O13.

Chapter 13

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"ATTACK!" I squinted when a loud voice cut through outside the tent. "Monsters are attacking the camp!" My eyes flew open at the alarming news. I tried to sit up, but something heavy was pinning me down.

"D-Darious?!" I gasped in shock as I looked down. There he was, lying across my stomach with his head nestled into my abdomen. His arm was draped across me as if I were a human pillow. The remnants of last night's events hit me with startling clarity.

"Wake up! There's—" I began urgently, but he silenced me by pressing a hand over my mouth. His eyes barely cracked open, and he glared at me with sleepy irritation.

"You're so noisy," he mumbled through a yawn, his voice muffled as he nuzzled back into my stomach. He shifted his head slightly, trying to get comfortable again, and his breathing soon settled back into a steady rhythm.

I stared at him, bewildered. The audacity! Frowning deeply, I grabbed a pillow and gave him a firm smack on the side. He jolted upright, blinking groggily as he rubbed his eyes and looked at me with confusion.

I crossed my arms and glared at him. "What—"

Before he could respond, I stuffed the blanket into his mouth in a swift motion and scrambled to my feet.

"You've rested enough, haven't you? Why—" I tried to continue, but he interrupted by hurling a pillow at my face. I snatched it out of the air, my frustration boiling over as I glared at him.

"That was the alarm, you idiot. There's no monster. You just ruined my sleep with your stupidity." He cradled his head in his hands, as though I was an unwelcome disturbance.

Seriously? I had spent the night hugging him like a human teddy bear, and now he was mumbling nonsense? Maybe I should smack him again! Who wouldn't be alarmed by a loud scream? And who in their right mind sets up a fake alarm like that?

I was about to snap back, but he turned his back to me and snuggled back into his makeshift pillow of blankets. My eyebrows knitted together in frustration at his childish behavior. Huh.

"My lord, the morning rations are— My lady? What are you doing here?" I turned to the source of the voice, recognizing Sebastian.

"Why should I explain myself to a knight who left his master without a word?" I shot back, rolling my eyes. I was still irritated with Darious, so I didn't want any interference.

Sebastian flinched at my words. I examined him. He had lost weight over the past three days, and his appearance was disheveled—his hair was a mess and his dark circles were prominent. But despite the disarray, his handsomeness remained intact, though he looked quite unkempt.

Clearing his throat, he met my gaze. "How about we take a walk around the camp to lift your spirits, my lady?" he suggested. I glanced over at Darious, who was drooling in his sleep, and sighed.

"That sounds good," I agreed, moving towards him. Sebastian exhaled in relief and placed his left hand in front of me.

"There's no need for such formality, we're not at the manor," I said, fixing him with a steady look. He quickly withdrew his hand and nodded.

His lips formed a straight line. "Shall we then?" I nodded in response and followed him.

"As we walk, I'll update you on the preparations for the morning rations," he began, leading us through the camp.

The camp was a flurry of activity. The clanging of swords and the clatter of metal armor created a chaotic symphony, while low murmurs rippled through the crowd as they watched me walk through.

"This is the safest location for the knights. We must camp here to keep the monsters from entering the city," he explained, surveying the surroundings.

I glanced at him, noting the dark circles under his eyes that suggested he hadn't slept in days. Despite his exhaustion, there was a certain warmth in his eyes that hinted at the importance he placed on this place. Though I wasn't skilled at reading expressions, his deep connection to the camp was evident.

"When will the patrols begin?" I inquired, studying his face. He returned my gaze with a furrowed brow, likely wondering about my curiosity.

"Around 7 a.m., my lady. We have ten squadrons of knights to cover the entire area," he answered, his nose wrinkling slightly as if he detected an unpleasant scent.

Suddenly, I felt an odd sensation, as if a spotlight had been cast over us.

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A sub-predicament has arisen! The main predicament's timeline is paused due to an unpredictable event. Remaining time: 62:00:00, paused.

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What could this new predicament be?

"My lady! Find your brother immediately!" Sebastian's voice cut through the air with urgency. "Everyone, stay alert! The monster are breaching our barrier!" His shout sent the knights into a frenzy. They dashed to their positions, sweat dripping from their brows as they scanned the shadowy forest surrounding us, ready for whatever threat might emerge.

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Sub-predicament

Protect the camp from the monster Icefang.

Reward: Power level unlocked, and additional character information.

Failure: Loss of the camp.

Decide your course with great caution!

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That monster?! What in the world?! This encounter happened sooner than I expected! I had previously defeated Icefang and collected its core as Lady Cecelia in the game. Of course, it was easy then because I had experienced this scenario many times. However, right now, I am here not us Lady Cecelia for goodness' sake!

These knights... They might still lose half their forces. Icefang may be a mid-level monster, but it's powerful enough to wipe us all out.

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The sub-predicament will now commence.

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"Lady Arthemice, we need your brother! His barrier is crucial!"

Darious! I nearly forgot! He's the one who can reinforce the barrier. Without wasting a second, I dashed towards Darious's tent.

"Brother!" I called out as I found him asleep. "Brother! There's a—" My voice faltered when I noticed blood on his mouth. What's going on?! Why is he covered in his own blood?!

"D-Darious!" I shouted, panic rising in my chest.

He lay on his cot, his face pale and streaked with blood. The usually arrogant and strong features of his face were now marred by pain. Blood seeped from a deep wound on his abdomen, staining his shirt and the cot beneath him. His eyes were half-open and glazed over, his breathing shallow.

I quickly grabbed a blanket and tore it into strips, using them to cover the wound in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding. His eyes fluttered weakly as he tried to speak, but no words came out.

"W-Wait! I'll get Lady Athena!" I exclaimed, sprinting towards Lady Cecelia's tent. I knew they shared a tent, as they were always together.

As I went outside, I saw the scene was chaotic. Icefang, the monster attacking the camp, was a huge creature covered in glittering ice. Its body was shielded by thick, crystal-like armor. Sharp spikes jutted from its back, and its eyes shone with a cold light. It moved smoothly, releasing a freezing mist that turned the ground into slippery ice.

I saw how the knights struggled against the icy terrain. Ice spikes had erupted from the ground, forming a hazardous maze. The knights, armored and determined, were moving carefully to avoid the spikes while trying to engage Icefang. Some were already injured, their armor dented from the harsh battle. The scene was filled with the clatter of metal and the shouts of commands as they fought to protect the camp.

I needed to act quickly. Lady Cecelia couldn't handle this alone, Darious's barrier was essential!

"Athena!" I called out, breathless, as I burst into their tent. My heart sank when I saw her face. She looked utterly horrified, her face pale and her hands trembling uncontrollably. What was going on? Was she afraid of the sudden attack?

"We need your healing ability! Lord Darious is in danger!" I urged.

"I will go," she replied, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her fear. She moved silently, leaving me behind in the tent. What's wrong with her? Had something happened to her or Lady Cecelia? I shook off that thought. I need to—

I stopped mid-thought. Why? Why did I react so dramatically? This isn't the real world, right? So, why should I care? Should I help the camp?

"Why do I need to help?" I blurted out.

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Because you live here now. If you continue doing things on your own, punishment will follow.

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"Haa..." Right. I am now Lady Arthemice, not Faerie. The fact that the system can control me is almost laughable.

I took a deep breath and slapped myself lightly. Get a grip. You're not Faerie anymore, just live this life as best as you can. You've been given a second chance, so make the most of it! Embrace this new identity, navigate its challenges, and find strength within yourself.

Once I calmed down, I hurried outside and was immediately engulfed by the chaos. Lady Cecelia, ever composed and resourceful, was directing a group of knights, her calm demeanor and sharp eyes ensuring everything was in order. She moved with an air of authority. Supplies were being distributed efficiently, and her steady voice cut through the noise, organizing the defense with precision. The Crown Prince, on the other hand, was using the forest as a strategic advantage, attempting to lure the monster away from the camp.

"Where's the lord?!" Sebastian's voice broke through the din as he grabbed my shoulders with a grip that bordered on painful. His normally pristine appearance was disheveled, his hair tousled and eyes wild with worry. It was as if the composed and aloof knight had been replaced by a man on the edge of breaking.

"He got stabbed," I replied nonchalantly. The words seemed to shatter something within him. His eyes widened in disbelief, and he released me, staggering back as if physically struck by the news.

"Someone planned this," he muttered, his fists clenching so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His usually composed face was twisted in a mask of rage and frustration. Veins stood out on his neck as he struggled to contain his fury, his entire body trembling with barely restrained anger.

"It's happening again..." He bit down on his nails. "This must be stopped. Those bastards don't know when to quit." He gnashed his teeth, his eyes blazing with a fiery determination that was both terrifying and mesmerizing.

I was taken aback by his reaction. The Sebastian I knew was always composed, never showing this kind of raw emotion. Even when he killed Arthemice in the game, his face never displayed such unfiltered anger. This was a new side of him, and it intrigued me.

"Lady Arthemice, you can change this, right?" he said, calming himself. He heaved a deep sigh, standing firmly, fixing his armor, and unsheathing his sword.

"You must aim for its eyes," I replied without looking at him. I felt him flinch at my words.

He gripped his sword tightly as I saw mana continuously flowing from it. "I don't have the power or strength to do it, but you might have some," I added. The corner of his mouth quirked up.

"I know," he responded. In an instant, he leaped into the air, moving so fast that I could barely keep track of him. It was as if he flew, propelled by sheer force and determination.

"Now!" I heard Lady Cecelia's voice.

The Crown Prince emerged from the shadows, and both he and Sebastian launched an attack on the monster.

Sebastian's face, intense with concentration, reflected a new level of resolve. His movements were swift and precise, his form a blur as he attacked. With each leap and swing, he seemed to defy gravity, moving through the air with an almost supernatural grace. His eyes, focused and fierce, never wavered from his target.

The Crown Prince matched his pace, their attacks synchronized perfectly. They moved like a well-rehearsed dance, each strike complementing the other's. The Crown Prince's sword slashed through the air with deadly precision, while Sebastian's blows were powerful and relentless. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with.

The monster, though formidable, was being overwhelmed by their relentless assault. Its icy armor cracked under their combined attacks, and it roared in fury and pain. The knights below continued their efforts, striking at the creature's legs, though their weapons often broke against the resilient ice.

"I might do something," I said, determination fueling my steps.

"Lady Hezekiah!" I called out to Cecelia as I approached her. Her hands trembled as she handed a sword to a knight.

"Lady Arthemice! What are you doing here? This place is dangerous—" I cut her off mid-sentence.

"Can you make two small daggers?" I ordered, urgency in my voice.

"But—" she hesitated at first, but I looked at her intensely. "Okay," she continued. Her hands began to glow as she chanted in a mystical language, "Arcanis elara thalor," the words reverberating through the air. The glow around her hands intensified, swirling with colors that danced like liquid light. Gradually, two daggers materialized, floating above her palms, their edges shimmering with energy.

I reached for them, but she stopped me. "Wait, my lady. I must give them a special upgrade," she muttered, her eyes narrowing in concentration. I looked at her, dumbfounded. "Just trust me," she added. We don't have time, do we?! Sebastian and Lumine can't get close to the monster at all! They've wounded it, but the ice it spits out is relentless. Half of these knights might be wiped out if I don't act quickly.

"Damn it!" I heard Sebastian curse as he was flung across the ground. "Your Highness! Behind you!" he shouted. The monster rampaged, stomping its feet. Lumine was nearly crushed, saved only by Sebastian's warning.

"Everyone, gather up! Aim for its eyes!" Lumine shouted, wiping blood from his mouth. "I see its core in its eyes! Throw your swords at its eyes!" The knights looked at each other, preparing to throw their swords.

My eyes widened. No. They must not do that!

Meanwhile, Cecelia's hands glowed brighter as she focused on the daggers. "Mystica potestas inferna, augmentum armi," she chanted, her voice steady and strong. The daggers began to hum with power as intricate runes etched themselves into the blades, glowing with a faint blue light. It was as if she was infusing her very essence into the weapons, enhancing their strength and durability.

"My lady, it's done," Lady Cecelia said, handing me the daggers. I grabbed them immediately, feeling the weight and power of the enchanted weapons, and without pausing to thank her, I turned back to the knights.

The knights were about to throw their swords, but I rushed to the center, spreading my arms wide.

"Don't do that!" I shouted. They froze, stunned by my sudden action.

"What are you doing, my lady?!" Crown Prince Lumine hissed, glaring at me angrily.

"The monster—" I couldn't finish my sentence as one knight hurled his sword at the monster.

"We don't follow orders from a lady with a reputation lower than ours!" he screamed, throwing his sword. But as he did, the sword rebounded, stabbing him straight through the throat. His blood splattered on his comrades' faces as they looked on in horror. They all trembled, seeing their comrade die so suddenly.

Huh. The man who will not listen will face the consequences.

"Jordan!" they all shouted in unison as they ran towards their fallen comrade. The monstrous creature roared, scattering shards of ice in every direction.

My feet felt glued to the ground as I faced the approaching ice spikes. The shards seemed to glisten menacingly in the dim light, each one a deadly projectile hurtling towards us. The air was thick with the cold, sharp fragments, each ready to pierce through armor and flesh alike.

"Lady!" I was startled out of my trance as Crown Prince Lumine's strong arm wrapped around my waist. In one swift motion, he lifted me off the ground and leapt with powerful grace. I felt the rush of air as we soared through the chaotic storm of ice, narrowly avoiding the lethal shards.

We landed with a soft thud on a sturdy tree branch, high above the ground. The branch swayed slightly under our weight, but held firm. From our vantage point, I could see the battlefield below, a grim tableau of ice and fallen knights.

Crimson ice. I saw it everywhere. Some knights were slain. I scanned the area. Five knights had been struck down by the ice.

"My lady—" the Crown Prince began, but his words trailed off as he looked at me. He was still carrying me, his grip secure yet gentle.

"Your Highness, bring me closer to the monster," I said. His eyes widened at my request.

"But—" he hesitated.

"Trust me," I insisted, locking eyes with him. I saw his eyes widen further, his head lowering as he bit his lip.

"Yes, my lady," he finally replied. My heart pounded as he flew towards the side of the monster.

I recalled the description of the creature. It emitted icy mists that could neutralize any incoming attack. This defense mechanism protected the monster's core, located in its eyes. If the monster saw an attack, it would deflect it back at its assailants. This was the flaw in the Crown Prince's initial plan, which had led to the deaths of half the knights in the storyline of the game.

But now, it changed, because I changed it. Only five knights had been slain, not half of them.

"Kyle, try to cover me!" I shouted at Sebastian, whose mouth gaped open. His eyes widened as he took in the blood scattered everywhere. When he heard my voice, he snapped his gaze in our direction.

"Yes, my lady!" he resolved, his determination evident. Sebastian charged at the monster, his sword glinting in the light. With swift, precise strikes, he attacked the creature's legs and sides, aiming to divert its attention from us. He moved with the grace and agility, his every movement calculated to provoke the beast.

"Your Highness, toss me," I said as I saw Sebastian successfully capture the monster's focus.

"But you will fall," he replied, looking at me with hesitation. I smiled at him.

"Then catch me," I remarked. His eyes widened in shock, his normally composed face taken aback by my bold request. His brows shot up, and his mouth opened slightly. He quickly regained his composure, though a flicker of amazement still lingered in his gaze.

"As you ordered, my lady." He tightened his grip on my waist before tossing me into the air.

I quickly adjusted my position, my mind sharp and focused. I had played darts extensively in my world, and those skills remained sharp, even in this unfamiliar body. The air rushed past me as I soared through the sky, my eyes locked on the monster's glowing, vulnerable eyes.

"Let's see if you handle this," I murmured with a smirk. "End of the line." With all my strength and precision, I hurled the two daggers straight at the creature's eyes. My arms moved in perfect synchronization, honed by years of practice.

The blades spun through the air with deadly accuracy, glinting menacingly as they flew. They struck true, embedding deeply into the monster's eyes. The creature roared in agony, blinded and disoriented. It thrashed about wildly, its massive body shaking the ground beneath us. The monster stumbled and crashed to the earth, a resounding thud echoing through the area. Its eyes glowed with a fierce, desperate light, signaling its defeat.

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You have completed the sub-predicament! Congratulations, player!

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I rolled my eyes. Wow, I barely helped but my body feels so tired. I felt my body slowly falling toward the ground. Well, I didn't expect the Crown Prince to catch me. He's not the type to do that. He hates Arthemice, remember?

I braced myself for a painful impact with the ground. "Huh, this is going to hurt," I muttered, closing my eyes slowly.

As I fell, I felt the rush of wind around me, the ground looming closer. Panic surged through me, mingling with exhaustion. Just as I prepared for the inevitable pain, strong arms caught me mid-fall. The impact I dreaded never came.

"Caught you, my lady." My eyes snapped open in surprise. The Crown Prince was holding me, his grip firm yet gentle. His black eyes, usually so stern and unyielding, were softer than I expected. There was a warmth in his gaze that took me aback, a flicker of concern I had never seen before.

"Your Highness," I muttered, my heart pounding wildly in my chest as I stared at him. His half-smile was unexpected, a contrast to his usual aloof demeanor. His hair flowed gracefully in the breeze, and for a moment, he seemed almost... kind.

"You did a great job." His voice was calm and reassuring, a stark contrast to the chaotic battle we had just endured.

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The sub-predicament is complete. The main predicament will resume. Time remaining: 61:59:00.

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Rewards will be granted shortly!

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Character power level for 'The Ruthless Villainess' has been unlocked!

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Additional character information for 'The Ruthless Villainess' is now being added!

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Updating character details…

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Character Profile

Eiliyah Arthemice Loughsin

Title: The Ruthless Villainess 

Current Life: 37% 

Reputation: 12% 

Power Level: Primordial

Ability: Unknown

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fin.