《Date of Dawn》


 Prologue

    The moon bathed a dirt road in light like a carpet. It extended further to a destroyed wagon, the carnage presented to any unfortunate passersby in stark relief. Blood and severed limbs dotted the highway, stuck somewhere in the long middle between towns.


    On a small hill overlooking the massacre, two brigands hurriedly scarfed down the food they had managed to scavenge from the wreckage. Normally they would have taken their blood-earned winnings further away, but neither had eaten for days. They were once a merry band of five, then it became whittled down to four. Soon after, they were halved to the two louses greedily tearing at bits of chicken skin and shaved meat. The sea wasn''t too far from where they were standing. They had camped by and bathed in the past two days. Now they were feeling the high of finally finding something to fill their bellies.


    Their lives were evidently not the most luxurious. After all, their fellow vagrants had up and died on them in the span of a single month, although they could find new mates soon enough. They would always find a way to survive because there was no other choice for them. Mothers may tuck their children in at night telling them stories about the monsters that patrol the roads beneath the stars, waiting to steal them away and be devoured. They were meant to be stand-ins for the real villains that sprung up, but their cautionary tales could never match the terror of reality: These were ordinary, simple men driven to an extreme.


    "Figures the first thing we come across in week couldn''t feed a rat!" said one.


    "What, you want to dine at the tables of royalty?" the other replied tersely. "March up to their castles, see how long before you get an arrow stuck in your throat. You won''t be able to swallow much then, eh?"


    "Ah, piss off, will ya?" The two could only communicate in barbs at one another. The life they led had diminished them to one fundamental aspect of their humanity: survival. Constantly on the lookout for the next threat, men like them take every opportunity to see if they can find a fight they can win, even with each other.


    "If only we were one of those Elf pricks, huh? The tree huggers have got it easy I tell ya."


    "And what, get up every morning to pray to some forest bitch? Nuh uh. I ain''t got the dedication to pull that off, in this life or the next."


    The first brigand grunted in agreement. "''It''s a shame, really. Not as if they want for much. If only us sorry saps could sustain ourselves off their planet energy or whatever."


    Licking his fingers, the second bandit shook his head. "Strange how they''ve managed to isolate themselves even more than they did before. The war musta done a real number on them."


    The first brigand seemed far more interested in digging out a stubborn piece of earwax but allowed his partner to continue on. This had been the longest the two had talked for some time. "Aye. I mean, just look at us, huh? If we''ve been driven to this, you''ve gotta wonder what they''re up to in their forest country."The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Out of everybody, Garesh got hit the hardest. Their royal family killed, government usurped and their princess still missing. So whatever they''re dealing with can''t be as bad as them. Hell, can''t be as bad as us either, I''d argue."


    As they were chatting, the men didn''t notice the quiet, crouching figure slowly making its way toward them. Slowly putting their hand on the hilt of their dagger, they cast a glance at the wreckage of the caravan. Composed and calculated, every step they took thereafter was fast as a bolt of lightning.


    The conversation between the two brigands continued. "Say, what d''ya think elves actually eat? They can''t all be vegetarian, right?"


    "Eh-URK!"


    Their conversation met an unceremonious end, as the last thing they saw were each other''s face in the dirt, bleeding out from their throats. The oxygen being prevented from reaching their brains left them little time to register the pain, blacking out permanently a few seconds later.


    Their assassin stood up and wiped the dagger across his leather gauntlet, shoulders pushing against the inside of his white cotton shirt and brown vest.


    Heading over to the destroyed wagon, he quickly rummaged around for survivors. No such luck. Not that he was keeping his hopes up, but it was always best to check. The horse that would have drawn it had fled once the attack began. Further perusal of the wreckage yielded a small chest. Inside was a lock of hair, a sealed letter and a tiny scrap of paper marked with an infant''s thumb print in ink.


    "Husband, huh?" The voice was gruff.


    Looking over the wreckage again, of the three men that were killed he guessed the youngest had been the father. Family business. Looking at the letter, he saw it was addressed to a Mr. Gren Kelvin, a fashion merchant known locally for his original designs and high quality fabrics.


    Reasoning that it would be better for the bodies not to be strewn across the road, the man carried them over onto the hill after pushing as much of the wagon to the side of the highway as he could manage. He slung the corpses of the bandits over his shoulders and dumped them far from the road on top of one another. Another round trip back from the bloodied camp site, and he had a small torch in one hand, unhooking his ale flask from his belt and emptying out the remaining contents onto the bodies. He threw the torch onto them.


    Returning to the campsite for the final time, he made sure to lay the victims out as gently as possible. He felt rather ridiculous matching severed limbs with their severed stumps, but it was the best he could do. He placed a tarp he had found in the back of their wagon over them as well, promising that he would come back to bury them himself if he couldn''t find anybody in Asphodel to retrieve their bodies for themselves.


    Still, it was rather strange that two bandits who couldn''t have possessed anything more than some rusty shivs and dulled swords could manage to actually sever body parts. That is, unless...


    "Hmm." A glint of steel caught his eye in the grass. Walking over, he saw a rather well-maintained sword covered in dried blood.


    "Must''ve belonged to the victims." They might have even lived if they kept a closer eye on their own weapon. Sighing, the man wiped the sword with a cloth he pulled out of his pocket. Observing both sides to see if the blade was clean of impurities, he brought it over to his vehicle further down the road where he had stopped upon seeing the wreckage.


    Resting on a worn and slightly rusty kickstand, a vehicle known as a zeitcycle sat on the road. Sliding the sword he had picked up into the metal pocket at the end, the man looked off in the distance across the plains. He could faintly see Asphodel in the distance, and he knew he must steel himself for a teary welcome once he found the family of the men who had been killed here.


    Just as he was about to start the engine, the sky began to be tinged red. Looking to the east, the man smiled faintly. He revved the engine and was off, savoring the break between night and day.

 Minute 1: Our Beginnings

    Igdalen Gardiner, or Iggy as she preferred to be called, loved the simple things in life: Braiding her long, satin-like platinum hair in the morning, finding the right outfit to wear for the day, writing in her diary, deciding whether to go to the salon first or enjoy going to different shops to buy more makeup supplies, more dresses, more paper and ink, and a little bit more of everything else too. More and more and more, there was always something else to find. Each day was its own adventure, and she had all the money in the world to keep that adventure going as long as possible.


    Turning around in front of the mirror, she had chosen a light green jacket over a button-up shirt with long brown pants. It reminded her of her old school uniform. With high cheekbones and eyes with the depth of the purest emerald, many had called her features "doll-like." She took that as a point of great pride and made sure to carefully highlight them with a painstakingly thorough make-up session every day. There was never any harm in looking as good as you possibly could, after all.


    "I''m heading out, Aunt Mel!"


    "Make sure you come home at a reasonable hour tonight, Iggy!" The clinking of glasses could be heard as her aunt prepared the table for tonight''s dinner. "No more strolls out with boys going past your curfew. And if you buy something that exceeds your allowance, I''m not giving you any for another week."


    "Okay Mel, I''ve got it. No boys, no expensive presents... and no fun."


    An indignant "I heard that!" followed Iggy as she burst onto the street. Taking in a deep breath, she smiled. Asphodel was the perfect place to waste away your life away.


    The lovely port town demanded admiration, perched at the end of the Styx region. The serenity here couldn''t be matched. Only the littlest of interesting things happened here; scandals like Matilda Addams breaking up with the local banker''s son to instead be with the stable boy who worked just outside town, or the mystery behind the one stolen bottle of milk from each of the regular 12, (that Iggy absolutely hated being forced to drink, by the way) which were deposited in front of people''s houses every week, or the bangs and flashes of light that the street kids said came from the old, abandoned mansion by the water.


    Iggy''s own place of residence at the moment was a homely abode, with high windows and a solid oak door. A mildly splendid house for a mildly splendid girl. You couldn''t ask for a better life, in her eyes, and she was more than happy living it.


    Except...


    Thud!


    ... for that.


    One moment, Iggy was standing with her arms stretched, ready to face the day. Next, she was on her bottom facing the opposite end of the street. She felt a loose strand of hair from her carefully prepared braid stroking the side of her face. Looking up, she saw a familiar, but rather unwelcome sight: Her nemesis and local nuisance, the Pickpocket.


    Cloaked in a dark, slightly ragged cloak to keep their appearance hidden at all times, the Pickpocket was known for being three things: Annoying, greedy, and short. Their slight frame allowed them to scamper off wherever they wanted to without much fuss, only drawing ire whenever they bothered to stick around people and bother them. Or, more accurately, Iggy.


    A wide grin could be seen beneath the hood of the robe, their lively, fruity voice ringing out. "Hey there, bestie!"


    They possessed a flighty air, seeming to stick around only to cause trouble for their own amusement. As the ends of their cloak drifted over the ground, it gave the impression that the Pickpocket was floating. Always one inch above the ground, never bothering to touch back down and remain free.


    Iggy could feel the familiar vein pulsing against her forehead as she took a deep breath, blowing out of her nose. "I thought I made it quite clear we weren''t ''besties''..."


    The Pickpocket''s gloved hand brought a finger up to their chin. "We''re not?"


    "Of course not, you moron! Not when you keep banging into me like that to steal my money! But I''ve got one over you now, you see! I''ve put my wallet somewhere you''d never think of looking. You can''t go on any of your shopping trips anymore."


    The Pickpocket stood still for a moment. Over the past several years that Iggy had been living in Asphodel, this mischievous kleptomaniac dogged her once a week or so. Maybe twice a week, if she was unlucky. There was the occasional month where the Pickpocket wouldn''t return to haunt her, but sooner or later, they always returned.


    The Pickpocket gave another wide grin. "Oh... really? You mean... this wallet!?" From the depths of their cloak, to Iggy''s shock, they whipped out her wallet. But she had hidden it in... wait, that could only mean--


    "YOU GROPED MY BOOBS JUST TO GET AT MY LEPTA!?"


    All of a sudden, the demeanor of the Pickpocket changed. As if deflating, their cloak firmly touched the road. Frantically waving their hands in front of each other, wallet still in hand, they (unsuccessfully) tried to make their case.


    "Whoa, whoa, whoa! What kinda creep do you take me for!? I''m not about to feel somebody up, boy, girl or otherwise! I was very quick about it, just grabbed the wallet and that was it."


    "I already knew you were terrible, but this..."


    As Iggy got back on her feet, she seemed to possess the fury of a god. Fixing the Pickpocket with the most loathsome glare possible, she enunciated a venomous "Give. It. Back."


    Realizing the time to flee was near, the flightiness the Pickpocket had possessed previously returned to them at once. "Oh, absolutely. Buuuuut... not yet." With a flutter of their cloak, they turned tail and ran, with Iggy in hot pursuit.


    "Get back heeeeeeeere!"


    A grating laugh was all she got in return. "Man, haven''t had fun like this in ages!"


    "I''ll show you how fun it is to be dangled upside down from the church rooftop!" Iggy made a dive for the Pickpocket, but they evaded her by jumping atop a nearby stack of pallets.


    "Yeah, that''s not so fun," they said. Iggy gave them a furious stare from the ground. Seeing this, the Pickpocket wagged their finger. "Oh Ig, that''s not a good place to lie down. People step all over the place in town, and where they step gets... you know. Rubbed off."


    "Shut up!" Pale hair in messy strands across her forehead, Iggy shot back up to make another swipe at the Pickpocket who jumped out of the way. "And don''t call me ''Ig'', you brat.


    "I bet you go around to all the other poor kids about how you manage to steal the wallet of an easy mark, but really you just want to throw your weight around. I mean, how else are you supposed to uphold your ego when you run around dressed like my aunt Mel''s old set of drapes?"


    The Pickpocket stood still after that. But only for a moment. They soon began to chuckle. Evilly.


    "I get it! We''re playing serious today. Well, I''m sorry to tell you Iggy: I''ve gotta break my one rule if that''s gonna be the case."


    Iggy blinked.


    "You know, all this time I''ve never actually spent anything when I take your wallet..."


    "I mean, yeah, but you always take it anyway just to piss me off!" Iggy could feel her stomach sink as she managed to deduce where the conversation was going. In desperation, she made another grab for her stolen possession only for it to be effortlessly yanked out of her grasp once again.


    "Uh-uh-uhhhh, you know what this means!" The Pickpocket wasn''t bothering to hide the glee in their sing-song voice.


    "No!"


    "Shopping time!"


    "Get back here!"


    The Pickpocket was off again as they headed toward the center of town, Iggy in hot pursuit.


    Asphodel was the perfect place to live in. That is, if you always kept an eye on what you had with you. The settlement had a small infestation of thieves who would run amok in town and steal from the wealthy. Tourists were often warned of the consequences of leaving their travel bags beneath their restaurant table. Iggy had the special ''privilege'' of being the Pickpocket''s mark, meaning that her possessions were off limits to any other thieves lurking about. She wasn''t exactly grateful for it, but she begrudgingly recognized that this was for the best. However, today it seemed her luck may be running out.


    The Pickpocket had led Iggy to the town''s main square, where Iggy saw several officers she knew chatting up the waitresses at the cafe.


    "Yo, assholes! Do your jobs for once and help me!"


    All three of the on-duty men jumped in their stiff uniforms, now the unwilling victims in the unhappy game Iggy and the Pickpocket was playing. The iridescent buttons on their tight-fitting uniforms shone in the light of the morning sun. Grey pistols hung at their waists. They were all Iggy had.


    They were named Will, Phil and Dill. The three had been inseparable for life, and nigh inseparable from one another in terms of likeness and demeanour. They lacked the presence for anybody to actually take notice of how they were different. People only ever took notice of them precisely when they needed them for some task or over, unfailingly on the scene the instant these moments occurred.


    Will (Or is he Dill? Iggy thought) was the first to speak up. "Again, Iggy? You''ve gotta keep tighter hold of your dough. We were just chatting up ¨C ah, there goes another one..."


    The waitresses they were speaking to only seconds before had forgotten the trio entirely, moving onto other customers, all of whom where watching the Pickpocket glide across the square to the fountain in amusement.


    "Save it. You know the drill: Get. That. Brat!"


    Dill spoke up this time (Wait, was this Will again? Maybe this was Phil?) "I mean, m''lady, I''m sorry, but... that''s the Pickpocket! Nobody catches the Pickpocket, as I''m sure we shouldn''t have to remind you. All you manage to grab is air and the bitter taste of defeat."


    Iggy put on a pained grin. She cracked her knuckles. "Defeat isn''t the only thing you''ll be tasting if you don''t do what I say."


    Instantly cowed, the three unfortunate victims were roped into battle, with a quick "Alright already!" dropped by Phil. (Or was this Will too ¨C oh to hell with it, I''ll just go with what my gut tells me!)


    Will was the first to speak up as the four made their way to the middle of the square. "Stop right there, thief! We have you surrounded."


    The Pickpocket gave a friendly wave back. "Oh, hey Gill!"


    "IT''S WILL!"


    "Same difference. Look, I appreciate that you show up all the time to attend our little excursions, but um, I''ve got a little shopping spree to do."


    "Really?" Phil drew out his baton from his belt just as Iggy joined the three in cornering the felon by the fountain. "And where will you go? The sky? Not even you can fly."


    Beneath the Pickpocket''s hood, another impish grin showed itself. "Says who?"


    BANG!


    A massive plume of smoke unfurled itself from the Pickpocket''s feet. Everybody caught in the radius began to hack and grasp at their throats, eyes streaming.


    "Ohhhhh, sweet almighty Apeiros! What was that?"


    "Ugh, I told you that the only thing we''d taste would be defeat, and this definitely smells like it! And my granddad''s old socks!"


    Fighting her way out of the putrid smoke, Iggy shook her head to clear her sinuses. Giving one last cough, she rubbed at her eyes and scanned the square once again. As passersby tried to run away from the cloud of noxious fumes, Iggy stamped her foot in frustration, her aggravation at having to play this ridiculous cat and mouse game yet again bubbling up.


    Then she remembered how the Pickpocket had coyly countered one of the trio''s claims about them not being able to fly. And wasn''t she trying to get to¡ªThis story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "The rooftops!"


    Whipping around, Iggy quickly scanned the rooftops. She saw a swish of a black cloak just as it crested the edge of a gutter.


    "C''mon dolts, we''ve gotta chase after her!"


    "How''d she even get up there?"


    "We''ll lose her, let''s go!"


    As unhappy as they were, the not-so-merry band of three still followed Iggy as they raced through the streets of town. In the back of her head she was regretting that she couldn''t be more polite to them, but desperate times called for desperate measures and an even more desperate attitude.


    Iggy had no solid way of knowing where exactly the Pickpocket was going. They had headed for the western side of town upon climbing atop the roofs, yet most of the buildings in Asphodel were of fairly consistent height. It wouldn''t be too difficult for a skilled thief to hop in the opposite direction. Yet even the Pickpocket was mortal. Human, elf or dwarf, there was no way they could move across the rooftops at a swift pace without causing some form of disturbance, which was why Iggy was looking for¡ª


    "Aha!"


    The men jumped in shock, but Iggy paid them no heed. She had seen a few loose pebbles fall from the rooftop on her right. Now that she thought about it, she had seen a connecting bridge a street or so back, meaning from where she was in the square the Pickpocket could have easily crossed it above and continued running.


    Shifting to the right path, Iggy kept her eyes peeled for falling pebbles until at last her vigilance paid off. They were at the edge of town, the gate wide open for visitors. Asphodel was encompassed by a large wall, and it was eclipsed only by the church clocktower in the east end. Iggy barely registered the cloud of dust heading toward them on the road leading in, shifting her attention toward the roof. Sure enough, the Pickpocket was standing there.


    "Oh? You managed to follow me? I''m impressed."


    "Give up the wallet! There''s nothing more barbaric than stealing somebody''s personal property!"


    "I can think of a few things that are worse." The Pickpocket sat down on the edge of the roof, spinning the wallet on their gloved finger. "So... what now?"


    "What do you mean what now? I''ve got you cornered!"


    "No, you''ve got me at a stalemate. I mean, yeah, you''ve got me at a disadvantage but how exactly are you planning on getting up here?"


    Iggy gave a huff. They had her there.


    "What if we knocked you down with magic?" asked Dill.


    "You can try!"


    "Big talk from a dead person." It was true that Iggy hadn''t yet been able to master the spells she had been taught, but she was on her way.


    Holding her hands behind her back, Iggy continued glaring at the Pickpocket. More specifically, the stolen wallet in her hand. Despite all her threats, she never intended on hurting anybody. She put all her focus onto her stolen possession, reciting a quick Wind summoning spell in her head.


    She took a deep breath, cleared her mind and gave all of her focus into pulling off this one trick. The Pickpocket had done nothing with the wallet but twirl it for the past several minutes, enjoying being able to outwit her.


    Iggy got to work. Breathing steadily, keeping her blood pressure in check for the inevitable spike she''d face as she concentrated.


    May the winds favour me, bless me with good fortune and trust that I shall remain ever respectful of their power. Bring back what was mine posthaste!


    Iggy looked at the wallet spinning in her nemesis'' hand expectantly, but as she felt a shift in the air around her she realized she had somehow messed up the incantation.


    "Uh oh," was all she could utter as she was blasted backward. Landing square on her back in front of the entrance to town, she wordlessly gasped in pain as the three accompanying her checked to see if she was alright.


    Trying to force herself up into a sitting position, another jolt of pain rocked her upper back and caused her to land nearly face first in the pebbly pavement.


    Taking several deep gasps of breath, Iggy righted herself again. This had been the second time she had been knocked to the ground. Once was enough but knocking yourself over was downright embarrassing. The hawkish laughter ensuing from the rooftop didn''t help matters.


    "OH MY GOD... your, pffft hahahahahaaaaa! Oh, your big plan just did not work out for you did it? I mean, I''ve seen botched magic before, but what you just did was another level of amazing."


    "SHUT UP, YOU MISERABLE LOON!" What remained of Iggy''s patience snapped like a frayed string and she jumped to her feet, nearly bowling over her companions. She sprinted toward the base of the building before sliding to a stop at its base. "Do you really think this is over!? I can just climb up there myself and make you pay! I hear torture magic''s more fun when there''s nice weather outside!"


    The Pickpocket idly tapped the stolen wallet against the side of their head. "Ah, come on girl, now I know you''ve lost it. Just throw in the towel, there''s no way anybody comes back from knocking themselves back a couple dozen feet."


    "How about I knock you a few dozen feet backward instead!? Trust me, from personal experience I can tell you it won''t hurt nearly as much as when I get my hands on you."


    "Not interested."


    "You shouldn''t be!"


    "Hey, Iggy..."


    Snarling, Iggy whipped her head around at Dill. "What?"


    Dill was pointing at the entrance, through which a man on a zeitcycle came riding through. The purr of the engine grew stronger until it came to a stop in front of the group. Propping the kickstand and sidling off it, the man stood up to reveal a youthful face cropped with dark hair and mahogany eyes.


    The man looked at Iggy and then the Pickpocket on the roof, who gave a casual wave. "There a problem? I could hear you screaming before I even got close to the gate."


    Blushing, Iggy idly played with a lock of platinum hair. "Just a personal problem, sorry about that."


    The man squinted as he looked up at the Pickpocket as they swung their legs back and forth from where they were perched. "Local nuisance?"


    "Bordering on plague now," Iggy sighed. "They''ve got my wallet. I''ve gotten better at avoiding them but still, I always end up in some grand chase against them all the same."


    "I see." Scratching his chin, the man began to smirk. "You seem a jovial fellow, Mr. Thief!"


    Cocking their head to the side, the Pickpocket stood up. "It''s the Pickpocket to you. The Asphodel Pickpocket, feared across the city for having fingers faster than the hands of Time herself.


    "Kinda arrogant of you, don''t you think?"


    "Trust me. I know what I''m talking about. There''s no better scoundrel, lowlife or miscreant all throughout Asphodel, nosiree!"


    The man''s smirk broadened. "Alright then. You say you''ve got the fastest hands¡ª"


    "Fingers, dear sir! Fingers! Very important distinction to make."


    "Okay. The fastest fingers. If I manage to knock that wallet out of your hands, you''d have to admit that you lost fair and square. I can then return it to the lovely lady right here."


    The Pickpocket''s unoccupied hand clenched into an excited fist, pumping it up into the air. "Oooooh, I love games! Yeah, that sounds awesome. You''ve got a deal. Winner takes the spoils and if any losers are sore, they''d better remember they''re a bore!"


    Iggy''s eyebrow twitched as another spike of irritation flared up in her head. What kinda crappy ass motto is that?


    Laying his travelling cloak over his zeitcycle, the man smiled. "Today''s your unlucky day then. The game''s on."


    The Pickpocket bent their knees, wallet in an iron grip.


    Still smiling, Asphodel''s newest arrival started to stretch out his arms. "Just saying, you have the chance to give that wallet back to the girl without a fuss. And you don''t have to lose."


    "Only losers are afraid of losing. Besides, if you really wanted this to end without an exciting climax, you would''ve just asked me to hand over the wallet in the first place without setting up this little match of ours."


    The mystery man gave a satisfied bark. "Yeah, I see now. You''re definitely this town''s biggest nuisance." His eyes began to narrow. "But you''re not its biggest player with me here."


    One moment of stillness. The air, sound, the goings-on of downtown Asphodel and anything beyond its walls were entirely irrelevant in that moment. The world composed only of the Pickpocket, the town''s new mystery guest and Iggy and the others waiting with bated breath.


    A gust of wind followed. Iggy blinked, barely registering that the spot where the mystery man had been previously was now vacant. Her attention drew to the roof, where he was now exchanging a furious series of jabs with the Pickpocket.


    The man threw punch after punch, soles dancing across the tiles yet never once losing his balance. He had the size advantage, but the Pickpocket was proving to be no slouch. Curious, he tested out one of his more powerful techniques; packing a well of dark mist in his palm, he swung down with the might of a bull, leaving himself intentionally open. He stepped back as he sensed a kick aimed at the left side of his stomach. There was no doubt in his mind it would have knocked him off.


    Sliding back, the man continued to keep his eyes trained on his opponent as they did a few showy flips. Finishing with palms outstretched and the wallet clenched between their teeth, they sucked in air with relish.


    The man nodded, satisfied once again. He massaged his stinging forearm. "You''re pretty good, you know that?"


    A cursory nod and beckoning motion were all he got in response.


    "But you''re not quite at that high a level yet. I''ve hit you way more times than you hit me. Tell me how many."


    "Bore bives fen ah ha fegers!" they gargled with the wallet in their mouth, seeming unaware of how silly they are. On the ground, Iggy''s eye twitched once again, this time out of personal embarrassment over her nemesis being a colossal idiot.


    The mystery man could only let out a bark of laughter. "You''re really committed to stealing the show, aren''tcha? May want to try answering without having something between your teeth. Go on, I''ll let you have this little breather to give a real answer. I have a soft spot for fools like you."


    With a puff through their nose, the Pickpocket took the wallet out of their mouth. "Okay, more times than I have fingers, is what I meant to say. Happy you can understand it?"


    "Not much left to understand." The man crouched, a feral grin twisting his features upward. "But a hell of a lot more left to teach ya. See how long you can keep up with me at my normal speed."


    Iggy took a sharp intake of breath. Was he saying what she thought he was saying? Was this only a fraction of his true capabilities? The Pickpocket seemed to sense that the game had entered its newest phase, and for once, the cocky grin faltered. They tensed, adopting an offensive stance.


    The man''s grin shifted into a wry smirk. "Those are good instincts you have. You know you''re outmatched, but you''re not planning to defend. You''re going all out now because it''s the only chance you''ve got, no matter how slim it is."


    His feet swelled with the same dark mist he used before, yet it was far more potent. It was not so much mist as it was a vortex of condensed space coming out from his heels, licking the air like a candle flame.


    "I said before I like fools like you, and I mean it. Which is why I''m honoring you with a taste of what the big players outside of this little town are like."


    Once again, the air grew heavy. The sheer power radiating from this mystery man was overwhelming for anyone nearby. Iggy stared, transfixed.


    This was the power to bend the world to one''s own will. Wealth, status, race and political motives didn''t matter before it. Nature granted it permission to thrive. True power was the ability to subjugate the will of others, and never before in her life had Iggy felt somebody do that to her. She would have run away if she were the one atop that roof, yet the fact the Pickpocket remained resolute and still, even as their lips quivered in fear, was a testament to their fortitude. For the first time, Iggy felt something she held for very few people: Respect. For both of the combatants she was watching.


    Another moment passed. Then the man took off with the sound of a sonic boom. In an instant, he appeared in front of the Pickpocket. They attempted to sidestep a moment too late as they were swept off their feet. Instinctively they stretched out their hand to land back on their feet, but it slipped. Was it a mistake? No, they clearly felt some outside force enacted on their hand, something dragging it away from its intended destination. But if that was so¡ª


    No! There was no time for this, the Pickpocket realized, as they sensed the same power surging in front of their stomach again. They exhaled to ensure the punch didn''t wind them too badly, yet it didn''t stop the crushing hit to their solar plexus.


    The punch pushed them to the other side of the roof, where they rolled until coming to a stop just before the edge. They tried to get up, but the crushing pain in their stomach made them gag. Collapsing forward, cheek flush against the tiles, the Pickpocket lay defeated.


    The man walked back up to them, standing with his arms crossed and a small smile on his face. "That was a good move you were trying to do, wanting to dodge away from my attack. Under regular circumstances, it would''ve worked. You were just dealt a bad hand. I ain''t exactly normal, see?"


    After a few spluttering attempts, the Pickpocket started giggling, which then progressed to laughing, and then finally graduated to laughing.


    With the same smile on his face, the man cocked his head to the side. "What?"


    The Pickpocket, somewhat recovered now, cartwheeled to the side before doing one final flip on the south side of the roof. "Remember the rules of the game? Nobody said anything about defeating the other in a fight, just about letting the wallet fall out of my hands. And, as you can see, I still..."


    The Pickpocket froze in the middle of speaking. Their head seemed to swivel in small integers like a rusted machine before looking at their right hand, which was empty. It swiveled to their left. Still empty. They began to search their robe for it, almost doing a small jig out of desperation.


    "Don''t tell me..."


    They looked back over to the man, who had a toothy grin and grasped the wallet triumphantly. "You may have the fastest fingers, but in a world like this, there are lots of ways of getting stuff you need without having to use your hands."


    A loud whoop from Iggy down below finally sealed the deal for the Pickpocket. They lost. For the first time in forever, they actually lost. Shoulders slumping in defeat, they gave a small sigh.


    "It was fun while it lasted. But now I''m motivated by something other than hanging out with Iggy."


    "IT''S NOT HANGING OUT, YOU LOON, ALL YOU DO IS STEAL FROM ME BECAUSE YOU''RE THE TOWN''S BIGGEST VAGRANT!"


    "Iggy, please, you know you can''t climb up there!"


    "I don''t have to if I demolish the building first!"


    The man looked behind him in amusement, although a small trace of alarm slipped into his voice as he said "Okay, let''s wrap this up quick. I have a feeling she''s half serious."


    The Pickpocket pointed at the man. "I now have a goal. A real goal. You''ve shown me your power, and now I''ve gotta work my hardest to beat you! One of these days I''ll be pulling a fast one on you instead."


    "Oh yeah? I look forward to seeing that day."


    "Well, good! That''s really good! Because, um, I''m gonna beat you!"


    "Uh huh."


    "Like, so bad you won''t know what hit you."


    "If you say so."


    "I know so!"


    "You know, you could''ve just ended your speech after I said I was looking forward to the day you beat me. Would''ve been a way cooler exit. Why are you still here?"


    That question stumped the Pickpocket. The finger still outstretched began to shake. "I-I get the last word in here, n-not you! See you later, losers!"


    With one final shriek of petulance, the Pickpocket turned tail and began to hop across rooftops, off to do who knows what.


    "You''re a strange one," the man remarked. He turned around and, the dark mist pooling out from his palms slowing his descent, returned to a still-fuming Iggy.


    "I swear I''m gonna clock that little twerp real good one of these days..."


    "Well, don''t worry. Already did the job for you. They seem to have learned their lesson for now."


    Iggy let out a long, satisfied sigh as the was finally reunited with her wallet. "Now that was an adventure and a half."


    The man chuckled. "More like a bad detour. Although I think it had its merits."


    Perking up, the man looked at the unfortunate guards who had been dragged along. "Oh, where did you come from?"


    "Seriously, dude? We''ve been here the whole time!"


    "Yeah, but we didn''t really uh... do anything."


    "That''s right! Iggy, next time you''re going to drag us along, try to make it worth our while."


    Having calmed down after getting her wallet back, Iggy held up a hand in apology. "Yeah, my bad guys. Sorry. I just kind of lose it when my stuff is on the line. I''ll try not to interfere while you''re on the job."


    Will gave a small smile. "Well, not like we were doing much anyway. C''mon boys, back to the grind."


    The trio set off grumbling, giving small waves of farewell to Iggy and her rescuer.


    "With that all squared away now, I''ve been meaning to ask you a couple things."


    The man fixed Iggy with a strong gaze. Iggy was a little taken aback.


    "Ask away."


    "First off, your name."


    "Oh, right! Didn''t have a chance during the commotion. My name''s some long, overly fancy drivel so just call me Iggy. Everybody does."


    "Iggy. Nice name. I''m Christoph, Christoph Pax. I''m afraid I have a bit of unpleasant news to break to somebody here."


    Iggy''s lips pursed. She could tell it wasn''t good news from his tone of voice. "Who? And what news do you need to give them."


    "The wife of a fashion merchant I found attacked by bandits up ahead. He''s dead."

 Minute 2: The King of Stone

    Iggy watched Christoph walk up to the door of Gren Kelvin''s house. Life outside the town was harsh, and there was always danger associated with it. But still, to die while so close to home? It was cruel.


    Christoph knocked on the door. Iggy''s chest tightened and her back stiffened. How do you tell somebody their family had died? She wasn''t even the one delivering the news and she was paralyzed by the incoming wave of torment she would bear witness to.


    The door opened, revealing a woman: Mrs. Penelope Kelvin. Her bronze skin attracted rays of sunlight as if she were a magnet for light particles, accentuated by full lips and a permanent expression of deep patience. Iggy was always fascinated by her almost ethereal, regal bearing, all brought together by crystal eyes hinting at her nymph heritage. It was often agreed that Mrs. Kelvin was the most captivating beauty in town, and on that front Iggy had to agree. She would also argue that she was its kindest, bearing further weight to bestowing such sad news.


    "Hello? Mrs. Kelvin?"


    "Why yes my boy, that''s me. What brings you to my door?" Her voice came out in a rumble. It resonated with strength, but more importantly grace.


    The look of composure she sported became troubled. From Christoph''s sympathetic expression and Iggy standing stiff outside her front lawn, who she gave a nod to, Penelope could tell this encounter would bear her no good news.


    With a sigh, Christoph carefully offered her Gren''s blade. "Your husband and his companions were attacked outside of town. Sadly, none of them made it. I managed to take their bodies away from the road and hide them, but you''ll have to send somebody out to retrieve them."


    Penelope blinked. She accepted the sword, holding it in her hands. "Attacked?"


    "Yes. By bandits. I dealt with them accordingly."


    Penelope opened her mouth to say something but closed it again.


    Christoph also handed her a small chest from his satchel. Penelope scrutinized it. Clicking it open, she gave a cursory glance inside, and with another huff, closed it.


    "Both of my hands weighed down by what remains of my... of Gren''s love. So that''s it, huh?"


    Christoph bowed his head. "I''m deeply sorry. If I had come across them sooner, I would''ve done something."


    Penelope closed her eyes and smiled sardonically. "We can say that about anything, boy. We just learn to deal with what we can''t change."


    "If you don''t mind me asking, who were the men accompanying him?"


    "Friends of ours: Quincy and Barnes. Stubborn old fools, but dear God, they never knew how to fight. My husband could at one point, but he''d become stricken with illness. He became too weak to even stand without assistance, which is why he dared head out to see a doctor who could help him."


    Penelope''s thumb rubbed the front of the small chest. "I should''ve gone with him. Ha! See, there I go too, thinking about things I can''t change."


    Christoph nodded. "Yeah."


    After giving her the location of the bodies, Christoph gave another bow. He turned back to Iggy whose eyes were downcast.


    "I almost forgot! What was your name, boy?"


    Christoph blinked in surprise, realizing he had forgotten to introduce himself. He spun around on his heel. "Oh, so sorry about that! The name''s Christoph, Christoph Pax. I plan to stay in town for a week or so."


    "Christoph, Christoph..." Penelope gave him a warm smile. "Thank you for killing those bandits. If I didn''t know their fates, I wouldn''t rest until I''d found them and repaid the favour. My... Gren would never have wanted that. His life ended in bloodshed, yet he never desired any in mine or anybody else''s."


    Before closing the door, Iggy couldn''t help but see her face begin to contort. Tears dripped down her chin, and the first gasp of a sob flitted out the door before it closed.


    Christoph gave a weary sigh. "That always sucks." Looking at Iggy, he saw she was wiping at her eyes. "You know her?"


    Iggy took a deep breath to compose herself before she answered, eyes still red. "She''s the kindest woman in town if you ask me. She''s set up a soup kitchen in the town''s poorest district. The only nights she doesn''t visit are holidays or family stuff."


    Christoph nodded. "You can tell she''s lovely just by meeting her. Which is why we''re gonna head over to the bar and drink for her and Gren now!"


    Iggy nodded back. "Yeah... Wait, what?"


    ...


    Half an hour later, Iggy found herself with a mug in hand, Christoph happily chugging his ale by her side. Eye twitching, she gave Christoph a sidelong glance.


    "It''s not even noon. Who invites a girl they don''t even know out to get a drink at this time?"


    Christoph gave a satisfied smack of his lips as he finished drinking, hands stretching up. "Sorry about that, I''ve been travelling all night. So from a certain point of view, you could say it''s about... one in the morning for me?"


    "Well from my point of view that''s even worse!"


    Barking with laughter, Christoph set his mug down. "Ah, don''t worry. I can handle it. You won''t have to deal with hungover Christoph. Besides, you''re still underage, so you can have your cider without worry."


    The local pub they were in was cozy. With light streaming through the windows, a wonderful selection of alcohol and trademark pub food, this was a place for the everyman to sit down after a long day at work, or even whenever they had one off. Iggy preferred not to come here when it was most busy. She had never been good with crowds. Still, she had to admit that the place being empty was a nice bit of peace compared to her rambunctious excursion that morning. And then, of course...


    Iggy''s eyes were downcast. Christoph gave her a concerned look. "Still shaken up after the whole thing with Mrs. Kelvin?"


    Tracing a small pattern in the wood, Iggy mustered a sad smile. "It''s just weird. One moment you''re seeing somebody you ¨C you know; one of the sweetest women alive learn her friends and husband have died but in the next, we''re joking around in a pub."


    "Well, I can''t very well imagine why you shouldn''t."


    "Huh?"


    Christoph took a hearty gulp out of his mug. "There''s no telling what tomorrow''s gonna bring, or even what the rest of today has in store for you. You think you should feel guilty for experiencing joy?"


    "Well, no, of course not¡ª"


    "Then what''s the problem? You can pay respect to the dead, feel sad for them and the people they left behind but there''s no error in feeling good." Christoph placed a hand on Iggy''s shoulder. "Your emotions aren''t strangers to each other."


    Iggy blinked. A new smile began to adorn her face as Christoph''s words of encouragement sunk in.


    "Yeah. I guess that''s a good way of looking at things. But to go back to the thing with your magic; that was still pretty impressive. You''re running low on sleep and you still managed to beat the Pickpocket."


    "Would''ve been a serious problem if I couldn''t. There''s only so much a regular human can do against a practiced magic user, especially when it''s channeled all throughout your body."


    "I''ve never seen that before." Iggy set her mug down and folded her arms. "I''d never have thought you could wrap your magical energy all around your body to boost performance."


    "Well, you shouldn''t. Not unless you have years of training. One slight miscalculation and you end up doing more damage to yourself than your opponent." Christoph swirled his drink around. "It''s said that the seven main elements bind the world together, and that''s not a lie. Every time you use that power for yourself, you ask the world permission to use it. Any bit of energy wasted and is a sign of major disrespect."


    "You''re talking about the theory of time being another element in addition to the original six?"


    "So you do know about that! Well, it depends on who you ask. The standard six being fire, Earth, Water, Wind, Light and Darkness are what''s taught in Sunday school, but once you get into advanced magic you begin to learn about what they all comprise of: Time."


    Iggy shook her head. "You sure? Time is time. It isn''t some piece of magic we control, it''s just something we consume with our zeit tech."


    "Part of that''s true, but it''s still energy. My bike? It runs entirely off the time stored in its battery. Have to head to the nearest chronomill whenever I run empty about once a month." Christoph raised his mug to his lips. "In the end, we all function the exact same as machines. We need to consume energy to live."


    He took another swig from his tankard. "You see that? I drank it. But that alcohol doesn''t simply disappear. My body''s going to absorb the useful nutrients, which is admittedly very little, and use it as fuel. But just because I''ve consumed it doesn''t mean it''s gone. That energy doesn''t vanish, it transforms. Zeit tech works the same way. Do you know what time transforms into once its used?"


    Iggy shrugged. "Couldn''t begin to guess."


    "It turns into the past. Hard to wrap your head around, but there you go."


    "I don''t think I''m able to. It turns into the past? How?"


    "Because the more time we consume, then less of the future is left for us to experience. It accelerates the end of life as we know it. Or so the leading theories say. If we can''t get a handle on how time is being consumed at an ever-increasing pace with zeit technology taking the world by storm then bam! One day our world comes to an end and a new one is born."


    Iggy smiled nervously. "I admit, that sounds sort of disturbing, but are we sure it''s going to happen?"


    Christoph gave Iggy a sly look. "Pretty sure. Leading scientists from where I''m from have all determined that''s the case. Don''t tell me you''re one of the types who thinks seeing is believing."


    "I wouldn''t be an Apeiran if that were the case," Iggy replied. "I don''t know, what you''re saying makes sense, but I guess it''s just hard for me to accept..."


    She shook her head. "But that aside, I''m curious about the other thing you''ve mentioned. I''ve never heard of time being a branch of magic you can explore, and trust me, I''ve run through a good share of tutors. It''s a resource, but I wouldn''t really call it an element. I''ve never even heard it be used for magical purposes."


    "Really?" Christoph took a steady sip of his drink. Swishing it around in his mouth a little, he let it slide down his throat. "Well, I guess I shouldn''t be surprised. Time research is banned on this continent, and the government do their utmost to ensure word of it doesn''t spread through the papers."


    "Sounds like a conspiracy theory to me."


    "I guess it does, but there are a lot of Time users out there. And the more they learn about it, the closer they are to finding what binds it together. I need to find it before they do."


    Iggy cocked her eyebrow at that. "So you''re on the hunt for something? Treasure?"Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    "I don''t think of it so much as treasure as it is the key to a new era of human ingenuity. One that would allow us to stride confidently forward to a future that doesn''t rely on time technology, avoid any disasters."


    "That''s a big goal to shoot for. Sure you can do it?"


    "I''d be surprised if nobody did. The job I have to do requires that I travel all over. That experience broadens your perspective. It makes you think differently. Less about how you can keep your feet on the ground and more about how long they can leave it.


    "I''ve seen palaces made of snow, Ms. Iggy. Desert villages powered solely by moon and starlight during times of drought. Colleges of magic with tomes flying about the place, waiting to be read by anybody possessing even an ounce of curiosity. I''ve even visited a country floating up high in the sky. I trust you''ve heard of those, at least?"


    Iggy gave a small smile, always content with hearing of these mystical places. "Yeah, actually. I''ve heard of those. Locations that make your entire world just a little bit bigger by being in them."


    "Not just that." Christoph gave her a determined look, burgeoning with a thirst for knowledge. "It''s the kind of stuff that makes you think anything''s possible. If mortal beings can create incredible things like the bike I ride, then just imagine the other natural tools we haven''t discovered yet. That''s the kind of thing I''m trying to find."


    Iggy cocked her head this time. "You really believe in this stuff, huh?"


    "I know how it sounds. I''m passionate about this, and I try to fish for like minded individuals to have these kinds of conversations with."


    Iggy downed the rest of her mug, smacking her lips confidently. "Well, Mr. Conspiracy Adventurer man, this has been a real treat, but I do have a ''rest of my day'' to get to."


    Stepping back from the bar, she thanked the barman. Stretching her arms up, she said, "I''m not entirely sure what you''re looking for and I''m not going to ask. I''m sorry I couldn''t be your ''like-minded'' gal as it were, but I know you''ll find what you''re looking for eventually. Thank you again for helping me out earlier. Enjoy your time here."


    Iggy walked to the door, but before exiting she paused and whipped back around. "But if you do happen to need anything else, don''t hesitate to ask around for me. My house is on the eastern end of town, not too far from the central plaza."


    Christoph nodded. "Perhaps I will."


    "Good. Oh, and watch out for the southwestern part of Asphodel. Lotta rough and tumble types there." With a final nod, Iggy flounced out the door, leaving Christoph behind to enjoy his drink in silence. Pulling out his pocket watch, he saw the day was far from over.


    The bartender, a burly middle-aged fellow, went up to Christoph. "I admit, I get a lot of unique conversations going on in here, but none quite like that."


    "I''m glad you found it illuminating." Christoph finished his tankard, setting it on the counter. "Say, for an extra fifty lepta, I was hoping you''d tell me about where to find some good info in this town. I''ve heard a few famous adventurers have made stops in this place every few years."


    The bartender stroked his chin. "A few, yes. Is this about the treasure you''re looking for?"


    "It''s not really treasure, as I''ve already mentioned. Just an important discovery I''m hoping to make. You ever hear of an old dungeon or ruins around these parts? It might have been hidden in there."


    The bartender chuckled. "There''s an abandoned firecrystal mine not too far from here built over some old ruins, but if there''s some mystical chamber holding your prize, I wouldn''t know about it. They''re only so much a local pub owner knows."


    "Oh, I understand the chances were low, but I still had to check." Christoph slid another few lepta across the counter. "I was really hoping you could point me in the direction of the underground help center here, which I''m told is actually pretty reliable."


    ...


    With the terrible affairs of the morning behind her, Iggy loitered around the town square. The sulfur bomb from earlier had long since dispersed and order had been restored to the town.


    If Iggy was being honest, despite the frustration the Pickpocket caused her, she did have to wonder why they kept doing this to her. Despite being rude, irascible, no-good, savage, basically a waste of space¡ª


    Iggy took a deep breath. No use getting worked up twice in one day. So, as it were...


    The only reasons she could think of the Pickpocket continuing to target her specifically were:


    One: they had a crush on her. Not ideal.


    Two: they wanted a friend to hang around with. Less not ideal.


    Scratching the back of her head, Iggy could only sigh. She truly did have some awful luck.


    She was brought out of her pondering by a loud shriek from behind her. Whirling around, she could see the flitting of dark robes down one of the alleys, purse in hand. Looking for the source of the scream, she could see the local Apeiran preacher helping his wife back up from the ground.


    "Thieves! Dratted, darned incorrigible little weasels! They paw at any scrap of money they can find and set off where we can''t find them! The garbage from the southwest end... They should all be strung up, shot and beaten to death!"


    The preacher patted the shoulder of his flustered wife. "Tulsa, it''s a pain, I know, but that was only one of your purses. There''s not much use in yelling your head off in the middle of town-"


    "Oh, don''t you give me that drivel! You get up in front of a crowd every Sunday to preach Apeiros'' great name and how we must ''purify our bases.'' Asphodel''s base is, quite frankly, tainted."


    "Well, I wouldn''t say¡ª"


    "And another thing! Why on Earth can''t that Pickpocket be strung up too? At least the other rats in this town have the decency to steal just a few things and leave just as quickly. Meanwhile he keeps picking on that poor girl."


    All throughout the conversation, the woman''s face grew increasingly toad-like. So much so that Iggy was feeling a strong compulsion to hit her, see just how far her eyes could bulge. Maybe that''d knock some of the vileness out of her.


    But wait, why was she feeling so defensive of the Pickpocket all of a sudden? True, what this woman had said wasn''t acceptable even if she had just had her purse stolen, but there was no reason to be angry on the behalf of her harasser.


    Exactly that. No reason at all to be angry.


    Iggy left the square feeling her good mood sap away. She didn''t say a word to the pastor or his wife. She simply dragged her feet back home.


    ...


    It was a little past noon now. Christoph had checked into the local inn and was making his way to the furthest edge of town. He took in a deep breath of the sea breeze.


    Even for a small town, this place seemed exceedingly charming. While other towns could feel somewhat timid, Christoph felt the character of Asphodel speaking to him. It was hard to describe, but any true adventurer would understand and savor this sensation.


    However, it was easy to see where the money was concentrated too. As he headed to south-western end of the town, the buildings grew less extravagant and more patchwork. A couple seemed outright deserted but for the occasional child who would flit around in it.


    Eventually Christoph reached a point where everybody was dressed in varying colours of grey, brown and black. Life had fled this part of town. Where everybody was living pleasantly throughout three quarters of it, this remaining part was left in squalor. Why?


    Approaching a wooden gate, Christoph rapped it twice, pausing for a couple seconds, and then rapping it three times more, concluding with one final sharp tap a couple seconds later.


    "Aye, aye, coming," came a crochety voice. The shutter at the top of the door opened where two beady little eyes came peering out of it. "You a visitor? What brings you to this part of town."


    "I''m here for some firecrystal suppressant. I thought the locals would be the most likely to have it."


    The eyes narrowed. "You look fairly young, kid. I gotta warn you right here: You step through this door and there ain''t nothing we''re gonna be able to do to keep ya safe. Some angry folks on the other side of this door who don''t know how to play nice. Are you absolutely sure you wanna come in here?"


    "Not leaving until I do."


    "Eh... at least you''re determined." A few thuds could be heard on the other side of the door along with the clinking of locks being undone. A few seconds later, the door was thrown open by somebody less than half of Christoph''s height. Craning down, he saw a dwarf in front of him wearing a moth-eaten vest, an old tunic and a pair of trousers.


    "Charon must have sent you over, eh? That''s his knock of recommendation you did there."


    Christoph placed a hand under his chin, surveying the dwarf carefully.


    "Er, my name is Galley, by the way. Not that we''ll be acquainted long. Mind not eying me like I''m some lab specimen?"


    "Oh, sorry." Christoph put his arms back at his sides and gave a slight bow in apology. "I''m Christoph. I was just wondering why this part of town was so run down, and I think I''ve found an answer. Mostly dwarves in this section?"


    "Awfully presumptuous of you." Galley huffed out a sigh. "But yes, you''re right. This is the dwarf end of town. You''re lucky you said that to me. One of the other fellas in here mighta tried to cut your tongue out for that if they thought you were being cheeky."


    "Trust me, I know that all too well. I could tell you aren''t the ill-tempered type."


    Galley smiled. "You''re polite, at least. C''mon, the boss man is over this way."


    This gated section of town was slightly better off than the district outside, but not by much. Dwarves milled about, and there was a small set of stalls selling fish and vegetables. Further to his right, a row of crops sat drinking in the sun.


    He could sense a lot of hostility. Everybody who caught a glimpse of him fixed him with a reproachful glare. A pointed warning to not infringe on what little they had.


    Galley led Christoph to the other side of the area. There was a large space carved into the wall, as if an attempt to gouge out a piece of the town that had abandoned them. A thick-necked dwarf was sitting on a rickety old chair inside, a book in his hands. His beard was thick, pointed downward in a small, braided goatee. Gazing up, his dark eyes surveyed Christoph with the sharpness and strength of a blacksmith''s most trustworthy tool.


    "And who have you brought me today, Galley?"


    "This man is Christoph, sir. He comes from out of town and is looking for firecrystal suppressant."


    Christoph bowed. "It''s as he says."


    The dwarf, who appeared to be the leader here, placed his book down and put his fingertips together. "That comes at a price."


    "How much for your name," Christoph asked.


    "Friendship. Since I doubt we will come to know each other in any meaningful way, you can simply call me the King of Stones."


    Christoph smiled. "Okay, King. How much for fire crystal suppressant?"


    The King sat still for a few seconds. "I''d say that could be very pricey for you."


    In the corner of his eye, Christoph saw a small group of teenage dwarves eying him with evident hate. They were huddled together pretty close. "I''d prefer to keep this transaction brief. Some people here don''t seem to be taking my presence too kindly."


    "People who''ve been shown mostly hate have a hard time displaying anything else. Especially from people who look like you."


    Christoph nodded. "Things seem rough here."


    "This place has been ruled by old money for a long time. The fishing industry in this town has netted people a steady income for generations, and recently fashion. In a simpler time, us dwarves operated in a mine for income. But then they started applying zeit technology to vehicles so they wouldn''t need combustion engines anymore, meaning that industry died out quick. You see the results before you."


    "Spreading out to other job fields wasn''t successful?"


    "Mining was the only way we could earn a sustainable living off of. Aside from any part time jobs, all we can do is try and compete with the town''s main businesses.


    "But it doesn''t matter." The chair creaked as the King leaned backward. "We just need a little bit of... uprooting the competition. You seem a capable fellow, or so I hear from one of my best."


    Christoph chuckled. "The Pickpocket. Little brat."


    "Useful little brat. Wastes time like no other chasing after one girl instead of getting more money for us, but the info provided in exchange... it''s useful."


    "What do you need me to do?"


    The King bent forward. "Root out the competition. Set fire to a few of their fishing stalls, the bank. In the confusion, that lets us move in and offer up our products to traders in exchange. The people who come by here every week or so don''t care what''s loaded onto their trucks so long as it''s good."


    Christoph tried to maintain his smile. "Sorry, but that''s not in my MO. I try not to get too involved with the places I visit."


    The King crossed his arms. "Then you don''t get what you need. Simple as that."


    "Supposing you have it."


    Those dangerously sharp eyes narrowed to slits. "I see you''ve got wit. Rest assured that I leave no good deeds unrewarded. All I need you to do is disrupt the competition. What''s the problem here?"


    "I already explained the problem. I''d appreciate it if you could set me up with a different task instead."


    The King snorted. "Why? Big fellow like you think you can steal fast enough without being seen? Gather info like the Pickpocket? Give me pity money like Gren Kelvin?"


    "Gren Kelvin? You know him?"


    "Hmm? That name mean something to you boy?"


    "It should. I found him dead this morning."


    With that, Christoph went on to explain what had happened on his way to Asphodel. The King of Stone''s face grew, to put it most aptly, stony as the story went on. Once Christoph was finished he seemed to deflate.


    "That''s a shame. One of the few good ones here. Penny''s gotta be devastated."


    A few more seconds passed, and the King closed his eyes with a short exhale through his nose. "Alright. Guess I can be a little softer on you."


    Sitting up straight, the King laid out his request. "Listen here. I want to do things the direct way and sabotage the competition, but I know that''s not going to fly with you."


    "Even if that meant destroying the Kelvin business?"


    "That''d have been the exception, of course. But that''s clearly not happening. If you do want a spying job instead, I''ve got a proposal for you. Tonight, I hear that there''s a council meeting happening ''bout seven. Relay what they say to me and I''ll reward you for your service."


    Christoph nodded. "I can do that. Where is it being held?"


    "Oh, right out on the water with a giant bonfire and a feast of skewers for dinner!" His tone was scathing, as was his glare. "Where do you think, genius? The big town hall in the northeast. Man of your talents could''ve figured that out easily. See what those kings of the Styx are up to and report back to me as soon as you find out." The King reached down for his book and flipped it open on his lap, his attention reoccupied once more.


    Sensing little benefit to staying much longer, Christoph said a brief goodbye and gave another small bow. He turned around and headed back to the entrance, Galley alongside him again.


    Christoph gave a quiet snort. "Quite the character."


    Galley chuckled at that. "Oh, don''t mind that tramp. He''s usually the sharpest one around here and don''t take too kindly to intellectual equals coming his way. He doesn''t do well with any threat to his authority, no matter how small. It''s not like many of us in here can match him. All of the education we have pertains to fishing, farming and daft tales of dwarven patriotism, whatever the hell that means."


    "You seem an open-minded fellow. What''s the bigger issue here?"


    "It''s the system, mate. This whole town runs on the motto of ''by humans, for humans'' and we''re always shut out. Penny and a few others have set up their soup kitchen which we have people rotate for throughout the week, but they can only do so much. Some days we persist entirely without food and eat it not long before bed, so we don''t fall asleep hungry. That''s when we''re lucky."


    "And these kings of Styx won''t lower prices or set up benefits for you?"


    "No. This town''s rich, my boy. That always means you''ve gotta put people at the bottom of the ladder."


    Christoph looked at one of the large ships heading into the harbour. For such a small town, they seemed to have plenty to go around.


    Galley followed his line of thinking. "If only it were that simple. Folks in town are nice enough, but it''s all surface level. Most don''t care to alter their lifestyle. They don''t care to change. We could shrivel up and die and they''d carry on without fuss."


    Christoph nodded silently. That silence went unbroken all the way to the gate where with a curt farewell, Christoph set off to prepare.

 Minute 3: The Kings of Styx

    Asphodel gently buzzed and whispered itself to a relaxing evening. It was about 6 PM. Christoph bought himself a few apples from the local general store, run by a slim, middle aged gentleman with a crisp beard.


    "These freshly picked today, Mr. Ros?"


    "Yes they were. Best apples this side of the Styx."


    A weary glance from Christoph made him backpedal. "Alright, alright, second, maybe even third best. I guarantee they''re good though."


    Christoph smiled at that. "I appreciate the honesty, Mr. Ros. Pleasure doing business with you. Might come back again in the next few days."


    "Please do, sir."


    The bell dinged as Christoph stepped back outside. Putting most of the apples into his bag, he took a bite out of the one he had held onto and began walking.


    Munching on his snack, he could overhear snatches of conversation. Now that he was aware of the dwarves'' segregation, he began picking up on snide remarks about them.


    "One of the little guys walked by in town here. Squeezed my purse extra tight, don''t want them running along with it now..."


    "Are you sure we still have to deal with them? Why haven''t the council forced them to leave yet?"


    "Buncha filthy cobs. It''d be better for all of us if that King of Stone ordered them all to pitch themselves in the river."


    "But honestly, that Pickpocket''s the worst of the lot. Worthless parasite. If only Apeiros could smite him for plaguing this town."


    It was amazing what people would say when they felt there would be no consequences.


    After walking around eavesdropping a while longer. Christoph popped open his pocket watch again. 6:30. Almost time. Christoph headed over to the town hall.


    Going down an alley and with a careful glance around, Christoph leapt up to one of the rooftops with his magic. Landing gently, he walked to the edge of the roof. He could see men in white robes congregating out front. All middle aged, by the looks of it.


    He squinted as he spotted a familiar figure by one of the members. With that shiny hair of hers, there was no mistaking her: It was Iggy. She was talking to one of the younger council members. She waved goodbye and headed out, presumably back home. Was this man her father? Probably a guardian of some sort, at least.


    "Spying on the crusties?"


    Christoph jumped. Behind him was another familiar sight: The Pickpocket, impish smile still stretched wide beneath their hood.


    Christoph sighed. "Okay, you had me that time. You''re pretty good."


    The Pickpocket chuckled. "I''m small and I dress in black. It''s ideal for stealth. I may not have looked it based off the chaos from this morning, but I''m actually sneaky when I wanna be."


    "You here because you heard about my job offer?"


    "Well that, and I was hoping to spy on the crusties too. The King trusts me with getting info on these jackasses and all, but I haven''t managed to crack this place even once. And if I can''t do it, you can bet nobody else here can."


    "Why is that?"


    "Sensors have been placed at the door and windows. I even got desperate enough to look for a chimney to crawl down, but they''re all way too small."


    "Thought it was something like that. Well, don''t worry. If my plan goes well, we won''t have to worry about those sensors."


    The Pickpocket''s smile grew even wider. "I was hoping you''d say that."


    Christoph stood up. "Well, I think I can squeeze in one more on this mission. Just so long as you keep quiet."


    The Pickpocket got up as well. "Believe it or not, staying quiet is what I''m best at."


    Christoph glided over to the roof of the town hall while the Pickpocket took the long way around to avoid being spotted on the ground.


    As Christoph was just landing on the roof, the Pickpocket zipped up behind him. They spun a grappling gun around their finger.


    "That a special invention of yours?"


    The Pickpocket tucked it back into their robes. "Call it an heirloom. Now how are we getting in? You discover a secret passage?"


    "Oh nothing that cool. It''s just a little trick you employ when every other option gets closed off."


    Crouching down, Christoph placed his hand on the roof. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. In, out, in, out... And then the roof rumbled, a hole in a nearly perfect circle opening before him. The Pickpocket whistled.


    Opening his eyes again, Christoph smiled. "The brute force approach."


    Jumping down, he took a quick look around and signaled the Pickpocket to follow him.


    "Not my style, but it works," the Pickpocket remarked as they jumped down. Slinking over to the door and sidestepping the bits of mortar on the floor, they and Christoph peeked their heads out. One look down the corridor, one down the other. They stepped out.


    The both of them noted the marble ceilings, the rich, plush carpet, the various antiques aligned along the walls and the ostensibly thick atmosphere of entitlement. It was practically offensive.


    "We call this place the town hall, but really it''s a mansion Mayor Asphodel lives in. Those sensors around the place are his doing." The Pickpocket tapped the carpet, testing its softness.


    "Wait, Asphodel? He named the town after himself?"


    "His dad did. Now he owns the town, and he''s likely going to give it to his son once he dies."


    "The family comes from old money?"


    "The oldest. The mayor practically owns the town and says this and that about contributing to it, but really he''s never done anything worthwhile. Men like him think the world bow to their feet because they shelve out a million lepta as charity out of the 100 million they have altogether."


    Christoph cracked his knuckles. "I don''t doubt it. C''mon, let''s find out what these losers are hiding."


    "Time to find the evil lair!"


    With that bold declaration, they set off. Seeing as it was nighttime, there were thankfully not too many people they had to hide from. Whenever one of the maid staff rounded the corner in front of them, Christoph deftly grabbed the Pickpocket and jumped up to the ceiling, keeping them above the heads of their would-be spotters with his magic. The Pickpocket had the sense not to blurt out in excitement every time he would.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    As marble transitioned to oak, the two heard voices. They had entered a dimly lit section with oil paintings adorning the walls. Nodding to each other, they steadily made their way closer to the sound of the voices, eventually coming across a set of grand oak doors the size of ten men each. It stretched toward the ceiling, the lacquered wood shining.


    Pressing his ear against it, Christoph could tell this was the source of the voices but couldn''t discern what they were saying. Bending down, he peered through the bottom crack. He could make out a staircase curving downward, the oak now transitioning to brick and mortar.


    Wordlessly, he pulled the door open, praying the hinges would make no sound. Thankfully, it seemed the cleaning staff did their jobs and kept them well oiled. Good. One less thing to worry about. And so they descended.


    As the stairs bottomed out only one flight down, Christoph and the Pickpocket peered at the edge of the doorway leading into the room. Candles were the only light source down here.


    A rectangular stone table sat ¨C no, more like lay ¨C in the center of an old library. It was surrounded by large stone chairs, all drawn close to the edge. The robed council members from outside sat in them, be they slouched, leaning forward anxiously or with their backs straight against the back of their seats. The head of the table was the mayor, gaunt face almost skeletal.


    The Pickpocket pointed at him. Christoph could guess that he was Mr. Mayor himself.


    "... and so another week ends. The fishing market is going strong, the traders will be here in the next few days and we are expecting tourists coming in from the capital soon enough."


    "And the relief efforts for the dwarves?"


    "Penelope says the kitchen set up should be good enough for them. Honestly, they should be thankful there were people willing to do that much for them, what with all we have to do."


    Murmurs of assent could be heard. The grumble of barely managed work in a lively town was surely very grating work. One of them reached out and grabbed one of the apples that had been arranged in front of them. Yes, they had very hard work indeed.


    "And worse, those thieves they send out keep scaring away any possible tourists. We never catch them, so we can''t prove they''re actually dwarves. Pretty soon Asphodel''s going to be called the sieve capital of the Styx!"


    Christoph could practically sense the self-satisfied smirk stretching across the Pickpocket''s face right now.


    Through all of this, the mayor remained quiet. Eyes flitting from one speaker to the next, he was waiting for something. It came with a small murmur from the youngest member; the man who had been talking to Iggy outside.


    "Um... if I may? After all this time I can''t imagine the current course of the town is sustainable."


    Grumbling could be heard across the table, with a small "Not this again, Tavel," being heard. The man named Tavel continued.


    "You have them working on the fringe in their own section of town and there''s no money put where they live. Let their businesses merge with the human ones and we can make the town more approachable for tourists. Wipe out the thief problem and sell it as a multiracial space anybody can enjoy."


    A heavyset man replied. "We know you''re head of our tourist division, but that''s too ambitious. No way any of our local merchants would abide by having a cut taken out of their pay grade. Not to mention the King wants their businesses eradicated if he were able."


    Tavel raised a finger. "But only because he feels he has no choice. We''re not giving him a good enough deal. First we can start truly cooperating and then help reconstruct their area into something less, er..."


    "Filthy. You go down there lately? It''s like a nest for sewer rats. You planning to bathe with them, Tavel?" The jab was met with derisive laughter. Tavel''s brightly lit face flushed noticeably after this.


    However, with one raised hand of the mayor, the laughter ceased. Leaning forward, he laced his fingers together, eyes taking on a cold gleam.


    "It''s true. The dwarves represent an unavoidable problem. We did drive out more and more of their business over the years, but only to provide for ourselves. We saw opportunity and grasped it."


    The atmosphere had grown even heavier. That cold gleam began to burn.


    "What matters is directing the town''s sentiment toward our side. If they believe the dwarves are causing too many problems for them, they will be pushed out."


    Tavel gulped. "Meaning?"


    "As it stands, their contributions to our town''s industry are paltry and they sap the leftover resources we have to offer up like parasites. When my father came across this town, he advocated for a human first settlement like the big cities. And now, the final steps remain."


    This was it. This had to be what the meeting was called for.


    "It''s a bold plan, if I say so myself sir!"


    "Yes. I believe it best if we move about this with haste."


    Mayor Asphodel nodded, insipid smiled stretching wide. "That''s the purpose of our new tax. A monetary agreement for any and all residents. The dwarves, of course, will starve themselves on providing the money. They''ll starve without caving to our wishes."


    "Kelvin will never allow it though. He''s invested so much into the relief efforts and is too well liked for us to go up against. When he gets back he''ll be furious."


    The mayor''s smile grew to its widest yet. "And that''s why I called this meeting today. I received word this morning... that Gren Kelvin is dead. Found hacked on the highway just outside of town!"


    So that was it. That had been the impetus for this sudden meeting. Christoph grit his teeth, nails digging into the mortar. They had barely waited a day before putting this plan into action.


    The Pickpocket clenched their robe at this news. They didn''t seem to move so much as an inch, hood fixed on the table.


    Tavel''s eyes were filled with apprehension at the situation unfolding before him. "But what about Penelope? She wouldn''t allow it either."


    The mayor chortled. "One woman won''t stand in our way. All present control the majority of this town''s businesses, and with that our plan is infallible."


    The mayor stood up, and the others did with him. Tavel rose to his feet slower than the rest.


    The mayor''s robe seemed to ensnare him, billows of white waving up and down his frame in agitated waves. This was a man on the cusp of savage brilliance, bringing to heel a problem which he had always despised. Christoph knew the type too well.


    Reaching down for his glass, mayor Asphodel raised it up. "We implement the tax in the coming weeks. Rejoice, men! For with the death of Gren Kelvin, in his place we can now build the true future of Asphodel with the dwarven slaves as our foundation!


    Another murmur of assent echoed throughout the room. The men took their glasses and clinked it with one another.


    This is bad, Christoph thought. I expected something nasty, but they''re practically their own cult, bad costumes and all. We need to get back to the King...


    A rustle of wind blew upward. Before Christoph knew it a crash sounded as plates flew every which way, food scattered all over the place and the men at the table fell back down into their seats in shock.


    Atop the table, now standing taller than any of the schemers there, the Pickpocket had their arms crossed. Their hood was still on but they bared their teeth like an animal.


    Christoph bit his tongue in annoyance. Oh yeah. Pickpocket. Impulsive type. I knew I shouldn''t have brought them. At least I haven''t been found yet...


    "Me and the big guy over there just heard all about your lame ass plan!"


    You moron.


    Sighing, Christoph stepped out of the shadows of the doorway, hearing another "Bwuh!?" ring out from the men at the table.


    "The shrimp over there''s right. Man, I knew there was something funny going on here, but full on slavery? Really? Sounds like the plot of a bad serial."


    Regaining a bit of composure, the mayor gave a childish snarl. "You! How did you get in here!?"


    The Pickpocket laughed. "You locked your front doors, back doors and your windows, so obviously we had to brute force our way in. I bet all those sensors weren''t cheap! Too bad they can''t protect against people like us!"


    "People like me," Christoph deadpanned.


    "Shut up for a minute! This is my villainous moment right now!"


    The men were murmuring. "Is it the pickpocket?"


    "Yeah, it''s him! I''d recognize that annoying posture anywhere!"


    The Pickpocket whirled around at that. "I''ll have you know this is how cool bad guys look, not annoying little twerps who steal whatever they can get their hands on!"


    Silence fell. Tavel raised a small hand. "But... that is what you are."


    "Zip it!" The Pickpocket stomped their feet on one of the last remaining plates on the table with an apple on it. Flying up, they caught it in their left hand.


    "Oh, and one other thing."


    Reaching for their hood, they pulled it back. Dark, shoulder length tresses fell out. Chocolate skin, though covered in some dirt, absorbed the candlelight. Pointed ears jutted out on either side of their head, and a wicked smirk twisted their features upward. Most striking, however, were the pair of glowing gold eyes.


    "Those eyes!"


    "They look just like¡ª"


    "I know I kept everybody waiting, but I think it''s about time I show who I really am. Synthia R¡ªuh, I mean, Synthia! Just Synthia! Resident villain and nuisance here to ruin your day!"


    The council members were dumbfounded, but Christoph could only nod. "I figured you weren''t a boy like everybody was saying."


    Synthia screwed her eyes shut and gave the biggest smile she could, giggling. She then rounded back on the guys, gold eyes shining brighter than the mayor could ever hope his could.


    "You know, I''ve been thinking. With me being part dwarf and coming from stone and all, and then you guys blurting about your evil plan to us, I think I''ve got some leverage over all you Kings of the Styx. SO!"


    Synthia took a massive bite of the apple, swallowing it quickly.


    "I guess you can call me the King of Styx and Stones then! Bow down to your new royal highness!"

 Minute 4: The King of Styx and Stones

    The pack of robed men stumbled away from the table spluttering. The self-proclaimed king Synthia kept munching on her apple, waiting expectantly. The mayor spoke up.


    "So you expect us to make a deal."


    "Yeah. You carry on being jerks, drop the tax, kick a little money into the dwarf part of town and then everything will be cool."


    Christoph leaned against the entrance to the stairs, barring the way up. "I''ve heard worse deals. Or what, you think people will just accept more taxes to pay?"


    "There''s no foiling this plan, you buffoon! We''ve been waiting for a day like this forever! With enough money and resources, you can buy out anyone!" A chorus of yeahs followed the mayor''s proclamation.


    "You try to strong arm them into slavery, then they''ll leave to set up shop somewhere nearby. That, or they decide to stand their ground here. You try to send your police after them, that''s just going to make things worse."


    Mayor Asphodel folded his arms. He resembled a pouty child more than the intimidating figure of authority he did before. "So what? A few can''t pay and even fewer die."


    "Dude, that ain''t gonna work." Synthia dropped the apple core she was holding, gulping her last bite down. "Not in a town like this. I know those asinine dwarves and they''d all rather die than pay what they don''t owe. So just accept the deal and stay a rich asshole the rest of your life, okay?"


    "Sir don''t let that brat trick you," hissed one of the men. "Look at her eyes. She''s cursed, meaning she''ll bring misfortune wherever she goes. Just by being here the monster threatens our operation."


    Christoph noticed a small flicker of fear ghost Synthia''s face. Her nose twitched, and her brilliant gold eyes widened in anxiety. Yet in the next moment it was gone. She was all cocksure again.


    "Yeah, you''re right. I am the monster you''ve always dreaded. Don''t think I don''t know who you all are." The men all looked up at Synthia once again. "Fatty over there''s the owner of the local bank, chief of police is over there, skinny dude oversees the butcher shop, Mayor Ghoul here is obvious, that balding guy is the preacher and then you..." Synthia pointed at Tavel. "You''re Iggy''s uncle, right? I don''t know how much she''d appreciate hearing that you''re planning to do this."


    Tavel gritted his teeth, although the look of shame he sported was quite apparent.


    "So really, we''ve both got what we need to put you into check and mate respectively. Feel like giving up?"


    The men turned to silence once more. Giving each other grim looks, they seemed to reach a collective decision, Tavel a bit more reluctantly than the rest.


    Christoph sighed. "Get down from there, shrimp. I get the feeling these guys aren''t the kind who listen to reason."


    The preacher suddenly dived for the bookcase. Pulling out a few tomes, he stabbed his arm forward and a click sounded out. A blaring alarm shook the room they were in. Synthia was so startled she almost fell off the table.


    "Panic button!?"


    "Shrimp, we''ve gotta move! Let''s go!"


    With a loud "Seize them!" trailing over their heads, Synthia followed Christoph back up the stairs. They burst out into the hallway.


    "Cat''s out of the bag now. Let''s just make our way through the closest window."


    "Yep, yep!"


    Landing in the shrubbery outside, Christoph and Synthia crouched and sidled around the building. They could see guards running toward the mansion from every which way. A few were already heading to the back where they were hiding.


    "There''s a little time before the mayor describes what we look like. We use that time to find a hiding spot and wait for things to cool down. You with me?"


    "Yeah."


    "You do know this is your fault for showing your face, right?"


    "Ack!" Synthia winced. "I''m sorry. They just made me super pissed."


    Christoph sighed. "Well, I understand how you feel. But come on, we''ve gotta move. Ready? One... Two... Three... Let''s go!"


    The two quietly rose from their hiding place, briskly walking to one of the side streets. Once they had made it far enough, they broke out into a run.


    Synthia looked up at the moon. "I''ve got a place we can hide out in, but I need to make a stop first."


    "Okay but be quick!"


    She led him to the general store he had visited earlier. "This place? Need a snack?"


    Synthia just gave him another impish smile in response, opening the door and heading inside. Christoph leaned in so he could hear what was happening.


    "Wilvur! ''Operation: DTDT ¨C Ditch This Dodgy Town'' is underway! I need your help."


    Christoph cocked his head. The town''s most notorious thief was in league with the owner of the general store?


    "Synthia, what fool thing did you do this time? That alarm''s been ringing all throughout town!"


    "I''ll tell you about it at my place. Just make sure you''re not seen, like always. This is important to me, Wilvur. I think it''s time for me to finally leave Asphodel."


    "Oh, I see. Interesting."


    A pause followed.


    "Wait, what!? Now!?"


    "Can''t say anymore here, meet you at home!"


    A few steps and Synthia had burst back outside, motioning for Christoph to follow her. Christoph got a good look at the store owner who appeared considerably taken aback before following after her.


    "Leaving town, huh? I hope that''s not dependent on making you convince me to bring you along with me on my travels."


    "Of course not! It''s you who has to convince me."


    As they were running, a familiar head of platinum hair could be seen up ahead.


    Uh oh, Christoph thought. We''d better make sure she doesn''t see us and go down a different road.


    Synthia, on the other hand, sped up. She grabbed Iggy''s hand and started dragging her along, eliciting a yelp from her.


    If they weren''t running, Christoph was sure he would burst into tears of anguish right then and there.


    "Hey bestie!"


    "Let go of me, you stupid ¨C Wait, a minute, bestie...? But the only one who says that is-!"


    Iggy began spluttering. "Cloak ¨C thief ¨C vagrant ¨C weasel ¨C I-it''s you!?"


    Synthia giggled. "Yessiree!"


    "And why are you dragging me like I''m some pack mule!?"


    "Because, as your best friend, I have something to tell you."


    "I don''t wanna hear it! Let go!"


    And so the two bickered all the way up to the waterfront. The houses here seemed especially old.


    "Annnnd... here we are. Home sweet home."


    Craning his neck up, Christoph did a double take. Before him was the most run-down building he had ever seen. The brick walls had gaping holes, all the windows were broken, and it seemed even one wrong move would bring the whole thing down.


    "Pleasant."


    Iggy jumped in surprise. "Christoph!? What are you doing here?"


    "I''ve been following you, that''s what. Me and Synthia have been together since we met up in front of town hall."


    "Town ha- what? Wait, did you two trip that alarm?"


    "Unfortunately."


    Jumping up the steps, Synthia waved at them before hopping through the door. Christoph gingerly took a step up the stairs. It creaked, although seemed stable enough. He kept taking careful steps up. Snapping his fingers, sparks flew out and into his palm where a small orb of fire began to float. Peeking inside, he could see moth-eaten furniture and torn paintings.


    Iggy kept shaking her head. "I am heading right back. No way I''m going in there."


    Christoph then realized why Synthia had decided to drag Iggy all this way. Sighing, Christoph looked back at her. "Actually, I think you should come in. There''s something we have to tell you about Tavel."


    Eyes widening, Iggy took a step back. "Uncle? Is he hurt? Did you- I mean... did you fight him?"


    "No, no, he''s fine. And I know this is weird and I know you probably won''t listen, but your uncle is involved in some bad stuff and you deserve to know."


    He cocked his head. "Unless, of course, you already do?"


    Iggy tapped her foot. "Well, I really am grateful for this morning, but if you haven''t noticed, you''re kind of a criminal right now. Why should I even listen to you?"


    Christoph was about to reply when voices shouted out from one of the side streets, making the two of them jump. They were growing closer and closer and appeared to belong to the local police.


    Christoph began whispering. "Look, I need an answer now."


    A brief moment of wringing her hands later, Iggy stamped her foot. "Why does this stuff happen to me!?"


    She scurried up the steps, head bent. Christoph followed her inside as he saw guards round the corner, making sure to crouch down as well.


    The place certainly wasn''t friendly. The plaster was cracked, moonlight shone through a gap in the roof and it felt like at least a few creatures had met their unfortunate demise here.


    Synthia peeked her head over the railing of the third floor, gold eyes almost beaming down on them. "Not exactly hotel quality, I know, but where I really live is up here. Come on up!"


    Iggy and Christoph made shushing noises.


    "They''re outside, you idiot!"


    Synthia flinched, mouthing ''sorry.''


    "You two, check that abandoned house! See if they hid there."


    Christoph gave Iggy a nudge in the back. "Come on, up we go!"


    A shaky pair of flights ascended later, Christoph and Synthia were on the top floor. The voices they''d heard before were now on the bottom floor.


    "Yikes, it''s like the house is actually dying."


    "Doesn''t mean they wouldn''t hide here. You search the bottom floor, I''ll go up. And remember: If need be, you shoot if you have to."If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Iggy gave Christoph a panicked look, to which he could only briefly shake his head and give another, more apologetic shrug.


    Gently, they retreated from the railing, hearing the slow pad of footsteps up to the second floor.


    Looking at a carpet laid out along the floor, Christoph and Iggy walked onto it as quietly as possible. With another finger to his lips, Christoph gave Iggy a reassuring nod and then began looking for where Synthia had gone.


    A room at the far end of the hall leading left had a door open. A hand darted out, beckoning them forward. They could hear the officer now heading in the opposite direction below them. The pair carefully made their way over.


    Once inside, they saw Synthia standing in front of a vast bookcase taking up one side of the room. It seemed they were in a study of some sort, with a chipped desk on the opposite end in front of a draped, glassless window.


    "Wanna see something cool?"


    "We ain''t got all night shrimp, on with the show."


    After tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, Synthia began cracking her knuckles. "Will do."


    She swiftly pulled out some books from the shelves. One at the bottom, two on of the middle shelves, another the shelf above those and one at the very top which she had to step on the bookcase to reach. The door clicked and swung open. Synthia pulled it wider revealing a staircase three people wide.


    Unfortunately, however, the hinges creaked. Loudly. The trio froze where they were.


    "You hear that? It came from up there!"


    Without a word, Christoph and Iggy dashed up the steps as Synthia hurriedly placed the books back where they had been previously. The sound of running up the stairs could be heard.


    Practically sliding to the other side of the bookcase, Synthia hurriedly pulled it closed, the hinges desperately crying with another creaking noise, but it couldn''t be helped. The click of the bookcase shutting closed coincided with the door being banged open.


    "I heard it again! That damn creaking!"


    Synthia kept her ear pressed to the bookcase, looking up to see her guests with pallid faces.


    Another set of footsteps quickly followed.


    "There doesn''t seem to be anything in here, does there?"


    "I heard something! I know it. Could be, like, a hidden room or something."


    The group froze, hearts beating so fast they threatened to fly out of their chests.


    "... Aye man, I know you read a lot of garbage but come on. Secret rooms?"


    "I swear, I heard something! And right before I came in¡ª"


    "I don''t know if you''ve noticed man, but this place is a dump. There''s nobody here and I don''t want to stay any longer.. Come on, let''s go."


    Synthia could sense the two outside the door, the buttons on their uniforms reflecting the moonlight. Growing impatient with searching. Waiting to find their targets. Wanting to bag a good pair of suspects so they''d be the talk of town for a couple weeks.


    "Are you coming with or are you more interested in staying here and renting out some moth-eaten books?"


    "... You''re probably right. Let''s go."


    The padding of footsteps sounded once more, this time growing softer until they couldn''t be heard anymore.


    The noose had loosened. The attic''s three occupants breathed a sigh of relief. Synthia began chuckling.


    "Secret rooms huh? I wonder what they think of their lovely mayor having his own creepy dungeon."


    Iggy''s brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about?"


    Synthia walked over to the desk by the wall furthest from the secret door. She switched on a lamp atop it, soft amber light illuminating the attic.


    The room they were in was best described as cozy. Not especially large, but not too small either. A paper map of the world was pinned to a board over the desk, various pins, marked circles, dots, lines, doodles adorning it. Piles of books stacked high atop each other, all popular adventure novels of some sort, although there was a stack of history books in the far corner that had picked up a fair amount of dust.


    Pages filled with words and more doodles lay all over the floor, the sound of them sliding over one another filling the room as Synthia moved around. The ceiling was sloped up toward the entrance. The floorboards here looked much newer than the rest of the house, and the attic window had cleaner drapes hung over it too, allowing no light to escape.


    Eventually settling into a puffy armchair in the corner, Synthia gestured to an equally puffy couch adjacent to it. Her eyes weren''t gold anymore, now a soft brown in the light.


    Christoph sat down, letting the tension leave his shoulders. "Home sweet home indeed."


    Iggy remained standing, fixing Synthia with a strong glare who began to blink nervously. She scratched the back of her head.


    "Okay, okay, elephant in the room: I keep stealing from you."


    "Obviously! But¡ª"


    "But look, the other guys would''ve marked you if I didn''t and you really would''ve lost some money. I mean, I always give it back to you!"


    Getting right up in Synthia''s face, Iggy''s expression was scalding. "You mean I always take it back from you."


    Synthia could only give a meek shrug and a meeker smile in response. Christoph cut in.


    "Look, after the past couple hours with her, I understand very well how annoying she can be."


    "Hey! I''m not that bad..."


    Ignoring her, Christoph continued. "But Iggy, you said you were suspicious of your uncle and the council? Well, you were right to. You''re going to want to sit down for this one."


    Iggy plopped down next to him. "That''s what I''m trying to ask you. What the hell happened?"


    ...


    After relaying the situation to her, Iggy was reduced to leaning back on the couch, face cradled in her palms. Christoph rubbed his hands together. "I don''t know what your uncle says he does in these meetings, but we''re being honest here. That''s the situation."


    "And you decide to tell me first instead of the dwarves because...?"


    "You''re trustworthy," Synthia said, examining her fingernails. "And I think you deserve to know what your uncle isn''t telling you. Besides, the others have been guessing that the council want to put the pressure on us for a while now. Especially the King."


    Christoph nodded. "I agree with Synthia. While trust is something I hand out very carefully, I know the good types when I see them. You won''t rat us out."


    Iggy groaned. "That''s how it is, huh? Okay."


    She leaned forward; elbows pressed into her thighs. "Ever since he joined the council officially a few months ago, Uncle Tavel''s seemed pretty stressed, and the other members always struck me as..."


    "Jerks?"


    "I was gonna say assholes, but yeah, that too. And the more he spent time with them, the more he seemed to grow wary of any dwarves who''d pass us by. I mean, it''s not like they''re easy to miss if you''re actually looking. Kinda short and all."


    Iggy shook her head. "But I dunno. I mean, he wouldn''t actually go along with a plan this awful."


    Christoph laced his fingers together. "With the right amount of pressure and either their social standing or otherwise being affected, most people placed under enough stress can be convinced of anything."


    "He''s not that type of person! But you also seem like you''re telling me the truth... but would I be too gullible if I just believed you...? I mean... It''s..."


    Iggy grabbed tugged at her hair. "Agh! Enough of this! I''ll just ask him myself. And I''ll kick his ass if he doesn''t want to tell me. Besides, now I wanna know about you."


    Iggy pointed at Synthia, who seemed to be staring off into space. A few blinks and a shake of her head brought her back to reality.


    "You say something?"


    "Pop your brain back into your head. I want to know what the deal with you is. You say you trust me? Prove it. Tell me your story."


    Comparing one clump of matted hair to another, Synthia began brushing them against each other. "Not interested."


    Leaning back, Christoph stretched out his arms. "I was hoping for at least a little something, if I say so myself."


    Iggy wasn''t as quick to admit defeat.


    "Bullshit! You run around making my life a living hell whenever you pop up and you don''t think you have any obligation to explain why?"


    "It''s a long story."


    "They won''t find us here! We''ve got time."


    "You sure about that? Well..."


    Synthia glanced up at the map. She had been doing this every few minutes since they''d gotten here.


    "I guess the short version is I just ended up here. I''m part elf and dwarf, no way people in a town like this would accept me. The part of me that''s human might as well not exist. Had nowhere else to go, ended up coming here on one of the transports and that''s that."


    Iggy pressed her elbows into her knees, casting her shadow longer in the chronolight. "Nobody just ends up somewhere."


    Synthia cast another glance at the map. It had been marked up so many times that it was difficult to make out many of the individual cities and states listen on it. "I did."


    Her voice, normally loud and brash, was subdued. Her shadow remained small, being the closest to the lamp. It lay flat on the armchair as if it had nowhere to escape.


    "Well, if you have to know... My eyes are a rare dwarven gift. They let me see in the dark, and that''s why they change colour."


    Christoph shifted uncomfortably.


    "But apparently there are superstitions about them. That whoever has them is some harbinger of destruction. It''s all nonsense, but that''s never stopped people from..."


    It took her a few seconds to keep going. "When I got here, I knew I couldn''t let anybody see me. I came across Wilvur... and then he introduced me to Gren and Penelope."


    Her guests were surprised. "You knew Mr. and Mrs. Kelvin?"


    "They built this place for me. Wilvur wanted me to move in with him, but I just didn''t want to. So I sleep here instead. I know it looks rough, but this room is practically airtight with the shelf in front of it. I keep it relatively clean, too. They gave me all these books to enjoy, the map, the furniture. So when I heard Gren had died back at that meeting, I just lost it."


    She punched the armrest. "Heh. I guess the King knew I''d get pissed if he told me what happened. But that''s all over now." She turned to look at the map once again. "I need to move on from this place.


    Iggy nodded at the map. "You keep staring at that thing. Planning a trip?"


    "Planning an odyssey."


    At this, Synthia stood up and stretched, swagger back in full force. "I don''t want to see one place or twenty. I want to see all of them. From the highest treetops in the elven countries to the deserts surrounding Qima, the highest mountaintops to the lowest seabed, the tops of the metal structures in Athenopolis to the ruins of Zlot Kraj.


    "You sure seem on top of this."


    Synthia groaned at Christoph''s pun and hung her head. "C''mon, dude!"


    Chuckling, Christoph said "Couldn''t help it."


    Focusing her attention on the map, Synthia traced a line leading from Asphodel to the capital of Styx, Propositum. "It''s my dream. After all this time hiding, I want to show people who I really am. Show the world who I really am. That I''m..."


    She pressed her fist against the map. "Somebody."


    Christoph drummed his fingers against the armrest.


    "Let''s say I was willing to bring you along. What would you say to prove that I should?"


    Synthia smiled slyly, eyes half-lidded. "There we go. But why are you saying it like you need to convince me? I told you, you need to convince me why I should go along with you. I can get us out of anything. My dwarf side gives me natural magic resistance while my elven side lets me use magic without much trouble."


    Tapping his fingers against the armrest, Christoph looked dubious. "You got us caught though."


    "Urk!" Synthia made a noise in-between that of a strangled cat and a dolphin.


    Iggy decided to pile on too. "And you''re loud."


    "Don''t follow orders."


    "Annoying."


    "Couldn''t even break into that mansion without my help."


    Can''t stop getting yourself into trouble, mostly with me."


    "And you almost got us caught again just before we got in here."


    Synthia was wincing. "Ohhhh... half a dozen fatal blows!"


    Iggy sniffed. "And when was the last time you bathed?"


    "Gahhhhhh!" Synthia slumped in defeat back in her armchair. "My self esteem will never recover..."


    Iggy snorted. "I''m sure you''ll survive."


    The sound of more footsteps broke up their conversation. They all sat bolt upright.


    Getting out of his chair, Christoph backed up to one side of the stairs. He motioned for Iggy and Synthia to cover the other. They could hear the sound of books being pulled off the shelf, which made the tension drop out of Synthia''s shoulders.


    "Oh, it''s¡ª"


    Christoph furiously shushed her, by which time the case swung open and a familiar face peered up into the attic.


    Synthia stepped out from the side. "Hiya, Wilvur! Perfect timing!"


    Plodding up the stairs, Wilvur looked unamused. "Synthia, I swear, you get in trouble just by standing still."


    Looking at Synthia''s company, his eyes widened. "Oh, you two are¡ª"


    "Allow me to reintroduce myself. Christoph, Christoph Pax. I''m an adventurer staying in town for a couple days. Or at least, that was the plan."


    Iggy gave a small wave. "Hi, Mr. Ros. So you and this brat know each other?"


    Ignoring the pointed glare Synthia was now giving Iggy, Wilvur gave a bark of laughter. "Ha! At least a few more people know how much trouble she causes me. But yeah, I helped set this place up for her. Don''t tell anybody, would you?"


    Synthia folded her arms. "I bet it''s just so you won''t get any flak from the mayor."


    "How can you say that?" Wilvur placed a hand on Synthia''s shoulder. "It''d be a lie to say that didn''t concern me, but the bigger danger here is that the mayor''s after you. What happened?"


    A second explanation later, Wilvur held his head in his hands just like Iggy had. "Oh, Synthia. You really are too much."


    Synthia looked genuinely apologetic. "I just... couldn''t let them keep saying all that stuff. It hurt to listen to."


    Wilvur brought his face up. While the expression in his eyes remained grim, he couldn''t help but let a small smile creep up his jaw. "Well, they definitely had it coming. It just would''ve been better if it weren''t coming from you."


    Looking at Christoph, the small smile slipped away. "So you paid those cretins back for what they did?"


    Christoph nodded. "Yes. It was all I could do. I take it Mr. Kelvin was a close friend?"


    "You know that one family everybody likes in a neighbourhood? That was the Kelvins. Just tragic."


    He shook his head. "But that''s behind us. We need to focus on getting Synthia out of here."


    Looking the room over, he sighed. "And, as it happens, you''re becoming too big for this place."


    Putting both hands on Synthia''s shoulders, she looked up at him with her eyes catching the light from the lamp. It replicated their gold glow in the dark.


    "It''s been a long time coming, but you''ve got no other reasons to stay. We''ll wait for daybreak and have you out of town in no time."


    Synthia clenched her fists with glee, bouncing up and down. "This is gonna be so cool!"


    Wilvur turned back to Christoph. "And you''re who she''ll be travelling with."


    Christoph tensed back up again. He felt the penetrating gaze of a cautious father being set on him.


    "Uh, yes sir. I''ve been travelling the world looking for a way to solve the chronocrisis gripping it. The world, I mean."


    Wilvur raised his eyebrows. "That''s a lofty goal. Dangerous?"


    Christoph knew that Synthia''s dream of exploring the world now rested on his shoulders. He could pull the plug on this right now, have her stay in town and wait things out on her own. Honestly, it wouldn''t be any skin off his back. She could stay here a while longer.


    He glanced over at Synthia. Her eyes held that small spark of wonder he never got tired of seeing in somebody. They could only be found in the kindest and optimistic of souls, willing to push forward and make their mark on the world. It reminded him of...


    In that moment, he made his decision.


    "Maybe. But I could use with a bit of company. She''s rough around the edges, but she''s got potential."


    Synthia''s eyes widened. "Seriously!?"


    "Something tells me this ain''t gonna be easy, my girl. You''re stepping into a larger world here, and not all of it''s as easy to navigate as Asphodel."


    Christoph nodded at Wilvur''s assessment. "He''s right. You come with me, that means you need to prepare for the worst. Specifically, I''m looking for very powerful manifestations of elemental power, and I need the King to give me the tools I need just to navigate a dangerous place safely."


    Perking up at that, Synthia became very curious. "Hey, wait, when you talked about the chronocrisis, does that mean you''re planning to stop the Dawn?"


    "The Dawn''s a more archaic term for it, yeah. Specifically, based off findings I gathered, there are these magical¡ª"


    "Magical keystones that bind the world together," Synthia cut him off. "The manifestations of Fire, Earth, Wind, Water, Light and Darkness! If you bring them all together, you gain mastery over reality itself."


    Christoph was pleasantly surprised. "You''ve heard the story?"


    "I''ve read about it in that book right there. Gren gave it to me."


    She pointed to a book atop one of the stacks a little less dusty than the others. Picking it up, Christoph eyed the title: The Odyssey of the Seven Swords of Power.


    "''Swords...?'' Never heard of this version before, but it seems based on the same legend. And it lists seven instead of six."


    Christoph now seemed resolute. "Alright. Pack what you need and then we''ll hit the road. World''s waiting for us."

 Minute 5: Changing Hands

    Wilvur took Synthia to his house to rest up and get showered for the morning (after she was vetoed on staying in her attic and simply taking a quick dip in the harbour.) Christoph decided to sleep there instead, (with permission of course), saying he''d go meet with the King once he woke up. Iggy, meanwhile, had gone home to confront her uncle.


    Clicking the door open, Iggy gave a contented sigh as she saw the familiar sight of the interior. Although it felt slightly different. Talking with her nemesis and Christoph seemed to have flipped everything upside down.


    Light streamed down from upstairs. The spiral staircase leading up to the second floor beckoned her upward. Padding across the rug, she ascended it, hair whipping behind her.


    On the second floor, she headed straight for the drawing room. That was where her uncle preferred to do his thinking.


    As she approached, she saw Uncle Tavel sitting with Aunt Mel. They both looked tired, staying up later than usual. She figured she didn''t look much better either, but oddly enough she didn''t feel an ounce of fatigue. Her mind had clarity it had not possessed in a while.


    Her aunt reacted first, curly brown hair flopping around her head. "Iggy, you''re finally back! Where were you all night? You didn''t come home after seeing Tavel off, and then there was the alarm and I fell asleep in the front waiting for you! Oh, you had no idea how worried¡ª"


    "I''m sorry, Aunt Mel, I truly am. But I need to speak to Uncle about something."


    Sitting up straight, Tavel grimaced. He seemed to sense what was coming.


    "Tavel, I need you to be honest with me. You didn''t agree to forcing the dwarves into slavery, did you?"


    Mel began to laugh. "Oh, that''s just absurd. What''s possessed you, Iggy?"


    Continuing to stare her uncle down, Iggy''s solemn expression showed no sign of wavering. Tavel began speaking.


    "It''s a matter of the town''s survival, Iggy. Push came to shove, and we, uh... we uh..." Tavel couldn''t finish. He looked down at his hands.


    "You don''t deny it?"


    "W-where did you hear it from? That square-jawed adventurer, or that thief? You can''t trust¡ª"


    "Like hell this is about trust," Iggy shouted furiously. "You decided that the best way to help this town was turning a third of it into our indentured servants!? How the hell does it help anyone? You''d treat them like cattle before you''d have the spine to stand up for what''s right?"


    Tavel''s began to stutter. "I-it was all d-decided by c-c-c-com... committee."


    Even as he was forcing the words out, Tavel''s shame caught up with him. He could insist he was in the right no longer. He only offered a small "It is wrong," in defeat.


    Iggy shook her head. She looked at her shocked aunt.


    "Uncle, Aunt, I thank you for all that you''ve done for me. I will always be grateful for that. But this... I can''t stay after this. This is the same type of cowardice that led to me coming here in the first place. I won''t abide by it."


    Mel''s head snapped up at that. "What are you saying?"


    Iggy took a deep breath. "I''m saying I''m leaving. For good."


    ...


    "Got everything?"


    "Mhm."


    "This is your last chance. Any books you want to bring along, toys, your map... maybe your globe?"


    "I''ve got everything I need on me. You can take the rest of my stuff to your house or Penelope''s."


    Wilvur and Synthia were making their way to the front of town. It was now morning. She didn''t smell anymore and had everything she needed tucked away in a leather bag slung over her shoulder. Her hood up, Wilvur had a firm hand on her shoulder.


    "I do wish I could say goodbye to Iggy though..."


    "Can''t be helped. It''s too dangerous. Besides, she might not even listen to you after everything you''ve pulled, ha ha!"


    "But we''re best friends, Wilvur!"


    "And best friends always have to split up one day. Come on, let''s not keep that young man waiting."


    There was a crowd ahead of them in the square, however.


    "Huh? What could this be? It''s so early."


    With nowhere else to go, Wilvur and Synthia pushed through the crowd.


    "Good citizens of Asphodel, we have an important announcement for you all!"


    The pair stopped in their tracks. The voice that had just rung out was Mayor Asphodel.


    "I humbly apologize for the alarm last night. There were intruders that made their way into our humble town hall, and they had to be dealt with. It will not be long until they are captured. However..."Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Getting closer to the front of the crowd, Wilvur could now see the mayor, in a pinstriped suit this time, giving his address flanked by several similarly dressed council members.


    "Wilvur, I can''t see!"


    "But you can listen. Be quiet."


    The mayor continued.


    "Our home is but one fishing port on the edge of the world. Rich we may have made this place, but I am afraid that what cannot be ignored any longer is the grave irresponsibility of this town''s vagrants. That is why we request your help."


    A murmur ran through the square. Wilvur''s eyebrows furrowed.


    "This is why, effective immediately, we are asking for your assistance in running Asphodel. At the end of each month, you will be required to pay a tax. Any unable to do so will be required to work off the difference."


    The crowd bristled at this, their murmuring rising to angry conversation and a few boos. The mayor held up his hands.


    "I understand this is difficult, but it will help prove who is truly worthy of being a humble Asphodelian citizen, and who must instead be put to adequate work for the sake of our future."


    "Sure likes to use ''humble'' a lot. Last word I''d use to describe him." Synthia pushed her bag into Wilvur''s arms. "Here, hold this."


    Surprised, he couldn''t grab Synthia in time as she darted forward.


    "Furthermore, we hope this will encourage bonds of trust to develop as we humbly move forward to¡ªGUH!"


    He was cut off as Synthia dropkicked him right in the solar plexus, sending him several feet back. The crowd, and Wilvur especially, could only gape.


    Standing up and dusting herself off, Synthia pulled down her hood. "Man, I''ve been wanting to do that forever."


    Looking up, she saw the council members getting over their shock and preparing to pounce on her. She quickly fired her grappling gun at a nearby roof to get away before they could make a move. Landing atop it, Synthia swiftly sat on the edge.


    "Wait, that grappling gun from yesterday... is that little girl the Pickpocket?"


    "That stupid pest is a girl!?"


    The crowd reacted to this turn of events in surprise, but were drowned out by Synthia, having landed on the roof and sitting down on its edge. "Okay, now that I have your attention, let me tell you the real reason these guys are doing this."


    Pointing at the mayor, who had gotten up with the assistance of a couple officers but was still shaky, she bellowed, "This no-good money monger is trying to squeeze you dry so he can turn the people he doesn''t like into slaves."


    Winded, the mayor tried to rebut that. "There is... no reason... to take... the word of some... some thief... over mine. Trust me. This is... the only way... our town survives!"


    "Survives what? My husband not being around anymore to stop your buffoonish schemes?"


    All heads turned to the southwest alleyway. Out came Penelope Kelvin, long silky hair reflecting the morning sun.


    "Mrs. Kelvin! I heard the bad news! I had hoped to give my condolences at the funeral in the next few days¡ª"


    Penelope held up a hand. "It seems very clear to me that you are incapable of running this town adequately. Honestly, another tax on top of what the Styx government gives us? For shame."


    Undeterred, Mayor Asphodel dusted off his robes. "It matters not. What I say in this town is law!"


    Penelope began to chuckle, hand formed into a fist in front of her mouth.


    "Something amuse you, Mrs. Kelvin?"


    "Oh Mr. Mayor, I''m afraid to say that your word isn''t law as of... four days ago, to be precise."


    The mayor''s face scrunched up in puzzlement.


    "An out-of-town doctor wasn''t the only reason why my husband took his trip. He decided to do some investigation of his own."


    Producing a sheet of paper tucked into the back of her waistband, Penelope waved it back and forth. The official Styxian emblem of a small boat was on the seal. It was the same one that had been in Gren''s chest. "This is a report. About an error in buying out the land. Apparently, Mr. Asphodel here has been paying off officials from investigating his fraudulent claim. The Asphodel family never bought the land to begin with. They simply kept bribing higher ups into saying they did.


    "My husband had done a great amount of work in uncovering this conspiracy. Had to call in a couple favours but it bore fruit in the end. The state no longer recognizes the Asphodels as the owners of this land. It''s free property once again, and we''re free to cultivate it as such!"


    Clapping erupted, with Synthia being among the loudest. Penelope beamed.


    "We can institute an actual election, to elect a real mayor! Not one who bleeds us try for our hard-earned money! Does that sound acceptable to you, King?"


    Through the crowd, a stout figure emerged. Some residents gave him an alarmed glance, though he ignored them as a rare smile graced his features. "Aye. I''d like to put this place back on track."


    Penelope nodded. "And we will, my friend. No matter how long it takes."


    She turned to the mayor. "You''ve lost, Asphodel. Officers, arrest him."


    Snarling, the (former) mayor wouldn''t give up without giving one final pathetic attempt at maintaining his power. He ripped himself out of the grip of the officers and pointed a bony finger at Synthia, taking her aback.


    "And what about her? Are we leaving her unpunished? That brat kicks me, humiliates me, runs amok in this town as a dirty little thief and she receives no retribution? If we''re all deciding karma gets me back, then maybe you should take a look at her!"


    In the crowd, Wilvur began shoving forward. Unlike Synthia, he couldn''t make his way up too fast. There were too many people in his way!


    "Do you know what she is? Not only is she some accursed half-breed, she possesses the eyes of the cursed August Moon demons! Everybody born with those is destined to bring misery and misfortune!"


    The crowd, reaching information overload, could only glance at one another and exchange whispers in their confusion. Synthia was panicking.


    Not again... I can''t go through that again, I¡ª


    "I swear, I saw them myself! Gold eyes shining in the dark, revealing her true nature! Maybe I''m not the source of troubles! Perhaps it''s her, riling up the dwarves and forcing me into implementing this foolish tax! She should be strung up and left to rot! Put down like the rabid, pathetic and monstrous little bitch she is¡ªUGH!"


    Not another word escaped him. Wilvur had reached the front of the crowd and delivered a sharp jab to his jaw. Asphodel fell flat on his back again, eyes crossed.


    "Stupid bastard."


    Turning around, Wilvur shook out his hand as Asphodel was dragged off. "Well, you heard the lady. Things are changing around here, and for the better. Won''t have to deal with this idiot ever again, I promise you that."


    Penelope elaborated. "The Pickpocket never did anything illegal per se. After all this excitement, it makes no sense to punish her."


    "So just go about your day, pay no heed to what he just said. Raving mad, as you can tell!"


    With a few bursts of laughter and many looks of confusion, the crowd finally dispersed. Wilvur gave Synthia a wink, who gave a thumbs up in return. She pointed to the north end of town, indicating she would meet him there. With that, she took off.


    Wilvur could only sigh. "Leaves me with the luggage. Figures."


    He looked at Penelope and the King. "Wanna see her off?"


    The two of them nodded.


    "Of course, Wilvur."


    "I guess I owe the brat that much. Although I guess there''s no reason for her to leave anymore, with the mayor out of the way."


    Smirking, Wilvur said, "I know Synthia. I think she''s had about enough of this place. She still wants to go."


    Laboured pants came from the other end of the square. The three turned to see Iggy wheeling a giant suitcase of luggage behind her.


    Approaching them, she put her hands on her knees, struggling to regain her breath.


    "Mr. Ros... I hope it''s not too late! I wanna... hahhhhh... I wanna go with Christoph on his journey."


    Looking at their faces, she grew puzzled. "Did I... miss something?"

 Minute 6: Departures

    Clear skies accompanied a sense of relief at Asphodel''s norther gate now that Christoph was finally about to leave this place. Having gone ahead after briefly relaying the King''s requested information and discreetly leaving the money for his room and board at the inn, Christoph was looking forward to getting on with his journey once more. He had wheeled his bike over carefully once he carefully filled up its battery at the local chronomill.


    "Hey, big guy!"


    Turning around, he saw Synthia atop the same roof she had been taunting Iggy on just the previous day. Jumping off, her body flipped forward once and she landed, cat-like, on the ground.


    "Impressive. Most people would have their legs broken if they did that."


    Christoph couldn''t help but notice the way Synthia began playing with her hair. Now that she was all showered, it looked far smoother, especially in the sun...


    "So Christoph, I''ve been wondering."


    Snapping out of his trance, Christoph cleared his throat. "Yeah?"


    "How old are you?"


    "18, last time I checked."


    Her face lighting up with a satisfied smile, Synthia nodded. "Good."


    After explaining what had happened back in the square, Synthia waited with Christoph for Wilvur. She kept stealing furtive glances at him which, in all honesty, he was beginning to find a little uncomfortable. Just before he was about to tell her to stop, he saw some familiar faces approaching from up ahead.


    "Iggy? What are you doing here?"


    Rolling up with her pink metal suitcase, Iggy leaned against the handle. "What do you think? I''m coming with you."


    Synthia''s soft smile turned into another of her normal smirks. "Only one full size suitcase?"


    "Shut your trap or I''ll shut it for you."


    "Oh, boy," Christoph said, feeling a headache coming on. "Now there are two of them."


    Wilvur burst with laughter. "Oh, I don''t envy you."


    "But I haven''t even agreed to take her along."


    Iggy slammed a fist atop her suitcase. "I did not stress all night on what to bring just to be turned away without a second thought. You hear me? I''m not taking no for an answer."


    Pulling at the sleeves of his shirt, Christoph stood up straight. "Look, this isn''t some day trip. We go after these keystones, that means danger. Not just from trying to find them but from whoever gets in our way. Trust me, you''re better off staying here."


    "I can''t. Not with a man like my uncle." She sighed. "I guess I could stay at the inn or somewhere else, but... After last night, I guess the prospect of going on an adventure is appealing to me. More than staying here."


    Iggy and Christoph continued their stand-off, Synthia beside them with her grin spread wide at what Iggy had just said. The King gave a small chuckle. Christoph turned to him.


    "What''s so funny? Find it ironic the info you wanted ended up irrelevant because of Mrs. Kelvin coming in to save the day?"


    Taking off his glasses and wiping them on his shirt, the King replied, "That, and a little trick you learn as you grow older is that there''s nothing more resolute than a stubborn woman."


    Approaching Christoph, Iggy stretched her arms out. "I''m not so great at pulling things toward me as you saw yesterday but pushing them away... that''s a different story. Maybe that''ll convince you I''m worth bringing along."


    Cocking his head, Christoph accepted. "Alright then. Throw me back at least ten feet and I''ll consider it."


    Synthia gave him a look of pity before taking several steps back. In fact, everybody did.


    Looking down at Iggy''s triumphant grin, Christoph realized his mistake too late.


    "Uh oh."


    Fwoosh!


    A gust of wind that felt like it came from a hurricane blasted him back, well beyond ten feet. Landing flat on his back in much the same position as Iggy had been yesterday, he could tell he had flown almost all the way to the gate.


    "... You''re in," he forced out.


    ...


    A bike was too small for all three of them to travel, so Iggy and Penelope had gone over to the Asphodel mansion to find any cars they could use. With Mayor Asphodel''s arrest, they would be seized by the town anyway and may as well yield some use for the moment. They decided against horses as they would be too tiresome to care for.


    Wilvur took this time to approach Christoph. "A moment?"


    Christoph acquiesced. They stood off to the side. Synthia took the time to say farewell to the King.


    "That''s a troublemaker you''re taking along."


    Picking at some dirt left on his robes from Iggy''s demonstration, Christoph nodded. "Oh yeah. I''ve seen for myself."


    Scratching the back of his head, Wilvur pondered what to say next. After a little while, he continued.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "She''s not... a normal girl. And I don''t mean the eyes or her mixed blood, that''s not what makes her different. Well, I guess it''s partly why, but not, um... because of just that, you know?"


    "What are you trying to tell me?"


    "Me, Gren and Penelope did our best to make sure she''d have a decent life here. To move on from whatever pain still gripped her. We did what we could, but there''s a part of her we could never reach."


    He squinted at a passing cloud, trying to find more words to articulate his thoughts.


    "She''s the bravest person I''ve ever met. And the most foolish. She won''t always be happy. She won''t always be okay. And I''ve accepted she won''t ever keep herself truly safe. So all I ask of you is that you make sure she gets through this adventure of yours."


    "I''ll do what I can, but..."


    Christoph trailed off as he saw Wilvur''s determined expression.


    "I need you to understand; I''m entrusting you with this. With her. I need you to promise me that, within the limits of your power, no harm befalls her. And if any comes from you, I will find out about it. We''ve agreed to keep in touch."


    Not one ounce of hesitation seeped into his voice. Christoph understood the magnitude of this request. "I promise."


    Relaxing, Wilvur flashed him a warm smile. "Good. And it seems the ladies are finally back."


    Iggy and Penelope rolled up in a black convertible, top down. It was somewhat boxlike, with large headlights and a silver angel hood ornament. They exited it.


    "Not a bad ride," Christoph remarked.


    "I''m gonna call it the Silver Falcon," Synthia said, jumping up and down.


    "But it''s black," Wilvur pointed out.


    "And it doesn''t fly," the King added.


    "No names, please," Iggy said, exasperated. "This is just a normal, super expensive car we''re appropriating from Mayor Aspho¡ª uh, former Mayor Asphodel."


    Kicking at the ground, Synthia muttered. "Still Mayor Asshole in my book."


    "All of that''s behind you." Placing a hand on Synthia''s shoulder, Wilvur gave her a tender look. "And hopefully the rest too. Before I send you out there, I need you to promise me that you won''t go looking for a fight, anywhere, no matter what."


    Grumbling, Synthia avoided looking into his eyes.


    "This is important. Synthia, the world isn''t going to welcome for who you are. So prove to the people in it that you''re better than what some might say you are. Not for me, but for you. Understand?"


    Taking a deep breath, Synthia nodded. Smiling, Wilvur drew her close. "That''s my girl. That''s my girl."


    Looking at this exchange, Iggy felt a strong pang of longing bubble up within her chest as she tried to wedge her suitcase into the car''s trunk with Christoph. She hadn''t felt it in a long time. So long she thought it had disappeared altogether.


    "Apeiros, this thing is big," Christoph grunted beside her. "And super heavy! You fit half your bedroom into this?"


    "Oh quit whining, it''ll go in with one more push. Now put your back into it!"


    With one last effort from both of them, the suitcase finally slid inside the trunk. Iggy rubbed her hands together to get some feeling back into them.


    "Now we''re all set!"


    Turning to the King, she gave a curtsy before breaking out of it and doing a more subdued bow of her head. "Not that we really know each other, but it''s nice to have somebody to see me off."


    The King was surprised. "Nobody else is coming?"


    Iggy snorted. "I told them not to. Not after what I learned."


    "And that''s why you have trouble making friends," came a voice.


    It was now Iggy''s turn to be surprised. "Aunt Mel! And... Will, and Phil, and Bill!"


    "It''s Dill!"


    "Oh, sorry."


    Her aunt and the trio of nobody officers approached the group. Mel handed over a hairbrush.


    "Oh no! I knew I forgot something!"


    "Lucky you have me then."


    Mel looked conflicted, in between wanting her niece to stay and respecting her wishes. "Your fool of an uncle decided to go to town hall, hoping to retain his spot on the new council. I tried to convince him to come, but he''s a coward at heart. Couldn''t face you after you blew up at him."


    Iggy shook her head. "That''s not your fault, Aunt Mel. I didn''t expect him to come, and after what he did I don''t want him to. But I do hope he learns from his mistakes."


    "And so should you." Mel put her hand in Iggy''s. "I trust you know this isn''t afternoon stroll with some boyfriend. You''ll need to keep your wits about you. If you ever want to come home, you need only turn right back around and retrace your steps. Our door is always open for you."


    Smiling, Iggy clenched her aunt''s fingers tighter. "That''s good to know."


    They shared a tight embrace and then parted.


    "Hey, Ms. Iggy," spoke up Will.


    "We''re thinking of heading out on an adventure of our own," said Dill.


    "Trust us, in no time you''ll be hearing tales of the most heroic trio to ever walk the face of Nelen!" Phil seemed especially enthusiastic.


    Not wanting to sour their parting by seeming skeptical, Iggy kept a straight face. "I''m sure I will. Hopefully we meet each other again somewhere."


    They all grinned. "It''s a promise," they shouted in unison. Synthia and Christoph suppressed the urge to giggle.


    Now it was Penelope''s turn. "It seems this day has been a long time coming. You ready? Both of you?"


    Iggy and Synthia answered "Yes," in sync, giving each other a glance; one caustic, the other cheerful.


    "What you''re looking for are no mere trinkets. They are keystones of power and ought to be respected. Should you find them, it may have global ramifications. Keep that in mind. All of you."


    That last sentence was followed by a brief flicker of her eyes in Christoph''s direction. It was only for half a second; so brief that Christoph wondered if he was just been imagining things. But once he blinked he saw her still focused on the girls in front of her.


    "Take care then."


    They turned to leave, Synthia seeing a brief nod of acknowledgement from the King which she returned, and with that he turned on his heel back into town.


    "Oh, and Synthia?"


    She turned after hearing her name. Penelope had one last thing to say


    "I know Gren meant the world to you... So do what you can to carry out his love of adventure, okay? He''d be honoured if you could do that. I know it. And keep the books he gave you close on hand. You do that, then he''ll always be with you in a way."


    Synthia smiled. "Okay. Absolutely."


    Christoph shouted to her atop his zeitcycle. "Come on, let''s get going. The world isn''t waiting for us."


    "Good luck," Aunt Mel called out. Iggy waved at her.


    Trotting over to Wilvur, Synthia gave him the tightest hug she could.


    "Argh, you''re about to break my ribs!"


    Giggling, Synthia gave him a kiss on the cheek, right against his prickly stubble. "You''re the best, Wilvur. Believe it."


    Smirking, Wilvur rubbed his side. "I do. It''s you who''d better believe it."


    Looking up, Synthia saw the pyramidal tip of the northern gate.


    "Hold it! There''s one more thing I wanna do. See things from a different perspective."


    Ignoring the others'' looks and exclamations of surprise, she drew out her grappling gun and fired it at the top of the gate. Shooting up, she landed with a solid thud against the tiles, grabbing the weathervane to balance herself. Looking around, she could see that this was the easily the tallest place in all of Asphodel, beaten only by the church spire.


    At the south end was her home. Her old home now, she guessed. Decrepit, rotting and uninviting, it had served as the perfect hiding spot. She went over how she traced the lines she''d made on her map, imagining where she''d go first when she eventually left this place.


    Pulling it out, she took in the region they were in at the moment. Styx. A smaller part of a country named Viveld, in itself a medium sized part of the world''s second largest continent Edretica. One small part of a big world.


    She remembered the attic she had been living in. It was the refuge where she''d been left to imagine her adventures. Dancing atop the mattress, stomping the floorboards, imagining she was swinging a sword and being the greatest villain who''d ever lived. Her moment had arrived.


    She turned to look out, far beyond the confines of Asphodel''s walls. With the sun shining overhead and the mountains in the distance, she let the sea wind wash over her. This was the first step. The first real chapter. Her first actual journey.


    "Time for a real adventure."

 Minute 7: A Stranger From A Strange Land

    "To town, to sea, through upended breeze! I state my case, I flaunt my ways, I travel for adventure!"


    "Shut up!"


    "I''m bored!"


    "Then pull out one of your books or something!"


    "Read ''em all."


    "Hey, you two had better not crash the car," Christoph shouted back at his new companions atop his bike. "It''d be pretty lame to die not even two hours after leaving home."


    Iggy''s face contorted, as if she had just swallowed something extremely sour. "I''m starting to think maybe I should just head back if I''m going to share a car with you the whole way. And feet off the dash!"


    Complying, Synthia rolled her shoulders. "You know, the actual travelling part can be pretty exhausting. I don''t like sitting still for too long."


    The wayward group beat on during the early morning. Iggy was driving the car while Synthia sat in the passenger''s seat to her left. They were following Christoph as he rode on ahead, bent over the front of his bike with his shirt rippling in the wind. They had departed in a good enough mood, but with the sun out, the girls had quickly pulled the top of the car back on.


    "Christoph, are we there yet?"


    "I see the mountains up ahead. Should be another half hour."


    That was the 17th time Synthia had asked that question. Biting her tongue, Iggy refrained from voicing her annoyance. She knew that they would keep bickering the whole way there if she kept rising to the bait.


    Synthia''s eyes widened. "Whoa, you swallow a bug or something? You''re scrunching your face up."


    Grin and bear it, grin and bear it, grin and bear it...


    "Yikes! That smile''s pretty forced."


    She''s just an idiot. There''s no reason to keep responding to her. Nothing she says can hurt me.


    Pulling out a lacy garter belt from her pocket that Iggy was very familiar with, Synthia peered at it inquisitively. "By the way, I''ve been wondering... what is this thing?"


    "How the hell did you get that!?"


    The argument took off from there. Christoph was beginning to wonder if he really should''ve just left the both of them back in town.


    ...


    Half an hour later, they had arrived at the mine.


    "Seriously, there should be no way you''d be able to get that stuff..." Iggy stepped out of the car, blushing. "How do you do it?"


    Synthia stretched out, her movements catlike. "Trade secret."


    Getting off his bike, Christoph eyed Synthia balefully. "You didn''t pilfer any of my underwear, right?"


    Synthia threw up her hands. "I''m not some kind of pervert, I genuinely thought that thing was a scarf or something!"


    "If we''re going to be travelling together, you need to keep your hands to yourself. Personal space doesn''t just extend to your body." Christoph gave a small flick to Synthia''s forehead.


    Rubbing her stinging brow, Synthia sighed. "Okay. Sorry. Bad habit."


    "Good. Now..." Christoph turned to crane his neck up at the mountain before them. "Let''s see what we can find."


    There was a sizable building out front, although it clearly hadn''t been maintained in decades. It was almost as ramshackle as Synthia''s house, with several sections crumbled down in an ugly, grey and brown mess of plaster and mortar.


    "It''s weird how this place is so far away from Asphodel. Even if the industry ended up collapsing, it would''ve been worth the effort to move out here before then, no?"


    "Normally, you''d be right Iggy." Bending down, Christoph picked up a lumpen rock with a blazing orange underside. "But this is a firecrystal mine, meaning it''s best not to get too close unless you''re prepared."


    Weighing the rock in his hand, he gave the girls a sidelong glance. "May want to cover your ears." He threw it in a high arc, far away from them. It hit the ground¡ª


    BOOOOOOM!


    A man-sized explosion erupted from where it landed. Synthia had covered her ears immediately, but Iggy hadn''t obeyed. She clutched the sides of her head.


    "Owwwww! Ow, ow, ow, ow, owwww!"


    Shaking his head, Christoph took his hands off his own ears. "I warned you."Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    "My ears... I don''t know if they''ll ever stop ringing..."


    Christoph pulled out a small bag hanging next to the one with swords. Opening it revealed a collection of purple pellets. "That''s why we have these: firecrystal suppressant. They concentrate anti-mana particles to cancel out the magic which leaks out of the mineral, stopping any extra radiation and preventing anything from going boom. Important prerequisite, right?"


    "Oooooh!" Synthia was bouncing up and down. "We''ve got our own special adventurer''s equipment! We heading in now, then?"


    "You betcha."


    "My ears still hurt..."


    The three made it to the entrance. A wire holding a string of long-dead lightbulbs hung from the ceiling.


    "Synthia, this is where your night vision could come in handy. Stick close behind me and only move where I tell you to. Iggy, stay with our vehicles."


    "Haaaa... gladly. But what should I do if somebody does come?"


    "If they start causing trouble you can always knock them out with your magic. I doubt anybody will though. Still, eyes sharp!"


    Christoph threw her a small device with a button in the centre. "Emergency transmitter, just in case. Press it if there''s anything you can''t handle."


    With that, he entered the mine with Synthia. Iggy was left to wince over her still stinging eardrums as she headed back to the car.


    Christoph lifted up the lamp he had taken from his bag, the light illuminating the passage. It split in two directions up ahead. Sniffing the air, he turned right, Synthia following behind him, eyes replicating their gold effect in the dark by reflecting the light.


    "Sure you''re going the right way?"


    "Positive. Spend enough time as an adventurer and you can smell where the deeper parts of caves are."


    "How do you become one?"


    "It varies where you are, but on Edretica, there''s a special branch where you can sign up. Government funded. You pass a year long course and you get granted the bottom rank to work your way up from. But, if you do something noteworthy, they''ll automatically bump you up a few ranks automatically."


    Jumping across a break in the ground, the two made their way over to a ladder which they climbed down. It didn''t appear too rusted over, as it felt rather steady going down.


    "And that''s what you did?"


    "Yep! Wrote a whole dissertation on the limits of darkness magic and how we can change our understanding of it. There''s always more to discover."


    They got to the bottom. The light from the lamp reflected off orange crystals in the wall, bathing the pair in orange light.


    "It shouldn''t be too bad until we get further in, but all the same, stay close to me. Got it?"


    Synthia looked around in wonder. "Still... it''s beautiful. Hard to imagine stuff so pretty could be so dangerous."


    "Mmm." Eying their surroundings more warily, Christoph kept taking the lead, on the lookout for anything man made.


    "Ah... I''d guess this is the real mother lode."


    "Wow..."


    They had exited into a gigantic cavern. Far off to the other side, they could see thousands and thousands of firecrystals, all arranged like a massive field of underground flowers. They glowed dimly orange.


    "You could mine here for a century and still keep finding more of this stuff... No wonder they staked their business on this. Come on, let''s start searching."


    Christoph took Synthia down a rickety set of platforms, supports still holding together somehow. Reaching the bottom, he turned off the lamp.


    "What are you doing?" Synthia''s eyes turned back to their natural gold.


    "This is where I need you. This place is too big to keep searching it around with this measly lamp. So, if you''d please, take the lead. I''ll use the suppressants as we go."


    Snorting, Synthia took a hold of Christoph''s wrist. "Sure you trust me with this?"


    "If it helps you trust yourself with it? Then yes."


    Synthia''s blinked a couple times. "O-okay," was all she could force out. She wordlessly led him forward.


    ...


    Iggy was busy relaxing in their car. She had opened her trunk to grab a book of her own (redepositing her underwear as she did so) and was immediately sucked in. It was one of her favourite romance stories and never ceased to set her heart aflutter every time she read it.


    Honestly, if this adventure business was simply waiting by their belongings while the other two rummaged around for stuff on their own, it wouldn''t be so bad. Not what she''d expected, but she certainly wasn''t complaining.


    The sound of clopping hooves made her perk up. Approaching the mine was a rider on a giant horse. Startled, Iggy reflexively hid herself down in the convertible as it approached. If her eyes weren''t tricking her, the creature had to be twice the height of an ordinary man.


    THUD! A pair of boot-clad feet dropped onto the ground. A female voice followed.


    "Stop hiding. You look ridiculous. Come out."


    Realizing she did look rather silly crouched down in the front, Iggy got out of the car. She had a difficult time masking her startled reaction.


    A woman stood before her, but one far taller than any she''d ever seen. At roughly seven feet, her shoulders stood broad, even more so than Christoph''s. Every part of her stance was firm and resolute as iron. A white cloak embroidered in gold hung off her, reaching just past her knees. With gold hair put in a high ponytail, frigid blue eyes and square jaw, Iggy was quite certain she''d never seen anybody more beautiful or terrifying in her life. Completing the image was a set of marvelous gold armour, an intricate carving of a lioness on the breastplate.


    Her mountainous steed shook its large brown head, exhaling out of its nose. A goat drenched in blood laid limp on its rump tied to the saddle, making Iggy feel a little queasy. This wasn''t unnoticed by the woman.


    "Dinner. Meat''s never as good as when it''s fresh."


    Iggy tried to smile. "Oh, is that so? Guess that''s true."


    The woman squinted. "Belt too tight? You seem nervous."


    Taking a deep breath, Iggy tried to bring her heartrate down. "Sorry. Not used to meeting people outside of home. In fact, this is the first time I''ve left in years."


    "You travelling with an adventurer?"


    "Oh, yes! How did you know?"


    "Abandoned mine? A bike and car with just one of you out here? You obviously being behind as sentry? Pretty easy to guess."


    Iggy could only chuckle nervously. "Wow, you''re pretty perceptive!"


    An awkward silence fell, broken only by the horse''s gentle snorting. All the while, the woman maintained that same steely gaze. Iggy felt a shudder go down her spine. It wasn''t just her being anxious, right? Would it be too presumptuous to consider somebody she''d just met an enemy? She had no doubt that this was one person whose bad side she absolutely did not want to get on.


    She decided to help break the ice. "Why don''t you tell me your name? I''m Iggy Gardiner, out on my first real adventure."


    The woman smirked, her eyes narrowing. "That so? Glad you''ve gotten a hold of yourself now. As for me, I guess you could say I come from a place not too many people know about. My name''s¡ª"


    "BAHHHHH, BAHHHHH!"


    "Oh God!"


    Iggy jumped as the goat on the horse''s back burst back to life. It was wriggling around frantically, trying to escape the rope tying it to the saddle. Smirk vanishing, the woman had a look of mild annoyance as she reached out with a single gloved hand and violently twisted the goat''s neck. It''s wailing stopped at once.


    Blinking, Iggy took a few seconds to register what happened. The woman could only shake her head.


    "Enough of this. I''ll spell it out for you: I''m looking for something."

 Minute 8: The Limits of Respect

    "See anything?"


    "Still nothing."


    Synthia and Christoph continued to carefully proceed through the cavern, careful not to step on any firecrystals. The girl was still looking around in wonder.


    "You''d think a place like this would be too unstable. Whole thing could blow up with the slightest disturbance like rocks falling from the ceiling."


    Crushing another pellet, Christoph explained. "You''re exactly right. If you look around, I''ll bet you see areas that have blown up. That''s just how dangerous these types of jobs were."


    Snorting, Synthia said, "I''ve done worse jobs."


    "Oh? And what would those be?"


    "Private."


    "Okay."


    "Hey, wait... I think I see something."


    She walked him over to the wall. "Whoooooa... look at the patterns on it!"


    Christoph lit the lamp again, the light falling upon a circular groove containing a set of 12 runes inside of it. They were arranged to look like a clock face, each pointing to a different time of day. A set of instructions in old Hephaestus, the dwarven tongue, was in the middle which Christoph managed to decipher quite quickly.


    "''The world does not belong to us, for we belong to the world. Take care where you step from here forward, unless you wish to be consumed.''"


    "Hmm?"


    "The literal translation sounds a bit more archaic, but that''s the gist of it." Christoph chuckled. "How crude."


    Taking out a knife, he nicked the side of his thumb and scraped it against the wall.


    "What did you do that for!?"


    "Just watch."


    There was a rumbling as the door ground open, revealing a chamber on the other side. The compressed air inside rushed out, blowing over both of them. Sucking on his cut, Christoph brought his lamp up in front of him.


    "''We belong to the world'' huh? That can mean only one thing: blood payment."


    They gingerly stepped forward. The room was about the size of a large Apeiran church. There were strange tiles all over with similar runes on them past a small divide in the floor. Looking at them, Christoph could discern they were also elvish. Given their layout, he could easily guess that you were meant to step on them in a specific order to safely cross. With a little bit of time, he could¡ª


    "It really is a hidden treasure room! Sweet!" Synthia stepped forward, not paying attention to the tiles.


    "Wait!" Christoph made a grab for her, but it was too late. A click sounded as Synthia''s boot hit the ground. A rattle of chains could be heard.


    "Move!" He tackled her from behind, narrowly missing the massive bladed pendulum swinging down from the other side of the room. They fell on the ground, triggering another series of clicks.


    Grunting, Christoph yanked her back up and sprinted for the end of the room where no more tiles lay in wait for them, all the while setting off more and more traps. Darts flew from hidden compartments in the walls, iron spears sprung up where the two had stepped just a minute before, fire spewed in from both sides of the room. Complete and utter chaos, all because Synthia hadn''t payed attention to where she was going.


    Yelling in effort the two dove for the end of the room, avoiding the last array of traps as they rolled to safety. Hearts beating in their ears, they looked back at the carnage they had left behind. The both of them were trying to catch their breath as Christoph began admonishing Synthia.


    "Apeiros... that... hahhhh... that could''ve been bad... And this... is why... you need... to pay... attention!"


    Wincing, Synthia sat up. "Sorry. Won''t happen again."


    Laughing miserably, Christoph sat up as well. "It''s not like you even can let it happen again. I think we triggered every trap in the place. Hahahaha... Oh, God."


    Standing up, he rubbed the shoulder that had hit the ground in their scramble across the room. Miraculously, the lamp hadn''t broken in their rush. Picking it up, they could see that they were in front of a large stone door. On it was a mural depicting a figure in black robes wielding a whirling sceptre of dark energy in their left hand, other hand outstretched.


    Synthia whistled while Christoph examined the runes below the painting. "Intense."


    "Let''s see... ''State your most...'' uh, evil? No, wait, I think it means deepest, yeah... ''State your deepest desire and let a new world open itself to you.'' Ah! That should be easy enough!"


    He cleared his throat. "To stop the Dawn!"


    Nothing.


    "You sure it''s just going to open because you ask it to?"


    "Well, why don''t you try?"


    "I mean, I don''t know. I want a million things. I could never guess what I wanted the most."


    "Maybe my deepest desire, in this moment at least, is for you to stop almost getting me killed."


    Still nothing. Synthia chuckled.


    "Guess you can''t hate me that much."


    Christoph could only roll his eyes.


    "In any case, it looks like opening this thing is going to be more¡ª"


    Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!


    The emergency transmitter interrupted him. Both their eyes grew wide.


    "Let''s go!"


    ...


    Iggy carefully snaked her arm back from the transmitter she''d activated in the car, dropping it to the bottom. With any luck, her companions would be back in just a few minutes, but until then...


    "Impressive bike."


    The stranger surveyed the zeitcycle, toying with the handlebars. They looked like small twigs in her hands.


    "Very rare. Although I guess that type of car you''re driving is pretty rare too."


    She stood straight. "So you''re sure what you and I are looking for aren''t the same thing? That we just happened to end up in the same place?"


    "Oh, yeah, the other guys are in there searching for firecrystals. We need them for a magic experiment in the capital. That''s why we needed to take vehicles like this all the way out here."


    Petting her horse, the woman stroked its mane with surprising gentleness. "Good. There may have been some problems if we''d come here for the same reasons."


    Iggy kept her lips pursed, lest she blurt out another hasty lie. Sweat rolled down her brow. "One of those magical keystones, huh? Don''t know how much stock there is in an old rumour like that. I mean, if it were true, wouldn''t somebody have found it already?"


    "Perhaps." The woman stopped stroking the horse. "You''re well-off, aren''t you?"


    "Huh?"


    "You''re rich, is what I mean. It''s the way you''re dressed, the way you pose yourself, that overpowering perfume you use... it''s impressive seeing somebody like you out this far. Normally, rich airheads prattle on about how they need to leave their homes but run back crying soon enough. Or am I wrong?"


    Scowling, Iggy said, "Don''t assume you know me after we''ve just met."


    The woman barked with laughter, turning around with another grin. "I don''t need to know or understand a thing. I can just tell. And you, Ms. Gardiner, are out of your depth. Go home, or you will regret it. Trust me."


    "And if I don''t?"


    "Not my problem. It''s just... a little advice."


    "Iggy!"


    Christoph came bursting out of the mine entrance, panting heavily. Synthia followed out from behind him. Both squinted as they adjusted to the sunlight.


    "Convenient timing," the woman said.


    "Well, it''s not as if there''s much to see in there. Just a bunch of firecrystals to be careful around." Christoph gently set the bag of pellets down by his bike.


    "Mm. That so?"


    The woman spared a glance for the smallest member of their group who was glaring at her defiantly, neck craned up.


    "What''re you looking at?"


    "Who are you," Synthia enquired. She seemed just as tense as Iggy, if not more so.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    "Hmm? Oh, that''s right."


    Clearing her throat, the woman gave an extravagant bow. "Drea Atlas, sword for hire. The best in all of Edretica. And you two?"


    "Christoph Pax, adventurer."


    "Synthia, king of Styx and stones."


    "You''re still going on about that?"


    Tilting her head, Drea brought a hand to her chin. "Don''t you have to be a man to be a king?"


    Synthia gave an impish smile. "Not in my book."


    "... I see."


    They faced off like that, one twice the size of the other. Drea''s long, blonde hair flowed in the breeze while Synthia''s robes did the same. The two were sizing each other up.


    Hoping to defuse the growing tension, Christoph patted Synthia on the back. "Don''t mind her. She doesn''t usually get along with people. How long have you been here?"


    "The question is, how long will you be?" Drea continued glaring at him. Her fist began clenching and unclenching, as if to let off some stress.


    Christoph raised an eyebrow. "A day."


    Looking at the mine entrance and then back to the group, Drea hoisted herself back up on her steed. "Good. Then I''ll let you loot around for your firecrystals or whatever else for a day, and only a day. Then I ask that you leave. Don''t worry, I''ll be just around the bend waiting for you. Please, take what you need and be on your way."


    She drew the reigns in her hands. "Although consider this parting advice a courtesy: Real treasure isn''t hammered down. Better grab it if you think you can."


    Nudging the horse forward, she trotted off, massive hooves clopping against the ground. Iggy let out the breath she was holding in when she was gone.


    "I thought I was dead."


    Christoph walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulders. "You''re fine now. With any luck, we won''t get involved in a fight with her."


    "Maybe," Synthia said. "She rubs me the wrong way."


    Exhaling, Christoph agreed. "She means what she says. If we''re going to grab that keystone, we need to figure out a way to do it. Preferably without setting off a million death traps."


    "Oh dear, what did she do now?"


    "He didn''t even say it was me!"


    "And it wasn''t?" Iggy held a hand on her hips, glaring.


    Wincing, Synthia dipped her head in defeat.


    "Thought so."


    "Enough chattering," Christoph said. "We need to get back in there. Iggy, you can still keep watch, but don''t hesitate to call us back again."


    And so they entered the mine again, hoping to find their desired prize.


    ...


    Drea rode over to where she had set up camp with her mercenary band. They had pulled back to the other side of the rocky outcropping at the base of the mountain upon seeing them. Drea had decided to go on ahead and investigate, scoping out their competition.


    Her friends were eagerly awaiting her.


    "The boss is back!"


    Crowding around her, they helped her get off her horse, Caraid.


    "Madame, what were they like," an elf named Yurvin asked, his dirty nose twitching.


    "Yeah, we''ve been dying to see," another said, this one a slouched human named Erik.


    "Weak. We needn''t concern ourselves with them. I doubt they''ll be able to wield the Mioja even if they find it."


    "Shame. Would''ve liked a good fight." Latanie, another human, stood tugging at the leather protective gear under her cuirass.


    "We''ve been up and down this entire continent, fighting other mercenaries or criminals who get in our way," Drea said. She gave an arrogant grin. "I''m sure we''ll find ourselves in another thrilling battle soon enough. We find this Mioja and I guarantee you our real journey is just beginning."


    They gave hearty cheers, bumping shoulders and feeling in good spirits. All except for one: A stern, ebon-skinned dwarf named Hyfe. Her lightly creased features craned up at Drea''s towering stature.


    "Are you sure? It wouldn''t do to have them steal it out from us. We should keep watch on them."


    "Hmph." Drea tied Caraid to the hitching post they''d hammered into the ground. "Do as you wish, but I doubt it. Especially not that little mixed brat. There''s no way."


    ...


    Nighttime. Christoph, Iggy and Synthia had set up a campfire using old firewood stored in the abandoned lodging house. After a day of trying to crack open the chamber, they had yet to find success. Whatever Christoph said didn''t work, and Synthia didn''t have much success either. They were coping with their lack of headway with a steaming pot of stew hung over the fire.


    "Dude, you are one hell of a cook." Synthia had to restrain herself from eating too fast.


    "I agree," Iggy said, smiling with each sip she''d take. "The tastes have blended together wonderfully."


    Christoph chuckled. "Stop, you''re making me blush. When you''re out travelling like this, knowing how to cook, and cook well, is necessary. And a hearty stew lifts your spirits like nothing else."


    Once they finished, they passed time by talking.


    "Putting that crazy woman aside, this is actually really exciting." Iggy stretched, her belly full.


    "It''s not all going to be waiting by the car," Christoph said. "You do know that, right?"


    Iggy shrugged. "We''ll cross that bridge when we get to it."


    Synthia was hugging her knees, staring at the fire.


    Christoph leaned forward. "You''re awfully quiet. For once."


    "I keep thinking about that door," Synthia said. "And that Atlas woman."


    "Yeah." Christoph crossed his legs. "We don''t have a lot of time."


    Synthia suddenly walked over to the car, rummaging in her bag. She came back with The Odyssey of the Seven Swords of Power.


    "I''ve been thinking." She began flipping through it. "What do we even do when we find this keystone? I mean, I can''t imagine we''ll just pull it out of some stone and be on our merry way."


    Christoph nodded. "It definitely won''t be that easy. How much do you know about them?"


    Synthia waved the book. "Only what''s in here. But it''s just a story. If what we''re looking for is in that cave, it might need an extra step."


    Iggy joined in. "Well, what does that book say about it?"


    Synthia shook her head. "I''ve never been able to figure it out. The exact quote is... let me see¡ªaha! Here."


    She began reading. "''There are fewer paths to misery wrought in blood than there are in hubris. To take on this power, you must be strong in spirit, noble at heart and penitent to the greater order of Nelen. To pledge yourself when weak, when eager to horde power or place yourself at or above the forces that bind this world is to invite disaster into your home.'' And on it goes, same nonsense. Oh, and apparently these keystones are usually called Mioja. Always though it was a cool name."


    "Soooooo... it basically means don''t be full of yourself?" Iggy frowned. "Well, I guess if you don''t know you''re a jerk, you''d pick up that keystone-Mioja thing and pay the price. Or something."


    "Hmm..." Christoph looked at the fire, pensive. "I think... the Mioja have been discovered before."


    "Huh?" Synthia put the book down. "What do you mean?"


    "Being from here, you two wouldn''t know, but every century or so, people make a big stir using these magical weapons." Christoph threw another log onto the fire. "They pop up again in different people''s hands, ranging from warriors, to soldiers, kings, queens, adventurers, and especially criminals. And they''re not mutually exclusive."


    Synthia leaned closer. "So you''re saying that the Mioja have already popped up throughout history?"


    "That seems to be the case, in a lot of people''s opinions including my own. But then an adventurer some fifteen years ago began gathering up these weapons. Got five total all to himself, more than anybody. He was travelling the whole world gathering them. And once he did, he just... disappeared. But if rumour is to be believed, this was the last place he visited. Add more gossip about some bizarre inscription inside the cave, and I decided to come hunting out here."


    Iggy leaned back on her hands. "Mysterious. Who was the adventurer?"


    Christoph smirked. "Another story for another time."


    Groaning, Synthia hit the book against her forehead. "You are not about to be this lame right now, are you?"


    He laughed. "Sorry, sorry. Couldn''t resist doing that stupid ''I-will-not-reveal-relevant-information-just-because'' schtick. His name was Odysseus, and he''s one of the most legendary adventurers the world has ever seen. Got involved in wars, won a few, made some friends... I could go on forever, but you get the gist of it."


    "Still, that''s not a whole lot to go on," Iggy said. "If we find this thing, that really does mean everybody''s going to be after us since it''s that valuable."


    "Correct."


    "Yeah." Synthia tapped the book against her knee. "Whoever controls those keystones effectively controls the world, regardless of any time-controlling abilities. Anybody would want that."


    Christoph nodded. But then his expression began to change, almost as if something had possessed him. It was a true eureka moment, the curious light in his eyes brighter than ever.


    "Christoph?" Iggy asked. "Everything okay?"


    "You''re spacing out," Synthia added.


    Christoph shook his head. "It''s nothing. Just a random thought."


    He continued to stare at the fire all night. He''d pitch in with conversation, laugh at and tell jokes, but he kept his eyes trained on that flickering flame the entire time.


    Getting ready for bed, Synthia felt unease sit at the pit of her stomach. She couldn''t quite tell why, but she began relaxing once Christoph said he could stand watch. He''d wake Synthia up when it was her turn.


    She and Iggy rolled out their sleeping mats, pulled up the covers and after more bickering between the two, began to drift off.


    ...


    Something was wrong. Or about to be.


    Sitting up groggily, Synthia looked around. The stars still dotted the sky. Everything was as it had been when she had slept. All except for one thing: Christoph.


    Nudging Iggy awake, Synthia stood up on her feet. She shook her head, trying to clear out any fatigue.


    "Ughhh, what is it?"


    "Iggy, Christoph''s gone."


    That caught her attention.


    "... Gone? Do you think¡ª"


    "No, it wasn''t that woman," Synthia said. "At least, I don''t think so. If she took him, she probably would''ve taken us. Which means..."


    Her golden eyes honed on the mine entrance. She helped Iggy to her feet. "He went back in. I think he figured out how to open that door."


    "Why would he go on without you or me?"


    "We''ll ask him when we find him."


    They made their way in, Iggy clinging to Synthia despite her apparent dislike for her. "You can see in the dark... right?"


    "Yeah. So just stick by me."


    "God, this creeps me out. Maybe you should go ahead¡ª"


    Synthia snorted. "Fine. Be a coward. Don''t blame me if we die in there."


    "Hey, hey! You can''t say stuff like that!"


    Managing to get the sheltered girl to trundle along after her, Synthia smirked. Guilt was one of the most effective coercion techniques there were.


    Making their way down, the two entered the main cavern. A small light could be seen walking to the other side of the room where the secret chamber was.


    "That''s him, let''s go!"


    Gingerly making their way down the platforms, they heard a loud rumbling.


    "He really did it," Synthia whispered. "He opened it."


    Iggy grabbed Synthia''s shoulder hard as they ran across the cavern floor. "Meaning he might''ve found the Mioja."


    Arriving at the secret entrance safely using Synthia''s night vision, the two girls looked inside. The massive door with the mural on it was open. Past it was Christoph on a dais, back facing them. The light from the lamp placed on the floor seemed to be sucked into the space directly in front of him.


    Stepping on the already triggered tiles, the girls managed to see that the second secret chamber had a mural of different figures like the one on the outside on it amidst a whirling storm. They were fighting one another, blood spatters on the ground as they flung fire, water, hail and every Nelenly force imaginable at each other. It was pure chaos, yet above them all stood that same robed figure, throwing down blasts of Darkness.


    Synthia called out to the adventurer. "Christoph? What are you doing?"


    He didn''t respond. His hand reached forward and with a grunt, he slid a one-handed sword out of a stone pedestal. It almost looked like one half of a larger weapon split in two, judging by the flat side of the handle. Yet what was most curious about it was it''s blade; it appeared to be made out of solid Darkness. Even looking straight at it, it began to shimmer like a mirage, almost as if it were an illusion. Impermanent. Unpredictable.


    Synthia tried again. "Christoph?"


    Perking up, Christoph turned around. "Oh, it''s you. Sorry about rushing ahead, I just thought of an idea on how to get past that door. And it worked."


    Synthia and Iggy grinned, happy their goal had been completed. They stepped into the inner chamber to look closer at the weapon Christoph had obtained.


    "So this is the sacred Mioja?" Iggy stroked her chin. "Certainly lives up to the hype. So I guess with that, our job''s done here."


    Christoph nodded. "So it would seem."


    Synthia pumped her fist, although for some reason her heart wasn''t really in it. Even the smile she gave felt forced. "Sweet! One mega powerful artifact down, five or six more to go!"


    Christoph nodded, taking the lead. He picked up the lantern and made to walk out of the room.


    A chill ran up Synthia''s spine. This fear was what had been gnawing at her all night, and she could tell it was about to come to fruition. The disturbing mural didn''t help matters.


    "Chrisoph, wait!"


    "Ugh!"


    It was too late. The arm holding the sword began to twitch just before Christoph exited the chamber. Then it began to tremble.


    "AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"


    Darkness from the weapon began crawling up his arm, and through it all an ear-splitting yell of agony pierced the room. Iggy staggered back, terror flooding her expression.


    Synthia lunged forward, swatting the weapon out of Christoph''s hand just as the Darkness reached his collar bone. It flew back to the dais, inserting itself back atop the pedestal with a BOOM! Synthia caught Christoph as he fell but not before noticing how mangled the right half of his body had become, although the damage didn''t extend to his legs or face.


    The door began to close, and Iggy yelled as she ran toward it, but it was too late. The entrance was once again sealed, trapping its inhabitants in a room filled with nothing but the light of one measly lamp and images of bloodshed.

 Minute 9: Destiny

    Drea shot up at the loud rumble that had been emitted from underground, senses standing at alert. Her fellow mercenaries were still trying to rouse themselves as she got on Caraid and rode out. Her majestic steed galloped at almost three times the speed of a regular horse with its size and stamina.


    Once she rounded the side of the mountain, she squinted at the campfire the group of adventurers had made further off. Her vision was impeccable, and not a soul could be seen. They could be hiding where she couldn''t see them, but it was far more likely...


    "They found it," she said, bitterly acknowledging Hyfe had been correct. She kept riding, trusting her band would follow after her soon enough.


    ...


    "Stop the bleeding, stop the bleeding, stop the bleeding!"


    "I''m trying!"


    Synthia and Iggy, once wordlessly following Christoph''s lead, were now placed in a position where they had to take care of him. He had fallen unconscious; a mercy given his wounds. Iggy was trying to heal him using her magic, but she''d made little headway. Medicinal spells weren''t her forte.


    Biting her nail, Synthia paced back and forth, wondering when the lamp''s battery would finally die. Her gaze kept flitting back to the dais. The Mioja was still bending light around it, almost as if it were trying to suck in everything around it. Almost sucked in Christoph.


    They were trapped. Cursing herself for not acting faster, Synthia tried to think of a way to escape. She''d worked up a good amount of exercise already with her fast pacing, and the room''s violent mural was doing nothing to soothe her anxiety. If they were trapped because they hadn''t managed to obtain the Mioja successfully, then perhaps that meant...


    "But it''s not possible," Synthia muttered.


    Iggy was also working up a sweat, entirely concentrated on patching Christoph up best she could. With a final grunt, she sat back, wiping at her brow.


    "That''s the best I can do," she said. "Any more and I''ll pass out."


    She looked like she wanted to cry. "Why? Why did you force me to come down here? This is your fault!"


    Wincing, Synthia meekly apologized. "I didn''t know it would be this bad."


    Huffing, Iggy shook her head. "No, no I''m sorry. That wasn''t fair. Besides, if I wasn''t here, he''d be dead."


    Christoph breathing was laboured, and this was while he was resting. If he woke up, Synthia was worried he''d die just from the shock.


    "He won''t make it if we don''t get him to a doctor," Iggy said. "I think he has some potions stowed on his zeitcycle, but it''s not gonna do him any good. So many bones have to broken, some even shattered. Any more damage and it might''ve been too much for me. You acted fast, and I think that saved his life."


    Synthia stood arms akimbo. "It doesn''t matter if it''s not for too long. We''re stuck in here without any food or water."


    Iggy hugged her knees. "It can''t end this way... right? Our journey just started." She lowered her head. "It wasn''t supposed to be like this."


    "Only shot we have of leaving is manipulating that thing somehow." Synthia jerked her head toward the Mioja. "If Christoph couldn''t wield it, I doubt we have a chance of using it properly. So we need to find a way out. Together."


    Iggy looked up at her, bitter smile on her face. "Never thought I''d have to put my life in your hands."


    Synthia flashed a grin, despite how beleaguered she felt. "Life''s full of the unexpected."


    She offered Iggy her hand. She reached up to take it. But before she could¡ª


    "Now what''s this?"


    A familiar voice echoed in from outside the door. Synthia stood ramrod straight as Iggy got up on shaky legs unaided.


    "Her," she whispered.


    "Drea, you sure we shouldn''t have destroyed their vehicles? Just in case."


    "Hmph, there''s no need Yurvin. Once we find out how to open this door, we can crush them if they''re in there. Easily."


    The trapped adventurers were scrambling around the place for aid of any sort. Christoph remained lying down, panting.


    "What do we do," Iggy hissed.


    Synthia''s eyes kept going back to the sword. It was drawing in her eyes just as it seemed to be sucking in light. "The book said that... you needed to be noble. Strong. Penitent. That you couldn''t place yourself above the natural order of the world."


    Christoph''s bleeding had stopped to a trickle, but his brutalized body still made Synthia wince. What had he really been thinking then, if the Mioja hadn''t deemed him worthy?


    "Penitent," Synthia whispered again.


    "State your... most evil desire?" Drea was now puzzling over the door''s inscription.


    Iggy shook Synthia''s hand. "We need to hide! Try to take them by surprise and then escape."


    Synthia gave her no response. She kept looking from Christoph back to the Mioja. She scowled, cursing under her breath.


    "Synthia, this isn''t the time to screw around here!"


    "I''ve got a plan," Synthia said. "But we need to be careful."


    A few minutes later, Drea had discerned what the door was asking of her.


    "Oh, is that it? Then I''d say... to save the world, of course."


    DUUUUUUUUURM!


    The stone door ground open. Drea and her retinue, minus Hyfe, stepped through it. Eyes narrowing onto the dais, she saw Synthia standing behind the Mioja.


    "I''m giving you this one chance, Atlas," she declared. Her face betrayed no emotion for once. "Leave. Or I will force you to."


    Erik twirled a knife. "She thinks she''s in charge, eh?"


    "Why don''t we enlighten her?" Latanie had her sword at the ready.


    Drea scoffed. "You''ve got guts, I''ll give you that."


    Synthia smirked. "And you''re very stupid, I''ll give you that."


    WHOOOOSH!


    A furious gale tore into the intruding group. The others were knocked back, but Drea managed to hold herself steady. To the side, Iggy stood panting while hugging Christoph to her shoulder, other hand outstretched to perform her magic.


    Synthia used the distraction to throw one of her sulphur bombs at Drea. As the noxious yellow fumes erupted in front of her, Synthia swiftly pulled out the (surprisingly light) Mioja with her left hand and hopped off the dais. She raced over to Drea, pulling her nose into the crook of her elbow and swinging downward into the sulphur cloud.


    VOOM!


    Drea''s greatsword had instinctively been drawn out to meet hers, the three-inch wide steel pushing against the spectral Mioja. When the weapons met, they didn''t create a sound so much as they did a vibration. The cloud dispersed due to their clash, revealing an immensely irritated Drea, blue eyes burning. She was holding the massive blade with only her right hand.


    "I''m the stupid one? You''ll need more than cheap tricks to throw me off."


    Synthia wound up her arm, flipping the Mioja around in a reverse grip and trying for upward swing this time. Every time she''d attack, it was met with a counter from Drea. She almost seem bored.


    "You''re fast."


    VOOM!


    "But desperate."


    VOOOOM!Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    "Inexperienced."


    Synthia had prepared to attack again, but Drea''s gloved hand lunged for her throat, ensnaring it in her large fingers. Choking, Synthia found herself lifted up, feet kicking in the air and clutching the Mioja tight on instinct. She beat her fist against the mercenary''s grip to no avail.


    Drea looked her in the eyes, taking in their gold colour. Her face contorted in disgust. "With the rare gift of demon eyes too. What a waste for someone so weak. And that''s why you''ll die."


    Synthia felt those merciless fingers begin to squeeze down on her throat. The air was pushed out of her, muscles and bones being pressed together closer than they ever should be. With just a little more pressure, she could envision her head popping off¡ª


    FWOOOOOSH!


    Another gust of Wind staggered Drea, causing her to loosen her grasp on Synthia''s throat. Looking behind her, she saw Iggy making her way to the main cavern. She kept dragging Christoph along, small drops of his blood making a trail along the ground.


    Aggravated, Drea exhaled through her teeth and chucked Synthia at the pair almost without effort. They all collapsed to the ground together as their bodies collided, crying in pain.


    "Boss, you good?" Yurvin had recovered, Erik and Latanie still somewhat dazed.


    Drea nodded without looking at them, focused on the enemies before her. She drew her greatsword to her side, walking slowly.


    Coughing and teary-eyed, Synthia pushed herself up, watching Drea approach slowly. Iggy got up beside her and tried to pick up Christoph again.


    "We can''t win, let''s go!"


    Synthia scrambled to her feet, Drea drawing ever closer. She looked at the Mioja''s inner sanctum behind their opponent, realizing she had been thrown out of it. Gasping, she brought the hand clutching the weapon up to eye-level and looked at it wearily. There was no reaction. It had injured Christoph once he had moved past the threshold but not her, contrary to her expectations. Did that mean...?


    Drea, sensing a change in her opponent, drew her greatsword up with both hands, cunning blue eyes narrowing to slits.


    "Synthia?" Iggy kept looking at the exit, readjusting Christoph so he wouldn''t fall down.


    The Mioja were said to be wellsprings of elemental power, as Synthia recalled the book and Christoph describing. If it was so special, then perhaps using it like a regular sword was the wrong idea.


    As if instructed to do so, Synthia opened her mind to the blade and let its power flow through her. The rush of mana set her nerves on fire, making her clench her teeth. It was almost enough to make her pass out. But with a deep breath, she pulled the sword back and then swung it down as hard as she could. From the cutting edge, a wave of Darkness assailed Drea, who placed her sword in front of her to split off the attack. The separated magic crashed into the walls on either side of her with another VOOOOOM.


    "Let''s go!" Synthia pulled on Iggy''s hand and they stumbled to the exit. Drea snarled as she bounded after them, heavy footfalls slamming against the stone floor and covering twice the ground they were making.


    "Drea, we can''t let them leave!" Yurvin had sprung forth faster than the others. Running alongside her, he readied his fire magic as they burst out of the exit, balls of flame in the hands of his palm. Drea''s eyes filled with panic.


    "No you fool, think of where we are!"


    "HRAAAAGH!" Running on pure adrenaline and not a lick of sense, Yurvin hurled his spell at Synthia. With the fire about to hit them, Synthia had no recourse but to deflect it. Once she did, the spell refracted and shot off in a dozen different directions. A few hit separate collections of firecrystals, rocking the cavern with explosions.


    Yurvin stumbled, realizing his mistake far too late. Drea shielded her eyes as the dark cavern lit up with flashes of orange light, the sound deafening her and the heat billowing throughout. A crash sounded behind her. Whipping around, she saw large chunks of debris fall in front of the entrance.


    "Erik! Latanie!" She stood like that for a moment, hoping there was some way to get her friends out of their tomb, yet deep down she knew there was nothing she could do. The cave was falling apart. She decided to shoulder on, dedicated to having the three escaping adventurers face her wrath. Yurvin was in a state of shock, mouth gaping and holding his pointed ears flat against his head at the cacophony raging around them.


    "Drea, I''m sorry¡ª"


    "Save it," she spat, not waiting for Yurvin to catch up. Another explosion rang out, the force making her stumble. Looking back, she saw her remaining companion''s body flop to the side like a rag doll, bleeding and singed. It took her a few seconds to register.


    This wasn''t supposed to happen. This should never have been possible. It wasn''t supposed to be like this. They were supposed to be in and out, grab the Mioja and leave without fuss. A simple mission, a simple job for themselves, extra insurance against a world that always took advantage of them. Her friends were dead, and the reason...


    Was the scrawny little rodent who thought she could scurry away without punishment.


    Sheathing her sword along her back, Drea eyed her quarry as it scampered up the platform, the injured man with her dragging his feet along. Remaining vigilant for falling debris, she went after them.


    Synthia and Iggy were hobbling along to the ladder, shifting Christoph a bit every few steps to keep ahold of him. He was groaning, his eyes opening at last.


    "Don''t expend too much energy," Synthia shouted. "We need to get out of here!"


    "Synthia, what did you do," Christoph muttered. Iggy grimaced.


    "Seriously? Come on, man," she muttered, voice drown out by the exploding cavern. They stumbled as a forceful blast rung out, finally reaching the ladder and clinging to it for support. The girls looked to the top of it thirty feet above their heads.


    "I''m not strong enough to carry him," Iggy yelled. Synthia turned around, her heart constricting in her chest. Drea stood at the end, her hulking frame highlighted by the bright flashes of red light erupting behind her. She began striding forward, face wrathful and livid.


    Synthia slid the sword onto her back on instinct. Miraculously, it stayed there, needing no sheath to keep it in place. It seemed to magnetically attach itself, and she didn''t question this bout of good luck. "I think I can manage it. Give him here."


    Taking the semi-conscious Christoph, Synthia let Iggy go up first. With a deep breath, Synthia threw Christoph over her shoulder, bending at the weight. With all the effort she could muster, she began pulling herself up the bars with both hands, pumping her limbs to get as far away from Drea as quickly as possible.


    Once Iggy reached the top, she quickly scurried off the ladder and onto her knees, looking down at Synthia still climbing. Drea had reached the base of it, and she began climbing too.


    Thirty feet. Normally such a small distance seemed to stretch out for a mile. Synthia was breathing heavily, straining as Christoph''s own weight pulled her down to the mercenary closing in on her.


    Fleetingly, Iggy thought of abandoning the two, saving her own life. The entrance wasn''t far now, surely she could make it, surely she could get to the safety of the car, surely she could live!


    But no. She would never be able to forgive herself. Furthermore it would prove she was the coward Drea had insinuated she was. She immediately dismissed the notion, furious at herself for even briefly considering it. She resolved herself to help however she could, reaching out a hand as explosions kept firing off and sucking in a deep breath.


    "You weren''t a little asshole for all those years just so you could die in some hole in the ground, right!? So fight, and keep fighting, no matter what!"


    Synthia could sense Drea coming up from below, fixated on her soles with single-minded hatred. She kept pulling herself up the ladder, grunting with exertion, the fear of her neck being snapped pushing her forward.


    "It''d be pretty lame to die not even two hours after leaving home."


    Christoph''s words from the day before echoed in her head through all the noise. He''d saved her a few times from her own foolishness already. Now it was time to return the favour, saving them all from his mistake.


    I just need to go up a few more feet! That''s all I need! Just a bit more!


    She could feel Drea''s fingers scrape against her boot. A few more seconds and she''d grab her by the ankle like a toy.


    Desperate and breathing heavily, Synthia let instinct take over her body. She felt the Mioja pulse against her back, the blood pumping hard through her veins as she carried Christoph. It heightened her senses, made her head throb and constricted her breathing. Yet at the same time, it felt like she''d never been more alive as the mana flowed into her.


    Almost as if pulled by strings, Synthia flew up the remaining distance and grabbed Iggy''s hand. The Mioja stopped pouring mana into her, and her breathing became more measured as she struggled to hold onto Christoph. The muscles in Iggy''s neck were straining as she pulled them up over the edge. They both panted, bodies screaming in protest.


    Their respite was short lived, however, as a gloved hand smacked onto the ground. Groaning, Synthia picked up Christoph and began hobbling away from their pursuer. Iggy grabbed his left side and they began skipping away. If they weren''t in fear for their lives, they would''ve felt absolutely ridiculous being reduced to this.


    Drea got up from the ladder and began running after them, blonde ponytail whipping behind her. Synthia drew the Mioja off her back and fired off Darkness attacks at her, pushing her away just enough to let them escape. The blasts rocked the mine further, dust falling from the ceiling.


    So much time had passed that it was finally daybreak, the sun''s rays peeking in through the entrance up ahead. Hobbling faster and firing off spells to push their hunter further back, the two girls hobbled faster and faster, dragging Christoph''s feet against the ground as they did.


    They felt the ground rumble beneath them just before reaching the exit. The entire mine shook as a massive eruption echoed from below. Realizing the firecrystals had all begun exploding at once, the girls screamed in exertion as they made the final stretch and dove out the entrance, Drea following them a second later.


    A tongue of fire and pressurized dust shot out behind them. The area shook as the sound of collapsing rock and thousands of pounds of debris collapsed beneath the ground. With a final roar of fury, silence enveloped the mountain once more, with the survivors of the disaster taking in grateful breaths of fresh air.


    Synthia was on her back, sucking in lungfuls of oxygen. Her heart was still hammering on her chest, and her body began to relax. This was why she barely had enough time to react at the dagger aimed at her throat, countering it just before it reached it''s intended target.


    Above her, an older dwarven woman was snarling, trying to plunge the blade into her skin. Grunting back, Synthia unleashed another blast of magic. The energy blew the assailant off her and the dagger from piercing her flesh. Knowing there was no time to lose, she scrambled to her knees and shook Iggy. She could see Drea on the ground slowly beginning to shake herself off, holding her head. There were also several horses whinnying at all the noise, jumping up on their hind legs in fear.


    "These guys are going to kill us," Synthia forced out. "Take the car. I''ll take the zeitcycle."


    Iggy groaned as she sat up, dusting herself off. She hauled Christoph back up and brought him to the car while Synthia fetched a medicinal potion from the bike. They both silently marveled that he was still alive at all, though he had fallen back unconscious. After putting him on the passenger''s side, Iggy jumped into the driver''s seat and started it, tossing Synthia the zeitcycle key and a quick nod as she sped off.


    Synthia staggered over to the bike, sliding the Mioja onto her back again and gripping the handlebars as she keyed the ignition. Yanking down the throttle, she wasted no time in following after her companions, black robe flapping behind her as she shot forward.


    Drea, having relieved most of her shock, saw the bike depart and automatically ran to Caraid. Kicking her feet into the holster and hoisting herself onto him, she shouted at Hyfe who had gotten back up on shaky legs after being blown away from Synthia.


    "I''ll catch up to them! You handle the horses and catch up when you can!"


    Hyfe rubbed her neck. "The others?"


    Drea winced. "... They''ll be avenged soon enough. Yah!"


    Without another word, she left Hyfe to see to the now ownerless horses aside from her own pony. The golden mercenary glinted in the morning sun as she rode after the targets of her vengeance, white cloak billowing behind her.

 Minute 10: Escape

    Synthia kept pulling down on the throttle, determined to put as much distance between her and the mercenaries as possible. She kept her head low, eyes narrowed against the wind stinging her eyes. She pulled up alongside the car.


    "We need the map! Find the closest town to take Christoph to, we absolutely cannot lead them back home! Word will spread and anybody else after the Mioja will go there. Some of them will definitely be looking for a fight."


    Iggy shook her head, looking behind her. "It''s in your bag, I can''t get to it while driving." She blanched upon looking in the rear-view mirror.


    Seeing this, Synthia whipped her head around. Sure enough, Drea was atop her horse and quickly gaining on them. Shaking her head, Synthia looked ahead. They were entering a canyon with a few mountains up ahead.


    "She''ll go after me," Synthia said. "I''ll regroup with you later, just try to get him away from here! Worst case, I''ll shake her off and meet up with you later."


    "And how will you find it!?"


    Synthia took a few seconds before giving her an unflappable look of confidence. "Friendship."


    "That''s not how real life works, you loon!"


    It was already too late though. Synthia had bent down once again and was racing toward the left side of the mountain ahead, the sun shining down on her in full now. Iggy was left to keep pushing the pedal down as she went to the right of it.


    Synthia''s hair whipped around her head. The clopping of hooves confirmed that Drea was behind her. She could practically sense the woman''s bloodlust even with how far up ahead she was. Seeing a narrow path along the maroon mountainside that led up, Synthia braced herself as she rocketed up it to the top.


    The engine began to roar with the greater burst of fuel required to make the climb. A few seconds later, Synthia flew up to the top of the mountain, the flat plateau stretching outward for another direction. The bike hit the ground, Synthia careful not to bit her tongue. She had to be about a couple hundred feet above ground level now.


    Looking behind her, she saw Drea climb up behind her. She was working Caraid at a furious gallop, hooves thundering as they kicked up dirt. Any other horse would have had its heart beating so fast it would shoot out of its throat, but its size made it clear he was clearly no ordinary stallion.


    Focusing ahead of her, she kept the throttle pulled down as they raced across the mountain. The plateau seemed to extend for another couple miles. She could use the time that would take to throw her pursuer off.


    Pulling out the Mioja, Synthia tried to make the mana flow through her again. She swung it in Drea''s direction, bracing for the kickback of using its magical attack... but nothing happened. Staring at the sword, she groaned.


    "You only work some of the time? What kind of legendary weapon are you!?"


    Keeping it in her hand, the normally colourless blade became black as it sheared through the wind.


    Drea kept gaining on her, eventually drawing over to her right side. Synthia swerved away at the sword that swung down like an axe. That didn''t deter Drea, who kept up the attack. Every time the sword would plunge toward her, Synthia had to keep pulling the bike further left every time. They stabs were getting closer and closer with each thrust.


    Nearing the edge of the mountain, Synthia pulled on the brakes, darting behind Drea before kicking up dirt again. The zeitcycle''s large, thick wheels allowed for a generous amount of traction. She was off again in a few seconds, but Drea had pulled Caraid''s reigns over in time to match her. Pretty soon she had drawn up to Synthia again, yet this time on her left side. This meant Synthia was at least able to guard against the attacks.


    VOOM!


    Synthia tried to keep their clashes to a minimum, because at her angle it felt like her arm was being torn out of its socket every time she would intercept Drea. There was no way that she could defend adequately like this, and even if they were on steady ground the disparity between their skill and strength was as wide as the canyon they found themselves in.


    Grunting, Synthia tried slashing at the horse instead. Caraid whinnied in fear as it felt the Mioja cut a gash into his calf. The horse began to stumble. Drea snarled, swinging her sword down again in front of Synthia. To avoid it, Synthia had to swerve sharply right. The change in moment made her lose her balance. Both of them began wobbling on their chosen transport.


    Synthia tried to wrest control back from the tilting zeitcycle, yet she felt herself almost dragged down as the bike fell sideways and her along with it. She slid across the ground and began rolling, putting her forearms up in front of her face. She heard Drea and Caraid fall as well, shouts and whinnies of pain accompanying her own tumble.


    Rolling several meters before coming to a stop, Synthia shook her head as she sat up. She could see Drea punching her fist into the ground, ponytail wrapped around her shoulders. She had a few scratches on her face, the blood dripping down highlighting the righteous fury on her features. She began getting up, sword scraping along the rocks.


    With no time to lose, Synthia pulled herself onto her feet at the same time as Drea. Fast as she could, she pulled the zeitcycle up and stepped on the foot peg. She kicked off the ground to give herself a better start and she was off. Drea''s sword missed her by a hair''s breadth as it swung down, cutting into the ground where she had been half a second earlier.


    Breathing heavily, Synthia kept riding as she left Drea behind her. Looking back, she saw her standing, sword still out. She was looking down into the valley. Following her gaze, Synthia saw she was looking at the black convertible Iggy was driving.


    Her eyes back on Drea, she saw her stand still for a few moments. She then got atop her horse and rode off in the opposite direction, heading for a path down the mountainside similar to the one she had gone up after Synthia.


    Synthia''s breath hitched sharply. It was clear where Drea was headed next. She gunned the throttle hard again, searching for the nearest path down. She saw her desired route a couple hundred meters ahead. Cursing under her breath, Synthia leaned forward as she rode down it.


    The roar of her engine eventually met with Iggy''s, who was also driving as fast as she could. There was only a small patch of road to follow, the trail more worn than the rest. Drea was quickly gaining on it. Synthia grit her teeth as she pressed down as low as she could. The zeitcycle zoomed forward.


    Yet even so, it was too late. Drea drew pace with the car and, without wasting a moment''s breath, swung her sword down onto the back left tire. It cut through like butter, and a startled scream sounded from within it. The car began spinning out, the lack of stability making it swerve back and forth until it pitched itself over a small outcropping at the side. A nasty sound of metal meeting rock rang out as the front hit the ground. It flipped over, landing upside down.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Yelling, Synthia drew out the Mioja again and tried to fire off another blast of magic. This time it worked, although she was left feeling extremely drained. Drea saw it coming too late as it slammed into her, making her fly off her horse''s back onto the ground. Synthia drove past her to the crashed car, barely possessing enough strength to keep her arms on the handles.


    Iggy was wriggling out of it with a bloody temple, pulling out Christoph. Miraculously enough, the man seemed to have not suffered any more injuries. Synthia rode up, propping the bike''s kickstand before hurrying over to them.


    "You okay?"


    Iggy chuckled weakly. "No, but thanks for asking. Jesus, that bitch is crazy."


    Her eyes widened as she remembered said woman was still after them through her daze. "Where is she?"


    Synthia explained. "Out cold a little over there hopefully, but I don''t think for long. Come on, I need to get my bag and then we''re riding that bike out of here."


    As she marched over and wrenched open the back door, Iggy began carrying Christoph over to the zeitcycle. She sat him down as gently as she could. Once Synthia came back, she was given the bag.


    "You''re in charge of holding it."


    "Wait, but what about my stuff?"


    Synthia gave a slightly guilty look. "I... got your stuff. At least, what you''d actually need. It''s in there with my stuff."


    Iggy blinked. She then looked at the bag, mouth hanging open with a look of betrayal.


    "You said you wouldn''t snoop in my luggage!"


    "Well that was before we met Ms. Tall-and-Deadly-Ponytail! I moved your essentials at night after she threatened us, but we''ve gotta leave the rest of your crap."


    "But I¡ª"


    Before she could finish, she saw Synthia''s eyes widen in fear. It was now Iggy''s turn to look behind her, and she saw Drea sitting upon Caraid once more, sword unsheathed. It was pointing downward at the horse''s side. She was staring at them coldly.


    Caraid leaped the same moment Iggy jumped onto the zeitcycle, Synthia wasting not a single second in revving off. The chase resumed.


    Iggy used her wind magic to push Drea back, hoping to knock her off again. She found no such luck, as their adversary was an experienced enough rider to maneuver her horse around the spells. Iggy could also feel her stamina waning. Her attacks wouldn''t be strong enough to knock over so much as an empty tankard until she rested.


    Synthia kept driving, back warm with Christoph''s unconscious form sandwiched between her and Iggy. She prayed to Apeiros he''d hold onto life long enough to see a proper doctor.


    Losing her patience, Drea kneed Caraid forward and swung at Synthia from the right again, aiming to lop off her head in one fell swoop. With expert reflexes, Synthia pulled the Mioja up her back and bounced the sword off at the right angle. Another VOOM echoed out as she skidded sideways to a stop so she could manage the move.


    Drea was going too fast to slow down safely. She bounced in the saddle as she slowed Caraid down and turned to face the thief. They were now some seventy meters apart, black and gold staring each other down.


    "Synthia," Iggy said warningly, having hugged Christoph to ensure he wouldn''t fall off. "What are you planning?"


    Synthia didn''t respond. She had eyes for nobody but the mercenary. She gripped the Mioja tight.


    Caraid pawed at the ground, snorting. He could sense his master''s tension. Giving a quick scratch to his ears, Drea gave his side a small kick to begin riding. This would only take a few seconds.


    "Synthia¡ª"


    Ignoring Iggy, Synthia pulled down on the throttle once again as she raced toward her opponent, weapon out. They drew closer, closer, so close that they were about to collide. Iggy shrieked in terror. Drea drew her sword up high, preparing to slice through all three of her targets¡ª


    And then at the last second, Synthia darted right past Caraid. A few inches closer and the bike would''ve hit the horse right in the leg, making them all collapse. Drea turned sharply around again, resolute in her desire for revenge.


    Synthia had made a decent head start, but Drea had proven she could outpace her atop that monstrous mount of hers. She prayed for even a small shred of luck, some little amount of fortune that would come her way and allow them to escape. Iggy grabbed her shoulder from behind.


    "Never, ever do that again! You hear me!?"


    Chuckling, Synthia shook her head. Iggy''s usual abrasive attitude was a welcome bit of consistency against how her entire world had shifted in the past few hours alone.


    As the sound of hooves closing in, they also heard a horn. Looking further ahead to their left, the girls saw a train barreling along. Even at a distance, they could tell it had a lot of cars strung up behind it. Synthia gasped in relief and began riding diagonally alongside the tracks. Drea saw the train too and followed suit, determined to catch her.


    "Synthia, we''re not going to make it!" Iggy''s hair flew around her head as she looked from the train to Drea, breathing fast and shallow breaths.


    Synthia didn''t respond.


    "SYNTHIA!"


    "RAGGGH!"


    Drea had swung her sword down again as she drew alongside them, yet Synthia had seen this coming. She eased off the throttle, braking a little and grinning victoriously as the sword missed them by a wide margin. She took a brief second to drink in Drea''s look of shock before driving straight ahead along the tracks.


    By the time Drea had managed to turn around, the train had already begun streaking across the tracks. Her quarry was riding off into the distance on the other side.


    She sat on Caraid for a full minute, blankly watching the train pass by. She then got off it, sword still drawn but completely lax by her side. She took in every car as they passed, every window, every flatbed. All obstacles that had been placed in her path at the worst moment.


    She slammed the sword into the ground with a SHUNK, screaming out in frustration as she fell to her knees. Her fist hammered the ground, wishing to pulverize it, make it submit. Her fury was let loose as she howled.


    The faces of her friends floated through her mind. Erik, sly and cheeky but always reliable in pinch. Latanie, a woman who had taken to swordplay like a fish to water when she''d managed to teach her all those years ago. She still remembered the first time she''d managed a successful parry.


    And then there was Yurvin. Away from the claustrophobia and explosive heat in the mine, Drea had to acknowledge that the cave-in had been due to his own short-sightedness. She''d probably never stop cursing his stupidity. And yet, his earnest nature had always been endearing in its own way. He''d been loyal. Too loyal, evidently.


    A clop of hooves sounded behind her. She could tell without looking it was Hyfe. The train continued passing along.


    "We''re following them, am I correct?"


    "We have to."


    Rationally, Drea knew that what had happened was an unfortunate accident in the end. The mine had collapsed entirely because of one of her own member''s foolishness. Her own too, now that she thought about it. Yet in her heart, she knew she''d never be able to forgive the worthless thief who called herself Synthia for as long as she drew breath.


    She stood up again, drawing up to her full seven feet. She pulled the sword out of the ground. Pulling a rag out of a pouch in Caraid''s saddle, she began polishing it. "We follow them to the ends of Nelen and beyond if we have to. They have the Mioja. That makes them a priority target."


    Hyfe nodded, still atop her pony. "Priority target number one?"


    "After that scrawny halfwit stole it from us? Absolutely." Finishing with the sword, she sheathed it and brought out Caraid''s brush. She began combing it through his mane. Looking at his leg wound, she could see it was fairly shallow but would need a few stitches.


    "I''ll find her. And when I do, she''ll pay."


    ...


    The zeitcycle roared along the road, Iggy trying to make sense of where they were with the map. Synthia kept her eyes peeled for Drea to come after them again.


    "There''s Protea, Barong, Shakti... a lot of towns or cities to choose from."


    "What''s the closet one without a train station? I''ve marked up the ones that do."


    "All of them except, uhhhhh... Doras? Doras an Sah, sahhhhh... Tsaorsa. Doras an Tsaorsa."


    Synthia nodded. "That''s where we go."


    "Why?"


    "Because she''ll be expecting us to make a quick escape on a train or an airship. Better hole up somewhere she won''t think we''ll be."


    Iggy grimaced. "It''s still not as close as the others though."


    "It''s better than waiting for her to kill us!"


    Iggy nodded, accepting Synthia''s reason. "Then it''s a plan."


    With Iggy giving Synthia directions along the way, they raced to Doras. They were both well aware that Christoph''s lifeline was rapidly burning out the longer they took. The sun beat down on their backs mercilessly, no car roof to protect them from it.

 Minute 11: Doras an Tsaorsa

    It was the middle of the afternoon when Synthia, Iggy and Christoph made it to Doras an Tsaorsa. Realizing how conspicuous they would already look carrying a half-dead man into town even without the rare zeitcycle, the two hid it in some shrubbery outside of town. Synthia made sure to keep the keys in her robes.


    She stretched out, her body aching with fatigue from the long ride. Her earlier exhaustion from fighting Drea weighed her down as well. The sooner they could put Christoph on the mend, the better. They''d also figure out what to do with the dangerous weapon gluing itself to Synthia''s back without support.


    Doras an Tsaorsa was a rather dismal place. The skies around it seemed gray, all colour sucked out from the surroundings like the Mioja. Muddy roads and old factory buildings were propped up all over town with brick apartments beside them al, standing like giant boxes.


    Iggy, a little stressed from watching over Christoph and feeding him recovery potions, looked Synthia''s robe up and down. She had taken a potion herself to quickly heal the wound that had formed at her temple. "Okay, you''re not going into town looking like that."


    "Huh?"


    "You look suspicious. You need to look more like me, blend in."


    Synthia chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Is that right? Have you... ever been to a place like this? If anything, you''re dressed wrong, and I doubt any of your other clothes will fit in here."


    "Huh?"


    Synthia walked over to Christoph, pulling a gray traveller''s cloak out of her bag and pulling it over him. She also wrapped the Mioja in white cloth, ensuring it was completely concealed. Making sure it was wrapped tight enough, she nodded to Iggy, indicating her to help pick up Christoph. She resumed speaking as she slowly picked up Christoph''s injured side.


    "Wilvur told me about places like this... harrumph! These are hotspots for temporal distortions."


    "Meaning?"


    "Meaning that this is where they mine time. Except it seems this place has all dried up."


    Shuffling into town, they ignored any passersby and trudged on. Synthia picked up that, true to her prediction, everybody present was wearing rather ragged clothes. Iggy was attracting stares for her fancy, if somewhat muddied, attire.


    They seem a little eager, Synthia observed in her head. Iggy, for her part, was rather oblivious to the stares. Making a note to keep an eye out for any muggers, Synthia trudged along carrying Christoph.


    Making their way to the local hospital, Synthia and Iggy continued dragging Christoph along. They nudged open the door and trudged inside.


    Looking around, they were in a waiting room. A reception desk was set up a few steps ahead. The place seemed to be cleaned rather infrequently, dust kicking up as the girls stepped forward. They shared a skeptical look, wondering if admitting Christoph here would save his life or be a death sentence.


    Still, they made their way over to the receptionist, eyes searching for a gurney to place their companion on. They found none.


    "Yes," the receptionist droned, picking dirt from under her nails. Synthia slammed some lepta on the counter, bills and coins wheeling about. She indicated Christoph.


    "This man needs emergency medical treatment. I don''t know how much longer he has left."


    Life seemed to return to the receptionist''s eyes for a moment, though only briefly. "You''ll have to wait for a while then."


    Iggy clucked her tongue in annoyance. The receptionist''s eyes narrowed. "I can make you wait even longer if you''d prefer."


    Synthia placed a hand over the money, sliding it forward. "Look, this guy''s dying. We''ve come a long way and he needs attention now. I''m paying for it, isn''t that how this country''s health care is supposed to work?"


    The receptionist shrugged. "Depends on how much you can pay."


    "How much is it then?"


    The receptionist leaned back, shrugging. "Can''t say. How serious are his injuries?"


    Trying not to snap at her, Synthia took in a deep breath. For once, she had to be the calm one. "Life-threatening, and it''s not a joke. Please, just get your doctor out here, or surgeon or whoever. The nurse, I don''t care, just somebody who can help him."


    "I''d say the wait would be about 4 hours," the receptionist said. "The doc who''s supposed to be in is down by the pub."


    Both girls were stunned. "But it''s still the afternoon," Iggy pointed out.


    "And the afternoon is Doctor Reigan''s favourite time to drink. So you can sit and wait for him to come back."


    Christoph groaned. Synthia could practically feel his life force sapping away by the second.


    Coming to a decision, Synthia grabbed the money and thrust it back into her pocket. "Thank you, but we''ll have to go somewhere else. C''mon."


    "Why even come in here then?" the receptionist muttered.


    "Oh, piss off you stuck-up bitch," Synthia shot back, ignoring the indignant gasp as she and Iggy carried Christoph back out again.


    "What do we do?" Iggy asked as they trudged forward. "Drive somewhere else? Probably shorter than waiting for Doctor Hammered to show up."


    At a loss, Synthia stopped for a moment. "I... I think that we should..."


    Dammit, why did any of this have to happen? It was supposed to be simple. Just grab some ancient relic nobody''s sure even exists and then gather the rest. That was it. But now she was supporting a half-dead man and couldn''t make heads or tails of what to do.


    Iggy was watching her quietly, waiting for her to come to a decision.


    Shaking her head, Synthia sighed. They''d hit a dead end, and it may end up being literal in Christoph''s case.


    "Trouble, perhaps?"


    The girls jumped, looking behind them at the deep voice that had resounded. A slight man in a torn, pinstriped coat stood before them. He laced his fingers together, eyes gleaming from beneath his bowler hat.


    "Then follow me." His surprisingly rich voice reverberating from his lips once again, stringy mustache dancing as he spoke.


    Iggy made to walk forward and obey his request, trusting him blindly, but she stopped once Synthia snorted. "You? How do we know you don''t have anybody waiting to jump us?"


    "You don''t, but I assure you, this is a town without thieves. Only businessmen. Besides, do you have a choice? Does he?" The man turned on his heel, sparing not another word. With no recourse, Synthia and Iggy gave each other resigned expressions before following after him.


    The man led them to a narrow alley between apartment buildings, slipping through like he was made of water. Taking the lead, Synthia rotated the group sideways so they could all sidle through. The smell of old mortar and brick pressed in on them, front and back.


    Squeezing out, the girls were astonished by the sight that awaited them.


    As opposed to the dreary outside they had seen, they had now entered a bright marketplace hub. There were considerably more people here than there were at the front of town. Carpets hung on stands on one end, peddlers indicating earthenware pots. A dancer was even performing in front of a tavern, blowing kisses to nearby men as she whirled about in a gold marching uniform. The entire place was surrounded by large buildings, no easy way out other than where they had entered to be found. It wasn''t quite a bazaar but seemed to function like one.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "I already regret this," Iggy said.


    "Well, beggars can''t be choosers," Synthia said. "Hey, pinstripe dude! We''ve got a man dying over here. Please tell me we didn''t follow you for nothing."


    The slight man snapped his fingers. From the crowd, a bulky man in carefully tailored took hold of him and slung him over his shoulders.


    "H-Hey!"


    Waving them over, the slight man kept walking ahead of the girls alongside his apparent bodyguard, hands behind his back. Synthia and Iggy had no choice but to follow.


    Synthia began interrogating the man. "Look, I really need to know, is he¡ª"


    "Yes, yes, he''ll be fine," the man said. "I assure you, he shall receive the best medical care I can provide."


    Iggy balked a little at a drunken man stumbling past, happily belting out some incoherent melody. "How?"


    "Because the best doctor in town is on my payroll," the man explained. "Doctor Reigan and that other fool they hired are paid to do nothing. They laze around and are on a permanent paid semi-retirement, only occasionally checking in to do some work if at all. Perhaps once a week at best. Amazing, given both are only in their forties. Ah, here we are!"


    They had arrived at a wooden building. Bare bones and rustic, the place looked more like a glorified shack than anything else.


    "Do not let appearances deceive you, my young ladies," the man said, pulling back the curtain and letting his bodyguard step in first. "Although perhaps retain a degree of caution. Not everybody in here is of such fine distinction as myself."


    Synthia clenched her fists. She could feel the Mioja grow heavy on her back, and some part of her itched to draw it out in defense. She resisted the urge, however, and walked into the building.


    The inside was no less remarkable than the outside. Round wooden tables were placed everywhere, an information board on the other end of the room. Stairs leading up to the second floor could be seen to the right, but Synthia found her eyes drawn to the man carrying Christoph. He stepped through a door to the left.


    "Do not worry, your friend is being sent for proper treatment," the man said. "So long as you do something for me, he will be set upon the road to recovery."


    Iggy chuckled darkly. "And here''s the catch."


    Synthia stepped forward. "What do you need me to do, Mr...?"


    "Blanc," the man answered. "Mr. Blanc, if you would be so kind. And good, my estimation of you was correct. You are no ordinary traveller and quick to get down to business. An adventurer, perhaps?"


    "Sort of, I guess. Why do you need me of all people to run your errand?"


    Blanc laced his fingers together again. "Regulars are all tied up and, forgive me, I noticed I could request your services without necessarily paying you. Consider this a favour for a favour."


    Synthia looked at the door the bodyguard had gone through and then back at Blanc. She noticed Iggy giving her a pointed look but took it in stride. "Okay. I''ll see what I can do."


    Clapping his hands together, Blanc''s jovial demeanor grew more pronounced. "Wonderful! I will be setting you up with a partner. Fear not, it is a simple job. The aeternus fields where this town harvested time has been afflicted by a variety of temporal distortions. Do you fine ladies know what we do with it?"


    Nonplussed, the girls shook their heads. This seemed to be the reaction Blanc was hoping for.


    "Aha! Then allow me to show you a little product we create here for some extra revenue. Stay back though! People have been known to lose fingers when not operating these properly."


    Synthia and Iggy were slightly annoyed by the charade but still paid attention to his demonstration. Realizing that she was stepping into a shady part of the building, Synthia stepped further to the side. She hoped her eyes hadn''t turned gold. If Blanc had noticed them or her shifty demeanor, he didn''t show it.


    Walking over to one of the tables, Blanc picked up a copper tube. Sliding up a metal sleeve revealed a clear glass container inside it. Trapped within was some sort of distorted pocket of energy, circling around furiously inside the glass. It reminded Synthia of the Mioja.


    "This, my lovely young ladies, is the solution to garbage contamination! You simply place any and all items you wish to throw away inside it, like so..."


    Opening the top of the tube, the sound of sucking air whistled through the room. Taking a piece of paper, Blanc dropped it inside. It crumpled up and faded to dust in the blink of an eye. Not a shred of it was left.


    Synthia grew impressed. "Whoa! That''s a cool toy you''ve got there!"


    Shaking her head, Iggy sighed. "It''s a regular garbage disposal tank, Synthia. They don''t have too many on this continent, but it''s quite common in other parts of the world. You''ve just gotta be careful when using it."


    "Synthia, you said her name was?" Blanc popped the tube shut. Realizing her mistake, Iggy''s face grew red with embarrassment as Synthia gave her a not-so-gentle nudge in the ribs.


    "Yeah, yeah, you''ve got us where you want us and all that." Synthia was unfazed despite her name being unwittingly handed over to this shady back alley dealer. "You knowing my name doesn''t really matter when you''ve got our friend there. Just don''t mention me to any government agents and I won''t mention you, Mr. Blas¨¦ or whoever you really are. Who am I working with?"


    Blanc chuckled. "You are very direct, I''ll give you that. Livian, Evarius, get out here! I''ve found your third partner."


    A pair from the other end of the room walked over. One was an olive-skinned woman, her gaze tense and vigilant beneath dark bangs. Her hair was tied into a short ponytail. Although it was the elf beside her that made Synthia and Iggy almost take a step back.


    In some ways he looked like any other grizzled hired hand with a salt and pepper stubbled chin, crisp crew cut, a broken nose and hulking frame. Hell, he even had a distinctive scar running down his right eye. What balanced it all out was his regal composure. While aged and weathered through whatever his line of work had shown him, he possessed an air of quiet confidence. A steadiness that both assured and intimidated in equal measure.


    Scratching at his ears, the elf named Evarius looked down upon Synthia and her own less-pointy pair. "So this is what you''ve turned to Blanc? Hiring any little girl who comes your way?"


    Blanc chuckled. There was no warmth in his tone. "Come now, Evarius! You know I can easily parse through who''s qualified for a job or not. You two are to go with her to the aeternus fields. The other fine young lady can stay here."


    Iggy seemed on the verge of gagging at his slippery attitude. "I think I''d rather go on the job."


    Looking around, Synthia pulled her aside for a moment. She excused herself to Blanc as they walked a good distance away. "I''m sorry, but you need to keep watch here."


    Iggy was repulsed. "And stay with this creep?"


    "He''s got Christoph." Synthia placed a firm hand on Iggy''s arm. "We need to make sure he keeps his end of the deal. You need to make sure. Just take this one for the team, I know you can do it."


    Looking back at Blanc who had been staring at her eerily, Iggy shook her head. "Fine."


    "Awesome!" Synthia flounced back to the others. "So, what do you need me to do?"


    "I''ll explain on the way," Evarius said gruffly. "C''mon."


    Giving Iggy a wave, Synthia followed Evarius out the door. The woman named Livian trailed behind them, sparing a blank glance in Iggy''s direction and making her jump a little.


    Once they had all left, Iggy patted her hands at her sides and gave Blanc a nervous smile. The slight man nodded and practically creeped up the stairs. Seeing nothing else to do, Iggy strode over to the door the bodyguard had taken Christoph through. It opened with a creek and closed with an even louder one as she pulled it shut behind her.


    ...


    Evarius led the way out of the hidden market. They marched to the opposite end of town, and Synthia whistled as she saw the vehicle they were headed towards.


    It was a large crimson truck, with a spacious cabin up front and a generous flatbed in the back. The bulky, pockmarked frame was propped up two feet above the ground with thick tires caked in dirt. Evarius clambered up into the front, turning the ignition. The car rumbled to life. His features stretched wide as he smiled, scars lifting a centimeter or so up. "Well little girl, it looks like you''re about to be in for the best ride of your life, that I guarantee you. Make sure you take it all in."


    Synthia made to climb up into the seat beside him but found herself shoved to the side by Livian. Stumbling, she glared at the woman as she climbed up, sitting herself in the front. Synthia had to sit in the back.


    "Blanc is a fool if he thinks we need to settle for amateurs on this gig," Livian said. She kicked her dirty boots up on the dash before Evarius swatted at them. She pulled them back down.


    "I remember you looked way worse before your first job," he said. "And besides, we''re going up against shreddermoles. Even a pipsqueak like her should get this done."


    "I''m right here," Synthia grumbled.


    "Let''s just get this done then, grab our info and leave. I''ve had it with this dump." Livian leaned back, chair stretching out and almost squishing Synthia along with it. She scurried to the other side of the seat bench.


    "We''ve only been here for an hour," Evarius said, exasperated. He looked at Synthia in the rear view mirror.


    "You ever deal with shreddermoles, kid?"


    "No, but they''re usually the first type of enemy the heroes fight in the stories I read," Synthia said. She clenched her fists, getting excited despite the circumstances. It was beginning to feel like a real adventure again.


    Snorting at the starry look in her eyes, Evarius wheeled them away from Doras. "Well, this ain''t like your stories, so just be prepared to do some pest control. Shreddermoles are nasty little things, but they''re still living creatures. You''re gonna be killing them, you know?"


    Faltering a little, Synthia scratched the back of her head. "I guess I''m still an amateur. I''ll try my best."


    "Ugh," Livian groaned. Synthia wondered if she could kick her at the angle she was at.


    "That''s okay, I guess," Evarius said. "Just so long as you don''t slow things down too much. Come on, time to do a little clean-up. It''s only ten minutes away."


    Synthia found herself quickly taken in by Evarius. Christoph was affable enough but incredibly stern, almost like he was trying to be a mentor. Evarius, on the other hand, saw their relationship as simply being partners on a job, and she liked the feeling. She still wanted to kick Livian though, who had begun snoring despite the supposedly short journey.


    With the afternoon growing late, the three made their way in the massive truck. The depressing aesthetic of Doras an Tsaorsa was now at their backs.

 Minute 12: Shreddermoles

    Engine revving to a stop as they reached their destination, the group clambered out of the truck. Livian was scuffing the ground with her boots, thumb hooked in the belt of her trousers while Evarius surveyed the area. Synthia was left to gawp at their surroundings.


    They had arrived at a dirt strewn field, the only green to be found some weeds. Massive iron structures stood, rust crawling up their exteriors. They seemed to have not been used in years. Furthermore, there were taped off areas that ranged from anywhere to a few feet in diameter to a dozen. Within each, Synthia could see the same whirling, light-sucking force trapped in the garbage disposal container she''d seen.


    "You''re at least not dumb enough to know not to walk into those things, right?" Livian pointed at the cordoned off areas. "Those are temporal distortions. They appear when Dexogon and whoever else come and suck out too much time from a certain area."


    "Dexogon?"


    "You must live under a rock," Evarius said. "They''re one of the leading aeternus companies on the planet. They mine the time right out of the most mana-heavy spots. Problem is, once you mess with said mana, it spreads outward and begins twisting everything around it. A few people have found out where these distortions are the hard way."


    Gulping, Synthia''s hand instinctively palmed the handle of the Mioja. "They''ve managed to find out where all the distortions are here, right?"


    "Yes."


    A sadistic expression crossed Livian''s face. "But that doesn''t mean more haven''t popped up. You could end up half a girl, amateur."


    Evarius sighed. "Ignore her. She''s rarely friendly at the best of times."


    Synthia gave him a quick nod as she began speaking to Livian. "Look, I''m not exactly sure why you detest newbies so much, but I promise you I''ve got what it takes. So why don''t we start over, be friends?"


    Looking down at her, Livian cocked an eyebrow. "Us? Friends?"


    "Yeah!"


    Livian stared, expression blank. "I''d rather pry my nails off with the back of a hammer. Let''s just get this done."


    Synthia was a little taken aback by the graphic response. Livian paid her no heed as she pulled out a small packet from her bag. Muttering a few words, she splashed some water over it using magic and squeezed it. A pungent smell wafted Synthia[''s way, almost making her gag.


    "Is that bait?"


    Evarius chuckled. "The fouler, the better. C''mon little girl, we''re about to be in a real fight here. Ever see a shreddermole before?"


    Pinching her nose as they followed Livian, Synthia shook her head. Evarius looked at her with pityingly.


    "Rough for a first break, then. They''re nasty things."


    "This ain''t exactly my first break," Synthia said. "What makes them worse than regular moles? They burrow through car tires instead of the ground."


    "Well, they..."


    Tossing the pack on the ground, Livian wiped her hand against her trousers. "They''ll shear, skin and eat you in the span of a few seconds. You''d better pull out that sword of yours before you find yourself legless in the next few minutes."


    As she reached up for the sword hilt, Synthia''s hand stopped. She knew she''d have to show the Mioja to these people given what the job would likely entail, but the question remained whether they''d find out precisely what it was. It was clearly no ordinary weapon. She was in no rush to be accosted by anybody else looking to take it for themselves, but she was also very eager to keep her body in one piece.


    The ground up ahead cracked open, obscenely long claws tearing through it. An unholy shriek sounded out, sending shivers up Synthia''s spine. Teeth chattering with dread and adrenaline, Synthia pulled out the Mioja, blade pulsating with energy.


    Evarius stared at it as he pulled out a short sword, a lasso of electricity materializing in his left hand. There was no time for him to inquire as to what the weapon was, however, as the shreddermoles began surfacing in earnest.


    They were more akin to jungle cats than moles, Synthia concluded. Jungle cats with a bit of wolves mixed in who happened to burrow underground. The smallest of the creatures was still a meter tall on all four legs, it''s claws scraping across the ground. Their black faces contorted with hunger, eyeless unlike regular moles, drooling as their pointed teeth gnashed together.


    Whipping out a pair of revolvers, Livian flipped them around her fingers and pointed at the creatures. The grips began glowing red hot, although Livian didn''t bat an eye. She was clearly using magic to heat them up.


    "Time to party," Livian said, and with that she began firing away. She pulled down the hammers and squeezed the triggers, bullets tearing through the head of the nearest shreddermole. This alerted its companions to the danger now facing them. They screamed in a panic before locating their attacker.


    Livian bared her teeth, eyes alight with manic glee as she ran forward, arms pumping. She pushed off the ground with a burst of Wind magic before sailing through the air, twirling around and firing more shots. Some hit their targets dead-on while others missed. Only a few managed to kill the shreddermoles, however, forcing Livian to dive away the instant she hit the ground. She narrowly missed the claws stabbing for her.


    "That idiot never stops for anyone," Evarius muttered before running after her, electric lasso crackling along the ground behind him. He had torn his eyes away from the Mioja, but he would undoubtedly have questions about it later.


    Yet as it stood, Synthia could only stare in dumbfounded shock as the two did their work. Livian kept soaring through the air with measured bursts of Wind, shooting the shreddermoles and tearing them down. As more and more kept bursting through the ground, Evarius was waiting for them, lasso searing their bodies as he pulled them towards him before taking them out with merciless stabs of his sword.


    This was the world beyond the walls of Asphodel. With each attack they made, Synthia felt more and more of the vast distance there was between her and people who were actually experienced. If she was being honest, these two likely didn''t even need her help with the progress they were making. Whether they were adventurers or weapons for hire, she had already come across several people that would surely beat her in a one-to-one confrontation.


    The only reason she had been able to escape Drea was the sheer power the Mioja had afforded her. If she couldn''t make full use of this advantage she''d gained, she could never strive to rise to the top and be a proper villain like she loved to claim.


    And there have to be even more powerful people out there, Synthia thought. And more powerful than even those still, and on and on it goes. I''m not sure about stopping the Dawn or anything like that, but at the very least I need to keep my friends safe. If I can''t do that, I might as well have given this sword to Drea and crawled back to Asphodel.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Taking a deep breath, Synthia finally began approaching the fight. She shook her arms out. The closest shreddermole turned to her, drool dripping from it''s gnarled lips. She held the sword in both hands, dropping into the typical knightly stance she''d envisioned from reading her books.


    The shreddermole had no patience for her posturing and burrowed itself into the ground. Growing panicked, Synthia rolled out of the way as it tore through where she''d been standing. It rose up like a fish leaping out of water before diving back toward the ground, shearing through the dirt effortlessly.


    I can''t use another of those long range attacks, Synthia thought. Not until I can handle them better. For now, I need to get in close and find a way to kill these eyeless bastards.


    Yet that was the problem, when she really thought about it. As she kept diving out of the way of the shreddermole, she realized that never before in her life had she killed. Even if it was a monstrous creature trying to tear her limb from limb, to end a life was something she hadn''t been able to face before. The mine had been a complete accident, and she felt no guilt over what had transpired there.


    As another claw sheared toward her, Synthia was brought out of her reverie. Gripping the sword tight, Synthia realized that they were near one of the cordoned off areas indicating a distortion. She might be able to use it!


    Just like a bull, she thought, envisioning the shreddermole vaporizing into dust upon flinging itself at her, at which point she''d roll away.


    She had separated from her two partners a good distance away. They were too busy with the main crowd of shreddermoles, and Synthia cursed herself for not being strong enough to help them properly. But she couldn''t keep worrying about her weakness. She had to kill this ferocious creature after her.


    As the shreddermole rounded in for another attack, Synthia held the sword over her shoulder, beckoning the monster forward with her other hand. "Right here, tiny! Why don''t you bite on this?"


    The creature rose from the ground once more, jaws opened wide for a killing bite, long claws outstretched. Synthia waited until the last possible second to dive sideways, letting the creature soar past her.


    Or it should have.


    The animal, instinctively realizing Synthia made to throw off its balance, had lowered the strength of its jump so it landed with a thud right before the tape. Snarling, it slashed at Synthia who yelped as she rolled back.


    The shreddermole swung its claws several more times, each drawing closer and closer. Synthia''s legs were screaming at her, being put to such strenuous use after everything that had occurred that morning on top of the long ride to Doras. She faltered, and with this, the claws snuck in close enough to cleave her in two.


    With no recourse, Synthia brought the Mioja up in the path of the claws. It bounced off with another voom, throwing back the vicious animal while Synthia stumbled toward the distortion.


    The image of the paper vanishing into dust flashing through her mind, Synthia instinctively brought the sword out to protect herself, hoping to fire off another long-range attack to push her back. Before she could however, the blade made contact with the distortion, making her hair stand on end and her blood turn to ice.


    Time appeared to stop, Synthia suspended mid-fall. Her heart had stopped, Evarius and Livian appeared to float, static, where they were, and the shreddermole attacking Synthia was still in the process of landing on its back.


    Then, as if the very fabric of the world was being torn, the still blue sky turned dark in the blink of an eye. Synthia was knocked back by the distortion reacting to the Mioja and rolled along the ground, lying on her stomach in a daze. Trying to get up, she heard the shreddermole snarl as it thrashed around, claws in the air as it tried to right itself.


    Synthia could make out confused yells from Evarius and Livian, still contending with the horde of shreddermoles while wondering what had caused the day to become night so quickly. Synthia was curious as well, yet the problem of her own target still remained.


    Gritting her teeth, she roared with a fury she didn''t know she had and grasped the Mioja in front of her, charging toward her eyeless opponent before it could recover. Perhaps it sensed that the end of its miserable life was near, because it made a greater effort to roll itself over, limbs bending back with more momentum to right itself, yet it was too late. The Mioja plunged through its stomach like butter.


    Briefly registering that she had stabbed her target, Synthia howled as she tore the sword up its chest. The sickening tear of flesh and spurting blood didn''t deter her as she brought the sword all the way up to the creature''s jaw, pulling it in an upwards arc. Blood splattered forward in a straight line while remaining chunks of flesh seemed to suck itself into the blade, disappearing. The shreddermole now lay dead, torn asunder.


    Panting, Synthia eyed the creature with trepidation. She kicked it. The only response she got were a few twitches from its leg, rigor mortis in effect. She sighed in relief but found herself grunting at the iron hand that grabbed at her robes. She found Livian''s face so close to her own their foreheads were almost touching. She could smell the chicken she''d eaten for lunch.


    "What the hell was that," Livian spat. "We take our eyes off you for a few seconds and you go make it night all of a sudden? How? Was it with this?"


    She snatched Synthia''s wrist, bringing the Mioja up to eye level. She scrutinized the unusual spectral blade. Synthia shoved her away, rubbing at her wrist.


    "Back off for a second, okay? I don''t know what happened anymore than you do."


    "Uh, ladies...!"


    Livian ignored Evarius as she continued grilling Synthia, who was looking at the older man with worry as he was still fighting off shreddermoles, now all by his lonesome.


    "You roll in with a half dead guy, Blanc dumps you on us like a wet log and now the sky gets dark a few hours before it''s supposed to. I don''t much care who you are or what you want, just make sure it doesn''t affect us."


    Synthia sighed, exasperated. "I wish I had an answer for you. And that I could be tall enough to give you a strong punch in the face, but we can''t all have what we want."


    Livian was about to spit a retort when she caught sight of Synthia''s eyes. Realizing they had turned gold, Synthia tried to look away. Unfortunately, the damage had been done.


    "Hang on... I''ve seen those types of eyes before."


    Synthia said nothing. She then noticed that the sounds of fighting from where Evarius was had ceased. Looking over at him, she caught sight of a shreddermole as it burrowed beneath the Earth once more. It seemed to be fleeing. Evarius stood confused.


    Trudging past Livian, who kept her suspicious gaze locked on her as she followed, Synthia approached the elf. Realizing the jig was up, she didn''t hesitate to look him straight in the eyes. He was taken aback by their gold colour, staring into them just like Livian had. However, he wasn''t wary. His seemed benignly inquisitive.


    "Gold eyes? Well, that''s something people only have when..." Evarius held a hand to his chin, looking down at Synthia.


    "Putting the brat aside, what do we do now?" Livian twirled a revolver around her index finger, looking around at the fields which had become lifeless once again. "I mean, why would they just up and vanish?"


    Evarius remained pensive, continuing to look down at Synthia. She stared right back, neither friendly nor reproachful. She maintained a rare neutral expression, waiting for the man''s verdict.


    "I think..." Evarius began, but he then grew tense. Looking at the Mioja as if reaching an epiphany, he drew out his lightning lasso and sword once again. The women instinctively followed his lead, weapons at the ready.


    "Only reason creatures as vicious as shreddermoles will run," Evarius began, "is because there''s something even worse nearby."


    A few seconds later his assessment proved correct, as the ground began to rumble. This time was far louder than the noise any concentrated number of shreddermoles could make. The group stood tense.


    In an explosion of dirt and sediment, a massive creature burst from the ground. It rose higher and higher, towering at a grand 20 feet. Hot breath billowed from its snout, nastier and more bloodthirsty than a shreddermole ever could be. Synthia''s throat ran dry as the hulking monster ascended.


    Wispy tendrils of shadow clung to it as if it weren''t really there, yet the gravity of its terrific presence could not be ignored. This creature was here, and it was here to kill. Grunting and groaning, the monstrosity faced the three with impatient gold eyes. Synthia realized with a jolt they were the same exact colour as hers in the dark.


    "That," Livian said, "is why I''m scared of you now, brat."


    The creature seemed to have the body of a shreddermole but the head of a bull. It shook its head, slobber falling down to the ground and gigantic horns extending horizontally from its brow. It''s limbs ended in titanic paws, claws scraping against the ground as it prepared to charge.


    "A revenant," Evarius whispered. "There should only be shades and ghouls out here."


    Pulling Synthia behind him, Evarius cracked his whip against the ground. "I have a feeling there''s a lot you''re keeping secret, little girl. Stay back. Let me and Liv handle this thing."


    Livian scoffed. "We''re helping her?"


    "I am. You damn well better if you expect me to keep travelling with you."


    "Tch." Livian flipped her guns around her fingers before pointing them at the beast. "Don''t make me regret this, brat."


    The two of them charged forward, prepared to deal with the evil creature like the professionals they were.

 Minute 13: Revenant

    The revenant continued to shamble along the ground, footfalls reverberating. Livian and Evarius kept walking toward it.


    "Been a while since we faced one of these losers," Livian said. She looked eager to do battle.


    "Careful," Evarius said. "Mostly, we''ve been dealing with vermin around here. This is gonna be far more difficult."


    Livian cocked the hammers back on her guns, heating them up once more. "Heh! As if I need you telling me that."


    She blasted off from the ground, twirling over the revenant and onto its back. She grabbed onto it''s horns as she fired into the skull, making the terrible beast shriek and thrash it''s giant legs all over.


    Evarius threw his electric lasso at one of the bucking appendages, searing the leg upon contact. He ran forward, pulling the lasso close as he slid beneath the raging monster and slashed at the captured leg. The beast screamed again, a moment that Livian took to jump off its head, twist around and shoot it dead in the eye. It burst in a spewing geyser of black mist, like shadow given material form. Once she hit the ground, Livian was running again before the revenant could slice her apart with its claws.


    Synthia was left as an observer, mouth agape. The longer Livian and Evarius did battle with their opponent, the more her astonishment grew. But not only that: she desired the same strength they possessed. As things stood, she was a nobody thief from a town most people would only have heard of in passing. She was absolutely nothing before these experienced mercenaries.


    Livian was performing acrobatics in the air, propelling herself with bursts of Wind magic and blasting heated bullet after bullet. Evarius launched himself with his own magic and slashed at the revenant''s neck, more mist spewing from the wound.


    Livian could only be described as ecstatic through all this. "Hah! This is the perfect rush after all those boring jobs! This thing''s not a challenge at all!"


    "Careful!" Evarius landed on his feet a good distance away. "Something''s not right. It''s not firing off special attacks like poison or anything. And it''s not moving. Why?"


    Livian was about to fire again when Evarius held his hand up. "Stop for a minute."


    "Wait, are you crazy? This thing''s not gonna wait around for you to recover."


    "No, I''m not hurt. I want to see what it does."


    "Huh?"


    The revenant, now left alone, began stumbling forward on its damaged legs once more. It was headed toward Synthia, who began backing away in terror.


    "Holy shit, you''re letting that thing live!? What are you waiting for, just kill it!"


    "I see," Evarius said. "It really is that sword."


    The girls were a little lost, especially as one of them was backing away from a giant, bull-headed shreddermole demon. Evarius leaped again, landing on top of the revenant''s back. He raised his sword up high and stabbed it into the revenant''s cranium. Shrieking, the monster collapsed in a plume of dark mist, fading away. Soon, no trace of it remained and Evarius was left standing on solid ground again.


    Sheathing his sword, he walked over to Synthia. She gazed up at him in apprehension, half-heartedly trying to hide the Mioja.


    Stopping in front of her, Evarius crossed his arms. "You''re going to tell me how you got that sword. I assume it''s nothing ordinary, correct? Because between advancing the time and drawing a demon to our location, you''re no ordinary little girl."


    Synthia chuckled weakly. "I guess not, when you put it like that."


    "Little pointy eared brat is more trouble than she''s worth," Livian said, holstering her guns. "I say we ditch her."


    "I''m a pointy eared brat with a name," Synthia snapped. "Synthia. SIN. THEE. AH. You got that?"


    Evarius continued to survey her neutrally. As Livian trudged off to the truck, Synthia sighed. "Main gist of it is, me and my friends found something I don''t think we should have. Now we''re on the run from somebody even crazier than that she-devil you drag around."


    Evarius unfolded his arms. "That''s... the Mioja, is it not? One of the six elemental keystones that binds this world together. They''re the only weapons I know of, real or not, that can manage to attract demons like that. They feed off magical energy and are naturally drawn toward it."


    Synthia continued to hold the weapon tightly, unsure of what Evarius would do. He noticed her anxiety. "Look, I won''t hurt you. I just need to know what you''re going to do."


    Synthia began to pull out the binding for the Mioja, wrapping it in the cloth again. She guessed that would help prevent any more demons from showing up, although now she knew she always had to keep her guard up at night. "Look, the job''s pretty much busted until morning. We should go back to Blah-Blah man and see if he''s satisfied with my performance. Just bring me back and I''ll be out of your hair."


    Livian snorted. "Fair enough. I''m good with lying to Blanc so long as we don''t have to see you again."


    Evarius said nothing. He scratched his chin, pondering. Synthia was growing a little impatient with him.


    "Look, I''m prepared to fight if I have to."


    "Be prepared to lose," Livian said, pulling out a cigarette. "You were barely able to kill one shreddermole and were dead weight the whole time. You walk around with something like that sword and you believe you''re going to make it wherever you''re going in one piece?"


    Livian was about to light the cigarette, but Evarius walked over and yanked it out of her mouth. When she turned to him affronted, he said, "You''ve already had two today."Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Grunting, Livian turned away from him. Evarius looked back at Synthia. "We''ll take you back. I can promise you that."


    Synthia smiled. "Yeah, thanks old guy! I''ll take you up on that. C''mon, time''s a wasting."


    Evarius grimaced as they walked back to the truck. "Do I look... that old?"


    "You''re six hundred, dude," Livian said. "Accept it."


    "Five hundred and eighty three..."


    "Oh crap, you''re really that old!?"


    "Don''t say it like that."


    ...


    Making their way back to the Doras marketplace, Synthia and the others squeeze through the entrance again. It wasn''t nearly as busy as before, the stillness quite relaxing after the battle in the aeternus fields.


    Walking over to the wooden building by the end, they were greeted by Blanc. His slight frame looked even more diminutive with the pair of additional bodyguards by his side.


    "Did you get the job done," Blanc inquired.


    "Not quite," Evarius replied. "Certain complications arose, and we had to, uh... well. Shreddermoles started running away. A revenant showed up."


    "A revenant? Bad luck indeed, although perhaps more so for it than you, since you''re standing before me. And you spent all that extra time waiting for the shreddermoles? Demons can only appear at night, and so when you were fighting it would''ve had to be nightfall. Yet when you left, it wasn''t that late. It took that long for the shreddermoles to come to you?"


    Evarius shrugged. "Don''t know what to tell you. They wouldn''t show for a while, and by the time they did it was close to dark."


    Synthia remained quiet. Her heart was thumping in her chest. Blanc''s demeanor was particularly slimy, and she could tell he didn''t buy Evarius'' story for a second. The question was, would he call him on it?


    "I trust you''ll eliminate the rest in the morning then?"


    "So long as you throw in a little bit extra for taking care of that demon. Along with the information we need, too."


    "Of course, of course... Now, there is just one other matter I wish to discuss."


    The icy gaze beneath the rim of his bowler hat centered on Synthia. "You. Hand over that weapon."


    Synthia made sure to feign the right amount of surprise. "My... weapon? And what do you want with it? It''s just a sword, you can find one like it anywhere."


    "Except it''s not like one you can find just about anywhere." Blanc looked at the sword on her back with shameless greed. "It is one of the Mioja... the Darkness Mioja, to be precise. My scouts followed you and verified it with their own eyes."


    Blood running cold, Synthia tried to swallow. Her mouth had run dry. "You followed us?"


    "Of course, you cretin. I specialize in a very particular branch of Time magic. A privilege, considering this country''s apparent aversion for it. Out of all the elements, time and darkness are the most closely interlinked. One might say they are twin elements. So I could tell immediately, having become so attuned, that what you carried was no ordinary object."


    Nodding to his bodyguards, they began walking forward. Synthia snarled. She whipped out the Mioja and let her mana pour into it once more. She was staring Blanc dead in the eye as the bodyguards pulled out their pistols. "You snake... What the hell did you do with Christoph and Iggy?"


    Snapping his fingers, Blanc gestured to the door of the building. His first bodyguard from earlier walked out, along with a few others. They held Iggy at gunpoint, and beside her was¡ª


    "Christoph!"


    The adventurer was now conscious and on his feet. While the right arm and torso were in bandages, he no longer appeared to be on the brink of death. He gave her a warm smile despite the situation. "Heya, shrimp. I hear you got me out of some real trouble."


    "And what would you call this," Iggy asked, exasperated.


    "A detour," Christoph said. He was rewarded for his cheek with one of the bodyguards hitting his ribs with the butt of his gun. He doubled over in pain. Synthia became enraged, looking about ready to attack.


    "You bastards!"


    "Wait!" Evarius held out a hand, dissuading her from attacking. "Blanc, I don''t know what you''re playing at here, but I guarantee you it would be best to let the little girl and her friends go. Do you really wish to get tangled up with someone in possession of a Mioja?"


    "Positive," Blanc replied coolly. "How difficult can it be, to wield one? I know my place! I know where I fit in! And I know I can wield that very special sword. So if she would just give it here..."


    For a moment, with Iggy and Christoph held hostage, Synthia considered it. Getting the Mioja off their hands so they could be rid of its influence could very well be a blessing. She had planned to give up the sword eventually, anyhow.


    But Blanc was clearly not the kind of man who should possess this weapon, if he was right about being able to properly wield it. And even if he wasn''t, Synthia wasn''t eager to see somebody crushed by darkness magic right in front of her. And that Atlas woman was unlikely to stop chasing them.


    "Just tell me one thing," Synthia said. "Why the hell would you patch up Christoph if you were going to put him in harm''s way just a few hours later?"


    "More leverage, more chance of success," Blanc explained. "Why waste such a useful bargaining chip?"


    "Figures," Synthia retorted. "That''s what it comes down to with scum like you. Anytime you meet somebody, you see a big fat number hanging over their head and assign their worth based off that."


    "I''m scum who stays in business," Blanc said. "This is no different from any other transaction. Hand over the weapon, and you all go free. Besides, I have no quarrel with the elf or the bitch."


    "Hey, no need to be rude on top of everything else," Evarius said. Livian just snorted.


    "Well, I guess a bitch is the best way to describe me. And the best way to describe you is cowardly scum like the brat said. Dickhead."


    "Enough!" Blanc''s patience had run out. He extended a hand. "Give me the Mioja. Now!"


    Synthia looked at her companions. Iggy was petrified, but Christoph had a confident spark to his eyes. He held up his uninjured hand. In his palm, an orb of Light appeared as opposed to his usual Darkness magic. He closed his eyes.


    Catching on, Synthia shielded her face right before Christoph clenched his fist around the orb. A bright flash of light erupted, blinding everybody else in the vicinity sans Livian and Evarius, who had also caught on to what was about to happen.


    Christoph grabbed Iggy''s hand, who had unfortunately been exposed to the flash. They bowled over Blanc. He fell flat on his face, bowler hat rolling away.


    "Did you have to blast me, too!?"


    "Save the complaining for later! See if you still feel like it after I''m done saving your life."


    Synthia ran after them, immensely pleased to be able to hear the bickering tone of her companions again. Iggy groaned. "Oh come on, me and Synthia rode here on just your bulky bike trying to save your ass! Don''t talk to me about who owes who!"


    "Heh," Christoph chuckled. "If that''s how you feel, then I think this partnership of ours is going to work out just fine! C''mon, let''s go."


    They squeezed in through the alley. Evarius and Livian watched them go.


    "Their savviness isn''t in dispute," Evarius remarked. Livian could only grunt.


    "You two," Blanc wheezed as he got back up on shaky legs, thinning hair disheveled. "Go after them! I''ll pay you, I''ll pay anything to get that sword!"


    "Trust me, Blanc," Evarius said. "There are a few types of people in this world you don''t make yourself an enemy of. Somebody worthy of wielding the Mioja is one them."


    Livian stood, pensive. "How much?" Evarius didn''t seem surprised by this, but disappointed. He waved his hand dismissively at her, walking away. He''d have no part in this.


    Blanc was shaking with rage. "Double... no, triple what I was going to pay you for the shreddermole job."


    Livian still seemed a little unsure. Blanc shouted, "And I''ll tell you where your airship is too! You won''t have to eliminate those monsters in the fields anymore!"


    Snapping her fingers, Livian nodded. "That''s more like it."


    She turned around, walking toward the entrance leading out and after the fleeing trio. Thumbing her revolvers, she went over a few preemptive strategies that would best allow her to capture them.

 Minute 14: Anger

    Pebbles skittered across the ground from where the group''s feet fell. The calm, silver moonlight poorly reflected the gravity of the situation, as Synthia and the others sucked in the air to fuel their escape.


    On their way to the zeitcycle, a stream of ice shot across the ground, erupting into a large ice wall in front of them. It stretched from one side of the street to the other, completely blocking off their escape. Gritting her teeth, Synthia turned back to see Livian shaking out her arm, teeth chattering.


    "Yikes, that spell still bites. Haven''t used it in a while. Look, I''m not quite sure what your whole situation is, but we don''t need to have this showdown. You can just hand over the weapon to me, and I''ll give it to Mr. Moneybags."


    "Fat chance," Synthia said, holding the Mioja in a ready stance. Livian scoffed.


    "What, you think I really wanna fight a pipsqueak like you? You could barely deal with one shreddermole. And you''re clearly exhausted. Give up the weapon and you won''t be hurt."


    "Then you won''t just be fighting her," Iggy said, eyesight fully recovered. She stood on Synthia''s right, ready to do battle.


    "You''ve got three opponents to deal with now. Think you can take us?" Christoph chipped in, standing on Synthia''s other side.


    Livian chuckled. "Your right side''s completely screwed up, and I''m guessing it''s your dominant one. You go after me, it''s not going to be a fair fight. I''m sure neither of us want that."


    "I didn''t want to be injured in the first place, but here I am all the same. I can fight you with half my body easy."


    "We''ll see about that." Livian pulled out her revolvers, twirling them again. "I guess there''s no other option."


    Taking in a deep breath, Livian appeared to be in prayer as she pointed the revolvers upward, eyes closed. The three took this chance to charge, not allowing their opponent any respite. Christoph''s left fist welled with Darkness magic, Synthia was preparing to slash from the side and Iggy was a little further back, readying her wind magic.


    "Good. You don''t hesitate." In the blink of an eye, Livian had deftly aimed her revolvers at Christoph and Synthia. Panicking, the two rolled out of the way. As opposed to the usual Fire-empowered bullets she had been using earlier, two arcs of lightning shot out from the guns. They curved and exploded once they hit the ground.


    Livian batted away the Mioja as Synthia reangled it for an attack, spinning perfectly and letting Christoph run past her as he took the chance to charge at her. He tried to swing back around for a hit but found himself dodging her gunfire once again. This time, an icicle nearly impaled itself into his bandaged shoulder. It embedded itself into the wall with a shunk.


    Not taking a moment to rest, Livian kicked off from the ground as Iggy fired a burst of Wind her way. Heating up the barrels again, she fired more of her regular fire bullets her way. Iggy yelped as she dodged.


    "What the hell is wrong with you!?"


    Livian landed on the ground, arms outstretched to balance herself. She gave Iggy a cold stare. "Me? You''re the ones completely out of your depth. Especially you. You haven''t seen an ounce of hardship in your pathetically easy life, and you want to go on an adventure? This world kills fools like you fast."


    Grunting, Iggy clenched her fist. "Shut up! You don''t know a thing about what I''ve been through!" She swiped her hand through the air, sending another gale of wind toward Livian, but not before her legs began shaking. Her exhaustion had kept increasing exponentially, and even simple spells were making her run out of breath.


    Whoosh!


    Livian had zipped forward until she was right in front of Iggy. She had no time to react as Livian pistol-whipped her with a revolver, collapsing to the ground. She was out cold.


    "Iggy!" Synthia swung at Livian in rage, the sword barely missing her as she darted away.


    "Now that was fast," Livian said. "Maybe you should''ve shown more of that during the shreddermole fight. Seeing you actually give a damn would make me feel more conflicted about kicking your ass."


    Grunting, Synthia held her sword tight.


    "Kicking ass, huh?" Christoph held his right arm in pain, having strained it in the excitement. "You don''t plan to kill us, do you?"


    "So long as you don''t try to kill me," Livian said dully. "But that would make you exceptionally stupid."


    "Look, I don''t know what he''s paying you, but I assure you it ain''t worth it," Christoph said. "He''s not going to be able to control that thing and his goons will think you set him up somehow when the Mioja turns on him. Let us go and hunt for a job somewhere else."


    "I have my reasons for agreeing to his request," Livian said calmly. "Let''s not extend this charade any further. I''ll defeat you with all I have, just to show the difference between us."


    Synthia and Christoph ran after Livian again, swinging and wailing away at her. Christoph sent beams of light her way which Livian easily dodged, while Synthia tried to take that to her advantage and cut at her. Every time she''d get close, Livian would propel herself further with Wind magic, twirling through the air with clear practice.


    It was at this time that Synthia realized Livian hadn''t fired off any more shots. What was she waiting for, then? She was simply avoiding their attacks. Then that could only mean...


    "Dammit, Christoph! She''s trying to charge up!"


    "I can see that! I can''t grab Iggy when I''m like this, you should run away with her."


    "We''re not leaving you," Synthia said, tone resolute. Livian landed a good distance away, holding her guns tight.


    "I really appreciate what you''ve done for me," Christoph said. "But she has no intention of killing us. Let me distract her while you run away."


    "But Christoph¡ª"


    "Run?" A crackle of energy ran through the air. Synthia could tell the mana in the area was becoming centered around Livian, eyes burning with focus. "I''ve made sure nobody can run from this."


    "Flames of Asura."


    A ring of fire rotated itself around her guns.


    "Hellblizzard."


    A ring of ice began rotating around it too, intertwining with the fire and somehow not melting or snuffing it out.


    "Verdant Gale."


    The rings started moving faster now, rotating at a speed too fast for the eye to see.


    "This would actually be pretty cool under different circumstances," Synthia said. She and Christoph ran forward again, hoping to throw Livian off even a little. Every time they would get close to her, she''d fly off again up into the air, kicking off the walls for further maneuverability with absolute control.


    "Storm''s Vengeance."


    Lightning began fusing with the rings around her guns, as if they were going so fast they could generate their own electricity. Synthia and Christoph knew they''d never be able to interrupt her. Synthia slung Iggy onto her back, grappling hook at the ready.


    "You should be proud you get to see this," Livian said. "I only use it under specific circumstances."


    "Livian, enough!"


    Evarius was walking toward them, waving a hand. Livian cocked an eyebrow. "What have I told you about interrupting me?"


    "You don''t want to do this, Liv," Evarius said. "Let''s be honest with ourselves: Blanc''s not somebody we should''ve affiliated ourselves with in the first place. Whatever information he has is likely not that impressive either, so listen to me. I have an idea for how everybody can get what they want. And besides, I think you''ve all attracted a small crowd..."


    Some people had indeed been watching. In a town like Doras an Tsaorsa, there couldn''t be much excitement to begin with. They stared, intrigued by what would happen next. Uninvolved, uncaring, and unsympathetic. Only curious about what flashy display the fight would bring.


    Livian remained silent. She glanced from the crowd to Christoph, and then to Synthia. She dispersed the rings, the mana plateauing back to normal as she twirled the guns into her holsters.


    "Fine."


    Synthia and Christoph breathed a sigh of relief, although stiffened again at the belligerent voice that sounded out.


    "No, no, no! She''s right there! It''s right there! Why are you stopping?"This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Blanc tore through the crowd, hair still a mess. His bodyguards were behind him. He pointed at Synthia. "Grab her! She''s only a little girl! Do it!"


    Christoph aimed his left hand at them in warning. Livian, for her part, aimed her guns. She wasn''t going to let her partner''s proposal be interrupted. The bodyguards looked at both of them carefully. The one closest to Blanc shook his head. "Sorry boss, it ain''t worth it. We''re going home."


    Blanc was left spluttering as his own hired help walked away. "Th-then you''re all fired! Fired! I don''t care if I have to hire from five towns over, I can replace big lugs like you! Then if you won''t do it, and that bitch won''t do it, then I''ll call on somebody in this crowd who can! A hundred thousand lepta to the man or woman who can bring me that sword!"


    The crowd murmured and shifted. They collectively weighed their options, but it wasn''t long before a few began breaking off. That escalated into most of the crowd dispersing. Several citizens remained, still curious, but did not seem eager to risk their well-being.


    Blanc spluttered as he watched the crowd walk away. Synthia had to stifle a laugh.


    "Hey, baldy! It looks like your promise of money ain''t enough. If you want this sword so much, it looks like you''ll just have to take it."


    Grunting, Blanc ran a hand through his paltry hair and straightened himself out. He walked over to Synthia. He ignored Christoph raising hand, prepared to cast a spell at him. While not a tall man, he still loomed over the girl. Synthia simply set Iggy back on the ground and crossed her arms as she returned his glare.


    "Hmph. So it wasn''t a trick of the light. You really do have demon eyes."


    "You jealous?"


    "Not at all. But you will hand over that sword."


    Synthia grew uneasy. Despite his bumbling con man demeanor, Blanc looked surprisingly sure of himself.


    "Why?"


    "I''m fairly proficient with Time magic," he sneered, voice low enough that the remaining onlookers wouldn''t hear him. "And I''ve always had a special back up plan for this kind of scenario. You see, those trash disposal tanks I make are normally not dangerous. If most break, the distortion singularity inside simply collapses in on itself. But the bigger the singularity, the bigger the collapse."


    Raising a small remote, Blanc''s gaze remained cold. "I''ve set up tanks with a larger condensation of distortions in them all throughout the residential parts of town. Unless you do as I say, I won''t hesitate to detonate them. There are several thousand people who live here. I wonder what the death toll would amount to?"


    "You son of a bitch," Christoph snarled. Evarius and Livian were looking at Blanc in disgust. Livian aimed her gun at Blanc, who merely waved the remote with a "Tut, tut."


    Clucking her tongue, Livian lowered the guns. "Like the pipsqueak said: you''re scum."


    "I''m scum who stays alive. So what say you? Hand over the weapon now, or everybody in this town will suffer your arrogance."


    "Arrogance," Synthia repeated. "You hold a town hostage, and you''re saying... we''re arrogant?"


    She was looking at the remote, gold eyes devoid of emotion. Despite her usual boisterous persona, her voice was now bereft of its normal mischief. There was not an ounce of warmth, playfulness or cheer remaining in it. She didn''t even sound frustrated.


    Christoph looked at Synthia with concern over her unusual change in demeanor. Livian and Evarius could sense this was a far cry from how the girl normally acted as well.


    Blanc scoffed. "Call it whatever you wish. I merely consider this a new part of the deal."


    Synthia lowered her head. "A deal. Money, numbers, boiling people down to chips on a board. Is that all life is to you?"


    Blanc shrugged. "It''s always worked for me. And it''s the same reason I know you won''t attack. You can''t risk me pressing the button. Those deaths would be on your hands."


    Christoph saw Synthia''s fist clenching behind her back.


    "So what say you? Will you hand over the weapon? Or will you resist, and sentence dozens, maybe even hundreds, to an excruciating end?"


    Synthia stared at the ground. Blanc was growing impatient. "Hand me the sword or they die!"


    Synthia''s fist unclenched from behind her back. All tension left her body. She focused on the remote in front of her.


    When Blanc blinked, his hand was clutching air. Stunned, he saw Synthia holding the remote instead. She threw it to the ground as hard as she could, the device shattering and wholly incapable of detonating the distortion canisters.


    "What¡ª" Blanc gulped as Synthia pressed the Mioja up against his neck, pushing him back. The remaining onlookers screamed but did not rush to help him, choosing instead to run away. Blanc was left entirely to Synthia''s discrimination. Looking into her eyes again, there was no pity in their gold depths. Only a cold, merciless fury.


    "My fault? You place people''s lives on the line because you''re weak, because you''re selfish, and you think it''s my fault?"


    Synthia pressed the sword up further, opening a thin cut along Blanc''s jugular. The magic emanating from it sucked at his skin, as if desiring to lop off his head. Synthia kept pushing him back. "You feel this? This pain? This discomfort? This fear? Your life is in my hands now, and if I were to kill you here then it would be on me. So here''s what you''ll do to avoid that: you''re going to show us where those canisters are. You''re going to guide us to every single one and have us destroy them, safely. And don''t lie. I''ll know."


    "Ugh!" Blanc was trembling, breathing through his teeth. "Skip the charade, I know you don''t intend on killing¡ªurf!"


    Synthia pressed the sword up again, drawing a second cut. "Try me. See where it gets you."


    Livian seemed a little surprised at Synthia''s newfound aggression. Evarius watched her silently without comment. Christoph took this chance to step forward. "Synthia... this isn''t you."


    Synthia said nothing. The sword remained against Blanc''s throat.


    "We can get him to show us another way. I understand how you feel, but this isn''t something I want you to be doing. Ever. I think you''re better than this."


    Synthia remained quiet for a few more seconds before speaking. "You killed the guys who killed Gren. That''s worse than what this is."


    "Even so. I think we can solve things another way..."


    Blanc forced out a chuckle. "I knew it. You don''t have the guts to kill somebody, do you? You''re not going to kill me, oh no. You''ll let me live, because that''s the kind of person you are."


    "Shut up! You have no idea what I am!" Synthia''s grip on the sword tightened. "You know what I''m gonna be? I''m going to become the biggest, baddest villain this world''s ever seen! One who beats down all the other bad guys, so nobody has to worry about dealing with people like you anymore!"


    "Then prove it." Blanc pushed himself into the blade, feeling the Mioja pull at his skin harder. Any further and he''d sustain a mortal injury.


    Growing alarmed, Synthia drew the blade away before Blanc could harm himself. He skipped a few feet back, cackling with glee. "Oh, you have no drive after all! You don''t possess the will to commit murder, to rend a soul away from its body with the swing of a blade! You, a villain?"


    He looked at her dully, unimpressed. "Here''s what''s really going to happen. Since you won''t kill me but won''t let me go and destroyed my only detonator (a foolish error on my part, I admit), I''ll agree to let you walk free. I maintain control of the town, and you all get to run away without a fuss. Deal?"


    Gritting her teeth, Synthia''s frustration frothed inside her.


    "So you''re not willing to show us where the canisters are?" Livian eyed Blanc carefully.


    "Wellll... only if you were willing to pay me a significant sum for it."


    "Ha! A scumbag to the end." Livian pulled out her right revolver, aiming at Blanc. Only a small measure of panic was allowed to stretch across his face before she shot him between the eyes. He fell to the ground lifeless, expression forever fixed in a dull recognition of his own stupidity.


    Synthia had jumped at the noise, staring at the corpse in front of her. She didn''t resist as Christoph grabbed her hand and started dragging her away from the crime scene.


    Christoph headed for Iggy but stopped when he saw Evarius pick her up. The old elf looked down at her with concern. Christoph glared at him, on guard. Evarius tried to reassure him.


    "Don''t worry, we don''t want to cause you trouble. Or any more trouble at least. I have a proposition for you, but we need to get away from here."


    Christoph sighed. "Fine. But psycho lady over there isn''t killing anybody else in the middle of the street."


    "Oi, the name''s Livian! And I''m no psycho."


    "Enough chatter! We need to move!" And so Evarius led the group, darting through an alley with the others chasing behind him.


    Once they''d gotten a good distance away, everybody was a little short of breath. They had stopped close to the edge of town, not too far from where the zeitcycle had been hidden. Everybody squinted at the lamplight shining down on them from inside the alley they were in.


    "We should be okay here," Evarius said, still carrying Iggy in his arms. Christoph was glaring at him. He could only shrug in response. "I''m sorry about back there, truly. She only kills who she thinks needs killing. Usually, I think her judgement''s correct."


    "Don''t talk about me like I''m not here, yeesh."


    Synthia replayed the imagery of Blanc''s lifeless body falling to the ground in her head. This was the first time in years she''d seen somebody die. She felt no sympathy for the man but knowing that life would never return to his eyes left her feeling empty.


    "You surprised me, pipsqueak. Maybe you''ve got guts after all." Livian stretched her arms out, nonplussed.


    "You just killed him..."


    "And those people would''ve been under his thumb forever. Leave him to rot or for somebody to carry off. Nobody''s gonna be eager to give him anything more than a quick burial. Hell, they''ll probably just toss the body into a ditch somewhere. If I''m going to get the info I need from a monster like that, I''d rather not know. I make deals with men, not devils."


    "I''m not sure about that, Livian." Evarius said. "I won''t argue he deserved to die, but he clearly has connections. Killing him might be a problem for us."


    "And why''s that?"


    "Because I plan for us to bring these three to the nearest adventurer''s guild. If we get any of his criminal or even police friends on our trail, that could be an issue."


    Livian laughed in disbelief. "We''re going to what?"


    "You heard me. The man over there is an adventurer from what Blanc''s men told me before that little altercation there, and if we can just get him to a guild I''m sure he can call in a favour for us and tell us where the airship is. Isn''t that right, young man?"


    Christoph nodded. "Sure. We could use the extra help for any more trouble we run into. Guilds aren''t this far out in Viveld, but after a quick trip, we can find one. Just make sure not to kill anybody else on the way."


    "Cross my heart," Livian said, sounding bored. Christoph narrowed his eyes at her but kept speaking.


    "I need to be honest with you, Livian. You''re really lucky there was nobody else around to see you kill that guy, whether he was a criminal or not."


    "Why do you think I ended up taking the shot?"


    "It doesn''t matter. Blanc still seems to own this town. Or at least, owned. They''ll know somebody shot him, and revolvers are a distinct weapon. Pretty soon, you''ll be placed under their suspect list. That means we could be charged as accomplices. Right now, we need to leave if you want your info. You guys got a vehicle?"


    Evarius nodded. "Yeah, we''ve got a truck. More than enough room for all of us."


    "Then we''ll head to our bike first, wheel it over to where you guys parked it along the periphery of town."


    Livian clucked her tongue. "Fine, it''s a plan. Let''s get the hell out of this dump."


    Synthia spoke up. "But wait, there''s still those canisters. The town''s still in danger."


    "It would be better if we could dispose of them all, but they won''t implode unless they''re deliberately destroyed," Evarius reasoned. "And Blanc clearly hid them. This place will be fine even if we don''t search for them."


    "But still..."


    Christoph placed his hand on Synthia''s shoulder. "He''s right. We''d better get out of here ASAP."


    Kicking at the ground, Synthia shook her head. "Fine."


    They made their way out of the alley, crossing over into the next one to remain out of sight of anybody. Their group were a strange bunch and would stand out if seen.


    Still trying to get over her shock, Synthia asked Livian about what Evarius had meant by airship.


    "Ha, we had a pair of wings before it got stolen from us. That''s the main reason we were here; we heard Blanc could tell us where it was. That ship''s sailed, though."


    "Have you been searching for it long?"


    "Five or so months. Hopefully not for much longer if we''ve got the guild owing us a favour." Livian grinned.


    "This might actually be fun, pipsqueak. I might start to like you if you keep showing backbone like you did a few minutes ago."


    The group continued to navigate through Doras, careful to avoid attention through the criss-cross of streets and shortcuts. The moon lit their way where streetlights could not, untouched by their troubles.

 Minute 15: Three Things

    After quietly wheeling the zeitcycle over to the truck, the group were getting ready for a swift departure. They finished loading the bike into the bed. Christoph rubbed his left hand against his pants, still having trouble with his right side.


    "Time to blow this joint. Wouldn''t want to keep your guys'' reward waiting."


    "Nonsense! We''re doing this just as much for company as we are for the reward." Evarius clambered into the truck, Iggy already placed in the back.


    "Speak for yourself, geezer." Livian made to climb up after him. Synthia remained on the ground, looking toward the center of the town.


    "Synthia, we''ve gotta go."


    Synthia shook her head. "This isn''t right. We''ve got to look for those tanks."


    Christoph could only shrug helplessly. He seemed rather uncomfortable about leaving, too. "There''s no other choice."


    Synthia crossed her arms. The Mioja seemed to weigh heavier on her back than ever before. It was wrapped in it''s bindings again. "I know this is selfish on my part, with us all ready to go. But I can''t leave here until we find each and every single one of those canisters. We''ve gotta dispose of them or maybe even take them with us. That''s the only way the people of Doras are ever going to be safe."


    "And so, why do you care?" Livian leaned against the truck. "Didn''t you say back there you were going to be this big, bad villain?"


    "That''s not exactly what I meant. When I say I want to the biggest bad guy, I..." Synthia trailed off. She clenched her fists, fire in her eyes. "I don''t care how long it takes even if the police end up searching for us. I''m going to find those things, with or without your help."


    "She can be forceful when she wants to be, huh?" Evarius smiled from up in his seat. "Hate to be the cynic here, but it''s too risky. I can''t help you kiddo. Even if I could, how would we even find them?"


    "The Mioja." Synthia palmed the sword. "This thing reacted to the distortion at the aeternus fields. If I can just figure out how to receive the mana emanating from those things, I know I can find them. That Blanc guy said he was perceptive of them, so if Christoph came with me we could find them even faster!"


    Christoph seemed to be curious. "I suppose it''s possible but tracking by mana is never a sure-fire thing. This is still a big risk. The time we waste leaves more time for the police to catch us."


    "Then we just avoid being caught. Simple."


    Christoph looked down at Synthia. As much as he towered over her, the way she stood with her back straight, eyes alight, made her seem as tall as he was.


    "Dammit," he muttered. "Fine, you can go. But I''m not leaving Iggy behind with two strangers, so it''ll be even slower on your end. Uh, no offense."


    Livian and Evarius both waved the apology off as Christoph continued. "Bottomline, do what you can but duck and run if it''s too dangerous.. We''ll be waiting for you just outside of town. Got that?"


    "Excellent. You won''t have to wait long!"


    She turned around to run off back to town. She began sprinting, head bent as she picked up speed. She headed down one of the alleys they had taken on their way when¡ª


    "OOF!"


    WHAM! THUD!


    She bumped off a rather large man who had walked in front of the other end. In a daze, Synthia barely registered the deep voice asking her if she was okay.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine... I wasn''t really looking where I was going." Dusting herself off, Synthia got back to her feet. Seeing the man in front of her, she realized he was twice her size. And very familiar.


    Her gold eyes popping, Synthia had to stop herself from shrieking for all of Doras to hear. The very man she had bumped into was the first bodyguard of Blanc''s she and Iggy had met earlier.


    She made to duck under his arm, but he grabbed her by the scruff of the neck. She flailed her arms in an attempt to get free, completely at his mercy.


    "Hey, hey, hey! Stop that! I''m not here to hurt you!"


    "I''m sure not, just so you can chuck me to the police!?"


    "No, of course not! Why would I? Here."


    He set her back down with surprising gentleness. "Would I really do that if I were your enemy?"


    "Maybe." Synthia took the opportunity to kick up into his groin. She hissed as her shin bounced off it, smarting. He seemed to have a cup for protection.


    The bodyguard cocked his head in amusement. "Not bad."


    Grunting, Synthia looked at the man more studiously. He was a mountain with club-like fists and a square jaw. Yet despite his large build, Synthia couldn''t detect an ounce of malice or deceitfulness from him. Her mind was yelling at her to remain suspicious, but her gut told her she had nothing to fear. Still, she remained vigilant.


    She also noticed the large cloth bag he was carrying in his other hand. "And what''s that supposed to be?"


    "The tanks I''m sure you were looking for. Here."


    Synthia blinked. She grabbed the bag as he offered it to her. It was extremely heavy. Sure enough, inside were close to a dozen garbage disposal tanks, the dangerous distortions tucked away safely inside.


    "How did you¡ª"


    "It was a newer failsafe of Blanc''s he was hoping to use to keep this place under his thumb. Once he told us, me and the other guys knew we couldn''t let him go through with it. We rounded them all up."


    "And you''re giving them to me because...?"


    "We''re grateful for what you''ve done. With Blanc out of the way, maybe we can run this place''s underground with some degree of respect. Or part of it, at least."


    Synthia felt sweat bead on her brow. "Out of the way? I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    "It''s a good thing you don''t, and it should stay that way. Especially if you run into the authorities on your trip."


    Synthia held the bag in her hands. Her exhausted limbs were beginning to burn with the weight, but she held it all the same, rooted to the spot. "How do I know these are the actual tanks and you''re not just tricking me with decoys?"


    The bodyguard shrugged. "You don''t. But I guarantee you they are."


    Setting the bag down, Synthia breathed a sigh of relief. The tension finally left her shoulders. "Thank Apeiros. So really, the citizens here weren''t in any danger at all. Thank you." She was smiling quite happily.


    "We would never forgive ourselves if we did nothing. Thankfully, Blanc was too much of an idiot to check back on where he''d hidden those things. If he had though, you likely wouldn''t have faced the difficulties you did. For that, I hope you accept our humble apology."


    "So you''re taking over here?"


    "Sort of. Blanc was only one crime lord in this town. I don''t know if word of that sword has reached the others but all the same, you need to watch your back."


    Nodding, Synthia drew the bag close to her. "Thanks. But before I go, I just need to hear one more thing to make me fully trust you."


    "Yes?"


    "Your name."


    The bodyguard was surprised by her request. After a few seconds, his face relaxed into a small, careful smile. "Jebben."


    "Cool. My name''s Synthia, although I''m pretty sure you knew that already. Well then, good luck Jebben! I''d better get going."


    Slinging the heavy bag over her shoulders, Synthia gave him a friendly wave and walked back down the alley. Jebben waved in return, crossing his arms as she left his sight. He shifted his legs uncomfortably, the area around his crotch throbbing a little even with the added protection he''d placed over it.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    "That was a hell of a kick..."


    ...


    After catching up with the others and explaining what had occurred, Synthia clambered into the back of the truck and swiftly fell asleep beside Iggy. Her muscles had already been killing her but by the time she had reached the truck, she was sore and tired all over. Once Livian had begrudgingly helped her load the bag in the truck-bed, she hadn''t been able to stay awake any longer and let sleep wash over her.


    Christoph promised to stay awake to ensure the others wouldn''t try anything, but she couldn''t muster the energy possible to take his place. She''d managed to hear the beginning of their conversation before she drifted off.


    "Seriously, you still don''t trust us?"


    "Would you?"


    "Eh, he''s got a point."


    Before she knew it, sunlight was streaming in through the truck windows. It was daybreak again. Sitting up, she stumbled out of the vehicle and fell to the ground. Her legs stopped wobbling as she wiped the crust out of her eyes. Her body still felt somewhat sore but, thankfully, she felt revitalized for the most part. She stretched, feeling her muscles pop.


    Once she finished she saw Iggy, awake and perfectly healthy, standing with her head in prayer.


    "Good to see you''re okay."


    Iggy opened her eyes and whirled around, relief spread across her face. She quickly clamped down on it to look more aloof however, and surveyed Synthia coldly.


    "Ahem! Well, you''re up awfully late."


    "I was exhausted, so yeah. What time is it?"


    "It''s actually about two in the afternoon. You slept for close to sixteen hours, Synthia. Honestly, push yourself too hard again and it''s going to kill you. Which in turn is probably going to get me killed."


    "I guess you''ve got a point." Synthia chuckled nervously. "Where are the others?"


    "Here."


    Evarius came around from the other side of the truck, smiling serenely. "Your friend over there woke up first and managed to convince Christoph to get some shut eye. Me and Livian took turns as well. We''re all rested up for our journey to Verletzt, where the nearest guild is. Just need to buy some tickets in Trost over there."


    Indicating the city behind him, Synthia took the chance to observe it.


    Trost was a fairly sizeable town. There were buildings even taller than the church spire unlike back in Asphodel, and there were even a few motorized vehicles coming in and out the main thoroughfare.


    Christoph and Livian followed emerged from the other side of the truck as well. "You''re finally up, shrimp! You sleep like a rock at the bottom of the sea."


    "I was running out of gun polish with the amount of time we spent waiting for you." Livian brushed past Synthia, sitting down in one of the folding chairs that had been set up.


    Synthia indicated the truck. "And what do we do about this thing? We can''t bring it with us."


    "Not on regular commutes, no. But there''s a special train that arrives at seven PM each night which will allow you to bring your vehicle with you for an extra price. In our case, we''ll have to pay double considering the bike."


    "We could always hide it."


    Livian barked with laughter. "HA! And get slapped with a fine? No thank you."


    "She''s right, little girl. Not worth risking."


    "It was just a suggestion..." Synthia muttered, hands curled into her robes. She watched as Iggy made to sit down next to Livian, but a sharp glare thrown her way convinced her to sit opposite her. She scooted the chair back to put some extra distance between them.


    "You''ll have to forgive Livian," Evarius said. "Her idea of socializing is to push other people as far away from her as possible."


    "Or gunwhip them," Iggy muttered. Another piercing glare from Livian caused her to blanch and make a small whimper.


    "But if she''s staying away from other people, that''s not even socializing," Synthia pointed out.


    "Precisely."


    Livian scoffed. She pulled out a small notebook from within her jacket and began writing in it.


    "We have to wait until seven, then?"


    "That''s right, little girl."


    "Hey, it''s Synthia! I''ve already told you. Anyway, if we''re going to wait I might as well pull out a book or two. Christoph, where did you put my bag again?"


    "Ah, it was beneath the back left seat."


    Synthia made to climb into the car. Before she could pull herself inside, a hand grabbed at her ankle. Looking back, she saw Livian with a harrowed look in her eye and a face even paler than Iggy''s had been when she blanched.


    "I can get it for you." Her tone was devoid of its usual bluster or cockiness. She seemed genuinely nervous now.


    "Uhhh, thanks, but I can get it myself."


    "No, no, I insist." She tugged at Synthia''s leg. Hard. Synthia had to clutch the inside door handle to not be pulled back out.


    "I''m just getting my bag¡ª"


    "And I''ve offered to get it for you, so if you''d please¡ª"


    "But I''m almost inside already!"


    "LET ME GET YOUR GODDAMN BAG!"


    Christoph and Iggy looked at Livian''s behaviour in bewilderment. They were debating whether they should tear her off Synthia, but also weren''t keen to provoke her wrath. Evarius, on the other hand, seemed somewhat amused.


    Synthia managed to wriggle herself out of Livian''s grasp and lunged for her bag. She pulled it out just as Livian grabbed her by the shoulders. They fell off the truck together along with the bag and several other objects stored beneath the seat.


    Shrugging her bag off her, Synthia sat up and rubbed her back. "Owwwwww! What the hell was that, you crazy..."


    She noticed everybody was staring at the ground, including Livian in a frozen state of panic. Following their eyes, she landed upon a magazine. It had a scantily clad female model on the front, blonde hair blowing in the breeze.


    "Hang on. Is this... yours?"


    Livian began uncharacteristically stammering. "I-it''s the old g-g-geezer''s! Yeah, his! Not mine!"


    Synthia stared at her for a few seconds. She got up to her feet. Then, without further delay, she erupted into wheezing laughter.


    "Bwahahahahahahahahaaaaaa! You have a nudey mag!?"


    Synthia was reaching the point of tears, hunched over with crippling laughter. Livian was on her hands and knees in defeat, head bent down. The image of an intimidating gunslinger was quickly overwritten by the defeated woman reduced to lying on all fours. Christoph had to turn away to hide his own laughter while Evarius was chortling freely. Iggy began joining in with laughter of her own, but quickly stopped at the withering look Livian shot her.


    Still laughing, Synthia managed to force out some sentences. "Oh man, so you''re actually into girls? Is that it? I mean, I guess it can be hard to find other girls into girls, but your personality doesn''t make it any easier. HA! So, do you like them big or¡ª GAH!"


    Livian had thrown a rock at Synthia''s forehead, knocking her out cold. Christoph and Iggy rushed over to her with cries of concern as Livian sulked away, magazine in hand. She dragged her chair a good distance from the group and sat in it, staring at her feet.


    Iggy looked at Synthia''s unconscious form, and then back to Livian. Without uttering a word, every part of her body language was communicating the fervent message to stay away.


    "Is that an aura of death around her?"


    Evarius gave an apologetic chuckle. "Best not to get near her for the rest of the day."


    Iggy noticed something else had fallen to the ground. Looking closer, she saw it was a newspaper. Picking it up, she scanned the headlines before coming across one that said, "Train Stopped by Murder!" Curious, she began reading.


    "Jeez, this is freaky," she said. "Apparently a whole car of passengers ended up killing each other randomly. It was like they all lost their minds. Uh, that''s not bound to happen when we go on a train, right?"


    Evarius had stopped his laughing to see what Iggy was holding. "Oh, that? I guess I forgot to throw that paper away. It''s several months old. Anyway, there have been occasional instances of murder-suicides on trains across Viveld over the past few years, but that''s been the worst so far. Every case ends up the same. The passengers who do the killing are completely normal citizens beforehand, but for some reason lose any semblance of sanity in the aftermath. There''s been speculation it''s the doing of a magic user."


    Iggy squinted at the article as she kept reading. "What kind of magic can do that?"


    "Time magic, specifically. Time magic can manipulate three things, all with their own mana cost and particulars. One: a person''s perception of the flow of time. Two: the flow of time itself. And three: the aging of a person''s body relative to the flow of time."


    "What, it can make you immortal?" Synthia had woken up once again, rubbing the welt in her head. "By the way, your partner'' a real charmer. And she said she was beginning to like me!"


    "Eh, I think she actually does. You just happened to fall face-first into a big landmine of hers. But back to your question: no. Not exactly immortal."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Because it requires too much energy," Christoph elaborated. "You''d need the equivalent of 1000 human souls just to extend your life by a year. Time magic is more intricate than other kinds, but also has its own set of negatives as a result."


    Synthia accepted the hand he offered her to stand back up. "But if you were somebody really powerful, like, some sort of evil king or something... couldn''t you have those thousands of people to extend your life brought to you whenever you needed?"


    Iggy clutched the paper tight. "Yeah. Life means nothing to men prepared to have their needs overtake those of the people they see as beneath them."


    Christoph paused. "There are rumours of that kind of thing. But even so, it''s decidedly tricky to pull off. You''d need to be one of the top ten... no, likely top five most proficient magic users in the world in an already difficult field of magic study. It''s no easy feat."


    "That''s all just conspiracy stuff though," Evarius said. "Let''s get back to reality, shall we? As far as these communal homicides are concerned, after such an insane last attempt, security has finally been bumped up on these trains. That''s why we''re not risking hiding the bike. And even if we do somehow run into who''s doing this, we''ll be able to deal with them."


    "That doesn''t really inspire me with confidence," Iggy said, looking around their group. They consisted of an adventurer still recovering from his right side being crushed, a small thief, an old elf, her, and a brooding gunslinger who perused pornography. In her eyes, those weren''t the best chances.


    "Oh yeah, you didn''t see Livian last night," Synthia said.


    "What about her?"


    "Let''s just say I think we''re going to be just fine with her around. Especially with Christoph the way he is. I think he should be checked out by another doctor."


    "I''m fine." Christoph placed his hand on Synthia''s shoulder to reassure her. "I''m recovering quite swiftly now that I''ve gotten enough rest. The care I received in Doras should ensure I recover well enough. We can speed up the recovery once we reach a guildhall."


    Sighing, Synthia accepted his judgement. "Fine. I guess you''ve got a point. Anyway, c''mon Iggy! Read one of my books to while away the time!"


    "I''ll pass, thank you."


    "Now you''re just being mean."


    "Because I''m sure what you''re about to hand me is absolute drivel!"


    With order finally restored, they all sat down and began their banter. Evarius pulled out some food he''d bought in Trost while Synthia was sleeping. He reasoned it was best not to dine in town and be seen.


    They chatted as they began eating what Evarius had gotten them. Synthia tried to read Iggy a book but was constantly rebuffed. Christoph and Evarius began talking about the finer points of time magic and their applications. Livian remained traumatized in her chair, tightly clutching her rolled-up magazine.


    Unbeknownst to the five, a lone figure stood atop the hill overlooking both them and Trost. Their green robes billowed in the wind as they stared down at the travelling group. They had found their target.

 Minute 16: Somethings Off

    Hours later after some tasty food, a restroom break, loading the vehicles into the back car and Livian somewhat regaining her composure, the group prepared to board their train. Iggy had headed off on her own to the church to pray before they left, saying that she needed it for peace of mind.


    Synthia had grown nervous about what to do with the Mioja upon boarding, but Christoph had shown the conductor and attendants his official guild broach to vouch for her and they''d asked no further questions. Evarius and Livian had managed to bring along their weapons by handing them some money as unofficial payment. Synthia grew puzzled over this.


    "If you can just bribe them, can''t you haggle to pay for like, half of what the vehicles cost to bring with us?"


    "It doesn''t work that way Synthia," Evarius said. "It''s all money going into their pockets, we''ve got no leverage over that. Besides, this isn''t so much ''bribery'' as it is an unofficial secondary income for these employees. Mercenaries have to move from place to place somehow, and they can make enough money to spare the difference. These types of jobs only pay so much as a salary."


    "I see." Synthia looked around the platform, watching the different people waiting with them. She overheard a conversation between a male adventurer and the ticket booth employee.


    "Your status card, please..."


    "Oh, sure, sure. No updates since last time, I still specialize in water."


    Synthia asked Christoph what a status card was.


    "Oh, that? It''s a magic item registered magic users or adventurers use when travelling. Just a way of identifying who they are and what they can do, keep everything in order."


    "But you didn''t need to do that."


    Christoph smirked slyly, winking. "Because I''m in the second highest rank of adventurers there are."


    "Whoooooa!" Synthia''s dark eyes sparkled with admiration. Christoph chuckled in self-satisfaction as Livian groaned.


    "Oi, enough with the bragging! Let''s just get on this thing! If your white-haired friend doesn''t come with us in time, we''re leaving without her."


    "Her name''s Iggy," Synthia said. "Although she is taking a while. I wonder what type of prayer she''s making?"


    "With how long she''s taking, one for the arrival of the Undying."


    "Livian, that''s enough." Evarius said. As if on cue, Iggy came sprinting toward them just then. Christoph handed her a ticket, clapping her on the back.


    "About time. C''mon, time to get aboard."


    Entering the car at the end right in front of the one holding their vehicles, they took their seats. Synthia kicked her legs up and down with all the room. "Now this is travelling in style!"


    She had, not so wisely, decided to sit across from Livian. A prominent vein began bulging in her forehead with how close they were. Evarius was next to his partner, watching for any potential outbursts. Christoph and Iggy were sitting in the booth beside them.


    A man in a green cloak bumped into Christoph''s shoulder as he walked past, giving a short apology as he walked to his seat. Christoph rubbed his shoulder reproachfully, shaking his head. Once every passenger had boarded, they were off.


    Once their tickets had been punched, Synthia stretched. "Now that we''re actually getting somewhere, it feels like I can kick back and relax for a bit. You guys ever been to this place Verletzt?"


    "We have, but it''s been a while," Evarius said. "Got some old friends I''d like to meet up with, see if they can fine-tune our girl. The truck, I mean. Maybe give her a new coat of paint."


    "I just need a drink or two and I''ll be good," Livian said. Synthia smirked.


    "Gonna find another magazine to peruse?"


    Livian bared her teeth in what could barely be called a smile. "Remind me again who has the guns?"


    "Enough. Synthia, I can gather you''re the type to keep poking and prodding, but in Livian''s case you''re just provoking the bear."


    Synthia held her hands up in surrender. Livian, somewhat mollified, leaned back in her chair to rest her eyes.


    Their commute proceeded like so, with Synthia having to pull out one of her books again and Iggy and Christoph chatting. Evarius was content with watching the evening landscape roll by out the window. Livian had begun lightly snoring.


    The sound of a baby crying ended up bringing Synthia out from her pleasurable reading experience. Everybody in the car awkwardly tried to ignore the child as it''s mother tried to soothe it back to sleep.


    Growing uncomfortable, Synthia excused herself. "I just need some fresh air." It was now pitch dark outside. Passengers were getting ready to spend a quiet night travelling to Verletzt.


    Synthia noticed the man in the green robe was gone. She reasoned she must not have seen him walk out for the same reasons she was.


    Sliding open the door to the outside, Synthia stretched out her muscles. The sound of crying children reminded her too much of the cries of hunger she''d heard throughout her life. Both in Asphodel and where she''d been before then. She leaned on the railing, contemplating the tracks rolling past as she tried to clear her thoughts.


    Except she realized there were no tracks.


    Blinking, Synthia wondered if her eyes were playing tricks on her. Still no tracks. In fact, there didn''t appear to be a ground beneath her either. There was no moonlight either, which should''ve been waxing. The only light to be found was from the car she had just exited.


    Looking around, her entire surroundings were black. No noise, no rolling countryside, no anything. The train didn''t appear to be moving either, as there was no feeling of forward momentum or wind in her face. It was like the train had come to a total standstill inside an endless void of nothingness.


    A cold hand of dread began coiling its way around Synthia''s chest. Trying to keep control of her breathing, she rolled open the train door again. Peeking inside, the surroundings didn''t seem to have changed whatsoever. Her companions were still sitting in their chair, and she could hear the baby crying. The scenery outside remained the same. It was rattling along like it was still moving.


    Stepping inside, Synthia tapped Evarius on the shoulder.


    "Look girl, I don''t want..." Evarius trailed off as he saw Synthia''s serious expression. She pointed her thumb at the door. Christoph made to follow after them, but Synthia dismissed him with a wave of her hand, not wanting him to strain himself too much.


    Once Evarius stepped outside on the end of the platform, his expression grew as dark as their surroundings. "Oh."


    "You just had to keep that newspaper for Iggy to find. You jinxed us."


    "You''re pinning this on me?" Evarius scratched behind his ear. "When I said we could deal with the guy doing this, I didn''t think we''d actually deal with him."


    "You don''t say?" Groaning, Synthia''s head pressed against the railing. "This is bad."


    "It might look worse than it is."If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Gesturing to their surroundings, or lack thereof, Synthia shouted, "There is nothing outside of the train! Would you say that''s anything less than awful?"


    Evarius looked at the carriage in front of them. "We got onto the second to last carriage. The one ahead of us is third to last. So assuming this guy moved from car to car, he could have been arranging to lay his trap from even before we boarded."


    Synthia remembered the missing man in the cloak. "I bet it''s that guy. You know, the one who bumped into Christoph! He''s not back there, so maybe¡ª"


    "But only maybe," Evarius pointed out. "We can''t say for sure, but I do agree it''s wise to pursue him."


    "So? What exactly are we going to do here?"


    Evarius contemplated for a few seconds. "Stay here," he ordered. He drew his sword, opening the next train door. He nodded at Synthia before heading through, closing it behind him.


    Synthia stood still for a few minutes, tapping her finger. Should she obey Evarius, or follow after him? He might need help.


    Coming to a decision after contemplating it, she opened the door and went in after him. She was greeted by a pungent smell of body odor.


    "Apeiros," she muttered, walking through. She saw the passengers inside looking frazzled and dazed, blankly staring into nothing. Among them was Evarius. He grew frantic upon seeing her. "Synthia, don''t close the door!"


    The door in question began sliding closed, but Synthia placed the bound Mioja in it''s path before it could. Looking back at Evarius, she took in the surroundings.


    The place seemed to have been turned upside down, with several seats torn and stuffing spilled out, broken windows, and a draped off corner she wasn''t sure she wanted to look behind. Like the previous car, the train rattled along on it''s merry way and the environment outside looked normal.


    Upon closer inspection of the view out the windows, however, Synthia could see it was somewhat hazy. As if the rolling hills and plains were more of a wispy illusion than anything else.


    "What the hell...? Evarius, is that really you."


    Stumbling up and short of breath, Evarius nodded. "I''ve been in here for about three hours since I closed that door. I couldn''t open it, none of us could. This power is very dangerous."


    Looking from passenger to passenger, she saw they were beginning to rise up and look at her in shock.


    "A girl?"


    "More pointy ears..."


    "Who cares, the door''s open, we need to get out of here!"


    Holding her hand up, Synthia looked at all their faces. "Seriously. What is happening?"


    "This train is being attacked by a Time magic user," Evarius explained. "It seems they''re able to create separate pockets of time and reality. Or, at least, that''s my guess. I''ve had a lot of time to think over it the past few hours, and I think what we''re experiencing right now is a dilation in how we perceive time to be flowing. Inside this pocket of reality surrounding the train... No, it would be more accurate to say there are successive pockets here wrapped up in a larger one. The user is able to stack different flows of time on top of one another. The further up you go, the faster time goes."


    Trying to wrap her head around this with the stares of the passengers bearing down on her, all of whom looked incredibly impatient, Synthia could only stand confused. Evarius tried to condense the explanation.


    "With each train car, time flows far faster than the one before it. How long were you out there?"


    Synthia shrugged. "Three minutes at most."


    "Good, good. That''s easy to calculate. That means a minute in the train car before equals an hour in the one after it. And it keeps multiplying from there." Evarius nodded as he worked out the basics of this strange ability they were facing. "It seems the door behind you can''t be opened once you advance, effectively trapping you in your designated flow of time. Probably a failsafe he worked in. Thank God we ended up near the end of the train. We would''ve been in much worse shape otherwise."


    Jerking her head to the window, Synthia asked, "Why didn''t you try to escape through there? Dangerous, but it''s gotta be better than being trapped in here."


    "We tried." Evarius picked up a piece of wood that had been chipped off one of the booths. Tossing it at a broken window, it simply bounced off like it hit an invisible barrier.


    "Nobody escapes from here. Not unless you do it the way this bastard wants you to, and that''s by moving forward."


    "You didn''t try to move ahead?"


    "I did, but when I looked inside the window of the next car... I couldn''t see anything. Pitch dark, like outside. Thought it would be best to regroup before advancing."


    "Ah, who cares about that, just let us out!" A man stomped up to Synthia, towering over her. She merely blinked up at him.


    "Uh, I''ve been calming them down with promises that you''d come in after me and get us out," Evarius said. "They grew a little angry when I let the door close."


    "But going in the previous car won''t let us escape and could make the people in there panic," Synthia pointed out. "I want to rescue you guys, but I wonder if everybody will be safer in separate cars."


    Looking at the antsy passengers, Evarius leaned in to whisper to Synthia. "We don''t have much choice. Let them through."


    Synthia acquiesced, throwing the door open and letting the passengers mill through to the previous ones. Murmurs of surprise and more screaming from the baby accompanied their entrance. Evarius sighed as he followed them, stretching.


    "Some of the longest three hours of my life. C''mon, let''s figure out a game plan."


    Inside the previous car, everybody was sitting in their booths. The passengers who''d been trapped were sticking to the back end of the car while the rest were in the front end, eager to get away from their smell. The attendants had given them a few snacks to stave off their starvation, but it did little to soothe their irritation.


    "We''re dealing with a real headache this time," Livian said as she huddled with the group. They had explained that they were likely under attack by a Time user of some sort. For now, everybody remained nervous but somewhat calm. Remembering the behaviour of the trapped passengers, Synthia couldn''t help but grow concerned over how long that would last.


    "So time stacks and gets longer the further up the train you go," Iggy recapped. "Does that mean the people in the upper cars have been living there for years?"


    "Likely," Evarius said. "We''re about two hours into our journey. At least, from what we can perceive. In the train car ahead, that would mean those poor bastards have been stuck for about five days."


    "Apeiros," Christoph muttered. Evarius laced his fingers and held them to his chin.


    "Let''s say we''re in train car five. Six is the one behind us and likely unaffected since it''s just the freight car. Four is the one those guys who were trapped were let out of. They were trapped for five days. But what''s even worse is in car three, which would be ten months. After that, you get to car two which would be forty-nine years total. And finally, you get to the one up at the front."


    "That''s three millennia," Christoph muttered. "How the hell could anyone go up against that?"


    "What the victims testified in the paper was true then," Iggy said. "They really were stuck in these cars for an ungodly amount of time. But those guys are starving, how could anyone survive that?"


    "Remember, this is just a change in how we''re perceiving time," Evarius said. "Our bodies themselves our fine, it takes powerful magic to affect them on that level. It''s our brains which are reacting to the change. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say he''s placed us in an elaborate illusion, creating phantoms of hunger or bad smell. That''s why the car up ahead became such a pigsty."


    Iggy leaned in. "But how can you pull this off? Shouldn''t the mana required to create something like this be insane?"


    "That''s the trick," Evarius said. "Time isn''t one constant, flowing river. Different parts of time push up against one another, especially as you grow more intimate with Time magic. It''s no surprise you don''t know with this country''s education system. But I digress."


    Iggy chuckled. "My education might have been a little different than what you''re imagining. But I digress."


    Thrown off a little, Evarius tried to think of where he left off as the others suppressed snorts. Even Livian had to clamp her hand over her mouth to stop a snort from escaping.


    Eyes alight with picking up his train of thought, Evarius continued with his explanation. "When it comes to Time magic, you can mix and match the three different parts of reality it affects and use it to change the whole fabric if you''re good enough. You can use your own residual mana to simply draw upon the mana inherent in the other dimensions pushing against our own and with enough practice, you can even stack them on top of one another.


    "Problem is, it''s difficult to teach and even more difficult to execute. Imagine tying and untying the world''s biggest knot of string over and over. Sure, with enough time you''d be able to do it expertly, but that''s the problem. Time. You''d practically have to be lost in one of these dimensions yourself to be able to find the time to practice. That can take decades, if not centuries. And it''s possible since your body wouldn''t be the one aging, but your mind."


    Shaking her head, Synthia blinked at the heady explanation. Evarius chuckled nervously. "It''s very, very hard to do, and easy to get lost in another reality."


    "I see." Synthia nodded.


    "No you don''t," Iggy said flatly. Livian couldn''t help but snicker this time.


    "I mean... it''s just weird. I read stuff like this in my stories, but it was way simpler." Synthia scratched the back of her neck. "But there''s one thing that''s bothering me. If this power affects every car, then why is it the paper was reporting that only one car would have murder-suicides? So are we dealing with somebody different?"


    Evarius nodded. "See? The girl''s sharper than you guys give her credit for. But the murder-suicides would always take place in the front car. Now that we know the extent of these abilities, we can understand how that would come about. Time would pass so fast in the front car the others wouldn''t even notice something was wrong. But this time, it seems this man has a more specific objective." He pointed at the Mioja. "And I think I know what''s different this time.


    Synthia shuddered. "Yeah. I''d say that''s it. That bastard in the green cloak... couldn''t fight me head-on, so he''s using everybody hear as hostages.


    Christoph nodded. "Yep. I think you''re correct that it''s probably him. I wonder if bumping into me had something to do with activating his power? He did come from further up ahead, meaning he could''ve triggered it on people without us seeing it."


    Nodding, Synthia stood up. "I guess that leaves you out of the train expedition crew. You need to stay here since we don''t know what will happen if you leave."


    "Crew?" Iggy asked.


    "Yeah. If this guy''s gone up ahead, then all we can do is chase after him. Even if it takes us a million gajillion years. We''ll find him and rescue everybody trapped on this whacko death ride."

 Minute 17: Schedule

    Holding open the door to the next car, Christoph looked at the others. "I don''t know about this one, guys. I really think I should be the one to go ahead."


    Synthia, however, denied him. "Christoph, you''re injured and that missing guy clearly touched you. It''s better you stay here. If anything does come up I know you''re more than capable of handling it. I mean, somebody has to protect the other passengers."


    "When did she get so reliable?" Iggy muttered under her breath.


    "Well, so long as she doesn''t order anything dumb I don''t mind following her." Livian stretched herself out. "I''m actually getting kind of excited, despite everything."


    "It seems like the flow of time remains constant so long as the doors remain open, so you''ll still be able to see us more or less," Synthia said. "It''ll be safer this way. Let''s get going, guys!"


    Leaving Christoph behind, started their trek to the front. Upon reaching the next car, Synthia asked Evarius if he had explored ahead. He frowned.


    "That''s the problem. I couldn''t see anything when I peeked through the window. It looks pitch black in there. I mean, I could look back and see you just fine when I was trapped in that car for a few hours, but you were moving super slow from my perspective.


    "I see." Synthia tapped her foot, mulling over her decision. "Alright. Iggy''s staying behind."


    Iggy, however, wasn''t content with that decision.


    "Hey, I was knocked out during our fight with Miss Porno Mag over here!" She managed to ignore the withering look Livian gave her despite her earlier fear of the woman. "I''d never be able to live it down if I ended up being some useless lug during our battles. Let me help you with my Wind magic, I know I can be effective."


    "Okay, okay, calm down girl." Synthia smirked. "But ya know what, it feels good knowing my bestie''s gonna have my back."


    "Would you stop calling me that?" Iggy groaned.


    "Could''ve fooled me," Livian said. Evarius grabbed hold of the door.


    "Alright girls, I''ll be the one to stay behind. But remember; run into any trouble, you run all the way back. I have a feeling this isn''t going to go as smoothly as we hope."


    "You never know," Synthia said. "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst and all that. And remember that adventurer we saw at the platform? Maybe he''d be able to help."


    Her face lighting up, Iggy pumped her fist in excitement. "You''re right! Even if it''s just a little bit of extra help, we could definitely use what we can get."


    "Then it''s settled! We march ahead, rescue the remaining passengers and free adventurer boy so he can dish out some punishment alongside us. Alright guys, let''s march ahead!"


    As Evarius opened his designated door, Synthia brought a proud foot up prepared to step over the threshold...


    Only for her foot to hit nothing but air as she crossed it, making her pitch forward.


    "Wahhhhhh ¨C guh!"


    Livian had grabbed her by the scruff of the neck before she could tumble through, plopping her back down onto the platform.


    "Synthia, you okay!?"


    Synthia waved back at Christoph to indicate she was fine after she regained her balance. After that, she took a proper look at the inside of the train car. It could only be described as astonishing.


    Instead of the normal array of booths, what she saw was a vast labyrinth of twirling objects that should''ve been stationary. The booths, carpets and light fixtures were spinning and seemed to constantly fold in on themselves in a bizarre, geometric kaleidoscope. Synthia had to blink as she took in the sight before her. There were so much of it that it looked like the room was moving!


    No... she scrutinized the scenery further. Upon closer inspection, it actually was moving. Looking down, she saw that she had nearly fallen down a twenty foot gap onto a spiralling floor below. Even if she had managed to land without harming herself, she could''ve been swept away to some other end of the transformed car. If there even was an end of some sort.


    "This... is more than I bargained for," Iggy said. Synthia began spluttering in shock.


    "W-what the hell is this!? This guy should only be able to extend time, right? Or at least, how we perceive it."


    Evarius grimaced. "That''s the thing. The way you see the world is dependent on your grasp of time. You take that away, and things begin growing incomprehensible. Time magic is tricky to master because your own concept of the thing will inevitably go into flux. Many men and women have been driven mad just from attempting it. Hell, those who do always end up a little touched in the head..."


    "Maybe that''s why that Blanc creep was such a bastard," Iggy said.


    "But that''s not the issue here," Livian said. "If we don''t reach the front of the car, that asshole''s going to keep us stuck here forever."


    "Yeah, and he could be hurting everyone up ahead," Synthia said. "He''s definitely taken them hostage after all this."


    "Then why didn''t he take hostages of the ones in the previous car? He would''ve been able to act way faster than we would."


    "She''s right." Livian stroked her chin. "I don''t like this. It feels like he''s playing with us."


    Synthia nodded. "Something to think about for sure. But it doesn''t change the fact that our main objective here is keeping everybody safe."


    Livian snorted. "Some villain you claim to be."


    "It''s not exactly how it sounds. I..." Synthia shook her head. "Whatever. We''ve gotta think of a way to push forward."


    "If forward is even the right direction," Iggy said.


    "Hold on, lemme try something." Synthia pointed at the top of the car. "Somebody boost me up there. We should go along the roof rather than through this thing."


    "That might be easier," Evarius said. Grabbing her carefully by the waist, he brought Synthia up until she could climb on top. However, before she could, Synthia felt some invisible force press down on her. Evarius stumbled a little as he was pushed back too, having no choice but to set her back down.


    "Oh come on," Iggy groaned. Livian shrugged.


    "Figures it wouldn''t be that easy. Through the transformed, spinning train car it is. Somehow."A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "Damn..." The light of an epiphany crossed over Evarius'' face. "Hey, the Darkness Mioja... remember how it affected the distortion back near Doras?"


    "Couldn''t forget it if I tried. Think it''ll work on this?"


    "It''s worth a shot."


    Pulling out the sword, Synthia unwrapped the bindings. The sensation of the blade drawing on her mana still sent shivers down her spine, but she held it out in front of her all the same.


    "Here goes..." She brought it forward, extending it into the car. She allowed more of her mana to seep into it to amplify it''s effects. Sure enough, it was like the sword began piercing something invisible. She pushed forward a little more, and it broke through. In a meter long radius around the sword, the train car appeared to go back to normal, although only for a second. The radius then shortened to half a meter and kept shrinking from there.


    "Dammit." Synthia doubled down on using her mana, hoping to maintain the previous radius. It expanded back to where it was before.


    "It takes some focus, but I can do it," Synthia said. "Thank Apeiros I slept for over half a day. C''mon!"


    Livian and Iggy walked on either side of Synthia as they walked forward. It was a surreal experience. Almost as if they were constantly pulling back a curtain to find their way. Before they knew it, they had made it halfway through the car.


    "Heh, this isn''t so bad!"


    Suddenly the ground beneath them lurched, and they all stumbled forward. Their psychedelic surroundings appeared to be swirling even faster now, and Synthia had to pour even more mana into the sword to maintain the radius of the safe zone.


    Livian groaned. "You just had to say that..."


    "Girls?" Evarius asked from the end of the car.


    "Guys!?" Christoph yelled from further back. The girls all yelled back that they were good for the time being. They pushed forward, wanting to conserve Synthia''s mana.


    "I''ve had this weird feeling all this time," Iggy said. "It''s like we''re being watched."


    "Not surprising," Livian said.


    "No, no." Iggy shook her head. "How do I explain it...? It''s like, there''s something missing here. We''re missing something."


    They had finally reached the other end of the car. Synthia made to open the door. "And that is?"


    "If this guy can make his own ''time chains'', if you will, isn''t that dangerous for him? Wouldn''t you first devise a way to check up on the different parts of the chain to make sure nothing was going wrong?"


    Synthia''s hand closed on the handle. Her nerves turned to ice as she realized the full implications of their opponent''s ability. Livian grew ramrod straight as well, pulling out her revolvers.


    "Well, well, well. You figured it out fast."


    A man''s nonchalant, detached voice echoed out. It was neither Evarius'', Christoph''s, or any of the passengers'' they had rescued.


    "It''s true, I wouldn''t be able to keep an eye on you all if I didn''t have this handy little trick."


    "Where the hell are you!?" Synthia pulled open the door and began stepping out. The outside of the train was still devoid of light.


    "Somewhere you couldn''t begin to guess. But this is a real shame. At this rate, you''ll proceed all the way to the front where I am, and we can''t have that. No, no, no... that simply won''t do at all."


    Livian cocked her revolvers. Iggy kept her hands up, ready to summon forth a Wind spell if needed. Synthia''s eyes darted around the swirling carriage, hoping for some sign of their opponent. She tentatively began stepping backwards to the next car. She grit her teeth, heart beating in her chest.


    "You really think some weird game of hide-and-seek is gonna stop us from kicking your behind? Are you keeping the other passengers up ahead with you!? Why the hell are you even doing this in the first place?"


    "What, you mean the murders or this special heist I''m pulling right now?" The man''s tone now possessed a small hint of pride and dry amusement. "Well, I admit, what I''m trying to do now is a very special case. Normally I wouldn''t bother going this far, but alas, here we are. Under ordinary circumstances, I do this kind of thing when the mood takes me. I guess it''s the closest to a fun activity I can have now."


    "Is this guy for real?" Despite her early show of bravery, Iggy couldn''t help but let fear creep into her voice. Synthia kept edging for the next car, not allowing their assailant to distract her.


    "He''s gotta be somewhere in that mess." Livian jerked her head toward their swirling surroundings.


    "You do it for fun? That''s it?" Synthia seethed.


    "Would you be more accepting of it if I said it was the only way I could survive? Or that it was for a loved one? Or it was to honor the dying memory of my best friend? Then maybe we should go with one of those instead."


    "Come out here and face us, then." Synthia gripped the Mioja tighter. "If you can take us out, then that means we won''t be able to stop you anymore. How about it?"


    The voice chuckled. "You really are a stupid little wart, just like she said. But fine. If you want a fight, you''re the ones who are gonna have to find me first."


    "She? Who are you talking about?"


    "A new friend of yours. Says she''ll be seeing you soon in our call."


    Iggy blanched she turned to Synthia. "It''s... her."


    Synthia nodded. "Yeah. Atlas. I guess she knows some dangerous people."


    Freezing, Livian''s head swiveled between the other girls. The fear in her eyes was all the more prominent for how foreign they were to her normal expressions. "Wait. You guys aren''t talking about the Drea Atlas, are you?"


    "That''s what she said her name was," Synthia said. "Why? You know her?"


    Livian could only grimace. "I''d call it more a brush with death than a meeting. She''s the one mercenary you don''t make an enemy of..." She shook her head. "Well, I guess it''s to be expected. She''s been looking for the Mioja for years now. If she''s involved, then going to the guild might not even save us."


    "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "It''s... There''s no time to explain. Stay. Vigilant. We''re dealing with a murderer here, yeah? I''ll tell you about her later, but right now we''ve gotta handle this creep."


    The voice chuckled once again. "The tall one''s right. You''ve gotta team up and catch the bad guy now, just like in some crappy bedtime story your mommies and daddies read you at night. But here, you won''t have time to sleep. Here, you''re operating on my schedule."


    After he said this, Iggy shrieked. Jumping, Synthia had no time to react as she saw a fist grabbing hold of her shirt. She was pulled out of the safe radius Synthia had created and promptly disappeared from view.


    "IGGY!"


    "What the hell was that!?" Evarius had seen this as well, and Christoph picked up on the commotion.


    "Guys, what just happened?"


    "Stay calm," Synthia shouted. Their screaming would only further terrorize the passengers. "Goddammit! This bastard''s got even more tricks than we thought."


    Holding her guns by her face, Livian scanned the car. "We need to head over to the next one, regardless. That''s the best way we can save your friend."


    Sighing, Synthia nodded. She let Livian hold open the door as she crossed the gap to the next car. She opened the door, preparing to use the Mioja to cut through once again but found herself staring at somebody wearing a green cloak. The hood was drawn up.


    Gasping, Synthia made to bring the sword up but was swiftly knocked back with a flat-handed palm. Actually, knocked back was too small a word for it. She was practically swatted away. Livian had no time to react as she came crashing into her, and they both fell into the time distorted train car in a heap. They barely heard Evarius and Christoph''s yells as they tumbled down, down into a swirl of distorted space and the torn fabric of reality.


    Light and sound seemed to simultaneously wrap around and claw itself at Synthia''s body. She was hammered on all sides by brief snatches of conversation she''d sworn she''d heard before, and then a few brief glimpses of memories, both familiar and foreign.


    In her mind''s eye, she was four years old looking up at a woman with a magpie-like facial expression. She winced at the image, willing herself to focus on the next memory.


    She was in a field, no longer looking through the eyes of a child, and instead observing a young boy. He was comforting a small girl with a loving, tender hug as she sobbed uncontrollably. He held her so tight his face was completely hidden in her dark hair.


    Next, she was in a ballroom. A white haired woman that reminded her of Iggy was dancing with some important looking dignitary amid other dancing couples. Looking down to her left, she saw a small child that looked like the spitting image of the woman kicking her legs on a chair behind the high table. Her green eyes were bored and her hunched pose sulky.


    Before she could process anything else, the images stopped as suddenly as they''d begun. Synthia blinked once it was over. It took her a few moments to realize she was sitting back down. A baby screamed. Snapping her head around, she realized she was in the back train car again but this time, there were none of the passengers they had rescued.


    Confusion erupting inside her, Synthia checked her surroundings further. Evarius was quietly looking out the window, but Livian was sitting in her seat with her hair disheveled, as if being shaken awake from her nap. She locked eyes with Synthia as they shared the same level of confusion.


    Looking over to the other side of the aisle, Iggy was looking around with a wild look in her own eyes. She stared past Christoph at Synthia and Livian and could tell they felt the exact same way she did.


    Picking up on their strange behaviour, Christoph looked between the three girls. "Is something wrong?"


    Evarius perked up as well. "Wait. What just happened, you three?" His quizzical expression confirmed to Synthia what had just happened even though she could barely believe it. There was no other explanation. Time had rewound itself inside this reality and now she, Livian and Iggy were the only ones fully aware of what was actually going on. She sighed.


    "This is going to be way more complicated than I''d hoped."

 Minute 18: Here We Are Again

    After explaining their experience to the guys, the girls were left with waiting for them to fully turn it over in their heads. They appeared to be having trouble with it. Christoph tried laying out the sequence of events.


    "So... we all realize this train is a massive trap. We try to work our way up, only make it to car three and you all ended up being sent back in time."


    Synthia nodded. "About the gist of it. I think."


    Contrary to what Synthia was expecting, Christoph shook his head. "I believe you Synthia, but I think you''ve got the wrong lay of Time magic. All three of you, actually. Travelling back to the past is impossible."


    "Huh?" Livian seemed the most surprised out of all of them. "But... it literally just happened to us."


    Evarius elaborated. "No, he''s right. As it stands, there''s no way of actually going back in time. Not even creating a parallel timeline. What you three experienced was a type of reverse genesis. It''s hard to wrap your head around, but the world you three now find yourselves in... it''s fake."


    The girls hitched their breaths. They looked at one another, trying to see if anybody was reacting differently and they hadn''t misheard. Iggy was the first to inquire further.


    "Fake? But how? The train we''re sitting in, talking with you, how can it not be real? It''s just another illusion?"


    "Somewhat." Evarius pursed his lips. "I think a good metaphor is... It''s like diving into a photograph. You three are experiencing the mere reflection of the world you came from based off your shared experiences. When you tumbled through that shape-shifting car, you slipped through a gap in dimensions and ended up trapped. Which means me, Christoph and everybody else in this car aren''t real. We''re just an illusion that''s sprung forth from your heads."


    "Our heads?" Synthia repeated. The men nodded. Livian chuckled in disbelief.


    "I guess what you said was true, geezer. Time magic''s no joke. So we''re stuck like this? For how long?"


    "You''re stuck until you can make it to the front of the train, from what I can gather," Evarius said. "That''ll be your best shot of getting back to where you were."


    "But we kinda ended up failing last time. And miserably." Iggy sighed. She had started shivering. "So what happens if we fail again? Are we just going to fall deeper and deeper into different fake dimensions until we can''t find our way back anymore?"


    Evarius had nothing to offer them. He could only frown as he waited for them to come to a decision. Iggy held her head in her hands. "I don''t believe it... why did I ever leave home?" She sounded like she was on the verge of tears. Synthia looked at her with sympathy while Livian gave her a cold stare.


    "Thought you didn''t want to be dead weight. Didn''t want to be useless. You run at the first


    "Look, how about I come with you this time," Christoph offered. Synthia still refused him.


    "But he bumped into you at the start. We don''t know what''ll happen if you leave. It could screw things up for us even more."


    "We won''t know unless we try," Christoph said. "So come on. Gimme a shot. I promise I won''t let you down."


    Iggy nodded. "Look, no offense guys, but I trust him the most of anybody here. I think it''s better if he comes with us too."


    "I guess I''ll be staying behind, then," Evarius said.


    Synthia sighed. "Okay. Fine. Christoph, you can come. But if things go wrong, we''re returning you to this car."


    "Sure thing." Christoph got up, considerably cheerful. "C''mon, we''ve got an asshole criminal to catch."


    Things proceeded somewhat similarly to before, although the girls were careful not to commit their previous mistakes. That meant letting the passengers in car four back into five, and then positioning Evarius at the last door instead of Christoph. Synthia addressed Christoph once again as he prepared to proceed to the next car.


    "Remember: with the way this guy''s ability stacks, we don''t know what''ll happen if you advance. It may be part of what allows him to use his ability. Like he pinned the chain to you and is using you as some sort of... receptor, I guess."


    Christoph smiled. "Don''t worry." He took a single step into the fourth car. After a few seconds, he turned around and held up his hands. "Seems you were just being overly cautious. You see, if he really ''pinned the chain'' on me as you put it and that meant something would go bad, then those people heading into the previous car would''ve also caused something bad to happen right?"


    Synthia blinked as she looked back. Now that she thought more about it, if the Time user had to touch somebody to activate his ability, then something should''ve happened if he got too far away. She sighed in relief. "Guess I was just being paranoid."


    "Still, I''m impressed you could pick up something like that being a condition for magic," said Iggy, considerably calmer now that Christoph was properly along for their trek up. She pinched her nose at the car''s foul smell as she continued. "Thought you were just some thief."


    "I am just some thief," Synthia confirmed. "But I''ve also picked up little bits and tricks over the years."


    "Enough of that, let''s just go," Livian said. "I wanna pay this bastard back already."


    Christoph took the lead. "Don''t worry. Now that I''m here, we can beat this guy and you can use that knowledge for when you get back to the real Christoph and Evarius. Feels weird to say that, though. I guess I can give it my all without regrets."


    "Don''t overdo it," Synthia said, to which Christoph only winked. That worried her even more. And there was something else too, a gut instinct screaming at her. Just like a few nights prior at the cave.


    "Something''s still bugging me though," Synthia said. "We need to be really careful."


    "No shit," Livian said, but Synthia remained firm.


    "No, I''m serious here. I think we''ve only begun to see what this guy''s got up his sleeve. And I still think..."


    "What?"


    Synthia hesitated at Christoph''s query. Iggy held her shoulder, encouraging her in a surprising display of gentleness. Emboldened by this she managed to spit out what she was thinking. "Look, I still think it''s a bad idea bringing you along. We don''t know what could happen."


    Christoph gave her a reassuring smile. "As long as I''m here, we''re prepared for anything. Now let''s go. Next car awaits."


    Approaching the third car, they all huddled outside the door on the small platform. Synthia unwrapped the Mioja again and held it in front of her as Livian kicked the door open. Sure enough, the inside was still the incomprehensible, whirling mass of shapes it had been before.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "I''ll be extending the radius as wide as I can," Synthia said. "Just follow after me."


    "You can do that?" Christoph cocked his head. "That''s pretty impressive when you''ve had that thing so briefly."


    "Well, I don''t plan to hold onto it forever," Synthia said. "At least until we get to somebody who can be more worthy."


    The others stared at her, somewhat shocked. "You''re... not keeping it?" Iggy asked.


    "That was never my intention," Synthia replied. "But come on, we don''t have time to talk about that."


    Iggy had more to say, but Christoph was already about to step through. She bit her tongue, saving her worries for later as she held onto the door this time.


    Walking through the swirling car, the three chosen to go ahead hurried through the car this time. Hopefully getting to the front quicker would offset the issues they''d run into before. Pulling open the door, Synthia pulled open the next one.


    "Alright, let''s go¡ª"


    "WAIT!"


    A loud yell from behind stopped them in their tracks. It was Evarius, who they could see looking quite harried as he ran up to where Iggy was.


    "What are you doing, geezer!?" Livian yelled. "You were supposed to hold the door open!"


    "Don''t let Christoph proceed any further!"


    "Huh?" Christoph could only look confused as Synthia''s gut feeling surged once again.


    "Evarius, what happened?"


    "The end car, it just... vanished as soon as Christoph got too far away. I was staring in disbelief until I realized what was happening."


    A cold chill ran down Synthia''s spine. "And the passengers?"


    Evarius shrugged from across the Time-addled car. "Gone."


    Synthia looked at Christoph, who had grown deathly pale. He crouched to his haunches, staring at the ground. Synthia could only imagine the guilt he was feeling.


    "Why are you looking so down?" Livian asked. "This isn''t real. So long as we make it back up, everything will be¡ª" Synthia cut her off with a glare. She didn''t seem too guilty over having said it though.


    Synthia walked over and crouched down beside Christoph. "I know this is a shock. But this also isn''t real, like you guys said. So we just need to keep pushing ahead, alright? Christoph, you take the door. Evarius, you take over for Iggy. Me, Iggy and Livian will keep going ahead. That good?"


    "Yes," Christoph said meekly. His eyes were downcast. Iggy trotted up to where they were and rubbed Christoph''s arm soothingly. "We''ll make this better. I promise."


    "You''re awfully reliable when you''re not pissing your pants," Livian commented. Iggy flashed her an annoyed look. "I''m contributing more than you, Ms. Snarks-a-lot. Maybe actually stop being a bitch for five minutes?"


    "Huh?"


    "Guys, enough," Synthia ordered. "We move forward at all costs, even if we have to claw our way out. Ready?"


    Nodding, but with tensions still high, they all took their positions by the door ready for who had pushed them into this fake reality from before. Christoph prepared to open it. "Those people are gone because of me. But I guess if this is all fake... the mistake hasn''t even happened yet. Go and make sure it doesn''t."


    Synthia nodded as she huddled by Iggy next to the door. Livian stood by Christoph. Nodding, Christoph pulled open the door and the three girls rushed through. Synthia adopted a guarded stance using the sword while projecting her magic cancelling radius again, followed by Iggy ready to cast any spells necessary and Livian with her guns checking the corner.


    This time, the train car was dark. While the lights were still floating around inexplicably in the previous car, there was nothing at all to be seen inside the car save for Synthia''s eyes glowing gold. Livian swiftly lit a fire in her palm to reveal a car that had since grown long decrepit.


    The benches were rotting, the must in the air was stifling and the floor creaked. Synthia did not want to imagine falling through and tried to control her breathing and rapidly beating heart.


    "Where is he?" Livian whispered. The other two didn''t respond. They could only look at their surroundings, looking for any possible trap like the one from before.


    They slowly walked through the car, keeping their backs against one another as they proceeded. More than a sense of unease settled itself inside Synthia''s stomach, there was the feeling of genuine dread as well. She knew somebody was close by, but their enemy was able to hide out of their sight. It would be no easy task to keep moving up.


    A flicker of movement occurred in Synthia''s peripheral vision. She whipped and saw a flash of green. Without thinking, she slashed the Mioja up and fired off a burst of Darkness magic at it. A grunt sounded out, but one that was far different from the masculine one that had jeered at them before.


    Livian brought her fire around and used it to light where the person had fallen. They saw a pair of brilliant blue eyes peeking out beneath a fringe of flaming red hair, and in the next moment they had vanished again. Iggy gasped.


    "Was that¡ª"


    "I don''t know," Synthia said as she got back up. "Stay on guard."


    "Stay careful, guys," Christoph cautioned.


    Suddenly, a leg extended out into a sidekick jabbed itself into her stomach. Unprepared, Synthia stumbled back as Livian and Iggy backed her up. Iggy moved her hands in a swiping motion, tearing at the air and causing the person they''d seen to fall out again with the resulting gale of wind. Livian stumbled forward as she tried to maintain her balance and fired off her revolver. The bullets embedded themselves into the floor while the figure dodged out of the way before disappearing again.


    "This person''s getting on my nerves," Iggy said. Livian was snarling in frustration.


    "Oi, come out you bitch. We know you aren''t that other asshole, but the question is are you working with him? You a friend, or do I need to put a bullet between your eyes."


    "That depends," said a cool, female voice. It was absurdly youthful, almost like bells, but possessed a certain chill that made it stick. "I needed to test whether you were worthy or not."


    "You''re the one who kicked us in here," Synthia concluded. "Why? You working with him?"


    "No. In fact, I consciously deposited you into an alternate reality of my own making."


    "You trying to trap us?" Christoph asked.


    "Trying to save you," the voice replied. As if stepping out from an invisible veil, she walked out in front of them. A green cloak of a lighter shade than the one they''d seen was draped over her shoulders. The bright red hair peeking out from under it seemed to flicker like the flame in Livian''s hand under its light.


    Synthia cocked her head. "By fighting us?"


    "By testing you." The woman was devoid of emotion. Empty. "If you face this man and you are of inadequate skill, he will annihilate you."


    "So what''s the clear condition?"


    "Defeat me. That''s all there is to it. As you can see, our powers are somewhat similar. He won''t find you down here, I promise you that."


    Everybody was still defensive. "But he pushed me in," Iggy pointed out. "What, you''re telling me you scooped me up and deposited me here in your own reality?"


    "Yes and no. This is a world based on your memories, and as such it had to be constructed based off what you three remembered." She pointed at each of the girls in turn. "Wonder why you saw snatches of one another''s lives? That was a side effect of this spell searching your minds."


    "Wait... that''s what it was?" Livian quickly grew embarrassed. "W-what did you two see?"


    "Some girl crying her eyes out," Synthia said. Livian grimaced. She turned to Iggy who, somewhat afraid of her reaction, nodded to show she had seen the same. Livian rubbed her temples.


    "You two are never to talk about that to anybody. Anybody! Understood?"


    "Loud and clear," Iggy said. She turned to the woman again. "But still, for all we know this is another elaborate trap. Just what''s your goal here."


    The woman shrugged. "I guess there''s not too much I can say to prove I intend you no harm except give you time necessary to prepare, and in here..."


    She clapped her hands. The train car seemed to expand tenfold and be stripped bare. The train itself melted away and morphed into a brilliant blue, crystalline floor with no recognizable ceiling. They had been transported to some other dark plane, far away from the narrow and cramped insides of a train. Everybody grew startled.


    "Time can be infinite," the woman said.


    "I need a few seconds," Iggy said, falling to the ground. Evarius caught up to them from where he had been previously, the most bewildered of them all.


    "I saw you guys fighting somebody and then... that happened. What are you doing? And who is¡ª" He noticed the woman for the first time just as she proceeded to pull back her hood. Long red locks fell past her elegant shoulders. Her pointy ears rose high up her head and her dispassionate gaze held no judgement or bias. An elf.


    "I am a member of the elven royal guard, and I am on a mission." Rynne laced her fingers, stretching them out. "I must assess the one with the Mioja is of sufficient caliber for the tasks ahead." She pointed at Synthia, who jumped in response.


    "So you shall be facing me. You said you were intending to let go of the Mioja? Be that as it may, you are one of the few I have come across capable of wielding it. Even if you find somebody to pawn it off to, you must undergo severe trials to even get to that point. Understood?"


    "I guess?" Synthia scratched her head. "So... what? We''re having an impromptu training session all of a sudden? Seems too convenient."


    "Not quite." The woman adopted a defensive stance, blue eyes taking on a colder chill. "Because every time you fail, I''ll keep throwing you down further through layers of dimensions until you don''t even know what the sun looks like anymore."


    Synthia held the Mioja tighter. She indicated to the others to step away as she walked toward the woman. "Seems a little unfair."


    "So is life."


    A pause hung between them. Synthia gripped and ungripped the sword as she prepared to attack, also observing if the woman was prepared to do the same. She tensed as the woman''s eyes flashed with realization.


    "Oh, and you can call me Rynne. I apologize for not saying my name before."


    Even though she knew it was foolish, Synthia couldn''t help but let some tension fall from her shoulders as she sighed. This one seemed slower on social cues than even her.

 Minute 19: Test

    ¡°And with that out of the way, we may truly begin.¡± Rynne stood, arms stretched out. ¡°Land a single hit on me. That will prove to me that you are able to face the man up above. Attack whenever you are ready.¡±


    Synthia kept her focus entirely on Rynne. Based off what she¡¯d seen, this elf¡¯s abilities were much the same as their quarry. That struck her as rather suspicious, but she and the others had no option but to go along with her game.


    Relaxing her shoulders, Synthia developed a loose stance. Something not too dissimilar to the deftness she¡¯d employed as the Pickpocket. Yet this time, she was actually wielding a weapon. And not even a dagger like she had in her younger years, but a sword she still felt clumsy wielding. Although she was growing more confident with it every time she used it.


    She sprang forward, light as a feather. She swung at Rynne who vanished into thin air, but Synthia expected this. She landed light on her feet, scanning for Rynne again. Seeing a flash of green, she sprang off again in pursuit, but in the next moment it was gone. Darting her head around, she looked for that green cloak, prepared to chase after it.


    ¡°Oi, pipsqueak,¡± Livian said. ¡°She¡¯s trying to tire you out. Don¡¯t fall for her tricks.¡±


    ¡°I know! But if I don¡¯t catch her, we¡¯re stuck,¡± Synthia said.


    ¡°Then don¡¯t panic, dumbass. Wait for her to come to you.¡±


    Synthia began panting but took Livian¡¯s advice. She stayed where she was, patiently waiting for Rynne to make her move. She jumped as the elf¡¯s voice reverberated across the dark space, still out of sight.


    ¡°But is that truly enough? What if I just leave you here, without you taking any affirmative action of your own? I could strand you in a world without light forever.¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have set this up in the first place, then,¡± Synthia replied. ¡°There are people in danger. Real danger. I get that you want to test me first, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°I test you out of necessity. Because to wield the Mioja is to hold the world in your palm. Or be as close to it as possible. You must understand that responsibility even if you are to foist it onto somebody else. Especially if you hand it off, actually.¡±


    ¡°Pretty particular, this girl,¡± Christoph said before turning to Evarius. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re an elf. You know her?¡±


    Evarius blinked before giving him a grumpy glare. ¡°Did you really just ask me that?¡±


    ¡°No time to talk then,¡± Synthia declared. She twirled the sword around, keeping her eyes peeled. ¡°If you really wanna test me so bad, then come at me you flame-haired...¡± She paused, struggling to come up with an accurate insult.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Livian said. ¡°You can call her a bitch.¡±


    ¡°I mean, that¡¯s a little too rude...¡± Another flash of green erupted in Synthia¡¯s periphery, but this time it was headed straight for her. She barely had time to bring her sword up as Rynne¡¯s fists collided with the blade. She was pushed back along the ground, having trouble maintaining her footing. A swift knee to the gut and punch to the jaw sent her stumbling away.


    Iggy winced. ¡°Right when she wasn¡¯t expecting it...¡±


    ¡°Cut the chatter,¡± Evarius said. ¡°She needs to focus. Otherwise we¡¯re stuck in this place. Or, I guess, you girls are.¡±


    ¡°Which you¡¯re happy to remind us,¡± Livian muttered.


    Synthia rubbed her chin, growing well and truly irritated. ¡°Maybe this is a little hard for you to accept, bitch, but we¡¯ve got people up above waiting for us. Waiting on us. Every second you keep us here, no matter how slow up there or in the real world, is time wasted.¡±


    ¡°So their safety motivates you? But you listened to how they reacted to you when you graciously opened the door for them that first time. They were prepared to barrel past you.¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°They were trapped for days from their perspective. Of course they were impatient. Besides, I want to help people in any way I can.¡±


    ¡°And what if I told you they would eventually turn to murder? Because that¡¯s how that man does his killings. People grow mad by being kept inside the cars for too long and, as a result, end up murdering each other for real.¡±


    ¡°With a little push from that guy, right? I bet he manipulates them by saying something like ¡®kill another passenger and I¡¯ll free you.¡¯¡±


    Rynne didn¡¯t answer. Instead, Synthia sensed her appearing from behind and dove to the side. Bringing up the sword in a wide arc, she missed Rynne again. Next, she came from the side, chopping at Synthia¡¯s neck. After that, she aimed a kick at her which Synthia managed to dodge again. With not even a single moment to breathe between these attacks, Synthia was forced to be on constant defense.


    Coming in for a flurry of jabs, Synthia was busy blocking each one, barely having time to even follow Rynne¡¯s movements. She sensed her companions waiting with bated breath, not wanting to break her concentration which she was grateful for. But dwelling on what it would mean to them if she failed caused her to lose pace with her defense, one of Rynne¡¯s fists hitting her in the stomach and sending her sliding backward.


    She groaned as she came to a stop, propping herself up shakily on the Mioja. The energy she had started with began draining from her, not so much from exhaustion but the mere thought of being trapped down here forever. Or at least close to it.


    Rynne stood before her, making no more attempts to hide herself. ¡°Something still troubles you. That¡¯s why you can¡¯t defeat me.¡±


    Synthia threw up her arms. ¡°You¡¯re too fast and you hide before I can counterattack. That¡¯s why I can¡¯t beat you.¡±


    Voice entirely flat, Rynne stared at her without pity. ¡°Then you would die up above. Is that what you want?¡±


    Synthia wiped at her mouth. ¡°That¡¯s why I can¡¯t beat you yet.¡±


    Rynne¡¯s shoulder length hair bobbed as she jutted out her chin. ¡°Don¡¯t assume that victory will be yours with a few words of impudence. You will face severe consequences otherwise.¡±


    Iggy gnashed her teeth. ¡°Why the hell are you making things so difficult? There¡¯s no reason for you to be¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, she¡¯s being entirely reasonable.¡± Livian cut her off, tone firm. ¡°If we go up against that dude half-cocked, we¡¯re dead. The passengers are dead, and maybe this elf girl will be dead too if she goes up against him alone. We need to prepare. Synthia needs to.¡±


    Stamping her feet, Iggy now directed her words at Synthia. ¡°Hey, Pickpocket! You¡¯re about to let this girl push you around like this? Think of how much of a pain this is for everybody!¡±


    ¡°Believe me, I know,¡± Synthia grunted. She stood up on shaky legs, sword in front of her once again. Iggy pointed her finger at Rynne. ¡°And you! If you think you can just shove us around because you want to get us ready, you¡¯ve got another thing coming!¡±


    Turning to Iggy, Rynne narrowed her eyes. Iggy grew uncomfortable at the cold steel captured in them, setting goosebumps to her skin and her heart to jump to her throat. The elf turned from her to Synthia and seemed to realize something.


    ¡°You two are still living in a fantasy, huh? Then perhaps my true objective will be showing you two the truth of your circumstances.¡±


    Darting forward, she grabbed Synthia by the shoulders and brought her down through the ground with her. The crystalline floor morphed to make way for them, and with a startled gasp they disappeared. The group became startled, weapons drawn and magic at the ready.


    ¡°She went back on her word!¡± Christoph looked well and truly furious. ¡°SYNTHIA!¡±


    ¡°Fear not.¡± Rynne¡¯s voice reverberated once again. ¡°She is fine. I just need to teach her and the pale-haired one a few things.¡±


    ¡°Huh? You mean me?¡± Iggy barely had time to register the words before she too ended up dragged down as Rynne appeared behind her. Yelling as she was pulled through the floor, she spun and spun.


    Flashes like before entered her mind¡¯s eye, although these were clearer. Based off what Rynne had said, these were memories. Old ones at that.


    First came her own. These were painful. Images of a fiery city and a bouncing buggy holding the sobs of a young girl came to her, although she quickly dismissed them. There was no need recollecting that. What she saw next truly mystified her though.


    Darting through an alley, a young girl with familiar gold eyes raced past piles of junk and scrap. She was panting, terrified and desperate to evade the voices that were pursuing her. The voices that belonged to the things pursuing her. Tall, spindly, and shrouded in darkness, they bounded after the girl. The alley seemed to twist and grow longer as she ran. A few choked sobs reached Iggy¡¯s ears.


    Exiting the alley, something dropped from the girl¡¯s hand as she continued her escape. The shadowy figures blew past Iggy like she wasn¡¯t even there. Iggy paid them no heed as she found herself drawn to what the girl had dropped. She only had enough time to see it was a dagger stained red before finding herself back in her booth in the back train car.


    Clutching the armrest, she looked around until she found Synthia in the other aisle, still rubbing her jaw. She could also see Livian, although this one was still taking a nap unlike the real one who had been alert upon being thrown along with them the first time. Evarius also showed no reaction. Thus, only she and Synthia had been dragged beneath this time.


    Christoph perked up at Iggy¡¯s startled demeanor. ¡°Something wrong?¡±


    Shoulders slumping, Iggy fell back into her booth. ¡°I am going to kill that bitch.¡±

 Minute 20: Touching Declaration

    After another re-enactment of events, this time with Synthia and Iggy convincing Christoph to stay behind again, the group made to move forward.


    ¡°I mean, if this isn¡¯t real, is there really any point to leaving him behind?¡± Livian was readying her guns.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t want to see people get hurt,¡± Synthia said. ¡°Besides, we can treat this as a simulation of what we¡¯ll run into when we manage to get back.¡±


    ¡°If we manage to get back,¡± Iggy muttered.


    ¡°No use getting all down,¡± Evarius said. ¡°We move forward no matter what.¡±


    Events transpired the same way as before. Upon braving car three and entering car two, Rynne appeared once again. Synthia pointed her sword at her, wary.


    ¡°Hey. You the real one, or just another dumb illusion we have to deal with?¡±


    ¡°I am not here to impede your progress, despite what you may believe.¡± Rynne held a determined hand to her chest. ¡°I must ensure the safe passage of the Mioja for the sake of my people. I have as much stake in your success as you do.¡±


    Iggy groaned in frustration. ¡°Really? Then why don¡¯t you just go up and deal with that creepy guy yourself?¡±


    ¡°Because I don¡¯t like going into battle at half strength.¡± Rynne snapped her fingers, and in an instant the surroundings were once again washed away to the same dark, crystalline arena that Rynne had conjured previously. Along with it, Livian¡¯s form shimmered and washed away as she blinked in surprise. The girls stared at her disappearing form, trying to push down the uneasiness of witnessing the sight before them. This did not go unnoticed by Rynne.


    ¡°If you cannot stomach the sight of falsehoods being dismissed from your gaze, you stand no chance against any real threats that will seek to do you actual harm.¡±


    Synthia sighed. ¡°You have to be pretty emotionally dead to not be bothered by something like that. Or just a plain sociopath.¡±


    Rynne gave a dry chuckle. ¡°Yes, I suppose you¡¯re right. Come at me, Synthia Ros.¡±


    Blinking, Synthia wondered what about that sentence bothered her until she realized. Alarmed, she held the Mioja so tight her hands began screaming in pain.


    ¡°How do you know my last name?¡±


    ¡°As a side effect of reflecting reality based on your memories, that means I get a little peek inside your heads.¡± Rynne stretched, blue gaze devoid of passion. ¡°And so now I know all about you. The way you fight, the way you move, your little tricks with sulfur and your grappling hook.¡±


    ¡°Dammit.¡± Synthia made to make the first move but noticed that Iggy was trembling beside her. She was breathing fast and shallow breaths.


    ¡°H-Hang on... when you say you everything about her, then what about me?¡±


    ¡°In some ways, you¡¯re an even more curious case, Igdalen.¡±


    ¡°My grandma called me Igdalen. People who at least know me call me Iggy. You¡¯re neither.¡±


    ¡°Clearly.¡±


    Continuing to glare in apprehension, the tension never left Iggy¡¯s shoulders. What Rynne had discovered perusing her memories, Synthia did not know but she would not pry. At least, not at the moment.


    Rynne turned her palms up in a gesture of making peace. ¡°Do not worry, Miss Igdalen. I shall not divulge your secrets. Unless you choose to go against my wishes. I¡¯ve brought you both down here because there is something you two have failed to grasp.¡±


    Iggy kept talking. ¡°But why us then? Why chuck us down of everybody else? And why leave Livian behind when you bothered to bring her down with us the first time?¡±


    ¡°This Livian being brought down with you was more by accident,¡± Rynne explained. ¡°Synthia collided into her and you all went tumbling down. In truth, I had only ever planned to bring Synthia down here for training, but now that I have come across you and your terrible temper, I believe it more beneficial to teach you both a valuable¡ª¡±


    She was cut off as Synthia darted forward, slashing at her. Rynne managed to dodge quite easily, but it was an otherwise unexpected move that would¡¯ve been enough to corner some people. The elf disappeared into thin air.


    ¡°That¡¯s precisely what I hope to see! There may be hope for you, yet.¡±


    Staying vigilant, Synthia remained rooted to her spot. She breathed deeply, trying to get as much of a feel for her surroundings as possible. Changes in the air, the pad of a footstep against the crystalline floor. She did her utmost to discern where her opponent was and respond accordingly. These were the bread and butter of a master thief, and she hoped to live up to that mantle.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Sensing movement behind her, Synthia moved. She parried the blast of fire Rynne had aimed at her, but the elf was gone in the next instant. Synthia decided to make herself less of an obvious target, keeping the sword behind her as she ran forward.


    Rynne popped up on her left, this time with a bolt of lightning. Synthia raised the sword just in time but was pushed back. Gritting her teeth, Synthia held the sword horizontally in front of her face, ready to parry again. She sidestepped, slow and measured, as she looked out for another attack.


    ¡°Good. But with an opponent who moves through space itself, you must watch for every angle.¡±


    Gasping, Synthia barely dodged out of the way as a flood of water fell down where she¡¯d been standing. The bottom of her robes still got drenched, and the clammy feeling made Synthia¡¯s teeth chatter.


    Iggy watched with her fists clenched, hoping that Synthia would at least land a hit and they could finally escape. She grew disheartened, however, as Synthia dropped out of her stance and stood up straight again.


    ¡°What are you doing!?¡± Synthia ignored her as she addressed Rynne.


    ¡°You said that you were here to grant safe passage to the Mioja. Why.¡±


    She received no answer. There was no move on Rynne¡¯s part to attack, either. After an uncomfortable, perilous minute, she responded.


    ¡°My people are under the thumb of rulers from across the sea.¡±


    ¡°People? You mean the elves?¡±


    ¡°Considering your shared heritage, they could be considered your people as well. I have ventured with the express purpose of guiding the hand capable of combining the Mioja so they may be free.¡±


    ¡°Rulers?¡± Iggy¡¯s face screwed up in confusion. ¡°But the elves retreated into their forest country after the Western Edretica war. How have they been taken over?¡±


    ¡°By industry,¡± Rynne said simply. ¡°The war against Viveld and Garesh all but destroyed us, and now the aeternus companies have come in and are mining our forest for resources. Our liberty was exchanged for capitalist exploitation based on our loss.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a hell of a goal,¡± Synthia said. ¡°You mean what you say?¡±


    ¡°Yes. This is why I must ensure all the Mioja be guided under a sure hand. One who will use its power for the right reasons. Their power to gain mastery over time would effectively make those corporations go extinct. My people would be free once more, as their business would be gone.¡±


    Synthia smiled, pointing her sword at her once again. ¡°Okay then. Chuck us through as many layers of reality as you want then. I want to help you accomplish that goal.¡±


    Iggy¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Wait, Synthia! I didn¡¯t agree to this!¡±


    ¡°But she¡¯s asking for our help. We can stop the Dawn and help the elves by working together.¡±


    Iggy stamped her foot once again, growing truly livid. ¡°Do you understand what you¡¯re saying!? This is crazy.¡±


    ¡°Like I said, you are both operating under a fantasy.¡± Rynne folded her arms.


    ¡°What, because we¡¯re not following your strict guidelines for saving your people?¡± Iggy winced as she heard how that sounded. ¡°Uh, I mean...¡±


    ¡°I know what you mean. You have no reason to care about my people. I don¡¯t begrudge you for it.¡±


    ¡°Then what is this fantasy?¡± Synthia asked.


    ¡°That you can continue living just as you had during your days in Asphodel,¡± Rynne said. ¡°That you can continue to bicker and be at odds.¡±


    The girls had nothing to say to that. They could only frown as they let Rynne continue. Satisfied with their compliance at last, Rynne continued.


    ¡°This journey you¡¯ve undertaken is dangerous, regardless of when or where you decide to give up the Mioja. But right now, you two need to learn to work together. You, Synthia, are too eager to rush ahead. Iggy, you wish to stay rooted to the spot. If you don¡¯t come together as a team then it truly will be the end of you both.¡±


    Iggy could only sigh in defeat. Her expression sheepish she once again looked at Synthia for support. For once, she didn¡¯t turn to her.


    Rynne cocked her head, gaze unflinching. ¡°Am I incorrect?¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    Rynne blinked. ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°I said shut up!¡± Synthia, as opposed to her friendly demeanor from before, was well and truly furious. Her eyes were filled with indignation.


    ¡°You can talk about me however the hell you want, but Iggy... Iggy¡¯s my best friend! So what you think we don¡¯t work well together? Isn¡¯t that the point of being on this journey? That we can continue to work together, and get to know each other? That I can help lift her up! If anything, the person who has the blame here is me. For not trying enough to reach out to her.¡±


    Iggy was left speechless. Here Synthia was, defending her with all she had. She was completely unaware of her true feelings, only ever seeing her as an annoyance but this was something she¡¯d never seen from her. Or maybe it was something she¡¯d ignored after all these years.


    ¡°... I see.¡± Rynne looked between the two, contemplating once more. ¡°I think there is no doubt where your resolve lies. Which just leaves you, Iggy. How do you see your relationship with Synthia?¡±


    ¡°I mean, I...¡± Iggy couldn¡¯t muster up the words. Years of Synthia pestering her still lingered in her mind, and her pettier side kept telling her she really had no obligation to her. But at the same time...


    ¡°Then you are not ready.¡± Rynne vanished into thin air, reappearing behind Iggy, grabbing her by the shoulders. ¡°Then we¡¯ll be putting you under this time.¡±


    ¡°IGGY!¡± Synthia ran for Iggy, but it was too late. She sunk through the floor just like before, deposited in another reality. Rynne reappeared, rising up.


    ¡°She shall be fine,¡± she said. She just needs to learn a few important lessons, is all.¡±


    Synthia was seething, breaths growing hard and fast now. ¡°I do want to help you. But nobody hurts my friends like that.¡±


    ¡°But she is not in harm¡¯s¡ª¡±


    ¡°SHUT UP! Listen here. You and me, we¡¯re gonna to fight until you agree to let Iggy go. And when I kick your ass, you¡¯re going to be punting us back up to the surface so we can face the real threat!¡±


    Rynne closed her mouth. She nodded. ¡°Very well. I shall graciously accept your resolve. But I should warn you...¡±


    Reaching out into an unseen pocket of space, Rynne materialized a slender, elegant bow made of a rough-hewn wood. The string seemed to glow as she held it by her side. ¡°My capabilities as an archer far outstrip those of being an ordinary mage.¡±


    Her anger abating for a moment, Synthia¡¯s eyes lit up upon seeing the weapon. ¡°Whoooooa! Did you do that using the same trick you¡¯ve been using inside this place? And you¡¯re an elven archer, too! It¡¯s just like all the stories I¡¯ve read!¡±


    Blinking, Rynne raised an eyebrow at her. Perhaps she really was an idiot like she¡¯d seen Iggy say in her memories.

 Minute 21: Over and Over

    Iggy blinked. One moment she had been with Synthia and Rynne, and after another flashback (this time of her simply playing with her dolls in her old castle bedroom) she was back in the last passenger car. Looking to her left, she saw Christoph look at her as he noticed her change in demeanor once again. Or at least, the illusion of him did once again.


    He called out her name. Iggy nodded in response. She shuffled out of the booth over toward Synthia who, unlike before, had no worry held in her eyes. There was no concern that creased her features. No awareness of the severity of the situation they were in. Or rather, their real world counterparts were in.


    However, she did furrow her brow with worry seeing Iggy¡¯s beleaguered expression. Drone like, Iggy dragged the group over to the end of the car and explained her situation. She was feeling immensely fatigued by the entire situation.


    Livian scoffed in disbelief. The others took her more seriously. They asked the same questions as before, and Iggy relayed them to the best of her ability. Of them all, Synthia looked the most concerned. That look of concern creased her features once more. Iggy felt some parts grateful for it, others worried.


    But wait, this wasn¡¯t the real Synthia! Right? There was no reason to be worried about this.


    So they set out from the train car as before, walking up in the same manner as before. Leaving Christoph at the end, rescuing the other passengers, keeping the flow of time constant. So far, so good, all the while looking for when Rynne or, even worse, the actual perpetrator behind this incident would pop out from the shadows to attack.


    Reaching the upper train cars, Iggy grew tense again. This was where they had encountered Rynne before, and she had to be ready for anything. The scene played out almost exactly like before, except this time everything vanished except for her. Looking at Synthia¡¯s and Livian¡¯s fading forms, she reached out to them. Desperate to drag them back with her, to claw at their vestiges, to ensure she wouldn¡¯t be alone. Yet all the same, they blew away like smoke.


    Turning around, she saw Rynne. Stoic, silent and unsympathetic. She asked her what the goal of this was. Shaking her head, Rynne simply said, ¡°The real me is still up above. What she has sent you down here for, you must figure out for yourself.¡±


    She vanished in the next second. As Iggy blinked, her environment shifted back to that of the last train car. Just as startled as before, she whipped her head around, ignoring Christoph¡¯s look of concern. She clenched her fists, digging her nails into her palm to find some sort of consistency, no matter how painful.


    Once again, she explained the situation to the others. They moved up the train car, careful to avoid any other new obstacles, yet their route remained the same. Yet all the same, upon reaching Rynne Iggy¡¯s surroundings were blown away like smoke and she was left crying in frustration.


    ¡°Again.¡±


    Another pass up the train. Explaining, rallying them together, trying to make progress.


    ¡°Again.¡±


    Now that she thought about it, she wasn¡¯t experiencing any flashbacks this time. Perhaps that meant she was doomed to repeat the same, lonely loop over and over? In some ways, that was more terrifying than going even deeper. At least there would be a sense of progress there, but here she kept being sent back to the start without any explanation.


    ¡°Again.¡±


    Again to do what? What was the point of sending her back? What was she supposed to do differently? Rynne had outlined absolutely nothing besides having Synthia land a hit on her, and where that left Iggy, she had no clue.


    ¡°Again.¡±


    Stupid.


    ¡°Again.¡±


    It was all unfathomably stupid.


    ¡°Again!¡±


    Why the hell was she the one being forced into doing this.


    After a whirlwind of repeated, failed attempts, Iggy found herself panting in frustration. She was on the verge of tears, not letting any spill due to her own pride. Clawing at her face, she screamed as the illusion of Rynne stared at her coldly.


    She yelled at it, demanding answers. Demanding something other than this torturous crawl through repeated failures. She¡¯d tried everything by now. Switching up who went up the train car, charging on ahead, trying to go back into the previous train car. She even tried to dive into the distorted car like at the start of this whole mess, but Rynne¡¯s image had only repeated the word ¡°again¡± and sent her back to the start. Now here she was, defeated.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Have you truly tried everything?¡±


    Iggy¡¯s eyes snapped open. She was saying something other than ¡°again¡± for once.


    What is it? she begged of the illusion. How could she possibly escape? What vital piece of information was being withheld from her which was extending this ceaseless onslaught of repetition.


    ¡°And therein lies your problem,¡± was all she got in response. Blinking, she was sent back to the start. Slumping down, she sighed. The Christoph illusion merely took this for a sign of fatigue and let her be. Before trying anything else, Iggy decided to collect her thoughts and take a simple breather.


    She was clearly being forced to endure this for some reason, however inexplicable it was. And truth be told, she was growing very tired of facing consistent failure.


    Looking around, she saw everybody¡¯s peaceful faces. All at ease, all relatively content. Unaware of their situation and that they would never reach their destination with a madman pulling the strings. If this were all based on her own memories, then maybe staying in them a while wouldn¡¯t be too terrible. Especially when compared to other memories of hers. Those would¡¯ve been far less preferable, in all honesty. At least here she had some peace and quiet for a little bit, even with the screaming infant that had been reappearing each time.


    Maybe she could just rest her eyes. She couldn¡¯t be faulted for relaxing a little bit, right? Especially after all that had transpired.


    Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, a hand shook her shoulder. Opening her eyes, she saw Synthia leaning over Christoph to reach her. She tried to shake her off, but still, she was persistent. Just like the real one she knew all too well.


    Synthia asked her what was wrong. She brushed her off still, rebuffing her questions and telling her to go away. Still she kept asking. A few more questions later and Iggy¡¯s frayed patience snapped.


    ¡°I said leave me alone!¡±


    It had come out harsher than she had intended. Even she winced a little at how much vitriol she had poured into those words, but it was too late. Synthia recoiled and, for the first time ever, seemed dissuaded from her goal. She slunk back to her seat while the others looked at Iggy in surprise.


    They shouldn¡¯t look at her like that. Honestly, they had no right to look so surprised. They were all fake! Figments of her imagination reconstructed by dimension altering magic and who knows what else. The entire situation was so ridiculous, and Iggy would like nothing more than to wallow in her own thoughts.


    Honestly. It shouldn¡¯t be a surprise she¡¯d act this way...


    The hand shook at her shoulder again. Synthia was back, even fiercer determination in her eyes. Finding the situation awkward, Iggy tried once again to more gently push her away. Back to her seat, back away from her. Back where she wouldn¡¯t be hurt.


    As Synthia kept trying to talk to her, Iggy¡¯s mind wandered. Thinking back, she hadn¡¯t had very many friends. Will, Phil and Dill were more beleaguered errand boys she¡¯d goad into doing what she wanted, and there weren¡¯t many other people about her age she found herself hanging around. Socializing simply felt too... odd. Especially after the events that had led up to her living in Asphodel in the first place. And even before then, she¡¯d had little time to interact with people given her position.


    Which had led her here. On some who-knows-what mission to transport a mystical weapon of power across a country while pursued by a monstrous mercenary, people who could distort time, small-town crime bosses and that was only the beginning. Had she made the right choice? Was she really not cut out for this? Part of her just wanted to go home, and yet...


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it has to be as complicated as you¡¯re thinking.¡±


    Looking up, Iggy focused on Synthia. She was putting on the biggest, widest smile she could muster. Just for her.


    ¡°I mean, I guess you¡¯re worried about our whole situation, right? Wondering if we¡¯re going to make it, if you¡¯re really gonna be okay doing this, if you¡¯re up for it, but uh... I don¡¯t know if any of us really know what we¡¯re dealing with. That¡¯s all the more reason we have to trust each other, right?¡±


    Something seemed to click into place inside of Iggy¡¯s head. For the first time in what felt like forever, she let a natural smile grace her expression. ¡°I think you have a point.¡±


    Gathering her resolve, Iggy cleared her throat and stood up, ignoring everybody¡¯s looks of confusion. ¡°Okay then, Rynne. Show yourself. I know you can hear me. I think I might get what you¡¯re trying to teach me, but I¡¯ll be honest, you need to give me a little more than this.¡±


    Her surroundings once again vanished like smoke. Synthia was the last to fade away, her image giving Synthia a big thumbs up and that same wide smile before she did. In her place, Rynne appeared.


    ¡°You the real one?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°What have you learned?¡±


    Iggy sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s so much learning as it is realizing something you¡¯ve always known.¡±


    Rynne said nothing, arms folded. She then snapped her fingers, and all of a sudden Iggy was next to Synthia once again. The real one, this time, judging by how her eyes lit up when she saw her. Her forehead was sweaty, hair clinging to it.


    ¡°Whoa, Iggy, you¡¯re back! And alive!¡±


    ¡°Well, she did say she wasn¡¯t going to hurt us,¡± Iggy said. Surprisingly, much of the frustration she had been feeling before seemed to have gone away. That alleviation of stress was a godsend. ¡°And I think I know what she wants now.¡±


    Wiping her brow, Synthia leaned in. ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°All this time, we¡¯ve kind of done things all disorganized,¡± Iggy explained. ¡°I mean, even going up the train we barely knew what we were doing or what we would encounter. We let that asshole trap us. So for the sake of getting out of here, why don¡¯t we work together to beat her?¡±


    ¡°But she said for me specifically to fight her first.¡±


    ¡°True, but she never said that had to be equated with you fighting alone, did you?¡±


    The light of epiphany shining in Synthia¡¯s eyes, she nodded in agreement. ¡°Okay. Yeah, I get that. I like the way you think, bestie.¡±


    Iggy chuckled weakly. ¡°Okay, you can get away with calling me that just this once.¡±


    Getting fired up, Synthia pumped her fist as she twirled the Mioja around. ¡°Okay. I¡¯m getting psyched. Let¡¯s beat this girl and see if we can¡¯t fight our way out!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got it!¡±


    Having heard their resolve, Rynne appeared in front of them. She had drawn her bow at the ready, arrow nocked and ready to fire. ¡°Interesting conclusion you¡¯ve arrived to. Let¡¯s see if you can carry it out.¡±


    The girls rushed at her, giving their all to escape their situation and truly working together for the first time.

 Minute 22: Joined at the Hip

    For what felt like the millionth time, Synthia brought her sword where Rynne was standing but hit nothing. She grunted in frustration, but Iggy was there to reassure her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not an expert at this, but I think I can help detect where she is through subtle shifts in the air. I was thinking of a way to get you to find her before, but I also thought she wouldn¡¯t let us fight together so I didn¡¯t say anything.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Synthia rolled her shoulders, trying to keep the blood flowing through her body properly. ¡°That¡¯s way better than just hacking away randomly.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯ll only be as close as you can respond to my directions,¡± Iggy said. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to tell you where she is, but she¡¯s still faster than us with her ability. This needs to be timed carefully and, I hate to say it, even a little luck.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Don¡¯t worry about that.¡± Grinning, Synthia twirled the Mioja around and brought it up, ready to strike when needed. ¡°I make my own luck.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re so confident, then prove it.¡± Rynne appeared before them again, beckoning them forward with her hand. Synthia didn¡¯t strike, choosing to remain still. Rynne gave an uncharacteristic smirk and vanished again.


    ¡°Hey, were you just running after her trying to attack the whole time I was gone?¡±


    ¡°Pretty much. Thankfully, it was only for a few minutes.¡±


    Iggy grew a little surprised at that. ¡°It was seriously only a few minutes up here?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Why?¡±


    Before Iggy could say anything else, Rynne appeared behind Synthia with an arrow nocked back. She yelled at her to get out of the way instead, which she did with a somersault.


    ¡°Let¡¯s catch up later,¡± Iggy suggested.


    Panting, Synthia held the Mioja across her shoulders. ¡°Good idea.¡±


    ¡°How many times have you tried firing off that special magic attack of yours? Where you unleash a wave of darkness.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t used it yet,¡± Synthia said. ¡°Although I wonder if I¡¯m too exhausted to even manage after all this.¡±


    ¡°Your mana isn¡¯t necessarily tied to your physical condition,¡± Iggy explained. ¡°It¡¯s the power of your soul. So I think you¡¯re good to go so long as you don¡¯t pass out. But overdo it and that might end up being the case.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±


    Iggy¡¯s eyes widened in alarm. ¡°She¡¯s right in front of you!¡±


    Just as Iggy had said, Rynne appeared once again, now directly in front of Synthia. She aimed a series of jabs at her which she was forced to defend. She was too close for her to attack and couldn¡¯t find the concentration necessary to cast the Mioja¡¯s wave spell Iggy was just talking about. Once she did draw far enough back to strike, Rynne had vanished once again.


    Gritting her teeth, Synthia kept her stance limber, ready for any attack.


    ¡°That was better. Thanks!¡±


    ¡°But not good enough. Fight¡¯s not over yet. Even if she¡¯s slipping in and out of different folds inside this dimension, that still means she¡¯s moving through something. I¡¯m getting a better sense of how she moves but I still need more time to get a true knack for it.¡±


    Seconds passed, Synthia and Iggy ready for the next attack. Yet it never came. A full minute passed. Two minutes. Three.


    Synthia, at least grateful for the chance to catch more of her breath, still remained vigilant. ¡°Where is she?¡±


    Iggy said nothing, concentrating. She had her palms turned upward, trying to get as good a sense of the surrounding area as possible. She then grew tense, looking up as she shouted her warning.


    ¡°Up above!¡±


    Synthia barely had time to dodge as a surge of lightning bolts shot into the floor, the surface rippling like water as they disappeared. She caught a glimpse of Rynne falling and vanishing just as quickly.


    ¡°From the side!¡±


    Reappearing, Rynne flew toward Synthia at the same speed she had when she was falling from before. Synthia had no time but to dodge, narrowly avoiding a tackle.


    ¡°Right side!¡±


    Once more, Synthia had no recourse but to dodge.


    ¡°Uh, from behind! The right!¡±


    As Synthia tried to evade, Rynne managed to nail her in the back with a burst of electricity. Vertebrae feeling like it had been used as a lightning rod, she gave Iggy an irritated look as the shudders ran through her body.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Iggy winced. ¡°I meant my right, not yours...¡±


    Sighing, Synthia gripped the Mioja tight again. She was grateful for the assistance, despite the growing pains that came with it.


    ¡°Look out!¡±


    Synthia automatically rolled away as Rynne shot out from beneath the ground like a rocket. She spun and began firing arrow after arrow at Synthia. Skirting between the volleys, Synthia was able to let loose her long range attack. The surge of darkness billowed like a cloud, fast as sound. Yet still Rynne merely vanished before it could hit her.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re getting closer!¡± Iggy let herself flash a grin. ¡°But we have to be sure! Don¡¯t fire that attack until you¡¯re certain it¡¯ll win us the fight! We have to make this count.¡±


    Synthia hopped back, nodding. She remained ready to receive Iggy¡¯s orders for the attacks, be they close ranged or far.


    The battle wore on, Synthia and Iggy slowly growing more attuned to one another as they fought. With every time Rynne appeared, they were slowly but surely getting closer to hitting her. With every dodge and thrust, each narrow escape from volleys of arrows or lightning (with the odd burst of fire or ice) they closed the gap in their speed.


    Neither knew whether they had spent twenty or thirty minutes fighting. For all they knew, maybe they had been at this for over an hour. Hell, maybe even days considering the way time worked in this dimension. But as they kept pushing on, they got closer and closer to their goal. To finally ensuring that they could pass Rynne¡¯s test and find a way out.


    Sucking in deep breaths, Synthia focused on getting as much oxygen into and through her system as possible. Her adrenaline was kicking in now, and she wouldn¡¯t come down from her high until she had hit her target.


    ¡°Behind you!¡±


    Synthia was ready, parrying each of Rynne¡¯s strikes with ease. She had instinctively known she wouldn¡¯t use her bow for this attack, and so was efficient at deflecting each of the jabs. Bringing the sword close, she thrust at the end of the parry. For a brief moment, Rynne seemed caught off guard. She jerked back a little too quickly, devoid of the perfect grace she¡¯d been demonstrating up to that point. She was thrown off, no matter how slight. Both of her opponents noticed this even as she disappeared immediately after.


    Synthia and Iggy spared each other a glance. Their shared look confirmed that they had both seen the same thing: Rynne, for all her composure and lack of emotion, was finally showing chinks in her armour. Or perhaps more accurately, Synthia and Iggy had been pushing themselves to the point where they could notice those gaps in her defense.


    Steeling their resolve, the two drew ready. This was it, they could feel it! They were finally approaching their shot at victory. Within the next few minutes, this battle would be over.


    Panting, Synthia quickly dodged the next set of arrows at Iggy¡¯s command. She would move in Iggy¡¯s desired direction before she had even finished her sentence. She was going entirely on her gut instinct in determining what Iggy was trying to tell her based off her opening words and would go from there. It was a marvelous display of intuition, and somewhere in the part of her head not focused on the battle, Iggy felt happy that somebody was able to understand her like this. That sense of trust felt good.


    Yet she couldn¡¯t allow that to distract her. She kept calling out the directions Rynne would come from, and Synthia followed her directions. As she was read to instruct Synthia on where she would appear next, she sensed Rynne taking a sharp turn instead. She was heading toward¡ª


    ¡°Ugh!¡± Iggy barely stumbled back as Rynne shot up from the ground beside her. She was nearly knocked off balance. She was unable to regain her composure as Rynne kept coming straight for her instead of Synthia.


    From the right, from above, from every which way, Iggy found herself spinning to just barely elude Rynne¡¯s attacks.


    ¡°IGGY!¡± Synthia charged toward her, slashing at Rynne who wisely disappeared. However, she had played right into her hands. She was shoved from behind to the ground, and Iggy was quickly subdued with a small blast of fire aimed at her.


    ¡°Yeouch!¡± Iggy patted quickly at her pant leg, wincing at the singe marks. ¡°What the hell are we even doing!? We could kill each other here!¡±


    ¡°Trust me, we shall not,¡± Rynne replied. She remained hidden. ¡°I am not aiming any lethal attacks at you, and I can mitigate any damage you deal to me. Here, we are safe.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not enough,¡± Synthia said. She got to her knees, using the Mioja to prop herself up. ¡°Even if we match her speed, we can¡¯t adjust for how she can just disappear whenever she wants!¡±


    Iggy grew quiet. She controlled her breathing, coming to a decision about their next move. ¡°There is something. But by the Undying One, it hits you like a train afterward. I was hesitant to use it because we still have to fight the big guy at the top but...¡±


    Synthia perked up at this. ¡°Hey, crazy elf, give us a sec here at least!¡±


    ¡°¡®Sec¡¯ granted.¡±


    Leaning forward, Synthia held Iggy by the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ve got something?¡±


    ¡°Last resort, really,¡± Iggy said. ¡°At least, on my end. You¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°What kind of last resort?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a special support spell I was taught,¡± Iggy said. ¡°It uses the power of the wind to enhance your speed.¡±


    ¡°By how much?¡±


    ¡°Depends on how powerful the caster is.¡±


    ¡°Well that¡¯s good!¡± Synthia patted Iggy on the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re more than strong enough to pass the test!¡±


    Iggy chuckled in disbelief. ¡°How can you be so sure?¡±


    Pausing, Synthia tried to think up an answer. She settled on one, a calm smile gracing her features. ¡°Because it¡¯s you. I guess that¡¯s why.¡±


    ¡°Kind of flighty answer but... you know what, you¡¯re right!¡±


    The two stood up, giving each other an encouraging nod. They resumed their stances, ready to proceed.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Rynne said. ¡°We begin anew!¡±


    ¡°Iggy, go!¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Iggy brought her hands together in prayer.


    May the winds favour me, bless me with good fortune and trust that I shall remain ever respectful of their power...


    She sensed Rynne heading for her, vulnerable as she was while casting, but she did not falter. Iggy doubled down on her task. Mustering up every bit of mana she could and directing it toward Synthia, she screamed out the spell name: ¡°DEVIL¡¯S SWIFTNESS!¡±


    Fatigue washed over her body. Grunting in exertion, she saw the spell through to its end even as Rynne shot down from above to attack. She sighed in relief as she finished, not having enough energy to dodge. She remained where she was, satisfied with getting the job done.


    Bracing for impact all she could with her beleaguered body, Iggy felt herself pushed backward, but not by Rynne. In fact, from where Rynne was attacking, she should¡¯ve been pushed down instead. Opening her eyes, she saw familiar black hair whipping in front of her eyes as she was carried away.


    Iggy was deposited on the ground gently where Synthia landed, and she sprang away just as quickly. Iggy blinked and Synthia had reappeared in another spot.


    Hair blown upwards and her robes rippling by the constant gust of wind surrounding her body, Synthia stood with the Mioja stretched out at her side. The wind seemed particularly concentrated around the sword, the blade bending even more light as it fed off the magic.


    A look of clear triumph resided in Synthia¡¯s eyes, a cocky smirk stretching across her face. She flipped the Mioja around, holding onto it with two hand as she stretched her legs out into a more traditional swordsman¡¯s stance. ¡°Keep calling the shots, Iggy. I¡¯ll be fast enough to protect you, so you can just sit tight and rest up.¡±


    Choosing to trust her, Iggy nodded. In the next instant, however, she sensed Rynne coming toward her again.


    ¡°From behind me! My left!¡±


    WHOOSH!


    In the space of a single breath, Synthia had zipped over to where Rynne had appeared and forced her to vanish just as quickly.


    ¡°Arrows to your back right!¡±


    Synthia swatted them away with ease.


    ¡°Upper left! I think she¡¯s using a spell!¡±


    A bolt of electricity thundered its way to Synthia, but she blocked it using the Mioja without effort. Shrugging it off, she brought the sword up in front, ready to attack or defend if needed.


    ¡°Now this is real teamwork!¡±

 Chapter 23: New Momentum

    Her body knowing a sense of new freedom and control it had never enjoyed before, Synthia managed to find a new burst of stamina thanks to Devil¡¯s Swiftness. Slashing at Rynne in a controlled, horizontal arc, she forced the elf to vanish at the last second.


    ¡°She¡¯s coming for me again!¡± Iggy shouted. Before she had even finished, Synthia was there to block Rynne¡¯s attack.


    ¡°From your left!¡± Synthia parried, her temporarily empowered state allowing her to get more of a feel for Rynne¡¯s attacks.


    ¡°From above!¡± Synthia waited a little longer than normal to roll out of the way of this one, instead using the gale of wind encircling her to lift herself around Rynne as she fell down towards her. She swung the Mioja along with her momentum but Rynne had vanished once again.


    Taking the moments in between Iggy¡¯s directions to think, Synthia began discerning a pattern to Rynne¡¯s attacks. She¡¯d known for some time that the elf would attack where she was most unprepared to block. When she tried to account for that, she only ended up wearing herself thin and got hit even more. But with Iggy¡¯s help, she had managed to at least evade Rynne. The real trick would be finding a way to pre-emptively get ahead of her opponent.


    VOOM! The blocks Synthia made with the Mioja didn¡¯t even phase her anymore. She allowed herself to get into a rhythm with the blade, a tandem that would only be broken if she allowed it to be. However much her enemy pressured her, however tired she got, under no circumstances could she become out of tune with the weapon.


    The Mioja were described as keystones of elemental power, but Synthia realized that description didn¡¯t quite do it justice. Ever since she had seen the object back in the mine, she sensed it was something greater. You could call something a keystone or important relic or whatever else, but that did not properly convey its true nature. It was the manifestation of a deeper connection to the world, something binding the fabric of reality together. Her accident back at the aeternus fields had proven that it could control time as well, at least under specific circumstances. But the question was, what would happen when it was combined with the other Mioja? And who would be the one to unite them?


    Synthia almost lost her concentration as she pondered this, only just blocking Rynne¡¯s next powerful punch. Sliding back along the floor, she brought the Mioja up and sprung back with a flurry of slashes, using her enhanced speed to aid her. Rynne evaded them all, but she was being put on the defensive for once. Synthia knew the climax of their fight was nigh, she just needed to push that extra bit further to reach it.


    ¡°Synthia, if you¡¯re gonna do something then do it now!¡±


    VOOM!


    ¡°That spell will run out of juice soon! You have to hit her, please! It¡¯s all on you!¡±


    VOOM! Sliding back from that latest attack, Synthia clawed at the ground to slow herself down. She bounced back up and brought the sword in front to guard, but no further attacks came. She felt Devil¡¯s Swiftness begin to sputter out, true to Iggy¡¯s prediction. Rather than feel pressured, her trademark eager grin spread across her face even as she sucked in as much oxygen as she could.


    ¡°No problem. Guess I¡¯ve just gotta give it my all and then some. Just say the word and it¡¯s go-time!¡±


    This was the decisive moment. Using every ounce of strength she had, she kicked off from the ground and let the remaining wind guide her through the air. She was soaring, twirling, and twisting, Devil¡¯s Swiftness keeping her aloft for these precious few seconds she needed to execute her plan.


    ¡°Synthia, from below you!¡±


    Somehow, Synthia already knew that Rynne would be doing that. It seemed she had grown attuned to her opponent¡¯s style at long last, and it was during the battle¡¯s most critical moment. Giving herself more momentum, she let the last of Devil¡¯s Swiftness spin her through the air, sword a whirlwind heading toward Rynne. She saw her tense up, eyes growing wide with shock at the blade spinning toward her. This had to be it!The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Yet at the last second, Rynne disappeared before Synthia could hit her. Iggy gave an exhausted groan of frustration as she disappeared, reappearing higher in the air. She let loose another volley of electric arrows, all of them raining down on Synthia.


    The thief, who had put her all into this final attack, desperately spun around and fired off a large blast of darkness magic and, with it, the last traces of Devil¡¯s Swiftness. The resulting spell was overwhelming, a gaping maw of inky blackness crashing upward like water crashing against a cliff face. It was so spectacular that Iggy felt herself being pulled toward it, the force behind it being as strong as it was.


    Yet even this was not enough, as Rynne simply vanished and appeared beneath it as it rushed up. Pulling back the string of her bow, she created the biggest bolt of electricity yet and fired it without mercy into Synthia¡¯s chest. Gasping, Synthia slammed into the crystalline floor, the wind knocked out of her.


    ¡°NO!¡± Iggy tried to get to Synthia but stumbled. Her own fatigue was weighing her down. The thought of repeating this process however many times weighed her down even more, and she brought her head to rest on the ground in defeat.


    Landing gracefully, Rynne put her bow away. She looked down at Synthia with interest. ¡°I must admit, you put up a better effort than I expected. For a first attempt.¡±


    Coughing through the pain, Synthia began chuckling weakly.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Rynne¡¯s quizzical hum beckoned forth more chuckling from Synthia, which quickly erupted into a full-on laughing fit. She began wheezing, having to bend herself off the ground with how hard she was cackling. Iggy was watching in fear of her delirium. Rynne just brushed it off.


    ¡°Fighter¡¯s high, then. Figures, with all the adrenaline rushing through your system. I guess I should¡¯ve taken you for somebody to laugh after a battle.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Synthia wheezed out. ¡°I¡¯m not laughing because of some fighter¡¯s high... I¡¯m laughing because this actually is going to be our first and last attempt.¡± She pointed above Rynne¡¯s head before passing out, her strength spent. Before Rynne knew it, she was slammed into the ground with what felt like the strength of a locomotive.


    The elf, normally rather composed, found her jaw pressed into the floor the next moment. Her confusion continued even as she slipped through it to evade whatever this new attack was, only clearing her head once she had backed a good distance away. She caught a few wisps of darkness vanishing from where she had stood once she resurfaced from beneath the floor. It was then she finally discerned what had happened.


    When she had fired off that last blast, Synthia had somehow combined the effects of Devil¡¯s Swiftness with her own spell from the Mioja. Darkness magic naturally sunk due to its density, but most attacks simply vanished before it could fully descend. But when put in conjunction with something like Devil¡¯s Swiftness, it could then accelerate towards its target at the speed of sound before evaporating. It was a mortifying attack, and nigh suicidal if too much mana was put into it.


    Wincing, Rynne massaged her back. The spell had packed quite a wallop. More than she¡¯d been prepared for, honestly. She might¡¯ve been hurt even worse if she couldn¡¯t slip away as quickly as she did.


    That thought crossing her mind, Rynne remembered that Synthia had been directly in the spell¡¯s trajectory as well. Hurrying over, she checked the girl over for any more harm she may have endured. Rynne quickly surmised that she was okay, breathing a sigh of relief. It seemed the spell had somehow not affected her.


    Rynne looked at the Mioja, the colourless blade seeming to thrum with life. If she had to guess, the weapon had something to do with Synthia not being damaged by the spell. Had she managed to shield herself just before said attack could hit? No, she was clearly exhausted and Rynne never saw her casting any spells for protection. Even from the way she fought, Rynne could tell she didn¡¯t know many spells herself. She was mostly employing the Mioja¡¯s inherent power or charging blindly.


    Scratching her jaw, Rynne pondered Synthia¡¯s compatibility with the Mioja. She said she was going to give it up, and if she truly wanted to do so there was no way she could force her not to, but still, she had trouble determining whether or not that was the correct decision. The potential she had shown from her last minute improvisation was a rare trait to begin with, but she also demonstrated an optimistic tenacity that was all too rare.


    Looking between Synthia and Iggy, she observed how exhausted they were. She sat down with her legs crossed, determining to wait until they were rested enough that they could go back up the dimension levels without issue.


    As her new bruise continued aching, Rynne was surprised to find she had a smile on her face. It was a rare display of emotion for her. And if she was being honest, she was quite tired as well. Stretching out, she enjoyed the calm and began meditating. She could do so satisfied in knowing Synthia and Iggy had what it took to work together properly. She could rest easy knowing that one obstacle had been overcome, even if it were only the first.


    Her smile disappeared as she thought about the one waiting for them up above. He would prove a difficult challenge, and she couldn¡¯t be sure the girls were ready for it. Hell, she didn¡¯t know if she was even ready for it, all things considered.


    Wait for me, Rell...

 Minute 24: Catching Up

    ¡°GIRLS!¡± Evarius shouted at the sight of Synthia crashing into Livian from up ahead. It took all of his willpower to not chase after them. He caught sight of someone in a green cloak knocking Synthia back but nothing else. He clutched the door frame so tight it was as if he were begging for splinters. If he had gone on ahead instead of Iggy, he was sure he could have prevented what had happened.


    He whipped his head around, raising a hand for Christoph to stop before he came charging on ahead. ¡°Hang on! The doors will lock if we head up.¡±


    Christoph, however, disagreed. ¡°If we don¡¯t go on ahead, those guys could be gone forever! The plan didn¡¯t work, you and I have to push on before they do.¡±


    Gritting his teeth, Evarius went over what to do. The encompassing stillness of his surroundings did nothing to calm his thought process. In fact, said stillness only served to distract him. It was a burden that some murderer had flung at him in order to draw out some manner of sadistic pleasure.


    ¡°Dammit!¡± There was no other option. They had to push forward no matter what. It would be a gamble, but as things stood it was their only option.


    ¡°Hang on, I¡¯m coming up now,¡± Christoph said. ¡°I can manage decent darkness magic even as I am, and we can use that to cut through the distortion in that car. It won¡¯t be as effective as the Mioja, however.¡±


    ¡°Just be quick about it!¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Christoph walked through the door and stopped holding it. It slid shut behind him with a thud. There was no going back. He continued taking confident strides forward while remaining vigilant for their opponent.


    Clenching his uninjured fist, Christoph resolved to himself to do whatever it took to get Synthia and the others back. If only he weren¡¯t injured! He would¡¯ve been able to do at least something. He felt increasingly useless on this journey, but he would make up for that. He would ensure that his contributions would mean something.


    He was almost at the end of the car. His foot was raised to cross it and join Evarius for their investigation of the third car when...


    ¡°CHRISTOPH, NO!¡±


    A familiar voice shrieked from behind him. Startled, Christoph jumped but his foot was already over the threshold. It would¡¯ve landed if not for being tackled back into the car by two bodies.


    ¡°OOF!¡±


    He shoved his attackers off him, rolling back and firing up a spell. He stopped when another familiar voice said, ¡°Christoph, please wait!¡±


    Blinking, Christoph looked up at Synthia, her expression frantic. Behind him, Iggy had pulled open the door again and had a look of immense relief on her face. In front, he saw Livian and a woman in a green cloak getting up to their feet. It appeared they had tackled him.


    Immensely confused, Christoph looked between all four of them. ¡°I¡ªWait, what? What just happened?¡±


    ...


    Retreating to outside the last car, Synthia and Rynne brought the men up to speed. Their faces grew pale as they realized how close the last car had gotten to being destroyed. Iggy and Livian let them do the explaining, with Rynne throwing up a quick barrier spell to prevent their opponent from potentially listening in on them. Iggy shored it up with her own magic to make doubly sure.


    ¡°And so I would advise you not to rush ahead so you can play hero,¡± Rynne said bluntly. Her blue eyes stabbed at Christoph like frigid icicles, and he found he had no words to defend himself. While he knew it would¡¯ve been accidental, the guilt of almost causing so much death couldn¡¯t be shrugged off lightly.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s not like he knew,¡± Synthia pointed out. ¡°Right now we¡¯re in a position where we can take the fight to this guy and finally put an end to all this.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. You¡¯re not incorrect...¡± Rynne did not broach the subject further. ¡°What matters most is coming together to put a stop to this menace. I shall join you in this endeavor.¡±


    ¡°Hold it lady, there¡¯s still a few things I wanna clarify.¡± Livian strode forward, glaring at Rynne. ¡°From what you¡¯re saying, you were basically stalking us. I didn¡¯t have enough time to grill you about it down there but frankly, I¡¯m not so sure I can trust you knowing that. How the hell do we know you¡¯re not just gonna stab us all in the back and take the sword for yourself?¡±


    ¡°A valid concern, but I assure you I have no intent of harming you,¡± Rynne said. ¡°That is, unless you turn on me first.¡±


    ¡°Well, why don¡¯t you ask him?¡± Christoph indicated Evarius. ¡°Her story sounds valid enough, but it couldn¡¯t help to get extra confirmation. He might even know her, being another elf.¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Livian rolled her eyes as Evarius muttered, ¡°Why do you think I¡¯d know her?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think he already would¡¯ve told me that?¡± Livian chastised Christoph. ¡°If I did, I wouldn¡¯t need to give this chick such a hard time. Besides, Evarius here is, uh... well, his situation¡¯s kind of special.¡±


    Meekly raising a hand at the attention thrown his way, Evarius clarified what Livian meant. ¡°Technically, I¡¯m not really ¡®elven¡¯ anymore. Not in a legal sense. It¡¯s a long story.¡±


    Christoph blinked ¡°Seriously? Well, I guess that would explain a few things.¡±


    ¡°We can deal with that later,¡± Synthia said, cutting through the tension. ¡°Right now, we need to work together and find this guy.¡±


    ¡°Whoa, whoa, whoa,¡± Christoph said, laying a hand on her arm. ¡°You said you had to fight Rynne down there to prove your worth, correct? Are you sure you and Iggy are alright?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, we feel like a million lepta now,¡± Synthia said, rolling her shoulders to demonstrate with a cocky grin. ¡°Time works differently down there, so for us we were actually resting for hours on end or something. And apparently, we don¡¯t really need to eat when trapped in a dimension like this. Our bodies are being held in limbo or something. We sustain ourselves off mana if I¡¯m understanding correctly?¡±


    Evarius and Rynne nodded. Synthia went on. ¡°Now we¡¯re all good and raring to go!¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t inspire me with confidence,¡± Livian said skeptically. Iggy quickly came to Synthia¡¯s defense.


    ¡°No, you guys should¡¯ve seen her. I can verify for myself that Synthia can pack a wallop if I¡¯m there.¡±


    ¡°And on my own?¡±


    ¡°Eh, still debatable.¡±


    The two shared a good laugh at that. The others were surprised.


    ¡°What happened between you two?¡± asked Evarius.


    ¡°Well, I guess we cleared a few things up,¡± Iggy said. ¡°Now it¡¯s time for us to charge forward and finish this!¡±


    ¡°Nothing for it, I guess,¡± Evarius agreed. ¡°So what¡¯s the plan?¡±


    Explaining their strategy, the girls observed anxiously at the guys mulled it over.


    ¡°It could work,¡± Evarius said. ¡°But there¡¯s still too much we don¡¯t know about this man. Especially...¡± He glanced at Rynne.


    ¡°What?¡± She asked.


    ¡°If there¡¯s anything else you¡¯d like to tell us, now is the time,¡± Evarius said. ¡°Because your powers are awfully similar to our opponent, and I sense that is no coincidence.¡±


    Rynne¡¯s face remained as stony as ever. ¡°I assure you it will not interfere with our mission. It is... rather difficult to explain.¡±


    Livian eyed her suspiciously. ¡°Yeah? How so?¡±


    For the first time, Rynne seemed to be hesitant. Almost afraid. ¡°I...¡±


    Synthia clapped a hand on her back, breaking her out of her reverie. ¡°If she doesn¡¯t wanna tell us, that¡¯s fine by me. At least for now.¡±


    She jabbed a finger in Rynne¡¯s face with a confident grin. ¡°You went rooting around in our heads, so later I do expect the courtesy of telling us a little about yourself. Especially if you plan on sticking around.¡±


    Rynne blinked before nodding. Her expression remained composed, but there was a slight relaxation to the stiffness in her shoulders the others hadn¡¯t even noticed before she was more at ease.


    Satisfied, Synthia continued. ¡°Okay, so per the plan, Christoph is going to be sticking back here. He can¡¯t get too far away from the back car. Otherwise those people pay the price. Right?¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± everybody repeated.


    ¡°With Rynne here, we can teleport right to the front without worry,¡± Synthia said. ¡°But be warned Evarius, it¡¯s a weird feeling. And may come with a prodding through your memories as a consequence.¡±


    ¡°That is only when moving into a new dimension,¡± Rynne said. ¡°Remember, I construct it from people¡¯s memories. Moving about in the same one does not require that extra measure, although it is likely our opponent has already done so with his hostages. He may do the same to you.¡±


    ¡°Damn,¡± Evarius said. ¡°Not prepared to have somebody else witness my more embarrassing moments. But, well, if we catch this guy, I guess it won¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    Synthia continued. ¡°We need to be fast. Hit him hard, and with the least amount of opportunity to use any hostages as leverage given to him as possible. This plan depends on speed.¡±


    ¡°But we don¡¯t know what the environment¡¯s like either, so there could be further complications,¡± Iggy added. ¡°One mistake means somebody could die. This is real.¡±


    ¡°Where do you get off lecturing us?¡± Livian muttered, but otherwise let the girls continue unabated.


    ¡°Once we move, it¡¯s touch and go.¡± Synthia locked eyes with everyone as she said this, putting out her hand. ¡°You ready for this?¡±


    Livian raised an eyebrow. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Synthia began blushing. ¡°I mean... this is the thing teams do. Put your hands together, throw ¡®em in the air.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s lame,¡± Livian replied bluntly. Synthia whimpered at her harsh tone, immensely embarrassed. But only until Iggy joined her and placed her hands over hers, to which she responded with a wide, toothy smile. Christoph followed suit, with Evarius and Rynne getting the message. Soon enough, Livian was the odd one out.


    Sighing grumpily, she defeatedly place her hand on top of the stack. ¡°Oh, what the hell. Let¡¯s show this asshole he messed with the wrong pack of wannabe adventurers.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t lump me in with you guys,¡± Christoph chimed in, to which everybody gave a short laugh. Throwing their hands up, everybody sans Christoph huddled around Rynne to teleport.


    ¡°Some side effects may make you a little ill,¡± Rynne warned Evarius. ¡°And you are clearly quite old.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s pretty direct,¡± Evarius muttered. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°If this plan is gonna work, I hope you will be,¡± Synthia said. She flashed Christoph a quick grin. ¡°Hold down the fort!¡±


    ¡°Go get him, boss,¡± Christoph said, smiling. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of everything on this end.¡±


    ¡°Excellent! Alright, Rynne, let¡¯s go!¡±


    Rynne brought her hands together and began to concentrate. The air around her seemed to bend as the light became sucked in. Soon they felt a pulling sensation, and their surroundings melted away to be replaced by fading, rushing colours. They could only imagine what was hidden behind these walls of a fake reality, be they sweeping vistas, the now familiar interiors of the train cars or blank nothing. They could not clearly tell, but they were pulled forward all the same to their destination.


    The pulling sensation stopped, and the group were deposited to the ground. Or at least, what they thought was ground. They tried to blink, but their surroundings were nothing but darkness. They couldn¡¯t even see one another. It felt like the same nothingness that had surrounded the train car. All four grew rigid as a familiar voice rang out.


    ¡°Welcome to Rell¡¯s roaring rampage, folks!¡± The glee in it could barely be contained. ¡°A pleasure to have you! Let the madness begin!¡±

 Minute 25: Rells Roaring Rampage

    A ringing silence befell Rell¡¯s declaration. Synthia and the others remained just as still as their non-descript surroundings until the lights flickered on and they found themselves in the front train car. Being a car reserved for first class passengers, it had individual compartments as opposed to the open booths in the others. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, down to how the car kept up the illusion of forward motion as it rocked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t know if he could¡¯ve done anything more unnerving,¡± Livian said, cocking her revolver. Synthia nodded in agreement. Rather than attack from the outset, their opponent had adopted a more patient strategy. There was no telling what awaited them in here.


    Sliding one of the compartments open, Rynne allowed for Livian to check inside. They checked each in turn, turning up nothing.


    ¡°Thankfully, being the 7 PM ride, this was a much smaller train than the regular one,¡± Evarius said. ¡°If there had been more cars, there¡¯s no telling the amount of difficulties we would¡¯ve faced.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t jinx us,¡± Livian grumbled.


    ¡°It¡¯s strange. You¡¯d think the hostages would be inside here. Does he have them in the engine room?¡±


    Rynne pondered Synthia¡¯s question. ¡°It¡¯s not impossible. But still, the inconspicuousness of our surroundings is, in itself, conspicuous.¡±


    Synthia nodded. ¡°I know what you mean. Something¡¯s not right here.¡±


    All of a sudden, she stepped on a section of the carpet that felt somewhat softer than the rest. ¡°The hell?¡±


    ¡°Oof!¡± Iggy stumbled as she hit another uneven part of the floor. ¡°That¡¯s weird. It¡¯s like my foot caught something...¡±


    Pressing her foot against where Iggy had tripped, Livian¡¯s eyes grew wide. ¡°Hang on.¡± She knelt down, pulling out a switchblade and feeling along the floor. Now that Synthia looked closely, it seemed that the carpet was awfully bumpy in places.


    ¡°What is this?¡± she said, unsure if she even wanted an answer.


    Pressing into a section of the carpet, Livian determined where she should cut. She slashed down and opened up a hole. Her mouth pressed into a grim line. ¡°Shit.¡±


    Peering over her shoulder, Synthia had to stop herself from gagging. Buried beneath the carpet was a contorted body of one of the passengers. Their watery eyes looked up at them, pleading and in fear, even as they gagged around the pipe that had entered their throat.


    Shrieking before clasping a hand over her mouth, Iggy stumbled away. Evarius grimaced, walking over to other sections of the carpet to cut open. As more and more of it was torn up, they realized that much of the floor consisted of the pained, impossibly contorted bodies of the passengers.


    ¡°How are they still alive?¡± Iggy asked.


    ¡°Because I guess this part is still just an illusion of some kind,¡± Evarius speculated. He tore up the carpet and gave a reassuring smile to the frightened woman peering up at him. She had a piece of wood lodged in her throat. ¡°But I guess it feels real.¡±


    ¡°Oi, pipsqueak, help me get them out!¡± Synthia made to assist her but Rynne placed a firm hand on her shoulder. Unlike the rest, she was the only one to maintain her composure.


    ¡°Planning on tearing them out? Seems a little mundane, does it not? Think on what you did to make your way up here previously. Think about what he can do.¡±


    Synthia drew a blank for a few seconds before remembering the Mioja¡¯s abilities. She drew it over her back instantly. ¡°Why didn¡¯t I think of that?¡±


    ¡°Why indeed. You must make sure you continue to use your tools properly. Assess the situation, analyze your opponent¡¯s abilities. Thankfully for us, you have the weapon best suited to dealing with this man¡¯s abilities.¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Synthia poured all the mana she could into the Mioja, determined to create a radius far larger than the one she had made previously. She felt her soul strain with the effort, but slowly their surroundings melted back to nothingness once again. The terrified looks of the passengers, though still in pain, regained that desperate light of hope. They were going to be saved!


    ¡°Oh, dear... I really don¡¯t think so!¡±


    Their surroundings stopped in their dissolution. They began to morph and change again. Synthia sensed a pushback against the field she was extending, and her concentration snapped like a frayed, taught cord. It actually resonated throughout her whole body, making her shudder.


    As she shook it off, she was assailed by a wall of colour. Overlapping images, too many to keep track of, were floating around unbidden around the group. A field of flowers, the back of a departing woman, a sign that said ¡°foreclosure¡±, one after the other, never ending. By the time something solid had formed, Synthia felt like she had experienced a dozen lives in the span of several seconds.


    The scene finally solidified. A large printing machine stood in front of them, churning out sheet after sheet of paper.


    ¡°A printing plant?¡± Evarius said. Livian sighed.


    ¡°Sweet Apeiros, I really hate time magic.¡±


    Looking around, Synthia asked ¡°Where are the passengers?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see them,¡± Rynne said. ¡°A printing plant... These definitely aren¡¯t his memories. He must¡¯ve reconstructed them from one of the victims¡¯.¡±


    ¡°If there¡¯s something you¡¯d like to say, then say it,¡± Livian said. ¡°Clearly there¡¯s a connection between you and this guy.¡±


    ¡°It would take too long to explain.¡±


    ¡°Oh, bullshit¡ª¡±


    Evarius cut Livian off with a hand. She grumbled as she walked over to the stack of newspapers piling up at the end of the assembly track.


    Synthia attempted to extend her field again, (something she had now decided to call ¡®Negation Field¡¯ moving forward), but their new scenery was far too big for her to manage much. Deciding to conserve her mana, she gave up on her strategy. Rynne nodded at this.


    ¡°Wise decision.¡±


    By the newspapers, Livian¡¯s brow slowly furrowed as she looked at one. She snatched it up, staring incredulously at the picture embossed on the front. She turned it around for the rest of the group to see.


    ¡°Guys, I didn¡¯t hit my head or anything, right?¡±


    Looking closer, the group¡¯s eyes widened in shock sans Rynne. The photograph was of the terrified woman they had seen with the wood in her throat, frozen in black and white.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Synthia grabbed a paper of her own. The picture on the front was of the man with a pipe lodged into his mouth. ¡°What the hell is this?¡±


    Grabbing each newspaper, they confirmed that each one held the passengers on the front.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me...¡± Iggy began. Rynne nodded. ¡°The passengers may have been trapped inside these photographs.¡±


    ¡°Is that even possible?¡±


    ¡°If the user is sufficiently powerful, then yes.¡±


    ¡°How are we gonna get them out? Are we supposed to read them or something?¡±


    ¡°If you would like,¡± Rell¡¯s impertinent voice answered. Synthia drew her sword, Rynne her bow and Livian her revolvers but their target was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°How about you come out and show yourself, coward?¡± Synthia¡¯s challenge was ignored as Rell droned on.


    ¡°I suppose the rules for this little game could be what the pale haired one suggests. You need only read all of those newspapers to free those poor passengers of yours. Each one you complete will grant you one freed individual.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Livian asked. ¡°There is no way in hell it¡¯s gonna be that easy, no matter how long these papers are.¡±


    ¡°Well as it turns out, reading is one of the things I¡¯m best at,¡± Synthia said, tone triumphant. ¡°If you believe we¡¯ll be distracted for when you¡¯re going to attack, then think twice! We¡¯re gonna be ready for when you make your move.¡±


    ¡°Why are you sounding so smug?¡± muttered Iggy.


    Plopping down, Synthia grabbed a newspaper at random and began reading. Her look of triumph quickly disappeared into a frown as she saw the font size was tiny.


    ¡°How can somebody even read this?¡± She pressed the paper close to her eye, trying to discern the letters. ¡°Does this say leave or peeve?¡±


    ¡°How many pages are there, anyway?¡± Iggy flipped through her own copy, quickly growing alarmed as she somehow didn¡¯t stop flipping. No matter how many pages she sifted through, she never got to the end. The newspaper itself didn¡¯t even increase in volume.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gotta be kidding me...¡±


    ¡°This guy¡¯s just messing with us at this point,¡± Synthia said. Focusing on the still picture of the paper she was holding, which she recognized as the adventurer from the platform, she began shouting at it.


    ¡°DON¡¯T WORRY! WE¡¯RE GONNA GET YOU OUT OF THERE NO MATTER WHAT! JUST HANG ON!¡±


    Despite their circumstances, the others couldn¡¯t help but try to suppress their laughter. Rynne, as expected, remained unfazed.


    ¡°Use the sword again, Synthia. Honestly, I shouldn¡¯t have to keep telling you this.¡±


    ¡°Yikes! Sorry, I¡¯ll get in the habit of it from now on.¡±


    Using Negation Field, she extended it over the newspaper. While it shimmered and rippled like her immediate area, nobody ended up popping out of it like she had been bracing for.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no luck?¡± Rell chimed in. ¡°That whole thing about them being trapped in the newspapers? Well, that may have been a slight misguidance on my part.¡±


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± Synthia shouted, hopping back onto her feet. ¡°I should¡¯ve known you¡¯d lie about this!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t lie, you arrived at the conclusion that I had hid them in the photos in the first place! Honestly, so suspicious! It¡¯s almost as if you expect me to be devious from the start! You poor, lost, little idiots.¡±


    Gritting her teeth, Synthia threw the newspaper to the floor and stomped on it. Her goofy disposition from a few moments ago having quickly evaporated. ¡°That does it! This guy is pissing me off! After me guys, let¡¯s go find him!¡±


    ¡°Hey, wait!¡± Iggy shouted as she and the others chased after her. ¡°What about the plan!?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll get to that once we find him,¡± Synthia said. ¡°Like Rynne said, we beat this guy, we save the hostages! Sooner we do that, the sooner this whole thing can come to an end!¡±


    ¡°Her assessment proves accurate,¡± Rynne said. ¡°I agree with it.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t fill me with encouragement,¡± Iggy said dully. But still, she dutifully followed Synthia.


    Kicking a door open, Synthia held the Mioja in front of her as she stepped through.


    ¡°What the...?¡±


    Heading through the door, the group found themselves on an empty street. Rows of large, extravagant houses lined the way. They were absurdly lavish symbols of gross wealth. They appeared to have exited from one of them. Even though they had been in a printing plant just a moment before, they had gone to a new location entirely. Such were the rules of a new pocket dimension, it seemed.


    Regardless, Synthia felt herself recoil at the mere sight of the houses. These were the types of homes oblivious, absurdly wealthy families held. She hated the sight of places like them. They were reminders of the vast disparity between the haves and the have nots. Said haves were people who would trade another¡¯s soul for even a few more hours of their luxury.


    ¡°Are you feeling frustrated yet?¡± Rell asked. Synthia ignored him as she headed for a house, shouldering through it. A cacophony of noise met her, with ash and dirt filling the air. She shook her head as she realized she was in a battlefield the next moment. Cannons were firing, gunshots ringing out, blasts of fire and ice raining down on either side. Unlike before, there were multiple people gathered here. The field was brown with dirt, misshapen by explosions.


    Turning around, she saw the door she had entered through standing in the middle of this carnage unaffected. Before she could stop it, it swung shut again with a final cry of ¡°Synthia!¡± from Iggy before it closed.


    ¡°No, no, no!¡± Synthia rushed to the door and tried to pull it open. No luck. It had been locked.


    ¡°Do you see these images, young lady? These memories of pain, of strife? These lingering vestiges of anger?¡±


    Synthia used Negation Field again, and this time managed to shoulder the door open. She did not return to the street of opulent houses, however. She was now on a sidewalk bustling with people. Cars thronged along the street in a mass of traffic Synthia had never seen before. Without even knowing it, she had become swept along in the crowd, carried in a sea of bodies hurrying to their next destinations.


    ¡°Anger takes many forms, young lady. It is the ferocity we use to motivate ourselves along in life. The little grievances we let pile up, without us even knowing it, until we feel the tension of our frustration roar up within us in a crashing wave.¡±


    Fighting through the crowd, Synthia tried to drown out what Rell was saying. She couldn¡¯t identify any of the passengers among the crowd. They seemed to only be another part of the illusion.


    ¡°Anger hides within even the kindest of souls. It can be a raging inferno, or a sharp, cold breeze. A means of expressing righteous indignation at the injustice you are dealt or a means of hiding from your own weakness.¡±


    Synthia eventually fought her way to a store, using Negation Field immediately as she headed through the door. Stepping through, she noticed she was in a familiar location.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    It was her home. Her old home from Nelen. The old, failing building that had held her in its attic room for a decade or so.


    Turning around, she tried to open the front door, which had been replaced with a new one made of splendid oak. Even using Negation Field on it, she had no luck. When Synthia turned around, she noticed that the entire house had been restored to its former glory as well. The paintings, the carpet, the holes in the wall all perfectly restored. The soft amber colour scheme was soothing.


    Looking at the window in the living room, Synthia wrestled with whether or not to break through it, but something stopped her. She felt an instinctual tug to her old attic room. She couldn¡¯t explain it, but something was compelling her to walk up the stairs.


    While she knew this was likely another of Rell¡¯s traps, Synthia couldn¡¯t help but begin ascending the stairs. She had to know what was calling to her no matter what. Rell continued his monologue, now whispering it softly.


    ¡°Do you know what anger is? True rage? It¡¯s something that follows you to work, and to home. It¡¯s something that trails after you when you are happy, and especially when you feel cheated. Anger is a result. It is a reaction.¡±


    Synthia had gotten to the top floor now.


    ¡°Anger is an equalizer. A way of detecting what displeases you and attempting to correct it. Or further wrong it, depending on your viewpoint.¡±


    Entering the study, Synthia saw the old globe and desk. They were devoid of dust. It was rather unsettling.


    ¡°Anger isn¡¯t something to be discouraged, or even feared. True rage never leaves you. In fact, it comes to define many of us. To guide us forward in moments of clarity.¡±


    Pulling out the right books, Synthia heard the familiar click of her bookcase opening. She pulled it until the entrance was wide in front of her. She walked up the stairs, the light in the attic already on.


    ¡°I have looked inside your head, Synthia Ros. You are a... very passionate girl indeed. Your anger is, if I may deign to say so, exquisite. Because it is not so much anger directed at an individual, or even yourself. You accept yourself in a way very few can. Almost impersonally, as if you are judging somebody else. Your rage is directed at something far greater. Almost to the point that, you could say, you are remarkably unconcerned about your own wellbeing in pursuit of following that rage...¡±


    Synthia grew stone faced as she saw what was on the couch side table. A bloodied knife sat on a letter marked Mr. Thornbury in looping cursive. The drops of blood stood in stark relief to the white paper they were on.


    The hair on Synthia¡¯s neck raised as she heard a whisper from right behind her. ¡°What is it about heroes that enrages you so much, Miss Ros?¡±


    Whirling around with the Mioja in hand, Synthia prepared to strike Rell down, but his hand closed around her throat. Choking, her short frame was lifted off the floor as she got a good look at her aggressor for the first time. She grew startled by the sight, her legs ceasing their kicks for a moment in shock.


    ¡°Huh?¡± she choked out. ¡°But how...?¡±


    She could say no more as Rell threw her through the window. She crashed through to the ground below, and the monster followed after her.

 Minute 26: Stutters

    As the door slammed shut behind Synthia, Iggy tried yanking it open again. It remained closed.


    ¡°That idiot!¡±


    Livian turned to Rynne. ¡°Anything you can do to get us back together again? How about your teleporting trick from before?¡±


    The elf remained pensive. ¡°I could try to locate her based off the mana signature she gives off, which is quite potent, but it will be exceedingly difficult. Inside this space, that mana overlaps with the memories that Rell has extracted from his victims. In essence, when I try to push my sensory perception outward, I am immediately met with white noise. If this were a dimension I created, I would have no trouble, but this place is foreign to me.¡±


    Iggy began trying to bash the door open with her full weight. She drew back from it with a wince, rubbing her shoulder. ¡°I saw some crazy battle happening on the other side of that door. We need to find her ASAP.¡±


    ¡°Best we can do is continue exploring then,¡± Evarius said. ¡°If we can¡¯t meet up, we can¡¯t put our plan into full effect, so we need to work fast. Now that we¡¯re separated, he¡¯ll likely be going after her first.¡±


    ¡°But if he does, the resulting exchange in mana should help me locate them,¡± Rynne said. ¡°For now, we have to wait. Although for how long, I cannot say.¡±


    Walking down the front steps, Iggy stumbled as her foot slipped off it. Managing to catch her, Livian set her up straight again and told her to be less clumsy.


    ¡°I could¡¯ve sworn there was an extra step,¡± Iggy said. She glanced at the small column of steps. Blinking, she tried to discern if what she was seeing was another illusion or not.


    ¡°That¡¯s odd.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°That extra step. It¡¯s gone.¡±


    Looking to where Iggy was indicating, the others saw that there was, indeed, one less step.


    ¡°That¡¯s odd,¡± Livian commented. Evarius drew his sword at the ready, eyes further down the street.


    ¡°No. That¡¯s odd.¡±


    Looking ahead, they saw that the row of houses were rapidly dissolving. A massive wave of erasure headed straight for them. Rynne automatically threw up a barrier around the group, and their surroundings vanished completely. They were surrounded by nothingness once more, standing on an isolated patch of ground that Rynne had managed to protect.


    ¡°What happens if we fall out?¡± Iggy asked.


    ¡°We fall into a new dimension and our means of escape become exceedingly more difficult,¡± Rynne said. ¡°But this is odd. If he could simply trap us this way, which is quite effective, then why would he¡ª"


    Her voice caught in her throat as a rush of colours whirled around them like before. In the blink of an eye, they were standing in a field of ashes. White flakes fell to the ground like petals, the dead husks of trees littering the scene before them. Rynne seemed uncharacteristically rattled. While still somewhat subdued, she seemed to be going over rather unpleasant thoughts.


    ¡°Hey, elf girl.¡± Livian snapped her fingers to Rynne¡¯s pointed ear, bringing hr out of her reverie. ¡°You space out on us now, I kick your ass myself.¡±


    ¡°Liv,¡± Evarius said in exasperation, but Rynne bowed her head in apology.


    ¡°You are correct. I should not have lost myself.¡±  She surveyed their surroundings with newfound focus, analyzing every inch of it she could.


    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, this is one of the forests of D¨´bailte. A region of our homeland. A lot of it burned down, some fifteen years ago. I visited it in my younger years. Wasn¡¯t able to properly appreciate it, fool I was, but seeing this devastation... It¡¯s heart wrenching.¡±


    ¡°That is correct. This is D¨´bailte,¡± Rynne said. She turned to face forward again, scrutinizing a shadow past all the falling ash. They were a small figure, standing all alone in the aftermath of this destruction.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time,¡± she whispered. She let the barrier fall, reforming small bubbles around everybody¡¯s heads to ward off inhaling the ash. They walked toward the small figure. ¡°I think I understand what¡¯s happening here.¡±


    ¡°Care to enlighten us, then?¡±


    ¡°These are more memories, as I¡¯m sure you can guess. But not memories of any of the victims.¡± Rynne was drawing close to the small figure. As the others walked beside her, boots crunching on the dead undergrowth, they could see it was an elven child. Their ears poked out beneath their flaming red hair, matching Rynne¡¯s own.


    ¡°Specifically, they are memories that stoke certain emotions in the one possessing them. Mental anchors of sorts. Remembering them provokes certain emotions.¡±


    She reached out a hand for the child. ¡°Did you know that there are six primary emotions? Revulsion, sadness, surprise, fear, happiness, and anger. Your most significant memories will be tied to one of those. And the more you go over a particular aspect, the less you will remember about others.¡±This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The child walked away. Rynne¡¯s hands grasped nothing but a few motes of ash. Disappearing into the dusty gloom of the burned forest, the child quickly vanished from sight.


    CRSHK!


    An unnerving noise filled the air. Something akin to the static on radios, and when the group blinked, they saw it was now nighttime. A crescent moon hung in the sky, and swirling masses of shadow had taken to prowling around them in a circle. Each took different forms, from a wolf, to a boar, and even a few shreddermoles. They were the warped forms of common animals, twisted from their natural origins into something explicitly wicked.


    ¡°Demons!¡± Evarius readied his electric lasso. ¡°Between the dimension hopping and these different illusions he¡¯s creating, just how powerful is this man!?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think these are illusions,¡± Rynne said. Focusing her mana, she created another tear to slip through. She moved through the whirl of colours before appearing on the other side of one of the demons, slashing at it¡¯s neck with an arrow. It¡¯s eight foot frame rippled as the magic imbued arrowhead sliced through it. As it collapsed to the ground in a spire of fleeing shadow, Rynne fired the arrow at another monster and hit it square between it¡¯s glowing yellow eyes. Gurgling, it slumped forward and disappeared along with it¡¯s comrade.


    ¡°These are real!?¡± Iggy fired up her wind magic, blasting away at one of that came running toward her. ¡°This guy¡¯s got demons under his command!? Seriously?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Rynne shouted, reappearing behind another demon, punching cleanly through it. ¡°This is the result of a stutter! They¡¯re gaps in his power that allow things like this to creep through.¡±


    ¡°Things like this?¡± Iggy groaned as she blew a demon high into the air. ¡°You mean there¡¯s more where these came from?¡±


    ¡°These are but ghouls and shades, resting in the shadowy breaks between reality,¡± Rynne said as she dispatched with another creature as if swatting a fly. ¡°We find a revenant or worse, then that makes joining up with Synthia again that much more difficult.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ve just gotta kick ass that much faster!¡± Livian shouted, a trail of ice shooting out from her palm touching the ground. She shook it off after. ¡°Yeesh, that spell...¡±


    CRSHK!


    Suddenly, a whole section of the forest ahead was wiped away. ¡°More stutters,¡± Rynne assessed. Iggy flew over to her.


    ¡°Uh, what do we do?¡±


    ¡°Huddle close unless you wish to be lost for what seems like a lifetime.¡±


    Once everybody got together, Rynne formed the barrier again. The demons bounced off it, jaws trying to break through. The next moment, the ¡®stutter¡¯, as Rynne called it, washed over their group. A rush of colours followed once again, and the group found themselves in the middle of a paved street.


    Looking up, Iggy saw a towering mass of impossibly tall buildings everywhere she turned. Further ahead, there was one structure that stood taller than the rest. A grand fortress of steel and high towers, it appeared to press down on the city below past the high walls surrounding it. A symbol of power meant both to inspire awe and deter dissidents. It¡¯s grandeur was practically offensive.


    ¡°What...?¡± Iggy saw vehicles lined up on the street that she had never seen before, shaped somewhat similarly to the ones she was familiar with but not quite the same. More advanced models. Different shops and signs lined the sidewalks, but there were no people around. Just like the areas from before, it was as if upon stepping through whatever rift had landed them here, the occupants had suddenly stepped through a different one and left.


    ¡°It seems the demons are gone for now,¡± Evarius said. ¡°We need a better explanation though. What exactly is happening here?¡±


    Rynne didn¡¯t answer. She was looking around with an exceptionally critical eye.


    ¡°He¡¯s talking to you, girly,¡± Livian prodded.


    Eyes lighting up, Rynne focused on something further ahead. Following her gaze once more, they saw the same redheaded child from the burned forest staring up at the fortress.


    ¡°What do you know of the world beyond Edretica?¡± Rynne asked as she walked forward. The others trailed after her.


    ¡°A little bit,¡± Iggy answered.


    ¡°There are supposed to be countries so advanced with zeit technology, it¡¯s like they¡¯re living fifty or so years in the future,¡± Evarius said. ¡°I haven¡¯t explored enough to verify for myself. So you¡¯re saying that this city--?¡±


    ¡°Belongs to one of those nations,¡± Rynne replied. ¡°It is called Grail, and it is the capital of Yucrest.¡±


    ¡°Yucrest,¡± Iggy repeated. ¡°That¡¯s where Dexogon has it¡¯s headquarters. Is that building it up there?¡±


    Nodding, Rynne affirmed her statement. ¡°It doubles as the royal palace. Yucrest¡¯s system of governance is remarkably maligned, even compared to other empires. Are you beginning to understand the gravity of my task? The means by which it must be undertaken.¡±


    ¡°But what does that have to do with you specifically?¡± Livian kept her eyes focused on the child the entire time. ¡°There¡¯s another half to this story you¡¯re not telling us. Don¡¯t bother lying.¡±


    The child stopped once again. Rynne walked toward them. ¡°Like I said. These memories are tied to strong emotions. These are emotions that Rell is still experiencing even when he is not entirely aware of it. I recognize what emotion this memory is tied to because I felt it myself.¡±


    Before their eyes, the child grew to the size of a man. Where his shoulders were once soft and delicate, they were now broad and defined. He stood a foot over Rynne, but still she adopted to hug him close. If he noticed her, then he chose not to react. He remained deathly still.


    ¡°You may be wondering why I seem so emotionless. So cold. I can tell you it is not by discipline on my part. I willingly gave them up to another.¡±


    ¡°You gave them up?¡± Evarius asked. ¡°That¡¯s dabbling into a very dangerous branch of magic.¡±


    The man vanished out of Rynne¡¯s arm, fading away until she was clutching air. She looked at the arms that had held him with a strange, unfeeling curiosity. ¡°You were wondering why Rell was so powerful. I¡¯ve had theories myself these past few years as I¡¯ve pursued him, but I think I¡¯ve discerned an answer.¡±


    ¡°I thought you were pursuing the Mioja,¡± Livian cut in sharply. Rynne nodded.


    ¡°You are correct, but my tasks are not just that. And not so simple, unfortunately. As I¡¯ve tried to track him down, I¡¯ve realized that Rell¡¯s powers are not entirely his own. They are merely an echo of ones even more vast and mighty. This is why the stutters occur and we explore his own memories. He can only focus on controlling so much of this illusionary space at a time.¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Rell¡¯s abilities are an oddity born from a magical accident,¡± Rynne said. ¡°A reflection of a terrible man with no soul. One of those rulers from the sea I mentioned. His name is Yahvow the Immortal. Even if I restore my people¡¯s independence, he stands as a graver threat than any of you can possibly imagine.¡±


    Livian blinked as she took in this information. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what? And who is he?¡±


    ¡°The shadow ruler of Yucrest and it¡¯s empire.¡±


    CRSHK!


    Another stutter occurred, depositing more demons. Everybody grew ready to fight them.


    ¡°I feel like we¡¯ve kicked a hornet¡¯s nest and a half here, but we can wait for that later,¡± Livian said. ¡°Because between this Rell dude, Drea supposedly knowing him and shadow emperor dude, I don¡¯t know what to think.¡±


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± Iggy said. ¡°What matters here and now is kicking ass and reaching Synthia, yeah?¡±


    Growing a little surprised, Livian grinned. ¡°Yeah. Exactly. That¡¯s something I know plenty about already.¡±


    ¡°Very well then,¡± Rynne said. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±