All that the world has to offer, including selfish desires, ambition to possess beautiful things and pride in the life they lead, does not come from the Gods, but from the world and human imperfection. It is man and his desires that create the magical illusion of perfection, which in reality is not. Perfection is a chimera, a mirage that makes us believe we can achieve it. Life is imperfect, and it is in that imperfection that we find true beauty.
Jake Archer: ADES.
- - -
ADES:
Blood marked the path, the sword brushed his neck, and the gazes were defiant. Jake remembered the day he boarded the ship. Sun Island, a paradise beyond compare. Its golden sands and crystal clear waters invited adventure. Charters and adventurers were arriving in search of fame and wealth. So was he.
After his father's death, his life seemed to lose direction, caught between dilemmas: would he seek to regain glory and fortune on that island, or would he return home to face his reality and legacy? The sword pressed against his neck, his father's stories came back to his mind.
Time was slowing down. The sea breeze caressed his face, reminding him of the freedom he once longed for in that corner of paradise. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and accepted the consequences of his decisions.
- - -
Forbidden Love:
With his beloved in his arms, the creak of the bed evoked memories of nights past and whispered promises. He closed his eyes, surrendering to the warmth of the moment, leaving behind the shadows of yesterday. The moans were barely an echo, a fading melody. They didn't notice the furious pounding on the door until it burst open, revealing a red, menacing figure: the father.
—” Sphere of light! — he shouted. The explosion illuminated the room and blinded the intruder. The window exploded into a thousand pieces, and the icy wind burst into the room. The father hesitated, his anger turning to bewilderment.
The man who had dared to sleep with his daughter would rather throw himself out the window than face him? He knew his daughter was coveted, a treasure, daughter of the most powerful sorcery general in the five kingdoms. But what if the man in the bed was nothing more than a nobody? He felt humiliated.
With his eyesight, still hazy, he saw the broken window, the cold night breeze brushing against his skin, the frantic throbbing in his chest. He thought of rushing after the lover, but stopped himself. From above, she watched the man escape into the shadows. A whirlwind of anger and shame consumed him.
— Catch him! — The guards, still confused, awoke instantly and saw him running toward the nearby houses.
Footsteps echoed on the ground, wet from the recent rain. The officers pursued him with drawn swords. Among the narrow streets, a small flame danced in his palm, illuminating his pale face. Drunken people passed him by, not noticing his swift pace. Suddenly, the fog began to rise, covering his legs.
— God of the earth and mountains,” she murmured,” protect your son and guide him on the safe path.
Quietly, a crack opened beneath his feet, releasing a dense curtain of fog that enveloped everything. The flame in his hand went out, and the man jumped inside.
The pursuers stopped dead in their tracks, astonished. They put away their swords, took a deep breath, and bravely jumped as well. As they fell, the surroundings resembled a dungeon: rocky walls and enveloping darkness. They groped forward, guided by the cold walls.
— It's better to go back,” muttered one, after minutes of silence.
They began to climb the rocks, the air filled with the scent of forest and fresh grass as the fog lifted. When they reached the top, they found themselves in a strange place: twisted trees, plants emitting a soft glow and a starry sky that seemed close. They understood that they had crossed a threshold into the unknown.
- - -
Reconnaissance mission:
— Brother! Where are you?” The female voice echoed in the fog, but there was no response. The figures faded in the white light.
Their eyes changed color, as if a membrane covered them; their elven nature repelled illusions. These lands, shrouded in mist, protected against possible invaders. Any other race would be lost in this forest without the proper equipment.
He advanced cautiously, his hands brushed the hilt of the sword. The mist dissipated and exposed a familiar landscape: giant trees reaching skyward, covered with flowers and vines. A river meandered through the valley, and birdsong filled the air. She stopped when she saw it.
— Did you catch any? — She relaxed her stance and loosened her grip.
A white-skinned man with green eyes watched her from a distance, a fishing rod in hand and a straw hat.
— This letter came for you,” she held out an envelope with a wax seal bearing an unfamiliar emblem, shrugging her shoulders. I can't read it to you, it's in a strange language.
The young elf took it, broke the seal and unfolded the paper curiously.
— I'm sorry, I thought it might be from some secret boyfriend of yours,” he laughed, sitting down on a nearby rock. The young woman approached, intrigued. He took a quick glance and folded the sheet. It doesn't matter, throw it away.
— Why, what does it say? — sensing that something was wrong.
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— It's another reconnaissance mission,” he squeezed the envelope, balling it up.
— Why don't you take this mission if you've always liked them?
The elf stood up and took a few steps, thoughtfully.
— It's different this time. This is human territory. Humans are our enemies. If I live with them, they might make me doubt my beliefs… and who I am,” his figure silhouetted against the sky. If it's human work, I'm not interested. I don't want any trouble.
— I understand, but how much are they offering this time?
— Two rooms full of gold.
— You can't refuse! — She approached him, with tears showing. Why don't you accept? What's wrong with you? — He shrugged, his gaze lost in the valley. You know Soora, our sister, is ill. She's only twenty years old,” she began to hit him, though with little force, stopping shortly after, panting. And Mom, the pride of our family? And the promise to Dad to protect the last of what's left? She needs those medicines to survive. Medicines our people can't make. Are you going to let her die because of some foolish belief of the elders?
— Stop…this is where you and I differ,” he stood up and walked into the forest, scanning the valley with his eyes.
— Let's go together! Leave Soora with our aunt. Promise the patriarch that you will repay the debt when you return. If we give our lands as a pledge, we will be able to….
— This is not a common dungeon mission or reconnaissance, it's an exploration. You don't know what's there,” he held up the letter,” I know you can't read it, so I'll do it for you. It says: Sun Island Exploration. Two rooms full of gold for whoever scours the island and returns with information about its resources and possible dangers. No further details, no map, no suggested route. Just one order: explore and return. If they're willing to pay so much, it's because they think it's worth risking so many people,” he paused. His sister was crying. You may be alone for a while.
— I don't care! I'll go with you… Ow! — he groaned as he was hit on the head. Despite the pain, she smiled. Why do you always do that?
— Unlike me, she has your blood. I'll go alone. Take care of her until I get back.
- - -
Start of the Reconnaissance Mission:
— The preparations are ready. One hundred and fifty-eight nobles and merchants have been used to promote the mission of exploration of the island. The ships and supplies are ready, and investors have contributed sixteen vessels full of gold.
The blond man in the room smiled. — Excellent. And how are our brave explorers doing?
— There is too much grumbling. The dwarves of Pernor have slept with women from nearby villages and drank all the alcohol in the warehouses. Those from Emberforge brought their wives, and those from Seraphina complain that they have more than one wife. Those from Lunin took girls and young women to become servants, while those from Lirael protest the lack of comforts on the ships and the disappearance of a noble boy. The elves refuse to travel on ships they have not built themselves, and regarding food, they do not eat red meat. The succubi have spent more time with the knights, and they no longer try to resist. Beastmen fight with those they consider too effeminate and….
— Enough! — The blond raised his hand and wiped away his smile. How long before they leave?
— With this many people, between three and five days, my lord.
— Let them do it in two! I don't care if they start fighting among themselves, I want them to sail before there's any more trouble! Make sure the elves have their special ships, or at least that they don't complain and travel with the rest. And assign guards or peasants to watch the succubi and keep them from distracting the knights.
— Lord Belet, this is chaos. We have almost three thousand people out there. Is there any chance of canceling the trip?
— Talk to the boss! It was his idea. As long as you are in Seraphina territory, you are under our rules and laws.
— Understood. I'll be back in two days. Remember that the Arkanian parliament will also come. On this depends on the establishment of the world assembly and court in these lands. So make a good presentation.
- - -
—Welcome!
The port of Seraphina shone in the rising sun, barges rested in the bay. The air was filled with shouts, and the crowd was beginning to press in. The smell of salt and damp wood was soon replaced by the stench of heat.
— The reconnaissance mission begins today, the 12th of the Enlightened Ancestors of the year 724 after Val, on the shores of Seraphina, in Inecacol Harbor! The mission will consist of exploring the island, recording its natural resources and dangers. You will be dropped off in the south with an identity card from the University of Seraphina and a set of scrolls with four uses: on death, retreat, call for help and report important findings. The group will split up to cover different areas and detail a map based on their information. Upon completion, the first to reach the other end will receive two rooms full of gold, and their name will be inscribed in Seraphina's book of heroes. If it is a group, the reward will be split evenly and everyone will be entered. Each participant must have his or her own ID. Participants must be over 15 years old: for humans, beasts, and second generation demons. Or 30 years old: for elves, dwarves, and first generation demons. Those who do not meet this requirement will be disqualified, and the prize money will be donated to governmental organizations.
— Is the reward money real? It's a fortune! — shouted someone in the crowd.
— Yes, it's real! Gracer House provides protection and resources for those who wish to settle on the island once it is safe. The Pansy family provides ships and supplies for trade. The University of Seraphina offers money and letters of recommendation to young talent emerging from this exploration. The dwarven territory is Seraphina's producer of runes and weapons, and the Lance Range offers its new discovery: teleportation circles. As you heard, several kingdoms and royal families support this mission.
— Tele... what?
— Twenty silver coins or two gold coins as a fee? That's a lot! Even for a B or A class adventurer.
— That's right! The fee is twenty silver or two gold coins. A small price for the chance to make history and earn a fortune! Plus, we cover everything: lodging, transportation and more.
— Are there rules about the use of weapons in this unknown territory, like in a dungeon, to distinguish between self-defense and attacks on others?
— Weapons will be necessary! We are in uncharted territory, which involves risks. We have established rules to avoid unnecessary conflict. The use of lethal weapons will not be allowed unless in self-defense, and this must be proven. The guilty will be disqualified and punished.
— What about deaths?
— In case of death, the death scroll will automatically activate and notify the assigned guards. An investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances and prevent future incidents.
— Does that mean you will not be held responsible?
— We are talking about adventurers! The responsibility lies with them. But we will provide them with the tools to survive and thrive on the island. That concludes the round of questions. Head to your boats and prepare to set sail! You will be taken to the east harbor and then to Sun Island!
Near the shore, several tents and counters stood, displaying the rules and restrictions of the mission.
— Look at the first prototype of the registry! It comes from the University of Seraphina,” a vendor held up something similar to a card, ” Just drop a drop of blood on the paper, and you can be easily identified in emergencies! This registry is unique and unforgeable!
Some in the crowd looked nervous, others excited. The first to step forward was a swordsman.
— Come on, I want to go now,” he drew his weapon to cut his finger. A drop of blood fell on the card, which emitted a flash of light. The man's name, age, and race were engraved on the document. The crowd, overcome with excitement, began to prepare to leave for Sun Island.
Across the sea…
To be continued…