“50 lashes!” Julie yelled in outrage. “That’s more than enough to kill someone! What charge do you find him guilty of?” She demanded. Noah sighed, his attempt to prepare her already failing. The crowd didn’t seem to share her concern and shouted their assent


    “My lady, he is guilty of assaulting a senior officer. This is a grievous crime with harsh consequences.” The commander replied, raising his voice over the clamor. Noah caught Julie’s eyes and gave her his best ‘trust me’ look. She frowned but seemed to remember her previous agreement to his plan.


    “Very well, commander. On with it.” She acquiesced.


    “Thank you, my Lady.” He said, turning his attention back to Noah.


    “Noah, you have been found guilty of assaulting a senior officer and will now face your punishment of 50 lashes. Remove your shirt and stand in the center of the square.” As he spoke a pair of soldiers brought out a wooden post and set it before Noah.


    “Place your hands on the post and prepare yourself.” The commander shouted. The crowd went quiet as they waited with baited breath. Noah only grinned.


    The whip cracked through the air, its metal tipped tails connecting with Noah’s exposed back. The crowd roared their approval, making for a rather medieval spectacle. Noah yawned dramatically as he looked over his shoulder, awaiting the next strike.


    “Is that it?” He asked, looking at the startled commander standing behind him. The man was holding what was left of his finely made whip, which amounted to a short leather baton.


    “Wh–what did you do?” He stammered as he looked from the whip to Noah’s already healed back. Noah couldn’t take it anymore and let out a hearty laugh. The crowd watched on as he proceeded to double over at the humor of the situation.


    “You are so funny, Jack!” Noah managed between gasps. “What’s the last time you looked at the leaderboard? Did you really think your flimsy piece of leather would have any effect on me?” The commander looked like he had seen a ghost as he met Noah’s eyes.


    “But that’s impossible.” He stammered. Noah only shook his head.


    “Obviously it’s not.” Noah replied. He turned to the crowd then, making eye-contact with as many of them as possible. Jack had done him a favor in gathering all of his supporters in one place, these were just the people he needed to convince.


    “Clearly you all have some misconceptions about this new world, and it’s not entirely your fault.” Noah began. “Before today, you were under a spell that, to the best of our knowledge, heightened your fears and made you complacent.” There were gasps in the crowd, and numerous questions were thrown around before Julie spoke up.


    “What he’s saying is true. We have been under some kind of mass manipulation! Noah only just returned from the forest, having freed us from our imprisonment.” She explained. It was clear that the people respected her words as they once again fell quiet, returning their gaze to Noah, this time with newfound curiosity.


    “We also learned the reason that nearly the entire settlement was impacted.” Noah stated, pausing for dramatic flare. “Every dust caste individual was fully subject to this manipulation, while the two iron castes among you were spared from the charm.” He explained. “It also appears that one goal of this manipulation was to keep you weak and stagnant, unable to defend yourselves. And that is exactly what has happened.” Noah took a deep breath, searching for the best words. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    “I recently met with the creature that ensnared you so easily in its magic. It assured me that if you follow its instructions, it will not charm you again.” Noah noted the relief present in several eyes as he spoke. “I will not be sharing those instructions with you however, as I do not believe that to be the best for you or humanity as a whole.” He finished. The gathered people erupted in chaos, shouting their complaints and cursing Noah with impressive creativity. Noah only grinned wider as they raged on. Someone got the bright idea to attack him, which quickly resulted in the same person’s arm being broken in swift order. There was weeping and yelling, but to Noah it was a beautiful beginning. Just one more piece. The commander, having regained his courage, marched up to Noah and gave his best authoritative glare. Ah. Here it is.


    “Who. Do. You. Think. You. Are?” He said, punctuating each word by sticking his finger into Noah’s chest. What went wrong with this guy? Noah wondered as he bit back a laugh. Instead he grabbed the man’s hand and lifted him into the air, quickly bringing his tirade to an end.


    “I am Noah Denter, the strongest person on this planet. And on this planet, the weak don’t get a say in the rules.” Noah announced. “If you do not want to be charmed again, then I suggest you get to Iron as soon as possible.” With that, he released the commander who crumpled to the ground, and left the square, entering the town hall. Julie quickly followed, along with Kyle and Recter who barred the door behind them.


    “What was that?” Julie demanded as soon as they were alone. Noah shrugged.


    “It seemed like you guys needed a push.” He said. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples.


    “You can’t just make decisions like that Noah. It’s not that I disagree with you, but surely there is a better approach than this. You want to just let everyone be manipulated again?” She asked.


    “Julie. I respect what you have done here, I really do. But I can make decisions like that whenever I want, and no one can stop me. That is the point I am trying to make. In fact, I think that is the point the System is trying to make. If you are weak, you will be pushed around by the strong. Especially if you remain as Dust.” Noah explained. She looked like she wanted to respond but came up short.


    “I have seen a lot more of this world than you, Julie, and let me assure you that the monsters are only getting stronger. The orcs are already struggling to defend their village from the swarms that attack them every week. At this rate, it won’t be long before your gates are overwhelmed and you are all slaughtered. But that only happens if the monsters get stronger faster than you do. Thus the push.” He finished. Julie took a deep breath and sat down in one of the chairs.


    “I know.” She responded after a moment. “I was naive to think we could keep living on like it was the old world. I’m–I wasn’t ready to leave it behind, but I guess now I don’t have a choice.” She said, “And you really aren’t going to share the instructions that the spellcaster gave you?” Julie asked.


    “Definitely not.” He answered immediately, “It’s for the best. If you decide not to advance, then perhaps it''s best that you are charmed when the end comes.” Noah didn’t particularly enjoy having to play the bad guy with Julie, but he really did want her to survive. Noah left Julie to her thoughts and returned to the two waiting by the door.


    “So we aren’t going to share about the statue?” Kyle whispered. Noah grinned.


    “No you should still do it, just don’t tell anyone why you''re having it made.” He responded. Jergin growled in what Noah assumed was a chuckle.


    “Hmmm. I like the way you think.” Jergin said. Kyle just gave him a thumbs up.


    “So what’s the plan now?” Kyle asked.


    “Now you train everyone.” Noah announced. The two frowned. “I think the role of commander is vacant, and one of you should fill it. Also, you should take charge of getting the soldiers to Iron and further advancing yourselves.” He explained.


    “What will you do?” Kyle questioned.


    “I will stick around for a few days and make sure you have what you need. I have also learned some secrets to advancement that I would like to pass on before I leave. After that though, I will be on my way. I have a friend who is waiting for me, and I imagine that there are other people out there in need of assistance.” Noah mused.


    “You’re leaving so soon?” Kyle responded.


    “I got what I came for. Besides, I think it will be best if I let you all sort out your own problems for a while.” He answered.


    “He’s right.” Jergin agreed. “You don’t become worthy by drafting off the leader, you have to claim it for yourself.” Noah nodded, once again appreciating drakon sentiments. He wondered if he would run into Recter any time soon.


    “I think it''s time we rest for the day. Even with my constitution, I am starting to feel worn.” Noah announced before sinking into a chair. As he bid the others farewell, his mind went to Ta’Ku and the orc plight. It''s time I get back to the mountain.