“Tell me Mr. Whitmore, what inspired you to put out these videos?” Bill asked.
“Like I said. It was that party of the top 1%. No one there was worried about the Initialization but people on the streets were panicked. They had every right to be. I really hoped to simply alleviate some of their concerns.”
“We did see a big uptick in crime after the announcement of our Initialization. I don’t know how much an impact your System Walkthroughs have made, but I feel a little better after watching them.”
“That’s good to hear. And my guild, Community, will keep putting them out, right up until the start of the Initialization.”
“Yes, please follow the link at the bottom of the screen to the Community webpage,” Bill said looking at the camera.
They had knocked out most all the videos in a day. Keera had went right to work taping and editing. She also had an Illusion skill to add to the videos that helped. They were already in the hundreds of millions of views and she had jumped up to level 15 in a matter of days. With no real family she was already living at the Guild Hall putting videos out as soon as they were done.
Now it was one day before he was supposed to meet up with Tyranis. Asher had set up the current interview with a local TV host in the area. He was still the face of Systems, despite how the news tried to portray him.
“Can you discuss a little more on that. The fact that you are in a guild?” Bill asked.
“Of course, we were releasing a video on that soon, but I can give a quick overview. In the System they allow guilds to be formed. This is a group of people that come together for a common goal. Our guild master, Wayne Tyler, is a local police captain and has worked for years to build us up to what we are today. The System allows the guild master to set terms that are System enforced.”
“Interesting. And how did you form this guild?”
“We were given a quest to subdue a bad System user. And at the end one of our rewards was a guild charter. Everyone who joins has to sign this charter and agree to the terms. Tyranis, the alien elf, explained that these charters will become more common post-Initialization. I recommend to all of you out there; stay close to your friends during the Initialization. You’ll all be stronger for it, and I hope you form your own guilds and work together.
“Very inspiring words. On the next topic have you finalized your team to go with you to outer space?”
“I have not. I am limited to bring 10 others. I agreed to bring 1 person from the American Government. I offered 1 person to the UN, but they can’t seem to agree for a country to represent. I know I’ll be taking my parents. And I hope to talk a few more from my guild into coming. But also my main reason for the interview tonight is to ask a certain orange haired someone to join me.” Asher looked into the camera. “Atalanta, I know you’re watching. I think you’d hate to miss out on all the cool stuff we will be doing in outer space. I’ll save a spot for you.”
“Interesting. I assume she is one of your girlfriends?” Bill asked.
Asher ignored the girlfriends comment. “I only met her twice. I beat her up the first time, and she robbed me the second. But I’m pretty sure she’s the 2nd strongest System User out there. I would like her along to help.”
“Second strongest? Who’s the first?”
“Why me of course,” Asher said.
“Mighty big words. How did you come to that conclusion?”
“I received a notice from the System,” Asher said simply. “I’ll take it as truth until someone proves otherwise.”
“Moving on… there have been some comments online after you announced that you and your mother would be representing the planet.”
Asher’s face became cold as his smile left him. “How so?”
Bill began to sweat a little. “After certain videos online. People are upset that 2 of the 10 people representing Earth have such…immoral pasts.”
“I’ll have to stop you there,” Asher said firmly. Looking into the camera he said simply. “I am very disappointed that people would label my mother based off of her past. Instead of what she truly is. The person that raised the single strongest human on the planet. You can call me what you want and I will turn the other cheek. But if you disrespect my mother. I will come after you. Instead of criticizing her. Thank her. You have seen her in those guild videos learning to use her skills and fight. If half of you showed that much tenacity to learn during the tutorial then I wouldn’t have a care in the world for those I am leaving behind.”
Asher stood up as the camera followed him. “With that I will leave you with these words. I have fought and killed to get where I am and protect those I love. And just because you will be going through a tutorial and gaining levels does not mean I will ever stop gaining them. I am now this world's Champion. Whether I want to be or not. When I come back to Earth I expect it to be better than when I left it. And if not. If some power hungry high level tyrant is oppressing people. Well I’ll be coming after you. This world is going to change in a few days. I will not.”
Asher walked off the set. He was met by a smiling Tiffany. “Melodramatic much?”
“I wanted to leave off with a warning. There will be a lot of Nicolais and Rauls out there,” Asher said.
“Oh I’m not critiquing. I think it’s hot when you get all pissed off,” she said, squeezing his butt.
“I aim to please,” he said, picking her up. Princess carrying her she rested her head on his shoulder. His muscles were like rocks, but she still found him comfortable. They were soon outside and in the Humvee. Hansen drove them through the big crowd that had gathered. Some people yelled his name but Asher ignored it. He had made the mistake of answering questions from people on the street before and someone fired a shot at his head. Luckily he had his Bloodless on. Which reminded him to give it to Zora. He doubted they used bullets where he was going so it would be better for her.
They went back to the Guild Hall. Asher spoke to a few people. But everyone was soon gathered for his final meeting. A platform had been added to one side of the cafeteria. Chairs on it and a podium at the front Asher sat at one of the chairs. Amanda, Batman, Tiffany, and Wayne sat at the others. It was soon standing room only in the cafeteria. Families of the System users had flocked there whether they had a system or not. Recruitment had also exploded. They now had over 200 System Users on the charter. It was a sight Asher was proud to see.
People murmured which was quite loud with over 1,000 people there. As Wayne walked up to the microphone everyone hushed.
“Welcome to Community. We haven’t done a meeting in a few days so I thought it would be good to try it.” People chuckled. They had done nothing but have meetings. Everyone had assignments. But this meeting was special.
“To start, please look at the quest board to see if anyone can help wrap some up for Initialization.” Asher saw the wall of minor quests. It was littered with them, when once the wall was bare.
“Also, if you do not have a System and no storage accessory, please contact me or Amanda. A general fund has been made up for storage rings. They will have 25 to 50 cubic feet of space. If you bring us a weapon and some food we will ensure it has those items for the tutorial.” Some people had tried to abuse this privilege. But they soon had a sign up sheet. And since they were family of those with Systems, the family member with a System paid the bulk of the ring's cost.
“Lastly, for what I have to say, I would like everyone to push through till the finish line. We have training classes going on. Purchasing groups going out. And a wide variety of System users here. Please stay busy. Every second of prep now is a second not wasted during the tutorial. Some people have started making packets listing recommended group builds and stat distributions. Familiarize yourself with everything.” People nodded. They were eerily quiet. A cough was let out here and there but mostly the people were serious. “With that I leave it to Asher.”
The crowd clapped as Wayne stepped down. Asher stood up. A little nervous, but after being on TV so much it wasn’t too nerve racking.
“Thank you Guild Master Wayne,” Asher said. “You all know me. If you don’t. Please see me after the meeting. You need to get your head out of the clouds.” There were a few chuckles. Asher had learned his public speaking from his father. The church pastor in him leaked out now and then. It was a staple of pastor’s to always tell at least one joke.
“I have been tasked to bring people with me off-world. I don’t believe this job will be easy. It will be a fight for our lives. As will all of our fights. When I come back I don’t expect to see the same place I left. But I do expect this guild to be here. That will require all of you to put the effort in. Many of you will be put in charge of normal people that never had a System. And I pray you will do what you can for them. Zora will be one of those people. Her and her family are in Iowa. None of them have a System. Many of you know her so I hope you can treat those under your care the same way you would want to be treated. The same way you would want your loved ones to be treated.”
“Here here,” Tiff said. A few claps were let out.
“I also understand many of you will be trying for a new System. I don’t blame you. We all wish to be better and stronger. But as Tiffany pointed out to me. There really isn’t a weak System. If you level up and use your skills they can become strong in their own way. Every single one of you has a special gift that we will need in the new world. So don’t be sad if you don’t get the System you want. Or get jealous of your friend that appears to get experience just by breathing. Focus on yourself.”
Many heads nodded with the statement. There were a few murmurs but mostly it was quiet.
Asher continued. “With that I would like to invite some people with me.” This was the true excitement in the hall. People wanted to know who would be going. Asher knew most of them didn’t.
“I can bring 10 total. I have promised 1 to the government, I will save 1 for the UN, 1 for my friend Nadir, and 1 for someone I think we could use that is not currently here. That leaves 6 spots. Remember, this is going to be at least 6 months away from Earth. There will be no quitting halfway through. There will be fighting. Also remember you can’t change your System if you go. So if you’re not happy with your current System I recommend staying. I will not be hurt if you decide to stay.”
People nodded again. “First are my parents. Alexandria and Bishop Whitmore. Do you accept?” He pointed at them. They stood from their chairs and nodded.
“That leaves 4. My amazing fiancé Tiffany. Do you accept?”
“Of course,” she said from the chair behind him.
“3. Batman. Do you accept?”
Batman stood in his batsuit. He looked to the room and simply nodded.
“2. Amanda do you accept?”
She looked a little shocked by the offer. She stood. Appeared to think about it and shook her head. Asher nodded. “Abby Fitzgerald. Do you accept?” He asked.
The Saiyan too was surprised. She caught herself though. “You sure you can survive without me, Guild Master?” She asked.
Wayne stood. “I’m in agreement with Asher. I think your mission will be harder. I think we can hold down the fort until you all come back.”
Abby thought about it. “Fine, I’ll help save your ass,” she said eventually.
“Thanks,” Asher said. Looking around the room he finally focused on the last person. “The last place I was going to ask someone but they already declined.” He had wanted Emma the succubus. For selfish and professional reasons. But she and her brother had already flown back to Austria to be with family during the Initialization. “Luckily we recently recruited someone that I think would be perfect. Keera, would you like to go off the planet with us?”
The small girl was off to the side recording everything. She jumped at the sound of her name looking up from her invisible screen. “Me?” She squeaked.
“Yes, you,” he said.
“But why me? I’m not a fighter.”
“Honestly, your System is pretty cool. And I think everyone here would love to see what adventures we get up to in outer space. If you’re not happy with your System I understand. But if you’d like to see it all. You should come with.”
Her face darkened in a blush. But soon she simply nodded her reply. Asher flashed her a smile.
“That’s all the spaces filled. If you really really want to go. Let me know people. I think I can squeeze one more person in. Otherwise we will be leaving here in a couple of hours. Stopping in Iowa. Then off to DC to catch a spaceship outta here.”
“Tell me Mr. Whitmore, what inspired you to put out these videos?” Bill asked.
“Like I said. It was that party of the top 1%. No one there was worried about the Initialization but people on the streets were panicked. They had every right to be. I really hoped to simply alleviate some of their concerns.”
“We did see a big uptick in crime after the announcement of our Initialization. I don’t know how much an impact your System Walkthroughs have made, but I feel a little better after watching them.”
“That’s good to hear. And my guild, Community, will keep putting them out, right up until the start of the Initialization.”
“Yes, please follow the link at the bottom of the screen to the Community webpage,” Bill said looking at the camera.
They had knocked out most all the videos in a day. Keera had went right to work taping and editing. She also had an Illusion skill to add to the videos that helped. They were already in the hundreds of millions of views and she had jumped up to level 15 in a matter of days. With no real family she was already living at the Guild Hall putting videos out as soon as they were done.
Now it was one day before he was supposed to meet up with Tyranis. Asher had set up the current interview with a local TV host in the area. He was still the face of Systems, despite how the news tried to portray him.
“Can you discuss a little more on that. The fact that you are in a guild?” Bill asked.
“Of course, we were releasing a video on that soon, but I can give a quick overview. In the System they allow guilds to be formed. This is a group of people that come together for a common goal. Our guild master, Wayne Tyler, is a local police captain and has worked for years to build us up to what we are today. The System allows the guild master to set terms that are System enforced.”
“Interesting. And how did you form this guild?”
“We were given a quest to subdue a bad System user. And at the end one of our rewards was a guild charter. Everyone who joins has to sign this charter and agree to the terms. Tyranis, the alien elf, explained that these charters will become more common post-Initialization. I recommend to all of you out there; stay close to your friends during the Initialization. You’ll all be stronger for it, and I hope you form your own guilds and work together.
“Very inspiring words. On the next topic have you finalized your team to go with you to outer space?”
“I have not. I am limited to bring 10 others. I agreed to bring 1 person from the American Government. I offered 1 person to the UN, but they can’t seem to agree for a country to represent. I know I’ll be taking my parents. And I hope to talk a few more from my guild into coming. But also my main reason for the interview tonight is to ask a certain orange haired someone to join me.” Asher looked into the camera. “Atalanta, I know you’re watching. I think you’d hate to miss out on all the cool stuff we will be doing in outer space. I’ll save a spot for you.”
“Interesting. I assume she is one of your girlfriends?” Bill asked.
Asher ignored the girlfriends comment. “I only met her twice. I beat her up the first time, and she robbed me the second. But I’m pretty sure she’s the 2nd strongest System User out there. I would like her along to help.”
“Second strongest? Who’s the first?”
“Why me of course,” Asher said.
“Mighty big words. How did you come to that conclusion?”
“I received a notice from the System,” Asher said simply. “I’ll take it as truth until someone proves otherwise.”
“Moving on… there have been some comments online after you announced that you and your mother would be representing the planet.”
Asher’s face became cold as his smile left him. “How so?”
Bill began to sweat a little. “After certain videos online. People are upset that 2 of the 10 people representing Earth have such…immoral pasts.”
“I’ll have to stop you there,” Asher said firmly. Looking into the camera he said simply. “I am very disappointed that people would label my mother based off of her past. Instead of what she truly is. The person that raised the single strongest human on the planet. You can call me what you want and I will turn the other cheek. But if you disrespect my mother. I will come after you. Instead of criticizing her. Thank her. You have seen her in those guild videos learning to use her skills and fight. If half of you showed that much tenacity to learn during the tutorial then I wouldn’t have a care in the world for those I am leaving behind.”
Asher stood up as the camera followed him. “With that I will leave you with these words. I have fought and killed to get where I am and protect those I love. And just because you will be going through a tutorial and gaining levels does not mean I will ever stop gaining them. I am now this world's Champion. Whether I want to be or not. When I come back to Earth I expect it to be better than when I left it. And if not. If some power hungry high level tyrant is oppressing people. Well I’ll be coming after you. This world is going to change in a few days. I will not.”
Asher walked off the set. He was met by a smiling Tiffany. “Melodramatic much?”
“I wanted to leave off with a warning. There will be a lot of Nicolais and Rauls out there,” Asher said.
“Oh I’m not critiquing. I think it’s hot when you get all pissed off,” she said, squeezing his butt.
“I aim to please,” he said, picking her up. Princess carrying her she rested her head on his shoulder. His muscles were like rocks, but she still found him comfortable. They were soon outside and in the Humvee. Hansen drove them through the big crowd that had gathered. Some people yelled his name but Asher ignored it. He had made the mistake of answering questions from people on the street before and someone fired a shot at his head. Luckily he had his Bloodless on. Which reminded him to give it to Zora. He doubted they used bullets where he was going so it would be better for her.
They went back to the Guild Hall. Asher spoke to a few people. But everyone was soon gathered for his final meeting. A platform had been added to one side of the cafeteria. Chairs on it and a podium at the front Asher sat at one of the chairs. Amanda, Batman, Tiffany, and Wayne sat at the others. It was soon standing room only in the cafeteria. Families of the System users had flocked there whether they had a system or not. Recruitment had also exploded. They now had over 200 System Users on the charter. It was a sight Asher was proud to see.
People murmured which was quite loud with over 1,000 people there. As Wayne walked up to the microphone everyone hushed.
“Welcome to Community. We haven’t done a meeting in a few days so I thought it would be good to try it.” People chuckled. They had done nothing but have meetings. Everyone had assignments. But this meeting was special.
“To start, please look at the quest board to see if anyone can help wrap some up for Initialization.” Asher saw the wall of minor quests. It was littered with them, when once the wall was bare.
“Also, if you do not have a System and no storage accessory, please contact me or Amanda. A general fund has been made up for storage rings. They will have 25 to 50 cubic feet of space. If you bring us a weapon and some food we will ensure it has those items for the tutorial.” Some people had tried to abuse this privilege. But they soon had a sign up sheet. And since they were family of those with Systems, the family member with a System paid the bulk of the ring's cost.
“Lastly, for what I have to say, I would like everyone to push through till the finish line. We have training classes going on. Purchasing groups going out. And a wide variety of System users here. Please stay busy. Every second of prep now is a second not wasted during the tutorial. Some people have started making packets listing recommended group builds and stat distributions. Familiarize yourself with everything.” People nodded. They were eerily quiet. A cough was let out here and there but mostly the people were serious. “With that I leave it to Asher.”
The crowd clapped as Wayne stepped down. Asher stood up. A little nervous, but after being on TV so much it wasn’t too nerve racking.
“Thank you Guild Master Wayne,” Asher said. “You all know me. If you don’t. Please see me after the meeting. You need to get your head out of the clouds.” There were a few chuckles. Asher had learned his public speaking from his father. The church pastor in him leaked out now and then. It was a staple of pastor’s to always tell at least one joke.
“I have been tasked to bring people with me off-world. I don’t believe this job will be easy. It will be a fight for our lives. As will all of our fights. When I come back I don’t expect to see the same place I left. But I do expect this guild to be here. That will require all of you to put the effort in. Many of you will be put in charge of normal people that never had a System. And I pray you will do what you can for them. Zora will be one of those people. Her and her family are in Iowa. None of them have a System. Many of you know her so I hope you can treat those under your care the same way you would want to be treated. The same way you would want your loved ones to be treated.”
“Here here,” Tiff said. A few claps were let out.
“I also understand many of you will be trying for a new System. I don’t blame you. We all wish to be better and stronger. But as Tiffany pointed out to me. There really isn’t a weak System. If you level up and use your skills they can become strong in their own way. Every single one of you has a special gift that we will need in the new world. So don’t be sad if you don’t get the System you want. Or get jealous of your friend that appears to get experience just by breathing. Focus on yourself.”
Many heads nodded with the statement. There were a few murmurs but mostly it was quiet.
Asher continued. “With that I would like to invite some people with me.” This was the true excitement in the hall. People wanted to know who would be going. Asher knew most of them didn’t.
“I can bring 10 total. I have promised 1 to the government, I will save 1 for the UN, 1 for my friend Nadir, and 1 for someone I think we could use that is not currently here. That leaves 6 spots. Remember, this is going to be at least 6 months away from Earth. There will be no quitting halfway through. There will be fighting. Also remember you can’t change your System if you go. So if you’re not happy with your current System I recommend staying. I will not be hurt if you decide to stay.”
People nodded again. “First are my parents. Alexandria and Bishop Whitmore. Do you accept?” He pointed at them. They stood from their chairs and nodded.
“That leaves 4. My amazing fiancé Tiffany. Do you accept?”
“Of course,” she said from the chair behind him.
“3. Batman. Do you accept?”
Batman stood in his batsuit. He looked to the room and simply nodded.
“2. Amanda do you accept?”
She looked a little shocked by the offer. She stood. Appeared to think about it and shook her head. Asher nodded. “Abby Fitzgerald. Do you accept?” He asked.
The Saiyan too was surprised. She caught herself though. “You sure you can survive without me, Guild Master?” She asked.
Wayne stood. “I’m in agreement with Asher. I think your mission will be harder. I think we can hold down the fort until you all come back.”
Abby thought about it. “Fine, I’ll help save your ass,” she said eventually.
“Thanks,” Asher said. Looking around the room he finally focused on the last person. “The last place I was going to ask someone but they already declined.” He had wanted Emma the succubus. For selfish and professional reasons. But she and her brother had already flown back to Austria to be with family during the Initialization. “Luckily we recently recruited someone that I think would be perfect. Keera, would you like to go off the planet with us?”
The small girl was off to the side recording everything. She jumped at the sound of her name looking up from her invisible screen. “Me?” She squeaked.
“Yes, you,” he said.
“But why me? I’m not a fighter.”
“Honestly, your System is pretty cool. And I think everyone here would love to see what adventures we get up to in outer space. If you’re not happy with your System I understand. But if you’d like to see it all. You should come with.”
Her face darkened in a blush. But soon she simply nodded her reply. Asher flashed her a smile.
“That’s all the spaces filled. If you really really want to go. Let me know people. I think I can squeeze one more person in. Otherwise we will be leaving here in a couple of hours. Stopping in Iowa. Then off to DC to catch a spaceship outta here.”
