Ella's Room
In Ella's room, after Alex, thanks to the mage's help, narrowly escaped certain death, he hid there and fell asleep in her bed. Unfortunately, Princess Tanya suddenly barged in and discovered him. Now, let's see what happens next.
Tanya: Seriously, I need you to explain this to me, because I have no idea what's going on. Can you do that?
Ella, caught in this situation, sighed, lowered her head, and then said to Tanya:
Ella: All right, I'll do it, but at least let me get changed first. That way, we can talk more comfortably.
A few hours later, Ella had taken the time to change and had even explained everything to Tanya over a cup of tea.
Alex, who was still deeply asleep, was being watched by Tanya, who said to Ella:
Tanya: So, if I understand correctly, you don't believe he's guilty, and that's why you helped him escape?
Ella, holding her cup, set it down and exhaled heavily before replying:
Ella: In short—yeah, that's it.
Tanya lifted her cup, took a sip, shook her head, and said:
Tanya: Hmm! Hmmm! Hmmmm! I totally get it—but there's one thing that still bothers me.
Ella: What is it?
Setting her cup down slowly, Tanya asked, carefully:
Tanya: First off, we could question your outfit. Just a shirt and pants? Mind explaining why you're dressed like that? And honestly, even after all your explanations, nothing explains why he's lying in your bed right now.
Ella, who had just finished her tea, was caught off guard and asked Tanya:
Ella: What's your deal with how I dress? I'm dressed like this because I wasn't planning on leaving my room today—you know how much I hate the heat.
Tanya shot back instantly:
Tanya: But there's a guy in your room!
Ella looked over at Alex, who stirred a little in bed, then looked back at Tanya and asked:
Ella: So what's the problem?
Completely baffled, Tanya just shook her head and said:
Tanya: Then just explain why he's asleep there.
Ella glanced again at Alex, then at Tanya. Looking at him, she said:
Ella: I honestly have no idea. This guy really has some weird reactions.
After a while, Alex finally woke up. To his surprise, he found Ella and Tanya sitting by the window, chatting over tea. He observed them for a moment, then got up, took a step forward, knelt down, and said:
Alex: My respects, Princess. I apologize for not noticing your presence sooner.
Hearing that, Tanya was completely caught off guard and asked:
Tanya: Seriously? That's all you have to say?
Alex, who had been looking down, raised his head and looked the Princess straight in the eyes before saying:
Alex: I don't think there's anything more to add, given that I'm here—and you haven't had me dragged off yet.
Hearing this, Tanya turned toward Ella, but noticed she was lost in thought, resting her head on her hand and gazing out the window. In truth, Ella just didn't feel like dealing with Alex's attitude and was pretending to zone out.
Once Tanya understood Alex's tone, she sighed and said:
Tanya: Get up. Apparently, you're too strange for us to even try understanding you.
Alex stood up, and then Tanya asked again:
Tanya: So tell me, what do you plan to do now?
Alex looked out the window and said:
Alex: I think I'll go find your sister.
Completely stunned, Tanya asked:
Tanya: What? And how do you plan on doing that?
Alex: Don't worry, I'll handle it—but I'll need your help.
Tanya tilted her head, clearly confused.
Tanya: ????
Alex: It's simple. Bring me a black cloak and the sword they took from me when I was arrested.
A few minutes later, Alex already had what he asked for and was dressed again. Tanya and Ella stood before him near the window, and Ella asked:
Ella: And now?
Alex: Now, I'm going to beat the crap out of the guy who made me go through all this.
He looked outside and added:
Alex: It's already getting dark. I should get going.
He climbed up to the window, and just as he was about to leave, he heard:
Tanya: Alex!!! Please—bring my little sister back.
Alex looked at the Princess for a moment before replying simply:
Alex: Of course.
Then he left.
The Capital of the Kingdom of Nora – Old Commercial District
Even though the area was nearly deserted that evening, Alex walked through the empty streets and thought:
(Alex): (This is a real mess, but if I follow the instructions of my nocturnal visitor, I shouldn't be far from what I'm looking for.)
He stopped in front of an old tavern with a sign that read "Midnight Sun."
(Alex): (Found it!)
Meanwhile, Melty was in the basement—in a damp room where a thin layer of water covered the floor. She was tied to a chair, as was Judith, who was still unconscious. Melty struggled and shouted:
Melty: Let me go! This wasn't part of the deal! Let me go!
The man behind it all, the one who had attacked them, sat across from her on a pile of crates and replied:
Buyer: It's true, at first we were only supposed to pretend. But, you see, a lot of people hate you. That's why I'll be selling you to the highest bidder.
Then, suddenly—the door to the room exploded.
Alex had just entered.
Wooden debris and droplets of water floated in the air. Everyone's attention turned to Alex.
Alex: Hi there.
Melty was completely shocked, and the man scowled and shouted:
Buyer: You again!!!
Alex: Just a quick note—let's skip the dialogue and flashbacks, all right? I've already hit my word limit for this chapter and this whole subplot.
Without further ado, the man drew his sword and launched a flurry of quick attacks. Alex, keeping his cool, dodged the strikes, then drew his own sword. He easily blocked the attacks and quickly took back the advantage. But the man saw an opening and headbutted Alex hard.
Staggering back, Alex touched his bleeding forehead, then raised his gaze and glared fiercely:
Alex: So that's how you want to play it? Fine.
He took off his cloak, planted his sword in the ground, and said:
Alex: Come at me.
On the other side, Melty watched the scene, frustrated and confused:
(Melty): (What's even happening? I seriously have no idea anymore.)
She bit her lip slowly.
Alex stood motionless, his gaze locked on his opponent. The man hesitated, then charged at him in anger.
Reading every movement perfectly, Alex dodged and blocked every attack. The assailant tried to change tactics, but Alex controlled the fight completely. He pushed him to the limit, forcing him into a sloppy move. Alex seized the moment—blocked the armed hand with his sword—and struck to disarm him.
The man staggered back, completely outmatched. Alex shifted into an unarmed fighting stance.
Seeing this, the man thought:
(Buyer): (I'd noticed it before, but he's really strong. I have no choice. I can't back down. Let's go, barehanded.)
He got into position too, but Alex just clicked his tongue.
Alex: Tch...
The man threw a series of punches, but Alex blocked them all. The man jumped to kick, but Alex stopped it easily, making him stumble back. He kept attacking with flurries of punches and kicks, but nothing landed.
Alex waited for the next charge, blocked it, and landed a clean punch right to the man's face.
Furious, the man attacked wildly, but it was over—Alex could read every move and countered with precise blows all over his body. When the man's guard finally weakened, Alex took advantage and delivered a powerful kick that sent him crashing into the wall.
Alex stepped forward and said:
Alex: Give up. You've lost.
Bleeding and exhausted, the man spat out blood and shouted:
Buyer: Never! You hear me? Never!
Then he rushed at Alex. Alex ducked to evade, smirked, and thought:
(Alex): (That's the reaction I was waiting for! Hmmm!)
Right after dodging, he struck the man straight in the face—then followed up with another hit, then another. He unleashed a flurry of blows across the man's body before finishing with a powerful uppercut.
Each strike hit its mark—and after that final uppercut, the man lay on the ground, unable to move.
END OF CHAPTER
Author's Note:
Well, I really outdid myself this time with the length of this chapter!
To all you haters who never comment—I'm still waiting! And if the good Lord ever blesses you, send me some Power Stones while you're at it.
It's Ben—spent two hours writing this one for you guys. See you next time!
NEXT CHAPTER: The Rebellion of LURENO