Feralium – The Forest Grotto

  Isaac sat alone on a moss-covered stone, the forest silence heavy around him. He stared into the void, his mind a turbulent storm of fragmented memories. Slowly, he reached for the flask at his belt, unstopped it, and took a long, burning swig.

  He wiped his mouth and clipped it back into place.

  From the shadows, Freya emerged. She moved with a silent grace, her expression softening into a warm, adoring smile as her milky eyes found him.

  "Are you alright, my love?"

  She sat beside him, their shoulders brushing, the chill of her skin faint against his armor.

  "I am..." Isaac sighed, leaning forward, elbows on knees. "I just want to settle this memory issue soon. I feel like I am fighting blind... losing too much of myself with this void in my head."

  They locked eyes. Freya reached out, her cool fingers gently caressing his rough cheek.

  "Rest easy... you will succeed. We just need to find Gwyn. He has the knowledge we lack; he will help you unlock what is hidden."

  "Yes... Let's go."

  They stood up. Freya adjusted her travel bag, ready to move, but Isaac hesitated.

  "While we are on the subject... I have a question. Something that has been gnawing at me."

  "You can ask me anything, darling."

  Isaac frowned, trying to bridge the gap between his two lives.

  "The massive creature I fought... the one with the incredible strength. He didn't just attack mindlessly. He called me 'Captain.' I remember holding that rank back on Earth... did I hold the same title in Olympia?"

  Freya paused, looking at him with deep recognition.

  "Yes... You were the Captain of the Royal Guard. But why does that trouble you?"

  "Because he didn't just recognize my rank," Isaac said, his voice darkening. "He screamed about Vengeance."

  Freya froze. Her playful demeanor vanished instantly, replaced by a sharp, analytical focus.

  "Vengeance? ...Isaac, what did this creature look like?"

  "Enormous. Encased in armor. And he had a horrific, clean burn scar circling his entire neck. As if his head had been reattached."

  Freya’s face paled. Her hands clenched into fists, trembling with sudden rage.

  "That wretched witch!"

  "You know who it is? Tell me."

  "General Oz," she spat the name like poison. "Back when you were Captain of the Royal Guard, Oz was the leader of the Broken Clan. He orchestrated a bloody coup against King Goda. You were the Kingdom’s only defense that day."

  She looked straight into his eyes.

  "You didn't just defeat him, Isaac... you executed him. You unleashed a beam from your eyes and sliced his head clean off. The scar... that is your signature."

  Isaac’s throat tightened.

  "If I killed him... how is he walking? How is he hunting me?"

  "Lyra."

  "Who is Lyra?"

  "The Guardian Deity of all Olympia... She has never liked you, darling. Not since the day you dared to defy her."

  "But... why bring a dead General back?"

  "Because Lyra is a twisted genius," Freya explained, disgust evident in her voice. "She is the most successful inventor on the planet, she has always aimed to create 'perfect life.' She conducts cruel, horrific experiments on beasts, monsters... and even her own servants. Resurrecting a hateful General to hunt you down? That is exactly her style."

  Isaac clenched his jaw, processing the information. The enemy wasn't just a monster; it was a ghost from a past he couldn't fully remember.

  "We need to go, dear. We are not safe here."

  They turned and walked quickly toward the border, leaves crunching softly underfoot, the forest watching them like a living thing.

  The Border Outpost

  The heavy atmosphere of the forest began to lift as they reached the outskirts. Freya, sensing the change in scenery, let out a breath of relief.

  HAAAH.

  She took Isaac's hand, interlacing her fingers with his.

  Suddenly, she started skipping slightly, a bright, almost childish smile returning to her face as she pointed ahead.

  "My love... look! A settlement! Let's go... we need supplies!"

  "True. Lead the way."

  They entered the small border village. It was bustling with traders and travelers. Isaac and Freya moved through the stalls, buying dried meat, water, and new gear. Freya left the shop looking radiant, hugging her new supplies. Isaac watched her, a rare smile touching his lips. He pulled her into a brief, protective hug.

  BOOOOM.

  A deafening horn blasted from the sky.

  A massive magical hologram projected into the air above the village square—the official seal of the Dragon Palace.

  Freya’s smile vanished instantly. Her expression turned into a childish pout, crossed with genuine annoyance.

  "Ah, yes... the Palace of Aiko’s father," she muttered, crossing her arms. "Your former wife."

  Isaac ignored her jealousy and focused on the announcer.

  "Hear ye! Citizens! Overlord Dragon Yamato Komodo and the Royal Family... invite everyone in this village and beyond to the Grand Masquerade Ball this weekend! We shall celebrate the wedding anniversary of Lord Yamato and his wife, Queen Sasaki!"

  Freya scoffed, rolling her milky eyes.

  "A Masquerade Ball, huh... The world is being destroyed, people are dying, Lyra is making monsters... and the Overlord stays silent and neutral, throwing parties."

  Isaac stood deep in thought, staring at the flickering magical image, the horn’s echo still vibrating in the bones of the village.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Freya leaned in, watching his reaction closely, a hint of insecurity in her voice.

  "Are you going, my love? To see your old wife... with another man?"

  Isaac turned to her. His eyes were cold, devoid of any longing for the past.

  "No. Let's go."

  Freya relaxed visibly.

  They turned to leave the square, pushing through the crowd.

  "...and finally... entry will only be permitted in full costume."

  The Border of Hell

  The border crossing was chaos. Dozens of guards shoved back crowds of desperate refugees trying to gain entry, their shouts drowning out the wind.

  Isaac stood at a distance, observing the mayhem.

  "According to the contact, Gwyn was seen here," Isaac said, keeping his voice low.

  "Did they say anything else, darling?" Freya asked, scanning the perimeter.

  "Yes. There was a battle nearby recently."

  Freya nodded. "Then we need to find the site of that skirmish."

  "Agreed," Isaac said. "We should split up."

  "What?" Freya snapped, her head whipping around. "No!"

  "Freya, listen. We cover more ground this way. If we walk together, we're a target. If we find something, the rendezvous point is right here. Understood?"

  Freya bit her lip, clearly hating the idea, but she saw the logic.

  "(Sigh) Fine, my love. Just... be careful."

  "Let's move."

  They parted ways, disappearing into the rocky terrain surrounding the border.

  Isaac moved away from the main gate. He watched as soldiers wearing the insignia of the Kingdom of Hell beat a family of travelers who couldn't pay the toll. He clenched his fists but forced himself to keep walking.

  Focus on the mission.

  He found himself on a secluded stretch of beach. The gray waves of the ocean crashed against the shore.

  Isaac walked along the sand until something caught his eye.

  A tree.

  Not the twisted, flora of Mundus. It was a coconut palm. Just like on Earth.

  "Incredible..." Isaac murmured, approaching it. "They even brought coconuts here."

  He stepped closer to inspect it.

  ZAP.

  A jolt of electricity shot up his leg. Isaac stumbled back, frowning. He knelt down, brushing aside the thick bushes at the base of the tree. Beneath the sand and foliage lay a heavy iron plate.

  A hatch?

  Suddenly, the hair on the back of his neck stood up. Instinct took over.

  Isaac spun around, throwing his body to the side just as a projectile whistled past his ear, embedding itself in the sand where his head had been a second ago.

  FWOOSH.

  He rolled to his feet, dusting off the sand.

  "Wow. He's faster than I imagined, Princess..." a guttural voice chuckled.

  "It doesn't matter, Godo," a female voice replied, dripping with arrogance. "Let's just bag our prize."

  Isaac looked at the duo. A massive, towering shark-man encased in rugged armor of dark bone and teeth, and a woman with fin-like ears, dressed in gleaming, iridescent scaled armor adorned with coral.

  "Who are you? What do you want?" Isaac demanded.

  "Who we are doesn't matter, handsome," the woman, Irina, smirked. "What matters is who you are. And how much you're worth. Forty billion... that’s my ticket back to Tritonix."

  Isaac sighed, cracking his neck.

  CRACK.

  "If I were you, I'd give up on that dream."

  Irina laughed, a cold, sharp sound. "And if I were you, darling, I'd simply accept my fate. You're coming with us. If not... my sweet Godo here is going to eat your legs."

  Godo grinned, snapping his jaws. Rows of serrated teeth glinted in the sun.

  CLACK.

  Meanwhile, further inland, Freya crouched near a scorched patch of earth.

  "Hmm... interesting," she whispered, running her fingers over the blackened soil. "The old man used Abyss Magic here. The residue is still fresh. And... a trace of his mana signature."

  She stood up, her milky eyes narrowing.

  "Found you."

  Back at the beach, Godo lunged.

  The beast was fast, his jaws snapping inches from Isaac’s face. Isaac weaved through the attacks effortlessly, dodging left and right. Irina growled in frustration.

  She raised her hand. "Hold still!"

  Ice mana flared. The ground beneath Isaac instantly froze, sleek and slippery. He lost his footing, hitting the sand hard.

  "HAHAHA! Got you!" Irina crowed.

  "Finish him, Godo!"

  The beast roared and leaped, aiming a crushing blow at Isaac’s chest.

  CRACK.

  Isaac didn't panic. Lying on his back, he slammed his fist into the frozen ground. The impact shattered the ice instantly.

  KRRSHH.

  He sat up, catching Godo’s descending fists with his bare hands.

  They locked eyes. Godo pushed with all his might, veins bulging, but Isaac didn't budge.

  He pulled back his head and delivered a savage headbutt to Godo’s stomach. The beast gasped, air leaving his lungs. Isaac grabbed him by the armor, lifted him effortlessly, and hurled him down the beach.

  Godo skipped across the sand like a stone.

  "Whoa..." Irina blinked, genuinely impressed. "You really are strong, handsome."

  Suddenly, she froze. A cold, curved blade pressed against her jugular.

  "Move and I kill you, you bitch," Freya whispered in her ear.

  Irina went rigid. Down the beach, Godo recovered, shaking the sand from his face. He saw Freya holding his mistress hostage and went berserk.

  "Princess!" he roared. "My Princess! My beautiful Princess!"

  RUMBLE.

  The ground began to shake violently. The tremor knocked everyone off balance.

  "Let her go! NOW!" Godo screamed, his mana flaring out of control.

  "Freya, watch out!" Isaac shouted.

  Freya released Irina and leaped back, landing gracefully beside Isaac.

  "Are you hurt?" she asked instantly.

  "I'm fine."

  Irina scrambled away, clutching her neck. Her face twisted into a mask of pure hate.

  "Wretched woman... I'll kill you all!"

  She raised both hands to the sky. The clouds darkened instantly. A supernatural gale whipped up the sand, blinding them.

  WHOOOOOSH.

  "That whore has incredible power," Freya shouted over the wind.

  Irina screamed, and the raindrops turned into jagged shards of ice.

  "Ah, shit," Isaac cursed. "Freya, take cover!"

  They dove behind a large boulder. The ice shards hammered against the stone like machine-gun fire, chipping it away rapidly.

  "It won't hold!" Freya yelled. "We need to do something!"

  "I have an idea," Isaac said, his eyes fixed on the storm clouds. "I don't know if it will work, but..."

  "What?"

  Isaac stood up, stepping out from behind the cover. He raised his hand toward the swirling gray sky.

  "What are you doing, darling?!" Freya screamed.

  KRAKOOOOM.

  A bolt of lightning tore through the clouds, aiming straight for Irina. But just before it struck the ground, it curved. It arced through the air, drawn like a magnet to Isaac’s raised hand.

  He caught it.

  Electricity crackled and danced around Isaac’s arm, controlled, subdued. He looked at Irina, his eyes glowing. With a squeeze of his fist, he crushed the lightning, dissipating the energy into harmless sparks.

  CRZZT.

  The storm vanished.

  Irina collapsed to her knees, blood trickling from her nose from the magical backlash. Godo rushed to her side, scooping her up.

  "Princess?"

  "Take me... away... Godo..." she wheezed.

  Godo shot a look of pure venom at Isaac and Freya. He smashed a glass vial on the ground. A thick cloud of smoke exploded outward. When it cleared, they were gone.

  POOF.

  "Was it right to let them go?" Freya asked, dusting off her clothes.

  "It doesn't matter," Isaac replied, watching the empty beach. "They know now. We are not prey."

  Freya looked at his hand, then up at his face. She wrapped her arms around his bicep, hugging him tight. Isaac leaned down, kissing the top of her head.

  "How did you find me?"

  "I followed a trail... something Gwyn left behind," she explained. "He taught me how to spot mana residue once. It's useful. The trail leads right there."

  She pointed to the bushes.

  "Of course it does," Isaac sighed.

  He walked over to the hidden hatch.

  "Is he in there?" Isaac asked.

  "I don't know," Freya mused, inspecting the iron door. "This looks like an ancient subterranean passage. Legend has it that King Goda built secret tunnels millennia ago to monitor dictatorial kingdoms. No one believed they were real... until now. Unfortunately, this metal is magic-repellent. Without a key—"

  SCREEECH.

  Isaac grabbed the handle and ripped the heavy iron door off its hinges like it was made of cardboard. He tossed it aside.

  Freya blinked. "Well... that works too."

  "Let's go."

  They descended into the darkness. Isaac pulled the hatch cover back over the opening, sealing them inside.

  CLUNK.

  They walked down a long corridor until they reached a small, dusty room.

  In the center, on a pedestal, a crystal pulsed with a soft, blue light.

  "An Astral Communicator," Freya identified it immediately.

  "What's it for?"

  "Long-distance communication. If it's glowing, there's a message stored." She tinkered with the device. "Give me a minute."

  Isaac sat on the dusty cot in the corner, looking around. "He was here. Recently."

  "Yes. And he sent a message four days ago. To Mary."

  Isaac froze.

  "Mary?"

  "Gwyn's daughter. Okay... I think I can playback the logs. Here goes."

  [Transmission Start]

  The hologram of a weary old man flickered into existence.

  “My dear daughter... when you receive this message, know that I am safe... (sigh). I have been hiding here at the Hell border for a few days. I will send more information soon. All I can say is... I am crossing into the Kingdom of Hell. I cannot return yet. Someone is hunting me. Someone very, very powerful. I will contact you when I reach the capital. Goodbye, my child.”

  The message shifted. A young woman’s voice, thick with tears, filled the room.

  “Dad... Isaac is alive. (sobbing) He is alive, Dad! We need to find him. Contact me immediately when you get this. He is alive and being hunted by the entire planet!”

  [Transmission End]

  Silence filled the small room.

  Freya sat beside Isaac. He was staring at the floor, his shoulders slumped.

  "Are you okay, darling?"

  "No," Isaac whispered. He took a deep breath, steeling himself. "But I will be. We need to go to Hell. Any idea how?"

  Freya tapped her chin. "Well... there are usually smuggler caravans that take people across for a high price. I’m almost certain that’s how Gwyn got in."

  Isaac stood up, offering his hand to her.

  "I understand. Shall we?"

  Freya took his hand, smiling up at him. "Of course, my King."

  "Let's go to Hell."