The Elven Kingdom faded behind them.
Lira walked casually, hands in her pockets.
Kael followed silently, keeping a careful eye on her.
Behind them, Prince Eldarin puffed up proudly, holding his chest as if the entire journey was his coronation.
"…Do you realize," he began, voice booming, "that following me—me—will bring us glory beyond imagining? All kingdoms shall tremble in my presence!"
Kael groaned.
"…You've been following her for hours, and your presence hasn't impressed anyone yet," he muttered.
Lira looked back, chewing happily.
"…Good," she said, "carry food."
The prince blinked.
"…Food?"
She tossed him a half-empty ramen container.
"…You said carry. Now carry."
His cheeks flushed red, but he obeyed.
Pride didn't die easily, but it could be bent when noodles were involved.
The road stretched endlessly. Mountains loomed. Rivers cut through valleys. Forests whispered.
And in every shadow lurked the memory of the Demon King's forces.
After three days of walking, the group reached the next kingdom.
Stone walls rose high against the sky.
Smoke drifted from rooftops.
And the sound of metal clashing filled the air.
"…Dwarven Kingdom," Kael said quietly.
"Looks like they didn't get the memo."
A group of dwarven soldiers charged forward, axes swinging.
Their armor gleamed under the sun.
Prince Eldarin drew himself up.
"…Finally! A chance to show my worth!"
He dashed forward dramatically, sword glinting.
Kael pinched his nose again.
"…Not helping."
Lira smirked.
"…Good," she said, cracking her knuckles.
She stepped forward.
One foot. Two foot.
And the air itself seemed to quake.
"…Oh no," whispered the dwarves.
"…It's her…"
The ground cracked as she ran.
Axes swung, arrows flew.
But nothing slowed her down.
Lira's fist connected with the first line of defense.
BOOM.
The soldiers flew back like ragdolls.
Prince Eldarin raised his sword, voice booming:
"Stand aside! I shall prove my glory!"
Kael muttered:
"…I'll believe it when you're not carried along by her after one punch."
Lira glanced back at the prince.
"…Good. Carrying is fun."
And so the group—Kael, Lira, and the ever-boastful Prince Eldarin—entered the Dwarven Kingdom.
Chaos awaited.
Glory awaited.
And noodles… probably awaited too.
To Be Continued…