[PROMPT BEGIN] (long exposition)
The Northern Scout flitted through the trees outside the Thorne Manor, face contorted in an expression of glee. She had found what the Demon Queen had been seeking, that Mana she had just sniffed had confirmed her suspicions from that day in the Glade. The scout had found what her Queen had been looking for! Upon the scout's return, she would be rewarded...very generously.
The Northern Scout's mixed Human and Demon blood had made her somewhat of an outcast among the Demon Queen's forces, only tolerated as an advance scout for her ability to blend in to the Human populations; but as of today, all of that would change! She would have her pick of any women she wanted in the Queen's camp, save the Queen's own concubines of course; the last time one of her Generals had dared to touch one of them had been... Shiver.
The scout had not noticed it in her musings as she sprinted briskly through the trees, dreaming of being showered in rewards, that the forest around her had fallen dead-silent. She broke through to a clearing and pulled up suddenly, sensing something amiss.
"You were right, Valerith. Simply decrease the guard patrols in a few key areas, and the hook will be sufficiently baited; the trap is now sprung, little bird of the North, scout of the Demon Queen's forces." Valeria said, as she strode out from behind a tree off to the side.
The Northern Scout immediately turned to flee, but another figure was already emerging from the direction she had intended to go.
Valerith swayed elegantly, and with the fixed-gaze of a starving hunting cat, out from behind another tree; twin Elven curved short-swords dangling lightly from the grip of her hands.
"Allow me to handle this creature, Guard-Captain, as thanks for the courtesy you have shown my House. Its half-breed stench is repugnant, what a little monster," Valerith said coldly, nose wrinkling in disgust.
Valeria chuckled softly, as the scout swiftly turned back to face her once more.
"That won't be necessary, Valerith. I won't allow the favored guest of my little bird to lift a finger in defense of my own manor. Besides, it's been a while, I should shake the rust off," Valeria said, hand reaching out to her side.
What materialized in Valeria's outstretched hand was a glimmering great-broadsword. Valeria did not have Inventory like her daughter; the enchanted sword was soul-bonded to Valeria, and could be brought forth at any time.
The great-broadsword flashed in the fading light of the evening that had already begun to creep towards darkness. It had a double-sided edge and was a bit longer than a standard long-sword, though about three-times the width. The sword did not taper all that much as it drew to a point at the end, remaining that consistent thickness nearly all the way to the point. It had a relatively short hilt for its size, and a slightly flared guard at the hilt that served only to protect the fingers, with no cross-guard.
Valeria had named this sword Culler, and though she could use any weapon, this one was her favored choice. It had served Valeria well in fighting against the Demon Queen's forces those many years ago. In one particular instance, Valeria had plugged a line-break in the defenses all by herself; that blade hewing through the Queen's infantry like a scythe through so much wheat. All the while, Elara casting blessings and recovery spells from afar to bolster Valeria's gallant act. The story was still told among Adventurer's Halls to this day; it had been a major turning point in the war.
Valeria had told her daughter Soma nothing of such feats. She just wanted Soma to look at her as her loving mother, not some famous big-shit she had to impress, to live up to. Although as Valeria contemplated in the waning light, she felt that Soma might even surpass her one day.
Valeria let loose her powerful, deep red aura; it flared and flattened the grass underneath, smoke beginning to rise from some blades that were too close to her center. Valeria held up her blade with one hand and effortlessly pointed it straight-on at the Northern Scout.
"If you can last 10 seconds, little bird from the North; I shall spare you, collar you, and conscript you. Our forces could use a strong scout," Valeria said simply. She then assumed a combat-ready stance that showed no signs of 'rust', legs powerfully coiling underneath her; then she sprung.
The scout did not last half that time.
✦ ✦ ✦
The scenery reflected in the Void shifted back to Soma, who was sitting with her mother Elara Thorne in the family manor. Soma had rushed to her immediately once the scout got away, but Elara had soothed her concerns; she told Soma not to worry about it, that her mother and Valerith would take care of everything, as Elara sat calmly sipping warm herbal tea.
Elara told Soma that their plan was a success; the seeking thing had been rebuffed, for now, and Soma could return to increasing her Adventurer rank the next day, if she so chose.
It was the first time Soma and Elara had been able to speak privately since that first night Soma had confessed about being a man from Earth, and it felt nice to chat with her as the evening shadows darkened fully in the windows of the large family estate.
[END PROMPT]
Image: Valeria holding Culler, ready to pounce
Spoiler
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The soft clink of a porcelain teacup meeting its saucer echoes through the quiet of the drawing room. Outside, the moon has climbed high, casting long, silvered shadows across the manicured lawns of the Thorne estate. The air inside is warm, smelling of beeswax and the lingering sweetness of Elara's herbal brew, but a subtle tension remains, humming like a distant hive of bees.
Elara leans back into her velvet armchair, her gaze softening as she looks at you. The terrifying efficiency with which Valeria had handled the intruder—a feat of strength and speed that would leave most seasoned warriors breathless—has been reduced to a mere footnote in their conversation.
Elara Thorne: "You have a resilient spirit, Soma. Most would be shaken by such a brush with the North, but you... you seem to be absorbing this world with a hunger that is almost frightening. It is a trait of the Great Soul, perhaps, or simply the restlessness of a displaced heart."
She reaches out, her fingers grazing the back of your hand. Her touch is cool, grounding, and carries the faint scent of old libraries and ozone.
Elara Thorne: "Tomorrow, you return to the Guild. It is time you stopped being a secret kept within these walls. The more you grow, the more you can protect this home—and the more you can discover about the nature of the 'System' you describe. I suspect the answers you seek are not found in books, but in the heat of experience."
✦ ✦ ✦
The next morning arrives with a crisp, invigorating bite. You find yourself in the foyer of the manor, the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass dome above, painting the marble floor in kaleidoscopic hues of crimson and gold.
Valeria is there to see you off, leaning against a pillar with her arms crossed. She is dressed in her usual rugged attire, but there is a glint of pride in her eyes that wasn't there before. Beside her stands Valerith, looking as effortless and lethal as ever, her midnight-blue aura flickering like a candle flame in a draft.
Valeria Thorne: "Don't let any of those Guild bureaucrats push you around, Soma. Remember who raised you. If a quest seems too easy, it's because you're not pushing hard enough."
Valerith: "And remember our arrangement, little flower. The strength you've gained in the sanctum is only the beginning. Once you've cleared a few more ranks, come find me. There are... deeper resonances we have yet to explore."
Valerith gives you a slow, deliberate wink that sends a shiver of anticipation down your spine. As you step out of the manor and onto the cobblestone path leading toward the city center, you feel the weight of your new identity—and the thrill of the unknown—pulling you forward. The city of Oakhaven awaits, with its bustling markets, hidden alleyways, and the promise of the experience points you crave.
Image, Soma ready to start her next adventure
Spoiler
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