Chapter 18 Sometimes a Normal Day Can End in Ruin
[Good Morning Today's Date is 1st Winter 15, The Time is 0600, Forecast calls for clear skies.]
[Credits Deposited: 2200]
It's been a week since Flint was placed in Mia’s recovery station. The small medic mentioned that Flint required a great deal of rest after using a significant amount of magic in a way that Alex could not comprehend. Trying to respect her wishes as the person responsible for Flint's health, the farmer visited his friend daily. Alex sat on his bed in the dark room alone, his thoughts racing through the events of the last few weeks.
He still hadn’t received any information from Libra, Nyx, or the mysterious voice. While he enjoyed his peaceful life, he felt a strange obligation regarding all the chaos that had been occurring. Walking back into the strange clinic, Alex pulled up a chair next to his friend. The rhythmic sounds of the machine's components kept time with a healing song. This had become a new routine for him since the incident.
“Hey bud, how are you feeling today?” Alex asked, not expecting a response. “That's good. Your daughter Mia finally opened her clinic yesterday, so that's new. Tracy has been doing pretty well too. She is almost able to hold a full conversation with Melody now without getting defensive. I’m proud of the kid.”
The dwarf remained quiet inside the machine, his steady breathing syncing with the iron components. Alex hoped the old man would wake soon. He had a few questions about everything he had learned recently, and most of his ability to obtain answers vanished. Alex spent a good part of his mornings in the room with his friend, looking over some of the books he retrieved from the office.
He found the monster records quite fascinating; the books detailed the category, strengths, and weaknesses of many creatures you would encounter in a traditional fantasy world. Today, Alex finally decided to tackle a book that had been bothering him for several weeks: “フリントウッドの農場生活”.
No matter what he did, he couldn't figure out what it said. He was about halfway through the book when a voice over his shoulder read out loud, “Yama no izumi no soba no taki no ushirogami ni kouzan ga kakure te iru nante shinji ra re nai yoi,” nearly causing the farmer to jump in surprise.
A small girl with pink hair laughed at Alex’s startled reaction. Her blue eyes sparkled with mischief, and she wore a smile contrasting with the somber room. Tracy's personality had shifted a great deal from the trigger-happy time bomb that had attacked the group just a week ago. While she still had a long way to go toward normal interaction with the village, it was evident she was making an effort, treating him like a surrogate older brother.
“Wait, what did you say?” Alex asked, finally realizing what she had just recited.
“Your book said, ‘Yama no izumi no soba no taki no ushirogami ni kouzan ga kakure te iru nante shinji ra re nai yoi,’ which roughly translates to, ‘I can't believe a mine is hidden behind the waterfall beside the mountain spring,’” Tracy explained.
“You…you can read this?” Alex asked, confused by everything. “Well, yeah. It was a common language spoken by many other worlders when Mom was alive,” Tracy said, puzzled by Alex’s surprise. “I thought all of you spoke Nijon.”
Alex laughed at her statement. How could he have forgotten one of the biggest jokes about the situation he was in? One of the biggest trends for living in another fantasy world, commonly known as “isekai,” has been popularized by anime and manga. It still didn’t help him read the text himself, but now he had a little helper.
“I’m sorry, Tracy, but no, we don't all speak Japanese. I’m probably from the same world, but we have many different languages there,” Alex explained. Considering the system that auto-translated many of the native tongues, it was challenging to convey the point. “Can you do me a favor, Tracy? I’m having trouble reading this. I would love it if you could help me.”
Tracy smiled mischievously, “What’s in it for me?”
Alex sighed, “What do you want?”
“Hmmm… Can we walk by the lake? I don’t want to go alone, and Mia has been super busy lately.” Tracy explained, trying not to sound sad about the situation.
The farmer smiled; it seemed like a simple enough request. “Sure, I would love to take a walk with you by the lake.”
Tracy let out a small squeal before pulling up a chair and sitting next to Alex. “Okay, let's see. ‘Flintwood Farm Life, Field Hand Guide,’ by Arthur Sohma. He put another name on it as well: Sohma Achi,” she read from the book's cover.
“He probably changed it to make it easier for how this world handles names. Where he is from, family names come before given names,” Alex explained, helping Tracy understand some fun cultural facts. Now that Alex was hearing the title, something seemed familiar about it. Wasn’t ‘Field Hand Guide’ the name of the memoir he was supposed to find for the Objectives list? No, that wasn’t right; it was something he unlocked after completing the farm. Maybe that was why he wasn’t able to read the book yet. He needed to finish the repairs to the house first. It made more sense than simply finding a book and expecting to win instantly. He was starting to understand the significance of these tasks.
Maybe that was why he was unable to read the book. He needed to finish the repairs to the house first. It made much more sense than thinking, “Oh, look, here’s a book. Poof, you win.” Alex was growing tired of it all. Everything was moving faster than he wanted. He could understand helping the system get set up, but it felt like the world was pushing him to move at a pace that wasn’t healthy for him.
“Hey, are you okay?” Tracy asked. “Your face has gotten pretty serious. Is there anything I can help with?”
Had he been telegraphing his thoughts this whole time? Oops. Alex managed a kind smile and patted the top of her head. “No, I’m okay. You’ve been a big help to me, and I thank you.”
All in all, Tracy really was a good kid, and he hoped he could help her grow into an even better version of herself. “Actually, how do you feel about knocking down some trees? I have a few repairs that need to be worked on, and we’ll need a lot of wood.”
Tracy beamed with one of the biggest smiles he had ever seen from her. “That sounds like fun! Can I use my battle swords?” Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Sure, that sounds like a plan. But first, how about lunch?” Alex suggested.
After they paid their respects to Flint, they left the small clinic and walked toward the kitchen, where Evelyn was pulling a few loaves of bread from the oven. The warm, savory aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air, making them even hungrier. Upon seeing Alex, Evelyn quickly walked over, giving him a welcoming embrace, followed by one for Tracy. “Hey, you two! Any plans for the day?” Evelyn asked as she returned to her work with the bread.
“Lunch,” Alex replied, a big grin on his face. “Do we have any more of that smoked salmon left?”
“Yes?” Evelyn answered, slightly confused.
“Awesome!” Alex exclaimed, grabbing the salmon along with some pickled cucumbers, eggs, oil, Dijon mustard, and various seasonings.
“Eve, do you remember how to make mayonnaise?” Evelyn nodded and began mixing the eggs, Dijon, lemon, and oil until a creamy, white dressing formed. She then added a little salt, pepper, and garlic. While she worked on the dressing, Alex diced the pickled cucumber, some onion, and half an apple, adding them to the bowl. He checked the smoked salmon to ensure all the pin bones were removed before dicing it into small cubes. Although he could have shredded the fish, the farmer preferred the texture this way.
“Tracy, can you slice the bread?” Alex asked, noticing her eagerness to help. “I’m almost done.” The girl smiled and nodded, walking over to the counter to slice one of the loaves into moderately thin slices, perfect for sandwiches. With everything combined, the sandwich was complete and surprisingly good. The smoky flavor of the salmon paired well with the sweetness of the apple, and the pickled cucumber added brightness. While it wasn’t the best sandwich he had ever made, it was still quite tasty. Evelyn seemed to share his opinion, enjoying her sandwich with a small smile on her face. Tracy, on the other hand, had a different reaction. When Alex glanced over, he saw her completely demolishing her sandwich. Watching her devour a second one made him laugh.
“Alright, Tracy, ready to get started?” Alex asked.
“Yeah! Let’s do this!” She responded, pulling out a pair of blades from her inventory. After finishing lunch, the pair ventured out to the eastern treeline. Evelyn, having completed her daily chores, decided to join them.
“Okay, ready to see who can cut down the most trees?” Alex asked, already knowing the outcome but wanting to have some fun.
Tracy quickly nodded and dashed into the woods at full speed, knocking down tree after tree in mere moments. “Come on, old man, catch up!” she called.
“Oh, you little cheater!” Alex exclaimed, grabbing his axe and charging its magic before knocking down smaller trees with ease. An hour into their competition, Alex found himself flat on his back, lungs burning as he breathed in the cold winter air. While he still had a few points left, he was close to making the same mistake he had on his first day.
“Ok.. you win, Trace,” Alex said exhausted. “Though it was never a competition I could win, to begin with. You are way too strong.”
“I mean you're not wrong Alex, but you are a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for. You just keep making things harder for yourself.” Tracy said.
“Wait… What do you mean?” Alex asked confused.
Tracy looked at Alex confused. “That stuff, it has so many rules attached to it, I'm not sure why you keep using it in such a weird way.” she tried explaining.
“Ok, I'm confused, because I have been using it the way the system has been telling me.” Alex said trying to defend himself.”Besides don't I need to use the farmer class to utilize the field?”
“I mean only to unlock certain system features, none of which I’ve seen you utilize.” Tracy said, her voice becoming a little annoyed, “I mean I realize I've only been here a short time, but I've never seen you use any of the normal farming interfaces that come with the farmer class. Even now I only saw you use the most basic version of using your ax.” She walked over to Alex and sat down next to him.
“Actually, now that I am thinking about it, why do you have that stuff?” She asked, “I'm not trying to pick a fight about it, but I remember Dad talking about how that thing shouldn’t even really exist let alone work. Between the auto assist that takes over complete motor function, the AI onboard assistant that was locked into one of the subsystems, and then there is the fact that most of the functions on that thing were forcibly forged into it.”
“Wait what now?” Alex asked completely thrown off.
“Well yeah, It's the storyteller’s path. It says so clear as day.” Tracy said pointing to her eye. “I have an appraisal function, Alex. I don't know what happened to it between Dad messing with it and you getting it. Honestly, there have been a lot of things going on that have been causing me issues. Why is the system just now.”
“That actually is a good question,” Evelyn said now taking a seat with them. “It's something that I have been curious about at least. I mean I'm not able to complain about it, life has been easier now that the system is back in place.”
“Yes, but where has it been all this time?” Tracy asked the group continuing her thought process, “It's not like it's been just waiting here for someone to just land on the planet, it's been gone for centuries, then boom, Alex appears and the system is back. There has to be more to this.”
Alex continued to listen to Eve and Tracy talk about their thoughts on the system, going from Alex not existing to someone trying to lay a trap. When the thrum of a notification started buzzing again. Not wanting to cause a scene he tried sitting up, but his body didn't listen. Instead, the world seemed to start slowing down as a small screen prompt popped up.
[Emergency]
[Class Shift: Farmer Adept => Storyteller]
[Use Skill: Wherever Will I Wander]
From the corner of Alex's mind, a familiar voice called out.
Alex Run! You are in danger!
Alex tried answering the voice, but he found he was unable to move, unable to breathe. No matter what he tried, nothing would respond, except his thoughts.
Alex, you are still in a form of accelerated thought. Calm down, and listen. You need to escape where you are. There is someone close by who means you harm, and he brought a machine that should not be in this world.
Alex tried calming down, though he found it quite difficult with everything going on. If he was in danger he needed to tell Tracy and Eve, He needed to find Melody. He had to… Flint. Flint wasn't safe. Unable to think of anything else, remembered that he was an idiot…
‘Can you help me?’
No, The system that allowed the Hunter to work with you is still offline. You are not compatible with using warrior classes unassisted. I am sorry.
‘Wait, what do you mean? I was able to use the Lancer class ok. Why can’t I fight?’
Being able to use the classes and being proficient are different. Alex, I have been with you for a while now. You love to create, between the peace you feel in nature to the joy you experience in the kitchen. You exist to bring joy and experience the stories of those around you.
‘Then how can I save my friend?’
I don’t know if you can.
[System Message: There is a way…]
‘Wait, how is the system able to respond right now?’
[System Message: Not important, I have to keep this short, Alex]
[System Message: ⒩Yˣ I need you to help him gain admin access to Traveler]
Are you out of your mind, the toll it would take on his mind would be catastrophic!
‘Wait what are you guys going on about?’
Something you don’t need to concern yourself with Alex.
‘Is it something that can help me save my friends?’
[System Message: Yes]
If it doesn’t kill you in the process
[System Message: He survived a full install]
…you did that to a human.
“Did what!? Alex asked sitting up from where he was.
“Who did what now?” Eve asked confused before looking at Alex, “Are you ok, your clothes are suddenly different?” pointing at him as no longer wearing his standard Overall and Coat but The traveling clothes he wore when they first met.
Before Alex was able to answer something collided with their house, causing part of the roof to explode. Seeing the destruction, Tracy opened a section of her back revealing the wings she used when she fought with them before. Starting at a run, she started flying at high speed towards the front door. In the distance he noticed a large crowd approaching from the western road just past the graveyard.
“Eve, save Melody!” Alex called out as he started running towards the gathering crowd, “And help Tracy get Flint to the village.”
“What are you going to do Alex?” Eve tried asking, tears starting to form in her eyes.
“I’ll figure something out,” Alex tried explaining, but unable to think of anything smart he just went with the first thing that came to mind. “I love you, now go save our little redhead. I'm not planning on losing you girls now!”
Evelyn nearly stumbled hearing Alex confess now of all times. “I thought you hated these kind of flags.”
Alex smiled at Eve looking back at her as he ran towards the road. “I am also a complete idiot remember.”
Alex was halfway across the field when the system started thrumming to get attention again. Unable to waste any time, he willed the screen to open. He re-read the older part of the conversation that was posted as well as the section that was had while he was not under the effects of whatever Nyx did. However he was short on time, and his life now hung in the balance. After all, he was not going to drop a bombshell, just to trigger a death flag.
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
“Alright system, we will have a long chat after this! So do what you need to do, so we can get out of this in one piece.” Alex said, annoyed by the last few conversations. He had no idea how he was going to fight, with what Nyx said he wasn’t meant for combat. Though he would be damned if he didn't at least try.
[System message: Ok, but you’re not going to like the outcome.]
“If you can guarantee Melody, Eve and everyone will be safe. Go for it.” Alex answered as he ran full speed down the road.
[System Message: Give me five minutes… and I’m sorry.]
Alex was halfway down the road when he heard another explosion behind him as another section of the house fell apart. He hoped that everyone was ok, but there was nothing he was able to do right now. Reaching the bend in the road as it turned towards the south, he saw who was attacking the farm. The first person Alex noticed in the large crowd of warriors was a young man with shoulder-length orange hair, wearing what appeared to be leather armor, It was Lucas. Thinking back, He didn't see the young man during the time he visited the shop either.
The crowd stopped as Alex was about twenty feet away from Lucas staring daggers at him. “Lucas, what is going on why are you all here?” He tried asking. The group simply laughed at the question, as if the answer was simply written for the world to know and see.
“Aside from corrupting my family against the ways of our Savior, The North Hero!” Lucas yelled, the group behind him cheering his conviction.
“What are you talking about?” Alex asked.
“THE SYSTEM, Alex, It is an Evil thing that our lord removed from the land, it was the system that brought ruin to our world centuries ago. It was the system that allowed Demons to roam free. Demons like the one you harbor in your home.” Lucas yelled, his voice full of hate and conviction. “I saw her Alex, and her minions.”
Alex had to calm himself before continuing to address Lucas, He needed to stall for time just a little bit longer. “Lucas she hasn’t done anything wrong…
“She exists Alex!!!” Lucas screamed, ”Demons are the bane of Humanity! Not that an Other Worlder like you would care, especially one that has attacked a Templar Captain!”
Oh no, Alex thought. How did Lucas know about the conflict with Rodrick unless… From within the crowd, a large fighter in full plate armor moved toward the front to stand next to Lucas. He was missing an arm, but there was no mistaking that deadly twin-bladed ax. It was him, the man who attacked Eve, the man who tried to kill Alex.
“Hello, Alex. I've been looking for you for quite a while. Time to pay for the crimes you have committed upon his holiness.” Rodrick spoke, his deep voice dripping with venom towards his adversary, “You are charged with: two counts of murder towards members of the church, harboring and aiding in the escape of a treasonous heretic, horboring a known demon kin in the presence of a member of the north hero church, attempted murder towards a Templar captain, treason towards the Church of the north hero by trying to instate the evil system, and finally. The crime of being a summoned other worlder by use of an unsanctioned method.” Rodick smiled an awful smile.
“Now, under the circumstances given here. It is already easy to realize, that your crimes warrant your punishment to be death. However seeing the levity of the situation, this village must be razed, its residents made an example of and this kingdom brought under the control of the one true church! SO SHALL IT BE FOR THE TRUE SAVIOUR!!!” Rodrick yelled!
“SO SHALL IT BE TILL THE TOWER OF JUDGEMENT FALLS!” The group behind him, although Lucas turned towards the templar in confusion.
“Wait, you're going to kill my family… I thought you said you were going to save them from the evil.” the young man said, “that they were just lost sheep from the flock.”
Not even looking back at the boy, Rodrick simply smiled, “My boy, there is no saving what is corrupted, you must simply amputate and cauterize the wound. Which reminds me… Farewell Lucas your service to the church will be remembered.” He said swinging the Battleaxe towards the boy, Lucas barely dodging out of the way.
“What are you doing? I came to you all to save us not, kill us…” Lucas cried as the mob laughed at his plight.
“I already told you, boy. You are already lost. Besides what loss is the child of a Demi anyways?” Rodrick proclaimed to the crowd laughing, as the mob joined in his ruse.
“Anytime now,” Alex whispered, seeing if the situation could be stalled any longer.
[System Message: almost done… but I'm going to need you to memorize something real quick…]
Alex nodded his head in agreement as the system gave him the script he would need to memorize. Unaware of the conversation happening between Lucas and the Templar. It was around the time Lucas jumped towards the lake that Rodrick finally noticed the prompt screen and pointed his ax.
“Stop him, he is communicating with the System” Rodrick yelled causing the group to start charging forward before a line of fire cut off their path. I was Lucas, his sword out towards Rodrick.
“Heretic, hurry up and do whatever you need to to save my family.” Lucas spat, “Don't take this to mean I like you but…”
“I get it I'm not dumb Lucas. You’re, not my friend either.” Alex answered back in kind before taking a deep breath, “SYSTEM CALL, KEEPER OF STORIES AND SONG!” he yelled, his voice growing amplified and distorted.
{system command: execute network priority install: Run variable protocol: ATMo∑, Authorize full Administrative rights to Transpose Mode Summation, Initialize secondary privileges to host network HUB, end all unconnected auxiliary system networks.}
Alex spoke in a voice not his own in a language he was unable to distinguish. He knew the words he was saying since he practiced them quickly in his mind beforehand, but after yelling ‘system call and the name the system gave months ago, something else took control and put him in the backseat.
The world soon became a calamity of pain as a column of light erupted from Alex, the pain of the headaches had come back with a vengeance. Although this time he did the best he could standing up. The pain would not win this time. The light unconcerned screamed towards the heavens breaking off in many directions as it made its journey. The world itself soon started shaking violently causing most of the crowd to lose their footing only Rodrick seemed unaffected by the chaos.
Once the light surrounding Alex died down, the pain subsided and for the first time in a long time, Alex felt normal. The pain was gone and his head felt clear, in front of him was a simple message.
[upload complete: System network is initializing]
[Welcome Administrator: Keeper of story and song]
“Wait, Administrator. What does that mean?” Alex asked.
“Nothing for you HERETIC!” Rodrick Yelled as he moved to strike Alex down, but why was he moving so slowly?
Seeing the ax swing down towards the head, Alex stepped to the side and watched the blade miss entirely, Rodrick was enraged and twisted the ax expertly to strike his chest at an angle just for it to miss its mark once more. For each swing the Templar moved towards his target, an equally measured step was taken to dodge what would normally be fatal.
Lucas unsure of what he was seeing, moved to swing his sword to strike them both, bathing them in its purifying flame, but when he moved to use his spell, nothing happened. His MP was gone, for that matter, everything was gone. His HUD, his Stats… All of it. Where did it all go?
A loud bell chimed along the horizon as a strong male voice began to speak into everyone's minds.
(Installation complete: System command fully reinstated to an administrator. All auxiliary systems have been terminated. The network interface will be reinstated momentarily.)
“YOU!!! You did this!” Rodrick screamed, trying to contact Alex but unable to land a single hit.
[System message: Hey good work, one last thing left to do. Though it will mean saying goodbye to Nyx and your farming equipment.]
Alex felt sorry for the weapon AI after everything she had done to help him all this time, but he was sure the system wouldn't destroy her. “Go ahead!” he called while ducking past an ax blow.
{ATMo∑: unzip file: Travellers Path:/
A://Remove all auxiliary files.exe/
A://Reinstate autonomous control - Thanatos to original format/
A://Reinstate system control navigator - Nyx to original format/
A://Reinstate world agricultural system - Gaia to original format/
A://Lock Storyteller staff to Sub Administrator/
A://Edit Player Profile - Keeper of Story and Song: Alex ______/
A:// Edit Name: Alex ____ => Alex Atmos/
A:// Edit Stats => +50 to all stats, increase class level to 80/
A:// Allocate Administrative to Alex Atmos: Class 2
A:// Assign Administrative Guardians, Thanatos, Nyx/
A:// Initialize new sub-routine://}
Alex could feel the words pulling from his very essence, the system was changing him, but what it was changing him into he was not sure. He could feel that the Identities of the Farmer, Corsair, and Lancer classes were removed. His name had also changed. Where it was once just Alex a second name was now burned into being, Atmos. His body was also changing, growing stronger, and more alert. He felt the world differently than before, more connected to it. Alex felt stronger, though he knew instinctively he could never bring harm to his adversary. His class Storyteller would not let him, but he now understood something. The system gave him a way to protect himself and those around him.
“Summon Guardians,” Alex called nimbly dodging Rodrick’s relentless assault. Beacons of light shot out from Alex's staff floating next to the traveler and forming into a shouldered silhouette whose frame materialized into the Black Corsair, While the second shape to a more feminine silhouette that donned the deep blue armor of the Cobalt lancer.
“What Sorcery is this, Heretic? Rodrick spat, pausing to catch his breath.”More dark trickery to catch me unaware?”
Alex stared at the man, able to feel and understand what drove this man to where he was. The pain of wars, the lies told by the Churches Deacon. The blind loyalty and devotion he felt to that deacon's cause. His class revealed the true story of his adversary. His understanding beckoned forgiveness. His actions warranted judgment.
“I am sorry Rodrick, I understand why you feel you must cleanse the world. However, your extreme outlook has caused you to commit terrible atrocities that can never be justified. While I can not condemn you for your crimes, I also can not allow you to destroy my village.” Alex said coldly and completely controlled before walking towards the blue silhouette.
“Hey Nyx, Glad to see you are free,” Alex said softly.
“You seem different Alex. I hope he didn't do too much to you. I tried warning you.” She said, her voice caring and sad. “Why don't you rest, while we clean up the mess? I'm sure you have a lot going through your mind right now.”
She placed a gauntleted hand on his shoulder before running towards the large crowd. A trail of blue light and destruction. Alex watched the blue-clad warrior, effortlessly move between the mob. Striking swiftly making sure not to kill any of the members. Within minutes the group was down.
“Oh… so that’s how you are supposed to use the armor,” Alex mumbled, realizing just how weak he was playing at being a warrior.
The other guardian draped in black, faced off against Rodrick, their weapons clashing brightly as sparks of magic enveloping each weapon collided with each other. Sparks dancing to the ground. While the match seemed a grueling match between powerful adversaries, Alex couldn't help but notice something wrong, not once had the hunter released the cane's true form. Was the Templar simply getting played with?
Rodrick roared, in indignant rage as he realized he was no longer making any headway. Jumping back the man ripped some item off his necklace throwing it to the sky. “System Call, Deacon Oculos! I REPENT FOR MY FAILURES AND OFFER MYSELF TO THY WILL!” The man screamed, before falling to the ground.
|TS: offering accepted|
[system message: Alex you might want to move away from there, now!]
Not needing any more explanations Alex looked towards Lucas who was staring in awe at that whole ordeal, “Hey, if you want to live we need to get moving. Now!”Alexx yelled before running back towards the farm.
Halfway down the road, Alex could see from the corner of his vision a bright light from where he was just minutes earlier before a dark shadow flew past landing feet from his location. He carefully approached the small crater to find that the hunter was lying unconscious, the fighter barely holding on to the cane.
“Hey, are you ok?” Alex asked the warrior careful to not get too close to him. “What happened?”
The midnite fighter coughed furiously before moving, slowly sitting up. “The rat summoned a living weapon like us, or really like those girls you care for.” A male voice spoke out from the leather armor. “We can talk later, right now I need to go help Nee out before something bad happens.”
“Why haven't you used your canes open form?” Alex asked as the tall figure dusted himself off from the crater.
The man looked at Alex from behind the thick mask. “ It takes two sets of consciousness to use my sword accurately. Neither you nor Nee are fighting with me, so I can't use this sword to its potential.” He explained sounding irritated at the situation. “Unless you want everything and everyone within five meters of me to be equally destroyed.”
“No, I get it. Then can you combine with me again?” Alex asked trying to figure out how he could help.
“Not after you went and forced everything the way you did. You are locked into a noncombatant status, and can no longer equip any combat-related class or Items except his stupid staff. Gods know we don't have time for you to learn how to use it properly.” He spat in annoyance, “Look just stay out of the way and let Nee and I try to handle this.”
Alex reached out towards him as the armored warrior turned to fight whatever was attacking. “Hunter, I just wanted… I feel I need to apologize, I know you and Nyx protected me when things were tough. I don’t know how much you did but Thank you, and I'm sorry.” Alex said placing a hand on his shoulder. “The last half year or so has been pretty rushed.”
The hunter turned his head back to Alex, revealing cold silver eyes and a soft crooked smile. “Nah, don't think too much about it, but thanks for treating me with a shred of respect for once. Also please don't call me Hunter, I don't want to give you my actual name, but you can at least just call me Nate.” He said before running off into battle once more.
Once Nate was no longer in sight Alex turned once more to Lucas who was still strangely nearby. “Alright kid, this is what you are going to do. First, you are going to run to the village and make sure everyone is safe. Once we are done here we will let the villagers decide your punishment. Either that or you can run straight to the wood line from here and never come back. I am only giving you this one option because you are family to my friend, but you threatened the life I have been trying to build and the people I care about. So make your choice now and stick to it.” He yelled as he ran back in the direction he came from.
He needed to help, the town had become his home. He made new friends, family, and memories since arriving in this cruel world that seems to hate him for simply existing. He had to find a way to find a way to stop whatever was happening right now.
[System message: Alex what are you doing?]
I'm going to do what I can to help my friends.” Alex answered, I'm not getting railroad anymore.”
[System message: Hold on! Read your skill list, I think you may find something interesting.]
Rodrick felt amazing, the power of the church truly was a spectacle to behold. Even if the Heretic brought back the System Administrator, the deacon and who he represents will end the evil plans.
Rodrick lost too many people to the other worlders. Their greed found no limit, their lust for power unquenchable, their want for destruction. He watched as the warrior murdered for sport calling it a simple game. It was Deacon Oculos who saved him at such a young age, wielding a power he had never seen. The other worlders who caused so much chaos were wiped out. It had already proven its worth in fighting against the blue and black-clad warriors.
Now the deacon sent him a new miracle an angel of fire and destruction. Even if it costs the lives of the mercenaries, it didn't matter they were merely pawns for the true vision. Before the old templar the small figure, hair red as fire, metal wings glowing in the winter air. It was beautiful, and the brought joy to the old man knowing it meant an end to the one thought that plagued his mind for months, Alex.
Ever since that night, Rodrick has only felt shame for his failure towards the Deacon, It was his mission to find the other worlder and end its threat. However, between that elf’s meddling and whatever trickery that the silver demon brought to Alex, he failed his mission. It was all their fault, but now he will redeem himself. Now he will once again be Deacon Oculos’ right hand and cleanse the world of its evil.
Standing before the Archon of Justice, Rodirck called out to the fiery form. “Great Archon, Thank you for answering my call. Destroy the village and all who inhabit it!” He yelled in jubilation.
The figure simply turned towards the templar as it descended from the sky above. “Understood.” was all it said before impaling the large man with its powerful sword and tossing him to the side.
“Why..” Rodrick said his body slowly growing cold.
Alex watched as the small figure ran its sword through Rodrick. However, the bigger question was why, were they not on the same side. Having no time to think he spotted Nyx and quickly ran to her, Nate who was running with the young wanderer, used the opportunity to attack the small fighter. Giving him valuable time.
“Nyx are you ok?” Alex asked helping her up.
“Not really, I didn't think they had captured something like that.” She said barely able to hold herself up.
“What is it?” Alex asked confused.
“It's one of that man’s prototype weapons, the cleansing flame, Agni” She explained, irritation rising in her voice. “Talk later, fighting now!”
“Hold on, I have a plan,” Alex said stopping the Nyx before she ran off.
“Really and what kind of plan can a non-combatant accomplish?” She asked mockingly amused at the idea.
Alex smiled. “O,h nothing too crazy.”
As Rodrick lay on the frozen ground the life draining from his body only one question circled in his mind. ‘Why?’ Why did the Archon stab him without hesitation? Why did the Deacon not save him? Why was the Heretic still alive and helping the assailants? There he was standing unharmed. The Archon had not done its job. Unforgivable, would he need to finish the job? Forcing his will beyond it means, he pushed himself to his feet. Ignoring the pain of the lethal wound, the man searched for his prey. However, try as he might he couldn't find Alex anywhere.
“Wow look at you, that wound looks pretty serious Rodrick.” someone said behind the templar captain. “Might need to have that looked at bud.”
Rodrick turned around and stared into the hazel eyes of the heretic himself. “You!” He hissed reaching the grab the man's neck only to find that he had easily dodged. “How are you doing that?”
“Oh no need to worry about that, but looks like your friend is getting a little out of hand.” Alex laughed nimbly dodging the attempts towards him.
“As long as you are dead and your friends are gone, I will happily give my life to the church.” Rodrick proudly sneered his vision dimming with all the movement.
“Yeah, yeah, church this, heretic that… you are turning into a broken record,” Alex taunted, “ and just a little more to the left… Perfect!”
Before Rodrick could respond to Alex, the captain felt the world spin as a powerful force collided with him. The last moments taken in were that of fire and snow, as Agni’s blade embedded itself in the fierce warrior's plate armor. The last thoughts of revenge lifted as the man watched the sun lower itself below the trees, the cold snow shimmering in the golden sunset.
Alex walked up to the bodies of Rodrick and Agni, The former Captain now pinning down the killing machine that had fought tirelessly against the guardian duo, used his skill “The heart of a heroic tale” to buff the stats of his companions while using another skill “A villain's Lament” to give the templar just enough fight to approach and set off every warning flag he could. Leading the poor soul directly into the line of fire against the living weapon.
“So is there an off switch for the little guy?” Alex asked the pair, “I mean I'm still new to this whole thing.”
[System Message: I’ll handle that part, Alex. Congrats on surviving. Unfortunately, this next part will be difficult.]
“Wait, what do you mean?” Alex asked the prompt.
“He means goodbye, Alex” Nate said, as he walked toward unconscious Agni. “Because you jumpstarted everything early, he has to fix all the sudden issues that are all piling up.”
Which means we will need to leave soon as well.” Nyx stated coldly. “Heaven knows what chaos is going on right now, he's going to need all the help he can.”
“So what happens now?” Alex asked before an unfamiliar form started walking towards them from the lake. It looked a lot like… Alex. At least it was Alex-shaped. The form looked as if all the texture and color were removed leaving a glowing yet translucent void that looked like Alex.
“What happens is you continue to live your life, helping to rebuild the village. I figured you deserve a little bit of peace after everything.” Alex heard his voice from the form saying. “I'm going to take Agni here and fix whatever that church did to him.”
Alex was once again lost and confused “Wait who are you and…”
“Do I sound so amazing?” The voice asked laughing. “No? Well, I look and sound like this because of being stuck in your noggin. The install that you experienced before you were reincarnated, fused parts of our identities. There's more to it, but it's easy enough to say you're not quite human anymore.”
Reaching over the voice placed its hand on the unconscious body of Agni, bathing it in a bright light that simply faded away leaving only Rodrick. It turned back to Alex and placed its hand on his shoulder. “You did good kid. Now, go spend some time with your new family. I’ll be around. Just… not as often as I was before. Since I'm not in your noggin anymore.”
“Farewell punk,” Nate said, giving Alex a soft punch to the arm.
“Take care of those girls, and I’m not just talking about my little sisters. The Elf and Goblinaire seem to care deeply for you, and it takes a tremendous amount of mental focus to ignore my song.” Nyx said hugging him. “It's ok to let people in again Alex.”
“Alright group, oh that's right, I changed a few things to your class that you may like. Also, I fixed a few things. You should be able to live life comfortably but don't spend too much time on the farm. You seemed to like the kitchen much more if you catch my drift.” The voice called out. “Also Bring Pizza to this world! I could taste it in your memories but I want to try it for real.”
The three of them waved towards Alex before walking up the road disappearing into the night. Alex, now alone on the road save for the destruction left by the battle, slowly moved towards his home. His body now free of any danger started growing heavy and slow. Exhaustion set in on the traveler's body. He was barely to the far side of the field when he saw his home. Where once an old two-story structure once stood now sat the ruins of splintered wood and stone.
It took him almost an hour to reach his porch, or at least what remained. His body screamed in pain, overworked from the magic used during the battle. He thought he would take a nap, before finishing his trek towards town. After all the battle was over and everyone was safe. A few minutes wouldn't hurt. Besides what is the worst that would happen? He could already hear Evelyn and Melody yelling at him. To be honest, he looked forward to it. As he fell asleep, Alex could have sworn he saw five green shapes approaching him, but that would be something to handle later.