Tiffany Hu tightened up the laces of her leather boots, double knotting them so they wouldn't loosen. The last time they had gone out on a goblin subjugation, her lace loosened and one of the green little imps caught it.

Drake had saved her with that fake smile on his face. He was the only one enjoying this shithole of a fantasy land out of all of them.

Yumi had cried multiple nights in a row, confiding with her about wanting to see her parents. They must've been worried, looking for her, probably even made a police report about it. Though Drake, the asshole, didn't even care about going back.

Then there was Alexander, whose last name wasn't even Macedon. He had that constant glare at Drake. It's not like any of them were competing. This was supposed to be a team, except they were missing a mage.

[Name: Tiffany Hu]

[Mana: 120/120]

[Attribute Points: 0]

[Tenacity: 12]

[Perception: 34]

[Dexterity: 25]

[Aura: 10]

[Mana Heart: 12]

[Mana Brain: 5]

[Total Prowess: 50]

[Talents: Eagle Eye, Range Master]

They had a knight, a spearman, a priestess, and an archer. Drake was currently at 56, Alexander was at 51, Yumi was at 47. The King let it slip that there was supposed to be a 5th who would've had a mage talent. It was obvious who that was.

Did her low 20 prowess really matter when she would be in the rear, protected by everyone? To Tiffany, this made no sense. Even if her personality wasn't good, it's not like any of theirs were any better.

It's only been over a month, and the problem was, no one told them how they were fairing in terms of progress. They had nothing to compare to, and the King kept telling them that they needed to work harder to catch up to the ordinary warriors of this world. Each of them only earned about 1 gold each for their 'performance' since they arrived along with other paid expenses.

The only benchmark they had was that monster, Klaus. Alizia said he was part of the Rankers at a monstrous 414 prowess. Even with all four of them teamed up, they couldn't get him to take a step back from his stationary position. He was aiming for becoming part of the legends, those that breach through 500 prowess.

Turning her head to the side, she saw the barracks that they lived in. Decrepit, barely maintained as they had to clean it out the first day they were given the room. The King said something about how they'd be allowed better quarters once they proved themselves after the first dungeon expedition.

What's the plan, Tiffany? She slouched forward, looking down at her feet as she breathed slowly. Surviving was the only plan. They were supposed to go on their first 'expedition' today. Princess Alizia told them that Klaus and the Crown Prince would accompany them.

That was their reason anyway. Tiffany believed none of it. It was all a ruse to keep a tight hold on their chains.

Only good thing was that she had no one to go back to. Her foster parents never cared whether she was outside until late at night for a part-time job. Didn't even offer to pick her up at the McDonald's just 10 minutes away. A high schooler in the current world where people just magically disappear. Now she knew why though, it was all literally magic.

"Tiffany, are you still here?" Yumi's voice came from outside. Opening the rickety door, she looked at Tiffany with those big brown eyes.

All of them no longer wore their school uniforms. Yumi had robes that were meant to look like they were for a priestess, yet designed in a way that made her hips and bosom stand out. Tiffany also wore the leather armour and cloth pants that were tight-fitting.

They had decent padding, and it was enough, but Tiffany seriously questioned the design choices on the priestess outfit. Yumi had never even worn such tight clothing before this.

"Yeah, what's wrong?" Tiffany asked.

"Princess Alizia called for us at the training grounds reception," Yumi said.

"I'll be there in a bit."

Yumi nodded, turning around and leaving the door open.

Stretching her back while moaning, Tiffany stood up and grabbed her bow from atop her bed. For a moment, she remembered the callouses she had earned from using the bow. Yumi healed all of their hands every day.

Turning towards the door, she exited the barracks room they were assigned to and entered the corridor. Walking to the end, she climbed down the steps and entered the training field. Once there, she crossed the field that led to another building. Through the corridors, she turned at the double doors just halfway to the end and entered the reception area of the Royal Castle's training grounds.

In the room, Yumi, Alexander, and Drake sat on the left side while the right side had King Reinglas, Princess Alizia, and Klaus. Tiffany stood behind the Victorian sofa beside Yumi and behind the two boys who were seated.

Assholes.

"Now that everyone's here, let's start the meeting," King Reinglas said. "In the current month, there will be changes to your current pay."

"What changes?" Tiffany asked.

Drake flinched at her question, turning around to give her a look that said 'knock it off'.

"The current supplies to go to the labyrinth will be subtracted directly from your current month's pay. Calculating that you'll need to take the labyrinth down to the 40th sub-floor, it would require at least 40 days' worth of gold, assuming the team is able to go down a floor every day."

At 200 gold per month, which would mean around 22 gold for 40 days and assuming a 100% performance rating. And as of now, they've gotten only 1 gold due to performance and other 'expenditure' the King tacked on. It could very well mean that they weren't getting anything this month.

"And what if we don't?"

"Tiffany, it's fine," Drake said, gritting his teeth.

Tiffany didn't bother looking at him. Her eyes continued to stare down the King, who had started showing a disgusting smile that seemed to lick her body. Though maybe it was just her imagination. He hadn't done anything so far yet, and even though the terms were harsh, they did provide food and shelter for free as stated by Princess Alizia.

"I apologize, heroes, but our kingdom currently needs to be strict with its gold due to the corrupted lands of the north. We'll subtract the gold from your pay. Experienced warriors will need to travel to sub-floors to deliver the supplies. If that is too difficult to accept, we'll try to make amends in a different manner in the future," Reinglas said.

Just before the King was about to bow, Drake stopped him and put on his classic fake smile. "Do not apologize, my King. We understand the hardship of the kingdom during times of duress. We shall not fail you and make haste to down to the 40th sub floor of the labyrinth."

Tiffany wanted to barf right then.

"Thank you, hero Drake," King Reinglas said, earning a large ecstatic smile from Drake.

"It's our pleasure, my King. However, may I be allowed a question?"

"By all means, hero Drake."

"May I ask what the labyrinth is?" Drake asked.

Finally, he asked something smart. It was obvious that it was to increase their prowess through harder training, but no one has yet told them what the hell the labyrinth was.

Princess Alizia cleared her throat. "The dungeon you'll go to is the Loomlight Grand Labyrinth. It has existed since even before the Dragus Kingdom, in the western range of the Hadstead Mountains. It contains many treasures and valuable materials to augment and enhance the progress of your prowess. The monsters inside are much harder than those that live in the overworld, earning you attribute points faster."

From the side of her eyes, Tiffany could see the gleam and excitement in Drake's eyes. Alexander had his fist clenched as he stared at something out the window after hearing what he had just said. Yumi moved closer to her, looking down, suppressing what could become a panic attack.

They already had a hard time fighting goblins and night howlers that roamed outside the Dragus Royal Capital's walls. Facing even stronger and more horrific monsters was suicide. There had to be a reason why they were pushing so hard.

"Is there something going on outside? New threats to Dragus?" Tiffany asked.

"Tiffany! Your question was uncalled for!" Drake yelled.

"It's fine, hero Drake. It seems hero Tiffany has caught on," King Reinglas said.

"Caught on?" Drake asked.

"Pandor has completed gathering their materials for their own grand summoning. Their ways are odd as their citizens are subdued by fear. It allows them to pool all their resources into their heroes without caring about the needs of their citizens," King Reinglas said.

Shifting her weight, Tiffany's shoulder bumped into Yumi's trembling shoulder. Placing a hand on her shoulder seemed to have calmed her down, though that didn't seem to distract her from the stupidity that Drake just muttered.

She couldn't take any information from the royalty in front of them seriously. Their only point of reference was literally their words. They weren't even allowed to go to the library due to 'not having a mage' in their group.

Even then, it was doubtful that they would ever be allowed in the royal library.

"What does that have to do with us?" Tiffany asked.

"Tiffany, does it matter to ask your questions? We have to go anyway," Alexander said.

"It does. Rushing us to a labyrinth that dangerous just after a month of training is reckless."

"I do assure you, it will not be as Klaus here will be your guide, hero Tiffany," Princess Alizia said.

Standing up suddenly, Klaus placed a fist on his chest. "It will be my honour to serve the heroes that shall slay the corruption in the future!"

"Calm down, Klaus. Do not scare the heroes," King Reinglas waved him to sit back down.

"I apologize, heroes," Klaus said as he sat back down.

"There is also one more person that will be going with you," Princess Alizia said. "My older brother, the Crown Prince, a ranker with the prowess of 387."

"Amazing," Drake stood up and saluted in the same way as Klaus. "We pay our respects to the king for giving us such guidance and protection while we train."

Tiffany wanted to call him an idiot right there.

A single horse galloping could be heard through the windows of the reception, though it seemed Princess Alizia's smile became more forced rather than her usual demeanor, Tiffany noted.

"Shall we go see my brother?" Princess Alizia said.

The whole group left through the double doors of the reception room. Turning right to the corridor, they exited the building and entered the training courtyard. At the centre of the field was a man in shining white armour, embedded with multiple blue-green gems everywhere on the joints, from wrist, elbow, ankles, knees, chest, and neck.

"Brother, how has your travel been?" Princess Alizia asked.

The man ignored her, walking past and standing in front of Drake, with Alexander, Yumi, and Tiffany behind. Kneeling down, he took off his full helmet to reveal flowing white hair and a soft smile that felt sincere even to Tiffany.

"Summoned heroes from the beyond, this humble one's name is Haestus Reinglas, the Crown Prince of Dragus. It is an honour to meet you all," the man said.

Drake took him by the shoulder and stood him up. "You need not kneel to us, my crown prince. I am Drake Hasslecroft. We have taken the oath to rid your world of the corrupted lands. That is all we wish for, not glory nor fame."

Tiffany's fist suddenly clenched, wanting to hit this idiot who said so much cringe. Even Yumi hid her face with her hands as her face behind clearly scrunched up at hearing what Drake just said.

"Then let us not make waste of our time and start our journey to the Grand Labyrinth," Haestus said.

"Brother, I suggest taking the afternoon to rest—"

"I understand your concern, Alizia. However, we must make haste. The grand summoning of Pandor is just around the corner. We cannot afford to have our citizens suffer through their tyranny!" Haestus said. "I assume the supply line has been fixed already?"

"Yes, brother. The porters have been loaded and are outside the northern capital gates."

"Excellent," Haestus said, turning to the King. "Father, please allow me to depart at once towards the labyrinth."

Reinglas slightly puffed his chest out, placing his hand on Haestus' shoulder. "You may depart at once, my son."

Haestus turned around. "Heroes, mount your horses. We shall head to the northern gates."

Tiffany and the others walked over to the stable just at the side of the training grounds. Mounting the white and black patterned horse she had grown to like, she led it out of the stable and back to the grounds.

It took her only a couple of days to get the hang of being on the horse and sprinting at full speed. Her talent as a range master could've played a role in it, but she didn't quite know how. There was no time to test the abilities of talents, and the only description of the talent after tapping on it was vague.

[Range Master: host's learning proficiency of any range related combat activities will be increased significantly]

Apparently, horses were a combat activity. The others should also have their own talents, yet none of them seemed to have increased their proficiency in horse riding as fast as hers. The two boys didn't tell her their own talents; only Yumi did.

Surprisingly, she had 3 talents, Big Heart, Halo Effect, and Soft Touch. In summary, all three had increased her proficiency in any healing type of activity and/or increased the effect of healing. It was unfortunate, though. She had no combat talents, and that showed when they had to fight the goblins in the training grounds.

Only reason why Tiffany had the goblin catch her boot laces was due to needing to peel off the goblins chasing Yumi. Imagine that kind of chaos when facing horrors much larger and stronger than goblins, and this whole labyrinth thing was about to become a recipe for disaster.

Moving along the streets of Dragus behind the Crown Prince, Tiffany was just behind him while Drake, Alexander, and Yumi closely followed. At the rear was Klaus, just a couple of horse lengths away from Yumi. Drake kept trying to speed up but would stumble when he got too close side by side with her horse.

Arriving at the northern capital gates, in front of them was the caravan with tarped up boxes and supplies. There were exactly four carriages that filled to the brim with boxes.

"Are we ready, men?" Haestus asked.

"Yes, my prince. We're ready to depart any time," Klaus said, moving his horse over to the front.

"Good. How long until the base of the mountain?"

"About half a day. From there, should we not encounter monsters nor need to repair our carts, it'll take about 5 days to get to the Loomlight Grand Labyrinth at the western mountain path."

"Is that also accounted for in the payment, or is the kingdom paying for that part where we're not in the labyrinth yet?" Tiffany asked.

"I apologize, hero...?"

"Tiffany."

"Hero Tiffany. I do not know the arrangement between you and my little sister." Haestus turned around and waved at the four coachmen. "Your prowess progress is of utmost important, regardless of costs."

A non answer. Whatever. Tiffany already knew that was coming. This man was also playing politics, just trying to keep himself neutral to make himself look good to all parties.

The caravan soon moved and progressed towards the foot of the mountain. Farmlands and small towns passed by as they moved. People all around moved out of the way while saluting the Crown Prince.

Drake came over beside her and whispered to her, "Tiffany, just shut your mouth. We're already getting a lot out of this deal."

"What do you mean deal?" Tiffany rolled her eyes. "We're getting shit for everything we're doing. My back hurts from sleeping on that cot."

Alexander came over next along with Yumi. "Drake's right on this. There's nothing else we can do. I heard rumours that said the bitch that got summoned with us is now just screaming her lungs out in the southern bandit camp."

"What does that mean?" Yumi asked.

"Don't ask, Yumi. You don't wanna know," Tiffany said.

"I was just asking..."

"Look, the stronger we get, the better they'll treat us. That's the hero's journey. Isn't that obvious?" Drake said.

"This isn't a book, idiot," Tiffany said.

"And what would you have us do?" Alexander asked.

"We could've taken that 100 gold and just lived off the land and grown stronger patiently than whatever the hell this is."

"Shhhh. They'll hear you."

"It's fine. They're talking amongst themselves," Tiffany said, watching Haestus and Klaus talk.

"Earth to Tiffany, we're all high school students from downtown Toronto. How are we going to 'live off the land'?" Alexander said.

"Maybe we could figure it out?" Yumi muttered.

"No."

"You guys aren't thinking shit. If we got 400 gold, all of us, we could've lived comfortably. All of us."

"The King said that 100 gold was only 1 year's worth of money. 400 ain't jack when it's all of us," Drake said.

"Do you really believe 100 gold is only 1 year's worth?"

"Yes. What else do we have to go off?"

"We only got 1 gold last month, and they don't even let us use it. Think with your brains, idiots."

"Guys, I think we should stop fighting..." Yumi whispered.

"I'm just saying, what data point are we going off of when we don't even know how much 1 gold is really worth? Why tell us that 100 gold was exactly 1 year's worth of money?"

Drake glared at her, unable to answer.

It didn't matter though. Tiffany knew she was right.

"Is money all that matters to you, huh Tiffany?" Drake asked. "No wonder you stay out so late at night."

"The fuck you mean by that?"

"You know what I meant."

"Guys, stop fighting. Otherwise, I won't heal you," Yumi said.

"Fine. Fuck you, Drake," Tiffany said, turning away from him. Ego driven idiot shit fuck.

"Hmph," Drake moved his horse in front of Tiffany, who was then forced to slow down.

Whatever. They were on this track now. There was no chance that the King would give them that choice again anyway.

Looking up at the Hadstead mountain range, they arrived at the base of the mountain. But before they could enter the mountain path, the caravan stopped. A bandit looking thug wearing fur with leather armour stepped forward from what looked like... a highway toll? Two other bandits were working on a signpost by the side that had not yet been put up.

"Excuse me, travellers. The road ahead has a toll payment of 40 copper per cart, 25 copper per horse, and 15 copper per person walking on foot," the bandit said.

"Hm?" Haestus stepped forward. "I've heard the bandits charge an enormous amount. Is it really that cheap?"

Tiffany caught the word 'cheap'. Still, even though this was only one data point, she couldn't rely on Haestus's definition of cheap. Even back on Earth, the rich people thought that a box of cereal was $100. It was the first hard evidence against the notion that 100 gold is 1 year's worth of living. She needed more.

Could the woman, Alex, have been just smarter than them? She took the gold, and she had complete confidence in her choices... No. It can't be. She had no basis for why to take the 100 gold. It was obvious the brash woman ran on emotions.

"Yes, Crown Prince. The purpose of the toll is for the maintenance, upkeep, and extension of the road ahead."

Haestus tilted his head to check the path beyond. Tiffany did the same. Ahead of them was what looked like an orange-bricked road that was smoother than even the one in Dragus capital. The travel from the capital to here had no paved roads at all, just rough dirt paths that made the carts bounce up and down at certain points in the rougher areas.

"I see, the bandits have created a just cause for their toll," Haestus said.

He fished out something from the bag tied to his horse, a pouch. Pulling out 4 silver, he gave it to the bandit below. The bandit pulled out his own pouch and took out 90 copper coins, giving them back to Haestus.

"I would've killed you right there had you not given me my change, bandit."

"Never, Crown Prince. Us bandits have turned a new and now running good business.'" the bandit stepped aside. "Please pass through the gates. Please enjoy your travel and may her Grace light your path."

Tiffany's head snapped to the bandit. A phrase of worship? That could be their way out of this mess. But how? She was stuck with these idiots, wanting to keep living a path that a liar had paved for them. If churches existed in this world, they could be accepted as refugees.

As long as they were still alive, they could build themselves back up if only... she turned her eyes to Drake. This asshole needed to listen. There was a way out.

The Crown Prince waved everyone and the caravan continued through the mountain path. Compared to before, the bricked road was much smoother than the rough dirt paths, making it also easier on the horses. The carts no longer bounced as well which would've prevented even more 'expenditure'.

Klaus slowed down to meet Drake at the front of the hero group. "Heroes, the gods have smiled upon us. The bandits have built a road, and our travel hastens. We shall arrive at the convergence point in a day's time."

"That is indeed good news, Sir Klaus. The faster we get to the labyrinth, the faster we can get ahead of Pandor's tyranny."

"Well said, hero Drake. Well said."

Tiffany rolled her eyes. Idiot.

☕︎ ☼ ☕︎ ☽ ☕︎

Alex sat on her usual fur covered throne by the town hall, now renamed 'City Hall'. Beside her were Aurora and Grey. Aurora was pouring a hot cup of Cafe Mocha onto her teacup while Grey had a scroll sheet out.

"My Lady, the single day we opened our tolls, we earned 1 silver and 94 copper, and today is supposed to be a slow day for merchants and travellers due to Pandor's events."

Hearing Grey say that her company's liquid cash just grew almost made Alex moan. The pleasure of their first sustainable revenue stream washed over her and she wanted more. When people got used to the roads, that's when she'd strike. Increase the toll prices, and they could do nothing about it.

Most of all, that revenue won't even compare to the money she was going to make from coffee and sugar.

"Good job, Grey," Alex took the teacup from Aurora and took a sip of her liquid gold, Cafe Mocha. "How long till North Star is finished construction?"

"It still has 1 week left till its major construction is finished. After that, it'll take another week for the interior to be completed exactly as the Lady envisioned."

"Good. And Aurora, what about your new types of crops?"

"I'm currently in the testing phase of a couple of plants that will provide a 'crunchy taste' to our crushed ice version of our coffees that My Lady has named 'Frappuccinos'. I have not yet found a specimen that gave me adequate crunch and becomes too soft when soaked for too long."

"What about the milk?"

"For dairy, it is currently at a small scale. The current Highland Minobis are not suited for milking at a commercial scale. With crossbreeding, it's possible to get a Minobi that will produce much more milk while being able to survive in high altitude," Aurora said, picking up a second teapot on the table. "Would you like to try the Lenar milk?"

"Sure," Alex held out her own teacup, allowing Aurora to pour just enough to lighten the Cafe Mocha's colour into something that looked like chocolate milk. Taking a sip, the note that hit her tongue tasted the same as oat milk, and it was great.

Smiling at Aurora, she said, "Thank you, Aurora. Have the 'Lenar' milk as an option creamer for coffees in our menu."

"As you wish, my Lady."

Grey cleared his throat. "My Lady, there are rumours of a grand summoning that will soon happen within Pandor's Capital's walls."

"Huh? What's that?"

"Heroes will be called forth from another world who shall then slay the corrupted lands to the north."

"Why does it matter to me?"

"I fear that they may disrupt the business as Pandor and Dragus usually compete. Wars usually occur when both kingdoms summon heroes in a similar time frame as each other. I'm afraid since Dragus' summoning just happened over a month ago, then war is soon on the horizon."

"Sure, whatever," Alex said.

That could disrupt business if Grey was to only look at it from a logistics point of view. But in war, coffee made a critical difference between two opposing armies. The army that didn't have it would lose due to their soldiers being less effective. Alex smiled. This shit was about to get good. Armies themselves could be one of the bigger customers of coffee.

War didn't matter as long as it didn't interrupt her operations. Let both sides fight for the sake of her own profit margins.

Suddenly, a commotion occurred outside city hall. Loud murmurs could be heard through the open door as per Alex's 'open door policy'. Standing up from her bandit throne, she walked outside, followed by Aurora and Grey.

Turning her attention to the northeast, she saw a pearlescent column of light from far away, punching through the skies beyond. She couldn't exactly see where it came from as it was covered by the mountains, but Alex was sure enough that it had the same colour as the summoning circle that had kidnapped her.

When the column of light faded, Alex felt the presence, the signature of an Early-Arcane (6th step of Earth's Awakened Standards, the highest before Transcendent). It was distinct, and she knew exactly who it was.

Witch Raven.