The night passed uneventfully; no attacks on the palace, no sudden alarms. Yet, despite the calm, I couldn’t find rest. I drifted off eventually but woke again hours before dawn, staring at the darkness and the faint outlines of the ceiling. I tossed and turned, hoping for sleep that never came. By the time the first rays of sunlight broke through the heavy clouds, I had given up, resigned to starting the day like many others: tired and irritable.
Opening the door to my room, I stepped into the corridor and found myself face-to-face with a guard stationed just to the right. He stood tall, his chest puffed out as he gripped a spear, though his sheepish expression betrayed his inexperience.
“It’s you,” he said, his voice steady despite the nervous glance he gave me. “I’ve been assigned to protect you by the Queen. Is there something you need?”
I shook my head. “No, I’m good. Thanks.” I hesitated, then added, “I think I’ll just head out.”
“At this hour?” He frowned, his grip tightening on the spear.
“Yeah.”
“I’ll check with the captain,” he replied, already turning. “Wait here.”
Leaning against the wall, I crossed my arms and watched him disappear down the corridor, his boots echoing faintly as he turned left at the end. The palace was quieter now, but still alive with purpose. Guards remained at their posts, their weapons still drawn, while maids hurried past, daggers sheathed at their thighs. The tension from the previous night hadn’t entirely lifted.
A couple of minutes later, the guard returned, this time accompanied by a familiar face—the man who had written me a permit the night I arrived in Kinowa when the curfew had just started. He had been with Giarda, the girl from the Diamond Eyes. I couldn’t remember his name, just his face.
“Axel,” he greeted as he approached. “We meet again.”
“Yeah,” I said with a small nod.
“You probably don’t remember much from that night,” he remarked, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I’m Eliard.”
Recognition clicked. “Right. Nice to meet you properly this time.”
“Likewise,” Eliard replied. “So, you’re looking to leave the palace?”
“I am.”
He studied me briefly, then nodded. “Alright. We’ll get a small carriage arranged.”
“That’d be great,” I said, grateful for his efficiency.
“No problem. Just wait outside—it’ll only take a moment.” He said. “We’ll also get your school uniform.”
“I was just going to ask about that. Thank you.”
“No problem, kid. Stay safe.”
With that, Eliard turned on his heel and headed off. The younger guard motioned for me to follow, leading me through the wide corridors and out of the palace. As we stepped outside, I realised the rain had slowed to a drizzle, and the air hung cold and heavy. The wind had stilled, but the chill was enough to make me shiver slightly, even though I was used to it.
We stopped at the main gates, where four guards stood watch, their faces weary. At the guard’s signal, they heaved the large doors open, their movements sluggish from the weight of the task or perhaps from exhaustion.
I stepped through, turning to glance back as the gates shut behind me, the sound of grinding metal and creaking hinges filling the air. The guards on the other side gave me brief nods before resuming their posts.
“The carriage will be ready in two minutes,” the younger guard said from behind the bars. His tone carried the faintest note of sympathy.
“Thanks,” I replied.
He gave me a faint smile. “Take care out there, kid.”
“You too,” I muttered, turning my gaze to the misty horizon as I waited.
Not even fifteen seconds later, a small carriage stopped in front of me, likely exiting through the side entrance. The coachman waved as he pulled the reins to halt the horses. I stepped forward, opened the carriage door, and climbed in. The design was the same as the one I had used before, though this one had no windows at all.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
On the opposite seat lay my school uniform, repaired and neatly ironed. I picked it up and checked the spots where the elves' arrows had struck. Every hole was fixed; it looked as good as new. At least I didn’t have to visit a tailor and pay for repairs again.
"Where to?" the coachman asked.
"Boys’ dormitory," I replied. "Is that okay?"
"Sure. Dormitory it is."
"Thanks."
He flicked the reins lightly to get the horses moving. "Why so early, boy?"
"Couldn’t sleep," I said, raising my voice slightly to ensure he heard.
"Why?"
"Insomnia. It’s a pain."
"Oh… my wife used to have that," he said. "Hard to deal with. I get you."
"Hmm."
Level 5: Axel
HP: [██████████░] 135/140
Mana: [░░░░░░░░] -1/100
Stamina: [██████████░░] 100/120
Options: [Inv | Skills | Quests]
It took me a moment to notice, but then I checked my level once more—I wasn’t level four anymore. I tried to recall when I leveled up but couldn’t pinpoint it. Staring at the status screen, I leaned back and crossed my arms, trying to remember how I earned experience points, but it was no use. I wasn’t about to complain, though. Free experience was still experience. And also, it seemed like I’d learned a new skill called ice shard. Useful.
+-------------------------------+
| Ability Points |
| Available: 0 |
+-------------------------------+
| [+] Strength: (3)
| [+] Agility: (2)
| [+] Intelligence: (0)
| [+] Constitution: (7)
+-------------------------------+
| Confirm Allocation
| [Confirm] [Reset]
+-------------------------------+
I assigned all three points to Constitution, closed the screen, and exhaled. I needed sleep. Not being able to just close my eyes and doze off was frustrating.
===================
NOTIFICATION
===================
* Crafting Unlocked
--------------------------------
| Current XP: 10 / 125
--------------------------------
| Progress: █░░░░░░░░░░░░
=========================
"Crafting?" I muttered.
Level 5: Axel
HP: [████████░░░] 135/170
Mana: [░░░░░░░░] -1/100
Stamina: [██████████░░] 100/120
Options: [Inv | Skills | Quests | Crafting]
Pressing the Crafting option opened a new screen displaying my items. My phone and the clothing I was wearing were highlighted in two large boxes. It looked a little complicated.
======================
CRAFTING MENU
======================
[1] Smartphone Upgrade
----------------------
Materials Needed:
×Common: 4
×Uncommon: 2
[CRAFT]
======================
Available item materials:
×Common: 4 ×Uncommon: 2
======================
* Crafting this will replenish the battery.
======================
Since I didn’t need my phone at the moment, I dismissed the idea of upgrading it and glanced at the other upgrade option: the piece of clothing I was wearing.
======================
CRAFTING MENU
======================
[2] Royal Clothing Upgrade
----------------------
Materials Needed:
×Common: 1
×Rare: 2
[CRAFT]
======================
Available item materials:
×Common: 4 ×Uncommon: 2
======================
* Crafting this will grant
+1 Armor.
======================
With no rare materials, the crafting option was grayed out. I leaned back and rested a finger on my chin, still trying to figure out how I had leveled up. Realizing it was pointless to dwell on it, I shook my head slightly.
It seemed there were some new items I could craft instead of upgrade. However, with the carriage shaking every few meters, making it harder than it should be to read what was on the screen, I decided to check it once I arrived at the dormitory.
"Okay… crafting, huh?" I muttered. "I guess I’ll need to do some quests for materials."
===================
NOTIFICATION
===================
* Item materials can be
gained by disassembling items
and crafting.
===================
"Huh…" I muttered, glancing at the screen. "Good to know, I guess…”