Chapter 04 | Pressure Pt. 1

"You can wait in here for now. The King's out on a trip, he'll be back tomorrow," the guard said as he led me into a small chamber.

The room was modest: a bed, a side table, a chair, and not much else.

"I never asked your name," I said, hinting he should offer it.

The guard paused. "My name… Brianan. Brianan Finnegani."

"That's a pretty unique name… you'd never hear that in—" I cut myself off.

"Hm?" Brianan tilted his head.

"Nothing," I muttered.

He gave me a look, then nodded and stepped out, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I laid down, trying to make sense of the last 24 hours.

Where am I?

Is this a dream?

Or did something much worse happen?

Eventually, sleep took me.

"Hello, Simon."

A figure stood in front of me—pure black, laced with glowing yellow runes. There was no environment, no sound—just endless void.

I tried to speak. Nothing came out.

"Relax. You're asleep. This is a dream… but not just a dream. You know what I mean."

I strained to say anything, but I was still silent.

"You have questions, I'll answer them. My name is Vulxan, the Sovereign. Well, not exactly me, more like a fragment. You get it?" He chuckled like it was all some big joke."You're in the second phase of becoming the next Sovereign vessel."

I'd suspected something like that. This couldn't possibly be real. Maybe I could just will myself home.

"No, you can't."

He read my mind. What the hell?

"Time for the bad news." Vulxan leaned in, tone darker now."Even though this is inside your mind, you can die here. In fact, that's how most of your predecessors died. Dead in here means dead out there. Simple, really."

I'm going to die in here?! ANSWER ME!

"Just don't die, Simon."

With that, Vulxan faded into the void.

"HELLO?! Come back—!"

I jolted awake, breathing hard like I'd just surfaced from drowning. I scanned the room for any trace of what just happened.

Nothing.

"Vulxan?!" I shouted. "HELLO?!"

"Good to see you're awake. What were you yelling about?"

I flinched. Brianan stood in the doorway.

I blinked, then shook my head. "Just a bad dream. That's all."

He didn't pry. "Well, the King's here now."

I climbed out of bed and followed Brianan through the stone halls to a towering throne room. At the far end stood a massive chair and a man seated on it like he belonged there by divine right.

"This is the one I told you about," Brianan announced.

The man stood, smiling faintly. "Simon, correct? I'm Cailean O'Caisidei, King of this village. I heard you were… lost?"

I couldn't tell him the truth. Not yet.

"I suppose I am."

"You suppose? No matter. We're not cruel. You'll have hospitality here."

"Really?"

"Of course. We help those in need. That's how I choose to rule."

"Thank you. Seriously."

"There's a guesthouse near the gate. You'll stay there first month, no taxes."

Even in the past, taxes still existed. Figures.

"Is that enough?" the King asked. "If so, enjoy your stay."

Brianan escorted me to the guesthouse. "Since you're new, I'll give you a proper tour tonight. For now, get comfortable."

"Thanks again," I said, stepping inside. I sat on the wooden chair, still reeling from the dream—or vision, whatever it was.

Later…

A knock woke me.

"Hey, Simon! It's me, Brianan. You ready to go?"

I opened the door, expecting armor. Instead, he wore simple clothes. Short black hair, a bit of stubble, and a casual smile.

We walked through town. The people still stared—some curious, others cautious. I didn't blame them.

"This right here is the shop…" Brianan was saying, but his voice faded.

Another voice echoed in my head."It's coming, Simon. Be aware. Be ready. And don't die."

I spun around, searching, but nothing.

"You good?" Brianan asked, confused.

"Yeah. Just thought I heard something."

He shrugged and led me to a large rune stone on the outskirts.

"This right here is—"

"BOOM!"

A thunderous crash rang out from the forest.

"BOOM!"

Another, closer this time.

"What the hell is that?" I asked.

"I—I don't know."

Without thinking, I yanked Brianan to the side—just in time.

"BOOM!"The sound shook the earth. Right where we'd been standing, a massive stone figure had landed.

It was towering—taller than the village walls. Its body was stone laced with glowing purple runes, and in its hand was a massive greatsword, buried halfway in the dirt.

"That thing would've killed us!"

Brianan was frozen. I grabbed him and ran.

"BOOM!"

It was following us.

"BOOM!"

I couldn't outrun it—not with Brianan slowing me down.

I turned around. The greatsword was already falling, aimed straight at my head.

Is this it?

I braced for impact—

Present.

"Endor, you've finally arrived," Arthur said, watching through the viewing panel.

The door hissed open, and a tall man stepped inside. Long red hair, a blood-red suit, and a gold-trimmed red mask made him impossible to miss.

"No need to welcome me. I was late," Endor said bluntly.

"Where are the others?" Arkais asked.

"That's what I was going to ask you."

Arthur smirked. "Concerned already?"

"Hardly." Endor crossed his arms. "Is this one doing well?"

"He just reached the stone construct," Lucia said with a sly smile. "The pressure's on. I hope he makes it… he's so very cute."

"Don't get attached," Endor snapped. "Not many make it past this part. You know that."

"We've told her the same thing," Arthur chuckled.

Arkais folded his arms. "Still… she may have a point."

They turned back to the window.

"The pressure's on."