Hours had ticked by as Mina trailed her little escort. The surrounding landscape has begun to lose its charm, dulling her sense of thrill. But then... a glimmer of novelty sparks her interest. Before her lies an expanse of sand, finely sieved, shimmering with the spectral luminance of every treasure imaginable.

Mina "Holy shit! Is this sand or gold?"

Peepo "Well, it's both actually! Kinda... depending on what period it is. In this case, Peepo says that it is Past Period so it is sand."

Mina "Past Period? Is that like daytime... because it is bright as fuck!"

Peepo "Yes, Peepo is sorry. Peepo forgot that time is divided differently from where you're from. Here in Temporia, each period aka "day" consists of 24 hours but it is divided into The Past Period, Present Period, and Future Period."

Mina "You said it changes, right? What happens during The Present or Future Period?"

Peepo "In the Present Period, the ground will turn into ash. In The Future Period, it will turn into gold."

Mina "Wow! It is like this place is trying to tell us that the future is a sheet of gold! I love it here!"

Peepo "Yes. Yes. For a long, our people find comfort in the surroundings knowing one day that hope may arrive. Peepo thinks it is safest during that period."

Mina "Let me guess there are monsters lurking about during The Past and Present Periods."

Peepo "Huh? Monsters? Peepo is confused. What are you talking about? There are no monsters here in Temporia."

Mina "Oh... really? Then what am I here for?"

Peepo "To put an end to our wars, Peepo believes. The Chief will tell you more about it. Follow Peepo!"

With a confirming nod, they press on. A forceful gust of wind temporarily blinds Mina, who shields her eyes. As her vision clears, a quaint township unfolds before her. A swift mental tally estimates about a dozen dwellings. Each carries a touch of Victorian antiquity, some teetering on the brink of oblivion. A flutter of concern arises in Mina's chest.

Peepo "Not to worry, Mina. These houses will become better once The Present Period hits. Peepo ensures."

Mina "Whew! Thank god it is just timey winey shenanigans!"

Peepo "A lord with a heart of gold... Peepo is glad you're just like what the legend says. Hey! Everyone! Peepo has followed our Lord and Savior! The Time Lord!"

From each home, crowds of tiny cushion-like stick beings flood out, encircling Mina. Many of the smallest figures are jubilant, vaulting and clambering onto her attire in their excitement.

Mina "Awwwwww! Look at these little babies!"

?? "John, Jade, Ross, and Daven! Get your trouble-making paws off our savior this instance!"

John/Jade/Ross/Daven "Okie, Grandpa Old Beard!"

They jump off, latching onto an oldfigure adorned with a voluminous grey beard.

?? "I apologize for the rudeness of my little ones. My name is Tempus, Leader of The Peace Giving Tribe of The Hour people."

Mina "Hour people?"

Tempus "Oh yes. That is the name of our species. Let me tell you more about us. We are patient and would like to avoid conflict if necessary. Us, Hours, have lived here for eons. Living day to day, waiting for you to arrive to put an end to our wars."

Mina "I know there is war. But you guys don't look like you're in danger."

Tempus "That's because they should be here in any minute. Those awful Seconds."

Mina "Lol, Seconds. Let me guess! There are Minutes too. So are you going to arm yourself or what?"

Tempus "Time no! We engage in war through negotiation. We made a treaty with the two other tribes around 12 centuries ago that excluded us from conflict. We were to provide supplies for The Seconds in Past period and The Minutes in Present Period. In Future period, we would be left alone. It... isn't so bad... really."

Peepo "Nonsense! Elder! Those bullies are becoming more and more demanding! Peepo can't take it anymore!! WE can't take it anymore!"

Tempus "I understand your frustration but we must preserve our ways. So... Mina if that is your name, my lord... Will help us?"

Mina "Yes! Of course! You guys seem like the good guys anyway! So do you want me to get rid of them?"

Tempus "Time no! That would not be ideal! Something terrible will happen! I know that this may be too much to ask but... can you somehow make peace between everyone..."

Mina "Okay... soooo a reputation quest, huh? That's interesting... I'm sure to get one hell of bashing from Diana and Noah once I get back though. Tell me more about those two other tribes."

Tempus "Very well. We'll start with the Minutes. They are robots made of copper gears and scrap metal. They too have their own belief in the legend. You see The Minutes value the state of the present moment, preserving what is happening now. Since their creation, they have had nothing but war and so they came to preserve war to this day. It is very unfortunate."

Mina "They believe that I would come to continue their wars. Am I right?"

Tempus "Yes... you aren't going to do that. Are you?"

Mina "No! Of course not! I think I have a plan for those guys."

Tempus "Really?! That's wonderful! Then I should tell you about the Seconds too. They are the worst! Savages who want to rule over all of Temporia and are hungry for war. They believe that you would one day descend and destroy their greatest warriors, taking your rightful place as ruler. They look like humanoid lions made of patchwork."

Mina "Wow, that's different. So do they want to stop me from taking the throne or what? I don't really get that part."

Tempus "No, they welcome you yet do not welcome you at the same time depending on if you defeat their warriors or not."

Mina "Ah, that's easy then. I challenge them to a duel and I win. Become ruler. Demand them to make peace with you guys. Prevent the Minutes from Engaging in War until Peace becomes the norm. Sounds Easy Peasy to me!"

Peepo "That was... absolutely ingenious! Peepo thinks you are amazing! All hail! Time Lord Mina! All Hail! Time Lord Mina!"

The other Hours chant as well and her face glows bright red from the praise. Their chant is then interrupted by a scream from a distance.

?? "THEY ARE HERE! THE SECONDS ARE HERE! THEY HAVE WEAPONS WITH THEM!"

Tempus "What?! This isn't right! They were never supposed to come here with weapons. Unless... oh no... Piza. Everyone! The Carver is here! Hide now!"

Everyone retreats to their homes, the sound of hammers securing doors echoing through the deserted street. Only Tempus, Peepo, and Mina remain in the open space.

?? "Well. Well. Well... if it isn't our favorite... our favorite-

The female Second and her guards stare up at Mina, jaws agape, legs trembling. Mina finds it hard to discern whether it's fear or exhilaration that holds them captive. As she steps forward, they retreat, the guards unsheathing their swords and forming a protective barrier before Piza.

Mina "Guys. You're seriously shaking... god here I thought that you would be more of a challenge."

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Piza "T-T-Time L-Lord. I greet your majesty. You... Ummm... finally arrived. I am... Err... Piza... one of the Great Commanders of The... Ummm... War Bearing Tribe."

Mina "Ah. So you're one of the people I need to defeat. Right? Then I could take the throne."

"Let's see if you can do that!"

Fueled by a volatile mix of fear and fury, the soldiers charge. With a resigned sigh, Mina swings her machete, severing their weapons mid-air. Cheers erupt from the crowd hidden within the houses, as the disarmed soldiers flee, tear-streaked faces betraying their defeat.

Piza "Cowards! Come back! Come-

Mina casts a towering shadow over the small Second. In a desperate act, she unsheathes her rapier, jabbing at Mina's foot.

Mina recoils, retaliating with a swift kick that sends Piza spiraling out of the town.

Mina "Oh fuck! I didn't mean to put in so much power! Is she ok?!"

Peepo "Not to worry. That second is tougher than she looks. Anyway, you are so awesome! And stronger than Peepo has ever imagined!"

Tempus "Yes indeed! You took care of their elite so easily. With this, I feel at ease. Can I leave everything up to you?"

Mina "Yes! Don't worry! I got this!'

Peepo "Ummm... Can Peepo come with you too?"

Tempus "Peepo! That's too dangerous!"

Peepo "Elder... please... Peepo needs this. I want to learn... become stronger and protect everyone."

Tempus "Would that be necessary? Since our Lord is here, Peace is at hand! There is no need for this tomfoolery!"

Peepo "Yes, Peepo knows! But you know as much as Peep that our Lord won't be here forever. We would need someone to keep the peace when she's gone."

Tempus "Fine... just be careful. Alright. I don't want to bury my stepson this day."

Mina "Awwww! That is so touching! Not to worry, Chief! His safety is 100 percent guaranteed with me around. Also, before we go. I want to do something."

Guiding Peepo to the town's fringes, Mina locates Piza amidst the sandy terrain, seemingly disoriented from her flight. Brushing off the intrusive grains, Mina aids her.

Peepo "Why are you doing that? Peepo asks."

Mina "I find her adorable. I know she like killed a bunch of people before but I think she was just confused and subjected to her tribe's beliefs. I can see it in her hands and eyes. She looks... nervous to me as if she is shackled with so much... responsibility..."

Peepo "Peepo don't get any of that. But I trust you, my lord! With your power, they stand no chance."

Mina "Then what are we waiting for! Let's go!"

Tempus "Be careful you two! Those Seconds can be really crafty sometimes!"

Mina nods and lifts Piza. She puts the unconscious Second into her inventory which gives Peepo a panic jolt.

Mina "Woah! What was that about? Wait... don't tell me you care about her. I thought she was your enemy- Oh. Ooooooh... I see what's going on here. Wink. Wink."

Peepo "NO! It's not like that! It's just that... Ummm... everyone needs a good rival. Peepo thinks. You know like someone who makes you keep pushing forward. You didn't erase her. Did you?"

Mina "Nah. She'll be fine! Come on! Lead the way! Peepo!"

In response, Peepo offers a thumbs-up before morphing into a spherical shape. Rolling northward, with Mina tailing him, they journey away from the town.

Their destination emerges as an imposing fortress, constructed from fragmented clock components. A phalanx of soldiers, armed with clock-arm-like spears, welcomes them. The massive gates part and soldiers step aside, unveiling a small jester composed entirely of sand.

?? "Greetings! Greetings! We were expecting the coming of the lord! Yes! Yes! Great trials await you!"

Sharing a bewildered glance, Mina and Peepo linger momentarily at the threshold but ultimately choose to enter.

Inside, the fort brims with an assortment of patchwork tents, their vibrant hues set against the stark contrast of a bizarre dark blue metallic framework. The fort's inhabitants warily observe the newcomers, their expressions a mix of fear and curiosity. The sight of a massive lion, lazily sprawled atop a pile of pillows, captures Mina's attention. Peepo frowns and readies to charge.

Mina stops him.

Mina "Calm down there, big guy. Remember why we are... Hey! Big Lion Douchebag! I'm here for your throne!"

The inhabitants gasped but weren't shocked by her words.

The lion, seemingly amused, rises to a sitting position.

?? "Spoken like a true conquerer! I can't be any happier! My name is Vremya, Leader and Chief of the War Bearing Tribe! If you want my throne then complete my three trials. If you accept then shake your head three times for me."

Peepo reacts without a second thought, but Mina hesitates. Her eyes, filled with uncertainty, rest on the fearsome lion as she readies herself for what's to come.

Vremya "Marvelous! Absolutely marvelous! How did you know that it was part of the trials?"

Mina "Nah, I didn't know that. I just didn't trust you, especially with ten archers aiming directly at the back of my neck. You aren't going to play fair. Are you?"

Vremya "HAHAHAHHAHAHA! Rest easy! They were on standby in case you failed this first test! Anyone who can't get past this deserves to die without mercy. Now for the other two challenges... Sparton! Marcus! Come out and play with our guest!"

Marcus/Sparton "Yes! Father!"

Two shadows plunge from the saffron sky, their descent like comets, sending tremors through the ground. The air pulsates with a formidable force, driving the spectators to hug the fortress walls. Peepo quivers, struggling to maintain his grip on the bow.

A drop of sweat traces its way down Mina's face. Taking Peepo, she swiftly tucks him into her inventory, a smile dancing on her lips in the face of the impending challenge.

Marcus and Sparton square off against her, sabers at the ready.

Marcus/Sparton "Do not disappoint us, Intruder!"

In a coordinated move, they split apart, aiming to encircle Mina. She evades, delivering a low kick to Marcus's foot, causing him to stumble into Sparton and lose grip of his saber.

Sparton "You idiot! Watch where you are going-

Sparton, thrown off balance, slaps his forehead in frustration. Marcus turns to find Mina wielding his weapon.

Marcus "Well, shit."

In a rapid outburst, she delivers 25 precise stabs to his chest and ten to each of his thighs.

Leaping backward, Mina readies her guard. The sight of their patchwork flesh regenerating provokes a frown from her.

Mina "Seriously! Health regen! That's so unfair! Fine! If you play it that way, then... I'll show you why they call me. THE TIME LORD!"

Mina places her hand on the ground, fixing her attention on the saber. The blade is time-worn and rust-ridden, as though salvaged from a long-lost ruin. The weapon begins to glow a pure white, the decay gradually receding.

Sparton watches in disbelief as his blade, too, is mysteriously cleansed of rust.

Sparton "Wh-What is this? Is this the power of time?! A-Amazing!"

Eventually, the blade shines brilliantly. It appears to be a standard steel saber, but the hilt is crafted from that peculiar dark blue metal she had observed earlier. Nestled in the center of the hilt is a gemstone, its presence marred by a missing half.

As Mina grips the restored blade in her right hand, an unusual sensation stirs in her left. So she extends her hand—

Sparton "WHAT?! Hey! What are you doing?! You stupid blade! Ah-

The second blade soars into her left hand. Mina hurls both sabers skyward, the onlookers gazing in awe as the blades trace their descent.

It flies right into her left hand. Mina tosses both of them high in the air. The audience looks with amazement as the blades fall.

With her machete held aloft, Mina channels her willpower onto the falling sabers, causing them to halt mid-fall.

Mina "Oh fuck yeah! Now, this is the shit!"

With style, she manipulates the suspended sabers, dancing in tandem with her machete. The spectacle leaves the chief and his sons spellbound. The residents, inspired by the scene, hastily retreat to their homes to retrieve stone tablets. Lifting them high, they chant in unison, "The Lord is here!", their voices echoing through the fort.

Sparton and Marcus exchange worried glances. With visible hesitation, they raise their hands in surrender.

Sparton/Marcus "We surrender! There is no point in fighting now that we are 100 percent sure that you are what you said you are-

Vremya "Not so fast my dear sons! I'm still skeptical. Here, is your final challenge! Defeat me in a battle to the death!-

Mina "Okie Dokie! Chief man!"

With a powerful leap, Mina spirals in the air.

Her twirling blades make swift work of his right forearm. He returns with a wild slash toward her right arm, nearly severing it entirely. The agony is overwhelming, her arm barely clinging to her body by a thread of flesh. With a mental command, she directs her floating sabers to shield her as she crawls away.

Mina "Fucking fuck! That hurts like shit!!"

Retrieving two syringes from her inventory, she injects them into her grievous injury, subsequently channeling her abilities to speed up the healing process.

Mina "If only I could use my time powers through long-range somehow. I wish I had that delay skill that Dave has. That would be super useful here."

|Emergency situation detected! Skill generated: (Time Wrench Transfer)|

Mina "Wow! That's convenient! Errr... what does it do?|

|Time Wrench Transfer: Transfer your powers to an object or objects (maximum of two). Your power can now only be activated through those objects. Warning: Upon using this power, you won't be able to return your abilities unless the objects are completely broken or a full day has passed|

Mina "It's risky! But I'm going all in! Activate Time Wrench Transfer!"

Touching the hilt of the saber, she exhales deeply. Her gaze narrows, fixating on an unguarded spot on the Chief's back.

... They hit!

Vremya "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!! That was cheap! Where the hell are you?!"

As the Chief's mane begins to shed and his body weakens dramatically, Mina can't help but chuckle as she marches toward him.

Vremya "Looks like you won. I guess... I didn't stand a chance, to begin with. Now, kill me. End this once and for all."

Mina ".... Let me think... Nope! That is so cliche! You have no idea! And don't go talking around about honor and shit! I don't care! Besides, you are pretty strong! If I become a leader, having you as an ally would be a massive win."

Vremya "Spoken like a true leader I see. Fine. I'll submit."

With a whimsical smile, Mina restores him to his youthful vigor. Extracting the swords from his back, she ascends the throne— once she has respectfully buried the mountain of pillows. In unison, all the Seconds bow before their new leader.

Mina "Excellent! As your excellency! I declare you stop fighting and make peace with The Hours. Understood!"

Vremya "B-But fighting is all we know-

Mina "Shush! My reign! My rules! Besides, you guys can learn a thing or two from them about "Chilling". Now let us march back."

The Seconds start to gather their belongings, migrating toward the town of The Hours. Amidst the shower of activity, the sand jester is revealed as a Minute spy. She's been a silent observer of the entire event, and now, transforming into a mechanical bird, she sets course eastward toward the Minute camp.

?? "My leader. The Seconds have fallen and it seems... our god has forsaken us. I'm afraid that we won't be able to sustain War no longer."

?? "Not to worry, my fateful comrade. There's still hope. I'm talking about Project... "Salamander"."

(To be continued)