Alex watched the enormous countdown blaze across the grey dome of sky above the field:
49 minutes 45 seconds.
Had been passed.
The numbers ticking down like a pulse.
Around him, every face mirrored the same uneasy attention; the whole plain had fallen silent, waiting.
Annoying message windows kept popping up, though—petty, snide little bubbles that wormed at his nerves.
{ 'The Revered One' is confused as to why you participated alone. }
{ 'The Ruler of the Skies' laughs: this fellow looks like an idiot to come alone. }
A vein throbbed at Alex's temple. 'Useless can't you do something about these idiots?' he thought, jaw tight.
[Of course I can,] the system answered in his head.
[But you didn't say the magic word.]
'Please. Do something about this, partner.' Alex muttered inwardly.
[That's what I was waiting for. Done.] The system's voice sounded mildly smug.
The onscreen taunts blinked out and were gone. Alex let out a half-laugh. 'Thanks, partner.'
