Mist billowed through the sewers as silver blades shot at the remaining demons, snapping Jennifer out of her daze. Grabbing Rumina's hand, Jenn pulled her to the side as a demon leapt at them. She caught it in the face with a trio of mana-bolts, stepping past Irwys as she started running.

We need to get out.

Irwys didn’t need to be prodded, overtaking her and leading the way through the tunnels, his mist billowing around them. Jennifer could feel the tiny threads of interwoven mana shimmering as they ran. For a moment she worried the demons would set them off and cause another dungeon break.

Piercing through the veil of mist covering them, a blade of darkness shot towards Jennifer. In a panic, she manifested [Eternity], slashing in a last ditch effort to deflect the spell. With a crack the spell broke into a dozen tiny shards that sliced through her clothes and skin. She saw Rumina stumble, having taken hits from the spell as well.

Even as Rumina regained her footing, a slithering red tendril rose from the ground, shooting towards her. Jennifer felt her heart drop, as she tried to send her blade to deflect the attack. But she knew she was too slow, as the blade barely flickered into existence as the tendril was about to wrap itself around her friend. Then with a brilliant flash, a shield of silver manifested around Rumina, letting off a silver light as the tendril burst into flames.

She turned towards Irwys, nodding in thanks as they continued. The demons screeched and rushed even harder, the closer they got to the exit. But one of Irwy’s skills kept them at bay, shadowy figures that moved through the mist, slashing and disorienting the demons. They led the demons away from where the trio moved.

Soon, they found an exit leading out of the sewers into a narrow alleyway. Without pause, the three ran outside. Yet the alleyway was completely blocked off. Jenn's spun about, and a glance back showed the demons lurking in the shadows, their hisses still audible. But they didn’t emerge to continue the chase.

“By… Elphion… Jenn- I-,” Rumina said, and Jennifer stared at her friend. She was clearly unsettled by the experience, blood dripping down her face from the spell. Which reminded Jennifer of her own little wounds.

“How’re we getting out?” Jennifer asked, passing Rumina a healing potion while turning towards Irwys.

“Teleportation spell. I’ll need a few moments,” Irwys replied as he pulled out his silver sword and began to set up the spell.

Jennifer shifted away, walking towards Rumina. The girl was looking right back at her, her eyes wide. “Those demons Jennifer they- I don’t understand. How do you know about all this? And who is he? And why were we being chased? I- are you even Jennifer?” Rumina exclaimed, taking a step back causing Jennifer to pause. Even after all that, she felt a strange sense of disconnect from her friend.

When did I grow so used to all of this? To dying, to demons, to the death of so many people. The death of even those I know? It's been so easy to forget that my friend died. That Livian died with me in the dungeon. That my family might’ve died. When did I grow so… numb?

Jennifer felt her gut twisting. She still cared for all of them. She loved them. It was why she so desperately wanted to prevent the invasion. But a part of her had grown accustomed to the resets. To these loops. She'd been alone for… all of them. The knowledge that no one would remember was an ever haunting fact that just…

It had made her stop caring.

It was a sobering thought. And one, Jennifer didn't feel ready to confront.

Isn’t this why I want to save Xar so much? He’s the only one who might not forget. Who might go through all of this with me.

Jennifer felt [Eternity] thrum within her core. The blade was the second half. A memory. She had just received [Eternity] but she knew she couldn’t bear to part with it. It was eternal, and it would stay with her even beyond death.

Jennifer sighed as she took a step closer towards Rumina. She saw Rumina tense for a moment, her hand shifting towards her knife. For a moment, Jennifer wondered if Rumina would stab her like she had in the first reset. She wondered if this was just the demon playing games with her. Watching as she ran in circles for its entertainment. Or perhaps it was the gods who were watching, putting her through this trial for their amusement.

Jennifer moved in close and hugged Rumina tightly. She felt her friend’s tense body relax as they embraced for a moment, before she let go. “I… don’t know what to tell you Rumina. Would you believe me if I tell you I've gone through this month before? That I’ve seen the horrible future that awaits this city? Will you believe me when I tell you that literal monsters chase me due to the powers I’ve received? I don’t know Rumina. I just don’t know what to tell you.”

Jennifer stared at her friend, expectant. A part of her wondered if she’d run. Another part ached at seeing her friend struggle so much, for putting her in such danger with casual disregard for the consequences. Coming back didn't make these events not happen. Coming back did not absolve Jenn of the mistakes she had made.

If I want to end this trial... If I want to live beyond this month and prevent the invasion... Then I need to stop thinking I can just reset. I know I have a finite number of chances. The only life I can risk is my own.

“It’s done. Stand in the circle,” Irwys said drawing Jennifer out of her thoughts toward the knight. She’d been searching for him for so long, but now that she’d found him, she was lost for words.

Jennifer glanced at Rumina, who seemed lost in her own thoughts. Jenn turned around walking into the circle. Standing within, she extended her hand toward her best friend. “Come with me Rumina. The demons will be after you as well, we need to get out.”

Rumina nodded lightly, grabbing her hand as she entered the circle. “I trust you Jenn. I- I need some time. But I trust you.”

“Keep your eyes closed,” Irwys warned, interrupting Jennifer before she could reassure Rumina. She followed his instructions, her chest was full of words she wished to say. But now wasn't the time. The demons knew that their secret had been revealed. She didn’t have much time. They needed to act quick, before Xar could be hurt.

A blazing light burned all around them, the dark alley lighting up so bright Jennifer could see it with her eyes closed.. Jennifer squeezed her eyes further as the spell began its work and the world shifted beneath her feet. The next instant, her feet struck ground again as magic spread around her, blanketing her.

“So we meet again, Jennifer.”

Jennifer opened her eyes, watching the familiar red eyes of Prince Laiken as he smiled at her from across the chamber. She scrunched her brow as her Mark began to pulse. Her surprise lasted for a moment before she smiled, bowing slightly.

So we meet again.

❖❖❖

“A pleasure, your highness,” Jennifer replied curtsying as she glanced at Rumina from the corner of her eye. Her friend was flustered for a moment, before she quickly followed her lead.

“No need for courtesy Jennifer. I’m afraid I don’t recall our last meeting. Outside of the fact that it occurred. Quite difficult to remember events that didn’t occur, you see,” the Prince said, the image flickering for a moment.

Right, a spell. Uncanny how it almost seems real.

“Not missing much your highness. You just graciously showed me a couple of your skills. And the throne room,” Jennifer replied, her eyes drifting to Nathaniel who also stood in the dimly lit room.

I guess I know who’s channeling the spell now.

“Ah, I did that then. I must apologise then, for my past... future? Other self. I assume the circumstances were dire enough to call for such measures. As they seem to be once again. Strange how we only meet in such circumstances, isn’t it?” The prince smiled, but Jennifer detected no mirth in his voice.

She gave a terse nod of her own, keenly aware how her actions had forced all of them to rush everything, possibly losing the chance of preventing the invasion in this reset.

But I do know what they're up to now. At least part of it. And it could be the difference next time around.

“From my understanding, it was not thoughtless curiosity that prompted your choices. Very well. What is it you know of this other Mark Jennifer? And of the oncoming invasion?”

Jennifer felt a bit disgruntled at the lack of time to sort her thoughts. But the lack of time was her fault anyways. She let out an imperceptible sigh, as she straightened her dress and began to repeat what he needed to hear.

“To put it as briefly as I can your highness, we have two marks to worry about. A demonic creature that can shapeshift into people. The method of shapeshifting and its exact abilities are unknown but it's successfully deceived me. And also managed to cause some sort of illusion even after its identity had been revealed.”

The prince sat mostly still, only nodding in acknowledgement as she continued.

“The other seems to be a [Sand Mage], who may be leading the invasion along-side the demons. He was in the city alongside some crazed abominations that… seemed to be human once. I don’t know what happened. These creatures were bound by extremely fine mana threads that lead into the dungeon. And those threads are tied into mana disruptors set at intervals. They plan to cause a dungeon break.”

Jennifer paused to catch her breath for a moment as she considered how best to request help with Xar.

“An imperceptible spell you say…” the prince muttered, frowning. “The fates are far too tangled around you for me to see anything. But my skills tell me there’s something more to be found in the dungeon. You’re aware of the delve I assume?”

Jennifer nodded as the prince continued. “The trial itself is within the deepest depths of the dungeon. At its very core, near the heart of the dungeon of Lienmont. The dungeons themselves were a product of the Giants which the creators of this trial stole. The library guards old secrets, connected to all the great dungeons across Driucras. Not surprising seeing how Dungeon hearts were crafted by the giants.” The Prince paused for a second, tapping his finger against the arm of his throne as he looked to the side. Jennifer could sense skills activating at the edge of her perception, threads shifting, only perceptible to her because of her bond to the prince.

“I fear we are missing something. But the Fates refuse to speak. I’d hoped perhaps our bond would convince them, but it seems it isn’t enough.”

“I have another bond, your Highness,” Jennifer said, interrupting the prince from his musings as he presented her with a perfect opportunity. “A spider from the dungeon with the Mark of Psyche. It- he’s a friend and trapped by the demon in the guild. I don’t know if my Mark will bring a Marked person back or not. The Demon kept Rumina’s form even across death, so it may already have some clues as to who I am. I think my excursion in the dungeon may have just confirmed that. I... I need to save him.”

Jennifer clenched her hands, grabbing her dress as she stared at the prince. She was asking for a lot here, with little to offer. Outside of a monster as an ally.

“What do you know of the bonds Jennifer?” Prince Laiken asked, leaning to one side on his luxurious throne.

“The bonds, your highness? Not much. Only that it lets me use telepathy with Xar. And sense his presence and emotions at times,” Jennifer replied, looking to the prince to expand further.

“The bonds aren't limited to Marks. Irwys and I share one. His is the Mark of the Fated Sword, as per his oath to be my [Knight]. And mine is to prove to be a worthy [Prince].”

Jennifer turned to stare at Irwys, the swordsman’s expression stoic as always. But perhaps to indulge her, she saw the silver sword mark appear on his neck, burning with magic as his own presence blazed for a moment before vanishing completely.

Jennifer turned back to stare at the prince, as she tried to understand the implications.

The prince smiled, the bracelets on his wrists crinkling softly. “It is not a complete Mark, but simply an extension of mine. If I were to perish, so would his Mark.”

“Not before I’ve perished trying to save you, your highness. Even then I’d carry the shame beyond my grave,” Irwys interrupted, bowing his head. Jennifer felt a bit surprised to hear the resolve in his voice, the emotion a mismatch with his stoic expression.

“I’m aware Irwys. But I’m not foolish enough to deny the possibility. Especially not as long as this trial continues with who knows how many more unknown contenders. A question that's quite difficult to answer when time itself keeps warping,” Laiken said, his smile almost seeming genuine to Jenn. “The key still lies with me, but its blessings I can choose to bestow to a select few. The numbers vary, and so does the nature of the subsidiary Marks, but they all share a common link of trust.”

Jennifer took in a sharp breath, calming her racing heart. “I couldn’t sense him even once, no matter our proximity. I was led to believe you could only hide your mark within a certain range from other Mark bearers.”

“He’s a [Mist Swordsman], nothing is quite how it seems with them. I wouldn’t trust anything you see when looking at Irwys, he’s surprisingly deceptive.”

Jennifer turned to stare at Irwys, who briefly glanced at her. She failed to read his expression, her gaze drawn to his silver eyes, and she wondered just how much he’d been hiding.

“Is that why you sent him to the shop? To guide me to the Mark?” Jennifer asked, turning towards Prince Laiken.

“I wouldn’t know what you’re talking about Jennifer. I don’t have your memories.”

Right, of course. Just uncanny perceptiveness with a fate based class and the resources of a Prince. Not a time jumping freak.

“My Mark, your highness. It was Irwys who found the trial in the dungeon. And it was with him that I completed the trial before gaining my mark.” Jennifer turned towards Irwys. “Why didn't you just kill me back then and take the Mark? I was injured and would’ve died had you not helped me.”

Irwys frowned, taking a moment to reply. “I wouldn’t know. I wouldn’t wish to kill a child if I could help it.”

“But you’d do it if you needed to, wouldn’t you?” Jennifer asked, and she saw Irwys nod tersely.

She let out a sigh. I can’t say I wouldn’t either. Perhaps I’d just let myself die if I knew everything that was going to happen. Give the mark to someone more suitable.

She wondered what would happen if someone like Irwys had her mark. He’d be far more capable of dealing with everything. She was- or she'd been, just a girl. Happy to live her dream and learn magic. She shouldn’t have been given the mark.

“It is natural to doubt yourself when faced with challenges Jennifer," Laiken said, drawing her attention up. She stared at him, trying to figure out if he was reading her thoughts. But she didn't detect any skills or spells. He gave her a half-smile as he continued, "I can almost read your thoughts right now. Not because of magic, but simply because of how similar they are to when I received my own Mark. Perhaps it would do you well to hear of it.”

She frowned as he straightened on his throne. For some reason, as he took a deep breath she didn’t see a prince anymore, but an exhausted young man.

“I am the third prince of Zandria. The least significant, in everything. Or had been. The throne of Zandria passes to the eldest in line unless the Fates decree otherwise. Yet the Fates are fickle, and they rarely speak, content to let the dealings of mortals to be sorted within ourselves. It'd been centuries since they'd last spoke. Thus, no one had been expecting them to announce themselves on the day the First Prince was to be named Crown Prince,” Laiken paused, closing his eyes as his brows knit themselves together.

“But they did. And they spoke words no one expected. The fates had blessed not the first, nor second, but the third Prince of Zandria. And so I gained my Mark, alongside the burden of the kingdom of Zandria, three months prior to today,” Laiken said, stepping off of his throne as he walked closer.

“I know the burden Jennifer. I live it every single day. The [Sanctuary of Fates] has me live through it each second I breathe. The weight of the kingdom. My Kingdom. It is a heavy weight to carry, and I wonder if the Fates decreed wrong. Yet, it was I who was chosen. So it is my shoulders that have to carry it.”

Jennifer stared at the prince. And she remembered, half forgotten memories, from the thousands of possibilities she’d seen from his skill. And the friend she’d briefly found in there. Free from their ties, as just two people who'd met.

“Do you wish it wasn’t you?” Jennifer asked quietly. The prince didn’t reply, but his bitter smile was answer enough.

“These bonds are my way of trying to prevent a blood-bath Jennifer. These bonds and moreover you. You lie at the center of this war. By the nature of your mark and your role. You are our key to preventing this war, from fates only you have seen. Fates that, if I may be so selfish, you are the only one to see,” Laiken said, stepping back and returning to his seat at his throne.

“From what you speak of your spider friend, you seem to share a bond similar to what Irwys and I have. Though different in nature, I’d been hoping to share such a bond with you. Though perhaps we haven’t had enough time for that. And you do have an unfair advantage, as far as time goes,” Laiken said with a smile.

Jennifer looked at the prince, as he sat upon his throne once more. And the young man she’d seen briefly was gone, replaced by the familiar [Prince] instead. It was time to make her request. “I need your help, Prince Laiken. To save Xar. The church has given me something that’ll allow me to free him. But I need to reach him first.”

“I can help in getting you into the guild unnoticed. But avoiding the demon is out of my hands,” Nathaniel chimed in for the first time before he quickly returned his focus back to the spell.

“Irwys,” Prince Laiken said and Irwys walked ahead, kneeling.

“Your highness.”

“I’d be trusting you with this task,” the prince said, and she saw Irwys' Mark glow for a second.

“We’ll need to move soon. Possibly today. Now that the demons are uncovered, I suspect they’ll be rushing the invasion. I’m aware our chances are slim. As long as Jennifer lives, we can come back. But to give up without a fight doesn’t suit me. I’d think Magus Nathaniel agrees,” Laiken said, to which Nathaniel nodded while maintaining his silence.

“Very well, then it is time to rescue our little spider ally,” Prince Laiken said. Even as the words left his mouth, Jenn felt something shift in the air as her confidence grew.

A skill perhaps? It doesn’t matter. This is it, Xar. I’m coming for you. Please hold on.

“Jennifer- I... “ Rumina spoke and Jennifer turned around, remembering that her friend had been here all along. Rumina’s face scrunched up as she stepped closer, placing a hand on Jenn's shoulder. “You asked if I believed you. I do now.”

“Was it because of the prince and everything else?” Jennifer asked, she knew it would certainly be enough to convince her.

But her friend shook her head, her red hair gently swaying side to side as Rumina offered her a small smile. “Because I’d be a terrible friend if I didn’t.”

Jennifer felt her chest tighten with emotion, as her eyes watered slightly. She felt a bit embarrassed at the fact as she turned away for a moment. Rumina wrapped her arms around her, giving her a gentle hug and Jenn hugged her back.

Thank you. Thank you Rumina.

Her friend was here, and this time she had allies she could trust. It was time to save Xar.