The Plan of The Fallen Bridge

Narisva leaned casually against the icy wall, her arms folded and a confident smirk tugging at her lips. The sharp glint in her eye made it clear she relished every moment of holding court in front of them.

She elaborated;

"The army you dragged here will handle the first tunnel. I mean, that's what they're good for, right? Big numbers, brute force, no brains required. Perfect for a straightforward slog through whatever 'group trial' the Fallen Bridge has cooked up."

Farrynelle's eyes narrowed but Narisva didn't care. She straightened, letting her posture ooze confidence.

She continued, flicking her gaze over to Xander and Farrynelle.

"As for the second tunnel... it's a fighter's trial. Obviously, it's meant for the brawn brigade so you, Xander, and… this priestess," she said, jerking her chin toward Peccavi, her voice laden with mocking skepticism, "should handle it. You've got the skills to punch through and hey, I hear teamwork builds character."

Xander scowled, already looking like he wanted to argue, but Narisva wasn't done.

"And the third tunnel, that one's for strategists. Clearly, it's for people with real brains and precision, like me. And you, of course, since, you know… you've got your royal intellect or whatever."

She laughed, the sound more amused at herself than anything else, but there was a subtle edge of satisfaction in her voice as if she were throwing a bone to Vastarael for the sheer fun of it.

"Wait a minute," Xander interjected, stepping forward with a frown. "Why exactly should you and Vastarael handle the third tunnel?"

"Because I said so," Narisva replied smoothly, her cocky smirk never faltering. "But if you need specifics… I've been through all these tunnels, remember? None of you have. I know how they operate and I'm not about to trust this critical leg of the journey to amateurs. The third tunnel requires strategic genius and frankly, I'm the only one here who qualifies."

Her bluntness hit like a slap and Xander's frown deepened. Farrynelle crossed her arms, clearly irritated, but Narisva was undeterred.

"And Vastarael... he's got more going for him than you give him credit for. Besides, I've got a bone to pick with him, don't I? Also, he's known as the Ingenious Prince. He's perfect for this."

Vastarael raised a brow at her, feeling an odd mix of irritation and curiosity. She wasn't like this with him before. Sure, she was sharp and self-assured, but this level of cockiness? That was new.

He had half a mind to ask her what she meant, but he could tell from her glinting eyes she wanted him to stew in confusion a little longer.

"Bone to pick?" Farrynelle asked, clearly unimpressed.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Narisva shot back, her voice lilting mockingly. "Let's just say, the prince here owes me."

Her tone made Vastarael flinch internally. He had no idea what she was talking about, unless it had something to do with hin blackmailng her. He hadn't thought much of it at the time, but maybe, just maybe, she'd been holding onto some grudge about it.

[You think?] Phaenora asked telepathically as she stood behind Vastarael. [Sometimes, I think you're too dense.]

"I don't like this plan," Farrynelle said flatly.

"That's because you don't like me," Narisva replied, shrugging like it didn't matter. "But too bad. You know I'm right."

Her confidence was maddening, especially because she was right. Vastarael sighed and glanced between Xander and Farrynelle, who both looked thoroughly unamused.

"We'll go with Narisva's plan," he said finally. "But let's try to get through this without tearing each other apart."

Narisva clapped her hands together, her smirk widening. "Fantastic! I knew you'd see reason, Your Highness."

The mockery in her tone grated on them all, but none of them could argue against the logic of her plan. Still, as they prepared to move out, Vastarael couldn't shake the feeling that traveling with Narisva was going to be more exhausting than the trials ahead.

°°°°°°

The preparations were carried out with military precision as the 6,000 soldiers lined up in disciplined formations. Farrynelle moved among the ranks, selecting commanders to lead the first group into the wide, daunting mouth of the first tunnel.

Her choices were tactical and efficient. She exchanged brief words with each of the chosen leaders, ensuring they knew their roles and the stakes.

Xander stood by her side, his demeanor grim but focused as he reviewed the map etched into his memory.

"Remember," he told the soldiers, "you're not just fighting for survival in there. You're fighting for everyone who depends on us to complete this journey. Stay together. Follow orders."

With a nod from Farrynelle, the first group began their march, disappearing into the icy cavern that marked the beginning of their trial. The sound of boots on the wooden planks echoed eerily as the last of the soldiers vanished into the tunnel.

Xander, Farrynelle, and Peccavi gathered near the second tunnel's entrance, their breaths misting in the frigid air.

"We'll handle this one," Xander said, adjusting the hilt of his sword.

Peccavi, her crimson eyes glowing faintly, nodded. "It feels… different. Almost alive."

"Let's not overthink it," Farrynelle said, her voice calm but firm. She glanced back at Vastarael briefly.

"Good luck with her," she added, tilting her head toward Narisva with a wry smirk.

Narisva waved them off with an exaggerated grin.

"Oh, don't worry about us. We'll handle our tunnel just fine. You focus on not screwing up yours."

Xander shook his head but didn't rise to the bait. With that, the three of them turned and entered the second tunnel, their figures swallowed by the cold shadows.

_____

That left Vastarael, Phaenora, and Narisva standing before the third tunnel. The opening yawned before them, its walls shimmering with an unnatural blue light. Narisva turned to Vastarael with a grown.

"Congratulations, Your Highness. Reaching the Ascender level so quickly is not for the faint of heart. I've got to admit, I wasn't expecting it."

Vastarael raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"Not that it matters," Narisva continued, crossing her arms and leaning in slightly. "You know, I was planning to kill you in there, purely strategic, of course, but now that we're almost at the same level, it'll be... harder."

Her words were laced with a playful menace, but Vastarael remained unphased. His golden eyes met hers steadily, and the faintest hint of a smirk touched his lips.

Narisva's grin faltered for a fraction of a second before she quickly recovered. She leaned back and huffed, clearly annoyed at his composure. Despite being three years older than him, she couldn't help but feel dwarfed by his height and presence.

"Ugh, why are you so tall?" She muttered, more to herself than anyone else.

"Compensating for your short fuse, maybe?" Phaenora chimed in with a teasing grin, her golden eyes sparkling mischievously.

Narisva whipped her head around, her cocky demeanor snapping back into place.

"Oh, please. At least I don't need to cling to him like a shadow to feel relevant. What's the matter, Phaenora?"

"You know me?"

"I'm space being. I know everything about Vastarael the same way I know about you. An Omniscient who grows stronger with him. Afraid someone might steal your precious prince?"

Phaenora chuckled, utterly unfazed by the jab. "Steal him? Oh no, dear, he's all yours if you want him. Just don't cry when he ignores you."

Vastarael sighed, already feeling the tension mount between the two as they traded barbs. He strode toward the tunnel entrance without looking back.

"Let's get this over with. Gods, I already have two annoying bitches. My Bane will be coming at full force..."