《Mana Anxiety》6 System, Pact, and an Alien
Advertisement
The stark white surface was replaced with an image other than the map, and a greater attached headache to match. It was a blue humanoid, though James couldn’t be sure of the scale since the background remained that same white sign, so really it could be five meters tall, or five centimeters. It had a flat nose, with several slits angled along it on either side of where a nose would normally be. It was also hairless, but that statement was misleading because instead of hair it seemed to have navy cat-like fur on its head. Its eyes were humanoid in all but color, a deep shade of purple shining through with no eyelashes. The lips weren’t defined, just a line that seemed to close entirely when it wasn’t speaking.
A hush fell over the crowd of humans, all of them staring at the alien. Because no special effects, makeup, or prosthetics could reproduce its appearance. Before the silence could be replaced by an uproar the likes of which James was sure she did not want to experience, it began to speak. In English, because apparently aliens spoke in English.
“Welcome to the fifth planet tutorial.” Its lips seemed to move in deliberate movements, making sure to pronounce the words in their entirety. And while some of the words seemed to want to be capitalized, its lack of enthusiasm seemed to rob them of that chance. It was that same robotic but almost natural sounding voice that James had noted coming from the earlier signs. “Your planet has been deemed ready by the system to enter the System. In accordance with Pact Section 12b.4 I will be introducing the System and the Pact to you before you begin your Tutorial.”
Despite giving no indication of any emotion, or most likely because of it, James got the distinct impression this being was annoyed by this obligation. She tried to listen and take mental notes, a hard task given her close proximity to the other people in the crowd. And the fact that it was an alien. Because she was totally geeking out inside. She bitterly wished she had her tablet with her so she could better ignore all the distractions.
Advertisement
“The System is the governing system of our universe and is responsible for any notifications you have received. It both interprets the world and affects it according to our actions and choices. It can help you reach heights you cannot yet comprehend or lows of the same magnitude.
“The Pact is the government in this region. As your planet is Awakening within its boundaries, you are under its jurisdiction. The System recognizes this and lets it interact with Tutorials in its territory. Once you have finished with the Tutorial you may even be recruited to work for the betterment of the Pact.” The last bit was said with distaste, how James knew this she didn’t know. Nonetheless, it was undoubtedly fact. “May you aim for the stars and reach beyond them.” The broadcast ended without preamble, and with it the headache on the sign reverted back to its inert state.
Hushed whispers enveloped the crowd. After all, their whole planet had just been annexed. And that was the minor bit of news. They had been enveloped by the System, something that convinced a good portion of them they were crazy just an hour prior. And, of course, they had all just gotten a speech from an alien. Such events just weren’t meant for real life.
“I gotta say, this is exciting! We’re living history!” James looked sideways at Prof’s withered face.
“You’re right, I’m sure this is the first time you’ve been in such a situation.” She deadpanned, refusing to look anywhere but his eyes. He sputtered in mock outrage, his hand going to his waxed mustache and twisting it. The moment of levity passed too fast, and he turned to her, still twisting his mustache.
“What do you make of this?”
“Aren’t you the professor?” she continued, “I think we’ll need to get through the Tutorial before we make any real judgements. The Pact does seem to have laws, but everything still feels subservient to the System. I don’t even know if standing out or not is actually beneficial or not.” Prof nodded back at her.
Advertisement
“Their laws don’t mean much. We got maybe two paragraphs combined about the System and the Pact. And that seems to just be a policy. Oh well, we already live in a bureaucracy, how bad could it be?” He would later learn that, yes, surprisingly, multi-universe conglomerates could be much worse than filling out his current tax forms.
Quest: Find your workstation.
Reward: Learn your first Skill!
The notification came out of nowhere, and apparently was directed at all the tutorial participants. And it didn’t take long for the crowd to figure that the workstations were most likely in the new medieval structure in front of them.
James tried to stand still and let herself be passed, but she was inevitably jostled between the crowds of people going to the heavy wooden doors. And every time somebody touched her, she inevitably flinched, becoming a statuesque figure in the newly created stream of people. A small amount did stay back, but this was a college town full of college kids. This meant that fear of consequences was at an all-time low.
Prof stayed with her, getting as close to her as he could without touching her, neither one wanting to get swept up in the weird fervor that seemed to envelope most everyone else.
A couple of guys got together (James was right in that the doors were extraordinarily heavy) and managed to pry the door open. Finally, there was a proper inlet for the people to disperse into, and the area began to properly clear. James idly wondered how all those people could fit in the newly erected building. The park had seemed much too full to be emptied out in such a fashion. Slowly, the people that had been left behind walked inwards to the tutorial area, now convinced that there were no dangerous artifacts in there.
“I’m heading in. You follow when you’re ready.” Prof went to pat her shoulder but thought better of it, something James was extraordinarily thankful for. She was in sensory overload and just needed some time to herself. She managed to smile shakily at him and almost collapsed on the ground when he made it through the door. Finally, she was alone. Maybe now she could actually think.
Advertisement
- In Serial232 Chapters
The Beast and The Swallow
Of all the tales in all the lands, there isn't a story more famous and more heart-wrenching than the one about the Beast and the White Swallow. Never heard of it? Then come closer, for it is about to unfold before your very own eyes. In a far-away land of snow and mystery, the fates of two bastards entangle. He is a warrior and a ruler. She is a physician with a tormented past. Now both of them will have to learn not only to live together but also to fight against any and all that threatens to ruin their happiness. Amongst chaos, schemes, and war, will they manage to fulfill the most difficult task - finding the way to each other's heart and soul? The path won’t be easy. A dark cult and even darker magic are resurfacing after years of slumber. And while they wreak havoc in the lands of Norden, the Star-gazer’s voice echoes in the night, heralding a dangerous future: When the Beast falls, the Swallow shall triumph. For the Sun to shine over Norden, the Swallow must be devoured. Many thanks to @AngrySpider for composing this soundtrack for the story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrzUOUCrMA4
8 234 - In Serial6 Chapters
I'm A Professional Gamer, So How Did I Become King?
Watch as an Immortal, near All-Powerful being recounts the tales of his and his wives rise in power. I don't want to make the MC OP, but he will be incredibly strong and fight really strong beings. I make no promises when it comes to release dates, just so you know, however I don't plan on dropping this, as it contains ideas from multiple fictions I've written but never posted. I don't own the cover picture.
8 151 - In Serial9 Chapters
Author's Rant
Just a disclaimer, this is not and never will be a story. I just, noticed I have a bad habit of wanting to rant in my author's notes, and have decided that, instead of accidentally doubling the length of each chapter with the author's note alone, I will shove those long-ass rants here. It might contain spoilers for my stories, as I usually wind up ranting about different parts I'm writing. So, if you actually enjoy my rants...well, firstly, what is wrong with you? Secondly, welcome! Time to figure out what tags to stick on this. Also, as of the second chapter, I have decided to shove some of my story ideas here. So if you enjoy half-baked, unfinished stories, then I got those too. I think that adds that short story tag?
8 132 - In Serial30 Chapters
Star Passenger
Nick is an ordinary youth with a passion for astronomy, who has dreamt of the stars his entire life as he works a customer service job. One day he picks up a signal from the stars that turns his life upside down - little does he know at the time that the fate of Humanity depends on how he deals with the discovery! Goose, who is not at all happy to be named Goose, has travelled across the Galaxy as a data signal only to be woken to life inside a virtual machine. Together with Nick's sister Sae and their friend Rashi, Nick and Goose set out to explore the mysteries of the Universe and to find out what has happened to Goose's people. However; before they can succeed on their quest, they must outsmart a relentless detective backed by a sinister government that are doing everything they can to stop them. Caught between forces as ancient as the Universe, Nick and his friends uncover secrets that will shake the foundations of the very fabric of time and reality.
8 123 - In Serial16 Chapters
Beyond Gods
In the darkness of the yet unborn universe looms great terror.Beings of such magnitude that planets pulverize under their breaths, whole planetsystems get destroyed by the flick of their hands. Their gaze, strong enough to pierce stars, their hunger, greater than a blackhole and their power, as limitless as space itself, all beyond imagination.This was until the light came and with the light came 'The one'.'Tis my first story so please go easy on me! Maybe tragedy, Drama and Comedy might get tagged as well... might.
8 159 - In Serial12 Chapters
My Titan Girl (Levi x Annie's sister reader)
I'm Abby Leonhart. The sister of Annie Leonhart. As a child our father said I was weak and left me in an underground city. It was their that I met Levi Ackerman and his mother Kuchel. Over time I missed Annie and said my farwells to Levi who now hadtwo friends: Isabel and Farlan. I returned home to find Annie,Reiner,and Bertohlt gone back to Wall Sina and are traitors. This is the story of when I returned home to find Levi as a survey corps captian, Annie,Reiner and Bertohlt are traitors,and murdering backstabers,and now I am all alone....well thats what I thought. Until Levi showed me the beauty of being me....and how he's felt about me since we met.Enjoy. PLZ VOTE!
8 159