Chapter 35: Who rules?
King’s view
Sometimes I wonder if I’m really the king of this land. I have the crown, yet I don’t feel like I have much influence. The local lords handle most of the kingdom’s management, and the person with the most influence in the capital is Facile. Supposedly, Fen Ger of the West, Drayle of the North, and Brianna Tosh of the east would obey me if I gave an order, but I don’t dare test that. None of them act like they have any actual loyalty to the crown, and I can’t afford to let people know how weak my position really is.
King:
“I received a report that a monster was discovered to have been disguised as a human in Gerland.”
Esmer:
“That doesn’t really explain why you called for me.”
King:
“You don’t look surprised. Did you know already, that monsters were around in disguise?”
Esmer:
“It’s not really a secret. Everyone in the Academy knows by year two.”
King:
“Yet you never bothered to tell me.”
Esmer:
*sigh* “It’s not useful information. All it really means is that some of the people out there are more powerful than any human could ever hope to be. So long as they aren’t attacking us, it’s not really an issue.”
King:
“Can we really afford to just hope we don’t get attacked?”
Esmer:
“We have no other choice. If what I learned from Ariel today is accurate, this kingdom only exists because the true rulers of this land have allowed it to. They aren’t beings we can oppose.”
King:
“Just who are these true rulers?”
Esmer:
“According to Ariel, she’s confirmed Dina, Fen Ger, and Fenix as among them. She herself is strong enough to defeat our armies on her own, and she is less than an ant before the true lords. We’ve confirmed that Ariel defeated the Fenix Order knights with ease, and no one was injured.”
King:
“You make it sound like we are living in a land of gods.”
Esmer:
“The church of the old land did give pretty strict orders not to come here. We may very well be in the land of the gods.”
… just how much has the court mage not bothered to tell me? Really doesn’t feel like I’m in charge here.
King:
“Lucent told us not to come here. Yet Fenix welcomed us warmly. Fen Ger and Dina seem friendly too.”
Esmer:
“If I understand Ariel’s explanation correctly, there’s a high probability the colossal wolf that has threatened Gerland several times is actually Fen Ger’s true form.”
King:
“What? Then why… Gerland has never actually been destroyed, right?”
Esmer:
“That’s correct.”
King:
“Then, it’s just an act? Some sort of show or play?”
Esmer:
“I’d recommend not thinking too hard on it. It doesn’t really matter why they do it. We’re stuck following their wishes and whims regardless.”
King:
“You’re the last person I’d expect to stop thinking about it.”
Esmer:
“I can’t deny that. Still, pretty sure you’ll be better off if you don’t spend time thinking about it. Looking at these things deeply doesn’t offer any comfort, only more questions, and uncertainty.”
King:
“What about Ariel? I hear she’s in charge of the hero selection this time?”
Esmer:
“She’s very strange. A mystery I’m hoping to solve. I’ve been careful not to press her for answers, since I don’t want to risk upsetting her or putting her on the defensive. Yet, despite all her explanations I feel like I keep getting left with more questions.”
King:
“And this selection she’s setting up?”
Esmer:
“Oh, right, some sort of physical contest it seems. One that will require teamwork. It is an interesting idea, though I doubt it really will be effective at determining who’s the best choice. I assume it doesn’t actually matter much who is selected.”
King:
“Because ultimately, the entire thing is just for show?”
Esmer:
“That is what I hope to find the answer to this time. There’s something about Ariel that makes me think this time will be very different.”
King:
“Because of Facile, isn’t it?”
Esmer:
“Well… yes. I’ve never seen Facile show this much interest in someone during the three centuries I’ve been here. Something is going to change.”
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Chapter 34: Ruby
Chapter 34: Ruby
Ariel’s view
Ariel (in blue, in Gerland):
“Alright, I’m all yours now, what was it you wanted to talk about, Ruby?”
Ruby (young lady with bunny ears and tail):
“You said that while sensations aren’t exactly shared, your memories are? Does that apply for the doll you gave me too? Is it a clone like you are?”
Ariel:
“No, the doll I gave you is a different kind of clone. It won’t remember anything, and I won’t feel what happens to it. It really is just an elaborate doll.”
Ruby:
“... um… what if I wanted you to feel it?”
Ariel:
“Are you asking for a doll that will share what it feels with me?”
Ruby:
“I… I practice every night. I know I can make you feel good. It’s fun to try and get a good reaction from your doll… I want to know I can make you feel that way too. I want you to feel as good as the doll does.”
… At least she’s asking permission. It’s also kinda nice to know she trusts me enough to admit something like this. I’m really not sure how to answer though. Do I say yes and just get molested whenever she wants? I feel a little uncomfortable with that, yet I don’t really want to say no… This is like being confronted with a fantasy I never thought could happen, and thus never contemplated the real issues involved.
Ruby:
“It, it’s alright if you don’t want to. I understand you already have someone you love.”
Ariel:
I just modified the clone type used for the lifesize dolls last night to deliberately avoid sharing what they feel. Now Ruby wants me to share with her doll. No, she wants me to experience her love. She wants to express her love with the doll, and wants me to feel it. Knowing that it’s her doing it, and that she’s doing it out of love for me… I think I could enjoy that. I still need to put some restraints on it though.
Ariel:
“How about this: I’ll have the doll share what it feels with the me here with you, but not the others. So, I’ll be able to respond to it while here, and remember it too, without risking too much disruption.”
Ruby:
“This Ariel isn’t Sam’s?”
Ariel:
“This Ariel is staying in Gerland. As long as you don’t mind there being other Ariels with other people, this one can be yours.”
Ruby:
“Hmm… I love you Ariel. I don’t want to take you away from others. I just want to share my feelings for you, with you. I want to make you happy.”
Ariel’s view
Ariel (in blue, in Gerland):
“Alright, I’m all yours now, what was it you wanted to talk about, Ruby?”
Ruby (young lady with bunny ears and tail):
“You said that while sensations aren’t exactly shared, your memories are? Does that apply for the doll you gave me too? Is it a clone like you are?”
Ariel:
“No, the doll I gave you is a different kind of clone. It won’t remember anything, and I won’t feel what happens to it. It really is just an elaborate doll.”
Ruby:
“... um… what if I wanted you to feel it?”
Ariel:
“Are you asking for a doll that will share what it feels with me?”
Ruby:
“I… I practice every night. I know I can make you feel good. It’s fun to try and get a good reaction from your doll… I want to know I can make you feel that way too. I want you to feel as good as the doll does.”
… At least she’s asking permission. It’s also kinda nice to know she trusts me enough to admit something like this. I’m really not sure how to answer though. Do I say yes and just get molested whenever she wants? I feel a little uncomfortable with that, yet I don’t really want to say no… This is like being confronted with a fantasy I never thought could happen, and thus never contemplated the real issues involved.
Ruby:
“It, it’s alright if you don’t want to. I understand you already have someone you love.”
Ariel:
*Pulls Ruby in for a hug* “I do love you too. I’m just trying to think this through. Getting pleasured like that without any warning or control could be awkward and disturbing regardless of how good it feels. So I can’t just say yes. I want to accept your love, and support you.”
I just modified the clone type used for the lifesize dolls last night to deliberately avoid sharing what they feel. Now Ruby wants me to share with her doll. No, she wants me to experience her love. She wants to express her love with the doll, and wants me to feel it. Knowing that it’s her doing it, and that she’s doing it out of love for me… I think I could enjoy that. I still need to put some restraints on it though.
Ariel:
“How about this: I’ll have the doll share what it feels with the me here with you, but not the others. So, I’ll be able to respond to it while here, and remember it too, without risking too much disruption.”
Ruby:
“This Ariel isn’t Sam’s?”
Ariel:
“This Ariel is staying in Gerland. As long as you don’t mind there being other Ariels with other people, this one can be yours.”
Ruby:
“Hmm… I love you Ariel. I don’t want to take you away from others. I just want to share my feelings for you, with you. I want to make you happy.”
*looks at Ariel and grins*
“I’ll give you good loving every night with the doll. You go do whatever you do at night, and enjoy it, alright?”
Ariel:
“Do you not want me with you at night?”
Ruby:
“Um… too nervous. Can’t do it with you here.”
Ariel:
“Considering how you earn money now, I find that a little surprising.”
Ruby:
“I can do that because it’s not real. It’s not really me, I just play a role. None of my real emotions and feelings are involved in sex work. It’s not even my real body. With the transformation amulet, I get to become whatever and whomever the customer wants. Anything other than me.”
Ariel:
“I see. I’m glad I get to be with you, the real you. Thank you.”
Ruby:
“You make me feel safe... well, safer. Less fear with you. Do you ever get angry? I’ve never seen you angry.”
Ariel:
“I remember getting angry in my past life, and I remember not liking it. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten angry in this life… I kinda hope I never do get angry, but now that I think about it, never getting angry is kinda weird. Another reminder I’m not who I used to be.”
Ruby:
“Do you wish you were who you used to be?”
Ariel:
“No. I hated myself back then. Failed at the things I cared about most. So far, I think who I am now is closer to who I wanted to be, than who I was. No reason to regret or complain about the change. Just hope I don’t stray from the hopes and dreams of my past. I can actually accomplish something now.”
Ruby:
“What do you hope and dream of?”
Ariel:
“Making life better for people. Fixing the world.”
Ruby:
“Is the world broken?”
Ariel:
“Well, it’s certainly not as good as it could be. It’s not just luxuries, but also about how people treat one another. As a monster, I’ve got the power to assist with ensuring there is no true scarcity. As someone with influence, I can now make a difference in how people treat one another too. With no hard limit on lifespan, I even have time to do it all. I just need to make sure I don’t lose sight of my goal, or forget what matters most.”
Ruby:
“What matters most?”
Ariel:
“People. Like you.”
Ruby:
“And Sam?”
Ariel:
“And Sam, and Adam, and everyone. I intend to focus on those closest to me first though. Like you.”
A second lover, and this one I’ve given permission to touch me whenever they want, however they want… I feel like I’m exposing myself to her in a way I haven’t with Sam. Yet, she also feels more distant. I hope someday she can gain the courage to be herself more. If nothing else, I hope she can share more of herself with me; being trapped behind a fake persona isn’t healthy, she needs someone she can be free with. I hope I’m not taking on more than I can handle.
---
That night, in Ariel’s dreams
I’m having more trouble keeping track of which me I am, and what I’m doing and where I am than I expected. The different color dresses help, but isn’t really enough. Need to add a little local memory to each clone so they can more easily keep track of immediate concerns and obligations. The syncing doesn’t need to be altered, just a strengthening of self-awareness.
I wonder how many other surprises I’m gonna have to deal with. This really was early to be doing this. The planning and preparation weren’t finished at all, had to rush a way to make sleeping quarters for them all, and figure out how to let them sleep so I don’t have to deal with multiple bodies worth of boredom flooding my memories and messing with my mental development.
Thinking of sleep… I should probably plan on providing room and board for everyone who wants it, since I want to ensure even the poor can sign up for this.
Gah, so much work to do, not to mention the xp cost of all the additional brain power needed to handle it. Dang it, Fenix.
“I’ll give you good loving every night with the doll. You go do whatever you do at night, and enjoy it, alright?”
Ariel:
“Do you not want me with you at night?”
Ruby:
“Um… too nervous. Can’t do it with you here.”
Ariel:
“Considering how you earn money now, I find that a little surprising.”
Ruby:
“I can do that because it’s not real. It’s not really me, I just play a role. None of my real emotions and feelings are involved in sex work. It’s not even my real body. With the transformation amulet, I get to become whatever and whomever the customer wants. Anything other than me.”
Ariel:
“I see. I’m glad I get to be with you, the real you. Thank you.”
Ruby:
“You make me feel safe... well, safer. Less fear with you. Do you ever get angry? I’ve never seen you angry.”
Ariel:
“I remember getting angry in my past life, and I remember not liking it. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten angry in this life… I kinda hope I never do get angry, but now that I think about it, never getting angry is kinda weird. Another reminder I’m not who I used to be.”
Ruby:
“Do you wish you were who you used to be?”
Ariel:
“No. I hated myself back then. Failed at the things I cared about most. So far, I think who I am now is closer to who I wanted to be, than who I was. No reason to regret or complain about the change. Just hope I don’t stray from the hopes and dreams of my past. I can actually accomplish something now.”
Ruby:
“What do you hope and dream of?”
Ariel:
“Making life better for people. Fixing the world.”
Ruby:
“Is the world broken?”
Ariel:
“Well, it’s certainly not as good as it could be. It’s not just luxuries, but also about how people treat one another. As a monster, I’ve got the power to assist with ensuring there is no true scarcity. As someone with influence, I can now make a difference in how people treat one another too. With no hard limit on lifespan, I even have time to do it all. I just need to make sure I don’t lose sight of my goal, or forget what matters most.”
Ruby:
“What matters most?”
Ariel:
“People. Like you.”
Ruby:
“And Sam?”
Ariel:
“And Sam, and Adam, and everyone. I intend to focus on those closest to me first though. Like you.”
A second lover, and this one I’ve given permission to touch me whenever they want, however they want… I feel like I’m exposing myself to her in a way I haven’t with Sam. Yet, she also feels more distant. I hope someday she can gain the courage to be herself more. If nothing else, I hope she can share more of herself with me; being trapped behind a fake persona isn’t healthy, she needs someone she can be free with. I hope I’m not taking on more than I can handle.
---
That night, in Ariel’s dreams
I’m having more trouble keeping track of which me I am, and what I’m doing and where I am than I expected. The different color dresses help, but isn’t really enough. Need to add a little local memory to each clone so they can more easily keep track of immediate concerns and obligations. The syncing doesn’t need to be altered, just a strengthening of self-awareness.
I wonder how many other surprises I’m gonna have to deal with. This really was early to be doing this. The planning and preparation weren’t finished at all, had to rush a way to make sleeping quarters for them all, and figure out how to let them sleep so I don’t have to deal with multiple bodies worth of boredom flooding my memories and messing with my mental development.
Thinking of sleep… I should probably plan on providing room and board for everyone who wants it, since I want to ensure even the poor can sign up for this.
Gah, so much work to do, not to mention the xp cost of all the additional brain power needed to handle it. Dang it, Fenix.
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Chapter 33: Multi-tasking
Chapter 33: Multi-tasking
Sam:
“So, what’s with all these clothes you’ve been making? They’re a lot more colorful than I’m used to seeing.”
Ariel:
“Team uniforms. Most of the dresses I made for my clones have been two colors, because I intend to give each team a set of uniforms with matching colors.”
Sam:
“Is this an appearance thing? Make it easier to tell teams apart?”
Ariel:
“No, while that is a useful thing, it’s not why I’m doing this. I want to minimize the differences between people on the field. If everyone has the same clothes, the differences in social standing and background will be less visible. All that should matter on the soccer field, is the ability to play together well, not their background.”
Sam:
“That sounds pretty amazing. Wish something like that had been around when I was growing up.”
Ariel:
“If things go well here, it might be possible to make soccer into something people can continue to play and enjoy even after this tournament is over.”
---
Esmer:
“Are you still interested in visiting the academy?”
Ariel (in pink):
“Oh, yes, though I’m rather busy now.”
Sam:
“So, what’s with all these clothes you’ve been making? They’re a lot more colorful than I’m used to seeing.”
Ariel:
“Team uniforms. Most of the dresses I made for my clones have been two colors, because I intend to give each team a set of uniforms with matching colors.”
Sam:
“Is this an appearance thing? Make it easier to tell teams apart?”
Ariel:
“No, while that is a useful thing, it’s not why I’m doing this. I want to minimize the differences between people on the field. If everyone has the same clothes, the differences in social standing and background will be less visible. All that should matter on the soccer field, is the ability to play together well, not their background.”
Sam:
“That sounds pretty amazing. Wish something like that had been around when I was growing up.”
Ariel:
“If things go well here, it might be possible to make soccer into something people can continue to play and enjoy even after this tournament is over.”
---
Esmer:
“Are you still interested in visiting the academy?”
Ariel (in pink):
“Oh, yes, though I’m rather busy now.”
Esmer:
“I’ve seen you in so many different places and so many different dresses, surely you can handle one more?”
Ariel:
“... I feel silly now. Yes, I could do that. It might take a bit to arrive, but I should be there soon. Is there a place you’d like to meet?”
Esmer:
“How about at the gates? It’s an easy spot to find someone.”
Ariel:
“See you there.”
---
Resident expert on dwarven magic’s view
Dwarven magic is an intricate affair, with careful and delicate alignment of lines and shapes carved into wood, stone, or metal. The spell circles Ariel showed us look very similar. It seems to operate under many of the same principles, and even uses very similar shapes. We mostly use straight lines, while she uses curved ones, but I think that’s just because of the difference in methods and materials.
The most important thing she taught us though was probably this steam power thing she left with us. All it does is move a piston up and down, but that’s enough to get started. While the device she left us is magical, her explanation made it clear that magic isn’t necessary at all.
As woman who had long ago become obsessed with magic engravings, I never imagined I’d gain an interest in anything non-magical like this. From the way she spoke, there’s many more things she can teach us. Ariel’s knowledge of what she called science and technology may prove far more valuable than her knowledge of magic… or my knowledge of magic.
---
At some noble’s mansion:
“You expect me to work with commoners?”
“I expect you to prove yourself and get chosen as the next hero.”
“You do realize less than half of the past heroes were of noble background, yes?”
“The last two were common born, it’s clearly time for a noble.”
“Why would I want to demean myself for such an unlikely outcome?”
“It’s a chance for you to gain favor with Ariel.”
“That daughter of Dina I keep hearing about? What’s so important about her?”
“If you go, you’ll know. I took a look at the grounds they are setting up for practice, training, and the tournament itself. There are drinking fountains providing free clean water to everyone.”
“What’s so special about clean water?”
“The fact that she created it. Do you understand how valuable it would be to have fields that don’t need rain?”
“... I see. That changes things.”
“Be there tomorrow. Sign ups don’t actually start for another week, but it’d be best for you to get to know her early.”
“I’ve seen you in so many different places and so many different dresses, surely you can handle one more?”
Ariel:
“... I feel silly now. Yes, I could do that. It might take a bit to arrive, but I should be there soon. Is there a place you’d like to meet?”
Esmer:
“How about at the gates? It’s an easy spot to find someone.”
Ariel:
“See you there.”
---
Resident expert on dwarven magic’s view
Dwarven magic is an intricate affair, with careful and delicate alignment of lines and shapes carved into wood, stone, or metal. The spell circles Ariel showed us look very similar. It seems to operate under many of the same principles, and even uses very similar shapes. We mostly use straight lines, while she uses curved ones, but I think that’s just because of the difference in methods and materials.
The most important thing she taught us though was probably this steam power thing she left with us. All it does is move a piston up and down, but that’s enough to get started. While the device she left us is magical, her explanation made it clear that magic isn’t necessary at all.
As woman who had long ago become obsessed with magic engravings, I never imagined I’d gain an interest in anything non-magical like this. From the way she spoke, there’s many more things she can teach us. Ariel’s knowledge of what she called science and technology may prove far more valuable than her knowledge of magic… or my knowledge of magic.
---
At some noble’s mansion:
“You expect me to work with commoners?”
“I expect you to prove yourself and get chosen as the next hero.”
“You do realize less than half of the past heroes were of noble background, yes?”
“The last two were common born, it’s clearly time for a noble.”
“Why would I want to demean myself for such an unlikely outcome?”
“It’s a chance for you to gain favor with Ariel.”
“That daughter of Dina I keep hearing about? What’s so important about her?”
“If you go, you’ll know. I took a look at the grounds they are setting up for practice, training, and the tournament itself. There are drinking fountains providing free clean water to everyone.”
“What’s so special about clean water?”
“The fact that she created it. Do you understand how valuable it would be to have fields that don’t need rain?”
“... I see. That changes things.”
“Be there tomorrow. Sign ups don’t actually start for another week, but it’d be best for you to get to know her early.”
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Chapter 32: More Clones
Chapter 32: More Clones
Ariel’s view
That night was spent frantically trying to figure out how to handle this new mess I found myself in as I slept. I was grateful that Sam understood why I was late and didn’t need me to explain. He followed me? Is he really that good at avoiding notice? Or do the guards just suck at their jobs?
If I really am going to teach soccer to all the teams and coach them as they train, then I’ll need a proper cloning skill that doesn’t rely upon pre-programmed actions. So, I’ll need to add an extra clone type. Limiting their power to rank 2, cuts the cost down a ton… trying to handle sensations, thoughts, and actions of multiple bodies at the same time is going to be too weird. I’m trying not to get too alien compared to what I remember being. It’s weird enough having a not fully solid body that only pretends at humanity.
New clone type: Max power of rank 2; all clones are copies of me. While each of us act and think independently, we all share memories, and since all the clones are copies of me, they will all think and act the same as I would (no independent or separate growth). This is going to get weird, but recalling everything shouldn’t be as bad as actually experiencing it all at once.
While I’m at it, I can have one of my clones in Gerland create one of these new clones, so I can continue to help out there, and I think I should also modify my existing clones a little. Specifically, I don’t think I really want to know what people are doing with them all, especially considering how many there are and how many aren’t even humanoid.
The other clones do not need to remember anything, and when I focus on them, all they need to report is how many people are nearby, and where they are. There’s no need for live feedback of their experiences, unless I transfer my consciousness over to them. Admittedly, the only real reason I’m bothering with this, is because unifying the systems employed by both clone types reduces cost.
---
The next day
Sam:
“Are you going to be cooped up in the room here all day and just have your new clones doing things?”
Ariel:
“Yeah, my new clones can’t do much other than ordinary human things, so I’m stuck making everything they need.”
Sam:
“Anything I can help with?”
Ariel:
“I think the most useful thing would be to help out the one I gave the pink dress to. She’s in charge of organizing things. Between getting used to this new experience of remembering so many lives at once, and dealing with all the people who want to enter the tournament, that me is getting a little overwhelmed. I’ll probably want your help deciding how to organize the teams later too.
*groan* “This is so weird.”
Sam:
“What’s the weirdest part of it?”
Ariel:
“Probably the way my memories are starting to blur together. Whenever multiple of my clones are at the same event or participating in the same activity, I have a hard time remembering which memories are from which clone, and it all kinda blurs into one memory of the event with far more information that a single person could’ve gotten.”
Sam:
“Do you regret doing this?”
Ariel:
“No, this was something on the list of things I knew I’d eventually want to work on doing. I just didn’t think I’d get on it so soon. I wanted more time to figure out what I was doing and how exactly I wanted to do it. Being able to have multiple bodies and do multiple things at the same time is something I’d always sorta dreamt of. It helps solve the issue of having limited time to spend on people and activities.
“Everyone in Gerland was pretty happy to have me back again, even if I was a weakened version.”
Sam:
“They would be, huh. Adam especially. He’ll probably want to discuss everything.”
Ariel:
“I do enjoy teaching him, but I’m very glad he was able to run things without me. In the beginning I worried that he might become too dependant on me.”
Sam:
“I guess if this is what you meant about potentially having to share you, it isn’t too bad. I still have you to myself, it’s just others do too.”
Ariel:
“Definitely one of the perks of these clones.”
Ariel’s view
That night was spent frantically trying to figure out how to handle this new mess I found myself in as I slept. I was grateful that Sam understood why I was late and didn’t need me to explain. He followed me? Is he really that good at avoiding notice? Or do the guards just suck at their jobs?
If I really am going to teach soccer to all the teams and coach them as they train, then I’ll need a proper cloning skill that doesn’t rely upon pre-programmed actions. So, I’ll need to add an extra clone type. Limiting their power to rank 2, cuts the cost down a ton… trying to handle sensations, thoughts, and actions of multiple bodies at the same time is going to be too weird. I’m trying not to get too alien compared to what I remember being. It’s weird enough having a not fully solid body that only pretends at humanity.
New clone type: Max power of rank 2; all clones are copies of me. While each of us act and think independently, we all share memories, and since all the clones are copies of me, they will all think and act the same as I would (no independent or separate growth). This is going to get weird, but recalling everything shouldn’t be as bad as actually experiencing it all at once.
While I’m at it, I can have one of my clones in Gerland create one of these new clones, so I can continue to help out there, and I think I should also modify my existing clones a little. Specifically, I don’t think I really want to know what people are doing with them all, especially considering how many there are and how many aren’t even humanoid.
The other clones do not need to remember anything, and when I focus on them, all they need to report is how many people are nearby, and where they are. There’s no need for live feedback of their experiences, unless I transfer my consciousness over to them. Admittedly, the only real reason I’m bothering with this, is because unifying the systems employed by both clone types reduces cost.
---
The next day
Sam:
“Are you going to be cooped up in the room here all day and just have your new clones doing things?”
Ariel:
“Yeah, my new clones can’t do much other than ordinary human things, so I’m stuck making everything they need.”
Sam:
“Anything I can help with?”
Ariel:
“I think the most useful thing would be to help out the one I gave the pink dress to. She’s in charge of organizing things. Between getting used to this new experience of remembering so many lives at once, and dealing with all the people who want to enter the tournament, that me is getting a little overwhelmed. I’ll probably want your help deciding how to organize the teams later too.
*groan* “This is so weird.”
Sam:
“What’s the weirdest part of it?”
Ariel:
“Probably the way my memories are starting to blur together. Whenever multiple of my clones are at the same event or participating in the same activity, I have a hard time remembering which memories are from which clone, and it all kinda blurs into one memory of the event with far more information that a single person could’ve gotten.”
Sam:
“Do you regret doing this?”
Ariel:
“No, this was something on the list of things I knew I’d eventually want to work on doing. I just didn’t think I’d get on it so soon. I wanted more time to figure out what I was doing and how exactly I wanted to do it. Being able to have multiple bodies and do multiple things at the same time is something I’d always sorta dreamt of. It helps solve the issue of having limited time to spend on people and activities.
“Everyone in Gerland was pretty happy to have me back again, even if I was a weakened version.”
Sam:
“They would be, huh. Adam especially. He’ll probably want to discuss everything.”
Ariel:
“I do enjoy teaching him, but I’m very glad he was able to run things without me. In the beginning I worried that he might become too dependant on me.”
Sam:
“I guess if this is what you meant about potentially having to share you, it isn’t too bad. I still have you to myself, it’s just others do too.”
Ariel:
“Definitely one of the perks of these clones.”
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Chapter 31: Overheard
Chapter 31: Overheard
Sam’s view
While Ariel read books in the Library, I decided to head out and learn what I could around town from listening in on conversations.
...
“I wonder when the next hero journey will start.”
“What’s it matter to you? There’s no way you’d become a hero.”
“Well, with the rumors of a daughter of Dina showing up, I can’t help but wonder if it’s time again.”
“You mean the one that supposedly defeated the entire Fenix Order without a single injury on either side?”
“Yeah, if someone that powerful is showing up, something must be happening.”
“I hope you’re wrong about that. Each time the hero’s journey gets longer and more frightening. I can’t help but worry that someday the hero will fail.”
“Fenix will surely protect us!”
“You trust Fenix entirely too much.”
“You just lack faith.”
Not everyone trusts Fenix?
“We’re lucky this daughter of Dina is so kind.”
“You mean how she didn’t harm any of the Fenix Order despite Facile sending them to attack her?”
“Yeah, somehow I doubt Facile expected it to end so peacefully.”
“What do you think that monster’s intentions were?”
“Don’t know, but the whole academy is in an uproar about it.”
“I guess it’s more fuel for their constant arguments over the true intentions of Fenix and the spirits.”
“Hmph, seems obvious to me that those monsters are all just toying with us. At least I thought so before. Why then would this daughter of Dina spare the Fenix Order?”
“Maybe she didn’t want complications for her entrance into town?”
“Yet, Facile was clearly trying to create complications.”
“Maybe Dina and Facile don’t get along?”
“There’s been no evidence of that before. Perhaps I should look more carefully at the histories.”
Do the people in the academy know Fenix is a monster? Maybe I should investigate this academy more.
Sam’s view
While Ariel read books in the Library, I decided to head out and learn what I could around town from listening in on conversations.
...
“I wonder when the next hero journey will start.”
“What’s it matter to you? There’s no way you’d become a hero.”
“Well, with the rumors of a daughter of Dina showing up, I can’t help but wonder if it’s time again.”
“You mean the one that supposedly defeated the entire Fenix Order without a single injury on either side?”
“Yeah, if someone that powerful is showing up, something must be happening.”
“I hope you’re wrong about that. Each time the hero’s journey gets longer and more frightening. I can’t help but worry that someday the hero will fail.”
“Fenix will surely protect us!”
“You trust Fenix entirely too much.”
“You just lack faith.”
Not everyone trusts Fenix?
…
“We’re lucky this daughter of Dina is so kind.”
“You mean how she didn’t harm any of the Fenix Order despite Facile sending them to attack her?”
“Yeah, somehow I doubt Facile expected it to end so peacefully.”
“What do you think that monster’s intentions were?”
“Don’t know, but the whole academy is in an uproar about it.”
“I guess it’s more fuel for their constant arguments over the true intentions of Fenix and the spirits.”
“Hmph, seems obvious to me that those monsters are all just toying with us. At least I thought so before. Why then would this daughter of Dina spare the Fenix Order?”
“Maybe she didn’t want complications for her entrance into town?”
“Yet, Facile was clearly trying to create complications.”
“Maybe Dina and Facile don’t get along?”
“There’s been no evidence of that before. Perhaps I should look more carefully at the histories.”
Do the people in the academy know Fenix is a monster? Maybe I should investigate this academy more.
...
It’s getting late, I should go back to Ariel. Eh? She’s getting intercepted by Facile. Where are they going? A meeting at the castle? Luckily I can sneak past the security here pretty easily. I want to listen in on this meeting.
“Why are you bringing this upstart brat?”
“She's the daughter of Dina, surely that means something.”
“What, exactly, does it mean?”
“It means she has better parentage than you.”
“How dare you insult my mother! She beat the demon lord faster than your father did!”
“Only because she had less to do. It's clear from the decline of your house, how poorly she's raised her children.”
“Children, please, do refrain from constant bickering.”
I recognize that voice as the lady that greeted us at the gates, High Priest Facile, I believe
Facile:
“The selection of the next hero is rather important.”
“You still haven't explained why you invited that girl here.”
Facile:
“Do I need to?”
“It's alright, no explanation is necessary. It's obvious that the hero's journey would involve her in some way.”
“Her mother is the one that matters, not her! Unless you think a youngster like her is enough to handle that Great Wolf in the west?”
“We still can't afford to do anything that might make her mother upset.”
“That doesn't relate to hero selection. All that matters in the end is whom the Fenix church chooses to support. Without their healing, no hero will stand a chance.”
Facile:
“Fenix won't be sending a priest this time. Healing will be provided by Ariel here.”
Ariel:
“Eh? I'm not a healer though.”
Facile:
“You’re creative, I’m sure you’ll do fine. Just don’t try to do the hero’s job for them.”
Ariel:
“Uh, yes, of course.”
If I understand Ariel's rank descriptions properly, she's probably stronger than any human hero ever has been. That must be why Facile is telling her not to do the hero's job for them… what exactly is the hero’s job?
“Wha… you, you mean she’s the one who’ll have the final say?”
“You’re just sad that the priest you’ve been seducing won’t be involved.”
“Why you! Don’t think I’m not aware of how you’re trying to curry favor with the next hero with your orphanage! Not all heroes are orphans.”
*laughter of several people*
“Surely you realize the orphanage is a project backed by several families? Pretty much every family founded by an orphan hero supports that orphanage.”
“Not everyone is as greedy as you.”
“So, what’s the selection test this year? Are we having another tournament?”
Facile:
“We had one last time, I was thinking we should try something different.”
“Doesn’t Ariel have a church already? Wouldn’t her involvement give her existing followers an unfair advantage?”
“We all know you don’t really care about that, you’re just worried you won’t be able to get your own preferences chosen.”
“Surely we want the most competent person to be the hero, right?”
*several sighs*
“We have no way of knowing whom is actually qualified, only Fenix knows. At least, that’s what I’ve always been told, yet now Ariel is involved in this? Does she know who can qualify?”
Facile:
“I’m certain anyone she accepts will qualify, so long as she remembers the hero must be a pureblood human, elf, or dwarf.”
I guess that last statement is to ensure us beastkin don’t get chosen as heroes, not sure why.
Ariel:
“If we need a contest for selection, with a focus on teamwork and physical fitness, perhaps we should have a sports contest.”
Facile:
“This sounds interesting, do go on.”
Ariel:
“Um, we could have candidates form soccer teams and compete in a soccer tournament.”
Facile:
*smiling* “We’ll need you to explain soccer to everyone as well as arrange for everything. I’ll leave you in charge of it all.”
Ariel:
“Eh?”
Facile:
“You can be in multiple places at once, and since you’re the only one who knows what this soccer is, so it’s only appropriate that you’d need to coach all the teams.”
Ariel:
“Ehe, right, I, I understand.”
Facile:
“Now that’s settled, I’ll be leaving the details to Ariel here.” *rises and leaves the room*
It’s getting late, I should go back to Ariel. Eh? She’s getting intercepted by Facile. Where are they going? A meeting at the castle? Luckily I can sneak past the security here pretty easily. I want to listen in on this meeting.
“Why are you bringing this upstart brat?”
“She's the daughter of Dina, surely that means something.”
“What, exactly, does it mean?”
“It means she has better parentage than you.”
“How dare you insult my mother! She beat the demon lord faster than your father did!”
“Only because she had less to do. It's clear from the decline of your house, how poorly she's raised her children.”
“Children, please, do refrain from constant bickering.”
I recognize that voice as the lady that greeted us at the gates, High Priest Facile, I believe
Facile:
“The selection of the next hero is rather important.”
“You still haven't explained why you invited that girl here.”
Facile:
“Do I need to?”
“It's alright, no explanation is necessary. It's obvious that the hero's journey would involve her in some way.”
“Her mother is the one that matters, not her! Unless you think a youngster like her is enough to handle that Great Wolf in the west?”
“We still can't afford to do anything that might make her mother upset.”
“That doesn't relate to hero selection. All that matters in the end is whom the Fenix church chooses to support. Without their healing, no hero will stand a chance.”
Facile:
“Fenix won't be sending a priest this time. Healing will be provided by Ariel here.”
Ariel:
“Eh? I'm not a healer though.”
Facile:
“You’re creative, I’m sure you’ll do fine. Just don’t try to do the hero’s job for them.”
Ariel:
“Uh, yes, of course.”
If I understand Ariel's rank descriptions properly, she's probably stronger than any human hero ever has been. That must be why Facile is telling her not to do the hero's job for them… what exactly is the hero’s job?
“Wha… you, you mean she’s the one who’ll have the final say?”
“You’re just sad that the priest you’ve been seducing won’t be involved.”
“Why you! Don’t think I’m not aware of how you’re trying to curry favor with the next hero with your orphanage! Not all heroes are orphans.”
*laughter of several people*
“Surely you realize the orphanage is a project backed by several families? Pretty much every family founded by an orphan hero supports that orphanage.”
“Not everyone is as greedy as you.”
“So, what’s the selection test this year? Are we having another tournament?”
Facile:
“We had one last time, I was thinking we should try something different.”
“Doesn’t Ariel have a church already? Wouldn’t her involvement give her existing followers an unfair advantage?”
“We all know you don’t really care about that, you’re just worried you won’t be able to get your own preferences chosen.”
“Surely we want the most competent person to be the hero, right?”
*several sighs*
“We have no way of knowing whom is actually qualified, only Fenix knows. At least, that’s what I’ve always been told, yet now Ariel is involved in this? Does she know who can qualify?”
Facile:
“I’m certain anyone she accepts will qualify, so long as she remembers the hero must be a pureblood human, elf, or dwarf.”
I guess that last statement is to ensure us beastkin don’t get chosen as heroes, not sure why.
Ariel:
“If we need a contest for selection, with a focus on teamwork and physical fitness, perhaps we should have a sports contest.”
Facile:
“This sounds interesting, do go on.”
Ariel:
“Um, we could have candidates form soccer teams and compete in a soccer tournament.”
Facile:
*smiling* “We’ll need you to explain soccer to everyone as well as arrange for everything. I’ll leave you in charge of it all.”
Ariel:
“Eh?”
Facile:
“You can be in multiple places at once, and since you’re the only one who knows what this soccer is, so it’s only appropriate that you’d need to coach all the teams.”
Ariel:
“Ehe, right, I, I understand.”
Facile:
“Now that’s settled, I’ll be leaving the details to Ariel here.” *rises and leaves the room*
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