The System Of The World

"What are you implying?" I asked, shocked at Z's random confession.

"Take a good look at the child sitting beside you. If you think my story is tragic, hers would be the worst to stomach for you. While I watched the ones close to me die, she had to bear the responsibility of killing every single one of her kind," answered Z, pointing to Mavislin.

I blinked rapidly. I turned my head to look at the child so fast that I thought my head would lob off. Instead, Mavislin stared back at me with curious eyes and a mouthful of vegetables.

"That's another story for another time. And it's not my story to tell. It's the little Valkyrie. However, I can still let you know how I knew about the Words Of the World. And that answers your third question of me surviving the years. I was a Mage before a Mage now."

"I think I'm still rocking it for being over a few thousand years old. I'm the last and the only one that can communicate with the Words Of the World. I named her Vania, and she was the only companion I had for the next centuries. Until I met Gillian and joined the Congregation."

"When things got rough, I decided to lay low and join the local church and became a Pastor within a village near the Old Chapel. At that time, the villagers hated Mages, so I didn't show my powers but continued keeping in contact with the old crew."

"And then, I met Mavislin and Raiyen. Those two caused some mischief in the town, and I was set to punishment both of them. However, I eventually gave in and joined the family of Mages within the Old Chapel, making me the last to the party. As for why I am still alive, I have got no clue."

"You're lucky, I guess? You are quite a powerful Mage from its looks, and you could escape from accidents. But, of course, if people wanted to fight you, they'd be dead in a few minutes. But I'm still curious, how'd you managed to program the System into what it is now?"

"It's quite the good work you've done. All Vania's aspects are refined and smooth. Her voice doesn't sound too robotic or forced. All the symbols of each Element I've got are not too complex. The Words Of the World has even got a personality of its own!"

"I sincerely thought she was a person at one point. And the process of mixing and matching Elements to create new spells is fantastic. It allows me the creativity to develop a strong solution when the battle pushes me to a corner. Not to mention the scan modes."

"She does a great job at elaborating things when I needed it, even providing visuals about the subject in my vision. The quests that have been popping up were slightly annoying, but I'd turned that off, including the alarms. I've yet to see the auto-battle mode."

Z's eyes widened as he ate the last pork rack. While Mavislin happily gnawed on the pork rack's bone, I finished the vegetables. When Mavislin had returned from tossing the Slayer somewhere safe, she'd brought us some drinks to go with the picnic food.

I was lucky it wasn't some weird concoction of the century. Instead, the drink was freshly squeezed lemonade which went well with the rosemary baked chicken.

"Uh... I wouldn't try doing the auto-battle mode if I were you. I am still stuck on that hurdle. Other than that, I'm pleased to hear your kind feedback about the System. However, I am not too sure if the System you've got is the same as the one I've encountered and used," replied Z.

"What do you mean? When we were in the Harmony Of Cosmos, you were so dead sure about that fact! So why are you backing down on that revelation now?" I questioned rather harshly.

"Each version of Vania is built to be specific to the Mage who enters into this particular world. That's why I said your version of 'Vania' might be very different from mine. I've tweaked the basis of the System, but what your version blossoms to is out of my reach."

"Only in the Harmony Of Cosmos, I can hear your Vania speak. Think of it as a set of blocks. I've made the floor and walls, but what you place inside the building is entirely up to fate and you. I only gave you a skeleton to work with. I do not craft her personality."

"So, I can't look for you for the instruction manual for Vania?"

"What do you think I am? A walking guidance counselor?" asked Z, filled with sarcasm.

"But aren't you a guide for Raiyen and me?" asked a little Valkyrie, pouting.