Hades sat on the rooftops. The moon was out, and so were the lights of the dojo. The first day of training will commence the following day. Sparring and playing with friends had been his routine the very next day. It will all change.

He always saw clouds. Huge white clouds in the empty skies. There was no way to get above them. He had touched one before with the others and was excited and amazed at how soft it was. Like cotton, he thought.

Lily came over and sat beside him, joining to amaze the clouds. She sat in silence also, which was something as unusual as the sensei giving days off. They were the only children with names. More or less, they gave each other names. Hades was apparently cute, that’s why she picked it. Lily, on the other hand, was a random flower he happened to see when forced to play with them in the valley. A name suited her so well, it was scary.

“Anything the matter?” Hades asked, eyes still glued to the skies.

“Tomorrow’s training,” she said, taking a deep breath.

Hades turned to her, “There’s no need for you to participate”

“What do you mean?” she glared at him. Her eyes were like a bomb about to explode.

“Sensei said it was optional. Since there will be dire consequences- “

Lily fell on her back, laughing hysterically. “Y-you really are funny Hady”

Hades turned away from her, pouting. “Go, if you want. I don’t care”

Lily sat back up and cleaned off her tears. “Don’t be like that. It was just funny to see you worry about someone else”

“I wasn’t worried”

“Huh?” she leaned closer to him. “So you’re a liar now, eh?”

He didn’t turn away but met her face, startling her. “You really do like to push my buttons”

“Well…” she backed up, stretching her arms. “I wasn’t scared for myself or anything. It’s just the others. All of them aspiring to become great swordsman, but we on the other hand, are just doing it for some gold”

“Speak for yourself”

“Ok, I’m doing it for the gold while you are doing it for….” She placed a finger to her chin. “I’m looking for the right word, hummmm”

Hades eyed her. “What’re you thinking about now?”

She snapped her finger. “Yes, Love!”

Hades sighed, “No, and why would you think of that?”

“Food”

“No”

“I got it,” she snapped her finger. “Political strength”

“Nope”

“The best swordsman“

“Nuh uh”

“Umm, to rule the greatest army in the world”

“I’m not searching for anything, Lily. I just want to be a swordsman and that’s it”

“Fear,” she said, eyes serious.

“What do you mean by fear?” Hades asked, perplexed.

Lily went closer to him and grabbed both his hands. “Your eyes are darker than before. They were so bright a few years back, so full of life,” she whispered and pushed him away.

“You’re saying weird stuff again”

She laughed sarcastically. “Me? Weird? I can mention a zillion times, you said weird stuff.” She said, standing up. “Let’s call it a night, Hady. We don’t want to be asleep on our first day of training”

Hades wondered what she was talking about. She always said the strangest things at random occurrences. He forgot about her words and went to bed.

*

The Fourth Realm, also known as the Realm of the Departed, had long been a place of immense power among the other realms. The souls lost there gave its name. The bitter cold that gripped the land had claimed so many lives. To venture there without at least four, perhaps even five, layers of thick leather jackets would be begging for death.

Their money was near naught, and also lacking camping equipment. They managed to survive long enough to reach at a nearby village. Emilianow found herself standing before a massive door. After her attempts at selling the clothes failed since every potential buyer took her as a thief. And over her dead body would she give in to selling to criminals?

Taking the easiest commission from the adventurer guild was a quick way of getting some coins to live on for the meanwhile. They were at a businessman mansion, one of great power in the realms, also regarded as a close friend to the lord of the seventh. Emilia and the gang had accepted a commission from him. Details were to be discussed in the meeting, to take place at the given moment.

Pasta stood on shaking legs, battling with sleep. It was too early in the morning. It’s not easy getting the easiest yet well-payed job on the list, so Emilia said all night. The morning sun wasn’t even out and the soft chirping of birds were heard faintly from outside.

Emilia shoved Pasta, waking him up. She turned to Mr Swordsman, who rather admire the décor of the halls. The pristine white walls and bright chandeliers and lights on the ceiling all captivated him a bit. Emilia’s heart raced as she reached in for the door handle. They were early, yes. But still, this is her very first official commission. She does not want to mess this up.

Emilia opened the door, letting out a loud creaky noise. She quickly opened it to prevent it from making more noise. Pasta went in, scratching his eyes and yawning. Mr Swordsman followed behind.

Sitting behind the desk was Kaden, the renowned businessman. He was nothing they expected. A young, handsome man, clear blue eyes and a smile to warm one’s heart and his good looking moustache. The only thing Pasta took note of. His customary white and black robe suited him pretty well.

He flipped through the documents, signing some with his quill and passing others to the side. “I see you are adventurers,” he said, still engrossed in his work.

“We are here for the commission you placed up. Mr Kaden”

“I see. I’ll assume you already know what your job is, so may I ask why you’re here in my office?”

Emilia eyed him, perplexed. “In your report, you mentioned we should come here for further details”

Kaden sighed, removing his glasses. “That girl can sometimes be a handful,” he said, taking a sip from his morning tea. “To cut the story short. I need you here as bodyguards for my daughter’s wedding. You see, I have a rather troublesome individual who may cause some kind of ruckus during the special day”

“What sort of trouble?” Mr Swordsman asked.

“I don’t know. He has been constantly annoying my daughter and causing some issues for her and myself. Also,” he examined them. “Don’t you all have any... better clothing? As much as I don’t want him to ruin the wedding, I also don’t want to scare him.”

“You sound like you want him to come,” Emilia said.

Kaden stood from his seat and walked to the window. “He’s a criminal, stealing goods from the merchant’s guild. A slippery one, he is; we have made several attempts to catch him but now we have the upper hand. He’ll definitely show up at the wedding”

“So our job is to catch him,” Mr Swordsman said.

“No. Leave that to my guards. Your job is to be the wedding’s main security. My men will be too busy dealing with the hooligans”

“How much is the pay?” Mr. Swordsman asked, his eyes stern. Emilia was already considering how early it was to ask for the price.

Kaden smirked. “If the wedding goes smoothly for the lovely couple, your party will earn five hundred gold coins”

Emilia smiled while Pasta kept on snoring. He was also excited about the price.

Mr Swordsman nodded. “That is a nice offer, but there’s an issue”

“What might that be?”

“Providing security for such a large household with just three people will be quite stressful. Someone of your stature wouldn’t want to be criticized for skimping on security for your daughter’s wedding. What would your guests think? A wealthy man like you spending so little on security.”

Emilia was content with their pay, but Mr Swordsman had a point. The wedding will be a big event and three guards won’t be sufficient. She never knew Mr Swordsman was so skilled in negotiation, and that he could also give compliments. With his new offer, they could cover all their expenses with just one job. All she could do was smile as Pasta slept at his feet.

Kaden put his hand over his eyes. “You’re right. Three people would be too few; I was trying to keep it subtle. I suppose recruiting some new adventurers would help. And I could get a good deal too”

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Mr Swordsman and Emilia's eyes widened.

“Yes. New adventurers. A new party, let’s say six to eight in the group,” Kaden said.

Emilia waved her hands frantically. “No, no, the price is good and we are not too small, right Mr Swordsman?”

Mr Swordsman stood silent. They were fired before the job even started. “Yes, we are not too small. My energy can cover more than twice the mansion, so there’s no need for more adventurers”

Kaden smirked, resting his hands on the table. “If so, then you all should be good with three hundred gold coins, yes?”

Mr Swordsman held his sword, his eyes on Kaden. Emilia stood in front of him.

“Yes sir, three hundred will do,” Emilia said quickly.

“Ok then, leave my office”

*

The mansion was bustling with activity. Maids and butlers scurried about, decorators made final adjustments, and everyone was getting ready for the wedding. Emilia stood guard outside the bride’s door, while Mr Swordsman was giving Pasta some lessons in the yard. Later that afternoon, they would all be assigned their individual roles by the bride’s younger sister. Emilia couldn’t believe how tiring it was to stand for so long, her legs turned into noodles or she wished they had. But they were tired, that’s the point. She sat on the floor and took out one of the books that Amy had given her—the final edition of the adventurer guild. It contained more details than its predecessor, including how to create a healthy meal from just three easy-to-find ingredients in the wild, legends of past dungeons, and much more. As she relaxed, Emilia eagerly flipped through the pages and, reaching the point where she had stopped last, she sighed and began to read. It wasn’t a crime to sit and read on the job. As long as she doesn’t leave her position. Now is her ‘me’ time.

*

“Pasta, are you ready?” Mr Swordsman asked, unsheathing his sword.

“You know I am.” Pasta dashed to him, swinging his sword.

His sword leaned closer to Mr Swordsman's face. “Today we’ll have a different class,” he said, turning his face to prevent the slash. Pasta kept on swinging while Mr Swordsman effortlessly dodged them.

They were in an open field just outside the mansion; the other end was where the wedding was to take place.

“The three great powers, you happen to know one. So let’s move to the next”

“Got it,” Pasta said, still swinging.

“You have learnt the way of manipulation. Using coating to strengthen elemental energies and commanding them with your will. A power so basic yet so useful,” Mr Swordsman said, kicking Pasta. Pasta’s sword blocked him, but it didn’t matter. He kicked both away.

Pasta went on his knee, picking up his sword. Panting.

“The next is parallel space. When one is able to command his presence and think rationally,” Mr Swordsman raised his sword, “They are able to separate themselves from this timeline to a higher one. Making everything they see in a slower image”

Pasta grunted and ran to Mr Swordsman again, cutting off his neck. He stood in shock and was kicked again from behind. The beheaded image of Mr Swordsman faded away and the real one stood behind him.

“It is also useful in creating after images. Unlike burst and manipulation, this does not require much energy. As a man once told me, strength is that of a king. Speed belongs to the cunning thief. Uncaught and swift in his movements to take what he wants when he wants, with no need for morals. So, Pasta, how would you defeat such an opponent”

“I’ll just beat the shit out of him!”

Pasta enhanced his coating, his body having green-like fireflies around. He dashed again, swinging his sword.

Mr Swordsman, enraged, dodged his strike and used the back of his sword to hit Pasta’s gut, sending him crashing into a carriage.

“You never learn. Are you going to keep attacking head-on? If this were a real battle, you’d be dead by now. You can’t hope to master parallel space with such a reckless attitude. You want to be strong, but all you do is boast and get beaten.”

Pasta got on his feet, holding his sword to his eyes. “Parallel space, huh? If it requires me to change to use it. Then I don’t need it after all”

“The way to beat it is to either master the act yourself or get so fast and break through into the user’s realm. You are way behind that goal,” Mr Swordsman said.

Pasta wiped off the blood from his face. “So, I just need to get faster, right? I know you’re strong, but that doesn’t mean I should fear you,” he said, pointing his sword. “Don’t cry, If I beat your ass someday”

Mr Swordsman unleashed a huge amount of energy swirling around the area. Pasta stood undaunted, staring right at Mr Swordsman. All he needed was to land a scratch and it’ll be over.

Both ran to the other, swinging with strength to releasing a cloud of dust.

“Who’re you?” Mr Swordsman said.

“I know you’re in the middle of practice, but I beckon you to stop the ruckus,” a man said. Holding both Pasta and Mr Swordsman's swords. His red hair swayed in the resulting wind. Pasta stood there, silent. Eyes and lips shaking.

“I happen to be a swordsman myself. Just here to drop my gifts for the bride,” he said.

Mr Swordsman retracted his sword. This man was strong, he could tell. There was not a single ounce of energy emanating from him; he seemed lifeless. . The sword he wielded was equally extraordinary, adorned with floating dragons that spiralled around the hilt.

“You’re interrupting our session,” Mr Swordsman said in a soft tone. Trying to hold back his anger.

“You are causing a ruckus,” he said, turning to Pasta. “I see you are doing well”

Pasta didn’t respond, gripping his sword tightly.

He turned back to Mr Swordsman. “I’m Zyrion, a swordsman such as yourself. How about this? Let’s have a duel. If you win, this session of yours may continue. I win and we’ll end it”

Mr Swordsman looked at Pasta and unsheathed his sword. “Let’s make this quick”

“I agree,” Zyrion said.

The air became so tense as both men released their energies. The workers at the mansion watched from a distance at what was going on. Emilia, curious, looked out the window. She froze in place, then left her position and headed to the fight.

Zyrion drew his sword, and the surrounding dragons disappeared. He stretched his sword to Mr Swordsman, but in a second was met by a blade to the face.

“It’s over,” Mr Swordsman said.

Zyrion glared at the blade. The lustre and dark metal were of good material, he thought. He met the blade with his own, making no effort.

Both began to hit the other sword, pushing the other back in turns. Each clash of their blades resonated. Pasta and the other workers who watched from a distance found it difficult to keep up with their speed.

So this is him, Zyrion thought. Never expected to meet him here, his style of fighting is calm, yet powerful.

Mr Swordsman leapt back, launching a flurry of slashes at Zyrion, who cut through them. As Zyrion jumped toward Mr Swordsman with a fierce thrust. Mr Swordsman managed to block right in time, but the force sent him crashing to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust. Zyrion about to land swung to hit him, but he felt a strange sensation, one which crawled into his body. His gift, he thought, seeing the red eyes through the smoke. Zyrion smiled and still went in with a powerful swing. Mr Swordsman raised his sword, and both clashed. The world suddenly became slower and their world blurred for a moment. Then…

“I think we should call it a day,” Zyrion said, Mr Swordsman's blade to his neck.

“You really thought you could defeat me?” Mr Swordsman asked.

Zyrion’s body had multiple slashes. Pasta didn’t see Mr Swordsman land any hits throughout the fight. He couldn’t see anything either. All he felt were the sounds of their swords. Was that the parallel space he talked about?

“Yeah, I’ll see you again, Hades.” Zyrion stood and left. Emilia ran past him, both sharing eye contact. She turned away and hugged Pasta.

“Are you alright? You could have called for me,” Emilia said.

Pasta stayed silent, staring at Mr Swordsman. The back of his arm was bleeding.

*

Pasta and Emilia stood in the dining hall. She had bandaged his head, and they hadn’t spoken since. A girl with dark, long hair and glasses walked into the room. She was wearing a velvet top and a dark skirt.

“Oh, my!”

“Nothing to worry about. He’s fine,” Emilia said.

“Glad to hear. I’m Matilda, the bride’s younger sister. Would you like some tea? I heard about what happened outside, and I apologize for my friend’s reckless behaviour.”

“There’s no need,” Emilia said, eyeing Matilda. “You are friends with the general?”

“So you know him. Not actually friends, but he’s close to my elder sister. Both have been buddy buddies for years now and surprisingly never agreed to something. But he’s a nice guy.”

“Nice guy,” Pasta said under his breath.

“Where is the swordsman?” Matilda asked.

“He’s in his room. I’ll pass the message to him”

“Alright then, before we talk about the wedding. How about some tea?”

“You’ve asked us before. There’s no there’s no need,” Emilia said.

“I insist,” she said as she sat down and placed her legs on the table. “So, I’ll make it quick. The wedding will be a big one, as I’m sure you’ve already guessed. The groom is a famous entrepreneur who has succeeded in the third, second and eighth realms, so I expect everyone to behave appropriately. Our fathers have been close since their childhood”

The maid arrived with some tea, presenting to Emilia and Pasta. Matilda also took a cup, taking a sip. “Aremedom leaves, soothing and nourishing. Come on now, have a drink”

Emilia took a sip. It had a sweet, yet strong, taste. Pasta gulped his drink and set the cup back on the table.

“And why is he in a bad mood?” Matilda asked.

“It’s nothing. Our tasks for tomorrow’s wedding?”

“Oh, yes”

Matilda clapped, summoning another maid, who brought a book. She opened and placed it on the table.

“The ceremony starts at midday. The groom, his family, and guests will arrive before the bride walks down. Musicians and entertainers will set the mood earlier. I don’t understand why we have to worry about these details. It’s not your concern. I need one of you at the reception, but I haven’t decided yet. These kinds of things do require my trust so, I’ll just have to test you all.”

A girl wearing the same outfit as Matilda walked in. She was a fair damsel with blonde curly hair and bright blue eyes. She wore no makeup, yet her beauty was otherworldly.

“Jane, these are the adventurers, who’ll stand guard for the wedding,” Matilda said.

She stayed quiet, still standing by the door.

“Why is he injured?” she finally said.

“They were having a sparring session. It’s no big deal”

“Ok, take care,” Jane left and came back in. She leaned into Matilda’s ear. “You’ve got a letter,” she whispered. The boy should be properly treated. Whoever it was, did a poor job of bandaging.

Emilia stared at them, pouting. “It’s not done, poorly. And he does not need anyone to do it. I’ll fix him up myself”

“Stop sounding like I’m some sort of item,” Pasta muttered.

“Silence, Pasta. I’m making a point”

Matilda and Jane glared at her.

“I’ll be right there,” Matilda said.

Jane took her leave, her eyes still on Emilia.

Matilda got up and signalled the maids to pick up the books. “I’ve made my decisions about your positions for tomorrow. Have a good night’s rest, all of you,” she said.

She left the siblings in the room. Emilia noticed a change in Matilda’s tone. She and Pasta returned to their positions at the mansion until nightfall.

*

The mansion looked different at night. The once beautiful chandeliers and lights took the image of monsters on the roof. Silent creaks and scratches are heard from every dark corner, each sending a cold chill down Emilia’s spine. She held her sword, shivering. Her pendant in her hand. The handy guidebook was also there, just in case she needed it. Of course, she would. It is a guide, after all.

Patrolling is defined as surveying a particular perimeter, searching for anything out of the ordinary. Patrolling involves walking. Anything out of the ordinary, anything that bites, kills or uses you to make a pot of soup for dinner. Only a deity or some sort of supernatural being could move her from her spot to move around a dark mansion she was not familiar with.

“It’s dark, cold. There’s a chance I may get killed,” she said, standing upright. “Come on, you are better than this. You saved Pyrovile,” she put on her brave face, ready to begin her patrol.

Emilia heard a loud thud of a door from the kitchen, followed by running footsteps. She jumped in fear and held out her sword.

“Who’s there?”

The footsteps faded away. She got back on her feet, wondering who that was. They were placed in different wings: Pasta was on the roof, Mr Swordsman was on the left wing guarding Jane’s room, and Emilia herself was on the right, where Matilda’s room was. Everyone should have been asleep by this time, and the loud sound she heard earlier was unsettling.

Shaking, Emilia walked forward. Kaden had warned her that the man was a psycho who might try something before the wedding day, but she never thought he would try something earlier. Emilia sprang to her feet. It was her job to protect this wing. Protect Matilda. She saw a hooded man standing next to the stairs.

“Stop!” she yelled.

The fellow stopped, eyeing her, then jumped off the stairs. He landed and ran outside.

Emilia looked down. It was too high for her. She ran down the stairs and went outside. Pasta was on the roof, meditating. She called out to him, but he didn’t respond. “He’s already gone,” Emilia whispered. “The bride!”

She hurried to Jane’s room. Mr Swordsman stood there, wide awake in the dark, leaning against the door.

“Why were you running?” he asked.

“The bride. Is she okay?” Emilia asked, panting.

“She’s fine. There was an intruder in the mansion, yes?”

“You knew? Why didn’t you chase him then”

Mr Swordsman stood properly. “It may have been a decoy to lead us off our positions. The bride would have been in danger,” he walked closer to Emilia. “It looked like the trick worked on you”

She trembled, looking across the dark halls. A scream echoed from the other wing. Emilia shook. This was no time to fear. She ran back to Matilda’s room.