It was finally time.

Wonder looked over the supplies a final time. More out of nerves than anything. The two months was up, and everyone’s spirits was relatively up. It was time to head to Fasis.

Acryoa walked in. “Wonder. I need you to breathe. We will be fine.”

Wonder looked at him. “Can’t help it. This is basically going to be the Final Boss. We have a few advantages… but there are many unknowns. And it may all be for naught in the end, and we have to hunt down basically the Ember of Unicron and flip a master reset switch. Which I’m betting isn’t really that easy either.”

Acryoa rubbed his shoulder. “You are strong, sir. And we will do whatever it is we need to do.”

He pushed a magical tablet in his face. “Would monitoring the Ranch at least get your mind off of things?”

Wonder chuckled and took it. “Yeah, until the numbers give me a headache. Thanks, Acryoa. Still… give me a basic summary. Obviously they have found a spot and got it running.”

“Yes. Mostly training pack animals and a petting zoo. For a new Ranch, it’s taking off very well. And I did make sure that it can be easily moved just in case we do end up leaving Hoseki.”

“You think we might stay?”

“In the case of a Master Reset, yes. After all, it will be a better world, and I doubt that Queen Achylon will not reward you for your efforts.”

Wonder sighed. “True. If anything, there is a Gamer’s Honor to consider here.”

Wonder noticed something in the pictures as he said, “OK… oh my goodness that is cute what is it?!?”

“Dogs, sir.”

“Dogs don’t look like that! Well, on Earth, anyway.”

****************

The journey across the desert was thankfully pretty quiet this time around. No major issues, outside one giant scorpion attack (once more, Tamed, and named after a Decepticon). Ralton sent a bunch of slaves & warriors to meet them halfway, and they all headed to Fasis.

Looking at the city, Wonder was reminded of the video Achylon showed him. The city seemed to be made out of tents of different sizes and colors, some constructed in impossible ways to resemble buildings. The only real difference between Past and Present was that the size had at least doubled, and it was a lot more crowded.

The carriage and its escort walked through the streets. Apparently the streets were of markets, mostly stalls in the tent-buildings. Wonder noticed slaves mainly manned these stalls, and did most of the shopping. Warriors did walk the streets, but were arrogant shitheads for the most part. Wonder kept nearly shooting brains to get them out of their way.

Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

Because of these arrogant shitheads purposely getting in their way, they did not get to Ralton’s mansion until sundown. And to Wonder’s surprise, it was a real brick-and-motor mansion done Victorian style.

Wonder looked questioningly at Majin. The teenager said, “Because Dad is a Champion of Hoseki, he hosts a lot of people that are not from Fasis. They feel uncomfortable in tents, even magical ones. He got permission from the King, and built this mansion before I was even born.”

Wonder said, “Smart dude.”

Ralton then emerged from the front door. “WONDER HYDE AND CO! WELCOME TO MY HUMBLE ABODE!”

Wonder whispered, “Humble, Soundwave?”

Rubbing his ears, he walked over. “Thank you again for having us, Ralton. With the… crowds, I’m not so sure I want to even attempt an inn.”

Ralton slapped his back, and Wonder winced at the notification: HIGH DEF HAS MITIGATED RALTON’S… YEAH, YOU KNOW BY NOW. SORRY I CAN’T DO MUCH ABOUT THE NOISE.

Ralton said, “I’m sure you’d be fine! I’d seen what you feel comfortable in, and mid-level hotels are mostly Adventurers like you. But still, you’re family, so you are welcome here!”

Wonder said, “Thanks again.”

They walked in. Wonder’s family was basically given a dorm right next to the greenhouse so the Beasts could play. The carriage parked in said greenhouse too, just in case someone got homesick.

Then they joined Ralton for dinner. Wonder had to blink. He really only saw rooms like this in movies. The extra-long table with ornate red and gold tablecloths, which décor which made Wonder worry about bugs climbing in. The only thing he could compliment was that the cushions on the chair were real, so they were comfy.

Ralton sat at the head of the table, of course. Majin and Sakura sat on one side. Majin’s noble-like wheelchair governess rolled on the other side. Wonder instantly wondered her true identity, and decided to ask later. He sat on her other side, and Rose on his side.

The others sat down in relative closeness, then a bunch of the servants also sat down. Wonder learned later they were basically the heads of each department. Apparently Ralton insisted it as a form of reward for their hard work, as well give them a chance to talk about whatever they needed to.

Once food was out, Ralton said, “Thanks again for coming out, Wonder. Now here comes the hard part.”

He frowned. “The last non-Lightwraith mate should arrive tonight, so the meeting is tomorrow. If you could come with me to meet the King, that would be appreciated.”

I need to see Blood anyway, so it works out. Better keep that on the DL, though. Hard to say who’s a spy here.

Wonder said, “Of course, Ralton. How will this work, if I may ask?”

Ralton nodded, then thought. “Before the announcement, we shall eat. I ask you don’t shoot any arrows around… though I will say you won’t be knocked for it either.”

“They should remember their company then.”

Ralton smirked. He then said, “Then the King will call each non-Lightwraith mate one by one, and ask if they agree to take legal responsibility for their mate/child’s mate. You’ll probably get something in your magical vision. Just accept, and once it’s done… the announcement goes out. I cannot say more than that officially.”

Wonder nodded. “Gotcha.”

Ralton said, “I do suggest you hightail it out of here with Majin, though, once it’s done. I… do not have high hopes.”

Wonder said, “Don’t worry. I already have my own plans. Majin will be safe.”

At least until all hell breaks loose. But Izuku and Sakura can protect him then.

“Oh, one other thing. Sakura wants to apply for the RDF…”

“Of course I can bring you there!”

“Thanks…”