After our unlucky adventure in the Realm of Davidova — which ended with Stellio and me being wanted for regicide — we finally reached our destination. We crossed the main bridge over Lake Yakovlev. The river there divides the Realm of Davidova from the Herzeg Union; one branch flows south toward the western ocean, the other toward the eastern ocean.
Even after crossing the bridge we were still technically in the Realm of Davidova, but out in the countryside. We passed towns ravaged by war — not the Dark Age when the Deadhorses tore everything apart, but the war between the Republic and the Coalition. My mother lived through that war; she lived in the Republic until the Republic passed a law expelling hybrids. The countries north of the Republic formed a coalition and declared war to fight for the hybrids' rights.
That war never really ended in my lifetime; for a long time it was a stalemate. While I was thinking about all that, we began to see anomalies in the landscape, as if a border was being marked — like the influence of the Tower of Abundance was changing the environment. The plains were lush and green; I saw a river whose water looked silver, and enormous flowers as if some mad scientist had poured fertilizer on them to make them grow. It was more impressive than anything I'd seen at Daïsa.
And it was much bigger. I could see the tower in the distance, and there were small villages around it, mostly orchards, and — like the Daïsians — species linked to the Deadhorse of Abundance. They are tall and slender, some with skin that looks a little like copper or gold, and their hair is silky and flowing. The women I saw were really attractive, but I'm not going to fall in love with another humanoid species — besides, they're technically my enemies. Compared to Daïsa, I didn't see any strange monsters this time; maybe they're hiding, or perhaps Iwwer, the Deadhorse of Abundance, doesn't need them.
On seeing us, the Iwwarians greeted and cheered for us.
"Courage for the trial, Babylonians!" some called. They weren't hostile toward us but admiring, like the people at Daïsa. We continued along the paved road. Strangely, I didn't see any abandoned buildings; normally there should be villages around from my era — unless Iwwer has erased them all.
We arrived at the Tower of Abundance. A large city surrounds it, like at Daïsa. It's an open metropolis without walls, which is a stark contrast to the cramped, claustrophobic city of the Deadhorse of Darkness. We entered and saw merchants everywhere; every district was very green with lovely gardens and fruit growing along walls buried in vegetation. It was far more beautiful than anything I had seen before.
"This is incredible," Ashley said, awestruck. Everyone was impressed, and I turned to the group — de facto leader now that I run our guild.
"We have the whole afternoon before tomorrow's trial… We don't know what it will be, but I hope we'll be together."
"If not, we could still form an alliance… or a pact not to fight each other."
I nodded at Lesky; it was a good idea.
"I suggest we stock up here — let's do some shopping."
Lesky's eyes landed on a clothing shop.
"OH MY GOD, SO BEAUTIFUL — KIMONOS!"
I looked at the shop; it seemed huge. I watched as Amr quietly followed Lesky.
"Someone has to stand watch," I said.
"I'll go with you," Amr replied.
"Come on," Ashley said as she followed him. That left only Stellio and me… but when I turned, Stellio was already gone. Where had she gone? I didn't know—probably off doing thief things. I was alone, watching Lesky, Amr, and Ashley in front of the clothing shop. I have to admit, I hate clothes stores; they're a nightmare for me. I don't like fashion, I don't want to spend forever picking out clothes—I just grab what I find and that's that.
I decided to wander. I looked at the sword I had—unfortunately I'd lost it during my short imprisonment—so it was better to find a new one. I started exploring the city and headed for a weapons shop. The place was huge; there were so many swords it was ridiculous—an abundance of blades. I browsed until one caught my eye: a long blade with a handle trimmed in beautiful gold. I tested its weight with my hand; it felt perfect. I went to the counter, hoping I had enough money.
I handed the sword to the clerk—a slim man with golden skin and long silky hair.
"How much for this sword?" I asked.
"We don't take money here—this is barter… but for you, Babylonian, I'll accept money. That will be… 1,500 Meyers."
1,500 Meyers. That was a lot—almost a whole month's wage—and I didn't have enough. I only had half.
"I… I don't have enough."
A hand with nicely polished pink nails came down on the counter and placed coins.
"I'll buy it for him."
I turned to see who had offered the sword. A tall, well-made-up human woman with long pink hair stood there. She wore a lovely blue dress, long black stockings, and blue heels.
"Thanks, but you don't—"
I noticed she wore a bracelet too—a Babylonian, a potential ally.
"No, the honor is mine… I'm Lynette, and I've heard of you."
"Oh?" I said, surprised. She reached out and lightly patted my head. She looked at least two heads taller than me even though she seemed about my age, I thought.
"Yes, I also did Daïs' trial. I was part of the first team to find a seed, so I watched the trials and saw your feats. You fight so well—I was so impressed."
I blushed and scratched my hair, embarrassed.
"Th-thanks, but… really, it was just… uhhh, luck."
"That's why I'd like to join your team."
She took both my hands, and I nodded.
"If you want, sure… But we're already five, and I don't know how many people per team."
"I checked… It's 10 people."
Ten?! Twice as many as last time, and we're only five, which meant we'd have to team up with strangers. Might as well start scouting other teams.
"So I need four more people."
"I have friends I met here—I'm sure they'll join your team."
"Oh… cool."
"Follow me—I'll introduce you."
I sheathed the new sword at my belt and followed her. She was beautiful and super nice—honestly, the kind of popular, untouchable girl of my dreams.
"And then we'll go to the hotel together."
I blushed and nodded. We walked down a small street when she suddenly stopped.
"Is something wrong, Lynette?"
"Oh… no, not really. I just feel like we're being followed."
Suddenly four people stepped out from both ends of the street, surrounding us. Coming from where we'd entered, I saw a Borrun with pink hair, huge and wearing mechanic's clothes; then a noble with green hair, tall with a sneering smile—another imperial type. On the other side was a young boy in a suit and for a second I saw snakes in his hair—an Ophidra, a gorgon. Thankfully it wasn't like the Halkyone legends where they turn people to stone; with Ophidra, you only need to touch someone to petrify them temporarily. And finally, someone I knew all too well: the Zyvari who had almost killed me.
"Romuald…"
"Well, well, we meet again, Roxy."
I drew my sword and held Lynette's hand.
"You bastard—how dare you ambush us like this… Lynette, I'll try to—"
"No need," she said.
She let go of my hand and walked straight up to Romuald, sticking her tongue out at me—had I just been betrayed?
"Sorry, Roxy, but I lied."
My fists clenched with rage as I stared at Romuald. He drew his sword and stepped toward me.
"Roxy, this time you won't escape…You will have a quick death"
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Lore informations
Herzeg Union : Union Herzeg is a country who was part of the coalition and they were the country who proposed to form a coalition. It was part of the Empire of Davidova until they make secession with the other Northern countries.The Union Herzeg are pretty conservatives and tend to be pretty racist of Saniens, they don't forbid them to come but their citizens are really on their guards when foreigners enters their country.Before it was known as the Herzeg Republic but after diplomaty with some neighboring countries they formed the Union Herzeg.They have a small army but pretty well trained. Their country is lead by a president.
Republic : The Republic of Begonia is the largest country in the northern part of the continent. The Republic was initially very small, but it began annexing the various surrounding countries, either by force or by peace. The Republic is technologically advanced, and its population is quite diverse due to the various annexations.
Iwweris : Vast green plains crossed by silvery rivers, with hills covered with orchards and giant flowers. Everything seems "too big": enormous fruits, flowers with petals as wide as sails, rivers teeming with fish. The climate is Always mild, like a perpetual spring. The rain is frequent but brief, always followed by clear skies.
Iwwerians : Tall, slender man, shimmering skin ranging from light gold to copper, sometimes marbled with green or pink reflections, like living mother-of-pearl. Their hairs are silky and flowing, appearing to float even without wind; some have strands similar to petals or plant tendrils. vast and luminous, iridescent irises that change color according to emotion (from soft green to bright purple).They can stimulate the growth of plants, they can heal up rapidly from sickness or injuries. They can live up to 300 years
Ophidra : Theirs hairs are made of living snakes. They can petrify peoples if they touch them while their serpents look at the person. The petrification stay for 24 hours. They lives alone in small societies hidden away from the public. They prefer to manipulate their opponent. They collect relics and arts, some are even painters.