Cursed Empire: Rising against the gods

That night in Neverport was considered the best for the residents. The party extended into the morning, where most adult residents drank their first taste of alcohol in years.

Becca was one of those who passed out at their home. When she reawakened, she took a moment to regain her focus. And try to fight the morning sickness.

Her friends CJ and Philly were beside her. CJ was lying with four bottles around him, and Philly was stuck in a barrel.

Becca got up from her doorstep and immediately walked inside to see Emily. She was sleeping soundly.

Becca smiled, knowing that her daughter was enjoying herself for the first time in ages. She played with her friends and ate good food.

She quietly walked over to her, picked her up, and slowly placed her on the bed, tucking her in. She gently kissed Emily on the cheek before leaving the house.

Becca looked around and saw how everyone was having fun in a while. Something she knew was missing in this village. Something she couldn't bring in ages.

Normalcy has returned to the people.

Becca wondered what would happen if this place got bigger. She walked down the dirt road, looking around and imagining a large, peaceful kingdom. No more hunger, no more tears, and no more extermination.

And now she was meeting the man who was making this possible.

After walking outside the village, Becca approached the tent that was pitched nearby. Axel was grooming Diego's mane while Patricia sat by the campfire, humming a song.

"Have you decided?" Axel asked, already aware of Becca's presence.

She stopped for a second and said, "No, I'm... I don't know what to do. I never met a monster nor thought of trading with them. So I have no idea who to go with."

Axel paused in his grooming of Diego's mane and sat on a log stump, "Let me share something my father always told me about decision-making. First, you should consider: How does this decision benefit me? How does it benefit the people close to me? What benefits will the person I'm dealing with receive? And what risks will I face? If you take a seat, I can offer you more insight into making a choice." Axel continued to smile as he patiently waited for her.

Becca didn't waste time and sat by him with her legs and arms crossed, "Well speak royal boy." She said to him.

"Certainly, let's start with the druid tribes. They absolutely pity us and believe humanity's extermination is justified, mainly due to us destroying so much wildlife and plant life. Demons believe that extermination is not justified and often assist humanity with certain issues in exchange for allowing demons to reside in the places that the humans have abandoned. And finally, the orcs don't really care about both sides. They want to fight the strongest." Axel explained.

"Then wouldn't it make sense to ally with the demons?" Asked Becca.

Axel shook his head and replied, "Not that simply. Demons do side with humanity, but they do it to solely expand their race. They have abilities that can corrupt both the soul and appearance of people. So little Emily might turn into a demon if you are not around. And you wouldn't be able to notice at first." He made sure to use his words carefully which caused Becca to get frightened and horrified.

She jumped and immediately said, "Okay the orcs. Maybe-" Before she could finish, Axel briefly chuckled before saying, "Orcs love violence and challenges. The residence will be put in a life-or-death situation where the orcs will always remain superior." That information drop made Becca tremble and further increased her horrified expression.

"The-" before she could even mutter a word. Axel already started speaking, "Druids are unlikely to trade with humans, even if they did. They will not help with the war by any means." He explained.

Becca was speechless and struggling to find the right words. Axel continued to grin at her confusion, "No matter what you choose, there will always be a risk. However, only one option seems reasonable if we build a good relationship. Remember what I told you," he said.

Becca stumbled for a moment before sitting down on the stump. She paused to consider her three options. Druid seemed like a one-sided relationship but seemed reasonable. Demon would sound perfect but there was no way in hell she would endanger Emily. The orcs just seem like the worsted option.

She jumped off the stump and said, "We will go with Druids."

Axel tilted his head and asked, "Why that?"

Becca twirled her hair and said, "The demon's corruption is going to be a major problem, and I don't want the people to be harmed by the orcs. So, I suppose the druid will suffice." She sounded confident, but her assurance began to waver as she noticed him staring intently.

Which caused her to stiffen up. But Axel got up and climbed up on his horse, "Alright let's go." He said.

Becca was taken aback by Axel's forwardness. He tied his hair into a bun and removed his cloak, "Patricia, I will be back." he said as he tossed his cloak to her. She caught it immediately and put it on before sitting down by the fire and humming a soft melody.

Axel continued to wait for Becca to climb aboard, "Let's go." He said cheerfully.

Becca sighed and climbed aboard, "Let's go already."

The pair immediately left the camp and headed east to the druid tribes, "I need to ask you something. What's up with the girl. She seems odd."

Axel sighed a brief moment before responding oddly cheerfully, "She seems mentally broken. I don't know what she experienced by William. She doesn't talk, she mainly spends her time singing and knitting baby clothing or even staring into nothingness in complete silence. Frankly, I'm not sure how I can fix her." Becca couldn't understand his cheerfulness.

"And why do you sound happy about that?" She asked 

After a long drawn silence, he said, "I'm not, I just don't want my emotions to have the best of me. So I will just stick to my cheerful self." His voice sounded somber and Becca started to believe him.

She didn't see them once the party began, nor did they want to participate. She wondered how they were feeling right now.

 "I want to share some advice about speaking to Druids. They love animals, nature, and beauty. I hope you have good knowledge about the first two." Axel responded.

Becca laughed confidentially and replied, "Trust me, my mother taught me about cows and flowers. And I'm cute, so we don't need to worry. We'll be fine."

Axel laughed aloud before saying, "We are doomed." Which resulted in a punch against his back.

(35 minutes later)

They arrived at a small forest in the grassland just east of Neverport. The forest was beautiful with countless beautiful flowers and trees. But that beauty disappeared when the animals started staring at them.

Axel drew his sword and handed one to Becca, "Don't attack them, but if you have to defend yourself, just block and parry their attacks. They are-" Before Axel could finish his sentence,

He immediately slashes an incoming arrow that nearly attacks him, "Be on guard." He jumped off Diego walked forward while twirling the sword in his hand.

Seconds later, multiple arrows rain from the heavens aiming heading them.

Once Axel stopped twirling his blade, he raised his arm to perform a slash. Becca noticed that his bandaged right arm was glowing with multiple blue symbols becoming visible. With a swift motion, he slashed through the air, releasing a blue energy wave that destroyed all the incoming arrows.

Their attackers flee deeper into the forest, waiting for them to join them.

Becca was completely stunned before shouting, "YOU CAN USE MAGIC!"

Axel turned his towards her with a confident smile and said, "What king would I be if I didn't have the power to back it up. Let's go already."