Chapter 45

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arthemice

I LET OUT a pained groan as I crashed onto the cold marble floor, landing hard on my backside. A sharp sting shot up my spine, but I quickly shook it off, my eyes darting around to take in my unfamiliar surroundings. Where the hell am I? Panic clawed at my chest as I pressed a trembling hand to my throbbing head. The room spun in dizzying circles, the remnants of poison still coursing through my veins, sapping my strength with every agonizing heartbeat. Damn it! The poison hasn’t left my system yet!

A wave of dread washed over me. Sebastian! My heart skipped a beat as I remembered him. Is he still poisoned too?! What if he’s dying right now while I’m stuck here? The thought sent me spiraling into panic. I needed to get back to him—but how?

My frantic thoughts were interrupted when the door to what seemed like a balcony creaked open. I scrambled to my feet, only to freeze as a striking figure stepped into the room. She was a stunning woman with mesmerizing emerald eyes that sparkled even in the dim light, her chestnut-brown hair cascading down her shoulders like silk. Her gaze was sharp, almost piercing, as she narrowed her eyes at me.

“Who are you?” I croaked, my voice barely a whisper, hoarse and strained from the lingering effects of the poison.

She raised a perfectly arched brow, crossing her arms as she studied me from head to toe with a calculating look. “I should be the one asking you that,”she replied coolly, her voice dripping with authority. “You’re in my quarters,” she added, eyes flicking over my disheveled appearance. “Are you one of the guests from the banquet?”

I shook my head, my movements frantic and desperate. The thought of Sebastian dying alone somewhere sent a chill down my spine. “No, no, no.” I need to get back there—now! My heart pounded in my chest as I realized I couldn’t summon Seraphim, my magic still weakened.

Without another word, I shoved past her, my legs unsteady but fueled by sheer panic. I wanted to apologize properly, to explain that I didn’t mean to intrude, but I didn’t have the luxury of time. Sebastian could be on the brink of death!

I bolted down the corridor, my bare feet slapping against the polished floors. Damn it, this place is massive! It was like navigating a labyrinth, every hallway as grand and imposing as the next, resembling the Imperial Palace back in our kingdom. How am I supposed to find the exit in this maze?!

Behind me, I heard the rapid clatter of footsteps—guards, no doubt alerted to my presence. I veered to the right, hoping to lose them in the twists and turns of this unfamiliar palace, but my luck ran out. I skidded around a corner, only to crash into a squad of knights, their gleaming armor reflecting the dim light of the sconces.

Before I could react, they drew their swords with a deadly swiftness, the cold steel pressed threateningly against my throat. My breath hitched, eyes wide with terror. How pathetic... I cursed myself silently.

I swallowed hard, my mind racing for a way out as the knights’ stern faces loomed over me. The poison in my veins made my limbs heavy, my vision hazy, but I couldn’t afford to give up—not when Sebastian’s life was on the line.

“Stop!” A sharp voice cut through the tense air. I turned to see the same girl I had encountered earlier. Her presence commanded immediate attention, and as she approached with a deliberate, confident stride, the knights lowered their weapons.

“She is harmless, let her go,”she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument. The knights hesitated for only a moment before stepping back, obeying her command without question. Wait... My mind raced. Could she hold a high position here in the palace?!

“Leave us,” she commanded once more, her voice steady and authoritative. The knights quickly departed, leaving just the two of us. As the door closed behind them, she let out a soft sigh, her gaze turning to me, scrutinizing me with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

“You seem lost,” she remarked, her brows arching as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Do you even know where you’re going?“

I bit my tongue, resisting the urge to snap back. Something about her made me wary; if she truly held a high rank, a single misstep could spell disaster for me, an intruder in this palace. I need to tread carefully.

Putting on an act, I let my shoulders slump and shook my head weakly, trying to appear vulnerable. Her stern expression softened, her eyes flickering with a hint of sympathy.

“I will help you, but you must tell me your name first,” she said, her voice losing some of its edge.

I hesitated, my mind racing through the possibilities. Should I reveal my real name? Or perhaps an alias? But there was no time to concoct a lie. “Arthemice,” I finally answered, my voice barely above a whisper.

She studied me for a moment, but there was no sign of recognition in her eyes. Good, I thought. Our kingdoms must not have ties.

“Very well. Lady Arthemice, follow me,” she instructed, turning on her heel without waiting for my response. I quickly fell into step behind her, trying to ignore the curious glances of servants as we passed.

She led me to a spacious room where several maids were already waiting. “Make sure she is comfortable,” she ordered them, her tone brisk but not unkind. “Prepare a bath, and bring her some fresh clothes.”

I watched in astonishment as the maids sprang into action, tending to me as if I were someone of importance. She even instructed one of the maids to bring food, ensuring I would be well taken care of.

As I glanced at her, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude. How lucky I am to have crossed paths with such a kind soul in this foreign kingdom. Despite her strict demeanor, there was an undeniable kindness in the way she treated me, a complete stranger.

“Let me know if you need anything else,” she said, her tone softer now. I only managed a nod in response, the maids already fussing over me, cleaning the grime from my skin.

She gave me one last look before turning to leave, her shoulders sagging slightly as if weighed down by exhaustion. She must be tired too, I thought, watching her retreating figure. Perhaps she deserves some rest herself.

As soon as the servants left the room, I darted toward the balcony. I had to get back there. What if Sebastian’s body was left to rot in the woods? The thought alone made my stomach churn.

I looked down at the ground far below. Could I survive the jump? Without giving it a second thought, I climbed onto the railing, ready to leap. But just as I was about to hurl myself over the edge, a pair of hands grabbed me by the waist, pulling me back with a forceful tug.

“Master! What on earth are you doing?!”

We tumbled to the floor in a tangle of limbs. I quickly turned, my eyes widening in shock.

“Mire?!” I gasped, utterly bewildered. How is he here? I never summoned him!

With his usual, unnervingly cheerful grin, Mire beamed at me. “Sir Sebastian sent me, Master! He wanted to let you know he’s alright. So here—drink this!” Before I could protest, he forced a vial of elixir against my lips, practically pouring the liquid down my throat. I had no choice but to gulp it down. Warmth spread through my veins, and just like that, the exhaustion and dizziness vanished.

I pushed myself up, staring at him in disbelief. “Is he really okay now?”

Mire’s grin widened, his eyes sparkling with an unsettling enthusiasm. “Yes! He’s the coolest guy I’ve ever seen, Master! Oh, please let him teach me how to use a sword! Can you imagine? I could learn from someone as amazing as him!” There was a wild gleam in his eyes, one that sent a shiver down my spine. It was as if he was dreaming of using those sword skills to massacre an entire hall of nobles. Gods, this is why I will never trust him with sharp objects.

I shook my head, trying to rid myself of the disturbing thought. “Focus, Mire! Did he say something like he’s coming here soon?”

Mire nodded eagerly, practically bouncing on his feet. “Yes! He said he’ll join us here shortly. But until then, he wants you to practice your abilities. Look, I’ve brought some notes for your alchemy training!” He rummaged through his bag and pulled out a stack of parchment, thrusting it towards me. The papers were filled with detailed notes and illustrations of plants. “And these are the symbols you need to succeed in creating an advanced elixir!”

He dumped another pile of papers into my hands, his excitement only growing. “Oh! And your training schedule! Isn’t it great?!” His enthusiasm was so infectious that it almost made me forget the dire situation we were in.

I slapped both my hands against his cheeks to calm him down. “Slow down, you overgrown beast! What are you so hyped up about? We’re still—”

“But Sebastian could wipe out that entire kingdom in a minute if he wanted to,” Mire mumbled, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. I blinked, not sure if I had heard him correctly.

“What was that?” I arched a brow, leaning closer.

“Nothing, Master!” Mire replied quickly, flashing his fangs in a mischievous smile. “Sir Sebastian said not to worry. He found a safe place to hide for now, and he just needs some time to rest. Everything’s under control, though not perfectly, since, you know, the Emperor is still on the loose...” He trailed off, then bounced back with another grin. “But don’t worry! Once you’ve trained here, you'll be unstoppable! We’ll take him down, no problem!”

I let out a deep sigh, a mix of relief and exasperation. At least Sebastian was safe for now.

“Well, that’s... somewhat reassuring, I suppose,” I muttered, rubbing my temples. If only Mire could channel some of that boundless energy into something useful. But for now, I’d take what I could get.

“Oh, are you planning to stay here, Master?” Mire asked, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“Yes, I stumbled upon a rather kind Empress. Lucky for me, she allowed me to stay,” I replied, unable to hide my surprise. I had only learned of her true status earlier, when the servants addressed her as they brought me an extravagant meal. The Empress of this kingdom, no less.

Mire’s expression brightened with excitement. “Then you should get some rest, Master! I’ll explore the forest tonight and search for those plants you’ll need for tomorrow’s training. You won’t have to worry about a thing!”

A small smile tugged at my lips. “Thank you, Mire.”

He shrugged, waving off my gratitude. “I only sleep during daylight, so it’s no trouble. Besides, you’re my Master—serving you brings me joy.”

Before I could respond, a sudden flash of light filled my vision.

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Congratulations! You have successfully unlocked a [Hidden Chapter] of the game.

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The system’s holographic announcement floated before me, its letters glowing in an eerie, translucent blue. I blinked, trying to make sense of the unexpected message.

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Welcome to the Training Arc!

The epilogue draws near, and your journey has brought you closer to the truth. Brace yourself, dear player, for challenges await. Prove your worth, and claim your destiny.

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I let out a scoff, rolling my eyes. Seriously? The ‘Training Arc’? How dramatic.

Mire, oblivious to the system’s theatrics, grinned at me. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Master! Rest well!” With that, he leapt off the balcony, disappearing into the night like a shadow.

I stood there for a moment, processing the new twist. A hidden chapter? So, this is the content I never unlocked back in my original world.

Well, if the system was hinting at new trials, I had to be ready. New challenges, new enemies... I’ll face whatever comes.

But for now, I needed rest. Tomorrow would be the start of something unknown, and I couldn’t afford to be unprepared.

fin.