Chapter 3TJ - San Da Silva

 It's the morning and John's still lightly dressed with a comfy, canvas t-shirt. 

He does, however, wondered why...

Did his dearest Bell hid something from him?

Does his uneasy feelings are related to the... happenings?

John overheard his dearest mentioning the name Jonathan Torrington and Daniella Tammison, supposedly from the bus she "brought in" to recruit.

Which, for John, probably okay. The wonderland known as Mobius needs more people anyways.

But 16 fatalities...

"Grown up matters", i'm 33, did my dearest wife, who had nothing to hide after all, started hiding something?

I've met some cool guys in a tavern, like, yesterday. Befriended that one Cameron Taylor. He seems to be... troubled. Didn't know why.

Well, he already rested for like 10 or 11 hours... it's time...

He then takes some showers and get dressed.

Time to set the clock for the PPD then. 

Along the way, he met one of his subordinates, Gomez.

Gomez: Something on your mind? People said you'll twitchy and "uneasy"...

John: Uhhhh.... fine, fine. 

Gomez: As a brother-in-arms, i just want to say, "don't overdo yourself."

John: Well, how about the date with Winfield?

Gomez: Oh, you know that we're dating...? Well, she's a nice girl, but you, as a superior, know that i'm on duty, right?

John: Uhhh... Ohhh... yes, yes, you're dismissed for this day. Go on. Have fun.

Gomez: Ummm... sure. Who's going to take my post anyway?

John: Well, i'll report to Thorns later. See you.

Gomez: Good day.

With sandwich on mouth, John marches on for his day-to-day task at the PPD. Something so that the Logistics could get an additional contract funding. And staff training as well.

Chief: Afternoon, John? Trouble sleeping?

Chief: Well, most of the force have... those... uneasy feel. Trouble sleeping. Wish to be relocated, all that stuff.

Chief: But they're really glad on meeting you. I mean, you've got that smile...

John: Ummm... Teehee.

Chief: Yeah, but i can see behind that smile that you're... clouded.

Chief: Well, nothing to do here for the platoon apart from the firing range and VR simulation now.

Chief: Or... you could just laze around on the roof.

Funny, this is the first time John - or anybody - have a chief telling them to laze around. 

But sure. Things just... well, it's like anybody could sense the end of the world is near.

Meanwhile....

Dani: Ahhh yes... we're here at... let's see...

The sign...

ENTERING SAN DA SILVA, POP 500.000

Dani: Well, strange name, and the city... looks modern.

Dani: So... lock and load, then?

Jon: There's no point. I won't do a GTA-style chaos. That was wrong. I'm only killing those who were out for our blood.

Dani: Well, hold on tight... Just want to try the armor...

Jon was surprised to see her girlfriend allowing him to hold her.

Of course, both wanted to jump down.

Hmmmm....

Jon: I hope that's inconspicuous enough.

Dani: Where to next?

Jon: Beth tell us... and already booked... a high rise hotel.

Jon: There will be JSOC contacts... and a base of operations.

Dani: Cool, i'm down with that!

Entering the hotel...

Dani: Whoa, this felt like home....

Then suddenly...

I see a fancy-looking nobleman looking guy...

Ah yes, it's Taylor. Knew him back. Only he left earlier.

Dani: Well, you got here earlier?

Taylor: Yeah, thanks to our contacts. Archer. Military guy.

Erica: Now who's this bee-yoootch?

Erica: You've been awfully close to Taylor, you fetcher!

Taylor: Chill, Erica. She's my classmate.

Erica: If you say so....

Taylor then gets surrounded by beautiful girls. Seems to be cosplayers.

Dani: Who the hell are they?

Jon: I would ask the same thing.

Taylor: Oh, i forget to introduce you... these are my bodyguards.

Erica: I'm Erica, Fifth Class Private from Archer Logistics... But honestly, names are for friends, and you two are not my friends, but this is because Taylor told me to.

Stephanie: I'm Stephanie, Fourth Class Private, Archer Logistics... I shouldn't talk to you unless Taylor told me as well.

Chelsea: Third Class Private Chelsea...

(miming her grinning teddy bear) would you just die, stranger?

Elize: Second Class Private Elize. I found both of you an eyesore. Would you drop off the sight, please?

Lisa: Here's Sergeant First Class Lisa, and i'm the captain of all before you. Drop off your arrogance or i'll send more reinforcements after you two.

Dani: What's with the unfriendliness! You all approached us!

Taylor: Apologies. They're just that overprotective.

Jon (whispers): Hey, hey, Taylor seems awfully in over his head...

Dani: Well, before we all enter Mobius, we know that he's such a womanizer.

Taylor: Then..... will you (looking at Dani) be my mistress?

Dani: WHAT THE INFERNO?

Taylor: Perhaps i'm too hasty after all, or...

Taylor: Probably you're already taken by this... Torrington?

Taylor: But i'll would enlist this Tory as well, as we're classmates, right?

Dani: How could you be so confident with people around you...?

Taylor: well....

Taylor: The lass back in the beginning of the Mobius grant me the ability to dominate and command lower ranked ones.

Taylor: And we're with the clearing party....

Flashing back to Taylor during the Archer Logistics clearing party... where they survived reaching Persica and granted membership to Archer Logistics as their first mission.

The mission that, unsurprisingly, isn't granted to Dani, and Jon chooses not to partake for the sake of Dani.

Vincent: Vincent Fabron. Consultant for Archer Logistics.

Vincent: You know this guy? (shows a picture of a cute-looking boy with distinctive green eyes). Here's John Archer. I learned being a consultant from him. He's the founder of the Logistics. 

Taylor: So...

Vincent: Well, i'll open a recruitment drive for you. You'll have a roster of brothers-in-arms. Sisters, even.

Vincent: It's time to put your leadership ability to test. It's what the lass grant you, remember?

Attendant: (Clap Clap!) Attention everyone! Now we have John Archer, playing Shadow of the Sun!

The cute boy from the picture appears. Wearing a fancy nobleman's clothing, he introduces himself to others with a heartful smile before he starts singing with a very soothing tone:

Once upon a time

I was on the mind

To lay your burden down

Leave you where you stood

You believe I could

You seen it done before

I could read your thoughts

And tell you what you saw

And never say a word

But now all that is gone

Over with and done

Never to return

Audience: (Cheers)

And I can tell you 

Why people die alone

I can tell you I'm 

The shadow on the sun

Vincent: Heh heh, you know why he's so charismatic? He's the lass' husband.

Vincent: Bell, you know her, right?

Taylor blushes. 

Vincent: And you should be lucky that you've got part of his ability granted to you.

Vincent: We need various approaches to bring forth a Sage. No, not just a Sage. More of it. You enjoy living here more than the "real" world, right?

Vincent: Another point is guess what? Like videogames, you can unlock your brothers and sisters in arms perks and abilities. Soon you'll be unstoppable!

Vincent: Without people like you, the others would be suicidally charging and wasting their lives.

Vincent: Welcome to the Logistics, Taylor.

Back to the present.

Taylor: So, that's that.

Jon: Ah i see. As you level up your soldiers/squadmates/servants/whatever, you're leveling yourself too, right?

Taylor: Well, now i'm ready to take on what's happening and appearing in this world!

Taylor: So.... Miss Tammison, will you...

Dani: No, never! Don't touch me!

Taylor: Well, think about it later!

Dani: Uuugh... how annoying...

Jon: Well, let's leave him be, right? We need to find a way home, right?

3 days later...

Dani: Well, day 3 now.

Dani: I understand, the foods are delicious, the town is nice... and... 

Dani: Don't forget our goal.

Mackie: Boy seems tired. You should check him out.

Dani: But... fresh air...

Then an ominous clusters of black fogs appeared.

Dani: Eh... what's that?

Mackie: Something's.... bad.

Dani: We have to pack out. Lock and load.

Mackie: Invisible assassin!

A gunfire rings.

A girl laid down with a bullethole.

Dani: Erika?!

Jon: Should have thought it. These guys are up to no good!

Jon: Again, we should pack up and leave!

Both readied their respective guns.

More gunfire ringed.

Soldiers of unknown origin appears, opening fire at Jon and Dani.

They seems to wear American... er... Amelion special operations personnel suit, yet there's no flag patch.

The dogtags, however, indicate that they're a member of a mysterious secret unit called the Hamlin Battalion.

Both, however, relentlessly fight back, despite Dani's initial hesistance to pull the trigger.

Jon indeed can kill or disarm easily, but that's mentally and physically tiring for him, and he need maximum focus to trigger it.

That, and the bulletproof function of Dani's suit helps.

Then Lisa intercepts us.

Lisa: My... my.... After all you've done, i wouldn't let you and those pansy-ass 'Mocs get away!

Dani: What do you mean the 'Mocs?

Lisa: The so-called "JSOC". What, your contact?

Lisa: And now there's only two left...

Lisa then conjures a frost barrier, trapping the two.

Lisa: Taylor told me to bring you, Dani, to him.... 

Lisa: You'll be a fine addition to the Logistics!

Both broke free with shotgun. 

M870. Seems to be a weak magical barrier, isn't it?

Dani: Yeah but it's cold and hard to the touch!

And now...

Jon fires a killing shot to the magic wand...

Jon: As you see, i can kill everything i shot with.

Jon: Try anything and you'll be boarding Afterlife Express with a buckshot.

Jon: Now... Lisa, answer!

Lisa: Yes......

Jon: Can you use magic without your wand? 

Jon: As far as i knew, wands only provide limited magical capability, and cannot be improved apart from buying a new one.

Lisa: Yes.....

Jon: So that's it, you're not even a real mage.

Jon: So... where's the rest? WHERE'S THE REST?

A shadowy being approaches Dani...

Suit: Maximum Strength.

Dani then, by pure reflex, fought the shadowy being.

Dani: What's this? A puppet?

Jon: Must be Chelsea.

Bunch of puppet approaches.

Lisa: He.... hehehehehe...

Jon: Shut up. (fires M870, dropping Lisa dead immediately)

Jon: Dani! Keep on firing! Keep on firing!

Jon: Beth? Any backup...?

Beth: I'm losing signal. Logistics have taken over the town!

Chelsea: Noooo... my beloved... Bonnie... Chica... and...

Jon and Dani approaches Chelsea, who controlled the doll...

Chelsea: (heartfelt pleading) Please.... please.... don't....

Meanwhile...

Radio operator: Permission to use the secret weapon, sir!

Unknown: Granted....

Suddenly...

Metallic insects approaching!

Dani: ehhh.....ehhhh.....ewwwww....

Jon: Prepare your MAC-10 for the ground-based ones!

Jon: For the flying swarms, use the M870!

Dani: Just.... just.... how many of these.... things are there!

Mackie: It seems like Taylor is using those... what are those?

Beth: Terror Bites.

Mackie: Ah yes, Beth, you knew that i'm exists, don't you?

Beth: Well, save the chatter for later.

Beth: The Terror Bites are mechanical insect like beings that can function as a swarm-based weapons or a surveillance tool with its long range camera optic capability. It was first seen in 2007, before.... (radio interference)

Jon: Never mind, just hold down the trigger and keep firing as we'll make it out here!

Dani: But... but... what about the ammo?

Jon: Dead soldiers. They have it.

Soldiers from the Hamlin approaches and Jon and Dani gun them down without a second thought due to how they're out for both.

Jon: Well, i've got a good idea for the Terror Bites...

Jon then attempting to hack the signal of the Terror Bites to be able to call Taylor back.

Jon: Hello, Taylor.

Taylor then panicked.

Jon: (coordinate numbers)

Jon: Beth, initiate orbital strike at (coordinate numbers)

Beth: Roger.

Jon: Wait, you took direct orders from a civilian like us?

Beth: You two are the only hope after The Logistics took so much control over Persica.

Beth: Therefore, you two are immediately as of now, a pair of US JSOC member.

Meanwhile...

John Archer's WIRE.

Audio Call.

Voice: John, this is an urgent matter....

Voice: Taylor... you know, the guy you met at Outer Persica's tavern?

John: Yeah. Soon-to-be a field commander?

Voice: I'm sorry to say.... but... Taylor. KIA.

John immediately went shocked.

Knowing how easy it is for his new friends to just drop dead like that.

John: I see. Recover his body, and prep him for the funeral. End call.

John then cries and starts pounding with his arms.

John: G......g........d.......mit!

John: Why......why?

John: He didn't deserve this!

John: We've planned for a gathering later this weekend!

John then send a message to the previous caller.

John: Need a time to mourn for a bit, then we could do for a funeral.

 

Character Profile: Bell Aster Archer (nee Springfield)

 As a maid/housemaiden

As a soldier/barmaid (not oftenly used)

 

Her (apparent) true form as a Sage.

 Possible appearances, the top of which being how she appeared as a housemaiden, and the bottom of which is her apparent true form.

Voiced by: Yui Horie (Japanese, All Forms)

Maaya Sakamoto (Japanese, Sage Form) (Type B) 

Lindsay Seidel (English, Maid) 

Christina Kelly (English, Soldier)

Chandni Parekh (English, Sage Form)

Erika Harlacher (English, Sage Form, Type B)

Age: Unknown (immortal/ageless)

Date of Birth: Unknown (she did celebrate her birthday at the same time as John's)

Birthplace/Nationality: Unknown, United States of Amelion (currently)

Military Experience: Far East Insurrection (early 20th Century), World War I, World War II.

Innate Ability: Multiple Forms and Personalities

Skill Majors: One-handed (include firearms), Two-Handed (include firearms), Archery, Enchantment, Speech, Destruction, Illusion, Conjuration, Alteration

Major Arcana: The Empress, The Lovers, The Star, The Hermit, The Tower

Sol/Luna alignment: Luna

A housemaiden under the employ of the Tuatha De nobility. Known for being exceptionally beautiful and very tempting, which is her most deadly weapon (apart from her physical and military training). Also she can change her appearance easily into whatever attracts her mate the best, making her hard to recognize apart from the voice.

Three of her most used forms are of a maid (which John, her husband, noted that it's his favorite), a swordswoman (often used when going outside so that she doesn't look innocuous), and of a soldier (only sometimes used when helping John, otherwise John refuses her help for fear of being unable to focus. But still, without John's knowledge, she often provide sniper fire)

Unlike her beloved, she prefers semi automatic or precision targeting due to her most frequent military training being heavily trained on using pre-automatic weaponry military hardwares. 

Bell Springfield isn't her true name actually, with Bell being named after shortening the Royal Amelion* Navy battleship "HMS Belfast" which she had experienced in commandeering and she planned to use it as a future home, and "Springfield" from the legendarily durable and reliable early 20th century United States of Amelion made bolt action sniper rifle "M1903 Springfield".

*yes, in Mobius, the US and UK are under the same flag due to post-independence naval invasion of Britain by the United States Navy around 1780s.

Once she introduces herself, immediately, she become a sister figure to Lugh, while on the spot, proposing to marry John, as her very purpose to become a housemaiden is to find a young, strong mate.

She offers her lifetime service towards John especially, with no payment... Apart from being her lover. 

According to John, she has a calming and sisterly feel whenever she's present, where John often felt that every of his uneasy feeling from worriness to anxiety gone, most of the time. It helps that every night after being married she often sleeps beside John... only for John to wander around while feeling energized after doing the deed. 

While she 100 percent resembles a human woman physically, she... apparently isn't.

The most obvious is that she's already around ever since John and Lugh was young, away from plain sight due to her tendency to surprise people. Her appearance as a twenty-something woman had never change by years. 

According to reports and warnings given,

She can regenerate easily especially with the help of "male fluids" and even apparently reverse signs of aging.
Even if she apparently killed, her spirit presence can easily "linger" and tempt male into giving his fluid into her remains, regenerating her.

Those who consummate with her could also feel that the male's aging is delayed and, though sometimes exhausted and tired, could feel refreshed (it helps that for John, he often consumes night coffee while doing night time works he's known for).

That did not, however, prevent the eventual end of age of her mate, though the inevitable is often delayed by having one of her mate lived up to 200 years old and John looks like an early adult despite hitting 33. Though according to John, Bell spoke very kindly of her late mates before.

Also, she cannot conceive or bear a children, due to her age being past the human fertile age. The fluid is instead consumed by the body to reverse her aging and healing.

She can easily exert pheromones that either made her mate asleep easily if already tired, or being invited to do the deed if it's not.

That being said, unless you're on her bad side (though she often lightly kills whoever stand in her way), you have nothing to worry due to her kindheartedness and that she seeks a good-hearted mate, as according to her, the taste of the fluid is as good as the heart.

She took assassination with the Tuatha De nobility as a living, along with having a permanent resident as a housemaiden. Even as a housemaiden, her room is more of a noble, and as John married her, she's  sharing the same room as John's (though both often wander around at times especially when John needed alone time)

She often has no need for money and riches for herself apart from the bare essentials, the only thing she needs and wants is that so that she can make her mate happy. According to her, John is the most genuine lover ever in her unusually long lifetime. She is also generous in providing something, be it money or power, to those close to her.  

"John, please don't bore me... Or else, you'll make a fine meal for me... Ufufu, just kidding! If you can kiss me, then kiss me. Embrace me! Or... You may become my hug pillow every time i want to sleep~ufufu..."

Of course, she's just teasing, given that John could never bore her especially how with a bit of pheromone John can somewhat be" steered" or that John doesn't mind to be treated as a hug pillow whenever he's resting around Bell. 

"The braver and kinder you are, the tastier you'll become. So please, give in!"

After John leaving the nobility and establishing Archer Logistics, she parts amicably with the nobility. Not so much with John, who were simply tired of the "assassination" business seemingly unending in the land of Alvarn and surrounding areas.

Regardless, John and Bell, as a married couple, has an unending honeymoon for years.  

However, apart from the angelic exterior, something insidious is hidden.

Her forms affect her personality. She can consciously and at will change forms, but her personalities differ each other.

As a housemaiden or a barmaid, she tended to be "kindly but seductive" or "motherly but girly" respectively, but as a Sage, ever since she discovered and unlocked the magick inside the Sagestone, deep inside her body and soul, add "mischievous" on top of those... 

Her apparent true form, discovered after she "unlocks" the innate magical ability within her, is of a Sage, a high leveled, extremely powerful mage with the form of a blonde haired beauty (not that the other forms are beautiful but John considers it the most beautiful one) wearing something like a 19th century dress and being capable of using magic and transferring it into an item or somebody else. She added "Aster", as in the flower, to her name as well.

"The target exhibits a classic low-affect personality."

"Psychopathic disregard for others, narcissistic world-view punctuated by self-obssessive disorders"

It is revealed that, as a Sage due to her ability to create magical spells and perks and granting them to those she chooses, in her supposed true form as a Sage, she took bringing people in from a (considered to be) miserable and decaying "Alpha Universe" (in other words, the "real world") to Mobius as a side job, thinking it's "fun" eventually recruiting them into the Logistics as Sage like her.

Unfortunately, under the apparent influence of the nigh-limitless power granted by the Sagestone (later known as the Amelion Bloodstone), her common sense has been somewhat lapsed, treating the universe like a sandbox, and basically became devoid of true love anymore apart from her love to her beloved one and their associates. 

She even took to things unthinkable before like subconsciously mind controlling her beloved John ("this is a grown-up matter!") to suppress his inquisitive behavior and at a brief moment in the end, directly controls him, and also being casual to murder innocents (something that John even frowned upon, but he didn't knew up until the end).

In the end, amidst all the chaos she intentionally or not caused, it was her beloved that eventually saved her because, conditional or not, mind control or not, John truly loves her.

Character Profile - "Perseverance made Spirit" (Default Name: John Archer)

John Archer, 33 years old. Camo outfit, his signature. 

Default appearance. Regardless of the change-able appearance, the eye will be green.

Voiced by:

Miyu Irino (Japanese) Micah Solusod (English) [Teenager]

Chiharu Sawashiro (Japanese) Brian Bloom (English) [Adult, Type 1]

Yuuichi Nakamura (Japanese) Peter Jessop (English) [Adult, Type 2]

Hiro Shimono (Japanese) Gavin Drea (English) [Adult, Type 3]

Soma Saito (Japanese) Max Mittelman (English) [Type 4, both Teenager and Adult]

Jun'ya Enoki (Japanese) Caleb Yen (English) [Type 5, both Teenager and Adult]

Also known as:

Dragonborn (practically made up by John in the new universe because it's not Tamriel or Nirn) 

Lovely Honey (from Thea)

Guardian of Persica

Luminary

Sentinel (his preferred nickname) 

Security Officer (note, "officer", not "leader" though he's technically a leader)

Vanguard (his preferred nickname, two) 

All he remembers is that he is awakened by an angelic-looking figure with the face and the voice of her beloved little sister, Alice.

In this "new universe" that is known as Mobius, he awakened in his 13 years old, just as the soul is sent forth by the time of the birth of his little brother, Lugh Tuatha De.

Such as how he feels lighter than usual, in his words he felt like a "videogame character". He's also less likely to feel pain (as in how getting an arrow felt like being pinched) as well as being adept with various weaponries quickly as soon as his brother Lugh taught him years afterwards.

Early on, alongside Lugh's affinity to hunting, farming, and cooking, John's affinity is, thanks to his favorite game, is mining and building shed to craft, upgrade equipment, and mine better stuff. Also shooting as well, but initially, he's only able to hunt, before doing assassinations. 

Both contribute to the family's wealth by the jobs.

As he awake in the new world, all he remembers is how he fell asleep being awakened by the sound of a baby crying. After getting to know his family and learning that he's basically in coma since his birth until the age of 13, he set to write everything he remembers after he discovers that he'll be having a little brother, making him out to be a writer. 

Despite being the member of Tuatha De nobility, he was cast out of his nobility surname in favor of "Archer", even given custom uniform in hopes that his action for the family's assassination career (as he it set and taught to provide combat and distractions) cannot be traced directly to the nobility.

His natural appearance are an oddity. Despite the nobility tend to have fairer skin and usually silvery hair, his appearance resembles a common Amelion (America in Mobius) people instead - bright, slightly sun-burnt skin (instead of being clear pale), and a hair as dark as the darkest night itself. He has a jade green eyes, noted by many as "beautiful". 

Despite being taught equally along with Lugh by the head of the family Cian Tuatha De, John rejects the term "assassin" preferring "wanderer", "vanguard", or "sentinel" in situational terms, as he hopes that by doing this all of his actions supporting the Tuatha De assassination operations cannot be traced directly to the nobility no matter how open his acts are compared to the often stealthy and shadowy Lugh.

His ability centered around video games, as in:

The ability to compress objects, though not all, and the ability to construct stuff by using "crafting table" also the ability to bring up an interface in which only he can see, to manage skill and to see "crafting recipes"

He also can see what remains of a loaded weapon without opening the cartridge, and while moving, aiming, and shooting, he can just imagine "he's having his hands on keyboard and mouse".

As he bonded further with his lover, he has more abilities as well, like being charming without even trying, achieve extremely high focus where to others it seems like John is moving fast, and generally increased moving speed, among others. 

John has an odd quirk as well, the fact that most people he sees as "not important" will quickly forget him no matter what, effectively preventing him, except to his closest ones, to be identified. This extends to how if John has to commit chaotic acts in order to provide Lugh's cover.

That and lately he often has flashes of being someone he supposed not to be, and perfectly acting as those guy (even instantly having their memories), feeling like a lucid dream but everything he acted as really happen. And then as he grew up, he can mind-link with anyone he befriended. Something he usually did to bolster confidence or tie up loose ends.

Mind-link, as in basically mind control but consenting.

Has a strong long-term memory and made a living by storytelling works of art and entertainment from the old world, which during his pastime, often wrote. When his brother Lugh noticed that both he and Lugh "apparently" reincarnated from an "old-world", both told everything they remembered.

As a sentinel he wore a black combat uniform, designed by his father, with green accents signifying his status as a sentinel. But more than uniform, he considers the uniform an everyday clothing given that he isn't formally align in a military force... yet.

As the leader of Archer Logistics later on, he's almost always seen wearing military or law enforcement clothing, though sometimes he dresses as a nobleman in occassions.

Though actually older by 13-years margin than Lugh, he didn't look taller than Lugh, they roughly on the same height.

Fell in love at first sight with Bell Springfield, the Tuatha De's longtime housemaiden and its most valuable member, in which within a week they're married. Despite the unnaturally high attraction and Bell being somebody who can exert attractiveness at will, John insists that he's not brainwashed. He's truly loving Bell as she is.

"I will be with you until the sun, moon, and stars are no more".

-John to Bell.

"The one between your ears? Slightly above your eyes? I treasure it the most inside the most beautiful receptacle i've ever seen, which is you."

-Bell to John.

In turn, Bell treasured John ever. More than her past lovers where Bell (apparent) immortality outlived them. She even said that all of his parts, especially the brain where he could solve any possible problems they encounter, as the most treasured object of the world ever existed. 

John's spirit of perseverance and unnaturally high attraction provided Bell the most mana to regenerate and reverse aging. This also extends to John himself, where he's 33 but looking like 19. Through John's stream of mana, Bell can conjure lots of Sage Powers / Battle Song System and granting it to those Bell personally chosen. 

He is noted to be, despite his laziness at times, being extremely kind (impulsive outbursts aside) and trying to be helpful whenever possible.

Lately however after the couple move into Archer Logistics, John is noted to be sleepy so often especially in daytime. Those who heard hard enough often listen to moans and giggles every night at the top level suite of Archer Logistics. He's hitting 33 yet still looks like a 19 year old, with many remarking him as "cute" or "charming".

But don't mistake his cuteness and gentle, kind demeanor as a weakness, for he often shows his true strength at combat, earning declarations of honor and fear throughout his allies and enemies.

That's said, off-duty, people, usually his subordinates, noted that his personality is "dynamic", where, off-duty, he didn't have any trace of a "commanding" personality, looking and acting often like a school or college aged person, and sometimes seen flopping and wailing as well. 

John Archer, 33 years old. Law enforcement suit with Archer Logistics accents. 

The appearance of an instant death dealer and a surprisingly "giftless" warrior brought him fear, uncertainty, and doubt for the first time in his second life, especially seeing how his brothers and sisters in arms gradually being killed. The logistics, his subordinates... even his wife puts a facade, as if she wants for him to stay out of the matter.

Yet John can feel the dread. Feeling that the end is soon to come for him and the closest ones. 

Despite being a seasoned one-man army with body count worth hundreds, he sees the idea of killing innocents, apart from pure accident and being forced to serve the enemy side, disgusting. That being said, when it comes to Bell, instead of being angry, John instead willing to take (the sin) for himself, as he blames himself for waking up late and not overseeing his wife's scheme.

As it is revealed, he has the ability to "return by death" where upon his death the universe seemingly straight up resets to the point where desirable outcomes can be achieved. 

The second time involving nukes, everyone remember the whole thing. As if it was set up... Thus from then on, John became an entity of interest by people around him. Also people around him can made amends of the happenings.

As a "Perseverance Made Spirit", he is practically immune* to Jonathan Tammison's Mystic Eyes of Death / Dead Eye. Jonathan "could" bypass John's Return By Death but that would involve Jon physically killing John. And Nature Itself has a "Counter-Force" (Deterrent Force) to prevent it from being easy.

*The immunity mostly stems on how John lacks killing intent toward Jon, not just out of fear but also out of kindness, and Jon himself cannot, for whatever reason, bring himself to kill the honey-cutey-minty-pie known as John Archer. The other way around also applies given that Dani, Jon's girlfriend-later-wife, reminds John of John's cousin, and Jon is also as much of a gamer as John were.

Reality Marble "Boss Fight"

That being said, if Jon really intend to defeat (not kill, cannot kill) John, then John unleashes his most powerful innate barrier ability Reality Marble "Boss Fight". In it, John's attacker universe is transformed into a boss fight with John as the stage boss. John will be unconsciously assigned a role and form that is suited to the attacker's skill, weaponry, and games preferrance.

For instance, John will take the form of a Lord of Salt (which resembles the Soul of Cinder but with a spear) if the attacker has swords and spells, or John will take the form of a hyper-powered combat armor akin to a Hanged Man Armored Core if the attacker is driving or piloting an armored combat machine.

Defeat of John will severely weaken John after making the Reality Marble crumble, allowing the attacker to deal the final blow. In case there is no final blow, John will recover after a day's worth of rest.

Conversely, the defeat of the attacker will severely weaken the attacker after the Reality Marble turns off, allowing John to deal the final blow. In case there is no final blow, the attacker will recover after a day's worth of rest.

The known attacker that could trigger the Boss Fight is so far only Jonathan Torrington, given John's preferrence to fight the others "fair and square" and John is known to survive multiple sniper attacks with only injuries on his side.

Chapter 1TJ - Arrival

"War. War never changes."

 His mind is fleeting.

Jonathan Torrington's mind is fleeting as he sleeps.

Scenes that seem outlandish appears to him.

In a research facility, he escaped containment with a girl and managed to get to a helicopter crewed by Allison.

The bodycount? Like around 60 armed employees.

It's unexplainable. They just dropped dead. Like a puppet.

I only picture shooting them in my mind as a self defense, and... They did actually drop dead. 

I always remember how doing those consecutively hurt my head, to the point that i took firearms training once we're in a safe place. 

But what's done is done.

He then awakens.

He prefers pulling up his Switch and get some fun with it. 

Supposedly, they're going somewhere. I don't know, perhaps, going to the Wyoming, camping or something.

However....

Twintail Girl in Red: Geez, Jon, Skyrim? Again?

Jon: Everybody's playing it!

Dani: Well, it's a 13 year old game!

Jonathan: There's new update like a month ago and i have to mod it all over again!

Dani: Nevermind, but...

Dani: Don't you have no idea where we are? We're supposed to be heading to Wyoming, camping!

Here's Danielle... or Daniella, surname Tammison, or just call her Dani. She's been with me as far as i can remember.

Jon: Doesn't matter, have fun!

Dani: Well, up to you then!

Dani recalls last night.

Where everybody else slept.

 Where Dani enjoys the night time scenery...

 

As it enters a tunnel...

She didn't notice.

They didn't notice.

Most of the bus didn't notice...

The radio plays a song...

with a peppy electronica pop tune...

(The following is the translation of the song, which is "Peter Pan Syndrome" by Kagi-P)

When I was a child, I had nothing to fear

I believed myself to be special

I’ll do as I wish and use my own hands

to show you I can change the world

Reach out your hands and hold on

to me, the one and only

Speak up and shower your praise

on me, for being special

Don’t be afraid, come over and stay

with me, who’s actually nobody, and love me

Unable to accept that I’m the same as others

I acted as if I saw nothing and deliberately shut my eyes

Instead of becoming an adult, I want to remain a child

and continue dreaming until the day I die

Open your eyes and let them reflect

me, who amounts to nothing

Collect me up and embrace

me, who’s still like a child

Come forward yourself and accept

me, who will someday disappear, and love me

Wanting someone to acknowledge me

I fabricated a false version of myself

And yet, in this world, I’m alone

like some kind of child…

Reach out your hands and hold on…

Speak up and shower your praise…

Don’t be afraid, come over and stay…

(The song ends) 

And suddenly...

Sunny meadows here and there.

Dani: Wait, am i daydreaming? 

Others: Are we? Are we? 

Far from Wyoming, indeed.

The bus then stops.

A beautiful woman, seemingly out of the world, wearing something that is not out of place from Princess Connect Re:Dive appears.

Woman: Greetings, everyone. Everyone here will be a candidate for the next Sage.

Woman: Soon, you'll be as wondrous and powerful as me and my friends.

Woman: Reach the goal with me! No, with us! 

Woman: Many will wait at the top!

What's this, a promotion for a next Cygames or next Bandai Namco thing?

Man in suit and Bus driver, together: What the hell is this, who let you....!

 

The woman then shows both of her palms toward their face, blowing them apart after a ray of flash appears.

Well i can't just believe this, are we, are we?

Woman: Please, everyone, be polite, be good... And you can do something like that too soon afterwards!

Woman: Well, you're all here because all of you have unfulfilled dreams. Regrets. The humdrums of daily life.

Woman: Here, in Mobius, you can attain your dreams. Be what you want to be.

Woman: Now... any questions before we continue?

Then voices beckons introduction. Like, "what should i call you", "You're cute", whistles....

But also screams and fears from those that aren't brave enough.

Woman: Ummm... forgetting introduction?

Woman: You may call me Bell. I am a Sage of this domain. Nice to see you all!

Then there's cheers and whistles, mostly from the male students.

Bell: Now... now...

Bell: Because this is the world where you can be what you want to be,

Bell: You will all play the most revolutionary, the newest game of the world! 

Flashes then happening.

There's shouts of amazement, astonishment, and even fear.

Logos appearing on my eyes, and some others too as they mentioned the familiar company names.

Bethesda

FuRyu

Electronic Arts

Unreal Engine

Cheers and astonishment didn't stop.

Battle Song Version 02.87.85.11

Bell: Now, you see all the interfaces?

Bell: Think of it that you'll now live in a videogame.

Jon: Interesting, my vision is augmented.

Well, at this point the fourth wall is shattered. Really bad.

I can see health on the top left, and inventory on the bottom right as well.

Of course, if there is no danger, it'll disappear until somehow it senses danger or healing if it's not full.

Bell: Now... i want you all kids to go out, wander, and be what you can be...

Bell: Just... please... be careful and don't die!

Bell: Any questions? 

Dani: But i don't see anything... Logos and stuff... What shall i do? 

 Bell: Those who don't see anything, thus couldn't accept the Gift... 

Bell: Then either be sign up to a virtual reality powered volunteering test subject in Persica...

Bell: Grab a gun, or whatever. Survive. 

Bell: Otherwise, just die. 

Bell: For today, let us conclude with these words, that may you survive in your soon-to-be exhilarating life in Mobius! 

The woman then left.

The woman now disappeared, out of sight.

Shouts of amazement, fear, and "what should we do, what should we do" fills the soundwave. 

Some cried wanting to go home. 

Some can't wait to fight. 

Then Whittington tries to take a lead. A gamer like me.

Whittington: Now what should we do? Wander around, and?

Then a dragon appears.

Whittington: Well, now we're in Skyrim. Good Golly Gracious Talos.

Press J for Journal.

I imagined pressing J

-Seek shelter in the city of Persica in the North.

-(Optional) Kill the Dragon (average level: 50)

Whittington tries to use spell on it but it didn't do any meaningful damage. 

Whittington: Run for our lives!!!!!

Whittington then got chomped up by the dragon before he can do anything.

Dani: Jon, get down!

Jon: You, get down, please! 

The crowd then all ran away. They started and tried to fight the dragon.

Most of them perished. 

The bus became damaged. 

I try to avoid the dragon's attack until i can focus on it so i won't turning my fellow surviving classmates into collateral.

Jon: Now... fell, murderous dragon!

Jon: And... Die!

Jon shoots a small caliber revolver looted from the dead body of the bus driver.

The dragon fell down and die.

-(Completed) (Optional) Kill the Dragon (average level: 50)

All Jon needed is to focus on his target and make it fall. 

However as Jon is not the Dragonborn, he can't absorb it's powers.

One thing that is really sure, that the others are heading to the "State of Persica".

Like, north of here.

They left without saying anything in the heat of the fight, leaving only dead bodies inside the bus.

Embracing and holding me tight now is Dani, who instead terrified and cries throughout the whole ordeal.

I do however, thankful because Dani, the one i care most, is intact and has no injuries whatsoever.

Jon: Dani... Let's go. Let's find someplace safe. Then we'll regroup. 

Jon: Maybe finding a gun so that your years of FPS-powered training didn't go to waste? 

Dani smiles and agreed to walk together with Jon.

The others moved on, forming groups. But the only one i can trust with is my dear Danielle. So i let them do their own way. 

Meanwhile, out of the group's sight...

Later that night... 

Inside Persica's Archer Logistics Building...

Living Quarters... 

Bell is seen embracing a pillow before...

 

A cute and gorgeous-looking young-looking men wearing a dark but covered nightwear approaches. The men went home after walking around without his beloved, wondering why she would wander on her own, unusually for the time being.

They're married couple, so they share a bed. 

Bell: John....

John: Where you've been for the entire day? Why you're not taking me along?

Bell: Just like you have your own time, so did i. I have my own time as well.

Bell: ufufufufu.....

Both of them embraced each other. Danced each other. Love each other.

"My husband. John Archer. He's very cute, kind, and... well, he's the best man i ever knew in my life. Ever."

Logically, John is someone Bell would take advantage of, like the others.

But no.

John is truly a kind and brave spirit. To the point that his essence provide the most mana/magicka/whatever Bell needed to sustain her apparent immortality.

And he provide those generously given, well, it's just that white fluid and John never feel weakened after doing it. 

For John himself, Bell is not just beautiful, but kind. She helped him and his little brother, also his family since he was young, and he never realized such beauty is in the corners of his own estate.

Bell even follows him as he's tasked to set up base in Persica instead of Alvarn.

Bell asked nothing, but love in return for lifetime servitude.

And as a return, Bell loved him back. Doted so much on him to the point he often become catlike.

Just when they're about to make love like what they always do every night...

A tall, cape wearing, blond haired men approaches.

Sasha Novikov. He owed his life to John during one of his missions in Novoslava, and both the couple John and Bell acknowledge him like he's brother due to him being an orphan. Bell in particular, loves to dote on him too much because she found Sasha being too tense. 

Sasha: About the recruitment attempt...

John: My dear lady.... you don't tell me....

Bell: Oh..... Sasha... My brother, what happened?

Bell: You don't need to be so formal. We're family, after all.

John sighed, before quickly fastening his belt and sitting, facing Sasha.

Bell: John... This is a grown-up matter, will you enjoy the night sky with a cup of coffee a little bit, please?

John: Grown-up? I'm 33. 

Bell: And I'm far older than you. Ufufu. 

John: Meow. 

John then nonchalantly did what Bell just ordered.

Sasha: Well, you asked about how they fared well... as a, status report.

Bell: Well, i oversee from distance, the dragon just... suddenly... fell...

Sasha: Let's just say they cleared their first group quest. I expect them to move on to the Inner Persica.

There's like 16 deceased.

Bell: Well... well... at least they fought as hard as they can.

Sasha: Surprisingly, there's... one who defeat the dragon with one hit.

Sasha: Died... suddenly?

Bell: I think there's game overs for them. Maybe there's bug or something, but...

Sasha: Please be aware. We don't know if there's a threat or something against us that eventually will destroy all.

Bell: <mimicking yawning> Well, see you next morning. I want to spend the night with my honey pie. Time's a precious thing, like my minty honey over there.

Bell: And please, stop worrying. You've got to enjoy life someday. About night guard... would you give the other Logistics Security member some time?

Sasha: Yeah. I see. Dismissed. Then.

Sasha left.

And then...

Bell: John...

Bell: Have you finished the drink?

Bell: And i see you've been eavesdropping me? Can't be helped. We're a married couple, that's all.

Bell: You... And the Logistics... Will have new friends... 

Bell: John..... come here. Now it's our time.  

Bell: Come here and rest on my lap. 

Bell: Please try to not worry. You'll just let precious times... The times that can be precious... wane away by the streams of time. 

Bell and John look at each other.

Bell: If you have nothing to play, now... 

Bell: It is the time. 

John gestures in agreement. 

John: Precious nights, always...

John smiles back, his smiles slowly turning into grin... 

Both of them then embraces, without bothering to disrobe as they already love each other's sense of dress.

John lets out a gentle, playful laugh.

John: ehe, ehehehehe....

In return, Bell lets out a soft, seductive giggle. 

Bell: Ufufu.... ufufufufufu....

Which is their sign to do the deed.

Both kissed. 

Both: Mmmm... Mmmmm.... Ummmm.... 

Both sniffs each other's smoothness... 

Bell: sniff... sniffsniffsniffsniff

John: sniff sniff... mmmmm....

Both hold both of their hands each other... 

As they do the deed... 

The music box on the nightstand then plays a soft, mellow song about their relation.

(Heart Flutter * Reverie)

The moon made of chiffon

and the sun made of lace, rolling round and round

I sit by the window as I rub my drowsy eyes

I want to be loved more than anyone

I’m dreaming of swimming in a sea of black tea

I don’t want to leave, so please

May I never wake up

Sinking into the embrace of a silken bed

I’m still sleepy, so turn off the alarm clock for me, okay?

Together in this dream

With dresses full of frills

A neverending tea time

Let’s forget it all

The abundant pairing of sweetness and romance

A heart flutter ＊ reverie

A maiden’s Wonder Zone

I’m always dreaming

Because the wolves are so scary, you see

Stop giving me that look on your face

Stop baring your fangs at my true self

I really do hate the stars toying with me

I’m stuck embracing these thorns I can’t get rid of

Take a pink ribbon and tie it around my heart

Please, just go away

I’m staying here forever, here in my dream

Sinking into the embrace of a silken bed

I’d rather be sleeping, so get rid of the alarm clock, okay?

Don’t come and bother me

My heart, exposed through my tulle dress

Drinks up all the flowing tears, all of them, all of them

With dresses full of frills

A neverending story that goes on forever

The pile of sweetness and romance

overlapping into a mille-feuille

A heart flutter ＊ reverie

A dream getaway

A maiden’s Secret Place

Chapter 3 Rewrite

After days of physical training, we are told to have a home education with one of the best psionic in Mobius.

Wait, Psionics? Like PSI Rockin or whatever Love it is...? 

That best psionic who, is a girl. I wonder who she will look like? Mother's already looking gorgeous... 

As usual, Lugh take the initiative to go ahead first while i... I don't know. I am just distant with girls. Unless if it's Mom.

From a distance i see a flaming pillar. And then a little-looking girl.

A familiar looking girl. 

Alice? 

But no. I vividly remember Alice, my sister, being having a jet black hair like me. 

But yeah, i remember the time when Lugh was born, i see what appears to be my sister with silver hair... 

Speaking what i assumed to be French, before suddenly as i went nearer, it changed into my common language. As if there's something in me that's translating it.

"I'm Thea. Thea Perrault. Nice to see you all!"

 When that little girl, Thea Perrault, who bears more than a mere resemblance to my out-of-reach little sister of my past life, managed to summon a gigantic flame pillar, i wasn't just feverish, i was taken.

Then Lugh tried... Something, and it turn into something like a miniature nuclear explosion. 

I froze in place seeing such spectacle. Though thankfully, nothing is broken apart from glasses. 

I decide to walk away when everybody's not looking, and decided to play mining and crafting. Well, not playing, i just want to find valuable ores and probably obsidian and making nether portals and...

Before i go, i overheard both of them talking:

Thea: So, about your brother, John? Where did he went after all these? Maybe he's shaken.

John: He's a kind and gentle person, and i need to apologize to him. He seems to be scared. 

That being said, i wouldn't take the initiative. To be accepted by a girl is to show how good i am. Not by barging in and confess out of the blue. Act either helpful or needy in front of the girl i like. 

So i decided to surprise both my little brother and Thea... First things first... 

I disrobe and changing to a light blue short upper clothing and a blue jeans, because seriously, crafting in this universe is also easier. You just thought up what you want to craft, then a screen appears, and then... well, it's just like videogames. Indeed.

(art by blueberry 5959)

La... la... la.... mining....

La... la... la.... crafting....

Yes i'm like mentally 45. I should be. But still, i'm reborn and now i'm... i don't know... 23,  probably?

And I'm looking like 10 years younger. 

Never too old enjoying videogames either.

Stashing all the iron and golds, a few diamonds, and very few obsidian and tools inside a chest, i decide it's a good idea to take a bath. So i craft a wooden tub, to be filled by lake water.

Unfortunately i just don't know how to heat the bath.

At least, it's enough to wash away all the grimes and dirts.

Still, can't believe how slim and thin i am reborn since back then. Since Lugh was a little baby.

Please... don't think... enjoy happy thoughts... imagine...

Then suddenly the water became warm...

So warm that it's stimulating, making me feel good, especially with how chill the region is...

Wait a minute...

As i open my eyes i see my brother, Lugh, and my sister, no, not. Thea, wearing bath towels.

I assume that both my brother and Thea did made the water warm. 

Lugh: After all those hard work, we need to rest a bit. Thanks for the tub!

Lugh then left.

But Thea...

She decides to sit in front of me, while warmly and gently speaking to me. In the language i commonly speak, of course. 

Thea: Sorry for making you scared back then...

I smiled to reassure her.

Thea: Now... 

Thea: (whispers) calm down...

As she whispers, i am compelled, mentally, to do what she just said.

But still, my soul, not part of it, the entirety of it, is hot. 

Far hotter than the water me and this little...

Thea: Don't have much for a proper introduction back then?

Thea: Thea Perrault, from the Swoigel Nobility.

John: John Archer. Tuatha De. 

Thea: Heard so much good things from your brother...

Please, i can't stop...

I can't stop looking her at the face.

I usually avoid making extended eye contact toward female.

Especially my sister, who would became uncomfortable shortly after.

But her...

She...

Looks just like my previous life's sister. It's just her silvery, light blue hair that is different.

And how "underdeveloped" her slim and almost flat body compared to my relatively speaking well endowed sister.

Because i am under the "calm down" spell, i can't panic or scream either.

Yeah, she's petite, but...

John: I'm twenty-five.

Thea: And i'm eighteen.

Yeah, she's an adult, judging from the manner she speaks. 

She's just that petite, to the point somebody would incorrectly guess that she's twelve or thirteen. Incidentally, she resembles my sister around the age range.

Thea: (whispers) now calm down...

Again with the double-dose of mental suggestion?

John: So, about the fire pillar back then?

Thea: Psionics. I just did. It's a gift that flows through our generation. 

Thea: Just for you and your brother, before... well, long story short, i was considered the most affine psionic mage of my family. That way i can find purpose in life.

Thea: And... now this is personal. Just between you and me... 

Thea: Just a gift for your hard work...

John: Do i need to ingest Element 115?

Thea: No, not at all. That would be dangerous. The exposure is usually through vapor and air. Just put it on the desk, study the effects, thought up about something hot or cold...

Thea: Or grind a small piece of it into chunks that made contact with skin... Usually hand...

Dia: Well, you're pretty attentive for a guy who missed 15 years of his life... as i heard from your little brother, and...

Thea: Umm... Just a gift for your hard work, and how i sense so much inside of you, i will...

Thea: (whispers) awaken your Psionics. 

Thea: (whispers) again, i say, calm down, and let me touch your chest...

Thea: Ufufu, i love a flat chest like you... 

Indeed, when she whispers, i'm obliged to not refuse.

I suddenly fell asleep, though not drowning.

There's lucid experience of... 

I can't explain it but definitely it made me felt feverishly blushing. 

Yes...

As i awaken back in the tub i put my head out of the water. Still had lots of breath, yet felt...

Revitalized...

Something... just....

Awakened...

Inside me...

Words appear...

That stated how i learn to regenerate from injury, having better pain tolerance, and...

Deep within...

I can trigger it...

The "Love".

So that's it. Apparently this is the first time i mind-linked with someone...

Who resembles my sister.

Then during the mind-link, i did a thing that would be unthinkable through the course of my life, given how horribly averse i am to real girl or woman. Even me and my sisters have becoming distant since like a decade ago, despite being really close back then.

Then again within Thea and Alice (my previous life sister)... resemblance is just appearance.

Alice could be really moody, like... tsundere? And after becoming distant, scratch that "dere" out because she almost never warms out to me anymore. Probably crying inside on how much of a shut-in i am.

I smiled, and decided to left and get dressed. Possibly getting straight to sleep, because...

Thea: Tomorrow, you'll learn how to use it. With your dear brother. And me.

Thea: Oh, one more thing...

Thea: About that "Love" you feel...

Thea: Even i haven't able to conjure such psionic.

Thea: So, probably, is it that's how you feel?

If there's a mirror, my face might be very, very flustered. But i want to be polite, so...

John: Ummm.... let me dress myself up and have some rest. Shall i?

Thea just smiles and giving the agreement gesture.

I left the tub, wearing a bathrobe of course, and decided to change clothes somewhere. 

Well, i haven't even dated her before, and suddenly i thought of marrying her.

Especially...

Thea: But Lugh, i, no, we, want to accompany your brother!

Thea: He's doing a lot of good things this day. Collecting a lot of shiny stuff...

Thea: And building this little house!

Lugh: Hehehe, i like how you find my brother cute!

I smiled as i try to go to sleep.

Where instead of sleeping in the luxury of the residence, she (along with Lugh, of course, apparently to keep me from doing anything) insists to sleep with me inside the comfy bed i just crafted.

Imagine sleepover with brothers and sisters. That would be something in my previous life that i couldn't stand.

But now i'm really happy.

Really blissful.

That i don't really need to worry about anything else.

In which that Thea had sent me a sign that i should be together with her.

Meanwhile because I'm already full of energy in... Like... 4 AM, i decided to go out for some morning breeze. 

There i see Thea and my dear little brother. 

At a glance, they're look like twin siblings, soundly asleep at this moment.

Since i can't sleep, i decide to go out, because the outside is a wilderness with not so many people,

and sing...

 And i have the feeling Thea noticed me and smiling.

True that back then i often have trouble sleeping at night because i found night time more pleasant for "action" not to mention i can keep watch. 

However after i am done singing and enjoying the night i decided to sleep.

Another bed though. I felt awkward sleeping with Thea, even if she's resembling my sister

. 

Chapter 2 rewrite

 There it is. Now i am here, in the middle of nowhere. Probably somewhere around the Land Down Under.

In the middle of a major blackout... I remembered my assignment given by the Contractor. 

Eliminate Eliza Mhyssen

Eliminate Johnny Marks

A couple of techdudes. They seem to be ticking the wrong people that i had to assassinate them.

Then yeah i did it. Kinda loud given that i need to procure on-site items instead of bringing my own (since air security in Oceania region is increased and i can't bring my silenced gun), but it works.

The rest is up to imagination. This is just like something i did in my sleep, considering how much i am trained to do this.

I had many names, but none of it are addressed to myself. I usually go as Allen Smith. Well, not usually, but for this last task.

And i hope the deaths of those two Australian tech chiefs are the last, because i am seriously intended to retire. Not because i am tired, but because i planned to have more new generations "problem solvers" like me.

And then that's it. I'm not much of an attachment compared to many many cryptocurrencies and bank accounts under pseudonyms. Material attachment, especially when operating as a "problem solver" like me would be easy to trace, ending my lifetime career at an instant. 

Now it's time. I think i'm going to stash my lifetime savings, and live the rest of maybe 3, 5, or 10 years of my life in Japan.

Yeah. Australia to United States. Gotta get my dead drop payment first, i think. Nice seats. If i say so myself.

And here i am.

United States.

Fancy, a limo.

As i took the passenger seat of the limo in an undisclosed airport, i hear ticking sound. I notice a digital timer. I franticly trying to open the locked door, to no avail. 

And in an instant, a flash, a fiery explosion...

I'm awaken, sweaty, scared. Knowing that it is a nightmare.

But it's so vivid. So.... lucid.

Like i becoming that... somebody.

10 years have passed since the time i was born... i mean, reborn.

Whole decade passes by uneventfully.

I knew that "nothing special" because my family is trying to make me adapt with the life.

But well, back to "reality", because i might find something new in this "seems to be early 20th century" world...

Still thinking about that lucid, vivid dream i had, 

An assassin.

Granted, i convert a lot of "living" or "combat ready" state to "dead" or "incapacitated" of many pixelated or polygonal baddies in the screen of any games i play. Sometimes, like those demons from hell gateway experiments, exploded and destroyed in gruesome ways.

I might so often try to test, again i emphasize, in videogames, like in that very super popular game where you drive stuff, shoot stuff, and taking others cars, how driving in sidewalks feel. how flamethrowers, grenade launchers, and rocket launchers work, especially in crowded traffic.

But, apart from the oh so very common rage outburst, i never, never ever, consider taking human life.

Apart from traffic violation tickets for taking the wrong turn, doesn't noticing the signals, and jolted the pedal...

also maybe unpaid bills, i never have a criminal record.

Severing a human life out of its body? Never. Ever. No matter how life burdens me. Never. In my whole past life i did. 

But in this "daring, new life"? Possibly. But I'll make sure that it's for self defense. 

Maybe i do downloaded stuff out of respective stores and commercial services for "free", but that's far from killing. So yeah, Allen Smith ain't me. 

No, that wasn't me. THAT. WASN'T. ME!

I mouthed the name of "me" in my dreams. 

Allen Smith, hmmmmm....

John: Allen Smith, hmmmm...

I unintentionally mouth the word...

Lugh, now 10 years old, sleeping besides me, then looked back at me.

Lugh: Allen? Smith?

Lugh: We need to talk.

Lugh: Also i read your books. Sorry for intruding, my brother, but i think we... both of us, reincarnated from that world before... Do you remember seeing any goddess? A maiden in white figure with perfect form?

I swallowed any liquid that remains on my mouth, while getting up from the bed and taking some waters and anxiety medications (well, it's kind of medieval or early 20th century - ish, but they had that. Dad's a doctor and all that.)

Lugh: Just the water. Don't overdose the pills. Or, just. Don't take it. It's prescription. Save it for the time we actually need it.

Indeed, he spoke more maturely compared to myself.

And...

John: Let's talk under the moonlight. 

Both of us decide to talk under the moonlight. The second floor balcony.

John: So.... who're you exactly?

Lugh: You won't believe it, but...

Lugh: I was an assassin under the name of Allen Smith. Of course, it's a pseudonym. I forget my real name was.

John: Well, i kinda believe it. Like Agent 47?

Lugh: (chuckles) Well, quite a gamer you are? I'm not one. I'm the real deal.

Lugh: Alright, it confirms that...

Lugh: That you... no...

Lugh: We...

Lugh: are reincarnated...?

Lugh: So, did you see a Goddess like figure offerring you power, telling you to "kill the hero"

John: Ummm... yes.

John: Do you ever play videogames back in the day?

Lugh: (laughs) please, i know, i know. But i often use throwaway accounts given how they're insist to use real ID for e-mail and stuff. But what stays in the past, stays in the past.

Lugh: Point is...

Lugh: We are reincarnated. Period.

Lugh: Tomorrow we'll attend school.

Lugh: Not somewhere else, no, but... after all these years, you know how our father is a doctor, and our mother is a teacher, right?

Lugh: And our mother has connections with the best educators across the land...

Lugh: You're going to love it tomorrow. I'm sure of it.

Lugh: Back to the topic. About that... well. Rigged limo. That's how i met my end, especially how the Agency did a clean-up job, which involves "clearing" the staff, after the "initiate" managed to leak the dossier of assass... agents like me, in a covert facility in Chongqing. I was 70. One of the best agents of the "Agency", and i look up to the "initiate", which is a bald, slim man with the suit and a red tie, as a "master", though i didn't interact directly, only by watching his footages courtesy of his handler. None of us in the "Agency" did, in fact, interact with each other. My handler? Well, perished in the same explosion. 

My.... that's real. 

John: You don't need to remember it, for it's long past. But as for me, in the middle of a binge, i suddenly have various unpleasant hangover style discomfort. Cramps, aches, from my stomach to the head....

Lugh: Well, sorry to say, that you've overdone the screentime.

John: Nah, i just like only took a few hours. Might be cumulative.

Lugh: Never mind. What's already done is done.

Because there's no bugs of discomfort unlike in the previous "modern" world, i decide to sleep with the night sky as the ceiling.

As the sun rises...

With what appears to be a bolt action rifle at the grip of my hand, finally, i learn for some target practice. It's been years...

Only unusually is that my instructor (should be) way younger than i am.

Though at the time he bites it, he's like 70 or nearing 80s while i'm around 32.

Lugh: Here, i'm setting up some empty bottles and mushrooms for you to shoot.

Tutorial pop-ups appearing in my eyesight.

Wait, what?

[LEFT CLICK] to shoot.

Ummm.... yes. I reflectively did that. Imagining that i'm in the grip of a neon-adorned pair, of keyboard and a mouse, instead of gripping a rifle.

Lugh: Well, it's been like a decade since you're shooting. Try aiming through the iron sights. Move a bit closer, follow my stance...

[RIGHT CLICK] to aim down sights

I decide to follow the tutorial-pop up and picturing that in my mind.

Well, that make things easier.

Lugh: Now try backing off. Train how to pick targets at longer range.

Lugh: As you know, you need to steady your aim. Hold breath and focus.

I silently obey as usual. This is, like, the tutorial segment, right?

[LEFT SHIFT] to steady aim

Sure enough, while i aim, i found it shaky. I can breathe to steady, but it only took awhile before the grip loosens.

Lugh: You'll aim more accurately if you try to stance yourself. Try crouching. Or going prone.

[C] to Crouch

[X] to Prone

Yes, i know, the lower my stances are, the easier i will shoot at stuff. Now give me my machinegun.

Lugh: Great, now take a break, but the daytime is still long, might as well to train how to operate bow. Hunting.

Nah, i prefer farming. But hunting's good too, especially if i want to upgrade stuff by collecting certain animal skins... never mind. Collecting leftover animal parts for baits as well.

Lugh: The point is, so we have more of the hunting bounty, you need to use a bow. Gunpowder and lead will broke the skin and many part of the meat. Don't even think of using a grenade either, like you might do at times.

[RIGHT CLICK] to aim

Hold [LEFT CLICK] to draw aim. Release to shoot the bow.

Well, it's easy enough. Rabbit and Deer. Then Lugh will take care of the rest.

I'm starting to love this. It's just like Fa<bzzt> Cr<bzzt>

Back at home...

Quite a lot of bounty there. And now i... we... are cooking.

This time i prefer to do it naturally. Not imagining video game steps.

Mom: Mind yourself and be careful, my dear sons!

Well, Mom is pretty soft. But i really, really miss my previous life. I really wonder how much grief they have having myself leaving their lives and being powerless to...

Nevermind.

A creamy stew, courtesy of us brothers!

Very delicious. Reminds me of the curry me and mom usually made. 

So yeah, day by day pass... Pretty much doing the same thing.

Until...

Dad took us both to the cellar, and doing some... pretty... delicate... checks toward our body.

Kinda embarassing because never have i ever for all these years being body-checked. Especially how i was a messy lump back in the pre-reincarnation-world. 

Except that "tickly" and "extremely delicate" part where usually a human male dump excess ammonia from.

Nothing, just health checks. Probably for me, brain screening too. Not that this era has the equipment for brain screening...

And that Lugh, my dear little brother, is given the privilege of being...

An assassin.

Me?

Dad: There's a reason why you're named John Archer, and i intend it that way.

Dad: As the head of the Tuatha De nobility, i will name you as a vanguard, and as the sentinel of the nobility.

Dad: You'll help drawing attention away, so that our job can be done without being traced directly.

Dad: Of course, you'll be able to take assassin jobs, but you have to make sure that your involvement is separate and unlinked in the eyes of others. 

Dad: And now... Dad actually kind of...

Dad: Want to check on your brain. For somebody who were in a 13 years state of comatose, you took yourself well. Even managed to recover quickly and act like a healthy human.

Dad: That and Dad will bestow upon the gift of the family. Your brother will have it as well.

Dad: Chair please, sit down, and ease yourself.

John: So... about "the gift"

Dad: Mystic eyes. A psionic replacement organ which allow you to see potential targets and threats. And, at will, telepathic link to another wearer.

Well well, early 20th century cyberware here. This reminds me where i got to go to Viktor's to replace the implants. Well, not in real life, anyway. I can't really take injection shots, let alone implants.

Oh crap... i have no experience of surgery either.

Owwww....

I swallowed the liquid that remains in my mouth. My usual nervous tic.

Dad: Now, lay your firm arms here...

Must be the anaesthetic first. Keep calm, John.

Dad: Hold still, my son. Just a moment...

I blacked out.

Must be days. Or one night, i'm not sure.

Once i'm awake, i am besides my brother and mom.

I can feel mom unwrapping the eyewrappers...

Mom: There....

Mom then gave a mirror to me.

Amazing. No scars... Jade green, just exactly like my eye but better.

And... now i'm clad with...

Well...

Nice dress.

Mom: How?

John: Fantastic. Thanks.

Mom: Thank your dad too!

I decide to pose in front of the door. About camera... i don't know. They had one of course, but it might took days before i could be photographed.

Hey, looking good. Though i'm a bit nervous as well.

Dad: Haha, looking good. Now try to use the vision.

John: Like what?

Dad: Just think...

Press [MIDDLE MOUSE BUTTON] to use the vision.

Suddenly everything is desaturated and monochromatic.

I can see my Dad there.

Cyan Tuatha De 

Affiliation: The Tuatha De Nobility

Resistant To: [UNKNOWN]

My dad. The head nobility of Tuatha De.

Well, this is exactly like what Kiroshi is.

Dad: It might take moments to adjust, but... well, the eye will connect to your brain, read your thoughts and intentions...

John: If i may ask, Dad, where's the eye came from?

Dad: Amelion. A faraway country where a lot of unimaginable wonders exist. Where most of the literary and thesis were produced. Where many people would wish to be there. 

Dad: We have dealings with them. Later, as you grow like your Dad here, you'll be there too, but there's so much matters here.

Dad: And... here. 

I blinked and suddenly having a lot of information being processed. 

Names. Occupation. Affiliation.

More information about Alvarn (basically this universe's equivalent of Denmark) and the surrounding places (that we're basically in Middle Eufrices, this universe equivalent to Western Europe)

Oh, my... i never went to Europe before.

Dad: So... did you feel it? That's everyone Dad know and their affiliates.

Dad: Including...

Dad: Those that can be "ne'er do wells"

Dad: And you'll do what you will do to them.

Dad: Just...

Dad: Don't mess around like crazy. Wouldn't want the Tuatha De nobility associated with a psychopath. 

Dad: And even if you're not officially affiliated, nobody in Alvarn or wherever you are wanted a loose psychopath either. 

Dad: Hahaha...

Dad: Works like a charm, eh?

John: Thanks Dad, you're the best!

Dad: You're welcome. And once you becoming big and maybe succeed the part of the family, never forget where you came from.

Dad: Now go see your brother, there's another round of training.

Then i go see my brother.

John: Lugh!

Lugh: Morning, John. Here. It's your signature.

Lugh: From Amelion. 

I accept what appears to be a Japanese-style sword with green markings like my suit.

And...

An M1911.

Oww... my... 

Never thought i got to choose my weapon of choice here.

And...

As i grip the M1911 i see...

Ammo counter.

7/0

Lugh: Before i forget, here, some additional ammunitions!

I receive the additional ammo clip, and thus...

7/35

I think my whole life as a gamer pays off. Now i got to wield a gun and exact justice upon...

Oh, there's targets in front of me. Got to finish the training program first. 

The Pelagius Effect - Prologue

 "You... you finally awake"
I know, the familiar sound. I might be too tired, overindulging on videogames, or that i'm dreaming.

Except it is the voice of a girl. Sounds a lot like my sister, even.

Wait, my sister?

How could she said that?

Her tone is so sweet compared to the usual cold tone she had.

But it is indeed her voice. 

But this is so real, lucid...

As it's sweeter, unusually, given that my sister seems to "hate" me as far as i remember. 

Then the voice suddenly switches into of a man.

I can still, make up things given i can't see anything yet.

"Let's see... Are you a boy... or a girl?"

I mean, seriously, i am a <insert here>*

*in this canon it's a boy.

"A boy! A boy, we've got a son here, Esri!"

"Esri, now, you're a mother."

I hear what i assume to be my father. Did i am reborn?

Reborn?

Rebirth?

Wait....

"There will be a bright times forward, my son. I'm sure of it."

At this point i felt strange. Like i'm diving but i didn't feel like my nose or throat is wet or something.

And then in a lucid unconsciousness, the voice shifts to the somebody-who-sounds-like-my-sister yet again.

"I heard your voice. You were suffering..."

"You... will be reborn."

"In Mobius."

As i awaken i see what appears to be a twintail-sporting angelic figure, pale as a statue, with unusually amethyst-colored eyes, but with a familiar face and tone of my sister.

"Just forget everything that's bad in your mind. What's past is past. I... we... will make your dreams come true!"

"Come on!"

I then reach her hand, grabbing it...

Please, forgive your foolish brother, dear sister...

I suddenly lost consciousness, and...

I am awake in a bedroom, with what appears to be medical equipment besides me. There's nothing to be pierced on me though.

And i felt light.

Like a very well built 13 year old kid.

I quickly take a good look on myself at a mirror.

Then i hear a baby crying in the next room...

I proceed to get close to the source of sound...

As i open the door...

I see a couple and a baby, assumed to be a new born. I understand their language as good as my native language. In fact they spoke with my native language!

Man: A boy... another boy! He'll be our Lugh Tuatha De.

Woman: Tuatha De? Please... 13 years ago, i had an unresponsive but healthy child we decided to keep, and now, another one, a healthy child, soon to become an assassin like his dad?

I then walked to the source of the man's voice... it's a couple...

And a cute little baby that will become my little brother. Hi there sweet...

Man: You... my first son... John Archer... has awakened...

Man: How's it feeling, son? Healthy yet?

Man: Daddy, as a doctor, will need to check on you further.

Woman: Hi... John, i am your mother. You must be really surprised on how you awake.

Sure, i can, somehow, understand everyone and everything, but play it slow. Play it slow. Just keep my mouth shut until the time is right...