Chapter 7: The Gilded Kingdom
The toll of the bell resonated throughout Athisia's capital city of Astoria, a melodic tribute that marked the culmination of a bustling day. It carried the weight of honour and the fulfilment of expectations, evoking the enduring spirit of Athisia's forefathers. Touch Me lifted his broadsword, inspecting it as its ornate carvings gleamed under the warm sunset. He sat down outside a pub located in the middle of the Serenia plaza, staring at a glass of freshly brewed apple cider, reflecting on the journey that had brought him this far.
It had been a month-long trek by foot by Earth time standards from Ishteria (the harbour-town located at the eastern-most coast of the Athisian subcontinent) in a northwest direction, towards Astoria. The gentle tundra-plains and contrasting sharp, jagged snow mountains reminded him of the Rocky Mountains during his time in the States. Initially, he tried to level up from the meagre level 5 he ended up with in Ishteria by using YGGDRASIL logic in which killing mobs provided him with XP. However, he could not stand the sight of rotting carcasses and smell of blood that remained when he disposed of wandering goblins that were all-too common in the wild, especially when it stuck to his clothing.
He lifted his helmet, revealing the flowing white hair that cascaded down like a shimmering waterfall. The rays of the setting sun danced upon the strands, creating an ethereal glow around his face. The onlookers in Serena Plaza paused in their activities, their curious gazes drawn to the unexpected revelation. Whispers of astonishment and intrigue filled the air as they beheld the visage of a warrior woman who was also a human, an uncommon sight in a demihuman dominated society, where humans were the bottom of the social class.
Demihuman. Touch Me had always thought of the word as a derogatory term that the YGGDRASIL developers used to mash various non-human races together into a stereotype. How could an emaciated cowardly goblin be related to a ferocious and proud race of lion beastmen? He had explored the YGGDRASIL lore and thought that the demihumans were rather underrepresented. Sure, they possessed superior base stats than humans, but compared to the unique racial classes that heteromorphs possessed, they were merely a jack-of-all-trades that could never surpass the other 2 races in any category.
He took a sip of the alcoholic beverage, tapping his foot on the cobblestoned floor. Ah. The main course had just arrived. A female lioness gently laid down a plate of grilled venison steak, a bowl of vegetable soup, and thick hard bread onto the table. Wishing her thanks, Touch Me started eating.
He never would've thought that beastmen descending from a carnivorous species would develop a liking to carbs or plant-based food. The meat was tender and juicy, and the vegetable soup was perfectly seasoned. He found himself struggling a bit with the bread, but that's not a bad deal for 10 silver pieces.
"Excuse me Ms…Mr? Touch Me?" a mysterious cloaked figure approached him cautiously. The man's eyes darted around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping on their conversation. He leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper.
Touch Me corrected him politely and nodded. "Just Touch Me is fine. Who are you, and what brings you to me?"
"May I have a seat first?" the man looked rather restless. Touch Me nodded.
"I was informed by a close associate that a woman in platinum armour with the name of Touch Me had been wandering the city's libraries, searching for historical records of the mythological variant." He explained.
"You mean about players?" Touch Me inquired.
"Keep your voice down, there are ears all around us." The man nervously hissed. "I have information that you seek."
Touch Me leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued by the man's words. The bustling sounds of the plaza seemed to fade into the background as he focused on the enigmatic figure before him. The man's demeanour and the mention of players ignited a spark of anticipation within Touch Me.
"Tell me more," he urged, his voice barely above a whisper, matching the secrecy of their conversation. His emerald eyes scanned the surroundings, ensuring no prying ears were within earshot. The weight of his broadsword rested comfortably at his side, a reminder of the world he had left behind.
The mysterious man leaned in, his voice filled with a mix of caution and urgency. "There have been rumours circulating among certain circles, whispers of a hidden faction within Athisia. They call themselves the 'Lost Players.' These individuals claim to possess knowledge and abilities far beyond the capabilities of ordinary adventurers."
Touch Me's heart quickened, his thoughts racing with possibilities. The notion of encountering other players, like himself, in this world sent a surge of excitement through his veins. It was a chance to reconnect with a part of himself he thought he had left behind.
"Do you know where I can find them?" Touch Me asked, his tone laced with a glimmer of hope.
The man hesitated, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. "I can provide you with a lead, a meeting point where they are said to gather in secret. It is a hidden tavern known as the Whispering Shadows, nestled deep within the outskirts of Astoria. But be warned, gaining their trust won't be easy. They are wary of outsiders."
Touch Me nodded, his determination unwavering. "Thank you for sharing this information. I will find my way to the Whispering Shadows and see what they have to offer."
As the man stood up to leave, he glanced over his shoulder, a hint of caution in his eyes. "Remember, the Lost Players tread a dangerous path. Be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, for their motives may not align with your own."
Touch Me watched as the mysterious figure disappeared into the crowd, his mind already racing with thoughts of what awaited him at the Whispering Shadows. He finished the last of his meal, savouring the flavours that danced upon his palate.
He spotted a diminutive girl walking towards the table, and waved at her, past a crowd of people haggling the streets who were merrily drinking and eating.
"God, this place is so crowded. It is like Oktoberfest on steroids." Sophia slipped herself onto a seat in front of Touch Me, waving her arms.
"Did the royal family accept the invitation?" Touch Me asked.
Taking a double glance at both Touch Me and the table leftovers, she nodded. "Yes, they're happy to accommodate us tomorrow for lunch, here's the letter."
Touch Me unfolded the letter, appreciating the smooth white texture of the paper which appeared to be cleanly cut and folded. It was like touching an A4 paper. It was a handwritten note, signed by the Princess herself.
"I'd like one slow-cooked sausage with vegetable stew and some still water please." Sophia took her time ordering some dishes.
"Still can't believe they have invented the printing press in this world." Sophia commented, taking out a newspaper from her handbag. "Everything here isn't handwritten but typed out in standardised blocks of text."
"Well, I did tell you to stop viewing this world like a video game and more of an alternate reality." Touch Me remarked.
"Honestly, nothing seems to surprise me anymore." Sophia lifted her cup of floral tea. "And did you find anything interesting?"
"I see… that is surely a lead we should pursue." Sophia stood at the edge of the hotel balcony, leaning at the spiral-patterned metal railings. "I didn't expect the night sky to be this beautiful. It's as if the Earth had slept several millennia without human activity, and nature has once more flourished."
Touch Me stepped out into the balcony, with his hair wet and glistening under the moonlight. "According to Athisian legends, a miracle has been bestowed upon the land where Astoria would later be built on." He looked at the streets which was still alive with activity, illuminated by the numerous streetlamps that showed children playing around, vendors selling food, and lion-beastmen and people of other races socialising.
Curiosity glimmered in her eyes as she turned her attention to Touch Me. "Tell me more about this miracle, Touch Me. What is it that makes Astoria so special?"
Touch Me took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the bustling streets below. "Legend has it that long ago, before the city of Astoria existed, this land was a desolate and barren wilderness. It was plagued by drought, famine, and despair. The people of Athisia, in their darkest hour, prayed for a miracle."
He continued, his voice carrying a sense of reverence. "Their prayers were answered in the form of a celestial event. A brilliant meteor shower lit up the night sky, raining down upon the land. Each falling star carried with it a unique blessing, nurturing the earth and breathing life into the barren soil."
Sophia's eyes widened with awe as she listened intently. "So, this miracle transformed the land into what we see today? The flourishing city of Astoria?"
Touch Me nodded, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Indeed. The land was revitalized, becoming fertile and abundant. The people of Athisia took this as a sign of hope, and they came together to build a city in this blessed place. They named it Astoria, in honour of the miraculous event that had forever changed their lives."
"To this day, the Athisians continue to look at the stars," Touch Me murmured, his voice filled with a touch of nostalgia. "They gaze at the night sky, their eyes alight with wonder and reverence. For they believe that the same celestial magic that brought forth the miracle of Astoria still lingers above them."
Sophia turned her gaze towards the starry expanse above, her brows furrowing with curiosity. "Do they believe that the stars hold some kind of secret or guidance for them?"
Touch Me nodded. "Indeed, they do. The Athisians believe that the stars are not merely distant points of light but celestial messengers, whispering secrets and guidance to those who seek it. They see patterns in the constellations, interpreting them as signs and omens of the future."
He leaned against the balcony railing, his eyes scanning the night sky as if searching for a hidden message. "Astrology and stargazing are deeply ingrained in their culture. It is said that the royal family possesses a lineage of seers who can interpret the movements of the stars and unlock the secrets they hold."
"Have you encountered any of these seers, Touch Me? Do they possess a unique ability to navigate the mysteries of this world?" Sophia asked with a hint of scepticism.
Touch Me's gaze shifted from the stars to Sophia, his expression thoughtful. "I have yet to meet one personally, but their existence is widely acknowledged. The seers are said to possess a deep connection with the celestial realm, a gift that allows them to delve into the cosmic energies and unravel the threads of fate."
"It's something like a religion then." Sophia commented.
"No, the Athisians see it as more of a guiding star rather than a religion that they strictly adhere to. Much like a thing-in-itself that exists without needing to exert its will, rather than a set of fixed beliefs." Touch Me explained.
Sophia nodded, her brows furrowing in deep thought. "So, it's more of a philosophical perspective, a way of perceiving the world around them?"
Touch Me smiled, impressed by Sophia's astute observation. "Exactly. The Athisians embrace the notion that the celestial realm is interconnected with their everyday lives, that they are part of a grand cosmic tapestry. It's a belief that fosters a sense of harmony and reverence for the world they inhabit."
As they continued their conversation, a soft autumn breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying with it a sense of tranquillity. The city below seemed to hum with the energy of life, its streets filled with the vibrant pulse of Athisian culture.
Touch Me and Sophia, dressed in their finest attire, embarked on their journey to the grand palace of Athisia. The palace, an architectural marvel adorned with intricate carvings and towering spires, exuded an aura of prestige.
The carriage they rode on took them past the city square, past a gated area, into a beautiful plain with lush grasses, flowers, and fruit-bearing trees. The palace stood on a large island in the middle of a large freshwater lake, sparkling underneath the sun.
As they approached the only bridge that led to the palace, the guards, clad in polished armour, greeted them with a respectful nod, recognizing the significance of their presence.
Inside the palace, they were led through opulent corridors adorned with magnificent tapestries and adorned with priceless artwork. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement, as if the very walls whispered tales of the royal lineage that had ruled this land for generations.
The palace door swung open, and a hush fell over the air as the crowd turned their attention towards the entrance. Stepping into the grand palace halls, bathed in an aura of regal grace, was Princess Madeline Atheron, the 2nd Princess of the Athisian Throne. Her presence commanded respect, and her every movement exuded elegance and poise.
She was clad in a gown of deep royal blue, embroidered with silver thread that mirrored the twinkling stars above. Her long, flowing locks cascaded down her shoulders, accentuating her striking features and piercing sapphire eyes. As she made her way towards Touch Me and Sophia, a gentle smile graced her lips, revealing warmth and a sense of genuine hospitality. With each step, she exuded an air of both regality and approachability, a delicate balance that only a true leader could maintain.
"Princess Madeline," Touch Me greeted with a slight bow, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and reverence. "It is an honour to meet you."
The princess smiled warmly, her voice carrying a gentle strength. "The pleasure is mine, Touch Me. I have heard tales of your remarkable journey through our kingdom, and I must say, your presence has created quite a stir."
Touch Me inclined his head, acknowledging the attention he had garnered. "I am humbled by the warm reception I have received thus far."
The princess nodded, her gaze lingering on Sophia for a moment before returning to Touch Me. "Your arrival in Athisia has coincided with a time of great change and challenges. The celestial energies have been unsettled, and whispers of ancient prophecies echo through the kingdom. I believe your presence holds significance, Touch Me, and I would be grateful for your insights."
Touch Me's eyes widened slightly, intrigued by the princess's words. "I am but a humble adventurer, Princess."
"You had saved my life from political assassination, without expecting anything in return."
Touch Me looked deeply into Princess Madeline's eyes, a glimmer of determination shining through his own. "You're right, Princess. I didn't rescue you with any ulterior motives or expectations. I acted out of a sense of duty, driven by the desire to protect the innocent and uphold justice. It is a principle that guides my actions as an investigator."
He paused for a moment, his voice filled with sincerity. "But I didn't just save you for the sake of being a hero. I believe in the inherent value of every life, and I couldn't stand idly by while an innocent person was in danger. It was my duty to intervene and ensure your safety. It's a responsibility I take seriously."
Touch Me's words resonated with Princess Madeline, her expression softening as she absorbed his heartfelt explanation. "You've shown me a side of bravery and selflessness that I rarely encounter. In a world filled with hidden agendas and political games, your actions were a beacon of integrity. That is why I am willing to grant you an audience."
"Moreover, I have someone else here who had vouched for you." Princess Madeline gestured her hands outwards.
Two guards flanking the door started pulling it open. Behind it, a familiar face can be seen, adorned in a resplendent ball gown that exuded elegance and grace. The gown, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, was a shimmering silver hue that caught the light and seemed to reflect the stars themselves. Its fabric cascaded like a waterfall, draping softly around her figure, and its intricate details sparkled like dewdrops on a petal. Her face was pale and bore a sharp look. She was observing him closely.
Baffled, Touch Me took a step back, wary about an imposter. Her face looked exactly like Touch Me's current avatar. She glanced at Sophia and then back at the Princess, looking to find an answer to this situation.
"Touch Me, meet a close associate of mine – Ekaterina – she said you may know of her as Punitto Moe."
AN: Apologies for the late post. A lot of things are going on in my life: I am studying for an important exam which is only one month away, so I may not be able to update this story daily. However, I promise that there will be regular updates.