Mathew spent the rest of the evening resting and planning out his next few days of tasks to do. People to talk to, things to buy, and information to gather. It was daunting, but he found enjoyment in what was to come.

It wasn’t fighting. It wasn’t mentally hoping that the next obstacle wouldn't kill him. It was all social interactions, something he missed.

Spending two whole months more or less alone wasn’t healthy for him. He knew if it wasn’t for Agnox and running into the occasional person, he would have gone mad. His mind went to Zachary, the current highest level person in the world. The fact he was alone made Mathew question his sanity, or lack thereof.

Mathew’s first priority was talking to the technomancer, and personally figuring out his goal. If Mr. Melton was making a mountain out of a molehill, he was going to have a different conversation with his supposed second in command.

Cherry was spending all of her time with Dr. Garcia when she wasn’t in Mathew’s home resting. Agnox was gearing up for something special, but wouldn’t tell Mathew. He trusted the imp to not cause problems. He stressed for him to rank up sooner than later.

Mathew felt the imp was far more than ready. He didn’t want him to acquire yet another Axiom, gaining his first was a terrible pain for him, and he was considering preventing Cherry from getting her own.

Agnox ensured he had nothing to do with an Axiom. He already increased his Axiom of Embers to Beginner rank, and wasn’t planning on gaining any more like Mathew was. “I think I know how I want to do this, it’s what you want, Boss. I’m here to be your sword.”

With those two doing their own things, Mathew hopped on his personal golf car sized car and drove over to the east side of Blue Oaks.

The old air base was turning into a thriving town. No drastic changes had happened, but Mathew knew there were plans to tear down old buildings and put up new ones. Including using empty space. The old air strip that was used for small planes sat out in the open, used as a training area for Henderon’s soldiers.

The east side of the base was the most open. Some people had set up tents or drove RV’s to the area so they didn’t have to share rooms or sit in tiny crapped military dormitory rooms. Several people waved at Mathew as he drove. Smiles showed when they saw him.

A few tried to stop him to talk, but he said he would be visiting with people after a few important errands. A few guards saluted him, which he didn’t return at first, but realized he was technically their commanding officer, and returned a crude version back.

When Mathew reached the east side, he saw a group of ten people sitting together with one person in the center talking to them all. His entire left arm was metallic and a small turret sat on the ground behind him.

They all looked toward him as he rolled to a stop. Mathew got out and looked them all over. He didn’t recognize any of the faces. They all had mixed emotions when seeing him. Most were that of confusion or unexpectancy.

The man in the middle however smiled. “Well, I didn’t think you were back yet.” His voice was higher pitched than Mathew would have thought from the man.

“I finished the World Quest early. Then I spent the last two days catching up on sleep. Not easy sleeping when you have Apprentice ranked monsters roaming around.” Mathew said as he walked closer. He noticed the turret was following his movements. It was a small robot, with six legs under it.

“I hope you are not here to try and remove us like your fill in did. That would be against your laws.”

Mathew shook his head, “Not at all. I like to personally meet with people. I’m new to the whole leader thing, and I see no reason to have you as an exception. Why don’t we talk privately. I have an office and can brew up some tea.”

The man considered the offer. “Why?” He asked.

“Why not? All I know is second hand claims. You probably know this, but I used to be an attorney for unhappy couples. Knowing the facts is typically easier to do my job then, and now. People lie when they don’t like the other person. Doing anything they can do to soil their reputation as payback.”

The man looked at the people who were sitting around him. “Well, color me surprised. Here I thought you would try to kick us out.” He chuckled, but Mathew could tell it was forced. “Sure, Mr. Mathew. I’ll be delighted to talk to you.”

Mathew drove them to the large office building and up to his own office. Inside he noticed it was clean and had new accommodations. Primarily a mana fueled light and a mana powered tea pot. Nice cups and homemade tea bags were ready to be used.

“Oh I wonder if that old lady made these tea bags.” Mathew thought as he put on a pot to boil.

The man sat down on a leather chair. “Nice office. No throne?”

“It’s still being built. I wanted to use jade instead of cliche gold.” Mathew jokes. “What’s your name by the way? Everyone refers to you by other given titles. Like Tarnic or Technomancer.”

“Tarnic? What kind of derogatory word is that?”

Mathew looked back at him, “Apparently it’s a term for those who follow gods of technology versus ideals or magic like the typical cleric or priest.”

“No shit? Huh, I like it. Tarnic Hugh. That’s my name by the way, Hugh Musslof.”

“Mathew McGonald. However, I assume you knew that.” Mathew replied.

“So, what’s your game? I know you were lying about just talking to me. Threats? Tricks? Paying me out?”

Mathew shook his head, “I think you misheard me. I said I wanted to talk over some tea. Why would I lie about that?”

“Because I’ve been preaching that you are failing as a leader, and that you are ignoring the Truth of Machines.”

Mathew noticed how he said ‘Truth of Machines’. It was like how one referred to Axioms. “What makes you think I am ignoring them?”

“It’s no secret you removed an entire group of those who hate magic and what it’s doing to our world. I see very little technological advances.” He gestured to the mana light hovering in the air.

“Yes, but we are in infancy. You should know the leader of that techno group is a part of Blue Oaks. He’s still not fully trusted, but he is around.”

“Hidden away in his own home, never around without someone watching him.” Hugh said with a roll of his eyes.

“You expect me to trust everyone? Especially those that lied or even refused to work with me originally?”

“Like that other guy you killed? Didn’t want to work with you, so you killed him?”

The pot of water started to whistle, and Mathew poured tea as he talked. “The same man that was greedy for power, and his perception of reality was warped by a terrible past. I have been nothing but kind, respectful, and wanting a seamless transition of unity between people. Our universe is vast. Something you might be keen on, given you are chosen by a God.”

Hugh shrugged, “Maybe. Maybe not.”

Mathew handed him a cup of golden colored tea. “Here you go.”

Huge took it, but didn’t drink from it. Mathew took a long sip and basked in the explosion of bitter flavor. “Oh yea, this is good stuff.”

“So, for your question of ‘why’ Mr. Hugh, I don’t want to cause fights. I don’t want to alienate one group of people right now that seemingly doesn’t have any bad intentions. You don’t plan to shame people for not using technology, are you?”

Hugh pursed his lips, “Not directly. No.”

“Then I see no problems for you to do as you have been. Keep it civil, and don’t cause problems. If you need anything, talk to the right people, and if it can be done, it will be. Not for free, you can’t ask for a million UC and be granted it, obviously.”

“What about an area for us technologically focused people? You have a crafting area for the magic people, why not something for those of us who don't want to use magic?”

Mathew considered the question. “Far as I am aware, The Workshop is for any type of craft, although focused more on metals than other things. I don’t think you could make leather there.”

“But it’s all fueled by mana and magic.”

“Everything uses mana now. Even the guns I’ve seen use mana to fuel their attacks.” Mathew said.

Hugh crossed his arms and huffed, “That’s the thing nobody sees. Electricity still exists. Magic is that, magic and unreliable. You can’t trust a spell, but you can trust good old steel. Trusted it before magic existed, and I still trust it now.”

Mathew was getting annoyed with Hugh. “Alrighty Mr. Hugh. If you want to set up an area, I will start the paperwork. That includes you taking care of it, the people who utilize the area, and ensuring nothing goes wrong. Anyone is free to use it, no baring magic users. It won’t be right away, a week or two at most.” Mathew wrote down a note to remind himself.

“What if I want to bar out magic users?” Hugh asked. “Or build it however I want.”

“You are free to do so, however if you want to turn away business, that is your prerogative. There will also be a tax, so I suggest you charge people to use it, or take donations.”

“Don’t see people paying to use the magic one. That one taxed?”

“No, because it’s owned by Blue Oaks, not an individual. Same for why the hospital is free for the most part, and people are allowed to keep their own homes right now. Once we start expanding, and if people want their own homes or land, we are going to tax them.”

Hugh grumbled, “That simple?”

Mathew nodded, “I want to try to keep it that way. If anyone gives you problems, you let me know. Prove the magic users wrong. Which leads me to a follow up topic, your God.”

“What about him?”

“Gods are magic are they not? So why follow one?”

“God is a loose term I would use. I’m one of the few chosen to represent him. From what I can tell, he hates the title ‘God’. He prefers the one he wanted before The System fucked him over, Master of Machine.”

“You or he won’t have problems with other Gods or Masters or anything like that? We have statues to the bigger gods.” Mathew said, fishing for information.

“Eh, so long nobody messes with me, I don’t care. Was never too big into religion. Kidna fell out of it after some time. This isn’t like how it used to be. The big guy is a bit more responsive.”

“Excellent.” Mathew said as he finished his tea. Hugh still didn’t drink any of it, which Mathew found somewhat rude. If a host offers you something, and you take it, at least try it.

“That's it? No threats? No contracts? I was told you use contracts or something weird like that.”

“I do, and there will be a contract for your workshop. Nothing too crazy, just legal work to officiate it is all.”

“Seems too easy. I was getting ready to start a small squabble to get you to lose face.”

“Why would you resort to that?” Mathew questioned.

“Bald guy with the beard kept trying to kick me out. Says my representation of my God wasn’t allowed here.”

Mathew slowly exhaled through his nose, but kept a neutral face. “You mean Mr. Melton?”

Hugh snapped, “That’s the guy.”

“I’ll speak to him personally. So long as you don’t cause problems Hugh, then you are free to do as you wish. Something you are already aware of.”

“Those laws of yours are good, but can be used against you in the right way.” Hugh said with a chuckle and stood up. “I’d change them so the bad guys can’t use them against you. And I mean the real bad guys. Those that are going around becoming tyrants.”

Mathew stood up as well, “Don’t worry. If anyone causes any real problems, then I’ll take care of them swiftly. I’m in charge for a reason.”

Hugh was escorted out of the building by a nearby guard. Mathew shook Hugh’s hand, and he was sent off.

Mathew turned and walked down the hall and opened Mr. Melton’s office door. He found it empty, and clicked his tongue in thought. He went downstairs to one of the people assigned to help manage Blue Oaks. After asking around, he learned Mr. Melton was home with his family for the day.

He then drove over to the man’s house, not wanting to wait to talk to him. He knocked on the door to see a young boy open the door. “Oh shit, you're Mathew.”

“John, I did not just hear you swear!” Mr. Melton shouted from further into the home. The boy winced and muttered, “stupid super hearing.”

Mr. Melton walked into view and shooed away his son. “Mathew? Why are you here?”

“To talk, Melton. Your choice of scenery, I suggest not here.” Mathew said with an edge to his voice.

Mr. Melton raised an eyebrow, but nodded and closed the door behind him. “We can just talk out here.”

“Fine. What is your intention of how I handle the Technomancer?”

“Kick him out obviously. Somehow.” Mr. Melton said with crossed arms. “He’s trying to remove you from being in charge because you won’t allow technology. Obviously that’s a lie. He’s only after the Hearth Crystal, I’m sure of it.”

“That’s it? Just because you think he can take it away from me?”

“If he has enough people, he could vote you out, your law.” Mr. Melton said with a slight shrug. “Better we squash this problem now before it festers and grows.”

“Melton. Listen to me very carefully.” Mathew said with narrowed eyes. “I do not tolerate being lied to. If you recall our own little deal is to keep my best interests. I ensure your family is safe. Do you recall that?”

Mr. Melton’s face remained stone cold. “What are you implying here Mathew?”

“That I know why you want him gone. And I am not here to play whatever games the Gods have involved you in.” Mathew’s voice held a hint of power, enough to be felt, but nothing more than that. “I don’t want people holding strings attached to me. I’m a free man, who chooses his own road to walk down. So, if you want to play games, then don’t involve me. Are we understood?” Mathew glanced at the house, then back to Mr. Melton.

“If you are threatening my family-”

“I’m doing no such thing.” Mathew cut him off. “I’m ensuring you are playing for me, and not someone else. I’ve handled Hugh and what he wants. If you push the problem, I will solve it on all sides.”

Mr. Melton crossed his arms, “That it?”

Mathew said nothing more but returned to his cart and drove off. He saw Melton shrink in the mirror, watching him drive off.