World Of Karik: A Game Of Villains

Petrovich and Vlada sat to my right, and Major and Innokenty to my left. The day before we all had fought against each other in mortal combat, and now we had to talk peacefully and negotiate. Much had changed during this time…

"Well, since we're all here, I suggest we summon the Scroll and present our votes," Petrovich said, and I recalled the events that had occurred the day prior.

After returning to the camp and dozing off for a couple of hours, I realized that with my current level of knowledge, I could only be a pawn in other people's games. Fortunately, I had means of finding out more. Why was everyone trying to reach level six as quickly as possible? Why were those with lower levels not allowed into big cities? It was all about the connection with the one who brought us into this world. And my God owed me answers to a couple of questions.

In the swamp I quickly found my old friend, a Kappa that had ever so kindly made me lose my extra levels. Once I got out of the mud next to my portable tombstone, I demanded answers without mincing my words. And, oddly enough, as I was not confident of success until recently, I got them. The God of Deception appeared right in front of me.

"You have five minutes," he smiled playfully, as if we were old friends. "You know, the other guys from my company don't like me for some reason. They will be extremely upset if they discover my presence in this place."

"I won't you ask about the meaning of life or anything like that." Running through the swamp, I had time to come up with a strategy. "Just tell me what awaits me in the nearest future and what I should pay attention to in order to survive or avoid becoming a victim of any long-lasting commitments."

"You're getting smarter," the smile on his face faded. "On the other hand, the stronger you are, the more useful you are to me."

And then I listened attentively to his revelations, gradually becoming horrified by how much nonsense I could have done had I not decided to perform this experiment. As it turned out, the Scroll would sum up the preliminary results twenty-four hours after the battle for the votes. Preliminary, that was an important bit of info to remember; if some of the parties hadn't fought against each other yet, they would have the opportunity to do so. Not by themselves, but with the help of their followers.

Using followers was another standard move that all the so-called leaders of the elements made after their squad moved to this stage of development. Everyone was invited to change their patron and join the Great Trinity, stopping further development of their already acquired skills. They were to receive a Mark with the ability to strengthen absolutely all stats in return. Until now, hardly anyone refused. The strength of the followers was determined by the strength and influence of their teacher, so I would also have to get my own and give them something. Yeah, as a paladin I would be able to teach them to cast curses and fireballs. Great. No, I needed to think this through.

"Remember, you can only share skills above level five, so make up your mind in advance and think about what you will transfer. By the way, the name of the skill can be changed, so use this opportunity wisely. If used well, this could be a very useful thing for you." My weird teacher finished his sentence with a faint laugh, as he did with the most of his words.

He was definitely right about the usefulness, though. At the advanced level, the usual little white lie could no longer give Deception points, so only a systematic lie, one so natural that people would perceive it as given, could do the trick now. Because of that, me being "paladin" and my transferred skills might be the only way to develop in this direction.

The briefing ended there. I had some time to learn a little about the nearby cities, generals and Reapers before my five minutes came to the end.

"And finally: a small gift from me personally," he said, disappearing into thin air like the Cheshire cat. "Try to break that tree over there, but use only your fists."

Punch it until I break it? I tried to follow his advice. I even spent about thirty minutes on it before I gave up. However, I started anew. I was about to give up again, when something happened.

Endurance: +1

Unable to hold it back, I laughed and ruffled my hair, strands of which got stuck together with the blood from my broken knuckles. So that's what the gift was. He told me that after leveling up Deception, I had the opportunity to improve my stats again. Though I would prefer he did it in a less painful way.

"Cat, are you with us?" Petrovich's voice brought me back to reality.

"Well, shall we start then?" I thought that Vlada was an okay person before, but now she kind of looked down at everyone. At this point, she noticed someone enter. "You! Why did you come here? Someone like you has nothing to do here!" she said angrily.

"Are you sure?" came a sarcastic chuckle. I was not the only one who turned their head to look at the troublemaker.