Chapter 63: Living the System Life
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Chapter 63: Living the System Life
Come on, Brock, tell me. What Dao Root did you get?
Brock looked at Jack with a smug smile, extending the wait.
Come on, bro! Jack insisted. With a laugh, Brock flexed his bicepswhich were notably larger than last time. Ohh, is it strength?
Brock shook his head.
Power? Bromance?
Brock laughed.
Hmm Wait. Is it muscles?
He nodded.
Thats great! You are now a strong brorilla, Brock! I mean, even stronger than before.
Brock looked back with pride. It was clear he was flooded by joy. His little fangs wouldnt stop showing from all the smiles, he was full of energy, and his tail wagged like a dogs.
Amidst excited cries, Brock rushed over to the 50kg dumbbell that had become his mortal enemy ever since arriving to this place. He grabbed it, tightened his gripand lifted it!
He did it so easily, in fact, that the dumbbell flew up a bit, and then he barely had time to draw his foot back before it was crushed. He made monkey sounds of fear as he jumped around on one leg before realizing he was fine.
Woah, thats a serious upgrade, Jack said. Im sure your father will be proud.
Brocks smile widened so much Jack feared it would rip his cheeks. But what could be done? For all his mischievousness and tendency to throw poop around, Brock remained a child, and the approval of his elders was extremely important.
Watching his little bros joy, Jack smiled warmly.
What do you say, buddy? Wanna celebrate?
Brock pumped a fist.
Meat skewers? No, wait What about Dao-infused meat skewers?
Brock salivated and looked with wide eyes. So did Jack; the thought excited him as much as the little monkey. Then again, we are monkeys too, he thought, smiling, and the two left to go get food.
***
The days passed. Slowly, the Integration City found its rhythm, and everyone entered the semblance of a routine.
Jack and Edgar would go to the arena every morning, just in case they were picked first; if not, they left and returned when their tokens shone. Karvahul joined them, but he usually stayed longer. He was now the manager of Jacks betting fund, for a generous commission of 10%take it or leave it, Jack had saidand he was already making a fortune.
He stayed in the arena every day, watching the fights and keeping notes on many people. He then went to the betting desk and deposited a set amount for each promising participant. Of course, a large bet went to Jack every single daysince not many took his Dao seriously, and he had another Dao to rely on in a pinch, he was the ideal black horse.
Jack didnt know how exactly the calculations were made, and neither did he care. The important thing was that Karvahul was raking in money. A lot of money. Enough that, if they kept at it, they might even reach the two million goal through betting alone.
Of course, they had other moneymaking avenues.
More humans were arriving at the Integration City from all around the planet. They rode private jets, commercial ones, even fast ships. The Ice Peak was the only of the three factions to send representatives. As for the rest of the people, they were mostly from Asia, Australia, or the Americas, since the Integration City was situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
There was the occasional celebrity, but most people seemed like average joes that had just gotten stronger quickly, though not quickly enough to join the tournament.
And, as people arrived, so were Karvahuls other schemes set in motion. Jack now ate out on a daily basis. His tabs were paid, of course, including Dao-infused food, and people streamed to the restaurants he endorsed just to hear him preach about the importance of spanking. He even gave interviews!
Though his income from those streams wasnt large, it was funneled into betting, where it had the opportunity to multiplyand it did. Karvahul was clearly gifted.
Of course, Jack wasnt the only one taking advantage of the situation. Many other minor celebrities had cropped up, and greatest among them was Kane Vanderdecken, the long-haired practitioner of the Dao of Metal. He organized small concerts in the wide plaza behind the arena, where aliens and humans alike streamed in to enjoy his Dao-infused music.
Alien performers werent allowed, apparentlyonly merchants could enter an Integrated planet on its first yearso his competition was minimal. He even cooperated with other bards. He also kept up a winning streak; apparently, his performance on stage had led him to comprehending a second Dao Root, shooting him to the top echelon of participants.
Some merchants were already selling shirts saying Dao of the Devil over a hand wearing a black, spiky armband and extending its pinky and index fingers. If the System had Gods, they obviously didnt take it as heresy, or they didnt care.
Does the System have Gods? Jack asked one morning as he, Brock, Edgar, and Karvahul paced to the arena.
Not really, no, Karvahul responded. Though the B-Grades are quite god-like. Ive heard they can destroy planets.
Jack and Edgar gaped.
Planets were much larger than most people thought. For reference, if Earth was shrunk to the size of a pool ball, it would be smoother than an actual pool ball, despite mount Everest being five miles tall and the Mariana trench seven miles deep.
The planets diameter was eight thousand miles. To destroy something that big was unthinkable.
And it was strong; maybe strong enough to make him tipsy for the first time since he got, like, a million Constitution.
Guys, dont try the soup! Edgar said, sipping it off his spoon. His eyes got red. Its too hot to eat, but so delicious I cant stop now
Everyone shared a hearty laugh. Edgar choked a bit.
These were the core members of their alliance after all the recruiting: the Flame Riverrepresented by just Vivi hereJack, Edgar, Dorman Whistles, and the Sage. They werent many, but on the bright side, the Ice Peak had fewer; basically only the scions.
Besides them, the only strong people that hadnt yet picked a side were Li Xiang, the martials arts master, and Vanderdecken, the rock star. They both remained on the fence for now.
Light conversation flew around the table. The Sage, Jack, and Vivi were the most talkative ones, while Edgar and Dorman mostly listened. However, everyone went quiet when the next course arrived.
This would be a three-course dinner: soup, main course, dessert. Earth restaurants usually served appetizers instead of soup, but aliens had their own preferences. And when in alien-land
Five lycan waiters arrived and surrounded the table, each holding a sealed disc. They revealed it theatrically at the same time, releasing the restrained fragrance all at once and threatening to short-circuit Jacks brain.
There, on his plate, now rested a large red steak surrounded by tufts of salad. Jacks eyes saw red. He tore into the steak, barely remembering to use cutlery. Next thing he knew, his plate was empty. So was everyones.
What the hell happened? he asked.
Antesaurus rib, Vivi replied weakly. Its supposed to come from peak E-Grade beastsand wow. Wow. Im so glad I didnt splurge on the D-Grade main courses. I think I would die.
Yeah. Its not even funny, Jack agreed. If hed almost lost his mind for a peak E-Grade meal, what would a D-Grade meal do to him? Turn him insane?
Could this be weaponized? he wondered.
Mmm, yes, its very tasty, the Sage said, and everyone noticed he was nibbling on his steak, bite by small bite. Everybody else had devoured it. What? he asked innocently, receiving everyones stares. Cant a man eat at his own pace?
The scent still wafted off the Sages plate, but Jack held himself back. He promised himself to order one of those steaks in a package and give it to Brock; hed been forced to leave the little monkey at home, as he didnt want to take advantage of Vivis hospitality.
Not that Brock minded. He was probably having the time of his life working out and sparring against the first level of Sparman.
How can you resist that?! Dorman asked, staring at the Sage like he was a ghost.
Because Im civilized, the Sage replied calmly. Jack realized that the only person on their table who ate properly was the one that looked like a beggar. He laughed out loud.
Nice going, Sage!
Thank you.
The dessert came soon after. It consisted of a small yellow thing that resembled jelly and shook like jelly but wasnt jelly. Jack didnt know what it was; he only knew that he practically inhaled it. It was the most delicious thing hed had in his life.
Damn, he said, leaning back on his chair and crossing his fingers over his full belly. I hate to admit it, but Karvahul was right. System food really is something else.
Karvahuls your money maker, right? Dorman asked.
Yeah.
Hows that going, by the way?
Pretty
Maybe we shouldnt reveal our budget, Vivi cut in. The auction will come soon, and we might end up competing with each otherthough, of course, its best to avoid it.
Naturally, the Sage agreed, and everyone nodded.
Jacks smile, however, couldnt be hidden. Theyd already made close to the two million that the Sage had warned him about. He was a rich man! And, in the auctionwho knew what might appear for sale.
I bet the scions are richer than all of us put together, anyway, Edgar said gloomily, but the Sage only smiled.
Well see, he replied, and refused to elaborate further.
More wine came after the dessert, and the rest of the night passed by in a fuzz. It was, indeed, strong enough to make Jack tipsywhich meant it was strong enough to make everyone else dead drunk if they didnt drink moderately.
Edgar didnt, and he ended up magicking an army of tiny Sages to fight against a single, palm-sized Edgar. The Edgar won, of course, partly due to using a fork as a weapon, and everyone had a laugh at the display.
They did have fights the next day, but it wasnt a problem; in all their infinite wisdom, the aliens had invented anti-hangover medicine. It would make a killing in the Earth market.
It was a peaceful night. One filled with friendship and laughter. They needed it before everything went to shit, as it unavoidably would, soon.
The night gave way to morning, and when everyone woke up, it was a new day. Jack walked to the arena at dawn, as usual, and it was a good thing, because he was in the very first round of fights for that day.
His opponent was a bald Tibetan monk with serene eyes, orange robes, and a thick metal pole. His entire body screamed hardness and discipline. And he had an unbroken win streak.
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Chapter 63: Living the System Life
Come on, Brock, tell me. What Dao Root did you get?
Brock looked at Jack with a smug smile, extending the wait.
Come on, bro! Jack insisted. With a laugh, Brock flexed his bicepswhich were notably larger than last time. Ohh, is it strength?
Brock shook his head.
Power? Bromance?
Brock laughed.
Hmm Wait. Is it muscles?
He nodded.
Thats great! You are now a strong brorilla, Brock! I mean, even stronger than before.
Brock looked back with pride. It was clear he was flooded by joy. His little fangs wouldnt stop showing from all the smiles, he was full of energy, and his tail wagged like a dogs.
Amidst excited cries, Brock rushed over to the 50kg dumbbell that had become his mortal enemy ever since arriving to this place. He grabbed it, tightened his gripand lifted it!
He did it so easily, in fact, that the dumbbell flew up a bit, and then he barely had time to draw his foot back before it was crushed. He made monkey sounds of fear as he jumped around on one leg before realizing he was fine.
Woah, thats a serious upgrade, Jack said. Im sure your father will be proud.
Brocks smile widened so much Jack feared it would rip his cheeks. But what could be done? For all his mischievousness and tendency to throw poop around, Brock remained a child, and the approval of his elders was extremely important.
Watching his little bros joy, Jack smiled warmly.
What do you say, buddy? Wanna celebrate?
Brock pumped a fist.
Meat skewers? No, wait What about Dao-infused meat skewers?
Brock salivated and looked with wide eyes. So did Jack; the thought excited him as much as the little monkey. Then again, we are monkeys too, he thought, smiling, and the two left to go get food.
***
The days passed. Slowly, the Integration City found its rhythm, and everyone entered the semblance of a routine.
Jack and Edgar would go to the arena every morning, just in case they were picked first; if not, they left and returned when their tokens shone. Karvahul joined them, but he usually stayed longer. He was now the manager of Jacks betting fund, for a generous commission of 10%take it or leave it, Jack had saidand he was already making a fortune.
He stayed in the arena every day, watching the fights and keeping notes on many people. He then went to the betting desk and deposited a set amount for each promising participant. Of course, a large bet went to Jack every single daysince not many took his Dao seriously, and he had another Dao to rely on in a pinch, he was the ideal black horse.
Jack didnt know how exactly the calculations were made, and neither did he care. The important thing was that Karvahul was raking in money. A lot of money. Enough that, if they kept at it, they might even reach the two million goal through betting alone.
Of course, they had other moneymaking avenues.
More humans were arriving at the Integration City from all around the planet. They rode private jets, commercial ones, even fast ships. The Ice Peak was the only of the three factions to send representatives. As for the rest of the people, they were mostly from Asia, Australia, or the Americas, since the Integration City was situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
There was the occasional celebrity, but most people seemed like average joes that had just gotten stronger quickly, though not quickly enough to join the tournament.
And, as people arrived, so were Karvahuls other schemes set in motion. Jack now ate out on a daily basis. His tabs were paid, of course, including Dao-infused food, and people streamed to the restaurants he endorsed just to hear him preach about the importance of spanking. He even gave interviews!
Though his income from those streams wasnt large, it was funneled into betting, where it had the opportunity to multiplyand it did. Karvahul was clearly gifted.
Of course, Jack wasnt the only one taking advantage of the situation. Many other minor celebrities had cropped up, and greatest among them was Kane Vanderdecken, the long-haired practitioner of the Dao of Metal. He organized small concerts in the wide plaza behind the arena, where aliens and humans alike streamed in to enjoy his Dao-infused music.
Alien performers werent allowed, apparentlyonly merchants could enter an Integrated planet on its first yearso his competition was minimal. He even cooperated with other bards. He also kept up a winning streak; apparently, his performance on stage had led him to comprehending a second Dao Root, shooting him to the top echelon of participants.
Some merchants were already selling shirts saying Dao of the Devil over a hand wearing a black, spiky armband and extending its pinky and index fingers. If the System had Gods, they obviously didnt take it as heresy, or they didnt care.
Does the System have Gods? Jack asked one morning as he, Brock, Edgar, and Karvahul paced to the arena.
Not really, no, Karvahul responded. Though the B-Grades are quite god-like. Ive heard they can destroy planets.
Jack and Edgar gaped.
Planets were much larger than most people thought. For reference, if Earth was shrunk to the size of a pool ball, it would be smoother than an actual pool ball, despite mount Everest being five miles tall and the Mariana trench seven miles deep.
The planets diameter was eight thousand miles. To destroy something that big was unthinkable.
And it was strong; maybe strong enough to make him tipsy for the first time since he got, like, a million Constitution.
Guys, dont try the soup! Edgar said, sipping it off his spoon. His eyes got red. Its too hot to eat, but so delicious I cant stop now
Everyone shared a hearty laugh. Edgar choked a bit.
These were the core members of their alliance after all the recruiting: the Flame Riverrepresented by just Vivi hereJack, Edgar, Dorman Whistles, and the Sage. They werent many, but on the bright side, the Ice Peak had fewer; basically only the scions.
Besides them, the only strong people that hadnt yet picked a side were Li Xiang, the martials arts master, and Vanderdecken, the rock star. They both remained on the fence for now.
Light conversation flew around the table. The Sage, Jack, and Vivi were the most talkative ones, while Edgar and Dorman mostly listened. However, everyone went quiet when the next course arrived.
This would be a three-course dinner: soup, main course, dessert. Earth restaurants usually served appetizers instead of soup, but aliens had their own preferences. And when in alien-land
Five lycan waiters arrived and surrounded the table, each holding a sealed disc. They revealed it theatrically at the same time, releasing the restrained fragrance all at once and threatening to short-circuit Jacks brain.
There, on his plate, now rested a large red steak surrounded by tufts of salad. Jacks eyes saw red. He tore into the steak, barely remembering to use cutlery. Next thing he knew, his plate was empty. So was everyones.
What the hell happened? he asked.
Antesaurus rib, Vivi replied weakly. Its supposed to come from peak E-Grade beastsand wow. Wow. Im so glad I didnt splurge on the D-Grade main courses. I think I would die.
Yeah. Its not even funny, Jack agreed. If hed almost lost his mind for a peak E-Grade meal, what would a D-Grade meal do to him? Turn him insane?
Could this be weaponized? he wondered.
Mmm, yes, its very tasty, the Sage said, and everyone noticed he was nibbling on his steak, bite by small bite. Everybody else had devoured it. What? he asked innocently, receiving everyones stares. Cant a man eat at his own pace?
The scent still wafted off the Sages plate, but Jack held himself back. He promised himself to order one of those steaks in a package and give it to Brock; hed been forced to leave the little monkey at home, as he didnt want to take advantage of Vivis hospitality.
Not that Brock minded. He was probably having the time of his life working out and sparring against the first level of Sparman.
How can you resist that?! Dorman asked, staring at the Sage like he was a ghost.
Because Im civilized, the Sage replied calmly. Jack realized that the only person on their table who ate properly was the one that looked like a beggar. He laughed out loud.
Nice going, Sage!
Thank you.
The dessert came soon after. It consisted of a small yellow thing that resembled jelly and shook like jelly but wasnt jelly. Jack didnt know what it was; he only knew that he practically inhaled it. It was the most delicious thing hed had in his life.
Damn, he said, leaning back on his chair and crossing his fingers over his full belly. I hate to admit it, but Karvahul was right. System food really is something else.
Karvahuls your money maker, right? Dorman asked.
Yeah.
Hows that going, by the way?
Pretty
Maybe we shouldnt reveal our budget, Vivi cut in. The auction will come soon, and we might end up competing with each otherthough, of course, its best to avoid it.
Naturally, the Sage agreed, and everyone nodded.
Jacks smile, however, couldnt be hidden. Theyd already made close to the two million that the Sage had warned him about. He was a rich man! And, in the auctionwho knew what might appear for sale.
I bet the scions are richer than all of us put together, anyway, Edgar said gloomily, but the Sage only smiled.
Well see, he replied, and refused to elaborate further.
More wine came after the dessert, and the rest of the night passed by in a fuzz. It was, indeed, strong enough to make Jack tipsywhich meant it was strong enough to make everyone else dead drunk if they didnt drink moderately.
Edgar didnt, and he ended up magicking an army of tiny Sages to fight against a single, palm-sized Edgar. The Edgar won, of course, partly due to using a fork as a weapon, and everyone had a laugh at the display.
They did have fights the next day, but it wasnt a problem; in all their infinite wisdom, the aliens had invented anti-hangover medicine. It would make a killing in the Earth market.
It was a peaceful night. One filled with friendship and laughter. They needed it before everything went to shit, as it unavoidably would, soon.
The night gave way to morning, and when everyone woke up, it was a new day. Jack walked to the arena at dawn, as usual, and it was a good thing, because he was in the very first round of fights for that day.
His opponent was a bald Tibetan monk with serene eyes, orange robes, and a thick metal pole. His entire body screamed hardness and discipline. And he had an unbroken win streak.
Chapter 63: Living the System LifeCome on, Brock, tell me. What Dao Root did you get?Brock looked at Jack with a smug smile, extending the wait.Come on, bro! Jack insisted. With a laugh, Brock flexed his bicepswhich were notably larger than last time. Ohh, is it strength?Brock shook his head.Power? Bromance?Brock laughed.Hmm Wait. Is it muscles?He nodded.Thats great! You are now a strong brorilla, Brock! I mean, even stronger than before.Brock looked back with pride. It was clear he was flooded by joy. His little fangs wouldnt stop showing from all the smiles, he was full of energy, and his tail wagged like a dogs.Amidst excited cries, Brock rushed over to the 50kg dumbbell that had become his mortal enemy ever since arriving to this place. He grabbed it, tightened his gripand lifted it!He did it so easily, in fact, that the dumbbell flew up a bit, and then he barely had time to draw his foot back before it was crushed. He made monkey sounds of fear as he jumped around on one leg before realizing he was fine.Woah, thats a serious upgrade, Jack said. Im sure your father will be proud.Brocks smile widened so much Jack feared it would rip his cheeks. But what could be done? For all his mischievousness and tendency to throw poop around, Brock remained a child, and the approval of his elders was extremely important.Watching his little bros joy, Jack smiled warmly.What do you say, buddy? Wanna celebrate?Brock pumped a fist.Meat skewers? No, wait What about Dao-infused meat skewers?Brock salivated and looked with wide eyes. So did Jack; the thought excited him as much as the little monkey. Then again, we are monkeys too, he thought, smiling, and the two left to go get food.***The days passed. Slowly, the Integration City found its rhythm, and everyone entered the semblance of a routine.Jack and Edgar would go to the arena every morning, just in case they were picked first; if not, they left and returned when their tokens shone. Karvahul joined them, but he usually stayed longer. He was now the manager of Jacks betting fund, for a generous commission of 10%take it or leave it, Jack had saidand he was already making a fortune.He stayed in the arena every day, watching the fights and keeping notes on many people. He then went to the betting desk and deposited a set amount for each promising participant. Of course, a large bet went to Jack every single daysince not many took his Dao seriously, and he had another Dao to rely on in a pinch, he was the ideal black horse.Jack didnt know how exactly the calculations were made, and neither did he care. The important thing was that Karvahul was raking in money. A lot of money. Enough that, if they kept at it, they might even reach the two million goal through betting alone.Of course, they had other moneymaking avenues.More humans were arriving at the Integration City from all around the planet. They rode private jets, commercial ones, even fast ships. The Ice Peak was the only of the three factions to send representatives. As for the rest of the people, they were mostly from Asia, Australia, or the Americas, since the Integration City was situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.There was the occasional celebrity, but most people seemed like average joes that had just gotten stronger quickly, though not quickly enough to join the tournament.And, as people arrived, so were Karvahuls other schemes set in motion. Jack now ate out on a daily basis. His tabs were paid, of course, including Dao-infused food, and people streamed to the restaurants he endorsed just to hear him preach about the importance of spanking. He even gave interviews!Though his income from those streams wasnt large, it was funneled into betting, where it had the opportunity to multiplyand it did. Karvahul was clearly gifted.Of course, Jack wasnt the only one taking advantage of the situation. Many other minor celebrities had cropped up, and greatest among them was Kane Vanderdecken, the long-haired practitioner of the Dao of Metal. He organized small concerts in the wide plaza behind the arena, where aliens and humans alike streamed in to enjoy his Dao-infused music.Alien performers werent allowed, apparentlyonly merchants could enter an Integrated planet on its first yearso his competition was minimal. He even cooperated with other bards. He also kept up a winning streak; apparently, his performance on stage had led him to comprehending a second Dao Root, shooting him to the top echelon of participants.Some merchants were already selling shirts saying Dao of the Devil over a hand wearing a black, spiky armband and extending its pinky and index fingers. If the System had Gods, they obviously didnt take it as heresy, or they didnt care.Does the System have Gods? Jack asked one morning as he, Brock, Edgar, and Karvahul paced to the arena.Not really, no, Karvahul responded. Though the B-Grades are quite god-like. Ive heard they can destroy planets.Jack and Edgar gaped.Planets were much larger than most people thought. For reference, if Earth was shrunk to the size of a pool ball, it would be smoother than an actual pool ball, despite mount Everest being five miles tall and the Mariana trench seven miles deep.The planets diameter was eight thousand miles. To destroy something that big was unthinkable.And it was strong; maybe strong enough to make him tipsy for the first time since he got, like, a million Constitution.Guys, dont try the soup! Edgar said, sipping it off his spoon. His eyes got red. Its too hot to eat, but so delicious I cant stop nowEveryone shared a hearty laugh. Edgar choked a bit.These were the core members of their alliance after all the recruiting: the Flame Riverrepresented by just Vivi hereJack, Edgar, Dorman Whistles, and the Sage. They werent many, but on the bright side, the Ice Peak had fewer; basically only the scions.Besides them, the only strong people that hadnt yet picked a side were Li Xiang, the martials arts master, and Vanderdecken, the rock star. They both remained on the fence for now.Light conversation flew around the table. The Sage, Jack, and Vivi were the most talkative ones, while Edgar and Dorman mostly listened. However, everyone went quiet when the next course arrived.This would be a three-course dinner: soup, main course, dessert. Earth restaurants usually served appetizers instead of soup, but aliens had their own preferences. And when in alien-landFive lycan waiters arrived and surrounded the table, each holding a sealed disc. They revealed it theatrically at the same time, releasing the restrained fragrance all at once and threatening to short-circuit Jacks brain.There, on his plate, now rested a large red steak surrounded by tufts of salad. Jacks eyes saw red. He tore into the steak, barely remembering to use cutlery. Next thing he knew, his plate was empty. So was everyones.What the hell happened? he asked.Antesaurus rib, Vivi replied weakly. Its supposed to come from peak E-Grade beastsand wow. Wow. Im so glad I didnt splurge on the D-Grade main courses. I think I would die.Yeah. Its not even funny, Jack agreed. If hed almost lost his mind for a peak E-Grade meal, what would a D-Grade meal do to him? Turn him insane?Could this be weaponized? he wondered.Mmm, yes, its very tasty, the Sage said, and everyone noticed he was nibbling on his steak, bite by small bite. Everybody else had devoured it. What? he asked innocently, receiving everyones stares. Cant a man eat at his own pace?The scent still wafted off the Sages plate, but Jack held himself back. He promised himself to order one of those steaks in a package and give it to Brock; hed been forced to leave the little monkey at home, as he didnt want to take advantage of Vivis hospitality.Not that Brock minded. He was probably having the time of his life working out and sparring against the first level of Sparman.How can you resist that?! Dorman asked, staring at the Sage like he was a ghost.Because Im civilized, the Sage replied calmly. Jack realized that the only person on their table who ate properly was the one that looked like a beggar. He laughed out loud.Nice going, Sage!Thank you.The dessert came soon after. It consisted of a small yellow thing that resembled jelly and shook like jelly but wasnt jelly. Jack didnt know what it was; he only knew that he practically inhaled it. It was the most delicious thing hed had in his life.Damn, he said, leaning back on his chair and crossing his fingers over his full belly. I hate to admit it, but Karvahul was right. System food really is something else.Karvahuls your money maker, right? Dorman asked.Yeah.Hows that going, by the way?PrettyMaybe we shouldnt reveal our budget, Vivi cut in. The auction will come soon, and we might end up competing with each otherthough, of course, its best to avoid it.Naturally, the Sage agreed, and everyone nodded.Jacks smile, however, couldnt be hidden. Theyd already made close to the two million that the Sage had warned him about. He was a rich man! And, in the auctionwho knew what might appear for sale.I bet the scions are richer than all of us put together, anyway, Edgar said gloomily, but the Sage only smiled.Well see, he replied, and refused to elaborate further.More wine came after the dessert, and the rest of the night passed by in a fuzz. It was, indeed, strong enough to make Jack tipsywhich meant it was strong enough to make everyone else dead drunk if they didnt drink moderately.Edgar didnt, and he ended up magicking an army of tiny Sages to fight against a single, palm-sized Edgar. The Edgar won, of course, partly due to using a fork as a weapon, and everyone had a laugh at the display.They did have fights the next day, but it wasnt a problem; in all their infinite wisdom, the aliens had invented anti-hangover medicine. It would make a killing in the Earth market.It was a peaceful night. One filled with friendship and laughter. They needed it before everything went to shit, as it unavoidably would, soon.The night gave way to morning, and when everyone woke up, it was a new day. Jack walked to the arena at dawn, as usual, and it was a good thing, because he was in the very first round of fights for that day.His opponent was a bald Tibetan monk with serene eyes, orange robes, and a thick metal pole. His entire body screamed hardness and discipline. And he had an unbroken win streak.
