Chapter 99 Asking the Right Question
"Enjoying yourself?"
Those two words were soft yet firm as if a whisper was able to cross endless distances. Jack took a deep breath and slowly turned around, hoping that his theory proved correct.
The moment he looked behind him, Jack's excited smile changed into a look of confusion. He scratched his head and squinted his eyes. "Aren't you supposed to come out and let me review the tutorial by now?"
"Indeed."
Again the voice came from behind Jack, this time a hand also landed on his shoulder to slowly turn him around.
Finally, Jack came face-to-face with the person he was looking for. After coming to Kartonia and experiencing the Achievement System, Jack was certain that this man had something to do with everything. He had more questions then he could count, and no one in all of Kartonia would be able to answer him, other than perhaps this man.
"So, you are real," said Jack, trying to keep control of his excitement.
The man was wearing a simple, silver robe that had an illusory glow all about him. His long hair was also silver and just as radiant. There was no sign of old age on the man's face, appearing to be in his thirties and still in his prime.
"Of course, just as real as you, Jack," responded the man. "Or should I call you Jackson? Or maybe Jack_J? You haven't yet decided who you really are, have you?"
That question caused each gear of thought in Jack's brain to come to a grinding halt. He sighed and silently acknowledged the inner struggle he had been facing.
Jack didn't think much of it, but there was no use in denying that he was constantly confused about how he should behave or act. Many times, he would find himself trying to be the great Jack_J, afraid of nothing and willing to do anything to achieve his goals. Though it contradicted his previous take on life, which was to go with the flow, Jack always found it exhilarating.
"Whether you admit it or not, at some point in your life you'll have to decide who you are," continued the man. "Remember, this is no longer a game, it's your life. If you ever forget that…"
His words trailed off as the man gazed deeper into Jack's eyes. He then asked, "Well, I'm sure you're excited to review the tutorial, right? Shall we get started?"
Jack snickered and smiled wryly. "Daruun, you know better than anyone that I have no need for the tutorial."
"So… What is it you want?" asked Daruun, smiling in return.
"I need answers and you're the only one who could possibly answer them."
"Hmm… Considering your circumstances and the fact that you've summoned me despite your lack of need for a tutorial, normally I wouldn't bother," answered the man. "However, for you, I can make an exception. I'll answer any three of your questions to the fullest extent. How does that sound, fair enough?"
"Only three questions?" Jack expressed his disappointment. "You know I've got way more than three questions!"
"Of course I do, I know everything," chuckled Daruun. "But do you think I'd let you squeeze out so much value from such a cheap trinket like a tutorial stone?"
Understanding the meaning behind Daruun's words, Jack shrugged and replied, "Hey, it was worth a try. I guess hounding the god of fate in person is much more difficult than in-game."
"I'm glad you understand. So, what is your first question?"
Not daring to waste any questions, Jack tried his best to get any free information possible. "How about this, since I'm new to Kartonia and still don't understand the basics of this new "modern" age, how about we chat first. I'm sure you've been lacking company, considering the current state of the gods."
Daruun flashed a smile and nodded. Instantly, an elegant glass table appeared between them, along with two seats. On the table was a pitcher with steam leaving the nozzle and to cups.
"What, am I not good enough company to share a bottle of wine?" asked Jack as he sat down.
"Trying to get me drunk during our first meeting?" Daruun immediately called out Jack's true intentions and casually took a seat. For the god of fate, the only man known in legend to have seen and known past, present, and future, it was simple to predict Jack's true train of thoughts. "You may be a special case, but you've yet to prove yourself as a close friend."
"Then I hope I get such a chance in the future," replied Jack as he poured himself a glass of tea. "So, what's up with everything nowadays?"
"First off, know that I will not answer any questions that directly benefit you without you claiming one of your questions first. Is that understood?"
Jack nodded and said, "So, for example, say I wanted to know how your followers and temples were faring during such a decline. I'm guessing that--"
"That I would remain silent and enjoy my tea," Daruun finished Jack's sentence, making it clear to him that getting free information wouldn't be so easy.
"Fine, fine. At least maybe you could give me some kind of information, being your most devote follower and all," reasoned Jack.
"Since when were you a follower of mine?" laughed Daruun. "Previously you were, but currently you have no such pacts and have never visited any of my temples to make an offering."
"Oh, so you do still have some temples after the war of the gods," said Jack with a snicker.
"Maybe, maybe not," Daruun answered without hesitation.
"Well, can you at least fill me in on some basic history? At least enough fill in the gap from when I was playing the game until now?"
"I guess I can offer that much," sighed Daruun. The pitcher then floated in the air and filled Daruun's cup. After Daruun took a sip, he continued, "Your character "Jack_J" existed during the era that is now known as Ancient Kartonia. Many other heroes existed during this time as well; I'm sure you're aware of that. Sometime after you accepted the quest to escape your previous world and life, the contention between the gods grew to a point irreconcilable. War broke out between heaven and hell, or more specifically between Halmut and Skaryn. Would you like to guess as to why?"
Jack scratched his head for a moment and responded, "I would assume it was to amass more followers and influence. During the game, territories were constantly wagered during times of battle and war, so I'm guessing this happened for the same reason."
"That's definitely part of it." Daruun showed a soft smile after hearing Jack's guess. "The basic information I can offer you without wasting your questions is this. Gods are constantly in search of amassing followers and influence over mortals. The more followers and influence one has, the more powerful they become."
"That doesn't make any sense."
Surprised by Jack's interjection, Daruun asked, "What makes you say that?"
"Because if that was the only reason, why are you always on the sidelines of the war? You, the most powerful of the neutral gods, never offer the typical rewards that attract the masses. If anything, you're the least followed god of them all. So, why else would they war to such extents?"
Daruun took another sip of tea and a deep breath. His face and actions were calm, but his eyes showed surprise. He knew well that Jack would be able to figure out that much, but having a mortal explain that much right in front of him still surprised him nonetheless.
"Are you trying to ask me why I did things in such an unorthodox way? I'm sorry, but such a thing would require one of your precious questions."
Jack finished his cup of tea and leaned back in his chair. "Well, what happened next? Who won? I'm sure the neutral gods stayed out of it, like always."
"Correct, we neutral gods dared not align with either side. In fact, we destroyed our own temples and shrines as the war reached its climax."
"So, in other words, you relocated secretly before either side had a chance to keep tabs on you, right?" guessed Jack while he poured himself another cup of tea.
There was no answer, instead, Daruun also took a sip before continuing his explanation of the war's climax, "Eventually, both sides met in a final battle and nearly wiped each other out. Most gods on either side were either killed or heavily injured. According to history, although Halmut was gravely injured and forced into over one thousand years of rest, Skaryn was slain, and thus bringing an end to the rampant chaos in Kartonia. After one hundred years, chaos slowly started to emerge again with rare beast attacks. Now that over five hundred years have passed, chaos is already back to how it was before the war of the gods, despite the lack of Skaryn's presence."
"And according to you, what happened?"
Chuckling heartily, Daruun replied, "Is that your first question?"
"No."
"Good, that would have been the wrong question to ask."
Jack squinted his eyes in deep thought. Almost five minutes passed in silence but neither of them felt anxious and were patient with each other. Finally, Jack asked, "What is the Achievement System?"
Suddenly Daruun stood up and showed a bright smile. "That was the right question."