A week had passed after registering at the Adventurers Guild. I was still new to it of course, other adventurers would give me looks, some in disgust, others in awe and every now and then, the ones that feared me. For who I was, for what I did. I wasn’t welcomed with open arms like the rest, most knew what I did to the capital, to the king. To them I was an enemy, to them I was a walking ticking bomb. Even after a week, everyone still talked about it, talked about me. Who was I to blame them for what I did? I’m still walking around the kingdom, around their safe space, like nothing happened.

  I didn’t have a choice. At least, not in that moment. I was told that genocide was inevitable and I decided to be judge, jury and executioner to a kingdom that always had their way. Maybe if I was given more time, maybe figure out a way not to do what I did, perhaps maybe I wouldn’t be lamenting on it. Too bad that bridge is nothing but burned and destroyed now.

  I kept busy however, I was taking on quests, small ones though. Whenever I tried to do one that involved another human like me, I was quickly turned away. No gold for the infamous. The beast people were rather different, they didn’t seem to care as much as long their quest got done. Most were retrieving herbs around the surrounding area of the kingdom. I even got one where I saved a cat out of a tree, something probably Superman would do. Whatever kept me from not getting some type of pay, at least to keep me afloat. I wasn’t opposed to the quests, it kind of reminded me of my younger days, growing up and doing odd jobs around the neighborhood, just so I could have my own kind of money to go to arcades, buy my junk food, just any type of compensation for my activities.

  The inn I stayed at, didn’t charge me at all for my stay. I couldn’t tell if it was the fear I instilled at the place, but less I ask about stuff like that, the better I was left alone. I still paid for my food. Nothing like my world, a stew or a soup, driest bread and a cup of water. I was still grateful for what I received. Growing up, I had it a bit worse, there’d be days where the only thing we ate was nothing but eggs and beans. My parents sacrificing more of their share of their food so their own kids wouldn’t starve. I sighed, smiled when I thought about those hardships.

  After I was done eating, I went to the room I stayed in. Placed my sword right by my side. I couldn’t leave it, not when I’m staying where I’m considered an enemy of the state. I should be grateful for the Guildmaster though, as he promised, no one has dared to approach me. But that didn’t meant I should let my guard down. At times, when I laid, I didn’t take off the light armor I had equipped. Better off staying protected than nothing. The only thing I would take off were the black steel boots I had, along with my socks. I hate the smell of chips that lingered on them when I wore them for far too long. Ew.

  I was exhausted, laying on the bed. As soon as I was about to fall asleep, he started to talk again. *Yo.*

  *Oh, hey, where have you been?* Since I joined the Guild, he’s been rather quiet. Too quiet for my liking.

  *Oh, editing. Proofreading. Making sure everything is paced well. You know? Author things.* He laughed.

  I rolled my eyes. I keep forgetting I’m just his play thing for his amusement in this fantasy trope. *I guess that would keep you busy. Playing around with my life like that.*

  *I didn’t want to intrude on you, you seemed rather capable of keeping yourself busy as well,* he told me, almost impressed. *Any who, just wanted to check up on you.*

  *I thought you were an author, not my therapist.* I mocked him.

  He laughed, my mocking was seen rather funny to him. *I can be your therapist, but I’m not nowhere near qualified for that.*

  I grunted. I wasn’t amused. *So, you’re just checking up on me then?*

  *Somewhat,* he continued. *I was going to tell you, you have a big day ahead of you.*

  My eyes gleamed up, somewhat excited. It had been awhile since anything excited me. *I’m listening.*

  *Finally got your interest, eh?* I can tell he had a shit eating grin, just with the way he said that.

  *Come on now, I’ve been stuck doing nothing but picking herbs, saving cats from trees, cutting and cleaning out weeds for people. I need something, the better quests are locked behind people who hate me. So indulge me.* I said so, truthfully.

  *I can’t say too much to you, that’ll be spoilers,* He teased me, almost blue balling me. I hated it. *I will say, your fantasy life is about to get more fiery.*

  *Is that a hint?* No response back. That asshole really just edged me. *Well then fuck you too asshole.*

  After my conversation, I got comfortable in the bed. And without too much trouble, I fell asleep.

  The next day came by quickly, and for once, the shift in the air was slightly less so appealing. I opened the door to the guild, empty like prior days. Ever since I started taking quests, more have started to avoid this place.

  I see Torvald, the Guildmaster, standing by the counter with his receptionist. Today, it was the beast girl’s shift, she was rather nice to me. “Hey.” I greeted.

  “Ah, the Butcher, just the person I wanted to see.” He was eager, almost like a kid when they want to show their parents something they learned.

  “It’s Alex,” I approached him, closer to hear what he has to say. “Something happened?”

  “Here,” he pulled out a piece of paper, I recognized it – most likely a quest. “Take a look.”

  I grabbed the paper and read. My eyes were in disbelief. The quest was an S Rank. A dragon – taking up a portion of the mountains in the east, after rampaging and destroying nearby caravans and wagons of highly respected merchants. The reward, 750,000 crowns. Jackpot. “Wow, that’s a lot. I didn’t think there was a quest that was higher than my own bounty.”

  “Keep reading.” The guildmaster told me, arms crossed over his chest.

  As I continued to read, the quest was also a bounty. Crimson Terror, it said. A legendary warrior from Kharzad, a draconoid, is what they refer to a dragon that can also take the form of a person. “Wow.” I continued, at awe with their strength. Seems like they’ve been on a rampage. Surprisingly though, there haven’t been any type of casualties. Just a whole lot of territories that have been destroyed in their wake of their rampage. It’s says they’ve been terrorizing the area, far longer than I’ve been around. Might be the reason the bounty is higher than mines.

  “Can you do it?” Torvald asked of me.

  I thought about it for awhile. Then I remembered the words the author said last night, when he blue balled me, *You have a big day ahead of you.* Those words echoed around my brain. I took a deep breathe, exhaling the air out of my nostrils, and replied. “Yes.”

  “Good,” he unwrapped his hands and took out another thing – a bag of crowns this time around. He handed them to me. “You’ll need this, from me. The Peak of the mountains is almost a 3 day trip, you’ll need to have better equipment and stuff yourself with supplies to last you.” He explained. “Lastly, there’s an inn not too far off your way, at the bottom of the mountains. Unfortunately though, that part of the mountains is not part of Valthar. So if anything happens there, I can’t protect you.”

  “Thanks for the heads up.” I folded the paper up, placing it in one of my back pockets. I held my demeanor up, I couldn’t help but smile. I was excited, finally a quest. And it didn’t bother me one bit about the rank of it.

  “Oh, before you go,” the receptionist spoke, she had bunny ears, face humanoid, but still considered a beast kin. She took out what seemed like another piece of paper. “Here’s a map, detailing where to go through. It also has the location of both the inn and the last location sighted of the Crimson Terror.”

  I took the map as well. I glanced at it. I never realized how huge the kingdom of Valthar was. How much I explored of it, and that was only the poorest districts I’ve ventured on. Nothing out of place, at least to my knowledge. I folded it as well and placed it in the same pocket as the quest. “Thank you very much.”

  “Stay safe.” Both the receptionist and the Guildmaster said in unison. And with that, I was off.

  I did a little bit of shopping, made sure my rations were enough for the 3 day trip.

  I went to the blacksmith too: I set my gear on the workbench and asked the blacksmith to look over the armor before I set out. The dark steel cuirass was made of layered, angular plates that covered my chest and ribs, worn over a thick black hoodie that served as padding beneath the metal. A heavy segmented pauldron guarded my right shoulder, its overlapping plates allowing movement while still offering strong protection, while my forearms were fitted with solid vambraces and articulated gauntlets built for a firm weapon grip. At the waist, the lower torso plates and belt attachments needed tightening so the armor would sit properly without shifting. My leg protection consisted of rounded knee guards, fitted greaves enclosing the shins, and articulated sabatons protecting the feet, each piece forged in a dark, matte finish and showing signs of hard use. I asked him to reinforce the joints, secure the straps, and ensure the plates moved smoothly together – everything had to hold through three days of travel and whatever waited at the end of the road. It was my own amalgamation, a modernized look of what I wore when I got here, with armor I was able to buy. A mix of light and heavy.

  After all my preparation, I went on my way.

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  *You’re awfully gleeful right now.* Oh great, he was back.

  *Well, I finally got a good quest for once. Should I not be grateful or should I immediately regret this?* I couldn’t help but continue to smile. For once, I wasn’t overcome with boredom.

  *No, no, you’re going in the right direction, forget I said that.* He didn’t quip back like he usually does. More surprises.

  *Duly noted.*

  Nothing much happened between my trip from Valthar to the bottom of the the mountains. The map has a name for it – Ashen Divide. It apparently divides the kingdoms of Valthar and Kharzad. Its mainly used by traveling merchants coming in or out.

  My first day walking around, I asked some people if I was going the right direction. Some people avoided me altogether, a couple humored me so long as I continued my way. Guess even all the way out here, it was still all the same.

  My second day, went by a bit better. The wind got colder, which meant I was getting closer to my destination. Second time I camp out, bonfire lit. I sat by it, close enough to keep me warm but enough distance that it didn’t scorch me. My rations included dried out meat, almost like jerky, more dry bread, and some cheese. Smelled like Queso Enchilado, the ones my mom would bring back from her trips in Mexico, the round ones that were aged. Though it smelled like it, it tasted nothing like it. Almost made me depressed, homesick. Whatever.

  Finally, third day came along just fine. I found the inn, as soon as the sun rose. I made my way in, asked some questions before I started to climb up the mountain top of Ashen Divide. The innkeeper didn’t know who I was, that was reassuring. Means he’s not afraid to answer.

  After getting the info I desired, I rented a room. I didn’t stay, not yet anyway. Just needed it to leave my rations in a safe spot while I continued on with my quest.

  After leaving the inn behind, the climb to the top was cold. Not too cold that I couldn’t handle. Believe me, the Midwest cold definitely prepared me for this. My greaves crunched the snow underneath me, as I walked through the snow. A bit slippery at times, but nothing I couldn’t fix with my own balance. The environment alone was S Rank to any who didn’t bring any warmth.

  *Hey, you finally made it.* The author picked a rather bad time now, when I’m trying to concentrate on my footing. I took my sword out, using it like a cane, a crutch to help with my balance.

  *Kind of busy right now, I’m gonna have to leave you a rain check.* I told him.

  *This’ll be quick, I promise.* He told me as I continued on with my struggle.

  *Fine, you have a minute before I hang up on you. Start.* I snapped back at him.

  *Well, the battle before you is going to be somewhat difficult,* he started his yap. *My only warning is for you to not die. Would hate to have to rewrite this with another poor sod.*

  *Cry me a river dude,* I rolled my eyes, exhaled some air as the climb got steeper. *That would be your only concern. If I die, my only request is that you make it painless. Quick, like if someone shot me in the head.* I gestured my hand to look like a gun, pointed at my head as mocked his concerns.

  *I’m feeling a bit artistic, so no promises.* His silence was all I needed. Good, no one to interrupt me while I climbed, to my death probably.

  The summit was a lot easier to climb as the footing became more stable. I took one last breathe, before I saw how beautiful the horizon was. The side I came from, the Kingdom of Valthar, was huge. The map didn’t do it justice. I can see the castle, in ruins, the way I had left them. I can see the soldiers, the nobles, still trying to scavenge what they can from what I left.

  From the castle down, the rest of the kingdom laid out like a ring – separating the districts by their wealth. Typical Fantasy trope, I thought. The first district, the noble district was distinct- the gold, the structures are better built with stone and other materials alike, it was as if greed took a form and it was that district. The next ring, the middle one, was what the called the Aristocrat district – a lot less wealthy, noticeable with half structures built by stone and wood. They were still better off than the last district – The Merchant’s district, that was like patchwork, mostly wood, uneven structures where most beast kin and poorer men stay in, where I stayed at. Pathetic.

  Then I looked the other horizon, a vast forest that separates the Ashen Divide and the Kingdom of Kharzad. Even from this distance, I couldn’t tell how it looked compared to Valthar. Probably as pathetic, but at least they still have their capital. I mentally laughed at that thought.

  I looked up, the clouds that covered the rest of the mountain top, the spire that pierced. And then I saw it – the dragon. The Crimson Terror, like the bounty slash quest said. Perched up, wing span that covered the sun, shading the whole area underneath me. It wasn’t like other dragons I’ve seen in media. The horns were goat like, stretching from it’s head towards the back, curled to the bottom. It’s scales, deep red, almost lava bred. Crimson like it was described. Eyes deep red, glaring at me – I’m his next opponent. It stood up, wings up as it flew at the sky then towards me.

  It just tried to blitz me. It was quick, but I was just as nimble. Dodging the attack as I rolled out of it’s way. *Here we go.* I thought to myself.

  *It’s showtime,* there he was again, the author intruding at the worst time. *Let’s impress the readers.*

  *I’ll try my best not to look lame.* I told him, no promises.

  *I’ll make sure it’s your good side too.* The author told me.

  *Yeah, yeah, whatever - * My train of thought was completely broken, by it’s roar – a sound that rattled my bones and cracked the ice around me. So ferocious.

  I planted my feet, preparing for my counter strike. “Here we go.”

  The dragon launched toward me once more, wings snapping like thunderclaps. Fire bloomed in its throat - a white-hot cone screaming down the mountainside. Down at me.

  I raised my light shield. The flames split around me like a river around stone. Heat washed harmlessly past. I walked forward through the inferno, shield up - snow melting in perfect circles at my feet.

  The dragon banked hard, confused, and dove again - claws extended, jaws wide. I leaped. I met it mid-air, greaves slamming into its scaled chest. The impact rang like a gong. The dragon snarled, twisting to snap at back at me with a counter.

  I rolled across its back, grabbed a horn for leverage, and drove an elbow into the base of its skull.

  I gritted my teeth. The dragon bucked violently, trying to shake me off. I clung on, tighter, feeling that oily pulse of foreign magic beneath the scales. That feeling, something was off. It felt, dark ominous in form. Then I looked, I looked real hard around it’s neck. That’s when it hit me – this dragon was collared. Commandeered by magic that it couldn’t fight off. *Is it mind controlled?* I thought to myself.

  *Ding, ding, ding,* the author impersonated a bell, one that rang like I just won a prize. *It’s crying out for help, destroy that collar. And quick before it does that tail-whip special.*

  *The what-?* My train of thought was quickly broken.

  The dragon rolled in mid-air, slamming me against a cliff face. Rock cracked. I managed to hold on, driving both of my palms into the back of its neck. I engulfed my hands with magic. The magic emanating from the collar was dark, so instinctively I thought of the opposite. Light, the holiest of magic, is what surrounded my hands, enough of it that it overpowered the aura of the dark, completely destroying it.

  It’s power surged - raw, focused, the same force that had leveled a castle. The shadowy collar shattered with an audible snap, black tendrils dissolving into smoke. It pushed me back, completely falling off the dragon I held onto, landing on my back – ouch.

  The dragon screamed but it was different. Not rage, but raw, sudden agony. It spiraled downward, crashing into the snow in a thunderous heap. Scales shimmered, shrank. Bones realigned with wet, grinding pops. Crimson light swirled.

  I walked towards the crater, favoring my back as I walked slowly. When the smoke faded, a woman laid in the crater. Beautiful too.

  Long red hair fanned across the ice like spilled blood. Curved horns, like in her dragon form, swept back from her forehead - black at the base, crimson at the tips. Pale gold skin dusted with faint scale patterns along her collarbone and hips. Crimson eyes blinked open, dazed, beautiful, and sharp. Her figure was athletic, full-curved, regal in a way that made the cold air feel suddenly warmer. She still had her long lizard like tail, wrapped around herself, protecting herself. I realized her clothes were torn apart, in places that revealed more skin that it should.

  She pushed herself up on trembling arms, breath fogging. I couldn’t help but reach out my hand, to help her up from the crater. She stared at it, I stared back. Her eyes, ruby like her dragon self. There were so pretty to me.

  “You… broke it.” Her voice was low, smoky, edged with the growl of something ancient.

  “Yeah,” I responded. “Looked like that was what was causing your rampages. I felt it when I was holding on to you. I deduced that light magic would counter whatever dark magic it had a hold of you.”

  She took my hand. Her grip was warm, strong, almost fever-hot. When she stood, she didn’t let go right away.

  “I am Veyra,” she said. “Draconoid. My kind shifts between dragon and this form - human in shape, but never truly human. We are born of ancient flame and mountain stone, revered as guardians and warriors. At least that’s what my gods have said.”

  I blinked. “Got it. So you’re not just a dragon who learned to cosplay as a supermodel. Noted.”

  She tilted her head, studying me. A faint smile tugged at her lips - sharp, amused. “I hail from Kharzad, the Emberhold Kingdom far to the east. There, my kind are legends. I was once called the strongest among us - unchallenged, unbreakable. Until someone from the shadows ambushed me, placed that hideous collar that took my mind. Forced me to burn everything in my path. I fought it, at least tried to. I avoided any people and left only carts and wagons ablaze.”

  “I figured that much.” I couldn’t be more than happy, relieved that her true nature was more calm and less destructive.

  Her crimson eyes searched mine. “You are not from this world.”

  “I am an Otherworlder,” I confirmed her suspicions. “Kind of a long story. It involved a summoning circle, a dead king who tried to use me and now I’m here, as an adventurer.”

  Veyra’s smile widened - slow, genuine, fangs glinting. She was beautiful and I couldn’t help but be mesmerized. “You freed me when no one else could. Not even the strongest of my kin would have dared face me in that state.”

  I chuckled and shrugged, trying to play it cool even. My heart said otherwise, as it beat faster, hammering me as I was lovestruck. “Eh. I’ve had worse mornings. And honestly? You’re a hell of a lot prettier without the fire-breath tantrum.”

  She laughed - low, surprised, echoing off the ice. “You speak like no man I’ve ever met.”

  “Yeah, well, I’m not exactly from around here.” I laughed, she laughed too. I like this moment. My hand, her hand, were still linked together. The wind howled, snow swirling around us like quiet witnesses.

  Veyra stepped closer - close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from her skin, like banked coals under silk. “I owe you a debt,” she said softly. “And I do not leave debts unpaid.”

  I swallowed. Those crimson eyes again, it pulled me in - fierce, warm, ancient. *Oh boy,* I thought to myself.

  *Yeah,* the author replied, butting in. *Instant chemistry. I’m proud of my matchmaking skills.*

  *You’re insufferable.* I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, mentally. There’s no way this man is taking credit for this match made in heaven.

  *And you’re blushing. It’s adorable.* He continued to tease me. Like a school girl teasing her friend about her crush.

  *Shut up or I’ll start narrating your life next.* I threatened him.

  *Try it. I dare you.* He laughed his way off-screen.

  I cleared my throat, my focus on Veyra again. “So… what happens now? You heading back to Kharzad? To Emberhold?”

  She shook her head slowly. “I think,” she said, “I’d like to stay close to the man who broke my chains and set my wings free again.”

  Her thumb brushed lightly over the back of his hand. My heart beat harder, faster. *I should’ve known this was going to be another fantasy trope. Romance now, eh?*

  *Guilty. But admit it- you’re into it.* Author came back, smug in his voice.

  *I hate you.* I couldn’t but insult him.

  *Love you too, buddy.* And like that, he dipped again.

  I smirked - half at her, half at him, the voice in my head. “Guess we’re stuck with each other then.”

  Veyra’s smile turned wicked, fangs glinting. “Guess we are.”

  We stood on the frozen peak, hands still joined, snow falling around us like quiet confetti.

  Veyra, the strongest Draconoid and me, - Otherworlder who happened to save her.

  And somewhere between the wind and the banter, something new had already begun.