—— ? ——

  Calm down. It's a coincidence. Brian is someone from Earth. This new world probably doesn't even have Tuesdays

  Simon shook his head, breaking the stare between him and the Healer.

  "Simon. You okay?" Kaelalin asked.

  "I concur with Kaelalin” Zerathis hovered over. "You seem very stressed. Are you alright? Perhaps you should have spoken with me?"

  Simon let out a small chuckle. “It's fine, just a bit of a superstition about Tuesdays.”

  Zerathis's metal frame tilted to the side. “He’s spoken of that. It’s a recurring cycle to designate days on your calendar, correct?

  “That’s right.” Brian chimed in. “Day’s on earth were in a seven day cycle. We had Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Then it starts over.”

  Kaelalin nodded. “We had something similar, but it was tied to our three moons and their cycles.” She raised an eyebrow at Simon. “Why does the concept of this ‘Tuesday’ cause this sort of reaction?

  ”I’m sure it’s nothing.” Simon smiled weakly. “Just really awful things have happened on Tuesdays.”

  On stage, Councillor Serel stepped forward, her expression serene as she lifted her hands.

  The murmurs in the plaza softened. Her inner luminance shifted.

  At first, it was subtle: a gentle dimming, as if the golden glow threaded through her crystalline lattice drew inward. Her normally radiant skin to an almost human pallor. Then the gathered light breathed outward.

  A single mote of gold lifted from her fingertips, splitting into two, then four, drifting like weightless fireflies.

  The crowd fell completely silent. Even the wind seemed to hush.

  The motes pulsed once, twice, in the slow rhythm of a heartbeat.

  Then Serel exhaled.

  The light she had pulled inward surged forth, unfurling into a ribbon of gold that curved around her like a living brushstroke. The motes snapped into alignment, orbiting her hands in perfect spirals, each releasing thin strands of shimmering radiance. They wove together, forming shapes, impressions, moments lost to time. A face, a hand, a moment of laughter, each dissolving before the next could fully take form.

  Simon’s breath caught. It was mesmerizing. His only regret was that he wasn’t closer. There was something within the shimmering radiance that drew him towards it.

  Damnit, doesn’t anyone in this world have binoculars?

  On stage the ribbon rose above Serel, fragmenting into a constellation of sharp, glimmering points. The points flew upwards, spiraling out like the last flare of a dying star.

  Simon blinked rapidly. “Wait.” He muttered, reaching for his hood. He pulled the half mask down, the aurora tinged glasses falling down over his eyes.

  With a mental demand, his vision tightened and focused bringing in the swirling lights into crystal clarity.

  “Oh hell yes.” Simon whispered as the world sharpened.

  The arcing golden strands that lanced through the sky came into perfect focus as his garb’s goggles brought his vision forward. Each strand of golden light was even more complex on closer inspection. Every mote, every strand of gold, every subtle fluctuation carried faded impressions.

  The crowd stared, entranced. A few people swayed. One woman clutched her chest as if she’d felt something stir inside her.

  The moments drifted by as the arcs swirled and danced.

  It was one of the most amazing sights Simon had ever seen, the images burned into his memory.

  Serel lifted her hands gently, guiding the final arc of light to collapse into a single shimmering ember.

  It floated above her palm, flickering with all the colors of a sunset.

  Then, with a soft and deliberate motion, she closed her hand around it.

  Her eyes closed and the world seemed to fall into darkness, the rays of sunset a pale mockery of the display.

  When Serel opened her eyes again, they shone emerald green and the glowing luster returned to her visage.

  The plaza erupted into applause.

  “We knew Serel had abilities she has never shown.” Simon heard Brian mutter. “But that was astounding. She should start every council meeting with that.”

  Kaelalin and Simon just nodded.

  On stage, Serel was the visage of grace, her head slightly bowed toward the applauding crowd.

  As they quieted, her voice echoed out as if amplified through a concert speaker.

  “Well, now that I have your attention…” Mirth rolled through the crowd. “Members of Varnholt, The Council has gathered you here today to reveal an announcement and boon for our fair town.” Her crystalline tones were pleasant, but firm, demanding attention.

  “If you would please give me your attention for just a few moments, we of the Council would appreciate it.” She let out a bubbling laugh. “Of course, before we begin, I would ask the councilors currently waiting for soup to please make their way back to the stage.”

  The crowd’s eyes shifted in a wave to the tables filled to the brim with large metal pots and bowls.

  Beside the rows of tables, a very tall man with chestnut skin was currently attempting to become invisible.

  “Errr. Rite.” Kurda’s booming response carried over the crowd. Ripples of mirth and laughter swelled as the Thurgen made his way quickly toward the stage.

  “Better go Brian,” Kaelalin hissed, but the man was already moving. Simon saw Serel’s eyes quickly snap to the inventor and a sly grin crossed her face.

  Several moments later and the last remaining councilors had made their way on stage. Kurda stood toward the back, desperately trying to hide the large soup bowl that he still held.

  “Thank you, Councilors.” Serel Continued. “Now, good people of Varnholt, It’s time to reveal the reason behind this entire event. But I must tell you–” She gestured toward the gathered councilors. “--it was just as much of a surprise to me, I will admit. So let me introduce the sponsor.” She nodded. “Councilor Marden will you please step forward?”

  The response from the crowd was immediate. Distrust, murmuring, hissed conversations of disapproval.

  “Marden!?” Kaelalin hissed next to Simon. “What the hell does that slimy scumbag have to do with this?”

  “No idea,” Simon whispered back.

  Despite the calming effect of Serel’s display, panic bubbled into his mind pressing against the back of his skull.

  His fingers twitched. A compelling urge pulled at him to summon an instrument, to be ready.

  Calm down you idiot. He scanned the crowd, trying to take his mind off the feeling.

  But despite his attempts, it felt like a metal trap was closing in around him. Simon’s focus shifted to the stage looking over each councilor gathered.

  His sweep paused behind Serel. There Councilor Maelis stood. The short, scarred Yoreboon looked entirely uninterested in the entire event, his focus devoted to some strange piece of metal he toyed with in his hands. As if the man could feel Simon’s stare, his eyes swung to meet

  Simon’s.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Simon flinched

  The councillor’s mouth split into a wicked smile

  Then–just for an instant–Maelis’s eyes flickered, as if something behind them caught fire. In the same moment, his teeth reflected a sudden flare of gold as Serel released a vibrant burst of light across the plaza, drowning out the crowd’s growing uproar.

  The flash hit Simon like a physical blow. His enhanced sight magnified the brilliance, leaving afterimages dancing across vision.

  Huh?

  Simon blinked hard, trying to chase away the remnants of the flash. Something had brushed his mind, a slight pressure, a tug inside him.

  What the hell was that?

  Ding.

  —- SYSTEM NOTICE—-

  > SKILL ATTEMPT - FAILED

  > The skill “Malleable Mind” has failed to take hold. You have resisted.

  > Cause: Absurd Garb of the Lagomorph Slayer - (Masterwork) – has blocked the effect.

  > Hidden Feature Discovered – Aurora Hood: Veiling Lense

  > Description:

  >> The hood’s lenses are crafted from the condensed cores of the Aurora Hopper.

  >> In life, these creatures adapted to the continual barrage from the valley’s Aurora. This adaptation is imprinted within their essence, an aspect woven into their very survival.

  > Effect: Grants strong resistance to visual-based mind magic, charm effects, glamorous and light-borne compulsions. May automatically negate attempts delivered to the wearer.

  > Note: Item description updated.

  ——————————

  Serel’s voice cut sharply through the silence that followed.

  “I would ask all to withhold their judgement for just a moment.” Her tone was calm, but the command beneath it resonated through the plaza. “Councilor Marden has helped Varnholt achieve this feature through great personal expense. His only request was that he be the one to present it.”

  Her eyes spread over the crowd. Measured, steady, and luminous.

  “I believe that is a… reasonable request.”

  With that, she stepped back, leaving Marden suddenly, uncomfortably, at the center of the stage.

  Anger boiled in Simon. Who the fuck had just tried to mess with his mind? His vision finally clear, he locked onto Serel. She wasn’t looking at him, but she really wasn’t focused on anyone. Instead, her gaze cut in sharp, sweeping lines over the crowd, as if hunting for the next person that might ignite an uproar.

  Simon’s heart pounded, too loud in his ears.

  Had that been part of her display? Something woven in that light caused everyone to still? Simon scanned the silent plaza. The members of the crowd were strangely mollified.

  Had it been that burst of light? Or…

  Simon’s vision snapped back to the stage and he focused on Maelis. The smith was not looking Simon’s way.

  Instead, Maelis seemed to be trying to bore a hole through Serel’s head. His jaw was clenched tight enough to crack stone, his eyes radiating a lethal, restrained fury.

  He looked cold and predatory.

  The Yoreboon’s stance had shifted, barely perceptible, but unmistakable to Simon. His shoulders angled forward, feet braced, every muscle coiled as if waiting for an excuse to pounce.

  A shiver sparked down Simon’s spine.

  And yet, something else roiled inside him.

  Fury.

  He looks like he wants to fucking kill her.

  Simon set his jaw, his own muscles tensing instinctively. Did Maelis get some kind of notification too?

  And even if he had… so what?

  Simon… hated assholes like Maelis.

  People who thought everyone else was beneath them.

  Dismissed them as worthless.

  Simon might’ve been annoyed by the burst of light, but Serel’s reaction had made sense. The crowd had been seconds away from drowning out whatever the council was trying to announce.

  Simon shifted his stance, his feet feeling the solid stone plaza beneath him. He controlled his muscles like how Kurda had taught him.

  If that shithead even twitched towards the hammer at his waist.

  If he dared try to recreate what he’d done to Simon before…

  Simon was going to stop it.

  But then everyone’s attention was drawn to the smooth voice that slid through the air.

  “Good evening, good people of Varnholt.” Marden’s amplified voice said. With a step forward, he seemed to shake off his nervousness. His robes settled around him like rippling water. Marden down over the crowd with a calm, measured expression.

  He radiated sincerity so polished it felt as if he was part Celestial.

  Naturally, it made the cast away air of suspicion roll back over the plaza like a wave.

  ““I wish to explain what I have done…” He continued, his voice was warm and steady. “...and why I have done it.”

  Some heads in the crowd tilted. Simon, Kaelalin and the rest were as brittle as shale.

  “I know many of you hold a certain perception of me,” Marden said sadly. “And yes — I am someone who has hoarded wealth. That is true.”

  Murmurs swept in like a wind, but were controlled as Serel’s watchful gaze never left the assembled people.

  “But,” he said, lifting a hand, “there was a reason. A reason placed upon me by the deity who sponsors me. My patron.”

  Frowns sharpened and scoffing whispers peppered the plaza.

  Marden waited until the noise ebbed, then continued with the solemnity of a man unveiling a truth long withheld.

  “It is taboo to speak publicly of one’s patron. It is not a topic to be discussed lightly. And under any other circumstance, I would not disclose this. But in this matter, I believe transparency is necessary.”

  He drew a slow breath.

  “My patron is Sylira. The Goddess of Living Records.”

  “Is that really some big secret?” Simon whispered to Kaelalin. “He told me that when I asked.”

  Her intense gaze never left the healer, but she whispered back “Many know, but he’s not wrong. We were told during the System events that you shouldn’t shout your patron from the rooftops.” She shrugged. “Something about waiting until they can assist if any… ‘disagreements’ from on high make it down here. Revealing it in such a brazen fashion is a dumb move.” She paused, a deep frown taking over her face. “And he’s not dumb, Simon.”

  Simon nodded, his attention returning to the healer. The crowd seemed to have similar reactions as Kaelalin.

  “I know I expose myself by revealing this information.” Marden said, seeming to answer the question that hung in the air. “But none of you truly understand her. You may know of her as a healer. Well, that should be obvious by what I do.”

  His attempt to lighten the mood fell flat. Marden pushed forward regardless.

  “To mend flesh is not the entirety of my mistress's domain. The Goddess of Living Records is not merely the one of mended flesh.”

  Marden paused, his next words seeming to weigh him down. “She is also known as the goddess of information. Of knowing the history of the living. She understands what one’s flesh once was, and what the harm that has befallen it has done. This understanding is interwoven with how Sylira blesses and heals us.”

  He paused, letting the weight of the words settle.

  “To heal someone, you must first know what damaged them. Who they were before that damage was inflicted. Sylira excels in this pursuit.”

  Marden’s eyes swept slowly across the crowd, almost gentle.

  “So yes, I have been hoarding wealth. But this wealth was never to be used by me. Sylira’s sacred doctrine is the acquisition, analysis, and preservation of information that might save lives. We who follow her are tasked with uncovering what harms the living. To prevent their record, their story, to end before it’s time.”

  His tone softened, and became solemn. Marden bowed his head in reverence.

  “This.. is our first and greatest responsibility.”

  Marden straightened chin lifting. He lifted his chin and his eyes twinkled.

  “Now,” His eyes twinkled and a faint smile graced his lips. “You may be wondering how this connects with my being a miserly, greedy man.”

  This got a response from the crowd. Tightly held chuckles, nods, but most still held dark looks.

  “I know, I know,” Marden continued, spreading his hands. “I’ve heard the whispers. I know how all of you see me. You are not wrong to see me as such. I deserve the view you hold of me.”

  He smiled sadly. “But, I wish to make amends. To that end, I will vow by my goddess here and now.”

  The world grew still as Marden bowed his head.

  “I vow by my patron, Sylira, Goddess of the Living Record. That I will provide the people of Varnholt my services for free. I will only ask to be given payment for the base materials required. The cost of those will be well documented and I will freely show that information to any that may ask.”

  No one spoke. Everyone stared. Who was this? Where was the gold eyed healer.

  “I will clarify that the cost will never include my own resources. Be it energies from my mind, body or soul. If I am able to heal without incurring a cost, I will never charge.”

  Simon blinked, his mind frozen. He whispered to Kaelalin.

  “Free healthcare? From him?”

  “I don’t believe it.” She whispered back, but then shook her head. “But he did just swear by his patron. Despite everything else I despise about him, I could never say he wasn’t devout.”

  The tenseness in Simon’s neck started to loosen.

  How could this be a bad day? Just what in the hell was happening? Yet he couldn’t shake a feeling of dread. His eyes caught movement in the crowd around him.

  Simon frowned. Why were there so many Frost-kin near them now? He swore he would have noticed that before. Their race was pretty distinctive.

  His thoughts were interrupted as a hesitant clap began in the crowd. More were about to join them when Marden held his hand up.

  “Please, hold your applause!” He insisted.

  Everyone in the crowd was happy to do so.

  Kaelalin scoffed. “He threw out the bait, here’s where he introduces the hook.”

  Simon nodded. There was no way this guy was about to basically become Varnholt’s St Jude’s.

  “With my intentions declared.” Marden continued. “I wish to tell you why I needed your hard earned crystal.”

  Marden’s face turned serious, his gaze chilling. “My goddess believes there is one thing that is of utmost importance, and the beings of all realms would agree with her. There is one ability that is essential to survival.”

  He paused.

  “That ability is Identify.”

  Murmurs rippled through the crowd, many lit up with interest.

  “Acquiring Identify is… extraordinarily difficult. The quest requires a staggering investment. For a town to unlock it, they must pour resources into a single individual capable of developing an adjacent information skill strong enough to catalyze the quest.”

  Marden’s voice dropped, growing heavy with gravity.

  “Many towns simply allow it to occur naturally. This was the council’s chosen path. Eventually, someone in Varnholt might develop such a skill. Or an outsider might arrive with the catalyst needed. But this could take weeks, months. Maybe even a year.”

  He looked out, his face stern. It was jarring to see him wearing that expression.

  ““That,” Marden said, “is why I gathered crystals…” He shook his head. “No, not gathered. Pilfered, lied for, badgered, bartered, bargained and manipulated is the truth and reality.” His voice raised in volume. “But I did not do this lightly. I apologize I could not reveal my intentions. The timing was not right. And the reason I could not speak of it sooner… is the same reason I had to act.”

  He let the silence stretch before delivering the next blow.

  “When a town acquires Identify, it gains the ability to see the dangers around it. Threats from monsters. From the environment. And—” his gaze flicked sharply over the crowd “—from other sources.”

  A ripple of unease flowed through the place. People were glancing around them, their faces mixtures of emotions as they tried to parse what the healer was saying.

  Simon’s heart had moved up into his throat.

  He swore the old man had paused his gaze on him for just a moment too long.

  Simon decided that it was time to go to the inn and sleep away this horrible day. He was jumping at shadows.

  “That is why we must wait a moment longer!” Marden’s voice boomed out. He turned to the Serel and gave a deferential inclination of his head.

  “Councilor Serel, I ask that you finalize the quest to upgrade the hub.”

  He turned to the crowd.

  His eyes moved.

  They locked on to Simon.

  “Let us unlock the Identify skill. Let us protect Varnholt. Let us discover the secrets that hide among us.”

  It was at this moment, Simon’s brain jostled loose something he had read so long ago.

  —- SYSTEM NOTICE —-

  > ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED

  > Realm First: Divine Rage

  > …

  > Note: This designation is not ceremonial and is visible to deites, their followers, entities of equivalent power, and anyone who can read the air. Beware.

  ——————————

  Simon gave a cheeky smile, then spat out a word.

  “Shit!”

  —— ? ——