System Change

Chapter 133: It's Time

How are you still alive? Derek asked.

Jacks snorted, face still tinged red in anger. Thats because I did my best.

Derek gave the man a sideways glance. What do you mean?

After my son was found. He grit his teeth on the word. I had to sign the contract and make an oath. Fortunately, in my position at least, I had some wiggle room. I immediately rejected their first contract, which would have resulted in my death if Malcolm Torith ever died.

Derek nodded along with the mans explanation.

After some back and forth, we were able to come to an agreement. Mind you, it was still a pretty bad contract for me, but I was indebted to the man for finding my son, so I wasnt about to back out after a promise. The former Guard Captain sighed.

So, what did you end up agreeing to? If you dont mind telling me. Derek asked.

Jacks smirked, which looked frightening with the scar on his face. Oh, I dont mind telling you. If not for you, I would have never been able to complete the contract. He almost laughed, but was still upset after learning about what really happened.

You see. I signed and swore to protect Malcolm Torith to the best of my ability. He finally laughed. When you said that you were for sure going to kill the man, it fulfilled the condition that he needed protection. It also gave me hope that you would kill the bastard before I regained consciousness. If I would have woken up before you took care of him, I dont know if the contract would have still been completed. Fortunately, you kept your word and finished him off before you woke me.

You also allowed me the time to power up and prepare my most powerful attack. Thanks for that, by the way. Jacks nodded to Derek. Therefore, I did my all to protect Malcolm to the best of my ability. I honestly didnt expect you to be able to take that attack so easily, though. You seem stronger now than when I first met you.

I am. Derek confirmed.

Jacks furrowed his brows in confusion but didnt ask any questions. Now, everything was all guesswork until it happened, and I didnt die. I still have access to the Great System, and the contract is gone as well. And, since the contract is gone, and the oath was tied to the contract its gone as well.

Thats good.

Jacks nodded. Yeah, the way I saw it, there were four possible outcomes. The most likely outcome was that I did it, then ended up dying when Malcolm died. Then there was you just killing me Im glad that didnt happen. Followed by the plan working. Malcolm dying and me still being alive.

What was the fourth? Derek asked.

Well The man smiled oddly at Derek. The fourth outcome is that everything worked, and you still kill me. Im still figuring out whether thats going to happen or not.

Derek chuckled. Its not.

Thats a relief. Jacks replied.

By the way, youre a lot more talkative now than you were before. Derek pointed out.

Jacks scoffed. You wouldnt talk much either if you had to be around those assholes He pointed at the quivering Clay. All day, and you werent able to take any actions against them without killing yourself.

I guess not. Derek responded. So, what are you going to do now?

Jacks let out a breath. I dont know. I never thought I was going to get my freedom back. I thought that getting my son back and sending him to the Academy was going to be the last decent thing I did in my life. At some point, I am going to find him. Theres no telling where hes currently stationed.

Derek nodded. Im sure hell be happy to see you. Derek said. Were you serious about working with me? At this point in the conversation, the two had dropped all formalities and were speaking with each other casually.

If youll have me. Jacks replied. Of course, Im not signing some soul sucking contract again. If need be, I could sign a basic contract or something like that. Ill also need to know exactly what Ill be doing. From what Ive seen about you, you dont seem like a person wholl require me to do awful things, but I was fooled once in some respects. Though, never once did I think Gerald Torith was a good person.

Im sure I could find a spot for you. Well be heading to Savannah soon. The more strength, the better especially if you prove trustworthy. Well work out the details later. Derek explained.

Jacks nodded, then sighed. Its too bad about Bradley. He was a decent fellow.

Derek had to think back for a minute. The name sounded familiar, but he was having a hard time placing. Finally, he had a realization. Thats the guy that was Clays guard. Derek frowned. Why? What happened.

Well, he was one of the few that was able to sign a decent contract with House Torith. I was there when he signed it. There was no death clause, and no oath required. He just had to protect this dipshit for a few more years, or until the noble died. Jacks explained.

Derek nodded. That sounds like a good thing to me. If you want, I could just break his contract, here and now. He pointed at Clay.

Jacks shook his head. Thats not going to help.

What do you mean?

Well, the man was punished for allowing Clay to get in that mess with your companion. He was demoted. Unfortunately, because of that demotion, he was near the front of the guards when your He gestured towards Silvi. Attacked.

Derek could see where this was going. Didnt we agree to let the ones go that didnt attack? He asked Silvi.

I did. She replied.

He must have attacked her. She let all the ones who didnt attack run away. Derek explained.

Jacks half smiled. He did. I saw it. I think it was more of a scared instinct, but he did draw his sword when she appeared by his side.

Derek sighed. Cant do anything about that.

Jacks nodded. Then he pointed at Clay. Whats your plan for this little shit? I cant imagine that hell be able to give you more information than you got out of his father.

Derek shook his head. No, I doubt he knows anything. Technically, he hasnt done anything wrong since I gave him a warning, but thats because he was in a coma. However, theres no way in hell I let him walk away.

Derek looked at the trembling noble. What do you think I should do with you?

The teen opened his mouth to speak but was unable to summon the courage to say anything. He tried multiple times, but was never able to form any words, not even a stutter.

Thats what I thought. Derek said. Dont worry. I happen to need a living enemy to help me test something out, and youll do just fine.

W-w-what i-is it? The noble managed to mutter.

Well, let me show you. Derek replied. He looked over at Jacks. Jacks, would you mind giving an oath not to reveal anything youre about to see until I give you the okay? Either that, or you can go on to town and wait for us there.

Derek watched Jacks eyes. He could see him wrestling with the decision to make an oath or not. Derek could understand him, seeing as he had just gotten out of an oath he never thought he would. Fortunately, this was a regular oath to keep a secret, and finally, his curiosity won out.

Jacks sighed. Im too interested. What oath do you want me to make? If its not too bad, Ill do it.

Like I said, just that you wont reveal what youre about to see with anyone until I tell you its okay, and that you wont try to use any information you gain to harm me or my companions. Derek explained.

Jacks nodded. Fair enough. Then, he said the oath exactly as Derek had told him, with no alterations.

Derek waited until he got the confirmation, then nodded. That will do.

Then, to Jacks surprise, and even Silvis, as she wasnt around when he received his new skill, he gripped the void in front of him, and ripped it to two sides, revealing a door behind. With his right hand, he reached for the handle and pulled. The door swung open, revealing the contents to everybody at once.

Silvi flew in to explore before Derek could say anything. After a few seconds, she landed back on his shoulder, not impressed. Its empty.

Of course its empty. I havent had a reason to use it until now, and I just got it. Derek replied.

You could have at least put a kitchen inside. She ranted, but Derek ignored her.

At that moment, Jacks took a step forward to gaze into the darkness. I-is this space energy? No thats not right. I it feels different time? Yes, it feels like time.

You know what time energy feels like? Derek asked.

The man nodded. I once ran a dungeon with the aspect of time.

Derek looked at him oddly.

No, its not like youre thinking. There arent any terribly powerful monsters inside. We knew it was a time dungeon when we went inside. Its a very popular dungeon in another kingdom. Its popular because there are so many monsters that it takes weeks to complete, but when you come out, only a few hours have passed. The Cydarian Kingdom would kill for a dungeon like it. It makes for a perfect training dungeon. Jacks explained.

Derek nodded in understanding. He had thought the same about his Time Prison. If he could figure everything out, it may be possible to make it into a great training space as well.

Well, what are we waiting for? Derek grabbed the noble by the back of his shirt and pushed him inside the prison. He gave Jacks a smile and followed right behind.