380 days after a wizard cursed the REALM…
Current Version:
It was her country’s birthday, the anniversary of the day Wordler Village declared its independence from the Western Empire. It was a day of parties, parades, and fireworks, but Vanessa didn’t feel like celebrating. She had a great excuse for skipping all the parties, as she’d been chosen to undertake that day’s quest as Wordler 380, but she didn’t feel much like doing that either.
After taking on the Wordler mantle, she headed straight for the consulate. “I’d like to renounce my citizenship and apply for refugee status.”
The clerk looked at her over the edge of round eyeglass frames. “You don’t want to be a Wordler anymore? Is it because of the curse?”
380 shrugged. “I’ve gotten used to the curse. I think most of us have. But things generally don’t seem to be going in the right direction. The economy is tanking, the pandemic is still raging, and the QUEEN’s Judiciary Council has made some horrifying decisions. No, the curse is the least of our problems. If anything, the quest for five-letter words is a welcome distraction from everything else that’s been going on.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” said the clerk. “But I want to make sure you understand the consequences of what you’re asking. You will be cutting all ties with your former homeland. You will be cutting this part of your identity away entirely.”
“Oh, I’m sure that’s not true.” 380 laughed nervously. “I can still listen to my albums of Wordler Yodels when I get homesick, or make myself a platter of Blue Beef Surprise.”
“No.” The clerk stood, seemed to grow a foot taller, and 380 had to wonder whether he’d always had those glowing yellow eyes. “With this being a dimensional consulate, you’ll be transported to a world where Wordler Village doesn’t exist. Where Wordler Village has never existed, except as a myth or story. And you? You won’t just be an exile, but a person without an identity at all.”
380 slipped from her chair and edged toward the exit. “I think I’ve made a mistake. I’m sorry for wasting your time.”
“Oh.” The clerk sat back down. “Very well then. Have a happy Wordler Independence Day. Take this Word with my compliments, and give my regards to the QUEEN.”
Web3 Draft:
Revision Notes:
To be added.
