Chương 42: The Great Banquet

Around one week later, Joe sat by a campfire in the Amazon Jungle. He had managed to kill one more Boss beast during his travels, but he had also found an ideal hunting ground filled with Beasts over level forty. This discovery allowed him to raise his Space Farmer Class to level thirty. Now, he sat comfortably at levels fifty, thirty and fifty-five, respectively, bringing his combined total to one hundred and thirty-five. He felt pleased with his progress.

During this time, Joe also made an intriguing discovery about his Space Jump skill. He began to focus on the shimmering star-like particles that appeared in the wake of his skills activation. He pulled out his space knowledge book, flicking through the opening pages until he found the passage he sought.

'Space skills. Similar to other skills. Require mana to activate. But that is where the similarity ends. Upon activation of a space skill, the caster will find themselves encased in a strange particle for the briefest of moments. This changes depending on what kind of skill is activated. Only one's hand becomes encased in "Particles" when using a skill like Space Shot. Once the skill has been triggered, the particles will slowly fade, returning from whence they came.

It has yet to be confirmed where these particles return to, but the consensus is that they return to the Void(See section 5 for details on known effects of the Void).'

"Space particles," Joe murmured, deep in thought. He felt the name was too simple. Even though the particles faded from his sight, he could still feel them, hidden in some way. It was a strange feeling, one he struggled to put his finger on. The best way he could describe it to himself was that the feeling was akin to something like Schrodinger's cat. They were both here and not here at the same time. As he concentrated on the elusive particles, he reached out a hand.

The air surrounding his fingers began to tremble as he tried to pull at the spot where the particles had faded. Thin cracks formed along his skin and in the air around his fingertips. He quickly released his focus, the pressure subsiding as the tiny cracks disappeared.

"Careful," Veda's voice whispered into his mind.

"Space magic is dangerous. This is a perilous path you've chosen." Joe paused, glancing down at the red salamander curled comfortably around his shoulders, her head dangling down his chest. He recalled vividly how startled he'd been the first time she'd spoken to him. Three days after they'd begun exploring the Amazon together, she had suddenly shouted directly into his head, nearly causing him to jump out of his skin. Veda had spent the entire day laughing at his shocked reaction.

"I'm being careful," Joe assured her.

"It looks dangerous, but I can feel the particles around my hand when I grasp them. I just need to figure out how to bring them over without tearing my hand off." He watched intently as the minor fractures along his hand began mending swiftly, thanks to his Nature healing ability. Joe naturally did not tell her he had no idea what he was doing or how dangerous it was. He felt that wouldn't go down well, and she'd try to stop him, which he didn't want. He would practice caution when needed…

"Careful," Veda repeated. Since Veda had awoken, she'd been very subdued, her voice carrying a muted, gentle tone. He knew his recent parting with Drishti saddened her, but she understood they walked different paths now. Joe pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on his next steps. He needed to level quickly and grasp this new power. Suddenly, a chill crawled up his spine. He felt an unsettling presence from far away, the same presence he'd felt before.

His pulse quickened as he didn't know how, but he felt like the Beast's eyes were on him. He steadied his breathing, keeping calm. Today was not the day to think about that thing.

"We should go," he said. Veda's crimson eyes locked onto his, piercing straight through his sunglasses.

"I don't feel anything. Is something near?" Veda asked.

"No, just an ominous feeling is all," Joe said quietly. Veda looked north, looking for something out of sight. She was highly intuitive when it came to reading signals from Joe. She lightly brushed the tip of her tail along his side in a comforting gesture.

"When you are ready," she said with an affirming pulse.

"I will miss the warmth here. Make sure we land somewhere hot again." Joe chuckled.

"If only I could control it."

"I hate this skill, by the way," she added just as Joe activated Random Teleportation… At the moment the skill was activated, Joe felt something different. Suddenly, without warning. Two giant eyes appeared in his mind. They stared down at him, overwhelming, unfathomable. His mind… was calm as those giant eyes stared into his soul. He felt his body move, floating up towards the sky. Then, a sudden rush of mana enveloped him. His vision turned white, and he was suddenly dragged out into space.

__ Veda appeared on a dusty road, her crimson eyes wide with panic. She quickly spun around, searching, but saw no sign of Joe. Her heart raced as confusion gripped her. Where was he? This had never happened before. How could she have been teleported without him? She tried to sense the spark that had connected them, but it was gone. She felt only a hollow emptiness now. She took a deep breath and curled her tail around herself for warmth. Her eyes fell on a cluster of houses nearby.

She gathered herself and waited a few hours, hoping Joe would suddenly appear. When nothing changed, she let out a soft, resigned sigh as she walked towards the dust-covered houses. __ Joe was frozen, his body propelled helplessly through space. How long had he been trapped like this? He had no concept of time. He knew only that he was mid-teleport, though clearly not headed somewhere in his world. He had been hurled into space, travelling to who knows where.

The only thing he could think of was that it was somewhere very, very far away. After what felt like an eternity, a faint beep echoed in his head, jolting his mind to activity. Darkness engulfed him, and he found himself kneeling on solid ground. He closed his eyes, waiting anxiously for his sight to return. He sensed movement nearby as he knelt in place; he wasn't alone. He attempted to stretch out his senses and feel what was around him. He felt faintly that he was in a room with a few other people…

"Where did he come from?" asked a curious voice.

"No idea, he just appeared there. He looks feral. Do you think he can talk? Who is he? Have you ever seen him before, Tio?" Tio?

"No, he looks like one of my cousins, but with purple skin," a second voice replied. Were they talking about him? Joe wondered, momentarily confused. Purple skin? Maybe there was someone else in the room.

"I think I know who he is, " said a third voice, amused.

"He could be Malakai's love child. I heard he had a half-Mortifi child with one of the maids here." The voice laughed.

"Don't be ridiculous," the one named Tio responded.

"He was teleported here by the system. It must be some quest. Poor fool, once Daisy sees him, he's dead." Joe's heart skipped a beat. Was he in danger? What was a Mortifi? Why did they say he had purple skin? A wave of panic rushed through him. Gradually, his vision returned, and he opened his eyes. Immediately, he glanced down at himself. His gear was the same; he wore fingerless gloves… but his fingers were indeed purple.

He gasped sharply, looking up and frantically scanning the room for a mirror or anything that might explain his strange appearance. The room around him was the most extravagantly decorated he'd ever seen. Moving portraits lined the walls, depicting scenes straight from a fantasy. Dragons breathed fire, waterfalls cascaded majestically over mountains, fairies of all shapes and sizes rode giant unicorns, and what appeared to be trolls and minotaurs clashed fiercely in battle.

The room had enormous windows draped in bright gold, white, and red curtains. Joe's eyes widened as he took in his surroundings. More shocking, however, were the three figures kneeling beside him, blue-skinned elves whose pointed ears stretched far behind their heads. Their eyebrows arched dramatically off the sides of their faces, framing sharp, angular eyes. All three were dashingly handsome and dressed in attire far more luxurious than anything Joe had ever worn.

He glanced down at his suit and fur-lined cloak and felt suddenly underdressed.

"Looks like he got his sight back. Too bad, just in time to see his death," Tio said. Just as Joe was about to speak, a new figure entered the room, commanding immediate attention. A woman strode in confidently, her dark purple skin contrasting strikingly against the shimmering gold and black gown she wore. Her intense red eyes flicked between Joe and the elves, narrowing slightly.

"You boys are awfully chatty," she said with a voice as smooth and captivating as velvet. Joe felt his pulse quicken just hearing it. Around her neck was an ornate black bow tie, accentuating her beauty even further. Her eyes settled firmly on Joe. He felt a flush rising in his face and quickly averted his gaze. Her beauty was otherworldly, far beyond anyone he'd met before.

"Tio, who is that?" she asked. Tio sighed heavily.

"He just appeared a moment ago. Either the system placed him here, or the Madam invited him without your knowledge. Shall I dispose of him for you?" Dispose of him? Really Tio? Joe stiffened at the casual suggestion of violence. He felt a surge of apprehension as the Elven woman turned her gaze fully onto him.

"Stand up," the beautiful Elf commanded. Joe got to his feet in the smoothest way he knew, standing at attention. As he did, his eyes caught a mirror over the Elf's shoulder. He audibly gasped. His reflection was unrecognizable, his face was a deep shade of purple, his ears long and pointed, and his eyebrows stretched far beyond his temples. It was so surreal that for a brief moment, he wasn't even sure he was looking at himself. A sharp snap of fingers pulled him back to reality.

The Elf before him now had a harsh, displeased look, clearly unimpressed by his reaction. He wracked his brain, trying to make sense of what the hell was happening. He took a slow, deliberate breath, forcing himself to stay calm. This is no time to panic. Just go with the flow, you fool. He mentally scolded himself. Thinking back to all the timeless films he had watched in his youth, he quickly channelled his inner Humphrey Bogart.

Straightening his posture, he tilted his chin slightly and adjusted his stance, exuding the kind of effortless confidence that belonged to a man who always had the upper hand. His eyes briefly met the Elf's; she was waiting for a response. Maybe he could survive this. At that exact moment, a quest screen popped up in his vision. System Message Congratulations Progenitor. You have been given a new quest! The Great Banquet - Your quest is to survive the Great Banquet held for Lucius Von Brave the Forty-Ninth.

Lucius has recently achieved D-grade, and this banquet is being held in the prince's honour. You must mingle among the elites of the Multiverse and convince them you belong in their presence. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Failure conditions: If you cause a huge scene or fail to convince those around you that you belong among them, you will lose one of your skills... And most likely, they will kill you. Good Luck. Joe wanted to scream.

A D-grade prince? And he was at a banquet filled with elites of the Multiverse? How in the world was he going to survive this?

"What is your name?" the Elf asked, clearly annoyed at his lack of vocal ability. Joe snapped back to reality, again, raising a hand to his chest.

"Joseph Caldwell," he said, giving a deep bow. A laugh echoed from behind him. As he straightened, he saw the Elf woman staring at him, wide-eyed.

"What was that?" she asked, clearly flabbergasted. Shit, don't they bow here? Shit. Joe's mind was racing.

"An old tradition from where I'm from," he said smoothly.

"A gentleman always bows in the presence of someone as beautiful as yourself." He immediately cringed internally. The formal way of speaking had slipped out by accident, but to his surprise, the reaction was far better than expected.

"So you do know how to speak," The Elf said, amusement in her voice. She extended her hand toward him.

"Daisy." Holy shit, is this actually working? Joe took her hand, bowing over it, and lightly kissed her fingertips. Three audible gasps came from behind him. Shit. Another mistake. He quickly released her hand, stepping back, preparing to stammer out an apology, but then he stopped. Daisy was smiling.

"Wow, who taught you that?" she asked with a chuckle.

"How daring."

"My father did," Joe replied, maintaining his best formal posture.

"I like it," Daisy said, tilting her head.

"But please, don't ever do that in front of the other guests, or you'll likely lose your head." Joe swallowed hard.

"Now," she continued, turning slightly.

"We must do something about your attire quickly before the princess arrives."

"Daisy, I don't think…" Tio started.

"Shush Tio," Daisy cut him off with a dismissive wave.

"We don't have time." She raised a hand and reached for Joe's cloak, only for her fingers to pass right through it.

"Oooo, system loot," she mused, intrigued.

"That makes things easier. Hide the cloak, the boots, and gloves. Keep the glasses and the rest." She clapped her hands.

"Lydia!" In an instant, a maid appeared at her side.

"Quickly grab some dress shoes from Alk's room. You have my permission to go inside. Now." Lydia vanished in a blur of motion. Daisy turned back to Joe, expectant.

"Well?" She asked.

"Why haven't you hid the cloak?"

"I don't know how," Joe admitted. He had no idea something like that was even possible. Daisy gave him a look of exasperation before sighing.

"Touch the cloak and think hide. Do the same with the rest." She turned and called over another maid while Joe followed her instructions. His cloak vanished from sight. He could still feel it there, its bonuses lingering, but to the eye, it was gone. He knelt and did the same with the boots and gloves, feeling the warmth of the plush carpet beneath his feet for the first time. A moment later, Lydia reappeared, a pair of shoes in her hands.

"Good choice," Daisy remarked approvingly.

"Alk has never worn these; he hated them, so he won't notice them missing." She held them out, and Joe took them, slipping them on. He worried about the fit, but they adjusted to his size perfectly as soon as he slipped them on. Sometimes, he loved system items. He stood and tested out the feel. They were more comfortable than anything he'd ever worn.

"Much better," Daisy said with satisfaction.

"Now, all of you, kneel. Do as they do, Joe, and you should be fine. Whatever you do, though, do not look the princess in the eyes. Unless you don't mind living the rest of your life blind." Joe's stomach twisted. If he could sweat, he would have been drenched at that moment, but he was so tense with shock and worry that his body was as dry as a desert. He knelt beside the others, still not quite comprehending what was happening, as he heard a door creak open.

"Daisy, how do I look?" Joe's heart nearly stopped. The voice was like music, smooth and ethereal.

"Terrible," Daisy said flatly.

"I told you to make an effort, at least. I've seen sappers wear more alluring clothing."

"Oh, please. Mother is lucky I even agreed to attend this boring banquet," the princess said, her tone laced with exasperation. There was a quiet melancholy behind her words as if she was as tired of this as he was. Footsteps approached. Joe fixed his gaze downward, staring at the hem of a plain brown dress and slippered feet.

"Tio, it's been a while. How are you?" The princess's voice was even closer now, ringing like a melody in his ears. Joe stayed perfectly still, resisting the urge to look up as Tio rose beside him. He noted how the elf moved carefully and respectfully.

"Rose, you look as beautiful as always," Tio said smoothly.

"It would be a pleasure to be your escort for the day." Joe noticed that Tio only gave her a slight nod, no handshake, no formal bow. The princess sighed, unimpressed.

"Well, you'll probably do. Daisy, let's get this over with. Tio, this way." Joe's heart sank. She hadn't even noticed him. Probably for the best, he thought. If she didn't acknowledge him, he could blend into the background easily, stay unnoticed, and just survive this crazy, sudden quest. His hopes of a peaceful banquet were shattered a moment later. Daisy let out a loud, deliberate cough.

"You should see the others off. That is the least you could do," Daisy said sternly.

"Fine," Rose sighed, stepping toward the two beside Tio. Joe felt a nudge at his side. Daisy.

"Stand, quickly," she whispered, barely audible. Joe moved with the same motion as Tio did, mimicking his stance. Then, on second thought, he shifted slightly into his Humphrey Bogart pose. It had worked on Daisy, so what was the harm? A part of him wondered why she was encouraging him. Then, Rose turned, stepping toward him. For the first time, he saw her clearly, and his mind stopped. If Daisy was beautiful, Princess Rose was a revelation.

Her dazzling, ocean-blue eyes shimmered as they caught the light, deep and endless as if daring him to uncover the secrets within them. Her soft pink skin seemed to glow, her delicate elven ears barely peeking from beneath golden waves of hair that cascaded down her shoulders. Joe was drowning in the moment, utterly mesmerized, until his wits abruptly returned. Shit. He took a sharp breath and stepped back, sweeping into a bow with one hand raised in apology.

"Princess, it is a pleasure," he said, his voice steady despite the racing of his heart. Silence filled the room. Then, a touch. Light. Feather-soft fingers brushed against his hand. Moving on instinct, he took them gently, raising them to his lips, brushing a kiss across her fingertips before straightening again. Her gaze hadn't left his. Piercing, searching, peeling back layers of his soul. Then, her lips curved into a deep, playful, amused smile.

"How bold," she murmured, her voice lingering in the air like a melody.

"Tell me, what is your name?" Joe swallowed.

"Joe," he replied. Instantly regretting the casualness of his reply.

"Joe," she repeated, tilting her head.

"Such a strange name. What part of the empire are you from?" Shit. Joe's eyes flicked to Daisy, then back to the princess. What was he supposed to say? He had no idea what empire he was in. He was completely lost. His mind raced. Grasping for anything, anything, that could save him. And then, a thought from earlier surfaced. It was a gamble. But he had no idea what else to say.

"I am Malakai's illegitimate child," he declared, placing a hand over his chest. Silence. Rose and Daisy stared at him as if he had just claimed to be the lost heir of an ancient god. Daisy's expression darkened, anger flashing across her face. But Rose… reacted differently. She laughed, a genuine, amused laugh.

"Wow," she said between chuckles.

"I have never heard anything so absurd." Joe wasn't sure if that was good or bad until her eyes twinkled with mischief.

"I like you," she said.

"Daisy, escort Tio and the others out. I'd like to have a private word with Malakai's illegitimate child here." Joe didn't know if he had just pulled off a moment of genius or absolute stupidity. Daisy shot him a look that promised pain later, but followed the order, ushering Tio and the others out despite their vocal protests. Soon, the room was almost empty, leaving Joe alone with the two beautiful Elves.

"Take a seat, Joe," Rose instructed. Joe obeyed. Daisy stepped forward, standing before him, arms crossed. Standing, she was a head shorter than him. But now, her presence towered over him, radiating menace. Rose soon joined her, placing her hands on her hips. They watched him like two birds of prey sizing up the lone mouse below. Joe tried not to squirm.

"Were you being serious?" Rose asked, her tone suddenly sharp. Joe nearly gulped aloud. He was too deep now; there was no turning back. He had to commit.

"Yes," he said simply.

"Prove it." Rose turned sharply, leading them through a doorway into what looked like a garden. Daisy motioned for him to follow, and Joe quickly did, feeling a slight wave of relief as they stepped outside. The garden was lush, filled with small trees and vibrant flower bushes. He didn't recognize a single plant. Wherever he was, it was definitely not Earth. Rose stopped, spinning back toward him, her expression filled with challenge.

"If you are Malakai's… child," she said, eyes gleaming, "then you will not be skill-restricted." She tilted her chin up slightly, arms crossed.

"Now," she continued, voice dripping with amusement, "activate a skill and impress me, oh child of God Malakai." A God? Malakai was a God? Joe almost passed out from shock. He stumbled but quickly turned it into a kneeling motion, touching the grass as if it were all intentional. Fuck! His mind raced until, suddenly, it calmed. Screw it. He focused on the ground before him and activated Nature's Paradise. To his surprise, the skill surged to life, the energy flowing in a fine stream beneath his fingertips.

He poured all his focus into the image forming in his mind, a rose petal, familiar yet unlike any he had ever seen. The petal transformed into a red and purple flower, its colours blending in a mesmerizing dance. As the vision solidified in his thoughts, a small sprout pushed through the soil before him. Two audible gasps sounded behind him. He ignored them. Something about this flower captivated him. He barely registered the bond tattoo on his chest heating up as he channelled all his mana into the growing stem.

Every fiber of his being concentrated on shaping it, refining it. The bud formed, its colour deepening into a rich, vibrant hue. Sweat trickled down the side of his face as he kept the mana stream steady, guiding it with careful precision. The scent of the flower unfurled around him, intoxicating, divine. He closed his eyes. The vision in his mind was clear, as clear as the sun hanging above him. The petals opened slowly, gracefully, like a dancer spinning on a ballroom floor.

The stem extended to its perfect length, its small red leaves bursting to life. It was almost here… but something felt off. Joe scrutinized the largest petal at the centre, reshaping it ever so slightly. Better. Still, the hue wasn't right. Then, it hit him. He adjusted the colour, matching it to Rose's skin's silky, smooth tone. The moment it shifted, a smile spread across his lips. Now it was perfect. With a flourish, he plucked the flower from the ground and rose to his feet.

He bowed deeply, extending the flower toward Rose and Daisy, presenting it with practiced grace. Joe felt a slight pressure as soft fingers plucked the flower from his hand. He took a step back, stood up straight, and watched as Rose brought the flower to her nose, inhaling deeply. A broad and genuine smile spread across her face. Even the ever-stoic Daisy wore an expression of wonder. Relief flooded through him. At least he was good at this. Please let that be enough.

Without a word, Rose handed the flower to Daisy and turned away, gathering a few loose strands of her golden hair and tying them into a small braid. With effortless grace, Daisy threaded the flower into her hair, securing it in place. When Rose turned back, her gaze was different, curious, assessing.

"Okay, you pass, whoever you are," she said, her tone carrying amusement once more.

"I hope you're ready for your escort duties. I'm going to change. Daisy, make sure our mystery Mortifi here is up to speed." With a sway of movement, Rose disappeared into a room inside. Joe barely had time to breathe before Daisy appeared directly before him, her sharp gaze locking onto him like a teacher about to drill a student. Joe paled. For the next thirty minutes, Daisy drilled him on everything he needed to know as Rose's escort for the banquet.

She showed him pictures of all the important guests, emphasizing that his goal was to be invisible and avoid them at all costs. Especially the Von Brave contingent, children of a God of War. Apparently, even accidentally looking one of them in the eye could end in immediate death. Joe burned the image of Lucius Von Brave into his memory. His life literally depended on it. He was taught the exact route to the banquet hall, how to walk, and how to address the guards and guests adequately.

Never interact with anyone wearing a flower on their lapel, those were the highest-ranking nobles, and offending one was a death sentence. It was a mountain of information. Yet, somehow, Joe managed to absorb it all. After reciting a significant portion back to Daisy, she nodded in approval before vanishing into the room where Rose had gone. Leaving Joe, finally alone, to catch his breath. He wasted no time rushing over to the mirror. Poke. Yep. That was definitely his reflection.

He stared, taking in the slightly pointed features, the long ears, the sharp angles, the unmistakable face of a Vries Mortifi. Daisy had used the word to call him more than once. So that was what Elves were called here, wherever here was. Clearly, the system had disguised him for the quest this way. Which at least meant he would blend in. He wondered if there would be any humans at the banquet… He thought back to the pictures Daisy had shown him of all the notable attendees.

All of them had been of strange, exotic races he'd never seen before. The Von Braves, in particular, looked like lion people, their heads encircled by thick, regal manes. Joe shook his head, exhaling slowly as he sat down, trying to steady his nerves. After a short while, Daisy and Rose returned. The princess was now dressed in a stunning, long-flowing white gown, the fabric shimmering under the soft glow of the room's enchanted lights. Joe stepped forward and bowed.

"You look radiant, Princess," he said smoothly. Rose narrowed her eyes slightly, studying him with suspicion. Yet, she didn't respond. She raised a hand, gently tilting her finger to touch the corner of his sunglasses. Surprisingly, her finger didn't pass through. She traced the side of his glasses with a curious tilt of her head. For a moment, they stared at each other. Something passed between them, unspoken. She smiled before lowering her hand. Remembering Daisy's instructions, Joe wordlessly extended his arm.

After a pause, Rose looped her arm through his, her grip light but firm. And with that, the longest evening of Joe's life began.