Otherlife Nightmares: The Selfless Hero Trilogy Read online

  Belatedly he realized he still had the music on mute and turned it back on. Truly a strange thing to watch a band play like a group of mimes.

  Every bit of it had the feel of the uncanny valley. A reception that was supposed to be lively, yet came across as cold, almost alien. People were supposed to be celebrating the return of a princess, but they cared about little except conversing about the cost of produce.

  A room full of Sunless nobles as far as the eye could see, saying nothing, doing nothing, and not a damn thing to do.

  Runner swiftly made his way to a wall, stood next to a Man-at-arms, and sighed deeply. Turning his head, he addressed the man, hoping against hope that he’d been programmed with more than a rudimentary guard’s AI.

  “Pardon, how long do these typically last? I’ve an appointment with a pillow I don’t want to miss. I mean, this little soiree will get me to the point of sleeping, but need that pillow.”

  “Enjoy the festivities, sir.”

  “Right. Welcome to Shade’s Rest.” Sighing again, Runner shook his head. “How about a different question then. Just for funsies. Can you remember the last time you took a good dump in a turd tomb, Sergeant? How about the last time you even noticed a poop prison? Better yet, the last time you dreamed?”

  Runner paused in his questioning as a young woman rapidly approached him. She was an extraordinarily attractive woman whose long legs carried her swiftly along. She had the kind of beauty that could only be formed from an artist’s deepest fantasies. Never could such a creature exist in the real world. Where Thana had an elegant beauty, this woman could only be described as unreal.

  She shared nearly all of Thana’s traits: brown eyes, black hair, hourglass figure, yet clearly you couldn’t compare the two.

  The young woman had a cruel tilt to her mouth and an aura that Runner could only call greasy. Smiling as charmingly as he could, he dipped his head to her as she stepped up to him.

  “Master Runner, I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Mara, Mara Moris,” she said, extending her hand to him.

  Taking it in his own, he glanced at the nameplate above her head to confirm her name. It read simply as Princess Mara.

  He bowed over her hand, then stood up once more.

  “To what do I owe the pleasure, Princess?”

  A predatory smile flashed across her face, her sharp teeth spreading out between her lips. He felt himself cringe inside at the look, and he didn’t believe for a minute this would end up being a pleasant exchange.

  “I have a need for a man such as yourself. I’d be most appreciative if you could trouble yourself to meet me in the garden tonight.”

  A Quest has been generated

  “The King is Dead, Long Live the Queen I”

  Experience Reward: 25% of current level

  Reputation: -10

  Fame: 250

  Title: Kingmaker

  Money: 50 Platinum

  Do you Accept?

  Yes/No

  WARNING! Experience Reward is adjusted based on current level at turn in

  Shit.

  Chapter 3 - Flags for Everyone -

  5:04pm Sovereign Earth time

  11/06/43

  Runner managed to keep himself smiling as he nodded his head. Tilting his head as if in thought, he pulled down the gaming console screen with his mind.

  Focusing on it, he entered commands as discreetly as he could.

  /Target

  Target Acquired: PrincessMara

  /Status

  Flag Status:

  Flag1Active=1

  Flag2Active=1

  Flag815Active=1

  Flag816Active=0

  Flag843Active=1

  Flag844Active=0

  Flag852Active=2

  Flag881Active=0

  Condition:

  None

  Right now the flags meant nothing, but if he could get some time alone he might be able to check them. Each flag represented a data entry with relevant information.

  “I’m truly flattered at Your Highness’ attention, especially of one so low as I. Though I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to say yes or no at this time. I’m not sure what allowances your father will grant me as to the limits of his home and where I may venture,” Runner explained. He was hoping to make a quick exit. He really didn’t want to get tied up in a plan to overthrow the current head of state. Or any head of state for that matter.

  “Come now, Master Runner. I’m not accustomed to being told no. I can count on you, can’t I? I can make it worth your while,” she purred at him. She moved in close to him as she spoke, the distance between them becoming very short indeed.

  Coughing into his hand loudly, he sidestepped towards the Man-at-arms. Around him a few heads turned in his direction. Clearing his throat, he smiled sheepishly at the princess.

  “My apologies, Your Highness, I’m afraid I really do need to find my companions so I can discuss our plans and your gracious invitation. I hope to have an answer for you soon.”

  He nodded his head to her, then walked to a buffet table and immediately picked up a glass of water. Realistically there was no need for the water, but it played nicely with that coughing fit.

  Taking a sip, he scanned the room, hoping to find a quiet corner with a wall he could hold up with his back. One where he wouldn’t be approached by psychotic patricidal wet dream fantasy supermodels.

  “Ah, Master Runner, I believe?”

  Glancing over his shoulder, Runner found an older gentleman in robes waiting patiently. He’d been so quiet that Runner had missed his arrival completely.

  Forcing his face into the barest of smiles, Runner turned and faced the man. A quick peek upwards told him this man was named Chancellor Virgil.

  “Indeed,” Runner said noncommittally. The man looked like every other Sunless he’d seen. He was dressed a little better than many but stood out in no other way.

  Odd to think, but nearly every person in the room shared a baseline as far as features went. He chalked it up to lazy design but found it mildly unsettling. Genetic mutation might not exist here.

  “I’m entertaining some guests later, perhaps you’d be willing to join us? I understand you’ve got quite a bit of wealth backing you. Along with a certain status,” Virgil said with a snakelike grin. “We’ll be discussing this terrible business with the Humans and how it’s affecting trade and commerce. Many of us believe that we should sue for peace now that we’ve made a successful point of our disagreement with them and get back to business at hand.”

  A Quest has been generated

  “Buying a Throne”

  Experience Reward: 15% of current level

  Reputation: 150

  Fame: 75

  Title: Power Broker

  Money: 0

  Do you Accept?

  Yes/No

  WARNING! Experience Reward is adjusted based on current level at turn in

  Opening and closing his mouth, Runner was dumbstruck. He had no direct proof, other than that very poorly written quest name, but he believed Virgil had a quest-line to take the throne. Just like Mara did.

  “I see,” stalled Runner. Pulling down the console, he threw in a mental command as he scratched at his chin.

  /Target

  Target Acquired: ChancellorVirgil

  /Status

  Flag Status:

  Flag1Active=0

  Flag2Active=0

  Flag802Active=1

  Flag803Active=0

  Flag843Active=0

  Flag844Active=1

  Condition:

  None

  “Ah, I’m afraid at this time I’m unsure of my status here in the castle. If I’m able to attend I shall, though at this time, I would not be able to say one way or the other,” he said. Catching sight of Thana’s nameplate floating near a corner, he felt relieved. “Ah! Please excuse me. I see someone I simply must speak with.”

  By the Sovereign, are they all out to get the throne? He seems like a genuinely good ki
ng. This is like some terrible twentieth century political machination plot. Next thing you know everyone will start dying.

  Suddenly grinning, Runner had an idea. Targeting himself, he stuck a big red X over his head with one of the group markers. He passed through a crowd and veered towards an unpopulated corner table. Sitting in the corner with his back to the wall, he surveyed the room again.

  Thana’s nameplate shifted and began getting larger as she closed the distance on him. Walking around a crowd of people, rather than through them, Thana came into view, her eyes locked to the X over his head.

  She was dressed formally in a curve-hugging black dress with small red accents sewn into the shoulders and hips. Her dark hair was coiled up in a bun behind her head, which highlighted a large section of her pale throat.

  He stood as they made eye contact and bowed his head slightly to her. When she unleashed her sharp-toothed smile at him, it was clear as day she was happy to see him.

  Pulling out the chair next to him, he gestured and waited for her.

  “Why thank you, Master Runner. Red and black suit you,” Thana said politely, seating herself.

  “Thank you, you’re quite fetching in those colors yourself, you know. Did you leave behind the crushed hearts of would-be suitors to join me?” Runner pushed in her chair after she took her seat, then retook his own.

  “Not in the least. I’ve only arrived just now and I don’t rate too highly here,” she said, placing her hands on the table. Her eyes inspected the room briefly before settling back on him.

  “I’m afraid I don’t have a pleasant subject for you, my beloved chancellor. Your advice is desired.”

  “In the words of Katarina, never easy with you. Alright, out with it then. Let us hear who you’ve alienated or angered now.”

  “In truth, no one. I’ve been propositioned to engage in dethroning the current monarch. Twice. By the princess and the king’s chancellor, no less. Though at this juncture I’m going to bet many more are involved in the same plots, or similar plots. Too many flags on the princess, which means she’s a hub point for them all to join into one, probably just before claiming the throne.”

  Runner rolled his eyes a bit at the end and then shook his head, taking a sip from his water.

  Thana stared blankly at him, her fingers digging into the tablecloth in front of them. At least he could still surprise her. In his deepest of thoughts, he’d wondered quietly if they were already getting too used to him.

  “I see. There have definitely been political movements since I’ve been away. I’m afraid my brother’s been arrested for treason.”

  “Huh. If this holds to the normal cliche it sounds like, which it probably will since the writing hasn’t exactly been stellar you know, then he’s innocent. Probably even has a quest to free him.”

  “He’s to be tried in the throne room tomorrow. The execution is already scheduled to immediately follow the trial.”

  “Tomorrow? I suppose we activated it the moment we arrived then. Too coincidental otherwise with the timing. Question being, is it a radiant quest or had it been dormant? What exactly is your status in the Sunless court?”

  “My family is of the peerage, but we are of the lowest strata. In a few generations it’s likely we’ll be nothing more than landed gentry. My parents hope for a good match for myself and for my brother.”

  “Right, then. Which makes him an up-and-coming man out to prove his family’s honor and earn prestige and glory, help his chances of wedding a bigger fortune or political power. Am I right?”

  “Yes, completely. It doesn’t make sense. He’s always acted in accordance with the king’s wishes. He would never betray him.”

  “That actually makes perfect sense. In a coup he’d side with the king regardless of the pretender. He’d have gotten in the way. I’d wager it was dormant and tied to you. Don’t worry about it, I’m betting I can fix it. Probably even ties up with the two other quests in regard to the king.”

  Shrugging, Runner added it to his “To-do” list. Quests were meant to be solved; it would have a solution. The big question was if he could do it quickly. Maybe even break the whole chain.

  “Now for something good. Err, good in my humble opinion at least. I have a present for you,” Runner said, happy that he’d get to show off a little.

  He opened his inventory and pulled out the staff he’d made for her. In the end, he’d settled on the name “Mortal Coil.”

  The ornamentation at the head had a spiral to it, as did the wrapping, so the name fit well. Or so he thought.

  Thumping the butt of the staff loudly into the hardwood floor, he looked up to the tip, admiring his own work.

  “I can’t exactly claim it’s a beautiful weapon for a beautiful woman, but it’s definitely a powerful weapon for a beautiful woman.”

  Tilting it towards her, he let go.

  “Should come in handy. Have a lot more work to do on everyone else’s gear too, but at least I have the skill level to create good work now. Time is the only thing I need,” Runner said offhandedly, his face screwing up in a slight frown.

  Thana caught it and stared at nothing in front of her. He imagined she was reading the stats for it to determine what it could do. He drained his glass of water, and it turned into blue sparkles and vanished into nothing.

  As the last mote faded away, Runner noticed Katarina standing near a wall by herself.

  In seeing her, he nearly laughed out loud. Keeping a tight rein on his mirth so he wouldn’t ruin his chance, he framed up his HUD around her. Getting the position just right, he took a screenshot of her.

  Katarina stood in a dark red dress that came down to her ankles. A black shawl covered her shoulders and muted some of her imposing stature. Her hair had been braided tightly and hung down her back. Surprisingly, she looked the part of a beautiful regal princess. Well put together and with a figure that might not compare to Thana’s but didn’t lack its own charm.

  Targeting himself, he began changing the icons above his head rapidly from an X, to a square, a triangle, then back to the X.

  Swapping the symbols rapidly with no end, he watched as Katarina’s head turned towards the impromptu light show above his head.

  Raising his eyebrows at her, he changed the marker above his head to the red X and left it there. Returning his attention to Thana, he found her staring at him.

  “Ah, sorry. Found our princess, hoping she’ll be willing to join us. The light show over my head was merely to get her attention. Pretty sure she noticed it.”

  “Runner, why did you give me this staff and where did you get it?”

  “What’s wrong? Are the stats bad? I put thirty int on it and a load of functions.”

  “No, it has the int and functions but…wait, you made this?” she asked, sounding incredulous.

  “Yes? It wasn’t that expensive to get the parts—Rabbit got them for me. It didn’t cost much, I promise.”

  Pressing her left hand to her head, Thana nodded.

  “Rabbit? Is that Nadine? Wait, don’t answer, fine. Back to the subject. You made the staff, why me?”

  “To make you stronger? Silly question, moving on. Also, why the black and red for you and Kitten? I admit it up front, you’re definitely making me appreciate the colors more between the two of you. I mean, goodness, strong power colors for striking beauties, though it’s rather surprising.”

  “I tracked down where you were being held and spoke with Nadine briefly. She mentioned that she’d sent off for that particular color palette. She also mentioned buying a store? Wait—” Thana said, realizing she was becoming distracted.

  “Ugh, the store again?” Runner interrupted. “Look, seriously, we can open more than one store if you want one, too. I’d really like to buy us a large manor house and a separate store. Though with how everyone’s reacting, it’s starting to look like the emporium idea might be better. Never figured you and Hanners as the shopkeep type.”

  “Manor house? Emporium?” Kata
rina asked as she took a seat at the table.

  “Ah! Very good timing, Princess Kitten. Great dress by the way, shame you couldn’t have made it shorter. Or just a straight up skirt? You’ve got great legs, remember? Here’s a present,” rambled Runner.

  The joy of giving gifts to his friends had peaked out his excitement. He opened the inventory, and he dropped the large shield on the table with an audible thud. The table creaked and then settled once more.

  It landed faceup, the black and red plates only reflecting a fraction of the light that hit it.

  “We can change the color scheme if you like, but I’ve been feeling a black and red power trip lately. From armor, clothes, or lingerie, black and red. Two thumbs way up. Did I mention you need to wear black and red lingerie?” He laughed and tapped the shield with two fingers. “I dyed the plates black and red accordingly. Though I couldn’t think up a clever name, so I went with something straightforward. Direct. Simple. It’s called Queensguard. I almost named it Bastion, but I named a tree that. Sorry.”

  Katarina touched the large shield and then immediately looked up as a window popped up in front of her. Her black eyes widened slowly as she seemingly read through its stats.

  “By the way, your cousin is planning on killing your uncle, Kitten. We also need to save Thana’s brother as well as the king. I have an idea for both problems. It’ll have to wait till we get out of this ridiculous reception though.”

  Hannah and Nadine plunked down at the table, each with a plate of food and drink. Hannah began tearing through the meal as soon as she sat down. She eyed the shield for a split second and returned to her food.

  Nadine looked curiously at the shield a little longer than Hannah before returning to the rich meal. She did manage to eat with more decorum thankfully.

  “Stop. I want to go back to the previous discussion,” Thana prompted.

  “Which part? The lingerie? Red and black. Especially Hanners and Rabbit. Goodness, I bet those blue and green eyes would pop. It all seems relatively straightforward to me.”