《Alan Buys the Universe [LitRPG]》


 Chapter 1 - Clairvoyant Frogs

    The last thing Alan remembered was getting shot in the face with an arrow.


    He was sitting in his one-bedroom apartment watching TV after a double-shift at the pawn shop, when someone covered in face paint broke in wielding a legitimate bow and arrow, and shouted, ¡°LIVE AGAIN, YOU WEIRD ASSHOLE!¡± and just¡­ ended him.


    Next thing he knew, he awoke in a forest with thick canopies of braided leaves like dreadlocks, and a sky filled with cloudy faces. Some were happy. Some were sad. He was almost certain one winked at him¡­


    What¡¯s going on?


    Alan pushed down a rising panic and tilted his head. And why am I naked? Well, naked except for a leaf covering his junk. Something pinched his back, and he shot up, freezing at a pair of angry googly eyes staring back at him over his shoulder. He craned his head enough to get a good look at the long caterpillar glued to his spine.


    ¡°Off!¡± He tore at it, but the giant, fuzzy bug only slithered and pinched him harder.


    His breathing became labored, the panic starting to win over.


    I don¡¯t like this.


    Either that crazy Archer sent him straight to hell, or Richard slipped something in his soda on his way out the door. Best bet was to find somewhere safe to hide¡­ where everything wasn¡¯t staring at him.


    He scrambled up, getting his bearings, when one of the blades of grass sticking between his toes intentionally tickled him, saying ¡®goochi, goochi goo!¡¯ in the most high-pitched voice he¡¯d ever heard.


    He jumped and backpedaled to the tree closest to him, hugging it, which bent unconventionally over him, casting an awfully large shadow.


    ¡°Get off me, mon,¡± it said in an exaggerated island accent, which sent Alan into a full sprint in the other direction.


    His vision was blurry, as if he was existing in some kind of dream state, and right about now he really wished he would wake up.


    When he couldn¡¯t run any farther, he skidded across a circle of yellowish dirt, and bent over to catch his breath. If he was dreaming, this was the most vivid experience he¡¯d ever been through. Alan eyed a nearby patch of grass suspiciously, half expecting tiny eyes to stare back at him. What he got instead was a sly grin of green-stained teeth.


    This was insane. A tree just spoke, and the grass was taunting him. He almost preferred being hustled by carnies at the shop.


    Maybe I took mushrooms after work that I don¡¯t remember? Yeah, that would explain a lot, actually. Mushrooms laced with acid. He peered at his own hand, inspecting it, then looked down to the leaf covering him. It shined in outlined gold.


    He was tentative to touch it at first, but it was just floating there by what he could tell. When he tried to lift it off, it wouldn¡¯t budge, stuck in place as if cemented onto his pelvis. A rush of anxiety filled him, then the caterpillar on his back wriggled again.


    ¡°Ah! Will you stop!¡± he yelled and grabbed for it with all his might. Again, it might as well have been made of stone.


    ¡°Mew!¡± The low voice sounded like it came from far inside him.


    Did a caterpillar just meow at me? Or in me, rather? What am I, a giant megaphone?


    Alan took a deep breath and shut his eyes, willing the terrible mushroom trip to be over.


    No such luck. When he opened them again, his vision had adjusted, and the vibrant world he woke to was that much clearer. The trees weren¡¯t talking anymore, but he noticed each had a dark, central hole that pulsed like a beating heart. The trees have hearts¡­ if they can talk, it¡¯d make sense they¡¯d have hearts. Wait, what was he thinking? Nothing about this place made sense!


    Maybe he was having another meltdown¡­


    Was the sun always that orange? In fact, it was blinking different shades. And the distant mountains puffed out smoke, sounding like deep bongo drums, except only when he stared at them. It¡¯s as if the entire environment was competing for his attention. All except the thing he wanted most¡­ Another person¡­ so he could get directions the hell out of here.


    If I don¡¯t find shelter and a source of food before nightfall, I¡¯m dead. I have to¡ª


    A frog-looking creature the size of a bowling ball ran frantically on its hind legs straight for Alan. He stood his ground this time, bracing for whatever was coming for him, but to his surprise the frog nosedived straight into the dirt, burying its face.


    Alan scratched his head as it burrowed deeper into the hole ¨C kicking grains everywhere ¨C then plucked itself abruptly out. Its eyes blinked fluorescent purples and greens, rotating in opposite directions. It gagged then focused on Alan.


    All time seemed to stop the instant they locked eyes. Alan sensed¡­ something. A tingling on his skin.


    ¡°Live again, you weird asshole!¡± The voice that came out of the frog was the same as the man who buried an arrow in Alan¡¯s face.


    A shiver ran down his spine, wondering if that weirdo was about to show up again to murder him.


    He looked up at the sun and figured he should continue running toward it. At least that direction seemed to be less crowded with pulsating reggae trees. Anything was safer than that forest.


    Against his better judgement, he bent down to grab two large pieces of abandoned bark that would better cover his front and backside. A stray thought made him consider the pieces as skin of the sentient trees, which nearly made him vomit. But the rough consistency, the bits falling to the floor¡­ it all felt so familiar to Earth.


    It¡¯s harmless, Alan. Just keep moving.


    The prospect of home exacerbated the sick feeling. What if this wasn¡¯t a trip? What if he was actually stuck in this new place? There¡¯s so much he left behind. His mom¡­ sister¡­ Trish ¨C his ex-girlfriend he had unfinished business with.


    This can¡¯t be the end¡­ right?


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Something flew by him so fast it was just a blur. He turned to see a flying squirrel tilting to turn sharply. But there¡¯s no wind? Weird. Instead, wispy tendrils of a white mist trailed its small body like kite tails.


    ¡°Chu. Chu. Chu. Chu.¡± Noises resounded from the rodent¡¯s mouth, which then transferred midair into words Alan could understand. ¡°Excuse me, kind sir. You are invading the circle of life here. When a tree molts, us animals get to reap the rewards, not oafs like you.¡±


    Alan¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°This trip is getting worse by the minute. Richard? Richard? Please God tell me you¡¯re in my living room with me somewhere, and that this is all a dream!¡±


    The squirrel did one more loop like it was on some tethered path Alan couldn¡¯t see, and settled calmly onto the forest floor in front of him. ¡°Chu. Chu. Chu. Chu!¡± the chirps echoed in Alan¡¯s ears. ¡°May I please have that slab of bark? Its dimensions are perfect to complete the roof of my humble abode. I¡¯m sure whatever you¡¯re hiding under there will go unnoticed.¡±


    Alan felt heat rising to his cheeks. This little son of a¡ª


    The embarrassment turned annoyance created a bubbling sensation in his forearms he never quite felt before. It¡¯s like his skin was emitting energy evoked by the emotion. And for a second, he could¡¯ve swore he saw mist coming out of his arms.


    ¡°Chu. Chu. Chu.¡± The squirrel cleared its throat, distracting Alan out of his focus, letting the sounds bounce around. ¡°I do not mean to be rude, but without an expedient roof, I risk another wave of tree sap ruining the contents of my home. You understand, of course.¡± The squirrel held out its hand, which made Alan narrow his eyes.


    ¡°Tell you what.¡± Alan pulled back when the squirrel tried to swipe for the bark. ¡°You point me in the direction of people like me ¨C a town, something ¨C and I¡¯ll give you this piece.¡± Alan waved the one covering his backside.


    ¡°Chu.¡± The squirrel rubbed its chin. ¡°Hmm. Both pieces, and you have yourself a deal.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± Alan tossed them in front of the squirrel. ¡°Greedy brat.¡±


    ¡°Chu. Chu!¡± The squirrel pointed, grabbed his bark slabs, and flew away. ¡°That way, dear friend of the squirrel brigade. You will find plenty of like-minded oafs if you travel on a straight course. Farewell!¡±


    A prompt suddenly overwhelmed Alan¡¯s vision:


    TRADE COMPLETE


    Title achieved: Low Merchant of Strangey Town


    Alan Right


    Title: Low Merchant of Strangey Town


    Affinity: Mercantile


    Saro: Colorless


    Abilities:


    Source Clairvoyance * (unique) ¨C Inspect the origins of any item and understand its worth.


    Final Negotiations ** (ultra unique) ¨C Alan Right retains the ability to trade anything with any entity, at any time, so long as all parties are willing.


    Alan swatted at the words to no avail, wondering how such a well-organized message was just popping up in his mind. A shiver crawled down his spine as he did his best to blink away the words.


    Abilities? Negotiations? What in the hell?


    Finally, by sheer will, the message disappeared, giving Alan a moment to take a breath.


    I need to get home. I have to find somebody and get the hell out of here. Now!


    The next thing he knew, he was meandering through a cloud of twinkling stars. It was beautiful until they became oppressive. Scrunching like angry faces and closing in, he decided to start swatting. After about twenty seconds of wading past them, he noticed a fully clothed man in loose robes spinning in circles.


    Relief rushed through Alan at the sight of someone else. Oh my god, another person. His heart raced. Adrenaline rushed through his body, making his legs tremble as walked forward. Alan didn¡¯t care that he probably looked like a weirdo. Everything was topsy-turvy weird here.


    ¡°Whooaaa. Whoooa.¡± The man moved like he didn¡¯t have control of his own legs.


    ¡°Excuse me!¡± Alan exclaimed.


    ¡°Aha!¡± The man kept spinning, arms spread out. His robes were becoming almost hypnotic. ¡°Yeeeesh?¡±


    ¡°Where the hell am I?¡±


    ¡°Why, Strangey Town, of course. Aha! Aha!¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Alan sighed. ¡°Is there any way out of here? How do I wake up?¡± It was hard to keep focus on the guy from all the spinning. ¡°And is there any reason why you¡¯re making yourself dizzy?¡±


    ¡°Seventeen more. Please hold, young man. Sixteen¡­ Patience.¡±


    Alan did another quick survey to make sure the screaming Archer wasn¡¯t hiding somewhere in a nearby bush. Then he inched away. The shrubberies just to his left were literally salsaing in place.


    ¡°Five¡­ four¡­¡± At one, the man finally stopped. ¡°There we go.¡± He sighed, smiled at Alan, and immediately vomited all over his robes.


    Alan took a step back.


    ¡°Ahhhrh!¡± The man yelled at his clothes. ¡°Dammit. Hold please.¡± He shut his eyes and hummed, tapping his fingers around in the air. He started to glow a vibrant white, and all at once, the man¡¯s robes were immaculately cleaned. Alan discretely pinched himself and winced¡ªpain makes you wake up, right? It didn¡¯t work. A staff dropped from thin air right into the crazed man¡¯s grasp.


    ¡°Aha! Gotcha!¡± He hugged the staff. ¡°You¡¯re back, Willypop Bunkerlilly. I was worried Mujungo would take you away forever.¡±


    Okay, Mujungo bad. Noted, Alan thought. That is a nice staff though¡­ Kinda looks like oak, maybe? Bit of cherry¡ª


    The world grew dark and the weapon more vibrant. His vision completely tunneled¡­ So much so that he worried he¡¯d go blind.


    Breathe, he told himself, instinct taking over.


    Different sections of the staff boldened in his vision. Somehow, he could sense the variant types of intertwined wood, and knew the mix had great value. It was an obscure instinct¡­ and almost identical to how he¡¯d value a trinket back in the pawn shop. Only here, it was far more potent. He didn¡¯t just know it was crafted, he could sense it was crafted. And from three separate wood-types, each from a far away region ¨C that were most certainly not oak or cherry now that he was in the zone. They were foreign to him, but that didn¡¯t change the fact he understood the weapon was rare.


    He shook himself free of the daze, refocusing on his immediate goal. Maybe after Richard drugged me for a nice laugh, I went on a mushroom-fueled road trip and slipped through the Bermuda Triangle. Alan grimaced at himself, being asleep made way more sense than that. Or something, whatever! Just need directions, retrace my steps, yeah, and go home. Simple.


    Alan went to ask the strange, spinning Wizard for directions, but stuttered. The man was cradling the staff in his arms, petting it.


    ¡°Ah¡­ Excuse me.¡± Alan poked him, jolting him out of his cuddle session. ¡°If you could just help me, please. How do I get out of ¡®Strangey Town?¡¯ I need to get home¡ªwould very much like to go home now.¡±


    The man eyed Alan curiously. His beard was a mix of black and grey, though his skin was as smooth as marble ¨C like a newborn. ¡°Get out? Why, you just got here. Nonsense, nonsense.¡± He waved the staff, which created a trail of white-colored stars.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Alan took a step back, lifting his hands defensively, worried Mr. Spins-a-lot was going to cast a spell on him.


    ¡°Relax, my boy! Nothing will befall you here. This is peaceful territory, so long as you don¡¯t piss off the gang of trees over there. Yes, that sounds about right. Well. Tootles!¡± He wiggled his nose and sprouted long whiskers that hung to the ground. Then he swam his arms toward the sky and started floating away.


    Are you kidding me?


    ¡°Dude!¡± Alan slapped his hands to his sides, at a loss.


    ¡°Oh, right. Sorry. Still a little loopy from Mujungo¡¯s stupid tasks. He¡¯s such an ass-brain, that god of ours.¡±


    ¡°God?¡± Alan furrowed his brow.


    ¡°Yes. He gave Willypop here a brand-new Saro ability ¨C Polarside. He lays the challenge, and we reap the rewards!¡±


    ¡°So¡­ All that spinning was just a wish fulfillment quest or something. Mujungo isn¡¯t actually bad?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Heavens no! He¡¯s a pea-brain for the tasks, but he comes through in the end.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Alan glanced around, as if this Mujungo might jump out and smite them because Mr. Spins-a-lot keeps dumping on his godly parade. ¡°If he¡¯s a god, maybe it¡¯s not the best idea to criticize him?¡±


    ¡°Mujungo the wicked jerk-fellow of the yucky fog. Mujungo flat-hair scum cheeks!¡± the man screeched at the sky, and to Alan¡¯s dismay, all of the clouds turned into laughing faces as they floated by. ¡°See. Ha! He likes being made fun of.¡±


    ¡°So, he¡¯s a jackass,¡± Alan tried, then shrank down when all the clouds turned into dark, angry faces.


    Thunder boomed to accentuate the god¡¯s dismay.


    ¡°That was very harsh, mister.¡± The man wagged his staff at Alan in a scolding manner.


    Alan sighed, evoking the clouds to turn back into laughing faces. They produced fingers that they pointed at him, reminding him of the Mona Lisa¡¯s eyes. Same effect.


    ¡°So, um, where can I get clothes, and¡­¡± Alan felt blood rush to his face. ¡°How can I get this caterpillar off me?¡±


    The man chuckled, covering his mouth.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You might want to get a move on, before that little guy blooms into a beautiful care-free butterfly. Then you two will be friends for quite a while.¡±


    ¡°What! Stop being so cryptic and help me!¡± Alan grabbed the man¡¯s shoulders.


    Just then, time seemed to stop, sucking away all the sound. Just when he was about to panic, another frog hopped up into his line of sight, startling Alan back a few steps. The frog splayed its long legs and arms, doing somersaults midair in slow motion like it was in zero gravity. He looked to Mr. Spins-a-lot for input on what was happening, but that guy was zeroed in so hard on the frog, Alan could only stare helplessly.


    It burped out a comic-style bubble with a reel playing inside of it.


    Alan squinted, still unable to hear anything, when the audio of the bubble came in loud and clear.


    Is that¡­ me?


    Alan saw himself decked out in a mix of Wizard robes intertwined with fancy multi-faceted armor. He wielded two glowing daggers, and a staff and bow strapped to his back peeked over his head. The video showed him wading through a copious crimson fog, slashing at foes in ostentatious fashion ¨C emitting different elements with every swing.


    Goosebumps prickled his arms at the sight. Cool.


    But, I can¡¯t move like that.


    The comic strip switched to the same epic version of himself smirking at an ethereal entity as he flipped a coin in hand. It reminded him of how he used to conduct himself in the pawn shop¡­ The instant before he knew he was about to close a good deal. Only here, the stakes were raised.


    He was in a palace of silver, bartering with a man in an exaggerated crown with points so long, they were almost taller than he was. The king held up one arm to cover some of his face and narrowed his eyes at Alan. ¡®You, sir, have a deal,¡¯ his voice echoed all around.


    They flipped their coins to one another, and the ethereal entity floated to the king. The side wall of the silver castle exploded, and a large, armored deity emerged from the smoky debris and stood behind Alan.


    An exchange just took place. But of what?


    The bubble dispersed, and just like that, time sped back up and his senses returned. The frog landed like a superhero, arm and leg jutted out in a partial squat, then it sat down, staring at them as if nothing happened.


    ¡°By the falls of Hippyan!¡± The Wizard pulled at his hair, staring at Alan like he had ten heads. He stuck out his hand, expression serious. ¡°I am Flint Degoba, and you will remember me, once you become a Herald of Ojin.¡±


    ¡°A what?¡± Alan¡¯s whole body quaked as Flint wildly shook his hand.


    ¡°Promise me, young man, that you will remember.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Yes, Flint, sure thing ¨C if you help me with my current issue.¡± Alan snatched his hand back and raised his eyebrows, glancing at the leaf clinging to his junk.


    ¡°Of course. Right this way. But first! What is your name?¡±


    ¡°Alan Right.¡±


    ¡°And your affinity in your home world?¡± Flint asked.


    ¡°Affinity? Um, I worked at a pawn shop, if that helps. Studied history before I dropped out.¡±


    ¡°Hm. A Merchant, then. Makes sense with the last bizarre image. I don¡¯t even know where in the world that was!¡± Flint started humming, swirling his staff absentmindedly and creating another trail of stars. ¡°Oh, Mujungo is going have a field day tailoring your prompts.¡±


    ¡°My what?¡±


    Come to think of it, that message I saw before¡­ it said Mercantile affinity, I think.


    ¡°No, wait, I¡¯m jumping ahead. What was that, the video we just watched?¡±


    ¡°A clairvoyant frog, obviously,¡± Flint said, getting even giddier. ¡°My, my, that was unexpected.¡±


    ¡°Was that supposed to be my future?¡±


    ¡°Quite possibly. I see it as a measure of your potential. Though one can never be certain with those zany things. However!¡± Flint spun on Alan with his finger up. ¡°Even if there¡¯s a remote possibility of you wading through the thick red fog of Saj Alta¡­ it is worth our attention.¡±


    The frog leapt toward them, performing the slowest flip imaginable in zero gravity. When it rolled forward, locking eyes with Alan again midair, it burped another comic strip. Both Alan and Flint gawked at the ominous bubble of red lightning and thunderous booms. In this reel, Alan stepped into view with dark eyes and a deep frown. Giant silhouettes marched up to his heels ¨C one overly armored entity, another creature spreading spikey wings, and a six-armed female the size of a towering tree. He looked like he was defending something evil in the backdrop¡­ Protecting some dark citadel bursting with smoke.


    Just as Alan became entranced, Flint swung his staff through the bubble, wiping it away like a smudge of dirt. The frog superhero-landed again, then it hopped off.


    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Never you mind. Just the residue of a great prophecy. A burp after a wonderful meal.¡±


    ¡°Flint. Was that vision my potential too? I looked evil!¡±


    ¡°You, evil? Hah. There are better chances of the sky falling.¡±


    The clouds suddenly appeared much bigger overhead, giving the impression of Flint¡¯s quip coming true.


    ¡°Enough. Come! This way!¡± He spun again and beckoned Alan, who pushed thoughts of deals with kings and evil Alans out of his mind and followed in hopes to replace his leafy coverings with actual clothes.


    Flint waved his staff and summoned a white carpet of cushy snow that lay suspended midair like a ramp. The noises coming out of his conjuring were bizarre ¨C like ice in a blender ¨C as more snow chaotically flew out of his staff and settled underfoot. Flint marched studiously up the ever-building ramp, Alan forced to trail behind.


    ¡°You wielded blades all containing Variant Saro.¡± Flint held his hat and peered over his shoulder, still in awe. ¡°Your weapons weren¡¯t confined to a single class. What we just witnessed, was legend. Heralds are fabled beings, Alan Right. It frightens me to say, I might be in the presence of someone worthy of godlike ascension.¡±


    ¡°Dude. All I want is to get home.¡± Alan began to shiver as the air grew thin the higher they trekked. He¡¯d be lying if the prospect of legend didn¡¯t sound appealing, but if it meant dealing with handsy caterpillars and funky gods¡­ his original goal still stood.


    It only took a minute, but they were already high in the air ¨C level with the giant trees he first bumped into. Every step counted for about one hundred, since the snow ramp shoved him sliding forward with each movement.


    ¡°Home is Strangey Town now, Alan. The sooner you embrace it¡­ the better.¡± Flint grabbed Alan by the shoulders and tossed him off the snow-carpet.


    ¡°Ahk!¡± Alan spun as he fell the first ten feet, cursing Flint, until he landed on an invisible cushion seemingly made of air.


    Flint dove to follow, only he landed on his feet. ¡°To the town square!¡± He held up his staff ¨C the top shining a shimmering white ¨C and burst into existence a set of stars that shoved them on a defined, midair path.


    Alan held his breath in a mix of fear and anger as he suffered the invisible air slide.


    More starbursts periodically sounded behind him like icicles shattering, and every time, the two of them shot forward faster.


    Alan dared to look down. Big mistake. His breath caught in his chest. They were miles high now. The treetops looked like little pieces of tied-up broccoli, and he spotted people trekking far below. He craned his head back to see Flint holding onto his hat with a crazed smile and his staff held high in the air. The caterpillar still glued to his spine clung tighter, googly eyes whipping around in the heavy wind.


    When he peered forward again, a defeated man who seemed to have given up all use of his limbs was being carried by a lustrous set of butterfly wings.


    Alan refrained from cursing Flint out for pushing him, and instead pointed to the man. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡±


    ¡°Aha!¡± Flint shouted over the wind. ¡°That¡¯s what happens if you don¡¯t find your way in Strangey Town. Mujungo really promotes getting to know one another. If you¡¯re a loner, like that guy, then you¡¯ll never figure out how to get that caterpillar off you, and eventually it¡¯ll sprout wings that have a mind of its own. He¡¯s probably sick of fighting it.¡±


    Alan gulped.


    ¡°Hold onto your nips, my boy! We¡¯re going down!¡±


    Chrshh!


    Flint¡¯s staff burst one last time, and they dove toward a cul-de-sac of white bricks and a statue of a skinny boy in a totem-style mask with bright orange feathers.


    Alan¡¯s teeth clattered as the cold wind rushing up his nose made it hard to breathe. His stomach was in his chest from the pressure, and to his dismay, his nipples really did hurt.


    Flint¡¯s excited cheers were just about the only thing that made Alan think he would survive the fall.


    He shut his eyes tight as wonky-colored huts and cave-like buildings zoomed closer into view.


    I¡¯m going to crash! Shit!


    Seconds before splattering all over the white stone and painting it red, the fall abruptly ceased, and he gradually drifted down, landing gingerly.


    Okay¡­ guess not.


    It was cold under his bare feet, and already he felt infinitely more embarrassed to be nearly naked. Wide, oversized eyes blinked from high windows around the town square. Flint seemed happy to see them.


    ¡°Did you enjoy your first slipstream? Hah. Mujungo loves fast travel. He throws us some good bones. They can be mighty tricky to create for the uninitiated.¡±


    ¡°It would¡¯ve been better if you warned me first.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, where¡¯s the fun in that?¡± Flint dropped a hand on his shoulder.


    Alan grunted, holding back his annoyance. ¡°How did you even know it was there? No, wait, better yet, how the hell did you control the wind like that?¡±


    ¡°Practice, my boy! My White Saro interacts splendidly with the environment. It took me eons to control. Eons, I tell you.¡±


    I hope he¡¯s kidding. I don¡¯t want to be stuck here forever.


    ¡°Is Saro like, magic? You mentioned it before. When, uhh, Willypop gained a new ability or something.¡±


    ¡°Mm. A curious contender spawns this day. He is wise, and new, and teeming with potential. Yes! Saro is the force emitted from our bodies, produced from our Origin Worlds and transmitted here, through us. Each color has tendencies that are hard to learn and even harder to master.¡± Flint leaned toward Alan and put his hand up, as if telling a secret. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing I was a mage in my past life. Thanks to that, I can mold my Saro like clay!¡±


    Flint clawed his free hand a foot away from his staff, evoking some white essence, and then formed it into a snowy-looking lightning bolt that he hurled at the sky. It cracked then puffed in all directions, creating a dome of snowfall, and every cloud above turned into shocked faces.


    He just altered the weather on a whim. He¡¯s insanely powerful. Is everyone here like this?


    Flint flapped his robes which suddenly grew ten times in size, lifting him high into the air.


    ¡°Flint! Cut it out! I need clothes!¡± Alan shouted up to him.


    ¡°Calling all folk of Strangey Town!¡± Flint held up his staff, his voice projecting out of it like a megaphone. ¡°I ask you all to gather around the square for an announcement! Wizards, Bladesmen, Knights, Hunters, and Dreamers! Come out! Healers, Merchants, Singers, and Explorers! I call on you all! Even the Stalkers of the caves! Come one, come all!¡±


    ¡°Mew!¡± the caterpillar meowed, and Alan felt the vibrations through his bones.


    ¡°Flint! I swear! Get this caterpillar off of me now or the deal¡¯s off!¡±


    Flint glanced down at Alan and swirled his staff toward him, creating a white silken cloak that draped itself around him. ¡°I promise, after these words, my boy. Hang tight. This is extremely important.¡±


    Alan gripped the cloak around him as all walks of life began to exit the buildings. One man in a tall hat violently pushed open saloon-style doors and strutted forward ¨C oversized blades hanging from his belt dragging across the stone road. A fat woman with pigtails and a big red nose came sauntering out of a shop holding a dreamcatcher. Once the crowd became too big, everything became a blur.


    ¡°Folks!¡± Flint spread his arms and commanded his robes to lower him back down to Alan¡¯s level. ¡°We no longer have to fear the dreaded void eating our beautiful town. No more monsters stampeding to cave us in. There is one among us that may combat the unknown depths of Saj Alta¡­ of Exou¡­ of Covowel. And I¡­ have found him.¡± He presented Alan to the sea of skeptical faces.


    Of course they¡¯re skeptical¡­ I¡¯m naked under this weird cloak, and they all know it. Even I¡¯m skeptical. Everything since coming to this world has been bananas, and now a frog is claiming I¡¯m some sort of hero? Ridiculous. Insane.


    Glancing up at the clouds, they grinned at him. He suspected insanity was something he¡¯d need to get used to.


    He huffed to himself. The frog also showed me defending something clearly awful. I need to get out of here before I¡¯m corrupted.


    ¡°What¡¯s your basis, Wizard?¡± A powerful-looking man with a sleek bow and glowing arrows held his belt.


    Alan focused on the weapon, causing his vision to tunnel like it did when he eyed Flint¡¯s staff. He witnessed the origin of a strange green creature painting the wood of the bow among an armory full of the same replicas¡­ all while the creature analyzed the real bow encased in glass. Alan could see the value difference immediately. The creature was creating counterfeits!


    Alan shook free of the vision. It felt like ten minutes went by, but as soon as he returned, he knew it was only a heartbeat.


    ¡°One of our frogs showed it to me,¡± Flint called back, and everyone groaned.


    Then chatter broke out, making Alan question Flint¡¯s clout.


    ¡°Silence!¡± Flint exploded the tip of his staff, turning his light snowfall into a whirlwind on the outskirts of the town square. He gained everyone¡¯s attention, including Alan¡¯s. ¡°Answer me this, Liustad. If there¡¯s even a chance that we have a warrior who can wade through the red fog, is it not worth putting our efforts into getting him there?¡±


    ¡°I think Willypop popped too close to your head again, Flint,¡± Liustad said, and some of the other townsfolk began to chuckle. ¡°With every great frog prophecy, there is an equally terrible one. We best ignore them entirely and stop wasting our time.¡±


    ¡°You are being stubborn for the sake of it. Do you deny the threat?¡±


    ¡°I do not. But I deny prophecies when we, ourselves, could be using the time to gain strength. You break us from a meeting for a ruse!¡±


    ¡°It is no ruse. It is potential!¡± Flint held up a strong fist.


    ¡°Oh yeah? What says the wondrous hero?¡± Liustad turned his attention to Alan.


    Alan thought hard about what to say. On the one hand, he didn¡¯t want to make enemies out of a powerful Archer on his first day. On the other, this dude was being a real dick.


    His eyes were drawn to the man¡¯s bow once more, that same strange sensation coming over him. A moment of hesitation quieted the crowd as they awaited his first words. Even though he hated it here, somewhere deep down, a part of him wanted Flint to be right. He is someone important. It¡¯d be a far cry from his home life. Maybe this was a chance to start over and prove his worth ¨C establish himself as a worthy figure of the community. At home, when he¡¯d spot a forgery, he knew he was protecting the shop by sending the seller away. Here¡­ he¡¯d be protecting a whole town ¨C horrible as the place may be.


    He decided to take a gamble.


    ¡°I say your bow is fake,¡± Alan said calmly, prompting a row of gasps.


    ¡°What did you just say to me?¡± Liustad balled his fists, and Alan really hoped Flint was serious when he said Strangey Town was mostly peaceful.


    Flint looked over at Alan, and Alan shrugged. ¡°Wisterbeard. Armorer of great renown, are you among us?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡± A large fellow with a bushy beard wearing overalls made of metal stepped in front of the crowd.


    ¡°Test Alan¡¯s claim, if you please.¡± Flint narrowed his eyes at Liustad, likely making sure he didn¡¯t pull a fast one.


    ¡°Aye.¡± Wisterbeard stomped over to the Archer and held out his hand. ¡°Don¡¯t be frightened. A true Hail Whistler Bow would never crack under my hammer.¡±


    With a furrowed brow, Liustad handed it over. Alan¡¯s heart raced. He suddenly doubted himself and this strange power he was entrusting his fate to. The big man took his hammer from his belt, its face marked with runes like something a Viking might carry.


    Bang! One slam of Wisterbeard¡¯s hammer shattered the bow into several pieces, and the entire crowd broke out into chatter.


    ¡°Seems your days of chasing empty clout are over, Liustad,¡± Flint¡¯s voice amplified through his staff. ¡°And my days of prophesizing have just begun.¡±


    The town grew chaotic. Some cheered, some threw fruits at the Archer, and some stared at Flint as he rose high on his robes again.


    Alan was still annoyed by the itch on his back and was about to try ripping the caterpillar off again when his focus was pulled intensely inward into his mind¡­ to a message.


    The Eye of Mujungo centers upon you.


    He laughs at your discomfort and smiles at your awe.


    Welcome to Strangey Town. Prove your worth by swallowing a mound of dirt from the Black Sand and spitting it all over your face like a fountain. Twenty times should do.


    0/20 Targeted Humiliations


    Appease Mujungo and earn your first weapon.


    Alan blinked several times, the town still going mad. What¡¯s worse, the Archer¡¯s attention was honed only on him.


    ¡°A scout!¡± Liustad pointed at Alan, his voice booming over the noise. ¡°He must be! From a rival god ¨C Lunest or Asa! Dorro! No one new has that kind of foresight. Who sent you?¡±


    Alan waved his hands as more eyes clung to him. ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mujungo will reward us for eradicating a spy. Slay him!¡±


    Alan¡¯s neck muscles tensed. Any number of projectiles or spells could be flung his way at any second.


    I can¡¯t die again. Not again. He remembered the intense pain, and couldn¡¯t fathom what a second reincarnation would look like.


    ¡°Fool!¡± Flint boomed. ¡°Mujungo bestowed these gifts!¡±


    ¡°You defend him because you are blind to subterfuge!¡± Liustad held out his arm and a white, deeply curved bow materialized into his grasp. He nocked a magically-charged arrow.


    Fssh!


    Flint waved his staff, creating a concaved half-moon ice barrier around Alan that blocked him off from the angry mob. Their faces distorted in the crystalline shield as everyone shouted their opinions. A flurry of arrows ricocheted off the ice.


    Alan sighed, feeling more lost than before.


    Uh oh!


    He put up his fists when a man with long droopy curls and a sunken face skulked around the icy barrier. One of Liustad¡¯s assassins set to kill him.


    Leather armor was draped over his arms and shoulders, but his six-pack abs were distractingly out in the open. Although his appearance was threatening, his stance was anything but.


    He rounded past the horizontal icicles and leaned against them.


    ¡°You seem like a man who wants out of here.¡±


    Alan¡¯s fists loosened, his eyes widening with promise. He looked up at an occupied Flint, then back to the man, and nodded.


    ¡°Good. Follow me.¡±

 Chapter 2 - A Shadowy Bunch

    Commotion picked up all around Alan. The town square was alive with controversy from Flint¡¯s claims and Liustad¡¯s response. Whatever care Alan had for being a good citizen fled with the arrows crashing into the Wizard¡¯s ice barrier.


    That Archer was about to kill me if he hadn¡¯t intervened. Flint¡­ Poor guy thinks I¡¯m to be a legend. A Herald of Ojin, or something. That sounds like a large investment in a place I don¡¯t want to be.


    You hitched your wagon to the wrong horse, friend. He glanced up at Flint, who was balancing on his oversized robes above the crowd.


    Without an ounce of calm since arriving in Strangey Town, Alan saw no better option than to follow the seemingly sane man skulking toward one of the buildings like a shadowy Tarzan. He waited until a group of mages started pumping angry, elemental-charged fists at Flint. The noise provided a perfect opportunity to slip away. So he did.


    ¡°Follow closely.¡± The shadowy man snuck around the outskirts of the crowd. ¡°I will hide you.¡±


    Alan shielded his eyes when the man snapped his fingers, and a flash fire exploded a wooden carriage in the opposite direction they were headed. A diversion.


    Alan smiled at the display. Another powerful magic wielder was trying to protect him. Not to mention, he seemed to be the only other person not vested in the town¡¯s chaos. It gave him hope.


    Maybe I can get out of here.


    He did have second thoughts however, when realizing the structure he was being led to was one of the few ominous caves scrunched between two normal-ish buildings in the town square. Of course it couldn¡¯t be one of the nice, medieval-looking clay houses. That would be too easy. It had to be the one where anyone could stab him from the shadows as soon as he entered.


    The man stepped through the entrance first, and to Alan¡¯s dismay, the cave wasn¡¯t only dark, it was covered with a shadowy film that briefly stuck to the man he was following before it swallowed him whole.


    Umm. Alan peered back to a group of Wizards angrily holding up their staffs, then to Wisterbeard ¨C the armorer ¨C brandishing the splinters of Liustad¡¯s counterfeit bow.


    I did that. I created this madness, he thought, when a hand yanked him into the shadowy film.


    He tried to shout, but received a mouthful of black sludge that poked around his gums like an overly sticky candy. His eyes were being tugged on by hungry, slimy hands, and his hair felt like it¡¯d soon be ripped off.


    Then in an instant, the film let go and spat him forward.


    Alan grasped his throat to make sure he was no longer being strangled, coughing from the lingering tickle, and stared at his surroundings with wide eyes.


    ¡°Whoa, what the heck was that?¡±


    ¡°Protection. We of Orange don¡¯t let just anyone in,¡± the man growled over his shoulder.


    People similar to the hunched man leading him were busying around a large open space. From the outside, there was no way the cave could be this big, or this clean. The walls emitted a faint orange glow that kept the space lit like a hearth. To his left was a bar where patrons sat, grunting and chatting with one another over some drinks. To his right were people sitting and eating on the floor around a campfire, and others sparring close by within a ring of sticks.


    It was grungy, sure. But it felt more real than the outside did. Could this be a haven from the madness of Strangey Town?


    The man leading him stopped and turned to face him.


    Alan exhaled with relief. ¡°Finally, a place where everyone hasn¡¯t lost their minds.¡±


    ¡°Raah!¡± A man charged at the cave wall and began stabbing it. He bit the wall, spat at it, and started stabbing some more.


    ¡°Oh, dammit,¡± Alan sighed.


    Shadowy Tarzan narrowed his eyes at Alan while presenting the crazed man. ¡°Mujungo makes us this way.¡±


    ¡°Is he¡­ performing one of his weird tasks? I got one about spitting sand¡­¡± Alan asked, unable to look away from the insanity, even though no one else seemed to care.


    ¡°No. That man is in a duel, and he¡¯s currently being haunted by a Doomsayer ¨C a class with no shortage of horrible curses. Pay him no mind.¡±


    ¡°I have so many questions¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll bet you do.¡±


    They both sat beside a bundle of grey, ashy sticks.


    The man placed his hand over them, and a small campfire swirled to life under his palm, making Alan tense. Everyone he encountered seemed to have that magic Flint described.


    ¡°Saro?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Orange, yes. We all contribute a bit of ours to keep the walls lit. It¡¯s negligible. I can barely even feel it syphoning out of me, yet the benefit is great.¡± He raised the flame higher, the orange and yellow tongues twisting until they morphed into an impression of galloping horses.


    Alan leaned closer, the visual rather breathtaking.


    ¡°I was an artist in my home world¡­ I miss my family greatly,¡± the man said, locking eyes with Alan. ¡°You have that same look about you.¡±


    Alan twisted his lips. ¡°So this is real? I¡¯m not on some terrible drug trip?¡±


    ¡°Afraid not. But that doesn¡¯t mean we all accept our fate. I¡¯m Lucius Kiar.¡±


    ¡°Alan Right.¡±


    ¡°It is a pleasure, Alan.¡±


    He shook Lucius¡¯s hand, feeling he found a sane mind amidst an asylum. Maybe he could finally get this caterpillar off him. He just needed to find the right time to ask. ¡°If we¡¯re trying to leave, isn¡¯t that against Mujungo¡¯s wishes? Won¡¯t we be struck down or something? I mean, if this is what we wake up to when we die¡­ I don¡¯t want to know what¡¯s next.¡±


    ¡°Fear leads to what you witnessed outside. Leave it there.¡±


    ¡°And Mujungo?¡±


    Lucius smiled angrily. ¡°He is a strange god.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯ve been told.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t really respond negatively to criticism or hate. And he laughs often, as if he knows how dark it could get out there¡­ As if he¡¯s sure we¡¯ll come crawling back.¡±


    Now they were getting somewhere! Lore. ¡°Out where?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°The Realm of Ojin.¡±


    Alan took a long breath. ¡°Flint believes I will be a ¡®Herald¡¯ of that place.¡±


    Lucius scoffed. ¡°Flint says a lot of things.¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t fond of him?¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡± He shooed the fire as if he were mad at it. ¡°That old Wizard is a product of Mujungo. An example of what happens if you reside here too long. Your surroundings become your new world, if you¡¯re not careful, Alan Right. I hold onto the threads of sanity by anchoring my goal in place. I will get home, to the one I left behind.¡±


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    A twinge grasped Alan¡¯s heart. The pain in Lucius¡¯ eyes made him think of his sister and mother, and even his recent ex-girlfriend. His old life might¡¯ve been in shambles, but there was still goodness in it.


    ¡°Are you from Earth?¡± Alan asked, and Lucius¡¯ orange eyes swirled like rings of flame.


    ¡°No. I am from Cerrain. Though, from what I have heard from others, it is like Earth.¡±


    There¡¯s more of us. That¡¯s a relief.


    ¡°So this is where we go after we die, even those from other worlds,¡± Alan said in wonder.


    ¡°There are many theories. Stone Chasers of Ojin believe the engraved scriptures they find tell truths about our Origins.¡±


    ¡°What do they say?¡±


    ¡°In so many words? That our Origin Worlds are made from the interlocking realms ¨C Strangey Town included. This place sneezes, and somewhere in another universe, those remnants cool into worlds more orderly than what we experience here. Then, in a cruel twist of fate, we wind up in this madness afterward.¡±


    Alan looked away to a man screaming as he climbed the cave wall with two swords ¨C chasing a shadowy face slithering up it.


    ¡°This place¡­ is the edge of creation. Chaos.¡± Lucius followed Alan¡¯s gaze to the same event. ¡°And I must get back to order.¡±


    ¡°But we have powers here.¡± Alan played devil¡¯s advocate. ¡°Or at least you do.¡±


    ¡°I would trade all of it for a breath of sanity, which brings me to my ultimate question. Would you?¡±


    Alan thought back to the sentient dreadlock trees, and touchy grass, and taunting clouds. This place was far more horrifying than it was mystical. ¡°Yes. I want out, Lucius. I want my family back. My home. If you have a plan to do that, then I¡¯m with you.¡±


    He narrowed his eyes. ¡°Good.¡± He dipped his finger into the flame and pulled out an ember dancing on his skin. With a wave of his hand, he placed the tiny flame on the ground between them and willed a maze of fire to life.


    Alan tilted his head. It resembled a map of sorts.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been chasing the Pegs of Fate ever since I arrived. Items that, when worn together, allow the wearer passage to their Origin World in the vessel they live in here.¡± Small spheres brightened within the map. ¡°They are scattered in all parts of Ojin ¨C from the harmless light-grey fog to the deep reds. It is said that when these pieces are harnessed, a bridge portal the likes of which have never been fathomed, can stretch across the universe and reach our homes.¡±


    Alan felt a weight lift off his chest at Lucius¡¯ words. They ignited a promise of hope, a solid direction, a real goal he could sink his teeth into ¨C so he could go home. ¡°I¡¯m willing to do my part.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. It will not be so easy, Alan. You will be tested beyond your limits, in ways you never imagined in your first life.¡±


    Alan clenched his jaw. ¡°What other choice do I have? I¡¯m already an enemy to this town.¡±


    ¡°Not the whole town,¡± Lucius corrected.


    ¡°No. That¡¯s true. I¡¯m grateful for you and Flint.¡±


    Lucius dissolved the fiery map. ¡°You are right though. We must get you out of here, Alan. Fast. Ojin will be a good escape until Liustad¡¯s anger dies down.¡±


    Alan looked over his shoulder, which made Lucius cackle.


    ¡°You are safe here. He wouldn¡¯t dare disturb a Stalker¡¯s cove.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Alan pretended to understand. ¡°So, this Ojin. What is it, exactly?¡±


    ¡°A realm of realms. Owned by no god, yet sought by all. A realm that makes warriors, and simultaneously breaks them. Once you get there, Alan, you will understand what it means to experience fear, and all the spoils of overcoming it.¡±


    ¡°Uhh, this place did that job just fine.¡±


    ¡°No. It is not the same. Here, there is a sense of protection, albeit with a zany overbearing environment to manage. There, you must face foes to gain Titles, to become stronger, to unlock the Fog of War so you can one day explore the darkest corners of Ojin and become a powerful warrior¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want any of that, Lucius. I just want to go home to my family, and to show the woman who betrayed me that I¡¯m not a useless pile of bricks.¡±


    ¡°Home is not found by pressing a button, Alan. It will take time. By then, you won¡¯t have to try very hard to prove that woman your worth.¡±


    Just then, Alan focused on Lucius¡¯ armor and began to fall into a trance. He envisioned swamps of black, sticky liquid disturbed by giant tentacles swinging horizontally from upside-down trees. The appendages spewed gas, and Alan could almost smell its putrid stench. Like rotten eggs. Things got weirder from there. Sirens ¨C mermaid-like creatures with wide toothy smiles ¨C sprung up from the swamp and backstroked through the water, bathing in the gas like they were being showered in gold. As soon as the mist touched them, they turned to statues and broke, somehow maintaining buoyance while floating toward the edges.


    Alan snapped back, understanding something about Lucius¡¯ pauldrons and¡­ sideburns? They were alive, crafted by the same odd stone drifting to the ends of the swamp he envisioned.


    ¡°Where did you go just now?¡± Lucius parted the flame to the shape of a twirled mustache, framing Alan.


    ¡°I¡ª¡±


    ¡°It was the same as when you called out that Archer,¡± Lucius said. ¡°Like you awoke from a dream.¡±


    ¡°Your armor¡­¡± Alan sensed it wriggling in place. He inched back when it dripped down Lucius¡¯ bare abs, molding into a skin-tight black suit that thickened as it cooled ¨C like lava.


    ¡°What about it?¡± Lucius tilted his head. His sideburns formed over his face to resemble a ninja¡¯s mask, and his eyes glowed even more orange when the armor locked in place, leaving a breathy smoke in its wake.


    ¡°It¡¯s alive.¡±


    ¡°Perceptive. That, it is.¡± Lucius smirked, and retracted the armor like rain rushing up glass.


    Hesitation came over Alan. He wondered whether something living like that could somehow influence the wearer. In fact, he understood his worry stemmed from the same instincts that told him the origins of the armor.


    For now, Alan kept that part to himself.


    ¡°Merchants aren¡¯t normally able to tell that on a whim. And you¡­ just got here.¡± Lucius lifted his chin, judging him.


    Alan shrugged. ¡°Your guess is as good as mine.¡±


    ¡°Hm. Perhaps what Flint saw¡­¡±


    Alan shook his head, then squirmed when the caterpillar stabbed his back. ¡°Shit! Can you do something about this? Please?¡± He flung off Flint¡¯s white cloak to reveal the caterpillar.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Lucius dug into his bag ¨C which magically appeared. Alan noticed an endless amount of perfectly organized items when Lucius opened it. He dug out a chrome-colored potion contained in a clear vial, and tossed it to him. ¡°Drink it.¡±


    Alan wanted more than anything to be free of the caterpillar, and the cement leaf on his junk. He popped the cork, and just as he was about to chug it, he stopped.


    ¡°Don¡¯t trust me?¡± Lucius arced an eyebrow.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Then?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like to be indebted to others. Let me trade you something in return.¡±


    Lucius laughed. ¡°You have nothing that I could possibly want.¡±


    Alan glanced at his cloak. He entered a split-second trance and realized what it was he¡¯d been given. He tugged at it. ¡°How about this?¡±


    Lucius snorted again. ¡°That? It is a mere Wizard¡¯s conjuring that will fade in a night. I have no use for¡ª¡±


    ¡°This can be broken down into White Saro essence, which I understand is a big part of enchantments.¡± He knew the white essence was more valuable than the vial, but in reality, it wasn¡¯t. Because if he was to wind up like that sad, floating sack of a man he witnessed on the slipstream, he would be in hell.


    More so, he didn¡¯t apply the same indebtedness logic to Flint, because he felt he didn¡¯t owe Flint anything. They were even steven after he paraded Alan into town and turned all unwanted eyes on him.


    ¡°Very well. But only if you add these to the deal.¡± Lucius tossed him cloth rags that resembled a commoner¡¯s uniform from medieval times. ¡°I don¡¯t need to know you that well once you chug that potion.¡±


    Alan stood with a smile, elated to soon be rid of the haunting things attached to him. People sitting nearby eyed him with disdain, but Lucius hissed at them to mind their business.


    ¡°You let in an outsider.¡± A woman bared her fangs at Lucius.


    ¡°And you suckle at our hard earned Saro without putting in any of your own. Silence, Rita,¡± he hissed again. ¡°Mind yourself.¡± He then nodded for Alan to proceed.


    Alan pulled on the rags and folded the cloak neatly for Lucius to receive.


    ¡°So formal.¡± Lucius grinned as he yanked the cloak and unsummoned it into a white circular mist that tethered to his hand. He stuffed it into his bag and folded his arms. ¡°Well?¡±


    Alan took a deep breath, ignoring the prompt in his vision:


    Mujungo wants to tickle you all over for making your first trade with a citizen of Strangey Town!


    Come outside so he can have a go.


    Title: Low Merchant of Strangey Town


    Steps taken to unlock next Title:


    1/3


    He gulped the potion down, shivering not only from the cool sensation, but what the god wanted to do to him just for playing fair with his new acquaintance.


    Clunk. The heavy leaf smashed against the floor and the caterpillar mewed in dismay as it unstitched from his body one leg at a time.


    The woman scoffed at the disgusting items now on the floor. Lucius ignited laces of fire that crisscrossed through his shadowy armguard and burst out of it like tongues of flame from hell. Both items were incinerated in a flash, and the fire smothered with a snap of Lucius¡¯ fingers.


    Damn, that¡¯s cool. Alan gaped at the cinder. I wonder if I can learn to do that.


    After a moment of awe, a sigh of relief escaped him. I¡¯m free. He flexed his back to the painful sensation of raw skin rapidly healing, then looked down to the caterpillar corpse.


    ¡°What would¡¯ve happened if you didn¡¯t kill it?¡± he asked.


    Lucius scoffed. ¡°Same thing that happens to all parasitic life created by Mujungo, it would find someone else to drain.¡±


    Alan was about to ask a clarifying question about this ¡®draining.¡¯ Just what the heck had that thing been doing to him! But Lucius rose with his finger raised.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough questions for now, Alan. You are free from affliction. Now begins your first step toward true catharsis. We have to sneak you out of the town square and toward Ojin. To do so, you must first complete Mujungo¡¯s quest.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ isn¡¯t that counterintuitive? How is that a step toward home?¡±


    ¡°We all must play if we are to find our way out of the maze, Alan Right. Liustad will be after you. So first things first, you must obtain a weapon to defend yourself. Come, I will lead you to strength.¡±

 Chapter 3 - Get to the Portal!

    Lucius stopped at the end of the Orange Saro cave and twisted his hand, causing the black film protecting the exit to swirl open.


    Alan peeked through to see the townsfolk still rowdy from Flint¡¯s accusations, half of which probably wanted to kill him because they think he¡¯s a rival god¡¯s scout. He wondered if Mujungo enjoyed this kind of chaos.


    ¡°Can they see inside?¡± Alan asked, steeling himself for another attack.


    ¡°No, only we can see them.¡±


    ¡°Like a one-way mirror.¡± Alan smirked. ¡°We had one of those at the shop.¡±


    Lucius peered over his shoulder, long jaw clenched, letting the film swirl closed. ¡°Are you ready to perform your humiliations?¡±


    ¡°If it will get me one foot out of this place, yes.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit.¡± Lucius pulled two black essences from his bag ¨C resembling small dull stars tethered to his palm ¨C and compressed them in his hands. ¡°This will feel¡­ different,¡± he said, then tossed a net of black light over Alan.


    His vision went greyscale, and when he tried to scream, his voice was smothered to a breathless croak. It felt like thousands of tiny needles pricked his skin at once. Then in an instant, the pain vanished.


    ¡°Relax, friend. I am simply shrouding you so we can escape the crowd undetected.¡± Lucius appeared fully armored, though his shape had become less definite ¨C like a shade. His eyes were now pupil-less and his whispery voice echoed far. ¡°Follow me.¡± He rushed beyond the black film of the exit, and Alan tentatively followed.


    To his surprise, the cave film didn¡¯t try to swallow him, but rather let him through. It made him wonder if the shroud was the same essence as the door.


    Alan stepped foot outside again, this time fully clothed and gratefully without a caterpillar gnawing at his back. He eyed the powerful warriors shouting theories about how to conquer their imminent threats. Apparently the town would soon be under siege¡­ and not for the first time.


    ¡°A bridge portal from Yasuva or Jaeger spells the end of our town!¡± A woman with a samurai ponytail jabbed her blades into the ground to accentuate her point. ¡°Soon, the nightmare of our clairvoyant frogs will ring true ¨C a hoard of blue-fog monsters will stampede to crush everything we¡¯ve come to love!¡±


    Alan gritted his teeth at that. As if Strangey Town wasn¡¯t bad enough. The last thing he needed was for it to become a hostile bloodbath.


    Flint was high above them in his oversized robes ¨C near a strange statue of a boy wearing a feathered headdress ¨C face-to-face with a pale-white man floating midair.


    Then there was Liustad across the way ¨C the Archer Alan called out in front of the entire square. He and his entourage still fumed while stepping over splinters of his shattered counterfeit bow. Was he searching for Alan?


    Although Alan wanted to remain as a fly on the wall to better understand the town¡¯s problems, the prospect of being impaled by arrows was all the more reason to keep moving.


    ¡°Hurry. This shroud is timed,¡± Lucius¡¯ voice carried, and Alan glimpsed his shadowy form disappear outside the cul-de-sac.


    Alan grimaced and rushed to follow. The twinkling eye-level stars he evaded when he first awakened in the reggae forest were terrifying in greyscale. They had faces. Of course, they had faces¡ªangry ones. And they spun in place while staring directly at him. When he got too close, a mouth opened and a long finger sprung out to try and poke him.


    Fucking, Mujungo, Alan scoffed to himself as he sprinted.


    As soon as he made the turn, Lucius snapped his fingers and removed the shroud. The colors of Strangey Town popping back into place made Alan squint until his eyes adjusted.


    ¡°What is your task?¡±


    Alan shut his eyes and willed the message up in his mind. ¡°I have to find the Black Sand.¡±


    ¡°Dammit. That¡¯s hideaway sand.¡± Lucius shook his head.


    ¡°Hard to find?¡±


    ¡°No, hard to grasp. Come.¡±


    They ran outside of the white-stone streets and onto white sand that stung Alan¡¯s skin like salt. He looked back at the town square he hardly had a chance to take in. It was tucked between two low mountains with a lake on its horizon. If everything surrounding it wasn¡¯t out of a crazy circus, it might¡¯ve been peaceful¡­ Something worth fighting for, like that samurai woman said.


    He digressed when the clouds above contorted into bloated-cheeked whistling faces. The bongo mountains in the distance also picked up a beat.


    The path ahead was full of fish-heads permanently swimming upward in place, sticking out of the salt as if trying to escape. The scary part was, their bodies were human except for the endless gills flapping in the wind.


    ¡°Uh, Lucius?¡±


    ¡°Follow my lead exactly. We have to get far away before one of Liustad¡¯s hunters finds your scent.¡± He charged one of the fish-headed men and leapt just before he would¡¯ve crashed straight into it. He grabbed onto air like it was a zipline and flipped off to keep running ¨C salt kicking up everywhere.


    Alan¡¯s heart pumped hard. If he slowed down, he¡¯d lose all momentum, and if he missed the slipstream, he¡¯d probably get eaten.


    As he approached the fish-head, he leapt high. For an instant, he saw the pole of fast-moving air and grasped on with both hands. He did a split to avoid the fish¡¯s big bubbly lips, and let go to awkwardly crash into the sand.


    Lucius was so far ahead now it seemed hopeless.


    Damn¡­ Alan got up and dusted himself, refusing to give up.


    The next few hops came easier, and he held on until the end of each slipstream to cover more ground. His knees hurt after every fall, but it was okay, he was making progress. What¡¯s better, each step meant more distance between him and the Archer trying to kill him.


    Lucius awaited him on the other side of a hard line that separated the bright salt and a field of black sand.


    Alan snaked himself off the last slipstream, landing mere feet away from Lucius.


    ¡°Not bad.¡± He folded his arms. ¡°You¡¯re starting to adapt.¡±


    ¡°Yes, wonderful,¡± Alan said sarcastically. ¡°Are we far enough away now?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope.¡±


    As soon as Alan crossed over the line, he instantly felt lighter, like he was in zero gravity. He flailed as his feet lifted slightly from the ground.


    Lucius smirked, eyes following him.


    ¡°Help!¡±


    ¡°This section of Strangey Town is known as the Essence of Mujungo. So long as you¡¯re not interacting with another citizen, you can simply will your desires into existence. Many citizens use it to test their Saro connection. The closer you are linked to your affinity, the easier time you have here. Let¡¯s start with basics. Envision stones at the bottom of your feet.¡±


    Alan furrowed his brow, and focused on how light his body had become ¨C like a balloon that could float on forever. The thought terrified him. As soon as he imagined thick chain links tied around his ankles, a tingling sensation tickled the back of his head.


    He opened his eyes again to see himself still floating upward.


    Shit.


    A stroke of panic took over, then flailing.


    ¡°You must be calm when things don¡¯t go your way, Alan.¡± Lucius now had to tilt his head back to look up at him.


    Alan gritted his teeth and shut his eyes, trying harder to activate whatever was inside him.


    The tingling grew more intense, spreading from his head and down his neck like a clawing talon. But as soon as high altitude wind smacked him, he panicked again.


    C¡¯mon, Alan. All you have to do is think. That¡¯s not so hard.


    An image of his ex-girlfriend leaving his apartment with her suitcases packed stirred something visceral inside him. She thought him a deadbeat who wanted nothing more than to sell weird things for little commission for the rest of his life.


    She believed he¡¯d passed up all the opportunities that came his way.


    His family thought the same¡­ Wanting him to step up and get a career.


    ¡°You¡¯re too smart to do nothing, Alan,¡± Trish would always say.


    Alan never felt he was wasting his time. There was nothing wrong with caring for a shop. And he was good at what he did. He was meant for it.


    Maybe because he was always destined to be a Merchant here¡­


    No. You have to get home.


    The wind slapped his face harshly as he gained altitude. If he let this get out of hand, he would die a second time. And being in this place guaranteed it would be in the weirdest way possible.


    You¡¯re a thousand pounds, Alan. You¡¯re a thousand goddamn pounds!


    The feeling of falling took hold. His stomach lifted into his chest, air rushing into his nose.


    Boom!


    He crashed so hard into the sand his body was half submerged.


    Dammit.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    He patted himself to make sure he was still intact. Sick of all the games and frustrated with his own thoughts, Alan refocused on the task at hand: his stupid quest of making a mouth-made sand fountain. Opening his mouth wide, he bit down on a mound. Only for the morsels to rush away from him, laughing like little kids with a toy he couldn¡¯t have.


    ¡°What the hell, Lucius!¡±


    ¡°Told you it was hard to grasp.¡± He shrugged.


    Alan huffed, then shut his eyes. He was beginning to understand what made his body tingle. It was the magical affinity of Saro everyone here possessed. Flint explained it was a force emitted from their bodies, generated from their Origin Worlds. Alan surmised the stronger the connection to his past life, the more potent the effects would be here.


    He recalled pain from failing out of college for refusal to show up¡­ his mother¡¯s disappointment. The joys of making a big sale at the shop, purchases he grabbed at a steal. It bloomed the Saro connection Lucius was on about, and when it hit the pinnacle of sensation inside him, Alan envisioned his mouth as a vacuum. When he opened his eyes, he heard the same kids screaming as morsels failingly tried to get away from him. Before he knew it, his mouth was stuffed with jittery sand. He cocked his head up and spit it out all over his face like a fountain.


    Mujungo enjoyed watching you almost get sucked on by fish-heads.


    He especially likes that you¡¯re playing along.


    Teeheehee.


    1/20 Targeted Humiliations ¨C Living Fountain


    Alan crawled out of the pit and spat out the last of the sand. ¡°There, I did it.¡±


    The Stalker nodded. ¡°Your connections are deeply engrained. I knew my feeling was right about you. We will journey to our homes together, Alan Right. But first¡­ your humiliations.¡±


    Alan scoffed. ¡°I seriously have to do that nineteen more times?¡± He stared blankly at Lucius. ¡°You mind turning around? This is mortifying.¡±


    ¡°We all start here naked and afraid. It is humbling, in a sense,¡± Lucius replied.


    That made Alan suspicious. ¡°You sound like Flint¡­ Going along with our crazed god.¡± He looked up to the clouds turning into surprised faces that spun in place.


    ¡°Nonsense. We are playthings if we want to advance in Ojin. Mujungo is the only way for us to survive.¡±


    ¡°Turn around.¡±


    ¡°It is better that I don¡¯t. Your task is to be humiliated. How better than to have audience?¡±


    Alan huffed.


    ¡°Your standings with Mujungo will increase this way, and your initial weapon will be that much more powerful,¡± Lucius assured.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Alan imagined his mouth a vacuum again, and tried to block out the idea that he was potentially eating little sand children.


    ¡°Ahh!¡± the morsels screamed, becoming muffled in his mouth.


    He spat it out like before, the screen in his mind showing he had eighteen to go.


    Lucius shook his head.


    ¡°What?¡± Alan spread his arms.


    ¡°This plane warps with your thoughts. Be creative.¡±


    ¡°Says you. You look like you never cracked a joke in your life.¡± Alan was getting annoyed, and anxious.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t my task.¡± Lucius tilted his head.


    Stubbornly, Alan vacuumed the sand again and lazily spit it overhead, only to hear the mountains in the distance ¡®boo!¡¯ at him. The clouds began conversing with one another and pointing down at Alan. The faces formed into letters ¨C ¡®boring!¡¯


    ¡°Told you,¡± Lucius said smugly. ¡°Mujungo thrives on awkwardness, not cowardice.¡±


    Alan grimaced, staring straight up at the clouds. ¡°Is this what you want?¡± he shouted, his voice echoing at all different pitches.


    On every turn, Strangey Town was mocking him.


    He scoffed and thought hard about having the mouth of a frog. He ribbited accidently and shot out a long sticky tongue straight at Lucius, who caught it in his dark glove grip.


    Orange vapor exhaled out of his armored hand as he squeezed down on Alan¡¯s tongue. ¡°Don¡¯t let the god¡¯s power control you.¡±


    ¡°Let go.¡± Alan winced, his voice muffled. As soon as he interacted with Lucius, he felt the tingling sensation nearly evaporate.


    Snap!


    The tongue rolled quickly back into his mouth and the sensation returned. ¡°You told me to be ridiculous! Ribbit!¡±


    ¡°Yes, like Mujungo. Controlled chaos,¡± Lucius said.


    Alan squared his shoulders and peered down at the taunting sand doing cartwheels to avoid his eyes.


    Controlled chaos, he considered, thinking back to when he first met Flint flailing around in circles. Mujungo liked the embellished noises ¨C like he was in a Shakespearian play performing for an audience.


    ¡°Come here, my pretty!¡± Alan proclaimed, licking his lips. His mouth opened abnormally wide and his tongue snapped a mouthful of sand. Wasting no time, he pranced while spitting the sand all over himself.


    ¡°Ah hah! Ah hah!¡± The mountains laughed in the distance, which Alan imagined as Mujungo enjoying himself.


    Alan whipped his tongue around his entire body and rolled into the dirt, envisioning himself as a slimy steamroller. When he wriggled upright, he unraveled his tongue like a tape measure, sending black sand spiraling into the air.


    The mountains cheered, shooting confetti out of their tops.


    That was¡­ kinda fun.


    Alan couldn¡¯t explain it, but he felt mentally lighter by letting loose and performing. He didn¡¯t realize how awkwardly wide his smile was until his gaze landed on Lucius once more. He forgot his friend was there for a second.


    ¡°Frightening, isn¡¯t it?¡± Lucius raised his eyebrows.


    Alan tightened his jaw, some of the elation fading.


    ¡°He allows us joy when we act like him.¡±


    ¡°I felt like a kid with no woes,¡± Alan admitted.


    ¡°It¡¯s a drug for some. And if not careful, you may one day opt to become part of Mujungo¡¯s world.¡±


    ¡°And wind up like those fish-heads?¡± Alan surmised.


    ¡°Precisely.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, no thank you.¡±


    ¡°Glad you still have your wits about you.¡± Lucius nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a good sign.¡±


    Alan was being tested on every turn. First Flint, now Lucius, and at all times¡­ Mujungo. He didn¡¯t like it one bit. In fact, he was looking forward to the dangers of Ojin, and being farther from Strangey Town¡¯s grasp. He figured he might come to regret that desire, but not yet.


    For now, he had to indulge to get something of value and ultimately defend himself, so that¡¯s what he was going to do.


    The next ten humiliations were more ridiculous than the last ¨C imagining his arms as black-sand-eating snakes, himself as a swimmer cutting through the sand with a motor on his back, his body as a sand magnet. It all worked. All of the clouds formed together overhead to make one gigantic face that watched on with hypnotically swirling eyes.


    And on the twentieth humiliation, a bell donged in his head. The Black Sand shook, all things moving except for Lucius ¨C who watched on deadpan as the world quaked.


    ¡°Are you seeing this?¡± Alan threw out his hands for balance.


    ¡°Your perception is your reality here. It doesn¡¯t always coincide with others¡¯.¡±


    Alan winced as the mountains in the distance trembled uncontrollably, and the black sand at his feet waved like water in an ocean.


    A star of dark light twinkled directly above him, and the world stopped spinning. It lowered toward Alan, who held out his hands to receive it.


    The light transformed into the shape of a dagger. It sizzled, yet felt cold. The starlight then peeled off of the weapon like melted butter, leaving cool liquid dripping between Alan¡¯s fingertips.


    He stared at the inscribed steel in awe, analyzing designs of no language he¡¯d ever known. The hilt was wrapped in dried purple gum and the blade itself seemed to be salivating from the point.


    Alan frowned at his new weapon. ¡°Seriously?¡±


    Congratulations, Alan Right!


    Mujungo wants you for his salt garden. He thinks you will make a fine fish-head.


    All you have to do is say the word.


    Teeheehehe.


    20/20 Humiliations Complete


    Dagger of Gibberish received.


    Original Saro ¨C Yellow


    +Bonus Saro ¨C Blue


    He inspected the blade with disgust, then caught himself falling into a trance.


    A weapons smith hummed as he forged the dagger, tucked away somewhere in a rustic tower. Alan noticed the sun in this vision was a pale yellow, and wondered whether the setting took place in another realm. It couldn¡¯t have been Strangey Town. The environment outside the smith¡¯s window was too calm. Unless¡­ Mujungo didn¡¯t always rule.


    Bang.


    The weapons smith smashed the molten blade, twisted it, and smashed again.


    It looked normal, so far, until the bearded man pulled out a purple substance from his mouth.


    Ugh, the hilt really is gum. Alan sighed to himself and kept on.


    Next, the weapons smith rummaged around his shelf and pulled out a box that resembled a mini coffin. He rested his head against it and mumbled a prayer. Maybe it was a pet?


    The smith pressed the box over the molten dagger, turning the coffin into Yellow Saro that blinded Alan. Next thing he knew, the dagger cooled with the same inscriptions he noticed earlier.


    Alan registered the Saro enchanting the blade to be more potent than Flint¡¯s. And the steel was from an ominous crypt thousands of feet below Ojin.


    The smith laughed in glee and danced.


    ¡°Is that you in there, Sir Ooman? I missed you!¡± He picked up the dagger and swung it.


    ¡°Jararoo!¡± the dagger spat.


    The smith eyed the weapon in dismay. ¡°Sir Ooman?¡± He swung again, and again, only for more nonsense to spout out, followed by dribble.


    Time fast-forwarded, showing the smith trying desperately to learn the language of his fallen pet. He went mad trying to understand ¨C Alan could tell by his mannerisms and crazed eyes ¨C and eventually passed away from forgetting to eat.


    The blade was later found by a race of small brown goblins who idolized the dagger. Whenever it spat, they spat. Whenever it spouted nonsense, they spouted nonsense. Shrines were erected, and eventually the dagger was sacrificed to Mujungo.


    Alan returned from his trance out of breath. An epiphany hit him hard.


    He thought the gods were granting weapons and upgrades from the whims of creation. Not¡­ recycling.


    Mujungo gets his items from¡­ people?


    Alan winced and stared at the dagger. He crushed the mushy gum when he grasped the hilt, and swung it to test the truth of his vision.


    ¡°Yabroo! Mapooshroo!¡± The dagger even rolled its ¡®r¡¯s.


    Alan noticed a faint yellow and blue glow circling the weapon, then a flash of many colors.


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Lucius paced up to him. ¡°I just glimpsed Variant Saro. You are Colorless?¡±


    Alan nodded curtly, not sure whether he was revealing something too soon. But he figured it was better to not lie to the one who just saved his ass.


    ¡°The weakest of all Saro,¡± Lucius said solemnly.


    Alan deflated.


    ¡°Yet the one with the potential to understand all.¡±


    A portal lined with bubbly green essence swirled into existence in front of them ¨C wind pulling their hair toward it. An expansive drum of the void made it hard to hear anything else. And every time the green essence switched directions, fog shot out of the center.


    Lucius peered quietly at it, unaffected. ¡°The Realm of Ojin calls.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what we wanted, right?¡± Alan whipped the blade into a magically formed hilt on his belt. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid this is where we part.¡±


    ¡°What? Why?¡± Alan shouted over the void.


    ¡°There are rules in Ojin. The realm is not kind to power-rushers. If I journey with you on your first visit, the realm will sense that I¡¯m trying to rush you to advancement. The result? We will both be inundated with monsters meant to crush us as punishment.¡±


    Alan stared blankly at Lucius. ¡°You know this for a fact? Or is it another one of those Stone Chaser theories?¡±


    ¡°I lost a fellow Stalker to it. Even though we all knew the rules¡­ she sought to test them herself.¡±


    ¡°She died?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Alan bit his lip. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Lucius waved the sorrow away. ¡°Listen, Alan. Clear as much fog as you can in there, and if you get into trouble, call Mujungo in your mind, hopefully he will pull you back.¡±


    ¡°What if¡­ I don¡¯t want to come back?¡± Alan leaned into his hope.


    ¡°Everyone comes back, or they die,¡± Lucius said. ¡°Don¡¯t play the hero so soon, Alan Right. Be cautious in your movements, and intelligent in your decisions.¡±


    The portal bellowed.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already said too much.¡±


    ¡°There you are!¡± A familiar voice startled Alan and Lucius out of the conversation.


    The jumping sand calmed to flat dirt, and Lucius drew two short-swords that unclicked from his gauntlets.


    It was Liustad and his entourage.


    Shit!


    ¡°Take the leap of faith, Alan, and get out of here,¡± Lucius warned, molten Orange Saro crisscrossing over his arms to empower his blades.


    ¡°Step aside, Lucius. I should have you detained for harboring a spy. You always shy away from your duties, but I never dared to think you treasonous.¡± Liustad nocked a magically-infused arrow and pointed it straight at Alan. ¡°Not another step, imposter! You are to remain in this realm for further questioning.¡±


    ¡°Mind yourself, fraud.¡± Lucius pointed his blade at Liustad.


    Alan froze, wondering if he could use his Saro connection to thwart the arrow if it came his way. Or perhaps he could dive into the portal before it connected. But then¡­ he would leave his friend to fight three Archers by himself.


    Frustration started to build, then anger from being reminded of the crazed Archer who murdered him. His first life felt so unfinished. And now his second one would be cut short if he didn¡¯t play his cards right.


    ¡°That old Wizard can¡¯t save you now.¡± Liustad smiled behind his bow.


    Fshew!


    The arrow released ¨C a cone of green gas circling around it.


    Lucius dashed into a blur and cut the arrow in half. It happened so fast, Alan didn¡¯t have time to react. They locked eyes as the green gas puffed away on either side of him.


    ¡°Get out, and gain strength, Alan. To Ojin.¡±


    Alan clenched his jaw, fighting the winds of the portal beckoning him. ¡°No, Lucius. I can fight.¡±


    ¡°Not yet, you can¡¯t! Go!¡±


    ¡°Lucius!¡±


    ¡°You think a fraud can take me down?¡± He effortlessly swiped another arrow out of the air. ¡°Political hacks, all of them. They hide in Strangey Town for fear of Ojin. Cowards!¡±


    A flurry of arrows came next.


    ¡°Become what you are meant to, Alan. We will find our way home!¡±


    The portal grew more intense, steam overwhelming the void in the center. A shiver crawled down his spine as the idea of mortality washed over him.


    I won¡¯t let Lucius¡¯ efforts be in vain.

 Chapter 41 - Worries and Warnings

    It was a peaceful night in Strangey Town. Fish-head humanoids flopped out of the white sand gleefully, and clairvoyant frogs swam mid-air in zero gravity, twinkling amongst the stars. All were pleased that Mujungo ¨C the realm¡¯s god ¨C was among them.


    Well, not everyone.


    Alan would never forgive him for stealing him away from Earth, but today, he had bigger fish to fry.


    War had been declared by Jaeger and his minions. Casualties were in the thousands, and although the realm claimed victory, the future of the universe was now uncertain.


    Alan¡¯s friends remained close at his heel, while his prisoner ¨C Prince Lucius Kiar ¨C rattled along in his magical shackles. The thump of his heavy footsteps was a constant reminder of his failed plight. He never made it home, to his Origin World of Cerrain¡­ to his wife.


    The strain reminded Alan of his own Origin, Earth, which would be nothing but a distant concept at this point if not for the magical pull of Saro keeping his memories alive and bright. He found his ex, Trish, to be at the center point of a lot of them. Whether soothing yoga poses activated Green Saro serenity, or babbling hate-filled fights dragged him into Black dread, his experience was useful in defending this world.


    ¡°You made good use of my sword, Alan,¡± Lucius said.


    Alan looked over his shoulder with an angry snarl, watching the curly-haired shadowy Tarzan amble like a hunched weeping willow behind them. ¡°You forfeited your rights to it when you murdered gryphons at High Tower Brack.¡±


    ¡°You what!¡± Neesha stomped over to the prisoner and offered him a swift slap to the face. ¡°Prince or not, I no longer respect you.¡±


    Lucius¡¯ cheek twitched as a red handprint lingered on his face. ¡°It was never my intention to let it get this far. Though the facts do not change ¨C I¡¯m going home. And you all will help me there.¡±


    Alan¡¯s skin prickled from the prince¡¯s nefarious confidence, but what Lucius didn¡¯t know, was Alan¡¯s readiness to toss him into the hands of Elkire of the Fate Chasers if he didn¡¯t give up their stolen Pegs. It¡¯s the least he could do after causing such a ruckus in their realm.


    ¡°Aha, good Alan, it pains me to look at our shady friend.¡± Flint pulled his hat over his eyes. ¡°We¡¯ve been through so much.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll get through it, Flint. Let¡¯s just stray away from the night¡¯s commotion, and we¡¯ll be on our way.¡±


    ¡°To where?¡± Neesha asked.


    ¡°Hightower Brack. Lucius, here, is going to return what he stole, and then some,¡± Alan tested.


    ¡°I would sooner watch my heart ripped from its cage.¡± Lucius bowed his head. ¡°And you know how much pain I can take.¡±


    ¡°I also know how much you value time.¡± Alan arced an eyebrow at him. ¡°Every moment here could be days away from Luness, where you¡¯re helpless to save her.¡±


    Lucius hissed, gritting his teeth. He stopped walking for a second to resist Alan, but Alan just dragged the magical chain harder to remind him who was in control.


    Alan was sick of being betrayed, and would work to make allies in this crucial war, starting by sacrificing those who harmed him. After witnessing so much death, something was beginning to change within him. The darkness the frogs predicted, perhaps?


    I¡¯ll never let it get out of hand. He thumbed the coins in his sack, recalling all of minions who¡¯d helped him get this far. Yogi, Gardstrife, Hendra and Figro. Those in his sword ¨C Afarus, Trio, and of course Durger. They¡¯d keep him honest and good, even through the tough decisions.


    A group of shield-bearing soldiers marched over a white-sand pathway, kicking up grains and banging their shields while chanting. ¡°Mu-jung-o. Mu-jung-o.¡±


    They stopped in front of Alan and crew, raised their shields in solute, then bowed. ¡°Flint Degoba, hand of our gnarly shit-stirrer padded ass-god, you smell awful, and we love it!¡± the main warrior praised.


    Flint spun once and burst a snowy puff out the tip of his staff. ¡°Aha! A scallywag from the ice-cream hole. Good to see a friend.¡±


    Alan couldn¡¯t wait to exit Strangey Town. They¡¯d be an ally in this war¡­ a far¡­distant ally. He wondered whether Flint¡¯s allegiance would tip out of his favor in the decisions to come. Seeing his jolly eccentric energy even after enduring days on end of battle¡­ it hurt him to think of them ever at odds.


    In fact, he vowed never to let such a pale fate come to be.


    ¡°Patrol is clear through to the black sands?¡± Flint asked.


    ¡°Crystal! Just the salty sting of the white.¡± The soldier lifted his totem guard-mask and widened his eyes to show how bloodshot they were. ¡°I¡¯d endure ten thousand more marches if it meant safety for our people, Flint. We are lucky, and the fallen are brave.¡±


    ¡°They are.¡± Neesha put both hands to her heart, green glowing Saro ribbons illuminating her robes. ¡°We will pray for a kind journey wherever they end up next.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, my lady. We are informed you and yours fought valiantly in the name of Strangey Town. Alan Right. We watched you stand toe-to-toe with our enemies, whilst challenging our very own great god. You are a legend in more than name. Hya!¡± he shouted loud, thrusting his shield to the sky.


    ¡°It is my high honor.¡± Alan smiled. ¡°Stay vigilant, soldiers. I fear Jaeger is only beginning.¡±


    They nodded, pressed their totem-mask guards back down in unison, and marched ahead.


    Once they were gone, Flint rubbed his chin while waving his staff ahead of him like a metal detector.


    ¡°Hm.¡± He squinted and crouched. ¡°The Essence of Mujungo spreads awkwardly through the land now that he¡¯s here.¡±


    ¡°Of course. He makes everything awful. What did you expect?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°I am not sure, good Alan. But my worry of the realm grows now that ale and laughs are behind us.¡±


    ¡°It is a solemn night,¡± Neesha reminded. ¡°The absence of my grumpy ex-bonded Archer and the betrayal of my prince leave a bad taste.¡±


    Alan frowned at the comment. Deep down, he hoped this new dynamic would create opportunity for the two of them to forge a stronger connection. They shared a moment in the whirlwind of battle, maybe one could happen again in the calmness of his own realm waiting for him.


    He scrolled through the Titles in his mind, settling on Ultimus Merchant of the Borai, where he spent a good amount of time building his own realm ¨C albeit barren of citizens ¨C but he molded and shaped the land with his friends in mind.


    ¡°Waoo!¡± An odd noise came from above, prompting everyone to lift their heads.


    A line of floating frogs swirled in the sky, descending in zero-gravity as if propelled by the direction of their spinning eyes.


    ¡°Ugh,¡± Alan groaned, having a feeling he knew what was coming.


    ¡°Aha! A great gift of foresight approaches!¡± Flint danced in place. ¡°Perhaps retribution for our dark prince.¡±


    ¡°Foolish Wizard,¡± Lucius scowled.


    The leading one had yellow slimy-looking skin and glow-in-the-dark spots. Its head curved unnaturally whenever the invisible drain it was swirling down deviated from Alan¡¯s position.


    ¡°Ribbit. Meow!¡± The main frog seemed to have swallowed a cat.


    ¡°Can we just keep going, please?¡± Alan put his hand on Flints shoulder to try and shove him onward.


    ¡°Impossible! In a time of war? We must absorb every great bit of information possible.¡± Flint stretched his arms toward the sky, begging them to come.


    ¡°Meow!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    ¡°Ribbit!¡±


    ¡°Jesus.¡± Alan smacked his own forehead when the line of frogs grew longer, emulating the shape of a flying serpent, until the first one finally landed in front of them.


    It stared at Alan blankly, then made a squishy toy sound when the next frog crashed slowly into it.


    Neesha giggled. ¡°What in the stars is happening right now?¡± She bent down to try and pet one, but it only crab walked aside to keep its eyes on Alan. ¡°Well excuse me, little guy.¡± She backed up toward the group.


    The third frog opened its mouth, and the sound of a cruise ship horn bellowed out of it, startling them all. More squish toy noises accumulated as they became sufficiently surrounded by a ring of trippy creatures of Mujungo.


    ¡°My reinforcements arrive right on time.¡± Lucius sighed.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Neesha leaned over to Alan. ¡°Did he just make a joke?¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t be soon.¡±


    The frogs all open their mouths in unison, creating small dots that connect to a large concave bubble growing to drape over the group like an umbrella, trapping them into their insane movie.


    Once the bubble settled to the floor, war drums pounded in the distance, announcing a visual of a red sky stretching deep into the horizon from all sides.


    Boom!


    A Helldraken¡¯s scaled claw startled the group as it cracked down on the ground beside them. Its chuffing maw rumbled high above, lightning-shaped eyes darting every which way. When Alan turned for a better look, he heard the rattling chains connected to its ankles.


    Jesus! This is something¡¯s pet?


    Alan backed up to glimpse an even larger creature. A skeleton with long teeth and a crown stood tall among the barren land.


    ¡°The red lands¡­¡± Neesha held her mouth. ¡°The stones speak of the realm on the other side of the crimson.¡±


    Alan swiped out his Soul Collector blade, evoking Durger to come swirling to smoky life.


    ¡°Sir Alan. By Hippyan¡¯s beard!¡± Durger gaped beside Neesha. ¡°That must be the god Sar¡¯fidius.¡±


    ¡°Aho no.¡± Flint grimaced, holding his hat. ¡°He is of foul legend, Dante. Say it isn¡¯t so, my great frogs. No, this is but a wrong turn down a slipstream. A puff of foul air amidst a serene pond. Nothing more.¡± He waved his staff, Alan guessed in an attempt to dispel the visual, but it merely popped with no frost.


    The skeletal god craned its neck to look down at the group. No. Not the group. The ground.


    Cracks shattered the sandy rock, leaving clawed hands to break free from beneath.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Neesha jumped to Alan¡¯s side, which gave him a slight tingle.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a vision,¡± Alan said, draping an arm around her. It felt good not to have Gregorian watching their every move.


    The surfacing dwellers wore black cloaks and long masks, leaving Neesha trembling in fear despite Alan¡¯s efforts. She glanced back at Lucius, then at the people pulling themselves upright. Flying beasts soared out from the cracks into open air, with riders atop them.


    Within seconds an army budded to the surface as far as the eye could see, marching into formation.


    ¡°No,¡± Neesha whispered.


    Lucius¡¯ chains rattled as he stepped forward. ¡°Jaeger works fast.¡±


    Alan¡¯s eyes darted to his prisoner. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this, Lucius?¡±


    He flashed a pained smile. ¡°He did say Sar¡¯fidius held the greatest number of scouts in Cerrain, but I never expected this.¡±


    What the hell is he talking about? I thought Neesha mentioned a different god as the dealmaker in Cerrain.


    Neesha gasped again when ten smaller Helldraken soared down past the ranks, landing in front of the god, two hardened female warriors among them. Their arms were wrapped in muscle and markings, hair braided, and pink-tipped noses.


    ¡°Mother. Sister,¡± She ran out of my grasp to try and plead with them, only to be shoved back by magical winds.


    ¡°Hm. More warriors have passed on from my time.¡± Lucius ambled ahead of everyone, analyzing the generals marching to the forefront. ¡°Some dear friends, and loyal guards. Now I¡¯m afraid they fight for the wrong side.¡±


    ¡°Lucius,¡± Alan seethed.


    ¡°Yes, old friend?¡±


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just a lowly prisoner, to be shoved off to the Fate Chasers,¡± he scoffed.


    Alan yanked the chains angrily, then turned to Flint. ¡°The frog visions are always prophecies, right? This may not have happened yet.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Yes. It is true, Alan. Though I am afraid of the time lapse if, in fact, this is not just a smelly hiccup. These warriors wield great weapons of the fog.¡± He pointed to Neesha¡¯s mother decked out in glowing spears crossed at her back. Neesha told of her being a great general, which was the very reason Neesha got trampled back at her farm in Cerrain. What¡¯s more, she spoke of the Strader guild having pacts with god scouts. Could this all be part of some sort of plan to pass powerful warriors after death to specific factions in this universe?


    Just like Mujungo¡­ damn gods and their recruits.


    ¡°If there is any truth to this vision, these warriors may have resided in the universe of interconnected realms for some time, I¡¯m afraid,¡± Flint went on.


    Poof!


    The visual faded like a sandy cloud, only for another to take its place.


    Alan¡¯s zoomed in face appeared amidst a terrible struggle. His eyes glowed bright white, hair whipping every which way as a cosmos of wind and star blurred past. Where the hell was he?


    ¡°Alan?¡± Flint scrunched his bow, taking a hesitant step forward.


    As the winds picked up in the vision, as the vision zoomed out, Alan¡¯s arms were flexed in a white-gold tunic as resplendent strings wrapped tightly around his wrists on either side. A Title floated over his head:


    Affinity: God


    Title: Merger of Realms


    This can¡¯t be true. Alan rejected god-hood in his own realm, and vowed he¡¯d be better served as a broker of allies in the war to come. On the far sides of the vision, yellow orbs with clouds revolving rapidly around them pulled closer to god Alan¡¯s body.


    Flint¡¯s mouth fell open in shock, Lucius¡¯ jaw tightened, and Neesha only stared on in awe.


    God Alan¡¯s eyes then turned bright red as the colorful vision changed. His struggling expression relaxed into a calm wickedness as an orb rested in the palm of his hands. It began to crack just as a new Title became visible overhead.


    Affinity: God


    Title: Destroyer of Realms


    ¡°This universe is foul. Everything within it is undeserving. It must be wiped for something new,¡± God Alan¡¯s voice rippled through the vision, shaking the very ground they were standing upon. It sounded like a raspy, distraught version of himself, like when he flunked out of college and went on a five-day sleepless bender.


    As the chilling image faded, the sound of marching radiated through the background. Shield-banging, brute¡¯s yelling, and Ojin fog swirling around them forced them back-to-back.


    ¡°The Merchant sprints to bring the solo realms together¡ª¡± A familiar voice scowled from all angles.


    More marching echoed.


    ¡°He must be killed and hanged for all to see. The Red Pact is what rules now,¡± another voice fades in the distance.


    ¡°It¡¯s only a matter of time before Ojin is ours¡ª¡±


    The march fades as the vision dissipates to the circle of clairvoyant frogs staring blankly at the group.


    Flint stomped up to the frogs angrily, which was way out of character. ¡°Are you trying to kill us?¡±


    Ribbit?


    One frog hopped onto its head, then tilted to fall over. The others began floating haphazardly away while keeping their limbs still like statues.


    ¡°Hey! How can you show us such destruction, with no path to peace!¡± Flint shook his fist.


    ¡°The path to peace is in the forewarning, Wizard,¡± Lucius growled.


    ¡°Mother. Sister.¡± Neesha¡¯s teeth clattered. ¡°Killed? With the enemy?¡±


    ¡°We do not know our enemies yet,¡± Alan said. ¡°Only Jaeger.¡±


    ¡°Sar¡¯fidius is not known for his hospitality, sir Alan.¡± Durger turned on the group, his shadowy frame blowing in the wind. ¡°And that marching¡­¡±


    ¡°Do not fret, everyone.¡± Alan rolled Lucius¡¯ chains one link tighter around his fist, and swiped his blade. ¡°We¡¯ll get to the bottom of this, and save the universe from destruction. The frogs have predicted worse of me, and yet I¡¯m still here, doing my best to protect¡ª¡±


    ¡°We will see how long that lasts, captor. I sense darkness in you. My armor is drawn to corruption.¡± Lucius pressed one hand over his chest, activating his armor as far as the magical shackles would let him, showing the direction his black Saro wisps gravitated.


    ¡°It¡¯s almost as if you want the universe to burn, Lucius,¡± Alan challenged.


    ¡°Many things will need to happen for me to find my portal.¡±


    Flint continued shaking his fist at the floating frogs, until Alan put a hand on his arm to relax him.


    ¡°I need you with me, friend.¡±


    ¡°Rrh. First an evil watcher of a realm, then a destructive god? Why do they haunt us?¡±


    ¡°They do not haunt, Flint. They warn. Not sure if it was clear when I spoke to Mujungo in front of the town, but¡­ I was already offered god-hood.¡±


    ¡°By the pig-tails of Ghestini! Is that what you meant?¡±


    ¡°Relax.¡± Alan lowered his hands. ¡°I rejected the claim, and would a thousand times over. God-hood is not for me. They are extreme creatures corrupted by absolute power. Even the decent ones are mad.¡± He gestured toward the town square where Mujungo resided. ¡°I will become a Herald, if the universe will let me, and fight the war at your side, Flint.¡±


    Flint¡¯s eyes looked craze, the same as they did in the pink fog of Sharas-da. He was spinning out of control because of the Frog¡¯s prophecy. Or maybe it was the Essence of Mujungo getting the better of him. Either way, it was time to leave.


    ¡°Come. There¡¯s no time to waste.¡± Alan took out his map. ¡°We¡¯ll portal out to the light grey fog, here, then venture through the blue for safe passage to Hightower Brack. Madam Mar will be waiting. We¡¯ll drop this prick off, then I¡¯ll convene with their god, Junos, and cement our first official allies. They came to Mujungo¡¯s aid, so you, as his hand, will commit the same if Brack is ever assaulted.¡±


    Flint¡¯s rabid eyes calmed slightly. ¡°Aho, ho. Aho ho.¡± He grimaced while tearlessly crying, pacing. ¡°It won¡¯t be so easy, Alan. It won¡¯t. War plagues us. The battle against us lasted days. I cannot do it again.¡±


    Psh!


    Neesha slapped the wizard across the face. ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you? You are the hero of Stragney Town! Holding the fort for days until reinforcements arrived. Fighting until you were held at the brink of Mujungo¡¯s summoning.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the air,¡± Lucius said. ¡°Mujungo sweeps all seriousness under the rug the best he can, until those emotions condense into those little angry stars we passed through as shades, Alan. They¡¯re bursting as more citizens mourn their losses.¡±


    Alan was reluctant to respond. If Lucius was telling the truth, all the more reason to get the hell out of Strangey. It probably didn¡¯t help that Flint accepted to be Mujungo¡¯s hand. He¡¯s tethered even more so to the realm now.


    They took turns dragging Flint onward to the black sand, where Alan scrolled through all of his relevant Titles, weapons and abilities. He¡¯d have to be in tip top shape for war. Not just for fighting, but negotiations:


    Alan Right


    Title: Ultimas Merchant of the Borai


    Affinity: Mercantile


    Saro: Colorless


    Title Swap: God Merchant of Strangey Town


    Title Swap: Forbidden Merchant of the Shade


    Title Swap: Selfless Merchant of the People


    Title Swap: Centurion Merchant of Hightower Brack


    He landed on his Centurion Title, considering he¡¯d need not only to remind Junos of his previous clout with Hightower Brack, but also the defensive affinity the Title provides.


    ¡°Alright, here we are, Flint.¡± Alan looked around. ¡°Is the air clear enough to cast?¡±


    ¡°Aho, ho.¡± Flint sniffed. ¡°Yes, it seems so. It does.¡± He waved his staff in a complete circle, generating a white Saro ring that sounded like it just short-circuited. ¡°Goodness! Mujungo¡¯s presence is effecting my Saro too. It feels¡­ unstable.¡±


    ¡°Do the best you can,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Yes, yes.¡± Flint sucked in as much air as possible, making a whistling noise, then traced the same circle. Erratic black mist and blue fog wafted through the portal. It smelled of ocean and rot. Not exactly what Alan hoped. But it was a promise out.


    ¡°I cannot hold it, good Alan.¡± Flint frowned. ¡°It fractures by the second.¡±


    He yanked Lucius into his grip, then addressed the group. ¡°It will do. To Ojin.¡± He leapt in, suffering the blackness of no senses, then the resurgence of immense power in the realm he knew best. Chain links reformed around his fist, and his prisoner at his side, followed by the others.


    The portal malfunctioned, leaving them in the midst of un-cleared blue fog. The smell of ocean and rot was true, as well as a touch of freshly smelted steel.


    Neesha ducked, trying to see past their small bubble of clarity, but the mist was too thick. ¡°Where are we?¡±


    ¡°Eeeh.¡± Flint smacked his head a few times to get the craziness out. ¡°Mmph. Let me get my map.¡±


    ¡°Shh.¡± Alan warned, crouching low and pointing the opposite way.


    Vibrations¡­ They were coming closer, quaking through Alan¡¯s legs.


    ¡°Sir Alan¡­¡± Durger trembled. ¡°That¡¯s¡ª¡±


    They all silenced as the footsteps grew closer. A thousand strong, easy.


    Durger was right¡­


    The same marching from the vision.


    An army.

 Chapter 42 - Pay the Toll?

    Roaring blared so loudly, it parted the blue fog for an instant in time. A beast¡¯s head with grainy crystalized skin thrashed as it reluctantly marched onward, and an army of soldiers patrolled underfoot, wearing banners from a realm Alan didn¡¯t recognize.


    Then the fog converged once more.


    The group tensed, feeling blind and surrounded.


    Damn. They probably have the fog cleared¡­ which means, they can see us!


    Flint realized Alan¡¯s thought immediately. ¡°This way, everyone.¡± He crouched, heading toward a group of boulders barely visible beyond their sphere of sight.


    ¡°A mobilized army so soon?¡± Alan gritted his teeth. ¡°It¡¯s only been hours since the declaration of war.¡±


    Lucius huffed under his breath. ¡°Jaeger has been planning with his Red Pact for quite some time. My stay in his domain was brief, but clear¡­ He only cares about one thing.¡±


    Alan turned to face his prisoner, knowing Lucius was playing him. He wouldn¡¯t give him anymore of his hope.


    ¡°Sir Alan,¡± Durger whispered as Neesha peered around the side. ¡°I have lived through a war. My team was sent to a faraway fog before Junos manifested, to complete a grand quest in defense of Hightower. It was a turbulent time, indeed. Portals in and out of Ojin become hectic due to outside realms attempting to close their gateways. If we¡¯re to enter Hightower Brack, it is best to convene with Madam Mar before we enter. They may already be under siege.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s weird. I imagined a race to take over realms, like Jaeger tried on us. But these troops don¡¯t seem like they¡¯re in a hurry to leave,¡± Alan commented. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing we left Strangey Town when we did. Flint, you should warn Mujungo the state of things here.¡±


    ¡°Wise thinking. I¡¯ll convene with him as soon as we¡¯re in the clear. I don¡¯t need any Wizards intercepting messages at a time like this.¡± Flint grimaced.


    ¡°My friends, many horrid memories are coming back to me. The rules of the universe change in war times. Realm communications can become staticky too since the gods have been summoned into existence,¡± Durger cautioned. ¡°Perhaps we should go back and fortify around Mujungo.¡±


    ¡°Then the other realms would be overrun, Durger,¡± Alan said.


    He thought back to the owner of his old pawnshop. A chain franchise threatened to shut him and the rest of the neighborhood mom and pop shops down by buying out the block of real estate and cancelling their leases. The idea made Alan¡¯s blood boil then. Taking it upon himself to negotiate with the incoming landlord ¨C even knowing he didn¡¯t have much in terms of leverage ¨C proved to be a horrible failure.


    Remembering the shop owner¡¯s sunken eyes and heavy brow strains his heart to this day.


    Now, however, he had the means to do more.


    ¡°Primary goal changed. It¡¯s not just about dumping our prisoner. We¡¯re going to get Junos of Hightower Brack to acknowledge the gravity of the situation. There¡¯s no choice. He will accept alliance with Strangey Town as he promised on my last visit there, and we will defend our homes.¡±


    The next few minutes were frantic as the army patrol sounded like it was coming from all angles, as if more troops were spawning from god knows where.


    Neesha hissed and sat flat on her backside, feet in a muddy puddle. She magically pulled stone slabs from her bag and sorted through them. They lined up like oversized cards with a faint green glow. ¡°Never wanted to skim through these again, if I¡¯m being honest.¡±


    ¡°Question stones?¡± Alan guessed, sliding to a seat beside her.


    ¡°War-time ones, yes. If I equip one, the voices will start racing¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t, Neesha. We need you lucid.¡±


    She settled on a stone and stuffed the others back into her bag, shrinking the pouch to normal size. ¡°When I died my first death, I became obsessed with war and the reasons for it. You know. I told you.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Alan rested his arms over his knees.


    ¡°Well, that quest led me down some dark paths of this universe¡¯s history. There are times of old when armies marched like this, Alan. We need to understand why.¡±


    ¡°But you just came to an answer stone, didn¡¯t you? About this very topic.¡±


    She smirked. ¡°I did. And from what I found¡­ what I saw in that frog¡¯s vision¡­ all the more reason to dive in again. I need you to trust me on this.¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    Thdd. Thdd. Thdd.


    The marching grew louder as more soldiers passed by.


    Alan thought back to everything he¡¯d encountered so far in his short time. Warriors can clear fog, but they can¡¯t stake claims on land, except in the case of neutral territory for Merchants like the city of Sharas-da. So why the heck would an army be patrolling?


    ¡°They¡¯re looking for something,¡± Alan realized.


    As Neesha hugged her war stone, she shut her eyes, a green glow syphoning between them. ¡°It is possible. There are many theories why an army would march. Valuable minion spawns can be monopolized for Title farming and loot.¡±


    ¡°I thought the universe had rules against that sort of thing.¡± Alan got back to his feet. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t Ojin just overwhelm the raid with unbeatable minions?¡±


    ¡°Not during war.¡± Durger frowned.


    ¡°Great. What else?¡± Alan asked Neesha.


    ¡°Visibility. Keeping warriors in key fog areas can prevent portal hopping between realms. A god may not be able to claim territory in Ojin, or enter the realm for that matter, but it can position its warriors strategically.¡± Neesha hugged the stone tighter, pulling more from it.


    ¡°Who would¡¯ve guessed a stone chaser would be good for something besides mindless philosophy,¡± Lucius growled.


    Neesha¡¯s eyes sprung open. ¡°Where do you think knowledge of the Pegs came from, prince?¡±


    ¡°Shh.¡± Alan quieted them.


    Thdd. Thdd. Thdd.


    ¡°Halt!¡± a magically amplified voice rang through the land, and all the marching stopped. ¡°Talvuld senses something. Half klick southeast. Inspect!¡±


    Alan tensed. The voice sounded like it could¡¯ve come from about that distance away. About a quarter-mile.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Does their beast sense us?


    Using some quick thinking, he Title swapped to Forbidden Merchant to bolster his abilities, and summoned his Five Pearls to orbit around him. He knew the item had a presence of its own and would call attention, but by his approximation, it was the only way to escape.


    He thought back to his first day in Strangey Town, when Lucius turned them both into a shade. Wading through an entire hostile crowd as an ethereal wisp was a handy get-out-of-jail-free card, one worth bringing back to life in his orbs. Recalling the rules of the five pearls, he knew the memory was noncurrent, which meant a less potent magic, but he had to risk it all the same.


    One by one, the pearls orbited orange and black like a Halloween wreath as Alan shoved the same memory into each.


    ¡°Alan,¡± Flint whispered, scrambling up to him and clutching his arm. ¡°We must grab a slipstream and fly like the dickens.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Alan drew his soul collector as the marching army became clear in their sphere.


    ¡°Sir! It¡¯s warriors of Strangey Town!¡± A soldier called back.


    How do they even know that?


    ¡°Seize them!¡±


    ¡°Uncuff me, Alan.¡± Lucius held up his arms. ¡°You¡¯ll need all the muscle you¡¯ve got.¡±


    Alan tugged the chains, dragging Lucius down like a bad dog. With a twist of his wrist he conjured a Saro gag to seal his mouth for good measure.


    ¡°Guards!¡±


    Alan stepped up to the disturbed soldier. ¡°We don¡¯t want any trouble, sir.¡± Alan held up his hands innocently, commanding the pearls to circle his back. ¡°Please, we seek council with your leader.¡±


    Enchanted swords unsheathing echoed so far back that blood drained from Alan¡¯s face. How would he be able to slip away from such a large force? Surely they have Wizards and Dreamcatcher¡¯s in their midst to shackle shades down.


    ¡°The time for talk is done.¡± The front soldier marched forward, long beard and big brown eyes peeking through his black onyx mask. ¡°We are at war. And now you are prisoners of it.¡±


    ¡°It is not too late to be rational, soldier. We only seek passage through the fog, and can pay handsomely for your protection.¡±


    The soldier¡¯s grip tightened around his hilt. Alan could see his jaw shifting under his mask. ¡°Sir!¡± he called back, keeping eyes firmly on Alan. ¡°He seeks word, and wishes to pay for passage. I think you¡¯ll want to see who¡¯s in their custody.¡±


    ¡°Hm. Make way.¡±


    Armor clinking resounded far behind them, as the continuous thud of something huge stomped forward. A giant beast¡¯s hoof sent shockwaves through Alan. Hard metal clamps worn like boots led up a furry white leg that bent the wrong way at the knee. The further up it went, the more disturbing the creature became. Its head curved like an awning ¨C jangling jewelry outlining the square where a face like an angry stingray bore down on him.


    A man with a high ponytail sticking out of his black helmet reared his head from his tall view, then kicked his beast to lower. He scoffed as he dismounted from a wooden box atop the beast, and unhooked his orange-tipped whip. ¡°Well, well, well. If it isn¡¯t the prince of Cerrain, in the flesh.¡±


    Lucius jangled in his chains, begging to talk. But Alan knew if he let that happen, the prince would wind up free somehow.


    Fool me three times¡­ I don¡¯t think so.


    ¡°Word is you stabbed the ranger of the black, and betrayed Jaeger.¡± The head soldier lifted his visor to reveal a crooked smile and an unkempt unibrow.


    ¡°Word travels fast,¡± Alan said, regaining the soldier¡¯s attention. ¡°You are allied with Jaeger¡¯s cause?¡±


    ¡°We are. Bubbin Chiles, head Knight of this patrol squad, loyal to the realm of Royal Hoard, newest member of the Red Pact.¡±


    Alan¡¯s mind raced. If Jaeger had been planning this war for some time, then he probably only kept his closest allies in the loop. Now that the war is open, he needs to rally the other realms, fast.


    ¡°Jaeger gave us no invite, so we were forced to defend ourselves,¡± Alan said smoothly. ¡°Still, we hold no ill will since we think this great war can benefit all realms. Or at least, those victorious.¡± Alan commanded the five pearls to orbit his back. He then took a step closer and bent so only Bubbin could hear. ¡°What if I told you another alliance already rivals Jaeger¡¯s in army and in wealth? Wouldn¡¯t it be prudent to pass the offer to your god, in case he or she wants to hedge their bets?¡±


    WAR-TIME OFFER INITIATED


    Note: War-time trades are not governed by ordinary universal trade laws, and are bound only by the word of the participants.


    Note: Fulfilling such offers can yield great rewards.


    Bubbin lifted his chin, considering Alan.


    Alan knew he was overpromising, but if he didn¡¯t have to put his group at risk by turning into shades, he might as well try.


    ¡°I have not heard of such an alliance?¡± Bubbin tilted his head the other way, pacing.


    ¡°I travel with the hand of Mujungo, and as you pointed out, a prince,¡± Alan said, cringing inside for how he was about to sell this next line. ¡°My claims are not of common folk dreams.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see that.¡± Bubbin continued to pace. ¡°However, if I strike the lot of you down now, I return a hero for destroying a god¡¯s hand in the first day of war.¡± His beast growled on cue ¨C the giant face under the awning scrunching angrily. ¡°Momentum would be ours. Treasure, reward¡­ would be mine.¡±


    ¡°What good is treasure without the means to use it?¡± Alan countered. ¡°We have big plans, Bubbin of the Royal Hoard. Find equal reward by allowing a Merchant and his band to live. Give us aid, and you may even tell your god you¡¯ve won favor in the alliance. Flint Degoba of Strangey Town speaks on behalf of a founding member.¡±


    Alan was really getting in over his head, but he started to believe this path the best for the universe if he could secure allies. Two sides of the same coin ¨C rushing to realms to convince gods, and traveling through Ojin to gain favor of their messengers.


    ¡°What would you require of us?¡± Bubbin lifted his chin higher.


    ¡°Aid in clearing the blue fog, and safe passage west.¡±


    ¡°That all?¡±


    ¡°In exchange for admittance into the Unlikely Goods alliance, yes,¡± Alan said, watching Bubbin turn his back in thought.


    ¡°Unlikely Guds, Alan?¡± Durger whispered to him.


    ¡°Name of the old shop I used to work at. I don¡¯t know. Play on words too. Unlikely Gods. I got it from your nickname!¡± Alan whispered back.


    Bubbin turned after talking with some of his soldiers, staring directly at Flint. ¡°You, hand of Mujungo. What say you? Is everything this Merchant says true?¡±


    Flint held his hat and waved his staff, unleashing a line of oversized snowflakes over Bubbin¡¯s head. ¡°Every bit of it. We are striving to defend the universe, good sir. Alan is a near god himself, yet nobly sacrifices the great opportunity so that he may preserve the ways of the free, and thwart conquerors.¡±


    ¡°A near god, you say?¡± Bubbin sniffed.


    ¡°Sir, you may lose your head if Gosfor disapproves,¡± a soldier calls from behind, who Bubbin waves away.


    ¡°Gosfor values opportunity, Sloggen,¡± Bubbin spoke like he was already sold. ¡°And you.¡± He pointed to Lucius. ¡°What say you, prince ¨C traitor of the legion, and apparently, in no favor of your own?¡±


    Alan¡¯s entire body went cold like Flint just cast a spell down his spine. ¡°He is incapacitated.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense. Untangle his Saro gag.¡±


    Shit!


    Alan side-eyed Lucius, willing the five pearls to circle him again in case¡­


    Here goes nothing.


    He twisted the magical chain to undo Lucius¡¯ gag.


    ¡°Screw off god groveler.¡± Lucius spat at Bubbin¡¯s feet. ¡°You¡¯ll get nothing from me.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Acting like the true scoundrel, Stalker that you are.¡± He kicked dirt Lucius¡¯ way. ¡°Did you offer fealty to this¡­ Unlikely Guds?¡±


    ¡°Pretended to. They caught me.¡± He jangled his chains, exaggerating his prison persona. Alan guessed Lucius didn¡¯t want to be taken by the Royal Hoard either. It made him wonder what kind of folk he was dealing with, really.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Alan took the reins by activating the gag once more. ¡°What¡¯s it going to be, Bub?¡± He felt like Wolverine for a second.


    Bubbin licked his teeth. ¡°I¡¯ll bring your message to Gosfor, but I¡¯m leaving one of mine in your presence ¡®til I do. Those are my terms.¡±


    Alan glanced at Flint, then Neesha and Durger, who all offered curt nods.


    That means we¡¯ll have to be extra careful.


    ¡°Deal.¡± Alan held out his hand, which was met by Bubbin¡¯s.


    WAR-TIME OFFER ACCEPTED.


    If Gosfor, god of the Royal Hoard realm, accepts your terms into the alliance ¡°Unlikely Guds,¡± unique war Titles will be bestowed to your party.


    War Titles? Sounds like that could be plenty useful.


    Bubbin clenched his hand tighter. ¡°Itsy! Let¡¯s go, soldier. You¡¯re up!¡±


    A barefoot lady with one wrist-guard and short-shorts strolled up to them, biting into a drumstick. ¡°Mph. Putting me with the stupids, yeah? Hah.¡± She wagged the meat at Bubbin. ¡°Maybe if they convinced you to help ¡®em instead of kill ¡®em, you¡¯re the stupid.¡±


    Oh jesus!


    Bubbin pulled me close. ¡°Been trying to get rid of her for ages.¡± He slapped Alan¡¯s arm once. ¡°Gesture of good faith, eh?¡±


    This was a to-the-moon gamble. If he could somehow broker Junos and Mujungo together, this crazy woman would see that Unlikely Guds has traction. It could work.


    ¡°Welcome aboard, Itsy.¡± Alan motioned.


    She nodded at Alan and winked at Flint. ¡°I like me a long beard.¡±


    ¡°Aha! I can make it longer in a jiff.¡± He waved his staff, elongating his mustache into whiskers that hung to the floor. ¡°These babies help me float better in Strangey Town. Maybe I can take you one day.¡±


    Alan rolled his eyes as the two yapped in the background. This was not how he expected his first interaction with a war-torn army to go. ¡°Alright, then.¡± He motioned for Bubbin to lead the way into clearing the blue fog. ¡°Shall we?¡±

 Chapter 43 - The Scrappy Knight

    Alan kept a finger on his coin pouch as he followed Bubbin and his army into the thick of the blue fog. His pearls cycled around his back too, for protection, since the war trade wasn¡¯t bound by any universal laws. All bets were off. A rogue soldier working for Hyndole could stab him or his friends in the back at any moment.


    Bubbin bobbed left to right atop his beast, Talvuld, pointing to minions who¡¯d help clear sections of the fog for Alan. According to his map, the Calbo Plains was a large chunk of land to hold. Good visibility, a crossroads to multiple realm portals. This was a godsend.


    ¡°Over yonder, Royals.¡± Bubbin pointed, then whistled for his ranks to mobilize in front. ¡°Alan, your party has to nick the minion if you¡¯re to get credit. Up front, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m part of you stupids now, yeah? Lemme at ¡®em.¡± Itsy chomped on her drumstick, following Alan and crew to the head of the line.


    Once they made it to the front, Alan drew his Soul Collector. Calling out Yogi or Hednra might give away his status in the universe, so he refrained.


    ¡°Half a klick south.¡± Bubbin drew a knife and straightened his arm. ¡°Fog should be clearing for y¡¯all at any moment.¡±


    Thd! Thd! Thd!


    Stomping grew closer, and in a flash, the sphere of visibility blew outward to reveal a moldy blue beast with mushrooms growing out of its shoulders and red wet fur peeking out of random spots of its blue skin. A bull¡¯s face and rusted rings piercing through its abs made for an intimidating sight.


    ¡°Hm. Another Rangobon,¡± Itsy said, taking her last bite off the bone then flipping it in her grasp. ¡°Weak in the mouth area. Yeah, yeah.¡±


    Alan furrowed his brow as he looked over to her, watching a Title appear over her head.


    Scrappy Knight of the Royal Hoard


    This woman is a Knight? I guess it¡¯s the same as those barbaric types who fought the Helldraken in Sharas-da.


    ¡°Alright, here goes.¡± Her body outlined in gray, turning to stone for a fraction of a second before the rocks rushed down her body, pressurized beneath her feet, and propelled her high into the sky like a springboard. She ran mid-air with a big smile on her face and her drumstick bone reeled back.


    Whack!


    The beast¡¯s head jerked so hard, Alan thought it might actually fall. But with a mighty wide step, it found its balance.


    ¡°Royals! Contain!¡±


    Chained daggers were tossed around the arms of the giant Rangobon, and as they tightened, lines of soldiers heaved backward, preventing the beast from swatting Itsy out of the air. She hung on the minion¡¯s fang and swung herself onto the nose.


    ¡°C¡¯mon now, beansprouts. Don¡¯t let me have all the fun!¡± Itsy called from above.


    She used gray stone Saro to harden her hands and feet, and pried open the beast¡¯s mouth. Its jaw shivered as she worked, making Alan wince thinking she¡¯d be chopped meat with one wrong move. There was a raw confidence about her that could¡¯ve easily been confused with carelessness. Admirable nonetheless.


    Once sure the Rangobon¡¯s jaw was locked in place, she elongated the drumstick bone to wedge in its mouth.


    ¡°Aha! I like this one Alan!¡± Flint whooshed up a slipstream to meet her.


    ¡°Hold him, Neesha,¡± Alan said, wrapping Lucius¡¯ chains once around her hand. He whipped Afarus Soh out of his sword to stand by Neesha¡¯s side with Durger. ¡°If anyone tries anything¡­¡±


    ¡°I know, Alan. Don¡¯t worry.¡± She smiled at him. ¡°Go make a name for us. The Unlikely Guds.¡±


    Alan smirked while summoning an Orange Saro spear from a molten pool in the ground. He grabbed it, craning his neck to stare at the minion. ¡°Weak in the mouth you say?¡± he shouted up to Itsy. ¡°Move then.¡±


    She laughed while diving off the Rangobon¡¯s tongue. Flint swooped in, freezing the beast¡¯s mouth in place as Alan unleashed the spear.


    As soon as it pierced the roof of its mouth, a molten outline rushed around the minion, burning its red fur to a crisp and sizzling its skin from the inside out. As its bones weakened, Itsy balanced over its arm like she was surfing.


    ¡°Hot. Hot. Hot.¡± Her bare feet sizzled. ¡°Hold still you shit. Hah. Here we go.¡± She leapt up to its mouth again, yanked out a fang, and flipped atop its snout to jab the point through its head.


    Thud!


    The Rangobon face planted, sending up mud and grass in every direction.


    ¡°Pretty good, for a Merchant.¡± Bubbin called from atop Talvuld.


    Itsy wiped her hands for a job well done. ¡°Yeh, guess you could call it that, if an army wasn¡¯t holding its arms in place and a wizard freezing its mouth. Might as well have had it roasting on a spit.¡± She flipped the bloody fang into Alan¡¯s hands, which shrank down to size as soon as it left her grip. ¡°Good show, though. I enjoyed myself.¡±


    She¡¯s right. Ojin felt¡­ different since war was declared. Being able to just march around and wrangle minions felt out of place in this weird universe¡¯s circle of life.


    ¡°Feels off, doesn¡¯t it Alan?¡± Neesha handed the chains back to him.


    ¡°And how¡¯d you know what I was thinking, miss?¡± He arced an eyebrow.


    ¡°Not me. Him.¡± She nodded to Afarus. ¡°Should keep this Bladesman in check if you ask me. He knows a lot about you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alan.¡± Afarus tightened the wraps around his lanky arms. ¡°Stuff me back in that blade before lady Neesha finds out too much.¡±


    Alan¡¯s face burned red hot with embarrassment. He knew the old crimson walker was teasing, but it was true ¨C he didn¡¯t need Neesha finding out too much. In fact, what the hell has he already told her?


    ¡°He¡¯s a crazed clairvoyant,¡± Alan said. ¡°No better than a frog.¡±


    ¡°Hah! Is that any way to speak to your mentor?¡± Afarus arced an eyebrow.


    Lucius scoffed under his gag, as if he should still retain that Title.


    ¡°Anyway, Neesha.¡± Alan waved his blade, calling Afarus back in. ¡°You were saying something feels off?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because it is off. Stone theory says that in war time Ojin rules alter to divert the focus to settling the conflict, so the universe can go back to its preferred state.¡± She nodded toward the minion¡¯s corpse. ¡°Look. No loot. It¡¯s because this army¡¯s been farming.¡±


    ¡°Protect all-knowing Neesha at all costs, huh?¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Something like that.¡± She tapped the stone slab fastened behind her robes.


    A wide circumference of blue cleared as the corpse faded to dust. The army marched to the next two areas and repeated the process. In one instance their chain wraps failed, resulting in the Rangobon crushing three soldiers. Alan called upon Green Saro to heal them in a sign of good faith, revealing his Colorless affinity and earning a nod of approval from Bubbin. On the fourth Rangobon kill, a message appeared.


    Ojin Territory Unlocked ¨C Calbo Plains


    ¡°Now, good Alan, my side of the bargain is done. Upon the end of our shift, we will venture back to the Royal Hoard realm and convene with Gosfor. I do hope he entertains your value, so that we can remain allies in the turbulent times to come.¡±


    ¡°Likewise, friend.¡± Alan bowed.


    ¡°Mm. Itsy, we will be speaking soon. Until then.¡± Bubbin bonked his beast¡¯s head twice to turn around. ¡°Soldiers, about face!¡±


    As the crew headed west, Flint took over map duty, while Itsy poked at Lucius.


    ¡°The mighty prince of Cerrain, eh?¡± Itsy said, leaning in. ¡°Yeah. Gosfor mentioned you. Something about buffing an army if they could only contain you. Hah. But you¡¯re not to be trusted.¡± She tried to tickle his chin only to get an elbow whacking her away.


    ¡°Mmph,¡± Lucius grunted at her.


    ¡°You linger around your god?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Sister to Gosfor¡¯s hand. He couldn¡¯t get rid of me if he tried. Hah.¡±


    But didn¡¯t he, though? Alan bit his tongue.


    ¡°Not the biggest fan, though, if I¡¯m being honest. Too eager to please, that god of ours. Much rather be here, in Ojin, doing whatever Itsy wants.¡± She bent to rip a blade of grass from the ground, hardened it, and started digging dirt out of her nails. ¡°You lot, though. Nuh uh. You¡¯re as stupid as they get, I think. Walking around here with no war Titles to your name. What would y¡¯all do without me?¡±


    Alan, Neesha and Flint all side-eyed one another.


    ¡°She¡¯s right, Sir Alan. Everything is topsy-turvy since Jaeger¡¯s invasion. You¡¯ll need to find ways to gain some of these unlocked rewards if we¡¯re to stand a chance against armies.¡±


    ¡°The ghost man¡¯s got it.¡± Itsy flicked some dirt at him. ¡°Won¡¯t be able to survive in Ojin without it now, since armies can roam with no consequence. Not a one.¡±


    They walked through the plains for some time, until Flint deemed it safe enough to slipstream closer to the Hightower Brack portal vicinity. Alan summoned Ara ¨C his gryphon ¨C and shoved Lucius on in front of him. Lugging him along was a burden he couldn¡¯t wait to be rid of.


    The constant reminder of betrayal on every turn. He was done with the prince. No matter how valuable he might be to the frog¡¯s vision, or how much intel he might have about Jaeger¡¯s plan. Give him to the Fate Chasers and be done with him.


    Ara followed Flint and crew closely, staying just under the clouds so not to attract flying beasts. Thankfully, Alan had already cleared much of the area when he defeated Hendra near the variant fog mountain a time ago. Armies were spotted in the distance, but they were so far away they seemed like ants running to devour minions from the ground up.


    Eventually they got in range to contact the Dreamcatcher, Madam Mar, so Flint opened the window to speak with her. He waved his staff in a big circle, leaving cloudy mist at the edges like they were looking into a dreamscape.


    Alan was excited to see the realm again. Hightower Brack may have harbored some tough memories, but the realm was legendary in its own right. Warriors walked with purpose, equipped with pristine gear always looking for their next raid in Ojin.


    They¡¯re going to make fine allies.


    Madam Mar finally appeared within the circle, and her worried expression sunk Alan¡¯s heart. Not a day ago she was hurling spells at Jaeger¡¯s minions beside Alan. Now, though, something had transpired. Her normally woven braids were disheveled. Face blotchy and ridden with patches of yellow sap. The sticks holding her cape on seemed rotted.


    ¡°Madam!¡± Alan pushed to the front. ¡°Tell me all is well. You¡¯re not under siege, are you?¡±


    ¡°No, good Alan, we are safe for now. Brack¡¯s walls are fortified for a reason. Though it¡¯s true our realm is vast¡­ easy for subterfuge,¡± she mumbled mostly to herself, looking back and forth.


    She¡¯s a watcher for the realm. Probably overwhelmed with all the threats.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± Alan said. ¡°Listen, we won¡¯t take up your time since you probably have a thousand visions to adhere to. May we be summoned in? I have words for Junos.¡±


    Her lips quivered for a moment. ¡°Y¡ª yes Alan. You would be most welcomed. But I must warn you¡­¡± She waved her hand when someone ascended the stairs to her tower. ¡°Ack! Darsine! Have you not heard of privacy?¡±


    A man with a dark cloak and red hair spilling out of a beanie showed his fangs at Alan, who rolled his eyes. ¡°Apologies Mardonnus, but I sensed a foul odor through that portal, and insisted to see if you were alright.¡±


    Hoped never to see that dark idiot again.


    ¡°I will admit you immediately, Alan. Pay my gate watcher no mind. He left his manners with the wind.¡±


    Itsy squinted at the portal. ¡°Think you might have an eye infection, you do.¡± She pointed to Darsine¡¯s red irises and black sclera, who only hissed back at her.


    The image cut out, and shortly after, a portal appeared beside them.


    ¡°Something is amiss in there. Ho ho, I fear they are under duress and we,¡± Flint held up a finger, ¡°are walking into a trap.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll save them in the same manner they saved us,¡± Alan declared, reining in Lucius by the shackles. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    When Alan and Lucius reformed in Hightower Brack, he couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. The normally filled streets were barren except for spears marching with invisible wielders, and warriors peeking out behind castle walls. The endless banners that usually hung over the archways were all rolled up or upside down in duress.


    ¡°The hell is going on here?¡± Alan said, looking back to make sure all his friends made it through.


    Lucius pointed, and everything suddenly made sense.


    A man strutted up to them with a walk so exaggerated, it appeared as though he¡¯d fall backward at any moment. His body was magnificent ¨C lines tracing his bulging bare-chested muscles ¨Cclashing horribly with his strapped winged helmet. Junos¡­ god of Hightower Brack. It had to be. It¡¯s like they found him half-dressed. None of that was of concern, though. It was his sword of long fangs that stole the show.


    ¡°Mhm!¡± Junos shouted with a closed mouth, and when he heard no noise from the townsfolk behind him, he turned his head to scan them. ¡°Mhm!¡± he bellowed again.


    ¡°Mhm!¡± They followed him, looking scared.


    The god stopped and placed his hand on his hip, posture reminding Alan so much of Elkire of the Fate Chasers, that he wondered if they were brothers. ¡°Alan Right, the entertainer.¡± He slapped Alan¡¯s back, which sent tiny lightning bolts buzzing all the way to the sky.


    Jeez, is this where the idea of Zeus came from? Alan winced, grateful he wasn¡¯t zapped to oblivion.


    ¡°Have you come to rouse my citizens into cheering roars and laughter? Ha ha!¡±


    Alan gritted his teeth, side-eyeing his crew. ¡°No, Junos, master entertainer, I have not.¡±


    The god¡¯s mask frowned, metal creaking.


    ¡°Your people are scared, I think. Surely you know of the war¡¯s magnitude.¡±


    Junos¡¯ eyes glazed over, which made Alan confused.


    ¡°Ah!¡± he shouted. ¡°You are ogling my great sword. Yes.¡± He presented it flat. ¡°Each fang fastened more cautiously than the last, from different beasts of legend. I call her sharpskin. Gifted by the fine tribe of Ofingi, who scoured the crimson in hopes to find something worthy to sacrifice.¡± He swung it overhead, the teeth clattering as lightning buzzed all around it.


    ¡°It is glorious,¡± Alan agreed. ¡°Isn¡¯t it guys? Mhm!¡± He motioned his hand so the group would catch on.


    ¡°Mhm!¡± Flint lead the chorus.


    ¡°Finally! Someone who gets it.¡± Junos pushed Alan again to a row of tiny electrical pulses. ¡°I welcome the gods to test their armies against us. We are Hightower!¡±


    Alan shut one eye as the god¡¯s voice blared. ¡°Yes, about that,¡± Alan tried again. ¡°We are eternally grateful for your aid in Strangey Town, and would hope that to extend into an official alliance between you and Mujungo.¡±


    WAR-TIME OFFER INITIADED.


    Alan seeks to broker a deal between Mujungo of Strangey Town and Junos of Hightower Brack.


    If successfully brokered¡­


    ¡°Never!¡± Junos¡¯ voice threw everyone¡¯s hair back ¨C Flint holding his hat. Loose bricks from a nearby archway fell to the ground as the wind settled. ¡°We do not share glory, Alan Right.¡±


    ¡°You seemed amenable to it not long ago.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps I did¡­ after you nudged me into a giddy mood. Duel against a watcher, burned stables, taking on Sinclair the exiled. You gave me a show not seen in years, Alan Right. But now I am here, in the flesh, to rally my own entertainment, with these great citizens.¡± Junos spun once with a wide smile, apparently unable to read the room.


    Everyone else shivered or turned away in disdain.


    WAR-TIME OFFER REJECTED.


    Reverence with Hightower Brack depleted to 50/100


    Shit! That¡¯s new!


    Alan clenched his fists. Maybe that¡¯s what¡¯s been happening to the rest of the town. Pleading with Junos to see reason doesn¡¯t seem like an easy task.


    ¡°Sir, aloha!¡± Flint shimmied back and forth in his best attempt to entertain. It seemed to work. Junos¡¯ eyes were starting to focus behind the mask.


    ¡°If I may.¡± Flint took off his hat and held it in his hands. ¡°I am Mujungo¡¯s hand.¡±


    ¡°Rahh!¡± Junos threw up his hands angrily, brandishing sharpskin. ¡°Boredom of this caliber will send me right back into the ether.¡± He spun on Alan, nose-to-mask. ¡°How far you¡¯ve fallen.¡± He about-faced, strutting his ridiculous strut away from Alan and crew. ¡°Come. Come my gracious citizens. If the armies fail to find the gall to attack, then we will make our own glory.¡±


    ¡°Now I see why Madam Mar was so upset,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°You sir, lied through your teeth to Bubbin, didn¡¯t you now.¡± Itsy put her hands on her hips, leaning in Alan¡¯s face next.


    Double shit.


    This was supposed to be an easy win. A first step in the right direction.


    Now I¡¯m screwed.

 Chapter 44 - The Hightower Circus

    Alan was stuck with Itsy tilting her head back and forth inches from his face. Her eyes were light brown, lips chapped to all hell, and a tiny amount of mucus clung onto a nose hair for dear life.


    ¡°You said you have a whole big alliance waiting to challenge Jaeger¡¯s Pact. Unlikely Guds, right? Well looks to me like you¡¯re the unlikely goods. Stupid merchant. Ack! I¡¯m the stupid one, aren¡¯t I? Marched right into your trap. Damn clever lads, y¡¯all are.¡±


    Alan considered all his options. If she sent a prompt to Bubbin somehow, his whole army might about face and charge Hightower, or worse, Strangey Town. He could tell her the truth about how Bubbin feels about her, but then he¡¯d just come off as petty. Instead¡­ best to just play it straight.


    ¡°I have big aspirations, Itsy. And you¡¯re a part of them now,¡± Alan said.


    She puckered her lips so close that Alan leaned back. Neesha took a step forward for her arm, but Alan shook his head slightly to tell her no.


    ¡°So you have not one?¡± Itsy frowns. ¡°Not one realm besides Strangey?¡±


    ¡°Oh, we have another, Itsy.¡± Alan raised his eyebrows. ¡°Mine.¡±


    She scoffed and straightened. ¡°Oh, no you don¡¯t. You¡¯re not pulling another fast one on ol¡¯ Itsy. No way.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Neesha said, grabbing her arm.


    Itsy swung out of her grasp. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me, stone crazy.¡± Then pointed a finger in Alan¡¯s face. ¡°What¡¯s to stop me from sounding the alarm right here and now, eh? Bubbin will come flying in a jiff.¡±


    Alan shrugged. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Her nostrils flared.


    ¡°You heard me, Itsy. I¡¯m not playing your games. Everyone else, follow me. We have a kingdom to make.¡±


    Itsy gasped and stomped over to block Alan again. ¡°Tricked the Bubbin to clear you a path. Tricked me!¡±


    ¡°It was a promise of necessity. One I intend to keep.¡± Alan continued walking, swaying to the side whenever she¡¯d come and block. ¡°I could¡¯ve slipped away as a shade with my friends, but instead I took a gamble that you¡¯re reasonable¡­ that you don¡¯t want to see the universe burn under Jaeger.¡±


    She laughed the next time Alan passed her.


    ¡°You are a wonder, Alan Right. With big, big balls.¡± Itsy grabbed Alan by the collar, then smiled. ¡°I ain¡¯t going to rat on ya.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Nah. Think I don¡¯t know what Bubbin was up to? That little prick has been trying to kick my ass to the curb for years now. Sister to Gosfor¡¯s hand.¡±


    ¡°You just told us that, remember?¡± Alan said.


    She thumbed her own chest, ignoring him. ¡°Yep. Little ol¡¯ me. He told you too, I heard it. Idiot doesn¡¯t realize his Talvuld mouths every stupid little thing he says, even when the megaphone¡¯s off. Grew into quite the good lip reader, ey?¡±


    Alan rubbed his chin as citizens continued to walk past them with shoulders slouched. He had to keep up with Junos if he was going to get anywhere, but Itsy just piqued his interest. ¡°What¡¯s your play, then?¡± He finally held her eyes.


    She scrunched her lips side-to-side. ¡°Dunno. I Kinda like you blokes. Well, some of you, anyway.¡± She winked at Flint not for the first time. ¡°Maybe, for now, I¡¯ll just see where it goes. Guide you to a few war Titles maybe, so you don¡¯t drown in the mud the next time you peek into Ojin, ey?¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Alan said. ¡°This way I don¡¯t have to drum up another set of shackles and a gag,¡± he joked, kind of.


    ¡°Cheeky,¡± she scoffed.


    Neesha ran up to his other side. ¡°So what¡¯s the plan?¡±


    ¡°When Junos walked by, did you notice anything weird?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Everything about him is weird.¡± Neesha shrugged.


    ¡°Aha, I think I¡¯ve got it!¡± Flint hopped up and down, robes flapping. ¡°His helmet! The stuff of nightmares. Yes. Yes. Yes.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Alan agreed. ¡°Another face plate on the back of his head. This god that we¡¯re talking to sounds nothing like the one I convened with on our last visit. I¡¯m thinking¡­¡±


    ¡°He has two personalities,¡± Flint finished. ¡°Very interesting.¡±


    ¡°Said he was entertained last time. If that¡¯s so, we want him entertained again before we talk to him,¡± Alan surmised.


    ¡°How the heck are you going to do that? The threat of war bores him,¡± Neesha said.


    ¡°I have an idea.¡±


    On their way to follow Junos, a floating rock soared overhead and dipped down like a car screeching to one-eighty. Atop it was a familiar frizzy-hair braided woman that he hoped to see, and to boot, the void castle lord himself ¨C Sinclair.


    ¡°Madam!¡± Alan moved to hug her. ¡°Sinclair.¡± He broke away. ¡°You two are friends now?¡±


    Mardonnus dusted herself. ¡°Who do you think helped rebuild his castle?¡±


    ¡°After you destroyed it, you mean.¡± Sinclair arced an eyebrow in jest.


    ¡°Pish posh. Anyway. Alan, don¡¯t follow Junos,¡± she spoke low.


    ¡°I have to. He¡¯s the key to starting an alliance.¡±


    She gripped both of Alan¡¯s arms. ¡°You¡¯d have a better chance convincing Jaeger to lay down his weapons.¡±


    ¡°You give up too easily, Madam. What if I had backed down against a mighty watcher like yourself?¡± Alan said.


    Her eyes brightened for a fraction of a second, then dulled again to despair.


    ¡°You all lost reputation by trying to convince Junos to help, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    She nodded sadly. ¡°It drains us all to live in a realm we¡¯re no longer welcome.¡±


    ¡°Those of us who still have our reverence are afraid to lose it, to be frank.¡± Sinclair held the lapels of his robes tightly. He then gasped when noticing Lucius at Alan¡¯s heels. ¡°My prince.¡±


    Alan sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sure Madam Mar has filled you in.¡±


    ¡°She did. But to see it true.¡± Sinclair winced.


    ¡°Which indeed, it is,¡± Alan assured. ¡°Where¡¯s Elkire and the Fate Chasers?¡±


    ¡°In Ojin, scouting,¡± Mar says.


    ¡°Well, can I leave him in your custody, to be given to them once they return?¡±


    She waved her hands. ¡°Heavens no. I will not harbor a traitor of that caliber in my tower. To be honest, I do not think even Elkire would accept him at a time like this.¡±


    ¡°But the Pegs?¡± Alan was shocked.


    ¡°Does he offer back what he stole?¡± Mar asked.


    ¡°Not quite.¡± Alan looked to the floor.


    ¡°As I thought. Look around you, Alan. The Fate Chasers are lucky to have gryphons to escape on. Our morale sinks by the minute. They cannot collect the Pegs without a home to work on them with. What¡¯s worse, on a whim Junos could release the traitor and set him on the town for some ¡®entertainment.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Jeez.¡± Alan shook his head. ¡°It happened so fast.¡±


    ¡°Junos is on a rampage,¡± Mardonnus sighed. ¡°Armies march right outside our most common Ojin entrances. We are in peril, and our god will have no part. I¡¯m afraid it will take our beloved towers under siege for him to act. And even then, I fear.¡±


    Alan took a deep breath and resumed his march toward Junos. ¡°C¡¯mon.¡±


    I goddamn hate gods.


    So glad I pressed the ¡®no thank you¡¯ button when I was asked.


    Watching all of the hunched over warriors and the distressed banners brought a cloud of gloom over Alan¡¯s head. It shouldn¡¯t be this way. Hightower Brack is great. Though he wanted Durger¡¯s company, Alan kept him stowed away in his sword to spare him, especially considering he was never face-to-face with his mad god.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    He couldn¡¯t help but recall a time when his dad took him to a traveling carnival in the desert, but the actors decided to go on strike just as the audience got there. It was the same feeling then with all the sad kids kicking rocks. But his dad did something great ¨C seeing a box of old clown shoes and half-eaten make-up, he pretended he was going to the bathroom and did himself up. When he came out, kids¡¯ eyes started to brighten. Alan¡¯s eyes lit up too.


    His dad danced and made an ass out of himself.


    That¡¯s what I have to do. I have to fucking dance for this childish god.


    Yellow Saro lined his arms just from pulling the memory. He wondered why Blessed Yellow was always attached to his father¡­ but now wasn¡¯t the time.


    Alan picked up the pace, jogging into the growing crowd along a wide-brick road. He stopped once pushing close enough to glimpse the giant fountain so big it could¡¯ve been considered a lake.


    ¡°Who braves my jest for realm-wide entertainment? Who dares swim in the current of sharpskin to appease their god?¡±Junos extended his mighty fang sword pointed to the sky. Lightning zapped it before he dipped it into the lake.


    Pulses of electricity buzzed all around like little fish hopping out of the water.


    ¡°Step right up. Ease my boredom. Come one, come all Brack citizens of valor.¡± Junos swung around, looking over his people.


    ¡°He really has lost his shit.¡± Alan grimaced as warriors cowered from making eye contact with the god. He reached into his pouch and took two coins between his fingers. One was Yogi ¨C the gigantic armored bear ¨C and the other Gardstrife ¨C his blades-for-hands suit of armor. With a spur of the moment plan, he looked to his friends. ¡°On my mark, start making a commotion and drawing people my way. Neesha, keep the prince out of the god¡¯s eye.¡± He handed the chains over to her.


    ¡°Hurry Alan.¡± Flint yanked at his own beard when watching a bulky armored warrior readying to jump into the lake.


    Alan tugged Madam Mar and rushed to an open area. ¡°Quick, create an arena like you did during our tussle.¡±


    ¡°Of what kind, Alan?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Make it rubber, in hopes that Junos can¡¯t zap us.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Not a common material in this land, but us Dreamcatchers can be resourceful. Huuuu!¡± She breathed in deeply, and with a flash of her eyes, rubber snakes crisscrossed into a flat black top of strange design.


    Alan wasted no time in flipping his coins.


    Ting!


    Ting!


    He tossed them in opposite directions so they wouldn¡¯t clash upon summon. With two jolting flashes of light, his minions formed.


    ¡°Noble Alan.¡± Yogi bowed to one knee and pressed a paw to his chest.


    ¡°The most noble of Alans.¡± Guardstrife knelt and crossed both blades to one-up the bear.


    ¡°My friends.¡± Alan spread his arms and beckoned them closer. ¡°Listen carefully. Junos, god of Hightower Brack, has lost his mind. In order to get it back, I have a theory that he needs to be thoroughly entertained first. That¡¯s where you guys come in. I want you to fight each other.¡±


    They both gasped.


    Alan put his hands up to calm them down. ¡°Not actually. More like, put on a show. But you have to be believable.¡±


    The two giant minions side-eyed each other, and Alan turned quickly to see if he grabbed Junos¡¯ attention just by summoning them.


    Nope. The god literally cackled with his back to them ¨C shoulders bobbing ¨C as a warrior was flung in the air from being zapped so furiously.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Alan snapped back to them. ¡°Do you think you can work it out? Pretend to be mad at each other, and I¡¯ll announce the fight.¡±


    ¡°If that is what must be done.¡± Yogi rose to full height, pretending to put on an angry face.


    Gardstrife also tried, but his masked face refused to move. Only his eyes blinked different colors, reminding Alan of Christmas lights.


    It¡¯ll have to do.


    ¡°Everyone follow my lead.¡± Alan cleared his throat. ¡°Residents of Hightower! Come one, come all for the grand show!¡± He rushed over to unhook Madam Mar¡¯s cape and fastened the sticks around his neck. Then he nabbed Flint¡¯s hat to complete his showman persona. A ring of yellow Saro outlined his body.


    Just like you did for me once, dad.


    This one¡¯s for the universe.


    ¡°The deadly Borai Yogi-Shontier will go head-to-head with the one and only indestructible Patrolgod, Gardstrife. An age old feud building for a hundred years roars to Brack to be settled, once and for all,¡± he shouted as his crew worked to start pulling citizens away from Junos.


    It was a risky play, but he had try and spin the god¡¯s personality back to reason.


    ¡°Yogi! Words for your opponent?¡± Alan yelled.


    ¡°Uh. Mm.¡± Yogi straightened, his brow going haywire before tensing. ¡°You hunk of bad metal possessed by Jaeger!¡± He stomped down. ¡°I will crush the soul out of your body!¡±


    Alan tilted his head, then nodded. Not bad. ¡°And you, Patrolgod of Hozzod?¡±


    Citizens were starting to turn, their necks craning to watch the budding fight. It reminded Alan of amateur wrestling with godly minions.


    ¡°My blades will run red with Borai blood.¡± Gardstrife¡¯s eyes solidified red. ¡°You are a dishonorable unkempt beast of Ojin, who should have thought more cautiously before striking my protected.¡± He sharpened his blades and bent into ready stance.


    ¡°This is shaping up to be a riveting battle. And whoever proves victorious will fight Figro the Broken! Shield bearer of Hutten Fie!¡± Alan announced, staring at the coin with a shield etched into it.


    The productive warrior in him told to test his Saro connections with the minions. Usually he¡¯d just use his abundance to let them pummel to their hearts¡¯ content. But maybe there was more strategy that could come from their bonded connections. Especially with the Hendra. She was a minion spawned of variant Saro. Surely he could find hidden powers within.


    Armored citizens began breaking away from the lake in droves. Eyes brightened here and there, if not just for a moment of escapism from the doom of a disbelieving god.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, everyone, hurry. Get your places.¡± Alan¡¯s gestures were wide and presentational, like he remembered in the shows in Vegas used to be. ¡°Gardstrife lost his protector to the Borai tribe. He seeks revenge!¡±


    Every few seconds, he¡¯d glance at Junos, who was still belly laughing at the poor warrior twitching over the lake.


    Alan gritted his teeth and sent a patch of Blue Saro over Yogi. ¡°Roar really loud,¡± he whispered. ¡°Try to get Junos¡¯ attention.¡±


    Rrrrrrrrrruh!


    Alan tightened his fist, sending a harder pulse of Blue to amplify the roar. It blared so hard the castles shook.


    Finally, as if tapped on the shoulder, Junos looked both ways before spinning completely around.


    ¡°Mhm!¡± his voice echoed. ¡°What have we here? Oh, I see. Very interesting. Some of the minions that toppled Sinclair¡¯s castle. Yes! These were quite entertaining from what I recall. Step aside. Move. Yes.¡± He shoved citizens out of his way, even poking one in the butt with sharpskin.


    The crowd was big enough to provoke the god. Dense bastard couldn¡¯t resist missing out. Good.


    Alan spun to face his minions. ¡°Yogi-shontier. Gardstrife. Ready!¡±


    They both faced each other.


    ¡°Begin!¡±


    Flint held up his staff and plugged one ear. With a pop and massive snowflakes shooting everywhere, the duel had begun.


    Alan focused on memories of his father, that carnival, evoking blessed Yellow before turning his thoughts to lonely storms as Afarus once coached him to. He draped Gardstrife with lightning, then reeled back the intensity.


    Don¡¯t get carried away, he told himself, glancing at Junos staking sharpskin into the ground. The moron began clapping like a seal.


    ¡°It is time to cleanse you of your head.¡± Gardstrife¡¯s celestial voice made the rubber arena rumble. He bent low and zoomed into an electrical slice.


    Yogi leapt out of the way at the last second, tumbling hard over the arena. The minions straightened and stared at one another for a long second ¨C Yogi expressing shock at how close Gardstrife came to slicing him.


    ¡°Easy, Strife,¡± Alan whispered through Blue, then mentally altered to White ¨C concentrating two frost gauntlets over Yogi¡¯s paws.


    The Borai slammed them once on the ground, creating a whirlwind of mist that he used to ride into an epic slash at Gardstrife¡¯s body.


    ¡°Oooo!¡± the crowd bellowed as Gardstrife launched spinning into the air.


    Alan wove healing Green into Strife¡¯s armor, repairing it as the hunk of metal spun once over the floor. Strife flipped upright and sharpened both blades tauntingly. Things were getting a little heated in the spirit of competition, calling for more soothing Green to calm it down.


    ¡°Mhm! Yes, bravo! Mhm!¡± Junos bellowed, looking between the two minions.


    It¡¯s working.


    Alan concentrated hard on Strife¡¯s limitations. It was the Patrolgod¡¯s turn to hit back, as half the crowd was holding up coins, telling Alan bets have been placed.


    Alright¡­ he can only attack in straight lines. Double-strikes have been common. But what about¡­


    Alan threw another burst of frigid White to Gardstrife, manifesting a tornado from the ground up. He then filtered in some sandstorm Beige to give some power into the lift.


    ¡°Go, Strife!¡± Alan coached.


    The Patrolgod bent to one knee, and used Alan¡¯s Saro burst to launch high into the air, and in angular fashion, zoomed down.


    Boom!


    Yogi dove again where Gardstrife created a giant crater and a puff of smoke.


    Now Yogi was mad, charging into a high jump with claws out. The fissures staggering midair left by Gardstrife¡¯s strike exploded in electrical shocks, seizing Yogi in place like he just walked into a high-voltage fence.


    ¡°Yes. Wow! Great lightning.¡± Junos took two citizens closest to him and shook their shoulders.


    Alan pushed through the growing crowd to get a better look at his minions, making sure he was still in view of the insufferable god. He noticed Yogi and Strife nod at each other.


    Good. They remember the goal here.


    Alan grabbed Itsy by the arm and tugged her close. ¡°Can you make stone fly from the ground?¡±


    ¡°Sorry?¡± She scrunched her face.


    ¡°Like an explosion. Something flashy.¡±


    ¡°This fool is tryin¡¯ to make me complicit in his scheme, eh?¡± Itsy pushed her lips to one side. ¡°Alright big brass balls Alan. I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    Alan rolled his eyes. ¡°Strife, let Yogi suplex you. Take the fall.¡±


    ¡°Take fall?¡± he whispered back. ¡°Noble Alan, I do not understand.¡±


    ¡°Not to worry, stupid metal head. I do all the work.¡± Yogi roared while grabbing Strife by the legs and torso, lifted him overhead, and suplexed him into the rubber.


    Itsy snapped her fingers, sending rocks exploding everywhere on cue.


    ¡°Wooa!¡± half the crowd roared.


    Alan noticed the creek of Junos¡¯ helmet as it started to rotate.


    Yes. C¡¯mon!


    Alan gritted his teeth when it got stuck, and snapped back to the original idiotic face.


    Guess it¡¯s going to take more than that.


    ¡°And we have a winner!¡± Alan stomped onto the arena, returning Gardstrife back into a scratched up coin that he held high in the air. ¡°Yogi-shontier! Borai of the Undone! Prized son of Balooma!¡± He flapped his cape purposely as Yogi roared in triumph at his back. ¡°Settle your bets everyone. Settle your bets! Next up¡ª¡±


    Alan continued the show for quite some time, flipping out Figro the shield barer, and giving Yogi another win so he could face Hendra. In an epic finale, Alan arranged for Hendra to whack Yogi in the belly with her hammer, using molten Orange Saro to make a show of it. He coined the Borai immediately after he hit ground and sent a puff of fiery smoke high like the bear got incinerated.


    ¡°Winner!¡±


    Junos¡¯ helmet twisted a little further after every win. This time, Alan was sure it would fully spin. It was the last stop. The finale.


    C¡¯mon. C¡¯mon!


    Eeeer!


    Three-quarters the way there. Almost ninety percent, when, snap! It jutted back to place, a mere inch from clicking the other way.


    ¡°Dammit!¡± Alan cursed.


    ¡°Bravo. Bravo! Mhm!¡± Junos manifested a mug out of thin air and smashed it on the floor. ¡°Good show, Alan. Yes indeed. Next time however, I would prefer you do not schedule such lavish events in the midst of mine own.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Junos.¡± Alan bowed.


    ¡°Excellent. Now, how about we make it interesting. Your mighty Hendra, against one of mine. We play for keeps.¡±

 Chapter 45 - The Ghastly Void

    Alan¡¯s face drained of all its warmth. The god Junos stared down at him with both fists on his hips, waiting for the Merchant¡¯s answer.


    Play for keeps?


    He¡¯d earned Hendra through the mountain¡¯s Variant Fog, even fighting through a bout of crimson he had no business besting. How could he give up his most technically prized minion? And worse¡­ a foe turned friend.


    There was no time to consult with Afarus, or any of his crew walking up behind him. The god¡¯s glare was true. He had no idea in the universe how powerful a god¡¯s minion might be.


    The fate of an entire realm rested on Alan turning this god¡¯s head, literally. All of the strung out faces and slouched shoulders he witnessed on the way here¡­ He couldn¡¯t back down.


    ¡°Alan¡ª the beards whisper of odd castle keepers that once roamed these lands,¡± Flint said in his ear. ¡°I¡¯m not quite sure what to expect.¡±


    ¡°Your Hendra grows colder by the second, Alan. What say you to my challenge?¡± Junos puffed his chest even farther out.


    ¡°He is unhinged, Alan.¡± Neesha grabbed his other ear. ¡°Careful.¡±


    ¡°I accept.¡± Alan threw out his hand. ¡°For the grand entertainment of Hightower Brack.¡±


    ¡°I knew you were a man worthy of great praise¡ª¡±


    ¡°Under one condition,¡± Alan interrupted.


    ¡°Hm?¡± Intrigue glimmered in the god¡¯s eye.


    ¡°You as a god, must disconnect your powers from the minion, and I get to bolster mine.¡± Alan tilted his head. ¡°It¡¯s only fair to provide maximum entertainment. Otherwise it will be a slaughter.¡±


    The metal around Junos¡¯ mask creaked near the lips as he considered the offer. ¡°Maximum entertainment you say?¡±  Junos¡¯ nipples literally sparkled at the prospect. ¡°That does tickle me in all the right places.¡±


    I goddamn hate gods.


    ¡°You, sir have yourself a deal. Mhm!¡±


    BATTLE BET INITIATED


    Alan Right¡¯s Dedicated Minion: Hendra


    *Versus*


    Junos¡¯ Dedicated Minion: Ufanda


    TERMS:


    *Through destruction or forfeiture by owner¡¯s call, a winner will be declared.


    *Junos is forbidden from interfering with his godly hand.


    *Alan is permitted to interfere via Saro transfer


    STAKES:


    Loser forfeits their minion to the winner.


    Battle bet? That¡¯s new. Alan mentally accepted the terms. Another war time prompt?


    Junos turned with more energy than he began with. ¡°It is time, my citizens, that Ufanda is called from her deep slumber. Oh, how I have missed you, old friend.¡±


    ¡°Oh dear.¡± Sinclair covered his mouth. ¡°Oh no.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Alan spun on him.


    ¡°Ufanda is connected deep into the roots of Brack. I¡¯ve convened with her,¡± Sinclair said.


    ¡°How, stupid? The god said she¡¯s been sleepy-pie.¡± Itsy grabbed Sinclair by the hair and shook him. ¡°This is a big deal, Mister Robes.¡±


    ¡°Wally woo. Calm down there, mighty princess. You¡¯ll snap the poor Wizard in two.¡± Flint tapped her gingerly on the nose, freezing it and making her sneeze.


    ¡°Void purple,¡± Alan realized.


    ¡°Precisely, Alan.¡± Sinclair wiped his robes clean.


    ¡°That means poltergeist,¡± Alan thought aloud.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡± Neesha scratched her head.


    ¡°She lives within inanimate objects. But what?¡± Alan said. ¡°Jeez. Void absorbs other Saro, and Hendra is literally a Saro variant. I took the god for a fool. I underestimated him. All this time, through his goddamn ridiculousness, he¡¯s been paying attention.¡±


    Alan stared hard at Junos, who belly laughed alongside his people.


    I underestimated a damn god¡­


    Black and Red Saro swirled within him, bringing on a wave of dread. Trish walking out on him, telling him she couldn¡¯t wait another second for a life that would never be¡­


    ¡°You never even try, Alan,¡± her voice plagued his head.


    No, he answered back in his mind¡¯s eye, swallowing it all into tangible quintessence within his curling fists. He stomped onto the rubber arena and took his place behind Hendra, his tense arms alive with glowing Saro.


    ¡°Hen, whatever comes out of there, I¡¯ll do everything in my power to make sure we destroy it.¡±


    ¡°I would expect nothing less from the warrior who defeated me.¡± She clenched her hammer in both hands.


    ¡°If we fall, we fall together,¡± Alan said, making sure she knew he wouldn¡¯t leave one of his own.


    Hendra scoffed. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t fret, Merchant of the Shade, I¡¯ve been defending my post for two thousand years. Void creatures among them.¡±


    ¡°What do you suggest? What beats the void?¡±


    ¡°If you think hard enough, I wager you know the answer. Or at least, your Wizard does.¡±


    It clicked like a closed lock. Of course.


    Alan thought back to the void knights Sinclair summoned to defend his castle. They were screeching, twitching pits of energy straining to fight. Purple depletes the Saro well more than most. Just the minion¡¯s existence is probably exhaustive, especially without Junos¡¯ power. What better way to fight than to tire it out? Flint¡¯s ice walls are the key.


    ¡°Junos is probably ecstatic he isn¡¯t fighting Figro,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Quite right. Though if he was, I imagine he would¡¯ve chosen a different minion. Odds were on his side, considering our show was the one who lured him.¡±


    ¡°We have one advantage,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Hm?¡± Hendra knelt to better hear, both of her faces staring right at him.


    ¡°Junos is blind to Ojin outside his scouts. He doesn¡¯t know your capabilities like when we fought near your Saro mecca. I will be your mountain this time, Hen. Pull from me.¡±


    ¡°It will be done.¡±


    ¡°Arise, Ufanda!¡± Junos stomped, spreading his arms wide.


    Whoosh!


    ¡°Look out!¡± Alan called, pointing to a sword spinning down in quick succession before boom! It stabbed through the rubber arena and deep into the stone below. A flash of vibrant Purple Saro beamed around the gothic edges.


    Hendra rose once more, standing in ready position as Alan siphoned Red and Black her way.


    Boom! A gothic shield fell from the sky next. Then Alan caught glimpses of more specs being hurled from the faraway castles.


    ¡°Alan! Ufanda is everywhere!¡± Sinclair shouted.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    A staff, spear and axe all slammed down next.


    Boom!


    An oversized wooden broom with dirty yellow bristles crashed and rolled to a stop beside the weapons, making Alan tilt his head in confusion.


    ¡°OooaaaOoo!¡± A ghostly voice echoed throughout the streets.


    The citizens turned, as did Alan, when whoosh! An oversized purple medieval dress shook in the wind, puffing up like a parachute on its way down. ¡°Oooaaaoo!¡± It spooked some of the citizens, sleeves flailing. But Junos awaited the dress with open arms, catching her for a quick waltz spin.


    ¡°Oh, Ufanda, how I enjoyed watching you from the sky. Bouncing between all the castles like a jumpy cat. And now I can swing you again! Mhm!¡± Junos launched her gracefully onto the arena. ¡°Make the show glorious, my dear!¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°Hmm. Hmm. Hm. Hm. La la la. Hm. Hm. Hmmm!¡± She hummed while wrapping two sleeves around the broom and sweeping away the stray stone that popped through the rubber.


    Not sure I even want that minion if I win. Alan scratched his head.


    ¡°Oh this is already riveting.¡± Junos clapped his hands. ¡°Would you like to do the honors, or me, Alan?¡±


    ¡°Ack! Not until I¡¯m done cleaning, if you please. Hm. Hm. Hm.¡± She swiped the stone pile off to the side, carefully giving citizens a chance to move out of harm¡¯s way. At least she¡¯s more decent than this version of Junos. ¡°Alright.¡± She wiped her dirty sleeves and placed the broom at the edge of the arena. ¡°Let¡¯s see here.¡± She wrapped one sleeve tightly around the gothic sword hilt, and the other around the shield. ¡°Yes, these should do just fine,¡± her voice was matronly, as if she just finished dusting a home. Purple Saro glowed to life as she swayed back and forth like the poltergeist ghost she was.


    ¡°Same plan?¡± Alan arced an eyebrow.


    ¡°Yes. She is old, like I am, Alan. She has accumulated great strength in her tenure in this realm.¡± Hendra spun the hammer stem in her hand, making whirring sounds. ¡°Yet still, she will tire.¡±


    ¡°I am ready. Hm. Hm. Hmmmm.¡± She smacked sword against shield, taunting Hendra.


    ¡°Go ahead, Junos,¡± Alan called, hoping the god¡¯s participation will aid in entertaining him.


    ¡°Yes! Mhm! The encore you all have been waiting for.¡± Junos stepped onto the arena, sharpskin sending electrical voltage spikes down his legs that absorbed into the rubber. ¡°I present to you, my long lost dearest, Ufanda Stigmata, versus the almighty Hendra.¡± He paused for the citizens to take in the moment. Last minute coins exchanged hands, cheers erupted from both sides. ¡°Fighters, ready!¡± Junos backed up. ¡°For the glory of Hightower Brack. Begin!¡±


    On cue, Alan filtrated unending amounts of White Saro into the Hendra, turning her torso-face sapphire blue with ice, which swirled up her arms and around her hammer. As Alan performed the task, he realized for the first time how densely concentrated Saro became in his minion¡¯s hands. As a matter of fact, she was a sheer amplifier of the magic.


    He should¡¯ve thought of it sooner. On their first encounter, the mountain transformed her into many forms just by blowing variant fog her way. She¡¯s by far the most powerful conduit he possessed.


    ¡°OooOooo!¡± The purple dress flew forward, spinning the gothic sword into a purple whirlwind.


    ¡°Now!¡± Alan commanded mentally.


    Hendra slammed her hammer onto the rubber floor, freezing the whole top layer instantly and commanding a spiked ice wall to erect through the center.


    Fsst!


    The entire width of the arena was now blocked off, separating the two minions.


    ¡°Ghastly!¡± Ufanda¡¯s ghostly form swayed hauntingly on the other end of the deep blue ice, Purple Saro radiating off her gown like heat. ¡°Ghastly things!¡± She swung her weapon hard into the thick ice.


    People jumped and shouted at the mayhem.


    Crrtch!


    A crack split the glacier.


    Already? Shit.


    Alan had to think up all of the intense defensive White spells Flint conjured over his time here, and concentrate it all unto Hendra.


    ¡°A comical thought. Hm. Hm. To think¡ª¡± Ufanda sliced another piece of ice with her sword. ¡°¡ªI have¡ª¡± She swung again. ¡°¡ªA limited well¡ª¡± One more time sent the ice wall shattering to the floor. ¡°¡ªIs preposterous. I have been absorbing energy from Hightower Brack for a thousand years!¡±


    ¡°And I¡­ for two thousand.¡± Hendra held her hammer up, and like a sprinkler, shot out frozen rain so fast it solidified as a glacial tomb encasing her.


    Alan wondered how far his interference could extend without pissing Junos off. He thought of filtering Black into Hendra and forcing her into a shade that could reform behind Ufanda, but thought better of it when the god¡¯s watchful eye glared his way.


    He had to remember, the goal wasn¡¯t just to win, it was to entertain. Two whole realms depended on it.


    ¡°Is this what I have been summoned for?¡± Ufanda unraveled the sword in her sleeve and wrapped both around the shield to jam it down like an ice pick. ¡°To sculpt?¡±


    Alan¡¯s heart sunk into his belly when citizens around Junos laughed at her quip. She was right. Alan was losing the god¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Well?¡± Ufanda said, whipping her cloth arms down for the eighth time, hardly making a dent.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this, Alan?¡± Junos drew sharpskin and pointed it his way. ¡°Your prized minion hides?¡±


    Alan stalled for a second, analyzing the ghost¡¯s grunting voice as she stabbed, and stabbed, and stabbed down on the impossibly thick tomb. It was working. Ufanda was tiring. But he had to shift.


    ¡°Hendra, new plan.¡± Alan tossed a hint of Blue in her direction. ¡°We¡¯ll attempt to overwhelm her with quick Saro shifts. Purple can absorb, but it takes energy to adapt too. My breastplate operates the same way. So we¡¯ll entertain while depleting her.¡±


    Screw it. I¡¯m going to the Black.


    Alan¡¯s White syphoning stream darkened as he filtered a flood of harsh thoughts Hendra¡¯s way. The back of her encasing cracked, and he commanded all five of the pearls out of his bag and straight into Hendra¡¯s body, dissipating her form to a shade.


    ¡°As if I haven¡¯t hunted assassins my entire tenure,¡± Ufanda huffed haughtily, tossing her shield and twirling like a corkscrew back to her ensemble of weapons. She curled both sleeves around the spear and started jabbing down on the Hendra¡¯s massive slithering shadow like she was spear fishing.


    ¡°Here we go, yes my dear.¡± Junos clapped. ¡°Impale that insidious wench!¡±


    Fsst! Fsst!


    Ufanda stabbed unnaturally fast, piercing the floor as if it were a ghostly astral plain. She missed her first three, but when she dashed ¨C cloak flapping to follow Hendra lock step ¨C  Alan tensed.


    Fssssst!


    The Hendra grunted and reformed back on the arena, dragging Ufanda¡¯s stuck spear with it. Her leg was punctured.


    Shit.


    She grabbed the astral spear and whipped the void poltergeist flying to the end of the arena.


    Alan sent a hint of Green Saro slithering to the Hendra next, closing the wound¡­ until Ufanda floated between them, absorbing the stream herself.


    ¡°Ahhh. Like a warm bath,¡± Ufanda¡¯s voice livened. ¡°Thank you, my dear.¡±


    Alan waved his hands clear of the tether, cursing to himself.


    She can steal my Saro tethers? What the hell!


    ¡°What a fantastic move, darling. Wonderful!¡± Junos clapped. ¡°I would very much enjoy this variant Hendra patrolling the edge of the realm. I think I would. Yes. It would remind me of this great tournament. Do win her for me,¡± he commanded with a quick clap.


    When Ufanda turned her gown abruptly away from the god as if giving the cold shoulder, Alan considered whether there might be trouble in paradise. In any other situation he could use that to his advantage, but here he had to tip-toe around this madman. Anger doesn¡¯t mesh well with entertainment.


    Back pocket for now.


    Thinking of heavenly battle-angels, Alan whipped a stream of yellow Saro, curving it around the ghost and into Hendra before severing the tie. His minion¡¯s form changed again ¨C lightning bolts sparking between the open fangs of her second face ¨C hammer and armor sparkling gold.


    She spun her electric-charged hammer, whiffing past the gown that sucked in its airy belly.


    Alan used Yellow as a feign. He knew Hendra couldn¡¯t drive up static electricity with a rubber arena, so he already switched his thoughts to nonsensical mayhem ¨C the face-painted archer who murdered him on Earth acting as a great source ¨C and waited for one blow to land before switching to Pink. Just a tactic to deplete the poltergeist further.


    Keeping his Title on God Merchant was the best option even if others would provide him enhanced Saro. The focus was Hendra. She needed to stay upright. Entertain.


    Hendra swung to hit air yet again. The gown was agile. A call for instinctive Red mixed with White.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Two more misses. But Hendra was gaining now, so much so that Ufanda dove and swapped spear for shield.


    Dong!


    Enchanted hammer connected with gothic shield, sending Ufanda flying back.


    Hendra¡¯s beastly thighs alternated to follow up quicker than the gown could slither away, and when Ufanda was cornered to the back of the magically-charged arena boundary, she soared high over Hendra¡¯s head only to get clapped by a momentous swing that froze her to pure ice.


    The blow looked promising¡­ until Ufanda¡¯s Purple Saro absorbed the White.


    His plan was failing on one hand ¨C Hendra growing more exhausted by the second ¨C but on the other¡­ Junos waved around sharpskin like a flag.


    ¡°Yes, my dear! You dance like a queen. Let us celebrate right after your victory. It is imminent! Fly! Yes! Mhm!¡±


    Throughout the next ten minutes of mayhem, Alan realized frozen swaths of the gown lay tattered all over the rubber. Small holes began to form as the fight went on, while Hendra¡¯s tired tells were a bit more apparent ¨C slower swings and hunched sprints.


    It was good to know the god¡¯s minion wasn¡¯t indestructible, but Alan too was feeling the depletion. He couldn¡¯t channel Green Saro over himself without letting his minion falter. This wouldn¡¯t go on much longer.


    Ufanda swapped weapons for the sixth time, finally taking her broom in hand when Hendra¡¯s trippy Pink Saro form of unicorn horns and hammer-turned-duster made the duel into a castle-cleaning fight between maids.


    ¡°Yes! Fantastic!¡± Junos¡¯ laugh echoed throughout the realm. ¡°This has always been an attraction of mine. Fight for the squabbles of my kingdom. Yes!¡±


    Alan cringed to the point of a shiver, but at least the god was entertained. There was no more doubt.


    Now to win.


    Alan racked his brain.


    ¡°It is time to finish this dance of she-wolves, and return to my omnipotent castle visits,¡± Ufanda said.


    ¡°Nonsense, my dear! I will create moonlight for us to sway in. How often does a god get to stretch out his limbs on the peasant ground! Dance with me, dear!¡±


    The gown spun away again. Alan could¡¯ve swore he heard a scoff this time too.


    Taking stock of his minion¡¯s depleting energy and his own¡­ that¡¯s when it hit him. The same trick he used against Hendra a time ago ¨C to defeat an impossible opponent doused in crimson fog. He took a deep breath in hopes it would work.


    ¡°Exaggerate your exhaustion,¡± Alan spoke to her mentally. ¡°Like you did against Figro before. Make a show of it.¡±


    ¡°It is no exaggeration, Merchant,¡± even her mental voice strained. She listened anyway and dropped to one knee, using the base of her hammer to keep herself up.


    Okay¡­ now take the bait you overgrown nightgown.


    Alan rushed to the edge of the arena, pretending to almost trip to try and get out of Ufanda¡¯s path. Hendra was far across from him, in prime position for the gown to intercept.


    He never thought himself an actor or a showman, but when tough times call¡­ He closed his eyes tight, conjuring a faux tether of Green Saro and whipping it on a mean curve so his plan wasn¡¯t obvious.


    ¡°OooOoo!¡± Ufanda shimmied through the air to get a taste of regenerative energy, and as soon as she did, Alan dropped the fa?ade. He ripped away the deceptive Gray Saro used to mask his true tether. Green faded into blinding White ice, where Alan conjured the remainder of his strength to bind her.


    ¡°Go, Hen!¡±


    ¡°Nasty Merchant. Nasty!¡± Ufanda¡¯s voice quavered.


    The gown shivered in place, enchanted fabric freezing over within seconds. And as she tried to claw out of harm¡¯s way, Hendra burst forward from racer¡¯s position ¨C hammer reeled back ¨C and swung with the last of her force.


    Crrchhsst!


    Chunks of fabric flew everywhere.


    ¡°Waaaoo!¡± half the crowd roared.


    ¡°My, oh my!¡± Junos dropped sharpskin to cover his face with both hands.


    We did it.


    Alan waved away the Saro and fell to his knees, breathing heavily.


    Hendra rose beaten and bruised, raising her hammer high in the air as she stepped on what was left of Ufanda.


    Despite the god¡¯s unease of his ¡°darling dear,¡± he stomped onto the arena with excitement. Ufanda groaned as the ice of her tattered gown slowly stitched back together.


    ¡°Winner!¡± Junos yelled.


    Yes!


    BATTLE BET COMPLETE


    Alan Right¡¯s Dedicated Minion: Hendra


    *Versus*


    Junos¡¯ Dedicated Minion: Ufanda


    Victor:


    Alan Right


    Ufanda Stigmata received.


    (1000-year-old keeper of Hightower Brack)


    Purple Saro Patrolgod with multipurpose arsenal.


    As excited as Alan was, he waved the prompt quickly away to focus on Junos.


    As the god stood in the center of the arena with his arms spread wide, his helmet finally spun and clicked in place. The mask changed from large nose and expressive lips to a blank face with a straight mouth. What¡¯s more, his entire demeanor changed abruptly as if possessed.


    Alan¡¯s theory must¡¯ve been true. And now that Junos was entertained, he had no time to waste. He rushed into the crowd pooling into the arena, shoving armored bodies out of his way, unfastening Madam Mar¡¯s cloak and tossing Flint¡¯s hat back to him on the way.


    ¡°Junos,¡± Alan said, out of breath. He¡¯d expended so much Saro it felt like he hadn¡¯t slept in ages all of sudden.


    The god arced an eyebrow at him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve come in hopes you¡¯ll honor our alliance between Strangey Town and Hightower Brack, as decreed on my first visit.¡± He bowed.


    WAR-TIME OFFER INITIATED.


    Alan seeks to broker a deal between Mujungo of Strangey Town and Junos of Hightower Brack.


    If successfully brokered¡­


    Junos took Alan by both shoulders, screws endlessly twisting within his mask. ¡°Alan Right, as I live and breathe.¡±


    Alan sighed with relief. The voice was the same he remembered when convening with him on his first visit to Brack. But then the god¡¯s grip tightened.


    ¡°The answer¡­ is no.¡±

 Chapter 46 - Two-Faced

    Alan¡¯s mouth dropped open as a prompt filled his vision.


    WAR-TIME OFFER REJECTED.


    Reverence with Hightower Brack depleted to 0/100


    No. This is all wrong. Junos is supposed to be rational now that he¡¯s entertained. He should be honoring our first encounter.


    As soon as Alan¡¯s reverence dropped to zero, the sky suddenly seemed gloomy, like the energy sucked right out of the realm. Is this what all the other citizens were experiencing prior to Alan¡¯s event?


    He looked up to the god¡¯s blank mask, watching as the eyebrows curved angrily, screws endlessly tightening inward. His friends all rushed up behind him excitedly.


    ¡°Quite the entertainer there, Alan.¡± Itsy folded her arms.


    ¡°Good show, great Herald of the Sans. Jolly ho!¡± Flint smacked his shoulder.


    When Alan didn¡¯t react, the excitement fled¡­ Neesha sneaking back into the crowd with the prince in tow.


    ¡°No?¡± Alan repeated Junos¡¯ last words. ¡°But you haven¡¯t even heard what we¡¯re offering.¡±


    His friends tensed even more, now knowing that this may all have been for nothing.


    Junos released Alan and stood straight. ¡°The Red Pact will govern once the blood is settled, and Strangey Town has no part in it, I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    Alan took a shaky step back. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. The answer is no.¡± Junos puffed his gigantic chest.


    ¡°You swore against Jaeger¡¯s tactics the last we spoke. You aligned with good. Honor.¡± Alan spread his arms pleadingly. ¡°Jaeger only seeks to conquer.¡±


    ¡°A seat at the high council with shared information on Ojin is something all gods seek.¡±


    Of course. Tell a god they have unlimited power and watch them squirm when they have a gigantic blind spot. Junos wants eyes on Ojin. Governing an entire people isn¡¯t enough.


    All became clear ¨C why his other personality wouldn¡¯t listen to reason¡­ because he was directed not to. Alan swept his gaze to all of the citizens resuming their slouched positions now that bets settled. Drained and reminded once again of the droll darkness surrounding them.


    Their god betrayed them.


    He sold them out.


    It felt exactly like the two mom and pop stores surrounding his pawnshop when that developer came in to wipe the board. The pawnshop owner begged and begged to stand in unity so they could keep their work, their livelihood, their purpose. But the other owners declined.


    The unwillingness to fight was a knife to the gut then. And now it¡¯s the same.


    No. Not the same.


    Black dread prickled Alan¡¯s skin, swirling into a vice around his heart. He turned his back on the god, focusing on the gown stitching back together. His gown.


    ¡°What will you do, Junos? Conquer alongside Hozzod?¡± Alan raised his voice so his citizens would hear.


    Heads started to perk up in the worst way.


    ¡°Hozzod?¡± one armored Knight said.


    ¡°Impossible. We renounce Jaeger.¡± A wizard swiped her staff defiantly.


    More clicked into place for Alan ¨C the reason Ufanda was angry at Junos, the purpose of stripping citizens of their reverence. Brack was to become a dictatorship ¨C robbed of its citizens¡¯ glory.


    ¡°For the benefit of the realm,¡± Junos¡¯ voice boomed as a lightning bolt streaked the sky.


    ¡°For the realm?¡± Alan looked over his shoulder. ¡°Or for you?¡±


    Commotion stirred around them. Citizens shouted their disbelief, surrounding their god. He¡¯d never seen so many well-equipped warriors gathered in one place. Glowing weapons and high-flagged spears reminded him of the Fate Chasers. So much potential¡­


    ¡°Is that why you won¡¯t defend the realm?¡± A tall armored Bladesman shouted. ¡°Because we are the ones invading?¡±


    Alan snuck carefully away toward Ufanda. ¡°Flint. Gather Madam Mar, Sinclair, and any other disgruntled citizens, and get ready to mass portal out on my signal,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°You got the brass of a thousand kings.¡± Itsy looked between Alan and the god being surrounded. ¡°He will smite you.¡±


    Alan stared off at Lucius lingering with his head drooped in his shackles. ¡°Better than being imprisoned. At least this way, there¡¯s a chance. Go!¡±


    He focused on the gown getting onto her airy elbows. ¡°Hi. Sorry for tricking you¡­ and smashing you into smithereens.¡±


    ¡°OooOo child. I haven¡¯t had a dance like that in a century. It was a welcomed surprise. Though you are a naughty thing.¡± She shook her sleeve at Alan.


    ¡°Right. Well I extend you my warmest welcomes, and I think you¡¯ll get along just fine with Hendra once you get to know her.¡±


    The entire gown frowned. ¡°She stinks of the outside. A wild Ojin mess with gravel in her hair and dirt between her toes. She needs the touch of a keeper. Then again, not sure my broom would even be enough.¡±


    Alan smiled. The thought of Hendra in pigtails with a freshly washed double-face was comical. Also, there was a lightheartedness around her insults. But this wasn¡¯t time to make small talk with a new friend. He instead focused on the patrolgod¡¯s weapons laying on the floor, most notably ¨C the broom.


    He fell into a momentary trance of the gown flying through a castle window as she hummed to clean up some broken glass and scrubbed the floor of Saro residue. Since nothing was going on, Alan blinked the trance forward, to her and a few other gowns circling Junos.


    Here we go.


    There was animosity around the meeting ¨C fabric flailing and statues stomping behind him too.


    Why?


    Alan couldn¡¯t believe it¡­ when he turned, who else was there but Hyndole, the crimson spewing gargoyle swathed in his own wings.


    The sight of him made Alan instantly grit his teeth. Flashes of him stabbing the Strangey Town general Rishaya Blanch plagued his mind. The bastard who started this war in the first place again shows up to screw him over.


    ¡°It is done, then?¡± Hyndole tilted his head. ¡°I can bring this grandiose news to Jaeger, and we can relish once the universe is under our reign, Junos of Hightower Brack? Say it so.¡±This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    ¡°You tell Jaeger¡­ I want my view of the far crimson Exou lands, and endless warriors of the Red Pact realms ready to dance at my command. I enjoy variety in my events. A pact like this might actually sate my endless appetite. Tell Jaeger this, and we will break bread for the rest of time.¡±


    The gowns all turned their backs on Junos while the statue guardians swung their heads like they¡¯d been slapped. It was all Alan needed to see.


    He blinked back to the present.


    ¡°Ufanda,¡± Alan sighed.


    ¡°Yes, dear?¡±


    ¡°Was Junos okay to lose you in the duel because you¡¯re at odds? You give him flack about his decision to join the Red Pact.¡±


    Her sleeves scrunched like angry fists. ¡°That deal sullied our entire bright realm, I¡¯m afraid. Look at them.¡± She waved her sleeves at the citizens. ¡°These are all honorable warriors who built our realm from blank stone. They respect their keepers and venture to Ojin to brighten their god¡¯s name. Now look how he betrays them. I will dance with Junos no more.¡±


    Alan folded his lips into a line. ¡°What if I needed you to, one last time¡­ for the sake of the realm?¡±


    Ufanda¡¯s stitching scrunched like a furrowed brow.


    ¡°I intend to fight Jaeger and the Red Pact, and save everyone from this horrible fate.¡±


    ¡°My dear. You are a strong, colorless Merchant. Of that, there is no doubt.¡± She cupped Alan¡¯s face. ¡°But you cannot win against a string of gods pooling their armies.¡±


    ¡°Not now, I can¡¯t. But give me time.¡± He nodded toward Junos growing frustrated at the fingers pointed to his face. ¡°Not everyone bows to corruption.¡±


    ¡°There is sureness in you.¡± Ufanda rose to full height, swaying again in the winds as the last seams stitched together.


    ¡°Distract him for me. If you have any love for the citizens of Brack. Let me save them,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Silence!¡± Junos roared, sending waves of citizens tumbling out of his space. ¡°We will eat when others starve and bleed. The Red Pact is the future of the universe! How dare you defy me!¡±


    Junos¡¯ straight face clicked back to the overly detailed masquerade mask. ¡°I am angered and have lost my mirth, you ungrateful citizens. Ungrateful indeed!¡±


    ¡°Very well, Alan. Many of these castle lords have been in my care for centuries. It would break my invisible heart to see them marching in the name of Hozzod¡­ or worse.¡± She sighed. ¡°Do your best.¡±


    Alan narrowed his eyes as the gown flew past him to overwhelm Junos¡¯ line of sight. It was now or never.


    He unsheathed his dark blade and whipped out his souls. ¡°Durger, Afarus, Trio. Round up whoever you can in the high castles, spread the word that their god has betrayed them, and there is refuge in the realm of Alan Right.¡±


    The souls nodded and shot off in every direction.


    ¡°Now, Flint!¡± he called out. ¡°Citizens of Hightower Brack! Junos has rejected your pleas to defend from the evil armies that march Ojin¡¯s lands, because he intends to become them!¡±


    Portals sizzled open all around. Flint. Madam Mar. Sinclair. They were all in agreement, conjuring the most expansive gates Alan had ever seen.


    ¡°If you seek to reclaim your honor and be welcomed in a home, my realm is open. It is barren and godless, but will provide refuge until we figure out how to defy corruption. Flee to Ojin! I will find you there!¡±


    ¡°Alan! To Alan!¡± Citizens raised their weapons and started diving into portals.


    ¡°Do not forsake your god!¡± One citizen protested only to be shoved out of the way.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Junos grabbed Ufanda by the arm and whipped her out his way, but she swarmed into his face again.


    ¡°Make haste!¡± Alan called, rushing towards Flint¡¯s portal. ¡°We will find our own way, away from madness!¡±


    In a fit of anger, Junos slashed down Ufanda¡¯s fabric, causing a terribly loud rip before Alan coined her for the first time. As god and Merchant stared one another down in the eye of Brack¡¯s growing storm, Alan held out his hand to receive the flipping coin.


    ¡°You betrayed us all, Junos. And soon you will have no one to rule.¡± Alan snatched the coin and fell back into the portal.


    xxx


    As soon as Alan reformed in Ojin, frantic shouts echoed all around him. A civil war was beginning to break out. Enchanted sword clashed with mighty axe. Arrows whizzed by Neesha holding her head with a chained Lucius following behind.


    Angry Junos¡¯ followers leapt through the portals with weapons reeled, but a buff Wizard waited to shove them back using powerful Beige Saro sand pulses. It was hard to tell who was who, but those blindly swinging were a pretty sure tell.


    ¡°Hey now, this is fun.¡± Itsy scooped up a pile of rocks at her bare feet and magically sharpened them into throwing knives that she hurled.


    ¡°We have to regroup at my realm,¡± Alan called, whipping out his Soul Collector. He summoned Voltair ¨C his flaming horse ¨C to materialize under him and carry him over the battle. ¡°To me! Rally to me!¡±


    ¡°Aho!¡± Flint leapt over a diving body like a hurdler and froze him mid-air. ¡°Should I freeze the portals shut? This is getting a little out of hand.¡±


    Alan grimaced. ¡°Anyone against Junos stuck on the other side will be slaves in a colosseum. We need to let them through.¡±


    ¡°I was right about you, Merchant.¡± Itsy knocked out a Knight¡¯s teeth with a sure shot to the mouth. ¡°This is way better than farming beasts. Truly, what kind of idiots would follow a god who betrays his people?¡±


    Alan swiped an arrow meant for his head, then stared knowingly at Itsy. ¡°Fearful ones, Itsy.¡±


    Madam Mar stood against a Wizard threatening Yellow lightning Saro with a pointed wand. As soon as the weapon ignited gold however, Mar inhaled a deep breath to claim the Saro for herself and whipped a bolt through the Wizard¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Madam!¡± Flint called.


    A duel-wielding Bladeswoman dove to cut her from behind, but Alan leapt off his horse with White Saro winds at his feet to propel him, and slashed both swords out of the woman¡¯s grasp with a flash of Red. He held his sword at her throat for a second, then kicked her in the face to send her tumbling to a bruise-filled sleep.


    ¡°Woo. Close one.¡± Mar adjusted her cloak.


    ¡°Open communications with the Fate Chasers. Tell them the situation and not to return to Brack. We can use them.¡±


    ¡°A fine plan.¡± Mar took out her Dreamcatcher¡¯s net and began waving it for inklings of the Chasers.


    Bodies flew overhead. Spells arced into the portals, and out of them. It wasn¡¯t long before Alan realized the Junos followers were severely outnumbered. Wounded bodies were tossed back into the portal by victorious Knights. The citizens grouped around Alan with weapons at the ready.


    ¡°The Pact will be on you before the Chasers get here.¡± Lucius rattled in his chains. ¡°Flee to your realm, Alan, before it¡¯s too late.¡±


    Alan scoffed. The prince was right. He couldn¡¯t let anyone know he had a place for refugees to settle. He was almost sure Junos didn¡¯t hear him declare it, and if any rival Red Pact armies saw him escaping to an unknown godless realm, it would surely be in danger.


    As forces gathered at Alan¡¯s back, one of the portals in front of him expanded to show Hightower Brack clearly in view ¨C like a circular window with magical wisps at the fringes. Two highly decorated warriors sprinted with Junos stomping angrily behind them. Sharpskin was out, fangs rattling with lightning.


    One of the decorated Knights slammed down a molten shield while waving Archers through.


    Alan held his breath as Junos raised the sword to the sky.


    The god¡¯s eye remained on Alan as clouds swirled overhead. Could he see him?


    Alan shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t. There your own citizens. Don¡¯t¡ª¡±


    Junos flexed his pecs, commanding two bright bolts to strike the two defending warriors to crisps, leaving them to fall immediately to ash on the Brack grounds. The final Archers flew through with tears in their eyes upon reforming, and with a solemn nod, Alan told Flint to freeze the portals.


    ¡°Any word on the Chasers?¡± Alan said.


    ¡°They will make way, Alan. You go. Let me stay behind,¡± Mar said.


    ¡°No. We stay together. I¡¯ll return to Ojin once they¡¯re close.¡± Alan Title-swapped to Ultimus Merchant and spawned his own portal to his realm. ¡°For now, we flee.¡±


    Alan was careful to watch all of the other warriors admitted into his portal, keeping Mar and Sinclair at his sides to sniff out citizens that may be posing as spies. He wasn¡¯t used to the idea of this growing responsibility, but it was in line with his mission to make a difference. It felt good to help, and awful to watch a realm topple. Another confirmation that he hadn¡¯t succumbed to the darkness of his weapons or the Black. The frogs were false. Alan was good.


    As the last of the Brack warriors rushed into the portal, Alan motioned for his friends to head in next. ¡°Welcome to my home,¡± he said.


    Flint and Neesha patted his shoulder on the way in. And Itsy lingered.


    She stood there, picking her teeth with one of the stone knives she made.


    ¡°Yes, Itsy?¡± Alan said.


    ¡°You know, Merchant. You¡¯re alright. Better than alright. Even though you were full of shit, I think you can actually make a difference in this dumbass war.¡±


    ¡°Gee thanks.¡± Alan frowned.


    She shifted her lips to either side, considering something. ¡°Yeah, I think so,¡± she spoke to herself. ¡°Yeah.¡± She nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    ¡°Do what?¡± Alan was losing patience with the odd Knight.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to my brother ¨C hand to Gosfor, and get those bitches on your side,¡± she winked.


    ¡°But weren¡¯t they trying to get rid of you?¡± Alan asked delicately.


    She thumbed her own chest. ¡°No one gets rid of Itsy Boyar, especially when she come¡¯s a knockin¡¯.¡±


    Alan was losing confidence in her by the second, but then she turned serious.


    ¡°Now I know what happens when a god turns on its people, ey? Gosfor of the Royal Horde might be a people pleaser by nature, but he ain¡¯t no dummy. I show him proof of what happened at Hightower Brack? He¡¯ll be listening. Bet your pretty little ass.¡±


    Alan perked up a bit.


    ¡°Besides.¡± Itsy hit him on the back with a wide smile. ¡°Ya¡¯ got no choice, Merch. You need a War Title, remember? Without that, you¡¯re a sitting duck. I¡¯m literally the only one who could fight an army for you stupids right now. The only one. That sexy Wizard¡¯s ice would melt to mist against Bubbin. Your army of refugees been too busy worrying about realm reverence to pay attention to what¡¯s what.¡± She pressed a finger to her temple.


    She¡¯s not as dumb as she acts.


    Itsy turned one of the stone knives into a Gray essence and ate it. ¡°The universe is changing, Merch. Best to change with it.¡±

 Chapter 47 - A New Dawn

    Alan stepped through the portal to his realm with a head full of prompts, not even granted a moment to appreciate the beautiful landscape he¡¯d sculpted before the war.


    The small army of Brack refugees awed within it.


    Dammit, this is a lot. He held his head, knowing there¡¯d be a thousand questions coming his way at any second. He needed to gather his thoughts, so he flipped out a minion worthy of the task.


    Ting!


    The golem stomped hard over the grass.


    ¡°Cover me with your shield, Figro. I need a minute.¡± Alan winced. ¡°No one is to enter.¡±


    ¡°It will be done.¡± Figro draped his massive shield sideways, casting out the brilliant sunlight and everyone else looking for direction.


    Alan shut his eyes and dealt with the prompt front and center:


    Admission of seven hundred sixty warriors to the realm of Alan Right.


    *Requirement¡ªDesignate a name for your realm. Some examples of previously named realms are listed below:


    Castlenova


    Strangey Town


    Scar¡¯s Light


    Alan squeezed his eyes shut. Seven hundred? Brack¡¯s population is in the thousands. How many did we leave behind?


    The prompts started rattling so hard his head vibrated.


    ¡°Okay! Okay!¡±


    ¡°Okay¡± is not a recommended realm name. Though it is unique in phonetics, it conveys mediocre status and might make the land susceptible for takeover¡ª


    Alan sighed. ¡°I wasn¡¯t suggesting that be the name¡­ How about, House of Alan?¡±


    Although hubris is a common trait amongst realm owners, it is not recommended to imprint the owner¡¯s name into the realm. Historically, this practice has led to genocide of the realm¡¯s citizens when the land is seized and overtaken.


    Alan¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Jeez. Point taken. Um. How about Token Inn? A place where all walks of life can build and trade to their hearts content.¡±


    The decision is ultimately yours. I am merely a guide to new realm owners bestowed by Ultimus Denoms. The name ¡°Token Inn¡± would be perfectly adequate with a reasonable play on words¡­ if the universe wasn¡¯t at war.


    Alan gritted his teeth. ¡°Well then I¡¯ll change it later if I have to. Look around, I have matters to tend to.¡±


    Changing realm names is not a particularly revered practice, since it suggests instability in the realm¡¯s oversight.


    Since Alan could remember, he wanted a shop of his own. On Earth it would¡¯ve been a pawnshop. Here? The possibilities were endless. Thoughts of ancient weaponry, rare essence, all of Ojin¡¯s majesty exchanging hands¡­ it grew into a dream that may now very well be realized. So long as the Red Pact didn¡¯t win.


    Hmm the prospect of an inn might be misleading, though. Alright, got it.


    ¡°It¡¯s decided. Token.¡±


    He already spent months molding the landscape to be amenable to large crowds if the time ever came. And now it had¡­ in a bittersweet sort of way.


    Very well.


    Requirement¡ª Since the threshold of one hundred visitors has been crossed, Ojin entryways must be established immediately.


    ¡°I need time,¡± Alan protested. ¡°What happens if I don¡¯t establish the points of entry.¡±


    Mass transport will be unattainable.


    ¡°I see that as a win. No need for armies to be rushing into my realm unannounced.¡± Alan waved away the prompts. ¡°Thank you Figro.¡±


    The shield lifted to show hundreds of distraught faces reflecting the realm¡¯s sunlight, all waiting for Alan to speak¡ªhis group front and center among them.


    Alan drew his dark blade and swiped out his souls to stand beside him. Everyone should hear what he had to say. Durger immediately shed a tear for his home realm, yet did his best to stand tall.


    ¡°All of you. Please, listen.¡± He scanned the solemn faces. ¡°Dark times lie ahead. Jaeger of Hozzod has declared war, and I traveled to Hightower Brack in hopes your once steadfast god would honor his alliance against him. Instead, my worst fears were realized. Betrayal of the worst kind, at your expense.¡± He sighed. ¡°We stand against a cunning and swift enemy. One that Junos has agreed to join in hopes to conquer the universe. That is why he depleted your reverence to zero¡­ so when the time came, he would reign over servants instead of govern over free warriors.¡±


    Chatter broke out, but Alan kept on.


    ¡°It pains me that we left many behind in Hightower Brack. Even though Junos failed us, that does not mean we¡¯re alone. Far from it.¡± He outstretched his hand to Flint. ¡°Strangey Town is our ally. My realm is your home¡ªwhether it temporary or permanent. And the Royal Horde is on deck to receive us. Spread the word. Unlikely Guds will triumph over the Red Pact. And it starts here!¡± He drew his blood-vision edge double-staff and staked it into the ground.


    For a moment, the crowd seemed less lost, and more determined.


    ¡°What of those still trapped in Brack?¡± a knight called with a shaky voice, blood stained over his gauntlet.


    ¡°We will arrange an operation to retrieve them. You have my word.¡± Alan nodded. For once he didn¡¯t mind being indebted to someone. If nothing else, he was beginning to understand it was an occupational inevitability as a Merchant.


    ¡°Another promise of necessity?¡± Itsy folded her arms with a smirk.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what this is.¡± Alan summoned Voltair and held up his dark blade. ¡°Come. I¡¯ve built a cove with an endless hearth one mile out, and three mountain lodges up the closest hill. Let¡¯s get everyone settled so we can assess the situation and strategize our next steps.¡±


    Alan galloped ahead as the decorated warriors drew feathers of various beasts to summon their mounts¡ªsome flying and some ground¡ªall following him down the manicured pastures. He¡¯d watched movies of Tuscan hills and recalled scenic hikes in his home state. That¡¯s what he tried to mimic in Token when he built them.


    A gentle breeze combed through Alan¡¯s hair as Voltair¡¯s flaming hooves refused to burn the grass. A bright sun that came standard in the realm rose a little brighter than he remembered from Earth. No emoting clouds, no malicious butterflies. This was home. And now he was filling it.


    Madam Mar dislodged a platform of dirt to carry his closest friends and enemy beside him. Lucius sat cross-legged with a smirk on his face.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been busy,¡± the prince said. ¡°Tell me what it¡¯s like to abandon your Origin and stake a flag so brazenly in your second life?¡±


    Alan¡¯s throat ran dry. Lucius still had a way of guilting him even after all that he¡¯d done. He could¡¯ve dignified the prince with a response along the lines of setting up that paradise for when his loved ones passed from their first life¡­ but he remained silent instead. According to Neesha, Lucius¡¯ wife was dragged under. There was no reincarnation for her, if the stories were true.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The guilt instantly tugged at thoughts of Trish dragging him to a dinner with him mom and sister. He wasn¡¯t in the mood that day¡­ but what he wouldn¡¯t give just to relive that memory in the real.


    Actually no. Reliving the memory in his old body would be nothing but a downer. Alan¡¯s mother and ex-girlfriend would¡¯ve lectured him a hundred times over before the appetizers even showed. To them, Alan was wasted potential¡ªbarely able to make a buck, a failure to society.


    If they could see him now¡­


    Their jaws would hang open witnessing him rescue a realm from a crazed god. The idea was so outlandish their heads would explode.


    I¡¯m a long way from doing nothing with my life, Trish. A long goddamn way¡­


    Whack!


    Neesha smacked her prisoner upside the head. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to the mad prince of Cerrain. This is incredible, Alan.¡± She surveyed the plains.


    ¡°All possible because of the oath I kept to Yogi. Look what staying true to your friends could do for you here, Lucius.¡±


    He grumbled and turned away.


    ¡°Aha, indeed a more peaceful vision than the town they call strange.¡± Flint smiled.


    ¡°If only it could remain that way.¡± Alan peered at them, holding onto his reins. ¡°Madam, I¡¯m going to need a watcher if we¡¯re going to survive this.¡±


    ¡°Then you will build me a fine tower so I can do my bidding.¡± Mar stood proudly at the head of her flying dirt patch, like the captain of some gaudy ship.


    The declaration made Alan smile. If you could see me now¡­


    A cove of brown clay flickered with the flames of a hearth deep inside it. He modeled it after the Stalker¡¯s cove in Strangey Town if he was being honest, only less of the scoffing angry grumps and dueling Doomsayers inside. It was large enough to house hundreds in a camping grounds sort of way. He conjured beds of finely spun cloth out of stray essence and spread them among the floor.


    He then spun on his horse to address all of the approaching warriors. ¡°For those of you who think you¡¯d be comfortable in here, please make yourselves at home. For the rest, follow me to the mountain lodges. I know you¡¯re used to castles and clay homes, but hopefully these will do just as well for now.¡±


    ¡°To Alan!¡± One warrior raised his spear.


    ¡°To Alan!¡± Others followed.


    ¡°In another life, you might¡¯ve made a fine prince.¡± Lucius scoffed.


    ¡°This is the other life.¡± Alan¡¯s disdain grew. ¡°The one you lost your way.¡±


    Next, he trekked up the mountain alongside the remaining four-hundred-or-so warriors, dropping loads of them off at the various ski-lodges modeled after the one his dad took him too when he was younger. The wooden constructions were tucked against the rock, magically fastened in ways that didn¡¯t make architectural sense. That was the blessing for gaps in Earth knowledge. Essence could work as impossibly powerful facets or glue. Mold impossible shapes in minutes. This was Alan¡¯s gift from the Borai. Something he¡¯d cherish forever.


    As Alan watched the warriors settle from outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, he took comfort in seeing relief on some of their faces. Mother Balooma would approve of his use of her gifted realm. He knew it for sure.


    He told the groups to meet at twilight one mile due south, at a tent with a giant golden-coin centered flag atop it. That should give him enough time to make Madam Mar a tower.


    Alan ignored Lucius for the remainder of his rounds, then summoned Ara with his gryphon feather to faster climb to the top of a golden-dirt mountaintop. Mardonnus flew close behind.


    ¡°New realm creations are quick,¡± he shouted to the wind.


    ¡°Not with the Saro etchings I need, grand Merchant.¡± Mar smirked. ¡°But we will make do, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    Once they made it to the top, Alan patted Ara and dismounted to look over a scenic hill showing a great valley with crystal sparkling springs far below. It pained him to think of Hyndole tearing a portal in the sky to corrupt it all.


    But that wouldn¡¯t be today.


    After a deep steeling breath, he turned with determination in his heart. ¡°Come Flint, I think you¡¯ll like this part.¡± He recalled his months of molding when he nearly lost himself. The feeling was tempered with the fear of invasion now. He couldn¡¯t dally or submerge himself into creation. Every action had to have a purpose. And this one was to gain himself a watcher¡ªlike the talking trees in Strangey. He needed an eye into Ojin that could defend from incoming threats. It was essential to building an alliance.


    He reached deep into his powers over the realm, envisioning a tower of great stone¡ªstarting with Sauron¡¯s from one of his favorite movies, then lightening it with random golden bricks. As his hands glowed with variant god-like Saro, a tornado of essence swirled from the ground up, laying bricks over bricks, hardening mist to solid stone.


    ¡°By the stars of Gable, Alan.¡± Flint awed, his gaze rising with the construction.


    ¡°They say if I accepted godhood, I could build a whole city in seconds.¡± Alan kept his eyes shut, visualizing every section of his tower, trying to taper it similar to Mardonus¡¯ in Brack.


    Once the bones were up, Alan waved everyone inside, fixing sconces of miniature Orange Saro and walls as he paced, carving out windows just by thinking it.


    ¡°A fine construction, Alan. May I?¡± Madam Mar started borrowing Saro from inside the tower, creating levitating stones that clashed against one another. Ripping out sections at a time to create open rooms and etched maps. ¡°A Dreamcatcher must dream, my dear.¡±


    And that they did for the better part of the next four hours. Flint used his White to hold structures temporarily in place so Alan could lift the tower¡¯s top half one story up at Mar¡¯s request. She etched strange symbols into each floor, humming as she worked, testing portal windows for potency.


    ¡°Once this is all up and running, we must locate Elkire. If I¡¯m to be the realm¡¯s eye, then they are to be its wings. Come. To the top of the spire.¡±


    Madam Mar led them as if she constructed the tower herself, waving her net in the air, testing Saro auras. ¡°Your powers are teeming, Alan.¡±


    ¡°Yet I wouldn¡¯t survive one blow against Junos¡¯ sword,¡± Alan countered.


    ¡°That theory had not been tested,¡± Mar didn¡¯t sound convinced. ¡°Though I would not test it on a whim, either.¡±


    ¡°Happy you feel that way,¡± Alan chuckled.


    They toiled for another hour, getting the particulars of her high spire in order. Wooden frames were filled with multi-color essences that Mardonnus tried to mold as windows to the outside.


    ¡°Ack. These connectors are all scrambled.¡± Mar scoffed, whipping her sappy cape.


    ¡°Sorry. That might be partially my fault. I haven¡¯t set Ojin gateways yet,¡± Alan said. ¡°Was hoping that would block entire armies from marching right in.¡±


    ¡°Mm. Mm. I see.¡± Mar tapped her chin. ¡°Truth be told, since the war declaration all portals have been acting astray. Give me some time. Perhaps Elkire will be able to hone in on my signal.¡± She took a deep breath and shut her eyes.


    An hour or so later of pacing, static grew louder.


    ¡°Madam!¡ª¡±


    A familiar voice sent Alan¡¯s gaze straight for one of Mar¡¯s windows. The Saro frame was going haywire with variant colors.


    ¡°Hold still.¡± Mardonnus swished her net around, trying to stabilize the window. ¡°Hmm. Skalidins! Stabilize dammit!¡±


    Twenty shades of blue flickered to pink, then green, until finally with a pulse of white, the image phased into view. ¡°Madam! And¡­ by the gods, Alan?¡± Elkire¡¯s face bounced up and down as his gryphon tried to keep him level in the air. ¡°I see you have that pesky Stalker in your midst to. Do you plan to send him flying off a cliff to his black-blooded depths? Is that why you ring us?¡±


    Alan scratched the back of his head. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you Elkire.¡±


    ¡°Likewise, lad. Strange, the landscape of Madam¡¯s tower looks¡­ different?¡±


    ¡°I presume you haven¡¯t had communications with Brack, then,¡± Mardonnus spoke gravely.


    ¡°Afraid not. And worse. The Legion of Fate scouted up to the Crimson of Exou¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hey Alan!¡± Tenger leaned into Elkire¡¯s gryphon¡¯s space, and earned a playful whack from its wing.


    ¡°Hey Tenger.¡± Alan waved, then peeked grumpy Irana on his other side. ¡°Hey Irana.¡±


    ¡°Merchant.¡± She offered a quick nod.


    ¡°Not the time for pleasantries.¡± Elkire straightened unbearably high. ¡°A troop of black-armored elites march through the crimson. We have reason to believe they belong to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sar¡¯fidius,¡± Alan breathed out the words, recalling the frog¡¯s vision of Cerrain¡¯s army.


    ¡°Yes¡­ how did you know? They bear the mark of that nefarious realm¡ªa rotting tree.¡±


    Neesha clapped her hands over her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. ¡°No,¡± she whispered. ¡°Mother. Sister.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know anything for sure yet, Neesha.¡± Alan held up a hand to calm her.


    ¡°Listen to me, Elkire. Make course for the gryphon roost beyond the mountain. An ally will escort you to our location. There, we will catch you up on all that¡¯s transpired. Whatever you do, steer clear of Hightower Brack or any of our people.¡±


    ¡°Our brethren?¡± Elkire¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Our brethren are in danger? Say it isn¡¯t so. Madam, we have a sacred duty.¡±


    Mardonnus slapped the portal. ¡°Dammit, Elkire. No one would ever question your loyalty. I¡¯m afraid the situation calls for nuance, however. Trust your mage seeker now if ever.¡±


    Elkire tightened his lips, staring at the window for a long moment. ¡°Yes, Madam. Of course.¡±


    ¡°Good. How long until you reach the roost?¡±


    ¡°We are about a half day¡¯s out, Ojin time.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Mar shut her eyes, likely calculating the time passage difference. ¡°Stay safe until we meet.¡±


    ¡°Hiya!¡± He zoomed by on his gryphon, and the visual cut out.


    Itsy poked at Madam¡¯s portal, frowning as it rippled.


    ¡°Ack!¡± Mardonnus slapped her finger away and grabbed her wrist, showcasing her own dirty hand to herself. ¡°You¡¯re dirtying the essence. Have you ever heard of a wash?¡±


    Itsy swung out of her grasp. ¡°Says the woman with braids down to her ankles and tree sticks holding her cape.¡±


    ¡°Where did you find this one, Alan?¡± Mar pointed her net up to Itsy¡¯s nose.


    ¡°He negotiated for me.¡± Itsy tilted her head haughtily. ¡°A sly merchant this one is. Balls the size of boulders. And a heart worth an entire realm.¡± She glanced at Alan, then back to Madam Mar. ¡°Listen you lot. I like you. That show you put on to try and win a god over¡­ something I¡¯ve never seen before. But you¡¯d be makin¡¯ a grave mistake hiding here for too long. War is a race. And those armies marching out in Ojin¡­ they¡¯re gettin¡¯ all the cheese.¡±


    ¡°The dirty one is right.¡± Neesha hugged a war stone, drying her tears. ¡°We would¡¯ve come out ahead if Junos accepted our alliance. War Titles for all, probably. But his rejection was Hyndole¡¯s plan all along. Keeping a very powerful adversary at bay.¡± She gazed at Alan with sorrow.


    ¡°It is true, I think.¡± Flint popped snowflakes out of his staff. ¡°Alan, our great Herald and future god of Token, is the key to this all.¡±


    Alan shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m as lost as all of you.¡±


    ¡°You led a small army to safety,¡± Lucius said. ¡°None of the others could¡¯ve accomplished such a feat.¡±


    ¡°And I wouldn¡¯t have been able to do it without any of them,¡± Alan grew angry at the prince chiming in. ¡°We all have a part to play.¡±


    ¡°There will be no parts to play soon, Merchant,¡± Itsy bared her teeth.


    ¡°Now that Junos knows who¡¯s loyal to him, I¡¯ll bet he starts sending out armies as patrols,¡± Alan said. ¡°Soon the Red Pact will claim all the key sections of Ojin. Is that your worry?¡±


    ¡°It is the truth. I¡¯ve heard it with my own ears, ey? Hyndole sold a pretty picture to my brother. Now it¡¯s up to you to sell a prettier one,¡± Itsy said.


    Alan turned away and paced, looking over the scenic cliffs that seemed to stretch endlessly below. He thought of the warriors¡¯ sorrow lodged up in his realm. He could feel the tone of it, like the realm was teasing godhood so he¡¯d accept.


    But he wouldn¡¯t. He can do better as a broker.


    He can.


    Alan turned on them with determination in his eyes. He saw the pawnshop owner¡¯s sorrow in each of their expressions. It won¡¯t end in turmoil again. He reached into his pouch and flipped out Ufanda¡ªwho was all stitched back together and swaying with brighter colors than he remembered. He guessed her appearance changed now that she was in his custody.


    ¡°Madam Mar, Ufanda. You know these warriors better than anyone. Make them feel at home. Flint, keep Lucius in those shackles and watch over Token for me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m coming with you,¡± Neesha protested.


    ¡°No,¡± Alan said. ¡°Stay. I need all the eyes I can on such a large crowd.¡±


    ¡°What will you do, Alan?¡± Flint asked, grasping his staff with both hands in worry.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to get us a fighting chance. We¡¯re sitting ducks without war Titles, right? We can¡¯t contend unless we¡¯re part of the race. Fine.¡± He looked to Itsy. ¡°You said you¡¯d put in a good word to your god. Well, let¡¯s go meet him.¡±

 Chapter 48 - Journey to the Horde

    The night of Alan¡¯s departure, he focused heavily on summoning powerful memories into the five pearls. Junos¡¯ lightning-fanged sword strike, Mujungos¡¯ cloud slam, the list went on. But he had to leave one as a shade conjuring in case he needed to flee from Gosfor¡¯s realm for whatever reason.


    He remained at the foot of Madam Mar¡¯s new tower, sitting on a ledge of his golden-dusted cliff, knowing he had a lot to think about.


    Beating himself over the head for failing to see Junos¡¯ true intent would be wasted energy. He had to learn from his mistake. Gods are unpredictable, narrow, stubborn. Like negotiating with all-powerful infants in some cases. He had to hope they weren¡¯t all the same.


    What did he know about Itsy¡¯s god?


    He was a people-pleaser, apparently. He knew plenty of those types in his old life. Usually they¡¯d do anything for someone new because they were seeking approval, and would sometimes cast aside the long relationships and take them for granted. In this case, that might mean his own realm goes to the wayside for a chance at Jaeger¡¯s promise. Well, Alan¡¯s promise just had to be better, that¡¯s all.


    He tossed a rock down the cliff, amazed at how worldly physics just spawned into existence as the universe declares, making its own rules as it goes. Mother Balooma was a Deenom worthy of defending a sacred realm, and Alan in turn was chosen by her to receive it.


    Responsibility. Debt. Future. It all weighed heavy with over seven hundred warriors under his proverbial roof. But he was here for it.


    Maybe when Mom¡¯s time came, she would find her way to Alan, and he¡¯d have a nice cottage ready to house her. And Trish? She would see how far he¡¯d come.


    Green Saro coated his arm at the thought, mixed with tiny slivers of Black.


    Doubt, still? He clenched his fist. Why? Because I failed?


    More Black overwhelmed the Green.


    ¡°I¡¯m a powerful Merchant,¡± he said aloud to himself, forcing some blessed Yellow affirmations into the mix. ¡°The good of the universe will guide me, and we will overpower the Red Pact.¡±


    He took stock of his weapons and got to his feet. Seeing Neesha cry at the thought of her mother and sister marching for Sar¡¯fidius drained him. He couldn¡¯t let her down. He couldn¡¯t let any of his refugees down.


    Checking to make sure his coin pouch was secure, he turned for the tower, where Itsy waited with her arms folded and a long piece of grass hanging from her mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m excited to see what you come up with next, Merchant.¡± She pulled out the grass, doused it with Gray Saro, and turned it into a green-tipped fencer¡¯s sword.


    Neesha came rushing out of Mar¡¯s tower to meet them. ¡°Are you going to talk to them?¡±


    ¡°I have to. I can¡¯t just leave without laying out a plan,¡± Alan said.


    Flint soared overhead on an ice sled of his own making¡ªslipstreams brightening for a fraction of a section like he was riding on a track. ¡°Aha! Woohoo! They are gathered, good Alan.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Flint!¡± Alan called to the sky, then turned to Neesha. ¡°Something I¡¯ve been thinking. We rescued a small army from Brack. Shouldn¡¯t that have awarded us some kind of War Title?¡±


    Neesha squeezed her eyes shut. ¡°You¡­ fled, essentially. No prompts or agreements. The war stones all say the same thing. What you did, though noble, was not something worthy of war. Remember, the universe is pushing for swift resolution so things can go back the way they were. Rewards will follow in kind.¡±


    ¡°So the universe favors the likely victor,¡± Alan said. ¡°Until I pose a credible threat as real opposition, I won¡¯t even be recognized as in the fight.¡±


    ¡°Unlikely Guds needs traction, Alan.¡± Neesha nodded. ¡°I need traction. To save my mom and sister.¡±


    Alan understood wholeheartedly.


    ¡°Hah.¡± Itsy interrupted. ¡°You all walk like you¡¯ve seen the gates of hell.¡±


    Alan and Neesha were taken aback.


    ¡°Life¡¯s just beginning in these stupid lands. Remember we all died once.¡± She shrugged. ¡°Nothing to be afraid of now. That¡¯s how I see it, anyway. Don¡¯t take second life so seriously, or did you not learn anything from the first?¡± She whacked Alan on the back, which for some reason, made him sigh with relief.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right.¡± Alan glanced over the other side of the cliff, willing slipstreams into existence. ¡°To the cove.¡±


    He leapt for one, grabbing onto the iciest zipline he¡¯d ever encountered. Wind blew his hair back as he spun and gyrated his body like a worm to kick toward the next slipstream. The vibe of the realm will bend to the mood of its people, and its owner. If nothing else was clear on his universal travels, that was.


    His stomach rushed into his chest as the hill blurred beneath him. Itsy and Neesha cheered closely behind as he dipped so deeply his feet nearly skimmed the rocks before he was launched again.


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, Alan. Waha!¡± Flint went spinning past him, holding onto his sled and hat simultaneously, reminding Alan of a crazed snowboarder who got too much air in a halfpipe.


    Once he grabbed the last stream that leveled him off with the incoming ground, he kicked off of it and landed heroically, cloak flapping in all directions, pearls orbiting him.


    In the near distance, the cove was alive with firelight, and endless warriors sat camped out within it¡­ all waiting for Alan. A realm prompt kept fading in and out of his vision, one that he couldn¡¯t ignore.


    War Protocol


    Realm Reverence must be established.


    Choose how your guests and inhabitants may gain reverence in Token. Principles should be decided first, followed by specific commands to be layered on.


    Note: Alan Right, as owner, may manually override someone¡¯s reverence as seen fit.


    Alan acknowledged the prompt. ¡°Alright. This is a merchant¡¯s realm, so overall I would prefer that fair trades are carried out for the mutual benefit of willing parties. No exploitation for the sole purpose of gaining reverence. Um. Be kind and helpful to one another, since I imagine newcomers will be coming from all different realms. Yeah¡­ essentially don¡¯t be a dick, and conduct commerce.¡±


    Gears fastening clicked in Alan¡¯s head, which he guessed was the universe¡¯s acknowledgement of Alan¡¯s wishes.


    ¡°There, that should give them something to start with.¡± Alan dismissed the follow-up prompts, knowing that if he just sat there all night to keep his realm rules building, he¡¯d never gain traction with Unlikely Guds.


    Itsy slowed up by Alan¡¯s side, still holding her grass-made fencer sword over her shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s a sight, ain¡¯t it? For one thing, they look more hopeful than they did in that Brack shit house.¡±


    ¡°I guess they do, don¡¯t they?¡±


    Flint crashed down in front of them, his exploding ice sled sending him rolling over the grass. The whiskers of his beard lifted him upright as he dusted himself free of dirt. ¡°Too much fun. That¡¯s my curse.¡± He laughed nervously.


    ¡°Lucius¡¯ prison in order?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°It would take the universe itself to break him out.¡± Flint winked. ¡°We¡¯ll keep ¡®em there until you return and the Fate Chasers are safely in Token.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, friend.¡± Alan straightened as best he could while approaching his army.


    Some stood from their seats upon his entrance.


    ¡°Alan, is there news from Brack?¡± One hopeful Knight held his helm tightly in hand.


    ¡°My group never made it to the portal,¡± Another said.


    ¡°Friends.¡± Alan raised his arms. ¡°We are all at a grave disadvantage by opposing Jaeger. He has begun war protocols the instant he declared it. I stand before you willing to give my life to even the odds. The Legion of Fate is on its way back with news from around Ojin. I will head to the Royal Horde realm in hopes to win over their god, Gosfor, and gain us War Title¡¯s worthy of the universe¡¯s recognition. Only then can we begin stealth operations back to Brack.¡±


    Alan noticed some nods in the cave. Some chatter broke out too.


    ¡°I¡¯m told that a War Title is worth one hundred warriors. We would stand no chance traversing Ojin without them. And now that Junos is both entertained and furious, you best bet he¡¯s sending his loyal followers to earn their own right now,¡± Alan went on. ¡°I¡¯m asking you to trust me, as I trust this Knight right next to me.¡± Alan motioned to Itsy, who saluted with the sword. ¡°I have a war prompt. If I can win over this god, we will have a chance at rescuing your brothers and sisters at Brack.¡±


    ¡°And if you fail, good sir?¡± A burly warrior with a flask licked his lips.


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± his voice deepened. ¡°Too much at stake.¡±


    Fists went up, and Alan was taken aback. ¡°To Alan!¡±


    ¡°To Alan!¡± the cheer echoed to the back, sending adrenaline coursing through him. It was as if the stars in his realm brightened at the proclamation.


    ¡°Think up your strategies, honorable warriors of Hightower. Protect your mage seeker working to watch over you in this troubled time, and await our scouts from Ojin. I will return. We will save your people.¡±


    The crowd was mixed, but most cheered. It reminded him of the warriors of Strangey Town revering him, respecting him, honoring him.


    I have to do this.


    He turned to Itsy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry little Merchant. I¡¯ll protect you.¡± She slapped his back. ¡°Remember.¡± She pointed up, making her ¡°Scrappy Knight of the Royal Horde¡± War Title visible. ¡°I¡¯m the only one who can defend y¡¯all.¡±


    Alan smirked at her, then beckoned Flint to open the dangerous portal to Ojin. He hugged him and Neesha goodbye, and held up his hand to the warriors of Brack, closing it into a fist to keep them hopeful.


    ¡°Take me with you,¡± Neesha begged.


    ¡°I need you here.¡± Their eyes locked for a moment. Those soft, blue eyes still made his knees weak. ¡°I will return.¡±


    She cupped his face. ¡°You better.¡±


    The portal was windy and full of unstable gyrations, forcing Flint to look away as he held his staff arm straight to keep it open. ¡°Quickly Alan.¡±


    ¡°Hold onto your knickers.¡± Itsy flung the fencer¡¯s sword back into the grass. ¡°Unlikely Guds needs its first win.¡± She winked at Flint, and hopped in.


    ¡°Goll-y. That woman is breathtaking.¡± Flint¡¯s eyes became glassy as he stared into the turbulent portal.


    ¡°Keep them sane, Flint,¡± Alan said, then hopped right behind her.


    xxx


    ¡°That Wizard is a wonder.¡± Itsy licked her fingers. ¡°Even with all that static, he managed to get us right back to where Bubbin found you, or rather, where I did. C¡¯mon this way.¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Their current section of the blue fog was still draped over Alan¡¯s eyes, but Itsy was patient, dashing to one rock and waiting for Alan to blindly catch up. The rolling sphere of clear air showed endless mushrooms and rushing rivers beneath translucent dirt. Alan didn¡¯t like it. At any moment he worried his foot would be dragged under, and he¡¯d have to encase himself in White Saro until he emerged again.


    ¡°Been wandering the under-river before you were reborn, Merchant. Have some faith, ey?¡±


    The hour of travel included two instances of that same rumbling terror he experienced before¡ªrealm armies marching their patrolled path. But so far, they hadn¡¯t been caught.


    ¡°Times like these, it¡¯ll be difficult to call Gosfor without a Wizard or strong caster type.¡± Itsy plucked a mushroom and ballooned it into a giant shield. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing my brother would never turn away his blood, even if he does despise me.¡± She offered a wide-toothed smile.


    ¡°The question is, why does he despise you?¡± Alan asked, hopping from rock to rock to avoid a sunken patch of dirt.


    ¡°Something about speaking too plainly in front of sensitive types.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t say.¡±


    ¡°Bitches, if you ask me. The lot of ¡®em. Can¡¯t handle a little razzle dazzle? Get out of my kitchen. That¡¯s what I always say.¡± With a deep breath, her attention fled to prompts. ¡°Ah. Got the idiot.¡± She motioned with her fingers. ¡°Map. Gimme the map, quick, stupid.¡±


    Alan did as he was told, flattening it in her hand.


    ¡°Here we are. Yes. Get ready, Merchant. It¡¯s going to be busy in there. Hah.¡± Itsy winked as a serene Green and Blue portal blossomed at her back. Alan instantly recognized the native Green life Saro, which meant Itsy¡¯s brother was a Healer¡­ of sorts. Perhaps even a clairvoyant like Afarus.


    ¡°Listen here. You¡¯re better than that shithead gargoyle, Alan. Make sure you show it to them.¡± She winked again and fell backward into the portal.


    Alan dove without a second thought. When his senses churned from nothingness to form once again, he had to shield his eyes until they adjusted. A town with square Asian-style houses surrounded him on every corner. He was in the middle of a yellow-dirt pathway that led to double-doors the size of a mountain.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, this way.¡± Itsy grabbed onto his arm. She yanked him out of the street and onto a side-walk with low-hanging wooden etchings delineating the types of shops. Sword and shield meant weapons. Glass vials symbolized essence. A traditional medieval house must¡¯ve been an inn.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Alan¡¯s vision was suddenly obstructed when Itsy draped the mushroom shield over their heads, loosening the structure into a sort of umbrella.


    Alan wasn¡¯t sure what she was hiding, since everyone else around them had shoes on. Everyone but her.


    ¡°They¡¯ll recognize you in a second.¡± Alan pointed to her dirtied bare feet. ¡°Plus, you¡¯re literally leaving a trail.¡±


    ¡°Guess I could use a wash, eh?¡± She inspected them for a moment, leaning her weight on Alan. ¡°But it¡¯s not me I¡¯m hiding.¡± She raised her eyebrows. ¡°You prance around with the hand of a god, save a realm from despair. You move with the five pearls circling you. Bubbin may have been too dumb to notice, but Hyndole mentioned a Merchant of your caliber with a bounty worth a seat at his high council post-war.¡±


    She raised the umbrella for a moment, looking both ways.


    Bladesmen and women. Archers. The city was full of them. Oddly he didn¡¯t pin many Knights around. Or maybe the Knights here didn¡¯t wear the traditional armor, and were more like¡­ Itsy.


    Nah. So far no one is as weird as her except maybe Flint. The Asian theme made Alan think Gosfor might originally be from Earth. Or at least, he was trying to please someone from Earth when constructing this city.


    ¡°Is the whole realm structured like this?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Heavens no. There¡¯s the palace lands¡ªall precious metals and gaudy structures. Green lands, where great fruits are plucked and bunk bed camps lay for the outdoors people¡­ like me. The list goes on. And this is Strive Town, where all of Gosfor¡¯s pledged treasures are up for grabs. Maybe I can give you a tour if things go our way.¡±


    ¡°Remember, we have an army waiting back home,¡± Alan politely declined.


    Itsy scoffed. ¡°And here I thought the great God Merchant would want to know the lands of his allies. Stupid me.¡± She knocked on her own head.


    ¡°You¡¯re a little late to the party, Itsy. Guilt doesn¡¯t work on me anymore.¡± He smirked.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll have to make up some damn good reasons to drag you there then. Won¡¯t rely on guilt. Just some harmless deception.¡± Itsy nodded to herself.


    Alan huffed.


    Itsy whipped the umbrella back for a moment. ¡°Let me run in and have a wash. C¡¯mon.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t your brother waiting?¡± Alan said.


    ¡°You want a god seeing me dragging Ojin gunk all over his tower?¡±


    ¡°Tower? Is that where we¡¯re headed beyond those massive doors?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Aye of course. Ain¡¯t going to be easy getting up it either, but between the two of us, I have faith.¡± Itsy gave him a determined slap, then stepped behind him and pushed him by the shoulders. ¡°Up you go. Up. Up. Quick, put those pearls away.¡±


    They climbed the stairs as Alan did what he was told.


    ¡°Is it safe to?¡± Alan looked over his shoulder.


    ¡°You¡¯ll know when things get ugly, I think.¡± Itsy hopped in front of Alan and greeted the disturbed innkeeper with a wide smile.


    ¡°Itsy Boyar. What in the hells! Shouldn¡¯t you be patrolling with Bubbin?¡± A man with a pudgy belly and a black silk sash put his fists on his hips. ¡°Ah! You¡¯re dirtying the wood floors. Just had them cleaned! Beni! Mant!¡± he shouted behind him and snapped.


    Two servants with broom and mop came rushing over to wash and dry Itsy¡¯s prints.


    ¡°Yeah, about that, I need a wash,¡± she said. ¡°Want to carry me up the stairs, Nabo? It¡¯ll be romantic.¡±


    The innkeeper scoffed. ¡°Not if your brother held a Green dagger to my throat. Hurry up, you mangy thing. Ah! Why do you have to run in zig zags like that!¡±


    Alan was left dumbfounded with the umbrella mushroom in his hands, until a pleasant-looking woman with a triple-bun hairdo bowed in front of him.


    ¡°It is thirty-eight years¡¯ bad luck to hold an umbrella under a roof.¡± She politely took the mushroom and unsummoned it with a flash of Gray. ¡°You are with Itsy? Please, come to the waiting area. Right this way.¡±


    Alan was guided past the front desk, to a room of many sliding doors, one of which the nice woman pushed open and presented a bench for Alan to sit.


    ¡°We will come gather you once Ms. Boyar is done bathing.¡± She bowed again.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Alan bowed back and took his seat.


    With a lingering eye, she slid the white-paneled door closed.


    He slowly unsheathed his Soul Collector so not to disturb any others who might be in the vicinity. With a touch of Black, he summoned Durger, who towered over the door.


    Alan¡¯s eyes widened as he motioned for the big Forger to hunch over.


    ¡°Sir Alan.¡±


    ¡°Shh. Trying to keep a low profile here,¡± Alan whispered.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Durger lowered his voice.


    ¡°How are you holding up? Sorry about your home realm. I did my best¡ª¡±


    ¡°You are a wonder among both mortals and gods, sir Alan. My sorrow is for the people who lost their way, not for those you managed to save.¡± Durger sat on the floor.


    ¡°Junos was an absolute nightmare to deal with.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. Back in the last war, me and my group were mostly on reconnaissance. Though we had reports of Junos¡¯ odd behavior, he was never said to be this treacherous. Corruption is the fruit of greed.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± Alan rested his arms over his knees.


    ¡°On the bright side, your realm looks good filled. Our visitors find hope in your atmospheric radiance. Afarus tells us that the realms¡¯ owner is what determines a realm¡¯s mood.¡±


    ¡°So I gathered,¡± Alan said. ¡°I¡¯m doing my best, but I fear if I don¡¯t find a way to broker Gosfor with Mujungo, my hope may deplete.¡±


    ¡°There is always goodness in the universe, Alan, no matter how glum things look. Take me, for example. I heard Sir Ooman¡¯s little bark somewhere in the fog last week. After all this time, I will be reunited with my little puppy soon. And like you, I won¡¯t give up until I get there.¡±


    A pulse of determination perked Alan up. ¡°Thanks Durger.¡±


    ¡°For what? It is I who should thank you,¡± Durger said humbly, touching hand to chest. ¡°And rest assured, the people of Brack are grateful. They are the beginning of Unlikely Guds. I¡¯m sure of it.¡±


    Alan raised his gaze to meet Durger¡¯s.


    ¡°Ah! Stop it.¡± Durger smacked his own arm. ¡°Afarus won¡¯t quit poking me with those vile swords. He begs to be let out.¡±


    Alan sighed. ¡°We will catch up later, then.¡±


    ¡°Farewell, noble Alan.¡±


    With a wave of his hand, Alan shifted souls.


    Arm wraps coiled on the floor like white snakes. Golden eyes were shrouded by Black Saro mist that took form as the lanky Bladesman.


    ¡°Are you done stroking your own ego, Alan?¡± Afarus arced an eyebrow. ¡°You have done much and more than most of the living, but that is not cause to bathe in it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware, teacher.¡± Alan arced an eyebrow.


    ¡°You fail to practice your Saro arts in the nights,¡± Afarus scolded.


    ¡°Been kind of busy.¡±


    ¡°There is no excuse, lest your Origin connections wane. Something you may need now more than ever, I think.¡±


    Alan¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    Afarus syphoned Saro out of Alan to form himself fully into a living breathing being. Black circles under his eyes, brittle bones, hairy arms and all. ¡°There is a pulsating force in your Saro connections, Alan.¡± He rose to full height, looking down on him. ¡°It is bright and dark all at once, and it shrouds my ability to see.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re not the grand master clairvoyant you thought yourself to be. Maybe best to step in line with the frogs, then.¡± Alan chuckled, and Afarus smirked.


    ¡°Perhaps I will.¡± He dropped a heavy hand on Alan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Be careful, my friend. Something in this realm splits your clairvoyant path. It riles me so.¡± The light in his eyes turned grave, dropping Alan¡¯s mood into concern.


    ¡°I hear you.¡± Alan nodded curtly.


    ¡°Guard up.¡± Afarus dissipated just as the white door slid open.


    Itsy stood in the doorway cleaning water out of her ear, alongside the pleasant woman who directed him to the waiting area.


    ¡°All done.¡±


    She dripped water everywhere, the slob that she is, making the two servants continue following her even after her bath.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you dry off first and put some shoes on so you don¡¯t get dirty again?¡± Alan suggested.


    ¡°You know nothing, ey? Everything around me is a potential weapon. If I can¡¯t feel it, I can¡¯t mold it. That¡¯s the power of the Gray. So while you hide your orbs in that pouch, I¡¯ll be on high alert, kay stupid?¡± She winked at him. ¡°Now let¡¯s get a move on.¡±


    They approached the inn exit. ¡°Thanks Nabo!¡± she called, taking a bamboo stick out of the wall while staring down the pleasant woman. ¡°Need a new umbrella since you took mine. Sun gets hot out here, don¡¯t it?¡±


    Alan waved in apology on their way out. He grew distant as they walked down the city yellow-dirt path. What did Afarus mean by his warning? He seemed shaken. Are we being followed?


    Itsy yapped about her old quarters when she first got to the Horde, pointing above a dress shop. ¡°Me and my brother made our way as Healer and Knight when we burned out of our Origins.¡±


    ¡°That must¡¯ve been a terrible way to go,¡± Alan tuned back in.


    ¡°Aye. The whole village got it. Couple of them ended up in the Horde. Saw a few scattered time and again. It¡¯s weird how time passes though. On the one hand, it¡¯s easy to forget some of my old neighbors. On the other, tears come rushing into my eyes when I see someone I miss. These damn realms have a way about ¡®em.¡±


    ¡°They do, don¡¯t they?¡± Alan pursed his lips. He hadn¡¯t met a single soul that he recalled from Earth. Then again, he hadn¡¯t been here too long. What if a year here was only a day there? Then maybe no one he knew passed yet. Or maybe it¡¯s the opposite, and everyone is here. The possibilities are endless and not worth exploring, especially when he resigned himself to stay.


    The high sculpted doors loomed, and they did not belong. Blotting out the eastern sun set an ominous tone for whatever was to happen next. The ground at their feet rumbled.


    ¡°Here, hold this.¡± She pressed the giant bamboo umbrella into Alan¡¯s grasp and pushed him aside.


    ¡°Who approaches the Tower of Quest?¡±


    ¡°Get outta¡¯ here, Dolfa. Open up. You know it¡¯s me Itsy.¡± She grabbed a handful of dirt from the floor and fastened it into a glass club. ¡°Unless you want me to act a hooligan and start making a mess, ya dummy!¡±


    ¡°Ah, your highness. I didn¡¯t recognize you. Your Saro is overshadowed by your guest,¡± Dolfa said, making Itsy pout.


    She looked over at Alan. ¡°Guess I should¡¯ve known. Colorless prick.¡±


    Alan threw her signature wink right back at her, twirling the origami-looking umbrella in his grasp.


    ¡°Formalities, Madam Itsy. Are you prepared to climb, or do you seek entrance as a spectator?¡± Dolfa asked.


    ¡°Depends if Roland or Gosfor will make time to see me without having to bash my way to the top,¡± Itsy shouted at the doors, calling the attention of the shop owners trying to refill their fruit stands.


    Alan couldn¡¯t quite place the voice of the talking door, or whatever stood behind it, but the inflection sounded familiar. What¡¯s more, his coin pouch shook on its own accord, as if one of his minions was bursting to get out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have such information, Highness.¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ll just have to mark us as spectators then. If I¡¯m stopped, I¡¯ll come back out and ask for a quest prompt. Open up, Borai!¡±


    That¡¯s it! Alan realized. Dolfa sounded exactly like mother Balooma, and something similar to Yogi. A female Borai.


    The doors bellowed open on command, causing the shop owners to huddle around their stands as the ground rumbled. Alan lifted his umbrella slightly to see the sun peeking through the crack, and beyond stood a fifty-story tower of that same Asian-type stack the rest of the city was made of. Different colored lanterns hung at every level, and inside, fighters¡¯ shadows peeked through the semi-transparent paper walls.


    ¡°Is Gosfor from Earth?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I believe he is. But he came over long ago, Alan. Welp, c¡¯mon then.¡± She crashed her glass club over the floor and strutted in, leaving Alan to flash a batch of Beige Saro to transform the glass to sand.


    Two huge Borai stepped out from behind the doors, awaiting us to cross the threshold. Alan couldn¡¯t help but gape at their ghostly form and branchy pauldrons. They were more decorated than Yogi. Perhaps his elders?


    Alan followed Itsy into the tower area, and when the doors bellowed shut, Alan had to greet the Borai.


    Itsy yanked his arm. ¡°Do not, Alan.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to trust me on this one.¡± Alan shoved the umbrella into her hand. ¡°The Borai and I have a sacred bond.¡±


    ¡°I follow a dumbass.¡± Itsy tried to shield Alan from the tower¡¯s view. ¡°Suppose Gosfor is watching us from level fifty as we speak. Ugh!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll only be a minute.¡± Alan faced the bears, who stood guard watching outward through magical peepholes. ¡°Excuse me, honored Borai of the Royal Horde.¡±


    One of them tilted their head¡ªAlan could tell by the lankier build that she was female. ¡°Yes, Merchant?¡±


    ¡°Mother Balooma granted me her Ultimus Title, and I journey with a dear friend who is eager to reunite with you, I think.¡± He flipped out his coin, summoning Yogi with a flash of white lightning.


    Yogi came out running and hugged the female. ¡°Dolfi-Baxvier. It has been too long.¡±


    Both Borai¡¯s eyes widened, then immediately abandoned their posts to hug Yogi back.


    ¡°Honored brother! We hoped to be reunited again upon Hozzod¡¯s alliance.¡± Dolfi broke the embrace. ¡°But judging by your unburdened fur, it seems you are no longer attached to his realm.¡±


    ¡°Sister, brother.¡± Yogi addressed them both. ¡°Our world will grow dark if the realms ally with Hozzod. We have seen it so. There is another way.¡± He presented Alan below. ¡°Noble Alan has the blessing of mother, and will fulfill his oaths to keep Ojin free.¡±


    Alan thought ¡°free¡± was a stretch, considering it¡¯s the realm of war and abides by the rules of the universe, but he let it slide, considering anything is better than enslavement by Jaeger and the Red Pact.


    The Borai bowed to Alan and Itsy¡¯s level, both on one knee.


    They sniffed Alan, to which he opened his arms for them to have at it.


    ¡°Mother¡¯s scent is indeed on him. Praise her, dun dun dun.¡±


    ¡°Dun, dun dun.¡± The two others chanted.


    ¡°We are the sacred twins of the White valleys, Alan. Defeated by champions of the Horde and summoned as the tower¡¯s keepers. We are bound here, but we recognize you as a friend.¡±


    ¡°Likewise, Dolfi.¡± Alan pet her snout. ¡°Yogi is a dear friend, and I hope to shape the universe in an image suitable for noble souls like his.¡±


    ¡°Honorable,¡± Dolfi said.


    ¡°Courageous,¡± The other agreed.


    ¡°Noble.¡± Yogi bowed.


    ¡°Yes, and a dumbass!¡± Itsy shouted. ¡°Now can we please get going, or he ain¡¯t going to be able to save shit if Gosfor sides with the gargoyle, hm?¡±


    ¡°We will chant for your success. Do not let Ojin fall for the wicked, honorable Alan.¡± Dolfi rose in a show of strength, flexing out her armored chest and beating it once.


    Alan instantly felt less alone in a foreign realm. Friendship is contagious. He¡¯ll wear that armor on the way into whatever awaits in the tower.

 Chapter 49 - Tower Duels

    A stacked tower of hanging lanterns and combating warriors stretched high over Alan and Itsy¡¯s heads. As they approached the swirling dragon double-doors, a prompt overwhelmed Alan¡¯s vision.


    Tower of Quest


    Welcome, warrior. Gosfor of the Royal Horde graciously offers a pristine treasure on this faithful day under the wayward sun.


    Serpent String Dagger


    Original Saro¡ªGreen


    Bonus Saro¡ªRed


    Ability: Serpent¡¯s Path¡ªStrikes using this weapon leave a lingering Saro trail in the air, that when detached, will mimic the serpent spirit trapped in the dagger to momentarily attack your foe.


    Upon reaching the fiftieth floor and completing the final challenge, the duelist will acquire the day¡¯s treasure and be greeted by Gosfor himself.


    Prior to entrance, choose your role:


    Duelist


    Spectator


    Alan side-eyed Itsy, who hummed to herself.


    ¡°Pick spectator and choose your style,¡± she said while tapping around her prompt. A lion¡¯s mask that looked utterly ridiculous materialized over her face.


    Alan couldn¡¯t help but smirk. After choosing the spectator option, a row of masks became visible that he quickly scrolled through. One of them in particular reminded him of a masquerade party he attended once with Trish. It was one of her friend¡¯s ideas to throw the party in the first place. At the time, he couldn¡¯t wait to leave. All of the socializing and pretending like they didn¡¯t know who was hiding behind the other masks¡ªas if their voices didn¡¯t give them away¡ªmade him cringe into himself. But now? He kind of missed it. Giggling and lightheartedness seemed like a lifetime away.


    With a flash of warmth cradling his belly, he chose the frowning masquerade mask he once wore, albeit with less universe-print stars all over it.


    ¡°Ooh, flashy boy, aren¡¯t ya? I knew there was something naughty hiding in there.¡± Itsy pretended to roar, which made Alan sigh.


    ¡°What the hell is this, anyway?¡± He shrugged.


    ¡°Your chance to gain a realm as your ally, stupid.¡± She tugged on the double-doors.


    As soon as they entered, Saro fireworks burst and floated in the air like falling colorful leaves before puffing into dust.


    A stout chubby man with a horned mask jumped from the side of the door, scaring Alan back.


    ¡°Gracious spectators, welcome. Welcome. Do remember to rate the matches you watch and provide feedback before ascending to the next level. If you are to leave a match early, do give the level sensei a reason why. Each does their best to keep audience.¡±


    ¡°Course we will, Stevey.¡± Itsy patted his shoulder.


    As soon as she spoke he looked down to her bare legs, and then up again.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you.¡± Stevey¡¯s frown was evident despite his mask. ¡°Guess I should alert the level sensei that the sister has arrived. Booo!¡± He put a thumbs down right in her face.


    ¡°Jeez. You¡¯d think I¡¯d get a warm welcome for my hard time in Ojin.¡±


    ¡°Bah! You? The one who ruins efforts of our great sensei? When you leave early on every turn, you make others in the audience question why. Ugh, you¡¯d never understand. You¡¯ve never run an establishment. You just like to light matches and watch things burn.¡± He threw his hands theatrically in the air.


    Alan cleared his throat. ¡°Hello sir. From what I can tell, this seems like a fine establishment. We¡¯ll do our best to be discrete if we must depart early. I¡¯ve helped run a shop before, and can empathize with the amount of work it takes to keep it going.¡±


    Stevey tilted his head, daring to perk up a little. ¡°A¡­ chauffer? Did someone finally have the brilliant idea of keeping you in check, sister of Roland?¡±


    Alan nudged her to play along.


    ¡°It was the only way they¡¯d let me in, gosh damn imbeciles.¡± She shrugged.


    ¡°Brilliant. Brilliant! The day is saved. Hurrah.¡± Stevey set off another round of fireworks.


    Itsy leaned over to Alan. ¡°You¡¯re the one who was short on time, remember? My way was the fast way,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°My way is the gain allies way,¡± Alan countered. ¡°The man obviously takes pride in the tower. Show a little respect.¡±


    She pulled at her faux lion¡¯s mane in mock anger.


    ¡°Well, best to get started. We have new contenders beginning any moment.¡± Stevey led them to a colorful bridge with a manmade lake full of koi fish. The closer they got to the gold-plated staircase, the more noise filtered to Alan¡¯s ears from the floor above.


    ¡°I beg you enjoy the Tower of Quest, for all of its valor and spoils. Please read your instructional prompts prior to the first match. That goes double for you, chauffer. We don¡¯t need you following the lead of a certain highness.¡± He thumbed toward Itsy.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Thank you for your hospitality, Stevey. Your excitement transferred unto us, didn¡¯t it Itsy?¡± Alan nudged her again.


    ¡°Oh goodness yes.¡± She jumped like a giddy schoolgirl in the most sarcastic way possible.


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡± Stevey pushed us on as the next group of spectators came through the double-doors.


    ¡°Welcome! Welcome!¡± Stevey cartwheeled his chubby self right up to them, blowing more Saro fireworks over the bridge.


    ¡°I¡¯m fearful Gosfor and Junos are similar,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Hah! You couldn¡¯t be more wrong. This is my brother¡¯s scheme. Gosfor just likes to converse with elites, so Roland concocted a way to create elites. Multiple ways, actually,¡± she sighed. ¡°But all that crap bores me to death. You can talk to him about it if you really please.¡±


    Alan held the bannister on his way up, noting the Yellow Saro slivers glow to life as he touched it. ¡°Your brother sounds strategic.¡±


    ¡°Big time. Was a right hand advisor to the village chief in our Origin World. Kept the village fed and training, and built up security. That¡¯s what he¡¯s doing here. Has a vision about keeping warriors in the realm, rather than constantly venturing off to Ojin. He wants to build a universe inside a universe, crazy bastard.¡±


    Alan furrowed his brow. Roland sounded ambitious, which worried him slightly. Negotiating with someone like that might wind up having Alan offering more than he¡¯s worth.


    ¡°Where do you fit into all that, back in your Origin?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Little ¡®ol me? Oh, when the village chief ordered Roland¡¯s execution, I killed the chief instead. A knife right through his belly. Duh.¡±


    ¡°Explains the loyalty.¡± Alan grimaced.


    ¡°He ain¡¯t what you think, Alan.¡± She arced an eyebrow. ¡°He¡¯s got a good heart¡­ somewhere.¡±


    They emerged on the second floor where bongo drums thrummed throughout the space, played in unison by long-cloaked masked musicians, reaching a crescendo right as Alan arrived. Itsy directed Alan to two open seats on the edge furthest from them.


    ¡°Hurry,¡± she whispered. ¡°It¡¯s about to start.¡±


    Prompts overwhelmed Alan¡¯s vision. Something about being quiet during crucial parts of the match. Cheering is allowed once the commentator declares a point. Only one Saro type is allowed per duelist, per match¡­ the list went on.


    ¡°Sevene chooses hook blade and Red Saro. Greniard chooses long-staff and Blue Saro. No essence usage. Healers on standby. First to three points advances to the third floor, where the victor shall fight the victor of the second floor.¡± A man with a wide-brimmed hat spoke loudly to the floor, making no eye contact while all the spectators in ridiculous masks scrutinized the two fighters.


    Alan guessed the uniforms were provided, because one was shogun style with wide billowing pants and the other was in tight ninja wraps. He wondered if Gosfor was either from a feudal era on Earth or loved kung fu movies like he did.


    ¡°Begin!¡±


    The fight was interesting. Very formal and swift in movements. Pretty much the opposite of a battle in Ojin, where everything is about survival. Sunlight brightened the far side paper-style wall, casting light over the two clashing staff versus sword. He looked out for new techniques that perhaps he could learn or build into his pearls, and dove into momentary trances to find out the fighter¡¯s origins.


    When he returned, he realized Greniard outmatched Sevene by a long mile. His staff was whittled by a tribe of void hunters¡ªminions who were once warriors, apparently¡ªin Karnuk of the purple fog. He was so skilled he didn¡¯t even have to activate his Saro to best his opponent.


    ¡°Esha!¡± Itsy whispered while slapping Alan on the arm, causing a scowl from a spectator in front of them.


    ¡°The hell was that for?¡± he whispered back.


    ¡°You¡¯re glowing like a pixie, idiot. Look.¡± She pointed to the sensei in the corner blocking the stairs, who¡¯s eyes were wide with fury. ¡°Didn¡¯t you read your prompts? No abilities as spectators. You watch, and cheer, and don¡¯t be an idiot.¡±


    Alan put up his hands defensively and sat back in his seat.


    They can tell when I¡¯m in a trance? What the hell kind of detection Saro is that?


    Tension built as Sevene struggled to keep step with Greniard. The bongo drums were tapped lowly as the point appeared eminent. Spectators nearly edged off their seats when with a kick, Greniard launched Sevene to the edge of the white-sand arena.


    ¡°Point!¡± The commentator held up a black flag, and the spectators cheered. Apparently the masks had voice-changing Gray Saro built inside, which made all sorts of beast noises.


    ¡°Oh but that¡¯s okay?¡± Alan gestured among the noise.


    ¡°Tower sanctioned, of course it¡¯s okay, stupid.¡± Itsy cheered.


    When the duel inevitably ended, spectators were ushered up to the third floor. All but Alan, who was pulled aside by the level sensei. He didn¡¯t say anything, but his eyes and accusatory finger spoke volumes.


    ¡°Apologies, sensei.¡± Alan bowed. ¡°You have set up a great duel and managed it superbly. I meant no disrespect and it will not happen again.¡±


    ¡°mmph.¡± Sensei grunted, which Alan understood as acceptance.


    A prompt asked Alan how the first match went in survey fashion, from d¨¦cor to neutrality of the commentator. Does the Royal Horde overuse prompts? Yes. But it did seem to keep the whole Tower of Quest thing in order. Still, Alan didn¡¯t like it, and planned never to implement something so overbearing.


    The next few floors included riveting Saro displays and great fighting techniques. From barbaric Knight to Zen Bladeswoman, the clashes were legendary and never failed to keep Alan¡¯s attention. But when he noticed Itsy¡¯s leg endlessly twitching, he realized perhaps he should be sharing her angst. He needed to get to the fiftieth floor, and fast. His people were waiting.


    The warriors of Hightower Brack, Flint¡­ Neesha. He couldn¡¯t leave them hanging, and had to return with something to show.


    He tapped Itsy¡¯s leg in a stint of anxiety. ¡°Should we?¡± He motioned to the staircase.


    Itsy¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Serious?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m asking you. How badly will we piss off the establishment if we do?¡±


    ¡°Probably about as much as you disrupting the battle right now.¡±


    ¡°Point.¡± The commentator held up a white flag.


    The cheers overshadowed the disrespect.


    ¡°Okay. We¡¯ll wait until the end of this match, and then hang back for everyone else to go upstairs. Once they¡¯re ushered in, you can discreetly use your status to get us a few levels up.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d be disrupting a whole other group mid fight. Look, I don¡¯t give a flying Barlo shit, but I¡¯m just giving you the straight facts, ey? They¡¯re going to see new masks, and say ¡®what in the shit are they doing here in the middle of a match?¡¯¡±


    Alan gritted his teeth as the duel resumed. It¡¯d already been three hours and they were only on floor seven. He guessed no matter how he shook it, he would have to wait until the match was ready between the final two contestants on the fiftieth floor, unless he wanted to pull Itsy and march right up to the god.


    Judging by the care Roland puts into his events, better to be respectful. This way I can present Itsy as a changed woman too. He scoffed to himself when watching her literally sit with her legs bouncing against the chair in front of her. Or at least a tamer one.


    He dwelled in his options as the fight ended. Holding Itsy¡¯s arm for her to stay back, he heavily considered getting in words with Gosfor before the final match so he could close the deal after it. But that could start him off on the wrong foot. Chances are they¡¯ll be more satisfied when the match is done and they¡¯re thoroughly entertained.


    His grip loosened around her arm.


    ¡°Merchant?¡± Her lion¡¯s mask tilted.


    Alan sighed. ¡°We¡¯ll play the slow way.¡±


    ¡°Aye. Aye.¡±


    As they headed toward the ninth floor, Alan was in his own head. What was Junos doing to all the traitors who couldn¡¯t escape his realm? He should be charging in there now. But he couldn¡¯t¡­ not without War Titles.


    As Itsy dragged him to the last two front seats next to a row of women in pearly white make-up plucking beige-stringed harps, Alan wondered the theme of this one.


    The first contestant stepped onto the snowy white mat, causing Alan to grasp the sides of his chair and clench impossibly tight.


    Jet black hair, a moderate amount of freckles, and a stank face he knew too well in his darkest hours made his skin crawl. Worse, his arms immediately went numb as if all the blood and Saro retreated into his heart to save it from exploding.


    Impossible.


    No way.


    ¡°Trish,¡± the name escaped louder than he intended.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m glad you can read.¡± Itsy pointed to her name and Title listed over her head.


    Trish Morgan


    Trained Stalker of the Iron Cellar

 Chapter 50 - Memories to Life

    Alan¡¯s jaw dropped. If he didn¡¯t have a mask on, it would be impossible not to notice him. ¡°What are the fucking chances?¡± He blinked in quick succession to try and clear his vision.


    It had to be a mistake. A trick of the eye. A trick of Saro. Something¡­


    How could his ex-girlfriend be here in the Royal Horde, competing for a serpent dagger? Actually, that might¡¯ve been suitable, given her history.


    Stop it, Alan.


    One thing was for sure: his heart still beat for her, or stalled for her. Emotions went haywire, and his Saro felt unstable at the sight.


    ¡°Whoa, what¡¯s going on with you?¡± Itsy smacked him in the shoulder. ¡°Cut it out. Your glowing again.¡±


    Alan did his best to relax, but the overwhelming emotion was getting the better of him. All of the memories he evoked to hone his Saro came swirling to the forefront of his mind. Seeing her in person triggered his old life in a visceral way.


    Their third date on the strip in Las Vegas bloomed to life¡ªwatching a Cirque du Soleil show and being called onto the stage with a bunch of angry clowns¡­ her crying with laughter as Alan was pushed onto a lily pad and drifted off stage. Blue and Green Saro whipped through his veins. He remembered seeing a future with her in that moment, despite the embarrassment. She was fun¡­ and brought out the best in him.


    Years flashed in a second¡­ the chill of her shifting mood yanking at the White. He came home from a double at the pawnshop without her so much as offering a glance in his direction. She just sat there on the couch, arms folded, watching some dark documentary with the same angry scowl she exhibited now in the arena.


    ¡°You said you¡¯d be home at ten.¡± Her eyes remained on the screen.


    ¡°It¡¯s eleven. Sorry, Trish, but there was a customer who showed interest in an 1800s mint coin. The commission would hav¡ª¡±


    ¡°Did he buy it?¡± Her icy stare finally shifted to him.


    Alan remembered standing there, frozen, ridiculed for doing his best.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t think so.¡±


    Black dread washed over him, sending waves of darkness clouding his thoughts, narrowing his vision. The tower floor crumbled in his mind, leaving a canvas of nothingness except for Trish¡¯s icy scowl.


    ¡°I miss you.¡± A tinge of golden light sapped with beige framed Trish standing there. ¡°I¡¯m happy you called me.¡±


    They were back at their favorite diner, off strip in Vegas. Second-to-last booth facing the window, where they always used to sit.


    Alan slapped down his transcript on the table, which made her eyes brighten. ¡°Ten credits are all I need to graduate. I¡¯m thinking of applying at community tomorrow and finishing my degree.¡±


    ¡°Finally, Alan. You literally have a perfect GPA¡­ this will be a piece of cake for you.¡±


    ¡°And the road to a soul-crushing career,¡± he muttered to himself.


    ¡°Oh, Alan, I¡¯m so freakin¡¯ happy!¡± She leaned over the diner table and squeezed him hard. It was bittersweet, just like he remembered. Like being given a treat for behavior he didn¡¯t want to exhibit. But if he only went on to complete his degree¡­ maybe¡­


    ¡°Alan!¡± Itsy slapped him, waking him from his stupor.


    One of the ladies in makeup on his left hissed for him to cool down his Saro. His hands were glowing bright gold, so he sat on them. And when Trish looked his way, he nearly fainted on the spot.


    How can this be real?


    The second contender strutted out in purple ninja wraps with a long Katana strapped to his back. His motions were very rigid and trained, and when he faced Trish, all of Alan¡¯s protective instincts barreled Red Saro through him, making his chest beam.


    He needed Afarus now more than ever to coach him out of this. He¡¯d met his love in his second life. How did he temper these insane feelings wrapped in magic?


    God, is this what he meant by my path here being clouded? Is it because of her?


    The commentator was in full-blown samurai robes¡ªhigh ponytail and all. He drew his sword and cut the air in between the two about to face off.


    ¡°Trish chooses Black Saro with a dagger as her weapon. Mifor chooses Red Saro with a sword as his weapon. First to three points advances to the thirteenth floor¡ª¡±


    The commentator¡¯s words jumbled in Alan¡¯s head after that. As ironic as it was, he couldn¡¯t believe she was attuned to Black. Was she born to the Royal Horde in some Stalker¡¯s cave? Did that mean she¡¯d brought all her demons with her?


    Itsy pinched him and pointed to the level sensei in the far corner. This one was burly, holding onto his cloth belt with one hand while cleaning a spot on his wall with a rag.


    ¡°If he notices you, you¡¯ll be banned from going up. Then I¡¯ll have to use my highness influence. Brother gets pissed. We lose everything. Yada. Yada. Keep it together! Sensei Cresbo is a stickler,¡± Itsy said in her loudest whisper.


    ¡°Begin!¡± The commentator dashed off the snowy arena.


    Alan¡¯s heartrate rose when Trish dropped into an assassin¡¯s stance he¡¯d seen in Lucius¡¯ cove. He had to remind himself she was a Stalker.


    Mifor slashed down immediately with a loud ¡°Hei!¡±


    As the sword passed through Trish¡¯s body, her torso faded into shadow, causing Mifor¡¯s blade to meet no resistance.


    Fshnk!


    The sword caught deep into the snowy ground as Mifor lost his footing, then whack! A quick back kick to the face dazed the Bladesman, and when he haphazardly swung again, Trish¡¯s neck became ethereal for a fraction of a second, reforming into flesh with a hiss.


    Another complete miss.


    Using her advantage, she charged and grabbed both hands, eyes locked as she worked to overpower his grasp¡ªslowly pushing his wrists to the side in a shaky struggle. Before he could overpower her, she let go, unsheathed her dagger, and ducked to slice right through Mifor¡¯s gut, ending with another strong kick that landed her at the edge of the arena with bloody dagger in hand.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Point!¡±


    As soon as the commentator raised his flag, Trish¡¯s expression changed from hardened killer to confused bystander. She looked at the crazed masks in the audience, the made-up dolls playing their harps, and shook herself free of it.


    Every part of Alan wanted to jump up and whisk her out of the arena, but it didn¡¯t look like she needed his protection. As a matter of fact, he didn¡¯t know what to think.


    Green Saro ribbons shot from the sidelines, patching Mifor¡¯s wound until he waved it away with annoyance.


    When the commentator signaled both of the duelists back to their corners, Trish backflipped and glided into position, retracing the exact path of her original strike, evoking ¡°Ooos¡± from the audience in the process.


    ¡°A cheap trick, Stalker.¡± Mifor wiped his blade of her Black Saro residue and sheathed it. ¡°Let¡¯s see how it fares twice. Hm?¡±


    The two fighters bent into ready stance again.


    ¡°Begin!¡±


    Trish twirled in the air, to Alan¡¯s surprise, folding into a tight corkscrew. She flung her dagger at peak height, sending it in a downward trajectory straight for Milfor¡¯s gut.


    Tnng!


    He deflected it with one eye squeezed tight, entire body outlined in a familiar red. Alan knew all too well what was happening. Instinctive Saro. Mifor could analyze every moment of her spin with precision¡­ timing her landing and the probable dash thereafter. Alan could almost see it himself without activating his own.


    The signs were clear.


    Mifor¡¯s tight grip over his sword hilt, off-hand angling the sheath in the intended direction as he readied to strike. Afarus had taught Alan well.


    But this restraint was never something he thought he¡¯d need.


    Memories of a sleeveless biker-type guy bothering Trish at a bar sent rippling heat through his veins. The times Alan had to step in to deescalate her drunk father. All of that emotion entwined within Alan¡¯s gut, merging with the present.


    Mifor was about to stab her.


    He couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    He wouldn¡¯t.


    With boiling angst, Alan stood and clenched his fist, creating an ice tombstone clawing from the ground¡ªcatching Mifor¡¯s blade and leaving Trish to land in shock. The encased point stopped an inch from her heart.


    ¡°Welp. So much for being discreet.¡± Itsy threw her hands up.


    Alan tore off his masquerade mask to rows full of gasps. Only one stood out among them all.


    ¡°Alan,¡± Trish whispered loud enough to fill the room. She gaped, ignoring her opponent struggling to remove his sword from Alan¡¯s ice wall. ¡°A trick?¡±


    ¡°Guessing you know the broad?¡± Itsy lifted her mask with a scrunched face.


    Alan kept his eyes forward, internalizing Trish¡¯ awe. ¡°I loved her once, in my Origin,¡± he said monotone.


    ¡°Aye. I get it. Everyone¡¯s dumb at one point or another,¡± Itsy said.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this!¡± The burly level sensei stomped toward the arena.


    Itsy ripped off her mask and faced the sensei with equal outrage. ¡°Whoa, whoa, big belly. Official business of the boss.¡±


    The sensei grumbled. ¡°You.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, me. Now listen here. This one comes with us.¡± She pointed at Trish. ¡°You redo your duel with the loser of the last floor and pretend this little mishap never happened. That goes for the lot of you too.¡± She pointed to the attendants, a bunch of colorful masks staring blankly back at her.


    ¡°Itsy¡ª¡± The sensei stomped up to her.


    ¡°Listen here, belly. This one broke some big laws and needs to be apprehended, yeh? Don¡¯t got time for the formalities of the tower and whatnot. Got prompts spilling out of my ears. So do me a favor, out of the way.¡± She leaned in, almost nose to nose with the sensei. ¡°¡¯Less of course you want me to tell Roland who let her get away once I make my way upstairs, hm?¡±


    ¡°Rrr!¡± Sensei growled. ¡°Cheechee, go talk to Sensei Dowel, and get the loser up here, now! Chop chop!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought.¡± Itsy lifted her chin.


    Alan rushed onto the arena and grabbed Trish by the hand. ¡°Just go with it,¡± he whispered, wrapping her other hand behind her back, cuffing her with White Saro links.


    She was dumbfounded but accepting of the terms.


    ¡°Is it really you?¡± She looked over her shoulder as fifty masks turned to follow them. ¡°You look so different. What happened to you, Alan? You¡¯re glowing.¡±


    ¡°Shh.¡± Alan turned, holding his mask over his face with one hand and nodding to the audience in apology. ¡°Sorry for the intrusion. Sensei, apologies.¡± He bowed, following Itsy into the stairwell.


    ¡°Well they¡¯re going to be bottlenecked for a while.¡± Itsy snapped her tongue once they were in between levels. ¡°The hell was that, Alan? I mean, really. Can¡¯t keep it in your pants like everyone else?¡±


    Alan blushed, tightening his jaw.


    ¡°Hah. Just messing with you. Right. Right. Guess you two need a minute, huh?¡± She pranced up the steps. ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to Sensei Seabath in the meantime. Ey. No point to sit in on any more duels now. All the sensei are going to be jabbering, so best get to the top before the hot gossip does, ey?¡±


    Alan waited until the slapping of her bare feet against wooden steps was far enough out of reach before melting the shackles.


    ¡°Is she¡­ are you with¡­?¡± Trish tilted her head.


    ¡°Her? No.¡± Alan had never even considered it for a second. ¡°Trish¡­¡±


    When he looked at her up close, really looked at her¡­ even though she was so different, there was so much the same.


    Heart-shaped face, lips like a bow. The lines of freckles down her nose.


    She cheated on you, a stray thought popped up.


    You never had proof, another thought bounced around.


    Alan took a deep breath, just to make sure this moment was real. He cupped her face¡ªsame smooth skin and soft hair he¡¯d always remembered. A twinge of sweat from fighting a Red Saro Bladesman smelled like home.


    ¡°God. Trish. I have so many questions.¡± Alan sighed, to which Trish grabbed onto his elbows like she used to.


    There was still something there. A rush of emotion connecting two worlds.


    Get a hold of yourself.


    Alan held her arms. ¡°How did you pass?¡±


    Her head dipped. ¡°Gosh. A man¡­ he wore all black and a white mask with a strange symbol etched into it¡­ like a music note.¡±


    Alan narrowed his eyes. None of that rang any bells, but it did concern him that she could¡¯ve very well been killed by a scout.


    ¡°He strangled me with wet taffy.¡±


    Alan¡¯s jaw tensed. That sounded very much like a Mujungo move to him. If that god laid a hand on her¡ª


    ¡°I could smell it right before the life was choked out of me. It was on his breath, around my neck. Sick.¡± She shivered.


    ¡°Sorry, Trish, that¡¯s horrible.¡± He broke the embrace and took a step back.


    ¡°I¡ªmourned you, Alan. Your mom and sister, they miss you dearly.¡±


    Alan winced at the mention. He had tried to separate himself from all that, because the guilt would be too overbearing otherwise. He wanted to ask her time of death, or at least the year so he could estimate the time difference between universes, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to. It would open up a whole other can of worms he didn¡¯t want to obsess over.


    In Trish¡¯s own words to Alan way back when¡ªhe needed to stay present.


    ¡°I¡­ missed you,¡± she admitted.


    Alan didn¡¯t reciprocate. If he did, he¡¯d fall into the same trap he had in his Origin. A pile of guilt and regret for wanting to be who he was¡ªa Merchant. The truth is, he did better for himself on his own than with endless squawking in his ear. He had friends here. Real ones. And a purpose. His potential would be realized.


    He ran a hand through his hair and took a beat. ¡°Trish. Is this your realm? You were fighting for a dagger. And Black Saro? How did you fall into that?¡±


    ¡°I¡ªmm.¡± She turned away sharply. ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean ¡®not sure?¡¯¡± Alan furrowed his brow.


    ¡°There¡¯s a dungeon. It¡¯s deep underground with others who wield Black. We train, and train.¡± She winced.


    That must be this realm¡¯s Stalker¡¯s cove. Her class prompt did say Iron Cellar.


    ¡°The memories they pull are dark, Alan. Making me reflect on all my grief¡­ my failures. They often times bring me to you.¡± Tears well up in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    The crack in her voice pierced all of the Saro protecting Alan¡¯s heart. Seeing her remorseful, lost, it worked to break him where he stood.


    A piece of sand trickled down beside the tears. He moved in to wipe it from her face, scanning the rosy cheeks he remembered all too well.


    Don¡¯t¡­ Alan.


    He held her shoulders comfortingly but took a strong step back, making her raise her gaze and wipe her nose.


    ¡°Tell me about this cellar,¡± Alan remained focused.


    She shook her head. ¡°There are gaps in my memory. I¡ªI¡¯m part of something. A league? I¡¯m not sure, but I know I have to win that dagger and deliver it to them.¡±


    More sand trickled down her cheek. She must¡¯ve face-planted in an earlier duel.


    ¡°You¡¯re free from that now,¡± Alan promised. ¡°If you want to be.¡±


    A sparkle of hope glimmered in her eye.


    ¡°I know the dread of Black all too well,¡± he told her. ¡°It wields incredible power, but we should be building your armor and weapons with colors to offset it.¡± He lifted his hand to show slivers of Green circling his fingers. ¡°I wield serenity because of you, Trish. Now let me help you find peace.¡±

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    Alan Buys the Universe</a> is now live on Amazon Kindle Unlimited and Audible! It''s narrated by Jeremy Frazier (who some of you may know from Road to Mastery). This version of the book has been professionally edited. If you enjoyed this story, please show your support so Alan can keep making deals long into the future!This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    New cover art too! :)

 Chapter 15 - The Shiva

    A group of six shadowy silhouettes clawed out of the ground in front of Alan, each armed with Black Living Armor, ready to defend the medieval style ward of wounded warriors.


    Lucius ¨C the strongest of them ¨C dropped from a massive blow delivered to the Shiva threatening the town square, landing at the head of the group of Stalkers with his massive, conjured polearm intact.


    ¡°Ojin finally got the better of you, ey, Alan?¡± Lucius peered over his shoulder, whipping the long weapon to face the beast.


    ¡°Seems like here isn¡¯t much safer.¡± Alan smirked back.


    Lucius scoffed, then flexed, ready to combat the beast head on. ¡°Stalkers¡­ ready!¡±


    The depth in his friend¡¯s voice gave Alan goosebumps.


    He was at war¡­ and the tension between beast and defenders was palpable.


    ¡°Attack!¡±


    Two cloaked warriors closest to Alan began humming chants lowly to themselves while the others charged the Shiva.


    Doomsayers, Alan realized as Orange Saro faces formed on the ground beneath their feet. He wanted to help anyway he could, but his body was still an exhausted mess from expanding the protective bubble. Expending so much Saro while wounded felt like endless knives stabbing his insides.


    ¡°Durger, how do I replenish Saro faster?¡±


    ¡°Rest, Sir Alan.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s got to be another way. I need to help. Think of your old group.¡±


    The Doomsayers thrusted their arms forward in unison, and those faces beneath their feet dissolved into a mix of black and orange shadowy mist rushing across the ground, zigzagging past the other warriors until they cycled around the Shiva¡¯s left hoof.


    Did they just curse her foot? Alan furrowed his brow, wondering what that spinning circle of mist was about to do.


    The beast didn¡¯t seem to mind, however, thrashing at the Stalkers trying to poke her bloody with molten weapons.


    The chanting grew louder around him, until finally, they stopped dead ¨C igniting a fiery cast around her leg that dragged it deep underground ¨C all the way to the kneecap. The beast shrieked its dismay, swatting a Stalker out of the sky mid-attack.


    ¡°Aaah!¡±


    The Shiva crushed him hard in her grip, turning orange glowing slits between the Stalker¡¯s armor to frozen cracks, crushing bone to gravel.


    Alan hoped the man had the same skills as Lucius ¨C deferring pain ¨C but he wasn¡¯t so sure when the Stalker went limp in her grip. The Shiva tossed him tumbling aside as another two dagger-wielders flipped onto her back.


    ¡°Yogi could help here, Durger.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it, Alan. I can feel your energy. It is critically low.¡±


    Lucius discarded his polearm and summoned a fiery bat that came flapping from the ground. Its wings were half-flame, half-burnt flesh, like a hellhound with wings. There was barely any time to analyze it though, since it scooped Lucius into the air in a blur. To Alan¡¯s surprise, Lucius yanked a talon-tipped spear from its skin and hurled it at the Shiva.


    Shaaa! It shrieked ¨C spear now sticking from its neck.


    The clouds cheered from high above, and the Strangey Town mountain bongos resumed.


    Lucius appeared all-powerful in that moment ¨C using his clawed free hand to summon fiery steeds for his army of Stalkers below. Was this the power of Farante¡¯s old blade? A soul collection? The sight made Alan want to do better. He wanted to fight.


    Since Durger refused to coach him in his sorry state, he visualized Neesha¡¯s Green Saro enveloping his body, healing him. His mother¡¯s embrace when he was a child flashed into his mind, his late father picking him up when he fell in the dirt.


    I won¡¯t let these people down.


    I¡¯m not useless.


    I was never useless.


    Visceral thoughts plagued him in the best way, coaxing him into action.


    His eyes sprung open, body buzzing with power. The ache in his side still refused to slow, but then again, so did he.


    A dull stream of Green Saro started from his fingertips. It was nowhere near as vibrant as Sema¡¯s or Neesha¡¯s, but it would have to do. The essence swerved all around, sending tingling sensations wherever it touched, numbing the dragon¡¯s marks, replenishing his lost Saro. It was a good feeling¡­ with limitations, apparently. He was stuck in place ¨C legs heavy like bricks.


    ¡°You¡¯re channeling, Sir Alan! By the mountains of Hightower¡­ do not move!¡± Durger exclaimed.


    Alan swallowed past a lump in his throat. ¡°I-I don¡¯t understand¡ª¡±


    ¡°To Channel is to pull forth powerful, rare Saro that cannot be summoned in an instant. You¡¯re gathering great healing essence as we speak! You must maintain form, hold the emotion, until your spell is complete,¡± Durger explained.


    Taking long, deep breaths, Alan held the Green Saro, willing it to heal him.


    The Shiva spawned a brand-new set of spikes down her forearms that ejected into the air like quills.


    Lucius evaded one set by doing a barrel roll on his fiery bat, until Shnk! A spike impaled the conjuring, causing it to puff into a suffocated flame as Lucius launched himself forward with the last of his spears in hand.


    Go, Alan whispered to himself. Fly, my friend!


    Lucius¡¯ mouth was an open war cry, his entire muscly body reeled back.


    Go!


    Lucius impaled the Shiva¡¯s trapezius, making it shriek in pain. The bongos grew louder ¨C Strangey Town itself cheering him on. He hung from the Shiva¡¯s shoulder for a second, then let go, pulling two swords from the molten slits in his armor and stabbing the beast again.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Alan shouted.


    It was a flashy show. A bunch of hellish Stalkers dashing to open her from back to belly.


    But then something terrible happened. The Shiva¡¯s icy armor cracked open while the Stalkers still scaled her, and its entire body exhaled freezing crystalline mist that caused all of them to eject in unison. The beast ripped her leg out of the ground and roared her dismay ¨C a continuous stream of vapor exploding out of her. She kicked a Stalker hard into a building ¨C causing rubble to fly everywhere. Then she swiped another.


    Alan spotted Lucius rolling on the ground in a daze, one of his arms frozen solid, mere feet away from being stomped out by her gigantic hoof.


    ¡°How do I break the channel?¡± Alan gritted his teeth. ¡°I need you now, Durger. Release me.¡±


    ¡°You must clear your mind of whatever evoked the Green Saro. That is the only way.¡±


    Alan focused on his breathing ¨C his ex-girlfriend used to make him do yoga with her now and again. Goddamn Trish. Thoughts of her usually provoked anxiety¡­ because he hated her for cheating. But he supposed there was some silver lining, because using yoga to clear his mind broke the tether like snapped chains.


    He grunted as his limbs lost their heaviness and drew Durger with glowing Red Saro wrapping his limbs. Tossing Yogi into the mix now would surely get more Stalkers trampled. He had to get the beast¡¯s attention himself.


    Instinctive prowess sharpened his mind. He could envisage possibilities not yet in motion ¨C an ice lance the Shiva would conjure to skewer him, breast darts that made him blush, and finally¡­ a bed of spikes. She ¨C the Shiva ¨C could channel a bed of spikes and impale them all while they¡¯re grounded.


    No!


    He noticed the beast¡¯s eyes glowing white as her arms slowly lifted.


    ¡°Hey!¡± he shouted to no avail. As he rushed past the Doomsayers, they released two fanged, biting faces chomping on the air on either side of him. Reinforcements. The three of them charged.


    As the Shiva¡¯s mouth opened ¨C sucking in air for her ability, Alan flipped the tip of his dagger into his grasp, aimed, and hurled it with all of his might.


    Sheaaaa!


    Durger lodged into the roof of her mouth, jarring her eyes out of their daze.


    The Doomsayer curses bit into her abdomen, further jerking her off-balance.


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    Alan turned his instinctive prowess inward, thinking of how he could get his weapon back. Visions of him activating Orange Saro similar to Lucius made him realize he could summon Durger through the molten ground, if he could conjure one himself. All he had to do was measure the crystal in his mind and turn all of the Red Saro Orange.


    In an adrenaline-riled split second, he did.


    Clawing one hand toward the Shiva¡¯s hoof, he summoned a tiny pool of molten liquid in the ground ¨C a fraction of Lucius¡¯ conjuring ¨C and imagined Durger peeking through it. He sprinted hard into danger¡¯s way. The Shiva flailed to get the Doomsayer faces off her as they tore at her icy flesh.


    ¡°Lucius!¡± Alan shouted, trying to snap him out of the frozen daze. On his way, he ripped Durger from his pool, and leapt to swipe at the Shiva¡¯s leg.


    Slllt!


    Cold mist trailed his slice as he tumbled into a somersault and slid on his knees to Lucius¡¯ side. ¡°Get up!¡± He grabbed him under the arm.


    ¡°What¡ªAlan.¡± Lucius¡¯ eyes refocused. He shook off the daze and burned his left hand so hot that the ice encasing shattered. ¡°Tundra visions nearly claimed me. Fucking Shiva.¡±


    Boom!


    The Shiva turned on them as they both got to their feet, her giant hooves quaking the entire square.


    Boom! Boom!


    Both hooves settled as she loomed over them, face bulging with icy, angry veins.


    ¡°The Herald is here, Jaeger!¡± Shiva¡¯s voice was a scratchy mess. ¡°He is here!¡± She sucked in a cold breath, ready to exhale a paralyzing blizzard over them once more.


    Jaeger? Farante¡¯s god is behind this too?


    Alan had no choice, it was either suffer another round, or¡­


    He dug into his bag and pulled the Borai¡¯s coin just by feel.


    Protect us, Yogi.


    Ting! He flipped the coin into the air, and out roared the glorious Borai stomping directly in front of them, flexing to rival the Shiva.


    Alan collapsed to his knees from the sudden depletion of Saro. He wanted to channel replenishment, but knew this was not the place.


    Yogi and Shiva locked claws in a match of strength, while Lucius helped drag Alan out of harm¡¯s way. The other Stalkers backed up in awe.


    ¡°The Herald is here!¡± Shiva shrieked again, her voice carrying far throughout the town.


    It was only after her second cry did Alan hear the voices in the distance. They were coming closer. What¡¯s more, a deep rumbling laughter echoed from far above. At first, Alan thought it was the clouds playing another trick, but after a weak craning of his neck, he saw the truth.


    A gargoyle. Muscular rock-like obsidian skin extended throughout its body, all the way into the crimson-glowing wings at its back. Red fog emitting from each flap of its wings polluted Strangey Town¡¯s air.


    ¡°Hold your fire!¡± a head Archer called while sprinting to the town square. ¡°There are friendlies! Hold!¡±


    A triad of Wizards glided down from slipstreams to face the gargoyle. All staves pointed upward toward the beast, as it laughed in their faces.


    ¡°The Rift Maker,¡± Lucius said.


    A burly woman Alan noticed on the first day in Strangey Town came floating across the battlefield with her dreamcatcher waving all over, accumulating all different colors of Saro inside it. With a wild swing, she wooshed the essence into the air, which honed toward all the depleted defenders.


    Ranks of shielded warriors marched like they were on slipstreams, traveling fifty feet per stride. All of their armor was enchanted, Alan realized. And to top it off, Yogi overpowered the Shiva ¨C picked her up over his head, and tossed her toward the white bricks away from the cul-de-sac, leaving a mighty force protecting the ward.


    Still, the gargoyle loomed.


    ¡°They breached Flint¡¯s wall?¡± Alan broke from Lucius¡¯s grasp and took the lull as an opportunity to channel a Green Saro regeneration.


    ¡°Alan¡­¡± Lucius eyed him. ¡°You¡¯re¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know. I¡¯m regenerating. It was either that or everyone dies.¡±


    Lucius furrowed his brow. ¡°It took the Colorless I knew six years to dive into Green.¡±


    Alan shrugged as he fell on his backside ¨C limbs growing heavy once more. ¡°Lucky, I guess.¡±


    ¡°I told you, Alan. You are that of legend,¡± Durger whispered.


    As Strangey Town forces consolidated to defend the square, the Rift Maker lowered ¨C each flap of his wings sending a gust of dark-red wind fluttering in all directions.


    ¡°I can redirect my stampede, recall my troops.¡± The iron-jawed gargoyle¡¯s voice sounded like hammer against stone. ¡°We have found what we came for.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Lucius?¡± Alan asked, dispelling the regeneration and squaring his shoulders.


    ¡°This is the first time these beasts have talked.¡± Lucius¡¯ armor hissed.


    ¡°A Herald walks among us. We have seen it through the clairvoyant streams.¡± The gargoyle spread its wings wide as its reverse-kneed legs touched down. Then it wrapped itself tight in its wings like it just donned Dracula¡¯s cloak. Its eyes glowed red.


    ¡°The Rift Maker threatens another in the heart of our town!¡± A warrior at the front ranks raised its shield. ¡°Soldiers, ready!¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡± The gargoyle exhaled crimson fog from its cloak, scaring the soldiers, likely threatening something from Ojin. ¡°It is you, I seek, Merchant.¡± His red eyes focused on Alan, sending a shiver down his spine.


    He was afraid it would come to this.


    A handful of eyes turned on Alan, awaiting his response. Mumbles broke out, Flint¡¯s name being tossed around here and there. Where was Flint, actually?


    ¡°Why would you cause this hell just to get to me?¡± Alan took a step forward. ¡°These people haven¡¯t wronged you that I can see.¡±


    The gargoyle cackled at that. ¡°I apologize if we got off on the wrong foot. I am Hyndole, the Rift Maker. Right hand of Jaeger¡­ our god of Hozzod. I was a man once, like you.¡± He began to pace. ¡°Until Jaeger offered me power beyond my wildest dreams. It is a good deal, my friend. We tour Ojin and claim beasts of prowess, garnering strength for our god, expanding his domain.¡±


    ¡°That is not my prerogative,¡± Alan spoke loudly, smirking at Yogi when he roared beside him.


    ¡°Noble Alan is great!¡± Yogi pounded his chest, provoking the soldiers on the front ranks to bang their shields.


    Hyndole smiled in anger. ¡°We have seen what you can become in our care, noble Alan. A Merchant of many entities and rare weapons alike.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t be invading innocent towns beside you, Hyndole. Ever.¡± Alan knew he should be more cautious with his words, considering they were backed all the way into the center of Strangey Town against the townsfolk¡¯s will, but he just couldn¡¯t let them down for some reason.


    The silence was killing him.


    Did he just sentence these people do death?


    He may hate Mujungo and the way of this place, but he didn¡¯t hate its people¡­ Even if they did try to stone him on his first day. One thing was for sure, they wouldn¡¯t accuse him of being a scout any longer.


    ¡°Hyndole.¡± Alan stepped forward again. ¡°What will it take for you to leave this realm?¡±


    ¡°A single conversation.¡± Hyndole smirked. ¡°So that I may dissuade you from taking up allegiance here, in Mujungo¡¯s care.¡±


    Alan clenched his fists. Obviously, he didn¡¯t expect the gargoyle to just pack up and leave once he was done jabbering his stone jaw. ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±


    ¡°We have it on good authority that you seek to exit our universe and return to your Origin.¡±


    Alan tensed, remaining quiet. Farante¡­


    ¡°We would accept that outcome, even knowing Jaeger would suffer a harsh loss by not gaining you. At least we would not have to combat you.¡±


    But he could squash me right now?


    ¡°With respect, invader. What¡¯s stopping you?¡± Alan dared to ask.


    Hyndole showed his marble teeth. ¡°Your god. All the gods, and the universe decrees.¡±


    Flint came laughing on an intense slipstream, holding his hat and swiping his staff to create a pile of snow beside the shield ranks that he flew into. ¡°Aha!¡± He emerged, staff first, spitting snow. ¡°I knew I could smell you, Hyndole. You¡¯ve changed since our last encounter.¡±


    ¡°Step aside, Wizard. I am making my case¡­ to your friend.¡±


    Flint followed Hyndole¡¯s eyes. ¡°Alan!¡±


    Alan waved casually.


    ¡°We will freeze you into the swamps of Crimson, rip you limb-from-stone-limb and hang you from Dakar trees to pay tribute to Lady Yiir! Be gone, vile hand of Jaeger!¡± Flint became quickly frantic.


    ¡°Alan, we skate the line to get Mujungo¡¯s attention¡­ to find you. Had we declared war on the realm, it would likely mean the end of Hozzod, for it would open gates for all the other realms to attack us.¡±


    Alan squinted in thought, eyeing the recovered Shiva bowing on one knee. Then he recalled the rifts, and everything Lucius and Flint had told him in the past. ¡°Rift Maker¡­ you opened portals from Ojin and riled the beasts to charge straight into Strangey Town. It¡¯s a goddamn loophole.¡±


    ¡°I knew the gods were right about you.¡± Hyndole cackled. ¡°If you do not share our mode for growth, hear me. A single Peg of Fate could get you home, if only you knew how to wield it.¡±


    Lucius perked up at the mention, but Alan was skeptical. Haven¡¯t warriors and Stone Chasers been spending their lives trying to figure that out? He looked at the crimson fog wafting off Hyndole¡¯s wings, and wondered if that meant he¡¯d conquered it in Ojin. Hand of a God¡­ that¡¯s saying something to his status.


    ¡°Let me guess, one of the lost Pegs of Fyrule. Fabled pieces not meant for mortal eyes,¡± Lucius shouted.


    Hyndole hooted. ¡°No, Stalker. I do not deal in Stone Chaser myths. I am a practical being, seeking power that¡¯s truly in front of us. The Peg has been discovered, and a warrior has taken her trip home¡­ to her Origin.¡±


    ¡°Do not buy it, Alan!¡± Flint waved his staff. ¡°He is a man succumbed to power. His mind operates in no other way but to seize it. A trap.¡±


    Hyndole didn¡¯t seem bothered by Flint¡¯s frantic ways. Instead, he took an easy step forward. ¡°If you agree to exiting this plane, I will rewind the stampedes and close the rifts.¡±


    Alan noticed the townsfolk grow uneasy. This meant no one else had to die¡­ the ward wouldn¡¯t be destroyed, and it would be a step toward his original goal.


    A part of him though¡­ no longer wanted to leave. His powers were strong here, budding. His lips pushed to one side as he looked for guidance from Lucius ¨C who was endlessly intrigued ¨C and Flint ¨C who shook his head in warning.


    ¡°We will respect your decision, noble Alan!¡± the front-facing warrior called loud, a twinge of nervousness in his voice. ¡°You do not have to bend to Jaeger. If Hyndole continues, we will be martyrs for the rest of the universe!¡±


    A surge of inspiration shot through him. He wondered if it was that soldiers¡¯ Saro aura pumping him up. But the truth remained ¨C Alan didn¡¯t want the townsfolk to die if he could prevent it.


    ¡°I will chase the Peg,¡± Alan said, to a row of gasps.


    ¡°Alan, you are the chosen. Do not depart us,¡± Flint begged. ¡°A Herald!¡±


    Hyndole laughed low and loud. ¡°Mujungo will be no stronger, Wizard. You are doomed to mediocrity, forever.¡± He turned to face Alan. ¡°Alan, listen to me. Seek out the Merchant of Five Pearls. He is said to travel the forbidden shops of Ojin, and is undoubtedly the one who picked up Yineera¡¯s Peg once she opened the portal to her Origin. This will allow you to unlock it.¡± He reached into a parting stone cage in his abdomen and held out an ornate champagne-looking bottle with crystal edges. ¡°I leave this in your care, and bid you farewell from our universe.¡±


    With a wave of his hand, Hyndole transferred the bottle through the air, letting it land gingerly in front of Alan.


    Tincture of Preservation received.


    Saro ¨C Reverse


    This tincture is an Inhibitor to enable transfer through long-range portals.


    Alan pursed his lips, wondering if his friends have ever seen something like this. Before he could consider it any further, however, Hyndole balled his fist in front of his face, and made the whole world tremble.


    The army tensed.


    ¡°The stampedes are being corralled away from your wall, Wizard.¡± Hyndole smirked, and when he opened his hand, his stone fingertips glowed crimson once more. Deep crackling resounded in the distance, reminding Alan of portals closing. ¡°It is done. We capitulate, good warriors of Strangey Town. May we meet again when Jaeger rules the universe.¡±


    He clawed a red tear through space ¨C puffs of crimson fog coming through his rift. ¡°We will be watching you, noble Alan. Make sure your departure is swift.¡±

 Chapter 16 - The Selfless Merchant

    An entire town of soldiers ¨C Wizards, Bladesmen, Hunters, Healers, and Stalkers ¨C all turned to Alan with grateful sorrow in their expressions. All but Flint and Lucius.


    Sema rushed from the ward to hug Alan first. ¡°God bless your willing sacrifice, Alan. We will construct a statue next to Mujungo¡¯s, to honor your courageous heart.¡±


    Alan glanced at Sema wrapping her arms tight around him, then eyed the statue of the shirtless boy in a loose-fitting headdress. That¡¯s supposed to be Mujungo?


    ¡°To noble Alan!¡± A warrior in an intricate Sparta-style helmet raised his broad sword.


    Faces praising him were dirtied and tattered, making Alan wonder how long they¡¯d been fighting. A way more important question ¨C why did the vision of a psychotic frog cause all of this chaos in the first place? On every turn, someone praised his progress, but something about it felt so¡­ off.


    And probably the most critical question of all ¨C why can¡¯t Mujungo defend his own realm?


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to leave us, Alan.¡± Flint pushed past the others. ¡°There was no binding contract, or trade. It was a mere conversation between two foes.¡±


    ¡°It feels binding, Flint,¡± Alan admitted, putting one arm around Sema to comfort her. ¡°If I don¡¯t go, Jaeger¡¯s army will only return with greater loopholes to destroy Strangey.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know how many lives you just saved, Alan. We are eternally grateful.¡± Sema peered up at him.


    When others tried to get close, Yogi hunched over to scare them.


    ¡°Do you believe yet, Sir Alan?¡± Durger asked.


    Alan responded with a quick shake of his head. The clouds above all contorted into fluffy prayer emojis, he guessed in thanks to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m coming with you,¡± Lucius growled. ¡°If there¡¯s a way home, I¡¯ll be on your coattails every step of the way.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Alan nodded to Lucius and put a hand on his shoulder.


    Flint folded his arms, tapping his staff impatiently against his leg. ¡°I too must guide you. One wrong potion and you will be drowned into the beige fog never to be heard of again.¡±


    Alan felt a warmth about his friends¡¯ declaration, and it was nice to be revered by an entire town.


    Sema weakly broke the embrace and stood to face the army. ¡°This man¡­ a newcomer by all definition, found the might to crawl off his bed with an Orange Saro dragon wound, and face the might of a Shiva. The next time a realm attacks ours, may we all find that courage.¡±


    A tingling sensation rushed through Alan, followed by a prompt:


    UNIQUE TITLE UNLOCKED:


    Title: *Selfless Merchant of the People


    Affinity: Support-type Saro abilities, including healing and utility enhancements, are strengthened when this Title is active.


    ABILITY ADVANCED:


    Thought Unification +1 ¨C Origin World thoughts will more strongly link to your Colorless Saro affinity.


    ¡°Now come, noble Alan. Back to bed. Head Healer¡¯s orders.¡± Sema tugged at his arm, but Alan stood firm.


    ¡°I must be going, Madam Sema.¡± He folded his lips into a line. ¡°There¡¯s someone in Ojin that waits for my aid. You stopped the spread of the dragon¡¯s fiery poison, and for that, I¡¯m eternally grateful.¡±


    Flint swooped in to Alan¡¯s space, winking at the giant Borai as he began to whisk Alan away from the crowd. ¡°My dear, dear Alan. We won¡¯t be going anywhere for a while.¡± He pointed to the sky, where cracks in space itself refused to settle ¨C like a stitched wound trying to break open. ¡°The realm is unstable from Hyndole¡¯s attack, so I¡¯m afraid Mujungo creating a portal to Ojin will not be possible until things are back in order.¡±


    Lucius stalked up to Alan¡¯s other side. ¡°Reparation protocols are in order, Flint. We should work together to force a portal open.¡±


    ¡°To what end, my good Stalker?¡± Flint spun in a full circle ¨C robes fanning out fluidly. ¡°We owe allegiance to our town. You just risked your life to defend them, and now when they need us most, you dare pretend you have no qualms abandoning them?¡±


    Alan wondered if that meant his humiliations owed to Mujungo were put on hold, or forgiven entirely for a greater cause.


    Lucius huffed and turned away.


    ¡°The Orange Saro wielders look up to you.¡± Flint pointed his staff.


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Alan said. ¡°I witnessed it with my own eyes. You¡¯re a leader, my friend. Whether you accept the responsibility or not.¡±


    ¡°I am nothing but a determined warrior, desperately seeking to get home¡­¡± Lucius trailed off, opening his palm to thaw frozen plants afflicted by the attack.


    Alan felt uneasy walking through the forest pathways near where he originally spawned in Strangey Town. A once vibrant and zany world was strained with pain. The smiling grass frowned and moaned as they walked by, like beggars on the street hoping things would get better. Clairvoyant frogs were no longer breaking gravity and flipping in slow motion, but rather shivering in place with wide unfocused eyes.


    It was a sad sight, truly, even if Alan hated the place.


    ¡°Where are we off to, exactly?¡± Alan asked. ¡°I understand these people need help, but I¡¯m with Lucius. Him and I must return.¡± As soon as he said the words, a pang jolted his gut.


    His memories of Earth were vibrant. He missed his mom, his sister, even his ex, but¡­ he was powerful here. Revered.


    ¡°Patience, Merchant Warrior. The trees are in need of our elemental cleansing. Look with your eyes.¡±


    It was true ¨C the braided trees with deep island accents were no longer lively. Some were shivering ¨C frozen over, while others suffered burnt patches throughout their branches.


    ¡°We love to criticize and make fun of Mujungo, but we will not turn our back on him, Alan.¡±


    Alan twisted his lips. He supposed Flint was right, in a sense. ¡°I did call on him to save me from a dragon.¡±


    ¡°A-ho! That must¡¯ve been some slick portal work,¡± Flint surmised.


    ¡°It was, actually. The dragon had me gripped in its freaking talons. Look at this.¡± Alan lifted some of his shirt, exposing the sizzling marks still surrounded by White Saro.


    ¡°Ah! An Orange wound. Dangerous. It¡¯s a good thing we have some of the best Healers in the universe under our roof.¡± Flint grimaced, considering whether to touch it.


    ¡°Fear not, Wizard, this Merchant of ours has already learned to self-heal.¡± There was an uneasy air in Lucius¡¯ tone. ¡°What he says is true though, Alan. The mark is deep and powerful. I surmise you will be channeling treatment often to rid yourself of the pain.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡± Alan stopped with his crew, facing a wide-trunked tree with sad, dark swirling eyes that seemed to reach inward infinitely.


    ¡°It hurts, mon.¡± The tree winced, its entire trunk half-burnt.


    ¡°Looks like it, buddy.¡± Alan ran his finger down some of the burnt bark.


    Boom. Boom.


    Yogi stopped and hunched forward, sad to see the forest somewhat destroyed. He then petted the tree¡¯s live branches comfortingly. ¡°This place¡­ strange.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not kidding.¡± Alan peered up to his bear.


    ¡°Help me, Flint,¡± the tree begged. ¡°Can¡¯t sway with my bongos. It¡¯s like living blind, not being able to see nothin¡¯.¡±


    Alan furrowed his brow.


    ¡°Ah,¡± Durger spoke up, and before he could annoy anyone with gibberish, Alan tossed faint Blue Saro streams at the surrounding people. ¡°They must be the watchers of this realm. At Hightower, we had great living beacons at the tops of our castles that scouted for incoming threats.¡±


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Quite right, little dagger.¡± Flint nodded. ¡°Hyndole was sure to open his first rift quietly here, in this forest, with small Saro-infused beasts that blew themselves up to disrupt Mujungo¡¯s sight.¡±


    ¡°War is without rules.¡± Lucius cycled his fingertips to create a ball of Orange fiery Saro that he whipped at a frozen tree. As it was about to crash, he yanked his hand back like he was pulling an invisible bow, and the flame dispersed evenly to thaw the ice. ¡°The wisest generals know this.¡±


    Alan grew uneasy about that, even if it might be true. Did his friend actually believe that to be a good path?


    ¡°Are you suggesting we should be tearing rifts into enemy realms as retaliation?¡± Flint asked, and when he didn¡¯t receive a response, continued, ¡°Huh, then I surmise we¡¯d be no better than our Jaeger worshippers. Where will it end, my fiery friend?¡±


    From far away, Lucius blew air toward the tree he targeted ¨C using magical wind from his mouth to stoke the flame. Once satisfied, he backhanded the air. ¡°I am not going to discuss theories of conquering with a madman. Besides, this universe will soon no longer be my concern.¡±


    Flint smiled at that and dropped a hand on Lucius¡¯ shoulder. ¡°This universe is the basis of all life, my friend. It will be your concern even if you find an all-powerful board to surf the entire cosmos.¡±


    Alan could see both sides. He shared their sentiments in almost every respect. He wondered, deep down, if Lucius was struggling with the same problem he himself faced ¨C does he value anything here that might be hard to let go of?


    ¡°Lucius. Those Stalkers of the cave. They battled valiantly,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡±


    The thawed tree yawned like it just woke up, then shook its branches excitedly. ¡°Alright, mon. True life this be feeling. How you doin¡¯ over there, Musto?¡±


    ¡°Seen better days, my brotha¡¯,¡± a branchless tree called from down the way.


    Alan smiled. They were doing something good here. ¡°My point is, they looked up to you as a leader. You provided them fiery steeds to charge into battle with, for god¡¯s sake.¡±


    Lucius grunted and turned away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him, Alan. He wrestles with his own conscience more than a whistle-mare with four heads.¡± Flint delicately pressed his staff against the tree in front of them.


    ¡°Is there anything I can do to help?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Of course ¨C if you have the energy, spread some of that magnificent Green in the spots that have settled. Trace my essence.¡± Flint pointed.


    Alan eyed Durger for the ¡®OK¡¯ to summon some Saro. The inscription brightened for him to go ahead.


    ¡°Green?¡± The damaged tree tilted its head. ¡°Figured all of them would be healin¡¯ the moving life first?¡±


    Flint smiled wide. ¡°Alan, here, is no ordinary Saro wielder.¡±


    ¡°We of the trees will take what we can get, mon.¡±


    As Alan inhaled a deep breath, envisioning all of the positive thoughts of his Origin World, Green Saro began to sprout in his fingertips. It was harder to pull without the duress of battle, but concentrating hard and using his pendant as an amplifier, the essence came.


    He worked with Flint and Lucius for hours without realizing the passage of time. Seeing each tree, one-by-one, heal from a horrid decrepit state pushed him to continue on, even if his energy depleted.


    Clairvoyant frogs began to unfreeze and hop to his location. It started small at first ¨C one or two planting themselves in the dirt and just following Alan with their eyes ¨C but soon, eight were focused solely on him.


    ¡°Flint, what the hell?¡± Alan gulped when he turned around to see wide sets of eyes struggling to remain still. When their chins expanded, each eye turned a different color. ¡°I thought you said not to mind them?¡±


    ¡°Oh my.¡± Flint jumped back when he turned to see the same. ¡°Strange little critters coming up all together like that. I thought you didn¡¯t like to commune?¡±


    ¡°Arf!¡± one of the frogs barked.


    Alan shut his eyes and shook his head.


    ¡°Yes, but doesn¡¯t that interfere with your visions? Scrambles you like a tornado?¡± Flint responded.


    ¡°You speak frog?¡± Alan frowned, activating his Blue Saro to try and understand, but all the barking and mooing sounded no different.


    ¡°Ribbit,¡± they all spoke in unison, sending chills down Alan¡¯s spine. Then they burped a comic strip with dots all leading to one gigantic bubble. The trees all swayed to see, as did Lucius and Yogi.


    Alan¡¯s surroundings went momentarily dark like a movie was about to begin. The frogs¡¯ eyes all brightened, making him wonder whether he was the subject¡­ but those multi-colored spheres faded into the backdrop, leaving just a comic strip blown up to ten times the size of the one he witnessed on his first day.


    Deep drums reverberated through his heart, followed by an expanded vision of a crimson sky panning down to overlook that same black citadel he remembered on his first clairvoyant trip. A black-boned dragon with patchy skin scowled at the vision, as if the viewer was a threat. Giant armored beasts pointed their weapons skyward. And there, atop the castle at the center-point of a balcony, stood Alan. Tall, perfect posture. An expression of satisfied evil he would never make, and a giant golden coin he flipped leisurely in his hand.


    Alan ¨C the viewer ¨C tensed hard as if his muscles seized. Making eye contact with a conquering, evil version of himself sent shivers snaking down his entire body.


    This can¡¯t be real. It¡¯s like Flint said¡­ just a distant nightmare¡­ nothing more.


    His body vibrated from the sound of marching footsteps, and the camera panned out again to show a blessed, Yellow Saro army taking up arms to face him. Through a golden portal outstepped angelic-winged Bladeswomen with swords glowing bright. Wizards of White and Orange Saro drew translucent shields around their ranks, and the sight made evil Alan smile in the most bone chilling way imaginable.


    ¡°Finally. You¡¯ve come, Father.¡± Evil Alan showed his teeth, then flipped his golden coin over the balcony like making a wish in a fountain. Immediately after¡­ he leapt off himself.


    A giant twelve-horned beast materialized through the coin¡¯s sparks with a massive maw and eyes like a cat¡¯s. Evil Alan cast a spell of Orange Saro whips that tethered him to the beast, and he landed atop it. He pulled hard once the Saro whip was clenched between the monster¡¯s teeth and stood triumphantly as his army progressed forward.


    The comic strip went dark, leaving viewer-Alan with his mouth agape in shock.


    Father?


    Hopefully that was just the name of some god who really let the powers get to his head, and not his actual¡ª


    It¡¯s possible though, right? He passed on from Earth, just like me.


    A new comic reel began with crimson fog masking silhouettes in the distance. Alan recalled this vision too ¨C the badass version of himself he hoped he was on the way to being. As the fog cleared, he first noticed two ornate daggers at his sides ¨C neither of which were Durger. A long, samurai-style sword rested firmly in a one-handed grip, as he cleaned the blade of a beast¡¯s blood with his other gauntlet.


    There was a calmness about this Alan. He took in a deep breath as if he appreciated the air around him. The crimson fog¡­ legend by its own right. How could he be in such a terrifying place?


    As more of the mist dissipated, his surroundings became clear. He meditated atop a two-hundred-foot-high, small square column with fresh grass around his enchanted boots. Four blocks of land surrounded him, each crowded with fanged minions that could¡¯ve been people once, but now seemed more werewolf-like.


    What was he even doing there?


    ¡°Get the Herald! He will not live again!¡± A particularly nasty wolf-man scowled, drooling red.


    Snarling and braying, they leapt at once, from all angles, and that¡¯s when Alan¡¯s entire body glowed with Red Saro. He was still calm despite a hundred beasts soaring to rip him limb-from-limb. He held the sword up to be inches from his nose, and when they were feet away from connecting ¨C claws out ¨C white lashes and blurs circled Alan¡¯s body. Each minion flew back ¨C losing limbs and suffering mortal cuts ¨C while Alan remained seemingly still. Flashes of Variant Saro thundered around him as his incredible power took hold. Claw against metal clashed every now and again, but mostly just sword against flesh¡­ in all directions.


    The minions¡¯ cries echoed as they fell deep into the cliffs, as mounds of fog cleared around him in a circumference. And when the last one plummeted, the sword that was seemingly unmoving now dripped with blood. Alan wiped it again, and gently sheathed it at his hip while opening his eyes. A single bead of sweat dripped down his temple, the red glow fading to naught.


    He then walked forward on air, using White Saro to create floating ice patches at his feet, heading toward a minion of the same race as the other beasts, only six times the size.


    ¡°The Herald will bow to the Crimson.¡± The beast snickered. ¡°You cannot roam.¡±


    Alan pulled out two small golden coins and flipped them casually to either of his sides, unleashing two ghosts ¨C one burly, hammer-wielding man with a finely spun beard, and a miniature dog.


    Viewing-Alan couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. It was Durger, or Dante Durghowler, to be exact, with his pet he thought was lost!


    Alan got excited at the prospect. Maybe his over-complimenting guide wasn¡¯t trapped for the rest of his days.


    The reel cut out, bringing them right back to the forest of Strangey Town trees. It happened slowly at first, like his mind was rebooting. While he waited for life to return to his vision, he asked the only other living thing around him.


    ¡°Durger, did you see?¡±


    ¡°I am at a loss, Sir Alan. My tears leak through metal. It¡¯s him. Sir Ooman! Perhaps his soul isn¡¯t lost.¡±


    The strain in Durger¡¯s voice made Alan choke up a bit. The poor trapped soul went mad trying to resurrect his pet using blessed necromancy, only to damn himself to a weapon forever. Redemption, it seemed, hit hard for Alan.


    ¡°Help me get there, Sir Alan¡­ Do not abandon us.¡±


    Alan squeezed his eyes tight at that one. Not only did he feel he owed Durger, but he actually owed Yogi.


    ¡°I¡¯ll come back,¡± Alan whispered. His surroundings fully returned, showing the clairvoyant frogs taking one more, long look at Alan, before flipping away awkwardly ¨C most of which got stuck midair in slow motion.


    Flint nearly bowled through them as he came rushing over to Alan, out of breath. ¡°By the umbral lords of Oshun! Gods and Myers! Alan¡­ you walked through the Crimson like it was nothing!¡±


    ¡°Relax, Flint.¡± Alan tried to grab his flailing arms. He was so excited, Alan was scared he¡¯d accidently cast an ice-encasing spell.


    ¡°Now do you understand, Alan?¡± Lucius folded his arms. ¡°You share company with a selective madman.¡± He paced over solemnly. ¡°Wizard, did you all but block out the dark version of our savior?¡±


    ¡°The frogs ended on hope.¡± Flint smiled and spun on Lucius, holding his staff inches from his face. ¡°Do you deny the signs?¡±


    Lucius scoffed. ¡°The dark version took on an army of Yellow Saro wielders¡ª¡±


    ¡°Who were invading him!¡± Flint rebuked.


    ¡°In the darkness of Jaeger¡¯s corner.¡± Lucius narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that. Now who¡¯s reaching?¡± Flint flapped his cloak.


    ¡°Noble Alan never turn bad.¡± Yogi balled his fist, siding with Flint.


    Alan groaned in thought. ¡°What if¡­ it¡¯s not my choice if I turn?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Flint asked, everyone looking to Alan, even the regenerating trees.


    ¡°I¡¯m a Merchant in every scenario. What if¡­ I have to make a deal to serve Jaeger or fight an army of my late father¡¯s creation. I have no idea¡ª¡±


    ¡°You take the frogs too seriously, mon. All yous¡¯,¡± one of the half-burnt trees blurted. ¡°Dees tings be hopping and jumping all over this damn place, making people mad. You in charge of your own destiny, Alan. Don¡¯t let no burping creature tell you otherwise.¡±


    The tree¡¯s words calmed everyone down a notch. It made Alan realize nothing had to happen today. Whatever choices led him down any of those paths, wouldn¡¯t be now, right?


    ¡°Alan.¡± Flint found himself again. ¡°Lucius. You cannot deny his growth. In just a short time, he won himself a Borai.¡± He motioned up to the giant beast. ¡°Survived an Orange Saro dragon. Used holy Saro to screw up Farante. Alan Right¡­ is legend. He will be a Herald and save our town from inevitable invasion.¡±


    ¡°This will soon be none of your concern. Alan and I are leaving,¡± Lucius said plainly. ¡°And that will keep Strangey Town safe. Otherwise, Hyndole will chase Mujungo to the ends of the universe until Alan either turns or is killed.¡±


    ¡°I protect noble Alan until last breath. And you are wrong, fire ant, he would never leave his friends to die.¡±


    Yogi¡¯s words were like a punch to Alan¡¯s gut.


    But I have to leave. My mom and sister can¡¯t handle life alone. I have unfinished business with Trish¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m with our tree friend,¡± Alan finally said. ¡°We¡¯re looking way too far ahead. Right now? We¡¯ve got hurt people, and some roughed up trees that need our help.¡± He looked at his own hands, cycling Green Saro. ¡°So that¡¯s what I¡¯m going to do.¡±

 Chapter 17 - Keeping a Promise

    Alan spent his days restoring Strangey Town ¨C scrubbing trees free of poison Saro, working with Flint to stabilize magical fissures in the sky, and calming Lucius about their lack of progress. In truth though, Alan was anxious too.


    What was Neesha¡¯s fate in Ojin? Did the dragon¡­?


    Abandoning a friend in need created a black hole in the pit of his stomach ¨C one that reared its head in the form of Red and Black Saro swirled together. Instinct and Dread. Seemed like a sure path to the dark side to him. But he couldn¡¯t be distracted by that, because then he would succumb to those damn clairvoyant frogs that loved to tease him so. Instead, he learned what he could from his friends, asking Durger more about his old group so he could function better in his own. Those were how he spent his days¡­


    And his nights¡­ he lay awake in Lucius¡¯ Orange Saro cave, practicing Green Saro restorative meditations. Switching to his new Selfless Merchant Title proved to bolster the whole process too. Whenever active, it felt like his airways expanded to let energy flow freely. He was getting the hang of it, summoning green essence faster, allowing it to cycle harder around wounds without trepidation. Not only was it restoring his body, but evoking such power brightened his mind with old memories, happy ones. It worked to combat the dread.


    ¡°Ah.¡± Flint walked over ¨C his staff an unwanted light in the dark cave. ¡°I bring you Dun Dun tea from the bar.¡± He took a cross-legged seat beside Alan, earning all sorts of snarls from the surrounding Stalkers.


    Campfire after campfire had its own circle of dark warriors. They¡¯d eat, and talk, and duel, and drink, which made it look like a desert commune somewhere in Nevada where Alan used to live. Only alive with magic.


    Lucius played with his own small campfire flame right beside them, fidgeting with his art to curtail his angst, no doubt.


    ¡°Drink it too fast, and I think you¡¯ll Dun Dun your pants, aha!¡± Flint laughed at his own joke.


    ¡°Shh.¡± Alan hid a smile. ¡°Those Doomsayers over there are about to have their midnight duel. Don¡¯t steal their attention.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d think they¡¯d be tired of hurling curses at one another.¡± Flint snapped his tongue. ¡°One day their faces are going to get stuck like that.¡±


    Lucius grunted at the lightheartedness. It was like his friends represented a part of how he was feeling.


    ¡°Tomorrow, we tackle the underground tunnels of Waterloo,¡± Flint coached. ¡°Right behind the calm rivers of the town square. Apparently, Hyndole sent some of his moles to pollute our streams with dark Saro.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Lucius parted the flame into two castle walls framing his face. ¡°We have idled enough doing charity¡­ doing it your way. Tomorrow, we open a portal to Ojin and move to our end goal.¡±


    Flint¡¯s mouth remained open mid-talk.


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Lucius pointed hard at the Wizard. ¡°Instead, ask your future Herald what should be done. He is, in essence, what you and I are centered around.¡±


    Alan twisted his lips at that.


    ¡°Alright, then. Lad, leer, master of beer, what say you?¡± Flint¡¯s brow relaxed.


    Thoughts of his mother struggling to make ends meet pushed to the front of his mind, as did visions of Neesha crawling the pink fog mountainside looking for aid from bloody wounds. Both of those fears lead to Ojin first and foremost¡­ not here, in Strangey Town.


    Alan held out a fist toward Flint ¨C something he¡¯d been teaching him as a sign of brotherly love from Earth. Flint pounded it back.


    ¡°It¡¯s time, Flint. I must honor my promises in the order I gave them. And there¡¯s only one path forward. To Ojin.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡± He dug the bottom of his staff against the cave ground. ¡°Outnumbered, stoned. It seems my brethren do not see this place for what it is ¨C a home worth defending.¡±


    Alan¡¯s chest softened. It¡¯s true. In the days of restoration, getting to know the environment and the townsfolk, the zaniness of Strangey Town wasn¡¯t without a sense of community in a time of hurt. Even the wriggling fish men stopped trying to suck on people, and instead threw healing white salt on fallen birds. The clouds pointed at bad Saro infections so the people could heal the land.


    Still¡­ this was not Alan¡¯s home. And he could never imagine thinking of it as one. In that spirit, he took out a very valuable coin he¡¯d been holding back so as not to rile Lucius. It was time.


    ¡°I want to show you something. When you both ran back to defend Strangey Town, a Yero-losh chased a Stone Chaser down the swamp path in Ojin where we defeated Farante.¡±


    ¡°Where you let him go, you mean,¡± Lucius scoffed.


    ¡°Quiet.¡± Flint burst a snowball from his staff at Flint¡¯s chest.


    Alan continued with a smirk. ¡°Anyway, Yogi defeated the Yero and saved the Chaser. And later, we traveled to the pink fog in search for answers. What I found was a Merchant named Vidiger. A nasty, sarcastic man willing to sell me a death-assuring gauntlet. Yet through our rough start, I ended with a favorable trade.¡±


    Lucius dulled the fire art to a manageable flame casting light on the coin. ¡°What¡­ trade?¡± he asked, intrigued.


    Alan flipped the coin and swiped a rolled up scroll that he spread over the ground. Within the paper revealed a loose map of interlocking realms zoomed out from a high level. Blinking blue flames shimmered in separate parts around the map to reveal the locations of Pegs of Fate.


    Lucius skulked closer, tilting his head as his brain registered what was happening. Then he unleashed his own fiery map. The one he revealed to Alan on his first day in Strangey Town. ¡°This is¡­¡±


    Alan waved his hand, magically zooming into Ojin ¨C the largest of the realms by far ¨C going closer, and closer to reveal a Peg of Fate in motion. ¡°A living map.¡±


    Lucius scratched away his fiery conjuring in shock. ¡°How did you¡ª¡±


    ¡°What good is a map to a stationary Merchant who only seeks to enchant? I¡¯ll tell you.¡± Alan smirked. ¡°No good at all. The parties who would be interested ¨C primarily Stone Chasers ¨C aren¡¯t exactly ripe with loot. I offered my Yero¡¯s horns for this and the Bubble of Vosh. Now, my friend, we have a way to the Peg Hyndole mentioned, and we can see just how full of shit he is.¡±


    Lucius laughed triumphantly and clapped his hands together. ¡°Incredible, Alan! Progress.¡±


    Flint puckered his lips. ¡°So quick to trust the hand of a dark god, Lucius. I worry about your naivety.¡±


    ¡°Says you, Wizard, basing your entire life on a frog¡¯s belch.¡±


    ¡°Flint.¡± Alan held a hand up to stave off Lucius. ¡°This is the path,¡± he said calmly. ¡°We¡¯re going to track down the Merchant of the Five Pearls and retrieve Yineera¡¯s lost Peg. And one day, when I¡¯ve fulfilled my promises in my Origin World, I will return.¡±.


    Flint turned away. ¡°After all you witnessed in the clairvoyant visions,¡± he whispered his disappointment. ¡°You would run. Both of you.¡± He snapped back to hold their gaze. ¡°We need you now more than ever. Hyndole is pushing the limits, invading without activating the rules of realm war.¡±


    Alan remained silent. The guilt ate a hole through him.


    ¡°There is more than one realm at stake.¡± Lucius rose to full height, eyeing the Doomsayers hurling curses at one another. ¡°My time in this prison is at an end. Home, calls.¡±


    Lucius¡¯ conviction sent goosebumps down Alan¡¯s arms.


    ¡°And if you abandon us now, there may be no Origin Realms to return to.¡± Flint rose face-to-face with Lucius.


    Alan again did what he could to calm his friends, resting a Green Saro hand on each of them. ¡°We will find answers on our journey, and only then will a decision be made. I need you both.¡±


    Flint¡¯s cheek twitched. ¡°Of course. With Hyndole now laying eyes on you, who knows what he will throw in Ojin. You need guardians of all Saro on your side.¡±


    Lucius narrowed his eyes at Flint. ¡°Good. Then we leave in the morning. I have one hand in to Mujungo on the south side of Flappy Fin tunnel in Waterloo. We will use that to open a portal of Ojin.¡±


    ¡°It will be unstable,¡± Flint warned.


    ¡°Good thing we have a map,¡± Lucius hissed.


    ¡°Ojin is bigger than your little dream to run home, Lucius,¡± Flint snapped.


    ¡°Nonetheless, we¡¯re going.¡±


    After another hour of arguing logistics, and one Doomsayer writhing on the floor from some forced nightmare, all of the camps waved out their fires, leaving Alan to remain in his meditation.


    It was a state of half-sleep and guided dreams that made him remember times of comfort with Trish. The memories were so vivid that he forgot the arrow of time for hours. Back then, before she walked out on him, they shared endless nights wrapped in a baby-blue blanket watching Pawn Stars and other valuing shows. She was in awe of his breadth of history. It made him feel empowered to be revered, even if the weight of such reverence was trivial.


    He applied it to now ¨C how his trances painted him a fat picture of the universe. Little-by-little, he gained knowledge to defend his position here. He was beginning to mold into something great¡­ only to leave it all behind?


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    When Alan¡¯s eyes sprung open, Stalkers were fastening their armor for a new day, and Lucius watched over him with his arms folded. Well, he seemed annoyed at Flint ¨C who lay sprawled over the cave ground and a sleep-bubble expanding with his breath.


    ¡°He¡¯s stalling,¡± Lucius growled.


    ¡°Or maybe your armor drained him in the night.¡± Alan smiled knowingly at him.


    ¡°What do you know of my armor?¡± Lucius arced an eyebrow.


    ¡°Enough to be concerned.¡± Alan got to his feet and gently nudged Flint.


    He snorted a few times before bursting awake. ¡°Shnelripity!¡± he shouted gibberish. ¡°Oh, oh, excuse me kind Stalkers. I forget myself at times. Reminds me of my mage days back in Rolayos ¨C my Origin World.¡± He dusted off his robes, tapped around the air, and instantly summoned a fresh pair that replaced the old. ¡°All ready, friends. No need to fret. No need to grumble.¡± He outstretched his arms and marched toward the cave entrance, waving at the early morning bar patrons on his way out.


    The Strangey Town sun shined abnormally bright today. Warriors on crutches and wrapped in bandages were on early morning walks with their caretakers, the fissures in the sky seemed less frequent, and the clouds whistled with crazed eyes. Alan was properly terrified, which must¡¯ve meant things were getting back to normal here.


    ¡°No games, Wizard,¡± Lucius warned.


    ¡°I will honor Alan¡¯s wishes. Lead the way to the tunnels.¡±


    After ten minutes of traveling south along the riverside, Lucius crossed his arms and hopped feet first into the open-mouthed grass. His entrance made a shlump sound like he¡¯d just been swallowed. Flint waved his staff in a circle on the ground, making the mouth giggle as icy mist sprinkled off it. ¡°Goochi, goochi, goo.¡± He laughed and leapt in.


    I hate this place, Alan thought, peering over the open mouth. After a second of trepidation, Flint¡¯s hand emerged and wrapped around Alan¡¯s ankle to pull him in.


    A dark tunnel with a child-like voice singing ¡°la¡ªla¡ªla¡ªla, lalala,¡± kept repeating over and over, followed by hair-raising giggles that echoed like they were sliding down an endless esophagus. Alan covered his ears as best he could, Flint¡¯s staff and Lucius¡¯ molten-slit armor the only sources of light.


    They flew off the end of the slide, onto flat ground that was mushy like lasagna. Long, glowing lines that behaved similar to caterpillars arced from one part of the ceiling before digging into another.


    ¡°Wow!¡± a child¡¯s voice blared every time a colorful caterpillar revealed itself.


    ¡°Guys, get me out of here,¡± Alan begged. ¡°Reminds me of my first day.¡±


    ¡°This is how you know Mujungo is doing better,¡± Lucius assured, then began tapping away at the air.


    ¡°What¡¯s the task?¡± Flint asked.


    ¡°I need to yank a blue slitherpole that the tunnel doesn¡¯t recognize.¡± Lucius rolled his eyes. ¡°One more to hand-in.¡±


    ¡°Which should activate the portal?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°With Flint¡¯s help, yes.¡± Lucius eyed different parts of the ceiling, following the child¡¯s voice. ¡°During unstable events, you need a Wizard¡¯s touch to keep a portal open long enough to slip through.¡±


    ¡°I am useful, look at me.¡± Flint waved his staff around, trying to help speed along the process.


    ¡°Is a portal¡¯s potency measured on distance?¡± Alan asked. ¡°Is that why we need Pegs of Fate to travel far to our Origins?¡±


    Flint puckered his lips. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t think in terms of space when dealing with portal magic, Alan. Think in terms of world relevance. Strangey Town is linked to Ojin. Ojin is linked to all of the gods¡¯ realms. And our Origins? They aren¡¯t even a spawned thought to any of the magical essence here. Saro doesn¡¯t exist in our worlds, only distant remnants of it. Ah! Look, Lucius, there!¡±


    ¡°No, the tunnel acknowledged that one.¡± Lucius cursed. ¡°Listen instead of yap, Wizard.¡±


    ¡°But you said you were a mage at home?¡± Alan questioned. ¡°Surely mages use magic.¡±


    ¡°Aha! There? My home? We made do with an off-shoot, grossly perverted and infinitely sloppy version of Saro magic. You had to burst blood vessels in your temples just to get a fraction of what we have here. Oh, ho, boy, when I awoke in Strangey Town? I knew this was a true blessing.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ didn¡¯t you have people you left behind?¡± Alan dared to ask.


    Flint¡¯s face dropped for a moment, and Alan was pretty sure he caught a sigh. ¡°No, Alan. I didn¡¯t leave anyone behind.¡±


    Heat flushed Alan¡¯s cheeks. He didn¡¯t mean to evoke solemnness. He just wanted Flint to relate with Lucius¡¯ and his plight. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, friend. I didn¡¯t mean¡ª¡±


    ¡°Do not fret, my dear Merchant. You couldn¡¯t have known.¡± Flint waved his staff in hopes to evoke some slitherpoles.


    Alan cleared his throat. ¡°So, the Peg of Fate makes our Origins relevant?¡±


    ¡°Such is how the legend goes,¡± Lucius said.


    ¡°You Chasers must beware, that the Peg¡¯s revealing of your Origin World doesn¡¯t disrupt it. Or worse, allow a Rift Maker to invade.¡± Flint raised his eyebrows.


    Alan clenched his jaw at the warning, while bearing in mind Flint desperately wanted him to stay where he was.


    ¡°Aha!¡± Flint dove high at a blue slitherpole, before the tunnel could giggle, and tossed its wriggling shiny body into Lucius¡¯ grasp.


    As soon as the Stalker¡¯s gauntlet clenched around it, Lucius went into a momentary daze to acknowledge Mujungo¡¯s prompt, then a small budding portal formed at his back. ¡°Quick Flint, direct it.¡± He stepped aside.


    ¡°To the Peg?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Alan narrowed his eyes. ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°No more detours!¡± Lucius pointed angrily at the two of them.


    ¡°One last one. A relevant one. I must know if Neesha is alright.¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Lucius, if she¡¯s alive, she¡¯ll know of the forbidden shops we seek. Trust me,¡± Alan said calmly.


    Flint eyed them while holding his staff forward ¨C arms shaking. He took Lucius¡¯ silence as a sign to proceed. ¡°Describe her, Alan.¡±


    ¡°Large robes. Green Saro, petite frame. She¡¯s a Healer turned Stone Chaser. Always on the run.¡±


    Flint gritted his teeth. ¡°How active is her Saro?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Potency. Is she powerful or weak?¡± Flint¡¯s entire body trembled as fog spewed from the portal. First it was yellow, then grey, then Alan¡¯s heart stalled when he saw pink.


    He was frightened that the portal would remain there¡­ and that Neesha¡¯s corpse would lay sprawled amidst it.


    ¡°Alan!¡± Flint called.


    Is she powerful? Her Saro was dormant for so long, but¡­ her healing was much more soothing than the ward Healers in Strangey Town.


    ¡°I¡¯m going with potent,¡± he said. ¡°A dormant fire roared to life.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Flint¡¯s cheek flinched, sweat dripping down his temples. ¡°Yes¡­ I¡¯ve got something.¡±


    Alan held his breath, hoping the fog would change.


    ¡°Was she with anyone? There¡¯s another presence¡ª¡±


    Could be one of the raid members¡­


    ¡°Alan, I can¡¯t hold it much longer! I have a Yellow Saro presence alongside a Green.¡±


    ¡°Gregorian¡­ Yes!¡± Alan said.


    The tip of Flint¡¯s staff glowed so blindingly bright, he wondered whether there¡¯d be a White Saro blizzard exploding out of it soon.


    ¡°There. I have it. Go!¡± Flint exclaimed. ¡°Hurry!¡±


    Lucius scoffed and skulked through. Alan grabbed Flint by the robes and dragged him in.


    The three of them fell into a foggy plain of sprouting mist. It was impossible to wade through the thickness, but one thing was for sure¡­ they were falling, fast.


    Spurts of wind slowed their fall for seconds at a time, making Alan¡¯s stomach fly into his chest, until Flint grasped his arm and created an icy sled for them to ride.


    ¡°Lucius?¡± Alan shouted over the winds.


    ¡°The man glides better than he walks. My aide would only insult him, worry not!¡± Flint smiled.


    ¡°Is the fog clear for you?¡± Alan asked next, still falling fast on a downward angle.


    ¡°No one ever has good reason to be in the middle of a dark grey ocean, Alan.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    As soon as Flint said the words, Alan¡¯s circumference of vision expanded to massive waves consuming one another not far below him, and wooden stakes sticking high out from below like rotten teeth.


    Flint blew up the top of his staff ¨C creating a puff of mist that steered the sled in between two of the stakes. Alan squinted, noticing a familiar indicator ¨C a ball of white wind. ¡°Slipstreams?¡±


    ¡°This is no ordinary path, Alan. We¡¯re in the mouth of a Siosh right now. If it decides to awaken, an inward tornado will suck us straight into its stomach before we¡¯ve had a chance to hug goodbye. Aha! Aha!¡±


    ¡°This man is mad, Alan,¡± Durger sounded terrified.


    ¡°As mad as a sculptor thinking his clay should come to life!¡± Flint whacked the slipstream with his staff and guided his sled under it. ¡°Aha!¡±


    Alan held on tight to the edge of the sled as it whipped hard to one side. ¡°Whoa. Flint!¡± He pointed to the next rotten tooth they were headed straight for.


    ¡°Hold onto your coins, my boy!¡± Flint pressed on his hat and jerked the sled hard to the side, then burst his staff under the sled to lift it momentarily over the slipstream and avoid a rising tooth.


    Gurgling sounds rattled through Alan¡¯s bones, and the waves crashing all around didn¡¯t help. He grasped his Bubble coin tightly, just in case. The sled jerked again to another side when three rotten teeth sprouted through a wave, followed by an uneasy growl ¨C as if the beast was having a deep nightmare.


    With a wave of his staff, Flint froze their feet to the sled and swung them into a barrel roll ¨C a corner of ice breaking off from being impaled by the tooth.


    ¡°Darkening Bollybobs!¡± Flint cursed, twirling his staff in rotations above him ¨C charging it into blinding brightness once more.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Alan shouted over the waves.


    Flint grimaced, peering over his shoulder.


    The wind was picking up¡­ and now, it was all moving in one direction ¨C down.


    A whirlpool formed rapidly below them, the suction dragging Alan off-balance. He folded forward to hug the front edge of the sled, thankful his feet were essentially glued down, as the wind nearly pulled him right off. His boots felt loose from the vacuum, fingertips flexing to hang on.


    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s waking, Flint!¡±


    ¡°Hold on, my boy! The timing must be perfect.¡±


    A thousand thoughts raced through Alan¡¯s head. They could no longer use Mujungo as their lifeline ¨C the god was disoriented from the realm invasion. If they fell here¡­ it was over. The prophecies, the journey home, all of it would be over, and he¡¯d be both literally and figuratively spiraling further away from sanity.


    More teeth reared from the ocean waves, revealing the enormity of the beast. Larger than anything he¡¯d ever seen in Ojin ¨C even in the frog visions.


    ¡°Flint!¡±


    ¡°I know!¡±


    Their cheeks flapped wildly, the expanse of the Siosh¡¯s mouth becoming all-consuming. Corroded purple skin emerged at the center of the whirlpool, revealing dancing wooden teeth cycling water like oars.


    Mortality washed over Alan again like a cold shower, followed by a hard coating of Red Saro. Time slowed for an instant ¨C his wizardly friend¡¯s expression determined, the beast below revealing the black hole at the center of its open mouth.


    Death, it seemed, was certain. Red Saro told him his Bubble of Vosh would do nothing but be consumed along with all other matter. Orange Saro would evaporate in a heartbeat. Green healing would do nothing to a pair of torn bodies. But the White¡­ the White could intervene.


    Saro more powerful than Alan could muster.


    ¡°Aha!¡±


    Time sped up.


    Flint reeled back his arm at the peak of his conjuring and whipped his staff hard toward the center of the whirlpool. It whistled like a bomb ¨C the Siosh¡¯s inhaling winds pulling it faster.


    Then a moment of silence.


    Tick. Tick. Tick.


    Chsrrsh. The collision sounded more powerful than it looked, until White Saro ice clawed from the point of impact outward, freezing the whirlpool in place.


    The newly formed sheet of ice rapidly caved inward, choking sounds reverberating through the entire ocean, before a belch exploded them high into the air.


    ¡°Holy!¡±


    Dark grey fog grew thicker the higher they climbed. Spinning and flipping. There was no shortage of whips.


    It took almost a full minute, but the sled finally leveled onto a manageable downward trajectory, Alan¡¯s vision struggling to reorient.


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Flint nodded, licking his finger and holding it high in the air. ¡°I¡¯ve got us. Southwest to the nearest cliff. Tally ho!¡± He burst his staff to steer them, all while Alan coughed the dryness out of his throat, doing his best not to vomit.


    He looked shockingly at Flint, then laughed.


    ¡°You still have your hat.¡±


    ¡°I do, don¡¯t I!¡±


    The laughter continued, relief and disbelief wrapped into one.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about you, Alan, but my home world never provided adventure like this.¡± Flint peered over to him sadly, not wanting him to go.


    Alan frowned.


    ¡°You, Flint Degoba, are a Wizard who gulped down one too many tinctures! I never in all my years¡ª¡±


    ¡°A man trapped in a dagger challenges my decisions? Aha!¡± Flint pointed. ¡°Land ho, my friends! No need to squabble.¡±


    The thickness of the fog dissipated slightly to reveal a high cliff that waves clawed to reach. It reminded Alan of the raid leader who was crippled by that glove Vidiger tried to trade him. But the thought was brief¡­ because ahead he noticed two figures hand-in-hand peering into the depths.


    He squinted to make them out, then his breath caught in his chest.


    A female¡­ oversized robes, pink nose, and beautiful blue eyes.


    Neesha¡­ holding hands with¡­ Gregorian?

 Chapter 18 - Grey Wolfs Armor

    Is this some kind of sick alternate reality?


    Alan raised his head over the foot of the sled to make sure he wasn¡¯t dreaming. He wasn¡¯t. Amid endless ocean waves kicking up mist below, and thick grey fog clouding his surroundings, stood Gregorian on a cliff, letting go of Neesha¡¯s hand to draw his electrified bow. It buzzed with threatening lightning Saro, prompting Flint to raise his staff to deflect anything that might come their way.


    ¡°Neesha!¡± Alan called, his voice echoing through the fog.


    Gregorian grumbled, lowering his weapon.


    ¡°Scatter!¡± Flint waved for them to step aside, then sent a stream of snow shooting from his staff to soften their landing. Alan braced as they touched down hard, then used a flash of Red Saro to flip ostentatiously onto his feet while Flint dove the other way.


    He brushed himself like it was nothing while Flint flapped his robes clean.


    ¡°Now I see¡­ it¡¯s not a hero that died, but rather a coward that lived,¡± Gregorian scoffed. ¡°No wonder the dragon returned.¡±


    Neesha slammed hard into Alan, similar to when they first met. Only this time for a different reason. She cared.


    Alan¡¯s arms remained spread as he peered down at the beautiful woman hugging him. He remained frozen in awe, until finally returning the hug.


    ¡°I thought you died. The dragon¡­ Orange Saro talons ripping into you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to remind me.¡± Alan chuckled, then winced when Neesha punched him in the ribs.


    ¡°You don¡¯t write.¡± She punched again. ¡°Or leave a trail.¡± And again. ¡°Or come find me!¡±


    ¡°Hey, hey!¡± Alan put up his hands defensively.


    ¡°That¡¯s because he¡¯s a coward, Neesha. He portaled home, knowing full well what would become of us by fleeing.¡± Gregorian narrowed his eyes. ¡°The dragon was after you, wasn¡¯t it, Merchant?¡±


    ¡°Should I have let him take me to Jaeger?¡± Alan gently peeled Neesha off him to confront the Archer. ¡°To where I¡¯m supposed to grow as some ungodly threat to the realms?¡±


    ¡°Pfah!¡± Gregorian backhanded the air. ¡°You think too highly of yourself.¡±


    Alan shook his head, then turned to Neesha. ¡°You have to know, I meant to rush right back to Ojin¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you?¡± Gregorian stepped forward before a long sparkling staff pressed flat across his chest.


    ¡°Because Strangey Town was under attack, by Hyndole himself,¡± Flint spoke evenly.


    Gregorian smacked the staff away. ¡°The Rift Maker? He would never risk open war amongst the interlocking realms.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t he?¡± Flint grasped his staff in both hands and stood tall beside Alan. ¡°Circumventing the laws of gods by poking a stampede of void minions sounds right up his alley to me.¡±


    ¡°You speak nonsense, Wizard.¡± Gregorian bared his teeth, then extended his hand for Neesha to reclaim her place.


    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°We are bonded since the great fight against Drisara, the Helldraken. The City of Shara-das is preserved, no thanks to you, and the dragon¡¯s skull now sits in a Merchant¡¯s glass window.¡± He flexed his fingers, and Alan¡¯s heart dropped into his stomach when Neesha delicately walked over to him.


    ¡°Bonded? What does that mean?¡± Alan whispered to Durger.


    ¡°They merged their Saro in a near-death event,¡± Durger said solemnly. ¡°A defense mechanism that rarely occurs. It happened in my group once. The two couldn¡¯t stand one another, but in the face of death, Saro intervened to preserve two vessels. They were drawn to one another thereafter. Strangely so. It took fortnights to unravel, Sir Alan.¡±


    He eyed their hands clasped together, making him grit his teeth.


    It can be undone, was all Alan focused on.


    ¡°You¡¯re not the only one who suffered, coward.¡± Gregorian peeled up his mesh armor to reveal a horrid pink scar caving his abdomen inward. ¡°I owe Neesha my life. Now we will travel to the orange fog and gain her Answer Stone until my debt is repaid. A quest you could never fulfill. Stay out of our way.¡±


    Neesha¡¯s expression looked pained as Gregorian turned to drag her away.


    ¡°Have you lost your free will?¡± Alan asked bluntly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡± Neesha stopped Gregorian. ¡°The prompt¡­ was my decision. Had I not accepted the bond, Gregorian would¡¯ve died, and we would¡¯ve lost the city. Sharas-da would¡¯ve fell to dust."


    ¡°So what, that¡¯s it now?¡± Alan spread his arms. ¡°You follow him on a short leash?¡±


    She clenched her jaw, seeming unsure of herself.


    It hit Alan now that she was extremely vulnerable ¨C that the Question Stone she nabbed from the Yero-losh was probably taking a hard toll on her mind. She needed a companion more than ever.


    ¡°I mourned you, Alan. For months.¡±


    Months? I¡¯ve been gone a few weeks, at most.


    ¡°You look perplexed, coward of Strangey Town.¡± Gregorian smiled evilly. ¡°There is an expression we have here, in Ojin. Those who rest in their hometown, let the world pass them by.¡±


    ¡°Licking your wounds to fight another day is anything but cowardly, Archer.¡± Flint curled his lip. ¡°In fact, I might wager it as intelligent. Sure beats the alternative.¡±


    ¡°A glorious death is something Mujungo followers could never understand,¡± Gregorian hissed. ¡°Come, Neesha. To the orange fog.¡±


    Alan boiled inside. Watching them turn their backs on him after all they¡¯ve been through in the Pink. They were supposed to be on good terms now. Instead, this bastard chose to demonize him¡­ for what?


    They were slowly swallowed by dark grey fog. Neesha was still hesitant in her step, Alan could tell. It destroyed him. He didn¡¯t just survive a fire-eating wound to be dismissed like this.


    ¡°Neesha!¡± he finally called, and she turned quickly, almost as if she was hoping for Alan to speak up. ¡°Saro might bond you to this prick. But we have our own too. It may have started tumbling around in a swamp and with a hit over the head¡­ but we helped each other.¡±


    She appeared bashful, her blue eyes glowing bright in the cloudy light.


    ¡°I vowed to take you to the Orange. And I will. But first, I need a favor from you,¡± Alan spoke strongly.


    Gregorian shook his head. ¡°Favors are forfeited once you abandon a raid.¡±


    ¡°My request wasn¡¯t addressed to you.¡± Alan held firm. ¡°I need access to the forbidden shops under Sharas-da. The ones requested from Lord Osmi if we slayed the dragon. And we did. Let the warriors with short memories say what they will, but deep down, they know I deserve my share.¡± Alan broke his gaze with Neesha to eye Gregorian. He used the Bubble of Vosh to save him and told him of the power to shackle the dragon. ¡°So easily we forget.¡±


    ¡°Fifteen warriors perished when the dragon returned,¡± Gregorian yelled. ¡°Fifteen is greater than your one!¡± He pointed harshly, the fog rippling off him like a dragon¡¯s smoke. His eyes pulsed with electrical energy.


    Would he have to combat Gregorian, here and now, just to move forward?


    ¡°I¡¯m not a coward.¡±


    ¡°He is anything but,¡± a familiar voice resounded around them, followed by a pulsing flame that Alan recalled from Strangey Town. Lucius and his Orange Saro bat.


    He swooped in and dismissed his mount in a puff of black smolder, then skulked right into Gregorian¡¯s face.


    ¡°Lucius.¡± Gregorian¡¯s eyes widened, and even Neesha noticeably tensed.


    ¡°You know this prick?¡± Alan asked, the tension slightly defused.


    ¡°We¡¯ve crossed paths in raids before. And he will respect my declaration of your honor,¡± Lucius assured.


    ¡°Greg. I want to seek out the forbidden shops again, and pay a favor to a friend,¡± Neesha said. ¡°Join us, and then you can escort me through the fire.¡±


    The Archer bared his teeth, furious.


    ¡°It is settled then!¡± Flint raised his staff. ¡°A curt grumble from an angry man can only mean yes, yes, doubly yes! Hm. I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m so excited, considering this is one step closer to me losing my Herald. Oh my, oh me.¡± He paced away, talking to himself.


    ¡°Glad you¡¯re alright, buddy.¡± Alan slapped Lucius on the shoulder.


    ¡°Prick Wizard couldn¡¯t have guided the portal to land?¡± he grumbled.


    ¡°As he would say, ¡®where¡¯s the fun in that?¡¯¡±


    ¡°C¡¯mon, Greg. We¡¯re only two fogs over from the Pink. It¡¯s barely out of the way.¡± Neesha squeezed the Archer¡¯s arm.


    Alan hated the physical affection she showed Greg, but hoped her actions spoke to a connection more powerful than the one they shared. Either that, or this would be all the more reason to go home and be done with this place.


    ¡°We¡¯re on a tight schedule, Neesha. The cliffs¡ª¡±


    ¡°Bah, the cliffs! We¡¯ll be fine.¡± Flint materialized an icy map in his grip and flipped it every which way to make sense of it. Alan could tell it was much more detailed than the living one he had of his own. Of course, Flint had been exploring Ojin for years, probably. Maybe even decades.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Wading through the fog proved cumbersome at times. Beastly roars caused panic on more than one occasion. And after an hour of travel, Alan finally understood what Greg was on about with the cliffs. They all dropped to the ground when a quake ripped the entire body of land out from its foundation like a loose tooth. Before Alan could ask what the hell was going on, the land zoomed forward as if on a track, straight across the ocean. Alan knew he¡¯d be eaten by that enormous beast, but when the puzzle piece of land interlocked across the way with loud thuds, he was no longer so sure.


    ¡°Just follow the trajectory. Bah the cliffs,¡± Flint repeated, getting to his feet and pointing at his map, then the land ahead. ¡°Understanding direction is a gift, you see,¡± Flint said confidently, then started scratching his head.


    Alan feared they may have veered off course.


    ¡°Hm. Seems we will have to clear a sectional minion or two. Can¡¯t tell my ass from my elbow in this thickness.¡± Flint presented the thick wall of fog blocking their path.


    ¡°Whatever you do, don¡¯t lure a Siosh from the ocean, you clumsy mutt,¡± Gregorian growled.


    They trekked carefully on, listening for minions. Gregorian had some kind of ability to sense creatures without seeing them, guiding them away from danger. Apparently certain minions were tethered to that horridly large beast in the center of the ocean, and if they angered it, they would wind up drowning from a world-ending quake.


    ¡°That¡¯s probably why this place is so barren. Aha!¡± Flint joked to no one¡¯s amusement.


    ¡°I thought the dark grey fog was harmless in comparison to others.¡±


    ¡°Nothing in Ojin is harmless, fool. Just categorized.¡± Greg got to his knees and pressed his ear to the floor. ¡°Quiet, I¡¯ve got something. A Mistborn.¡± He turned his head carefully, tracing vibrations. ¡°Ready yourselves. Twenty paces east.¡±


    Alan drew Durger and activated Red Saro. His heartbeat pulsed through his ears as time slowed. Discerning his friend¡¯s footsteps was the first step so he could push them out of his mind to understand what Gregorian sensed.


    Highly pressurized waterspouts resounded up ahead. It was faint, but Alan was able to latch on like a wolf hunting prey. Still, there was nothing to see beyond the fog. Not yet.


    Th-thump. Th-thump. His heartbeat pulsed harder, the sound of Lucius¡¯ weapons clanging against his gauntlets echoed at his back.


    He crouched forward, flipping Durger so the blade lined his arm.


    Grrrrr. A low growl accompanied the angry mist swirling in the fog.


    ¡°There!¡± Gregorian shouted. ¡°Kill it before it can fully form!¡±


    Time sped up. Arrows whizzed by Alan¡¯s head, and the beast roared, clearing a wave of fog back in all directions. They challenged it officially ¨C same as when Alan fought Akira Black.


    What remained was something odd ¨C like a water ghost trapped in sparse armor. The metal snout of a wolf, shin-patches for each leg, and a saddle held contained water in place. It was pulling vapor from the air ¨C filling itself up like a muscular balloon.


    It growled viciously as Gregorian¡¯s arrows bounced up and down as if caught in a river. Lucius dove with his Soul Collector blade out, and Alan followed.


    Shink! Shink!


    Both warriors struck the channeling beast, their weapons sinking deep, disrupting the vapor¡¯s flow ¨C violent waters spouting everywhere to unhook them. Durger gargled, trying to say something to no avail. The Mistborn¡¯s current became too rapid. Their weapons would be ejected at any moment, so Alan pulled out ¨C swinging in a three-sixty from the momentum, while Lucius was flung airborne.


    ¡°Aho!¡± Flint whipped his staff forward, sending an ice bolt directly at the beast¡¯s face.


    Rrracha!


    It chomped on the magical conjuring and burst it right back in the Wizard¡¯s face, forcing him to create a last-second shield that shattered and sent him reeling off his feet.


    Alan pulsed his Blue Saro to interlock with his Red, trying to predict what would happen next. White Saro seemed useless, Yellow was ineffective, and Orange had no effect.


    Maybe Pink? he thought, grasping the pendant, and changing his role entirely like he did with the dragon.


    As soon as Durger pulsed Pink, Alan charged the beast, pretending he was going to strike head on.


    The Mistborn turned to him, eyes glowing a fierce blue. It roared out high-pressure mist, that Alan evaded with a flashy spin, then dove, swinging the Pink trail of Saro in its face.


    Its eyes blinked different colors like those clairvoyant frogs back in Strangey Town.


    Alan somersaulted back to his feet. ¡°Quick. It¡¯s stunned!¡±


    Lucius pulled an ornate axe from the molten ground beside him, reeled back with two hands, and shouted as he plunged the head down onto the saddle. The Stalker was flung away as if trying to attack a waterfall. Gregorian¡¯s arrows ricocheted faster than they were launched.


    ¡°This is no normal Mistborn.¡± Gregorian lowered his bow, gritting his teeth. ¡°Perhaps Ojin is not pleased with our alliance with a coward, Neesha.¡±


    ¡°Will you give it a damn rest!¡± Alan shouted, focusing on the beast, trying to figure a way to get through its armor. His vision started to tunnel¡­ the Mistborn¡¯s armor.


    A trance overwhelmed his vision, one he was compelled to let happen.


    He witnessed that same wolf-snout armor, only this time, it wasn¡¯t attached to some ball of violent water, but instead a great warrior of flesh and bone. It was flat, woven into his breastplate, designed to inspire fear in the warrior¡¯s enemy, and the shin guards and helm were of the same make. He was marching through a snowy land with a tight ten-warrior force at his back.


    ¡°Grey Wolf.¡± A fur-coated man waved the warrior down, out of breath. ¡°Grey Wolf! The scouts return with news of an army marching from the Deep Blue! Aquatic beasts in numbers we cannot fathom.¡±


    Grey Wolf stepped forward, dropping a large, armored gauntlet on his worried friend. ¡°Then you best learn to count, Captain. Gather the other squads. We hold the valley at nightfall.¡±


    The trance sped forward to a violent battle filled with sewage-rotten fangs and weapons too big for their wielders. He understood Grey Wolf¡¯s armor had a rare ability to expand the mass of allied weaponry, and also¡­ that the armor was alive.


    One more leap forward in time showed Grey Wolf impaled by a six-clawed beast with arms the size of trees. He tried to swing his axe in counter, but the beast chomped down on the warrior ¨C ending his powerful life with one bite.


    The armor was repurposed by the dreadful minion army and thrown to the mist at their rear. They underestimated the armor, just like Alan¡¯s friends were now.


    When Alan returned to the present a few heartbeats of real-time later, he noticed the Mistborn shaking out of its Pink Saro stupor.


    ¡°Gregorian is right. This is no ordinary beast. It dons the armor of Grey Wolf, a Grey Saro commander!¡± Alan shouted.


    ¡°I know a Grey Wolf.¡± Flint held his hat while trying to freeze the Mistborn¡¯s paws in place. ¡°Perished in the Deep Blue chasing a legendary axe forged in the icy dunes of Noah.¡±


    ¡°Your clairvoyance is off, coward,¡± Gregorian called. ¡°How would that armor be a world away, in the dark grey fog of Sominyos.¡±


    We¡¯ll see about that. Alan rushed forward, cycling a ball of Blue Saro into his dagger. He swung it forward, dousing the enemy in a cerulean glow.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this. Be gone, mortal!¡± the armor¡¯s voice rang like struck metal in Alan¡¯s head.


    ¡°By the heavens, Alan. The armor is alive!¡± Durger spat.


    The Mistborn chomped at Alan, but a flash of Red Saro gave him the wherewithal to duck and deflect a swipe of its claws ¨C dagger to steel.


    Clang!


    The beast touched down, skidding across the ground, growling at Alan. In a show of power, it exhaled all of Gregorian¡¯s electrical arrows out of its watery body ¨C eyes now glowing the same as Gregorian¡¯s.


    ¡°You are affixed to Grey Wolf still, aren¡¯t you?¡± Alan said, his voice echoing in a translation he didn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°Talking to it won¡¯t do anything, coward! Beasts of this nature cannot be reasoned with,¡± Gregorian scowled.


    ¡°Let the man work! Do you not see the Blue? He communes!¡± Flint started cackling despite his struggle back to his feet.


    It lunged at Alan ¨C but he flipped high in the air and threw Durger with steadfast precision right beneath the saddle. The steel dangled in place from the violent pressure of the mist, giving Alan the second he needed to activate White. Elemental Saro proved useless in penetrating the mist¡­ but what about when steel was already lodged inside? He mentally transferred the Saro into Durger, and he didn¡¯t hold back on depleting his energy this time. A pulse of ice exploded from the dagger, reaching its core.


    Bang!


    The armor went flying in all different directions, and Alan willed Durger back to him through a pool of Orange Saro at his side.


    The group stood dumbfounded.


    ¡°Deflective shell.¡± Lucius stalked forward and impaled the shin-guard. ¡°Vulnerable core.¡±


    ¡°Is it over?¡± Neesha held a reserve of Green Saro cycling her fingertips.


    ¡°No, my friends. The grey fog still holds,¡± Flint bellowed.


    ¡°Brace, everyone!¡± Gregorian nocked three arrows.


    Lucius drew his second blade and stabbed the other shin-guard closest to him.


    Alan knew in that moment Lucius understood what was going on, just like he did. The armor was alive, and the cause for this insane power.


    Grey Wolf¡¯s armor quaked in place as a ball of mist rapidly reformed, attempting to vacuum all of the pieces back.


    ¡°Ayoo!¡± Flint threw a bolt that exploded over the saddle, cementing it in place.


    Lucius flexed hard to fight the pull of the two shin guards, and Gregorian used his Yellow Saro shackles to pin down the rest. The only piece that spiraled back toward the mist was the wolf-head mask.


    The mist struggled to find form without the remaining pieces, still glowing with Alan¡¯s Blue Saro.


    ¡°You¡¯re trapped, aren¡¯t you?¡± Alan crouched with Durger in hand, ready to evade if the Mistborn struck again. ¡°You¡¯re held in the mist against your will. You haven¡¯t accepted it.¡±


    ¡°Quiet! You¡¯re just another parasite trying to extract my power!¡± The Mistborn spun, releasing a cyclone of violent mist that tore around Alan and right into Gregorian ¨C knocking the two shin guards free of electrical shackles.


    ¡°Alan, that is a minion¡¯s soul trapped against its will. We call them fragments. They¡¯re not like me. They aren¡¯t trapped warriors! Reasoning with one will be like¡ª¡±


    Woosh!


    Another tornado caused Alan to flip out of the way.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to understand you, and perhaps offer you peace,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Peace?¡± The Mistborn laughed. ¡°I do not desire peace.¡±


    Woosh!


    The next cyclone froze to white mid-formation, and Flint speared through it ¨C further impaling the Mistborn and sending the shin guards flying off.


    Gregorian sniped them both out of the air using one bloodshot eye, activating shackles once more.


    ¡°Then what!¡± Alan dodged a chomp and sliced hard through the violent shell, striking into its core and activating another bomb of White Saro.


    The Mistborn tumbled once and growled at Alan, its breathing labored and body more unstable than before.


    ¡°What I was promised! There is no other worthy suitor, so I wish for death alongside my master!¡±


    Alan recalled Grey Wolf being bit by the minion, dying a swift death. Is that all this soul wanted? To rest with Grey Wolf¡¯s corpse?


    ¡°Lend me your power, and I will quest to your land and find Grey Wolf¡¯s remains, or find you a suitable master to rival him. This is what I can promise you before my time is up,¡± Alan offered.


    ¡°Another greedy creature wanting my power.¡±


    ¡°I can kill you right now,¡± Alan bluffed. ¡°I watched it in the visions of your battle against the Blue minions. I¡¯m offering you the reunion you desire, and the sweet release of a soul¡¯s death.¡±


    ¡°Never!¡±


    ¡°Augh! Enough of this blathering! Are you seriously trying to reason with this mist, you lowely Merchant!¡± Greg shouted.


    ¡°I said shush!¡± Flint snarled. ¡°Alan can strike a deal with gods, the armor of a Mistborn will be rummy cake!¡±


    Lucius left his two blades stuck in cooling molten rock, pinning the two shin guards, and rushing into shade form. A spear emerged from another molten summoning, and Lucius¡¯s shadowy form grasped it, leapt, and shed his shadowy essence mid-thrust.


    Clang!


    He skewered the wolf-helm into the ground, leaving the ball of mist again homeless. It scattered and thrashed, trying to unearth the separated armor.


    ¡°Ahh! Argh!¡± the armor shouted so loud Alan winced.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t it die?¡± Neesha covered her eyes.


    ¡°Fine. Fine! I¡¯ll accept your terms, even though I know an empty promise when I see one. Separate me from this mist, now!¡±


    Trade with DarkShar Initiated


    Steps taken to unlock next Title:


    1/2


    ¡°Tell me how!¡± Alan shouted.


    ¡°I¡¯m bonded with Grey Saro that can only be severed by Green.¡±


    Alan spun around to all his friends laboring to keep the armor in place, all except for Neesha. ¡°Hey! Throw healing waves at the armor, now!¡±


    ¡°What!¡± Neesha called back.


    ¡°Just trust me!¡± Alan exclaimed. He thought of the most soothing memories possible in this tense moment, and evoked a weak green glow that he hoped would be enough. Neesha¡¯s green ribbons tethered to the lesser pieces all around Alan, but the helm was his.


    ¡°Yrrah!¡± He stabbed hard through the eye of the armor, sending the mist screeching out of its mold. The armor then broke the party¡¯s hold and zoomed straight into Alan¡¯s hand.


    DarkShar Armor Received


    (Mistborn connection intact)


    Ability ¨C Alter the mass of objects within the wielder¡¯s reach.


    ¡°You vile sniveling invalid,¡± the armor cursed, wolf-head turning to growl at Alan. ¡°You reek of lies and unfulfilled promises. Sacrilege. Heretic!¡±


    Alan rewound the Blue Saro to quiet DarkShar and coined him thereafter. ¡°Phew.¡± He dropped on his backside and fell back on the ground. ¡°Goddamn.¡±

 Chapter 19 - The Dark Prince

    Alan stared at a sky of normal clouds, limbs spread, smiling that he coined another minion. A Mistborn. Something the group thought would be a quick deviation to get back on course toward the pink fog, turned out to be another anomaly with the epic armor of Grey Wolf.


    Sectional Ojin Territory Unlocked ¨C Sominyos


    Alan ignored the footsteps heading toward him and just tried to enjoy the victory.


    ¡°Mind explaining what that was all about?¡± Neesha placed her hands on her hips.


    Gregorian limped over next. ¡°Wherever this fool goes, Ojin sends rare minions to stop him.¡±


    ¡°Stop him? Or challenge him?¡± Flint arced an eyebrow, standing over him next.


    ¡°He will lead us to certain death if we continue to follow,¡± Gregorian assured.


    ¡°Alright, guess no rest after a fight.¡± Alan sat upright.


    ¡°This Merchant will lead us to catharsis.¡± Lucius leaned over and extended his hand for Alan to grab.


    Alan smiled and patted Lucius twice in thanks, then faced Gregorian. ¡°We¡¯re going to have a long road if you don¡¯t drop the disdain. We¡¯re on the same side.¡± He spread his arms. ¡°Always have been.¡±


    Lucius flipped his Soul Collector blade to be inches from Greg¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m not fond of repeating myself.¡±


    Neesha pushed on the blade with both hands. ¡°No need for the drama, ah!¡± She shook her hands like she touched something hot. ¡°What in the Wyvern¡¯s eye?¡±


    ¡°It is a dark blade, little Stone Chaser.¡± Flint dropped a snowball in her hands to cool her. ¡°Want my advice? Stay far away from this Stalker.¡± He leaned in and whispered in her ear, ¡°He doesn¡¯t invite the Yellow, if you know what I mean.¡±


    She giggled as Lucius spun away.


    ¡°Onward, ho!¡± Flint raised his staff. ¡°We will debate Alan¡¯s great battle prowess on the way. How did he contract with ancient armor of a slain war general? How did he know the key to such a rare minion¡¯s defeat? And most importantly¡­ why does Ojin challenge him directly? Aho! Aha!¡± He pulled out his map and leapt for joy when the fog around them cleared far into the distance.


    ¡°So, this is a sectional?¡± Alan asked, noticing the mist still shrouded the ocean and his back.


    ¡°It is.¡± Lucius sheathed his weapons. ¡°And there will be more we¡¯ll have to fight if we want the mist cleared for our passage.¡±


    Flint pointed to his map. ¡°I knew we took a wrong turn. Good thing we tangoed with that Mistborn, huh? Would¡¯ve been traveling the wrong way for a day, easy.¡±


    They trekked through the grassy plains, listening to the rhythm of ocean waves crashing against the cliffs beside them. A red-sand mountain peeked in the far distance, which made Alan feel bad for the couple who¡¯d just descended it. He¡¯d be mad too, honestly.


    Hours went by. Alan wanted more than anything to reconnect with Neesha, but it was hard to break her from Greg. The connection was stronger than he could¡¯ve imagined. The idea of it left an uneasy feeling in his gut. Such an artificial bond, like an arranged marriage forced by Saro.


    Weird. Weird. Weird.


    Thankfully, Flint acted as a good wingman without even knowing it.


    ¡°Archer of the Yellow Isles. Come have a walk with me, lad. You must tell me how such a dark creature toils with blessed Saro. Aha, I joke. I know you could never touch the blessed part of your magic. Only the elemental. The rage boils deep in you, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Flint¡¯s open arm could only be ignored so long, before Gregorian finally scoffed and let go of Neesha¡¯s hand.


    Alan waited a few minutes ¨C which felt like eternity ¨C and finally slowed his pace to be in lockstep with her.


    ¡°You seem disturbed,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°I am all the emotions, if I¡¯m being honest. The Question Stone plagues me heavily.¡±


    ¡°Vidiger did say the Chasers he knew all went mad.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because of times like these. That great interlude between two connectors. It can become nightmarish. That¡¯s why a good Chaser must plan, and stick to it, Alan.¡±


    ¡°More guilt.¡± His frown deepened.


    ¡°Well, as a Merchant of Earth once told me ¨C if the shoe fits¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure you¡¯re using the phrase right.¡± Alan followed her eyes to Lucius, then lowered his voice. ¡°Why do you keep looking at him?¡±


    ¡°Because I do not¡ª¡±


    ¡°Trust him. I know, stupid question.¡±


    Whack!


    Alan held the back of his head. ¡°Hey, what was that for?¡±


    ¡°Cutting me off. What I was going to say was, I do not believe my eyes. A prince, in your company. When you said you had a friend from Cerrain, never did I fathom it could be him.¡±


    ¡°The hell are you talking about?¡± Alan furrowed his brow, then they both looked away quickly when Lucius turned around.


    Alan whistled nonchalantly, trying to play it off until Lucius grumbled and faced forward. When he did, Alan grabbed Neesha¡¯s robes. ¡°What do you mean, prince?¡±


    ¡°In Cerrain, my mother¡¯s royal squall guard was loyal to his father, Dreeus Kiar. A hardened and just king. He declared few wars but fought many.¡±


    ¡°And him?¡± Alan motioned toward Lucius.


    ¡°A talented artist, said to be a machine. He would wake up four hours before dawn, paint one full work, then spar from morning until dinner. Then he would take his lady on the town without guards and eat amongst the people. Because she, herself, was a commoner.¡±


    ¡°Was?¡± Alan tensed.


    Neesha¡¯s lips folded in. ¡°His story is that of tragedy, Alan. I fear him and I were similar ¨C born to practice arts of peace, dragged into the trials of war. Did he tell you how he was slain?¡±


    ¡°He never brings it up,¡± Alan said. He felt guilty for listening to a history Lucius likely didn¡¯t want him to know, but he couldn¡¯t help it. He was so damn curious.


    ¡°Fortunate for you, we have a long hike.¡±


    Alan was all ears.


    ¡°The war-elite of the Kiar Empire constructed fortified walls that outlasted any enemy force for decades. By land, spear-wielders and Archers didn¡¯t have the strength to reach the top. By sea, ballistas and war-cannons never made a dent. And by air ¨C the Kiar Archery militant hunted more squalls than they¡¯d need for a thousand winters.¡± Neesha kept her voice low, creating more distance between them and the group. ¡°My mother was proud to be a part of their elite. Protecting the emperor was everything. But her skillset didn¡¯t extend to an attack from within. That¡¯s right, Alan, when all else failed for generations, there was only one way left for our enemy to turn. The town. The Strader Guild grew clever and sent converted refugees into Kiar at a young age. They grew up taking notes, patiently watching and reporting through messengers the habits of Kiar leadership.¡±


    ¡°How do you know all this?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°My sister may have despised me, but she loved to talk. So did the others who tried to convince me down a path of war.¡±


    ¡°So, the play was to trap Lucius when he was among commonfolk.¡±


    ¡°Precisely, yes. Men and women he broke bread with nightly, the ones who smiled and praised his family, they turned on him on one warm evening in the sun stone spade. It is said that he valiantly tossed his wife into the arms of the man he trusted most, and commanded him to flee to safety, while he, Lucius, drew the enchanted spear of his father. He flung it in a wide circle to create distance between him and the Strader spies who took up enchanted arms of their own.¡±


    Alan stared at Lucius¡¯ back ¨C the way he constantly skulked with a hunch like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He had no idea.


    ¡°They say the sun peeked over the walls for the second time in a day just to witness the fight.¡± Neesha smiled sadly. ¡°He was beloved, Alan. Trustworthy.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a good man,¡± Alan agreed. ¡°And a good friend.¡±


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Yes.¡± Neesha leaned closer to Alan. ¡°Now he chases a ghost.¡±


    A wave of dread washed over him. Should he call Lucius over to hear this? No. He didn¡¯t have the heart to crush him.


    ¡°If she passed from her Cerrain life, shouldn¡¯t she just wind up somewhere in the interconnected realms, with us?¡±


    Neesha didn¡¯t answer right away, pulling her focus to their trek up the red-sand mountain. She labored upward, taking deep strides while considering her words. ¡°It is said she was drawn under by the Strader assassins¡­¡±


    ¡°Drawn under?¡± Alan said lowly.


    ¡°To a void where souls are locked. It is a careful practice of Cerrain, to ensure a punished soul does not reach the afterlife. There is dark magic in my Origin World, Alan, which I¡¯ve come to understand stems from Black Saro.¡± She shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m sure their intention was to drag Lucius there too, if he hadn¡¯t put up so much of a fight.¡±


    ¡°What was her name?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Luness Breniere Kiar. Spokeswoman of the people. Martyred.¡±


    Alan clenched his fists. The injustice of her Origin World seemed even more chaotic than Earth.


    ¡°Everyone in the Kiar Kingdom revered her, Alan. That¡¯s why the day she fell¡­ my entire family wept. The news was and likely still is top secret. Known only by the upper military ranks.¡±


    The mountain seemed that much steeper hearing the fate of Lucius¡¯ wife. His mind raced to understand the depths of what Neesha was saying. ¡°How do you free a trapped soul in Cerrain?¡±


    Neesha shook her head. ¡°I was a simple gardener in my Origin World, remember?¡±


    Alan eyed her. ¡°I don¡¯t buy it.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    Alan thought back to Strangey Town ¨C being nursed back to life by Sema, and how even the head Healer¡¯s Saro wasn¡¯t as fluid as Neesha¡¯s. ¡°You¡¯re powerful here. And I have a feeling some of that came from home.¡±


    Neesha wrinkled her nose.


    ¡°What aren¡¯t you telling me?¡± Alan asked.


    She shook her head, suddenly becoming rather twitchy.


    Alan glanced at Gregorian up ahead. ¡°Is it him?¡±


    ¡°No. No. Stop it, Alan.¡±


    ¡°What? Still don¡¯t trust me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that. Ah!¡± She lost her footing, and Alan caught her by the arm before she fell.


    Shit.


    Gregorian turned and ran toward her, scowling all the way.


    ¡°She¡¯s fine, Greg. Back off. I need a minute with her.¡±


    Flint aided by creating a half-moon of ice, stopping Gregorian in his tracks. ¡°Rude! I just asked you a question!¡±


    ¡°Neesha.¡± Alan grabbed both her arms. ¡°Look at me. Why doesn¡¯t Lucius know about Luness? Surely there are others that would¡¯ve died after her and would have seen their prince running around here.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, Alan.¡±


    ¡°What? What don¡¯t I understand?¡±


    ¡°The Straders made a deal with the god scouts. Every assassination, every mercy kill, every death of a military rival has been a recruit for the god, Kor. Those souls awake on the far side of the realms, brokered only with the crimson fog. He builds an army of our past.¡±


    Alan¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That¡¯s where you expect to reunite with your family.¡±


    ¡°If they weren¡¯t drawn under, yes.¡± Neesha bowed her head, and Alan let go.


    Angry rants grew louder behind Alan, accompanied by Flint¡¯s laughter. His time alone with her was almost up.


    ¡°And what about Lucius? Someone has to tell him.¡±


    ¡°Would he believe us if we did?¡± Neesha asked. ¡°A prince¡¯s wrath is not something I¡¯d like to suffer. But if you must, go ahead. Just remember ¨C if he finds a way home, it would be best for Cerrain. Perhaps he could even curtail Kor¡¯s army.¡± She shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know what the right answer is.¡±


    Chrrssh! The ice exploded in all directions.


    ¡°Enough, Wizard!¡± Gregorian¡¯s eyes pulsed with electricity as he stomped to reclaim Neesha. ¡°And you. I will not let you out of my sight again.¡± He marched behind Neesha and folded his arms, daring any of them to try and deter him.


    Flint winked at Alan, and they all went on their way up the mountain, leaving Alan dumbfounded by all she just revealed to him.


    A prince¡­ Lucius?


    Lucius was out ahead, far from the group. He glanced back then, giving them all a glare that spoke volumes about whatever was holding them up from continuing on.


    The trek became grueling. At each threshold of elevation, different effects took hold. One patch doubled the gravity, making Alan¡¯s muscles tremor during a vertical climb. The pressure became so damning that he felt his skull would soon cave. A migraine made him shut one eye, and just when they couldn¡¯t take it anymore, Flint activated White Saro winds to counteract the weight.


    ¡°Almost there, warriors. Fight the pain.¡± Flint¡¯s staff popped over and over to recast the wind.


    ¡°This was much easier going down,¡± Neesha complained.


    The next section was filled with hawk-like beasts that came roaring at the group.


    Arrows, spears, and spells made quick work of the sectionals, which might have been the easiest battles in Ojin yet. As a matter of fact, Alan realized the fog in this area was so light grey, it was hardly there.


    ¡°Ah, you see why our Archer didn¡¯t protest too much coming back toward the Pink,¡± Flint said, laboring into the next section of mountain. ¡°The low grey is a breeze. And an easy way to ramp up battle Titles.¡±


    Alan used these foes to practice his craft. Red Saro was his favorite so far, if he was being honest. It allowed him to leap onto the back of a hawk, stab the back of its neck, and flip to the next unscathed. A part of him felt he was going against his pacifist code, but these weren¡¯t people. They were conjuring¡¯s of Ojin with the sole purpose of wiping him from existence.


    He would¡¯ve killed the Helldraken dragon and the Shiva the same way if he had the skill.


    Flint was right, too. Prompts were popping up all over his mind after each kill. They were stale Titles compared to his big ones, but he collected them all the same:


    Battle Climber Merchant


    Flying Merchant


    Merchant Warrior


    First it was five kills per Title, then ten, now he was at a hundred, a number he hoped he¡¯d never achieve. But he knew he would. Analyzing the different affinities of each Title made him realize he had a lot to learn. Sure, his Low Merchant Title was the default for non-minion combat, but now there were so many idiosyncrasies. How was he supposed to know when ¡®greater aerial dodges¡¯ would come in handy outside of fighting birds or dragons? Was there a way to change mid-combat? He figured he¡¯d ask when a chrome-pointed beak wasn¡¯t aiming to impale him through the chest.


    Cycling between Saro types was getting easier too. Throwing the dagger, reaching into a pool of lava to reclaim it, then swinging a cone of White Saro mist at a flock of six birds made them all crash into the mountain head on ¨C reducing them to bone.


    On more than one occasion, Lucius stopped what he was doing to stare in awe. Even Gregorian couldn¡¯t hold back how impressed he was.


    ¡°Should we unleash the Mistborn?¡± Alan asked Durger, out of breath.


    ¡°Your Saro limits are rising rapidly, Alan. I say give these crazed birds hell!¡±


    Alan reached for his newest coin, feeling it radiate with unstable energy, to the point it nearly fell out of his grasp. He flipped it out into existence and almost immediately regretted it.


    ¡°Lying scum!¡± The ball of water took shape into the wolf-like creature he battled at the foot of the mountain, then it lunged straight for Alan.


    ¡°Alright then!¡± Alan waved the Mistborn back into a coin, inches before it bit his face off, and shoved the unstable piece back into his bag.


    Flint laughed at the sight. ¡°You are no Grey Wolf, Alan. Not yet. What¡¯s interesting, it seems the Mistborn armor clung to your White Saro, evoking mist that wasn¡¯t evil.¡±


    ¡°Yes, so very interesting.¡± Alan bit his lip as he used Yellow Saro to electrocute the next hawk flying at him. Flint was right¡­ He was no war general. How did he expect to tame such a rough set of living armor so easily? He got lucky with Yogi.


    ¡°Sir Alan, your mist gives the armor power beyond its normal means. Perhaps if you summoned the armor without it, it would be forced to adhere to your movements.¡±


    ¡°No, thank you, Durger. I¡¯ve seen enough horror movies to know it would probably eat my face or something.¡±


    Durger laughed nervously at that. ¡°I have never heard of such an event transpiring, but I will not question your instincts here, considering my attempts at necromancy landed me inside a steel blade.¡±


    ¡°Remember the visions, my friend. One day you¡¯ll be free again.¡± Alan smiled as they finally cleared the endless flocks.


    Lucius¡¯ armor exhaled a heap of black smoke. It was nice to see no blood squirting from the seams this time. ¡°Your skills are growing, Alan Right. What took us decades to achieve, will take you months.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t fill the coward¡¯s head.¡± Gregorian dematerialized his bow. ¡°He¡¯ll taper off when he realizes what he truly is.¡±


    Alan refused to take the bait, and instead kept trekking up.


    The next section of the mountain was like a wind tunnel. He didn¡¯t mind because the Bubble of Vosh would come in handy here. He wasn¡¯t climbing vertically against gravity ¨C where the reversal of the Bubble would¡¯ve equated to certain death ¨C but rather just walking on a steep incline.


    He calculated whether the Bubble would rewind because of Gregorian¡¯s sour personality, and tested his theory that one outlier wouldn¡¯t crush the duration. When he flipped the coin and caught the translucent essence, the Bubble burst backward to cover the row of hikers.


    Alan felt like he was carrying the torch this time, noticing that the Bubble shivered around Gregorian in the rear, as if sensing his disdain.


    Put on a smile, asshole. Alan peered over his shoulder.


    They trekked for another few hours until the next section of calm air. The sun was coming down now, sending waves of yellow plasma that inverted the entire world as it passed. It was a marvel to watch at such great heights ¨C the cliffs below turning black and decrepit, the ocean a vibrant red, before everything reverted back to normal.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever get used to that.¡± Alan took out an edible essence from his bag.


    ¡°Alright, my lovely lady and gents, here is a good a place as any to camp for the night.¡± Flint presented.


    Gregorian boiled at the idea. ¡°What happened to a day lost?¡±


    ¡°Hm, didn¡¯t calculate for the wind, or the gravity bomb, it seems. Best to be safe than speedy, good chap.¡± Flint plopped down, drew a sandwich from his bag, and let the icicles in his beard feed him.


    Lucius stepped in Alan¡¯s way of the odd sight. ¡°I know that dagger of yours likes to coach you, but it seems he forgot what it¡¯s like to have a vessel of his own.¡± He sat down beside Alan, peeling his armor back now that they were out of harm¡¯s way.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Alan asked.


    Lucius nodded to the essence in his hand. ¡°If you bloat yourself with Saro, your body will seize. Physical nourishment still matters here, Alan. You don¡¯t want to become a fat magician devoid of endurance. A balanced meal will keep you strong, mind, body, and magic.¡± He took out a loaf of triangular-shaped bread and broke off a piece to share.


    ¡°Neesha told me that we can live on essence forever, if we needed.¡± Alan gulped down the bread like he hadn¡¯t eaten in weeks.


    ¡°It¡¯s true. But that doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯d live healthy. Every sneeze would activate one of your colors.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯d be a sight.¡± Alan chuckled, then took another bite. ¡°You seem in better spirits.¡± He tested the waters, feeling awful about having a nugget of knowledge that could alter the course of Lucius¡¯ entire life.


    ¡°I am. I¡¯m starting to believe in Flint¡¯s cause.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Change your mind about going home?¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Not in a billion years. However, I am beginning to believe in you.¡±


    Alan nearly choked.


    ¡°We will get to our Origins, Alan Right. This Merchant Hyndole spoke of is the key.¡±


    He would rid the realms of a Prince and a Herald in one fell swoop, Alan thought.


    ¡°What if we¡¯re being led along a trail of lies?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°You underestimate the power of your allies.¡± Lucius scraped out his dark blade. ¡°We will conquer whatever foe lies in our path. However¡­ Hyndole is not lying.¡±


    ¡°How can you be so sure?¡± Alan narrowed his eyes.


    Lucius¡¯ wrists shimmered orange as he spawned a campfire from his fingertips. He leaned over to Alan, face illuminated. ¡°When we were on rebuild-duty in Strangey Town, I asked one of the trees of Hyndole¡¯s claims. As it turns out, Yineera¡¯s journey is real. She opened a long-portal the likes of which nearly caved in space and time. It worked. I don¡¯t know how, but the Peg was unlocked without a single connecting piece. And the portal was opened.¡±


    ¡°Sounds to me like we¡¯re missing one big piece of the puzzle,¡± Alan said hesitantly.


    ¡°Time will tell, my friend.¡± Lucius extended a hand to Alan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°But whatever it is, we will find it.¡±

 Chapter 20 - The Sand Wizards

    Deep in the night, half-way up the red-sand mountain, the living map blinked brightly in Alan¡¯s grasp. There was no sign of them before, but four Peg-wielding Merchants remained at their intended destination, as if waiting for their arrival.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like the smell of this,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°I smell nothing but a burning campfire,¡± Durger¡¯s voice was muffled in his sheath, prompting Alan to pull him free and hold him over the map. ¡°Goodness!¡±


    ¡°Shh!¡± Alan covered the blade, eyeing Flint to make sure he was still snoring.


    ¡°It looks like a cult gathering,¡± Durger whispered, staring at four amber-glowing dots on the flat top of Sharas-da.


    ¡°Do you think Hyndole is pushing all these pieces together?¡± Alan asked. ¡°Everywhere we turn, Jaeger¡¯s followers or Ojin¡¯s unique minions try to cut our legs from under us.¡±


    A gust of wind blew Alan¡¯s hair on cue. Looking to the forest far down below to his right, Orange Saro faces formed in explosions. Minion versus warrior happened all around them, in every direction. Green healing ribbons wrapped a dragon-rider eastward, and a Red Saro warrior leapt high in the air to the north, deflecting arrows with what looked to be his bare hands.


    Alan was mesmerized by all the activity since the hawks cleared so much sectional mist. It¡¯s like a whole new world opened up. One that he couldn¡¯t believe his friends could sleep through so casually.


    The prospect of home being at his fingertips again made him wonder a lot of things. Life without magic and knowhow, without potential for greatness. He missed his family, and wanted to show off his new self to his ex, but he wondered¡­ would it be enough?


    He looked at his hands, willing Variant Saro to glow at his fingertips. Thoughts of heaven, joy, anger, hell, hope. It flowed through him like a tangible quintessence fueled by his mind. There was so much potential here. A part of him was no longer mad at the face-painted Archer who cut his first life short.


    Dreaming of leaping off the mountain and using the white winds to guide him into battle ¨C to help other groups through Ojin¡¯s trials ¨C it warmed his heart. If the frogs were right, then it may one day be a reality.


    Hopefully not for the worse.


    The next day Alan was refreshed regardless of his lack of sleep ¨C many thanks to channeling Green Saro through the last hour before sunrise. Flint led them to the top of the red-sand mountain, finally, and toward a cove that supposedly worked as an intra-realm portal. Alan made Flint show him where they would end up on his map, and how big the leap within Ojin was. Not far, truly. About one section of light green fog over.


    But on the way, something odd happened. The cove entrance was sealed shut by black crystals ¨C engraved with a Wizard¡¯s conjuring that Flint would have to work to get past.


    ¡°Another day lost, Neesha,¡± Gregorian grumbled. ¡°My honor is to you, not these¡­ lessers. Turn back with me.¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°My bonds with Alan are as strong as the one we share. You are free to break your oath if you must.¡±


    Alan¡¯s heart did a somersault. He didn¡¯t mean to overhear that, but he¡¯s happy he did. Gregorian staying put also spoke a tome-full.


    One glance at the Archer showed him pressing his hand across his chest ¨C thinking back to the dragon leaving that mortal wound, no doubt. He really is in Neesha¡¯s debt.


    The top of the red-sand mountain stretched for miles in every direction, except for the sealed cove they trekked toward. It stood high, nearing the size of some of those reggae trees back in Strangey Town. And the closer they got, the stranger the weather turned. Rain swirled down two green-shaded clouds, following what looked to be a slipstream circling the cove. It was heavily enchanted, and what¡¯s worse, another group of five just peeked into vision from behind it.


    Alan and crew were still about a hundred feet away, which made it hard to make out exactly who they were.


    Gregorian materialized his bow, eyes flashing yellow, but Lucius held up a hand to stop them.


    ¡°They are of Baleston Hills, an ally of Strangey Town,¡± Lucius said. ¡°I¡¯ve grouped with one of them before. Decent folk. Stand down.¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Flint became excited, wasting no time in running forward. He held Willypop high in the air and burst the tip for attention. ¡°Hello, fellow travelers from Baleston! It is I, Flint Degoba, from the town they call Strange!¡±


    Alan ran to join him. His elation quickly faded when staffs and swords were drawn against them.


    The enemy staff illuminated beige first, then the rest of the weapons glowed in the same Saro outline.


    ¡°By the lightning weeds!¡± Flint stopped in his tracks when sandy winds started scratching their faces. ¡°A Unity group.¡±


    Alan threw his hands over his face. ¡°A what?¡±


    ¡°Same¡ªSaro. Enhanced, ah.¡± Flint waved his staff to create a tornado of icy winds to counteract the sand.


    ¡°State yourselves. We sense a great darkness among you,¡± a woman¡¯s voice echoed amongst the sand ¨C which solidified into a giant beige shield blocking off view of the enemy group.


    ¡°Lucius Kiar!¡± he announced himself. And just like that, the sand shield fell like a waterfall.


    The beige glow lessened far in front of them.


    ¡°Step forward, ally of Baelston. Let us look upon you.¡± The woman flipped her staff into the holster on her back and stepped to the front of her group, while Lucius spread his molten-cycling arms and did the same.


    ¡°I¡¯ve grouped with Ricktus Harrod among you,¡± Lucius called. ¡°I know that mustache anywhere.¡±


    Alan heard chuckles from across the way, which put him at ease.


    ¡°It is good to see you, friend,¡± Ricktus called. ¡°I¡¯m sure that darkness Hishaya senses wafts from that terrible armor you wear.¡±


    ¡°And possibly this sword.¡± Lucius held up Farante¡¯s Soul Collector.


    While the old friends shouted their pleasantries amid variant whether, the two groups kept a fair bit of distance between them, obscuring those in the back. Alan couldn¡¯t help but stake out an opportunity.


    ¡°Durger. Is there any way Blue Saro allows me to scout ahead telepathically? I want eyes on them.¡± He squinted, only able to make out broad shapes and blurry features.


    ¡°Not Blue, no. You¡¯d have to enhance your senses like a beast. You will find awful sensations like that in the depths of Green.¡±


    ¡°Green? I thought that was for healing and such.¡±


    ¡°Saro has many facets. Think of Gregorian and the Yellow. Lightning and blessing. Green¡ª healing and life.¡±


    Alan concentrated on positive memories that usually evoked channeling. A familiar soothing emerald color started to cycle his fingers.


    ¡°That won¡¯t work, Sir Alan. Do try to envision times you connected with your world.¡±


    Alan dispelled the growing streams at the direction of his dagger and tried a different route. Connecting to his old world?


    Trish again, to the rescue. Alan gritted his teeth.


    ¡°May we approach yet?¡± Flint called.


    ¡°Please, allow our Wizard to complete her scans. Then, I promise, the barriers come down,¡± Ricktus assured in a light tone.


    An almost invisible wall of angry sand bounced around like static, separating the two groups.


    Alan took the intermission to remember when Trish forced him into a grounding exercise where they ran barefoot through grass. He thought it was the dumbest thing he¡¯d ever done¡­ back then. But that memory held tangible effects now, since his body glowed forest green the next time he opened his eyes.


    Durger was right. His senses enhanced. It was fleeting and wavering like his hearing couldn¡¯t adjust volume. What¡¯s worse, he felt every square inch of his body being pelted by windy air.


    Focus, Alan.


    After a deep breath, he could hear whispers across the way.


    ¡°Is it him?¡± one voice said.


    ¡°It just might be,¡± another agreed.


    The whispers became indiscernible once more, and it was then his vision enhanced. Yes! The blurriness became clear. He noted Ricktus¡¯ plate-mail armor and massive pauldrons. But it wasn¡¯t him that concerned Alan. It was her. Hishaya. The Wizard.


    He focused hard on her staff of seeming white marble ¨C completely opposite Flint¡¯s makeshift wooden one. The trance dragged him to a realm of shining castles and a bustling town square that might as well have been pulled straight from Earth¡¯s Middle Ages.


    Atop a castle balcony, stood the Wizard. Long flowing caramel hair, an ageless face ¨C somewhat like Flint ¨C and skin so fair she seemed almost translucent.


    ¡°Walk with me, Savros.¡± Hishaya used her staff like a hiker¡¯s stick. ¡°The beige sands help slow Baleston down so I can truly see what matters,¡± she said vaguely. ¡°I have mixed with gods and warriors from many realms, to strengthen this one¡­ always.¡±


    Alan quickly got bored with her. Understanding that she was somewhat political based on what she was saying, and liked to boast, apparently, was not a trait he admired. The trance sped up at his own doing, to Hishaya deep in the orange fog of Ojin, buried in the heart of a volcano on an ornate beige platform. Alan¡¯s heart raced just watching her deflect spurts of spewing lava using sand shields.


    Her voice grew deep and pained as she swayed every which way to deflect. ¡°Give him back!¡± she shouted, almost through tears. ¡°He is not yours to take!¡±


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    The volcano itself bellowed, which made Alan realize she wasn¡¯t fighting the environment¡­ she was fighting a minion. A great, yellow-crusted eye struggled to open on the volcanic wall in front of her. She twirled her staff dangerously fast, conjuring a sand-spear that she willed straight into it.


    The eye dilated and squeezed closed in an instant, leaving the molten space to rumble in anger. Another one opened behind her, and without looking, she conjured and tossed a spear straight into it.


    OOOHHMM!


    The minion bellowed, and out of the pool of lava at her feet rose a hard-rock encasing of the same man she roamed with on the castle. ¡°Savros!¡± She slammed her staff into her platform and balled her fists tight with Beige Saro. Lines of sand rushed to pry open the encasing.


    She pulled, and pulled, and pulled until she fell to her knees.


    A lava tidal wave grew from the other end of the volcano ¨C clawing over Hishaya¡¯s back.


    ¡°Please,¡± she begged.


    As the shadow loomed, moments before it reached Hishaya, the case cracked, and desperate breath spoke to Savros still having life in him. A clawed hand emerged from the encasing, and that same shield Alan witnessed blocking them before, emerged again to throw the wave flying off course.


    Savros no longer had the locks he had when strolling beside Hishaya on the castle balcony. Frayed strands and deep scars on his face told of a terrible tribulation this minion dragged him through.


    ¡°I think finally,¡± he exhaled a labored breath, locking eyes with Hishaya, ¡°Hyndole will accept you as a guest of Jaeger.¡±


    The trance cut out from Alan¡¯s sheer panic.


    Oh my god.


    He shook his head to reorient himself, noticing too many heartbeats went by. His entire group was now mere feet away from theirs, all except Neesha, who was tugging him to come along.


    ¡°Neesha,¡± Alan whispered low. ¡°They¡¯re working with the enemy.¡±


    ¡°What? Nonsense! The prince has already bridged the gap.¡±


    ¡°Are you blinded by royalty?¡± he asked seriously. ¡°I need that skepticism, right here and now. Don¡¯t trust them.¡±


    She furrowed her brow, analyzing his expression. ¡°O¡ªokay,¡± she agreed. ¡°I will not trust them.¡±


    They walked side-by-side tentatively. Alan noticed their Beige Saro was reduced to a dull glow, but it wasn¡¯t shut off entirely. Of course not¡­ they were looking to activate it as soon as they found the chance to stab them in the back.


    It¡¯s me they want.


    He eyed Savros ¨C who hadn¡¯t really recovered from that coffin the minion encased him in. His eyes were still sunken, hair scant. It was as if Hishaya didn¡¯t see any of it. Her eyes on him were adoring, like lovers on their honeymoon.


    Alan would be lying if he said he didn¡¯t want that.


    But alas, this wasn¡¯t the time.


    ¡°Go hang on Gregorian since this group seems to be fond of PDA,¡± Alan couldn¡¯t believe he was saying the words.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Neesha frowned.


    ¡°Go tell him to shackle the group on my cue. No one has to die.¡±


    Alan broke away from Neesha to interrupt the kumbaya between Lucius and Ricktus. ¡°What brings you all to the portal?¡± He acted intentionally rude while keeping distance. The air grew tense by his own making, and before Hishaya could speak, he spoke again, ¡°Is this seal yours, Wizard?¡±


    ¡°Alan?¡± Flint¡¯s face dropped. ¡°Your manners, where did they go?¡±


    Alan eyed Neesha, who whispered in Greg¡¯s ear. The big man looked ready to argue, but one look at the seriousness in Alan¡¯s eyes, and he gave a discreet nod. One less thing to worry about. At least he has some sort of brain in that noggin¡¯ of his. Alan then focused back on the well-armored group. ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t look like your markings, Hishaya. Yours are sharper and less defined. But his. Savros. Yes¡­ I think they might be his.¡±


    Their Saro brightened together.


    Alan¡¯s heart pulsed through his ears. His intention was to break the welcoming interaction, because it was a farce. No way he¡¯d let his friends be dragged under.


    No goddamn way.


    ¡°Greg!¡± Alan shouted, and on cue, the Archer flipped high in the air to get the jump on all of them ¨C literally.


    Fshew¡ªfshew¡ªfhsew!


    Three sets of arrows enchanted into chain links wrapped each of the enemy members. Grunts, snarls, and flexed arms spoke to frustration. Alan relished in it. He activated Red Saro to instinctively understand if any of his enemies could somehow break the mold.


    His mind¡¯s eye showed the plasmatic links holding strong like thick chains¡­ all except for Savros ¨C Jaeger¡¯s follower.


    ¡°Lucius, Flint. Focus on the male Wizard,¡± Alan commanded.


    ¡°We bled together.¡± Ricktus jerked in his chains. ¡°Lucius. Do not do this!¡±


    ¡°Do what?¡± Alan answered for him. ¡°We don¡¯t mean you any harm. We simply want to pass.¡±


    Lucius growled at Alan but was smart enough to understand Alan didn¡¯t ask brashly for no reason, so he switched his focus to Ricktus while keeping his dark blade pointed at Savros. ¡°What is your motive, old friend? Speak it now before things get out of control.¡±


    ¡°We follow the ways of our Wizard.¡± Ricktus wrinkled his nose. ¡°For the good of the realms.¡±


    ¡°That vagueness does not give me comfort.¡± Lucius narrowed his eyes.


    Flint held up his staff. ¡°Friends, friends. I know tensions are high from this rash action. But I¡¯m sure we can work this out diplomatically. Baleston is a great ally¡ª¡±


    ¡°Give up the Herald, and all will remain as it was,¡± Hishaya spoke.


    As she did, Alan noticed Savros¡¯ chains cracking in his mind¡¯s eye. Hishaya sensed it too. That¡¯s why she had the gall to reveal her motive.


    ¡°By the leaves of Spataro.¡± Flint¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Jaeger is everywhere.¡±


    Savros flexed hard in his electrical shackles, summoning a small sandy whirlwind to fling his staff back into his grasp. Before Flint could react, Savros manifested a powerful sand-sword the size of the cove and slammed it down to crush them all.


    Clang!


    Lucius pulled a matching sized sword a quarter out of the ground to clash. His gauntlets sizzled as his arms shook to hold it in place.


    ¡°Hawoo!¡± Flint hurled a lightning bolt-shaped icicle into Savros ¨C freezing him mid-motion ¨C then twirled Willypop to whip four more projectiles in the other direction.


    Tsh! Tsh! Tsh! Tsh!


    In a flash, Gregorian¡¯s lightning shackles were reinforced by coats of Flint¡¯s ice.


    ¡°Has the whole universe gone mad? Jaeger seeks dominance of all. Can¡¯t you see?¡± Flint seemed angry, yelling at the electrical popsicles. ¡°A god building his realm to mimic Ojin. Is that what you seek?¡±


    The sandy winds kicked up again all around the five of them.


    ¡°Jaeger is our chance at prosperity,¡± Hishaya¡¯s voice carried through the winds. ¡°If his demand is one Merchant, we will pay that price.¡±


    On cue, the Wizard broke all her chains and lashed a powerful gust of wind to free the others. Gregorian¡¯s pulsing arrows whipped out of the ground, severing the electrical tethers, while Flint¡¯s White Saro prisons melted instantly.


    Alan flipped Durger to be downfacing, bolstering his Red Saro for combat. Ricktus charged Lucius first, but Alan kicked the back of the warrior¡¯s battle hammer to knock him off-balance.


    I will not kill you.


    The mantra sent a wave of Green Saro to mix with his Red. Ricktus turned on him in anger, lifting his battle hammer while bellowing a great war cry that made all his hair glow beige. A ghostly version of the warrior sprung forward like static ¨C passing right through Alan and solidifying behind him.


    Clang!


    Alan turned at the last second to clash with a thick glass sword held by a sandy ghost. It all fell to dust the instant they connected, leaving Alan¡¯s back open for the real Ricktus.


    Woosh!


    Alan dashed out of the way of a destructive hammer ¨C the ground shaking from impact. His brow furrowed when he realized the miss was intentional. It was an ability, denoted by the visible beige hammer-made waves clinging to Alan¡¯s boots. He grew heavier by the second.


    ¡°The Beige are crafty, Sir Alan. Especially when feeding off one another. Try lessoning White Saro from ice to water. It will weaken the links.¡±


    Alan ducked another mighty swing with gritted teeth, focusing hard on White as the Beige crawled up to his knees to weigh him down. He was still able to flip, but the slower movements were distracting ¨C throwing him off.


    If he switched off instinctive Red now, he feared his head would be mushed against the cove wall.


    ¡°Fear not, Herald,¡± Ricktus snarled. ¡°We prefer you alive. Though Hyndole didn¡¯t say in how many pieces! Rrrah!¡± He swung again to hit nothing but ground. This time Alan cartwheeled with one hand, pushing himself over the pulsing ground vibrations and into close-range ¨C where a dagger fared better than a two-handed monstrosity of a weapon.


    ¡°A test of chains!¡± Flint¡¯s voice carried. ¡°Be free, my friends!¡± He crashed his staff down, sending bright white ice circling each of Alan and crew, melting into a body-suit of water that expelled the sand.


    Alan¡¯s speed picked up exponentially. He spotted cracks in Ricktus¡¯ armor, noting non-critical spots that he stabbed into.


    I will not kill you.


    A patch of light Green Saro remained to clot the wound ¨C like a mosquito would patch a victim after getting what it wanted.


    Ricktus grunted and dropped his hammer, pulling two lavish tomahawk axes that fared better against a dagger.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    Alan moved his blade artfully left to right, relying on technique to guide the tomahawks out of place ¨C using Ricktus¡¯ momentum against him ¨C since he was outmatched in strength. More Red Saro bled through his body, overwhelming the Green. It seeped into his vision, distorting it in a way that made him momentarily lose control from the sheer speed of reaction.


    This wasn¡¯t him.


    It was something else. Raw power mixed with snippets of clairvoyance.


    He sidestepped an overhead swing and slashed Ricktus under the elbow crease, earning a shout of agony. Without hesitation, Alan flipped over Ricktus¡¯ giant pauldron and stabbed him in a back crease.


    No patch of Green Saro stopped the blood this time. The sight of it made Alan blink out of his combat trance. He backed away slowly, shocked that he was out of control.


    Ricktus¡¯ breathing grew labored as he turned ¨C teeth gritted in rage. ¡°You¡¯re already on your way, aren¡¯t you?¡± He huffed and stomped the ground, causing a ripple effect that burst outward for an instant before rewinding to cover his body in a sandy shell.


    Alan didn¡¯t think in the split second he had. He just envisioned the freezing cold in his mind and snapped his fingers to create a bubble of dull-White Saro that he launched at Ricktus¡¯ body.


    Ricktus tried to swing his axe, but the wound made him too slow.


    Bwoosh!


    The bubble burst over him, making the Beige Saro roll off him like water. The lack of preserving magic and depleting energy caused the warrior to cave onto one knee.


    ¡°Dangerous,¡± he seethed. ¡°I see why Lucius protects you. He wants you for himself.¡±


    Alan shook out of his daze to survey the scene.


    Lucius fought against the floating weapons of a Wizard, suffering spear after spear in the back. But he laughed through it all ¨C steam hissing through his body. Pain suppression again, no doubt.


    Flint on the other hand, was having a much more difficult time, maintaining three-to-one in a misty show of blizzardy fury. He met sword with staff, shot a freezing bolt into the warrior, and spun to shield himself against seven sand-spears conjured by Hishaya.


    One got through, making Alan¡¯s heart drop into his stomach, but Gregorian¡¯s green-enchanted arrows impaling Flint¡¯s shoulder made him more confused than anything. Saro combinations?


    Neesha empowered the Archer¡¯s arrows, utilizing her own healing abilities, making Alan breathe with relief.


    He dug into his pouch for a coin, realizing this might be a good environment for the Mistborn. Sure, it hated Alan as a betrayer, but it still owed him allegiance. And water seemed to curtail the sand. It had to be done.


    ¡°Go, you crazy mutt.¡± Alan flipped the coin towards Flint¡¯s fight and readied again for Ricktus¡¯ charge.


    Fssh!


    The Mistborn exploded into action, cursing Alan as it lunged for the sword-warrior trying to impale Flint.


    ¡°Foul creatures!¡± the Mistborn yelled before chomping down on the warrior¡¯s arm. ¡°Almost as foul as my Collector!¡±


    Alan rolled his eyes at that.


    The battle raged on for thirty minutes. Alan had no idea he had that kind of stamina in him, but apparently adrenaline pushed his limits beyond normal measures. Durger was out of breath as much as him. It¡¯s like Ricktus was a runaway locomotive, endlessly devoted to his cause.


    A benefit to being a Unity group is shared Saro. And Alan noticed a bit too late who was able to conserve and who wasn¡¯t. Savros ¨C the male Wizard ¨C was all grand gestures, giant shields, momentous swords. But it was Hishaya who sprinted to exhaustion. She¡¯d pull, and pull, and pull. But Savros had a reserve deep enough for everyone.


    Boof!


    Alan was knocked flat on his back. His vision swam from a sand shield crashing into his side, and he swore three versions of the same man strutted up to end him. Ricktus and his sand clones. A dangerous warrior for a fitting end.


    Alan¡¯s Red Saro blinked in and out of existence, and Durger¡¯s voice was a mere whisper in his head. Don¡¯t give up, Alan. He gasped, experiencing sharp pain all over his body from depletion.


    Neesha was on one knee close by, dark circles rimming her eyes. Greg had rushed into close combat to save Flint, and Lucius stood triumphant with his dark blade stuck through a warrior. He refused to let go as the warrior writhed to break away. Pulsing orange lines slashed through the enemy¡¯s face like he was a cracking egg.


    All of it could¡¯ve been figments, because Alan was no longer in his right mind.


    Ricktus straightened with his sand clones at his sides, battle hammer reclaimed. ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind. I no longer want to bring you back alive. Jaeger will have to make do without his precious Herald. Hyndole said it best, I think.¡± Ricktus lifted his hammer high in the air. ¡°A prize lost is better destroyed than left for the hands of our enemies. Hrrra!¡±


    In a split second, Alan reached toward a pool of lava spawned by his side ¨C activating the last of his Saro to Orange so he could grasp the budding hilt ¨C and whipped out a throwing axe. It spun in one rotation blindingly fast before sticking deep into Ricktus¡¯ armor.


    Alan gasped as they locked eyes. Almost immediately, they went white.


    Ricktus choked and let go of his hammer in one motion, sand clones dissolving at his feet. He grabbed at the hilt, but it hissed in his grasp. A molten splash splattered over his breastplate.


    How deep did it go?


    When blood leaked out of Ricktus¡¯ mouth, he had an idea.


    ¡°The Herald¡­¡± Ricktus gulped. ¡°He is real.¡±

 Chapter 21 - Hostile Negotiations

    In a sad twist of fate, Alan stared at the corpse lying before him. He¡¯d broken his vow not to kill. Self-defense or not, his entire body felt darker, like the Saro flowing within him turned to poison. It wasn¡¯t him who spawned that Orange pool that saved his life, it was Lucius.


    The prince. And when Lucius realized what he¡¯d done, all he did was smile.


    Was it because the darkness now flowed through Alan too?


    Or was it because Alan was still alive?


    ¡°Asha!¡± Flint summoned crystalized glaciers that fell from the sky, cracking Savros¡¯ last massive sand shield and showering their enemies with ice. The rocks turned into cages moments before crashing down, leaving the remaining two living members to beg on their backs.


    A large cloud of fog in the distance puffed outward like a bomb went off.


    They¡¯d cleared a wide ring, which meant the battle was finally over.


    ¡°This is all wrong,¡± Alan whispered, pushing to his feet. ¡°Lucius!¡± his voice came out a strangled mess. He could sense the souls leaving their bodies ¨C all three Beige Saro wielders. They were being vacuumed straight into Farante¡¯s blade.


    Alan trekked hesitantly forward, helping Neesha to her feet and draping her arm around his shoulder to drag her.


    ¡°How¡­ how did you know?¡± Hishaya¡¯s voice begged through the wind.


    Flint coughed out white essence as he plucked Green Saro arrows out of his back.


    The Mistborn snarled at the Wizard, trying to ram the cage, so Alan recalled it into a coin that he shoved into his pouch. He was in no mood for its accusations, especially now that he took a life.


    ¡°Reverse the seal,¡± Alan demanded of Savros, ignoring Hishaya. He limped up to his cage and wrapped both hands around the icy bars. ¡°I don¡¯t want to deal with you, or anyone affiliated with you for the rest of my days here. We¡¯ll take our chances with minions. Now open the cove so we can pass.¡±


    Savros dragged himself to sit upright, both legs not working. He laughed low. ¡°Poor soul. I am the only one who can¡¯t be convinced. I am Hyndole¡¯s. I am Jaeger¡¯s.¡±


    That¡¯s right, Alan recalled. It was Hishaya who wanted to gain Jaeger¡¯s approval¡­ from Savros.


    ¡°Last I spoke to that red-spewing gargoyle, we made an agreement that I get the hell out of here,¡± Alan said. ¡°Only to find more of his cronies in my way.¡±


    ¡°That is the ways of war, my young friend.¡± Savros cackled, holding his ribs.


    Alan¡¯s vision grew infrared again as he yanked out his dagger. He could tell it was Red mixed with Black Saro flowing through his veins, making his head foggy like he was on some terrible drug. He marched away from Savros¡¯ cage and yanked Hishaya by the hair.


    ¡°Sir Alan! Regain yourself,¡± Durger pleaded.


    ¡°Cannot be convinced?¡± Alan said sarcastically, eying Savros as he pressed Durger against Hishaya¡¯s throat.


    The Wizard quieted, only the faint whispers of Flint and Lucious plaguing his ears.


    ¡°Do not do it,¡± Flint spoke solemnly.


    ¡°There are no laws in war,¡± Lucius countered.


    An angel and devil of the weirdest kinds whispered over each shoulder. But it was the most unexpected one that knocked him free.


    ¡°The fool masters Saro on a whim, and is stroked into an ego the size of oblivion, only to fall to the Black,¡± Gregorian spoke harshly, jerking Alan free of his critically low Saro. ¡°That, is our great Herald.¡±


    Alan¡¯s vision rewound to normal. The darkness might¡¯ve actually coaxed him to slit her throat if he wasn¡¯t shaken free, but now that he regained his wits, the negotiator in him told him to keep up the charade. Threat of stealing love is as visceral as life itself.


    ¡°Jaeger would never expect us to defeat a team of Unity Beige, right, Flint?¡± Alan purposely kept his voice rude and unhinged.


    ¡°Hyndole knows your worth, I¡¯m afraid. He will plan for us on all fronts.¡± Flint stepped forward cautiously. ¡°But I suspect he would plan less for a loyal servant to betray his own seal.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought.¡± Alan turned to Savros. ¡°You will run to your god as soon as we leave here. So it is in our interest to leave you fallen with your brethren.¡±


    Savros lifted his chin, trying to remain strong, but flinched when Alan pressed the dagger closer to Hishaya¡¯s throat.


    ¡°I know you love one another, even if your ties are political,¡± Alan revealed. ¡°One does not rush headfirst into a volcano against minions of the orange fog for nothing.¡±


    Savros¡¯ eyes widened. In that moment, Alan knew they really did fear him.


    The wizardly lovers exchanged eyes with one another. Alan could feel Hishaya shake her head.


    ¡°You will let her live?¡± Savros pleaded, tone changing completely.


    ¡°That is the exchange. Formally, under the Merchant¡¯s code,¡± Alan said.


    Trade with Savros Initiated


    Steps taken to unlock next Title:


    0/3


    ¡°Do not do it, my love!¡± Hishaya¡¯s vocal chords quivered through Alan¡¯s dagger.


    Savros¡¯ eyes glowed vibrantly beige, igniting the vertical symbols down the closed cove entrance to shine the same. Solid rock rumbled the ground at their feet, vibrating into sandy grains that crashed to the floor with a woosh.


    What lay inside was a calm portal rotating counter-clockwise, causing the clouds above it to rotate too, echoing its power.


    Flint turned to analyze it. ¡°These Wizards have been hard at work. They altered the make-up of an intra-dimensional. I believe¡­ this will no longer lead us down the path we seek. I wasn¡¯t sure such a thing was even possible.¡± He limped closer to it, holding his hat.


    TRADE COMPLETE


    Steps taken to unlock next Title:


    1/3


    Alan dropped Hishaya from his grasp as promised, then walked over to Savros. ¡°A trick?¡±


    ¡°A reinforced plan.¡± He grinned, twirling his finger to create a sandy mirror-like object. ¡°You see, Jaegar really prefers you stay.¡±


    Alan backed away.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Yes. Now your group is bound to honor our trade. My love remains breathing. All else is naught. I will suffer my punishment from Jaeger, I will¡ª¡±


    Fssst!


    Lucius dug his dark blade deep into Savros¡¯ back.


    ¡°No!¡± Hishaya crawled to the bars of her cage.


    ¡°Can you feel them?¡± Lucius spoke into Savros¡¯ ear. ¡°Your friends, the ones we just killed, are trapped with me. Can you hear them beg?¡±


    Alan¡¯s eyes widened in horror. The blood of war made everything around them dark. He didn¡¯t like it one bit.


    Savros¡¯ skin began to emit the same shadowy essence that vacuumed into Lucius¡¯ sword earlier.


    ¡°Reverse the portal. Take us to where we seek. Get me the hell out of here,¡± Lucius whispered with conviction.


    Savros laughed loud, scaring everyone back. ¡°It cannot be done.¡±


    Alan shook his head. They were getting nowhere now. ¡°Flint! Can you tell where it leads?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, give it time!¡± Flint pulled out his map and began tracing.


    Alan glanced at Lucius for him to withdraw his blade, which he did, evoking an agonizing scream from the Wizard. He then turned his attention to Hishaya ¨C who was now completely distraught. What¡¯s left to do but strike a deal while his enemies are on their knees.


    ¡°You are a pretty nasty type,¡± Alan narrowed his eyes as he crouched to gauge her. ¡°Taking a god¡¯s will blindly.¡±


    She winced while adjusting herself. ¡°I wanted a position in the new realm. You cannot blame one for doing what is best for those they care for.¡±


    ¡°Such a different tone when you¡¯re on your back.¡± Alan stood, looking down on her. ¡°Trade me your staff, and I will convince Lucius to spare that Wizard¡¯s life.¡±


    She cradled it protectively. ¡°I¡¯ve been enchanting this weapon since I was a lowly sprite.¡±


    Alan waited for her to take a breath.


    She shut her eyes and hugged it. ¡°It will do you no good.¡±


    ¡°It will do someone else good. I am a Merchant before I am a Herald.¡± Alan held out his hand.


    ¡°H¡ªhe will live?¡± She stared up at Alan.


    ¡°I will do all in my power to make it so,¡± Alan said.


    Trade with Hishaya Initiated


    Steps taken to unlock next Title:


    1/3


    TRADE COMPLETE


    Steps taken to unlock next Title:


    2/3


    Staff of Hishaya¡¯s Trials received.


    Beige Saro


    +Bonus Ability ¨C Control the sands ¨C deliver messages long distances.


    +Bonus Ability ¨C Control the sands ¨C persuade Beige Saro wielders by whispering to their sands.


    +Bonus Ability ¨C Control the sands ¨C rapid weapon formation increased through Saro endurance.


    Alan stared at his new weapon in disgust, then to the male Wizard breathing laboriously. He nodded to Lucius for him to back up. ¡°Neesha, close his wounds, please.¡±


    ¡°Um, Alan, we have our own wounds to lick.¡±


    ¡°Please.¡± He sounded exhausted just repeating the ask. ¡°A deal¡¯s a deal.¡± He tiredly focused on Hishaya again. ¡°But looking at this item, I can tell Hozzod isn¡¯t the only realm full of backstabbers. Did you coax him to fall in love with you?¡± He nodded toward Savros.


    She swallowed past a lump. ¡°N¡ªno. Just made him turn his head a few times in the beginning.¡± She smiled weakly. ¡°Ricktus, on the other hand.¡±


    Alan¡¯s heart dropped into his belly. The man he just killed¡­ wasn¡¯t even under his own free will? He regretted asking, and couldn¡¯t bear to hear any more.


    xxx


    Flint kept both arms held outward toward the portal, with one squinted eye, as if he was measuring something. ¡°Changed the trajectory through an intensive channeling spell. Huh. Do you know what kind of power it takes to adjust a portal destination?¡±


    ¡°Not as much as you wield if you can cage the makers.¡± Alan dropped a hand on Flint¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Quite right!¡± Flint settled in to undo what the other party¡¯s Wizard tampered with, and once he figured out the destination of the portal, the crew readied themselves to depart.


    Alan lost nearly all of his energy at this point. One look back at the two injured Wizards stuck in Flint¡¯s ice-cages was enough to remind Alan of what he¡¯d done.


    An axe through Ricktus¡¯ heart earned him clear land for miles out. Ojin incentivizing him to kill. He hated it, and really gave thought to what that meant in his Origin World. Were wars started on Earth because of the ways of Ojin? Are those echoes past down to human nature? He wondered if Neesha was right about all of it.


    Gregorian eyed the new staff on Alan¡¯s back. ¡°Merchants are slimy things, striking deals outside of towns. To think you would be the cause of such strife.¡±


    Alan ignored him. He was in no mood.


    ¡°Rest easy, Sir Alan. You had no choice. What you did had to be done. It is the way of things here.¡±


    Alan grimaced. ¡°You¡¯ve been telling me since I stepped foot through that first portal. I hate that you were right. This was inevitable the longer I stayed, Durger. I guess I just thought I¡¯d be gone before that time came.¡±


    ¡°I am at your side, even if not by choice.¡±


    Alan hooted at that, ambling toward the portal. ¡°Thanks, buddy.¡±


    ¡°Alan? We don¡¯t have to leave right away. We can always stay a bit longer, catch our breath, or even¡ª¡±


    ¡°Flint, thank you for worrying about me. I just want as far from here as possible,¡± he said. ¡°This is the way, yes? Still faster than getting to the forbidden shops on foot.¡±


    ¡°Aha! It is. Right. Perhaps I was stalling for fear of losing my powerful Strangey Town allies who want nothing more than to leave an old Wizard to rot.¡±


    ¡°More guilt, great.¡± Alan stared up at the portal pushing out puffs of green smoke. He huffed, then walked right through.


    The sensation of being reduced to a bodiless soaring consciousness grew more familiar each time he used one of those portals, just like using a different color Saro. Once he honed on the right types of feelings and thoughts, it was natural to him. Like a puzzle just clicked together.


    Pwomf!


    He emerged in swampy water up to his knees and trudged onward, not even taking a beat to assess his surroundings. Just keep moving forward, he told himself, ignoring the exhaustion of the previous battle. His friends materialized behind him, he could tell by all Gregorian¡¯s scoffing, Neesha¡¯s flailing in her oversized robes weighing her down, and Flint encouraging everyone forward.


    ¡°Alan, we do not know the types of minions lurking on the outskirts, or perhaps even in this very swamp,¡± Flint¡¯s whisper carried.


    Alan ignored him and kept trekking on, lost in his head.


    He felt waves pushing toward him from someone taking large strides to catch up. He assumed it was Flint.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Flin¡ªoh, it¡¯s you.¡± Alan arced an eyebrow at Lucius.


    ¡°You fought well, Alan. I am honored to call you a brother-at-arms,¡± he said, holding one of Ricktus¡¯ tomahawks.


    Alan sighed. This was not what he wanted to hear right now. Like he was being inducted to some barbarian clan. ¡°Wasn¡¯t he your friend?¡±


    ¡°A betrayer, obviously.¡± Lucius scowled. ¡°Someone who can deceive like that¡­ was never a friend.¡±


    Alan yanked the marble staff off his back. ¡°Things may not be what they seem, Lucius.¡±


    The prince furrowed his brow.


    ¡°This staff has the power of persuasion. Hishaya, the Wizard, was a politician. Is a politician. She wanted to grow her clout in the realm of Baelston, so when they became allies of Hozzod, she would rule alongside the other hands of their god. This included coaxing powerful allies to her side. Such as your friend.¡±


    ¡°It frightens me to hear you speak of someone else¡¯s past with such confidence. A fortuneteller Merchant. I shiver at the thought.¡±


    Alan smiled sadly. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for these gifts.¡±


    ¡°Yet you wear them well.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re starting to sound like Flint, Lucius. Are you itching to stay and see this adventure through?¡±


    ¡°In your dreams, Herald. Soon this world we trek through will be nothing but a fleeting figment from my past.¡±


    Alan nodded. ¡°That¡¯s better.¡±


    ¡°So, Herald, you claim my comrade was tricked into his role with the Wizards?¡±


    ¡°That would be my only guess. A bond of blood is not broken lightly. I could never dream of betraying one of you after what we¡¯ve been through.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. I don¡¯t buy it. I believe in accountability for one¡¯s actions, even under a spell.¡±


    Alan narrowed his eyes at Lucius, a flash of visionless clairvoyance sent a shiver down his spine. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°It is.¡±


    They trekked for hours, stopping only periodically when a powerful rumble vibrated the entire swamp. The sound of a tree being uprooted beyond the fog made Neesha hop into Gregorian¡¯s arms, but Alan was too down to care. Insult to injury.


    By the grace of the green fog, whatever giant minion lurked never paid them any mind.


    The group managed to get onto dry, sandy land unscathed, making camp on a hill. Flint created an ice-luge of crystal water that Lucius warmed inside a clay tub. Some sticks hanging dirtied robes for privacy, meant everyone got to bathe for the first time in weeks.


    None of the others were bothered like Alan was. Not even Neesha. Well, that¡¯s because her hands weren¡¯t bloody. A Healer keeps a clear conscience, he guessed.


    They sat around the campfire consuming essence for nourishment, where Neesha scooted beside him in a robe he hadn¡¯t seen before ¨C black with swirly red ribbons twisting in no discernable pattern.


    ¡°Cheer up, Alan. We made great strides today. One step closer homebound, yeah?¡± Neesha nudged him, then grew distraught when she got no response. ¡°You know, I was hesitant even pulling you with me in my stone chasing travels. One is too much at times. In a group of five, inviting death around you becomes a certainty in Ojin.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Knowing it and living it are two different things, though.¡± Alan dug a hole in the sand using his new staff.


    ¡°Mourn the death of your innocence, and I will celebrate it.¡± Neesha took Alan¡¯s chin and turned it so they locked eyes. ¡°You were heroic, and surely prevented my death this day.¡±


    Alan took a long breath, remembering Neesha¡¯s beauty now that it was in his face again. Her fresh flowery scent was as intoxicating as her perfect lips. But Gregorian¡¯s watchful eye was just across the fire, so he averted his gaze and turned away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, Neesha. I appreciate you.¡± Alan squeezed her shoulder, and for a moment, felt it slump with disappointment. Was she hoping for a more bleeding heart explanation? His thoughts were in far too big a jumble for that. Or perhaps¡­ did she want to be kissed? That lightened the heavy weight of guilt on his heart, even if just a smidge.


    Flint did what he could to keep the mood light, dropping little ice figurines into the fire and pretending it was Jaeger sacrificing his people. What a strange man. In fact, they were all strange. But one look around the campfire told Alan something invaluable.


    They were his family here.

 Chapter 22 - Spoils of Blood

    Deep into the night, amongst the marshy green fog on a hill beside the swamp, Alan stared at the fire. The others snored all around him, while the look in Ricktus¡¯ eyes replayed endlessly in his head.


    I didn¡¯t mean to kill him.


    He doesn¡¯t respawn like minions do.


    Where does he go, then? To his next reincarnation in another faraway realm? Or is it just¡­ oblivion?


    He made his tenth hole with Hishaya¡¯s staff, mind drifting to wondering what thoughts activated Beige Saro.


    ¡°We have a long day again,¡± Lucius¡¯ growl made Alan jump in place.


    ¡°Jesus. I thought you were a minion.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps being a mindless cog in Ojin¡¯s machine would be easier.¡± He sat across from Alan, parting the fire so they could better see one another.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think they¡¯re mindless.¡± Alan recalled his first encounter in the Grey. ¡°I don¡¯t think anything in the interlocking realms are mindless, actually. Even the damn clouds in Strangey.¡±


    Lucius¡¯ hooted at that, twirling the flames with his finger.


    Alan took a good look at the Stalker prince when he wasn¡¯t paying attention. The living Black Saro armor, the blade at his belt. ¡°You are doing Farante¡¯s bidding for him these days, those souls you harvest in that blade.¡±


    Lucius narrowed his eyes. ¡°I cut my own path back to Cerrain. Once it is done, they can all fly free for all I care.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you preventing reincarnation?¡± Alan tested the waters, recalling his conversation with Neesha about his slain wife who was ¡®dragged under.¡¯ Is this some horrible reverse karma?


    Lucius shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t pretend to be a Wizard, Alan.¡±


    ¡°Is that what the trait of curiosity limits us to?¡±


    ¡°Amongst power beyond our control, yes.¡± Lucius drew the blade and held it over the fire. ¡°My Saro has evolved since I claimed this weapon. I can equip an army of Stalkers with their own battalion of steeds.¡±


    ¡°A war general with limitless power and an army that looks up at you. And still, he¡¯d give it all up for a chance home.¡±


    Lucius pressed the fire down to better inspect Alan. ¡°Is that¡­ doubt in your voice?¡±


    Alan turned sharply away.


    ¡°When we sat in my cove on your very first day, we made an agreement,¡± Lucius reminded. ¡°The path home, is the only way.¡±


    Alan nodded.


    ¡°Do not forget yourself,¡± Lucius said sternly. ¡°A means to an end. That¡¯s all Strangey Town is, that¡¯s all Ojin is.¡±


    Or a means to forge a new beginning, Alan kept his thoughts to himself.


    ¡°You fought well today,¡± Lucius commended. ¡°But I fear you would perish on your own.¡±


    ¡°Hey. I¡¯ve gotten out of some pretty awful situations. Have a few powerful minions under my belt too.¡±


    ¡°It is true, I cannot deny it.¡± Lucius threw his hands up. ¡°But you can only leave so much up to a negotiator¡¯s wit.¡±


    Alan frowned.


    ¡°You have all the tools for greatness, my friend. But none of the training. Here, get up.¡± Lucius hopped to his feet and paced away from the snoring group. ¡°You still have strength in you, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Alan heeded the challenge. It¡¯s not like sitting around moping was helping at all.


    Lucius materialized his bag and began chucking out all different types of armor, disrupting the sandy ground, then with the snap of a finger, ignited a flame that he tossed atop a makeshift tiki-torch. ¡°You run into battle with nothing but a dagger. How can you possibly expect to survive?¡±


    ¡°Are those¡­¡± Alan inspected the armor. That plate-mail was from Ricktus. ¡°Are we just common looters, Lucius?¡±


    ¡°Spoils of war. It¡¯s the same as items we take off slain minions.¡±


    ¡°But these were people.¡±


    ¡°Who attacked us. Meant to backstab us. If not for you.¡± Lucius spread his arms. ¡°These are your spoils, Alan. Harvest them.¡±


    Alan considered Lucius¡¯ words, bending to inspect each piece. Plate-mail was too bulky for his style of fighting. Plus, they didn¡¯t align at all with those frog visions of him. Actually, that in and of itself made him want to don the massive armor. But he digressed.


    The next piece came from the assassin-type warrior, who was barely powerful enough to be remembered. But he had some cool gear. A leather hide armor with heavy rings stitched into it made him consider it.


    ¡°Not only resistant to the blows of steel-tip weapons, but against elemental Saro too,¡± Durger whispered.


    ¡°You can tell just by sight?¡±


    ¡°I am a smith.¡±


    Alan considered falling into a trance to one-up his metal friend, but he was too exhausted for history this evening. So instead, he picked up the armor and claimed it as his own.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°A fine choice,¡± Lucius approved.


    Hide of the Crow received.


    Saro Resistance ¨C White, Orange, Yellow.


    +Bonus Resistance ¨C mitigates knockback of blunt-force trauma.


    ¡°Now perhaps you will be better equipped to handle me.¡± Lucius drew his dark blade and stepped one foot back in ready stance.


    ¡°Lucius, right now, really?¡± Alan huffed.


    ¡°Unless you think that Red Saro instinct will carry you all the way through the crimson fog.¡± Lucius brandished his blade.


    ¡°I thought we were both getting the hell out of here before we even have to think about something like that.¡±


    ¡°It was a figure of speech! Yes, you are a Wizard of Saro adaptation. Yes, your reflexes are strikingly fast. But these are all whims. You are untrained, unexperienced in combat, and will surely fall as a result¡­ as you almost did at the hands of Ricktus Tallwater.¡±


    Alan felt that like a punch to the gut.


    ¡°Come. I have trained my entire first life to move like a wraith. To fight many with few.¡± Lucius flicked his sword to beckon him. ¡°Land a blow and I will allow you to pick another piece of armor for yourself, from your own spoils.¡±


    Alan drew his newly found staff, which evoked a laugh from Lucius.


    ¡°You turn a Wizard¡¯s weapon into a warrior¡¯s.¡±


    A flash of Red Saro told Alan immediately how to wield it. Two hands equidistant, weight on the back leg for easy pivots. He¡¯d seen it before, in old martial arts movies while his tired ass would be melded with the couch after a double at the store. Not anymore.


    ¡°Durger, how do I evoke Beige? I can¡¯t seem to lock it in my pendant,¡± Alan whispered.


    ¡°Solitude and serenity, Alan. It can be evoked similar to beastly green. Think of nature-filled hikes, or times when you were content being alone.¡±


    Alan flipped the staff into a better grip and measured Lucius¡¯ slow-walking movements. He¡¯s like a lion ready to pounce.


    ¡°When you¡¯re done mumbling to your pet, heed my one rule. Strike me with mortal force. Said another way, do not hold back,¡± Lucius spoke angrily as his Black Saro armor clawed down his abdomen and around his face.


    Alan did what Durger explained, automatically noticing a faint beige glow surround the staff. It would be a fun variation to test. But first, he activated his go-to. Red with a touch of clairvoyant Blue. Lucius smiled at the sight ¨C that same devious look that he flashed at Alan moments after Ricktus fell.


    ¡°Show your Title.¡± Lucius materialized his overhead, which read ¡®Nightstalker.¡¯ Alan did the same, showing him that he still preferred ¡®Low Merchant of Strangey Town¡¯ for hand-to-hand combat.


    ¡°A fool gets too comfortable with his home Title, and he will never progress his battle ones,¡± Lucius growled.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to avoid succumbing to murderous intent, friend.¡± Alan clenched his fists harder around the staff.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let guilt rule you, Alan Right. Or we will never get home.¡±


    Alan grunted, watching Lucius slowly side-step like a hawk.


    ¡°Begin.¡± Lucius threw fiery charcoal at the ground to signify the start.


    Alan charged first, careful for lava traps or budding weapons. He knew many of Lucius¡¯ tricks at this point but had never tested his strength.


    ¡°Hra!¡± Alan used the length of the staff to his advantage, knowing Lucius would knock it away.


    Clang!


    Alan utilized the shifted momentum, swinging the staff in one wide rotation toward Lucius¡¯ shoulder. He hit nothing but the dirt floor when Lucius faded into his shade mist for a fraction of a second only to appear directly behind Alan.


    Oh no you don¡¯t.


    Alan dropkicked blindly behind him, only to be shoved forward by an immovable piece of metal he soon realized was that massive sword growing out of the lava-made ground. A trick.


    But how? I saw him in my mind¡¯s eye.


    Alan rose from a somersault ready to strike, only to find a hilt uppercut his chin ¨C knocking him onto his back.


    ¡°Ugh. Now I¡¯m more tired,¡± Alan complained, letting his arms fall flat. His chin burned like he dipped it in fire. ¡°How¡¯d you do that?¡±


    ¡°Do what? I did a lot of things.¡±


    ¡°You counteracted my clairvoyance,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Now you know not to take too much stake in frogs.¡±


    Alan laughed and accepted Lucius¡¯ hand pulling him up.


    ¡°You rely too much on Saro. That is a sure way for a warrior to lose himself.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m not a warrior. I¡¯m a Merchant.¡±


    ¡°You are both. Don¡¯t be a fool.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just delirious.¡± Alan held his head.


    ¡°Again. This time I will use no Saro, to show you what I mean.¡±


    Alan scoffed. ¡°Alright.¡± He flashed instinctive Red to get into perfect stance, then concentrated on times he endured nature alone. Beige Saro began to bloom around his staff ¨C he could sense beads of sand ejecting from it in dizzying rotations.


    ¡°Begin!¡±


    Fiery charcoal snapped at Alan¡¯s feet. This time, though, he didn¡¯t go for the first move. He took the moments he had to try and sway the sandy winds, picturing it like a boat rocking in water.


    Interesting. Alan smirked as Lucius charged through the veil. A quick switch back to Red Saro allowed him to knock away three clean slices of Lucius¡¯ blade, and a fourth that came spinning for an overhead strike.


    Alan kicked Lucius¡¯ stomach to separate them and swung lightning fast to catch Lucius¡¯ cheek.


    Wham!


    Lucius whipped so hard that his back was facing Alan. A moment to take advantage. Yes. Alan swung the staff as hard as possible, hoping it would snap against Lucius¡¯ back, but just as he was about to connect, Lucius dropped into a strong sweep kick that sent Alan airborne again for a half-second before crashing against the dirt.


    ¡°A simple feign.¡± Lucius wiped his hands clean. ¡°Oldest trick in the book, and you¡¯re blind to it.¡±


    ¡°I felt the staff connect,¡± Alan groaned.


    ¡°It did.¡± Lucius showed Alan his gauntlet palm. ¡°Right here.¡±


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to show you that you¡¯re using Saro as a crutch, not a tool. I¡¯ll knock you down a hundred times until you admit it.¡±


    Alan accepted another hand back to his feet. ¡°Say I accept it now. Then what?¡±


    ¡°Then I show you the value of assessing your opponent without the confines and expansions of magic.¡±


    Lucius explained in great detail how he measured the exact moments clairvoyance was active on Alan and made sure to work against the most likely attack scenarios ¨C because that¡¯s what clairvoyance was, a trajectory of probability. At least, that¡¯s how Lucius viewed it.


    Then there were lessons on instinct ¨C Red Saro. It was the most useful additive to combat, by far, but would never be enough for high-level fighters without knowing how to fight.


    What¡¯s more, Alan noticed Lucius switch Titles mid-combat. A practiced art that could be devastating if not mastered.


    ¡°Titles change the flow of mind and body,¡± Lucius explained. ¡°It is a much more natural occurrence than Saro. But again, they are both tools, not crutches.¡±


    They sparred all night, Lucius keeping to his disadvantage until Alan conjured enough power to whip a sandy tornado right into Lucius¡¯ legs while swinging confusing Pink Saro at his face, which finally landed the Stalker on his back and the staff at his throat.


    ¡°Gotcha!¡±


    ¡°Congratulations. Now you can pick out your second piece of armor.¡±


    The next day was full of travel. They journeyed outside the green fog without clearing it, and into the light blue. Alan felt energized because of an hour spent channeling Green Saro and had no idea how Lucius was stalking ahead of all of them full of energy.


    Amid the banter of the group, Alan tried to find some time with Neesha, to see how she was holding up without the Answer Stone she desperately sought. He felt guilty that the detour turned out to be a full-on journey. But she assured him the endless voices came in waves, and the last few days had been manageably quiet.


    He was grateful for Flint and Lucius for distracting him from the life he took. Their days were full of Strangey Town ridiculousness thanks to the Wizard, and his nights were all sparring.


    It wasn¡¯t until the ninth day of safe travel, that they finally glimpsed the strong mountain of the Pink, recalling having scaled its heights once. Massive, crystalized chains, foggy top, and all. And the incredible sight of the Merchant city wading in the Pink. The sight sent jitters through Alan¡¯s nerves. Because soon¡­ he would be going home.

 Chapter 23 - No Prince Left Behind

    Alan pressed his map flat against the red dirt ground beside Flint¡¯s. ¡°See. The


    Merchant of Five Pearls is here, somewhere.¡±


    Flint scratched his hat. ¡°It looks like he was buried in the middle of the mountain. I hope you didn¡¯t bring us to collect bones, my dear Herald. Aha!¡±


    Neesha pressed her finger to Alan¡¯s map. ¡°Whoever the Merchant is, is certainly in the forbidden shops. That¡¯s what happened to us when we defeated the Helldraken. Lord Osmi opened the mountain to grant the victors access. I hoped to find my Answer Stone there¡­ Unfortunately, it was nothing but more questions and answers that weren¡¯t mine.¡±


    Alan peered over his shoulder at Neesha, noting the strain on her face.


    She perked up once noticing. ¡°Oh, you¡¯ll love it down there though, Alan. It¡¯s built for your kind.¡±


    ¡°Scum?¡± Gregorian folded his arms, earning a bonk from Flint¡¯s staff.


    ¡°You, good sir, are a down-right sadsack of the flubby underbelly.¡± Flint scolded, rolling up his map and standing to face everyone.


    ¡°Well, Greg kind of ruined the joke. Yes, it¡¯s a shadowy mess down there. But Alan is far from scum.¡± She pinched the Archer hard.


    Flint waved his hands. ¡°Neesha, ever knowledgeable of these parts, you lead the way.¡±


    She nodded, Gregorian close at her heel. ¡°Osmi explained there are entrances along the mountain that may only be accessed by those permitted. I wonder if that extends to you, Alan. Or to you two, Flint and Lucius, by way of group proxy.¡±


    ¡°Only one way to find out. To the Pink!¡± Flint held up his staff.


    The group cringed.


    Alan felt all sorts of dark feelings plaguing him. He was so close to Hyndole¡¯s directive now. But how could he trust a living, breathing gargoyle who tried to get him killed? Hopefully the Merchant of Five Pearls will have some answers, at least.


    They began their trek upward, Alan recalling the gigantic chains and puffing pink mist at the top. He wondered if his participation against the dragon was enough to earn him permanent vision of the city up there. The mist did seem lighter than the first time he approached. Only time would tell, though.


    He was surprised to see more groups of people than last time. Nimble Archers scaled the chain links, while Stalkers leapt from rock to rock. No one paid each other any mind. Alan guessed because the City of Shara-das was no place for squabbles, just loot.


    Hours of trekking passed, and in the back of Alan¡¯s mind, he recalled being owed one trade from the lord himself. It tickled him to think about it. What would he give up? What would a lord of a Merchant city have available?


    Once they climbed to the third layer, Flint questioned whether they could walk lateral around the mountain to a spot that seemed like an entrance on his map.


    Neesha shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s worth a try, White Wizard. Come. Careful of the narfok birds, they fly out of nowhere sometimes.¡±


    Lucius waved away creeping pink fog. ¡°This is my least favorite mist.¡±


    ¡°Why, because it dares form a smile on your face, droll man.¡± Flint twirled a snowball on his finger.


    Alan smiled at his friends, trailing behind them, drinking in this unorthodox crew. Home never had anything like it. Not once.


    A section of the mountain path was so hair-thin that everyone had to inch across with their backs against the crooked wall. Flint tried to make an ice bridge to give them some extra walking room, but the pink fog proved extra potent here ¨C distorting his White Saro into flubbery squares that continuously popped like water balloons. So¡­ that option was out.


    Accidently kicking rocks down the mountainside made Neesha flinch, but both Alan and Gregorian sent a protective arm over to shield her.


    ¡°H¡ªhah.¡± She laughed nervously. ¡°Makes you wonder if we¡¯re going the right way.¡±


    ¡°Right around the bend, not to worry.¡± Flint hopped off the thin stretch of mountain and extended a hand to help the others down. ¡°Conserve your Saro, everyone. I¡¯m not sure what such a wretched creature would send us to.¡±


    They continued to a blackened archway plagued with the same shadowy mist as Lucius¡¯ cove in Strangey Town.


    ¡°Yes, this is one of them. Do you remember, Greg?¡± Neesha pointed.


    ¡°Hm,¡± he affirmed.


    ¡°Come on then. No time to waste.¡± Lucius was getting impatient. In fact, Alan had never seen him so excited.


    ¡°Alright, here goes.¡± Neesha took a step inside, and the mist began to part. She stood half-way in, as if holding the door for the others. ¡°Okay, now you try Alan.¡±


    Alan stepped in next, no problem. Nothing clawed at his face or shoved him away. He¡¯d received credit for defeating the drake and saving the town. Good. At least not everyone viewed him as a coward.


    Flint stepped aside. ¡°After you, my dark friend.¡±


    Lucius stalked up to the essence, letting its wispy tendrils caress his face. ¡°Luness, wait for me. I¡¯m coming home,¡± he whispered, only to be shoved back with a flash of white.


    Flint caught Lucius¡¯ arm before he flew off the cliff.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Lucius¡¯ brow bent in anger. ¡°No!¡±


    Alan empathized from the inside. He knew how desperately his friend wanted to go, and couldn¡¯t bear to tell him she was no longer among his people. A side-glance with Neesha spoke volumes. A prince without his princess.


    She was drawn under, whatever that meant, never to be seen again.


    Maybe it¡¯s better he isn¡¯t allowed in.


    ¡°Alan,¡± Lucius¡¯ tone was begging. ¡°Don¡¯t.¡±


    Gregorian may as well have punctured Alan¡¯s belly with a hundred arrows, because that¡¯s how this moment felt. He couldn¡¯t leave his friend to rot. But he also couldn¡¯t bear tell him the news. It would break him.


    ¡°Bring the Five Pearls Merchant out here. Please,¡± Lucius grimaced.


    Alan shook his head and walked out of the shadowy door. ¡°There¡¯s another way.¡± He looked back to Neesha. ¡°C¡¯mon. Let¡¯s trek to the top. I¡¯ll trade Lord Osmi to give Lucius access.¡±


    ¡°Alan.¡± Neesha widened her eyes, making sure Alan didn¡¯t forget.


    Alan only bowed in shame, then turned to Lucius. ¡°I won¡¯t leave you, friend. But I must ask¡­ what if we¡¯re returning to dust?¡±


    ¡°Dust? I will return to my people no matter if they¡¯re ashes or whole. My eyes will witness their fate. And if it is dust I see? I will curse the gods for the rest of my days for bringing me here.¡± Lucius grabbed Alan¡¯s arm and squeezed tight. ¡°Thank you, friend.¡±


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Alan nodded solemnly. ¡°Of course.¡±


    Neesha was right all that time ago. He wouldn¡¯t believe me even if I said it. It wouldn¡¯t matter.


    Gregorian huffed and led the way to the next upward trail.


    xxx


    As Alan reached the top of the mountain, the pink fog whirled into a galaxy of mist and burst outward like an exploding star. What lay in its wake was the familiar city of huts he fought for not long ago. He did it. He cleared the pink fog.


    Some of his friends weren¡¯t so lucky, though. Lucius waved away the mist clinging to him, while Flint walked forward with open arms and open mouth, taking in the loopy visuals.


    ¡°You guys okay?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m in no mood to laugh.¡± Lucius grinned against his will. ¡°Be gone.¡±


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s like my first bath when I was a child. So many bubbles.¡± Flint giggled.


    ¡°Oh boy.¡± Neesha covered her mouth, stifling a chuckle.


    Merchants were out of their huts, using Saro and item alike to rebuild the town from the beast¡¯s mayhem. Alan wondered if they knew the dragon had been after him all along. He was sure word traveled fast amongst a group of gossipy store-owners, but he really hoped it wouldn¡¯t amount to another fight. He wanted to keep the killing limited to minions. His conscience couldn¡¯t take more blood on his hands.


    ¡°Durger, am I going to get through this?¡± He broke away from the group as Neesha and Greg guided the other two down the brick path. ¡°Lying to a friend, stalling all my promises, to Yogi, to Mistborn, to you. It feels¡­ off.¡±


    ¡°There, there, Sir Alan. We are here to serve you, not the other way around. You are a marvel to our universe. Wherever you land, the realm¡¯s people should be grateful.¡±


    Alan shut his eyes and internalized his angst. ¡°Kind words, Durger, from a good friend.¡±


    ¡°Always, Sir Alan.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the end. I will return.¡± Alan nodded to convince himself.


    ¡°O¡ªof course.¡±


    ¡°Alan!¡± Neesha called from down the way. ¡°Flint¡¯s getting a little out of control.¡± She pointed to the Wizard running in circles, chasing a butterfly that wasn¡¯t there. ¡°Can you help move this along?¡±


    ¡°Right!¡± He laughed, then eyed Vidiger¡¯s hut, recalling his conversation with the vile conman.


    To gain my own store here, I¡¯ll have to be someone worth the lord¡¯s time. And he¡¯s always watching.


    He shut his eyes tight and willed a trade initiation with Lord Osmi of Sharas-da. It was owed to him if the dragon was defeated, after all.


    After the prompt was submitted, Alan turned every which way to see where he would appear. A bout of impatience made Alan re-submit the prompt. A lot was riding on this. He had no idea what to expect out of the forbidden shops, or the Merchant of Five Pearls. Would he be imprisoned in Jaeger¡¯s deepest cell when he was done here? Or would he be on a long-range portal, on the way home.


    Woosh!


    A pink galaxy of fog whirled together on the edge of the mountain, not far from where they were standing. It grew in mass, spinning, twirling, until a massive entity with a cane, long wild-patterned skirt, and a golden bird-beak wafted into existence.


    The Merchants along the city stopped what they were doing to stare at their lord.


    ¡°Low Merchant of Strangey Town. You return with great threats trailing your every step.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, Sir Alan. He is aware the dragon came for you.¡± Durger shivered in his sheath.


    Alan took a bold step forward. ¡°I never intended to cause destruction.¡±


    ¡°Yet you return, bringing all the same.¡±


    Alan presented his friends. ¡°And we will defend your city again, if the threats call.¡±


    ¡°Noble, Merchant, yet dangerous. Let us get on with our sanctioned trade so I can rid you of my precious city. With you lingering, I fear Ojin will collapse on Sharas-da like a dying star. What do you seek?¡±


    Alan turned to his friends. ¡°Clear the fog for my group, access to the forbidden shops for them, and to see what items a lord like yourself is willing to part ways with.¡±


    The mountaintop rumbled as Osmi bowed slowly to one knee ¨C his enormity causing the very sky to tremble.


    ¡°The forbidden shops represent my proudest economy that only those who¡¯ve earned their stay may witness. I will not give passes easily. I hope you come prepared, Low Merchant of Strangey Town.¡±


    Alan was careful not to flinch. He was negotiating with something greater than human, after all. ¡°What do you seek, Lord Osmi?¡±


    The lord stamped his cane, evoking rumbling around him. The ground caved in around Osmi, where pink coins the size of tree trunks rose to the surface. ¡°Many Merchants have paid tribute over the years.¡± Osmi waved his hand over each coin, pulling forth great minions who stood upon the coins as if on a stage. One was a masked silver faced warrior with white-glowing eyes and two blades for hands. It rose in military fashion and crossed both arms over its chest.


    Another was a blue wolf with purple-glowing eyes and a tail sizzling with electricity. It curled into itself like it just wanted to sleep. Rock elementals, and a fat slithering snake with a human female face added to the mix of Osmi¡¯s collection.


    ¡°Few get to witness my assortment.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m honored,¡± Alan said sincerely, taking his own coins and flipping out Yogi and the Mistborn to show his own worth.


    The Mistborn was about to start howling and cursing, so Alan directed a serene batch of Green Saro to sooth the minion into stasis. He then shifted to Yogi, offering him a wink.


    ¡°Impressive. A Borai of esteemed caliber. And ¨C by the gods.¡± Osmi gasped, causing a gust of wind to whirl around the mountaintop. ¡°Is that¡­?¡± He leaned closer to better see. ¡°Grey Wolf¡¯s armor.¡±


    Alan hid a smirk. He knew the armor was worth much because of the mass-altering ability it held, but he didn¡¯t expect Osmi to drool over it.


    The lord¡¯s hawkish eye zeroed in on Alan, judging him. ¡°I offered the world for that armor, once upon a time. I am behooved to see it again.¡± He continued to inspect the beast that twitched even in its sleep. ¡°Such a powerful bond. I thought the armor was lost forever to the minions of the Blue.¡±


    ¡°The minions scrapped the armor, refastened it how they saw fit, and connected it to a Mistborn sent by Ojin to stop us from reaching you.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. I see. And you managed to capture it.¡±


    ¡°Capture? No. I am no warden, Lord Osmi. I have oaths with these creatures, and will keep my promises in this life or the next.¡±


    ¡°Strings attached, then. Not wise for trade at high levels, Merchant.¡± Lord Osmi¡¯s tone changed. He narrowed his eyes at the Mistborn. ¡°I will grant your friends access to the forbidden shops, in exchange for Grey Wolf¡¯s armor.¡±


    Honestly, this thing has been an itching pain in my ass. But now that I know what it¡¯s worth?


    ¡°With respect, I will not trade a godlike minion for a ticket,¡± Alan said, eyeing Osmi¡¯s minions.


    ¡°You force me to adhere to obscure promises. The armor is not worth what it was.¡± Osmi rested both arms over his knee.


    He wants the armor for its specialty of altering mass, obviously. Does he¡­ want to shrink? Is he stuck as a giant lord who can¡¯t even visit the shops he collects from?


    ¡°You want to walk among us,¡± Alan surmised. ¡°With a hood so no one can see your godly status.¡±


    Osmi jerked his head one way like a bird, boring one giant eye on him.


    ¡°And you want to prevent Jaeger of Hozzod from ending your friends¡¯ precious realm,¡± Osmi hit right back.


    ¡°I don¡¯t deny it.¡± Alan lifted his chin.


    ¡°Nor do I.¡± Osmi did the same. ¡°Very well. I offer you Gardstrife, Patrolgod of Hozzod, in exchange for the armor.¡± Osmi presented the blade-armed masked soldier the size of Yogi.


    Alan felt like there was a catch. Would the minion turn on him in an instant, like the Mistborn tried?


    ¡°Durger?¡± Alan whispered under his breath.


    ¡°It seems like a fair trade. Gods pull these types of minions from Ojin to their own realms. And if Jaeger once controlled this one, it¡¯s safe to say it¡¯s powerful.¡±


    ¡°But why doesn¡¯t Jaeger have it anymore, is the question.¡± Alan locked eyes with the minion. No trances were available, similar to when Alan tried with the lord himself. It was just a white flash of null history, like it wasn¡¯t unlocked for Alan to see.


    ¡°Well?¡±


    ¡°How did you achieve this minion?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°That is not your concern.¡± Osmi¡¯s brow furrowed, and Alan knew not to press further on that front.


    ¡°Fair. How do I know I¡¯ll be able to coexist with it?¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Speak freely, Strife.¡±


    The Patrolgod stepped off its coin. ¡°I serve as needed.¡± Its eyes blinked as it spoke in a celestial voice, mask unmoved. ¡°Imbue my vessel with Saro, and I will protect.¡±


    Osmi arced an eyebrow, likely wondering if Alan was satisfied.


    ¡°And access to the forbidden shops,¡± Alan held up a finger.


    Osmi shook his head. ¡°You upend the balance of my sacred palace by such an unruly request.¡±


    Shit. Alan held back his angst. ¡°I mean no disrespect. But you see, we have a special meeting with a traveling vendor. Will you consider granting a temporary pass for just this one instance? Consider them passersby that you will never have to lay eyes on again.¡± Alan opened his arms to present Flint and Lucius. ¡°If you accept, Grey Wolf¡¯s armor is yours, bound oaths and all, and you will no longer be bound to a giant¡¯s attention.¡±


    Osmi narrowed his hawkish eye. ¡°It is done. But be quick about it!¡± He dismissed his minions and flipped Gardstrife¡¯s coin into Alan¡¯s grasp. It reduced in size and sparkled a resplendent gold in his fingertips. He shook away his awe and rewound the Mistborn to a wolf-etched coin. He kissed it. ¡°May you fare better with him.¡±


    Osmi twisted his clawed wrist, creating a divot in the ground of black bricks. ¡°Go. Your vendor awaits.¡±

 Chapter 24 - Merchant of the Five Pearls

    Alan grasped a giggling Lucius by the arm and guided him to the black-brick well Lord Osmi opened for them. The forbidden shops awaited deep into the mountain¡¯s depths. Alan locked eyes with Neesha to be sure this was the path her and Gregorian took once they defeated the dragon.


    ¡°This is it.¡± She nodded.


    Lucius and Flint were still as high as kites because of the pink fog clinging to them, and Alan hoped the slide to the middle of the mountain would wash that all away. Neesha positioned Lucius right at the edge of the hole in the ground, then gave him a hearty nudge to send him sliding down. His growl echoed all the way down the slide, causing Flint to laugh hysterically.


    Good, Alan thought, knowing Osmi¡¯s hawkish eye was still on them. The trade is true. One-time access to the forbidden shops for Lucius and Flint.


    Alan pushed Flint next, unable to hold back a smile from Flint¡¯s excited ranting and raving all the way down.


    ¡°You are a poison to us all, Alan Right.¡± Gregorian shouldered him out of the way and took Neesha into his arms. ¡°A stopper of progress, and killer of oaths. May the Merchant of the Five Pearls send you far away from here.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Greg.¡± Alan patted his back and watched as he leapt back-first onto the slide. ¡°Guess this is it.¡± He looked around the Merchant city one last time, then waved to Osmi in thanks. ¡°I may never see this again¡­¡± He pressed his lips flat and dove in.


    The slide was surprisingly smooth ¨C the black bricks flush against one another. Spotlights sprung to life periodically, tethered to a yellow essence that clung to Alan¡¯s shoulder. His body snaked with the turns, until he was launched airborne feet first onto cement ground. The spotlight expanded to the size of the group awaiting him.


    Alan dusted himself. ¡°Everyone good?¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Neesha jumped out of Gregorian¡¯s arms and took a look around. ¡°More vendors than last time.¡±


    Shops with spotlights of their own were lined up sporadically throughout a wide-open space. Like pop-up stores, the wooden makeshift shelves were ragged and full of strange knickknacks. At first glance, Alan didn¡¯t understand how this was at all superior to the huts on the mountaintop, but he had a feeling he¡¯d soon find out.


    Small spotlights accompanied elite-seeming warriors with glowing weapons and resplendent armor. Alan scanned what he could while Flint and Lucius regained themselves from being suffocated in pink fog up top.


    ¡°The map,¡± Lucius growled. ¡°Give it to me. I saw her in my visions and will not waste another second.¡±


    Lucius¡¯ tonal shift concerned Alan.


    ¡°Here.¡± Alan rolled out the map, noting how close the traveling Merchant was to them.


    They perused the shops in stride ¨C where tinctures and weaponry were hidden in dirty clothes, and armor stuck out behind black shop walls. It¡¯s like everything for sale was taboo, or perhaps, obtained dishonestly.


    ¡°May I interest you in a Saro inhibitor?¡± A petite female Merchant with an oversized hood presented a vial. ¡°Become invisible to all your foes. An assassin¡¯s blessing.¡± She followed the group for a few steps, before scoffing at them.


    ¡°That¡¯s a fine Soul Collector.¡± Another man across the way pointed. ¡°Could use a seal to make sure there aren¡¯t any leaks over time. This way. Psst.¡±


    Lucius ignored the man, eyes only on the map.


    ¡°There.¡± Flint pointed his staff.


    Alan saw it for a flash. A thin man with green-glowing eyes peeking from the shadows. He disappeared just as fast. That must¡¯ve been him ¨C the Merchant of the Five Pearls. The map deemed it so.


    ¡°Yes. Yes. This way, Herald,¡± a bodiless voice beckoned from the shadow. ¡°I have not set up shop yet, you see, but that doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t do business.¡±


    Lucius picked up his step.


    The vendor spotlights faded far behind them, leaving a large trail of blackness in all directions.


    ¡°You call me Herald,¡± Alan spoke loudly. ¡°So you know who sent us.¡±


    A snickering echoed all around them as they walked through a curtain of steam.


    ¡°You seek a fast ticket out of these realms, spanning far across the universe, do you not?¡±


    The group turned every which way to try and track a body to the voice.


    ¡°Dizzied by theories of how to properly work the Pegs of Fate,¡± the voice crooned. ¡°A shame how knowledge-less puppets chase their tails. Not anymore, however.¡± The green-glowing eyes emerged again, illuminating a gaunt face of light purple, almost deathly white skin behind a see-through veil.


    ¡°No more games,¡± Lucius snarled. ¡°I¡¯m sick of them. Do you have a way to send us home?¡±


    ¡°Us?¡± The Merchant stepped forward, inches from the group¡¯s spotlight. A deeply hunched neck revealed resplendent pearls lining his back. Five of them, true to his name. But his figure was so deformed Alan had a hard time concentrating. ¡°There is no us. Hyndole paid handsomely to send only one of you home this day.¡±


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Alan stepped forward fearlessly. ¡°We go together, or not at all.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± the Merchant snickered again.


    ¡°Yes, he and I.¡± Alan put his hand on Lucius¡¯ shoulder, which calmed him a bit.


    ¡°I see, yes, I see.¡± The Merchant turned away ¨C his long black robe swishing, belts dragging across the floor. ¡°So you two will be the second pioneers in recorded history to travel back to your Origins.¡± He pulled vials from inside his robes, turning again and holding them up to the spotlight. ¡°But what of the risks? What if our dear Yineera never made it to the home she sought? Just a pile of bones tumbling through the cosmos.¡± He snickered louder.


    Lucius only straightened with honor, but Alan¡­ wasn¡¯t so sure.


    To trust Hyndole blindly¡­ would make him the biggest fool in all the universe.


    If I leave, perhaps he won¡¯t attack, and I¡¯ll get a second chance to an unfinished life. Even if the chances are low¡­


    ¡°Mm. Conviction in the Stalker. He is ready to travel back to his home world. Back to Cerrain. But what of the man of Earth?¡±


    Alan shut his eyes and stood tall beside Lucius. ¡°It is my duty. Fulfill my promises of Earth, and then my promises of Ojin.¡±


    The Merchant stepped into the light, revealing grotesquely damaged skin and an outwardly beating heart under his robes. More second thoughts crept in. Alan scanned feverishly for a weapon or armor in the Merchant¡¯s possession, but he cleverly hid everything under those robes. No trance to tell of history. Was the Merchant prompted of Alan¡¯s skills?


    ¡°Open the portal,¡± Lucius demanded.


    ¡°Whoa now, hasty creature, you are.¡± The Merchant tapped Lucius¡¯ breastplate. ¡°Zealousness is a sure way to end up in a cosmic pit if you aren¡¯t careful. First, we need protocols. Prove to me that you are Hyndole¡¯s. I will start. Merchant of the Five Pearls, at your service¡­ or put more simply, Five.¡±


    Alan reluctantly pulled the Tincture of Preservation that Hyndole gifted him and presented it.


    ¡°Yes, yes. Was it tampered with? It is crucial to know. Wizards and Healers love to test their liquids.¡±


    ¡°Outward only, dreary Merchant,¡± Flint spoke solemnly. ¡°Just to be sure our Herald wasn¡¯t being played.¡±


    Five flashed a yellow-toothed smile. ¡°Smart. And well done.¡± He grabbed the tincture and swished it a few rotations. ¡°Ingredients seem in order. Essence merging intact. Rare, rare tidbits of Ojin float in this vial. Hyndole did the heavy lifting for you. If only anyone could receive such a gift. You really must be special.¡± He touched Alan¡¯s nose. ¡°Alright then, shoo, shoo.¡± He waved the others away.


    ¡°A¡ªAlan.¡± Neesha reached over and grabbed his hand, sending tingles all the way up his arm.


    Alan¡¯s mind was everywhere, but her crystal blue eyes drew him back to the present. ¡°Neesha. Thank you for everything. I¡¯ll miss you.¡±


    They stared at one another for a long second. If not for Greg¡¯s scowling, it might¡¯ve been a moment to share a kiss. But alas, it wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°You did alright.¡± She smirked. ¡°Even after the head trauma, and the dragon¡¯s bite, and nearly killing me with Flint¡¯s sled.¡± She giggled and leaned in for a kiss on the cheek. ¡°I do trust you.¡±


    Alan¡¯s heart nearly melted at the proclamation. ¡°Likewise.¡±


    They shared a warm hug, before Lucius¡¯ hand on Alan¡¯s shoulder broke it.


    ¡°I must get home.¡± Lucius¡¯ eyes were crazed.


    ¡°Right,¡± Alan sighed, hugging Flint with a thousand apologies and thanks.


    ¡°Take care of yourself, good Alan. We will watch your things for you and await your heroic return!¡±


    ¡°If only I could live up to your dramatic personification of me, Flint.¡±


    ¡°Aha!¡±


    Alan offered Gregorian a curt nod, and just like that, his friends backed out of the steam-like shield, leaving only himself, Lucius, and Five.


    ¡°Now, for the tough part.¡± Five grimaced. ¡°Such a shame. A terrible shame.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Alan furrowed his brow.


    ¡°The sacrifice, of course.¡± Five shrugged, circling him and Lucius. ¡°It cannot be one of those dastardly souls you stole in that beautiful sword, Prince Kiar.¡±


    The telling of Lucius¡¯ status sent goosebumps lining Alan¡¯s arms. This was the first time it¡¯d been said in the open, and Lucius didn¡¯t even flinch.


    ¡°It must be a bonded sacrifice. One of shared friendship. Something to make the origin portal relevant. Otherwise you will be syphoned to the cosmic wind.¡±


    Alan couldn¡¯t tell if the others heard beyond the shield, but he imagined they didn¡¯t. He couldn¡¯t see them at all. Panic started to take hold. A sacrifice? What the hell was this guy talking about?


    ¡°I imagine any one of them would do.¡± Five pointed beyond the shield, igniting fires to show all of his friends chained in Black Saro links.


    ¡°No!¡± Alan¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Let them free!¡±


    ¡°Relax, my boy, relax. It¡¯s only so they cannot interfere with the process.¡±


    ¡°Lucius. This is all wrong.¡± Alan shook his arm.


    ¡°It is not.¡± Lucius bowed his head. ¡°This process is in line with scripture.¡±


    ¡°I will not sacrifice any of you, ever,¡± Alan shouted.


    Five nodded. ¡°Yes, we know. Hyndole said you were comically loyal. Pledged to a town that spits on you, defending a group who leads you willingly into the universe. A fool, Alan Right. But we come prepared to lift a fool¡¯s burdens.¡± He touched Alan¡¯s nose again, and paralyzed him for an instant while he pulled Durger out of his sheath. ¡°Wolfgang Durghowler. He will do.¡±


    Alan unfroze and swiped his dagger back, cutting himself on the edge, making the Merchant keel over in laughter.


    ¡°A man¡­ hah. A man not willing to lose anything, is not a man who can travel the universe.¡±


    ¡°I reject this whole plan. I¡¯m staying.¡± Alan stomped away. ¡°Unchain them, now.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Is that satisfactory, Prince?¡± Five dug deep into his robe, beside his awkwardly beating heart, and pulled out what looked to be an ornate table leg that he pressed both hands over. ¡°Even if I have Yineera¡¯s Peg, ripe for the taking?¡±


    Alan shook his head. This was all wrong. He wasn¡¯t ready to leave these realms in the first place. He could make real change here. People looked up to him. He wasn¡¯t done.


    Mom would be okay.


    Trish never wanted me anyway.


    Alan held his head.


    Shnnk!


    Alan turned to see Lucius holding Durger. He¡¯d stolen it.


    ¡°I hereby make this sacrifice on behalf of Alan Right. In a group of shared wealth, it is my decision to make as much as his. Obliterate this already fractured soul, and send me home.¡±


    The Merchant circled Alan with his finger, creating another mini-steam shield around him, locking him in place. ¡°Ho, ho! The prince speaks the words like he¡¯s practiced them before. Crafty man, taking things into his own hands. Such worthiness of royalty. Now drink the tincture, both of you.¡±


    Alan¡¯s blood boiled as he watched Durger¡¯s inscription frown. The dagger shook. He was scared.


    The Merchant limped up to Alan with the remaining liquid, stretching his hand through the shield. ¡°Drink up. Ack!¡±


    Alan drew strength beyond the confining shield and smacked the vial out to spill all over the cement floor.


    ¡°You fool!¡± The Merchant appeared genuinely angry.


    ¡°Lucius! Listen to me. She¡¯s dead. Luness Breniere Kiar is dead,¡± Alan yelled, his words falling on deaf ears. ¡°Give him back! No!¡±


    The Merchant shoved Durger into the top of Yineera¡¯s Peg, and almost instantly, the yellow inscription faded to black.


    ¡°Durger!¡± Alan screamed again. ¡°You traitor, Lucius. You fucking traitor!¡±


    Lucius turned to Alan, readying to receive the portal. ¡°I had to. It¡¯s the only way.¡±

 Chapter 25 - The Pathway Home

    In the middle of a giant mountain, roped off by a dark Merchant¡¯s airy barrier, a portal of black abyss whirled in dizzying rotations before Lucius Kiar. Bolts of purple lightning struck from its epicenter, shaking the entire foundation of Five¡¯s area.


    Alan seethed at the sight, mourning Durger whose life was stripped away on a whim. He jerked in his shackles.


    Betrayed by a prince¡­ by a friend.


    ¡°Behold, Prince Kiar, a pathway home.¡± Five backed away slowly, struggling to remove himself from the portal¡¯s pull. He laughed low and loud as the tincture glowed to life in Lucius¡¯ belly. It was meant to keep him intact through a far travel home¡­ but now, Alan wasn¡¯t so sure.


    Lucius was dragged toward the mouth of terrible blackness against his will, forcing him to brace himself.


    ¡°It begins.¡± Five nodded ¨C his outside heart beating in all different directions under his tattered cloak. ¡°A fool takes the bait, and now too does he drown.¡±


    Alan clenched his fists harder. A trap. Of course. His clairvoyance betrayed him, instincts failed. He would lose two friends in a fleeting moment. This was all wrong.


    Dark figures crept into Five¡¯s airy barrier, bowing like some kind of s¨¦ance was underway.


    ¡°Hyndole hoped to rid himself of a Herald this day, hijacking his soul for eternity¡­ just like he did Yineera¡¯s. But he will have to settle for a prince.¡±


    ¡°Bastard!¡± Alan shouted.


    Lucius grunted, falling on his back through the struggle to stay away from the portal. He summoned Orange Saro hilts from the ground to grasp onto.


    The cosmic portal winds whipped inward like a vacuum.


    ¡°Desperation is a key component in deception, Prince Kiar. Hyndole will be pleased to be rid of you. And you, Alan Right ¨C he will accept our delivery.¡± Five watched on with anticipation as the other dark Merchants stepped into the light. ¡°You will be dragged under, Lucius Kiar, like all those who threaten greatness. Say your goodbyes.¡±


    ¡°So there is no path home,¡± Lucius said through gritted teeth. ¡°It¡¯s all a lie?¡±


    ¡°Merchants have preyed upon hope since the beginning of time, young prince. Hyndole just happens to be today¡¯s highest bidder.¡±


    Alan fought to look beyond the airy boundary, to where his friends were shackled and shouting soundlessly. Flint, Neesha, even Gregorian, were all helpless.


    This is all wrong, he kept telling himself.


    Lucius scratched at his abdomen, trying to dig into his shadowy form to extract the glowing purple-white liquid illuminating his skin.


    ¡°Yes, the tincture will indeed prepare you for long-range travel¡­ all the way to the depths of the black.¡±


    Alan shook his head. ¡°If Hyndole sought to bury us for no one to find, why not do it himself in Ojin?¡±


    The portal grew more violent at the ask, but it also calmed Five into a wide, toothy smile.


    ¡°We Forbidden Merchants have a way of making problems disappear. None of Jaeger¡¯s allies will be the wiser. Take Yineera for example. The realms believe in whispers that she made it home. No one could refute otherwise. Soon the same will be said of Lucius, and my legacy of Five Pearls will remain intact.¡±


    Alan gritted his teeth, fighting the winds and the chains of his confining shield. ¡°What if I were the highest bidder? A future Herald. Surely worth something in terms of potential.¡±


    ¡°Hah.¡± Five pressed his fingers together pensively, the winds pulling his cloak like a ripped flag. ¡°You would offer up yourself in exchange for the life of a betrayer? Noble. Tempting.¡±


    ¡°Not just the betrayer.¡± Alan fought to turn his head. ¡°Them too. They go free. Here, I can trade with any entity. This will be a first time trading myself.¡±


    Trade with Merchant of the Five Pearls Initiated


    Offer: Thyself ¨C Alan Right


    Exchange: Freedom for Lucius Kiar, Neesha Sans, Flint Degoba, Gregorian Von Malice


    The Merchant¡¯s face lost all its mocking humor once the prompt was solidified. He was considering the offer. He had to be. Alan knew being a slave under his decrepit will would be hell, but his life was worth four imprisoned ones, even if Lucius betrayed him.


    C¡¯mon. Alan scrutinized Five carefully as the winds intensified. The portal was like an angry toddler begging for its meal, and Lucius did everything he could to twist and turn in order to fight the portal¡¯s pull.


    Five lifted his finger to respond to the prompt. C¡¯mon¡­


    Trade with Merchant of the Five Pearls DECLINED


    No!


    ¡°Why?¡± Alan pleaded.


    Five¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°You, Alan, have awakened thoughts in me not riled in millennia. A path of power for myself. What a twisted, foreign thought. You are a unique being¡­ yes, I see it now. I see why you must be buried or detained for eternity.¡±


    ¡°I could be yours!¡± Alan shouted.


    Five shook his head. ¡°Alas, I have tethered myself to gods of great potential, and have secured my continued existence regardless of outcome. It is done.¡±


    Alan cursed under his breath. ¡°What will become of us?¡±


    ¡°Lucius¡­ he will be consumed, and as for the rest of you? In the corners of Jaeger¡¯s red-skied keep, where you belong.¡±


    The place where the frogs showed me to be, facing off against my father.


    Alan shook his head again, tensing in the shield¡¯s shackles. ¡°I refuse.¡±


    ¡°It is too late. The process has already begun.¡± Five held out his arms as the other dark figures began chanting. ¡°Behold, the union of Forbidden Merchants gather to claim another. We will be paid handsomely, and you¡­ will be a forever prisoner since you refuse to disappear.¡± He turned to Lucius. ¡°Say hello to Yineera for me, prince.¡±


    The bubbling lava holding up Lucius¡¯ hilts rolled into the portal, hissing as each drip crossed the threshold.


    ¡°My eleven constituents will escort you to the gate of abyss, and thereafter, you will know a depth of eternity that only gods do. Farewell.¡± Five flapped his tattered cloak, and out spewed dark slimy chains that wrapped around the other Merchants and Alan. His pearls glowed off-white with a hint of translucent rainbow, like bubbles.


    Through the perilous winds, Five hobbled closer to Lucius. He bent low, staring hard at the prince. ¡°Gods have kept eyes on you for many years, Lucius Kiar. Both here and in your Origins. A sight to behold¡­ no more.¡± He placed a hand on top of the hilt, reducing it to dust in an instant ¨C showing he controlled whatever Saro flowed in and out of his bubble.


    Lucius jerked harshly in the other direction, gripping the last remaining hilt tighter.


    ¡°There is no sense in resisting. You will cross.¡±


    Lucius¡¯ living armor began to trickle down his body, taking form once more. Before it completely consumed his face, he smirked, letting go of the hilt and grasping Five by the cloak so they were face-to-face.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been preparing for this day a long time.¡± Lucius released his grip and let the portal claim him, pulling the chains of twelve Merchants with him.


    Alan was yanked violently through his shield to join, and in an instant, his body reduced to a spread-out consciousness.


    Darkness consumed him for an eternal moment. Then, like a great inhale, he was pulled back together, soaring through sightless worlds, hearing the rattling chains of Five¡¯s magical tether holding them all together, until abruptly, everything stopped.


    When Alan¡¯s ethereal eyes opened, the world was shadowy and fading, like the time Lucius dragged him away from the crowd on his first day. Where were they?


    Black bricks and a moat of sludge surrounded them, dwarfed by large gothic doors slanted toward the floor. A whirlpool of dark matter awaited within those doors ¨C a second, calmer portal framed like a well.


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Cracked bells the size of buildings rang ominously in the distance, signaling their arrival. But to who? The place was an apocalyptic wasteland of medieval structure. And amid all of it, Alan reformed in a darker shield of gilded shackles.


    The Merchant must be powerful if his spells linger through portals. Not even the Helldraken was able to accomplish that.


    Lucius stalked ahead, dragging the chains in an enormous show of strength, much to Five¡¯s surprise. ¡°So this is what you¡¯ve built to drown those you do not approve.¡±


    Alan was at a loss. Betrayal, subterfuge, and not an ounce of understanding of who was in control. Five¡¯s chain spell was the most bizarre of all. Giant slimy links stretched as high as the eye could see, beyond grey clouds to a black hole in the sky. Were they tethered all the way back up to Ojin?


    Lucius grabbed onto to edges of the giant slanted well-portal and peered into it. ¡°It is as you said, Merchant. Since my early days as a prince, I have been threatened to be dragged ¨C my soul forever confined to nothingness. It intrigued me greatly to know what my would-be assassins would do if they got their hands on me. Now, Alan, you tell me that my love has succumbed to that fate? By all means, I should dive down there and grab her, if I believed you.¡±


    ¡°You are a twisted soul.¡± Five snickered, but it didn¡¯t last long. His air of arrogance began melting to unease the longer Lucius stood there confidently.


    ¡°I am, aren¡¯t I?¡± Lucius turned, full skulking ninja form intact. ¡°The sirens who sung and perished to create this armor have prepared me to survive if ever a fate was to claim me. To be dragged is universal ¨C from our realms to the god scouts that dared it in Cerrain. I am prepared.¡± He drew his dark blade and grasped Five¡¯s chain with his free hand. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m going.¡±


    Lucius stabbed his own belly, tearing himself open like a pipe of hissing steam and leaking liquid, where the vibrant tincture leaked out. He flashed his Title-swap overhead, evoking gasps.


    Title:


    Stalker of Undying Fire


    Alan came to know that as Lucius¡¯ way of enduring endless would-be deaths amid battle.


    ¡°No! Stop him!¡± Five pointed, prompting the eleven Merchants to draw their Saro-glowing weapons.


    The all-connecting chain jangled in Lucius¡¯ grasp. It was almost as if Five wanted it severed at this point, but Lucius was the one holding it together.


    ¡°You tell Jaeger, I will get back to Cerrain¡­ to see the world with my own eyes.¡± Lucius yanked the chain, causing a collective angry groan to echo amongst the Merchants. On Five¡¯s cue, two leapt high ¨C one with scythe and the other with crossbow.


    Crchk!


    The Blue Saro crossbow bolts released in strange intertwining spirals. Alan guessed they were some kind of homing arrows predicting Lucius¡¯ movements.


    Lucius clenched his fist around the chain, beckoning an ornate lava-entrenched shield from the ground just by willing it.


    Pang!


    One of the bolts ricocheted off of the shield while Lucius swiped the other inches before it cleaved his neck. Without a moment lapsed, he leapt high, dodging the scythe and digging the blade deep into the Merchant¡¯s belly.


    Yes! Alan cheered for the lesser evil, even though a pang of guilt struck horrible cords inside him for Durger.


    Three more Merchants charged while Five dislocated the pearls from his body and sent them revolving around him.


    ¡°Lucius, behind you!¡± Alan shouted.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    ¡°I have trained two lives for this,¡± Lucius growled, deflecting two crooked swords and one spear. Glowing Saro exploded after each clash. ¡°You don¡¯t stand a chance!¡± He guided the spear to the floor with his blade, kicked the Merchant flying back, and swung in a one-eighty to slit one of the other Merchant¡¯s throats.


    The bleeding Merchant fell into a shadowy puddle, marking the second dead.


    More blue crossbow bolts spiraled toward him while four other Merchants charged. With a wave of his hand, Lucius created six puddles of budding weapons that combined into one. He sheathed his dark blade and drew a molten claymore the size of three people.


    With one threatening swing, the Merchants stopped in their tracks. ¡°Back!¡± Lucius¡¯ gauntlets hissed with molten power.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Alan noticed a Title change from Five. He was signaling his other Merchants.


    Title:


    Merchant of Memories Past


    ¡°Lucius!¡± Alan called. He had no idea what it meant, but judging by the orb lifting from Five¡¯s rotation and glowing vibrant white, something horrible was about to happen.


    A bodiless horse neighed loud from the orb as it soared blindingly fast away from the battle, taking shape as a giant cone-headed knight atop an armored steed.


    It¡¯s a damn summon!


    ¡°Lucius, break me out of these chains! Let me help!¡± Alan desperately shook every which way. His Saro remained locked, his bones seized like he was frozen in a sculpture.


    Shit!


    Through a blizzardy haze, the knight charged with an old-style jousting spear smoking from the tip. The summon was gigantic, shaking the stone floor with every gallop.


    ¡°Look out!¡± Alan yelled.


    Lucius was still swinging his claymore to keep the Merchants back.


    Th-thump! Th-thump!


    The knight leaned forward to gain speed, and as he was about to connect, Lucius grabbed the chain and leapt backward, jerking the Merchants into harm¡¯s way.


    Crnch!


    Bones cracked and harrowing screams resounded as two Merchants contorted under frosty hooves. As soon as Lucius touched down, he crouched and leapt forward, using whatever momentum he could muster to swing in a three-sixty and meet the jousting spear head on.


    ¡°Hrra!¡± Lucius bellowed.


    In a flash of white, through orange slashes lingering in the air, he burst through the dispelled knight and landed with the claymore disintegrating to blackened ash.


    ¡°Incredible,¡± Alan whispered.


    He noticed his chains and Five¡¯s continued to spew out their magical tethers as if their links were endless. The other Merchants were forced to keep playing tug-of-war with the prince. They teetered each way Lucius decided to move. Perhaps it was a mistake to chain a Stalker with so much strength.


    The reformed pearl was no longer ripe with essence. It clacked back onto Five¡¯s strange anatomy while the others still revolved.


    It was then he realized what they were ¨C weapons. He¡¯d been so frantic that he forgot how he could actually help ¨C fall into a trance!


    He eyed the revolving orbs closely, feeling the pull of his ability, and being careful to remain present. He¡¯d have to blink in and out in an instant if he was to help Lucius survive whatever summon came next.


    Clang! Clang! Slllt!


    Alan was jarred out of his concentration when he heard Lucius groan. Two magical blades stuck through his Black Saro armor, sending heaps of steam into the air.


    No¡­


    Lucius bent forward in pain, his pooled weapons falling to ash once more, but through the pain, Alan knew what was coming. His orange eyes grew vibrantly bright. ¡°Rrr.¡± His gauntlets gripped around the Merchants¡¯ corrosive blades.


    Poison, Alan realized.


    Lucius yanked the blades completely through his shadowy form, causing the Merchants to lunge forward against their will. He then flipped the two steaming-edged swords into his grip and spun to cut the Merchants down.


    He was like a gladiator fighting in the depths of hell.


    Focus, Alan.


    One of the orbs detached from Five¡¯s orbit, so Alan dropped into a trance ¨C envisioning a Pink Saro Wizard floating midair atop a mountain, shooting a concentrated beam into a single target ¨C tricking the target to act as a momentary puppet.


    Alan zoomed back to the present, wondering why and how Five was able to encapsulate a literal instant in time into a single orb. Was its essence recreating the ability? Now wasn¡¯t the time to contemplate it.


    ¡°Lucius! Another one of Five¡¯s summons! Look to the sky! Avoid the blast!¡± Alan shouted.


    The prince¡¯s breathing was labored as he staved off the last few standing Merchants. He was losing his edge. Purple corrosive acid stained his armor around the stab wounds. It was depleting him, fast.


    Swirling pink winds surrounded the second of Five¡¯s orbs as it ascended skyward. A robed figure formed from the haze, gyrating an ornate staff.


    ¡°Lucius! Now!¡±


    Zeeerb!


    A pink laser exploded from the staff, forcing the faux Wizard higher into the sky as the beam tore through stone.


    Lucius narrowly flipped out of the way, arising to six Blue Saro bolts homing in to his location.


    Tnk! Tnk! Tnk! Lucius deflected three with his gauntlets and drew his dark blade once more. Four Merchants remained outside of their master, while the rest were bubbling corpses in this strange plain of reality.


    ¡°Now, my Forbidden Merchants. Hold!¡± Five bellowed, and together, the remaining Merchants dropped their weapons and gripped their chains, causing Lucius to stutter in his step.


    Zeeerb!


    Another pink blast shot down from the sky, parting the clouds, striking Lucius right in the chest.


    ¡°No!¡± Alan jerked in his shackles.


    The prince¡¯s body convulsed as the Merchants held tightly onto their chains ¨C fighting his will. Then, when the pink blast fully absorbed into him, Lucius¡¯ body glowed a smoky pink, expression deadpan.


    Five straightened and paced toward the fight for the first time as his essence-less orb clacked back into place under his cloak. ¡°Yes.¡± He nodded. ¡°Even if you ripped most of the tincture out of you, there is still enough, I suspect. Enough to be dragged for eternity. Now, Prince Kiar, into the portal you go.¡±


    Lucius corrected his posture against his will, and began to turn, fists clenched.


    ¡°Fight it!¡± Alan demanded.


    Lucius jerked to one knee, staunchly resisting the spell¡¯s hold over him. Five raised his arms high, lifting his puppet again.


    ¡°To the well of fate, Prince Kiar. Where you belong.¡±


    The other four Merchants let some slack on the chains so Lucius could march toward the slanted gates.


    ¡°Enough shadow blood has been spilt. No more resistance.¡± Five swayed forward.


    ¡°Ignore him, Lucius! Don¡¯t cross the plane!¡± Alan¡¯s neck veins jutted.


    Lucius faltered again, holding his head, groaning in terrible pain.


    ¡°Forward!¡± Five demanded, and Lucius followed, inching up toward the well¡¯s stones.


    The portal riled as Lucius came close. Alan could¡¯ve swore he heard a female voice scream from its depths ¨C like someone begging for help in the middle of the ocean.


    Lucius grabbed his head again. ¡°If you¡¯re down there, Luness, wait for me. We will see each other again.¡± The pink smoke faded around him, and a bubbling lava pool formed to his right ¨C where a spear tip bobbed in the lava.


    ¡°Jump, Lucius Kiar,¡± Five demanded. ¡°To your death and beyond.¡±


    The pink outline around Lucius blinked in and out like a flickering bulb.


    ¡°No.¡± Lucius struggled for control, limbs shaking. ¡°No.¡± He yanked the spear out and turned with the torque of a machine, launching the spear far.


    Fshew!


    Five sidestepped the attempt ¨C cloak flapping all around. But that wasn¡¯t his target.


    Alan grinned as the spear came his way. He leaned hard to one side, doing his best to line up his chains with the incoming projectile.


    Clnk!


    The chain severed, and one of Alan¡¯s hands freed. His bones unlocked enough for him to dig into his bag.


    C¡¯mon. C¡¯mon. He reached for the Vosh coin ¨C identifying it just by feel ¨C then flipped it into the glowing essence that he grabbed straight away.


    Bwosh!


    The chains and dark shield surrounding him disintegrated in a flash as the Vosh Bubble cleared him of all foul play. A waterfall of revitalizing Saro unleashed throughout his body. Strength, instinct, foresight. He regained it all. All except his beloved dagger.


    No time to waste.


    Alan concentrated hard on evoking red, knowing he only had moments to turn the tide. He somersaulted forward ¨C grasping the scythe of a fallen Merchant ¨C and dove to slice Five in two.


    Woosh!


    Five dodged and whipped open his cloak to launch of bed of crooked spikes at Alan.


    He Title-swapped God Merchant for Merchant Warrior just in time to spin the scythe into a windy blur of Yellow-electrical Saro. Alan thought of times of triumph in his old life while locking eyes with the wicked Merchant, sending stray bolts between the wind, deflecting every spike that was thrown at him while zapping his foe to keep him off-balance. Alan ended the whirlwind with a momentous slash right to the face.


    ¡°Argh!¡± Five wailed as he spun to find Lucius on his other side.


    Shnnk!


    Five¡¯s cloak flew off, revealing a misshapen skeleton, and Lucius¡¯ blade skewered through his decrepit outside heart. A terrifying gasp of dark mist exhaled from Five¡¯s mouth. His pearls clacked against the stone floor as his heart roiled, spewing black sludge.

 Chapter 26 - Two Sides of a Coin

    ¡°Your time of burying souls is at an end.¡± Lucius narrowed his eyes and whipped his blade free of Five¡¯s heart.


    A streak of black sludge stained the stone walkway. Only when all the Merchant corpses surrounding them sunk into black puddles, did Alan realize the battle was over. Five was the only one left, writhing every which way, fighting the embrace of death up to his last breath.


    ¡°My treasures,¡± Five wheezed. ¡°May they join me in my next reincarnation. May they¡ª¡± He fell into his own black puddle, which shot up a multitude of weaponry, essence, and tinctures the likes of which Alan had never seen.


    Alan took a step back to make sure he wasn¡¯t impaled by one of Five¡¯s sharper loot items as they came shooting out. While removing himself, his eyes landed on Lucius¡­ along with a flood of contempt.


    Traitor, was all he could think. But when Lucius fell crippled to his knees ¨C coughing up blood ¨C Alan¡¯s empathy took over.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Lucius held up his hand as the purple corrosive acid mixed into his wounds.


    ¡°The pain suppression is wearing off.¡± Alan activated his Green Saro in hopes to try and heal him.


    ¡°I must endure and strengthen my essence usage.¡± Lucius coughed, pulling a black essence from his bag. ¡°I¡¯m fine, really.¡± He shoved the essence into the wounds and took a strangled breath in.


    Alan scrutinized him to ensure he was alright ¨C which, after a few long exhales, he seemed to be ¨C then lowered his gaze to the hodgepodge of items at his feet.


    The tingling of a trance percolated, but he ignored it, because there among the mess was Yineera¡¯s Peg. The item that all this fuss was over. Durger lay dead lodged through the top, making Alan¡¯s heart sink into his belly.


    Just then, the chain links riled from high above the crack in the sky, jangling like a long snake. Sounds of clunking metal resonated through the grey world as the links began reeling upward.


    ¡°That¡¯s our ticket back to Ojin.¡± Lucius lifted his gaze.


    ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you going to take as much as you can? You dealt the killing blow.¡± Alan yanked his dagger out of the Peg and shoved it into his magical sheath. It felt like nothing but a cold piece of steel wrapped in stale gum now, which further soured his mood. He threw the Peg into his bag next.


    ¡°Piling forbidden loot will only make our journey harsher,¡± Lucius spoke evenly.


    ¡°Like that living armor you wear?¡± Alan said coolly.


    ¡°Something like that. Choose carefully, Alan Right. You will not get another chance at a stash like this.¡±


    As if the chain links heard him, they reeled faster toward the sky, lifting Five¡¯s misshapen corpse from the dark puddle it fell into.


    Alan shoved aside his contempt and rustled through the loot. Dropping into momentary trances of drowned kings and weapons carved using the scales of legendary sky beasts, he sifted. It was true he needed more practical weapons since his dagger was no longer the faithful companion he looked forward to learning from. So he lifted a double-bladed staff engraved with a dragon¡¯s eye on each tip and let a quick trance pull him in.


    Apparently, the steel was forged in the blood of a renowned mystic Dreamcatcher in Hightower Brack ¨C where Durger was from ¨C so Alan gave it a second look:


    Blood-Vision Edge


    Original Saro north blade ¨C Blue


    Original Saro south blade ¨C Red


    Since there was no Black Saro or anything like that attached to it, he decided to strap it to his back. The name and origin did give him the creeps though, and it made him wonder of Red Saro¡¯s dual-purpose. If yellow was lightning and blessings, was red instinct and¡­ blood?


    No time to consider.


    The rest of the eleven Merchant corpses were ascending from their shadowy graves. Soon, Lucius would be pulled by his chain, and Alan would have to grab on if he wanted out of here.


    Lucius clutched a sword of white and yellow marble that looked way out of his comfort zone.


    ¡°To complement the Soul Collector?¡± Alan asked, still sifting through the contents.


    Lucius grunted.


    ¡°What about these?¡± Alan picked up one of the essence-filled pearls dropped by Five. ¡°Aren¡¯t they the pride and joy of this kill?¡±


    ¡°Take them. They will do well in a Herald¡¯s travels.¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡± Alan pushed his lips to one side, considering. Usually he¡¯d push back and offer something like this to the people who helped him¡­ but not Lucius. Not anymore.


    Five Pearls of the Storm¡¯s Gaze received.


    Adaptable Saro


    Ability ¨C Wielder may entrap experiences into essence and unleash them unto their foes. Each pearl may be channeled close to the memory endured. The further away the experience, the less potent the essence.


    The pearls suddenly began to revolve around Alan, which made Lucius smirk as his armor receded back into its compartments. Alan quickly coined the pearls ¨C which all dissolved into a singular currency ¨C and stuffed it into his bag.


    UNIQUE TITLE UNLOCKED:


    Title: Forbidden Merchant of the Shade


    Affinity: Rare items attained through trade or combat are bolstered when this Title is active.


    ¡°A new Forbidden Merchant arises.¡± Lucius nodded his approval as the chain tethered to his armor tightened to lift him.


    Alan scoffed and walked over to the shackle of the last dead Merchant ¨C toward the end of the long slack. He wrapped his hands and legs around it as it lifted, doing his best to ignore the dangling body swinging back and forth below him.


    Now that the time crunch was over, he wanted nothing to do with Lucius, so he rode the proverbial crane up in silence. Concentrating hard on serene memories to channel more Green Saro proved to be difficult, because the cranking noise accompanied by magical whispering winds overwhelmed the air. It fascinated Alan that the spell survived the Merchant, but he wasn¡¯t about to ask any questions. He¡¯d save them for Flint.


    They were hoisted high into the grey clouds, where the ruined gothic castle below stretched for miles in every direction. From these heights, the portal at the center of it all appeared as an ever-spinning black eye.


    Lucius was to be banished there forever after drinking the tincture, but he¡¯d been preparing for this moment a long time. He exists in shadows like this one. Of course he¡¯d be able to fight in them.


    ¡°Alan,¡± his deep voice rattled. ¡°I am ashamed.¡±


    There was nothing to say back. Any words now just made him angrier about Durger. The quietness at his hip spoke volumes of pain. It twisted his insides like a wet rag. Of course Alan understood the desperation that forced Lucius¡¯ hand, but it didn¡¯t make it any easier.


    ¡°On your first day in the realms, in my Orange cove, you told me of a life waiting for you. We made a pact to get there, together.¡± Lucius stared far into the clouds. ¡°I have betrayed that pact this day. It¡¯s only now, when I¡¯m hopelessly far from my world once again, that I see the err in my ways.¡±


    Alan sighed, still staring down at the black eye getting smaller and smaller below him.


    ¡°I let the prospect of home get the better of me.¡± Lucius peered down to the black eye too. ¡°If I were to sever the chain now, I would swim in the expanse of nothingness in search of her. But how would I ever know if she were there unless I made it home first?¡±


    Alan peered up, pulling Lucius¡¯ orange eyes toward him. ¡°There are those of your people who perished after you. Neesha is among them. Privy to the military¡¯s secret news ¨C including the fate of Luness Breniere Kiar.¡±


    ¡°And what if it¡¯s a god¡¯s ploy to drag under a prince?¡± Lucius tested. ¡°Cerrain is a world of politics, god scouts, war and beauty wrapped into a sphere. I¡¯ve learned at an early age only to trust what my eyes show me.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, well, my eyes show me a soul torn from its eternal encasement.¡± Alan unsheathed his dagger and stuck it between a link.


    Lucius¡¯ expression softened, then hardened again as he looked away.


    The crack in the sky was approaching, where Alan hoped he¡¯d be drawn back to the center of Osmi¡¯s mountain. Though he didn¡¯t know where to go from here. For the second time since he¡¯d been reborn, he felt¡­ lost.


    Strangey Town, in all its oddities, would never be his home. The further away Mujungo¡¯s pull, the better Alan felt. Following Neesha to the orange fog no longer seemed like the right road either. He¡¯d be third-wheeling it to an awkward Saro bond he wanted nothing to do with.


    Lucius would go on to chase the Pegs, but that wasn¡¯t Alan¡¯s fate anymore. He¡¯d made a conscious decision to stay¡­ to make change where he could here.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Dread washed over him as he peered at his dagger.


    What good have I done? I lost a friend and killed a foe. I¡¯ve done nothing worthy in this life or the last.


    ¡°Hard times plague us all, Alan Right.¡± Lucius read him. ¡°It is how we¡¯re molded from there that defines us.¡±


    The chain finally yanked them both up through the cracked portal ¨C where Alan¡¯s consciousness dispersed and reformed back in the dark alley of the center mountain.


    Shloop!


    The portal shut as soon as the last Merchant corpse sprang through, and with a poof, Five¡¯s airy boundary dispersed along with the groups¡¯ shackles.


    ¡°Alan!¡± Flint¡¯s voice was hoarse from all the screaming. ¡°Lucius!¡± He ran to hug them both. ¡°We feared you¡¯d be dragged under forever.¡±


    Neesha came rushing in next.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°The Merchant of the Five Pearls is said to have been among us since the red fog blanketed the riled plains.¡± Flint glimpsed his corpse. ¡°Now he rests.¡±


    ¡°An evil arm of Jaeger, Flint,¡± Alan assured.


    ¡°From our vantage point, it seems the Stalker took matters into his own hands.¡± Flint folded his arms.


    ¡°I have broken oaths and severed ties in the name of reunion.¡± Lucius drew his dark blade, prompting everyone to take a step back. ¡°Whether or not I¡¯ve been coaxed by Black Saro, I will make no excuse. I have failed.¡± He jammed the blade into the concrete floor ¨C creating cracks all around it like King Arthur¡¯s sword in a stone. ¡°I lay this to you, Alan Right. Be wary of its pull to darkness.¡±


    Alan shook his head. ¡°I want no part of Farante¡¯s blade.¡±


    ¡°Oh, but I think you do.¡± Lucius turned his back to the group. ¡°Wolfgang Durghowler and his pet live within it. I swiped their souls before they could be cast to the deathly winds.¡±


    Alan¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°I do not know their state after being consumed by the Peg, but they are there.¡± Lucius peered over his shoulder. ¡°Accessing him will not be easy. I¡¯ve failed to connect with hundreds of souls claimed by Farante Del Sol. But this weapon has brought forth my army of mounts. So too will it bring you your companion.¡±


    ¡°What about yours?¡± Alan asked, crouching to inspect the blade.


    Lucius tapped his pauldrons. ¡°I¡¯ve taken them with me. A forger can work wonders if she has the right tools. Farewell.¡±


    ¡°Lucius.¡± Flint stamped his staff. ¡°Mujungo needs us.¡±


    ¡°He will make do without,¡± Lucius snarled.


    ¡°Where will you go?¡± Neesha asked.


    ¡°Into exile, on my own quest.¡±


    Hope continued to flood into Alan¡¯s chest. The prospect of finding Durger again erased all of his woes. He could forgive Lucius, especially after such a redeeming act.


    ¡°I can help you find the Pegs,¡± Alan blurted, taking up the blade.


    Lucius stopped in his tracks. ¡°You already have one, Alan. Which means we will meet again.¡± He continued on, into the darkness.


    A prompt encumbered his vision:


    Soul Collector Received


    Saro: Black


    Ability: Store captured souls within the blade and evoke them to do thy bidding. Beware, the tolls of a trapped soul echo to their captor.


    He blinked it away and shoved the sword into a magical sheath on his back alongside his new staff.


    All is not lost, he told himself.


    ¡°You must tell me all about what you witnessed down there.¡± Flint put an arm around him.


    And so Alan did. He explained the portal where souls are to fall forever, Lucius¡¯ insane skill as a warrior, the power of the Five Pearls that he now wielded, and the rollercoaster of emotion he experienced at Durger¡¯s demise. On their way out of the forbidden shops, Flint explained that perhaps Durghowler would reform as the ghostly entity they all witnessed in the clairvoyant frog¡¯s vision.


    That would be a great surprise, if Alan could accomplish it somehow. But ever since he strapped the sword to his back, his thoughts grew a little bit darker ¨C like a personal storm cloud was following closely overhead.


    Eventually, the group reached a pink portal that zoomed them back up to the top of the mountain. Alan was surprised to see a smiling Lord Osmi reduced to a similar height as him, with the Mistborn tame at his side.


    ¡°I trust your visit was eventful? Yes, judging by your new weaponry. Good god, there¡¯s immense power emanating from that bag. A familiar power. Hm.¡± The falcon eye bored into Alan ¨C who was not in the mood to explain again.


    So instead, Alan chose to change the subject by getting to one knee and beckoning the Mistborn. ¡°You¡¯ve tamed him.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. We have come to terms.¡±


    It was weird to not hear Osmi¡¯s voice blaring through the sky. Although, it was a nice change of pace, actually, and in some weird way, reminded Alan of that awful Mortal Kombat movie when Raiden lost his powers. He kept that to himself, though.


    ¡°The foul lord will excavate Grey Wolf¡¯s body and fly him here, to be buried,¡± the Mistborn snarled. ¡°On his first day of non-work. Isn¡¯t that right, lord?¡±


    ¡°Quite so. Remember your place, pet.¡± Osmi bonked the Mistborn on the head, which made a clunk against Greywolf¡¯s mask.


    ¡°So that¡¯s all I had to do to keep you in line?¡± Alan rose to full height, smirking. ¡°Lord Osmi, we are exhausted from dealing with the forbidden shops. May we have a room for the evening?¡±


    ¡°So long as you do not invite another Helldraken to fall from the sky.¡±


    They both laughed.


    ¡°I can only hope not.¡± Alan shrugged.


    ¡°Alan,¡± Flint whispered. ¡°Mujungo beckons us back to aid the town. Reparations are needed in case of impending attack.¡±


    ¡°Follow the road to the first group of signs, then continue left to the inn. Tell the keeper Lord Osmi demands a suite for esteemed guests. After all, I may now audit my shops with mine own eyes thanks to you.¡± He clunked the Mistborn on the head again, then suffered a splash of water in return. ¡°Mm. Still getting out the kinks of our companionship. A falcon and a hound¡ª¡±


    Alan bowed graciously for the lord¡¯s gratitude before turning and leading the way. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Flint, but I cannot go back.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± Flint bowed his head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be upset, friend.¡± Alan rubbed his back. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine in Ojin. I like it here. And after a night¡¯s rest, I think I¡¯ll like it even more.¡±


    Flint shook his head. ¡°An adventurer, through and through.¡±


    ¡°I guess so.¡± Alan walked beside him. ¡°There was a moment one night when we were scaling the red mountain. I saw groups far below fighting all sorts of beasts. This urge to help them washed over me ¨C even though I knew I was in no shape to do anything but watch.¡±


    ¡°Aha, but you sell yourself short, Alan.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t. I might be gaining power. But I¡¯m not there yet. And now I know I have to remain in Ojin if I¡¯m ever to achieve what the frogs think of me.¡±


    They strolled for five minutes until they happened upon a wide, pink-bricked building with starry flags flapping from the pointed rooftop.


    ¡°Are you sure I cannot convince you to come home? You would be infinitely safer under my watch, in Mujungo¡¯s care.¡± Flint dropped a hand on Alan¡¯s shoulder, a rare moment of seriousness settling over the Wizard.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± Alan smiled. ¡°Hopefully Hyndole won¡¯t realize the news of Five until I¡¯m far away from here.¡±


    Flint wagged his staff at Alan. ¡°Hope is what keeps us alive.¡±


    ¡°In that spirit, hopefully the next time I see you, it will be at a Strangey Town festival, if there is such a thing.¡± Alan patted Flint back.


    ¡°Aha! There is! A great day all beings should see at least once. Until we meet again, great Herald. I am truly happy you are still among us. Remember, I¡¯m just a Mujungo call away!¡±


    A momentary portal zipped into existence that yanked Flint back home. And when it poofed away, an enormous presence was missing. There stood only Neesha and Gregorian now. A couple drawn together by oaths and magic¡­ and Alan.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Alan opened the door for them.


    Gregorian grunted past him.


    ¡°Jeez, what¡¯s his problem? Seems extra, even for him,¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Of course the sly Archer is upset. His ego is hurt. Being confined to Black Saro shackles is not something that happens often to warriors of his caliber,¡± Neesha said loud enough to catch Greg¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Pfft. Didn¡¯t you hear Flint? Five was old as time¡­ making him a powerful Merchant. Don¡¯t be an idiot,¡± Alan¡¯s tone was light.


    They walked into a rustic wooden interior warmed by a grand fireplace far to the right and welcomed by a silky-haired woman awaiting them at the front desk. A lantern flame flickered beside her, illuminating moon-white skin.


    ¡°Welcome to the Shara-das Inn. How may I assist you?¡± She tilted her head curiously at Gregorian.


    ¡°Ahem.¡± Neesha pushed past them both. ¡°Lord Osmi told us that the suite will be granted this evening to the three of us. Esteemed guests, were his exact words.¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± Her eyebrows raised. ¡°But of course.¡± The innkeeper delicately removed keys on a translucent ring. Pink dust puffed up into her face ¨C which made Alan a little uneasy, given his prior experiences in the city. But he just went with the flow. ¡°Here you are, three keys for three esteemed guests. You will venture beyond the fireplace, take the lift to the fifth floor, and make an immediate left to your quarters. If you would, keep rumblings to a minimum beyond the midnight hour, for there is a particularly exhausted party directly below you.¡±


    ¡°We will rumble as late as we please.¡± Gregorian swiped his key.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him. He¡¯s just pissy because someone flexed harder than he could.¡± Alan winked. ¡°We¡¯ll try to keep it down.¡±


    The innkeeper refrained from outward fluster, even though her pink cheeks couldn¡¯t hold the lie. ¡°Very good, sir. Enjoy your stay.¡±


    Alan handed over Neesha¡¯s key and put an arm around her. ¡°I¡¯ll miss you more than I¡¯ll miss him.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She furrowed her brow. ¡°You¡¯re not coming to the Orange? You owe me, Alan!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll forgive me. Besides, he can obviously protect you. I¡¯d only get in the way,¡± Alan said somewhat solemnly.


    ¡°Are you two fools coming?¡± Gregorian held open the lift¡¯s accordion door encrusted in diamonds.


    ¡°Go get settled, Greg. We¡¯ll meet you up there shortly.¡± Neesha turned for the fireplace and grabbed Alan by the hands.


    Gregorian grunted his displeasure, but did as he was asked.


    Neesha sat first, dragging Alan down on the couch beside her. As the warmth of the hearth prickled Alan¡¯s skin, he realized this was no ordinary fire. There was a soothing embrace that lifted his tension ¨C like a fresh hit of weed. He knew right then it was imbued with essence ¨C it had to be, because now he could suddenly see an orange casing around Neesha¡¯s heart.


    He blushed immediately and turned away, because Neesha¡¯s cleavage peeked through her robes.


    ¡°What? Oh,¡± she giggled. ¡°There it is. The bond Gregorian and I share. It¡¯s alright. You can look.¡± She opened her robes a bit more, which made Alan blush harder.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ orange.¡±


    ¡°What did you expect, pink?¡±


    Alan wanted to say yes because of her nose, but knew the joke would be lost on her.


    ¡°It¡¯s the dragon¡¯s Saro that connected us when I saved his life,¡± Neesha said. ¡°He has it too.¡±


    ¡°And will it go away once he repays his debt?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°My stones say yes.¡± She held her head like she was staving off a headache.


    ¡°Still bad, huh?¡± Alan frowned. ¡°I¡¯m in your debt for straying you from your goal. I know the Answer Stone will give you that relief you seek, once you get your hands on it.¡±


    ¡°So then come with us.¡± She grabbed Alan¡¯s hands again. ¡°I¡­ trust you.¡±


    The way she coyly shied away made Alan think she meant something else. Truth be told ¨C Alan¡¯s crush on her brimmed even more because of Gregorian¡¯s possessiveness, but he didn¡¯t want to be the guy chasing something that may never happen.


    ¡°I trust you too, Neesha,¡± Alan was careful to say it in the same way. ¡°But I¡¯ll have to pay you back in a different way, when I¡¯m stronger.¡± He scratched at his head. ¡°Boy, for a guy who doesn¡¯t like to be indebted¡­ I¡¯m really racking up a tab.¡±


    Mwa.


    Alan was startled when a perfect set of lips found his cheek.


    ¡°I will miss you, Alan, and hope to crash into you again soon.¡±


    ¡°Likewise.¡± Alan smiled.


    ¡°Come, let¡¯s not keep grumpster waiting.¡± Neesha got to her feet. ¡°I have to ask, though. Where will you go?¡±


    Alan shrugged. ¡°To clear Ojin the old-fashioned way.¡±


    ¡°Swinging sharp weapons? That¡¯s a sure way to get yourself killed.¡±


    ¡°Yeah right. I have Yogi and now Gardstrife. I¡¯ll be plenty protected.¡± Alan stood.


    ¡°Don¡¯t die on me, Merchant.¡± She hugged him one last time before they headed into the lift.


    When they got to the suite, both of them gawked at its beauty. An exposed woodwork ceiling was surrounded by grey stone that led all the way down to a fireplace of their own. The ambience was of the same warming serenity as the main hall, and the great window at the forefront overlooked the valley as far as the eye could see.


    Alan took a load off, claiming his bed in the far corner. Resting his new weapons one-by-one against the dresser made him realize what a lucrative day this¡¯d been. If only Durger were here to share it with him.


    He gripped the Soul Collector.


    One day, friend. I¡¯ll find you in there.


    After Gregorian got done bathing, Neesha went next, and when it was finally Alan¡¯s turn, he soaked in the tub until his fingertips pruned. Replaying the events in his head, thinking of his family back on Earth, thinking of Trish ¨C it all came barreling through while his body rested.


    I could fall asleep here¡­


    And he did. But the nap was shallow even with all the comforting auras around him. He delicately tiptoed back toward his bed, noticing Gregorian and Neesha snoring in their adjacent beds.


    Alan thought he could stay the night, but he realized he couldn¡¯t. His energy was already back to full ¨C he guessed it had something to do with his Saro replenishing ¨C but either way, it was time to depart. He carefully put on a fresh set of medieval style clothes left on a hanger and attached his weapons to his back.


    Clang.


    The rubbing of metal made Gregorian jolt awake.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Alan said lowly.


    ¡°Leaving?¡± Gregorian hopped off his bed, rubbing his eyes.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s my time.¡± Alan nodded.


    ¡°Well then.¡± Gregorian extended his hand.


    ¡°The Archer.¡± Alan grabbed it. ¡°You¡¯re a great fighter and an awful friend.¡±


    They smirked at one another.


    ¡°And you, the opposite.¡±


    ¡°Hopefully that will change the next time we meet.¡± Alan suffered Greg¡¯s harsh grip. ¡°Take care of her for me.¡±


    ¡°I will take care of her for me,¡± he assured, breaking the farewell and turning to fall back into his bed.


    Alan took one last look at Neesha curled up in her bedsheets. ¡°Until we meet again.¡±

 Chapter 27 - Gardstrife

    The Ojin night sky streaked with ominous electric-blue lightning on the horizon. Shades of various fog shrouded all paths in the distance, telling Alan of a world untraveled. When he first arrived here it might¡¯ve discouraged him. But now? It was inviting.


    Alan was alone walking the cobblestone streets of Sharas-da, admiring the Merchant huts he one day hoped to share. Perhaps that was a pipe dream from his old life at the pawn shop. Why? Because here, for some reason, every cell in his body told him to keep moving.


    On his way down the mountain, he drew his Blood-Vision Edge weapon and balanced on the enormous crystal chain links like he remembered seeing some Stalkers do. Activating Red Saro trained him in practicing some powerful strikes on the way down.


    He recalled Lucius¡¯ teachings ¨C how and when to shift weight for maximum impact. Properly feigning an attack had to start with strong intent, then diverge at the last second. He swung, and dodged, and dealt killing blows to the air, all while keeping perfect balance on awkward oversized links.


    After some time swinging the blade, an ability list became visible:


    Blood-Vision Edge


    Ability: Counter-dash ¨C evade an attack to activate a burst of clairvoyant Blue Saro and dynamic Red Saro that propels the wielder behind their foe. Beware, the increase in speed can be jarring.


    Passive Ability: Hyper-instinct ¨C double the potency of Red Saro when Blood-Vision Edge is equipped, allowing for quicker reflexes and evasion tactics. Note, Title enhancements compound with this ability.


    The dragon eyes on each blade tip lit as he swung and flipped the staff around. He felt like Darth Maul, kind of. But as a good guy.


    After another hour, he reached the threshold of sharp-winged birds with hardened feathers soaring down to cleave him. He remembered being afraid of them on his way up with Neesha a while back. Not anymore.


    He tested his new ability by side-stepping one of the spinning minions and allowing his weapon to carry him.


    Woosh!


    His eyes instantly became dry as his vision blurred. When he slowed down, he was mid-jump behind the minion.


    Shnk!


    He slashed, reducing the minion to a puff of feathers and glowing essence.


    Damn. He coughed to get the dryness out of his throat. The prompt wasn¡¯t kidding about the speed. It¡¯s like the blade carried me there.


    This new power felt good. Dangerously good.


    As a flock of minions attacked him, he realized his instinctual prowess was becoming more powerful even without the blade ¨C or at least these minions were becoming less so. When he redrew Blood-Vision Edge, however, it was a different game entirely. One-by-one, as the attackers came, he was able to visualize each dive in slow motion, turning Alan¡¯s attacks into a poetic dance of blade.


    When he emerged to an abundance of glowing essence on the ground, he smirked at his newfound power. Lucius was right¡­ there was no weapon he¡¯d ever wielded like this one. It was powerful. Darkly so. And he had no Durger to coach him through it.


    After another hour balancing down the mountain¡¯s chain, he decided to draw Lucius¡¯ blade. He didn¡¯t like the way it felt in his grip ¨C too heavy for its size, darkening his vision ever so slightly. And the whispers. So many undiscernible whispers flew in and out of his ears.


    ¡°Are you in there, friend?¡± he asked, holding the blade in front of him. ¡°If you are, come out.¡±


    Nothing.


    Just a gust of wind.


    Even so, he swung the awkward weight around, remembering Farante Del Sol ¨C the sick deceiver who tried to get him to jump headfirst into a swamp. If not for him, he would¡¯ve never found Yogi. So there¡¯s that.


    This blade was ripped out of the ocean¡¯s bottom, guarded by a skeleton dragon. Alan had no business wielding it.


    ¡°I gift you this weapon because it will not corrupt you,¡± Lucius¡¯ voice whispered through Alan¡¯s mind, making him stiffen with goosebumps.


    ¡°Lucius?¡± Alan turned all the way around, knowing the Stalker could be anywhere.


    ¡°I¡¯ve imprinted this message to let you know you will not get lost in the darkness and left you this steed to ensure it.¡±


    ¡°Steed?¡±


    The Soul Collector exhaled shadowy wisps that spiraled around Alan¡¯s legs, forming a neighing Orange Saro horse from the ground up that lifted Alan off his feet. A flare of molten flame shot in all directions as the horse whinnied on its hind legs ¨C causing Alan to scramble for the reins.


    ¡°Whoa!¡± He frantically shoved the sword into the sheath and wrapped his other hand tightly around the fiery rope, and only relaxed when the horse leveled on the chain. ¡°Hell yeah.¡± He patted the horse, noticing his handprint sizzling on its fur.


    ¡°Ride Voltair with grace,¡± Lucius¡¯ voice faded with the wind.


    ¡°Giddy up!¡± Alan whipped the reins, and gasped when Voltair leapt forward.


    The rest of the ride down the mountain was frightening at first, but after the first few diagonal hops, it became exhilarating.


    He waved and cheered at an unsuspecting group climbing the mountain and cackled when they awkwardly held up hands back.


    Aha!


    Oh shit!


    A haze of green fog awaited him at the foot of the mountain, so he tugged the reins back to stop Voltair in his tracks, reducing his gallop to a walk.


    That doesn¡¯t look friendly.


    Floods of unease made his belly turn. He no longer had Durger measuring his Saro output, leaving him with no idea whether he¡¯d be depleted just by riding the horse. What¡¯s worse, there was no saying whether Ojin would continue to throw incomprehensible minions at him even without his party¡­ or whether Hyndole was breathing down his neck.


    Odds were against him on every turn. But he was wiser now, stronger, and undoubtedly more experienced. It¡¯d have to do.


    As he carefully analyzed the rolling bubble of clear air, he noticed paw-prints large enough for Voltair to cozy up into, so he dug into his bag as a precaution. It was obvious flipping out a minion of his own would give away his position, but better that than be caught off guard if there were gigantic beasts in the area.


    Let¡¯s see what you got, Gardstrife. He flipped the coin high at his back, feeling infinitely safer with the giant blade-armed suit of armor materializing into existence. His eyes shined through his mask, and he posed like he was about to beat the crap out of something.


    ¡°Roused from a void-filled slumber. Who is my foe, keeper?¡± Strife¡¯s celestial voice made birds flee from their nests.


    ¡°Shh!¡± Alan said. ¡°Dead air is your foe, apparently.¡±


    ¡°I do not understand.¡± Strife relaxed and stood upright, armor clinking.


    Oof. Alan scratched his head. Then again, he knew Yogi would make just as much noise if he summoned him.


    ¡°You¡¯re on patrol, Gardstrife. Like in the old days. If we see a minion we can defeat, let¡¯s defeat it, so we can clear this horrible fog.¡±


    ¡°Ah. This is a command I can adhere to.¡± He sharpened his blade-arms and began marching behind Alan, swiveling his head every which way.


    They explored carefully for some time, Alan taking in the vibrant trees reminding him of a forest at home, except for the cones of water syphoning into the ground like confined tornadoes, but of course aspects of Ojin would continue to be weird. So long as it wasn¡¯t Strangey Town weird, it was fine.


    ¡°Permission to speak,¡± Strife asked softly.


    ¡°Of course, as long as you can protect against whatever your voice invites,¡± Alan enjoyed joking with the hunk of shiny metal.


    ¡°With all of my essence, I will defend,¡± Strife said.


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. So what¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    ¡°It appears your burdens have tripled since I last laid eyes on you.¡±


    Alan considered that. The Soul Collector sword, of course. Less friends, sure. No Durger¡­ ¡°I suppose you could say it¡¯s been a rather rough ride since Lord Osmi let us into the forbidden shops.¡±


    ¡°It is always difficult to watch descent into darkness. If it is any consolation, your power has also tripled.¡±


    That did help to hear, actually.


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°A common trade-off, it seems.¡±


    ¡°Osmi said that you came from Hozzod. So, did you defend for Jaeger?¡±


    ¡°All of Hozzod defends Jaeger.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fair. How about Hyndole?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I was privileged with accompanying the lord hand, prior to him claiming such a Title.¡±


    Alan¡¯s curiosity piqued. ¡°Oh? What was he like?¡±


    ¡°A zealous warrior and fierce defender of the realm. Indeed, he was also a talented politician, but I do not value such deceptiveness.¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re a soldier,¡± Alan surmised.


    ¡°Precisely.¡±


    ¡°Scared to know what you think of Merchants then.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not say.¡±


    Alan laughed. ¡°¡¯Course not. Well, here¡¯s to hoping I can break that mold.¡±


    ¡°My confines are rather rigid, as is my essence, Sir Keeper. It will be a hard task to overcome.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see. So, let¡¯s say Hyndole was to attack your current keeper, me. What would happen then?¡±


    ¡°It would destroy my soul to mortally combat my old shielded. However, I would do it.¡±


    Alan felt a pang of remorse for asking. Though Gardstrife¡¯s mask was always frozen in one expression, Alan sensed pain.


    ¡°Is Hyndole your enemy?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s pretty wicked, yeah.¡±


    ¡°Hm. Well, if it comes to a duel, I must take comfort that he has become something far different from when I shielded him. Some liken him to a minion itself.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d say that¡¯s a fair assessment in terms of looks. But I haven¡¯t come across minions who can scheme like that,¡± Alan scoffed.


    ¡°One does not ascend far in Hozzod without exceptional skill in the arena as well as the courtroom. Deception, key factors among them.¡±


    ¡°Hm. A soldier knows his superiors are inherently bad, yet soldiers on.¡±


    ¡°I am judged not on those merits, but on how well I carry my orders¡ª¡± Strife¡¯s head jerked abruptly to the right, scaring Voltair on his hind legs.


    Alan commanded the horse back into his sword and drew his double-bladed staff as he touched ground.


    Fshew!


    Gardstrife disappeared into a blur, and as soon as Alan laid eyes on the ten-foot alligator-head humanoid holding a stone claymore, it was cut into three bloody pieces before fading into essence. Red slice marks lingered in the air ¨C fissures in space. They vibrated violently before dispersing outward like aggressive fireworks, revealing Gardstrife standing tall behind them.


    ¡°Holy shit.¡± Alan¡¯s arms went slack from a mix of depleted energy and awe.


    A cloud of green fog cleared in a quarter-mile circumference, revealing trees intertwined together, shaped as holsters to giant white essence globes. Apparently, the stationary tornadoes spawned from them, as evidenced by one whipping into existence like a strung top before Alan¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Hm. The area is clear, but Rockers tend to communicate through quakes. I am not sure I defeated her before the bang.¡±


    ¡°Her? That looked like a buff dude to me.¡±


    ¡°That one was female. The bottom tooth grows high over the snout.¡±


    ¡°Okay, well, more importantly, how the hell did you move that fast? That was amazing.¡±


    ¡°I am but an extension of your Saro. Red is a great mixture with my rigid essence. It helps me prepare which straight line to travel.¡±


    ¡°Straight line?¡±


    ¡°Yes. My strikes, although fast, are rigid.¡±


    Huh. He¡¯s like a rook in chess. Maybe the very idea came from patrolgods like him. Fascinating.


    Alan gazed around the forest, understanding that Gardstrife just defeated a sectional minion of the green fog, which likely meant there were many more around. He whipped out his living map to try and make sense of it.


    Miss you already, Flint.


    He did his best to ignore the blinking Pegs of Fate on the map ¨C especially the group of them flying in a formation at the other end ¨C but was happy to see that his location now blinked among them thanks to Yineera¡¯s Peg in his bag. It was helpful to analyze the area. An impasse east would¡¯ve been half of a wasted day, easy.


    ¡°Stay alert, keeper. There are rumblings along the way.¡±


    ¡°Rockers communicating?¡±


    ¡°Most like.¡±


    Alan concentrated on channeling restorative Saro to keep himself at full energy. He had no idea when he¡¯d be depleted to naught now, so better safe than sorry. Switching to his God Merchant Title seemed to be the way to go too, since he was walking around with such immense power guarding him. Better to keep Strife¡¯s skills maxed rather than his own right now.


    ¡°Permission to speak.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to ask, Strife.¡±


    ¡°Very well. What is your goal, Sir Keeper?¡±


    Alan looked away from his map. That was a loaded question. At first, for the longest time, it was to get home. Now he didn¡¯t know what home was. Also, he made a firm promise to himself that he¡¯d encourage change in this world where he could and help people. First and foremost though, he had promises to keep¡­ for Yogi.


    ¡°I suppose after I finish my quest of returning a friend to his home, I¡¯d like to journey to a place I could call home, and aid groups against Ojin minions along the way¡­ in the short-term, at least.¡±


    ¡°Hm. Noble.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯ve been told.¡± Alan shrugged.


    Gardstrife¡¯s head jerked to the left, prompting Alan to hold up his blade.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Alan whispered.


    ¡°Statoo! Ruh!¡± A Rocker hidden behind a tree started slamming the floor with a stone club, just before it was sliced in two by Strife.


    I really need to learn how to strike like that. It¡¯s like the Blood Edge, but unprompted by an evade.


    Another wave of momentary fatigue made Alan¡¯s limbs tingle with atrophy. Strife¡¯s attacks seemed to stun Alan in place for a few seconds afterward.


    Uh oh.


    The ground trembled at Alan¡¯s feet from somewhere far away. It started low at first, then soon became more violent. Tree branches snapped, and those calm tornadoes began to teeter in place.


    ¡°Hm. The Mother Rocker has been alerted. That is her warcry.¡± Gardstrife dashed back into Alan¡¯s vicinity, standing protectively over him.


    ¡°Great. Hey, Strife, are you stuck in place after an attack like that?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Striking at instinct speeds freezes my essence momentarily.¡±


    ¡°Rrrrru! Stoboo too!¡± a wildly loud female voice blared through the forest, scaring birds out of trees.


    ¡°Should I call for backup? I have an awesome Borai in my arsenal.¡±


    ¡°If you are not keen to your level of Saro endurance, you would risk fatigue, Sir Keeper.¡±


    Alan had no more time to think. A silhouette hopped from one healthy treetop to another, hiding amongst its leaves. He lifted his blade, shifting to Blue Saro in hopes to understand what was coming. All his mind¡¯s eye showed was a nimble alligator humanoid silhouette with long bottom teeth and a stone circle orbiting around her like Saturn¡¯s ring.


    ¡°Ruu. Rah!¡± It leapt from the tree and slammed down ten feet in front of them, confirming Alan¡¯s foresight as true.


    Gardstrife rushed without fail, dashing into a blur to reduce the Rocker to pieces. This time, it didn¡¯t work. The Rocker flipped and stomped down unharmed and shouting its dismay.


    Alan and Strife were locked in place.


    Shit. This must be the mother.


    He hoped the red-slash fissures vibrating in the air was some source of delayed damage, but before he could find out, the Mother Rocker stomped her foot, sending an explosion of her rock ring flying in all directions.


    Clank! Clank! It knocked Gardstrife off his armored feet.


    Woosh! One flew by Alan as his limbs regained feeling.


    Boof!


    He threw his arms up just in time to suffer a rock that would¡¯ve killed him. He flew back, knocking the ground shoulder-first and rolling six times after. His arm felt like it¡¯d been hit with a hammer ¨C completely dead and throbbing. His face covered in dirt and grass, and he lost his Edge.


    Holding his head in hopes his vision would stop spinning, Alan dared to sit upright, then ducked again when the Mother Rocker lifted its clawed hands and called back the orbit of rocks.


    Jesus! He pressed healing Green Saro into his arm.


    His first instinct was to try and communicate with it while Gardstrife readied his second charge, so he pressed his hand to the floor and sent a stream of Blue Saro in its direction.


    ¡°Fire starters!¡± the mother screamed. ¡°Leave the forest or I will reduce you to fertilizer! The green is no place for the likes of you!¡±


    Fshew!


    Gardstrife charged again, only to hit nothing but three trees in his long path. They teetered before falling to crush one of the large white orbs ¨C knocking a tornado into dissipating dust.


    The Mother Rocker was horrified, readying to hurl her magical rocks at Strife.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Alan shouted, making the Rocker falter. ¡°We aren¡¯t here to burn anything down!¡±


    She huffed. ¡°I saw your steed. I know your kind. Now die!¡±


    Strife¡¯s lingering fissures burst on cue, whacking the Mother Rocker in the face, and sending her airborne.


    Alan snapped his fingers to trigger a fresh blanket of Red Saro, and Title-swapped for Forbidden Merchant to give him an edge since Strife was too rigid for the mother¡¯s nimbleness. He somersaulted and reclaimed his staff, flipping it into ready position.


    ¡°Perhaps we can come to an agreement!¡± Alan yelled over the rotating rocks crunching against the dirt as the Rocker got back to her feet.


    ¡°I don¡¯t negotiate with firestarters!¡±


    The ground quaked at Alan¡¯s feet again. He turned to see two Rockers atop trees working the white essence globes as if they were some kind of steering wheels. Two water tornadoes dislodged from their peaceful syphoning and violently crisscrossed in Alan¡¯s direction.


    Bwoof!


    He flipped out Vosh and stood amidst the forcefield that dissolved the tornadoes to harmless misty wisps.


    ¡°I¡¯ll say it again.¡± Alan flipped the bubble back into a coin. ¡°We can work something out.¡± His blade shined vibrant red after his quick thinking. He guessed the move counted as a dodge, activating the Blood Edge if he so chose.


    Choose your next words carefully. Alan bent into ready position.


    ¡°Die!¡± Mother shouted.


    So be it.


    Alan disappeared into the staff¡¯s speedy embrace, gaining air, and slowing right behind one of the Rocker¡¯s that shot the tornado at him.


    Shnnk!


    He sliced through the Rocker¡¯s scales, sending it flailing off the treetop, leaving the orb for Alan to play with. He touched it, thinking cold thoughts since he assumed it was White Saro, but a barrage of rocks from the mother sent him flipping onto a branch to avoid being cleaved.


    His dual-blade lit red again, and he used the momentum to leap to the next orb-wielder.


    Shnnk!


    A strong slice down the Rocker¡¯s spine sent her crunching against the tree trunk and down to the forest floor.


    Alan straightened, locking eyes with Gardstrife across the way ¨C who strategically waited for Alan to be still before attacking again.


    Woosh!


    Strife¡¯s third try was another miss, leaving Alan momentarily paralyzed. Thankfully the fissures kept Mother busy taking cover, enough for both Alan and Strife to recuperate.


    This isn¡¯t working, Alan thought. We need a different strategy before we¡¯re both stoned to death. He flipped down from the treetop, yanked the green essence left by the fallen Rockers, and dashed over to Strife.


    He ducked the rocks flying back to Mother and rushed to his protector.


    ¡°I have an idea.¡±


    ¡°Yes, keeper. The mother is gifted with quick reflexes and malleable essence.¡±


    ¡°Which is why I¡¯m going to use clairvoyance to anticipate where she¡¯ll land after I strike. I¡¯ll point you there by throwing my dagger to the location. That¡¯s where you aim. Alright?¡±


    ¡°I am not accustomed to such tactics, but I will try.¡±


    ¡°Good enough for me.¡± Alan knocked on Strife¡¯s armored leg and sprinted away. He exchanged Blood Edge for Soul Collector and summoned his steed to rile the Mother Rocker. It worked flawlessly ¨C the minion was so blind with rage she cut her own tree down with her violently rotating rocks and sent them all hurling at Alan.


    He doused himself in instinctive Red Saro, seeing the projectiles charging him in slow motion. Jumping on Voltair¡¯s saddle with two feet, he sprung himself airborne, flipping over the first barrage, and gingerly touching his foot on the next rock in his path to continue his flip in the air.


    This was the most daring stunt he¡¯d ever tried.


    Another exchange back to Blood Edge dissolved Voltair instantly and sent Alan soaring behind Mother Rocker. On the way, he activated Blue Saro and tossed his dagger where clairvoyance told him to.


    As he slowed midair behind Mother, he swung his dual-blade as hard as he could, knowing he would miss.


    ¡°Now, Strife!¡±


    Fsssht!


    As soon as the Mother Rocker landed, two angry red fissures cleaved an X in her belly.


    ¡°So it is,¡± is all her snarly voice said before the fissure exploded her into a puff of green essence.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Alan cheered, then immediately collapsed, paralyzed.


    The cloud of green fog in the distance rolled away like a clearing dust storm. All directions, as far as Alan could see, was of glittery green forest and slow-revolving tornadoes.


    They did it.


    They cleared a whole section of Ojin that now appeared on his map as Brushfalls.


    ¡°An epic strategy, keeper. Deceptive even, if I might say.¡±


    ¡°You sure have a broad definition of that word, Strife.¡± Alan dusted himself off, staring hard at his map. ¡°I like the teamwork. That was good stuff.¡±


    ¡°I am enthralled that my keeper approves of my guardianship.¡±


    Alan arced an eyebrow, wondering for a second if that was sarcasm, then looked again at his map. ¡°Huh.¡± He turned it every which to make sure he wasn¡¯t seeing things. Nope. It was true. That flying formation of Peg holders was now almost directly over him.


    When he looked to the sky, he gulped. ¡°Uh oh.¡±

 Chapter 28 - Legion of Fate

    With all of the beautiful forest cleared of green fog, Alan was forced to look to the sky. His map told of an incoming threat ¨C a formation of warriors seeking Yineera¡¯s Peg, no doubt.


    He turned to the giant suit of armor at his side. ¡°I think it¡¯s time you meet my Borai.¡± He took out his coin.


    ¡°What is your strategy here, Sir Keeper?¡± Gardstrife asked.


    ¡°To puff my chest as best I can and hope they go away. They¡¯re coming in too fast to run from, unless you tell me I can hop on your back as you strike trees at lightning speed until you¡¯re blue in the face.¡±


    ¡°I do not recommend mortals travel at my striking speed.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought.¡±


    Alan flipped the coin far away from him, covering his face when a flash of lightning turned into Yogi-Shontier.


    The Borai spread both of his hind legs and flexed his arms. ¡°Noble Alan. What must I pummel? Him?¡± He pointed to Gardstrife. ¡°A possessed suit of armor. How evil. I will make quick work like I did the Yero¡ª¡±


    As much as Alan wanted to let Yogi keep talking, he waved his arms before things got out of hand. ¡°Yogi, meet Gardstrife. Gardstrife, Yogi. You¡¯re both on the same side ¨C mine.¡±


    ¡°Greetings. I am not evil. I am a dutiful former Patrolgod of Hozzod.¡±


    ¡°Hozzod! You are misinformed. They are evil folk indeed. I have dealt with one ¨C Farante Del Sol. Alan is infinitely more noble.¡±


    ¡°I agree. Our keeper is noble.¡± Gardstrife nodded.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yogi nodded back.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Gardstrife nodded again.


    ¡°Okay! Now that we¡¯ve found common ground, look intimidating,¡± Alan said as the formation became visible overhead. He considered unleashing the Five Pearls to orbit him but thought again. Such a move might be received in bad taste. Whoever was coming might seek revenge for him for all Alan knew.


    ¡°Here they come.¡± Alan gritted his teeth.


    Gryphon-type creatures with long banners draped over each side soared down to their location. Each was mounted by a warrior, the head of which pointed a flagged spear toward Alan.


    ¡°Shall I strike, keeper?¡± Strife sharpened his blade-arms.


    ¡°Hold.¡± Alan drew Blood Edge.


    Woosh!


    The gryphons flapped their wings in unison ¨C creating one momentous gust that stopped them all mere feet from crashing to the ground. Wind and dust washed over Alan, and when it cleared, a majestic bunch awaited him. Each warrior¡¯s stature was military-straight, and their armor spoke of great accomplishment.


    ¡°I told you the long banners were a bad idea!¡± one of the warriors called from the back. ¡°Now my squire will have to train in laundry rather than duels.¡±


    ¡°Quiet!¡± the head warrior called, then cleared his throat. ¡°Greetings.¡±


    ¡°Uh, hi.¡± Alan relaxed his stance.


    ¡°I am Elkire Stelmont, principle spearman of this lot.¡± He hopped off the gryphon and extended a hand to create a staircase of air to step down on. The wind he conjured was visible and grey. Alan wondered what type of Saro commanded that. ¡°See my Title as proof.¡±


    Alan looked over Elkire¡¯s head, where Spear Captain of the Sky was displayed.


    ¡°Very good,¡± Alan played along. ¡°I am Alan Right, and these are my two friends-slash-bodyguards ¨C Yogi and Gardstrife. How can we help you?¡± He eyed a rolled up map in Elkire¡¯s belt that looked identical to Alan¡¯s. ¡°Ah, I think I have an idea.¡±


    Elkire put his hands on his hips, then snapped his fingers for the other eight warriors to dismount. ¡°We worried the Forbidden Merchant had gone mad, you see. His path is always through the thickest shrouds to go from one forbidden shop to the next. My brethren and I thought it quite odd to see the Peg traveling leisurely through the Green.¡±


    ¡°Oh, there was nothing leisure about it,¡± Alan assured, pointing to all the cut down trees on his account.


    Elkire hooted. ¡°I see. Well, allow me to introduce my brethren.¡±


    ¡°I hate that term!¡± a female warrior with two swords crossed at her back yelled. ¡°I¡¯m full of curves not seen on a thousand brothers!¡±


    ¡°Quiet, Irana. It is simply for convenience.¡± Elkire scoffed. ¡°As you can see, we are a group ripe with personality. Anyhow. We are the Legion of Fate.¡±


    ¡°Jerk wanted to name us Legion of Peggers,¡± another warrior with a whip wrapped around his armor shouted.


    Alan nearly spat. ¡°I think the settled name is more appropriate.¡±


    ¡°Mm. The majority is with you.¡± Elkire sized up Alan¡¯s minions.


    ¡°So, uh, what does the Legion of Fate do, exactly?¡± Alan stuck Blood Edge in the ground to get Elkire¡¯s attention.


    ¡°We seek alliance with other Peg holders, in hopes to one day unite them in a fair and just way. In addition, we employ Stone Chasers to coach us on the understandings of our treasures.¡±


    ¡°Those blokes and lassies are bloody mad!¡± Whip-man leaned on his gryphon¡¯s head, rubbing its fur and clearly annoying it.


    ¡°Yeah, they suffer a lot of questions without answers,¡± Alan called back, then turned to Elkire. ¡°Your group sounds friendly enough to me. Yogi, Strife, do you sense anything out of the norm?¡±


    Yogi bent forward and sniffed Elkire, causing him to lean back uncomfortably. ¡°He is clean of darkness.¡±


    ¡°I concur.¡± Strife crossed his blade-arms behind his back.


    ¡°Excellent.¡± Elkire got to his tiptoes as he said it. ¡°Gather round, gang. Let us put together our minds and come to a hopeful understanding.¡±


    The guy with the whip used his gryphon¡¯s head to flip off and saunter over. ¡°Tenger Tanks. Nice to meet you, Alan.¡±


    ¡°Irana.¡± She was more standoffish.


    The others all greeted in their own way from the back.


    ¡°So, before we get into it. I must ask the question racking all of our brains.¡± Elkire paced. ¡°What happened to the Merchant of the Five Pearls?¡±


    ¡°Slain,¡± Alan said matter-of-factly to a row of gasps. ¡°He tried to deceive my group and drag us under, so to speak. And¡­ we prevailed.¡±


    Elkire eyed Alan curiously. ¡°That Merchant¡­ was not someone who would¡¯ve went down easy. His arsenal alone¡­ good graces.¡±


    Alan didn¡¯t know what to say. He¡¯s been touted as a future Herald of Ojin, and Lucius is a damn prince. Elkire was waiting for something, so Alan decided to reveal a bit more.


    ¡°Are you allies of Hozzod?¡± Alan asked, and as soon as he did, hands went to hilts. ¡°Whoa. Whoa.¡±


    ¡°We are not, and never will be, allied with Hozzod,¡± Elkire¡¯s tone changed completely.


    ¡°Alright, well that¡¯s good, because Hyndole is the one who forced us down this path. Said he¡¯d start a war with the realms if I didn¡¯t either join his side or find my way out of them.¡±


    The entire group exhaled with relief.


    ¡°Why you?¡± Elkire narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°Because Alan is noble.¡± Yogi pointed at him threateningly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure that alone warrants the end of the universe.¡± Elkire arced an eyebrow.


    ¡°He believes I may one day be a force to contend with,¡± Alan said vaguely.


    ¡°In what way, lad?¡±


    ¡°A Herald of Ojin.¡±


    The others whispered to one another, except for Tenger, who took a step forward, head tilted.


    ¡°If you ask me, Elky, this guy right here is a much better keeper of Yineera¡¯s Peg then that creepy bastard.¡±


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Thanks, I think.¡± Alan smirked.


    ¡°Not if his story doesn¡¯t check out.¡± Irana narrowed her eyes. ¡°Was Five Pearls an oddity? Yes. Does that make him evil? It certainly does not.¡±


    ¡°I have a question for you, then, Irana. What does the name Yineera mean to you?¡± Alan asked.


    She scoffed. ¡°The one who made it home. Everyone knows the tale.¡±


    ¡°What if I told you it was all a lie?¡± Alan challenged.


    ¡°Then we¡¯d be cutting off coin to some of our Stone Chasers.¡± Tenger bark-laughed. ¡°And Gryger would¡¯ve been exiled for nothing.¡±


    ¡°Gryger?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°A man who attacked Five in hopes for the shortcut home.¡± Elkire bowed in shame. ¡°Not my proudest captain¡¯s moment.¡±


    ¡°I see. It isn¡¯t easy managing those with a strong pull to their Origins,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Quite right,¡± Elkire agreed.


    ¡°Listen, guys, gals. I heard it with my own ears. In a shady realm near the dark portal, Five told it like it is ¨C he was an ally to Jaeger and the other darker gods, hoping to instill his continued existence through whichever of them ruled the universe in the end. And Yineera? She was another one of Jaeger¡¯s enemies dragged under, never to be seen again. I would assume Five¡¯s Merchants spread the word over time, and that¡¯s how the legend held.¡±


    ¡°Madness.¡± Irana turned abruptly.


    ¡°Suit yourself.¡± Alan shrugged.


    ¡°I¡ª believe him.¡± Elkire straightened. ¡°Or at least I may come to. Five has been an unreliable storyteller since we¡¯ve known him. Tales of weaponry that we failed to find, armor claimed on a cloud city that mysteriously disappeared as soon as we reached it. He mocked us so. It would make sense that he¡¯d divest an ounce of truth ¨C even his grandest secrets ¨C only to deaf ears. Or at least, ears that would soon be deaf.¡±


    Now that Alan knew there was no stark ties to the Merchant, he flipped out his coin of the Five Pearls and let them slowly orbit around him.


    ¡°Proof, at least, of his fate,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Proof that you¡¯re a murderer, is all.¡± Irana folded her arms.


    ¡°Goll-y. If I didn¡¯t know you so well, sis, I would think you might¡¯ve slept with the guy.¡± Tenger laughed at his own joke.


    ¡°You are a disgusting creature in need to reunite with your people¡­ in the sewers of Brack!¡±


    ¡°Brack?¡± Alan perked up. ¡°Like, Hightower Brack?¡±


    ¡°Why yes. Half of us were reborn there, and still have allegiance.¡± Elkire stood even more proud, as if such a thing was possible. ¡°Are you a part of us?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m from Strangey Town¡­ unfortunately.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± The Legion collectively groaned, as did Gardstrife.


    ¡°But I do have a friend from there. He¡¯s in this sword.¡± Alan drew it. ¡°Trapped in it, actually. Maybe if I could visit his origins, I could get him back.¡±


    Elkire shifted his eyebrows back and forth in thought. ¡°We are due for a rest stop home. Legion, what say you? Wrangle a couple of guests as we discuss business?¡±


    ¡°Aye. This guy¡¯s alright in my book.¡± Tenger slapped Alan¡¯s arm.


    ¡°He wreaks of blood and stolen weapons,¡± Irana snarled, coaxing another guy to decline him as well.


    But the rest were yeses.


    ¡°Remember, brethren, this is an opportunity to adjoin another Peg to our cause, and to one day return to our Origins in our accomplished new vessels. Hah.¡± He gazed at Alan. ¡°That is our shared dream.¡±


    It was mine, too.


    Alan looked back at his Borai. ¡°Hey, Yogi.¡±


    ¡°Yes, noble Alan.¡± Yogi bent to his level.


    ¡°Would you mind a detour? My plan was to head straight to the ice pond of Fistel¡¯s Valley, to bury you with your people as I promised, but¡­¡±


    ¡°I am honored to be among you and have no doubt that our destination will be reached. Carry on as you must.¡±


    Alan smiled. ¡°Thanks, buddy.¡±


    ¡°It is settled then?¡± Elkire asked.


    ¡°It is. Beam me up, Scottie.¡±


    ¡°Ah! An Earth-man! I take back my nay!¡± The angry chubbier warrior with resplendent pauldrons pushed past Irana to personally shake Alan¡¯s hand.


    Alan chuckled. ¡°Only one left to win over, it seems.¡±


    ¡°The hardest of us.¡± Elkire hooted. ¡°C¡¯mon now, recall your minions and let us travel to Hightower, where hopefully Junos will welcome your presence.¡±


    Alan grew uneasy at the idea of recalling his protection. He¡¯d been duped before. But that would mean two godlike creatures set to serve him had no sense about them. And that just couldn¡¯t be.


    ¡°I will be a short coin-flip away, Sir Keeper.¡± Gardstrife bowed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take great comfort in that.¡± Alan dispelled both of them back to golden coins in a flash, which he caught.


    Elkire did the honors of calling his god, Junos, which caused an almost calming portal to whisk into existence. Soft blue waves pulsed outward from the center, and the sound of a deep foghorn, like a cruise ship was somewhere far away, rolled through.


    The lot of them took their gryphons by the reins and guided them inside.


    Alan took a deep breath and did the same. His consciousness expanded and contracted more delicately than other trips, especially the one he most recently suffered at the hands of Five. But that was no longer here nor there.


    He awakened in a realm of high balcony bridges decorated with creative banners, castles in the distance, and grey-brick streets full of whimsical Merchants. Adventurer groups traveled from castle to cloister, estate to essence shop. All the chatter was of armor enhancement and attempted beast-slayings.


    I can dig this. Alan nodded to himself, taking in the scene.


    As the group escorted their mounts toward a stable, Alan heard tavern music and rowdy patrons clinking beer mugs not far away. It invited a sense of joy that he¡¯d been suppressing ever since he found Neesha with Gregorian. And Durger¡­ that was a big reason he was here.


    ¡°A great realm, isn¡¯t it?¡± Elkire¡¯s posture was almost nauseating at this point. His chin couldn¡¯t possibly get any higher. Alan didn¡¯t really mind. It was actually kind of funny now.


    ¡°It is.¡±


    ¡°Good day, Elkire!¡± A man with a wide-brimmed hat bowed.


    ¡°Tenger, when are you going to whip me again? Teehee.¡± A barmaid giggled as she passed by.


    ¡°Hold your tongue, Hanny! It¡¯s hardly past noon!¡± Tenger laughed and cracked his whip in the air for her.


    They seem popular around here, and innocent enough.


    As they approached the stable, Alan fought to hold his nose so not to be rude. It smelled like hay mixed with vomit, or maybe that was just gryphon food, but either way, not good.


    He winced.


    ¡°Hah, you get used to it, lad.¡± Elkire hit Alan lightly on the back before guiding his cream-colored gryphon to a vat of water. ¡°This is Myra¡¯s stable, and our own personal safe. Feel free to dump your gear and take a load off. Feels good to roam the town a little lighter.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, Elkire, thanks. Still getting used to the weight of all these weapons.¡± He meant it mentally more than anything.


    ¡°Right.¡± Elkire eyed the Soul Collector and Blood Edge. ¡°Some dark forgings on your back.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Wish I¡¯d known the burden before I grabbed them.¡±


    ¡°Well, we are a people of smiths and tinkerers. Enchanters and forgers. It¡¯d be a waste not to have your gear inspected at the very least.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like that, actually.¡±


    Alan glanced passed the archways designated for each stable, into a grassy enclosure where the gryphons spread their wings and butted heads in a playful sort of way.


    ¡°Majestic creatures.¡± Alan folded his arms.


    ¡°Truly.¡± Elkire leaned over the wooden ledge to admire his. ¡°I tamed Myra years ago, in the amber fog of Kreel. My most accomplished feat to this day, if I¡¯m being honest.¡± His pride hit maximum talking about his mount, which Alan admired, and hoped to grow as close to his burning steed one day.


    ¡°Even more than that spear on your back?¡±


    ¡°Hah, I didn¡¯t say it was the most challenging find, though it is the one yielding the deepest bond. As I ally with other Peg-wielders¡­ I hope to share the same experience with those I come to trust¡­ those that move on to join the Legion.¡± He eyed Alan.


    The prospect was enticing, but the goal was no longer in line. Alan didn¡¯t want to know more about the Pegs right now. He saw what it could do to people.


    ¡°Having an ally in the wielder of Yineera¡¯s Peg would gain us great clout in the long-term. Naysayers who call us mad dream-chasers, hmph. We would be one step closer to proving them all wrong.¡±


    ¡°I will be your friend, Elkire, but join the Legion? I¡¯m sorry, but my path is a different one.¡±


    ¡°A slower one without a gryphon.¡±


    ¡°Maybe so.¡± Alan hooted.


    ¡°Come, there is no need to make haste about any decisions here.¡± Elkire whipped his spear ostentatiously and laid it in a magical golden-lit area within Myra¡¯s station. He then unfastened the clasps of his legendary platinum-scaled armor and rested it carefully beside his other gear. Finally, as he placed his bag down, he reached inside to pull out an archaic style leg of a wooden chair. At least, that¡¯s what it appeared to be.


    ¡°Is that your Peg?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°It is.¡± Elkire rotated it in his grasp ¨C the golden light showing a glossy finish. ¡°It may not look it, but I claimed mine in the purple fog, from a void beast I had no business besting.¡±


    ¡°I would¡¯ve guessed an Antiques Roadshow,¡± Alan¡¯s joke was lost on him. ¡°Back in my Origin World, we¡¯d sell things like this all the time. Timeless furniture and whatnot.¡±


    ¡°Hm. Well, in here, at the center, there is an essence so infinitely dense, the mere awakening of it could cause a fracture between realms.¡±


    ¡°Like a portal?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Heavens no. A portal is a window and a door. A fracture is a destructive vacuum, attempting to make outside, unthinkable realms relevant to ours.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯ve heard. Relevance is the key to portal travel, right?¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Elkire left his Peg with his other items. ¡°It is said by our most esteemed Chasers, that only when these Pegs are fastened together, would there be a sense of stability in initiating outside universe relevance. Hearsay, ultimately, but we of the Legion are brave enough to test it when the time comes.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Alan followed Elkire out of the stable, toward Tenger and Irana awaiting him. ¡°And who would be the first to travel it? I¡¯m sure that¡¯s a great point of contention, because the first may very well be the only person to get through.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. A delicate area for someone of my role,¡± Elkire agreed. ¡°To dispel any notions of mal intent or favoritism, I have decided to make the first contender determined by random chance. A roll of the dice.¡±


    ¡°Ah, the stiff board telling you about his big dreams?¡± Tenger leaned on the side of the stable.


    ¡°To a Merchant-slayer we hardly know,¡± Irana scoffed.


    The three of them looked no less intimidating without their armor. It¡¯s like they wore their accomplishments in their confidence.


    ¡°You all follow at a one-in-eight chance of getting home, if you gather all the Pegs. And those odds may get worse if more are admitted,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Better than one in a trillion, friend.¡± Tenger lazily kicked off the wall. ¡°Which is what it felt like when we first showed up here. I got a sick brother back home in Al¡¯tayu. Opius addiction. For that? I¡¯ll take these odds any day. Besides, we¡¯re all going to get through. All of us. Even this peculiar lady right here.¡±


    Alan tried not to let his unease show, but it was fruitless against these sharp-eyed warriors.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem convinced,¡± Tenger said.


    ¡°Tell us your doubts.¡± Elkire lifted his chin.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to offend.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense. We are Fate Chasers. Our existence is to invite offense.¡±


    ¡°Well, Tenger, if your brother is addicted to some kind of drug in your home world, why not do your best to become powerful here, and invite him with open arms once he crosses into the realms.¡± Alan shrugged. ¡°We can make it a sort of heaven for the people we care for.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Irana turned away.


    ¡°What?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°I considered that,¡± she admitted. ¡°And most here have settled into that view.¡±


    ¡°But?¡± Alan egged.


    ¡°We of the Legion are homesick. That¡¯s all there is to it. We want back. And we¡¯ve made it our mission to get there.¡±


    ¡°Ah, of course. I understand. This crazy place certainly isn¡¯t for everyone.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like a renaissance fair with real magic.¡± Irana spread her arms to showcase.


    Alan¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You¡¯re from Earth?¡±


    She ignored him. ¡°Then we¡¯re tossed to the sea of wolves in Ojin. A zoo from my nightmares plagued by fog¡­ making us the prey.¡±


    ¡°Calm, my dear warrior of the will. You are as much a prey as I am a sheepster. With merely one swipe of your blades you can clear ten miles of blue fog.¡±


    She held back a smirk at the compliment.


    ¡°Better yet. You didn¡¯t wake up in Strangey Town as your freakin¡¯ home,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°There is truth in what you say. Nonetheless, this is not home. I miss my coffee and my job, and my¡­¡± She choked up and turned away.


    They¡¯re right, these Fate Chasers. Everyone else seems like they¡¯ve forgotten their past for a chance to shine ¨C me included. But this isn¡¯t everyone¡¯s cup of tea, I suppose.


    Tenger cleared his throat. ¡°So, Elky. You taking him to see her?¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡±

 Chapter 29 - Mageseeker

    ¡°Who are you taking me to see?¡± Alan asked the three Fate seekers escorting him.


    ¡°The Mageseeker. All knowing Dreamcatcher of Hightower Brack. I take everyone worthy of our trust.¡± Elkire nodded with fervor.


    ¡°Alright. Afterward, may I make a request? I have something I¡¯d like to see here¡­ if it still exists,¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Of course. What can we assist you with? Does this have to do with that captive hiding in your sword?¡±


    ¡°I need to find the estate of Wolfgang Durghowler.¡±


    The three of them exchanged a glance.


    ¡°Why ever would you need to go there?¡± Elkire arced an eyebrow.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Alan raised his own.


    ¡°Haunted, bruh,¡± Tenger said.


    ¡°Bruh?¡± Alan laughed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Nulge says it a lot. It¡¯s catchy.¡± Tenger shrugged. ¡°But seriously. You don¡¯t want to go there.¡±


    ¡°I do, actually.¡±


    ¡°What are you, a scout for Mujungo or something?¡± Irana got in his face.


    ¡°No, no. Hell no,¡± Alan promised. ¡°Elkire¡¯s right. Like I told you in Ojin, one of my closest friends here was stuck in a blade. And his soul was taken from it.¡±


    Alan went on, telling them some bare-bones details he¡¯d hoped would be enough to gain him access to the estate later. In the meantime, they entered a city surrounded by a fortified grey-brick wall. Trumpet players stood at the ready to announce VIP guests atop it, beside ceremonial Archers patrolling its length, resting their ornamented crossbows over their shoulders. Then, inside, enchanters hung out the wooden windows of clay buildings, showing off their glowing wears. Alan had never seen a botanist advertising godlike vision before. Fog-breakers, she called them. To see beyond the thickness and through the shrouded minions seeking to get the jump on warriors.


    His neck was craned for most of the walk, brought down only for high-powered warriors strutting by. Eventually, after plenty of ogling, the four of them headed down a squiggly alleyway that reminded Alan of the one time he visited London to see some old-school armor. A Wizard with red irises and black sclera swayed down the path like he was drunk. His fiery orange hair was covered by a beanie-type hat and his staff was made of what looked to be a hardened black flower stem.


    ¡°Elkire. You come again for her, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I do, yes.¡±


    ¡°Mm. With a dark harbinger, I see.¡± The Wizard attempted to straighten, but his brown robes tugged him nearly off-balance, like invisible little kids were dragging him every which way.


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯ve had ill words for most of my allies, Darsine. Yet Mardonnus welcomes us with open arms.¡±


    Darsine showed his fangs ¨C which jarred Alan a bit. ¡°That¡¯s because she has me gatekeeping. Proceed, you Fate chasing imbeciles.¡±


    ¡°Once your dumbass souls drag you out of the way, we¡¯ll be on ours,¡± Irana growled right back.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± The Wizard stumbled along.


    Alan watched him nearly fall over three more times on the way out of the alley, until Tenger grabbed his arm to move on. Once they crossed the magical threshold archway, a small cove of high spires surrounded them. Most notably a clocktower with shifting symbols around its face. A sole ray of light shined upon it, begging them to enter the stairwell.


    ¡°Anything I should know before we head up there?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°It is better you go in blind, so we do not taint her reading of you.¡± Elkire led the way up a spiral staircase, where light shined through windows every twenty steps. Vines slithered around the stone above, making him think of leafy Green Saro, or perhaps a type he didn¡¯t yet know. He hadn¡¯t had much interaction with a Dreamcatcher before, except for the one Flint contacted a while back. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what he was in for.


    Not to mention¡­ his new weapon ¨C Blood-Vision Edge. It was said to be crafted of a legendary Dreamcatcher¡¯s blood. Is it Mardonnus¡¯ blood?


    Uh oh.


    ¡°I know those footsteps,¡± a calm, motherly voice echoed down the stairway. ¡°The Legion of Fate comes to present another before me. Your influence grows, Elkire.¡±


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Elkire was the first to make it to the last step, where Alan glimpsed an open circular room overwhelmed by a shiny marble floor and a woman standing with her back to them. Her braided hair nearly swept the floor, cape tied with sticks, and the smell of sap was pungent in Alan¡¯s nostrils, despite the open air of the tower.


    She spun slowly with a smile. ¡°Welcome home, Elkire, Tenger, Irana. Your brightness supersedes his darkness.¡±


    Alan sighed.


    ¡°Do not fret, newcomer. One cannot expect to slay the Merchant of Five Pearls and step cleanly away from his filth. You wear my sister¡¯s blood on your back, for Ojin¡¯s sake. Harboring souls unending in that blade of yours.¡± She snapped her tongue. ¡°Had you not possessed the clairvoyant path of a god, I¡¯d consider having you seized and hanged as tribute to Junos.¡±


    Alan tensed. He wanted to turn around and head right back down the stairs, or leap for a slipstream, but the idea of visiting Durger¡¯s estate in hopes to summon him back was too important to flee.


    ¡°Alan Right is a friend of the Legion, Madam Mar. I hope you will see him that way too.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± She straightened.


    ¡°As you know, we have been struggling just to keep a loose alliance with Five ¨C to keep an eye on Yineera¡¯s Peg. Now we have opportunity to befriend its wielder,¡± Elkire spoke plainly.


    ¡°Mm.¡± She gently passed into the huddle, past Elkire and Tenger, to Alan. ¡°Where did you attain that staff?¡± Her eyes glowed green. ¡°Answer carefully.¡±


    Suddenly, the marble floor shifted, carefully moving the others to one corner of the tower, and leaving Alan in the center with Madam Mar.


    ¡°When we defeated the Forbidden Merchant, one of the items was this staff. It called to me, so I looted it.¡±


    ¡°Knowing my sister was tortured to have it crafted?¡± Mar¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Knowing it was crafted of blood, yes.¡±


    ¡°Why would you willingly take such a cursed item?¡± Mar raised her arms, commanding the floor to lift into a dais, where interlocked branches holding the ceiling together untied themselves to let them through.


    They were alone now, as a magical umbrella shielded the sunny day, creating a strange nighttime effect around them, where the sun only shined around their feet.


    ¡°The Saro blend is something I¡¯m most comfortable with,¡± Alan spoke evenly, not showing an ounce of fear. The woman had a calming, almost heavenly aura, even if she was trying to scold him.


    ¡°You have no Origin Saro,¡± she said. ¡°Curious.¡±


    ¡°I am a Colorless, Madam.¡±


    ¡°More impossibilities.¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°More? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Do you know what it entails to watch over the highest of towers? Vision supreme, young Merchant. I know that you lie.¡±


    Alan was losing his patience. ¡°Mind taking me down from here?¡±


    Madam Mar created a diamond shape with her fingers, and exhaled loudly like she was performing a Haka ¨C the magical force shoving Alan¡¯s marble disc flying backward. It was floating midair ¨C the night umbrella splitting to cover him and her alike.


    ¡°Huuu.¡± Mar exhaled again, sending herself forward on her own platform, twenty feet away from Alan. Her arm motions flowed with purpose, keeping Alan tense. ¡°You are clouded by storms of darkness, teeming with potential. Yet you lie.¡±


    Alan shrugged and drew Blood Edge. ¡°I have no reason to lie to you. Actually, I was hoping to be welcomed here. Would¡¯ve been a nice change of pace. Oh well.¡±


    ¡°Your Saro is ever shifting like an Uvar¡¯s mood. What are you hiding, Merchant?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hiding anything. I¡¯m Colorless.¡±


    ¡°More lies.¡± Her eyes glowed green as she tightened her fist. ¡°There is clarity somewhere in your fog. Orange. Black. These are the colors that drive you. Yes¡­ you mask your origins to them. How? What are you?¡±


    The hell is she talking about? I use Red and Blue the most.


    Vines crawled through the cracks of Alan¡¯s platform to wrap around his ankles. They tightened rapidly to the point of no circulation, annoying Alan to no end. With a pulse of fiery anger, Orange Saro flames burst from his ankle to singe the vines to ash, freeing him of the natural chains instantly. The flame traveled invisibly to Mar¡¯s fist ¨C turning her skin molten orange for an instant before she suffocated it.


    ¡°Brack is not known to admit dark tricksters into its fortified walls.¡± Madam Mar pointed at him.


    ¡°Your lackey, Darsine, seemed pretty dark to me,¡± Alan called back, his voice repeating.


    ¡°Huuu!¡± She exhaled heavily, sending both of their platforms orbiting around one another as they flew past the tower, over the city, and settled at another spire with a yellow-spinning globe at its tip. ¡°Sir Speer, lend me your voltage.¡± Mar¡¯s fist became wrapped in a gold-plated gauntlet, teeming with Yellow Saro.


    Alan wasn¡¯t in the mood for any more tests. He thought he was going to meet someone gentle and welcoming. Not¡­ this. The spectacle was cool, sure, but the endless accusations were getting frustrating.


    Is this how you want it, Madam? Fine.


    He immediately dove into a sea of deep memories. Cold ones. A winter storm to be precise. Recalling the subzero winds nipping at his fingertips through the gloves, being lost in an abandoned golf course looking for his friends. It wasn¡¯t often a desert-born kid got to experience a trip like that. So the memory was bright. The crystal facets of his pendant all clicked to white ¨C which he commanded.


    Fsssh!


    As soon as it connected, he loosened the ice to water, causing the electrical gauntlet to spark uncontrollably.


    ¡°Fah!¡± She unsummoned the armor as fast as it wrapped her, keeling forward out of breath. ¡°I see where you go, imposter.¡± She whipped out a knitted net tied to a stick and waved it like a flag. ¡°Your stray essence tells a story of wasted potential.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Trish,¡± he muttered under his breath. Though Madam Mar wasn¡¯t the first to accuse him of that. He hoped he¡¯d already shed that skin.


    ¡°You wander away from your talents, following others for sport, procrastinating what fate expects of you.¡± She turned her back to Alan ¨C a yellow glow illuminating over her robes.


    ¡°Not anymore, I don¡¯t,¡± Alan proclaimed, digging carefully for his Vosh coin as if he were grabbing for his six-shooter in a duel.


    ¡°Is that so, Alan Right?¡±


    Mar spun with a whip of her fist, unleashing a crescent moon of electricity straight at him.


    Bwoff!


    Zzzsh!


    In a flash, the bubble expanded and reduced the electric blast to sizzling smoke. Alan remained in pose, eyes focused on the frustrated Mageseeker¡¯s. He rewound the protective essence back to a coin and held it forward so Madam Mar would see ¨C even though he preferred close combat, he wouldn¡¯t be bested by some strange sorcerer borrowing Saro from others.

 Chapter 30 - Hope and Deceit

    ¡°Huu!¡± Madam Mar exhaled, sending both of them again twirling on a scenic path over the city. Citizens pointed up at them as the dizzying rotations took hold. ¡°We dance the dance, Alan Right,¡± she repeated over and again until they stopped abruptly between an open tower with a bird statue at the tip.


    Alan stared hard at Madam Mar through an open space within the tower, which seemed to be connected by the same airy force his Bubble of Vosh was made of. Heat lines squiggled through the gap like magical columns holding the bird tower in place.


    ¡°Firaley Mocona. Duke of the high castle. Lend me your minion!¡±


    Alan¡¯s mind ran a million miles a minute ¨C he could hurl projectiles at a beast if need be, or charge whatever comes out using his Blood Edge ability. Hell, it might wind up with him charging Madam Mar herself if he sensed she was actually trying to kill him. Though he still wasn¡¯t so sure. Something about this whole aggressive tour was off. Like it was a spectacle¡­ or a test.


    The nightshade umbrella expanded as the top of the tower cracked and fell into perfect order at Alan¡¯s feet, creating a vast arena between them, connected to their marble floating platforms.


    Kaw!


    An eagle-headed monster shot up like a spear and dropped just as quickly on the marble, teetering it every which way before Alan could get a good look. Claws like stone dug deep into the ground, connected to legs of pure white muscle leading all the way up to a brown-feathered mane and majestic eagle-head.


    Alan recalled Yogi¡¯s wrestling with the Yero and Shiva, and knew this was a time to bring him forth once more ¨C now that an arena was on the table, literally.


    Tnnng!


    Alan flipped the coin to a flash of blue lightning ¨C where the Borai formed in majestic fashion to defend him.


    ¡°A soul negotiated. You are a slaver too, Merchant?¡± Madam Mar tilted her head.


    ¡°A friend,¡± Alan countered.


    ¡°Friends don¡¯t keep each other captive in their coin purses, unless the definition has evolved in these youthful generations.¡±


    ¡°It is an honor to serve noble Alan.¡± Yogi beat his own chest, armor clinking.


    Alan switched his Title back to God Merchant in a flash, syphoning as much Saro to Yogi as he could muster. Why? Because he¡¯d had enough of this test, if that¡¯s what it was.


    A quick clairvoyant glance showed the beast¡¯s mane turning into a spiked ring that it used as a weapon, along with rapid claw attacks. The bird-beast was essentially an acrobatic rogue type in minion form.


    ¡°Go, Yogi. Body the beast. Suffer its claws and I¡¯ll send all healing your way.¡± Alan punched his knuckles together and briefly let go of his frustration, shifting his pendant to green while Yogi charged.


    Normally, Alan would be enveloped with the expansive agility of the new minion as it flipped with razor-sharp claws to tear Yogi down, but instead he stalked Madam, moving slowly around the battle while syphoning Green Saro into all of Yogi¡¯s fresh wounds.


    She was deep in concentration ¨C controlling the beast in a way he didn¡¯t know possible. Like a puppeteer. Usually he¡¯d either guide his minions in some way or support them. But really, what were the benefits of diving right in?


    No matter.


    That wasn¡¯t today¡¯s lesson.


    Fshht!


    He hurled an ice bolt at Madam Mar and watched in real-time both a Mageseeker and a beast falter from such a weak spell.


    Now, Yogi. Alan clenched his fist in approval when Yogi bear-hugged the beast, crushed its spine, and spun twice before suplexing it straight on the marble floor.


    ¡°You can¡¯t borrow a bond, Madam.¡± Alan folded his arms, then locked eyes with Yogi ¨C who kicked the limp beast off the platform.


    Mar gasped, peering over the edge of the arena with both hands over her mouth. ¡°Firaley, I have failed your Spir. Forgive me.¡± Her expression hardened as she lifted her gaze to Alan, who fist-bumped Yogi and recalled him back into a coin. ¡°The slaver gloats. Well, let¡¯s see how he fares in his own darkness. Huuu!¡±


    The marble arena cracked from its center, debris wooshing past Alan, patching up the magical tower from which it borrowed. Then in a flash, they were off ¨C Madam and Alan ¨C orbiting one another once more.


    Alan remained still with his arms folded, wind blowing his hair as he angrily locked eyes with the Mageseeker. ¡°Are we done?¡±


    Madam Mar hooted, holding her netted-stick out to catch whatever stray essence Alan was emitting. ¡°Your darkness is harbored from loss. Yes. I know why you¡¯ve come, Alan Right.¡±


    ¡°I was invited,¡± Alan said coolly.


    ¡°And you accepted¡­ to explore the estate of your friend ¨C Wolfgang Durghowler.¡± Madam Mar grabbed the net of her dreamcatcher tightly as the platforms stopped.


    Alan gritted his teeth, his entire body tensing when he realized the black-brick tower they¡¯d stopped beside was none other than Durger¡¯s. Larger than he envisioned in his trances, sure, but it was one and the same. The star-shaped window, auburn brick roof. He could almost see Wolfgang forging inside.


    Come back to me, friend. Alan drew the Soul Collector. If you¡¯re in there¡­ come back.


    ¡°The curse of the mad forger.¡± Madam Mar put away her dreamcatcher and crossed her arms behind her back, staring down at the tower. ¡°A man beloved by the realm, crafting premium weapons for those worthy. The rock of his raid group, taking pride in his armor holding against Deep Blue beasts. Hmph.¡± She shook her head. ¡°Durghowler has great legacy in Hightower Brack. You should be proud to have known him, in whatever form he may have taken.¡±


    Alan¡¯s anger loosened into sadness. She spoke as if he was never coming back, and even though he was annoyed with her on every dizzying turn, it was hard to ignore a revered mystic¡¯s finality.


    He let the awkwardly weighted sword drag his arm down. Whispers and tapping made the metal ting every now and then, speaking to its unrest. An army of souls were veritably fighting to get out, which gave hope that Lucius¡¯ final redeeming act was true ¨C Durger was among them.


    The clairvoyant frog vision was another thread of hope, of Durger and his pet standing in ghostly form beside him. Could it be? Could he be summoned like Farante summoned ghosts to fight his battles? Or was this old woman just evoking desperation out of him.


    She nodded approvingly toward the tower. ¡°Some say fertile soil helps the blessed resurrections retain potency. Hmph. How about you suffer his creations?¡± Her eyes glowed yellow, as dirt seeped out of the tower cracks, forming into another arena connected to their platforms. ¡°Know what your friend became in his darkest hour.¡± She raised her arms, unearthing twitching deformed beasts with a faint yellow shine surrounding each.


    A wolf ¨C half-skeleton, half static fur ¨C growled with an unhinged jaw. An ogre limped forward, both eyes hanging out of their sockets. A centaur brandishing two golden blades illuminated an ¡®X¡¯ scar across his entire face.


    ¡°Behold, the beauty and terror of blessed necromancy.¡± Mar lowered her hands once her minions were sufficiently summoned.


    Alan swapped back to Forbidden Merchant, hoping his sword would become less unwieldly with the power of his Title. No such luck.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t you, Durger,¡± he spoke to the blade as he held it up.


    Madam Mar¡¯s face darkened with black veins, all webbing from her bright yellow eyes. She bared her teeth, almost becoming one of Durger¡¯s minions herself. ¡°Rip him limb-from-limb!¡±


    Alan held firm as the wolf charged first. ¡°Look, Durger. Is this you?¡± He ducked the first dive and swung the blade while turning a one-eighty. Too slow. The wolf dashed out of the way as the ogre came rushing from the other side ¨C kicking up dirt with every stomp.


    Pomf! The ogre slammed its club, sending a patch of dirt trickling down into the sky.


    Alan somersaulted out of the way at the last second, fighting not only the beasts, but the weight of the dark blade. He had a newfound respect for Lucius and Farante. Then again, they both had armor Alan never bothered to gather. Do gauntlets really provide that much strength?


    Clang!


    Alan threw up his blade to clash against the centaur¡¯s. Sparks and shadows exploded outward, as did a heavenly chorus.


    The hell?


    Alan dashed again, summoning a pool of lava that spat a secondary sword he¡¯d never seen before.


    ¡°See?¡± Madam Mar¡¯s voice devolved into a scowl. ¡°Oranage and Black. Dark Saro origins.¡±


    The centaur galloped alongside the wolf. Blessed Yellow Saro teemed through their fur, forcing Alan to go dark ¨C recalling times where he wronged people on Earth, digging deep to find unforgivable actions. Watching a security guard beat a homeless man senseless for drunkenly grabbing Alan by the collar. He should¡¯ve stopped the guard. All he was doing was exercising his rage, and Alan let him, because he felt assaulted. But it was wrong.


    He relished in the memory because that¡¯s what Black Saro was, he realized.


    Tongues of slithery dark essence beamed from both blades ¨C orange and black. And what followed, Alan wasn¡¯t even sure he was capable of.


    Soul Collector


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Ability: Black Barrage ¨C Embrace the spirit of fallen Bladesmen by calling on their strength. Beware: there is no rest until targeted foes fall.


    A surge of power rushed through his veins ¨C his eyes leaking black smoke that tunneled his vision. It felt like an uncontrollable balloon inflating from his heart. ¡°Ahh!¡± He charged, blocking one of the centaur¡¯s blades and attacking with a flurry of unrelenting strikes with the other. His attacking hand was a blur, slicing yellow-light cracks in the reanimated beast before its second arm could even react.


    Clang!


    Alan blocked again, igniting another flurry of stabs from the Soul Collector. The blade was no longer heavy. In fact, it was weightless as he stabbed into the horse body and lopped off its arm. Alan then jumped, using what was left of the centaur¡¯s torso to kick off of and dive to meet the wolf midair.


    Shnnk!


    He opened the wolf from throat to belly, letting its corpse roll until it was nothing but a light-leaking pile of fur. With gritted teeth, Alan shouted and chaotically windmill-ed his arms, hurling both blades right into the ogre¡¯s heart.


    When he was done, Alan summoned two small pools of lava, knelt, and redrew his weapons while staring hard at Madam Mar.


    ¡°So smug.¡± Mar bared her teeth. ¡°But now you will learn a great lesson in the ways of blessed necromancy. Do you know how Yellow Saro generals defeat powerful armies? They tire them out.¡± Her eyes glowed vibrant yellow as she raised her arms once more.


    Blindingly bright cones of light shot up from the dirt, surrounding the corpses Alan just desecrated. With another chorus of heavenly song, his enemies rose again with stitched up wounds.


    Exhaustion claimed Alan from a demoralizing mix of witnessing his efforts count for nothing and expending that much Saro for a single attack. He needed Durger more than ever to coach him out of this ¨C which gave him his next idea. He glared at Madam Mar and the three creatures, then at Durghowler castle not far off platform.


    Screw it.


    He sprinted over the dirt and leapt high in the air. An instinctive windy thought spawned a White Saro slipstream to adjust his trajectory, leaving him to flip right through the large star-shaped window.


    Rolling right over a dusty carpet, he crashed into a bookshelf that he held up with his foot.


    Easy. He held up his hands just in case, then sighed with relief when the shelf settled in place. He immediately drew the Soul Collector and waved it around in hopes Durger could see. Opposite him was a largely crafted stone seat with an anvil on the table in front of it. Ornate smelting tools stood neatly in place like attentive soldiers. Old dusty pictures of Durghowler and his group hung crooked on the walls¡­ and a sole portrait of his pet, Sir Ooman, beside them. It was a cute creature, like an overly hairy dog back on Earth.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, buddy,¡± Alan said, snapping his fingers to ignite a flame and tossing it gingerly toward the half-melted candle across the way. ¡°Your home.¡± He shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s no better way I can think of to evoke a soul. Come back, Durger.¡±


    ¡°Raaaa!¡± Madam Mar screeched as she dove off the dirt path, hands held up like a clawing witch.


    Alan scoffed and barricaded the windows with frozen White Saro. ¡°C¡¯mon.¡± He waved the blade closer to the forge, the pictures, the toys scattered across the floor. ¡°This has to have been one of your rooms. I remember the vision as something closer to the ground, but maybe you magically built-up the tower or something. Look. Aren¡¯t these Sir Ooman¡¯s?¡± He picked up a silver ball that rattled with every move.


    The blade started to shake uncontrollably, forcing Alan to grip it with two hands. Whispers turned to pleas, but they were still unintelligible.


    Radiating Blue Saro through the blade did nothing to help him understand it.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t allowed to trespass, Merchant! This is not your home to walk!¡± Mar shouted from beyond the ice, knocking slabs of it inward only for them to be replaced by a flick of Alan¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°Alan!¡± a familiar voice sent goosebumps prickling his arms.


    ¡°Durger!¡± he exhaled with happiness, falling to his knees.


    ¡°Alan!¡± Durger¡¯s voice was frantic, sounding faraway, drowned.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here. Look! I made it to your estate!¡± He held up the blade. ¡°It¡¯s just how you left it, I think.¡±


    ¡°Alan, there¡¯s no time!¡± the voice faded deeper into the blade.


    ¡°What? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°L¡ª¡±


    ¡°What? Durger? I lost you.¡± Alan hit the flat of the blade like it was a malfunctioning speaker. He then did the more sensible thing of flooding the blade with angry Black Saro. It wasn¡¯t so hard considering an annoying Mageseeker possessed by Yellow Saro kept trying to claw her way in.


    Wsssssh!


    Out from the blade flew an ethereal version of the man Alan once saw in his visions. Big, burly, with a braided beard and kind eyes.


    ¡°Durger!¡± Alan¡¯s expression brightened.


    ¡°By the ferns of Samasia, my home.¡± Durger tugged at his thick hair in shock. ¡°My forge.¡± He went to go touch it, but then held back at the last second, remembering himself. He turned abruptly. ¡°Sir Alan.¡±


    ¡°Yes, friend.¡± Alan¡¯s smile dropped to match Durger¡¯s expression.


    ¡°Lucius never surrendered the blade in full. He attached a piece of his soul to it and has been stalking you since. Get back to that stable, now.¡± Durger¡¯s form flickered. ¡°He¡¯s unhinged, Alan. The failed attempt at getting home only riled him further. I fear¡ª¡± His form flickered, almost to naught. ¡°Get back, Alan. Now!¡± Was the last echo he heard before Durger¡¯s essence flew back into the blade.


    Shit!


    Alan scoffed in anger, frustrated with all the banging outside. He faced the barricaded star window he flew in from ¨C knowing Madam Mar was right outside from the clawing noises, so he commanded a gust of White Saro wind to help her along.


    Fssh!


    When she flew in, Alan held out his arm stiff, catching her by the throat with the blade held to her nose. ¡°Your charade is over. Take us back to your tower.¡± He looked her hard in her yellow-possessed eyes, turned her hands to icy blocks when she attempted to claw him, then summoned a molten pool that he threateningly bowed her head toward. ¡°I know you¡¯re just trying to impress your god,¡± he whispered. ¡°That¡¯s what this is all about. Junos likes to be entertained. I¡¯ve seen you compete for his attention time and time again.¡± He leaned closer to her face. ¡°I don¡¯t care how close you are. Take us back.¡±


    Her eyes faded from yellow back to forest green, frown deepening. ¡°You knew?¡±


    Alan released the hold on her neck and yanked her by the collar, up to the star-shaped windowsill, waiting for his platform to come scoop them. He shook her to make sure she understood how serious he was. ¡°No more games. Elkire is in danger.¡±


    Alan blinked away prompts in his vision as the platform zoomed up to him.


    Junos is impressed with your valor. Matching the realm¡¯s Mageseeker in both Saro and summoning is not something taken lightly. Behold! You are blessed to hear Junos¡¯ voice!


    ¡°The gods whisper about you, Alan Right, and now I have witnessed.


    And yet¡­ you bring dark tidings to our realm.¡±


    Don¡¯t worry, Junos. I will be leaving as fast as I can, Alan spoke in his head, knowing the god could hear him. He stepped onto the platform and tossed Madam Mar down on it, holding the blade to her neck. It was irresponsible of me to accept Elkire¡¯s invite, knowing the dark cloud that follows my every move.


    ¡°A noble thought, albeit a bit late.¡±


    Lucius has acted, then? The platform zoomed back toward Madam Mar¡¯s tower in a wide orbit ¨C passing all the others Alan bested.


    ¡°Elkire and the Legion of Fate are a zealous lot who bring honor to Hightower Brack, even if they are misunderstood. You, Forbidden Merchant, have single handedly destroyed their plight.¡±


    Alan gritted his teeth. What did you do, Lucius?


    The platform flew into the tower ¨C where Elkire, Tenger, and Irana awaited. The three of them were shocked to see Madam Mar on her back, but before they could react, Alan sheathed his dark blade and grabbed Elkire by the shoulders.


    ¡°We have to run to the stables, now.¡±


    His brow furrowed. ¡°The stables? Quite possibly the safest place in the realm. No one outside our group can access them.¡±


    The nightshade umbrella dissipated to remove the nighttime effect all around them. With the sun, so too came screams from far away.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m afraid of. A Stalker who was part of my group followed us in,¡± Alan said, then looked to the others.


    ¡°Junos tells of darkness in him.¡± Madam Mar pointed.


    ¡°And you¡¯re nothing but a clout chaser.¡± Alan pointed back. ¡°But these people¡­ I respect them, and I don¡¯t want to see their progress hindered. C¡¯mon.¡± He pulled Elkire by the arm and rushed down the spiral stairs.


    ¡°What transpired with Madam, Alan?¡± Elkire rushed beside him.


    ¡°She tried to get Junos¡¯ eye,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°But of course. Impressing our god is common practice. She means well and meant to test you in the process.¡±


    ¡°It was a trap. The Stalker was waiting for the first opportunity to steal our Pegs,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Impossible.¡±


    They burst into the open air to cries of fire in the distance. The smell of smoke and hazy fog already reached them, making Alan¡¯s heart fall into his belly. No. The gryphons!


    He rushed on with the others, down the squiggly alley and across the city bridges, back to the outskirts of the high wall. As soon as they made it around the bend, flames the size of buildings roared from the stables, with White Saro Wizards failing to battle it.


    ¡°Enchanted flames! We cannot snuff them out!¡± a singed Wizard called.


    Elkire fell to his knees in horror. ¡°Myra!¡± Tears leaked from his eyes.


    ¡°It is hellfire tinged with Black Saro, Alan,¡± Durger whispered, his ethereal face appearing in Alan¡¯s periphery. ¡°White will do nothing. It is blessed Yellow that would overcome it.¡±


    ¡°Noted.¡±


    Tenger and Irana sprinted straight for the fire, while Alan did his best to snuff out dark thoughts against Lucius.


    Fooled again. Alan did his best to suppress his anger, and envisioned everything holy he¡¯d ever imagined. Pearly gates of heaven in his dreams, the frog visions showing his father, it all worked to click his pendant to pure yellow facets that then bolstered the Saro in each of his hands.


    Alan approached the roaring flames with taunting black demon faces in the center of each tongue. It reminded him of Doomsayer curses. Had Lucius already started his own dark army of Stalkers to do his bidding?


    ¡°You¡¯ll pay for this, Lucius.¡± Alan extended his arms all the way back, then with a forceful grunt, clapped them forward to release a gust of holy wind. The dark fire writhed from Alan¡¯s force. It squirmed and clung and cried before finally evaporating to harmless embers.


    What remained was a grim sight. Unmoving gryphons curled up in their cages.


    Alan¡¯s limbs froze when he glimpsed them. His heart ached to the point he felt powerless.


    ¡°Myra!¡± Elkire rushed forward.


    ¡°Healer! Send for Healers!¡± Tenger shouted from the cages ¨C giving Alan a pang of hope. He was a Healer.


    His limbs unfroze, momentarily shedding the immense guilt. He ducked under the plumes of smoke to see Myra curled up taking labored breaths, Elkire weeping beside her. Its ear was burnt nearly off, and her snout was rimmed with soot.


    ¡°Hold on, girl.¡± Alan knelt, coughing while trying to concentrate on serenity. It came almost instinctively at this point since he¡¯d been practicing for months every night. Replenishing himself was easy, yet healing others remained difficult.


    I have to try.


    He pressed his hands on the gryphon¡¯s fur. Once his Saro depleted nearly to naught, he considered swapping his Selfless Merchant Title for a humble lowly Merchant, surrendering to fate. Not yet. Other Healer-types rushed past him to the remaining trapped beasts, calling orders to one another. Alan wanted to yell for help ¨C that his Green Saro wouldn¡¯t be enough, but he couldn¡¯t break concentration, not in a dire situation like this.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, girl, hang in there.¡± Elkire hugged her.


    Alan could feel Myra¡¯s failing heart, the smoke rolling in her lungs, all of the pain. He¡¯d never felt so connected to another creature before. This was even more potent than the time he tried to control Yogi. He had to know the creature¡¯s pain so he could extract it.


    Is this why Neera wanted to abandon her Saro-given skills?


    The process proved intricate ¨C he had to home in on one damaged organ at a time. It wasn¡¯t as simple as revitalizing energy to remove fatigue like he performed nightly. This was more¡­ combative. Remove foreign harmful substances so the body could repair itself using its own connection to Saro. He realized this while envisioning Myra¡¯s life-force creep back into her lungs as he fanned out the smoke.


    As dark as the situation was ¨C hope brimmed.


    I need this, Alan begged. These people don¡¯t deserve what I brought unto them.


    Twenty minutes of mayhem passed, and finally, after an exhaustive process, Myra was in stable condition. Alan struggled to get to his feet so he could look over Myra¡¯s burnt cage. A cover flapped over Irana¡¯s gryphon, which saddened Alan tremendously. But the others seemed to be pulling through.


    He expected a blade to his neck when she came to, and what¡¯s worse, the small balding Fate member, known as Nulge, came stomping up to Elkire. ¡°Our Pegs¡­ they¡¯re all gone.¡±


    Alan knew that already, but seeing the man¡¯s expression brought new life to the theft.


    ¡°I figured as much.¡± Elkire¡¯s lips folded inward. ¡°We take a hard blow today, Nulge.¡±


    ¡°All is not lost.¡± Alan rose and dug out his map. ¡°If Lucius did this, it was to distract us because he needs time to portal out. He used yours to follow us in. So now, he¡¯s stuck here, fighting your gods will, right?¡±


    Nulge squinted angrily at Alan. The foundation of trust ¨C both of them being from Earth ¨C evaporated with the flames.


    ¡°Punish me later,¡± Alan said, unfurling his map. ¡°We have a prince to catch.¡±

 Chapter 31 - Fate versus Void

    The living map Alan had spread across the grassy ground showed eight Pegs blinking in one location, within Hightower Brack.


    Lucius hadn¡¯t been able to portal out yet.


    Junos, if you can hear me, keep the prince here!


    Alan didn¡¯t get a response, also contending with the growing number of Fate seekers piling around him. Some were mourning the loss of their gryphons while others were still in shock of such a vile act committed on Hightower Brack grounds. Then there were the few who knew Alan was the cause of all of this ¨C or his Soul Collector, rather.


    Even still, he didn¡¯t have it in him to discard the blade. Durger was alive within it, even if it meant Lucius was too.


    ¡°Give me one reason why I shouldn¡¯t slit your throat?¡± Irana leaned close to Alan¡¯s ear with one hand ready to draw her sword.


    Elkire pressed his large hand flat on her belly, commanding her back. ¡°We do not deal like the Jaeger savages. Stand down.¡±


    ¡°Years of collective work, Elkire. Years.¡± She snapped her fingers. ¡°Gone in a flash.¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Alan said. ¡°Lead me to this wall, and we¡¯ll stop the thief, together.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re going anywhere, it¡¯s as our prisoner,¡± Irana seethed.


    ¡°Afraid I¡¯m with chappy ass on this one.¡± Tenger tilted his head, voice solemn.


    ¡°However it must be, so long as you listen to me on the way,¡± Alan said. ¡°Who can get us to... Castle Sinclair¡¯s high wall?¡± Alan kept his finger on the coordinate where the Pegs stopped moving.


    ¡°Will take days with no gryphons. Besides, Sinclair¡¯s a real dick.¡± Tenger snapped his tongue.


    ¡°I will take you,¡± a motherly voice came from behind them.


    The entire lot stood, including Alan, to see Madam Mar walking up to them with a determined frown.


    ¡°Our new friend is right. I have let my protective role devolve into that of a beggar¡¯s. I sit in my tower in wait for opportunities to impress our great watcher. While here and now, a friend is in need on the ground floor.¡± Mar¡¯s eyes went straight to Elkire¡¯s. She whipped out her dreamcatcher and whooshed it in one half circle. ¡°Through all of the painful essence emitted from the lot of you, one is determined to set the record straight.¡±


    Alan squared his shoulders.


    A large grassy platform beneath their feet began to rise from the earth, solidifying into hardened concrete-type mineral.


    ¡°Those who are in no shape to fight, step off now.¡± Madam Mar¡¯s tone became determined.


    No one dared move.


    ¡°Good. Now let¡¯s pay Sinclair a visit.¡± Mar thrust her dreamcatcher forward, commanding the platform to take off into the air.


    ¡°Lucius Kiar is a prince of Cerrain ¨C trained to take on an army at once. I¡¯ve witnessed it,¡± Alan wasted no time in explaining what they were in for.


    ¡°A prince? That explains how he got into Sinclair¡¯s castle.¡± Tenger tapped his chin.


    ¡°Same Origin?¡± Alan surmised, to which he received a nod. ¡°Shit.¡±


    ¡°You let me worry about entry,¡± Madam Mar called from the head of the platform.


    They rose over the city walls, where the burnt patch of land once housing the great gryphons shrunk below them. It was a stain on Alan¡¯s reputation, a reminder of the darkness that followed him. After a sigh, he steeled himself to look ahead, to the endless stone pathways slithering toward rival castles, extending for miles into the horizon. They weren¡¯t main cities like the one they just left, but still¡­ how large of a realm was Hightower Brack?


    Alan walked to the edge of the platform ¨C the hair prickling on the back of his neck for fear of someone shoving him right off. It was worth the risk, though, because he needed this time alone, and hoped Elkire¡¯s word was absolute among the Legion. Shhs! He drew the Soul Collector and stared at the tongues of black smoke exhaling from it.


    ¡°How many times will you play me for a fool, Lucius?¡± He narrowed his eyes at the blade. Now that he understood to filter his anger through it, he could feel souls sloshing around inside, with one winning over them all.


    ¡°Sir Alan.¡± A stencil of Durger¡¯s features formed like a ghost.


    A calm smile stretched across Alan¡¯s face. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you how happy I am to hear you again, friend. I just wish it was under better circumstances.¡±


    ¡°Likewise. You have grown exponentially stronger since I saw you last. How much time has passed?¡±


    ¡°Not much,¡± Alan admitted.


    ¡°Incredible.¡± He shook his head in awe. ¡°Yet, we still have much work to do. If you can concentrate on identifying souls in this blade, you can eradicate Lucius since it¡¯s now in your claim.¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Brace yourselves!¡± Madam Mar called from the front, slowing down her platform. ¡°Sinclair does not take kindly to unannounced trespassers.¡±


    Alan cursed under his breath and rose, sheathing the dark blade.


    ¡°He¡¯s just around that spire.¡± Elkire lifted his gaze from the map and pointed past one of the castle¡¯s many towers, but to the group¡¯s dismay, some of the bricks eroded suddenly, crumbling to the floor until bright purple lights blinked to life inside the two holes ¨C a face.


    ¡°What the hell is that?¡± Alan furrowed his brow.


    ¡°Purple Saro of the void.¡± Elkire scowled. ¡°A nasty magic, pushing life through inanimate objects.¡±


    ¡°Madam Mar. You venture past the lines of safety.¡± The castle then rumbled in a way Alan realized was laughter. ¡°You will find no accolades from Junos here.¡±


    ¡°A traitor to our realm hides within your walls, Sinclair. Have you no allegiance to the great realm we call home?¡± Mar swung her dreamcatcher ¨C Alan assumed to try and decipher Sinclair¡¯s intent.


    Alan could tell this wasn¡¯t going anywhere good, so he focused on primal Green Saro to give him powerful vision in hopes to locate the man behind the giant stone mask.


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Is that so? I may have felt a tickle somewhere around here.¡± Sinclair¡¯s bright purple eyes shifted either way, toying with Mar.


    ¡°Let us pass, Sinclair. He may be a prince of your Origin World, but he has fallen far from grace.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Similar words were uttered to me long ago, by a woman you so revere.¡± More bricks fell as the castle emulated an arced eyebrow. ¡°It seems your prince may be in good company.¡±


    Alan felt tiny lightning bolts within his nerves empower his vision, his hearing. Where was the origin coming from?


    ¡°Unfortunately, old friend, time is of the essence,¡± Mar threatened.


    ¡°The laws of lordship are supreme in Hightower Brack, Madam Mar, or has the air gotten so thin in your spire that you¡¯ve forgotten? An attack on my castle would be an act against Junos himself!¡±


    ¡°Keep him talking,¡± Alan said, closing his eyes, tracing the origin of the voice.


    ¡°We only seek the whereabouts of a criminal. There is no intent to takeover,¡± Mar shouted. ¡°For the good of the realm.¡±


    ¡°I think not,¡± Sinclair boomed, and therein lied his mistake.


    ¡°Got it.¡± Alan¡¯s eyes burst open. He walked to the front corner of platform and stared hard at a small round tower with a blacked-out window. ¡°He¡¯s in there.¡±


    ¡°Step aside.¡± Irana grabbed one of her long swords and imbued it with Red Saro. Just as she did, Alan shut his eyes and imbued it with a touch of Orange before she could release it, envisioning the time the Helldraken chomped down on him.


    ¡°I did not suffer mortal wounds and a fallen friend for nothing,¡± she shouted.


    Hsshh!


    She hurled the blade underhand, sending it like a missile right into the shadow.


    The castle¡¯s purple eyes flickered as Irana clenched her fist, slingshotting her blade through the tower roof and flipping right back into her grip.


    ¡°Go, Madam!¡± Irana wiped the blood free. ¡°I will pay for my crimes later.¡±


    ¡°Invaders!¡± Sinclair yelled as Madam Mar directed the platform around the first tower. Purple plasmatic mitts exploded from the closest tower ¨C attempting to crush them ¨C but Madam Mar willed the platform minerals to build walls around it as she shifted to avoid the attack.


    Elkire drew his spear as he pointed over the barricade. ¡°There! On the back curtain wall! Charge it, Madam!¡±


    It was true. Alan saw Lucius with two Doomsayers he recognized back in the fight against Shiva. Was he rallying Strangey Town Stalkers to his side? What¡¯s worse, they were summoning something ¨C an unstable portal that cracked like lightning.


    ¡°He¡¯s almost out!¡± Tenger shouted, unfurling his whip. ¡°Get us to the balcony!¡±


    Fsh! Fsh!


    Two purple plasmatic spears shot from the dark tower windows, on a straight course to shatter the platform. Without thinking, Alan hopped over the barricade ¨C holding on to the edge with one hand ¨C and flipped his Vosh coin.


    Bwoff!


    The plasmatic spears made screeching noises as they disintegrated into the bubble¡¯s airy shield.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Tenger cheered as Alan rewound his bubble and flipped back onto the platform.


    A strong hand grabbed Alan by the collar. ¡°Remember your role, prisoner,¡± Irana said.


    Madam Mar shifted hard to descend toward the castle balcony where Lucius stood with an oversized bag of stolen goods. His back was to them as he reached into the small unstable portal to test it.


    Elkire stomped one foot on the platform barrier, readying to jump.


    ¡°Remember!¡± Alan cautioned. ¡°He has trained all his life for combat. Orange Saro origin with Black Saro armor. He pulled a white blade off the Merchant of Five Pearls, but I don¡¯t know anything about it.¡±


    ¡°I am a decorated knight of Hightower Brack, and a captain of Fate.¡± Elkire straightened. ¡°Junos will rally to my side!¡± He leapt, followed by Tenger and the others.


    Alan watched as Elkire¡¯s spear burst with Orange Saro ¨C creating a cone of flame as he shot straight for Lucius.


    ¡°This is my fight as much as it is yours.¡± Alan eyed Irana.


    ¡°Yet you will respect our wishes.¡± She shoved him back and leapt off the platform.


    As Elkire neared Lucius ¨C on a straight course to impale him ¨C a purple plasmatic web snapped around the towers edge all the way down to the balcony, like a tent to shield Lucius.


    ¡°Huraya!¡± Elkire spun into a flaming tornado, cutting down the web while suffering its draining sparks.


    The others all shifted course away, while Tenger whipped Elkire¡¯s ankle and sprung him out of harm¡¯s way seconds before Lucius¡¯ polearm poked him bloody.


    Madam Mar landed the platform on the balcony, dissipating it back to dirt while approaching the giant web.


    ¡°You steal our purpose!¡± Elkire called to Lucius hiding behind Sinclair¡¯s protection.


    Lucius turned with his head hunched low, then stalked forward with a polearm six times his height. ¡°Years you Peg-wielders travel through Ojin, pretending to gain progress. I don¡¯t share the faux luxury of time you do. Someone awaits me back home, and I intend to find her.¡±


    ¡°Lucius!¡± Alan shouted, shrugging off the Fate Chaser holding him.


    Lucius¡¯ angry expression softened upon seeing his old friend. ¡°Alan¡­ I truly am sorry. Though I know my apologies are starting to wear thin.¡± He spun back to his budding portal as burly castle knights leapt from their towers to defend the web.


    They landed, kneeling with one hand pressed against the balcony stone floor, absorbing Purple Saro into their armor, which imbued the metal with gifted essence. Pauldrons screeched as purple light syphoned around them, the metal conjoining with skin to distort each knight into a uniquely shaped humanoid.


    What the hell is this? People augmented by magic?


    Elkire flipped his spear into position. ¡°Return our Fate!¡± he bellowed, setting his spear aflame as he swung. ¡°Go back to the void hells, exiled scum!¡±


    The knights formed different void weapons on their arms, blocking Elkire¡¯s flurry, but Tenger¡¯s whip snapped too fast to defend. And Irana¡­ she was a beast of her own making.


    More knights leapt from towers, but she cleaved them midair, landing on the web and scaling it despite its draining composition.


    ¡°You killed my gryphon, lowly prince! Die!¡± She stretched the web, creating an opening to launch her Red Saro blade into. ¡°Arh!¡± Suffering the pain of the void, she hurled her blade with all her might.


    Crrrsh!


    It stabbed right through Lucius.


    ¡°Gotcha, prick,¡± her voice started to lose its fire. And when steam hissed from Lucius¡¯ armor instead of blood, Irana¡¯s grip around the web loosened entirely. ¡°What¡­¡±


    That wasn¡¯t all. A giant, screeching purple spider with no features and a robed man standing on its head crawled its way forward.


    ¡°Oh, Madam Mar. I do hope Junos is watching.¡± Sinclair smiled ¨C a purple wrap tied tightly around his arm where Irana nicked him. ¡°You roll with nasty folk.¡± He showcased his wound teeming with Orange Saro. ¡°The mark of a Helldraken.¡±


    Madam Mar turned to Alan. ¡°What are you, lad?¡±


    Alan winked at her. ¡°I¡¯m the God Merchant.¡± He flipped out Yogi and Gardstrife while drawing the Soul Collector. ¡°Durger, manage my Saro,¡± he whispered. ¡°We¡¯re going to make this quick.¡± He raised his gaze to his minions. ¡°Yogi, Strife, stop Sinclair.¡± He pointed his sword.


    Madam drew from the ground, her eyes glowing purple, the shape of a bird forming around her. ¡°You know, Sinclair¡­ my borrowing from other lords is merely a formality.¡± She posed beside Gardstrife and Yogi. ¡°Now you suffer the consequences of stealing from the realm!¡±


    Alan dashed toward the web, flowing Black Saro into his blade to better balance it. The crash of void beasts was deafening at first, but Alan ignored all of it ¨C eyes only on Lucius.


    The twirling flagged spear of Elkire stopped to poke holes between the augmented guards ¨C their screams of multiple voices making it seem like they were harming aliens. Alan flashed Red Saro, ducked under Elkire¡¯s wide swing, flipped over Tenger¡¯s whip, and spun twice at the knight standing between him and the web. The first twirl caught the woman¡¯s axe-arm, while the second clashed so hard, her breastplate tore in two.


    Alan didn¡¯t wait for her to fall, he Spartan-kicked her down, following all the way through to use the fallen soldier as a spring to charge the web.


    Lucius¡¯ portal grew in circumference and intensity, nearly enough for him to crawl through.


    ¡°Go. I can¡¯t afford you as prisoners,¡± Lucius¡¯ growl carried.


    ¡°Rrah!¡± Alan swung with the remorse of his wasted Earthly potential. The Doomsayers dove through one at a time. Alan only had seconds to stop him. He wouldn¡¯t make it. Even if he threw the Soul Collector right through him, it would mean nothing during his pain suppression duration.


    ¡°Lucius!¡± Alan screamed again as the Fate Chasers leaped through Alan¡¯s opening in the web. All of the weapons launched past him clanged off a monstrous ornately etched shield pulled up from a pool of magma. It dropped just as fast, enough to see Lucius stepping foot in the portal.


    ¡°No!¡± Alan used all of his rage, channeling it into the dark blade in this crucial moment ¨C seeing all the souls within it by face. He syphoned like he was flipping through a deck of cards, stopping on the one that matched the man in front of it ¨C Lucius ¨C and yanked the sword back like he was tugging on Lucius¡¯ heart.


    Lucius faltered, holding his chest, stumbling around to face Alan. Still, twenty feet separated them. Maybe more. Just enough to know one more step meant a leap into the portal.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need this to find you, Alan.¡± He released his soul-patch on the blade, making it instantly lighter in Alan¡¯s grip. ¡°All I have to do is follow the whispers.¡±


    ¡°Lucius! No!¡± Alan reached out, and in a flash, the portal closed with Lucius on the other side of it.

 Chapter 32 - Damage Control

    Alan fell to his knees as the portal closed. Lucius¡­ was gone. Add insult to injury, he ripped off his soul from Alan¡¯s blade like a wet band-aid, leaving nothing left tethering them together. He could¡¯ve went anywhere in Ojin. Another realm even. One glance at his map told him he¡¯d already found a way to hide the Pegs from being pinpointed.


    He sighed, staring at his own hands, hearing the labored breath of Elkire right behind him.


    ¡°Arrest him.¡± Irana stomped over, furious.


    ¡°Hey, hey, hey.¡± Tenger rushed to stand in front of her. ¡°This man is on our side, spice. He didn¡¯t commit the crime. That much is clear.¡±


    ¡°He led that Stalker right into our home!¡± Irana pointed, anger growing.


    Boom!


    All heads turned to see Sinclair¡¯s void spider melting into the stone of his castle grounds, with Madam Mar, Yogi, and Gardstrife standing tall over him.


    ¡°Great. Now we¡¯re Junos-damn fugitives too.¡±


    Elkire straightened, putting a hand on Alan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Rest easy, friends. This is not the first test of our will. We have endured many and will endure more. Seafire ¨C your late gryphon ¨C will be mourned. Thereafter, we trek to her nest of brethren. Ah!¡± He stopped her before she could protest. ¡°Seafire rode with honor among us, and her family will decide whether we are worthy to ride again.¡±


    Irana clenched her jaw hard, tears making her eyes glassy.


    ¡°Alan Right, God Merchant of Strangey Town, Forbidden Merchant of the Shade, future Herald of Ojin. I am¡­ entertained.¡±


    Alan scoffed at Junos¡¯ voice echoing in his head. It was the last thing he wanted to hear after the death of two gryphons and the escape of Lucius. He screwed up. Big. And with that came another realization ¨C his dream of helping groups out in this universe had to be put on hold for a very long time. Because everywhere he turned, darkness followed.


    Everywhere.


    If it¡¯s not Farante, it¡¯s Hyndole, or Lucius, or the Merchant of Five Pearls, or someone falling from grace around him, dragging everyone else down with him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for failing you, Elkire.¡± Alan rubbed his temples. ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, a lot of good that¡¯s going to do us now, Merchant. Shit!¡± Irana swept her foot over the stone, spinning away from Tenger¡¯s grasp.


    ¡°As reward for this grand show, I bestow you a favor of limits, and the following Title:¡±


    Centurion Merchant of Hightower Brack


    Affinity: Defensive and passive abilities are bolstered when this Title is active.


    Alan narrowed his eyes, focusing on the prompts as a lightbulb hit him. Would bestowing a Title be within the favor¡¯s limits? he asked Junos.


    ¡°So long as the Title is not of rare or unique origin, it would.¡±


    Alan got to his feet with renewed purpose. ¡°Irana, you say you¡¯re fugitives now¡ª¡±


    ¡°We, Merchant. We¡¯re fugitives¡­ if we let that prick live.¡±


    ¡°Irana!¡± Elkire boomed, appalled. ¡°That is not how the Legion operates.¡±


    ¡°It was in jest, Elkire. Calm those tense asscheeks of yours,¡± Tenger laughed nervously.


    ¡°Sinclair will convene with the tower-watchers and have us detained.¡± Irana threw up her arms. ¡°No Pegs, no mounts, reputation ruined¡­ just, like, that.¡± She snapped her fingers.


    ¡°Look, all of you.¡± Alan spun. ¡°I know how bad this looks. Let me at least get you all back to level ground. At least then I can begin repaying my debt to you.¡± He leapt off the balcony, down to the castle grounds where Yogi, Strife, and Madam Mar still stood over Sinclair stuck on his back.


    Alan gave Yogi a quick fist-bump, and Strife an elbow tap. ¡°Good job, gents and lady. Now if you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d like a word with the owner of this land.¡±


    Madam Mar allowed the Void Saro to expel out of her body ¨C starting with her eyes, draining all the way down to her feet and back into the grounds. ¡°He is not a man of reason.¡±


    ¡°I see that. Still, there are qualities about him I can work with.¡± Alan glanced between Mar and Sinclair.


    ¡°Such as?¡±


    ¡°Loyalty between two universes, for one. He harbored a prince of Cerrain, even though he had no obligation to. And, he¡¯s kind.¡±


    ¡°Kind?¡±


    ¡°Yes. He¡¯s not going to detain any of these fine people, including you, Madam, even though we trespassed.¡±


    Sinclair spat a heap of Purple Saro blood. Only now did Alan realize how black his eye was from the pummeling.


    ¡°The hell I am!¡± Sinclair struggled to his elbows. ¡°And trespassed? Look around you. The damage you caused, the Healers I¡¯ll have to hire, hah, this is a full blown assault, which you lot will be paying the price for!¡±


    Alan nodded for his minions and Madam Mar to leave them alone. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡± He waited until the footsteps were far enough away, then extended his hand to the castle lord. His face was long like a new moon, eyes sunken as if he¡¯d been up all night. Well, the eye that wasn¡¯t black, anyway. His skin was sallow. It was obvious this man spent his time in the dark parts of his castle, and judging by his decision to shield Lucius, he was sorely missing a sense of purpose.


    Sinclair debated whether to take Alan¡¯s hand, and after a scoff, he did. ¡°You¡¯re not getting out of this one, Merchant. If you decide to try something fast, I have a runner ready to give word to every tower-watcher in the realm. I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sinclair, please,¡± Alan cut him off. ¡°I¡¯m only trying to make things right. Our qualms weren¡¯t with you.¡±


    ¡°A little late for that. You must pay for your crimes, like I paid for mine,¡± he said sarcastically.


    ¡°What crime did you commit?¡± Alan began the walk away from the Legion, noting the massive indents from the void spider tussling with Madam¡¯s bird and his minions.


    Sinclair scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m not getting into that with you.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you walking with me, lord? Were my assumptions about you wrong?¡± Alan challenged. ¡°I mean, if it isn¡¯t clear that I¡¯m trying to understand someone clearly misjudged, then I¡¯ll go rejoin my party and accept my fate.¡±


    They strolled in silence, Alan refusing to say anything more. The ball was in Sinclair¡¯s court now ¨C stay in ¡®exile¡¯ or take the olive branch.


    ¡°Her name was Seena.¡± Sinclair stopped at a wooden door leading to a bulbous tower, and waved a hand to ignite screeching Purple Saro that eroded the door open.


    Alan was hesitant to enter but didn¡¯t dare back away now.


    ¡°Burned by a Purple Saro dragon, almost beyond recognition. Traditional Healers failed to reverse the corrosion. Her friends, betrothed, everyone who revered this woman was at a loss, and in that desperation, they came to me.¡±


    ¡°A master of the void?¡± Alan surmised.


    ¡°Ha! Master. There is no such reverence in my line of work.¡±


    They trekked down a spiral staircase ¨C Sinclair grabbing a torch on the way.


    ¡°Nevertheless, one must understand the ways of the void in order to shape it,¡± Sinclair went on. His words made Alan think of the creature he attacked within, the castle he possessed, his enhanced knights. ¡°Where everyone saw tragedy in Seena¡¯s fate, I saw opportunity. Though I dared not act on it. I am no monster as everyone thinks.¡±


    Alan wasn¡¯t so sure. ¡°And those knights we fought?¡±


    ¡°Prisoners of the realm. Exiles. Fighters who could no longer portal to Ojin and prefer to live out their days with augmented powers rather than rotting in a cell. The gods may not favor me, Merchant, but I am not without friends in Hightower.¡±


    ¡°And Seena?¡±


    Sinclair pursed his lips. ¡°Seena¡­¡± He trailed off, looking to the high ceiling. ¡°I peeled back the void corrosion like an onion, to give her betrothed what he sought ¨C her flesh form, or what was left of it anyway. Red lines split open the skin on her face. Her eyelids burned clean off. Bloodshot eyes ever-staring, and vocal chords burnt to withering threads. Yet she was still there. Just not enough for those who once loved her.¡±


    Alan half-expected to be led into some perverted lair, but the next gate led to an armory of strange metals. Gauntlets, boots, breastplates, all with pulsing vein-like augments.


    ¡°They blamed me for her fate,¡± Sinclair¡¯s voice scratched. ¡°Said I was in cahoots with the blessed necromancers, propping her up like a lifeless puppet.¡± He ran his fingers over the stone wall. ¡°No matter how many times I proved she was still there, no one would listen. Her friends cursed me as a mad caster. Her betrothed prayed to Junos for my demise ¨C begging for him to open a portal to the dragon¡¯s den¡­ with me chained at the other side.¡±


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    ¡°Jeez.¡± Alan scratched the back of his head.


    ¡°It was only a matter of time before I was exiled and cut of my riches. In exchange? They offered me a corroded castle cut off from civilization to represent my void heart.¡±


    Alan bowed his head, feeling for the guy. ¡°And her fate?¡±


    ¡°Death by broken heart.¡±


    ¡°Damn.¡± Alan turned away.


    ¡°Behind every monster, there is harsh story.¡± Sinclair unlocked the gate and held up his torch to showcase his projects. ¡°Seeing Lucius reminded me of a better world¡­ For me, anyway. I¡¯d give everything to fall back to Cerrain. Though I¡¯m not as foolish as those Fate Chasers you surround yourself with. Pegs of Fate, bah. Waste of a whole second life to get back to a failed first.¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess I won¡¯t be convincing you to join them,¡± Alan said, and they both laughed.


    ¡°You are alright, Merchant.¡± He held out his hand, Purple Saro corroding his glove enough for Alan to shake his flesh. ¡°Sinclair Duwalt, exile of Hightower Brack.¡±


    ¡°Alan Right, cursed Merchant of Strangey Town,¡± he said half-jokingly.


    ¡°Perhaps I will let you flee from these grounds. But the others will pay. Mardonnus has a long-standing history of being a stickler bitch to anyone not falling squarely into her trials. Anyone who follows her should suffer the same fate.¡±


    Alan walked up to a breastplate embossed with crossed shimmering swords. The purple light moved back and forth hypnotically, like waves. ¡°Masterful work, Sinclair, even if you¡¯ll deny it.¡± He dared to touch the armor, feeling a surge of energy once skin brushed against metal.


    ¡°Careful. That piece will swallow you if not careful.¡± Sinclair folded his arms.


    ¡°If the rest of my weapons haven¡¯t already, I think I¡¯ll be alright.¡± Alan stared at the sword engravings, falling into a momentary trance. Turns out, they were remnants of real weapons imbued by the void. He saw a white-haired man bowing, presenting both blades covered in embroidered cloth¡­ for a young Sinclair to take.


    He wasn¡¯t always hated.


    Alan wrinkled his nose when he returned. ¡°What do you seek, Sinclair? Respect? Forgiveness?¡±


    ¡°The latter would assume I did something to forgive,¡± he scowled.


    ¡°Societies can be fickle when a belief takes hold,¡± Alan agreed. ¡°I was accused of being a god scout on the first day of my second life. But there was one who believed in me ¨C who shielded me from stones.¡± He turned to Sinclair. ¡°Maybe I can be that for you.¡±


    ¡°How do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I can turn Junos¡¯ gaze toward you¡­ Perhaps even get you a new Title. It wouldn¡¯t be anything you don¡¯t deserve. Rather, the recognition that you do.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Sinclair paced away. ¡°Thank you, Alan.¡±


    ¡°For what? We haven¡¯t made any agreements¡ª¡±


    ¡°For not questioning whether my story of Seena was true.¡±


    Alan didn¡¯t reveal that his trances already pieced together Sinclair¡¯s character, but instead let the organic trust flow.


    ¡°How would you turn Junos¡¯ eye?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Let me worry about that. Say I can do it. In return, you forget this¡­ miscommunication¡­ ever happened.¡± Alan could tell Sinclair was holding back a smirk. Judging by his words to Madam Mar on their way to the castle ¨C this is all Sinclair has wanted for a long time. ¡°And. I want this.¡± He motioned to the breastplate. When Sinclair didn¡¯t rashly protest, he knew it was on the table. ¡°Don¡¯t let this magnificent piece rot in a cellar. Let me wear it, as an ambassador to your craftsmanship, and our new friendship.¡±


    Sinclair hooted at that. ¡°You¡¯ll have to show payment first.¡±


    Alright, Junos, you¡¯re up. Please grant this man a favorable Title that he doesn¡¯t yet possess, so my friends can be freed from this mishap.


    ¡°It will be done, Alan Right.¡±


    ¡°I will grant Sinclair Duwalt the Title: Forger of the Unheard, for his respectable work and to clear his name of misunderstanding. Then we will consider our business adjourned, until the next time you decide to provide such premium entertainment.¡±


    Don¡¯t go away just yet, Alan responded to the prompt in his head. I¡¯ll need a portal out of here, and in return, I¡­ have a proposition.


    ¡°Hmm. Intriguing. Perhaps I will answer thy call.¡±


    Alan cleared his throat after blinking the prompts out of his vision. ¡°You should be receiving a promising message shortly.¡±


    Sinclair held his chin while scanning blankly ahead, then his eyes nearly bulged out of his head. ¡°By the gods, Alan.¡± His smile could not be stopped, tears leaking from his eyes. He wanted this more than Alan knew. ¡°For so long I¡¯ve been discarded. Finally, after all these years. Ugh.¡± He balled his fists. ¡°Now the tower-watcher of high moon will see ¨C I will be owed a grand apology.¡±


    He walked past Alan to the armor on the wall. His hands glowed purple, activating the armor to contort off its casing. Metal ridges unhooked and folded open, allowing him to take it down.


    ¡°All is forgiven, as agreed.¡±


    Alan sighed with relief. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡±


    ¡°However, before you don this armor, you must understand the power it holds. The power of the void.¡± Both crossed swords on the breastplate blinked to life. ¡°It will become one with you whenever equipped ¨C responding to your instincts, solidifying to block blows, and altering composition to absorb magical blasts, if you can manage its call. And indeed you will. I have no doubt.¡± He held the breastplate out to Alan. ¡°This one in particular is among my finest creations. You have a good eye, Alan Right.¡±


    Alan admired the piece close up.


    ¡°What is your Saro affinity? Certain colors are, how should I say, difficult to mesh with Purple.¡±


    ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be a problem,¡± Alan surmised. ¡°I¡¯m Colorless.¡±


    Sinclair swallowed hard. ¡°Interesting.¡±


    ¡°Though I¡¯ve never interacted with Purple Saro.¡±


    ¡°Well, it is certainly a learning curve. Might I suggest you begin your training by envisioning times of foreign acceptance. Perhaps a foreign language, a strange trip outside your comfort zone, anything from your Origins where the outcome was different than the expectation. That should be a good jumping off point to melding the armor with your body.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll certainly do my best. This armor can¡¯t hurt me, right?¡± Alan jostled it like he was shaking a cage.


    ¡°Contrary to popular uneducated belief, now that you own it, it cannot,¡± Sinclair assured.


    Void-surge Breastplate


    Original Saro ¨C Purple


    Ability: Pulse-off ¨C Send a plasmatic pulse to counteract harmful force. Applies to physical attacks and Saro-enhanced physical attacks only.


    Ability: Reverb ¨C Mimic an incoming Saro projectile to neutralize the blast. Beware, effectiveness decreases based on Saro well depletion.


    ¡°Durger, any tips?¡± Alan focused a bit of Black Saro into the blade on his back.


    ¡°Void is out of my reach, I¡¯m afraid, Sir Alan. It is the antithesis of blessed necromancy. But I do think Sinclair¡¯s initial instructions are in line with my basic understanding.¡±


    ¡°Alright, here goes.¡± Alan ran his finger down the seams of the armor ¨C which broke open like a beast¡¯s teeth.


    ¡°Do not fret. It merely senses your connection to Purple and is accepting you with open arms.¡± Sinclair nodded.


    Alan recalled vague figments of an out-of-towner asking for directions back on Earth, then of foreigners coming into his shop back in the day, speaking languages he didn¡¯t understand. Pointing and nodding became the bridge. Those brief thoughts alone turned his pendant color wheel glowing purple. It was getting easier and easier to relate to Saro, and Alan had no complaints about that.


    Kerchrt.


    As soon as Alan placed the armor over his chest, it compressed shut with a screech, tightening around his body. ¡°Uhh, I don¡¯t like this.¡± He felt claustrophobic and stiff. If this is what it was like to wear plate-mail, he wasn¡¯t interested. ¡°Sinclair¡­¡±


    ¡°Hah. Not to worry. It is merely taking a liking to you. Sniffing around, if you will.¡±


    Soon after, the armor loosened to an almost jelly-like state, threading through Alan¡¯s cloth shirt and pooling around his skin. Cold. So cold. He squeezed his eyes shut, until the liquid warmed, and the armor became a form-fitting mesh of metal and organic matter. His chest and arms felt twice their normal size, even though they weren¡¯t at all. Is this the strength that Lucius possessed?


    ¡°There, perfect. My brand ambassador.¡± Sinclair bestowed Alan¡¯s new form with a mirror and a crinkled smile.


    It looked cool, Alan couldn¡¯t lie. His cloth rearranged to form a tattered Merchant¡¯s cloak hanging loosely over a pristine void breastplate. The crossed sword logo was brilliantly exposed, and the weapons sticking out of his back started to look like what all those frogs preached, finally.


    ¡°A great exchange,¡± Sinclair beamed, then displayed his new Title overhead. ¡°Now, if you don¡¯t mind, I am ecstatic to pay Madam Mar a visit.¡±


    xxx


    Alan emerged from Sinclair¡¯s bulbous tower with a fresh set of void armor and a new friend. The Legion of Fate awaited eagerly on the bridge, surrounded by a group of Sinclair¡¯s void guards, while Yogi and Gardstrife sat at the edge of the castle unbothered, awkwardly holding steaming tea. Alan had no idea where Yogi kept getting it from, but both his minions seemed to be getting along, so he wasn¡¯t about to ask any questions.


    Elkire stood abruptly, pointing to the two. ¡°What has the void forger done to you, Alan?¡± his voice carried through the castle. ¡°Unhand him!¡± He leapt forward, with three guards trailing at his back.


    ¡°Relax, Elkire!¡± Alan held both his arms up.


    ¡°Guards, stand down!¡± Sinclair said.


    Madam Mar created a platform, descending to their location with curiosity written all over her face. A puff of dirt cleared to reveal her standing before them with her hands behind her back. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve come to an agreement, Madam Mar, which includes freedom on our part. Sinclair will no longer be pressing charges,¡± Alan said happily.


    Elkire¡¯s face seemed to have short-circuited, because it was frozen in shock.


    ¡°Forger of the Unheard?¡± Mar peered up to the letters shining over Sinclair¡¯s head. ¡°That¡¯s the Title of an unsung hero.¡±


    Sinclair bowed as if graciously accepting an award. ¡°Though the realm did everything in its power to keep Junos away from me, an unlikely Merchant sends his eye my way. Retribution, it seems, is a dish served warm. You are all free to go.¡±


    Mar and Elkire exchanged a glance.


    ¡°How, Alan?¡± Mar asked.


    ¡°Junos liked our little spat, apparently. And I offered my acknowledgement to Sinclair. As I understand your god, he wouldn¡¯t have granted him the Title if he didn¡¯t deserve it.¡±


    All eyes shifted to Sinclair.


    ¡°Alan, you okay over there?¡± Tenger called from the bridge.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Alan waved.


    ¡°So that¡¯s it. We¡¯re free to mourn and rebuild?¡± Elkire asked, still disbelieving.


    ¡°As free as the ocean blue beyond my castle, warrior.¡± Sinclair bowed his head. ¡°Alan has mentioned your hardships, and we are in agreement ¨C this was a misunderstanding that has been adequately resolved.¡±


    ¡°Well then, I must be going.¡± Alan held out his hand one last time to shake Sinclair¡¯s. The hard squeeze spoke to Sinclair¡¯s thanks. ¡°I hope your next venture into the cities is well received.¡±


    ¡°It will be, thanks to you.¡± Sinclair smiled and held his hand up as Alan began walking away ¨C beckoning Elkire and Mar with him.


    ¡°Elkire. Stay here and mourn, allow me to begin repaying you by going to the gryphon nest.¡± Alan eyed him.


    ¡°Your armor.¡± Madam Mar pressed her hand across it.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be much of a Merchant if I left emptyhanded.¡± Alan smirked.


    The imprint she left lingered, before zipping away like water. ¡°Strong Saro, my Colorless warrior. May it protect you.¡±


    ¡°Alan, if there is one true revelation this day, it is that you are an ally to the Legion.¡±


    ¡°About that.¡± He dug into his bag. ¡°Take my Peg. I have no plans to leave anytime soon. Might as well start your rebuilding with Yineera¡¯s.¡±


    Elkire pushed it away. ¡°Clearly that one is cursed. Hold onto it, and we¡¯ll come to you last if we ever gather them all.¡±


    Madam Mar lifted them back to the bridge, where Alan said his goodbyes, vowing to chase Lucius to the ends of the universe to repay what was taken.


    Elkire pointed Alan to the sacred nest of gryphons on his map. ¡°Here, bring these with you.¡± He dropped a few sparkling feathers in Alan¡¯s hand. ¡°Hopefully it will be enough to keep them from clawing your face off.¡±


    ¡°Comforting.¡± Alan grimaced.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± He smirked. ¡°Take Tengar and Irana with you. The path is starkly dangerous.¡±


    ¡°I learned something too today, Elkire. Anywhere I go, I¡¯ll be putting others in uniquely horrific danger. Whether it be gods tailing me, dark Merchants, or Ojin itself¡­ I¡¯d best be moving on alone for now.¡± Alan scanned the Legion. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll train so I can face my foes head on, and without the guilt of dragging others down. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll meet again.¡± He rolled up his map.


    ¡°Very well.¡± Elkire snapped his fingers for one of the Wizards to come forward. ¡°At least let us give you a portal back to Ojin.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite alright. I¡¯ll be asking Junos directly for that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re an odd duck, you know that?¡± Tenger tilted his head.


    ¡°Yeah, I know.¡±


    ¡°You better hope you find your friend before I do.¡± Irana cracked her knuckles.


    ¡°I do hope that. This way I can consider my debt repaid.¡± Alan smiled, nodding for Yogi and Gardstrife to head on off with him. ¡°I¡¯ll have a Dreamcatcher message Madam Mar if the gryphons accept me. If not, come pick up my corpse.¡±


    Elkire bark-laughed. ¡°I doubt your story ends in such a lackluster way, Alan Right. When I see you again, we¡¯ll both be better off. Farewell!¡±

 Chapter 33 - Two Steps Forward

    Alan coined both of his minions back into his bag and trekked to the very end of Sinclair¡¯s castle bridge. Madam Mar zoomed off in the other direction with the Legion of Fate, leaving Alan alone to stare at the sunset. He wanted to take a minute before calling to the god of Hightower Brack, because the day felt like ten wrapped in one.


    ¡°Lucius, you sly prick.¡± He tossed a rock into the ocean far below him. ¡°Those people didn¡¯t deserve that. I didn¡¯t deserve that.¡±


    He huffed, letting the warm breeze wash over him like a calming bath. His new tattered cloak flapped around while his void-style breastplate clinked with every slight movement. If nothing else, he looked the part now ¨C a Merchant Warrior.


    Junos. About that portal¡­


    ¡°Yes, Merchant. I am listening to your proposition.¡±


    Well, are you aware that Jaeger is circumventing rules of the universe in an attempt to wage war?


    ¡°It is odd to speak of such things with a mortal. Yet, speak of them, we will. Yes, I am aware. Though my knowledge of Hightower Brack and Ojin reigns supreme, I am subject to hearsay of the other realms through scouts.¡±


    Well, I can assure you I¡¯m being tailed by Hyndole ¨C right hand of Jaeger. He uses nefarious means to intercept my progress in Ojin, and now I think I understand why. If gods have a clear view of the war realm, it makes sense why he would keep his distance.


    ¡°Hearsay and out-of-focus conspiracies are not in my purview of high-entertainment, I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    Understood. But what if it¡¯s your realm Jaeger targets next?


    ¡°Then the tower-watchers will see it coming, and defend accordingly, to the highest degree.¡±


    With respect, Junos, your warriors had a hard time putting out a stable-fire. Alan scratched at the brick rail overlooking the ocean, wondering if that was a step too far. I¡¯ve witnessed Hyndole lure a stampede of void minions straight into Strangey Town. You should prepare your warriors for unthinkable events such as that one.


    ¡°I do not particularly enjoy defense preparation¡­ waiting¡­ the sort. It bores me to oblivion.¡±


    Alan wondered if all the realm gods were mad. Mujungo loved to watch people humiliate themselves, Junos was like a child seeking endless entertainment, and Jaeger wanted to take over the universe. Was there no saving grace here?


    ¡°However, a being in my position is not devoid of responsibility. I appreciate your forewarning.¡±


    Alan found a smidge of hope in those last words.


    I would be honored to deliver any messages you have to other gods as I travel between realms.


    ¡°Hmm. If war is waged by Jaeger, Renios, Nartaque, I will open my portals for aid. You bring that message to your gods, Alan Right, and I expect reciprocation in the name of good-faith alliance.¡±


    Alan smiled and nodded. It will be done, Junos. Now, about that portal¡­ Can you get me close to the gryphon¡¯s nest of Reshen-du in Ojin?


    ¡°Gauwruck is the closest I may port you, without disturbing the fog.¡±


    Alan whipped out his map, tracing how far it was from the nest. I¡¯ll take it! Thank you, Junos!


    ¡°I hope to be entertained by you again, soon, Alan Right. Farewell.¡±


    A diagonal portal formed right over the balcony, shooting out grey fog. At least Alan knew he wouldn¡¯t be in for any crazy minions upon landing. With a long breath, he took in the scenery one last time before climbing the balcony ledge and hopping through.


    Alan reformed in Ojin, with a small circumference of clear air surrounded by smoke. He was excited to rekindle with Durger properly now that he was alone, so he unsheathed his Soul Collector and flowed a tad of anger through it.


    Immediately, a fully formed six-foot-five bearded silhouette materialized from the blade.


    ¡°Well now, this is an experience. I haven¡¯t had control of limbs in what feels like an eternity, Sir Alan.¡±


    Alan took his first steps forward, testing the blade. ¡°I won¡¯t be traveling blind any longer. Times were dark without you, friend.¡±


    ¡°It was a terrible feeling, to be raked from that calm dagger and yanked into a dark puddle of angry souls. But it is good that we found each other again. What¡¯s better, turns out Sir Ooman was in the dagger too ¨C just locked away from my eyes. I feel his presence again¡­ somewhere.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Alan patted his shoulder, releasing a puff of dark smoke. ¡°I¡¯ll have to concentrate on the little pup and get him out here too.¡±


    ¡°Careful, Alan. You see what the Black has done to your friend ¨C it would tear me in two to see you suffer the same fate.¡±


    ¡°Wait, are you saying Lucius isn¡¯t acting under his own free will?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s complicated. I¡¯ve seen good warriors slowly fall under the influence of their own dark thoughts. To exercise in the Black, is to invite that very darkness. I¡¯ve felt it every time I forged a dark weapon.¡±


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    ¡°I feel very much under control though, Durger.¡± Alan swiped at some shrubbery on the way forward.


    ¡°It starts with simple compromises at first. Look here.¡± Durger displayed his own hands. ¡°My form is growing more detailed every time you evoke me. It is both wonderous and dangerous. A double-edged sword. It means you are becoming more in tune with your anger. What that ultimately means, I cannot say for sure, but I can look at history.¡±


    Alan shook his head, refusing to believe it.


    Durger stopped in his tracks to lay his hands over Alan¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Be careful, my friend. That¡¯s all I¡¯m saying.¡±


    Alan locked eyes with Durger, analyzing all the fine details drawn into smoky existence ¨C the greying outlines of his irises struggling to maintain shape, the crow¡¯s-feet speaking to eons of pain, the sincerity in him.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll use the blade with caution.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± He patted him twice before they began on their way.


    Alan took out his map and traced his blinking location ¨C they were heading toward the nest Elkire pointed out, with plenty of valleys and impasses to get through in between. He asked about whether Lucius really released the piece of his soul from the blade, which Durger confirmed he did. They both agreed the prince was cunning, and steadfast to his goal beyond rationality. Where would that lead him, though, if not home to Cerrain?


    It was a tough question.


    Alan rewound Durger for stints at a time ¨C whenever he had to hunt minions in the grey. Humanoids with bright yellow eyes and decaying skin had horrible reflexes, though Alan soon figured out it was by design. After failing to negotiate, Alan was forced to lop off some limbs. To his surprise, every piece chopped turned into a new version of the humanoid, a little bit hollower than the main.


    Sorkin ¨C Durger called them ¨C would only go down by abilities with full-body effects. It forced Alan to sheath his weapons and call forth varying Saro, testing new limits. Orange tidal waves of fire, white tornadoes freezing only when his enemies were caught within the gales, yellow lightning frying every inch of them.


    Alan nearly fainted on more than one occasion. Expending pure Saro like that depleted his well faster than he could regenerate. After one blast, his arm fell completely numb. After another ¨C his legs. Apparently, one limitation Colorless wielders suffered was no visible Saro well. It was like a giant blind-spot he had to navigate by instinct. He wished Durger was back where he belonged ¨C in his first dagger ¨C because filtering Black Saro was incredibly limited by comparison. No more relying on him for every little summon. Instead, he began to develop tells for when he reached certain depleting thresholds. A pang near his ribs meant he was pulling too fast. Strain near his neck meant he was overdoing it. He measured the feelings with questions he held onto for after battle.


    Enough sectional fog cleared, giving Alan visibility of the road traveled. Once he got the hang of defeating Sorkin, he tested his form-fitted armor, absorbing magical lightning blasts shot from their fanged mouths. It hurt like he¡¯d imagine a bullet would with a vest. The impact was there, pressure too, but the ultimate damage was neutralized upon impact.


    ¡°Alan, each defensive strike rips a chunk of Saro from your well.¡± Durger reformed once the battle was over. ¡°Use it sparingly.¡±


    ¡°Noted.¡± Alan ran his thumb over the armor, feeling tingles as if he was feeling his own skin. Tender to the touch.


    ¡°May I ask what the plan is once you tame these gryphons?¡±


    ¡°Well, I hope to borrow one for myself. I think it will go a long way in paying my debts. Here, look.¡± He pulled out his map. ¡°We can cut across this entire body of water to get north, where I can fulfill my promise to Yogi.¡±


    ¡°You would rush to relieve yourself of such a dire asset?¡±


    ¡°What good would I be if I held onto his soul with an iron grip? I made him a promise, and I think it will go in line with fighting the Black by keeping them.¡±


    ¡°Noble. Always.¡±


    They trekked onward, over brooks where Alan had to balance on rocks peeking out of the water, careful not to disturb minions living within fat tree trunks ¨C their lanterns blinking through holes. When it became dark in Gauwruck, poisonous spores shot up from anywhere there was soil, eventually gaining mass and reforming into the Sorkin that were earlier slain.


    The cycle of life moved quickly here, and it disturbed Alan greatly. He found a path of rocks and high boulders to set up camp within for the night, channeling a bit of frustration into his blade to evoke Durger for some company.


    ¡°Mmph. The souls are getting restless in there, Sir Alan.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± Alan held his palms over a bundle of sticks to light them aflame.


    ¡°They see us conversing and want their chance to walk the Fog of War again.¡±


    Alan pursed his lips.


    ¡°One even offered to train you. Says you¡¯re incredibly powerful, but as sloppy as the Cerrain prince.¡±


    Alan hooted at that. ¡°Oh really?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It scares me to let him goad you inside such a dark weapon, but he is a warrior who was rumored to trek the Crimson. Afarus Soh ¨C Bladesmen of the Fog.¡±


    ¡°Tell me more.¡± Alan folded his legs beside the campfire.


    ¡°Long ago, when I roamed the realms, his name was whispered here and there. They said his travels were¡­ unorthodox. In his paranoia, Afarus refused to clear out any full areas of Ojin, because he had this belief that the fog shielded him from the gods¡¯ eye. While it limited his sight considerably, it blinded the gods completely, according to him. And so he welcomed ambush of any minion, grey to red, deeming it a small price to pay for privacy.¡±


    ¡°Interesting. Is there any merit to his claim?¡±


    Durger shrugged and took a seat across from Alan, his form mimicking the embers trailing away from the fire. ¡°Not sure about his philosophical beliefs, but his combat skills alone would be worth a summon. Perhaps at night, when you¡¯re confined to a rock like this.¡± He rubbed the floor beneath his fingertips. ¡°Just please, don¡¯t get addicted to the Black.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    Alan and Durger meditated by the fire as the old soul coached Alan how to better navigate the depths of his dark blade. It wasn¡¯t all Earthly betrayals and bad memories of Trish. Much to his relief oddly enough, long-term depression worked best to hold the Saro connection. It slowed Alan¡¯s mental state down, allowing him to feel the souls bouncing off one another ¨C fighting for who knew what. The more Alan lingered in one spot, the more details of the soul formed.


    Okay, I¡¯m looking for a man with too much hair and a ragged headband. Gold-colored eyes. Patchy beard.


    Nope. Nope. Alan moved on to a female warrior with a form-fitted one piece of void armor ¨C only her bare hands and feet showed. Then a hunched man carrying an oversized shield on his back. Who were these people?


    When he cycled through every soul twice, he realized that this ¡®Mr. Soh¡¯ was nowhere to be found.


    ¡°Now do you understand?¡± a voice whispered into Alan¡¯s mind. ¡°Who do you think taught Lucius of stealth? To fragment his soul? To dive?¡±


    Alan panicked ¨C nearly losing his connection to the blade. He quickly focused on his breathing, remembering he was in control of who came and went. Thinking back to the fight against Farante¡­ Were all of these souls the ones summoned to fight beside him?


    He cleared his mind, and it occurred to him the voice was purposely thrown so he wouldn¡¯t be able to pinpoint it. He¡¯d have to rely on feel once again. A soul swirling by his lonesome, unwilling to connect.


    This already felt like a test.


    As Alan¡¯s sight remained on the blackness, he envisioned the black skeletal dragon Farante fought to obtain the blade.


    ¡°Ah, my destroyer,¡± Afarus spoke his dismay. ¡°A beast who scours the harsh fog, looking for wounded warriors to drag to the depths of the ocean. Cowardly!¡±


    Afarus failed to throw the last word, and Alan¡¯s attention turned like an alerted fox.


    Got you.


    Alan¡¯s eyes sprung open, and out from the blade poured a soul of ragged cloths, stick-thin arms, and a hairy chest that matched his patchy beard. His eyes were bulbs that sucked the life from the surrounding skin. And when they locked eyes, it was as if he¡¯d stumbled upon a racoon in the middle of the day ¨C something not meant to be seen.


    Afarus drew more smoke from the blade himself, enough to form two strikingly long blades dragging at his sides. ¡°A ball of controlled emotion.¡± His eyes took full shape, while the rest of his body remained a silhouetted shadow. ¡°That¡¯s all you are, Merchant. What do you think you¡¯re doing, venturing in Ojin alone?¡±


    ¡°Apparently taking the same steps as you.¡± Alan took out a blue essence from his bag and scarfed it down.


    ¡°You are no limit-bender. I¡¯ve watched you from many perspectives. You care for the art of the deal and preservation of life more than you do progress.¡±


    ¡°Progress for the sake of progress is only meaningful to others you pave the way for,¡± Alan said. ¡°I refuse to believe you had no motive before you were eaten. Were you as droll as all the elites on Earth? Just looking for legacy?¡±


    ¡°Fool. I seek to step foot where no other dares. To triumph where others fail.¡± He clenched his fist, gold eyes lit by the fire. Though his frame was far from intimidating, his confidence almost made up for it.


    ¡°I prefer Durger¡¯s company.¡± Alan waved the man away.


    ¡°Then you prefer to be fanned and fed grapes like a good pointless king. I will do no such thing.¡± Afarus drew his sword and swiped at the flame, cutting reality in half.


    A literal slashed line distorted the space between the burning sticks, twisting the flames in unnatural ways, and making Afarus appear stretched in the spot he cut. Then, with another clench of his fist, Afarus reclosed the reality-gap with a boom!


    Alan promptly got to his feet, brandishing his sword. ¡°You¡¯re fucking dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Few men are offered the role of god, Alan.¡± Afarus smirked, drawing a line in the stone with his sword. ¡°And even fewer have the will to reject it.¡±

 Chapter 34 - Crimson Walker

    The very nature of reality was just challenged by a soul standing on the other side of the campfire. He paced with a set of real golden-colored eyes attached to a smoky silhouette, and Alan stood at the ready to call him back into his blade if need be.


    Offered the role of god?


    ¡°You are shaken. That¡¯s good, Alan.¡± Afarus held his sword past the fire, pointed straight at him. ¡°Now you know who you¡¯re dealing with.¡±


    ¡°Are you the corruptor? Is that why Lucius turns on his friends at every chance?¡± Alan swiped away Afarus¡¯ blade, which clanged, much to Alan¡¯s dismay.


    He¡¯s able to materialize in full. I thought he was just a dense cloud.


    Relax, Durger wouldn¡¯t have suggested him if he wasn¡¯t good.


    Afarus smirked. ¡°Everyone is accountable for their own choices.¡±


    ¡°Were you an influence, then?¡±


    ¡°All aspects of our vessels are an influence. A sword, a gauntlet, an essence ¨C all conjured or worn by the wielder¡¯s choice.¡± Afarus continued scraping his blade against the stone, testing his connection, enjoying his time outside the blade. ¡°It feels good to be loose again. Under Farante, his Black Saro was too chaotic to hold me. Under Lucius, hmph, he wanted his whispers in check. But you. You have a sphere of Saro energy cycling around you like a slow-moving tornado. I can feel everything.¡± He clenched his fist, pulling more color and validity to his form. His hands were now a mix of flesh and smoke.


    Alan concentrated on his anger to keep the soul in check. Filtering Black Saro gave him back the control, pulling essence out of Afarus, fighting him. ¡°Careful, or back you go, Afarus. This will work as an exchange like any other. You do not gain the privilege of friendship like Durger and I share.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. A Merchant at heart. Of course.¡± He sheathed his blade, Alan noticing dark wraps hanging around his forearms ¨C he guessed so his brittle bones would hold together. ¡°I won¡¯t deny the pleasure I get from walking the Realm of War again. Every time I am lifted, it¡¯s like a breath a fresh air after drowning for years.¡± He paced, letting his swords drag against stone. ¡°In business, I would be marked a fool. But I am appealing to your heart because I have watched you for some time now.¡±


    Alan narrowed his eyes.


    Feels like he¡¯s playing 4D chess with me given how upfront he¡¯s being.


    ¡°Train me to manage my Saro, train me in combat, and tell me your story about almost becoming a god, and I will allot time for you to walk beside me. Just know, Wolfgang Durghowler gets priority.¡±


    ¡°I am in the position of a lowly chained slave.¡± Afarus shrugged, playing the victim. ¡°What choice do I have but to accept?¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Alan remained skeptical. ¡°What was your Saro affinity when you were alive?¡±


    ¡°Yellow. Powerfully so. However, I built myself as a Colorless as best I could. A Blue Saro gauntlet, White and Black swords, Red wraps. The list goes on. I worked to control all of it, then I abandoned my armor once I understood the truth.¡±


    ¡°And what truth is that?¡±


    ¡°Our Saro limitations¡­ are only in our mind. That¡¯s something you knew at inception here. Maybe not consciously, but the universe deemed you Colorless for a reason.¡±


    ¡°Sounds vague and untrue. Are you telling me all these brilliant Wizards and warriors are locked in out of ignorance?¡± Alan flipped the coin of his Five Pearls and let them rotate around him. He wanted to internalize the reality split before it dulled in his mind¡¯s eye. Might come in handy one day.


    ¡°Not simply. No. Saro is a manifestation of your Origin self, your finest proclivities of your past life. A dreamer full of hope. Tendencies toward strong optimism. They will land you on Yellow, where you will grow and grow in line with your magical affinity. Armor and ability may awaken other strong aspects of your prior personality. Yet still, almost all revert back to their affinity. Once power is gained, it is hard to scale back to step one.¡±


    ¡°And how¡¯d you figure that out?¡± Alan asked, keeping his eyes shut while imaging the sword slash that split the campfire. Black essence swirled in front of him like dust, manifesting his experience and filling one of the pearls.


    ¡°Like you, I once fell in love with a Stone Chaser.¡±


    Alan¡¯s eyes sprung open, heat filling his cheeks. ¡°I am not¡ª¡±


    Afarus¡¯ smile became momentarily fleshed to show his deviousness. ¡°Relax, I only meant to annoy. My love, she had the Answer Stone to that deep question ¨C What is the true nature of Saro, and our connection to it therein? Legends say I will be struck to oblivion for revealing such truth.¡± He spread his arms. ¡°But I¡¯m not sure there¡¯s much they can do to me now.¡±


    ¡°Is that what happened to your Stone Chaser?¡± Alan surmised.


    ¡°I mourn her every night in my dark dungeon.¡±


    Which means he sympathizes with Lucious¡¯ plight. Perhaps Lucius made a deal with him before leaving the blade with me.


    I wouldn¡¯t put it past him.


    ¡°So I should warn Neesha to keep quiet if she gains what she seeks?¡±


    ¡°An excuse to see your love again?¡± Afarus licked his lips to stifle a laugh. ¡°Depends on the magnitude of the Answer Stone, and its forewarnings. Surely she understands the risks already. Some Answer Stones have tell limitations, which would prevent her from speaking the truth to more than one or two people. It really is a strange craft.¡±


    So if Neesha tells Gregorian first, it would only strengthen their bond.


    ¡°Mm. I see that jealousy rising within you. Embarrassment, resentment, I wonder what color those emotions evoke.¡± He dipped his blade in the campfire and touched it to the air ¨C leaving stationary flames lingering in place all around them. ¡°I¡¯d say you¡¯re properly primed.¡±


    Alan already felt manipulated in less than ten minutes of knowing the shadow of this man. How did he wind up in such an unhealthy state? It¡¯s like he was drained of his life before the black dragon claimed him. So many questions.


    He kicked out the campfire and advanced, showing the soul he hadn¡¯t been dallying at all. Red Saro overwhelmed the creeping Black, coating the Soul Collector with a red film.


    Ting! Ting!


    Afarus only gently touched Alan¡¯s blade, and it was enough to send him scratching backward on his heels. It was frightening how gently he was able to wield such a long blade. ¡°Your Saro is strong, there is no doubt. But there is a problem. Pairings. You do not mold them well together. It¡¯s all haphazard and unplanned. You have a Black blade and seek to prove to me how un-sloppy you are by evoking instinctive stances. You aren¡¯t listening to the emotions you already conjured.¡±


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about? My embarrassment? Wouldn¡¯t that fall under Black?¡±


    ¡°Why did you feel embarrassed?¡±


    Him accusing me of loving Neesha.


    Alan furrowed his brow.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never pair well if you keep lying to yourself, Alan.¡±


    I don¡¯t love her, though¡­


    But I do like her.


    ¡°Neesha. I want to be with her. Hope. Yellow.¡±


    ¡°Blessed and true.¡± Afarus held up his blade in ready stance.


    Alan exchanged Red for Yellow, readying for a nefarious next strike. He charged the shadow in hopes to close the gap, slapping away a long poke of Afarus¡¯ sword and suffering a hard overhead blow that he met at the last second. His forearms vibrated with atrophy, but the pairing was enough to defend. His goal wasn¡¯t to impress his new mentor, however. It was to best him.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    He dropped his dark blade and dashed forward, unsheathing his soulless dagger of gibberish, and imbuing it with the same Saro pair of Yellow and Black. He was a foot away from closing the gap and impaling Afarus ¨C inches ¨C when he flung his hanging wraps around Alan¡¯s wrists and flipped him onto his back.


    ¡°Shit.¡± Alan spread his arms out on the stone ground.


    Afarus¡¯ blade was still vibrating, ringing like a struck bell. ¡°Withstanding the might of my Silsheen sword after only one lesson.¡± He clenched the blade with his free hand, forcing it to stop. ¡°You may not be as lost as we say.¡±


    Disbelief in progress. Surpassing expectations ¨C more hope. More Yellow. The bastard is trying to steer me.


    Alan kicked up to his feet, swiped his blades from the ground, and backflipped to a comfortable distance ¨C cloak flapping. ¡°Again.¡±


    They practiced all night. Where Lucius trained Alan in proper footing and balance, Afarus taught of intricacies of Saro. He felt like a Wizard of arms after only seven hours of non-stop skirmish, until the two of them turned to budding rays of light piercing the fog around the boulders.


    ¡°It is time for you to trek on, I think.¡± Afarus¡¯ golden eyes scanned Alan. ¡°As much as I would like to distract you to the ends of time so I may remain here, I digress. Do not waste daybreak like I often did. Keep your promises, Alan. They will build within you a foundation of confidence no god can waver.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± Alan pointed his sword, out of breath. ¡°What beast bested you? Not the black dragon that dealt the final blow. I mean, which one actually beat you.¡±


    He flashed a smile. ¡°Who ever said it was a minion?¡±


    Alan furrowed his brow as Afarus faded away back into the Soul Collector. He sighed strongly, the exhaustion kicking in now that the threat was gone. A quick serenity check sent wisps of Green Saro cycling him, replenishing all that was expended and replacing the need for sleep. Within a minute, he was good to go again. What¡¯s more, he was looking forward to the evening.


    Afarus was endlessly interesting. How the hell could a soul Alan controlled feed on his Saro? Just how powerful was he when he was alive? His manipulations reminded Alan of a politician, so it was hard to imagine him as a loner trekking through the crimson fog. Then again, Alan was a Merchant with a hope to one day do the same.


    For miles, Alan moved strategically, destroying Sorkin and testing his new Saro pairings. Blue and White was particularly fun ¨C predicting the path of his foes and sending long-range projectiles curving out of Blood Edge. At first, it was hard to focus on conflicting emotions. Until Alan began to understand that it wasn¡¯t about harboring two at once, but rather layering them atop one another.


    Throughout the day, he got lost a few times, calling Durger to sit beside him and analyze the map. They both decided it was best to avoid the geyser for fear of it releasing harsh-colored fog at random, though that prospect didn¡¯t last very long when the opposite way was blocked by a bubbling red waterfall not identified on the map.


    Apparently, when news of a gryphon death reaches the nest, the roost bleeds out sorrowful poison ¨C according to a hunter within the Soul Collector, at least. Alan didn¡¯t ask much more concerning that because he didn¡¯t want to know.


    The sun dropped quickly, forcing Alan to scramble to find a stone patch adequate enough to train for the night. He didn¡¯t care to be swarmed by Sorkin in the middle of a very important session. Once he settled on a station, he built another campfire in an earthen strip beside the stone patch, then reached for Afarus¡¯ bodiless soul once again.


    Fsssh.


    He materialized into a skinny patch of intricate smoke and real eyes.


    ¡°How were you offered the role of god?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°To gain an answer like that, you have to strike me first.¡± Afarus drew his Silsheen sword and swiped it through the flame, creating an arcing ceiling of fire that illuminated their camp. ¡°Our princely friend showed me that one. A true artist.¡± He then sheathed the blade and waved his hands to dismiss it completely from existence.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Hand-to-hand combat is important to understand non-minion enemies. If it¡¯s as you say, and war is among you, it will be valuable to know.¡± He held up his fists in various styles. Kung-fu, boxing, kick-boxing, even some he¡¯d never seen before.


    Intrigue. He¡¯s evoking intrigue. That probably falls under Blue. I¡¯m layering Red over it. I don¡¯t care what he says ¨C there can¡¯t be anything more important in hand-to-hand combat than good instincts.


    He mentally cycled through all the movies he enjoyed ¨C since that was his only real inspiration for combat, other than that time he tackled a would-be thief at the shop ¨C then raised his hands to defend himself.


    ¡°There is more connection in this universe than our origins. I attribute it to the potency of magic.¡±


    ¡°My origin had none.¡± Alan held his fists close to his face in case he¡¯d have to block.


    ¡°Well then, you¡¯re in for a treat.¡± Afarus advanced ¨C Alan anticipating three potential attacks and strafing left to reduce his exposure.


    Woosh!


    Afarus¡¯ arms were medium-length and lanky, swinging Hail Mary¡¯s before switching stances to some kind of grappling style.


    Instinct told Alan to duck another swing, but when he did, a knee found his nose and his arms were trapped in a lock.


    Failing over and over again as the night dragged on evoked more frustration than he knew he had in him. Is this how Lucius became so prone to the Black? That got Alan wondering if Afarus had been toying with his ego the whole time. What¡¯s worse, his confidence was deteriorating to the point he was fearful he couldn¡¯t handle deep fogs.


    From excitement, to intrigue, to taunting, to despair. Afarus Soh was a terrible force to be reckoned with.


    When Alan went down for the hundred-and-fiftieth time, he asked what style the wide kicks and hyper-extended punches was called ¨C Usafa-Epon, from Frontier origin ¨C and asked to be trained in it.


    Red Saro allowed him to master the kicks in two tries, but knowing how and when to use them took many more.


    Another week came and went. Grey fog changed to light blue, but not before a stint of pink. Along the way, minions became a cakewalk to deal with compared to sparring against Afarus, and the others within the blade were gathering every night to watch, according to Durger.


    Great, more embarrassment. Getting my ass handed to me in front of an audience.


    Alan took it in stride, though, which was good, because that meant the Black wouldn¡¯t yet consume him.


    As time passed, Alan realized what Afarus was talking about in terms of connection. He had stark understandings of trustworthiness, genuineness, and other positive feelings toward his mentor. But he didn¡¯t let that judgement devolve into absolutism. The fact still remained, Afarus Soh was leagues ahead of anyone he¡¯d ever encountered, and may very well be playing him for a fool. Regardless, one thing was certain, Alan was getting stronger.


    On the thirty-fifth evening, after impaling a high-level sea-beast with long, fin-like hair and a face full of barnacles, Alan showed up for training determined to strike Afarus. His entire body was soaked, armor unhooked and cast aside to face his mentor in the same bare-bones attire he showed up in. Tonight, he would know the answer to his question ¨C how does one become a god?


    He imagined they were chosen or assigned like the beasts in Ojin. Or perhaps created by the universe.


    No more guessing. He unsheathed his dark blade and dug it into the marshy ground, evoking Afarus with a wave of his hand and a tinge of anger.


    According to his map, he was one day away from the great geyser blocking the gryphon nest. Fears of deep colored smoke subsided, his confidence returning ten-fold. He didn¡¯t quite know where the determination came from, but deep down, it¡¯s like his Saro pendant clicked into a fluid understanding of Saro, its pairing, and everything in between.


    Alan dropped into Epon stance, legs spread wide and ready for springing kicks, Blood Edge out.


    ¡°No opening remarks tonight, hm?¡± Afarus matched his stance, pulling his Silsheen into a tight overhead position.


    ¡°Nope.¡± Alan tossed his wet hair out of his face and slashed at the campfire himself to create a phoenix-like design overhead ¨C lighting their duel. The rain tapped against the flame, making it flicker.


    They circled one another slowly, Alan pairing various Saro in each limb. He experienced love and loss and hatred within seconds, remembering experiences he thought were long-lost. In a sense, he was more alive on Earth than he¡¯d ever been, all in the name of strength here, in Ojin.


    Alan leapt forward into a trailing double-kick, shooting two blasts out of each foot ¨C one White, another Yellow ¨C forcing Afarus to roll out of harm¡¯s way.


    ¡°You abandoned Flint.¡± Afarus counter-attacked with a powerful swing of his sword.


    Clang!


    Alan used a heap of Black-Red Saro on the northern point of Blood Edge to knock the Silsheen back, then flipped forward to slice the soul with his southern blade. He knew he¡¯d miss like always, so he side-flipped again to avoid a sweep kick and contorted into a drastic stab in hopes to catch Afarus off guard.


    Almost.


    Zzzt!


    A streak of yellow lightning sizzled when it hit the marsh, narrowly missing Afarus. The counter attacks grew more intimidating. The Silsheen sword rotated like a weightless fan to ward Alan off. Demonic faces assaulted Alan after every block, distracting him, until he leapt into one head on, dispelling the smoke and coming out with a scissor-kick bolstered by Red and Orange Saro. Flames erupted around his legs as Afarus flipped out of the way, then morphed into firebolts from his next kicks.


    Ffff! Fff!


    They were chopped to embers by the Silsheen.


    ¡°Lucius betrays you because he does not trust you,¡± Afarus spewed.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Alan flipped his double-bladed staff into wild rotations, sending varying elements flying in Afarus¡¯ direction. He was expending copious amounts of Saro, but that was for good reason. He had a plan.


    ¡°Neesha and Gregorian will be bound together by choice, not decree,¡± Afarus went on. ¡°And Trish¡­ she was right to leave you.¡±


    Alan¡¯s eyes widened. How?


    How could he possibly know?


    Anger boiled, turning all of his Variant Saro Black, to the point Alan felt his consciousness split into multiple shadow forms that bombarded Afarus.


    Fsshing! Shhoo!


    The Bladesman sliced through multiple forms, until the real Alan emerged midair, throwing Blood Edge to overwhelm the Silsheen and drill-kicked Afarus straight in the chest. He folded from the sheer force of the kick, sending plumes of smoke in every direction as he bounced over the marsh.


    Alan kicked up again, out of breath, the rage inside him cooling in the face of what he just accomplished.


    A spear of smoke shot past Alan, reforming behind him.


    ¡°A masterful barrage.¡± Afarus slow-clapped behind Alan, beckoning him to turn around. ¡°Overwhelmed with emotion, you managed to overwhelm me.¡±


    ¡°What kind of lesson is this, that chaos rules over all?¡±


    ¡°When tempered by order, perhaps. Chaos in and of itself is just random power. But how you honed it this night, heh. I daresay you can walk among the most fearsome with that inside you.¡±


    Alan shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s not something I want to tap into often.¡±


    ¡°Now that you know it exists, you can reel it back with serenity Green. Raw power weaved into calm stillness. It was any cultivators dream in my Origin World.¡±


    Alan huffed and sat down under his phoenix flame, folding his legs.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Afarus rounded him. ¡°Are we done already?¡±


    ¡°Yes. You¡¯re going to tell me how you almost became a god.¡±

 Chapter 35 - No Other Way

    Afarus stood beneath the phoenix flame Alan concocted for their duel, pointing his long blade southeast. ¡°I sense immense power emanating from that way. There I presume, your geyser waits.¡±


    ¡°Stop stalling,¡± Alan called from his seat, pressing his palm on the muddy ground, drying it with a flash of Orange Saro. ¡°I¡¯ve earned my story.¡±


    ¡°That you have.¡± Afarus sighed, his brittle bones creaking as he took his seat opposite Alan. Thunder boomed overhead, setting the mood. ¡°Gousa Preer, my love in my Origin World and afterward. I found her in this universe after only a single year, knowing we perished together in our first life ¨C dropped from a cliff for our crimes.¡± He huffed and held up a finger. ¡°I know what you¡¯re going to ask. We won¡¯t fall down that rabbit hole this evening, Alan.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡±


    ¡°Just know we were zealous creatures, always pushing the boundaries. True to her soul, she gave herself to the stones, vowing to prop me up best she could since I did that for her in our first life.¡± He dug his fingers into the dirt, drawing enough of Alan¡¯s Saro to make his hand flesh and bone. ¡°The god of my realm saw talent in me ¨C offering unique rewards if only I followed the path of Saro mastery in defense of Voyaje. There was potential for greatness, which Gousa knew could be elevated with answers not yet known to mortals. So we embarked together, our bond strengthening from our overcome trials¡­¡±


    ¡°And then what?¡±


    ¡°I plateaued. That exponential growth we¡¯d been high on stalled. Mastering the elemental and blessed aspects of Yellow, as well as pairing strongly with Black, was as far as my talents would take me. Still, it wasn¡¯t enough to cross into the crimson fog. We nearly died on more than one occasion, being rescued by our god leaving stains on our reputation. Frustrated, we embarked for an ultimate answer. The journey was long and arduous, blocking out all our political and warrior connections, going dark just so we could focus.


    ¡°It eventually led us to our goal, which we obtained in the Deep Blue. But she failed to reveal the consequences of sharing the secret, and sealed her fate with a kiss to my lips and a whisper of the Saro revelations. It was there ¨C after the horror of watching my love die for a second time ¨C I abandoned my home realm of Voyaje and sought to conquer the crimson fog myself.


    ¡°In a rage akin to what you displayed against me, I toppled beasts one hundred times my size, withstood tidal waves, walked on clouds, and even crossed paths with tiered warriors that refuse to align themselves with realms because their power was so absolute, all citizens would beg for just a glimpse of. There is a whole world you know not of, Alan Right. Worlds upon worlds.¡±


    Alan swallowed past a lump in his throat.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t end there. Within the deep fog, there are certain minions that are almost like deities. Ultimus Deenoms, they are called by some, with such massive achievements under their belt, they are awarded realms by the universe.¡±


    ¡°How could you possibly know that?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Because, after a three-day battle, I solved the puzzle to bring a particular Deenom to her knees. The realm of Ojin shook that day, and the high-tiers gathered to see. She respected my cunning as well as my valor, and offered me her realm in return.¡±


    Alan¡¯s eye twitched.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Something must happen if you accept such a profound offer. Every god I¡¯ve encountered is deranged or extreme in some way.¡±


    ¡°Such is godhood, I think, Alan.¡± Afarus nodded. ¡°To become all powerful while also being confined to stricter rules than mortals does some zany things over time.¡±


    ¡°So you were given time to contemplate this?¡±


    ¡°And more.¡± Afarus¡¯ golden eyes locked with Alan¡¯s. ¡°To be granted a realm does not mean you are automatically a god. You may explore it as a mortal to your heart¡¯s content. Portal in and out. Even invite others. But you cannot govern in absolute. In fact, a godless realm begs to be overtaken.¡±


    ¡°That would be an act of war, against the universe rules,¡± Alan surmised.


    Afarus smirked. ¡°Not if you¡¯re assassinated in Ojin.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s what happened to you.¡±


    ¡°God scouts can be more powerful than a Deenom, or even a hand of a god. They are specialty warriors bred only to kill. So take this as a warning.¡±


    Alan scratched his chin. ¡°Warning? I don¡¯t plan on conquering the Crimson anytime soon.¡±


    Afarus hooted. ¡°My clairvoyance is strong, Alan. Take my sayings for what they are.¡±


    A cool shiver ran down Alan¡¯s spine. He thought of the face-painted Archer who killed him on Earth. ¡°I have to ask someone who might know the answer. If no one has been able to transfer back to their origins, how do gods have scouts in Origin Worlds?¡±


    ¡°Easy. It¡¯s not possible to port a vessel back there, but a prompt can be done, according to Stone Chasers. Send a prompt to a cult-leader, a serial killer, what have you, and you have a great way to get people moving on to their second life.¡±


    So I was targeted specifically. At least I think I was.


    ¡°Grave tidings await you, Alan, which is why I¡¯m glad you struck me this night. Your Saro needed it.¡±


    xxx


    The next morning, Alan donned his armor and steeled himself to cross the path of the geyser. He was determined more than afraid. He¡¯d built up enough Saro endurance to keep his minions out with him the entire way, so that¡¯s what he planned to do. The only one who would deplete him immediately if called forth against a foe would be Afarus, so he kept him at bay in case.


    Ting!


    Ting!


    Yogi and Gardstrife materialized at his back, as well as the Five Pearls to orbit him ¨C which were now properly stored with abilities from Elkire, Afarus, Lucius, his old Mistborn, and these new beasts he¡¯d been fighting ¨C Hushwaters.


    Fully equipped and ready, he marched to his fate.


    ¡°Noble Alan, I am sorrowful about the gryphons,¡± Yogi said, pushing away floating globes of water as they ventured deeper into light blue fog. ¡°It does not seem like Lucius to cause such destruction.¡±


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    ¡°I know, Yogi¡­ I fear for what he¡¯s become.¡±


    ¡°There is a saying among my people ¨C honor forgone for hope, is the sure path to madness.¡±


    Alan eyed Yogi. ¡°What can we do to stop it?¡±


    ¡°I am not sure.¡±


    ¡°We can detain the traitor, Sir Keeper.¡± Strife sharpened his blades. ¡°Punish the Stalker for his crimes.¡±


    ¡°Maybe, if the opportunity presents itself. But the best I can do for now is pick up the pieces for those poor Fate Chasers. I cost them everything.¡±


    Durger formed from the smoke of the Soul Collector. ¡°You did nothing but exist with grace, Sir Alan. You cannot blame yourself for the nefarious will of others.¡±


    ¡°I am accountable for my choices,¡± Alan mimicked Afarus¡¯ words. ¡°This is my attempt to correct those missteps.¡±


    ¡°Noble.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    As they trekked farther southeast, the fog began to behave oddly. It flowed violently like gusts of wind were forcing it every which direction. If this wasn¡¯t a warning to turn back, Alan didn¡¯t know what was.


    ¡°Keep an eye on the color, Sir Alan. If it is unchanged, you are still on a safe route. Or as safe as light blue allows.¡± Durger carefully analyzed the fog outside of Alan¡¯s rolling bubble.


    ¡°What if we attempt to clear the light blue? Then perhaps we can better assess the threat of the geyser.¡±


    Durger¡¯s form slipped back into the blade, exchanged for Afarus.


    ¡°Be wary of mixed fog, Alan. Minions of higher tier can be riled by the poke of a lesser. Best to walk a path of defense.¡±


    Alan took the advice as the fog continued to swirl in harsh circles.


    Thhhhsshhh!


    The ground trembled in the distance as the undeniable blow of the geyser resounded.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound good.¡± Alan drew Blood Edge.


    Kaw!


    Alan turned his focus to the sky.


    That was a gryphon.


    ¡°We¡¯re getting close to the nest,¡± Alan hoped.


    Yogi sniffed the air. ¡°Yes, I can smell them.¡±


    Woosh!


    A rush of yellow air washed over them, making everyone stop in place. The grass was suddenly coated in shiny gold flakes, floating water globes popping all around, causing floods at their feet.


    They all positioned back-to-back as the environment shifted rapidly, Alan¡¯s bubble of clarity shrinking.


    ¡°Another test of Ojin,¡± Afarus whispered. ¡°The realm either has great plans for you or seeks your demise.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡± Alan readied himself.


    Rssss!


    A minion stomped its foot and cleared out a path of fog, revealing a female-shaped creature with an armored stone face at the torso, a masked head above it with long locks of braided hair, and a golden aura around its frame.


    ¡°Turn back!¡± it¡¯s double-voice warned. The minion flexed hard to threaten them, matching in size to Strife and Yogi.


    ¡°Hendra detected.¡± Gardstrife bent into charging stance. ¡°Permission to engage.¡±


    Alan swapped Titles to God Merchant to give his minions full access to his power. ¡°Hold.¡± He stepped forward to address the raging heavenly minion. ¡°Hendra! We have no choice but to pass. I must deliver the feathers of fallen gryphons to their kin. It is both a quest and an oath. Is there anything we can offer you to get by?¡±


    The Hendra¡¯s aura bolstered. ¡°This is not up for negotiation, puny traveler. This turbulent land has been guarded for millennia. Whoever sent you on this route, surly seeks your demise.¡± A heavenly hymn blanketed her harsh words.


    A bright hammer blinked into existence, blinding them further. ¡°This will be your last warning.¡±


    Alan shook his head. I didn¡¯t travel a month to turn back now.


    ¡°Go,¡± Alan commanded, and in a flash, Gardstrife faded into a speeding blur.


    Clang!


    His blade-arms were stopped dead by the head of her hammer. She held it forward with one hand as if she didn¡¯t even expend any energy. What¡¯s worse, Strife¡¯s fissures weren¡¯t able to accumulate.


    ¡°Rrro!¡± Yogi leapt, generating Black Saro from his armor that he syphoned to his claws.


    Chrrt! Chrrt!


    He slashed at the torso-face, evoking cries as the Hendra backpedaled.


    Black Saro it is.


    Woosh!


    The Hendra swung her hammer ¨C which Yogi sidestepped ¨C and Alan used the evade as an opportunity to activate Counter-dash. His vision blurred as Blood Edge propelled him forward. He swerved and slowed midair at the height of the minion¡¯s back as a rush of Black Saro filled his double-bladed staff. With Title-swap initiated ¨C Forbidden Merchant ¨C ¡°Rah!¡± ¨C he stuck it deep within her spine, evoking a terrible cry.


    She used her momentum wildly, smashing Gardstrife hard in the shoulder ¨C sending him flying into a gold-plated tree. Alan let go of his staff, activating a flash of Red Saro so he could somersault safely between the Hendra¡¯s legs.


    She pinpointed Alan as the source, shouldered Yogi back, and wound up her hammer to smash Alan like a bug.


    No you don¡¯t.


    He mentally commanded one of his Five Pearls to launch into an Orange Saro comet ¨C the essence of Elkire¡¯s spear dive alive in the sky.


    Boom!


    It crashed hard into her shoulder, giving Alan the second he needed to dive out of the way as the hammer crashed down. A holy dong struck through the ground, causing the trees to shake free of their leaves.


    Too close.


    Alan drew his dark blade and backflipped into a flashy strike against the Hendra¡¯s fist, causing more cries. He then Title-swapped back to God Merchant and transferred a rush of Black Saro into Gardstrife¡¯s blades.


    Go! he commanded mentally, watching the bruised minion get into ready stance.


    Alan dashed back just in time for his lightning fast guardian to swipe right into the Hendra. She flew off her feet for the first time, and was thrown rolling back when Black Saro fissures exploded.


    ¡°Impressive display.¡± Afarus materialized from the sword. ¡°Your training proves useful.¡±


    Thanks. Alan allowed himself a breath.


    Just then, the geyser in the backdrop rumbled.


    Fsssssh!


    It exploded, releasing deep orange fog that washed over them all, blocking all sight like a passing dust storm. When it cleared, all of the trees appeared burnt and decrepit, the grass now oozing with lava puddles, and the world might as well have been on fire.


    From the burning backdrop, a tornado puffed away more fog to reveal the Hendra transformed from her heavenly make-up to a black suit of seductive armor, neon-orange skin beneath it, making her mask look like a flaming skull.


    With a snap of Alan¡¯s finger, he activated flowing White Saro to spew outward from the soles of his feet, through his shoes, blanketing the apocalyptic scene with tundra.


    If Shiva was weak against Orange, then this version of Hendra is weak against White.


    Her charcoal feet melted Alan¡¯s ice immediately. Yogi huffed in one corner while Gardstrife rounded the trees, looking for an opportunity.


    Four Pearls still orbited Alan. The Lucius one would prove useless, but perhaps the Hushwater would cause a good distraction. Knowing he had enough distance between his foe, he shut his eyes and concentrated hard on unleashing the right Pearl ¨C sifting through them in his mind¡¯s eye, feeling the emotion, the color, the power.


    Simultaneously syphoning a mix of Green and White Saro through his summoned ground ¨C to his minions ¨C he gave everything to this moment.


    Boom!


    Boom! Boom!


    The Hendra sprinted to crush him.


    Alan opened his eyes to the Pearl swirling forward, taking shape as a wide-mouthed leviathan to wash out her flames.


    She roared and swung her hammer in perfect timing to combat Alan¡¯s blue essence ¨C the clash stalling time itself for an instant.


    ¡°Rrrr,¡± both of her faces grunted, arms flexed to overpower the beast. ¡°Rah!¡± The essence exploded into a tidal wave that rushed over her.


    ¡°Yogi!¡± Alan yelled, throwing bolts of White Saro into the Borai¡¯s claws.


    Hendra and Borai clasped molten hand and claw in a tense struggle. Seconds later, Yogi overpowered her with a monstrous swing that held both arms behind her back.


    ¡°Strife! Double-charge!¡±


    Fssshew!


    Fssshew!


    Massive starbursts of Variant Saro exploded upon Gardstrife¡¯s blows, leaving the Hendra to spin onto her knees, armor leaking lava, drips of fire hissing on the ground.


    Alan rushed forward, readying to form a White Saro spear to impale through her head, but an earthquake made all three of them falter.


    ¡°Finish her, Alan!¡± Yogi shouted.


    Fssssh!


    The geyser exploded again, as if displeased with the outcome.


    ¡°Now is the time, Keeper. Strike!¡± Gardstrife called.


    Alan took two strong steps, yanking Blood Edge from a summoned molten pool and solidifying it with bright White Saro as he leapt in the air. ¡°Arrrhhh!¡± He shouted his feral war cry.


    Whoosh!


    A rush of crimson fog sent him flying back, dispelling all of his momentous force. He slammed against a burnt tree, knocking it down as he bounced off it.


    ¡°Run, Alan!¡± Durger called from the Soul Collector. ¡°Run!¡± multiple voices shouted.


    Alan pushed up, head aching and ears ringing.


    ¡°Run.¡±


    He shook his head.


    Something clicked inside him that wasn¡¯t there before. His strike on Afarus, all of his failures resulting in accumulated debt, his promises, his old life ¨C he wanted to ball it all up and use it to take a stand against the odds. How else would he start making real strides?


    He no longer felt threatened by the idea of crimson. Now¡­ he was in it.

 Chapter 36 - Break the Cycle

    The fog cleared with a revitalized and terrified version of the Hendra getting back to her feet. Red pulsing veins slithered around a set of black form-fitted armor that could¡¯ve just been skin. The face on her torso scowled angrily with red, smoking eyes as she grew in height. Her hammer reformed from red lightning sparking all around her.


    ¡°You have awakened something visceral in my domain, Merchant.¡± The Hendra growled. ¡°Something not seen in centuries.¡±


    Alan eyed his minions, noting them both getting back to their feet.


    We can do this.


    ¡°I heard the calls of your friends. They tell you to flee, yet you stand.¡± She clapped the hammer against her hand, taunting Alan. ¡°A fool falls in Ojin this day.¡±


    Alan smirked at her, because she didn¡¯t realize he masked his Green healing Saro with Gray to hide the effects. He¡¯d been syphoning it into his minions to revitalize them¡­ to give them a chance against the infamous crimson fog.


    Go, Strife! he commanded mentally, and the guardian turned into a blur.


    Alan¡¯s eyes widened when in a similar flash, the Hendra swung her hammer with one arm, cracking the pile of metal and knocking him into tree after tree.


    Shit.


    What goes against Red Saro?


    Alan summoned the sands of Beige to funnel into Yogi¡¯s armor while also whipping wind walls into existence to box the Hendra in. His arms shook to hold all of the different spells, recalling a similar tactic against Afarus.


    Go, Yogi!


    The Borai growled while leaping forward¡ªAlan using his control over the walls to open them up enough for Yogi to get through. Something about the Hendra¡¯s confidence though¡­ she was light on her feet, dodging the swipes with ease. Sidestep after sidestep. And when she swung, Alan felt the pressure of her crashing through his barriers.


    No! Alan rotated his arms, using the broken winds to repurpose into a horizontal tornado that spun around her hammer, stopping her from cracking Yogi¡¯s skull.


    Fsst! Fsst!


    Yogi slashed twice, claws leaving red screeching marks that closed up in an instant. Red veins weaved together to make the armor stronger than before.


    ¡°Hra!¡± She shoved the butt of the hammer into Yogi¡¯s shadowy breastplate, then whacked him down. Red fog kicked up everywhere as he smacked against the ground.


    ¡°No!¡± Alan abandoned his wizardly way and drew the Soul Collector, syphoning it with Red and Blue to complement the Black. He charged, the Hendra seeming more like a giant with every step closer.


    With a clenched fist, he sent the third Pearl zooming past her, activating an essence version of Lucius¡¯ army against the beast. Fiery steeds galloped through the trees from all angles, prompting Alan to summon his own.


    Orange Saro arrows, curses, and spells all flew at the Hendra, hissing off her armor as Alan rounded her. ¡°Hya!¡± Alan whipped his reins as the hellish battalion converged. He Title-swapped to Forbidden Merchant, bolstering his Pearl and doubling the essence of the army.


    Woosh!


    The Hendra spun her hammer in a wide rotation¡ªAlan watching it unfold in instinctive slow motion. He jumped on the saddle of his steed and leapt high as his army exploded to dust by the force of her hammer.


    He swirled all of the bolstered essence back to him midair. ¡°Hraaa!¡± Twirling into a spinning blur of Variant Saro, he aimed for her neck. The power radiating from her was immense as if her field of gravity was different. Alan slowed as if fighting a whirlwind.


    No.


    He focused hard on strange endeavors of his past, activating his breastplate to counteract the force. Beige winds, White gales, everything propelled him past her invisible barrier.


    Shhnk!


    He sliced into her chest, refusing to shrink back when her angry eyes focused only on him. Red veins reached out like claws to stop Alan¡¯s blade mid-cleave, forcing him to let go. As he did, he let the anger flow through him, forcing more Black into the blade to corrode her¡ªto work against the deep Red.


    It was working, spreading over her breasts, up her neck, down her abdomen.


    He touched the ground hard, his joints creaking as he stared directly up at a crimson fog minion. The air around her faltered to confirm the gravity-field giving her an edge.


    She reduced the hammer to a one-handed size with a flash of red lightning¡ªfighting his corrosion¡ªand dropped to crush Alan.


    Her shadow blotted out all light as the hammer descended, giving him a mere second to make a decision. Activating his breastplate wouldn¡¯t be enough against such size. Maybe the Bubble of Vosh.


    No time!


    Rrrru! Yogi tackled her sideways at the last second, only for her to regain her footing and catch Yogi¡¯s neck in her arm before whipping him spinning to the ground. She extended her hammer with a jolt of red lightning and jammed it down on Yogi¡¯s back, making him groan and spit blood.


    ¡°Yogi! No!¡± Alan tried to recall him into a coin, but her gravitational field slowed his spells too.


    A thousand thoughts spun in his mind in these critical moments. Call Afarus, Gardstrife, anyone. But something clicked at the last second. The lightning she was using¡­ she was pairing Red with Yellow, which meant Black and White could stop it.


    Alan sprinted as the Hendra lifted her massive two-handed hammer¡ªaimed right for Yogi¡¯s head.


    ¡°No!¡± he yelled, anger filling him. ¡°Yogi, to me!¡± He outstretched his hand swirling with White and Black. ¡°To me!¡±


    Yogi lifted his paw to reach for Alan, one eye closed from pain, teeth grimacing.


    The hammer descended¡­ Alan mid-scream, body tense, expending everything he had.


    Boom!


    Crimson dust puffed up everywhere as Alan fell to his knees with a bear-faced coin in hand. There were streaks around the coin speaking to the Borai¡¯s wounds¡­ but he was alright. Alan sighed with relief and shoved the coin into his bag.


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    As the dust cleared, the Hendra was already mid-swing, about to crush Alan like a bug.


    Fssssh!


    Clang!


    Gardstrife skidded in the way with his blade-arms crossed overhead. Sparks flew in all directions as the Hendra¡¯s veiny arms pumped and flexed, pushing Strife down, cracking the ground at their feet and slowly burying him.


    Alan shot streams of White Saro into his guardian, reinforcing the blades, fighting the Yellow.


    ¡°With my entire soul,¡± Gardstrife struggled to speak. ¡°I will defend my noble keeper!¡± He broke the clash and activated his rook-like strike upward, overpowering the gravitational barrier and sending them both airborne, swallowed by the fog.


    The guardian¡¯s words warmed Alan with a sense of hope and protection. He had the best force in the universe on his side.


    Metal crunching resounded from above, followed by Gardstrife crashing like a comet into the ground.


    Alan¡¯s hope fled¡­ but not the sense of comradery his minions evoked. He leapt into a flip near the crater, stopping at the edge to see a dented hunk of metal plastered deep into the earth. With a mental snap, Gardstrife recalled to a coin between Alan¡¯s fingers. Another one streaked and tarnished. ¡°Time to rest, friend.¡±


    ¡°Now do you see, Merchant? Do you understand why you should have run?¡± The Hendra descended triumphantly, her black-covered feet touching down gracefully by the tip of her toes, hammer resting over her shoulder, both faces smug.


    Alan took a deep breath. Between his nights of training, he¡¯d been holding an ace in his back pocket he wasn¡¯t sure would actually work. But in a desperate time like this, it was now or never. He concentrated hard on the Mistborn Pearl orbiting him, recalling how the beast had altered the mass of Lord Osmi using Grey Wolf¡¯s armor.


    Well, here goes nothing.


    He smashed his fists together as the Hendra clapped her massive hammer in her hand again.


    ¡°Farewell, Merchant. I admire your bravery, but it¡¯s time you join the others in Crimson death.¡±


    Woosh!


    Alan sent the Pearl flying into his Soul Collector still stuck in her chest and a blanket of white mist reduced her down to size. Her Red lightning flashed to fight the Pearl essence but failed, ultimately reducing her to Alan¡¯s height.


    The hammer didn¡¯t look so intimidating now.


    Alan drew Blood Edge and dashed with all the speed he could muster¡ªhe was on a fast timer. He ducked an angry hammer swing and slashed hard with a coat of White Saro, slowing the red veins from closing the wound.


    He then flipped over her and stabbed her through the back, the second face now vomiting a blade¡¯s edge. Pulling out the weapon made screeching sounds, and when Alan made to swing again with the south blade, she caught it, squeezing hard around the edge.


    Alan yanked to no avail, and she lunged forward, contorting the staff to slice Alan across the stomach.


    He grunted while being hurled to the ground and rolled when the hammer dropped like an anvil. He kicked up to his feet, pressing his Green Saro hand over the bloody wound. Her White Saro marks remained on her body, proving he was onto something.


    When she lunged again to knee Alan tumbling back, he reoriented with bruises and a mouthful of dirt.


    Shit. He winced, using a pulsing red tree to get to his feet. ¡°Afarus.¡± He pulled the Soul Collector out of a pool of molten lava. ¡°She¡¯s too powerful.¡±


    ¡°She thinks the same of you.¡± Afarus formed from shadow. ¡°A crimson minion would never speak to an ant. Only an equal.¡± He faded back into the blade, leaving a surge of confidence electrifying his body.


    The Hendra emerged mid-swing, forcing Alan to spring back to avoid the blow. Again and again she swung, each one accompanied by a follow-up force that dragged him into her orbit. One hit would be his end.


    Whack!


    The Soul Collector went flying from his grasp.


    Bang!


    When the hammer hit the ground, Alan stepped on the head and back-kicked the Hendra in the face, twice. He envisioned her as Afarus, using his endless training not to bow to a superior. His fists wrapped in White-Red Saro, as did his feet. Every dodge followed with a connected blow. A wide, ducked swing equaled a hard kick, and a jab from the hammer¡¯s butt meant a sidestep and an elbow to the nose. It was working¡­ until it didn¡¯t.


    The Hendra backhanded Alan, roared, and grew to its natural size, lightning swarming around her body to dispel the Pearl¡¯s effects.


    He tried to retreat, but her second face inhaled, keeping Alan from moving while she swung her hammer to end him.


    No. No!


    Alan sprinted in place.


    Kaw!


    A majestic gold-feathered gryphon flew into her face at the last second, distracting her enough for Alan to roll.


    Bang!


    The ripple effect sent him flying, but he flipped to his feet, looking to the sky. The gryphon soared to him, so he did what clairvoyance told him to do and raised his hand.


    Kaw! The gryphon whipped him in the air as he held onto its talon for dear life, circling the Hendra. He was surprised it didn¡¯t try to flee, instead giving him a chance to attack again. The White Saro marks still lingered. And was he crazy or was the beast breathing heavily¡ªout of both mouths?


    ¡°Use the anger, Alan. The same as you did to me,¡± Afarus¡¯ voice whispered.


    He thought of Yogi reaching for him. The pain of having to leave Neesha. Lucius¡¯ betrayal. Durger¡¯s death. His heartbeat thundered in his ears as he met eyes with the angered minion. A bombarding sort of power unleashed from his core. Dark mixed with serene. And he dropped. At least a part of him did.


    He watched through the eyes of a black shadow of himself that fooled the Hendra.


    She screeched and swung, wiping the shadow out of the air. Alan did it again. And again. Releasing versions of himself that were indiscernible to his enemy, transferring the bombardment unto her. Until¡­ he actually let go, using his last Pearl to create a spear of White Saro¡ªone so large he had to force his void breastplate to enhance his strength.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡± Alan stabbed down, impaling her diagonally through the chest until the spear stabbed through the molten earth. He then swung around the pole, balanced his feet over it, and dove headfirst with his dagger full of Variant Saro.


    Shhnk!


    He stabbed her in the center of the throat, suffering the screeches of her entire body screaming. Anger took over, dispelling any hesitation. Summoning a windstorm sent him dragging the dagger across her entire neck, leaving a three-sixty slash around it.


    ¡°Die!¡± He leapt over her shoulders and yanked her hammer out of her grip, forearms pulsing with Variant Saro as he swung with every ounce of his energy, knocking a hole from her back to her belly, sending the second face hissing onto the ground as she fell to her knees. The White Saro spear cracked from the fall and her form began dissolving.


    The crimson fog sucked back toward the geyser as if in rewind.


    Alan dropped the hammer with his mouth agape.


    ¡°It¡¯s over,¡± he said aloud, his energy draining like a sprung leak.


    Ooooohm! The geyser bellowed, then prompts flooded Alan¡¯s vision.


    ¡°This pathway has been preserved for two thousand years,¡± the geyser boomed from far away. ¡°Defeating my variant Hendra unlocks an accumulated reward not seen for millennia.¡±


    Alan¡¯s arms and legs went numb with atrophy as he listened to the words. He was so weak he couldn¡¯t even replenish himself. Durger, Afarus, no one formed from his weapons sprawled around him. He was completely out of gas.


    Variant-colored fog cascaded forward like a dust storm, forcing Alan to look away. And when it cleared, a giant statue of rock mixed with a tree stood before Alan. It had a barrel-shaped body with defined arms and pointed elbows. Its face was blank like a canvas.


    Figro Vessel received.


    A captured soul may be forced into this sculpture by using paired Black or Yellow Saro.


    Beware: choose wisely. An antagonistic or defeated soul may crumble the vessel upon assimilation.


    Oh shit. Maybe Durger or Afarus can have forms again in this universe. He blinked out of the prompt, staring dumbly at the massive structure. He touched his face since it was still numb, realizing the pins and needles meant maybe he was starting to come out of exhaustion.


    ¡°That is the base reward for crossing this path. The accumulated reward is yet to be bestowed.¡±


    Another wave of variant fog washed over Alan, and when it cleared he forced himself into a defensive stance. The Hendra, in the crimson form it took last, stood before him.


    Variant Hendra received.


    (2000-year-old defender of the geyser)


    Form and abilities shift with Saro.


    Alan let his arms fall slack again. ¡°Oh thank god.¡± He scratched his head, still hesitant to lock eyes with that monster of a boss again so soon. Once blood began to flow again, the first thing he did was coin the two monstrosities so he could deal with them later.


    ¡°Now be gone!¡±


    A crimson wave of smoke shot up from far away, panicking Alan.


    Kaw!


    The gryphon rushed down from the sky and Alan lifted his hand once more. He shut his eyes a second before the smoke claimed him.

 Chapter 37 - The Roost and the Pond

    Alan let go of the gryphon¡¯s talon, rehashing the horribly close calls. He could¡¯ve lost Yogi forever if he hadn¡¯t been able to unsummon him. Gardstrife truly was a heroic guardian. And he was pretty sure Afarus was on his side at this point.


    And after all that, he¡¯d gained a rare variant minion and a giant mountain of multi-colored rock to invoke a soul into, both coined in his bag. Now, beat up and completely depleted, all he had to do was make it out of this nest without getting torn up.


    He touched ground to rows of caws from the roused gryphons sitting in wide, sticky nests all around him. Their eagle heads perked up upon noticing a very foreign creature in their sparkling golden smoke. When Alan rose to full height, the glittery fog whooshed away¡ªhe assumed from defeating the Hendra.


    The gryphon who dropped Alan made one long rotation around the roost before swooping down mere feet away from him.


    Hmm. He pressed his hand to the ground, slowly releasing faint Blue Saro to show he was not a threat. Caws still sounded like caws, unfortunately, so he had to hope the feathers Elkire gave him would be enough.


    To his surprise, before he could dig into his bag and pluck them out, the gryphons flapped out of their nests and began bowing one by one.


    Alan tilted his head. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d assume you¡¯ve already earned their respect, lad.¡± Durger formed from the Soul Collector and crouched to one of them, offering his hand.


    Alan¡¯s eyes widened when it pushed its head lovingly into his palm like a cat. Even in shadow, Durger was beloved. He sighed with relief, hoping at least one encounter today didn¡¯t have to be contentious.


    ¡°Alright then.¡± He pulled the feathers out and lifted them high so all the gryphons could see, or sense, or however they acknowledged, then bowed all the way to the ground in respect for their fallen. ¡°Rider Irana and Nulge have lost their beloved mounts in a tragic event. I come to mourn the two gryphons, Seafire and Yala, and request two others to honor the riders again, and a third, for me.¡±


    Alan peeked to see what was going on. Still, their heads remained bowed, and smoky Durger on one knee in prayer. Alan didn¡¯t dare disrupt the ritual. He took a moment to reflect on how far he¡¯d come. The roost smelled just like the stable, reminding him of his time with the Legion. That thought tumbled back to his old group: Flint and Neesha. Good people he wanted badly to see again.


    Soon, a warm, comforting sensation wrapped him like a blanket, making his bruises a little less painful. He raised his head in wonder. All gryphon eyes were on him. Predatory in nature, yet accepting somehow.


    ¡°This is good, Sir Alan. They recognize you.¡± Durger smiled with his hands on his hips.


    The main gryphon that saved him stalked over, inspecting the feathers, then gently picked them up with its mouth. With one flap, it flew to the center of one of the larger nests and placed the feathers down.


    Kaw!


    Kaw! the others responded, and with another flap the main gryphon landed in front of Alan again. Gold feathers, strong lion legs, and an eagle¡¯s white mane with slicked-back fur made it look majestic up close. Two other darker colored gryphons walked up closely to flank him. In unison, the three of them bowed.


    ¡°They¡¯re acknowledging your request, lad. Pet ¡¯em!¡±


    Alan tentatively did as Durger suggested, another warming glow emanated from his skin. There was a connection between them, a mutual respect and sense of grace. ¡°So you¡¯ll ride with Irana and Nulge again?¡± he asked.


    The two darker gryphons raised their heads majestically, reminding him of Elkire¡¯s posture.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a yes.¡± Alan smiled, then turned to Durger. ¡°Which soul did you say was a Dreamcatcher in his past life?¡±


    ¡°Trio Doden. Careful though, he¡¯s half mad,¡± Durger said.


    ¡°Ugh. Any fully sane casters in there?¡±


    ¡°At this point? Probably not. They¡¯ve all resided in there too long.¡±


    ¡°Great. Well, do you think he can still create a communication portal?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not. It¡¯s very basic magic for a catcher or a Wizard. I¡¯d say Trio is your best bet.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± Alan concentrated hard on the souls within his blade, sending Durger back and sifting through the different swooshing essences. He lingered on each until they materialized into tangible shapes, trying to find the one with a net on his back.


    The big guy with the oversized shield again, the seductive woman with scant armor, a Wizard with his hat pulled completely over his face¡ªah, finally, a hunched chubby man with a net on his back.


    ¡°Come on out, Trio.¡± Alan opened his eyes and held his blade away from the gryphons.


    ¡°Hm. Hm.¡± The man looked around at all the beasts suspiciously. ¡°Am I in a zoo? Sheesh.¡±


    Alan whacked him on the shoulder. ¡°Some respect, please.¡±


    ¡°Bah!¡± He stumbled, belly jiggling. ¡°You are an odd duck, you know that? I mean really, what type of Black Saro wielding warrior takes his souls out for walks, hm?¡±


    Alan sighed. ¡°Can you make a communication portal, please?¡±


    ¡°Sure. Hand me some of that dank Saro. Gimme. Gimme.¡± He motioned with his square fingers.


    ¡°What color?¡±


    ¡°Oh god, it¡¯s been so long¡­ I¡¯m a Blue-y.¡±


    Alan flicked his wrist, cycling Blue around the Dreamcatcher¡¯s arms.


    ¡°Ahh, that feels nice. Like a hot bath.¡± Trio took out his net and started waving it around haphazardly, making the gryphons uneasily adjust their wings.


    ¡°Chill!¡± Alan caught the stick.


    ¡°Oh, sorry. Forgot we¡¯re your pets.¡±


    Heat filled Alan¡¯s cheeks. ¡°You¡¯re free to go at any time. Just tell me how and I¡¯ll release you.¡±


    Trio stiffened. ¡°Wh¡ªwhat? No.¡± He waved his hands back and forth. ¡°I was just kidding.¡±


    Alan furrowed his brow.


    ¡°No one knows what happens after a captured soul is released. I was just kidding, guy. Don¡¯t send me out there. It¡¯s not so bad in the blade once you get used to it.¡±


    ¡°Trio. I need to be on my way,¡± Alan said through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Right, right.¡± He stood back and held up his hands to show Alan and the gryphons that he meant no harm, then swung his net in a wide circle. ¡°The name and home of your recipient.¡±


    ¡°Madam Mardonnus of Hightower Brack,¡± Alan said. ¡°She¡¯s a tower-watcher, if that helps.¡±


    ¡°It does. It does. You¡¯re bringing back fond memories of old roads traveled. Hm.¡± Trio shut his eyes to concentrate, a lazy portal forming with faded visions inside. ¡°Hm. Seems you¡¯ve made quite a name for yourself already. Many whispers of the Merchant who wields Yineera¡¯s Peg and who bested a watcher. Hm. Yes.¡±


    Alan folded his arms, waiting patiently for him to get on with it.


    ¡°Ah, here we are. Short woman doused in unkempt robes?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Alan perked up upon seeing the back of Madam Mar¡¯s head.


    She turned and squinted into the portal. ¡°Alan!¡±


    ¡°Madam! Greetings from the nest.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can see that. You made it!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but I had to take the hard way. The cliff Elkire pointed me to was blocked with a river of mourning red.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± She jumped in place, which made Alan jump in place. ¡°You¡¯re not suggesting you passed¡­¡±


    ¡°The geyser? Yeah, we got through it.¡±


    ¡°Alan. That¡¯s impossible. The entire Legion attempted that once¡ªescaping with many broken bones and some near death.¡±


    ¡°Same here.¡± He spread his arms. ¡°But we made it.¡±


    She gritted her teeth. ¡°What variant fog did you suffer?¡±


    ¡°Um, yellowish gold, apocalypse orange, and a tint of crimson.¡±


    ¡°By Junos and all of his grace! No wonder all the gryphons are bowing for you. I offer a grand bow myself.¡±


    Alan felt a surge of reassurance at Madam¡¯s reaction. He made the right call, standing against what everyone feared. Sure, one millisecond would¡¯ve decided the fight the other way, but still. He made it.


    ¡°Thanks, Madam.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°Now I don¡¯t feel so sore about being bested amongst the towers.¡± She chuckled. ¡°So, what can I do you for?¡±


    ¡°A portal on the outskirts of Gauruck, if you can. I will send these two beautiful creatures your way, as my first step in repaying the Legion.¡±


    ¡°It will be done, Alan. I will grant them a magical tether toward the location. What about the third pack leader queen staring at you?¡±


    Alan turned to his new mount. ¡°She¡¯ll be with me.¡±


    ¡°Fitting. And a true honor amongst the roost. A little tip¡ªher name is Ria, and she has no fear.¡±


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°I already knew that second part.¡±


    ¡°Hah. Yes, well. Send them my way, good Alan.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Madam. Hope to see you soon.¡±


    The portal closed with a shloop, leaving pudgy Trio standing there with both hands on the base of his net.


    ¡°Satisfied? May I go back to my gilded cage now? I was in the middle of an argument with Thoreesa.¡±


    Alan rolled his eyes. ¡°Go ahead, Trio. Thanks for the port.¡±


    ¡°Hm. Hm. Anytime!¡± He clapped his hands and did an odd shimmy before zooming back into the blade.


    Bunch of freakin¡¯ characters in there once you get to know them.


    Alan guided the two dark gryphons toward the northwestern edge of the roost and pointed them in the direction of Mar¡¯s tether. They bowed for a pet each¡ªwhich Alan gladly gave¡ªthen respectfully made some space to spread their wings. With a caw, they were off, soaring down toward the geyser from which Alan came.


    Ria then walked up to Alan and nudged him lightly. When she did, that familiar metaphorical blanket wrapped around him. She was a soothing yet powerful presence, one that Alan looked forward to having around.


    ¡°So you¡¯re with me now, huh?¡± He petted her gingerly. ¡°Do you prefer to be coined?¡±


    Kaw!


    Alan jumped in place, taking that as a hard no. ¡°Alright! Didn¡¯t mean to offend.¡± He rolled out his map, tracing the path toward Yogi¡¯s domain. It felt good to gain some momentum in the ¡°paying people back¡± department, and he didn¡¯t plan on stopping now.


    Durger materialized from the sword. ¡°Careful in flight, Sir Alan. You¡¯ll want to keep low altitude so as not to alert Helldraken or any other high-powered beasts¡­ unless you¡¯re hunting them, of course.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Alan pretended he knew. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Beware of fog, obviously. Pull up if it gets too thick. I can¡¯t tell you how many times we had to detour because a party member got swiped out of the sky.¡±


    Alan nodded, biting his lip. ¡°Duly noted.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s it. Hold on tight, my friend.¡± Durger dropped a big hand on Alan¡¯s shoulder before zooming back into the blade.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Alan eyed the bird-lion. ¡°Never did this before, Ria. Go easy on me.¡±


    Kaw, she said delicately, and Alan hopped onto her back.


    They both adjusted themselves for a good ten seconds.


    Kaw!


    Ria spread her wings, which gave Alan immediate weakness in his belly. He kept telling himself he¡¯d survived the crimson fog, he could get through a proper flight. But as soon as she stepped to the edge, Alan tensed hard. No saddle, no ropes. What the hell was he supposed to do?


    Too late.


    She leapt, and the wind hit Alan¡¯s face like a pie. The trees down below zoomed fast into view, reminding Alan of falling in Strangey Town. Only this time, he could trust his companion.


    ¡°Woo!¡± he yelled, hanging onto surprisingly strong feathery fur.


    Quick tilts to the left made Alan grimace as he locked his heels around Ria¡¯s torso, shifting his weight to stay alive. ¡°Haha!¡± he cheered again.


    They drifted north, toward Fistel¡¯s Valley: Yogi¡¯s final destination. They skated the bluish-gray fog the entire way, staying out of high altitude as Durger had warned. And as the smoke dissipated to a snowy tundra far below, Alan felt a pang of sadness.


    He didn¡¯t want to lose the Borai just like he didn¡¯t want to lose Durger back in the forbidden shops. They¡¯d bonded over this crazy journey. They were friends. But that didn¡¯t change the facts¡ªhe¡¯d made a promise to the big bear who protected him. It was Alan¡¯s turn to come through. So that¡¯s what he was going to do.


    Another hour of flight made Alan realize how long the trip would¡¯ve taken on foot. Tranches of black smoke, deep blue, hard purple¡­ it would¡¯ve been the trek of mayhem. One big boss fight earned him the respect to skip all that, thanks to the powerful bird baring the cold.


    Alan pulled out his map and saw the valley was coming up. An ice pond where the ancestors of the Borai were laid to rest. He tugged on Ria to bring him down, the feeling of in-flight descent giving Alan flutters. With a final swoop of her wings, Alan was on the ground.


    He patted the gryphon twice. ¡°So if I can¡¯t coin you, how do I find you again?¡±


    The creature jerked its head, looking Alan in the eye, then lifted its wing to reveal a loose golden feather.


    ¡°A sign of great respect.¡± Durger¡¯s face materialized from the sword. ¡°It wants you to be a home landing, which are tethered to their shed feathers. You¡¯re like a nest, Alan!¡±


    ¡°Hope I don¡¯t stink like one.¡±


    Kaw!


    ¡°I¡¯m just kidding.¡± Alan laughed nervously, then reached for the resplendent feather. ¡°Thanks, queen. See you soon?¡±


    Kaw.


    Ria kicked off into flight, soaring out of the cold to leave Alan with his thoughts. He suppressed the Soul Collector as the gales bit at his face. This was a sad moment. Holding his palm out, he called forth a ball of Orange Saro to warm his skin, then dug through his bag for a particular coin.


    He turned it in his hand, noting the streaks and tarnishes had vanished¡ªwhich meant Yogi was fully healed. Good. Then he wouldn¡¯t feel so bad calling him out so soon.


    Ting!


    Two monstrous paws shook the ground and sent snow flying everywhere.


    ¡°Noble Alan! Is there more danger so soon?¡± Yogi flexed and bared his fangs. Then almost immediately, his face sunk in shock. ¡°By the mountaintops of Shree.¡±


    The giant bear got to all fours and ran ahead to the ice pond in the distance, unable to contain himself. Alan summoned Voltair and galloped on after him. He couldn¡¯t tell what Yogi was interacting with at first, but the closer he got, the clearer the ethereal figures became.


    Ghostly Borai held blue flames as they paced around the sacred frozen pond.


    ¡°Beneath the pond she shivers. In each cove she withers. Balooma the warm. Dun da-dun,¡± each of the ghostly Borai chanted.


    Alan coined Voltair so not to disturb them, compelled to approach the ice to be closer to Yogi. He didn¡¯t want the big bear to leave without saying goodbye. That would break him.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    One of the Borai yanked Alan by the shoulders and dropped him in front, replacing his orange flame with a blue one. When Alan peered up over his shoulder, the Borai pushed him on.


    ¡°Beneath the pond she shivers. In each cove she withers. Balooma the warm. Dun da-dun.¡±


    Not wanting to offend, Alan whispered the words, glancing over at Yogi tearing up in the center.


    ¡°She gives her fur to young, shields them all from sun. She mixes and melds and rings the bells until the dream has come. Balooma the warm.¡±


    ¡°Dun da¡­ da-dun. Until the dream has come.¡± Alan started to get the hang of it on his second go around. The rhythm was rather calming. What¡¯s more, he felt like he was contributing to Yogi¡¯s reunion. When the big bear hugged a similar Borai with a slashed ear, Alan imagined him as one of his brothers. Then, all of a sudden, the Borai Yogi was hugging faded to naught and a bloop sounded beneath the ice.


    Yogi sniffed and straightened, gazing at his brothers and sisters pacing for their mother. His eyes dropped to Alan.


    ¡°Noble Alan! You walk for Mother?¡±


    Alan nodded. ¡°As long as I¡¯m doing the right thing. She gives her fur to young¡­¡±


    Yogi smiled warmly, his deathly Black Saro armor no longer seeming so threatening. ¡°You honor me so. I am proud to call you¡­ friend of the Borai.¡±


    Another metaphorical blanket draped over Alan. Twice in a day. First the gryphons, now the Borai. He was scoring points since screwing up colossally with Lucius on his tail. It felt good.


    ¡°Dun da-dun da-dun.¡± The ghostly Borai stopped in unison, making Alan halt a half-step off time. All faced toward the center, to Yogi.


    What¡¯s happening?


    A shadow formed beneath the pond¡ªbegging Yogi to take a few steps back¡ªand out emerged a tall, thin female Borai with patches of fur missing throughout her body. She was a head taller than Yogi and all the others, wearing the most pleasant expression.


    ¡°Mother Balooma.¡± The others bowed, offering their blue flames over their heads.


    Alan quickly did the same.


    ¡°A son long-lost.¡± Balooma cupped Yogi¡¯s face. ¡°Trapped by a minion of the dark god, used as a weapon to evoke fear. Jaeger strips the Borai of our honor. Yet you have returned. How?¡±


    ¡°A Merchant, Mother. A Merchant and so much more. Alan the noble.¡± Yogi turned to present him. Alan only peeked out of one eye, not daring to move unless called upon.


    ¡°Hm? A warrior? Impossible.¡±


    ¡°I swear it on my honor as a Borai.¡± Yogi touched claw to chest.


    Balooma gently got to all fours and paced toward Alan. ¡°I see. A warrior unbound by singular magic.¡± She leaned forward, sniffing. Black pearly eyes and curly white fur made Alan think of a big white teddy bear from his childhood.


    ¡°Rise, Alan, if you please.¡±


    Alan gently placed the blue flame on the ice beside him and did as he was told, careful not to embarrass Yogi in any way. This was obviously a big moment for him.


    ¡°In all the years Borai fought as honored elite Minions of Ojin, never once has a captured soul been returned to its rightful plain.¡± She rose to bow on one knee.


    ¡°I made Yogi a deal. We started off at odds, but he kept his part of the bargain, so it was only fair I keep mine.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°So you can trade with minions.¡±


    ¡°I can trade with anything.¡± Alan shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s my gift, I guess.¡±


    ¡°That is not your only gift if you can get a fearless warrior such as Yogi-Shontier to deem you noble. Look at him. He beams for you.¡±


    ¡°And I him, Mother Balooma. I consider him a dear friend.¡± Alan bowed. ¡°We¡¯ve been through a lot.¡±


    ¡°I can tell. Do you know what I am, noble Alan?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I can only guess by the chants that you are the mother of all Borai,¡± Alan guessed.


    ¡°That is true. I am also a Deenom.¡±


    Flashbacks of Afarus speaking about how he bested a Deenom to earn his own realm replayed in Alan¡¯s mind. They were powerful creatures.


    Alan didn¡¯t really know what to do with that information, so he bowed again, which made her chuckle.


    ¡°This is indeed a special occasion. You have freed a great soul, unlocking a piece of my heart from eternal torment. There are more like Yogi¡ªtrapped. Many more. But today it hurts a little less.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad to be part of something good.¡± Alan smiled. ¡°It¡¯s a nice change of pace.¡±


    She rested her arms over her knee, eyes glinting. ¡°I am sorry to say your path is shrouded with contention, but through this interaction, I can say with certainty¡ªyour heart is well.¡±


    ¡°Mother Balooma.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Yogi.¡±


    ¡°I am filled with joy to be reunited with my kin, with you, and am eternally grateful for your warm embrace.¡±


    ¡°I know all this, my son. Speak your mind.¡±


    Yogi stood straight and walked behind Alan, the flames dancing from his movements. ¡°I seek to continue my journey alongside noble Alan and see him through to greatness.¡±


    Silence came between them, and Alan¡¯s heart nearly melted in his chest.


    ¡°He needs me, Mother. I am his protector, as you once were for me.¡±


    Her eyes lowered. There was a hint of sadness in them, but perhaps pride too. At least Alan hoped.


    Alan turned to look up at his friend, trying to say ¡°are you sure?¡± with his eyes, and received a confident nod in return.


    ¡°Is that your true wish? You risk peril, my son. His type of affinity is sought after by all of the dark. You have known captivity. You have known soul-bound pain of obeying a dark master¡ªit is written all over your armor. Reflect deeply before you make that decision.¡±


    ¡°I have traveled with noble Alan through a long road of trials. He is as much a brother as my fellow Borai before me. I am sure, Mother, and hope to have your blessing.¡±


    Balooma nodded, breaking eye contact again. She sighed while slowly getting to her feet. ¡°If that is your wish, Yogi-Shontier¡ª¡±


    ¡°It is.¡±


    ¡°¡ªVery well. Then you have not only my blessing, but my Ojin domain as well.¡±


    Alan¡¯s brow furrowed. He looked to Yogi to see his white eyes wide with shock.


    ¡°Alan. You are a unique encounter. A warrior who wins the heart of my fiercest son is one worthy of my Ultimus Title¡­ granting you ownership of a small realm built upon my accomplishments as the Borai mother.¡±


    Alan gulped in shock. He wasn¡¯t sure he¡¯d just heard right. His own realm?


    ¡°Mother Balooma¡ª¡±


    She raised her claw for Alan to cease. ¡°My mind, like Yogi¡¯s, is already made up. This is the path, and hopefully this domain will aid you away from the darkness.¡± Her hands glowed, small tubes of light filtering through her fur to create a resplendent essence floating above her palms. ¡°Do not take this responsibility lightly, Alan. An Ultimus Deenom may only grant this Title once. And thereafter, once the realm is in your hands, it will be open to second lives from origin souls and also¡­ a prime target for your enemies.¡±


    Alan didn¡¯t know what to say. Was this equivalent to being offered godhood? No¡­ Afarus mentioned that came later, I think.


    Jeez, this is a big goddamn honor. I was just preparing myself to lose a friend, not gain a world!


    ¡°Noble Alan?¡± Yogi¡¯s voice drummed through his head.


    ¡°Give him a moment. It is a lot to process,¡± Balooma assured.


    Finally, after a world of thought, Alan came back to the present. ¡°I always knew Strangey Town wasn¡¯t my home.¡± He smirked at Yogi, then bowed his head to Balooma. ¡°I accept the Title. It¡¯s an honor.¡±


    ¡°I am glad you see it that way.¡± She spread her arms to release her tether on the essence, leaving it to float toward Alan.


    The ghostly Borai around them chanted a low hymn¡­ until the essence merged into Alan¡¯s chest.


    UNIQUE TITLE UNLOCKED:


    Title: Ultimus Merchant of the Borai


    Affinity: This Title grants you ownership of Mother Balooma¡¯s earned realm. When selected, this Title allows for home portals to and from the realm. Once the realm is entered, initial prompts will direct you on realm manifestations.


    ¡°Thank you, Mother Balooma.¡± Alan bowed, steadying himself against intense surges of energy filtering into his mind.


    ¡°On the honor of the Borai, I hope you do us proud.¡±


    ¡°I will do my best,¡± Alan assured.


    ¡°Good. Now, if you please, I¡¯d like a moment with my son.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Alan bowed to Balooma and waved to Yogi¡¯s brothers on his way out.


    ¡°Alan,¡± Balooma called, prompting him to turn as soon as he set foot off the pond. ¡°Take the blue flame as well. This way, if you are ever in need, the Borai will answer.¡±

 Chapter 38 - A New Realm

    A headache struck so powerfully that Alan thought his skull might crack. Lightning bolts rattled inside his mind, then torturous burning fire, drowning, everything in rapid succession. It was confined to his cranium like a spiked ball thrashing to get out. He grunted as he held his hair.


    ¡°Hold on, noble Alan. All of Mother¡¯s experiences are flowing through you,¡± Yogi¡¯s voice echoed. ¡°Many deaths, many kills. Protecting her family. Defeating warriors as she was bred to. She is the most honorable of the Borai. There is much to take in.¡±


    Alan¡¯s vision went black more than once, but he used the comfort of his friend to remind him where he was¡ªa mile away from Yogi¡¯s home, in Fistel¡¯s Valley. This all started when he swapped his Title for Ultimus, daring to escape into his new realm.


    God, what a mistake.


    Another four minutes passed¡ªAlan counted the seconds¡ªbefore the pain finally subsided like a pulled tooth. It was over. Plucked. At least he hoped.


    Alan took a deep breath to make sure the shaking stopped. He¡¯d liken it to one of his trances, only instead of being a spectator, he was living an experience in fast-forward.


    ¡°I feel it now.¡± Alan looked at his hand, a shivering energy quaking to get out. ¡°I can portal to her realm.¡±


    ¡°Your realm now, Alan.¡±


    ¡°My realm,¡± he tested the idea, then peered up to his companion. ¡°Ready?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and, Yogi.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Thanks for restoring my faith. After Lucius¡­ things were getting a little grim.¡±


    ¡°There are many who believe in you, noble Alan. I am but one.¡±


    ¡°An important one.¡±


    ¡°Well in that case, you are welcome.¡±


    Alan nodded and faced forward, willing the energy out of his hand. The stream didn¡¯t feel like a normal emotional Saro calling, but rather an amalgamation of energy already alive with purpose.


    He pinpointed it into his finger and traced a wide circle, like he¡¯d seen Flint do before.


    What would that zany Wizard think of me now?


    The portal opened to a view of snowy mountaintops on the horizon, paved by endless green pastures leading to it. It wasn¡¯t a damning hell like he worried it might be. Not at all.


    ¡°Looks inviting enough.¡± Alan arced an eyebrow and stepped through.


    He embraced the loss and reformation of his body with grace. For his first portal, it sure was seamless. His eyes opened again with less tension behind them. A warm breeze tickled his nose like he remembered at a park in his childhood. There were no threats here¡ªjust a blank canvas filled in by his mind.


    Welcome to your realm. The universe has designated beginner prompts. Accept them with grace.


    Name your domain by designating one, speaking it aloud, and repeating it again for confirmation. So too shall it be done.


    Ultimus Titleholder, comprehend the following: although Origin souls may now be reborn into this realm, it is unlikely without a god¡¯s overwatch¡­


    Do you wish to sacrifice your vessel to the confines of the universe, only to be called upon again under the declaration of realm wars or other extreme callings while otherwise existing as an all-seeing, omnipotent being tasked with governing this realm and understanding the ways of the universe?


    Do you accept godhood?


    ¡°I am absolutely not ready for that.¡± Alan shook his head.


    You have rejected the invitation to oversee your realm as its god. Since you have decided to retain your vessel for the time being, you will be awarded only limited creational and governing powers.


    ¡°I can live with that.¡± Alan glanced at Yogi as he materialized through the portal, followed by Ria.


    Yogi looked around confused. ¡°Who else is here?¡±


    Alan pointed to his head. ¡°Just prompts. They want me to be a god of the realm, like that crazy guy in Strangey Town.¡±


    Yogi made a disgusted frown.


    ¡°I agree. I like the way I am,¡± Alan said, drawing his Soul Collector. By thinking it, he unlocked the blade and syphoned enough contained anger to unleash multiple souls with one swipe. Afarus and Durger both emerged fully etched in black smoke.


    ¡°Sir Alan, where are we?¡± Durger stared up at the clear sky.


    ¡°You¡¯ve ascertained a realm.¡± Afarus smiled in disbelief.


    ¡°New home base, everyone,¡± Alan said, zipping his portal shut.


    ¡°This is far out of my skillset.¡± Durger shook his head. ¡°I told you¡­ you would go beyond comprehension.¡±


    ¡°Oh, stop blowing the kid¡¯s head up.¡± Afarus tightened his wraps. ¡°I had my own domain once. ¡¯Til I lost it to a conqueror. Beware of scouts in Ojin now, Alan.¡± He let his blade drag against the dirt, testing it. ¡°Hm.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Alan turned to him.


    ¡°Your thoughts are far less dark than I anticipated.¡±


    Kaw! Ria seemed to agree.


    ¡°Well, I am kind of coming off a high. I was just accepted by the mother of the Borai. And I don¡¯t know if you guys noticed, but the big bear is still with us.¡± Alan presented Yogi. ¡°Maybe if I had been granted the realm after Lucius betrayed me for the second time, things would be a bit darker.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. There¡¯s still plenty of time for that,¡± Afarus assured.


    Alan didn¡¯t like Afarus¡¯ cryptic message, but he was even more curious of what he meant before. ¡°What did you mean by my thoughts not being dark? Are you saying my thoughts can alter the terrain of the realm?¡±


    Afarus licked his teeth, peering in the distance with a hand over his brow to shield from the sun. ¡°Should be in your powers as Ultimus, yes.¡±


    ¡°Great. What else can I do?¡±


    xxx


    As Alan trekked through his new realm, he pondered many things. Why did it seem like there were elements of four seasons, even though he grew up mostly in the hot desert? Was this terrain a vomit of his dreams from Earth?


    His arms and legs felt lighter here, and having no threats in the vicinity was an odd, odd feeling. One he hadn¡¯t felt since sitting on his couch after shifts at the shop. If that screaming Archer hadn¡¯t broke in, he never would¡¯ve thought it possible to be bothered at home.


    Maybe it was a lesson he should take with him here.


    Days went by in a blur. Dealing with prompts and learning how to navigate a new type of magic consumed his thoughts. The transmogrification of terrain was more of a mental exercise than an emotional understanding¡ªsomething that was awakened since he donned the Title of Ultimus Merchant.


    Springing rock up from the ground to create a natural-looking staircase, compressing dirt and softening it into designs he¡¯d seen in old museums, taking pride in creating a place to one day build a world¡ªit was exhilarating.


    What¡¯s more, his new Title allowed for an abundance of Saro resource within the confines of his realm, which meant letting his minions and souls free to roam this new plain. A few new souls even found the courage to walk about. One in particular caught his attention. A big burly guy who refused to make eye contact and carried a giant shield on his back. Oddly, the shield was fully colored while the rest of him remained etched in that same shadowy smoke as all the other souls.


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    ¡°May I wander?¡± The soul stared at the ground.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Alan said. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°No name.¡± The soul lazily dragged his feet away from Alan, lugging the resplendent shield.


    Alan tightened his lips, watching with sorrow as the poor soul trekked on. ¡°May I walk with you?¡±


    ¡°Mph.¡± He shrugged.


    Alan tentatively walked up beside him. ¡°Would you rather be left alone?¡±


    ¡°No preference.¡± He bent down, analyzing an off-color patch of grass. Alan was scared he¡¯d topple over from the weight of his shield, but he managed it well.


    Alan let the silence marinate for a while. The poor guy has been bottled up for a long time, so it was best to let him enjoy the peace.


    ¡°You are different than the other wielders.¡± The soul side-eyed Alan for a brief moment. His bald head had a white star etched into it, and his face was strongly chiseled.


    ¡°Hope that¡¯s a good thing.¡± Alan was careful not to stare. He didn¡¯t want to make him uncomfortable, so he followed suit in gazing around the new world.


    ¡°The souls inside are more energetic. I think they are invested in your progress.¡±


    Alan smiled. ¡°How about you?¡±


    ¡°Curious.¡±


    ¡°I see that. It¡¯s nice here, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Different than what I am used to.¡±


    ¡°What were you before the Soul Collector claimed you?¡±


    ¡°A defender of Hutten Fie¡ªrealm of the Rigor.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of them,¡± Alan admitted.


    ¡°We tend to stay out of politics and focus solely on our Ojin armies.¡±


    ¡°Surely they must¡¯ve called you something?¡± Alan stopped at the next off-color patch of grass, leading the soul to it.


    ¡°I brought great dishonor to my tribe and have since abandoned my namesake.¡±


    Alan winced at that, not daring to push further. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It is alright. My time in solitude has offered perspective. And being invited to this peaceful realm gives hope that my darkest days are behind me.¡±


    Alan tapped the soul¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t let me taint your peace then. Enjoy your stroll.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, wielder.¡±


    Alan watched the burly man walk on, his shield swaying on his back like a ship at sea. He whispered to the Soul Collector, to Durger and Afarus, who were both traveling about as well.


    Fsssh!


    Two black smoky balls zoomed up to Alan, materializing as the two he whispered for. ¡°Do either of you interact with him?¡± He nodded to the shielded soul getting farther away.


    ¡°He keeps to himself, mostly,¡± Afarus said. ¡°I sense great Gray Saro surrounding his essence. A stone-type, undoubtedly.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯s the one who tried to break up a heavy clash between two souls when I was first taken in.¡± Durger pulled at his beard.


    ¡°Yes, that was him.¡±


    ¡°Alright, next question.¡± Alan took out a coin and flipped it away from the shield soul so not to disrupt his nature walk. The giant multi-colored rock formation that Alan won for defeating the Hendra materialized in a cross-legged position on the grass, towering over all of them. ¡°Durger¡­ my oldest friend in this universe. Would inhabiting this vessel be appealing to you?¡±


    Durger wrinkled his nose. ¡°No, Sir Alan, it wouldn¡¯t. I spend my time in the blade searching for Sir Ooman, since I know he¡¯s in there somewhere. I¡¯d be a big rock full of regret if I was to inhabit that.¡±


    Alan nodded. ¡°I understand. I prefer you at my back anyway, if I¡¯m being honest. Same goes for you, Afarus, but as my trainer, you get second dibs.¡±


    ¡°Look at me.¡± Afarus spread his skinny arms. ¡°I¡¯d be an unwieldy mess in that thing.¡±


    Alan laughed. ¡°I thought you¡¯d love the challenge.¡±


    ¡°In truth, I¡¯d be fine. But I do prefer navigating the blade as well. It¡¯s turned into somewhat of a home.¡± Afarus drew his long blade and stared up at its tip.


    ¡°It¡¯s settled then.¡± Alan nodded.


    ¡°What is?¡± Durger asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to offer this Figro Vessel to that solemn man in the distance,¡± Alan declared. ¡°Once he¡¯s done with his walk, that is.¡±


    ¡°A fine choice.¡± Durger pointed. ¡°That shield was forged by three armorers and wouldn¡¯t be awarded to a lesser warrior. Never. I would imagine he is honorable.¡±


    ¡°What if he¡¯s the slayer of the honorable owner, my gullible friend?¡± Afarus sheathed his sword and folded his arms.


    ¡°I have a sense for these kinds of things,¡± Durger said.


    ¡°Yeah, and I have Alan¡¯s Blue Saro.¡± Afarus winked.


    ¡°I sense only good in him,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Me too. I¡¯m just messing with you. Farewell.¡± Afarus¡¯ dematerialized into a Black Saro essence and zoomed back into the distance.


    ¡°I hope he accepts with grace, Sir Alan.¡± Durger winked and followed Afarus in the same manner.


    ¡°Me too,¡± Alan spoke to the wind.


    Alan played with his new molding powers until the shield-bearing soul trekked back to the sword. He¡¯d built a throne for the Figro Vessel that sat there, waiting to be presented.


    ¡°Did you enjoy your hike?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°I did, thank you.¡± The soul began to fizzle out of his form.


    ¡°Hey, wait a second.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± He retook his shape, tilting his head.


    ¡°I thought about what you said earlier and was wondering if you¡¯d like an opportunity for redemption as defender?¡±


    The soul finally made eye contact with Alan, if just for a moment before looking away. ¡°I¡ª¡±


    ¡°You can don the name Figro and defend this new realm by my side¡­ if you choose, of course.¡± Alan presented the giant rock golem.


    When too much silence came between them, Alan went on, ¡°I was told you might¡¯ve been a Grey Saro wielder in your time. What better way to exercise that again than manifesting your soul into a giant rock.¡±


    The soul slowly sat cross-legged¡ªin the same position as the Figro Vessel¡ªand stared at his hands.


    ¡°A chance at redemption.¡± His star tattoo flashed gray, then he peered up to Alan, his irises trembling. ¡°You honor me so.¡±


    Alan felt a warm sensation swirl in his belly. ¡°You look like you could use a break. Figro, then?¡±


    ¡°I would prefer that, yes.¡±


    ¡°And so it is done.¡± Alan clapped and answered a prompt in his mind to bind soul to vessel.


    Ribbons of black smoke syphoned out of Figro like pulled strings, flowing past Alan and into the vessel laid out for him. Slowly, the vessel altered its composition to appear more like the soul¡ªeven donning an oversized version of the same shield on its black, and when its eyes glowed to life looking only at the floor, Alan knew the transference was complete.


    ¡°Welcome to the journey, Figro. May your redemption be legendary!¡±


    xxx


    More weeks went by. Alan rode Ria for hours at a time, exploring. Every breath felt fresh and new, serene like Green Saro. After wading through the darkness for so long, he had a novel appreciation for the other side.


    During the afternoons, him and his minions came together to piece together a map of the realm. Then at twilight, he¡¯d focus hard on concocting new areas with imaginative ambience. Sprouting high trees with purple and blue translucent leaves that reflected sunlight in such a way to tint the land those colors. It reminded him of an elvan forest¡­ so he whittled bridges of the sort with his mind that came to fruition.


    ¡°Getting a little obsessed, are we?¡± Afarus scared Alan out of his laser-focus. His colored eyes bored hard into Alan¡¯s.


    ¡°I¡¯m building a place worthy of our stay, Afarus. Isn¡¯t that what you did, once upon a time?¡± Alan challenged.


    ¡°It is. But you should be learning from my mishaps. Dividing your mind so absolutely is a recipe to forget. Go back to Ojin, Alan. With caution and grace. Remember what it is to be a force to contend with.¡±


    Alan scoffed. ¡°I duel with you nightly. Forge with Durger when I¡¯m not building. Learn the ways of the Borai, guardians, and even Hendra when you¡¯re not looking. I am more worldly here than I ever was out there.¡±


    ¡°Careful, Alan. You still have tethers to the outside. You forget.¡±


    Alan shook his head. ¡°I think of my friends all the time. I¡¯ll be useful to them, one way or another.¡±


    The question remained¡ªhow would he be valuable as a god? Seemed like he¡¯d be closed off from his entire journey. To become a spectator and knower of secrets wouldn¡¯t be enough to achieve his goals¡­ would it?


    That night, Alan recalled his time outside his realm. He originally wanted to pick powerful memories to replenish his dull pearls orbiting around him, but he wound up thinking of his trances. To his surprise, a thought of Gregorian¡¯s former bow owner came to mind, of him shackling a beast with lightning Saro. The memory transfused immediately into a pearl, brightening it.


    ¡°That¡¯s a cool goddamn combo!¡± Then he realized he¡¯d never be able to use it if he accepted godhood.


    To be alive in this body is a call to adventure¡­


    ¡­but in the months that followed, the universe lured him like an addicting game, coaxing him to perhaps take on the role. He imagined governing justly. Allowing people of all Origins, to the extent they weren¡¯t deranged psychos. He remembered how crazy the shop would get sometimes with the strangest walks of life trying to sell the oddest things to him. He had a whole career of dealing with diverse traders, not to mention his short time in Strangey Town.


    He knew something else too: the realm would be Merchant-friendly. He could finally have his own shop. Finally. No, it would be even better¡ªhe would govern an entire economy!


    As if the universe read his mind, a prompt came up:


    Do you now accept the transition to godhood?


    Alan thought hard about his hopes and dreams. If he said yes, then the notion of those clairvoyant frogs were complete bullshit. Strangey Town was bullshit.


    Maybe that was okay.


    He smiled, staring at the words in his vision.


    Ting! Ting!


    His Soul Collector rumbled on his back.


    ¡°Hm?¡± He drew it, staring at both the blade and the prompt at the same time.


    Trio the Dreamcatcher formed out of it with shaky breath. ¡°Alan! Let me out, I have an urgent message!¡±


    The sword shook in his grip. ¡°Okay, okay.¡± Alan commanded a pinch of anger into the blade, prompting the odd Dreamcatcher to step out like he was avoiding a mud puddle.


    ¡°Will you stand back! Stand back!¡± Trio pushed Alan. ¡°I said it¡¯s urgent! From one of your friends, I think. A whacky looking Wizard.¡±


    ¡°Flint.¡± Alan tensed.


    ¡°Yes! That¡¯s the one.¡± Trio swung his net in a wide circle, creating a magical window that showed chaos, spells and explosions flying over a familiar realm. Braided trees groaned in the background. Then his friend stepped to the forefront with soot all over his face.


    ¡°This is a call to any and all who may provide aid!¡± Flint held his hat, his expression desperate. ¡°Hyndole has returned to wreak havoc on Strangey Town. Jaeger intends to declare war! Allies, friends, this is the time¡ªwe need you, or our home is lost!¡±


    Boom!


    The portal shook apart from an explosion on the other end, leaving Alan and Trio staring blankly at one another.


    Alan focused on the prompt taunting him. ¡°How does a god help in war?¡±


    ¡°A god? You are a warrior Merchant! You strange, strange, confused duck always swimming in the wrong direction. What does a god do? It sends its forces to aid! It defends its own dominion!¡±


    ¡°Forces.¡± Alan looked around to an empty canvas of altered terrain. ¡°Flint needs me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, it sure does look that way, doesn¡¯t it? Duh!¡±


    Alan grimaced and swiped his hand, tossing Trio back into the blade and begging Durger out.


    ¡°Alan. Strangey Town¡­¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Alan paced. ¡°If I accept the role of god, I would be useless to them, wouldn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s outside my realm of knowledge, Sir Alan. But I do know how I felt when I lost Sir Ooman. Life just wasn¡¯t the same.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how it would be if I remained here. I¡¯d be abandoning everyone who helped me. What am I doing? I haven¡¯t even paid all my debts back yet. This isn¡¯t me.¡± He shook his head, like awakening from a dream. ¡°I have to help my friends.¡±


    Afarus peeked out of the blade. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been trying to tell you!¡±


    ¡°Trio is poking me.¡± Durger rubbed his back. ¡°Says Flint¡¯s message comes with a portal to the battle.¡±


    Alan clenched his fist, squeezing out helixes of Green Saro to revitalize himself, and swiped the prompt out of his vision. ¡°Send him. When a friend calls, we answer.¡±

 Chapter 39 - The Call

    Alan stared at an effervescent portal held open by the stubby soul, Trio Doden.


    Hang on, Flint.


    He held up his feather to call Ria back to his side, summoned Voltair, his flaming steed, to spawn under him, and flipped out all his valuable coins, rousing his sleeping minions for battle.


    ¡°Time for rest is over.¡± Alan drew his dark blade. ¡°Gardstrife, Yogi, Hendra, Figro¡­ today we answer the call of our allies.¡±


    Yogi flexed. ¡°We are with you, noble Alan, always.¡±


    Gardstrife sharpened his blades, Hendra clapped her hammer, and Figro punched his shield to echo Yogi¡¯s sentiment.


    ¡°Good. Show them the force we¡¯ve grown to be.¡± Alan flashed his Variant Saro through his fists.


    ¡°Goodness me. God-ness may. If you walk through there, you best be prepared to die.¡± Trio frowned. ¡°A god seeking to declare war has no reason to stop until the field is clear. Take it from me, you should. That¡¯s where my corpse got buried. Nay! Not buried. Steamrolled by a Crimson minion thirty times my size!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been watching for some time in that sword, Trio, haven¡¯t you?¡± Alan smirked at him as he commanded Voltair to trod up to the portal. ¡°When have you known us to back down?¡±


    ¡°Hmm. I¡¯d say when you started molding land like clay, silly god-man.¡±


    ¡°Well, that time is over. To Flint!¡± He galloped through the portal with sword raised, dissipating and reforming in a safe-point in Strangey Town, the very spot where he spawned a long time ago. Braided trees were weighed down by black chains and suffocating in crimson fog.


    Hyndole has been here, for sure, letting Ojin smother the poor town.


    Alan¡¯s minions stomped through armed and ready before the portal zipped shut.


    ¡°The trees are hurt again,¡± Yogi said. ¡°It is that wretched gargoyle. I smell him.¡±


    ¡°I was thinking the same.¡± Alan nudged Voltair toward one of the trees. Explosions and cries sounded in the distance, followed by soldier¡¯s shouting formations. The whole realm felt desperate.


    ¡°It¡¯s bad, mon. Can¡¯t see nothin¡¯,¡± one of the trees complained. ¡°Need Mujungo to come down and take care o¡¯ this pest.¡±


    ¡°How long has this been going on?¡± Alan asked. ¡°Can you sense the amount of forces we¡¯re up against?¡±


    ¡°I know that voice.¡± The tree gazed around blindly, half in a daze. ¡°Alan. You came!¡±


    This isn¡¯t good. They¡¯re all warped out of their minds.


    Boom!


    The ground shook beneath their feet, followed by a bright flash in the sky. Alan glared up to all of the clouds pointing toward the town square.


    ¡°C¡¯mon!¡± Alan whipped the reins for Voltair to sprint toward the square. On the way, half-buried frogs shivered in place. The grass frowned and groaned, reminding Alan of what a nightmare this place could be.


    Doesn¡¯t matter¡ªFlint¡¯s in danger. This is for him.


    As he galloped forward, he spoke into the flat of his dark blade. ¡°Trio, get a communication portal to Junos of Hightower Brack, Madam Mar of Hightower Brack, Lord Osmi of Sharas-da, and Balooma of the Borai. Send them Flint¡¯s message on my behalf.¡±


    Trio¡¯s twitchy face formed with wide eyes. ¡°Demand-y Merchant today, aren¡¯t we? Aren¡¯t we, eh?¡±


    ¡°Trio!¡± Alan shouted.


    ¡°Ahh! Ahh! It will be done. Ahh!¡± He sunk back into the blade.


    Alan gritted his teeth, dodging the wounded bodies on his way to the brick path. Flint¡¯s massive ice wall to his right in the distance nearly toppled from the constant barrage of Ojin¡¯s minions. It was the same tactic as last time: Hyndole inviting the void stampedes to destroy Strangey Town.


    ¡°Hiya!¡± Alan leaned forward as Voltair leapt over a downed tree, landing on the rock path. He ducked tiny star-like essences whizzing all around to echo the chaos.


    The town square was on the horizon now, with ranks of Wizards and soldiers in ready position, staring up at something Alan couldn¡¯t yet see.


    Was it Shiva again? No, probably something more devastating¡­ something from the crimson fog.


    Alan peered back at Hendra, hoping she could contest if the time came.


    ¡°Make way!¡± he called, approaching the blocked streets. ¡°Break rank!¡±


    Once the first Archer noticed Alan, the others quickly parted. He didn¡¯t realize how much power he¡¯d accumulated in his time away until he got closer to the army, sensing their affinities and Titles as far lesser than his own.


    ¡°Is Flint alright?¡± he shouted to one of the Wizards.


    ¡°In negotiations at the square!¡± the Wizard called back, voice fading.


    Shield ranks at the forefront weren¡¯t getting out of the way in time, so he got onto Voltair¡¯s saddle and leapt¡ªunsummoning the steed while grasping onto Ria¡¯s talon¡ªthen flipped off at the center of the town square.


    Boom!


    Yogi and friends slammed down at Alan¡¯s heel, ready to combat whatever Strangey Town¡¯s inner circle had gathered for.


    A vampiric-looking man in a high-collared robe stood with bloodred eyes staring up at a roof, beside two Archers with highly decorated white-shining bows. The same armorer he remembered on the first day stood beside the pink-nosed Dreamcatcher. Flint was among them¡­


    Thank God.


    ¡°Flint!¡±


    ¡°Alan, you heeded my call.¡± He smiled sadly. ¡°Aha. A dark time indeed.¡± He turned back to what everyone was looking at, and it was then that Alan¡¯s heart sunk into his belly.


    Farante De Sol¡ªthe swashbuckler Bladesman who tried to drown him in a swamp¡ªhad returned, and who was beside him? None other than Lucius himself.


    ¡°Ah. A reunion.¡± Farante held someone by the neck, dangling him in front of the crowd. After a closer look, Alan realized it was Liustad, the Archer who accused Alan of being a god scout a while back.


    ¡°Quick, Merchant, run, before the Borai gets you.¡± Farante cackled, then turned serious. ¡°I believe you have something that belongs to me.¡± He eyed the sword in Alan¡¯s hand, but Alan¡¯s eyes were only on Lucius.


    ¡°Here you are again, brother, denouncing our pact made in this very square,¡± Alan said, guilting Lucius.


    ¡°He¡¯s beyond reproach, Alan,¡± Flint said glumly, holding his staff firmly in both hands.


    Boom!


    Flint¡¯s defenses shook in the distance, rattling the square like an earthquake. Soldiers continued to be carried into the healing quarters. Wizards in the backdrop channeled spells ready to be launched on a whim. And the clouds¡­ Mujungo¡¯s fury was evident in their faces.


    Woosh!


    Hyndole stole the attention, holding who appeared to be a Strangey Town general by the mesh of her armor as he flew onto an adjacent building. ¡°Alan Right. I see by those orbiting pearls that the messages are true¡ªthat our newest citizen, the former prince of Cerrain, brings valid intelligence. The Forbidden Merchant has passed on.¡±


    ¡°Your prince helped me kill him,¡± Alan said, glaring hard at Lucius, who remained deadpan. ¡°Sorry I didn¡¯t die so easily.¡±


    ¡°I feared it would be this way.¡± Hyndole pulled hard on his restrained victim¡¯s arms.


    ¡°Are you foul beasts of Jaeger truly ready to start a war?¡± The vampiric man arced an eyebrow. ¡°We of Strangey Town have been plotting for ages, knowing this day would come.¡±


    Hyndole laughed low and deep. ¡°Then how, I wonder, am I holding the famed Rishaya Blanch in my grasp? And my Bladesman holds Liustad the traitor, still a citizen of your realm. Both plucked from Ojin.¡±


    ¡°They brought them back to Strangey Town, precisely to start this war,¡± Alan said to Flint. ¡°There¡¯s no other reason.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why we all shake under our robes and armor, good Alan. We¡¯ve been plotting our defenses for as long as I can remember, but what chance do we truly stand against a conqueror?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll find out together.¡± Alan clenched his fist tightly around the hilt of his black blade. He then noticed a drip of sweat rolling down Flint¡¯s temple.


    ¡°I am afraid there is not much fight left.¡±


    Alan furrowed his brow.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been holding those walls for two straight days, doing my best to protect.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call sooner?¡± Alan grew worried.


    ¡°Our messages have been intercepted by Jaeger¡¯s Wizards. You¡¯ve come to Strangey Town¡¯s last stand against the void minions. And in our breaking end, they intend to declare war and finish us off.¡±


    Alan¡¯s blood boiled. The sweat in his palms and life in his veins ran hot, emanating Black Saro from his skin through his armor.


    More of Jaeger¡¯s warriors scaled the roofs of the town square, forcing the Archers¡¯ aim to divide in fear.


    ¡°Lucius!¡± Alan called. ¡°Don¡¯t turn your back on us!¡±


    ¡°Hah! It¡¯s too late for that.¡± Farante scowled, squeezing Liustad¡¯s neck tighter. ¡°He and I have an agreement. The Pegs will be shared. And as for him.¡± He shook Liustad like he was a puppet. ¡°You should be thanking me for apprehending such a despicable creature. He¡¯d been scouting for Novora this whole time. Political little snake he is. A counterfeit, as you called him. Now behold.¡± Farante drew his light blade, causing everyone around Alan to stiffen.


    ¡°Think about what you¡¯re doing!¡± Flint yelled. ¡°You would disrupt the entire way of things, like the last war of the nine realms! Recall the mayhem! It is not worth the land you think you¡¯ll gain. Ojin will punish you for generations to come.¡±


    Farante held the blade to Liustad¡¯s neck, cackling to himself. ¡°Hear me, Jaeger, god of Hozzod. It begins!¡±


    Fsssst!


    In a moment of tense silence, Alan watched on as Lucius stabbed Farante through the heart and yanked his pendant from his neck.


    ¡°If there is a war this day, it won¡¯t be started by you.¡± Lucius removed the blade, grabbed Liustad, and kicked Farante off the roof, blood trailing from his chest.


    Everyone watched on dumbly as the body lay sprawled with Black Saro sizzling out of it.


    ¡°Whose side is Lucius on?¡± Alan said.


    Flint could only scowl in response.


    ¡°An unreliable prince.¡± Hyndole scowled. ¡°The war will begin, as decreed by Jaeger himself.¡± Hyndole spread his gargantuan wings and pulled his captive by the ponytail, exposing her neck. ¡°Behold. The start of the last war!¡±


    Fsst!


    He clawed her neck open and snapped it for good measure, creating a dark thunderous cloud that formed over all of Strangey Town. The trees groaned in the distance, and bells donged all around.


    The second body to fall was of Strangey Town descent: blood spilt to disrupt an age-old treaty.


    ¡°Now we see whose god will rule.¡±


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Dark portals opened all around the town square, prompting the inner circle into action.


    ¡°Wizards, close them, now!¡± Flint circled his staff and jutted it forward, sending a bolt that literally froze the interdimensional door shut.


    Alan eyed Lucius running down the buildings, swiping ethereal chain spells from other casters off of him. ¡°Hendra, stop Hyndole. Everyone else, protect Flint.¡± He held up his feather and grabbed Ria¡¯s talon a second later.


    Woosh!


    He used the gryphon¡¯s momentum like a pole vault, swinging free to drop down on the roof, blocking Lucius¡¯ path.


    ¡°Alan.¡± Lucius flexed his hand, creating molten pools all around the roof. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have come.¡±


    ¡°The walls are breaking!¡± Flint called from the cul-de-sac below.


    Alan exchanged his Soul Collector for Blood-Vision Edge and swapped his Title to Forbidden. His cloak flapped from the immense power emanating from the switch, pearls rotating faster around him. ¡°You¡¯re giving those Pegs back, Lucius. You went about it all wrong¡­ and you put me in the middle.¡±


    Lucius smirked and drew his ornate white blade that contrasted with his black armor. ¡°So be it.¡± He disappeared into a shade, swimming through the terrain in his dark dimension.


    Alan closed his eyes, recalling his endless nights of training against all of Afarus¡¯ Saro, most of all Orange and Black. He took a swift step forward and whipped his arm down like grabbing a fish in a lake.


    Gotcha.


    He pressed White Saro through his fingertips to solidify the shade and force him back to reality, then whipped him overhead to the roof.


    Bang!


    Lucius slammed down back-first, sending clay shingles cracking out of place. Alan flipped his staff ostentatiously as his old friend kicked up to his feet in shock. Spells flew overhead as the world rumbled.


    ¡°You¡¯ve changed.¡± Lucius melted the White Saro to mist.


    ¡°For the better, I hope.¡± Alan smirked, then turned serious. ¡°Give the Pegs back and turn your skills to Strangey Town¡¯s aid. That¡¯s the only way this ends well.¡±


    ¡°Demanding, too. Perhaps there¡¯s royalty lineage in you somewhere.¡± Lucius switched the position of his blade so it lined his forearm and burst forward, skating through shade form and materializing behind Alan.


    Clang!


    Alan whipped his south blade overhead to meet Lucius¡¯ strike, spun, and swung down hard to hit Lucius¡¯ gauntlet, wasting no time commanding his yellow pearl outward, forming it into the essence of Gregorian¡¯s previous bow-wielder.


    Fshew! Fhsew!


    Two Yellow Saro shackles latched onto Lucius¡¯ blade-hand mid-swing, giving Alan the opening to stab. So he did.


    Steam hissed everywhere.


    Lucius coughed and, gripping the hilt, pulled the blade out himself, letting Alan yank it back. ¡°No hesitation¡­¡±


    Alan gritted his teeth and slashed again, causing more steam to hiss as Lucius stumbled back. ¡°You killed gryphons. Set fire to a realm for your own gain. You betrayed us!¡± He leapt forward, threw an ice bolt with one hand, and thrust again with the other.


    Lucius rolled out of the way holding his stomach, reinforcing his wounds with beating Black Saro dripping from his shoulders. ¡°One day when you learn to care for something as much as I do, you¡¯ll understand why.¡±


    Lucius dashed to the first hilt sticking up from a molten pool and flung six daggers at Alan before disappearing to the next.


    Cling! Clang! Whoosh!


    Alan side-flipped out of harm¡¯s way, finding his footing an instant before a white blade rushed to stab him.


    Clang!


    He knocked it away, backpedaling as he shifted to block the next barrage. A quick switch to his Centurion Title bolstered his defenses. Swinging the northern blade overhead, then jumping a sweep kick, and finally turning his shoulder to absorb Lucius¡¯ dropkick felt rapid even with Red Saro pumping through him. The prince was a force to be reckoned with¡­ just like Alan remembered.


    Lucius backflipped and blew a cone of fire in Alan¡¯s face, which he waved away with a hand of cool White Saro mist. But Lucius charged through the fire with a molten spear, in position to kill.


    ¡°Hrah!¡± Alan wedged his weapon diagonally down to stop the thrust and whipped the bow artfully to untangle them and send Lucius rotating a three-sixty in the other direction.


    The back and forth went on for a full minute, reminding Alan of their time training together in the nights, only this time there was no holding back¡­ and Alan was no longer his novice.


    Alan sent a Yellow Saro blast to sizzle Lucius¡¯ armor, then puffed his chest to absorb a blow with his void breastplate before kicking the prince back.


    The world deteriorated around him¡ªFlint¡¯s high ice walls collapsed every which direction. The river behind the square rumbled into waves.


    ¡°You¡¯ve grown strong, Alan.¡± Lucius got to his feet.


    ¡°Give yourself up, and I¡¯ll do what I can to work with you,¡± Alan said. ¡°There¡¯s bigger things than us at play right now. Put this aside!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re beyond the point of negotiation, I¡¯m afraid.¡± Lucius painted a flaming star with his finger, which lingered in the air. ¡°This pain I suppress is nothing compared to what I live with. Goodbye, old friend.¡±


    Lucius grasped the star and let it devolve into a breath of flame that traveled down his Black Saro armor, repairing it. Alan could tell he was converting all his suppressed pain into power¡ªanger, hate, and remorse¡ªtransforming it into Black Saro, so he charged to stop him.


    Chrttt!


    Lucius disarmed Alan in a flash, his eyes aglow with a mix of Black and Orange: hate and fuel. He swung into a tornado of strikes, forcing Alan to pull his dark blade and suffer whatever he couldn¡¯t block.


    Fsst!


    Fsst!


    Fsst!


    Each slice hurt more than the last before a headbutt found Alan¡¯s nose.


    Half-blind from the hard hit, he pressed a Green Saro palm against his own face and sidestepped the next thrust, returning a kick to create some distance.


    Vssgsh!


    A Doomsayer from the balcony below sent a curse with clacking teeth to whip its tongue around Lucius¡¯ leg. Then another.


    ¡°Fools!¡± Lucius growled, straining to finish Alan.


    It was too late¡ªhe had fully recovered.


    ¡°Even your own see how far you¡¯ve fallen,¡± Alan said and sadly flicked a pearl to expand around Lucius¡¯ hand, unleashing the essence of the general who thought he¡¯d gained a powerful gauntlet¡­ the one who was crippled by it. ¡°Detain him.¡±


    The essence morphed into an echo of that gauntlet, squeezing tight around Lucius¡¯ arm and causing him to yell in pain.


    Alan turned away as two Wizards floated atop the roof. He winced, unable to deal with the cries of an old friend. Alan wasn¡¯t all bad as the frogs had warned. He still had a heart, even for his enemies. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the pearl essence and made way for the Wizards to detain Lucius, then leapt into the fray on the ground floor.


    ¡°War protocols!¡± Flint lifted his staff. ¡°To me, my Wizards! Defend the spawn of god!¡±


    A singular bolt of lightning struck down from the clouds, twirling in place as some ungodly power accumulated behind Flint.


    ¡°Mujungo descends.¡± A Wizard stood with his back to the lightning, sending flaming spheres at Jaeger¡¯s warriors jumping to stop them.


    Alan summoned sands of Beige Saro that caught two Black Saro warriors mid-jump, then hurled them spinning in a tornado in the other direction.


    ¡°My defenses are down.¡± Flint keeled forward as his last ice wall tumbled. ¡°The stampede is imminent.¡±


    ¡°What the hell¡¯s happening behind us?¡± Alan called, shoulder-to-shoulder with Flint.


    ¡°Mujungo is channeling into existence. We must hold until he spawns. We must, Alan!¡±


    More dark portals opened around them, letting in heavily armored cavalry to crush their defenses. To his left, Hendra¡¯s hammer clashed against Hyndole¡¯s dark wing¡ªwhich he flapped open to send her stumbling off balance, swiping a Red Saro plasma projectile that crashed into her second face.


    Alan mentally commanded Gardstrife to charge Hyndole, then held up his feather to get a bird¡¯s eye view of the incoming onslaught.


    Kaw!


    He grabbed Ria¡¯s talon and flipped himself onto her back, taking flight.


    ¡°How long?¡± Flint shouted.


    Alan couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. Trees fell like twigs, multi-colored sand flew into the sky, and the Fog of War grew ever closer, all from bulky-legged beasts screeching their void-ly cries. ¡°Two, maybe three minutes!¡± Alan shouted back, pulling on Ria to drop him back into battle.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    A friendly Wizard guarding the lightning was stabbed brutally through the chest by a black-toothed warrior, receiving Alan¡¯s blade in return.


    Fshnk!


    He sliced open the warrior¡¯s chest, opened a molten hole that the warrior stumbled into, and spun into a back kick of White Saro, heel to face. His enemy flipped onto his back, unconscious, freeing Alan to shoot a helix of Green Saro around the Wizard¡­ but it was too late. His eyes were already whitened with death.


    He scoffed and took the Wizard¡¯s place defending the lightning. He could feel the electric energy making his neck hair stand on end.


    ¡°Hear me, friends, allies!¡± Flint screamed desperately into a portal.


    ¡°It¡¯s no use,¡± Hyndole bellowed. ¡°Soon Strangey Town will be absorbed into Hozzod. And we will gain all of your clairvoyance.¡±


    Is that what he¡¯s after? The goddamn frogs?


    ¡°Ahh!¡± A friendly soldier flew dangerously close past Alan¡¯s head, crashing hard into a building and folding off like a flattened piece of paper.


    Jaeger¡¯s dark spell casters marched with thick black staves paired with deep purple void, lifting soldiers right out of their ranks and impaling them on purple void spikes. A whole row of them shouted in horror, further demoralizing the inner circle.


    Vshhz!


    A friendly portal opened near Flint, and out came a determined Neesha with tongues of soothing Saro squiggling from her fingertips, latching around the mortal wounds of dying soldiers.


    Gregorian rolled out next, unleashing a flurry of arrows against the dark-Wizard line¡ªforcing them to recoil their void spikes and drop the soldiers.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Flint cheered. ¡°Communications are opening!¡±


    ¡°Allies!¡± Alan shouted. ¡°Defend the square!¡± his voice echoed into his blade held high, and out from it shot portals of his own: massive ones.


    ¡°Your messages have been heard! We are with you, Alan!¡± Elkire¡¯s voice boomed as he soared out on his gryphon, impaling a Wizard on his first fly through.


    The others of the Legion ¡°Hooed!¡± while sending spell and whip at their enemies¡ªoffering a glimmer of hope.


    ¡°Hold!¡± Flint yelled, throwing up ice blocks to thwart charging warriors so Alan could stab them the second they were knocked down.


    Hyndole whacked the Hendra out of his way and unfurled his wings, letting out a cloud of crimson fog, inviting more monstrosities into Strangey Town.


    A horned beast with eyes on its chin and a wing wrapped around its face reared its ugly head, charging up some kind of beam from the black depths of its mouth.


    ¡°Noble Alan!¡± Balooma called. ¡°Yogi, my son! We are here!¡±


    A stampede of their own charged the budding Crimson minion. Lord Osmi and his Mistborn bellowed through the next gateway. Even Madam Mar flung spells from her high tower, launching boulders through the portal that rolled through the incoming enemy forces. Everyone Alan called upon came, lighting a hearth in his heart that wouldn¡¯t allow him to summon Black Saro if he wanted.


    This was the first time he truly felt it, blessed Yellow overwhelming all other colors. His Soul Collector suddenly rimmed with a golden flame, immense power of redemption flowing through it. There was no other option but for it to come out, so Alan jutted it to the sky and unleashed everything he felt.


    The flame shot outward like an exploding star, latching onto all of Alan¡¯s minions¡ªenhancing their strength and calling for all the souls to exit at once.


    Afarus yanked Alan. ¡°Him. He is the one who brings chaos. We take Hyndole down now. Together. Like we practiced.¡±


    Alan¡¯s vision focused on Hyndole tearing down an army of Stalkers by the dozen. ¡°Right.¡±


    They both lock-stepped their swords in unison, marking their crescent paths with a line of Yellow Saro.


    ¡°Hraa!¡±


    They both disappeared, cross-slashing Hyndole in unison. The strike lingered near Hyndole¡¯s chest like one of Gardstrife¡¯s fissures, and Afarus reduced to a ball of essence filtering back into Alan¡¯s blade.


    Alan turned to see Hyndole smirking right at him.


    ¡°I am hand to a god.¡± Hyndole laughed, then groaned when the fissure spilled over his hardened frame, cracking it from his chest.


    ¡°And I¡¯m just a Merchant.¡± Alan winked when his Hendra came roaring with her long-stemmed hammer and cracked the gargoyle in the back, sending him flying.


    ¡°Alan!¡± Neesha¡¯s voice sent a shiver down his spine.


    The inner circle was being overwhelmed.


    Shit. I shouldn¡¯t have left.


    He dashed back as fast as he could.


    A dark-robed man with a scythe lunged for Neesha as she reached to heal Flint, the circle defending Mujungo nearly overrun.


    No.


    Alan¡¯s anger took over once more, pairing it with the blessed Yellow flames heating his body, coating it a third time with instinctive Red. His eyes glowed: showing the world in slow motion, his enemy mid-swing to cleave Neesha in half.


    No!


    In a fit of desperation, he commanded Void Saro around the Stalker¡¯s arms and with a twist of his wrist forced the enemy to miss Neesha and dig his scythe into himself.


    Alan didn¡¯t stop there. He slid into Neesha and sliced the Stalker¡¯s throat for good measure, whisking her to safety.


    They both shared a moment amidst the chaos, out of breath.


    ¡°I missed the stupid Merchant I could never trust.¡± She smirked at him, eyes leaking with Green Saro.


    He laughed into a frown, the looming darkness promising a painful end. ¡°Missed you too, lady. Hope you found all those answers you were looking for.¡±


    They stared into each other¡¯s eyes, scanning expressions in this eternal moment.


    ¡°Incoming!¡± Flint yelled.


    ¡°Behold.¡± Hyndole spread his wings and slowly took flight behind an endless mob of hellish minions that stretched as far and as long as the eye could see. ¡°Mujungo¡¯s reckoning.¡±


    Figro jumped in front of the inner circle and slammed down his massive shield. ¡°I will not fail again.¡± He pressed his shoulder behind it and braced.


    Zzt! Chrzzt!


    The lightning bolt whirled at Alan¡¯s back. Something was happening.


    Boom!


    The crash into Figro shook the realm. He shoved back as best he could and dug his shield again, bellowing his strain.


    Boom!


    He shoved back a third time, and Alan switched to God Merchant while launching every bit of Saro he could muster to buff him. The ornate shield extended into a wall of rock surrounding the town square. Soldiers leapt to get on the right side, a few trapped screaming when they didn¡¯t make it.


    Boom!


    Gray Saro rock cracked as soon as it was formed. It was no use. The beasts were too strong and too many.


    ¡°Hold!¡± Alan yelled, his voice hoarse. ¡°We¡¯re almost there, Figro. Hold!¡±


    All of the battered Wizards and warriors turned to the angry stream of lightning pulsing at their backs.


    Crrek!


    The walls came down and Figro toppled.


    Shit! Alan re-coined the rock minion before he was trampled to pieces and stuffed him into his bag.


    Here they come.


    Alan pushed Neesha protectively behind him, glancing at Flint stuck on one knee. Everyone¡¯s faces were streaked with spell residue and dirt. The town was a ruined mess, and Hyndole laughed above them as the screeching void minions leapt in to finish the job.


    ¡°It has been an honor to know you, Alan Right.¡± Flint balanced on his staff to get back to his feet. ¡°The frogs told the truth when they said you were great.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a true friend, Flint. I have no regrets in my second life. And that¡¯s largely thanks to you.¡±


    ¡°May we head to our third with grace.¡± Flint smiled at the hell coming to tear them apart.


    Alan was depleted, along with everyone else. Still, he would take out as many as he could before his last breath, because¡­ screw Jaeger.


    ¡°Hrraa!¡± Alan bellowed his final war cry, when¡ª


    Zzzt! Chrrzt!


    The lightning bolt finally cracked behind them.


    ¡°Aho me! Me!¡± A boy with an oversized multi-colored headdress sizzled with a wide smile on his face. Then his expression turned demonically serious. ¡°Me!¡± He extended his skinny arms outward, creating a horizontal purple-fog portal that streaked through the realm like a rip in space, followed by a vacuum that sucked the entire stampede into it.


    ¡°Holy shit.¡± Alan held onto Flint¡¯s and Neesha¡¯s arms as the whole sky darkened.


    ¡°Mujungo returns!¡± Flint praised.


    The god flipped over the citizens protecting him, zipped his void portal shut once all the purple minions were sent home and laughed at the ten thousand strong assimilating through Jaerger¡¯s black portals.


    ¡°I see. Wow.¡± Mujungo spread his arms. ¡°Jaeger mooshy-boy, are you watching? Hm?¡± Mujungo did jumping jacks for attention. ¡°Do you see? Your army failed against my lovely Strangey citizens. Do you know why?¡± He tilted his head, staring at a silenced Hyndole. ¡°Because we of Strangey Town are a humbled, peaceful people who stick together. Not this¡ª¡± he waved his hands ¡°¡ªconquering nonsense. Ahahehe.¡± He twirled in victory.


    ¡°Now,¡± his tone grew terrifyingly serious, thundering through the clouds. ¡°Be gone!¡±


    He flexed his arms, activating the might of a thousand angry clouds descending from the sky, tearing all eyes upward.


    ¡°Hahehehe! Run back to your portals! Run! Run!¡±


    Hyndole cursed, expanding his wings and shooting Red Saro lasers into the clouds, which quickly patched up and rushed down harder. All of the wizardly Saro follow-up proved to have the same effect. ¡°Retreat!¡± he finally called.


    ¡°Yes! That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been trying to tell you!¡± Mujungo laughed, commanding the clouds to clash into one another, intimidating their enemies to no end. ¡°This is our domain!¡±


    Alan breathed out a sigh of relief. ¡°Can¡¯t stand that god¡­ but I¡¯m happy he came.¡±


    ¡°Aha.¡± Flint dropped to his backside once Jaeger¡¯s forces retreated back into their portals. ¡°And here I was saying my goodbyes. Feels good to be alive!¡±

 Chapter 40 - Confronting a God (End of Book 1)

    Now that the skies cleared and the dark portals closed, a collective breath was taken amongst the town. There were many to mourn and more to revive back to good health, but all in all, it was a victory. They¡¯d staved off one of the most threatening gods of the universe.


    The shirtless kid in a huge headdress did two cartwheels while sticking out his tongue, stopping right in front of Alan with his arms held out wide. Even though he was small and ridiculous, an incredible power radiated off him.


    ¡°Mujungo,¡± Alan said coolly, his allies walking up beside him.


    ¡°Zip. Zeebob! That¡¯s me!¡±


    The clouds all winked at Alan from the sky.


    ¡°You, Alan Righteous, saved the town. Ha, ho boy was I right about him, ey, Flint?¡± Mujungo skipped over to the Wizard and elbowed his arm.


    Alan furrowed his brow. ¡°What do you mean, right about me? Are you in control of those frogs flipping around over there?¡± He pointed. ¡°Seems like they¡¯re the treasure everyone¡¯s after.¡±


    Mujungo¡¯s irises flashed white. ¡°No. Heavens no. I may nudge my citizens here and there in exchange for some rewards the realm has accumulated, but I have absolutely no control over their free will. Who do you think I am? Jaeger?¡± He did a jumping jack to illustrate how ludicrous the question was, then backflipped, tossing glowing feathers out of his headdress to a round of applause by a few Wizards. ¡°Hah. And my goodness, Flint¡ªwhat a powerful and loyal being you turned out to be. Rushing back here at any sign of danger. Rebuilding the realm. Taking care of our trees and our livestock. I daresay it¡¯s time to name myself a hand.¡± He raised his arms and spun, evoking a very exhausted crowd. More feathers flew, teetering unto the chests of near-dead soldiers, reviving them back to health.


    ¡°Aha! What an honor that would be! Don¡¯t tease me, Mujungo, you little chumpstarter feline!¡± Flint¡¯s energy started to return. Seeing cleaved soldiers getting to their feet was no doubt a welcome sight after two straight days of mayhem.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of teasing, mangy smooth-faced creepster!¡± Mujungo¡¯s headdress sparkled with colors.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered my question.¡± Black Saro emanated from Alan¡¯s arms. His anger was growing. Yes, he was alive. Yes, Mujungo¡¯s presence ultimately saved the day, but a god with less of an attention span than one of his salt-swimming fish was not someone he wanted to be around right now. Something didn¡¯t quite sit right. ¡°What do you mean, you were right about me?¡±


    Mujungo cleared his throat. ¡°Oh, yes, about that, Alan.¡± He marched up to him dramatically, kicking one converse-style shoe high in front of the other. ¡°Remember that Archer back on Earth?¡±


    Anger boiled fiercely inside him¡ªsimilar flashes that erupted when facing Afarus, or the Hendra, or Hyndole. He had a feeling what was coming and was scared of his own reaction if it were true.


    ¡°He was one of mine.¡± Mujungo frowned.


    Alan wanted to roar and stab the god where he stood, but surprisingly, the meditation Trish had taught him brightened in his mind. The serene aspects of his Colorless Saro that he practiced so long calmed him back to stasis, as did Neesha¡¯s comforting grip around his arm.


    ¡°Are you messing with me, god of the strange?¡± Alan spoke coolly.


    ¡°Alan.¡± Flint lifted his arms pleadingly.


    ¡°No, Flint. I¡¯m addressing our ¡®god¡¯ while we have him.¡± Alan looked to his other allies. ¡°Legion of Fate, tribe of Borai, Lord Osmi, if you wish to leave before I disrespect a deity, I understand.¡±


    They all stood firm, Elkire straightening atop his gryphon at the forefront. ¡°I may not speak for all behind me, but I¡¯d hope we¡¯d stand for justice, when it is due, just as we would defend the innocent against a conqueror.¡±


    ¡°Hmmph.¡± Mujungo bent at the waist, pouting in a most exaggerated manner. ¡°I¡¯m not messing with you, Alan. It¡¯s the truth. You are here¡­ because of me.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Soldiers gathered in the town square now that the injured were all inside the Healers¡¯ quarters, while the dead were still being cleared.


    ¡°Why. Yes, indeed.¡± Mujungo nodded twitchingly, his feathers dancing like a piano. ¡°There are certain absolutes that we¡­ as gods¡­ see, Alan. We know after an Origin World death, a soul is reborn into this universe. We know that certain characteristics there equate to vibrant potential here. Particularly¡­ wasted potential. Someone with clear talent getting stomped out over and over again by circumstance, or attitude, or whatever environmental mishaps, will likely thrive here. So what if I nudged things along a bit? In the end, wasn¡¯t I right?¡±


    Alan did his best to remain calm and ground out, ¡°My life wasn¡¯t yours to take.¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it, though? I did take it, after all.¡± Mujungo tilted his head.


    ¡°Actions like that make you no better than Jaeger. You stripped me of my life, my freedom to live. It¡¯s exactly against what you preach. Jaeger wants those frogs for the very same reason, I¡¯d guess.¡±


    ¡°Origins are overrated, Alan bebop tickles.¡± Mujungo rolled into a shiny ball, zipped through Alan¡¯s legs, and unfurled with a clean landing like he just performed a gymnast routine. ¡°One day soon when you¡¯re a god, you¡¯ll understand.¡±


    The crowd gasped.


    ¡°A god? I thought he was touted to be a Herald?¡± whispers chimed around them.


    ¡°Alan is to be even more than Flint prophesied?¡±


    Alan scoffed at all of it. ¡°Thankfully, Flint¡¯s call pulled me out of that fate. Because if he hadn¡¯t, I may one day have wound up as something like you. A screwed-up, extreme set of ideas hanging onto sanity by a thread and playing with your power like a monster. To be a god is overrated. And I¡¯m glad I listened to my instincts. Strangey Town was never to be my home.¡±


    The crowd gasped again.


    ¡°That is true, Alan poopoo lecture fire-ass. Though I sensed your potential through portals of unknowable irrelevance, from far, far away, I also knew you did not belong with me the second you arrived. But a strong ally you will very well be. And a god, too.¡±


    ¡°Do you have wax in your ears, Mujungo?¡±


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°Plenty.¡± He dug his fingers in and pulled out purple confetti string that he tossed high in the sky. ¡°When I was a jester for a queen in Boombaloo, writing plays and doing whatever I could to make my royalty laugh, I learned a thing or two about a faction¡¯s duty to its people. I learned that love for one¡¯s world is not absolute. I hated the prince yet revered the king and queen. When my fellow jesters spit on me, one cleaned me up and gave me a shot. You may hate me, Alan poopoo platter, but I¡¯ve watched other connections grow in your time here. Flint is your brother. Neesha, your love. Lucius, your bitter prince, and Ojin¡­ your home.¡±


    Alan¡¯s emotions simmered. The god was actually starting to make sense and expertly diverting his attention to those who mattered to him.


    ¡°And now, we¡¯re going find out what you¡¯re going to do when the universe¡ªand all you care for¡ªgoes to war.¡±


    Alan clenched his jaw.


    ¡°You say you will not become a god. But in war, allies need gods.¡± Mujungo spread his arms, looking to all his citizens.


    ¡°Alan! Hoo!¡± the soldiers cheered. ¡°Alan! Hoo!¡±


    Wizards started banging their staves on the ground, sending pulses of their colored Saro rippling through the cracks. Hunters used their mounts to settle atop buildings, shouting to the skies. ¡°Alan! Alan!¡±


    He took in the scene, passing his gaze over all the warriors he stood behind to thwart Jaeger¡¯s declaration of war. Even if Mujungo did screw him over on Earth, he cared for many of these people, bled beside them. Flint most of all. The one who believed in him from his very first day.


    ¡°Strangey Town loves you, Alan.¡± Mujungo smiled ear to ear, shouting over the crowd, ¡°They love you. And deep down you must know, I am a lesser evil than Jaeger. I seek not to conquer but to defend and prosper. My realm remains as zany as possible, Junos keeps his towers and his castles, Relia commands her cloud city. Let us all exist in harmony, chasing our aspirations. Become a god, Alan! Protect this way!¡±


    Alan drew his Soul Collector and swung out all of the souls he¡¯d been conspiring with over the past months, allowing them to experience the realm cheering for him. They just peered at Alan. Afarus, Trio, and Durger. He then looked to his guardians¡ªYogi, Gardstrife, and Hendra standing tall at his back. He even flipped out Figro again.


    It wasn¡¯t a flex, just more of a confirmation that his choice was the right one. He needed to look all of his friends and guardians in the eyes. After suffering near death in war, their expression conveyed even fiercer loyalty to him.


    Finally, Alan held his hand up in thanks, quieting the cheers. It took almost a full minute, but eventually he glared at Mujungo, feeling the weight of thousands of eyes on him.


    ¡°To be a god is to be bound to the laws of the universe. Confined to your realm, summoned only upon tragedy. It isn¡¯t for me. Not yet, anyway.¡±


    Mujungo took a deep breath, his little chest puffing with air.


    ¡°You gods all take pride living in the little bubbles you govern. But what happens when those little bubbles aren¡¯t enough? As a mortal, I brought you gods together. I am a broker of worlds¡­ one who can do more on the ground with my friends than I can in the sky.¡±


    His voice echoed through the silence.


    Neesha slipped an arm around his waist, followed by Flint putting his around his shoulders.


    ¡°Alan, the noble!¡± A hunter atop a dragon perched on a roof raised his sword.


    ¡°Alan, the noble!¡± another cry came from behind him.


    ¡°See?¡± Mujungo shrugged, smiling sadly. ¡°I have no power over your fate. So long as you shine beside us, that will be enough for me.¡± His headdress shimmered.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t decided how I feel about you having me murdered yet, Mujungo. Though I agree you are currently the lesser evil, I¡¯d still watch out. I may just figure out how to buy you one day¡­ jackass.¡±


    ¡°Aha!¡± Mujungo cartwheeled in glee. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, you poopoo shit! Alan the noble!¡±


    Alan turned to his people, forcing Neesha and Flint around with him.


    Mujungo jumped on Alan¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Now, my citizens of Strangey Town. Let¡¯s honor the fallen, encourage the injured, and drink to life tonight¡­ to Jaeger¡¯s dramatic defeat!¡±


    ¡°Rahh!¡±


    All weapons went up.


    xxx


    After a few hours of Alan clinking mugs with allies who answered the call, everyone shared a laugh, bowed for the fallen, and returned to their home realms. Without them, Alan couldn¡¯t muster another second of Mujungo sitting on the throne at the head of an enormous Strangey Town tavern, so he excused himself.


    Neesha eyed him at a table across the way, as did Flint.


    Fist bumps were all around on his way out. Hunters, Knights, Stalkers, and Wizards all offered their respect through toothy smiles and ale-ridden breath. But behind Alan¡¯s smile was unfinished business with his detained prince.


    Two massive wooden doors were opened by headdress-wearing warriors, who bowed to Alan on his way out.


    ¡°Night, gentlemen.¡± Alan waved.


    ¡°Goodnight, Sir Alan.¡±


    Ribbits and chirping painted a quiet night. Mujungo managed to rebuild, revitalize, and extinguish the scent of blood as fast as he lifted the clouds back to the sky. As though the trauma he witnessed never happened¡­ which in his head wasn¡¯t so great.


    One thing he learned on Earth was that hard times should be dealt with, not swept under the rug. But who was he to judge someone else¡¯s domain?


    ¡°Alan!¡± Neesha came running.


    Alan turned with a smirk on his face. ¡°Where¡¯s your dashing protector?¡±


    ¡°Mad at me¡­ ¡¯cause I came to save you and Flint.¡±


    ¡°Save? I remember it differently.¡±


    ¡°Well I will be the one carving history into stones, so¡­ be nice to me.¡± She winked.


    ¡°Uh huh.¡±


    ¡°Ah ha! My friends!¡± Flint raised his hand, lifting his robes enough to rush down the stairs. ¡°The party¡¯s in here!¡±


    ¡°Go enjoy it, Flint. Have a special ale for me. I think it¡¯s time I say my goodbyes.¡±


    Flint walked up to them and put his hands on his hips. ¡°I¡¯m not interrupting anything, am I?¡±


    Neesha gasped. ¡°With this untrustworthy pig? Never.¡± She slapped the Wizard lightly.


    ¡°Well, good. Because I¡¯m coming with.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°If Mujungo thinks you will become a god, and the frogs foresee you as a Herald, then it is my sworn duty to make sure the darkness remains at bay, especially after some of the abilities I witnessed out of you. Aha!¡±


    Alan pursed his lips. ¡°Would never reject a friend¡¯s guidance.¡±


    ¡°Mm. I¡¯m coming too. Can¡¯t leave you alone with ol¡¯ Wizard brain over there. You¡¯d lose your mind in a day.¡± Neesha nodded, reassuring herself.


    Alan felt another blanket of that warmth he¡¯d experienced in battle. It was having very tangible effects on his Saro these days. He guessed it had something to do with having a realm now and coming closer to something called home.


    ¡°This is the way to the prison?¡± Alan pointed as he hung a left out of the town square.


    ¡°Just beyond the tower,¡± Flint said.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to see our famous prince, aren¡¯t you?¡± Neesha asked.


    ¡°I am. But before I do¡­ what did the Answer Stone yield? Your question was about the origins of war, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°The reason for it,¡± Neesha corrected. ¡°And I cannot say, unless I feel the need to have my body implode into a drowned realm. But I can say¡­ I won¡¯t be shying away from your battles any longer.¡±


    ¡°Interesting.¡± Alan arced an eyebrow. ¡°Well, if you do come with me, I¡¯ll be guessing the whole way.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°I can deal with that, I think. Better than being alone with Grumpy Greg all the time.¡±


    The three of them shared a chuckle. And when Alan reached the prison entrance, he asked the two to wait there.


    He waved at the guards, who opened the multi-colored Saro door. ¡°I¡¯ll be escorting one Lucius Kiar off the premises: Mujungo¡¯s orders,¡± he fibbed, knowing the god wouldn¡¯t mind¡­ considering he¡¯d murdered him.


    ¡°Yes, Sir Alan. Right away.¡±


    Alan was escorted to a magically dense prison. Blue and Purple Saro chains blocked the door leading inside, which the guard dispelled by pressing his powered gauntlet against the door. The man then stepped aside to reveal Lucius on his knees, chained by the wrists with variant-colored magical ties.


    ¡°Ha, ha, ha,¡± Lucius laughed low.


    Alan just stood there.


    ¡°I heard everything,¡± Lucius said, peering up. ¡°Mujungo¡¯s crimes travel far, don¡¯t they?¡± He laughed again. ¡°Now all of a sudden I don¡¯t seem so bad for wanting desperately to get out, do I?¡±


    Alan nodded to the wizardly guard for him to dispel the ties. ¡°You¡¯re coming with me.¡±


    Lucius cackled. ¡°Of course. What choice do I have?¡± He rattled his chains.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to help me settle my debts, Lucius. One way or another,¡± Alan promised.


    ¡°And you¡­ are going to get me home.¡± Lucius clenched his fists. ¡°We have an anti-bond. You must feel it, same as I do.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Alan said. ¡°But unlike you, I don¡¯t bow to my vices.¡±


    The guard handed the magical tether to Alan¡ªwhich he yanked to get Lucius moving.


    ¡°Now that the universe is at war, maybe you¡¯ll see that this extends further than your needs,¡± Alan said on the way down the stairs. ¡°And maybe, together, we can make the universe better for those about to enter it.¡±

 Chapter 41 - Worries and Warnings

    It was a peaceful night in Strangey Town. Fish-head humanoids flopped out of the white sand gleefully, and clairvoyant frogs swam mid-air in zero gravity, twinkling amongst the stars. All were pleased that Mujungo ¨C the realm¡¯s god ¨C was among them.


    Well, not everyone.


    Alan would never forgive him for stealing him away from Earth, but today, he had bigger fish to fry.


    War had been declared by Jaeger and his minions. Casualties were in the thousands, and although the realm claimed victory, the future of the universe was now uncertain.


    Alan¡¯s friends remained close at his heel, while his prisoner ¨C Prince Lucius Kiar ¨C rattled along in his magical shackles. The thump of his heavy footsteps was a constant reminder of his failed plight. He never made it home, to his Origin World of Cerrain¡­ to his wife.


    The strain reminded Alan of his own Origin, Earth, which would be nothing but a distant concept at this point if not for the magical pull of Saro keeping his memories alive and bright. He found his ex, Trish, to be at the center point of a lot of them. Whether soothing yoga poses activated Green Saro serenity, or babbling hate-filled fights dragged him into Black dread, his experience was useful in defending this world.


    ¡°You made good use of my sword, Alan,¡± Lucius said.


    Alan looked over his shoulder with an angry snarl, watching the curly-haired shadowy Tarzan amble like a hunched weeping willow behind them. ¡°You forfeited your rights to it when you murdered gryphons at High Tower Brack.¡±


    ¡°You what!¡± Neesha stomped over to the prisoner and offered him a swift slap to the face. ¡°Prince or not, I no longer respect you.¡±


    Lucius¡¯ cheek twitched as a red handprint lingered on his face. ¡°It was never my intention to let it get this far. Though the facts do not change ¨C I¡¯m going home. And you all will help me there.¡±


    Alan¡¯s skin prickled from the prince¡¯s nefarious confidence, but what Lucius didn¡¯t know, was Alan¡¯s readiness to toss him into the hands of Elkire of the Fate Chasers if he didn¡¯t give up their stolen Pegs. It¡¯s the least he could do after causing such a ruckus in their realm.


    ¡°Aha, good Alan, it pains me to look at our shady friend.¡± Flint pulled his hat over his eyes. ¡°We¡¯ve been through so much.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll get through it, Flint. Let¡¯s just stray away from the night¡¯s commotion, and we¡¯ll be on our way.¡±


    ¡°To where?¡± Neesha asked.


    ¡°Hightower Brack. Lucius, here, is going to return what he stole, and then some,¡± Alan tested.


    ¡°I would sooner watch my heart ripped from its cage.¡± Lucius bowed his head. ¡°And you know how much pain I can take.¡±


    ¡°I also know how much you value time.¡± Alan arced an eyebrow at him. ¡°Every moment here could be days away from Luness, where you¡¯re helpless to save her.¡±


    Lucius hissed, gritting his teeth. He stopped walking for a second to resist Alan, but Alan just dragged the magical chain harder to remind him who was in control.


    Alan was sick of being betrayed, and would work to make allies in this crucial war, starting by sacrificing those who harmed him. After witnessing so much death, something was beginning to change within him. The darkness the frogs predicted, perhaps?


    I¡¯ll never let it get out of hand. He thumbed the coins in his sack, recalling all of minions who¡¯d helped him get this far. Yogi, Gardstrife, Hendra and Figro. Those in his sword ¨C Afarus, Trio, and of course Durger. They¡¯d keep him honest and good, even through the tough decisions.


    A group of shield-bearing soldiers marched over a white-sand pathway, kicking up grains and banging their shields while chanting. ¡°Mu-jung-o. Mu-jung-o.¡±


    They stopped in front of Alan and crew, raised their shields in solute, then bowed. ¡°Flint Degoba, hand of our gnarly shit-stirrer padded ass-god, you smell awful, and we love it!¡± the main warrior praised.


    Flint spun once and burst a snowy puff out the tip of his staff. ¡°Aha! A scallywag from the ice-cream hole. Good to see a friend.¡±


    Alan couldn¡¯t wait to exit Strangey Town. They¡¯d be an ally in this war¡­ a far¡­distant ally. He wondered whether Flint¡¯s allegiance would tip out of his favor in the decisions to come. Seeing his jolly eccentric energy even after enduring days on end of battle¡­ it hurt him to think of them ever at odds.


    In fact, he vowed never to let such a pale fate come to be.


    ¡°Patrol is clear through to the black sands?¡± Flint asked.


    ¡°Crystal! Just the salty sting of the white.¡± The soldier lifted his totem guard-mask and widened his eyes to show how bloodshot they were. ¡°I¡¯d endure ten thousand more marches if it meant safety for our people, Flint. We are lucky, and the fallen are brave.¡±


    ¡°They are.¡± Neesha put both hands to her heart, green glowing Saro ribbons illuminating her robes. ¡°We will pray for a kind journey wherever they end up next.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, my lady. We are informed you and yours fought valiantly in the name of Strangey Town. Alan Right. We watched you stand toe-to-toe with our enemies, whilst challenging our very own great god. You are a legend in more than name. Hya!¡± he shouted loud, thrusting his shield to the sky.


    ¡°It is my high honor.¡± Alan smiled. ¡°Stay vigilant, soldiers. I fear Jaeger is only beginning.¡±


    They nodded, pressed their totem-mask guards back down in unison, and marched ahead.


    Once they were gone, Flint rubbed his chin while waving his staff ahead of him like a metal detector.


    ¡°Hm.¡± He squinted and crouched. ¡°The Essence of Mujungo spreads awkwardly through the land now that he¡¯s here.¡±


    ¡°Of course. He makes everything awful. What did you expect?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°I am not sure, good Alan. But my worry of the realm grows now that ale and laughs are behind us.¡±


    ¡°It is a solemn night,¡± Neesha reminded. ¡°The absence of my grumpy ex-bonded Archer and the betrayal of my prince leave a bad taste.¡±


    Alan frowned at the comment. Deep down, he hoped this new dynamic would create opportunity for the two of them to forge a stronger connection. They shared a moment in the whirlwind of battle, maybe one could happen again in the calmness of his own realm waiting for him.


    He scrolled through the Titles in his mind, settling on Ultimus Merchant of the Borai, where he spent a good amount of time building his own realm ¨C albeit barren of citizens ¨C but he molded and shaped the land with his friends in mind.


    ¡°Waoo!¡± An odd noise came from above, prompting everyone to lift their heads.


    A line of floating frogs swirled in the sky, descending in zero-gravity as if propelled by the direction of their spinning eyes.


    ¡°Ugh,¡± Alan groaned, having a feeling he knew what was coming.


    ¡°Aha! A great gift of foresight approaches!¡± Flint danced in place. ¡°Perhaps retribution for our dark prince.¡±


    ¡°Foolish Wizard,¡± Lucius scowled.


    The leading one had yellow slimy-looking skin and glow-in-the-dark spots. Its head curved unnaturally whenever the invisible drain it was swirling down deviated from Alan¡¯s position.


    ¡°Ribbit. Meow!¡± The main frog seemed to have swallowed a cat.


    ¡°Can we just keep going, please?¡± Alan put his hand on Flints shoulder to try and shove him onward.


    ¡°Impossible! In a time of war? We must absorb every great bit of information possible.¡± Flint stretched his arms toward the sky, begging them to come.


    ¡°Meow!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    ¡°Ribbit!¡±


    ¡°Jesus.¡± Alan smacked his own forehead when the line of frogs grew longer, emulating the shape of a flying serpent, until the first one finally landed in front of them.


    It stared at Alan blankly, then made a squishy toy sound when the next frog crashed slowly into it.


    Neesha giggled. ¡°What in the stars is happening right now?¡± She bent down to try and pet one, but it only crab walked aside to keep its eyes on Alan. ¡°Well excuse me, little guy.¡± She backed up toward the group.


    The third frog opened its mouth, and the sound of a cruise ship horn bellowed out of it, startling them all. More squish toy noises accumulated as they became sufficiently surrounded by a ring of trippy creatures of Mujungo.


    ¡°My reinforcements arrive right on time.¡± Lucius sighed.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Neesha leaned over to Alan. ¡°Did he just make a joke?¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t be soon.¡±


    The frogs all open their mouths in unison, creating small dots that connect to a large concave bubble growing to drape over the group like an umbrella, trapping them into their insane movie.


    Once the bubble settled to the floor, war drums pounded in the distance, announcing a visual of a red sky stretching deep into the horizon from all sides.


    Boom!


    A Helldraken¡¯s scaled claw startled the group as it cracked down on the ground beside them. Its chuffing maw rumbled high above, lightning-shaped eyes darting every which way. When Alan turned for a better look, he heard the rattling chains connected to its ankles.


    Jesus! This is something¡¯s pet?


    Alan backed up to glimpse an even larger creature. A skeleton with long teeth and a crown stood tall among the barren land.


    ¡°The red lands¡­¡± Neesha held her mouth. ¡°The stones speak of the realm on the other side of the crimson.¡±


    Alan swiped out his Soul Collector blade, evoking Durger to come swirling to smoky life.


    ¡°Sir Alan. By Hippyan¡¯s beard!¡± Durger gaped beside Neesha. ¡°That must be the god Sar¡¯fidius.¡±


    ¡°Aho no.¡± Flint grimaced, holding his hat. ¡°He is of foul legend, Dante. Say it isn¡¯t so, my great frogs. No, this is but a wrong turn down a slipstream. A puff of foul air amidst a serene pond. Nothing more.¡± He waved his staff, Alan guessed in an attempt to dispel the visual, but it merely popped with no frost.


    The skeletal god craned its neck to look down at the group. No. Not the group. The ground.


    Cracks shattered the sandy rock, leaving clawed hands to break free from beneath.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Neesha jumped to Alan¡¯s side, which gave him a slight tingle.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a vision,¡± Alan said, draping an arm around her. It felt good not to have Gregorian watching their every move.


    The surfacing dwellers wore black cloaks and long masks, leaving Neesha trembling in fear despite Alan¡¯s efforts. She glanced back at Lucius, then at the people pulling themselves upright. Flying beasts soared out from the cracks into open air, with riders atop them.


    Within seconds an army budded to the surface as far as the eye could see, marching into formation.


    ¡°No,¡± Neesha whispered.


    Lucius¡¯ chains rattled as he stepped forward. ¡°Jaeger works fast.¡±


    Alan¡¯s eyes darted to his prisoner. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this, Lucius?¡±


    He flashed a pained smile. ¡°He did say Sar¡¯fidius held the greatest number of scouts in Cerrain, but I never expected this.¡±


    What the hell is he talking about? I thought Neesha mentioned a different god as the dealmaker in Cerrain.


    Neesha gasped again when ten smaller Helldraken soared down past the ranks, landing in front of the god, two hardened female warriors among them. Their arms were wrapped in muscle and markings, hair braided, and pink-tipped noses.


    ¡°Mother. Sister,¡± She ran out of my grasp to try and plead with them, only to be shoved back by magical winds.


    ¡°Hm. More warriors have passed on from my time.¡± Lucius ambled ahead of everyone, analyzing the generals marching to the forefront. ¡°Some dear friends, and loyal guards. Now I¡¯m afraid they fight for the wrong side.¡±


    ¡°Lucius,¡± Alan seethed.


    ¡°Yes, old friend?¡±


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just a lowly prisoner, to be shoved off to the Fate Chasers,¡± he scoffed.


    Alan yanked the chains angrily, then turned to Flint. ¡°The frog visions are always prophecies, right? This may not have happened yet.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Yes. It is true, Alan. Though I am afraid of the time lapse if, in fact, this is not just a smelly hiccup. These warriors wield great weapons of the fog.¡± He pointed to Neesha¡¯s mother decked out in glowing spears crossed at her back. Neesha told of her being a great general, which was the very reason Neesha got trampled back at her farm in Cerrain. What¡¯s more, she spoke of the Strader guild having pacts with god scouts. Could this all be part of some sort of plan to pass powerful warriors after death to specific factions in this universe?


    Just like Mujungo¡­ damn gods and their recruits.


    ¡°If there is any truth to this vision, these warriors may have resided in the universe of interconnected realms for some time, I¡¯m afraid,¡± Flint went on.


    Poof!


    The visual faded like a sandy cloud, only for another to take its place.


    Alan¡¯s zoomed in face appeared amidst a terrible struggle. His eyes glowed bright white, hair whipping every which way as a cosmos of wind and star blurred past. Where the hell was he?


    ¡°Alan?¡± Flint scrunched his bow, taking a hesitant step forward.


    As the winds picked up in the vision, as the vision zoomed out, Alan¡¯s arms were flexed in a white-gold tunic as resplendent strings wrapped tightly around his wrists on either side. A Title floated over his head:


    Affinity: God


    Title: Merger of Realms


    This can¡¯t be true. Alan rejected god-hood in his own realm, and vowed he¡¯d be better served as a broker of allies in the war to come. On the far sides of the vision, yellow orbs with clouds revolving rapidly around them pulled closer to god Alan¡¯s body.


    Flint¡¯s mouth fell open in shock, Lucius¡¯ jaw tightened, and Neesha only stared on in awe.


    God Alan¡¯s eyes then turned bright red as the colorful vision changed. His struggling expression relaxed into a calm wickedness as an orb rested in the palm of his hands. It began to crack just as a new Title became visible overhead.


    Affinity: God


    Title: Destroyer of Realms


    ¡°This universe is foul. Everything within it is undeserving. It must be wiped for something new,¡± God Alan¡¯s voice rippled through the vision, shaking the very ground they were standing upon. It sounded like a raspy, distraught version of himself, like when he flunked out of college and went on a five-day sleepless bender.


    As the chilling image faded, the sound of marching radiated through the background. Shield-banging, brute¡¯s yelling, and Ojin fog swirling around them forced them back-to-back.


    ¡°The Merchant sprints to bring the solo realms together¡ª¡± A familiar voice scowled from all angles.


    More marching echoed.


    ¡°He must be killed and hanged for all to see. The Red Pact is what rules now,¡± another voice fades in the distance.


    ¡°It¡¯s only a matter of time before Ojin is ours¡ª¡±


    The march fades as the vision dissipates to the circle of clairvoyant frogs staring blankly at the group.


    Flint stomped up to the frogs angrily, which was way out of character. ¡°Are you trying to kill us?¡±


    Ribbit?


    One frog hopped onto its head, then tilted to fall over. The others began floating haphazardly away while keeping their limbs still like statues.


    ¡°Hey! How can you show us such destruction, with no path to peace!¡± Flint shook his fist.


    ¡°The path to peace is in the forewarning, Wizard,¡± Lucius growled.


    ¡°Mother. Sister.¡± Neesha¡¯s teeth clattered. ¡°Killed? With the enemy?¡±


    ¡°We do not know our enemies yet,¡± Alan said. ¡°Only Jaeger.¡±


    ¡°Sar¡¯fidius is not known for his hospitality, sir Alan.¡± Durger turned on the group, his shadowy frame blowing in the wind. ¡°And that marching¡­¡±


    ¡°Do not fret, everyone.¡± Alan rolled Lucius¡¯ chains one link tighter around his fist, and swiped his blade. ¡°We¡¯ll get to the bottom of this, and save the universe from destruction. The frogs have predicted worse of me, and yet I¡¯m still here, doing my best to protect¡ª¡±


    ¡°We will see how long that lasts, captor. I sense darkness in you. My armor is drawn to corruption.¡± Lucius pressed one hand over his chest, activating his armor as far as the magical shackles would let him, showing the direction his black Saro wisps gravitated.


    ¡°It¡¯s almost as if you want the universe to burn, Lucius,¡± Alan challenged.


    ¡°Many things will need to happen for me to find my portal.¡±


    Flint continued shaking his fist at the floating frogs, until Alan put a hand on his arm to relax him.


    ¡°I need you with me, friend.¡±


    ¡°Rrh. First an evil watcher of a realm, then a destructive god? Why do they haunt us?¡±


    ¡°They do not haunt, Flint. They warn. Not sure if it was clear when I spoke to Mujungo in front of the town, but¡­ I was already offered god-hood.¡±


    ¡°By the pig-tails of Ghestini! Is that what you meant?¡±


    ¡°Relax.¡± Alan lowered his hands. ¡°I rejected the claim, and would a thousand times over. God-hood is not for me. They are extreme creatures corrupted by absolute power. Even the decent ones are mad.¡± He gestured toward the town square where Mujungo resided. ¡°I will become a Herald, if the universe will let me, and fight the war at your side, Flint.¡±


    Flint¡¯s eyes looked craze, the same as they did in the pink fog of Sharas-da. He was spinning out of control because of the Frog¡¯s prophecy. Or maybe it was the Essence of Mujungo getting the better of him. Either way, it was time to leave.


    ¡°Come. There¡¯s no time to waste.¡± Alan took out his map. ¡°We¡¯ll portal out to the light grey fog, here, then venture through the blue for safe passage to Hightower Brack. Madam Mar will be waiting. We¡¯ll drop this prick off, then I¡¯ll convene with their god, Junos, and cement our first official allies. They came to Mujungo¡¯s aid, so you, as his hand, will commit the same if Brack is ever assaulted.¡±


    Flint¡¯s rabid eyes calmed slightly. ¡°Aho, ho. Aho ho.¡± He grimaced while tearlessly crying, pacing. ¡°It won¡¯t be so easy, Alan. It won¡¯t. War plagues us. The battle against us lasted days. I cannot do it again.¡±


    Psh!


    Neesha slapped the wizard across the face. ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you? You are the hero of Stragney Town! Holding the fort for days until reinforcements arrived. Fighting until you were held at the brink of Mujungo¡¯s summoning.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the air,¡± Lucius said. ¡°Mujungo sweeps all seriousness under the rug the best he can, until those emotions condense into those little angry stars we passed through as shades, Alan. They¡¯re bursting as more citizens mourn their losses.¡±


    Alan was reluctant to respond. If Lucius was telling the truth, all the more reason to get the hell out of Strangey. It probably didn¡¯t help that Flint accepted to be Mujungo¡¯s hand. He¡¯s tethered even more so to the realm now.


    They took turns dragging Flint onward to the black sand, where Alan scrolled through all of his relevant Titles, weapons and abilities. He¡¯d have to be in tip top shape for war. Not just for fighting, but negotiations:


    Alan Right


    Title: Ultimas Merchant of the Borai


    Affinity: Mercantile


    Saro: Colorless


    Title Swap: God Merchant of Strangey Town


    Title Swap: Forbidden Merchant of the Shade


    Title Swap: Selfless Merchant of the People


    Title Swap: Centurion Merchant of Hightower Brack


    He landed on his Centurion Title, considering he¡¯d need not only to remind Junos of his previous clout with Hightower Brack, but also the defensive affinity the Title provides.


    ¡°Alright, here we are, Flint.¡± Alan looked around. ¡°Is the air clear enough to cast?¡±


    ¡°Aho, ho.¡± Flint sniffed. ¡°Yes, it seems so. It does.¡± He waved his staff in a complete circle, generating a white Saro ring that sounded like it just short-circuited. ¡°Goodness! Mujungo¡¯s presence is effecting my Saro too. It feels¡­ unstable.¡±


    ¡°Do the best you can,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Yes, yes.¡± Flint sucked in as much air as possible, making a whistling noise, then traced the same circle. Erratic black mist and blue fog wafted through the portal. It smelled of ocean and rot. Not exactly what Alan hoped. But it was a promise out.


    ¡°I cannot hold it, good Alan.¡± Flint frowned. ¡°It fractures by the second.¡±


    He yanked Lucius into his grip, then addressed the group. ¡°It will do. To Ojin.¡± He leapt in, suffering the blackness of no senses, then the resurgence of immense power in the realm he knew best. Chain links reformed around his fist, and his prisoner at his side, followed by the others.


    The portal malfunctioned, leaving them in the midst of un-cleared blue fog. The smell of ocean and rot was true, as well as a touch of freshly smelted steel.


    Neesha ducked, trying to see past their small bubble of clarity, but the mist was too thick. ¡°Where are we?¡±


    ¡°Eeeh.¡± Flint smacked his head a few times to get the craziness out. ¡°Mmph. Let me get my map.¡±


    ¡°Shh.¡± Alan warned, crouching low and pointing the opposite way.


    Vibrations¡­ They were coming closer, quaking through Alan¡¯s legs.


    ¡°Sir Alan¡­¡± Durger trembled. ¡°That¡¯s¡ª¡±


    They all silenced as the footsteps grew closer. A thousand strong, easy.


    Durger was right¡­


    The same marching from the vision.


    An army.

 Chapter 42 - Pay the Toll?

    Roaring blared so loudly, it parted the blue fog for an instant in time. A beast¡¯s head with grainy crystalized skin thrashed as it reluctantly marched onward, and an army of soldiers patrolled underfoot, wearing banners from a realm Alan didn¡¯t recognize.


    Then the fog converged once more.


    The group tensed, feeling blind and surrounded.


    Damn. They probably have the fog cleared¡­ which means, they can see us!


    Flint realized Alan¡¯s thought immediately. ¡°This way, everyone.¡± He crouched, heading toward a group of boulders barely visible beyond their sphere of sight.


    ¡°A mobilized army so soon?¡± Alan gritted his teeth. ¡°It¡¯s only been hours since the declaration of war.¡±


    Lucius huffed under his breath. ¡°Jaeger has been planning with his Red Pact for quite some time. My stay in his domain was brief, but clear¡­ He only cares about one thing.¡±


    Alan turned to face his prisoner, knowing Lucius was playing him. He wouldn¡¯t give him anymore of his hope.


    ¡°Sir Alan,¡± Durger whispered as Neesha peered around the side. ¡°I have lived through a war. My team was sent to a faraway fog before Junos manifested, to complete a grand quest in defense of Hightower. It was a turbulent time, indeed. Portals in and out of Ojin become hectic due to outside realms attempting to close their gateways. If we¡¯re to enter Hightower Brack, it is best to convene with Madam Mar before we enter. They may already be under siege.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s weird. I imagined a race to take over realms, like Jaeger tried on us. But these troops don¡¯t seem like they¡¯re in a hurry to leave,¡± Alan commented. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing we left Strangey Town when we did. Flint, you should warn Mujungo the state of things here.¡±


    ¡°Wise thinking. I¡¯ll convene with him as soon as we¡¯re in the clear. I don¡¯t need any Wizards intercepting messages at a time like this.¡± Flint grimaced.


    ¡°My friends, many horrid memories are coming back to me. The rules of the universe change in war times. Realm communications can become staticky too since the gods have been summoned into existence,¡± Durger cautioned. ¡°Perhaps we should go back and fortify around Mujungo.¡±


    ¡°Then the other realms would be overrun, Durger,¡± Alan said.


    He thought back to the owner of his old pawnshop. A chain franchise threatened to shut him and the rest of the neighborhood mom and pop shops down by buying out the block of real estate and cancelling their leases. The idea made Alan¡¯s blood boil then. Taking it upon himself to negotiate with the incoming landlord ¨C even knowing he didn¡¯t have much in terms of leverage ¨C proved to be a horrible failure.


    Remembering the shop owner¡¯s sunken eyes and heavy brow strains his heart to this day.


    Now, however, he had the means to do more.


    ¡°Primary goal changed. It¡¯s not just about dumping our prisoner. We¡¯re going to get Junos of Hightower Brack to acknowledge the gravity of the situation. There¡¯s no choice. He will accept alliance with Strangey Town as he promised on my last visit there, and we will defend our homes.¡±


    The next few minutes were frantic as the army patrol sounded like it was coming from all angles, as if more troops were spawning from god knows where.


    Neesha hissed and sat flat on her backside, feet in a muddy puddle. She magically pulled stone slabs from her bag and sorted through them. They lined up like oversized cards with a faint green glow. ¡°Never wanted to skim through these again, if I¡¯m being honest.¡±


    ¡°Question stones?¡± Alan guessed, sliding to a seat beside her.


    ¡°War-time ones, yes. If I equip one, the voices will start racing¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t, Neesha. We need you lucid.¡±


    She settled on a stone and stuffed the others back into her bag, shrinking the pouch to normal size. ¡°When I died my first death, I became obsessed with war and the reasons for it. You know. I told you.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Alan rested his arms over his knees.


    ¡°Well, that quest led me down some dark paths of this universe¡¯s history. There are times of old when armies marched like this, Alan. We need to understand why.¡±


    ¡°But you just came to an answer stone, didn¡¯t you? About this very topic.¡±


    She smirked. ¡°I did. And from what I found¡­ what I saw in that frog¡¯s vision¡­ all the more reason to dive in again. I need you to trust me on this.¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    Thdd. Thdd. Thdd.


    The marching grew louder as more soldiers passed by.


    Alan thought back to everything he¡¯d encountered so far in his short time. Warriors can clear fog, but they can¡¯t stake claims on land, except in the case of neutral territory for Merchants like the city of Sharas-da. So why the heck would an army be patrolling?


    ¡°They¡¯re looking for something,¡± Alan realized.


    As Neesha hugged her war stone, she shut her eyes, a green glow syphoning between them. ¡°It is possible. There are many theories why an army would march. Valuable minion spawns can be monopolized for Title farming and loot.¡±


    ¡°I thought the universe had rules against that sort of thing.¡± Alan got back to his feet. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t Ojin just overwhelm the raid with unbeatable minions?¡±


    ¡°Not during war.¡± Durger frowned.


    ¡°Great. What else?¡± Alan asked Neesha.


    ¡°Visibility. Keeping warriors in key fog areas can prevent portal hopping between realms. A god may not be able to claim territory in Ojin, or enter the realm for that matter, but it can position its warriors strategically.¡± Neesha hugged the stone tighter, pulling more from it.


    ¡°Who would¡¯ve guessed a stone chaser would be good for something besides mindless philosophy,¡± Lucius growled.


    Neesha¡¯s eyes sprung open. ¡°Where do you think knowledge of the Pegs came from, prince?¡±


    ¡°Shh.¡± Alan quieted them.


    Thdd. Thdd. Thdd.


    ¡°Halt!¡± a magically amplified voice rang through the land, and all the marching stopped. ¡°Talvuld senses something. Half klick southeast. Inspect!¡±


    Alan tensed. The voice sounded like it could¡¯ve come from about that distance away. About a quarter-mile.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Does their beast sense us?


    Using some quick thinking, he Title swapped to Forbidden Merchant to bolster his abilities, and summoned his Five Pearls to orbit around him. He knew the item had a presence of its own and would call attention, but by his approximation, it was the only way to escape.


    He thought back to his first day in Strangey Town, when Lucius turned them both into a shade. Wading through an entire hostile crowd as an ethereal wisp was a handy get-out-of-jail-free card, one worth bringing back to life in his orbs. Recalling the rules of the five pearls, he knew the memory was noncurrent, which meant a less potent magic, but he had to risk it all the same.


    One by one, the pearls orbited orange and black like a Halloween wreath as Alan shoved the same memory into each.


    ¡°Alan,¡± Flint whispered, scrambling up to him and clutching his arm. ¡°We must grab a slipstream and fly like the dickens.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Alan drew his soul collector as the marching army became clear in their sphere.


    ¡°Sir! It¡¯s warriors of Strangey Town!¡± A soldier called back.


    How do they even know that?


    ¡°Seize them!¡±


    ¡°Uncuff me, Alan.¡± Lucius held up his arms. ¡°You¡¯ll need all the muscle you¡¯ve got.¡±


    Alan tugged the chains, dragging Lucius down like a bad dog. With a twist of his wrist he conjured a Saro gag to seal his mouth for good measure.


    ¡°Guards!¡±


    Alan stepped up to the disturbed soldier. ¡°We don¡¯t want any trouble, sir.¡± Alan held up his hands innocently, commanding the pearls to circle his back. ¡°Please, we seek council with your leader.¡±


    Enchanted swords unsheathing echoed so far back that blood drained from Alan¡¯s face. How would he be able to slip away from such a large force? Surely they have Wizards and Dreamcatcher¡¯s in their midst to shackle shades down.


    ¡°The time for talk is done.¡± The front soldier marched forward, long beard and big brown eyes peeking through his black onyx mask. ¡°We are at war. And now you are prisoners of it.¡±


    ¡°It is not too late to be rational, soldier. We only seek passage through the fog, and can pay handsomely for your protection.¡±


    The soldier¡¯s grip tightened around his hilt. Alan could see his jaw shifting under his mask. ¡°Sir!¡± he called back, keeping eyes firmly on Alan. ¡°He seeks word, and wishes to pay for passage. I think you¡¯ll want to see who¡¯s in their custody.¡±


    ¡°Hm. Make way.¡±


    Armor clinking resounded far behind them, as the continuous thud of something huge stomped forward. A giant beast¡¯s hoof sent shockwaves through Alan. Hard metal clamps worn like boots led up a furry white leg that bent the wrong way at the knee. The further up it went, the more disturbing the creature became. Its head curved like an awning ¨C jangling jewelry outlining the square where a face like an angry stingray bore down on him.


    A man with a high ponytail sticking out of his black helmet reared his head from his tall view, then kicked his beast to lower. He scoffed as he dismounted from a wooden box atop the beast, and unhooked his orange-tipped whip. ¡°Well, well, well. If it isn¡¯t the prince of Cerrain, in the flesh.¡±


    Lucius jangled in his chains, begging to talk. But Alan knew if he let that happen, the prince would wind up free somehow.


    Fool me three times¡­ I don¡¯t think so.


    ¡°Word is you stabbed the ranger of the black, and betrayed Jaeger.¡± The head soldier lifted his visor to reveal a crooked smile and an unkempt unibrow.


    ¡°Word travels fast,¡± Alan said, regaining the soldier¡¯s attention. ¡°You are allied with Jaeger¡¯s cause?¡±


    ¡°We are. Bubbin Chiles, head Knight of this patrol squad, loyal to the realm of Royal Hoard, newest member of the Red Pact.¡±


    Alan¡¯s mind raced. If Jaeger had been planning this war for some time, then he probably only kept his closest allies in the loop. Now that the war is open, he needs to rally the other realms, fast.


    ¡°Jaeger gave us no invite, so we were forced to defend ourselves,¡± Alan said smoothly. ¡°Still, we hold no ill will since we think this great war can benefit all realms. Or at least, those victorious.¡± Alan commanded the five pearls to orbit his back. He then took a step closer and bent so only Bubbin could hear. ¡°What if I told you another alliance already rivals Jaeger¡¯s in army and in wealth? Wouldn¡¯t it be prudent to pass the offer to your god, in case he or she wants to hedge their bets?¡±


    WAR-TIME OFFER INITIATED


    Note: War-time trades are not governed by ordinary universal trade laws, and are bound only by the word of the participants.


    Note: Fulfilling such offers can yield great rewards.


    Bubbin lifted his chin, considering Alan.


    Alan knew he was overpromising, but if he didn¡¯t have to put his group at risk by turning into shades, he might as well try.


    ¡°I have not heard of such an alliance?¡± Bubbin tilted his head the other way, pacing.


    ¡°I travel with the hand of Mujungo, and as you pointed out, a prince,¡± Alan said, cringing inside for how he was about to sell this next line. ¡°My claims are not of common folk dreams.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see that.¡± Bubbin continued to pace. ¡°However, if I strike the lot of you down now, I return a hero for destroying a god¡¯s hand in the first day of war.¡± His beast growled on cue ¨C the giant face under the awning scrunching angrily. ¡°Momentum would be ours. Treasure, reward¡­ would be mine.¡±


    ¡°What good is treasure without the means to use it?¡± Alan countered. ¡°We have big plans, Bubbin of the Royal Hoard. Find equal reward by allowing a Merchant and his band to live. Give us aid, and you may even tell your god you¡¯ve won favor in the alliance. Flint Degoba of Strangey Town speaks on behalf of a founding member.¡±


    Alan was really getting in over his head, but he started to believe this path the best for the universe if he could secure allies. Two sides of the same coin ¨C rushing to realms to convince gods, and traveling through Ojin to gain favor of their messengers.


    ¡°What would you require of us?¡± Bubbin lifted his chin higher.


    ¡°Aid in clearing the blue fog, and safe passage west.¡±


    ¡°That all?¡±


    ¡°In exchange for admittance into the Unlikely Goods alliance, yes,¡± Alan said, watching Bubbin turn his back in thought.


    ¡°Unlikely Guds, Alan?¡± Durger whispered to him.


    ¡°Name of the old shop I used to work at. I don¡¯t know. Play on words too. Unlikely Gods. I got it from your nickname!¡± Alan whispered back.


    Bubbin turned after talking with some of his soldiers, staring directly at Flint. ¡°You, hand of Mujungo. What say you? Is everything this Merchant says true?¡±


    Flint held his hat and waved his staff, unleashing a line of oversized snowflakes over Bubbin¡¯s head. ¡°Every bit of it. We are striving to defend the universe, good sir. Alan is a near god himself, yet nobly sacrifices the great opportunity so that he may preserve the ways of the free, and thwart conquerors.¡±


    ¡°A near god, you say?¡± Bubbin sniffed.


    ¡°Sir, you may lose your head if Gosfor disapproves,¡± a soldier calls from behind, who Bubbin waves away.


    ¡°Gosfor values opportunity, Sloggen,¡± Bubbin spoke like he was already sold. ¡°And you.¡± He pointed to Lucius. ¡°What say you, prince ¨C traitor of the legion, and apparently, in no favor of your own?¡±


    Alan¡¯s entire body went cold like Flint just cast a spell down his spine. ¡°He is incapacitated.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense. Untangle his Saro gag.¡±


    Shit!


    Alan side-eyed Lucius, willing the five pearls to circle him again in case¡­


    Here goes nothing.


    He twisted the magical chain to undo Lucius¡¯ gag.


    ¡°Screw off god groveler.¡± Lucius spat at Bubbin¡¯s feet. ¡°You¡¯ll get nothing from me.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Acting like the true scoundrel, Stalker that you are.¡± He kicked dirt Lucius¡¯ way. ¡°Did you offer fealty to this¡­ Unlikely Guds?¡±


    ¡°Pretended to. They caught me.¡± He jangled his chains, exaggerating his prison persona. Alan guessed Lucius didn¡¯t want to be taken by the Royal Hoard either. It made him wonder what kind of folk he was dealing with, really.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Alan took the reins by activating the gag once more. ¡°What¡¯s it going to be, Bub?¡± He felt like Wolverine for a second.


    Bubbin licked his teeth. ¡°I¡¯ll bring your message to Gosfor, but I¡¯m leaving one of mine in your presence ¡®til I do. Those are my terms.¡±


    Alan glanced at Flint, then Neesha and Durger, who all offered curt nods.


    That means we¡¯ll have to be extra careful.


    ¡°Deal.¡± Alan held out his hand, which was met by Bubbin¡¯s.


    WAR-TIME OFFER ACCEPTED.


    If Gosfor, god of the Royal Hoard realm, accepts your terms into the alliance ¡°Unlikely Guds,¡± unique war Titles will be bestowed to your party.


    War Titles? Sounds like that could be plenty useful.


    Bubbin clenched his hand tighter. ¡°Itsy! Let¡¯s go, soldier. You¡¯re up!¡±


    A barefoot lady with one wrist-guard and short-shorts strolled up to them, biting into a drumstick. ¡°Mph. Putting me with the stupids, yeah? Hah.¡± She wagged the meat at Bubbin. ¡°Maybe if they convinced you to help ¡®em instead of kill ¡®em, you¡¯re the stupid.¡±


    Oh jesus!


    Bubbin pulled me close. ¡°Been trying to get rid of her for ages.¡± He slapped Alan¡¯s arm once. ¡°Gesture of good faith, eh?¡±


    This was a to-the-moon gamble. If he could somehow broker Junos and Mujungo together, this crazy woman would see that Unlikely Guds has traction. It could work.


    ¡°Welcome aboard, Itsy.¡± Alan motioned.


    She nodded at Alan and winked at Flint. ¡°I like me a long beard.¡±


    ¡°Aha! I can make it longer in a jiff.¡± He waved his staff, elongating his mustache into whiskers that hung to the floor. ¡°These babies help me float better in Strangey Town. Maybe I can take you one day.¡±


    Alan rolled his eyes as the two yapped in the background. This was not how he expected his first interaction with a war-torn army to go. ¡°Alright, then.¡± He motioned for Bubbin to lead the way into clearing the blue fog. ¡°Shall we?¡±

 Chapter 43 - The Scrappy Knight

    Alan kept a finger on his coin pouch as he followed Bubbin and his army into the thick of the blue fog. His pearls cycled around his back too, for protection, since the war trade wasn¡¯t bound by any universal laws. All bets were off. A rogue soldier working for Hyndole could stab him or his friends in the back at any moment.


    Bubbin bobbed left to right atop his beast, Talvuld, pointing to minions who¡¯d help clear sections of the fog for Alan. According to his map, the Calbo Plains was a large chunk of land to hold. Good visibility, a crossroads to multiple realm portals. This was a godsend.


    ¡°Over yonder, Royals.¡± Bubbin pointed, then whistled for his ranks to mobilize in front. ¡°Alan, your party has to nick the minion if you¡¯re to get credit. Up front, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m part of you stupids now, yeah? Lemme at ¡®em.¡± Itsy chomped on her drumstick, following Alan and crew to the head of the line.


    Once they made it to the front, Alan drew his Soul Collector. Calling out Yogi or Hednra might give away his status in the universe, so he refrained.


    ¡°Half a klick south.¡± Bubbin drew a knife and straightened his arm. ¡°Fog should be clearing for y¡¯all at any moment.¡±


    Thd! Thd! Thd!


    Stomping grew closer, and in a flash, the sphere of visibility blew outward to reveal a moldy blue beast with mushrooms growing out of its shoulders and red wet fur peeking out of random spots of its blue skin. A bull¡¯s face and rusted rings piercing through its abs made for an intimidating sight.


    ¡°Hm. Another Rangobon,¡± Itsy said, taking her last bite off the bone then flipping it in her grasp. ¡°Weak in the mouth area. Yeah, yeah.¡±


    Alan furrowed his brow as he looked over to her, watching a Title appear over her head.


    Scrappy Knight of the Royal Hoard


    This woman is a Knight? I guess it¡¯s the same as those barbaric types who fought the Helldraken in Sharas-da.


    ¡°Alright, here goes.¡± Her body outlined in gray, turning to stone for a fraction of a second before the rocks rushed down her body, pressurized beneath her feet, and propelled her high into the sky like a springboard. She ran mid-air with a big smile on her face and her drumstick bone reeled back.


    Whack!


    The beast¡¯s head jerked so hard, Alan thought it might actually fall. But with a mighty wide step, it found its balance.


    ¡°Royals! Contain!¡±


    Chained daggers were tossed around the arms of the giant Rangobon, and as they tightened, lines of soldiers heaved backward, preventing the beast from swatting Itsy out of the air. She hung on the minion¡¯s fang and swung herself onto the nose.


    ¡°C¡¯mon now, beansprouts. Don¡¯t let me have all the fun!¡± Itsy called from above.


    She used gray stone Saro to harden her hands and feet, and pried open the beast¡¯s mouth. Its jaw shivered as she worked, making Alan wince thinking she¡¯d be chopped meat with one wrong move. There was a raw confidence about her that could¡¯ve easily been confused with carelessness. Admirable nonetheless.


    Once sure the Rangobon¡¯s jaw was locked in place, she elongated the drumstick bone to wedge in its mouth.


    ¡°Aha! I like this one Alan!¡± Flint whooshed up a slipstream to meet her.


    ¡°Hold him, Neesha,¡± Alan said, wrapping Lucius¡¯ chains once around her hand. He whipped Afarus Soh out of his sword to stand by Neesha¡¯s side with Durger. ¡°If anyone tries anything¡­¡±


    ¡°I know, Alan. Don¡¯t worry.¡± She smiled at him. ¡°Go make a name for us. The Unlikely Guds.¡±


    Alan smirked while summoning an Orange Saro spear from a molten pool in the ground. He grabbed it, craning his neck to stare at the minion. ¡°Weak in the mouth you say?¡± he shouted up to Itsy. ¡°Move then.¡±


    She laughed while diving off the Rangobon¡¯s tongue. Flint swooped in, freezing the beast¡¯s mouth in place as Alan unleashed the spear.


    As soon as it pierced the roof of its mouth, a molten outline rushed around the minion, burning its red fur to a crisp and sizzling its skin from the inside out. As its bones weakened, Itsy balanced over its arm like she was surfing.


    ¡°Hot. Hot. Hot.¡± Her bare feet sizzled. ¡°Hold still you shit. Hah. Here we go.¡± She leapt up to its mouth again, yanked out a fang, and flipped atop its snout to jab the point through its head.


    Thud!


    The Rangobon face planted, sending up mud and grass in every direction.


    ¡°Pretty good, for a Merchant.¡± Bubbin called from atop Talvuld.


    Itsy wiped her hands for a job well done. ¡°Yeh, guess you could call it that, if an army wasn¡¯t holding its arms in place and a wizard freezing its mouth. Might as well have had it roasting on a spit.¡± She flipped the bloody fang into Alan¡¯s hands, which shrank down to size as soon as it left her grip. ¡°Good show, though. I enjoyed myself.¡±


    She¡¯s right. Ojin felt¡­ different since war was declared. Being able to just march around and wrangle minions felt out of place in this weird universe¡¯s circle of life.


    ¡°Feels off, doesn¡¯t it Alan?¡± Neesha handed the chains back to him.


    ¡°And how¡¯d you know what I was thinking, miss?¡± He arced an eyebrow.


    ¡°Not me. Him.¡± She nodded to Afarus. ¡°Should keep this Bladesman in check if you ask me. He knows a lot about you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alan.¡± Afarus tightened the wraps around his lanky arms. ¡°Stuff me back in that blade before lady Neesha finds out too much.¡±


    Alan¡¯s face burned red hot with embarrassment. He knew the old crimson walker was teasing, but it was true ¨C he didn¡¯t need Neesha finding out too much. In fact, what the hell has he already told her?


    ¡°He¡¯s a crazed clairvoyant,¡± Alan said. ¡°No better than a frog.¡±


    ¡°Hah! Is that any way to speak to your mentor?¡± Afarus arced an eyebrow.


    Lucius scoffed under his gag, as if he should still retain that Title.


    ¡°Anyway, Neesha.¡± Alan waved his blade, calling Afarus back in. ¡°You were saying something feels off?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because it is off. Stone theory says that in war time Ojin rules alter to divert the focus to settling the conflict, so the universe can go back to its preferred state.¡± She nodded toward the minion¡¯s corpse. ¡°Look. No loot. It¡¯s because this army¡¯s been farming.¡±


    ¡°Protect all-knowing Neesha at all costs, huh?¡±Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Something like that.¡± She tapped the stone slab fastened behind her robes.


    A wide circumference of blue cleared as the corpse faded to dust. The army marched to the next two areas and repeated the process. In one instance their chain wraps failed, resulting in the Rangobon crushing three soldiers. Alan called upon Green Saro to heal them in a sign of good faith, revealing his Colorless affinity and earning a nod of approval from Bubbin. On the fourth Rangobon kill, a message appeared.


    Ojin Territory Unlocked ¨C Calbo Plains


    ¡°Now, good Alan, my side of the bargain is done. Upon the end of our shift, we will venture back to the Royal Hoard realm and convene with Gosfor. I do hope he entertains your value, so that we can remain allies in the turbulent times to come.¡±


    ¡°Likewise, friend.¡± Alan bowed.


    ¡°Mm. Itsy, we will be speaking soon. Until then.¡± Bubbin bonked his beast¡¯s head twice to turn around. ¡°Soldiers, about face!¡±


    As the crew headed west, Flint took over map duty, while Itsy poked at Lucius.


    ¡°The mighty prince of Cerrain, eh?¡± Itsy said, leaning in. ¡°Yeah. Gosfor mentioned you. Something about buffing an army if they could only contain you. Hah. But you¡¯re not to be trusted.¡± She tried to tickle his chin only to get an elbow whacking her away.


    ¡°Mmph,¡± Lucius grunted at her.


    ¡°You linger around your god?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Sister to Gosfor¡¯s hand. He couldn¡¯t get rid of me if he tried. Hah.¡±


    But didn¡¯t he, though? Alan bit his tongue.


    ¡°Not the biggest fan, though, if I¡¯m being honest. Too eager to please, that god of ours. Much rather be here, in Ojin, doing whatever Itsy wants.¡± She bent to rip a blade of grass from the ground, hardened it, and started digging dirt out of her nails. ¡°You lot, though. Nuh uh. You¡¯re as stupid as they get, I think. Walking around here with no war Titles to your name. What would y¡¯all do without me?¡±


    Alan, Neesha and Flint all side-eyed one another.


    ¡°She¡¯s right, Sir Alan. Everything is topsy-turvy since Jaeger¡¯s invasion. You¡¯ll need to find ways to gain some of these unlocked rewards if we¡¯re to stand a chance against armies.¡±


    ¡°The ghost man¡¯s got it.¡± Itsy flicked some dirt at him. ¡°Won¡¯t be able to survive in Ojin without it now, since armies can roam with no consequence. Not a one.¡±


    They walked through the plains for some time, until Flint deemed it safe enough to slipstream closer to the Hightower Brack portal vicinity. Alan summoned Ara ¨C his gryphon ¨C and shoved Lucius on in front of him. Lugging him along was a burden he couldn¡¯t wait to be rid of.


    The constant reminder of betrayal on every turn. He was done with the prince. No matter how valuable he might be to the frog¡¯s vision, or how much intel he might have about Jaeger¡¯s plan. Give him to the Fate Chasers and be done with him.


    Ara followed Flint and crew closely, staying just under the clouds so not to attract flying beasts. Thankfully, Alan had already cleared much of the area when he defeated Hendra near the variant fog mountain a time ago. Armies were spotted in the distance, but they were so far away they seemed like ants running to devour minions from the ground up.


    Eventually they got in range to contact the Dreamcatcher, Madam Mar, so Flint opened the window to speak with her. He waved his staff in a big circle, leaving cloudy mist at the edges like they were looking into a dreamscape.


    Alan was excited to see the realm again. Hightower Brack may have harbored some tough memories, but the realm was legendary in its own right. Warriors walked with purpose, equipped with pristine gear always looking for their next raid in Ojin.


    They¡¯re going to make fine allies.


    Madam Mar finally appeared within the circle, and her worried expression sunk Alan¡¯s heart. Not a day ago she was hurling spells at Jaeger¡¯s minions beside Alan. Now, though, something had transpired. Her normally woven braids were disheveled. Face blotchy and ridden with patches of yellow sap. The sticks holding her cape on seemed rotted.


    ¡°Madam!¡± Alan pushed to the front. ¡°Tell me all is well. You¡¯re not under siege, are you?¡±


    ¡°No, good Alan, we are safe for now. Brack¡¯s walls are fortified for a reason. Though it¡¯s true our realm is vast¡­ easy for subterfuge,¡± she mumbled mostly to herself, looking back and forth.


    She¡¯s a watcher for the realm. Probably overwhelmed with all the threats.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± Alan said. ¡°Listen, we won¡¯t take up your time since you probably have a thousand visions to adhere to. May we be summoned in? I have words for Junos.¡±


    Her lips quivered for a moment. ¡°Y¡ª yes Alan. You would be most welcomed. But I must warn you¡­¡± She waved her hand when someone ascended the stairs to her tower. ¡°Ack! Darsine! Have you not heard of privacy?¡±


    A man with a dark cloak and red hair spilling out of a beanie showed his fangs at Alan, who rolled his eyes. ¡°Apologies Mardonnus, but I sensed a foul odor through that portal, and insisted to see if you were alright.¡±


    Hoped never to see that dark idiot again.


    ¡°I will admit you immediately, Alan. Pay my gate watcher no mind. He left his manners with the wind.¡±


    Itsy squinted at the portal. ¡°Think you might have an eye infection, you do.¡± She pointed to Darsine¡¯s red irises and black sclera, who only hissed back at her.


    The image cut out, and shortly after, a portal appeared beside them.


    ¡°Something is amiss in there. Ho ho, I fear they are under duress and we,¡± Flint held up a finger, ¡°are walking into a trap.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll save them in the same manner they saved us,¡± Alan declared, reining in Lucius by the shackles. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    When Alan and Lucius reformed in Hightower Brack, he couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. The normally filled streets were barren except for spears marching with invisible wielders, and warriors peeking out behind castle walls. The endless banners that usually hung over the archways were all rolled up or upside down in duress.


    ¡°The hell is going on here?¡± Alan said, looking back to make sure all his friends made it through.


    Lucius pointed, and everything suddenly made sense.


    A man strutted up to them with a walk so exaggerated, it appeared as though he¡¯d fall backward at any moment. His body was magnificent ¨C lines tracing his bulging bare-chested muscles ¨Cclashing horribly with his strapped winged helmet. Junos¡­ god of Hightower Brack. It had to be. It¡¯s like they found him half-dressed. None of that was of concern, though. It was his sword of long fangs that stole the show.


    ¡°Mhm!¡± Junos shouted with a closed mouth, and when he heard no noise from the townsfolk behind him, he turned his head to scan them. ¡°Mhm!¡± he bellowed again.


    ¡°Mhm!¡± They followed him, looking scared.


    The god stopped and placed his hand on his hip, posture reminding Alan so much of Elkire of the Fate Chasers, that he wondered if they were brothers. ¡°Alan Right, the entertainer.¡± He slapped Alan¡¯s back, which sent tiny lightning bolts buzzing all the way to the sky.


    Jeez, is this where the idea of Zeus came from? Alan winced, grateful he wasn¡¯t zapped to oblivion.


    ¡°Have you come to rouse my citizens into cheering roars and laughter? Ha ha!¡±


    Alan gritted his teeth, side-eyeing his crew. ¡°No, Junos, master entertainer, I have not.¡±


    The god¡¯s mask frowned, metal creaking.


    ¡°Your people are scared, I think. Surely you know of the war¡¯s magnitude.¡±


    Junos¡¯ eyes glazed over, which made Alan confused.


    ¡°Ah!¡± he shouted. ¡°You are ogling my great sword. Yes.¡± He presented it flat. ¡°Each fang fastened more cautiously than the last, from different beasts of legend. I call her sharpskin. Gifted by the fine tribe of Ofingi, who scoured the crimson in hopes to find something worthy to sacrifice.¡± He swung it overhead, the teeth clattering as lightning buzzed all around it.


    ¡°It is glorious,¡± Alan agreed. ¡°Isn¡¯t it guys? Mhm!¡± He motioned his hand so the group would catch on.


    ¡°Mhm!¡± Flint lead the chorus.


    ¡°Finally! Someone who gets it.¡± Junos pushed Alan again to a row of tiny electrical pulses. ¡°I welcome the gods to test their armies against us. We are Hightower!¡±


    Alan shut one eye as the god¡¯s voice blared. ¡°Yes, about that,¡± Alan tried again. ¡°We are eternally grateful for your aid in Strangey Town, and would hope that to extend into an official alliance between you and Mujungo.¡±


    WAR-TIME OFFER INITIADED.


    Alan seeks to broker a deal between Mujungo of Strangey Town and Junos of Hightower Brack.


    If successfully brokered¡­


    ¡°Never!¡± Junos¡¯ voice threw everyone¡¯s hair back ¨C Flint holding his hat. Loose bricks from a nearby archway fell to the ground as the wind settled. ¡°We do not share glory, Alan Right.¡±


    ¡°You seemed amenable to it not long ago.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps I did¡­ after you nudged me into a giddy mood. Duel against a watcher, burned stables, taking on Sinclair the exiled. You gave me a show not seen in years, Alan Right. But now I am here, in the flesh, to rally my own entertainment, with these great citizens.¡± Junos spun once with a wide smile, apparently unable to read the room.


    Everyone else shivered or turned away in disdain.


    WAR-TIME OFFER REJECTED.


    Reverence with Hightower Brack depleted to 50/100


    Shit! That¡¯s new!


    Alan clenched his fists. Maybe that¡¯s what¡¯s been happening to the rest of the town. Pleading with Junos to see reason doesn¡¯t seem like an easy task.


    ¡°Sir, aloha!¡± Flint shimmied back and forth in his best attempt to entertain. It seemed to work. Junos¡¯ eyes were starting to focus behind the mask.


    ¡°If I may.¡± Flint took off his hat and held it in his hands. ¡°I am Mujungo¡¯s hand.¡±


    ¡°Rahh!¡± Junos threw up his hands angrily, brandishing sharpskin. ¡°Boredom of this caliber will send me right back into the ether.¡± He spun on Alan, nose-to-mask. ¡°How far you¡¯ve fallen.¡± He about-faced, strutting his ridiculous strut away from Alan and crew. ¡°Come. Come my gracious citizens. If the armies fail to find the gall to attack, then we will make our own glory.¡±


    ¡°Now I see why Madam Mar was so upset,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°You sir, lied through your teeth to Bubbin, didn¡¯t you now.¡± Itsy put her hands on her hips, leaning in Alan¡¯s face next.


    Double shit.


    This was supposed to be an easy win. A first step in the right direction.


    Now I¡¯m screwed.

 Chapter 44 - The Hightower Circus

    Alan was stuck with Itsy tilting her head back and forth inches from his face. Her eyes were light brown, lips chapped to all hell, and a tiny amount of mucus clung onto a nose hair for dear life.


    ¡°You said you have a whole big alliance waiting to challenge Jaeger¡¯s Pact. Unlikely Guds, right? Well looks to me like you¡¯re the unlikely goods. Stupid merchant. Ack! I¡¯m the stupid one, aren¡¯t I? Marched right into your trap. Damn clever lads, y¡¯all are.¡±


    Alan considered all his options. If she sent a prompt to Bubbin somehow, his whole army might about face and charge Hightower, or worse, Strangey Town. He could tell her the truth about how Bubbin feels about her, but then he¡¯d just come off as petty. Instead¡­ best to just play it straight.


    ¡°I have big aspirations, Itsy. And you¡¯re a part of them now,¡± Alan said.


    She puckered her lips so close that Alan leaned back. Neesha took a step forward for her arm, but Alan shook his head slightly to tell her no.


    ¡°So you have not one?¡± Itsy frowns. ¡°Not one realm besides Strangey?¡±


    ¡°Oh, we have another, Itsy.¡± Alan raised his eyebrows. ¡°Mine.¡±


    She scoffed and straightened. ¡°Oh, no you don¡¯t. You¡¯re not pulling another fast one on ol¡¯ Itsy. No way.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Neesha said, grabbing her arm.


    Itsy swung out of her grasp. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me, stone crazy.¡± Then pointed a finger in Alan¡¯s face. ¡°What¡¯s to stop me from sounding the alarm right here and now, eh? Bubbin will come flying in a jiff.¡±


    Alan shrugged. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Her nostrils flared.


    ¡°You heard me, Itsy. I¡¯m not playing your games. Everyone else, follow me. We have a kingdom to make.¡±


    Itsy gasped and stomped over to block Alan again. ¡°Tricked the Bubbin to clear you a path. Tricked me!¡±


    ¡°It was a promise of necessity. One I intend to keep.¡± Alan continued walking, swaying to the side whenever she¡¯d come and block. ¡°I could¡¯ve slipped away as a shade with my friends, but instead I took a gamble that you¡¯re reasonable¡­ that you don¡¯t want to see the universe burn under Jaeger.¡±


    She laughed the next time Alan passed her.


    ¡°You are a wonder, Alan Right. With big, big balls.¡± Itsy grabbed Alan by the collar, then smiled. ¡°I ain¡¯t going to rat on ya.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Nah. Think I don¡¯t know what Bubbin was up to? That little prick has been trying to kick my ass to the curb for years now. Sister to Gosfor¡¯s hand.¡±


    ¡°You just told us that, remember?¡± Alan said.


    She thumbed her own chest, ignoring him. ¡°Yep. Little ol¡¯ me. He told you too, I heard it. Idiot doesn¡¯t realize his Talvuld mouths every stupid little thing he says, even when the megaphone¡¯s off. Grew into quite the good lip reader, ey?¡±


    Alan rubbed his chin as citizens continued to walk past them with shoulders slouched. He had to keep up with Junos if he was going to get anywhere, but Itsy just piqued his interest. ¡°What¡¯s your play, then?¡± He finally held her eyes.


    She scrunched her lips side-to-side. ¡°Dunno. I Kinda like you blokes. Well, some of you, anyway.¡± She winked at Flint not for the first time. ¡°Maybe, for now, I¡¯ll just see where it goes. Guide you to a few war Titles maybe, so you don¡¯t drown in the mud the next time you peek into Ojin, ey?¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Alan said. ¡°This way I don¡¯t have to drum up another set of shackles and a gag,¡± he joked, kind of.


    ¡°Cheeky,¡± she scoffed.


    Neesha ran up to his other side. ¡°So what¡¯s the plan?¡±


    ¡°When Junos walked by, did you notice anything weird?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Everything about him is weird.¡± Neesha shrugged.


    ¡°Aha, I think I¡¯ve got it!¡± Flint hopped up and down, robes flapping. ¡°His helmet! The stuff of nightmares. Yes. Yes. Yes.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Alan agreed. ¡°Another face plate on the back of his head. This god that we¡¯re talking to sounds nothing like the one I convened with on our last visit. I¡¯m thinking¡­¡±


    ¡°He has two personalities,¡± Flint finished. ¡°Very interesting.¡±


    ¡°Said he was entertained last time. If that¡¯s so, we want him entertained again before we talk to him,¡± Alan surmised.


    ¡°How the heck are you going to do that? The threat of war bores him,¡± Neesha said.


    ¡°I have an idea.¡±


    On their way to follow Junos, a floating rock soared overhead and dipped down like a car screeching to one-eighty. Atop it was a familiar frizzy-hair braided woman that he hoped to see, and to boot, the void castle lord himself ¨C Sinclair.


    ¡°Madam!¡± Alan moved to hug her. ¡°Sinclair.¡± He broke away. ¡°You two are friends now?¡±


    Mardonnus dusted herself. ¡°Who do you think helped rebuild his castle?¡±


    ¡°After you destroyed it, you mean.¡± Sinclair arced an eyebrow in jest.


    ¡°Pish posh. Anyway. Alan, don¡¯t follow Junos,¡± she spoke low.


    ¡°I have to. He¡¯s the key to starting an alliance.¡±


    She gripped both of Alan¡¯s arms. ¡°You¡¯d have a better chance convincing Jaeger to lay down his weapons.¡±


    ¡°You give up too easily, Madam. What if I had backed down against a mighty watcher like yourself?¡± Alan said.


    Her eyes brightened for a fraction of a second, then dulled again to despair.


    ¡°You all lost reputation by trying to convince Junos to help, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    She nodded sadly. ¡°It drains us all to live in a realm we¡¯re no longer welcome.¡±


    ¡°Those of us who still have our reverence are afraid to lose it, to be frank.¡± Sinclair held the lapels of his robes tightly. He then gasped when noticing Lucius at Alan¡¯s heels. ¡°My prince.¡±


    Alan sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sure Madam Mar has filled you in.¡±


    ¡°She did. But to see it true.¡± Sinclair winced.


    ¡°Which indeed, it is,¡± Alan assured. ¡°Where¡¯s Elkire and the Fate Chasers?¡±


    ¡°In Ojin, scouting,¡± Mar says.


    ¡°Well, can I leave him in your custody, to be given to them once they return?¡±


    She waved her hands. ¡°Heavens no. I will not harbor a traitor of that caliber in my tower. To be honest, I do not think even Elkire would accept him at a time like this.¡±


    ¡°But the Pegs?¡± Alan was shocked.


    ¡°Does he offer back what he stole?¡± Mar asked.


    ¡°Not quite.¡± Alan looked to the floor.


    ¡°As I thought. Look around you, Alan. The Fate Chasers are lucky to have gryphons to escape on. Our morale sinks by the minute. They cannot collect the Pegs without a home to work on them with. What¡¯s worse, on a whim Junos could release the traitor and set him on the town for some ¡®entertainment.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Jeez.¡± Alan shook his head. ¡°It happened so fast.¡±


    ¡°Junos is on a rampage,¡± Mardonnus sighed. ¡°Armies march right outside our most common Ojin entrances. We are in peril, and our god will have no part. I¡¯m afraid it will take our beloved towers under siege for him to act. And even then, I fear.¡±


    Alan took a deep breath and resumed his march toward Junos. ¡°C¡¯mon.¡±


    I goddamn hate gods.


    So glad I pressed the ¡®no thank you¡¯ button when I was asked.


    Watching all of the hunched over warriors and the distressed banners brought a cloud of gloom over Alan¡¯s head. It shouldn¡¯t be this way. Hightower Brack is great. Though he wanted Durger¡¯s company, Alan kept him stowed away in his sword to spare him, especially considering he was never face-to-face with his mad god.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    He couldn¡¯t help but recall a time when his dad took him to a traveling carnival in the desert, but the actors decided to go on strike just as the audience got there. It was the same feeling then with all the sad kids kicking rocks. But his dad did something great ¨C seeing a box of old clown shoes and half-eaten make-up, he pretended he was going to the bathroom and did himself up. When he came out, kids¡¯ eyes started to brighten. Alan¡¯s eyes lit up too.


    His dad danced and made an ass out of himself.


    That¡¯s what I have to do. I have to fucking dance for this childish god.


    Yellow Saro lined his arms just from pulling the memory. He wondered why Blessed Yellow was always attached to his father¡­ but now wasn¡¯t the time.


    Alan picked up the pace, jogging into the growing crowd along a wide-brick road. He stopped once pushing close enough to glimpse the giant fountain so big it could¡¯ve been considered a lake.


    ¡°Who braves my jest for realm-wide entertainment? Who dares swim in the current of sharpskin to appease their god?¡±Junos extended his mighty fang sword pointed to the sky. Lightning zapped it before he dipped it into the lake.


    Pulses of electricity buzzed all around like little fish hopping out of the water.


    ¡°Step right up. Ease my boredom. Come one, come all Brack citizens of valor.¡± Junos swung around, looking over his people.


    ¡°He really has lost his shit.¡± Alan grimaced as warriors cowered from making eye contact with the god. He reached into his pouch and took two coins between his fingers. One was Yogi ¨C the gigantic armored bear ¨C and the other Gardstrife ¨C his blades-for-hands suit of armor. With a spur of the moment plan, he looked to his friends. ¡°On my mark, start making a commotion and drawing people my way. Neesha, keep the prince out of the god¡¯s eye.¡± He handed the chains over to her.


    ¡°Hurry Alan.¡± Flint yanked at his own beard when watching a bulky armored warrior readying to jump into the lake.


    Alan tugged Madam Mar and rushed to an open area. ¡°Quick, create an arena like you did during our tussle.¡±


    ¡°Of what kind, Alan?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Make it rubber, in hopes that Junos can¡¯t zap us.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Not a common material in this land, but us Dreamcatchers can be resourceful. Huuuu!¡± She breathed in deeply, and with a flash of her eyes, rubber snakes crisscrossed into a flat black top of strange design.


    Alan wasted no time in flipping his coins.


    Ting!


    Ting!


    He tossed them in opposite directions so they wouldn¡¯t clash upon summon. With two jolting flashes of light, his minions formed.


    ¡°Noble Alan.¡± Yogi bowed to one knee and pressed a paw to his chest.


    ¡°The most noble of Alans.¡± Guardstrife knelt and crossed both blades to one-up the bear.


    ¡°My friends.¡± Alan spread his arms and beckoned them closer. ¡°Listen carefully. Junos, god of Hightower Brack, has lost his mind. In order to get it back, I have a theory that he needs to be thoroughly entertained first. That¡¯s where you guys come in. I want you to fight each other.¡±


    They both gasped.


    Alan put his hands up to calm them down. ¡°Not actually. More like, put on a show. But you have to be believable.¡±


    The two giant minions side-eyed each other, and Alan turned quickly to see if he grabbed Junos¡¯ attention just by summoning them.


    Nope. The god literally cackled with his back to them ¨C shoulders bobbing ¨C as a warrior was flung in the air from being zapped so furiously.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Alan snapped back to them. ¡°Do you think you can work it out? Pretend to be mad at each other, and I¡¯ll announce the fight.¡±


    ¡°If that is what must be done.¡± Yogi rose to full height, pretending to put on an angry face.


    Gardstrife also tried, but his masked face refused to move. Only his eyes blinked different colors, reminding Alan of Christmas lights.


    It¡¯ll have to do.


    ¡°Everyone follow my lead.¡± Alan cleared his throat. ¡°Residents of Hightower! Come one, come all for the grand show!¡± He rushed over to unhook Madam Mar¡¯s cape and fastened the sticks around his neck. Then he nabbed Flint¡¯s hat to complete his showman persona. A ring of yellow Saro outlined his body.


    Just like you did for me once, dad.


    This one¡¯s for the universe.


    ¡°The deadly Borai Yogi-Shontier will go head-to-head with the one and only indestructible Patrolgod, Gardstrife. An age old feud building for a hundred years roars to Brack to be settled, once and for all,¡± he shouted as his crew worked to start pulling citizens away from Junos.


    It was a risky play, but he had try and spin the god¡¯s personality back to reason.


    ¡°Yogi! Words for your opponent?¡± Alan yelled.


    ¡°Uh. Mm.¡± Yogi straightened, his brow going haywire before tensing. ¡°You hunk of bad metal possessed by Jaeger!¡± He stomped down. ¡°I will crush the soul out of your body!¡±


    Alan tilted his head, then nodded. Not bad. ¡°And you, Patrolgod of Hozzod?¡±


    Citizens were starting to turn, their necks craning to watch the budding fight. It reminded Alan of amateur wrestling with godly minions.


    ¡°My blades will run red with Borai blood.¡± Gardstrife¡¯s eyes solidified red. ¡°You are a dishonorable unkempt beast of Ojin, who should have thought more cautiously before striking my protected.¡± He sharpened his blades and bent into ready stance.


    ¡°This is shaping up to be a riveting battle. And whoever proves victorious will fight Figro the Broken! Shield bearer of Hutten Fie!¡± Alan announced, staring at the coin with a shield etched into it.


    The productive warrior in him told to test his Saro connections with the minions. Usually he¡¯d just use his abundance to let them pummel to their hearts¡¯ content. But maybe there was more strategy that could come from their bonded connections. Especially with the Hendra. She was a minion spawned of variant Saro. Surely he could find hidden powers within.


    Armored citizens began breaking away from the lake in droves. Eyes brightened here and there, if not just for a moment of escapism from the doom of a disbelieving god.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, everyone, hurry. Get your places.¡± Alan¡¯s gestures were wide and presentational, like he remembered in the shows in Vegas used to be. ¡°Gardstrife lost his protector to the Borai tribe. He seeks revenge!¡±


    Every few seconds, he¡¯d glance at Junos, who was still belly laughing at the poor warrior twitching over the lake.


    Alan gritted his teeth and sent a patch of Blue Saro over Yogi. ¡°Roar really loud,¡± he whispered. ¡°Try to get Junos¡¯ attention.¡±


    Rrrrrrrrrruh!


    Alan tightened his fist, sending a harder pulse of Blue to amplify the roar. It blared so hard the castles shook.


    Finally, as if tapped on the shoulder, Junos looked both ways before spinning completely around.


    ¡°Mhm!¡± his voice echoed. ¡°What have we here? Oh, I see. Very interesting. Some of the minions that toppled Sinclair¡¯s castle. Yes! These were quite entertaining from what I recall. Step aside. Move. Yes.¡± He shoved citizens out of his way, even poking one in the butt with sharpskin.


    The crowd was big enough to provoke the god. Dense bastard couldn¡¯t resist missing out. Good.


    Alan spun to face his minions. ¡°Yogi-shontier. Gardstrife. Ready!¡±


    They both faced each other.


    ¡°Begin!¡±


    Flint held up his staff and plugged one ear. With a pop and massive snowflakes shooting everywhere, the duel had begun.


    Alan focused on memories of his father, that carnival, evoking blessed Yellow before turning his thoughts to lonely storms as Afarus once coached him to. He draped Gardstrife with lightning, then reeled back the intensity.


    Don¡¯t get carried away, he told himself, glancing at Junos staking sharpskin into the ground. The moron began clapping like a seal.


    ¡°It is time to cleanse you of your head.¡± Gardstrife¡¯s celestial voice made the rubber arena rumble. He bent low and zoomed into an electrical slice.


    Yogi leapt out of the way at the last second, tumbling hard over the arena. The minions straightened and stared at one another for a long second ¨C Yogi expressing shock at how close Gardstrife came to slicing him.


    ¡°Easy, Strife,¡± Alan whispered through Blue, then mentally altered to White ¨C concentrating two frost gauntlets over Yogi¡¯s paws.


    The Borai slammed them once on the ground, creating a whirlwind of mist that he used to ride into an epic slash at Gardstrife¡¯s body.


    ¡°Oooo!¡± the crowd bellowed as Gardstrife launched spinning into the air.


    Alan wove healing Green into Strife¡¯s armor, repairing it as the hunk of metal spun once over the floor. Strife flipped upright and sharpened both blades tauntingly. Things were getting a little heated in the spirit of competition, calling for more soothing Green to calm it down.


    ¡°Mhm! Yes, bravo! Mhm!¡± Junos bellowed, looking between the two minions.


    It¡¯s working.


    Alan concentrated hard on Strife¡¯s limitations. It was the Patrolgod¡¯s turn to hit back, as half the crowd was holding up coins, telling Alan bets have been placed.


    Alright¡­ he can only attack in straight lines. Double-strikes have been common. But what about¡­


    Alan threw another burst of frigid White to Gardstrife, manifesting a tornado from the ground up. He then filtered in some sandstorm Beige to give some power into the lift.


    ¡°Go, Strife!¡± Alan coached.


    The Patrolgod bent to one knee, and used Alan¡¯s Saro burst to launch high into the air, and in angular fashion, zoomed down.


    Boom!


    Yogi dove again where Gardstrife created a giant crater and a puff of smoke.


    Now Yogi was mad, charging into a high jump with claws out. The fissures staggering midair left by Gardstrife¡¯s strike exploded in electrical shocks, seizing Yogi in place like he just walked into a high-voltage fence.


    ¡°Yes. Wow! Great lightning.¡± Junos took two citizens closest to him and shook their shoulders.


    Alan pushed through the growing crowd to get a better look at his minions, making sure he was still in view of the insufferable god. He noticed Yogi and Strife nod at each other.


    Good. They remember the goal here.


    Alan grabbed Itsy by the arm and tugged her close. ¡°Can you make stone fly from the ground?¡±


    ¡°Sorry?¡± She scrunched her face.


    ¡°Like an explosion. Something flashy.¡±


    ¡°This fool is tryin¡¯ to make me complicit in his scheme, eh?¡± Itsy pushed her lips to one side. ¡°Alright big brass balls Alan. I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    Alan rolled his eyes. ¡°Strife, let Yogi suplex you. Take the fall.¡±


    ¡°Take fall?¡± he whispered back. ¡°Noble Alan, I do not understand.¡±


    ¡°Not to worry, stupid metal head. I do all the work.¡± Yogi roared while grabbing Strife by the legs and torso, lifted him overhead, and suplexed him into the rubber.


    Itsy snapped her fingers, sending rocks exploding everywhere on cue.


    ¡°Wooa!¡± half the crowd roared.


    Alan noticed the creek of Junos¡¯ helmet as it started to rotate.


    Yes. C¡¯mon!


    Alan gritted his teeth when it got stuck, and snapped back to the original idiotic face.


    Guess it¡¯s going to take more than that.


    ¡°And we have a winner!¡± Alan stomped onto the arena, returning Gardstrife back into a scratched up coin that he held high in the air. ¡°Yogi-shontier! Borai of the Undone! Prized son of Balooma!¡± He flapped his cape purposely as Yogi roared in triumph at his back. ¡°Settle your bets everyone. Settle your bets! Next up¡ª¡±


    Alan continued the show for quite some time, flipping out Figro the shield barer, and giving Yogi another win so he could face Hendra. In an epic finale, Alan arranged for Hendra to whack Yogi in the belly with her hammer, using molten Orange Saro to make a show of it. He coined the Borai immediately after he hit ground and sent a puff of fiery smoke high like the bear got incinerated.


    ¡°Winner!¡±


    Junos¡¯ helmet twisted a little further after every win. This time, Alan was sure it would fully spin. It was the last stop. The finale.


    C¡¯mon. C¡¯mon!


    Eeeer!


    Three-quarters the way there. Almost ninety percent, when, snap! It jutted back to place, a mere inch from clicking the other way.


    ¡°Dammit!¡± Alan cursed.


    ¡°Bravo. Bravo! Mhm!¡± Junos manifested a mug out of thin air and smashed it on the floor. ¡°Good show, Alan. Yes indeed. Next time however, I would prefer you do not schedule such lavish events in the midst of mine own.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Junos.¡± Alan bowed.


    ¡°Excellent. Now, how about we make it interesting. Your mighty Hendra, against one of mine. We play for keeps.¡±

 Chapter 45 - The Ghastly Void

    Alan¡¯s face drained of all its warmth. The god Junos stared down at him with both fists on his hips, waiting for the Merchant¡¯s answer.


    Play for keeps?


    He¡¯d earned Hendra through the mountain¡¯s Variant Fog, even fighting through a bout of crimson he had no business besting. How could he give up his most technically prized minion? And worse¡­ a foe turned friend.


    There was no time to consult with Afarus, or any of his crew walking up behind him. The god¡¯s glare was true. He had no idea in the universe how powerful a god¡¯s minion might be.


    The fate of an entire realm rested on Alan turning this god¡¯s head, literally. All of the strung out faces and slouched shoulders he witnessed on the way here¡­ He couldn¡¯t back down.


    ¡°Alan¡ª the beards whisper of odd castle keepers that once roamed these lands,¡± Flint said in his ear. ¡°I¡¯m not quite sure what to expect.¡±


    ¡°Your Hendra grows colder by the second, Alan. What say you to my challenge?¡± Junos puffed his chest even farther out.


    ¡°He is unhinged, Alan.¡± Neesha grabbed his other ear. ¡°Careful.¡±


    ¡°I accept.¡± Alan threw out his hand. ¡°For the grand entertainment of Hightower Brack.¡±


    ¡°I knew you were a man worthy of great praise¡ª¡±


    ¡°Under one condition,¡± Alan interrupted.


    ¡°Hm?¡± Intrigue glimmered in the god¡¯s eye.


    ¡°You as a god, must disconnect your powers from the minion, and I get to bolster mine.¡± Alan tilted his head. ¡°It¡¯s only fair to provide maximum entertainment. Otherwise it will be a slaughter.¡±


    The metal around Junos¡¯ mask creaked near the lips as he considered the offer. ¡°Maximum entertainment you say?¡±  Junos¡¯ nipples literally sparkled at the prospect. ¡°That does tickle me in all the right places.¡±


    I goddamn hate gods.


    ¡°You, sir have yourself a deal. Mhm!¡±


    BATTLE BET INITIATED


    Alan Right¡¯s Dedicated Minion: Hendra


    *Versus*


    Junos¡¯ Dedicated Minion: Ufanda


    TERMS:


    *Through destruction or forfeiture by owner¡¯s call, a winner will be declared.


    *Junos is forbidden from interfering with his godly hand.


    *Alan is permitted to interfere via Saro transfer


    STAKES:


    Loser forfeits their minion to the winner.


    Battle bet? That¡¯s new. Alan mentally accepted the terms. Another war time prompt?


    Junos turned with more energy than he began with. ¡°It is time, my citizens, that Ufanda is called from her deep slumber. Oh, how I have missed you, old friend.¡±


    ¡°Oh dear.¡± Sinclair covered his mouth. ¡°Oh no.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Alan spun on him.


    ¡°Ufanda is connected deep into the roots of Brack. I¡¯ve convened with her,¡± Sinclair said.


    ¡°How, stupid? The god said she¡¯s been sleepy-pie.¡± Itsy grabbed Sinclair by the hair and shook him. ¡°This is a big deal, Mister Robes.¡±


    ¡°Wally woo. Calm down there, mighty princess. You¡¯ll snap the poor Wizard in two.¡± Flint tapped her gingerly on the nose, freezing it and making her sneeze.


    ¡°Void purple,¡± Alan realized.


    ¡°Precisely, Alan.¡± Sinclair wiped his robes clean.


    ¡°That means poltergeist,¡± Alan thought aloud.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡± Neesha scratched her head.


    ¡°She lives within inanimate objects. But what?¡± Alan said. ¡°Jeez. Void absorbs other Saro, and Hendra is literally a Saro variant. I took the god for a fool. I underestimated him. All this time, through his goddamn ridiculousness, he¡¯s been paying attention.¡±


    Alan stared hard at Junos, who belly laughed alongside his people.


    I underestimated a damn god¡­


    Black and Red Saro swirled within him, bringing on a wave of dread. Trish walking out on him, telling him she couldn¡¯t wait another second for a life that would never be¡­


    ¡°You never even try, Alan,¡± her voice plagued his head.


    No, he answered back in his mind¡¯s eye, swallowing it all into tangible quintessence within his curling fists. He stomped onto the rubber arena and took his place behind Hendra, his tense arms alive with glowing Saro.


    ¡°Hen, whatever comes out of there, I¡¯ll do everything in my power to make sure we destroy it.¡±


    ¡°I would expect nothing less from the warrior who defeated me.¡± She clenched her hammer in both hands.


    ¡°If we fall, we fall together,¡± Alan said, making sure she knew he wouldn¡¯t leave one of his own.


    Hendra scoffed. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t fret, Merchant of the Shade, I¡¯ve been defending my post for two thousand years. Void creatures among them.¡±


    ¡°What do you suggest? What beats the void?¡±


    ¡°If you think hard enough, I wager you know the answer. Or at least, your Wizard does.¡±


    It clicked like a closed lock. Of course.


    Alan thought back to the void knights Sinclair summoned to defend his castle. They were screeching, twitching pits of energy straining to fight. Purple depletes the Saro well more than most. Just the minion¡¯s existence is probably exhaustive, especially without Junos¡¯ power. What better way to fight than to tire it out? Flint¡¯s ice walls are the key.


    ¡°Junos is probably ecstatic he isn¡¯t fighting Figro,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Quite right. Though if he was, I imagine he would¡¯ve chosen a different minion. Odds were on his side, considering our show was the one who lured him.¡±


    ¡°We have one advantage,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Hm?¡± Hendra knelt to better hear, both of her faces staring right at him.


    ¡°Junos is blind to Ojin outside his scouts. He doesn¡¯t know your capabilities like when we fought near your Saro mecca. I will be your mountain this time, Hen. Pull from me.¡±


    ¡°It will be done.¡±


    ¡°Arise, Ufanda!¡± Junos stomped, spreading his arms wide.


    Whoosh!


    ¡°Look out!¡± Alan called, pointing to a sword spinning down in quick succession before boom! It stabbed through the rubber arena and deep into the stone below. A flash of vibrant Purple Saro beamed around the gothic edges.


    Hendra rose once more, standing in ready position as Alan siphoned Red and Black her way.


    Boom! A gothic shield fell from the sky next. Then Alan caught glimpses of more specs being hurled from the faraway castles.


    ¡°Alan! Ufanda is everywhere!¡± Sinclair shouted.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    A staff, spear and axe all slammed down next.


    Boom!


    An oversized wooden broom with dirty yellow bristles crashed and rolled to a stop beside the weapons, making Alan tilt his head in confusion.


    ¡°OooaaaOoo!¡± A ghostly voice echoed throughout the streets.


    The citizens turned, as did Alan, when whoosh! An oversized purple medieval dress shook in the wind, puffing up like a parachute on its way down. ¡°Oooaaaoo!¡± It spooked some of the citizens, sleeves flailing. But Junos awaited the dress with open arms, catching her for a quick waltz spin.


    ¡°Oh, Ufanda, how I enjoyed watching you from the sky. Bouncing between all the castles like a jumpy cat. And now I can swing you again! Mhm!¡± Junos launched her gracefully onto the arena. ¡°Make the show glorious, my dear!¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Hmm. Hmm. Hm. Hm. La la la. Hm. Hm. Hmmm!¡± She hummed while wrapping two sleeves around the broom and sweeping away the stray stone that popped through the rubber.


    Not sure I even want that minion if I win. Alan scratched his head.


    ¡°Oh this is already riveting.¡± Junos clapped his hands. ¡°Would you like to do the honors, or me, Alan?¡±


    ¡°Ack! Not until I¡¯m done cleaning, if you please. Hm. Hm. Hm.¡± She swiped the stone pile off to the side, carefully giving citizens a chance to move out of harm¡¯s way. At least she¡¯s more decent than this version of Junos. ¡°Alright.¡± She wiped her dirty sleeves and placed the broom at the edge of the arena. ¡°Let¡¯s see here.¡± She wrapped one sleeve tightly around the gothic sword hilt, and the other around the shield. ¡°Yes, these should do just fine,¡± her voice was matronly, as if she just finished dusting a home. Purple Saro glowed to life as she swayed back and forth like the poltergeist ghost she was.


    ¡°Same plan?¡± Alan arced an eyebrow.


    ¡°Yes. She is old, like I am, Alan. She has accumulated great strength in her tenure in this realm.¡± Hendra spun the hammer stem in her hand, making whirring sounds. ¡°Yet still, she will tire.¡±


    ¡°I am ready. Hm. Hm. Hmmmm.¡± She smacked sword against shield, taunting Hendra.


    ¡°Go ahead, Junos,¡± Alan called, hoping the god¡¯s participation will aid in entertaining him.


    ¡°Yes! Mhm! The encore you all have been waiting for.¡± Junos stepped onto the arena, sharpskin sending electrical voltage spikes down his legs that absorbed into the rubber. ¡°I present to you, my long lost dearest, Ufanda Stigmata, versus the almighty Hendra.¡± He paused for the citizens to take in the moment. Last minute coins exchanged hands, cheers erupted from both sides. ¡°Fighters, ready!¡± Junos backed up. ¡°For the glory of Hightower Brack. Begin!¡±


    On cue, Alan filtrated unending amounts of White Saro into the Hendra, turning her torso-face sapphire blue with ice, which swirled up her arms and around her hammer. As Alan performed the task, he realized for the first time how densely concentrated Saro became in his minion¡¯s hands. As a matter of fact, she was a sheer amplifier of the magic.


    He should¡¯ve thought of it sooner. On their first encounter, the mountain transformed her into many forms just by blowing variant fog her way. She¡¯s by far the most powerful conduit he possessed.


    ¡°OooOooo!¡± The purple dress flew forward, spinning the gothic sword into a purple whirlwind.


    ¡°Now!¡± Alan commanded mentally.


    Hendra slammed her hammer onto the rubber floor, freezing the whole top layer instantly and commanding a spiked ice wall to erect through the center.


    Fsst!


    The entire width of the arena was now blocked off, separating the two minions.


    ¡°Ghastly!¡± Ufanda¡¯s ghostly form swayed hauntingly on the other end of the deep blue ice, Purple Saro radiating off her gown like heat. ¡°Ghastly things!¡± She swung her weapon hard into the thick ice.


    People jumped and shouted at the mayhem.


    Crrtch!


    A crack split the glacier.


    Already? Shit.


    Alan had to think up all of the intense defensive White spells Flint conjured over his time here, and concentrate it all unto Hendra.


    ¡°A comical thought. Hm. Hm. To think¡ª¡± Ufanda sliced another piece of ice with her sword. ¡°¡ªI have¡ª¡± She swung again. ¡°¡ªA limited well¡ª¡± One more time sent the ice wall shattering to the floor. ¡°¡ªIs preposterous. I have been absorbing energy from Hightower Brack for a thousand years!¡±


    ¡°And I¡­ for two thousand.¡± Hendra held her hammer up, and like a sprinkler, shot out frozen rain so fast it solidified as a glacial tomb encasing her.


    Alan wondered how far his interference could extend without pissing Junos off. He thought of filtering Black into Hendra and forcing her into a shade that could reform behind Ufanda, but thought better of it when the god¡¯s watchful eye glared his way.


    He had to remember, the goal wasn¡¯t just to win, it was to entertain. Two whole realms depended on it.


    ¡°Is this what I have been summoned for?¡± Ufanda unraveled the sword in her sleeve and wrapped both around the shield to jam it down like an ice pick. ¡°To sculpt?¡±


    Alan¡¯s heart sunk into his belly when citizens around Junos laughed at her quip. She was right. Alan was losing the god¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Well?¡± Ufanda said, whipping her cloth arms down for the eighth time, hardly making a dent.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this, Alan?¡± Junos drew sharpskin and pointed it his way. ¡°Your prized minion hides?¡±


    Alan stalled for a second, analyzing the ghost¡¯s grunting voice as she stabbed, and stabbed, and stabbed down on the impossibly thick tomb. It was working. Ufanda was tiring. But he had to shift.


    ¡°Hendra, new plan.¡± Alan tossed a hint of Blue in her direction. ¡°We¡¯ll attempt to overwhelm her with quick Saro shifts. Purple can absorb, but it takes energy to adapt too. My breastplate operates the same way. So we¡¯ll entertain while depleting her.¡±


    Screw it. I¡¯m going to the Black.


    Alan¡¯s White syphoning stream darkened as he filtered a flood of harsh thoughts Hendra¡¯s way. The back of her encasing cracked, and he commanded all five of the pearls out of his bag and straight into Hendra¡¯s body, dissipating her form to a shade.


    ¡°As if I haven¡¯t hunted assassins my entire tenure,¡± Ufanda huffed haughtily, tossing her shield and twirling like a corkscrew back to her ensemble of weapons. She curled both sleeves around the spear and started jabbing down on the Hendra¡¯s massive slithering shadow like she was spear fishing.


    ¡°Here we go, yes my dear.¡± Junos clapped. ¡°Impale that insidious wench!¡±


    Fsst! Fsst!


    Ufanda stabbed unnaturally fast, piercing the floor as if it were a ghostly astral plain. She missed her first three, but when she dashed ¨C cloak flapping to follow Hendra lock step ¨C  Alan tensed.


    Fssssst!


    The Hendra grunted and reformed back on the arena, dragging Ufanda¡¯s stuck spear with it. Her leg was punctured.


    Shit.


    She grabbed the astral spear and whipped the void poltergeist flying to the end of the arena.


    Alan sent a hint of Green Saro slithering to the Hendra next, closing the wound¡­ until Ufanda floated between them, absorbing the stream herself.


    ¡°Ahhh. Like a warm bath,¡± Ufanda¡¯s voice livened. ¡°Thank you, my dear.¡±


    Alan waved his hands clear of the tether, cursing to himself.


    She can steal my Saro tethers? What the hell!


    ¡°What a fantastic move, darling. Wonderful!¡± Junos clapped. ¡°I would very much enjoy this variant Hendra patrolling the edge of the realm. I think I would. Yes. It would remind me of this great tournament. Do win her for me,¡± he commanded with a quick clap.


    When Ufanda turned her gown abruptly away from the god as if giving the cold shoulder, Alan considered whether there might be trouble in paradise. In any other situation he could use that to his advantage, but here he had to tip-toe around this madman. Anger doesn¡¯t mesh well with entertainment.


    Back pocket for now.


    Thinking of heavenly battle-angels, Alan whipped a stream of yellow Saro, curving it around the ghost and into Hendra before severing the tie. His minion¡¯s form changed again ¨C lightning bolts sparking between the open fangs of her second face ¨C hammer and armor sparkling gold.


    She spun her electric-charged hammer, whiffing past the gown that sucked in its airy belly.


    Alan used Yellow as a feign. He knew Hendra couldn¡¯t drive up static electricity with a rubber arena, so he already switched his thoughts to nonsensical mayhem ¨C the face-painted archer who murdered him on Earth acting as a great source ¨C and waited for one blow to land before switching to Pink. Just a tactic to deplete the poltergeist further.


    Keeping his Title on God Merchant was the best option even if others would provide him enhanced Saro. The focus was Hendra. She needed to stay upright. Entertain.


    Hendra swung to hit air yet again. The gown was agile. A call for instinctive Red mixed with White.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Two more misses. But Hendra was gaining now, so much so that Ufanda dove and swapped spear for shield.


    Dong!


    Enchanted hammer connected with gothic shield, sending Ufanda flying back.


    Hendra¡¯s beastly thighs alternated to follow up quicker than the gown could slither away, and when Ufanda was cornered to the back of the magically-charged arena boundary, she soared high over Hendra¡¯s head only to get clapped by a momentous swing that froze her to pure ice.


    The blow looked promising¡­ until Ufanda¡¯s Purple Saro absorbed the White.


    His plan was failing on one hand ¨C Hendra growing more exhausted by the second ¨C but on the other¡­ Junos waved around sharpskin like a flag.


    ¡°Yes, my dear! You dance like a queen. Let us celebrate right after your victory. It is imminent! Fly! Yes! Mhm!¡±


    Throughout the next ten minutes of mayhem, Alan realized frozen swaths of the gown lay tattered all over the rubber. Small holes began to form as the fight went on, while Hendra¡¯s tired tells were a bit more apparent ¨C slower swings and hunched sprints.


    It was good to know the god¡¯s minion wasn¡¯t indestructible, but Alan too was feeling the depletion. He couldn¡¯t channel Green Saro over himself without letting his minion falter. This wouldn¡¯t go on much longer.


    Ufanda swapped weapons for the sixth time, finally taking her broom in hand when Hendra¡¯s trippy Pink Saro form of unicorn horns and hammer-turned-duster made the duel into a castle-cleaning fight between maids.


    ¡°Yes! Fantastic!¡± Junos¡¯ laugh echoed throughout the realm. ¡°This has always been an attraction of mine. Fight for the squabbles of my kingdom. Yes!¡±


    Alan cringed to the point of a shiver, but at least the god was entertained. There was no more doubt.


    Now to win.


    Alan racked his brain.


    ¡°It is time to finish this dance of she-wolves, and return to my omnipotent castle visits,¡± Ufanda said.


    ¡°Nonsense, my dear! I will create moonlight for us to sway in. How often does a god get to stretch out his limbs on the peasant ground! Dance with me, dear!¡±


    The gown spun away again. Alan could¡¯ve swore he heard a scoff this time too.


    Taking stock of his minion¡¯s depleting energy and his own¡­ that¡¯s when it hit him. The same trick he used against Hendra a time ago ¨C to defeat an impossible opponent doused in crimson fog. He took a deep breath in hopes it would work.


    ¡°Exaggerate your exhaustion,¡± Alan spoke to her mentally. ¡°Like you did against Figro before. Make a show of it.¡±


    ¡°It is no exaggeration, Merchant,¡± even her mental voice strained. She listened anyway and dropped to one knee, using the base of her hammer to keep herself up.


    Okay¡­ now take the bait you overgrown nightgown.


    Alan rushed to the edge of the arena, pretending to almost trip to try and get out of Ufanda¡¯s path. Hendra was far across from him, in prime position for the gown to intercept.


    He never thought himself an actor or a showman, but when tough times call¡­ He closed his eyes tight, conjuring a faux tether of Green Saro and whipping it on a mean curve so his plan wasn¡¯t obvious.


    ¡°OooOoo!¡± Ufanda shimmied through the air to get a taste of regenerative energy, and as soon as she did, Alan dropped the fa?ade. He ripped away the deceptive Gray Saro used to mask his true tether. Green faded into blinding White ice, where Alan conjured the remainder of his strength to bind her.


    ¡°Go, Hen!¡±


    ¡°Nasty Merchant. Nasty!¡± Ufanda¡¯s voice quavered.


    The gown shivered in place, enchanted fabric freezing over within seconds. And as she tried to claw out of harm¡¯s way, Hendra burst forward from racer¡¯s position ¨C hammer reeled back ¨C and swung with the last of her force.


    Crrchhsst!


    Chunks of fabric flew everywhere.


    ¡°Waaaoo!¡± half the crowd roared.


    ¡°My, oh my!¡± Junos dropped sharpskin to cover his face with both hands.


    We did it.


    Alan waved away the Saro and fell to his knees, breathing heavily.


    Hendra rose beaten and bruised, raising her hammer high in the air as she stepped on what was left of Ufanda.


    Despite the god¡¯s unease of his ¡°darling dear,¡± he stomped onto the arena with excitement. Ufanda groaned as the ice of her tattered gown slowly stitched back together.


    ¡°Winner!¡± Junos yelled.


    Yes!


    BATTLE BET COMPLETE


    Alan Right¡¯s Dedicated Minion: Hendra


    *Versus*


    Junos¡¯ Dedicated Minion: Ufanda


    Victor:


    Alan Right


    Ufanda Stigmata received.


    (1000-year-old keeper of Hightower Brack)


    Purple Saro Patrolgod with multipurpose arsenal.


    As excited as Alan was, he waved the prompt quickly away to focus on Junos.


    As the god stood in the center of the arena with his arms spread wide, his helmet finally spun and clicked in place. The mask changed from large nose and expressive lips to a blank face with a straight mouth. What¡¯s more, his entire demeanor changed abruptly as if possessed.


    Alan¡¯s theory must¡¯ve been true. And now that Junos was entertained, he had no time to waste. He rushed into the crowd pooling into the arena, shoving armored bodies out of his way, unfastening Madam Mar¡¯s cloak and tossing Flint¡¯s hat back to him on the way.


    ¡°Junos,¡± Alan said, out of breath. He¡¯d expended so much Saro it felt like he hadn¡¯t slept in ages all of sudden.


    The god arced an eyebrow at him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve come in hopes you¡¯ll honor our alliance between Strangey Town and Hightower Brack, as decreed on my first visit.¡± He bowed.


    WAR-TIME OFFER INITIATED.


    Alan seeks to broker a deal between Mujungo of Strangey Town and Junos of Hightower Brack.


    If successfully brokered¡­


    Junos took Alan by both shoulders, screws endlessly twisting within his mask. ¡°Alan Right, as I live and breathe.¡±


    Alan sighed with relief. The voice was the same he remembered when convening with him on his first visit to Brack. But then the god¡¯s grip tightened.


    ¡°The answer¡­ is no.¡±

 Chapter 46 - Two-Faced

    Alan¡¯s mouth dropped open as a prompt filled his vision.


    WAR-TIME OFFER REJECTED.


    Reverence with Hightower Brack depleted to 0/100


    No. This is all wrong. Junos is supposed to be rational now that he¡¯s entertained. He should be honoring our first encounter.


    As soon as Alan¡¯s reverence dropped to zero, the sky suddenly seemed gloomy, like the energy sucked right out of the realm. Is this what all the other citizens were experiencing prior to Alan¡¯s event?


    He looked up to the god¡¯s blank mask, watching as the eyebrows curved angrily, screws endlessly tightening inward. His friends all rushed up behind him excitedly.


    ¡°Quite the entertainer there, Alan.¡± Itsy folded her arms.


    ¡°Good show, great Herald of the Sans. Jolly ho!¡± Flint smacked his shoulder.


    When Alan didn¡¯t react, the excitement fled¡­ Neesha sneaking back into the crowd with the prince in tow.


    ¡°No?¡± Alan repeated Junos¡¯ last words. ¡°But you haven¡¯t even heard what we¡¯re offering.¡±


    His friends tensed even more, now knowing that this may all have been for nothing.


    Junos released Alan and stood straight. ¡°The Red Pact will govern once the blood is settled, and Strangey Town has no part in it, I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    Alan took a shaky step back. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. The answer is no.¡± Junos puffed his gigantic chest.


    ¡°You swore against Jaeger¡¯s tactics the last we spoke. You aligned with good. Honor.¡± Alan spread his arms pleadingly. ¡°Jaeger only seeks to conquer.¡±


    ¡°A seat at the high council with shared information on Ojin is something all gods seek.¡±


    Of course. Tell a god they have unlimited power and watch them squirm when they have a gigantic blind spot. Junos wants eyes on Ojin. Governing an entire people isn¡¯t enough.


    All became clear ¨C why his other personality wouldn¡¯t listen to reason¡­ because he was directed not to. Alan swept his gaze to all of the citizens resuming their slouched positions now that bets settled. Drained and reminded once again of the droll darkness surrounding them.


    Their god betrayed them.


    He sold them out.


    It felt exactly like the two mom and pop stores surrounding his pawnshop when that developer came in to wipe the board. The pawnshop owner begged and begged to stand in unity so they could keep their work, their livelihood, their purpose. But the other owners declined.


    The unwillingness to fight was a knife to the gut then. And now it¡¯s the same.


    No. Not the same.


    Black dread prickled Alan¡¯s skin, swirling into a vice around his heart. He turned his back on the god, focusing on the gown stitching back together. His gown.


    ¡°What will you do, Junos? Conquer alongside Hozzod?¡± Alan raised his voice so his citizens would hear.


    Heads started to perk up in the worst way.


    ¡°Hozzod?¡± one armored Knight said.


    ¡°Impossible. We renounce Jaeger.¡± A wizard swiped her staff defiantly.


    More clicked into place for Alan ¨C the reason Ufanda was angry at Junos, the purpose of stripping citizens of their reverence. Brack was to become a dictatorship ¨C robbed of its citizens¡¯ glory.


    ¡°For the benefit of the realm,¡± Junos¡¯ voice boomed as a lightning bolt streaked the sky.


    ¡°For the realm?¡± Alan looked over his shoulder. ¡°Or for you?¡±


    Commotion stirred around them. Citizens shouted their disbelief, surrounding their god. He¡¯d never seen so many well-equipped warriors gathered in one place. Glowing weapons and high-flagged spears reminded him of the Fate Chasers. So much potential¡­


    ¡°Is that why you won¡¯t defend the realm?¡± A tall armored Bladesman shouted. ¡°Because we are the ones invading?¡±


    Alan snuck carefully away toward Ufanda. ¡°Flint. Gather Madam Mar, Sinclair, and any other disgruntled citizens, and get ready to mass portal out on my signal,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°You got the brass of a thousand kings.¡± Itsy looked between Alan and the god being surrounded. ¡°He will smite you.¡±


    Alan stared off at Lucius lingering with his head drooped in his shackles. ¡°Better than being imprisoned. At least this way, there¡¯s a chance. Go!¡±


    He focused on the gown getting onto her airy elbows. ¡°Hi. Sorry for tricking you¡­ and smashing you into smithereens.¡±


    ¡°OooOo child. I haven¡¯t had a dance like that in a century. It was a welcomed surprise. Though you are a naughty thing.¡± She shook her sleeve at Alan.


    ¡°Right. Well I extend you my warmest welcomes, and I think you¡¯ll get along just fine with Hendra once you get to know her.¡±


    The entire gown frowned. ¡°She stinks of the outside. A wild Ojin mess with gravel in her hair and dirt between her toes. She needs the touch of a keeper. Then again, not sure my broom would even be enough.¡±


    Alan smiled. The thought of Hendra in pigtails with a freshly washed double-face was comical. Also, there was a lightheartedness around her insults. But this wasn¡¯t time to make small talk with a new friend. He instead focused on the patrolgod¡¯s weapons laying on the floor, most notably ¨C the broom.


    He fell into a momentary trance of the gown flying through a castle window as she hummed to clean up some broken glass and scrubbed the floor of Saro residue. Since nothing was going on, Alan blinked the trance forward, to her and a few other gowns circling Junos.


    Here we go.


    There was animosity around the meeting ¨C fabric flailing and statues stomping behind him too.


    Why?


    Alan couldn¡¯t believe it¡­ when he turned, who else was there but Hyndole, the crimson spewing gargoyle swathed in his own wings.


    The sight of him made Alan instantly grit his teeth. Flashes of him stabbing the Strangey Town general Rishaya Blanch plagued his mind. The bastard who started this war in the first place again shows up to screw him over.


    ¡°It is done, then?¡± Hyndole tilted his head. ¡°I can bring this grandiose news to Jaeger, and we can relish once the universe is under our reign, Junos of Hightower Brack? Say it so.¡±If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡°You tell Jaeger¡­ I want my view of the far crimson Exou lands, and endless warriors of the Red Pact realms ready to dance at my command. I enjoy variety in my events. A pact like this might actually sate my endless appetite. Tell Jaeger this, and we will break bread for the rest of time.¡±


    The gowns all turned their backs on Junos while the statue guardians swung their heads like they¡¯d been slapped. It was all Alan needed to see.


    He blinked back to the present.


    ¡°Ufanda,¡± Alan sighed.


    ¡°Yes, dear?¡±


    ¡°Was Junos okay to lose you in the duel because you¡¯re at odds? You give him flack about his decision to join the Red Pact.¡±


    Her sleeves scrunched like angry fists. ¡°That deal sullied our entire bright realm, I¡¯m afraid. Look at them.¡± She waved her sleeves at the citizens. ¡°These are all honorable warriors who built our realm from blank stone. They respect their keepers and venture to Ojin to brighten their god¡¯s name. Now look how he betrays them. I will dance with Junos no more.¡±


    Alan folded his lips into a line. ¡°What if I needed you to, one last time¡­ for the sake of the realm?¡±


    Ufanda¡¯s stitching scrunched like a furrowed brow.


    ¡°I intend to fight Jaeger and the Red Pact, and save everyone from this horrible fate.¡±


    ¡°My dear. You are a strong, colorless Merchant. Of that, there is no doubt.¡± She cupped Alan¡¯s face. ¡°But you cannot win against a string of gods pooling their armies.¡±


    ¡°Not now, I can¡¯t. But give me time.¡± He nodded toward Junos growing frustrated at the fingers pointed to his face. ¡°Not everyone bows to corruption.¡±


    ¡°There is sureness in you.¡± Ufanda rose to full height, swaying again in the winds as the last seams stitched together.


    ¡°Distract him for me. If you have any love for the citizens of Brack. Let me save them,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Silence!¡± Junos roared, sending waves of citizens tumbling out of his space. ¡°We will eat when others starve and bleed. The Red Pact is the future of the universe! How dare you defy me!¡±


    Junos¡¯ straight face clicked back to the overly detailed masquerade mask. ¡°I am angered and have lost my mirth, you ungrateful citizens. Ungrateful indeed!¡±


    ¡°Very well, Alan. Many of these castle lords have been in my care for centuries. It would break my invisible heart to see them marching in the name of Hozzod¡­ or worse.¡± She sighed. ¡°Do your best.¡±


    Alan narrowed his eyes as the gown flew past him to overwhelm Junos¡¯ line of sight. It was now or never.


    He unsheathed his dark blade and whipped out his souls. ¡°Durger, Afarus, Trio. Round up whoever you can in the high castles, spread the word that their god has betrayed them, and there is refuge in the realm of Alan Right.¡±


    The souls nodded and shot off in every direction.


    ¡°Now, Flint!¡± he called out. ¡°Citizens of Hightower Brack! Junos has rejected your pleas to defend from the evil armies that march Ojin¡¯s lands, because he intends to become them!¡±


    Portals sizzled open all around. Flint. Madam Mar. Sinclair. They were all in agreement, conjuring the most expansive gates Alan had ever seen.


    ¡°If you seek to reclaim your honor and be welcomed in a home, my realm is open. It is barren and godless, but will provide refuge until we figure out how to defy corruption. Flee to Ojin! I will find you there!¡±


    ¡°Alan! To Alan!¡± Citizens raised their weapons and started diving into portals.


    ¡°Do not forsake your god!¡± One citizen protested only to be shoved out of the way.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Junos grabbed Ufanda by the arm and whipped her out his way, but she swarmed into his face again.


    ¡°Make haste!¡± Alan called, rushing towards Flint¡¯s portal. ¡°We will find our own way, away from madness!¡±


    In a fit of anger, Junos slashed down Ufanda¡¯s fabric, causing a terribly loud rip before Alan coined her for the first time. As god and Merchant stared one another down in the eye of Brack¡¯s growing storm, Alan held out his hand to receive the flipping coin.


    ¡°You betrayed us all, Junos. And soon you will have no one to rule.¡± Alan snatched the coin and fell back into the portal.


    xxx


    As soon as Alan reformed in Ojin, frantic shouts echoed all around him. A civil war was beginning to break out. Enchanted sword clashed with mighty axe. Arrows whizzed by Neesha holding her head with a chained Lucius following behind.


    Angry Junos¡¯ followers leapt through the portals with weapons reeled, but a buff Wizard waited to shove them back using powerful Beige Saro sand pulses. It was hard to tell who was who, but those blindly swinging were a pretty sure tell.


    ¡°Hey now, this is fun.¡± Itsy scooped up a pile of rocks at her bare feet and magically sharpened them into throwing knives that she hurled.


    ¡°We have to regroup at my realm,¡± Alan called, whipping out his Soul Collector. He summoned Voltair ¨C his flaming horse ¨C to materialize under him and carry him over the battle. ¡°To me! Rally to me!¡±


    ¡°Aho!¡± Flint leapt over a diving body like a hurdler and froze him mid-air. ¡°Should I freeze the portals shut? This is getting a little out of hand.¡±


    Alan grimaced. ¡°Anyone against Junos stuck on the other side will be slaves in a colosseum. We need to let them through.¡±


    ¡°I was right about you, Merchant.¡± Itsy knocked out a Knight¡¯s teeth with a sure shot to the mouth. ¡°This is way better than farming beasts. Truly, what kind of idiots would follow a god who betrays his people?¡±


    Alan swiped an arrow meant for his head, then stared knowingly at Itsy. ¡°Fearful ones, Itsy.¡±


    Madam Mar stood against a Wizard threatening Yellow lightning Saro with a pointed wand. As soon as the weapon ignited gold however, Mar inhaled a deep breath to claim the Saro for herself and whipped a bolt through the Wizard¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Madam!¡± Flint called.


    A duel-wielding Bladeswoman dove to cut her from behind, but Alan leapt off his horse with White Saro winds at his feet to propel him, and slashed both swords out of the woman¡¯s grasp with a flash of Red. He held his sword at her throat for a second, then kicked her in the face to send her tumbling to a bruise-filled sleep.


    ¡°Woo. Close one.¡± Mar adjusted her cloak.


    ¡°Open communications with the Fate Chasers. Tell them the situation and not to return to Brack. We can use them.¡±


    ¡°A fine plan.¡± Mar took out her Dreamcatcher¡¯s net and began waving it for inklings of the Chasers.


    Bodies flew overhead. Spells arced into the portals, and out of them. It wasn¡¯t long before Alan realized the Junos followers were severely outnumbered. Wounded bodies were tossed back into the portal by victorious Knights. The citizens grouped around Alan with weapons at the ready.


    ¡°The Pact will be on you before the Chasers get here.¡± Lucius rattled in his chains. ¡°Flee to your realm, Alan, before it¡¯s too late.¡±


    Alan scoffed. The prince was right. He couldn¡¯t let anyone know he had a place for refugees to settle. He was almost sure Junos didn¡¯t hear him declare it, and if any rival Red Pact armies saw him escaping to an unknown godless realm, it would surely be in danger.


    As forces gathered at Alan¡¯s back, one of the portals in front of him expanded to show Hightower Brack clearly in view ¨C like a circular window with magical wisps at the fringes. Two highly decorated warriors sprinted with Junos stomping angrily behind them. Sharpskin was out, fangs rattling with lightning.


    One of the decorated Knights slammed down a molten shield while waving Archers through.


    Alan held his breath as Junos raised the sword to the sky.


    The god¡¯s eye remained on Alan as clouds swirled overhead. Could he see him?


    Alan shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t. There your own citizens. Don¡¯t¡ª¡±


    Junos flexed his pecs, commanding two bright bolts to strike the two defending warriors to crisps, leaving them to fall immediately to ash on the Brack grounds. The final Archers flew through with tears in their eyes upon reforming, and with a solemn nod, Alan told Flint to freeze the portals.


    ¡°Any word on the Chasers?¡± Alan said.


    ¡°They will make way, Alan. You go. Let me stay behind,¡± Mar said.


    ¡°No. We stay together. I¡¯ll return to Ojin once they¡¯re close.¡± Alan Title-swapped to Ultimus Merchant and spawned his own portal to his realm. ¡°For now, we flee.¡±


    Alan was careful to watch all of the other warriors admitted into his portal, keeping Mar and Sinclair at his sides to sniff out citizens that may be posing as spies. He wasn¡¯t used to the idea of this growing responsibility, but it was in line with his mission to make a difference. It felt good to help, and awful to watch a realm topple. Another confirmation that he hadn¡¯t succumbed to the darkness of his weapons or the Black. The frogs were false. Alan was good.


    As the last of the Brack warriors rushed into the portal, Alan motioned for his friends to head in next. ¡°Welcome to my home,¡± he said.


    Flint and Neesha patted his shoulder on the way in. And Itsy lingered.


    She stood there, picking her teeth with one of the stone knives she made.


    ¡°Yes, Itsy?¡± Alan said.


    ¡°You know, Merchant. You¡¯re alright. Better than alright. Even though you were full of shit, I think you can actually make a difference in this dumbass war.¡±


    ¡°Gee thanks.¡± Alan frowned.


    She shifted her lips to either side, considering something. ¡°Yeah, I think so,¡± she spoke to herself. ¡°Yeah.¡± She nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    ¡°Do what?¡± Alan was losing patience with the odd Knight.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to my brother ¨C hand to Gosfor, and get those bitches on your side,¡± she winked.


    ¡°But weren¡¯t they trying to get rid of you?¡± Alan asked delicately.


    She thumbed her own chest. ¡°No one gets rid of Itsy Boyar, especially when she come¡¯s a knockin¡¯.¡±


    Alan was losing confidence in her by the second, but then she turned serious.


    ¡°Now I know what happens when a god turns on its people, ey? Gosfor of the Royal Horde might be a people pleaser by nature, but he ain¡¯t no dummy. I show him proof of what happened at Hightower Brack? He¡¯ll be listening. Bet your pretty little ass.¡±


    Alan perked up a bit.


    ¡°Besides.¡± Itsy hit him on the back with a wide smile. ¡°Ya¡¯ got no choice, Merch. You need a War Title, remember? Without that, you¡¯re a sitting duck. I¡¯m literally the only one who could fight an army for you stupids right now. The only one. That sexy Wizard¡¯s ice would melt to mist against Bubbin. Your army of refugees been too busy worrying about realm reverence to pay attention to what¡¯s what.¡± She pressed a finger to her temple.


    She¡¯s not as dumb as she acts.


    Itsy turned one of the stone knives into a Gray essence and ate it. ¡°The universe is changing, Merch. Best to change with it.¡±

 Chapter 47 - A New Dawn

    Alan stepped through the portal to his realm with a head full of prompts, not even granted a moment to appreciate the beautiful landscape he¡¯d sculpted before the war.


    The small army of Brack refugees awed within it.


    Dammit, this is a lot. He held his head, knowing there¡¯d be a thousand questions coming his way at any second. He needed to gather his thoughts, so he flipped out a minion worthy of the task.


    Ting!


    The golem stomped hard over the grass.


    ¡°Cover me with your shield, Figro. I need a minute.¡± Alan winced. ¡°No one is to enter.¡±


    ¡°It will be done.¡± Figro draped his massive shield sideways, casting out the brilliant sunlight and everyone else looking for direction.


    Alan shut his eyes and dealt with the prompt front and center:


    Admission of seven hundred sixty warriors to the realm of Alan Right.


    *Requirement¡ªDesignate a name for your realm. Some examples of previously named realms are listed below:


    Castlenova


    Strangey Town


    Scar¡¯s Light


    Alan squeezed his eyes shut. Seven hundred? Brack¡¯s population is in the thousands. How many did we leave behind?


    The prompts started rattling so hard his head vibrated.


    ¡°Okay! Okay!¡±


    ¡°Okay¡± is not a recommended realm name. Though it is unique in phonetics, it conveys mediocre status and might make the land susceptible for takeover¡ª


    Alan sighed. ¡°I wasn¡¯t suggesting that be the name¡­ How about, House of Alan?¡±


    Although hubris is a common trait amongst realm owners, it is not recommended to imprint the owner¡¯s name into the realm. Historically, this practice has led to genocide of the realm¡¯s citizens when the land is seized and overtaken.


    Alan¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Jeez. Point taken. Um. How about Token Inn? A place where all walks of life can build and trade to their hearts content.¡±


    The decision is ultimately yours. I am merely a guide to new realm owners bestowed by Ultimus Denoms. The name ¡°Token Inn¡± would be perfectly adequate with a reasonable play on words¡­ if the universe wasn¡¯t at war.


    Alan gritted his teeth. ¡°Well then I¡¯ll change it later if I have to. Look around, I have matters to tend to.¡±


    Changing realm names is not a particularly revered practice, since it suggests instability in the realm¡¯s oversight.


    Since Alan could remember, he wanted a shop of his own. On Earth it would¡¯ve been a pawnshop. Here? The possibilities were endless. Thoughts of ancient weaponry, rare essence, all of Ojin¡¯s majesty exchanging hands¡­ it grew into a dream that may now very well be realized. So long as the Red Pact didn¡¯t win.


    Hmm the prospect of an inn might be misleading, though. Alright, got it.


    ¡°It¡¯s decided. Token.¡±


    He already spent months molding the landscape to be amenable to large crowds if the time ever came. And now it had¡­ in a bittersweet sort of way.


    Very well.


    Requirement¡ª Since the threshold of one hundred visitors has been crossed, Ojin entryways must be established immediately.


    ¡°I need time,¡± Alan protested. ¡°What happens if I don¡¯t establish the points of entry.¡±


    Mass transport will be unattainable.


    ¡°I see that as a win. No need for armies to be rushing into my realm unannounced.¡± Alan waved away the prompts. ¡°Thank you Figro.¡±


    The shield lifted to show hundreds of distraught faces reflecting the realm¡¯s sunlight, all waiting for Alan to speak¡ªhis group front and center among them.


    Alan drew his dark blade and swiped out his souls to stand beside him. Everyone should hear what he had to say. Durger immediately shed a tear for his home realm, yet did his best to stand tall.


    ¡°All of you. Please, listen.¡± He scanned the solemn faces. ¡°Dark times lie ahead. Jaeger of Hozzod has declared war, and I traveled to Hightower Brack in hopes your once steadfast god would honor his alliance against him. Instead, my worst fears were realized. Betrayal of the worst kind, at your expense.¡± He sighed. ¡°We stand against a cunning and swift enemy. One that Junos has agreed to join in hopes to conquer the universe. That is why he depleted your reverence to zero¡­ so when the time came, he would reign over servants instead of govern over free warriors.¡±


    Chatter broke out, but Alan kept on.


    ¡°It pains me that we left many behind in Hightower Brack. Even though Junos failed us, that does not mean we¡¯re alone. Far from it.¡± He outstretched his hand to Flint. ¡°Strangey Town is our ally. My realm is your home¡ªwhether it temporary or permanent. And the Royal Horde is on deck to receive us. Spread the word. Unlikely Guds will triumph over the Red Pact. And it starts here!¡± He drew his blood-vision edge double-staff and staked it into the ground.


    For a moment, the crowd seemed less lost, and more determined.


    ¡°What of those still trapped in Brack?¡± a knight called with a shaky voice, blood stained over his gauntlet.


    ¡°We will arrange an operation to retrieve them. You have my word.¡± Alan nodded. For once he didn¡¯t mind being indebted to someone. If nothing else, he was beginning to understand it was an occupational inevitability as a Merchant.


    ¡°Another promise of necessity?¡± Itsy folded her arms with a smirk.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what this is.¡± Alan summoned Voltair and held up his dark blade. ¡°Come. I¡¯ve built a cove with an endless hearth one mile out, and three mountain lodges up the closest hill. Let¡¯s get everyone settled so we can assess the situation and strategize our next steps.¡±


    Alan galloped ahead as the decorated warriors drew feathers of various beasts to summon their mounts¡ªsome flying and some ground¡ªall following him down the manicured pastures. He¡¯d watched movies of Tuscan hills and recalled scenic hikes in his home state. That¡¯s what he tried to mimic in Token when he built them.


    A gentle breeze combed through Alan¡¯s hair as Voltair¡¯s flaming hooves refused to burn the grass. A bright sun that came standard in the realm rose a little brighter than he remembered from Earth. No emoting clouds, no malicious butterflies. This was home. And now he was filling it.


    Madam Mar dislodged a platform of dirt to carry his closest friends and enemy beside him. Lucius sat cross-legged with a smirk on his face.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been busy,¡± the prince said. ¡°Tell me what it¡¯s like to abandon your Origin and stake a flag so brazenly in your second life?¡±


    Alan¡¯s throat ran dry. Lucius still had a way of guilting him even after all that he¡¯d done. He could¡¯ve dignified the prince with a response along the lines of setting up that paradise for when his loved ones passed from their first life¡­ but he remained silent instead. According to Neesha, Lucius¡¯ wife was dragged under. There was no reincarnation for her, if the stories were true.Stolen novel; please report.


    The guilt instantly tugged at thoughts of Trish dragging him to a dinner with him mom and sister. He wasn¡¯t in the mood that day¡­ but what he wouldn¡¯t give just to relive that memory in the real.


    Actually no. Reliving the memory in his old body would be nothing but a downer. Alan¡¯s mother and ex-girlfriend would¡¯ve lectured him a hundred times over before the appetizers even showed. To them, Alan was wasted potential¡ªbarely able to make a buck, a failure to society.


    If they could see him now¡­


    Their jaws would hang open witnessing him rescue a realm from a crazed god. The idea was so outlandish their heads would explode.


    I¡¯m a long way from doing nothing with my life, Trish. A long goddamn way¡­


    Whack!


    Neesha smacked her prisoner upside the head. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to the mad prince of Cerrain. This is incredible, Alan.¡± She surveyed the plains.


    ¡°All possible because of the oath I kept to Yogi. Look what staying true to your friends could do for you here, Lucius.¡±


    He grumbled and turned away.


    ¡°Aha, indeed a more peaceful vision than the town they call strange.¡± Flint smiled.


    ¡°If only it could remain that way.¡± Alan peered at them, holding onto his reins. ¡°Madam, I¡¯m going to need a watcher if we¡¯re going to survive this.¡±


    ¡°Then you will build me a fine tower so I can do my bidding.¡± Mar stood proudly at the head of her flying dirt patch, like the captain of some gaudy ship.


    The declaration made Alan smile. If you could see me now¡­


    A cove of brown clay flickered with the flames of a hearth deep inside it. He modeled it after the Stalker¡¯s cove in Strangey Town if he was being honest, only less of the scoffing angry grumps and dueling Doomsayers inside. It was large enough to house hundreds in a camping grounds sort of way. He conjured beds of finely spun cloth out of stray essence and spread them among the floor.


    He then spun on his horse to address all of the approaching warriors. ¡°For those of you who think you¡¯d be comfortable in here, please make yourselves at home. For the rest, follow me to the mountain lodges. I know you¡¯re used to castles and clay homes, but hopefully these will do just as well for now.¡±


    ¡°To Alan!¡± One warrior raised his spear.


    ¡°To Alan!¡± Others followed.


    ¡°In another life, you might¡¯ve made a fine prince.¡± Lucius scoffed.


    ¡°This is the other life.¡± Alan¡¯s disdain grew. ¡°The one you lost your way.¡±


    Next, he trekked up the mountain alongside the remaining four-hundred-or-so warriors, dropping loads of them off at the various ski-lodges modeled after the one his dad took him too when he was younger. The wooden constructions were tucked against the rock, magically fastened in ways that didn¡¯t make architectural sense. That was the blessing for gaps in Earth knowledge. Essence could work as impossibly powerful facets or glue. Mold impossible shapes in minutes. This was Alan¡¯s gift from the Borai. Something he¡¯d cherish forever.


    As Alan watched the warriors settle from outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, he took comfort in seeing relief on some of their faces. Mother Balooma would approve of his use of her gifted realm. He knew it for sure.


    He told the groups to meet at twilight one mile due south, at a tent with a giant golden-coin centered flag atop it. That should give him enough time to make Madam Mar a tower.


    Alan ignored Lucius for the remainder of his rounds, then summoned Ara with his gryphon feather to faster climb to the top of a golden-dirt mountaintop. Mardonnus flew close behind.


    ¡°New realm creations are quick,¡± he shouted to the wind.


    ¡°Not with the Saro etchings I need, grand Merchant.¡± Mar smirked. ¡°But we will make do, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    Once they made it to the top, Alan patted Ara and dismounted to look over a scenic hill showing a great valley with crystal sparkling springs far below. It pained him to think of Hyndole tearing a portal in the sky to corrupt it all.


    But that wouldn¡¯t be today.


    After a deep steeling breath, he turned with determination in his heart. ¡°Come Flint, I think you¡¯ll like this part.¡± He recalled his months of molding when he nearly lost himself. The feeling was tempered with the fear of invasion now. He couldn¡¯t dally or submerge himself into creation. Every action had to have a purpose. And this one was to gain himself a watcher¡ªlike the talking trees in Strangey. He needed an eye into Ojin that could defend from incoming threats. It was essential to building an alliance.


    He reached deep into his powers over the realm, envisioning a tower of great stone¡ªstarting with Sauron¡¯s from one of his favorite movies, then lightening it with random golden bricks. As his hands glowed with variant god-like Saro, a tornado of essence swirled from the ground up, laying bricks over bricks, hardening mist to solid stone.


    ¡°By the stars of Gable, Alan.¡± Flint awed, his gaze rising with the construction.


    ¡°They say if I accepted godhood, I could build a whole city in seconds.¡± Alan kept his eyes shut, visualizing every section of his tower, trying to taper it similar to Mardonus¡¯ in Brack.


    Once the bones were up, Alan waved everyone inside, fixing sconces of miniature Orange Saro and walls as he paced, carving out windows just by thinking it.


    ¡°A fine construction, Alan. May I?¡± Madam Mar started borrowing Saro from inside the tower, creating levitating stones that clashed against one another. Ripping out sections at a time to create open rooms and etched maps. ¡°A Dreamcatcher must dream, my dear.¡±


    And that they did for the better part of the next four hours. Flint used his White to hold structures temporarily in place so Alan could lift the tower¡¯s top half one story up at Mar¡¯s request. She etched strange symbols into each floor, humming as she worked, testing portal windows for potency.


    ¡°Once this is all up and running, we must locate Elkire. If I¡¯m to be the realm¡¯s eye, then they are to be its wings. Come. To the top of the spire.¡±


    Madam Mar led them as if she constructed the tower herself, waving her net in the air, testing Saro auras. ¡°Your powers are teeming, Alan.¡±


    ¡°Yet I wouldn¡¯t survive one blow against Junos¡¯ sword,¡± Alan countered.


    ¡°That theory had not been tested,¡± Mar didn¡¯t sound convinced. ¡°Though I would not test it on a whim, either.¡±


    ¡°Happy you feel that way,¡± Alan chuckled.


    They toiled for another hour, getting the particulars of her high spire in order. Wooden frames were filled with multi-color essences that Mardonnus tried to mold as windows to the outside.


    ¡°Ack. These connectors are all scrambled.¡± Mar scoffed, whipping her sappy cape.


    ¡°Sorry. That might be partially my fault. I haven¡¯t set Ojin gateways yet,¡± Alan said. ¡°Was hoping that would block entire armies from marching right in.¡±


    ¡°Mm. Mm. I see.¡± Mar tapped her chin. ¡°Truth be told, since the war declaration all portals have been acting astray. Give me some time. Perhaps Elkire will be able to hone in on my signal.¡± She took a deep breath and shut her eyes.


    An hour or so later of pacing, static grew louder.


    ¡°Madam!¡ª¡±


    A familiar voice sent Alan¡¯s gaze straight for one of Mar¡¯s windows. The Saro frame was going haywire with variant colors.


    ¡°Hold still.¡± Mardonnus swished her net around, trying to stabilize the window. ¡°Hmm. Skalidins! Stabilize dammit!¡±


    Twenty shades of blue flickered to pink, then green, until finally with a pulse of white, the image phased into view. ¡°Madam! And¡­ by the gods, Alan?¡± Elkire¡¯s face bounced up and down as his gryphon tried to keep him level in the air. ¡°I see you have that pesky Stalker in your midst to. Do you plan to send him flying off a cliff to his black-blooded depths? Is that why you ring us?¡±


    Alan scratched the back of his head. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you Elkire.¡±


    ¡°Likewise, lad. Strange, the landscape of Madam¡¯s tower looks¡­ different?¡±


    ¡°I presume you haven¡¯t had communications with Brack, then,¡± Mardonnus spoke gravely.


    ¡°Afraid not. And worse. The Legion of Fate scouted up to the Crimson of Exou¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hey Alan!¡± Tenger leaned into Elkire¡¯s gryphon¡¯s space, and earned a playful whack from its wing.


    ¡°Hey Tenger.¡± Alan waved, then peeked grumpy Irana on his other side. ¡°Hey Irana.¡±


    ¡°Merchant.¡± She offered a quick nod.


    ¡°Not the time for pleasantries.¡± Elkire straightened unbearably high. ¡°A troop of black-armored elites march through the crimson. We have reason to believe they belong to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sar¡¯fidius,¡± Alan breathed out the words, recalling the frog¡¯s vision of Cerrain¡¯s army.


    ¡°Yes¡­ how did you know? They bear the mark of that nefarious realm¡ªa rotting tree.¡±


    Neesha clapped her hands over her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. ¡°No,¡± she whispered. ¡°Mother. Sister.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know anything for sure yet, Neesha.¡± Alan held up a hand to calm her.


    ¡°Listen to me, Elkire. Make course for the gryphon roost beyond the mountain. An ally will escort you to our location. There, we will catch you up on all that¡¯s transpired. Whatever you do, steer clear of Hightower Brack or any of our people.¡±


    ¡°Our brethren?¡± Elkire¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Our brethren are in danger? Say it isn¡¯t so. Madam, we have a sacred duty.¡±


    Mardonnus slapped the portal. ¡°Dammit, Elkire. No one would ever question your loyalty. I¡¯m afraid the situation calls for nuance, however. Trust your mage seeker now if ever.¡±


    Elkire tightened his lips, staring at the window for a long moment. ¡°Yes, Madam. Of course.¡±


    ¡°Good. How long until you reach the roost?¡±


    ¡°We are about a half day¡¯s out, Ojin time.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Mar shut her eyes, likely calculating the time passage difference. ¡°Stay safe until we meet.¡±


    ¡°Hiya!¡± He zoomed by on his gryphon, and the visual cut out.


    Itsy poked at Madam¡¯s portal, frowning as it rippled.


    ¡°Ack!¡± Mardonnus slapped her finger away and grabbed her wrist, showcasing her own dirty hand to herself. ¡°You¡¯re dirtying the essence. Have you ever heard of a wash?¡±


    Itsy swung out of her grasp. ¡°Says the woman with braids down to her ankles and tree sticks holding her cape.¡±


    ¡°Where did you find this one, Alan?¡± Mar pointed her net up to Itsy¡¯s nose.


    ¡°He negotiated for me.¡± Itsy tilted her head haughtily. ¡°A sly merchant this one is. Balls the size of boulders. And a heart worth an entire realm.¡± She glanced at Alan, then back to Madam Mar. ¡°Listen you lot. I like you. That show you put on to try and win a god over¡­ something I¡¯ve never seen before. But you¡¯d be makin¡¯ a grave mistake hiding here for too long. War is a race. And those armies marching out in Ojin¡­ they¡¯re gettin¡¯ all the cheese.¡±


    ¡°The dirty one is right.¡± Neesha hugged a war stone, drying her tears. ¡°We would¡¯ve come out ahead if Junos accepted our alliance. War Titles for all, probably. But his rejection was Hyndole¡¯s plan all along. Keeping a very powerful adversary at bay.¡± She gazed at Alan with sorrow.


    ¡°It is true, I think.¡± Flint popped snowflakes out of his staff. ¡°Alan, our great Herald and future god of Token, is the key to this all.¡±


    Alan shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m as lost as all of you.¡±


    ¡°You led a small army to safety,¡± Lucius said. ¡°None of the others could¡¯ve accomplished such a feat.¡±


    ¡°And I wouldn¡¯t have been able to do it without any of them,¡± Alan grew angry at the prince chiming in. ¡°We all have a part to play.¡±


    ¡°There will be no parts to play soon, Merchant,¡± Itsy bared her teeth.


    ¡°Now that Junos knows who¡¯s loyal to him, I¡¯ll bet he starts sending out armies as patrols,¡± Alan said. ¡°Soon the Red Pact will claim all the key sections of Ojin. Is that your worry?¡±


    ¡°It is the truth. I¡¯ve heard it with my own ears, ey? Hyndole sold a pretty picture to my brother. Now it¡¯s up to you to sell a prettier one,¡± Itsy said.


    Alan turned away and paced, looking over the scenic cliffs that seemed to stretch endlessly below. He thought of the warriors¡¯ sorrow lodged up in his realm. He could feel the tone of it, like the realm was teasing godhood so he¡¯d accept.


    But he wouldn¡¯t. He can do better as a broker.


    He can.


    Alan turned on them with determination in his eyes. He saw the pawnshop owner¡¯s sorrow in each of their expressions. It won¡¯t end in turmoil again. He reached into his pouch and flipped out Ufanda¡ªwho was all stitched back together and swaying with brighter colors than he remembered. He guessed her appearance changed now that she was in his custody.


    ¡°Madam Mar, Ufanda. You know these warriors better than anyone. Make them feel at home. Flint, keep Lucius in those shackles and watch over Token for me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m coming with you,¡± Neesha protested.


    ¡°No,¡± Alan said. ¡°Stay. I need all the eyes I can on such a large crowd.¡±


    ¡°What will you do, Alan?¡± Flint asked, grasping his staff with both hands in worry.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to get us a fighting chance. We¡¯re sitting ducks without war Titles, right? We can¡¯t contend unless we¡¯re part of the race. Fine.¡± He looked to Itsy. ¡°You said you¡¯d put in a good word to your god. Well, let¡¯s go meet him.¡±

 Chapter 48 - Journey to the Horde

    The night of Alan¡¯s departure, he focused heavily on summoning powerful memories into the five pearls. Junos¡¯ lightning-fanged sword strike, Mujungos¡¯ cloud slam, the list went on. But he had to leave one as a shade conjuring in case he needed to flee from Gosfor¡¯s realm for whatever reason.


    He remained at the foot of Madam Mar¡¯s new tower, sitting on a ledge of his golden-dusted cliff, knowing he had a lot to think about.


    Beating himself over the head for failing to see Junos¡¯ true intent would be wasted energy. He had to learn from his mistake. Gods are unpredictable, narrow, stubborn. Like negotiating with all-powerful infants in some cases. He had to hope they weren¡¯t all the same.


    What did he know about Itsy¡¯s god?


    He was a people-pleaser, apparently. He knew plenty of those types in his old life. Usually they¡¯d do anything for someone new because they were seeking approval, and would sometimes cast aside the long relationships and take them for granted. In this case, that might mean his own realm goes to the wayside for a chance at Jaeger¡¯s promise. Well, Alan¡¯s promise just had to be better, that¡¯s all.


    He tossed a rock down the cliff, amazed at how worldly physics just spawned into existence as the universe declares, making its own rules as it goes. Mother Balooma was a Deenom worthy of defending a sacred realm, and Alan in turn was chosen by her to receive it.


    Responsibility. Debt. Future. It all weighed heavy with over seven hundred warriors under his proverbial roof. But he was here for it.


    Maybe when Mom¡¯s time came, she would find her way to Alan, and he¡¯d have a nice cottage ready to house her. And Trish? She would see how far he¡¯d come.


    Green Saro coated his arm at the thought, mixed with tiny slivers of Black.


    Doubt, still? He clenched his fist. Why? Because I failed?


    More Black overwhelmed the Green.


    ¡°I¡¯m a powerful Merchant,¡± he said aloud to himself, forcing some blessed Yellow affirmations into the mix. ¡°The good of the universe will guide me, and we will overpower the Red Pact.¡±


    He took stock of his weapons and got to his feet. Seeing Neesha cry at the thought of her mother and sister marching for Sar¡¯fidius drained him. He couldn¡¯t let her down. He couldn¡¯t let any of his refugees down.


    Checking to make sure his coin pouch was secure, he turned for the tower, where Itsy waited with her arms folded and a long piece of grass hanging from her mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m excited to see what you come up with next, Merchant.¡± She pulled out the grass, doused it with Gray Saro, and turned it into a green-tipped fencer¡¯s sword.


    Neesha came rushing out of Mar¡¯s tower to meet them. ¡°Are you going to talk to them?¡±


    ¡°I have to. I can¡¯t just leave without laying out a plan,¡± Alan said.


    Flint soared overhead on an ice sled of his own making¡ªslipstreams brightening for a fraction of a section like he was riding on a track. ¡°Aha! Woohoo! They are gathered, good Alan.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Flint!¡± Alan called to the sky, then turned to Neesha. ¡°Something I¡¯ve been thinking. We rescued a small army from Brack. Shouldn¡¯t that have awarded us some kind of War Title?¡±


    Neesha squeezed her eyes shut. ¡°You¡­ fled, essentially. No prompts or agreements. The war stones all say the same thing. What you did, though noble, was not something worthy of war. Remember, the universe is pushing for swift resolution so things can go back the way they were. Rewards will follow in kind.¡±


    ¡°So the universe favors the likely victor,¡± Alan said. ¡°Until I pose a credible threat as real opposition, I won¡¯t even be recognized as in the fight.¡±


    ¡°Unlikely Guds needs traction, Alan.¡± Neesha nodded. ¡°I need traction. To save my mom and sister.¡±


    Alan understood wholeheartedly.


    ¡°Hah.¡± Itsy interrupted. ¡°You all walk like you¡¯ve seen the gates of hell.¡±


    Alan and Neesha were taken aback.


    ¡°Life¡¯s just beginning in these stupid lands. Remember we all died once.¡± She shrugged. ¡°Nothing to be afraid of now. That¡¯s how I see it, anyway. Don¡¯t take second life so seriously, or did you not learn anything from the first?¡± She whacked Alan on the back, which for some reason, made him sigh with relief.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right.¡± Alan glanced over the other side of the cliff, willing slipstreams into existence. ¡°To the cove.¡±


    He leapt for one, grabbing onto the iciest zipline he¡¯d ever encountered. Wind blew his hair back as he spun and gyrated his body like a worm to kick toward the next slipstream. The vibe of the realm will bend to the mood of its people, and its owner. If nothing else was clear on his universal travels, that was.


    His stomach rushed into his chest as the hill blurred beneath him. Itsy and Neesha cheered closely behind as he dipped so deeply his feet nearly skimmed the rocks before he was launched again.


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, Alan. Waha!¡± Flint went spinning past him, holding onto his sled and hat simultaneously, reminding Alan of a crazed snowboarder who got too much air in a halfpipe.


    Once he grabbed the last stream that leveled him off with the incoming ground, he kicked off of it and landed heroically, cloak flapping in all directions, pearls orbiting him.


    In the near distance, the cove was alive with firelight, and endless warriors sat camped out within it¡­ all waiting for Alan. A realm prompt kept fading in and out of his vision, one that he couldn¡¯t ignore.


    War Protocol


    Realm Reverence must be established.


    Choose how your guests and inhabitants may gain reverence in Token. Principles should be decided first, followed by specific commands to be layered on.


    Note: Alan Right, as owner, may manually override someone¡¯s reverence as seen fit.


    Alan acknowledged the prompt. ¡°Alright. This is a merchant¡¯s realm, so overall I would prefer that fair trades are carried out for the mutual benefit of willing parties. No exploitation for the sole purpose of gaining reverence. Um. Be kind and helpful to one another, since I imagine newcomers will be coming from all different realms. Yeah¡­ essentially don¡¯t be a dick, and conduct commerce.¡±


    Gears fastening clicked in Alan¡¯s head, which he guessed was the universe¡¯s acknowledgement of Alan¡¯s wishes.


    ¡°There, that should give them something to start with.¡± Alan dismissed the follow-up prompts, knowing that if he just sat there all night to keep his realm rules building, he¡¯d never gain traction with Unlikely Guds.


    Itsy slowed up by Alan¡¯s side, still holding her grass-made fencer sword over her shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s a sight, ain¡¯t it? For one thing, they look more hopeful than they did in that Brack shit house.¡±


    ¡°I guess they do, don¡¯t they?¡±


    Flint crashed down in front of them, his exploding ice sled sending him rolling over the grass. The whiskers of his beard lifted him upright as he dusted himself free of dirt. ¡°Too much fun. That¡¯s my curse.¡± He laughed nervously.


    ¡°Lucius¡¯ prison in order?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°It would take the universe itself to break him out.¡± Flint winked. ¡°We¡¯ll keep ¡®em there until you return and the Fate Chasers are safely in Token.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, friend.¡± Alan straightened as best he could while approaching his army.


    Some stood from their seats upon his entrance.


    ¡°Alan, is there news from Brack?¡± One hopeful Knight held his helm tightly in hand.


    ¡°My group never made it to the portal,¡± Another said.


    ¡°Friends.¡± Alan raised his arms. ¡°We are all at a grave disadvantage by opposing Jaeger. He has begun war protocols the instant he declared it. I stand before you willing to give my life to even the odds. The Legion of Fate is on its way back with news from around Ojin. I will head to the Royal Horde realm in hopes to win over their god, Gosfor, and gain us War Title¡¯s worthy of the universe¡¯s recognition. Only then can we begin stealth operations back to Brack.¡±


    Alan noticed some nods in the cave. Some chatter broke out too.


    ¡°I¡¯m told that a War Title is worth one hundred warriors. We would stand no chance traversing Ojin without them. And now that Junos is both entertained and furious, you best bet he¡¯s sending his loyal followers to earn their own right now,¡± Alan went on. ¡°I¡¯m asking you to trust me, as I trust this Knight right next to me.¡± Alan motioned to Itsy, who saluted with the sword. ¡°I have a war prompt. If I can win over this god, we will have a chance at rescuing your brothers and sisters at Brack.¡±


    ¡°And if you fail, good sir?¡± A burly warrior with a flask licked his lips.


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± his voice deepened. ¡°Too much at stake.¡±


    Fists went up, and Alan was taken aback. ¡°To Alan!¡±


    ¡°To Alan!¡± the cheer echoed to the back, sending adrenaline coursing through him. It was as if the stars in his realm brightened at the proclamation.


    ¡°Think up your strategies, honorable warriors of Hightower. Protect your mage seeker working to watch over you in this troubled time, and await our scouts from Ojin. I will return. We will save your people.¡±


    The crowd was mixed, but most cheered. It reminded him of the warriors of Strangey Town revering him, respecting him, honoring him.


    I have to do this.


    He turned to Itsy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry little Merchant. I¡¯ll protect you.¡± She slapped his back. ¡°Remember.¡± She pointed up, making her ¡°Scrappy Knight of the Royal Horde¡± War Title visible. ¡°I¡¯m the only one who can defend y¡¯all.¡±


    Alan smirked at her, then beckoned Flint to open the dangerous portal to Ojin. He hugged him and Neesha goodbye, and held up his hand to the warriors of Brack, closing it into a fist to keep them hopeful.


    ¡°Take me with you,¡± Neesha begged.


    ¡°I need you here.¡± Their eyes locked for a moment. Those soft, blue eyes still made his knees weak. ¡°I will return.¡±


    She cupped his face. ¡°You better.¡±


    The portal was windy and full of unstable gyrations, forcing Flint to look away as he held his staff arm straight to keep it open. ¡°Quickly Alan.¡±


    ¡°Hold onto your knickers.¡± Itsy flung the fencer¡¯s sword back into the grass. ¡°Unlikely Guds needs its first win.¡± She winked at Flint, and hopped in.


    ¡°Goll-y. That woman is breathtaking.¡± Flint¡¯s eyes became glassy as he stared into the turbulent portal.


    ¡°Keep them sane, Flint,¡± Alan said, then hopped right behind her.


    xxx


    ¡°That Wizard is a wonder.¡± Itsy licked her fingers. ¡°Even with all that static, he managed to get us right back to where Bubbin found you, or rather, where I did. C¡¯mon this way.¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Their current section of the blue fog was still draped over Alan¡¯s eyes, but Itsy was patient, dashing to one rock and waiting for Alan to blindly catch up. The rolling sphere of clear air showed endless mushrooms and rushing rivers beneath translucent dirt. Alan didn¡¯t like it. At any moment he worried his foot would be dragged under, and he¡¯d have to encase himself in White Saro until he emerged again.


    ¡°Been wandering the under-river before you were reborn, Merchant. Have some faith, ey?¡±


    The hour of travel included two instances of that same rumbling terror he experienced before¡ªrealm armies marching their patrolled path. But so far, they hadn¡¯t been caught.


    ¡°Times like these, it¡¯ll be difficult to call Gosfor without a Wizard or strong caster type.¡± Itsy plucked a mushroom and ballooned it into a giant shield. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing my brother would never turn away his blood, even if he does despise me.¡± She offered a wide-toothed smile.


    ¡°The question is, why does he despise you?¡± Alan asked, hopping from rock to rock to avoid a sunken patch of dirt.


    ¡°Something about speaking too plainly in front of sensitive types.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t say.¡±


    ¡°Bitches, if you ask me. The lot of ¡®em. Can¡¯t handle a little razzle dazzle? Get out of my kitchen. That¡¯s what I always say.¡± With a deep breath, her attention fled to prompts. ¡°Ah. Got the idiot.¡± She motioned with her fingers. ¡°Map. Gimme the map, quick, stupid.¡±


    Alan did as he was told, flattening it in her hand.


    ¡°Here we are. Yes. Get ready, Merchant. It¡¯s going to be busy in there. Hah.¡± Itsy winked as a serene Green and Blue portal blossomed at her back. Alan instantly recognized the native Green life Saro, which meant Itsy¡¯s brother was a Healer¡­ of sorts. Perhaps even a clairvoyant like Afarus.


    ¡°Listen here. You¡¯re better than that shithead gargoyle, Alan. Make sure you show it to them.¡± She winked again and fell backward into the portal.


    Alan dove without a second thought. When his senses churned from nothingness to form once again, he had to shield his eyes until they adjusted. A town with square Asian-style houses surrounded him on every corner. He was in the middle of a yellow-dirt pathway that led to double-doors the size of a mountain.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, this way.¡± Itsy grabbed onto his arm. She yanked him out of the street and onto a side-walk with low-hanging wooden etchings delineating the types of shops. Sword and shield meant weapons. Glass vials symbolized essence. A traditional medieval house must¡¯ve been an inn.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Alan¡¯s vision was suddenly obstructed when Itsy draped the mushroom shield over their heads, loosening the structure into a sort of umbrella.


    Alan wasn¡¯t sure what she was hiding, since everyone else around them had shoes on. Everyone but her.


    ¡°They¡¯ll recognize you in a second.¡± Alan pointed to her dirtied bare feet. ¡°Plus, you¡¯re literally leaving a trail.¡±


    ¡°Guess I could use a wash, eh?¡± She inspected them for a moment, leaning her weight on Alan. ¡°But it¡¯s not me I¡¯m hiding.¡± She raised her eyebrows. ¡°You prance around with the hand of a god, save a realm from despair. You move with the five pearls circling you. Bubbin may have been too dumb to notice, but Hyndole mentioned a Merchant of your caliber with a bounty worth a seat at his high council post-war.¡±


    She raised the umbrella for a moment, looking both ways.


    Bladesmen and women. Archers. The city was full of them. Oddly he didn¡¯t pin many Knights around. Or maybe the Knights here didn¡¯t wear the traditional armor, and were more like¡­ Itsy.


    Nah. So far no one is as weird as her except maybe Flint. The Asian theme made Alan think Gosfor might originally be from Earth. Or at least, he was trying to please someone from Earth when constructing this city.


    ¡°Is the whole realm structured like this?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Heavens no. There¡¯s the palace lands¡ªall precious metals and gaudy structures. Green lands, where great fruits are plucked and bunk bed camps lay for the outdoors people¡­ like me. The list goes on. And this is Strive Town, where all of Gosfor¡¯s pledged treasures are up for grabs. Maybe I can give you a tour if things go our way.¡±


    ¡°Remember, we have an army waiting back home,¡± Alan politely declined.


    Itsy scoffed. ¡°And here I thought the great God Merchant would want to know the lands of his allies. Stupid me.¡± She knocked on her own head.


    ¡°You¡¯re a little late to the party, Itsy. Guilt doesn¡¯t work on me anymore.¡± He smirked.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll have to make up some damn good reasons to drag you there then. Won¡¯t rely on guilt. Just some harmless deception.¡± Itsy nodded to herself.


    Alan huffed.


    Itsy whipped the umbrella back for a moment. ¡°Let me run in and have a wash. C¡¯mon.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t your brother waiting?¡± Alan said.


    ¡°You want a god seeing me dragging Ojin gunk all over his tower?¡±


    ¡°Tower? Is that where we¡¯re headed beyond those massive doors?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Aye of course. Ain¡¯t going to be easy getting up it either, but between the two of us, I have faith.¡± Itsy gave him a determined slap, then stepped behind him and pushed him by the shoulders. ¡°Up you go. Up. Up. Quick, put those pearls away.¡±


    They climbed the stairs as Alan did what he was told.


    ¡°Is it safe to?¡± Alan looked over his shoulder.


    ¡°You¡¯ll know when things get ugly, I think.¡± Itsy hopped in front of Alan and greeted the disturbed innkeeper with a wide smile.


    ¡°Itsy Boyar. What in the hells! Shouldn¡¯t you be patrolling with Bubbin?¡± A man with a pudgy belly and a black silk sash put his fists on his hips. ¡°Ah! You¡¯re dirtying the wood floors. Just had them cleaned! Beni! Mant!¡± he shouted behind him and snapped.


    Two servants with broom and mop came rushing over to wash and dry Itsy¡¯s prints.


    ¡°Yeah, about that, I need a wash,¡± she said. ¡°Want to carry me up the stairs, Nabo? It¡¯ll be romantic.¡±


    The innkeeper scoffed. ¡°Not if your brother held a Green dagger to my throat. Hurry up, you mangy thing. Ah! Why do you have to run in zig zags like that!¡±


    Alan was left dumbfounded with the umbrella mushroom in his hands, until a pleasant-looking woman with a triple-bun hairdo bowed in front of him.


    ¡°It is thirty-eight years¡¯ bad luck to hold an umbrella under a roof.¡± She politely took the mushroom and unsummoned it with a flash of Gray. ¡°You are with Itsy? Please, come to the waiting area. Right this way.¡±


    Alan was guided past the front desk, to a room of many sliding doors, one of which the nice woman pushed open and presented a bench for Alan to sit.


    ¡°We will come gather you once Ms. Boyar is done bathing.¡± She bowed again.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Alan bowed back and took his seat.


    With a lingering eye, she slid the white-paneled door closed.


    He slowly unsheathed his Soul Collector so not to disturb any others who might be in the vicinity. With a touch of Black, he summoned Durger, who towered over the door.


    Alan¡¯s eyes widened as he motioned for the big Forger to hunch over.


    ¡°Sir Alan.¡±


    ¡°Shh. Trying to keep a low profile here,¡± Alan whispered.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Durger lowered his voice.


    ¡°How are you holding up? Sorry about your home realm. I did my best¡ª¡±


    ¡°You are a wonder among both mortals and gods, sir Alan. My sorrow is for the people who lost their way, not for those you managed to save.¡± Durger sat on the floor.


    ¡°Junos was an absolute nightmare to deal with.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. Back in the last war, me and my group were mostly on reconnaissance. Though we had reports of Junos¡¯ odd behavior, he was never said to be this treacherous. Corruption is the fruit of greed.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± Alan rested his arms over his knees.


    ¡°On the bright side, your realm looks good filled. Our visitors find hope in your atmospheric radiance. Afarus tells us that the realms¡¯ owner is what determines a realm¡¯s mood.¡±


    ¡°So I gathered,¡± Alan said. ¡°I¡¯m doing my best, but I fear if I don¡¯t find a way to broker Gosfor with Mujungo, my hope may deplete.¡±


    ¡°There is always goodness in the universe, Alan, no matter how glum things look. Take me, for example. I heard Sir Ooman¡¯s little bark somewhere in the fog last week. After all this time, I will be reunited with my little puppy soon. And like you, I won¡¯t give up until I get there.¡±


    A pulse of determination perked Alan up. ¡°Thanks Durger.¡±


    ¡°For what? It is I who should thank you,¡± Durger said humbly, touching hand to chest. ¡°And rest assured, the people of Brack are grateful. They are the beginning of Unlikely Guds. I¡¯m sure of it.¡±


    Alan raised his gaze to meet Durger¡¯s.


    ¡°Ah! Stop it.¡± Durger smacked his own arm. ¡°Afarus won¡¯t quit poking me with those vile swords. He begs to be let out.¡±


    Alan sighed. ¡°We will catch up later, then.¡±


    ¡°Farewell, noble Alan.¡±


    With a wave of his hand, Alan shifted souls.


    Arm wraps coiled on the floor like white snakes. Golden eyes were shrouded by Black Saro mist that took form as the lanky Bladesman.


    ¡°Are you done stroking your own ego, Alan?¡± Afarus arced an eyebrow. ¡°You have done much and more than most of the living, but that is not cause to bathe in it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware, teacher.¡± Alan arced an eyebrow.


    ¡°You fail to practice your Saro arts in the nights,¡± Afarus scolded.


    ¡°Been kind of busy.¡±


    ¡°There is no excuse, lest your Origin connections wane. Something you may need now more than ever, I think.¡±


    Alan¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    Afarus syphoned Saro out of Alan to form himself fully into a living breathing being. Black circles under his eyes, brittle bones, hairy arms and all. ¡°There is a pulsating force in your Saro connections, Alan.¡± He rose to full height, looking down on him. ¡°It is bright and dark all at once, and it shrouds my ability to see.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re not the grand master clairvoyant you thought yourself to be. Maybe best to step in line with the frogs, then.¡± Alan chuckled, and Afarus smirked.


    ¡°Perhaps I will.¡± He dropped a heavy hand on Alan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Be careful, my friend. Something in this realm splits your clairvoyant path. It riles me so.¡± The light in his eyes turned grave, dropping Alan¡¯s mood into concern.


    ¡°I hear you.¡± Alan nodded curtly.


    ¡°Guard up.¡± Afarus dissipated just as the white door slid open.


    Itsy stood in the doorway cleaning water out of her ear, alongside the pleasant woman who directed him to the waiting area.


    ¡°All done.¡±


    She dripped water everywhere, the slob that she is, making the two servants continue following her even after her bath.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you dry off first and put some shoes on so you don¡¯t get dirty again?¡± Alan suggested.


    ¡°You know nothing, ey? Everything around me is a potential weapon. If I can¡¯t feel it, I can¡¯t mold it. That¡¯s the power of the Gray. So while you hide your orbs in that pouch, I¡¯ll be on high alert, kay stupid?¡± She winked at him. ¡°Now let¡¯s get a move on.¡±


    They approached the inn exit. ¡°Thanks Nabo!¡± she called, taking a bamboo stick out of the wall while staring down the pleasant woman. ¡°Need a new umbrella since you took mine. Sun gets hot out here, don¡¯t it?¡±


    Alan waved in apology on their way out. He grew distant as they walked down the city yellow-dirt path. What did Afarus mean by his warning? He seemed shaken. Are we being followed?


    Itsy yapped about her old quarters when she first got to the Horde, pointing above a dress shop. ¡°Me and my brother made our way as Healer and Knight when we burned out of our Origins.¡±


    ¡°That must¡¯ve been a terrible way to go,¡± Alan tuned back in.


    ¡°Aye. The whole village got it. Couple of them ended up in the Horde. Saw a few scattered time and again. It¡¯s weird how time passes though. On the one hand, it¡¯s easy to forget some of my old neighbors. On the other, tears come rushing into my eyes when I see someone I miss. These damn realms have a way about ¡®em.¡±


    ¡°They do, don¡¯t they?¡± Alan pursed his lips. He hadn¡¯t met a single soul that he recalled from Earth. Then again, he hadn¡¯t been here too long. What if a year here was only a day there? Then maybe no one he knew passed yet. Or maybe it¡¯s the opposite, and everyone is here. The possibilities are endless and not worth exploring, especially when he resigned himself to stay.


    The high sculpted doors loomed, and they did not belong. Blotting out the eastern sun set an ominous tone for whatever was to happen next. The ground at their feet rumbled.


    ¡°Here, hold this.¡± She pressed the giant bamboo umbrella into Alan¡¯s grasp and pushed him aside.


    ¡°Who approaches the Tower of Quest?¡±


    ¡°Get outta¡¯ here, Dolfa. Open up. You know it¡¯s me Itsy.¡± She grabbed a handful of dirt from the floor and fastened it into a glass club. ¡°Unless you want me to act a hooligan and start making a mess, ya dummy!¡±


    ¡°Ah, your highness. I didn¡¯t recognize you. Your Saro is overshadowed by your guest,¡± Dolfa said, making Itsy pout.


    She looked over at Alan. ¡°Guess I should¡¯ve known. Colorless prick.¡±


    Alan threw her signature wink right back at her, twirling the origami-looking umbrella in his grasp.


    ¡°Formalities, Madam Itsy. Are you prepared to climb, or do you seek entrance as a spectator?¡± Dolfa asked.


    ¡°Depends if Roland or Gosfor will make time to see me without having to bash my way to the top,¡± Itsy shouted at the doors, calling the attention of the shop owners trying to refill their fruit stands.


    Alan couldn¡¯t quite place the voice of the talking door, or whatever stood behind it, but the inflection sounded familiar. What¡¯s more, his coin pouch shook on its own accord, as if one of his minions was bursting to get out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have such information, Highness.¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ll just have to mark us as spectators then. If I¡¯m stopped, I¡¯ll come back out and ask for a quest prompt. Open up, Borai!¡±


    That¡¯s it! Alan realized. Dolfa sounded exactly like mother Balooma, and something similar to Yogi. A female Borai.


    The doors bellowed open on command, causing the shop owners to huddle around their stands as the ground rumbled. Alan lifted his umbrella slightly to see the sun peeking through the crack, and beyond stood a fifty-story tower of that same Asian-type stack the rest of the city was made of. Different colored lanterns hung at every level, and inside, fighters¡¯ shadows peeked through the semi-transparent paper walls.


    ¡°Is Gosfor from Earth?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I believe he is. But he came over long ago, Alan. Welp, c¡¯mon then.¡± She crashed her glass club over the floor and strutted in, leaving Alan to flash a batch of Beige Saro to transform the glass to sand.


    Two huge Borai stepped out from behind the doors, awaiting us to cross the threshold. Alan couldn¡¯t help but gape at their ghostly form and branchy pauldrons. They were more decorated than Yogi. Perhaps his elders?


    Alan followed Itsy into the tower area, and when the doors bellowed shut, Alan had to greet the Borai.


    Itsy yanked his arm. ¡°Do not, Alan.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to trust me on this one.¡± Alan shoved the umbrella into her hand. ¡°The Borai and I have a sacred bond.¡±


    ¡°I follow a dumbass.¡± Itsy tried to shield Alan from the tower¡¯s view. ¡°Suppose Gosfor is watching us from level fifty as we speak. Ugh!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll only be a minute.¡± Alan faced the bears, who stood guard watching outward through magical peepholes. ¡°Excuse me, honored Borai of the Royal Horde.¡±


    One of them tilted their head¡ªAlan could tell by the lankier build that she was female. ¡°Yes, Merchant?¡±


    ¡°Mother Balooma granted me her Ultimus Title, and I journey with a dear friend who is eager to reunite with you, I think.¡± He flipped out his coin, summoning Yogi with a flash of white lightning.


    Yogi came out running and hugged the female. ¡°Dolfi-Baxvier. It has been too long.¡±


    Both Borai¡¯s eyes widened, then immediately abandoned their posts to hug Yogi back.


    ¡°Honored brother! We hoped to be reunited again upon Hozzod¡¯s alliance.¡± Dolfi broke the embrace. ¡°But judging by your unburdened fur, it seems you are no longer attached to his realm.¡±


    ¡°Sister, brother.¡± Yogi addressed them both. ¡°Our world will grow dark if the realms ally with Hozzod. We have seen it so. There is another way.¡± He presented Alan below. ¡°Noble Alan has the blessing of mother, and will fulfill his oaths to keep Ojin free.¡±


    Alan thought ¡°free¡± was a stretch, considering it¡¯s the realm of war and abides by the rules of the universe, but he let it slide, considering anything is better than enslavement by Jaeger and the Red Pact.


    The Borai bowed to Alan and Itsy¡¯s level, both on one knee.


    They sniffed Alan, to which he opened his arms for them to have at it.


    ¡°Mother¡¯s scent is indeed on him. Praise her, dun dun dun.¡±


    ¡°Dun, dun dun.¡± The two others chanted.


    ¡°We are the sacred twins of the White valleys, Alan. Defeated by champions of the Horde and summoned as the tower¡¯s keepers. We are bound here, but we recognize you as a friend.¡±


    ¡°Likewise, Dolfi.¡± Alan pet her snout. ¡°Yogi is a dear friend, and I hope to shape the universe in an image suitable for noble souls like his.¡±


    ¡°Honorable,¡± Dolfi said.


    ¡°Courageous,¡± The other agreed.


    ¡°Noble.¡± Yogi bowed.


    ¡°Yes, and a dumbass!¡± Itsy shouted. ¡°Now can we please get going, or he ain¡¯t going to be able to save shit if Gosfor sides with the gargoyle, hm?¡±


    ¡°We will chant for your success. Do not let Ojin fall for the wicked, honorable Alan.¡± Dolfi rose in a show of strength, flexing out her armored chest and beating it once.


    Alan instantly felt less alone in a foreign realm. Friendship is contagious. He¡¯ll wear that armor on the way into whatever awaits in the tower.

 Chapter 49 - Tower Duels

    A stacked tower of hanging lanterns and combating warriors stretched high over Alan and Itsy¡¯s heads. As they approached the swirling dragon double-doors, a prompt overwhelmed Alan¡¯s vision.


    Tower of Quest


    Welcome, warrior. Gosfor of the Royal Horde graciously offers a pristine treasure on this faithful day under the wayward sun.


    Serpent String Dagger


    Original Saro¡ªGreen


    Bonus Saro¡ªRed


    Ability: Serpent¡¯s Path¡ªStrikes using this weapon leave a lingering Saro trail in the air, that when detached, will mimic the serpent spirit trapped in the dagger to momentarily attack your foe.


    Upon reaching the fiftieth floor and completing the final challenge, the duelist will acquire the day¡¯s treasure and be greeted by Gosfor himself.


    Prior to entrance, choose your role:


    Duelist


    Spectator


    Alan side-eyed Itsy, who hummed to herself.


    ¡°Pick spectator and choose your style,¡± she said while tapping around her prompt. A lion¡¯s mask that looked utterly ridiculous materialized over her face.


    Alan couldn¡¯t help but smirk. After choosing the spectator option, a row of masks became visible that he quickly scrolled through. One of them in particular reminded him of a masquerade party he attended once with Trish. It was one of her friend¡¯s ideas to throw the party in the first place. At the time, he couldn¡¯t wait to leave. All of the socializing and pretending like they didn¡¯t know who was hiding behind the other masks¡ªas if their voices didn¡¯t give them away¡ªmade him cringe into himself. But now? He kind of missed it. Giggling and lightheartedness seemed like a lifetime away.


    With a flash of warmth cradling his belly, he chose the frowning masquerade mask he once wore, albeit with less universe-print stars all over it.


    ¡°Ooh, flashy boy, aren¡¯t ya? I knew there was something naughty hiding in there.¡± Itsy pretended to roar, which made Alan sigh.


    ¡°What the hell is this, anyway?¡± He shrugged.


    ¡°Your chance to gain a realm as your ally, stupid.¡± She tugged on the double-doors.


    As soon as they entered, Saro fireworks burst and floated in the air like falling colorful leaves before puffing into dust.


    A stout chubby man with a horned mask jumped from the side of the door, scaring Alan back.


    ¡°Gracious spectators, welcome. Welcome. Do remember to rate the matches you watch and provide feedback before ascending to the next level. If you are to leave a match early, do give the level sensei a reason why. Each does their best to keep audience.¡±


    ¡°Course we will, Stevey.¡± Itsy patted his shoulder.


    As soon as she spoke he looked down to her bare legs, and then up again.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you.¡± Stevey¡¯s frown was evident despite his mask. ¡°Guess I should alert the level sensei that the sister has arrived. Booo!¡± He put a thumbs down right in her face.


    ¡°Jeez. You¡¯d think I¡¯d get a warm welcome for my hard time in Ojin.¡±


    ¡°Bah! You? The one who ruins efforts of our great sensei? When you leave early on every turn, you make others in the audience question why. Ugh, you¡¯d never understand. You¡¯ve never run an establishment. You just like to light matches and watch things burn.¡± He threw his hands theatrically in the air.


    Alan cleared his throat. ¡°Hello sir. From what I can tell, this seems like a fine establishment. We¡¯ll do our best to be discrete if we must depart early. I¡¯ve helped run a shop before, and can empathize with the amount of work it takes to keep it going.¡±


    Stevey tilted his head, daring to perk up a little. ¡°A¡­ chauffer? Did someone finally have the brilliant idea of keeping you in check, sister of Roland?¡±


    Alan nudged her to play along.


    ¡°It was the only way they¡¯d let me in, gosh damn imbeciles.¡± She shrugged.


    ¡°Brilliant. Brilliant! The day is saved. Hurrah.¡± Stevey set off another round of fireworks.


    Itsy leaned over to Alan. ¡°You¡¯re the one who was short on time, remember? My way was the fast way,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°My way is the gain allies way,¡± Alan countered. ¡°The man obviously takes pride in the tower. Show a little respect.¡±


    She pulled at her faux lion¡¯s mane in mock anger.


    ¡°Well, best to get started. We have new contenders beginning any moment.¡± Stevey led them to a colorful bridge with a manmade lake full of koi fish. The closer they got to the gold-plated staircase, the more noise filtered to Alan¡¯s ears from the floor above.


    ¡°I beg you enjoy the Tower of Quest, for all of its valor and spoils. Please read your instructional prompts prior to the first match. That goes double for you, chauffer. We don¡¯t need you following the lead of a certain highness.¡± He thumbed toward Itsy.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    ¡°Thank you for your hospitality, Stevey. Your excitement transferred unto us, didn¡¯t it Itsy?¡± Alan nudged her again.


    ¡°Oh goodness yes.¡± She jumped like a giddy schoolgirl in the most sarcastic way possible.


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡± Stevey pushed us on as the next group of spectators came through the double-doors.


    ¡°Welcome! Welcome!¡± Stevey cartwheeled his chubby self right up to them, blowing more Saro fireworks over the bridge.


    ¡°I¡¯m fearful Gosfor and Junos are similar,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Hah! You couldn¡¯t be more wrong. This is my brother¡¯s scheme. Gosfor just likes to converse with elites, so Roland concocted a way to create elites. Multiple ways, actually,¡± she sighed. ¡°But all that crap bores me to death. You can talk to him about it if you really please.¡±


    Alan held the bannister on his way up, noting the Yellow Saro slivers glow to life as he touched it. ¡°Your brother sounds strategic.¡±


    ¡°Big time. Was a right hand advisor to the village chief in our Origin World. Kept the village fed and training, and built up security. That¡¯s what he¡¯s doing here. Has a vision about keeping warriors in the realm, rather than constantly venturing off to Ojin. He wants to build a universe inside a universe, crazy bastard.¡±


    Alan furrowed his brow. Roland sounded ambitious, which worried him slightly. Negotiating with someone like that might wind up having Alan offering more than he¡¯s worth.


    ¡°Where do you fit into all that, back in your Origin?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Little ¡®ol me? Oh, when the village chief ordered Roland¡¯s execution, I killed the chief instead. A knife right through his belly. Duh.¡±


    ¡°Explains the loyalty.¡± Alan grimaced.


    ¡°He ain¡¯t what you think, Alan.¡± She arced an eyebrow. ¡°He¡¯s got a good heart¡­ somewhere.¡±


    They emerged on the second floor where bongo drums thrummed throughout the space, played in unison by long-cloaked masked musicians, reaching a crescendo right as Alan arrived. Itsy directed Alan to two open seats on the edge furthest from them.


    ¡°Hurry,¡± she whispered. ¡°It¡¯s about to start.¡±


    Prompts overwhelmed Alan¡¯s vision. Something about being quiet during crucial parts of the match. Cheering is allowed once the commentator declares a point. Only one Saro type is allowed per duelist, per match¡­ the list went on.


    ¡°Sevene chooses hook blade and Red Saro. Greniard chooses long-staff and Blue Saro. No essence usage. Healers on standby. First to three points advances to the third floor, where the victor shall fight the victor of the second floor.¡± A man with a wide-brimmed hat spoke loudly to the floor, making no eye contact while all the spectators in ridiculous masks scrutinized the two fighters.


    Alan guessed the uniforms were provided, because one was shogun style with wide billowing pants and the other was in tight ninja wraps. He wondered if Gosfor was either from a feudal era on Earth or loved kung fu movies like he did.


    ¡°Begin!¡±


    The fight was interesting. Very formal and swift in movements. Pretty much the opposite of a battle in Ojin, where everything is about survival. Sunlight brightened the far side paper-style wall, casting light over the two clashing staff versus sword. He looked out for new techniques that perhaps he could learn or build into his pearls, and dove into momentary trances to find out the fighter¡¯s origins.


    When he returned, he realized Greniard outmatched Sevene by a long mile. His staff was whittled by a tribe of void hunters¡ªminions who were once warriors, apparently¡ªin Karnuk of the purple fog. He was so skilled he didn¡¯t even have to activate his Saro to best his opponent.


    ¡°Esha!¡± Itsy whispered while slapping Alan on the arm, causing a scowl from a spectator in front of them.


    ¡°The hell was that for?¡± he whispered back.


    ¡°You¡¯re glowing like a pixie, idiot. Look.¡± She pointed to the sensei in the corner blocking the stairs, who¡¯s eyes were wide with fury. ¡°Didn¡¯t you read your prompts? No abilities as spectators. You watch, and cheer, and don¡¯t be an idiot.¡±


    Alan put up his hands defensively and sat back in his seat.


    They can tell when I¡¯m in a trance? What the hell kind of detection Saro is that?


    Tension built as Sevene struggled to keep step with Greniard. The bongo drums were tapped lowly as the point appeared eminent. Spectators nearly edged off their seats when with a kick, Greniard launched Sevene to the edge of the white-sand arena.


    ¡°Point!¡± The commentator held up a black flag, and the spectators cheered. Apparently the masks had voice-changing Gray Saro built inside, which made all sorts of beast noises.


    ¡°Oh but that¡¯s okay?¡± Alan gestured among the noise.


    ¡°Tower sanctioned, of course it¡¯s okay, stupid.¡± Itsy cheered.


    When the duel inevitably ended, spectators were ushered up to the third floor. All but Alan, who was pulled aside by the level sensei. He didn¡¯t say anything, but his eyes and accusatory finger spoke volumes.


    ¡°Apologies, sensei.¡± Alan bowed. ¡°You have set up a great duel and managed it superbly. I meant no disrespect and it will not happen again.¡±


    ¡°mmph.¡± Sensei grunted, which Alan understood as acceptance.


    A prompt asked Alan how the first match went in survey fashion, from d¨¦cor to neutrality of the commentator. Does the Royal Horde overuse prompts? Yes. But it did seem to keep the whole Tower of Quest thing in order. Still, Alan didn¡¯t like it, and planned never to implement something so overbearing.


    The next few floors included riveting Saro displays and great fighting techniques. From barbaric Knight to Zen Bladeswoman, the clashes were legendary and never failed to keep Alan¡¯s attention. But when he noticed Itsy¡¯s leg endlessly twitching, he realized perhaps he should be sharing her angst. He needed to get to the fiftieth floor, and fast. His people were waiting.


    The warriors of Hightower Brack, Flint¡­ Neesha. He couldn¡¯t leave them hanging, and had to return with something to show.


    He tapped Itsy¡¯s leg in a stint of anxiety. ¡°Should we?¡± He motioned to the staircase.


    Itsy¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Serious?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m asking you. How badly will we piss off the establishment if we do?¡±


    ¡°Probably about as much as you disrupting the battle right now.¡±


    ¡°Point.¡± The commentator held up a white flag.


    The cheers overshadowed the disrespect.


    ¡°Okay. We¡¯ll wait until the end of this match, and then hang back for everyone else to go upstairs. Once they¡¯re ushered in, you can discreetly use your status to get us a few levels up.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d be disrupting a whole other group mid fight. Look, I don¡¯t give a flying Barlo shit, but I¡¯m just giving you the straight facts, ey? They¡¯re going to see new masks, and say ¡®what in the shit are they doing here in the middle of a match?¡¯¡±


    Alan gritted his teeth as the duel resumed. It¡¯d already been three hours and they were only on floor seven. He guessed no matter how he shook it, he would have to wait until the match was ready between the final two contestants on the fiftieth floor, unless he wanted to pull Itsy and march right up to the god.


    Judging by the care Roland puts into his events, better to be respectful. This way I can present Itsy as a changed woman too. He scoffed to himself when watching her literally sit with her legs bouncing against the chair in front of her. Or at least a tamer one.


    He dwelled in his options as the fight ended. Holding Itsy¡¯s arm for her to stay back, he heavily considered getting in words with Gosfor before the final match so he could close the deal after it. But that could start him off on the wrong foot. Chances are they¡¯ll be more satisfied when the match is done and they¡¯re thoroughly entertained.


    His grip loosened around her arm.


    ¡°Merchant?¡± Her lion¡¯s mask tilted.


    Alan sighed. ¡°We¡¯ll play the slow way.¡±


    ¡°Aye. Aye.¡±


    As they headed toward the ninth floor, Alan was in his own head. What was Junos doing to all the traitors who couldn¡¯t escape his realm? He should be charging in there now. But he couldn¡¯t¡­ not without War Titles.


    As Itsy dragged him to the last two front seats next to a row of women in pearly white make-up plucking beige-stringed harps, Alan wondered the theme of this one.


    The first contestant stepped onto the snowy white mat, causing Alan to grasp the sides of his chair and clench impossibly tight.


    Jet black hair, a moderate amount of freckles, and a stank face he knew too well in his darkest hours made his skin crawl. Worse, his arms immediately went numb as if all the blood and Saro retreated into his heart to save it from exploding.


    Impossible.


    No way.


    ¡°Trish,¡± the name escaped louder than he intended.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m glad you can read.¡± Itsy pointed to her name and Title listed over her head.


    Trish Morgan


    Trained Stalker of the Iron Cellar

 Chapter 50 - Memories to Life

    Alan¡¯s jaw dropped. If he didn¡¯t have a mask on, it would be impossible not to notice him. ¡°What are the fucking chances?¡± He blinked in quick succession to try and clear his vision.


    It had to be a mistake. A trick of the eye. A trick of Saro. Something¡­


    How could his ex-girlfriend be here in the Royal Horde, competing for a serpent dagger? Actually, that might¡¯ve been suitable, given her history.


    Stop it, Alan.


    One thing was for sure: his heart still beat for her, or stalled for her. Emotions went haywire, and his Saro felt unstable at the sight.


    ¡°Whoa, what¡¯s going on with you?¡± Itsy smacked him in the shoulder. ¡°Cut it out. Your glowing again.¡±


    Alan did his best to relax, but the overwhelming emotion was getting the better of him. All of the memories he evoked to hone his Saro came swirling to the forefront of his mind. Seeing her in person triggered his old life in a visceral way.


    Their third date on the strip in Las Vegas bloomed to life¡ªwatching a Cirque du Soleil show and being called onto the stage with a bunch of angry clowns¡­ her crying with laughter as Alan was pushed onto a lily pad and drifted off stage. Blue and Green Saro whipped through his veins. He remembered seeing a future with her in that moment, despite the embarrassment. She was fun¡­ and brought out the best in him.


    Years flashed in a second¡­ the chill of her shifting mood yanking at the White. He came home from a double at the pawnshop without her so much as offering a glance in his direction. She just sat there on the couch, arms folded, watching some dark documentary with the same angry scowl she exhibited now in the arena.


    ¡°You said you¡¯d be home at ten.¡± Her eyes remained on the screen.


    ¡°It¡¯s eleven. Sorry, Trish, but there was a customer who showed interest in an 1800s mint coin. The commission would hav¡ª¡±


    ¡°Did he buy it?¡± Her icy stare finally shifted to him.


    Alan remembered standing there, frozen, ridiculed for doing his best.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t think so.¡±


    Black dread washed over him, sending waves of darkness clouding his thoughts, narrowing his vision. The tower floor crumbled in his mind, leaving a canvas of nothingness except for Trish¡¯s icy scowl.


    ¡°I miss you.¡± A tinge of golden light sapped with beige framed Trish standing there. ¡°I¡¯m happy you called me.¡±


    They were back at their favorite diner, off strip in Vegas. Second-to-last booth facing the window, where they always used to sit.


    Alan slapped down his transcript on the table, which made her eyes brighten. ¡°Ten credits are all I need to graduate. I¡¯m thinking of applying at community tomorrow and finishing my degree.¡±


    ¡°Finally, Alan. You literally have a perfect GPA¡­ this will be a piece of cake for you.¡±


    ¡°And the road to a soul-crushing career,¡± he muttered to himself.


    ¡°Oh, Alan, I¡¯m so freakin¡¯ happy!¡± She leaned over the diner table and squeezed him hard. It was bittersweet, just like he remembered. Like being given a treat for behavior he didn¡¯t want to exhibit. But if he only went on to complete his degree¡­ maybe¡­


    ¡°Alan!¡± Itsy slapped him, waking him from his stupor.


    One of the ladies in makeup on his left hissed for him to cool down his Saro. His hands were glowing bright gold, so he sat on them. And when Trish looked his way, he nearly fainted on the spot.


    How can this be real?


    The second contender strutted out in purple ninja wraps with a long Katana strapped to his back. His motions were very rigid and trained, and when he faced Trish, all of Alan¡¯s protective instincts barreled Red Saro through him, making his chest beam.


    He needed Afarus now more than ever to coach him out of this. He¡¯d met his love in his second life. How did he temper these insane feelings wrapped in magic?


    God, is this what he meant by my path here being clouded? Is it because of her?


    The commentator was in full-blown samurai robes¡ªhigh ponytail and all. He drew his sword and cut the air in between the two about to face off.


    ¡°Trish chooses Black Saro with a dagger as her weapon. Mifor chooses Red Saro with a sword as his weapon. First to three points advances to the thirteenth floor¡ª¡±


    The commentator¡¯s words jumbled in Alan¡¯s head after that. As ironic as it was, he couldn¡¯t believe she was attuned to Black. Was she born to the Royal Horde in some Stalker¡¯s cave? Did that mean she¡¯d brought all her demons with her?


    Itsy pinched him and pointed to the level sensei in the far corner. This one was burly, holding onto his cloth belt with one hand while cleaning a spot on his wall with a rag.


    ¡°If he notices you, you¡¯ll be banned from going up. Then I¡¯ll have to use my highness influence. Brother gets pissed. We lose everything. Yada. Yada. Keep it together! Sensei Cresbo is a stickler,¡± Itsy said in her loudest whisper.


    ¡°Begin!¡± The commentator dashed off the snowy arena.


    Alan¡¯s heartrate rose when Trish dropped into an assassin¡¯s stance he¡¯d seen in Lucius¡¯ cove. He had to remind himself she was a Stalker.


    Mifor slashed down immediately with a loud ¡°Hei!¡±


    As the sword passed through Trish¡¯s body, her torso faded into shadow, causing Mifor¡¯s blade to meet no resistance.


    Fshnk!


    The sword caught deep into the snowy ground as Mifor lost his footing, then whack! A quick back kick to the face dazed the Bladesman, and when he haphazardly swung again, Trish¡¯s neck became ethereal for a fraction of a second, reforming into flesh with a hiss.


    Another complete miss.


    Using her advantage, she charged and grabbed both hands, eyes locked as she worked to overpower his grasp¡ªslowly pushing his wrists to the side in a shaky struggle. Before he could overpower her, she let go, unsheathed her dagger, and ducked to slice right through Mifor¡¯s gut, ending with another strong kick that landed her at the edge of the arena with bloody dagger in hand.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    ¡°Point!¡±


    As soon as the commentator raised his flag, Trish¡¯s expression changed from hardened killer to confused bystander. She looked at the crazed masks in the audience, the made-up dolls playing their harps, and shook herself free of it.


    Every part of Alan wanted to jump up and whisk her out of the arena, but it didn¡¯t look like she needed his protection. As a matter of fact, he didn¡¯t know what to think.


    Green Saro ribbons shot from the sidelines, patching Mifor¡¯s wound until he waved it away with annoyance.


    When the commentator signaled both of the duelists back to their corners, Trish backflipped and glided into position, retracing the exact path of her original strike, evoking ¡°Ooos¡± from the audience in the process.


    ¡°A cheap trick, Stalker.¡± Mifor wiped his blade of her Black Saro residue and sheathed it. ¡°Let¡¯s see how it fares twice. Hm?¡±


    The two fighters bent into ready stance again.


    ¡°Begin!¡±


    Trish twirled in the air, to Alan¡¯s surprise, folding into a tight corkscrew. She flung her dagger at peak height, sending it in a downward trajectory straight for Milfor¡¯s gut.


    Tnng!


    He deflected it with one eye squeezed tight, entire body outlined in a familiar red. Alan knew all too well what was happening. Instinctive Saro. Mifor could analyze every moment of her spin with precision¡­ timing her landing and the probable dash thereafter. Alan could almost see it himself without activating his own.


    The signs were clear.


    Mifor¡¯s tight grip over his sword hilt, off-hand angling the sheath in the intended direction as he readied to strike. Afarus had taught Alan well.


    But this restraint was never something he thought he¡¯d need.


    Memories of a sleeveless biker-type guy bothering Trish at a bar sent rippling heat through his veins. The times Alan had to step in to deescalate her drunk father. All of that emotion entwined within Alan¡¯s gut, merging with the present.


    Mifor was about to stab her.


    He couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    He wouldn¡¯t.


    With boiling angst, Alan stood and clenched his fist, creating an ice tombstone clawing from the ground¡ªcatching Mifor¡¯s blade and leaving Trish to land in shock. The encased point stopped an inch from her heart.


    ¡°Welp. So much for being discreet.¡± Itsy threw her hands up.


    Alan tore off his masquerade mask to rows full of gasps. Only one stood out among them all.


    ¡°Alan,¡± Trish whispered loud enough to fill the room. She gaped, ignoring her opponent struggling to remove his sword from Alan¡¯s ice wall. ¡°A trick?¡±


    ¡°Guessing you know the broad?¡± Itsy lifted her mask with a scrunched face.


    Alan kept his eyes forward, internalizing Trish¡¯ awe. ¡°I loved her once, in my Origin,¡± he said monotone.


    ¡°Aye. I get it. Everyone¡¯s dumb at one point or another,¡± Itsy said.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this!¡± The burly level sensei stomped toward the arena.


    Itsy ripped off her mask and faced the sensei with equal outrage. ¡°Whoa, whoa, big belly. Official business of the boss.¡±


    The sensei grumbled. ¡°You.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, me. Now listen here. This one comes with us.¡± She pointed at Trish. ¡°You redo your duel with the loser of the last floor and pretend this little mishap never happened. That goes for the lot of you too.¡± She pointed to the attendants, a bunch of colorful masks staring blankly back at her.


    ¡°Itsy¡ª¡± The sensei stomped up to her.


    ¡°Listen here, belly. This one broke some big laws and needs to be apprehended, yeh? Don¡¯t got time for the formalities of the tower and whatnot. Got prompts spilling out of my ears. So do me a favor, out of the way.¡± She leaned in, almost nose to nose with the sensei. ¡°¡¯Less of course you want me to tell Roland who let her get away once I make my way upstairs, hm?¡±


    ¡°Rrr!¡± Sensei growled. ¡°Cheechee, go talk to Sensei Dowel, and get the loser up here, now! Chop chop!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought.¡± Itsy lifted her chin.


    Alan rushed onto the arena and grabbed Trish by the hand. ¡°Just go with it,¡± he whispered, wrapping her other hand behind her back, cuffing her with White Saro links.


    She was dumbfounded but accepting of the terms.


    ¡°Is it really you?¡± She looked over her shoulder as fifty masks turned to follow them. ¡°You look so different. What happened to you, Alan? You¡¯re glowing.¡±


    ¡°Shh.¡± Alan turned, holding his mask over his face with one hand and nodding to the audience in apology. ¡°Sorry for the intrusion. Sensei, apologies.¡± He bowed, following Itsy into the stairwell.


    ¡°Well they¡¯re going to be bottlenecked for a while.¡± Itsy snapped her tongue once they were in between levels. ¡°The hell was that, Alan? I mean, really. Can¡¯t keep it in your pants like everyone else?¡±


    Alan blushed, tightening his jaw.


    ¡°Hah. Just messing with you. Right. Right. Guess you two need a minute, huh?¡± She pranced up the steps. ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to Sensei Seabath in the meantime. Ey. No point to sit in on any more duels now. All the sensei are going to be jabbering, so best get to the top before the hot gossip does, ey?¡±


    Alan waited until the slapping of her bare feet against wooden steps was far enough out of reach before melting the shackles.


    ¡°Is she¡­ are you with¡­?¡± Trish tilted her head.


    ¡°Her? No.¡± Alan had never even considered it for a second. ¡°Trish¡­¡±


    When he looked at her up close, really looked at her¡­ even though she was so different, there was so much the same.


    Heart-shaped face, lips like a bow. The lines of freckles down her nose.


    She cheated on you, a stray thought popped up.


    You never had proof, another thought bounced around.


    Alan took a deep breath, just to make sure this moment was real. He cupped her face¡ªsame smooth skin and soft hair he¡¯d always remembered. A twinge of sweat from fighting a Red Saro Bladesman smelled like home.


    ¡°God. Trish. I have so many questions.¡± Alan sighed, to which Trish grabbed onto his elbows like she used to.


    There was still something there. A rush of emotion connecting two worlds.


    Get a hold of yourself.


    Alan held her arms. ¡°How did you pass?¡±


    Her head dipped. ¡°Gosh. A man¡­ he wore all black and a white mask with a strange symbol etched into it¡­ like a music note.¡±


    Alan narrowed his eyes. None of that rang any bells, but it did concern him that she could¡¯ve very well been killed by a scout.


    ¡°He strangled me with wet taffy.¡±


    Alan¡¯s jaw tensed. That sounded very much like a Mujungo move to him. If that god laid a hand on her¡ª


    ¡°I could smell it right before the life was choked out of me. It was on his breath, around my neck. Sick.¡± She shivered.


    ¡°Sorry, Trish, that¡¯s horrible.¡± He broke the embrace and took a step back.


    ¡°I¡ªmourned you, Alan. Your mom and sister, they miss you dearly.¡±


    Alan winced at the mention. He had tried to separate himself from all that, because the guilt would be too overbearing otherwise. He wanted to ask her time of death, or at least the year so he could estimate the time difference between universes, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to. It would open up a whole other can of worms he didn¡¯t want to obsess over.


    In Trish¡¯s own words to Alan way back when¡ªhe needed to stay present.


    ¡°I¡­ missed you,¡± she admitted.


    Alan didn¡¯t reciprocate. If he did, he¡¯d fall into the same trap he had in his Origin. A pile of guilt and regret for wanting to be who he was¡ªa Merchant. The truth is, he did better for himself on his own than with endless squawking in his ear. He had friends here. Real ones. And a purpose. His potential would be realized.


    He ran a hand through his hair and took a beat. ¡°Trish. Is this your realm? You were fighting for a dagger. And Black Saro? How did you fall into that?¡±


    ¡°I¡ªmm.¡± She turned away sharply. ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean ¡®not sure?¡¯¡± Alan furrowed his brow.


    ¡°There¡¯s a dungeon. It¡¯s deep underground with others who wield Black. We train, and train.¡± She winced.


    That must be this realm¡¯s Stalker¡¯s cove. Her class prompt did say Iron Cellar.


    ¡°The memories they pull are dark, Alan. Making me reflect on all my grief¡­ my failures. They often times bring me to you.¡± Tears well up in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    The crack in her voice pierced all of the Saro protecting Alan¡¯s heart. Seeing her remorseful, lost, it worked to break him where he stood.


    A piece of sand trickled down beside the tears. He moved in to wipe it from her face, scanning the rosy cheeks he remembered all too well.


    Don¡¯t¡­ Alan.


    He held her shoulders comfortingly but took a strong step back, making her raise her gaze and wipe her nose.


    ¡°Tell me about this cellar,¡± Alan remained focused.


    She shook her head. ¡°There are gaps in my memory. I¡ªI¡¯m part of something. A league? I¡¯m not sure, but I know I have to win that dagger and deliver it to them.¡±


    More sand trickled down her cheek. She must¡¯ve face-planted in an earlier duel.


    ¡°You¡¯re free from that now,¡± Alan promised. ¡°If you want to be.¡±


    A sparkle of hope glimmered in her eye.


    ¡°I know the dread of Black all too well,¡± he told her. ¡°It wields incredible power, but we should be building your armor and weapons with colors to offset it.¡± He lifted his hand to show slivers of Green circling his fingers. ¡°I wield serenity because of you, Trish. Now let me help you find peace.¡±

 Chapter 51 - Acting 101

    On a stairwell in the middle of the Royal Horde¡¯s Tower of Quest, Alan and Trish were in danger of sharing an intimate moment. They were inches apart, both sets of eyes drawn to Alan¡¯s palm, where Green Saro encircled his fingers. ¡°You helped me find this.¡± He slowly raised his hand, the reflection of Green brightening Trish¡¯s brown eyes. ¡°It started from that yoga class you dragged me too.¡±


    Her eyes flicked to Alan¡¯s, then back to the Green. ¡°You hated that class.¡± A smile grew.


    ¡°I did, didn¡¯t I?¡± Alan scoffed.


    Fffth!


    The paper door to the next level slid open and in popped Itsy, interrupting the reunion, true to her nature.


    ¡°Get a room, you two. Boo!¡± Itsy cackled to herself. ¡°Nah, seriously now, let¡¯s go.¡±


    She beckoned them up to an empty level so they could cut through to the back staircase meant for staff.


    Alan had to pinch himself to make sure his ex-girlfriend was still actually in front of him. Seeing her wrapped ninja garb felt like they were cosplaying at a convention. But that wasn¡¯t true at all, was it? Minutes ago she was clashing with a Bladesman and expending Black dread like she¡¯d been training for years.


    His Origin was blending with his present, and it was making his Saro go haywire. Ice and fire ran through his veins to confuse him. White winds circled his mind, fogging everything up. He wasn¡¯t sure whether he should run in the other direction or hold her as tight as he could.


    Then something else tugged at his chest¡ªguilt. As if the scrappy Knight could read his thoughts, she hung back and elbowed Alan when Trish was far enough ahead.


    ¡°Ey, stupid,¡± she whispered. ¡°Don¡¯t you have a thing with the pink-nosed chick back in Token? Remember, the one hugging stones? You forget about her?¡±


    Alan felt a rush of heat to his cheeks. ¡°Keep moving, Itsy, and shut up.¡±


    ¡°Ooo. Touchy, touchy. A regular war-time rascal you are.¡± She winked and created some space between them.


    Itsy was right though. Something was forming between him and Neesha too, ever since Greg had left the picture. Butterflies shot around his belly whenever he thought of it.


    But Trish¡­


    She was taking a risk by abandoning her post for him, by the looks of it. Looking over her shoulder every few steps, breath short.


    This reunion was damning for both parties.


    Need to keep moving. People are depending on you.


    Once they securely reached the back stairwell, they trekked what felt like endless steps, bypassing all the noise from other duels on the way. Cheers and bongo drums bounced through the paper-thin walls while Itsy explained how the tournament actually worked. Multiple brackets competed up the floors, converging on the forty-ninth, where two royal duels would determine the final, which would ultimately be decided in front of Gosfor on the fiftieth.


    The finale was still a ways away due to the commotion Alan had caused. He¡¯d have to use that to his advantage.


    One look out a red-frame window told Alan they were pretty high. The steps changed too. Bare wood upgraded to polished etchings of Asian-style dragons. Even the elite staff walked on water here.


    ¡°Alright, Alan, this is it.¡± Itsy stopped before the threshold.


    ¡°Right,¡± Alan remembered who he was. The God Merchant, the Ultimus ally of the Borai¡­ the broker of worlds. If he didn¡¯t succeed now, the Red Pact would steamroll everything. ¡°Follow my lead.¡±


    ¡°Well, if that wasn¡¯t what I¡¯ve been doing since we got through those damn iron doors, call me a wag dolly. Damn bastard.¡± Itsy pointed a finger in his face. ¡°First the Borai, then the¡ª¡±


    ¡°Listen. You have to be the one to tell your brother about what happened in Hightower Brack. If it came from me, it would seem disingenuous,¡± Alan interrupted.


    ¡°Which part? The crazy god with lightning nipples who betrayed an entire realm? Or your insane attempts to stop him?¡± Itsy scratched her head.


    Alan scoffed. She was thinking about it all wrong. She had to sell the idea but in a way that didn¡¯t seem too out of character for her. ¡°Itsy, I only know what you told me about Gosfor and Roland. The god likes elites and he likes catering to them, and your brother respects those who strategize, right?¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll do my part with Gosfor¡ªgod help me with my performance¡ªand you tell your brother my valiant ideas and what had to be done when the god couldn¡¯t be reasoned with. You know deep down Jaeger and the Red Pact are going to darken the universe¡ªthat¡¯s why you chose to follow me in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Aye, Alan. It¡¯s all true.¡±


    ¡°Then convey that to your brother. It all starts here,¡± Alan said firmly. He then glanced at Trish, who seemed awestruck. ¡°If they ask about your purpose for being here, just say you¡¯ve decided to join in our vision.¡±


    ¡°O¡ªokay,¡± Trish¡¯s throat seemed dry.


    Alan took a breath. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s win over the realm. Trish, don¡¯t judge me for what you¡¯re about to see. Masks on.¡±


    He channeled the most arrogant people he¡¯d met in this life and the last. The stature of Elkire, of Junos, hoity disposition of the real estate developer who¡¯d destroyed Unlikely Guds on Earth, all of it, then pushed open the doors.


    A man with long flowing hair and a black starlight robe stood with his arms behind his back. His skin was flawless and posture royal but still somehow resembled Itsy.


    That must be Roland.


    Alan¡¯s eyes shifted to the throne. A chubby man with a soft chin and a glowing trim beard leapt off his seat.


    Gosfor?


    The god looked nothing like Alan expected. There was no hardness to his expression if he indeed came from feudal times on Earth, nor the ritzy arrogance of an emperor. On the contrary, his bushy eyebrows raised like a servant¡¯s.


    Alan didn¡¯t let the distractions effect his posture. He swirled an invisible cup of wine in his fingers, kept one eyebrow raised, and took slow strides like he came to buy the place.


    ¡°Remove your masks at once,¡± Roland¡¯s voice was as smooth as butter, opposite his sister¡¯s.


    Itsy did so first. ¡°Surprise.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I figured it was you,¡± Roland said with a smirk. ¡°Still wreaking havoc and refusing to wear a decent Knight¡¯s attire, I see.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t be me if I wasn¡¯t, would it, you prissy dumbass.¡± Itsy winked, then waved at the god. ¡°Oh hey, Gos. Nice to see you.¡±


    ¡°Likewise, my dear. What do you bring us this glorious day?¡±


    Alan perused the room as if no conversation was taking place, noting the carpet spewing mist, golden chimes hanging over the throne, then behind him the spotlight arena. He glanced at Trish, noticing her gaze stuck to the far side of the wall¡ªwhere a green dagger with a red tongue-like line rested with an amber spotlight of its own.


    ¡°My brother¡¯s probably mad at the disruption I caused in his beloved tower, but it¡¯s for good reason today. I bring you¡­ the savior of the universe.¡±


    Alan¡¯s chest tightened. Too far, Itsy.


    ¡°Oh do you now?¡± Gosfor rushed around with a rag to clean dust spots on one of his chimes, then stepped on the carpet, pushing up more gold mist that he shoved in their direction. ¡°Goodness. Goodness. To what do I owe this great honor?¡±


    The god seemed too giddy to be sarcastic. Every part of Alan wanted to fall into a momentary trance¡ªto inspect the origins of the Serpent String dagger, or the large pious staff sticking out of Roland¡¯s back¡­ but he was afraid he¡¯d glow and his integrity would be diminished. He would just have to rely on his instincts as a Merchant.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    ¡°Careful, Your Excellence. My eye for the elite¡ªwell, how should we put it? Doesn¡¯t run in the family.¡± Roland pursed his lips.


    ¡°Oh, shut your fat trap, Rolly. The bloke is called noble on every turn, except by that nasty gargoyle who plagues the realm, ey? Maybe your eye got some dirt in it when the Pact landed. Ever think of that?¡±


    Gosfor gasped. ¡°Is he? He is the one mentioned, isn¡¯t he?¡± He looked to Roland, then to Alan.


    ¡°Does a god become subject to the influence of a conqueror?¡± Alan tilted his head. ¡°Or is he righteous in his choosing?¡±


    Itsy snapped her fingers when she noticed Roland becoming annoyed. ¡°Hey. This guy saved half a realm from enslavement. I watched it with my own eyes. Thought he was an imbecile at first, but something told me to stay close. Glad I did. Bubbin¡¯s on his way back to tell you the same.¡±


    ¡°Oh, which god?¡± Roland spoke scathingly.


    ¡°Junos of Hightower Brack. Entertained ¡®em hard, but he already fell for the gargoyle¡¯s trap. So instead of throwing his hands up, Alan inspired the whole goddamn realm.¡±


    That¡¯s a stretch. But a good one. Nice job, Itsy.


    Gosfor nodded as he cleaned, eyes wide with intrigue.


    ¡°Hyndole mentioned a Merchant by name for a reason, Gosfor,¡± Alan said. ¡°I am the one who will resist his stampede, with noble allies beside me.¡±


    Gosfor summoned a vat with a ladle and scurried up to Alan. ¡°That sounds riveting. I do love a classic story of good and evil.¡± He scooped a spoonful of what looked to be red wine into a sparkling goblet and handed it to Alan, which he held up in silent cheers to Gosfor, then drank it without hesitation.


    The god¡¯s eyes widened with a golden glimmer around the rims. ¡°Such an esteemed, trusting guest.¡± A puff of mist came between them.


    ¡°But of course. Highness Itsy has done nothing but provide hospitality since my arrival. I would be a fool to think the realm¡¯s god would be any less hospitable.¡±


    Gosfor blushed.


    ¡°This tower is the pinnacle of meticulous care.¡± Alan widened his arms, complimenting the room. ¡°It is my only regret that we had to skip some of the skirmishes and miss the d¨¦cor of higher levels.¡±


    ¡°Ah yes, yes. It is a terrible shame,¡± Gosfor agreed, guiding Alan with a gentle hand on his back to ogle a vibrant painting of waves centered on the east wall. ¡°If we were to descend the steps now, we would upend the laser focus of our sensei and disrupt the joy of a paying crowd.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more. A Merchant¡¯s pride rests on these morals. The level of service we provide must match our word¡­ yes.¡± Alan raised his chin, judging the artwork. ¡°Curious that you chose to display a wave at peak height. No wonder Hyndole sought to scoop your realm under his wing. He thinks you a conqueror.¡± Alan didn¡¯t give Gosfor the chance to respond. ¡°Not to worry though. Itsy told me the truth.¡±


    Gosfor fumbled with his thumbs. ¡°W¡ªwhat truth, good Merchant?¡±


    Alan turned with his eyebrow raised. ¡°Gosfor of the Royal Horde¡­ is noble.¡±


    The god took in a strong breath like Alan had just given him the highest compliment in the world.


    ¡°You flatter me so.¡± His cheeks blushed a brighter pink. ¡°Do tell me, if you please, what would you change about this painting if you could?¡±


    Alan¡¯s mind ran wild. Trish refused to come visit him at work back then, so she never saw him in action. It felt good to flex in front of her¡­ to show he wasn¡¯t useless.


    ¡°I¡¯d erect a natural stone in the center of the wave, one that ascends higher than the conqueror, with my allies standing valiantly atop it. Perhaps even the Royal Horde at the forefront.¡±


    ¡°Ooo.¡± Gosfor¡¯s eyes sparkled bright.


    ¡°You asked Itsy what she brought you this fine day. Well, I bring an alliance that stands against evil in this universe. I come from humble beginnings in Strangey Town and have since swore to refute Jaeger and the Red Pact. Join me.¡±


    Alan¡¯s heartbeat thundered in his ears. Flashes of Junos¡¯ lightning crushing his own citizens plagued Alan¡¯s mind. The hopeful faces back home. Refugees in Token needed this, and one look at the god before him said it could work.


    Gosfor nodded. ¡°Yes, ye¡ª¡±


    ¡°Your Excellence,¡± Roland¡¯s voice blared through the room. ¡°I must remind you¡­ we have prior allegiance.¡±


    No. Damn it.


    ¡°Mm. We do, don¡¯t we?¡± Gosfor¡¯s cheeks blushed even harder. He stared up at the painting, altering it to Alan¡¯s vision right before their eyes. ¡°But¡ª¡±


    Roland slammed down his staff, then pushed Itsy aside. ¡°My lord, we must tread carefully.¡±


    Alan folded his arms behind his back and turned to face the roadblock to closing this deal. ¡°Roland, I meant to ask you your advice on the theory of intra-realm economy, which is the study of isolationism and non-reliance on Ojin for loot.¡± He knew he was getting ahead of himself, but appealing to him was his only chance.


    ¡°You¡¯d need a realm for such a study to be relevant, nomad Merchant.¡± Roland frowned defiantly.


    ¡°Ah. I see my guide has not made you aware of my situation. I have a realm by the name of Token. It¡¯s mission of commerce is not only etched by name but also in the prompts therein.¡±


    Roland narrowed his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true, dumbass.¡± Itsy yanked one of Gosfor¡¯s chimes, elongated it, and bonked her brother over the head. ¡°Kind of pretty too. Fresh green fields for miles, nice coves, crisp mountains.¡±


    ¡°Sounds wonderful.¡± Gosfor clapped giddily. ¡°Quite opposite of the Hozzod reports, if truth be told. Polluted cities and dank pirate ships are not inspiring, wouldn¡¯t you agree, Roland?¡±


    The Healer grumbled in response.


    ¡°This tower seems to be a great example of that theory I meant to discuss with you,¡± Alan continued to pry. ¡°We can do good for one another, if only you¡¯d let me in.¡±


    Roland stepped forward with pious gold-wood staff in hand, egging Alan to take a peek through trance, but he refrained. The last thing Alan needed was to give Roland an excuse to kick him out. ¡°As I mentioned, we are already aligned¡ª¡±


    ¡°We have seen what happens to those who commit. Realms become dreary shadows of what they once were. The citizens walk aimless and hunched, losing reverence by the minute. Is that what you want to become of the prestigious Royal Horde?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°We want the Royal Horde to survive.¡± Green Saro pulsed in Roland¡¯s eyes.


    Alan took one look at the revised painting, begging everyone else to turn with him. ¡°It seems your god thinks differently.¡± He pointed to Gosfor standing at the helm of the erected stone, then turned to Roland. ¡°Stand against the Red Pact and become saviors of the universe.¡±


    ¡°I thought you were a Merchant, not a deranged gambler.¡± Roland stepped a foot away from Alan.


    ¡°I am a hopeful broker of worlds, nothing more.¡±


    ¡°Alan is true in his heart.¡± Gosfor scrubbed the tile at Itsy¡¯s feet. ¡°You must see it. Imagine us, the Royal Horde, on the right side of the universe¡¯s history.¡± A crown brightened to life on Gosfor¡¯s head, then fell to glitter around his eyes. ¡°The realms grow dark since the declaration of war. So very, very dark. We keep light only because of your great plans, Roland.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, little brother. Don¡¯t succumb to fear. Makes you no better than village chief Casfa Navo I had to stab back in our Origins.¡±


    Roland scoffed. ¡°If Jaeger gets wind of us even entertaining this mad man, he could invade the realm and send our cities tumbling to the ground.¡±


    ¡°Do not give in.¡± Alan outstretched his hand. ¡°We have much to offer.¡±


    Roland swung his staff in a blur, stopping it an inch from Alan¡¯s neck. ¡°Due to your antics, it appears we have a while until the finalists reach our level. In that light, let¡¯s see how powerful you really are, Merchant.¡± Roland stepped forward.


    Alan side-eyed Itsy, who offered a quick nod.


    ¡°Very well. If that¡¯s what it takes.¡± Alan removed his robes and carefully unstrung his mask resting at his back, showing care to the tower¡¯s procedures.


    ¡°Normal tower duel rules. One Saro color. One weapon.¡±


    ¡°My my my.¡± Gosfor scurried into a gold-plated drawer and pulled out samurai and ninja attire¡ªAlan guessed one for each. ¡°Please, let¡¯s make it official then. Roland put much care into duel etiquette.¡±


    ¡°Not necessary, Excellence. I want to scrutinize this man in his natural state, not in ours.¡± Roland licked his teeth.


    Alan guessed that meant he was choosing Blue for clairvoyance. Maybe his choice of attire had some effect on that power. Or maybe the Healer was just trying to throw Alan off.


    ¡°If I win, I only ask that you hear me with an open mind,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°That¡¯s as far as I would go anyway, gambler. And when I win, you take my sister and travel far away from here.¡±


    ¡°Rude!¡± Itsy kicked the carpet.


    ¡°It is for yours and our safety, Itsafia. We both know you will bark at Hyndole when he arrives for his first collection.¡±


    ¡°Collection?¡± Alan said.


    Roland scoffed. ¡°Wars are not paid for by the wind. All realms must contribute to the great march.¡±


    ¡°So you would aid and abet the destruction of entire realms?¡± Alan reached into his pouch and flicked out his Blood-Vision Edge double-bladed staff to match the Healer¡¯s. ¡°Perhaps the conqueror¡¯s wave painting suits you after all.¡±


    Gosfor clapped both hands over his mouth, golden tears forming around his eyes. ¡°Do not say such things, Alan, I beg of you. We are noble. We are.¡±


    ¡°Tell your hand that.¡± Alan whipped his staff to test it, debating which color Saro to lock into. He¡¯d have to dissolve the weapon¡¯s natural Saro one way or the other, since it was a mix of Red and Blue.


    For duels, Red was his favorite for enhanced speed, but it would work poorly against clairvoyant Blue. Perhaps Pink would work as a bit of truth serum if he flooded the arena with enough of it. Green could clear that out though, if need be, which would be Roland¡¯s only other logical option.


    Everywhere I goddamn turn, Hyndole is ahead of me.


    First Strangey Town, then the armies in Ojin, then Junos, now this.


    Black slivers swirled his palm, sending mounds of dread coursing through his veins. Trish walking out of his apartment with her bags packed rushed to the forefront of his mind, stenciling in with the actual image of her standing coyly beside Itsy.


    There¡¯s so much riding on this.


    ¡°Your Excellence, if you would do the honors.¡± Roland leapt gracefully into the center of the arena, his robes and hair falling in slow motion like he was underwater.


    Gosfor seemed moments away from hyperventilating but took a deep breath to compose himself, standing straight at the head of the arena. ¡°Oh my, my. This doesn¡¯t seem appropriate for such an esteemed guest¡ª¡±


    ¡°Excellence,¡± Roland seethed.


    ¡°O¡ªof course. Duelists, take your places.¡±


    Screw it.


    Alan coined his staff and drew his Soul Collector at the last second, Black Saro leaking from his eyes.


    ¡°You will both choose your Saro on three.¡± Gosfor held up a sparkling gold fist. ¡°One.¡±


    Alan burst Variant colors throughout his body¡ªarm glowing White, leg Red, torso Purple¡ªall to confuse the Healer.


    ¡°A Colorless? Hmph.¡± Roland flipped his staff into a blur, landing it horizontal across his back. ¡°That only means your mastery is weak.¡± He flipped his staff again ostentatiously to the other side. ¡°Which means I have the upper hand.¡±


    ¡°Two.¡± Gosfor held up his second finger.


    ¡°When the gargoyle returns and demands a twenty percent increase in payment on the spot, is it only then you¡¯ll realize you made a deal with the devil?¡± Alan continued blinking Variant Saro throughout his body.


    Roland showed his teeth.


    ¡°Then the next time, when it¡¯s fifty percent over that?¡± Alan egged. ¡°Will you still cling and try to convince your genuine god against your clear failure?¡±


    Roland clenched his fists harder around his staff.


    ¡°How about when he demands you kneel? Or has he done that already?¡± Alan narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°Three.¡± Gosfor held up his finger, and in a blink, Alan allowed his dark blade to pulse Black Saro over his body like a dark flame.


    ¡°Once I defeat you, Roland, you¡¯ll know the only thing I ask¡­ is for you to stand.¡±

 Chapter 52 - Tricky Hand

    Alan stood in a spotlight arena at the highest level of the Royal Horde¡¯s tower. Golden chimes jangled in anticipation of the duel about to take place. Roland¡ªthe right hand of Gosfor and brother of Itsy¡ªwhipped his gold-plated pious staff into ready stance. Green Saro blinked throughout it, telling Alan which Saro he chose.


    ¡°Saro locked,¡± Gosfor declared in a hesitant voice. ¡°Display your chosen Titles on three. One. Two. Three.¡±


    Alan Right


    Title: Forbidden Merchant of the Shade


    Roland Boyar


    Title: Virtuous Healer of the Royal Horde


    ¡°Excellent. Points will be delivered on knockdowns. First to three wins.¡± Before Gosfor could snap his glittering fingers to start the duel, Alan glanced at Trish watching, then fell into the darkness of his blade. He rarely visited the soul realm encasing some of his most trusted allies and instead generally summoned them out. But here, he needed discretion.


    ¡°Afarus. We¡¯ve trained Black versus Green before. But never serene Green. His Title suggests healing only. Does he plan to let me carve him up and just heal on the spot?¡±


    Afarus¡¯ golden eyes blinked open like a cat in a dark jungle. ¡°It is unorthodox to think a Healer can tire out a warrior this way without succumbing to their own mortal wounds first. Perhaps it¡¯s Gray in disguise. Or¡ª¡±


    ¡°Duelists. Begin!¡± Gosfor declared, jarring Alan back to the present.


    Alan gritted his teeth, letting anger wash over him. Whatever softness he felt upon reuniting with Trish melted into the ashes of their relationship. She¡¯d cheated on him with some casino manager on the strip. He¡¯d promised lavish dinners and gaudy bags. That¡¯s what his friend Rich told him back in the day. And he had no reason to lie.


    Dread tripled, causing his muscles to flex, his forehead to perspire. He was becoming Farante Del Sol reincarnate, and all the Blackness that surrounded him.


    With a swipe of Alan¡¯s blade, he unleashed a stream of Black that zigzagged behind Roland, forming as Afarus the legendary Bladesman, who manifested to slice down the Healer.


    Poomf!


    With one blind jab of Roland¡¯s staff, a pulse of Green dissolved Afarus¡¯ shadow to dust. Alan swung his dark blade again, this time evoking eight souls of ancient warriors to manifest and strike at once.


    Roland shut his eyes, whipping his staff into a wild blur, moving at speeds Alan had only seen with Red activated. One by one, Alan¡¯s souls were blocked and bested. He knew repeating the process would be useless, but sitting idle after an attack on a Green user would spell certain defeat. They could replenish with any ounce of time given.


    I know this because I lived it.


    Alan had to be ruthless. He had to clear his mind of hope and focus on all things wrong. The frogs¡¯ vision of his despair. What if it came true? What if he was the destroyer of worlds instead of the noble broker?


    In this moment, he had to be.


    Fssh!


    He dashed with evil speed, black fire left in his tracks as he rushed the nearly invisible film surrounding Roland. The sparkling shield seemed like a non-Saro ability tethered to Roland¡¯s weapon, which led Alan to believe his trance would also be free game in the duel.


    Shng! Shng!


    Alan sliced hard at the film, leaving high-pitched echoes resounding all over the space as his blade snapped hard in the other direction after every swing. As soon as he was off footing, Roland absorbed the shield into his staff and countered.


    Alan ducked one quick swing aimed for his head while unleashing streams of Black through his grip and into his sword, concentrating on his next counter-strike.


    He grunted and thrusted at the open ribcage, stabbing deep.


    Roland didn¡¯t even try to evade it. Instead, he took the incision and countered with a hard-wound overhead strike.


    Clang!


    Just by willing it, Alan manifested a stream of Black Saro that shaped into Afarus¡¯ arms and sword to block.


    Anxiety flowed through Alan¡¯s veins. What kind of coward would bow to a conqueror? The anger made him twist the blade¡ª blood seeping from the wound¡ªand with another yank, he dragged Roland to his knees.


    ¡°Point!¡± Gosfor held up a white flag.


    Ohm!


    The thin, translucent film bloomed from Roland¡¯s staff, throwing Alan back.


    He spun once midair, landing on his feet, ready to charge again.


    Black slivers poured out of Alan¡¯s eyes now, lining his face like goth makeup, dripping all the way down corroded fangs coating his white teeth. Glimpsing his opponent pressing his Green-pulsing hand over the wound to heal it, Alan rushed with everything he had, sprinting three steps before creating a Black ramp that shot him forward.


    Shng!


    The film deflected him in the other direction, causing him to slide to a stop on his heels.


    ¡°Do you see, Your Excellence? There is no honor in him. Not even a reset between points.¡± Roland motioned to Alan, showcasing the feral darkness consuming his body. ¡°Just another gargoyle in sheep¡¯s clothing.¡±


    The words instantly sobered Alan from his drunken anger.


    He¡¯s right. I can¡¯t lose myself. Half of this is a show for Gosfor.


    Shit!


    With a deep breath, he dialed back the consuming Saro and instead focused hard on the staff. A trance lit up his mind, bringing him to an impossible castle atop a cloud with the staff encased within a fountain by its side. A less devout-looking Roland with shorter hair dove off a white phoenix, landing with a puff of mist.


    This didn¡¯t seem like Ojin to Alan. Not at all. And when a king with a white beard and white robes leapt from the circular window two stories up, Alan had no idea what to expect.


    ¡°The king who sits alone.¡± Roland pulled a Blue Saro wand and pointed it in the man¡¯s direction.


    ¡°How did you find this realm?¡± The king drew his claymore angrily, long cloak making him appear more priest than warrior.


    ¡°Perseverance,¡± Roland said. ¡°I come for the staff. The source of all isolation.¡±


    ¡°It is not yours to take, child of the Horde. I earned this in the light-crimson fog and claimed my realm from a noble Deenom. You are not welcome!¡±


    ¡°You protect one. I protect many,¡± Roland countered.


    ¡°At what cost?¡± The king gripped his sword, readying to fight.


    ¡°Everything.¡±


    Alan flew back to the present, now understanding the lengths Roland would go to protect the Horde and how powerful his staff truly was. That¡¯s why he was confident to go into the battle with healing Green.


    He shook his head. Something wasn¡¯t right. A hidden realm like that couldn¡¯t be found on a whim. He had to have previous knowledge of it somehow. Instinct told him to fall back into the trance. So that¡¯s what he did.


    An epic clash of king and Healer began. Roland evaded every swing with ease, then used his feral Green to spring vines from the cloudy surface that entwined the king¡¯s legs. The struggle went on as the king cut free, but as Alan sped the trance up, it was clear who would prevail.


    The king fell to one knee, out of breath. ¡°You strike the heart of your god? His oldest friend?¡± He held his head, looking up at Roland with blood leaking from his mouth.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°You abandoned the Horde.¡± Roland arced an eyebrow.


    ¡°I left admirably, with great tribute and well wishes,¡± the king seethed.


    ¡°Hiding a treasure that could turn the tide of an entire realm.¡±


    ¡°It is my right as a free man!¡± The king coughed.


    Roland lifted his wand threateningly, about to deal the killing blow. ¡°Diten Rouge, I hereby declare treason!¡±


    Alan flew back to the present with wide eyes.


    ¡°Oh, have you run out of Saro already, savior of the universe?¡± Roland tilted his head. ¡°You look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost.¡±


    Alan flashed an angered smile. ¡°Perhaps I have.¡±


    Roland¡¯s brow furrowed.


    ¡°Gosfor, noble god of the Royal Horde,¡± Alan raised his voice. ¡°Your hand hides from you, visiting places you cannot see.¡±


    Roland bared his teeth, dropping back into ready stance with a fully healed abdomen. ¡°What games do you play, Merchant?¡±


    Gosfor held his head. ¡°Whatever do you mean? That cannot be true¡­ he has proven loyal for decades, noble Alan. Do not¡ª¡±


    Clng!


    Alan raised his sword, tracing the staff with keen eyes, reading Roland¡¯s body language¡ªthe way he shifted weight to his left foot while pushing the bottom half of his staff low.


    Clng!


    Alan moved his blade fluidly, changing stance from aggressive to guard¡ªas he would against Afarus. Each attacking side of the staff pulsed with healing Green, making Alan question the intention of Roland¡¯s strikes. Theoretically if Roland landed a blow, Alan would be cured of affliction. Why? It worked against corrupted souls, sure. But Alan was flesh and blood.


    No matter.


    ¡°Driten Rouge,¡± Alan spoke aloud mid-combat, causing Gosfor to gasp and Roland to quicken his pace. Alan swung high left and low right so fast it felt like he hadn¡¯t moved at all, and when he lifted his foot to evade a sweep kick, he found the chance to speak again. ¡°Roland kil¡ª¡±


    Roland shifted all of his weight into an unorthodox dive backward, swinging his staff so the Green-pulsing tip smacked Alan across the face.


    His body suddenly felt lighter than air. Euphoric tingles stretched up from his toes, and when his vision landed on Trish, there was an angelic glow beaming around her. All of the hate and distrust melted once more into the best times of his life. When he kissed her for the first time at the top of the Stratosphere. He spent a whole week¡¯s worth of wages to get her up there with him, on a date he never thought she¡¯d agree to.


    Some days were lucky, and this was his luckiest. He spoke smoothly and cracked jokes with good timing, and at the end¡­ earned his kiss.


    She looked beautiful that night. Black dress, gold heels, and a natural smile with no lipstick. Perfect.


    Whack!


    Another jab to the stomach landed him curled over on his knees, delighted.


    ¡°Point!¡± Gosfor held up a black flag.


    Alan didn¡¯t care in that moment. His old life had come roaring back, depleting whatever dread poisoned his heart. Maybe they could build a life together in his new realm? Forget all this war and deception. Yeah. She would appreciate Token. He could remold entire mountains to recreate their old apartment and forget about all the turmoil that followed.


    That would be blissful. Alan smiled, halos in his vision.


    Whack!


    Roland struck Alan¡¯s jaw again while he was down, splashing a fresh round of Green Saro over his face. What a feeling¡­ like being hit through time. He felt his mother¡¯s warmth, like nothing could hurt him. His father picking through his coin collection, laughing into exhaustion. A restful sleep was on the way.


    ¡°Alan! Snap out of it, you idiot!¡± Itsy¡¯s voice rang through him like a bell.


    ¡°Who¡¯s side are you on, sister?¡± Roland pointed threateningly at her.


    ¡°The one where you see reason, ¡®course. Do I have to remind you the last times you¡¯ve made mistakes?¡± Itsy hissed.


    Meanwhile, Alan clung to his heavenly thoughts, doing anything to sink back into Trish and him running into the high rollers casino just to watch them gamble away big money. ¡°Flies on a wall,¡± she would say. ¡°But not forever, right?¡± She¡¯d squeeze his arm. ¡°You¡¯ll be a king and I your queen.¡±


    He¡¯d promised her all those things in the beginning, didn¡¯t he?


    It wasn¡¯t only Trish at fault for their ultimate fate. He¡¯d made promises too. Ones he didn¡¯t live up to.


    Our story isn¡¯t over. She¡¯s still here.


    I¡¯m not in the past¡­


    Alan narrowed his eyes with renewed clarity, anger coating his thoughts once more.


    Fate pulls us together like a cruel joke, he thought. Or maybe so she could see what I¡¯ve become. You wanted power, Trish? You wanted a man with aspiration?


    Well here I stand before a god and his servant.


    Roland¡¯s staff came swinging for another Green-filled swing, but with a flick of his wrist, Alan summoned Durger to absorb the blow, sending him puffing out of existence, giving Alan enough time to reignite his Black dread and dissolve into a shade.


    For a moment in time, his surrounding inverted to grayscale, and as he passed through a wide-eyed Roland he felt all of his anxiety, all of his secrets, a mind full of worried strategic thoughts. He was afraid.


    Alan formed again at the Healer¡¯s back, kicked out his knee, and held the dark blade to his throat.


    ¡°Point!¡± Gosfor held up his white flag, hand shaking.


    Alan hissed with dark slivers rushing between his teeth, then kicked the Healer down. There was so much conflicting energy rushing through him. Trish was right there. There was so much more he wanted to say, especially after being hand delivered a fresh batch of memories. But a critical matter remained at hand¡­ one bigger than him.


    ¡°Gosfor. Was Driten Rouge your closest friend?¡±


    Gosfor¡¯s glittery eyebrows dripped down his face like tears. ¡°The hand to my precious realm. But the task became too much for him¡ª¡±


    ¡°Your Excellence.¡± Roland used his staff to push himself back to his feet. ¡°Do not reveal our past. He will manipulate you with it.¡±


    Gosfor lowered the white flag, signaling the duelists to fight again. ¡°And so he left us, honorably of course.¡± He looked at his hands. ¡°Oh how I wish we were at war then, so I could¡¯ve been summoned from the sky to give that man a hug.¡±


    The dread dissipated from Alan¡¯s chest for a fraction of a second. The god¡¯s words were genuine, and sad. It almost made Alan retract his intentions of outing Roland. But this was ultimately a negotiation.


    What would better serve Alan and those counting on him? Should he hold onto Roland¡¯s secret and force the Healer to do his bidding¡ªbringing the Royal Horde to his alliance?


    No. I can never trust a man like him. That¡¯s what my instincts tell me. He¡¯ll stab me the first chance he gets.


    Roland stared Alan down with scathing anger. His breath was heavy, staff pulsing. It was a standoff. The hand of Gosfor awaited Alan¡¯s decision. Would he go on?


    Alan took a strong breath.


    Tension mounted.


    ¡°What if I told you Driten never found his peace?¡± Alan stated, and as soon as the words left his lips, Roland shouted and slammed his staff hard over the arena floor, expanding his translucent shield in hopes to shove Alan back.


    With an ostentatious twirl of his blade, Alan dissolved himself into a shade just long enough to pass into the shield, then emerged flesh and blood again, locking Black and Green together.


    The barrier was soundproof. Alan could see Itsy¡¯s lips moving, Gosfor¡¯s heavy breathing, but could hear none of it.


    ¡°You threaten the stability of a powerful realm, Merchant,¡± Roland scoffed.


    ¡°For the betterment of the universe,¡± Alan stood confidently.


    ¡°You are no better than Jaeger. An invader. We never asked for any of this.¡± Roland clenched his jaw.


    Alan didn¡¯t take the bait. He knew damn well Roland was flailing because of his secret. In a war as big as this one, Roland knew he couldn¡¯t hide¡ªwhich is why he chose to fall in line with Hyndole.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Roland cracked. ¡°You want us to bow and join your alliance? Fine.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it right there.¡± Alan pointed his blade. ¡°You fail to listen.¡±


    Roland gritted his teeth. ¡°What do you babble about now?¡±


    ¡°I came here precisely so you don¡¯t have to bow. Now I guess you¡¯ll have to see the hard way that this decision will be made based on merit and nothing more.¡±


    ¡°Fool. Do you have any idea what you¡¯re doing?¡± Roland swung his staff angrily.


    ¡°You should never have challenged me,¡± Alan¡¯s voice deepened, Black Saro crisscrossing over his body, leaking from his eyes. He flooded the entire bubble with fog, reducing it to a stormy globe. Then he rushed.


    Seeing the outline of Roland clearly was part of the dread¡¯s gift. Like a predator, Alan stalked and converged with frightening speed. He cut Roland¡¯s calf, evoking a blind swing of his Green-filled staff.


    Woosh!


    Woosh!


    Roland hit nothing but air, yelling in frustration.


    Alan sliced at Roland¡¯s back, then dashed as a shade through him, landing right in front.


    Roland¡¯s eyes widened as Alan elbowed the staff out of his hand¡ªrewinding the shield with it.


    They stared at one another as the dark fog dissipated with Roland on his knees and Alan¡¯s blade once again an inch from his neck.


    ¡°Point! Match!¡± Gosfor gasped. ¡°My dear Roland, tell me you are alright.¡±


    He only bowed his head in shame.


    ¡°Gosfor. Your hand stole this staff of isolation from Driten and killed him.¡± Alan lifted his chin, bracing for the god¡¯s peril.


    ¡°No! No. That cannot be true.¡± Gosfor ripped at his hair, pudgy gut jumbling as he paced back and forth.


    Roland turned sharply away.


    A moment of tense air lingered, letting the damning words settle.


    ¡°It cannot be. No.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so,¡± Alan said. ¡°The vision was as clear as I see you now.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Gosfor fell to his knees.


    ¡°The man abandoned his oath to protect the realm,¡± Roland spoke through gritted teeth. ¡°He hid a weapon that could protect us all.¡±


    Gosfor wept like he lost a son. ¡°And now¡­ we protect it with his blood on our hands.¡±


    The entire room began to perspire. The painting of the wave and stone atop it dripped with water. The chimes bled gold. And even the Serpent String dagger lathered in blood.


    Gosfor¡¯s face was in his hands. ¡°Roland, no.¡±


    Alan knew the decision would be hard but necessary. ¡°This is but a fraction of the turmoil the Red Pact¡¯s reign would bring.¡±


    Gosfor sniffed and wiped his tears. ¡°Alan. You bring hope and despair. Nobility and betrayal. What would you have me do?¡±


    Alan nodded to himself. ¡°I think I see it now. This realm has sections that represent very different visions. They aren¡¯t yours, but rather the elites you trust most.¡±


    ¡°Quite right!¡± Itsy raised her eyebrows. ¡°This city changed so much since we came, Rolly. The layout looks so much like those sketches you used to draw, with Gos¡¯ dragon flair, of course.¡±


    ¡°Changed for the better?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Yes, I think so.¡± Itsy smirked. ¡°And the green camps I told you about, that¡¯s Illiana¡¯s vision as a forest woman. And the Iron Cellar covenant? Mister Ohnroth¡¯s. Gos gave this land to his people. That¡¯s why we love ¡®im for it.¡±


    Gosfor struggled to his feet, listening to the exchange.


    ¡°Gosfor, Your Excellence. Instate Itsy Boyar as your hand.¡±


    Itsy¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Jackoff Mcgee, are you mad?¡±


    ¡°Far from it,¡± Alan said. ¡°Roland is obviously invaluable but needs to be admonished for his terrible crime. Have him report to his sister, who may possess less strategic prowess but infinitely better instincts. Any and all movements from here on will be blessed or rejected by someone who bleeds for your realm and has a moral compass¡ªalbeit a strange one¡ªto boot.¡±


    Gosfor¡¯s hand went to his chin, still wiping the last of his tears.


    ¡°The Royal Horde will join the Unlikely Guds, and your hand will continue her travels with me, ensuring our future and that this great realm never bows.¡± Alan eyed Roland angrily.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Gosfor nodded.


    ¡°Your Excellence!¡± Roland pleaded.


    ¡°Yes, Alan. I will do this. You have my crown.¡± Gosfor turned to the painting, staring at himself atop the high stone. ¡°And my army.¡±


    WAR-TIME OFFER FULFILLED.


    If Gosfor, god of the Royal Horde realm, accepts your terms into the alliance ¡°Unlikely Guds.¡± Unique War Titles will be bestowed to your party.


    Reverence with the Royal Horde increased to 100/100


    War Title achieved: Merchant Bounty Hunter of the Horde

 Chapter 53 - War Ready

    Alan relished in his grand victory of winning over the Royal Horde. With his first War Title in check, the battle against the Red Pact no longer felt helpless.


    Alan Right


    Title: Merchant Bounty Hunter of the Horde*


    Affinity: Mercantile


    Saro: Colorless


    Status:


    *War Ready*


    Titles with an asterisk bestow a unique Saro coating that amplifies the wearer¡¯s power to contend against armies in times of war.


    Note: Although traveling in large groups is common in times of war and yield benefits in holding Ojin territory and farming Ojin minions, a warrior equipped with a War Title will gain additional Saro coating the more warriors they are up against.


    Note: Titles earned in times of peace still apply and fog hierarchies are unchanged. However, it is advised to Title-swap if hostile warriors attack.


    Alan read prompt after prompt explaining this new threshold crossed. If he found himself face to face with an army, he wouldn¡¯t have to cower. That was tomorrow¡¯s problem, though. Today he stood beside a god as an esteemed ally, witnessing the Tower of Quest finale. The crowd was as loud as expected with every point won, but it might as well have all been background noise, since so much transpired behind the scenes.


    Itsy was bestowed the epic Hand of the Royal Horde Title, which came with advanced governing abilities similar to what Alan possessed in his own realm. She confessed that she was too much of an idiot to really use them and had plans to delegate them out to her brother once his punishments were carried out.


    Then there was Trish. She gushed over Alan¡¯s skill in turning a god¡¯s head, and his power in battle. It felt good to be vindicated after all that time, but his guard was still way up. Whether she had cheated or not, she¡¯d still walked out on him¡ªgave up when he needed her most.


    Once the Tower of Quest event concluded, Gosfor snapped his glittery fingers to transform the awning outside the fiftieth-floor window into a curved golden carpet that rolled all the way down. Itsy hopped onto the magic slide first, gaining air in hilarious fashion and spreading all her limbs before crashing through the cloth top of a wagon. Everyone else followed suit, and once everyone was inside, the white-gold cloth covering magically stitched itself back together in lockstep with high-tier bodyguard Bladesmen marching up to either sides as escorts.


    Beginning down their path, Alan explained the situation of Hightower Brack in great detail. As a sign of good faith, Gosfor offered a specialized crew that would help him infiltrate and carry out the rescue mission. Soon after, however, the god grew solemn in his corner.


    ¡°My heart is broken for Driten,¡± Gosfor sat across from Roland, who bowed his head in shame. ¡°What to do with you? Leaving you in a cell to rot after all you¡¯ve done for the Horde seems blasphemous. Perhaps a public humiliation.¡±


    Alan waved to the Borai as they crossed the iron gates, then poked his head back into the cart. He glanced at Trish sitting at his side, leaning his way, then turned his attention to the god across from him. ¡°Emotions are high, Gosfor. I think when things settle, you¡¯ll agree that upsetting the public with Roland¡¯s actions would only create instability during a time we need it most.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Gosfor rubbed his beard. ¡°What say you, Itsy?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the Merchant¡¯s got his head screwed on tight about it. My brother tends to take things a step too far, ey? He¡¯s not all bad though. I¡¯ll keep that wild mind in line.¡±


    ¡°Keep things how they are, and punish him in silence,¡± Alan agreed.


    They traveled through the town, where warriors gathered in the streets. Alan noticed many bowing through the waving cloth, while others tossed flower petals over the wagon. Gosfor was beloved. And now there was a chance that wouldn¡¯t change.


    ¡°There is another matter,¡± Roland dared to interrupt. ¡°Hyndole will return. And when he does with an open claw, then what?¡±


    ¡°Pay him.¡± Alan lifted his chin.


    Roland scoffed. ¡°So what? Now we have two tyrants to be indebted to?¡±


    Itsy reached over and whacked her brother over the head. ¡°Don¡¯t you ever learn when to shut up?¡±


    Alan smirked. ¡°Until Unlikely Guds has the forces to contend, we must ensure the realm¡¯s safety. Tell me, who did he bring when he arrived last?¡±


    ¡°He opened two massive portals to Ojin, showcasing armies waiting to pass through on the other side if needed. With his presence came great trepidation,¡± Roland admitted.


    Gosfor squirmed in his seat. ¡°A fine elite, that hand of Jaeger is. But I see it now, Alan. He is a conqueror.¡±


    Alan nodded. ¡°We must operate carefully until the time is right.¡±


    ¡°Yes, indeed,¡± Gosfor agreed.


    ¡°Damn right, dummy.¡± Itsy reached outside to grab a flower petal, then enlarged it to fan herself. ¡°Gosh, setting up these prompts to keep you in check is a pain in my arse, Rolly. Couldn¡¯t just behave yourself, could you?¡±


    Gosfor cleared his throat. ¡°And what of you, precious Stalker? I¡¯ve only seen you whisper to noble Alan. Are you more the strong and silent type?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s part of the Iron Cellar.¡± Itsy tilted her head. ¡°Not exactly picking flowers down there, are you, freckles?¡±


    Trish shook her head.


    ¡°We are of the same Origin,¡± Alan said honestly. ¡°And knew each other well back then. It¡¯s good to be reunited.¡±


    Trish took the opportunity to hook Alan¡¯s arm, which sent tingles webbing throughout his body. Perhaps it was a mistake to say that, but at least it should dispel any ill notions of disrupting the tower. Itsy shot Alan an accusatory look.


    ¡°Oh, I do enjoy bringing those back together.¡± Gosfor clapped, glitter sprinkling all over the wagon floor.


    Alan glanced at the color of the glitter, noticing a shift since he revealed Roland¡¯s crime. First it sparkled gold, but now it all appeared matte purple. That wasn¡¯t all¡ªthe sunlight shifted from amber to cloudy gray, and above all, Gosfor acted less subservient. Was this another form similar to Junos? If so, he preferred it.


    ¡°Which Stalker are you assigning the task?¡± Roland spoke meekly to his sister.


    ¡°Nastaf Ohnroth, ¡®course.¡± Itsy folded her arms. ¡°He¡¯s the one who can get it done without fail.¡±


    ¡°Head chieftain?¡± Trish perked up. ¡°I¡¯ve never had the honor.¡±


    ¡°Foolish. You¡¯d leave the covenant leaderless,¡± Roland found some of his confidence.


    ¡°Your isolationist obsession ain¡¯t going to work any longer, Rolly. We¡¯ve got to make moves if we¡¯re going to survive out there. Keep to our oaths. Something you forgot all about, apparently.¡±


    Roland turned away sharply like he¡¯d been slapped.


    ¡°Will be a quick in and out. Bang. Bang.¡± Itsy snapped her fingers. ¡°Then Nast will be back whipping his assassins, or whatever it is he does.¡±


    Once they traveled past the city bounds, Alan peeked out the window¡ªbrushing the cloth aside¡ªto see the Bladesmen bent as if ready to sprint.


    ¡°Hold onto your nickers,¡± Itsy warned.


    Each Bladesman cut what looked to be the threads of a slipstream, and in a flash, the wagon accelerated like a loosed arrow.


    ¡°Weehoo!¡± Itsy roared.


    ¡°Ha ha!¡± Gosfor pumped his fist.


    Trish gripped Alan tight. ¡°Never expected to be on a date like this one.¡±


    ¡°Trish¡­¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± She looked up at him with her big brown eyes. Being this close brought back dangerous memories of comfort. His Green Saro spilled out of him like a wrapping blanket. ¡°Don¡¯t give me that look, Alan. This is a one-in-a-trillion chance. Just give me this ride.¡± She rested her head on his shoulder.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    The wagon took flight, hovering inches over the ground as the Bladesmen continued to slice at slipstreams, guiding them into the next area of the realm. Rocky roads turned to high greens. A forest of old oak trees looked healthier than he¡¯d ever seen. Elven-style tents with gold-clasped tips rested in between, and hammocks were filled with resting warriors. These must be the green lands Itsy mentioned when they first arrived.


    He wondered what kind of quests Roland and Gosfor laid out for those who decided to set up camp in this section. Judging by the quality of gear laid up against trees, this was high-tier territory.


    ¡°Creating your own minions, Roland?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Hmph. Gosfor has many tributes ready to be earned by those worthy. Why not challenge our warriors? Traditional tower duels aren¡¯t for everyone.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t disagree. But there is something about the danger of Ojin that can¡¯t be replicated,¡± Alan declared.


    ¡°Says who?¡± Roland arced an eyebrow.


    ¡°Says the Merchant who brought you to your knees,¡± Alan shot right back, the Green Saro curling back into his palms.


    ¡°Boys, boys.¡± Itsy pretended to break up a mounting fight.


    ¡°Gosfor,¡± Alan changed focus. ¡°Are there any realms with gateway portals close to yours in Ojin?¡±


    ¡°According to our patrol, Hivelands of the void Knights are two fogs over to the east,¡± Gosfor said.


    ¡°Friendly relations?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Enough,¡± Gosfor tilted his head. ¡°I had carts of maple dew shipped as a welcome gift when the realm was formed centuries ago. Since then, our people have had relatively passive interactions with them.¡±


    Alan nodded. ¡°Chances are Hyndole made his rounds already, since the realms are so close.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d bet your blade on it, Merchant,¡± Roland said.


    ¡°Trying to recruit them will be well worth the risk,¡± Alan replied. ¡°Having allied armies on call nearby would mean having access to a flank if the need ever arose.¡±


    ¡°If they do not deceive you,¡± Roland seethed.


    ¡°In war risks must be taken, idiot. You¡¯re the one who taught me that in our Origin, Rolly. Or did the thin air in that lofty tower air scramble your brain?¡± Itsy winked.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t miss you, sister,¡± Roland said with a sad smirk.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, we all knew why you sent me away with Bubbin. He¡¯s going to fall on his arse when he figures out I¡¯m Gos¡¯ hand now, ey?¡±


    The wagon made a sharp turn, landing abruptly back on its wheels as the sound of footsteps trudging through grass kicked up on both sides. The front flaps of the cloth were flipped up by the center Bladesmen, revealing a gigantic crater in the middle of the forest.


    ¡°Permission to enter, Your Excellence?¡± a Bladesman with a golden samurai ponytail called.


    Gosfor nodded for Itsy to answer.


    ¡°Yeah, hottie. Take the dive.¡± Itsy winked. ¡°Oo, I like calling the shots.¡±


    ¡°Dive?¡± Alan asked, holding onto the chair ledge.


    As soon as he asked the question, the wagon lifted off its wheels once more and plummeted into the black abyss below. It caught onto a familiar film that Alan remembered in Lucius¡¯ cove back in Strangey Town, passing into a Stalkers¡¯ home once again.


    Gravity shifted and the wagon found its floor on the wall, where train tracks spiraled all the way down the crater, giving the impression of a diamond mine.


    Stalkers chipped away at ore on the ceiling, while others practiced their Saro abilities on one another.


    ¡°This is what you¡¯re part of?¡± Alan asked Trish.


    ¡°I¡¯m of the ninth wing, under Captain Solevun. We operate in Strive Town, underground. I¡¯ve never had contact with anyone of the first wing. Then again, I don¡¯t remember much other than my training and my Origins.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Gosfor rubbed his soft chin. ¡°Is the captain practicing dark arts?¡±


    Trish waved her hands back and forth. ¡°N¡ªno, Your Excellence. I did not mention it as a complaint.¡±


    ¡°Mm. I cannot have my citizens struck with amnesia. It is not healthy for a free society,¡± Gosfor said.


    As they rode deeper into the core of the sinkhole, the wagon slowed to zigzag around campfires and curse incantations. Doomsayers prayed in batches here, swaying in circles to summon angry-faced demons that burst into flames on the ceiling. Dancing and cheering was had all around, while eyes began to sift to the wagon too bright for such a dark cove. Until, finally, they rolled to a stop.


    Shnnk!


    All eight Bladesmen drew their swords to create a perimeter, while one carefully lifted the cloth to help Alan and company out. Gosfor hopped out last and the entire cove gasped. Low hymns broke out by Doomsayers, and Stalker clans bowed at the presence of their god.


    ¡°Gosuun Bafsoon Ohhhmmm,¡± the Doomsayers chanted, activating some of Alan¡¯s darker Saro.


    It was a strange sensation to be tempered just by words. It reminded Alan of fighting alongside similar types against Shiva a time ago.


    ¡°Ooohm!¡± The chanting continued, until a silhouette strutted out of the shadows in front of them.


    Krch. Krch. Krch.


    Boots scrunched under gravel, where a tall man wrapped in a tight black scarf revealed himself. Tanned skin was outlined in white tattoos circling unblinking black eyes and one fist-weapon growing hotly Orange. He threw sparks into the fires, bolstering them for attention.


    ¡°Ah, Nastaf. There you are.¡± Gosfor waddled over and grabbed him for a hug. The glitter trailing him was turning gold again, true to his shift in personality.


    Nastaf grabbed Gosfor by the shoulders and promptly removed himself from the hug. ¡°I have not seen you in my domain since the last spat in the palace lands ages ago. What is it that you require, Excellence?¡± He had a nasty lisp that made him sound like a snake.


    ¡°Ey now.¡± Itsy grabbed a piece of burnt wood from a campfire and molded it into a rival fist-weapon. She held it up to Nastaf¡¯s chest and kept her smirk intact. ¡°My brother might¡¯ve been too worried about frizzing his hair to come down these parts. But there¡¯s a new hand in town, hm? Best find your manners in front of ol¡¯ Gos here.¡±


    ¡°I am one of the four builders of this realm, Knight. Best remember where you are,¡± Nastaf growled.


    ¡°Oh yeh?¡± Itsy turned away and hummed to herself, obviously clicking around prompts. ¡°Well I just made ore pickings require seventy swings instead of thirty. Don¡¯t think your Iron Cellar covenant will enjoy the extra quest steps.¡±


    Gasps came all around.


    ¡°Oh, Itsy,¡± Gosfor ran over to her and tugged on her shirt like a kid. ¡°Maybe we shouldn¡¯t. Maybe¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Gos. He¡¯ll get the picture soon.¡±


    Nastaf gritted his teeth. ¡°Reverse that notion.¡±


    ¡°Say pretty please.¡± Itsy raised her eyebrows.


    ¡°I¡¯ll open your throat and make that red gurgling smile mouth the words.¡± His eyes grew even wider, which Alan didn¡¯t think was possible.


    ¡°Whoa, okay. We get it, you¡¯re an angry badass.¡± Alan held his hands up, coming between them.


    ¡°And who is this Merchant?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Alan Right, your newest ally¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t be so humble, noble Alan.¡± Gosfor bowed to him, then sprung up. ¡°This is the savior of the universe!¡±


    Alan scratched the back of his head when the Stalkers tilted their heads at him. ¡°If you would entertain us, Nastaf, we need you and five of your finest for a stealth mission into another realm.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. The covenant doesn¡¯t possess War Titles. Our operations are internal,¡± Nastaf hissed.


    ¡°Not a problem, we will provide escort through Ojin. Once inside the realm, all of your elite Titles should be just as potent as usual,¡± Alan recalled the rules of his prompts. ¡°Just stay away from large groups. Particularly armies.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s in it for usss?¡± Nastaf brightened his fist-weapon.


    Alan looked to Itsy, who was having way too much fun messing with her prompts. He leaned for her ear. ¡°Ten-swing reduction on ore and all the loot they can claim from Brack empty castles?¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°Seems fair enough. You¡¯re the negotiator.¡±


    Alan cleared his throat. ¡°To entice you, we will not only reverse the threat of a forty-swing increase on ore, but offer a five-swing reduction as well, covenant-wide.¡±


    Chatter broke out around him.


    ¡°Mm.¡± Nastaf paced. ¡°Mmm. That is all?¡±


    ¡°To ensure you choose the most elite, I offer access to all unowned loot you can uncover during the mission.¡±


    ¡°I see. Interesting,¡± Nastaf lowered his voice. ¡°Ten-swing reduction, and all loot we uncover.¡±


    Alan held up his finger. ¡°Master Stalker, be reasonable. The purpose of the mission is rescue. Many of these citizens lost precious invaluable items which they hope to find one day again. Had they found you wearing some of their abandoned treasure, we¡¯d start a whole new war.¡±


    Nastaf licked his yellowing teeth.


    ¡°Seven-swing reduction, and firm stance on unowned loot.¡± Alan held out his hand, stepping into Nastaf¡¯s space.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got yourself a deal.¡± Nastaf shook his hand, then whistled for his elites to skulk out of the shadows. ¡°When do we start?¡±


    xxx


    Alan and crew said their goodbyes to Gosfor, thanking him for supporting Unlikely Guds at the end. Watching him grovel and stumble over his words again was cause for some concern, especially considering they were leaving him with someone stripped of his Title. But Itsy was all smiles.


    ¡°Not the first time I had to give my pretty brother a spanking, ey?¡± she whispered to Alan on the way out of the portal. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, dummy. He¡¯ll do us proud.¡±


    The trudge through Ojin was easy with Itsy leading the way through her cleared path of fog, while Alan felt infinitely more useful with his new War Title intact.


    Nastaf and his chosen remained as shadowy puddles zigzagging to follow closely behind. Alan noticed two of the Stalkers used clairvoyant Blue, while the two others showcased instinctive Red. Nastaf must¡¯ve been the assassin with hard Orange ready at his fingertips. Watching how they moved, they were a well-oiled machine, which gave Alan some hope that the Brack rescue mission could be a success.


    ¡°Maybe I can join them.¡± Trish hopped over a stone and crouched beside a tree next to Alan.


    ¡°Their Titles are three tiers above yours,¡± he said. ¡°You still have some training to go, Trish.¡±


    ¡°Shooting me down,¡± she pretended to pout. ¡°Never in a million years would I have expected that.¡±


    ¡°Things have changed,¡± he started off harshly, noticing her gaze drop to the floor. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ve stopped caring.¡±


    The trepidation came for good reason. Ever since Roland¡¯s euphoria faded, the dark thoughts came rolling back. She used to pick fights right before he went to work, acting high and mighty that she was finishing her master¡¯s degree to make something of herself¡­ making him feel less than her because he was content. The same person was still in there, even if there was a sense of beauty that they¡¯d found each other a lifetime later.


    It could¡¯ve been utopia, actually.


    But as Alan said aloud¡ªthings had changed. Neesha was waiting for him back in Token. They¡¯ve been growing closer since Greg¡¯s absence, and there might actually be a real chance at his crush turning into something more. Should he throw all that away for a second chance with Trish?


    Glancing at her big brown eyes, thinking of their reunion on the steps. His heart pumped hard for her, while his belly grew weak at the thought of Neesha.


    ¡°You seem reserved all of a sudden.¡± Trish leapt up a tree to follow Alan, using a rope to whip herself up, landing perched on a branch beside him.


    ¡°There¡¯s much waiting at home, and armies will march against us once they realize what I¡¯m doing.¡±


    ¡°That should be all the more reason to let me in.¡± Trish tilted her head to catch Alan¡¯s gaze. ¡°All I¡¯ve been doing is training with no memory. To be freed by you¡­ I owe you everything.¡±


    Alan felt a pang in his gut that stretched between two worlds. She was never satisfied back then. ¡°I wonder if you¡¯re acting this way only because you see how powerful I¡¯ve become.¡±


    ¡°Is it a crime to admire a man reaching his potential?¡± she tested.


    Alan sighed. He still hated compliments. ¡°Anyway. Now that we have some time in between fogs, tell me about the covenant. Or what you remember of it, anyway.¡± He peered down to the shadowy puddles rumbling at the base of the tree as if disturbed he was asking. ¡°Some privacy please, Nastaf. Go follow Itsy, and try to refrain from stabbing her in the back.¡±


    A low cackle vibrated through the tree as the puddles zipped ahead in the forest.


    She shrugged. ¡°My sect sends me for errands in the town. Intercepting thieves or trespassers. I generally travel with a four-person squad of three Stalkers and one Doomsayer. Then when the job is done, I¡¯m fed and tossed back into training. My mind is all warped though. I can¡¯t tell how much time I¡¯ve been down there. I want to ask my sect chief to take me with him, but I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m overstepping.¡±


    ¡°Well why don¡¯t we ask Nastaf?¡± Alan said.


    ¡°No.¡± Trish grabbed his arm. ¡°No. That would make me look weak. We of the covenant do not ask for handouts. We earn our stripes.¡±


    ¡°Hm. Did they beat that into you too? The Trish I knew lived on favors, as a student should.¡±


    Trish smirked at him and pushed a lock of hair behind his ear. ¡°As you told me, things have changed.¡±

 Chapter 54 - A Place to Call Home

    After traveling for some time in Ojin, the coast was finally clear to open a portal back to Token. Alan swapped out his War Title for Ultimus and twisted his hand to create an opening. The blue cloudlike residue zipped in an outward circle, slowly revealing a window to his realm. He sighed with relief when he realized it wasn¡¯t on fire. Just the opposite, actually. Former warriors of Hightower Brack sat leisurely eating bread and admiring the mountainside that Alan had molded to be enjoyed.


    It was time to go home.


    ¡°Alan¡­¡± Trish hooked onto his arm. ¡°That looks like¡ª¡±


    He felt the nerves in his ex-girlfriend¡¯s voice. She was nearly breathless.


    ¡°Our hikes to Red Rock Canyon. I know. That¡¯s where I pulled some of the inspiration.¡± Alan smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m awestruck,¡± she said.


    ¡°That I made it, or that I chose Red Rock?¡± Alan smirked.


    ¡°Both. I never would¡¯ve¡ªjeez,¡± she lost her voice.


    ¡°Okay, lovebird idiots.¡± Itsy waved around an oversize blade of grass. ¡°Unless you want every army in the low fog to see our little gateway, I suggest we get a move on.¡± She stepped through the portal first.


    Alan motioned for the Stalkers reforming from their black puddles to enter next, leaving Trish and him alone. A pang rocked his gut, pulsing pain in his neck, his body screaming at him to get away like a defense mechanism fighting past trauma. And for once, he was going to listen.


    He picked her fingers off his arm.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but we can¡¯t do this.¡±


    She swallowed past a lump. ¡°Do what?¡±


    ¡°This. The flirting. Rekindling. When I first got here, I wanted more than anything to show my worth to you. But now that I have¡­ I¡¯m realizing I live for more,¡± Alan said. ¡°I can¡¯t keep living in the fantasies of the past. Don¡¯t get me wrong, I value our good times more than you know.¡± His fist pulsed Variant Saro colors. ¡°But they must stay where they belong¡­ in my memories.¡±


    Trish smiled sadly. ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°I have to win this war, Trish. Or at least do what I can to help. People count on me in there.¡±


    ¡°I counted on you once,¡± Trish said, hitting him again where it hurt. ¡°But I can see plain as day things are different now. I have no doubt you¡¯ll succeed.¡± She patted him twice dejectedly and moseyed into the portal, giving him one last look before her body faded¡­ leaving him alone.


    He put his hands on his hips and stared at the Ojin sky. ¡°This is madness,¡± he sighed and stepped into Token.


    Fsssh!


    His consciousness reformed with his body around it, to a snowy confetti welcome.


    ¡°Alan, by the rump bottoms of Froggie Aisle.¡± Flint threw out his arms. ¡°You¡¯ve returned. Ah!¡± His eyes suddenly stared blankly, likely at a prompt popping up. ¡°Aha! A War Title! You did it!¡± He jumped high and started swimming in the air, elongating his whiskers and twirling as if they just won the war.


    ¡°It is a great win, my friend.¡± Alan leapt to tug on Flint¡¯s beard hair, bringing the Wizard back to earth. ¡°But we have far to go.¡±


    ¡°Of course we do, but if we don¡¯t celebrate our small victories, we might forget what it¡¯s like to feel.¡± He waved his staff in the air. ¡°Aha! Aha!¡±


    ¡°We will make time to cheer, friend. First I need to know how we¡¯re holding,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Mm. Mostly? Good. Good. Very good, yes. Aho, there are a few mishaps though. That prison you had built for Lucius grows in criminals. Loyalists to Junos snuck their way in and tried to stab the liberated in the night.¡±


    Alan stiffened, feeling heat rise up his neck. ¡°Casualties?¡±


    ¡°Thankfully none, this time. We must be careful for subterfuge. Hm. I see more are among you. Are they vetted?¡±


    ¡°What does it look like, you smelly shit stirrer.¡± Itsy smiled wide at the Wizard.


    He bonked her over the head with his staff. ¡°And if I hadn¡¯t asked, you jisty belldrop? You¡¯d call me the jester of the ball!¡±


    ¡°Quite right I would. Hah!¡± She grabbed Flint by the hands and started twirling with him.


    Alan fought not to roll his eyes. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Mm. Ahem. The refugees grow tired of consuming essence for nourishment. They¡¯re used to high castles and fresh produce,¡± Flint shouted amidst his spinning.


    Alan stared up to the clouds, thinking. ¡°We can open up trade between Token and Strangey Town. Not in abundance, but at the very least to give our warriors some variety. I also have to set up prompts for citizenship of Token.¡± He brushed his hand through his hair. ¡°This is becoming overwhelming.¡±


    Flint spun toward Alan and bonked him over the head. ¡°Do not let it! That¡¯s why you have friends!¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    Neesha came rushing up with a massive war stone sticking out from her robes. ¡°When I saw the new Title, I knew you did it, Alan.¡± Her excitement stifled when Trish took a protective step toward him, which he quickly pivoted away from.


    ¡°And who might you be?¡± Neesha tilted her head.


    Alan could cut the tension with a knife. It radiated from his back, his front, and everywhere in between. He wished Flint wasn¡¯t cackling off in the distance with Itsy.


    Nastaf and his crew scratched their heads.


    ¡°Well, this is awkward. We¡¯re going to follow the Knight to our quarters,¡± Nastaf nodded for his crew to follow Itsy spinning into the distance.


    ¡°Now it is,¡± Trish said with a straight face.


    ¡°Payback for the Saro bond, Alan? I knew you weren¡¯t over it,¡± Neesha said, honing her crystal-blue eyes only on Trish.


    ¡°Nothing of the sort,¡± Alan swore. ¡°This is Trish, my ex-girlfriend from my Origin World.¡±


    ¡°Ah, ex. I see.¡± Neesha shot her an icy glare.


    ¡°It¡¯s complicated.¡± Trish smiled back angrily.


    ¡°Like everything else that surrounds our noble leader.¡± Neesha turned away. ¡°Speaking of. Alan, I¡¯ve been wracking this war Answer Stone and have more on Titles. I¡¯m hoping what I found will evoke secret prompts that give us some semblance of the War Title¡¯s power.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be joining, if you don¡¯t mind. I need to understand mine as well,¡± Trish invited herself brazenly.


    Kaw!


    Alan looked to the sky.


    Oh thank god.


    He relished in the idea of some kind of buffer between the two annoyed ladies and couldn¡¯t be happier to see the Legion of Fate flying in a ¡°V¡± formation with Madam Mar soaring on a lifted patch of dirt at the forefront.


    As the gryphons descended, Alan noticed scars on both them and the warriors atop them. Torn armor and glum faces spoke to run-ins with some harsh foes.


    Kaw!


    The gryphons flapped in unison before gently touching down on the grass, Madam Mar floating last with a determined smirk.


    ¡°Well played, Alan. The new Titles displayed suit your group well, which can only mean you succeeded with the Royal Horde.¡± Mardonnus bowed.


    ¡°Here, here, Alan.¡± Elkire hopped off his gryphon and strutted up to them, trying his best to hide his limp.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    ¡°My friend, it¡¯s good to see you,¡± Alan greeted.


    ¡°I wish it were under better circumstances,¡± Elkire admitted. ¡°But not to worry, we are caught up and at your service. Whoever would¡¯ve guessed our god would betray us so brazenly.¡±


    ¡°Not Brack¡¯s finest moment.¡± Irana scowled as she dismounted. ¡°Now we¡¯re forced to follow a prick like you.¡± She grinned, hitting him on the shoulder.


    ¡°Good to have you aboard.¡± Alan meant is wholeheartedly.


    ¡°Hah, everything you touch turns to ash. You need us to put out the fires,¡± Irana said.


    ¡°No fire here.¡± Alan spread his arms.


    ¡°Yet.¡± She held up a finger.


    Tenger whistled from atop his gryphon, rustling the beast¡¯s hair to annoy it. ¡°Yo, bruhs. We showing him or what?¡±


    ¡°Showing me what?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°All aboard.¡± Madam Mar beckoned Alan on her floating dirt patch. ¡°You too, Neesha, and um?¡±


    ¡°Trish,¡± she said. ¡°From Alan¡¯s Origins.¡±


    ¡°I see. Welcome,¡± Mar said somewhat hesitantly.


    ¡°Oh no, no. We have a certain dark prince to see. I have him detained for you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Let him rot a little longer.¡± Elkire dropped a heavy hand on Alan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We have bigger fish to fry. That¡¯s how you Earthers say it, yeah?¡±


    ¡°But¡­ your entire purpose?¡± Alan said, still disbelieving Madam Mar that the Legion of Fate had put their grand chase on hold.


    ¡°We of the Fate Chasers all miss our Origins more than life itself. However, we have a duty to some here as well. Leaving them to die during hostile takeovers is not something we would be able to live with, even if we had all the Pegs,¡± Elkire said.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite noble of you.¡± Alan patted him back. ¡°All of you share the same sentiment?¡±


    ¡°¡¯Course we do, Merchant. Been serving Brack since your ass was getting wiped,¡± Irana scowled.


    ¡°Besides, the other Pegs went dark shortly after Hyndole retreated from Strangey Town. An oddity my map has never seen in all my years with it. Ah, it¡¯s neither here nor there.¡± Elkire turned for his gryphon. ¡°Come, brethren, let us show our grand protector what we¡¯ve built for him.¡±


    Alan side-eyed Neesha, who shrugged, before they all climbed atop Mardonnus¡¯ dirt patch.


    Madam Mar grabbed at a piece of rope that looked awfully like a worm. ¡°To the top of Mount Alan.¡±


    Alan grimaced. ¡°Please, no. Don¡¯t call it that.¡±


    Mardonnus chuckled as they lifted toward the sky.


    ¡°You¡¯re beloved more than I¡¯ve seen of anyone in this universe.¡± Trish took a seat, folding her legs and peering over the dirt patch without an ounce of fear.


    Alan admired her courage. He always did.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t pet his feathers too gingerly,¡± Neesha scoffed.


    Trish shook her head. ¡°If you only knew¡­¡±


    ¡°Knew what?¡± Neesha gave in.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen this in him all along.¡±


    Alan stepped away from her. It bothered him to no end that even now she was pretending his potential was so obvious on Earth. Alan was bashed mentally every which way back then, most of all from her. So instead of giving in to the nonsense, he decided to join the view beside Mardonnus.


    His brow furrowed when he noticed the mountaintop carved into impossible shapes¡ªorbs held up by thin rock sediments, all surrounding a gryphon statue on a flat top. The closer they zoomed, the clearer it became what the statue actually was¡ªa throne room. The wings of the stone gryphon reached high in the air with its beak open to the floor. An entrance.


    ¡°A place for you to contemplate the prompts of your realm.¡± Mardonnus arced an eyebrow. ¡°All realm leaders need space for that. This will be yours.¡±


    Alan remained dumbfounded as he landed right in front of the art. ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Borrowed a little bit of Saro here and there,¡± Mardonnus admitted. ¡°The Fate Chasers have quite the sculptors too.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s amazing, friends. Thank you.¡± Alan strolled up to the stone and rubbed his hand against it, noting the grand detail in the beast¡¯s eye. He realized it was a model of his own gryphon¡ªAra.


    ¡°You have a long road ahead of you, Alan. We wanted to make sure you knew¡­¡± Elkire lifted his chin as high as possible. ¡°You¡¯re far from alone.¡±


    xxx


    The fireplace in his throne room was a nice touch. Carpets included sewn-in symbols from Hightower Brack groups leading all the way up to a modest cathedra with a burgundy velvet seat and a white crystal outline. Cozy candelabras rested on the desk in the opposite corner, and a balcony displayed the most amazing scenery his mind could¡¯ve conjured. Alan preferred the floor though. Sitting cross-legged in a corner after thanking his friends one hundred times for the gift proved to be the best medicine for calming his mind.


    In the hour that followed Madam Mar offered Trish a tour¡ªknowing Alan needed some space¡ªwhile the Fate Chasers ran the rounds distributing food to Token¡¯s newest citizens. That left Alan to his own devices, or so he thought.


    A pair of soft hands slid over his, sending tingling sensations all the way up his arms. ¡°Alan,¡± Neesha whispered so as not to jar him. ¡°When I found the Answer Stone in the deep orange¡­ the reason for war became clear.¡±


    Alan opened his eyes, swiping away the prompts in his mind. ¡°Yes, and no one but you can ever know¡ª¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not entirely true.¡±


    Alan furrowed his brow.


    ¡°Someone can know. Only one other, to be precise. And I¡¯ve decided it should be you.¡±


    ¡°Neesha¡­¡±


    They stared at each other for a long moment. Alan did his best not to seem accusatory about the rivalry Trish and her were clearly forming, but he couldn¡¯t help it.


    ¡°This wouldn¡¯t have to do with¡ª¡±


    Tshh!


    She slapped him across the face. ¡°How dare you accuse me of being so trivial. This is everything I¡¯ve ever chased since my first death. My mother, my sister¡ª they spent their entire lives as war riders. They¡ª¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Alan gritted his teeth from the familiar sting of Neesha¡¯s palm.


    ¡°And not that it¡¯s of any concern regarding this matter, but¡­ I do not trust her.¡±


    Alan laughed. ¡°Of course you don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°In fact, seeing her sullies my confidence in your Origin World. What kind of being appears so fair yet clings to Black Saro? That woman is akin to the tale of the black widow,¡± Neesha scoffed.


    Alan let go of her hands, but she quickly lunged to get them back.


    ¡°Tangent over,¡± she promised, reaching behind her and pressing the slab of stone in the space between them. ¡°Watching you defend a town you hated with your life, then rescuing a realm you had no business sticking your nose in¡­ oh, Alan. It has to be you I share this with.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m honored.¡±


    The etchings within the stone glowed to life, sending whispers into Alan¡¯s ears. Different voices with various emotions distracted him. A man riding into battle shouting philosophy. Queen-like royalty weeping out her reasons for sending her forces into battle. It had only taken a minute before he realized he might go mad.


    Is this what she experiences all the time? God it¡¯s annoying.


    Neesha took a deep breath, closing her eyes while tracing the stone with her finger as if reading braille.


    ¡°The reason the universe tips toward war is because without it, peace has no meaning.¡±


    ¡°Like yin and yang,¡± Alan said. ¡°Good and evil. It¡¯s a classic truth, Neesha.¡±


    ¡°Precisely.¡± Neesha nodded. ¡°Those are the Earth concepts. In Cerrain, we had Urha and Ohm. The idea is passed down from this universe to our Origins. A world cannot be made without it, because with complex life comes reason. And with reason comes motive. And with motive comes decision. The prime decision is based on survival, which as you eloquently put in our first meeting, is the prime reduction of war. You see, Alan, it had to be you, because you understood this cycle all along.¡±


    Alan couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit inflated. He¡¯d thought about war in his Origin and why people did it. Selling all sorts of obscure historical muskets and pistols sent his mind spiraling into trances of soldiers back then. But he never imagined an all-knowing stone would have his thoughts etched into it.


    ¡°The stone goes on to say that with complexity can come great evil, Alan. An intensive war may end without extinction and guarantee a time of peace, but what if such a war is not won by good natured? That peace becomes tainted, and the very reason for war in the first place is upended.¡±


    ¡°And what does the stone say about the subjectivity of good?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°If one does not seek forced control or dominance, then they are fighting on the right side.¡± Neesha opened her eyes. ¡°The side of won peace.¡±


    ¡°And if the evil side wins without causing the universe to go extinct, I imagine forced control creates slaves that will always desire to rise up and a new war will begin,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°A new war will begin regardless of the victor. If we can win, however, the peace will be that of legend.¡± Neesha let out a shaky breath.


    Alan noticed her palms shivering over the stone, tears leaking from her eyes. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Something Lucius said.¡±


    ¡°Apply your favorite statement to that man, because he simply cannot be trusted. He¡¯s screwed me over three times now.¡±


    ¡°Would you not have done the same?¡±


    ¡°I would not,¡± Alan said with utmost confidence, making Neesha turn sharply away.


    ¡°For my sister¡ªseeing her again in that frogs¡¯ vision¡ªI¡¯m not so sure.¡± She squeezed her fists tight.


    ¡°What did the prick say?¡± Alan caved.


    ¡°Jaeger. His whole realm knows the plans if he is to succeed. He has access to a well into the Black. Lucius said you and him saw one when battling the Merchant of the Five Pearls.¡±


    ¡°We did.¡± An uneasiness started to creep up his spine.


    ¡°Well, Jaeger intends to purge any and all souls who oppose him. They would be stuck there for eternity. Extinction of all hearts willing to fight. A darkness that spans beyond this Answer Stone.¡± Neesha peered up at him. ¡°We can¡¯t lose, Alan.¡±


    Alan grabbed her clammy hands. ¡°We won¡¯t.¡±


    xxx


    Alan sauntered into the prison block now full with angry Junos loyalists, icing the space between the bars with White Saro so he didn¡¯t have to deal with their snarls and taunts. He beckoned the Legion of Fate forward, to the somber prince he promised them sulking in the corner.


    ¡°I hear you¡¯re making waves even from here.¡± Alan clenched his icy hand, sending cracks in the ice walls he just created.


    ¡°I was beginning to think you¡¯d forgot about me.¡± Lucius showed his magically chained wrists. ¡°Have you saved the universe yet, noble Alan?¡±


    ¡°Not quite.¡± Alan looked over his shoulder to Elkire holding back an angry snarl. ¡°What you told Neesha, is it true?¡±


    ¡°I tell that Chaser a lot of things. You¡¯ll have to be more specific.¡± Lucius tossed a piece of gravel at the wall.


    ¡°About Jaeger¡¯s plans to ruling. Does he really have a black well?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°is it so hard to believe? That shadowy Merchant Five had access to one,¡± Lucius said.


    ¡°We needed a sacrifice and Yineera¡¯s Peg to activate it,¡± Alan replied. ¡°It was my understanding the space around a well cannot be inhabited for long without detrimental effects. That¡¯s why Five kept it in a shadow realm, deep enough¡ª¡±


    ¡°Jaeger finds a way.¡± Lucius got to his feet. ¡°Is the great Alan scared of floating in nothingness for eternity? Does he seek aid from his old friend who¡¯s been planning to navigate the underworld?¡±


    Alan clenched his jaw. ¡°Your fate is to rot here¡­ unless you return what was taken.¡± He motioned to Elkire and crew behind him.


    Lucius scoffed. ¡°What¡¯s the point? You were only halfway done with collections. You¡¯d need my other half to get anywhere with them.¡±


    Impossible¡­


    No way he collected them all.


    The Legion broke out in chatter, until Elkire lifted his hand.


    ¡°Your tongue is forked, serpent. You lie in front of my brethren to rouse them.¡±


    Lucius smirked. ¡°Didn¡¯t you find it odd that all of the Pegs went dark at the same time? I¡¯m sure your little map told you so.¡±


    Elkire did his best to hide his disdain.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. They¡¯re in my possession¡ªhidden¡ªand there¡¯s only one way you¡¯re getting access to them, Fate Chasers. I¡¯ll take one from Alan¡¯s book for this one. It will be through a deal.¡±


    ¡°And what deal is that?¡± Elkire stepped up to the bars and crossed his hands behind his back.


    ¡°I go first.¡±

 Chapter 55 - Saro Disruption

    ¡°You should stay in your lane, Lucius,¡± Alan said. ¡°There¡¯s no deal that earns your expedited freedom. You hand the Pegs over and you serve the sentence that the Fate Chasers have already agreed. No negotiation.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Lucius clanked his chains against the bars of his magical prison.


    ¡°It is. You¡¯re too dangerous to be let out during such a delicate time. It¡¯s a shame too. We could¡¯ve tackled this war together. Made a home for when those of our Origins pass.¡±


    Lucius eyed the Fate Chasers, then landed his gaze back on Alan. ¡°You¡¯re the only one in this room who believes in such folly.¡±


    Alan felt the dread prickling his skin. Thinking of the gryphons Lucius burned at Brack, his willingness to sacrifice Durger. This was no friend.


    ¡°Everyone in this room recognizes our Origins may cease to exist if Jaeger takes over this universe.¡± Alan gritted his teeth. ¡°He will contract scouts in every corner of our Origins, enslaving all. Relevant and otherwise.¡±


    Lucius scoffed. ¡°And what of your allied gods? What¡¯s to stop them from doing the same? Let¡¯s not forget, Alan Right, it was Mujungo who brought you here.¡±


    More anger rushed through his veins. The thoughts of Trish no longer calmed him into serene Green¡ªmaybe because she was no longer a distant memory.


    Lucius jammed his shackles against the bars, jolting Alan to attention. ¡°You know in your heart none of the deities can be trusted. They are stubborn and drunk with power. All of you know it.¡± He pointed to the Chasers. ¡°You must believe my stunt at the stables was not something I enjoyed. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I do apologize.¡±


    Alan reached his hand through the bars and clenched hard around Lucius¡¯ neck. ¡°Enough with your apologies. Enough with your games. Speak plainly or not at all.¡±


    Deep Red Saro flowed around his arm, combining with dreadful Black. Alan saw that same Red he did when training with Afarus, only without the calming Green or blessed Yellow to temper him. He was sure of it now¡ªreuniting with Trish had broken his serenity. His Saro was flying out of control.


    He clenched harder around Lucius¡¯ muscular neck, a part of him so badly wanting to squeeze the life out of him for what he¡¯d done¡ªbetrayal over and over and over. Until finally, when Lucius squeezed both hands around Alan¡¯s arms for him to stop, he did.


    Lucius coughed, holding his throat. ¡°Hm¡ª¡± he coughed again. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s a little bit of god in you, Alan. That rigidness. Loss of empathy.¡± He flashed an angered smile. ¡°Remember your first day in Strangey? You¡¯re the one who changed. Not me.¡±


    ¡°This is your last chance. Where are the Pegs?¡± Alan said evenly.


    Lucius shook his head. ¡°My terms stand, Fate Chasers. Overthrow Alan and make the deal. Then we all go home.¡±


    Elkire drew his flagged spear and stuck the point inches from Lucius¡¯ neck. ¡°Talk of treason in Token will not be tolerated, Stalker. You will rot until you are ready to speak.¡±


    Alan arced an eyebrow, eyes still plastered on Lucius. He was trying to calm himself the old-fashioned way¡ªbreathing techniques. No one boiled his blood like Lucius did. Especially now, when stakes were raising by the day.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Elkire. We¡¯ll visit him again once he¡¯s had more time to slip further and further away from his precious Luness,¡± Alan hissed, turning his back on the prince.


    Boom!


    Lucius slammed on the bars so hard the rest of the ice around the bars cracked, falling dramatically to the floor. ¡°I¡¯m going home, Alan. One way or another.¡±


    Alan walked out of the prison with the main Fate Chasers at his back. ¡°Give it time. We will get your Pegs back.¡±


    ¡°I have no doubt.¡± Elkire puffed his chest, pointing his ornate spear to the sun. ¡°For now, let us concentrate on keeping these interconnected realms intact.¡±


    Alan nodded, pulling out his map. ¡°Once you¡¯ve rested in a bath of serenity Green¡ª¡±


    ¡°There is no rest for Fate.¡± Elkire flipped his spear into the holster on his back.


    ¡°Token demands it. I can¡¯t have you falling out of the sky from fatigue. We could all do well to take a page out of Flint¡¯s book. Celebrate the small wins, rest after a hard journey. Only then, take Tenger and travel west.¡± Alan pointed to the map. ¡°I need the strip of orange and blue fog scouted. We have to know if armies are farming those territories, and the count.¡±


    ¡°It will be done, noble Alan.¡± Elkire held his fist to his chest.


    ¡°Have Irana and Flint escort Nastaf to my throne by nightfall. In the interim, I need to get war protocols in order. There¡¯s so much to learn.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. It¡¯s like being spawned here all over again. I¡¯ve got the scars to prove it.¡± He showcased his torn-up arm.


    ¡°It means everything that you¡¯re at my side, Elk. It gives us of Unlikely Guds a fighting chance.¡± Alan held up Ara¡¯s feather so she¡¯d come scoop him up and latched onto her talon for a swift exit.


    As soon as he was alone, his brow felt heavy. The amount of budding prompts still plagued him, even after he¡¯d settled many regarding citizenship and war the night before. If he was to scour Ojin, he had to be ready.


    Kaw!


    Alan waved Ara away once he landed at the foot of his throne. Walking into the beast¡¯s mouth, taking off his void breastplate and fire-hot boots allowed him a moment to breathe. He sat cross-legged in his corner, provoking the war prompts with Neesha¡¯s stone answers at the forefront of his mind.


    War is an extension of survival. We want to live free of control and dominance. A chance to strive in Ojin under the universe¡¯s rules is better than under Jaeger¡¯s. Show me what I must do to win.


    Alan Right


    Title: Merchant Bounty Hunter of the Horde*


    Affinity: Mercantile


    Saro: Colorless


    Status:


    *War Ready*


    Titles with an asterisk bestow a unique Saro coating that amplifies the wearer¡¯s power to contend against armies in times of war.


    Note: Although traveling in large groups is common in times of war and yield benefits in holding Ojin territory and farming Ojin minions, a warrior equipped with a War Title will gain additional Saro coating the more warriors they are up against.


    Note: Titles earned in times of peace still apply and fog hierarchies are unchanged. However, it is advised to Title-swap if hostile warriors attack.


    Alan blinked away the prompt. ¡°Yeah I know all that already. What else?¡±


    Title: Merchant Bounty Hunter of the Horde*


    Perk: Upon defeating hostile warriors with this War Title selected, warrior gains access to the defeated enemy¡¯s realm of pledged items.


    Note: Pledged items are of sacred regard that have been sacrificed by warriors and minions to gods over time. For example: The Dagger of Jibberish was pledged to Mujungo by goblins. Items like this are stashed in a god¡¯s private pocket unseen by warriors. The more renown possessed by the defeated enemy, the greater access granted to a god¡¯s pocket. Happy bounty hunting.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Alan shook his head. ¡°I feel like a goddamn pirate thief with these prompts.¡± He reached for his Soul Collector and swung out Durger for some advice.


    His ethereal bearded companion took a heavy seat beside Alan.


    ¡°Good to see you, Sir Alan. You¡¯ve made incredible strides,¡± Durger said.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been awfully quiet in there.¡± Alan motioned to the blade, which made Durger blush so noticeably it even peeked through his shadowy form.


    ¡°Well, mm. I have a surprise,¡± Durger said, then reached his arms toward the blade. ¡°C¡¯mon, boy!¡±


    Arf! Arf!


    A tiny dog with curly fur and pushed-back ears puffed into existence, doing a full flip as it rushed toward Durger.


    ¡°Sir Ooman!¡± Alan¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Indeed. Hah!¡± Durger fell back as the dog tackled him, licking his ethereal beard and sending wisps everywhere.


    ¡°He sheds even as a soul, huh?¡± Alan laughed, then tapped the floor. ¡°C¡¯mon, boy.¡±


    The pet¡¯s eyes were dopey-looking and full of life. Arf! He crashed into Alan, who made a show of falling back. He then picked the dog up and stared at him. ¡°I¡¯m so happy for you, Durger. He¡¯s adorable.¡±


    ¡°Been chasing this pup for what feels like a lifetime.¡± Durger sniffed, wiping his nose.


    ¡°I know you have, old friend. I saw it in my visions the very first time I sourced the Dagger of Gibberish. It broke my heart.¡±


    ¡°And you let me blab the whole story to you anyway?¡± Durger huffed.


    ¡°What are friends for? Tell me, how¡¯d you do it? How¡¯d you find ¡®im?¡± Alan scratched behind Ooman¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Hm. You might not like this part.¡± Durger tightened his cross-legged seat.


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°The Soul Collector has been a foggy plane since the moment Lucius drew me into it, Sir Alan. I suspect that¡¯s due to the moderate Black Saro of its wielders. But something happened when you crossed into the Royal Horde, in that tower¡­¡±


    ¡°Trish,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m afraid so. As soon as you discovered her, everything cleared up like a passing storm. All of us souls minding our own business were suddenly face to face, with forms as fleshed out as you sitting before me. That¡¯s how I found this little guy burrowing deep into the ground.¡±


    Alan¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What does it mean?¡±


    ¡°Hm. I¡¯m not sure, but Afarus has been pacing back and forth since it happened. He keeps talking about a cloudy fate that awaits you.¡±


    ¡°Right. He told me that too back at the inn,¡± Alan recalled.


    Wooosh!


    A pulse of black wind formed Afarus leaning on the wall beside Alan, long arm-wraps squiggling to the floor as he folded his arms.


    ¡°Your dark Saro links have grown to unstable levels, Alan. It¡¯s dangerous. And telling.¡±


    Alan hopped to his feet, scaring Sir Ooman out of Durger¡¯s arms and scurrying around his back.


    ¡°Tell me plainly. How do you know this isn¡¯t a result of gaining a War Title? According to all these prompts, I¡¯m more powerful from it.¡±


    Afarus shook his head. ¡°Something similar happened to me when I reunited with my love. Only it wasn¡¯t the Black that amplified.¡±


    Alan scoffed. ¡°Are you telling me she¡¯s toxic? That¡¯s something I already know.¡±


    ¡°As I¡¯ve told you both, nothing is clear at this moment. Whether she will aid or descend you into madness, I cannot be the one to say. Origin reunions are often potent in the world of Saro. One of the great unsolved mysterious, If I¡¯m being honest.¡± Afarus kicked off the wall, letting his oversized sword drag on the throne carpet.


    With a clenched fist, Alan vacuumed Afarus¡¯ materialized form back to ethereal, all except his golden eyes. ¡°What does your heart tell you?¡± Alan asked.


    ¡°Oh no.¡± Afarus tugged enough Saro back to give form to his arms. ¡°This is a decision only you can make. Come on, Durghowler. Let¡¯s enjoy the bright world of the sword before our master loses himself.¡±


    ¡°Comforting,¡± Alan scoffed.


    ¡°Farewell, Alan. I will keep close watch on how war-ready protocols affect your Saro. Call on us when the time is right.¡± Afarus whooshed back into the blade, leaving Durger and Ooman smiling at him.


    ¡°You are a wonder to this universe, Sir Alan. We will be by your side ¡®til the end.¡± Durger held up Ooman so he could lick Alan¡¯s face.


    Grayish slivers wafted everywhere again.


    ¡°See you soon, friends.¡± Alan waved, then sighed when they were gone.


    Trish poisons me in two lives?


    Or does she help?


    Alan swiped the Soul Collector from the floor and twisted it every which way. ¡°I can¡¯t dally. Much to know and much to do¡­¡±


    xxx


    The days went by in a blur. Alan took Flint¡¯s advice and delegated as much as he could to those willing to help. The Fate Chasers were a big part of that. From dispute settlement to carrying out scout orders, they held the realm intact while Alan cemented what it meant to be a Token citizen. Mobilizing groups of high-tier warriors formerly from Brack now held Token¡¯s gold-coin insignia on their shoulders.


    It made him proud that they¡¯d willingly accepted, but naturally Alan had to keep an eye on them, since some could very well become Junos loyalists. If watching a god strike down his own wasn¡¯t enough to convince them, Alan didn¡¯t know what would. Still, he was hoping Token¡¯s charm would soon win them over.


    A week after patrols began, the grand map rolled over his marble desk had a little less fog floating over it. They¡¯d cleared a perimeter carefully, using the Fate Chasers to ensure no scouts or armies were around while they did.


    Keeping Token¡¯s portal destinations a secret was essential, since invasion was probable with no god designated to protect the realm. Alan couldn¡¯t let Mother Balooma down.


    Flint, Itsy, and Alan spent hours analyzing the map, getting Nastaf¡¯s path to Brack ready so the rescue mission could take hold. Planning. Planning. Planning. All he wanted to do was start setting up Token¡¯s economy and have a flourishing amount of trade take place, but that couldn¡¯t be the priority right now.


    Neesha barged in nightly, hugging her Answer Stone and giving Alan a glimpse of what it was like to wield one. Asking it war-based questions evoked specified prompts and notes that Alan hoped would give them an edge. Apparently hiding out among an army could build Saro potency for every minute not found out. Also, egging an enemy army to fight on farmed Ojin territory yielded aura advantages. The potential tactics were endless, and Alan did his best to consume all of it.


    That night Trish scaled the mountain Alan¡¯s throne rested upon¡ªusing Black Saro techniques to shadow shift¡ªand marched herself into the throne room with Alan and Neesha sitting cross-legged across from one another. Green Saro trickled between their fingertips¡ªflirting, kind of.


    ¡°Am I interrupting?¡± Trish sat herself right beside both of them, causing the Green Saro streams to recoil.


    Alan swiped away the prompt and placed the Answer Stone in Neesha¡¯s lap. He couldn¡¯t help but inhale a waft of his ex¡¯s scent. She smelled like outdoors and cherries at the same time. The black shadows that formed under her eyes every time she used Saro were intoxicating, and he could feel his own going haywire inside.


    ¡°Obviously. War protocols aren¡¯t a mountain you can climb.¡± Neesha got to her feet and reached for her oversized robes hanging over the chair.


    ¡°Ah, that requires sitting in the king¡¯s ivory tower, huh, princess?¡± Trish arced an eyebrow.


    ¡°Ladies, please,¡± Alan said, getting to his feet.


    Trish twisted her lips. ¡°I¡ªtook your advice¡­ with Nastaf. I¡¯ve been sitting in on the team¡¯s protocols for the mission and training with one of them. They¡¯re on a whole other level.¡±


    ¡°And Alan is on one far beyond that,¡± Neesha said, slipping into her shoes at the front throne door. ¡°Which is why he doesn¡¯t have time for handholding.¡±


    Trish swallowed past a lump in her throat. ¡°Handholding, huh? What was that you were doing with your Green Saro then?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Alan felt heat rising to his face.


    ¡°No. No. That¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll be out of your hair,¡± Neesha said with half-closed eyes, then turned her back on the two of them. ¡°We¡¯ll continue war prompts tomorrow, after Nastaf departs on his first rescue mission.¡±


    Alan cursed under his breath when Neesha left. He was right in the middle of a long string of prompt dialogue. If he learned nothing else today, it was that he needed more allies, fast.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Alan. I should go.¡± Trish¡¯s cattiness dissolved with Neesha¡¯s presence. ¡°I was just excited to share Nastaf¡¯s vigor.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Alan paced with his hands on his hips. ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything wrong. Neither of you did.¡±


    Alan could tell from the corner of his eye that Trish was becoming bashful.


    ¡°When we used to hike¡­ it was hard to even walk uphill for a few minutes straight. Now I¡¯m scaling and shadow shifting with one hand. This place can be amazing when you¡¯re not held up in a dark cave.¡±


    ¡°I feel the same way,¡± Alan said. ¡°My first days here were in a town they call strange. Frogs floating in the air, mountains playing bongos, and the trees talking in the most charming accents. You could imagine my disdain when I showed up naked.¡±


    ¡°Least you remember showing up,¡± Trish sighed. ¡°When my eyes opened, I was already wrapped in black leather with a curved dagger in hand, facing off against some slithery shade.¡±


    Alan put his hand to his chin. ¡°Do you want the memories you lost back?¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°A lapse in memory is never comfortable. It¡¯s like being blackout drunk the night prior. The hell did I do for those hours? You know?¡±


    ¡°I do. Take out that dagger,¡± Alan nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll help you out.¡±


    She unsheathed a blade with silver teeth and two black lines running down the edge.


    As a trance slowly manifested around Alan¡¯s vision, a boom shook the throne.


    Alan and Trish both turned sharply toward the direction of the noise, then sprinted out to see. Ominous wind blew Alan¡¯s hair back, darkening the mood of an otherwise peaceful night. He leapt onto the gryphon statue to get a better look at a source of light in the distance. A tear in the sky awfully resembled a portal, and as he squinted, it was clear a gryphon was struggling to soar through.


    ¡°Irana.¡± Alan ripped his feather out from his pouch and leapt right off the statue¡ªto a mile-long drop¡ªknowing Ara would catch him.


    Kaw!


    She soared under Alan and gently caught him in his seat. The closer they rushed to meet Irana, the clearer things became¡ªher gryphon¡¯s wing was burnt and her consciousness was fading.


    ¡°Grab her off her mount, Ara! She can¡¯t handle extra weight right now,¡± Alan said.


    Kaw!


    Ara whipped in a circle, snatched Irana in her claws, and escorted them both to the top of the mountain. Trish slid to her knees once Ara dropped Irana off.


    ¡°Alan.¡± Irana winced. ¡°An army, one mile out from Token¡¯s portal zone. Southeast,¡± she heaved. ¡°I took the long way back. They didn¡¯t catch me. They didn¡¯t see.¡± She held her ribs.


    ¡°Hold still,¡± Alan said, summoning Green Saro to his fingertips. To his dismay, the streams weren¡¯t coming. The serene thoughts¡­ weren¡¯t working. ¡°Dammit!¡± he winced. ¡°Trish, get Neesha.¡±


    She looked at him with apprehension.


    ¡°Do it!¡±


    ¡°Alan.¡± Irana grabbed his arm. ¡°You have to lead them away. Otherwise all our efforts¡ª¡± she coughed hard.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting you a Healer first. Wait here¡ª¡±


    She grabbed his arm. ¡°No time. Portal out right now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you. We¡¯ll fight on home turf if we have to.¡± Alan held out his hands again, hoping with Trish gone he could pull those comforting memories again.


    No luck.


    ¡°Wait here, I¡¯m flying down to get a Healer.¡± Alan reached for his feather again but this time received a swift slap.


    ¡°Listen to me, you slimy Merchant.¡± Irana grabbed him by the collar, blood leaking out of her mouth. ¡°It¡¯s been an honor to serve. You saved my Brack family. You¡¯re a good man, Alan. I¡¯m happy to admit I was wrong about you.¡± She coughed again. ¡°W¡ªwho knows, maybe in my next life, I¡¯ll wind up back in my Origins¡­ with my real family.¡± Her breathing grew shallow. ¡°I miss them.¡±


    ¡°No. Stop. Stay with me.¡± Alan cupped her face, then put his head to her chest. ¡°Irana. The Fate Chasers need you. I need you.¡±


    It was too late.


    She was gone.

 Chapter 56 - The Dark Side of Fate

    Alan pressed his hands hard over Irana¡¯s body, digging deep into his Origin memories to pull the Green he so desperately needed to save her.


    When the resuscitation failed¡­ when his Saro betrayed him¡­ when her heart slowed to a stop, he shouted at the top of his lungs.


    Thunder and lightning accompanied a sudden storm in Token¡­ the realm¡¯s first. And Alan would be damned if he let it be the last.


    The moment was surreal in the worst way. Burn marks lined across her still body were a mix of Orange and Black¡ªa nasty Saro combination concocted by a high-tier warrior, no doubt.


    But who? Who could take down a Fate Chaser?


    With tears leaking out of his eyes, he swapped his Title for Ultimus. It was time to portal out and heed Irana¡¯s warning. She wouldn¡¯t die in vain.


    Drawing his Soul Collector pulsing with Orange molten Saro, Alan jammed it into the ground away from Irana¡¯s corpse. A message he concocted in his mind traced into a controlled flame on the floor:


    Flint, when you receive this, meet me in Ojin. Practiced war protocol six, southeast of Token. You¡¯ll know the signal.


    Without double-checking his spelling, through blurry vision, he turned away with a lump in his throat.


    I¡¯ve brought nothing but despair to the Fate Chasers¡­


    Trish¡­ I wish I never met you here. He looked at his hands, then summoned the portal out of Token. You just cost a life.


    He stomped through, manifesting Black and Red to levels he¡¯d never experienced, sending a waft of Gray to conceal the light of his portal until it shut. A quick switch to his War Title stuffed him with even more energy than before. It was converting to anger, hatred. His emotions truly were going haywire. Crimson sparks buzzed off his forearms, reminding him of the frogs¡¯ old visions of him. The dark ones.


    He flipped out his coin holding the Five Pearls, letting them orbit around him¡ªfilled with shade manifestations from memories of Lucius, Junos¡¯ lightning, Mujungo¡¯s clouds. Syphoning one of the five dissolved Alan into an ethereal entity¡ªhis vision turning grayscale as he hunted.


    The horrid vibrations of a thousand marching boots were compounded when Alan saw it. Black cloaks and long masks straight out of the frogs¡¯ vision. Cerrain warriors. Sar¡¯fidius. The clairvoyance was true. It was not of the past. The Red Pact had power beyond what Alan could combat.


    But right now¡­ none of that mattered.


    His veins burned hot as he glided over the terrain, swerving closer to the army of decorated weaponry. Their armor was high tier, and the leader atop a wyvern brazenly displayed her War Title.


    Title: *Archer of the Flaming Rain


    Alan swerved to get a better look. That must be the one who took down Irana, he figured, then tensed completely when he realized he¡¯d seen that face before. It was Neesha¡¯s sister. One of Sar¡¯fidius¡¯ generals.


    How could this be?


    Already?


    The Origin complications were coming in droves. It made him wonder if war had some protocol for drawing old bonds together.


    ¡°Hold!¡± The wyvern rider held up her fist¡ªdark braids twisting down her back. She turned her head in Alan¡¯s direction, which made him sway away at lightning speed¡ªrounding the army from the backside, watching as they all pointed their weapons in the direction their general honed her attention on.


    Alan couldn¡¯t help but notice the sister¡¯s pink nose and similar complexion, yet she wore the look of a hardened killer, opposite her sister. War traveled with this one through to the afterlife. Alan could tell she was born for it.


    Well, too bad for her she¡¯d just triggered something worse.


    ¡°This way, you bitch,¡± Alan whispered, trying to draw her away from Token¡¯s portal zone. He had to make it look natural, so he blinked into existence mid-shade, taunting a nearby soldier before dissolving once more.


    ¡°Madam!¡± the Cerrain soldier called, shifting his spear out of formation. ¡°Madam! It¡¯s a shade!¡±


    The soldiers ¡°hooed!¡± while shifting positions in lockstep.


    Alan backtracked, swaying every which way as he lured the army rushing to keep up. He continuously blinked into existence¡ªteasing them¡ªuntil the spindly wyvern shrieked, picking up his scent.


    Recalling the map memorized in his head, he dashed farther and farther south, down the path of cleared fog, until the army was nothing but a blip in his vision. On a patch of dead grass, he shed his Pearl¡¯s essence and dug into his pouch.


    Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting!


    He flipped out coins in rapid succession, calling his minions.


    Yogi smashed his claws together, roaring at the incoming force. Gardstrife sharpened his blade-arms. Figro dropped his massive shield at the forefront, and Hendra raised her hammer to catch Ufanda. She waved the gown around like a flag, taunting the army.


    WAR-TIME BATTLE INITIATED.


    General Foretta Sans of the Red Pact.


    Defeat her and her army with the bounty hunter War Title selected and receive access to Sar¡¯fidius¡¯ stash of stored weapons.


    Alan felt like a tree of dark Saro, bleeding his power into his minions, using his War Title to bolster them to no end. Lingering around the army gave him increased Saro strength, as foretold in his prompts. And being outnumbered would just bolster him further.


    He¡¯d use the hell of war to his advantage.


    ¡°Careful, Alan.¡± Afarus¡¯ face flew out of the Soul Collector. ¡°You¡¯re letting emotion overrun your senses. Balance is the way.¡±


    Alan shook his head. ¡°A friend was taken from me. Balance left with her beating heart. This is war.¡±


    The wyvern swooped to a hovering stop overhead. Neesha¡¯s sister peered down on Alan with a fiery bow in hand. Alan wanted to flash his War Title right back to her, but that would tell her of his secret alliance.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Alan Right.¡± Lightning cracked between them, followed by a monsoon of sideways rain. Did his anger transcend his realm? ¡°Friend to the gryphon rider you decided to assault.¡±


    An angry smile flashed across her face as her army caught up. ¡°My blackhold fire surely stopped her heart by now.¡±


    The ground at Alan¡¯s feet cratered, prompting Yogi to roar.


    ¡°You must be Foretta Sans, squall rider of Cerrain, warrior of the Kiar Empire,¡± Alan said. ¡°Now, sadly, you fight for a skeletal god hellbent on conquering.¡±


    The smile wiped right off her face¡ªher wyvern fidgeting from her loss of confidence.


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    ¡°I know you were bred for war, Foretta,¡± Alan said. ¡°But I thought the Sans had honor in what they fought for.¡±


    He kept his anger in his clenched fists, doing his best to get in his enemy¡¯s head.


    ¡°Now I know where I¡¯ve heard that name.¡± Foretta¡¯s wyvern flapped incessantly, lowering as her army pointed spear and sword Alan¡¯s way. ¡°The gargoyle said you were dangerous. A Merchant.¡±


    ¡°I want nothing from you,¡± Alan said, bolstering Orange and Black to rival Foretta¡¯s Saro. ¡°Just your head.¡±


    ¡°Alan, that¡¯s Neesha¡¯s sister,¡± Durger materialized in his ear. ¡°Do not act with haste. I beg of you.¡±


    Foretta found her confidence again. ¡°The Kiar Empire transcends death. The god we prayed to answered. And now we are rewarded in the afterlife with worthy foes as we conquer the universe. It¡¯s our eternal destiny.¡± Her eyes flashed fiery orange.


    ¡°You¡¯re just a pawn then,¡± Alan said, another bolt of lightning striking between them. ¡°What would your sister think of you now?¡±


    Silence came between them, just the pattering of heavy rain.


    ¡°Was she not trampled for the sins of her family?¡± Alan goaded. ¡°Did you learn nothing from her death?¡±


    She scowled, holding up her bow to rile her army. ¡°We rode in her name!¡±


    ¡°Now what name do you ride for?¡± Alan drew his double-bladed staff. ¡°Sar¡¯fidius? Jaeger? Are these the gods worth killing for?¡±


    She gritted her teeth, holding her arm upright, readying to unleash them all. ¡°You know nothing, Merchant! Attack!¡±


    ¡°Allow me to stand in your way.¡± Alan sent two Pearls crisscrossing in front of him, internalizing the image of six-hundred strong before the Pearls spewed Gray Saro like smoke bombs, shrouding his path. He charged alongside his minions¡ªYogi shaking the ground on all fours, Hendra lifting her hammer mid-run, and Gardstrife disappearing into a blur beside them.


    As the smoke cleared, bodies flew in the air from Gardstrife¡¯s attack. Two Stalkers scaled his back the second his completed attack left him vulnerable, but Alan activated instinctive Red, sending him soaring to cut their backs.


    Fsst!


    Fsst!


    Each of Alan¡¯s blades were bloody as he landed with two bodies falling to either of his sides. Spears came rushing to impale him. Using a flash of clairvoyant Blue, he anticipated the strikes, ducking one and parrying the other with ease before snapping his fingers to drown them both in molten Orange puddles.


    He was building up his Counter-dash -ability infused within Blood-Vision Edge, storing enough energy to soar up to the Archer raining arrows on Hendra. Figro tilted his shield to the sky, leaping from section to section to catch the fiery rain.


    Alan grabbed a soldier by the neck while blindly slicing another spear in half at his side and cleaving her torso open. ¡°What was the fate of Luness Kiar before you passed?¡± Alan¡¯s vision grew literal red. ¡°Tell me!¡± He spun to cut another two spears, then lifted the Cerrain soldier in his grasp.


    ¡°O¡ªour princess was drawn under by the Strader assassins.¡± The soldier coughed. ¡°We could not stop it. We fight in her name still!¡±


    ¡°You will do,¡± Alan said, drawing another of the Pearl¡¯s essence to shroud him. He dragged the soldier through a world of grayscale to a spot away from battle, wrapped him in a Pink Saro rope, and left him for later.


    His staff buzzed with stored essence as he eyed the wyvern spitting poison over Figro¡¯s shield¡ªwho wiped it on the next batch of rushing soldiers.


    Now was his chance.


    ¡°Hra!¡± He activated Counter-dash and rushed into a blinding blur, gaining height until reaching the Archer¡¯s back¡ªthe wyvern¡¯s putrid stench wafting in his face. As he wound up to slice Foretta¡¯s head clean off, she spun on her back¡ªbiting the rope of her wyvern¡¯s saddle while aiming three arrows nocked and ready.


    Fth! Fth! Fth!


    Alan twirled his blade to deflect the projectiles, and although they went flying, the Black Saro surrounding each tip clung to him like ink, dragging him off the wyvern¡¯s slimy scales and falling from the sky.


    ¡°Noble Alan!¡± Yogi pointed. ¡°Go, blanket!¡±


    Ufanda whooshed in to stop him from crashing into the dirt.


    ¡°That was a close one, my dear.¡± Ufanda swerved when another barrage of arrows whizzed by.


    ¡°Grab your sword and shield,¡± Alan coughed, holding onto the fabric. ¡°Purple will do well against her.¡±


    The fabric felt loose and awkward under his knees, like he¡¯d roll right off at any second, but he held on tight.


    ¡°OoooOOooooAo!¡± Ufanda wrapped her sleeves around the slippery weapons stuck in the ground, then zoomed up to meet the wyvern head on. She used the wind to her advantage, curling and twisting to avoid airborne spears coming their way.


    When they caught a good gust thrusting them upward, Alan drew his Dagger of Jibberish, filtering Pink Saro into it.


    I¡¯ll have her head for what she¡¯s done.


    His hair was drenched, enemy Black Saro trying its best to drag him down. It was in this moment he remembered he had no means to heal his minions. Green and Yellow were both vacant in his pendant¡¯s color wheel. It was like a part of him was ripped out.


    Though Hendra was taking out soldiers in droves, spears were stuck in her legs. Yogi shook the ground but arrows lined his back.


    He had to act now.


    ¡°OooOoooo!¡± Ufanda flew straight up, then dipped enough for Alan to swipe his Pink Saro, sending a wave of it into the wyvern¡¯s face, making its eyes sparkle all different colors. He then pumped Orange Saro into it while Ufanda swung her hefty blade across the wyvern¡¯s belly.


    Eyes honed with instinctive Red, he tossed the blade like a spear on a straight path for her neck. She fall back at the last second, disappearing off the wyvern¡¯s saddle with her rope curled in hand. In a fit of anger, Alan coerced the blade with deceptive Beige, curving it down to follow her.


    When she peaked upside down from the wyvern¡¯s bleeding belly, Alan crossed his arms to direct the dagger, burying it deep into her shoulder as an arrow came to cleave him.


    Srrrk!


    Ufanda¡¯s cloth ripped as she curved to take the projectile for him. Except the amount of Black Saro wrapped around the gown caused them both to tumble in the air.


    ¡°The mighty Merchant,¡± Foretta called, wrapping a foot around her rope so she could watch Alan plummet. ¡°You missed.¡±


    He scraped at the gown to regain his balance. When he locked eyes with the Archer, he smirked. ¡°War protocol six!¡± Dark Saro spewed from his voice, penetrating the entire battlefield.


    His minions all retreated from battle. Alan leapt off Ufanda so Hendra could catch her. And when Alan back-flipped to his feet¡ªheels smashing against the muddy ground¡ªhe tossed bright Orange Saro onto Ufanda, illuminating her into a fiery flag.


    He then whipped two Pearls endlessly spewing smoke back into his orbit, allowing the deep fog to clear behind the Cerrain army.


    Flint stood atop a crown of ice, appearing more threatening than Alan had ever seen him. ¡°We are here, Alan.¡± He rose on the tips of his elongating robes, showcasing the army of new Token citizens here to flank Foretta. ¡°And we always will be.¡±


    A pang of hope struck Alan right in the heart, pulsing a flash of Green Saro that splashed out of him like a wave. The cuts and bruises lining his arms, down his ribs, they closed right up, and his minions replenished too. Then, within a blink, the serenity was gone.


    ¡°Friends,¡± Alan spoke to his minions. ¡°Send them far away from here.¡±


    ¡°Aye, noble Alan.¡± Blue Saro rushed around Yogi.


    ¡°Back to dust.¡± Hendra flipped Ufanda off her hammer and readied for her next go.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Figro bent down, ready to charge with his shield as a ram.


    ¡°I will cut a path to the Wizard.¡± Gardstrife sharpened his blades. ¡°See if you can keep up.¡±


    As his minions charged, as Flint turned into a torpedo of ice on the far side of battle, as an army of high-tier warriors worked to demoralize those enemies still standing, Alan only gazed up¡­ to Irana¡¯s killer.


    He never knew what kind of warrior he¡¯d be in times like these. But now he knew¡­ he was a vengeful one.


    Crkl! Kshh!


    Spells and weapons clashed, with Cerrain screams loud among them.


    Foretta was quickly becoming demoralized¡ªher arrows deflected midair by Itsy¡¯s stick-made boomerang, Flint¡¯s ice, Figro¡¯s shield.


    Now was his chance.


    Alan ducked a swing from a Cerrain warrior¡¯s sickle, sliced him in the leg, and leapt on his back to activate Counter-dash. He flew up to Foretta¡ªrain prickling his face like needles¡ªuntil sllt! He punctured the wyvern, reopening the wound she tried to sear shut, and flipped up to the top with instinctive Red cycling his legs to keep balance.


    Foretta spun on her back once more, ejecting arrows in a blur, but with a snap of his finger, Alan¡¯s White winds snuffed out the flames and sent the arrows tumbling off course.


    Whack!


    He back-kicked her off her mount. Watching her flail midair, trying to grasp her rope, was a satisfying view. Lightning flashed as Alan peered down from the shrieking wyvern, taking note of his minions working with the Token flank to crush the enemy.


    Flashes of Irana¡¯s dying breaths sent a flame coursing through his veins. He wanted to shout out his frustration for losing a Fate Chaser on his watch. He wanted to kill for it. Activating another stored Counter-dash, he rushed to follow General Foretta to the ground.


    The battle was over.


    Cerrain troops lay dead all around, with the ranged wielders fleeing at the sight of their general overrun.


    Amid rain and lightning, Alan stomped over Foretta, drawing the blade of her prince. A fitting end.


    Whispers plagued his ear, making the blade grow heavy in his grip like the first time he¡¯d wielded it. His senses obscured from the blinding anger still coursing through him. His balance was off. Saro scale tipped in a dark direction.


    ¡°An eye for an eye, General.¡± Alan raised the blade, hearing loud whispers fighting him.


    ¡°Alan!¡± a muffled voice rang somewhere faraway. ¡°Stop!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve slain many today. What is one more?¡± Alan plunged his Soul Collector down, fighting the force of all the souls inside. His arms flexed, enemy neck honed through red vision. He fought to push the blade, knowing the quivering rival force was fading. Alan was winning. He would win.


    Irana.


    ¡°Stop!¡± the voice got louder in his mind.


    The fear in Foretta¡¯s face was nonexistent. She was a warrior to her core. Alan respected it in the seconds before he would cleave her.


    That¡¯s right. Lift your chin. Give me your neck.


    The Black dread oozed out of him like pus.


    ¡°Die for your crimes.¡±

 Chapter 57 - Unforgivable

    Amid a terrible storm, blood and bone splayed over Ojin. The first attack on a Token citizen was avenged. Hundreds among the Red Pact army lie wasted over the muddy ground, and General Foretta¡¯s wyvern crashing into a momentous tumble was the icing on the cake. Unlikely Guds had won.


    In the center of it all, with red-inverted vision and an unforgiving expression, Alan knelt over General Foretta in position to stab, begging his Soul Collector to give into his dark desire. Durger, Afarus, none of the souls inside could stop him now.


    He would kill her for what she did to Irana.


    The weight of his blade lessened in his grip, allowing him to finally plunge.


    ¡°Die!¡± he shouted.


    ¡°Alan, stop!¡± a distant voice grew closer. ¡°Stop! Please!¡±


    Inches from cleaving Foretta¡¯s neck, a thunderous heartbeat pulsed through his eardrums, flashing his vision back to normal.


    The voice¡­ it was Neesha.


    His tense arms quavered as the point of his blade nicked the general¡¯s neck. They stared at each other with wide eyes, the feral moments of battle consuming them both. One ready to kill, the other ready to die.


    ¡°Rgh,¡± he grunted, tensing again as the darkness tried to creep back in. Only, the anger was gone, giving Alan the peace needed to drop the blade.


    Neesha wrapped him with ribbons of Green Saro to sooth his rage. ¡°God. Foretta.¡±


    The general seethed. Her arms robbed of strength, leg broken from the fall.


    ¡°Alan, what¡¯s become of you?¡± Neesha cried, attempting to push him off of her sister. ¡°You saw her in the frogs¡¯ vision, same as I did. You know who she is. How could you?¡±


    Alan exhaled a deep sigh, staring at his bloodied hands.


    ¡°Snap out of it,¡± she begged.


    His minions slowly stomped up to them¡ªall blood-spattered and singed from the elements. Their walks were solemn, knowing dark Saro cycled their keeper in the worst way.


    ¡°He is a warrior, little sister.¡± Foretta coughed through a laugh. ¡°Something you would never understand.¡±


    ¡°Glad to see your personality is still intact through death,¡± Neesha scoffed, wrapping Foretta¡¯s broken leg in soothing Green, gradually cracking the bone back into place.


    ¡°Mmph¡ª¡± She held back a groan. ¡°When did you find the courage to mend life that moves, little sister? I thought all you were good for was raking leaves and watering plants.¡± She cackled through a cough.


    ¡°Still a bitch too, I see.¡± Neesha smiled sadly. ¡°Get off her.¡± She continued to push until Alan finally unlocked his legs and let the general breathe.


    Pmf!


    Flint pressed down his staff in the mud, standing solemnly in front of all Alan¡¯s minions. The Token army spread farther behind them.


    ¡°I do not like what battle does to us, friend.¡± Flint frowned.


    ¡°Nor do I,¡± Alan said, slapping molten Orange shackles around Foretta¡¯s arms.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Neesha complained.


    ¡°She is an enemy general of the Red Pact. I spared her life because she¡¯s your sister. But rest assured, Neesha, she murdered Irana of the Fate Chasers.¡± Alan gently guided Neesha away from her sister, then yanked Foretta by the collar, taking pleasure at her wincing from her broken body. ¡°That¡¯s enough with the mending. We don¡¯t need someone this dangerous back at full strength.¡±


    Neesha shook her head at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s her you should be angry at. Joining a god as evil as Sar¡¯fidius,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°He is our reward for dying a warrior¡¯s death,¡± Foretta growled.


    ¡°I expect that from her, Alan. She is thick in muscle and in skull. Always has been. But you? You¡¯re better than this.¡±


    ¡°Lady Neesha.¡± Yogi bent to all fours. ¡°Noble Alan protects his people. Had he not acted, many would have been slain by Lady Foretta¡¯s patrol.¡±


    ¡°Listen to your Borai, little sister.¡± Foretta grinned angrily in Alan¡¯s grasp. ¡°I would¡¯ve put an arrow in each and every scout that flew over these lands.¡±


    ¡°Keeper, there are enemy soldiers who flee,¡± Gardstrife¡¯s celestial voice resounded as he sharpened his blades. ¡°A Patrolgod¡¯s duty is to ensure no danger to his realm. Give the order and I will cleanse the land of enemies.¡±


    Alan looked to Flint, who stared solemnly at his staff, then to Neesha, who looked like she was about to whack him with her stone. ¡°Cut them down.¡±


    Neesha gasped, glaring at the others, then at Alan. ¡°This is not what I signed up for.¡± She pointed an angry finger in his face.


    ¡°¡¯Atta boy, dummy.¡± Itsy strutted up to the group, poking her boomerang into Alan¡¯s chest. ¡°Can¡¯t have these death-walkers poking around our territory, ey?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re my people, Alan,¡± Neesha scorned.


    ¡°Not anymore they ain¡¯t.¡± Itsy got in her way, but Neesha kept trying for Alan¡¯s attention.


    ¡°My mother would bring them to feast at our farm. They fought valiantly for King Kiar, and for the prince. Just because many of the Cerrain are misguided in this universe doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re lost.¡±


    Alan sighed as Strife readied to charge, noting the desperation in Neesha¡ªclenched fists and jaw, short, angry breaths. Even if she was strategically wrong, she did just stop Alan from completely losing himself. Flint was right¡­ battle turned the Saro dark.


    ¡°Take Ufanda with you, Strife. Round them up and take them alive as prisoners.¡±


    ¡°It will be done, Keeper.¡± Gardstrife lifted his blade arm and accepted the flying gown as a cape he fastened over his shoulders.


    ¡°Hah! Jail¡¯s going to be stuffed tighter than your mountain houses soon.¡± Itsy put her hands on her hips. ¡°What you going to feed ¡¯em, our hard earned Strangey Town spices?¡±


    Alan puckered his lips. ¡°They¡¯re prisoners of war. Gray essence for them.¡±


    ¡°Aye. Tastes like rocks. That¡¯ll do.¡±


    Neesha walked up to Alan with mean mug intact. ¡°Even though I¡¯m furious with you¡­ Thanks, I suppose.¡±


    Durger stepped out of the Soul Collector and patted Neesha¡¯s shoulders, Sir Ooman running figure eights around her feet. ¡°War does hard things to good people, Neesha. We need you to keep us all balanced.¡±


    She glanced at the ethereal soul floating over her. ¡°I know it was you who stopped him. I saw Alan fighting the blade.¡±


    ¡°Irana was a good, hardened soul. Know that the pain isn¡¯t just yours, my lady.¡± Durger whisked back into the blade.


    A prompt suddenly blanketed Alan¡¯s vision.


    VICTORY!


    WAR-TIME BATTLE *WON*


    General Foretta Sans of the Red Pact has been defeated.


    Access to Sar¡¯fidius¡¯ stash of stored weapons granted.


    ¡°Slaying my scout was a huge mistake, General.¡± Alan tightened his grip around Foretta, scanning the enchanted weapons now floating midair with glowing outlines. ¡°Now I¡¯ll raid your god¡¯s closet and make sure his armies are a little less prepared the next time they strike.¡±


    Foretta bared her teeth when she realized Alan¡¯s words were true. Projections of each weapon materialized, leaving Alan to dive into trances at his heart¡¯s content.


    A wide blackened axe with long red strings dangling down the handle was forged in the mountains of Grolon under the crimson fog. Alan had a front row seat watching the fiercest hunter he¡¯d ever seen wield it like it was weightless. In the hunter¡¯s dying breaths, after being mauled by a hairy tiger-looking monster, he prayed to Sar¡¯fidius.


    Once he returned from his trance, Alan plucked the axe out of the air, which materialized in full as soon as he grasped it:


    Fogrin¡¯s Pride


    Original Saro¡ªBlack


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Original Saro¡ªGray


    ¡°Here you go, Itsy.¡± Alan tossed it to her. ¡°Have fun taking the heads off of Cerrain scum.¡±


    Neesha elbowed him hard, but Alan was in no mood. Hopped up on adrenaline and flirting with the darkest parts of Saro, he relished in stripping the Red Pact of invaluable objects.


    He took a few trinkets that would be handy in battle¡ªan orb that manifested an ethereal stampede, a trap that could pull a warrior ten layers down into the ground by an ankle, and an amulet that reversed poison.


    The stash kept giving, so Alan kept taking. He tossed each item to new Token warriors, hoping they would kick-start more trade in his realm.


    ¡°What do we have here?¡± He walked right up to a familiar black-gold bow pulsing with Orange Saro. The general¡¯s defeat set her own weapon up for grabs, which was very telling for future battles if Alan was ever brought to his knees. ¡°I always said I needed a ranged weapon. This might be the best place to start.¡±


    ¡°Bastard,¡± Foretta spoke through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how twisted you really are, General.¡± Alan fell into a trance, to an underground city of amber-lit caves and sweaty bodies sparring on clay cliffs. This must be where Sar¡¯fidius summoned them from the cracks of his realm. The image was impossible. Spears of fire lit beneath each cliff, drumming up sweltering temperatures.


    General Foretta stood at the center of a one-foot-wide bridge, wooden blade in each hand as Cerrain forces surrounded her on either side. Watching her evade and disarm, shackle with a stray rope and hang her soldiers by their tied-up wrists, use her foot to prevent a body from rolling off¡­ it was impressive. She was as talented as she was deadly. And when the last body fell to be hanged by his ankles, her wyvern came roaring from the depths of the cavern and the entire underground applauded her show.


    The soldiers groaned back to their feet¡ªbowing to their general¡ªmaking way for some ceremony Alan didn¡¯t understand. A tattooed forger emerged from a side cave, sweating and ugly, holding a bow too pristine for the conditions they trained in.


    Windthistle Prime


    Original Saro¡ªOrange


    Original Saro¡ªBlack


    Ability: Split-arrow Rain¡ªA single arrow splits into twenty with interconnected Saro flowing through each.


    Note: Ability best used from aerial view or high arc to attack multiple targets at once.


    Alan grabbed the bow out of thin air and twirled it to test its shine, all while Foretta twitched in her shackles. ¡°You impressed Sar¡¯fidius to receive this. Twenty-six versus one, without a War Title. You kicked and slashed and applied throwing techniques without letting a single one of your army fall to their certain deaths. Impressive.¡±


    ¡°Clairvoyant scum,¡± she seethed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to take down many Cerrain with this weapon,¡± Alan promised. ¡°For Token!¡±


    ¡°For Token!¡± the warriors shouted.


    Alan side-eyed Foretta as they marched away from the corpses. They were dissolving into essence before their eyes, which gave Alan hope no one would be the wiser about a tiny hidden realm waiting close by¡ªno evidence of a grand battle.


    ¡°The gargoyle will have his way with you, Alan Right,¡± Foretta promised. ¡°And I¡¯ll be laughing when he does.¡±


    xxx


    Once stepping foot back into Token, Alan commended Flint and the former Brack warriors for their first victory as official citizens. His first order of business was building out the prison and using his most talented Wizards to confine them using Variant Saro. Mardonnus had the most experience with city protocols, so he used her as oversight. The last thing they needed was one of them breaking out in the night and causing a stir.


    Trish watched curiously at Alan¡¯s side, gushing over his talents and using Neesha¡¯s fury against her. The whole thing turned Alan off. He wanted nothing to do with a catty love triangle, especially since he had countless warriors¡¯ blood freshly on his hands. What was he becoming?


    The funeral that night reignited the fires of war. Watching Irana¡¯s body burn atop a pyramid of sticks was solemn, with many tears from the starkest of warriors¡ªElkire among them. Speeches were grand and full of sad chuckles as they poked at Irana¡¯s tough character. Talk of ¡°brethren¡± and her disdain for the word made the Fate Chasers cry harder. Alan learned that she chased her Peg deep into the mouth of a frigid beast, where it was swallowed in the hands of another warrior. She was legendary, and so too was the support for her.


    The ceremony kept Neesha quiet. This wasn¡¯t all about her Cerrain people. Alan was building a community here, and her sister had just struck a mighty blow against it.


    Alan used his prompts to construct his first shop in her honor¡ªIrana¡¯s Crossroads¡ªwhich would be for rent in the coming days. He used whatever inspiration he could from Lord Osmi¡¯s trade city, trying to recall all the intricacies that kept the place running. This was a little different, since the realm existed outside of Ojin¡¯s danger, but these days? Nowhere felt safe.


    Weeks went by. Nastaf returned from his first successful mission in Hightower Brack, rescuing four castle lords and sixty warriors who were doing their best to hide from Junos. The chief Stalker explained that peeking into the realm again so soon would cause the god to detect them. He¡¯d find out soon enough anyway when his other Ufanda-like gowns realized the population had decreased again, but hopefully that would be after Nastaf¡¯s next two planned missions.


    His success bolstered confidence in the Token citizens. Reuniting warriors thought to be trapped was a great win, but the Stalker wanted no part in their praise. He brooded in his cave with his crew, running scenarios and letting Trish watch.


    Alan¡¯s nights were cold and lonely atop his gryphon throne room. Neesha was still giving him the cold shoulder since he¡¯d nearly killed her sister, and he wasn¡¯t about to let Trish share his bed. Finding her sleeping outside beside the entrance on more than one occasion might have tugged at his heartstrings, but he knew her well enough to understand what she was doing¡ªplaying the damsel. It may even be working too.


    He shared his berry cakes Flint brought him from Strangey Town¡ªthe ones with foam portraying crazy cloud emoji faces¡ªbut that was as far as he was willing to go.


    Now he stood atop the gryphon statue, watching the sunset, waiting for Elkire¡¯s scout report to learn if he could travel north to his next potential ally, Hutten Fie, Figro¡¯s realm.


    As the wind caressed his hair, he thumbed the coin with a massive shield on it and flipped it onto the mountaintop grass beside the statue. The giant golem formed amid a red lightning bolt, carrying his giant shield like he was shouldering the weight of the universe.


    ¡°Have you summoned me to enjoy the sunset? What have I done to deserve such an honor?¡± He swung the shield onto the grass and sat cross-legged atop it, receiving the wind as if he wasn¡¯t made of solid rock.


    ¡°You are always free here, my friend,¡± Alan said. ¡°But today I have a tough favor to ask.¡±


    ¡°Anything, wielder,¡± Figro said, closing his eyes in a meditative state. ¡°You renewed my purpose when I thought I was meant to travel the black forest for the rest of eternity.¡±


    ¡°We all deserve second chances.¡± As soon as Alan said the words, he felt a pang in his gut. Seeing Trish night after night trying to win him back activated the empathy he thought lost.


    ¡°You are too forgiving.¡±


    Perhaps to some.


    ¡°What is this favor I can assist with?¡± Figro asked.


    ¡°When I first met you¡­ walking these very grounds¡­ you told me of a realm that stays out of politics and focuses solely on Ojin armies.¡± Alan was careful to scan his expression. He didn¡¯t want to cause the former nameless one pain, but a realm of such caliber was something Token needed direly as its ally.


    ¡°My old home. Hutten Fie¡ªrealm of the Rigor.¡± Figro sighed deeply. ¡°They would be a powerful ally.¡±


    Alan clenched his jaw. ¡°They would, wouldn¡¯t they?¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡±


    ¡°They are a far journey northeast, with a portal pocket so miniscule I¡¯d have to spend days just to find it. Figro¡­ I could not take such a journey without being certain they¡¯ll accept us.¡±


    The stone golem turned his head. ¡°What you ask, wielder, I cannot deliver.¡±


    Alan averted his gaze. ¡°Do you think they would bend to the Red Pact?¡±


    ¡°Never. Hutten Fie¡¯s walls are high and formations ironclad. As a former upper echelon defender, I can vouch for their ability to resist.¡±


    ¡°And the god that rules?¡±


    ¡°Lady Orevella, goddess of patterns. We have appeased her for decades with our formations. As for her vessel form, I cannot say. Your travels have proven to be stunning in outcome. Gods behave in ways a mortal mind like mine cannot fathom.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes I wonder if you forget what you¡¯ve become.¡± Alan smiled, and Figro did too. ¡°If you can¡¯t find it in you to aid, would you at least be able to share the deep disgrace you say you caused? If it¡¯s not too much for you.¡±


    Silence came between them.


    ¡°Perhaps it could ease some of that burden you carry so dutifully,¡± Alan went on. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve come across enough of my secrets hiding in my pouch.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, you harbor much too, wielder.¡± Figro bowed his head solemnly. ¡°As for me, you ask me to delve into a story that purged my namesake.¡±


    ¡°Only for the good of the realm, Figro. You see our numbers growing, and you see the threats that loom.¡± Alan looked in the direction of the giant prison peeking far below in the distance. ¡°Anything that could shed some light so I can make a decision, anything at all would help.¡±


    In truth, Alan¡¯s mind raced to formulate a plan. The only thing he could offer a goddess of patterns was some war protocols¡ªbut marching an entire army in that direction was out of the question. Though there was another option¡­ The Legion of Fate. Their gryphon flying is superb. Maybe¡­


    ¡°I disobeyed my superior¡¯s direct order against a deep-blue minion in the Cranjara Depths.¡± Figro looked to the sky. ¡°We swam beneath the impossible canal hoarding our armor and weapons, and when we reached the fabled Vana Air Pocket, a beast loomed larger than a full-grown Helldraken. The Leviathan. A seasnake with the power to spit bubbles that, if touched, petrify flesh to stone.¡±


    ¡°Ironic,¡± Alan said.


    ¡°Indeed. Our formations weren¡¯t fluid enough to avoid such an attack in such tight quarters, and my superior refused to retreat after the long journey to get there. We attacked, and pivoted into long-range defense, and pivoted again to straight spear offense. Nothing worked. Even with unity group divisions. The Leviathan¡¯s scales proved tougher than enchanted steel, and the petrifying orbs gained in speed.¡±


    Figro squinted, his crow¡¯s feet causing pebbles to roll down his giant body. He was envisioning pain, no doubt, giving Alan guilt for asking.


    ¡°Low tide¡­ low tide.¡± Figro held his head, his voice reducing to a whisper. ¡°Low tide formation.¡±


    He rocked forward onto his knees and pulled his shield overhead, reliving some terrible nightmare.


    ¡°Figro¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I¡ª¡±


    The golem huffed steam out of the cracks in his skin, then peeked from his shell. ¡°I knew my soldiers would perish had we listened, so I called for retreat at the top of my lungs, breaking formation for the first time in my tenure at Hutten Fie. I leapt to the forefront, staring the Leviathan in the face. Staring my second death in the face. There was nothing left to do but make myself as wide as possible. ¡®Return with your lives!¡¯ Those were my last words to my brothers and sisters of the Rigor before my body was cast in stone.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like anything but a disgrace to me, Figro.¡± Alan shook his head.


    ¡°Duty of the Rigor is life, Alan. Every Hutten Fie soldier believes it to be true.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you find dishonor in your heroism. I think that¡¯s the biggest shame of all. You should be celebrated. And to me, you exude the utmost honor.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, wielder. You have given me much throughout this second chance. I wish I could do more¡­¡±


    ¡°If I were to make this journey to Hutten and visit Orevella, what would I hope to gain?¡±


    ¡°One hundred thousand strong. Soldier types. Not individual warriors like what we¡¯ve encountered thus far,¡± Figro assured. ¡°These are disciplined fighters specialized in unity groups.¡±


    Like that group of Beige Saro wielders. The first warrior¡¯s life I took back when¡­


    ¡°What does Jaeger or any of the dark realms know about Hutten Fie?¡±


    ¡°To turn away if they saw us.¡± A sense of pride filled Figro¡¯s posture. ¡°Although admitedly, I must admit¡­ I¡¯m not so sure.¡±


    ¡°Again, my apologies for burdening you, Figro. I¡¯ll meditate on this deeply and perhaps try my luck with the goddess of patterns.¡±


    ¡°You would be wise to. This peaceful realm deserves to stay that way, wielder. What better method than a strong defense?¡±