Book Two Chapter Forty Four: Future Personnel Assessment

Book Two Chapter Forty Four: Future Personnel Assessment

While Qube was trying to figure out if this meant that Bianca was the Dev equivalent of Sexy Screamy Spider Ladys mother (and had somehow avoided the surprisingly common motherhood-induced death), Alex was still facing off against Definitely Bad Guy and Sewer Bard.

What do both of you want? Alex asked the two men. Sewer Bard started to answer, before Alex raised a hand, cutting him off. Not necessarily right now. After youve finished the quest, or whatever it is you want to do. What, fundamentally, do you want?

Sewer Bard closed his mouth, but Definitely Bad Guy had no such hesitation.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

I want knowledge, the Mage said. You and your compatriots speak of a world I know nothing about, and powers beyond any I have ever experienced. The one who came before you even spoke of the creators of mana, of the ability to will existence itself into being. That knowledge is what I seek, beyond anything else.

Alex covered his mouth thoughtfully.

Knowledge for knowledges sake? he asked. Or for a particular reason? Is there some reason you want to know things?

Definitely Bad Guy didnt flinch under the examination of the most powerful being in their world. Instead he returned the look, deadly serious.

Everything I am is dedicated towards learning more, he said. Alex lifted an eyebrow.

Everything? he asked, with a meaningful undertone. The Mage went slightly pink, but didnt look away.

Everything of me with worth, he replied.

Noted, Alex said, accepting this without further remark. What are you willing to do for this knowledge? he asked.

Several expressions chased themselves across the Mages face.

Whatever is required of me, he replied eventually. Alex nodded, giving nothing away.

What about if it endangered those dear to you?

This time there was no hesitation in the Mages response.

I am loyal, he said, conviction so strong you could build an empire on it. Alex gave a short, sharp breath out through his nose but, rather than saying anything more, turned to Sewer Bard.

And what about you? he asked the Bard. What do you want?

Sewer Bard bowed to the Alex Dev. Before I answer, kind creator, if I may have one or two points explained to me?

Alex gave a small, disappointed sigh, but continued smiling.

Sure, he said, what do you need explained?

What have this humble Bard and Mage done to draw such attention from the Devs themselves? For an instant Sewer Bards eyes flickered over to Qube, before returning to the Dev. Neither have done anything of particular import.

Qube swelled in indignation as Alex rubbed his chin. How could Sewer Bard downplay his achievements like that? And the work of Definitely Bad Guy as well! Why, both had been essential in defeating the Temples, as well as helping with everything else!

There have been moments, Alex said, where you have all shown the potential to be more than what you currently are.

Like our fair Healers specialness? Sewer Bard asked.

There was only a split seconds pause before Alex replied; Yes, exactly. Each of you are showing signs of being capable of advancing beyond your current limits. Part of my job here today is to assess what your current limits are, and whether or not you would be suitable for ... the Dev paused, clearly being careful with his words, ascension.

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Meanwhile, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady was also asking questions.

If Im your baby, then why are Ruler Wefton and Head Guard

Metaphorical baby, Bianca said, ruthlessly cutting off whatever the Hunter had been about to ask. Not literal baby. That would be super, super gross for so many reasons.

Naturally, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady said, as if she regularly dealt with the makers of their world talking about how gross it was to have made them.

But I made you, so I feel responsible for you. Kinda like how the last dev, Bianca shot a look over at Alex, who was still engrossed in conversation with the others. The dev still lowered her voice. The last dev felt responsible for the Qube, and the Golden Prophecy and that whole mess. I also kinda-sorta-didnt do some things to stop your spider self combining with your wood elf self, which is why were having so many issues now. Turns out form and identity are way more linked than they should be. Youre not the only one weve run into this problem with, but youre definitely the main one I actually feel bad about.

Qube wondered if this meant that Sewer Bard thought Definitely Bad Guy was a man of worth. After all, he wanted to save the kingdom for the side of Good. This also meant that Qube was a woman of worth, which felt like a nice title. Much nicer than continuously being called fair Healer by the Bard. She might ask him to switch, once theyd finished talking to these all powerful beings.

After saving the kingdom, the Dev said patiently.

Well, it is a bit selfish of me, but I have hope that the epic saga I write of these adventures will be included in the annals of the great Bardic songs, Sewer Bard said, with becoming modesty.

A smile quirked on Alexs lips.

Perfect, he said. And what would you be willing to do, to become famous?

I would be willing to perform anywhere, anytime, Sewer Bard replied.

Would you be willing to sing about other things, not just your adventures here? Things designed to help inspire people on their own adventures?

Of course, Sewer Bard said, pulling his lute off his back and strumming it. I know many songs, for a wide variety of occasions. Songs that will inspire courage, fear, happiness. I have made many a fair maiden weep with but the sound of my voice.

Qube didnt think that was something he should be bragging about, but the Dev seemed pleased.

I take it you have need of a Bard such as myself? Sewer Bard asked eagerly. Alex shrugged.

Depends. Not my call to make. But people always need inspiration.

It would be an honour to finally have an audience, Sewer Bard said. Im afraid I have another question though, if I may. The Dev signalled for him to continue. The Bards face was perfectly smooth as he resumed talking.

Occasionally, I have found myself in pain when I attempt to do or think certain things, or I am unable to fully control my body. Seeing you and the beautiful Bianca over there, as well as your taking over of our Noble Patron, I cannot help but wonder if this loss of control and pain is something you are aware of?

Alex stared at the Bard in total silence, as Sewer Bard calmly waited for a reply, his fingers pressed flat against the strings of his lute.

Oh, yeah, Bianca, perhaps drawn over by hearing her name, drifted back to the group, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady in tow. Thats the rules.

I thought it was the Golden Prophecy, Qube admitted. After all, that was what made sure they remained Good, wasnt it? Bianca shrugged.

You can call it that. Think of it like built-in limitations, to stop everyone from getting out of control and hurting yourselves or wrecking everything, the Dev said.

So that we can better fulfil the Golden Prophecy, Qube nodded. That was probably what the Dark Prophecy was using to control the Evil Emperor and his hypothetical companion.

I am not named in the Golden Prophecy, Sewer Bard said, at his most diplomatic. So you must forgive my confusion on the matter.

What Bianca was trying to say, Alex cut in, abandoning his stupor to glare at his fellow Dev, is that these are rules to the world itself. Like gravity.

But these are rules in the world you created, yes? Sewer Bard asked smoothly, his fingers slowly curling around the lute strings.

We did the best with what we had, Alex said, sounding almost defensive. This is all new to us, too. Half the time, the stuff were dealing with doesnt make any sense at all.

But when we ascend, will we be moving beyond these limits? Definitely Bad Guy asked. Is this ability to, as your compatriot stated last time, become more like the Chosen One, not what attracted your attention to us in the first place?

Alex started rubbing at his temples, suddenly looking ten years older.

Thats not something I can answer, he said. Im gonna need to take this to the Royals and ask them. They know the rules and limits better than us. Possibly. Im less sure about that every single day. The Alex Dev had devolved into muttering at Bianca, who shrugged again. This was clearly a long standing argument. He sighed, and looked back at the group. Anyway, Qube said she wanted to continue with the quest, I take it the rest of you feel the same?

Definitely Bad Guy nodded silently, and Sexy Screamy Spider Lady threw an arm around Qubes waist, pulling her in close.

Of course we want to help our dear little Healer save the world, she purred, her fur rubbing against Qube. Theres nothing sweeter than a girls happiness. Bianca gave Sexy Screamy Spider Lady a sideways look at that, but said nothing.

As long as I can hold out hope of one day being able to perform in front of a worthy audience, I am content, Sewer Bard said, slinging his lute behind him, and giving his most elaborate bow to the two Devs. That is all I could ever desire.

Thanks, Alex said, waving off the Bards effusive comments. Good to know. Now, if theres no further questions, well head off.

It was, all in all, a very successful meeting with the powers that be. One that any Childhood Companion would be proud to be a part of. There was only one small, teeny tiny problem. A problem that was only obvious to Qube because shed spent the last weeks (months?) with this party.

Sewer Bard had been lying.