Fantasy Realm – Infinite Worlds Adventure

Alex is dragged along by a completely changed Tereza until they stand in front of the still-depressed Firenze, Rishi following behind with a slight smile on his face.

“Seeing people like you change like that is incredible, Tereza. This transformation is so refreshing—I’m genuinely impressed. You’re literally glowing right now. If you had a more pleasing personality, maybe I’d actually be interested in you,” Rishi remarks, his tone teasing but light.

Tereza turns around and sticks out her tongue. “Not a chance!” she retorts, staying close to Alex.

Did she really change that much? I hope so. It looks like her mindset has improved drastically. I don’t see visions or colors like Rishi does with his unique skill, but even I can tell her aura feels more lively. She’s showing an expression I’m not familiar with, something softer, more open. I’m glad I decided to have that serious talk with her. Maybe I should act more proactively like this more often. This turned out better than I could’ve imagined.

Without wasting any more time, Tereza exchanges the [Quintessence of Corruption] for a [Champion’s Token], while Alex trades his 10 [Gem of Corruption] and 5 [Essence of Corruption] for 60 [Warrior Token]. Rishi also exchanges his gems and essences, and the group walks back to Mikora, leaving the despondent Firenze behind.

A few minutes later, Alex holds his rewards in his hands: [Murtlap Essence], [Powdered Erumpent Horn], and [Glowing Fairy Wings]. Next to him, Tereza cradles her [Healing Magic Skillbook], staring at it with a look of pure adoration.

“Heh, I’m a bit surprised you went for such a light-side path. Not interested in the Unforgivables anymore?” Alex jokes, though he immediately regrets it.

“No, not anymore,” Tereza replies, her eyes steady and serious. “First of all, obtaining those spells would be nearly impossible, given their sheer power. And second, I don’t want the burden or the obvious mental degradation that comes with them. While I’m fine with darkness, I don’t need that kind of it. I think this path suits me just fine.” Her voice carries a quiet conviction.

Sigh, why am I making jokes like that right now, especially after everything that’s happened? Alex, grow up. Cut the bullshit for once.

Alex places a hand on her shoulder. “Sorry. You’re right; this suits you perfectly. We don’t need the damn Unforgivables anyway.”

Tereza smiles at him, her expression softening.

Meanwhile, Rishi adjusts his new scarf, [Endless Stampede], which looks a bit odd but carries a hint of wildness that complements his otherwise elegant appearance. He’s also picked up a few extra items, which, Alex guesses, he intends to sell later.

“It actually looks good on you,” Alex says.

“Not bad at all,” Tereza agrees.

“Good to hear,” Rishi replies with a slight smile.

“Alex, as far as I remember, I owe you. And I always pay my debts,” Rishi says, his tone serious as he looks at Alex.

“No, you don’t. Remember the [Butchering Knife]? That more than settles it. It’s a deep blue item, and I really needed it,” Alex says, still satisfied with the tool, which allows him to butcher even the toughest enemies with ease.

“Well, consider this a gift then,” Rishi insists, not giving Alex a chance to refuse. “Like your [Elegant Shirt], or the dishes Menchi made for us using your ingredients. Created by your supporter, no less.”

Alex reluctantly accepts the trade and sees the item inside: 3 [Blood Essence].

“This… I didn’t even notice it earlier. Damn, I need to pay more attention. I skimmed over the green-quality items looking for the expensive ones,” Alex admits, shaking his head.

[Blood Essence]

World: Fantasy Realm / Harry Potter / Wizarding World

Quality: Light Green

Effect: Recovers 10 HP and speeds up the body's blood production. Consuming this essence will temporarily reduce SNS by 5 for 2 hours.

Note: This is a blood essence, not intended for consumption. This item can be found in many worlds and is used in various crafting recipes.

Rishi’s expression is neutral, but Alex catches a faint flicker of smugness as Rishi says:

“Sometimes the lower-quality items are more useful than the high-tier ones. These essences only cost a measly 5 [Warrior Token] each, and they were limited to three. Now they’re gone—sold out. Getting here early paid off. They’re lower in rank compared to other essences, sure, but a [Blood Essence] might be exactly what you need. Try combining it with your own blood and some of the herbs and ingredients you bought when ‘feeding’ your egg.”

“Thank you, my friend! That’s a great idea,” Alex says, genuinely surprised and touched. He turns away slightly, blinking back a tear.

It really pays off to have friends and comrades like this. The constant exchange of ideas, suggestions, and items—no greed, no strings attached. It’s incredible. Sure, these two might be a little messed up in the head, but honestly, who isn’t? I’ve got my own issues too. Still, I feel like I can trust them completely now. I’m lucky to have found two people I can rely on 100%. Without them, these brutal missions would be unbearable.

“It’s a nice day today,” Rishi remarks with a soft smile, clearly noticing Alex’s emotional reaction to the gift.

“Hehe, Rishi, it won’t be nice for much longer. You know why?” Tereza teases, her tone playful.

“I’m praying the PHY from [Endless Stampede] will make the flight home less of a nightmare,” Rishi replies, a tiny hint of dread creeping into his voice.

“I’ll be gentle this time,” Tereza promises, her smile earnest.

The group moves to a clearing in the camp where the sky is visible and no trees loom nearby, eliminating the risk of an Acromantula ambush.

“Let’s talk a little before we leave. We need a plan,” Alex says, his tone shifting to something more serious.

“Might as well do it here, in this beautiful forest, with no one watching,” Rishi says, his voice actually without sarcasm.

Beautiful forest? This Acromantula-infested, dark, nightmarish place, literally called the Forbidden Forest, is anything but beautiful. And yet… here, without the corruption, I can see a faint trace of something serene, almost peaceful. It’s strange how even the darkest places can have a sliver of beauty.

“Anyway, we’ve got a lot of time ahead of us,” Alex continues. “Menchi’s doing her thing, and I’ll provide herbs, ingredients, and support if she needs it, but I think she’s fine on her own. We should focus on what we’ll be doing. I’d suggest setting up a routine. Let’s pick a few days a week to team up and go hunting in the forest together. The other days, we can explore the castle, the village, or the forest on our own.”

“I felt bad bringing it up, but yeah, I’ve got some things to do on my own,” Rishi admits. “I don’t want to keep secrets, but I’ve received an invitation from Dumbledore himself. I caught his interest.”

“How?!” Alex and Tereza exclaim in unison.

“Heh, Dumbledore can’t help himself—he’s always reading everyone’s thoughts. But my MND stat, which is over 30 now, plus my skills in Mind magic, are enough to block his subtle, wandless attempts. Not that I could fully stop a Legilimency spell if he used his wand, though. Anyway, I think he’s worried I might end up doing something… questionable. He told me I remind him of an old friend. I’m pretty interested in Occlumency myself. I don’t use a wand, but maybe I could also learn Legilimency from him. It’ll take a lot of time, though, since he wants to get to know me too. I think I’ve got a shot here.”

“Incredible. You should go for it,” Alex says, his voice filled with encouragement.

“Just remember to act all dark and psycho from time to time so he doesn’t lose interest,” Tereza adds, giggling.

“What about you, Tereza? Any idea what you’d want to do?” Rishi asks her, his tone curious but casual.

“I need my personal wand… and I think I have a difficult decision to make,” Tereza replies, her brow furrowing slightly. “I currently have Dagger Proficiency, along with the four basic skills: Basic Mana Control

“I see,” Alex says, nodding thoughtfully. “And you have the [Spell Mastery Skillbook], which lets you combine Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, and Transfiguration. You can learn it since it’ll just replace your Defense Against the Dark Arts skill. But now you’ve also got the [Healing Magic Skillbook]. You’ve got a tricky choice ahead of you! Are you thinking of unlearning your Dagger Proficiency? That would also raise questions about your Basic Close Combat Prowess and Basic Footwork. It’s definitely a tough call.”

Tereza nods at Alex. “Exactly, Alex. I need to think this through. In any case, I’ll ask the professors if I can join their classes as a guest—maybe sit in on some of the classes for younger students. If I level up my new skill, I’ll get four spells from each category. Plus, even without the skills, I can cast some spells temporarily while I’m here. The system told me that when I was messing around earlier. It’s only temporary, but I feel like studying magic a bit. It might be a waste of time, but I see a vague path ahead. I don’t want to be negative and pessimistic all the time, so I’ll borrow your style, Alex—do my best and aim for a miracle!”

Tereza…

“Impressive! You can do it!” Alex says, his smile warm and encouraging. “As for me… I’ll take care of my egg!”

“...”

“...”

Tereza laughs a little, and the conversation dies down.

The group nods at each other, a silent agreement passing between them, and they decide to head back for now.

Tereza transforms into her full bat form, her wings stretching wide as Alex and Rishi attach the harness. They carefully settle onto her back, and she lifts off the ground with a gentle grace, soaring into the evening sky.

The sun is slowly setting in the distance, painting the horizon in hues of orange and pink. Tereza flies high above the forest, her movements slow and deliberate. With no danger of Acromantulas lurking in the treetops, the flight is calm and almost serene.

“The forest looks… more normal,” Alex observes, his voice thoughtful. “The corruption’s decreased. I think killing the Acromantulas and getting rid of the corrupted items is really helping to cleanse the forest. It’s more of a side mission, I guess, but our reward for completing it will be a trip to the heart of the corruption, the Acromantula nest. Without cleansing the corruption, it would be a suicide mission.”

“Yeah, let’s observe for now,” Rishi responds.

With Tereza’s newfound calm and focus, the flight turns out to be surprisingly comfortable and even refreshing. Even Rishi, usually so reserved, shows the tiniest hint of joy as they glide through the air.

Eventually, Tereza lands near the player houses, and the three of them walk toward their home. As they approach, they notice a group of five buff men blocking their path.

What do they want?They don’t look like they’re here to cause trouble.

“Hello there, young recruits. We should talk,” Ben says, his tone friendly but firm, a smile playing on his lips.