A Journey That Changed The World

Archer spent hours with his daughters as Ravena peacefully slept, and the other two needed rest, so he ushered them into the comfortable bed seconds later. They all cuddled up to him, bellies full and happy expressions on their faces. He lay there with the girls as the Terravian armies went wild looking for him.

He internally chuckled before falling into a deep sleep as the wind rocked the tent as it got through the shield he set up. By the time he woke up many hours later, he felt refreshed, but none of the Broodmaw or Venomwings were there, causing his eyebrows to rise, thinking. ‘What’s going on here?’

Following that, Archer climbed out of bed and stood in front of the nearest window, watching the wind cause chaos outside. A whistling noise echoed out, but that’s when he sensed his monsters, fighting at the bottom of the mountain. Dozens of creepy humanoids tried to sneak up on the camp, only to be attacked.

The Broodmaws tore them apart with ease, blood covering the ground. ”Serves them right,” he muttered.

Archer stepped into the dimly lit kitchen, the cold air seeping through the cracks in the tent walls like an unwelcome guest, making him mutter. ”Damn weather, it’s always cold nowadays, I can’t wait until the summer arrives.”

The fire in the nearby hearth had turned into a faint glow, casting long shadows across the wooden counters and the array of mugs stacked on the shelf. He shivered slightly, rubbing his arms for warmth, and pulled out some tea from his Item Box that he’d collected over the years.

Selecting a pouch of the strongest, he decided it would do nicely to chase away the cold that nipped at his bones. With ease, he filled the pot using magic. He set it on the stove, striking a match to coax the flame to life; its blue heart flickered hungrily before settling into a steady burn.

As the water began to hum toward a boil, Archer arranged a teapot on the counter, scooping in a handful of the leaves. The smell bloomed almost immediately, a whisper of sweetness that mingled with the scent of last night’s dinner. It was in this quiet ritual that he heard the soft patter of bare feet behind him.

Turning slightly, Archer glanced over his shoulder to see Kela slipping into the room, her grey skin catching the firelight like polished slate under moonlight, causing him to think. ‘Damn, she looks so much like Hecate.’

The girl’s expression was full of quiet curiosity, her wide red eyes framed by a tousle of white curls that framed her face like a wild halo. The cold air had brought a flush to her cheeks, turning them a deeper shade of grey, and she wrapped her arms around herself as she approached, muttering. ”It’s so cold in here.”

Spotting her father, Kela’s face lit up with unbridled delight, her eyes sparkling like stars reflected on a still pond. She beamed up at him, the expression so pure and radiant that it melted away the last remnants of the chill from his heart. ”What are you making, Papa?” she asked.

Before he could answer, she tilted her head, inhaling deeply, her nostrils flaring at the scent of the tea. ”It smells like… like the meadows after the rain, but warmer.”

Archer chuckled, the sound rumbling low in his chest. He ruffled her curls affectionately. ”Some tea, little wanderer,” he replied.

A smile appeared on his face as he explained. ”Chamomile and mint, perfect for warding off this sneaky frost that’s trying to sneak in through the windows. Want some?”

Kela nodded, her curls bouncing with the motion, a spark of excitement lighting her features as if he’d offered her the moon itself. ”Yes, please! With honey, if you have any? The kind that makes everything feel like a hug.”

”Of course,” Archer agreed, his smile broadening as he watched her perch on the edge of a stool, her small feet swinging idly above the floor.

The kettle whistled then, a shrill cry that cut through the kitchen, and he lifted it carefully from the heat, pouring the steaming water over the leaves in the pot. Steam rose in lazy curls. He let it steep for a moment, the liquid deepening in color, before straining a cup for himself and another for her.

From the Item Box, he spooned in a blob of honey, its sweetness mixing into the brew. Handing the cup over with both hands, as if presenting a sacred offering, Archer met her gaze. ”Here we go, Kela. Careful now, it’s hot but it’ll warm you right through to your toes. I hope you enjoy it.”

She cradled the mug close, her grey fingers wrapping around its warmth as she blew gently on the surface, sending ripples across the amber surface. Sipping tentatively at first, then with growing enthusiasm, Kela let out a happy noise, eyes fluttering shut for a blissful second. ”It’s perfect, Papa. Just like you said. Thank you.”

Following that, the two of them drank tea together as the girl glanced at him and admitted. ”I’m going to miss our time here, it’s been good to see how you were at this age.”

Archer nodded in understanding. ”I’m sure I’m still the same but older,” he said.

Kela giggled. ”And moodier when the others play tricks on you,” she revealed. ”The boys love their jokes.”

They continued talking until Ravena and Freya joined them. The redhead stretched, letting out a loud yawn as the eldest shook her head, giggling at her sister. Archer loved the way they got on and was pleased that they were raised well. After some time together, the girls had to return.

Freya glanced at him, frowning. ”We need to head back, I heard the warning bell, meaning it’s close to my limit.”

Archer stood up and hugged each one, making them beam before he said his farewells. ”It was good spending time together, I enjoyed your company and can’t wait to meet you at this age once again.”

They reveled in his attention and rushed through the portal that Freya opened not so long ago. It was as blue as her eyes, but the white-haired girl looked at him. ”See you soon, father.”

Seconds later, the portal shook and then vanished, leaving Archer utterly alone in the vast Terravian world. The air hummed with the echo of his eldest daughter’s magic. It was a bittersweet trace, it only deepened the hollow ache in his chest. He let out a sigh, the sound barely audible over the distant rumble of thunder.

Setting the tea aside with a soft clink, he rose to his feet, his broad frame casting a long shadow across the trampled earth floor. There was no time for sentiment; the mission pressed on him like an iron yoke. The enemy fortress mountains still dotted the landscape like tumors.

He had to destroy them, one by one, raze their walls to the ground beneath, all so he could claw his way back home. Back to the hearth fires, the laughter of his children, the quiet strength of his wives waiting back in Draconia. Moments later, he began to pack away the tent.

Archer sent it back to the Item Box which he had always found useful. The air grew thick with anticipation as he stepped out into the open, the Terravian night sky unfolding above him like a scene of swirling auroras and distant stars. Drawing a deep breath, he closed his eyes for a heartbeat.

After flying for sometime, he came close to the nearest mountain that tried to attack him but his Anti Magic blocked most. He cast a shield around himself, forcing the enemy projectiles bounced off like it was nothing. Explosions erupted on the ground below sending the swarm fleeing in all directions.

Following that, Archer cast a powerful Mana Blast into the mountain causing one of the bunkers to explode. Black stone and dirt flew everywhere as the Terravian’s tried to fight back but were wiped out by his deadly magic. He continued attacking the enemy positions until nothing was left.

In the wake of that triumph, he unleashed a storm of fury upon the mountains, shattering the Terravian realm with waves of chaos that rippled across the land. Only when he stormed the final fortress did he sense the god who had lured him into this forsaken domain, only to get excited at the prospect of fighting the being.

Just then, Archer moved to the side as a green beam sliced through the position he was just hovering in. His smile grew wide when seeing the Terravian God flying toward him and tried to throw a punch at his head. He dodged the strike and lashed out with his tail, sending the enemy flying back.

More explosion echoed around him as the fortress tried to attack him but it was useless once he cast a shield, blocking everything. This gave Archer the time to fight the God in a one versus one.