Fantasy Adventure Harem – Chapter 2
Chapter 2 — The Fire Knight's Trial and the Ice Captain's Pride
Scene 1 — The City of Pyrelane Is Not Ready
Pyrelane is loud, hot, and full of people shouting things like:
"PUT THAT FIRE OUT!"
"WHY IS THE FIRE BREATHING?!"
"WHO LET THE LAVA GOATS OUT?!"
Alden's eyes dart everywhere as Seraphine drags him through the streets like a prized relic.
ALDEN
Seraphine, seriously—can you slow down?!
SERAPHINE
Heroes walk. Legends stride.
And chosen ones get dragged.
VALERIA
(from behind, muttering)
Or escorted by someone competent…
Alden glances back; Valeria is gliding forward with icy elegance, crowds parting before her.
ALDEN
Can you two stop competing over who gets to kidnap me?
SERAPHINE
It's not kidnapping. It's destiny.
VALERIA
It's strategic marital acquisition.
ALDEN
That made it worse!
Lyra floats by his ear, whispering:
LYRA
(Smug)
Get used to it. You've got three more incoming.
Alden screams internally.
---
Scene 2 — Trial by Fire… and Stupidity
They reach the Emberforge Arena, a gigantic volcano-crater-turned-trial-ground.
SERAPHINE
To prove he's truly the Starbound Hero, he must survive the Fire Knight's Trial!
ALDEN
Why does everything involve "trial," "destiny," or "death" with you people?!
VALERIA
Reasonable questions, all ignored by Pyrelane customs.
A gong sounds. The arena doors roll open.
A massive, three-headed magma hound emerges, drooling lava and barking explosions.
ALDEN
(Lyra deadpan)
…You expected a small dog?
LYRA
I expected you to run.
ALDEN
I am going to run.
SERAPHINE
(patting his back)
Nonsense! I'll be right here watching your form. If you die, I'll avenge you!
ALDEN
WHY IS THAT NOT COMFORTING?!
Valeria steps forward, summoning a spear of pure ice.
VALERIA
Step aside, Emberforge. If he must face a trial, I will assist.
My kingdom will not lose a potential consort to a dog.
SERAPHINE
Consort?! Over my flaming sword!
The magma hound roars.
ALDEN
CAN YOU ARGUE AFTER I'M SAFE?!
---
Scene 3 — The Chosen Idiot Awakens
The beast charges.
Alden does the only heroic thing he can think of:
He screams and ducks.
A blast of molten flame shoots over his head.
Seraphine and Valeria leap into action in perfect (begrudging) sync.
Ice spears meet flaming slashes.
Steam explodes.
Crowds cheer.
Alden crawls behind a rock.
ALDEN
(to himself)
Happy birthday, Alden. You lived another thirty seconds.
Lyra zips down, tapping his forehead.
LYRA
You know… you could try using your destiny magic?
ALDEN
I HAVE DESTINY MAGIC?!
The mark on his palm pulses.
Alden raises the glowing hand.
ALDEN
Okay… focus… do something… ANYTHING—
A tiny spark shoots out.
It boops the magma hound on the nose.
The beast freezes.
Stares at Alden.
Then whimpers, rolls over, and plays dead.
Silence falls across the arena.
SERAPHINE
…What.
VALERIA
You intimidated a lava beast…
with a spark…
from ten meters away.
SERAPHINE
(mouth dropping)
He's… incredible.
VALERIA
He's… miraculous.
ALDEN
I AM JUST AS CONFUSED AS YOU ARE—
PLEASE STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT!
---
Scene 4 — Fate Strikes Again (Someone Help This Boy)
Outside the arena, Seraphine and Valeria flank Alden like overprotective bodyguards.
SERAPHINE
Alden Veylor, by Pyrelane tradition, I hereby vow to guard your life with my flames.
VALERIA
And by Frost Dominion law, I claim the right to court you, as the prophecy permits.
ALDEN
No vows! No courting!
I just want to go home!
LYRA
(whispering to the audience)
He is absolutely not going home.
Suddenly—
A freezing gust sweeps through the city.
A shadowy, graceful silhouette descends from the sky, landing with elegant precision.
Alden pales.
ALDEN
Oh no… please don't tell me—
The newcomer bows.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
Starbound Hero…
I have traveled far to find you.
SERAPHINE
Another one?!
VALERIA
Already?!
LYRA
(cheerfully)
Introducing… Harem Member #3!
Alden faints.
Everyone else nods like this is normal.
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