Even if Tribios wanted to find this era's "True Hero Party," figuring out how to find them was a challenge.
Theoretically, with the Century Gate, distance had become meaningless to Tribios. She could instantly travel to any place she desired. In the original game's storyline, the Tribbies would expend vast amounts of divine power opening the Century Gate, potentially even leading to their 'disappearance,' meaning death.
But Tribios felt no such limitations now. Like Cipher and Castorice, her divine power seemed limitless.
Still, even with the ability to teleport at will, Tribios had no idea where to go. In the 'normal timeline,' she had at least some understanding of the world's map—the Dragon Ember Empire, the All Nations Alliance, the Arcane Federation, and so on. But three hundred years ago, none of these nations existed yet!
The only kingdom that seemed to exist at this time was the Eastern Ancient Kingdom, located far to the east. Yet the conflict between the Demon Lord and the Hero had absolutely nothing to do with that kingdom!
The Eastern Ancient Kingdom was incredibly distant. Geographically, it lay at the easternmost edge of the All Nations Alliance, completely isolated by an immense north-south mountain range that separated it from the western nations.
For the Eastern Ancient Kingdom to communicate with these western countries, they had to cross this formidable mountain range—a feat as challenging as Nathaniel's Icefield Trial in the Northern Territory.
In truth, for the Eastern Ancient Kingdom's powerful warrior monks, traversing mountain ranges with their physical strength was not particularly difficult. They had undergone countless similar training exercises and trials.
Thus, occasional interactions between the Eastern Ancient Kingdom and the western nations were possible. For instance, they might send a few monks to observe western affairs. But that was the extent of it. Any attempt at trade or other significant exchanges was virtually impossible.
Trade caravans could never cross the mountains, and war was even more inconceivable. Even if a hundred thousand ordinary soldiers attempted the crossing, it would be considered remarkable if a few hundred survived to reach the other side.
As Tribios pondered these matters, the sound of footsteps approached from beside her. Turning, she saw three Dire Wolves baring their fangs, their presence not entirely unexpected in this forest teeming with wildlife.
Dire Wolves were essentially wolves, but about a size larger than the wolves Tribios had known in her previous life, roughly the size of a donkey. Some Ranger Class Holders enjoyed capturing and attempting to domesticate them. Besides aiding in combat, these creatures could even be ridden, and were surprisingly faster than horses, though their stamina was extremely low, often exhausting themselves after only a short run.
In short, they were a fairly common wild animal. Though they couldn't spit Ice Cones or use Magic, they still posed a significant threat to ordinary people.
Seeing the Dire Wolves, Tribios paused in surprise. The three wolves emitted low, warning growls as they cautiously advanced toward her, their claws clicking softly against the ground.
Honestly, Tribios was rather speechless. Despite her current appearance of helplessness, dealing with just three wolves wouldn't require using the Century Gate. She could simply roll up her sleeves, swing her arm, and knock out one with a single punch, right?
But wouldn't that be rather unladylike? Perhaps it would be better to use the Century Gate to teleport the wolves away and dump them somewhere random?
In the brief moment of Tribios' hesitation, another set of hurried footsteps suddenly rang out. A figure burst from the woods to her right, raising a crimson longsword and slashing at the three Dire Wolves.
However, the attacker was at least ten meters away—far too distant for the strike to connect. But when combined with the three words the person shouted, the situation changed dramatically:
"Divine Smite!"
This technique was iconic; Cipher had heard Aria chanting it daily. Yet Tribios never expected this: instead of the radiant golden light typically associated with Divine Smite, the sword burst into flames.
A raging inferno erupted from the blade, extending over ten meters as the sword swung down, crashing into the Dire Wolves' position with a thunderous roar.
BOOM!!!
Tribios could clearly feel the searing heat wave wash over her face. Moments later, the flames subsided, leaving the three Dire Wolves unequivocally dead. She could even smell the rich aroma of roasted meat.
Those three wolves must have gotten cooked to a crisp the moment they died.
Just then, the woman who had used Divine Smite earlier approached Tribios. She had beautiful long silver-white hair and eyes like flawless sapphires. Smiling warmly, she said, "I'm Olivia. Are you alright?"
At first glance, Tribios couldn't help but think of Jingliu from the Honkai: Star Rail game. Their hair color was remarkably similar. However, this girl named Olivia lacked Jingliu's aloof, ice-queen aura. On the contrary, she radiated warmth, like a cheerful, little sun.
Normally, fiery characters like this should have red hair, right? And her Divine Smite attack was flame-based too... Did they get the hair color wrong?
As Tribios was thinking this, Olivia blinked and said, "Your hair is so beautiful! Sigh, I wish I had long, red hair like yours."
"Th-thank you?" Tribios replied, her tone a little confused. "I'm Tribios. It's nice to meet you. And thank you so much for your help."
Even if Olivia hadn't intervened, the three Dire Wolves posed no real threat to Tribios. However, since she had offered her assistance, a word of thanks was certainly in order.
As she spoke, Tribios couldn't help but notice Olivia's astonishing figure. Their eyes met at the same level, proving Olivia's height was similar to her own, and her chest was remarkably large.
Keep in mind, Tribios was a "Two-Dimensional Character," where exceptional beauty and perfect proportions were the norm. But Olivia was just a normal human, and for her appearance to rival Tribios's own spoke volumes about her natural allure.
Just then, another set of heavy footsteps echoed through the clearing, followed by a panting male voice. "Huff... huff... Olivia, you... you can't run so fast! You're killing me!"
Tribios turned to see two figures. The man gasping for breath wore leather armor and leaned forward, his hands resting on his knees. The other man stood nearly three meters tall, resembling a small giant.
Without a doubt, this man was the tallest person Tribios had ever seen since her journey across dimensions. There had only been one set of footsteps, and it was clear that this "giant's" footsteps had completely drowned out the "Panting Man's" footsteps.
After hearing the "Panting Man's" words, Olivia walked over and patted him on the shoulder, saying, "I saw someone in need of help! If I hadn't rushed, this beautiful Little Trib might have been in serious danger!"
"Little... Little Trib?" Tribios looked surprised. She turned to Olivia, pointed at herself, and asked, "Are you talking about me?"
No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't see any connection between herself and the name "Little Trib." Whether it was her height, physique, or anything else, she was definitely not small!
Olivia put her hands on her hips and replied, "You look so young—you can't be very old. I'm already 27, a very mature woman. Calling you Little Trib isn't out of line, is it? Besides, it's such a cute nickname!"
But the "Panting Man" interjected, "The Little Trib you're talking about is clearly a half-elf. She might look younger than you, but she could actually be a hundred years older, for all we know!"
Olivia paused, realizing Tribios's ears were indeed pointed. She clenched her right fist and thumped it against her left palm. "You're right! I guess so!"
Turning to Tribios, she asked, "So, Little Trib, how old are you really?"
"Well..." Tribios hesitated. The question was far more complex than it seemed. If she counted by her current body, claiming zero years old would be perfectly accurate, as she had only recently been extracted by the System and was practically newborn.
Yet, saying she was over a thousand years old would also be valid, since that was Tribbie's true age.
She could even claim to be twenty, which was her age in her previous life—the age of her soul.
After a moment's thought, Tribios finally settled on "twenty."
Olivia's eyes lit up at this. She then repeatedly slapped the "Panting Man" beside her. "See? I told you 'Little Trib' was the right nickname!"
The Panting Man recoiled several steps away from Olivia, a look of disgust on his face. "Could you be a little gentler, you violent woman? You're going to break my bones!"
Olivia retorted, "Then go exercise and build some muscle! You're too weak!"
The Panting Man scoffed, "I'm a Wizard, you know? I'd rather spend my time studying magic!"
After taking a deep breath to compose himself, the Panting Man gently brushed aside his bangs and approached Tribios, bowing slightly. "My name is Jay Roberts," he said. "It's a pleasure to meet you, fair lady."
As he spoke, Jay, the Panting Man, grasped Tribios's right hand with both of his and lowered his head, bringing his lips close to the back of her hand.
It was clearly an attempt to kiss her hand. Seeing this, Tribios instinctively and swiftly pulled her hand away and took a half-step back.
Jay froze, momentarily taken aback. Hand-kissing was a common social custom among nobles. Tribios's reaction was akin to slapping a friendly stranger who had politely extended his hand for a handshake upon their first meeting.
Or, to use another analogy, it was like someone offering Tribios a toast during a meal, only for her to snatch the wine and splash it all over them instead. This comparison isn't even an exaggeration.
At its core, both actions were rejections of social overtures, and such refusals inherently carry an element of insult.
Tribios belatedly realized her mistake. She paused, then stammered, "I'm sorry, I just..."
Before she could finish, Jay cut in with a gentlemanly smile, "It's quite alright. My apologies for being so forward, madam."
It had to be said, Jay possessed striking good looks. His handsome features, combined with his current demeanor, reminded Tribios of a bard named Dio. However, Jay possessed less of Dio's "greasy" charm and carried himself with greater refinement.
After all, Jay was a noble, while Dio was merely a common-born bard.
Still, as Tribios studied Jay, she couldn't help but ask, "Are you a wizard?"
Dressed in leather armor and lacking a staff, Jay looked more like a rogue or ranger than a wizard at first glance.
Jay lifted his chin, his voice brimming with pride. "Of course! I am the greatest wizard of this century—"
Before he could finish, Olivia, standing beside him, murmured sarcastically, "The greatest wizard who only knows a single First-Level spell?"
Jay's face flushed crimson instantly, followed by a barrage of excuses: "I'm just building a solid foundation!", "Other magic is too simple—there's no challenge in learning it!", "I'm already creating my own spells, you know!", and "Now is now, and the future is the future! How can I assume I won't become the greatest wizard of all time?!"
Olivia shrugged, spreading her small hands. "Mhm, mhm, you're right~!"
Seeing this, Tribios couldn't help but chuckle before interrupting their conversation. Olivia turned to her. "Oh, right, Little Trib, what are you doing here all alone?"
"Well..." Tribios hesitated, "because of some... unexpected circumstances. It's complicated, and hard to explain quickly..."
Olivia didn't press further, nodding in understanding. "In that case, Little Trib, would you like to join my kingdom?"
Tribios was astonished. "Your... kingdom?!"
Olivia smiled. "Of course! I'm the... first princess of a kingdom, you know! I haven't inherited my father's throne yet, but it's only a matter of time. Pretty impressive, right?!"