Once again resisting the urge to select this option, I instead move my shaking hand and minimise the rewards. A timer starts on my HUD and after confirming it’s for a week I turn to Jupiter.

“T-this…I…That reward is just…” My voice is shaky and I can’t find the words as Jupiter nods over and over.

“What do we do? What do we do?” Excitement, panic and uncertainty seeps into his voice.

Sitting down, I look at my shaky hands before steadying my breath. Closing my eyes and calming my rampaging emotions, I tried to rationally think through the rewards while also speaking to Jupiter.

“Rationally, and I mean rationally, the best reward is the spells and talents. We gain so much from it that it’s unreal, we could potentially become extremely powerful very quickly. No doubt that such a reward would catapult us far ahead of anyone else in this world. The next best reward is the Job Points and quest. Though we don’t know what we will receive, if it’s on par with the second reward it would be massive to us.

“But the third reward is just too good for us currently.” Opening my eyes, I looked seriously at Jupiter. “A lot of us are emotionally attached to our world, we simply have so much there that we want to see again. Getting closure would allow most of us to turn our full attention to whatever we were sent here to do. Being able to bring two tonnes of materials here from our world is no small matter either. Though it would be rather difficult to bring two tonnes of stuff…All the rewards are simply far too good, if I had to choose emotionally I would not hesitate to select the third option, but logically and rationally the first choice is too good for us.”

Jupiter stood there, slowly calming down as my words rang out. He sat down on the ground and crossed his arms, eyes swimming with thought before looking back at me.

“We can’t decide this between us, we have to vote amongst everyone. We stand to gain far too much regardless of the choice, it’s too important. If we made a choice now and the others found out that they could’ve gotten stronger or gone to our world, they would lose all trust in us.”

“I know, I wasn’t going to select a reward. Since you have the reward it means you can choose for your group. I’m surprised it gave such a reward to both teams.” Standing up, I started packing again, with a bit more haste. “Lets keep this to ourselves, we have to get to Alpha first. We can’t cause chaos before we get there.”

“I agree, plus the others need to be treated and recover slightly. Say, if we do return to our world, will it be in our original bodies?”

“No idea, but if I had to hazard a guess I’d say no. Go get treated, if anyone asks, you came in here to ask me about our next moves, just tell them I said we have to get to Alpha as soon as possible and watch the situation in the town.”

Seeing Jupiter leave, I stop packing and grip the table hard. Those rewards are simply far too good, and if someone didn’t want to go back they would get another reward instead. Is our objective in this world to destroy those totems? Do they summon the Husks? What about the one in my dream, the massive obelisk that had been coming from the sky, does that mean more will appear in the future?

Shaking my head of these thoughts, I sighed and sat down, head in my hands. Too much, the pressure of these rewards is far too much. No matter what we pick we will end up regretting not taking one of the others. I hadn’t realised that hunting the dragon and destroying the obelisk would be such an important and enriching hunt, I thought it would simply be progressing the survival basics quest.

Feeling a pair of arms wrap around my neck gently, I leaned back into the chest of Rebecca who must’ve entered at some point. Hearing her heartbeat softly, I closed my eyes and simply listened to it. If we went back, she could see her dad and brother again. Trembling for a moment, I nearly slipped and revealed everything to her in a crazy manner.

“Here I thought you’d be over the moon. Ruby, what happened with Jupiter? It’s like you both have suddenly had the world placed onto your shoulders.”

Without any hesitation, I opened my mouth and told her everything. I had my complete trust in Rebecca, I knew she wouldn’t just go screaming to everyone about this choice that has been placed on our shoulders. She only listened, but the moment I told her about the reward to return to our world for a month her arms trembled.

“Such rewards…” Her voice trembled as she spoke softly. Sitting on my lap as I held her, Rebecca had a similar reaction to when I first read the rewards before closing her eyes and steadying her breathing. After a few minutes, she opened her eyes before looking up at me. “That choice…no wonder why you both look like you have such a burden on your shoulders.”

“Mm, we plan to tell everyone, but not right now, we still need to get back to Alpha so…”

“You can’t say anything now or it may cause chaos amongst everyone, so to ensure everyone's safety you’ll bring it up once we’re at Alpha and treated? It’s the best course of action right now, I can’t disagree with that.” Looking Rebecca over, I saw fresh skin everywhere, meaning she had been burnt all over. Her hair and clothes were stained with the dried blood of the dragon as well. For some reason I felt really attracted to how she looked like right now, like a hero who had emerged victorious against a large beast.

Resisting my urges, I tightened my grip on her waist before resting my head on her shoulder. “Mm, this choice is too much. We’ll end up regretting the choice no matter what we pick later on.”

“That much is true, but Ruby I think your logical answer is wrong. While gaining three spells or talents would indeed catapult us further ahead, I believe giving everyone a chance to gain closure is far more important. There are already cracks forming with a lot of people’s mentality, and that’s true for both of us as well. If we don’t get closure, I feel like a lot of people will eventually crack completely and become either emotionally unstable or commit…” She didn’t finish the sentence nor did she need to.

“Do you think we should give everyone the choice?”

“Yes. Voting on it is vital, if they chose not to go then that is their choice. Who knows, maybe there is someone who doesn’t want to get closure for several reasons. I will stand by your side, no matter what choice you make about this, even if I don’t agree with it.”

After sitting there in silence for a few more minutes, Rebecca got up. “I have to get to packing, everyone else is rushing about. By the way, that look is really attractive, just so you know.” Giving me a wink, she left as I looked over myself, realising the burnt clothing had indeed revealed way too much of my body, stopping shy of my breasts and crotch. Feeling a blush come on, I had no choice but to ignore the damage to my clothing on the account of having no replacements.

As I finish packing, I bring everything out and load it into the semi, seeing everyone rushing about packing what they could. The fridge and freezer were still in the town which meant we had to forsake the snacks and drinks we had, but it’s a very little price to pay. Seeing Sheep look at me with concern, I simply mouthed ‘later’ to him and seeing him nod, I helped others pack.

After an hour, we started moving once again. This time I rode with Aerith, Lemon and Dawn, with Dawn driving. All of them cast me looks of concern and I knew I must’ve been showing my emotional state on my sleeve. When they asked if I was fine, I told them I was before closing my eyes in an attempt to sleep, but failing to do so thanks to my mind being a hot mess.

After what felt like an eternity, we finally arrived at Alpha. Getting out in a hurry, causing more looks of concern, I told everyone to unpack the semi and once done so to gather around the campfire. Grabbing Jupiter, I took him over to a private area where we both discussed how to handle telling everyone. Just as we finished speaking, I heard footsteps coming over to us.

Turning my head, I saw Sheep walking over with a concerned look on his face, looking at both of us. “So, mind filling me in on what exactly has you both in such a mess? Everyone is concerned, they’re all over the moon for killing the dragon yet you two are acting like the moon is about to crash into the world.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Ah, um. We’ll inform everyone soo-”

“No, Ruby. You tell me, now. We share the burden of leadership together, not have you lock it away as a secret.”

“We’ll be tellin-”

“I know, but I can’t let you two go announcing whatever bad news you’re holding onto to everyone else. It’s obvious that as the leaders of the clans you have received some sort of news from the System, either a reward too good to be true or horrible news, and I’m leaning towards it being horrible news from what I can see. So spit it up, what’s going on?”

Hesitating before glancing at Jupiter, he shook his head slightly before pausing and nodding meekly.

“Yes to both, Deven.” Sighing, I weighed my options before telling him everything in full. As he listened, he raised a brow and just as I told him about the second reward, he raised a hand and stopped me.

“So you mean to tell me you’re both acting like this because of these rewards? As insane as they are, a group vote will solve it.”

“And we’re working on that! That's why I told everyone to gather. And let me finish!” Nearly yelling at him, causing him to look shocked, he gestured for me to continue and so I did.

As I told him about the third reward, he went from impartial to extremely shocked, to shaking and finally just outright speechless. Silence befell us for several minutes as he flapped his lips, trying to think of a reply.

“S-shit. No wonder why you two are like this, fuck. Those rewards…fuck, we’ll regret whatever we decide to go with, all of the options are too much.” Seeing Sheep lose his shit slightly, he seemed to not know what to do. “I apologise, I shouldn’t have pushed you to tell me before you told everyone else. I know logically the second choice is the literal best for us, but I can’t say no to the third option. If there is a chance to see Diana again and even bring her here I wouldn’t hesitate to select it.”

“It’s fine, we’re both the same in that aspect. Bek thinks the most logical course of action is the third option too, mostly down to emotional stability.”

“Wait, you told Winter?”

“Forgive her, Jupiter. Those two are each other's emotional support, there is no way Ruby couldn’t tell her. Alright, let’s go face the music and tell everyone.” Sheep tilted his head back and following him, Jupiter and I worked on calming ourselves. Seeing everyone sitting at the campfire, I saw Ghost react first and look at us.

“Ah, now even Sheep is infected! The sadness after a big achievement is spreading!” Seeing him crack a grin, I pursed my lips before standing before everyone. Sheep and Jupiter to my sides, I relaxed and looked at everyone here. We hadn’t really had time to digest what we had accomplished, many of us were wearing clothing that had been mostly burnt and had scarring of where we had been hurt by flames. Even though the dead skin is gone, the scars would remain.

“I have an announcement to make about the rewards we received from killing the dragon…no, from destroying the obelisk.”

Everyone looked at me in confusion and I could understand why. The three of us must look terrible if they’re looking at us with concern and the confusion added on top meant they all had one question in mind. ‘Why are they down about rewards?’ Opening my mouth, I started to tell everyone about the rewards, about what we could accept as an additional reward and the time limit.

As expected, everyone looked more confused as I went on. These rewards are top notch, why are you so gloomy?! However, just like Sheep, the moment I announced the third reward, everyone’s faces crumbled, realisation dawning on them all as they heard my words, understanding coming to their eyes about why we looked so down.

Once again, silence followed as I finished speaking. No one said a word as they all stared either at the fire or glanced at others. Aerith broke the silence first.

“I want to go home…”

Her words, the tone of sadness and hope resounded strongly within me. Others started to mutter as well, sharing the same sentiment.

“I’m fine with staying here.”

“Same here. I have nothing to return to if I go back and a month is too short to enjoy anything.”

Looking at Melody and Ghost, I felt a bit surprised at their words. I suddenly remembered that Ghost had no living relatives or significant others and while I didn’t know about Melody, I figured she would be in a similar position.

“Well, let’s vote. Raise your hand if you wish to return, even though it’s only temporary.”

Other than Sheep, Jupiter, Ghost, Melody and I, the other five raised their hands. Sheep and Jupiter rose theirs and nodding I felt relief sweep through me, happy that the decision had been made.

“Okay, we have one week to select the choice. We will select it in two days.”

“Wait, why delay? Let’s go now!” Aerith stood up looking flustered. Glancing at everyone then pointing to myself, I told her why.

“We need to recover and rest first. Fresh clothing is also needed, thankfully we have plenty. I don’t want us going while we’re all high on emotions and we need to think about how we’re going to act in our world. The likely scenario is that we’ll be heading there with these bodies, which means we’re going to be very powerful beings there. Not only that, but if we are going to see our loved ones we need to consider how we’re going to convince them that we’re not dead and it’s actually us. Charging in there and losing your cool won’t help, take the two days, collect yourselves and carefully consider how to approach your loved ones.”

As others agree, including Aerith, we all parted ways slowly as everyone went to collect their thoughts. Winter and I returned to the campervan, both lost in our own thoughts as we considered what to do. I desperately wanted to see mum, but convincing her that I’m her dead daughter will prove to be a challenge. Slowly I thought of what to say to convince her before turning to Winter.

“Let’s hold hands when we select the option. Presuming it’s a teleport to a random location, we’ll at least go together. If not, let’s meet up somewhere.”

“Mm. I think we need to research how long we’ve been gone for in case time here flows differently than there. It’s been what, five months? Then, we’ll head to see your mum first.”

“Not your dad?”

“Dad has Tim, your mum has no one. I’m more worried about her than dad. We’ll make sure she’s okay and convince her first, then we’ll worry about dad.”

“Are you sure? You can go and see him first.”

“Mm, I want to be with you just in case.” Knowing what she’s implying, I felt my heart tighten as she held me. With a bit more discussion, we both fell asleep.

The next two days were a blur, my thoughts were a mess. At times I felt like breaking down and crying about the possibility that mum might not be there when I returned. No one got much done, only Melody and Ghost went about their days normally, though were slightly distracted. Those two went around talking to those who were a mess.

Jupiter and Sheep did take the drive towards the town and confirmed that over half of the town had burnt down with the fire having died down.

As the second day ended and the third day dawned, everyone gathered, most in a much better state. I had managed to collect myself and looking at everyone, I smiled.

“Now, a few rules you guys should consider. No weapons out in public. We don’t want to be criminals and have to deal with being chased down. No magic either, unless you’re with those you trust completely. You can choose to follow these two rules, I can’t force you. I’m carrying in case an emergency comes up, so the choice is yours.” A part of me had gotten used to having a gun on hand in case anything happened, I had my glock holstered under my shirt, covered by a coat I’m wearing.

Opening the System, I brought up the list of rewards once more before glancing at Ghost and Melody. “Are you two sure?”

“Yep!” Melody nods with conviction.

“Sure am. I do have a request if you will, Midnight.” Tilting my head in his direction, Ghost laughed. “Bring me art supplies, like a canvas and pencils of all sorts of colours. I can work on that trade material!” Giggling at his request, I nod to him before turning to everyone else.

“Ready?” Seeing them all either nod or say yes, I click on the option to travel to our world. Jupiter mimics my actions.

By selecting this option you will return immediately. Those you are connected to will teleport with you and those that do not wish to go will receive their own reward.

The countdown will start the moment you have returned.

Do you wish to proceed?

Y/N

Holding Winter’s hand, I clicked Y. As soon as I did, a blinding light enveloped me, blinding my vision as I felt weightless for a moment, and knowing that this is the teleport, I waited for it to be over, both excitement and fear beating within my heart.