Orianna's brows furrow as she gazes at the spectral woman before her. "What does that mean?"
The woman's lip curls into a subtle smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I understand your confusion, but the meaning is clear," she replies. Her voice was smooth and melodic.
"In three days time," she continues, "Earth will suffer an invasion from the realm known as Ather. It is a dimension, home to creatures more advanced and powerful than you can imagine.
She pauses, gauging Orianna's reaction. Orianna shifts her weight from one foot to the other, frowning deeply as she absorbs this information.
After a moment, the spectral woman went on, "In preparation for this attack, gateways known as mirrors have been planted across Earth. Each one initiates different trials designed to test and prepare worthy humans with specific classes."
Her voice took on a grave solemnity. "And those who complete the trials will be designated players, but it’s not easy.” The woman turns to the side, before looking back at her, “The human has to match certain requirements to even have access to a trial while not knowing what they are. Therefore, unqualified humans get caught in the crossfire.”
Orianna raises her arms “But, that’s not fair”
The spectral figure arches an eyebrow. "It was the compromise struck between realms - to provide Earth an iota of chance. If we disagreed, even with your military, you all would die quickly"
Orianna massages between her eyebrows, warding off a headache ,'This sounds like something out of a novel'. She stops and stares at the woman, wanting to call her a liar. But, how can she when a woman made of light is talking to her. She sighs, "What is Ather? Why are they even trying to attack us?"
"Think of Ather as a parallel version of Earth," says the woman patiently. "There are 120 versions of this planet across dimensions. Ather is considered second in power and advancement, while Earth ranks among the weakest."
Orianna's mouth falls open. "How are we the weakest?"
The spectral woman laughs. "Earth is the only one yet to achieve interdimensional travel, let alone basic spaceflight."
Orianna bristles at the contempt in her tone. "But we have spaceships!"
"Hardly more than tin cans that sputter into low orbit," the woman dismisses with a wave of her hand. "While Ather has conquered the secrets of the cosmos, Earth still crawls about its own moon.”
"Besides, Earth may be the weakest. But, you all are the most peaceful out of all of us." The spectral woman's gaze grew distant. "Most dimensions are ravaged by war, chaos, and division. But Earth has achieved a level of cooperation and tranquility unmatched across realities. It's commendable."
Orianna's lips curve to the side, "Eeeh, debatable. I could say the same" Leo squawks and ruffles his feathers in response.
Her expression darkens, "You wouldn't think so if you saw our dimensions… Some even see your peace as a threat. Your world makes them uncomfortable, reveals the ugliness in their own hearts" She lets out a breath. They think it will be entertaining to destroy something so unique."
Horror crept into Orianna's eyes as she stroked Leo's feathers for comfort. "Entertaining...?"
"Indeed. Like savage children pulling wings off butterflies." The woman's face was grim.
"Even some in my own realm, Threa, feel this way. Though thankfully, not all."
"Where does Threa rank?" Orianna askes warily.
"First," states the woman with a hint of pride.
Orianna shivers. "So if your world is the most advanced, it must be incredible..."
"It has its charms, I suppose." The spectral woman drifts over to sit beside Orianna, casually propping herself up on extended arms. "A company called Ria created these mirrors allowing interveners like myself to visit your Earth. Supposedly to provide aid for the raid and warning of what may come.“
The woman’s eyes lower, “But not all who came bear good intentions..."
Orianna tense, her fingers stilling in Leo's feathers. "Like what?"
"Fo-…." The spectral woman looks up at the sky, noticing the moon in a downwards position. "I'm afraid the history lesson will have to wait for another time, I have to go" she purrs, her voice smooth and cultured. "For now, my assistant Drui will explain your class."
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
The woman stands and smiles "I wish I could linger, but they will notice if I overstay my permitted time." Her melodic voice held a note of sincere apology. "The risk is too great, to myself and especially to you."
Even as she spoke, her form began to shimmer, fading at the edges as if preparing to disappear.
"Wait!" Orianna cried out, sitting up sharply.
The woman hesitantly pauses, silhouette momentarily solidifying again. An intangible breeze stirs her long hair as she turns. A faint, coy smile plays about her lips. "Ah, I suppose proper introductions are in order first," she muses, almost to herself.
Straightening, she announces "You may call me Mala, little moth. You can view me as your Guide or Mentor"
Mala drifts closer, her depthless eyes conveying empathy. "I know you have endured much and have so many unanswered questions." She flies above Orianna and reaches out as if to cup her cheek but stops just short, hand lowering back to her side.
"Soon, little moth. For now, trust that I will come back and tell you more when I am able." Her gaze held Orianna's intently, willing her to understand. "Can you do that for me?"
Orianna searches Mala's face and sees the truth of her words. Finally she gives a slow nod.
Mala's stoic expression softens. "Thank you. I shall see you again in three rising cycles of your central star."
Then with a snap of her elegant fingers, she vanishes abruptly, dissolving into a swirl of silvery mist. It hung heavy in the air for a heartbeat before fading from view.
Orianna stares at the empty space, mind spinning. “Is this good or bad for me Leo?”,she says anxiously. Leo squawks softly, nuzzling against her hand to soothe her nerves.
"In three days she said..." Orianna murmurs under her breath as she strokes Leo's blue feathers. "I have to be ready" She tightens her hands into fists.
"Not a chance!" An unfamiliar voice pipes up brashly from behind her.
"AH!" Orianna leaps up with a yelp as Leo takes flight, cawing in alarm. In front of her, a small toned girl. Clad in a khaki shirt and matching shorts reminiscent of a classic army uniform with camouflage. Her attire is accented by badges and insignia marking achievement and rank. A colorful sash slung across her shoulders, completing the look.
Orianna notices the girl didn't actually stand on the ground - she hovers a few inches in the air, boots dangling. The girl's sharp green eyes looks Orianna up and down critically as she drifts closer.
"Are you the one who killed the [hellhare]?" she demands, scrunching her freckled nose in distaste.
Orianna lifts her chin, hiding her uncertainty. "And if I am?" she challenges, keeping her composure.
The girl snorts derisively, continuing her scrutiny. "You look like you've never held anything deadlier than a rolled up newspaper." Her scorn shifts to contemplation as she circles Orianna from all angles, assessing her like one might examine livestock. "Makes me wonder how someone so..." she pauses, searching for the right word, "...unimposing managed to take down a creature even seasoned soldiers struggle against."
Orianna bristles, but takes a calming breath as Leo returns to her shoulder. She would not sink to petty taunts. Instead, she allows a small, sly smile to touch her lips. "Appearances can be deceiving, as I'm sure you're aware," she replies mildly.
The girl's eyes narrow, but she concedes with a grudging nod. "A fair point. And you did meet the minimum requirements for the class somehow, so I suppose I cannot deny you."
'She must be Drui,' Orianna realizes, seizing on the connection.
Orianna points at her clothes,"Given your attire, I'm guessing the job involves the military in some way? Am I learning the ways of an army or something?" she asked,
"The army?" Drui places a hand to her chest in exaggerated shock. "Why that's the bottom of the barrel! No wonder Earth ranks last." She floats backward in a dramatic pose, green eyes peering imperiously down her nose. "Only the homeless and destitute join the army where I'm from. No, something much more prestigious"
Orianna resists the urge to roll her eyes skyward at the display. Clearly she was dealing with quite the melodramatic character here. "What exactly is my class then?"
The scout's full lips quirk upward into a grin. With one leather-clad finger, she points directly at Orianna's face. "Check your status display."
Skeptically, Orianna turns her gaze back to the hovering blue box that had yet to disappear. "All it says is 'Trial complete' She shrugs and turns back to Drui.
Drui shakes her head, the beads in her hair clacking together. "You have to swipe it," she explains. "Like when you have notifications popping up on your phone."
Raising a hand hesitantly, Orianna presses two fingers to the translucent square and draws them sharply across its surface to the right. To her astonishment, the original box disappears in a fizzle of particles and is immediately replaced by another appearing seamlessly in its wake. Her eyes quickly scan the text within the new popup.
!!NEW CLASS ACQUIRED!!
+-----------------------+
| Girl Scout
| Rank: S
|-----------------------
|✓ Defeated HellHare
| without help
|✓ Save someone
|✓ Survived Brink of
| Death
|✓ Mala’s approval
| (Stats)
+-----------------------+
Orianna blinks, certainly there was some mistake. "Let me get this straight..." She raises one questioning finger, then thinks better of it. An awkward pause descends between them for a few beats too long.
The scout remains oblivious to Orianna's befuddlement, eyes shining enthusiastically. "Yes, I know - don't freak out! Feel honored to be chosen as a-“
"A Girl Scout?"