UL1 - Book 11 - Chapter 100a

“There is an error present in the System and yet I cannot locate it,” the archon on the left stated. “Only three beings could have done this and I suspect we know which of the three did.”

Four other beings of light all sat there, eyes closed, sensing the same thing the fifth had. 

“You are responsible for that area of the System,” the middle archon said, his eyes still closed. “Tell us, are you unable to handle the responsibilities that were given to you?”

Emotions were not something the Archons were known for having and yet a frown appeared upon the one tasked with managing the aspect of rules in relationship to the System. “We each have had errors present in our time and yet none have been as… intrusive as this one.”

“I am certain you will track it down,” the second archon said, opening her eyes. “In time, all threads are traced and the source is located. Once you do, we can dispense punishment. Until then, we have other things to discuss.”

“Like the three and their progression,” the first one stated. He opened his eyes, looking up a the cords of power that came from all over and ran through them. “Two of the three are progressing at the standard pace while the third is… behind.”

“Not by much,” the fourth archon announced. “This manifestation is an abnormality, and those often fall behind. It is not uncommon. We have seen this before.”

The five sat there, each one letting the knowledge of the three flow through them. One by one, their eyes opened and they glanced at each other.

“The two are indeed stronger,” the first said. “Yet I sense a different strength as we had discussed before from the third. And they are connected somehow to this child.”

“Another abnormality that we will deal with in time,” the third replied. “It has been a while since one with this level of power has come through.”

“I cannot see her skill,” the left archon said. “That is outside the rules. Yet another abnormality and it should be remedied soon.”

The other four stared at him. 

“You know the rules. We are not to interfere,” number two said quickly.

“I am not suggesting that we interfere,” she replied. “Just that the others are aware of that thread and will all seek to control it, or cut it. In time, all fall to the game and so will this one.”

A surge of light flooded through the cords and an audible moan of ecstasy came from the five.

“Interesting,” number one said softly. “A tier 9 has fallen. Pieces are moving faster than we expected.”

All of them nodded in unison, each closing their eyes, sifting through the power and knowledge that was rushing through them.