Apocalypse respawn

"He has the power to be manipulated by no power without his consent. And he is influenced by the power of dreams and hyper-analysis."

[Simulation Rargnes-empathetic.]

Rargnes' memories of the third flashed in the cold silence.

What would happen if he decided to stop these powers from acting on him? Would he disappear?

"But... uh... there's not supposed to be more than 3 powers, right?" asked Sengrar.

The goblin nodded.

"Those are the powers that have always existed and have always been reported in the lists."

The goblin mage looked at him.

"Does that mean your story is really true?" asked Sengrar. "About the guy who told you everything, but that would mean there's one more power..."

"What are you talking about?"

"Rargnes -"

"Say no more, Sengrar. If people know about your power, they'll keep you in prison until they can steal it or use it for their own ends."

The silence rang out once again, this time broken by the goblin's words:

"Well, shall I give you your class advancements?"

"With pleasure."

The goblin first helped Sengrar, whose figure flashed, disappearing for a split second.

"You have chosen instantly?"

"Nah, I pondered for quite some time."

Then, it couldn't be used to escape an enemy. Rargnes received the same proposals and made the same choice as in his previous life: a 50% increase in resistance.

'Now that I think about it... does that mean the system isn't a power? I couldn't pick the mage class.'

Or maybe the system was just too overpowered.

"Do you have any radar to track down the class upgrade tokens?"

He thought back to the masked man burning the tokens for his ability.

"Normally I wouldn't... but all things can be discussed in these conditions," his eyes pointed to the defensive spell on the walls.

"But first, I wanted to ask, are you a normal goblin?"

Surprise flashed in its eyes.

"Of course I am."

"Then why don't you lie? You just have to say you are not a normal goblin."

The goblin mage smiled. "I'm sorry, but I'm not one who likes pain. A relationship should start with mistrust."

"First time I hear that."

"If it starts with trust, it means it has started with manipulation. You can't know me unless we spend time together. First, we cooperate on interests, then we somehow become friends, but doing the contrary means forcing your friends to be made of interest - such a relationship is toxic and only adequate for cries and betrayals."

"Then what are you to the king?"

"How would I know? But let's -"

"And to the prime minister?"

"Rargnes, I think that's enough," Sengrar intervened. "You're not yourself since that trial."

"Like you had known me. Even the one who stares at me only glances at my shadows."

The goblin and Rargnes stared at each other.

"The prime minister only thinks in the interest of the king."'

He had assumed it?' Thought Rargnes, grimacing internally. Then, it meant nothing. If only he could verify his theory on goblins about lying.

"Okay, okay, let's do it your way."

"I'm glad you take it this way. Then... I'd like to propose a noble title to Sengrar, I'd say... a viscount title sounds fine, doesn't it?"

"What's the title of the noble?" asked Sengrar.

"A strong marquise, though you aren't as strong as a viscount should be and have no army... I believe in your potential."

"But my power can't be upgraded while you keep your memories."

"Yes, but there are, of course, conditions to obtain this title."

"And what does it give me?"

"The power to own land, the reputation to engage companies to help you manage your land, plus a goblin mage to serve you - myself."A light had been lit up in Sengrar's eyes.

"And what do you want?"

"Wait, can he accept citizens of the world he came from?"

"Of course."

"Why do you ask that?"

"Because there's the man I've talked to you about. If he were from your land, you could block all access to the portals if you wish."

"Right. And the conditions?"

"Hmmm... I haven't really thought about it. Anyway, it'll take some time to make the necessary arrangements... let's do it this way: I'll warn you when it's time, and we'll discuss all the details."

Did he want to trick them so he could get the noble here and steal their power? 

They parted ways, the goblin mage accompanying them to the door, questioning his staff, while Sengrar and Rargnes headed to the inn. It remained a day and a half till the reopening of the portals.