From Real to Realm

There wasn’t as much of a line compared to the main gates of Phylandair. A handful of people and carts were waiting their turn to enter or leave the empire.

“How much further do we have in the escort?” Val asked, leaning back in her seat.

Ainz gave it a thought. “Well, this checkpoint is roughly 15 miles from Phylandair. Ideally, we want to travel for 20 miles per day. That keeps us on our timeline, but fights like earlier can delay that some.”

“Are we still on track right now?”

Ainz nodded. “The little bout with the husks barely hindered our time. As a group, everyone handled it quickly enough to avoid it being a problem.”

The first wagon was finally at the gate. Val watched Sturman hand over rolled-up papers while Weyland and Amarisse handed over their badges. Just like at the main gate of Phylandair, guards started sifting through the back of the wagon. Instead of just poking, this time they were actively opening crates and barrels. The inspection was much more thorough than last time.

Soon, it was the second wagon’s turn to move forward. Just like with the first wagon, papers and badges were handed over. Then, a thorough search of the contents was conducted before they were released.

“Paperwork and badges, please,” asked the guard.

Ainz handed over his manifest for the wagon they were on. Val and Thais also handed over their badges for inspection. The guard with the badges had a similar monocle to the one back in Phylandair.

“Thais Belham, Iron 5th Class, Level Six, No Chapter Affiliation, Breaker Class, No Archetype.”

The guard with him began scribbling down as he spoke.

“Valnarei Rose Strouss, Bronze 5th Class, Level One, No Chapter Affiliation, Hybrid Class, No Archetype.”

It was almost one for one, the same process from before. However, the sound of crates and barrels being opened reminded her they were more thorough here.

After their search was finished, Ainz moved their wagon behind the front two. Everyone was gathered in a small circle next to the second wagon right now.

“Alright, this is the last bit of civilization until we reach Edmur. If you need to grab anything else, now would be the time to do so,” Weyland suggested. “Once we leave this checkpoint, we’re on our own.”

Val and Amarisse didn’t think they needed anything else. However, Cera and Thais both started walking toward the small section of buildings nearby.

“Is this a town technically?” Val asked.

Weyland tilted his head side to side. “Not necessarily, but it has everything a small town would need. It’s no hub like Edmur or Phylandair, but there’s plenty here.”

“Val, Amarisse!” Cera walked up. “Come on, let’s grab a bite to eat before we’re stuck with trail rations the rest of the trip.”

Thais was standing next to a door to what looked like a small tavern.

Cera grabbed their hands and started pulling them along. “You too, Weyland!”

The archer just chuckled as he started following behind them. Soon the five of them filled into the tavern, and a handful of seconds later so did the wagon drivers.

“Over here!” Thais yelled to them as he pulled two tables together.

Soon, the group as a whole was busy with conversation. This situation was bittersweet for Val. It reminded her of the night her first group ate together. Everyone was so happy, completely unaware of what was coming just a few days later. Sometimes she wondered if they would’ve changed their minds had they known what would happen?

Maybe lingering on what’s happened isn’t a good idea.

Amarisse poked Val’s shoulder. “Val, you okay?”

Val looked up into Amarisse’s eyes. “Yeah, just thinking about that dinner we all had not long ago.”

Amarisse’s face softened, recognition showing. “Oh.”

The soft clatter of multiple plates being set on the table pulled them both from their heavy thoughts. Once everyone had their chosen meal, the group began digging in. The food wasn’t gourmet, but it filled that home-cooked niche.

“So, the two of you are your own party right now?” Thais asked Val after taking a drink.

Val nodded, chewing on her food. “Yeah. We were five, but the dungeon has a way of changing things.”

Amarisse also nodded. “We lost our mage. Our healer, she’s probably not ever going back in.”

“Then there’s our striker, Mina,” Val continued. “She’s still struggling to recover from Soul Mimic attacks.”

The noise of silverware clinking against plates stilled. Thais, Weyland, and Cera shared a look of recognition.

Only after swallowing did Weyland speak up. “The group who ran into two mimics, on floor one, was that you?”

Val nodded. “Shit luck apparently.”

The group was quiet for a moment, but Thais couldn’t leave it that way. “Well, I for one commend you. Most people would’ve given up after being popped in the mouth like that. Neither of you looks like you’re about to quit.”

Together, Val and Amarisse shook their heads.

“Not a chance.”

“Absolutely not.”

Thais grinned, pointing his fork at them. “Good, then it’s only time before you pop the dungeon back, right? It takes from you, you take from it.”

Even though the conversation was taking a positive turn, Weyland spoke up again. “We should try to finish soon. We don’t want to delay too much.”

Sturman nodded along. “If we take too long, we can start falling behind schedule.”

With that in mind, everyone focused on enjoying their meals. It was by no means their last warm meal, but it was unlikely they’d have anything close to it until they reached Edmur. They could hunt while traveling and cook whatever meat they harvested. However, being on the road greatly hindered their ability to cook proper meals. Aside from cooking over an open fire and basic seasoning, they couldn’t hope for much more.

“How was everyone’s food?” Weyland asked, stepping through the door back onto the street.

“Not bad,” Thais said, picking at something between his teeth.

Everyone else echoed his opinion.

“If we’re lucky, we might reach the outcropping before dark,” Sturman said. “It’s a spot all of the caravans use to camp for the night. Big rock outcropping that offers protection from the elements.”

Weyland started leading the group toward their wagons. “Alright then, let’s get moving.”

Everyone took their positions on their designated wagons. Once everyone was settled in, Weyland swung around the front corner of his wagon. He hung onto the side as he leaned out, eyes roaming over the group. When he was sure everyone was ready, he sat back down. A few seconds later, the front wagon lurched forward. The second wagon followed, then the third followed suit before long.

“Man, that food was pretty good,” Thais said, patting his stomach. “Definitely replenished my energy.”

Val’s gaze was cast across the small grouping of buildings. As their caravan moved forward, she saw other wagons in various states—some were rather empty, while others were full of various things. Some had fruit and vegetables, others had logs, and some were empty. To her surprise, there were even small groups of people carrying massive packs on their backs.

“A lot of traffic comes through here?” Val asked, turning to Thais and Ainz.

Ainz nodded. “This is one of two main roads leaving from Phylandair into the Luravin Empire. Each road has a checkpoint like this, with its own little community.”

“Makes sense,” Thais said, crossing his arms. “With a checkpoint in close proximity, that means plenty of protection for anyone living close by.”

“I’m surprised you figured that out,” Ainz said, eyebrow raised. “I took you for muscle-bound meathead without much brain.”

Val covered her mouth, trying to hide her giggling.

Thais tilted his head with an expression of mock offense. “I can be strong and have a brain at the same time.”

The light jabs didn’t last long once they were back on the road. Ainz needed to focus on the road itself while Val and Amarisse kept their eyes peeled for possible dangers along the sides of the road.

There was a cool breeze flowing across the plains around them as the sun began getting lower in the sky. They likely only had a few hours left to reach the outcropping before it started getting too dark. It was beginning to get a bit chilly as well. If Val had to guess, it was probably close to Fall in this region. It was hard to believe she was approaching the end of her first year.

It was a few hours later when Val finally saw it. Ahead, around a hundred feet off the road, was a large hill with a rocky outcropping facing the road. It was sizable, likely able to fit more wagons than they had.

“It’s about time to camp for the night,” Ainz said, slowly following the caravan off the road.

The grass was nowhere near as smooth as the road. However, there was a path likely created from years of caravans that led to the outcropping. It wasn’t long before all three carts were parked underneath the outcropping.

Weyland hopped down from his wagon. “Alright, Val, Amarisse, the two of you do a quick walk around. I want you to check the surrounding area. You’re looking for anything that could be a threat. If you need help, whistle.”

The two of them nodded.

“We’ll be back then.”

While everyone else handled getting the camp set up, Val and Amarisse began their walk.

“How’s it been riding with Thais and Ainz?”

Val shrugged. “Ainz is kind of quiet. Thais is the complete opposite, but he gets serious when needed. How are Weyland and Sturman?”

“Weyland is very composed,” Amarisse said, glancing over her shoulder. “He has this analytical look whenever we’re moving. Sturman is practically a statue, very rigid and stiff.”

They walked around the corner of the outcropping just as they heard the crackle and pop of a fire starting.

Amarisse elbowed Val. “Miss her?”

Val glanced at her, confused. “If you mean my girlfriend, then yeah. But I also miss the rest of our group.”

Amarisse’s expression faltered. “Me too.”

Their conversation tapered off from there. It wasn’t until they were about to head back that Amarisse spoke up. “Do you think Mina will want to keep fighting?

Val sighed. “I think she’s got the fire to keep going, but after what happened? I don’t know.”

“She should be fully healed soon,” Amarisse said, glancing back in the direction of Phylandair. “I’ll bet she’ll be okay when we finish this escort.”

“I hope so,” was all that Val could think to say.

Mina getting healthy would be amazing. However, what happened at the Deep Cup needed to be considered as well. Val and Lynesia were now officially together. Mina obviously was attracted to Val and Val to her, but what could she do about that?

Maybe it was just the alcohol that one night.

The last thing Val wanted to do was hurt her friend just after she recovered. Then Val remembered what Ainz asked not long ago.

“Do you have multiple partners, Valnarei?”

According to Ainz, it wasn’t all that uncommon for longer-lived races to have multiple partners.

I don’t know if I could do that. Lynesia would probably be pissed if I even asked.

Lynesia was human, while Val was a half-elf.

Wait.

Val stopped walking.

I’m going to outlive her…

“Val? You okay?” Amarisse had stopped a few steps ahead of her and turned around.

Val looked up, her heart racing. “It’s nothing, just thinking about something.”

Together they walked back into the camp just in time to smell something.

“Find anything?” Weyland asked.

Amarisse shook her head. “Nothing, it’s pretty quiet out there.”

“Quiet is good,” he said, placing a pot on top of a grill-like stand over the fire.

Val walked over to the stone wall, setting her halberd against it. Her mind was still swimming with thoughts about Lynesia, Mina, and her longer life span. She felt so stupid for not considering it until just now.

“Val,” Amarisse said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I can tell when you’re distracted. What’s wrong?”

Val swallowed, unsure if she should broach the subject. “It’s nothing, I’m okay.”

Amarisse’s grip tightened, preventing Val from walking away. “You’re lying to me, Val. Talk to me, we’re friends, right?”

Val sighed. “Fine, let’s get some privacy.”

Together, the two of them moved to the other side of the wagons.

“So spill,” Amarisse said, eyes soft. “I can tell something is bothering you.”

Val leaned back against the wagon, staring up into the starry sky. “I was considering my life span.”

Amarisse tilted her head. “Go on?”

“Lynesia is human.”

Amarisse nodded. “And?”

Val motioned to her ears. “I’m a half-elf. I’m going to live a lot longer than she is.”

It suddenly clicked for Amarisse. “Oh.”

“Yeah,” Val said, running her hands through her hair. “It just kind of hit me earlier after I remembered what Ainz asked back in Phylandair.”

Amarisse glanced in the direction of the rest of the group. “What did he ask to get you this bent out of shape?”

“He asked if I had multiple partners,” Val said, crossing her arms. “Apparently, it’s not uncommon for Elves to have multiple partners.”

Amarisse rubbed her chin. “That’s true. I’m sure Lynesia has considered it, but what does that matter right now? You both are still pretty young, plenty of time left to be together.”

Val was considering telling Amarisse about that night with Mina.

Would it be betraying her trust? If things had progressed, Lucia and Amarisse would’ve found out eventually, right?

“Val?”

She sighed. “Sorry, I was considering something.”

“Considering what, exactly?” Amarisse asked, crossing her arms.

Might as well. Amarisse knows Mina better than I do.

“Mina likes me.”

Amarisse raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, so?”

Val shook her head, brow furrowed. “Wait, what? What do you mean by ‘so’?”

Amarisse smirked. “I could tell she liked you. I’ve known Mina for a while; she’s not good at hiding her emotions.”

“So you just knew? You didn’t want to tell me or anything?” Val asked, pushing off the wagon. “I could’ve used the heads up before she straddled me after that dinner.”

Amarisse choked on her spit, coughing for a few seconds. “She did what?!”

Val chuckled. “Yeah, guess the alcohol got to her. She kissed me, then climbed into my lap, practically desperate to fuck right there in the booth. I stopped her, obviously, because of what was going on with Lynesia.”

“Damn, I never pictured her being that bold,” Amarisse said, finally breathing normally again.

“You’re telling me. It caught me so off guard I almost let her,” Val said, leaning back against the wagon.

Amarisse’s eyes went wide in recognition. “That’s why you’re so caught up in your thoughts! You’re curious if you could make things work with both Mina and Lynesia!”

Val sighed, nodding. “Now you’re all caught up.”

Amarisse walked forward, leaning back against the wagon next to Val. “Well, Nyxari and Humans have similar lifespans. I don’t know the exact number, but I think Humans tend to live slightly longer.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Val asked.

“You’re probably going to live over 400 years if you don’t die in the dungeon,” Amarisse said, counting under her breath. “Lynesia and Mina, if they’re lucky, get to claim a fourth of your lifespan. Lynesia already has her place by your side, but Mina is still up in the air, right?”

Val nodded. “Right.”

“And you haven’t told Lynesia about any of this, right? The make-out session at The Deep Cup or Mina’s feelings?”

Val shook her head. “No. I’m afraid to. What if she isn’t okay with it or gets mad and leaves me?”

Amarisse sighed. “Do you feel anything for Mina?”

“I’m not in love with her if that’s what you’re asking,” Val said, groaning. “I mean, maybe I could fall for her with more time, but I can’t risk losing Lynesia.”

“Must really suck to have multiple women wanting you,” Amarisse said, grinning. “Poor you.”

Val slapped her shoulder. “I’m being serious here! If I decide to reject Mina, it could affect our friendship. Hell, I doubt she’d want to be in a party together anymore.”

Amarisse shrugged. “That’s possible. I think your best bet is to try broaching the subject with Lynesia. Do it gently, slowly, and don’t dismiss what she says or get angry.”

Val’s face became deathly serious. “I would never dismiss her feelings, ever.”

“Good,” Amarisse said, turning to Val. “Then just talk to her, explain the confusion, and what’s been going through your head. Explain what prompted this conversation, then go from there. Don’t ask her for permission to have other partners; just talk to her. If she’s okay with it, she will let you know. If she isn’t okay with it, then you go from there with Mina.”

“You make it sound so easy,” Val said, pushing off the wagon again. “I just don’t know what to do.”

Amarisse pushed off the wagon too, placing a hand on Val’s shoulder. “Just do what I said. Go from there. Like I said, just listen and don’t dismiss anything Lynesia says.”

“Hey! Dinner’s done!”

The two of them turned toward Weyland’s voice.

“Be there in a second!” Amarisse yelled back. She turned to Val. “Let’s go eat.”

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