Hello, lovely readers!
First and foremost, thank you for joining me on this creative journey into the world of fanfiction. I want to clarify a few things and set some expectations as we delve into my written stories.
The characters, settings, and elements from the original work that you may recognize belong to their respective creators. My stories are a labor of love, and I merely play in the sandbox they've crafted. No copyright infringement is intended, and I am not profiting from these writings.
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Occasionally, my stories may touch upon mature themes such as violence, romance, or sensitive topics. When such themes arise, I will provide appropriate content warnings at the story's beginning so you can make an informed choice about whether to continue reading.
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With that, thank you and enjoy the new chapter!
[volume one]
[part one]
"Run faster!" Enri urged her energy, nearly depleted. The weight of exhaustion bore down on her limbs as she pushed herself to the limit, each step feeling like a monumental effort.
"Yes!" Nemu's voice trembled with fear, her eyes wide and desperate. She clung to Enri, her small hand gripping Enri's as if it were her lifeline.
Enri ached to carry Nemu and flee, to escape this nightmare that had befallen their once-peaceful village. But the metallic clinking of armor and weapons beside her discouraged such thoughts. The knights strode menacingly behind them bore a bloodied sword, its blade glinting ominously in the dim light. His armor, once polished and gleaming, now bore the marks of violence and chaos.
With Nemu's safety as her sole focus, Enri shielded her younger sister with her own body. Her heart raced, not just from the physical exertion but from the terror of the situation. She met the knight's cold gaze with a defiant glare, a silent challenge that conveyed her determination to protect her loved one at any cost.
"Resistance is pointless," the knight jeered, his voice devoid of compassion or empathy. He seemed to relish the fear and helplessness that radiated from Enri and Nemu.
Enri's anger surged within her, a fierce fire that burned away some of the fear. How could he say that? How could he casually dismiss their will to survive, their love for each other? She gritted her teeth, her hands clenching into fists.
She forgot her exhaustion even for a moment and struck the knight's helmet with all the strength she could muster. Her fist connected with a resounding clang, the metallic reverberation echoing the anger and fierce desire to protect her sister that fueled her actions. In that fleeting moment, her fear was drowned out by an overwhelming surge of determination.
The impact sent shockwaves through her arm, and a jolt of pain shot up from her fist, radiating through her body. But her own discomfort felt insignificant in the face of the burning fire within her. She had tapped into a reservoir of strength she didn't know she possessed, fueled by the love she held for Nemu and the sheer refusal to let this knight's cruelty go unchallenged.
The knight staggered, his equilibrium thrown off by the unexpected blow to his helmet. Enri's strike had taken him by surprise, a momentary chink in his armor of arrogance and sadism. His momentarily disoriented state was a small victory, a glimmer of hope that spurred Enri on.
"Keep going!" Enri's voice resonated with command as she turned her attention to Nemu. The urgency in her tone injected a renewed burst of energy into her younger sister. Nemu nodded, and together they pressed forward, the threat of pursuit behind them.
Despite the pulsating pain in her hand and the strain that seemed to weigh down every muscle, Enri pushed through. Each step was a testament to her willpower, each heartbeat a rhythmic drumbeat of defiance. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but she couldn't allow herself to falter.
Then, an unexpected shock disrupted her concentration. Heat blossomed across her back, followed by a guttural cry that tore through her throat. The agony was immediate and searing, stealing her breath and causing her steps to falter. Instinctively, she turned her head, casting a glance over her shoulder to witness the knight's unrelenting pursuit.
The knight was not deterred; if anything, his pursuit seemed fueled by a renewed fury. Enri could see the anger in his eyes, the unbridled violence that seemed to swirl around him like a malevolent aura. He was determined to hunt them down, to crush the spark of resistance that Enri had ignited.
Drawing on her reserve of strength, Enri squared her shoulders and forced herself to keep moving. The pain in her back was a constant reminder of the danger that loomed, but her spirit remained unbroken. She would fight through the pain, through the fear, and she would protect her sister from the darkness that pursued them.
The knight's presence loomed like a dark cloud, his intention clear and malevolent. Enri's heart raced, her pulse echoing the urgency of the situation. She shouted defiance at the cacophony of thoughts clamoring in her mind, her teeth clenched in unwavering determination. The weight of the moment pressed down on her, the awareness of the danger they were in sharpening her senses.
But as much as fear threatened to consume her, Enri refused to let despair take hold. Not while her sister's life hung precariously in the balance. Nemu's safety was her priority, and she knew that she had to stand strong, even against the looming threat that seemed insurmountable.
With Nemu positioned protectively behind her, Enri's resolve solidified. She made a silent vow to herself, one that she knew might come at the ultimate price. If it meant buying her sister the time to escape, even if it meant her own death, Enri was prepared to face whatever lay ahead. The fierce love she held for Nemu fueled her determination, giving her the strength to set aside her own well-being for the sake of family.
As the air throbbed with tension, a voice unlike any other pierced through the atmosphere.
"[Frozen Tomb]."
It was silky and entrancing, weaving through the very fabric of reality like a haunting melody. A gentle vibrato infused the voice with a mesmerizing quality that seemed to touch the very depths of the soul. The sound was ethereal, evoking shivers that danced down the spines of all who had the privilege to hear it.
For a brief moment, the knight's presence seemed to fade into the background, overshadowed by the mystique of the sound. The voice held an impossible power to ignore.
A sudden chill swept over the surroundings, an ephemeral dance of frost that seemed to materialize out of thin air. The temperature dropped abruptly, and the very air shimmered with an otherworldly presence. Delicate tendrils of ice emerged from the chill, their movements fluid and graceful, as if engaged in an intricate choreography known only to them.
With a mesmerizing display of elegance, these tendrils intertwined with one another, weaving and winding in a complex and beautiful pattern. The frost seemed to come alive.
Enri watched in awe as the tendrils formed a lattice of glistening ice, an intricate structure that grew more elaborate with each passing moment.
The lattice expanded and extended, reaching out with a spectral touch that brushed against the knight's armor. The transformation was swift and surreal, the knight's once-menacing form now encased within a cocoon of crystalline ice. The knight's expression, once marked by anger and aggression, was now frozen in an eerie stillness, his features visible through the translucent ice.
In the blink of an eye, the world had shifted. The knight who had pursued them with relentless determination was now immobilized, trapped within a prison of his own making. The air seemed to hold its breath, as if even nature recognized the gravity of the moment.
Enri stood before the frozen tableau, her heart pounding with a mix of astonishment and relief.
[ x ]
Enri couldn't believe her eyes. The swift turn of events had left her momentarily stunned, her mind struggling to process the surreal sequence of magic and circumstances.
Just moments ago, they had been standing at the precipice of danger, facing an almost insurmountable threat in the form of the knight. And now, he was trapped within a frozen prison of his own making, his menacing presence neutralized by an enchanting spell.
The world around her seemed to hold its breath as if even reality itself was taking a moment to comprehend the fantastical transformation that had occurred. Enri's heart raced as she took in the scene before her.
"Are you all right?" a voice spoke, drawing Enri's attention. She turned to see a figure stepping out from the shadows, a presence that had gone unnoticed in the chaos that had unfolded.
Following the direction of the voice, Enri's gaze turned toward its source, her eyes widening as she took in the newcomer's appearance.
Before her stood a being of ethereal beauty, a creature who seemed to embody both allure and grace.
Enri could only gasp in awe, her breath catching in her throat as she absorbed the breathtaking sight before her.
The newcomer's presence was captivating, a mesmerizing force that held everyone in its thrall. She wasn't alone in her reaction—Nemu, her younger sister, stared wide-eyed, her expression mirroring Enri's wonder. Even the other knight, who had been a part of their perilous encounter, was left temporarily speechless by the otherworldly presence.
[ x ]
"I had a feeling that this outcome was likely," the otherworldly beauty mused to herself, her voice a soft melody that seemed to echo through the air.
Indeed, the power of beauty can be formidable, she thought. It was a universal truth that had transcended time and realms. She observed the captivated expressions of those before her, a silent acknowledgment of the enchanting influence she wielded.
With the limited memories her proxy had managed to recover, the beautiful stranger vaguely recollected a story from another time, another world.
It was a tale that had been whispered through the corridors of history, a story of a woman whose extraordinary beauty had ignited a war of significant proportions. The details were hazy, a distant echo from a realm she had once known. She believed her name had been Helenna or something similar, a name that carried with it both allure and danger.
Realizing that the child, Enri, wouldn't be able to respond anytime soon, the stranger shifted her focus to the remaining knight.
His stance had changed. His eyes fixated on her form with an intensity that spoke of desires left unchecked.
The knight went to the extent of removing his helmet, freeing his gaze to roam over her without reservation. His eyes were heavy with desire, and like a dog driven by instinct, he panted heavily in her presence.
She knew the effects of her presence well; it was a power that had been woven into her very being.
The same thing was happening to him, she noted with a mixture of detachment and understanding.
"Oh well, [Frozen Tomb]!" the stranger's voice carried a note of resignation, almost as if she had expected this outcome. The air responded to her words, thickening and growing cold as ice began to crystallize around the knight.
In a matter of moments, the knight was encased in a tomb of frozen ice, his desire now locked in eternal stasis.
"Sometimes beauty can be a curse," she murmured softly, her words a distant echo of the stories she had once known.
Her gaze lingered on the frozen figures for a moment before she turned away, her steps carrying her toward the injured girl and her sister.
She craved interaction, a conversation that could unravel the intricacies of the situation she found themselves in.
Fortunately, as if guided by a twist of fate or divine intervention, the injured girl's pained moan broke her as well as her sister's trance.
"Urgh…" The moan was a testament to the pain the girl was experiencing, a reminder of the very real danger they had narrowly escaped. The stranger's instincts kicked in, overriding the lingering enchantment of the moment.
With a purposeful stride, she moved toward the injured girl, her ethereal presence casting a calming aura around her.
Kneeling beside the girl, the stranger's expression was a mix of concern and compassion. "Easy now. You're safe," she reassured gently, her voice a soothing melody that seemed to wrap around the girl like a comforting embrace.
[ x ]
Enri's attention snapped back to reality as a searing throb pulsed from her open wound, jolting her out of her stupor. The pain surged through her body like an electric shock, leaving her breathless and disoriented. She instinctively reached for her injury, clutching at the pain-ridden area as her legs wobbled beneath her.
Before she could comprehend what was happening, Enri crumpled to the ground with a breathless gasp, her body giving way like a puppet whose strings had been abruptly cut. Her vision swam as she fought to regain her bearings, the pain in her side a sharp reminder of the perilous situation they had narrowly escaped.
Amidst her disorientation, Enri's ears caught the sound of her little sister's voice. Nemu's desperate plea cut through the chaos, urgently beseeching the enigmatic beauty for assistance.
Though the impulse to beg for help surged within her, Enri hesitated.
Her mind was a swirl of thoughts and doubts.
What right did she have to ask for aid from such a powerful, otherworldly beauty?
What right did a simple village girl like herself have to make such a request, especially after witnessing the stranger's incredible displays of magic?
Before Enri could spiral deeper into her thoughts, the otherworldly beauty interjected, her voice a gentle interruption that resonated through the air.
"Drink this."
Enri lifted her head and saw that the stranger held an exquisitely crafted glass vial. Inside the vial, a crimson liquid swirled, its hue reminiscent of blood. The sight was both mesmerizing and bewildering, a stark contrast to the beauty's ethereal presence.
Utterly bewildered, Enri's eyes alternated between the beauty and the ornate glass vial containing the mysterious liquid. The crimson substance seemed almost alive, its gentle movements within the glass captivating her attention.
As if sensing her confusion, the otherworldly beauty softly chuckled, her amusement a soothing balm against Enri's uncertainty. She dispelled the bewilderment with a patient explanation, her voice carrying a reassuring undertone.
"Despite its appearance, this is a healing potion. Drinking it will mend your wound," the beauty clarified, her words carrying the weight of assurance. With a graceful movement, she placed the potion in front of Enri and then retreated slightly, giving her the space to make her own decision.
Enri's heart raced with a mixture of curiosity and hope. Her instincts told her to trust this being, whose aura exuded a mixture of power and compassion. Her hand trembled as she reached for the glass vial, her fingers wrapping around the delicate glass.
Enri's memory stirred, bringing to mind Nfirea and his enthusiastic discussions about potions and their healing properties. The thought of those conversations carried a sense of reassurance.
Trusting in the sincerity of the otherworldly beauty and the echoes of Nfirea's wisdom, Enri decided to take a chance. With a determined resolve, she downed the potion in a single gulp, feeling a mixture of trepidation and hope course through her.
As the liquid met her tongue, an unexpected sensation unfolded.
It was akin to a soft, cool breeze sweeping through her mouth, carrying with it a fleeting sweetness and tang. The elixir glided down her throat with a gentle touch, and as it did, a transformative energy seemed to awaken within her. The potion's effects were immediate and profound.
A subtle yet unmistakable warmth emanated from the center of her chest, radiating outwards like the sun emerging from behind clouds. Within moments, a wave of calm enveloped her body, a gentle embrace that cradled her aches and wounds. It was as if the elixir was a sentient force, reaching out to every corner of her being, mending the frayed threads of her vitality and knitting together the broken.
Enri's complexion underwent a visible transformation, the pallor of fatigue giving way to a renewed vitality. It was as if her very essence had been rekindled, a spark of life reawakening within her.
"No way…" Enri whispered in disbelief, her fingers gingerly tracing the area of her wound. Her eyes widened as she tentatively wiggled her body and patted her back, feeling for any lingering pain or discomfort.
"The pain is gone?"
Enri's gaze shifted from her own body to the stranger who had offered her the healing elixir. Her eyes held a mixture of wonder and gratitude as she realized the depth of the otherworldly beauty.
"Y-Yes, it is…" Enri responded her voice a mixture of surprise, relief, and a glimmer of hope.
Filled with renewed determination, she swiftly moved towards the otherworldly beauty, bringing her little sister along. Together, they knelt before her, their foreheads pressed against the ground in a display of respect and humility. Enri's voice trembled as she spoke, a mixture of desperation and sincerity in her tone.
"Goddess, this might seem audacious of me, a mere village girl, but you are our only hope. Please! Please save our parents!" Her plea was heartfelt, a plea that carried the weight of their circumstances and the depth of her emotions.
Her little sister, Nemu, echoed her plea with the same urgency and fervor, their voices entwined in a chorus of hope and desperation.
Aware of the precarious nature of their situation and the fact that the Goddess's grace had spared their lives, Enri understood the risk of pushing their luck further.
She was acutely aware that the being before her held immense power and that her response could shape the trajectory of their lives. Nonetheless, Enri was determined to seize this opportunity, to present her plea and to ask for the salvation of her parents, no matter the odds.
Enri awaited the Goddess's response with bated breath, her heart pounding in her chest. Her emotions were a tumultuous mix of hope and fear, uncertainty and longing. She wasn't sure whether her plea would be met with understanding or retribution, but she was willing to take the chance for the sake of her family.
The wait lasted only a short time, but each passing moment felt like an eternity. Finally, the Goddess's voice broke the silence, carrying with it a hint of compassion and uncertainty.
"If they're still alive, I will rescue them. If not, well…" The Goddess's words hung in the air, a promise and a recognition of the uncertainty that lay ahead.
Fortuitously, her gamble had yielded positive results. The weight of the Goddess's words sank in, and Enri and her sister unconsciously raised their heads to meet the otherworldly beauty's gaze. What they found in her eyes was not judgment or disdain but a genuine compassion that spoke of her understanding and willingness to help.
The sisters' eyes went wide, their faces reflecting the disbelief and gratitude in their hearts. It was a moment of profound significance, a turning point that held the potential to reshape their lives.
Choked with heavy emotions, the two sisters managed to squeeze out their words of gratitude, their voices sincere and heartfelt.
"Th-Thank you! Thank you very much! And, and, may we know…" Enri's voice trailed off for a moment, and then she continued in a humble mumble, "May we know your name...?"
"My name—" the Goddess began, but her response was interrupted by a sudden and unexpected intrusion that shattered the moment's serenity.
[ x ]
"My name—" the Goddess began, her voice trailing off as if her next words had been caught in the unexpected interruption that followed.
Enri and Nemu exchanged puzzled glances as the atmosphere shifted abruptly, a sudden tension replacing the previous moment of connection. The stranger's expression seemed to waver for an instant, a hint of something indefinable crossing her features.
But then, the enigmatic beauty's demeanor seemed to steady, and a determined look settled in her eyes. It was as if she had come to a decision in that brief moment of pause.
"Names hold power," she spoke, her voice carrying a weight that hinted at a deeper meaning. "They carry with them memories, emotions, and identity. A name can shape destinies and forge connections."
Enri and Nemu listened, captivated by her words, their curiosity growing with each passing second. The Goddess's pause had only heightened their anticipation, and now it seemed she was about to share something significant.
"And," the Goddess continued, "the name I once held has been discarded along with the memories that bore it."
Enri felt a sense of empathy as she realized the gravity of what the Goddess was revealing. To discard one's own name was to sever a deep-rooted connection to one's identity, a decision that must have been made with profound reasons.
"Introducing myself with a name meant for a different time, a different identity, would undoubtedly lead to misunderstandings and questions," the Goddess explained, her gaze steady. "So, I've chosen to embrace a new name, one that resonates with my current self."
Enri and Nemu held their breath as the Goddess's words hung in the air, a moment of anticipation and revelation.
"My name is Walpurgisnacht," the Goddess announced, her voice carrying a mix of resolution and vulnerability. The name seemed to echo with an air of mystery, a hint of a story untold. It was a name that was entirely her own, chosen to reflect her new identity and the journey that lay ahead.
Enri and Nemu exchanged a glance, their eyes reflecting the weight of the moment. The Goddess's new name held a significance that transcended the spoken word. It was a gesture of trust, a revelation of a part of herself that she had chosen to share.
Choked with emotion, Enri found her voice. "Lady Walpurgisnacht... Thank you, truly, for saving us and for granting us hope. We are forever in your debt."
Nemu echoed her sister's sentiments, her eyes shimmering with gratitude and respect.
[ x ]
As Walpurgisnacht prepared to depart, her thoughts turned to the two sisters she had just rescued.
It was clear that Enri and Nemu lacked discernible magical or combat abilities. Leaving them in such a defenseless state would contradict the purpose of her intervention, and she couldn't shake the responsibility she felt for their safety.
Considering the capabilities of their pursuers and the potential threats that lay ahead, Walpurgisnacht understood that something more was needed to ensure the sisters' protection. She couldn't just leave them to fend for themselves.
With a determined focus, she invoked her magic once again.
"[Summon: Stone Knight]."
From the heart of a shimmering magic circle emerged a creation that defied the ordinary bounds of existence: a Stone Knight.
The Stone Knight's body was chiseled from the bedrock of ages past, its surface polished to a radiant patina that glistened in the light. Each contour and crevice showcased the craftsmanship of an ethereal sculptor, a testament to the artistry that had birthed this mystical creation.
Regal armor, a fusion of nature's elements and enchantment, adorned the knight's stony form. Its eyes glowed with a luminous blue light, carrying the weight of eons of history and wisdom. Crystalline veins of magic coursed through its being, creating an aura of arcane power that hummed in the air like a harmonious symphony of earth and sky.
In its sturdy hands, the Stone Knight wielded a mighty blade and tower shield, both hewn from a single, immense shard of rock. The weapon and armor were a harmonious extension of its existence, embodying its purpose as a protector.
After a brief appraisal of the summoned creation, Walpurgisnacht nodded in satisfaction before issuing her command.
"Stone Knight, I order you to protect them from harm," she declared, her voice carrying an authoritative tone that left no room for ambiguity.
The Stone Knight nodded in acknowledgment. Its loyalty and purpose were unwavering, a testament to the nature of its existence.
She contemplated whether she should summon a similar guardian for herself, one that could assist her in her endeavors. However, after careful consideration, she acknowledged the limitations of her summoned constructs, be they low- or high-tier. None of them possessed the finesse required for a delicate rescue mission.
"No," she murmured to herself, her thoughts crystallizing. "None of my summoned constructs would be capable of executing such a mission."
"Then, I could only count on him."
In the world of Dragon Nest, a unique mechanic called Hero Summoning existed. [Heroes] were entities that functioned similarly to summoned creatures but with a distinct characteristic: they could accumulate experience points and advance in levels, much like player characters.
This allowed them to grow in power, unlock new skills, and evolve their abilities. However, [Heroes] were often considered subpar in combat capabilities, primarily serving as supportive entities.
Yet, in this particular scenario, the influence of Walpurgisnacht's proxy had elevated her [Hero] to the equivalent to that of her own.
"[Summon: Geraint]."
A burst of radiant light, blinding and intense, heralded the arrival of her [Hero], and amidst the iridescent explosion, the figure of a man materialized.
His hair spun from strands of sunlight, cascading around him in a shower of pure gold, framing his face with masculine grace. His eyes glowed like molten gold, carrying within them hints of passion and unwavering determination.
As the residual glow from his arrival subsided, the man's form became clear—his chiseled features exuded timeless nobility, charm, and a playful charisma that spoke of a life well-lived.
Standing tall and resolute, the man was a warrior adorned in attire that harmonized with the essence of his otherworldly origin. His clothing was a symphony of elegance and utility, a testament to the blend of form and function that characterized his existence.
Upon broad shoulders rested a regal cloak, while a tunic hugged his form like a second skin, and gleaming armor plates protected his chest and shoulders.
A belt of interwoven metals adorned his waist, and at his side hung a sheathed sword that shimmered with hues of red and gold. The sword's hilt bore intricately carved motifs, gleaming with an unmistakable aura of power.
His pants were a blend of fabric and leather, crafted for both comfort and mobility, allowing him to move with the fluid grace of a dancer and the precision of a seasoned warrior. His boots, marked with scars and scratches, told tales of battles faced and adversaries overcome.
The man's warrior attire spoke of a soul tempered in realms beyond the imagination, and as he stood amidst the remnants of his dramatic entrance, it was clear that he was no ordinary hero. He embodied a convergence of light and fire, regality and might—a guardian whose existence transcended the boundaries of time and space.
Upon seeing Geraint, Walpurgisnacht found herself momentarily taken aback despite being aware of the modifications her proxy had made to him. The sight still managed to evoke a sense of astonishment within her.
"It's been quite some time since our last encounter. How have you been?" Geraint's voice held a gentle warmth, accompanied by a smile that radiated kindness.
Shaking off her surprise, she responded composedly, "Not much has changed."
Geraint's eyes subtly scanned their surroundings, his gaze falling upon the Stone Knight and the bewildered sisters. He then returned his attention to her, a playful glint in his eyes.
"This is not Lagendia," he remarked, referring to the fictional setting of the game "Dragon Nest." His deduction was based on his observations of their unfamiliar surroundings.
"You managed to figure that out so quickly!" She couldn't help but express her incredulity.
Geraint scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile gracing his lips as he replied, "The restrictions imposed by Lagendia's system no longer bind me."
A realization dawned upon her, and she responded with an understanding nod. "Ah, I see."
As the name suggested, dragons were formidable foes in the world of Dragon Nest.
Geraint's title as of that the Gold Dragon of Lagendia, indicated that he should be an immensely powerful being. However, due to game balance considerations, the [Hero] version of Geraint players could summon was significantly nerfed—a mere fragment of his true strength.
Now, unshackled from those limitations, the True Gold Dragon Geraint stood before her, a formidable force she could rely upon when times turned dire.
"Then, I'll be in your care," Geraint declared, bowing deeply to her.
"I look forward to working with you," she replied, a smile tugging at her lips.
Geraint raised his head, meeting her gaze with a warm expression. The shared smile between them established a rapport, a connection that transcended the boundaries of their respective origins.
"Now then, I have a mission for you," she continued, her tone carrying a sense of purpose and determination that matched the weight of their circumstances.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the story if you have time, from overall Impressions and writing style to suggestions. Please feel free. Be honest and constructive in your feedback. I genuinely appreciate your input, as it will help me refine and polish the story before finalizing it.
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Best regards. See you next week!