Chương 42: Inferno of Illusions

Xia and the man with the large white mustache studied each other in silence for several moments.

"A legendary sword?" the man finally said, tilting his head slightly.

"I've never heard of such nonsense". Xia did not look away.

"I can sense it clearly. It's here. Lying to me is pointless". The man sighed as though indulging a madwoman.

"Let's assume you're right and that this sword is truly in my shop. Why should I hand it over to you?"

"That is none of your concern", Xia replied flatly.

"Give me the sword and I'll spare your life". A faint smile appeared on the man's face.

"I see. Wait here". He turned and disappeared into the back of the shop. A moment later, the floor beneath Xia's feet began to shake violently. The wooden boards suddenly gave way. Xia plunged into the void for what felt like an eternity before crashing onto a rocky ledge, slamming her back against the stone. She remained on the ground for only a moment before standing up again, her bones cracking as though nothing had happened. An enormous underground cavern stretched out before her.

Rivers and lakes of lava illuminated the rocky walls, bathing everything in shades of red and orange.

"What is this place…?" she murmured. Demonic creatures emerged from the shadows: red skin, curved horns, crude weapons clutched in sharp claws. They slowly surrounded her. This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Xia narrowed her eyes.

"It feels like I'm in the underworld. Is this some extremely high-level illusion?" She took a step forward.

"Could this be the power of the legendary sword?" Back in the shop, Xia lay motionless on the floor, her eyes closed. The man stood over her, as still as a statue. His wife cautiously approached.

"Who is that woman?"

"A witch", he replied coldly.

"She wanted to take the sword".

"Then why not kill her now while she's helpless?" The man shook his head.

"The pain would wake her up. And attacking her is pointless, she can regenerate. But if she remains trapped inside the illusion long enough…she'll never come out". Felicity was in the room assigned to her in the palace. It was enormous and luxurious, with a soft king-sized bed and a bright bathroom fit for a queen. A gentle knock at the door made her turn around. She opened it and found Leah standing there.

"Feli, you need to explain what the hell is going on", Leah said as she walked in.

"Why are they treating us like noblewomen now?" Felicity closed the door behind her.

"The King is interested in me". Leah blinked.

"Interested…in what way?"

"He wants to marry me". For a moment Leah was speechless, then burst out laughing.

"Wait…are you serious?" She suddenly stopped.

"You're not joking?"

"No".

"But…how is that possible?" Leah examined her carefully.

"Don't get me wrong, you're beautiful, but you're not a noble".

"He says he's looking for a strong woman", Felicity replied.

"He's a…strange man".

"And you?" Leah asked cautiously.

"Are you considering it? You'd become the most powerful woman in the world". Felicity turned sharply. Pure hatred burned in her eyes.

"That bastard's father signed the order that led to the extermination of my clan. Do you really think the honor of the Prinz family is so weak? You have no idea how difficult it was not to kill him". Leah lowered her gaze.

"You're right…I didn't think about that".

"He's given me a few days to decide", Felicity continued.

"But it's an illusion. If I refuse, he'll have me beheaded. And he'll do the same to you. A king cannot allow a commoner to reject him without consequences".

"Then we have to run", Leah said without hesitation.

"I know", Felicity crossed her arms.

"But it's almost impossible. Soldiers are everywhere. Even if we killed a few of them, we'd be surrounded within seconds". She paused.

"I hate to admit it, but Xia would be very useful right now". Leah looked at her with a half-smile.

"A moment ago you told me we could do it on our own, didn't you?" Felicity stared at her, then nodded.

"Yes. We can. But it'll be harder".

"Harder than fighting you in a stick duel?" Leah shot back. The hint of a smile appeared on Felicity's face.

"I said harder, not impossible". Leah smiled and nodded, determination in her eyes.

"Go back to your room. I'll come to you with a plan". Leah left. Felicity remained alone, ready to devise a way out.