Adventuring in a World that Exists Only When I Sleep

Photo by: Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash.com
      

Once upon a time, in the real world, there was a boy who lived calm & peaceful but his life was truly boring. He had medium, slightly spiky black hair that often fell over his dark eyes, giving him a calm but thoughtful expression. His build was normal - not too slender, not too strong. The boy's name was Lucas William who was a high school student living a normal life back in the day. He had some friends that he could talk with. Their hobbies were playing games and reading fiction books. They always discussed their favorite games and stories during break time, after school, and even on holidays. 

“Hey, Lucas! Have you read that new manga yet? The Jujutsu Shenanigans : Tournament Match” one of his friends asked. 

“Not yet,” Lucas smiled. “I’ll probably read it tonight.” 

Talking with his own friends was always exciting, and Lucas enjoyed that every moment with them. Later at night, he went home, did his usual night routine, and was ready to sleep. Before he went to sleep, he looked at his own collections which were the manga, video games, action figures, posters, and everything he had in the room. He smiled to himself, 

“My treasures…” he whispered softly. 

He breathed with a smile as he looked at his beautiful collections that he had bought, then he closed his eyes, and was ready to sleep peacefully.

As he closed his eyes, he felt something had changed. He opened his eyes, seeing the daytime sky, birds flying above, the fresh air, and the beautiful view. 

“Huh…? What’s going on?” Lucas sat up confusingly. “I was just in my room…” He sat up and looked around. 

Everything felt strange, like a dream became real. He looked at the grass, the bright sky, and the shining light around him. It was so peaceful that he couldn't understand how he got there. He thought that he was sleeping in his bedroom a while ago, but now he was outside, standing in a place where he had never seen before. 

He tried to think, “How did this happen?” but the question kept circling in his mind.

He walked slowly, feeling the warm air and hearing birds sing. Everything felt calm and beautiful, thinking it was a miracle. But as he kept walking, he saw something. He stopped and realized something was wrong, something he didn't expect to see.

There was a kingdom with one great city built around a grand castle, where people lived peacefully. It looked like something from an old legend, and he couldn’t understand why a place like that existed in his dream.

“What is this place…?” Lucas whispered. 

He didn't know how to wake himself up, so he decided to explore first. When he walked toward the gates of the castle, he was stopped by the guards. 

“Halt, stranger!” one shouted. “State your name and purpose!” 

Lucas raised his hands nervously, 

“Uh- I’m Lucas! I… I don’t know how I got here! I just.. woke up and found myself in this place.”

The guards thought he was a trespasser or some kind of unknown stranger who was just trying to do something horrible to their own kingdom. He just stood there, confused, and asked them where he was and what this place was. The castle guards exchanged uneasy glances, unsure whether to trust the situation. 

“Could be a trick,” one murmured. 

They stared at him seriously and started questioning him. Lucas frowned in confusion.

“Please, I just want to understand where I am!” He didn't know how to answer, he only wanted to understand everything about this strange world he was in.

While he couldn't pass through the knight guards to enter the kingdom, suddenly someone approached them. 

“Let him through,” the voice said. 

It was the princess who was more beautiful than anything Lucas had ever imagined. She had long, flowing blonde hair that shimmered under the sunlight, and her bright blue eyes carried both kindness and quiet strength. Her skin was fair and glowing, and the light makeup she wore only enhanced her natural beauty. Her white-and-yellow dress flowed elegantly with every step, and the exquisite crown resting on her styled hair made her look like she had walked straight out of a storybook. The villagers nearby turned their heads the moment she appeared. Some gasped softly, some whispered among themselves, and others simply stared in awe. Her presence alone made the entire area grow silent. Every villager was stunned by how radiant she looked, as if the whole kingdom paused just to admire her. Lucas froze, unable to look away. He was as shocked and amazed as the rest.

“Princess Clara,” the guards bowed to her with respect as she walked closer. 

“He’s harmless,” she said softly. “I will take responsibility for him.” 

Lucas blinked. 

“Uh… thank you, your highness.” 

Clara smiled gently. 

“Follow me. I’ll show you around the kingdom.”

Lucas finally went in alongside the princess. He thanked her for letting him in and told her that he didn't know anything, so he needed her help to understand the world around him. The princess nodded, understanding what the boy said, and began explaining everything about the kingdom. As they walked together, Princess Clara began explaining everything about her home.

She told Lucas that the kingdom was called Aureliath, ruled by King Marcus and Queen Petra, her parents.

Eldoria Haven was a peaceful and lively place. The village around the castle had wide farms that produced fresh fruits and vegetables every season. Farmers worked early in the mornings, greeting each other as they carried baskets filled with crops. Market stalls lined the streets, selling apples, berries, herbs, and handmade goods. Children ran through the village paths, laughing and playing simple games, while older students gathered at the education hall to learn reading, writing, and the kingdom’s history. Near the training grounds, young rookies practiced basic self-defense under the guidance of a senior knight. Wooden dummies, training swords, and shield drills filled the area with loud echoes. Traditional restaurants stood along the main road, offering warm meals, freshly baked bread, and soups made from local ingredients. The smell of spices and roasted meat often drifted into the streets. At the heart of everything stood the kingdom’s pride with a massive, breathtaking castle, tall enough to be seen from almost every corner of Eldoria Haven. Its white stone walls shone under the sun, and golden banners hung down from the towers. Clara said it was both her home and the center of the kingdom’s leadership.

Lucas listened carefully, impressed by every word she said. The more she explained, the more real and alive the kingdom of Eldoria Haven felt to him. 

As she spoke, Lucas couldn't help but look at her. He thought she was incredibly beautiful, and somehow, he began falling in love with her. It felt like a dream come true, yet deep inside, he started wondering if this dream was truly real. 

The princess looked at him and asked “Is something wrong?”

Lucas was surprised and quickly shook his head, “N-no! i-..it was nothing! Just thinking about uhh… how beautiful this place is! Y-yeah! yeah.. hehe..” He was thinking about something else. 

The princess chuckled lightly. “I’m glad you like it.”

After Lucas and the princess walked around the kingdom, they went to her castle to meet her Parents. 

Lucas felt nervous & gulped, “Do I really have to meet them?” 

but the princess smiled “Don’t worry. I’ll be by your side.” 

When they entered the castle, Lucas was amazed. The place was huge, beautiful, and full of gold decorations. His eyes went wide in surprise, and the princess giggled at his reaction. He thought that his own dream was the best thing he ever had, it felt like he was inside of a storybook. When they reached the throne, the king and queen sat there, looking at them. King Marcus, with his dark brown hair touched with silver, and calm blue eyes, gave Lucas a sharp, assessing stare beneath his navy-blue royal coat and white cape. Beside him, Queen Petra, her long white caramel hair braided with silver ornaments and her warm hazel eyes shining with curiosity, observed Lucas gently from her throne.

“Father, Mother,” the princess said with respect, “This is my new guest, he’s a new one here and doesn’t know anything about our world”. 

The queen listened, but the king looked doubtful. 

The King frowned, “A stranger with no origin? Hm. Why are you here, boy?” 

Lucas froze, “I… I don’t know, sir! I just woke up in this place!”. 

“Suspicious,” the King muttered. “If you’re lying, I’ll have you sent away.” 

“Father!” The princess raised her voice. “He means no harm!”.

Still, the king didn't trust him easily. The Queen stood up and approached Lucas slowly. 

“Hmm…” she said thoughtfully. “He did not seem dangerous. Perhaps he meant no harm.”

The princess told them Lucas was a good person. Lucas gave an awkward smile and agreed nervously. 

The King sighed. “Very well. But be warned! boy… Any trouble! And you’ll regret it.” 

Lucas nodded quickly. “Y-Yes, sir!” Lucas gulped, feeling the pressure of the king's words.

After meeting her parents, the princess apologized to Lucas outside the castle. 

“I’m sorry about my parents..” she said quietly. “They’re just being careful...”. 

Lucas smiled and said, “Ah..- It’s okay! I understand that they love you and want to protect you from danger. That’s normal for them, right? Since they care about you!”. 

The princess looked down, then smiled. “Thank you.. You really are kind.”. 

Lucas thanked her for defending him, “Thank you for defending me back there.. a-and.. y-your welcome!.. that was truly awkward…” he replied back. 

Lucas realized he hadn't even introduced himself yet. “Oh! by the way,” Lucas said, “I haven’t even told you my name yet! I’m Lucas William.” 

She smiled back. “And I’m Clara Isabella.”. 

They smiled and it was nice to meet each other. 

Lucas said, “It’s my pleasure to meet someone special like you…” he made Clara blush a little and look away. 

Lucas took a breath and decided to tell her the truth, “Clara… There's something I have to tell you. I’m not from this world.”. 

Clara blinked, “What do you mean?”. 

He told her the truth about how he appeared to the world he was in, 

“I came from another world where there was a modern city, full of noise and problems, even sadness. I fell asleep last night and somehow… ended up here.”

Clara gasped, “You’re… from another world?”. 

Lucas nodded, “At first when I came here, I thought it was just a dream, but it feels too real. Still… I’m glad I met you.”. 

Unfortunately, he found himself wishing he could stay there and live a peaceful life like everyone else. Clara looked at him with soft eyes, then reached out and lightly held his hand,

“My world isn’t always peaceful either,” she said. “There are wars, raids, and pain. But we must keep moving forward, hoping for a better tomorrow.” 

She told him that people in her world just wanted to survive and keep going forward until they reached a better future for them. Her words felt wise and comforting. 

Lucas smiled, “That’s… beautiful. Thank you, Clara.”, then he laughed and said to her, “Oh, I also just want to make our journey become an adventure together. That sounds really great, does it?” 

Clara was surprised and blushed again, “An… adventure? W-with me?..”. 

“Yeah,” Lucas grinned. “You and me.” 

She flustered, thinking they would make a great pair. 

Lucas laughed softly but then suddenly, he felt pain in his chest. His smile faded, his body grew weak, then he fell to his knees, holding his heart. 

Before Clara could answer, she panicked, calling his name “Lucas?.. Lucas?! Lucas! LUCAS! STAY WITH ME! LUCAS!!” 

Clara cried, holding him. Lucas could only whisper that his chest hurt before everything went dark. He passed out and slowly closed his eyes. 

When he opened his eyes again, it was morning. He sat up quickly, breathed fast, looked around, he was back in his room. Everything looked normal. He looked at the windows and wondered if it was all a dream. At the high school, after Lucas finished telling his friends about the dream he had every strange and unbelievable part of it which they looked at him with confusing faces.

“I swear, it felt real!” Lucas said. 

But they laughed, calling him delusional, and said, “You need to stop imagining those things, dude.. You read too much fiction. Wake up to reality, man! Jeez..”

Lucas smiled faintly, “Yeah… maybe..”. 

He looked outside the window, his mind still lost in thoughts of Clara and the kingdom. Deep inside, he wished he could return to that world again, to see her once more. 

He whispered to himself, “I hope I can see you again, Clara…”. 

But later at night, he planned to go to sleep again to make his dream of going alongside Clara, become his next journey together with them.

Back at Lucas’ house, he searched through his fiction books, trying to find a story that felt similar to what he had dreamed about. Once he found it, he quickly opened it and began reading the first part, hoping to discover what would come next. He read the scene where the main character met the princess. 

Lucas frowned and thought to himself, “I’m the main character?” 

He kept reading until something felt off, which was a part about war and chaos destroying the kingdom. Before he could say anything, he turned to the page before that incident. Then, the main character was almost killed by an arrow that barely missed. The main character felt a strange pain, as if the attack had hit something deeper than flesh. 

Lucas whispered, “So… this person was almost dead because someone tried to kill him?” 

Then he remembered his own dream, the pain in his chest when he fainted beside Clara. He didn’t remember seeing anyone shoot him. Maybe it happened without him noticing? 

He rubbed his chest and mumbled, “There’s no way I got a heart attack because someone shot me… I could clearly see everything! Could it be a tiny bullet that shot me silently? This is nonsense… What am I even talking about?!” 

He grew frustrated that he couldn’t figure out what had happened. If only he could understand the clue behind his fainting in the dream. Thinking about Clara again, he decided to lie down. 

“Here I go…” he said softly. “I’m coming for you, Princess Clara. Don’t worry…” He closed his eyes and slowly drifted to sleep.

When Lucas woke up again, he felt something different. He opened his eyes and looked around but this time, he was inside a small cabin. 

He sat up, scratching his head in confusion. “Why am I in a different place?” he mumbled. 

He had expected to wake up in Clara’s kingdom, not here. Then, a deep voice spoke from nearby, 

A quiet voice spoke from the window. 

“You're finally awake." 

Lucas turned quickly. Near the window stood a man with red hair, wearing old armor and a serious expression. But as Lucas looked closer, the details sharpened which he had wild red hair tied back loosely, a thick beard, and intense ruby-colored eyes that glowed faintly in the dim light. His broad, muscular frame was wrapped in rugged warrior clothes, a dark torn cape hanging over one shoulder, and a fur scarf resting around his neck. Even without speaking, the man’s presence felt heavy and powerful, as if the room itself shifted around him.

Lucas blinked. “Who are you, sir? And… what happened?” 

The man turned around and spoke calmly. “I can explain. But first, drink the tea.” 

He handed a cup of hot tea to Lucas. Lucas accepted it and took a sip. 

“Thank you, sir,” he said politely. 

Before he could ask more, the man continued, “I know what you want to ask. Allow me to explain, it’s a long story.”

The man introduced himself first 

“My name is Ragnar Thorne, a warrior who has fought since his youth.” 

Lucas’ eyes widened. “Wait— Ragnar Thorne? The legendary warrior?” 

Ragnar nodded slowly. Lucas quickly introduced himself too. 

Then Ragnar began explaining.

“When you were unconscious beside the princess,” Ragnar said, “a horrifying event happened. Invaders were already marching toward the kingdom to take its treasures and power. The princess couldn’t carry you with her, so she ran back to warn her people. The king and queen tried to protect her, but they failed. The invaders captured the villagers, the royal family… everyone.”

Lucas’ eyes widened in shock. 

“You saw them getting taken away? And you helped me instead? Are you out of your mind?! They were in danger! Why didn’t you help them?!” 

Ragnar sighed, “They were already too far away. I didn’t have the chance to catch up. So, I brought you instead. You could learn from me how to fight, how to defend yourself. That skill will be useful when you go to save them.” 

Lucas clenched his fists. “You should’ve gone too! You’re a legendary warrior, aren’t you?! That’s nonsense!” 

Ragnar stayed calm, “I was a legendary warrior, yes. I fought hundreds.. even thousands of soldiers from the Evilness.” 

Lucas almost interrupted, but Ragnar stood there in his worn, battle-scarred armor. The metal was scratched, burned, and dented – proof of countless fights. His calm, steady eyes said more than any story could.

“I have survived many battles,” Ragnar said in a low voice. “You don’t earn armor like this by luck. I’m not telling you this to show off, I want you to understand the danger ahead.”

Lucas stared silently, anger still burning in his chest. “If only I hadn’t collapsed back then… I could’ve helped them.”

Ragnar said, “You’re wrong. You weren’t ready. You still aren’t. You’re in the lowest class of strength.” 

Lucas frowned. “I can fight with my bare hands if I have to.” 

Ragnar raised an eyebrow. “Then prove it.” 

Lucas accepted the challenge. He dashed forward and threw a quick punch. Ragnar caught it easily and pushed him back without effort. Lucas stumbled and fell to the floor, his eyes wide in disbelief. 

“Do you believe me now?” Ragnar asked. 

Lucas gritted his teeth and grabbed a small axe lying nearby. He threw it straight at Ragnar, but Ragnar caught it in one hand. Lucas froze, stunned. 

Ragnar lowered the axe calmly. “Good. At least you have courage.” 

Lucas suddenly faked a punch toward Ragnar’s face. Ragnar didn’t even flinch. 

“Are you trying to test me?” Ragnar asked with a half-smile. 

Lucas sighed and lowered his hand, “Sorry… I was.” 

Ragnar nodded, “So, when will you start training? Before it’s too late. You still have time.” 

Lucas looked down. He wanted to find the princess and save her so badly, but he had no power to do so. 

“Don’t rush,” Ragnar said. “Learn to make yourself better and be strong. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” 

Ragnar’s words felt powerful, filled with belief. Lucas nodded slowly, feeling inspired. He trained under Ragnar’s guidance for one month. At first, he struggled that his body was weak, his movements slow. But as days passed, he began improving little by little. His punches became sharper, his reactions faster, and his confidence stronger. After weeks of training, he finally felt ready. 

Ragnar watched him and said proudly, “You’ve come far, Lucas. But still, you need to improve your skills more, that doesn’t mean you have to stop.” 

Before he wanted to leave, Lucas turned and bowed slightly. “Thank you, Master Ragnar.” 

But as Lucas traveled beyond the forest, he noticed someone standing by the trees, a boy holding a bow, his arrows glinting under the light. 

The boy smirked, “You must be the guy Ragnar talked about.” 

Lucas blinked, “Who are you?” 

The boy grinned and rested his bow on his shoulder, his dark green hair fell slightly over his light green eyes, giving him a sharp yet calm look. His build was slender, almost the same as Lucas, wrapped in a cyan archer coat and light archer gear suited for quick movement in the forest. “Name’s Aiden Velmo. Archer of the northern woods. I’ve been waiting for you.” 

Aiden Velmo finally met Lucas and greeted him with a slight smile. He asked, “Your name was Lucas, right?”

Lucas nodded. “Yes. What do you want from me? Are you here to help me?”

Aiden shrugged casually. “I didn’t have anything to do. I just helped people who were struggling… and saved some from slavery. Anyway, let’s go. I’ll follow your journey. You need help?”

Lucas answered, “Yeah.” In his mind, he already knew what he wanted to accomplish, that he wanted to save the princess, the king, the queen, and everyone else who had been taken. But he also knew he couldn’t do it alone. He needed to gather more people, create a group strong enough to defeat the invaders together.

Aiden raised his eyebrows. “You need more? Don’t worry. We’ll find worthy and strong allies while we’re on the journey. Just imagine that we are recruiting wizards or mages, witches? Possible but not possible. Tank for the defense? I’m the archer! Ranged! Ranger! Now what else?”

Lucas simply stared at him in confusion. To him, it didn’t matter whether they were tanks, mages, witches, or anything. He just needed people who could fight back so the teamwork mattered more than roles.

Aiden paused, thinking. “Hmm… you’re right. But who knows? Maybe we’ll get the perfect team.”

Lucas accepted his offer. “Alright. I invite you to my party.”

And just like that, a new party was formed. Then came the problem. They both realized they needed a party name.

“Lucas Team?!” Aiden suggested.

Lucas groaned. “It doesn’t have to be my name! Something else!”

Aiden grinned. “Fine. Aiden’s Team!”

“Really? Not someone’s name. Something that sounds like teamwork not our names,” Lucas complained.

Aiden scratched his head. Naming things suddenly felt harder than fighting monsters. After a moment, an idea struck him.

“How about… Guardians of the Legacy?”

Lucas thought about it. “That sounds… taken.”

Aiden rolled his eyes. “What else?! Come on, be grateful I even gave a name! Do you have any idea then?!”

Lucas tried to think. He had absolutely none. So he sighed in defeat and accepted Aiden’s suggestion. The two officially named themselves “Guardians of the Legacy.”. Aiden liked the name far more than Lucas did but Lucas accepted it anyway. Now, their journey finally began.

Far away, deep inside the ominous halls of the Dreadmire Dominion, the invading troops had already captured King Marcus, Queen Petra, and Princess Clara. They dragged them before their lord and bowed.

“EXCELLENT,” Lord Malakor roared, rising from his throne. He towered above his soldiers, clad in dark knight armor etched with faintly glowing purple stripes. A long black cloak flowed behind him like a shadow. His black, messy hair framed a face twisted with power, and his black eyes with sharp red pupils burned with cruel delight.

“Bring them in.”

The troops shoved the royal family forward. Lord Malakor smirked, letting out a low, cruel laugh as he approached them.

King Marcus glared at him in raging fury. “How dare you take our treasures and enslave my people?!”

Lord Malakor spread his arms mockingly.

“Oh, why not? There is no peace in this world. The world wants us to show who is powerful, worthy, and feared. Those with potential rule over the weak. I can do whatever I want. You tried to stop me but you were useless!”

Queen Petra stepped forward, voice trembling. “But… why do you have to do this? You don’t hav—”

“SILENCE, WOMAN!” Malakor shouted, silencing her with a violent yell.

King Marcus roared back, “DON’T YELL AT MY WIFE, YOU—!”

Malakor smirked. “Oh? What’s wrong? Upset because I hurt your precious loves? What adorable little birds you are.”

Princess Clara tried to speak, but fear gripped her voice. Malakor immediately noticed. He approached her slowly.

“So this is your princess… She’s quite pretty.”

“Stay away from my daughter!” King Marcus snarled.

“Relax,” Malakor sneered. “I won’t harm your princess… unless you all refuse my orders.”

King Marcus tried to yell back, but Queen Petra held him tightly and whispered for him to calm down.

Malakor bent slightly toward Clara.

“Well, well. Hello there, beauty. How are you? Feeling well?”

Princess Clara froze. Fear locked her voice, and she couldn’t answer.

Malakor laughed, thinking she was simply shy in the presence of “greatness.”

King Marcus tried to shout again, “You don't TALK TO MY DAUGHTER!” 

But Malakor snapped at him, “YOU are the one who should shut up.”

Princess Clara gathered her courage and asked, “Your… your kingdom.. are you taking people from every kingdom? Including ours?”

Malakor chuckled darkly.

“Exactly. I ordered my troops to collect more peasants. They will become my laborers. They will work for me. And those who work hard will receive… a special reward.”

The reward he hinted at made Clara’s stomach twist with dread.

Then Malakor raised his hands theatrically.

“And soon… if I gain more, MORE presence, influence, and power… we will become UNSTOPPABLE!”

His laughter thundered across the hall loud, sharp, and monstrous. He sounded like a villain who believed nothing could defeat him.

Back with Lucas and Aiden, while they were still traveling through the Grasslands, they chatted with each other. 

Aiden asked, “How was the training with Mr. Ragnar? Was it tough?”

Lucas replied that it was tough at first, but after a long time he had finally adapted, so he didn’t struggle anymore. Lucas also mentioned that Aiden had trained with Ragnar last month as well, didn’t he?

Aiden said he had tried it himself. He explained that he already had some experience in which he used a slingshot when he was a child, and when he became a teenager, he met Ragnar and learned how to fight, eventually becoming an archer who used a bow and arrow. He didn’t need a full month of training; as long as he stayed motivated, confident, and consistent, Ragnar was impressed by how well he performed. Lucas then asked Aiden what his life had been like. Aiden was a little surprised by the question, but admitted that his life had been great. Lucas understood immediately when Aiden’s life sounded far easier than his own life in the real world, where he faced many problems he could never fix. 

Instead of saying “You’re lucky,” Lucas simply said, “Wow, that’s great.”

Aiden replied, “Yeah, I know. And you?”

Lucas almost told him that his life had been terrible, but he decided to keep it a secret and instead said his life was great too. Unfortunately, Aiden noticed Lucas’s expression and knew something wasn’t right. He asked if Lucas was okay. Lucas said he was fine, but Aiden asked again, this time trying to confirm if Lucas was truly okay or not.

Just as Lucas was about to insist again, Aiden interrupted him and said, “Be honest with me.”

Lucas fell silent at Aiden’s words. He had no choice but to tell the truth. But before he could say anything, something huge appeared.

A giant monster emerged, shaped like a massive dragon, as tall as a tree. Its thorns glowed red, its teeth were sharp, its head looked almost square, and its wings were covered in blade-like leaves. Both of them were shocked; it was the first monster they had seen. They quickly prepared their weapons, ready to fight.

The monster was the first to attack. Its giant claw slammed into the ground, sending dirt flying everywhere. Lucas and Aiden quickly dodged to the sides.

“Lucas! Climb onto its head and finish it there!” Aiden shouted while raising his bow. “I’ll distract it!”

Lucas stared at the massive creature in disbelief. “How am I supposed to get up there?! It’s huge!”

“The tail!” Aiden yelled. “Climb the tail, reach the head, and stab it! That’s the only way!”

Before running off, Aiden looked at Lucas with a firm expression. 

“Remember your training… Lucas.”

Then Aiden shouted loudly to lure the monster. The creature turned toward him and charged. Aiden ran as fast as he could, arrows ready, but he knew he would not last long. Lucas looked at the monster’s long tail. He was frustrated and terrified. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then forced himself to run straight toward it. The ground shook every step the monster took.

Aiden felt his stamina fading.

(Hurry, Lucas… I can’t hold on…)

Lucas reached the tail and grabbed one of the red thorns. The monster thrashed violently, making Lucas almost fall. He clung tighter, pushing his body upward with all his strength. He climbed - slow, shaking, but determined.

Aiden suddenly tripped over a rock and fell. The monster loomed over him, ready to crush him under its huge foot. His eyes widened, he wasn’t ready to die. 

Just seconds before that stomp dropped, Lucas finally reached the top. He screamed and drove his sword deep into the monster’s head. The creature froze. Its whole body shook, and then it began to collapse.

Lucas panicked. He jumped, desperately grabbing at anything, and luckily landed on a tree branch. He hung there awkwardly, stuck like a cat.

“Ow—ow—this hurts!” he groaned.

“Lucas! Are you alright?!” Aiden yelled.

“I’m up here! I can’t get down! Help me!” Lucas cried.

Aiden sighed in relief, then laughed at the ridiculous sight. Lucas glared back.

Later before sunset, They continued walking through the Grasslands until their legs ached. When they finally stopped, they realized they carried no tent.

Lucas felt hopeless.

“Are we really sleeping on the ground? Without any shelter?”

Aiden raised an eyebrow.

“Imagine if we slept in a cave. Wolves, bears, or something worse might eat us.”

Lucas frowned. He missed the comfort of his real world bed.

“This sucks… but I guess we have no choice.”

Just as they were about to lie down, they heard wheels and hooves. A wagon approached.

“There! Someone’s coming!” Lucas shouted, waving wildly.

“Calm down,” Aiden said, tired. “Don’t act like you’re being chased.”

“I don’t want to sleep out here!” Lucas yelled back and kept waving.

The wagon stopped. A tall muscular woman stepped down. She wore silver armor and a helmet. Her dark pink hair was tied back, and her sharp eyes made her look strong and tomboyish.

“What are you two doing out here, adventurers?” she asked.

Lucas quickly replied, “We want to go home, but we’re lost!”

Aiden looked at her armor.

“Are you… a Spartan?”

She nodded.

“The name’s Garya Cinesca. Just call me Garya.”

They introduced themselves, and Lucas impatiently begged her to take them somewhere safe. Garya agreed and let them ride in her wagon. 

Later that evening, they arrived in Stoweth Kingdom - a land of strong, well-trained fighters. Spartans, knights, swordsmen, swordswomen, and even wizards walked the streets. Lucas stared, amazed by real magic in front of him. 

Aiden smirked, whispering, “See? Maybe a wizard will join us later.”

Lucas stared at him with an annoyed look while Aiden giggled.

Garya called them over, “Lucas. Aiden. Come inside.”

They entered the Adventurer Guild where there’s a huge building filled with fighters. Spartans arm-wrestled, swordsmen drank loudly, archers and swordswomen played darts. The place was full of chaos and excitement.

“Eat and drink as much as you want,” Garya said.

Aiden’s eyes sparkled from the lively atmosphere. Lucas tried to order normal water, but a mug of beer was placed in front of him instead.

“I just asked for water!” he complained.

“Stop acting like a child,” Garya said. “Drink. Be strong.”

Aiden raised his mug proudly.

“This is our celebration for defeating that monster!”

Lucas took a small sip, then spat it out immediately.

“This tastes horrible!”

Aiden laughed loudly.

“Weak men drink milk. Strong men drink alcohol!”

Lucas sighed in defeat.

At night, they stayed in a medium room with two beds. Lucas took the left, Aiden the right. Before sleeping, Lucas thought of Princess Clara.

“(Tomorrow… we’ll save you.)”

He closed his eyes, hoping he would return to the real world to take a rest on his own journey in his dream.

Instead, he woke up to Aiden shaking him.

“Morning already! Get up!”

Lucas sat up, heart pounding.

“(Why didn’t I return home?)”

Aiden thought he was just overthinking things, pushing him to continue the adventure. Lucas felt exhausted and didn't want to continue on his adventure. They followed Garya to prepare supplies. Lucas had already told them his mission to save the kidnapped royalty and villagers. Then they recruited a cute young witch: light blue hair, bright blue eyes, and a cheerful smile. Her name was Meilya Waira.

Aiden leaned to Lucas, whispering.

“She’s adorable, right? Easy to fall for, huh?”

Lucas stared at him in disgust.

 “What’s wrong with you?”

Meilya happily joined the party. Lucas asked,

“Is four people enough?”

Aiden replied, “If Ragnar came with us, things would be easier. He’s the tank.”

Lucas groaned.

“Why didn’t we ask him before leaving? He’s old? That’s the reason he told me he couldn’t join to help us.”

“He’s our teacher,” Aiden warned. “Show respect.”

A cartographer drew them a map showing the past raiders' attacks and the location of the invaders’ headquarters. Garya handed it to Lucas.

“Lead us,” she said.

Lucas looked at the map, tense and serious.

“Princess Clara… wait for us. We’re coming to save you.”

One month later, Lord Malakor sat on his throne, proud and merciless. People worked as slaves behind him. Suddenly, an invader troop rushed in.

“My Lord! This news is important! Four adventurers are heading toward us!”

Malakor’s eyes widened.

“Where are they from?”

“Stoweth Kingdom, my lord.”

Malakor stood abruptly, furious.

“Then they must be trying to steal our treasure.. including my property! Attack them when they arrive! And capture them alive!”

The invader troop ran to deliver the order.

Outside of the Dreadmire Dominion, Lucas’s party reached the enemy kingdom. They needed a plan.

Lucas asked, “Why don’t we summon troops from Stoweth?”

Garya replied, “No time. A silent operation is better.”

Meilya suggested sneaking around while she distracted the front guards. Aiden worried with his soft gentle words that it would be risky for her to become the bait but she insisted. Lucas and Garya's faces were gloomy because Aiden really did care by loving Meiyla on purpose. 

Garya said, “What are we waiting for? Just do it right away and don't wait.”

On the other side of Dreadmire Dominion, she walked toward them to trick two invader guards. 

The guards saw her and said to her, "Don't come forward! What are you doing here? Don't play with us!" 

Meiyla acted sad, feeling like she wanted to play with them and asked if they could just have a moment. When two guards had an idea, they tried to invite her to come in, they had a gift for her. 

Meiyla happily heard two guards try to give her a reward, “Really?! I want to! I want to!”. 

When the two guards came to her, the guards got distracted without noticing and then Garya knocked them out from behind. Meiyla was confused, Garya said to her that it’s their chance to move. 

“Now!” Garya shouted.

They rushed into the side entrance. They started running into the side of the building, while they were running, Aiden also loved Meiyla and how cute she was acting. 

Lucas said to him, "Hey, enough of that!"

Rumbling noises came as the Invader troops searched for them. Malakor waited on his throne when they would successfully surpass his soldiers. Clara felt there was hope that could save them. They were still searching for a way to Malakor's throne, but then elite soldiers stopped them and began attacking them.

Garya told them, “GO QUICK! I’m handling them! QUICK!”

The three of them quickly walked past her. There, Garya fought three Elite Invader Troops.

While they were still running, a number of regular troops blocked their path. 

Meiyla told them, “Move aside, let me!” 

She cast magic, “Power of the Hurricane!”. It made them more distracted.

Then a small tsunami of water appeared in front of them. The Invader soldiers fell. Aiden praised her continuously. 

Meiyla smiled cutely, “Thank you very much, you are the very best kind ever! Heeheehee!~” 

Aiden laughed happily.

Lucas pulled his ear, “Come on, hurry up.”

Aiden replied, “Ouch, ouch! It hurts! Let me go!”

In their struggle, they went toward the throne while fighting the remaining soldiers they came across. After that, the three of them quickly went to the main place where they met… the Throne that had been waiting for them. Lord Malakor was standing there.

“Have you been waiting? I didn’t expect that you would surpass my troops.. And I know for sure you’re after our kingdom! It’s not that easy..” Malakor said.

Lucas saw the King, Queen, and Princess Clara, who were being locked up. Outside, the people who felt weak from working were tortured. Lucas’s eyes widened, and he began to look at Malakor, his anger rising and his grip on his sword even tighter. His teeth were clenched.

“YOU’VE GONE TOO FAR! FACE ME! YOU DEVIL! I WON’T FORGIVE YOU!”

Lord Malakor laughed,

“What? Fed up? This is what you’re looking for.. it’s okay.. they are my tools!”

Lucas shouted,

“TOOLS?! YOU SAID TOOLS?! YOU—!”

Aiden calmed him down,

“Wait a minute! Don’t make a fuss! You don’t know how strong he is!”

Lucas growled,

“I don’t care.. I will kill him!”

Malakor laughed again and opened his cloak, showing his ultimate style of a true pure villain, giving them the chance to attack him and face their own fears.

Lucas dashed and jumped to strike him. Malakor smirked.

Aiden and Meiyla shouted, “WAIT! LUCAS! DON’T!”

Malakor unleashed a very powerful Wind of Darkness, sending Lucas flying far into a wall.

Aiden was ready to attack and shot five arrows. Malakor cut them with the ultimate sword he took out, “Is that your only attack?”

Meiyla cast Fire Meteor magic on him.

Malakor held the meteor fire and crushed it until it disappeared.

Malakor shouted,

“You insolent fool!”

He released a lump of dark earth toward Aiden and Meiyla, making them fall.

Malakor laughed evilly, thinking they were still weak.

Then, without realizing it, he quickly looked to his side and saw Lucas trying to cut off his head with his sword. Malakor easily dodged Lucas’s attack.

Lucas shouted, “What?!”

Then Malakor punched Lucas with the power of darkness in his stomach. Lucas immediately became sick and fell, unable to get up.

Princess Clara, Aiden, and Meiyla screamed,

“LUCAS!!!”

Malakor laughed again and said, “Final words? It is already useless for you to try to save them later.. but I am the strongest in the world!”

Laughing loudly, Lucas stood up again without giving up,

“I… I won’t lose… I CAN STILL BEAT YOU!”

He stood straight and started to get serious, taking his fighting pose.

Malakor scoffed,

“Come forward! I’m not afraid of you! Weakling hero!”

To be continued…

(J. F. R)