Two realms left, the Crimson Blight and the Sickly Mists. Though Hunter wasn't sure how much help the two would be since both are struggling just to survive their own world. Hunter wasn't going to leave any realm out however. So he chose the Crimson Blight first since he knew for a fact the realm has people living there. This time Hunter took the boat operated by Vidar who had Michael and Thrud tagging along.

“So Hunter, how's things been going? You finally settled on who you'll be with for whatever time you have left?”

“Still down to two, between Hel and Lilac. Things are going… okay I guess. The last week with Lilac was… interesting. I promised to make sure she had equal footing as Hel so we talked a lot about our lives before meeting. Then because Hel and I had seen one another nude and on a separate occasion slept in the same bed, I made sure to give Lilac the same chances.”

“I've been curious myself about elf anatomy since physically speaking they are one of the most different from humans besides the fish, bird, and living crystal people. Are elves even mammals? They look more like insects.”

“That's kinda like stick bugs looking like sticks and leaves but not being plants. Sure they have lighter and thinner bones than humans and then you have the ears and little horn like things, but Jotuns have horns too. At least, some of them do. Despite having the dragon-fly like wings, they are, as far as I can tell, mammals. However there are no historical records of humans and elves mixing to indicate it's possible. Aesir, Vanir, Jotuns, and Humans are all compatible.”

“I’d ask how you are so sure all of those are compatible but I'll assume your knowledge comes from the mytho-history we are now living in. But maybe you missed something? Other pantheons exist too, maybe there is something from a mythology that isn't Norse.”

Hunter thought for a bit. “The fairies of Irish folklore are probably closer to looking like real elves than what the Norse had. There are stories of half fae, I think. I'd have to look it up to be sure but I remember something about it requiring magic and the amount not sure if those kids could have kids. So it would be like making a mule.”

Thrud then added “You having access to the Bifrost might be able to bridge the gap between elf and man. Maybe the kid would also have a stronger link to the Bifrost because of you and be able to do the same thing to have kids regardless of the gap.”

“You know it's surprising how often I forget I'm not a normal human.”

Vidar chuckled. “Considering what the Bifrost is said to be capable of, maybe we misinterpreted something.”

“If you are talking of my death, the specifics don't matter. I'll be dead to the world and for some reason no one will remember my sacrifice. They may remember that someone gave their life for the realms but my name won't be tied to it. So even if I don't literally die I won't get to live happily ever after with someone. This war means my death, one way or another.”

“Well with that downer of a conversation out of the way we've reached some kind of settlement. Let's find a local and see if there is an organization that runs things here.”

Hunter takes out a few gas masks. “Alright, everyone that's leaving the boat has to wear one of these. You breathe in the red crap it'll kill you, or at least kill the you we know. All that'll remain is the Blight.”

Michael puts his mask on without hesitation. “So keep the mask on to prevent this from becoming a zombie movie. Got it.”

Everyone, even Vidar, puts on a mask. “Spread out. Take this communicator and call in if you need help or find a lead.” Vidar hands out small Bifrost communication devices. With a nod everyone hops out the flying boat via a rope and spreads out throughout the city with Vidar staying by the boat just in case.

Hunter was now on his own, though he had available backup just in case he didn't exactly have anyone to talk to as he walked around the city looking for a local. After a bit of wandering aimlessly through streets he spots a platoon of soldiers marching down the street. Their black uniform and gas mask reminds Hunter a little too much of a dark point in Earth’s history and he feels tempted to run. Hunter pushed back the urge to run and started jumping up and down shouting. “Hey, over here! Hey you! Yes, you lot over there.”

It worked to get the attention of the soldiers and Hunter expected them to point guns at him and shoot first and ask questions later. But no, the guy in front signaled the rest before slowly approaching Hunter with just a few men and guns ready just in case. “What are you doing out in the open? Also, what in Arnthix’s name are you wearing?”

“Well my choice of dress is more function than fashion. However, its style probably has something to do with me not being from around here.”

“Not from around here, how is that possible? I find it difficult to believe that a civilian in such casual and partially exposed dress could survive a long trip.”

“Oh, by not from me I mean not from this realm. Technically I'm from another world. I was hoping you had a formal government so I could speak to your leader. Think of me as a sort of ambassador.”

“That's even harder to believe than you being from outside the city. How are you speaking like us if you are not from here?”

“Auto translation, I've been here before and picked up the local language with a device that automatically translates what I'm saying from my language to yours. It's kinda hard to be an ambassador to other realms when you can't even communicate.”

“If it were not for the fact I can see your skin I wouldn't believe you were an alien. Since the only weapon I see on you is that primitive melee weapon on your back I guess it's safe to take you to the General. She'll be the one to determine if you'll be allowed to see the President.”

“Cool, cool. Without further adieu, take me to your leader.” Hunter chuckles a bit after saying that. He then sends a text letting everyone know he found someone and they can go back to the boat unless he needs them.

“Right this way Sir Ambassador.” The man starts leading Hunter down the street with a small group as the rest of the platoon continues marching down the streets.

“So why are you patrolling in force like this?”

“We are keeping an eye out for and killing any of the Blighted we see.”

“I'm guessing normal people don't leave the house and you drop food off for them to minimize the risk of civilians getting infected.”

“The only people that don't serve in the military are those too old, too young, or disabled. Everyone in this town that isn't in active service stays in a single building with its own greenhouse.”

“Ah, I've seen a similar setup in another realm. They are having fungal spore related issues”

“So we are not the only ones suffering from a cataclysm.”

“Every realm has its own struggles. One realm suffers regular floods, another has its trees rotting to death and filled with maggots. Some cataclysms are more crippling than others.”

“I see. Well here we are. The main base in town.” The man leads Hunter into the building that sprays them down when they get in. Once cleaned off people start taking off masks with Hunter following suit.

Hunter is finally able to see what the natives of this realm look like. They are surprisingly human looking with a few minor things. First, and most noticable, is their skin and hair. A golden color that practically sparkles in the light. The second is eyes. Red irises with white sclera. Proportionally speaking their size and body type range seems similar to humans. The leader of the group escorting Hunter looks him up and down taking in the differences between themselves and this alien.

“You're so pale, and lack any luster. Is that your natural hair and eye color?”

“Yep, black hair and brown eyes. This is my natural skin color too.”

“Do people from your world come in other colors?”

“There are various skin, eye, and hair colors on my world and on other worlds. However, no one I've met is as shiny as you. Well, except the living crystal people.”

“Living crystals? That's fascinating. Anyway, the General is right through here.” Hunter is led into a room where an older woman with sparkling white skin and hair with blue eyes is looking over a map with markers on it. “Madame General.” He salutes her. “My troops came across this… alien while on patrol.”

“Alien?” The General straightens her back and looks to Hunter. Her eyes widened as soon as she saw him. “What in Arnthix’s name?!”

“I reacted in a similar way, and that was before I saw what he looked like.”

Hunter shuffled around as the General looked him up and down. “How many of you are there?” She asked.

Hunter met her eyes as he began to talk. “I have a few friends waiting for me just outside the city if that's what you are asking. If you are asking how many humans there are, it's around eight billion. Among them I'm one of a kind. In more ways than one.”

“No I mean… I see one person but there's more than that.”

“Oh, my sword is sentient and I think I might technically have two souls. It's a bit confusing.”

“I see…. You definitely have an…. Unusual luster.”

“That guy said I didn't have one at all.”

“Yeah well he can't see what I can.” She then walks up to Hunter and starts poking him in different areas. “Hmm” She gets a look at Hunter's teeth and gums. “Hmmm” Takes a closer look at his eyes. “Are these prosthetic?”

“Yeah, not my choice. The color has been adjusted to match the one I was born with.”

The General then puts her hand on Hunter's sternum for a bit. “Hmmm” Then she gives it a punch. Hunter doesn't even budge as the General shakes off her hand. “Impressive. Tell me, have you been claimed?”

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“I don't know what you mean by that.”

The guy who led Hunter here spoke up. “General, he's an ambassador. An alien ambassador.”

“Yeah yeah. What I mean is; has a woman proclaimed you as hers?”

“Are you…. Hitting on me? Because I'm spoken for.”

“Ah, shame. Your bone structure alone would definitely be an excellent trait to introduce to our gene pool. Anyway, what is it you came here for?”

“I'm putting in work to form an alliance that contains all fifteen realms. In order to join forces to push back a coming threat known as Hastur, the King in Yellow.”

“There are ancient records of a figure of a similar name, are you sure he's still around? After all, it's been well beyond a thousand years, let alone the normal hundred year lifespan we have.”

“Oh cool, another people that share the same lifespan. Most races I've met live longer. Thousand, some even ten thousand. Whatever Hastur is, his kind has natural life spans even longer than that.”

“I see. This is definitely something that should be brought to the attention of the President.” The General goes to what looks like an old rotary phone and makes a call.

“So… the General is extremely forward.”

The guy that escorted Hunter here laughs. “That's how most platinums are, especially the females. They see something they like and they let it be known. Claiming it as soon as possible. Being at the top has its advantages. What kind of standing does the one with a claim on you have?”

“She's…” Hunter had to think a bit before taking. “Of royal blood.”

“Other realms still have nobility? I guess I shouldn't be surprised. What if you, any standing outside being an ambassador.”

“I'm… a king without a crown you could say. It's a bit complicated. I wasn't born into nobility or standing, but I don't know if I could say I've earned it.”

“Responsibility was thrust upon you by circumstance?”

“You could say that, but I have been a dependable and responsible individual before my new role.”

“I see.”

The General comes back from the phone call. “The President has authorized me to establish communications and relations. We will join this alliance under set terms. We remain independent and have opportunities for trade to name a few.”

Hunter nodded. “Obviously. I'm not looking to subjugate anyone. I'll hand you scrolls and tablets so you can open communications with other realms. Be sure your president gets one. Since I'm done here, I have a woman to get back to.”

“She's a lucky lady.”

The soldier chuckled, “apparently his lady is of noble blood.”

“Well damn. Stealing you away sounds out of my reach then. Shame. Can't blame a woman for trying.”

“Hehe, guess I can't. I'll be taking my leave then.” Hunter waves, puts on his mask, and exits the building. He makes his way out of the city and back to the boat.

“Welcome back Hunter. How did it go?” Vidar was the first to greet Hunter.

“Scrolls and tablets delivered. One realm down, two to go. Let's head straight to the Sickly Mists. Knock this out then home for rest. I just want to get this done and dusted as soon as possible.”

Vidar nods and lays in the course. Transporting them to the next realm. Once there they start floating around looking for a city. “What's with these root worlds and looking rough as hell compared to the branches? Especially compared to Idavoll.”

“I'm not sure, all I know is whatever this shit in the air is it makes my skin itch and burn.”

“Do you have any ideas as to what to expect here?”

“Not really. I didn't spot any natives last time I was here. Only person I saw was Loki who died at the end of our interaction.”

“Right, Hel mentioned something about that. Apparently he replaced your eyes?”

“Yeah, it sucked. Anyway, I think I see a city over there. As good a place as any to start.”

Vidar made his way over to the city Hunter spotted that was in the same relative location as the one in the Crimson Blight. Once again Vidar parks outside the city. Hunter changes into something that covers his skin and dons the gasask again. Hunter quickly waved as he left the boat to explore the city, the others doing the same. They hoped this place would go as smoothly as the others.

Hunter had been walking for what felt like hours and decided to enter a building to rest his feet. He had yet to see a sign of current life. When he tried the door he had difficulty opening it. Once inside he heard a hissing sound as air pushed hard past him. Hunter continued going into another door and getting into the building proper and finding a place to sit. “Ugh. I should have seen something alive by now. Not so much as a bird has flown by me.”

Hunter then heats a scuttling sound and looks in the direction it came from. “Hello? Is someone there?”

More shuffling and scratching is heard so Hunter moves in to investigate it. While peaking around a corner he heard a shouting in a different direction. Hunter moved to look in that direction when suddenly he was jumped and tackled by a humanoid reptilian wearing fabric decorated with bones. Hunter was on his back with the long, almost crocodile-like mouth hovering over him sticking it's forked tongue out at him repeatedly while pushing him to the ground with its clawed hand on his shoulder.

“Woh woh woh there.” Hunter waves his hand around and takes off his mask. “I'm not here to hurt you.”

The lizard talks but Hunter can't understand it yet. It brought its face close to his and continued to flick its tongue at him. It presses its body on him more further restricting movement.

“Right, I forgot it takes a bit for the translation to learn a new language.”

The reptile continues talking and eventually the translation kicks in. “What are you? State motivation! This would be so much easier if you could understand me.” The voice is surprisingly feminine.

“Well now I can. Auto translator finally figured out your language. I'm not here to hurt you, you can let me go.”

It flicks its tongue again. “You smell of truth and… arousal?”

“My body is reacting to you pressing against me and adrenaline. I'm not l aroused in that way.”

The lizard stands and lets Hunter get up. “Sorry about that.”

Hunter gets up and brushes himself off. “It's fine, I've had worse.”

“So what are you and why are you here?”

“I'm a human, a mammalian from another realm. Right now I'm gathering leaders from the realms to form an alliance to defend ourselves from a future threat.”

“Well I'm no leader but I can take you to the chief.”

“I was hoping for a world leader.”

“We don't have that, just scattered tribes with chiefs.”

“I'll have to find a way to make that work I guess. There are fifteen realms and this is the last one before I finally inform my home realm.”

The female reptilian nods and leads Hunter to her tribe's chief. “This is our chief elder. Chief Elder, we have a visitor.”

“Visitor? A hairless monkey?

“I'm a human, but I guess it's not the worst description. I'm from another realm, gathering all the realms into an alliance to take on an incoming threat that is the imminent return of The King in Yellow, Hastur.”

The chief flicks its tongue at Hunter. “I don't smell deception. I'll call a meeting of the other chiefs and discuss this with them. It'll likely take till tomorrow. Till then…” he looks to the female reptilian that led Hunter there. “You'll have to keep an eye on him. Don't let him out of your sight just in case.”

“But sir, you know that I-”

“Not excuses. Find a way to fit it into your other responsibilities and personal needs. Understood?”

“Understood, sir. I won't let you down.” She bows as the older lizard walks off to take care of business. The female then looks to Hunter. “You have a name, mammal?”

“It's Hunter Erickson, but some know me as Hunter Steel-Bone. What about you?”

She looks to the floor and rubs her arm. “[Kills with eyes closed].”

“Eh? That's a bit of a mouth full when translated. How about… Komodo? It's a type of reptile known for its bite. Spreads necrotic bacteria. It's that or maybe Elizabeth.”

“Elizabeth Komodo.” She nods. “Liz for short.” She chuckled.

“So it sounded like you had stuff to do. Like what?”

“I was getting ready to go out for food for starters.”

“I can help with that. Let's go.” Hunter puts his mask back on and goes to the building exit with Liz.

“What is with that scary mask anyway?”

“Keeps me from breathing in bad stuff. Whatever curse is in that mist, I'd rather not have it in my lungs.”

“Oh, I think it's more of a time and concentration thing. That mask may slow the process but it won't stop it.”

“Gives me more time that I can be outside though.”

“True. I'm guessing you don't have one that'll fit me.”

“Unfortunately no. Now let's see what kinda food we can gather.”

Hunter and Liz walk around the city grabbing various plants when Hunter hears something. “Did you hear that? Something rustling in the distance.”

“Maybe another rodent. Damn things aren't even edible.”

“I'm guessing they've taken in too much mist to be eaten.”

The pair approach a small lake of some kind when Hunter hears something from the water. “This lake have fish?”

“Yeah, and they can be eaten. I'll set up for fishing.”

A large sea snake with webbed neck frills jumps onto the land from the lake hissing at them loudly. Liz covers her eyes. “Basilisk! Don't make eye contact.”

Hunter hides his eyes. “Light-bringer, kill this thing fast.” The sword chirps as it brings forth the ghost blades and makes quick work of the Basilisk. “It's definitely concerning to learn that these things haven't gone extinct in every realm.”

“They exist elsewhere?”

“There are stories about them on my world so I assume so.”

Liz collects the Basilisk bits and some fish that got beached when it popped out. “This should be enough food to feed everyone for several days.”

Hunter nods and the two head back. As they walk a rat of unusual size with strange spikes coming out of its matted fur jumps out from around a corner.

“Holy Helheim, that's a huge bitch!” Hunter exclaimed. “That's no ordinary rodent, that's a fuckin dire rat.”

It charges at them and swipes at the two, Hunter is able to dodge it completely while Liz takes a light swipe. Light-bringer then cuts into it as well.

“It may not be safe to eat but it wont bother anyone anymore. Right Liz?”

Hunter looks at Liz who's outfit got torn and is falling off. Liz rips the tattered cloth and tossed it on the ground. “Great, that's useless now.”

Hunter feels a bit embarrassed at first but then realizes he can't actually see any naughty bits because Liz is a reptile. “Why… do you wear clothes if not for modesty?”

“The fabrics have minor heat enchantments.” She starts to shiver. “Does your outfit not?”

Hunter slaps his face lightly. “Right, reptilian. That means you are an exotherm rather than an endotherm like a mammalian.”

“You… lost me there. I'm about to enter hibernation here. Any ideas?”

Hunter removed and stored his outfit minus his underwear and footwear. “What it means is I produce my own body heat. Hop on my back and I'll carry you back.”

Liz hesitates a bit but eventually climbs onto Hunter's back and holds him tightly. “You weren't joking. You give off a lot of heat.”

Hunter starts running with Light-bringer floating at his side and Liz on his back. “Just shout if you see anything and Light-bringer will take care of it.”

“What about the food?”

“I stashed it with my outfit. Pocket dimension ring.”

“That's so neat, I want one.”

Hunter focused on getting back to the building the clan was staying in. “Here we are. Still awake?”

Liz was hugging his back tightly and flicked her tongue by his neck letting out low growling sounds.

“Uhh, Liz? Are you okay back there?”

“You may be the ugliest male I've ever set eyes upon, but you are extremely warm and you smell kinda nice. Go in through that side door please~ I don't want the others to see me in this embarrassing state.”

Hunter goes to the indicated door. “I smell kinda good as in like food or…”

“I won't try to eat you.”

Hunter enters the side door then follows directions to Liz's private area before setting her down. “You good?”

“I'll be fine, thanks.” She played on what looked like a large bean bag or pet bed big enough for several humans.

“Aren't you going to get dressed? It's not much warmer in here.”

“This bed is warm, and so are you.” She pats the bed and pulls up a blanket. “I won't bite.”

“That's… not what I'm worried about. Well not the only thing I'm worried about.” He hesitantly sits on the edge of the bed. “Listen Liz I-”

Liz interrupts him by grabbing him and holding him like a large plush. “All I want is your warmth, nothing more. Okay?”

“O-okay I guess. As long as you don't try to eat or mate with me everything is fine.”

Liz nuzzled him. “Hmmm… it is close to the mating season, but I'm not sure I could get over how ugly you are. Though you do smell really nice and are really warm. We are not compatible though and it would produce no offspring.”

“Do your people not mate simply for pleasure?”

“We do, sometimes. Why, did you want to-”

“No. I don't want to mate with you.”

“Your smell says otherwise~”

“S-shut up. I've got a limited time, lots of problems, and it's bad enough I already have to choose between two women already.”

“We wouldn't have to be life mates or pair bonded Hunter.”

Hunter doesn't verbally respond but Liz doesn't press him. She simply continues to take in his warmth.

“I think I understand. Just give me a moment more and I'll let you go.” Liz was shuffling around a lot behind Hunter.

“What are you doing back there?”

“Don't talk, and don't look at me. When I let go of you just leave the blanket and exit the room to see the elder.”

Hunter didn't ask questions and just waited for her movements to stop and for her to let go of her grip. Eventually she stopped adjusting herself and let him go. Hunter went to leave the room but stopped at the door. “Do I… do I want to know what it was you were doing?”

“Probably not. Nothing that'll do harm to you.”

“Okay. See you around I guess.” Hunter went to the Elder who just finished what he was doing.

“Ah, so you are still here. I just got the go ahead to join this alliance of yours. I look forward to working with you to fight this threat and maybe even better our world.”

The two shake hands. “I look forward to working with you too.”

The Elder gave Hunter a strange look as he flicked his tongue a few times.

“Something wrong Chief?”

“No, not really. You are free to return home.”

Hunter once again puts his mask on and leaves, this time for the boat.

Vidar waved at him. “Well, are we done here? You were gone for a while.”

“Tablets and scrolls distributed. Take me home.”

“Which one Hunter? You basically have three.”

Hunter thought for a while. “Alfheim, I'll text Hel to visit me.”

Vidar nods and takes Hunter to his personal home in Alfheim.