SL: Chapter 771 – Day 28,365 – Review

“That was intense,” Clarissa said. It had been a day since talking with Artifex. We each had taken time to sleep and to think about everything we had learned before discussing everything.

“You were bold,” I replied.

“The devil is in the details. We aren’t politicians. Any plans need concrete steps to reach completion. It is nice to say things that sound good, but if they aren’t possible, then there is no need,” Clarissa said.

“So, what do you think?” I asked.

“You do know that Artifex is probably listening in?” Clarissa asked me.

“If it wants to listen, then let it listen. I won’t be scheming in the dark. If there is a problem, then we will fight or not help each other, but it appears that we will be joining forces,” I said.

“Our fates are intertwined. Well Artifex passed the most important test,” Clarissa said.

“Which was?” I asked.

“Not targeting the guards I brought with us. Sure there was a lot of energy and it was oppressive. But they weren’t targeted or made examples of. We are dealing with a reasonable being, that doesn’t need to kill to make its point,” Clarissa said.

“I was wondering why you brought them. I figured it was to add credibility,” I said.

“That was another reason and one I said out loud. But the most important thing was Artifex’s attitude. There were no threats. It clearly demands respect and a leadership position, but isn’t some unreasonable or unknowable overlord. The fact we can speak properly is a huge step forward,” Clarissa said.

“An alien that can speak English, surprising,” I said.

“It would have to know our language if it wants to observe us. I can’t imagine mind reading can be that accurate unless it has our brains under a microscope. Much easier to pick up on a person’s writing or speech,” Clarissa said.

“Well, I already figured we were being watched by the Almighty System, this is just one more alien,” I said.

“So, you are differentiating them as well, Artifex and the Almighty System?” Clarissa asked me.

“Yes, since they aren’t the same. They are linked, but they are different. Anything else you pick up on?” I asked.

“Hmm, I don’t know how much you will appreciate the metaphor, but we are like children, being given a chance to prove ourselves,” Clarissa said.

“Children…really?” I asked.

“Yes. That was the tone of the conversation. Or like entry level employees meeting with the big boss of a corporation. They have had set backs but have the knowledge and capacity to start over. We are the hopeful employees asking to join at the start,” Clarissa said.

“So, we are being asked to prove our capabilities,” I muttered.

“Artifex clearly has an incredible multi-tasking and creation ability. Their technological and energy knowledge far exceeds ours. As a species we are outclassed in every metric that matters except one,” Clarissa said.

“I want to joke and say drama, but I am guessing you mean combat,” I said.

“Yes. The rest of us have absolutely no value. It isn’t wrong to say that the remnants of Earth and the future 100,000 individuals will depend on you to hold the line and create a partnership we can survive with Artifex,” she said.

“Still, such a small number,” I said.

“We got it up by five times and everyone will be asleep until we reach whatever our destination is. The first part is to survive until we leave while developing a working relationship with Artifex,” Clarissa said.

“So, how are you going to decide?” I asked.

“Twenty thousand spots will be set aside for educated people with talent in that field. They will get as many stats as possible before our departure. Another twenty thousand to people with families.”

“People with families? Really?” I asked.

“Yes. If need to have children. Neither of us are good examples, but families will create a core community and ensure continuity going forward. Twenty thousand for enough diversity. Assuming a family of 4, that is only 5,000 families,” Calrissa said.

“And the rest?”

“The remaining 60,000 spots will go towards the strongest grinders. Excluding anyone with personality issues.”

“Are there that many?” I asked.

“Level 4 and higher, there is around 20,000. The remaining 40,000 will be taken from level 3 grinders. Since Artifex can have machines that make items, we don’t need crafters or other such individuals. The top artisans will be invited along that have high energy control, but that is it,” Clarissa said.

“You have it all planned out,” I said heavily.

“Most people are useless wastrels in cities, subsisting off food boxes in apartment blocks. The competition up to level 3 zones is incredibly fierce. This entire place is running out of space,” Clarissa said.

“When do you want me to stop arrivals?” I asked.

“It is day 28,365 so let’s plan for day 28,400 to be the last day of arrivals. It will give me time to notify people and begin a surge in gathering points before departure.”

“It is going to leak,” I said.

“Yes, it will. That is why I need to ask you to do something distasteful,” Clarissa said.

“What?” I asked.

“New Kochi needs to be cleared. Everyone that is not part of my faction needs to be wiped out one the new arrivals stop. Then we will move everyone who is departing to New Kochi, once the vessel is complete, we will begin moving people out as quickly as possible before your fight,” Clarissa said.

“That is going to create a huge panic from the survivors,” I said.

“It will. But there is no other option. We need to consider everyone not on the list of 100,000 individuals completely expendable,” Clarissa quietly said.

“It is going to be complete anarchy,” I said.

“Yes. Information will leak regardless of what I do. But it is the only way. I will be creating specialized tickets for all 100,000 individuals and then giving them to people once they arrive to New Kochi after it has been cleared. I just need to nail down the dates, spread the word to my people, and then fortify the city,” Clarissa said.

“And critical plants and food supplies,” I said.

“Indeed. I will need your help getting back out here to speak with Artifex again once it becomes necessary. Probably around day 28,500,” Clarissa said.

“Then the battle will be day 29,400?” I asked and Clarissa nodded.

“Yes.”

“What else do I need to do?” I asked.

“A spar. You need to go back and spar with Artifex. Ask to learn anything you can,” Clarissa said.

“What?” I asked.

“They clearly don’t want to trade away meta-points, but there isn’t anything else that can challenge you?” she asked me.

“No, there isn’t,” I replied.

“Then you need to fight the only being that can beat you easily. Get training exercises from it. Your value lies in your combat ability and Artifex clearly has the knowledge necessary to counter you and fight this Ancient,” Clarissa said.

“And they won’t take it the wrong way?” I asked.

“Just be polite. Politer than your usual self. No sarcasm. While they might understand it, their humor and background isn’t human. Better not to risk misunderstandings. As for Artifex deeper motivations, I don’t have the background or understanding of the other aliens and Reality to say anything,” Clarissa said with a sigh.

“You aren’t going to ask more?” I asked.

“No. Like I said, we are initial employees. You killing this Ancient quickly and efficiently, will be our buy-in to this enterprise. Entry fee, skill test, or whatever term you prefer. That is why you need to ask Artifex for training and improve with whatever methods it offers you,” Clarissa said.

“I think my control and fighting ability is quite good, but I understand your point. I am a blunt hammer. Even with my control and precision, Artifex easily countered me. But that could be with help from the Almighty System,” I said.

“Maybe. But you can assess its knowledge and combat ability in turn. Is it all that it claims? How hard is it to learn certain tricks? I have no doubt it will make things complicated and difficult, but it would improve your strength more than grinding out points,” Clarissa said.

“And you don’t need my help to get points?” I asked.

“No. This is far more important. I will handle everything else on my end. Letting people know and making arrangements. Young Michael will be one of the 10 that won’t go to sleep and I will have him train with an elite force of mine of 5 others to make a team of 6,” Clarissa said.

“And the last spot?” I asked.

“The smartest and most capable person I can find who understands technology. Someone with more Ph.Ds. than letters in their name. We need someone who can understand the technology that we will be dealing with so we can make it ourselves. So, I am going to look for the smartest person possible,” Clarissa said.

“Why so many guards? Wouldn’t it be better to have more smart people?” I asked.

“Because fighting is our primary value to Artifex. Keeping fighter’s awake and training them up is key. In your battle against this Ancient, they will witness from a distance and possibly offer support if it is feasible,” Clarissa said.

“That would be a joke,” I replied.

“Yes, it would be. But combat ability appears to be valuable and I want our side to have an elite team that can be dispatched and assist in minor matters,” Clarissa said.

“Anything else?” I asked.

“The plans I had to head into the rainbow dimension, I will leave them behind for the people left here and inform several people of what is going on. I will encourage them to flee if things go wrong,” Clarissa said.

“Hoping another batch of people survive,” I said.

“A long shot, but it won’t hurt anything. If you defeat this Ancient, then everything should get better, both in terms of our options on what we can do and our relationship with Artifex,” Clarissa said.

“I know.”

“Surprised, you haven’t asked if you can get a meta-point first,” Clarissa said.

“Since I can win as I am, it is more important to put everyone else first. It won’t multiply my stats like it has in the past,” I said.

“If you are sure? If you die, then we are screwed. Artifex will kick us all out and save itself. Of that I have no doubt. Only you have value. The rest of us have no value,” Clarissa said with a frown.

“Guess I win,” I replied with a grin and she rolled her eyes.

“Your grinding and fighting strategy works, you musclehead. Congratulations.”

“Thank you. Thank you. I enjoy being right,” I replied and then got more serious. “Anything else we need to watch out for?”

“No. I plan to take what we can and pack it up for delivery. The last 100 days, we can consider the major exodus, where we move out of New Kochi with large groups of airships packed with people. Figure a 10, with 500 people packed on board each one. That would be 20 trips and say another trip for certain goods and supplies beforehand,” Clarissa said.

“I will check in every 100 days, depending on if Artifex is willing to train me,” I said.

“Good. I will keep you informed as we get closer to the final day. And you can update me on your progress as well. I will probably want to visit Artifex around day 28,900 to check the progress of the vessel.”

“I will let them know we are going with the sleeper option when I go back for training,” I said.

“I…I believe in you Michael,” Clarissa said.