“Where the hell have you 2 been?” Batman asked as Tiff and Asher walked into the Mess Hall.
“Umm sleeping?” Asher said.
“I knocked on your door,” he said.
“Sorry, the Sound Dampening Accessory works both ways,” he said. “What’s up?”
“We are landing,” he said.
“What? That’s not for…” he said, pulling out his Comm. “Now,” he realized as he read the time. The Comm had a System Standard time and date on it. There were 10 months to a year, 30 days to a month, but still 24 hours to a day. He couldn’t read the words on it, but luckily the numbers were still the same. “Sorry, lost track of time,” he said.
Tiff was happily humming as she clung to his arm. Oblivious to what they were talking about. Despite all the sex they partook on a daily basis, it felt good to still see her like that now and then. Her bow legged walk was also enjoyable to watch. His Genitalia Control had allowed their play to be mostly safe, but there was still a little discomfort after the fun.
“We are here,” Tyranis said as he walked out from the bridge hallway. The captain and his crew followed. It wasn’t long until the Mess Hall had everyone from the ship, all 30 people. The Burills even joined them for once. They had made themselves scarce since meeting Asher. Neither looked at him, or strayed their eyes from Tyranis.
“I will go down with the Burills, Isyant, and Ental. Kytor would you mind taking the Champion and his team?” Tyranis asked.
After a nod from the captain the young merchant hesitantly answered, “Um sure.”
They all walked as a group to the exit platform. Idle chatter was the only sound as they waited. “I’m guessing there’s a special reason on who leaves when?” Nadir asked Kytor.
“Kind of,” he admitted. “More of a tradition. During pre-System days the most important people left a ship first, then on down from there. I’m sure Tyranis is trying to please the Burills in case anything might be misconstrued,” he said, locking eyes with Asher. Asher got the message. He didn’t mind waiting.
When the platform came back up they piled on. Kytor nervously commanded Helion to bring them down. As they were pooped out of the ship the light from outside leaked in. When they exited the cavity Asher couldn’t help but smile. They were in a large grass covered field. The field resembled the one he had entered from a dungeon portal all those months ago.
The platform set them on the ground. As they stepped off Asher stepped onto the same spongy polymer that lined the streets of Lyola’s city. The platform itself was only about 200 feet in diameter. Then there was nothing but grass as far as he could see. He took in a deep breath and exhaled.
“Which dungeon was this for you again?” Batman asked.
“My first,” Asher said as he looked through the field. “Had to kill a bunch of goblins. They cut off my arm,” he said as if it was a good memory.
“They what!?” His mom asked.
He shyly ducked his head expecting her to hit the back of it. “I got better,” he said in a British Accent.
Their view was drawn as a large ship raised up a couple hundred yards away. It was sleek and red, the windshield was tinted, and it was very quiet as it turned and flew off into the distance. “Asher, I have decided. You are buying me a plane,” Tiffany said.
“How much would that cost?” Asher asked Kytor.
“That Glider? A lot. But you can get a small personal one for about 1,000 Syscos,” he admitted.
“Deal,” he said, flashing Tiff a thumbs up. She clapped happily as she jumped. He couldn’t help but imagine doing her on one. Her hair was short again, she had used mana to lengthen it with her own Body Control. She had done the same with her ears and breasts. She wore a red leather outfit now. He was pretty sure it was a Scarlet Witch costume she bought in Japan. Tiff wanted to look her coolest for new people.
Tyranis walked up to them from where the small ship had left. “My first wife has gone ahead with the Burills. I will take you all to the city.” With that they piled in a less fancy ship. The interior was nice, leather seats, clean windows all around, enough seating for everyone. Only problem was it was bright yellow, Asher felt like he was in a school bus.
“So what is the plan?” Asher asked. “I think we would all like to go shopping, but we need a guide.”
“How about we go over the long term plan?” His mother said. “When are we taking these trials? Can we train more? Go into dungeons? Will we be on this planet the whole time? Where will we be lodging?”
“Great questions Ria,” Tyranis said. His mother had made it a point to get to know everyone on the ship when they weren’t training.
“The Trial will not be for another month or so. Asher, you should be receiving a quest when it is about a week away. We won’t know the exact time until that happens. You can train as much as you want. Isyant may not be available, since I am sure he wants to spend time with his family, but if you pay them I am sure I can find someone just as capable. For Dungeons I can have someone at the palace notify you of any that become available. I strongly recommend you all start practicing fighting together. Commonly the Trials are a group event rather than personal. It also does not help that you are the last planet to have your Champion chosen.”
“How so?” Asher’s father asked.
“The Initialization Countdown of all 3 new planets only started the day after your Champion was chosen,” he pointed to Asher. “That means the other 2 planets had their Trial of Champions completed some time ago. So they have been leveling since then, gotten their own team, and been training. Granted they have the same information you have, but they are also from more warlike people than you are. I hate to admit, but you will be hard pressed to catch up with them on levels.” Asher really hadn’t thought of that. The faceless foes were slowly coming into the light. A part of him was scared for his friends and family, but another part was excited for another challenge.
“You should be on this planet at least through the first 2 trials, if you make it beyond that, where you stay is up to you. My palace is large so we have set a block of rooms aside for you. You are more than welcome to stay. I have kept it mostly secret that the new Champion will be coming here, but my people will soon find out. At that point you may become too popular to walk the streets without being noticed.”
“When will your people find out?” Asher asked.
“Now,” Tyranis said as the cruiser landed. He quickly opened the door to uproarious applause. Outside was a large platform with a fancy podium on it. Beyond the platform was a huge crowd of people. He would have called them elves, but there were more than one species. He saw dark elves, cat people, what looked like kitsune/fox girls, and lizard people. All walks of life happily cheered as the Roktai leader Tyranis walked to the podium.
“My people, the Roktai,” he said to more cheers. “I have some amazing news. Our planet has been chosen to assist one of the new Initialized planets Champions.” More cheers. “What I have kept from most all of you is that he is the Lawful Good the System has chosen.” Somehow the cheers got louder. Asher was starting to realize Tyranis might have been doing this for more than just a quest. Maybe a morale thing or simply bragging rights. Hovering cameras focused on the elf as he raised his hands. “Please welcome Asher Whitmore and his party.”
“You heard him,” Tiff said with a smile as she pushed him out of the Glider. Of course he tripped on the door opening and almost fell to the ground. He caught himself just in time. In a pair of jeans and green T-shirt, he felt a little underdressed as the cameras moved from Tyranis to him. Struggling to allow his brain to catch up he was pushed forward as others left the ship. His wife latched onto his arm and started dragging him forward. “You’re the Champion, act like it,” she said through gritted teeth as she smiled.
Asher slid himself into a minor Roleplay. He was still Asher Whitmore, but more confident. His face relaxed. Taking on a stoic look, the knots in his shoulders loosened, and he dragged Tiff along as he took longer strides. She yelped but held on. When he stood next to Tyranis she stepped back to give him room.
“Mr. Champion. Do you have anything to say?” Tyranis asked, he had a cocky smile on. Asher decided he would get him back for this someday. Level 99 or not.
“Of course,” he said. Tyranis smiled and stepped to the side so Asher could take his place. He didn’t see a microphone, but assumed something would project his voice. The crowd quieted down. There were now people as far as he could see, but the actor in him didn’t stray. He felt his Regal Presence skill exude confidence as he began to speak.
“I was on this planet some months ago,” Asher admitted. “At that time I thought it was a dungeon. I was level 7 I think.” Some people laughed, but he ignored them. “And I could not get over how beautiful this place was. The air was clean, the wildlife flourished, and your cities were beautiful. I fought my first monster here. It was a horned rabbit. I lost my first fight. It was to a group of goblins. They captured and tortured me. But I killed them all.” The group was quiet after the admission.
“The next day I woke up in a goblin camp and sat by a fire. The wind in the air, giant trees all around me. I felt truly content here. This place was my first real adventure. I’ve had a few more since then, but you never forget your first.” A few laughs rang out, he was glad they could understand his reference. “I came back to this planet, for my next big adventure.” The words flowed out of him as he put them together. It all felt right to him, and he let a tear fall from his eye.
“My family and friends are with me this time. Though I am told we face death, I can’t help but feel excited. A new trial to conquer, a new title to earn, a new level to gain.” His fist clenched. Asher paused for a moment catching himself. Staring into the eyes of a small green skin child he admitted, “But those are selfish goals. Seeing all of you I look forward to my own people being as at peace as you all are. They fight for their lives as we speak, just as all of your ancestors once did. Thus, I will give my all. We will give our all because they would do the same for us. As I am sure all of you would do for the Roktai.”
The crowd roared. Asher didn’t remember much of the speech, but it must have been good. It took Tyranis a little bit to calm them down. “My melodramatic hero,” Tiff whispered as she looped her hand around his arm and waved.
Tyranis spoke some words on the Trial, but quickly the crowd at the back dispersed. Asher noticed that the buildings of the city were cookie cutter to those in Lyola’s town. Tall black metal buildings. More personal planes littered the sky following some unknown rules of the sky.
When Tyranis finished they piled back in the school bus. Kytor was let out to go report to his family on their recent trade deal. Asher hoped he would keep his mouth shut about the relationship with Lyola.
“Quite a good speech my boy,” his dad said when they lifted off.
“You think? Got caught up in the moment,” he said blushing. “Still weird to see all the different people. Are they all part of the Roktai Guild?”
“They are. Some outsiders come of course, but usually citizens of the country sign the guild charter when they awaken,” Tyranis admitted.
“Would it be a problem for me to see the terms? I'd like ideas for our own,” Tiffany said. She knew when to be serious, and he loved her for it.
“Shouldn’t be a problem. I will have someone drop off a copy,” he said.
“Since we have Comms it shouldn’t be an issue to split up, would it?” Nadir asked.
“Not at all,” Tyranis said. “I would appreciate you sticking around the castle tonight. My family would like to meet you all. And I’m sure your faces are now plastered in the city. You might not want to be out there tonight.”
Asher didn’t see a problem with that. Holding Tiff’s hand he watched out the window as they lazily moved through the city. Building after building zoomed by until eventually they began to descend.
The largest building of all appeared. Easily a quarter mile across it was actually shorter than other buildings. A white steel coated the entire palace, setting it apart from all the other buildings he had seen. The bus landed on a platform that jutted out the side of the palace. Asher stepped out after Tyranis.
An excited dark haired elf stood next to an older woman elf. The older woman had graying hair and a thin frame. The younger one was the first elf there that Ash could immediately tell was male. He wondered if he was a different species. Casting Identification he was shocked by what he read.
Human/Elf
Level ???
A half elf. That wasn’t the only surprise in store for him. “Tosh, I didn’t expect you out of your last dungeon delve,” Tyranis said. “Amelie, it's good to see you,” he said to the older elf.
“I wasn’t planning on it till I caught a vid on the new planets. Consider my surprise to see my old home world,” Tosh said with a smile.
“You mean?” Tyranis asked.
“Yes. I came from Earth,” Tosh said, locking eyes with Asher.
“Where the hell have you 2 been?” Batman asked as Tiff and Asher walked into the Mess Hall.
“Umm sleeping?” Asher said.
“I knocked on your door,” he said.
“Sorry, the Sound Dampening Accessory works both ways,” he said. “What’s up?”
“We are landing,” he said.
“What? That’s not for…” he said, pulling out his Comm. “Now,” he realized as he read the time. The Comm had a System Standard time and date on it. There were 10 months to a year, 30 days to a month, but still 24 hours to a day. He couldn’t read the words on it, but luckily the numbers were still the same. “Sorry, lost track of time,” he said.
Tiff was happily humming as she clung to his arm. Oblivious to what they were talking about. Despite all the sex they partook on a daily basis, it felt good to still see her like that now and then. Her bow legged walk was also enjoyable to watch. His Genitalia Control had allowed their play to be mostly safe, but there was still a little discomfort after the fun.
“We are here,” Tyranis said as he walked out from the bridge hallway. The captain and his crew followed. It wasn’t long until the Mess Hall had everyone from the ship, all 30 people. The Burills even joined them for once. They had made themselves scarce since meeting Asher. Neither looked at him, or strayed their eyes from Tyranis.
“I will go down with the Burills, Isyant, and Ental. Kytor would you mind taking the Champion and his team?” Tyranis asked.
After a nod from the captain the young merchant hesitantly answered, “Um sure.”
They all walked as a group to the exit platform. Idle chatter was the only sound as they waited. “I’m guessing there’s a special reason on who leaves when?” Nadir asked Kytor.
“Kind of,” he admitted. “More of a tradition. During pre-System days the most important people left a ship first, then on down from there. I’m sure Tyranis is trying to please the Burills in case anything might be misconstrued,” he said, locking eyes with Asher. Asher got the message. He didn’t mind waiting.
When the platform came back up they piled on. Kytor nervously commanded Helion to bring them down. As they were pooped out of the ship the light from outside leaked in. When they exited the cavity Asher couldn’t help but smile. They were in a large grass covered field. The field resembled the one he had entered from a dungeon portal all those months ago.
The platform set them on the ground. As they stepped off Asher stepped onto the same spongy polymer that lined the streets of Lyola’s city. The platform itself was only about 200 feet in diameter. Then there was nothing but grass as far as he could see. He took in a deep breath and exhaled.
“Which dungeon was this for you again?” Batman asked.
“My first,” Asher said as he looked through the field. “Had to kill a bunch of goblins. They cut off my arm,” he said as if it was a good memory.
“They what!?” His mom asked.
He shyly ducked his head expecting her to hit the back of it. “I got better,” he said in a British Accent.
Their view was drawn as a large ship raised up a couple hundred yards away. It was sleek and red, the windshield was tinted, and it was very quiet as it turned and flew off into the distance. “Asher, I have decided. You are buying me a plane,” Tiffany said.
“How much would that cost?” Asher asked Kytor.
“That Glider? A lot. But you can get a small personal one for about 1,000 Syscos,” he admitted.
“Deal,” he said, flashing Tiff a thumbs up. She clapped happily as she jumped. He couldn’t help but imagine doing her on one. Her hair was short again, she had used mana to lengthen it with her own Body Control. She had done the same with her ears and breasts. She wore a red leather outfit now. He was pretty sure it was a Scarlet Witch costume she bought in Japan. Tiff wanted to look her coolest for new people.
Tyranis walked up to them from where the small ship had left. “My first wife has gone ahead with the Burills. I will take you all to the city.” With that they piled in a less fancy ship. The interior was nice, leather seats, clean windows all around, enough seating for everyone. Only problem was it was bright yellow, Asher felt like he was in a school bus.
“So what is the plan?” Asher asked. “I think we would all like to go shopping, but we need a guide.”
“How about we go over the long term plan?” His mother said. “When are we taking these trials? Can we train more? Go into dungeons? Will we be on this planet the whole time? Where will we be lodging?”
“Great questions Ria,” Tyranis said. His mother had made it a point to get to know everyone on the ship when they weren’t training.
“The Trial will not be for another month or so. Asher, you should be receiving a quest when it is about a week away. We won’t know the exact time until that happens. You can train as much as you want. Isyant may not be available, since I am sure he wants to spend time with his family, but if you pay them I am sure I can find someone just as capable. For Dungeons I can have someone at the palace notify you of any that become available. I strongly recommend you all start practicing fighting together. Commonly the Trials are a group event rather than personal. It also does not help that you are the last planet to have your Champion chosen.”
“How so?” Asher’s father asked.
“The Initialization Countdown of all 3 new planets only started the day after your Champion was chosen,” he pointed to Asher. “That means the other 2 planets had their Trial of Champions completed some time ago. So they have been leveling since then, gotten their own team, and been training. Granted they have the same information you have, but they are also from more warlike people than you are. I hate to admit, but you will be hard pressed to catch up with them on levels.” Asher really hadn’t thought of that. The faceless foes were slowly coming into the light. A part of him was scared for his friends and family, but another part was excited for another challenge.
“You should be on this planet at least through the first 2 trials, if you make it beyond that, where you stay is up to you. My palace is large so we have set a block of rooms aside for you. You are more than welcome to stay. I have kept it mostly secret that the new Champion will be coming here, but my people will soon find out. At that point you may become too popular to walk the streets without being noticed.”
“When will your people find out?” Asher asked.
“Now,” Tyranis said as the cruiser landed. He quickly opened the door to uproarious applause. Outside was a large platform with a fancy podium on it. Beyond the platform was a huge crowd of people. He would have called them elves, but there were more than one species. He saw dark elves, cat people, what looked like kitsune/fox girls, and lizard people. All walks of life happily cheered as the Roktai leader Tyranis walked to the podium.
“My people, the Roktai,” he said to more cheers. “I have some amazing news. Our planet has been chosen to assist one of the new Initialized planets Champions.” More cheers. “What I have kept from most all of you is that he is the Lawful Good the System has chosen.” Somehow the cheers got louder. Asher was starting to realize Tyranis might have been doing this for more than just a quest. Maybe a morale thing or simply bragging rights. Hovering cameras focused on the elf as he raised his hands. “Please welcome Asher Whitmore and his party.”
“You heard him,” Tiff said with a smile as she pushed him out of the Glider. Of course he tripped on the door opening and almost fell to the ground. He caught himself just in time. In a pair of jeans and green T-shirt, he felt a little underdressed as the cameras moved from Tyranis to him. Struggling to allow his brain to catch up he was pushed forward as others left the ship. His wife latched onto his arm and started dragging him forward. “You’re the Champion, act like it,” she said through gritted teeth as she smiled.
Asher slid himself into a minor Roleplay. He was still Asher Whitmore, but more confident. His face relaxed. Taking on a stoic look, the knots in his shoulders loosened, and he dragged Tiff along as he took longer strides. She yelped but held on. When he stood next to Tyranis she stepped back to give him room.
“Mr. Champion. Do you have anything to say?” Tyranis asked, he had a cocky smile on. Asher decided he would get him back for this someday. Level 99 or not.
“Of course,” he said. Tyranis smiled and stepped to the side so Asher could take his place. He didn’t see a microphone, but assumed something would project his voice. The crowd quieted down. There were now people as far as he could see, but the actor in him didn’t stray. He felt his Regal Presence skill exude confidence as he began to speak.
“I was on this planet some months ago,” Asher admitted. “At that time I thought it was a dungeon. I was level 7 I think.” Some people laughed, but he ignored them. “And I could not get over how beautiful this place was. The air was clean, the wildlife flourished, and your cities were beautiful. I fought my first monster here. It was a horned rabbit. I lost my first fight. It was to a group of goblins. They captured and tortured me. But I killed them all.” The group was quiet after the admission.
“The next day I woke up in a goblin camp and sat by a fire. The wind in the air, giant trees all around me. I felt truly content here. This place was my first real adventure. I’ve had a few more since then, but you never forget your first.” A few laughs rang out, he was glad they could understand his reference. “I came back to this planet, for my next big adventure.” The words flowed out of him as he put them together. It all felt right to him, and he let a tear fall from his eye.
“My family and friends are with me this time. Though I am told we face death, I can’t help but feel excited. A new trial to conquer, a new title to earn, a new level to gain.” His fist clenched. Asher paused for a moment catching himself. Staring into the eyes of a small green skin child he admitted, “But those are selfish goals. Seeing all of you I look forward to my own people being as at peace as you all are. They fight for their lives as we speak, just as all of your ancestors once did. Thus, I will give my all. We will give our all because they would do the same for us. As I am sure all of you would do for the Roktai.”
The crowd roared. Asher didn’t remember much of the speech, but it must have been good. It took Tyranis a little bit to calm them down. “My melodramatic hero,” Tiff whispered as she looped her hand around his arm and waved.
Tyranis spoke some words on the Trial, but quickly the crowd at the back dispersed. Asher noticed that the buildings of the city were cookie cutter to those in Lyola’s town. Tall black metal buildings. More personal planes littered the sky following some unknown rules of the sky.
When Tyranis finished they piled back in the school bus. Kytor was let out to go report to his family on their recent trade deal. Asher hoped he would keep his mouth shut about the relationship with Lyola.
“Quite a good speech my boy,” his dad said when they lifted off.
“You think? Got caught up in the moment,” he said blushing. “Still weird to see all the different people. Are they all part of the Roktai Guild?”
“They are. Some outsiders come of course, but usually citizens of the country sign the guild charter when they awaken,” Tyranis admitted.
“Would it be a problem for me to see the terms? I'd like ideas for our own,” Tiffany said. She knew when to be serious, and he loved her for it.
“Shouldn’t be a problem. I will have someone drop off a copy,” he said.
“Since we have Comms it shouldn’t be an issue to split up, would it?” Nadir asked.
“Not at all,” Tyranis said. “I would appreciate you sticking around the castle tonight. My family would like to meet you all. And I’m sure your faces are now plastered in the city. You might not want to be out there tonight.”
Asher didn’t see a problem with that. Holding Tiff’s hand he watched out the window as they lazily moved through the city. Building after building zoomed by until eventually they began to descend.
The largest building of all appeared. Easily a quarter mile across it was actually shorter than other buildings. A white steel coated the entire palace, setting it apart from all the other buildings he had seen. The bus landed on a platform that jutted out the side of the palace. Asher stepped out after Tyranis.
An excited dark haired elf stood next to an older woman elf. The older woman had graying hair and a thin frame. The younger one was the first elf there that Ash could immediately tell was male. He wondered if he was a different species. Casting Identification he was shocked by what he read.
Human/Elf
Level ???
A half elf. That wasn’t the only surprise in store for him. “Tosh, I didn’t expect you out of your last dungeon delve,” Tyranis said. “Amelie, it's good to see you,” he said to the older elf.
“I wasn’t planning on it till I caught a vid on the new planets. Consider my surprise to see my old home world,” Tosh said with a smile.
“You mean?” Tyranis asked.
“Yes. I came from Earth,” Tosh said, locking eyes with Asher.
