Another Life In The New World

Castle

Nasty Shadows and Soul Hounds filled the hallway. We hid behind one gold and silver pillar as I figured a way through them. Girly was shaking behind me, but I could only offer my hand at this moment.

The Nasty Shadows wore ancient battle armor on their bodies. I could not even consider them bodies as they only filled the spaces between garments. They moved swiftly without making any sound.

The Soul Hounds looked like hell hounds used in the battlefield. They, too, wore ancient battle armor on their bodies. Their lifeless eyes sent a shiver down my spine. They also bared metal like teeth. They looked like the perfect guard dog if not for their murderous intent.

“I think I can distract them with my missiles,” Girly hesitantly suggested.

“It’s too risky. They will get to us before we even reach the door,” I replied.

“Do you have a better idea?”

“Nope, but we can make a run for it,” I pulled her hand.

Girly smiled at me as she launched her missiles in the air. Some of them noticed the attack while the others continued with their business. I sliced the distracted ones with my sword and they got defeated easily. So far, I already beat three of each.

The Soul Hounds sensed the ambush. They growled in a low tone and bared their teeth at us. That was enough to send us running in the opposite direction. They were pursuing us, but I could not bring myself to look at them.

I saw Girly trip on a fallen set of knight’s armor. The hounds were getting to her by the second. I jumped in front of her and raised my shield. Their slimy teeth bore through it. Suddenly, I felt something unlock within me.

Girly started throwing her missiles at the enemy. More of them got stuck to my shield. I do not know how much longer it can take before it breaks. Then, a surge of energy came rushing to me and we both shouted, Projectile Defense.

A transparent barrier formed in front of us while numerous missiles launched at the enemies. I carried Girly on my shoulder as I pushed through while the attack was ongoing. She gathered the items the enemies left behind until we finally reached the door.

Portraits of royalty colored the walls. Their eyes seemed to follow our every move as we navigated the room. Girly was shaking at the corner and looked up to me.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Y-yeah, I’m just a little tense. Can I rest here for a bit?” She crossed her arms.

“Sure, I will look around the room while you do that.”

“Thanks,” her smile melted my heart.

“I-it’s nothing. You must rest now. I will call you if there is anything interesting,” my body suddenly twisted away from her.

In the middle of the room, there was a glass case. Inside it was a sword struck through a marble block. It was calling to me. Instinctively, I broke the glass with my shield and reached for it. I tried to pull it out, but it won’t budge.

“You do not have enough skills to gain this weapon,” a message suddenly emerged.

“What the hell does that mean? Gimme it already!” I screamed at it.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Girly rushed to my side.

“This forsaken thing would not budge.”

“Let me see,” she approached the weapon and tried it.

“See? I told you.”

“At least I know that this is not for me.”

“I will try to distribute my skill points and see if it will help.”

I did so, then placed my hands of the sword again. It still would not budge. I moved on and walked towards the other door. Reaching the rendezvous point is the first objective. I eyed the shining weapon one last time before closing the door.

Another hallway greeted us. This time, there were no monsters roaming the place. I looked around the place to see if there was something that catches my eyes. Suddenly, I felt Girly’s warmth on my shoulders.

“Uhmm… W-what are you doing?” I pulled my shoulder away from her.

“I feel so cold. Oh, I should have asked, sorry,” she suddenly realized.

“I don’t mind. I was just startled. Please, I insist,” I offered my free shoulder.

“Thank you,” she added a smile.

“D-Don’t mention it. Good thing they weren’t here to see this,” I mumbled.

“Are you ashamed of me?”

“It’s not that.”

“Then, what is it?”

“Nothing, forget that I mentioned anything.”

“Okay. I think we should go upstairs, the Middle Tower must be close,” the change of topic refreshed me.

I nodded, and we proceeded upstairs. There was an awkward silence in the atmosphere. I kept on glancing at her as we ascended. She looked pure as fine sand as she rested her head on my shoulders.

At the top of the stairs was a golden door. Girly composed herself as I opened it. There, we saw the general standing at the center. The room was wide and full of golden wares. It was well lit and there hanged an enormous chandelier glowing with life. It had crystals bathing in the light.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” The general placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Yes, it is. It’s like the stars dance gracefully here,” I replied.

“Indeed. Epeitha was once like this a few days ago. The guests filled the room and danced with each other. I miss seeing the smiles on their faces.”

“What happened?” Girly asked.

“Just like the stars in the sky, they disappeared one by one and some killed themselves or got killed by the monsters. Not only the guests, but also the people outside of the castle died as well.”

 “How horrible, I don’t want to end up like that,” Girly fretted.

“What are you talking about? We agreed to save this kingdom, remember?” I reminded her.

“Oh, right. Sorry,” she scratched her head.

“Mission Complete! You have received some experience points and some garnets. You have also received Epeitha’s Memory, a crystal ring that gives a ten percent boost in experience points,” the message informed us.

“Congratulations! You have reached level ten,” said another.

I searched around the room for something to eat. In a pot, I saw a seasoned meat ready for consumption and gave some to Girly. After filling ourselves, we went to talk to the general.

“The monsters have breached the Upper Tower. You must get there immediately. The treasures of the kingdom are at stake here,” Gurthe sounded alarmed.

“What is up there?” I asked.

“There is no time for questions, you must get there fast,” he commanded.

After that, a new mission was born. It was to protect the Royal Treasures from being snatched by the monsters. We only had five minutes to reach and defeat them. Without a map, it will be hard to get there in time.

“I need some directions, general,” I asked him, but there was no response.

“What should we do?” Girly tugged my arm.

“We could probably manage it with ourselves.”

It was a maze after leaving the grandiose room. We tried every door, but they only led us to the starting point. We stopped in our tracks. I paced in a circle before punching the nearest wall. I wish there were was a cheat code that I could use here to wall through the walls.

“There might be a pattern here,” Girly thought.  

“What pattern? Do you see things I don’t?” I sighed.

“That’s just silly talk. Anyway, I will mark the ground with one of my missiles and point them at a certain direction. Then we can identify the right path.”

“Good thinking. Let’s go, we only have about two minutes left on the clock.”

She did so and pointed it to the right. The next room did not have the missile, so this must lead us to the right way. A few more of this and we finally reached a singular path. It led to a solid platinum door.

The royal family’s treasures filled the room. It had doubloons, rare artifacts and symbols of power. We got there with some time to spare, but the monsters began damaging them. They are growing in number for every treasure they consumed or damaged.

“They are multiplying fast. We have to save as much treasures as possible,” I told her.

“Let’s act fast. They won’t be hard to beat,” she seemed confident.

“Okay.”

Treasure Slickers began munching at some of the treasures placed at the highest cupboard. These ones seemed important. They were moving faster than the second could count and began adopting the color of the room, making it hard to see them.

Treasure Mimicats were alongside them. They imitated the treasures and when someone or something got close, they bare their teeth. They desecrate the treasures with their corroding tongue, which are also used to pick up the treasures.

I breathed in the stale air around me. The time indicator changed from white to red. I closed my eyes and walked around the room. I could hear some high-pitched snarls and low growls. I gripped my weapon and swung at them.

When I opened my eyes, a stack of treasures skewed on my sword. They contained the important treasures of this kingdom. I slammed my sword to the ground, hoping not to damage them further. The Slickers exploded and released the treasures.

Girly implanted her missiles where most of the Mimicats lingered. They buried their teeth on her arm, which greatly impacted on her health. She had poison damage, but she shrugged it off and kept on placing her missiles. With a high-pitched whistle, they simultaneously exploded.

The treasures flew across the room, and I tried to catch them. They were in a decaying condition, which made it impossible to restore them. As I caught them, they broke with the slightest touch. The others impacted on the walls.

All the treasures perished. I suddenly realized that it was an impossible mission the moment we stepped in here. Then the room rumbled. When the general entered the door, his demeanor has changed. Something doesn’t feel right here.

“Thank you for helping us destroy the Royal Treasures,” Gurthe’s voice darkened.

“General, what are you saying? What happened to you?” I cautiously approached him.

“I feel better. I came here to congratulate you on your efforts,” he patted my shoulders, “You both did well.”

“I am confused, general. What is going on?” Girly asked.

“You were not supposed to be part of this, but with your help, everything went well as expected.”

“Where are you getting at, general?” I was puzzled.

“I plan to rule this kingdom with the help of my friends.”

“How could you do this? I thought you wanted to protect the kingdom,” Girly raised her voice.

“Yes, I wanted to protect this kingdom, but under my rule. Now, be obedient children and help me clean all this mess.”

“What if we refuse?” I challenged.

“Your friends will perish with you. If you wish to save them, you must follow orders. Is that understood?”

“Where are they?”

“You will meet them soon enough. I must go now.”

We only nodded when the room’s atmosphere became hostile. It sent shivers down my spine that were almost revolting. The general laughed menacingly as he left the room. Then the door clicked and his footsteps became distant.

“What should we do now?” Girly’s voice shook.

“For now, let’s play the general’s game,” I answered.

While sweeping away the dirt, I saw something sparkle. They were a pair of sapphire earrings. I hid it in my pocket and kept on sweeping. Then, I saw some dark cloaks that somehow survived.

“I think I know how we will get out. Do you trust me?” I called out to her.

“I trust you. What is the plan?” Girly slid to my side.

“Be quiet, I hear someone coming.”