After enjoying the fresh breeze outside his apartment, Alex takes a deep breath and turns toward Benezia. "I guess I might as well explain things now."
Alex slowly explains how he himself ended up dying and then woke up in the Realm, of course, leaving out many embarrassing details in the process.
He slowly summarizes each of his past missions, trying to tell a complete, chronological story.
From time to time, Menchi and Jewel chime in, Benezia thankfully able to understand her just fine.
"A rather unlikely and hard-to-believe story… but I have seen the Realm, so there is no use in denying the truth. So you have dealt with Saren?" she finally asks.
"Yes…" Alex says.
"A rather weird decision to recruit me. You are pretty emotional, aren't you?" Benezia asks with a smile. "Did my daughter's tears touch you that much? I have to say, I don't see much in you that would qualify as calling you a butcher. You just killed scum, mostly in self-defense. It's mostly your weapon that gave you that reputation, I presume."
"True… anyway. The game is still installed," Alex says. "You can always experience your own universe. Of course, it will be merely a game. The Realm has turned your universe into a real place, so there will be countless differences and the simplicity of the source material will probably shock you."
"I will do that, once I get used to this place. So what happens to me now?" Benezia asks.
"Nothing… Your fate is bound to my own. Worst case, we will cease to exist and die. In your case, a part of your memory would be reintegrated into the system. However, this version of you would cease to exist. There might be a chance someone else will recruit you, but that person will recruit the version of Benezia from the game. Everything you have experienced during the last mission would be different," Alex explains.
"You say worst case— is there a best case?" she asks.
"Yes… If I make it through plenty more missions, the possibilities are endless. You will have a long time to think about your future then. For now, you have a few choices. You can support me during missions and enjoy your time in between to get to know my world and the Realm. As soon as you step outside my apartment, the Realm will change your appearance, though. You will look like a human, I guess," Alex begins to explain.
"You can also choose not to help me and do your own thing. I will leave you in the Realm, with access to this place, and you can enjoy your time doing whatever. I would give you some resources so you won't have to struggle."
"Of course, you can also find another player you deem more worthy and ask that player to buy you, which would lead me to transfer you to them."
"Any questions or opinions?" Alex asks, not quite sure what to think.
Benezia looks genuinely confused. "I don't understand why you are leaving this to me? That's a rather surprising choice, Human. I would think you would be more forceful and outright demand my services. Isn't that the whole point of the Supporter system?"
"I loathe slavery, and I can't really force you to do anything. I hope you will help me and support me… I could use the help, but I won't force you," Alex responds calmly.
"How about I make some tasty food while you're talking," Menchi says, disappearing into the kitchen.
Benezia, now for the first time, curiously stares at Jewel with interest. "Would you like to get to know me, little one?"
Jewel, partially hiding herself on Alex's head, glances at her and, after a moment of hesitation, walks toward her, climbing up her legs and walking up to her hands.
"Your name is Jewel, right? That is a suitable name for a beautiful girl like you," she says, gently touching her smooth, cold body.
❤️
"I have to say this is a surprising turn of events," Benezia says, petting Jewel while turning her attention back to Alex. "I don't think I have much of a choice, and you have impressed me. I will accompany you on your missions; I see absolutely no reason not to, especially since you gave up a lot to save me. I won't forget my life debts."
"Any particular goal of your own? I will do my best to accommodate you," Alex says, staring at Benezia, still a little nervous, but relieved that she is willing to support him.
"I am interested in the concept of Divinity. I've been so my entire life—for almost a millennium, I have researched this topic. Why stop now, with so many new opportunities and concepts? You mentioned certain items—Black-quality, if I remember correctly. Those items are so powerful that the system claims they contain a hint of divinity, right?" Benezia finally says.
"Yes… But that's all I can tell you. I also can't ask around. I would paint a huge target on my back if I were to do that," Alex says. "I have only encountered two of them, and the details of the first one were blocked, and I couldn't really see much information. The second one is [Uzin's Rage], which is an overpowered item that is almost unfair in my opinion. More importantly, it perfectly suits me. Now that I don't have access to shields, I have to be more careful when using its effect, but the item is still pretty incredible."
"I see," Benezia responds, using her System window to confirm Alex's information, quickly learning how to use it.
After showing Benezia a decent-sized empty room, the three enjoy the meal cooked by Menchi. It mostly contains fresh vegetables, but also a few meat dishes.
Benezia, to both of their surprise, is obviously enjoying the meal.
"You are a wonderful cook, Menchi. I see you have found a worthy goal," Benezia says with an appreciative smile.
Menchi blushes slightly and says, "I am still far from where I want to be… but thank you. That means a lot to me."
Menchi is acting weird, Soulmate.
After the meal, he asks Menchi to measure Benezia's sizes, to order some clothes for her, along with everything else she needs for her daily life.
It takes half a day to order things. A bed, sheets, clothes, daily necessities, furniture, and various paintings. Benezia, taking her sweet time, finally finishes.
Over the next couple of days, Alex will receive dozens of packages along with several special deliveries, so Benezia can get comfortable in one of Alex's spare rooms.
To Alex's surprise, neither Rishi nor Tereza has responded to his messages and calls.
Maybe they are on a mission? It could be possible. Perhaps they found a worthy opportunity. Anyway, I can finally use this time to check my current status.
Alex Kerber: Lvl 7
HP: 373/373, MP: 373/373 AURA: 263/263
STR: 18 (+17), AGI: 18 (+4), PHY: 18 (+8), SNS: 18 (+2), CHA: 18 (+5), MNA: 18 (+10), INT: 18, SPR: 18 (+5), LUK: 18 (+6), NEN: 18 (+2)
Available Stat Points: 13
Followers: Menchi (Purple) lvl 13 (0%), Benezia (Deep Purple) lvl 19 (0%)
Pets: Jewel (Gold) lvl 7
Innate Skills: Nen Prodigy lvl 5 (Genius Conjurer lvl 5, Basic Nen lvl 5, Advanced Nen lvl 5), Statistical OCD lvl MAX
Arcane Medieval Armory: Annihilation Grenade lvl 5, Sealion's Icewing Embrace lvl 5, Mustrano's Malice Mauler lvl 5 (Claw Proficiency/Poison Resistance) / Toxic Breakthrough lvl 5, Magorian's Rage Arrow lvl 5, Thorian's Domination lvl 5
Free Skill Slots: 1/4, Free Basic Skill Slots: 0/8
Basic Skills: Basic Close Combat Prowess lvl 5, Basic Footwork lvl 5, Basic Endurance lvl 5, Basic Long-Range Combat Prowess lvl 5, Basic Eloquence lvl 5, Basic Concentration lvl 5, Basic Meditation lvl 5, Basic Mana Control lvl 5
Passive Skills: Alexandrian Royal Swordsmanship lvl 5, Imbuement Archery lvl 5
Active Skills: Black Magic (Fire-Blizzard-Thunder-Series) lvl 5, Sword Magic lvl 5
Fantasy Coins: 766,000 Soul Crystals: Small x25 Medium x8 Fantasy Shards: 0
Current Weapons: Magoroth's Legacy R2 (Gold), Enchanted Runeblade (Deep Purple), Executioner's Blade R2 (Light Gold)
Current Equipment: Armor of Pluto (Purple), Visor of Pluto (Purple), Cuisses of Pluto (Purple), Gauntlets of Pluto (Purple), Sabatons of Pluto (Purple), Nimbus Cloak (Light Purple), Champion Belt (Blue), Destiny Watch (Light Purple), Sacred Emerald Copper Earring (Purple), Hunter License (Deep Green), Noble Shirt+4 R2 (Light Purple), Drakul's Vitality R2 (Deep Gold), Skitterguard Bracers (Light Purple), Cataclysmic Frost-Fire Ring (Deep Gold), Uzin's Rage (Light Black)
Recovery Items: Superior Dish (Dragon Skewer) x19 (Deep Green), Infused Exceptional Dish (Dragon Skewer) x9 (Blue), Wiggenweld Potion V2 x7 (Deep Green), Superior Dish: (Energizing Shake) x3 (Green)
Miscellaneous Items: Jack's Spare Silvery Mask (Light Green), Butchering Knife (Deep Blue), Quintessence of Blood (Purple), Blood Essence x3 (Green), Brawler-Pistol (Light-Purple), Colossus Armor S (Deep Purple), Logic Arrest Tool (Deep Blue), Kunrith's Biotic Tome (Deep Gold), Body Surgery: retroactive Eezo Exposure and Asari Alpha Implant (Gold), Savant M (Gold), Krogan's Might x2 (Light Purple), Shepard's Promise (Light Gold)
Marked for Trading/Selling/Gifting: Lancer Assault Rifle (Light-Blue), Kessler Pistol (Light-Blue), Storm Shotgun (Light Blue), Geth Pulse Shotgun (Light-Purple), Gladiator Armor x5 (1x Heavy, 2x Medium, 2x Light (Blue), Cypher Tool (Light-Blue), Skillbook: Shotgun Proficiency (Blue), Naginata Sniper Rifle A (Deep Blue), Military-Grade Chest Armor x10 (Light Green), Security Gun (Green), Security Chest ( Green), Thorian Core (Deep Gold), Unity Amp (Blue), Skillbook: Pistol Proficiency (Blue)
Special Items: Baroque Works Invitation (Purple), Destiny Supporter Token (Purple), VIP Invitation (Deep Purple), Tsunade's Scroll (Purple), Glimmerwhisk's broken Runic Choker (locked) (Light Green), True Dream Ticket (Light Gold), Superior Supporter Armor-Rank Upgrade (Deep Blue), Superior Supporter Weapon-Rank Upgrade (Deep Blue), Spectre License (Purple)
Alex, after taking in the information carefully, formulates a plan.
Okay, I got 13 skill points, which is perfect. If I use [Krogan's Might], I'll end up with exactly 15! That is enough to boost all my stats by three. What a massive win for me! After that, I need to make an important decision. I could sell the Biotic items I've received from Benezia, but the problem is that [Body Surgery: Retroactive Eezo Exposure and Asari Alpha Implant] can't be traded! Without Eezo Exposure and an implant, [Kunrith's Biotic Tome] and [Savant M] are completely useless. I won't get much money for them, I fear. Since I have a complete set of items allowing me to use Biotics, I should invest in myself. I got the skill slot available!
Good… besides that, I want to keep my best Armor and Pistol from Mass Effect for later. If I ever enter a high-technology world, I will be more than prepared! I can also gift a few of the Blue items to Rishi and Tereza. I got a set of Light and Medium armor, along with two pistols. Aside from that, I have two skillbooks and a few decent weapons to sell. It looks like it isn't worth sharding these Mass Effect weapons and armor, as they will probably fetch a high price. I might as well sell them. Maybe Benezia can help with that?
I can shard these generic Green items I picked up—however. I also need to decide what to do with the [Thorian Core]. It would be wasteful to use it on myself. Sure, three stat points are incredible, but Rishi could probably get a perk as well. I'm not sure what exactly that perk is, but it could be useful… I might as well give it to him, in return for a shitload of FC or another item. I love helping my friends, but to be honest, I think they should still try to compensate me.
Aside from that… I'm running low on [Blood Essences], only three left. I'll first increase my stats, then waste another [Blood Essence] to activate [Drakful's Vitality R2], and then finally open my two remaining Purple Chests. Then I can go learn skills, shard items, and sell all these other items I don't need… I have a lot of work ahead of me!
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