""Before the gods, stars, planets, and moon there was the creator. It was he who created Novan in all its wonder, and he who set up the entire cycle. Some cycles were short, and some were vastly long. Others produced endless misery, while others were a golden age for many kingdoms. The cycle ebbed and flowed constantly. Unfortunately, the cycle of peace was established when Dima slew the ancient Dragon Xex. And Dima was bored out of her mind.""
On her desk in the Dragon Guild were stacks and stacks of paperwork full of applicants that want to become adventurers. Besides all of that were two large stamps where she had the power to approve or reject memberships. Clearing her throat, she took the first piece of paper from the stack. She cringed at the handwriting. Did a child write this? Dima let out a loud groan. She was a warrior, an adventurer, not some glorified stamp pusher.
"Ridiculous, who writes like this?" Dima slammed the rejection stamp on the application and placed the paper on a rejection pile. Clearing her throat, she began stamping away. Minute by minute, she approved or rejected potential adventures. What happened to being independent? The best adventurers were independent like Dima. Back then, she only needed her magic and her sword along with some magic armor. Now so many desperately want to join the most famous guilds, hoping to become world famous adventures. Sure Dima was the third princess of a kingdom of Demon hunters, a kingdom that turned demon hunting into an art form. However, she struggled, she even had to bleed to earn her fortune. Nowadays these adventurers get a salary. The thought made her snarl, the pencil snapped at her intensified grip.
"What happened to the old times? This shit is boring."
With no warning, no knock, her second-in-command burst through the door, interrupting the perfect order. She was called Isi.
"Master Dima, you have a visitor! A great general from the empire of Zen, general Eris." Isi shouted. Dima glared at Iri till the name general Eris entered her ears. General Eris was a savage, no even savages had some rules in war. The empire sent Eris when they wanted a message sent to the enemy. Once Dima accompanied the general in a siege of some rebel fortress. After shattering the walls with an earthquake, Dima witnessed true carnage. Eris's mage broadcasted the entire slaughter. Men, women, and children, were all put to the sword and flayed. And they were all alive, moaning with mouths full of their blood. She cringed at the memory.
"Tell everyone to stay calm, and to not anger the general. I will be down shortly." Dima stood up and turned to the window behind her as Iri left the room to do what she commanded. Stepping up to the window with no emotion on her face, she looked out. Elite, no, royal guards surrounded the courtyard of the guild, each was adorned in a golden armor that glistened in the sunlight. Dima could take them, but that would excite Eris. And an excited Eris was much more dangerous than an enraged Dragon.
Going back to her desk, she turned to the rejection pile to see all of the applicants that she rejected were fine. It was their handwriting that made her reject them. One of them was a mage, a recent graduate from Solus Academy. She nearly screamed at the potential scandal that would cause the anger of the goddess of knowledge upon her. Taking the approval stamp, she corrected it and approved all of them. Gods, how did I miss this? Despite not being independent, they all look promising.
"Dima! Are you going to keep me waiting?" The voice of Eris boomed as thunder in a deadly storm. Dima frowned at the lack of her proper title, but she cast the thought aside. Snapping her fingers, the sword of light manifested in an unworldly radiant fire. The blade was made of a substance that looked like pure gold. Grabbing it, the memories of fighting that ancient lich resurfaced. That was such a glorious battle.
Sheathing the holy blade, she held it in her hand and walked downstairs, ready to face the butcher.
Downstairs, all eyes were on Eris and her necrotic blade whose hellish energies danced around her. The receptionist shook with fear, and some of the lower-ranked adventurers stood still as statues. However, when Dima walked down, she was like a holy angel coming to meet the monster. Every adventurer looked at her, and the receptionist smiled, full of hope that a hero arrived. The lower-ranked adventurers turned to her and shouted
"All hail the bane of death." That phrase was one she made up a century ago. It sounded badass then.
Eris however smiled, but that smile was dangerous. Dima knew her, and that smile was one belonging to a Predator that meets another one. Beside Eris were two of the royal guard, Dima was sure she could take them.
"Sweet lovely Dima, what has happened to you? Don't tell me that you became a stamp pusher. You Dima who aided me in slaughtering that rebel scum." Eris said.
"No Eris, you butchered them like pigs. I wanted diplomacy but not you. You slaughtered them like a psychopath. Tell me what you want or get out!" Dima's voice went into a shout, fury surged in her. Someone like Eris deserved to die, novan will be better off with a monster like that dead.
"Touchy princess, you still haven't let that go. Even after our time together."
Dima glared, despite the apparent immortality she remembered their naked bodies together, the moaning, and otherworldly sensation of her lips. Now that memory was bitter poison.
"Get to the point Eris," Dima demanded, grinding her teeth together.
"Yes to the point. His majesty Emperor Gaison requests your presence back in the capital. He wants you to live there and to be rewarded properly. Being a stamp pusher doesn't suit you after all." Eris stopped. Dima suspected she was waiting to take in her reaction.
Adventurers whispered to each other. Iri looked at Dima, her eyes full of worry.
"No, tell his majesty I am fine here." Several of the royal guards tensed up, their hands on the pristine weapons.
"Dima sweetie, forgive me it wasn't a request but a demand." The tension in the air was thick enough to cut. Dima had two options, either strike Eris and become a furtive or abandon these green adventurers.
"Is that so Eris? What happens if I still say no?" Asked Dima, her grip tightened over the handle of her blade.
Eris's eyes turned bright for a split second, she charged but not at Dima but at one of the adventurers. Dima had to act quickly or death would come for this child. She spoke an arcane word, and time slowed by several seconds. Stepping forward, she moved as light, grabbing the blade of Eris, and stopping her. Pain ran across her hand, the necrotic energies worked to eat her flesh. The blade was inches away from the boy who jumped and fell on his back. Dima saw the terror on the boy and the wet spot on his pants. Any normal mortal's fingers would turn black, and fall off. Not Dima who was a demigod, daughter of the star father. All it did was leave a small rash as she kicked Eris back. She stumbled but held her footing.
"You dare try to attack one of my adventurers," Dima screamed out, her blade pointed to Eris.
Iri was already by Dima's side and the royal guard had their swords unsheathed.
"You sure you want to do this Dima? Even if you kill me, this entire guild will be labeled fugitives. Not even the dragon guild can hold up against an empire." Eris was right. Damn her she was right, Dima could do much but she couldn't hold up against an empire. Even if she called her father for aid, other gods will get involved, more innocents will die.
"Damn you Eris, fine I will go. I will need a week to properly prepare my second hand for leadership."
"Fine, but only a week. You don't want to keep the Emperor waiting. Be glad I liked your ass or I wouldn't give you a week." Eris waved off and the guard followed her.
Dima growled under her breath, her hand twitching with the need to destroy something. Her body ached for a release of such rage. Taking her sword, she swung at a vase, divine flame engulfed the vase before it exploded into ceramic shards. Several adventurers moved back, fearful that they would get impaled by such shards.
Dima looked at everyone silent, waiting for her to say something.
"My adventurers, I am afraid I must leave you. Despite being only the third princess, his majesty wants my presence. Doubt he wants me to beat some monster. Such a useless fool." Dima paused, seeing that some adventurers were taken aback by her lack of respect for the Emperor. "So I will leave you all with a feast. So prepare to get drunk, fuck, eat, and whatever your heart desires."
"Master, you don't have to go. You can resist, we will stand with you." Said one adventurer who was of higher rank. His words were followed by a growing acknowledgment from others. And it was growing, and growing till the entire ground floor was filled with noise.
To know that so many would follow her into treason despite being here for a decade made her eyes water. She told herself she wasn't crying, she wasn't that weak. However, she hugged her second-in-command tightly and she replied with a hug of her own.
"I will miss you youngsters so much." Dima wept for the first time in centuries. Despite the terrible handwriting and most being commoners, she loved this guild.
************
At night time, Dima had left the guild, finally done with overseeing the party preparations. She was parched and wanted cold ale down her throat. Stepping down the street, she heard a voice that she didn't want to hear.
"Dima Dima, a princess shouldn't be walking alone at night. Shall I escort you to the tavern?" Said Eris who stepped out of the darkness, the shadows leaving her pale skin, and midnight-black hair. She lacked that sword, but Eris was still dangerous.
"Are you done killing now? Did you skin a homeless man, or did you summon that shadow demon?" Dima said with the lingering kiss of acid on her tongue.
"Dima really, I did that one time can you let that go? Plus that man spat on my new shoes."
Dima rolled her eyes and continued walking. Eris was not too far behind.
"Remember the time when we fought that Dragon together? You were a mountain with how you absorbed its Dragon fire."
Dima corrected her," no my shield had a shield enchantment that blocked the blow. Though it was flattering that you did tell the kingdom that I was immune to fire."
"Oh, so you can be cordial with me now."
"No, it is taking all of my strength to not break your jaw. Be fortunate that I was raised with royal etiquette." If Dima acted like this in front of the royal court, there will be a scandal for her lack of etiquette. However, there is a small part of Dima that missed the battles she did together with Eris." I'm getting a drink, follow me if you must, you do what you want anyway."
"Don't worry Dima, I am enjoying the view."
Dima snapped her head back to Eris. Rolling her eyes, she continued towards the tavern.
The town of Gard was a guild town and therefore had many services and shops. There were potion shops, taverns, herbs, and of course a black Smith. The magic shop was condemned with lines of tape in front of it due to the guild's superior suppliers. Not too far was the red light district, and upon reaching the red lights, and the half-naked men and women, Dima expected Eris to say something. She expected a crude joke, or her going to buy a service from one of the whores. However, Eris said nothing and that unnerved Dima.
"This guild town is quite interesting. I bet you head to the red light district a lot. Not sure if they can replace me.", Eris said and Dima rolled her eyes as the two made their way through it.
Finally, the two made it to the tavern, and Dima did the first thing she wanted to do since this morning.
"Barkeep you know my favorite, give me a set of mead mugs and for Eris my friend." Dima turned to Eris as if waiting to see a comment.
"Got it, boss." Said the barkeep
"Well so glad you are considerate," Eris replied with her signature smirk.
Sitting at a table, the two stared at each other for a whole minute
"So Eris, how was the military service in the empire? I trust you haven't committed any more war crimes."
"All war is a crime, but I give the civilians a day to evacuate before I unleash my warhounds on them." Dima's eyes widened. Had Eris finally learned restraint?
She continued, leaning back on her chair." Seriously after you beat the ancient dragon, life has been so dull. I spoke to my father, you know, the god of war.
"Haven't thought of you as a cleric, Eris?"
The barkeep came with a tray of mugs filled with mead, the foam filling the top
Eris grabbed one mug and sipped the cold beverage." Don't jest over that Dima, I would never be those fools. They follow too many rules. No, I was lucky enough that I am a daughter of war and that father likes me so much." She paused, drinking more from her mug." Father has said that we are in a cycle of peace. So no more major war, crazy liches, and psychos." Eris spoke with such hatred and malice with those words.
Dima looked stunned at the table. What else were adventurers like her if there was no world to save? Sure she can deal with monsters but no great threats. She frowned and chugged an entire mug down.
"Hey there princess, watch it you don't want to get wasted when you only have a week," Eris replied, with a look of concern on her face.
"Damn damn, what the fuck am I supposed to do now. Be some stamp pusher for the next couple of centuries? Start a family with some man, go on a farm? I need adventure, action, Eris!" Multiple patrons looked towards the couple." What the fuck are you all looking at." The glaring eyes moved away, fearful of incurring the wrath of a demigod.
"Temper Dima, it is not proper for a princess to be so quick to anger. If I am honest, the Emperor wants you back because it enhances his power in the court." Of course, it was a political move, Dima leaned back and grabbed another mug.
Eris continued," and there is talk in the court that the crown prince wants to marry you. Being married to a known demigod will make his reign more lasting, and stop any rebels.'' Dima's last memory of the prince was eventually and he was cute. Though becoming the future empress was dull, God joining the court will be so annoying.
Dima replied." What if I joined his harem? All I have to do is look cute, and I get protection, maybe some hot sex, and ultimate relaxation."
"I am not sure, there is politics in the harems and if you are named the favorite then that will cause issues."
Dima had to remove that plan as she didn't want to deal with politics. Thank the gods she was the third princess, and not heir to her kingdom. She was a warrior, a leader of men not a politician. However, one idea went into her mind.
"Eris tell me are you immortal or are you long-lived," Dima questioned, sipping from the cold beverage.
Eris raised an eyebrow. Almost as if what Dima asked caused some other emotion than sarcasm or amusement." Yes….why?" Was this concern that Dima saw, or maybe anticipation?
"Let's become gods, just imagine it. New adventures, new struggles, and new realms to explore. As gods, we will be rulers of our realms." Dima had forgotten, at least for the moment, the disdain she had for Eris. Eris was distasteful but as a sister-in-arms, she was more than useful. Could she become a better person by ascending? Dima would have to ask her father or death for that wisdom.
"Dima, I never knew you to be so ambitious. It will take some time if you are serious."
"I will need to plan this, but for now I shall relax and enjoy myself." Dima finished another mug, ready to forget all of the stresses of planning a party.
******
The week passed quickly and Dima stood in front of a large cake that was impossibly big. It nearly matched her height of 12 feet although she decreased it to calm the common people. Her hand was sore from the amount of signing she had to do via her magical pen that could etch words in steel. Eris was nowhere to be seen as that would be distasteful. All eyes were on her, she had to be the first one to cut the cake, and the biggest piece would go to her. She would be free of the paperwork, but she would abandon all of these new adventurers. Dima was one of the legends, and the Emperor would deprive them of a guide. Not that Dima was much of a teacher, but she could tell them to avoid the mistakes she made. Perhaps in another future, Dima stayed and gave them her wisdom. God, she felt like an old woman. She needed to make a speech.
"I know most of you haven't seen me in my prime. You haven't seen me wrestle with an ancient dragon, nor have you seen me defying death itself by bringing my old friend back. You haven't seen the epic battle me and my friends have done against a lich on the cusp of divinity. All of you would love it." Dima smiled, taking the knife and allowing those memories to flow through her Looking at the kimono she had on, a strong warm feeling entered her heart. Instead of the adventurer's clothes, she wore her old kimono. No longer she is Dima the adventurer, but Dima the princess." There are no more adventures for me. So please have as many as you can." Her voice broke, she cut the cake and placed it on her plate. The chocolate oozed out with the consistency of slime. 'It looks tasty' She thought to herself before placing it in her mouth.
She continued" However there are plenty of adventures for you all. If you are ever at risk, at least put some honor to my name and die as a warrior." Her mouth was stuffed and she awaited their reaction.
Immediately the room erupted into a cheer. If only they knew the truth about Dima's adventures, how many would fear her if this was a couple of centuries ago?
So Dima enjoyed her last party with them and signed several blades and armor. She gave her right hand her holy sword, it will be in better hands with her.
Leaving the building, Eris stood there, smiling at her." Shall we journey to the capital, your grace?" Dima rolled her eyes at Eris's words of respect, knowing she didn't mean it.
"Forget the formalities, and let's see the Emperor and his worthless court." Dima summoner a blade from the aether, a blade that made her freeze a bit. Images flashed before her and it was covered in blood. So much of the red crimson was on it that it was like it was dipped in a pool of it.
Shaking her head, she moved into the carriage. All she had to do was to keep it sheathed. Broken bones were better than a severed head. Soon the carriage moved and Dima and Eris were headed to the capital.