Shyri sat at the kitchen table, eating a sandwich and scrolling through her phone. She was still thinking about her next steps in New World Online when the sound of the front door opening broke her concentration. Kame, her roommate, walked in with the unmistakable energy of someone who’d just had a good time with friends.
"Hey, how was lunch?" Shyri asked between bites.
Kame tossed her bag onto the couch and stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh. "It was fun! We hit up that new ramen place downtown." She paused, noticing the glowing VR gear near Shyri’s gaming setup. "Oh, you're finally playing New World Online?" she said with a knowing smile.
Shyri nodded. "Yeah, I’ve been grinding for a while. The game's super immersive."
Curious, Kame pulled up a chair, sitting across from Shyri. “So, what starting path did you take?” she asked, leaning forward with interest. “What class did you pick?”
Shyri grinned, realizing this was going to be an interesting conversation. “Well, I’m a Dark Elf. Royalty, actually,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. “My character’s name is Shyri, and she’s the daughter of the clan leaders. I got this rare starting point deep underground, surrounded by the other dark elves, and they’re teaching me dark magic and elemental control. My butler, Fung, is my trainer—it’s been intense.”
Kame’s eyes widened, and she crossed her arms, feigning casualness but clearly impressed. “Wait… royalty?” Her voice had a twinge of disbelief. “That’s one of the rarest starts in the game! Most people get standard paths.”
“Yeah!?,” Shyri replied, shrugging, “I guess I lucked out.”
Kame let out a short laugh, but there was a hint of jealousy in her tone. “Lucky for you! I started out as just a regular Tiefling. No special family ties or cool backstory. Just your basic village life, learning fire magic like everyone else.” She shook her head with a half-smile. “No clan leaders, no butlers—just me running errands for NPCs and getting lost in dungeons.”
Shyri smiled sympathetically but couldn't help feeling a little proud of her unique start. “It’s been pretty cool so far. I just finished learning the basics of dark magic and the four elements. Now they’re training me in hand-to-hand combat. The world’s huge, though—I’ve barely scratched the surface.”
Kame sighed, grabbing a glass of water from the counter. “Man, I’m kinda jealous. I’ve been running around doing quests for farmers and blacksmiths.” She glanced at Shyri’s setup, then back at her. “Do you think they’ll let me re-roll my character? I wouldn’t mind a shot at royalty.”
Shyri chuckled. “Maybe you just need to play it out. I’m sure there’s some cool stuff waiting for you, too. Besides, being a Tiefling could lead to some unique storylines.”
Kame nodded, though the jealousy lingered in her expression. “Yeah, maybe. But still… royalty? That’s pretty awesome.”
As Kame sat down to relax, Shyri finished her meal and gave her roommate a playful nudge. “Who knows? Maybe your basic Tiefling will end up saving the world while I’m still stuck learning how to use dark magic.”
Kame grinned. “I guess I’ll have to grind a bit more and see.”
The two laughed, the casual jealousy easing into friendly competition. Kame’s envy slowly shifted into determination, while Shyri couldn’t wait to jump back into the game and see where her royal journey would lead her next.
After finishing their conversation, Shyri and Kame stood up from the table and began preparing to dive back into New World Online. The air was filled with an excited energy, both of them eager to return to their respective worlds.
Kame glanced over at Shyri with a playful smile. "Alright, I’m heading back to my village of basic fireball training. Maybe I'll run into a royal one day."
Shyri laughed, shaking her head as she grabbed her VR headset. "Hey, I told you—being a Tiefling might have its perks. You never know what the game will throw at you."
Kame waved her off with a grin as she walked to her setup, and soon both of them were getting comfortable in their gaming chairs, slipping on their headsets.
Shyri felt the familiar sensation of her consciousness transitioning into the game, the real world fading away as the vibrant and immersive world of New World Online came rushing back to life. Her vision cleared, and she found herself back in her character’s body, standing in the same underground city she had logged out from.
But something felt different. It wasn’t just the usual thrill of being back in the game—Shyri’s character felt... changed.
A notification appeared in front of her, glowing softly:
UPDATE: You have reached the adolescent stage of development. Your stats have increased, and new abilities are available for training.
Shyri smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over her. Her time in training with Fung and the skills she had gained had paid off. She looked down at herself, noticing slight changes in her avatar’s appearance. She was taller now, her body a little more defined, and her clothing had shifted slightly to reflect her growth. Her dark magic felt more potent, and she could sense a deeper connection to the elements she had been learning.
Her stat sheet popped up, showing increased values across her core stats. Everything had been boosted as part of her character’s natural progression into adolescence. This was a pivotal stage in the game for Dark Elves, a time when their power began to mature and their abilities became more advanced.
“I’ve reached adolescence already? That’s faster than I thought… but this means I’ll be able to learn even more powerful dark magic and elemental skills.”
Shyri took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her newfound strength. She could almost sense the dark magic pulsing beneath her skin, waiting to be unleashed. Her character had grown not only in power but in stature, and she was ready to face the next phase of her journey.
Looking around the underground city, Shyri couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement. She had come so far since the day she first appeared here, as a novice in a world of darkness. Now, she was growing into a formidable force, one worthy of her royal lineage.
Just then, a message flashed across her screen
Fung awaits your presence in the training courtyard.
Shyri smirked. Of course, her training wasn’t over yet. There was always more to learn, more to master. With a renewed sense of purpose, she began making her way toward the courtyard, her steps light but filled with determination.
Meanwhile, in the real world
Across the room, Kame was logging into her own character, already gearing up for another round of village quests. But despite her earlier envy, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement for what was to come, both in her journey and in seeing how Shyri’s path would unfold.
Shyri stood in the courtyard, her newly adolescent form feeling both familiar and foreign. Her dark skin seemed to absorb the dim light that flickered from the underground torches, and her elongated limbs moved with newfound grace. The air around her was still, charged with the latent energy of dark magic and the elements she had been learning to control.
Fung, her stoic and ever-watchful butler and trainer, stood before her, arms crossed. His piercing gaze assessed her growth, not just physically, but in terms of magical potential. His presence seemed to command respect as if the shadows themselves bent to his will.
“Now that you’ve matured,” Fung began, his voice calm but carrying an edge of authority, “you must learn not just to use the elements, but to bend them to your will with precision. Manipulation and condensation of the elements will allow you to unlock their true potential, and it will sharpen your combat skills.”
Shyri nodded, feeling the weight of her next challenge. She had learned the basics of dark magic and the four elements—fire, water, earth, and air—but now, Fung was pushing her to take it further. It was no longer enough to summon the elements; she needed to command them, control their forms, and use them lethally in combat.
“Let’s begin with elemental manipulation,” Fung said as he stepped back. “Call upon the elements, but don’t release them. Instead, shape them, condense them, and prepare them to strike with precision.”
Shyri stretched out her hand, focusing on the air around her. She could feel it swirling, the lightest and most ethereal of the four elements. With a mental command, she drew it toward her, shaping it into a sphere of swirling wind that floated just above her palm. The air was calm at first, but as she concentrated, it began to compact, becoming denser and more forceful. The soft breeze transformed into a sharp, contained vortex.
“Good,” Fung said, his expression still neutral. “Now condense it further. Make it small enough to pierce like a blade.”
Shyri narrowed her eyes in concentration. The swirling air in her palm began to shrink, growing tighter, until it resembled a thin, rotating disk, its edges sharp enough to slice through stone. The pressure around her hand grew, but she held it steady, feeling the power she had shaped into a lethal weapon.
“Now strike.”
Without hesitation, Shyri flicked her wrist, sending the condensed air disk flying toward a nearby stone pillar. The moment it hit, the stone cracked, a clean line splitting it as the air disk cut through with ease.
Fung nodded approvingly but wasted no time in pushing her further. “Now fire,” he instructed. “But this time, manipulate the heat. Condense it until it burns hotter than any normal flame.”
Shyri exhaled, summoning fire to her fingertips. She could feel the familiar warmth, but she focused on intensifying it, pulling the heat inward. The flames condensed, shrinking in size but growing in intensity. What started as a small fireball became a concentrated orb of pure heat, so hot that it shimmered with white edges.
“Now, hand-to-hand combat,” Fung said, taking a stance. “Let’s see how well you integrate magic with combat.”
Without warning, Fung lunged at her, his movements sharp and precise. Shyri barely had time to react, but instinctively, she used the condensed fire to enhance her strikes. She swung her fist toward him, and as her hand moved through the air, the superheated fire orb trailed behind her punch, adding lethal force to the strike.
Fung dodged easily, his movements fluid, but Shyri didn’t stop. She followed up with a flurry of punches and kicks, each strike infused with elemental power—fire, air, and dark magic blending seamlessly with her physical attacks. She used the condensed air to speed up her movements, her fists moving faster than before, while the fire added explosive force.
“Good,” Fung said as he dodged her strikes, his voice calm despite the intensity of the combat. “Now use dark magic.”
Shyri’s eyes narrowed as she called upon the shadows, letting dark energy flow through her limbs. The darkness coiled around her arms, amplifying her strikes, making them heavier, more oppressive. She could feel the dark magic coursing through her, adding a sinister edge to each blow.
Fung stepped back, his eyes gleaming with approval. “You’re learning. But remember, control is everything. Power without precision is dangerous. Condense the magic, manipulate it until it becomes an extension of yourself.”
With a deep breath, Shyri focused. She pulled the dark energy closer, condensing it just like she had with the elements. The shadows around her hand became denser, forming a sharp, concentrated blade of pure dark magic. She lunged forward, striking with precision. Fung blocked her attack, but the force behind it made him step back.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
“Well done,” Fung said, a rare smile appearing on his usually stoic face. “You’re ready for the next stage of your training.”
Shyri lowered her hands, panting slightly but feeling exhilarated. She had taken her first real steps toward mastering the elements and dark magic, using them not just as raw power but as tools to enhance her combat skills.
As the training session progressed, Shyri felt the rush of adrenaline coursing through her. She had spent so much time honing her skills, and now it was time to put them to the test against Fung, who was not only her trainer but also a seasoned warrior.
Taking a deep breath, Shyri squared her shoulders, ready to show him what she had learned.
“Let’s see how well you can apply your elemental understanding in combat,” Fung said, adopting a defensive stance. His posture was relaxed, but Shyri knew better; he was always ready to counter any attack.
With a quick flick of her wrist, she summoned the power of fire, creating a swirling flame around her hands. “I’m ready!” she called out, and with that, she lunged at Fung, aiming a fiery punch toward him.
Fung sidestepped gracefully, but Shyri anticipated his move. She shifted her weight and sent a wave of flames along the ground, hoping to catch him off guard. The flames rippled forward, but Fung was quick; he leaped over the fiery obstacle and landed just behind her.
“Good reaction,” he said, but before she could turn, he struck with a swift jab aimed at her side. Shyri blocked the attack with her forearm, feeling the impact resonate through her body.
Realizing she needed to think creatively, Shyri called upon water, summoning droplets from the air around her. She concentrated, manipulating the moisture into a dense mist that filled the courtyard, obscuring her movements.
“Not bad,” Fung said, his voice echoing through the fog. “But can you strike while concealed?”
Using the cover of the mist, Shyri quickly shifted to the air element, drawing on the swirling currents to enhance her speed. With a burst of energy, she dashed toward Fung, her movements becoming a blur. She aimed a kick at his midsection, infused with the force of compressed air.
Fung grinned, anticipating her approach. He pivoted and caught her leg, redirecting her momentum and sending her tumbling to the ground. “Nice try! But you must be unpredictable.”
Shyri quickly rolled to her feet and used the opportunity to summon earth. The ground beneath her vibrated, and she pulled up a wall of stone between herself and Fung, blocking his view.
From behind the barrier, she combined her elements—dark magic with earth and fire. She formed a dark fireball, swirling with shadows and embers, and hurled it toward Fung. The ball sailed through the air, leaving a trail of smoke as it exploded against the stone wall, sending debris flying.
Fung leaped back, narrowly avoiding the blast, and Shyri seized the moment. She dashed through the cloud of dust, leveraging the confusion to launch a series of punches, each one charged with dark energy.
But Fung was ready. He deflected her strikes with expert precision, each block an opportunity for him to counter. He twisted to the side, using her momentum against her, and sent her tumbling to the ground again.
“Remember, Shyri! Use your surroundings!” he encouraged, watching as she quickly regained her footing.
Shyri took a moment to assess the environment, feeling the energy of the elements around her. She decided to pull from all four—fire, water, earth, and air—to create a powerful, elemental attack.
“Elemental Fusion!” she shouted, channeling her energy. She created a whirling vortex that combined all four elements, flames dancing around a core of water and air, with dark magic swirling at its center. The energy pulsed in her hands, growing in intensity.
Fung’s eyes widened in surprise. “Impressive! But can you control it?”
With determination, Shyri launched the vortex toward Fung. The combined forces of fire, water, earth, and air spiraled toward him, creating a dazzling display of elemental power.
In a flash, he summoned a shield of shadows, absorbing the impact of her elemental attack. The force pushed him back slightly, but he stood firm, deflecting the energy and channeling it back toward her in a wave of dark energy.
“Impressive display,” Fung said, a glimmer of respect in his eyes. “But it’s time to take it up a notch.” He lunged forward, his movements fluid and precise, as he unleashed a barrage of swift strikes aimed at Shyri.
Shyri barely had time to react. She blocked the first few punches, feeling the strength behind each blow. Fung was relentless, his attacks a blur as he combined hand-to-hand combat with bursts of dark magic that crackled around his fists.
“Keep your defenses up!” he shouted as he feigned a kick and then pivoted to strike at her side with a powerful punch. Shyri narrowly avoided the hit, rolling to the side.
Shyri quickly gathered her focus. She needed to think strategically. As Fung advanced, she summoned water from the air, creating a thin mist around her. It wouldn’t stop him, but it would obscure her movements.
“Nice try!” Fung called out, sensing her intentions. He charged through the mist, moving with surprising speed. Shyri was ready this time.
As he approached, she called upon air to create a gust that sent the mist swirling, momentarily blinding him. Using the opportunity, she dashed to the side and sent a compressed air blast toward him.
Fung, anticipating the attack, quickly dropped to the ground and rolled, evading the force of the blast. He sprang back to his feet, eyes glinting with challenge.
“Good! But don’t just react; think ahead!”
Shyri felt the adrenaline pushing her forward. She was no longer just defending; she was ready to take control. Channeling her elemental understanding, she combined earth and fire to create a series of molten rocks, each glowing with heat.
“Elemental Strike!” she shouted, launching the projectiles toward Fung. The rocks flew through the air, trailing flames behind them.
Fung’s eyes narrowed, and with a swift motion, he summoned a shield of dark energy that absorbed the impact of the molten rocks. But Shyri was already moving, rushing in as he was distracted by the flames.
She threw a punch infused with dark magic, aiming for his midsection. Fung caught her fist, their energies clashing, but she quickly followed up with a knee to his chest, using the momentum to push him back.
Impressed by her resilience, Fung shifted gears. “Now let’s see your true potential!” He unleashed a wave of dark energy, sending it spiraling toward her. The shadowy tendrils lashed out, seeking to ensnare her.
Shyri reacted instinctively, weaving her body to dodge the oncoming shadows. But Fung was relentless, using the dark energy to create a massive shadow blade that he swung in her direction.
“Focus!” he shouted, his voice booming.
Drawing from her elemental training, Shyri summoned a barrier of earth, thick and solid, just in time to absorb the strike. The impact shook the ground beneath her feet, but she held her ground, feeling the weight of the earth shield protect her.
Determined to turn the tide, Shyri combined all she had learned. She raised her hands, focusing her magic to create another vortex of elemental energy, blending fire, water, earth, and air into one powerful storm.
“Elemental Fusion!” she declared, her voice steady and commanding. The vortex swirled, growing larger as it pulsed with more fierce energy, ready to unleash its fury.
Fung’s expression shifted, a mix of surprise and respect. “Now that’s the spirit!
With a decisive motion, Shyri sent the vortex hurtling toward Fung. The elements spun wildly, each force colliding and intertwining, creating a dazzling display of light and power.
Fung met her attack head-on, summoning another dark shield. As the elemental vortex collided with Fung’s dark shield, the courtyard erupted in a brilliant explosion of light and energy. Shyri felt the raw power of the elements surging through her but as the dust began to settle, she sensed that Fung was preparing to unleash something far greater.
“Impressive, Shyri,” Fung called out, his voice cutting through the chaos. “But it’s time to show you what true mastery looks like.”
With a calm intensity, he drew on a deeper well of dark energy. The shadows around him began to thicken, swirling like a storm as he prepared to reveal a fraction of his true power.
“Prepare yourself!” he warned, his tone shifting to a serious edge.
Shyri, still catching her breath, felt a twinge of unease. She braced herself, her hands still crackling with residual elemental energy. But before she could react, Fung unleashed a wave of shadowy energy that washed over the courtyard like a dark tide.
The moment it hit her, Shyri felt her body grow heavy, the shadows wrapping around her like chains. The energy was suffocating, leaving her disoriented and unable to focus her magic.
“Your training now has begun,” Fung said, his voice echoing with a power that felt almost otherworldly. “To master the elements, you must also understand the limits of your power.”
The darkness enveloped her, and Shyri struggled against it, trying to summon the elements once more, but the shadows were relentless. She felt her energy drain, the connection to her magic slipping away as her vision blurred.
“Remember this feeling,” Fung continued, his voice a mix of compassion and authority. “Every great warrior must know their weaknesses to grow stronger.”
As the darkness closed in, Shyri’s knees buckled, and she collapsed to the ground, unable to maintain her focus. The world around her faded as she succumbed to the weight of Fung’s power.
When the shadows finally receded, Shyri lay on the ground, panting heavily. Fung approached her, kneeling down to meet her gaze. His expression softened, the fierce mentor now revealing a sense of pride.
“You fought well,” he said, his tone warm.
Shyri looked up at him, the exhaustion mingling with determination in her eyes. “I won’t give up,” she whispered, her spirit unyielded even in defeat.
Fung smiled, helping her to her feet. “I know. And that resilience will serve you well. Now, let's find your parents and have them teach you what I can not.”
As Shyri and Fung stepped out of the training area, the exhilaration of battle was still fresh in her mind. She felt a mixture of anticipation and apprehension as they made their way through the dimly lit corridors of the underground city. Shyri was eager to learn more about her royal heritage and the responsibilities that came with it.
They finally arrived at the grand throne room, its opulent decorations dimly illuminated by flickering torches. The air was thick with a sense of reverence, but Shyri’s heart raced as they stepped inside. She half-expected her parents to be seated on their thrones, ready to share wisdom and guidance.
Instead, the scene that met her eyes was one of horror.
Her parents lay lifeless on the cold stone floor, their regal forms devoid of the warmth that had always radiated from them. A figure stood over them, cloaked in shadows, the dagger still glistening with dark magic in their hand.
“No!” Shyri gasped, her voice cracking as she rushed forward, but Fung held her back, a grim look on his face.
“Stay back!” he commanded, his tone laced with urgency.
The assassin, sensing their arrival, turned slightly, revealing a face shrouded in darkness. They tossed the dagger towards Shyri with a cold, casual flick of their wrist. The weapon spun through the air, landing at her feet, its blade stained with her parents’ blood.
“Such a pity,” the assassin said, their voice smooth and mocking. “You’re too late, little princess.”
Without another word, they leaped toward the throne room window, disappearing into the darkness of the cave outside.
Shyri’s breath caught in her throat, a mix of disbelief and anguish washing over her. “No! Come back!” she cried, but it was too late. The figure had vanished.
Just as Shyri’s world began to crumble around her, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the corridor. The dark elf townsfolk burst into the throne room, their expressions shifting from confusion to horror as they took in the sight before them. As Shyri clutched the dagger, the weight of her parents' death settled heavily on her shoulders. The townsfolk gathered around, their expressions shifting from shock to suspicion as they noticed the blood glistening on the blade. “Look! She has the dagger!” one villager shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Shyri. “She’s the one who killed them!”
“Foul sorcery!” another added, his voice rising in anger. “A dark elf princess turning against her own!”
Shyri's heart raced as she felt the venomous glares of her own people piercing her. The game interface flickered, and a title appeared beneath her name: Sinner. The description read: Permanent title until the mystery of the murder is solved.
“No! It wasn’t me!” Shyri cried, desperation creeping into her voice. “I didn’t do anything!”
Fung stepped forward, his presence commanding and protective. “Enough!” he shouted, trying to regain control of the crowd. “This is not the time for accusations! Turning towards Shyri “We need to escape before more danger comes!”
With Shyri still trembling in shock, Fung wrapped her securely in his arms. “Hold on tight,” he instructed, his voice steady despite the chaos surrounding them. He dashed toward the window, the only escape from the growing turmoil.
As they leaped through the open window, the cool air rushed past them, and Shyri felt a mix of fear and exhilaration. They landed nimbly in the shadows below, hidden from view as the townsfolk began to search for answers.
Fung sprinted through the winding tunnels of the cave, carrying Shyri with determination. “We need to get to safety,” he urged, glancing back to ensure they weren’t followed.
“Why are they blaming me?” Shyri asked, still reeling from the accusation and the title bestowed upon her. “I’m the princess! I didn’t do anything wrong!”
“It doesn’t matter what the truth is right now,” Fung replied, his tone firm but compassionate. “What matters is that you are in danger. We’ll find a way to clear your name, but first, we must escape and gather our thoughts.”
They navigated through the dimly lit passages, finally emerging into a hidden alcove filled with ancient carvings and relics. Shyri shivered, not just from the chill of the cave, but from the reality of her situation. She was now marked as a Sinner, a title that weighed heavily on her heart.
Fung set her down, allowing her to regain her footing. “We need to come up with a plan,” he said, his eyes scanning their surroundings. “The townsfolk will be looking for you. We must uncover who truly killed your parents and why.”
Shyri nodded, her mind racing. “But how? I don’t even know where to start.”
Fung took a deep breath, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “We’ll figure it out together. First, we need to find allies. There are those who still believe in your lineage and will help you. We must also learn more about the assassin and their motives.”
As she looked at the dagger in her hand, Shyri felt a surge of determination. This was not just about her parents anymore; it was about her future, and proving her innocence. She would not let the title Sinner define her.
“I won’t let them get away with this,” she vowed, her voice steady. “I will find the truth and reclaim my name.”
Fung smiled, pride evident in his gaze. “Then let’s get to work.”