System Change

In a certain noble estate in the Kingdom of Draylanthi, two figures sat alone in a sitting room. One was a noble-looking older gentleman with short white hair and a stern expression on his face. The other person was short, wore a hooded robe from head to toe, and was kicked back in a very comfortable-looking chair. Just under the hood, one could see a slight grin forming on his face.

“Now, this is certainly an interesting thing to see during my last few months in this world,” the hooded figure said. “So… very… interesting… a Guarding of the Davenresh System.”

“Sir Marrick,” the older gentleman said. “I believe that you may be taking all of this a little too lightly. Did you not say that you had family on the other continent?”

“I do,” Marrick said. “But that continent has a monster protecting it. Also, King Osian isn’t too shabby when it comes to battle. Not to mention the fact that he was given the same warnings that I was—along with my family—so I’m sure they are being well protected, just like your own family.”

“And I thank you for notifying me of such things and giving me time to prepare—even if I did not believe you at first,” the man said. “And this monster that you speak of, he is the friend of Alanah whom you spoke about?”

“That he is,” Marrick replied. “He’s the reason I decided to pay Draylanthi a visit after having fun in Linderis. He mentioned in passing that the Dawn Siren had a friend around here named David Brandt, and I wanted to see what kind of person that friend was—especially considering the type of person Alanah Swan was said to be when she lived over here.”

“She was only ever dangerous to those she deemed bad… well… and to everyone else if she ever lost control,” David replied. “But those bouts were few and far between. When she lost control, she always tried to do so when there were not innocents around. Her legend just continues to grow over time, and facts are distorted.”

“Uh huh…” Marrick replied. “Well… I don’t know her well enough to judge too harshly. She only threatened me a couple of times. It would have been a good fight, though.”

“I’m sure it would have,” David replied. “So, have you decided?” he asked, changing the subject from his old friend to one of more immediate concern. “Will you become one of these ‘Guardians?’”

“Of course I will!” Marrick laughed. “These old bones can’t miss such a conclusion to their last adventure,” he stated. “And what about you? What have you decided?”“I feel that I am honor-bound to do so,” David replied. “As my family and staff stated before, I had them sent away for protection. None of them received such a notification. That means that only a small number of people will be selected for this. So, yes… I will accept.”

The two men looked at each other, and then David nodded. After a moment, they both agreed to become Guardians.

“An alias?” Marrick muttered a few seconds later. “Why the hell would I worry about any of that? The system can call me whatever it wants.”

“That may not be a good idea,” David replied, but Marrick shook his head and snorted.

“Well… you might be right, but it’s too late,” Marrick replied. “I already selected the option and have my title.”

“Did you?” David widened his eyes. “And what title were you given by the Great Davenresh System?”

“I wish you wouldn’t call it that,” Marrick said, then he snorted again. “I am currently known as The Old Goblin…”

***

“How fun!” Edgar laughed out loud. “Though I am surprised that you were not selected,” he said to Vanessa.

“I guess I’m not strong enough, or the system does not deem me qualified,” the Shadow Witch replied with a frown. “It seems that all this new gear may be wasted on me.”

“Just because you’re not a Guardian doesn’t mean that you can’t fight,” Edgar said. “Hell, we don’t even know what the role of a Guardian will be.” The still freshly appointed duke’s eyes drifted off as he read another notification. “Hmm… an alias? What was it that Derek’s companion always calls me?” He scratched his chin. “Oh! That’s right. Big Sparky.”

“Really?” Vanessa asked. “It’s asking you for an alias, and you’re going to go with Big Sparky?”

“I already did,” Edgar answered with a smile.

***

“It seems that all of Derek’s warnings have come to pass,” Osian said as he sat on his throne. “It looks like I am to be a Guardian for the system… whatever that may be.”

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“You’ll have to speak with King Edward in Cydaria,” Ryven said. “The soul contract limits your power.”

“No worries,” Osian said. “We have already been in touch just in case something like that was needed. I am already good to go.”

“Okay,” Ryven said. “What is the plan now?”

“Now? Now you must get everyone to safety,” the king replied. “While you do that, I will wait to see what else the system has in store for me.”

Ryven nodded, then stood up and left the Throne Room, leaving Osian sitting there in contemplation—waiting for everyone else to make their own decisions.

***

In the outskirts of the Vorandell capital, a pair of twin sisters stood staring into the distance at a massive blue beam of light. Two unrecognizable bodies lay dead at their feet. They had no idea what was going on, but not long after the light appeared, they both received notifications about becoming Guardians for something called the Davenresh System.

“What are you going to do, Aria?” one of the sisters asked.

“I don’t know, Vendra.” Aria shrugged. “Do you have any idea what is going on here?”

“No,” the woman said. “Not a clue. But it could be fun. Could be an opportunity to kill without worry or contract.” The woman was holding a pair of daggers dripping with blood.

“I don’t like the sound of ‘Guardian,’” Aria replied. “But I guess it can’t hurt to see what’s going on. We should also go take a look at one of those lights. Could be fun.”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” Vendra said. “I was getting bored, anyway.”

***

“First there was the resurgence of the Dawn Siren, then that old monster came and stirred up a bunch of trouble, now this?” The elven Queen of Linderis shook her head as she stood alone on a tree branch and stared out into the distance. “I am a queen. Why would I want to be a Guardian?” she muttered under her breath.

“However…” she said. “This is a system request. One that I have never seen, nor heard of in all my years. Such a request wouldn’t come without proper rewards, would it?” A flash of hesitation appeared in her eyes before eventually turning into one of greed. “Fine… I accept.”

***

Darvin sat at his desk and stared through all the different notifications that had been popping up for the last couple of hours. All of his guesses and theories were correct. Now, as the System Watcher, the system—or Universal System V3, as it was shown in said notifications—was giving him options.

The first notification informed him that he had the ability to veto a few of the system picks for Champion if he so wished. After dismissing that, a list appeared in front of him, informing him of the system’s picks. Darvin looked the list up and down, and an odd look appeared on his face. There were ten names, and if he were to pick his own Champions, many of those names would be in the running, but one of them really stood out.

For the most part, the list of names consisted of the ten council members.

First, Amelia, the near-giant Ascari, and one of his allies appeared. He had no problem with that pick—he considered her one of the stronger people he’d met. She was also patient and smart. She would be his number one pick, and it seemed that the Universal System thought the same.

Second on the list was Xephos. The insectoid Ul’oc was definitely up there in talent. Though Xephos could get a little too involved when he really went all out, he was still cunning and a good pick.

The next pick had Darvin rolling his eyes. It was Jakis. Just another thing to stroke that young shapeshifter’s ego. He sighed and shook his head. However, even though Darvin wasn’t a huge fan, he couldn’t take away the man’s strength. Darvin wasn’t exactly sure what being a ‘Champion’ would entail, but if Jakis could get over himself, he was sure the man would make a fine addition.

The next name on the list was surprising, so he decided to think about it later and moved on to Holcom. Holcom was a Malaxi just like Darvin, and though they didn’t exactly get along, there was a reason the man was in the position he was. His psionic abilities were second only to Darvin’s. He could be stronger than me these days, Darvin thought. Being a System Watcher has taken a lot of my time over the years, and I don’t know if the class boost would be enough.

Darvin sighed, then continued inspecting the names. Wri, the warrior Ulaixian, a lizard-like race with endurance second to none, Awery, the centaur, and Briya, the cat-like Taji, were all on it. The trio would be strong with their defense, strength, and speed. Darvin didn’t have any qualms about them being part of the list.

The next on the list was Cuthos. Jakis had at least had reasons for avoiding council meetings… like the excuse of being young and new to the council. But Cuthos, who was a Dravokin—a four-armed brawling giant—had been a council member for ages, yet did the bare minimum to stay on it. He was also hotheaded and dumb. If Darvin was going to replace someone, Cuthos would be the one.

The next name on the list was actually someone Darvin had never heard of. He tried to look the person up, but he couldn’t find much on him or her. Being such an unknown, Darvin decided that it would probably be best to use one of his vetoes on that person, too.

Finally, his eyes moved back up the list to rest on the name that surprised him. Kelvin is going to be very angry, Darvin thought as the name Jace Whitaker was listed. He thought about using a veto on the very young man, but after seeing his handling of the battlefields, he decided against it. He wasn’t sure how, but his growth was monstrous, and Darvin thought it would be best if they used it to their advantage.

After thinking about things for a bit longer, Darvin sighed, then removed the unknown person from the list. As soon as he did, he was asked who he would like to replace the person with. That’s an easy decision, Darvin thought as he added Trischa, the blue humanoid Ivali who had some very scary supporting abilities, to the list.

Then he stared at Cuthos’s name. After a couple of minutes of indecision, Darvin sighed and decided to leave it. He’s a meathead, but he can at least act as a shield if there’s a big fight. Besides, it’s not like the Champions are the only ones who will be there. If he were going to replace Cuthos, he would have done so with either Kelvin or himself, though it didn’t seem like the system wanted Darvin to be a Champion for some reason.

Darvin took that as a sign and decided to remain off the list, and he would just keep Kelvin by his side. That should make up some for him not becoming a Champion, Darvin thought, then looked over the list one more time. Amelia, Xephos, Jakis, Holcom, Jace, Wri, Awery, Briya, Trischa, and Cuthos… that should be good. Finally, the System Watcher let out a breath and accepted the setup.

A few moments later, Darvin received a notification that left him dumbfounded.

Jace Whitaker has declined the opportunity to become a Universal System V3 Champion.

Please Select Another Champion