Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part Two]

CHAPTER 255: The Destined Duel: Stynx VS Hynes!

Silvestia lay motionless on a straw-cushioned bed inside a wide, canvas-draped tent—an extension Daisuke had erected beside the Twinkle Orphanage. The manalamp glowed softly, casting a gentle shadow over the girl's still face.

A few paces away stood Daisuke, Sister Aeliana, and Brek. The three of them said nothing at first, their eyes fixed on the unfortunate fae whose breathing came slow and shallow. Outside the tent, a group of curious children peeked in through the opening flap.

"Did Master come by to pay us a visit?" Ryo whispered.

"I hope he brought more of that candy!" Lio chimed in excitedly, already drooling at the thought.

"Aww," Ribbit muttered, visibly disappointed. "I was hoping he'd still be Sophia."

Alia and Mina both flinched in unison at the sentiment.

A loud fart ruptured the moment, and all heads turned sharply.

"I-I'm sorry," Ribbit squeaked awkwardly, red-faced. "Your judgmental gazes made me nervous."

Garrett shot Theo a sideways glance, then turned back to Ribbit with a serious expression. "Just wondering... would locking someone in a room with Ribbit count as a war crime? Y'know, since it basically turns into a gas chamber?"

Theo sighed and gave a noncommittal shrug.

Sister Aeliana's delicate eyebrows knitted as she watched the sleeping fae. "Poor girl... You said she was taken by slavers?"

"She was," Daisuke replied, his voice low. "They roughed her up pretty bad. Zephyr seemed fixated on her for some reason, so I couldn't leave her behind."

Brek shot him a sidelong glance. "Is it just me, or do you always end up dropping someone off whenever you visit?"

Daisuke scratched the back of his neck and offered a sheepish smile. "Heh... guess I'm building a bit of a reputation."

The nun leaned slightly toward the Wolfkin, peeking up at him from one eye with a teasing smile. "I think what he meant to say is that you have a good heart. And we'll do all we can to care for her. You can count on us."

Brek bared his teeth, folding his arms as he looked away. "Tch. Whatever."

Daisuke's smile faded. "I just need you to look after her until I figure something out."

His eyes drifted beyond the tent, past the trees and rooftops of the lower district, toward the lofty towers of the palace in the distance. His expression sharpened. "But for now... I need to head back. I've got a feeling Lumielle's situation is about to get worse."

***

Under the vigilant glow of the moon, Stynx crept across the desolate inner ward. His eyes drifted upward, drawn to the towering silhouette of the Crownspire. There it stood, cut against the starless sky like a blade stabbed into the heavens. Within its highest chamber, Princess Lumielle remained confined.

He bit his lip, hard enough to draw blood.

Lord Vaerythos had ordered him to kill her with his own two hands. The stakes didn't need to be spoken aloud—its weight lingered, heavy and absolute.

If he wished to atone for his recent failure, to rise above disgrace and reclaim his path to the throne, then this was the price. He had to do this, even if it meant killing the only person who had ever truly seen him.

His finger wandered to the faint scar beneath his right eye, and for a brief, flickering moment, he saw it again—an angry mob, a hail of rocks and shouts, and a girl stepping between him and the fire.