With the promise of magic out, distracting both of them, Shane decided to change the subject toward something he had been curious about since arriving in Krooth.

"Alabaster, can you explain why humans are paired off with those mixed-raced people? It just doesn't make any sense to me." Shane asked inquisitively.

"Mixed raced, huh? They are not actually called that. In fact, they refer to themselves as hybrids," said Alabaster matter-of-factly. "I hope you haven't used that word to their faces."

Shane pursed his lips together nervously. He looked up toward the cloth canopy covering the alleyway and hoped he appeared as nonchalant as possible.

Alabaster shook his head and smirked. "Anyway, it is crucial that you know the history of the hybrids and why things are the way they are. It has been over a year since the uprising in Krooth. Before one year ago, the hybrids were second-class citizens."

The tall vampire folded his arms and leaned against the wall to his left as he continued the history lesson.

"For decades, humans reigned supreme, especially within Krooth's political space. The city's culture was so warped that if you were suspected of freely giving to hybrids, your rights were essentially forfeited. It was not until the hybrid factions banded together to overpower the humans that real power changed hands. Now, the faction leaders control the city on every level. The culture and its people."

As Alabaster dove deep into the city's past, Shane watched Alabaster's face twist.

Being a human himself, Shane felt conflicted. On the one hand, he was human and felt naturally inclined to support his fellow man despite their corruption. On the other hand, it seems like the hybrids had every right to revolt and to make better lives for themselves. Even if it meant controlling the humans the way they were now.

"I can understand why the humans deserve their own form of second-class citizenship, but why didn't the hybrids strive for an equal relationship? "Shane asked, anticipating an answer he wasn't going to like.

Alabaster pushed himself off the wall made of dark wooden planks. He faced Shane earnestly while thinking about how to answer the question.

"I would be lying if I said the power didn't get to the heads of the faction leaders, but from my point of view, humans are better off now than the hybrids ever were."

Alabaster briefly stepped out of the alleyway and grandly motioned toward all of the varied humans in the crowded, bustling street.

"Even these humans within the current leadership hierarchy could potentially reach the higher class upper districts, as other humans already have. Most are content with the status quo and thrive within the system. Those that aren't content and rebel are shown unpleasant alternatives."

Shane tilted his head, his eyebrows furrowing. Following Alabaster's lead, he stepped out of the alleyway to observe the humans he was motioning towards. To Shane's surprise, a small yet sizeable number of wandering humans didn't have a hybrid overseer.

Shane pointed toward a human whose clothing had less wear and tear and boar accessories that signified some wealth. The silky cloth seemed more refined and without any holes. While a silver chain looped through a large gold ring draped underneath his shirt's collar.

"So that man there is from one of the wealthier upper districts? "Asked Shane as he pointed toward the towering wall on the north side of their district.

Alabaster nodded, "that man is likely from the district north of the one we are in. This is the Commonwealth District, as its population mainly consists of humans too poor to live on their own and even some hybrids who themselves have hybrid overseers."

Shane Let out an anxious breath as he leaned against the wall on the other side of the alleyway. It was out of the sun's direct contact and was pleasantly cool to the touch. He observed many people of different races and species as they walked past the alleyway. As many of them went about their day, Shane was surprised to notice no fights or arguments amongst the different species.

Alabaster seemed to pick up on Shane's observations end explained that conflicts between humans are mediated by their overseers. Even an argument between two overseers had their disagreements solved by other overseers of higher rank stepping in.

"So, how do the factions in charge keep the humans happy?" asked Shane quizzically.

"It's simple, Shane. All the Hybrids have to do is give the humans a little power of their own."

Alabaster motioned toward the front Gates this time. Where two human guards we're polishing their Shields, their jaws slack and very obviously bored out of their minds.

"In this district, the humans police themselves most of the time. It works well to quell feelings of inferiority."

If I was stuck in a cage and my handler let me choose the music I danced to, I'm not sure I would be content, thought Shane with some bitterness.

"What about the other districts?" Shane asked.

Further in the alleyway, a few long sticks were leaning against the wall. Alabaster went further in, grabbed one, and walked back with an unmistakable regal flair. He then drew a large triangle in the dirt near Shane and divided it into three horizontal slices—much like a food pyramid.

"The bottom district is the biggest and is where we currently are," said Alabaster while drawing an X through the largest bottom slice of the triangle. "The next district up is one of ample wealth. Here you will find the homes of most hybrids and overseers, although some wealthy enough humans live here as well."

Alabaster Drew another X through the smaller middle slice of the dirt diagram.

He pointed to the smallest slice on top. "This is the last district, home to individuals who have acquired extreme wealth and power. This is the place where the factions and their leaders reside. Very few humans have made it this far, but there are at least a couple there," said Alabaster while scribbling the last X through the top of the triangle.

Before allowing Shane to absorb the information, Alabaster turned to him with an urgent look.

"One thing you absolutely need to know is not all overseers are cut from the same cloth. There are bronze, silver, and gold overseers, and the difference in either wealth or power between them is higher than any mountain in this world."

Something in the vampire's voice, combined with his urgent, pleading look, made Shane feel like he best not forget anything.

A few minutes passed, and Shane looked at the diagram and then at the people of this district. He still couldn't help but feel the humans deserved better. Maybe when I'm stronger, I can help enact changes within the factions, a thought he would keep to himself for the time being. Shane looked over at Alabaster, who had turned the triangle diagram into a prism and was now essentially doodling.

"How do you feel about the class disparity between the humans and the hybrids, Alabaster?"

Without Looking away from the diagram in the dirt, Alabaster's eyes narrowed, and creases appeared on his forehead as he became lost in thought. After a few seconds, his eyes snapped back into focus, and he started speaking—his tone low, almost angry.

"I feel their Strife is warranted, and it will be a hot day near my castle before I let them get that kind of ruling power again."

I'm guessing there is a lot to unpack there, Shane thought, making a mental note.

Curious, Shane decided to test the waters of this conversation. He didn't wholly agree with Alabaster. However, it sounded more than likely the humans did something to him or someone he cared about.

"Well, I'm human, so how would you feel if someone like me were to acquire power in this city? "asked Shane.

Alabaster closed his eyes for a moment before meeting Shane's with an intense gaze.

"I know for a fact, Shane, that you are not like these people. Not only are you not of this world, but it sounds like the world you come from is not so corrupt as the world these humans were once trying to build."

The sheer certainty in Alabaster's even tone left Shane without any sort of verbal recourse. All he could do was nod and revel in a strange sense of accomplishment. Even though he knew deep down the humans from his world achieved such a level of corruption, it would make Alabaster's hair scare white.

They both stood there silently, watching more pedestrians and overseers walk by. Until Shane realized he still had a quest completion reward. He opened the window for observation.

-Level 1 Exploration Quest Complete!-

Travel North and Discover The City of (Krooth) - DONE

-Optional Objective Complete!-

Find, Explore, and Complete 1 Point of Interest - DONE

You Have Earned The Following Rewards:

84 Experience 50 Bronze Coins 2 Silver Coins Unlocked [Party System] Random Passive Feat Token

Shane's eyes went wide at the words Party System. He clicked on it to discover more.

Party System Information:

Can have up to 4 party members, not including summons. Party members can send and receive written messages to one another Members can teleport to the party leader once per day. Upon Death, the party is disbanded and needs to be made again.

Shane excitedly showed Alabaster the party system and its benefits.

"Alabaster, with a system like this, you and I can stay in contact much easier. It even looks like you can teleport to my position once a day!"

Shane failed to keep the excitement out of his voice as memories of loneliness within this world faded.

Alabaster displayed a similar level of interest. To him, things like this were nothing but further extensions of the world's magic system and that the vampire couldn't get enough of.

Using the party system's interface, Shane sent Alabaster a party invite. Alabaster tried and failed to stay calm and stoic as a transparent digital window appeared before him. It showed a single prompt for him to either accept or cancel. After accepting, a new small panel of information appeared on Shane's heads-up display. The panel showed basic info about Alabaster, including health and mana.

To top off the delicious cake that was this party system, Shane noticed a slight glow emanating from Alabaster, like an outline. He raised his hand in front to block the glare from his sight, only for the light to increase in intensity. Shane was also pleased to discover a new symbol within his compass that always showed Alabaster's direction.

"Alabaster! I can see you through objects and probably even walls. Now that we're in a party!"

Shane didn't know a party system existed in Endless Veil. Its inclusion showed Shane the developers had built the game in mind for people like him who would play with NPC companions. He couldn't be happier about it.

With startling speed, Alabaster moved around the building to stand behind the wall. Shane heard a yelp of joy as he watched the glowing outline of alabaster jump up and down. Seeing someone usually majestic express joy so openly almost made Shane double over in a fit of laughter. It was one of the quirks about Alabaster he had come to genuinely enjoy.

At this point, there wasn't much else keeping them in this city, so with their new party-centric awareness, They both made their way out of town towards Shane's dwelling. With them to stop only long enough for Shane to show Alabaster more new magic.

Neither realized that the wall on the other side of the street displayed various wanted posters. One of which was for a grizzled-looking, bearded Shane.