Royal Academy of Magic. A place where technology and magic reign supreme.
Students roam a paradise-like campus, learning in perfect conditions. In their classes, they use magical VR to play impossible games crafted from illusion incarnate.
And among all those marvels... why did we catch her attention?
A girl who looked like your typical noble. What could possibly go wrong?
"We were literally in the same class! But fine, for the dense: My name is Ashmourne il Bloodorchid Dominia—"
I cut off her dramatic monologue:
"Yeah, yeah. What do you want?"
"I—idiot! Have you no fear? Listen and remember me: Ashmourne il Bloodorchid Dominia Ether-Flame!"
Wow. Her name’s longer than my backstory. Still...
"Persistent, aren’t you? What do you want?"
She straightened her back with pride. Her chest puffed out like a question in a heated argument.
"You mean nothing to me. I’m here for him!"
She pointed at Riven. Her face had no room for humility—more like the smugness of a pop idol.
"Ohhh, really..?" I eyed the glasses nerd. "Didn’t know you grew a personality. I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone."
I clapped Riven on the back.
"Don’t be shy. Let me know how your romantic escapade ends."
Perfect time to leave.
Or not. That bespectacled dummy grabbed me.
"Ohhh," the girl groaned in mock disappointment. "You afraid to be alone with me?"
I glanced at Riven. Compared to her, he looked crushed.
It clicked. She was bullying him—mercilessly.
"Atheron, right?" she cooed, tapping her lips. "Sorry, but your friend here doesn’t want to be left alone with me. Would you mind talking some sense into him?"
Riven flailed his arms, clearly begging for rescue. What a pain.
"He’s all yours," I replied with the purest smile I could fake, pushing him toward her.
Riven’s expression screamed, Please get me out of here!
I started walking off... but before I turned the corner, I activated Perception.
The girl turned to him.
"Little shrimp. You gonna explain why you were creeping behind him like some loser?"
"What? Feeling uncomfortable with me? Pity. I was gonna tell you something important. Looks like you’re late on your payments."
Ah. So that’s what this is about.
"I-I know. I’ll pay when I can."
"We’re talking a hundred thousand gaard, sweetie."
Gaard — local currency of Ashgard.
What?! A hundred thousand? You could buy a car with that. Then again, Riven was from an influential family.
"T-that’s not pocket change..." he stammered, shoulders trembling.
"Not my problem. Two days. If you don’t pay up—kiss your Academy perks goodbye."
Her face — smug as sin, oozing venom. That smile was pure predator.
...I’m no hero. But even I felt disturbed of that grin.
"Changed my mind," I muttered, turning back. "What’s this little chat about, kids?"
I stepped between them, zero concern for her personal space.
"And what do you think you’re doing, Ashmourne il Bloodorchid-Whatever? Trying to rob my friend?"
She gave me a theatrical, mocking smirk like I was her next toy:
"Huh? I don’t speak dumb. With such face of yours you should’ve been a pornstar."
Ugh. Annoying villainess. I kinda like it.
I gave her my trademarked crooked grin.
"Whatever. Back off my friend. Got it?"
"That’s no fun," she grinned wider, all naughty charm. "If you’re setting terms, be ready for mine."
So that’s what she was after.
"I heard," she continued, "you fought Saddler to a draw. You’ll do nicely. You see... I’ve got a little problem."
She’d aimed for me from the start. Crafty vixen.
With a faux-vulnerable pout, she said:
"Some guy keeps stalking me. Get rid of him, and I’ll leave your friend alone. Maybe even... be all yours."
Well, that’s a twist.
I glanced at Riven. He looked like he was praying.
"Not sure," I scratched my head.
"Pweeease~" she leaned forward again. Her chest nearly pressed against me.
Trying to charm me with some dark magic? Think I’ll fall that easily?
"Fine. What was it again, Ash?"
"You can call me that," she leaned in, eyes gleaming dominantly. "Tell that punk to get off my back. A deal’s a deal. Besides... you are a man, aren’t you?"
Her name came from an ancient legend—Ash, the man who defied gods and won. After his victory, he founded Ashgard, the country of magic we now live in.
"So be it," I smirked like a proper scoundrel. "You’re asking for a challenge. Think I’m weak?"
"Oh no," her voice oozed confidence. "You’re the only one strong enough. You fought Saddler, after all."
Afterward, Riven and I were alone.
"Thank you so much!" he bowed, like I was some divine being. "What would I do without you?"
"Cut it out, kid. You’re making me uncomfortable."
I sighed. Since when did I become this soft?
Images of Lirael and Saddler flashed through my mind. Good grief.
"Now show me that portal."
"Just about to," he chuckled nervously. "But... we’ll need to go to my place."
"Huh? Sure. No big deal."
Evening fell. Moonlight bathed the Riverfall estate in silver.
We were in his room. Door locked. Only the window open.
"Just be careful," I warned.
"I know," he said, placing a hand on the wooden floor. "Relax a little bit."
His face screamed uncertainty. Poor guy. Learned a forbidden portal technique and still timid as ever.
It began. A purple light erupted from his palm. Wind surged.
Our hair blew back. The tome under his feet lifted into the air as the the curtains began to flutter.
Then came the portal — oval-shaped, surrounded by rippling violet energy. Like glass... leading to chaos.
My hand reached for it. As if it pulled me in like spaghetti.
"Huh?" I smirked. "You’re coming with me, hero. I’m not the only one enjoying the view."
The portal’s light revealed itself ever brighter.
Another world, you say? I wonder if there are dragonslayers there.
I wonder... what awaits me on the other side?