The humid air did nothing to soothe the itchiness of my sweat-soaked underclothes. Not good. We also needed water. How did people find water in the wilderness, anyway? I remember seeing some method using sticks to vibrate in a movie once but I don’t really remember how two random sticks would tell you where water was.

If it rained, the water problem would be solved but then the next problem, rupits, would appear. Not only were rupits the version of spiders in this world, they also had a bite that could inflict poison status. And of course, I did not have a single antidote or pancea.

A cool shiver went through me. Worry about them when the time comes.

Water. We needed water.

Who knew how long it would be before it rained? If it rained at all. The dark sky and humid air couldn’t be trusted.

I didn’t want to wander too far off the road and get lost in the wilderness. I also didn’t want to cut the edge off with potions. Potions were like taking energy drinks when you felt exhausted. They perked you up to a certain point but didn’t actually cure the ailment. Which in hindsight made sense. If potions could cure everything, why would disease or doctors exist?

All creatures and kin needed water, not just humans. So, wouldn’t they go towards water? If we followed some creatures, would they lead us to water?

Or would they hunt us instead?

After this was over, first priority is learning survival techniques in the wilderness. Fat amount of good game knowledge did for me at this point.

Oranhail was near the delta of the Nacell River, but how far was I from Oranhail? At least I knew if we got to the Nacell Bridge then we’d gone too far. Of course, getting that far would be the least of our problems at that point.

I rubbed my temple. Ever since I woke up my head throbbed. Did you know butt muscles could cramp? I didn’t until I started this ride. Worse, when one happened there was no easy way to get out of it! I suffered through until they would stop.

We had to keep going. I couldn’t live with myself if I failed and even more lives were lost.

Thunder boomed.

Both Gray and I jumped.

My heart throbbed in my chest.

At home, storms were something weathered indoors by warm fires with a hot berry cider.

The thunder shook bones out here in the open. Not a single tree to hide under (though I think that’s dangerous too!) or a stone hedge. When it rained, we were going to get the brunt of it.

The wind began picking up, teasing us with howling roars before quieting. Gray began to pick up his pace, no doubt also antsy with the shift in weather.

We still had two ethers left. If it rained, I could cast quickness on Gray again. That would give us the speed and hopefully keep any rupits from latching onto us for a good venomous chomp. I didn’t have two casts of quickness with a full mana reserve, though. Without hard numbers, I wasn’t sure how much of an ether bottle I could drink to fill it up to a second cast. It would be safer to cast once and wait for my natural mana reserves to fill up again.

But would that be enough to get us through the storm and rupits?

We’ll cross that bridge when we got to it. At least the rain would give us fresh water to drink.

Lightning crackled in the distance. Thunder followed shortly thereafter.

Squawk!

I rubbed Gray’s neck. “It’s okay, old boy. We’ll make it out of here fine.”

Unless we got inflicted with poison.

I remember hearing once the distance of a storm could be calculated by the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder, but I couldn’t remember the specifics. Typical of my previous knowledge. Enough to know that something exists without it actually being useful knowledge.

If only I had decided to read more books instead of play video games like that one anime I watched… Maybe I would be better equipped to handle this!

The winds began to mock us now, whirling and howling without cessation.

Stop teasing! If you’re going to storm, storm!

As though my words were an incantation, the first droplets of water hit my face.

I shuddered and tightened the grip on the reins. Here we go!

Every step the number of droplets increased until it became a torrential fall. I opened my mouth and caught rain inside. Water! Sweet, delicious, cold, water!

Between every mouthful I looked to the ground for rupits. In the game, the only ones that fought against humans were the largest variety, about the size of a medium dog in my old world. But they ranged from the size of a normal spider to that size in reality. No matter the size, their main diet involved ants, but the larger ones ended up also eating birds or lizards.

“Are you drinking too?” I asked Gray. No response. It’s not like he could understand me. If he wasn’t, maybe there would be a puddle he could drink from when the storm ended.

Thunder cracked.

Gray jumped.

Still no sign of rupits. Thankfully. Not like I wanted to see those bastards.

Gray seemed to handle the muddy terrain well. He didn’t wobble or seem to slip. Each of his long strides made a splashing noise. We were the only creatures out and about.

The wind changed and water droplets began slamming into our faces. I shivered. It stopped feeling refreshing and now felt like I cast ice upon myself. Pretty lame that ice element attuned could still feel cold. You’d think we’d have some sort of natural immunity to it.

I glanced down and saw little orange and green bodies moving along the terrain.

Rupits!

Small fry. As long as we didn’t run into any of the bigger fries…

What kind of creature has eight legs, anyway? Six made sense! Six weren’t scary! Neither were a hundred legs, that just looked silly! But eight? And the way they tiptoed and just barely touched your skin at different points, prick prick prick-ing about. I shuddered. I wish the game didn’t have the equivalent of spiders. Or at least, they would just stick to their habitats and I wouldn’t have to see them and they wouldn’t have to see me!

Squawk!

I flew in the air, sliding on mud, getting a mouthful of dirt. I spit it out and coughed. “Gray!”

Gray looped around behind me, doing that stupid stomping motion.

A rupit the size of a corgi lifted up two of its legs, fangs bared.

A rush of mana through my fingers. I directed the spell directly at those beady eyes and fangs. It exploded in ice. “Take that, you stupid rupit!” I had little time to celebrate my victory because Gray looked positively spooked. “Are you okay, Gray?”

He squawked and stomped the ground.

I rubbed his neck. “It’s okay! I got it! See?” I pointed back to where the rupit died. “Nothing to—”

Not just one giant rupit, two giant rupits! And one had a silver band on its legs! This was bad! The variant color creatures were always extra hard battles!

I climbed onto Gray with a speed I didn’t think possible and slapped his rear. “Go!” I screamed. Gray stomped the ground again, mud making thick schlooping noises with each stomp. I kicked my feet against his ribcage and slapped his rear again. “Go, now! Go, go, go!”

The rupits had their legs in the air. They were ready to strike! My ice spell wouldn’t kill the variant on a single shot. I needed to get Gray to move!

I slapped his rear again. “Hah!”

Nothing.

“Run, Gray!”

I looked back at the rupits. The variant’s legs twitched. He launched into the air, directly at me.

I screamed and poured out every last bit of mana I had to that flying body. It fell to the ground in a chunk of ice. The ice shattered and the variant shook its body. It’s legs raised high, fangs dripping.

“Gray, you stupid bird, go!”

Somehow, this time Gray started to move.

But the variant followed and his speed was nearly the same as Gray’s.

I reached for an ether. As I brought the bottle to my lips, thunder boomed.

Gray jumped.

The bottle slipped from my hands.

“No!” I yelled.

Just one bottle left. I couldn’t let this one go! We had to run away from the variant!

I brought the bottle to my lips and chugged. As I felt the energy return to my body, I began crafting the quickness spell. “Celeritas, please, help us!”

Golden light enveloped Gray’s feet.

I looked back.

The rupit kept up! Even with boosted speed and agility!

Are you kidding me?

No, these variant monsters weren’t a joke. High risk, high reward. But I didn’t ask for this encounter!

I couldn’t count on mana anymore. Once I finished the last of my current reserves, that was it. If it could keep up with Gray’s boosted speed, there was no way my sword skills could match.

What could I do? There was no save point reload after this game over!

I couldn’t fail! Amelie died so I could live! I promised her to warn King Yuri and the people of Oranhail! I couldn’t let some variant rupit take me out!

Think, Lucina, think!

We’re not getting out of this using our skills. There had to be another way.

Thunder boomed.

Thunder…

Lightning!

Lightning was attracted to metal! What if I held my sword in the air and tried to attract lightning?

Then it would strike me, not the rupit.

But the environment had to be a key. Creatures didn’t want to expend too much energy on a hunt. They would always go for the easy kill.

Then all we needed to do was find something more tantalizing for the variant to eat!

Where would we find something like that in the rain? Another idea turned to dust before it could take root.

The issue of the spell length mattered too. The buff wouldn’t last forever.

What about mud? What if I tossed mud at it? Then it would have to slow down to get the mud off!

How would I even gather mud to do that?

I had no other choice. When the buff wore off, we would have to fight.

I kept watch on Gray’s legs, watching the light fade. When it dimmed to a glow similar to fireflies, I withdrew my sword. Gray began to slow down to his normal running speed.

The rupit caught up to us. It latched onto Gray’s legs with its ugly legs and crawled up. I stabbed my sword down into its body. But as I tried to pull it back out, the sword hilt slipped from my hands in the rain.

It bared its fangs and hissed, mocking my meager attempts to kill it.

The sword did nothing to deter its wrath. If it bit me or Gray, it was one-shot kill!

I did the only thing I could do – punch it directly in its ugly eyes.

A loud pop startled us. The rupit fell to the ground. One of its eyes oozed an orange liquid. My sword still stuck out of its torso.

It was the rupit’s sword now. Congrats on the loot! I slapped Gray’s butt. Now, run!

I looked back to see if it still chased us.

It was clearly slowed, but still coming!

I could deal with slower! We may have a chance to get away now! “Good job, Gray! Let’s keep going!”

Crack!

A searing bright light!

Thunder shook my bones.

Gray jumped, deep squawking coming out more of a squeak.

The smell of burnt hair.

A loud hiss!

I looked back.

My sword, behind us, glowing red from extreme heat, each raindrop creating a hiss of steam.

No rupit to be found.

I pulled on the reins, stopping Gray.

It’s a good thing I decided the plan to hold my sword in the air to attract lightning was stupid. We’d be a big piece of fried chicken!

For some reason, that thought struck me as hilarious.

I laughed, and laughed, and laughed. My sides were in severe pain. I could barely breathe through the water and laughter. But I couldn’t stop. We survived, somehow, thanks be to Procella, god of storms. I wasn’t sure if the gods actually existed, but since there was magick, I figured perhaps I should thank them anyway, just in case. I wouldn’t want Procella getting upset and deciding we were fried chicken, after all!

The mental image of a god holding a giant piece of fried chicken sent me into another giggling fit.

Thankfully, Gray had the brain cell between us and continued moving forward.

When the clouds receded, a line of black remained on the horizon.

Could it be?

I gave Gray a potion. “Go!”

As he ran forward, the black line became thicker, until it was a line with arrow points sticking out.

It had to be…

Gray slowed down. I gave him half of a potion boost. The fact that the other potion wore off in mere minutes clued how exhausted Gray was. But it had to be! It looked close! Yet, as we kept moving forward, it didn’t seem to get closer. Did I just waste one and a half potions in my delusion?

When Gray’s trot became a normal walk, I didn’t press him. I just stared ahead at that black line with arrowheads, as if I could will it to reveal its true form.

When it became apparent those were the onyx spires of Oranhail cresting on the horizon, I thought I would feel elated. But I only felt numb. I couldn’t bring myself to push Gray any faster than a weary trot. We both were exhausted and hurting.

Would it be fair to let Gray go free after making it to the front gates as a reward for getting me there safely? Or was he already too dependent on humans to survive in the wild? Maybe I could give him to a family who needed a boba to tend their farm, one that would love and care for him better than I ever could. Where would I even find such a family?

The shimmering black castle would not look out of place in a gothic game, especially the ones about Dracula, but for the purposes of Dragon Fantasy XXIV, whose villains had stereotypical evil character designs, a black castle for an evil empire made sense.

Granted, at this point, it was just a black castle. There was a legend associated with it as well; long ago, when the Mother Goddess and Daughter Night fought, humans were sheltered inside the castle. Before the battle, the castle was white as clouds with spires as golden as the setting sun. But when the battle ended, the people stepped out to a castle black as night. The castle absorbed all the attacks from the Daughter Night and shielded humanity from certain doom.

This legend was never told in the game. I should have realized at the time that the game would lie to me about more than just silly castle legends. Maybe the slaughter of my family and people could have been prevented.

I still hadn’t processed their deaths. I hadn’t even cried. Would I ever cry? Did not crying make me a cold person? Did I really love them if I didn’t cry? Even now, all I felt in my chest was a persuasive numbness.

As we passed through the bridge into the city, I felt the gazes of others prickling my skin like the legs of a rupit. I hadn’t seen my reflection in days. I must look awful. Probably smelled awful too. Would King Yuri even see me in such a state?

He would have to. Who knew how long before the Porian army would arrive?

In the game, we only ever entered the Empire’s capital city during a dungeon segment. The castle in the game was cold, empty, and destitute.

This place breathed life. The clothing styles were vibrant and eclectic, owing to the mix of cultures living here. And the food stalls! My stomach growled and my mouth watered with the smells of all the vendors cooking everything to order. A beastkin thrust a kebab of grilled meat and melon towards me and it took all my willpower not to bite the thing off then and there.

I hadn’t eaten in days; a minute delay to get a morsel of food I could eat on the way to see the king would be okay, right?

I reached into my chest and pulled out the pouch of jewelry. I took the simplest ring, a silver band with a bright sapphire gem, and held it out to the beastkin. “Two, please.”

He crossed his arms. “I only take currency.”

“Can you barter this once?”

“These are worth far less than that ring.”

“I don’t care. I haven’t eaten in days.”

He frowned and took the ring.

“Can you make one solely fruit for my dear boba?”

Gray ate the entire stick of fruit in a single gulp. I could tell he wanted more, but it would have to do for now. Once I delivered the message to King Yuri I would give him a feast of whatever fruit and grain he desired.

The taste of the kebab didn’t register because I, too, ate to fill my belly more than enjoyment.

A wrought iron fence separated the castle grounds from the rest of the city. Two guards stood in front of the gate, one with black hair and the other with blonde. I didn’t really know how audiences with King Yuri worked, but in games all the player character had to do was stroll up to the castle and ask to be let in, so that’s what I’ll try.

I marched up to them and dismounted Gray.

“My name is Lucina Maelle, daughter of Duke Sera re Maelle of Xete. I must see his highness, King Yuri with haste. I have an urgent message to relay.”

The two guards looked at me with all the respect of a roach.

“Get lost, kid.”

“I am engaged to his highness, Prince Alexious. I come from Xete, which has been route by Poran. The Poranian army is on their way here now! We have no time to waste!”

The black-haired guard burst into laughter. “Poran? Invade us? I’d like to see those worms try!”

“They killed my parents and my people!” My body trembled with rage. “I demand to see King Yuri!”

The brown-haired guard kicked me in the stomach. “Scram!”

I clutched my stomach and vomited half-chewed chunks of meat and fruit.

Someone grabbed my hair from behind and pulled it back. Thick yellow teeth filled my vision, raining spittle on my face as he snarled, “Look at the mess you made. Eat it up.”

I reached back and grasped his hand.

Black veins appeared on his face, stretching to his eyes, dying them black. His jaw dropped open and he made gasping breaths.

“Let him go!” The other guard ordered, punching me in the face.

I fell into the puddle of vomit. The punch hardly registered as pain, instead, it was like he threw gasoline onto the fires of my rage. I’ll force my way in!

“I can’t see!” the guard cried out. “What did that brat do to me?”

The other one drew his sword. “It’s over for you.”

My fingers tingled, itching to summon their new dark power. “I am Lucina Maelle, daughter of Duke Sera re Maelle of Xete. You will take me to see King Yuri or you will end up like your friend.”

The gate opened. A tall man appeared behind the guard and pushed him aside. He wore a customized armor of dark navy steel accented with silver. A stylized sphynx was carved into the chest. But what stood out the most was his face. It was a mirror image of Emperor Alexious from the game. But Alexious was ten! What was going on?

“Drawing your sword on a child?” the man asked.

“She blinded him!” the guard responded. “The law allows for self-defense!”

“Are you honestly saying that a child threatens you?” He clicked his tongue in disgust. “She merely cast a blind spell. It will wear off in a few hours or you can go to the apothecary and use eye drops. Mind you, we will not supply those out of the castle funds. The fact that you even allowed yourself to be blinded by someone that young is a disgrace. Go to the barracks! You are both demoted back to basic training.”

He looked down at me and lifted a single brow. “Did I hear you say your name was Lucina Maelle? I seem to recall my younger brother mentioning that name before.”

That must be Teo!

Was my luck blessed by the Mother Herself or scorned?

I sank into a proper curtsy and began using the proper syntax of a bred noble. “Though we have not met, I recall my fiancé mentioning his older brother, Crown Prince Teo. I am honored to make your acquaintance, though I despair it is not in better measure.”

The corner of his mouth lifted. “You can speak like a noble, though that is not proof of your heritage.”

“Please forgive my haste, I must speak to your father. Poran has invaded Xete and they are marching towards Oranhail as we speak!”

“And you’re the sole messenger?”

“I barely made it here with my life!”

“You must understand my skepticism, being that you are a noble girl and yet somehow the only survivor.”

“My retainer sacrificed herself to help me escape.”

“And your attire?”

“I was trying to get to level 8 before my birthday.”

“Level 8? Lucina Maelle is the same age as my brother,” he scoffed.

“I’ve always been above average level! I was level three by the end of my baptism!”

He stroked his chin. “I did hear that Alexious’ fiancée had an exceptional magick stat. But a duchess, especially one engaged to a prince, would have no need to train as a soldier.”

“His highness, Prince Alexious, he can verify my identity!” I grasped his hand. “Before that, I beg of you, please prepare for Porian invasion!”

He said nothing and released my hand as though I were a slimy maggot.

“After my baptism, Prince Alexious and I snuck out of the party and were attacked by a crabeas!”

His face became solemn.

“His retainer is named Ricardo and he’s an older man with a stern face that never smiles!”

“What does Alexious look like?”

Why would he ask that question? I closed my eyes and tried to recall that face from several years ago. “He has golden curls the color of wheat, eyes the color of the ocean at noon, and a cherubic face that masks his devious heart!”

A sharp exhale.

I opened my eyes to see a Teo with a stoic expression but laughing eyes.

“I have never heard my brother described in such a poetic manner. But you are correct; that is what he looks like. As only nobles have been privileged to meet with him, I can be confident you are telling the truth.”

The relief made my legs turn to goo. I fell to my knees and buried my face in my hands.

“Rise, young Maelle.”

I struggled to stand up.

“I will take you to see Father. You can try to convince him of your story.”

Try to convince him? What part of me looks like a liar?

“What do I do about Gray?”

“I’ll let him graze inside the gates while you speak with father.”

I took the reins and lead Gray inside. “You behave, you hear?” I whispered. “I don’t want to get in trouble with King Yuri because of you!”

His feathers bristled as though I insulted him.

Teo hadn’t bothered to wait for me. I dashed to catch up with him. His long strides had me practically jogging to keep up.

Our feet tapped against the hardwood floors. The halls were huge and domed over us, with intricate carvings in the ceiling tiles, much in the same design as the ones back home. The walls were covered with various artworks in a realistic style, placed so close together it looked cluttered and uneven. But the way the sunlight filtered through the hallway windows cast a gentle aura upon the place and helped soothe my nerves. With each step, the stress faded to weariness and dread.

The few times we passed a servant or worker they stared at us, but Teo didn’t seem to pay them any attention. He led me up some stairs to a hallway beset with golden statues, each wearing a crown. These must be the past kings. I didn’t know whether to be impressed at the visual representation of a family tree or embarrassed that they were all clad in gold, making the display seem more gaudy than impressive.

He went to a white door inlaid with golden accents and opened it. “Father, we have an unusual visitor.”

King Yuri sat behind a huge mahogany desk covered in various parchment papers. He held a fountain pen in his hand and his pale fingers were crested in a deep royal blue ink. His brows furrowed. “Who is this?”

“The Maelle child.”

“Nonsense.”

I sank into the deepest curtsy I could manage, especially with chafed thighs. “I humbly request your audience, your Highness. I bring urgent news.”

He didn’t agree, but when he didn’t tell me no, I launched into the story of what happened. By the time I finished, he wore a stern expression.

“Xete is no more.”

“The Poran army is on their way. You must prepare for battle!”

He looked to Teo. “Send a scout and see if her story is true.”

My body trembled. “Why wouldn’t it be true? You think I would lie about something like this?”

“It would not be the first time a Maelle lied.”

“All those deaths are for nothing if you don’t act now!” I shrieked.

King Yuri fixated the same ocean-colored eyes as his sons, but the deep wrinkles around them created a spiraling whirlpool that drew you in and trapped you with coldness. His voice, low, steady, and with the arrogance of a man declaring himself a god, said something so horrid that I would never forgive in my lifetime.

“Xete is no more. Your noble house is gone. There is no political advantage to keep you, thus you will be considered an orphan from this moment on.” He glanced to Teo. “Get her out of my sight.”

After everything I did to come over here! The sacrifice of Father, Mother, Amelie, Captain Klaus, Weduri, and my people of Xete was reduced to a single dismissive gaze of a cruel king.

“If she has lied about Poran, kill her.”

Firing hot rage stifled my breathing. I may be a child, but King Yuri was old. He would pay. He would feel the rage of all those killed! My feet began to move of their own accord. My fingertips tingled. All I had to do was touch him…

“Now, now, we can’t be having you do something silly like that,” Teo said in a cheerful tone.

A sharp pain slammed against the back of my neck.

“Into the dungeon with you.”

His voice sounded a million miles away.

I sank to the ground.

The last thing I saw was that thin upper lip of King Yuri curled upward in disgust.