Nicholai sat, still bound. His staff sitting across the room from him, next to the desk Vesta sat at. The door to the home opened. Nimul walked in and her presence already irritated the princess.

“Princess Teresa.” She spoke.

“What’s the report?” Teresa asked.

“Grimm’s boys came back.”

“And what about them. Teresa said, not looking back at the woman.

“Me and Sera dealt with them. That tall girl with the green hair and that talking horse came back, but they got away while we we’re fighting those boys.” Nimul reported.

“It’s fine. Plus. I’ve made a strong discovery.” Teresa said getting up from her seat.

“So did I. Those boys. The potions you gave them.”

“Yeah. They were meant to stunt their strength so they potentially die against the Serx knights.”

“Exactly. However. They just used them and it instead gave them a miraculous boost in power.” Nimul stated. Making Teresa stand perfectly still. “Did you tamper with the potions?”

“You’re accusing me of helping them.” Teresa turned and faced the beautiful woman.

“I’m just saying. Sera has a broken arm, and I got stabbed all because of those potions. And I want to know what’s going on. Sera would be here, but he’s resting.” Nimul said, Teresa cut in before she could continue.

“Then go spend the rest of your lovely night riding his cock. I don’t have the time to be in the presence of some whore who can’t stick to one man!” Teresa screamed at Nimul. Making her smirk at the princesses words, and leaving the house. Teresa turned to the two men tied up. She approached Benneb again and kicked his face in. Waking him up immediately.

“Damn. Why don’t you hit him?” Benneb said, making Teresa kick him again.

“Give me the damn blueprints old man.”

“Sorry babe. That would require more than a kick to the face.” The mayor said to the princess, making her visually furious. She turned to Nicholai, before turning to walk away.

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“Hey.” Nicholai said.

“Don’t speak.” Teresa quickly jabbed back. Nicholai took her words, but still wanted to speak.

“You should get some sleep.” He told her.

“So you can try to escape.” The angry girl said.

“So you can be prepared for whatever battle is to come. You know it’s inevitable.” The young sorcerer said. Making the girl turn and face him. She stood back up, grabbed the chair she sat on and brought it over in front of Nicholai. Her face was brought down close to his and closed her eyes. Nicholai felt an energy going into his body. “I can see what your deal is. You’ve never had a boyfriend.”

Nicholai’s words made her jump back, knocking the chair over. Benneb started laughing hysterically. However, Nicholai remained calm. Teresa began furious.

“Don’t be mad. I’ve never had a girlfriend. I just left my village not too long ago. You’ve left your home as well. Hoping to finally find that special person, and it’s not working for you. Hurts doesn’t it.” Nicholai said, making the girl become slightly frightened. But he was right. Her time away from the large castle and gardens, she saw her chance at what was missing all this time.

She continued to back away from the boy. The mayor continued to laugh. Yet. Teresa refused to let these words get to her. She knew that she failed now. However, like the sorcerer said. A battle is coming, one she intends to win, and perhaps victory will grant her a few wishes. She turned to the two men, and smiled at them.

“You know. You’re right. I’ve never had a boyfriend. Want to know why. I used to be very popular with the boys. However, my dear old father saw that as a problem. Being the ass he is. He took it upon himself to brand me with a seal. I’m sure you’re well aware of what that means.” Teresa explained to the boy.

“Of course I do.” Nicholai answered.

“Good. Mine made it to where I was unable to fall in love or feel lust for another person. Since then. I’ve come to care less for those around me. Nobody means anything. So no. I’ve never had a boyfriend. And to be honest. I don’t need one.” Teresa closed in on Nicholai’s face, her eyes wide as can be. “Plus. It helps when I fight.”

Teresa continued to speak, however the door opened, and a tall man in all gold armor walked into the home. He knelt down before the princess. Nicholai grew weary at the sight of the man. His helmet was pointed at the chin and the eye holes were as dark as the night sky. An array of sharp pointed teeth spread across the headpiece from ear to ear.

“Oh. Uziro. You’re finally here. Does that mean the rest are prepared to land?” Teresa spoke to the knight.

“We can’t princess. You see...there are rocks in the water blocking the path of our ships. We’ve tried to use our magic, but they are simple to large to deal with.” The man spoke. Nicholai noticed his raspy deep voice that echoed through the room.

“Oh, good. I already have a solution to that.” Teresa said as she turned and went back to the desk. She lifted the top to reveal an array of buttons and levers. Benneb immediately screamed at her.

“NO. GIRL DON’T. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOUR ABOUT TO DO!” Benneb screamed in fear.

“Uziro silence him.” The princess ordered. The knight stood and walked over to the small man. He removed one of his gloves, and poked the mayor in the chest. At first, Benneb was calm. Until his body began to feel heavy, then hard. His chest started to turn gold. It slowly spread across his small torso over to his arms, legs, then finally head. Nicholai watched in horror. As the mayor was turned into a gold statue. “Bring the other over here.”

As the knight did as she asked. She pressed a few buttons on the desk. Then, the upper deck began to shake. Underneath it’s street. Emerged a large metal tube, which was as white as the clouds hiding it, pointed near the coast, with the rocky debris.

“You might not be able to see it. But I’ve just unveiled the Cloudbuster. This village's secret weapon. How about a demonstration?” Nicholai was put near the window, where he saw the coastline. Teresa pressed the large white button on the desk, then all of the lights around the upper village went out for a second.

Then, in an instant, a large white beam shot from underneath, towards the rocky debris surrounding the coastline. A massive explosion was left in the wake. Nicholai watched in fear. And as the smoke cleared. Not only were all of the rocks now nothing but dust, but dozens of ships carrying Hulion troops rode in towards the coast.

Nicholai turned to Teresa, and she turned back with a happy smile.