As I glanced above, the sky darkened, clouds growing overcast before I knew it. Before me lay a rifle—a standard-issue Barrett M82 sniper rifle. I turned it over, noting the familiar weight, and saw my initials carved into the handle and a countermark etched into the cheekrest. Around me, stretching for kilometres, was a sea of red—a blood-soaked expanse fading into nothingness.
"Why did you do it?" A voice called from behind. I craned my neck from my prone position, looking back. A man stood there, his presence unsettling. I released the rifle and rose to face him. "Why did you kill me?"
"I'm sorry," I replied, searching his face. But there was nothing—no features, just a void where a face should be. His hair was a vague, indistinct blur. "What can I do to atone for this?"
"What do you think you can do for us?"
A chill ran down my spine as I looked around. From the crimson sea, billions of faceless humans crawled out, their movements grotesque and unnatural. They dragged themselves from the depths, their presence suffocating. They surrounded me, closing in from all sides. I tried to run, pushing against the crowd, but they wouldn't budge. My heart raced, a primal fear clawing at my insides. I didn't even know what I was afraid of...
"Save me... Arlene..." I muttered, reaching out towards the clouds, the only hint of light in this crimson nightmare. But the faceless beings jumped me, dragging me down. I reached out, desperate for escape.
Suddenly, my eyes snapped open. My head rested in my hands, fingers gripping the bridge of my nose. I took a deep breath, trying to ground myself. What was I even dreaming about? The lingering dread remained, an urgent need to escape, to flee far from here...
Crap, I need to talk...something...I need to distract myself...
"That's how I ended up as the Royal Alchemist," he said with a casual shrug.
"Mr. Royal Alchemist, why did you help me?" I asked, my voice barely rising above the rhythmic clatter of the wagon wheels.
The wagon creaked as it climbed a steep slope. The horses' gallops softened, replaced by the relentless buzzing of insects—a grating, monotonous noise that only heightened the anxiety gnawing at my chest. He turned to face me, his eyes briefly meeting mine as I sat at the back of the wagon.
"Don't flatter yourself," he replied, returning to the reins. "I just need an extra pair of hands for what I have planned. Besides, you're a smart guy. You'll pick things up quickly."
As the horses slowed to a halt, we both dismounted from the wagon. Ahead of us, the castle gates loomed about a hundred meters away, flanked by towering stone walls. I couldn't help but glance at the horses, wondering why they couldn't just pull the load the rest of the way.
He noticed my gaze and sighed. "Yeah, I know what you're thinking. Why not just let the horses do it, right? Well, the incline is too steep, and the castle's wards tend to disrupt their footing. Plus, the herbs are delicate; a sudden jolt could ruin them. That's where you come in."
"What?" I replied, a mix of confusion and reluctance in my voice.
He smirked, "Yeah, I'm not as strong as you Ubuian types, so I'll need your help to carry these herbs to the king. Don't worry; I'll be right beside you! I'll even cast a lightning rune for some extra strength!"
So I'm just cheap labour, I thought, glancing up at the steep incline leading to the castle. The path was lined with wooden planks embedded in the slippery slope, serving as makeshift steps. A dry, scratchy sound emanated from the back of the wagon as he shifted the load.
"Now, it won't be that heavy," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Just pull it up, and I'll ensure you get lodging within the castle grounds."
"Ugh... How wonderful," I muttered, steeling myself for the task ahead.
. . .
"Your rune definitely has some issues... Damn it," I muttered, sinking to the ground, my breath coming in uneven gasps.
"Keep your language to a minimum when within castle grounds. Your race isn't seen very highly here. You can't speak out of turn," he said as he unpacked the items from his wagon.
"Keep your language in check while within the castle grounds. Your race isn't held in high regard here. You can't speak out of turn," he warned as he unpacked the items from the wagon.
I sat up, trying to catch my breath. The inside of the castle seemed even larger than its exterior suggested. Gravel paths wound further up the slope, with benches and chairs propped to the sides. Surrounding these paths were the castle buildings, likely housing the chambermaids, butlers, and possibly the royal family. And this was just the exterior of the main castle.
While not particularly beautiful, the sheer grandeur of its size was something to behold.
"Why does no one like Ubuians?" I muttered, hoping not to trigger any adverse reaction from the Royal Alchemist.
"You really don't know? I suppose it makes sense; it's been a few decades, and you're probably part of the next generation. You were war criminals—from the Ubu Tribe back then." He tossed a thick hood in front of me, which landed on the gravel with a heavy thud. "Your previous generation, perhaps your ancestors, ravaged countless of our kingdoms, leaving this as our last."
He carried several bags of herbs and placed a few before me. "So, of course, we get inherently angry when we see your kind walking the streets scot-free. Not everyone feels the same, but generally, you'll get looks of disdain. Oh, and wear that hood. Keep it on. From now on, you're a mute," he said, grabbing a few more bags and beginning to scale the gravel slope.
I donned the thick robes and carried the remaining bags into a large alleyway. Cobblestone pillars stretched three stories high, with tiles laid beneath. A red carpet rolled down the centre, guiding the way to the royal chambers.
The guards stopped us briefly, checking both the Royal Alchemist's and my identities. There were some complications with letting me in, but the Alchemist insisted, and they eventually relented. After inspecting the bags, they led us into another alley. The interior walls were adorned with painting after painting and statues of what appeared to be their predecessors.
The intricate designs carved into the well-painted yellow interior were so detailed that I could stare at them for days without growing bored. They were simply marvellous. As he led me through the chambers, each room's decor and design became more beautiful than the last. We finally stopped in front of a noticeably larger and more ornate door than the others. A grand arc framed it, adorned with symbols that formed a bold statement.
"You stay here," he whispered, taking the bags from my hands before knocking on the door. He gestured for me to step aside with a quick flick of his neck. I moved to the side, ensuring that no one inside the room would be able to see me as he entered.
I stood as still as possible, almost at attention. This was not a place I should be, and if anyone found me acting out of line here, I'd be killed. It was best to appear well-disciplined. As I tensed my body, I looked through the glass at the distant landscape of the kingdom below.
Red-tiled attics and wooden roofs stretched across the grounds, with clocks and the towers of churches scattered between the houses, each standing out with serene beauty. In the distance, I could see the wall I had perched upon not too long ago.
"Ubuian, we meet again. It seems our fates are intertwined." The short prince stood before me again, his cheeky smile revealing so much. Yet, something else was bothering me at this moment, something contrary to the situation.
Sub-Quest 2: Rescue the Prince
Information: The monarchy is plotting to assassinate the prince, and your previous intervention was just the beginning. You have 10 minutes to extract him from the castle before the next attempt on his life. Evade the guards, navigate the castle's treacherous passages, and ensure his safety to prevent the kingdom from descending further into despair. Time is of the essence—act swiftly and decisively.
Reward:
- Rune Crafting Level 1
- Seraphic Stones x 3
Penalty: Death