Chapter 7: Discovery
Princess Lucia POV:
Humanity is a fickle race. We’re weak compared to the many races that inhabit the world alongside us. As such we banded together to fight against those would mean us harm. One of them was the Regios kingdom.
Our Regios Kingdom differ from those of others. In our kingdom women have much more rights than in other kingdoms and are even eligible for the throne.
As the first princess and successor to the throne I have a duty to maintain. I was on my way home from a diplomatic mission with my royal guards from the Holy Empire in which I was tasked to negotiate a new trade agreement.
Needless to say, those arrogant fools didn’t take too kindly to the fact that the representative from another country was a woman since the discrimination towards women was common in this country as well as the other human countries.
The meeting also served another purpose, a look at my future bachelor. The crown prince of the Holy Empire, Alfonso Dias Arthur. It wasn’t uncommon for me to look at potential spouses. Despite the human continent being the largest, we’re very spread apart.
I had heard only rumors of the prince. I had often fantasized as a little girl about marrying a handsome and charming prince who would cherish me and treat me as his most cherished person. Little did I know that my expectations would be crushed.
When I finally met him, I was flabbergasted.
The prince looked very handsome indeed with his blue eyes, golden hair that went to his shoulders and his face that could even be called pretty but the lustful way he looked at me when we first met made me feel that he was trying to undress me with his eyes.
I also later found out that he had many mistresses as well as slaves from other nations whom he raped frequently. When we were alone, he tried to take off my clothes but I stopped him and used the excuse that I must decide on him. For the rest of the visit I avoided the prince and focused on the trade negotiations.
The ministers were hesitant to negotiate with a women but within time but they accepted it and the negotiations were completed.
After crossing the Eastern border into our kingdom, we went through the Great Genken forest that separates our populated areas from the border with the Holy Empire.
After some time traveling and after discovering a river with a waterfall, we decided to take a break and I decided to take a bath which I hadn’t had the luxury to do in a while. I had been too scared to do so in the Holy Empire thinking that the first prince might try to do something to me while I was taking a bath and defenseless.
I thoroughly enjoyed washing away that dirty feeling that I had from being in the Holy Empire.
After stepping out of the waterfall I was attacked by five crocado and was saved by a mysterious creature. Little did I know that my meeting with this mysterious person would affect the fate of my kingdom and this world for years to come.
******
After healing my wounds I finally had time to get a better look at the creature.
The creature was almost two heads taller than the average man and had scales all over his body. Yet his face seemed human. He was covered in scale-like armor and had a sword made of bone as well as a shield with a sigil that I had never seen before.
My first thought was some form of rare breed of demi-human as I saw how easily he killed the crocados. I could certainly see why Cain and the other were so fearful of the mysterious creature. I would be too if he didn’t save me.
Our kingdom is very tolerant towards the rights of human women however the same couldn’t be said towards the other races. This was common not only in our nation but in most human countries since humans have always been seen as the weakest of the sentient races. Yet because of our greater capacity to reproduce, we are able to fight the other races through sheer numbers.
Our kingdom were among the few that banned slavery of demi humans. Elves and demi humans were some of the most common slaves in the human countries that are used for sexual as well as other purposes. Many of the Holy Empire’s crown prince’s slaves were from other races.
After healing me I amazed that all the pain was gone and that I was peak condition again. Both I and all of the guards were shocked. We have people who were capable of using healing magic in our kingdom but most of the time, a wound wouldn’t be healed completely and a scar would be left behind. Yet its magic healed my wound to the point where you couldn’t tell if there was an injury there.
As always Cain grudgingly thanked him. Before he could leave I wanted to thank him. For some reason he was perplexed as to why I was willing to help him.
I told him it was because my father, the king had always taught me that anyone who offers their aide to another should be treated with equal respect. He also taught me and my siblings that as members of royalty we should always repay a debt of gratitude to one who has helped us.
But first thing was first, introduction. “I am the first princess of the Regios Kingdom, Lucia Q Regios.” Giving him a proper introduction, I gave a courteous bow.
Giving him my introduction he gave his. “You can call me Drakus.”
Drakus? What an odd name. But then again he wasn’t human so perhaps it was a common name amongst his race.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Drakus. And once again I give you my thanks. As for your reward, if there’s anything that you desire I shall grant it to you. So long as it’s within my power.”
Drakus brought hand up to his chin, posturing a pondering look. While he was thinking so too was I. Although I said I would reward him with whatever he desires, what I said came instinctively. What exactly would a demi human him want anyway?
“I would like a map. A very detail map if I could.”
‘A map? Not the rewards I was expecting’. I thought to myself while talking with one of my knights. As a reward, I bequeathed him with the best map in my possession. It was a map that illustrated our continent and those around it. Unfortunately the only detailed continent was the central continent, the one we reside in.
“Currently we’re in central continent or the human continent as many of us like to call it. More specifically we’re in the Great Genken Forest that is just north of the Regios Kingdom.” Point and handing the map over him, he perused the map in silent.
“This…What is this.” Asking a question I looked over to see him pointing at one of the nation that resided in the Human continent, The Holy Empire.
“That would be the Holy Empire. According to history it was founded by seven mysterious heroes who helped saved the continent from a demon king invasion one thousand years ago. Each one wielded a sword of great power and pushed them back. Repealing the demon horde they establish the Holy Empire as it is today. Even now they are worship as gods. Even their legendary swords are still around and wielded by their descendants.”
After giving my long explanation I quietly watched as he took in what I said. After staring at the map for several more seconds he neatly wrapped it up.
“Thank you very much.”
‘Was that it?’ I thought. He saved my life and only asked for a map in return? My guess was that he was a traveler so that was why he asked for a map. However I couldn’t help but feel that he deserve more for saving me than just a simple paper.
“Wait…Before you go there’s two more things I would like to give you.”
Once again I stopped him much to my knight’s surprise. Reaching for my pocket I picked out a ring. But it wasn’t just any ring, it was the ring of the royal family. The golden ring has a coat of arms on it with a majestic lion on its front legs with a crown on its head.
“A ring? It’s quite fancy but I don’t need it.”
“That isn’t any old ring. This is the ring with the crest of the Regios family that only those from the royal family as well as their most trusted servants are allowed to wear. If you ever find yourself near or within the Kingdom, simply show the reveal the ring for some benefits. If you show it to any city guard within the Regios kingdom, you will automatically be allowed to enter a city without paying a toll. You will also receive a 40% discount when staying in an inn if you show it to the owner.”
I answered back to which Drakus cast his gaze back on the ring. No doubt it’s worth skyrocketed within his mind.
“Princess, surely you’re aren’t intending to give such a treasure to a non-human.” Reacting in horror and shock, Cain looked just about to fight him for the ring back.
“This is my decision Cain. I don’t care if he’s human or not, he saved my life. And I will not let my savior be treated as such.” Quieting Cain I asked one of my knights for the last gift. Returning with a sack, it was a sack full of gold coins.
“Since you’re in human continent, you’ll be needing gold if you wish to busy and or sell material. This contains around 300 or so gold. I do hope you put it to good use.”
“Thank you very much.” Handing the bag over to him, he gave this regards. In the next second I watched as the bag disappear from sight. Before I could asked anything else he jumped away. Leaving us alone.
“Princess. Don’t you think you were a bit benevolent to it?” speaking up, Cain still questioned my decisions.
“Do you still have your doubts Cain?”
“Yes. By the looks of that demi human, he’s strong. What is he doing in the middle of the Central continent? I have no doubt that he’s hiding his malicious intentions.” As always, Cain’s prejudice towards demi-humans was beyond paranoid.
“Are you saying that you would have fought him then? Even though he disposed of those crocado so easily?” I asked with mild curiosity. Looking back on the event, Drakus was able to kill those creatures with little to effort. The destruction of the water was a clear indication of that.
“I have confident in my skills.” relied Cain, in a smug manner.
“I wouldn’t be so careless sir.” Speaking up was one of the knights under Cain.
“What do you mean?” We both asked.
“First off, what species do you think he belongs to?” proposing a question, the rest of us pondered for an answer.
“By his scales and reptilian look, I assume a Lizard man?” That was the only answer I could think up of. But even then, I had my doubts. From all the books I have read, Lizard man were very weak in terms of physical strength. Which contrasted with the feats done by Drakus.
“I am not certain of this but he was no lizard man. This is just my guest but perhaps he’s a draconian.”
The moment he suggested that, everyone grew quiet.
Dragons. Fearful creatures of immense power. Scales of impenetrable strength and some had the ability to use magic. Creatures who could live for thousands of years. Creatures unchallenged by any species. The apex of the world, no one would dare challenge such a mighty being.
Legend has it that they could even transform. It was believed that one transformed into a human and mated with a female and conceived the first draconian. A hybrid of man and dragon. There were many rumors regard the topic of Draconian. Some legend say they are weaker than the dragons, while other say they can grow stronger beyond them. But there was undeniable fact, they were not ones to be trifled with.
I could hear some of the men gulping audibility at the possibility. Even a veteran such as Cain showed a frightened look.
“Not to mention his equipment looks to be made of bones and scales. Perhaps that of a dragon. If we had engaged in a reckless action no doubt we would have been a wiped out.”
Mumbling came from the men, perhaps a silent prayer that they escaped unscathed. But what made me more curious was what was he doing here? Shaking away the thought we had a schedule to keep. Clapping my hand, I brought everyone’s attention back.
“Alright everyone enough. We need to hurry back to the kingdom, are we ready to set out.”
“Yes! We’re ready to set out in a moment notice.”
Nodding I walked over to pick up my clothes until I noticed a shiny object. It looked to be a small scepter. The handle was a transparent silvery color while there was a bright blue orb at the top. It was very beautiful looking and I was pondering why it was doing out here.
“Princess, what is that?” Taking it from my hand, Cain handed it to an assistant. After checking it to see that it wasn’t dangerous I grabbed it back.
“Since it’s not dangerous, I’ll keep it.”
Cain and some of the other guards were about to interject but I gave them a hard look. They quickly back off and we were on our way. Putting it in my tunic we were finally on our way.
*****
Drakus POV:
After the meeting with the princess I raced home at full speed. Most of it was so that I wouldn’t worry Nu-Ru as I have been gone for quite some time. The other reason was to inform the others. We can now learn more about the world! Putting more effort into it I made it back in no time.
After making it back to the Grand Sanctuary I found Altina at the entrance who after seeing me return flew into my arms and hugged me. Realizing that she had hugged me, she immediately pulled away with her face turning bright red.
“How long have you been waiting for me to come back?”
“I haven’t waited long Drakus. You don’t need to worry. How was the expedition Drakus?”
When she asked that question I could feel a smile forming. Quickly explaining we teleported into the Council room. Racing towards the door, I hastily opened the double doors.
“Nu-Ru! I have great news!”
“As do I. Only mine is not so great.”
Confused by what he meant, he stepped to the side, revealing everyone. Everyone was in their seats, glaring at me. Surprised, I instinctively backed up and their glares was enough to cause sweat to flow.
“Hehehe…hey guys…what’s…up….” Breaking out a nervous laugh, the others were clearly not amused.
******
“I didn’t expect you to learn so much from a simple excursion into the forest.”
It took a solid ten minute before they all calmed down. Most of it on my part bowing and apologizing. When everything was set and done I let them in onto what I experienced and learn.
“To think you could learn so much from on exploration.
“I can’t believe you met a real fucking princess. I’m damn jealous of you right now.”
“Why are you jealous? You would only have scared her off anyway with your ugly mug.”
“I’ll have you know that my face can be considered quite handsome, which is more than I can say for you Mr. faceless, undead lich.”
“You want a piece of me?”
“Bring it!”
“Enough!” Suppressing the argument between Arsenal and Manom, Nu-Ru got the discussion back on track.
“Now, from the information described by Drakus I can confirm my theory that we have been sent to another world. After all, Eternia never had a kingdom known as Regios. Can you please take out the map and explain to us about the world.”
Taking out the map I rolled it over to Nu-Ru who had it scanned. Laying it on the center of the table a hologram like image floated in the air. Displaying the entire map for everyone to see. Then I recounted all the information I learned from the princess.
The map that the princess provided show a part of the world that we were currently in. There were a total of five massive continents loosely connected together. Similar to that of Pangea. The central continent or the human continent as it’s called is populated by of course humans. Within the continents were different countries ruled by a different nation.
The map was extremely detailed when it came to the human continent. From where the countries lie to their borders as well. Even though it was the human continent there were other races that lived on the outer rim border of the central continent.
To the east lie the Demon Continent. A continent populated by demons. From the princess the continent was ruled by the descendants of the previous demon king.
The western continent had no official name but was populated by beast man and some animalistic demi humans. Little is known about the continent as well except that they’re made up on tribes. Their relationship with the central continent is tense due to the countless invasions by the humans.
The north and the south were by far the mysterious. To the south was dubbed the dragon continent. As the name suggest it was ruled by none other than dragons. No one dares to trespass in their land. While the northern continent was just a collection of lands home to a mysterious group.
“That was a good explanation. Can you also explain to me about this Holy Empire that the princess mentioned?”
Pointing towards the symbol on the map, I then went on to recount the information the princess told me about that country to Nu-Ru. Finishing, Nu-Ru remained silent for a minute only making me a bit uneasy.
“This information confirms another one of my theories. That we might not have been the only ones to come to this world.”
“What do you mean, nyaa?”
“I’m also lost dude.”
“Think about it. Seven heroes with swords of great power. Also look at the Flag of the Holy Empire; doesn’t it look familiar?”
Leaving the question to us, we all looked at it but nothing came to mind. I felt the same feeling as well when I first looked at the insignia. The symbol was eerily familiar, it was on the tip of my tongue. As I was about to concede it finally hit.
“It can’t be.”
“You’ve noticed it too, right Drakus? Don’t you think that they bare a similar resemblance to the Holy Knight Guild?”
In the world of Eternia, although the Guild Crimson Strife was thought to the most powerful guild among the many different guilds, there was one guild that was constantly fighting with Crimson Strife over the title of the strongest guild. That guild was the Holy Knights Guild.
The Holy Knights Guild only had two criteria that it strictly adhered to in order for someone to join. The first is that the applicant had to have a human character. The other was that they had to have a character related to sword fighting.
The guild had around 30,000 members and would often challenge us for the title of the best guild. What they were most famous for was that six of the seven founders had a sword magical item of the legendary class and the guild master had an abyss class sword item, as well as the fact that all of these items had ridiculous cheat abilities.
The names of the seven leaders and their swords were: Sigfried whose Magic sword Gram could cut through any defense.
Roland whose Great Sword Durandal could unleash magical waves of destruction to take down rows of enemies at once.
Oliver whose sword Hauteclere had a charm effect that left most enemies stunned before being cut down by the blade.
David whose sword Tyrfing had the ability to take away the sight and hearing of an individual once cut with the blade.
Seijirou, a samurai who wielded the Kusanagi Blade that healed and recovered the stamina of the wielder by taking it from any enemy that was unfortunate enough to be cut by the blade.
Ayato who wielded the sword Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, which allowed him to use and seal off one or more of the skills or abilities of an enemy once they are cut by the sword.
Lastly the Guild Master, Arthur who wielded the most powerful sword in the game, Excalibur, an Abyss class sword item which could increase his stats 50 fold when in battle and could destroy any other sword below the rarity of legendary.
The two reasons that Crimson Strife would always come out victorious against such a formidable foe such as the Holy knights guild was because of the unstoppable strategies of Crimson Strife’s Genius strategist Nu-Ru as well as the fact that each of the leaders of Crimson Strife were also armed with a legendary class item. In addition to the Abyss class items in our vaults.
After dropping the bomb everyone was quiet at his proposition. It seemed ridiculous, there was no way that was possible…right?
“B-But…but that’s impossible”
“Was us coming to this world impossible? What about us being our player character and the NPC? It’s safe to say that common sense was thrown out of the window a long time ago. Not to mention when the game was coming to an end who’s to say we weren’t the only one left. They could just as easier stayed behind and got the same notification as well.”
Once again Nu-Ru laid down the facts and there was nothing we could say to actually challenge it.
“But it said that they formed the Empire from one thousand years ago. How does that work?”
“Perhaps they we weren’t just sent through space but time as well. We don’t know anything so for now let’s focus on the facts. I don’t believe they’re alive anymore. From the information Drakus received, they are most likely dead. I mean even though they were players from Eternia, their characters were still humans with set lifespans. Further evidence that they are deceased comes from the fact that their prized swords are being wielded by their descendants so unless they used some skill or magical item to prolong their lives, it is very likely that they died a long time ago.”
“…So what do we do now?”
In the end, that was the biggest question we have yet to answer. What exactly do we do now? Everyone looked to Nu-Ru for an answer but unfortunately, it was clear that he has no answer. It was about time, I do lessen his burden.
Clapping my hands together, the sound it created was louder than I had intended but did the job. Everyone’s attention was on me now.
“For now, we’ll play it safe as we always have. Let’s study over the map some more before making any more decision. In the meantime, we should all get some rest. Is everyone in an agreement?”
Glancing to one another, they all readily agreed. Looking to Nu-Ru, I gave him a wink only for him to smile back. As everyone disperses, I took one last look at the map.
“A whole new world…I wonder what’s in store for us?”
Rebirth Online World 