I hold her in my arms, the one that has always stood in front of me, using her own body as a shield, never once faltering regardless of the odds. The emotions I hide from her threaten to flood our link as I see her broken body, bruised and wounded, not even a single flake of skin spared from harm. I had witnessed her fight with that man in its entirety.

I wanted to help her, my heart breaks each time I saw her fight to this degree, her only thought is to protect me, never letting others hurt me. The only time I sense fear in her is when others threaten me or those she cares for, but she never falters or shows them fear. I hold her close to me, this woman who I called Mum, never wanting to separate from her, even for a moment.

I hear footsteps and look at the man coming towards us. Mum calls him Roland, she seems to trust him but I don’t. I hold no emotion or trust to anyone but Mum and Aunties Aubrey, Olivia, Summer, Xia and Uncles Xeno and Alexander. Turning my head away from that man, I look towards where the carriage is as a door of darkness appears before me. Stepping through it with Mum in my hands, I step into the carriage and place her gently on the bed.

I placed my head on her chest, hugging her tightly as my lip trembled. I hated seeing her like this, why can’t I be stronger to help her more? The sound of her heartbeat soothes me, calming my emotions that were threatening to surge through our link, giving me sleepiness as I closed my eyes. My only thought is to never leave Mum’s side and to become stronger as to stand at her side at all times.

***

Jerking awake, I lifted my head in a hurry as my body protested in pain. Looking down at the pressure on my chest, I saw Alice, sleeping with a worried look on her face, hugging me tightly. Glancing around, I saw that we were in our carriage. With no windows I couldn’t tell what time it was but I knew that the night sky was out, my body was empowered.

Stroking Alice’s soft head while moving her gently, I sat up and tucked her into the bed. The sheets were covered in my blood, so I made sure she wasn’t laying in it and looking at her cute sleeping face once more I smiled slightly, bending down and kissing her forehead.

“I’ll be back soon Alice.”

Stepping out of the carriage, I sensed a presence and made my way over to it. It seems the carriage had moved since my fight with Howie, the surroundings had changed as much as a snow covered field could. As I walked towards a campfire, I saw Roland sitting there alone, Howie’s head right next to him. Grimacing a bit, I saw Roland look up and give me a small nod as I sat in the snow opposite him.

“Good to see you’re on your feet.”

I stared at this man as he continued to look down at the fire, not meeting my eyes. I waited for him to speak, but he continued to look into the fire for some time, looking rather…tired.

“Alisha.”

Roland looks up at me before continuing to speak.

“I have to apologise to you, for a lot. We never expected Harrington to send a Delta-Class Commander of all things to scout, especially not one like Howie. Delta-Classes are a precious resource to a country and it’s completely outside of our expectations for one to appear before the war has even started. No doubt that with his death Harrington will feel the impact from it, and while I could sit here and prattle on about doing a good job, I can’t just do that knowing that I threw you into this danger like you were a tool to be used.

“I never intended to use you as a tool either, but along the lines I started to use you as another piece. It’s how I operate the Royal Guard, I move them as if they were pieces to a puzzle in an attempt to find a solution. Along the way I started to consider you as a piece to that puzzle, which I should’ve never done, you’re not aligned to Vale or this war. I’m sorry, I have no excuses for my behaviour.”

Roland looked at me in the eyes while saying this and I could tell he meant his apology. Before I could say anything else, he continued speaking.

“This also includes using that incident from the Tomb of Lilith to our advantage rather than clearing your name as quickly as we could. I had wanted to use that incident to drag out the hidden spies and corrupt nobles from Vale. We accomplished it to great success, but in doing so have ruined your reputation within the Guild. Once I return, I’ll personally ensure that your deeds to Vale are spread including the decree of your innocence. I’m truly sorry for this.”

“Did Gastron make you apologise?” We were both the Chosen of the God of Cooking after all, it wouldn’t surprise me if Gastron told Roland to apologise.

“No. I swear upon my System that this apology comes solely from myself. After seeing your condition earlier I realised that I had once again thrown an innocent person into the face of danger. From here on I will ensure the safety of the convoy, you should rest until we arrive in Hiems. I don’t want you to face any more danger.”

“I don’t care if I’m facing danger, Roland. But if you dare put Alice into a situation like this again, I’ll kill you.” I stared at him as he nodded slightly.

“I understand. I’ll inform you of the plan before placing you into this sort of danger again, that way you can gauge the danger to yourself and Alice. You have every right to decline my plans, you’re not sworn to Vale.” Roland goes back to looking at the fire, a small amount of relief on his face.

I sat there, my thoughts running in my mind about everything that has happened since I left the Tomb of Lilith. I couldn’t deny it, I had thought at first that the Royal Guard had been spreading those rumours, but from Roland’s tone it did seem he wanted to do the right thing for Vale, but had harmed me in the process. He also did seem to regret it, thus his apology, and with a sigh, I said what I had in mind, since my discussion with Howie.

“When I return to Vale.” Pausing while looking at the fire, the crackling of the wood ringing out in my ears, I looked at Roland. “I want to sign an agreement for my withdrawal from the war.”

I had expected Roland to argue against my words, to tell me that I should participate, but he simply nodded. “I understand. I’ll begin the process when I return, you’ll just need to swear an Oath. Here, take this, Tails asked me to pass it to you when you returned to Vale in the case she isn’t there.”

Accepting the pouch, I open it to see the Astral Ice Dragon’s core within it. Closing it, I put it in my bag, planning to absorb it later. “Thanks.”

“The merchants are aware of your identity now. Turns out a few of them had already figured it out thanks to their information gathering but kept it quiet. Can you tell me everything that happened in your fight?”

Sitting in silence for a moment, I opened my mouth and started explaining everything from start to end. After I had finished, Roland looked extremely surprised.

“They’ve figured out level-boosting magic?!”

“What is level-boosting magic?”

“It’s top secret, I can’t tell yo-” He stopped before shaking his head. “No, I suppose you deserve to know. It’s magic that has been developed by various countries, it imbeds magic capable of enhancing one's stats to a certain level, in this case level 100. I don’t know the full details, I don’t work in magic research, but I do know that for it to work it burns your lifeforce like crazy. The moment those soldiers used the magic, their lifespans had shortened by a lot of years. It’s also why they’re so weak, because while they get a boost to their stats it’s not natural like yours.

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“As for defeating Howie…I honestly do not understand how you do it, defeating these opponents beyond the Path. I suppose he underestimated you, then when your strength started increasing, he failed to stop you and didn’t take it seriously until it was too late. Regardless, defeating Howie like this is a huge feat. Do you want me to spread the fact that you were the one who killed him? I must warn you, if I do this you may become a target of Harrington, not for war but for revenge. In addition, those outside of the conflict may take an interest in you, since not many can defeat a Delta-Class when only level 100.”

Shaking my head, I replied. “Then no. I don’t want eyes on me, nor anyone trying to take control of me. I only just got a Goddess off my back, I don’t need nations wanting to control me.”

“I understand. I’ll think of what to say to those above me. Go get some rest, it’ll be a month before we arrive in Hiem. Make sure you’re well rested, after all Mt Lunaria is awaiting you.”

Mt Lunaria. I wasn’t a fool, its name is shared by the one spoken by Lilith, meaning it had a lot of importance to it. Would this dungeon be another attempt at a Goddess trying to take a vessel? Standing up, I gave a nod to Roland and walked back towards my carriage. I didn’t care for Roland much, I respected him as my senior Chosen to Gastron, but for his methods I wasn’t particularly bothered, at least he knew what he was doing and instead of continuing to use me he apologised and accepted my withdrawal from the war.

Entering my carriage, I saw Alice still sleeping there and laying down next to her, I pulled her into a hug and closed my eyes, my mind giving me an image of Alice from Crater, the one I could truly call my first friend.

“Am I doing the right thing, Alice?”

***

The carriage continued as usual, Alice and I never left our rooms except for once, when the carriage had stopped and Roland came in to tell us that a hot spring was nearby, so we took that chance to bathe and clean ourselves up. Alice didn’t complain this time, which I found a bit odd, and we dressed in our usual equipment as adventurers. Roland had travelled back to Vale and given us our adventurers plates and chains back.

We hadn’t yet spoken to the merchants since that night, mainly because I no longer saw the need to keep up the appearance of us being nobles. One night though, mainly since Alice had become agitated at being in the carriage for nearly two weeks, I decided we’d join them for dinner.

“Muuuum, I don’t like wearing this.”

“I know, Alice, but it looks really nice on you.” Smiling at Alice, who is wearing the dress I had been given by Tessa all that time ago, I had to say it really fit her black hair and eyes. We had removed the hair dye and contact lenses since Alice had never liked it in the first place. Roland had given a solution to wash it out with.

Stepping out of the carriage while holding Alice’s hand, I look towards the front of the convoy. Roland had sat there since he joined the convoy, only moving to inform Alice and I of the hot springs, never leaving the front. Ignoring his presence, I turned towards the light of the campfire that had been set up and started to walk over.

Upon seeing us, the merchants looked rather surprised before happily waving at us, with Beth coming over to greet us.

“Well, it’s good to see that you both didn’t just shut yourselves away. And here I thought I finally had managed to make a connection with a noble family, though a connection with the hero of the slums might actually be better.”

Smiling gently as Beth chuckled, I simply nodded. “I guess Roland told you guys, my name is actua-”

At that moment, a pressure so thick, so tremendously powerful hit us all with a bang, forcing everyone including me onto our knees. I could barely breathe, this power overwhelmed me instantly. Alice, who is next to me, gasped for air as a voice rang out, a familiar voice occupying this extremely intense killing intent and force.

“ALISHA NOCTURNE GET THE FUCK OUT HERE AND FACE ME.”

Biting on my lower lip as I strain myself against Tessa’s pressure, I yell as I get on my feet. I never thought pressure this thick could exist, so heavy that taking a step felt like thousands of mountains were on my shoulders. This is the pressure released by a Pseudo-Demigod? My Mother defeated people far stronger than this when she was three stages below them? Unbelievable, this pressure alone could kill me.

I look down at Alice, who is struggling to stand. Doing my best to help her, I bend down to help her onto her feet.

“NO, ALICE WILL DO IT!” Hearing Alice scream, I felt shocked as she’d never yelled at me before. I heard determination in her voice, nevermind the link, so I watched as she too stood slowly onto her own two feet. She looked at me, giving me a solemn smile. I smiled back at her, proud of how she had stood against the pressure by herself.

We walked together, hands held. Each footstep is so heavy, leaving a foot shaped hole in the ground. We kept moving towards the source, and soon the figure of Tessa appeared, waiting at the front of the convoy.

Roland wasn’t faring any better than us, knelt over panting as his eyes remained locked onto Tessa. She stood there, her white hair still, her blue eyes boring into me as I stepped closer. Roland turned his head and got to his feet slowly as he moved in front of Alice and I, as if blocking Tessa’s view of the two of us.

“Move.” Tessa’s voice rang out, demanding Roland’s compliance.

“If you mean them harm then I will not hesitate to stop you.”

Tessa doesn’t move, but her eyes suddenly flash silver. I don’t know what happened, but Roland fell, hitting the ground hard. I had no time to react as Tessa glared back at me, the pressure radiating from her increasing several fold. I kept standing, my knees threatening to let out. Alice stayed firm alongside me as well.

“Kneel and pray for forgiveness to Celestia, or die here.”

I see, so she found out. I had been confused, but now it made sense why she’s here.

“Kill me.”

“Kneel and pray for forgiveness and she will forgive you. DO IT NOW.” Tessa stomps her foot down as the pressure increases once more. I cried out as my knees buckled for a moment, but I remained standing with Alice. I glared at Tessa as my nose started to bleed.

“Kill me.”

The pressure increases once more as she takes a step towards me, her glaives appearing in her hands. I faced her without blinking, waiting for her to kill me. I would rather die than utter a prayer to that Goddess.

“Last chance, Alisha. Kneel, ask for forgiveness or die here. I will not tell you again.”

I remained quiet this time, simply waiting for her to swing her glaives.

“Kill me. Protect Alice.”

“Mum, no! Alice will die too!”

I felt sad, I knew that if I perished she would too. Perhaps because of her uniqueness she wouldn’t. I looked into Tessa’s eyes as she raised her glaive, and smiling faintly at Tessa, I closed my eyes while waiting for death.

The sound of flesh being cut resounded throughout my ears, a splatter of liquid hitting my face. Did she decapitate me? The pressure disappeared and after a few seconds, I found myself confused as I slowly opened my eyes. The sight I saw made my stomach drop, a sight I had never expected to see, one that terrified me.

Tessa stood there, a massive cut revealing her still beating heart to me. I didn’t know what to do, didn’t know what to say as my eyes met hers.

“I’m sorry, Alisha. I had to ensure you were resolved in your path. I didn’t want to hurt you. I’ve been told to hunt you down and kill you once you become stronger. I didn’t understand why until I found out from one of Nyx’s followers. I am bound to Celestia, I can not go against her, but I will not allow you to be killed, nor will I allow any harm to come to you, I swore to myself I would not allow it. Crush my heart, Alisha.”

My mind went blank at her words, this is happening far too suddenly.

“T-Tessa, can’t we talk? Why must I kill you, can’t we just talk about this?!” I didn’t want to kill her, she’d alone had helped me far more than anyone else, saving me not once but twice. I wanted to repay her somehow, so how could I kill her?!

Tessa smiled lightly and cupped my face gently. “I’m sorry, I truly am. If there was another way I wouldn’t ask this of you. It’s either this or we have to fight to the death later.”

“Why?! Just refuse Her!”

Tessa leaned forward as I felt her lips on my forehead, lingering for a moment before she pulled away.

“I’m one of her Blessed, Alisha. Once you step onto your Path, if you’re a Blessed or Chosen you can not reject your God or Goddess unless you step into the realm of Demigod. I failed to do so, I can not go against her. If I refuse her my soul will be torn from me, tortured for the rest of my life. This is why She wanted you under her complete control before you stepped onto your Path.”

I felt my very being shake, my eyes trembling as her words made me realise the truth of Celestia’s actions from all that time ago.

“Do not fear, Gastron is not like that.” As if sensing my thoughts, Tessa simply smiled. “He will speak with you before your ritual, so you can ask Him then. He is true to His word, he is neutral to all things. Now, crush my heart Alisha, if my life is to end, be it by your hand.”

“Why me?!” I resisted, I didn’t want this at all. “I don’t want this!” I felt tears streaming down my eyes as I continued to look deeply into Tessa’s eyes.

“Because if my death can become a stepping stone for power for you, then I would rather die at your hands than have my soul tortured.” Tessa took one of my hands and slowly moved it towards her heart. I wanted to pull away, tell her that we can always fight if the time came. Surely if I just defeated her that would be enough, right?!

I could tell though that wouldn’t be enough. I knew that Tessa wouldn’t lie like this, but this was far too sudden. My mind returned to its senses as my hand wrapped around her heart, fear sinking deeply into my own.

Mixed emotions threw my mind into chaos, I knew why Tessa wanted me to kill her, I knew but I didn’t want to do it. I yelled, not wanting to do this, my hand trembles and as I’m about to let go, a voice rings out in my mind, a voice that soothes my emotions as my eyes widen.

I crush Tessa’s heart with no hesitation.