The carriage rattled down the cobblestone streets of Valarys, the capital of the Ishmara Dominion, as the sun rose above the horizon, casting the grand city in a warm golden light. The once quiet journey had now become a chaotic blend of voices, carts, and people bustling through the streets. Towering spires and grand stone buildings lined the avenue, banners of deep blue and silver fluttering in the morning breeze—signs of the Ishmara royal family's influence.
Ubuntu, sitting across from Amara in the carriage, took in the sights with a look that was somewhere between curiosity and mild boredom.
"Nice place," he said, half-heartedly. "I mean, if you're into that whole medieval chic thing."
Amara gave him a glance that was halfway between amusement and mild irritation. "Valarys is the heart of Ishmara. It's strong, vibrant. But things have been… difficult lately."
Ubuntu raised an eyebrow. "Difficult how?"
Amara's face darkened slightly. "The Sovereign has been pressuring the kingdom for years, but now his forces are at our borders. His influence spreads like a plague—kingdoms that once stood with us are falling to his control, one by one. Valarys is still standing, but for how long? That depends."
"Depends on what?" Ubuntu asked.
"On whether we can gather the strength to stop him."
The carriage rolled to a stop near the city center, and the moment the door opened, the noise of the crowd hit them like a wave. The air was filled with excited chatter, and people were gathered in the city square, craning their necks to see something ahead.
"Something's going on," Amara said, frowning as she stepped out of the carriage.
"Yeah, no kidding," Ubuntu muttered, hopping down after her. "Look at the size of that crowd."
The city square was packed, with people pushing and jostling to get a better view of what was happening at the center. A large wooden platform had been erected, and upon it stood a line of prisoners, their hands bound and their faces grim. Executioners stood beside them, sharpening their axes while the crowd watched in morbid fascination.
Ubuntu took one look at the scene and let out a low whistle. "Ah, super, des exécutions publiques pour divertir la foule. Toujours une bonne idée, ça. Because nothing unites a kingdom like terrifying its people, huh? Seriously, have these guys never read a history book? It's almost offensive to the Middle Ages."
Amara shot him a sharp look, but she couldn't suppress the hint of a smile. "I wouldn't joke about this. The executions are meant to be a show of strength. It's the council's way of proving they still have control. But it's backfiring."
Ubuntu crossed his arms, watching the executioners preparing for the grisly display. "Yeah, no surprise there. Nothing says 'stable government' like lopping off heads."
He turned back to Amara, his stomach growling. "Speaking of stable, I don't suppose you've got some cash on you? I could really use a meal after all that 'saving the kingdom' business."
Amara raised an eyebrow. "You want money?"
"Obviously," Ubuntu replied, leaning against the carriage. "You can't expect me to fight off evil overlords on an empty stomach. I've got priorities."
Amara studied him for a moment, her arms crossed. "I'm not just going to hand over money without something in return."
Ubuntu sighed, already seeing where this was going. "Okay, fine. What's the catch?"
Amara's expression grew more serious as she took a step closer to him. "The catch is that I need your help. I can't fight the Sovereign's forces alone. If you agree to stand with me, to help protect Ishmara and stop the Sovereign, I'll make sure you have everything you need—food, money, resources. But more than that…" She hesitated slightly, her gaze steady. "I might be able to help you find a way home."
Ubuntu froze, his usual flippant demeanor slipping for just a moment. "Home?"
"Yes," Amara continued. "I've heard of ways. Ancient magic, relics that can transcend worlds. It's possible that, with the right resources and knowledge, we could find a way to send you back to wherever you came from."
Ubuntu's mind raced. A way home? He hadn't thought about home in a while, not really. He'd been so focused on surviving, on punching his way through every obstacle, that the idea of returning to his old world had started to feel distant—like a half-forgotten dream.
But now, with Amara standing there offering him the possibility, the thought of going back hit him like a punch to the gut. Maybe he could return to the life he'd left behind. Maybe he could escape this chaotic world and its constant demands.
He narrowed his eyes, glancing at Amara. "So, let me get this straight. You want me to play hero, stop some power-hungry overlord, and save your kingdom… all in exchange for a chance at going home?"
Amara nodded. "That's right."
Ubuntu paused, rubbing his chin as if deep in thought. Then, without warning, he let out a short laugh. "Wow. That's... adorable. Really. But listen, I've got a lot on my plate already. You know, eating, staying alive, not getting stabbed by random guys in cloaks. Maybe try the next guy in line?"
Amara's gaze hardened. "I'm serious, Ubuntu. This isn't just about me, or even Ishmara. The Sovereign wants control of everything. If he succeeds, there won't be a world to return to."
Ubuntu tilted his head, his grin fading. "Wait. What?"
"The Sovereign doesn't just want to rule this world," Amara said, her voice quiet but firm. "His power goes beyond what we've seen. He's searching for a way to expand his influence—into other realms, other worlds. If he finds a way to break through that barrier, your world could be next."
Ubuntu's heart skipped a beat. Other worlds? His world? Was this guy seriously aiming for some kind of multiverse domination scheme?
Amara watched him carefully, sensing his hesitation. "If you don't help, there's a good chance he'll succeed. But if we can stop him now, we might be able to close the door for good—and, as I said, I can help you find a way home in the process."
Ubuntu fell silent, his thoughts racing. Saving the world—or worlds, apparently—was not on his to-do list. He was a simple guy with simple goals: eat, fight, survive. But if what she was saying was true, if the Sovereign could reach his world…
He let out a long breath, feeling the weight of the situation settle on his shoulders.
"Well, that changes things," he muttered.
Amara took a step forward, her gaze steady. "So, what's it going to be?"
Ubuntu looked down at the ground, kicking a loose rock across the cobblestone road. "Saving the world? Me? Wow, that's... that's cute. Really, it is. But come on, I'm just a guy who punches things. A little bread, a little beer, and I'm good. Maybe someone else—"
"I can help you get home," Amara said again, her tone more insistent this time. "But I need you to help me stop him. If you want to go back to your old life, this is the way."
Ubuntu clenched his fists, the thought of returning home tugging at him. The familiar streets, the normal life he had left behind. But then he thought about this world, about how easy it was to lose yourself in its chaos, its violence. If the Sovereign had a way to reach beyond, then home wasn't safe, either.
He straightened up, his usual cocky grin returning as he looked at Amara. "Alright. You've got my attention. But I'm not promising anything grand like 'saving the world.' I'll help you deal with this Sovereign guy, and we'll see what happens."
Amara allowed herself a small smile. "That's all I need."
"Cool," Ubuntu said, stretching his arms above his head. "Now, about that money…"