3 The Scenic Route

Roland examined Rocky and gestured to Carter, "Put the bee closer to the rock."

As Carter held the bee closer to Rocky, Roland could see that the bee's legs were stretching towards the rock and its injured wings were weakly flapping towards the rock.

Roland glanced at the old man next to him, "Barov, are you sure this is an ordinary rock?"

Barov seemed to be holding back his frustration as he said, "Your Highness, forgive me for the disrespect but why are you so interested in such a plain rock? Have you considered that there might be traces of dried honey or something on it?"

Roland glanced at Rocky thoughtfully, "You know what, I find the rock interesting. I'm taking it with me."

Rocky cheered in his mind, "YES! You see that Roll-land system? I'm moving! Gimme more benefits!"

Barov's face darkened and he said, "As Your Highness wishes. Shall we go now?"

Roland nodded, holding Rocky in one hand. He said, "Take us to see the witch."

Carter asked from behind Roland, "Are you sure this is wise Your Highness?"

Barov nodded in agreement with Carter's statement, "I agree with Carter. Witches are the devil's spawn!"

Roland nodded, "This is an order. Show me to the witch, Carter."

In Rocky's internal voice, "You show him, Roland! Let's go find that witch! Take the scenic route, Carter!"

After a brief walk and arriving inside the prison, Rocky thought, "That's strange, I traveled for at least 200 meters. Why didn't I get any rewards? Roll-land system, hellooo?"

Rocky heard a "Bzzzrrrt" sound as the Roll-land system responded, "User: Rocky needs to travel 10 km for next reward."

Rocky would have screamed in frustration if he had a mouth, "Of course! Of course! What's next? Travelling around the world?"

The Roll-land system did not respond and Rocky's head was filled with silence. After a few brief minutes, Roland was facing the entrance of Anna's cell. Anna looked extremely skinny and her limbs looked like they were freezing as she was only covered with a thin garment. Rocky inwardly cried, "Why doesn't anyone at least give me some thin rags? I feel cold too you know!"

Roland stepped closer to Anna's cell and Rocky heard Carter say, "Be careful Your Highness! Even though her powers are sealed with God's Locket of Retribution do you really want to risk it?"

Roland did not respond and only commanded, "Open the cell! That's an order!"

The jailkeeper opened the cell and Roland stepped in. Roland asked, "What's your name?"

Anna told him and Roland asked her about what had happened at the mine. After which Roland asked Anna, "Could you show me your power?"

Carter furrowed his brows and yelled, "This isn't a joke, Your Highness!"

Roland ignored Carter and pulled the locket off of Anna. Rocky was curious as well until a fire started appearing around Anna. It turned into a blinding white light as Roland scampered back, clutching Rocky. Rocky was nervously sweating inside as he thought, "If Roland didn't grab me as well I might have been melted. That was dangerous. Please get rid of the witch Roland! I know you're smart and just! Fire is dangerous to play with!"

The heat and fire eventually dissipated and Rocky heard Roland say, "Miss Anna, I want to hire you."