The house was a striking blend of history and modernity. Warm wooden walls, carved with intricate Whakairo, told stories of The True Writer, their patterns rippling under soft light. Dark wooden floors creaked faintly, worn smooth by time, while a grand fireplace adorned with koru spirals anchored the room.
Amidst the traditional elements, futuristic tech was seamlessly integrated holographic interfaces hovered above wooden tables, and a sleek control hub pulsed softly in the corner. The contrast between the earthy, handcrafted details and the smooth, glowing technology created a space where the past and future coexisted in perfect harmony.
The house was alive with activity, a veritable hive of motion as hundreds of maids bustled about, preparing for the evening’s grand event. The air buzzed with the sounds of hurried footsteps, clipped commands, and the occasional clatter of utensils, while the rich scent of freshly polished wood and delicate fragrances wafted through the halls. Lady Chihaya stood amidst the flurry of activity in the main hall, her composed demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos around her.
She gestured for an update, and Isabella, one of the head maids, approached with a swift bow, clutching a tablet loaded with details. Her voice was crisp and efficient as she rattled off the report.
Isabella: “Everything is nearly ready for the party, Lady Chihaya. High Captain Thrawn, Blacksmith Dante, the other families of the unknown realms, and Ryouji Leich, head of the Bounty Hunter Guild, are confirmed to attend tonight. High Captain Jean will be stationed at the border point with his forces, along with half of Thrawn’s army to make sure we don’t get any unwanted guests. Meanwhile, High Captain Elira Gravitarch is overseeing operations across Te Moana Nui o ngā Ao Whāiti.”
Lady Chihaya nodded, her expression one of satisfaction mixed with caution.
Chihaya: “Good,” she replied firmly. “Ensure there are no repeats of the Lordanis incident. I have matters to attend to before I meet up with Yourupt and Wfighter.”
Without another word, she turned on her heel, her long robes flowing behind her as she strode towards the deeper layers of the house. She descended into the basement, the polished elegance of the upper floors giving way to shadowed corridors of stone and iron. This section of the house, far removed from the liveliness above, exuded a weighty stillness.
Lady Chihaya’s steps echoed faintly in the quiet as she made her way deeper into the labyrinthine chambers. There were two individuals she needed to check on two individuals whose presence was crucial to the delicate balance of tonight’s gathering. The air seemed to grow heavier with each step, and a faint hum of ancient energy coursed through the walls. Whatever lay ahead was important enough to warrant her personal attention.
Lady Chihaya descended into the depths of Te Pō Arotahi, the expansive lower levels of the house. Once a grand study hall for The True Writer, it had been a place of research and rigorous training. The halls were lined with countless rooms, some still waiting to be fully explored, holding secrets from another time.
Now, Te Pō Arotahi serves a different purpose. It had become a prison, housing dangerous entities and artifacts that posed a threat to all of creation if ever released. The cells were reinforced with powerful seals, their faint glow casting an eerie light over the corridors.
Alongside its role as a containment area, it was also a training ground. The elite enforcers of TTW’s maids honed their skills in the many training halls scattered throughout the space. The halls echoed with the sounds of drills and sparring, the maids pushing themselves to their limits.
As Lady Chihaya walked deeper into the labyrinth, the air grew colder, and the atmosphere more solemn. Her purpose was clear, and she moved with steady determination, knowing what lay ahead demanded her full focus.
Lady Chihaya navigated through the Te Pō Arotahi with ease, manipulating the fog-laden space as she moved. Memories of accompanying The True Writer to these depths resurfaced, guiding her steps to Level 0, the lowest and most secure level, where two of the most dangerous prisoners in creation were held.
As she arrived, three elite enforcers, tasked with guarding the prisoners, knelt before her. Veyra, their leader, spoke first.
Veyra: "Lady Chihaya, we have maintained watch over the prisoners as ordered."
Chihaya gestured for them to rise and inquired,
Chihaya: "How is Nyxavore?"
Kaelix, the second elite enforcer, replied,
Kaelix: "Nyxavore remains as it has always been, only moving occasionally."
Lady Chihaya's expression hardened as she recalled the being’s history.
Chihaya: "It's hard to believe that Warrangurra broke free from Te Moana Nui o ngā Ao Whāiti and unleashed chaos upon the unknown. It is the second greatest threat creation has ever known, second only to Dark Yourupt. Even they once clashed in a battle that nearly unmade existence. Though Dark Yourupt prevailed, Nyxavore adapted to every countermeasure even to narrative manipulations and transcendence attempts. Defeating it outright was impossible but somehow he was able to do it.
Chihaya: "We arrived just in time to imprison it, yet its ability to adapt made killing it too great a risk. The chains binding it are infused with the same energy as the Te Pūtakenga o te Ao only that power can contain it."
The enforcers nodded solemnly, the weight of their duty evident. Nyxavore's containment remained a testament to the fragile balance of power in creation.
Drayth, the third elite enforcer, asked Lady Chihaya,
Drayth: "Why didn’t Dark Yourupt kill it at the start?"
Lady Chihaya’s expression hardened as she responded,
Chihaya: "From the report compiled by Head Maid Rose, it seems Dark Yourupt wanted to absorb the Warrangurra into his shadow army. He recognized the immense potential it held when it adapted to his initial attacks, and he sought to harness that power. However, he couldn’t risk using too many of his techniques, as that would have allowed the creature to adapt and evolve against his entire arsenal.”
Chihaya: "Instead, he attempted to trap it using an ancient sealing magic technique he likely learned from the library of Kāinga Mākutu. The technique itself allows the user to place it’s vicim into a seal that seals all kinds of openings as it creates a space that keeps out spiritual, metaphysical, physical, or even dimensional either temporarily or permanently, depending on the user’s skill and the nature of the opening. Despite his expertise, Nyxavore was able to adapt even to this.”
Chihaya: "The battle escalated to the point where Dark Yourupt had no choice but to draw upon one of his strongest abilities, the power of the former second demon king, Orythar, the Scribe of Damnation. Using Orythar’s power over narratives, he attempted to overwrite Nyxavore’s existence entirely. Even then, Nyxavore adapted, transcending to a higher narrative level where his own narrative made it that it’s now the strongest monster that will destroy everything and is the idea of what a true monster should be and it will leave nothing behind in creation.”
Chihaya: "We don’t know how the fight ultimately concluded. What we do know is that Dark Yourupt invoked his Domain Supremacy, and when the battle ended, all that was left of Nyxavore was a single cell. The maids who witnessed the aftermath were left with more questions than answers."
Veyra turned to Lady Chihaya, her voice tinged with unease.
Veyra: “So, do you think anyone could kill it?”
Lady Chihaya hesitated before responding, her tone carrying a rare hint of uncertainty.
Chihaya: “Not many could. To truly destroy it, you’d need to erase it on a fundamental level ensuring it couldn’t return on any plane of existence. That would mean not only obliterating its physical form but also dismantling its narrative as well. Such a feat is nearly impossible. Let’s hope it doesn’t break its chains because if it does, creation itself might be doomed… unless everything goes according to plan, of course.”
Before Veyra could reply, an unfamiliar voice echoed from the second cell, low and mocking.
Unknown Voice: “Oh, you think he’ll master all their abilities, skills and reconnect with his shadow self before she arrives?”
Lady Chihaya’s voice hardened as she continued, her gaze briefly flicking toward the second cell.
Chihaya: “And how could I forget the traitor himself Mugi, death incarnate, the one who sparked the war to end all wars.”
The atmosphere shifted. From the second cell, an oppressive, frigid energy began to seep into the surrounding space, the chill biting even through the protective wards of Te Pō Arotahi. The chains securing the cell groaned under the strain of the energy, frost creeping along their length.
Within the cell sat Mugi, bound to a chair by the chains forged from the essence of Te Pūtakenga o te Ao. His figure, though motionless, emanated an aura of menace that had not waned in the ten years since his imprisonment. These chains were the only thing standing between him and creation’s ruin, his punishment for crimes too vast to fathom: summoning Lordanis with the aid of Gala and igniting the last great war.
A surge of mana erupted from Mugi’s cell, raw and uncontained. The ripple of power was so intense that even Nyxavore stirred within its confinement, the slightest motion sending shockwaves of unease through the room.
Mugi’s voice cut through the freezing air, sharp and unwavering.
Mugi :“Don’t deflect, Chihaya. You, of all people, should know that hiding things always leads to consequences. Really bad consequences.”
Lady Chihaya’s eyes narrowed, her tone sharp as a blade.
Chihaya:“Yeah, take one to know one.”
But Mugi didn’t stop. He leaned into the tension, his voice dripping with disdain.
Mugi: “At least I have no regrets when I absorb Wok unlike you.”
The words hit their mark, igniting a flicker of anger in Chihaya’s expression. He wasn’t entirely wrong, and that stung the most. But she reminded herself why he was here, why all the horrors of the war could be traced back to his treachery. The weight of it all clawed at her composure.
Just as her anger threatened to surface, all three maids stepped forward, placing a steady hand on Chihaya’s shoulder.
All Three Maids: “Lady Chihaya,” she said softly, her voice calm and grounding, “remember the plan. Everything will be alright.”
With a deep breath, Chihaya allowed the maid’s words to anchor her. She straightened her posture, her sharp glare fixed on Mugi.
Lady Chihaya’s tone was firm as she addressed Mugi.
Chihaya: “Anyway, I just came down here to check on you to ensure we don’t have any unwanted guests. But you already knew that.”
From the depths of the shadows, Mugi leaned forward, his face emerging into the dim light. What remained of it was now only bone, a haunting reminder of his transformation after absorbing the former death being, Wok. His hollow eyes glinted with a dark, knowing light as he spoke.
Mugi: “That’s not all, is it? You want something from me. And I’ll do it but only if you give me what I want in return.”
Chihaya’s expression remained unfazed, her voice cold and resolute.
Chihaya: “Sorry, Mugi, but you know I can’t do that.”
Mugi chuckled, the sound dry and unnerving, like leaves crunching underfoot.
Mugi: “Would you rather have that beast fumble around doing what I could do better? Even trapped in this chair, I’ve been preparing. You know I can see most of creation even from here being death itself. I’ve spent these years training my mind, studying mana, magic, and even null energy. I’ve condensed my mana, refined my understanding of my new powers, powers far beyond anything Wok, the so-called Night Bringer, ever wielded. I’ve surpassed death itself and gave it new meaning.”
He leaned back, the aura of cold emanating from his cell intensifying.
Mugi: “All I need is my scythe, and I could give her something worthy.”
Lady Chihaya didn’t flinch, though her fingers subtly tightened at her side.
Chihaya: “You speak of power, Mugi, but don’t forget you’re sitting in that chair for a reason. Don’t mistake your imprisonment for irrelevance.”
The room fell silent, save for the faint crackle of ice forming on the chains binding him.
Mugi leaned forward slightly, his bony face tilted in a mocking semblance of curiosity.
Mugi: “You know, not everyone can wield Null energy. It’s... exclusive. But you’ve seen what her children can do with it, haven’t you? You were there when subject 0 was first created.”
Lady Chihaya’s composed mask faltered for a fraction of a second, her worry flashing briefly before she forced it down. The mention of them, and especially Subject 0, struck a nerve. Mugi saw it, and his hollow grin widened.
Straightening herself, Lady Chihaya turned her attention to the maids standing nearby, her tone sharp and commanding.
Chihaya: “Ladies, ensure they don’t get out. No matter what.”
She then fixed her gaze back on Mugi, her voice lowering to a steely warning.
Chihaya: “And you, Mugi, I’m hoping it never comes to the point where I have to release either of you. For everyone’s sake.”
Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel, the fog around her parting as she strode away. Behind her, Mugi’s soft laughter echoed in the chamber, unsettling and cold, like a whisper from a long-forgotten grave.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Lady Chihaya emerged from the depths of Te Pō Arotahi, her expression calm but her thoughts uneasy. Mugi’s words lingered in her mind, especially his mention of Subject 0. It was a topic she avoided even in her own thoughts, one that carried risks far greater than most could imagine. She couldn’t let it resurface, especially not now, when so much was already at stake.
As she stepped into the grand lobby, she took a moment to steady herself. The sight of maids and attendants moving about in preparation for the evening’s gathering brought a small sense of normalcy, but it wasn’t enough to quiet her concerns. Mugi had been sealed away for ten years, yet his power and influence hadn’t diminished. If anything, he seemed stronger, his mind sharper, his plans deeper. The idea of what he could do even from his cell was unsettling.
She let out a soft breath, shifting her focus to the tasks ahead. The party tonight was more than a social event. It was an opportunity to project stability to everyone, a reminder to all who attended that everything was still under control. But the real challenge lay with tonight’s meeting, where the matter of Dark Yourupt’s sentencing would be decided.
Dark Yourupt. Yourupt’s shadow self’s crimes had shaken creation, leaving scars that couldn’t be ignored. The unknown’s realms would need to determine how to hold someone so powerful accountable to someone who had been both a savior and a threat.
Climbing the grand staircase to her chambers, Chihaya’s thoughts shifted between these pressing issues. She had to remain composed. There was no room for doubt or hesitation, not with so much at stake.
As she reached the top, she glanced back at the bustling lobby below. Tonight, she will play her part as host and leader. Tomorrow, she would stand at the tribunal and face the weight of creation’s judgment. And somewhere, beneath it all, the threat of Subject 0 and Mugi’s cryptic warnings loomed quietly, waiting for its moment.
She pushed the thought aside for now. One challenge at a time.
While Lady Chihaya was deep in conversation with Mugi and the other maids, an hour earlier, in the south wing of the house, a different scene was unfolding in the medical hall where Yourupt rested. The room was quiet except for the soft hum of mana-infused devices monitoring his recovery.
Yuna entered, her face etched with worry. She approached the main figure overseeing Yourupt’s care, the 2th Head Maid, Scarlett, known for her expertise in medicine.
Yuna: "Is he all right, Head Maid Scarlett?" Yuna asked, her voice laced with concern.
Scarlett rose from her chair and gave a reassuring smile.
Scarlett: "He’s doing well, Yuna. His body has done most of the work on its own. He just needs a bit more rest, but he should be fine in time for the party."
Yuna’s expression softened slightly, though she still seemed troubled. Scarlett continued, her tone becoming more reflective.
Scarlett: "Lady Chihaya likely told you what happened after Dark Yourupt severed your psychic link. I ran a full check of his vitals, mana flow, everything. At first, I thought there might be instability, but surprisingly, his mana flow is perfectly stable. Actually, it’s more than that, it’s gotten stronger."
Yuna frowned slightly, her curiosity piqued.
Yuna: "Stronger how?"
Scarlett hesitated for a moment, clearly piecing her thoughts together.
Scarlett: "It’s almost as if his body has adapted or evolved. It’s exhibiting characteristics of multiple life forms not just from this world, but from across creation itself. And what’s more... some of these life forms seem to resemble entities described in the books of The True Writer’s Library."
The atmosphere in the room grew heavier as Scarlett’s words sank in. Yuna’s expression shifted to one of quiet understanding mixed with unease. Sensing the need for caution, Yuna raised her hand, using her Telepathy to interrupt Scarlett.
Yuna: "That’s enough," she conveyed mentally, her tone firm yet gentle. The information was too sensitive to be spoken of freely.
Scarlett blinked, caught off guard, but quickly nodded.
Scarlett: "You’re right. I shouldn’t have said so much," she admitted, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.
Scarlett: "I tend to ramble when it comes to my work."
Yuna: "It’s fine," Yuna said softly, her gaze drifting to Yourupt as he rested peacefully. Despite Scarlett’s reassurances, Yuna couldn’t shake the feeling that something deeper was at play. After a moment, she gave a slight nod and turned to leave.
Head Maid Scarlett, sensing the weight of the previous conversation, shifted the topic as she examined one of the monitors nearby.
Scarlett: "Aside from that," she began, her tone lighter, "it seems Yourupt has managed to unlock more of his mana flow. Based on my tests, he now has about 30% access to his capabilities compared to the mere 10% he had before."
Before she could elaborate further, a voice interrupted.
Yourupt: "Well, that's good news to my ears," Yourupt said, his tone steady yet slightly groggy. He sat up on the medical bed, his movements slow but purposeful, as if testing his strength after his rest.
Yuna’s face lit up with a mix of relief and concern.
Yuna: "You’re awake," she said, moving closer. "You should still be resting."
Yourupt chuckled softly, brushing off her concern.
Yourupt: "I’ve had enough rest. I can’t afford to sit idly while there’s so much happening. Besides," he added with a faint grin, "Scarlett just gave me the green light, didn’t she?"
Scarlett crossed her arms, smirking slightly.
Scarlett: "Don’t twist my words, Yourupt. I said your mana flow has improved, but your body still needs time to adjust. Overdoing it now could set you back."
Yourupt raised a hand in mock surrender.
Yourupt: "Understood, Head Maid. I’ll take it easy, relatively speaking."
Scarlett rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the hint of a smile.
Scarlett: "Just remember, even with 30% access, you’re far from your full potential. Treat it as progress, not an excuse to push yourself recklessly."
Yourupt nodded, his expression turning more serious.
Yourupt: "Noted. But 30% is better than 10%, and it’s enough for now." His gaze shifted to Yuna, who still looked slightly worried. "Don’t worry. I’ll pace myself."
Yuna sighed, crossing her arms.
Yuna: "You’d better. Otherwise, you’ll have to answer to Lady Chihaya and you know how she feels about recklessness."
Yourupt chuckled again, standing up fully and stretching.
Yourupt: Point taken. Now, what’s next on the agenda?"
Maid Orinthia stepped into the room with her usual grace, her sharp eyes scanning the scene. She bowed slightly before speaking.
Orinthia: “Lady Chihaya has ordered me to escort both of you, Yourupt and Yuna to her main office immediately. She wishes to discuss some pressing matters.”
Yourupt rolled his shoulders as he stood, a small smirk playing on his lips.
Yourupt: “Guess I don’t get much of a break, huh?”
Yuna moved closer to him, her concern evident.
Yuna: “Are you sure he should be moving around already? He just woke up.”
Head Maid Scarlett gave an exasperated sigh but nodded.
Scarlett: “Like I said he’ll manage. Just don’t let him overdo it. And Yourupt, try to act like you’re still healing. No heroics.”
Orinthia gestured towards the door.
Orinthia: “Lady Chihaya doesn’t like being kept waiting. Let’s go.”
The group moved quickly through the medical wing, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly off the walls. As they reached the expansive main hall, Yourupt glanced around, noting the changes.
Yourupt: "I don’t remember there being this many maids before," he said, his tone curious. "And the house feels... different, more complicated than it was a few years ago."
Orinthia, leading the way toward the upper floors, looked back and answered with a calm but informative tone.
Orinthia: "To answer your questions, Yourupt, the house has seen some significant changes. Over 200 new maids have joined us recently. Some were brought here from across creation, while others were born here from Te Whaea Rākau or the Sacred Mother Tree created by The True Writer after regaining his godhood from long ago."
She continued as they climbed the grand staircase.
Orinthia: "The tree has a special purpose: every 100 years, it creates ten new maids, each uniquely gifted. These maids are trained to protect and maintain the house. Right now, 300 maids are in active service. Many of the older ones have either retired or, unfortunately, lost their lives in service."
Orinthia gestured to the hallways as they passed.
Orinthia: "The house itself has also evolved. It adapts to the needs of its inhabitants, creating new rooms and paths as necessary for the newcomers getting used to how the house works. For those of us born from Te Whaea Rākau, we have a special connection to the house. We can manipulate its spaces to move more quickly and efficiently; it's a skill that’s become essential over the years."
Yourupt nodded thoughtfully as they ascended. The house and its intricate workings seemed more alive than ever, a living entity shaped by purpose and the lives within it.
Orinthia glanced back and said,
Orinthia: "Why don’t you try manipulating the space to move faster, Yourupt? I know you can handle a construct like this. Think of it as a warm-up."
Yourupt considered her words, his expression turning thoughtful. The house wasn’t a typical structure; it existed within Te Ringa Raupā o Te Ao, a realm of shifting formless void. Manipulating its space was no small task, even for someone of his abilities at first.
Closing his eyes, Yourupt focused on the intangible essence of the house, feeling its subtle currents and flows due to just recently coming back from recovering and he hasn't been in this space for a long time made him almost rusty . After a moment, he opened his eyes and turned to Yuna.
Yourupt: "Yuna, come closer. Stay right next to me," he instructed.
Without hesitation, Yuna moved to his side, resting her arm lightly on his shoulder. Before Orinthia could respond or ask what he was doing, there was a brief distortion in the air. In the blink of an eye, Yourupt and Yuna disappeared, leaving behind only a faint shimmer.
Orinthia stopped mid-step, raising an eyebrow. She let out a quiet sigh, muttering to herself,
Orinthia: "Impatient as always.” Shaking her head, she continued walking toward the upper floors, unbothered by the sudden departure.
Orinthia quickly bolted after the two, determination etched on her face. She extended her senses to track their movements, swiftly navigating the main hall. She paused briefly, realizing their energy signatures were heading toward the east wing. With a furrowed brow, she muttered,
Orinthia: "Why would he take the east wing? That’s the longest route to the office." Without wasting another moment, she adjusted her course, heading for the fastest path to intercept them.
Meanwhile, in the east wing, Yourupt was a blur, darting through the halls with ease, gracefully weaving around anyone in his way. A grin spread across his face as he muttered,
Yourupt: "Is it just me, or have I gotten faster?"
Yuna struggled to keep up, her pace faltering as Yourupt’s speed proved overwhelming.
Yuna: "Can you please slow down? I can't keep up with this speed!" she called out, her voice strained.
Hearing her, Yourupt extended a subtle thread of energy, manipulating the void around Yuna to stabilize her. He slowed just enough to make her movement smoother and more comfortable.
Yourupt: "Is that better?" he asked, glancing back briefly.
Yuna let out a breath of relief.
Yuna: "Better... but wait a minute. You’re not using the void to move us faster?"
Yourupt chuckled, deftly dodging a pair of maids carrying trays.
Yourupt: "Only a little," he admitted, his tone light. "Mostly, I’m just relying on my own speed. Besides, I thought I’d give Orinthia a chance to catch up."
Yuna frowned, clutching his shoulder a little tighter.
Yuna: "You’re impossible sometimes, you know that?"
Yourupt simply grinned, his focus returning to the path ahead, weaving through the halls with precision and confidence.
Yourupt glanced back at Yuna with a sly grin as he said,
Yourupt: "I know. She’s about to catch up any second now."
Almost on cue, Orinthia appeared behind them in a blur of motion, her voice cutting through the air.
Orinthia: "If you wanted to race, you could’ve just asked," she teased, her tone light but competitive.
Yourupt smirked but didn’t slow down.
Yourupt: "I’m not too surprised you caught up, given your reputation and the whispers about you being a potential future Head Maid," he replied without missing a step. "But there’s no way I’m letting you win. First rule in the Royal Guard. Always use every opportunity to gain the upper hand on your opponent, no matter what."
With that, Yourupt surged forward, his speed increasing dramatically until he was nothing but a flicker disappearing into the distance, skillfully navigating the labyrinth of halls leading to the office.
Orinthia narrowed her eyes, taking his words to heart.
Orinthia: "Always gain the upper hand, huh?" she muttered to herself. Drawing on her intimate knowledge of the house, she decided to exploit the advantage only she had access to secret pathways and rooms that few others knew about.
Darting into one such hidden corridor, Orinthia used the shortcuts to cut through the maze-like house with precision, her determination sharpening her focus.
Orinthia: "Let’s see if your speed alone can outmatch strategy," she whispered, a confident smile creeping across her face as she raced toward the office, intent on beating Yourupt at his own game.
Orinthia darted into the hidden rooms, her movements precise as she navigated the secret pathways to outpace Yourupt. She felt confident in her strategy; these rooms were known to only a select few, and she was one of them. But as she continued, something strange began to happen. The walls of the hidden corridors shimmered and shifted unnaturally, the familiar layout twisting into chaos.
Orinthia: "What’s going on?" Orinthia muttered, her steps faltering as the space seemed to rebel against her control.
Suddenly, Yourupt appeared ahead of her, standing calmly amidst the warping void. A sly grin played on his lips as he said,
Unknown Voice: "Looking for something, Orinthia?"
Her eyes widened in surprise.
Orinthia: "How did you even know about these rooms? Not even the Head Maids know all of them!" she demanded, her voice tinged with both shock and irritation.
Yourupt’s grin widened as he responded smoothly,
Yourupt: "Two things. First, I took a peek at your memories back when we were in the west wing. And second, even someone as accomplished as you can’t hide their mana signature from me. Once I sensed you slipping into these rooms, I couldn’t resist stirring things up a bit."
Orinthia’s astonishment deepened, but she quickly masked it with a determined glare.
Orinthia: "So, you’re not just fast you’re meddlesome too," she quipped, adjusting her stance.
Yourupt chuckled.
Yourupt: "Call it what you want. But remember, the first rule in the Royal Guard is to use every advantage. Even if that means turning your own secrets against you."
The two locked eyes, a playful yet intense challenge hanging in the air as the warped space around them reflected the tension of their escalating competition.
Yourupt, still smirking, waved his hand subtly, manipulating the chaotic energy around him. Instantly, obstacles materialized in Orinthia’s path shifting walls, sudden voids, and countless fragments of shimmering, illusory objects darted toward her. The hidden rooms became a storm of challenges, each one designed to test her reflexes and precision.
Orinthia grit her teeth, her movements sharp and calculated as she dodged and weaved through the chaos. Her experience and skill allowed her to evade most of the obstacles, but a few clipped her shoulders and sides, slowing her down momentarily. Despite her best efforts, the relentless barrage began to take its toll, and frustration flashed across her face.
As she pushed forward, she noticed the chaotic energy subsiding. The hidden rooms began returning to their original, calm state. Her heart sank as she realized what this meant.
Orinthia: "He’s not in the hidden rooms anymore," she muttered, her pace quickening even as the realization hit her.
Bursting through the final door leading to the main office, Orinthia was met with the sight of Yourupt already leaning casually against the doorframe, his expression triumphant.
Yourupt: "Took you long enough," he said, his tone teasing.
Orinthia scowled but couldn’t suppress a small smirk of admiration.
Orinthia: "I should’ve known you’d pull something like that," she admitted, brushing off the dust from her uniform.
Yourupt shrugged nonchalantly.
Yourupt: "I just used the terrain to my advantage. I just made sure you had… plenty of distractions."
She shook her head, her competitive spirit undeterred.
Orinthia: "You may have won this time, but don’t think for a second that I’m letting you off easy."
As Orinthia stood at the office door, still trying to catch her breath, she felt an unfamiliar but welcome sensation. A lightness she hadn’t experienced in years. Racing Yourupt through the house, weaving through obstacles, and pushing herself to keep up had stirred something in her she had long forgotten: a sense of enjoyment.
Her life had been defined by duty, the constant need to protect and serve the mortal planes. Work consumed her days, leaving little room for anything else. Yet, in the chaos of their impromptu race, she had found herself smiling, even laughing. It was unexpected, but it felt... good.
As she glanced over at Yourupt, who was leaning casually against the doorframe with a triumphant grin, a memory surfaced. She thought back to a time long ago when an old mentor of hers, a kind man with a quick laugh, would challenge her to simple games. Back then, she had felt carefree, enjoying the thrill of competition without the weight of her responsibilities pressing down on her.
Looking at Yourupt now, his grin reminded her of that mentor, and for a brief moment, she felt like that carefree girl again.
Orinthia: "You know," she said after a pause, her voice softer than usual, "it’s been a long time since I’ve done something like this. Racing you… it reminded me of a time when things weren’t so serious all the time."
Yourupt chuckled, his grin widening.
Yourupt: "Well, sometimes you need to let loose. Life’s not all about rules and responsibilities, Orinthia. You’ve got to make room for a little fun."
She gave a small, genuine smile, one she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Orinthia: "Maybe you’re right," she admitted. "But don’t get used to winning. Next time, I’ll beat you."
Orinthia straightened herself, letting her usual seriousness return, though a subtle ease lingered in her demeanor. With a slight nod, she said to Yourupt,
Orinthia: "Anyway, I’ll get back to work. You have your meeting with Lady Chihaya to attend to. See you around, Yourupt."
Yourupt smirked, his relaxed charm still intact.
Yourupt: "You too. But hey, we should grab a drink together at the party later. What do you say?"
Orinthia paused for a moment, then allowed a small smile to creep onto her face.
Orinthia: "We’ll see," she replied before turning and heading back down the hall, her mind already shifting to the preparations for the party.
Yourupt took a deep breath and turned toward the ornate door of Lady Chihaya’s office. As he pushed it open, the weight of anticipation settled over him. Whatever awaited him inside, he braced himself for the worst. Meanwhile, Orinthia, still reflecting on the brief but refreshing reprieve of their race, disappeared into the bustling activity of the preparations, her usual determination softened just slightly by a newfound sense of balance.