The small boat had been on the water for a long time. The people on board were as silent as the sea around them. The only sound came from the waves and the creak of the boat.
Then Geralt broke the silence.
He leaned forward and looked at the others. He made a small gesture that asked for caution and secrecy. The other passengers nodded. They all understood what it meant.
"This knowledge does not leave this boat."
"We had a companion once. Long ago." His gaze drifted to Rage. "An adventurer, like us. No... like you."
"He wasn't from this world. We knew that much."
"Back when we were your age, we traveled together. We gained strength, made allies, and earned the trust of kings."
Geralt gave a short laugh. "And he earned their daughters."
A smirk passed between Kyle and Geralt before fading under the weight of the story.
"One by one, they became queens. And he? The ruler of seven kingdoms."
"One day, he left on his own. Said he had found something, a lost codex filled with knowledge not meant for mortals."
"When he came back, he spoke of things that could not be true. A cycle. A hero always summoned. The joining of kingdoms. The rise of a demon army. Victory. And then death by old age. All of it part of a plan no one could see."
"He would not accept it, the cycle, the unseen hands that shaped our fate. So he built something new. A kingdom that would stand above the seven. Not another piece in their game, but a sign of defiance."
"It was not like any other. Grand and powerful. In that kingdom, his word was law, and no prophecy had power over it."
"To his people, it was a light of hope. To those beyond its borders, it was something to fear."
"For years, he ruled. Unchallenged. Untouchable."
"And then, one day... he was gone. No warning, no battle, no remains. Not even a body to bury. Just a ruler who defied fate, and vanished without a trace."
"Then Selphina ruled, Mariselle's mother. She ruled with grace and wisdom."
"When Mariselle came of age to take the throne, Selphina died. A strange sickness. Sudden and unexpected."
"Before her death, we were given noble ranks for everything we had done. It felt like a promise. But it did not last."
"Even after she passed, we stayed. Abyssal Tides was the king's most favored kingdom. Being there felt like he was still with us."
"Mariselle ruled well. Kind and fair. Everything a ruler should be. For years, she upheld her mother's legacy."
"Then one day, she changed. It did not happen at once, small things at first. The way she spoke. The way she hesitated before giving orders. That distant look when she thought no one was watching."
"Then came the decrees. Strange ones. Unreasonable ones."
"And then came the purges. Our noble ranks were taken away. The council replaced piece by piece. Those who fought back were hanged."
"And us? We were sent on missions. Each one harder than the last. Sometimes we faced monsters. Sometimes we faced whole villages of innocent people."
Silence hung between them, thick as the mist rolling over the water.
Rage tilted his head. Understanding. Realization.
"They're trying to get rid of you?" he said.
Geralt let out a dry chuckle. "Took you a single voyage to realize."
He exhaled, his voice was heavy. "Took us years."
"And if you refuse?" Rage asked.
Geralt said, "Then you hang. And not just you." His tone was firm. "Your family, your name, erased alongside you."
"There's no mercy," he continued. "You do as you're told, or you become a warning for the next."
Rage said, "You mentioned the Seven Kingdoms. Does that include Firekeep?"
Kyle didn't hesitate to answer. "You already know by now."
He paused before continuing. "And so are the twins from the Bandit Fortress."
"Before he became a king, he forged an alliance with the Bandit Kingdom," Kyle went on. "A kingdom he was supposed to destroy in his early quests. But instead, he made a pact. And from that pact, the Bandit Queen bore twins."
Kyle looked at him. "We know you ended Varkas," he said. "And that you almost killed Vera."
Rage's fingers stopped tapping. "How do you know all this?"
Kyle smirked. "Vera, the smartest of all the queens, even fooled the heavens into thinking she was dead. If she hadn't, she would have been taken by the skies like her father."
Geralt let out a breath. "She knows something. Something she keeps to herself." His face grew dark. "And we only know what she chooses to tell us."
Kyle leaned back slightly. "The rest? Just speculation."
He studied Rage for a moment before speaking. "Before Varkas died... did he tell you anything?"
Rage's fingers twitched. His mind went back to that final moment. He remembered Varkas' words and the warning hidden in his anger -- Lies in the skies.
He didn't answer. Didn't need to.
Kyle exhaled. "He did."
He gave a short laugh. "Vera..." He leaned forward a little. "She's been playing with fate like a master in the shadows. The last act of defiance left by her father." His fingers tapped on the hilt of his sword. "And if I had to guess, I'd bet this blade that she's the reason you were summoned early."
Silence fell over the boat again. The sound of waves hitting the hull filled the space where words had been.
Rage broke it. "What was his name? The Lost King."
Kyle let out a slow breath. "He was known by many names. But to us, he was Asarhu. The hero who once wore the same coat you have now. The one Balmung chose as its wielder."
"I remember that coat," Geralt murmured, his voice dipping into memory. "Jade Prosperity Empire. He was with the queens... and the five of us?"
"We were content with the imperial maids."
"Then the goblins came. We acted fast, but he was faster."
"The only way to find him?"
"Follow the trail of severed goblin bodies."
"He stood in the middle of the battlefield. His coat moved with the wind. Balmung shone on his arm as a gauntlet, and a huge sword rested on his shoulder. Its edge dripped with what was left of his enemies."
He leaned forward. "Yuri, a sage and the king's most trusted scholar, studied the lost codex with him. She said that time would change because the king vanished too soon. A new hero would come early, only a few years from now."
Geralt paused. "But not as soon as you did."
"You weren't supposed to be here yet, kid. And yet... here you are."
Rage ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. "So what am I supposed to do?"
Kyle shrugged. "That's up to you, kid." His voice was calm but heavy.
"Free will is a curse." He leaned back and looked at the water. "But tell me, what's the point of living if there's no freedom?"
"Vera might have the answers. But she only shows up when she means to."
Rage let out a loud sigh. "So, collect all the kingdoms then."
Kyle's gaze was firm, his voice steady. "This world is real for us. Dying here means you're gone. No second chances. No do-overs."
"You belong here now," He continued. "Treat this as advice."
"If only he hadn't defied the heavens... maybe the kingdoms wouldn't be suffering the way they are now."
Geralt gave a short, humorless laugh. "The Lost King always talked about the games and the shows from his old world. He thought this world was just a game. Just like you do."
His voice was was even, but there was an edge to it. "Don't think we don't know." His eyes narrowed.
"You treat this world like a game when it suits you, half-heartedly enduring pain when challenged. Like you're not even afraid to die."
Van spoke, his voice cutting through like a blade. "We don't know what those games were like in your world..."
"But they sound more sick than killing an entire village of innocent people."
Rage's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what happens if these sky people find out?"
Kyle's face stayed calm. "Then you wouldn't have made it this far," he said.
Kyle's eyes hardened. "Remember, kid. These secrets stay on this boat."
Rage sighed, rubbing his temple. "Yeah, yeah, that's the second time you've said that."
He gestured toward the front of the boat. "But you do realize the boatman heard everything, right?"
The boatman chuckled. "I served them, wherever they went."
"In fact, I was the first to meet him, back when he was just a traveler looking for a way forward."
"I drove carriages, boats, and whatever else was needed. Even fetched his body after a grueling battle."
The shape of the island was clear now. It rose like sharp stone against the blue sea. Mist covered its tall cliffs. Dark birds flew above it, their cries faint over the sound of the oars.
They were still far, but almost there.
The voyage went on in silence for hours.
***
By afternoon, they reached the island.
Kyle set up camp, driving stakes into the sand while Zach wandered toward the shoreline, bow in hand, scanning the waters for fish. Geralt knelt nearby, stacking dry driftwood into a neat pile before striking flint to spark a fire.
Behind them, the old boatman pulled his boat ashore, dragging it further onto the sand before securing it with a length of rope.
Rage glanced at them, then at the camp. "So... we're staying here?"
Kyle shook his head. "Not yet." He tightened the last rope on the tent before standing. "Your task is to clear the way ahead. Alone."
Rage raised a brow. "Alone?"
Geralt smirked. "Don't worry, they're small monsters."
Kyle chuckled. "But annoying."
"If you say so."
Rage flexed his arm. He felt the weight of Balmung on his arm. With a thought, the weapon changed shape. It turned into a sword, then a spear, then a pair of daggers. Each form held for a moment before turning into the next. It was just a quick warm-up.
Satisfied, he turned and walked down a narrow path. The dirt trail curved into the thick vegetation ahead.
Nearby, Van stood against a tree. Then he stepped away and followed Rage. His movements were quiet, fading into the spaces between the trees.
Not long after, Zach finished his work by the water's edge. Without a word, he left the camp and followed. He kept a steady pace behind Rage, his steps were quiet and his eyes were watchful in the shadows.
Rage walked along the narrow path. The jungle ahead was dense, with vines wrapped around old trees. The leaves made moving shadows under the setting sun. A low rustling sound came from somewhere in the forest.
Then, he saw them.
A group of goblins, six in all, crouched near some rotting logs. Beady eyes glinted with hunger as they saw him. They let out sharp snarls that cut through the air.
Rage exhaled. His fingers curled. Balmung shifted. Claws extended from his gauntlet.
He activated Null Veil.
The first goblin lunged. Rage sidestepped. His body blurred as he drove his claw into its throat. The creature staggered and clawed at the wound.
The second goblin swung low aimed at his legs. Rage shifted Balmung into dagger form. He blocked the strike instantly, twisted the blade, and slashed upward. The goblin's eyes widened as a red line appeared across its chest. It fell to the ground.
The others hesitated. Rage closed the distance.
He grabbed one by the neck. He injected impairing codes into the contact area and activated Code Necrosis.
A sharp crack sounded as its neck broke. The throat collapsed, stopping its breath. Its body twitched once, then went still.
The remaining two hesitated just a moment too long. Balmung shifted again. Spear form. Rage drove it through one's gut and pivoted, yanking free as the last turned to flee.
A flick of his wrist. The spear soared through the air, impaling the goblin's back.
Silence followed.
Rage pushed forward.
The next clearing was wide and open. A ruined watchtower, covered in moss, stood in the center. Rage barely had time to notice before another group appeared, this one with wolves.
Four goblins. Three beasts. Faster, coordinated.
A wolf leaped first. Rage activated Null Veil. He twisted mid-step, dodging its snapping jaws, and swung Balmung in greatsword form. The impact was strong. The wolf's spine broke, and its body fell instantly.
The goblins swarmed, attacking from all sides. Rage spun, blocking a strike with his blade. Balmung changed shape, first a dagger, then a claw. He swung, hitting a goblin in the face. His claws tore through flesh and bone.
One of the wolves snapped at his side. He let it.
As the wolf bit his arm, he placed his free hand on its neck.
He quickly injected a code and activated Code Necrosis.
The wolf's snarl stopped as its neck broke under his grip. A sickening crack sounded. Its legs twitched, jaws still on his arm, but the rest of its body went limp. The beast hung there, lifeless from the neck down, its last breath a weak wheeze.
Two goblins were left. Balmung changed into spear form again. Rage lunged, driving it into the closest goblin's chest. He barely noticed the last goblin trying to run before he pulled the spear free and threw it, hitting the spine directly.
He pushed forward.
***
The last clearing was different.
A larger goblin camp appeared. Nearly a dozen figures sat around small fires, their weapons lying nearby as they argued over supplies. This was not an ambush. It was their home.
Rage barely had time to react before a crossbow bolt whistled past his ear. He twisted, but too slowly. A second goblin was already throwing a spear straight at his chest.
Before he could react, a sharp whistle cut through the air. The goblin fell, an arrow buried between its eyes.
Rage's eyes flicked to the treeline. Zach's tag appeared for a moment, then disappeared back into the trees.
Rage didn't hesitate. He charged.
Balmung shifted mid-strike into greatsword form, cutting through two goblins in one swing. He grabbed another goblin by the face. He quickly injected a code and activated Code Necrosis.
The goblin screamed, then choked. Its skull crushed under his grip. The nose and face collapsed. Its eyes went blank. Its jaw hung loose. It twitched once and went limp. It was dead before it hit the ground.
[System] Corruption Level : 20%
[SYSTEM] Processing Evolution : Code Necrosis
[SYSTEM] Evolution Complete
[SYSTEM] New Ability :Eclipse Convergence
[SYSTEM] New Effect : Additional Parameters Added
[SYSTEM] Processing Upgrade : Abyss Kernel
[SYSTEM] Upgrade Complete
[SYSTEM] New Effect : Full System Console Compiler enabled.
Rage exhaled sharply, flexing his fingers. "New hacks, huh? Let's see how broken you are."
Then, another whistle. Another spear. This time from behind. He spun, but something glinted in the air.
A knife. Deflecting the spear mid-flight.
Rage's eyes narrowed. Van's tag flickered for just a second before disappearing again.
Rage turned back to the last remaining goblins, Balmung shifting once more. It was time to finish this.
The last remaining goblins scrambled in terror, retreating toward a different-looking hut at the camp's edge, their frantic shrieks echoed in the clearing. They weren't running away. They were calling for something.
Then, a deep, guttural roar shook the trees.
The goblin leader emerged.
The ground shook.
[SYSTEM] Gor'Ka The Cleaver Lv.48
[SYSTEM] class : Goblin Lord
[SYSTEM] Hostile
It was four times the size of a normal goblin. Its green skin was stretched over thick muscle. Rough bone armor covered its chest, fused into its flesh like a second layer. One eye was pale and dead, the other a bright yellow that glared at Rage.
Its cleaver was huge. It was covered in rust and crudely made, but still sharp and long enough to cut a man in half with one swing.
The smaller goblins dropped to their knees before it.
The boss gave a deep, rough laugh that sounded mocking.
Rage exhaled and rolled his shoulders. "Right. Boss fight."
***
Before he could move, the Boss charged.
The ground shook under its weight. Each step sent dirt flying and cracked the earth beneath its feet.
Rage reacted instantly. He activated Null Veil once more.
He twisted just in time to avoid the cleaver's downward crash.
The impact shattered the ground.
Rage barely had time to register the force before the boss swung again, this time with a wild, unpredictable arc.
He ducked. The blade carved into a nearby tree, cutting it in half.
Too strong. Too fast.
Rage rushed forward, Balmung changing into dagger form, but the boss was ready for it.
A massive backhand smashed into Rage's ribs.
His body was launched through the air, crashing into a rock. Pain spread across his chest.
He coughed.
The boss grinned, revealing jagged, yellowed fangs. It knew this wasn't a fight. It was a hunt.
Rage forced himself up, spitting blood. The boss stalked forward, dragging its cleaver, leaving a scar in the dirt.
If he couldn't overpower it, he'd outplay it.
He dashed forward, but this time, instead of attacking directly, he used the terrain.
He zig-zagged between trees, forcing the boss to swing wildly, its massive strikes shattered trunks and leaving itself open.
Rage capitalized.
Balmung changed into spear form. Rage jumped off a rock and used the force to drive the spear deep into the boss's thigh.
A roar of pain.
The boss staggered, blood pouring from the wound.
But the boss wasn't done.
With unnatural speed, it swung its cleaver in a wide, desperate arc. Rage barely ducked, but the wind force alone sent him tumbling sideways.
The boss attacked again. It swung low, and Rage jumped. A fist the size of a boulder came next, and he barely moved aside in time.
Too close.
He had to finish this now.
The boss bled heavily. It still swung its weapon, but its movements were slow and weak.
This was his chance.
Rage charged. Balmung changed into greatsword form. He brought the heavy blade down on the boss's knee, forcing it to fall to one side.
The goblin snarled, lifting its cleaver for a desperate final swing.
Rage didn't let it.
He jumped onto its chest and grabbed its head with both hands.
He injected codes into the contact area and activated Code Necrosis.
The boss's head shook as a violent tremor ran through it. Its veins burst, and its body began to twitch. A deep groan escaped its mouth as its limbs jerked between life and death. Blood ran from its eyes. It convulsed once, twice, then went still.
Rage let go and leapt back, already knowing what came next.
The boss staggered, its body moved without thought as the last trace of control faded. Then came a sharp crack as its head snapped to the side, limbs twisting out of sync. It dropped to its knees, arms twitching once before going limp, crashing to the ground with a heavy thud.
The remaining goblins saw enough. Whatever courage they had left vanished instantly.
Panicked cries filled the air as they scattered, some fleeing into the jungle, others stumbling over their own feet in blind terror. None stayed behind. None even thought of fighting back.
Then, finally, the Goblin Boss stilled.
Rage exhaled, wiping blood from his face.
Kyle emerged from the foliage, arms crossed. "Well, well, it seems you can keep up."
Rage let out a sharp breath. "Yeah, this is the burden you told me about."
Kyle laughed.
Leaves rustled as Densuke and Geralt stepped out from the shadows.
Geralt took one look at the ruined corpse of the Goblin Boss before grinning and joining Kyle in laughter.
Zach adjusted his bow. "Let's head back."
"...We're not pushing?" Rage asked.
"That can wait until tomorrow," Kyle said, already turning away.
With nothing left to say, they made their way through the jungle.
By the time they reached camp, the sky had deepened into dusk, the faint glow of the fire casted long shadows. The night would be quiet, for now.
Rage sat by the fire, idly rolling a small stone between his fingers. The goblin camp lingered in his mind. The rough huts, the scattered weapons, the crude fires where they had been cooking. It hadn't felt like a battlefield. It had felt like a home.
And yet, he had cut them down without hesitation.
No guilt. No unease.
Nothing.
His hands weren't shaking. His stomach didn't churn. He wasn't haunted by their screams in their desperate retreat.
To him, it had just been another objective. Another encounter in a world that still felt too much like a game.
[SYSTEM] Queen Mariselle : Loyalty 51.6%
[SYSTEM] Corruption : 21.8%