章 22: Hello, Travelers
They were currently in a town called Kilverstead in territory of Mighthand, one of the fringe domains that bordered the territories Brinecross, Dimbarrow and Basnmout to the south and summercrest to the east. To the west was the Yawshi Alliance, a nation of hostile sand orcs that were pushed out of the region thousands of years ago. To the north was the Dragon Territory, while the dragons were normally peaceful; their territory was breeding grounds for monsters. Those monsters would constantly travel south into the region invading Mighthand and other fringe territories.
Argonauts were warriors, adventurers and mercenaries that were hired by territories to explore unknown regions, kill monsters and aid the people of the territory. Argonauts were separate from the normal military since they specialize in hunting monsters. Cena didn't know much more than that about Argonauts other than a few stories here and there from them staying at his inn.
"That sounds a lot like adventurers from Deicide." Jessica said to Kevin in the guild chat.
"You're telling me. This world sounds like a RPG fantasy world. Next thing you know there is going to be some demon king trying to take over the world." Kevin responded in the chat. "Actually you are a demon and your family practically owns one planet already. Do you have any plans for world domination? Maybe you want to follow in your mothers footsteps."
Jessica turned with a glare which Kevin responded with a sly smile. Cena stopped talking as the two seemed to no longer be paying attention.
"We don't own Mars." Jessica said in the chat, her voice was getting softer with every word. "We just have a lot of businesses there… and own one of the cities, and the largest interplanetary trade networks out of Mars… and have members of… my family on the board of the Marsano Trade Commision."
"Are you just now realizing your family owns Mars?" Kevin asked in the chat with disbelief.
"Shit, my family does practically own Mars." Jessica said in the chat. "I think you should refer to me as your highness from now on. I didn't realize how much of a catch I am."
Cena cleared his throat to get their attention. He couldn't hear their Guild Chat conversation but could tell they stopped listening to him while they stared at each other. The two apologized to Cena and excused themselves to continue their journey through the town. They had already found more information than they had hoped and a means to communicate with the people. Jessica and Kevin both wore babble stone bracelets and packed the remaining forty-eight inside the travelers pack Kevin toted around.
"Thank you again, Cena." Kevin stated as they walked away from the carriage. "We will definitely stop by the inn when we are in town."
"I will hold you to that." Cena responded as he took the reins of his carriage.
Kevin and Jessica waved Cena off as he continued his search for his assistant that disappeared on him earlier. The two left the shopping district which had become quite popular. Cena had told them that it was harvest season for pale moon wheat. The legendary grain was impervious to rot and was the primary ingredient in Mighthand pale ale and pale bread. The harvest was the main reason Cena was in town as well. This town is one of very few that can produce the legendary grain. The couple decided it would be best to take a few stalks so Murder could analyze the grain.
Jessica raised her hood again to keep the sun out of her face as they continued to walk around the town. The town was larger than they originally thought when they were looking at it from the sky. The town center was abuzz with trade as people from Tintagel and other cities came to try and secure the right to purchase the wheat. The town extends on both sides of the river with fields that stretch far out from the mountains. Several smaller settlements make up the outskirts of the farmland which are all the private residents of the town's main families.
As they walked along one of the dirt paths between the fields aimlessly Kevin was transfixed by all of the new sights and sounds. He had never seen plants grow naturally nor a farm under a blue sky. He always thought that Deicide was realistic in its depictions of what a healthy world would look like but the longer he was here the more he saw how fake the game was in comparison. The air was cleaner, the sky a hazy mix of blue and silver and the wind didn't carry the smell of rust and oils.
As he began to lose himself to thought Jessica grabbed Kevin's hand to get his attention. She squeezed his hand with a shaky but firm strength. Kevin stopped walking as he turned to face Jessica who had an expression of uncertainty, had she been wholly herself there would have been tears from her eyes. However, whatever Kevin and Jessica became when they were forced into this world neither were fully themselves. She could tell that she was an amalgamation of Jessica and Lilitu. She was a being forged by the union of her personality and the fictitious bio she wrote for the character her soul now inhabited and it frightened her.
"So I have been thinking," Jessica stated, her eyes fell away from Kevin.
"Uh-oh you've been… thinking!" Kevin said exaggeratingly with a smirk.
Jessica squeezed his hand.
"Seriously." Jessica said.
"What is it, your highness?" Kevin continued.
"Kevin." Jessica said flatly. "I am serious."
Kevin let out a breath and turned his body to face hers.
"Okay, what is on your mind." Kevin responded.
"Since we came here and we know that we are really here… this isn't some dream, or game, or dev build but a real world." Jessica said, her voice trembling. "But I am Lilitu and you are Harahel… despite how goddamn insane that sounds." She lets out a calming breath. "My mind is full of Lilitu's fragmented memories which shouldn't even exist! H-her personality seems to be fusing itself into mine. I can't even begin to imagine what could have brought us to this world-and… and in these forms… but I can't help but wonder… are we dead? Like… our real bodies, what happened to them? I want to scream and cry but Lilitu is too strong and she won't let me. I can't even cry…"
"Jessica, I don't know what happened to us." Kevin started as he placed his other hand in hers. "I am concerned about the same thing as you… I have Harahel's memories. For me though, the most important person in the real world came here with me. You are alive here and now and it doesn't matter how much you or I change." He let out a breath soaked in anxiety and uncertainty. "I love you and Harahel loves Lilitu. Two times the love from one man and I was already head over heels before, now I don't even know what to do with myself. We were already getting ready to leave everything behind and start a life together even before all of this happened. Sooo…"
"Hello, travelers." A man says in a friendly manner as he interrupts. "Do you have a moment?"
The man that spoke was Willy, the leader of a local argonaut team. He had a smug look to him and sharp green eyes. His raven black hair was styled in a loose man-bun and his facial hair was a well groomed chin strap. He was a sword master with a rather impressive rapier at his side. He wore lightweight cloth armor that looks no different than normal clothing. Jessica could sense the magic on the otherwise unassuming garments and could tell they were enhanced by magic to increase their durability.
Behind Willy was his team which consisted of a female archer who was also Willy's wife named Gia. She had long curly red hair and lightweight leather armor that was even less impressive than the concealed armor Jessica wore. Next a male cynocephali wizard named Bruiser who had the head of an old and tired great dane. His small frame looked like he struggled to hold the book he hadn't looked up from. The final member of the team was the brains of their group and the youngest named Evan. He looked too young to be an Argonaut but was actually twenty-two years old and a skilled trap specialist who was also the most well versed on the monsters in the area.
Jessica and Kevin were snapped out of their moment as they angrily turned to face the group. Willy and his team all take a step back and Willy's friendly wave hits some trepidation.
"Sorry about this, I know you are in the middle of something. We just have a quick question and it is really important." Willy back peddled.
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット