System remains silent, and I have the vague impression she’s looking down on me, waiting for me to figure it out all by myself while she’s snickering hidden in a corner.A small whimper escapes Bree, and I shake off my shock to turn to her.“That was very… intense,” she mutters, “to put it mildly.”Before the implications of what System said could make their way into my mind, the answer appears before me. Bree lifts up her chin, and her face seems to shine with a golden glow. There's no denying it.Nevertheless, similar to wiping a table with a cloth, the sparkle vanishes as if she’s not allowing herself to let it out. “Yes, it was,” I say, putting back my pants. Bree’s former glow had to be just in my imagination, a picture stirred by the System and her jokes. If I don’t want to pointlessly lose my extra life, I should get going before I say something to get on Bree’s wrong side. Though, would System really joke about something like this? She seems pretty serious about tasks and r

Rolling purple clouds gather above the city, melding together with the darkness of night. The wind picks up, pushing against the windows which rattle in their frames. The world goes dark as the clouds cover everything in sight.I open the door, but I remain at the threshold. No one is left on the streets, no one is brave or foolish enough to stay outside now. What many call around here “Nature’s Onslaught” is about to commence. The drops start to fall, and the oncoming storm blasts a heavy smell of rain into my nostrils. Tiny droplets splash against my face as my hair is blown back. Raindrops patter down on the cobblestone, forming a river running along the street.Tiny drops of water pour from the wet trees and plants in front of the smithy, causing the leaves to sway in rhythm with the thunderous beat of the rain.I’d tuck my hands into the pockets of my jacket for a bit of extra comfort if my fingers wouldn’t be needed to hold on to the sword. “Place it on the ground a few feet a

When I wake, light shines through the small corner window. My neck and back ache, stiff from dozing off too much on the thin sleeping mat. I stretch out a bit, yawning and rubbing my eyes. A need for coffee hits me hard. Too bad on Kerenza, there is none— or at least not in Zhenaria. People here have never heard of it. Maybe I’ll get better luck if I ever leave this kingdom. Zhenarians have their own special kind of tea— Morning Brew— that is supposed to be a morning shot of energy. I haven’t tried it yet, but from Wrenn’s memories I know it doesn’t suit his taste buds. Legs wobbly and eyes half-closed, I stagger to the main room of the smithy. The old man is there, sitting at the table with a cup of Morning Brew, and his gaze is locked onto something in front of him. As I shift my attention to whatever he’s looking at, my eyes widen and my sleepiness dissipates. On the table, in a fine red leather scabbard, lies a sword. The sheath is crafted with skill, though that’s not what c

We walk along the streets of Bree's new turf. These parts of the city seem unnaturally quiet and empty. Not a single soul is in sight. The doors of the shops are shut, and the windows are covered with thick curtains.“What do you think is going on?” I ask. Bree glances around before continuing with her silent stride.“Nothing really.” Eyeing me, she explains, “Whistling is how gangs in town communicate. They call each other and signal when and where to set up ambushes. People know something bad will happen shortly, and they are wise enough to stay indoors for their safety and close shops to protect their merchandise. You could’ve noticed this if you weren't so busy running around like a headless chicken.”“Point taken,” I mutter.Strolling through the streets with Bree at my side, I feel strangely at ease, even in the midst of such an eerie silence. It’s good to have someone walking next to me, although it probably has more to do with my subconscious wanting her company. But I'm not

Once I’m on the second floor, I pause and listen carefully. Aside from some birds chirping in the distance, I hear nothing. That's a good sign. Unfortunately, the window is closed and can be opened only from the inside. No other way to get in, I have to climb up to the next floor.I continue my ascent, looking around only once I reach the third floor. A balcony with railings stands right next to me, so I move past the sill. Keeping my eyes on the window to make sure no one sees me, I climb onto the ledge. Holding firmly onto the circular shape, I use it as a handhold to maneuver myself over the railing and land on the balcony. From here, I can see the entire courtyard, in which I spot a lady. Her attention is focused on the flowers blooming in the garden. She moves her hands over the blossoms with soft strokes, occasionally bending down to smell a flower. Hopefully, she won't look up.A pleased smile spreads across my face when I find the balcony door open. I take a deep breath and