The Second Life Package

Lost from all the words, Savina was about to touch the Second Life package before she heard the innkeeper's voice over the sounds of those drinking.

"We're full and besides, we don't serve your kind here. Get lost, you elves!"

Looking at the man. Savina saw two cloaked individuals standing before him, they both stood a full head taller than the short and stubby innkeeper.

One of the elves had a bow hung from their shoulder. Whilst the other simply stood their with her arms crossed.

"How typical." Savina mused to herself, "Elves always love their bows."

Scratching his head, the bow having elf attempted to reason with him. "Please sir. We've nowhere else to go. With the rain pouring down, we only need refuge until the storm passes."

Putting a hand up, the man ignored his pleas. "I don't want to hear anything about it. Your kind made your choice when you didn't help us when Rimara was under siege by the beasts. You gave us nothing, and now I'm supposed to give the two of you a place to stay. Get before I call the town guard."

Feeling disheartened, Savina knew the incident the man spoke of.

"The siege of Rimara was near the beginning of my rule." Savina thought. "I sent word to the Elves of the Eastern Oaks and received no word, they sent no aid as every man, woman and child was slaughtered by the Beast King and his armies."

Biting her thumb, Savina had been returned to this world to make change. Standing up, the system window disappeared. "Sir!" She called the innkeeper.

Watching Savina run up to him, the man shook his head. "One moment, miss, I'll deal with these two and then bring you your drink."

Grabbing his hand, Savina shook her head. "Please, sir, don't throw them out. Not all elves are bad. My father was saved by an elf during the war with the eastern kingdoms."

"It wasn't a complete lie." Savina thought. "I was saved from an assassin contracted to kill me by an elf when I went to inspect the field of battle."

"Please, they can stay in the same room as me if you'll allow it." She pleaded. "I swear they'll not get into any trouble whilst they are in town."

Looking from Savina to the two elves, the man sighed. "Ok missy, I'll take your word for it. But if they cause any trouble, I'm kicking them out."

Letting go of his hand, Savina slightly bowed. "Thank you, sir, thank you." Looking at the other's, she gestured to where she had been sitting. "Come on, no one should trouble you over here."

Walking past the crowd, the three of them sat down.

Taking his bow off, the man rested it against the table as he sat. "I must thank you." He smiled, pulling his hood down. "He would've never let us stay if you hadn't interfered. The names Alwin." Putting a hand on his friend's shoulder, he shook it. "And this talkative sod is Thaola."

Looking at Savina, Thaola nodded. Savina felt a chill run down her spine as she looked into Thaola's eyes.

Alwin smiled as he rolled his eyes. "She's a dear when you get to know her, honest."

"It's fine." Savina responded by shaking her hands. "I would be hesitant talking to some random person too. As far as you two know, I could have a taste for elf." Savina laughed. Realizing she had just made a joke about eating the two people sitting in-front of her, she continued. "Anyways. My name's S- uhh, Neia. Yeah, it's of elven descent, I believe."

Alwin nodded along as she spoke. "Oh, I see, did your father give you an elven name since he was saved by one?"

"Yeahhhh, definitely, my father totally did that." Looking at Thaola, Savina shivered. "Soo, what brings you two into the kingdom. I'm surprised, everyone is so inhospitable to elves. What could be so important that you would risk getting attacked?"

Thinking for a second, Alwin looked around before leaning closer to Savina, who leaned closer in turn.

"We're actually friends with the hero Vesh." Freezing up, Savina faintly nodded. "We're making our way to the capital. We've received word that Vesh and her party were able to actually break into the capital and kill Savina. You know, the evil queen."

"Uh." Feeling herself shiver, Savina whispered. "I- I know her."

"W- wow, that's." Swallowing, Savina retreated further into her seat. "Amazing news, I'm sure everyone will be celebrating in the streets when they find out."

Nodding some more, Alwin hit Thaola's arm with his hand. "No doubt, with how fast word travels, the common folk'll know by morning. Finally, the people will be free from her tyranny, the prejudice against elves can stop."

Watching Savina, Thaola spoke. "You're very pale."

Seeing this, Alwin hit Thaola's arm again. "Leave her be, Thaola. She's no doubt in some state a'shock after hearing that Vesh and her party actually succeeded. I know I was when we received word."

Resting her palms on the table, Savina stood. "I think I'm going to go and find the room. I just need some time to lie down and process this."

As Savina left, Alwin waved her off. "Hope you feel better soon!" He shouted over the voices.

Staggering over to the innkeeper, the man looks at Savina in a state of shock. "Miss, are you ok? What did those damn elves do?" He asked with increasing aggression, eyeing Alwin and Thaola.

"N- no." Savina stuttered. "I'm just, I'm just not feeling well. Must have been something I ate." She remarked, trying to smile. "Which way is it to my room, I just want some time to lie down."

Oh, of course miss, scurrying away. The man picked up a key from behind the counter. Bringing it back to her, the man handed Savina a small key.

"This is for room 5." Pointing up a small flight of stairs, he pointed to the right. "Up those stairs, three doors on your right."

"Thank you sir. You're too kind." Savina quickly took the key from him.

Walking up the stairs, Savina could feel her legs become unstable as she trudged forwards. "Why is it. All coming back now?"

Reaching the door, Savina fumbled to put the key in the lock.

"I d- died."

Opening the door, Savina stepped in slamming it shut. Dropping the key on the floor, Savina collapsed on the bed.

"What am I feeling. This dread, fear, anxiety. I have some kind... of what is this feeling?"

As she was trying to figure out what was happening to her, a blue notification popped up in-front of Savina.

One new message from: Nama

"The system." Savina stammered. Reaching out, she touched the message.

The window opening, Savina read what Nama had sent.

Nama: "Tell the system to open the Second Life package."

Staring at the words, Savina felt bile forming in the back of her throat.

"System, open Second Life package."

A new screen opened up in front of Savina's eyes, displaying the Second Life package. Below it two options stood out.

Would you like to open this package? Yes. No.

Tapping the Yes. Savina felt herself calm down as her own dread relinquished its hold on her mind.

Second Life package:

First life trauma resistance

Boost to stats

Staring at the screen, Savina blinked.

"Wh, what?"

Another message from Nama appeared in front of Savina as she tried to understand what a 'Boost to stats' meant.

Nama: I can give you a quick explanation of what you're seeing. This is a system. It was invented by an old God to help aid the Champions of the Gods. I'll leave you to discover everything you are able to do with it, but for now, you should know that only Champions and those in their party are able to see and use systems. So be careful people don't find you staring at a wall. They may think you're strange. I won't be able to constantly stay in contact with you for various reasons. Just know if you ever need advice, you can contact me here.

"A system, right." Waving her hand, the message disappeared. "I remember now, Vesh… the Champion of Justice. I heard stories of the Champions system, I never would have thought I would be able to see it for myself. A gift from the Gods…"

Looking at the screen, Savina saw a new page.

Information Screen:

Name: Savina Estia

Age: 24 (56)

Champion of Wisdom

Stats: locked

Skills:

Minor Trauma Resistance lvl 2

Covering her mouth, Savina grumbled. "I don't know what that means."

Hearing the door open, Savina quickly closed the system menu with a wave of her hand.

As the door swung shut, Alwin and Thaola walked into the room.

Seeing Savina, Alwin slightly waved. "You look much better, Neia. How are you?"

"I feel better, thank you, Alwin. I don't know what came over me." Sighing, Savina bit the inside of her lip. "I don't want to keep lying." She thought. "These two seem nice." Eyeing Thaola, she looked away when the tall elf looked back at her. "But how am I supposed to tell someone that I've got some form of PTSD about the Champion of Justice killing me."

"That's good t'hear. You really looked like you were about t'put your lunch on the floor for a moment."

Stepping closer to Savina, Thaola reached into a small pouch on her waist. "Stop wasting time, Alwin." Savina had no time to react as Thaola threw a fine powder into her face. "I'd rather get this over with than draw it out."

Feeling her head start to spin, Savina suddenly felt tired.

"God damn Thaola." Alwin swore, his smile twisted as he looked at Savina. "I wanted to talk to her more."

"You keep wasting our time, and I'll knock you out next."

Trying to stand up, Savina's legs gave out as she collapsed onto the floor.

"W- what are you two doing." Savina wheezed, trying to keep her eyes open.

Shrugging, Thaola left to stand by the door.

"Well, Neia. If that really is your name." Alwin spoke, crouching next to her. "We're not actually 'friends' of the Hero. Nor are we actually good guys." Putting a hand onto Savina's head, he smiled. "You look like you'd be good at cooking and cleaning. Ever wanted to be a maid for some rich aristocrat?"

"Oh." Savina realized what was happening. "You're slavers…"

Winking at Savina, Alwin slammed her head into the floor.