"WE'RE SAVED!" Tesla shouted, his voice bursting with excitement. "OR AT LEAST, I’M SAVED! HAHAHA!" He practically chirped like a bird, watching the massive Xandrian military ship loom larger on the horizon.

Behind him, unseen, Niles quietly opened his entrance protocol window. With a few swift adjustments, he changed the barrier’s settings: Those inside can enter, but cannot leave.

The glowing interface vanished as he turned to Tesla, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Lucky day for you, huh?" His chuckle carried a devilish edge, but Tesla, lost in his own joy, failed to notice the hidden malice. It wasn’t cruelty—just precaution.

Far beyond the beach, the warship dropped its massive anchor. A deafening splash followed, sending ripples across the sea. Commands rang out, bouncing over the water, reaching the ears of the small party stranded on Monster Island.

Winston approached Niles, arms tucked neatly into his robe, his composure unshaken. "Sir Niles," he began. "Any plans?"

Niles scratched his head. "Wait and hope." His expression didn’t match the lightness of his words.

Winston hummed. "Perhaps they've come because we brought sentenced fugitives with us."

"Possible," Niles admitted.

"Or," Winston continued, "they learned you were responsible for delaying their entire fleet by a full day using the adventurer Sticky-Hands."

"That… may have upset them, yeah."

"Or," Winston mused, "King Xerxes has simply changed his mind about our banishment and decided we deserve a far worse fate."

Niles, ever calm, nodded. "Also a possibility."

Tesla, listening to all of this, felt his stomach drop. "WAIT—ARE YOU ALL CRIMINALS?!"

Niles shrugged. "Not all of us." He pointed to himself. "I’m banished." Then, his finger moved across the group. "Winston’s also banished—though, in fairness, that one’s mostly my fault."

His hand moved to Felix. "Felix was exiled under… questionable circumstances."

Then to Vulcan and Finn. "These two were sentenced to hanging before we, uh… interrupted that process. Which technically makes them wanted criminals. And us, for helping them."

Finally, his finger landed on Lina. "Lina isn’t a criminal, but if she returns to Xandria, she’ll likely be tortured—the king could use her to get to her little brother."

Niles tapped his chin, feigning deep thought. "Huh. Guess that makes you our only law-abiding citizen!" He burst into laughter.

Tesla did not.

Still chuckling, Niles turned his gaze back to the water. The Xandrian boats had launched from the warship, paddling steadily toward them. His laughter faded, but his smirk remained.

"Well… I’m sure we’ll be fine."

Tesla let out a long, weary breath. “I never would’ve come here if I’d known all this.”

Niles nodded, completely unbothered. “That’s why I overpromised and underdelivered.”

Without waiting for a response, he strode toward the beach, pausing only to give Winston a brief rundown. “I’ve modified the barrier’s restrictions. None of us can leave now—just a precaution.”

Winston gave a small nod of understanding.

Niles continued, “I haven’t decided what kind of upgrade to give Barrier-ish yet. That depends on how this plays out.”

“A wise decision,” Winston said evenly.

Meanwhile, Tesla had started packing his things, muttering something under his breath. Niles turned back to Winston, his usual bravado wavering. “Would you… uh, like to accompany me in meeting our guests?” His voice betrayed his unease.

Winston smiled gently. “Your gut’s telling you this isn’t good?”

Niles shook his head. His usual composure was slipping.

“Then of course, Sir Niles,” Winston reassured him. “I’ll stand with you.”

Together, the two walked to the edge of the beach, waiting for the visitors to arrive.

The sea was filled with ships. The rhythmic sound of oars cutting through water reached their ears. One by one, the rowboats made landfall. Soldiers leapt out, dragging the vessels ashore.

Then, Bear—the commander of the expedition—stepped onto the sand. He was a massive man, his movements swift despite his sheer size. As his boots hit the ground, the impact sent a small cloud of sand into the air.

Niles and Winston remained still at the edge of the barrier.

“Level 25,” Winston murmured, observing Bear. His gaze flicked to the others. A dozen elite Xargian Guards stood at attention, their snarling silver helmets gleaming ominously in the sunlight.

“Everyone in the Xargian Guard is above level 15,” Winston added. His voice remained calm, but Niles caught the edge of wariness in it. “In total, I’d estimate 40 to 50 soldiers here. Some must still be on the ship. The rest are lower-ranked but well-trained.”

Niles exhaled. “Alright, let’s not choose violence, then.”

“Obviously.”

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Bear strode toward them like a man who owned the very ground beneath his feet.

Niles greeted the guest first, “Welcome to Niceland!”

Bear ignored it. His dark voice rumbled as he spoke. “I’m surprised you’re even alive.”

He came to a stop directly before them. “Nevertheless.”

His gaze locked onto Niles, sharp and unwavering. “By direct order of King Xerxes, you are to return to the capital at once.”

Niles, ever the wise guy, smirked. “I thought I was banished. Pretty sure that means I can’t return.”

Bear wasn’t in the mood for games. His expression remained unreadable behind his helmet as he stepped forward. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.”

At his signal, his troops moved. Soldiers closed in, their formation tightening, weapons at the ready.

Bear took another step. “I don’t mind dragging you out mys—”

THUD.

A soldier walked straight into an invisible wall. He recoiled as if he’d struck solid glass.

“Captain!” the soldier barked, shaking off the impact. “We can’t get in! Something’s blocking us!”

More soldiers tried. They pressed against the unseen force, knocking on it with fists, weapons—nothing budged. The barrier remained unyielding.

Bear narrowed his eyes, stretching out an arm—only to have it stop midair, as if an unseen hand had shoved it back.

His expression darkened. “What is this sorcery?” He glanced at Niles. “A skill?”

Then his voice hardened.

“I command you to remove this shield— at once!”

Niles frowned at Bear. “Not even a ‘please’?”

Bear’s jaw tightened. His frustration was palpable. “...Please.”

Niles let out a slow, lazy smile. “No.”

Without hesitation, Bear drew his sword and struck the barrier. CLANG! The metal rang out, his fury only growing. “GET OUT. NOW!”

Niles sighed and sat down cross-legged on the sand. “Let’s talk about this.”

Winston followed suit, settling beside him with an air of patience.

Bear hesitated. He clearly wanted to keep shouting, keep swinging, but when both Niles and Winston remained seated, silent, he exhaled sharply and dropped down onto the sand, arms crossed.

Niles leaned forward. “Why does King Xerxes want me back in Xandria?”

Bear scoffed. “I’ll be the one asking the questions.”

Niles rolled his eyes. “Unbelievable. Hard to have a meeting if you’re gonna be like that.” He sighed but relented. “Fine. One question each, once a turn. Sound fair?”

Bear nodded, taking it as a small victory. “What is this shield?”

Niles gave a casual shrug. “It’s my skill.”

Bear was about to press for more details, but Niles lifted a hand, stopping him. “Now my turn. What’s the real reason the king wants me back?”

Bear’s expression darkened. “We suspect you stole the Holy Crystal.”

Niles’ eyes widened. “What? I don’t have it.”

Bear’s glare was ice-cold. “We don’t believe you. How else do you explain the chaos the day you left? The whole castle was in an uproar. Our commander Dragon even clashed with Prince Xander afterward.”

Niles paused, processing that. Then, as if that was the real important part of the conversation, he asked, “Who won?”

Bear bristled, but before he could dodge the question, a new voice joined the conversation.

“It was a draw,” said Elephant, another Xargian Guard. He walked over and casually sat beside Bear, his presence oddly disarming. “Though Prince Xander wasn’t using his usual sword.”

Bear turned to Elephant, their postures shifting like two football fans debating a game. “Dragon would’ve won if the fight had gone on longer.”

Niles grinned at the sight of the newcomer. “ELEPHANT! How are you?”

Elephant’s voice was warm. “Sir Niles, it’s good to see you. I’m well. And you?”

Niles’ smile didn’t waver. “Glad to hear it. I’m fine.” Then, after a moment’s pause, he added, “Hey, if you’re interested, there’s always a spot for you here.”

Bear’s rage flared instantly, but before he could explode, Elephant simply shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll have to decline.”

Bear rounded on him. “Why are you even here? I am the commander of this mission.”

Elephant remained completely unfazed. “It looked like you needed help negotiating.”

Niles and Winston both nodded in perfect agreement.

“Yes, he definitely needs all the help he can get,” Niles said.

“Thank you for your support,” Winston added.

They chuckled—all except Bear.

Bear forced himself to move on. “So. Explain the chaos from the day you left the capital.”

Niles nodded. “Simple. I didn’t approve of the crown’s decision to hang two innocent people, so I rescued them.”

Elephant glanced behind Niles, studying the people in the camp. “That’s Vulcan, the smith who put up his heritage sign outside his workshop. And the boy—the one who stole from the prince.”

Niles nodded. “They’re citizens of Niceland now. Under my protection.”

Bear laughed—loud and mocking. “Niceland? Your protection?” His voice rose. “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard! You’re no king—just a jester hoarding criminals. You’re definitely coming back with us to face punishment.”

Niles sighed and turned to Elephant. “See what I mean? It’s really hard to negotiate with this Bear-man-pig when he leaves so little room for negotiation.”

Elephant nodded thoughtfully. “I see your point, Sir Niles.”

Niles continued, unfazed. “Anyway, some of my friends are injured. If you have a doctor onboard, would you mind having them take a look? We’re worried some wounds might be infected.”

Bear let out a low, cruel chuckle that darkened into something nastier. “Are you serious?” His laugh grew harsher. “Why would we help you?”

Niles gave an easy, knowing smile. “Because if you do… I’ll tell you everything I know about your missing Holy Crystal.”

That hit.

A real opening in the negotiation.

But before anyone could seize it, Tesla’s voice cut through the tension.

“DON’T LISTEN TO HIM! HE LIES!”

Niles turned his head.

Tesla stood at the edge of the camp, ready to leave, his summoned goblin by his side.

Tesla jabbed a finger at Niles. “He’s pulled this trick before!” He gestured wildly. “Once he gets what he wants, he’ll just shrug and say something like, ‘I don’t know anything about the missing crystal, and that’s all I know about it.’”

Bear turned to Tesla, then back to Niles. “Who’s that?”

“Tesla, our engineer,” Niles replied. He then glanced at Tesla before smirking. “And, well… he’s actually telling the truth.”

His gaze shifted back to Bear and Elephant. “I know nothing about your missing crystal,” he said plainly. “But since it is missing, maybe someone inside the castle used the chaos as cover to grab it for themselves.”

Bear scoffed. “Impossible. The king personally interrogated everyone—he would’ve known if anyone was lying.”

Elephant hesitated before adding, “All except Lion.”

Bear shook his head firmly. “That hot-headed beast would never steal the crystal.”

Elephant remained calm. “Still. He’s been missing ever since.”

Bear leaned in toward him. “Maybe we should talk about state secrets a little quieter.”

Niles cleared his throat. “All right. I have a proposal.” He leaned forward. “You send a doctor to tend to our injured. In return, you can search our belongings for your precious crystal. Deal?”

Bear considered it. “We search for the crystal first.”

Niles shook his head. “If we do, then there’s no incentive for you to help my friends.”

Bear exhaled sharply. “Then we’re at a stalemate.”

A slow grin spread across Niles’ face. “Then let’s settle it another way.” He straightened. “A duel.”

Bear’s eyes narrowed.

Niles held his gaze. “I’ve leveled up plenty since coming here. I could probably send you flying with just one finger.”

Bear studied him, skeptical. Nothing about the man in front of him seemed dangerous. Nothing screamed warrior. And yet…

“The winner goes first,” Bear said at last.

“Agreed,” Niles replied smoothly. Then his expression turned serious. “Can I count on your honor as Xargian Guards to hold your promise if I win?”

Bear rose up and clenched a fist and slammed it against his chest. “On our honor.”

Their eyes locked.

Then, a murmur rippled through the crowd. It spread like wildfire, voices rising into an electrified chant:

“DUEL! DUEL! DUEL!”