The Wonderland

[Klee POV]

Finally! I have defeated that damn annoying demon thanks to the newly acquired skill. Without it, I would have died back there. But thankfully, I survived, and that's all that matters.

On the other hand, I'm starting to feel dizzy due to exhaustion. I guess using powerful skills took a heavy toll on my body. As a result, my vision has become fuzzy, my ears are ringing, and my legs are giving out.

My body eventually collapsed to the ground with a loud thud, causing me to lose consciousness. I sensed someone approaching as I was about to fall asleep, possibly the guild master and the others checking my unconscious body.

'I hope they weren't upset with me when I woke up,' I thought as my mind began to drift off to sleep.

-------------------------------------------

As my consciousness faded, reality started losing its grip, to be replaced by a fantasy-ruled dreamscape.

In the darkness of my mind, colors explode like fireworks, weaving a magnificent tapestry all around me. I found myself on the outskirts of a world where the rules of existence were unpredictable and subject to change at any time.

When I looked down, I noticed that my feet were resting on a magnificent trail of stardust. I felt shivers running down my spine as magical energy buzzed and filled the space. It was as though the very essence of magic had infiltrated the entire fabric of this dream world.

As I moved forward, the scenery changed in front of my eyes. Trees sprouted from the ground, their trunks swirling like old creature tentacles. Its branches were covered with leaves in every color under the sun, and this ethereal glow it gave out illuminated my path.

"Where am I?" I pondered as I set out to explore the enchanted forest.

As I continued to stroll through the woods, I noticed a small rabbit-like creature in the distance. It appears to be picking berries off the bush on its own and eating them.

Due to my curiosity, I approached the creature in the hopes of getting a better look at it.

"Excuse me, mister rabbit," I said, attempting to gain its attention.

The creature then responds to my voice and turns to face me, asking in a male voice, "Yes, how may I help you?"

I was shocked when the creature answered my inquiry, thus I kept asking, "May I ask where I am?" assuming it knew where I was.

The creature replied my inquiry, "Of course, you are now in Wonderland, the kingdom of Dodoco," which made me grin broadly.

Wait a minute! Kingdom of Dodoco!? So, that means this creature is what I believe it is.

"Are you a Dodoco?" I excitedly inquired, eager to see whether my suspicions were correct.

The creature nodded in response to my question, then said, "Yes, I am, and my name is Spark," before introducing himself to me.

When the rabbit addressed himself, I was so thrilled that I immediately responded, "Nice to meet you, Spark. My name is Klee."

"I see, you must be the Dodo-queen's visitor," Spark responds, which piqued my interest.

"The Dodo-queen?" I inquired, wanting to be sure if I had heard him correctly.

"Yes, she's the leader of this land. Come on, I'll show you the way to her castle," says the fluffy rabbit, inviting me to join him.

I accepted his invitation and accompanied him through the mystical forest till we arrived in a kingdom populated by other Dodoco.

-----------------------------------------

As soon as I stepped foot in the Wonderland, I was greeted by a kaleidoscope of colorful houses and magnificent structures that stretched as far as the eye could see.

When the Dodoco residents noticed me at the entrance gate, they all began to hop around, shaking their fluffy tails with each joyful leap. The tenderness and sincerity in their sparkling eyes immediately made me feel at ease.

"Aww, they are so cute," I responded honestly, appreciating the Dodocos who greeted me.

Spark, on the other hand, pouted at me and said, "Yes, yes. We are all adorable. Now, come on. Let's get moving," before motioning me to follow him.

I followed his instructions and joined the fluffy rabbit to our destination. Meanwhile, I observed that the other Dodocos were following Spark and me, as if they also wanted to join us on the way there.

When we arrived at the kingdom's castle, I was greeted by two huge Dodocos guarding the gate. Despite their intimidating knightly armor and spears, both of them welcomed me with hospitality.

"Those two seem nice," I said, referring to the two enormous Dodocos' welcoming nature.

Spark nodded in agreement when he heard my comments and stated, "Indeed, we Dodocos were raised by the queen to be respectful and welcoming." before leading me inside the castle.

Once we entered the castle, I was utterly surprised by the vibrant decorations and magnificent furniture displayed in the corridor. In addition, there were beautiful paintings of a hooded person wearing a crown that decorated the walls.

As I contemplated the artwork, I asked my Dodoco friend, "Hey, Spark. Who is this person in the painting?" while pointing to the portrait of the hooded figure.

Spark turned around when he heard me inquire, "Ah, that? It's her majesty, the Dodo-queen," he happily responded to my question, to which I nodded understandingly. We soon arrived at the door leading to the throne room after I finished inspecting the hallway.

"Here we are, Klee," Spark said as he turned to face me. "The queen is on the other side of this door." I complied Spark's instructions and prepared myself to meet the monarch of this kingdom. He then knocks on the door and announces, "Your Majesty, I have brought you a visitor."

"You may enter," an imposing voice responded abruptly, permitting us to enter the throne room.

Spark then opens the door, revealing an enormous hall with someone on the throne waiting for us. A hooded person sat majestically on the regal seat, patiently watching us as we entered her royal room. On the meantime, the other Dodocos entered the room as well, filling up the vacant space.

After the room was full of Dodocos, the door abruptly closes behind us. I then followed Spark as he walks towards the throne. We ultimately came face to face with the Dodo-queen, who was looking at us intimidatingly.

"Your Majesty, I present to you the visitor, her name is Klee," Spark announces to the queen, who sighed harshly. What a jerk.

"Oh, wicked girl of flame, you've finally arrived. I've waited far too long... How very boring!" the hooded figure muttered menacingly, "You dare to face me, the overlord of the Dodo Clan, Dodo-queen!? Such glorious courage!" she added as she extends her hand towards me.

While listening to the queen's speech, I noticed something oddly familiar, as if I had heard those lines before. 'Wait... Don't tell me...'

"Though such courage is admirable, but it is meaningless because...." the queen said as she unveils her hood, revealing her blonde elven appearance, "Because Dodo-queen is me, Alicia"

"What!?" I exclaimed in disbelief after hearing the big reveal.

-----------------------------------

I was utterly surprised when the hooded person was revealed as Alice from Genshin Impact. Although I should have expected it, given I had previously played the summer update. But in my defense, I have no idea what Alice looks like in the game.

After contemplating my thoughts, I return my gaze to the elven woman. As I looked at her, I observed that she, too, had blonde hair and red eyes, and she was dressed in a crimson dress beneath her hooded cloak. Not only that, but she seemed pleased to see me, as if she had been expecting my arrival from the start.

"So, what do you think? Was my first impression impressive?" the elf woman inquired, eager to hear my response.

It surprises me to hear her voice being so playful when not so long ago, I recall her tone being somewhat threatening. Was she just putting on a front when she spoke earlier? If that is the case, then I suppose I should have seen it coming.

Anyway, I should definitely respond to her question, "Well, I think it is okay," I replied truthfully to the elf woman.

After hearing my response, Alice, who appears to be upset, exclaimed, "You know, I didn't wait 500 years only to hear an okay as a response. At the very least, give me some words of reassurance here, will you?" before weeping softly.

I was so perplexed by her statements that I looked around to see how others were reacting. From what I can tell, the Dodocos were equally disappointed by my response. Even Spark, who was standing next to me, was also unhappy.

"Hey Spark, what's going on?" I asked my rabbit pal in order to comprehend the gravity of my situation.

When the Dodoco heard my question, he frowned at me and said, "The queen has been practicing those lines for a long time, Klee. Give her majesty some positive feedback," scolding me before pouting his face.

"Oh, I see how it is," I thought as I finally understood what was going on. Subsequently, I returned my attention to the queen and shouted with enthusiasm, "Your majesty, those lines you said earlier were magnificent!"

When I acknowledged the queen, she was taken aback for a while before smiling joyously. "Of course, my lines were indeed magnificent because I'm the Dodo-queen!" she cries out enthusiastically, attracting cheers from the Dodoco inhabitants, which lasted for a while.

Once the cheering subsided, the queen regained composure and carried on, "Now that I'm satisfied, I would like to welcome you to my castle, Klee," she said with delight.

After a while, Alicia instructed the Dodocos to leave the throne room and go back to their homes, and they all complied. The elf woman then invited me to come join her for a cup of tea after they had left, which I happily accepted.

Spark, on the other hand, has decided to accompany me and the queen since he does not want to be left out. We agreed to allow him to join, and the three of us head towards the castle's garden.