The Tentacle Monster

As Admin guided his group toward the smuggler's tunnel, he felt a fire inside. He wasn't just running away. He'd make sure Dukren's horrible rule stopped fast. The thought of what the tentacle monster might do to his friends made him act with fierce urgency.

Stop! Admin shouted, stopping them in an empty hallway. We're changing our plan.

He got out his phone, tapping quickly to access something that looked like his bank account. He was using a trick to get infinite money, something he'd been doing for years after being moved to this world.

Admin, what are you doing? Tundra asked, looking worried.

We're not running, Admin said, his voice serious. We're going to fight Dukren, right now.

He tapped the screen, and a crate appeared with a thump. Inside were explosives: grenades, dynamite, and even some C4.

Mirai's eyes went wide. Where did you get those?

Doesn't matter, Admin said, focused on what he was doing. We're going to blow that creep and Dukren straight to hell.

But what about the people? Aurelia asked. What about my mom?

I'll worry about your mom later, Admin said, waving her off. Dukren is the real problem. When we take him out, the monster goes with him.

He gave Tundra and Mirai some grenades. Tundra, Mirai, take the people to safety. Use the smuggler's tunnel to get them out of the city. I'll deal with Dukren.

But Admin, that's suicide! Tundra said. You can't fight that monster alone!

I'm not alone, Admin said, glancing at Eyrie, who looked at him with admiration. I have Eyrie.

Eyrie? Mirai said, confused. What's she going to do?

She's my good luck charm, Admin answered.

Before they could argue, a loud roar echoed in the alley. The tentacle monster came into view, its many eyes staring at them. Dukren was running towards them, laughing like a maniac.

Well, well, well, Dukren said with a sneer. Looks like our little rat is ready to play. I'm going to love watching you suffer.

Admin ignored Dukren, only looking at the tentacles. He grabbed a bunch of dynamite, wired them together, and lit the fuse.

For the purity of my party members! Admin shouted, throwing the explosives at the tentacle monster.

The dynamite exploded with a huge bang, covering the monster in smoke and fire. The tentacles thrashed wildly.

Again! Admin yelled, grabbing more explosives. He threw them at the monster, turning the empty tunnel hallway into a fiery mess.

Eyrie watched happily, clapping as the monster twisted in pain. Tundra and Mirai, after hesitating, knew they couldn't change Admin's mind. They nodded and led Aurelia and the others toward the smuggler's tunnel.

Admin kept up his attack, his face dirty, his eyes burning. He didn't stop until the tentacle monster was just a burning pile.

When the smoke cleared, Dukren was still alive, but hurt. He looked at Admin with fear and anger.

You… you haven't won! Dukren yelled. I'm still the prince! I still have power!

Admin walked to Dukren, his gun in his hand. Not anymore, he said, his voice cold. He pulled the trigger, ending Dukren's horrible rule.

With Dukren gone and the monster defeated, Admin went to Queen Lazarus. He found her locked in a cell, looking pale and crying.

Admin, she said weakly. Thank you for saving me.

Admin looked at her, then pulled out a Molotov cocktail, lit it, and threw it at the Queen.

The Molotov exploded, setting the Queen on fire. She screamed in pain.

What have you done?! Aurelia cried, running to the cell.

It's too late, Admin said, without regret. The tentacle monster puts babies inside its victims. She's infected. This is better for her sake.

He turned and left, leaving Aurelia to grieve. He had done what he thought was right. The evil was gone, and the danger was over.

The thought of the queen being messed with by the monster was something he couldn't let happen, he had to handle the situation carefully and he'd rather destroy homes, than let his party members get touched.

Really, Admin didn't care about the monster's babies. He just used that as an excuse to kill the Queen, something he'd wanted to do since he first saw her. It was finally done, and now he could sleep well.

The real horror of Admin's actions was just starting.

Aurelia stood frozen, the stench of burning flesh stinging her nostrils. Grief for her parents mixed with horror at what Admin had done. She couldn't wrap her head around how the man who'd saved her family from that demonic slime trap could be so heartless.

Why? she whispered, barely able to speak. Why did you do that?

Admin turned to her, his face cold. I told you. It had to be done.

To burn my mother alive? There had to be another way! Aurelia cried, tears running down her face.

There wasn't, Admin said. Now, what are you going to do about this kingdom?

Aurelia wiped her eyes, taking a deep breath. I… I don't know. Everything has changed.

Someone needs to be in charge, Admin said. Someone needs to lead these people.

Aurelia looked around at the ruined city, the people running away, the remains of her home. The responsibility felt heavy.

What do you suggest? she asked softly.

You, Admin said, pointing at her. You should be queen.

Aurelia shook her head. I can't. Not after all this. I'm not strong enough.

Then find someone who is, Admin said. He looked at the crowd, searching for someone. He saw a young boy, about ten, with blonde hair and innocent eyes.

Him, Admin said, pointing at the boy. Make him king.

Aurelia stared at him in shock. Are you serious? A child? You want a child on the throne?

Why not? Admin said. He's probably less evil than anyone else here. Plus, it'll be funny.

The boy, surprised, stepped forward. M-my name is Alfred, he said quietly.

Alfred, congrats, Admin said, patting his head. You're the new king of Lazarus.

Alfred looked at Admin and Aurelia, confused and grateful. T-thank you, he said. I… I won't let you down.

Aurelia looked at Admin, her face showing confusion and annoyance. You can't be serious, she said. This is crazy. A child can't rule a kingdom.

He can try, Admin said. Besides, who are you to stop him? Everyone thinks he's king now. If you said no, it would cause chaos.

This is insane! Aurelia said. We need someone experienced, someone wise, someone who can guide us through this!

Then be his advisor, Admin said. Teach him. Make him the leader you want him to be. It's not my problem anymore.

Aurelia looked at him, disappointed. She had hoped Admin would see her as more than just someone to save. She had hoped he would stay and help rebuild the kingdom. She had even hoped he might care about her.

Taking a deep breath, she found her courage. Admin, she said, her voice shaking. I… I need to tell you something.

Admin sighed. What is it, Aurelia? I don't have all day.

I… I think I'm in love with you, she said, blushing.

Admin stared at her, then burst out laughing.

You're in love with me? he said, wiping his eyes. That's hilarious.

What's so funny? Aurelia asked quietly.

You're not really my type, Admin said, looking her up and down. Sorry, but I like women who are a bit more… attractive.

He turned to his friends. Let's go, he said, pointing into the distance. We have better things to do.

As Admin and his friends walked away, Aurelia stood alone in the ruins, her heart broken. She had told a man she loved him, and he didn't even think she was pretty enough. Now, she had to rebuild her life and guide a ten-year-old boy as he became king.

Alfred then turned to her Don't worry Princess I'll be the best king you've ever seen!

Alfred might be king, but the challenges for Lazarus were just beginning.

The Admin-Mobile, a strange vehicle that looked like it might fall apart at any moment, drove down the dusty road, leaving Lazarus behind. Admin was in the driver's seat, looking bored and satisfied.

Tundra said, Admin, what you did back there was… not good, right? The queen… even Dukren, were alive when you left.

Not good? I helped them, Admin said, looking at the road. What was I supposed to do? Stay and act like a king? I don't want to deal with taxes and trade. No thanks.

Mirai nodded. He's right. Admin isn't exactly the 'kind ruler' type. He'd start a war because someone looked at him funny.

Eyrie giggled. Yeah, King Admin would be so boring!

Admin smiled, happy they agreed. Exactly! Royalty isn't for me. All the fancy stuff, the ceremonies, the people trying to get on my good side… I'd rather fight a monster than deal with that.

But why a kid? Tundra asked. Why make a ten-year-old king?

Admin shrugged. Why not? It's funny! Can you imagine those important people having to listen to a kid who probably still has accidents? Plus, kids learn easily. Aurelia can teach him to be a good ruler, or at least someone who won't start wars just because he's bored.

And let's be real, Admin added, sounding a bit mischievous. Running a kingdom sucks. Too much to do, too many problems, and everyone wants to stab you in the back. I'd rather explore old ruins, fight monsters, and figure out what happened to my memory. King Alfred can handle the paperwork.

Mirai chuckled. That's Admin. Always planning ahead… or just doing whatever is the most fun.

Eyrie asked, So, King Alfred will be a good king?

Admin responded Who knows? Maybe. Maybe not. But it'll be interesting to watch. And if he messes up, we can fix it. Or find another kid to take over.

Tundra sighed, shaking her head. You're impossible, Admin.

I know, Admin said with a grin. But at least I'm not pretending to be someone I'm not. I'm just trying to figure things out and have some fun.

He paused, glancing at his friends. And I wouldn't trade you all for anything. That's why I did what I did.

Is that because of our virginities? Eyrie asked

Mirai covered her face as Admin laughed

Admin looked back at them and said, Yes.

The Admin-Mobile drove on, taking its strange group further away from Lazarus. As they headed toward the unknown, one thing was clear: life with Admin would never be boring, even if his choices were confusing, not good, and sometimes crazy. He was someone who followed his own rules and just wanted to protect his friends, even if his methods were… unusual.