"Hello… you've been spacing out and ignoring me. I get it—what you went through must've been traumatic—but the least you can do is say thanks, or something."
Alira stood in front of Lumino, vivid and real; she shouldn't have been here.
'Is she trapped here too, like me?' Lumino wondered.
He shook his head and glanced again at the floating screen. It had to be the Jester's handiwork—whatever that clown had done: the red door, the blow to the head, the blackout. All of it smelled of The Jester's mischief.
"Heh… he's spacing out. Look at him, Pedro—his head's cracked."
Behind Alira, a tall, broad-shouldered man approached. He was dressed in tattered clothing similar to hers, and he wore goggles and an odd contraption strapped to his back.
"What's going on here?" Lumino finally said. He didn't care whether it was illusion or trick—what mattered was that people he knew were dragged into this mess.
"That's an odd question. What are you getting at?" Alira arched a brow.
"I mean… those creatures back there—what are they?"
Alira and Pedro exchanged a look.
"You seriously don't know?"
"The things back there were zombies," Pedro answered plainly.
"Zo…mbie?" Lumino repeated, incredulous. The two before him looked like they'd been talking to a wall.
"You're... unique," she said, "It's strange you don't know what a zombie is."
"I just woke up, and I don't remember anything. Can you explain?" Lumino pleaded, putting on a disarmingly innocent face, despite faking his memory loss. He needed information, a way to escape, and payback for the Jester.
Alira's expression dimmed. "Those creatures are humans corrupted—contaminated by an energy called 'Wrath.' When a person's cognition is overtaken by it, this is what becomes of them. The world has been like this for a long time—ruined by it."
"So zombies were once human?" Lumino asked.
"They were. If I hadn't pulled you away earlier, you'd have been bitten and become one of them." Pedro nodded as Alira continued.
"It puzzles me that someone could wake up with no memory in a place like this. The world's been like this for twelve years. Whatever happened to you—luckily you met us."
"Pedro's right. We're the last defensive force—the Resistance Army. We shelter survivors. I'm Captain Alira, and this is Lieutenant Pedro."
Lumino shook their hands briefly and forced a smile. Better to use Kael's name here—he still in Kael's body after all.
"I'm Kael…"
"Kael, is that correct? Nice to meet you." Alira said with grin on her face.
"In that case, come with us."
He followed them, but when Alira turned to face forward, her smile became thoughtful—almost distant. Lumino felt she was a little different from the Alira he knew: firmer, more authoritative.
After a while they reached a large cylindrical structure encircled by water. It looked like a fortified tube or ring—alien to Lumino.
'I never seen anything like this,' he thought.
"Good thing we only ran into two of them on the way back," Pedro muttered.
"You're right, but we can't drop our guard. The shelter is just ahead…"
"What do you mean, 'shelter'?" Lumino asked softly.
"That's where we live," Alira said. "Not huge, but it keeps us safe."
"This is massive… it's beautiful. I'm impressed. Also—I was surprised by that thing you were holding to take down those zombies earlier." Lumino's praise sounded sincere.
"That was a rifle. It shoots special lead rounds. You really don't know?" Pedro asked.
Lumino blinked. He hadn't expected his ignorance to sound so blatant. "I— I've seen guns before... but not a rifullee up close." He laughed awkwardly.
"Rifle." Pedro corrected him in a dry tone.
They reached the shelter gate. Alira put a hand to her ear and called in. "Yes—we're here. Captain Alira and Lieutenant Pedro. Open the gate."
Lumino watched Alira. There was something about her now—gravity, a quiet command in her posture. The concrete gate creaked open and the surrounding water drained away.
"They opened it."
Pedro and Alira entered, gesturing for Lumino to follow. He fell for it immediately, and was tricked. A dozen individuals, possibly more, stood nearby, emotionless and threatening, with weapons that reflected the light, and the smell of gun oil filled the air.
They circled, the press of bodies close.
"W-what is this?" Lumino stammered, his throat tight. Alira and Pedro stood before him, their expressions frigid.
"You think I'd invite a stranger in so casually?" Alira snapped. "What?" Lumino choked, feeling trapped.
'How did it end up like this?' he wondered.
"Look, I don't understand why you're acting like this. Alira! Pedro!" He glanced at them.
"Shut up! You're full of lies. You thought we wouldn't notice. I feigned bringing you here so I could lock you up and interrogate you!" Alira accused, venom sharp in her voice.
Lumino sputtered that he wasn't lying—he'd been genuinely curious, clueless about this world. "I didn't mean any harm."
"You expect us to trust you? Kneel. Put your hands behind your head. Now!" she barked.
"Lower your weapons!" a piercing command cut through. The crowd parted a narrow path. Alira and Pedro dropped to one knee and bowed their heads, honoring the source of the voice.
A figure stepped forward—scarred, wearing dark green rather than the usual gray of the others. Her milk-brown hair framed amber eyes that stared at Lumino with hard suspicion.
"Now do you understand your situation? Start speaking honestly!" the man demanded. "Are you the leader of these people?"
Lumino obediently dropped to his knees, hands clasped behind his head, and looked up at him.
"I am General Yurim," the woman said. "You still have the courage to look me in the eye—good. Alira told me your name is Kael, and that you don't remember anything. But she's suspicious about it—she thinks you're not truthful."
"I'm sure, General! This man is dangerous, very very suspicious! If you order it, I'll end him right now!" someone spat. Yurim restrained Alira with an arm.
"Calm down, Alira. He doesn't appear corrupt or like a zombie. We'll take him to interrogation."
Ting!
Lumino looked up: the red floating screen pulsed in front of him.
====================
Quest must be completed!
Uncover the cause of this world's destruction:
✓ Find the key figure behind this world. → Completed
2. Become the leader of the resistance army.
3. Save this world from ruin and slay the villain.
You've drawn General Yurim's attention—two more steps to go!
=====================
"Wait, option one's already complete? This is actually pretty serious. I should probably finish the quest and maybe I can finally go."
Fatigue weighed on Lumino even before they dragged him off; he didn't know if escape was possible.
"Then take him to interrogation now!" Yurim ordered, and soldiers seized Lumino, hauling him toward the interrogation chamber.
--------
Kael let out a long breath.
Ever since that cursed ball night, he hadn't been able to sleep properly. He shouldn't be here. If he hadn't stepped into that damned pink door, there's no way he'd be stuck in this place.
To make things worst, he had no idea how to get out. Everything here felt ancient, even people still traveled by horse-drawn carriages, for gods' sake.
A stark contrast to DF-1, his world, where technology had already reached absurd heights. And now, he couldn't even contact Lumino or Alira.
'I wonder how my body's doing right now.'
Kael was sitting in a flower garden, but even here he could feel the maids' watchful gazes. He had already done his research about "himself."
Apparently, he was Lady Alira, the only daughter of Marquis Leonard… and at the perfect age for marriage.
'If I ever do something stupid while using her body, I can't even imagine how mad she'll be.'
Kael whiffled his head.
'No, I can't stay here forever. Who knows how much time has passed out there… I need to find a way out.'
"Ophelia!"
The maid came running in a hurry. "Yes, my lady?"
"Prepare me a carriage!"
"Pardon, where do you wish to go, my lady?"
"To meet the prince," Kael smirked, rushing toward the carriage without giving Ophelia another glance.
He gazed out the window. Inside, the breathtaking scenery: a sea of vibrant flowers, drifting leaves rustling in the breeze. Sunlight scattered through the trees, dappling the ground. The Jester's actions remained nonsensical, yet how could he conjure something so real?
Maybe it was Jester's power, maybe something else entirely, but either way, Kael couldn't deny it: that clown had skill.
'Still, if I ever meet him again, I'll kill him.'
When the carriage stopped at the castle, Kael peeked around, thinking how he could sneak in. Of course, following rules was never his style.
So, naturally, he chose the wall.
He'd forgotten, though, he was in Alira's body, wearing a gown. The fabric snagged as he climbed down, making him lose his balance and almost fall—
Until someone caught him mid-air. Sweat-drenched, breathless, and visibly worried.
An impossible coincidence. Because the one who caught him was none other than Prince Lumino himself.
"Lady… are you alright? Why would you jump like that?"
Kael blinked. He'd never been carried like this before — in a bridal position, no less. Mortifying.
'Damn it. I'm cursed. He looks so worried, and all I can think about is how beautiful his face looks up close.'
"Lady Alira? Can you hear me?"
"…Sorry, I just wanted to get inside, so… I climbed."
"Was there no safer way? If I hadn't caught you, you could've broken your bones!"
Lumino's face flushed red — a mix of anger and worry. Slowly, he set Kael back down.
"I… wanted to meet you, Your Highness."
Lumino froze, staring as if making sure he hadn't misheard.
Kael looked away, his borrowed face burning red.
"I'll let it slide this time," Lumino said softly. "But next time, please use the proper entrance, my lady. I'll personally make sure you can get in safely."
He smiled then — a soft, radiant smile that even the passing clouds couldn't dim.
'No matter the world, Lumino is still Lumino.'
They walked together into the inner courtyard, Kael following just beside him. The maids whispered as the two passed — they looked far too perfect together.
Kael could feel the envious stares piercing through him. He wasn't unused to attention, but women's jealousy… was something else entirely.
'I'll admit, Alira's body is gorgeous. No wonder we look like a damn good-looking pair.'
Eventually, they arrived at the knights' training dorms.
Of course, accidents were bound to happen here — and one happened right on cue.
A sword slipped mid-practice, flying straight toward Lumino.
Without thinking, Kael moved. He jumped, catching the blade with his bare hand. It stopped inches from Lumino's face.
Blood dripped from his palm.
'That was close, damn it! You almost ruined Lumino's face!'
"Lady!" Lumino shouted, pale as a sheet. "Your hand—"
"It's fine. It doesn't hurt," Kael said casually.
'Lucky this body's so light. Guess I can still pull off a few stunts… even without my own body or system.'
"Forgive us, my lady!" two soldiers rushed over, panicked and pale.
"You idiots!" Kael snapped. "What if that sword hit the prince!?"
The knights blanched, already picturing their beheadings.
"Fortunately, it's just me who's hurt. Be more careful next time."
"…But your hand looks—"
"My hand is my concern. The prince's safety comes first."
Lumino stared, wide-eyed, a mix of awe and admiration softening his expression. From behind, he watched Alira's small frame, the way she stood despite the pain—his cheeks reddened.
"Come, my lady," Lumino said, voice gentle. "Let me treat your wound."
Kael followed him, but just then—
Ting!
A translucent window appeared in the air.
===================
Quest must be completed to escape!
Conquer the heart of Prince Lumino Theodore.
✓ Dance with him → Completed
✓ Show him your charm → Completed
3. Kiss him.
Nice Rizz, friend. One more to go!
===================
'You've got to be kidding me… He's actually fallen for it.'
Kael stared at Lumino gently wrapping the bandage around his hand.
'So… is it time for the kiss?'
------------
Alira floated in circles midair, wings lazily slicing through the still atmosphere. She was bored—of course she was. Being inside Lumino's body was amusing at first, but the compatibility between this body and an alchemist's essence was practically zero. She needed to get back to her own vessel soon.
The irritating jester was gone, and she had found no sign of Kael or Lumino's soul signature.
Instead, something else caught her attention—an orange, glowing door standing in the distance, crooning like a heartbeat. Her curiosity flared.
"How on earth did a door end up in the middle of the woods?" She murmured, landing gracefully.
Before she could investigate further, she sensed a presence behind her. Instinctively, she drew on Lumino's power, manipulating dimensional energy to form a translucent barrier in the air—sending Jester flying backward with a crackling sound.
Alira turned, smirking, her expression dripping with arrogance. "Well, well… look who it is. Isn't this our dear friend, Jester?"
The clownish man stood up, performing a mocking bow before spinning dramatically, his painted smile unfazed.
"I must admit, your power truly knows no bounds, Lady Alira."
Alira stepped closer, her eyes narrowing.
"Flattery won't save you."
Jester giggled, leaping from one tree to another, trying to retreat into the shadows.
"Tch… don't even think about it."
She extended her hand, warping the space around him, but suddenly—
DEG!
Her heart skipped a beat. Her entire body froze.
A rush of unbearable memories — Lumino's memories, surged through her mind—horrific flashes, distorted voices, pain that wasn't hers yet felt too real.
Then, she fell into a suffocating darkness.