"…and then Alma Elma did win the battle against Morrigan, but she ended so exhausted she collapsed right after. However, as soon as I left the colosseum, valkyrie and cupid hit on me, and those succubi twins who were also here stepped in. It completely degenerated in a pathetic catfight. I escaped unmolested after using one of those harpy feathers… so… thanks, I really needed that drink."

The Seven Heroes were currently sitting in the Nameless Slums tavern, listening to the story of a Kazuya wallowed on a large table. All of them had taken extremely stiff drinks and were looking disheveled and exhausted. Luka slightly regretted his choice of tavern, as the cruddy dump that made for their resting place wasn't the most relaxing area. On the plus side, nobody knew they were here, no one would look for them here, and none of the local dared to mess with them.

"Anyway, sorry for ranting, but…" Kazuya examined the rotgut that made for his drink. Eventually, he gathered the resolve to take a swig. "I had a pretty terrible day. I take it yours wasn't better."

"It's a long story…" Luka sighed. "Most of the information I got was from second hand. I got possessed by a ghost obsessed with murdering anyone that had an history of killing their partners through sex. The first solution suggested involved raping the spirit out of me."

"That sounds like something Daji would come up with."

"It actually was. But they apparently found another solution, and the spirit got sealed." Luka moaned in despair. "They told me they were glad they didn't have to resort to sex, but they looked so disappointed…" He shivered. "I think they were hesitating between fighting each other and gang banging me in relief."

"Wow… that's rough." Kazuya looked in the direction of Hakunen. A large puddle of water was present as the monk boy was still dripping wet. Hakunen shuddered.

"I just wanted to go to Port Natalia to see a coastal town once in my life." Hakunen finished his own drink and slammed his own head on the table. "Never again. Every mermaid wanted to dote on me. At first I felt bad for turning them down, then it got scary when they all tried to rush me. Then it got really awkward when they started fighting one another… I thought mermaids were pacific?"

"They mostly are." Luka asked for another drink. "Sorry, I thought Laura would hold them back."

"She defended me and swept everyone away with a flood… And then she tried to seduce me right afterward, saying she wouldn't mind giving more family to El." Hakunen's hand started trembling as he grabbed his drink. "And then all the swept mermaids counter-attacked, throwing the both of us in a flooded city before everything descended in utter chaos… I escaped thanks to a harpy feather too."

"…" Luka remained silent. Even if he knew he couldn't be considered responsible for every action of all of his four-hundred companions, he still felt ashamed for their behavior. Further on his side, Lest was soundly sleeping, his hand tightly clutching a pendant. He hadn't even drank that much. He had just spent his last nights alternating between keeping an eye on Musette for obvious reasons and escaping various monsters who found his loyalty to his princess extremely sweet, and, as such, made him even more desirable.

He then turned toward Lauratt. The young-looking magus was awkwardly holding his small glass with both hands with an empty look. Luka raised his own glass toward him to attract his attention.

"This didn't get better?"

Lauratt shook his head negatively. His prowess and endurance had put him at risk of being turned into a communal husband in Succubus Village. At first, his companion Rigeo only barely tolerated that herself, but she came to consider that it was a good opportunity to further train him. Lauratt himself just wanted to rest.

Finally, while Lars only had to deal with the occasional Nightmare trying to bed him, Novissa had the dubious honor of being volunteered as the mediator/guinea pig between Est, Fulbeua, and several succubi who wanted to find out who was the best. His apparently boundless stamina had made him a reference in the eyes of the more libidinous monsters.

I would have been jealous a few months ago, but after being left nearly dried several times, I can only sympathize…

I wish I could go on an adventure where not everything is trying to rape me for a change…

Let's forget about it. Times are changing. I didn't use to drink before, but… I guess this adventure changed me, and not for the best.

Luka took another sip of his drink. He was never fond of alcohol, but even he knew enough to say that it wasn't even a remotely good liquor. It was the kind that required a special build to endure, or white magic to heal the aftermath. Luckily, he had both on hand. He was enjoying the light-headed sensation and the artificial distance it added to his existing problems for now. He'd pay the price later.

Then the world suddenly spun around him. A searing pain seized his guts, while his ears rang with enough strength to completely erase the noise around him. His body was shaken by spasms, and he fell from his chair in a swirling void.

He spared one last thought for all his friends before the world turned completely black.

"I didn't expect that. I didn't expect that at all."

Daimyokai started sweating heavily as she examined the place where all the seven heroes were sitting one minute earlier. The whole place was replaced by one purple wisp that quickly evaporated and a broken bottle on the ground. The bartender was still frozen in shock, staring at the now empty place with a rag in hand. The yokai hunter quickly reacted and threw a talisman on the man who collapsed like a ragdoll.

"Crap… crap, crap, crap. I need to clean the evidence and get out of there fast."

After closing the door, Daimyokai used a spell to remove the glass shards and quickly removed the talisman from the man. She used a few memory charms on him to make sure he wouldn't blab about her little misadventure. Her cleaning operation took her less than a minute. She was satisfied. Nothing visible remained of her inconvenient failure. However, before she could savor her victory, the door suddenly opened on her worst nightmare.

"Hello, Tamamooooh it's you." Alma Elma frowned when she saw Daimyokai. If the yokai hunter hated every monster, she abhorred the succubus queen more than any other if only because the latter was enjoying a great deal of popularity near a large part of the community. And also because she had kicked her ass a few times. And tossed her to the wolves to protect her own friends. Daimyokai quickly tried to make her way around the succubus, not wanting to stay in her presence a second longer.

"Don't mind me, I was just done taking a drink."

Alma Elma threateningly flapped her wings open, scaring the yokai hunter back. The succubus queen giggled right afterward.

"Sorry, you surprised me… I recognized the signature of my old friend from afar and was wondering what she was doing here. Did you see her?" The succubus queen sniffed the air and licked her lips. "Oooh, did those cute morsels had a sausage party? I came too late… I hope you enjoyed their presence in my stead. Do you know where they went? I was supposed to go on a date with Kazuya."

Daimyokai audibly gulped. "He… was busy avoiding you and asked me to not tell you."

Alma Elma pouted, visibly disappointed. "Oh." She quickly returned in a sing song voice. "I guess I'll just have fun with Luka instead then."

"He said the same. Also, sorry but I really need to leave now."

"Mmmh…" Alma Elma danced around Daimyokai, further unnerving the yokai hunter as her tail wiggled to always get in her way. "That's a strange talisman. Where did you get it?"

"…I crafted it myself! I'm a professional exorcist, remember?!"

"You know, you don't need to fake it with me." Alma Elma giggled again, but there was a threatening undertone in her words.

"I'm not faking it! And I need to leave right now! Out of my way!"

"Not until you told me what happened here." Alma Elma suddenly blocked the exit, her eyes briefly glowing.

"I don't have to answer to an oversexed yokai like you!" Daimyokai resisted the spell and threw a charm, pinning Alma Elma's limbs against her body. The yokai hunter then flew with a high kick aimed straight at the head of the succubus queen. Alma Elma used her free tail to grab the extended limb, using Daimyokai's own momentum to slam her in the wall. The flimsy wooden structure exploded under the impact, and Daimyokai ended in the middle of the street, completely stunned. She slowly got up, but was still wobbling around when Alma Elma's tail engulfed her head. Daimyokai clumsily tried to push the grotesque organ of her, but she ended up with a punch in the stomach for her trouble. Its prey unable to resist, Alma Elma's tail fully swallowed the yokai hunter. The succubus queen was glaring at the large deformity, ignoring the surprisingly indifferent onlookers.

"I was already in a bad mood after that little fruitless scuffle with Morrigan, but I was fine thanks to the perspective of giving that hero his first taste of a succubus queen. Right now, you use that silly charm again on me, and I'll dissolve you alive for your trouble. Now let's get back to the castle, shall we? I'm pretty sure everyone is going to be elated by your latest shenanigan…"

When Luka emerged from unconsciousness, the hero was feeling extremely bad. Not only he had a splitting headache that had somehow propagated to his whole body, he was also feeling extremely cold. The ringing in his ear abated for a moment, and, gradually, his other senses returned to him. He heard the clopping noise of a horse, and understood that he was being drawn on a carriage, surprising him. He hadn't been on a carriage for an eternity. They had fallen in disuse after the Great Disaster and the discovery of harpy feathers. He could also hear a voice calling out to him.

"Hey, you. You're finally awake."

His head was still wobbling around as the melting pot he was seeing started to take the shape of snow-covered trees and three unfamiliar men occupying the carriage. The first one who had addressed him had long, blond hair including a braid and was wearing a metallic armor with a blue cloth. The second one was wearing brown rags and had long hair. And the third one had the same long blond hair as the first and blue outfit, except his was richer and covered with thick furs. More importantly, the man was gagged. It's only then that Luka realized his hands were bound together.

"You were trying to cross the border, right? Walked right into that imperial ambush, same as us, and that thief over there."

The second man glared in their direction.

"Damn you Stormcloaks. Skyrim was fine until you came along. Empire was nice and lazy. If they hadn't been looking for you, I could've stolen that horse and been halfway to Hammerfell."

The man turned toward Luka. "You there. You and me - we shouldn't be here. It's these Stormcloaks the Empire wants."

Empire? Stormcloaks? I've never heard about those… Please don't tell me I somehow got teleported in another world again!

"We're all brothers and sisters in binds now, thief."

"Shut up back there!"

Luka turned toward the head of the cart. The man leading them was wearing a leather cap and armor, with an iron mail and a red cloth protecting his shoulders. The design was unlike anything Luka had seen before. He barely gave another glance to the cart in front of him, seeing it filled with more men in blue armor who were bound as well.

"And what's wrong with him, huh?"

The second man was trying to gesture to the rich-looking man on Luka's right.

"Watch your tongue. You're speaking to Ulfric Stormcloak, the True High King."

The man's voice became an awed whisper, but quickly devolved in a panicking trembling. "Ulfric? The jarl of Windhelm? You're the leader of the rebellion. But if they've captured you… oh gods, where are they taking us?"

"I don't know where we're going, but Sovngarde awaits."

The thief was panting and shaking his head in despair. "No, this can't be happening. This isn't happening."

Luka remained silent and slowly breathed in and out. Inwardly, the hero was a raging storm.

Fucking damn it! I'm in a completely different world again! I'm never touching another drink! Is it one of Daji's prank, or did I ask Promestein to try sending me to another world, or did Black Alice finally decide to go for me, or… crap! And what about the other guys?! Are they here too?

Calm down Luka… this world is different from home, but there's mana in the air as well… it won't be like in the succubi's house, you're not totally helpless. I even still have my armor underneath… but I can't call on my sword. Crap. Also, why am I a prisoner? What have I done when I was drunk? Alice's going to kill me when she finds out… At least, I didn't have the brilliant idea to start streaking.

Alice would advise me to watch before taking a decision… if I speak now, people would just say I'm a criminal screaming for innocence. Let's at least try to see if I can find an authority figure before trying to run away. Maybe I can clear the misunderstanding and save those people as well.

The first man's voice became surprisingly gentle. "Hey, what village are you from horse thief?"

"Why do you care?"

"A Nord's last thoughts should be of home."

"…Rorikstead… I'm from Rorikstead."

The convoy was slowly approaching a large fortified village covered in black banners decorated with red stylized dragons. Two voices echoed from somewhere insde.

"General Tullius, sir! The headsman is waiting!"

"Good. Let's get this over with."

Luka turned toward the horse thief. If the hero wasn't serene, the man was starting to manically swing back and forth.

"Shor, Mara, Dibella, Kynareth, Akatosh… divines please help me."

Luka felt pity for him. Thieves deserved a punishment, but…

Headsman… I've only read about that job in history books. They only existed during the darker times of the faith of Ilias. He was given the task of publicly executing those that strayed from her way… they don't intend to execute us, do they?

Luka focused his inhuman senses. There was no immediate threat around him. Only one large signature afar could prove troublesome, and it wasn't one he was familiar with or carrying the scent of chaos-affected individuals. The probability it came for him was abysmal. Only one issue remained…

I'm in a different world… do I still have my lifeline? What will happen if I die? I'll have to be careful, I can't take the risk of dying. I'll have to fight defensively, use any occasion I can to meditate and use barriers as often as I can as well. Unless a threat equal to the Lilith Sisters show up, I will be fine.

The first man haughtily glared at a soldier on a horse before talking in a voice filled with spite.

"Look at him, General Tullius, the military governor. And it looks like the Thalmor are with him. Damn elves. I bet they had something to do with this." He spat on the ground.

Luka looked at the general in question. The man was wearing a red armor not unlike the one used by the soldier driving their carriage, if it weren't for the golden insignias adorning it. Unfortunately, he was too busy to even glance in their direction.

The elves he was discussing with were not so different from those Luka had dealt with himself, but they looked even more slender to the point of being almost emaciated. They were also all wearing fully covering green armors vague shaped in leafs. Last, even from afar, he could notice them acting incredibly haughtily, and, to Luka's surprise, one of them was a male.

I wonder if they're just as lewd as back home?

As they were now passing by wooden houses with straw roofs, the first man was looking sadly in their direction.

"This is Helgen. I used to be sweet on a girl there. Wonder if Vilod is still making that mead with juniper berries mixed in… Funny. When I was a baby, Imperial walls and towers used to make me feel so safe."

Even if he was a stranger, Luka felt sympathetic for the man. He had seen his fair share of people suffer from war or see their home fall apart after an unfortunate raid. A family was standing on the porch of one of the houses.

"Who are they, daddy? Where are they going?"

"You need to get inside, little cub."

"Why? I want to watch the soldiers."

"Inside the house. Now."

The carts eventually slowed down in front of a tower. A man in yellow robes and another one with a sack on his head were ominously standing near a wooden block.

The thief was audibly panicking, threatening to cry at every moment. "Why are we stopping?"

The first man answered with a grimly resigned voice. "What do you think? End of the line." He turned toward Luka, addressing him with determination. "Let's go. Shouldn't keep the gods waiting for us."

The thief was now fully panicking. "No! Wait! We're not rebels!"

"Face your death with some courage, thief."

"You've got to tell them! We weren't with you! This is a mistake!"

As they got off the carriage, Luka noticed a woman wearing a full armor and a severe attitude, marking her as a possible leader. She was standing near a man in red armor holding a parchment and a feather. Several more soldiers in leather armor were standing guard. He tried to keep his breathing steady.

I have to wait for the right time, I don't want to get involved in a fight as soon as I arrive… what if one of those people is the hero of this world and I accidentally kill him? Could it be Ulfric? I don't want to be the one to create another paradox.

I also feel that the dangerous signature is coming in this direction… crap. This one is definitively coming for me…

The woman spoke in an authoritative voice that conveyed her authority. "Step towards the block when we call your name. One at a time."

The man in front of him groaned. "Empire loves their damn lists."

"Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm."

The gagged man groaned and walked away.

"It has been an honor, Jarl Ulfric."

"Ralof of Riverwood."

The blond man that had addressed Luka walked away with one last nod toward the hero.

I need to do something for him… He should be imprisoned for rebelling, not executed.

"Lokir of Rorikstead."

The thief panicked and started running away.

"No! I'm not a rebel! You can't do this! You're not going to kill me!"

The woman screamed. "Archers!"

A second later, two arrows flew straight in the escapee's back. The man crumbled in a lifeless heap to Luka's shock.

The woman scoffed. "Anyone else feels like running?"

Luka was simply dumbfounded. That man was just a thief. A horse thief, but not a horrible murderer or worse. That was simply barbaric. He didn't notice that the man with the list was looking at him as if he just noticed him. "Wait. You there. Step forward... Who are you?"

"Huuuuh… I'm Lu…" Luka cleared his throat and put his mind in order. If there was one moment where he could still get through without bloodshed, it was now. "My name is Luka. I was travelling when I ended up attacked and imprisoned in that cart… I have no idea what's happening and I just want to get home to my friends."

The man eyed him, completely dumbfounded. "...That's… strange. Someone as young as you shouldn't be travelling alone. Where are you from exactly?"

"Iliasville." Luka started sweating as he observed the man's reaction. The name of his birthplace often sparked violent reactions, positive or negative.

The man remained still for a moment. "I've never heard of that place. Sounds like it could be near High Rock." He turned toward the woman. "Captain. What should we do? He's not on the list."

The woman dismissively looked at him. "Forget the list. He goes to the block."

Luka's mouth was once again half agape in shock. The man himself was staring at his superior, barely less surprised.

"Are you sure? He looks like a child."

"I just want to go home! I have nothing to do with the rebellion or whatever it is!"

When Luka approached her, the captain threateningly pulled out her sword and held it near his head.

"Get to the block unless you want to die now!"

Luka reacted on instinct and elbowed the woman who flew several meters. Her dropped sword quickly landed in Luka's hands after the hero tore his bindings apart. Quickly, everyone turned to the commotion.

"In oblivion, what is happening!?"

"By Shor's bone... that boy is a monster!"

Luka charged the two archers who were still readying their weapons when he reached them. He dealt a swift blow to the both of them with the hilt of his sword, sending both of them unconscious. More guards were turning his attention to him, readying their shots, but he was more concerned with the ever approaching danger. An otherworldly roar echoed through the village. Whatever that monster was, it was now getting very close. Close enough to say it was in fact higher than them.

A look at the plaza informed him that the other prisoners had exploited the surprise of their captors and had started rebelling as well. The savage brawl between men shocked him. Even after seeing wars, it was one of the most vicious conflict he got involved in.

"Get away from the plaza!"

"What is he… DRAGOOOOOON!"

Everyone scattered as a large beast landed on top of the central tower. It was like the dragons of old Luka read about in the books. The scaly creature was almost bigger than the tower it landed on, its two large wings fully wrapping around the top of its perch. Its slanted, angular head ended with two large horns at one extremity and a maw filled with uncannily sharp teeth at the other. Two small golden eyes shining with an intelligent malice were socketed deep midway.

Luka trembled and instinctively reinforced himself with every spell he knew. With his usual weapons, he would have stood a chance. With his allies, that beast would have been a quick fight. With neither, he was just a target. It wasn't unlike back home, except his end would be way less pleasant. Every men had stopped fighting each other, their conflict forgotten.

Fire was now raining from the red sky, setting homes on fire and glassing the ground with equal indifference. The large beast released a shockwave from its mouth which tossed the few men in front of it like so many ragdolls before taking flight.

Luka casted a light arrow to attack the dragon, but the projectile felt weaker than usual. He had become too used to the more powerful equipment he had acquired on his adventure. The magical bolt hit the dragon in his body, making the monstrous beast barely flinch. The moment the large scaly head turn in the hero's direction, he quickly took cover in the tower. A powerful roar shook the stone building, and an oversized claw broke apart the staircase before a stream of fire engulfed its interior, forcing Luka out.

The hero took a quick look around. Most of the village and its surroundings were burning. People were running in a panic while a few guards were valiantly shooting arrows at the large lizard. Half of them ended burn alive. He didn't even have the time to jump in and take a chance to save them.

Damn it... So many lives lost in the blink of an eye. As cruel as some of them are, monsters taking time playing with their victims give a chance to save them.

A gruff voice echoed amongst the archers. "Get to the dungeon! We'll escape this oblivion-cursed place through them!"

The rampaging dragon released another stream of fire on the party, cutting their plan short. Luckily, the beast seemed to have forgotten about him for now and was focused on torching the few spared houses. Luka regretted the absence of Sylph and used an accelerating time spell to close the distance. Even as the world around him slowed to a crawl, Luka felt horribly vulnerable in the open. Seeing the beast turn toward him once more in slow motion felt like a horrible nightmare he wanted to wake up from. Was the door to his exit even open? He could force it if he needed to, but he would then be left open for attacks.

The answer happened on its own as the door slowly opened. The first man he had seen when entering his world appeared and gestured for him to come inside. Luka ran even faster as the dragon started chasing him and unleashed yet another cascade of fire on his trail. Fortunately, he reached the dungeon in time. As soon as he passed the doorway, the man closed and barred the door.

"By Ysmir… You kid are a gift from Talos himself! You stood up strong when most men ran! The Stormcloaks could use your arm."

"Thank you sir, my name is Luka, and…" Luka hesitated. He was indeed younger than them, and was often told that he looked particularly young for his age. "I look young, but I'm actually a veteran adventurer."

"Veteran? Don't say foolish things. You've seen less than half the moons we did."

The noble interrupted them. "Let it slide, Ralof. You've seen him before that dragon attacked. That young man has an obvious experience with fighting."

"Right. I am sorry lord Ulfric." Ralof looked down in shame. "Apologies, sir Luka. I am still shaken by the recent turn of events."

"And so am I." Ulfric turned toward the hero. "We thank you for helping us. However, I am afraid we cannot reward you appropriately with that beast above our heads."

Before the hero could say anything, the stone structure rumbled as a reminder of the danger roaming above them. Then another rumble shook the structure, informing them that the dragon no longer had anyone outside to occupy him. Ralof looked at the ceiling.

"A dragon… I thought they only appeared in legends and children's book as the harbingers of the end times."

"Legends don't burn whole villages and claw apart its people."

Yet another rumbling shook the structure, inviting Luka and his companions to get away while they still could.

"It looks like we're the only ones who made it." Ulfric grabbed an axe from a body tucked in a corner and pointed at a wooden portcullis blocking the only exit. "Let us make way through this dungeon. It will be our way out."

"But sir! The lever to open it is on the other side!"

"I'll open it." Luka raised his hand and approached the door as the two dumbfounded men backed away. Indeed, the switch was on the other side. The door itself, however, didn't look extremely tough. The hero accumulated energy in his sword before unleash an oblique slash that tore a large part of the door apart. The hero jumped back in surprise when the sword broke in several parts, leaving him only with the handle. The two men behind were once again dumbfounded.

"By the nines… you have the strength of a giant."

"…Sorry. I used to have a better sword." Luka kicked the remainders of the gate apart. The narrow hallway didn't look inviting, but it was the only chance to escape. A burly voice echoed from further down.

"I heard a noise from up there! If it's one of those prisoners, kill them!"

Luka slowly exhaled. A monstrous beast was still threatening them, and some men still found the rage to target them instead of considering working together to escape.

Those imperials don't care about human life at all, do they?

Two men in heavy mail wearing heavy armor appeared in the hallway, swords ready to strike the hero. When the first attempted to attack Luka, the hero slipped under his guard and punched him straight in the chest. While he felt pain in the hand after hitting the mail, his opponent collapsed with his chest clutched, breathing erratically. The second one ended slammed in a wall with enough force to be stunned, and crumpled to the ground in a thud. An approving whistling noise reached Luka's ears.

"Impressive. Let us make sure those imperials will never trouble anyone again."

"Don't kill them!" Luka defensively raised a hand when the man reached for their axes. "They deserve a chance to see the errors of their way and join us."

Ulfric hesitated for a moment. Eventually, he stood his hand and gestured for Ralof to do the same. "A surprisingly merciful approach. Yet I doubt this will lead the result you desire."

"I got a lot of friends that way."

And I'm… actually not missing them that much right now.

"Even if they refuse, at least we'll not fall to their level."

The small party progressed through the narrow, moss covered stone hallways. A few more imperial soldiers got in the way of the party only to end up unconscious on the ground after Luka struck them down with his bare hands. The two men behind him slowed down to check the furniture.

"Hang on. Let us check those barrels for possible potions. We will need anything we can get our hands on."

Luka nodded and checked a table. Several small red and blue vials were indeed laying around, their purpose quite obvious.

Is this how they heal their wounds in this world? I hope they're less bitter than herbs… There's even a mana potion left behind. I'll need to get as many as possible…

Luka grabbed as many of the items he could carry in a backpack and pouted. His container was quite limited in capacity. It wasn't the near infinitely deep stash he was used to. He would be forced to deal with it accordingly.

If only I had taken it before going for a drink… and if only I still had my sword! Where is it? I'm feeling naked without it, and their own weapons are barely worth the ones I found in the southernmost part of the Ilias Continent! I'm really lucky to still have the remainder of my equipment!

At least, I can no longer feel the dungeon rumbling from the dragon attacking us… I just hope he isn't waiting for us at the exit.

A mix of screams echoing from further down the hall attracted Luka's attention. Feeling someone in distress, the hero charged headfirst in the depths barely illuminated by a few hanging torches.

"Kid! Luka! Wait for us!"

Luka ignored them and rushed headfirst in a room filled with iron metallic cages and different equipment which use was too obvious. Fortunately, most of them were empty, but he could see two cages filled with a freshly dead body and a skeleton.

In a corner, one man was attached to a vertical table, his head limply hanging and his body covered with bloody scars. Another man was leaning over him with a thin scalpel in his hand. The latter barely had the time to turn toward the newcomer before Luka threw him to the ground. The hero was livid with a barely contained rage and grabbed his target to toss it in one of the cage after snatching the keys hanging at his belt. Luka then locked the cage, and quickly got to work on the imprisoned man to heal his wounds. He was starting to free the victim from his bindings when his two companions joined him.

"By Ysmir… be careful, warrior. You can count on us to help you."

"S-sorry." Luka gulped loudly as the man he just healed collapsed, unconscious but safe. "When I heard his screams, I couldn't help it."

Torture… that world is still using body torture… it's just cruel and idiotic. I still remember those lessons from Mephisto and Alma Elma on how to get someone to talk. You don't get anything by making someone suffer. People will just blab anything to make it stop, lie if necessary, and then if they're free they will be out for revenge. Was he doing it for pleasure? No… with so many soldiers around, he had to have support.

I'm just… hurgh. I really hope it's an isolated incident and not the standard of this world.

"What fate do you reserve for him?"

Ulfric gestured at the torturer. The man was trying to get away in foetal position at the opposite end of the cage. He just looked pathetic. Ralof was glaring at him while he was carrying the man Luka just saved, and it was obvious what fate he had in mind. However, as tempting as it was, Luka didn't want to give in this spiral of vengeance.

"Leave him be. He won't be so lucky next time. We still have to escape."

Deep down, Luka just wanted to leave this place of suffering. His keen senses informed him that those bodies were the last victims of many. A natural air flow informed him of an opening. And indeed, a large gap in a wall revealed a brown, rocky natural cavern. It was their best chance to escape.

Then chittering noises Luka's attention to the ceiling. Two large man-sized orange spiders were slowly descending toward the party.

"Damn frostbite spiders! They're swarming every cave!"

I should have taken a weapon.

Ralof put away his charge and readied to fight. Luka regretted his bout of forgetfulness as the dripping mandibles of the descending spider were slowly approaching him. He imbued his fist with the power of a mountain and punched the spider back a few feet. Luka grimaced at the contact of the slimy substance. It was as disgusting as he expected. Even worse, he felt an icy burn in his arm after his attack, even through his glove. He punched her again with the power of light, and the spider completely fell apart in small parts. Luka checked on his companions. They had no difficulty dealing with their own opponent.

Wordlessly, they returned to exploring the cave, all of them silently hoping that the apparently natural formation would lead them to fresh air. A small stream of descending water even seemed to guide them to an exit. As they followed it, Ralof pointed at a fuzzy brown rock.

"A bear! We should sneak around it! Fighting that beast will be more trouble than it's worth."

Luka silently conceded. He didn't want to spend energy waking up and fighting a poor animal anyway. After making their way around the beast, the party finally arrived in sight of the large opening responsible for illuminating the place. On the other side of this blinding light, Luka and his companions were greeted by the sight of a mountainous forest covered in snow. Hardy colorful bushes were growing on each side of a small dirt path that descended the mountain. While Luka was glad to be out of this mess, he could tell that his companions were beyond elated.

"By Ysmir… finally, we escaped this place!" Ralof was nervously giggling. "I cannot wait to return to my family in Riverwood!"

"Indeed, we are lucky for our escape." Ulfric turned toward Luka, looking at him with an expression as thankful as it was solemn. "And it is in no small part thanks to you. Luka. You have nothing to envy to the hero of the old tales. Your fighting prowess could be compared to Talos himself."

"Thank you, sir…" Luka awkwardly scratched the back of his head. "I'm just… a travelling hero who got caught in a bad situation."

Luka didn't know what to say. He wasn't surprised by their praise, but he didn't want to say the truth either. Telling he came from another could have several different effects on these men, and he didn't want to take the risk of losing their goodwill. Luckily, Ulfric just shrugged off his answer, and Ralof looked too loyal to question his superior, while his load was unconscious.

"Right… I do not want to ask anything more of you after you have saved us, but we still have to face the return of a dragon responsible for destroying Helgen. Whiterun must be informed of this fact, so that they can reinforce the vulnerable Riverwood. I am afraid imperials would be on the lookout for me, henceforth I must return to Windhelm as fast as possible."

Luka nodded in understanding. If the man was indeed a fugitive, then of course people would look for him.

Wait… Those imperials tried to kill me even when I told them innocent. They're… actually, could it be like Plansect Village where those plants jumped me as soon as I entered their domain? Is it just a bad decision from a few of them?

I need some information. Damn it, maybe Alice or Mephisto could have helped me.

"I will do it sir. I will make sure people are informed and Riverwood is protected."

Ulfric smiled. "Once again, we thank you hero Luka. May Talos guide you."

"Come see me in Riverwood!" Ralof ran down the path as fast as he could while Ulfric started walking away on the mountain's flank, leaving Luka alone.

The hero sighed and sat on the spot, exhausted. For the first time, he felt like he could freely breathe. Since he woke up from unconsciousness, the day had been one surprise after another, and now that he was finally alone, he could take the time to review everything.

He had indeed ended in another world. The details of how it happened were unclear. The one thing obvious was that he would never touch a drop of alcohol again. At least, his mind was clear from the moment he landed. He had no idea if the other heroes had been brought there with him and landed elsewhere or if they were even teleported to yet different worlds altogether. Considering he had tried to isolate himself before the incident, he had no idea if anyone else in the Pocket Castle was aware of his predicament either.

Next, the world itself was quite close to his own. The technology was slightly more backward. So far, makina was completely missing. Mana was flowing differently, but he could still access it naturally. It wasn't anything like -he reflexively shivered- his unfortunate travel in the house populated by succubi when he was beyond vulnerable. He was missing his sword, the most important piece of his equipment, but his mastery over a large number of skills would compensate the lower quality of the weapons he would be forced to use in the meantime. Luckily, besides that dragon, there had been no sign of a serious threat. He would be able to handle most of what this world would throw at him.

The region he ended in was apparently the subject of a war. He didn't know much about the conflict itself, except that he currently had favors from the leader of one side. He loathed wars. He had seen enough battles between the kingdoms of Grangold and Grand Noah, and then against the Monster Lord's army to know just how ugly it could get in the heat of battle and to loath the horrible aftermath… and yet, even then, he was still smirking, feeling content. A war was going on out there. Dragons appearing announced the End Times if the local myths were right. The simple dissonance between the seriousness of the situation and his subconscious mindset aggravated him.

Then he understood why he felt so relieved. There were no Monster Girls. Neither enemy nor companion had tried to get in his pants even after he said no. There had been no infighting between two monsters wanting to bed him. He didn't have to deal with the unbearable ambiance of the aftermath. He wouldn't need to double, triple lock his door this evening to spend a resting night. He wasn't at risk of spending a day unable to move because someone got hungry and he happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. For how pleasant their company was, he welcomed their absence. He didn't feel ashamed for his happiness born from the distance separating him from even the more reasonable partners.

It looks like I got what I wanted for once… And for now this world doesn't look half bad. Those snowy forests look nice, and there's a greener pasture down the road. There isn't even a sign of chaos in the air…

With a light step, Luka started walking down the path open to him, his shoulders free from any weight.

So yes, the next few chapters will be about the adventures of the Seven Heroes in Skyrim, which would pretty much be what would happen if the protagonist started level seventy with everyone reacting appropriately.

Not every facet of the world will be explored for obvious reasons. Skyrim is already vast, and Tamriel's lore is as consequential as it can be expected from a series running for decades. It will be centered on the heroes first and foremost.