Building a magic system on threat of destruction

While Plexion was still reeling from the revelations in front of him, Jimmel continued speaking, completely unaware of his internal panic. "Glad to hear we have a spellcaster of some renown among us. Most of the people around here are just your average joes." He glanced apologetically at the people around him. "No offense."

The group around him all shrugged, seemingly indifferent. Everyone knew that Plexion was one of the greatest mages in the world...or he had been anyway. The late king of all demons didn't quite buy it though, at the very least his escorts had seemed a bit too capable to be random civilians. Plexion smiled, hoping his distrust didn't show. "Well, I'd love to help out. What sort of things do you have going on around here?"

Jimmel grew serious. "Unfortunately, there isn't much to do...which is the problem. This place is too empty, and leaving people alone for too long starts to wear on the mind. We are trying to create jobs or activities for people to do, but there's only so many ways to fill the time." He gestured in a few different directions, and Plexion could see some groupings of people being pointed out. "We have scouts, entertainers, and teachers. They're all pretty self explanatory, but we'd love for you to pitch in wherever you're willing."

Plexion noticed that Jimmel didn't mention anything about leadership positions. It was possible that it was intentional, as Jimmel was clearly in charge around here. The whole camp seemed to revolve around him, and he carried himself like someone in charge. Well, Plexion didn't really want to be in charge anyway. So he smiled and asked if he could check out every team.

There was a level of trust given to Plexion, given his position in life and willingness to help. However, he could feel eyes on him no matter where he wandered among the people. He didn't fault them, instead throwing himself into the work. He knew how hard it was to be alone in this void, and the effects that it could have on a person. He spoke to the scouts and was reassured to find that they traveled in teams, never leaving each other alone. The entertainers ranged from storytellers to bards, sharing forms of entertainment with the camp. But where he found himself truly drawn to was the teachers.

The teachers consisted of older people, scholars, mages, workers, and religious figures. They actively shared their skills with everyone present, carefully explaining and teaching those around them. Plexion saw the wisdom in this, letting a person strive towards a goal was an excellent way to occupy their minds. None of the people gathered seemed to be well-known or especially skilled. They would be able to make a living in their chosen fields, but could only teach others to a certain extent.

Plexion asked to join them for a while, and they welcomed him eagerly. People from all over the camp flocked towards the teaching area and Plexion was sure to meet with every single one of them. Everyone that came to him asking about his history, he indulged. He also made sure to deflect them to the elders that knew more history, and the effects of laws and kingdoms. Those who came to him about magic, he taught. Every person walked away with a deeper understanding and a challenging lesson geared towards them in particular.

He spent long hours doing nothing but answering questions, demonstrating magic, and speaking to people. He was a storm of information, careful to show interest in every person while also directing them toward the other teachers. He didn't want to disrupt the flow of this camp and desperately didn't want the other teachers to lose their place because of him. It would be easy for the other teachers to lose their purpose if they couldn't teach, and they might lose sight of how to keep going.

Helping these people was not his only goal here, but Plexion found himself getting immersed in it regardless. Having something like this to fill his time was intoxicating. After so long with only minimal access to Jack for company, other people were like a balm to his soul. He let the work consume him, genuinely putting everything he had into connecting with others and trying to help them. Only once the rush had ended did he have a moment to collect himself. He pulled away from the crowd slightly, watching with satisfaction as people puzzled over the work he had given them.

Jimmel walked over to him, eyeing the crowd with a proud smile. "They're good people. Thank you for doing this much."

"No thanks necessary. I've tasted the nothingness this place has to offer, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone." He paused then, thinking of that murderous chef who had poisoned him. "Well, I might wish it on one person."

Jimmel seemed to understand the sentiment, and the two fell into silence. There was an awkward tension in the air, but Plexion did not want to act and spoil the good work he had just done. He knew what was coming, questions about the workstation, and about him. If Plexion had been alone all this time, he would have gone mad. Jimmel seemed to have a good thing going, but Plexion knew there was more going on than just this. Too many things were suspicious, or out of place.

Jimmel finally broke the silence between them. "You do good work. I'd like to keep you around if you're willing to stay."

The offer was kind...too kind. No explanation was called for, and there were no questions about anything. Plexion was suspicious, and yet...He looked at the smiling faces of the people around him. Men, women, children, bore-bots. People from every walk of life were here, all working together to survive something they didn't understand. He could help them and keep them safe from a problem he helped to create.

Plexion turned to the older man. "What would you do if I said no?"

Jimmel shrugged. "Nothing. We've had people walk away, as much as we tried to convince them otherwise." There was a sadness to his tone as if he believed whole heartedly that those people would be gone forever. "We want nothing more than to build something here, as best as we can. A place of safety and security." He gestured to the open white void before them. Aside from the people, it was bare and empty. "We don't have homes, or food, or land to work. But we have each other, and I can only hope that will be enough until the High Deity finds us."

The High Deity was a whole different can of worms that Plexion didn't want to open. But as far as these people went...could he help them and help Jack? He didn't want to abandon his partner and friend, and Jack needed someone up here to help him. Plexion sighed, he always had a knack for getting into more trouble than he should.

"I'd like to stay and help out. I'd never be able to forgive myself if I walked away from people in need."

Jimmel clasped his hands gratefully. "Thank you so much! I see that the rumors about the late king Plexion weren't exaggerated at all!"

Plexion smiled dryly. "I do have one request though." He shuffled a bit awkwardly. "I've met with Jack, the servant of the High Deity."

Jimmel gasped in surprise. "Really? Up here? Could you ask him to send the High Deity to us?"

Plexion shook his head. "It doesn't quite work like that. He can't summon the High Deity as he pleases. Jack has a base around here, it's around where your scouts found me. He's not there all the time but...he might be able to help you. He has powers, strange powers that even I don't understand. If your people can watch for him, then bring him here, I think I can get him to help us."

Jimmel considered the words as Plexion sweated nervously. There were a lot of aspects about Jack that Plexion didn't want to, or couldn't explain. He didn't want to leave and wait for Jack himself, but he needed to make a plan with his partner. Everything about the High Deity was obviously secret, but how would these people react to other things, like his appearance? He was human up here, but a bore-bot on the surface. There was all kinds of heresy waiting to happen there.

Jimmel finally nodded. "I'll ask one of the groups to patrol near there and keep an eye out for him. He won't hurt them or anything, will he?"

"Jack?" Plexion asked, surprised. "Nah, he's harmless...mostly." Plexion faltered slightly at the end of his sentence but managed to smile. "I give my word. If you treat him politely, he will come with you. Drop my name and he might even come looking for me by himself."

Jimmel stuck out his hand, and Plexion shook it. "Glad to have you on board, Plexion."

Plexion smiled, hoping dearly that this was the right call.