2 The Reveal

"Roland, this world and your actions here are all part of a story", said Steven.

Roland was taken aback. "Huh, what do you mean?" he stuttered.

"Your life is all described in a novel. Everything you have done is a story meant for entertainment. I have read this story and thus know everything about you. Your original name was Chen Yan. I know about your current plans, and I know about what will happen in the future." Steven smiled at Roland. "I can tell you all about what will happen."

Roland sat in silence as he thought about what Steven had said. It seems the infinite universe theory is correct. Still, it was rather off putting that he was fictional. "Wait, you said you know what happens in the future? Could you tell me about it?"

Steven told Roland everything he knew as Roland listened. "The story hasn't finished yet, so I don't know how it all ends", said Steven.

Roland rubbed his forehead as he thought through what he had just heard. He was glad that his plans had proceeded well, but there were so many challenges awaiting him. The Third Battle of Divine Will is his main challenge. The demons were not as simple as he thought and he would have to accelerate his plans. Fortunately, he now knows about the Taquila witches. The fact that there were survivors of Taquila other than Agatha was shocking to him. He hoped to get into contact with them sooner, but it would be difficult to find them. Knowing about the future witches was helpful, but a minor matter. What caught his attention the most was the information about the church. So this organization that hunted down witches was actually founded by witches and is even now led by a witch named Zero. If their goal was also to stop the demons, then perhaps there would be room to negotiate. The only issue was, the church was wasting valuable resources by killing off witches to make God Punishment Warriors. Roland was determined to save the witches and free them from persecution so he could not abide by their current policy.

Steven told Roland, "You have done very good work here. The standard of living has increased drastically and you have ended centuries of social conflict. You are a very good leader and I hope to help you in aiding humanity and allowing the people of this world to attain greatness."

"I appreciate your help", Roland told Steven. "Do you have anything else to tell me?"

"I think that will be all for today", Steven replied.

Roland told Steven, "I will arrange for you to be given a room in the castle. Your living needs will be provided to you."

After Steven thanked Roland and left the room, Roland asked Nightingale, "Did Steven lie at all when he was talking to me?"

"No, he did not tell any lies. But I couldn't understand a word he was saying." Nightingale looked confused. "How were you able to talk to him?"

"Gather the others", Roland said. "I have an important announcement to make."

"You still didn't answer my question." Nightingale seemed displeased.

"You will find out when all the others do", Roland replied.

Nightingale pouted before vanishing into her mist.

************************************************************

The witches were all gathered together. They were whispering to each other, trying to find out if any of the others knew what was going on. When Roland came into the room, they all quieted down.

Roland began speaking to the witches gathered in front of him.

"The time has finally come for me to tell you all about myself. You see, I am not from this world."

Murmurs of shock were heard throughout the room.

"I am from a much different world, one without magic. A world where mankind relies on technology. All of the advancements I have made are a result of my knowledge. One day, I found myself in the body of Roland Wimbledon. The old Roland is gone, and I was the one to replace him."

Tilly spoke up, "Does that mean that you are not actually my brother?"

"Yes, I am not the brother you once knew. I am a completely different person", Roland sighed. "But as for the rest of you, I am the Roland that you have always known."

The other witches seemed to accept this fact. Tilly stewed for a while before saying, "Although I am a bit sad that my original brother is gone, he wasn't a good person at all. After getting to know the new you, I will be proud to call you my brother."

Roland felt relieved.

Suddenly, Anna asked "Why are you only telling us this now?"

"Today, a person named Steven appeared in Neverwinter. He is from the same world I am from."

Roland decided not to tell them that they were all fictional because he was worried they would react negatively.

The assembled witches asked a few more questions. After they were satisfied, Roland returned to his room. When he had settled down, Nightingale suddenly appeared.

"Do you trust that person?" Nightingale asked?

"Yes", Roland nodded his head affirmatively. "I believe that he can be counted on to help protect Neverwinter and advance our cause."

"What did you two talk about?", asked Nightingale. "You two talked for an awfully long time."

"Uh, we just talked about stuff, you know. About our old world and where he was from. Stuff like that". Roland waved her off.

Nightingale gave him a look. Roland asked, "Is there anything else?"

"You do know that I know that you are not telling me everything, right?" said Nightingale, still looking at Roland.

"Its confidential, nothing that you need to know right now", Roland said.

Nightingale sighed before disappearing again.

Roland ruminated about what had happened today. The new information was a huge boon and he needed to take advantage of it. He had some plans for the future and planned to talk about it with Steven tomorrow.