99 Asking the Right Question (1/2)

”Enjoying yourself?”

Those two words were soft yet firm as if a whisper was able to cross endless distances. Jack took a deep breath and slowly turned around, hoping that his theory proved correct.

The moment he looked behind him, Jack's excited smile changed into a look of confusion. He scratched his head and squinted his eyes. ”Aren't you supposed to come out and let me review the tutorial by now?”

”Indeed.”

Again the voice came from behind Jack, this time a hand also landed on his shoulder to slowly turn him around.

Finally, Jack came face-to-face with the person he was looking for. After coming to Kartonia and experiencing the Achievement System, Jack was certain that this man had something to do with everything. He had more questions then he could count, and no one in all of Kartonia would be able to answer him, other than perhaps this man.

”So, you are real,” said Jack, trying to keep control of his excitement.

The man was wearing a simple, silver robe that had an illusory glow all about him. His long hair was also silver and just as radiant. There was no sign of old age on the man's face, appearing to be in his thirties and still in his prime.

”Of course, just as real as you, Jack,” responded the man. ”Or should I call you Jackson? Or maybe Jack_J? You haven't yet decided who you really are, have you?”

That question caused each gear of thought in Jack's brain to come to a grinding halt. He sighed and silently acknowledged the inner struggle he had been facing.

Jack didn't think much of it, but there was no use in denying that he was constantly confused about how he should behave or act. Many times, he would find himself trying to be the great Jack_J, afraid of nothing and willing to do anything to achieve his goals. Though it contradicted his previous take on life, which was to go with the flow, Jack always found it exhilarating.

”Whether you admit it or not, at some point in your life you'll have to decide who you are,” continued the man. ”Remember, this is no longer a game, it's your life. If you ever forget that…”

His words trailed off as the man gazed deeper into Jack's eyes. He then asked, ”Well, I'm sure you're excited to review the tutorial, right? Shall we get started?”

Jack snickered and smiled wryly. ”Daruun, you know better than anyone that I have no need for the tutorial.”

”So… What is it you want?” asked Daruun, smiling in return.

”I need answers and you're the only one who could possibly answer them.”

”Hmm… Considering your circumstances and the fact that you've summoned me despite your lack of need for a tutorial, normally I wouldn't bother,” answered the man. ”However, for you, I can make an exception. I'll answer any three of your questions to the fullest extent. How does that sound, fair enough?”

”Only three questions?” Jack expressed his disappointment. ”You know I've got way more than three questions!”

”Of course I do, I know everything,” chuckled Daruun. ”But do you think I'd let you squeeze out so much value from such a cheap trinket like a tutorial stone?”

Understanding the meaning behind Daruun's words, Jack shrugged and replied, ”Hey, it was worth a try. I guess hounding the god of fate in person is much more difficult than in-game.”

”I'm glad you understand. So, what is your first question?”

Not daring to waste any questions, Jack tried his best to get any free information possible. ”How about this, since I'm new to Kartonia and still don't understand the basics of this new ”modern” age, how about we chat first. I'm sure you've been lacking company, considering the current state of the gods.”

Daruun flashed a smile and nodded. Instantly, an elegant glass table appeared between them, along with two seats. On the table was a pitcher with steam leaving the nozzle and to cups.

”What, am I not good enough company to share a bottle of wine?” asked Jack as he sat down.

”Trying to get me drunk during our first meeting?” Daruun immediately called out Jack's true intentions and casually took a seat. For the god of fate, the only man known in legend to have seen and known past, present, and future, it was simple to predict Jack's true train of thoughts. ”You may be a special case, but you've yet to prove yourself as a close friend.”

”Then I hope I get such a chance in the future,” replied Jack as he poured himself a glass of tea. ”So, what's up with everything nowadays?”