IN THE AFTERNOON
Jaehyun was lost in the pages of a book when she suddenly heard screaming coming from her brother's room. Her heart leaped into her throat. She flung the book aside and hurtled toward his room. Slamming the door open, she shouted.
Jaehyun:"Jaekyun! What happened?! Did you get hurt?!"
Her brother buried his face in his hands, voice trembling with gamer's despair.
Jaekyun:"I just lost 50% of my fire crystals—do you have any idea how long it took me to farm those?!"
She blinked once. Then again.
Jaehyun:"Eh?"
She stepped closer, confusion melting into realization as she peered over his shoulder at the glowing screen—flashing red damage reports, enemy avatars celebrating over scorched ruins... and yes—the dreaded "Resources Lost: 50%" banner blazing across the top.
She sighed... then patted his head like he was a child who'd dropped ice cream on hot pavement.
Jaehyun:"...You screamed like someone died, And here I thought you were bleeding out."
He lifted a tear-streaked glare (mostly dramatic) toward her.
Jaekyun:"This is worse than death! These crystals were gonna power my ultimate spell combo!"
Jaehyun:"What this...? A new game that you started playing?"
He sniffed, wiping his tears on his sleeve.
Jaekyun:"It's the new RPG game,"
He explained as if she should know these things.
Jaekyun:"The one everyone's been talking about at school? It's got an insane character customization feature—you can even pick your class!"
He gestured at the screen, his voice dropping a conspiratorial octave.
Jaekyun: "And a dating sim."
She blinked.
Jaehyun:"(Wait, what?)"
She tilted her head, intrigued.
Jaehyun:"Really?... Should I play it as well?"
Her brother beamed, the thought of having his own sister as a gaming buddy sparking new enthusiasm in him.
Jaekyun:"Yes! Absolutely!" he exclaimed, shutting down his game and grabbing her hand. "Let's go—your PC's faster anyway. We can even try the dating sim together!"
He practically dragged her out of the room and down the hallway, already launching into a rapid-fire explanation of the game's mechanics and how to create a character.
Jaehyun:"Hey! Slow down. Geez..."
Jaekyun's excitement was practically bouncing off the walls as they entered Jaehyun's room. He plunked down in her chair, impatiently tapping his fingers on the desk while the computer booted up. Jaehyun shook her head, a small smile on her face. She shut the door and walked over to join him, standing behind the chair and leaning on the desk as they watched the computer hum to life.
Jaehyun:"You really are a nerd,"
She teased, ruffling his hair.
Jaekyun:"Noona..."
Jaehyun:"Yes?"
Jaekyun:"...It's been a long since you play games before you enter high school"
Her sister's smile dimmed a little as he hit the truth. It was hard to ignore the change in their dynamic the past year. He'd thrown himself into gaming while she embraced the challenges of high school, leaving them less time to bond over games and more time chasing different paths.
Jaehyun:"I guess you're right, I've been so busy with school... I haven't had much time for games lately."
She murmured. Jaekyun chuckled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
Jaekyun:"You've been so busy with your studies... you don't play games with me anymore."
He paused, fingers hovering over the keyboard.
Jaekyun:"I missed this. I missed us doing stuff together."
Jaehyun froze. She looked at her brother—really looked—and saw not just the dramatic gamer who cried over lost crystals... but the little boy who used to hand her a controller and say, "Sis, play with me."
Her throat tightened.
Jaehyun:"...I'm sorry, I got so caught up in growing up... I forgot how fun it was to just... be silly with you."
Her brother shrugged, trying to play off his sincerity with a casual smile.
Jaekyun:"I just understand that you're working hard to get a scholarship, so we can live a more comfortable life,"
He said, downplaying his understanding as if it was no big deal. But the dam broke when Jaehyun burst into tears. Jaekyun's eyes widened.
Jaehyun:"Sis—? W-why are you crying—"
She sniffled, wiping at her tears with the back of her hand.
Jaehyun:"You... you've grown so understanding for someone your age,"
She hiccuped again, tears still glistening on her cheeks—her emotional wave crashing hard against Jaekyun's poor, unprepared teenage soul.
Jaekyun:"S-stop crying!"
He stammered, flustered and awkwardly patting her arm like she was a malfunctioning robot.
Jaekyun:"I didn't say anything that deep!"
Finally, the game finished downloading with a cheerful ding! Jaekyun seized the moment like a lifeline.
Jaekyun:"Alright! I'm in—look!"
He spun the chair to face her, pointing at the screen triumphantly.
Jaekyun:"Everything's ready. You can start playing, Sis!"
He wiped his damp palms on his pants under the desk.
Saved by video game mechanics.
Her brother stepped back with a proud grin, hands on his hips like he'd just delivered the holy grail.
Jaekyun:"Behold—the gateway to glory!"
He declared dramatically. Jaehyun plopped into the chair, eyes wide and suddenly alight—like some long-dormant spark had just been reignited. The glow of the screen reflected in her pupils, fierce and bright.
Jaehyun:"(My gaming spirit... is FLYING again!!)"
She cracked her knuckles with a determined smirk. They launched into the game with a mutual battle cry of:
Jaehyun:"Let's go!"
Music blared, characters flashed on the screen—and Jaehyun felt the familiar rush of power. Her fingers flicked the mouse, her eyes tracked every move as she dodged digital bullets, fired digital arrows back, and leveled up so fast the game couldn't keep up.
Her brother bounced up and down beside her, cheering enthusiastically.
Jaekyun:"YESSSS! YOU'RE SO GOOD, SIS!"
Jaehyun's fingers danced across the keyboard, her focus razor-sharp as her character soared through floating ruins, dodging elemental traps and unleashing a flurry of ice arrows.
Jaekyun:"Critical hit! Critical hit!"
He shrieked, practically vibrating beside her. She didn't even notice the time slipping by—lost in combos, skill trees, and the sweet joy of finally feeling like a hero again.
Every level up came with a triumphant "YES!", every boss takedown met with synchronized fist pumps.
And somewhere between respawning after a brutal fire dragon fight and unlocking the Twin Moon Katana...
They weren't just playing a game anymore.
They were rebuilding something.
***
Lena stirred in the softness of her blankets, her brow crinkling with the faintest hint of a frown. A quiet, persistent thought gnawed at the edge of consciousness, whispering of past lives and forgotten bonds.
Lena:"(It's been two years...)"
She sat up, the room still swathed in early morning shadows. The house lay quiet, the world still slumbering. A gentle stillness that only heightened the whisper of a single question.
Lena:"I wonder how Jaekyun is doing...?"
Soft knuckles knocked on Lena's door in a comforting rhythm, jolting her back into the present.
Sophie:"My lady? Everyone's waiting for you downstairs."
She blinked, the memory slipping like sand through her fingers as Sophie's voice pulled her back to the present.
Lena:"Coming!"
She called, swinging her legs over the side of the bed with a soft sigh. She smoothed down her nightgown and took one last glance out the window—where dawn painted streaks of pink across the sky.
Lena:"(Jaekyun... I hope you're okay)"
Then, with a small smile and a heart just a little heavier than before, she opened the door to find Sophie waiting.
Sophie:"Everyone's already at breakfast, Your mother made pancakes."
Lena nodded, letting herself be led toward the stairs—
toward warmth, laughter... and another day in this strange new life.
***
The dining room buzzed with quiet chatter as Lena entered, sunlight streaming through the tall windows.
Her parents smiled up at her—Amelia flipping pancakes, James reading the morning scroll with half-moon glasses. Thomas and Louise were already arguing over syrup ownership.
But Lena's eyes lingered on the empty space by the door where Sophie usually stood... waiting. Bowing. Smiling.
Not today.
Sophie had bowed once—to everyone—and left without a word.
Lena slid into her seat, buttering toast absently as she turned it over in her mind.
That was... weird.
She glanced toward the kitchen hallway, brow furrowed.
It's not like her to vanish so fast. Did something happen? Or...
A darker thought brushed past:
...is she hiding something?
But then Louise flung a piece of pancake at Thomas and all thoughts of quiet maids fled—replaced by laughter, chaos...
And for now, that was enough.
James, Amelia, Thomas, and Louise greeted her in a chorus of friendly voices. She smiled, the strange feeling from earlier fading under the warmth and familiarity of breakfast with family.
Lena:"Morning, Did you all sleep well?"
Amelia nodded, flipping the pancakes with a practiced hand.
Louise:"We slept great. Thomas' snoring was a little loud, as usual."
Thomas:"Hey now—I do not snore!"
He sputtered in protest, nearly spewing out his food. Lena laughed, syrup dripping from her fork as she took a bite of the fluffy pancake.
Lena:"Mmm—best in the kingdom, no contest," she teased, giving her mom a wink.
The table buzzed with playful bickering and spoon-clattering rivalry over the last blueberry. For a moment, everything felt perfectly ordinary.
But as she chewed, Lena's eyes drifted—just slightly—toward the hallway where Sophie had disappeared.
Too quick. Too quiet.
A flicker of unease danced behind her smile.
Because somewhere beneath pancakes and laughter...
something was off.
James:"Louise, your tutor told me that you will become a great pianist in the near future"
She perked up, eyes wide, all mischief fading in the face of praise.
Louise:"He said that?!"
He nodded, reaching for his cup of black coffee.
James:"He said you have talent—and that you've improved greatly lately. Keep practicing and she believes you could be the best in the kingdom."
Louise glowed at the compliment, her earlier bickering with Thomas forgotten. Lena smiled as she watched the exchange, but for some reason... she couldn't shake her discomfort.
James:"He said you should continue practicing on your own accord. Even after you go to the academy"
She clapped her hands together, practically vibrating in her seat.
Louise:"Really?! I can keep playing even at the academy?!"
Her father chuckled, nodding.
James:"Of course. Music isn't something you give up—it's part of who you are."
Lena watched her sister beam, golden morning light catching the joy on her face.
But as Louise excitedly talked about practicing in the dorms and sneaking into music rooms at night... Lena's smile softened—just slightly tinged with melancholy.
Music... magic... dreams.
Everyone around her was stepping toward their future with confidence.
And yet...
She still didn't know what hers truly looked like.
Then her mother turned to Thomas with a knowing glance, her head tilted slightly.
Amelia:"That's great Louise. What about you Thomas? How are your studies?"
Louise practically beamed, already planning her extra piano practice sessions. Thomas, however, gave a casual shrug, his attention more on his own breakfast. She raised a brow at her son.
Amelia:"Just 'fine'? No issues in any subjects?"
Her son swallowed a mouthful of food.
Thomas:"Nope, everything's fine, mother."
His older sister grinned, teasingly bumping shoulders with him.
Louise: "Aw come on, there has to be something you're struggling with. Even I'm better at math than you."
Amelia:"What about you Lena? How are things with you and...your butterflies?"
Her question brought all eyes to Lena. She smiled, sharing the recent breakthrough with her butterflies.
Lena:"I'm starting to get a handle on my butterflies,"
She said, twirling a piece of pancake on her fork.
Lena:"They even surprised father during our sparring session yesterday. One moment he'd been teaching me sword techniques... the next, a whole swarm of butterflies distracted him enough for me to land a hit."
Amelia: "You're progressing faster than any of us imagined."
Her lips curved into a smile. Amelia looked alarmed after registering all of her words.
Amelia:"WHAT?!"
Her husband chuckled at Amelia's surprise and quickly assured her that all was under control.
James:"Don't worry dear, her attack might have startled me, but I deflected it easily. I even managed to destroy her swarm of butterflies before they could truly be a menace."
His son leaned forward, an impressed gleam in his eyes.
Thomas:"Wait, you actually destroyed her butterflies? Like completely?"
While Amelia exhaled, finally relaxing into her seat.
Amelia:"Good... I was worried you two were trying to kill each other."
But Lena? She wasn't relieved.
Her fingers clenched around her fork, cheeks flushing pink—not from embarrassment, but fire.
Lena:"Tsk! Me and my butterflies will *definitely* beat you next time, Father!" she snapped, the air around her humming faintly. A single pink-tinted butterfly flickered at her shoulder before vanishing.
Her father leaned back in his chair, eyes twinkling with amusement—and pride.
James:"My my~ Cat's got your tongue *and* your sword arm? Then let's see what you've really got."
He teased and folded his arms while he smirked.
James:"Train hard—I won't go easy on you."
Everyone at the table held their breath. Even the air seemed charged with something... electric.
Amelia sighed, shaking her head at the sight of her daughter and husband in a silent, tense standoff.
Thomas whispered to Louise, who was watching in silent amazement.
Thomas:"Should we... do something?"
He murmured. Louise leaned back in her seat, watching the two with wide eyes.
Louise:"Definitely not, I want a front-row seat."
She whispered back
As everyone around them whispered in hushed tones, James and Lena remained locked in their silent staring competition. The air around them almost crackled with the intensity.
Their mother 'Amelia' voice a low undertone, commented quietly.
Amelia:"They're growing more competitive each day,"
She said with a small sigh. Louise nodded, her gaze flickering between them.
Louise:"But I have to say, It's good to see her so bold and feisty now. No more of that shy little girl."
Her brother nodded in agreement, his attention half-focused on the ongoing stare-off.
Thomas:"You're right about that,"
He echoed. Louise turned to him, confusion mixing with curiosity.
Louise:"What do you mean 'exactly'?"
She asked, leaning slightly toward him. Thomas shrugged.
Thomas:"She was so shy and timid before. Remember? And now look at her, She's like a whole different person."
He said gesturing to the two. Thomas leaned closer, his voice dropping just a little lower.
Thomas:"My point is, she's growing up, Louise. And not just in her bravery. She's changing in other ways too."
He as he raised his eyebrow. Louise tilted her head slightly, her curiosity clearly piqued.
Louise:"What other ways?"
She asked, not quite understanding where he was going with this. Amelia's brow furrowed, a mixture of curiosity and concern on her face.
Amelia:"Thomas... Has Lena done something?"
He shook his head, his expression a mix of thoughtfulness and a small frown.
Thomas:"No, nothing wrong, But there was something that happened... something that stuck with me."
Amelia and Louise both leaned in slightly, eyes wide.
"What incident?"
They asked in unison. Thomas took a slow sip of juice before setting his glass down.
Thomas:"Do you remember those two kids from the village who used to bully Lena before? The ones who called her 'Cursed Girl' because she had no magic?"
A hush fell over their corner of the table.
Lena and James were still locked in their battle of wills—neither noticing the shift in mood.
Louise:"Yeah... I remember. They threw rocks at her once, didn't they?"
He nodded.
Thomas:"Well... last week, I saw them again."
He paused.
Thomas:"And when they saw *her*—with that sword, glowing streak, butterflies swirling behind her like some kind of warrior poet—they *ran*."
While, Louise scoffed, her irritation at those kids bubbling back up.
Louise:"Those little brats..."
Her mother shot her a look, reminding her to watch her language, before addressing Thomas.
Amelia:"So when did this happen?"
She inquired, returning to the topic at hand. Thomas leaned back in his seat, recalling the incident in his head.
Thomas:"It happened when I was out on my morning errands, I was just walking past the village square, and I saw them—those two boys from before—watching Lena from a distance."
He paused, recalling the details.
Thomas:"They looked...terrified. When she came into view, they froze. And when she walked closer, they—quite literally—turned tail and ran away."
He remembered the incident from a month ago—how those two boys had suddenly appeared, taunting Lena over her lack of magic, calling her the "Cursed Girl".
Thomas:"They tried to taunt her again, calling her the 'Cursed Girl' and mocking her for not having any magic."
Her sister clenched her fists under the table.
Louise:"Ugh, those *losers*—"
He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips, as he recalled Lena's cool response to the kids' taunts.
Thomas:"She didn't let their words get to her, She told me to ignore them, calling them 'just some stupid, immature children who just wanted to feel superior over something'. Pretty accurate description, I'd say."
She nodded in agreement.
Louise:"So you guys decided to just... ignore them?"
He chuckled at Louise's stunned response.
Thomas:"Yep, Those brats tried to throw a rock at her, but she caught it mid-air and—right in front of everyone in the square—crushed it with her own bare hands."
Her eyes widened.
Louise:"Lena crushed the rock... with her *bare* *hands?!*"
Their mother gasped, her spoon clattering into her plate.
Amelia:"No wonder her hands were so dirty that day!"
She murmured. Then her expression tightened with dread.
Amelia:"And—don't tell me—she fought them?!"
Her son shook his head, lowering his voice like he was recounting something sacred.
Thomas:"Actually... no. She didn't throw a single punch."
He glanced toward Lena—who was still locked in silent battle with James across the breakfast table—and added.
Thomas:"She just stood there. Calm. Eyes glowing that soft pink... but it felt *dangerous* with her pink streak."
His sister leaned in, breathless.
Louise:"What did she say?"
Thomas mimicked her voice and stern expression perfectly, creating an almost eerie impersonation.
______________________________________
Lena:" Just so you know, I don't care much about your insults. But if you're going to throw rocks at someone... don't blame *me* for going to talk to your parents about this little brat behavior'."
______________________________________
His older sister jaw dropped.
Louise:"You're kidding me. She actually said that with a straight face?"
She gasped while, Thomas nodded, still smirking. He chuckled, leaning back with a satisfied smirk.
Thomas:"Yeah... one second they were all tough, and the next—*poof!*—they turned pale like ghosts and bolted down the street. Honestly, I almost felt bad for them."
Their mother let out a breath, dabbing her mouth with a napkin as she shook her head.
Amelia:"Well... as long as it didn't end in a real fight, I'll take it," she said. "But honestly? That threat was *very* on brand for Lena now."
She glanced at her daughter—who still glared daggers at James over pancakes—and whispered:
Amelia:"Who knew our shy little girl would become such a quiet menace?"
His older sister slumped back, her disappointment over missing out on such a scene evident.
Louise:"Oh, it's definitely a shame I didn't get to see it," she muttered, pouting slightly. "Those two brats would've gotten an *earful* from Lena! It's just a shame that I was stuck in lessons."
Thomas—an amused observer until now—leaned back in his chair, an mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Thomas:"And, not to mention,"
He added with a sly grin.
Thomas :"Those two kept running away like scared chickens whenever Lena walked through the village."
His older sister burst into laughter, already plotting.
Louise:"HAHA! Next time Lena goes to the village, I'm totally coming with her—just so I can see the look on those two cowards' faces when they spot her!"
He snickered beside her, rubbing his hands together like a scheming villain.
Thomas:"Oh man... count me in. Nothing hits harder than *pure terror* from former bullies." He leaned back with a grin. "This is gonna be legendary."
Their mother shook her head, letting out an exasperated sigh.
Amelia:"These kids..."
Her gaze flitted from Thomas and Louise to Lena and James, both of whom were still locked in their intense stare-down battle. The air around them practically hummed with tension.
She turned back to Thomas and Louise, rolling her eyes.
Amelia:"Honestly, sometimes I don't know what goes through your heads."
Her oldest daughter grinned, unbothered.
Louise:"Oh, come on, Mom! Where's the fun in *not* scaring a couple of bullies?"
Their mother's expression softened at the memory.
Amelia:"It remind me of the time when he came to rescue me."
Her oldest daughter eyes widened with curiosity.
Louise:"Wait, that's when you first met father?"
She asked, leaning forward slightly. Amelia nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth at the memory.
Amelia:"That's right, he saved me from a group of thugs, and... well, you can guess the rest."
Her son eyes widened with excitement.
Thomas:"Wait—did father crush a rock with his bare hands too?!" he blurted out.
She shook her head, smiling faintly.
Louise:"No, not quite like that," she said. "But... the way he *looked* at them? Even worse."
She leaned in slightly, voice dropping to a hush.
Amelia:"He didn't raise his voice. Didn't draw his sword. Just stared at them... cold as winter."
She mimicked James' calm intensity:
______________________________________
James:"Leave now. And don't ever touch her again."
______________________________________
That made Louise shivered dramatically.
Louise:"Whoa... so *that's* where Lena gets it from!"
Her brother chuckled, rubbing the back of his head.
Thomas:"Well... guess you can't judge a book by its cover, Quiet on the outside, absolute storm underneath."
He mused. Amelia smiled knowingly, watching Lena—who finally broke eye contact with James just to stick her tongue out at him.
Amelia"Your father and sister? Oh, they're practically *twins* in spirit. Just one's wrapped in velvet... and the other in steel."
Lena and James exchanged a quick glance, both of them quietly listening to the ongoing conversation. Lena smirked, her voice just above a murmur.
Lena:"Father, should we... *tell them* that we've been listening in the whole time?"
Her father returned her grin, shaking his head slightly.
James:"Let's just keep that to ourselves, Let them believe we were completely focused on our battle of wills."
He whispered back
Lena:"Good idea"
A conspiratorial smile lingered on Lena's lips as James nodded in agreement. They had silently agreed to keep their eavesdropping a secret for now, allowing everyone else at the table to continue their conversation believing everyone was oblivious. After all, there was a special kind of satisfaction in knowing more than others.
They returned their focus to their silent, intense staring contest, letting the others chat on while their own secret knowledge and power added a layer of silent communication underneath the surface.
***
Lena stood in the expansive gardens behind her family's manor, surrounded by lush greenery and the soft hum of buzzing insects. She had come here specifically for her butterfly practice routine—her own little moment of peace amidst the chaos of the world.
Lena:"Alright, Here we go!"
With a focused breath, she lifted her hand and willed a large group of butterflies into existence. They materialized in front of her, their delicate wings fluttering in a flurry of delicate beauty.
With a clear directive, Lena ordered the butterflies to find a specific dungeon marked by an old wooden door, perched somewhere in the mountains outside their current location. The insects quickly scattered, fluttering off in different directions.
Lena took a moment to breathe a sigh of relief. Her shoulders relaxed, and she laid back on the grass, gazing up at the open sky with a soft exhale.
The grass felt cool and soft under her, the scent of flora and soil filling her nostrils. There was a sense of peace in this quiet moment.
Her thoughts drifted to her butterflies, how obedient and helpful they were.
Lena:"(They even help pick up books from high shelves, even though I didn't summon them...)"
Suddenly, a wave of worry washed over her.
What if one or two couldn't find the dungeon she'd tasked them with? The butterflies' success was crucial to her plan. Lena fidgeted, worry creeping in.
Lena:"Please find it..."
She breathed into the air, as if her words could carry to the insects' ears.
(If they didn't find that dungeon... Let's just find another to conquer or what if we-)
Lena's breath caught—her swirling doubts cut short.
A single butterfly fluttered back, its wings dusted with mountain mist and morning dew. It circled her once, twice... then landed gently on her outstretched finger.
She held it close to her ear.
A soft, melodic hum vibrated through the air—not sound, but *feeling*. Images flickered in her mind: a narrow path winding up the cliffs... ivy-choked stone steps... and at the peak—a weathered wooden door, ancient and half-buried in moss.
Her eyes lit up.
Lena:"It's real, You found it..."
All anxiety melted away like frost in sunlight. She curled her finger gently under the butterfly before releasing it skyward.
Lena:"Good job," she murmured as it soared back toward the mountains—calling reinforcements without words.
The dungeon was waiting.
And Lena? She was ready to conquer it.
Lena watched the pink particles dance over her fingers and float away, the rest hurrying back to the mountains to guide reinforcements.
She rose from the grass, dusting off her clothes, and began stretching—preparing for the journey ahead.
Lena:"Guess I'll have to wait until nightfall to set off," she muttered to herself, rolling her shoulders. "No way I'm going into a dungeon with the sun still in the sky..."
She paused mid-stretch, a shadow crossing her face.
Lena:"(I can't let my family find out... especially if they knew I was sneaking into that dungeon at night. And worse—that thing they kept there... the powerful familiar—)"
Her fingers curled slightly. The rumors said it was sealed away for a reason. Dangerous. Uncontrollable.
For a heartbeat, doubt flickered.
But then she straightened, jaw set, eyes sharp against the fading sun.
No. This wasn't just curiosity.
This was *hers* to claim.
She'd trained hard—her butterflies obeying not from magic alone, but from *will*. From memory of another life—one where she lost everything... and came back stronger.
Lena:"I'm going, No matter what."
She whispered to the wind
Night would come soon enough.
And when it did?
She'd already be gone. Lena exhaled slowly, her breath misting in the cooling evening air.
Lena:'(I feel sorry for the protagonist... really, I do.)"
She remembered him—clueless, kind-hearted, destined to stumble into that dungeon weeks from now and barely survive. The stories always painted him as the hero.
But she wasn't here to be a footnote in *his* tale.
Her fingers brushed a stray petal drifting down from a willow branch—pink like her butterflies. Like her magic. Like the life she's fighting to carve out on her own terms.
Lena:"(Desperate times call for desperate measures...)"
She'd been reincarnated not as a side character—but with memories, power, and purpose.
And if that familiar was meant to be *his* great weapon?
Well...
Let tonight be the night history got rewritten.
***
Night had finally fallen—a blanket of black laced with silver. Lena pulled herself silently out the window and glanced around. Two guards patrolled nearby, shadows passing the lantern-lit garden with every step.
She raised a hand, calling to the shadows.
A small group of butterflies rose up from the darkness, fluttering at her fingertips.
Lena and the butterflies skimmed silently over the garden, blending into shadows as they veered away from the mansion. One of the guards glanced in their direction, pausing for a brief moment.
But his eyes slid past—unaware of the dark-haired girl and her entourage soaring above.
They disappeared beyond the gate leading out of their estate and sped into the night like winged phantoms.
She landed softly on the forest floor, moss cushioning her boots. The trees loomed tall and ancient, their branches weaving a canopy above that swallowed the moonlight.
Lena:"Thank you,"
She whispered, offering a small smile to her fluttering companions.
In response, they circled her once—pink wings shimmering like fading embers—before dissolving into delicate specks of light, vanishing like breath in the dark.
Silence settled.
Only the rustle of leaves and distant hoots broke it now.
She turned toward the mountain path ahead—steep, shadowed... waiting.
No turning back.
Lena:"Alright, Let's go."
She moved deeper into the woods, the trees closing around her like silent sentinels. Leaves whispered secrets above, and a brisk breeze teased the edge of her coat.
Every now and then, she heard quiet rustling from the undergrowth—the subtle signs of nighttime animals, perhaps. But something else also whispered in the shadows, drawing her further up the winding path.
The air felt *heavier* here, charged with a lingering power that prickled down her spine.
She felt like she was on the right track.
The dungeon was close.
The path wove its way higher, winding around rocks and over roots, until—finally—Lena saw it. An ancient wooden door, half-buried in ivy and age.
This was it.
She took a few cautious steps forward, the ivy whispering across her legs with every movement.
There was something about this place that felt... *different* than anywhere else. Magic in the air, ancient and humming.
As if the very mountain held its breath.
She approached the door cautiously. There was no handle or visible way to open it.
The door was solid and *old*, seemingly immune to most physical attacks. Lena's kicks met only solid resistance, and even slashes from the sword barely left a mark.
She huffed, frustration rising.
It was like it was made of some indestructible material, its age making it as strong as steel. No matter how hard she tried to break it down or find a way to push it open, the damn door wouldn't budge.
She cursed under her breath, glaring at the unyielding wood.
A thought suddenly hit her.
Lena's hand closed around a familiar shape in her bag—a compact bomb, packed with explosive force.
She held it up, a determined expression on her face.
*This* would work.
With a deep breath, she moved back and placed the bomb against the door.
Lena:"Okay, Here goes."
With a careful, swift movement, she ignited the fuse.
The bomb's explosion echoed through the silent forest, sending a plume of smoke and ash billowing around the door.
Lena ducked behind a tree, shielding herself from the flying debris. When the smoke cleared, she peeked out to see the results.
Her heart sank.
Despite the force of the bomb, the door was... still there.
Not even a scratch.
It stood, solid and unmarred, almost as if mocking her failed attempt. Lena stomped toward the door, fists clenched, her breath coming in short bursts.
Lena:"HOW?! HOW IS THAT FREAKIN' DOOR STILL INTACT AFTER A FULL-POWERED EXPLOSION?!"
She shrieked into the night, voice echoing off the mountain. The forest fell silent—no crickets, no wind. Even the trees seemed to recoil.
She pressed her palms against the cold wood, forehead resting lightly against it. Inhaled. Exhaled.
Lena:"...Calm down, Lena... you're not some dumb brute. You're a reincarnated gamer with *memories*. There's always a trick."
Her mind raced back to the game—the hidden mechanics, the forgotten lore scrolls.
And then it hit her.
This wasn't just any dungeon door...
*It only opens for someone who's been rejected by death.*
Lena's gaze shifted to the side of the door, spotting a small inscription:
**BEWARE THE WHITE BAT'S RAGE**
The words caught her attention, and realization dawned on her.
This was a warning.
But what exactly did it mean?
White bats weren't normally hostile by nature. They hunted insects, not people.
There had to be a deeper meaning to this.
Her eyes scanned the area, searching the shadows for clues. That was when she noticed something... strange.
The moment the words left her lips—*"what's so scary about a little white bat?"*—the air turned sharp.
A cold hush fell.
Then, with a low, groaning creak, the ancient wooden door began to open on its own. Not shattered. Not forced. *Inviting.*
Lena froze mid-step.
"Oh... *Oooohhh~*" she drawled softly, realization clicking like a puzzle piece snapping into place. "It opens when you question it... when you challenge the warning."
She smirked.
"Not 'beware of'..." She stepped forward, boots crunching on frost-laced leaves. "It's not fear that unlocks this door."
It was defiance.
Lena:"And if something unnatural about the white bat, then... I guess I already qualify too."
With that—she crossed the threshold.
The door slammed shut behind her with finality.
And deep within the dungeon walls...
Something *stirred.*
Lena:"Ugh..."
She slapped a palm to her face, groaning inwardly.
She'd remembered this dungeon's unique quirk just in time, but it could've easily slipped her mind.
She shook her head, chiding herself for forgetting a key detail of the game.
Still, there was no time to dwell.
She took a deep breath and looked around, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting.
Lena:"Alright... now, where is that familiar..."
***
Lena ventured deeper into the dim dungeon, her surroundings gradually coming into focus. The only source of light was the silvery moonlight filtering through the leaves.
As she carefully moved forward, her thoughts wandered to the game. The protagonist had a skill that lit up the whole area around him.
She didn't have the same magical abilities... at least not yet.
But that didn't mean she was completely disadvantaged.
Lena:"I have my own advantages, Including one the protagonist *doesn't* have..."
The pink streak in her hair pulsed softly as Lena opened her palm—and from within, a single butterfly emerged, its wings glowing with a gentle, rosy light.
It fluttered upward, hovering just ahead of her like a living lantern.
A small smile tugged at her lips.
Lena:"(I'll just use my butterflies to light the way.)"
With a flick of her wrist, she summoned two more. They joined the first, swirling around her like tiny beacons—casting soft pink glimmers across damp stone walls and ancient runes carved into the floor.
The dungeon no longer felt so dark.
Or so silent.
Somewhere deep ahead... something answered their glow.
A faint echo of wings—*hundreds* of them—stirring in the blackness beyond.
Lena:"Please lead the way"
The glowing butterfly dipped its wings slightly—as if in understanding—then fluttered forward, guiding her down a narrow tunnel lined with moss-covered stone.
The air grew cooler, heavier, like the mountain itself was watching.
Then she stopped.
Before her yawned a wide chamber. Moonlight seeped through cracks in the ceiling, illuminating rows of blank tiles set into the floor—except for a few.
On three of them: engraved symbols.
🔥 *Fire*
🌊 *Water*
🌪️ *Wind*
She narrowed her eyes.
Lena:"...A puzzle?"
Her butterfly hovered near her shoulder now, sensing hesitation.
She crouched slightly, scanning the room for clues. No pressure plates. No traps visible. But something about this felt... familiar.
Then it hit her—a memory from another life:
*"Only those who bear no fear of duality may pass."*
A test not of strength... but identity.
The arrow *thunked* into the wall with startling force, trembling in the stone.
She exhaled sharply, eyes locked on the now-triggered tile.
Lena:"(As I thought... it's a trap. Just like in the game.)"
She crouched lower, analyzing. The blank tiles were decoys—stepping on any of them would mean instant death by poison-tipped arrows or worse. But the three with elemental symbols? Those had to be safe... if you knew which one to pick.
Her butterfly returned silently through the air, glowing like a tiny guardian.
Lena:"No random guessing,"
She murmured, brushing her fingers over her sword hilt.
Lena:"There's always a clue..."
Then she remembered—*duality*.
Fire and water opposed each other... wind was chaos unbound...
But only one symbol didn't reject its opposite.
A soft smirk curled her lips.
Lena:"I've got it."
She scanned the tiles, her mind racing as she tossed another rock onto a tile—this one marked with an elemental symbol.
No arrows. No poison darts. So far so good.
Her expression hardened in concentration as she examined the remaining tiles again, trying to piece the puzzle together.
The symbols felt familiar somehow... like a half-forgotten memory.
Lena:"There's a pattern here, I just need to find it."
She muttered steeling herself
Lena:"*Sigh*... this is going to be a lot of work,"
With careful precision, she stepped onto the tile marked with the earth symbol—half-expecting a trap to trigger.
Silence.
No clanking mechanisms. No whistling arrows. Just the soft echo of her breath bouncing off the stone walls.
She exhaled sharply in relief, shoulders loosening.
Lena:"Okay... Earth it is."
A slow smile spread across her face as the memory clicked into place: *"Only those who stand on balance may pass. Not flame, not flood—what grounds them all?"*
Her butterfly fluttered forward again, glowing brighter now—as if praising her success.
One step closer to the familiar.
And whatever awaited beyond this room...
She then took a few more steps as she carefully look down to see the symbols.
Lena carefully picked her way across the room, mindful of the tiles. Each step felt fragile, like one wrong move would trigger hidden traps.
She was almost there. The way forward was visible—a dark archway carved into the far wall.
Just a few more steps.
With a last glance at the glowing butterfly, she took an extra-quick step.
Her foot landed on something, sending her stumbling forward.
A small squeak escaped her lips as she teetered, almost falling.
"Whoa—!"
The sharp *click* beneath her boot sent a jolt through her spine. Mechanisms whirred in the walls. Stone groaned.
"Got it wrong—!"
She gasped, already throwing herself sideways. An arrow *zipped* past, barely missing her arm and embedding deep into the wall with a sickening *thunk.* Lena landed hard on one knee outside the tile grid, heart hammering like a war drum. She panted, fingers digging into the cold stone floor as she stared back at where she'd just been standing.
Lena:"...Phew,"
She breathed, hand pressed to her chest.
Lena:"I thought I lost my life again... for a second."
A shaky laugh escaped her lips—half terror, half exhilaration.
Lena:"Not dying here,"
She muttered, pushing back to her feet.
Lena: "Not when I've come this far."
Her butterfly fluttered down beside her shoulder now—not glowing so much as pulsing softly in quiet support.
One mistake away from death...
But still moving forward.
As Lena emerged from the room, a wave of relief washing over her, she saw the small pink butterfly flitting towards her.
She chuckled, a touch of wonder in her voice.
Lena:"Were you waiting for me, little butterfly~?"
She asked jokingly, reaching out to let the glowing creature alight on her fingertip.
A small, genuine smile danced across her lips as the butterfly landed on her raised finger. It seemed almost playful, spinning in tiny circles—as if enjoying her touch.
She gently stroked its chin with a feather-light touch, watching it bob contently.
Lena:"Thank you,"
She whispered, feeling the faint hum of energy beneath her touch.
Lena:"For leading me... and sticking around this whole time."
The butterfly bobbed in a sort of nod—as if accepting her thanks.
Lena:"Please keep leading the way, We still have work to do."
The butterfly gave a soft flutter—almost like a salute—and then soared ahead, glowing steadily in the encroaching dark.
Pink light trailed behind it like stardust, cutting through the dungeon's silence.
Lena followed close, boots tapping lightly against stone, senses sharp.
Deeper they went.
Closer to the familiar.
Closer to something *awakening.*
***
Lena stopped abruptly, feeling her heart skip a beat.
Where the floor should have been... there was only a yawning abyss of blackness.
She took a few cautious steps back, staring at the seemingly endless drop.
Lena:"Seriously? No floor? A bottomless pit? How cliché."
Despite the situation, a faint smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth.
Lena:"I suppose you can't call it a game without some challenges, hm?"
She dropped a rock into the bottomless pit, listening keenly for any hint of impact... and got only silence in return.
The rock had kept falling for a full two hours.
She grimaced, staring down into the endless void.
Lena:"Well, that's definitely bottomless."
Her eyes darted around the room, searching for alternate paths.
Lena:"No way for me to cross... unless..."
Her pink streak started to glow as many butterflies started to appear before her.
Lena:"Oh! Hello everyone~ what are guys do-hey!
The moment her pink streak began to glow, hundreds of butterflies appeared in a flurry of glowing light. They whirled and danced around her, buzzing softly like a chorus of living stars.
Lena's surprise was interrupted when the group abruptly began carrying her over the pit. The butterflies worked in unison, lifting her effortlessly across the abyss like a magical, winged bridge.
She held on for dear life, heart fluttering with exhilaration.
Finally reaching the other side, she stepped off her glowing escorts and turned to them.
Lena:"Whoa... thanks guys,"
She breathed, a mix of wonder and relief in her voice. The butterflies nuzzled against her affectionately, their wings like soft, glowing touches on her skin.
Finally, Lena dismissed them—leaving only one loyal companion near her, still glowing softly.
She turned to the faithful butterfly and gave it a determined nod.
Lena:"Lead the way,"
She instructed. The butterfly seemed to glow brighter for a moment—as if understanding—then fluttered ahead, guiding the way deeper into the dungeon.
***
AFTER FEW MINUTES
Lena ducked behind a wall, watching the glowing wolves from a distance.
Lena:"Flaring wolves,"
She muttered under her breath, recognizing the fiery beasts.
Lena:"So they're guarding the coffin..."
Her eyes flicked to the coffin, its ancient chains glinting in the torchlight. Her hand went to her sword hilt, fingers curling against the cool steel.
Lena:"Looks like it's sword time,"
She breathed, eyes narrowed. The Narrator's description of the flaring wolves painted a picture of fearsome foes. They were fiery, dangerous, and even their fur became flames when facing strong opponents.
While water or ice elements might have an advantage, the idea of fighting a group of these creatures was... intimidating, to say the least.
Still, Lena wasn't a woman easily intimidated.
Lena:"Well, Here goes nothing..."
The comforting touch of the guiding butterfly on her shoulder brought a small smile to Lena's face. She looked at her faithful companion, her voice filled with reassurance.
Lena:"Don't worry, little one, you've done so well guiding me this far. I can handle this."
The small creature fluttered for a moment before gently dismissing itself, leaving Lena standing alone in front of the fierce flaring wolves.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of hiding, her sword ready in hand. The wolves lunged, snarling as they expelled blazing fireballs in rapid succession.
Lena moved like shadow and flame—dodging left, then right, her movements sharp and precise. The heat scorched the air around her, but she didn't flinch.
Then—*her turn*.
In one fluid motion, she closed the distance, sword flashing under the dim dungeon glow. A swift slash to the first wolf's flank—then a spinning strike that severed the second mid-leap.
Their fiery forms flickered... then shattered like glass.
Instead of blood or ash, they collapsed into smooth amber crystals—glowing faintly before dimming into stillness.
She exhaled sharply through her nose, wiping sweat from her brow with the back of her hand.
Lena:"Not bad for a non-elemental, just skill... and *style.*"
She glanced at the coffin ahead—the chains still sealed tight.
No turning back now.
She collected the two glowing amber crystals, slipping them into her bag before turning her focus to the ancient coffin.
Lena:"Being able to use my gaming knowledge definitely helps,"
She mused to herself.
Lena:"Not to mention the years of martial arts training, thanks to dad."
She approached the coffin, eyeing the heavy chains that kept it shut.
Lena:"Now let's see what's inside..."
She traced a finger along one of the icy chains, her brow furrowing.
Lena:"Ice magic, huh? No wonder they're so strong."
Her mind whirled with questions as her gaze traveled to the closed coffin.
Lena:"Still... how did they even manage to seal this familiar in the first place? Considering its power..."
The question gnawed at her. She rummaged through her bag, extracting the glowing amber crystals she'd collected from the now vanquished wolves.
Lena examined them, a thought forming in her mind.
Lena:"Fire and ice... opposites,"
She murmured, her gaze drifting to the frozen coffin. With careful precision, she placed the fiery crystals at the coffin's center.
Lena:"Let's see what happens when you mix them..."
She stepped back, waiting to see if her theory would pan out. Lena watched as the crystals glowed brighter, their fire burning the ice away.
It was actually working.
Lena:"Well, I'll be..."
She whispered, a hint of surprise coloring her voice.
Lena:"Fire versus ice... guess opposites do attract after all."
The frost on the coffin melted under the warming glow of the fire crystals, gradually revealing the contents within.
Lena carefully slipped the now-dimmed crystals back into her bag, then gripped her sword and sliced through the weakened chains with a metallic *snap*.
She took a breath, heart pounding—then gently pushed the coffin lid open.
Inside lay a woman of ethereal beauty—pale skin like moonlight, long hair as white as fresh snow. Her chest rose and fell in slow, steady breaths. Not dead.
*Sleeping.*
Her eyes widened.
Lena:"...No way, The legendary familiar... is *her?*"
Not some monster. Not a beast of rage or flame.
A woman—still breathing after who knows how long trapped in ice and shadow.
And somehow... still alive.
Waiting.
Lena found herself staring down at the sleeping woman, mind whirling with newfound information.
Lixia—the dreaded vampire known for her power and intellect. She'd slain powerful beasts for crystals to construct her own weapons and devices. And in the fear of her strength, she'd been sealed away in this dungeon.
Now she slept, frozen in time—still alive, after who knows how many years.
Lena:"A vampire... And a formidable one at that..."
She whispered her eyes raking over the sleeping figure. Lena tapped her chin, eyes half-lidded in thought.
Lena:"(Having this type of knowledge just by listening to the narrator is really something... like a built-in walkthrough. Thank you, game logic.)"
She stood there, mind flicking through the narrative details she'd just absorbed.
Lena:"Alright... How do I awaken an ancient, sealed-away vampire?"
She glanced down at Lixia's still form, eyes narrowed.
Lena:"I doubt yelling 'rise and shine' will work. This calls for..."
Her hand went to her chin, an idea brewing...
???:"Who are you little human?"
Lena nearly jumped out of her skin at the sudden voice behind her. She'd been so lost in thought, she hadn't even noticed Lixia wake up, let alone approach silently.
Turning, Lena found herself face-to-face with the ancient vampire, who wore a bemused smirk.
Lena:"WHAT THE—!?You, how—"
She pointed an accusing finger at the vampire.
Lena:"You were asleep in that coffin just now! When did you wake up?!"
Lixia:"It's precisely now... So answer my question. Who are you? And what do you want from me?"
Lena stared back at Lixia, trying to regain her composure. She felt the vampire's gaze studying her—sharp, assessing.
She swallowed, trying to ignore the slight flutter of nerves in her chest.
Lena:"I'm Lena,"
She answered slowly, holding Lixia's intense stare.
Lena:"Lena Dunham a reincarnator. As for what I want..."
She took a deep breath.
Lena:"I want you to make a contract with me."
Lixia:"Why should I serve you? And what is it that you want from me..?
Lena didn't flinch, even as Lixia's eyes narrowed into icy slits. She met the vampire's gaze head-on—calm, but unyielding.
Lena:"Serve me?"
She echoed with a soft chuckle.
Lena:"I didn't come here to enslave you. I came to *free* you."
She gestured to the shattered chains, the melted ice, the broken seal.
Lena:"You've been locked away for centuries because people were afraid of your power. But I'm not afraid."
A beat.
Lena:"And I don't want a weapon... or a servant."
She tilted her head slightly.
"I want an *ally*. Someone who sees this world like I do—twisted rules, hidden mechanics... and endless possibilities."
Then she smiled—small, genuine.
Lena:"So? What do you say... Lixia?"
She felt the pressure of Lixia's cold stare and the faint aura pulsing around the ancient vampire. But Lena didn't back down, didn't falter. She met Lixia's gaze squarely, her voice steady.
Lena:"Yes. I want your knowledge, All I ask is a contract, and in return, I can provide you with a generous offering of crystals."
She leaned forward, holding the vampire's gaze.
It was a deal... if Lixia was game.
Lixia:"How peculiar~ Your eyes doesn't show any fear from me..."
Lena blinked at the sudden shift in tone—softer, curious now instead of cold.
She let out a small, crooked smile.
Lena:"Fear? I died once already. What's one more scar?"
The words hung in the air—light, but heavy with meaning.
She didn't look away.
And something about that made Lixia tilt her head slightly, like a predator reconsidering its prey... or perhaps a long-forgotten ally rediscovered.
A quiet hum escaped the vampire's lips as she circled Lena slowly—once, then stopped just an arm's length away.
Lixia:"...You're strange, Not greedy. Not desperate."
A pause.
Lixia:"Just... determined."
Then—a faint smirk tugged at her lips.
Lixia:"Very well... *Lena Dunham.* Let's see if your courage lasts beyond this moment."
Her hand lifted—pale fingers outstretched.
Lixia:"Shall we make this contract?"
As Lixia shared a slice of her history, Lena listened closely, her eyes never leaving the ancient vampire's face. She'd known about Lixia's past reputation—powerful, cold, feared.
Lixia:"You're quite interesting for a human... All of the humans that I ever encountered were always look at me with fear but, your quite different from them..."
But this glimpse into the woman behind the legend was intriguing. Interesting. *Unexpected.*
She chuckled softly.
Lena:"Different?Maybe it's because I've faced my own death once already. Fear's a luxury I don't have."
Her fingers curled around Lixia's outstretched hand.
Lixia:"I felt expectations from you... no one has ever expect something from me... But- I have a feeling that you will make a great spectacle if served you... Fine then, I'll shall call you mistress!"
Lena blinked—once, then again—as the word hung in the air.
Mistress.
A beat of silence.
Then she snorted, half-laughing, shaking her head.
Lena:"Oh no, no, absolutely not, You're not calling me that."
The female vampire raised an elegant white brow.
Lixia:"Hm?"
Lena:"I didn't free you to be your master,"
She continued, stepping closer with fire in her eyes.
Lena:"I freed you to stand beside me."
She reached out and gently tapped Lixia's chest—right over where her heart would've beaten if it still did.
Lena:"So don't call me mistress, Partner."
A strange quiet followed.
Then... Lixia smiled—not a smirk, not a tease—but something real. Faint. New.
Lixia:"...Partner,"
She repeated slowly, testing the word like foreign silk on her tongue. Her blue eyes sparkled with something Lena hadn't seen before:
Hope.
"Very well... Lena."
And as their contract sparked to life—a soft glow binding their fates—the dungeon trembled beneath them...
Like the world itself had just changed its mind about who mattered most.
Lena:"Well then, I'll look forward to working with you!!"
Lena beamed at Lixia, eyes shining. This was a whole new adventure, a fresh start for both of them. She reached out, offering a hand to Lixia. But the vampire just... stared at it, eyebrows raised. Lena blinked.
Lena:"Uh... You're supposed to take my hand,"
She gripped Lixia's pale hand and gave it a firm, enthusiastic shake—up and down, like she was sealing a business deal or celebrating a hard-won victory.
Then she froze mid-shake.
She looked at Lixia's utterly bewildered expression. The slight tilt of her head. The way her fingers twitched like she wasn't sure what to do with this strange human ritual.
Lena:"...Wait, You've never done this before?"
She said with her eyes slowly widening, Lixia blinked once. Then turned her gaze to their still-connected hands.
Lixia:"A... handshake? In my time, agreements were sealed with blood oaths or magic bindings. Not... flailing limbs."
That made Lena burst out laughing—bright, warm, echoing off the dungeon walls.
Lena:"Oh my god!"
She wheezed, wiping a tear from her eye.
Lena:"That's what you call flailing? Welcome to modern teamwork!"
She gave one final dramatic shake before letting go.
Lena:"Don't worry, You'll get used to it."
And somewhere deep in the dungeon...
The first real laugh in centuries had just changed everything.
Lena had just finished laughing when Lixia turned to walk away, heading straight toward a dead-end wall. Lixia spoke a single word—crystalize—and to Lena's surprise, the wall began parting, revealing a secret passage.
She raised her brows, staring at the revealed doorway. Then, she glanced back at Lixia, who'd casually thrown over her shoulder:
Lixia:"Follow me. I have something to show you."
She couldn't help but smirk.
Lena:"You are just full of surprises, aren't you?"
***
Lena stepped into the pristine white chamber, eyes wide like a kid in a candy store—except this was far more dangerous.
Racks of crystalline weapons lined the walls—swords that hummed with energy, gauntlets embedded with glowing cores, even floating drones no bigger than moths but bristling with tech that looked way too advanced for a medieval fantasy world.
Lena:"Whoa... You made all this?"
While Lixia glided in behind her, trailing fingers over a curved dagger made of ice-blue crystal.
Lixia:"This," she said softly, "is where I spent my centuries not sleeping... but dreaming."
She turned to Lena—her expression calm now, almost proud.
Lixia:"Call it madness... or genius. While trapped between seals and frost cycles... I kept crafting. Adapting."
A faint smile played on her lips.
Lixia:"After all—I knew someone would come one day."
While Lena slowly looked around again—seeing not just weapons now... but possibilities.
"...And you're showing me all of it?"
She asked quietly. Lixia tilted her head.
Lixia:"You gave me freedom. Mistress You get everything."
She spun in a slow circle, taking it all in. Then stopped, blinking at Lixia.
Lena:"Wait, you live here? In a dungeon? A cold, dark dungeon?"
She just shrugged, as if it was perfectly normal to live in the same place she'd spent centuries trapped in.
Lixia:"Why so surprised?"
She began walking down the rows of displays again.
Lixia:"This place has been my home since the world sealed me away. I made it mine."
She blinked, processing Lixia's words.
Lena:"...You let them seal you?"
She stared, incredulous.
Lena:"You could've fought back. You're strong—insanely strong! You made all this. And yet... you just... let them lock you away?"
She turned, her pale hair catching the faint glow of floating crystals above. A quiet smirk played on her lips.
Lixia:"People feared what they didn't understand, They called my creations abominations. My mind—unnatural."
She stepped closer, voice lowering.
Lixia:"So I gave them what they wanted: a monster in a cage."
Her eyes flickered with quiet fire.
Lixia:"But on my terms. Here, I remained untouched. Unchanged."
She gestured to the room around them.
Lixia:"No invaders dared enter deeply enough to reach this place... and so, I continued working. Creating. Waiting."
Then she looked Lena dead in the eye—
Lixia:"Until someone like you came along."
Lena listened, absorbing Lixia's words. So the vampire had sealed herself away for centuries... not because she was too weak to fight back, but because it was convenient.
For once, Lena found herself at a loss for words. She tried to imagine centuries of solitude in one place—working, creating... all the while waiting for the world outside to change.
Eventually, she let out a low snort.
Lena:"Well, I guess you're the ultimate introvert, then."
She stared around at the workbench, eyes roving over the tools, sketches, even half-finished projects. It looked like a mad scientist's workshop, filled with ideas ready to become reality.
Lena:"Whoa,"
She breathed, almost forgetting there was someone else in the room for a moment.
Lena:"You've been designing... all of this?"
She wandered to the wall of sketches, running a finger down a particularly sleek drawing. Lena hesitated, her finger still on the sketch. She turned to Lixia, searching her face.
Lena:"I... don't want to sound rude, But if you've had centuries to plan, to think, to..." She gestured at the sketches. "...This... then..."
She trailed off, not sure how to finish while, Lixia gave her a gentle look.
Lixia:"Ask what's on your mind."
Lena:"Can you make... anything other than weapons?"
She braced herself for another cold response, ready for Lixia to brush off her question as unimportant, or useless. Instead, the vampire tilted her head, eyeing her thoughtfully—as if turning the question over in her mind.
Lixia:"I have made many things, But you are not asking about weapons, are you?"
She took a step closer, blue eyes meeting Lena's.
Lixia:"You want something different."
Lena:"Then can you make this?
She pulled out a folded piece of paper from her coat—slightly crumpled, but clearly drawn with care—and handed it to Lixia. The vampire unfolded it slowly, eyes scanning the sketch.
Then—a flicker.
A beat of silence.
And then... the corner of her lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile.
Lixia:"...Oh,"
She murmured, voice laced with amusement.
Lixia: "You're deliciously ambitious."
She tilted the paper toward Lena.
Lixia:"You want this... built? With my craft?"
Her gaze sharpened—not with doubt, but delight.
Lixia:"A creation not for battle... But for life."
She grinned.
Lena:"Yeah, That's exactly what I want."
Lixia:"...Oh, You're deliciously ambitious."
She crossed her arms, a soft, almost nostalgic smile tugging at her lips.
Lena:"My world is without magic, No crystals. No familiars. No dungeons that talk to you when you do something dumb."
She laughed—just a little.
Lena:"We had machines instead. Big ones. Fast ones."
She pointed at the sketch Lixia still held.
Lena:"That thing? In my old world... it was normal. Everyone had one."
The vampire eyes widened slightly—just a flicker of disbelief.
Lixia:"...You mean to tell me, that ordinary humans rode metal carriages... that moved on their own... without spells or beasts?"
She nodded.
Lena:"Yep. And this?"
She tapped the sketch again—
Lena:"This is just the upgraded version."
For the first time since waking, Lixia actually looked... intrigued.
Lena:"Not just magic,"
She whispered playfully, eyes sparkling like dawn fire.
Lena:"I brought you technology."
She had to bite back a smirk at the disbelief in Lixia's face.
Lena:"Yep. No magic. No spells. No special powers."
She spread her hands wide in an all-encompassing gesture.
Lena:"Just plain old human ingenuity. Creativity. A lot of trial and error."
She shrugged.
Lena:"Oh, and I guess a few thousand years of societal advancement."
The vampire stared at her, then down at the sketch, and back again.
Lixia:"You... come from quite a unique world."
She turned to her with a smirk, eyes glinting like she'd already won a game no one else knew they were playing.
Lena:"Of course I'm not worried,"
She said casually, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Lena:"You could run off and try to build this 'technology' on your own. Or scream it from the rooftops."
She took one slow step closer.
Lena:"But you won't."
A beat.
Lixia:"Because deep down? You're curious. And more than that—you want to create, Lixia. Not just destroy. Not just survive."
Her voice softened.
"And I'm the first person who's ever handed you a blueprint for something... new."
The vampire stared at her—long, silent. Then, faintly... she smiled again.
Lixia:"...Insufferably bold. And yet... not wrong."
She smiled back—slow, amused—meeting Lixia's eyes without wavering.
Lena:"I did just give away half the secrets of another world's advanced civilization,"
She could see it then—a flicker of realization in Lixia: This human is no fool. Lixia raised a pale eyebrow, regarding Lena in that cool, measured way again.
...But now, there was definitely something different in her gaze.
Respect.
Lena:"So... can you make It?"
Her hopeful look was almost... unsettling. Lixia had seen fear, and greed, and desperation in human eyes. But hope... trust? She almost wanted to look away. But Lena's gaze didn't waver, and after a moment... Lixia found herself looking down at the sketch.
Lixia:"I can. With the resources... I can build this."
As Lena watched Lixia stride over to her workbench, Lena realized something. The vampire was excited. Not just at the challenge—though she could see that in Lixia's eyes, in the quickened pace of her steps as she reached her desk.
No, Lixia was excited because Lena believed in her. Had faith in her creations. Saw the world—and all its endless possibilities—through her eyes. It was a strange feeling, to be trusted this completely.
She found herself unable to look away.
Lena:"Are you going to make this in weeks? Or months...?
The vampire paused, a crystalline tool in one hand, and turned her head just enough to smirk over her shoulder.
Lixia:"Five days, Not weeks. Not months."
She set the tool down with deliberate precision.
Lixia:"You gave me a dream from another world... I'll turn it into reality before the week ends."
Then—eyes gleaming with quiet fire—she added:
Lena:"Just don't come crying when it works too well."
With that, she turned back to her desk, already sketching rapid calculations in glowing ink on enchanted paper. The hum of awakening machinery began to fill the white room.
She could only grin.
Lena:"(Five days...This was going to be good)"
Lena:"Uh... ok then, I'll get going see you"
She was halfway to the door when a calm, melodic voice cut through the hum of machinery.
Lixia:"Lena."
She paused, turning back. Lixia stood there, tools momentarily forgotten, one pale eyebrow arched with quiet curiosity.
Lixia:"How old were you... in your past life?"
She blinked. Then chuckled—softly, a little sadly.
Lena:"I was 26, Died on my brother's wedding day."
A beat of silence settled between them. Then Lixia tilted her head.
Lixia:"And now? In this body?"
She gave a playful shrug.
Lena:"Eight? Maybe nine? The whole 'reincarnation' thing came with a serious glow-up and terrible timing."
To her surprise, Lixia actually smiled—just slightly.
Lixia:"...Hmph. A child pretending to be an adult."
Her eyes sparkled.
Lixia:"I can work with that."
The voice was cool, her face unreadable. Lena found herself studying the subtle shifts in her expression—the slight frown, the tilt of her head, the gleam in her eyes.
She was clearly struggling with something, though Lena couldn't guess what.
Lixia:"I just...I don't understand."
Lena:"Don't understand... what?"
The vampire folded her arms, blue eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
Lixia:"Why do you place so much trust in me..."
Lena:"Because you're calm and intelligent! Most importantly I need an great Inventor to create such an outworldy project-!
She wasn't sure if it was her imagination... but she thought she saw Lixia almost blush at the compliment. The vampire quickly cleared her throat, glancing away and crossing her arms.
Lixia"A 'great inventor', You truly believe I can succeed?"
It was strange, hearing doubt in the vampire's voice now. Lena took a bold step forward.
Lena:"I don't just believe, I know.
She gave a little salute—half playful, half serious—before turning toward the door.
Lena:"Five days, No skipping meals, no working all night—well, actually, you're a vampire, so night's your thing—but still! Don't burn out the dungeon!"
She paused at the entrance, glancing back one last time. Lixia was already bent over her sketches again, glowing ink swirling like captured starlight under her fingers.
But just for a second... She thought she saw Lixia smile.
Lixia:"Go, Before I change my mind and lock you in here as my test subject."
The vampire murmured without looking up while Lena laughed all the way down the hall.
And deep in that white room—the first spark of invention ignited.
With magic and memory...
and something that felt dangerously like hope.
***
She couldn't help but jump when the door shut behind her with a resounding thud. Lena took a deep breath—in through her nose, out through her mouth.
Lena:"Deep breaths, Dunham, In... and out..."
She glanced back at the white door.
Lena:"And don't think too hard on how you gave a vampire an entire blueprint for advanced technology from your world, okay?"
She shook her head and began walking.
Lena:"One day at a time."
The swarm of glowing butterflies fluttered gently beneath Lena as they carried her through the twilight sky, their soft light painting the evening air in hues of gold and blue.
Soon, the towering spires of her family's mansion came into view—stone and ivy wrapped around centuries of noble lineage she still wasn't quite used to. With a graceful descent, the butterflies set her down on the balcony before dissolving into shimmering sparks.
She stepped inside her room—silk curtains dancing in the breeze—and flopped onto her velvet bed with a sigh.
Lena:"One powerful vampire contract, One interdimensional tech project... and five days to wait."
She rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling.
Lena:"...What even is my life now?"
A beat.
Then she grinned.
Lena:"Absolutely legendary."
She glanced at the window, watching the last rays of moonlight fade from the sky. Her body was exhausted, her mind still awhirl from all that had happened.But there was something else there too—something like a hum of anticipation, like a promise of change.
She curled up in her blankets. Closed her eyes. And tried not to wonder about how Lixia was doing—
If she was doing what Lena had asked,
If the vampire really would create something extraordinary,
And if the world would survive