“Hello there Mathew. I’m Gaia, I’m glad to see you haven't accepted any Blessings yet.” His voice was high pitched, like a teenager who hadn’t hit puberty yet. It clashed with how he looked. “I’m sure you’ve been told this already, but I am an Avatar, here to offer you my blessing, blah blah blah.”

“Right, what is an Avatar?” Matthew asked, curious of the answer.

“Oh, you didn’t ask yet?” Gaia asked.

Mathew shrugged, but didn’t answer.

“I’m a sliver of myself. Or rather, I am the sliver of Gaia. If I were to actually show up before you, you would die. Instantly. No pain, no pleasure, not even a chance to realize I am here. Just snap.” To enunciate the word, Gaia snapped his fingers.

Mathew nodded slowly, “Right...so why do you and all the other ‘Gods’ want with me? You are so far the easiest to talk to. Not making threats, and you at least seem to want to be here.”

Gaia seemed to think of an answer for a moment, “Let me answer your question with a question. I know a little of your planet's history. Why does a King not fight every war himself? Why does a Priest not give all his money to those who need it, even if it harms himself? Why have you never gone out and helped people stay married rather than help them get a divorce?”

Mathew answered somewhat quickly, “Because nobody can do everything themself. This isn’t the hardest of philosophical questions.”

Gaia nodded, “Even a God can’t do everything, either because of rules or because of a limit in power and understanding. There is also the other side of that coin. If I did everything, then I will be depended upon. I have a life, I have goals and ambitions, it’s why I obtained the status of a God. If I have to spend every moment doing what I need done at the smallest of levels, what’s the point? Hence why Gods hand out blessings and find followers. To handle those smaller things.”

“If you can have Avatars, why not do it that way?” Mathew questioned.

Gaia smiled, “Because of those limits and rules I mentioned. I can’t wave a hand and protect you from every fight, nor give you an answer to every question. You can thank The Council for that.” Gaia let out a frustrated sigh. “I wish I could do those things, but damned rules. As much as I hate them, I’m sometimes glad they exist.”

“And let me guess, there is a rule about the big kids beating up the younger kids belonging to other Gods?”

“Precisely.” Gaia was smiling now, glad Mathew was starting to catch on.

“So why me? What did I do to earn your presence here when I am chasing down my own goals and ambitions?”

Gaia started to pace a little bit toward Mathew’s side window, “Well, that’s an excellent question. What do you think I am a God of? I understand your planet has a fun version of me.”

“Last I checked, you were not Santa nor an old dude with a beard. Gaia is supposed to be a Goddess of fertility or nature.”

Gaia looked down and rolled their eyes. “Right, genders. I forget mortals have those. Uhh I have many different forms. Most see me as Female which I am. However, I assumed this body would be more...cheery to you. The Integration phase of The System is harsh, and a smiling face would be great for you.”

“Right, yea that isn’t the case for me. It’s actually more awkward that you did appear as that.”

Gaia rolled their eyes and with a flick of a hand, appeared as a dark skinned and skinny woman. Her hair was green, woven with flowers. A very large dress draped from her shoulders. It appeared to be woven from a very fine silk. It had a granient color that matches a sunset.

Mathew nodded, “A much more representation of how you are viewed. Also nicknamed ‘Mother Earth’. I don’t know much more than that. Hopefully that didn’t disappoint your expectations, if you had any.”

“It’s one of the nicer theories of me in the Universe. Many Gods are known in rumors or whispers. It’s a natural draw toward us. Some are stronger than others. I imagine you never heard of ‘The Council’ or even Zeez before The System showed up.

Mathew shook his head, although the latter name sounded a lot like Zeus. “So what are you really a God of? I know Numa kinda, a bit of a bitch. The snake I talked to for The Council just didn’t care to be here.”

“I represent two things.” She held up two fingers, inogring Mathew’s comment about the previous two encounters. “Firstly, I represent Growth. I am compared to Earth, the element and material not your planet. More often than not because of this, many of my followers lean more in that direction which I do not mind. Geomancers and other people that focus on that element are always welcomed. The second is Bonds. Typically between Man and Beast. I make it a point to always talk to Summoners and others of a similar class.”

Mathew squinted and something clicked in his memories. “Wait, wasn’t Droozkora supposed to be your replacement?”

Gaia played off the shock expression as one of surprise. “Really, how do you know that wicked witch's name?”

Mathew lifted the rod to view and her face was drained of color. “You...how...what!” The Avatar ran to the passenger door and pressed up against the glass to get a full view of the rod. “Impossible! She’s dead!”

Mathew shook his head, “If seeing this means she isn’t, well here is your proof.”

Gaia stepped away and started to pace. He...She...whatever it was, was acting way ungodly. Right now, he was worried for himself based on this reaction. It was too human, a God is supposed to be aloof, mysterious, powerful, and absolute. Gaia just seemed like a worried parent.

“Right, okay, this isn’t something I ever expected.” Gaia said.

“I already know what the Rod means. Droozkora is after my ass, plus anyone else who wants it. How do I survive what is coming at me? I have no plans that involve me dying in the future. You help me, I’ll help you.”

Gaia looked at Mathew, “Survive? Dear boy, you won’t last a second the moment Doozkora is within this solar system. You won’t even know you are being attacked before you die.”

Mathew swallowed, imagining that at any moment he could be attacked by such a powerful person. “Can you elaborate more on that?”

“Before she fell off her path and became corrupted by that fiend, Doozkora was a lovely girl. She was just about to reach Adept rank. She was having problems reaching for that rung of power. That was thousands of years ago.” Gaia looked up at the sky.

Mathew didn’t have time for Gaia to go down memory lane. “I get it. You had some connection with her, and somehow I am opening old scars. Sorry if I sound like an asshole, but how do I not die from her?”

Gaia looked back at Mathew, a flat stare the only thing to greet him. “Well, you can’t. Not unless you are stronger than her. Luckily you have several things on your side. Firstly, The System is protecting this planet for a long while. You have till then before she has a chance of finding out, even then it will take longer. Information from new planets travels slowly. Nothing interesting happens, especially on a planet that has never had magic before.”

Mathew felt a small weight come off his shoulders. “Yet, that does not mean you are safe. You will need to get past at least The Mortal Steps before you can dream of having a chance. Even then I doubt you will be strong enough in time. I suggest finding a benefactor of a large family or clan to join and beg for protection.”

“And you can’t protect me, why?” Mathew asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Gods can protect their followers, guide them, and do many things. However, you are not my follower. That would require you taking my blessing.” Gaia tapped her chin, an idea crossing her face. “However, given your unique situation, I can do you a better favor, but the price is not cheap”

Mathew crossed his arms, “Listen, I appreciate any advice, and will pay for it. However, I won’t sell my soul to you, or any god. Establish lines of job and reward I rather do. Can’t you just give me quests and reward me for them?”

Gaia’s eyes sparkled for a brief moment, “Why Mathew, I think that is an excellent idea. If only I, A God, thought of it first.”

Mathew rolled his eyes, “Alrighty, no need to be snarky.”

Gaia giggled. “You know, for a human, you sure do take the presence of a God quite easily. No begging, no groveling, not even a question of life's greatest mysteries in the universe.”

“Let me guess, there is no life after death and the meaning of life is to be happy?” Mathew asked condescendingly.

“Close, there isn’t life after death, but your life isn’t over. As for the meaning of life...well that’s up to you. I’m not a human, never was, never will be. Now, to the more important thing you are worried about, your own life here and now.”

“So before we start, I don’t suppose you will accept a blessing, not even a small one?” She held two fingers apart with a small space between them.

Mathew did consider it for a moment, but in the end shook his head. “Unless it’s something that you can’t take back for any reason, then no. I’m in enough deep shit with a prevoius noose around my neck. I would like not to have another one currently.”

Gaia nodded, and rubbed her hands together. “Fine then, a classic quest then. Now I will start off by saying I can’t give you everything, this is a guide. I have one definitive request from you, accept it, and you and I will forever be linked by the strings of fate. I should warn you, this will count as accepting a blessing, so whoever is left in line to talk to you will go away. Time will return to normal.”

“What is this request?”

“Finish her quickly.”

Mathew realized what she was asking of him, then nodded. “I can do that. I accept the deal, you help me and I’ll do that for you.”

Gaia smiled and waved a hand, as she faded away a screen appeared in front of Mathew.

Quest: The Seed of Fate, Step 1

Gaia, God of Earthly Bonds, has issued you a quest. Failure to follow their guidance can and will lead you to failure. Become the seedling that blossoms into the flower whose thorns can cut the red strings of tomorrow.

Become owner of a Hearth Crystal: 0/1

Finish and clear an Earth themed Dungeon: 0/1

(Bonus rewards for doing so solo)

Learn Two Truths: 0/2

Surpass The Mortal Steps: 0/1

Reward: Spell [Summon Bush]

Mathew wanted to ask a question on clarifying the last parts of the quest, but Gaia was long gone. The world around him started to play forward and was worried if Lucas would remember to continue driving if he was visited by a God.

The sounds returned to him and everything continued as normal. Mathew took a glance between Holly and Lucas, curious if either of them were visited by a god.

Holly broke the silence first, “I don’t suppose either of you visited as well.”

Lucas looked back at her with the rearview mirror, “Visited? By who?”

Mathew looked back and gave Holly a wink, “Don’t worry about it Lucas, just Holly being weird.”

Holly seemed to drop the conversation, but Mathew filed away that she too was visited while Lucas was not.

The Camp was now in full view but a faint glowly light could be seen further away. Lucas stopped the truck and they all got out. Ruins of war could be seen everywhere. Tanks were tipped over or destroyed. Dozens of bodies littered the ground, both alive and dead.

Mathew ignored it all, he looked everywhere for the Hearth Crystal. He refused to believe he was too late. His eyes darted from imp to imp that still was in the sky, looking for anything out of the ordinary.

The echo of a war cry washed over him, and he turned his eyes toward a giant empty field. He could see people fighting some giant red infernal. One of the humans had a glow surrounding him. Somehow Mathew knew it was Leo.

He went back to moving closer to where the Dungeon entrance should be, when he heard a voice shout at him that he did not want to hear.

“You son of a bitch, Mathew! I thought I told you that you couldn't be here!” General’s Payne’s voice amplified by a skill of his was easily heard. Mathew flinched but put on a brave face.

“I’m here to help stop the Hearth Crystal from being stolen, the Infernals attacked the base as well. Mr. Melton sent me. It’s the reason why I am here.” Mathew truthfully said.

Jeffrey was next to him, and Mathew kept a hand on the wolf’s head. If the beast attacked Payne, he would be screwed.

Payne and his group of personal guards came marching over. He locked eyes with Holly and Lucas for just a moment. “An obvious lie, You are here against my orders! Is that damned contract we set up even working? I said you couldn’t be here, now scram before I shoot you on grounds of going against a direct order from a higher ranking officer!”

Mathew silently was glad his words were poorly chosen. He only talked about an order that was no longer relevant. If he actually repeated it, Mathew would be forced to walk away again. “Sorry sir, but you need me, it looks like.” He looked away from Payne, and spotted it. Several Imps were carrying the Hearth Crystal, and he smirked as he saw a certain Imp leading them.

“I have to go.” Mathew said as he started to chase after the Imps.

“No you do not! Get back here Mathew, that Crystal is mine!” Payne shouted. Mathew stopped, but not because he had to. He just would rather not get shot in the back.

“I’m sick of you,” the General continued, “I don’t care how useful you are anymore, you are a constant thorn in my side!” He marched toward Mathew waving his gun around. Mathew saw he was missing a few of his personal guards, only four remained. “You are a little weak bitch. You are simply an outcast who got lucky. You are a shitty lawyer, a shitty person, and keep trying to get power for free. Using others to prop you up in life.”

“And then you try to create a contract to protect yourself, then use it to try and kill me! I imagine the contract doesn’t even work! An illusion, a fake! I talked to my new God, he answered a lot of questions for me. Even gave me a new fancy power, did a God talk to you Mathew? Was it the God of being a weak and spineless man? So what if you have a few levels and a fancy title. You didn’t earn them, you got lucky! It’s why you wanted to clear those Dungeons with others, so you can use them to get better.”

Mathew sneered at him and was tired of keeping his mouth shut. “Oh like how you used your position to sell American secrets to get yourself more money? You even brought in loyal soldiers to protect you from enemies!” He gestured to the heavily equipped guards standing around Payne. “I fought that wolf on my own! I could have waited for help, but I didn’t. I’ve trained others who were weaker than myself to be an emergency backup in case I couldn’t clear those dungeons on my own! I might use people, but I don’t plan on stepping on them to boost myself.”

Payne’s eyes went red with anger. “You...HOW DID YOU- Fuck it” Payne pointed at Mathew, “Kill him. Do it now.”

Mathew laughed, “Too scared to do it yourself? Afraid the Contract is still in effect?”

Payne didn’t bother answering him. “Shoot him now or you are going to be killed on grounds of treason against me! That’s a direct order!” His voice reverberated across the battlefield. Mathew realized Payne didn't care about the Infernals still running about. He only cared about killing Mathew.

Mathew readied himself but didn’t move. The contract was still in effect, if he attacked Payne he would have to claim the Crystal the old way, which means he could still attack him while he did so. He needed the cheap and quick way he set up in his Contract.

A single gun fired, the bullet passed Mathew, missing by a mile. More guns fired and Mathew started to run. He couldn’t dodge everything, but those that did hit hurt. Those that hit his armor did minimal damage. Mathew realized it was more than just the personal guards of Payne firing at him, several soldiers from across the field were doing so, including Holly. Yet he saw a faint face of confusion on some of them.

“Traitorous bitch” Mathew thought to himself as he ran. Jeffrey was also hit, along with his wisps causing one of them to fade away to nothing after taking too much damage. The wolf howled in anger and charged. “No wait, stop Jeffrey!”

The wolf ignored Mathew’s cries and leapt at the group landing on Payne. Mathew stopped and froze in fear. “Fucking dumb mutt, now my plan is ruined!”

Payne bashed his gun at Jeffrey and was soon pulled off by his guards. Jeffrey ran back toward Mathew after receiving a dangerous stab from a sword.

Payne looked down at his arms that were covered in injuries from Jeffrey. “You...THE CONTRACT WAS A LIE THIS ENTIRE TIME!” He pulled and aimed his gun at Mathew.

Mathew was both relieved and now worried for his life. At first he figured the attacks from the guards would count as Payne attacking him, but either that didn’t work, or he was missing something from how the contract worked. He was wondering why so many were attacking him, surely people couldn’t be that stupid could they?

When Jeffrey attacked, Mathew also began to believe the Contract was broken. Were the rules he established not truly able to be enforced by The Council? Regret of not accepting their offer filled him. Because if he did, it more than likely would.

“Goodbye, tell Jerry and your brother I said hello.” Payne released an empowered attack from his gun and the beam smacked him in the shoulder. He was too slow to dodge it properly, but due to his stats and armor, it didn’t pierce into his heart. Mathew fell backwards and a blue screen appeared in his face.

Contract violated.

Party: General Payne, has violated the terms and conditions of a contract he has with you. Deadly attack was made against Party: Mathew McGonald. Punishments have been delivered.

If Mathew was in more pain he would be alot more confused, but he knew Payne also received the alert. He used that moment of surprise to release a highly empowered [Mana Bolt] through his rod directed at the General. Grunting through the extra pain as mana flowed pass the injury.

Payne took it in full force, while his guards reacted to dodge the attack, trusting Payne to do the same. The magical attack hit him square in the torso, causing him to fall to the ground as well, a giant wound in his gut. Mathew looked back toward the Hearth Crystal flying past the now dead giant Infernal.

Mathew got to his feet and started to run toward it, ignoring Payne and his own injuries. One foot in front of the other as fast as he could, it was time to end this entire ordeal once and for all. Starting with acquiring a new friend.

Bullets continued to fly past him, he glanced back and saw only a couple people chasing him. As he put more distance between them, the bullets didn’t have a chance of hitting him so long as he kept zig zagging. Two questions were pushed out of his mind until later. Why were they still attacking him, and why did he feel like it was his fault.