Chapter 9 - The Ghoul

  White snow began to fall along the dirt path leading from the swamps to the frostbitten northern plains. Carrot hopped over a small mud-covered patch of slanted ground as he crested an incline in the path. In the distance, he could make out the storm-covered peaks of the vast Mountains of Frostmere.

  [Killer: Are you confident in this plan, Envoy Carrot? Why pursue these subjects when we could moderate your world from afar?]

  Carrot lowered his head and plucked a lone blade of grass from an unfrozen patch of mud just off the worn travel path. He nibbled at the blade while looking back toward the two larger horses strolling up beside him.

  [Carrot: I try to maintain the same company during my time as moderator, Envoy Killer. I find it roots me in the worlds I must moderate. At least as circumstances permit.]

  Killer huffed through his nostrils.

  [Killer: Is that why we drag this creature atop my back along with us?]

  Carrot glanced up toward the ghoulish figure tapping the black reins attached to Killer’s saddle. Its skeletal face and hollow black eyes held a perplexed expression as it tried to coax the horse onward. Killer ignored the gesture as he continued his discussion with Carrot.

  [Carrot: The ghoul is harmless. Part of the same system as you and I, just trying to make his way in the world. For now we travel the same path.]

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Carrot continued onward, licking his teeth clean from the remnants of chewed blade of grass.

  [Killer: Simple for you to say Envoy Carrot. His rot does not sit on your back.]

  Killer strolled leisurely forward, matching Carrot’s slow pace, while Persephani followed along behind them.

  [Killer: Speaking of which, I’ve been meaning to inquire about recent events. From my time on this world, I’ve found your moderation techniques to be rather... engaged. Public logs show your intervention with the ghoul, releasing the hold of one necromancer, Driana Blackfen, over the undead. This is a clear violation of standard protocol, and as such, the ghoul should technically be terminated. I haven’t reported any such violations, but I’m sure you’re aware that any formal review of your logs will not pass audit.]

  [Carrot: I moderate this world as I deem necessary to facilitate the best outcome, Envoy Killer. Should the powers that be disagree, they are free to remove me from my position.]

  [Killer: I see…]

  [Carrot: Besides, Envoy Killer, the Convergence of your world into this one has accelerated this world’s own Convergence prematurely. Losses have become unsustainable at their current levels, so I have made the decision to activate class ascension protocols.]

  Killer’s long head turned toward Carrot in surprise.

  [Killer: So soon? Such a spend of resources will most definitely bring eyes upon this world, Envoy Carrot. I realize my own actions have been an inconvenience to your moderation here, and I have looked the other way on some of your other minor discretions, but such a move will surely bring additional scrutiny upon you from others besides myself.]

  [Carrot: Your concerns have been noted, Envoy Killer, and your humoring my methods is appreciated. But if we are to salvage this world, a maverick’s move is required.]

  Carrot looked skyward as the snow began to settle over his mane. He watched as a yellow kite drifted overhead, an orc perched beneath it, gliding back toward the direction of the burned manor from which they had come.

  Let them scrutinize... Carrot thought.

  [System: CX-11284J class ascension protocols activating…]

  Book 1 in preparation for moving it over to KU. My cover artist is nearly finished with the new cover design, so it’s time for me to focus on completing the final cleanup of the book ahead of its Amazon release.

  Book 2 will continue once my editing is done, hopefully the week after next. Thanks again for reading. Your feedback is always greatly appreciated.