《Offworlder: Ten Lives Left | An Isekai Time Loop LitRPG Fantasy Adventure》 15 CHAPTERS COMING MARCH 29th! This Saturday and Sunday I am going to be publishing 15 chapters! After that, I am going to be posting 2 chapters a day Monday through Friday until April 26th. When they day comes, I''ll be posting 1 chapter a day Monday through Friday. Stay tuned for this epic litRPG time loop adventure! I wrote it after reading a reddit post with someone complaining that there aren''t enough time loop stories where the MC takes advantage of the loops to increase in power. I happen to agree, so guess what? I wrote one! If you like ANY of the following tropes, your going to love this book: - MC¡¯s Who ACTUALLY Use The Time Loop For Power Progression This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. - Cute But Deadly Animal Companions - Weak-to-Strong-to-OP MC¡¯s - Deep Character Development - Party Building - Unique Classes - Rare Skills and Abilities - Underleveled But Overpowered MCs - Gods Worth Defying - Progression Fantasy/LitRPG/Isekai - Rich World Building - A Fantasy, Tropical Seaside Setting - A Detailed System - Dungeons With Loot - Epic Battles - Exploration - Independent MCs Who Can Stand On Their Own But Still Build A Team Check back this Saturday for 15 chapters and follow this story now to stay in the loop! You don''t want to miss out on my chapter updates! Prologue - Shot Through the Heart Ethan couldn¡¯t breathe. He tried sucking in but his lungs refused to cooperate. Lying on his back, he blinked his eyes open, harsh lights blinding him. He winced, squinting, hating the brilliance¡­but it was nothing compared to anguish in his chest. What was once a dull throb was now an icy chill spreading across his skin. He blinked sunspots from his vision, focusing on his chest¡ªon the dark blood pulsing from a wound, staining his white shirt. What the hell? He gritted his teeth, blood slipping from his mouth, dripping from his chin. What the hell? That chill spread through his torso, making his limbs tingle. His hands were warm, though, and as he clenched them, he felt something hard in his right hand. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. A phone. Pictures. Evidence he¡¯d used to incriminate NeuroSync and send every sorry ass to prison! The click of heels startled him, the rushing in his ears making it hard to hear. A figure loomed above, blocking out the light. Ethan could barely make out his features¡ªround glasses and a wide smirk. ¡°So close, Ethan,¡± he whispered. ¡°You were so close.¡± Ethan clenched his jaw, blood filling his mouth. ¡°Your father would be proud.¡± He pointed a gun at my face, and what little warmth remained fled. Ethan clenched the phone, a scream crawling up his throat. Hell, he needed to get out, needed to show the world the bodies, the experiments, the torture he¡¯d witnessed. NeuroSync wasn¡¯t what everyone thought it was. It was a front, a facade, for something far deeper¡ªfar darker. ¡°Are you ready to die?¡± the man asked. Wait! Ethan wanted to shout. Instead, a feral shriek burst from his mouth, blood spattering across the the floor. The man smirked. Then, he pulled the trigger. Chapter 1 - Wavehaven I stood on the edge of the shoreline, staring out across a vast sparkling sea, my heart aching in my chest. Taking a deep breath through my nose, I clenched my fists before breathing out softly. A week in this world and I still hadn''t come to grips with the situation. Any moment now, I would wake up from this strange dream¡­ I rubbed my sun-kissed arm, fingers sliding across turquoise tattoos flecked with tiny scales¡ªscales that felt all too real, skin that was all too warm. The toll of a bell made me jump. I looked over my shoulder, across a vast stretch of white powdery sand. There in the distance, at the center of Wavehaven, towered a swirling conch shell, its tip seeming to scratch the sky. It shimmered as the bell inside rang fourteen times. I looked up toward the sun blazing straight overhead. Noon¡ªtime to head back to the guild. I was already moving, kicking up sand with my bare feet. When the sun caught it, the grains flickered pink. Up ahead, a Tidewalker lay on his back, arms and legs outstretched like some kind of starfish. I made sure to give him a wide berth, though I couldn''t help staring. Emerald scales cascaded down the sides of his neck and across his shoulders, leaving his sculpted chest and abs pale, save for a swirling tattoo. He had no hair, and instead of ears, fins poked from the sides of his head. I hurried forward, drawing closer to the plaza. Being one of the few mixed races here made me feel oddly out of place. Nothing new. My thoughts drifted to my parents from Earth¡ªmy mom with her rich, dark skin, and my dad with his blonde hair and white face. I bit down hard, knitting my eyebrows together intensely, the ache in my chest only growing more painful, my stomach expanding with emptiness. As a strong wave of homesickness swept through me, I shivered, running fingers through my dark hair. It reached to my shoulders, and when the sun caught it, it shimmered sapphire. I looked down at my hand and pressed my fingers together, then split them apart, watching webbing form between them. When I squeezed my fingers together again, the webbing vanished¡ªa technique I''d learned to distract myself, to direct my thoughts away from those I so desperately missed, from the pain their faces brought, from memories best left untouched. Before I realized what was happening, I was rubbing my chest, phantom pain hovering where¡­ I clenched my teeth and shook my head. A shriek had me practically jumping out of my skin. I scrambled and stumbled, then spun to my left. A large bird flapped great wings, sunlight reflecting off its red feathers. It swung its head forward, slamming its golden beak against the red-orange carapace of a sand crawler. The creature, roughly the size of a small dog, shrieked again, opening a mouth on a face that reminded me somewhat of a lizard. Its body, long and sinuous with six legs, curled up into a ball. That stupid bird kept slamming its golden beak against the creature''s rough hide, cracking it. My guts sank, watching the fight. [NEW SIDE QUEST: ENDANGERED] [The beast is defenseless, and many of them are going extinct. If it wasn''t for the Counsel of the Tides, this variety of fowl wouldn''t even be here] [OBJECTIVE: Save the sand crawler (0/1)] [REWARD: ???] I was already moving. The bird slammed its beak into the sand crawler again, and this time, its shriek¡ªI could have sworn it sounded just like my sister''s in her final moments. The bird''s puffed-out chest, its lifted chin and proud eyes¡­it was as if it knew it was torturing me, knew that its awful actions struck a chord deep within my soul. I could almost swear it smirked, just like those idiots back home¡ªmen who screwed over my dad, doctors who didn''t give a crap about my sister. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. I was full-on sprinting now, clenching my fists, activating one of my abilities¡ªAqua Surge. [BODY FLUIDS: 80%/100%]. Water wriggled from my pores, enveloping my fist as I cried out and punched at the winged creature. A watery replica of my fist rocketed off, flying through the air and exploding against the creature''s chest. The bird screeched and flapped its great wings, backing off, shaking its head. I reached the poor sand crawler, standing over it like a protective older brother, glaring at the evil fowl as it landed ten feet away. It shivered and puffed its feathers, cocking its head to one side and glaring at me with a large yellow eye. We had a staring contest, and I never wavered, squeezing my fists tight, my glare daring the bird to attack. With a shake of its head, the bird seemed to deem this a losing battle. It jumped away, flapping its great wings. I watched until it vanished, then looked down at the curled-up crab-like centipede. It peeked up at me with its reptilian face, watching with an eye that seemed to belong to a dinosaur. "You okay?" I asked, immediately feeling stupid. The creature just blinked, and of course it would¡ªI had talked to animals before, so much so that I often forgot to wear the mask that allowed that. [INVENTORY] ¡ú [MASKS] Masks (Currently Crafted)
  1. Breather''s Visage (Common)
  2. Whisperer''s Veil (Uncommon)
Before I could reach for my Whisperer''s Veil¡ªa wooden mask reminiscent of a giant open mouth¡ªthe creature wriggled away, burying deep into the sand. I stared at where it had vanished, then shook my head and continued toward the main square. I was already going to be late, so I picked up the pace, my feet slapping against polished cobblestones. [SIDE QUEST: ENDANGERED] (COMPLETE) [OBJECTIVE: Save the sand crawler (1/1)] [REWARD: Reputation w/ sand crawler +75] There were booths surrounding the vast pearlescent spire, and as my pounding heart calmed, blood no longer surging through my ears, the amiable chatter of crowds caught my attention. I slowed, gazing up to the very tip of the tower. Some claimed it was nothing more than a clock and a lighthouse, but many believed it to be the shrine of a goddess. A goddess, or some kind of artifact capable of warping space and time. Or so the journals said. I¡¯d tried getting in, tried sneaking past the cloaked acolytes standing guard at the spire¡¯s base, but they wouldn¡¯t let me past. But I had a plan, and it involved a mask. One I shouldn¡¯t even have instructions to make. I took a shaky breath, swallowing past a lump in my throat. But why care? a part of me whispered. For all I knew, this was all a drug dream, and though it definitely was a possibility, I couldn''t help but rub a finger along my arm, pinch my skin, and feel the pain. You''re not in a dream, I thought. That bullet went right through your chest. I swallowed another lump. It it was far easier¡ªfar less mind-warping¡ªto think of this as a hallucination, to believe I was in the hospital, in a coma, waiting to wake up, waiting to get revenge on the people who killed me. Someone brushed past me, shoving me aside. I stumbled, arms pinwheeling, but managed to keep my balance. I spun on my heel and faced a Tidewalker. He was far fishier than most, with a long finned tail and obvious slits for gills beneath his cheekbones. He glared down at me with large bulging eyes, a sneer pulling at his lip. "You got a problem, Beachstrider?" the Tidewalker asked, his words sounding garbled, as if his throat were full of phlegm. I was about to tell him to go to hell and continue on my way, but then I felt a presence at my back. I spun to find another Tidewalker, this one with scales so dark it made his yellow eyes pop. "Why you walking around here, dirtying up the stones with your filth?" Heart pounding, I snorted. He took a step toward to me, but I did not back down. I was a good head taller than him, matching the size of the other guy, but that didn''t mean I knew how to fight. Punching a bird was one thing, but two full-blown Tidewalkers? The two of them stepped closer, and this time I did back away, mainly to get some room for the fight that was inevitably coming. Chapter 2 - Maskateer It wasn''t unusual for Tidewalkers to treat me like this. For some reason, mixed blood was beneath them, but I was used to this kind of prejudice. Schoolmates were no different, albeit less physically aggressive. My interface hovered in my peripheral like it always did when my heart really got pumping and the adrenaline rushed through my veins. I quickly scanned my stats, eyes finding the few skills and techniques I had. Name: Zale Seacrest Race: Gaian/Tidewalker Class: Maskateer Subclass: N/A Level: 12 XP: 0 / 100 Skill Points: 0 Attributes Racial Abilities
  1. Amphibious: Can breathe underwater for up to 2 hours per day.
  2. Current Sense: +25% swimming speed in natural bodies of water.
  3. Partial Camouflage: +10 to Stealth checks in aquatic environments.
Class Abilities 1. Mask Attunement 2. Essence Extraction Skills Active Skills 1. Mask Craft (Level 3) [0/100 (Initiate)] 2. Essence Infusion (Level 2) [0/100 (Initiate)] 3. Hydrokinesis (Level 1) [0/100 (Noob)] Outer Flow Inner Flow Passive Skills 1. Amphibious Adaptation (Level 1) [0/100 (Noob)] 2. Aquatic Affinity (Level 2) [0/100 (Initiate)] Masks (Currently Crafted)
  1. Breather''s Visage (Common)
  2. Whisperer''s Veil (Uncommon)
Equipment Attire Energy coursed through me, causing the turquoise tattoos along my arms to shift and shimmer like sunlight on the surface of a lake. The black-scaled Tidewalker was fast, his palm smashing into my chest and sending me stumbling back before I could even blink. Hands caught me, though I thrashed, trying to break free as the black-scaled Tidewalker reared his fist for another punch. A red hand shot out, grabbing the black-scaled arm, squeezing it. The Tidewalker flinched, his eyes going wide as he looked over. "Would you like to explain to me," a woman said, pulling the Tidewalker''s black arm down, "why the two of you are trying to beat up my best friend?" Zale''s eyes fluttered as he took in the newcomer, a woman he''d seen and chatted with only a handful of times. Her scales were a rosy-red, her lips the color of cherries. She wore a very practical long-sleeved tunic and trousers, the hems of which were stitched with blue wave-like embroidery. She also held a basket of strange flowers under one arm. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. The black-scaled Tidewalker snorted, sneering at her now. "I saw what you did," she said, jerking her chin off to one side. "The soldiers you sent away. They''ll be back soon. And besides, look around you." The black-scaled Tidewalker pulled his arm away and glanced to one side. People hurried about, though several of them cast glances in our direction. Most of them looked smug and satisfied when they noticed me, while others gawked with wide eyes as if afraid of what might happen. The jerk holding me squeezed tightly, and I gritted my teeth. A spike of heated anger ripped through me¡ªI almost did something I regretted, almost lifted my foot to stomp on the guy''s toes or punch him in the chin, but he shoved me before I could do any of that. The woman caught me as the bulgy-eyed fish and that black-scaled idiot sauntered away, shaking out their hands as if they''d touched something filthy. Before I could say anything, the lady grabbed my wrist and pulled me along the periphery of the plaza, her long finned tail trailing behind her, almost tripping me. It wasn''t until we reached a sandy street lined by white stucco buildings that she spun on me. I opened my mouth to thank her, but she instantly jabbed my chest with a tough finger. "What has gotten into you?" she practically yelled, the scales along her cheeks flushing to an almost blood-red. I stared, eyes wide, mouth hanging before I gathered myself. "What¡­are you talking about?" I asked, genuinely confused, as I should be. I had few memories of this lady. She¡¯d only ever smiled at me whenever we¡¯d passed, and that¡¯s it. I assumed she was Zale¡¯s¡ªthe body I now inhabited¡ªacquaintance, but this type of reaction hinted at something deeper. She was already shaking her head, working her jaw. "You used to talk with me, Zale. It''s something I looked forward to every time I walked through the market, but you''ve grown so reclusive, so distant. I''ve watched you these past couple of days or weeks or however long it''s been. You barely look anyone in the eye, don''t even acknowledge they''re passing you. And when someone is interacting with you, it''s always with their fists!¡± she yelled, raising her own. I flinched. ¡°I¡­¡± I started, licking my lips, frowning as I looked this stranger in the eyes. There was nothing I could say. There was no way she would believe I was a twenty-five-year-old from another world, and that whoever Zale had been was no more. I grimaced, feeling a little guilty about that, though was it really my fault? It''s not like I chose to hijack his body. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± the woman pressed. ¡°Tell me!¡± I cleared my throat, racking my mind. "Is it your mom?" she said, and I instantly nodded. I knew a little bit about Zale''s mom¡ªoverworked, underpaid. Injustice I was intimately familiar with. Perhaps I could use this as a cover for my seemingly odd behavior. The woman nodded softly, her frown fading to a look of understanding. "It''s another reason why I''m studying at the guild," I said, using what knowledge I did have to sell the lie. "I''m an apprentice now, but when I graduate, I can start making real money, start helping her in real ways." I swallowed, hoping she would buy it, praying she would leave me alone. The woman, whose name I did not know nor would I dare ask, rested a hand on my arm, squeezing it. She gave me a pained look, a depth of understanding in her eyes as she nodded. I expected her to say something, to speak, but all she did was pat my arm and nod. Then she frowned, looking up toward the sun. Her eyes widened, but only for a fraction. "I need to go," she said, picking her basket from off the ground. When had she dropped it? It was filled with glowing kelp and strange flowers that reminded me of anemones, with tendrils that swayed as if caught in an undersea current. "You should too, and will you please do me a favor?" She grabbed my shoulder and squeezed. "Stop walking straight through the Central Plaza. I can''t always be there to save you from getting your butt kicked." My heart did a quick one-two jackhammer punch as I flinched, wanting to shout I could have taken them! because I hated the humiliation. A woman saving me from two greasy jerks? It should have been the opposite! But she was already hurrying away, kicking up sand, her tail trailing behind her. Sighing, I turned around and clenched and unclenched my fists, activating Hydrokinesis on and off. My tattoos, even the one cutting across my chest, shimmered and glistened. I passed homes designed with mosaics like crashing waves, a design bleeding into several neighboring structures. It wasn''t long before I came across the building I had been looking for, shaped like a vast open treasure chest with a smiling mask poking out the top. The Masketeers Guild. If it wasn''t for me waking up in this place, literally in the middle of carving out a mask, I don''t think I would have ever known to come here. My mom¡ªor well, Zale''s mom¡ªbarely talked with me, and I didn¡¯t blame the woman. She barely had time to breathe. Taking a deep breath and filling my lungs, feeling energy thrum through my tattoos and tickling my skin, I marched forward, already tardy. Hopefully the guild master wouldn''t be too pissed off. I slammed my shoulder into the door and shoved it aside, immediately hit by a room full of chatter as my eyes adjusted. I blinked away sunspots, turning right and heading toward my table, floorboards creaking beneath my weight. As my eyes adjusted, a furtive glance over to one corner showed the guild master''s desk. Tall and with a gut as round as he was tall, he seemed far too preoccupied with the mask he was polishing¡ªa silver face with a single eye like a cyclops. There were masks hanging up all over of every conceivable shape, size, and expression. There were a lot of tables too, spread out across the floor. Two or three people sat together at several of them, most of them Tidewalkers, of course, but there were people of other races too, though not many. A couple of them were Skyborn, with wings jutting from their backs, their noses hooked like beaks, their eyes large, their hair like feathery down. They sat together at one table, carving masks in silence. The others three girls, all of them very much human to my eyes, except for the green, almost emerald hair. Gaians, from what I understood. And not only that, but they had little round ghosts hovering over their shoulders, one for each. They were green, too, with tiny sparkling motes for eyes. One of them in particular caught my attention, the only one with partially normal hair. It was brown with green streaks cutting through, more emerald and radiant than the others. She had a light spread of freckles across the bridge of her nose, the irises in her eyes as brilliant as a sunlit prairie. She was currently chatting away, a massive grin splitting her face as she told some story, waving her arms about and really getting into it. The other girls were tittering and did not seem particularly engaged in their masks. Oddly enough, as I took up my seat at my table, which was not far from theirs, a deep longing welled up in my chest. It was so sudden, so sharp, that as I took a seat, I clutched my chest. I blinked, looking over at the girls. Longing? But why? For what? Friendship? Not unusual¡­though it had been quite some time since I had felt it so strongly. I wasn''t particularly popular back on Earth, and my Samoan heritage hadn''t helped, but why did I feel this way now? Why would I feel it here? I was only going to leave this world¡­if I managed to sneak in to that conch. There was always a chance of faliure, of course. That was probably the most painful thing to admit. Swallowing, I held my hands beneath the table and summoned my crafting box from my inventory. It materialized in my hands and I set the blue painted rectangle right in front of me. It didn''t take me long to learn that my powers were unusual: my ability to see numbers, to quantify power¡ªhell, it was like I was in a video game. I''d had my suspicions, wondering if NeruoSync hooked me up to one of their machines¡­all the way up until I remembered that bullet flying through my chest and erupting out of my back, spraying blood across a linoleum floor. They never tested things like that on dead people¡­ My hands were shaking, but I pulled open my crafting kit, counting all the knives and instruments inside, not that I needed to. It was just another technique to calm myself down. There was a bag of materials by my chair, mainly wood, but I took out one featureless mask that I had been working on for some time. It was the base for a mask I had found in the guildmaster''s book of rare masks, one that could apparently grant some sort of invisibility¡ªmy ticket into that conch-shaped shrine. Carefully, I pulled a crumpled paper out of the bag, casting a furtive glance at the guildmaster who was stilll busy polishing a mask. As I flattened out the paper, I hoped he wouldn''t come by. Phantom''s Shroud (Rare) I wasn''t supposed to be carving out rare masks. At least, that''s what the guildmaster told me. I was at level three with that particular skill, and technically, I could carve rare masks. It''s just¡­they would take a while. Of course, explaining that to the guildmaster would only make him think I was crazy. So instead, I took matters into my own hands, and borrowed this recipe. Pulling out a sharp shaping tool, I looked from the instructions on the paper back to the mask and began cutting away. Of course, this mask required quite a bit of unique essences and rarer ingredients. Still, what else did I have to do? I had all the time in the world, really. And there were no better leads than what I had learned, than the rumors about what dwelt in the heart of that towering conch. And the only thing standing between me and reaching it were those guards¡ªer, those holy acolytes, or whatever they were called. Without it, I¡¯d have to rely on fighting my way through. And I wasn''t about to get thrown into prison or die again. Neither result was very desirable. I took a deep breath, and truly focused on the mask. A cut here, a scrape there, a line there¡ªcut, scrape, slice¡ªagain and again, over and over, the repetition putting me into a trance like it always did. I had to admit, it was therapeutic, this work. It helped take my mind off things, even more so, it gave me hope. An advantage. An edge. My Masketeer class allowed me to make things like this, unlike others. There were many who wore masks, and could use the abilities. It was kind of a cultural thing here in Wavehaven. But only a select few¡ªaka me¡ªwho could create them. It wasn''t until I heard the words ¡°conch¡± and "shrine" and ¡°get in¡± that I stopped, ears perking. "Really?" a girl said, sounding way too excited. "Really!" another said. "And this is the year, after so long, that it''s finally opening. And the winner will get a free pass inside!¡± "Wait, what?!" I shouted, jumping to my feet, knocking my stool back. They all flinched, except for the girl with the green emerald streaks in her hair. She perked, smiled, seeming excited. Everyone else in the room stared, and my cheeks instantly caught fire. "Is¡­everything okay?" a deep, sonorous baritone asked. I straightened and spun around to find the guildmaster staring at me with a concerned expression. The heat in my face redoubled, and I couldn''t help but sense that paper I''d ripped from his book, lying on the tabletop just beside me. It seemed to glow, screaming for attention. For justice, for punishment, for ripping it out of this man''s personal crafting guide. Chapter 3 - An Invitation "Everything all right?" the guildmaster asked, staring at me with deep concern, the scales along his cheekbones shifting from green to a dark blue. "Yes," I said, casually leaning a hand atop the paper I¡¯d stolen. "My apologies for the¡­um¡­unexpected outburst.¡± I scrunched up the paper, then hurried over toward the girls'' table, aware of everyone''s eyes on me¡ªeveryone¡¯s, except for the person sitting in the far corner of the room. A Beachstrider, like me, with inky black hair that reached well below his shoulders, his skin a pale white, the scales brushing his cheeks clear as glass. He scowled at the mask in front of him, muttering to himself as she scratched out a design. I gave a quick glance at the others in the room, flashing them a reassuring smile before plopping down at the girls'' table. "Pardon," I said, looking toward the one with emerald streaks in her brown hair, "but can you repeat that?" She was smiling, seeming almost amused at my sudden appearance and, no doubt, my unexpected shout. "The Festival of the Triple Solstice," she said. "They''re hosting a competition and the winner gets to set foot in the shrine." My heart skipped a beat, my eyes going wide. ¡°A competition?" "A race," she said, "out toward one of the Tidesong Isles and back." I was nodding fast, tapping a finger against the tabletop¡­my stomach sinking. Yes, my body was built to swim, but any full-blooded Tidewalker had the advantage. "It''s really exciting, if you think about it," the girl said, glancing toward her friends, who still seemed a bit shocked from my sudden approach. "The Triple Solstice happens only every hundred years, and the books I''ve read say the shrine sparkles, and practically shines like the sun! It¡¯s absolutely breathtaking." She kept talking, but the words "Triple Solstice" echoed in my mind, reminding me of excited conversations I''d heard just a few days ago. Apparently, it was happening at the end of the week which, I discovered, consisted of ten days. But why try my odds at beating a couple of fish people in a race when I could sneak into the shrine? "Is there another way to get in?" I asked, lowering my voice. "Into the shrine, I mean." The girl, who¡¯d been talking, stopped mid-sentence. She pursed her lips then shook her head. "Not that I know of. I mean, even the acolytes of the temple can''t get in. Not unless there''s a Triple Eclipse." "Wait," I said, "you mean the door to the shrine only opens every one hundred years?" I was so shocked I was no longer whispering. Previous to this conversation, I was under the impression that one could just waltz in. I''d even considered joining the religion surrounding that shrine just to get inside. "An opportunity of a lifetime," one of the other girls said, twirling her bright green hair and gazing off into space. Her green glowing orb-ghost-thing rested on her shoulder, pulsing softly. ¡°Agreed!¡± the girl with the emerald streaks said. "World religions get me way too excited, and I wouldn¡¯t pass this opportunity up for anything.¡± She shrugged. "And, of course, this is the only place in the entire kingdom with a full-on Masketeer Guild." As they continued their rant I nodded slowly, barely hearing them, my mind already working. I had no other leads on how to get off this planet¡­a planet with impossible things: water I could materialize from my skin, creatures I¡¯d never seen before, stats showing up in front of me. If a book claimed that a relic or a goddess capable of warping space and time inhabited the heart of that shrine, then who was I to doubt? It was worth a shot. Even if I did set foot in the shrine only to find it empty, the worst was that I would have followed a false lead. I had no other responsibilities other than coming to study at this guild, so it wouldn¡¯t be a huge blow. Besides, I had all the time in the world. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°I¡­didn''t realize how interested you were in the shrine, Zale," the girl with the emerald streaks said, carving into the mask on the table in front of her, one shaped like a heart. "I am," I said, my heart skipping. So¡­Zale had a relationship of some sort with this girl too, then. "I don''t talk about it much, but, well, it''s something that''s been on my mind lately¡­¡± I trailed off, feeling a little awkward, not sure where to go from there. "I think it''s been on everyone''s mind lately," the girl said, blessedly carrying the conversation as she scratched away at her mask, an air of calm radiating from her, putting me at ease. Her little round green spirit-thing bobbed near her shoulder, watching me with those two twinkling eyes. "The competition," I asked, "how does, um, one sign up for it?" I asked, feeling a little embarrassed. I¡¯m sure it was common knowledge, but there was just so much I didn''t know, and I wasn''t about to ask any of the Tidewalkers. Even now, there was one sitting nearby, her silver scales glinting from the glowing lights above. "Even if you did sign up," the silver-scaled Tidewalker said, cutting off the answer I was hoping to get from the emerald-streaked girl, "you''d be lucky to get accepted. The race to the island strains even the most physically advanced of Tidewalkers," she said, slowly looking me up and down, "which obviously isn¡¯t you.¡± "No," I said, surprised at how level my voice was and how calm I felt in that moment. "No, I''m not the most physically advanced Tidewalker, but how many Beachstriders do you know with the skills of a Masketeer?" She scrunched her nose, ignoring my question, and I smiled, grateful for her rude interruption, because at that moment a plan bubbled up in my mind¡ªone no longer involving a mask of stealth, but of speed. "What mask," the silver-scaled girl continue, setting down one of her styluses, "could you possibly make in a week that would give you an advantage over Tidewalkers who''ve been training for this competition for¡ª¡° Someone cleared their throat loudly. The guildmaster, who had been making his rounds throughout the entire room, glared at the two of us, hands behind his back, thrusting out his belly and lifting his chin. Everyone around me immediately turned to their work but I clenched up, that haughty expression making my heart pulse, my cheeks flare. The ghost of a familiar face¡ªa disturbingly triumphant one¡ªreplaced the guildmaster''s, dredging up memories those final moments on Earth, back when I¡¯d held my hand to my bloody chest, the life force draining from a hole in my back. I tore my eyes away, focusing on the polished table in front of me, breathing deeply, trying to calm my pounding heart. The guildmaster was a good man, as Tidewalkers went, and I had to remind myself that he wasn''t them¡­wasn''t the ones who screwed me in my past life. He was just doing his job. I pushed against the table and scooted my stool back, rising up and heading toward my table, where my mask lay unfinished. I couldn''t stay at th girls¡¯ table, couldn''t talk anymore, at least not until the guildmaster was distracted again. A hand stopped me, fingers wrapping around my forearm, a soothing warmth flowing past skin and scales. It was the girl with the emerald streaks in her brown hair, staring up at me with those wildly vibrant eyes, a crooked smirk splitting her face. "Tell you what," she whispered quickly, "meet me at the Manta Moo tonight at the Ninth Bell. I''ll tell you everything I know¡­and more.¡± She then gave me a huge smile, and my heart fluttered. I blinked, surprised at the sudden offer. "Now get back to your desk before he kicks us out." She jerked her head toward the guildmaster, who had continued his stroll but watched us out of the corner of his eye. Nodding fast, I stumbled toward my table, footsteps sounding loud in the silent room. After settling down and scooting my stool in, I pulled out some sandpaper and began rubbing off the marks I''d made on the mask, almost without thinking. [New Quest: Manta Moo] [This girl, who is still an un-named mystery, has invited you to the Manta Moo. She has more information on the ceremony, and could prove a vital asset.] [Objective: Meet her at the Manta Moo tonight at the Ninth Bell.] [Reward: Crucial information on how to win the competition.] [Bonus Reward: ???] I blinked the interface away, rubbing where she¡¯d grabbed my forearm. That touch, that sudden offer¡­ I glanced over at the girl, her expression soft and kind, her attention riveted on the mask before her, her fingers working quick as she carved marks along the wooden shape. Why invite me to the Manta Moo? That was a bar, floating a ways from the island. The only explanation I could dredge up on why she¡¯d treated me so kindly, and how quickly she''d offered to tell me more, was that she''d known Zale pretty well, though¡­I hadn''t spoken to her since waking up in this world. And I¡¯d been here for at least a week! I shrugged, rubbing off the symbols on my mask with sandpaper. Whatever. If she wanted to help, I¡¯d take it, no matter what her motives her, because if I was going to win that race at the end of the week and step into the heart of that shrine, I needed all the advantages I could get. Chapter 4 - Manta Moo The ninth bell tolled as I stepped onto the weathered dock, looking out across the sea. Hundreds of jellyfish drifted beneath the surface, glowing emerald, sapphire, and violet, their light painting the gentle swells. The Manta Moo floated not far offshore, its distinctive silhouette unmistakable against the darkening sky. The floating bar was a marvel of craftsmanship: a massive wooden rectangle crowned with an intricately carved oyster shell. Multiple doorways punctuated its sides, warm light and laughter spilling from each entrance. Strange, how I could read the carved script above them, as if the knowledge had always lived in some quiet corner of my mind. Canoes glided back and forth between the dock and the bar, their occupants chatting and calling out greetings. I scanned the crowd, noting with surprise that humans¡ªor something close to human¡ªoutnumbered the less friendly fish-folk. Though "human" might be stretching it, given their exotic coloring. Like the girl who''d asked me on this... date?¡­their hair shimmered with threads of green, brown, or pure viridian, marking them as something more than mere people. I watched as a man counted out coins to a ferryman before settling into a canoe. When they launched off, their vessel cut a path through the luminous jellyfish. My eyes swept the scene, searching for the girl whose name I still didn¡¯t know. Awkward enough to forget someone''s name after just meeting them, but this was worse¡ªZale had known her, apparently for quite some time. After reaching the end of the dock, and seeing her nowhere, I huffed. Maybe she was waiting on the beach? I turned that way, weaving through the evening crowd. "Zale Seacrest!" a melodious voice called out. I froze, turning to find a Skyborn lounging in an oversized canoe, his vibrant plumage catching the moons light. He strummed an instrument that bore only a passing resemblance to a guitar. "Rosamae told me to watch for a tall beach strider with turquoise tattoos and raven hair," he said, amber eyes shifting colors like oil on water. His hooked nose gave him an almost avian appearance, looking remarkably beak-like. "Won''t you hop aboard? She''s waiting for you¡­¡± He nodded toward the bar. I blinked. She was already there? I waved my hands in polite refusal, though something in his words gave me pause. Had she hired him? And if so¡­ My stomach did an uncomfortable flip. Was this a date, then? Is that why she¡¯d been so eagor to invite me? For a moment, doubt paralyzed me. But I shivered, quickly shaking it off. Who cares if she had romantic intentions. Zale was probably a huge flirt! And if he¡¯d done so with Rosamae¡ªthank goodness I knew her name!¡ªwell, I''d take any advantage I could get. Still, I didn''t want her wasting money on things I didn''t need. "Quick question,¡± I said. ¡°Did she already pay you?" The Skyborn shook his head, feathers rustling. "As a matter of fact, she did not. But she promised to, should you choose to take a ride with me." He strummed again, words flowing in a bouncing rhythm. Before I could say anything, he threw back his head and burst into song: "Oh, misty spire of the fountain below¡­¡± I flinched as his impromptu performance drew nearby gazes. Most people carried on their conversations as if this was perfectly normal, but I was already backing away, smirking at his¡­um¡­erratic peculiarities. Probably realized I wasn¡¯t going to join him, but why belt out in song? I turned and hurried away. His voice followed me, somehow maintaining its proximity despite the growing distance, until I reached the water''s edge. Now that I knew Rosamae waited at the Manta Moo, I wasted no time. I stepped out over the dock and plunged into the warm embrace of the sea, letting it swallow me whole. After floating for a moment with eyes closed, I opened them to find myself surrounded by living light. The jellyfish drifted in a loose constellation, spaced far enough apart to prevent any claustrophobia. A few days ago, I would have hesitated to dive into this alien expanse. But I''d learned these creatures weren''t like Earth''s jellies¡ªthey were far more forgiving. I spread my limbs wide, extending the webbing between my fingers and toes. With a powerful breaststroke, I shot through the water. Each brush against their trailing tentacles brought only a pleasant tingle. As I swam, I gazed down at the seafloor below, where Tidewalkers with long tails glided alongside manta rays. Others walked through vast kelp fields or tended to creatures I recognized as manta moos¡ªwhite-and-black spotted beings with multiple tails that produced milk. The soothing glow of the jellies and the gentle movements of the moos held me mesmerized until my head bumped against something solid. I blinked, rubbing the spot to find myself facing a wooden hull. Kicking upward, I broke the surface, my hair already beginning to shed water like other beach striders''¡ªa peculiar trait I still hadn''t quite gotten used to. I hauled myself onto the floating platform, rising to survey my surroundings. Other patrons strolled along the boardwalk, most heading through doors into the bar. A cluster gathered around a notice board, and one posting immediately caught my eye¡ªlarger than the rest, impossible to miss. WANTED, it declared, featuring an illustration of a cloaked figure in a simple white mask decorated with a sparkling navy swirl. The reward was staggering: one million coins. Unfortunately, Wavehaven''s mask-loving culture made finding such a person nearly impossible. Even now, people passed wearing festival masks, likely preparing for the Triple Solstice. But this wasn''t my world and, frankly, I didn''t care about any of their troubles. I had my own mission, and that was to get back home. On my way to one of the main entrances, I passed a hooded beggar, his white-silver beard cascading from shadow. He extended a cup toward me, but I hurried past, though not before catching his gaze. The eyes within that hood seemed to shimmer and flicker, widening for just a fraction of a second before dimming again. I quickened my pace, scrunching my nose. Panhandlers. Didn¡¯t like them on Earth, and didn¡¯t like them here. Inside, the Manta Moo buzzed with energy. Laughter and shouts rose from packed tables. At the heart of the space, a square pool glowed with soothing blue light that danced across the ceiling. The sight triggered a sudden memory of swimming in my backyard with my siblings¡ªso vivid it nearly knocked me off balance. I pushed past a sudden wave of homesickness, focusing instead on the bar proper. Behind the counter stood a peculiar bartender¡ªa Tidewalker with a catfish''s face, whiskers trailing down his cheeks as he served frothy drinks to a burly man in what appeared to be a bear pelt. Behind the bar stretched a vast fish tank, alive with bobbing lights and darting shapes. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "Zale!" The call barely carried over the din, but I caught it. Rosamae stood by a table, waving me over. She''d chosen a booth along the wall¡ªbless her. I''d always hated sitting exposed in the middle of restaurants. There was something secure about being tucked away near the walls. The window there offered a spectacular view of the glowing sea stretching to the dark horizon. She wore a simple pressed green tunic and brown trousers¡ªnothing fancy enough to suggest a date, though the clothes fit her well enough to make me suddenly self-conscious of my own baggy attire. "Have a seat," she said, gesturing to the bench opposite her. As I sat, she continued, "I already ordered food and drinks¡ªI want to get straight into it. We have a lot to talk about." I nodded, noticing her little green spirit pulse as it drifted in from the window to stare at me. I offered a small wave, but it maintained its unwavering gaze. Rosamae didn''t seem to notice, busy gathering papers from the table and tucking them away. "So," she began, "I know I promised to tell you more about the competition, but I''ve been dying to ask something." She hesitated, glancing out the window. "Okay, I''m not sure how to say this, so please don''t take offense. But you seem to have¡­clammed up lately." She winced slightly. "Not that that''s a bad thing! It''s just something I''ve noticed." I nodded, fighting a smirk as I realized the old Zale must have been quite the extrovert. "It''s my mom," I lied. "She''s been working long hours, longer than most, and¡­well." I shrugged. "It''s not that bad. Just wearing on me a little." I waved it away. "Nothing you need to worry about." Rosamae nodded quickly. ¡°Well, honestly, if it ever gets too heavy, you can always talk to me. I know what it''s like to worry about a family member¡­¡± She brightened suddenly. "But! That''s a topic for another time. Now that we don''t have the guildmaster breathing down our necks, let¡¯s begin our plans. And first off, I need to inform you that I want to be part of the competition." I frowned, trying to picture her swimming across miles of ocean to some distant island. The image didn''t quite compute. She must have read my expression because she pointed at my face, grinning. ¡°I only told you about one part of the race. There''s swimming, and then there''s running. And if there''s one thing I''m good at, it''s exactly that.¡± "So does that mean we''re going to be facing off against each other?" She laughed, shaking her head. "No, the hosts actually encourage teams. Maximum of three people. And I already have someone in mind who could join us, completing our party.¡± "But then who gets to go inside the shrine?" I asked, arms folded on the table. "We all do!" Rosamae spread her arms, beaming. "I was reading about this just before you arrived. Last century, a team of two won, and they both got to enter." My heart skipped. Right. I think she talked about this¡­or I read about it. "Did they ever come back out?¡± Her smile faded as she shook her head. "No. They never did." I frowned. That wasn¡¯t terribly ominous, considering what I¡¯d read. But still¡­ ¡°The door only opens during the Triple Solstice, yes?¡± "When the sun and both moons align, correct.¡± "Then it seals back up?" I asked. When she nodded, I pressed on. "What if they got trapped inside? What if there was nothing in there, and when they tried to leave, they found themselves locked in?" Rosamae shrugged. "Possible, but I doubt it. Acolytes accompany the winners. But you know how that religion is¡ªvery tight-lipped about such things." I drummed my fingers on the table, but before I could voice any other concerns, a tray of steaming food appeared before us. "Order up!" announced a Tidewalker, his silver scales speckled with green. He bowed slightly before weaving back through the crowd. Rosamae attacked a plate of black noodles with gusto. "Sorry," she said between bites. "Haven''t eaten all day." I waved off her apology and picked up a bowl of soup. Strands of some plant¡ªmaybe seaweed¡ªfloated in the liquid, making me hesitate. But the first sip widened my eyes. It was sweet and thick like maple syrup, but with an intriguing salty tang. ¡°Okay, back to my team-centered plan," Rosamae said, pointing her fork at me. "I know you''re getting into more solo hustle mode, especially with what is happening with your mom, so being part of a team might be outside your current comfort zone." She quickly held up her hands. "Not to offend or anything, but some things are better done as a team than alone. Connections give real meaning to life, you know?" A warm shiver ran down my spine, raising the hair on my neck. Connections. When was the last time I''d truly had one of those? Plus, when was the last time I¡¯d been part of a team? I''d always hated group projects. Even at NeruoSync, I''d worked alone, discovering things that could have changed not just the medical world, but so many aspects of life for the better. And it had all been stripped away in an instant. A cheer rose from the crowd, drawing my attention to a new arrival. A Tidewalker in flowing red robes strode in, his chest bare above a wrapped skirt that reminded me of traditional Tongan dress. His fin-like ears stretched back along his skull, his scales gleaming gold while long whiskers drooped from his face. My stomach clenched, hands balling into fists. His entire bearing radiated self-importance. "He''s part of the council, isn''t he?" Rosamae watched him too, smiling softly. "Yeah. I heard he''s a good man." "None of them are good," I said flatly, making her eyebrows shoot up. "Anyone at the head of anything eventually goes sour, no matter the institution." I thought of our guildmaster, how despite his sometimes relaxed air, even he crossed the line, thinking he could control us, silence us. Why hadn''t I been more upset earlier when he''d glared at us for simply having a conversation? Who the hell did he think he was? Who did this councilman think he was? Rosamae''s jaw was hanging, clearly unsure how to respond to my outburst. I let out a shaky breath, running fingers through my hair. "Sorry, I¡ª" A warm hand settled on my forearm, sending my heart racing, my cheeks flushing. Wait¡ªwas she making a move? I had no idea how courtship worked in this world. Ugh, crap. I didn''t have time for this! I focused on my breathing¡ªin through the nose, out through the mouth. I wouldn''t push her away, but I wouldn''t encourage anything either. I was leaving this illusion soon anyway, and if letting her show affection helped achieve that goal, so be it. "You''re stressed," she said gently. "I get it. Don''t explain. Listen, let''s finish up and call it a night. But before heading to the guild tomorrow, meet me at my house. I''ll invite our potential third member, too. We''ll train and talk masks." She winked. "Those are going to be key to winning this competition.¡± [Quest: Manta Moo (COMPLETE)] [This girl, who is still an un-named mystery, has invited you to the Manta Moo. She has more information on the ceremony, and could prove a vital asset.] [Objective: Meet her at the Manta Moo tonight at the Ninth Bell.] [Reward: Crucial information on how to win the competition.] [Bonus Reward: Reputation +15] [New Quest: Three¡¯s a Party] [Rosamae wants to meet at the 6th chime tomorrow morning. She¡¯ll bring a third alley, and together you¡¯ll practice to win this competition.] [Objective: Meet Rosamae at her house at the 6th chime.] [Reward: A third alley, and new mask-crafting recipes.] [Bonus Reward: +20 Reputation] After calming down and finishing our meal, we chatted idly as she paid for dinner, and then a canoe ride back. I walked her home¡ªpartly to learn where she lived. I didn¡¯t want to ask. After a quick hug and a reminder to meet at the sixth bell, she hurried into her white adobe house. As I strolled away, down the sandy street, a warm glow kindled in my chest. For the first time since arriving in this world, I had a real lead¡ªa real chance to get back home, to make things right, to have my revenge. To bring justice to the one who shot me down in cold blood. Watch out, you bastards, I thought. I''m coming back. Chapter 5 - Real Nerd Sand crunched beneath my feet as I wandered another winding street, eyes fixed on the map hovering at the edge of my vision. My position blinked as a blue dot, creeping down a narrow lane bordered by white adobe homes. Each building wore splashes of blue paint and glittering mosaics depicting ocean waves¡ªwhich made finding Rosamae''s house a special kind of challenge, since they all looked nearly identical. If it weren''t for the landmarks on my floating map, I''d never have found my own home. A thought occurred to me then: could I set my own markers? The word [Landmarks] appeared beneath the map. [Locations may be pinned on the map.] Another section expanded, displaying various pins¡ªstars, skulls, dots. [You may select a pin and assign it an individual name and description.] I nodded slowly, watching the words fade. Who was talking to me, anyway? An idle thought, but no answer came. Funny¡ªin all my years gaming, I''d never questioned tutorial text or interface prompts. Never wondered about the mind behind them. But now that I was essentially living inside one, I had to wonder: who was the architect of this world? The coder who seemed aware of my presence? I glanced up at the blue sky, a strange sensation settling over me like an invisible cloak. The feeling was¡­what? I couldn''t name it. Maybe it was unique to people plucked from Earth and dropped onto alien worlds? Turning down another street, I emerged onto a small plaza centered around a fountain. A long line of people stretched from a tall adobe building painted in swirling, tie-dye blues. Men and women in simple tunics and trousers waited patiently, empty baskets in hand. What are they doing here? Getting handouts? I shrugged, looking at the fountain again. I recognized it from last night''s walk to Rosamae''s, which meant I was close. But four streets branched from this plaza, and I couldn''t remember which I''d taken. I considered asking directions before remembering I didn''t know her street name, or even if addresses existed here. Letting out a deep sigh, I massaged my temples, watching the line shuffle forward. A Tidewalker stood at a window, distributing what looked like food and supplies. As one person received their rations and moved away, a hooded figure stepped up and presented their basket. The Tidewalker''s eyes widened. Though I couldn''t hear the exchange, their expression twisted with sudden anger. The next moment, they hurled something that splattered across the hooded person''s face. The recipient stumbled backward, basket tumbling as they crashed to the sand. "Hey!" I shouted, blood igniting in my veins as I ran forward. "What the hell is your problem?" The Tidewalker behind the counter gaped at me while others in line shifted uncomfortably, looking away. Their averted gazes only stoked my fury. "Why isn''t anyone saying anything?" I demanded, gesturing to the fallen man. "Don''t you see how screwed up this is?" I reached down and helped him up, his face dripping with pulpy slime. The line kept moving, the Tidewalker serving the next person as if we were invisible. Seriously? Oh my fricken gosh, why are people so stupid! I started toward the counter, fists clenched, but the man I''d helped caught my arm. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. A guard emerged from a doorway beside the window, wearing a breastplate of overlapping scales and a helmet shaped like a spiral conch shell. Yellow eyes gleamed within the shadow of his helm, gills opening beneath his cheekbones as he fixed me with an intense glare. "The Beachstrider already got his rations for the week," he said flatly. "Leave." I forced myself to breathe deeply¡ªin through the nose, out through the mouth¡ªtrying to cool the rage boiling in my blood. I wanted to run up to that guy and sock him in the face. Instead, I gathered the scattered items that had fallen from the Beachstrider¡¯s basket. "Come on," I said, picking up the basket and walking away from the crowd. The Beachstrider followed, wiping his face with a sleeve to reveal a pale, almost corpse-like complexion. I froze. A familiar corpse-like complexion. Those sunken eyes and long black hair¡ªhe was the one I''d seen sitting in the corner at the Masketeer Guild. He finished cleaning his face before holding out his hands for the basket. I swallowed hard as I handed it over. Fetch, he looked miserable. "Don''t let that guy get to you," I said, nodding toward the window. "They''re just assholes." He nodded, pale eyes dropping. Examining his gaunt features, I wondered¡­ Was he homeless? A father or husband barely making ends meet? "I have food at my place," I offered. "I don''t mind sharing." He shook his head. "No, thank you," he whispered, voice barely audible as he turned to limp away. "Wait!" I called after him, another question burning to be asked. "Do you know where Rosamae lives?" Worth a shot, even if they weren''t exactly friends. He slowed, looking back with a frown before pointing to the leftmost street. "Most of the foreign exchange students live at the end of that street," he said softly, then continued on his way. I wanted to stop him, to force him to come to my¡ªer, Zale¡¯s¡ªhouse. It was wrong to deny poor and needy people! And if he needed food, I¡¯d give it to him¡­ He won¡¯t come, though. I knew that with a bone-deep certainty. With a sigh, I glanced over my shoulder and gave those jerks near the counter a dirty look. The guard watched me, face impassive, hands clasped behind his back. The sight of the food line and the distributor''s sneering face made me snort in disgust before hurrying away. This world was little better than my own. Same old story¡ªif you didn''t have money, you didn''t matter. I let out a sharp hiss through clenched teeth as memories surfaced: my sister denied treatment because of our father''s empty wallet. I kicked the sand, sending a spray into the air as I passed a deep pool of water. Fish darted beneath the surface, vanishing into darkness. I hurried along, glancing at a larger pool on my left. Sand crawlers swam inside¡ªall but one diving away at my approach. The remaining creature watched me, and I studied the familiar crack along the chitin on its back. Then it disappeared, leaving me to wonder how many of them had been attacked by those birds. I passed house after house, distinguished only by their unique painted patterns and mosaics. Though tempted to knock on doors, I hesitated. It was early still, the sun not yet risen, though the world grew steadily brighter. As I walked further down the street, the sound of sniffling reached my ears. Turning a corner, I found Rosamae sitting on her front steps, reading a letter as tears tracked down her cheeks. She wiped them away, shoulders trembling slightly. I hesitated, biting my lip. Holy crap, what was wrong? Should I interrupt? She''d shown concern for me¡ªit seemed only right to return that kindness. I cleared my throat as I rounded the corner. Rosamae startled, hastily folding the letter and tucking it away. "Zale!" Her voice quivered slightly. "You''re late." She grabbed a small pack and tossed it at me. I barely caught it, and before I could ask what why she was crying, she jumped to her feet, quickly wiping her cheeks. "My friend''s meeting us at the northern tide pools with vital information about the competition. When I talked to him, he was thrilled to join our team. He, uh¡­takes a little to warm up to, but once you do you¡¯ll love him!¡± She bounded down the stairs, her green spirit materializing above her shoulder. "Come on!" She hurried across the sandy street barefoot, displaying none of her earlier distress. I shook my head and followed, unable to hold back the question. "Is¡­everything okay?" She waved a hand. "It''s fine, I''m fine. We have a competition to win, and I think our third ally will give us the edge we need." I studied her, noting how her cheerful facade didn''t quite mask the shadows in her eyes. Whatever that letter contained, it had shaken her. But she clearly wasn''t ready to talk about it, and I had no right to push. After all, I was keeping plenty of secrets myself. ¡°So¡­ Who is this friend of yours?¡± She flashed a smile that didn''t quite reach her eyes. "Another exchange student, like me, but he goes to the academy. Real nerd¡ªone of the smartest guys I know. And he''s going to help us win." Chapter 6 - Skyborn "There he is!" Rosamae pointed toward the center of the vast expanse, where a lone figure stood surrounded by tidepools, wings outstretched as he read from an open book. "A Skyborn?¡± For a moment, I thought he might be the musical fellow from the canoe, but no¡ªthis one''s feathers were yellow with a golden sheen. "He''s probably been waiting a while," Rosamae said, hopping over one of the pools. "Come on!" I followed at a trot across the stone landscape, pockmarked with holes of varying sizes. Each pool held its own mysterious depths and creatures: tiny azure fish swimming in perfect circles, each pulsing with inner light; an eel crackling with purple electricity that watched our approach; blood-red starfish with ten arms and jutting spikes. The pools seemed bottomless, their true depths hidden by the sky''s reflection. As we approached, the Skyborn remained absorbed in his reading, the salty wind ruffling his feathery hair and loose vest. I couldn''t help but smile at our potential team''s diversity: Rosamae, one with the earth; myself, a water dweller; and now a Skyborn. What other team would have such variety? But my smile faded as darker thoughts crept in. If we won and made it inside the shrine, would we all receive the goddess''s gift? The artifact of power? Or would only one of us be chosen? And if we lost¡­ Could I really be patient enough to find another way home? Or would I fight temple acolytes on my way inside? My breath shuddered out as we reached the Skyborn. Would I really kill to get what I needed? I pushed the thoughts aside as Rosamae made introductions. ¡°Morning, Flint! This is Zale," she said, gesturing to me. "Good to meet you.¡± I offered a nod. The Skyborn raised his chin, looking down his hooked, beak-like nose as his eyes traveled from my face to my feet and back again. "He''ll do," he said in a nasally, congested voice. "Though I was hoping for a full-blooded Tidewalker." He addressed Rosamae, as if I didn¡¯t exist. Rosamae''s hands found her hips. "What does it matter if he''s not a full Tidewalker? He can swim¡ªthat''s all that matters." An edge had crept into her tone, and I didn''t blame her. Our new partner was already rubbing me the wrong way. But I kept quiet, eyes on Rosamae. I knew how this guy saw me¡ªas lesser. It was painfully familiar. But there was no point in demanding respect or widening the rift that already existed. This was just a moment, this man just a stepping stone to my true goal: getting home. "The competition will be different this year," the Skyborn said, snapping his book shut and tucking it under his arm, eyes fixed on Rosamae. "Swimming is still significant, but a notice came out this morning concerning the island we¡¯ll be traveling to.¡± He turned to point toward the distant shoreline where fog drifted across the water''s surface. As the climbing sun burned away mist, an island emerged from the haze. "Is that a tower?" I asked, noting the strange spire jutting from the landmass. "Indeed. This year they''re testing combat skills as well as athletic ability." He glanced at Rosamae. "You know what''s in that tower?" "The Climb of 100 Trials. Yes, I''m very familiar with it." "First one to the top wins," he said. "So I doubt anyone''s attempting this solo." He pulled out a folded paper. "I copied down the recipe for our first mask." He held it out to Rosamae. Tempest Mask (Rare) The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. "And count yourself lucky," Flint added, examining his hooked nails. "That information isn''t meant to leave the academic library." "I can''t even get into that library," Rosamae said as she passed me the paper. "Academy students only." I studied the illustration¡ªa frowning face like a cloud with streaks trailing behind, suggesting forward motion. "There are books about the shrine in the academy library too," Rosamae added, glancing at Flint. "Books he''s read." My heart leaped. "Have you read anything about what''s actually inside? About what it can do?" Flint looked down his nose again. Rosamae punched his shoulder. "Don''t be such a jerk!" she said, half-joking but with clear irritation. "It''s fine," I said, waving her off, though my heart was racing. "Have you read anything?" "The books claim it was built to reference a goddess, but there are other theories. Noneof which I believe.¡± He gave an insufferable little laugh. "Do you think I''d be involved for mere fables? I''m in this for the scholarships. The academy promised full tuition to the winners. A visit to the shrine is just a pleasantry." Rosamae rolled her eyes. "There is something spectacular inside. I''ve read journal accounts from a hundred years ago¡ªremember what we discussed last night? The winners who entered never came out. Some say they ascended to the heavens!¡± I nodded, warring emotions churning in my gut. The possibility of a goddess or a relic that could grant wishes thrilled me, and I wanted to get inside¡­but did we really need this arrogant partner? What about that musical Skyborn from the canoe? He seemed far more reasonable than this pretentious brat, who even now was yawning as if our conversation bored him. "Run along now," he said, waving me off like a dog. "Get started on the mask. I expect it finished within two days." He turned to Rosamae. "We need to plan our tower strategy immediately. There are threats inside that¡ª¡° "I want to be part of this.¡± I stood my ground, lifting my chin. ¡°If we''re going to be a team, I should be treated like an equal.¡± He snorted. "Equal? It''s bad enough I have to work with a half-blood like you." That last word struck like a dagger to my chest, an anchor dragging up countless memories of middle school bullies spitting similar slurs, hating me for my mixed heritage. Flint continued talking, but as his nasaly voice droned on, I couldn''t his words over the blood rushing through my ears, drowning out all reason. Hydrokinesis] Outer Flow The turquoise tattoos along my arms shimmered as I reached toward a tidepool, activating hydrokinesis. I felt the water like an invisible extension of myself, but I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm my hammering heart. This is a stepping stone. I only have to put up with this idiot for a week, then I¡¯m out of there. Then Flint said¡ª"Run along now, little Beachstrider"¡ªand something in me snapped. I swung my hand. Water followed the arc, slapping Flint across the face. He squawked, stumbling sideways as Rosamae shouted in surprise. "If you''re going to keep talking to me like crap," I roared, vocal cords shredding, "you can make the damn mask yourself!" I spun on my heel, heart jackhammering as I stomped away. Rosamae shouted¡ªnot at me¡ªthen yelped. The sound sent alarm racing through me. I turned to see her staggering back, shoved aside by the Skyborn who now stood with wings spread wide, eyes blazing. Wind swirled around him, made visible by lingering mist. With a growl, he lunged toward me and flapped his wings. Golden feathers shot out like blades, ripping into my flesh. [-15 HP] [Status Effect: Bleed (Minor) - Lose 5 HP every 30 seconds] I roared as Flint spun then flapped again, throwing out a gust of wind. It slammed into me and forced me back. I hit the ground and rolled into a pool, floating face-down. Glowing fish scattered as I stared into the black depths, lungs refusing to work. Then, with a sudden gasp, I drew water through my gills. Despite the ringing in my waterlogged ears, I heard approaching shouts. I spun just as Flint landed at the pool''s edge, sharp golden feathers swirling around him. A large welt bloomed red on his face, but his eyes burned brighter, like flames flickering in a skull. He screamed something wild, but it was lost to the pounding in my ears. He raised one hand, mist coalescing around his dagger-like feathers. Just as he prepared to strike, a blur shot from the side and slammed into his face. I flinched, sinking deeper into the pool, muscles unresponsive. For a moment, I thought Rosamae had attacked¡ªbut no. A sand crawler had wrapped itself around the Skyborn''s neck, biting his nose. He screamed, staggering back and clawing at the creature''s armored body. A familiar crack ran across the back of his carapace shell¡ªthe same one I''d seen earlier, the same crawler I''d saved. [-5 HP] I let myself sink away into darkness, soul feeling hollow and scraped raw by that sudden violence. Deeper and deeper I drifted, into the endless black of the tidepool''s depths, wishing the cool embrace of the water would wash away the heat of my shame. Chapter 7 - Blue Slime I grabbed one of the sharp feathers protruding from my thigh and yanked it free. Blood flowed from the wound like a tendril of mist in the water. I floated there, pain throbbing through the opened flesh as I sucked in water through the gills beneath my cheekbones. A shaky breath escaped me in a burst of bubbles, but I just stared at the weeping wound, numb. This was what I deserved for trusting a stranger, for opening up to a girl. I bit down, frowning, but found nothing¡ªno ache in my heart, no sadness for what had happened, not even anger. [Status Effect: Bleeding (Moderate)] [Lose 7 HP per minute] A quick check of my health made my stomach clench: [Health: 21]. I pressed a hand against the wound at my side, cursing myself for pulling out the blade. Right now, I''d give anything for a technique, mask, or elixir to heal these wounds. My heart pounded as fear finally pierced the numbness. I was bleeding out. If I didn''t do something soon, I would die. A blur rushed past, making me turn¡­ A small, silver fish stared me in the eye. I blinked, looking past the creature. I''d drifted into a vast underwater cavern, its walls draped with luminous seaweed. Hundreds¡ªperhaps thousands¡ªof tiny glowing fish darted through the water like living stars. Something appeared at my left side. I spun, heart skipping, only to find the sandcrawler floating beside me, its many legs paddling to keep it steady. It drifted toward my leg and opened its reptilian mouth, spraying blue slime onto my wound. I flinched as the substance sizzled and stung my open gash, but then it began to glow, and slowly, the bleeding stopped. The creature crawled along my leg toward another bladed feather jutting from my ankle. I watched in stunned silence, jaw slack, noting the familiar crack along its carapace. It had followed me down here? I remembered how it had launched itself at the Skyborn¡¯s face, buying me precious moments. Without that intervention, I might have ended up with a dozen more blades in my torso. The sandcrawler yanked out the ankle blade, making me suck in sharply, swallowing salt water. I coughed, but it wasn''t a problem¡ªany liquid in my lungs simply bubbled and evaporated, converting to whatever oxygen could be found. More blue slime sealed the new wound as tiny, bioluminescent fish hovered nearby like curious minnows, their azure glow shimmering in the dim cavern. So¡­here I was, floating in an underwater grotto, surrounded by gawking fish while a crab-thing tended my wounds. And no people around. Not even Rosamae had dove after me. I refused to let that hurt, biting down hard on the feeling. If she had friends like that Skyborn, was she really who she seemed? Birds of a feather flock together¡ªand if she associated with that feathered jerk, she was probably just hiding her true nature, masking it like so many others in this world¡­and my world. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. People who took advantage of my family. People who stepped on those they deemed lesser. People I could never stop, all because I was so damned weak. No social influence. No money. Injustice after injustice I couldn¡¯t set right. My interface had been blinking for a while, but I''d only now started to notice. As if sensing my awareness, it expanded before me: [+30 XP gained from fight with (Flint)] I stared at the notification. The only points I''d ever earned came from masketeering¡ªit was all I''d focused on. Despite jerks like those Tidewalkers back in Wavehaven, I''d never really fought before. [XP: 30/100] Power. Quantifiable power. Results I could see and measure. Something sparked in my chest, burning warm at my core and flooding through my veins. My heart raced with an excitement I rarely felt. Kelp tickled my back, making me flinch and look down. I''d been slowly drifting to the seafloor without noticing. But I didn''t care. I let the glowing fronds embrace me as the sandcrawler pulled out the last blade. I gritted my teeth but accepted the pain. It drove me. It lit a fire in me to improve, to get better. For a moment, I wished I could take this system back to Earth. Quantify my power there, increase my influence, my income, my strength. But who was to say I couldn''t? What if I retained this body, this interface, when I returned? I''d never know unless I made it into that spiraling conch of a shrine. To hell with Rosamae and her stupid team. I was down here because I''d trusted her, allowed myself to be vulnerable. But could I win the competition alone? I absently stroked the sandcrawler''s carapace as it curled up on my chest, purring. I looked down at the creature, trying to stifle the warmth I felt growing for it. But why should I? It had saved my life, unlike Rosamae or anyone else here. Sure, it could leave at any moment¡ªit was just an animal. An intelligent, helpful one, but still. If it left, it left. For now, though, it was here, and I would accept that. But what now? How could I win? As I pondered this, still stroking the creature''s back, I noticed something drifting down from above¡ªpast the clouds of blood and scraps of clothing. A folded piece of paper. My heart skipped. I waited until it floated closer before snatching it from the water. Tempest Mask (Rare) My hands trembled slightly as a grin spread across my face. A new plan formed¡ªone that didn''t involve risking a competition win. All I needed was to wait for the perfect moment, for the door to open, for the winner to step through. Then I would sprint over and shove them aside, entering the shrine myself. And that preparation started now. I had eight days before the festival. Eight days to gather ingredients and carve a mask. If I devoted every waking hour to it, I could finish just in time. I quickly scanned the list of necessary ingredients. Some I could gather right here in this underwater chasm¡ªsurely these glowing minnows held useful essences. With a thought, I stored the recipe in my inventory, then sat up, skin stretching painfully around my sealed wounds. The sandcrawler glanced up at me with vertical-slit pupils, cocking its head questioningly. Forget the guild. Forget the competition. Forget everyone. I was getting into that shrine no matter the cost. I was getting back to my world to set things right for the ones I loved. And I was starting now. Chapter 8 - Murder on the Beach I arranged the unfinished cloud-shaped mask at the center of three vital ingredients: a bottle of glowing swift essence, a bag of feathery plumage from various birds, and a box containing guts from one of the fastest species of squid. Placing my hands on my hips, I caught my breath. That squid had taken days to catch, with several close calls involving hungry redfins. But I had it now. All that remained was one final component¡ªa violet pearl. Common enough, but still difficult to find. A soft tap-tap-tap and gurgly click-click-click caught my attention. Looking up with a smirk, I spotted my sandcrawler pacing near the entrance our cave. The cavern wasn''t deep and showed no signs of previous inhabitants, making it perfect for a temporary hideout. And, apparently, my newfound friend had appointed himself guardian. I pulled a dead fish from my inventory and tossed it his way. He launched skyward, catching it in his fangs before landing with a clatter of chitin. Since he''d stuck around despite my initial doubts, I''d given him a name: Gripjaw, The Mighty Defender. A little over the top, but hey. Whatever. As he stripped scales from his prize, I knelt to touch the three ingredients surrounding the mask, teleporting them back to my inventory before lifting the wooden cloud. The markings were cut; now I just needed to smooth the edges. Pulling out sandpaper, I worked at the surface while wandering toward the cave-mouth, thinking about the next ingredient I needed. I''d seen several violet pearls for sale in the market. The real question was affordability. I could scour the ocean floor for sellable items and dropped coins, but that might take three or four days. With the festival only five days away, time was running short. Reaching the cave''s opening, I inhaled the familiar salty sea air. The entrance overlooked a steep slope of blue-gray stones tumbling down to a secluded beach. I was still out of breath from climbing all the way up here. Though as my breathing steadied, my interface blinked with notifications. I finally checked them out: [+25 XP for slaying Lesser Redfin] [+20 XP for slaying Bobbing Urchin] [+25 XP for slaying Speed Squid] [Total: 100/100 XP - Level Up!] Glowing light flashed around me as I advanced from level 12 to 13. The sensation was soothing and warm, relaxing my muscles. I laughed, turquoise mist puffing past my lips. When the light faded, it left me cold¡ªlike stepping out of a hot shower. Attributes [+1 Skill Point] With my new skill point, I immediately enhanced mask crafting. No point spreading points thin when I didn''t plan on staying in this world long. [Mask Craft: Level 3 ¡ú Level 4] A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Strange how each skill showed a number out of 100, with mask craft having climbed significantly these past couple of days. The system confirmed that each level-up granted at least one skill point to apply anywhere, and that made my stupid smile grow wide. Mask Craft (Level 4) [67/100 (Initiate)] I felt the upgrade integrate¡ªfingers tingling, mind sharpening. Every unsightly ridge on the mask became more apparent as I worked. This was perfect. Even shaving off a few hours of crafting time would help immensely. But that violet pearl¡­ I squinted toward the setting sun, watching its orange glow paint the clouds and sea. Flocks of red birds soared distant, making Gripjaw tense. Night approached¡ªmy usual hours away from this cave. Not because I was wanted or anything, but because I preferred avoiding Rosamae, her snobby friend, or anyone from the guild. I didn¡¯t want to talk or explain or see anyone. I just wanted to finish this mask and go home. And I was beginning to wonder if I might need to employ¡­other measures to acquire that pearl. The thought made me scrunch my nose. Video game world or not, stealing an expensive thing felt wrong. I''d never been one to break laws, but was it worth the risk? Because grinding for money would cut things close¡­ A distant shout pierced the silence, snapping me from my thoughts. Wind ruffled my hair as I cocked my head, straining to hear more. When no other cries followed, I wondered if I''d simply mistaken a seabird''s call for a human shout. My gaze drifted to a mist-shrouded island on the horizon¡ªbarely more than a smudge of darkness I could blot out with my thumb. As I waited and listened for another cry, memories of whispered rumors surfaced. They spoke of a sage dwelling on that very rock, a being of great wisdom¡­and equally great danger. The thought settled in my gut like a cold stone. I wanted the shrine to work, but if it proved empty, that treacherous island might be my only hope. Better not to think of things like that¡­ A pained scream tore through the air, making me jump. I glanced at Gripjaw, who cocked his head. Okay, that definitely wasn¡¯t a¡ª Something whooshed past the opening of the cave. I flinched back, then rushed to the edge just in time to see a figure slam against the rocks with a sickening crack before tumbling down the steep slope toward the beach. My jaw dropped. Holy hell¡ªthat was a person! Had someone shoved him? I looked to the cliff far above, searching for the culprit. The growing dimness revealed nothing. But my heart pounded. ¡°He might still be alive,¡± I said to the sandcrawler, swinging over the cave''s lip, carefully picking my way down. Gripjaw scuttled beside me, hopping from rock to rock as thoughts crowded my mind. Was this¡­murder? Or had someone simply stumbled drunk off the edge? Finally reaching the blue-gray sand, I crept past tall, jagged rocks before peeking out. A dozen feet away lay a man in shimmering red silk. The golden scales and long, curling whiskers confirmed it¡ªthe councilman from the Manta Moo. The hotshot who''d strolled in to cheers and applause. The one I''d instantly despised. But now, watching from behind a barnacle-crusted boulder, a sick weight settled in my gut. Blood stained the sand around him. The pit in my stomach expanded, threatening to tear through. Gripjaw climbed my back, humming anxiously as he peered over my shoulder. Was he dead? Should I¡­check? I almost stepped out into the open, but stopped when Gripjaw hissed softly in my ear. Following his gaze, I spotted a figure about fifty paces down the shoreline. Wind whipped at their black cloak, though their hood remained steady, face hidden behind a white mask etched with a dark, swirling pattern. I froze, barely daring to peek around the rock as the man approached the councilman. A glowing white sword materialized in his hand, its blade long and wavy. Without hesitation, he plunged it into the councilman''s chest. The victim arched back in a silent scream as light flooded his scaly skin. He blazed like a star, the light so bright I slammed my eyes shut, shielding them against the burning glare. When the spots cleared from my vision, my guts dropped¡ªonly bones remained where the man had been. The masked figure''s sword vanished in a puff of mist. They swept their cloak over the bones; when they pulled it back, even those were gone. Only blood-stained sand marked the councilman''s end. Then the murderer turned and strode away, disappearing into the growing night. I remained frozen behind the rock, barely breathing, muscles locked rigid. When I finally tried to move, every joint creaked. I had to manually uncurl my cramped fingers. Gripjaw clung to my shoulder, shivering. Both moons hung high overhead¡ªhow long had I crouched there? "What¡­the¡­hell¡­¡± My jaw chattered. Though shaking and nauseated, I tried convincing myself that the councilman deserved it. That he''d oppressed the poor, ruined lives. But as I pushed to my feet and retreated down the opposite beach¡ªnot daring to climb back up where I might be spotted¡ªI couldn''t shake the sickness churning in my gut. I needed time to process what I''d witnessed. But no¡ªI shook out my hands and stood straighter, letting out a shuddered breath. This had to motivate me. Another reason to leave, to finish the mask. Get that pearl, complete my work, and get out. He was just a councilman, belonging to a corrupt institution. He deserved it. But even as I slunk from shadow to shadow, I couldn''t quite convince myself. And so I hurried, wanting to get as far away from that blood-stained sand as possible. Chapter 9 - Burst of Speed [Violet Pearl x 1] [Mixed Plumage x 1] [Squid Guts x 1] [Speed Essence x 1] [Apply all to Tempest Mask (unfinished)?] "Yes," I said, holding up the cloud-shaped mask. The items resting on the sand burst into mist, swirling around my creation. It lifted from my grasp, spinning as the ethereal vapors flowed into the marks etched along its back. The mask flashed brilliant violet-blue before descending gently back into my open palms, now gleaming as if painted with light blue lacquer. The front bore a cartoonish face with eyes squeezed shut and lips puckered in an eternal blow. Tempest Mask [COMPLETE] The barely contained energy buzzed against my fingers, drawing a stupid grin across my face. Orange sunlight glinted off my masterpiece at an angle, reminding me that evening was mere hours away. I squeezed the mask, barely containing my excitement. Tonight was the night¡ªthe festival, the competition, the triple solstice. When the sun and moons aligned at midnight, the shrine would open¡ªthe very gateway to my freedom¡­and the vengeance I so desperately craved. I sat down on a rock, admiring my handiwork, deliberately positioned far from the crowds. Sure, I could see people in the distance, swimming or lounging on the beach, but here by the barnacle-crusted rocks I had relative privacy. A glance over my shoulder revealed only a few Tidewalkers about fifty paces away, fishing and paying me no mind. I would have preferred complete solitude, but¡­ A shiver ran through me as I squeezed the mask even tighter, remembering that night by the cave. My stomach churned at the vivid memory of the councilman lying in his blood, mouth gaping in that silent scream, a sword jutting from his chest. What disturbed me more than witnessing his death was the complete absence of any reaction. I''d checked the bulletin boards every day since the murder, finding nothing. Not a even a whisper. Wouldn''t his peers notice his absence? Or was the government more corrupt than I''d imagined? That masked killer could have been another council member, eliminating political opposition. I rubbed a smudge from the mask''s surface, wondering if other news took precedence¡ªeven over an assassination. Every bulletin board on the island blazed with the same headline: "King Terran III murdered by the Desert Lord''s retinue." The killing had apparently occurred early in the week, but news traveled slow. While it dominated local gossip, I couldn''t bring myself to care about some stranger''s death. But, I mean, that council guy was a stranger¡­ But, hell, witnessing a murder and hearing about one were two very different things. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. I huffed. Well, whatever. In six or seven hours, at midnight, I''d be leaving this messed-up place behind for my own familiar brand of chaos. America, at least, was far more civilzed then this hell hole¡­ I shivered, countless arguments rising in my mind. Not the least of which included a bullet ripping through my own chest. Something scratched at my foot. Looking down, I found Gripjaw poking me with a leg, nodding toward the mask as if eager for a demonstration. "Good idea," I said, rising and brushing sand from my pants, grateful for the distraction. "We should test it before tonight." Placing the mask on my face plunged me into darkness¡ªuntil the etched symbols flickered to life, blazing briefly before settling into a clear view tinged slightly violet. [Mask Applied - Tempest Mask] Energy buzzed against my skin, the wood''s familiar scent mingling with sea air. "Ready?" I asked Gripjaw, who leapt from the sand to latch onto my back, chittering excitedly. [Activate Mask?] With a thought, I triggered it. Power surged through my veins like liquid lightning, and I launched as if shot from a cannon, the ground blurring beneath me. In a heartbeat, I reached the water, skimming its surface. Heart jackhammering, I let out an exhilarated scream. [-10 MP] [-10 MP] [-10 MP] The notifications popped up every few seconds until, to my dismay, my MP hit zero. I stumbled, belly-flopping into the sea with an ungraceful splash. "Oof!" Floating there with bulging eyes, my throat stung¡ªI''d been screaming the whole time. Now laughter bubbled up, my shoulders shaking. My soul throbbed, muscles ached, but I grinned like a madman as I stared at the sandy ocean floor through crystal-clear water. Whoa! What a ride¡­ How far had I gone? The ocean floor was only a dozen or so feet away, so not too far. Still, though, that test revealed crucial flaws in my plan. I couldn''t risk diving into the shrine completely drained. What if I missed my chance at the relic, or whatever power the goddess had left in that massive conch? Worse, what if I lost MP just short of my goal? Best case, I''d end up helpless on the floor. Worst case: prison. I sighed, and bubbles gurgled from my mouth. I needed insurance¡ªsomething to keep me on my feet through the plaza and into the conch. I smiled. And I knew exactly what to get: stamina potions. Magic ones, as well. My interface showed my pitiful stamina at 1, though floating there and breathing deeply brought it up to 2. I checked my items tab, scanning through clothes, weapons, and crafting materials. I''d found plenty scouring the ocean floor this past week, but what I lacked were ingredients¡ªspecifically, for elixirs. Eventually, I''d recover enough energy to swim back, but I when I did I wouldn''t waste any of my money on store-bought potions. I¡¯d spent a fortune on that violet pearl. Plus, I knew where to find ingredients¡­though, it was a place I wouldn''t normally dare venture. But the solstice was tonight, and I needed to be prepared! "Hey!" a gurgled voice called through the water. A Tidewalker glided past, webbed fingers spread wide as her tail swayed lazily. Others followed¡ªyoung men in scale shirts and waterproof trousers, young women in flowy clothes. I kept my mask on, hiding my scaled cheeks, and shifted my arms to show only smooth skin. With luck, they''d assume I was human¡­er, Gaian, or whatever they were called here. "You okay?" one asked, his green scales reflecting sunlight. I groaned. ¡°Kind of¡­ Not really. Just exhausted. Mind bringing me back to shore?" He grabbed my ankle, tugging me beachward. I let him, grateful for the kindness¡­something I wasn¡¯t really used to. Though, letting them pull me gave me time to think. As soon as my stamina bumped up, I''d need to move fast, and find a way to conceal my identity. Where I planned to go, Beachstriders weren''t exactly welcome. But I''d go anyway, gathering whatever materials I could find. Patting my chest, I realized my leather vest was gone¡ªalong with Gripjaw. He must have fallen off during my sprint. I winced, hoping he was okay. I then glanced at one of the Tidewalkers swimming after me, his sleeves long and covering his arms. An idea cropped up. "Hey," I called to him, "you wouldn''t happen to have an extra long-sleeve tunic?" They exchanged glances before one shrugged. "Got a couple. You can borrow one if you return it." "I will," I lied, nodding eagerly. No way he was getting that shirt back. "Be right back." He shot through the water. Perfect. That borrowed shirt and my mask would help conceal my scales while I gathered ingredients around that¡­unsightly, dangerous place. Tonight had to go flawlessly¡ªI would not fail. And those elixers were the last things I needed. Chapter 10 - From the Dead I strolled across a flagstone path, trying to appear casual as I approached a vast structure. Spiraling, pearlescent shells formed its pillars, while the facade gleamed with chunks of mother-of-pearl. My breath felt hot inside the mask, but surprisingly, it didn''t smell like nine days without brushing. Instead, there was a hint of seaweed¡ªwhich might have been as bad as morning breath back on Earth, except the seaweed here had an oddly sweet scent. I tugged at the mask, ensuring it was secure, then patted the bun I''d tied my hair into. The borrowed tunic''s long sleeves concealed my scales, its neck laces drawn tight. I glanced at that imposing structure, then surveyed the surrounding grounds. Gardens stretched out in rectangular segments, most submerged like rice paddies. Tidewalkers worked the distant fields. This was technically a community garden, but my last attempt to gather fruit had ended in immediate reprimand. The man who''d caught me insisted I needed a permit, all while dozens of Tidewalkers harvested freely around us, not sparing me a glance. I huffed, shaking my head. Another injustice I couldn''t stand. Thankfully, I''d be gone by midnight. I stepped into the nearest garden, water reaching my knees. It was farthest from that gleaming structure¡ªone that was beautiful on the outside, but corrupt within, like every institution. Gripjaw hummed beside me, floating in the water and cocking his head, as if curious about my thoughts. "Now, don''t get me wrong," I said, crouching to examine the aquatic plants. "I''m sure every institution begins with some hint of purity. But as they grow and the money comes in, they lose sight of what matters." And what matters? I asked myself silently. "People," I whispered in response. I plucked a plant that reminded me of a carrot, though it had too many roots, and swirled with tie-dye red coloring. [Aquatic Tuber] [Enhances stamina regeneration] [Common ingredient in restoration potions] Opening my interface, I navigated to crafting: [Food] [Drinks] [Potions] [Select (Potions?)] ¡°Yes.¡± Under the stamina potion recipe, I found what I needed: [Stamina Potion] [Restores 50% maximum stamina] [Ingredients: Aquatic tuber, stamina shroom, recovery berries] [Crafting time: 30 minutes each] I had a lot of random ingredients from days of grinding, but needed things specifically from this garden. Rising to full height, I scanned the field. Where would they be? The next thirty minutes took me from patch to patch. I found wild specimens¡ªprickly melons, star-shaped fruits, heart-shaped radishes¡ªall useful for different potions I hadn''t learned yet. I stored them away, grateful that my interface eliminated the need for a backpack. Everything vanished into that holographic screen with a thought, safe from prying eyes. I knew others couldn''t see it. During my first week, when the interface kept appearing with endless scrolls of information, no one else reacted. Either I was the only one who could see it, or it was so common no one cared. I''d learned the hard way by asking a stranger about "glowing windows with stats." His weird look and hasty retreat probably just reinforced his prejudice against Beachstriders. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. After another thirty minutes, frustration set in. Yes, collecting random plants was good, but when would I use them? I needed to focus on my purpose: finding the last two stamina potion ingredients: [Stamina Shroom] [Recovery Berries] I looked toward the Tidewalkers working the distant fields and hesitantly approached. A Beachstrider woman worked alone, her white hair in a tail, scales brushing her cheeks¡ªmore human than Tidewalker in appearance. "Hey," I called, heart skipping. At least she wouldn''t be snobby. "Do you know where¡ª" "I don''t know where most things are," she interrupted, standing to wipe her forehead. "If you''re looking for something specific, talk to the managers." She pointed to a group of Tidewalker women talking in a circle. I took a deep breath and approached, adjusting my mask. "Excuse me," I said to the closest one. She turned, revealing piercing yellow eyes that stood out on a blue scaled face that left me momentarily speechless. Recovering, I cleared my throat. "Do you know where the stamina shrooms and recovery berries are?" She raised an eyebrow. "Who''s asking?" "A Gaian," I said, standing tall. "Preparing for the festival!" She exchanged glances with her companions, but another manager stepped forward. "I''ll take you," she said in a familiar voice that made me jump. Sunlight glinted off her rose-red scales and practical clothing¡ªher. Before anyone could object, she grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the mother-of-pearl structure. The hair on my neck rose¡ªI didn''t even want to touch its shadow. Then, worry struck: was she turning me in? I frowned. No, that was ludicracy. This was just a community garden, not a bank. Plus, she probably recognized my voice. And besides, this was the girl who''d stopped those Tidewalkers back at town square from beating me. "Why are you really here?" she asked, glancing back but still pulling me along. "What are you talking about?" I tried disguising my voice. She snorted. "Zale, I''m not an idiot. I know it''s you." I chuckled. "Just trying to get some food.¡± She looked back with a stern but somehow understanding frown. "Have you¡­been home lately?" I blinked at the odd question. "Honestly? No. Last time was probably early this week." She nodded quickly. "Well, if you''d gone home six days ago, you wouldn''t be here now." She left it at that, making me wonder. Had she left food, knowing Zale''s mom was struggling? She pulled me into the building''s shadow. "Zale," she said, turning to face me, still gripping my arm, "I''m going to tell you something, but I don''t want you to freak out. Okay?¡± I frowned, then nodded, remembering she couldn''t see my expression. "I think," she said, "it might be best if you and your mom left¡­soon. Before sundown.¡± My frown deepened. "What? But the festival¡ª" "Yes, I know it happens only every one hundred years, but listen¡­ You have to go.¡± She bit her lip. "Just¡­trust me on this. When have I ever led you wrong?" I considered this. The only memory I had was of her intervention, so I couldn''t argue. Before I could ask more, she pointed to a rectangular garden near the mother-of-pear wall. ¡°The plants you are looking for are there.¡± She then patted my arm and hurried off, finned tail swaying behind her. I shook my head. ¡°Wait!¡± ¡°Leave!¡± she shouted over her shoulder, weaving past garden plots and hurrying toward the distant Tidewalkers. I stood stunned. I couldn''t leave. My only way home centered on tonight''s festival. And whatever was coming wouldn''t matter. I was bent on leaving this world behind¡­though, what she¡¯d said made me shudder. Stepping deeper into the council chamber''s shadow, I ignored the crawling sensation on my skin and crouched to gather some fungi¡ªstamina shrooms, my interface confirmed. ¡°Good,¡± I whispered, moving along the plot. But the closer I got to the glistening wall, the more I sensed the corruption festering inside. It reminded me of NeuroSync. I spat, the name alone making me want to punch something. And I couldn''t wait to see their faces¡ªthe ones who''d turned on me, who''d murdered me¡ªwhen I reappeared to seek my vengeance. Voices approached. I crouched among the plants, still as a snake ready to strike, tension coiling in my muscles. A group of flamboyantly dressed fish-folk passed, strolling along a path leading toward the vast structure¡ªone wearing a platinum-threaded vest, another in a colorful dress, the third a squat bearded man, and at their head¡­ My heart hammered. A man with golden scales and catfish whiskers. I blinked, tried to rub my eyes but hit mask instead. Gripjaw scuttled up my back, clacking quickly, questioningly. That was him. The councilman who''d fallen past my cave, broken his bones, bled on the sand, been stabbed to death. But¡­but it couldn''t be. He was fricken dead. I leaned forward as they languidly strolled by, studying his red silk clothes and familiar features. My jaw dropped.Yes. It was him. Impossible. ¡­Unless he, what, had a twin? "Trust me," the councilman was saying, "the staff will have the roof ready tonight. It''ll be a party up there¡ªthe best view in Wavehaven." His voice faded as they climbed the stairs. I stared after them, expecting his face to change, waiting for this hallucination to end. Then I looked toward the roof, where I glimpsed people setting up tables and chair. I think looked to my left, past white stucco homes and toward the towering conch shrine. Sunlight reflected off its pink pearlescence. Were they planning to watch the competition, from way up there? Or¡­something else? Fireworks? If wizards in The Lord of the Rings could manage those, surely someone here could, too. Shivering, I tried to shake off and unsettling sensation, but a chill remained as I gathered the last of the ingredients. I hurried toward the spire, not daring to look back at the towering monster behind me, and the councilman¡­back from the dead? My skin prickled as I remembered something. That masked murderer had taken his bones. What if he was a necromancer? The thought only stoked the flame in my heart and deepened my drive to get the hell off this world. Racing across sandy streets, past masked revelers, laughing children, and festival booth preparations, I found an empty spot to drop to my knees. I pulled up my crafting recipes and started on the stamina potion. I needed to make it now. I was running out of time. Chapter 11 - Gunshot From my perch atop a flat adobe roof, I surveyed a vast beach. Hundreds of Tidewalkers had gathered there. They lined up in rows, stretching arms and legs, some jogging in place with tails swishing. The crowd was so dense and expansive, I couldn''t tell if Rosamae was among them. A faint ache passed through my heart. Had she found another teammate? Was she searching for me? Had she ever been looking for me? I shook my head. Whatever. Midnight was three or four hours away, and then I''d never see her again. I let out a shaky breath, gripping the railing as I shifted my gaze from the competitors to the sparkling sea. It reflected the setting sun. The star¡¯s orange glow was gentler than Earth''s, easier to look at directly. I tried to let its soothing light calm my nerves, but I couldn''t stop trembling. I flexed fingers and toes, my hands and feet cold as ice. If I messed this up, if I didn''t make it into that shrine, the punishment would be severe¡ªimprisonment for life, or worse. Execution. Casting a glance toward that towering conch shell, I considered getting closer. But as I looked from one crowded roof to another, I bit my lip. The streets below were crowded too¡­ But still, I needed to move. The closer the better, especially since my current spot was getting a bit too cozy. A quick check over my shoulder revealed three or four more people climbing the ladder, laughing and embracing. I stiffened at a familiar face¡ªthe guildmaster, patting his large belly and letting out a booming laugh. As I spun away, my mask shifted, reminding me I was safe from prying eyes. Good thing, too. I hadn''t attended the guild all week, and recognition would mean questions and lectures I didn''t have time for. A loud clack-clack-clack drew my attention down to Gripjaw scaling the wall. He reached the railing with quick, precise movements, making swift clicking sounds. I stroked his carapace, feeling the cracks along the center of his back. A warm feeling blossomed in my chest, followed by a twist of guilt. Besides Rosamae, he''d been my only real friend here¡ªwell, and that girl from the gardens. Her subtle warnings about tonight left a gnawing concern in the back of my mind. But so far, everything looked normal. Children ran through sandy streets below, people gathered on rooftops, nothing seemed out of place. I couldn''t worry about it now, anyway. I was leaving this world behind¡ªand good residence! After witnessing the murder of that man, and his sudden reapearance, I wanted nothing but to get out of here. Gripjaw clicked again, nodding toward a building. I''d sent him to scout locations closer to the spire, somewhere less crowded. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Take me there," I whispered. He scuttled down the wall as I swung over the railing, falling through the air then dropping into a crouch on the sand. I weaved past children holding crackling balls of light like endless fireworks, playing chase through the streets. Gripjaw led me through an avenue lined with booths made of painted sail-parchment. Spicy scents wafted up, reminiscent of an Indian restaurant I''d frequented back home¡ªfirst place I''d visit when I returned. The crowd thickened, but I pressed on, gently shoving past with murmured apologies. One man leapt away when I brushed his shoulder, wiping it as if contaminated. After a dozen streets, Gripjaw scaled another white adobe wall, humming loudly. The street''s far end opened onto the plaza and that spiraling shrine. Perfect spot, though the roof worried me¡ªpacked with Tidewalkers like sardines. Maybe it¡¯d be best if I hung out here. I circled the building, trying to find a spot away from as many street-goers as possible. The sun had vanished, but fan-like shells along white facades began to illuminate, radiant spheres glowing between them and the adobe. They lit one by one, taking their time to brighten the growing dark. I passed a shadowy alley where a lone figure in glinting armor strode away¡ªthe first soldier I''d seen tonight. The sight made my chest clench. I almost hurried past, but movement caught my eye. A cloaked shadwy figure seemed to rise from the sand itself, grains cascading off their body as they stalked toward the guard. My muscles locked, brow furrowing in confusion. An explosion rocked the air as fireworks burst overhead, the crowd roaring in delight. My heart pounded, ears ringing as I looked back to see the figure lunging at the guard, wrapping arms around his neck. Memory flashed¡ªrunning through NeuroSync¡¯s halls, someone jumping from a doorway, wrapping arms around my neck, pulling me to the floor, choking me. Another firework sounded¡ªthe crack reminding me of the gunshot that followed. "NO!¡± The scream tore from my throat as I sprinted across the dark street. The crowd''s shouts and exploding fireworks drowned all other sound. I activated hydrokinesis, water pushing from my skin to form around my clenched fist. With a throat-shredding shout, I slammed my aqueous fist into the back of the attacker''s head. Crack. The attacker shouted as the soldier lost his balance. We all went down in a tangle of limbs, me rolling clear and scrambling to my feet. The cloaked figure stirred as the guard pushed up on his arms. "Are you okay?" I shouted, barely hearing myself. I crouched to help him, then froze. A knife jutted from his neck, his eyes bulging as blood pooled in his gaping mouth and dripped down his scales. His hand shook as he reached for the blade. Another explosion lit the street, revealing three more cloaked figures rising from the sand. A horrified shout burst from my mouth as I staggered back. Something hard crashed against my head. I staggered, vision spinning as sand rushed up to meet me. The last thing I saw, illuminated by another firework''s flash, was a hooded figure in a white polished mask with a deep, sparkling purple swirl. Chapter 12 - Blinding White Light I drifted in and out of consciousness. When I managed to blink, the world was a blurry wash of dark blue, twinkling lights spread across a vast canvas. Blood throbbed in my ears, muffling most sounds, though distant cheers and excited chatter filtered through. The festive noise felt wrong¡ªsickeningly wrong¡ªas memory surfaced of that knife jutting from a soldier''s neck. My stomach churned, but all I could do was stir and clench my fists, hovering at the edge of wakefulness, fighting through the last cobwebs of unwanted sleep. Wake! Up! I ground my teeth, resisting the pressure in my mind, ignoring the pain wracking my skull. This is what you get for trying to save someone. But it had happened so fast¡ªthe unaware guard, the cloaked assassin¡­ My frown deepened. Several assassins. One wearing that polished mask I dreaded to think about. Finally, I ripped through the mental fog. My eyes snapped open as I gasped in a deep breath. The night sky sparkled above, but something was wrong. The light was changing, growing subtly brighter. Had I been out that long? No¡ªboth moons were gliding across the sky, moving faster than I''d ever seen. The realization hit like ice water. The triple solstice was happening. The shrine would open soon. I tried to move but found my wrists and ankles bound. Worse, I wore only knee-length underwear. My heart skipped as panic flooded my veins. My mask¡ªI felt my face with bound hands. Where was my mask? Looking right, I saw other captives similarly bound and stripped. At the street¡¯s dead end lay piles of clothing, armor, weapons, and masks, all meticulously organized. A foot pressed against my chest. I gasped and looked up to find a cloaked figure staring down at me through a purplish-black mask with a white swirl. He cocked his head, studying me. Was this the one I''d struck? Was he waiting for me to wake before slitting my throat? But he only stared, his wooden mask a dull echo of the polished white one worn by that murderer with the glowing sword. "What¡¯s happening?" I shouted, heart pounding, heat rising in my cheeks. To my surprise, the figure extended a gloved hand, pointing first at my face, then pivoting toward the towering pearlescent shrine. The moons climbed high in the now-bright blue sky as the sun raced upward, moving unnaturally fast. The cloaked man held his pose like an ancient statue indicating the unknown. What the hell was he pointing at? The sun, the moons? I already saw those shifting across the sky, moving to hang above the¡­ My heart skipped when I saw him¡ªthe figure atop the spire''s peak, dark cloak billowing, white mask gleaming. Chanting echoed as if from heaven itself, matching the volume of the excited crowds of Wavehaven. Did they even see him? That man? That monster? This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. As sun and moons approached their apex, the masked murderer''s voice grew louder, his mask''s purplish-navy swirl glowing brighter by the second. The figure above me removed his foot and began to hum, gaze fixed on his master. Other cloaked figures wearing similar masks joined the chant, hands raised in supplication. What the hell? My breathing quickened as I looked between them. Was this some cult? Were we meant for sacrifice? I gritted my teeth, testing my bonds. The knots were too well-tied to force apart or quickly unravel, and I knew I didn''t have hours to spare. With the closest cultist focused on his leader, I inched backward toward the weapon pile, eyeing a particularly sharp sword. Movement caught my eye¡ªstars appearing in the bright blue sky, twinkling like diamonds. Wait¡­how could I see stars in daylight? A familiar clack sounded to my right. I gasped as Gripjaw peeked around a pile of clothes. My heart swelled. He was here! I¡¯d only saved him from a bird, yet here he was, loyal as a hound. I waved him over and he skulked closer, casting wary glances at the nearest cultist. The man remained absorbed in his chanting. Gripjaw rushed to me, fangs attacking the rope between my wrists. As he chewed through the strands, I stared at the sky where large shooting stars cut across the blue¡ªsome growing larger, plummeting¡­plummeting straight toward Wavehaven! Snap! My hands came free and I pointed to my ankles, trembling, jaw chattering. The towering spire''s peak transformed, unfolding like a flower in sunlight. The murderer hovered above the blooming tip, arms raised in supplication, his voice drowning out the growing screams below. Falling stars¡ªmeteors¡ªplummeted, drawing closer, trailing flames. I gaped, eyes wide as plates. Holy fricken hell on earth! This man, this cult leader, had summoned fireballs from heaven! He wasn''t targeting individuals. He meant to destroy the entire island. Snap! My ankles came free just as brilliant light flashed from the shrine''s base, blinding me momentarily. My heart lodged in my throat as I blinked away tears, and saw a door slowly opening. Shit, that¡¯s it! Move, Zale. Move! Scooping up Gripjaw, I sprinted for the mask pile. Mine was easy to spot¡ªcloud-shaped and puffy. Someone shouted in an unfamiliar language. I spun to see a cultist approaching, drawing a blade black as night. Others turned, startled to find me loose. "Hold on tight!" I yelled to Gripjaw. He coiled around my neck as I slammed the mask to my face. [Activate Mask?] "Activate!" I shot forward, slamming into the nearest cultist and racing across unconscious guards. I blurred through the plaza, MP draining rapidly. [-10 MP] [-10 MP] [-10 MP] [-10 MP] I yanked out one of my two stamina potions and drank deeply. Violet-blue light burst from my skin. [+50 MP] Halfway to the glowing doorway¡ªI was halfway from arriving back to a home life had stolen from me. Something exploded in the far distance, shockwaves rippling through the ground and cracking pavement. I staggered, looking to my far right to a blinding red-white explosion. Flaming meteors rained from heaven, as massive as mountains, most of them seconds from collision. An entire cluster seemed drawn to one section of the city, hidden behind countless adobe structures. Keep running! I downed my final potion. [+50 MP] The edges of my vision darkened as the pounding in my skull intensified, like an invisible fist striking my skull again and again and again. A meteor smashed into buildings in a flash of red-white light, a wave of heat rushing past, burning skin. I screamed, but my focus remained on that brilliant silver-white doorway¡ªa light brighter even than the flames raining on the city. As another explosion rocked the ground behind me, I screamed and launched myself toward that radiant portal and into blinding white light. Chapter 13 - Inside the Shrine I slammed into the ground, pain shooting through my body as sweat dripped onto the pearlescent floor. Dismissing my mask, I took ragged breaths, my MP nearly depleted, my stamina dwindling, lungs burning, muscles screaming, head pounding mercilessly. As I lifted my gaze, I found myself in a shining pearlescent cavity that was impossibly¡­calm. The ground had stopped shaking. The screams, howls, chants, and explosions from outside had vanished. Hell¡­ They were still echoing in my mind. I shivered, pushing up with my hands. So that''s what that gardener had been hinting at¡ªan island-wide calamity. But why? Why would the masked figure summon such destruction? Why obliterate an entire island, himself included? And why the hell was I lying there, wondering? The silence didn''t mean the chaos had stopped. I shifted to a kneeling position and glanced over my shoulder, heart skipping, my eyes widening. The doorway had vanished, replaced by a glistening wall. I scrambled to my feet, feeling for seams or ridges, but my hands only slid across its smooth surface. A strange buzzing tingled through my palms. At first, I thought it was from the vibrations of the explosions outside, but the sensation climbed up my arms, suffusing me with an overwhelming sense of peace and security. It felt as if I could stay here forever, as if time itself had paused just for me. As if nothing else mattered. I snorted, frowning at the foreign thought. Despite my burning muscles melting into warmth, despite everything in me wanting to relax, I knew I couldn''t stay. This entire spire was in danger, regardless of how safe I felt. I''d made it inside¡ªnow it was time to go home. But as I turned, I found an empty room. No artifact, no goddess, no portal. I scanned walls, ceiling, and floor until¡ªthere. At the very center, a bud glistened like a star. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. I approached carefully, still panting, catching my breath. The bud grew larger with each step until it became the size of a head, its petals a shimmering pink. It stretched upward on a thick stem, up to waist height, then bloomed to reveal a white leather-bound book sealed with a lock. White mist flowed from it as it rotated, showing a cover with its oval-shaped window that looked out into¡­darkness. And yet, the novelty of it all entranced me. After staring at it for a long moment, I reached out and touched the cover. Brilliant light flashed, forcing me to shield my eyes with my arms. I squinted through my fingers, expecting it to fade, but it only intensified. The fingertips that had brushed the book tingled with a hot-cold sensation that crawled up my arm. I turned away to examine my hand and found glowing veins slithering along my forearm, light diffusing across my skin. The floor began trembling, growing more violent by the second. A loud click sounded behind me. I spun to see the book''s lock shatter, pages flapping open as it blazed brighter than the sun. I should panic, should scream, but that otherworldly peace flooding my system wouldn''t allow it. Even as luminous veins spread across my torso and legs, even as the quaking floor drove me to my knees, even as cracks spiderwebbed across the pearlescent walls, I could only stare in wonder. What¡­what was happening? What had I expected, rushing in here? An expanding sense of curiosity held back the knot forming in my chest¡ªuntil I noticed particles of my skin drifting away like dust. I sucked in a sharp breath. ¡°What?" I shouted, heart finally beginning to pound, despite the artificial tranquility. "What the hell?" I waved out my arms with wide frantic motions, acting as if they were on fire¡ªbut my hands slowly disintegrated, everything else lost in a brilliant white void. Then¡ªSNAP. I looked up to find the book closed, its oval window now filled with a radiant female face. Her long hair waved as if underwater, her eyes blazing like twin stars. [Time Loop Initiated] [Restarts Remaining: 10] [Beginning¡­now] My body tore in a billion pieces, cutting off my terrified scream. Chapter 14 - Grave Danger [Noon of the First Day] [9 Days and 14 Hours Remain] [Time Loops Remaining: 10] Though still conscious, still aware, I saw nothing but endless white. Feeling began to buzz in my fingers and toes, like limbs waking from sleep. I tried to wiggle them, tried to look down, but couldn¡¯t move. If I could feel my heart right now, I knew it¡¯d be racing. Had I lost my sight? No¡­ I¡¯d been completely torn apart. The memory sent a shiver through my newly-forming spine. Sensation returned in patches: chest, leg, then ears full of pressure. I gritted my teeth and squeezed my eyes shut until they popped, air whooshing through as the call of distant gulls filtered in. And¡­waves? The rhythmic crash made me scrunch my barely-feeling face. Gosh¡­ This felt like coming out of dental anesthesia, except instead of just my mouth, numbness coursed through every vein. Maybe I was finally waking from a coma in some Hawaiian hospital with an ocean view. But as I blinked my focusing eyes, a vast sea-green ocean came into view, sunlight sparkling across its surface. I looked down at my tattooed arms, heart sinking. Still in nothing but knee-length underwear and¡ª Wait¡­ Where the hell am I? Spinning around, I surveyed the expanse of white-pink sand. The pearlescent spire loomed in the distance, the surrounding stucco homes completely intact. I searched the sky for shooting stars but found only the sun at its zenith. The moons were wrong¡ªone completely missing, the other barely visible at the edge of the sky. I stared, rooted in place as unintelligible whispers echoed in my mind. I scruncthd my face. Then the twelfth chime startled me. I jumped, staggering back as something tightened around my neck. I gagged, grabbing at hard carapace. Gripjaw released me, scrambling to his feet and cocking his head questioningly. I blinked, dazed. ¡­Gripjaw? A translucent window materialized above him: [Bond Quest: Gripjaw (Complete)] [Reward: +1 Bond Point] [Total Bond Points: 1/5] The window rolled up like a scroll and then vanished, leaving me to stare at empty air. My head and limbs buzzed as I stood speechless, suddenly feeling like this past week had been a fever dream. Holding Gripjaw close, I started forward in a daze, eyes locked on the spire as I remembered that starry-eyed woman¡¯s face¡­in the window of that book. Had she¡­undone everything? Fixed it all and placed me here? I passed a sprawled Tidewalker on the beach, barely noticing him as my legs carried me toward downtown Wavehaven. People hurried past, giving me odd looks, but before I could reach the shrine''s base, two spears crossed in front of me. "What do you think you''re doing?" One acolyte frowned, his split robe revealing scale mail beneath. I stared dumbly, mouth hanging. "The shrine is off limits," said the other, tiny chains dangling from his fin-ears. "Leave before we signal the guards." This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. "But the book," I pointed at the shrine. "There''s a book in there and¡ª" The whispers in my mind grew loud as a wispy interface materialized, words flickering chaotically across it. "Is this guy giving you trouble?" A garbled voice asked. A meaty hand gripped my shoulder. I followed it up to bulging eyes. "Take him to the guards," an acolyte said worriedly. "I don''t think he''s right in the head." "No Beachstrider is," said another approaching figure, his scales so black they made his yellow eyes practically glow. "Don''t worry, we''ll take care of him." They roughly pulled me away, and I let them, frowning at the passersby, all of them acting as if their world hadn''t just faced compelte and utter annihilation. A recent memory surfaced, hazily: "Time Loop Initiated." ¡­I¡¯d seen that just before splitting apart, hadn''t I? That experience¡ªthe blinding light, the flood of peace mixed with that wave of terror¡ªleft me shaking. Had I imagined it? Why would that book, that woman, send me back in time? "Trying to prove something, Beachstrider?" the black-scaled Tidewalker whispered. "A man could get arrested wearing so little." Before I could respond, Gripjaw rushed past and bit the black Tidewalker''s ankle. He released me with a howl, my adrenaline spiking. I yanked free from the other hand as Gripjaw scrambled to my shoulder, hissing. The larger Tidewalker advanced, water enveloping his fists, but I had no interest in fighting. I needed answers¡ªneeded solitude to process what the hell was happening. A blur of red intercepted us¡ªa female tidewalker with outstretched hands. "Stop!" she shouted, drawing stares. "He''s with me!" The large Tidewalker hesitated, looking to his bleeding companion. "That Beachstrider''s mutt took a chunk out of me!¡± he spat. "Don''t be a wuss," she said. "Find some bandages. You''ll be fine." She waved them off, tugging me away as they glared after us. She led me down familiar streets to a secluded spot. "Zale!" she spun on me. "What are you doing?" "Trying to prove a point,¡± I said. Not really sure why I did. Just kinda¡­popped out. Hell, this was so weird. "And what''s that?" "That Beachstriders are people too." My voice was flat¡ªI felt too numb to emote, still processing everything. I''d witnessed a bunch of meteors fall from the sky, destroying Wavehaven while I rushed into that shrine seeking a way home¡­and now stood having the similar conversation with the same woman on what seemed to be the same day. She was talking, but I interrupted her. "What day is it?" She cocked an eyebrow. ¡°Seaday,¡± she said slowly, concern evident. Seaday. The week''s beginning. "Is there a festival in nine days?" She nodded, looking increasingly worried. "Zale¡­are you okay?" "You helped me find ingredients for a stamina potion," I said. "I found you working at the gardens near the council chamber. Do you remember that?" She slowly shook her head. She would not remember that, a melodious female voice whispered. I spun around, finding no one nearby. "Did you hear that?" The woman laughed uncomfortably. I''d lost her¡ªshe clearly thought me insane. Maybe I was. Had the past week never happened? It happened, the voice whispered, seeming to echo from within and without simultaneously. "Who are you?" I pressed fingers to my temples, wincing as I caught the woman''s grimace. She approached with her basket. "I think you should come with me." "No," I backed away. "I''m fine, I''m just¡­really confused right now." I rubbed the back of my skull, where phantom pain pulsed¡ªwhere I''d been struck at week''s end. The interface flickered before me: [Time Loops Remaining: 10] "What does this mean?" I shouted, turning away from the baffled Tidewalker. Before she could stop me, I sprinted up the street, weaving through crowds unaware of the destruction I''d witnessed, the screams I''d heard, the monster who''d summoned that storm. I wanted to pretend it was a hallucination or a dream, but a blow to the head couldn''t produce something so visceral, so terrifyingly clear. Still lacking answers, I ran to the only place I knew I could find privacy. *** I sat on a porous rock far from civilization, staring down at a secluded beach. My usual hiding spot¡ªthe cave half a mile away¡ªstood vacant. After witnessing a murder there, I hesitated to return. This spot, away from everyone, would do. Taking deep breaths, I stroked Gripjaw curled on my lap¡ªthe only proof I wasn''t losing my mind. He clacked softly, pushing his face into my palm as if trying to comfort me. But how could I find comfort with this tempest raging inside? Light flickered on my palm. Strange symbols shimmered there¡­looking almost like the face of a sundial or clock. "This wasn''t here before," I whispered, rubbing it with my thumb. No, the voice in my head said clearly, as if whispered directly in my ear. It wasn''t. My spine slowly stiffened. "Who are you?" I looked around, hoping for some evidence I hadn''t completely lost it. Only silence answered. "Please!" My shout echoed across the ocean. "Tell me what the hell is going on!" My palms began to tingle. Silver-white light flowed from my skin, swirling upward to form a misty sphere. It snapped into the shape of a book¡ªthe book, with its oval window on white leather. Wind gusted past, dispersing the mist to reveal its translucent form. A light twinkled in the window''s darkness, expanding into the face of a woman with hair swaying as if underwater. She regarded me with serene solemnity, eyes twinkling like stars. "Hello, Offworlder." She smiled broadly, knowingly. "My name is Cronia, and you are in grave danger." Chapter 15 - Offworlder I launched to my feet, staggered backwards, then crashed onto unforgiving stone, the impact jolting through my bones. The floating book grew more tangible before my eyes, the face within that oval window becoming solid. Her skin was unnaturally white, her hair lustrous silver. An opal gleamed at the center of her high collar, and as she blinked, I realized her eyes were no longer twinkling lights but smooth translucent stones. She smiled softly. I gaped wordlessly. "I have to admit," she said, her voice seeming to come from everywhere, yet deep within my mind, all at once. "I expected your kind''s souls to feel¡­different. More alien, perhaps?" I snapped my jaw shut, not wanting to look like an idiot as I stared the woman in the eye¡­ A woman, whose face floated in a window on a book. The same one I''d seen in the shrine. "Wait," I managed. ¡°Wait, wait, wait¡ªyou''re from the spire?¡± "I am." Her pleasant smile made this seem like an ordinary conversation between old friends. ¡°Uh¡­¡± A strange buzzing sensation crawled up my throught, then questions burst from my mouth. "Wait, what are you? And why is everything still intact?" I gestured wildly at the surrounding stones, then the sky. "You were there! I mean, not outside, but the stars were falling, and the city¡ª" My throat tightened as the screams of the dying echoed in my mind. The memory of the earth''s trembling made my body shake uncontrollably, now that I''d given voice to the insanity whirling inside me. The woman''s smile remained oddly paternal. "I was there," her omnipresent voice whispered. "I was¡­and under different circumstances, you would have gotten your wish." I sat up straight, warmth tingling up my neck. "You know what I want?" "What else would an Offworlder come to me for?" Offworlder. I''d never heard the term, but it fit. And, wait¡­that meant she knew I was from¡ª "Earth," she finished, making my arm hair stand on end. In all my weeks here, no one had mentioned my home planet. Hearing it from this ghostly woman in a book was perhaps the sweetest thing I''d heard in what felt like forever. Distant voices made me look over my shoulder, up the slope of gray-blue porous rocks, and toward the cliff''s edge. I saw no one, but I was worried. I¡¯d caused quite a stir in the town square. Between my behavior and current state of undress, they probably thought me insane¡­ No, they did think me insane. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if soldiers were on my tail, eager to lock me up. "Come on," I said to the book, shakily rising to my feet. I''d avoided caves since witnessing that murder, but I needed shelter and a place to hide. As I skipped from stone to stone, the book followed beside me. A pleasant burning sensation expanded in my chest This¡­being knew what I wanted, knew where I was from¡ªI needed to hurry. I needed answers. I hopped from stone to stone with greater speed, spotting a cave just ahead.. I ducked through the cavity. It was roomy, but scattered bones and carapace pieces made Gripjaw hiss, coiling around my shoulders like a living scarf. "We won''t stay long," I whispered, scratching under his chin, grateful for his anchoring presence. Without him, I literally wouldn''t be here right now. Cronia''s face reappeared within that oval window. "So," I said, squeezing my waist to stop my hands from trembling, "you just assume because I''m an Offworlder, I want out?" "That," she said, "and I sensed your intention the moment you touched my cover." If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Then you can grant my wish? Send me back home!" Her melodious laugh was gentle. "If only it were that easy. Those who''ve come to me in the past were from this world¡­but you? An Offworlder, wanting escape from the cyberverse? Ha! It would be easier to teleport an entire world to a neighboring solar system." I ran fingers through my hair. Of course it wouldn''t be easy. When had anything in my life been easy? "But¡­there is a way," she continued, making my heart skip. "You can get what you want¡­and I can get what I want." "What''s that?" "The preservation of my shrine. It''s one of the few connections Elendria has to the cyberverse, a final defense against threats beyond this world.¡± I nodded, jaw chattering. My interface hovered in my peripheral vision: [Day 1 - Noon of the First Day] [9 Days and 14 Hours until the Triple Solstice] [Restarts Remaining: 10.] "You sent me back.¡± I finally accepted that fact. "Back to the start of the week¡­¡± "I did. But I can only do so ten more times. And if you don¡¯t stop the meteor shower from happening, none of us will survive." I shivered. "And I''m never going home." She gave a solemn nod. ¡°But there¡¯s more. Because of your special circumstances, it will take several Bonds to push your soul up and out of the cyberverse, and back to Earth." The book snapped open to reveal: [BONDS] [Bond Points: 1] [#1] [Gripjaw] [BONDED] [#2] [N/A] [#3] [N/A] [#4] [N/A] [#5] [N/A] "How did I bond with him?" I asked. The pages flipped to section titled: [PROFILES] [Description: Below, you will find a list of persons struggling physically, spiritually, emotionally and/or mentally.] There was an entire list of people, some with portraits and others displaying large question marks. At the top was Gripjaw, marked [Bond Quest Complete.] Below was that rose-scaled Tidewalker girl from the gardens, her profile marked [Open Bond Quest.] Others followed: Rosamae with her bright green eyes and brilliant smile, that pale-faced Beachstrider, the murdered councilman, and even passing strangers. "Everyone is secretly hurting," Cronia whispered, "not just you." Warmth flooded my chest as I stared at the open book with large eyes. She knew, then? Knew my past? Knew the pain? The book snapped shut, revealing the woman¡¯s face. Her expression was calm, knowing, compassionate. Despite how strange this was¡ªa face in a book promising salvation¡ªI felt¡­I felt like she genuinely cared. Something I definitely wasn¡¯t used to. "Every person you help¡ªevery Bond Quest you complete¡ªgives you a point. Five is a good number¡ªthat should give me enough power to send you back, but only under the light of the Triple Solstice." "So I need to focus on two things." A blank window appeared, words forming as I spoke: ¡°Number one: stop that meteor shower from annihilating Wavehaven, and number two: complete Bond Quests for five people¡ªbasically help them with whatever they need." Cronia nodded as the interface arranged itself: [New Campaign Quest] [The Errand of a Goddess] [Cronia, the Goddess of Time, needs your help. In exchange, she will send you back to Earth. To return home, you must fulfill her requests.] [Objective 1: Prevent the Cataclysm of the Triple Solstice] [Objective 2: Bond with Five People] [Reward: A surge of infinite Emenance for 10 seconds] ¡°Emenance?" ¡°Power that flows through the gods themselves," she said, her voice dropping to a reverant whisper. "The force that breathes life into all things¡ªevery thought, every word, every action. My shrine channels this very power, and when the celestial bodies align, I can use their combined energy to send you home.Though¡­I cannot promise your body will stay intact.¡± My stomach dropped, but before I could say anything, she continued: ¡°You''ll likely slip into another body¡ªsomeone close to your current age." I nodded, relieved I wouldn''t end up in some old dude. "Will it be a person, though? A male person?¡± The last thing I wanted was to wake up in some chick¡¯s body. "The nature of our spirits is eternal, gender is eternal. Don''t worry, the body will be male. And it will be human.¡± I let out a laugh, clapping my hands together. ¡°Then it¡¯s settled!¡± With ten restarts giving me one hundred days to stop that masked cultist and bond with five people, I would have more than enough time. At least, I hoped. Taking a deep breath, I hurried toward the cave entrance and looked out across the sparkling sea, and toward the horizon. Toward my destiny, just out of sight. Just out of reach. Glancing back, I found both Cronia and Gripjaw watching expectantly. "Where do we begin?" The goddess smiled broadly. "That, dear Zale, is up to you." The book flipped open, pages flapping until it reached the Main Quests page. I read the objectives again. [Objective 1: Prevent the Cataclysm of the Triple Solstice] [Objective 2: Bond with Five People] [Reward: A surge of infinite Emenance for 10 seconds] I stared at the first one as an idea formed¡ªa wonderfully dangerous idea. I gave a sharp nod, and hopped out of the cave. I knew where to start¡ªbut I needed a weapon¡­ Pausing, I glanced down at my mostly-naked body. And, some clothes. Chapter 16 - Sensei I hurried away from Zale¡¯s mother''s house while adjusting my loose waterproof tunic, oddly conscious of how the neckline revealed a glimpse of my tattoo. Finding Zale''s old residence hadn''t been difficult¡ªhis mother''s name had opened enough doors, even if most conversations these days left me feeling raw and exposed. I''d met her in those first bewildering days after waking up on this planet. A shiver ran through me at the memory. Even now, it made my jaw chatter, forcing me to shake out my arms and kick my legs to ward off the tremors. All part of the process, Cronia whispered in my mind, her voice only intensifying my shivers. My interface popped up: [Cronia, Goddess of Time] "So are you really a deity¡­¡± I said aloud, immediately regretting it. A passing Tidewalker with two children gave me an odd look, then grabbed her kids and hurried away. And another person thinks I¡¯m utterly insane. An odd sense of amusement flowed through me¡ªan emotion I somehow knew belonged to the book. Some of the best people in this world are. And you¡¯re right¡ªI am. ¡°Insane?¡± No. A goddess. "Why, then, would you want my help?" I was still trying to wrap my head around all this. Her response, when it came, was surprisingly soft. I¡­am broken, Zale. Shattered. We all are¡ªmy brothers and sisters. Most of us didn''t survive the War of the Gods. Those who did were splintered into pieces, forced to bind our Emenance to weapons or clothes we''d used throughout our lives. It was the only way to prevent our complete dissolution. I nodded slowly, jogging past buildings painted in shades of blue. "I didn''t know there were more of you," I whispered this time, trying to avoid looking crazy to passersby. Only ten left. There used to be hundreds¡­ Hundreds! Though, really, I should have known better. If my World Religion classes taught me nothing else, it was this¡ªwhere there was one god, there were always others. I kept to the edges of the street, avoiding the main thoroughfares. The last thing I needed was another run-in with those thugs from the town square, or any guards who might be looking for me. Though I doubted this world had insane asylums¡­ Oh, they do, Cronia interrupted. Just not on this island. They''d likely throw you in prison first. "So, don''t get caught," I muttered, passing tall walls adorned with spectacular mosaics. Waves and tentacles writhed across white adobe surfaces, catching the sunlight like liquid gems. An elderly Tidewalker tended to flowers on her windowsill¡ªflowers that reminded me of sea anemones. I kept my eyes down and hurried past. "You were split into thousands of pieces," I continued quietly. "Does that mean this world is godless?" No world is ever truly godless, she whispered. We are but slivers of the One who knows all, sees all, loves all. I frowned, a hundred questions bubbling up. In all my weeks here, I''d never thought once to ask about any gods or higher beings. I''d been too focused on escaping. But now¡­now my curiosity was piqued. There were gods above gods, it seemed, and one even greater still. "Why isn''t he doing anything then?" I asked, turning onto a cobblestone path dusted with pink sand. Market stalls lined the street, vendors hawking their wares. I wished for a hood, though that would probably draw more attention than it deflected. Cronia''s silence stretched on, and I got the sense she didn''t have an answer. I let it drop, shoving my hands in my pockets and keeping my head down. It was hard enough trying to blend in among fish without adding theological debates to the mix. ¡°Is there a way to put you back together?" I finally asked, hoping to change the subject. She sighed softly. Forgive my silence. Your previous question¡­it struck a painful chord. I grimaced, wishing I''d never asked. ¡°I¡¯m¡­sorry.¡± Don''t be. Questions are essential for growth. But I lack answers concerning that¡­particular matter. She was silent a moment before continuing. As for reassembling myself¡ªyes, it''s possible. But that''s a quest for another time. For now, let''s focus on making you strong enough to prevent that cataclysm while finding five bonds. I nodded quickly, relieved to be back on familiar ground. The building marked on my map finally came into view: "Hugo''s Weapons," proclaimed the weathered sign hanging above the door. I patted my pocket for my coin pouch, finding nothing but fabric and leg. A quick check of my interface showed 250 gold¡ªthe polished box I''d found on the counter. I hoped it would be enough for a decent weapon. The shop interior was vast, sunlight streaming through ceiling windows to illuminate rows of armor and tables laden with swords, knives, and spears. Shields bearing Wavehaven''s crest adorned the walls. Despite everything, I couldn''t help but grin as I wandered the aisles, breathing in the dusty, leathery scent. I''d always been fascinated by weapons, even on Earth, and right now I felt like a kid in a candy store¡ªthough I still tremored, trying to digest everything I¡¯d been told. So, you want to focus on training first, then? Cronia asked as I ran my fingers along the flat side of a curved blade. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°I considered using just my fists and masks,¡± I whispered, grateful for the murmur of conversation around the room. ¡°I could probably farm XP from ocean monsters, maybe even earn some brawler skills. But¡­¡± The memory of that cultist''s blade piercing through councilman''s chest, burning his soul to mist, made me shudder. Cronia shivered with me. I understand, she whispered. Facing him is inevitable. A weapon would be wise. Gripjaw clicked in my ear, making me flinch¡ªI''d almost forgotten he hung around my shoulders like a scarf, his familiar weight having become second nature. He was glaring at a suit of orange-red chitin armor. I hurried past, sick at the thought of how many sandwalkers it had taken to make it. Will you focus on the first objective for a while then? Cronia asked as my interface unfolded in my peripheral vision. I swallowed, looking from Objective One down to Objective Two. One bond down thanks to Gripjaw, four to go before I had any chance of getting home. But my heart raced at the thought of trying to connect with anyone else. After those Tidewalker thugs, that murderous Skyborn¡­those "friends" who''d betrayed and killed me¡­ My stomach churned and I had to fight the urge to rub my chest where the bullet had torn through. Cronia fell silent. I might have tried to continue our conversation, but then I saw it¡ªa gleaming golden trident mounted behind the counter, its three prongs like some royal fork. Something about it called to me, demanded my attention. [SISERA''S JEWEL] Legendary Trident Requirements: Melee Combat [Level 5] Mastery: 0/100% CORE ABILITIES: Tidal Surge Type: Single-target Strike | Range: 20 feet | Damage: 120 | MP Cost: 35 Effect: Launches concentrated water blast that pierces armor Special: +40% damage against fire-based enemies Whirlpool Grasp Type: Area Control | Radius: 15 feet | Duration: Maintained | MP Cost: 25/sec Effect: Creates a swirling vortex that pulls and holds enemies Special: Trapped enemies take 30 damage/sec, movement speed reduced by 60% Storm Pierce Type: Chain Attack | Range: 25 feet | Damage: 90 | MP Cost: 45 Effect: Lightning-infused thrust that chains between wet targets Special: Each chain jump deals 75% of previous damage, up to 3 targets SPECIAL TECHNIQUES: Depth Charge Type: Charged AoE | Radius: 8 feet | Max Damage: 450 | MP Cost: 60 Effect: Compressed water explosion with knockback Special: Full charge (5 sec) guarantees 2 second stun Tidal Resonance Type: Passive Enhancement | Range: 100 feet | MP Cost: 10/min Effect: Amplifies all water magic by 75%, enables underwater detection Special: Allows communication with water spirits within range Ocean''s Memory Type: Technique Storage | Slots: 5 | MP Cost: 5 per swap Effect: Stores and quick-swaps between learned water techniques Special: 25% increased learning rate for new water abilities ULTIMATE TECHNIQUE: Maelstrom Convergence (80% Mastery Required) Type: Ultimate AoE | Radius: 50 feet | Damage: 75/sec | MP Cost: 250 Effect: Creates massive whirlpool that devastates area Special: Cannot be cancelled, drains 80% HP on completion PASSIVE EFFECTS: ? Complete underwater breathing ? Pressure resistance up to 500m depth ? 60m underwater vision range ? +50% to all water magic ? 5 MP/sec regeneration near water ? Can collect 1L water/minute from air LIMITATIONS: ? Requires Level 5 Melee Combat mastery ? 50% power reduction in arid environments ? 75% MP regeneration reduction without water source ? Ultimate requires full MP bar ? Some abilities require nearby water source [All abilities scale with Mastery percentage] I joined the line, bouncing on my toes with barely contained excitement. When I finally reached the counter, I found myself face-to-face with a burly Tidewalker wearing an eyepatch, tattoos dancing across his scales and bare chest. His glare deepened as I pointed to the weapon. "How much for the trident?" He snorted, glancing over his shoulder. "That''s Sisera''s Jewel, Strider. And unless you''ve got five thousand coins and a warrior''s permit, you can''t touch it." My stomach sank, the trident suddenly seeming very far away. But something else caught my attention. "Permit?" ¡°You deaf?¡± The shopkeeper leaned in close. "Unless you''ve got a permit and coffers full of gold, stop wasting my time¡ªand theirs." He nodded to the line behind me, all grouchy Tidewalkers except for one solemn Beachstrider who gave me an approving nod. My heart pounded, anxiety buzzing through my numb fingers. If I wasn''t fighting for my life, trying to prevent this place from exploding, I might have backed down. But I forced myself forward. "How does one get a warrior''s permit?" The scales across his cheeks flushed red. "Really that ignorant?" He jabbed a finger toward a bulletin board bristling with knife-pinned papers. "Posted those for a reason. Now get out of line." Feeling my own face flush, I hurried to the board, scanning quickly. The requirements were simple: train with a master fighter, prove yourself worthy, and join the warrior''s guild. I glanced back at the trident, its golden curves glistening, seeming to beckon. I''d start with something simpler, but I needed that weapon¡ªyearned for it with an intensity that went beyond its obvious appeal. ¡°Zale wanted it, too,¡± Cronia whispered. ¡°You might not remember clearly, but his subconscious is still linked to yours. Things he loved, things he wanted¡ªthey''ll make themselves known. Like this trident.¡± "Then it''s settled," I said, scanning the notices again. "I''ll train, get my permit, somehow scrape up the funds, even if it takes weeks¡­¡± Weeks. Time. Time I wasn''t sure I had, with only ten loops. For a moment, I wondered if training with a master and getting the trident was the right path. Maybe I should focus on simply crafting masks and fighting sea creatures. But the image of that masked murderer''s blade flashed through my mind again, and I shuddered. No¡­ No, I need proper training. I need a master who can teach me to fight and defend myself. I checked my stats, my inventory, just because¡­and noticed something shocking. My masks¡­they were still there, including the Tempest Mask, along with all my harvested ingredients. They''d survived the loop. ¡°The things you carry, the things you''ve gained¡ªincluding stat increases¡ªpersist through every restart,¡± Cronia explained, sending an excited tingle up my spine. Then, I slapped my forehead. ¡°Of course!" That explained why I''d started in just my underwear¡ªwhat I''d been wearing right before the reset. And that¡¯s maybe even why Gripjaw was still with me, since he''d been clinging to my neck. ¡°Grab that coupon,¡± Cronia said, drawing my attention to a corner notice¡ªan ad for a dojo near the main market. First lesson free, then 50% off the next. "Sounds like a deal to me." I tore it free and hurried out, ready to meet my future sensei. One way or another, I was going to master fighting and earn that trident. And maybe, just maybe, learn enough to conquer the coming storm. Chapter 17 - Careless Dojo "No!" The bearded man''s shout echoed as he slammed the door in my face. I stood there, staring at the weathered wood, crumpling the useless coupon in my fist. Same response as every other dojo in Wavehaven. I let out a harsh breath through clenched teeth and stalked away, crossing the final name off my interface. A map floating beside the interface, highlighting all the "official" trainers in the city. Trainers, who didn¡¯t give a shit about me. I spat to one side, glaring back at the building. The excuses were always the same¡ªtoo full, private mentors already had students, too expensive. But mostly? They just hated Beachstriders. Don''t take it personally, Cronia''s voice whispered in my mind. Mortals have a strange habit of categorizing one another when, in reality, we¡¯re all made of the same stuff. I grunted. The goddess fell quiet, and I appreciated that about her. This sliver of divinity knew when to let silence speak. I sighed as my mind raced through options: try the list again? Maybe grovel a bit more? Or¡­forget the whole dojo thing and hunt sea creatures for combat experience? I could always steal that trident during the chaos of the Triple Eclipse¡­ That brought up a good question. "How do I restart?" I whispered, glancing to the side. Nearby pedestrians were too engaged in their own conversations to see that I was ¡®talking to myself.¡¯ Just say the word, Cronia replied. I blinked. "Really? Just like that?" Yes, but remember¡ªwe only have ten restarts. "Right¡­¡± I frowned. "Why only ten? How do we get more?" Mist swirled from my palm, materializing into a snow-white face framed with silvery hair that danced in an invisible breeze. ¡°I would need at least a month in the shrine to recharge.¡± The shrine wouldn''t open until week''s end¡ªand if we didn''t stop that masked cultist, she wouldn''t have more than a few minutes inside. ¡°With more Bonds,¡± Cronia added, ¡°I could recharge faster¡­but it would still take time.¡± The reality sank in: ten restarts it is, then. A hundred days, give or take. I couldn''t waste a single moment. Cronia floated to my shoulder, her ethereal hair trailing behind her. Gripjaw, still draped across my shoulders, cocked his head at her. Heat crept up my neck as more Tidewalkers passed by. "You probably shouldn''t be floating like that," I muttered, heart skipping. ¡°Don''t worry. None of them can see me unless I fully manifest in this realm.¡± I wanted to ask what she meant by "this realm," but a familiar shout in the distance made me freeze. The general bustle of the crowd nearly drowned out the call, but it came again. "Zale!" I spun around, and my heart lodged in my throat. Rosamae sprintedtoward me, kicking up sand, her emerald streaked hair tied back in a tail. Her brilliant eyes matched her sleeveless tunic, complementing her earth-brown slacks and boots. My mind buzzed with panic¡ªI''d abandoned her after that fight with Flint. For one terrifying moment, I thought she''d shout at me and demand where I''d been¡­ But as she slowed to a stop, she simply asked, "Where were you today?" Her voice held only mild concern. "You left for a break and never came back." I stared, mouth gaping. Calm, Cronia whispered. This is a new loop. She doesn''t remember. Right¡­ I let out a long sigh, tension draining from my shoulders. An interface shimmered before me: [Bond Quest: Rosamae] Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! [You did not show up at the Masketeer Guild today. She looks quite concerned.] [Objective: Reassure her.] [Reward: +5% Bond Progress] That¡¯s when it clicked. She would be one of them five I needed to bond with to complete my second objective. "Some people from the guild saw you speaking with one of the dojo teachers.¡± She frowned, looking more upset than uncomfortable. "You''re not thinking of leaving the Maskateer Guild, are you?" "What? No, of course not!" "Then why are you going around flirting with other guilds?" I paused, considering my response. She was eager to help me last week. And if she was as eager and helpful then, the truth couldn''t hurt. ¡°I¡­¡± I cleared my throat. ¡°I want to learn how to fight." Her eyebrows twitched, and understanding flickered across her eyes. She bit her lower lip, then nodded slowly. I nodded back, surprised by her reaction. There was compassion in that gaze, as if I''d struck some deep chord. A passing Tidewalker with yellow scales and bright orange eyes glared at me, pulling his gawking child along. Right. Beachstrider. She probably thought I wanted to learn how to fight because I was an outsider, hated for my mixed blood. "Tell you what," Rosamae said, placing hands on her hips. Her round spirit-thing peered from behind her shoulder, watching me with glistening eyes. "I have to go somewhere, but meet me at the Manta Moo tonight. I think I might have some connections that will help you out." I blinked, lips parting. The Manta Moo. Was she asking me on a "date" again? Would she bring up the competition? Her plan with Flint had probably involved combat training¡ªand I really didn''t want to see that jerk again. I cleared my throat. "I''d be happy to come tonight, but¡­these connections you have¡ªthey don¡¯t involve any Skyborns, do they?¡± She laughed. "No! What makes you say that?" I shrugged. "No reason in particular. I''ve just had some¡­bad experiences with them in the past." She sobered, nodding, but before she could respond, someone shouted her name. Two girls with nearly fluorescent green hair waved from the end of the road. "Sorry," Rosamae said. "I have to run. But tonight, at the ninth chime, meet me there, okay?" "Okay.¡± I nodded. She flashed a brilliant smile before turning to run off. Another interface window appeared: [Bond Quest: Rosamae] [Strange. She invited you to the Manta Moo again, but unlike last time, she wants to discuss something entirely different. Interesting.] [Objective: Show up at the Manta Moo at the ninth chime to learn what new information she has regarding your combat training goals.] [Reward: +10% Bond Progress] [Bond: Rosamae] [Progress: 5/100%] "Interesting indeed," I whispered, watching until she disappeared around a corner. Well, that settled it. No more wasting time with grumpy dojo masters. I turned on my heel, mind already racing ahead to how I''d spend the hours until our meeting. The answer came immediately: masks. I needed more masks¡ªsomething to give me an edge in a fight. But the best of recipes were in the guildmaster''s books. And so, I wasted no time, immediately marching on over to¡­¡¯borrow¡¯ them for the day. *** The guild''s treasure chest-shaped building came into view, its decorative mask protruding from the open top. Inside, the room was nearly empty save for a few students¡ªthree Tidewalkers and one Beachstrider with long dark hair and a gaunt, pale face. He carved at a mask as if gouging out the eyes of someone he hated. My attention lingered on him. I remembered last week, when a jerk had thrown food in his face. Another potential bond, maybe, but one thing at a time. I had to focus on surviving a fight against a cultist whose sword obliterated souls. I shivered as Cronia floated up beside me, now appearing as a full-bodied woman in a trailing-sleeved dress, an opal gleaming at her throat. She gave me a gentle nod as I hurried across the room. No one looked up as I rounded the guildmaster''s desk and began searching drawers, acting like I belonged there. My heart pounded as I found it¡ªa massive tome titled "Rare and Uncommon Masks, 3rd Edition.¡± As I heaved it onto the table, a door opened. The guildmaster emerged, stretching his arms, his scaled face contorting in shock when he spotted me. We stared at each other, his eyes traveling to my hand resting on the forbidden book. ¡°Zale Seacrest," he said, narrowing his eyes. ¡°What are you¡­¡± He blinked, frowning. ¡°You were¡­absent today." "Mom was sick," I said, patting the book. "I was hoping to make up for what I missed. Mind if I borrow this?" He chuckled, though irritation edged the sound. "The real question is, what are you doing behind my desk?" He stopped eye-level with me, waiting for an answer. I swallowed, but surprisingly, my heart wasn''t racing as fast as expected. Despite his attempts at intimidation, he wasn''t nearly as threatening as some of the corrupt jerks I''d dealt with. You don''t need the book, Cronia said, sitting on my shoulder and swinging her legs. Push your palm against it and request the information. I frowned at her. "Well?" the guildmaster demanded. I bowed my head, feigning shame as I pressed my palm to the cover. [Extract information?] Yes. The book exploded into silver-white mist, swirling into my palm. [New Information Acquired: Uncommon and Rare Masks, 3rd Edition] I stared slack-jawed at the dissolving mist, my heart now thundering. The guildmaster''s expression was almost comical¡ªeyes bulging, mouth gaping. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry," I stammered, scooting away. "I don''t know what just happened. And, um, apologies, but I need to go!¡± I sprinted for the door as he shouted my name. I didn''t stop, didn''t look back as I burst outside and raced across the sand, desperate to put as much distance between myself and the guild as possible. Let them think me a crook or insane or whatever. I had a murderer to fight and a world to return to. And, well, sometimes, a little theft was essential for success. Chapter 18 - Another Date The guildmaster''s tome of rare and uncommon masks proved frustrating¡ªnot a single recipe for enhancing attack power. But that didn''t mean they were useless. After sitting on the beach for a while, munching on market-bought jerky, I found exactly what I needed. [Strong Defense Mask] [+45 Defense when worn] I got to work immediately. Wood formed the foundation, as always, but I needed other components¡ªshells, essences, and more. My search led me to a sprawling coral reef that seemed to stretch for miles. The reef teemed with life: colorful slugs undulating through water, stone-shelled turtles, and sharp-toothed swiftgills that stalked me constantly, waiting for me to look away so they could snap off a piece. Thankfully, since the guildmaster himself had compiled this volume, most ingredients were readily available¡ªthough some required a trip to the market. It took time to scrape one section of the reef clean. By late afternoon, I emerged from the ocean and laid out my tools. Only Cronia''s reminders made me pause to eat, and when my jerky ran out, Gripjaw kindly hunted for me. Being part Tidewalker had its advantages¡ªI could drink seawater. Briny and disgusting, yes, but it did the job. The mask took shape by the eighth chime: a diamond shape with a long horn protruding from the forehead. Active Skills] 1. Mask Craft (Level 3) [+60 xp = 80/100] I stored it away, casting an uneasy glance toward Wavehaven. I''d chosen this stretch of beach specifically for its distance from the square. Part of me expected the guildmaster to appear any moment with guards in tow. Though if they did come¡­would I even be able to return the book? ¡°Not likely,¡± Cronia said as I stood and stretched. ¡°Instead of storing it, you, um¡­absorbed it¡­ My apologies.¡± "No need to apologize," I said, rolling my shoulders and working out the stiffness in my muscles. "I''m the one who sucked it up. Should''ve thought to use my inventory¡ªjust didn''t occur to me." I strolled along the beach, waves lapping at my feet. There was another reason I''d picked this spot: a dock stretching toward the floating structure of the Manta Moo. The sun was dipping, and out across the ocean, bioluminescent jellyfish created living constellations¡ªsomething I wished existed on Earth: a natural light show with creatures that didn''t sting. I considered swimming to warm up before meeting Rosamae, but decided against it. My feet carried me toward the dock instead. ¡°I noticed,¡± the goddess said, raising one delicate finger, ¡°that you continue to refer to this interaction as a ''meeting.¡¯¡± She perched on my shoulder in her diminutive form, radiating serene calm. Gripjaw scuttled alongside, clutching a fish in his mouth as if saving it for later¡ªor perhaps eager to join the meal ahead. "I don''t like thinking of it as a date," I said, eyeing the dock. People stood chatting, most with those green-glowing orbs. "I barely even know her, and she never called it that. Maybe she''s just friendly with everyone." ¡°Or,¡± Cronia mused, ¡°maybe she actually likes you.¡± I shrugged, refusing to answer. Dating hadn''t been my thing back on Earth, and I wasn''t about to start now, here in an entirely new world. ¡°Count yourself lucky,¡± Cronia said. ¡°Not everyone has a body and face that makes girls goggle.¡± I snorted but couldn''t help smirking as I crossed the deck. Young adults filled the area, most in their mid-twenties with green and brown hair like Rosamae''s. Gaians, I realized, with their glowing spirits hovering at their shoulders. Some permanent residents, most exchange students. ¡°They come from the Windwhisper Wilds,¡± Cronia explained, pointing across the sea toward some invisible continent. ¡°A region of this kingdom, once ruled by a good friend of mine¡­¡± "A good friend?" I asked. "Who?¡± ¡°Gaia. A god these people were named after.¡± I nodded slowly, curiosity stirring. "Why don''t you go to him, then? Why stick with me?" ¡°Shattered,¡± Cronia said. ¡°Remember?¡± I nearly slapped my forehead. Right¡ªshe''d mentioned this before, about the War of the Gods and the few survivors. It seemed way over my head. My brain was already beginning to ache, so I let it drop. That one colorful Skyborn lounged in his canoe, strumming a narrow-stringed instrument. I flicked him a coin, which he caught without looking up. "I have a friend coming," I said. "Rosamae. Brown hair, emerald streaks." A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. "Already talked to her," he sang, returning my coin. "She paid for a Beachstrider with black hair to hop on in. You seem to match the description." My eyebrows rose. "She¡¯s¡­already here?" "Indeed," he strummed again. "And if you don''t want to keep her waiting, I suggest immediate departure." I almost declined, but curiosity won out. Why was she an hour early? And how much did this guy know about her? What answers might he have? I settled onto a seat without comment. "Excellent," the Skyborn said, brushing the strings. The canoe lurched forward, cutting through the colorful jellyfish. I grabbed the sides, wide-eyed, peering over to see glowing, sinewy marks along the submerged painted wood. Each pluck of a string made the sigils glow and the canoe surge. Fascinating. I knew Masketeering magic, but clearly there was so much more to learn. But I wasn¡¯t here to talk about different Classes. "What do you know about Rosamae?" I asked. The Skyborn smirked, cracking one eye open. "Good girl," he practically sang. "Left home recently, arrived just over a month ago. Most of us close to her know why." I leaned forward, hands clasped. Gripjaw curled beside me, still clutching his fish but alert. Cronia''s dress and sleeves flowed as if in an underwater current. "Her brother''s ill," the Skyborn continued. "Fever won''t break. The Tidesong Isles has one of the world''s grandest academies, but she wasn''t accepted. Has friends who were, though." "She''s searching for a cure," I whispered, narrowing my eyes. Perhaps her Masketeering served the same purpose¡ªI remembered that heart-shaped mask she''d been crafting last week. A healing mask? "How long have you two known each other?" the man asked, still smirking. I shrugged. "Not long. Met when she first came to the guild." He let out a hooting laugh. "And she''s already asked you to a meal? My, she moves fast!" My cheeks burned. I nearly blurted, It¡¯s not a date! But rather than argue about feelings¡ªmine or hers¡ªI changed the subject. "What about you? Why are you here?" "Oh, many reasons." He strummed again, bringing us closer to the bar''s laughing voices and sweet scents, glowing jellies all around us. "I collect songs, and some of the greatest are said to be hidden in the Misty Isles." His musical voice drew me in¡ªI could almost see it: vast lands floating in the ocean, shrouded in mist. "But I wouldn''t dare go alone," he chuckled. "Looking for a bodyguard, someone to bail me out if things get rough, you know?" "How''s that going?" He shrugged. "Not well. Even the strongest won''t set foot there. Think it''s haunted." The canoe bumped against the Manta Moo. "Well, young Strider," he said, eyes twinkling, "I appreciate the conversation." "Likewise." I hopped out with a wave, which he returned before plucking another string and lurching away. [Bond Quest: Skyborn (Name Unknown)] [He''s hesitant to visit the Misty Isles without companionship. Offer to join him and see what happens.] [Objective: Help him collect the song he seeks.] [Reward: 100% Bond] I dismissed the quest notification. One bond quest was enough for now¡ªI needed to focus on combat training, on getting stronger, on preparing for the fight. Rosamae''s quest would take enough time. Passing the bulletin board, I froze. That poster dominated it: the masked cultist in his polished white mask with its purple-navy swirl. Despite being just a picture, I shivered, feeling watched. I tore my gaze away, hurrying past that homeless man wrapped in blankets, silver beard spilling from his hood. His sign read "Anything Helps," an empty cup before him. Despite my usual distaste for panhandlers, pity moved me to flick in a coin. The man shot up to grab the cup, startling me into bumping someone. I apologized and hurried away, feeling his hidden face watching me. Hell, what was that? I quickly glanced back, his shrouded eyes seeming to glow. The main room buzzed with conversation, though not as crowded as last time¡ªI was an hour early. I spotted Rosamae in a booth, her green orb hovering nearby as she concentrated on papers, marking notes with a quill pen. From my angle, I could only see her. As I drew closer, I noticed someone else: a Skyborn with golden feathers and perfect posture, speaking with raised chin like he was above her. My heart raced, phantom pain of feathery knives tearing flesh. Gripjaw noticed him too, dropping his fish and growling. The overlapping chitin shells along his back rose. I quickly scooped him up, reminding him that the young man didn''t know me, that the fight hadn''t occured, and that no matter what happened, I wouldn''t let him get to me or¡ª "Zale!" Rosamae''s eyes went wide as she waved me over. The Skyborn¡ªFlint¡ªkept writing, not even glancing up. She winced, perhaps remembering my comment about Skyborn¡¯s. "Flint, uh, could you go? We can talk about¡­this later, okay?" He sighed, finally looking at me. "Thought you said he wasn''t coming until the ninth chime." She frowned, opening her mouth, but I raised a hand. "My apologies¡ª" Gripjaw''s growl cut me off. I stroked his head, but had to physically restrain him as he lunged, clacking his jaws. Flint gave him a distasteful look, sighing as he folded his papers. "Tomorrow," Rosamae said firmly, pointing at him. The Skyborn shouldered past me without a word. I watched him leave, letting out a shaky breath before sitting. "Sorry about that," I whispered. Gripjaw scrambled up the seat¡¯s backboard, hissing as he watched Flint''s departure. ¡°No worries.¡± Rosamae waved over a waiter. After some small talk our food arrived, and she spoke through a mouthful of black noodles: "I was thinking about what you said earlier, about wanting a trainer, wanting to get better at fighting." She grimaced, looking down and taking another bite. I nodded, sipping the sweet soup I''d enjoyed last time, wondering if her grimace meant pity or something else. "I know a girl who knows a girl," she said, "though you''re not going to like this¡­¡± "What?" I asked, curiosity peaked. "Well¡­¡± Rosamae scratched her chin. "The trainer I want to introduce you to lives in the Underbelly." I blinked. I''d heard that phrase before¡ªsomeone shouting that I belonged there not long after I arrived. A submerged community beneath the island where the poor and underprivileged lived. Not that Rosamae was disparaging poverty¡ªeveryone knew it was a crime hotbed, dangerous especially at night, even with guard patrols. "How does your¡­uh, friend know this lady?" How many connections did Rosamae have? The arrogant Skyborn, and now this? I recalled the ferryman''s words about her talking to everyone. "They''ve known each other a while.¡± Rosamae shrugged, smiling. ¡°And I''m good friends with her because she visits the guild at least twice a week, and we¡¯ve talked.¡± Her smile widened. "Honestly, I''d be surprised if she turned you away. Plus, she''s expecting you." I flinched. "Wait, she already knows about me?" Rosamae nodded fast, cheeks coloring slightly. "When is she expecting me?" Her smile grew impossibly wider. "Tonight." [Bond Quest: Rosamae] [Interesting. I''m beginning to wonder if she knows these people by providence or actively seeks them out.] [Objective: Follow Rosamae to the Underbelly and meet her contact] [Reward: +15% Bond Progress] [Rosamae] [REPUTATION] [+10 reputation for dining out with her] [Total Reputation: 40/100] [Status: Friendly] Chapter 19 - Underbelly Rosamae and I reached a vast glowing pool at a plaza''s center, surrounded by white stucco homes. Turquoise light radiated from its still surface, reflecting off walls and the armor of a disinterested guard across the way, who sat munching what looked like a sandwich. "This is it." Rosamae stepped into shallow water, hands on hips as she surveyed the pool. "The entrance to the Underbelly." She pulled out a slip of paper, studying it intently. "What''s that?" I asked, frowning. "Instructions. Well, directions really¡ªon how to find your trainer." My eyebrows rose. I folded my arms, curious and a little worried. Though, with my limited options¡­ "Who gave that to you?" ¡°Your trainer.¡± Rosamae tucked it away. "She''s visited before." "Visited?" "The Guild.¡± Right. Rosamae stretched out her arms as if preparing to swim, flashing me a grin. "She''s the first person I thought of when you told me you were looking for a trainer." I nodded slowly, looking out across the glowing pool. Tiny creatures¡ªthis world''s version of plankton?¡ªswam around my feet, explaining the water''s luminescence. Rosamae rolled up her slacks to her knees. Was she really planning to join me? She couldn''t breathe underwater, though I wouldn''t be surprised if she had some technique for that. Part of me wanted to pry deeper, to make sure this was safe¡­but this girl obviously liked me. She wouldn''t purposefully lead me into danger. And, well, who else would train me? If there was someone willing to take an apprentice, even in this sketchy part of town, I needed to seize the opportunity. As she waded deeper, I grabbed her arm. "You can''t breathe underwater." She shook her head, meeting my eyes. "No, I can''t. But there are air pockets throughout the Underbelly, just in case air-breathers like me want to visit." "That sounds sketchy," I said, nearly telling her to give me directions and leave. But determination blazed in her eyes, in her stance. She wanted to come. An idea struck. "Here," I said, reaching back to hide my hand as I summoned a mask from my inventory. "At least put this on." The Breather''s Visage was shaped like a fish, with a gaping mouth, bulging eyes, and long fins. She turned it over, nodding appreciatively before slipping it on. Lines of light flashed along its surface, slowly dimming. She gave me two thumbs up. "Ready?" I nodded sharply as she turned and contined to wade through. As I followed her into deeper water, I realized having her along was probably for the best. Checking the bond quest again, I nearly slapped my forehead¡ªdefinitely for the best. While I needed to focus on getting stronger, I had to progress at least one bond. Having her guide me into the Underbelly would do exactly that. With water at my shoulders, I nearly ducked under¡ªuntil a glint of light caught my eye. Down another sandy street, a guard leaned on his spear, watching with narrowed eyes. I frowned, wondering what that look meant. Probably unusual for someone like Rosamae to enter this place. Worried he might stop us, I submerged, flaring my gills to take in water. My eyes adjusted slowly, revealing Rosamae ahead, her feet skimming the submerged sand before she kicked off. The ground sloped down, tiny plankton giving the underwater world an ethereal glow. She glanced back through her fish-mask, gesturing me onward. I breast-stroked after her, picking up pace as we entered a wide tunnel. We passed poorly-dressed Tidewalkers heading out, some wearing strange masks with tentacles and bulging eyes. They reminded me of my defense mask¡ªI had the ingredients and base carved, just needed time to finish between whatever training awaited. Vents released large bubbles¡ªthe "air pockets" Rosamae mentioned. Far too sketchy for my taste. I''d expected actual air chambers, not this. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. The tunnel opened into a vast submerged chasm. Stalactites jutted from the craggy ceiling, hanging above clay-sculpted structures. Some domes matched the stone walls, others bore iridescent scales. We passed waist-high kelp and red-scaled fish with horned foreheads. Rosamae looked everywhere at once, clearly awestruck behind her mask. I couldn''t blame her¡ªbeing down here, floating weightless in warm, glowing water, filled me with a calm sensation that flooded my veins and relaxed my muscles. I wondered why they called this the Underbelly. No sketchy characters skulked about¡ªthere was no one swimming at all. And it was far cleaner than expected. Neither Cronia nor Gripjaw¡ªasleep on my shoulder¡ªcommented. The peace shattered as something silver streaked overhead¡ªa fish as long as I was tall. Instinct sent warning shivers up my spine as it turned, revealing an oversized pupil and razor teeth. Before I shout to Rosamae, the barracuda-thing shot toward me. I barely kicked right to dodge its strike. It zipped past Rosamae, who flinched, her movements painfully sluggish underwater. I activated hydrokinesis, burning MP to push as the water and lunge forward, swinging as the creature targeted her. My fist cracked against its face near the eye. It shrieked, its thrashing tail catching me with surprising force. I spun, clenching fists, considering my speed mask¡ªbut no. Without stamina or MP potions, I would risk exhausting myself. As the barracuda charged again, green light suddenly zipped around me, forming glowing lines like a cage. The creature slammed into the bars, shoving me back before biting down, driving me into the sand. I blinked at the sudden wireframe shield, spotting a similar one around Rosamae, her green spirit swirling. My shield cracked under the bite. I punched the creature''s face repeatedly, smashing its eye until blood burst out. It screeched, thrashing back. Gripjaw shot forward, clamping onto its neck like a vice. The creature bucked wildly as bubbles of laughter escaped me. "Get him!" I screamed. "Bite out his throat!" A shrill, warped whistle pierced the water. The creature finally shook Gripjaw off, but instead of attacking again, it disappeared behind the domed structures. I stood staring after it as Gripjaw returned to cling to my wireframe armor. Rosamae bounced up beside me, her fish-mask fixed on where our enemy had fled. I almost asked if she was sure she wanted to continue, but wouldn''t dare¡ªnot just because of the bond quest, but, well¡­ I poked the shield surrounding me. "Nice," I said, glancing at her, my voice waterlogged and warped. She didn''t look over, probably unable to hear well underwater. I watched where the creature had vanished, half-expecting it to return with reinforcements. I rose to my feet and patted her shoulder, nodding the direction we''d been heading. She nodded quickly, pulling out her surprisingly water-resistant paper. As we hurried along, I kept shooting glances over my shoulder, unable to stop thinking about that whistle. Perhaps the attack wasn''t random¡ªsomeone had sicced that creature on us. My thoughts exactly, Cronia said, making me jump. She chuckled. If you''re going to speak to my brain, I thought back, at least warn me, especially after a fight like that. Will do, she replied. And don''t worry, I''ve got your back. I nodded appreciation, still not sure I fully grasped having a goddess beside me. It had happened so suddenly, yet felt almost normal, like she''d always been there. I''d never admit it, but having someone like her with me in this strange world bolstered my spirit more than I could express. Rosamae pointed toward a towering wall of undulating kelp ahead, the strands reaching four or five times my height. As we approached, a webbed hand shot out, shooing us away. "Go away!" A face peeked out¡ªa mask shaped like a fan shell with angry cut-out eyes. "Leave!" "I''m a friend of Kor!" Rosamae shouted, her waterlogged words barely discernible underwater. The shell-faced man cocked his head, then disappeared. After what felt like forever, he peeked back out. "My apologies, she''s been expecting you¡­¡± His eyes lingered on me before he vanished. Rosamae and I exchanged glances before entering the kelp forest. She pressed close, grabbing my arm. I straightened, eyes widening at her touch, my heart giving a quick one-two flutter. Frowning, I shook my head and pushed forward, helping her through the swaying strands. Finally breaking through, we faced a vast, nearly imperceptible dome. We froze, trying to peer through its blurred, warped surface at what looked like white sand beyond. After hesitating, I reached out. My hand pushed through through the dome and into air. What the¡­ We stepped through together, Rosamae still holding my arm. I blinked away water as grinding metal reached my ears. There, at the center of this vast air pocket, sat a woman¡ªa Beachstrider! Her head was shaved, sharp fins jutting from her back. Scale-like armor covered her toned, athletic frame as she sat cross-legged, using a gray brick to shower sparks as she sharpened a wavy sword. "I didn''t know your girlfriend was coming, too," she said, voice scraping. Heat rushed up my neck. Rosamae laughed. "Good to see you again, Rosamae," the woman said, finishing her sharpening with a flourish. Rosamae removed her mask, bowing slightly. "Good to see you as well." My eyes lingered on Rosamae a moment, warmth flooding through my chest. Before I could speak, movement caught my eye¡ªa sword spinning toward me. I cried out and leapt aside as it stabbed into the sand. Looking up from Rosamae''s surprised face, I looked to find the bald woman already charging her with the wavy blade.