Chapter 3 - The Royal Summons (Or, Why Rei Should Never Check Mail)

Rei woke to the sound of trumpets blaring outside the village inn—free lodging courtesy of "Sovereign's Grace." Squish slimed across the bedsheets, projecting sparkles that the system labeled "Morning Aura of Doom." Lira, now self-appointed high priestess, burst in with a gilded scroll, eyes shining like she'd found religion (again).��[System Notice: Host receives Official Correspondence. Threat Level: Royal. Recommendation: Intimidate for favorable terms.]"Lord Rei! The capital summons you!" Lira thrust the scroll forward. Rei, bleary-eyed and craving coffee (nonexistent), unrolled it. Fancy script declared: To the Harvest Sovereign, Tamer of Kings: Your presence is commanded to avert calamity. Below: a wax seal with Rei's face (badly sketched as a hooded menace).Rei rubbed temples. "This is a mistake. I just want a map and—"[System Hint: Host rejects summons. Optimizing response for Diplomatic Supremacy. Voice modulation: Emperor Tone activated.]The words boomed from Rei's mouth: "I deign to grace your throne. Prepare thrones of tribute, or face the harvest's wrath!"Lira swooned. "Prophecy fulfilled! The king trembles!" She dashed out to pack "offerings" (stolen village chickens). Squish hopped excitedly, evolving mid-bounce into a wolf-sized fluffball with crown antlers—system ping: Calamity Mount Unlocked. Speed +200%.Carriage CalamityThe "royal escort" arrived: knights in shining armor, trembling at Rei's "aura." Rei climbed into a plush carriage, muttering, "Finally, some peace." A knight overheard and paled.[System Alert: Host demands silence. Enforcing Absolute Dominion. All allies receive "Mute Oath" debuff.]Knights clammed up, eyes wide—convinced Rei had cursed them for speaking. One tried whispering coordinates; his voice vanished mid-sentence. Panic spread: "He's claimed our souls already!"Roadside peasants bowed as the procession passed, tossing flowers and valuables. Rei waved thanks; system twisted it to "Claim All Offerings" gesture. Wagons emptied in Rei's wake.Lira, riding beside, misinterpreted Rei's sigh: "The road wearies you, Divine One? Shall I summon rain?" Rei shrugged—boom: storm clouds gathered unnaturally.Capital Gates of Glory (and Dread)The capital's gates swung open to cheering crowds... who parted screaming. Banners read: Welcome Calamity Hero! King Eldric awaited on a balcony, flanked by nobles. He bowed deeply. "Sovereign! Save us from the demon horde you foresee!"Rei blinked. "Demons? I didn't—"[System Notice: Audience with Monarch. Quest Update: Explain Yourself (Still Impossible). New Title: "Prophet of Peril." Bonus: Harem Flag Detected (Lira Loyalty Max).]Rei facepalmed as Lira announced: "The Sovereign decrees demon extinction!" Cheers erupted. Somewhere distant, a demon scout reported: "The Overlord marches—prepare annihilation!"Rei slumped. Normalcy? Miles away.