NOVPUB
Chapter 59: Reaching Luxia
𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒑𝒖𝒃.𝙘𝙤𝒎"I would rather give up these powers and live freely than live such a life. And nothing you say will change that, System."
There was a pause from the system, a flicker in the blue panel that might have been computational hesitation, or something else.
[Understood, Host. There is an alternative pathway, one that allows for broader engagement while still respecting the System’s core parameters and... operational principles.]
"I’m listening," Riku said.
[Spells and abilities beyond basic enhancements can be ’manifested’ by expending Goodwill Points. Each spell or significant ability will have an associated Goodwill cost, reflecting its power, complexity, and potential impact on the local reality. This allows for intervention, but ensures it is an earned expenditure, not an unlimited resource.]
A list began to populate Riku’s vision:
[Basic Healing Light (Single Target, Minor Wounds): 1 Goodwill Point]
[Wind Cutter (Single Target, Low Impact): 1 Goodwill Point]
[Disguise (Self, Minor Illusion): 2 Goodwill Points]
[Containment Ward (Small Area, Short Duration): 5 Goodwill Points]
[Teleportation (Long Range, Self +2): 50 Goodwill Points]
[Mass Teleportation (Long Range): 200 Goodwill Points] . . .
. . .
[Summon Divine Aspect (Minor Deity/Servitor): 2000+ Goodwill Points (Variable, Costs will increase with every subsequent cast)]
[Invoke High-Tier Divine Intervention (Major Deity): 20000+ Goodwill Points (Variable, Costs will increase with every subsequent cast)]
Riku scanned the list. The costs for basic spells were negligible. Even the teleports he’d used to get himself and others inside Vintross seemed affordable now and then.
But the divine summons... "Twenty thousand plus Goodwill Points? I don’t think I’ve accumulated that much since I arrived here." He sighed.
"This is a serious nerf, System. What if we run into another Vintross? What if innocent people are under fire again, and there is no one to help them?"
The blue panel flickered again. Another pause, slightly longer this time.
[The System acknowledges the Host’s concern regarding threats to innocent life. In such dire emergencies, where inaction would cause mass suffering and all other avenues are exhausted, a temporary override protocol may be initiated. This would grant the Host access to necessary high-tier abilities.]
Riku felt a sliver of relief. "Yay! Thank you, I knew I could count on you, System."
[This override, Host Riku, would be contingent upon a binding agreement.]
"A deal?" Riku asked, wary. "What kind of deal?"
[The Host must commit, with full intent, to proactively utilize all available resources – ingenuity, diplomacy, community building, and earned Goodwill expenditures – to prevent such dire emergencies from escalating to the point of requiring divine interventions. The System’s purpose is to foster peace and sustainable solutions, not to be a panic button for crises allowed to fester. The override is a failsafe, not a strategy.]
[Do you accept these terms, Host?]
Riku thought about it. It was a limitation, yes. But it also offered a path forward, a way to act without constantly looking over his shoulder for system warnings, as long as he was smart about it. And it gave him an out for true disasters.
"So, I work to prevent the worst, use my points for most things, and you’ll back me up if all hell actually breaks loose?"
[A simplified, but accurate expectation, Host. The emphasis remains on proactive peace-building and earned intervention. You do not have to worry about the points or not being able to anticipate problems. The System will offer many quests going forward.]
[Do you wish to proceed with this option, or go back to option 1?]
[Please note that this choice is final and cannot be reversed.]
"Alright, System," Riku said, a new resolve hardening his voice. "I accept the terms. Spells for points it is. And I’ll do my best to make sure we don’t need anything more than that."
[Acknowledgement accepted. Goodwill Point expenditure system for abilities is now active. Current Goodwill: 600 Points. Proceed with wisdom, Host Riku. This path to living peacefully will be much more difficult than having access to your strongest skills. However, the System believes that the Host will do just fine. After all....]
The blue panel faded slowly, its last sentence almost inaudible.
"Hey System, I didn’t get you. After all what?"
But there was no response from the System, and something told Riku that it wouldn’t be replying on this matter anytime soon. Finally, he let out a long breath.
Sigh, what kind of Grand Maximus am I if I can’t even use my spells freely.
Riku glanced over at Lila, who was skillfully piloting the horses with a slight smile on her face. Then, he turned towards the sleeping Elara in the back. Somehow, his mind drifted towards the happy faces of Lysaria and Sherry. Their constant banters over their beliefs despite clear friendship and camaraderie brought a smile to his face.
Well, at least it is better than having nothing. I just have to trust the System to help with unsolvable problems that arise. But for now, earning Goodwill Points is the priority.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was something that he could work with for the time being.
The carriage continued its steady pace, occasionally stopping for meals that Lila and Riku had packed earlier.
Hours passed. The landscape began to change, the forests thinning, giving way to more open plains. In the far distance, almost invisible against the hazy horizon, Riku could just make out the faint, towering spires and sprawling walls of a massive city.
Lila, who had gone back into the carriage to rest, stirred, feeling the change in the surroundings.
"Are we... getting close?" she asked, her eyes still slightly sleepy.
Riku pointed towards the horizon.
"See for yourself." Her eyes followed his finger, and then widened.
"Is that...?"
"Yes, we are at Luxia," Riku confirmed, his voice quiet as he slowed down the cart a bit so that everyone could take in the scenery. "The heart of the Korvan kingdom. And hopefully, where we find some answers on who is responsible for the "Crimson Creep" that has been plaguing the land."
"Can we also meet Lysaria? I want to see how she is doing. It has been so long." Lila asked with a hopeful gaze.
"Of course. In fact, that is the first thing I am planning to do once we get inside."
"Yay, what are we waiting for then, hurry!"
"Your wish is my command." Riku, once again, sped up with a smile forming on his face.
