The group emerged from the dungeon, blinking against the blinding sunlight that greeted them. The noise of Duskbowl assaulted their ears, a stark contrast to the oppressive silence of the dungeon. Sang squinted as his eyes adjusted to the light. Dante walked next to him, his battle suit gleaming in the harsh light. Rose, her mana running thin, had unsummoned Lance and was walking next to Joyce, who still allowed the group to see her true kitsune form. Sang returned Joy back into her Altering on his index finger.
The city was in turmoil. Smoke billowed from several buildings, and the distant sounds of shouting and clashing weapons filled the air. The oppressive atmosphere of unrest was palpable, with citizens scurrying about, their faces etched with fear and anxiety. Market stalls lay abandoned, their wares scattered across the cobblestone streets. The once vibrant city now seemed like a war zone, with the constant threat of danger lurking around every corner.
In a secluded alleyway near the city’s edge, Rose’s phone watch rang, projecting a 3D hologram of her father, a stern and imposing figure. “Rose, your actions are unacceptable,” he said, his voice cold and authoritative. “Return immediately, or I will send agents to retrieve you.”
Visibly agitated, Rose argued with the group about her father’s potential interference. “He’s been sending secret agents to monitor me,” she revealed, her voice trembling with frustration. “If we don’t report back soon, he might take drastic action.”
Sang listened intently, his expression serious. “Fine, we will head to Rose’s mansion to report in next,” he suggested, his tone decisive. “We’ll contact my father for a swift extraction,” he added, his voice calm and steady.
Near the city gates, in a secure spot, Sang used his phone watch to call Captain Galewae. “Father, we need the Dread Knot to pick us up,” he requested. Captain Galewae responded quickly, his voice filled with authority and concern. “Hold tight, Sang. The Dread Knot is on its way.”
Just outside the city gates, in a secluded area, the Dread Knot arrived with dramatic flair, descending from the sky. Buck Noname picked them up using a rowboat with the Fly spell. They left the chaos of Duskbowl behind.
Onboard the Dread Knot, the group relaxed slightly, discussing their next steps and reflecting on their recent experiences.
Rose slumped into a seat, her frustration evident. “My father’s expectations are suffocating. He’s always pressuring me to marry Maris to strengthen our family’s power. It’s not fair. I only want to marry Sang.”
Sang, leaning against the ship’s railing, replied with a cold detachment. “Rose, I have my responsibilities as a Tamer. I’ve made mistakes with my Inunu, Doom, and Null. I don’t want to marry you, and I don’t feel sympathy for your plight. We all have our burdens.”
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Joyce shared tales of her homeland and the challenges she faced as a member of the House of Lynch, a coven known for its strict traditions and illusion magic. “The House of Lynch isn’t just a legacy. Each member is expected to uphold the family’s traditions.”
As the airship sailed away from the crumbling city, the scenery below changed from urban chaos to the sleek, high-tech landscape of the supercity, with towering buildings and advanced infrastructure. The contrast was stark, highlighting the disparity between Duskbowl’s decay and the supercity’s prosperity.
The Dread Knot hovered near Rose’s family estate, a massive castle in the heart of the supercity, known as Lumina. The mansion castle, named Castle Cashmere, was an imposing structure, blending primitive architectural aesthetics with advanced technology. Tall spires reached towards the sky, intricate stonework adorned the walls, and glowing energy conduits ran along the surfaces, giving the castle an otherworldly appearance.
They were greeted by Rose’s family retainers, a group of well-dressed and efficient staff, who guided them inside. In the grand hall of Castle Cashmere, Rose’s brother, Dandy, and Maris of the House of Lot awaited them.
Dandy spoke first. “Rose, I see you finally decided to come home.”
Maris, with a sly smile and calculating eyes, added, “Indeed, Mistress Rose. It’s time thou fulfill thy duties.”
Rose’s father, a stern and commanding figure, entered the hall. He was a tall man with sharp features, his eyes cold and calculating. He wore a regal outfit adorned with family insignia and high-tech enhancements. “What have you been doing?” he demanded, his eyes narrowing. “Your recent activities have brought shame to our family. And more importantly, when will you fulfill your duty and marry Maris?”
Rose, her voice filled with defiance, replied, “Father, I never agreed to this. I’ve been trying to find my own path, but you keep pushing me into a corner.”
----------------------------------------
Rose’s father’s eyes narrowed further, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “You have responsibilities, Rose. Our family’s future depends on your compliance.”
Dandy stepped forward, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. “Father, perhaps we should listen to Rose. Forcing her into a marriage she doesn’t want will only breed resentment.”
Maris, however, was less sympathetic. “Mistress Rose, thou must understand the importance of our union. It is not just about power, but about preserving our heritage.”
Rose clenched her fists, her eyes blazing with determination. “I fucking will not marry some want to be knight, Maris. But I am not like you a pawn in some game.”
Sang, sensing the tension, stepped between Rose and her father. “We’ve just returned from a dangerous mission. Perhaps we should all take some time to rest and discuss this with clearer minds.”
Captain Galewae’s voice crackled through Sang’s phone watch. “Sang, we’re ready for extraction if needed. Just give the word.”
Rose’s father glared at Sang, but nodded curtly. “Very well. We will discuss this further tomorrow. But know this, Rose: you cannot run from your destiny.”