I Hate Systems

The crowd erupted as a carriage plied through the main street of Eonk City. Seated in the carriage without a roof were six people, three humans, one Elf, one Lizardmen, and one Dragon. The Dragon had shrunk its size to ride the carriage with the rest.

They were now publicly being recognised at the Hero party of Braves. But, it wasn’t just these six that were handed the responsibility of saving their entire continent. That was just being foolish.

Others were working in the background to help them, like the Dwarf Blacksmiths and Refiners that created Magic Tools to help them, Birdmen Doctors that were ready to heal their injuries and treat any status defects they sustain from the enemies, Giant Herbalists that created the best of environment for them to rest and heal their weary bodies, etc.

There was an entire group that had been assigned to work behind the scenes of the Braves. This was apart from the various Kingdoms and Empires taking actions in their self-interest to guard their respective territories against the Demons.

Seated at the very front was Zaira, waving her hand enthusiastically at the overjoyed crowd, all while feeling exhausted mentally, sensing the various Mental Energy streams gush into her Tiara. And over time, they spilled into her mind, causing a myriad of thoughts to flood her senses.

She was finding it hard to keep a sound grasp of herself, failing to understand why Magister had given her such an item.

She wished to cast it aside but failed it remove it. The Tiara seemed to have been attached to her head. Moreover, it seemed like even if she were to remove it, the Tiara would continue to gush Mental Energy into her mind.

“Guh!” She grunted subtly for a moment when the crowd erupted in cheers, struggling to keep herself sane as the thoughts of countless people resounded in her mind.

“Zaira, are you okay?” Gilthru noticed her complexion paling in response, asking in concern. After all, it was only through her that he had a chance of atoning for his sins. Hence, he prioritised her well-being above all.

“Yeah…” She nodded in response, mildly surprised at his attentiveness before her eyes shot towards Arnark who seemed oblivious to this, excitedly waving his hand at the others.

For a moment, she was mildly disappointed before sighing, for she had feelings towards the other party, ‘He’s oblivious to such things.’

The ceremony lasted for an entire day as they toured throughout Eonk City. At night time, they had gathered at a restaurant to talk and get to know each other more.

After all, Zaira was only familiar with Arnark. And hence, if they wished to work together better, they had to at least get to each other a little more.

She began to speak, “I’m Zaira. I hail from the Mukar Kingdom which was one of the first regions to fall into ruins thanks to the Demons. I’m a Master Mage that can wield all six elements.”

“No wonder you’re the Hero. Such power is unprecedented among humans.” The Dragon smiled, having transformed to the size of a cat as he spoke, introducing himself, “I’m Gabrumundkhun. Call me Khun for short. Even though the Demons haven’t attacked my place yet, as beings living on this continent, I was tasked to put down this threat. I’m a Grandmaster Divinity and Destruction Incarnate.”

“Dragons do have weird names.” The Elf spoke, introducing herself, “I’m a Grandmaster Divination Specialist. I don’t have many hobbies other than to poke into the secrets of others.”

She then turned silent, not revealing her name.

‘She’s an odd one.’ Zaira thought, not pressing further to inquire about her name, at least not on the first day itself.

Arnark spoke next, “I’m Arnark, a Grandmaster Metal Mage.”

“Wait, that’s it?” Khun frowned, “If you are only a Mage, how did you qualify to be accepted as a brave?”

“To make up numbers, that’s what.” The Lizardmen that had been silent from the start snored, hissing as he said, “Anyway, I’m Lorbordo, a Grandmaster Transformation Specialist. Leave all the complex tasks to me.”

“I’m pretty sure he’s not here to make up for the headcount.” Gilthru said, “I’ve fought him. He’s strong…”

“As a Demon, that is.”

The moment he said so, everyone seated became alarmed, leaping back as they riled up their mana, glaring at Arnark.

“Is what he said the truth?” The Elf glared at Arnark as runes lit up around her. She began to Divine information regarding her opponent already, but a moment later, the magic circle revolving around her shattered, causing her to cough out blood.

Her divination had failed to unearth any information about him.

“Did Daka Felera tell you that?” Arnark looked at Gilthru, surprised that his identity was revealed so quickly.

“No, it was obvious after we clashed.” Gilthru said calmly, “You used the power of an Elementalist to give life to the metal constructs you created. As a Grandmaster Metal Mage, I could see the obvious differences.”

He didn’t say a word about Arnark also being a Principal Arbiter though.

“Well, you’re right about that.” Arnark sighed as he looked at the others, “I’m sorry for not telling you about this. But, I hope you don’t reveal my identity.”

“You needn’t worry about that.” The Elf made eye contact with the Dragon and Lizardmen, gritting her teeth as she said, “You won’t make it out of this place alive.”

“Take a seat first,” Arnark said as suddenly, the mana from the surroundings gushed into the bodies of everyone, causing them to instinctively take a seat.

But an instant later, the Dragon Khun broke free of the coercion, opening his mouth to unleash a torrent of destructive energy at Arnark.

But right at this instant, a wind barrier defended against the breath attack, followed by a water barrier, fire, metal, and eventually, the breath attack seemed to be travelling slowly. In truth, it was still travelling at the same speed as before, but the distance between it and Arnark seemed to have been multiplied by a hundred times.

“Stop it!” Zaira’s cold voice resounded as she clutched her head, feeling the intense thoughts felt by everyone. As they focused the thoughts on Arnark, a Demon, she was able to hear them all.

After thwarting the breath attack, she unleashed a bolt of lightning that unleashed a thunderclap, destroying Arnark’s coercive voice, staring at him as she asked, her eyes dangerously glinting with starlight, “Tell me, Arnark. What is your purpose for getting close to me?”