They spoke for some time, Jeline wanted to know every detail of his story and he found himself happy to share. He shared his first encounters, his time with Julie, meeting the orcs, and his run-in with the elves. She made small comments here and there, noting the likeliness of an elven ruler with the quest and questioning his relationship with Julie. She was interested in Ta’Ku’s role as his Dan’Kar and expressed grief for separating him from his companion. He had assured her that Ta’Ku was exactly where he needed to be. She was fascinated by his dreams, so much so that she questioned each piece, determined to get every last bit of information from it. Eventually, breakfast became lunch, and a new meal was served, this time a salad with some kind of grilled meat and grains. She was less open about her story, and Noah found what he thought was embarrassment as he asked her questions about her past. She hadn’t become fully aware until reaching Copper, though she described a measure of intelligence that came with Iron. She had led her herd through the snow-filled region and had faced the same issue he had, having to leave some behind due to their lower caste. She had been one of the first beasts in the new area, though that hadn’t lasted long. She was challenged daily for several months before the others began to learn of her prowess in advance. She had then forced every defeated foe to swear a System-bound oath of loyalty or die.

  She was shocked to learn that he hadn’t heard of the oaths and questioned his ability to judge loyalty without them. She found his explanation ‘charming’ but unreliable. Noah learned the frightening power of these oaths. They were absolute, and could only be released by the recipient of the oath. Even if given under duress, the System would enforce loyalty by effectively exiling the offender from its purview. No more levels, status screens, or quests. He realized with great dismay the reason for Recter’s behavior. He was bound. As the realization sunk in his face turned grim and Jeline paused mid-sentence.

  “Noah, what is it?” She asked, leaning forward. He took a deep, steadying breath.

  “I just realized why my friend acted so strangely yesterday. He used to be bold and free, filled with the pride of his people. Yesterday he looked fragile.” Noah shared, his voice a whisper. Jeline tilted her head, and then her eyes softened.

  “Do you mean the guardsman?” She asked. Noah nodded. She tapped on her cheek as she stared off into space.

  “I am willing to consider releasing him, but at this point, I fear he would attempt retaliation. That would end poorly. If it is that important to you, we can discuss it though.” She said after a moment.

  “Thank you.” Noah replied. He found it hard to lock down his feelings about the queen, in one moment she was a tyrant and in another she was considerate. It’s a trap. The whisper in his mind was subtle but sharp. He forced a smile. It may be a trap but its one I have to walk into. Too many people are at stake.

  “Was there anything else you wanted to ask about?” Jeline said, breaking him out of his thoughts.

  “Right. The thing I am most curious about is actually the leaderboard. I have been near the top of it for months, but I have never seen your name appear on it once. Why is that?” He asked, suddenly very interested in her response. Her face reflected a range of emotions as she chose her words, the most evident of which was rage. When she spoke her words were laced with venom.

  “The System did not deem us worthy of that privilege. We ‘lesser beings’ as it called us had to reach Iron before we were given access to the System. Only upon reaching Copper were we granted a leaderboard, though it appears it is separate from yours.” She spat. Noah bristled at her words, not unfamiliar with the cold calculating perspective of the System.

  “I’m sorry.” He offered, genuinely feeling the injustice of it as he sat across from her. She smiled at him.

  “Thank you, Noah. I do not blame you for our different treatment. Further, I have come to accept it. Unlike your people, it has been easy for us to adapt to this changing world. We have always had the instinct to survive at any cost, unbarred by the constructs of civility. You however, are burdened by ideals.” She explained. Noah frowned but recognized the truth of her words. Then his curiosity won out.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  “Jeline, are you at the top of your leaderboard?” He asked. She laughed as if it was the funniest thing she had heard.

  “Top? I’m not on the rankings! I won’t even be close until I reach Bronze.” She said. Noah’s heart stopped. No, it can’t be.

  “They have already reached Bronze?” He asked, his voice tense. She nodded.

  “Oh yes, I haven’t met any of that level but the first ascended not long after I gained access to the leaderboard. Its quite impressive given the extra requirements.” Jeline mused. Noah cocked his head.

  “Extra requirements?” He asked.

  “I guess you wouldn’t know. To reach Bronze you must have a noble title in addition to the proper Grade, Gate, and Path. Hence, the quest of nobility.” She explained her tone even. Noah’s heart sank as the next step became even further away.

  “How close are you to completing it?” He asked, his voice hollow.

  “I have already achieved the proper advancements, now I am waiting on the quest. I have just over 3,000 of the 10,000 loyal subjects required to complete the quest. I would like to say it is a matter of time, but the rate of increase has begun to slow. Your group is one of the larger ones to cross over this month.” She explained.

  “Do you only get new subjects from below?” He asked, confused. She sighed.

  “At one point I also got them from the wanderers in the lower plains but that has long since ceased due to the neighboring kingdoms.” She replied. Kingdoms plural? Noah gulped.

  “And these other kingdoms, are they as powerful as yours?” He ventured.

  “Unfortunately yes. One of them has even conquered others, assimilating their subjects into his own. Frankly, I would be doing the same given the opportunity but I have been on the defensive. That particular neighbor is getting close to ascending and may attempt to use us as their stepping stone.” Jeline said. Noah grimaced.

  “That’s intense.” He said, unnerved by the scope of things. She laughed again, breaking the tension.

  “I believe it’s my turn to ask a question.” She stated, with a playful grin. He nodded in agreement.

  “I believe it is.”

  “Why do you think I really brought you here?” She questioned, appearing to hold down a laugh. He considered it, unsure of how honest to be with his guesses.

  “For your amusement?” He asked, being careful to sound playful. She made a so-so kind of gesture.

  “Cultural experience?” She shook her head but giggled.

  “Companionship?” He offered, holding back the internal wince. She chuckled.

  “I guess that is part of it. Perhaps I am not being fair. Would you like me to tell you?” She asked.

  “That would be great.” He replied, grinning.

  “Very well. When I met you, I found your banter charming and believed you would offer a sort of aid to my newfound loneliness. That is a real piece of it, and the reason you are here with me now. The primary reason however is quite different. You will be my pawn, and I will use you to expand my kingdom and eventually ascend.” She said this matter of fact, and without any remorse. Noah froze as a heavy presence seemed to settle in on him.

  “Don’t be so surprised, you’re smarter than that Noah. I know you’ve been suspicious of me since we met, no need to pretend otherwise. We both have goals, and since I like you I figure we can use each other to our own ends.” She said, her mirth gone. Noah let out a breath.

  “You’re right.” He started, “I am at a loss though, if your neighbors are so powerful what could I possibly do about it?” She nodded sagely.

  “As you are now, you could do very little. That is why I will train you. Once I’m done with you, you will be ready to make your run at Bronze yourself. You have a lot of work to do before then though. If you are able to help me ascend, then I will free you and your people.” For the first time since meeting Jeline, Noah finally felt a sense of peace, the truth providing the clarity he had lacked. Further, he felt a tinge of excitement at her proposal.

  “When do we start?”