You know, it feels weird—just standing here, naked. On one hand, I could brag that I've been alone in a room with a girl while undressed. On the other hand… I look like a total creep.
At least I can relax knowing Powder won't snitch; at least, not before I wipe his memory of what happened today.
But first… I need clothes.
I glance around, but my clothes are nowhere to be found in this tiny room. The cold bites at my skin, fingertips tingling as I shiver. I really need to hurry, not just because of the cold, but because I have no idea how to fix this whole mess.
"You always end up in a mess… need a hand?" Suddenly, the voice I wanted to hear most whispers right by my ear.
"Big Boss!"
Joy rushes through me as I turn to face the floating letters —WN— hanging in the air.
"Why are you still naked? Use your quill and generate some new clothes already." The voice sounds a little annoyed.
I do as I'm told, picturing my clothes in my mind. I focus on a white tunic that falls to my knees, then black and red cloth wraps itself over my upper body, all materializing from the pulsing gem in my chest. In moments, I look less like a lost fool and more like a would-be hero, except for the fact that the giant gem is still glowing right in the middle of my chest.
I can't seem to hide it.
"You're right. The gem in your chest is beyond the system's reach. It's not something we can control or conceal. But the quill is connected to it, just as we are. It's… complicated, and you're not meant to know the details just yet. Don't ask me why; just trust me, for now."
I touch the space in my chest with my fingers. It's cold, even though it pulses red and feels like molten lava inside me. A mystery, huh? I guess every story needs one. Maybe that's why Big Boss keeps it secret.
I try not to dwell on it for too long. I squat next to Roxy; her breathing is steady, deep—she's in a trance. Only now do I notice how cute and peaceful she looks while sleeping.
Please don't take me for a weirdo. I don't usually go around calling girls cute in their sleep—it's just… well, it's only happened a few times, okay?
"What would happen if I used my quill in this state?" I ask Big Boss. The quill is still fused to my finger; I never canceled it.
"As you've noticed, the effects change depending on how you hold it. The simplest way is to write in the air with your quill, which you've already figured out. It's a harmless technique, capable of rewriting or influencing characters without them ever noticing. The effects can be temporary or permanent, but you can't cross the line and kill them this way, unless, of course, you make them choose to die. Think of your quill as the string, and the characters as puppets."
I rest my chin on my palm, mind spinning with a million ideas for how I could change someone.
"So, can I rewrite their stats too? Or give them a system like mine? For example, a customizable window where they could pick their stats and track their achievements?"
"Yes and no." Big Boss's voice deepens, turning strangely serious. "The basic form is limited. You may grant them stats you can clearly see they already possess, but you can't exceed your own. No matter how creative you get."
"Meaning?" My curiosity spikes. I'm fully invested now.
"Meaning, only by growing yourself can you strengthen others."
"Who made such a stupid rule?" I roll my eyes. Looking at Roxy, I can't help but think maybe I could atone for what Powder and I did in the past. She really did seem hurt. If I could turn her into a powerful warrior without her ever realizing it, maybe I'd feel just a little less guilty.
"If you knew, you wouldn't be questioning it." Big Boss chuckles, suddenly in a better mood. What a strange creature.
Even if the answer leaves me unsatisfied, I don't push it. Some things are just better left for the future.
"So what about the quill in this form?" I ask, shifting the topic. I move my finger, tracing the outline of a chair; picturing something with plush cushions and a royal design. Moments later, it materializes, and I sink into it, making myself comfortable.
My eyes wander to Roxy, thinking about how much she's changed over the years, and that massive axe of hers. It's enough to send me drifting back through memories, both good and bad.
"If you use the quill in this form, you could completely erase a character, or replace them with someone else. Your imagination is the limit. Any character outside the main plot becomes your playground: make them love you, serve you, become your warrior, your teacher, your parents. Whatever you want, you can make it happen. But remember: they'll never be the same again. Use this power carefully… unless you're willing to lose the ones close to you. Forever."
Those words hit deep. Really deep—like something heavy thudding into my chest. Just thinking about what could happen if this power ever landed in the wrong hands, or if I ever lost control…
"I see…" I cancel the quill, holding it between my fingers in its simplest form. "There are people in this life I'll never change; they're important to me just as they are." I write in the air above Roxy's head.
{Forget what happened in the last ten minutes. You suddenly felt dizzy and passed out.}
The text floats for a moment before dissolving into the air. Success. Now all that's left is to wake her up.
"You're not going to wipe her memory of… you know, your body?" Big Boss asks from the side, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"If I can't be honest with my friends, what's the point of friendship? Maybe I can't reveal everything yet, but at least I can tie the quill to something simple—a bit of magic, the awakening of a farmer who always wanted to write. Maybe I'll only ever show them my scythe… Yeah, that sounds good." My heart thumps with a new rhythm, and I can't help but smile.
"And the gem in your chest?"
I pause. "Let's just say I had the weirdest encounter with a goddess and somehow became a hero. Just a little white lie. Those are okay, right?" I grin at Big Boss floating nearby, then I remember that there's still one more person I need to face.
I write again in the air.
{Powder forgets the past ten minutes. He tried to get into the room, but it was locked. He went to look for a key, then heard the click of the door, and is now rushing back to help Quill.}
The letters vanish into the distance. Moments later, I hear a familiar voice echo through the hall.
"Quill! I'm coming to rescue you!"