The moment Ruby had attacked Leo and his group, across the multiverse, several factions had stirred. Cindralus had made his move and Caldrin hadn’t been ready.

Anger stirred within his chest, a feeling he’d not fully experienced in eras. How could he have been so foolish to not see an agent of the enemy right under the young man’s nose? Was he really that behind when it came to information gathering?

“Pyronis!” Caldrin called, and within a moment, the god appeared, bowing deeply.

“What is the meaning of all this?” Caldrin gestured, and an image of Ruby attacking Leo played in mid air. “This was your blessed, were they not?”

The room darkened, pressure building as the lights within the crystals in the room cracked. Pyronis was visibly sweating, moisture beading from his brow. Not something gods tended to do any more.

“Yes… sir,” he said softly. “She renounced my blessing. I was unaware Cindralus had moved in.”

“And you are only informing me of this now? You were the one closest to him within my sanctum,” Caldrin said, voice harsh.

“My apologies, sir. I was ashamed of my handling of the young pyromancer and did not want to inform you of my weaknesses. I pushed her too hard to befriend the dragon’s keeper, and in turn pushed her away.”

“You fool,” Caldrin said softly. “I told you to just keep me informed. Not to influence and bring more attention. The more we act, the more he does.” He shook his head. “You can leave.”

“Sir I—”

Pyronis’ form vanished from the room as the light returned. Caldrin slumped into his chair, unsure of what to do next. He blinked, and the next second he was in Vera’s grove. He didn’t emerge from the water after requesting access as he usually did, he simply entered.

“I was expecting you soon, but not quite this quickly,” she said, voice smooth.

“Pardon my intrusion, but I believe we should speak,” Caldrin said. She gestured with a hand, forming a chair that he didn’t sit in.

“I am going to see him,” he said firmly.

Vera paused, the grass around her rustling. “A bad idea.”

“He’s only going to get bolder in his quest for eradication. How long will it be before he sends an army of higher ranked entities to wipe out everything related to this young boy? We need assurances in place.”

“He simply blessed a young mortal. There is nothing in any treaty or system rule that one may not do so. Stand down this time, Caldrin. Lest you play right into his hand.”

He grumbled, elements dancing across his fingers like a professional poker player would roll a gambling chip.

Vera continued. “It may not matter anyway…”

Caldrin was going to ask what she meant, but he already knew. “There is no guarantee they will free it before the tutorial ends.”

“You know as well as I do that the system does not do half measures. We can only hope that the creature is not allowed to eradicate them. With their accelerated time frame of advancement within the tutorial, they are not ready to face that monster.”

“Hopefully it doesn’t come to that,” he said, voice filled with uncertainty.

He wished he was gifted in the skill of divination. Fate was not something he messed with, nor even dabbled, leaving such a thing to more experienced and often… different practitioners. He was a teacher at heart, not someone who toyed with destiny.

There was one such person he’d had dealings with in the past, but not for a long time. They were not someone he enjoyed his interactions with. She was… difficult.

Almost as summoned by the thought, a small thread started weaving its way through the trees. Vera noticed it before Caldrin did, feeling its intent and allowing access.

“It appears we have another visitor,” she said, smiling.

Caldrin looked up, shocked as a figure weaved itself into being before them. She was dressed in a flowing robe that blended into the forest behind her. The threads that made up the robe drifted into the surrounding area, entwining with the branches, grass, and leaves until it looked like she was suspended in a spider’s web.

“Fate cannot be circumvented,” she said, voice like chimes in the wind. “Each thread that intertwines one's destiny is fixed, with the only branches being the threads one creates. I may not see the threads of your destiny, but for a mortal like Leo, it is already decided.”

Caldrin was not pleased with her words. This was beginner level divination. The latter half was what he focused on.

“You mean to say that he will not survive?” Caldrin asked, voice harsh.

“His fate is decided. We can only watch,” she said.

Damn fate-witch.

Caldrin clicked his tongue as Vera laughed. She spoke out in a calm tone. “While we have the attention of the Fate-bound Seamstress, can your threads divine if Iskarion will return to us? The child appears to have a… connection.”

The woman’s eyes flashed, a faint smile appearing on her face. “The past… cannot be re-written.”

“Why are you even here?” Caldrin asked, slightly enraged.

“The threads guided me here. It is my fate.”

Caldrin could only shake his head as things in the tutorial started up again. And based on the state of the room, another fight was to come. He usually would never get involved with mere mortal affairs, especially those barely approaching D-grade.

But he had too many questions for this curious individual to leave it alone.

~

People within the throne room were currently resting, some eyes were fixed on the glowing items of the Queen.

No words were spoken of Ruby’s transgression, even by Edward. Leo gave her stuff to the young man, a sort of compensation for having to deal with her so long.

Cecelia and Cain’s eyes would dart to each other, then to the items, repeating as they meditated.

If one moved, the other did.

A notification appeared, and things were tense after they had all read it. Almost like the system wanted them to move.

Quest Received!

Territory

The item the Queen used to rest territory of the city of Lurentis has been dropped.
It sits idle upon her throne.
Upon exiting the tutorial, this orb will be usable to claim a territory on Earth.
To exit the tutorial with one of these items is a rare thing, often reserved for the true elites.

Claim the orb.

Claim your territory.

Only one may claim it.

Objective: Claim the Territory Orb and hold it until the tutorial ends

Reward: Hidden

It had been more than Leo had ever imagined when hearing the item’s name for the first time. The fact that only one person could claim it meant that both Cain and Cecelia were vying for it. One to prove their superiority, the other to quell inferiority.

Cecelia suddenly stood, having recovered after using her transformation boosting skill. He wasn’t sure of the proper name of the type of skill she used, if it even had one, but for now it would be transformation boosting, or just boosting skill for short. Kind of like his Lightning Drive, only hers was a bit more special.

Cain stood the moment she did.

“As leader of the joint camps, I will be taking the orb,” she declared, eyes fixed on Cain.

“No,” Cain simply said. Not aggressively, just matter of factly.

A sword appeared in Cecelia’s hand, and at the same time, Cain’s hatchets appeared.

“I led this expedition here. I took you in when you needed help. And this is how you repay me?”

“Too important,” Cain said.

Both of their auras started to flare, neither of them moving a step.

Bjorn, Ron and Ashley said nothing. Nor did Gordon.

Leo didn’t want to have to fight Cain right now, not after what he’d just done to Ruby. He moved to step in, but before he did, another figure emerged, uncaring for the clashing auras surrounding her.

She walked onto the first step, speaking. “Children, children, children.” She turned when she climbed another two steps.

“You silly children are fighting when we should be thriving,” Matilda said, smiling. “Think of the dead. Those who gave their lives to ensure us victory here.” She pointed outwards. “Our allies are still fighting out there while we squabble over something that should be enjoyed by all. This is a time for celebration, not conflict.”

“Someone has to lead. I believe it should be me,” Cecelia said, stepping up to the first step.

“You are too weak,” Cain replied, also stepping up.

“Say that again,” Cecelia said, aura rising.

“Perhaps we should bring it to a vote, after all, no one wants to be ruled by a tyrant they did not choose,” Matilda suggested, a strange energy emanating from her that Leo just barely noticed.

Cain began growling, fur forming over his skin, not entirely, but enough to begin his point.

Matilda only smiled, warm and inviting. “I will cast my vote first,” she said, pausing. “I vote…”

She pointed right into the small crowd. “For Leo.”

Leo looked at her, eyes wide with shock. Cain also turned, eyes fixed on him as he sat there stunned.

“Why?!” Cain roared, demanding an answer as his aura flared.

She smiled. “Because while he is the best and worst of us, he is also selfless, and destined for greatness. I believe leading will grow him into the man he deserves to be.”

Cecelia slowly turned, eyes pleading with him as if it had never even crossed her mind. But it had…

“Leo…”

“I vote for Leo too,” Ashley said, drawing the attention of everyone.

“You,” Cecelia snapped, snarling.

“You’ve had your turn Cecelia,” Ashley said. “It’s Leo’s turn to lead, he’s proven how much he cares about us. He’d die for us. I can’t say I trust you with the same.”

“Blinded by your feelings,” Cecelia replied, voice harsh. “I’d have given my life just the same!” Ashley just shrugged.

“I vote for Cecelia,” Ron said.

“Who’s blinded by feelings?” Ashley muttered. Ron looked at her and shrugged, making her huff a laugh.

Leo was watching all of this, unable to utter a word.

What the fuck was happening?

In no way did he ever think the option of him taking the orb was even on the table. He didn’t consider it.

Did he even want it?

While there was no doubt that owning a territory on Earth would come with benefits, Leo considered them wholly not worth it right now. It would likely be a title, or item, or some kind of credit or something else entirely.

It didn’t matter. Sitting around ruling a city or whatever sounded like the worst way to spend time on the new Earth. The politics, the people pleasing, the public speaking. The entirety of it made him shudder. His goal, first and foremost, above all else, was to find Natalie.

Not to mention it would alienate him from both Cecelia and Ron, with some more people still left to vote. This was turning into a real disaster already, any more and it would be a civil war.

“Surely if this vote is to be democratic, then everyone in this tutorial should be allowed to cast a vote,” Cecelia suggested.

“While your words make sense in the old world, albeit unfortunately false, in this new world of power, that is not for them to decide. We, the elite, are deciding on our leader. One who will grant us opportunities for more,” Matilda replied.

There were no objections to her words, even if Cain looked like he was going to blow a gasket.

“I vote for Miss Cecelia,” Ed said, looking at Leo with a worried expression. “Sorry.”

“Thank you, Edward. You have made the right choice,” Cecelia said, sighing in relief.

“I also vote for Cecelia,” she said, voting for herself.

“Can she even do that?” Ashley asked Matilda.

Matilda shrugged. “I don’t see why not. It means Leo can vote for himself if he wishes.”

Leo still stood stock still, hoping it would just resolve on its own and he’d not have to say anything. It was a little cowardly, but he just didn’t know what was best. It was too sudden.

“Cain, Bjorn, Leo, and Gordon are yet to cast their vote, same with Nolan should he awaken before it is concluded,” Matilda said.

“Fuck all of you,” Cain muttered. It was ignored.

It was currently two votes for Leo, and three votes for Cecelia. If Leo voted himself, then it would be tied.

“I think…” Gordon started, gaining the attention of all. “That Cecelia should be leader.”

Cecelia walked to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, grasping him softly in thanks.

“Sorry, Leo. I just think she’s more… stable,” Gordon said, wincing.

Leo didn’t say anything. He wasn’t wrong. It just sort of stung to hear it out loud.

“I’m with the kid,” Bjorn said suddenly. He continued. “Sorry, lass. I know you’re thinking I’m doing this because I think of him as a son, that’s not entirely wrong. I just fear that your obsession for power is worse than whatever demon the kid has in him.”

“You are entitled to your own opinion,” Cecelia said flatly. It appeared she was gaining confidence now that she was ahead in votes.

It now came down to Cain and Leo.

“Cain will never vote for Leo,” Cecelia said. “He hates him more than he hates me. I suspect he will abstain from voting, leaving it at a stalemate.”

“Tell us, oh great voice of reason,” Cecelia said, voice dripping with sarcasm. “What is to happen when a tie occurs?”

“I pick Leo,” a voice said, coming from the back of the chamber.

A man staggered in, barely conscious but alert enough to hear what was happening. Leo had expected him to be down for longer.

“Nolan!” Gordon called, running to meet his friend, offering him support.

“Nolan. Why?” Cecelia asked, disappointment clear.

“He’s a born leader. He just doesn’t know it yet,” he answered casually.

“Ignorance and stupidity. The lot of you,” Cecelia snarled. “I have given my time, my effort, and my blood for the people in this tutorial, for all of you! While Leo has only run around causing trouble! How many times have we had to cover for his foolishness?”

Harsh, but not entirely inaccurate, Leo thought, some kind of reason returning from the shock of all this.

It was about time he said something. Cast his vote for Cecelia, and be done with this tutorial.

He hesitated.

Several people thought of him as the better leader, something he’d never believed possible, nor even wanted. Was it truly right for him to just dismiss the wishes of his friends, just because he didn’t want it?

Everyone was looking at him, a tense silence descending over all. It was up to him now.

“It’s time to choose, boy,” Matilda said. “Accept the wish—”

She was cut off as a razor sharp blade suddenly appeared through her chest. It was quickly retracted, decapitating her a fraction of a second later.

The room was stunned as the dull thud of her head hitting the floor echoed through the silence.

“No!” Cain roared, aura spiking with emotion.

A figure appeared like a haze dissipating. Chitinous brown armour covered the humanoid-like body. Its head was human, at least most of it. Black hair on a half-ant, half-human face. Its eyes were sharp and cold, staring at them all past the decapitated Matilda’s slowly falling corpse.

“Jasper?” Bjorn asked in a whisper, and Leo instantly saw it too.

It was actually him.

Jasper was alive…

And he’d just killed Matilda.