Alex

Alex, Violet’s scion in charge of her library, slithered gracefully through the labyrinthine rows of the library. Her serpentine body undulating with purpose. Each movement was a testament to her agility and finesse, as she navigated the narrow aisles with ease. Her scaled skin shimmered under the soft glow of the magical torches that lined the walls, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow across the books that surrounded her.

Alex’s underlings had been creating a whole mountain of books from the other world. Violet can share stories perfectly thanks to the goddess's gift. Violet was gifted the ability to remember anything she had read, and she was now sharing these stories with Alex and her clergy of librarians.

The head librarian of this repository of knowledge about a strange world, Alex, took her responsibilities seriously. Her keen eyes scanned the spines of the books as she passed by, their titles and contents ingrained in her memory. With a flick of her forked tongue, she could discern the secrets held within, cataloguing them effortlessly in her mind.

The library seemed to pulse with a life of its own, the shelves teeming with volumes that whispered tantalizing promises of wisdom and adventure. Alex also ensured that the books remained accessible to those who sought enlightenment or sought refuge within the pages of a good story. The past few days, there were easily a dozen humans in her library reading stories and sharing in the love of knowledge. This brought a smile to her lips, especially after the battle in which many of her fellow librarians died defending.

One of the most popular formats of stories was something called a lit RPG. It wasn’t her passion, but she could see the appeal for humans. The style of the story allowed the humans to forget their troubles for a time. If Alex had to pick a favourite style of story, she loved the romance genre. One of her favourite stories was this love story by the author Shakespeare. Why the man was named after a weapon, she didn’t know, but she loved his work. Then she thought, "Why does she love romance stories so much?"

With every glide forward, Alex felt a sense of reverence for the knowledge that surrounded her. Each book was a doorway to another world, a portal to realms both fantastical and mundane. It was her duty to preserve this legacy, to ensure that the wisdom of the ages would endure for generations to come.

As she continued her patrol, Alex couldn't help but smile at the thought of the countless tales yet to be discovered, the mysteries waiting to be unravelled within the confines of her beloved library. For her, there was no greater joy than guiding others on their journey of discovery, sharing in the wonder and magic that could be found within the pages of a book.

Then a blue box flashed in her vision.

System Notification: The journal countdown has finished. Story added to the library.

Experience Gained.

Level Gained.

She smiled at the notification and dismissed it. Alex talked to herself, “Awe, yes. Wonderful. I will check my character sheet with a nice hot cup of tea, later.”

Violet

“So, that is how I ended up here,” I said.

“Wow, you must have been or found a way into Asgard. A deal with a Valkyrie. That is something else,” my father said.

“Yeah, mind blown.” I followed that statement by doing an explosion gesture over my head.

He laughed, and we both smiled.

Azrael went back to the ship with Go-nu and Hades. Oliver, Grace and Jack were given leave of the wall to go walk to the market, but they had to be back by nightfall at which time we were given an audience with the people in charge. My father, captain of the guard, hadn’t gotten a chance to explain the details of Gungrave to me yet.

Why?

Simple, as soon as we sat down, I unloaded a wave of verbal diarrhea on him about what had happened. I told him everything. Well, almost everything. I didn’t have a chance to explain to him the massive battle we had or the dungeon I created to lure the clans away from my temple. But he understood the troubles with the wolf clan.

He leaned back into his chair, hands folded behind his head. “I have to say, this is the most human I have felt in a long time.”

“Hey, you are talking to a girl in a robot boy, who is also in a rock back…” I paused, I almost said home.

“Back in your new home,” my father finished the thought for me.

“Yeah, it is weird. I miss Mom, but I don’t really miss Vancouver. Back there, I was just a simple everyday person. But here.” I stopped again.

“But here, what?”

“But here, I am so much more. I have people counting on me for things that count. Yes, I have been scared. Alone. Lost. But, did I tell you, I have a school! Jack teaches there. People are happy. It is all because of the hard work, the work that my scions and I have started.”

“I see the joy in you,” he said with a smile. Then he looked at me, eye to eye, and said, “I feel like there is a but coming.”

“But Mom.”

We just sat with that. Just holding space for our shared love for Mom.

“We can’t do anything for Mom. We can only deal with what is in front of us. Does that me we don’t care about her? Not at all. If I knew her, if she knew what you were doing, she would be proud.”

I smiled at him for those words.

“Until she learned that you saved more lives than she did. She would say that is her job.”

I groaned. “Was that your attempt at a Dad joke, because let me just say, you are really rusty at them.”

We both laughed. After a few moments of joy, reality hit me. It was time for me to ask about what I might be walking into tonight.

“Well, Captain, are you going to give me any tips or advice for what I am about to walk into?”

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“It is simple, but like anything involving people, it is anything but.”

“Okay, like are they a secret organization of lizard people?” I jokingly off-handly said. “You know, like the Queen used to be a lizard back on Earth.”

“Actually, that happened in a southern city, or at least that is a rumour I once heard from a merchant.”

“This place is weird sometimes,” I said.

“But here society is organized around three primary classes: the Warrior Caste, the Merchant Class, and the Farming Caste. Each class plays a distinct role in the governance, economy, and stability of the society.”

He took a deep breath and explained, “The Warrior Caste comprises individuals trained in combat, leadership, and defence. They are entrusted with the protection of the realm, enforcement of laws, and upholding of societal order. In this political structure, the Warrior Caste holds significant influence and power, often being the backbone of the ruling elite.”

Looking at his weapons I said, “You must be part of that class, eh?”

He nodded his response. I could feel sadness coming from him about that. However, before I could ask him, dear Journal, he continued with his explanation.

“The next group is the Merchant Class consists of traders, entrepreneurs, and financiers who drive economic growth and prosperity within the city. They play a vital role in facilitating trade, generating wealth, and fostering innovation. They wield significant economic influence and often collaborate with the ruling elite to shape policies.”

I asked, “By ruling elite, you mean the fighters?”

“The Warriors or defenders, yes.”

He got up and poured himself a glass of what looked like whiskey.

“The last group is the Farming Caste. They comprise agricultural workers, peasants, and rural communities responsible for food production and sustenance. They form the backbone of the economy, providing essential resources and nourishment for the entire society. They should hold significance because of their contribution to food security and societal stability. But.” He stopped.

“But they are outside the walls, and are at the most risk?” At least, that is what I thought reading between the lines to his pause.

“Basically. Power in the city rests with the weapons and the gold.”

I said, “Just like at home.”

“You should just like your mother,” my father said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. Eyes that held a deep well of sadness.

Trying to change the topic I asked, “So, why is there no builder guild?”

“Because of part of each of the three classes, there are subclasses of builders who specialize. For example, in my class, we have builders who specialize in building defences, but we also have builders who specialize in siege weapons. The same kind of goes for the other two groups. I know that the merchants have builders for homes, roads, and public works because they tax people for those public services. “

“The farmers have dozens of different subclasses around the building theme. Everything from agriculture to husbandry. “

He finished his drink and poured another.

“Now for the bosses.”

Jack

As Oliver, Grace, and Jaclyn, aka Jack of all trades, made their way through the bustling streets of the merchant quarter, Jaclyn's eyes widened in amazement at the sights and sounds of the human city. The streets were alive with activity, merchants hawking their wares from colourful stalls, the scent of exotic spices filling the air.

Grace, with her keen sense of smell, perked up at the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting from a nearby bakery. "Let's grab some snacks," she suggested with a grin, her whiskers twitching with excitement.

Oliver nodded in agreement, his antlers towering above the crowd as he scanned the various stalls for anything that might interest them. His eyes settled on a display of finely crafted leather goods, and he made his way over to inspect them.

Meanwhile, Jaclyn darted from stall to stall, her nimble fingers picking up trinkets and baubles, her curiosity piqued by the array of goods on offer. She marvelled at the intricately woven tapestries, the gleaming jewellery, and the colourful fabrics that adorned the stalls.

As they continued to explore, they stumbled upon a stall selling rare herbs and potions. Jaclyn's eyes sparkled with interest as she examined the vials and jars, her mind already racing with the possibilities of what she could create with them. Jaclyn approached the merchant's stall, her eyes alight with curiosity as she examined the various vials and jars filled with mysterious liquids and powders.

"Welcome, traveller! Judging from your clothes and attire, you must be from afar. I see you have an eye for the arcane. Are you in search of potions to enhance your abilities or perhaps rare herbs for your concoctions?"

Jack smiled. She wasn’t huge on alchemy. Too many people who were, were full of themselves; in her opinion. "Greetings! Yes, I'm always on the lookout for unique things. I might be new to the city but don’t think you can pull a fast one on me. What do you have here?"

A flash of light passed over the Merchant’s eyes. A notification flashed for Jaclyn.

System Notification: You have been scanned.

You have resisted deep scan, only basic information was given.

Experience gained from resisting.

"Ah, Jaclyn, a pleasure to meet you! I have an assortment of potions and herbs, each with its unique properties. Take, for example, this vial of starlight essence. It can illuminate even the darkest of nights with a mere drop."

Jack was grumpy about the scan but understood why the merchant would scan her. She tried to shrug it off, mostly because of the interesting materials on the table. "Fascinating! And what about this powder here? It has a rather peculiar colour."

"Ah, that's dragonfire ash. A potent substance, indeed. Just a pinch added to your potion can imbue it with a fiery vigour," said the merchant.

"Dragonfire ash, you say? That sounds incredibly useful. How much for a vial?"

"For you, my dear friend, a fair price. But perhaps we can strike a deal. Do you have any rare trinkets or herbs to trade?"

"Indeed, I might have a few things tucked away in my pouch. Let me see..."

Jaclyn rummaged through her pouch, producing a small pouch of herbs produced in the underground farm and a shiny gemstone, but she returned the stone.

"How about herbs and the odd mushrooms? Would they be sufficient for a vial of Dragonfire ash?"

"Ah, these are indeed good quality finds! A fair trade, my friend. Do tell me, where did you get such rich and healthy herbs?

“Just in my travels, I know a few spots.” Jack could tell that the merchant didn’t believe her, but it was good information to know that the food produced back at the temple was of such good quality. She made a note to tell Violet when she saw her.

“Here's your vial of dragonfire ash. May it serve you well in your alchemical endeavours."

"Thank you!” With a satisfied smile, Jaclyn tucked the vial of Dragonfire ash into her pouch, already envisioning the possibilities of what she could create with her newfound ingredient.

As Jack and the merchant completed their transaction, a shadowy figure lurked in the alleyway nearby, observing them with keen interest. Hidden within the darkness, their eyes gleamed with a mysterious intensity as they watched the exchange unfold.

The figure, cloaked in secrecy, remained silent, their presence undetected by Jaclyn and her friends. They listened intently to their conversation, their mind undoubtedly calculating and scheming behind the veil of secrecy.

After the transaction was complete, the figure melted further into the shadows, disappearing from view without a sound.

Wolf Alpha

The Alpha was standing before his dungeon core: Cailleach. The peace treaty with the bugs started well. A small group of clan wolves had joined the Neutral Adventures organization and were diving into this new dungeon. No news had reached him, as of it. However, he was standing before the core because of the progress towards the ocean. It had stalled out. They had managed to start construction, but one of their key lumber camps had been destroyed.

Things have slowed.

He was summoned to the core. It had to deal with the old ones.

Alpha bent the knee, “Greetings Cailleach. I have come.”

“Welcome my first among my children,” the core spoke in a soft but firm voice. As if it was truly a parent talking to their child.

His deep animalistic voice growled, “Why have you summoned me? I have been working towards our goals of reaching the ocean.”

“The Old One calls. Time for a new battle.”