Chapter 1.17 — Evolution, Tears & Regrets

  Loading…

  Loading…

  The rain poured; a dark figure leaned down. The flames behind almost reached the smoke filled sky.

  Beatrix held her friend's hand.

  Between hers and—

  Anja Fie Von Drachj?ger.

  Anja lying down in the mud—fatally wounded.

  Beatrix lowered her head, biting her lip.

  “...You fool.”

  “Why didn't you run?”

  Beatrix gritted her teeth, her tears mixing with the rain—tightening her grip.

  “I'm sorry… I—we couldn't… we had to protect them!” Anja coughed up blood.

  She could feel the warmth from Beatrix's shaken hands.

  Smoke filled the sky.

  The village lit up in flames—

  Heimzuch was burning…

  Soldiers were everywhere, evacuating people.

  A small figure broke out of the darkness—with a spear.

  She shouted angrily at the soldiers as she ran to Beatrix.

  Alice finally arrived. “My Lady—we must go! If we are to make it!”

  “I can't leave her! She and Olive protected the people—when I couldn't!” Beatrix's voice cracked.

  Anja looked at Beatrix… her eyes warm.

  “It’s alright, Trixi…” Anja forced a painful smile. “They set you up—It’s not your fault!”

  “No, I should have known!” Beatrix tightened her grip.

  If it weren't for that Gate Lane trap—you and Olive wouldn't have had to fight by yourself!” She lowered her head.

  Anja pressed her hand against Beatrix's cheek. “It’s alright… you, did… good…” Her hand shook.

  Anja took a deep breath. “Trixie… remember when I taught you how to cook and you almost burnt everything down? Remember?”

  Tears fell down Beatrix's cheeks. “Yeah, you… you said this must be how it feels to have a daughter… and—you gave me this necklace.”

  Anja nodded gently as her face contorted in pain. “I hoped that one day I could've had a daughter—like you.”

  Beatrix paused for a moment, then slowly nodded.

  “Go, save Olive… and please… don’t make the same mistake as this old lady.” Anja placed both hands on Beatrix's face as she pulled her in closer.

  “When you have completed your duty. Please—find someone you can give your heart to.” Anja whispered in her ear.

  Beatrix's eyes widened—her heart sank.

  “No, Anja—don't you dare! Don’t you dare leave me!”

  Anja smiled—with tears in her eyes. “I wish… I had…”

  Beatrix grabbed Anja’s hand—quickly scanning her surroundings. “Where are the Dawnbreak Arcanins! They should have arrived!”

  "I'm afraid… they won't make it in time, my Lady.” Alice’s voice trembled.

  No, not her… please someone—help

  The rain intensified—drumming on the stone-filled ground.

  Suddenly one of the soldiers shouted, "They're over here—hurry! Call the Dawnbreak Arcanins here now!"

  The soldiers ran as fast as they could.

  Beatrix quickly turned her head.

  “Anja! See—they're here! They're finally here!” Beatrix's face lit up.

  Anja's breath slowed down—her eyes drifted up… towards the sky.

  Beatrix turned her eyes back to Anja, with a smile on her lips—She froze.

  Beatrix felt Anja’s hand…

  Slipped… from her grip…

  Her eyes… her spark—

  Gone…

  Beatrix froze; her stomach twisted as her heart sank—realizing the truth…

  Alice—bowed her head deeply and softly muttered a prayer.

  Beatrix remained frozen—as the rain kept pouring.

  She didn't realize she was squeezing the necklace.

  On it was the crest of—Drachj?ger.

  No, no, please… it can’t be.

  “Hey, Anja… Anja—please…

  —Ann?”

  The rain slid down Anja’s face,

  her eyes unmoving.

  Beatrix's heart twisted.

  Silently—screaming…

  You liar… Why?

  You promised me…

  The sky flashed as thunder boomed.

  The rain fell heavier.

  Drowning out the screams.

  … as time seemed to stop…

  “No… more…” Her tone, menacing.

  Beatrix composed herself.

  Gritted her teeth.

  Rose with new resolve.

  “We need to find that bastard now and save Olive—

  I'll end him for this!”

  Loading…

  Loading…

  ***

  “Ehh, the evolution of what?” Ann gasped and clung to me, holding on for her dear life!

  “Come on! You're already thirteen, aren’t you supposed to be the older one—act like it!” I shook my head.

  “Nooo, I'm still a young maiden!” Ann cried while tears shot out—waterfall style.

  Ann’s loud cry boomed through the dungeon.

  The deeper we went, the more the air smelled like dry-cold ice, almost like someone stuck it straight up my nose.

  Sending shivers down my spine—yikes!

  I shook my head, clearing my mind.

  Yep—this place is creepy… like really creepy!

  Ann is still clinging to me. I'm literally dragging her across the ground!

  “How far yet?” Tears kept streaming down her face.

  I rolled my eyes. “Not far, we just need to follow a specific path.” Suddenly, I felt uneasy.

  My body instinctively stopped—Ann’s face got pressed flat—into my back.

  She wobbled back—and fell on her butt.

  She immediately waved her fist. “Hey! Why did—”

  Heat filled the room—a ball of fire flew past us.

  Exploding into the wall.

  “Huh!” Ann looked up in shock, before she could react I had already drawn my sword—lunging at the enemy.

  “Spark Edge!” My blade—instantly wrapped in a flickering fire.

  I slashed the Klein Green Slime—setting it ablaze.

  Now they can’t heal.

  The Klein Red Slime puffed and fired another fireball.

  In one fluent motion I sidestepped—the fireball moving past my face.

  With my eyes fixed on the slime I instantly bolted—ejecting the Manashell.

  I immediately did a three-hit string, staggering the slime. I loaded a blue Manashell from my belt “Drop Stream Edge!”

  I swung my sword down the same time water enveloped the blade—slicing it in two.

  “Whoo! How did you do that?” Ann gaped in disbelief.

  “Hmm… What do you mean?” I gave her a confused look.

  “What do I mean? The way you moved and dodged that fireball like it was nothing?” Ann shouted.

  She closed the distance between us, grabbing me by the collar.

  I could almost feel her breath.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  “You moved like you knew what was going to happen, like—you saw the future?” Ann’s voice trembled.

  I shook my head, “Huh? I don’t follow.” I gently removed her hands and cupped them with my own.

  “It’s just slimes, if you attack them head on they’ll always respond in a predictable way.” I smiled in reassurance.

  Ann froze, then her eyes drifted down to our hands.

  Her face suddenly turned red. “Uhmm, ohh… I see.” Ann quickly pulled her hands back.

  I stared at her for a moment, she was breathing rapidly?

  Hmm… the slimes must have scared her more than she wants to admit.

  Ann stood, rubbing her hands. Her breathing had slowly turned to normal, she then snuck a quick glance at me—only to immediately look away.

  Well of course we're in a dark and creepy dungeon, so getting a little scared is fine—I guess?

  “Ohh, I see… that’s how you knew what it would do.” Ann grinned awkwardly, her hands trembling a little.

  Huh? She’s really fine with that explanation? I mean it's the truth since those slimes are really easy to predict.

  I scanned her face, trying to look for clues.

  Ann was looking back and forth, like a shy schoolgirl.

  She's acting really weird, could she be not feeling well? Or maybe she's scared and doesn't want to be a burden to me?

  I leaned in closer to Ann like a detective—looking for evidence.

  She widened her eyes and turned her head away, she seemed… frightened?

  I narrowed my eyes and leaned in even closer, “Ann are you—”

  “—Ahh! you're too close!” Her fist met my face, sending me flying across the dungeon floor.

  Ann gasped, running over to me. “Ohh no, sorry, I didn't mean too!”

  I was lying on the ground with my arms folded. Ann was trying desperately to mend me… awww, she's so sweet.

  Ann widened her eyes, realizing I was staying down on purpose with a slight grin on my face.

  “Hey!” Ann popped a vein and punched me again—for a second time, "Don't tease me like that! I was worried—you know!”

  I broke out into a playful laughter while rubbing the fresh bump forming on my head.

  “Hehe sorry… but you know, why are you so scared when you're even stronger than me?” I stood up, dusting off my clothes.

  “Uhm… What do you mean? I'm not that strong.” She said in a cute voice while fiddling her finger.

  “I just really don't like dungeons, there’s all kinds of creepy, slimy and gooey things down here.” Ann’s entire body shivered.

  “Ohh, really? I see… don’t worry this place mostly has weak monsters… so just let me take care of it.” I turned away to resume our descent.

  Ann nodded slightly while her eyes frantically scanned the area for more danger… her movement was stiff.

  I snuck a glance at her. It was clear that she was very uncomfortable, since her movement resembled a stiff-robot.

  I scratched my head and let out a small chuckle—suddenly something pulled my clothes, and I looked back to find Ann… hiding behind me.

  Her eyes locked to mine only for her to look away, her face turning redder.

  “Uhm, I'm just making sure to have your back… don’t… don't worry, I'll take care of it.” She explained while her entire body shook.

  I raised a brow, “Hmm, okay if you say so.” I grinned slightly.

  That didn't convince me but at least she's trying… You know, Ann is really a good friend… too bad we can't hang out normally anymore.

  Ann suddenly pulled my sleeve, almost like she could sense what I was thinking.

  “I know we can’t hang out like we used to… but I’m really glad we can still see each other.” She put on a brave smile.

  I wiped my eyes in surprise.

  Ahhh… she’s just too precious! With my fist raised in front of my face—streams of tears poured down my face.

  I turned my head and with a warm smile. “Yeah me too.”

  Ann looked to the side, a smile slowly formed on her lips… her face flushed.

  Suddenly she looked up, “Wait, you said something about the evolution of Manashells? What did you mean?”

  I picked up the ejected Manashell and held it in front of her—it still had one charge left.

  “Well it's simple… right now I am using Type One Manashells, it's only able to contain Tier One spells.” I sighed.

  “Huh? Tier One?” Ann looked confused.

  “Ahh, yeah sorry… It means I can only use, Loflix level of spells.” I scratched my head, with an awkward grin.”

  “Well, it's just a technical term I use for simplicity. So Loflix is Tier One, Bazix is Tier Two, Higlix is Tier Three and so on.” I explained with excitement.

  “Ohh… I see, wow that’s really smart… So what does this evolution then do?” Ann tilted her head.

  I puffed my chest, “Hehe, well it means I can go beyond Tier One and use Tier Two spells! I just need to find a special mana crystal that can only be found here.”

  “Huh? You can do that… but why don't you use the regular crystals?” She leaned in, curiously.”

  “Well the regular ones just break, they cannot contain Manaflux that's beyond Tier One—I mean Loflix.” I sighed in disappointment.

  “It’s ok, you can call it Tier One, I get it.” Ann smiled.

  Ohh she seemed very happy suddenly? I wonder if she's beginning to feel better?

  Ann lowered her head, hiding her face. “Hmm… seems like I miss hearing you geek out sometimes, huh?” She spoke softly with a hint of sadness.

  “Ann?” I leaned in.

  She suddenly looked up, “It’s nothing, just realized something… hehe… so where do we find this miracle crystal?”

  “Ohh, yeah… it’s not far, we just need to follow this path.” I narrowed my eyes.

  She's so weird today, well we rarely see each other so maybe we're just drifting a bit apart… maybe it's for the best.

  I snuck a quick glance at her while she didn't look.

  But knowing her future—makes it a bit harder not to be concerned.

  “By the way, why do you even want to go through the trouble of making those new Manashells? Can't you just get a weapon Infused instead? You can get stronger spells like that—completely avoiding this deathtrap?”

  “Ohh, that could be good, except for one thing—adaptability.”

  Ann raised a brow, she didn't look convinced.

  “Yes I could, but it's way too expensive, and also I'll be stuck with one single spell—stronger yes, but Manahells gives me higher adaptability.” I explained proudly.

  I took a few shells up from my belt, “See, just like against the slimes, I can easily switch between Afinix fire, water, wind spells and so on! Countering every monster with their weakness.”

  I waved my index finger. “It’s brilliant, flexible AND way cheaper than infusing your weapon—with a single spell.”

  “Ohh… I see, I didn't think about that! You're amazing!” Ann gave me a big smile.

  Ahh she's just way too sweet… way different than—I’m gonna maybe kill ya—vibes that Tess usually gives… even though Tess is in a league of her own.

  My face turned red. Ahh, why am I thinking of her now?

  I immediately shook my head, and regained my composure.

  “Ahh, thank you Ann… but I'm not that amazing,” I grinned awkwardly, nervously rubbing my neck.”

  “Huh? What do you mean… you're only eleven years old, but you know so many things and have so many skills! So don't sell yourself short!” Ann huffed and puffed.

  I scratched my cheek, “hehe, well I don't know about that, but thank you… the only thing is—That there’s just one major hurdle that I have to solve for the Type Two Manashells.”

  My shoulders slumped. Ann sensing my insecurities, slapped me on my back.

  “Come on Honeypoo! If anyone can do it—it’s you!” Ann proudly proclaimed.

  My widened and lips parted slightly, I couldn't believe how much fate Ann had in me.

  Her smile was so bright that it almost blinded me, for some reason I felt more confident.

  “Okay I get it! I’m gonna figure this out.” I sighed, but oddly reassured.

  Ann's smile somehow became even brighter—I immediately stopped.

  “Huh! What’s wrong?” Ann asked with a concerned expression.

  I placed my hand on a wall, it had weird inscriptions carved in.

  “Hmm… oh it's nothing.” I flashed a quick smile, running my fingers on the wall’s surface.

  So, this is where you’re resting… sorry—but you’ll have to wait a bit longer before the Heroes will be here…

  “This way, let’s go.” I pointed along the wall.

  Ann nodded, following me very closely while hiding her nervousness.

  I chuckled on the inside, It's cute how much she's trying to be brave.

  “Here it is.” I said excitedly.

  We walked for a little while and finally reached a small door. I grabbed the handle, pulled it open and stepped inside.

  It was a small empty room. “Huh? There’s nothing here." Ann sounded disappointed.

  I leaned down and took out a rope and nail from my pouch.

  “What are you doing?” Ann tilted her head.

  I hammered the nail down and tightened the rope on it.

  “Just watch.” I winked, loaded a Manashell and drove my sword straight into the ground.

  “Rock Edge” I shouted, the sword emitted a small shockwave—breaking the ground apart.

  “Whoo!” Ann jumped back.

  I then took the rope and jumped down… “See ya on the other side.” I grinned.

  Before Ann could respond I was already gone.

  Down in the cave I looked around, scanning the area. “Ann you can come down, it's safe.”

  Ann shook her head and sighed deeply. Then she came down with the rope.

  “You're too much, you know… please warn me next time!” Ann pouted.

  I nodded and immediately went straight to a specific corner.

  “There, this is it.” My eyes shimmered with excitement.

  So this is the advanced mana crystal. It also was faintly glistening in the low light,

  But rather than being a jello-like transparent substance—it was solid with a dark tint.

  Immediately I used the special tools and began to pick the dark mana crystals. Using the techniques I remembered from the game, I was able to get the ENTIRE thing in one go.

  Ann looked around nervously, as she still stood close to the rope. As i finally got the entire chunk

  I glanced. "It's fine, Ann we should be safe… there shouldn't be any monster down—”

  I felt a sudden intense pressure and it quickly shot up.

  I turned my head. “Ann look behind—”

  Ann turned her head only to immediately get hit by something big—she flew straight towards me, I jumped catching her midair.

  Ahhh, she’s too heavy.

  “Ann, you ok?! ”I huffed heavily—like an old man.

  “Ahhhh… It's sooo sickly." She curled up, trying to get the slime off.

  I sighed in relief and laid her down gently to the ground.

  I looked at the enemy, it was a bigger green slime but… that's not supposed to be here, or?

  There was a big slime boss in the game at this stage… but this one seemed—smaller?

  It could be the same one since we are here much earlier than expected.

  “Whatever, Ann, stay here I'll take care of the Gross Green Slime.” I gritted my teeth.

  The slime moved closer puffing itself up, I launched at it while drawing and loading my sword.

  A volley of rock imbued slime—hurtled toward me.

  I somehow avoided them all, closing the distance fast. Before the slime could do anything else—my sword pierced it.

  Ahh—no, I missed its core.

  The slime shook—I had no choice—“Spark Edge”—the heat from the flickering fire began to boil the slime.

  The slime retracted for a moment and I pulled out the sword—aiming for its core.

  It recovered fast and expanded like a balloon, hitting me.

  The impact sent me flying on my back, hitting the ground as I tried to stand up. That's when I realized my sword had been flung away.

  The slime launched towards me—I narrowed my eyes—thinking of a solution.

  —Suddenly.

  "Don't you dare touch him!” Ann shouted, immediately she jumped at it.

  “Wave Edge” Water enveloped her sword—cutting the slime in half with a surging force.

  The slime began to glow.

  “Ann hit its core!” I shouted.

  She immediately located its core—stabbing it.

  The slime dissolved into a mere puddle.

  I stood up, trying to catch my breath. Ann immediately came over to lend me her shoulder.

  “Don’t overdo it,” She said with concern.

  “Haha, don’t worry… see, I told you that you’re stronger than me.” I smiled.

  Ann looked away, her face flushed red.

  “So you finally mastered the next Discipline? When did you go from being a Surge Fang into a Wave Dancer?” I smirked, teasingly.

  “Ahh, no… it was not long ago…I… wanted to tell you sooner, but wanted it to be a surprise.” Her voice slightly trembled with embarrassment.

  “Well, I'm happy you're here… having my back and all.” I chuckled.

  Ann’s eyes widened, she then nodded slightly.

  “Well we're done, let’s take the remaining mana crystals and head back.” I said in a calm voice.

  Later we departed the dungeon—the quest was a success.

  I hope Ann will feel better soon.

  ***

  Shortly after at the noble mansion of Fie Von Drachj?ger.

  Outside the mansion Ann walked back, when she came closer she saw a few figures leaving—her father was present.

  “Hmm… they must have been very important.” Ann whispered to herself.

  Her father then suddenly called out, “Anja there you are… I have great news for you!”

  “Huh! For me?” Ann tilted her head, slightly confused.

  He gave her a big smile. “Yes! Your engagement has now been fully accepted!

  Thank you so much for following the story!

  As a small gift, I’ll be releasing a short bonus side story this Wednesday.

  It’s just a fun, self-contained episode — not tied to the main timeline — and it will be part of a new little series called The Universe Chronicles.

  I might add more of these fun side stories in the future whenever I have the chance!