Area: Crystal Zone 2/3
Characters: Daran, Tristan, and Len Rose
"We're getting close to your mark, Daran…"
It still didn't feel real. We were in the middle of nowhere, suddenly wielding strange abilities, accessing crafting systems, and navigating a glowing map like it came out of a game.
What else could this place throw at us?
"Got it, Tristan. I need a green gem."
The formulas for our weapons were surprisingly simple. For my Instinct Blade, I only needed stone and blue crystals. Daran had chosen something called Blade's Sense of Life, which required stone and green gems.
"We should conserve materials after this," I muttered, watching the forge light up. "We don't know how long we'll be stuck here—or what we'll need later."
Daran nodded silently as the forging process began. The blades shimmered into existence, hovering above glowing runes.
<~~><~~><~~>
Instinct Blade – A sleek, blue short sword with a wide base and thin tapering edge.
Effect: Moves on instinct to evade deadly attacks.
Stats: STR +12, AGI +20, INT +17
<~~><~~><~~>
"Tristan, look… You can add two enchantments," Daran said, voice steady.
He was right. Two enchantment slots blinked on-screen, waiting to be filled.
"Instant Attack and Slash +10…" I whispered. "Alright. ENCHANT."
The power surged through my arms as the blade lit up. That same thrill from before—the feeling I got when I first used those gloves—rushed through my body again.
"Okay, Daran, let's see yours nex—"
My body moved before my brain could catch up. I turned and grabbed Daran by the collar, yanking him back—
Just as a monstrous claw swiped past us.
The beast from before—the Red-Eyed Glutton—had returned.
One of its six eyes was already cut in half.
By me?
<~~><~~><~~>
Quest: Eliminate the Red-Eyed Glutton
A fear-feeding creature with six flaming wings. Absorbs life energy and erupts in explosive shockwaves. Its red gaze paralyzes prey. Weaknesses unknown.
<~~><~~><~~>
"A quest…?" I muttered, staring at the display. "This doesn't feel like everything we need to know."
I glanced at Daran.
"I'm tossing you aside—handle that blade of yours. I'll fight."
I threw him across the cavern to safety, letting the beast fix its gaze solely on me. Its burning eyes met mine. My blade vibrated with anticipation.
Instant Attack activated.
It was like my body had its own will—each movement reactive, flawless. The beast lunged forward with a barrage of claw swipes, each one trailing energy shockwaves that cracked the cavern walls.
The roar returned—deafening and unnatural.
This isn't just an animal… It's warping the cave with sound alone.
I had six minutes before cooldown.
I lunged.
But the moment I closed the distance, the monster unleashed another roar—this one erupting in a physical wave. The air warped. The cave stretched. Everything twisted.
I couldn't dodge. The force collapsed in on me, tearing through everything.
I hit stone hard, gasping, blood in my mouth.
Crystals shattered—then floated, suspended in midair.
From the fractured light stepped a woman.
Her presence radiated power. Her red eyes locked onto the beast with cold, calculated disdain.
"Looks like my brother's pet has found new prey," she said coolly. "You're lucky. The second zone connects to one of our tunnels."
She flipped her silver-black hair over her shoulder.
"Be grateful that I—Len Rose—am here to save you."
Who… is she?
{—}{—}{—}{—}
Area: Empress's Palace
"Human. Hey, human—WAKE UP."
My eyes fluttered open.
There she was again—pale skin, silver-black hair, those blood-red eyes. The woman from the cave.
"Before you ask," she said, crossing her legs beside the bed, "this is my family's palace. Your friend is alive and well, recovering at the hot springs."
She was fast to get to the point.
"I've never heard of this place you call Haven," she added, not missing a beat.
Wait—how did she—
"Oh, hun," she smirked, "your mind is like an open window. You really need to learn to close it off. My people can hear thoughts—especially from potential partners."
What?
That gentle smile of hers chilled me. It wasn't threatening, but it was unsettling—like she knew everything about me.
"Normally, we only read minds with someone we've bonded with. But yours?" She chuckled. "So open to everyone… yet so closed off from yourself."
She leaned closer.
"Tristan, right? Wanna have fun?"
My heart skipped.
"What… what kind of fun are you talking about?"
{—}{—}{—}{—}
Area: Empress's Palace – Hunting Grounds
"Tristan—you're okay."
Daran's sigh of relief was obvious. I was glad to see him too, even if he didn't say it out loud.
"Uh… Len? Rose? Miss Rosey?" I asked awkwardly.
She gave me a flat look. "Just Rose, hun."
She handed me my blade back.
"You forgot this. Honestly, you're as forgetful as ever."
I reached out to take it, flustered, as Daran decided to open his mouth.
"Dude. Seriously?"
I shot him a glare.
"Hun," Rose added, "your mind's still wide open to me, remember? No point hiding anything."
"Why are we even here?" I muttered.
Before anyone could answer, the system flared again—my blade trembled.
Instinct Blade activated.
But my body didn't move.
Why?
The system was glitching.
"You three are in dangerous territory," a voice called out. "Didn't you know?"
A woman emerged—bandaged top, fighter pants. She moved like a hunter, but the danger I felt wasn't from her.
So where was it coming from?
"That one has decent instincts," she said, eyeing me. "But don't rely on your eyes when sensing beasts. That'll get you killed."
She lifted her leg—and kicked.
The air split.
A moment later, a thud hit behind me.
I turned—nothing.
"What the hell just happened?!" I shouted. "Where'd that sound even come from?!"
"Tristan," Daran said softly, "you don't… see it?"
I looked around, confused. "See what?"
"His vision isn't made for this realm," Rose said calmly. "He'll never be able to see the giant serpent. Not without adapting."
She turned to the woman.
"Sister Emma, could I ask you for a favor?"
Emma?
"If it's one of Peridot's monsters," she said, arms crossed, "I want nothing to do with it."
"Please," Rose insisted. "Its shell's too strong. I need your help."
Emma gave her a flat stare. "Then ask them."
She nodded at us.
"That one—fluffy hair—has decent instincts. That other one's got no muscle, though."
"Sister," Rose groaned, "Tristan can't even see certain things in this world. And Daran… well, he's still figuring it out."
Emma turned away and walked off.
"…It was worth a try," Rose muttered.
"Wait," I said, piecing things together. "The monster that attacked us—that was his creation?"
Rose nodded. "Yes. I'll explain later. For now… let's eat."
{—}{—}{—}{—}
Area: Empress's Palace – Dining Table
"Oh, by Mother's dying rose, I'm starving…" Rose said dramatically. "Mmm… grilled Noogens and gold-star gravy…"
It smelled amazing. Looked even better. Daran hesitated, clearly unsure—but we weren't eating Earth food anytime soon.
I dug in. "This is actually good. Daran, try it!"
The texture, flavor, spice… perfect.
"Hehe… It's that good, huh?" Rose smirked. "Glad you're enjoying it."
My mouth was too full to speak, so Daran took the lead.
"Since he's too busy stuffing his face," he said, "I think it's time you explain things, Rose. Where are we?"
She straightened in her chair, tone leveling out.
"You're in a different realm. This is the Mirror Realm. And no—you're not the only ones. Others from alternate worlds have visited before."
Wait… there were more?
"As for why Tristan couldn't see the serpent," she continued, "light in this realm reflects differently. It only bends through the eyes of those born here—or those with powerful enough vision."
"No wonder I failed every reading class…" I muttered. "My vision's trash."
She chuckled.
"And the monster? My brother created it. He's a green stone user—capable of creating anything he can handle. But somehow, he learned to give life to his creations. That beast? One of many."
Daran leaned in. "Why not talk to him? He's your brother."
"We tried," Rose snapped. "But he avoids everything. Mother always favored him, too…"
"All that aside—we need to get home," Daran said. "Is there anyone who can help?"
"I've never heard of Haven," Rose replied. "But… I may know someone who can."
My heart lifted—but she cut me off again.
"To earn a favor, you must give one. I saved your lives. Now you owe me."
Of course.
"And I noticed something else," she said, narrowing her eyes. "Your weapons are enchanted—but you don't know what you're doing. I want you to help me defeat that creature. Someone told me you two had potential. Don't prove them wrong."
"I'm in," Daran said immediately. "You saved us. And… there's too much we don't understand."
Was he serious?
"Good," Rose nodded. "The servant will show you to your room. I'll bring you to the training hall tomorrow. You've got decent builds, but you'll need fixing. Rest up—we have a long day ahead."
{—}{—}{—}{—}
Area: Empress's Palace – Guest Room
"Daran, why did you accept her request?!"
He sat on the bed, silent for a long moment before looking up at me.
"While you were recovering… I found something. A coat. My father's."
My breath caught.
"It was covered in crystal particles. I showed Rose, but only her mother knows what it means."
He stood.
"Something in this realm is tied to my father's death. And maybe your dad's disappearance, too."
His eyes locked on mine, steady.
"This system—these quests, enchantments, maps… it's all connected somehow. This might be our only chance to figure it out."
He extended his hand.
"Tristan… come with me on this insane adventure."
I stared at him.
Then sighed.
"…Fine. But don't die on me."
Outside, the sky fell silent. And beside Daran's bed, a faint green glow pulsed quietly in the dark.