Daily Tuesday Short: System 04

Wilson narrowed their numerical eyes at the visitor in one of their dimensional waiting rooms. “What do you want, Vol? Shouldn’t a Lord of Light be off galivanting around doing good deeds?”

“Why would I do something so exhausting?” Vol, the living liquid light replied. It was hard for the poor creature to speak to others, but Wilson had no trouble speeding up its senses.

“I’m always in need of a new Solar Furnace,” Wilson said, the flickering mana numbers around their form increasing in speed.

“No need to make threats. I’m here with an offer.” Vol said placatingly.

“Oh? Did your Pantheon finally steal a System Core?” Wilson asked, their attention suddenly razor-focused.

“No, goodness, no. Where would we get one? Are you implying we should go rob Reforged or Twenty Die? Please, don’t spout insanity!” Vol said as their orb floated in a wobbly pattern signaling intense distress.

The pocket dimension shook as the deity’s power grew unstable. Wilson looked at the Numbers and calmed the problem with precise calculations. “Fine, what could you possibly have that I would show interest in?”

“Our group has managed to smuggle something out of the Prison Plane. It’s a great device that allows precise vibrations to be directed for maximum pleasure in a mortal form!” Vol espoused with vigor.

Wilson had a terrible suspicion that came actual a moment later.

“Behold! Provided by one of my faithful light elves, I give you the Silver Wand Series X! Only ten were ever made, and I managed to get this one just for you.” Vol said with the eager joy of a mindless lightbulb.

Wilson gave a dead gaze at the floating orb of light, gradually realizing their gift wasn’t having the effect they expected.

“First. The last time I took mortal form was before your race existed.” Wilson said. “Second, I’ve told you a thousand thousand times to close down the damn smuggling operation. What happens if something dangerous escapes? Have you forgotten how much Dust charges?”

The orb of light started pulling various colors on the spectrum in sadness. Wilson sighed. It wasn’t every day a deity came to visit, but every day Vol visited was a trial of endurance. At least there were no cats involved in this most recent debacle.

Wilson shuddered, remembering the last time a cat goddess got ahold of Vol. If it weren’t for the little orb of light that could effortlessly dispel Darkness, they would never have survived this long. As a species that fed on dark mana in all forms, the little orb of light was an ultra-rare creature.

Everyone wanted one—even a System.

“Out with it. What are you here for? Tell me now before I have to replace a missing Solar Furnace rune or something equally idiotic.” Wilson paused before its eyes narrowed, “Don’t even think of slipping into the Prison Plane for a vacation tour, either. Dust still has you on the Devour First, Apologize for Later list from the last vacation!”

“Wiiiiiiiiilson, budddddddddy. Pleeeeease let me goooooo innnnnn! I have to escape my suitors.” Vol said in a pleading tone.

“More? Didn’t your sister handle the last batch?” Wilson said with a grimace.

“I might have accidentally taken a trip in the Dark Depths. Purely for scientific research purposes, you understand.” Vol said, suddenly looking shifty.

Wilson felt a logical headache starting as they said, “Vol. What. Did. You. Do.”