Ethan's gaze drifted, unfocused, as if his mind were still trying to catch up with what was happening. He didn't have a good explanation for the situation—not even for himself. So instead, he reached into his coat and pulled out a small, finely crafted wooden box. With a soft click, he opened it.

The moment the lid lifted, the contents spilled out in a gentle cascade, scattering across the ground around him.

Tiny trinkets—delicate, intricate, and gleaming with charm. Each one was a miniature marvel, designed with such care and whimsy that they seemed to hum with allure. Especially to the two girls standing before him.

"I'm just a traveling merchant," Ethan said calmly, watching their reactions. "Passing through, looking to trade. These are my wares. If anything catches your eye, feel free to take a look."

Despite the raw power radiating from the two girls, there was still something unmistakably innocent about them. They didn't question his story. Not even a flicker of suspicion crossed their faces. Their eyes, however, lit up the moment they saw the trinkets.

They crouched down, skirts brushing the ground, and began sifting through the little treasures with childlike fascination.

The items were clearly designed to appeal—glittering charms, tiny mechanical puzzles, delicate jewelry that shimmered like stardust. It was as if someone had distilled every girlish fancy into a box and handed it to them.

One of the girls held up a small pendant, its gem catching the light. She looked up at Ethan with a bright smile. "Your things are really pretty. I think my mistress would love them. Would you come with us?"

The question caught Ethan off guard.

Before he could answer—

A sudden surge of energy burst from the girls, enveloping him in a pulse of raw power.

With a flick of their wrists, the air tore open like paper, and the world around him twisted.

In the blink of an eye, Ethan found himself standing inside a palace.

Not just any palace—this one looked like it had been plucked straight from a dream. The walls shimmered with pink gemstones, the floors gleamed like polished moonlight, and every surface sparkled with opulence. It was overwhelming, almost surreal.

Ethan looked up—

And there she was.

Kaelira.

His stomach dropped.

He'd seen her fight before. Once. That was enough. The memory of her power still haunted him—terrifying, absolute, like a storm given form.

Now, she sat on a throne carved from rose quartz and obsidian, her gaze fixed coldly on him.

One of the girls stepped forward, her voice soft but eager. "He's a merchant, Your Majesty. He brought all these lovely things. If you like them, maybe we could keep him?"

Ethan's heart pounded. He had no intention of staying here. Not for a second longer than he had to. If there was any chance to escape, he'd take it.

But Kaelira's expression darkened.

She tapped the armrest of her throne, her voice low and sharp. "Is this really what you're doing right now? Playing games? Do you have any idea what's happening out there?"

Her tone cracked like a whip.

"Sol'Rakka is facing a threat unlike anything we've seen. And you two are wasting time with trinkets?"

The girls flinched, visibly startled. They dropped to their knees, heads bowed, murmuring apologies in a rush of panic.

Clearly, Kaelira had a soft spot for them—but even that had limits.

She waved them off with a flick of her hand. "Go."

They scrambled to their feet and hurried out, leaving Ethan alone in the vast, glittering hall.

Then Kaelira turned her full attention on him.

The air seemed to freeze.

"Who are you, really?" she asked, her voice like ice. "Just a merchant? Wandering into Sol'Rakka by accident?"

Her eyes locked onto his, sharp and unrelenting.

"I can feel the power in you. And not just any power—there's a trace of Sky Citadel in your aura. Faint, but unmistakable."

She leaned forward slightly, her gaze narrowing.

"Are you one of their remnants?"

Panic surged through Ethan.

He knew she could sense it. The energy clinging to him wasn't something he could hide—not from her. During the fall of Sky Citadel, he'd absorbed some of the ambient power left behind. It had soaked into him, become part of him.

He shook his head quickly, voice cracking with urgency. "Your Majesty, I swear—I have no ties to Sky Citadel! I'm just a trader. I've passed through their territory a few times, sold some goods—"

"One of their lords liked what I brought," he added, grasping for anything that might sound plausible. "They gave me a bit of power in return. I didn't even know what it was at the time…"

Kaelira's expression softened—just slightly. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips, as if Ethan's explanation had amused her more than it had convinced her.

"Oh? Is that so?" she murmured with a quiet chuckle, then reached into her robes and pulled out a blood-red gemstone. With a casual flick, she tossed it to him.

"These little trinkets of yours are amusing," she said, her tone laced with mild impatience, though it quickly shifted to something lighter. "Sol'Rakka's never seen anything quite like them."

She gestured toward the gem now in his hand. "Consider that a token of appreciation."

Then her voice dropped into something more deliberate. "And I have a task for you. Complete it, and I'll reward you with far more."

Ethan exhaled, tension bleeding from his shoulders. He stepped forward quickly, bowing his head with practiced humility. "Your Majesty, Desert Queen, whatever you need—I'll see it done. No matter the risk."

Kaelira seemed pleased with his eagerness. She nodded once, then reached beside her throne and handed him a small pouch, pressing it into his palm.

"Go to Emerald Castle," she said. "Keep up the merchant act. Deliver your goods, ask your questions, and report back to me."

Ethan froze.

Emerald Castle?

His mind reeled. That was his territory.

Before he could speak, Kaelira's eyes narrowed slightly, as if she'd already read the hesitation in his face.

"Relax," she said. "I'm not asking for anything complicated. Just keep your ears open. I know you can handle it."

She paused, then added, her voice dipping into something darker, more enticing, "But if you bring me something truly valuable… I'll give you power. Real power."

Ethan's heart thudded in his chest. The offer was sudden, and dangerous—but tempting.

He forced himself to nod, steadying his breath. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'll do everything I can to bring back what you need."

He hesitated, then added, "But… if I may—these jewels are generous, but they won't keep me alive out there. I'm a merchant, not a warrior. If I'm going to be walking into danger, I'll need something more… practical."

Kaelira let out a low laugh, her eyes glinting with something like approval.

She reached for a pale pink orb resting beside her and pressed it gently to his shoulder.

"This is a Sol'Rakkan power bead," she said. "It'll boost your strength for a short time—enough to get you out of trouble, if you're smart about it."

The moment it touched him, Ethan felt a cool rush surge through his body. His fatigue vanished, replaced by a sharp, clean energy that made his limbs feel lighter, his senses clearer.

He bowed deeply. "Thank you, Desert Queen."

Gratitude swelled in his chest, but he didn't linger. He turned and made his way out of the palace, keeping his pace steady until he reached the edge of Sol'Rakka's desert.

Only then did he stop.

He dropped to a crouch in the sand, breathing hard, sweat beading at his brow despite the cool power still humming in his veins.

He activated his system, scanning the area. No signs of pursuit. No hidden eyes.

Only then did he let out a long breath.

"So… the Desert Queen of Sol'Rakka might be powerful," he muttered, "but she's not as cautious as she thinks."

He shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

"Otherwise, she wouldn't have swallowed that story so easily."

Without wasting another second, he gathered his focus and tore open a spatial rift, stepping through before the desert wind could erase his footprints.

...