We gather together, forming our own cities. Cities enhanced by the knowledge of otherworlders. The native people hate and fear us, and for good reason. We are so much stronger than them. Even a Level 2 can take on several grown men in a fight. Now imagine a Level 40. We don’t even have to use skills on them. They can’t hurt us, and they can’t stop us. Many worship and revere us as gods. It’s fucked up. I hate it. What the hell is this?

Mariah assures me that’s its just the way the world is. But more and more otherworlders come into this world every day. Even a few dozen of us can devastate a country. What are the gods thinking?

Connor agrees with me, even how annoying he is.

We’re not gods.

Lord Chastings handed his fur coat to a standing Common servant, who took it and folded it into his arm. He strolled into the Masters’ cottage, his well-tailored suit adding to his air of authority despite his old age. The Masters all stood aside respectfully as he approached Markus, who was bleeding on the ground.

“A rebel, Krell?” He asked.

“Yes my lord.” Krell bowed his head. “I was taking care of it.”

“By making a show of entertainment.” Lord Chastings sighed. “Fool. You must punish them in secret, and it must be done efficiently. Not as some drunken show to relish yourselves. This is why you Masters are low born Nobles.” He sighed.

“Great Lord Chastings…” Markus heard Fel whisper as she sat up, despite her wounds.

“You, girl.” He said, noticing Fel. She bowed her head in reverence. “You are the one who writes the ledgers correct?”

“Yes, my lord.” She quivered.

“And I suppose you are the one who proposed that shipping plan? Krell isn’t smart enough to think of that, despite his claims.”

Krell looked at her in disdain, telling her to be quiet with his eyes.

“Yes, my lord. I wrote that.” Fel said.

Lord Chastings nodded in approval.

“There… there is no proof my lord!” Krell cried.

“Silence!” He slammed his cane on the ground, the whole cottage shaking. “I already know she wrote it. I just wanted to see if she could affirm it.”

“But… but how?”

A man stepped into the cottage. He was a handsome noble, with a smile on his face, his blonde hair slicked back, dark cloak draped over his shoulders.

“Lord Tevius.” Krell said, cursing under his breath. “Rogue…”

“I popped by a couple days ago.” He smiled. “Watched you lot drink away Great Lord Chastings money. You’ve been skimming coal for your parties I noticed.” Tevius said.

“Tevius reported the situation back to me, which is why I am here today.” Chastings said.

“Damned House dog...” Krell cursed again.

“You dare speak ill of one of my vassal houses before me?” Chastings flared.

“Forgive me my lord.” His eyes shot to Master Roy. “My lord, there is a more pressing issue at hand.”

“Ah. Roy. So, the Common killed him?” Chastings said, stepping over to the dead Master.

“Impressive.” Tevius said with a whistle. “Very Impressive.”

“Unfortunate.” Chastings sighed. “Krell I want this common dead before the day’s end.”

“No!” Fel leapt, prostrating herself before the Great Lord’s feet. “Please my lord. Spare him.”

“I cannot. From what Tevius has told me, you are a clever girl. A genius even. You should know the law.”

“The Experience Mines my lord. Send him there instead.” She pleaded.

“Rise girl.” Chastings gestured.

“I cannot my lord. My leg is broken.”

[Greater Healing]

Fel’s leg felt warm and pleasant as the energy spread throughout her body. Her pain faded away, the throbbing on her face stopped and the wound on her head closed. She felt good. very good. Fel rose to her feet, keeping her head bowed down as she thanked the Great Lord.

“What is your name girl?” Lord Chastings asked.

“Fel my lord.”

“The truth is young Fel, I have come for two reasons today. Not just to address Krell’s abuse of power, but also to retrieve the asset he has been hiding from me.”

Fel looked up in surprise. Chastings nodded.

“I want you to come to the Eastern Hearth and serve as House Chastings’ secretary.”

Markus smiled. A Great House Common was the equivalent of nobility to their people. She would have several outfits of clothing, warm meals, and access to all the books she could ever want. She would be treated well and could only be beaten in the most extreme of circumstances. It was like a fairy tale, a dream that other Commons hope they could become. And here it was, carried out before them, a dream come true.

“My lord…” She looked to Markus.

[Greater Healing]

Markus felt as his bones fixed themselves, the energy pouring into him as the pain faded from his body. He rose too, and bowed before the Great Lord’s power, anger inside him, reminding him how powerless he was before the Nobles.

“Very well Fel. I shall acknowledge your wish. Your brother here will be sent to the Experience Mines for a year. If he lives, then I shall employ him in my household as a laborer.”

“My lord?” Fel asked, tears welling up in her eyes. “You are too kind.”

If I live. Nine out of ten die in those mines. The very few that survive are usually maimed. Markus thought to himself. But it’s my only way out, and Fel knows it. If it hadn’t been the Mines, I would’ve been taken out back and beaten to death.

“I trust this is enough to buy your loyalty.” Chastings said.

“It’s a good deal.” Tevius smiled, stroking his chin. He walked over to the stone table and poured himself some ale. “Cheap swill. I love it.” He said as he downed the froth.

“Name, boy.” Chastings commanded.

“Markus.” He replied.

“Very well. By the power invested in me by our one true god, the Supreme One, Lord of the Frosts and protector of the World Forge, I carry out this punishment under the condition of young Fel’s employment.”

“My lord.” Markus said.

“Speak Markus.”

“My sister will be safe right? She’ll be taken care of?” He asked, turning to look at his sister. She was holding back tears, but a few streamed down her face as their eyes met.

“I promise.” He said.

“Lord Chastings is the best chap.” Tevius said, leaning back on his chair, balancing his mug with two fingers. “It’s why I love working for him.” He winked. “He always keeps his promises.”

Markus bowed.

“Krell. Take the boy away. Do not harm him, or I shall strike you down and wipe your House from existence.” Lord Chastings commanded.

Markus intertwined his hand with Fel’s, and held it there for several seconds, before he was pulled away by the angry Master. Their eyes never left each other as he was pulled out the door.