(POV - Daniel)
(5 Hours Later)
"Ugh, my body…"
I collapse to the ground, exhausted. I trained for hours. I'm hungry and thirsty… That was really draining.
I-I've never exercised this much in my life. My whole body hurts!
"I… can't… take it… I'm hungry… I'm thirsty…"
"You… did… well," Rose says, equally exhausted.
"That… was… exhausting."
We're the last to rest, and Rem approaches me.
"The spells you taught me—I could use them a bit, thanks to Sara. Well, I couldn't use the sword spell, but the others I managed to use a little. With more training, I'll get better."
Wow. That was faster than I expected. Did Sara become a better teacher, or did the lengthy procedures in the book help them use the spells sooner?
"You couldn't use the sword?"
I stand up and extend my right hand. My grandma couldn't use the sword either, and neither could Rem… This is weird.
Am I the only one who can use them?
"Dix Sword!"
… Huh?
Nothing happens… I can't use that spell… Why?
"Huh? Dix Sword!"
Still nothing. I can't use it?! Is my magic not as powerful as I thought?
"I'll try the demon-type sword. Dax Sword!"
… Nothing… Nothing happens.
"Dax Sword!"
Still nothing.
"I can't use them? That's weird."
Why can't I use them?
… Wait… Now that I think about it…
"'Dex Sword?! I've heard of it; it's a very powerful sword… Though I thought it was just a… Never mind, forget I said that. It's a very powerful sword!'"
I remember Sara's words before we faced the chicken-men. She knew about the sword!
"Sara, come here, please!!"
Sara runs toward me.
"What's wrong?!"
She stops in front of me, and I look into her eyes… She can clear up my doubts.
"You said you'd heard of the Dex Sword, right?"
"Yeah, I read about it in a book. Are they really the same?"
"What do you know about it? About the sword."
"I only read that it's one of the most powerful swords to ever exist. I read it in a storybook."
"You read it in a story?"
"Yeah, though the story only mentions that the sword is powerful, that's all."
Rose approaches me.
"Dax Sword, Dex Sword, and Dix Sword… You can't use the other two swords… I think I've read something about those swords. I'll be right back."
Rose flies off.
"Swords… Their names match… I think it means something."
Another mystery I need to solve.
Dax Sword and Dix Sword… What are they really?
•
•
(Continent 1: Azuría)
Description: Azuría is a continent of lush forests and majestic mountains covered in vibrant vegetation. The climate is temperate and humid, with frequent rains that feed mighty rivers and beautiful crystal-clear lakes. This continent is renowned for its natural magic and unique fauna.
Main Country: Kingdom of Aridia
Capital: Emerald City
Description: The Kingdom of Aridia lies at the heart of Azuría and is famous for its vast enchanted forests. The capital, Emerald City, is known for its beautiful wooden and stone structures and lively, colorful streets. Aridia's inhabitants are adept in elemental magic and live in harmony with nature.
Key Features:
Enchanted Forests: Aridia is home to magical forests with ancient trees and mystical beings. These forests emanate a magical energy that shelters mythical creatures and serves as a power source for mages who venture within.
Crystal Mountains: To the north, the imposing Crystal Mountains rise, known for their snow-capped peaks and gem-filled caves. Some caves house ancient dungeons hiding treasures and deadly challenges for brave adventurers.
Main Dungeons:
Chamber of the Elements: Located in the heart of the Enchanted Forest, this dungeon is an ancient temple containing the essences of the four primal elements: earth, fire, water, and air. Only those who pass each element's trials can access a powerful artifact granting control over elemental magic.
Crypts of Darkness: Deep within the Crystal Mountains lie the Crypts of Darkness, a network of underground tunnels inhabited by monsters and malevolent guardians. Rumors say a powerful lich, guarding a dark artifact of immense power, resides at the crypts' heart.
In this continent, a certain person stands out.
A girl faces four men holding large sacks in the middle of a village street. The girl has short blue hair, blue eyes, and wears blue armor.
An adorable girl, hiding a monster within.
"Return what you stole!"
The men laugh, not taking the danger before them seriously.
"Get lost, kid!"
"Last warning, return what you stole!"
"We don't want to!"
"Dax Sword!"
The famous fire sword.
A flaming sword appears in her hands.
"You'll regret this!"
Neim, the wielder of the Dax Sword.
•
•
(Continent 3: Thalmar)
Description: Thalmar is a continent of desert landscapes and vast golden sands. The climate is scorching during the day and cold at night. The continent is filled with ancient secrets and hidden mysteries, its history marked by lost civilizations and buried treasures.
Main Country: Khaladar Empire
Capital: City of a Thousand Domes
Description: The Khaladar Empire spans much of Thalmar and is known for its military dominance and stunning architecture. The capital, City of a Thousand Domes, rises majestically in the continent's center, its golden domes gleaming under the blazing sun. The empire is renowned for its prowess in warfare and expertise in crafting weapons and armor.
Key Features:
Relentless Deserts: Thalmar is mostly covered by vast, endless deserts. These treacherous deserts house creatures adapted to extreme conditions, like venomous snakes and giant scorpions. Oases are vital refuges amid the aridity, hosting settlements and bustling markets.
Ancient Ruins: Scattered across Thalmar are ruins of ancient civilizations, such as crumbling temples and cities buried under the sand. These ruins are treasures for archaeologists and adventurers seeking relics and forgotten knowledge.
Main Dungeons:
Temple of the Burning Sun: Located in Thalmar's harshest desert, this temple is sacred to sun cult followers. The dungeon consists of labyrinthine passages, sacred halls, and deadly traps. Deep within, an orb of solar power is said to grant fire-control abilities.
Desert Catacombs: Beneath the sand dunes lie the catacombs, an underground labyrinth stretching for miles. Home to undead creatures and hidden treasures, the catacombs' heart is rumored to house the Chamber of Mirrors, where ancient mirrors can reveal the future.
In this continent, another remarkable person resides.
A girl is surrounded by Ogres. She has long black hair and wears a pink dress. The Ogres resemble fat men but have green skin and pointed ears.
But no, she's not the special person.
"Daniela, come help me!!"
That's her.
Daniela is some distance away. She has long blonde hair, dark brown eyes, and wears a blue skirt and green blouse.
"Dix Sword!"
A sword made of wind appears in her hands.
"Get lost!"
Daniela charges at the Ogres.
Daniela, the wielder of the Dix Sword.
•
•
(Continent 2: Frostwind)
Description: Frostwind is a diverse continent with extreme climate and cultural contrasts. It's divided into three main regions: a snowy country in the south, a scorching country in the center, and a northern country ruled by Orcs.
Main Country 1: Kingdom of Glaciara
Capital: Frostholm
Description: The Kingdom of Glaciara lies in Frostwind's southern extreme, covered in snow and ice year-round. Frostholm, the capital, rises majestically among snowy mountains and frozen lakes. Glaciara's inhabitants are resilient, accustomed to harsh conditions, and skilled in crafting magical ice weapons and armor.
Key Features:
Frozen Tundra: Glaciara is covered by vast icy tundras and coniferous forests. The climate is frigid, with frequent snowstorms and subzero temperatures. Creatures like white wolves and woolly mammoths roam, while ice caves hide ancient secrets.
Crystal City: At Frostholm's heart lies the Crystal City, a magical place with buildings made of ice and shimmering crystals. The city emits a bluish glow, illuminating the snowy landscape during endless winter nights. Ice mages and crystal artisans master arcane arts here.
Main Dungeons:
Frozen Abyss: A massive ice cave carved by ancient glaciers. This dungeon challenges adventurers with icy traps, frigid creatures, and magical puzzles. At its end, an ancient ice golem is said to guard a powerful artifact controlling cold forces.
Icy Catacombs: Beneath Glaciara's surface lie the Icy Catacombs, a labyrinth of frozen passages and nightmarish creatures. Deep within, brave adventurers may find an ancestral relic granting ice magic control.
Main Country 2: Kingdom of Caldor
Capital: Pyrocia
Description: The Kingdom of Caldor lies in Frostwind's central region, enveloped in scorching heat. Pyrocia, the capital, is a city built amid vast burning deserts and deep gorges. Caldor's inhabitants excel in fire manipulation and are known for their pyromantic skills.
Key Features:
Infernal Desert: Caldor is covered in vast, fiery deserts with endless sand dunes. The climate is blisteringly hot during the day and cool at night. Fire snakes and heat-adapted creatures lurk in this harsh environment.
City of Flames: Pyrocia is a fortress city built from volcanic stone, surrounded by lava rivers. Filled with forges, workshops, and fire magic schools, its inhabitants master pyromancy and craft fiery weapons and artifacts.
Main Dungeons:
Labyrinth of Eternal Flames: A complex maze of tunnels and halls with walls covered in never-extinguishing magical flames. Adventurers face heat endurance tests and fiery puzzles to reach the labyrinth's heart, where an ancient fire ruler guards an artifact controlling volcanic flames.
Subterranean Passages: Beneath the sand dunes lies a network of winding underground passages filled with traps and fiery creatures. At their end, a secret chamber holds the Fire Stone, an ancient artifact granting pyromantic powers.
Main Country 3: Orc Kingdom
Capital: Blood Fortress
Description: The Orc Kingdom lies in Frostwind's northern extreme, governed by a fierce and proud Orc race. Blood Fortress, the capital, is an imposing citadel amid icy, desolate mountains. Orcs are ferocious warriors skilled in close combat.
Key Features:
Desolate Lands: The Orc Kingdom comprises vast, barren lands with ice-covered mountains and relentless freezing winds. Vegetation is scarce, and the creatures inhabiting these lands are tough and dangerous.
Orcadian Culture: Orcs have a tribal, warrior society with a strong sense of honor and hierarchy. They value strength and courage, and their culture revolves around respect for nature and the warrior spirit.
Main Dungeons:
Cavern of Destiny: A vast underground cavern filled with deadly dangers and challenges. Orcs believe this dungeon is a sacred place where ancestral spirits test warriors' worth. Only those who pass all trials can earn the Champion's Blessing, a powerful artifact enhancing combat skills.
Frigid Abyss: A series of hidden caves beneath snow and ice, home to ferocious, monstrous creatures. At the Frigid Abyss's end lies the Throne of Chiefs, where the ruling Orc leader, the Great Chief, awaits challengers seeking power and respect.
And the home of the Dex Sword's wielder: Daniel.
•
•
(POV - Daniel)
I'm talking with my companions about the results of our first training day.
For our first day, the results were very good.
I mean, I never expected them to actually use such ancient spells. Only a little, but given the context, the results were more than excellent.
"I could use the spells, though not very well," Alex says.
"Same," Rem says.
"Cristina, how'd you do?" Sara asks.
"I could use all the spells except the Dex Sword."
"I see… I think something's up with the swords," I say curiously… Why can't I use those spells? I need to find out.
But I'll do that later. Time to eat!
•
•
Kingdom of King Freis
The army leaders are gathered in a green valley. They look like strong, brave men; two have scars on their faces. There are three in total.
The most powerful men in the country, in terms of military might.
"It's decided. Tomorrow, we attack King Finder's kingdom."
"The sooner, the better."
The leaders whistle, and three dragons join them. The dragons are large but not massive, about the size of a giraffe.
"See you tomorrow, gentlemen."
The three leaders mount their dragons and depart.
And with them, the chance to stop the war through dialogue vanishes.
•
•
(4 Hours Later)
Rose enters her old room.
"Perfect, no one saw me."
She starts searching through the books.
Since she left in a hurry, she didn't have time to pack all her books, leaving many in her old room.
"They should be around here… Got them."
She grabs two books.
"The Legend of the Three Legendary Heroes" and "The Fairy Prophecy Book." "How did I forget this? Ugh, Daniel, your presence makes me clumsy."
Kate enters the room, having heard someone inside.
"Rose? What are you doing here?"
"Princess? Sorry, I just came for some books."
Kate immediately hugs Rose tightly.
"You have to help me. My father's about to do something terrible."
"Something terrible?"
"My father, along with the other kings, plans to attack King Finder's kingdom."
"Attack? When will they attack?"
"I don't know. Please, help me."
"Don't worry, I'll figure something out."
Rose flies out the window.
"Attacking without prior preparation? Are you that desperate, idiot? Ugh, that damn drug."
•
•
(POV - Daniel)
(King Finder's Kingdom)
We're all in the dining room. My grandma and Sonia are cooking while the rest of us wait. We take turns cooking, and it's their turn today.
The food smells delicious, but I can't stay. I need some time alone.
Suicidal thoughts have returned stronger than ever. I need fresh air and solitude to keep depression from controlling my life.
Alright… Ugh… I wonder if there's a psychologist in this world, or a psychiatrist who could prescribe some pills.
Do antidepressants exist here?
"It's almost dark; I'm going to eat. You guys coming?"
They're waiting for my grandma's food.
They won't accept my invitation.
I said it to be polite, but I want to be alone.
"To the guild?" Sara asks.
"Wait, I forgot!"
Rem leaves the dining room.
"What's up with her?"
Rem returns quickly with some coins.
"This is your share from our mission."
"Right, I forgot. Thanks."
I take the coins and pocket them.
"Well, I'm heading to the guild. You coming?"
"We're cooking. Don't you want to eat here?" my grandma says.
"I want to walk a bit, so I'm going."
"Alright, no worries. Be careful and don't come back too late."
"Yes, Grandma."
I'd better leave before someone accepts.
I step outside and take a deep breath.
Ugh… How much longer do I have to pretend everything's fine?
"My heart still hurts. I need to relax… Arches Nexus!"
I fly off quickly, but something catches my attention. Something huge is flying in the sky!
"Huh?!"
Is that what I think it is…?! Yes, it is! A real dragon!
I see a dragon flying. It's green and massive, though not as big as I imagined—about the size of an adult giraffe.
Wow. Awesome! One of the most famous fantasy creatures from my world!
"Incredible!"
And since no one seems scared, it means it's not an enemy. I want to ride it!
I see the dragon land near the castle. I want to ride it!
"I have to see it up close!"
I fly toward the dragon and land beside it. I'm awestruck looking at it; it's incredible. Its scales are so beautiful. Its large reptilian eyes are so cool and terrifying. Awesome!
"Incredible!"
I get closer, and a man dismounts. He's bald, dark-skinned, and looks very muscular. He's wearing red pants and no shirt.
Showing off your muscles, huh?
And since you were riding the dragon, I must admit you're one of the coolest people I've ever met!
"She's beautiful, isn't she?" the man says with a friendly smile.
"She's so beautiful! I didn't know dragons existed!"
… Huh? What?!
The dragon's glowing?! Whoa! It's changing shape!
A red glow surrounds the dragon, and it transforms. The glow fades, and I'm stunned. The dragon turned into a woman. Literally, the dragon just became a woman!
She's blonde with short hair, red eyes, and star-shaped marks on her arms. She's wearing a green blouse and skirt.
A dragon woman. S-she has dragon pupils.
So… So… So cool!!
"What?!" I say, genuinely confused. A woman?! It's cliché, but also awesome!
"Don't be scared. Dragons can take human form for a while, so don't worry."
The woman approaches me.
"My name's Louise. Nice to meet you."
"M-my name's Daniel. Nice to meet you."
The man steps closer.
"Daniel? Are you the adventurer with all types of magic?"
"Yeah, that's me. Pretty famous, huh?"
"Perfect, come with me!"
He grabs my right arm and starts running.
Where are we going?
"What's going on?"
"We need your help!"
… I have a bad feeling about this.
Ugh… One day, just one day, I want to go without something bad happening.
I'll never get a day of rest in this world.
•
•
We enter a meeting room where the King, Sora, and an old man I've never seen are seated at a table. The old man is bald and has a huge rat on his right shoulder.
What peculiar guests. Does that rat have a human form too?
"What's going on, Sato? Why did you call us here?" the King asks.
Sato, the dragon-riding man, lets go of me.
"Daniel, take a seat."
"S-sure."
I sit next to Sora. She touches my right cheek with her index finger, and I get nervous because she's smiling in a really weird way.
Seriously, why does she scare me so much?
"Something's wrong. Louise told me she saw the other kingdoms' armies gathering."
"That's right. When they saw me, they tried to attack me. They're planning something and starting to move," Louise says.
"Are they attacking Soular? Do they know where the rocks are?" the King asks.
"We don't know. What should we do, King?"
"We need to know their intentions."
Attacking Soular… Thousands… Hundreds of thousands of innocents will die over senseless hatred… Damn it. I won't let that happen.
I stand up.
"How long would it take them to reach Soular?"
"A week, maybe two. Normally it'd take longer, but I doubt they'll take breaks."
"Alright, that's enough time. Let them advance."
"What's your plan?"
"In two weeks, I can get the King of Soular to tell me where the rocks are or convince him to destroy them… Do you know what the rocks look like?"
"We've never seen them," the old man says.
That complicates things a bit… Huh?
I get a call.
"Sorry, excuse me."
I pull out my phone. Oh, it's Rose. Must be important.
I answer.
"What's up, Rose?"
"The kings are planning to attack King Finder's kingdom!"
"What?! They're attacking this kingdom?!"
"Us?!" the King says.
"I don't know when they'll attack. We need to prepare. Knowing the King, the people are probably drugged and will just follow orders."
Like zombies…
"Shit!"
I hang up and pocket my phone.
"They're not planning to attack Soular; they're attacking your kingdom!"
"What are you saying?!"
"According to Rose, the kings are planning to attack this kingdom."
"Then they'll attack tomorrow… We don't have time to prepare!" the King says.
"I'm sure they plan to destroy our kingdom before attacking Soular. Since Daniel wants to avoid fighting, they now see our kingdom as a threat," Sato says.
… Wars are supposed to be planned months in advance… Wait… The King was always hated because he opposed the war… They've been planning this for a while… Damn it, I just sped it up… I have to stop it.
"Louise, take me to where you saw the army, please!"
"Sure, no problem."
The King stands.
"Sato, gather as many adventurers as you can!"
"Yes, sir!"
Sato runs out of the room.
"Merlo, gather the best sorcerers!"
"Of course!" the old man says.
"Sora, take my children far from here!"
"Yes, si—!"
"Wait!"
I interrupt… She shouldn't just protect his children; she needs to protect the citizens too.
King, don't be selfish in a situation like this.
"Sora, take his children and evacuate the civilians who aren't fighting. Innocent people shouldn't die!"
"Got it!"
"Let's go, Louise!"
"Let's go!"
We run out of the castle.
"Arches Nexus!"
I start flying, and Louise transforms into a dragon.
She flies off quickly, and I follow.
"Incredible, you can match my speed!" Louise says, surprised.
"Thanks!"
And this isn't even my top speed.
An army heading for this kingdom, possibly spread out in different attack positions.
Damn it. All this over senseless hatred?
"God, I really don't understand this world."