Judicator jane a litrpg.., p.22
Judicator Jane: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure, page 22
Jane paused for a moment, contemplating. This land was undeniably more primitive in many ways compared to her home. It lacked the infrastructure and the expansive law enforcement she was accustomed to in her world. Outside the larger cities, it appeared that courts and police were lacking, so it seemed that right and wrong was often determined by those who wielded power in the moment.
The moral implications troubled Jane, leaving her uncertain about what was right or wrong in this context. How she wished for the existence of a nearby town equipped with a jail or courthouse, a place where the law could be enforced in a more civilized way!
Then, a sobering realization washed over her. Jane was the Judicator, possibly recognized by the System as the supreme arbiter of justice. If she wanted to deter Reyla’s pragmatic course of action, she would need to assume responsibility and preside over a trial for this man herself.
Raising her hand, she spoke to Reyla. “Just a moment. I think I have a solution. Let’s bring him back to camp with us, and I promise you, we can fix this without resorting to violence.”
Reyla sighed, “Jane, your kind heart is going to be the death of you.”
But she did as asked, binding the man’s hands with some rope and slinging him over her shoulder. As the trio left the clearing, Jane momentarily glanced back at the husks of the men behind her. She shuddered at the memory of Pogg unleashing his hidden power.
THIRTY-FIVE
WHO AM I?
Jane sat on a log, staring at the unconscious man before her, munching on a piece of cheese. She used her Piercing Gaze on him again, this time spending a bit more time reading his information.
Douglas Quinn (Level 18)
Human
Class: Hunter (Uncommon)
Strength: 8
Agility: 25
Constitution: 16
Intelligence: 7
Luck: 4
Health: 160/160
Fun Fact:
Here’s a delightful nugget for you: Douglas, our model citizen, decided that toiling away hunting for his village was too passé. Instead, he and his band of ‘hardworking’ comrades found a new career path: banditry! Because, hey, why break a sweat when you can just ‘borrow’ from others permanently? Quite the charmer, isn’t he?
Well, the System didn’t seem to think much of him. But could anyone’s life be boiled down to a few sentences? Was that really enough to pass judgment on someone? Jane didn’t believe it, even if it was the easy answer. These men had done horrible things, of that she was sure. But why? What drove them to it?
Questions swirled in her head as the man finally came to.
“What… Where am I?” He struggled against his tight bonds.
Reyla saw him wake and made things bluntly clear. “Awake, are you? Your companions are dead, and you would be, too, if I had my way. Thank the young woman in front of you that I don’t.” Pogg looked over, startled by Reyla’s mention of the dead men, shaken out from the distant look he had been holding since returning.
“D-dead...?” The man’s face blanched, and he ceased his struggle.
Jane continued to appraise him, questioning, “What should we do with you, Douglas? What led you to this path?”
The man, now drenched in sweat, tried to bargain with Jane. “I won’t do nothin’ like this again! I swear ’t! Just give me a chance!”
Unwavering in her intense scrutiny, Jane mused, “I wonder... Won’t you?”
Reyla, continuing with her camp chores without turning around, voiced her opinion. “Don’t waste your time, Jane. He and his friends had a dreadful plan in mind for you; there’s no doubt about that.”
Her friend was probably right, but Jane had never felt in danger at that moment. She was able to think clearly now, her emotions not overwhelming her as she had felt with the doctor. Calling upon her skill, Trials of Justice, she stood and spoke to the man before her. “Douglas Quinn, let us decide your fate.”
Time came to a crawl once more, enveloping the world in a shroud of stormy seas and tumultuous clouds. Jane’s senses heightened, her awareness sharp as she witnessed the unfolding transformation. With amazement, she observed steel wings unfurling from her back while an armored battle robe manifested around her. Her hand now held a sword, appearing out of thin air, its weight barely noticeable. However, the iron scale in her left hand possessed a substantial heft, grounding her amidst the ethereal transformation.
And the ominous audience, composed of black and white specters, appeared once more—probably the most unsettling part of this whole affair. It sent a shiver down Jane’s spine, and she couldn’t help but wonder who or what they were. Their collective attention fixated on the man, now trembling in fear at the center of the expansive circular platform, waves crashing on all sides. Amidst the turmoil, a sliver of pity welled within Jane for this unfortunate soul, forcibly thrust into the midst of this dreadful spectacle.
But he had brought it upon himself with his actions, and if Jane wanted to save him from Reyla’s wrath, some form of justice must prevail. With that in mind, she looked down at him and began her inquiry.
“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, DOUGLAS QUINN?”
Jane could feel that the simple question had a deeper meaning than the words themselves implied. They struck at the man below, compelling him to reveal the truth. Douglas began recounting his story.
“We... we done unspeakable acts! Me friends and I, we preyed upon unsuspecting travelers along the road. It began with simple robberies, but then... Bolton, he... he kill’t them, said he didn’t want no witnesses. I... I didn’t agree, but I didn’t do nothing about it neither!” Throughout his account, the man remained fixated on Jane, unable to tear his gaze away, not sure if he was seeking judgment or redemption.
It was much as Jane suspected, but she looked to the scales to see what effect his story would have. A loud ringing sound rang out through the sky, and the scales tilted to the right toward the white audience. Curious, what does it mean? Is it judging his truthfulness? Jane wasn’t done yet, though. That may have been the quick and dirty answer, but she was looking for something more.
“WHY HAVE YOU DONE THIS?”
This question wasn’t for the band of bandits, or the superficial reasons of greed and apathy. It was for Douglas, the man before her. She looked at the scale in her hand and said a prayer to herself. Don’t attempt to deceive me, Douglas. This is your chance for redemption…
Douglas, his eyes becoming distant, started from the very beginning. “Me Ma and Pa, they weren’t lucky... They died ‘cause of the Roamin’ Black when I was just a lad. Me brother and me... We didn’t have much, so we had to pinch... we had to! But then, he passed away, too, and I was all on me own. ‘Till Bolten showed up! He gathered the other lads, he did, and we... we were like them heroes from the tales of old! Adventurers we were! Roamin’ the land, livin’ in the forest! And then... we spotted the merchant, walkin’ alone on the road, carryin’ all that food and... and stuff! It was dead easy... He weren’t strong like us... We were adventurers! So... we snatched it! All his things! And... after that... it was just too easy…”
As the somber tale neared its end, the same piercing ringing sound resonated through the air, and the scales clutched in her hand tilted back towards the side of light. It became evident that Douglas had indeed spoken the truth. While Jane pondered over his account, the clouds overhead dispersed, revealing a breathtaking expanse of clear blue sky. The figures, representing both light and darkness, shifted their attention towards Jane, patiently anticipating her final verdict.
Jane could feel the authenticity of his narrative, even without the System’s confirmation. She took a moment to reflect, allowing her senses to expand and perceive the countless possibilities that the System unveiled. However, unlike the malicious and deceitful doctor she had encountered before, this man seemed different, not as tainted by darkness. Soul binding would be an unjust penalty for him. As much as she longed to explore all the potential paths, she sensed her time in this place was limited.
“DOUGLAS QUINN, I FIND YOU GUILTY!”
The man standing before her fell to his knees, almost appearing relieved that his actions had finally been called to account. His shoulders slouched, and tears streamed down his face. Jane made her decision, and gradually, the tranquil forest came back into view for them both.
Jane’s knees hit the ground hard as she fell, head clutched in her hands. Her Mana was at zero again. It appeared this skill was not to be used lightly. She saw the System message appear, as she expected it would.
Douglas Quinn’s class has changed to Caregiver (Uncommon)!
Douglas Quinn has lost 13 levels!
You have received 7500 experience!
7500/8000
Reyla and Pogg ran to Jane as they saw her on the ground. Getting up, she noticed that Douglas had his head in his hands, sobbing away as he recovered from the intense experience.
“So, one of those weird Judicator skills again, huh?” Reyla asked as she helped Jane get to her feet.
Jane just nodded as she moved to the man before her.
“Douglas, do you understand the implications of what has happened here?” Jane inquired, observing the man’s reaction as he recoiled upon seeing her.
“Y-yes... I think so...” he stammered in response.
Jane pressed on, “You’ll need to find a different path in life now, given your new circumstances. Can you understand the gravity of that?”
Douglas nodded fervently, his voice quivering, “I’ll give it my all, I promise! I won’t do robbing no more! I swear it!”
Jane simply nodded, already convinced of his sincerity. “Reyla, set him free,” she commanded her companion, her tone leaving no room for debate.
Reyla was by now used to this version of Jane, and so, she went about untying his bonds. “You get real serious after you’ve been using your judgy skills, you know that?”
Jane didn’t respond, and instead, looked out into the fields. “Douglas, the remains of your friends are in those fields. I am sorry that this is how things turned out. If you want, we can help you bury them.” She looked at Pogg, who nodded in agreement.
Douglas quickly refused, “No! No… I… will do what needs to be doin’ myself…” He quickly ran off towards the fields, appearing to want to get away from Jane as soon as possible.
Sighing deeply, Jane reflected on the circumstances of the man and his life. Where were the schools? The social services? The infrastructure to uplift those with low Luck and who were in poverty? This was a fantastical place, but the lack of things that she had taken for granted in her own world were becoming more and more apparent by the day. The whimsy and wonder of the city of Grandia was like a mask for the reality of Arcadia. Reyla and Pogg were unaware of any alternative. This was the only life they had ever known. But Jane… She saw the flaws of this world all too clearly. And they had nothing to do with demons.
Pogg approached Jane while she was in thought. “Miss Jane… did you change that man’s level?”
Looking over, and glad to see a bit of the old Pogg showing itself again, Jane smiled. “Yes, Pogg, I did.”
He appeared to be in thought. “Then… Do you think you could change my level, too? So… I could fight the Demon Lord…”
Jane gave him a comforting look and rubbed him on the back. “No, Pogg. I don’t think I can.”
The rest of the trip to the village near the demon infestation went without incident. Jane had plenty to think about, as usual. It seemed Pogg was trying to make the best of the recent turn of events. His new stat points were much more noticeable in his training than Jane’s had been, and she could already see a glimmer of the hero he could be one day.
As for her own thoughts, Pogg’s question had stuck with her. How much power did she have when in the stormy seas of judgment? At the time, she had felt like she could do anything. That the power of the System was at her command, available to use as she saw fit. But anytime her thoughts had strayed towards selfish intentions, even for a moment, a dreadful sense of wrongness would come over her. In some ways, when she had stood there assigning judgment on Douglas, she had felt that the faceless spectators were judging her, as well.
No, the power that Jane had seen available didn’t tempt her in the slightest. She had always tried to do what was right, even if the answer hadn’t always been the easy one. Now, she just hoped that what she had chosen for Douglas had been correct. It was a fine line, choosing the fates and punishments of others. If anything, she simply hoped that her anger at witnessing the mistreatment of the vulnerable wouldn’t lead her to excessive judgements.
The approaching town was a small one, similar to those they had seen along the King’s Road. But there were buildings burned down, and the people they saw were moving quickly, not spending time for pleasantries. Reyla made a quick stop at the inn and found out that people had indeed seen something or someone skulking about. They were given some general directions towards the mountains, a shepherd apparently having seen signs.
Pogg appeared nervous as they got closer. He seemed to be able to sense that the skills and training he had been doing with Reyla would soon be put to the test. Jane tried to calm his nerves as best she could, though she was secretly fuming at the thought of her demon horde ignoring her instructions.
The three of them had gotten closer through their journey. Reyla was the most experienced in the world, and she had regaled them with stories of her travels, both funny and serious. Her life had generally been graced with fortune, with things always seeming to turn out well in the end. Pogg, on the other hand, was the mirror opposite. He didn’t know much about the world beyond his village, and his life was riddled with misfortune. But his innocent and cheery attitude, despite the hard life, was an inspiration. As for Jane… Well, she wasn’t quite sure whether she brought anything to the group.
The trio finally arrived below a dark and recessed cave near the mountains. Reyla had quickly picked up the trail, the demons not having cared much for secrecy, it appeared. Camp was quickly setup, and the horses were tied off in the distance.
Reyla gave each of them a long look. “Now, it’s going to be up to you two to sort this demon mess out. You’ve been training, the both of you, and the skills your Legendary classes have should serve you well enough.”
Looking towards the cave, she warned them. “Don’t take things for granted. Demons are a tricky bunch, and they have no morals or scruples. Do what you need to and come out stronger for it.”
Jane and Pogg looked at each other and nodded. They would have to do this themselves. Reyla couldn’t get involved or the experience would be completely absorbed by her high level. The explanation made sense to Jane, having played games in the past with that kind of mechanic. It was so weird to see this world had the same rules though, and she wondered how it would play out with her and Pogg working together. Hopefully there would be no need for violence, though.
The sun positioned directly overhead illuminated their path as Jane and Pogg steadily advanced towards the entrance, while a worried Reyla maintained a watchful distance, her attention unwaveringly fixed on them.
THIRTY-SIX
FREELANCER
Hiking up the mountainside, Jane looked at the nervous Pogg and felt for him. If she hadn’t had her 630 Luck, she would probably feel the same way. When they were out of ear-range of Reyla, Jane explained the plan to Pogg.
“Okay, Pogg, here’s the deal. I happen to be quite experienced with this kind of thing, so it’s best if you let me take the lead,” Jane stated.
He nodded, “Alright, Miss Jane, if you think so.”
As they entered the dark cave, Jane noticed a trail of ash leading deeper inside. Hold on a second. I don’t remember seeing that kind of stuff around my demons... Jane started feeling that something was amiss about this whole situation, and she made a mental note of it as they pressed on.
Pogg ignited a torch Relya had given him to illuminate their path, and they continued their descent into the cave.
Soon enough, they caught wind of distant chanting. Proceeding cautiously, a subtle glow of orange began to illuminate their path, revealing a larger chamber ahead. Jane hadn’t anticipated comprehending the words being uttered, but as they drew nearer, the chant became unmistakably clear in her mind.
By the flickering flames and the beckoning nether’s cries,
Let darkness arise, in this realm that’s unwise.
Unleash the shadows upon this unworthy sphere,
Where the fire burns and terror draws near.
Oh, brother… Well, I guess they probably aren’t playing Catan in there.
With a heavy sigh, Jane pressed forward, reminding Pogg to hold back and allow her to handle the first contact.
Peeking around the room as she entered, the sight before her was far from what she would have guessed. Standing in front of an enormous winged demon was a solitary bald man clad in a soiled black robe. The demon had its eyes closed and sat cross-legged, making it difficult for Jane to accurately gauge its size. Oblivious to their arrival, the bald man repeated the same chant incessantly while gesturing about wildly.
Pogg came in soon after, and immediately pressed himself to the wall, shaking.
Jane looked over and reassured him. “Chill out, Pogg. Don’t worry. Let’s see what this weird guy is doing.” She turned back to the chanter and used Piercing Gaze on him to see what she was dealing with.
