The sound of the Risen Horses' hooves was barely heard from within the wagon, but Lucian seemed to take that as a good sign.

"At this rate, we might arrive in Mythras by midday on Saintsday. If not, we would likely be there by the following week at the latest."

That was a strange thing to hear, though it didn't surprise her about this world. Upon questioning him, she learned that the calendar was much the same as the Celestial Empire. There were twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty-five days a year, twelve months, fifty-two weeks, and seven days a week. Give or take a day. It was just how it was called that was different.

From the first month, the names were: Frostbound, Frozen Heart, Winterwane, Rainmoot, Solar Rebirth, Solar Crown, Firemoot, Firewane, Solar Death, Shadow’s Call, Hearthfire, ending in Fellnight.

The days of the week were equally as colorful with Moonday, Solday, Tillsday, Tradesday, Crownsday, Graceday, and Saintsday.

It was currently Year 832 of the Third Age. The date exactly was the 12th of Solar Death, which was a Moonday. This meant she had arrived in this world on Graceday, the 10th of Solar Death.

By Lucian's estimation, they would reach Mythras on the 18th of Solar Death at the earliest.

Six days was not very long to travel in such mundane methods. She had expected to be forced to spend weeks at the very least on the road.

"It is good that we won't have to be on the road for long," Serena said after a few minutes of silence between them while Fion drove the wagon. "I don't know if I can handle being cooped up inside any longer than necessary."

She stood up and headed to one of the tables that were placed beside a window. She looked out from her seat to see what lay ahead and saw that there wasn't much more than open fields surrounding their path. They hadn't seen another person or building since leaving the village behind two hours ago, or if one was spotted, Fion didn't mention it. There were no trees either, only abandoned farmland and empty hamlets dotting what they passed. The sky remained overcast, but it didn't seem like rain was coming down anytime soon.

"I agree. We are at less of a risk of becoming sick when on the move." Lucian agreed, also rising to his feet as he stretched himself. He walked around the wagon, stretching in all directions before returning to where she sat at the table. "But you will find yourself bored within these next days. It's hard work just sitting there without anything else to do."

"You mentioned a sickness?" Serena asked curiously.

"Yes," Lucian nodded at her question. "There have been various magical diseases that have been afflicting this country along with its surrounding ones for a few months now. It started while I was already traveling so I don't know the causes, but the varieties and what they focus on seem to be different in many ways. Some I saw were struck dead from an unknown illness and their bodies were left rotting in their beds. It seemed to be targeting not just humanoids but animals and crops as well."

Serena frowned and shook her head, looking down at her hands while they still rested atop the table. She had no idea how such things could happen and it was something she wanted nothing to do with. She might have wanted to start creating some kind of headquarters or safe space she could return to while she investigated this world but having to deal with most of the population dead, missing, or likely on the verge of rebellion would be troublesome enough. Having to save a country from itself just so she could have a safe spot was pushing the limits of what she was willing to subject herself to.

Her gaze lingered on the screen that popped up as if it was waiting for that nudge. The reminder that she could gain this energy to cheat and abuse what little limits there were in this world and its Divine Message system burned into her eyes. It would be so easy to indulge in the chaos and take advantage of those that were lost.

It would be second nature to her by now. Veles had ensured that much.

Serena closed her eyes and did some deep breathing exercises to cleanse her mind. When she opened her eyes once more, she felt more determined and secure than she had since the last being in her laboratory. Her time spent in the alchemy atelier felt like a lifetime ago now.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"When some of those beings destroyed Duskwallow, you said that you called in a favor with them?" Much would change depending on the answers to her questions.

Lucian rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, a sight that was unusual since the black outer garment covered his body from view. Perhaps it was a sign of nervousness or frustration? "Don't remind me. I need to do some favors for them in turn. They didn't need to waste so much Faith on that rathole of a village."

That was what she was looking for. "So that was a miracle that was powered by the resources that the populace's faith provided?"

He seemed taken aback by her inquiry. "Yes, of course! How could it be anything but?"

If these miracles could cause such damage, what else could they do? What could I accomplish with it?!

"How can I acquire more energy to perform miracles?"

Lucian shook his head. He seemed uncomfortable as he spoke, however, based on the shifting of his body. "I am unsure. The gods don't share those secrets with me."

"How many gods are speaking with you right now?"

"None. A few left my Divine Messages stating they needed to hold a meeting of the pantheons. I dared not question it."

Alarm bells rang in her skull over the possibility of being caught before she could do anything. She leaned forward and tried to keep her rising panic from showing. "When was this?"

"Shortly after I woke up this morning. I do not know when they will return, but I do not need them to have access to my Oracle class. Or any of my other classes." Lucian nodded his head and seemed proud of not needing help.

So the gods seem to know nothing about my abilities. I wonder how long I can keep this a secret?

Much to her surprise, Lucian seemed to be on the same page. "I do not know how they would see and treat someone who has access to the same methods. Such a thing has not happened since their arrival. When they made themselves known, the Divine Messages system came with it, and the Third Age began. Or so it is told in the records of their temples." She had expected him to be hesitant in any suggestion. "I will do my best to keep your capabilities unknown to them."

"I would appreciate that, Lucian." Serena smiled, feeling lighter already. "Can you tell me more about some basic things I would need to know? I don't want to bother or trouble you for every little thing."

"It's no bother," Lucian said. His voice was soft and he seemed surprised to even say what he did as he quickly recovered. "Of course! What do you want to know."

Serena immediately went into questions about how the local money system functioned. It would help if there was some way to get around this.

It turned out the system was a simple and lackluster 1-100 in value. From the least valuable metal to the most they were copper, silver, electrum, gold, then platinum. It was overall the same as the Celestial Empire, which reinforced that the Powers That Be were connected with her home.

Prices varied drastically based on the item in question. There were other things to consider like knowing about the materials and finished project, the current market value, problems in other cities, and trade routes among a thousand other complications. There didn't seem to be a unifying business that regulated trade that well, at least not in this country. That was something she could take advantage of.

The continent they were currently on was rather large even by the giant size of the other continents and world. It was called Reine with the country they are in is called Votara. The royal family of Votara had allegedly been losing much of their ancestral territories and control over the country and nobles for several generations now. What land had once belonged to them was now disputed by the surrounding countries, who were going through their harships.

King Reginald had lost his wife a little over a year ago and had immediately elevated a commoner to be his Queen. Naturally, this did not sit well with the nobility or his son and only heir, Prince Eirwyn. Shortly after such events, the ruler was called mad and the first whispers of dissent were spread. The king lost his life to the same illness that took his wife, and the Prince went missing as he was on his way to a gathering of noble youths.

Eirwyn was given his name, which means white as snow, due to being an albino. His hair down to his very skin was white and pale, but his heart was black. He had slept with dozens of women of various species, slaves or not, of all kinds of classes. Even sowed his seeds to the point they began to bear fruit.

Whatever the prince of the country did on his terms didn't matter to her, but Serena didn't care for his lack of discretion.

It would have been difficult enough for a potential line of succession with him comingling with lowborn, but this damned royal decided to violate several prominent women of families that were still loyal to the crown.

She rubbed her temple, feeling a headache form from this nonsense. If he wasn't likely dead already, she would have killed him herself. There would have likely been more benefits from it.

With the prince missing, the newly crowned queen in her infinite wisdom and compassion started to use the palace treasury to buy individuals for her harem. Including Lucian himself among that number.

Votara is doomed. I don't even know where to begin with this.