Erin Equinox was one of the most important individuals in the entire world. For one thing, she was a Level 72 [Grandmaster Warlady], a class combination of [General], [Lady], and [Strategist]. For another? She was only 20 years old.
At such a young age, Erin was already the highest leveled person in all of Izril, and her career had only just begun. She heard stories and legends of people in the distant past hitting levels far higher than hers, but in this Waning World, she only knew of half a dozen others who could stand up to her.
The young woman was determined to surpass them all, of course. She hated the idea that the current world was nothing more than a shadow of its former self. She had wanted to revitalize the world—return it back to what it once was, to a time when the Gods still lived amongst Mankind. And to do that, she had become the foremost [Lady] of Izril. But that was only the first step in the [Strategist]’s plan.
She looked up, and saw one of her machinations unfold before her. The satisfying sounds of marble clicking softly on wood gave her mind ease, knowing that her hard work was slowly coming into fruition. Sitting across from her, the Archmage relaxed back onto his chair, and smiled.
“It’s your move, Lady Equinox.”
Erin Equinox did not lean over to see what the man had done; she was a [Lady]—she sat on her rich sofa with her back straight, never once giving into an improper posture. She picked up a cup of tea, and gently took a sip of it before she spoke.
“My dear, good Archmage, you spent quite a lot of time on your move. If this were a proper match, you’d have run out of time.”
The Archmage, or [Grand Mage] was his class, reached over to a plate on the table, grabbing it with his index finger, and slowly dragged it over towards him.
“I am aware of that, Lady Equinox, but I was under the impression that this was no more than a friendly match between us friends.”
He picked up the biscuit, and took a bite from it after he finished speaking. Erin nodded.
“Certainly, Archmage. I was simply making an observation. Just as I would like to point out that this is checkmate.”
The man blinked, leaning over to the board placed at the center of the table.
“What? But I was sure I had made the best move.”
This time, it was the [Lady]’s turn to smile. She lowered her cup of tea, as she indicated at the pieces scattered on the board.
“You did, Archmage. If you had made any other move, you would have been checkmated in two turns. With what you did instead, you have delayed your fate by an extra turn.”
The Archmage paused.
“I—no, you’re right. How did I not see this?”
He sighed, and tipped over a piece on the board. It was a long white piece, with a crow on top of its head.
“You win, Lady Equinox. I can’t beat you at your own game.”
The young woman laughed politely.
“You flatter me, Archmage. But this was a well fought game. I found myself to be losing on various occasions. I doubt anyone else in Wistram could have threatened me as you did in a game of chess.”
“Certainly not Archmage Aaron.”
The man chuckled. And this time, Erin found herself laughing with real delight.
“Oh, you and Archmage Vonswell’s rivalry is truly entertaining. I would love to see a match between you two, if only to watch the aftermath of such a bout.”
He grinned.
“I think you’d find me beating him in both chess and in a duel.”
Erin was about to concur, when she heard a soft knock coming from the door. The Archmage glanced over her shoulder, as she turned around and called out softly.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and a young man stood at the doorway. It was her [Custodian].
“Joseph? Is something the matter?”
Joseph did not move to enter the room, but instead spoke from where he was standing.
“My Lady, you have a Runner here to see you.”
“A Runner? Ah, it must be a response from the Great Company in Baleros. And this Runner is Ryoka, I presume? Send her in.”
Joseph nodded, and took a step back. The Archmage spoke from behind Erin.
“Ryoka? As in Ryoka Evening Griffon? The Faerie Courier who can deliver packages across continents in days? That Ryoka?”
“Yes.”
Erin Equinox saw the Archmage look at her with amazement. Of course he would. A single delivery by Ryoka Griffon—not like Griffin, the monster, but Griffon, the dog—would cost tens of thousands of gold. And yet, here was Erin, using the famed Courier as a messenger girl!
“I do apologize, Archmage. But Courier Griffon has confidential information she has to share for me.”
“I, uh, of course.”
The Archmage sat up quickly, breaking out of his stupor.
“I can excuse myself—”
“No, no. Joseph.”
Erin Equinox called for her [Custodian], who had just returned with a woman who looked to be only a year or two older than Erin following behind him.
“Yes, my Lady?”
The young woman smiled, and gestured at the man standing in front of her.
“Please show Archmage Trey Bywood to a guest room. It’s late, and I’d hate to send him off this late into the evening. Ensure that all his needs are seen to.”
“Of course, my Lady.”
She turned back to Trey, held out a hand.
“I thank you for your time coming out to meet with me, Archmage. I do hope Wistram considers my offer to them.”
“That’s most gracious of you, Lady Equinox. And do not worry, I will ensure the other Archmages of our academy at least hears what you have to say.”
“Please. There’s no need to be so formal. You can call me Lady Erin, Archmage Trey.”
Trey Bywood took her hand, and bowed his head, before taking his leave. With that, he headed out of the room, to the two awaiting Golem bodyguards waiting for him. He nodded slightly to the impatient Drathian woman, who finally was allowed to enter the room.
Erin stood up, clapping her hands in delight.
“Ryoka, you’re looking absolutely breathtaking today.”
The Courier scowled.
“Spare me the pleasantries, Erin. Dead gods, how’d it go?”
“How did what go?”
Erin asked, trying to keep a straight face. Ryoka just stared at her, and eventually her facade broke in front of her dear friend. Her polite demeanour broke as she slouched back onto her sofa, a mischievous grin spread across her face.
“It went exactly as planned, Ryoka. I knew I could count on you.”
It was simple social manipulation. Erin had asked Ryoka to come in to deliver her message specifically when she was entertaining Archmage Trey to a game of chess. Ryoka had arrived hours earlier, and was just waiting until the time was right.
Erin had to get the timing exactly right if she wanted to be as impactful as possible. So she revealed the presence of the famed Faerie Courier, carrying a message from a Great Company from Baleros, right after she had skillfully defeated the Archmage in chess. That was sure to leave a lasting impression to anyone.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Ryoka paused, eyeing the chessboard.
“You know, I don’t know why anyone would even play you in that game you invented. Everyone knows you’re the best in the world at it, so why even bother?”
Erin sighed and rubbed her temples.
“You know I didn’t invent the game, Ryoka.”
The Courier shrugged.
“But they think you did. And that’s what matters.”
“Dead gods, Ryoka. I barely even know more about the game than Archmage Trey does. I discovered it in a dungeon a few years ago, and immediately began spreading it to as many people as possible trying to figure out what it was. I never claimed to have invented it—that’s just what people assumed. I thought it was a relic from the time of the Gods. I never expected it to get so popular.”
Ryoka Griffon—again, Griffon, like the dog—strutted over to where Erin sat, and sunk into the sofa next to her. They both sat there in silence for a moment.
“These are some nice cushions. Seems expensive. Where’d you get them?”
“I got it from the Unseen Emporium. Ever heard of them? They make good sheets—especially bedsheets.”
“Nope. But that’s probably because I’m rarely ever in Izril nowadays.”
“Right.”
Silence again. The two young women had been friends for a long time. Even before they were both famous. They enjoyed each other’s company, and they let their masks slip when they were together.
Unfortunately, reality always caught up to them; many things were expected from the two, and neither were always certain they could live up to them. A minute spent relaxing was a minute wasted. Still, Erin Equinox brought a hand up towards the ceiling and sighed wistfully.
“Sometimes, I wish I can get away from all of this. No more responsibilities, no more hardships. Just escape. Somewhere. Maybe to another world.”
The Drathian woman snorted.
“You’re the one who had all those grand dreams and ambitions when you were young. Don’t tell me you’re going to give up now.”
Erin Equinox hesitated. But ultimately shook her head.
“No. I’ve worked too for this. I’m not going to give up on it. I just want a moment of respite.”
“Respite, huh?”
Ryoka Griffon stared at her old friend, hiding a hint of a smile.
“What?”
Erin blinked.
“Well, I have news that will bring you at least a brief reprieve.”
“You do?! Why didn’t you tell me sooner!”
The young woman sat up excitedly.
“What is it? What does the United Nations Company have to say to my offer? Are they going to lend me the Healer of Baleros?”
“Calm down. And you’re too close!”
Ryoka Evening Griffon pushed her friend off of her. She took a deep breath, as Erin eagerly awaited what she had to say.
“Most of them liked your proposal, and are willing to accept it for a renegotiated price—something which I assume you planned to happen?”
Erin nodded, feeling her heart racing.
“How about the Healer of Baleros? Geneva Scarra. What did she have to say?”
“That…”
Ryoka hesitated, scratching the side of her head. Erin almost deflated, until she heard what the Courier had to say.
“She’s willing to come to Izril, to take a look around first. Before she commits to anything in specific. I think that’s the best you’re going to get out of her. She’s a bit… stiff.”
Erin snorted.
“You’re telling me? I heard she watched a performance by Thomas from the Jolly Troupe of Rhir, and she never even smiled once! That [Clown] is one of the most amusing individuals I had ever met, and even he was dejected by her lack of a reaction!”
“Don’t yell into my ear, I’m sitting right next to you.”
“Oh, right.”
Erin slumped back down. But this time, she felt much better about herself.
“Everything is starting to come together. Now I just have to get an audience with Queen Cara. And then everything will start getting into motion.”
Ryoka folded her arms.
“Good luck with that. She’s the most popular Queen in Terandria. I highly doubt even I can speak with her without a summon.”
“You never know, you know?”
Ryoka retorted.
“That optimism of yours is vexing, you know.”
Then she got up, and grinned.
“But that’s what I like about you.”
“Thanks.”
Erin Equinox ignored the insult, knowing that was just how her friend was. Ryoka started for the door, waving a hand back at the [Lady].
“I’ve gotta go. I’ll see you in another… five months? Maybe six. Depends on how many jobs I get from countries and companies this time around. Good luck with the Archmage. And with the Healer of Baleros. And with the ‘Pop’ Queen of Terandria.”
The [Grandmaster Warlady] sat up straighter as the door opened. She adopted her Lady-like persona, and waved with poise back at the Courier.
“I wish you well on your journey, Courier Griffon. I do hope we’ll meet sooner rather than later.”
The last thing Erin saw of her friend was her eyes rolling. Then the door closed, and Erin Equinox was left alone.
It took her a second before she finally got up from the sofa. She had things to do and plans to make. She reached over for her booklet of Spell scrolls—mostly Tier 5 and Tier 6 spells, but two Tier 7 ones too, just in case—and caught herself. She felt something tingle inside of her, and she poked her stomach.
“I’ll get to work in a minute. But first, nature calls.”
The young woman started heading for the bathroom, then—
----------------------------------------
Erin Equinox found herself staring down the barrel of a Dragon’s nose.
She’d stepped around the corner, into what she’d thought had been her bathroom, and then there was a Dragon, sitting in a cavernous room. It was larger than life—larger than her mansion!
“What the fuck—” Erin backed away from the massive brass scaled beast. She saw the two brilliant violet and blue eyes flicker towards her, as she felt her heart jump out of her chest.
The [Grandmaster Warlady] reached for her Spell scrolls, but they were not there; a plume of smoke erupted from the Dragon, as Erin scrambled backwards, mind racing with any number of Skills she could use in this situation. But nothing happened.
[Instantaneous Retreat]. [Deft Hand]. [Surge of Strength]. None of them worked. Why aren’t they working?! she screamed internally.
For the first time in her life, Erin Equinox had never felt so helpless—so afraid. She cowered in the face of the terrifying creature, only heard of in legends and myth, as it loomed over her; the Dragon inspected her slowly, with the hungry eyes of a predator looking at its prey.
“P-please,” Erin Equinox whispered. She wanted to bargain—make a deal with the Dragon to let her go free. But what was gold to a Dragon? What were the riches she had in comparison to the hoarder of all things across millenia?
The answer was simple: nothing. She could not offer the Dragon anything of worth. Her life was forfeit, and the young woman knew it. She watched with bated breath as the Dragon opened its maw, about to eat her—
“Ah,” it said. “You must be the new transfer student. I was wondering when you’d arrive.”
...what? Erin thought, her mind slowly trying to process the words.
Blinking, Erin Equinox looked up as the Dragon leaned back, settling into a more comfortable position behind a…desk? It was definitely a desk. Bigger than any Erin had ever seen before, but still tiny in comparison to the Dragon.
Erin felt herself sag in relief mixed with confusion, as the Dragon turned its attention away from her; without the threat of being eaten, she found herself finally getting a look at the room proper. And it was then did the young woman realize she was not in some cavern.
It was an auditorium. A large auditorium, with a stage at the front. Is this some sort of theater? Erin glanced about, confused. She did not see any rows of chairs that would have been the characteristic of a theater. She did not know where she was, and she finally worked up the courage to approach the Dragon, who seemed busy writing on a piece of paper.
“Um,” she started, “where exactly am I?”
The Dragon frowned.
“What do you mean?” it asked, narrowing its eyes. “You’re the new transfer student, aren’t you?”
Erin Equinox gulped. “O-of course!” she said, placatingly. “I just got lost while looking around, since I’m new here and all…” She did not want to piss off the very large Dragon, so she decided to go along with what it was saying.
The Dragon snorted, and a puff of smoke came out from its gaping nostrils. “That Magnolia—she can’t do her job right. Here,” it said, sliding the piece of paper towards Erin. “Just sign this, and I’ll get Magnolia to show you around.”
The young woman’s eyes bulged as she read what was written on the document. “But”—she was about to protest, but one look at the annoyed Dragon changed her mind—”of course!”
With a swift movement of her hand, Erin Equinox picked up the pen and scribbled her name onto the paper. The Dragon accepted it back, and nodded its head in approval.
“Good,” it—no, he— said. “Just give me a moment, I’ll call Magnolia over.”
The Dragon, or Principal Teriarch, picked up the tiny phone on his desk, and dialed a number on it. As he did, Erin was still processing what she had read:
Eldavin’s School of Chess hereby accepts the student into its academy, and will provide any living accommodations required by the student. By this contract, the student shall uphold the school’s code of conduct, and will not violate any of the etiquette the student is expected to maintain.
Student’s Signature
𝐸𝓇𝒾𝓃 𝐸𝓆𝓊𝒾𝓃𝑜𝓍
Principal’s Signature
Teriarch
It was then she finally realized she was in another world.
> Author's Note:
>
> With The Wandering Inn officially leaving RoyalRoad, I decided, "Why not just upload the fanfic I made last year to RoyalRoad?" It's only a chapter long. I've been too busy to continue it. It's completely unedited, and I'm not even sure if I plan on writing more of it. But if I ever do, it's here for anyone to see.
>
> Honestly, TWI is the reason why I even started writing, and it's the only story I've ever written a fanfic of. I wrote two, actually. The first was a shitpost, so it technically doesn't count. The second is this.
>
> If you enjoyed my writing, do consider checking out my real stories on my RoyalRoad account. Maybe one of them will tickle your fancy ;)
>
> Salvos - A Monster Evolution LitRPG
>
> Tian - A LitRPG Cultivation Isekai
>
> Melas - A Dark Fantasy Isekai