Kaelira watched as Jamine paused for effect, her hands gesturing wildly. ’’With a single wave of his hand, he unleashed a surge of power. The ground shook, the air crackled, and the entire horde was gone. Just poof, obliterated. I swear, Kaelira, it was like watching a god.’’
Khela nodded, her grin wide. ’’That’s just one story. His legend’s growing by the day. They say he tad a rogue wyvern plaguing the southern cliffs by staring it down, no weapons, just those violet dragon eyes. The beast bowed to him like a puppy.’’
Her blue-haired companion jumped in, barely containing her excitent. ’’And then there’s the ti he negotiated peace with the Frostborn Clans up north. They were ready to wage war over trade routes, but he walked into their camp, alone, and left with a treaty and their leaders’ prized blade as a gift. He’s not just strong; he’s brilliant. He sees things no one else does.’’
Kaelira’s brows lifted, her curiosity deepening. ’’He sounds unstoppable. Are there any stories where he, I don’t know, struggled?’’
Jasmine laughed, shaking her head. ’’Struggled? If he has, no one’s seen it. There’s a tale from the Western Marshes where he faced a corrupted sorcerer who’d summoned a void beast. Archer didn’t just defeat it; he sealed the rift it ca from, saving half the continent. rchants still sing about it in the taverns.’’
As the trio reached the guild’s entrance, Khela added. ’’Everywhere you go, you’ll hear more. He’s not just an emperor; he’s a myth in the making. Stick around, and you might catch a glimpse of him yourself.’’
Kaelira smiled, her mind buzzing with the tales of Archer, wondering what kind of man could inspire such admiration, but soon that was put on the back burner as they signed her up as a E Rank adventurer and her two new companions celebrated before they left Oakheart Village to head for Westreach.
While on the road, she heard all kinds of tales about the legendary emperor who rescues you common man from poverty and makes sure they have food during the Long Winter. This was what they called the horrible weather plaguing the world. Even the continents in the north were affected, but not to this extent.
The trio continued traveling across Orientia, where they ca across all kinds of things while taking small quests to earn coins to stay in the new Rest Stops the group ran into a few miles outside of Oakheart. Kaelire was confused at the sight and questioned Jasmine. ’’Who pays for all this? It must be expensive to build these things?’’
’’The empire does,’’ the Water Elf revealed. ’’They call them Rest Stops, it’s a safe place for rchants, adventurers, and other travelers to spend the night in. So roads go on for weeks; these places are a gift.’’
Khela agreed, nodding. ’’And so places sell the best food, the one outside Fireade City is brilliant!’’ she exclaid.
Following that, the three showed the guards their Adventurers’ Cards, and they were let in. Jasmine led them to a stall selling noodles, making her stomach rumble. The Water Elf giggled. ’’Looks like soone’s hungry, these dishes are sothing else.’’
They all sat down just as the older man behind the stall turned to them with a welcoming smile. ’’What can I do for you, ladies?’’
’’Three bowls of your at noodles, please,’’ Jasmine ordered. ’’And whatever ale you have.’’
Afterward, the owner began cooking as the heat washed against their bodies, as snow started falling. Kaelira turned to face the weather and muttered. ’’Damn Long Winter, is it always this cold?’’
’’Yes,’’ Khela answered, giggling. ’’The governnt says they don’t know how long it will last, but so say years, others say even longer.’’
Monts later, three steaming bowls of at noodles were placed on the counter, the rich broth swirling with beef, herbs, and thick noodles. Beside them, he set down three mugs of ale, the liquid catching the dim light of the Rest Stop. The trio exchanged eager glances, the warmth chasing away the chill of the Long Winter’s snow drifting outside.
The Water Elf dove in first, twirling noodles around her chopsticks with practiced ease. ’’Mmm,’’ she mumbled through a mouthful, eyes half-closed in bliss. ’’Told you these were divine.’’
Kela sipped her ale, then scooped up a hearty bite, savoring the savory broth. ’’These places never disappoint,’’ she said, wiping a drop from her chin. ’’The spices are sothing else.’’
Kaelira followed suit, the first spoonful warming her from the inside out. The flavors exploded with a hint of sweetness that lingered. She leaned back slightly, savoring the mont. ’’Okay, you weren’t lying,’’ she admitted, glancing at the other two. ’’This is worth braving the cold for.’’
As they ate, the clatter of bowls and the soft hum of the Rest Stop chatter filled the air, blending with the patter of snow against the windows. Khela laughed, raising her mug. ’’To good food and epic adventures!"
They clinked their mugs together; the warmth of the al was a perfect shield against the wintry chill outside. They ate in silence for a mont, the clink of bowls and crackle of the fire blending with the muffled howl of the wind outside. Jasmine leaned back, patting her stomach. ’’We need beds after this. Good thing the inn’s right here.’’
Khela nodded, finishing her noodles. ’’Yeah, no way I’m trudging through that blizzard any longer than necessary.’’
They settled their bill, leaving a few extra coins for the vendor’s warm service, and approached the innkeeper’s counter. The plump woman, her hair in a tight braided bun, looked up from her ledger. ’’Rooms for the night, ladies?’’
’’Three singles, if you’ve got them,’’ Jasmine said, pulling out her coin pouch.
The innkeeper handed over three keys.’’Second floor, rooms 12 to 14. Breakfast’s at dawn if you’re up early.’’
Kaelira pocketed her key, the promise of a warm bed easing the day’s fatigue. ’’Sounds perfect,’’ she said.
Jasmine smirked as they climbed the creaky staircase. ’’Rest up. Tomorrow, we’ll show you what adventuring is all about.’’
Kaelira pushed open the door to room 12, the key in her hand. The chamber welcod her with a soft glow from a single light on a wooden nightstand. A narrow bed with a thick woolen blanket sat against one wall, flanked by a small window where snowflakes tapped gently against the glass.
A faint scent of cedar lingered, mingling with the warm air radiating from a small iron brazier in the corner. She eased onto the bed, the mattress creaking softly under her weight. Kicking off her boots, she stretched out, letting the day’s tension lt away. The distant hum of the Rest Stop faded, leaving only the quiet patter of snow.
As she stared at the bead ceiling, her mind wandered to everything she’d witnessed since arriving here. The village was different from the rugged northern ones, pulsed with life, rchants hawking exotic spices, children weaving through crowded markets, and those towering blocks that seed to touch the sky.
Jasmine and Khela’s tales of Archer Wyldheart echoed in her thoughts: his violet dragon eyes, his godlike strength, and the way he’d reshaped Orientia with roads, aqueducts, and hos. Was he truly as mythical as they claid? Her fingers traced the edge of her Adventurer’s Card, E Rank, but brimming with potential.
The south felt alive with possibility, yet the Long Winter gnawed at her. Kaelira pulled the blanket over herself, the warmth lulling her toward sleep. Tomorrow, she’d join Jasmine and Khela to explore more of this empire. For now, she let the quiet of the room and the weight of her thoughts carry her into a dream-filled rest, the snow outside weaving a soft cocoon around the inn.
***
Archer was sitting in front of the fire, letting out a yawn after he breathed so Dragonfire onto it. A violet glow lit up his surroundings; the cave entrance showed nothing as the clearing was hidden from the outside world. redith and Malakia were still sleeping, letting out adorable snores that echoed throughout the campsite.
While sitting there, he checked in on all the expeditions and found out they were fine. Hunkering down for the storms that were hitting them, causing him to glance up only to see dark clouds appearing in the sky. He cast a Mana Barrier around them to keep everyone dry from the incoming rain.
A rainstorm just started and bounced off the shield, creating a pitter-patter noise that put him at ease. Archer relaxed against a log while eating so monster at; the sll wafted across the campsite, causing Malakia to appear from the tent, a wide smile crossing her face.
’’Can I have so, husband?’’ she asked, a hopeful expression appearing.
’’Co join , Mala,’’ Archer answered, motioning to the spot beside him.
After that, he took out so more and handed it to the older woman. ’’It’s Southern Boar, I grabbed so before we left.’’
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