Interlude: Set's Champion
He was always there, watching her. No matter where SHE went, that cursed figure haunted her darkness. Even when SHE was in asleep, even when SHE was in Dynasty, he was there. Watching her.
He called her his investment and SHE had come to accept that title. Was it any worse than her previous circumstances? SHE was a collared dog, but if her wish could be granted, she would gladly wear his chains.
"One might think you were unhappy with me," the phantom of her master spoke.
SHE ignored him for a moment, aiming her pistol at the monster behind it. "Fire Shot!"
The bullet erupted with blue fire, bringing the monster's health down to zero. It shattered and the reward screen appeared, informing her of another level up. SHE dismissed without another thought.
"Why are you angry at me?" the phantom asked. Even in this virtual world, he couldn't leave her be. "Have I not given you everything that I promised? Once we win, I will even grant your wish."
"You say that like you're acting out of generosity," SHE said, holstering her pistol. "As I recall, this is a contract. Don't act like you're doing me a favor."
"I am doing you a favor."
"For a price. That isn't a favor."
"It was my power that allowed you to log onto the European Server with a North American character. You wanted to see your enemy and I obliged."
Behind him, the Wendigo Wild Boss appeared at last. SHE pulled the rifle off out. "Athena and that boy are your enemies, not mine. This is just another job."
A better-paying job than her last, but a job nonetheless. There were times SHE feared that he had his claws into her more completely than SHE could imagine, but those were moments of weakness. If there was anything her parents and her clients taught her, it was to never be weak.
SHE was bound by his contract, but he was bound just the same. SHE was no puppet. SHE refused to be anyone's puppet, not even the gods. But there were times SHE couldn't shake the feeling that SHE was dancing to his tune.
Yet he could not lie to her. However, those that could not lie found worse ways to screw you over. SHE learned that lesson with a hot piece of metal. It was a lesson she would never forget.
"I was even punished for interfering with the game that much," Set's phantom continued. "Just altering your account and changing it back get me in hot water with Athena and Zeus, you know. I did that for you. I suffered punishment for you. The least you could do is be thankful."
Set was her patron. He was her guarantor, her lifeline in this coming war, but he was not to be trusted. Set reminded her of her worst client, a man... No, a creature that would do anything to get what he wanted. Even if it meant screwing her over.
SHE would never trust him completely, nor would she thank him. "Does Athena bother her champion as much as you do?"
Set laughed. It was a cruel sound. "No. But her champion does not wear so many chains."
SHE grit her teeth. The sound of his voice was grading. "Go awake. If you want me to level up, then leave. You're distracting me."
The Wendigo roared.
***
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