Torith a litrpg adventur.., p.27
Torith: A LitRPG Adventure (System Universe Book 2), page 27
She walked back to her desk and sat down with a sigh. This could be considered both her favorite and least favorite part of her day: communicating with her Deathsworn. She could link up and chat telepathically with those close to her, but for the others, like the one that was watching over the city of Torith, she had to communicate via crystal, just like she would with anyone else.
Of course, if anything big happened, or if she gave an order to report certain matters at any time, she would receive a communications request. Usually, no news was good news.
Alanah pulled out her first crystal and began receiving her daily reports. It was mostly normal matters like Savannah hosting another auction next week, a noble doing something stupid, or even the occasional bandit group attacking caravans or villages. None of that was any of her concern, but she still tucked it away for possible future use.
She changed crystals and received more reports from her Deathsworn. After receiving a certain report from her Deathsworn stationed in Torith, she put the crystal down, sighed, and smiled wryly. Well… he didn’t kill them… I hope.
According to the report, Derek had created quite the commotion at the city lord of Torith’s manor. Her Deathsworn wasn’t able to get many details, but apparently, Derek walked in with a guard. Not long after entering, the Deathsworn felt an enormous pressure that even caused those nearby to panic. Then, Derek walked out with a smile while whistling.
After that, the manor went into lockdown and allowed no one in or out. Even the trainee guards were filed into the manor. After Derek left, the entire outside of the residence became a ghost town.
What exactly did you do? she couldn’t help but wonder. And how strong are you, exactly? She got the feeling that Derek was much stronger than he had led on, even though he claimed that he was strong. To create that kind of pressure on my Deathsworn while being that far away… she thought.
She sighed and went on with her reports. She would contact the man when she was finished with them if he didn’t contact her before.
It wasn’t long before she was finished. The previous day was just like almost every other day. The only thing exciting that happened was with Derek, but that had come as no surprise to her. These days, news about Derek was the one thing that always seemed to bring her something interesting.
Alanah tidied up her office before making a cup of tea and trying to communicate with Derek.
‘Alanah! Good morning. How are you?’ The man’s voice came through clearly in her head.
‘I am doing great today. What about you? I heard you paid the city lord a visit yesterday,’ she replied.
‘That I did… It went better than expected. There was barely any talking back to me. All things considered, I’d say it went well. And I didn’t kill anybody important… Actually, I didn’t kill anybody at all. I think I went above and beyond,’ he said.
‘Oh, that’s good. That means I won’t have to deal with that deadbeat advisor and can focus more on the Void Beasts and helping train my two new wards,’ she chimed.
‘Oh yeah, you mentioned the other day that you had picked up a couple of prospects. That’s good. I hope everything works out with them.’
‘Me, too. Avery seems to like them, and he has been very excited to try out your training methods. I have to admit, I’m anxious to see the results,’ Alanah said.
‘Me too,’ Derek replied.
‘I—’ A knock sounded on her door. ‘One moment, someone is at the door.’ She laid the crystal down.
“Enter,” she said.
The door opened, and Avery walked in and closed the door behind him. After receiving Alanah’s nod, he spoke, “Alanah…” He smiled oddly. “Gerald Torith is on the first floor demanding an audience. He’s making quite the ruckus.”
Alanah rolled her eyes, held up two fingers, and nodded. Avery gave her a nod in confirmation, turned, and walked out the door.
Alanah picked the crystal back up off her desk. ‘Derek, dear… What exactly did you do yesterday?’
‘Uh… I pretty much told you everything I did. I met with the city lord, made a couple threats, didn’t kill anyone, and I left… in that order,’ Derek replied.
‘When you said that you made a couple of threats, what kind of threats exactly?’ Alanah asked.
‘Nothing much, really. Just the usual. I told them exactly how much their lives were worth to me. I let them know that the only reason they were still breathing was because of a favor to you. I also told the city lord that I didn’t fear his daddy, and that the man wouldn’t be able to save him if I wanted him dead,’ Derek explained.
Alanah frowned. He didn’t kill anybody, and he even used my name. It really doesn’t seem to be all that bad. Gerald may be a scumbag, but he’s too smart to offend me or someone I support over nothing but a threat. What is he planning?
‘And that’s all, just some idle threats?’ she asked.
‘Yeah. I let him know that even if I left, I still had eyes in the city, and that I had made quite a few friends. I told him that he better be careful about offending people in the future,’ Derek said. ‘Ah, I also used my full aura to really get my point across.’
‘Hmm… So, you wouldn’t happen to know why Gerald Torith is currently at my establishment seeking an audience with me?’ she asked. Wait a minute. A thought occurred to her. ‘You said you released your full aura? What was the outcome? My Deathsworn was outside the manor and reported that it was quite the aura, but he was very far away.’
‘Uh… let me think…’ Derek replied. ‘Well, the city lord nearly lost his shit. That guard, Herrett, got a bit pale and took a step back. Half of the room, including the city lord’s son, fell unconscious… that was pretty cool, actually. The rest were on their knees or fighting to stand.’
‘I can see all that making Gerald angry, but it shouldn’t cause him to cause a commotion in my restaurant. If he was going to do anything, he normally would do it in the dark,’ she told Derek.
‘Well, I don’t think I went too overboard. I had multiple opportunities to kill that kid, and that guard captain wouldn’t have been able to do anything to me. Sorry I can’t be more helpful,’ Derek said.
‘No need to apologize. I asked you to spare them, and you did. In fact, if I’m not missing anything, you did less than I believed you would. I don’t know your actual power, but from what I have picked up on and what my Deathsworn has felt, I should thank you for even listening to my request.
‘Thank you for talking with me. Unfortunately, I must cut our chat short and go deal with a spoiled noble. Do not hesitate to contact me whenever,’ Alanah said.
‘It’s always a pleasure. We’ll be leaving this city shortly and heading to one with a teleporter. We may be able to have this conversation in person sooner rather than later,’ Derek replied.
‘I’ll look forward to it. Goodbye.’
‘Goodbye.’
37 GERALD TORITH
Alanah stored the now-inactive crystal in her storage ring. Letting out a deep breath, she thought, Might as well get this over with. With that, the beautiful woman strode out of her office down to Meeting Room Two.
Arriving at the meeting room, Alanah didn’t bother to knock. She opened the door and walked in.
Avery was standing inside next to the door. In front of her, sitting at a table, was a middle-aged man with long, flowing golden hair. He was dressed in a formal green tunic and wore an irritated expression on his face that screamed ‘slap me.’
When Alanah walked in, the man didn’t even attempt to stand and only stared at the woman. Avery was not happy about this, but Alanah stopped him from saying or doing anything.
Alanah approached the table and pulled out the chair across from the man before sitting. She fished a private communications crystal out of her storage and channeled her mana into it. They could have used their Telepathy skill, but showing the crystal eased others’ minds by knowing Avery was receiving direct responses from Alanah.
Behind her, Avery gripped his crystal and spoke. “Gerald, my mistress would like to know if this is okay, or if you would like to try your hand at communicating with her directly.”
The man scoffed. “She thinks herself powerful. I’m not the same person I was when last we spoke. You will not be needed.”
“Very well,” Avery replied but stayed standing behind Alanah.
Alanah inwardly laughed to herself. There were very few people who could withstand a conversation with her in the kingdom, and the king was one of the only ones she had met face-to-face who could do so without having to acclimate over a period of time.
Avery and Stella could also converse properly with her, but it took Stella hours to adapt, and she would have to start the process over at the beginning of each day. Avery was a little better, but he still needed a short period to adapt. Neither of them, however, could withstand her if she actively used her power for a command, no matter how much acclimation they had gone through throughout the day.
She had a lot of hope in Derek. He was the first person, other than the king, who could withstand a command through the crystal. Not to mention that he was so much more fun to talk with than that boring old man.
Without using any power, Alana spoke, “Stand.”
Immediately, Gerald kicked the chair back from him and shot to his feet.
“Spin.” Alanah watched as Gerald did a full three-sixty. “Hop on one foot,” she said, and he did. “Apologize for overestimating yourself, for disturbing my establishment with your presence, and for just existing in general.”
Behind Alanah, Avery looked at the hopping man with disdain. He even went as far as openly laughing at him.
“I am very sorry, Miss Swan. I am nothing compared to you. Forgive me for believing myself capable. I apologize for any harm my behavior has caused to your great restaurant. And you are correct, I should not even think to exist, much less in your appearance. Please allow me to atone for my sins.” With that, Gerald Torith summoned a beautiful dagger out of his storage ring and pushed it into his jugular, causing blood to pour out of his neck with every pump.
“That’s enough,” Alanah said. “No need to go and die. Put your weapon away. I’m sure your vitality will have that wound healed in no time.”
Gerald did as he was told.
“Now, sit. Let me know when you are no longer under my influence, then we can talk.”
Gerald walked mindlessly to the chair that he had pushed away earlier. He pulled it back up to the table and mechanically sat back down, staring intently at nothing.
Alanah pushed her thoughts back into her crystal. ‘So, how are the boys doing?’ she asked Avery.
Avery chuckled. ‘Are you sure that was necessary, Alanah? You know he’s going to go complain to the king after what you just did.’
‘And the king will admonish him for overestimating his talents. I know that man better than anyone, including the royal family. In fact, that old bag of bones, boring as he may be, will probably find some entertainment in Gerald’s tale,’ she assured Avery.
‘If you say so,’ he replied. ‘Zac and Luke’s training is progressing well. They are also extremely grateful to both you and me, especially after finding out the reason they were selected and what our plans are. Honesty is the best way to obtain loyalty—as you have taught me.’
‘That’s good. They seem like nice boys.’
‘They are, indeed. In fact, they both remind me of myself. I was even younger than them when you found me, so I know exactly what they are feeling right now. Of course, you never gave me a lofty goal like they have.’
Alanah smiled. ‘You’re still young. You may not be able to reach as high as they will be if the experiment works, but you are still one of the strongest in the kingdom. You are nearly able to resist my voice with willpower alone. How many can openly say that?’
‘I can only hope,’ Avery said. ‘Ah, I was discussing with the boys how you found me and everything you have done for me. Including giving me your surname. They are both newly orphaned, and their parents’ deaths are still fresh in their minds, but I have heard them privately discussing asking you to give them your surname.’
‘It’s only been a few days. I’m sure they are just overly grateful for being rescued from their situation. You had next to no memories of your parents, so taking my name was an easy decision. Still, I waited for you to ask. The boys knew their parents, and by what you have told me, they seemed to be good people. I will not disgrace their memory like that. It is the same reason that Stella is still a Brighton,’ Alanah replied.
‘If they ask, I will let them know and explain why. They are still children. They will grow and learn. I cannot wait.’ Avery smiled.
‘Nor can I.’
The two continued discussing matters for well over an hour before Gerald stirred. All of the sudden, he bolted to his feet and put both hands over his throat.
“Ah, Gerald, so nice of you to join us.” Alanah said.
“W-what did you two do to me?” Gerald sputtered while clasping at his throat.
Alanah looked at the man, confused. “Mr. Torith, I have no clue what you are talking about. You wanted to have a conversation, face to face, with no communication crystals involved, so that is what we are doing. I must say, you acclimated quite quickly. Very impressive.”
“N-no! You made me stab myself… in the throat. I… I remember it all!” the man screeched.
“Now, now. Think back on what you remember. I only told you that you should apologize. You are the one who went above and beyond and tried to maim yourself. Which, might I add, is quite interesting. You may want to ask yourself why you would subconsciously decide to act in such a manner. You might learn a bit more about yourself and your nature. I know I sure have,” Alanah said with a knowing smile.
“Y-you… you…” he stuttered.
“Have a seat, Gerald,” Avery said, speaking up. “You wanted a meeting with my mistress, and now you have one. Her time is quite valuable. You better use it wisely.”
Gerald took a deep breath, calming down. He cautiously approached the table and sat down, eyeing Alanah wearily.
“Now,” Alanah said, “what was so urgent that you had to come to my establishment and cause a ruckus? I was in the middle of a very important conversation when you arrived. This better be good.”
Gerald, now calm, stared daggers into Alanah before answering. “I’m sure you know exactly why I have come here, but since you are acting ignorant, let me help jog your memory,” he practically spat.
“Careful!” Avery warned. “Your position in the kingdom may be higher than mine, but you are not in my league. I will not tolerate you talking to my mistress in that manner.”
“It’s fine, Avery,” Alanah said. “Let the man do as he pleases. If he goes too far, you will not be needed to defend my honor. I am perfectly capable.” In her head, she spoke through the communication crystal. ‘That’s enough. He’s already reeling from the other actions, there is no need to add to his stress.’
Avery bowed in servitude. “Yes, mistress.” Inwardly, he sent back, ‘I know he’s just trying to gain back a little control of the room, but if nothing else, he should know better than to insult you.’
‘Better to my face than behind my back,’ Alanah replied.
Gerald flinched at Avery’s outburst but smirked at Alanah’s reprimand. “Yes, Avery, she is perfectly capable. There is no need for a dog like you to bark. Listen to your master.”
“Watch it.” This time, Alanah warned. “I gave you some rope, and now you try to hang yourself? Get on with it. What do you want?” Her friendly demeanor was thrown out the window at his remark. Alanah was as protective of her people as they were of her. She would not hear them being insulted.
Gerald clicked his tongue. “Whatever,” he said. “I know you know of this Derek Hunt person.”
“Yes, what of him?” Alanah replied.
“He attacked my family yesterday!” Gerald yelled.
Alanah shook her head. “No, he didn’t. I know exactly what happened yesterday. He warned your family after they made an egregious error by offending him. They are lucky that I talked him out of attacking your family. Otherwise, only you and your wife would remain.”
“My grandson is in a coma!” the man spat.
That was news to Alanah. It seemed like the boy hadn’t been able to withstand Derek’s aura at all. Of course, it had only been a day. He would most likely wake up and be fine. Well, physically, at least. Also, she knew that Gerald didn’t actually care that much about Clay. He was only using this as an opportunity to try to gain something from her or the king.
“And whose fault is that? I can’t believe that your son actually raised a child who can’t even withstand a little aura. How pitiful,” she said. “Besides, it only happened yesterday. I’m sure he’ll be fine in a few days. You can use this as a learning experience for him. It will teach him not to offend those he can’t afford to. Of course, with the way this meeting is going, maybe it would be good for you to gain some of that experience as well.”
“Still! How dare he barge into my son’s, the city lord’s, manor and threaten him? And over a commoner’s life,” Gerald said.
Alanah looked back at Avery. “Avery, which noble house is it that you come from again?”
Avery tilted his head. “None, mistress. I am but a commoner orphan.”
“Ah, I see,” Alanah said, then shifted her focus back to Gerald. “Gerald, as my assistant is but a mere commoner, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind having an exchange with him, maybe learning the worth of commoners in the process?”
Gerald’s face paled slightly, but he scoffed. “I will not lower myself to spar with a filthy commoner. Besides, one outlier proves nothing.”
“Oh? Well, since you won’t lower yourself to spar with a commoner, then how about me? I won’t even use a weapon,” Alanah said.
His pale face contorted in fright. “I wouldn’t dare,” he said.
