“We can choose to annihilate planet Earth. This has happened to other planets in the Admin expansion history…”
Deafening silence reigned in the wardroom.
Alex sighed. “Now for the good news. All earthlings have a high level of intelligence. This is a rare ability in the universe, found only in the central worlds of the Commonwealth and only among the wealthiest races who can afford Intellectum. Moreover, we have hidden abilities. Do you want to know where you get them from? I will answer you.
He paused dramatically, then continued. “We are the descendants of an ancient and technologically advanced race. Our ancestors, who used to own many artifacts and technologies, were known as the ancients or Ice Vigors.”
Some within the room clutched their cutlery, some blushed, some bit their lips. But they did not interrupt Alex.
“The ancients’ civilization was located on three planets – Mars, Phaethon and Earth. Our planet was a resort, to the best of my knowledge. I don’t know what transpired…perhaps it was civil strife that destroyed the great civilization of the Ice Vigors. The remnants of that civilization, having ruined Phaeton and Mars, moved to our Mother Earth. Then, for some reason, our ancestors prohibited the use of their knowledge and magic, even creating Judges to ensure no one used magic. The almighty Judges monitored the execution of their will until the last of the Ice Vigors forgot the ancient knowledge and the powerful magic. Yes, we are their lineal descendants. I was lucky to receive their fabulously large inheritance – equipment, weapons — it’s all thanks to the Ice Vigors clan.
“Fortunately, it should be noted, the insignificant minority do not support the policy of Admins and Superior civilizations. They have been struggling against the Commonwealth for a long time, alas, without success. All the rest consider them fanatical cultists, though they call themselves the Keepers. For thousands of years, they have been spreading the prophecy about the coming of the messiah-liberator throughout the Commonwealth and the frontiers.
“At the opportune time, the Keepers prepared magical gifts for the chosen one. With the help of one omnipotent artifact-entity, Jokeiro, then began their search for a candidate on the path of the waves of the Admins’ expansion. I don’t know how much time has passed since the beginning of their search – a decade, a century, a millennium. But for whatever reason, their choice fell upon me.”
The occupants of the wardroom seemed to have stopped breathing.
Alex fidgeted in his seat, then continued. “So now, to the present. We had a million-to-one chance, and we took it. The Admins were first struck at the heart of their power, greatness, and financial well-being while in Earth’s orbit. The destroyed spaceship, the Reaper, was not just the most perfect and fastest Admins’ ship, it was an Intellectum collector. The main task of this supposed indestructible monster was to rush from one edge of the galaxy to other and collect the harvest from oppressed civilizations. The results of our sabotage are difficult to assess, but there are tons of Intellectum in Earth orbit. The tanks of the Reaper are packed to the brim. I have seen it myself. My best guess is that the Intellectum spilled into space after a spaceship explosion and is now penetrating the Earth’s atmosphere. Our planet has been endowed with a wide range of Intellectum-infused rainfall. By my rough forecasts, this process may last several decades or even centuries. The storm front has covered the entire planet, and our clanmates in Saint Petersburg are now obtaining levels every minute and, possibly, new skills.”
“Loyalty points, Alex. Tell them about the loyalty points,” Sofia said.
“Yes,” the man agreed. “I must mention that the System rewarded us for the destruction of the Reaper and the final death of its high-level crew. We got a lot, but we will figure it out later. The main thing is that we received loyalty points, which made it possible for our civilization to become the Supreme. To be honest, this is a random bonus, as it gives us advantages and tools for confronting enemies. According to the Admins’ rules, our planet cannot be annihilated…”
A loud clamor came from the previously silent crew.
Alex lifted his hand, requesting silence. “Mates, bear with me while I partake of the second course. I’m still famished. I’ll be quick, and then we’ll continue our discussion.”
Their conversation had to be postponed for a while. A distant external factor intervened, causing a loss of appetite. While enjoying the second course, Alex heard his mentor’s solemn voice in his head. Player Phoenix, you have received a message of vital importance. I suggest you read it immediately.
Alex read the message and jumped up, overturning his chair. “Jokeiro! Hooray!”
A brief global System alert hung before his eyes:
.
Attention! Attention! Attention! Global event!
The supreme administrator of the Net has been discharged
Supreme Eteho Rhythm resigned in favor of Jokeiro the Bright
.
Alex shouted in triumph when a shining silhouette of a man in a gorgeous suit appeared two yards away. The man was tall and stylish, with the thin wrists and long fingers of a musician. He smiled, the sun seeming to splash on his lips and in his eyes.
Jokeiro.
He spoke to the head of the Ice Vigor clan, “Alex, my brother, you asked me to stay in this world. As you can see, I have succeeded. The Net AIs laid out their terms, and I had to agree to them. That is how I became the sovereign supreme administrator of the Net.” With a radiant smile, he scanned the faces of the gathered people. “So cheer up, earthlings. We’re going to do great things.
