The Transmigrated Author

[Paris, Hôtel Plaza Athénée - Grand Dining Hall]

With a final, resigned sigh, I picked at the buffet options, finally settling on a more modest meal than Jan's feast.

Slap!!

As we finished, Jan clapped me on the back, the force of it nearly sending my food flying.

"Come on," he said, already moving towards a different part of the room.

"Bazz is probably done eating by now."

I followed along, my frown deepening. This was going to be a long night.

Jan led me towards a corner table where Bazz sat alone, his eyes glued to his watch.

—The divine sorceress has defeated the massive monster on the West Coast!

He looked up as we approached, a grin spreading across his face.

"Whatcha watching?" Jan asked, leaning over Bazz's shoulder.

"Just saw the news," Bazz exclaimed, shoving the watch towards Jan.

"Look!!! The divine sorceress is back in action!"

"Oh, Aurelia?" Jan said, peering at the watch.

Footage showed a woman with flowing silver hair unleashing a devastating beam of light, obliterating a monstrous creature.

"She must be crazy strong to pull that off."

"Well, duh!" Bazz said, a smirk playing on his lips. "She's the strongest and…"

He dramatically ripped open his shirt, revealing a messy scrawl across his chest – Aurelia's signature.

pffft!!!

Jan burst out laughing. "How on earth did you manage that?"

"I'm her number one fan," Bazz said, puffing out his chest with pride. "How could I not?"

I watched the exchange, unsurprised.

Bazz had fallen hard for Aurelia – a powerful, beautiful sorceress – the moment he'd laid eyes on her.

It probably explained why he was at Dawn's Blade Arena because there were rumours of a small female knight dressed in white and gold fighting in the highest league.

Still, it was a relief to see her in action.

That Thrax monster was one I'd designed specifically for her – a creature highly resistant to most magic except light.

I had no idea if she would appear, or what the consequences might have been if she hadn't...

I slid into the seat beside Jan and Bazz, who were already deep in conversation – something about Aurelia's latest feat, judging by the way Bazz was gesturing.

Despite the chatter, my attention was immediately drawn to the food.

The menu for today was good but I still liked eating the simple foods.

Looking at my plate it had a perfectly roasted chicken with crispy, golden skin and a side of creamy mashed potatoes.

nom...nom...nom...

The savoury aroma filled my nostrils as I took my first bite, the tender meat melting in my mouth.

The mashed potatoes were divine – buttery, smooth, and flecked with fresh herbs.

A small salad with a light vinaigrette provided a crisp counterpoint to the richer flavours.

Jan and Bazz's conversation faded into a background murmur as I focused on the delicious meal before me.

For dessert, I succumbed to a slice of apple tart.

The thin, flaky crust held a warm, cinnamon-scented filling, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The contrast between the warm fruit, crisp pastry, and the cool, creamy ice cream was pure delight.

By the time I'd finished, a comfortable warmth suffused me.

Reluctantly, I put down my fork.

Jan and Bazz's discussion seemed to have veered off towards Aurelia to something about who could consume the most cinnamon.

But I was content just to listen, letting the flavours of the meal wash over me.

[5 minutes later...]

With a final, glance at the remnants of my dessert, I pushed away from the table.

"I think I'm going to head back to the room," I spoke out loud.

Jan paused mid-sentence, a surprised look crossing his face. "Already?"

"Yeah," I said, unable to keep a sigh from slipping out.

He chuckled. "Alright, spoilsport. But remember," Jan wagged a finger at me, his smile mischievous, "Remember your promise!"

I couldn't help but sigh again.

I realized the hole I dug myself into, completely forgetting I had to go with Jan and Bazz to Dawn's Blade Arena here in France.

Still, as I turned to leave, I saw his grin was genuine, filled with the carefree enthusiasm I both envied and found slightly annoying.

***

[Location: ??? - Darkworld, Sifter's Organization Base]

Deep beneath the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, a hidden world that thrives – a country for the criminal elite, a place where ambition and ruthlessness reign supreme.

Ruled by the Dark Worlds Emperor Modred Ashbourne.

...

...

...

Within the corridors of the Sifter's Organization Base, a lone figure sits in a dimly lit room.

[Cyran Grey - Member Of Quadra and the Leader Of Sifter's Organization.]

Cyran, one of Quadra's most notorious leaders, stared at a television screen, his eyes narrowed in contemplation.

"Ohhh... interesting... hmm... hmm..." he murmurs, his voice devoid of inflection.

"Drakon's only equal!"

The screen flickered, revealing footage of a woman with flowing silver hair soaring through the San Francisco skyline.

Aurelia, the divine sorceress, a beacon of light in a world accustomed to darkness.

Cyran watched, a faint glimmer of interest sparking in his otherwise dead eyes.

He too wondered the full strength of the Divine Sorceress.

SWANGGGG...

Suddenly the heavy doors swung open, Cyran didn't even bother to turn around.

He knew the footsteps, the cadence of authority that marked his visitor.

A faint smile twisted his lips.

"Welcome againnn... Vladimirrr!" he drawled, his voice filled with a sarcastic amusement.

Vladimir's response was sharp, his voice tinged with disapproval.

"You seem excited, more than usual. I thought you were incapable of feeling?"

Cyran leaned back against the sofa, his head tilting at an impossible angle so that he could look up at Vladimir upside down.

"I can't feel pain! Or emotions!" he clarified, his tone playful. "But I tryyy my besttt!..."

"tch..."

Vladimir clicked his tongue disapprovingly. "Your acting skills leave much to be desired."

Cyran let out a chuckle, springing up from the sofa to face Vladimir.

"Are you here to watch Netflix on my tv again?" he asked a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

Vladimir sighed, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face.

"No. I'm here to confirm the details of the plan – the one we're executing two days from now."

Cyran tilted his head, a finger tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Plan... plan... plan?"

Then, with a suddenness that belied his earlier nonchalance, his eyes lit up.

"Oh! Rightttt, the plan!"

_________

Authors Notes:

- Cyran is known for his incredible durability in combat.