The Side Quest

As Vastarael sat beside the bonfire, golden eyes reflecting the dancing flames, a translucent panel floated before him, its runic text shimmering against the cold, dark sky.

____

[You have gained a very good reputation with the People of the Frozen Sun, the Raukerai!]

[You have gained a temporary side quest!]

[Side Quest: The Frozen Nomad Migration.]

[Help the Raukerai migrate out of the Erna Frozen Isles and deliver them to safety. The Raukerai are hunted by kingdom forces, who deem Rune Speaking heretical and punishable by death. Successfully guide them to freedom to uncover your path forward in the Epoch Cycle. Krepsunas will also hunt them.]

[Rewards:]

[Orchestral Vialex]

[Enhanced Physical Capabilities.]

[Access To A Hidden Quest]

---

Vastarael frowned, rubbing the back of his neck as he reread the notification.

'Orchestral Vialex?'

He didn't expect to see the Orchestral Vialex as a reward. At first, he wanted to ignore the side quest but after seeing it, he couldn't afford to miss the opportunity.

Thyrexxa told him that he needed it to survive the First Timeskip and he was sure that without it, he would die.

But the mention of a hidden quest piqued his curiosity. Phaenora's hologram materialized above the panel. For some reason, she could talk now. It was as if someone had muted her for the past twelve days.

Vastarael leaned forward, resting his elbow on his knee, pretending to be watching the young women dance on the bonfire while looking at the hologram details. With Phaenora's voice in her head, there was no need to look at subtitles anymore.

'So it's like enhancing my body to its peak? Kind of like unlocking dormant potential?'

[Kinda?]

'That sounds... excessive. Let me guess. It's not going to be as easy as escorting a few people through the snow.'

[Of course not. The Raukerai are being hunted by forces far more organized and ruthless than you've faced so far. And let's not forget about their… unique predicament.]

'Their Rune Speaking?'

[Precisely. Rune Speakers are anomalies in this world. The kingdoms consider them a threat to the established order. Guiding the Raukerai safely out of the Frozen Isles means evading or outright combating these forces while ensuring no harm befalls them. And let's not forget the Krepsunas too.]

He sighed, leaning back against the boulder he was standing on.

'Fantastic. So, what's the deal with you, Phaenora? Why are you handling this instead of Natas?'

[It seems the Epoch Cycle has isolated your connection to Natas. I'm uncertain why, but I suspect this phenomenon is unique to this region of the Cycle. As your personal Omniscient, I have more power over you than he has over you.]

'And that means...'

[It he wants to help you in this Epoch, he has to go through me. I'm your only Omniscient and my system is better than his.]

'You jealous?'

[No. And don't complain, Veneri. You're a Seventh Enlightenment Student. Challenges like this are why you exist. Unless you're reconsidering your desire to survive?]

His smirk widened.

'Never. If anything, this sounds like an opportunity to prove my worth again.'

He flicked his fingers, dismissing the panel as he walked to the bonfire.

'Let's see if these kingdom forces can handle me. And who knows? Maybe I'll learn more about these Runic tribes while I'm at it.'

As the hologram faded, Vastarael glanced toward the bonfire's glow. Around him, the Raukerai celebrated the warriors' return, unaware of the heavy decision looming over their camp. The soft hum of laughter and song contrasted sharply with the weight of his thoughts. Protecting them will be no small feat.

But the reward was too great to ignore. Especially the Orchestral Vialex.

A violex with the power to alter time was something he couldn't let go of.

"Well then, let's go meet the chief."

°°°°°°°

Inside the warm glow of the acting chief's tent, the tension of the celebration outside was muted, replaced by a quieter, heavier atmosphere.

Indulis sat cross-legged on a fur-lined mat. Across from him, Vastarael remained composed as he observed the chief. His presence seemed to shrink the tent, not from intimidation but sheer magnetism, an effect Indulis had quickly come to respect.

"I won't waste time with pleasantries, Master Vastarael," Indulis began, his voice low but firm.

"We had already planned our migration before you came. The moment the warriors returned, we were going to leave. But with the kingdoms' forces moving faster than expected, we have to act tomorrow."

Vastarael leaned back slightly, his curly white hair catching the lantern's glow.

"Your people are in danger and staying here any longer would be suicide. The human kingdom, huh?"

Indulis nodded grimly.

"Our scouts confirmed the enemy will reach the Lake of Miracles in three days. If we don't leave before dawn, we'll be trapped between the frozen waters and their advancing army. Rune Speakers don't get trials or mercy. Just death. My people's survival depends on this migration."

"You have my protection," Vastarael said without hesitation. "As my quest, and because your people have shown me kindness, I'll make sure you all get out of the Erna Frozen Isles safely. But I can't promise I can save everyone."

For a moment, Indulis's stern exterior cracked, relief flooding his expression. He leaned forward, his hands clasped tightly.

"Thank you, Master Vastarael. You don't know how much this means to us. I would gladly offer you whatever we can spare as thanks. Supplies, knowledge, anything. If we survive this, I'll even…"

He hesitated, his gaze dropping before continuing.

"I'll let you marry two of my daughters, Rienne and Taryenne. Both are Rune Speakers like their mother, and they've spoken highly of you since you arrived."

Vastarael blinked, stunned into silence for a moment. He opened his mouth, closed it again, and then glanced toward the side to hide his expression.

[Well, that escalated quickly,] Phaenora quipped in his mind, her tone laced with mock amusement. [Two daughters? My, my, the chief must really like you. Or he's desperate. Either way, you'd make a charming addition to their lineage.]

Vastarael clenched his jaw, forcing down a sigh.

'Now's not the time, Phaenora.'

Indulis mistook Vastarael's silence for consideration and hurriedly added, "Of course, it's just an offer. I won't force anything, but I want you to know that your efforts will never go unappreciated."

Clearing his throat, Vastarael finally spoke.

"I'm honored by your offer, Indulis. But right now, my focus is on getting your people out alive. Let's worry about the rest after we're safe, okay? I might not look it but... I have no interest in a relationship right now. Especially after many men challenged me today."

Indulis relaxed slightly, though a hint of embarrassment lingered in his expression.

"Fair enough. I'll inform the others tonight. We leave before first light."

As the chief began to outline their migration route and contingency plans, Vastarael listened attentively, though the weight of the proposal lingered in his mind. Phaenora's teasing didn't help.

[Two brides, Veneri. You'll be the envy of every man here, and probably the bane of their existence. Imagine the chaos you'd bring to their little tribe. A time traveler married to the most beautiful girls in the tribe.]

He fought the urge to roll his eyes.

'Phaenora, focus on the mission. You're supposed to be the voice of reason.'

Her laughter echoed in his mind.

[Reason? Please, I'm here to make sure you don't get bored. And admit it. I'm good at that.]

Shaking off her playful remarks, Vastarael refocused on Indulis's words. There was no room for hesitation or distractions. The Raukerai's survival depended on him now, and whether it came with unexpected rewards or impossible challenges, he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

If he didn't meet any obstacles of course.