This S.O.B. System - Chapter 148

Asher almost killed her. The force of his grip caused her shoulder bones to fracture. She did not answer as she stared at the floor. Her tears pooled at his feet. “Bring her back,” he ordered, trying to calm himself down. 

She shook her head. “Not till you help us,” she said. Her eyes never left the floor. 

“I will help, just bring her back,” he said in a tone he thought was soothing, but was probably terrifying. Her head shook again. He threw her across the Mess Hall. She skidded to a halt in front of the storage closet. He opened door after door until he was at the last one and threw her in hard. She bounced off the wall. “Starburst, lock door. Restrict access to only me. Acknowledge.” A chime sounded from the door. 

Forcing the mana in his veins to slow he stepped out and walked to the bridge. “Set course for Endorval,” Asher said to Bishop. 

“You sure?” His father asked. Asher nodded. 

“We shouldn’t,” Tosh said. 

“I know,” Asher said. “If we can get her to bring Tiff back we will turn around. But I won’t waste a second just in case.” Tosh nodded and walked out. 

Asher felt his mother’s hand on his shoulder. “You shouldn’t have done that,” she said. 

“I know!” He spat. “I should have left them on their ship to find their own hero!” He yelled. He knew she was talking about hurting the Star Elf, but he didn’t care. Turning around she flinched. “When will you get it? This is mild compared to what they do out here. Slaving? That’s the tip of the iceberg. Kidnapping Tiff? I’m lucky they weren’t out to kill her. I let my defenses down. That won’t happen again.” The ship sped up as they entered the Ether Stream for the first time. Asher took in a deep breath and walked out. He went to his room to think. 

Atty eventually came into their room. “Sorry,” he said. His hands still shook as he stared at the floor. She got on the bed without a word and leaned in behind him. Her small arms wrapped around his thick chest. 

“It’s ok,” she whispered, kissing his neck. “I think you were right to do it. No one should touch Tiff.” He chuckled, his hands still shook. “Where is she?” 

“Some pocket dimension I’m guessing,” he said. “I need to calm down before I confront her. I shouldn’t have lost control like that.” Atty pulled him back to lay on the bed. She straddled his chest. Looking up at her he noticed that her hair was fully orange again. Some Elantontrin hairdresser must have fixed it at some point. The Orange was down to her shoulders. Her freckles were light against her pale skin. She wore a white shirt that read ‘Bring it’. He chuckled. 

“Are you laughing at my tits?” She asked. 

“No, your shirt,” he said. His hand slid up her shirt to grope her chest. “I love the shirts you wear. They always fit the situation.” She giggled and began to grind into him. Their clothes disappeared in a white light, except for her shirt. Asher moved his other hand up to play with her other nipple. She bit her lip moving her legs to straddle his upper thighs. Slowly she descended onto his erect dick. Groaning, he let out a grunt as she slid down. 

Asher slammed up into her, she gasped locking eyes with him. He dropped down slowly and slammed up again. A smile split her face as she joined by dropping her body down. Asher felt reinvigorated as they grunted into one another’s mouths. So much stress in him he pounded into her extra hard. No skills, just he and her. 

“Fuck, that all you got?” She asked. Asher growled as he flipped them over. Atty smiled as he began to pound into her from missionary. She watched as his dick began to bulge in her. His hands held her to the bed as he only moved faster. She squealed, cumming loudly as he continued to go up and down. When she recovered her eyes lidded as she began thrusting her groin up into his. Asher growled, speeding up.

Standing on his knees he grabbed her hips. Her strong abs lifted her to be perpendicular to him as he slammed harder and harder. Using Kama Sutra mana on her hips he made her do the splits. His dick reaching farther into her she screamed as he began to cum. Slamming them both to the firm mattress they caught their breath. Her legs still split at his waist she ran her hand along his glans poking from her abs. 

“Was that angry sex?” She asked. A deep blush on her face. 

“Maybe?” Asher asked. “Did I hurt you?” 

“Ha, no. That was hot,” she said. 

“Damn, I love you,” he said, kissing her. 

“I-I love you too,” she said with only a little hesitation. She hadn’t said it much, this felt like a less forced admission from her.

He smiled and kissed her cheek. “You don’t have to say it, you know.” 

“I know, but I want to,” she said. “I do, really I do. Just never had this before.” He nodded slowly, pulling away. “Wait, stop,” she said, pulling him back. She moaned happily. “Something I want to say.” 

He looked down at her. She appeared nervous. “You’re not breaking up with me are you?” He asked. 

She shook her head hesitantly. He became worried. “When we get back to Earth. I want to go on my own for a bit. Maybe find some people I used to know. Think I need to find myself a little.” 

“Oh,” Asher said. “Duh, that’s fine. You’ll come back though, right?” 

“I’d like to,” she said. Her mouth quivered nervously. 

“Then it’s fine with me. You know you don’t need my permission,” he said. She nodded. “We have centuries to look forward to. Take all the time you need. What? Like a day, right?” She slapped his chest. “A week?” She slapped him again. “Eight days is the best I can give you.” She laughed. He leaned down and kissed her. “Take all the time you need. We have Comms and can get a hold of you.” 

“You don’t mind?” She asked nervously. 

“I mean, I’ll miss you. But we are going to have a busy few years.” She nodded, a wide smile on her face. He could tell it was weighing on her. “Damn I miss Tiff,” he admitted. He didn’t think saying it while inside her was the best time, but Atty was her girlfriend.

“Me too,” she said. “You’re gonna have to figure out how to get her back.” 

“I will,” he promised. “After this.” He began pounding into her again. She nodded moving her hips back into him. She was very different from the virgin from a few months ago. He much preferred this Atty. 

—

Asher opened the door, the Star Elf was on the ground crying. She hadn’t moved from where he threw her. Arms and legs were splayed on the ship floor, her clothes were a mess. He frowned. Pulling out a weak Healing Potion he rolled it over to her.

“Drink, then we will talk like adults,” he said. Asher had tried to do this discreetly. His mother and father were outside in the hall to make sure he didn’t do anything they would regret. She sniffled and sat up. Her starry eyes dug into his own, but he ignored it. She didn’t move for the potion. “Drink,” he ordered. 

She nodded. Her hands were shaking, she couldn’t grip it. He had broken more bones than he thought. With a sigh he moved to bend down in front of her. Flinching away he grabbed her arm and put it back in place. He began to cast Healing Touch. Opening the healing potion he forced it in her mouth. She sputtered but didn’t spill any of it. 

“My father will heal you all the way if you can satisfy my questions,” he said. He moved to stand at the door entrance. 

“What-what do you want to know?” She asked. 

“Where is my wife?” 

“In another dimension,” she said. “My own pocket dimension.” 

“And your brother with her? If he touches her I will tear you limb from limb,” he warned. She gulped but nodded. 

“He is a Tempusmancer. He has slowed their time to seconds every day for us.”

“How will he know to bring her back?” He asked. 

“He won’t. I open the portal, and he jumps back through,” she said. 

“And if you die?” 

“They die,” she said simply. Asher wanted to get pissed, but that meant her brother as well. The siblings were risking their lives for their family, it was hard to be angry. 

His thoughts stormed through him trying to see some angle. If he had Joony, maybe she could figure it out. He knew no other Spacemancers. Other dimensions were tricky. Much too tricky for him to mess with. 

“What’s this fucking quest of yours?” He finally asked. A screen popped up. 

“What the hell, you said you had 90 days!” He said. 

She looked at him surprised. “We did. I don’t know why it dropped.” 

“This fucking son of a bitch system,” he grumbled under his breath. “Go fuck yourself!” He bellowed to the ceiling. She began to shake more with his words, he ignored her. 

“Fine then. What have you gathered so far? Walk me through everything,” he said. 

“The first part of our quest was stealing our ship,” she admitted. 

“Do we need to worry about whoever you stole it from?” He asked. She shook her head. “Go on.” 

“Then we were tasked to find a cloaking device. My brother and I stole one from a ship,” she said. 

“Were you caught? Did anyone see you take it?” 

“Maybe the cloaking device,” she admitted. “But that was sectors away.” 

He sighed, trying to remain calm. “How big will it cloak?” 

“A mass-transport ship,” she said. Asher had to guess that wasn’t easy to steal. Honestly, it might be a good thing to have if they could prove it worked. “Do you have anything else of use?” 

“No, those are the only quest items we were tasked to get.” 

“How do you know they are on Endoval?” 

“Our ship. It belonged to one of the slavers. The data for the slave capture contract was out of there,” she said. 

“They had a contract to get slaves?” Asher asked. 

“It is not illegal,” she said. “As long as you don’t take anyone important, and if you aren’t strong enough to protect yourself the League doesn’t step in.” 

“Fuck the League,” he spat, more to himself than her. A large headache was forming in his head. Asher began to rub his temples. He sat like that for a long time. Simply thinking. She really did think this through. No, the System thought this through. She wouldn’t have been led to him without it. He was starting to agree with Dea, it really wanted him dead. 

“We will help you,” he finally said. “Come on,” he said. Putting his chair away he stepped out. His parents gave him a nervous look. Shaking his head slowly Chartalla stepped out. She flinched as her father used a healing spell on her. Soon she was at 100%. 

“Follow me,” he ordered. He headed the long way around the ship. Chartalla behind him, his parents behind her. “This will be your room,” he said. “Starburst, open,” he said. The door opened. The room was bare. “My room is next door,” he said. “Starburst, lock access to all rooms for Chartalla except this room, acknowledge.” A chime sounded. 

“You are restricted to this room and this room only. You may go to the Mess Hall for food. If you are good, maybe you can talk Abby into taking you to the training room.” He dropped one of his many beds on the floor. “Bathroom is there. You will help me attach the cloaking device from your ship onto the Starburst. If you want anything. Ask people. And most of all, you wear this at all times.” Asher pulled out his Null System Necklace. 

“A slave collar?” She asked, angry and fearful. 

“I don’t know about that. If you get me Tiff right now you can go and I will consider it a fair trade. If you expect to stay on my ship. You will not be using Space Mana,” he said. His face was cold, he meant it. She eyed the necklace and slowly nodded. He threw it to her. She put it on slowly. She wouldn’t have access to her skills, but she would still have her stats. 

“Welcome aboard the Starburst,” Asher said and stepped out of the room. 

—

It was 3 days before Asher saw her again. Just a glimpse out of the corner of his eye and she ducked out of his view. He did his best to ignore her. His mother kept trying to get him to talk to her, but most everyone else stayed out of it. Asher spent his time learning to be a captain. He went through standard operating procedures and preventative maintenance with Starburst. There was a lot he still didn’t know. Taking his shifts at the helm he poured over data. The AI was a wealth of knowledge about the ship. 

With his high Int it was easy to remember it, and for once he enjoyed learning. Slowly but surely the ship became his. He wanted to know it like the back of his hand. They were in the Ether Stream on their way to Endorval. Ether Surges were a 1 in a billion chance, and weren’t something to worry much about. He spent his shifts getting to know everyone on the flight. 

Long hours he spent talking with Vincent about his youth. The most excitement he ever had was the Trials of course, but he was a different person now. His hair was now ear length instead of buzz cut. They didn’t talk about Ming, but they had plenty of time to find out. Asher was actually starting to like him. 

He spent his time with Ming comfortably. She was still quiet, but he was glad to finally have the time to put forth an effort. He had shifts with Keera too. They watched movies. She showed him rough drafts of her final films. Nadir and he got closer as well. Nadir admitted that there may be something between he and Fresneah. He understood that she was way above his class, and he enjoyed her company. The sad thing was he didn’t know how to approach women. His wives had been all thrust upon him. He didn’t expect to want to marry again. Asher was just hopeful he might be someone he could push alliance marriages on. Despite Tiff and Lyola’s trust, he wasn’t confident he could handle a bunch of women. He became a raging mess after one was kidnapped. He didn’t know what he would do if Atty wasn’t there. 

After the 3rd day he would see Chartalla more and more. He would come in the mess hall, she would see him and leave. Abby asked to allow the star elf access to the Training Hall and he approved. He didn’t think anyone deserved to be cooped up in their room. Besides, it would be good torture for her to train with the Saiyan. Another week passed before she had the nerve to say anything to him. 

Asher was going down on Atty while Lanta watched as he heard someone at the door. They were in their room, and no one had really bothered them there. Everyone knew what they were doing. “What?” Asher yelled between her legs. She wrapped her long legs around his head. 

“I want to apologize,” a familiar voice said. Asher slowly leaned back. Amazed, he looked at the door. 

“Starburst, open entrance,” he said. The door slid open to reveal Chartalla. She didn’t look up but stepped in. He locked the door. She slowly untied her cloth clothes and they dropped from her. Her perky nipples appeared in full view, they were C-cups. The dark black skin glistened in the dim light. Her nipples were a dark purple. Her long gray hair was draped over her shoulder covering one breast. His brain broke for a few seconds seeing her there. “What do you want?” 

“I wanted to apologize,” she said, still staring at the floor. 

“If you want to apologize then give us my wife,” he said. She did not answer, her long ears quivered. “Then say it, and go.”

“I-I am sorry,” she squeaked. 

“Thanks, that helps,” he said sarcastically and moved back to Atty. He began kissing her, but Lanta tapped his shoulder. The elf hadn’t moved. “Is there something else?” He asked with a sigh. 

“Many watched your trials and commented that you are ruled by your lust. And require sex. I-I’ve come to offer myself in your wife’s stead,” she admitted. 

Asher barked a laugh. “Is that how the League sees me? Some sex crazed maniac?” He thought through his trials, and yeah he could see that. “I don’t need you, star elf,” he said. “I do not force myself on people. And I believe it would be more of a treat for you than me.” He looked her over, she appeared to relax a little, but didn’t move. Asher eyed Atty and Lanta, they stared at Chartalla. 

“My girlfriend likes to be watched though,” he said. “You can provide that at least.” Atty gulped, but didn’t deny it. He began at her again. Thrusting into her, Asher didn’t think of Chartalla once. When his eyes happened upon her she was watching, but there was no outward reaction. With the added bonus of someone watching Asher wore the clones out within the hour. 

Atty passed out next to Lanta and he breathed heavily at the head of his bed. Chartalla was still there. Still naked. Her eyes were now looking at the ground again, he could see her body shake. She really did fear him, not that he could blame her. With his strength he could break her like a twig. 

“When did your planet go through Initialization?” He asked out of the blue. 

“Some thousand years ago,” she whispered. 

“Are your people at peace?” She shook her head. “I didn’t know what a System was a little over a year ago,” he said. “I am 19 years old, did you know that?” She shook her head. “One day an alien came to our planet and said I had to leave and fight in more trials. I was 18 years old then. What are you 1,000?” She didn’t answer, but he guessed he was right. “I was scared shitless.” There were some tears rolling down his cheeks unbidden. “Have you ever even been in a trial? I could have died at any moment. I look back on it now and know I was a fucking child. My whole planet counted on me. And if I gave up for one second they would have been fucked. And through all that, Tiffany was by my side. She’s barely older than me. And she took it all like a champ.” 

Chartalla had started crying as well. She didn’t wipe the tears, but he did, he was ashamed of them. “Now, I have to go to my home world and try to make them all see reason. My other wife, Zora, is there. She was my first love,” he admitted. “She didn’t have a System. Did you know she was kidnapped and put into slavery as well?” Chartalla cried harder. “She was a sex slave for years,” he said. “I broke her out. I killed those that did that to her. And I was expected to just leave her to her own devices while I played entertainment for you people in the League.” 

“I didn’t ask to be a Hero System,” he said. “I didn’t ask to free people, but my actions did. This role was thrust on me. One test after another, and the System keeps manipulating me to do stuff I don’t want to do. I’m sorry that I was not excited to go on your quest. I just wanted to go home and see my wife. To make sure she was ok.” Asher left it at that. He stared at her for a little longer then laid back down. “Starburst, lights,” he said. The lights dimmed and winked out. He spooned Atty and played with her hair. 

He had completely forgotten about Chartalla until he felt her warm hand on his thigh. He could see the starry eyes in the darkness. Pulling her to him he considered taking her. She offered herself up, but he knew he would just hate fuck her. He tried to blame the System for her actions, but deep down it was her fault. 

Gritting his teeth he flipped her around and began spooning her. His erect dick poked between her thighs but he willed it down. “Tiffany will decide your fate when she is back,” he whispered into her ear. She nodded, he could feel tears rolling down her cheeks. He slowly began to brush her long gray hair. 

“I was born soon after our Initialization,” she whispered. “Our Champion won, and we had a sponsor. But our guild did not agree with theirs. During the coming trials our guild lost. We were disbanded. The winners only took the strong. Our people were left alone. Sometimes we would be allowed a chance in the major guild. Only the strong though.” She sighed, more tears. 

“I watched your Champion Trial. We understood the importance of your alignment. Our own Champion had been Lawful Evil,” she said. “Then a few weeks later, slavers came.” She shivered, he began to rub her shoulder. The muscle slowly relaxed. “I had not used my System much, but it was strong. My brother and I escaped. We begged the major guild for help. Only to find out they were the ones who sold our location to the slavers. We escaped and considered giving up. For the first time we didn’t. For months we have traveled.” She let out a long sigh, he thought she was done. “I prayed it wasn’t you that would win the second trial. I blamed you for our problems. You freed slaves only to let my people be enslaved.” 

“Yep, did it on purpose,” he said with a chuckle.

She sighed, “I see now that you didn’t. I did not think through your point of view.” Asher sighed. 

“I am still angry, and want my wife back,” he said. She tensed up in his arms. “But I will keep my word. I will save your people. If you will keep your word, then I will forgive you.” She didn’t answer. Continuing to rub her shoulders she slowly fell asleep in his arms. He joined her as well. 

Asher almost killed her. The force of his grip caused her shoulder bones to fracture. She did not answer as she stared at the floor. Her tears pooled at his feet. Bring her back, he ordered, trying to calm himself down. She shook her head. Not till you help us, she said. Her eyes never left the floor. I will help, just bring her back, he said in a tone he thought was soothing, but was probably terrifying. Her head shook again. He threw her across the Mess Hall. She skidded to a halt in front of the storage closet. He opened door after door until he was at the last one and threw her in hard. She bounced off the wall. Starburst, lock door. Restrict access to only me. Acknowledge. A chime sounded from the door. Forcing the mana in his veins to slow he stepped out and walked to the bridge. Set course for Endorval, Asher said to Bishop. You sure? His father asked. Asher nodded. We shouldn't, Tosh said. I know, Asher said. If we can get her to bring Tiff back we will turn around. But I won't waste a second just in case. Tosh nodded and walked out. Asher felt his mother's hand on his shoulder. You shouldn't have done that, she said. I know! He spat. I should have left them on their ship to find their own hero! He yelled. He knew she was talking about hurting the Star Elf, but he didn't care. Turning around she flinched. When will you get it? This is mild compared to what they do out here. Slaving? That's the tip of the iceberg. Kidnapping Tiff? I'm lucky they weren't out to kill her. I let my defenses down. That won't happen again. The ship sped up as they entered the Ether Stream for the first time. Asher took in a deep breath and walked out. He went to his room to think. Atty eventually came into their room. Sorry, he said. His hands still shook as he stared at the floor. She got on the bed without a word and leaned in behind him. Her small arms wrapped around his thick chest. It's ok, she whispered, kissing his neck. I think you were right to do it. No one should touch Tiff. He chuckled, his hands still shook. Where is she? Some pocket dimension I'm guessing, he said. I need to calm down before I confront her. I shouldn't have lost control like that. Atty pulled him back to lay on the bed. She straddled his chest. Looking up at her he noticed that her hair was fully orange again. Some Elantontrin hairdresser must have fixed it at some point. The Orange was down to her shoulders. Her freckles were light against her pale skin. She wore a white shirt that read Bring it'. He chuckled. Are you laughing at my tits? She asked. No, your shirt, he said. His hand slid up her shirt to grope her chest. I love the shirts you wear. They always fit the situation. She giggled and began to grind into him. Their clothes disappeared in a white light, except for her shirt. Asher moved his other hand up to play with her other nipple. She bit her lip moving her legs to straddle his upper thighs. Slowly she descended onto his erect dick. Groaning, he let out a grunt as she slid down. Asher slammed up into her, she gasped locking eyes with him. He dropped down slowly and slammed up again. A smile split her face as she joined by dropping her body down. Asher felt reinvigorated as they grunted into one another's mouths. So much stress in him he pounded into her extra hard. No skills, just he and her. Fuck, that all you got? She asked. Asher growled as he flipped them over. Atty smiled as he began to pound into her from missionary. She watched as his dick began to bulge in her. His hands held her to the bed as he only moved faster. She squealed, cumming loudly as he continued to go up and down. When she recovered her eyes lidded as she began thrusting her groin up into his. Asher growled, speeding up. Standing on his knees he grabbed her hips. Her strong abs lifted her to be perpendicular to him as he slammed harder and harder. Using Kama Sutra mana on her hips he made her do the splits. His dick reaching farther into her she screamed as he began to cum. Slamming them both to the firm mattress they caught their breath. Her legs still split at his waist she ran her hand along his glans poking from her abs. Was that angry sex? She asked. A deep blush on her face. Maybe? Asher asked. Did I hurt you? Ha, no. That was hot, she said. Damn, I love you, he said, kissing her. I-I love you too, she said with only a little hesitation. She hadn't said it much, this felt like a less forced admission from her. He smiled and kissed her cheek. You don't have to say it, you know. I know, but I want to, she said. I do, really I do. Just never had this before. He nodded slowly, pulling away. Wait, stop, she said, pulling him back. She moaned happily. Something I want to say. He looked down at her. She appeared nervous. You're not breaking up with me are you? He asked. She shook her head hesitantly. He became worried. When we get back to Earth. I want to go on my own for a bit. Maybe find some people I used to know. Think I need to find myself a little. Oh, Asher said. Duh, that's fine. You'll come back though, right? I'd like to, she said. Her mouth quivered nervously. Then it's fine with me. You know you don't need my permission, he said. She nodded. We have centuries to look forward to. Take all the time you need. What? Like a day, right? She slapped his chest. A week? She slapped him again. Eight days is the best I can give you. She laughed. He leaned down and kissed her. Take all the time you need. We have Comms and can get a hold of you. You don't mind? She asked nervously. I mean, I'll miss you. But we are going to have a busy few years. She nodded, a wide smile on her face. He could tell it was weighing on her. Damn I miss Tiff, he admitted. He didn't think saying it while inside her was the best time, but Atty was her girlfriend. Me too, she said. You're gonna have to figure out how to get her back. I will, he promised. After this. He began pounding into her again. She nodded moving her hips back into him. She was very different from the virgin from a few months ago. He much preferred this Atty. Asher opened the door, the Star Elf was on the ground crying. She hadn't moved from where he threw her. Arms and legs were splayed on the ship floor, her clothes were a mess. He frowned. Pulling out a weak Healing Potion he rolled it over to her. Drink, then we will talk like adults, he said. Asher had tried to do this discreetly. His mother and father were outside in the hall to make sure he didn't do anything they would regret. She sniffled and sat up. Her starry eyes dug into his own, but he ignored it. She didn't move for the potion. Drink, he ordered. She nodded. Her hands were shaking, she couldn't grip it. He had broken more bones than he thought. With a sigh he moved to bend down in front of her. Flinching away he grabbed her arm and put it back in place. He began to cast Healing Touch. Opening the healing potion he forced it in her mouth. She sputtered but didn't spill any of it. My father will heal you all the way if you can satisfy my questions, he said. He moved to stand at the door entrance. What-what do you want to know? She asked. Where is my wife? In another dimension, she said. My own pocket dimension. And your brother with her? If he touches her I will tear you limb from limb, he warned. She gulped but nodded. He is a Tempusmancer. He has slowed their time to seconds every day for us. How will he know to bring her back? He asked. He won't. I open the portal, and he jumps back through, she said. And if you die? They die, she said simply. Asher wanted to get pissed, but that meant her brother as well. The siblings were risking their lives for their family, it was hard to be angry. His thoughts stormed through him trying to see some angle. If he had Joony, maybe she could figure it out. He knew no other Spacemancers. Other dimensions were tricky. Much too tricky for him to mess with. What's this fucking quest of yours? He finally asked. A screen popped up. Quest Rescue Chartalla's people from planet Endoval Time Limit: 50:22:13:44 Quest Rewards: System Coins Experience What the hell, you said you had 90 days! He said. She looked at him surprised. We did. I don't know why it dropped. This fucking son of a bitch system, he grumbled under his breath. Go fuck yourself! He bellowed to the ceiling. She began to shake more with his words, he ignored her. Fine then. What have you gathered so far? Walk me through everything, he said. The first part of our quest was stealing our ship, she admitted. Do we need to worry about whoever you stole it from? He asked. She shook her head. Go on. Then we were tasked to find a cloaking device. My brother and I stole one from a ship, she said. Were you caught? Did anyone see you take it? Maybe the cloaking device, she admitted. But that was sectors away. He sighed, trying to remain calm. How big will it cloak? A mass-transport ship, she said. Asher had to guess that wasn't easy to steal. Honestly, it might be a good thing to have if they could prove it worked. Do you have anything else of use? No, those are the only quest items we were tasked to get. How do you know they are on Endoval? Our ship. It belonged to one of the slavers. The data for the slave capture contract was out of there, she said. They had a contract to get slaves? Asher asked. It is not illegal, she said. As long as you don't take anyone important, and if you aren't strong enough to protect yourself the League doesn't step in. Fuck the League, he spat, more to himself than her. A large headache was forming in his head. Asher began to rub his temples. He sat like that for a long time. Simply thinking. She really did think this through. No, the System thought this through. She wouldn't have been led to him without it. He was starting to agree with Dea, it really wanted him dead. We will help you, he finally said. Come on, he said. Putting his chair away he stepped out. His parents gave him a nervous look. Shaking his head slowly Chartalla stepped out. She flinched as her father used a healing spell on her. Soon she was at 100%. Follow me, he ordered. He headed the long way around the ship. Chartalla behind him, his parents behind her. This will be your room, he said. Starburst, open, he said. The door opened. The room was bare. My room is next door, he said. Starburst, lock access to all rooms for Chartalla except this room, acknowledge. A chime sounded. You are restricted to this room and this room only. You may go to the Mess Hall for food. If you are good, maybe you can talk Abby into taking you to the training room. He dropped one of his many beds on the floor. Bathroom is there. You will help me attach the cloaking device from your ship onto the Starburst. If you want anything. Ask people. And most of all, you wear this at all times. Asher pulled out his Null System Necklace. A slave collar? She asked, angry and fearful. I don't know about that. If you get me Tiff right now you can go and I will consider it a fair trade. If you expect to stay on my ship. You will not be using Space Mana, he said. His face was cold, he meant it. She eyed the necklace and slowly nodded. He threw it to her. She put it on slowly. She wouldn't have access to her skills, but she would still have her stats. Welcome aboard the Starburst, Asher said and stepped out of the room. It was 3 days before Asher saw her again. Just a glimpse out of the corner of his eye and she ducked out of his view. He did his best to ignore her. His mother kept trying to get him to talk to her, but most everyone else stayed out of it. Asher spent his time learning to be a captain. He went through standard operating procedures and preventative maintenance with Starburst. There was a lot he still didn't know. Taking his shifts at the helm he poured over data. The AI was a wealth of knowledge about the ship. With his high Int it was easy to remember it, and for once he enjoyed learning. Slowly but surely the ship became his. He wanted to know it like the back of his hand. They were in the Ether Stream on their way to Endorval. Ether Surges were a 1 in a billion chance, and weren't something to worry much about. He spent his shifts getting to know everyone on the flight. Long hours he spent talking with Vincent about his youth. The most excitement he ever had was the Trials of course, but he was a different person now. His hair was now ear length instead of buzz cut. They didn't talk about Ming, but they had plenty of time to find out. Asher was actually starting to like him. He spent his time with Ming comfortably. She was still quiet, but he was glad to finally have the time to put forth an effort. He had shifts with Keera too. They watched movies. She showed him rough drafts of her final films. Nadir and he got closer as well. Nadir admitted that there may be something between he and Fresneah. He understood that she was way above his class, and he enjoyed her company. The sad thing was he didn't know how to approach women. His wives had been all thrust upon him. He didn't expect to want to marry again. Asher was just hopeful he might be someone he could push alliance marriages on. Despite Tiff and Lyola's trust, he wasn't confident he could handle a bunch of women. He became a raging mess after one was kidnapped. He didn't know what he would do if Atty wasn't there. After the 3rd day he would see Chartalla more and more. He would come in the mess hall, she would see him and leave. Abby asked to allow the star elf access to the Training Hall and he approved. He didn't think anyone deserved to be cooped up in their room. Besides, it would be good torture for her to train with the Saiyan. Another week passed before she had the nerve to say anything to him. Asher was going down on Atty while Lanta watched as he heard someone at the door. They were in their room, and no one had really bothered them there. Everyone knew what they were doing. What? Asher yelled between her legs. She wrapped her long legs around his head. I want to apologize, a familiar voice said. Asher slowly leaned back. Amazed, he looked at the door. Starburst, open entrance, he said. The door slid open to reveal Chartalla. She didn't look up but stepped in. He locked the door. She slowly untied her cloth clothes and they dropped from her. Her perky nipples appeared in full view, they were C-cups. The dark black skin glistened in the dim light. Her nipples were a dark purple. Her long gray hair was draped over her shoulder covering one breast. His brain broke for a few seconds seeing her there. What do you want? I wanted to apologize, she said, still staring at the floor. If you want to apologize then give us my wife, he said. She did not answer, her long ears quivered. Then say it, and go. I-I am sorry, she squeaked. Thanks, that helps, he said sarcastically and moved back to Atty. He began kissing her, but Lanta tapped his shoulder. The elf hadn't moved. Is there something else? He asked with a sigh. Many watched your trials and commented that you are ruled by your lust. And require sex. I-I've come to offer myself in your wife's stead, she admitted. Asher barked a laugh. Is that how the League sees me? Some sex crazed maniac? He thought through his trials, and yeah he could see that. I don't need you, star elf, he said. I do not force myself on people. And I believe it would be more of a treat for you than me. He looked her over, she appeared to relax a little, but didn't move. Asher eyed Atty and Lanta, they stared at Chartalla. My girlfriend likes to be watched though, he said. You can provide that at least. Atty gulped, but didn't deny it. He began at her again. Thrusting into her, Asher didn't think of Chartalla once. When his eyes happened upon her she was watching, but there was no outward reaction. With the added bonus of someone watching Asher wore the clones out within the hour. Atty passed out next to Lanta and he breathed heavily at the head of his bed. Chartalla was still there. Still naked. Her eyes were now looking at the ground again, he could see her body shake. She really did fear him, not that he could blame her. With his strength he could break her like a twig. When did your planet go through Initialization? He asked out of the blue. Some thousand years ago, she whispered. Are your people at peace? She shook her head. I didn't know what a System was a little over a year ago, he said. I am 19 years old, did you know that? She shook her head. One day an alien came to our planet and said I had to leave and fight in more trials. I was 18 years old then. What are you 1,000? She didn't answer, but he guessed he was right. I was scared shitless. There were some tears rolling down his cheeks unbidden. Have you ever even been in a trial? I could have died at any moment. I look back on it now and know I was a fucking child. My whole planet counted on me. And if I gave up for one second they would have been fucked. And through all that, Tiffany was by my side. She's barely older than me. And she took it all like a champ. Chartalla had started crying as well. She didn't wipe the tears, but he did, he was ashamed of them. Now, I have to go to my home world and try to make them all see reason. My other wife, Zora, is there. She was my first love, he admitted. She didn't have a System. Did you know she was kidnapped and put into slavery as well? Chartalla cried harder. She was a sex slave for years, he said. I broke her out. I killed those that did that to her. And I was expected to just leave her to her own devices while I played entertainment for you people in the League. I didn't ask to be a Hero System, he said. I didn't ask to free people, but my actions did. This role was thrust on me. One test after another, and the System keeps manipulating me to do stuff I don't want to do. I'm sorry that I was not excited to go on your quest. I just wanted to go home and see my wife. To make sure she was ok. Asher left it at that. He stared at her for a little longer then laid back down. Starburst, lights, he said. The lights dimmed and winked out. He spooned Atty and played with her hair. He had completely forgotten about Chartalla until he felt her warm hand on his thigh. He could see the starry eyes in the darkness. Pulling her to him he considered taking her. She offered herself up, but he knew he would just hate fuck her. He tried to blame the System for her actions, but deep down it was her fault. Gritting his teeth he flipped her around and began spooning her. His erect dick poked between her thighs but he willed it down. Tiffany will decide your fate when she is back, he whispered into her ear. She nodded, he could feel tears rolling down her cheeks. He slowly began to brush her long gray hair. I was born soon after our Initialization, she whispered. Our Champion won, and we had a sponsor. But our guild did not agree with theirs. During the coming trials our guild lost. We were disbanded. The winners only took the strong. Our people were left alone. Sometimes we would be allowed a chance in the major guild. Only the strong though. She sighed, more tears. I watched your Champion Trial. We understood the importance of your alignment. Our own Champion had been Lawful Evil, she said. Then a few weeks later, slavers came. She shivered, he began to rub her shoulder. The muscle slowly relaxed. I had not used my System much, but it was strong. My brother and I escaped. We begged the major guild for help. Only to find out they were the ones who sold our location to the slavers. We escaped and considered giving up. For the first time we didn't. For months we have traveled. She let out a long sigh, he thought she was done. I prayed it wasn't you that would win the second trial. I blamed you for our problems. You freed slaves only to let my people be enslaved. Yep, did it on purpose, he said with a chuckle. She sighed, I see now that you didn't. I did not think through your point of view. Asher sighed. I am still angry, and want my wife back, he said. She tensed up in his arms. But I will keep my word. I will save your people. If you will keep your word, then I will forgive you. She didn't answer. Continuing to rub her shoulders she slowly fell asleep in his arms. He joined her as well.