Gabriella's bedroom was dimly lit.

The soft morning sun cast a warm glow through the curtains, easing away the night's chill.

Gabriella sat up on a plush bed, tangled in silk sheets. The air was thick with the scent of perfumes and remnants of a night spent in passion. A woman with tousled auburn hair lay beside her, her eyes heavy with exhaustion and desire.

"Gabby~ Come back to bed," the woman murmured, reaching out to trace her fingers along Gabriella's bare shoulder.

Gabriella's golden eyes flickered open, the remnants of dreams fading. She met the woman's gaze with a slight smile.

"I can't, love. Duty calls."

"Ugh," Clara groaned. The sheets were pulled down as Gabriella gracefully slid out of bed, revealing shapely, perky breasts that practically begged for Gabriella to come back and feel them. "Surely, the city won't fall apart just because you're slightly late one morning?"

"The mere chance that it could is reason enough for me to have to go."

"Come back soon, at least."

"Of course."

Gabriella exited the room with a quick, purposeful stride, the cool air meeting her exposed skin.

Collecting her scattered clothes strewn across the floor, all laid out in a trail leading up to the bedroom door that hinted at the… hasty turn that last night took.

A black dress, elegant and form-fitting, was the first to find its place around her slender figure. Next came her heels, clicking softly against the polished floor as she moved towards the ornate vanity.

With a practiced hand, she brushed her long, blonde hair, letting it fall like a cascade of liquid gold down her back. Her reflection in the mirror showed a woman of both strength and allure.

A sorceress whose beauty belied the power that flowed within her veins, though the subtle glow of her sunny eyes was almost enough to tell that secret to any who met her.

Gabriella Deathwind

Level: 100

MP: 1000/1000

EXP: 10000/10000

---

Attributes:

Strength: 40

Endurance: 50

Dexterity: 50

Agility: 60

Wisdom: 100

---

Skills:

Elemental Mastery - Level 10

{Masterful control over fire, water, earth, and air elements. Can unleash devastating magical effects through the use of these elements individually or the combination of them to create new effects and abilities.}

Arcane Enchantments - Level 10 {Imbues objects with magical properties, enhancing weapons and armor. Creates protective wards and barriers.}

Mana Detection - Level 10

{Detects all nearby lifeforms by sensing their mana. Can roughly guess the hidden potential individuals possess.}

Telekinesis - Level 10

{Mastery over moving objects with the mind.}

Time Manipulation - Level 10

{Can slow or speed up one's self, or others.}

Astral Projection - Level 10

{Projects consciousness beyond the physical realm. Can scout areas, or communicate with ethereal remnants.}

—

Spells:

Infernal Surge - 100 MP

{Unleashes a torrent of intense flames, scorching enemies in the vicinity.}

Stone Sanctuary - 70 MP

{Summons earthen constructs to shield Gabriella from attacks or create barriers.}

Gale Force - 60 MP

{Summons powerful winds to repel enemies or enhance movement speed.}

Healing Wave - 80 MP

{Radiates a healing, aquatic energy in an area, restoring vitality to allies and mending wounds.}

Chrono Twist - 90 MP

{Temporarily alters time around Gabriella, allowing for heightened reflexes or slowing down adversaries.}

Astral Beacon - 40 MP

{Creates an ethereal light to guide her astral projections or reveal hidden truths.}

A knock on the door interrupted the quiet hum of her morning rituals.

Gabriella turned towards the entrance, her senses alert.

She approached the door with a confident stride, the heels punctuating her every step, but she was also cautious. It wouldn't be the first time she was attacked just as she got out of bed.

Before opening the door, Gabriella took a deep breath, centering herself. In a subtle shift, her physical form remained by the entrance while her consciousness seamlessly detached.

Her astral form floated out from an open window nearby, undetected by the man on the other side. Transparent and ethereal, Gabriella observed the surroundings. She saw the man, the lively streets behind him empty.

With a mental note of assurance, Gabriella retracted her astral self, merging seamlessly back into her physical body.

She sighed deeply, though.

[I would have preferred it if it had been an enemy.]

Confident, however, that the situation was indeed as presented, she opened the door to face the man in elaborate, golden armor.

"Gabriella, good morning."

"Morning." 

"The council awaits your presence. The… situation is becoming dire," he announced, his tone grave.

[Of course, it is.]

Gabriella nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and concern.

"I'll be there shortly." The door closed with a soft click.

Gabriella had been hoping things wouldn't come to this. But, this storm didn't seem like it would be changing its course.

---

The council chamber was adorned with ancient tapestries, depicting the valor of heroes long past. A large, circular table dominated the center, surrounded by high-backed chairs occupied by Gelmora's most esteemed leaders and advisors.

Gabriella opened the doors well before her hands even got close to them, her presence commanding attention.

Eyes followed her as she moved through the room. Respect, fear, jealousy, hatred, adoration, raw lust. The reactions were almost an amalgamation of Gabriella's entire life up until this point. 

She took her seat at the back end of the table, opposite the head of the table, the engraved emblem of the council, a horse rising before the dawn, glinting in the dim light.

The council members, a diverse assembly of warriors, mages, and diplomats, turned their attention toward Gabriella. An air of urgency hung over the room, accentuated by the flickering candles and hushed murmurs.

"I didn't think I was running late and yet, you're all here. What have you been discussing?" Gabriella asked. 

"Well, first of all, we appreciate your promptness. We have dire news," announced Lord Lerone, a seasoned war general with graying hair and a stern countenance.

Gabriella inclined her head, her golden eyes focused.

"Just tell me what has transpired."

Councilor Seraphine, a wise mage with intricate runes etched on her robes, spoke next.

"The demonic advance has breached the outer defenses. They're closing in on the Marshes. We've lost contact with the northern outposts, and reports indicate the demons are growing in both numbers and strength."

A murmur of concern rippled through the room. Gabriella's expression remained resolute, but a fire burned in her eyes.

"How did this happen? We just fortified our defenses after the last incursion."

Lord Lerone sighed heavily. "It seems the demons have found a way to bypass our wards and magical barriers. Their coordination is unlike anything we've faced before. We suspect they're being led by a powerful demon lord... one that is out of our capability to take on." 

[Ahh... I see.] Admittedly, Gabriella had seen this coming. [I suppose it was only a matter of time.]

Councilor Seraphine added:

"We need your expertise, Gabriella. Your mastery over the elements and your strategic mind is the best shot we have at halting this invasion before it reaches the capital," she stated, her voice carrying a note of urgency.

Gabriella considered this for a moment. She tapped her index finger against the wood, each light thud echoing in the silent chamber. 

A wry smile played on her lips.

"Ah, my expertise... I'm willing to give it," she nodded slowly. "You know... If you can afford it." 

Some people at the table dared to look shocked and infuriated at that statement. That only spurred Gabriella forward. 

"I understand, I understand. We must rally our forces, strengthen our defenses, and find a way to repel this demonic horde. If we do not, the enemy will reach us and it will all be doomed anyway. However, I can't help but think about something... What happens if not all is doomed?" She asked. "Then, I will have single-handedly - let's be honest, your troops would mostly be there for moral support - saved this entire world and... What? Is a bit of gold all I can expect to get for it?" 

"We will reward you to the best of our ability," someone said. Gabriella didn't even bother looking at them. "But, well, Ms. Deathwind, you understand that times are tough, right?" 

"Of course, I do. But, I think what I'm going to ask for is all reasonable. After all, the market value for a level 100 sorceress has skyrocketed recently! I'm thinking, perhaps... A nice mansion in the middle of the woods to settle down in. I know, I'm only 27, but meh, the sound of 'early retirement' does have a pleasant ring to it. Oh, and I want you to pack it with plenty of maids to tend to my every need, a harem of maidens to entertain myself with, and, perhaps, a tower built just outside where I can put all the stuff that I'll be taking from this lovely place's facilities," she flourished a hand around her, gesturing at her surroundings. 

"M-Ms... Deathwind..." 

"I know, I know," Gabriella said, grinning. "Times are tough. But, I wonder if you understand that times could certainly be tougher." 

As the council members exchanged glances, uncertain of how seriously to take Gabriella's demands, the level 100 sorceress leaned back, contemplating the rewards she might reap for saving Gelmora. The fate of the city, no, the whole world rested on her shoulders.

[Ah, well, if it doesn't go quite as well as I hope it does... Meh, it's been fun. Let's see what happens.]