Chương 149: Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Joe crouched as the backlash from using a quarter of his enriched mana bar hit him. Thankfully, between his constant improvements and breaking through his bottleneck, the backlash was only a fraction of what it once was. After a minute, it became a dull ache at the back of his mind, something he could mostly ignore. This presented him with an unexpected windfall. If he could now use his second mana bar without serious risk, his combat effectiveness would spike to an almost absurd degree.

He wondered what his Mana Stream would feel like when filled with enriched mana. The thought nearly made him drool, but he reined it in as his two bonds approached. Corel reached out to help him up, then nudged Rose to do the same. After a quick eye roll, Rose offered her hand. Joe smiled like a child in a candy store and gladly took both offered hands.

"You both looked amazingly beautiful floating in the water like that. Truly a blessing for my eyes," Joe said, bowing. Rose blushed and turned away, while Corel beamed. She leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before glancing around to make sure no one was watching. Naturally, Symphony was watching. Everyone else seemed preoccupied.

"Thank you," Corel said, then elbowed her sworn sister again. Rose muttered something that sounded vaguely like gratitude, which Joe accepted with another bow. Once he finished teasing Rose, Joe had a moment to gather himself. They waited in silence for something to happen. The arena offered no exit, only the path they had entered from. Corel and Rose stood beside him, Corel in the middle. She slipped her hand into his and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Rose, I was wondering," Joe began. Rose groaned.

"Oh, stop," Joe continued.

"I was only going to ask how you knew what those clouds and blobs were? Have you heard of the Forgotten?"

"It is an old story," Rose began, her tone heavy with mourning. As she spoke, nearly every gaze turned toward her.

"The forgotten were once known by another name," Rose said.

"They were an ancient race called the Askari." That name stirred a mix of unpleasant memories and hard-won triumphs in Joe's mind.

"The Askari? Like the elite quest?" he interrupted. Rose nodded.

"Yes. That elite quest is held in remembrance of the Askari and what they did for the Multiverse," she continued.

"They were never truly forgotten. They have been honoured for millennia. But it seems they did not know that. The Multiverse is filled with stories of tragedy and loss. Their's is no different. They gave up everything for the greater good, and they came to rest here." She gestured around the arena.

"This place was known as the death bowl, where the last of the Askari fell. They protected their sector from an almost incomprehensible force that devoured everything." That word sent a chill through Joe's soul. It had to be something else. She could not be talking about…

"What was it that devoured everything?" Corel asked.

"It was an ancient being," Rose said quietly.

"One that predates even the system. No being, mortal or god, was ever able to stop the Devourer." She waved a hand as if brushing the thought aside. But, for the briefest of moments, she met Joe's eyes, and they exchanged a glance that said a thousand words.

"But it is long gone. Imprisoned in the void by the system. Never to return." Rose continued, recounting an epic war and a final act of desperate sacrifice. A battle drawn straight from legend.

"So the Askari were wiped out to the last being," Rose finished.

"Now they exist only in stories and in remembrance." A heavy silence followed. Several of those watching bowed their heads, and as Rose's tale ended, the challenge did as well. An exit formed at the far end of the arena, opening a path back to the world beyond the maze. They emerged into sunlight and a forest alive with the clicks of insects and the calls of unseen birds. Trevaldo turned to the group and cleared his throat.

"I suggest a brief sojourn before we proceed. I, for one, would like to gather my thoughts and rest," he said, gesturing toward Garvo. The two of them disappeared into the underbrush. The others took that as their cue. Each bonded pair drifted off in different directions, agreeing to regroup once they had recovered. That left Joe with his two bonds. He followed them unsteadily as they led the way. One look from Corel was enough for her to hurry to his side and slip an arm around his waist.

He barely noticed how close he was to falling asleep as he walked, blinking in confusion. He mumbled a quiet thanks as they moved on, eventually finding a secluded glen with a small pond, a trickling waterfall, and the steady chorus of croaking frogs. Two swans glided across the water's surface. Joe looked up at the sky.

"Really?" he groaned.

"Really, what?" Corel asked.

"I hate frogs," Joe complained. Corel frowned.

"What is wrong with frogs?" After a short while, Joe lay on the grass staring up at the sky, allowing himself the rest he badly needed. He struggled to keep his eyes open, his head resting against Corel's thigh.

"You two really are close," Rose said as she sat beside them.

"If I were anyone else, I might even be a little jealous." Joe chuckled, and Corel smiled softly.

"You are more than welcome to join us and lie upon me," Joe said with an exaggerated flourish.

"For I am your pillow, Princess." He glanced at Rose and very nearly had a heart attack when she actually seemed to consider it. After a moment, she shook her head.

"No. My mother would not approve," she said quietly, almost under her breath. Joe was not sure he was meant to hear it. But he did.

"Fuck that," he said, shifting slightly.

"You are a grown woman. You don't have to live by your mother's demands or expectations. I thought most girls went through a rebellious phase where they refused to do exactly what their mothers wanted. The Rose I know would do what she wanted, not what was expected." Rose opened her mouth to argue, but Joe kept going.

"And don't give me the whole Eludian expectations and royal duty speech. You and I have talked a lot about fate and uncontrolled events. You warned me when we first met, and you chose not to sever the bond that this," he waved his hand.

"Would keep happening. Do you really believe any of this if you force yourself to live exactly as commanded?" Rose met his gaze. His sunglasses were hidden, and she found herself staring at the drifting stars in his irises. Joe did not look away. There was no accusation in his eyes, no cruelty in his tone. He was not attacking her. He simply wanted her to choose for herself.

"I know your family matters to you. I know your duty matters," he said.

"It does," Rose replied, a sharp edge to her words.

"But I also see how much you enjoy adventure. How much you enjoy being free. Even today, when we nearly died. Was it not fun? Did you really feel nothing?" he asked. Rose looked away, her gaze settling on the swans gliding across the pond. She was silent for a moment.

"I did."

"Exactly. Now answer me this. If your mother were here, if she could shape fate itself, would she let you throw yourself into danger like that? Or would she… protect you from it?" Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"Joe," Corel hissed, squeezing his hand.

"It's okay," Rose said, resolve settling into her expression.

"He is not wrong. She would do everything in her power to stop this." She sighed.

"When I return and tell her what happened today, she will scream, curse fate, and rage at the system. That is who she is."

"I hold no grudges against your mother," Joe said, eyes closing.

"I barely know her. Even if she did try to kill me." His lips twitched.

"All I am asking is this. Do you want the same thing she does? To be locked away in a palace, never knowing adventure. Never exploring the Multiverse? Or would you rather join your sworn sister and me on a fantastical adventure?" He let the question linger in the air. He did not need her answer. He already knew it. __ Corel watched Joe as he drifted fully asleep on her lap. For a moment, she seriously considered slapping him. She even raised her hand.

"Don't," Rose said quietly.

"But he was rude. How does he know what you want? What is best for you?" Corel let her shoulders relax, though she did pinch him instead. He winced faintly, not quite awake. The three of them sat in silence for a time, Corel absently running her fingers through Joe's hair. Stupid man. She would have words with him later. When they were alone. The silence broke when Rose let out a soft sigh.

"He was right about one thing," Rose said after a moment.

"I have enjoyed today. More so than any day I can remember. Since the banquet."

"The Banquet?" Corel asked, smiling.

"You don't mean that one?" Her smile widened when Rose blushed. Her sworn sister was so obvious sometimes. Unlike herself. Corel never let her cheeks redden. Well, almost never.

"You really shouldn't blush so much," Corel said lightly.

"You'll only encourage him." Rose stared at her in alarm.

"Am I blushing? Wait. How many times have I blushed?"

"About three times today. Maybe four," Corel replied with a laugh. Rose groaned and covered her face.

"Is that why he kept teasing me?" Corel nodded.

"Did you not know?" Rose shook her head.

"Another thing he is right about." She gestured vaguely toward Joe.

"I have no experience with… males. Mother never allowed anyone near me for long. The only male I ever knew growing up was my brother." Corel felt a sharp pang of sympathy for her sworn sister. She lifted a finger to her lips then gently traced it along the side of Joe's neck, watching closely. Joe twitched but did not wake. Satisfied, Corel tested him once more before finally relaxing. He was truly asleep.

"I did like his idea," Corel began.

"About all three of us going on an adventure together." Her gaze drifted to the swans gliding across the pond.

"It would give us a better chance to get to know each other. What do you think?"

"I… I'm not sure," Rose said.

"It sounds nice, but…" She threw her hands up with a huff.

"You know it's not fair when you both team up on me." She crossed her arms and pouted. Corel laughed and reached out to pat her shoulder.

"He's asleep. We can go back to bullying him when he wakes. I just wanted you to think about it. He told me all about his plan to move us all to Eludia. When we are all finally together. We can discuss it properly. For now, just think about it. We could even all share a bed as we travel." Corel's grin was wide enough to part an ocean. Rose, on the other hand, stared at her in such scandalized shock that she could not form a single word. Once Rose recovered, Corel decided it was time to have a little fun.

She gently took Rose's hand and pressed a finger to her own lips again.

"Don't speak. Let me show you something," she whispered as she carefully guided one of Rose's fingers to Joe's cheek. She released her hand but gestured for Rose not to pull away.

"Run your finger along his ear, from his cheek," Corel whispered, mischief dancing in her eyes.

"I shouldn't," Rose protested, though she did not lift her finger.

"Just do it. He won't mind," Corel assured her. She watched Rose's face as hesitation slowly gave way to curiosity. Rose exhaled, then did as instructed. The instant her fingers brushed Joe's ear, his body shuddered and his arm snapped around her waist. Rose yelped in shock and clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes blazing as she stared down at him. Corel watched closely as the anger drained away. Joe was still fast asleep. Rose turned a glare on Corel that could have frozen stone. Corel broke.

"I'm sorry," she laughed, nearly doubling over.

"But your face when he grabbed you…" She quickly caught Joe's head before it slid from her lap and held her breath, only relaxing when he did not stir.

"Sorry," she added, chuckling again.

"You are worse than he is," Rose whispered, though she was laughing now, too.

"Now. How do I get him to let go?"

"You don't," Corel replied, laughing harder.

"Corel, I am serious," Rose hissed as she tried again to pry Joe's hands from her waist. The moment she almost succeeded, he shifted, wrapped an arm fully around her, and pulled her down against him. Now she lay pinned to his chest.

"Corel," Rose whispered furiously, panic creeping in as she struggled without success.

"Don't let him wake up like this. I will never hear the end of it." Corel wiped her eyes and straightened.

"I will only help you free yourself under one condition," she said at last, her smile slow and knowing.

"Anything. Just get him off me."

"It will be a high cost," Corel said ominously. Rose hesitated for only a heartbeat. It couldn't possibly be worse than this, she thought.

"Fine. Just do it. Please," Rose whispered.

"Kiss him on the cheek." Rose stared at her in horror.

"No! I can't. He is not my chosen. We are not betrothed," she protested.

"So?" Corel said simply.

"He is mine. And I give you permission."

"He is yours?" Rose gasped. Corel nodded, then scrunched her brow.

"What does betrothed mean?" Rose let out a startled laugh despite herself and explained. As she did, Corel's eyes slowly widened.

"So a bond of rites is similar to this… betrothal you have in Eludia?" Rose nodded quickly, eager to keep her distracted. Corel's smile returned, sharp and unmistakably mischievous "Do it."

"I can't," Rose groaned.

"Why not?" Corel pressed.

"Because!" Rose snapped.

"That is not good enough. Why don't we wake him and ask for his opinion?" Corel reached toward Joe's head. Rose panicked and grabbed her wrist.

"You will tell no one. He must never find out," she hissed. Corel only smiled.

"Fine," Rose said.

"But only on the cheek. And only for a second." Corel watched with gleaming eyes. Rose leaned down and pressed a brief, feather-light kiss to Joe's cheek while he slept. __ Joe awoke from the best nap he had ever had to find Corel peering down at him.

"I was just about to wake you," she said as she firmly shook him off her lap. He groaned, more in protest at losing his pillow than anything else, and hauled himself to his feet.

"Did I miss anything?" he asked with a yawn. Corel and Rose exchanged a look. Joe wasn't sure if he liked that look. Before he could question it, a horn sounded, long and resonant, echoing through the forest. All three turned north.

"Time for the next challenge," Rose said, walking away with purpose.

"Why is she in such a rush?" Joe asked as he fell into step beside Corel. Corel only shrugged, doing a very poor job of hiding the smile tugging at her lips. Joe emerged into a wide clearing with the rest of their unlikely cohort. Somehow, everyone had survived the maze without losing any limbs, though a few lingering nicks and bruises had required healing pills. The real damage showed in their eyes. Exhaustion clung to them all like a shadow. Joe was no longer the only one who looked ready to sleep for a week.

Even his hour-long power nap hadn't fully restored him, and he moved with a careful stiffness. As soon as they stepped fully into the clearing, every head snapped forward. Eleven figures stood waiting for them. Eleven bonded companions, and opposite them… Eleven mirror images. Joe stared at the figure directly across from him. It was his height. It had short brown hair.

It wore the same beard he had grown during his endless training inside the gate, a beard he'd almost forgotten about since he normally kept himself clean-shaven. The mirror version stood calmly, perfectly still. Its face was almost blank. No eyes. No ears. No nose, but a single slit for a mouth. Hiding amongst its bushy beard. Joe lifted a hand and stroked his own chin, turning slowly to Rose.

"Am I really that hairy?" For reasons he did not understand, Rose blushed.

"Yes," she said, a little too quickly. Corel burst out laughing beside him. Joe eyed her suspiciously.

"What? Do I look weird with a beard?" Before Corel could answer, Trevaldo stepped forward and began walking east, his mirror image moving in perfect sync on the opposite side.

"It seems we must each complete this challenge alone," Trevaldo announced cheerfully.

"Good luck!" With that, he jogged off, his reflection matching his pace stride for stride. One by one, the others followed suit, spreading out across the clearing to face their mirrored counterparts in spaces free of obstacles. Joe remained where he was. His mirror did the same. He studied it closely. He couldn't feel anything from it. No aura, no malice, no killing intent. It simply watched him with that featureless face, silent and unreadable. Joe tilted his head slightly.

He couldn't help but wonder if a fight was even necessary. Corel and Rose moved west together, Rose leaning close as she whispered advice into Corel's ear. Joe sent a pulse of steady confidence to both of them, and they returned it with a shared nod of resolve before continuing. Joe turned back to his own mirror. He still felt nothing from it. No pressure. No threat. Just an empty presence that reflected his stance without judgment. He glanced at Rose's mirror. A chill ran down his spine. That thing was different.

It radiated danger, dense with power and intent in a way that made his instincts recoil. Whatever rules governed this challenge, Rose's reflection was not something to underestimate. Joe clenched his hands at his sides. Maybe a fight was unavoidable after all. He prayed they would be okay. He had no intention of watching either of them die today, and if it came to it, rules or no rules, he would step in.