The first day of the trip was quiet, with hardly any conversation between us. As night fell, we found an opening along the road and set up camp. Adil and Gix, the Canithal drivers, preferred to sleep closer to the road, claiming it was easier to avoid bandits that way. Though it made the rest of us uneasy, we didn’t argue. After all, with over thirty years of experience hauling carts, they knew what they were doing. Canithal, we learned, lived far longer than their canine counterparts from back home, with a lifespan of around three hundred years. Even the [Lepidomare], the creatures pulling the cart, could live up to two hundred years.

We also discovered that rank could add another century or more to one's lifespan, depending on the race. For being an ‘idiot’, Adil had a wealth of knowledge, and I planned to get as much out of her as possible during this trip.

After setting up camp, we gathered around the fire, with the wagon parked closer to the road for a quick escape if needed. We didn’t argue with Adil’s suggestion; we just hoped she was right.

“I think we need a game plan, just in case any bandits or anything else attack,” I said, breaking the silence as we stared into the flames.

“That’s a good idea,” Max responded.

“I’ll focus on the largest group,” I said, more command in my voice than I expected. “Trish, stay in the center where it’s safest. Max, find a good spot for range and pick off any stragglers. Mel, watch for anyone that slips past me or gets too close to the cart or Trish. Leo, use your AOE spells with me on the biggest group, then back up Max and Mel with the stragglers.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, but Trish gave me a look, a mix of surprise and admiration. It was a side of me she hadn’t seen before, but judging by the soft smile playing on her lips, I could tell she liked it.

“Is it wrong that I kind of hope someone does attack, just so I can finally test this gear out? And the new spell I got?” Leo said, his voice laced with far more excitement than the situation warranted.

We all stared at him for a moment. “Don’t forget, this is real life, bro. You’re still talking about killing actual people,” I said, the unease creeping into my tone. “Personally, I’d like to kill as few as possible.”

Mel nodded in agreement. “Right? I love the idea of being in a game world, mate, but I’d rather avoid killing anyone if I can help it.”

Leo held up his hands defensively, realizing his mistake. “I meant beasts, not people. Obviously, I wouldn’t want to kill anyone unless we have no choice... but like, if a pack of beasts showed up, that’d be pretty cool.” His attempt to backpedal hung in the air, but the discomfort still lingered.

Mel tried to quickly shift the subject. “So, I’ve been practicing my Ethereal abilities a bit. Ever since I learned James here was training hard, I knew I couldn’t let him be the only one putting in the effort.”

I looked at her with interest. “I thought you had it down during the Rageshard fight. That move was amazing, the way you shifted like that!”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “That was dumb luck. I tried something I hadn’t practiced yet, hoping I wouldn’t die, and praying it’d stop that damned thing from rushing past me and getting to the rest of you.” Mel’s tone grew more serious. “James, if you go down, I’m the last line of defense. I can’t afford to get that wrong.”

“We all need to take our training more seriously,” Max agreed. “I missed way too many shots. And the ones I did land might as well have been against armor.”

“Same here,” Leo said, hanging his head. “Most of my spells either missed or came too close to hitting one of you.”

Almost in a whisper, Trish added, “I overused my heals. James, you almost died because I was out of energy trying to keep everyone’s health maxed out. I need to be smarter about when I heal… and maybe I need to learn how to fight too. I can’t keep avoiding combat, but…” she hesitated, her voice faltering, “I don’t know if I could bring myself to hurt someone.”

I agreed with her, trying to offer more comfort. "We can all work with you on combat. Maybe when we get back to the castle, we can find you a trainer." Then, to include everyone, I added, "Actually, maybe we can get trainers for all of us."

"I think that's a great idea! We could always ask Tiddles for recommendations," Leo chimed in, his excitement returning. "I’d love to learn how to fight with a sword and a staff; be a real battle mage." He jumped to his feet, picking up a stick and pretending to sword fight.

We all laughed at his demonstration, and Max added, "I could definitely use some aiming practice, and maybe learn a close-quarters combat style too. I can’t always count on staying at range."

"Well, I like my hammer. I only need my hammer... but I suppose I could learn to fight better with it. I’m confident it’s all about smashing things, but who knows, maybe I’m wrong," Mel said, getting to her feet and pretending to smash things, lightening the mood further.

Let me tell you, it was both terrifying and hilarious to watch a massive orc her size stumble around pretending to smash things; while actually almost smashing things; and nearly landing in the firepit.

Trish giggled at their antics before adding with newfound determination, "I’m not sure what I want to learn yet, but I promise I’ll protect you all better. I’ll give it my all!" There was more fire in her voice than I’d ever heard, and it made me feel incredibly proud of her; and even more ready to face this evil with my friends by my side.

“Right then, I’ll take first watch. Everyone get some sleep.” I said, “Max you good for second watch?” I asked.

Leo interrupted before Max could respond, “I’ll take second watch, I haven’t been sleeping much lately anyways.”

Adil and Gix were already fast asleep on their cart, they didn’t join us and our banter. I walked over to the road and checked both directions before finding a decent stump I could settle on; I watched the forest’s edges on each side of the road more than the road itself. If there was going to be an ambush, it would be from there.

The night fell silent except for the crackling fire and the bugs hidden throughout the trees. An occasional breeze would brush the tops of the forest trees, and you could see the leaves floating in a swirl, dancing across the moonlit sky to the other side of the road.

Hey, Star? I gently nudged Star mentally, wanting to ask a few questions.

“Yes James?” Star responded, with the echoing multitude of voices that came from everywhere and nowhere at once.

Do you know anything about the leveling system, how it works? I asked.

“I know some, yes. Though, it is best not to explain anything until you are much closer to hitting the peak of Traveler.” Star responded.

Okay, but why is that the case?

“Because it will hinder the decisions you make to get there. Causing you to make choices that in the moment, you think are good. However, in the long run it will damage your progress far more than you realize.” Star responded in a serious tone.

Oh, I guess I didn’t think of that. Okay, new question. What exactly powers the system we all rely on? The leveling, the abilities; I thought it was Jaq’Kuah, but now I’m not so sure.

Star was silent for a moment, then responded with a thoughtful tone. "The system is ancient, older than even Jaq’Kuah. It was woven into the fabric of existence itself by forces beyond mortal, or even immortal, understanding. Some believe it was created to maintain balance, while others think it’s a way to control the realms."

Wait, realms? Plural?

"Yes, all the realms are connected and controlled by the system," Star replied.

Back home, we have nothing like this, you either are, or you aren’t someone of importance.

"Ah, your realm. The one I’ve heard of, the one that beat the system out, creating freedom, but also separating the heavens from the planets and the seemingly endless space." Star’s voice took on a sullen note.

It doesn’t feel like freedom in our realm… at least not on the planet I’m from.

Before I could dwell on that thought, Leo approached, breaking the silent conversation between Star and I. “Hey bro, you good?” he asked, his tone casual as he drew closer.

“Yeah, man. Just enjoying the peace and serenity this forest creates. It's strange to think of the dangers lurking within.” I said, glancing at the tree line across the road.

Leo sat down next to me; his gaze also fixed on the distance. “If you're tired, man, go ahead and get some shuteye. I can't sleep tonight anyway.”

“Why not? What's on your mind?” I asked, genuinely curious.

He rested his arms over his knees, staring at the ground between his legs for a moment, searching for the right words. “Dude, I feel stupid for what I said earlier. Of course, I don’t like hurting people. I didn’t enjoy it back in my military days, and I definitely don’t like the thought now. I’ll do what I have to, to protect you guys and the people back home. But... if I don’t see some light in all this, I might lose it,” he admitted, turning to me with seriousness etched on his face.

I considered his words. “Bro, I get it. I’m excited about the power I wield too. I mean, we’re like modern-day heroes in our world. Who wouldn’t be excited about that?” I said. “I think what threw everyone off was just how random it came across. Nobody’s mad at you, man. It was more of a shock than anything. I get where you're coming from.”

He nodded and said, "Thanks, brother. It’s good to hear that."

I patted his back as I stood. “Well, I’m going to grab some time with my lady while I can.” As I strode away, I paused mid-step. “Leo... you're a good guy. Don’t get stuck in your head over this stuff.” With that, I walked back to camp.

When I got there, I crawled into the bedroll next to Trish and wrapped my arm around her. She scooted back to me, whispering faintly, “Finally, some cuddle time.” I smiled, pulling her closer, and drifted into a deep sleep.

Leo’s shout jolted me awake. Instinctively, I grabbed my shield and Star, thankful I had fallen asleep in my chainmail. My mind snapped into focus as I scanned the surroundings.

Shadows moved at the edge of the tree line, encircling the camp. Trish was on her feet, terror in her eyes. I was thinking the same thing she was.

Shoving down my fear, I barked orders. “Everyone, positions! Leo, with me. Mel, Max, take out anyone trying to flank us!” Then, softer for Trish, “Babe, keep us alive. Don’t panic. Manage your energy, we’ve got this.”

She nodded, fear still present but with a flicker of determination.

I quickly counted at least six figures moving in the shadows. There were likely more. Max’s bow twanged as he loosed arrows, already countering the flanking threat.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Mel let out a thunderous roar behind us, charging headfirst into battle. The sound of her hammer connecting with multiple foes reverberated through the air, but I couldn’t afford to look back. My focus was locked ahead.

I steeled myself, then bellowed, activating [Celestial Battle Cry]. My voice echoed with an otherworldly resonance, like Star’s. As the hilt of my flail shifted in my hand, I charged at the shadows closing in.

The enemies were a chaotic mix; humans, Canithal, even Draconoi. Their eyes had already fixed on me, and it was too late for them. Dropping into a basic guard stance, I moved through the dance of forms, the rhythm of battle guiding my strikes.

Then, skeletal hands clawed their way up from the dirt.

"Of course there’s a necromancer," I muttered, frustration creeping into my voice. Things just got a lot more complicated.

Leo launched a lightning bolt into the crowd, striking one bandit, but the bolt fizzled out as it hit the ground. I swung my flail at an approaching Draconoi, while bashing a smaller Canithal aside with my shield. The Draconoi, quicker than expected, deflected the flail with his shield and lunged for me, but I slammed him across the snout with my shield, sending him stumbling backward.

From the rear, fireballs lit up the night. An Orc caster, hidden behind enemy lines, was hurling spells at me, trying to cut me off from the group. I gritted my teeth, snarling as I fought to keep my ground. Mel surged forward to cover the gap I left, hammer in hand, pushing the bandits back from Trish.

Suddenly, a surge of power coursed through me as Trish cast a spell. My muscles bulged with strength, rage bubbling to the surface. My dance of forms became a blur of speed and brutality as I tore through the enemy ranks, barely registering the hits they landed on me.

Max’s arrows rained down from the trees, while Leo’s spells erupted among the enemy forces, spreading chaos through their ranks. Mel’s hammer became a whirlwind, smashing skeletons into dust with every swing.

I cast [Celestial Sanctum], and the protective dome encased us just as we regrouped into a tighter formation. Now shielded, we ripped through the last of the enemies with ruthless efficiency.

That’s when it hit. A massive fireball exploded in the center of our group. I leaped back, my eyes locking onto the Orc caster responsible. A growl escaped my throat as rage surged once more, but then something caught my eye, and my fury turned to disbelief.

Yep, you guessed it. Square one. Lava bomb.

You already know the drill; he casts it, I scream 'Holy shit, run,' and I trigger [Abyssal Retribution]. Max sinks a couple of arrows into the guy, and the day’s saved. Crisis averted, and we’re all hunky-dory. For now.

Trish was still silently cursing about her dress. I chuckled to myself as I made my way over to Adil and Gix, who were huddled under the cart.

"You guys can come out now, everything’s fine," I said, clearing my throat.

Adil, visibly shaking I could see terror in her eyes as she slowly uncovered them. They both looked like children hiding under their beds, afraid of a monster in the dark. It was an odd mixture of adorable and unsettling.

"Right, I knew those guys didn’t stand a chance," Adil said, standing up and dusting herself off, trying to regain her composure. The confidence she was projecting was clearly forced.

Gix, who hadn’t bothered to mask his fear, stood up, brushed himself off, and gave each of us a nod of respect before climbing back onto the cart. "Thanks," he said simply, falling into silence once more.

I glanced back at the rest of the group. Trish was inspecting her dress, but I could see something deeper in her expression; something that mirrored the looks on Mel and Max’s faces. Leo, who seemed more accustomed to situations like this, looked like he wanted to say something to console everyone. Instead, he held back, keeping his hands busy as he began to sift through the dead bandits' belongings.

The reality of what we’d just done weighed heavily on me too, but I pushed it down. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on it. I needed a distraction, so I opened my menu to check the notification that had popped up.

CONGRATULATIONS TRAVELER! You have successfully defended the Grain Cart from an ambush!

REWARDS: 1,250 XP and Loot from fallen enemies!

That notification felt twisted, seeing ‘Loot from fallen enemies,’ but I knew it was common, not just in video games, but even in wars back home. I waved the notification away and walked over to Trish. Without saying a word, I just held her. She crumpled into my arms and let the tears flow.

Tears ran down my own cheeks as well. I had killed people. I understood it was either them or us, but that didn’t make the weight any easier to bear. It felt wrong. I could see Max and Mel standing off to the side, their expressions mirroring my own conflicted feelings. I waved them over, and we all stood together, arms wrapped around each other. Mel sobbed, and Max let his tears fall silently to the ground.

Leo soon joined us and said quietly, “You guys did amazing. I know it’s hard. There’s no easy way to deal with this. It never really gets easier. It just… numbs. Maybe you get used to it, or maybe you learn to block it out. I don’t know. But I’m here for any of you if you need to talk.”

He paused for a moment before adding, “I love you all, please don’t…” His words were cut off as Mel pulled him into the hug.

Leo fell silent, wrapping his arms around us as well. After a few moments, we wiped away our tears.

Leo leaned in and whispered, “I already gathered anything of value from them. I figured no one would want to loot on their first… you know.”

I nodded. “Thanks, brother. I don’t think I could handle that right now. I appreciate it.”

“No worries,” Leo said quietly. “When you’re all ready, I’ll set out what we’ve got.”

With that, he walked back toward his bedroll, leaving the rest of us in quiet reflection.

We gathered our things and carried the bodies into the forest. We didn’t want any passerby to see them, and thought maybe the beasts in the woods would... take care of it for us. No one spoke as we made our way back to the cart. With a silent motion, I signaled Adil and Gix to get moving. The sun still had an hour or two before rising, but we all felt the need to leave that place behind.

I walked at the front of the cart, Leo to my left, Mel to the right, Max covering the back, and Trish perched on top. We moved in silence as the cart hovered quietly along the road. The [Lepidomare] were equally soundless. Strangely, they hadn’t made a sound during the battle either.

“Adil?” I called out to get her attention.

She glanced at me. “Yeah? What is it?”

“Why didn’t these two make any noise?” I asked, pointing toward the creatures.

“These ones, uh, they’re bred for war,” she said. “If they wasn’t hitched to the cart, they might’a jumped in or somethin’.”

Mel chimed in, “One of ‘em flicked its tail and sent a bloke flyin’ into the bush. Dunno if he’s dead or just legged it, but he sure wasn’t with the rest after that.”

“Damnit… I was hoping no one got away,” Leo muttered, a note of worry in his voice. “If there are more of them, they’ll probably want revenge.”

I nodded in agreement, but Trish spoke up with anger in her voice. “Revenge? For what, attacking us and failing?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” Leo said grimly. “These groups survive by killing and stealing from innocents. Their only loyalty is to each other, and even that’s shaky. They’ll stab one another in the back half the time if it gets them what they want. But some are loyal, whether because of relations or just some twisted camaraderie.”

Mel’s voice was tight with frustration and regret. “So, this what we’ve come to, is it? Killin’ people for... what, power?”

“No,” Max interjected firmly. “It’s to protect our home. To keep the darkness that's trying to consume this realm from reaching ours. We’re here to push the evil back where it belongs.”

His words settled over us, a stark reminder of our true purpose. We continued down the road in silence, each of us deep in thought, contemplating the weight of what Max had said.

“I think we should stop and cook something; we need to keep our energy up,” Leo said, then added, “We also need to go through the loot from that battle. I know it’s hard, but if we’re going to survive, y’all need to understand this is part of it.”

Trish looked like she was on the verge of screaming in frustration, but before she could, I interjected. “He’s right. We can’t hold on to this forever. This is our life now. We either adapt, or we die. And I, for one, don’t plan on letting it paralyze me. I’m not saying we need to become numb to it, but we do need to accept it.”

Trish’s gaze dropped, and after a moment, she nodded. “You’re right... I just don’t know how I’m going to get past this.”

Leo glanced over at her. “To this day, Trish, I still ask myself that question. It’s something you’ll probably ask for the rest of your life if you’re any kind of decent person.” He paused, placing items on the ground, then looked around at each of us. “I’d be worried if any of you didn’t react the way you did. I’ve seen people in war who enjoy this sort of thing... and they’re terrifying.”

“Thanks, Leo. I think that’s what I needed to hear,” Trish said as she sat beside him and put a hand on his shoulder.

He turned and gave her a reassuring hug. “Don’t worry, little sister. We’re all in this together, and that’s what’ll keep us sane. If I hadn’t met you guys, I often wonder how far into the darkness I’d be right now.”

One by one, we each placed a hand on his shoulder, a silent show of support. “Alright, now that all the sappy stuff is out of the way,” I said with a grin, “let’s see what we’ve got here.”

The group chuckled softly as Mel started a fire, and we began sorting through the items. There wasn’t much of value; a bit of gold, which we split evenly, some scraps of cloth that Trish took, a few weapons I planned to smelt down later, and arrows that Max claimed as his own.

But one item stood out, a gem. Its iridescent colors shifted between deep greens and blues, an ever-changing hue. On closer inspection, we realized it was more than just a pretty stone, it was a gem that increased the speed of its wielder.

[Verdalsyn] – Crafted by Gibber

Add to any slotted item.

Armor: increases movement speed by 20%

Weapon: Increases attack speed by 25%

This was the first item I’d seen crafted by someone else. I couldn’t help but wonder if this "Gibber" was one of the bandits we fought, someone from their camp, or if the bandits had stolen it. The latter seemed far more likely.

“James, I think you should take this. It would help you move around the battlefield more easily,” Max said, eyeing the gem.

“I don’t have any gear with a slot for this,” I replied, inspecting my armor, shield, and even Star; none of them had anything about gem slots.

“My hammer’s got this weird description, ‘This hammer hungers for power.’ I wonder if this might be what it means?” Mel said, walking up after getting the fire going. Trish was already busy preparing food and didn’t seem interested in the item.

The three of us, Max, Leo, and I looked at each other, shrugged, and tossed the gem to Mel. She caught it mid-air and raised her hammer toward it. That’s when things got weird.

The gem began to shake in her hand, and suddenly, the hammer flew out of Mel’s grip, headfirst. A black hole opened up on top of the hammerhead, and the gem; was it… trembling? It almost seemed like it was trying to escape. Then a deep, guttural roar echoed from within the hammer as rows of jagged teeth appeared around the black hole. With a deafening slam, the hammer devoured the gem, creating a six-foot-deep crater.

“What the…” I started, but the words trailed off as the hammer floated back to Mel’s hand.

She caught it, her face full of shock. “I… uh, well, I guess that explains the description now. Didn’t think it was literal…” she muttered to herself, then added, “Maybe that’s why I couldn’t enchant it before.”

She wandered off, talking to herself while the rest of us stood there, stunned.

“Bruh, what the hell was that?” Max asked, eyes wide with confusion. Even his hood couldn’t hide his shock.

“That was oddly terrifying... and also the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” Leo added, his expression mirroring Max’s.

I didn’t have words. Shaking my head, I walked over to the fire where Trish was cooking, her expression equally confused.

“What was that noise?” she asked.

“You really don’t want to know, babe,” I replied.

“Oh, I think I do. You know I hate mysteries…” She gave me that look, the one that said she wouldn’t let it go until I told her. So, I explained what happened. Her face shifted from disbelief to a mix of “eww” and laughter.

“I really need to stop letting things in this realm shock me,” she said with a grin, shaking her head.

“I don’t think that shock factor is ever going to evade us here, and I am all for it,” I said with amusement.

Trish giggled and began serving up the wooden bowls she had bought before we left. She was the only one to think of bringing something to eat from, the rest of us ‘cavemen’ just assumed we’d eat straight from the pot.

After finishing our meal, we packed up and continued down the road until nightfall. We found another clearing by the roadside to make camp, again keeping the cart close to the road like before.

As we were setting up camp, a sound caught my attention from the woods. I glanced at Max and gestured subtly for him to check it out without making it obvious. Max, as quick and quiet as a shadow, moved toward the tree line to scout.

But our reaction was too late. A deafening roar erupted from the forest, and dozens of bandits swarmed out, surrounding us. I gritted my teeth and growled in defiance, moving into a defensive position around the cart, with Trish at the center.

Max had already climbed a tree, blending into the branches, his bow ready to rain arrows.

“Oi, which of you blokes killed my brotha?!” a hulking Canithal with hyena-like features snarled, spittle flying as he spoke. His cackling laughter was unnerving.

Most of the attackers were hyena-type Canithal, with a few Draconoi scattered among them. But the one speaking was larger than the rest, clearly their leader.

I recognized him immediately. I had killed two that looked just like him the night before. Deciding to provoke him, I shouted, “Maybe your brother should have stayed home instead of trying to rob us. He might still be alive.”

He let out another eerie cackle. “Think you’re funny, do ya? Well, I’ll show you what’s funny!” He pointed at us and bellowed, “Get ’em, boys!”

Leo was already moving, his hands frantically weaving spells. A fireball and icicle shot out simultaneously, followed by a bolt of lightning that crackled through the enemy ranks. The lightning exploded in a flash, momentarily blinding us all.

Then, I heard a scream. My heart jumped into my throat. As my vision cleared, I could see half the bandits retreating into the woods while the other half stumbled around, still blinded by Leo’s magic.

We quickly finished off the remaining bandits, but my mind was elsewhere. I scanned the area, panic rising. “Trish! Where are you?!” I shouted, fear turning to fury. “Son of a bitch! I’ll kill all of you!”

I started sprinting toward the forest when Max dropped down in front of me. Leo grabbed my arm.

“We need a plan! We can’t leave the cart unattended,” Max said, pointing to the cart, his voice firm despite the chaos.

“I’ll stay,” Mel said, stepping forward with her hammer resting on her shoulder. “I’m not the sneaky type anyway. And let’s be real; James isn’t staying behind while Trish is out there. Go!”