Chapter Title: The Price of Waking Up
Karlous snored.
A tray of snacks was balanced on his chest. One foot twitched occasionally. A light breeze from the open window fluttered the curtains, and a half-eaten mana bun sat dangerously close to sliding off his plate.
Beside him stood Sera, arms crossed, looking tired yet somehow amused. She'd been keeping watch ever since they'd dragged him back from the aftermath of the Frey vs. Raiken incident.
Then—
SLAM!
The door burst open.
In came Nox, looking like he hadn't slept since the sky exploded. Karen and Kaile sneaking behind the curtain whispering, and the two stepmothers, one holding tea, the other holding a scroll and that 'I-want-answers-or-your-liver' expression.
"He's waking up!" someone whispered, as if Karlous were a holy artifact.
Karlous groaned. "Five more minutes… unless there's money involved."
Everyone froze.
"Money?" Lady Lilliana raised an eyebrow.
He cracked one eye open. "I charge a consultation fee now. Traumatized heroes gotta eat too."
Sera, with the elegance of a noble sister, threw a pillow at him.
"You slept through a literal divine dragon landing in our backyard," she muttered.
Karlous blinked innocently. "I was emotionally recovering."
Kaile peeked from behind the curtain. "I told you he was faking. He just wanted attention!"
Karen nodded. "Or compensation."
"I want both," Karlous said shamelessly. "Plus emotional support snacks."
Lady Evelynn stepped forward, regal as ever. "You are going to tell us exactly what happened. Right now."
He smiled. "Absolutely, dear Stepmother. For only five gold and one enchanted comb. I have curly hair now. I must respect the fluff."
Sera facepalmed. "Karlous, please—just say something useful."
"Fine," Karlous sighed dramatically. "A guy in shiny armor fell from the sky. Another one lit the forest on fire. Then dragons. Then boom. The end."
"Wow," said Nox dryly. "Truly the historian of our time."
Just then, the doors opened again.
In stepped the Captain of the 3rd Quadrant, bandaged and bruised, leaning slightly on a staff but walking with pride. His entrance quieted the room.
He scanned the faces, stopped at Karlous.
"He lives," he said. "The boy who was foolish enough to be at the center of the chaos."
Karlous gave a little wave. "Still foolish. Still alive. A win, I say."
The Captain grunted. "Your mentor is insane."
"I get that a lot," Karlous muttered.
Then—another voice.
Scene change — Capital Citadel, Inner Chambers
In a regal chamber adorned with divine relics and magical scrolls, sat the Empress.
Her name: Empress Aranya Vael'Thora — ruler of Aryavratra.
With skin kissed by starlight, hair bound in golden braids, and eyes like sharp emeralds, she was known for both beauty and brutality.
Across from her sat a tired, twitching man in blue robes—the Vice Captain of the Blue Magic Tower, name: Velrun Saylis.
He was pale. Sweating.
She sipped tea. "So… let me get this straight. You followed a divine beast… into Phoenix territory… where Frey Del Ahoya just happened to be fighting Raiken Vayr, and you watched."
Velrun wiped his brow. "We observed. At a distance."
"You didn't engage?"
"Empress, I enjoy breathing. I'd like to keep that privilege."
She smirked. "What did you learn?"
Velrun looked like he aged ten years. "That if Frey ever wants to take over this empire… we should just hand him the throne and a cake."
"Chocolate?"
Velrun shivered. "Yes. With cherries. And an apology note."
Aranya stood. Her presence silenced the air. "Keep an eye on him. Quietly. And keep your tower from doing anything stupid."
"Yes, Your Radiance."
Back at the Phoenix Estate:
The questioning of Karlous continued.
"Where did Frey go?" asked Nox.
"No idea."
"Did he say anything?"
"Only that I'm a disappointment with potential."
"Accurate," said Kaile.
"He also gave me a sword," Karlous added. "Well, tossed it at me like I was a fish needing filleting."
Sera rolled her eyes. "Did you thank him?"
"I was unconscious."
The Captain sighed. "You're either going to be the empire's downfall… or its future."
Karlous smirked. "Why not both?"
Lady Evelynn facepalmed.
Lady Lilliana glared. "I regret not switching your formula at birth."
"Love you too, Stepmom."
The Captain began to leave. "Prepare him. Word is spreading. The Empress herself is watching now."
As the door closed behind him, Karlous finally flopped back.
"Can I go back to sleep now?"
"No," said everyone.
"Rude."
World Notes:
Empress: Aranya Vael'Thora.
Vice Captain of Blue Magic Tower: Velrun Saylis.
Capital City: Vaer'Shalan.
Frey's clash with Raiken has shaken every noble faction.
Blue Magic Tower is on high alert.
The 3rd Quadrant Captain still wants his rematch.
Karlous may or may not be charging ten gold next time.
And somewhere in the clouds—Frey and Fafnir laughed, knowing full well… chaos had just begun.