening them with force will be a bad idea with the crystal in their protection, so I will only have to concede this time.

Next time an enemy or someone that disagrees with me will be met with force. I’m getting fed up with how things been turning out for me lately. The frustration is building and my violent urges keep growing stronger. I hate this world, but I’m forced to save it. Being a God supposed to be cool and fun not this.

The spirit priestess offered us lodgings, and to stay in their village for a few days before departing. The two qilins that I almost forgot about was allowed to enter the village. They are behaving, so it should be okay. They seem to be getting along with the small herd of white unicorns.

My crew along with Nele and Calista went to take a bath in a small stream. Nele claims it is filled with spirit power to heal fatigue and many other ailments. I am in a divine body and don’t sweat with a self-cleaning function, so I don’t need to shower or bathe. I do miss having hot baths as they were relaxing.

Byron offered to take a bath with me in the stream after the women were done, but I declined. I still hold a slight petty grudge against him and not ready to be buddies.

He at the very least showed me to my lodgings, so I will try to be nicer in the future. The lodging was one of the buildings up high in the trees. Pretty much felt like a big tree house, which it is. I decided to stay here for the night and warp back to Mount Tai tomorrow.

The worldly teleport option only works on me, so I will leave my crew here in the elf village. They should be okay since we are in an alliance now. Not to mention this might be a good opportunity to get my NPCs become friendly with the elves. They need to start learning how to respect people in this world…

Caster did not contact me about the army yet, so it should be safe at the moment. However, it does not stop me from worrying. I wish to warp back there and at least check out the situation.

I notice balls of light float around the area outside the room I’m staying. Upon closer inspection I notice those balls of light contain little people. More like fairies…truly a fantasy world.