Chapter 10: An Utterly Stressful Experience

Even with Serena joining in the search we weren't able to find the firewood until Rorik came along and opened up a secret compartment in the floor. Grabbing an armful of sticks. We followed Rorik to the campsite, the lantern's light our only guide...for us humans anyways. I was getting extremely excited about eating for the first time in hours and going to sleep. My reasoning...

"I can finally relax" - I said in response to Serena's inquiry.

I'd like to think that I've handled everything that happened today pretty damn well. Hell, I even died today. I resurrected to talk to some weird entity about rehabilitation and then a portal turned me into spaghetti. Survived a 5,000 foot fall and fended off two Goblins. Then my brain went through the mental Olympics worrying about the long term future. Oh did I mention that I'm in a whole new world as well!? So excuse me if I wanted a nice cup of tea after a long day.

"You're becoming very distressed" - Serena said quietly, eyes gleaming

Oh yeah, she can see stuff like mental states too. Sure, why not?

"Ah, you're right, I was just thinking about how crazy today has been" - I said, exhaling to calm myself.

Haaa, that was close. Relax. I can take tonight to slowly unwind and take a breather. I didn't realise how much pent up feelings I was carrying from today, anything else and I'd snap. But now I can lock up all of my problems at the back of my mind and throw away the key. Why couldn't I? We've got Gelda protecting us. Quintus will treat us to what I'm hoping will be delicious food. Grassy floor or not. I WILL be sleeping like a baby tonight.

By the time I finished my inner rant. We walked into the campsite. There wasn't much to note, a few tree stumps were laid around discarded. The ground was flat which was about as good as a mattress as we're going to get out here since the wagon couldn't possibly fit all of us. Quintus was beside one of the central stumps. His sleeves rolled up, Bloody knife in hand standing over...a wolf?

"Hm? Ah it took you long enough" He fixed his glasses with his spare hand. "I was beginning to worry we'd have no fire to cook with"

Hey hey hey what about us? We're alive here too!

Quintus pointed to a spot and asked us to build the campfire while he prepared food. According to him, Gelda was out scouting the area.

Once we'd finished I went to borrow Quintus' lantern to light the fire but he stopped me, saying.

"There's no need for that". Then he walked over. His hand suddenly ablaze and stuck his hand into the pile of firewood, setting them alight before returning back to skinning the animal.

I stared hard. That was not what I think it was...was it? No. Nope I'm not dealing with it right now. I am relaxing. Total zen.

"Hmm? Is something the matter, Lucian?" - Quintus inquired after seeing my perplexion.

"Ah no, I was just impressed by that mag- I mean trick" - I said catching myself.

Quintus raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? Trick? No that is my …" He must have seen something in my expression that warned him not to say another word. Since he, without another word, went back to cutting up the meat, watching me with clear amusement.

But I don't care. I'm not dealing with anything until the morning. Godammit I've earned this.

Serena came over, obviously having seen my stress levels skyrocket no doubt.

"You are very stressed" - she informed

"Oh thanks. Very helpful" - I snapped.

Serena looked hurt but said nothing.

"Haaa, listen it's just now that there's nothing right now that needs priority. So everything that's happened today is catching up to me all at once...I just need some time to process".

"...I remember you saying you were excited to be in a new world"

"I did. I still am but you know...having to deal with one problem after another gets really stressful" I scratched my head "What about you? Aren't you worried at all about being stuck in a human body? One more use of your powers and you'll be diagnosed with mortality, you know? You can die"

Serena fell silent with a thoughtful look. I thought that was the end of it until a few minutes later Serena turned to me with a scary look in her eyes.

"What happens if I die"

"Uhhhh" - I said stupidly. "Um don't worry about it?" I said weakly

But Serena wasn't listening to me anymore. She was muttering to herself

"Mortality?...Death?"

Uh oh. I may have caused a godly being to have an existential crisis.

Serena was full on spiraling now.

"What if I die as a human? No. No, impossible. I need to prove everyone wrong, I can not be the first Reaper to die in a thousand years. Everyone would laugh at me"

As much as I wanted to have her continue and potentially spill the beans. I did feel guilty considering I was the one to push her off the edge.

"Hey hey come on. We're going to find you a nice tree stump to sit on, okay?" - I said as soothingly as possible.

While Serena was definitely not okay she did let me guide her towards the campfire where we saw Rorik sitting on

"Chair….made out of...dirt" - I said dumbfounded

Rorik was sprawled out on a brown earth throne, he looked down at us

"Hey guys, you want me to give you some seats?"

NO no no no. Nope. No more impossible things for me today. I've met my life quotas twice in the last 12 hours. I am good thank you.

"No thanks. We'll settle for some good old tree stumps" - I declined

"Are yous sure? It'd only take a minute and I've plenty of Magi-"

"NO thank you" - I cut him off. "Sorry I really do prefer a wooden seat"

Rorik was utterly bewildered. "...Right, well...let me know if yous change your mind"

Phew that was close. I can be in denial all I want now. Yeah, Rorik just happens to be really good at...earth sculpting. Yup. I can't judge people from this world after all. We found a pair of all-natural stumps near enough to the campfire to feel warm but not close enough that I can see Quintus or Rorik practice their...skills. How's Serena doing?

Oh no.

Serena was watching me. She was eerily quiet but her blue eyes had a crazed look. She put on an evil smile. She's realised what word I don't want to hear right now.

"Hey Lucian" - she said smirking

Oh no please oh no no no. Don't say it.

"Did you know that this world also has…"

Don't drag me off the edge with you!

"Magic"

Serena unheeded. Pulled my hand and we both spiraled off the edge.

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