chapter 5
The tent flap is thrown open.
Princess: How dare you!
The air turns cold—like ice forming in an instant.
Her blade snaps forward, pointing directly at John. Rage burns in her eyes.
John and Esabell jump to their feet.
Esabell: Princess—what happened?!
Silence hangs for a breath too long.
Princess: You entered my camp… and stole my necklace?!
Without waiting for an answer, she turns sharply and storms out.
Marco exhales under his breath.
Marco: Lucky…
Tomasi smirks faintly.
John steps forward, then stops beside Tomasi.
John: This isn't fair.
He turns and walks away.
---
A woman steps forward. Her eyes glint faintly in the dark.
A sword drags behind her, scraping the ground.
Then—
she vanishes.
Blue flames erupt from the blade.
SLASH.
A monster drops.
SLASH. SLASH. SLASH.
Limbs fall. Shadows scatter.
Blood stains her fingers.
Within moments, every creature lies dead.
She stands still.
Then she smiles.
Not gentle.
Not kind.
A smile that promises more destruction.
Her sword rests easily on her shoulder, as if it weighs nothing.
A soldier approaches, struggling to hide his fear.
Soldier: M-Miss Guinevere… your carriage is ready. We can depart to join the Princess.
Her burning eyes shift toward him.
Guinevere: Good.
A soft laugh escapes her lips.
Guinevere: I was getting bored.
---
John stands in front of the Princess's tent.
Princess: Why did you come to my tent?
John: I… thought maybe we could practice swords.
She tilts her head, unimpressed.
Princess: Such lame words. And you expect me to believe that?
John scratches the back of his neck, nervous.
John: N-no… maybe I just wanted… to see you.
Princess: To see me?
Her eyes narrow—sharp and searching. Yet something flickers within them… curiosity.
John: Well, I… I think—
Her expression shifts suddenly.
Princess: No more explanation needed. You may go now.
John swallows, heart racing, then blurts out:
John: I didn't mean to take your necklace… I thought you had dropped it. It was on the ground.
She studies him in silence. For a moment, the world feels still.
Princess: …Hmph.
Her gaze softens—just slightly.
Princess: You may leave. And if you want to practice, join me tonight.
Her voice lowers a fraction, almost teasing.
Princess: But after this… your intentions are suspicious.
John meets her eyes, uncertainty and determination flickering in his.
John: I'll remember that.
He turns to leave… then glances back.
Their eyes meet—just for a heartbeat too long.
---
Inside the tent, the Princess sits alone.
She opens the necklace.
---
Flashback:
A little girl swings a wooden sword, laughing.
Mother: Flora, I'm leaving. Be strong.
Princess: Where are you going?
Mother: People need help. I must save them.
Princess: Will you fight?
Her mother smiles gently.
Mother: One day, you will understand.
She places the necklace in the girl's hands.
Mother: Whenever you miss me… look inside. I'll come back soon.
---
End of flashback.
---
Tears slide down the Princess's cheeks as she stares at the tiny portraits of her parents.
Princess (whispering): I will find you, Mom… even if I must fight the gods.
---
Morning arrives.
The Princess stands ready. Marco stands beside her.
Footsteps approach.
Guinevere stops in front of them and bows slightly.
Guinevere: Long time no see, Princess.
The Princess's expression turns cold.
Princess: Let's begin the journey then.
Guinevere smirks.
---
Inside another tent—
Esabell kneels on the floor.
A massive circle is carved into the ground, a star glowing at its center.
Around it, eight names pulse faintly with light:
God of Death
God of Earth and Life
God of Emotions and Illusion
God of Knowledge
God of Time and Fate
God of War
God of Afterlife
God of Justice
Tomasi stands at the center, chanting under his breath.
The air grows heavy.
The symbols ignite.
His voice cracks—twisting into a scream.
Red flames erupt from his eyes.
Dark crimson fire bursts from his body, licking the walls of the tent.
The glowing names flare brighter, as if something inside them has awakened.
The ground trembles.
The tent shakes violently.
….CHAPTER 5ENDS…