"The ruler of Heaven Nyuzoma had sent a request a few days ago." Yuukina continued speaking as we stood outside their premises. "Apparently, there's a quest that no one's willing to take on. If you can complete the quest within one week, I'll consider letting you in inside this sect—and perhaps I'll hear how you plan to achieve the reclamation."
The guard standing behind her approached us. He easily crossed the barrier and handed us a scroll similar to a heaven entry permit. It was slightly different though.
"That will help you get inside the palace in the central kingdom. If you agree to take the quest, head there. The ruler will give you the details."
I took the scroll and looked at Shika. She was upset. She probably was wondering whether I was doubting her or not.
"Don't worry Shika." I mumbled, gently putting my arm on her shoulder which felt rather soft, "I don't doubt you even a bit. I promised you and I will fulfill it regardless of the circumstances."
Her eyes shined. Her face flustered. She appeared as if she was relieved by those words and her cheerful smile bloomed back. Though, there was still a hint of doubt lingering in her eyes.
"Ms Yuukina, I'll meet you back within three days. Just keep your word, will you."
"My~ my~, pretty confident, eh Zanthrix." She said with an elegant grin and stared at us, "I will keep my promise but that will only apply when you return alive, hah-hah."
I don't know why, but her smile… I don't like it.
I thought.
"Let's go Shika."
"Sure," Shika replied and for the first time, I headed towards the palace.
****
It sucks!
Why does the game have to trap me inside?
Why am I not an usual player like others?
Why do I need to hurry every time?
I was an obsessive player. I like playing games and I would've played this game with full enjoyment if the circumstances weren't this dire.
To begin with, I had no idea what happened to me in real life. I couldn't even ask the other players to check on me. It'd expose my current status in this game and probably would've caused a rack over social media and the internet.
The only person I could ask was my childhood friend. Yet she was so high up in the heavens it was going to be a long journey for me.
Which is why I'm in a hurry. Otherwise, maybe… just maybe, I would've considered playing this game in a usual way—and I might've not avoided the central kingdom and the palaces. I probably would've explored them thoroughly.
However, right now I had to complete the Dynastic Singularity Quest. It wasn't compulsory but it felt like I should do it.
Yes, I might have taken the quest after seeing the rewards, but as of now, I had sympathized with the Mavi Clan—and it influenced me to help them.
I was getting an opportunity to visit the palace and honestly, I was curious a little.
Those thoughts occurred to me as Shika and I reached the capital and now were headed toward the palace.
"Zanthrix… do you hate us?" Shika hesitated but asked anyway.
"What gives that question?" I asked back.
"No. I mean we forcefully requested you and didn't even give you a proper explanation of how the clan leaders are related to each other—even the Ungu Clan leader is related to my mother. You have every right to despise us."
She was upset. I could tell by looking at those trembling eyes.
I wasn't mad per se. Nor did I despise them for any reason. They were suffering and if I were to look down upon their grave situations, I might as well give up being a human.
"Why would I be?" I replied with a warm, gentle smile, "You had something to request of me, and I'm fulfilling it. You gave me enough information necessary for retrieving the fragments, did you not?"
"That's…"
"And remember what I told you back in heaven Elzoma. Reclamation isn't granted. It's seized. If you're going to let yourself stumble just because you left out a few things I didn't even need to hear in the first place, then you might as well call it quits."
She said nothing.
Of course, she didn't.
But I wasn't done.
"Our journey so far has been fairly smooth… but I have a feeling things won't stay that way. Getting the third fragment—and earning your mother's trust—won't be easy. But don't worry. I'm with you. And I intend to keep my promise."
She halted. I turned back and looked at her. She then took a deep breath, gently slapped her both cheeks with her palms, and then took another deep breath.
"SIGH!!!!!" she looked at me smilingly, "Thanks Zanthrix! It means a lot. I promise I'll explain everything after reviving our clan. Heh-heh"
She smiled a beautiful, cheering smile and her face glowed with brilliance.
"Sure. I'll be waiting for then."
*****
Finally, we reached the entrance of the palace. It was like any other palace in a fantasy movie. The soldiers were guarding the long path that led straight to the actual entrance of the palace—and the other soldiers were assigned to the other places according to their shifts.
It felt pretty normal. Nothing new was to it.
As we reached the first two soldiers, they blocked the way like I had already anticipated.
"Adventurers! Please state your business." One of them asked like an NPC.
Well duh! He was an NPC.
"We're asked by the ruler for a certain mission." It was Shika who took the lead and spoke with them.
"Is that so? We weren't informed of anyone's arrival. Do you have permission?"
"Will it be enough?" I handed them the permit which was tagged with the same emblem that was carved in the flag waving atop the palace.
It was like a wolf had scratched a shield with its paws.
He opened the scroll for confirmation. He then said with a shocking impression, "Please follow me. The ruler is waiting for this specific task."
We nodded and began walking on the long path after the soldier.
We entered the palace soon after and were taken straight to the king's chamber. It was huge, larger than anything I've seen up until now. The scarlet mat spanned endlessly and touched the low stairs leading to the throne. A middle-aged man was sitting on that majestic throne, wearing golden attire from head to toe. He looked pretty regal.
More than me? Probably not.
My exclusive avatar was something else, I didn't witness anyone matching its regal appearance and warrior-like vibe.
However, soon after we arrived at the king's chamber my gaze shifted towards something else entirely. It wasn't the king but rather the pictures framed behind him, which were hanging on the wall with divine radiance.