Chapter 6

6

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Some days later she awoke with no realization any time had passed since the first night, when Fi had explained her actions and the grief behind them before falling asleep on Caste's lap. And there Fi was, in the exact same position she'd fallen asleep in. Caste had a nagging feeling of déjà vu, but her heart was far too moved by this child's plight to think anything of it. "This is just like an MMORPG." She said to herself as she looked around. "Except the Slimes are usually cute, unlike these things." A purple gelatinous monster with fangs, bat wings, and sharp red eyes glared at her indignantly before bounding off into the distance. "If it bothers you, kill it." Fi said as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "Is it dangerous? Doesn't look like it's bothering a soul. I mean yeah we're the only people around, but you get my point. Haha..." "It will make you stronger! You want to become stronger don't you, Mo--My Hero?" "A little off topic here but...if Royalty is born with infinite elemental Magic, why do you have a restrictive seal? And why do the brands look so..."

"The Magic one human being possesses, the Magic all living beings might possess in this world is finite depending on your usage, skill level, and ability to deplete a lifetime's worth--given dire circumstances. But, if used correctly, one could achieve immortality if one so wished. No one ever has, as far as the history books tell. As for the harsh, grotesque appearance of the Magical Restriction Seal, it is a reminder and a punishment of sorts. It reminds those of low status that with great power comes even greater responsibility. And if used wrongly, greatness can be taken away in an instant. Mine is forever burning because my misuse of this particular…Element…incurred grave consequences." A brief silence fell between them. "I grow weary of this incessant rambling! You cannot become my Champion unless you hunt. We will continue this discussion once you've chosen a decent weapon and reached an adequate stopping point in your training." A broadsword three times Casterline's size manifested above Fiaerna's head as she chanted with both arms held high. "Take this." The sword moved swiftly through the air, landing delicately in Casterline's hands. So much for choosing a decent weapon, Caste thought with a tinge of bitterness hidden behind that sturdy brick wall. But as she lifted the hilt she was surprised to find that it felt as light as a toy sword one might find in the children's section of a second hand thrift shop. Caste had always loved adventure RPGs back in her world and so, whipping the sword up with both hands, she stood and chased after the harmless slime. She swung her broadsword in the same pose as her favorite First Reality character. The fat Slime let out a sad little sound as it split down the middle and dispersed into black particles that disappeared as quickly as they'd formed. Caste couldn't help but feel disappointed. There was no elaborate fanfare. No confetti, nor music. She had swung her sword onto her back in a dashing, heroic fashion but without the bells and whistles, what was the point? "Shouldn't a Level Up symbol appear to congratulate me for my efforts or something? It's like that in most video games where I'm from."

"This is no game, Champion. And surely you've considered that maybe the inner workings of Odinsai are quite different from your world. You have to reach...hmm....level ten to get your congratulations. So let us grind ahead." With no recollection of the horrors she'd witnessed earlier, Caste found herself excited to hunt monsters. She'd always hoped to live long enough to enjoy the perks of Virtual Reality Gaming but this experience was even better. Or at least it was in theory. In truth, the death rattle from each creature was excruciatingly painful to hear.

A white hot pang of dread and guilt shot through Caste at every swing of her broadsword. On their travels, Casterline had tried her best to describe the wonders of video games to the perplexed Princess. Her favorite part of leveling up was the moment when a golden ray of light would appear above her Username. Two fluffy white-feathered angel wings would open at her back with heavenly music playing momentarily in the background. The Level Up symbol was akin to a heavenly blessing bestowed upon the player to increase their capabilities. She went on to explain the importance of skills and stats. Fiaerna seemed highly attentive. Around the time Caste had completed her summary, she took a heavy swing at a Vampire Bat with a long, razor sharp tail. Though not what she was expecting, a congratulatory coffin with bat wings on each side materialized above her head, two fluffy black-feathered fallen angel wings adorned her back, and funeral organ music played to alert her ascension to Level Ten and appeared every ten levels thereafter. Try as she might, Caste knew she'd never get used to living this way. But it was around Level Fifteen that she'd started reminiscing about her other favorite aspects from the First Reality franchise, a series she’d been shamelessly addicted to on Earth. So she thought she'd throw the word into the air and see where it would land her. "Summons." "Summons? Are you referring to the way in which I brought you to Odinsai?" Caste hung her head, "Ah, so you don't have them then. Bummer." Fiaerna perked up, suddenly eager to please Caste. "Explain them to me that I may better understand." Summons. Familiars. Comrades. Magical Amplifiers. Many games had many names but a Summon was a Summon regardless. A creature of mythical origin, brought up by magical incantations to aid a protagonist in their greatest time of need. Fiaerna was fascinated by the idea of Summons, even pouting that she'd never thought to ask for one before the Plague took hold of Krowne. "We shall stop and make camp for the night. While you rest, I will fulfill your desire for a Summon. This is an order to rest, not a request." Caste was far too tired to protest and even though her curiosity was beyond piqued, she obeyed. Before long she was fast asleep dreaming of her life back on Earth. Meanwhile, Fiaerna had teleported back to the remnants of her castle and gone underground to a secret stairwell leading to a hidden door.