The Author and the Playwright
Even if by a god-given miracle both Maximillian and Void Sovereign dropped dead at once, there wasn't escaping the chaos and destruction that would unfold in their inevitable dead man's switch backup plans. And that alone would be enough for the Demon God to claw his way into reality.
...Of course that might be okay since I had a few trump cards to kill him. But the damage and deaths that would unfold in the meantime...
I might be able to reach a 'happy ending.' But it would be incomplete.
And I was the author of this world, goddammit. I refused to have my story end in like that. I refused to let people I could save die.
"So think." I muttered. "How can I save everyone?"
I read the plot points again and again, wracking my mind for an out. For a path that didn't exist.
> You seem troubled.
I blinked, staring at the holographic message suddenly floating in front of me. "Huh? Rob?"
> That's right.
I blinked. I didn't expect an answer considering he hadn't communicated until now, but...
I glared at the message and said, "What? Coming to gloat at my despair?"
> Of course not. Despite everything, I'm an ardent fan of yours. I have been since your first work.
I paused after reading that message.
Since my first work...?
That hodgepodge, mishappen mess of a story with more loose threads and plot holes than I could count?
I resisted the urge to laugh at the absurdity of that fact. But instead, I calmed down and said, "If you're my fan, why did you drag me here? Shouldn't you have been happy that I completed 3D-ED?"
> I was happy for you. But... were you happy with it? Truly happy?
I paused to think about that.
3D-ED was successful. It was a story that touched countless readers and lifted their days.
I had read the reviews. I had seen the impact. And I saw how well-received it was. So, I was happy with it. ...Right?
> I know you. The story you wrote was successful. But it wasn't the story you wanted to tell. It was a story you wrote to have others read. But it wasn't a story you wrote to reflect what you truly believed.
I bristled and stood up, knocking my chair over. I glared at the message in front of me and said, "And what do you know about me, huh?!"
> I know that you hate good people failing. And that you are desperate for everyone to have a happy ending because you couldn't achieve that in life.
I flinched, for a split second seeing the face of someone I couldn't remember anymore. Then I stared quietly at the floating message in front of me. "...Who are you?"
> I told you. I'm a fan. One who's watched you for a long time.
> I believe in you [REDACTED]. Save everyone. Show that even in impossible odds, you can pull a miracle.
> Because if it's you, you can.
A series of three messages, popping up in rapid succession. Then they vanished, leaving behind a system update message.
> Congratulations! The system has been updated!
===
[Status Screen]
Name: Alex Smith
Age: 18
Equipped:
Strength: 20 (+10)
Agility: 20 (+10)
Vitality: 20 (+10)
Endurance: 20 (+10)
Mana: 20 (+10)
Stamina: 200 (+1000)
Mana Pool: 200 (+1000)
Rank 1: Basic Elemental Magic
Rank 6: Divine Spirit
Mana Circle Overdrive: By shattering your mana circles and performing a forced fusion, can perform one Rank 6 spell at the cost of all stored mana and halving physical stats.
At the cost of my life - An undying resolve to eradicate monsters burns in your soul. After laughing in the face of death, you have forcibly shattered your limits. Growth in all stats is dramatically increased until Rank 5. Afterwards, growth in all stats are double the average growth rate.
Aquaburn (Equipped) - You can summon unquenchable flames that burn even water as fuel.
Stellar Mana Physique - All stats are increased by one rank. Physical attacks may be imbued with magic. Stamina and mana pool are combined. You have no cap on the total mana pool and stamina.
Playwright - You have an instinct for dramatic flare! You can decide a 'character' and a 'play' at any time. Actions taken in accordance to the character and play will be magnified in effect. Your lies become indistinguishable from the truth and your actions are seen in the best light.
Intuition (Equipped) - You will be able to sense and avoid danger with greater ease.
Clarity (Equipped) - You will be able to see through falsehoods and remain composed in all situations.
Water Magic Affinity (Equipped) - You can naturally use Water Magic up to your Mage Rank.
Fire Magic Affinity (Equipped) - You can naturally use Fire Magic up to your Mage Rank.
Artemis - A rank 6 artifact. Formerly an effigy to the Bear Goddess Artio, now refined as an effigy towards the Goddess of the Hunt, Artemis. Allows the use of Lunar attacks based upon the authority of Artemis.
Diamond Mana Galaxy (Lv. 1) - A unique magical artifact that replicates a seven-fold Mana Circle and Mana Star system. Greatly increases Stamina and Mana Pool when equipped in the inventory. When equipped on the person, elevates the user's Mage and Warrior Rank to 7. Grants the Domain
Aquaburn Orichalcum Ring (Lv. 1) - Grants the Traits
Clear Star of Intuition (Lv. 1) - Grants the Traits
Mana Amalgamate (Lv. 1) - A sentient blob of mana. While in the inventory, shares the owner's senses and experiences. Can communicate through mental transmission. Currently an infant. When summoned, takes a form that it finds most comfortable. Randomly inherits a version of the owner's Talent and two of the owner's Traits.
Tyrannical Mana Blade (Lv. EX) - An oppressive sword forged from mana and fragments of a Rank 6 Mage's Domain. When used to inflict a wound, chance to apply
Rank-Up Voucher - Elevates either Mage Rank or Warrior Rank by one level.
===
> The nature of Story Points have been revealed to you!
> Story Points are a numerical quantity representing the influence your will has upon the Fate (Plot) of this world!
> The nature of Quests have been revealed to you!
> As an observer beyond the realm, Rob has created the system to highlight anchor points that will generate the most influence for you if you fulfill them. However, these Quests are suggestions from a helpful ally rather than a mandatory requirement.
> You are the Author of this world.
> You are the Playwright of this story.
> The system has been adjusted to help you in accordance to your intentions.
> You are now granted more freedom in usage of SP.
> SP may be utilized to enforce certain phenomenon similar to Divine Authority. However, SP usage supersedes Divine Authority due to your nature as the Author.
> Be warned. SP is an external force. Using it allows other external forces to cut back to restore the balance.
> It is recommended to use SP as a resource instead of as authorial fiat.
> The shop has been reset. Due to your increased influence, prices are readjusted.
> Your current SP is now 1,000,000.
===
I stared at the system update messages, effectively patch notes for the system. It was a lot, but there was one thing clear after reading them all.
Rob was sincere about helping, despite the mess unfolding.
I let out a deep sigh and muttered, "I don't know if I should be pissed about you pulling me here because you didn't like 3D-ED the way it was, or flattered that you believe in me so much you trust I can pull a miracle and get out of this Morton's fork..."