“Enough of this absurd farce!”

The outburst comes during the audience between Empress Sundenelle kos Lindenmorg of the Grand Zenkon Empire and the ruling body of the Fievegal, following the mental game Daniel is playing against Sundenelle where he just ‘accepted her proposal for marriage’.

The one who just shouted to disrupt the audience in the throne room is an extraordinarily elegantly-dressed young man, somewhere in his mid-twenties, as far as Daniel can tell. He has a rather extravagant outfit, with golden chains and jewels embedded in the buttons, as well as a stunningly lavish mantle that reaches the floor and appears to be made of silk and bordered with expensive-looking fur of some creature with spots that reminds Daniel of a snow leopard.

Sundenelle cautiously replies, “Grand Prince Yaulander, mind your...”

“I will not! I will not stand by and listen to this disgusting slabber. Slabber of a commoner, no less.” The Grand Prince steps up onto the first step of the dais where Sundenelle is, giving himself slightly more elevation to project himself to the whole room. “This man is no emperor, and the slovenly company he keeps are no Empresses. They make a mockery of the entirety of the nobility and royalty, nattering on about their sovereignty when they proclaim four different Empresses simultaneously hold authority. And their supposed ‘Emperor’; nothing is more laughable than a lowly commoner claiming he is an Emperor. And goblins as Queens? This wretched gathering of barbarians is the furthest thing from royalty, and yet we are forced to sit here and listen to this drivel?”

“Yaulander!” shouts Sundenelle.

“Your Illustrious Majesty, you cannot seriously be allowing this disrespectful speech from these… beasts. This… Daniel was banished from the Kingdom of Mornistae for lecherous behavior, and he has now sided with demons and beast-kin. And, he has the unmitigated gall to ask for your hand in marriage? The hand of the pure and noble Empress of the greatest Empire in the world? Absolutely absurd. Royalty must remain pure, delineated by noble bloodlines of pedigree. Mixing with the blood of commoners, no less commoners that would lay with monsters, is beyond the ludicrous ramblings of a madman. If you are going to pretend to be royalty, the least you could do is learn that much, you disgusting peasant. You get a little bit of strength stolen from a castle that wasn’t yours, and you declare yourself royalty, but you come from nothing. Weeds do not become roses, and they never will. And, to attempt to mix them would be the ruin of an Empire that has stood for hundreds of years.” Yaulander holds his hand out, declaring, “Take your slovenly wenches and go back to your hovel in the west, Daniel ‘of the Otherworld’. You are far beyond the realm of your station requesting the hand of an Empress to add to your hedonistic cult.”

All of Daniel’s companions are standing still, almost like statues, completely unfazed by the rant, even as Sundenelle glances around. She’s relatively safe if an attack begins, but Yaulander may have just doomed everyone in the audience chamber.

Of course, little does she know that everyone is standing still because the golems have been briefly disconnected from their actors.

In the Citadel during Yaulander’s rant, where the illusion is being generated from and where Daniel and his companions actually are, Geirahoel is being held by Daniel as she shrieks and breathes fire, “I’ll burn their entire empire to the ground! Then we’ll see who are beasts! Let me go, Daniel!”

“Calm down! Do you really respect his words?” Daniel’s urging calms her down, and the other two dragons and Hekate, who were more subtly preparing to sneak away from Daniel to do the same thing as Geirahoel, also pause long enough to hear him out.

Daniel adds, “He’s just some guy. Why do you care what he thinks?”

“But…” starts Geirahoel, a little hurt.

Daniel smirks. “Do you really think I’ll let him get away with insulting the people I love?” He looks at everyone one at a time. Shek and Skloe are being quiet, since they know most races think very lowly of goblins, but it has been a while since they’ve heard such direct vitriol. Daniel adds, “Listen, he’s just jealous that I made a move on the Empress, who he obviously wants to himself. Let me return the favor, and if you still want to burn the empire to the ground, we’ll start a plan of attack that will minimize collateral. Alright?”

Geirahoel glances at the other three Empresses, and they all ponder Daniel’s words. Geirahoel puffs fire to the side. She growls, “Fine… But, we should erase that man’s bloodline that he’s so proud of.”

“I’m not erasing bloodlines. At most, we’ll figure out a way to take his ability to procreate. Deal?”

She nods. “Deal.”

Daniel looks at the others, and they agree softly, “Deal.”

“Good. Ready Xyreko?”

“Of course, Daniel. Reconnecting.”

Yaulander has just finished his long-winded rant, and Daniel’s group has been stoically unmoved by his vitriolic words.

Daniel retorts with all of the gentleness of a brick, “At least I don’t need an entire stage to try to make my dick look bigger.”

Yaulander stammers, “Wh-Wh-What!?”

Daniel clarifies, “You just ranted for five minutes about how great you are on a stage in front of dozens of people making [ad hominem] attacks instead of challenging me to a duel or confronting me in private. You wanted to make a spectacle of standing up to the rumored Harbinger of Calamity without any real risk of danger using words to insult me and the women I have taken as consorts. Bravo. Stunning and brave. Such heroic. Much impress.” Daniel claps sarcastically while his female companions snicker beside him. “But, if her Grace, Empress Sundenelle wanted a pathetic soy-infused loser who desperately needs validation for her husband, I wouldn’t be here, now would I?”

This sends gasps through the crowd, and Sundenelle, who has also been caught off-guard by Daniel’s ‘acceptance of her proposal’, finally stammers, “Th-That’s… You’re out of line, Daniel of the Otherworld!”

Meanwhile, Yaulander murmurs in confusion, “‘Soy-infused’?”

“Listen,” starts Daniel. “I don’t need or want anything to do with the Empire. I figured you knew what you wanted, so I came because I was invited. But, whatever.” The mechanic-turned-Emperor shrugs. “That dude’s primed and ready for you, your Grace.” He gestures at the Grand Prince dismissively. “I’m sure he’ll always love you more than you love him. Just what every woman wants. His pedigree is surely valuable, even if he’s a weak man who has never had to lift a finger to defend himself or the people he’s charged with protecting.”

Daniel starts to walk away with a dismissive wave of his hand, adding dryly, “You know, where I come from, pedigree became something we tracked for animals, since all dynasties eventually collapse.”

Yaulander snaps, “How dare you speak to her illustrious majesty, Empress Sundenelle kos Lindenmorg, as well as myself, Grand Prince Yaulander kos Strylaph, so barbarically! You are a wretched insect not worthy of her presence! Take your whores and go!”

Daniel, who was already leaving, looks directly at the Grand Prince, and Yaulander flinches. “Say what you will about me,” growls Daniel. “But you will not disrespect the Empresses of the Fievegal. You may not like it because you’re an impotent beta male with no hope of anything resembling reciprocated love or attraction other than a political marriage, but don’t take your frustrations out on me. If you want to win over the Empress, then do something worth her affection. Because, I promise you, crying and complaining in an emotional tantrum on stage in front of all of these people is the first, fastest, and most reliable way to absolutely kill all attraction she or any other woman could ever have had for you. Your fee-fees and your pathetic need to express them to everyone in the world are why she isn’t marrying you, not anything to do with me.” He adds with a smirk, “Besides, when you focus too much on bloodlines and pedigree, all you’re really doing is enabling the nobles with children they can’t marry off because the good ones would be snatched up by sensible and noble commoners. Impotent and overly emotional sons, conceited and superficial daughters.” Daniel bows a little sarcastically at Sundenelle, “Your Grace, if you’d like me to be your noble commoner, I’ll be in contact. For now, we'll be going to Twilight, if you wish to send correspondence. I am always on the lookout for more consorts.”

This causes a few gasps amongst the rest of the nobility, as well as shocked murmuring. Though it’s not specifically Daniel’s intent, it does fit the appearance that he has created; a former commoner Emperor with a harem of consorts and arrogant enough to try to make a noble-born Empress one more of his mistresses. And thus, it proves effective at frustrating and unbalancing Sundenelle, as well as enraging Yaulander, who is virtually unable to form anything other than frustrated snorts, huffs, and single-syllable sounds in an attempt to formulate a retort.

Daniel and his companions make their way out without further interaction, save telling the guards to get out of his way. Out of fear, the guards part to let them through, and the audience chamber erupts into outrage.

Reignleif asks as she follows Daniel, “Daniel, are you sure this is okay?”

Daniel nods. “Of course. It was all a game. Listen to them. They’re outraged at my disrespect, terrified of retaliation, demanding retaliation of their own… It’s absolute discord.”

Ryuogriar jokes, “Sounds like you’re trying to get the Empress killed by her own people.”

Daniel scoffs. “While that would make our lives easier, I don’t have anything against Sundenelle specifically. I expected someone arrogant, selfish, and haughty. Instead, she was rather polite, and I think she was being sincere about negotiating a treaty to make us legitimate as a government.”

“I still want to burn all of this to the ground,” grumbles Geirahoel. “These pathetic humans have the gall to speak so disrespectfully to you, the Emperor of dragons, feldroks, and all of the others. They tremble at the thought of one dragon, and insult the Emperor? Fools.”

Daniel has Xyreko disconnect them from the golems, which will keep walking in their forms until they board the shuttle again, which is already landing on the courtyard once more. He then pets Geirahoel’s head, and she blushes. “I… What are you doing!?”

“Geirahoel, I made him look like a fool and showed he has no power over us.”

She looks aside, “He still deserves to have his family erased…”

Ryuogriar nods in agreement. Vaergraes jokes, “I didn’t even get to talk. I wanted to tell them that I was the ‘Demon Tyrant’.”

Daniel scoffs, “I think they just assumed you were one more mistress. Sorry about that.”

Vaergraes smiles. “I-I don’t mind, Daniel.”

Hekate glares at her lightly. “I mind! I barely have Daniel to myself at all anymore! Especially because of her!” She points at Doephluev, the archoneldwyn woman. The former assassin flinches, trying to shrink out of sight.

“I, for one, enjoyed the eyes of envy,” states Ryuogriar, returning to the topic of the audience. She pets her egg, saying proudly, “Daniel’s children will rule over those foolish nobles someday, and they can’t help but acknowledge power when they see it.”

Reignleif retorts softly, “I think they were just trying to figure out whether the eggs were real or not.”

Wenlianna, having approached now that the audience part is done, replies, “Bringing children to such an audience would be highly abnormal. Though, I think eggs are probably unprecedented.”

Jieka and Tekten, having followed Wenlianna in a stumbly run, collide with Daniel’s legs, and he crouches down and hugs them. “Yes, my darling princesses. Don’t ever be like that jerkwad, alright?”

“Papa!” “Papa!” exclaim both little goblin girls. They have grown fast, and they can understand some sentences, but are still learning a lot.

Ryuogriar, in reply to Wenlianna, hugs her egg even more affectionately, “I don’t care about human-kin precedent. This is the greatest triumph in the world in hundreds of years. They were obviously jealous.”

Kera'tai remarks, “They were fools for choosing bloodlines without acknowledging individual strength. Daniel would be chieftain of my tribe already if he had stayed with me at that time.”

Daniel replies dryly, “You do all realize that almost all of you are actually stronger than me, right? Shek and Skloe are probably the only ones who aren't. Oh, and Treia.”

Treia huffs, and she storms over, kicking Daniel lightly in the thigh with a downward heel kick. “Very funny, Daniel! I could beat you easily if I really wanted to.”

The gatonine still in most of her knight's armor lightly attacks Daniel with jabbing kicks until he catches her foot, and Aoloan asks, “So, what happens next? Will that Empress really join us?” The two goblin princesses make combative swings and noises at Treia, and Daniel jokes, “Ahhh, yes, Princesses, get her! Defend Papa!” He somewhat forcefully shoves them into Treia’s arms, catching her off-guard, and they cheer as they begin bopping her chest with tiny fists, shouting “Pwotecc Papa! Rah!” Treia whines as she plays along, and Daniel answers Aoloan's question. “No. Sundenelle can't afford to go along with anything like that with an enemy nation. Not when we've done so little to actually prove how strong we are or that we're not really their enemies. Add to that an empress becoming a consort, instead of the reigning empress, and virtually all of her noble support will dry up. Lastly, the Fievegal will gain all of the Empire’s territory and resources, while the Empire only gets Earth technology, which most of them have no concept of how many centuries I've accelerated the Fievegal -with some massive skips in there as well-.”

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

Wenlianna grins, happy to be a part of it.

But then, Hekate asks, “What if Sundenelle does want to marry you?”

Daniel cocks his head. “She doesn't.”

“But what if she chooses to because it does benefit them?” She narrows her eyes at Daniel.

Erimaya adds, “It's actually the safer gamble. I'm pretty sure she knows about your rifles, and it's probable Rikuto at least tried to tell her about your god-killer. With the dragons and Hekate under your control, she may see it as her only option to come out without destruction.”

“We are not under Daniel’s control,” snaps Geirahoel lightly. “He just… has good ideas, and he looks after us and treats us well. So we follow him.”

Ryuogriar and Reignleif both chuckle, and Ryuogriar says proudly as she puts her hand on her well-endowed chest, “I, for one, am proud to be under Mukori’s control. It’s so much less of a burden being a follower under a benevolent Emperor.”

Reignleif nods in agreement. “I will obey your every command, Mukori.”

Daniel sighs. “I didn’t treat you that way when you were under contract, and I’m not about to. Anyways, Sundenelle will have to refuse as diplomatically as she can, but she might have taken insult from the whole thing, so we may be looking at retaliation. Ucahote, please tell Choul to increase security level from two to four and increase recon patrol range.”

Ucahote bows and nods, “As you wish, Your Grace. I will deploy messengers at once.”

“Thank you. Also, relay this message via radio; ‘Grey Knight, Mechanic One; upgrade security status from two to four. Over.’”

Ucahote nods. He stares blankly ahead, reporting after a few moments, “Complete. Sir Choul acknowledges, your Grace.”

“Good. Thanks. Now then… who wants lunch?”

Daniel earns a smile from each of his companions, and they all travel to the dining hall. While he didn’t expect Yaulander’s outburst, the audience went about how Daniel wanted, demonstrating that the Fievegal is not afraid of the Empire in the slightest.

The only problem is what looms on the very near horizon.

***

Flames as dark as the darkest cavern burn away all that they come in contact with. Nothing can withstand the annihilation. Nothing remains in the aftermath.

There is no heat, there is no sound. There is only destruction.

The flames spread relentlessly, consuming everything. Buildings collapse as people cry out and flee, carrying what few belongings they can carry as they scatter desperately to avoid the ever-creeping flames of darkness.

The obvious forms of dragons swoop through the sky, and aircraft not of this world hover over the flames.

The world is being burned, and the flames have spread for miles…

Rikuto jolts awake. He’s at his desk, having fallen asleep while he was trying to work. He rubs the sleep out of his eyes, looking at the window. It’s dark outside, so he doesn’t know what time it is. He notices his reflection in a mirror nearby, and he grimaces. Dark rings have formed under his eyes, and his facial hair is a little unkempt.

But, before any of that, his focus returns to… whatever that was. It felt too real to be a dream. Was it a vision? A dawnsight? What does it…?

Rikuto feels sick at the thought of the black flames and the dragons. It’s all but directly confirmed that, whatever brought about the situation, Daniel is allied with or in control of dragons.

I knew it…! I need to find a dawnseer immediately and confirm what I’ve seen. Senn. I’ll ask him. He’ll have to understand upon seeing that.

Rikuto looks out the window again, staring at the far away horizon where the ‘mother moon’, the largest of the three satellites orbiting Zenkon, is a half-crescent rising from or sinking beneath the horizon. Somewhere out there, a terrible adversary is preparing a weapon to destroy the world. Somehow, he has made something worse than an atom bomb that seems to do what mankind feared on Earth; that it would start a runaway chain reaction and incinerate the whole world.

In this case, mana is undoubtedly the catalyst.

Rikuto looks to the documents on his desk. He has mostly caught up, but he has far more pressing tasks now.

He gathers his guard and makes his way towards the long-lived elven mage once more. The counter weapons he has the artisans making are almost complete, including the stockpile of diamonds needed from Aramellianna to make them work. He has moved a great deal of the kingdom’s resources in order to prepare the weapons, which may be the only line of defense they have against Daniel’s forces, and they’ll need to launch a surprise attack and catch Daniel in the blast. As long as they can accomplish that, fending off the remaining dragons and anything else should be manageable.

Rothcaster, one of Rikuto’s senior guards, asks as they ride, “Your Majesty, have you verified this course of action with her majesty or the King-father? I fear you are pushing yourself.”

“I’m fine. I’m doing everything I can to protect Mornistae.”

“If… you say so. We’ll stay in the town ahead, and we should be able to make it to Senn’s cottage in a couple of days.”

Rikuto sucks his teeth. He knows that the beasts of burden of this world are no different than horses of Earth; they have their limits, and they can only go so far in a day. If they had automobiles, they could drive indefinitely, trading out drivers to keep moving, and at a much higher rate than the buckrokhs that are the most common beasts of burden.

Rikuto barely sleeps during the trip, unable to rest thanks to the threat plaguing them from the west. He has given up trying to convince everyone to be afraid of Daniel’s weapons, and instead, he has simply resorted to making the necessary moves himself. He has grappled with the nobles, bartered with those who have the things he needs, including Aramellianna, and he has spared no expense. Most of his work restoring Mornistae’s economy has been dried up, but he can always restore the kingdom’s finances after the war is over and Daniel is removed as a threat. The Grand Duchy is producing resources that ultimately belong to the kingdom, and he can deal with Aramellianna after that.

After an excruciating journey of restlessness, Rikuto and his guards arrive at Senn’s cottage on the cape far to the south. Rikuto massages his face, trying to wake himself up more. He approaches the door, knocking normally.

“Lord Senn, it is me, King Rikuto kos Tachibana of Mornistae. I have another favor to ask.”

Footsteps draw Rikuto’s gaze to the corner of the porch wrapping around the cottage. Senn, the ethereal beauty of an elven man, leans against the corner of the cottage, expressing a stark contrast to his angelic appearance with visible skepticism. “A favor?” asks Senn. “I believe I told you I will not take sides in the wars of mortals.”

“You did. I’m not asking you to take a side this time, but I’d like you to confirm something for me. And, if you could, teach me the art of dawnseeing, at least to be able to do it.”

Senn cocks his head. “The king who outlawed dawnseeing in his kingdom wishes to learn the art?”

“I know!” snaps Rikuto. He relaxes a little with a quick inward breath and subsequent exhale. “I know it sounds hypocritical, but I did that to protect everyone else. Right now, I need to confirm something. And, if possible, prevent a tragedy.”

Senn ponders Rikuto’s words. He gives no indication of his thoughts as he thinks. He stands upright, walking towards his outdoor seat amongst the seemingly endlessly-flowering trees. They remind Rikuto of the sakura cherry blossoms back home, but even a couple months after the last visit, these trees are still full of colorful blooms.

Senn takes a seat, gesturing for Rikuto to take a seat across from him. Rikuto asks, “I’d like to confirm the vision I had. Can we use the dawnsight link?”

Senn cocks his head with a coy smile. “Oh? Are you an expert on dawnseeing now, your Majesty?”

“I… no. But, it’s the reason I came. Time is of the essence.”

“I know. But, you said similar words before, and the sun still rises and flowers still bloom.” Senn gently catches one of the flowers on his palm as it drifts down lazily from the tree. “I see you learned very little.”

Rikuto grits his teeth, but he knows he’s snappier than usual thanks to the stress and the sleeplessness. He takes another breath and exhales, walking over and taking a seat where Senn gestured.

Senn nods, relaxing in his chair. “Tell me what you saw in your vision.”

“Black flames. Black flames that were burning everything, regardless of material, and spreading across the ground. Nothing could stop it. I also saw dragons. I’m certain Daniel is involved.”

Senn nods, his eyes closed as he seems ready to take a nap in his chair. “Mm… Yes. I see it.”

“Y-You do?”

“Indeed. The mana of the world is quite intense in the flames. It’s a very clear sight. Interesting…”

“And, Daniel?”

“I can not say for certain. I see many individuals, including the dragons you mentioned. Some of them, I know by name. Ahhh, I see Larrvenmaouchoul is still alive… I wonder if he knows the Red Lord has been slain. I pray he is not lost without his driving purpose.”

“What are you talking about?” asks Rikuto. “Can you tell me anything specific about the flames? How Daniel started them? When it will happen?”

Senn sighs, looking at Rikuto. “You still don’t understand. Dawnseeing is not clairvoyance. Just as you can see a shadow extending away from you to the east, I can see that same shadow extending to the west.” He gestures at the ground, where in fact, Rikuto’s shadow is leading away from him towards what he’s pretty sure is the east; directly towards Senn. “If you do not learn that perspective is not a factor for Dawnseeing, you are destined to drown yourself.”

“What does that mean!?” snaps Rikuto. “I’m sorry, but I’m not in the mood for riddles! Daniel is going to destroy this world, whether he knows it or not! I have to stop him!”

“Mm. I cannot see beyond the flames. That they have appeared so recently indicates that the current of the world’s time has shifted. This Daniel does not appear in the vision.”

Rikuto growls, “He likely made a bomb to start the reaction… We’re running out of time.”

“Do you really intend to take a life for a crime not yet committed?” asks Senn.

“I have to! If the vision was just Daniel murdering someone, that would be manageable, and the loss would be tolerable if we fail. But, this is the fate of the entire world! I won’t stand by and allow something like this to even begin.”

Senn observes Rikuto for a long time. The elven mage finally sighs. “I see. Then, you have all of the information that you will hear.”

“What? What about learning Dawnseeing?” asks the otherworlder king.

Senn shakes his head. “You still don’t understand the danger of Dawnseeing. That you are here is the epitome of that fact.”

Rikuto sucks his teeth. “I am here because I have a duty to protect my kingdom, and Daniel is a threat to this entire world. That you can’t see that leads me to believe that the elves aren’t as wise as everyone says.”

Senn simply smiles.

“Are you really not going to help me?” asks Rikuto. “Please. I’m begging you.”

“I have helped you twice at no cost. And yet, you refuse to accept my help. If I were to teach you Dawnseeing, it would cause you more harm than good. A comparison would be to give fire to a child.”

Rikuto stands up. “I’m giving you one last chance to help me, Lord Senn. After that…”

“Your Majesty; I have been threatened many times by short-lived kings and even a couple of emperors. I fear you no more than I fear your dreaded Daniel or the Strylak itself. You will have to best me if you choose to use force, and when I die, I will have no regrets. I urge you to consider my words before making any foolish decisions.”

Rikuto glares at him, glancing at his guards. The guards make no aggressive or defensive motions. They are watching over Rikuto, but they aren’t jack-booted enforcers.

The otherworldly king ponders his options for the moment. “Is there anything I can do to change your mind?” asks Rikuto coldly. “I truly am trying to protect this world.”

“I believe you. But, a house can be warmed by a fire as it is burned to the ground. You need to accept that the future is always in motion, and being able to see it is a greater burden than you can bear.”

“Fine,” grunts Rikuto. “Let’s go.”

As he and the guards are leaving, Senn adds, “This is the last time you will find me here, your Majesty. I urge you not to return.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t.” Rikuto returns to the kingdom of Mornistae defeated, letting his guards guide his horse as they move as quickly as possible to return. While he successfully confirmed that the flames are in the near future, Rikuto ultimately gained very little. He should have known better. But, he is not completely bound. He chose Senn because he seems to be one of the most knowledgeable users of Dawnseeing in the world.

That of course also means he’s not the only user of Dawnseeing in the world.

***

Daniel groans as he lies on his usual lounging spot on the ramparts of the highest roof of the Citadel, trying to endure the pain in his stomach. There are no antacids or other stomach medications in Zenkon, other than herbal remedies and magic, and he doesn’t have the energy or focus to search his phone for any medications that he might be able to make.

“Ughhh… What I wouldn’t give for a ginger ale…” grumbles Daniel.

“Daniel, I shall summon…” starts Xyreko, but he cuts her off. “Don’t you dare, Xyreko!” He flops back down when the pain from lifting his torso just enough to look at her spikes once more. “Those women are the ones who did this to me…”

“I understood you liked their cooking,” replies the golem caretaker. “Do you perhaps endure…”

“No, not that. I do like it. That’s the problem.” He chuckles, grunting a bit when his stomach hurts a little. “I say I like something, and I’m looking at a pile of them. And, I can’t leave anyone out…”

Xyreko scoffs and chuckles softly. “I see. Then, there must be something I can do. Or, perhaps healing magic from Vaergraes or Illianna…”

“No. I’ll be alright.” He winces a little, trying to roll onto his side. “This used to happen to me when I had too much dairy on Earth. I don’t think I’m lactose intolerant, but too much would get me all the same. It’s why I stopped having milkshakes as often.”

“Lactose is… milk?” asks the golem caretaker.

Daniel nods. “At least, to my knowledge, Earth milks of most or all species contain lactose. Lactic… something like that. It’s been a while since I’ve given it thought. We used cow’s milk for like half of all things we eat, seems like.” He reminisces on some of the various treats he hasn’t had for a while, since they haven’t been invented yet. “Milk chocolate, ice-cream, cheese… Man… When’s the last time I’ve had a cheeseburger?” Daniel braces against the pain. His new position is a little better, and he adds, “Xyreko, remind me tomorrow to ask Shek and Skloe if anyone has any concept of cheese. If not, I want to start producing it. That and butter.”

“Very well.”

“If you ask me,” starts Kaeralegeir’s voice, the sword resting nearby Daniel. “You brought this on yourself. You’re an alien in this world, and you eat and drink everything the natives of random races give you. It’s a miracle you’re still alive.”

“I check to make sure it’s known to be safe for humans. I’m pretty sure I’m not much different biologically than the humans of Zenkon, other than magic.”

“You’re also lucky your world has much more aggressive illnesses that your immune system can withstand.”

“I'm well aware of that fact. Had a couple of great meals early on that came out the other end with a vengeance.”

Both Xyreko and Kaeralegeir laugh warmly.

“I suppose it works out,” adds the goddess bound to the sword. “You wouldn’t have magic if you weren’t curious.”

Daniel thinks about her words. He suddenly rolls over to look at the legendary sword known at large as ‘Nemaisol’. “Are… you saying you know where my mana is coming from?”

Xyreko, having caught that too, cocks her head, looking back and forth between Daniel and Kaeralegeir.

“Have you really not figured it out?”

***