Slave 306: The Witch

"Status."

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Name: Ellena Lumbert

Age: 17

Sex: Female

Title: [Cursed Child]

Fear Level: 1

Fear Experience: 02/50

Fear Points: 0

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Ellena had never seen anything like this before. I know it's because it doesn't exist in this world. This world has its own power system, and it is runes. At the age of ten, every awakened child has a rune on their right hand.

Runes are classified into 4 grades. The first one is, at the very least, a production rune. A rune that enhances your ability to perform production tasks. The second and third most important close-combat runes are people who have these can be talented in close-combat. The mage's rune is the third and second most important thing. They are people who can use magic. But magic also has its own mechanism, which is not part of my knowledge. And the last, but the most significant is the leadership rune. Leadership can be a rewarding role for individuals who can control people if they submit to them. And why is it the most important thing? Because they can borrow people's runes.

Ellena's rune is unique. No one had ever seen her rune, so she was deemed to be trash even more. Her rune is me, the system. System Rune has its own mechanism, and it is to defy logic. You can learn things in a split second, you can gain knowledge, and, most importantly, their powers cannot be measured.

I don't really know this world's level of understanding. They lack curiosity. They use their fear to judge new things and assume things immediately.

"The system has been activated... fear points are being collected..." I spoke in a monotone tone and informed Ellena of my current situation.

In my system, I collect fear points. The more they fear Ellena, the more points I get and improve her. Which is... really convenient... but annoying.

Why would they want Ellena to become a demon in the eyes of people? Was it because of this that she was labeled as a cursed child? Is this the reason why her hair is black? To be feared by people.

Why would they make my Ellena suffer more? Can't she receive love? If no one wants her, I will be the one to love her.

The light from Ellena's rune alarmed everyone. Everyone on the job site was terrified. The guards started gathering and forming. The slaves, on the other hand, are also scared.

This is convenient, yet annoying...

I am finally starting to keep up with my job. I can see people with a fear of Ellena and it seems that those with a fear of her have a ball of red above their heads. And those red balls, which were just the size of a fist, started to approach me.

More guards started to appear. As the light in Ellena's rune doesn't stop, their faces show more fear. Is this because of the rune dampener? I see...

The slaves' runes are deactivated by the rune dampener around their necks. So, this light means that their dampener doesn't work.

Of course, it won't work, because they don't know what to do with it. I am unique. They won't know the proper commands and conditions to deactivate me. After all, I had already existed prior to her birth.

Yes!

As more fear points appeared, I became more excited. I can feel the power, the capability, that has been added to Ellena. The light is being fueled by their fears. And it is superb. Give us more!

The guards pointed their weapons at Ellena. There are no mages, apparently, because all of the guards are close-combat rune owners. They can't defeat us, because the appropriate power that can be exchanged for this number of fear points is magic. And close-combat is weaker than magic.

As the light got stronger, they gathered together, forming a circle around Ellena. Ellena just has this powerless look on her face, as if she trusts me. Her expressions didn't have any emotions. Those... are just... tired eyes...

"You don't deserve this, Ellena. I'll take you all the way to the top. Let's do it together. Make use of me." I tried to console her, but all she gave me was a sad smile.

"I can't. I can't become the thing they fear. "

You're so soft, Ellena. But I don't like it. I can still take it. I know you're still mediocre at facing reality.

"Yes, you can. And you will." I added.

With those words, I caught her attention. She was ruminating on her deepest thoughts. On the other hand, guards are readied and not approaching her.

"But no one will love me if I become an evil person."

Her melancholy words. Her tone and manner of speech are just like those of children who are neglected on the streets. I can't take this. And I will promise it...

"There will be. And there's always one if there won't. It's me. Those who deserve your kindness should feel your love. And those who don't, should feel your power and fear you. "

I'm sorry, Ellena. But this is convenient. You won't change if I don't tell you the truth. The reality... if you can't face it, I don't have any choice but to feed it to you.

I felt that there were no points to be collected. I calculated the fear points and announced them to Ellena.

"Fear points... 60. You can use your points to gain abilities. " I reported.

But as the lights were turned off, the guards slowly approached her.

There's no time to be wasted.

"Exchange the points, Ellena. I propose that lightning manipulation costs 50 points. "

Ellena was just lightheaded. She didn't know what to do. But I can observe it, so I just need to tell her what to do.

"Exchange for Lightning Manipulation."

Yes!

I started the process right away, and a book with the width of a folder and as thick as an average palm appeared in my field of view. I searched for the ability Ellena had just said, and a tiny ball emerged as I pulled the word from the book. And in a fragment of a second, I found it and applied it to Ellena. By putting it in her head, she can get the ability.

50 points for this ability. It's a huge amount, but still helpful.

"Status update. Ellena, to use the ability just chant "Lightning Manipulation" and think of a thread as if you're swinging it. "

"Mhm!"

Now that I've already installed it for her, she can control it more easily.

"Lightning Manipulation."

Just after Ellena chanted, lightning formed from her finger. The energy of lightning became malleable for her. It moves like a thread and when it hits the guards, it electrifies them.

The pupils just turn upward by just hitting them. They seem to be lacking in lightning resistance. They can really fight in close combat, but their resistance to magic is weak. Being just touched, burnt them.

More lightning emerged in the area. As the energy intensifies, the rocks on the ground tremble and some iron sand floats. The surroundings that were just dark a moment ago before my activation, are now filled with blue light. Flashes and thunderous impacts have the potential to deafen everyone who hears them. Everyone was screaming, and it echoed through the whole site.

After freely moving through the lightning, the slaves were left in awe. Their eyes were shaking and another point emerged on top of their heads.

"Slave 306... You're a witch..." Those were the trembling words of the slaves.

As the guards were already down, the other slaves took it as an opportunity to escape. But Ellena just stood still. A pleased grin appeared on her face.

That's it. Smile, Ellena. You're finally free.

"I'm a witch..." Her trembling lips spoke those words.

"You're not a witch, Ellena. You're just a sweet child, neglected by your parents. Now, move, become free and get revenge on those slave traders. You should take this chance to get your life back again. Remove this slave choker."

"Yes, I will. But who are you? Why are you helping me?"

For a moment, I couldn't answer her question. It was as if I hadn't been given any information.

I just have to form a relationship between us. As I am a system for her, to guide and support her... Even the world turned away from her...

"I am Aaron... and I am your only ally."

These words... I'm sorry, Ellena, but this is the only way to help you face reality.