I landed softly on the floor, which was covered with a carpet of glittering petals. The spacious room greeted me with dim light.
Fritte, invisible to others but so clear to me, joyfully fluttered off my shoulder and hovered in front of me, his wings casting rainbow reflections on the walls.
—You've chosen to escape again.
He remarked quietly, his voice not accusatory but rather filled with gentle concern.
For the first time in a long while, I allowed myself to breathe a sigh of relief. I sat on the edge of the bed, ran my hand over the cold fabric of the blanket, and said quietly:
—I'm not ready for intrigue, Fritte. I'm not ready for these endless skirmishes with players, hunting, betrayals…
I am not one of those who wants to rush into the center of events. I'll be on the run if I have to. But you know, it's not that scary. Fritte was looking at me intently, his head slightly cocked to one side.
— But you know yourself, running away, you will still be drawn into the war.
I smiled, but there was a glint of steel in my eyes.
—That's why I want to become stronger. I've collected one hundred souls. It's enough to complete the Fairy Queen's Mentorship.
Fritte's eyes flashed with a bright light, his wings beat faster, and his voice was filled with genuine jubilation.
—You... you've finally made up your mind?
He laughed with happiness, like a child receiving a long-awaited gift.
—I was so afraid that you would refuse, that you would continue to hide. But you've taken this step yourself...
—I've simply realized that without Mor Adelina's guidance, I have no chance.
Rather, without a Unique Offer, I don't stand a chance against players like Zikei or those guys in the Coyote Guild. They're too strong. And I... have only this path.
Fritte hovered next to my face and said quietly, more seriously:
—Then you need to be ready. Being mentored by the Fairy Queen is not just a training. It is a test that will change you. You won't be able to go back to the way you were.
As Disava hid in the quiet refuge of the Fairy Kingdom, time seemed to slow down, but the peace was short-lived. A new message icon appeared on the interface.
The first message was from Zikei. His name appeared in dark red, and the text began dryly, as if he had been choosing his words for a long time:
"We successfully repelled the Coyotes' attack. Their attempt to ambush us failed. The city guards intervened, and as a result, their guild was fined for violating the rules of combat, which was done without mutual consent. It's funny, isn't it?"
I raised an eyebrow in surprise. I didn't think Zikei was the type to write letters frequently, let alone share details. However, the next part of the text made me think:
"Listen, I'm seriously considering forming a group. We could be more effective together. You don't have to answer right away, but I think it's important for you to have someone by your side. And something tells me... you have something we don't know about. And it could make a big difference."
The last sentence made me clench the letter tightly. My heart sank, and I could feel that Zeke had an inkling of the Unique Offer.
Fritte, who had been hovering nearby, tilted his head to one side and remarked quietly:
—He's clearly figured something out... and he's just as curious about it as he is about your power. The question is, does he want to protect you or uncover your secret?
I didn't respond immediately, my eyes fixed on the letters that seemed to burn brighter with each passing second.
After reading Zikei's letter, I sat in silence for a long time, tapping my foot as I tried to find a rhythm in this new turn of events.
The offer sounded tempting, the group offered protection and stability, but at the same time it brought with it new risks.
I understood perfectly well: If I reveal more than I need to, the secret about the Unique Offer will quickly cease to be my personal one.
Taking a deep breath, I finally decided to answer. In the letter, I wrote that I agreed to meet, but I'm not ready to make a decision about joining the group yet. At the same time, I added a condition: I will not come alone.
"I'll take a friend with me, that's the only way I'll feel safe. Her name is Akaha. We play Log Apofis together, but you don't know her yet."
After finishing the letter, I immediately opened a new message for Akaha. It was important for me to get support, because I was afraid to go to a meeting with two strong players who were already suspicious of something.
"Akaha, hi. Tell me, what is your nickname in the game and what is your current level? I may have to meet with people who are offering to create a group soon. But I don't want to go there alone. If you can, come with me."
After writing these lines, I felt a sense of relief. No matter what the response was, the mere thought of having someone I could trust in real life was already warming and reassuring.
Akaha's response came almost immediately, as if she had been waiting for this message, and it was written entirely in all caps.
"MY NAME IS AKA-32! FINALLY, WE CAN PLAY TOGETHER!" I HAVE LEVEL 11 ALREADY, I'LL BE IN AOPHEADALE SOON!
P.s: I chose the Amazon race"
These lines, full of enthusiasm and energy, made me smile. Akaha was always so cheerful, boisterous, and straightforward. While I tried to weigh everything and act cautiously, my editor preferred to act on impulse. In a way, this was her strength.
I smiled as I imagined how Zikei and Elk would react to Akaha's appearance as a powerful Amazon with the username
"Aka-32." It promised to be at least entertaining.
—She's the editor of my books, but she doesn't follow her own rules.
I muttered, looking at the joyful letters that seemed to be shouting right out of the screen...
Fritte and Disava stepped onto the glowing platform where the fairy's apprentices were training in the garden, which was paved with smooth slabs of crystallized aether. A subtle pink light swirled around them, as if the very atmosphere was filled with magic.
The arches above the platform were covered with living vines, adorned with fireflies that were more than just insects; they were pure energy.
In the center stood a replica of the Queen of the Fairies. Her figure resembled a majestic silhouette, woven from light and petals.
Dewdrops sparkled on her long hair, as if the very morning itself bowed before her. Her eyes shone with a gentle light, reflecting thousands of years of wisdom.
She raised her hand slightly, and the air around her rippled.
—You have come, child. I can smell the souls you have brought. One hundred, exactly. Enough to open the way for you to the first of the true skills.
Fritte bowed his head respectfully, even his usually cunning and light-hearted nature was replaced by seriousness.
—My ally is ready, my lady. She has chosen to take the test, and I believe she has the strength to do so.
I took a step forward. My heart was beating faster than it had during my fight with Morna Lunn. It wasn't because I was in danger, but because I felt like something important was about to happen.
—I am ready.
—The skill I will teach you is [Aura Separation].