The morning sun, filtered through the massive, stained-glass windows depicting ancient Elven heroes, cast brilliant, geometric patterns across the marble floor of the Fourth Princess's chamber. Ryu—now perfectly inhabiting the role of Shinika Hirosa—stood before a large, ornate mirror, executing a series of practice swings with the gleaming, runic-inscribed greatsword, Aethel's Whisper, the legendary weapon belonging to Shinika.
The sheer power coursing through his body was exhilarating. With Ryu's pro-gamer precision and knowledge of sword combat mechanics, combined with Shinika's Level 320 strength and Dexterity, every movement was flawless, a dance of lethal grace.
"I need to move. Staying in the palace is fine, but if I want to gather intelligence and secure my future, I need to know the current game timeline," he muttered to himself, using the feminine voice that was still strange but slowly becoming natural.
A sharp, double-knock interrupted his concentration.
"Sister Shinika? It's me, Elara! Can I come in?"
Ryu's mind immediately supplied the lore: Princess Elara Hirosa, the mischievous youngest sister, a budding Illusionist, and fiercely attached to Shinika. Their relationship was a major plot point in the early game.
"Come in, Elara," Shinika replied, sheathing Aethel's Whisper with a soft, metallic shing.
The door opened, and a petite, eleven-year-old girl with bright, golden eyes and short, wavy silver-blonde hair rushed in. She wore a simple, elegant blue dress, and her expression was a mix of worry and relief.
"Shinika! You're really okay!" Elara threw herself forward, wrapping her arms around Shinika's waist in a tight, unreserved hug.
Ryu/Shinika awkwardly returned the embrace, feeling a warmth he hadn't expected. This wasn't just a character; this was a real person showing real affection.
"Of course, little sprout. Just a bit of exhaustion from my training," Shinika said, gently smoothing Elara's hair. "You know how much practice it takes to keep the 'Strongest Swordswoman' title."
Elara pulled back, pouting slightly. "I know, but you looked so pale! Elder brother Lyam said you were pushing your limits with Chronos Ward again."
"Lyam worries too much," Shinika dismissed with a soft smile. Prince Lyam Hirosa, one of the two older brothers, a powerful Warrior and commander of the Silverwood Royal Guard. "Speaking of which, have you seen any of our siblings this morning?"
Elara brightened, sensing a gossip session. "Oh, yes! Aeris is already in the main garden mediating with the earth spirits. Seraphina is with Mother, reviewing court petitions—you know how much she loves administrative work."
Princess Aeris (Spirit Magic Specialist) and Princess Seraphina (Tactician/Administrator). Checks out.
"And Eldrin?" Shinika asked, interested in the more adventurous of her older brothers. Prince Eldrin Hirosa, a High-Level Ranger and the one most likely to be running a game-like quest.
"He left early! Said he had an urgent request from the Xavier Kingdom envoys, something about a 'rogue Shadow Wolf pack' near the border of the Whispering Peaks," Elara whispered conspiratorially, wide-eyed.
Ryu's mind went rigid. The Whispering Peaks. The Shadow Wolf pack.
Lore Alert: The Shadow Wolf pack near the Whispering Peaks was the event that preceded the rise of the Crimson Tide Renegades, a high-level enemy guild disguised as bandits, who were secretly planning to destabilize the Silverwood/Xavier Alliance. This was the first major domino leading to Shinika's eventual tragic end.
"A Shadow Wolf pack…" Shinika repeated, tapping a finger thoughtfully against her chin. "Did he say when he would return?"
"No, just that he'd be back before the full moon! He said it was an easy clear, just annoying," Elara shrugged.
"An easy clear," Shinika internally scoffed. Eldrin was Level 400, but the Renegades were Level 500+ and worked as a coordinated group. "Elara, I need a favor. A small, very important favor."
Elara immediately perked up, her eyes twinkling. "Anything, Shinika!"
"I need to visit the royal library. But… I want to go completely unnoticed. No guards, no servants tracking me. Can you use your illusions to give me a little… privacy for an hour?"
Elara's chest puffed out with pride. "A cloaking spell! A high-level concealment! I can do that! It will be a fun test for my Veil of Subtlety spell! Just give me a moment to weave the enchantments around the corridor."
"Excellent. You're the best little sister a princess could ask for."
The Royal Library and the First Quest
Thanks to Elara's surprisingly effective, albeit wobbly, Veil of Subtlety illusion, Shinika navigated the winding, marble corridors of the Silverwood Palace unobserved.
The Royal Library was vast, filled with ancient Elven tomes and scrolls. Shinika headed directly to the Ancient History section, pulling out the largest, dustiest book she could find: The Prophecies of Aethelgard.
She flipped through the familiar illustrations and ancient text, cross-referencing her memory of the game's timeline.
Current Date: 12th Day of the Moon of Verdance (Late Spring).
Eldrin's Quest: Shadow Wolf pack engagement (Precursor Event).
Doom Timeline: Shinika's death occurs four years from now, during the Great Northern Invasion.
"Four years," Shinika whispered, her magenta eyes scanning a map illustration. "That's enough time. But I need to eliminate the precursors now."
She slammed the book shut and hurried back toward her chambers. She tapped the menu open and hit the Quests tab, half-expecting it to be empty.
[New Quest Available!]
Quest Name: The Whispering Peaks Anomaly
Grade: A
Description: Prince Eldrin Hirosa is currently engaging a dangerous group known as the Shadow Wolf pack near the Xavier border. Unforeseen enemy coordination and power levels suggest the involvement of the Crimson Tide Renegades—a threat to the Silverwood/Xavier alliance.
Objective: Journey to the Whispering Peaks region. Aid Prince Eldrin. Eliminate the true threat. Ensure the safety of the Silverwood/Xavier Alliance.
Reward: +10 Skill Points, +1 Level, Title: [Alliance Sentinel], and a high chance of a Rare Item Drop.
Ryu grinned. The game system was still functional. This wasn't just a world; it was a world with game mechanics. He could farm XP, gain skill points, and level up.
He needed to be stealthy. As the Fourth Princess and a Holy Saintess, he couldn't just vanish. He needed a valid reason to leave the capital city of Eldoria.
He made his way to the private meeting room, where he knew he would find Duke Valerius, the High Commander of the Royal Army and a close family advisor.
Duke Valerius, a stern High Elf with a perfectly trimmed silver beard, looked up from a military map as Shinika entered.
"Princess Shinika! You are recovered. That is excellent news. The realm is always safer when the strongest Swordswoman is on her feet."
"Thank you, Duke. I am fully recovered. But I have come to you with a request," Shinika stated, her voice firm and authoritative—the tone he knew the Princess used when discussing military matters.
"Name it, Your Highness."
"My brother, Eldrin, has gone to deal with the Shadow Wolf pack. He views it as a simple hunting mission. However, I sense a deep imbalance of mana in that region, something tied to the ancient, dark arts. As a Saintess, I cannot ignore this premonition."
She leaned in, lowering her voice slightly. "I believe this is a probing attack, Duke. Not by animals, but by an organized, high-level force. I intend to ride to the Whispering Peaks immediately. I will use the trip as a 'personal pilgrimage' for my Saintess duties, but my true purpose will be to observe, scout, and secure my brother's safety."
Duke Valerius stroked his beard slowly, his eyes narrowing in thought. "A probing attack… that is a grave concern, Princess. You are correct, Prince Eldrin often underestimates non-traditional threats. Your presence would be invaluable. You need no permission for a holy pilgrimage, but I will ensure your absence is covered. I'll send word to the border garrisons to expect a 'pilgrim Saintess' and to offer no assistance, preserving the element of surprise."
"Perfectly done, Duke. I will depart by nightfall."
Shinika turned, a wave of confidence washing over her. The first step was complete. He had a mission, a destination, and a justified cover. The Blade Emperor, reborn as the strongest Swordswoman, was about to step onto the battlefield of Aethelgard Online. His mission: Save the world, and himself.