I am on top of the temple. The bell tower is beside me, and the fall is too tall.
This is frustrating.
It is a simple, annoying curse, a simple one that only moves you a few meters into a position where you can stand. In dungeons, it can be dangerous as it can put you in unwanted situations... but here, in a town?
It feels like a slap to my face. Just an annoyance.
It's a fucking reminder that my whole life has been a whole mess since I arrived at this world.
That I have had 0 control of what has happened so far, no matter my choices.
I punch the bell tower, and I feel pain when my hand connects. My knuckles are bleeding.
The smooth stone has a few red marks.
"Fuck my life!" I yell in anger.
"You know, if you need to talk, I can listen to you."
My ears perk up and I follow the voice that just spoke. It is Karina. I forgot about her.
"There is nothing I want to talk about."
"You clearly need it. You almost left a hole in the bell tower."
"I said I don't."
I walk past her and reach the front border of the roof. I need to see how high I am to jump. I have a couple of spells that can help me.
"I just need to get back on my feet..." I repeat that phrase when I reach it and look down.
Right in the entrance of the temple, several guards are standing. It is extremely suspicious. I throw myself prone to avoid being seen.
I can barely hear them; they are talking extremely low.
"Karina," I whisper.
"On it!"
She dives into the ceiling and then pops her head through the wall, closer. She understood what I wanted before I asked her. She makes sure she is not seen.
It doesn't take her long enough to get back to me.
"They are searching for you."
God dammit.
Then I hear the door open.
They did not open it; someone from the inside did.
"Huh? What is this?" I hear Aurelia's voice coming from the inside.
This does not bode well.
"I-It's the Dragonkin the Vulpin was s-seen with!" The guard near the door seems scared of seeing her. "I-In the name of Kind Rodovorich XVII and the p-princess Orianna... y-you are a-all under arr-arrest for the attempted murder of-"
"What are you saying, punk?" I see Aurelia walking out and towards them. The guards point their weapons at her. "You want to arrest me?"
"W-we want to arrest A-Amber for the a-attempted murder o-of..."
"Speak up! Are you pissing yourself?!"
I am amused by the view. She keeps advancing, and they are taking steps back.
Seeing a Dragonkin for the first time must be impressive for them, and they must be scared. They should have brought some mages to get an advantage.
If my species is rare, hers is rarer and more intimidating.
When I heard they were coming for me, I was about to get frustrated, but then I saw Aurelia there, going in towards them.
At least I know I have some people helping, in their way.
"They are still a lot for Aurelia..." Karina explains.
"I will go down to help her." I stand up.
I am getting ready to jump.
"Get down!" Karina screams.
Her scream takes me by surprise, and instead of doing what she said, I turn towards her.
Something passes by my side and close to my arm.
"Shit!"
That was an attack! Someone shot something at me!
In response, I crouch immediately.
"Well, well, well... if it isn't the powerful Amber!"
Someone jumps onto the roof. They pass on top of me, reaching the middle of the platform where we are standing. I turn and hold Bloodless from the hilt, ready to pull it out.
In front of me is a man holding a grappling hook and a crossbow. He has a big red scarf, greenish clothes, and several daggers around his belt.
"We meet again, Amber. It is time we end our rivalry."
...
Who is this?
"I heard there is a hefty bounty for your capture. I thought you were an ally of the Kingdom, but you showed your true face!"
"Would you believe me, it is a setup?"
"Now! As your lifelong rival, I will show you the mercy you deserve!" He stores the grappling hook in his belt and puts his right fist in front of his face. "Don't worry, Amber! I will make sure you are treated fairly!"
"...who are you?"
There is a silence.
"What do you mean?"
"Who are you?"
"Y-You know who I am!"
Karina is looking at him with dejected eyes. "He seems to know you... What a weirdo, maybe is a stalker."
"Shit, it is a stalker!" I take a step back.
"W-What?! You seriously don't remember me?! We have fought many times, and you have w-we are tied!" He points at me.
He is probably an adventurer I trampled repeatedly in the game for rare items. I seriously cannot remember who he is.
"I am sure you were about to say I won every time," I ask.
"Subtle as always, my dear rival!" He holds his crossbow up and a knife in his other hand. "Now, get ready to-!"
"Okay, what is going on over there!" Aurelia screams.
"Waaaahhhhh!" I hear the guards scream.
Then I hear fire.
Aurelia appears to be flying behind me and gets on the roof with us, holding an unconscious guard.
"Oi, boss. You were here. You disappeared, and I was not sure where you went. By the way, we owe a new tapestry in the church."
"I told you not to cause problems!"
"Don't worry! I will pay you by taking your virginity!"
I feel the shame going up my neck. "What?! Two things! Don't say that, and I am not a virgin!"
"Oh? Really?" She smirks.
"Stop ignoring me!" the adventurer screams.
Oh, right, he is here. But Aurelia is now in the picture. He is-
"Okay, have luck in your duel, boss! I support you!"
"You lazy fucker!"
"Hahahaha! It would not be a fair duel if we used summons and pets!" the adventurer says.
I hate my life. I have no idea if I can beat him in my current state. In the game, I can see NPC levels. Here, I have no idea.
"Karina must buff you, and you have a big chance." Karina suddenly says. "Tell her to do it."
"Huh?"
"His power is not that big; it is over yours, but with Aurelia's buffs, you can take on him."
So she can see that?
"Aurelia."
"Cheating!" She answers.
"Not in my current state!" I answer.
She rolls her eyes and then casts her buffs on me. If he wants a duel in these circumstances, he will have it.