Judicator Jane 2: A LitRPG Adventure, page 26
Jane thought for a moment. “And Lord Emir never wanted to push his advantage into the south? Like, I don’t know, take over the lands of the Sons of Unity?”
Serous shook his head. “No, no– that would be quite impossible. Lord Emir has both Lord Tygal and Lord Renthin to his north. Should he commit forces to an assault on the Sons of Unity, the other Lords would quickly take advantage. And though the Sons of Unity may have a smaller force, they are well trained and used to the rigors of combat. It simply wouldn’t be a tactically sound maneuver. And Lord Emir is quite shrewd, even if he does have a temper.”
Jane paced thoughtfully; there were a lot of balls moving in this kingdom, in all of Alur she supposed. Serous seemed to have some good inside information though, so for that she was thankful. Nonetheless, she didn’t want to get intertwined too deeply with the politics of Arcadia. Questions about the System itself, why she had been brought here, if there was a way home, were all ever present in the back of her mind. Waiting for the information on the elves was nerve-wracking, and she just hoped it wouldn’t be for nothing.
One afternoon she heard a big commotion coming from down one of the thoroughfares. Crowds had gathered along the sides of the road, and a grand procession was winding its way through the city. Rows of finely appointed soldiers in glistening plate armor led the way, and were soon followed by ornate carriages. Jane felt a pull at her elbow, and turned to see Dyle standing behind her.
“Lord Tygal makes his grand entrance into the city. If you’re in need of coin, you’ll need to be quick on your feet,” he told her with a wink. Right then, several men on top of the carriages began throwing coins into the crowd.
“Give thanks to Lord Tygal, blessings of the Maker upon you all!” they shouted. The bystanders scrambled left and right to pick up copper, silver, and Jane even saw a few glimmers of gold coins. Most of the carriage windows were closed though, so she couldn’t see who resided inside. A brief moment of fury flashed across her face. This was the Lord who had sent the men to abduct her! Although Eli’va’s investigation hadn’t discovered much about Lord Tygal, she had learned that he was supposedly some Lord from the west, who had a reputation for being conniving and ruthless.
“What do you know about Lord Tygal, Dyle?” she asked him offhandedly. The people began cheering in the background as another wave of coins was thrown haphazardly across the crowd. Jane reached up to shade her eyes from the sun, but right as she did so, she felt a plop in her hand. Incredulously, a gold coin had landed inside it.
Dyle, noticing the odd circumstance, commented, “Lucky you...”
Jane’s cheeks flushed, and she quickly handed the coin to a small boy who had been trying to catch coins without much luck. Dyle, noticing that she didn’t appear to need the money, pulled her back out of the throng of people. “Well, I likely know more than most. Considering he was the one who rescued me from the streets, long ago.”
Jane recoiled backwards, raising her hands in shock. “What?! You work for Lord Tygal?” Jane found her emotions roiling like the ocean waves.
Looking taken aback, Dyle responded, “Yes? Is that a problem?” He thought for a moment. “Ah I understand, you’ve likely been exposed to the rumors of Lord Tygal’s adversaries in the court.” He sighed. “Unfortunately, Lord Tygal spends little effort combating the poisonous lies spread by the other Lords.”
Jane looked at him warily. Well, maybe he wasn’t aware of the men that were sent to capture me. The System message hadn’t said anything nefarious about Dyle, but how much could really be said in such a short message? She briefly considered tossing him in the Trials of Justice right here and now. But after what had happened with Bernadad the other day, it wasn’t something she wanted to be subjecting people to trivially.
“No, he sent men to capture me. Nieter Elontis, if I recall. Some nephew of his. I’m pretty sure a good guy wouldn’t do that kind of thing,” she retorted, watching his reaction carefully.
Dyle looked shocked. “Unbelievable! Did that imbecile try such a thing?” He shook his head. “I can certainly believe that Lord Tygal would want to see you– who wouldn’t? The new Demon Lord? But I’m afraid that bandit Nieter has despoiled the Lord’s good name. Please, if you will allow me to explain, it requires a bit of context,” he told her, beckoning her to a small pub.
Jane hesitated briefly, but she didn’t really feel there was much danger in hearing him out at least. Everything she had seen of Dyle so far had been the polar opposite of her initial impressions of Lord Tygal.
They found a seat at a corner table and Dyle ordered a few drinks from a nearby host. Most of the crowd was still outside, so there weren’t many others in the establishment. Dyle shook his head as they got settled. “Forgive me, Jane. Had I known that you’d had such an experience with Nieter I would have informed you of my association with Lord Tygal immediately.” Sighing, he looked off into the distance. “There is a great deal of politics involved when the matter of Lords and nobility come into play. You see, Nieter is the son of Lord Tygal’s younger brother, Gonnic. When the late Lord of the West passed, it was Lord Tygal who inherited the seat. His brother was left with relatively little. Ever since then, Gonnic’s side of the family has attempted to scratch forth any measure of power or influence they can.”
“Well, then why would Nieter say that Lord Tygal sent him to kidnap me? And why would Lord Tygal send him to begin with?” Jane interjected.
“Why indeed?” Dyle replied. “There is little reason for Lord Tygal to use the family members of his envious brother. He has more than enough capable hands without relying on that duplicitous lot, I can assure you.” Pausing to take a drink, he continued thoughtfully, “No, I imagine it was Gonnic who sent Nieter, with instructions to blame his brother should anything go awry. Words are easily spoken, but for the truth, more measured and careful consideration is required.”
Jane let the words sit for a moment, thinking about what Dyle had told her. Was she being misled? She hadn’t actually met Lord Tygal yet, only having heard about him second-hand. This might be a good thing to ask Serous about, she thought to herself. After all, hadn’t the demonic advisor been intertwined in the politics of Arcadia long before she arrived? Then again, if Dyle was attempting to deceive her, he could have easily omitted mention of Lord Tygal… This felt like one of the first times in this world that she needed to judge someone without the use of her powers. Thinking back to a few of her failed relationships back home, she reluctantly admitted that this wasn’t something she would normally consider a strong point of hers. Certainly, she could find out immediately by subjecting Dyle to the Trials of Justice… But, in a way, that felt the same as calling him a liar.
Dyle seemed to sense her apprehension. “Listen,” he said, raising his hands up in a soothing manner. “The grand celebration is fast approaching. Allow me to introduce you to him there. The other Lords of Arcadia will be in attendance as well, and you’ll be free to meet and mingle with all of them in a neutral setting. Form your own opinion about Lord Tygal, allowing him a fair assessment, without the malicious whispers of his adversaries influencing your judgment.”
Jane gave Dyle a long hard look and then softened her expression. Yes, everyone should be judged on their own merits, not hearsay… “Okay, I guess you’re right. I shouldn’t jump to conclusions without meeting him for myself. Especially if there is politics involved.” Despite feeling a bit out of her element, Jane took solace in the fact that compared to what she had faced with Lord Melkit, the Lords of Arcadia didn’t seem like much risk to her, even if they did have malicious intent. She wasn’t planning on sticking around here anyway. Once she learned what she could about the elves and attended this little celebration they were planning, she wanted to move on and explore other parts of the world that might have more answers about the System itself.
The clamor from outside was dying down, and soon they found the quiet pub had changed into a bustling hive of activity. The Lord’s train had finished passing through, and many of the cityfolk pushing inside were looking to spend some of the coins they had collected.
“I’m going to head out I think,” she told Dyle, rubbing her head in apprehension as the space around her grew tighter and tighter. “Thanks for the drink.”
“Of course. I hope my affiliation with Lord Tygal isn’t a problem. But… I understand if you wish to keep your distance,” he responded cordially.
Shaking her head, Jane told him that she just needed time to think it over. He probably didn’t deserve to be ostracized just by association, but it didn’t mean she wouldn’t be on guard for any sneaky business. Pushing her way out of the pub, she headed off towards the Great Library, deciding that now might be a good time to try out her newly evolved skill.
Walking through Dawnskeep was a generally enjoyable experience. The weather was perpetually pleasant, with occasional bouts of rain here and there. She hadn’t noticed it before, but ever since Dyle’s comment about the lack of seasons, it was now blatantly apparent.
I’ve been taking far too much for granted since I got here, I can’t grow complacent. Wherever or whatever this world is, it doesn’t follow the same rules from back home…
A thought struck her as she passed a shop with a large clock hanging over the door. Wait a second, didn’t the Mandate of the Celestial Court start with a 365-day countdown? The momentous skill she used to change the System, summoning the colossal figures in the wastelands long ago had been grayed out ever since, unable to be used. She quickly brought up her stat screen and saw the countdown timer near it ticking away.
302:21:21:16
Looking more carefully at the numbers, she saw the seconds ticking down, and assumed that the other numbers must be minutes, hours and days. She turned to the clock hanging over the shop, and noted that it also went up to ten, just like the others she had seen.
So, if they use ten-hour days here, and the hour clock on my cooldown is 21… Does that mean the System is using a different method of tracking time than the people who live here? She had just assumed everyone was using 24-hour days, but was it only the System tracking time that way? She called out to the owner of the shop who was sweeping the entrance way.
“Excuse me, can you tell me what time it is you open and close?”
He looked up and smiled. “But of course, we open at three and close at seven. If you are in need of a timekeeping device, you’ll find none better than here at Rolgar’s Mechanical Emporium.”
Jane thanked the man and let him know she would consider it. What time did I wake up this morning? Looking at the clock it had always seemed so early, but had the time correlated to what she expected of the sunrise? She was trying to calculate what time a ten-hour day would convert to on Earth when she was interrupted by a young man running up to her.
“Jane King?” he addressed her. He looked to be about fifteen years old or so, and was well dressed. “I have two messages for you.” He handed over a couple of envelopes. One was sealed with an ornate emblem of a bear in a silver wax. The other, with a raven in an amber-hued purple.
“Uh, thanks?” she responded hesitantly. Who would want to send her anything? The young courier gave her a slight bow, and then ran off without a word. Moving over to a nearby bench, she sat down and opened the first letter with the seal of the bear.
Lady Jane, I am Emir Nadantis, Lord of the Southern Reach. Allow me to properly welcome you to Arcadia. I have a small estate in the Order District. It would be the pleasure of both myself and my wife to show you the hospitality of the south with a dinner. If this is agreeable to you, please let us know a date and time that would be preferable to you via the palace messenger.
Emir Nadantis
Jane closed the letter and gave it a moment of thought. Couldn’t hurt to learn what they know about the areas to the south. And, I guess I could use a break from the non-stop royal dinners. It was the first message she had gotten directly from a lord. Would there be more? She opened up the second letter with the raven emblem.
Jane, if you are reading this it means that I have left Dawnskeep. I hope I have bid farewell to you in person, but if I have not, this letter was meant to act as a safeguard. My memory is not what it used to be. I have left the tower and its contents to you. I hope it will aid you in some capacity, though it is poor compensation for all you have done for Arcadia, and Alur.
I do not know if we will meet again, or if I will remember you if we do. Do not weep for me, I have lived far longer than I deserved. Focus on your own path. Whether that be with Arcadia, the demonkind, or the grander picture of Alur. You have a destiny, bright as any ray of the sun. I am just thankful I was able to see the breaking dawn of your arrival.
Ever Your Friend,
Belgoth
Folding up the letter carefully, she placed it gently into the small bag at her waist. Belgoth, gone. Jane felt as though a foundational pillar of her existence here in Alur had been ripped asunder. When she had first met him, he had acted as the life preserver she didn’t know she needed. Now, she had to swim on her own. Among the political sharks in Dawnskeep. Confronting the all-encompassing System and its mysteries.
Time to toughen up, Jane. You can do this.
THIRTY-EIGHT
SHOTGUN JUSTICE
Jane scanned the massive amphitheater and saw the crowds of scholars looking down at her from the stands. The Provost and other Masters of the Great Library were also present. Even Bernadad was there, though a permanent grimace seemed to be etched on his face. They were waiting for her to execute her new skill, Enveloping Judgement.
She was standing on a small raised platform. In front of her, there was a group of scholars who had volunteered. Jane had checked their details already, and was relatively confident in granting them minor Intelligence stat boosts. The Provost had told her that skill evolutions usually upgraded the existing capabilities of the skill, but the effects varied between the classes. Higher-rarity classes supposedly had larger modifications.
Master Tilde gave Jane a nod. “I believe everyone is ready, you may proceed.”
Jane made the gesture to bring her Enforcers out. Flanked by the spectral guardians now, she steeled herself and took a few deep breaths. Then she looked down at the men and women before her and began to invoke the skill. Words began to spill out of her mouth, and she felt them change, or alter to fit the significance of the event. “I judge you few to be worthy of your Intellect, Light Bless you.”
A rumbling, bass heavy sound began growing in the room, and Jane felt her feet leave the floor. In front of her, eight white Enforcers emerged from the ground, one for each of the scholars she had judged. In a flash, each of them had its arm raised, the scholars being lifted upward into the air. All of the Enforcers opened white palms pointed directly at the heads of those being judged. A beam of white light shot directly into their foreheads and the eyes of the scholars began glowing white.
Jane looked on in shock, but the energy infusing her from the skill pulsed like the crashing of waves against her soul. Her gaze was locked onto those being judged, and try as she might, she couldn’t wrench it away. Straining one final time, she managed to flicker her eyes for just a moment, catching a glimpse of Bernadad looking on in horror. Immediately, he was flung backwards into the crowd as though hit by a truck.
Moments passed, feeling to Jane as though it were an eternity. But finally, and just as quickly as they had come, the specters vanished. Those who had been judged were lowered to the ground, and Jane felt her own feet touch the platform. Immediately she fell to her knees and was bombarded with System messages.
Brock Tigwall (Level 32) has gained +10 Intelligence!
Brock Tigwall is Light Judged!
Mera Fulwick (Level 41) has gained +9 Intelligence!
Mera Fulwick is Light Judged!
Shira Earnheart (Level 68) has gained +12 Intelligence!
Shira Earnheart is Light Judged!
…
The names quickly streamed past, and Jane saw they had all received massive boosts to Intelligence, along with a new attribute called Light Judged.
You have received 17021 experience!
17021/17000
Jane King is Level 22!
You have gained +2 to Strength, Agility, Constitution and Intelligence!
You have gained +5 to Wisdom!
Looking up, Jane saw the amphitheater had burst into rambunctious discussion. Several of the Masters were checking those who had been judged, and others were in a heated debate. Master Tilde approached Jane and gently helped her to her feet.
“My, that was quite the display. How do you feel? Are you alright?” she asked inquisitively.
“I… I think I’m okay. It was a weird feeling. It was as though I was being uplifted, or made to be more dignified than I normally am. Not really sure how to put it into words…” she responded. “Is everyone else doing okay?”
“Let’s go find out together,” Master Tilde answered while leading her down to those who had been judged. They were all standing, checking each other in wonder. Jane’s eyes widened as she saw that there appeared to be a symbol branded upon their brows. A faint white circle was emblazoned, emitting a perpetual soft light.
“Oh my God! Are you guys okay? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do that to you!” Jane called out with concern. Had she just permanently scarred these people? Was this the effect of the Light Judged attribute the System had just reported? They didn’t appear to be in pain at least.
The scholars turned to Jane as one, and Brock, briefly glancing at the others, spoke to her. “My Lady, you have given us a priceless gift. The Intelligence boost is wondrous, but this Light Judged boon… It feels as though I am a new man. Do you know what effects it has given? I can see no effect on my stat sheet, but the feeling remains.” The others nodded in agreement.
