Worlds Across

Chapter 7: Back to Madness

We finish eating, feeling like we've actually gotten a moment of peace for once. But then, reality hits. We've got three rooms, five people, and-surprise-only four beds. Being the genius and rightful homeowner that I am, I claim one bed for myself. Sage takes the other in the same room, and obviously, Tata joins us because he's the king. As for the three drunks? I make them sleep on the floor. We had extra beds, but they didn't deserve them. Simple as that.

Morning rolls around, and surprise, surprise, Tata, Sage, and I wake up feeling fantastic, while the three hungover idiots look like death warmed over. They're groaning and holding their heads, probably regretting every life decision that led them to this moment. Classic.

After we get dressed and ready to face whatever fresh hell the day brings, I'm the first to head out the door. And what do I find waiting for us? A massive pile of armor and weapons sitting at the front door like some kind of magical welcome package.

"Uh, guys, and girl," I call back, "there's a shitload of weapons here. Pretty unusual stuff."

When I say unusual, I mean it. These aren't your average swords and shields. No, this stuff is dripping with magic, practically radiating power. I can almost hear a cheesy voiceover in my head saying, "Choose your weapon, hero." And hey, if the universe is handing out magic weapons, who am I to say no?

1. Flaming Sword (for me, of course):
This bad boy is exactly as dramatic as it sounds. The blade is constantly engulfed in flames, and no, it doesn't burn me. Why? Magic, obviously. It's the kind of weapon that just screams "main character energy," and honestly, I deserve it. Plus, it looks cool as hell when I swing it around. I can already picture myself slicing through hordes of enemies while looking like a total badass.

2. Shadow Dagger (for Sage):
This sleek, black dagger literally melts into the shadows. Perfect for Sage, who's got that calm, mysterious vibe going on. I hand it to her, and she twirls it like she was born to wield it. With this dagger, she can move through darkness without being seen. It's like the dagger was custom-made for her stealthy assassin aesthetic. Figures, right?

3. Thunder Gauntlets (for Draco):
Draco grabs a pair of gauntlets crackling with electricity, because of course he does. The second he puts them on, I swear he looks like he's ready to punch through a wall-and probably will, just because he can. These things amplify his strength and send out shockwaves every time he lands a hit. Great. Just what Draco needed-more destructive power.

4. Ice Axe (for Matt):
Matt, still nursing his hangover, stumbles over and picks up this massive ice axe. It's frosty to the touch, and when he swings it, shards of ice fly out in every direction. Fitting for someone who's constantly on thin ice with me. He's still sulking about not being a real vampire, but at least he's got an axe that can freeze enemies on contact now.

5. Inferno Crossbow (for Tony):
Tony, being Tony, grabs the most chaotic-looking weapon in the pile-a crossbow that shoots flaming arrows. The thing is practically built for causing maximum damage, and Tony looks way too excited about it. I already know this is going to end with something on fire that shouldn't be, but hey, at least it's not my problem (yet).

6. Rune-Enhanced Collar (for Tata):
And last but not least, we have Tata's weapon. Yeah, you read that right. Even the cat gets his own magical gear. It's a fancy, rune-engraved collar that gives Tata the ability to summon mini lightning bolts. Because, why not? If our cat's gonna be part of the team, he may as well have the power to smite people. I snap the collar on him, and he gives me this look like, "Finally, I've been waiting for this."

With all of us armed to the teeth, I can't help but feel a weird sense of responsibility. I mean, look at us-flaming swords, thunder gauntlets, and even a weaponized cat. This is either the start of something epic, or we're about to burn the entire town down. Could go either way, honestly.

I turn back to the group, weapons in hand, and say, "Well, I guess we're ready for whatever's coming next."

Draco cracks his knuckles, still grinning like a maniac from the electric surges running through his gauntlets. "Finally, some real power."

Matt twirls the ice axe, almost hitting Tony in the process. "I feel like a freaking Viking."

Tony, aiming his crossbow at a tree for fun, laughs. "Vampires aren't gonna know what hit 'em."

And Sage? Sage just rolls her eyes, casually flipping her shadow dagger in her hand. "Let's try not to destroy the town before breakfast."

Tata meows, a little bolt of lightning crackling from his collar as if to agree. I give him a pat on the head.

"Alright, team," I say, dramatically swinging my flaming sword for emphasis. "Let's go save-or possibly destroy-Ragnillon."

And with that, we head off, armed and dangerous. What could possibly go wrong?
As we’re all just standing there, staring at the pile of magical weapons like we’ve accidentally wandered into an RPG game, this booming voice suddenly erupts in our heads. “YOU ARE NOT GETTING BACK TO EAR, ART, END, WHATEVER THE NAME OF YOUR PLANET IS. YOU ARE STAYING HERE UNTIL I BREAK THE TOWER OF AETHERFALL, AND THEN... wow, I didn’t think this through. Fuck.”

We all exchange confused glances, because honestly, that’s not the most reassuring evil villain speech I’ve ever heard. I mean, come on, if you’re going to trap us in a magical realm and threaten us, at least have a plan. I look at the others and say, “Did that voice just… forget what it was doing mid-threat? What kind of amateur villain are we dealing with here?”

Draco rolls his eyes, muttering something under his breath about how he could probably do a better job if he were the villain, while Matt, still rubbing his head from last night’s hangover, says, “Does this mean we’re stuck here? ‘Cause I didn’t sign up for a long-term stay.”

Sage sighs, petting Tata, who seems entirely unfazed by the situation (as always). “Well, looks like we’re in this until we deal with that tower.”

“Great. Another quest,” I say, rolling my eyes. “But hey, at least we’ve got some cool weapons to work with.” I gesture to the pile at our feet.