“Our meal plan seems to be working.” Tisha says as she sits in Glyn’s office.

Mila stands nearby, looking through the books on the bookshelf. “Um, do you think it’s all that effective? Just because he’s eating it doesn’t mean we’re affecting him.”

“Come on. Food out at sea isn’t something easy to come by. He has no choice but to rely on us for his sustenance. Meaning we’re being relied on.”

Mila pauses. “But won’t that have the opposite effect on what we want?”

“Trust me on this. Who’s the love master here?”

“Well, you have more experience.”

Tisha smirks. “We’ll pry open the doors for that idiot’s heart before long. Trust me!”

“I wouldn’t call having one boyfriend before now, making you qualified for being called a love master,” Fiona says with a smirk on her face. “And it wasn’t even a serious relationship, was it?”

“That’s none of your business!” Tisha yells.

Mila nods along. “Besides, we need to pull out all the stops to get Glyn to pay attention to us.”

“I’m pretty sure he can’t pay attention to you. That’s why he’s trying his best to run away.” Fiona smirks. “But I have good news. Come down to the basement because Mr. Lordling is on his way back for some emergency.”

“Emergency?”

“Yup. Found some half-dead dragonling or something at sea, and now it’s top priority.”

The two look at each other and nod. “Love operations are on hold for now,” Tisha says.

“Yeah. We have more important things to worry about for now.” She says.

Fiona nods. “Oh wow. The two of you can still prioritize. Haven’t gone completely man crazy.”

“We can do that at any time. If we’re dead because we weren’t taking things seriously, then no one’s getting their way.”

Mila nods. “Besides. Glyn’s going to throw himself into danger no matter what. I have to protect him, no matter what.”

“Alright then, let’s get a move on to go see your man before it’s too late.”

The two blush and then march ahead, following Fiona out of the room.

Xia Bai opens her eyes, finding herself lying on a bed in a small room. She checks her surroundings, finding her weapons missing, but her wounds are treated and bandaged. She sits up and stares at the bars, realizing she’s locked in a prison cell. She takes a breath as flames come from her mouth.

“I wouldn’t try that if I were you,” Glyn says, walking up to the cell. “I’ve had these bars enchanted so they won’t melt into your flames. You’ll only exhaust yourself, or cook yourself.”

“Oh, you.” She glares at him. “How long has it been? Almost two weeks?”

“Yup. And you and your Lord got yourselves into trouble again, have you?”

She smirks. “Sadly yes. We attempted to set up shop on another island, but sadly, our enemies arrived and turned it into a living hell.”

“The same one?”

“Yes. We thought they’d take their warpath more north. But for some reason, they’re headed down south.”

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

Glyn pauses. “They're headed this way.”

“Exactly. Best get ready or else you’ll be overwhelmed. Trust me.”

“They're moving fast. How?”

“An airship. An old one must’ve been a battle cruiser during the war.”

“A hundred-year-old airship?”

“Yeah. A deadly antique stuffed to the brim with bloodthirsty warriors all ready to sweep over your lands and snatch up anyone they can.”

Glyn stands. “What else can you tell me?”

“It’s Morgan. Morgan Walsh, she’s the one on her way.” Xia smiles as the color on Glyn’s face fades. “You know why she’s coming? Wasn’t she in that guy’s circle?”

“Did Isaac tell you?”

“Some stuff.”

Glyn smirks. “Alright then. If she’s coming, then I best do what I can to give her a welcoming display.”

“You’re not scared?”

“Oh, I’m terrified. Terrified about what I’m going to do.” He says with a stern smile.

Glyn gathers everyone in the dining hall and reports the situation. Telling them of the airship headed their way, and the supposed ‘hell’ that follows it. The group watches on closely, soaking in the information as a sense of dread comes over the group.

“An airship? Aren’t those pretty common on the mainland?” Miller asks.

“Yes. But this is an ancient airship. Something from the time before the continent was united when Demon attacks were common. It’s a massive war machine meant to fight Demon encampments.”

Zanrit nods. “From my understanding, modern airships don’t compare to their size or firepower.”

“Yup. Thankfully, it’s slow and takes a ton of fuel. Whatever power source they are using needs time to recharge after a campaign. So, if they were attacked recently, we’ll have a few days.”

“And your plan?” Tisha asks.

“We bring the fight to them.”

“What?!” Everyone yells out.

“Listen. If we wait for them to come, even if we shore up our defenses again, we’d suffer. This isn’t like with Fenwick, where he was solely focused on us and the game. From what I hear, Morgan is simply out to conquer and cause chaos.”

“And who is this, Morgan? She sounds like a madwoman.” Fiona asks.

“I don’t know her personally. But from what I hear her home life was pretty bad. It ended up with her killing her father.”

“What!?”

“Yeah.”

“And they’ll let someone like that become king?” Tisha asks.

“It’s likely she has some backer. While she was arrested for the murder, her father was a tyrant and was bound for death, anyway. So, she was fashioned into a hero of the people for a time. But now she’s just an out-and-out bloodthirsty monster.”

“And we’re going to slay this beast?” Zanrit asks.

Pepper nods. “We’ll need to stop her or else she’ll bring disaster to not just here. But the mainland as well.”

“Exactly. I doubt the other candidates will remain still if word gets out. So, we’ll need to go in and cause a scene that’ll draw everyone to her. Then we can confirm who’s still in the game and deal with her.”

“So, who’s going?” Mila asks.

Glyn sighs. “Mila, Pepper, Miller, Sam, and Otso you’re coming with me.”

“What about the rest of us?” Tisha asks.

“Stay here and watch the island. Mila’s our strongest fighter and her Mana levels will cause a scene. Miller and Sam are coming to watch over Xia. Otso is one of our best scouts. And Pepper’s coming for communication.”

“Fine, we have our team and Xia. Are you sure that’s enough?” Tisha asks.

“It’ll have to be until we’re ready for the final fight. When everything is ready, we can use the teleporter to bring everyone in.”

“So, when do we leave?” Mila asks.

“Let’s get ready and leave in the morning. This is our most dangerous mission yet. So, everyone be prepared for anything.”

“Right!” Everyone says at once.

As the night comes, Glyn sits in his office with Tisha and Mila entering the room. The two close the door behind them as they walk up to him.

“Glyn.” Mila stares down at him.

“Sorry. I’m busy so….”

Tisha slams her hands on the desk. “Glyn listen. This job’s dangerous, so why...”

“If you’re worried about my safety, then don’t be. I can’t let everyone risk themselves while I sit around safely. That’s not the kind of person I am.”

Tisha sighs. “Glyn you….”

Mila walks up to Glyn with a smirk. “I know, but I can’t help but worry, even when I’m beside you. I can’t understand why you push yourself so hard. But Glyn, I want to know more about you. I want to know you.”

“Mila….”

“I know now is not the time for it. But I want to know you. So please don’t run away from me.”

Tisha stares at her and smiles. “And if you dare to run away. I will drag you back. Don’t think you can escape and Elvan Ranger!”

“Right,” Glyn smirks. “But let’s survive this first. I…. I want to take your feelings seriously.”

“Fine. We’re patient.” Tisha says.

Mila nods. “I’m a patient person. But I won’t wait around forever.”

“Right. You don’t want to lose out on a chance with either of us beauties.”

Glyn smirks, holding back his laughter. “That’d be a real shame. I guess I better work hard to end this crisis as fast as possible. Then we can get back to only worrying about romantic drama.”

“You better,” Tisha says.

“I second that,” Mila says.