Shagal set foot in the bustling city where her informant swore she would find the hero, Kaito. Her breath quickened, a fiery tempest of anticipation and rage simmering within, as the moment to confront him drew near.
Guided by the morning air carrying promising traces of mana and cursing under her breath with each step, she found herself in front of a pastry shop’s window.
The man with groomed black hair.
A woman laughed lightly at something the hero said while nibbling on a pastry. Princess Zenith? The serene smile on the king’s daughter’ face as she gazed at Kaito churned Shagal’s stomach. That damned hero dared to manipulate the princess with his vile magic? At that moment Shagal clenched her fists, and swore she would save her. So she slid into the shadows and waited for Kaito and Zenith to emerge onto the street.
She trailed them, channeling mana throughout her body and ready to strike. They meandered through the market, examining wares. As Kaito inspected a bundle of herbs, Shagal seized her chance. With viper-like speed, Shagal drew a curved dagger from her sleeve and hurled it at the hero’s spine. But at that very instant, Kaito sidestepped, the dagger sailing harmlessly over him to clatter against a nearby wall. Shagal narrowed her eyes.
Shagal seethed, glaring at Kaito’s back as he walked on. How could he have such awareness without even looking? Was it a fluke? No. The hero was not to be underestimated. His preternatural awareness had to be more powerful than what the late Master of Illusion had estimated. I’ll have to be more cautious.
As the morning wore on, she pursued her prey through a crowd, until they stopped before a troupe of street performers.
While Kaito was distracted watching the acrobats, she quietly loaded a poison dart into the hollow tube concealed in her palm. Yet just as she took aim, Kaito leaned down to stretch, the dart barely skimming over his perfect hair, embedding into a wooden post. Shagal grit her teeth in frustration.
Was is this God-level precognition or a disgraceful time manipulation? Is he mocking me?”
Later, Princess Zenith playfully draped a bright cloak over Kaito’s shoulders, urging him to try the local styles. As Kaito admired his reflection, Shagal slipped through the crowd behind him, a slender blade at the ready. But when she thrusted forward, the blade met only fabric, turned away by the thick cloak’s folds. Enchanted wool? How did he know?
Impossible! she thought. Her every attempt was so easily foiled by happenstance and coincidence. To Kaito, it seemed merely a lively city around him. But to her, his unnatural luck only deepened her suspicions as her vengeance was denied again and again.
Not even the four heroes together will be able to take down this beast. But I must save the princess.
She followed them into a hotel. Her muscles trembled from the effort of channeling every ounce of mana into her body, veins bulging beneath her skin. She watched Kaito and Zenith enter a conference room on the second floor, closing the door behind them. But their murmurs filtered through the wood, loud and clear.
“I think we’ve found all the vendors we need,” said the man.
“Yes, today was a very productive day!” replied the princess.
With a guttural yell, Shagal unleashed the pent-up energy. Her biceps swelled and back rippled as she grew to nearly twice her size. The buildings shook from the force of her stride as she barreled through the hotel doors. Single-minded in her goal, she slammed into the conference room, splintering the door into fragments. She’d rehearsed the motion in her mind one hundred times, Shagal grabbed the startled Zenith and hoisted the princess over a burly shoulder.
Without stopping, She sprinted towards the window on the opposite end. Her powerful legs propelled them across the room in seconds. With Zenith screaming in her ear, Shagal launched them out the second-story window...
Only to land with a crash back inside the very same conference room.
Shagal gawked in disbelief even as she gently set down the shaken Zenith. “What happened?” Before she could react, an overwhelming pressure forced Shagal to her knees. She peered upwards to see Kaito gazing down at her calmly, one hand raised in her direction.
“I’ll kill you!” Shagal roared. Mustering her remaining strength, she fought against the invisible force pinning her down, bruises formed on her muscles from the strain. Yet no matter how hard she resisted, Kaito needed only twitch his hand for Shagal’s cheek to smack against the hardwood floor.
“Please, release her! She means no harm.” Suddenly, Princess Zenith was at Kaito’s side, clutching his arm.
Kaito studied Zenith for a moment before relenting with a smile. As he lowered his palm, the crushing pressure around Shagal evaporated. She stared between her would-be victims in shock as they helped her to her feet.
Shagal stared at the princess and hero, utterly baffled. “What is happening here?” she demanded. “How did we end up back in this very room after I jumped through the window?”
Zenith beamed with pride. “There was a Dimensional Paradox Shift. I just cast the spell, and here we are!”
Kaito smiled warmly at the princess. “Zenith, you did wonderfully. I always knew you could do it.”
Shagal shook her head, trying to clear the dizzying confusion. She had come here to rescue Zenith from Kaito’s clutches, yet they were speaking like old friends. No! With a swift, almost reflexive motion, she reached out, her hand closing firmly around Zenith’s arm. “Stay back, Princess,” she warned, her voice a low growl. “I won’t let him control you...”
Her words trailed off, instead of showing fear, Zenith met Shagal with sympathy. “Shagal, he’s not your enemy.”
She considered it for a moment. There’s no malicious mana, but it must be some kind of trick.
Kaito simply nodded.
Shagal released Zenith’s arm. She studied Kaito more closely,
“It doesn’t make sense, I can’t forgive him” Shagal stammered. “You were said to be all-powerful, yet you did not aid the King in the war. Orleado died because you weren’t there.”
“Orleado died?” Zenith’s voice quivered. But then she placed a hand on Shagal’s shoulder. “Still, you mustn’t blame Kaito.”
“It’s not always about power, Shagal,” he began. “Sometimes, it’s about choices, about understanding that everyone has their path. I never controlled Zenith, nor did I intend to. She’s her own person, as are we all.”
“And what of the war? Your absence... it cost lives.”
Kaito replied gently, “I know how it looks, but being powerful doesn’t mean I have to be everywhere, solve every problem. It’s about making hard choices, sometimes about not being part of a fight, even if others expect you to be.”
There was a pause, before Kaito continued. “I understand your anger, Shagal. But if you give me a chance, if we talk, you might see things differently.”
Shagal fell to her knees, no longer tense. No longer struggling. “Orleado died, and I... I thought it was because you weren’t there. I’ve been blaming you, it made sense.”
“Would you like to talk to him?”
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Do you know who this Orleado is?
He is…was one Daiyudura’s heroes that fought in the war against the Dark Army. The one that you refused to participate in. Remember that one? I still have the quests related to it here readily available, which you would fail instantly since the war already concluded, but I can prompt them if you want to see them.
That won’t be necessary, but thanks for the reminder.
Anytime! Hey in the meantime, if you want I have some quests related to this Orc-chick. I’ll tell you that her backstory is insanely tragic. You will love it!
Ha! Found him!
“And you say you can let me speak with Orleado?” Shagal asked cautiously.
“Yes, for closure, for understanding.”
Kaito gently moved his hand towards the female orc’s face. Shagal recoiled sharply.
Zenith sat beside her. “You can trust him.”
Shagal sighed, and Kaito tried again, this time placing two fingers on Shagal’s forehead.
Shagal suddenly started crying….a lot. Kaito regarded her calmly as the tears flowed down her cheeks. He felt a stir of sympathy for this warrior, but he let her process her encounter with Orleado.
What the fuck did you show her?
I don’t know, that’s a private conversation between her and Orleado.
“Thank you, Kaito.”
Kaito locked eyes with her and smiled. “I hope I was able to help, if only a little.”
“I understand now. It wasn’t your duty to fight our war. But still, I have to ask... why didn’t you? With your strength, shouldn’t you have been there?”
Karen, run a quick tally. How many lives have I saved across all my adventures?
Calculating now… Calculations complete. The total is approximately 1,000,000,000,000.
That’s a nice number. Thanks!
“I’ve often asked myself the same question. The truth is, I’ve been part of saving a trillion lives over my journeys. Each decision, each action, was a moment where I had to weigh the impact of my involvement.”
Adjusting for the two billion that died because of you in your last world, the net is 998,000,000,000.
Gee thanks…anyway, we don’t talk about my last world.
Zenith delicately grasped Shagal’s arm and helped her to her feet. “It’s true, I’ve learned this too from watching Master Kaito.”
“The responsibility of power is immense, and I’ve carried that burden for a long time, across worlds and battles. But there comes a point where you realize that you’ve done your part, that you’ve earned the right to enjoy the peace you’ve helped create.”
“You’ve borne the weight of worlds on your shoulders. I understand,” Shagal said.
“Exactly. And now, my part is to ensure this peace lasts, to enjoy it, and to inspire others to find their own peace.”
Gathering herself, wiping away the tears with a rough swipe of her hand, Shagal straightened. She looked at Kaito. “Master Kaito, I wish to learn from you. Will you accept me as your disciple?”
Wait, what?
Let’s go, Kaito! I can see it now: ‘Master Kaito’s Dojo of Peace and Tranquility’ - specializing in the ancient and revered style of ‘Ryoryoshin-no-Kaze,’ the way of the ‘Gentle Breeze’! Just think of the merchandising possibilities!
Ryoryoshin-no-Kaze? How did you come up with that?
I was able to access some of your home world’s records…remember?
Kaito’s eyes widened slightly, though he managed to keep his reaction muted. Zenith, however, standing a little off to the side, looked more excited than a kid on Christmas morning.
‘Ahem.’ “Very well. I accept you as my disciple.”
“This is wonderful!” she exclaimed. “Shagal, we’ll make a great team, again.”
Shagal set her blade in front of her and bowed her head. “I won’t let you down, Master.”
Kaito leaned slightly forward, his eyes locking with Shagal’s. “Your first mission,” he began, “is to be our eyes and ears in the capital. Ensure that no one discovers our whereabouts. It’s vital for what comes next.”
Master Kaito, What comes next?
I have no clue. I panicked and needed to come up with something.
Shagal’s eyes hardened with determination. She thumped a fist against her chest. “I swear on my life that I shall protect your secret.”
“And Shagal,” he said warmly, “come visit us in Calmo Village. I’d be honored if you’d try some of the baked goods I make. They say I have a knack for it.”
Shagal set foot in the bustling city where her informant swore she would find the hero, Kaito. Her breath quickened, a fiery tempest of anticipation and rage simmering within, as the moment to confront him drew near.
Guided by the morning air carrying promising traces of mana and cursing under her breath with each step, she found herself in front of a pastry shop’s window.
The man with groomed black hair.
A woman laughed lightly at something the hero said while nibbling on a pastry. Princess Zenith? The serene smile on the king’s daughter’ face as she gazed at Kaito churned Shagal’s stomach. That damned hero dared to manipulate the princess with his vile magic? At that moment Shagal clenched her fists, and swore she would save her. So she slid into the shadows and waited for Kaito and Zenith to emerge onto the street.
She trailed them, channeling mana throughout her body and ready to strike. They meandered through the market, examining wares. As Kaito inspected a bundle of herbs, Shagal seized her chance. With viper-like speed, Shagal drew a curved dagger from her sleeve and hurled it at the hero’s spine. But at that very instant, Kaito sidestepped, the dagger sailing harmlessly over him to clatter against a nearby wall. Shagal narrowed her eyes.
Shagal seethed, glaring at Kaito’s back as he walked on. How could he have such awareness without even looking? Was it a fluke? No. The hero was not to be underestimated. His preternatural awareness had to be more powerful than what the late Master of Illusion had estimated. I’ll have to be more cautious.
As the morning wore on, she pursued her prey through a crowd, until they stopped before a troupe of street performers.
While Kaito was distracted watching the acrobats, she quietly loaded a poison dart into the hollow tube concealed in her palm. Yet just as she took aim, Kaito leaned down to stretch, the dart barely skimming over his perfect hair, embedding into a wooden post. Shagal grit her teeth in frustration.
Was is this God-level precognition or a disgraceful time manipulation? Is he mocking me?”
Later, Princess Zenith playfully draped a bright cloak over Kaito’s shoulders, urging him to try the local styles. As Kaito admired his reflection, Shagal slipped through the crowd behind him, a slender blade at the ready. But when she thrusted forward, the blade met only fabric, turned away by the thick cloak’s folds. Enchanted wool? How did he know?
Impossible! she thought. Her every attempt was so easily foiled by happenstance and coincidence. To Kaito, it seemed merely a lively city around him. But to her, his unnatural luck only deepened her suspicions as her vengeance was denied again and again.
Not even the four heroes together will be able to take down this beast. But I must save the princess.
She followed them into a hotel. Her muscles trembled from the effort of channeling every ounce of mana into her body, veins bulging beneath her skin. She watched Kaito and Zenith enter a conference room on the second floor, closing the door behind them. But their murmurs filtered through the wood, loud and clear.
“I think we’ve found all the vendors we need,” said the man.
“Yes, today was a very productive day!” replied the princess.
With a guttural yell, Shagal unleashed the pent-up energy. Her biceps swelled and back rippled as she grew to nearly twice her size. The buildings shook from the force of her stride as she barreled through the hotel doors. Single-minded in her goal, she slammed into the conference room, splintering the door into fragments. She’d rehearsed the motion in her mind one hundred times, Shagal grabbed the startled Zenith and hoisted the princess over a burly shoulder.
Without stopping, She sprinted towards the window on the opposite end. Her powerful legs propelled them across the room in seconds. With Zenith screaming in her ear, Shagal launched them out the second-story window...
Only to land with a crash back inside the very same conference room.
Shagal gawked in disbelief even as she gently set down the shaken Zenith. “What happened?” Before she could react, an overwhelming pressure forced Shagal to her knees. She peered upwards to see Kaito gazing down at her calmly, one hand raised in her direction.
“I’ll kill you!” Shagal roared. Mustering her remaining strength, she fought against the invisible force pinning her down, bruises formed on her muscles from the strain. Yet no matter how hard she resisted, Kaito needed only twitch his hand for Shagal’s cheek to smack against the hardwood floor.
“Please, release her! She means no harm.” Suddenly, Princess Zenith was at Kaito’s side, clutching his arm.
Kaito studied Zenith for a moment before relenting with a smile. As he lowered his palm, the crushing pressure around Shagal evaporated. She stared between her would-be victims in shock as they helped her to her feet.
Shagal stared at the princess and hero, utterly baffled. “What is happening here?” she demanded. “How did we end up back in this very room after I jumped through the window?”
Zenith beamed with pride. “There was a Dimensional Paradox Shift. I just cast the spell, and here we are!”
Kaito smiled warmly at the princess. “Zenith, you did wonderfully. I always knew you could do it.”
Shagal shook her head, trying to clear the dizzying confusion. She had come here to rescue Zenith from Kaito’s clutches, yet they were speaking like old friends. No! With a swift, almost reflexive motion, she reached out, her hand closing firmly around Zenith’s arm. “Stay back, Princess,” she warned, her voice a low growl. “I won’t let him control you...”
Her words trailed off, instead of showing fear, Zenith met Shagal with sympathy. “Shagal, he’s not your enemy.”
She considered it for a moment. There’s no malicious mana, but it must be some kind of trick.
Kaito simply nodded.
Shagal released Zenith’s arm. She studied Kaito more closely,
“It doesn’t make sense, I can’t forgive him” Shagal stammered. “You were said to be all-powerful, yet you did not aid the King in the war. Orleado died because you weren’t there.”
“Orleado died?” Zenith’s voice quivered. But then she placed a hand on Shagal’s shoulder. “Still, you mustn’t blame Kaito.”
“It’s not always about power, Shagal,” he began. “Sometimes, it’s about choices, about understanding that everyone has their path. I never controlled Zenith, nor did I intend to. She’s her own person, as are we all.”
“And what of the war? Your absence... it cost lives.”
Kaito replied gently, “I know how it looks, but being powerful doesn’t mean I have to be everywhere, solve every problem. It’s about making hard choices, sometimes about not being part of a fight, even if others expect you to be.”
There was a pause, before Kaito continued. “I understand your anger, Shagal. But if you give me a chance, if we talk, you might see things differently.”
Shagal fell to her knees, no longer tense. No longer struggling. “Orleado died, and I... I thought it was because you weren’t there. I’ve been blaming you, it made sense.”
“Would you like to talk to him?”
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Do you know who this Orleado is?
He is…was one Daiyudura’s heroes that fought in the war against the Dark Army. The one that you refused to participate in. Remember that one? I still have the quests related to it here readily available, which you would fail instantly since the war already concluded, but I can prompt them if you want to see them.
That won’t be necessary, but thanks for the reminder.
Anytime! Hey in the meantime, if you want I have some quests related to this Orc-chick. I’ll tell you that her backstory is insanely tragic. You will love it!
Ha! Found him!
“And you say you can let me speak with Orleado?” Shagal asked cautiously.
“Yes, for closure, for understanding.”
Kaito gently moved his hand towards the female orc’s face. Shagal recoiled sharply.
Zenith sat beside her. “You can trust him.”
Shagal sighed, and Kaito tried again, this time placing two fingers on Shagal’s forehead.
Shagal suddenly started crying….a lot. Kaito regarded her calmly as the tears flowed down her cheeks. He felt a stir of sympathy for this warrior, but he let her process her encounter with Orleado.
What the fuck did you show her?
I don’t know, that’s a private conversation between her and Orleado.
“Thank you, Kaito.”
Kaito locked eyes with her and smiled. “I hope I was able to help, if only a little.”
“I understand now. It wasn’t your duty to fight our war. But still, I have to ask... why didn’t you? With your strength, shouldn’t you have been there?”
Karen, run a quick tally. How many lives have I saved across all my adventures?
Calculating now… Calculations complete. The total is approximately 1,000,000,000,000.
That’s a nice number. Thanks!
“I’ve often asked myself the same question. The truth is, I’ve been part of saving a trillion lives over my journeys. Each decision, each action, was a moment where I had to weigh the impact of my involvement.”
Adjusting for the two billion that died because of you in your last world, the net is 998,000,000,000.
Gee thanks…anyway, we don’t talk about my last world.
Zenith delicately grasped Shagal’s arm and helped her to her feet. “It’s true, I’ve learned this too from watching Master Kaito.”
“The responsibility of power is immense, and I’ve carried that burden for a long time, across worlds and battles. But there comes a point where you realize that you’ve done your part, that you’ve earned the right to enjoy the peace you’ve helped create.”
“You’ve borne the weight of worlds on your shoulders. I understand,” Shagal said.
“Exactly. And now, my part is to ensure this peace lasts, to enjoy it, and to inspire others to find their own peace.”
Gathering herself, wiping away the tears with a rough swipe of her hand, Shagal straightened. She looked at Kaito. “Master Kaito, I wish to learn from you. Will you accept me as your disciple?”
Wait, what?
Let’s go, Kaito! I can see it now: ‘Master Kaito’s Dojo of Peace and Tranquility’ - specializing in the ancient and revered style of ‘Ryoryoshin-no-Kaze,’ the way of the ‘Gentle Breeze’! Just think of the merchandising possibilities!
Ryoryoshin-no-Kaze? How did you come up with that?
I was able to access some of your home world’s records…remember?
Kaito’s eyes widened slightly, though he managed to keep his reaction muted. Zenith, however, standing a little off to the side, looked more excited than a kid on Christmas morning.
‘Ahem.’ “Very well. I accept you as my disciple.”
“This is wonderful!” she exclaimed. “Shagal, we’ll make a great team, again.”
Shagal set her blade in front of her and bowed her head. “I won’t let you down, Master.”
Kaito leaned slightly forward, his eyes locking with Shagal’s. “Your first mission,” he began, “is to be our eyes and ears in the capital. Ensure that no one discovers our whereabouts. It’s vital for what comes next.”
Master Kaito, What comes next?
I have no clue. I panicked and needed to come up with something.
Shagal’s eyes hardened with determination. She thumped a fist against her chest. “I swear on my life that I shall protect your secret.”
“And Shagal,” he said warmly, “come visit us in Calmo Village. I’d be honored if you’d try some of the baked goods I make. They say I have a knack for it.”
