Chapter 3 - Lyra Emberbloom

Ding! Scanning Target!

Ding! Warning! Target is a Player!

Ding! Scanning... 10%, 30%, 40%... Error!

Ding! Showing Results!

Status Board:

Name: Lyra Emberbloom (Eon's Maid)

Title: ??? (???)

Level: ??? - (Experience: ???/???)

Health: ?????? - (Health Recovery - ???\s)

Mana: ?????? - (Mana Recovery - ???\s)

Attributes:

Strength: ???

Constitution: ???

Agility: ???

Intelligence: ???

[Special Attribute] Luck: ??? ? (Item Bonus)

Skills:

??? LV(?) - [Expand]

??? LV(?) - [Expand]

??? LV(?) - [Expand]

[Display All Skills]

Element: ??? (???)

Items:

??? - [Expand]

??? - [Expand]

[Display All Items]

Ding! Host! Full Scan Failed!

"Host! Because of the contract with Gaia System of Arcanum, I can't fully scan other players unless I invade them," Purple Qi 001 said in a regretful tone.

After hearing Purple Qi 001's explanation, Eon pondered the situation silently for a moment. He glanced at the cute and elegant Lyra, his maid, with a furrowed brow, considering her presence in this peculiar circumstance.

"Lyra," Eon began, his voice tinged with curiosity, "is there anything else I should be aware of? Or perhaps, is there someone summoning me?"

Lyra, with a gentle demeanor befitting her role as Eon's caretaker, met his gaze with a reassuring smile. "Your Highness, there's no one summoning you at the moment. However, I was asked by the Empress and the Emperor to check on your well-being and report back to them."

Eon nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information. Despite the mysteries surrounding his current situation, he knew he had responsibilities to fulfill as the first prince of the Draconia Empire.

"Lyra, please tell Mother & Father that I am alright now and not to worry," Eon said calmly.

Lyra nodded in acknowledgment of Eon's request. "Of course, Your Highness. I will relay your message to the Empress and Emperor immediately."

"Thank you, Lyra," Eon expressed his gratitude with a small smile. "And please, if there are any further developments or if they require anything else from me, do not hesitate to inform me."

"Understood, Your Highness," Lyra replied with a respectful bow. "I will keep you informed of any updates promptly."

His Highness is so handsome even when he talks, ahhh!!! Lyra looked at Eon blushing, and with that, she left the room to deliver Eon's message to the royal couple.

As Lyra departed, Eon couldn't help but notice the graceful sway of her movements, a subtle allure that captivated his attention. Lost in thought, Eon's gaze lingered on the doorway for a moment longer, his mind swirling with questions and possibilities about the enigmatic world he now found himself in.

"Purple Qi 001, tell me why I fainted when you were analyzing the elixir," Eon's voice echoed in the empty room, filled with a sense of urgency and determination. "What was it about the failed invasion of Gaia System? Was Gaia going to invade my mind and your Core? I know we're not originally from this world, so is it possible that the Game System of This World, Gaia, noticed that we're not locals?"

Ding!

Purple Qi 001 hummed in response, its digital voice resonating within Eon's mind. "Host, there are many factors at play, and our connection to this world is indeed a delicate matter. It's possible that Gaia detected our presence as outsiders, triggering a defensive response. However, further analysis is required to confirm."

Eon furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "But what about the elixir? Why did it cause such a reaction?"

"The elixir's composition may have contained unknown elements that triggered a physiological response in your body," Purple Qi 001 explained. "As for Gaia's intrusion, it's a possibility we must consider. Our existence here may have attracted unwanted attention from the system."

"Purple Qi 001, tell me about your Self-Defense Mechanism. You mentioned activating it when you detected Gaia. What exactly does it entail?" Eon inquired, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

Ding!

Purple Qi 001 responded promptly, its virtual presence providing clarity. "Host, the Self-Defense Mechanism is a safeguarding protocol designed to protect both of us from external threats. When Gaia's presence was detected, it automatically initiated as a precautionary measure."

Eon nodded, processing the information. "And the contract you mentioned? What was that about?"

"The contract was a negotiation with Gaia when she noticed me analyzing Lyra, so it was made as a compromise to prevent further attempts to invade other players," Purple Qi 001 explained. "In exchange for sparing other players from intrusion, I gained access to valuable information about this world, but worry not, I made sure to include the clause where I would be able to invade and detect other players' information after your awakening."

Eon's expression shifted, intrigued by the implications. "So, by striking this agreement, we've ensured our safety while gaining insight into the workings of this world?"

"Precisely, Host," Purple Qi 001 confirmed. "It was a strategic decision to safeguard our interests and navigate this world more effectively."

Eon's eyes gleamed with a newfound sense of understanding. "I see. It's a delicate balance between protecting ourselves and gathering crucial knowledge. Well done, Purple Qi 001."

"Thank you, Host," Purple Qi 001 replied, its digital voice tinged with satisfaction. "I will continue to prioritize our safety and advancement in this realm."

Eon nodded appreciatively. "Keep up the good work. We'll need every advantage we can get in this unfamiliar territory."

As Eon settled back into his thoughts, a flicker of concern crossed his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that there were still many unknowns lurking in the shadows of this new reality.

~~

~~

Meanwhile, outside the confines of his room, the palace buzzed with whispers of intrigue and uncertainty. Rumors of Eon's mysterious collapse and subsequent revival spread like wildfire among the palace staff and courtiers, sparking curiosity and speculation.

Amidst the bustling corridors of the palace, maids and guards huddled together in whispered conversations, their voices tinged with concern.

"I heard the prince collapsed in his chambers," one maid murmured, her brow furrowed with worry.

"Collapsed? How is that possible? He's supposed to be strong and healthy," another guard chimed in, his tone filled with disbelief.

"Perhaps it was an illness or exhaustion," a third maid suggested hesitantly, glancing around to ensure no one overheard their conversation.

Just then, a tall figure clad in armor strode past them, his presence commanding attention. It was Asher, Eon's Personal Guard, known throughout the palace as The Honorable Sir Asher.

"Quiet down, all of you!" Asher's voice boomed, cutting through the murmurs like a blade. "This is no place for idle gossip. Show some respect for the prince and keep your tongues in check."

The maids and guards immediately straightened up, their eyes downcast in deference to Asher's authority. "Yes, sir Asher," they chorused in unison before scurrying away, eager to avoid further reprimand.

As the maids and guards dispersed, Asher's stern expression softened slightly, a flicker of concern crossing his features. What's happening to His Highness? he wondered silently, his thoughts consumed by worry for the prince's well-being. I must ensure he is protected at all costs.

With determined strides, Asher continued down the corridor, his mind focused on reaching the room of his beloved prince, Eon, and unraveling the mystery behind his sudden collapse.