Novel Silver Amelia - Intermission 8-10 Added (Arc 4 Soon)

Discussion in 'Community Fictions' started by gaulby, Jul 31, 2017.

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Story Pacing

  1. Hasten it a bit

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  2. Retain the Pacing

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  3. Reduce the Pacing

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  1. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    A few minutes later after I gave up, I sat on the ground and leaned on the wyvern’s neck as it slept with its head curled beside me. Its neck, covered in long black, yet not so hard scales, was long enough to accommodate four people sitting side by side.

    “So you mean that I met this wyvern seven years ago?” I asked Kanna.

    “Yes, after it hatched from its egg, you were the first thing that it saw and thought that you were its Mother.” She answered. “For two years, you took care of this White-tail because you thought it was a cute and large bird.” She said grinning as she stood before me with her hands on her hips.


    “…” In silence, I moved my sight towards the White-tail beside me. “This doesn’t look like a bird at all.”

    “Of course, it doesn’t.” Answered, Kanna. “New-born White-tails take the form of a large feathered chick. This trait of them is believed to be the cause of having the blood of Gryphons.”

    “Once hatched, White-tails are covered by a thin layer of down. As they grow, that layer of down increases. Those made them look like a very fluffy bird despite the sharp looking jaw.”


    “After three to four months, they start shedding their first layer of down. This process continues each month until every layer of down is removed.”

    “But why are they covered in that amount of feathers?” I asked curiously.

    “That’s because White-tails tend to make their nest near the mountain peaks where it is cold.”

    “In that case, won’t they be out in the cold after all the down was removed?”

    She shook her head in response. “No, during the process of the shedding, White-tails start to develop their first set of feather-like scales. These scales are thick enough to withstand the cold air.”


    “Isn't the process of developing the scales take too much time?” I asked tilting my head.

    “Yes, you’re right.” She answered. “White-tails develop slower than most wyverns. They take about eight to nine months before their down is completely replaced. But in comparison, White-tails are superior to most wyverns, especially in terms of speed.”

    “And that’s because of their feather-like scales?”


    She nodded. “Their scales are lighter compared to the scales of other wyverns. This gives them less weight to carry with their large wingspan. But entirely, it’s just probably that they are a superior variant of wyverns.”

    “Then why the white tail?”


    “Honestly, we don’t know.” She answered scratching her head. “Usually, their tails, up until a third of their back, turn white three years after they hatched. We consider it as the sign of maturity for White-tails.”

    “Then this White-tail is already a full-grown adult?”

    “The fact that it’s seven years old, yes.”

    “Then, how did I meet this White-tail?”


    “Every elf that becomes a chief receives an egg of a White-tail as a sign of prestige.” She said as she looked at the White-tail. “But since there was originally no trial for humans, the Tribe decided to give them the same proving trial of the elves.”

    In that case… I thought. “Then that means that this one was originally Grandfather’s?”

    “Yes, it was supposed to be Randolf’s, but since you stuck with it since it hatched, it imprinted you as its parent.”


    “…” Silently, I moved my sight to the ground. Ah, what was I doing back then?

    “Ahahah.” She laughed. “Don’t worry, Randolf was satisfied seeing you playing with it anyway. You even slept with it numerous times, rather than sleeping with me!” She shouted. “Even though I was present back then, you liked that big fat bird more than me!” she said displaying a vexed expression.

    “Err…” I muttered. “I’m sorry?”

    So that’s probably why I don’t remember her that much? But I don’t think I remember that much about this wyvern either… I tried recalling. Wait…


    “Haah… Anyway,” She said after letting the past be past. “I hope you won’t focus on the next bird you’ll receive.”

    “Eh?” Confused, I asked. “You mean I will receive another egg?”

    “What are you talking about?” She asked puzzled. “Of course yes, that big one over there was a reward for Randolf, but the next one is specifically for you.”


    How would I take care of that? I thought thinking of being responsible for two wyverns. Just how much do I even need to feed it?

    “Why? Don’t like it? You used to like big fat fluffy things right?”

    “I… Guess?” I answered unsure wearing a wry smile on my face. “I pretty much don’t remember much of my childhood after that event, so…”

    “No, that’s okay, I’m sorry I dug that up.” She apologized with a slight bow.

    “It’s okay.” I smiled. “In any case, why White-tails?”


    “Ah, that.” she muttered. “It has something to do with the history of the Mountain Elves.”

    “Why were they called Mountain Elves in the first place? Weren’t they ordinary Elves?”

    “Yes, they are ordinary Elves.” Then she looked over to Sylvar who was quiet the whole time.

    [It’s fine; she’ll become a chief soon. It’s necessary for her to learn of the Tribe’s history.]

    Kanna nodded.


    [Well then,] Sylvar said. [I’ll leave things to Kanna and take my leave.] He said as he left.

    “Well, even if Sylvar said that I won’t be discussing everything today.”

    “True, I’d rather hear about it in a span of several days.”

    “Anyway,” She said as she approached and sat down beside me. “The Mountain Elves are from the same elven race that used to reside in Avalon. In Avalon, the elves dominate. It’s not that far to say that they rule the entire forest surrounding Avalon.”


    “But Garfin said it was a forest?” I asked after recalling Garfin’s statement.

    “Well, he’s right, but he’s wrong too.” She added. “Avalon is a metropolis and a forest. Unlike here in Alabaster, they said that the trees in Avalon are at least five times larger. Using those trees, they made homes with them as a base, and then connected them in one way or another.”


    After hearing what she said, I looked over to the nearest tree and stacked them five times in my mind.

    Those trees sure are huge… I thought as I imagined the size.


    “Anyway, in Avalon, the same as most races, they too have factions.”

    “So the Elves were divided?”

    “Yes,” She nodded. “Like humans, elves too were divided by their beliefs.”

    “There were those that wished to further expand Avalon to spread the belief in nature. Those that thought the other races were barbaric and wished to judge them based on the elven law. Those that thought that secluding their selves in Avalon and ignoring the other races are the best option.”


    “Some that wished to venture outside Avalon tempted of the unknown. And some wished to make peace with other races and make a small community with them.”

    “Then the Mountain Elves came from the last group?”

    “Yes, they did.” She answered. “To cut the story short, along their journey, they met the dwarfs searching for a place to mine resources.”


    “Then after that, they ended up in Alabaster?”

    “Yes, but of course, at first, they had disputes, but after working together for a long time, they built a sense of fellowship, and became the Tribe.”

    “Then the White-tail?”


    “Ahaha. Yes, the White-tail.” She snickered. “Back then, the Tribe was unfortunate to step inside the territory of a White-tail. Of course, the Tribe doesn’t have problems when dealing with most wyverns, but the White-tail was different.”

    “During that time, the White-tail that attacked the Tribe was a female that had just recently laid its eggs. Furious that there were trespassers on its territory, it began its attack. The Tribe thought that it would be fine as long they used the same tactic they used against ordinary wyverns.”


    “Unfortunately, the White-tail's attacks were different. Rather than gliding down and attack with its claws, or use its mouth to spit something from up close, it took to the sky and hid in the clouds. At the next moment, it pierced through the clouds in a nosedive. The Tribe tried to attack it as it falls, but it was too fast, and a slight flick of its wings made it twist in the air effortlessly.” She narrated while using her hands to show an image.


    “Before it reached the ground, the White-tail spread its wings wide and created a powerful gust of wind that threw Dwarfs and Elves alike into the air. Without rest, it swung its razor-sharp tail and killed several members of the Tribe. Truly, it was the largest disaster that the Tribe met. After several attempts, the Tribe achieved its victory and took the eggs as their prize. Then, it became a symbol of prestige to the Tribe.”

    “…So White-tails are that powerful?” I asked imagining how powerful a wild White-tail is compared to the juvenile wyverns that often come to Laurel.


    “Yes, but it’s probably because that it was a female guarding its eggs. At those times, White-tails doesn’t show mercy. Add the fact that White-tails are rare and hardly reproduce. But in general, White-tails are powerful enough to easily cut the necks of lesser dragons if given the time to do a nosedive.”

    “Then, how many White-tails does the Tribe have?”

    “Including this, seven in total.” She answered. “The others were given White-tails for their efforts in hunting.”

    “Then does the Tribe use other wyverns?”


    “Yes, we do. But their numbers are also limited. Usually, limited to the number of Enarfs in the Tribe.”

    Puzzled I asked. “Why is that?”

    “Because we Enarfs are the riders and tamers of beasts in the Tribe. The reason for that is that the Elves can’t aim and control the wyverns at the same time. Because of that, Enarfs became the riders.”

    “…” I continued listening.


    “Another reason is that Enarfs are light compared to dwarfs and elves. We also have a small and slim body, yet we have a fragment of the dwarfs’ strength which made us ideal riders. The taming part came second after being riders.”

    “Then you mean that-”

    Smiling brightly she spoke. “Yes, I’m tasked to tame this wyvern and the next that will hatch, which means, I’ll be together with Lia for a looooooong time!” She said as she embraced me from the side.


    “…”

    “Anyway, can you try guessing this one’s name?” She asked. “You were the one that named it before.” She said peeking from the side with a grin.

    Silently, I thought. Remembering that I was completely different from before, I don’t think it’s a good name…

    “What’s taking you so long? You should be able to name it right?” She asked chuckling.

    “C-can the name be changed?” I asked nervously.


    “Why? It already has a cute name.” she answered smiling. “And besides, it won’t easily recognize a new name, you know?”

    “…” Silently I looked to the sky and thought. I feel like I have done something bad…

    “If you don’t want to guess then I’ll say it.” She said as she stood and began patting the White-tails head.

    “Its name is-” Before she finished saying anything, I cupped my hands on my ears.

    No, I don’t want to hear it! I thought as I curled myself and closed my eyes.


    “Hey! That’s cheating!” She said as she tried prying my hands off.

    “No, don’t let me remember my sin!” I struggled. “Let me be without knowing it!”

    “You can’t!” She answered. “You’ll only prolong your agony! It’d be best to bear the shame right now!”

    “No!” I kept struggling “I said I do-”

    “Birby.” She whispered through the gap.


    With my strength draining from remembering a ridiculous name that I gave to a wyvern, I slumped.

    I knew it… I thought. I’m sorry I named you Birby… Old me, what the hell were you thinking… Then I hid my face with the palm of my hands.

    “It’ll be great if we start introducing Birby to other people in the future.”

    “No! Please don’t!” I bellowed. “That’s torture! At least introduce him as a White-tail instead!”

    “Ahahaha.” She chuckled. “Why not? He liked his name, you know?” She said as she continued patting Birby while it gave a low growl.


    You too?!

    “Then at least don’t tell them I named him…” I said as I held her hand. “Please, have mercy.” I begged.

    “In that case,” She said with a smirk. “Ride Birby with me.”

    I looked towards Birby’s back and saw a saddle for two. “Won’t it be dangerous?” I asked worried about falling to my death.

    “As long as you hold tight, then there wouldn’t be a problem.” She grinned.

    “Then I guess it’s fine?” I answered.


    Well, even I am excited finding out how it feels to fly. I thought. I don’t see any problem with riding it anyway

    “Then let’s go?” She asked.

    Later that day…

    “Fast! Too fast!” I shouted as I held the reins tight as if holding for my dear life as we flew into the sky.

    “Hehehehe.” Kanna laughed. “Go on Lia, hug me tighter!”


    “What Nonese-” cut off by the sudden flip, I unconsciously embraced Kanna tighter as I felt my hips lifting from the saddle for a moment.

    W-what the… Frightened of the unfamiliar feeling, I thought.

    Ughh… I’m starting to feel sick… I thought as Birby did continuous maneuvers in the air. For several times, I felt that my heart was being left somewhere else, and my soul slowly sucked. I think I’ll develop a trauma from flying…

    “If that’s what you want.” I said as I used Reinforcement on my arms and embraced Kanna tighter.

    “W-wait Tight! Too tight!”


    “B-bring us down!” I commanded. “I-I’ll make it tighter if you don’t!”

    “N-no! I can still handle this!” She answered.

    “You’re so stubborn!” I shouted and poured mana into my horn.

    “Aaah! No! Way too tight!” She screamed. “You’ll squeeze my insides!” She cried. “Alright, alright, I’ll bring us down!” Upon hearing her answer, I halted the mana flow and hid my horn.


    Then she began to change the direction and proceeded with a nosedive.

    “T-this is too much for meeee!” I screamed as the wind rushed towards me with eyes closed.

    I can’t believe you’d do this! I screamed. I don’t want to die!

    Then a sudden force made me lean forward and hit my head on Kanna.

    “”Ouch!”” We both cried.


    Upon reaching the ground,“Uhh…” I muttered light-headed. With my sense of balance overthrown, legs quivering like a newborn deer, I tried to walk towards the nearest tree and threw up.

    I just got cleaned today and here I am throwing up after being covered by saliva…

    “Are you okay?” Kanna asked.

    “Of course no- Ugh…” Then I threw a second time. “I don’t think… I’ll get used to riding a wyvern…”


    “Ahehehe.” Kanna laughed lightly. “I’m sorry, but don’t worry, next time we’ll start out at the speed of galloping horse, that way, you’ll get used to it.”

    “No… I don’t want to ride with you anymore…”

    “Eh?”

    “I’ll ask for someone else…” I muttered.

    “W-w-wait!” She panicked. “I’m sorry! I’m really, really, really sorry!” She cried. “Don’t replace me, Lia! I’m begging you! And besides, no one is better at riding wyverns other than me! I’ll teach you every trick I know!”


    “…” I looked at her with disdain. “No.”

    “Ahhh! What have I done?!” She shouted messing with her hair with both arms. “Ahuhuhu… Randolf… What do I do?! Lia hates me again!” She asked the heavens.

    It’s your fault...

    [​IMG] An older version of Amelia. (realistic type)
    [​IMG]
     
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  2. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    On the next day, the celebration of my completion of the proving was held, at the same time, the announcement of my becoming as a Tribe Chief.

    During the announcement, I remained at the center of a wooden stage overlooking hundreds of Dwarfs, Elves, and Enarfs.

    They are all different, but they are all mixed up. I thought as observed the members of the Tribe.

    I thought. Four, no, three years. I’ll make the residents of Laurel familiar with the peculiarities of the Tribe in three years or less.


    As Sylvar and Garfin announced the result of my proving, my achievements, and my position as a new chief, several different reactions painted the crowd. Before it officially closed, I was asked to give a speech.

    I moved forward until I reached the edge of the stage then stood there as I moved my sights around the crowd. Before I started, I inhaled deeply.

    “First, good morning to you all.” I said with a light bow, wearing a smile. “Before anything, I wish to express my gratitude for accepting me and my Grandfather here in the Tribe.” I spoke loud and clear.


    Silently, the crowd listened.

    “Between humans, most if not all of us thought that the other races were nothing but evil. We were selfish and close-minded, ignorant and apathetic.”

    “Due to the varying accounts that depicted the races as demonic beings, our minds were poisoned. In retaliation, humans fought and did the same, no, far worse. We knew no bounds. We enslaved the races, innocent or not it didn’t matter, we all looked at them as a toy for entertainment. We were monsters.”


    I said placing a hand on my chest and gave a deep bow. “Although I am not fit, I wish to admit our sins, and as a representative of my people, I gravely apologize to you all on their behalf.”

    Then after pausing for a while, I continued with my speech. “But every once in a while, there were those who viewed things differently, and one of those was my Grandfather, Randolf Laurel, a King.”


    “Grandfather taught me many things, but among those, the most important thing I’ve learned is to never judge a person by his or her birth, human or not. And because of this belief, he led Laurel into thinking that there is a stage where we humans and the races could meet eye to eye.”

    “To prove this, Grandfather led expeditions in Alabaster to search for a community of any race, and this resulted in the discovery of the Tribe. After seven years, his efforts bore fruit, and a connection with the Tribe was established.”


    “During those seven years, he had begun showing that the races in the Tribe were harmless. Little by little, the citizens of Laurel started thinking and gradually accepted that the other races may not be as bad as the accounts told.”

    “For the next two years, the trade between us increased the diversity of the commodities available in Laurel, but at the same time, the Tribe was satisfied. It was a mutual correspondence.”

    “Positive of the result, he thought that the account should be spread, hoping to change how the humans viewed the races. But in the end, the result was his death.”


    “The church, forerunner in advocating that humans are superior, feared that their teachings would be denied and their position shaken. They were cowards that hid behind their believers and pushed them into doing what they wished. They were a society of puppets, a false religion.”

    “Hoping to continue what Grandfather started, I left my own kingdom and studied in Academia. In Academia, my life was harsh. Everywhere I went; there would always be a rumor, a rumor of a child loved by the demons. To them, the truth did not matter. They were my fellow humans, but they were blind. Because of this, I learned that fruits of the same tree are not similar."


    “In Academia, there was never a day that I could rest at ease. Even so, I moved forward until I finally reached what Grandfather achieved. Standing in front of the Tribe, hoping that we could live together peacefully.”

    “And now, to all of you, as a new chief of the Tribe, I hope that one day we could all talk as equals, as a community, as beings living in this world, and not as different races. I hope that one day we can live under a single roof, free of prejudice, unconcerned by our differences, and worthy of trust. And so I ask you, to help me show my fellow humans that the races are not what they think they are.”


    Then and there I ended my speech as I stepped backward. After ending the announcement, the feast started.

    The celebration was lively, Elves sang songs, Dwarfs quarreled over the drinks, and Enarfs performed dances. It was a community where everyone was treated as equals, chief or not.

    “Lia, come, let’s eat!” It did not take long before I was dragged by Kanna and was forced to eat their local food.

    From one place to another, I mingled with the residents and learned of their names. We shared stories, what we like and what we don’t. All in all, we ate, we drunk, and we celebrated for another day of nothing but joy.


    During the celebration, I started to observe some peculiarities among the races. The Elves ate meat without a hint of disgust. The Dwarfs ate fruits and vegetables accompanied by meat. The Enarfs enjoyed either of the two.

    As I observed this, I smiled. The change is hardly visible from a person outside the community, but they adapted each other’s traits and became an entirely different race.

    I wonder if this is what Grandfather wanted everyone to see. With a warm sense of fulfillment, I thought. Seeing everyone like this, I kind of understand why Grandfather wanted to start the change…


    A place we can all call home huh. I wish that someday if ever I retire, can have a home like this…

    It did not take long before the celebration reached its peak. At night, the Tribe kneeled on the ground, placed their fists on the left side of their chests, and began praying. After praying, a horn made out of goat’s horn was blown to signify its end

    With a wry smile, I thought. A prayer of thanks and guidance towards Amalthea huh.

    That night, inside the bedchamber of my lodge, I bathed myself on the moonlight and released my horn.

    “Celes,” I called, grasping the crystal with my hand. “Are you there?”


    In response, the crystal glowed faintly. [I am listening, Amelia.]

    “You see,” I started as I peered towards the moon. “I think it’s not that bad that I followed what Grandfather had set for me.”

    […] In silence, she listened.

    “Seeing them all wearing genuine smiles, I’m quite envious. I wish I could become like them.” I said. “They all lived knowing that their comrades are there beside them, ready to support. Unlike me, there’s a need to be wary. I cannot just lend my back to someone else. Celes, someday, can I become like that? Can I become innocent and free once more?”


    As I continued, a tear dropped from my eye. “As everyone thought, I’m too harsh on myself.” I muttered. “Celes, can you please come? Just this moment, please, I want someone I can lean on.”

    Answering my wishes, Celes appeared before me in her human form. Silently, I stood before her and buried myself into her chest. “Celes, will you help me? Will you guide me? I don’t think I can do everything on my own…”

    Without answering my question, she stroked my hair and carefully lowered herself to a sit.


    “Why do I have to be born to be a princess?” I cried. “It’s so hard, looking at them all genuinely living their life, while here I am in the dark, thinking about how I would face them all again once I return.”

    Again, I cried weakly. “I’m sorry Celes, I’m pathetic. I shouldn’t be doing this…”


    “Amelia,” Celes answered in a calming tone. “It’s fine to show weakness from time to time. Weakness is a sign that you are an imperfect yet perfect being. So just for today, you can act like a weak child you are.”

    No longer that I remember what happened next, but I was sure that it didn’t take me long before I fell asleep in her embrace.


    ________________________________________________

    The day after, “Morning Lia!” Kanna, uninvited, barged inside my lodge.

    Nevertheless, “Morning Kanna.” I replied.

    She approached the table; “I’ve brought the books.” and placed it on top.

    The books detailed both the language of the Elves and the Dwarfs.

    “I’ve also brought the records that Randolf prepared in case you became chief.” She said while taking out a stack of papers.


    “Records?” I asked, eating my morning meal. “What do you mean?”

    “It's a record detailing the trade routes to be used, the commodities to be traded, the estimated value of the commodities generalized into different classes and a lot more just in case something happens to him.”

    Surprised by what she just spoke of, I stood from my seat and took the records. After grabbing them, I skimmed over its contents.


    This is… I thought as my eyes read through them one by one and collected the information in my mind and supplied what I knew of.

    “This is incredible…” I muttered in disbelief. “I can’t believe Grandfather prepared this much…”

    “Right?” She answered with a smile. “He also wrote there the people you could trust in case you need people to handle the detailed stuff.”

    “Yes, I know them.” I muttered as I go over the names listed. “Most of them are retired Chancellors and some are direct vassals of Grandfather...”


    “So, what do you want to do?” she asked.

    “I want to review this for a moment,” I answered without moving my eyes away from the paper. “Probably it'll take me a day or two before I finish.”

    “So you want to delay the language and riding lessons?”

    “Please do.” I answered. “Besides, the council would be held two days from now. I’ll take the riding lesson first. There’s no immediate need for me to learn the language immediately.”


    For two days, I reviewed the records left by Grandfather.

    This is… I thought as I listed what I thought that needs to be retained and what needs to be modified. This will do, but for this one, I’ll need Mother’s opinion.

    I checked it once, twice, and then thrice before finally putting the records down, satisfied with what I’ve done.

    “Kanna, do you know where Mon lives?” I asked as I approached the door.

    “Hmm? Mon you say?” She said as she fiddled with a dagger. “What do you need him for?”


    “I need a favor, oh, that also includes you.” I added. “I need you both to deliver these papers to the palace, it would be faster if you take Mon on Birby and accompany him until the forest entrance. And a reminder, don’t approach Aves, they might mistake Birby as a hostile wyvern and take him down.”

    “Okay.” She answered. “I’ll take a few minutes to reach the forest entrance from here if I take Birby anyway. But the journey back will be longer.”

    “Yes,” I nodded. “Also, please tell Mon to meet me after his return. I need to apologize for the bow I broke.”


    “Heeh, so he lent you a bow?” She asked.

    I answered. “Yes, before the proving.”

    “Don’t mind it. Mon probably gave it to you as a gift rather than lending it to you.” She said. “Anyway, I’ll go visit him now.” Then she ran off taking the documents I wrapped with a string and placed on the table.

    “Wait!” I called, but I was ignored. “Haah…”

    I guess I’ll go grab the rapier and the dagger for now.
     
    Last edited: Sep 26, 2017
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  3. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    Inside the council, [Now then,] Sylvar started, standing before his seat. [My fellow chiefs, this is Amelia, our new chief. As we all know, we are here to discuss our relationship to the kingdom of Laurel.]

    He gestured to his left and right, [But before that, Amelia, let me introduce to you Kan and Ran, my fellow Elven Chiefs.] introducing two other Elves.

    Kan and Ran bore the same blonde hair, blue eyes, and a similar face. They wore the same brown leather clothing like Sylvar. A sleeve reaching to the elbow followed by a leather hand guard crested with a gem, a two-layered shirt reaching up to the ankle topped with a leather vest, an obsidian belt, plain short trousers, and knee-high leather boots.


    [As you can see, Kan and Ran are twins.] The two nodded as said.

    [Greetings Amelia.] The short-haired Kan said.

    While the long-haired Ran, [Good morning Amelia.]

    Another difference between them was that the Ran was slimmer than Kan, a male and female twin, similar to Fae and Rick.

    On the other hand, [Sorry Amelia,] Garfin apologized. [Both Arkand and Dresbon have yet to return after the expedition. In any case, I’ll be taking over their responsibility for now.]

    “I understand.” I answered.


    [Have you read what Randolf has prepared in advance?] Kan asked.

    “Yes, I have.” I replied.

    [Then this would be a lot easier than we thought.] Ran said after Kan.

    [Anyway, let’s all take a seat.] Sylvar suggested.

    As told, we all took our respective seats. Garfin on my left, with two vacant seats beside him, and on my right, Sylvar, Kan, and Ran sat respectively.In between, is a large copper-gray roundtable. Obviously, they sat facing my direction, where a similar scenario of an interrogation played inside my mind.


    Contrary to that image and atmosphere, [If you’ve read it, then are there any questions about it?] we were all relaxed.

    If there’s one thing that I’ve learned for these past few days, it’s that we could all speak with each other casually, a freedom given to everyone no matter the difference in rank.

    “Yes, but first, I want to apologize,” I said with a light bow.

    [Hrmm? Why?] Garfin asked leaning on his seat.

    “I wish to change several things in the records that Grandfather had prepared.” Confidently, I answered.


    [And why is that? Hadn’t Randolf prepared those to ease your burden?]

    “Indeed, it was his intention to do so,” I nodded. “But I fear that not all of its contents are suited at this period. During the last five years, Father and Mother had taken actions in order to deceive the public of the severance of the trade with the Tribe.”

    I breathed, then continued. “One of those actions is to collect a group of blacksmiths and task them to replicate the swords made by the Dwarfs.”


    Father and Mother took this action so that the image built by Grandfather of the Tribe would not crumble.

    “In that way, the public wouldn’t notice that the trade was severed even after his death. We’ve also released a number of the shards and crystals that was stored in the treasury of the palace; while Father tasked another group of miners to establish a hidden mine to cover what was lost from the trade.”

    They even used their connection with the merchants in order to shut the mouths of those who were previously involved in the trade by privately hiring them as the palace’s accountants and as private purveyors.


    “In addition, I believe that transferring the commodities in bulk is not beneficial as of the moment. We would need time to replace the artificial products we released so that the difference in quality wouldn’t be easily noticeable, but this is something that I need to discuss with Father and Mother since they might have a different opinion on this.”

    I continued. “And before that, I wish to further review these records while I visit the places where the Tribe processes the commodities to be traded. But if there's one thing...”

    [Continue.] Sylvar said after my short pause confirming that they are listening.


    “The route that he made by shutting down an old mine, reasoning that the mine was running empty. I would like to see it personally.”

    A trade route using a mine… I thought. If it is properly used, guarding the commodities would be easier compared to guarding it while scaling the mountain.

    [Hrmm…] Garfin grunted as he combed his beard.

    [It seems that the trade severance,] Ran started.

    Then Kan continued. [Gave our neighbor some difficulties.]


    [Seems like it.] Sylvar agreed.

    If only the trade wasn’t severed… I thought as I observed their reactions. Besides, I still don’t understand why the trade was severed. It is in no way beneficial to both parties…

    I raised my right hand to ask for permission to talk, in which they allowed.

    “Could I ask the main reason for the severance of the trade?” I asked. After they nodded, I continued. “I don’t wish to believe that the lack of a member of the Tribe from the human side is the only reason.”

    [We didn’t want it either.] Garfin answered with crossed arms. [It’s a wish from Randolf himself.]


    [He told us that,] Ran said.

    Then Kan, [He already planned it.]

    [If there’s one thing,] Sylvar said. [He left you a message that he stashed in Alabaster that we are not allowed to get near to.]

    “What do you mean?”

    Sylvar, looking to Garfin’s direction, nodded. [Garfin will lead you to the place.]

    [I’ll take several days to prepare for the trip, so can use that time to visit the other places.] Garfin said.


    “How long would the preparations take?” I asked. “I still have about…”

    Placing a finger on my lips, I thought.

    Today is the 25th day of the 2nd Month of Spring. Then I have about 3 more days, another 28 for the next month, and then an extra day before the Academy starts.

    The people I left in Academia should’ve prepared the necessary requirements for the enrollment so I can at least try to be at the Tervin’s dukedom 3 days before it starts. I’ve also sent a message to Erina to move into Fargan, the town next to the dukedom. After that, I could ride Birby into Fargan in a single day, but I have to at least stay in Aves for 5 days. In that case…


    “I still have about 22 to 24 days.” I said. “Would that be enough?”

    [Hrmmm…] Garfin muttered. [Then we’ll go there seven days from now. In the meantime, do as you wish.]

    After Garfin, Sylvar asked. [By the way Amelia, have you prepared a candidate to serve as your substitute while you’re away?]

    “Yes, I have.” I answered. “I’ll have my servant, Ark, act as my substitute while I’m away.”

    [And the people you wish to bring?]


    “Including Ark, at most 11 persons would arrive here a few days from now.”

    It’d be best if I could hide Camille, Rick, and Fae here in the Tribe. That way, the chance that Camille will meet Father without the illusion will be minimal. I just hope that they wouldn’t be uncomfortable meeting another race, but I guess they can get used to it as the time goes.

    [Good,] Sylvar replied. [Is there anything else?]

    In response, I shook my head. “None.” And so did Garfin, Kan, and Ran.

    [Then this meeting has ended.]


    After the meeting had ended, we respectfully left our seats and proceeded to the 2nd floor of the council. At the 2nd floor, there were seats and tables made out of brown varnished maple wood. There were enough seats to accommodate 20 persons.

    On the nearest table for six, “Oh, you’re finally here.” was Kanna.

    Without hesitation, I took the seat beside her. On the other hand, Ran took the seat beside me, ending up between Kanna and Ran. On the other side, Garfin, Sylvar, and Kan sat down respectively.

    “Finally, a meal!” Kanna said brightly.

    “You did nothing though?” I refuted.


    “Waiting is tiring too Lia.” She lectured with a fork on her left hand.

    [Seems like you two come along quite well.] Ran added.

    “Of course!” She answered. “Lia and I goes way more than you think!”

    “You’re the only one who thinks that…” I said with a frown.

    “At least cover me Lia!”

    [Ahahaha.] Kan chuckled. [It’s nice to see that our new chief is coping up well.]


    “Hmm?” I muttered. “Somehow, it’s weird that you’re not following up after your sister or your sister not following up after you…”

    [Ah that,] Ran answered with a wry smile. [Actually that’s what Kan suggested, and since we can read each other’s mind to some extent, we can follow up for each other.]

    “Ah, is that so?”

    [Ha ha ha] Kan forced a laugh. [Doesn’t it sound mysterious and amazing?] He grinned.

    “Excuse me for this,” Apologetic, I said. “Actually, I find it annoying.”

    “Yeah, me too.” Kanna added.


    Sylvar nodded. [I agree.]

    [Couldn’t care less.] Garfin inserted.

    [See?!] Ran shouted. [I told you it looked weird!]

    [I-It’s at least tasteful right?] Kan asked raising his hand just above the table as if preparing for something. [And besides why does Kanna have a comment in this?]

    Without a second thought, I shook my head. “No.”

    [Please forgive me!] Kan raised his hand in surrender.


    Meanwhile, Ran grinned after standing from her seat. [Heh, you seem prepared this time.]

    [Impossible.] Kan muttered. [I, the great chief Kan, would never back do- w-wait!]

    [Stop with that nonsense!] Ran said as he grabbed Kan’s hand. [We’re bringing this outside!]

    [S-sylvar! My friend!] Kan called. [Help me!]

    In response, [Sorry.] Sylvar waved his hand goodbye.

    “Okay, that’s two people down for the food.” Kanna grinned. “And just in time, here it is!”


    A parade of three elves came and brought the most awaited meal.

    [I agree, Amelia did a good follow-up to reduce our enemies.]

    [That’s my Granddaughter for you.]

    “Eh?” Surprised, I muttered. “I just gave my honest thought though? I didn’t try to read too much into it.”

    “Nevertheless, you did good!”

    One by one, the food was placed on the table. Once everything was served we all took our own portions and started to eat.


    “Now that I thought about it, I haven’t seen a lot of vegetables around, but there’s an abundant amount of fruits.”

    [That’s actually a problem for the Tribe.] Sylvar answered. [There’s a few number of plants that are able to live here at this height of Alabaster.]

    “Then why didn’t you settle somewhere else?”

    [That’s due to the number of beasts in this area.] Sylvar replied. [Do you remember the underground spring?]

    “The one from the ritual?”


    [Yes, there are several spirits residing there, as well as earth spirits in this area. Living between the two spirits make an abundant ground to grow certain crops. In addition, the spirits works as a natural deterrent to the beasts.]

    “Ah, I understand now.” I said as I guessed the reason without knowing the actual inner workings of the spirits that I can’t see. “By the way, what does the seeds from a Tree Mimic do?”

    [Ah, that’s actually what we call the Mimic’s treasure.]

    Puzzled, I tilted my head slightly. “Treasure?”

    [Yes, they usually grow a random crop that’d naturally adapt to the surrounding.]


    “Then anything that grows from it will naturally survive?”

    [Yes,] He replied. [In some cases a rare kind of plant may grow. Like that plant we Elves use to make Elixirs.]

    “Elixir?!” I unconsciously shouted as I stood. “You mean that potion that can cure any ailment and heal any wounds?!”

    “Whoa.” Kanna muttered. “Relax there, Amelia. It’s not that easy to get that plant even for the Elves you know?”

    [Indeed,] Sylvar added. [That plant has an extreme case of rarity, so I wouldn’t expect them to grow from the Mimic seeds that easily.]


    Realizing what I did, “Ah, what a shame.” I took my seat like refined lady I was. “Anyway, when would they return?”

    [They will take a bit longer.] Unexpectedly, Garfin answered. [Anyway, enough with that seed. Let’s discuss what we’ll do with those flakes!] With a wide smile, he enthusiastically said.

    “Oh, here they go again.” Kanna muttered.

    And I added. “Yeah...”

    [Garfin, like I said, it’ll be pointless to talk about it now that Arkand and Dresbon have yet to return.]

    [Who cares about them, I’m the best weapon smith in this Tribe!]


    [I told you that it doesn’t have to be a weapon!]

    [Then what do you want?! An armor from a horn shedding? Ridiculous!]

    “”Haah…”” Kanna and I sighed and silently ate our food while we watched them fighting over their decisions.

    Suddenly, Garfin asked me. [Amelia! What do you think? A weapon, right?!]

    “Eh?”

    While Sylvar suggested. [Amelia, please tell off this weapon monger.]

    “Err…” While taking in their glares, I tried to think of an answer while I recalled the trial given to me by Amalthea.


    “Uhm…” I muttered. “Maybe a metallic horn would do?”

    [[Hmm? Why?]] They asked in chorus.

    “Well, you see, Amalthea’s horn was used to gather lightning strikes,” I answered. “Then I remembered the horn from the celebration the other day. So I thought that maybe, using it to make a horn will create a horn that calls in lightning or maybe a storm?”

    [[And where did you get idea for the effect?]] Again, in chorus, they asked.

    “Just my fantasy?” I answered honestly.


    [Hrmm…] Garfin thought as he combed his beard. [It does make sense in a way.]

    [Yes,] Sylvar agreed. [I agree, it does make sense.]

    Eh? They’re buying that idea I just thought of out of the blue?

    “I don’t think it’s a good thing to follow my idea.”

    [[No, we’ve decided.]] Then they shook their arms with a wide smile plastered on their face.

    “Well, it does make sense Lia. Burp!” Kanna joined while she placed her hand over her full stomach.

    “You…”

    “What? I just ate my fill and a part of Kan and Ran’s.”


    “Haah…” I sighed. “Nevermind.”

    [Oh, what did I miss?] Then Ran joined.

    “Oh, welcome back Ran and Ka- where’s Kan?” I asked.

    [Ah, don’t mind him. He’ll be returning soon.]

    “Okay?”

    Afterward, we continued our idle chatter while Sylvar and Garfin left to make a design for the horn.

    Don’t blame me if something goes wrong with that horn…
     
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  4. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    I didn’t know how to describe it, but what I know is that it was breathtaking.

    “It’s beautiful…” I muttered as my silver hair fluttered in the wind as I took in the beauty of nature. “It’s as if the sky is divided into two…”

    Silence painted the surroundings except for the wind that whistled to my ears. To the east, was a ball of light that illuminated the dark sky. As its presence grew stronger by the second, the twinkling stars hid in the darkness, shy of the ball. To the west was its known friend, the moon, guardian of the world, the light in the dark. Below us were large clumps of clouds overshadowing the forests, blanketed by patches of thick white mist.


    “How does it feel?!” Kanna asked shouting as she held the reins of a White-tail, flying beside me.

    In response, I smiled back and said. “A lot better than you riding with me!”

    “That hurts my feelings, Lia!”

    Having felt a sense of comfort, “I don’t care about your feelings!” I dumped her on the spot.

    “Y-you’re breaking up our engagement?!” She replied. “What about the child you’re bearing?! I'm the Father!”

    “What are you talking about?!” Playfully, I replied. “I cou-” ldn’t bear a child, I’m no longer human…



    Worried that I suddenly stopped, she called. “Lia?! What’s wrong?!”

    “No, it’s nothing!” I answered. “I just remembered that they might arrive today!”

    Why did I think of that? I’m still human, I thought. Now that I think about it, did I bleed when I was asleep?

    “Want to go back now?!”

    In reply, I shook my head. “No, I want to scout them from above!”


    It’s almost the end of the month, I’ll know soon...

    “Hahaha!” She laughed. “I’m fine with that, but wouldn’t they panic if they saw wyverns flying above them?!”

    “It’s fine! I’ve written in the record that I’ve acquired a wyvern!” I replied enthusiastically. “They probably won’t be that too panicked! I think!”

    “Then let’s go!”

    Along with Kanna, I pulled the loose reins to the right while I gently squeezed with my legs. Gradually, Birbly tilted to the right while I moved to the left to keep my balance until I faced north.


    “Slowly… Slowly…” I muttered while nervously leading Birby by the reins.

    “You’re doing better than last time!”

    “Yeah, I’m getting used to it faster than expected!” I replied. “But maneuvers are still too much for me! Flying like this is the best I can!”

    “That’s natural!” She replied. “No one can learn to fly in a single day!”

    Three days have passed since the council meeting. Day by day we visited one place to another, riding on Birby, a training made by Kanna to learn wyvern riding. Fortunately, he was intelligent enough to follow up on my mistakes.


    The day after the meeting, we immediately set our sights towards the Tribe’s tannery. It was located further southwest where it stood beside the river that led to the waterfall I had fallen into during the ritual. The whole tannery, including the lodge for its workers, was the size of a small hamlet.

    The tannery aside, the leather it produced varied. In any case, the processing of the leather starts in the curing stage. Unlike the curing done by humans, their curing stage is done by freezing the rawhide due to the lack of salt. The freezing of the hides is done by the water spirits contracted by the Elves. After freezing, the hide is left outside for the ice to melt and prepare it for soaking.


    In soaking, the hide is dipped into water mixed with either oil from Oregano, Garlic, or Bay Laurel for several days to restore its water and to prevent molding.

    Limestone, which is an abundant resource in Alabaster due to its endless network of caves, is heated into quicklime before mixing it into the water for liming. In liming, the skin of the hide is weakened to remove the hair and to divide the hide into a few layers depending on the thickness while removing the excess flesh.


    Afterward, the hides are washed with cold water mixed with wyvern dung or wolf dung while it was attached to a rotating drum powered by a watermill. After washing, the hides are brought to a large open space where the hides are placed on beams to prepare for the tanning. Frankly, it stunk that I covered my nose with cloth I brought.

    When the hides are almost dry, they are brought into a house filled with large jars that contained different kinds of tanning mixtures. The mixtures used Tree barks, roots, leaves for vegetable tanning which makes good leather boots, belts, or book covers and animal brains for brain tanning which is great for soft leather clothing and the like.


    Regarding the wastes, the water spirits helped in cleansing the water used for re-usage. A very friendly approach that I wished us humans could adapt.

    Fond of the leather-made items, I used my authority, and the deal with Sylvar to acquire fur boots, a fur cap, and fur clothing with a design similar to those of the Elves. It was preparation for the cold winter during the months of fall.


    Up until that day, I still wondered why we were following a calendar of a lost civilization which contradicts with the actual seasons here in Laurel. If not for the huge clock tower in Academia that displayed the time, year, season, month, and day, we would’ve used a different calendar system despite the history of the kingdoms too short for 1500 years. At best, the oldest is Libet at 637 years including its history before it was named Libet.

    “Kanna, do you see anything?!” I asked as I moved my sight looking for any sign of humans scaling the mountain.

    “Of course I can’t! We can only see dots at this height!”


    “Then use Far Sight!” I replied. “I already gave you a shard with that magic! Just pour mana into it!”

    These past few days, I’ve started collecting shards and crystals. I’ve also requested to change the necklace’s string into crystal thread, which was happily accepted by Garfin. Fortunately, the dwarfs do not use them a lot, but they use them to make bombs. It was a god knows how frightening practice which rooted from the book I sent to the Tribe, detailing the effects of incomplete magic circles.


    The dwarfs, fond of the exploding shards, knew an advanced magic circle for Fire, Lightning, Earth, and Metal as a result of their racial capability and history, resulting in the creation of magic bombs. At that time, I could only smile while thinking that someday, Alabaster might crumble after excessive bombing by the dwarfs. I hoped that day would never come, at least while I’m alive.

    The closest contestant to their magic bombs is bombs made from black powder, an alchemic powder introduced a year ago. Although the black powder is useful, they have been mostly ignored due to the potency of magic. Nevertheless, there are still small groups of researchers in Academia studying the black powder.


    In any case, I’ve successfully embedded an intermediate magic circle into a shard. Nevertheless, I was able to do it in 1 out of 6 tries.

    “I think I can see them!” Kanna said.

    “Where?!”

    “Northeast near the forest barrier!”

    As informed, I moved my sight in search while maintaining Far Sight.

    Wait… That many? And why are there two persons with silver hair? I thought as I squinted. Isn’t that Argent? What is he doing here?



    “Kanna!” I grinned. “Change of plans! Let’s test that one out!”

    “Will it work?!”

    “I don’t know!” I replied. “But it’d be great if it did!”

    “You look like you're enjoying your time!”

    “I definitely am!”

    It’s been quite a while since I’ve stayed, but I can be at ease here. I thought. Although it’s a bit late, I should’ve done this from the start… It would’ve been better than releasing it all at Celes…



    I reached my hand to the front and patted Birby. “We’re going to surprise them for a bit Birby,” I said. “Please help me this time again.”

    As if acknowledging what I asked him, he replied with a low growl.

    “Kanna! I’m ready!”

    “Then I’ll go first!” She started descending while circling on the people below, but she suddenly vanished.

    A smile emerged on my face as I confirmed it. Success! Then I started my own descent in the same direction, then activated the shard I attached on the saddle embedded with Cloak of Concealment.


    Noticing the sound from above, the 33 persons moved their sights, searching for the source.

    “Argent!” I called when I was nearing the ground.

    Recognizing the voice, Argent replied. “Amelia! Stop playing tricks! Show yourself!”

    “Over here you blind!” I called as Birby vigorously flapped his wings before landing with a thud, while Kanna landed on the other side after canceling the concealment.

    After dropping the arm he used to cover his eyes, he was met with Birby’s snort.


    The twenty knights, familiar with our relation, laughed it off instead of moving into action. They wore the familiar crest of the Royals Guards, donning a light armor of steel and leather, carrying shields with spears or halberds.

    “Ha ha ha.” Argent laughed forcefully. “There, I’m done laughing at your joke.”

    Chuckling, I made my way down Birby’s back. “Your reactions are lacking as always.”

    “I don’t need your opinion.” He said. “Besides, you should be acting like a princess.”

    “Currently, I’m acting as chief, not a princess,” I replied, “and a playful little sister to her boring elder brother,” I added. “Oh, it’s quite rare for you to wear that outfit. It doesn’t suit you at all.”


    Wearing a set of high-quality silk, fitting of a prince, Argent stood gallantly. With his black leather boots and pants, a brown belt with a long sword hanging at the left, and a top that bore the crest of the Royal Family, the silver Bay Laurel, and a falcon.

    “My little sister is just like always, deranged.”

    “And so is my elder brother, dull.”

    “Excuse me, your Highness.” A woman called.

    “Eh?” Recognizing the voice, I moved my sight behind Argent


    There, a woman approached dressed in a black waist fit clothing topped with white silk, a loose short sleeve with tight ends, and a neat collar typical of my maidservants. Along with her mature brown eyes and affectionate face, she bore a short brown hair tied on the left.

    Familiar with the face, I muttered. “Erina?” I said puzzled. “Did you… Cut your hair?”

    In response, she smiled. “It seems I cannot surprise her Highness.” Then she began removing the clip, revealing her bob-cut blonde hair and blue eyes.

    “Hmm… your new hair suits you a lot,” I complimented. “But I didn’t expect you’d cut it.”

    “Am I not allowed to?”


    “No, of course, you are,” I said. “Anyway, Erina, I’m back.” I smiled with crossed arms behind.

    “As always,” She curtsied, “welcome back, your Highness.”

    At the side, Argent watched our conversation quietly before interrupting. “Amelia, you should introduce that girl over there.” He pointed towards Kanna who was excitedly playing with Fae like a child you’d see on the streets.

    “Oh, that’s Kanna, and she’s not just a girl.” I emphasized. “She’s an Enarf, and she’s even older than Grandfather.”

    “Stop with the joke, that’s obviously a child. She’s even speaking the human tongue.”


    “Suit yourself.” Then I left towards Kannas location.

    “Kanna, you’re enjoying this too much.” I called.

    “Mehehe.” She chuckled. “Don’t worry I’m here so you shouldn’t be afraid of that huge bird.” She said while clinging on Fae, afraid of the White-tail.

    On the other hand, Rick was trying to face the White-tail with a small spear.

    “Rick,” I said, “calm down, that‘s harmless.”


    After confirming with the last look, he relaxed and began approaching.

    “Your Highness, can we train again?” Was the first thing he asked. “I want to try spa-”

    “A-apologies, your Highness.” Camille apologized in behalf after covering his mouth.

    “...” Dumbfounded, I stood there quietly.

    This muscle head…

    “Don’t worry Camille,” I replied. “I understand.”

    “My gratitude.” She bowed.


    While Kanna was happily caressing the frightened Fae, Ark approached along with Argent and Erina.

    “Good day, your Highness.” Ark greeted with a bow. “A letter from her Majesty.” Then he brought out a parchment tied up with the royal seal.

    After receiving the parchment, I placed it inside the sack on my right hip

    “You have my gratitude Ark,” I changed my tone. “I’ll be leaving my duties to you once I leave for Academia, would that be fine?”

    “My loyalty belongs to you, your Highness.” He said as he kneeled on the ground with his fist on his chest.


    In response, I reached out a hand and said. “This princess, thy light.”

    Reaching to my hand, “and this servant, thy sight,” he placed his forehead on the back of my hand.

    “Thank you, Ark,” I said as he slowly stood. “I’ll make sure the children of your orphanage gets everything they need.”

    I silence he nodded and took a step back.

    “I’m quite envious.” Argent spoke. “To have such loyal servant.”

    “You just have to learn to search.” I said. “There are a lot of rough gems out there. They just don’t have the opportunity to be polished.”


    “I agree.”

    “Then work hard as the next king, Argent.”

    “As long as my little sister supports me, then I’ll have no problems.”

    “I wouldn’t know about that.” Mischievously, I smiled. “Who knows what I might do.”

    “We’ve been close siblings,” He said. “I can at least tell.”

    “I might be a busy duchess once you ascend.”

    “Ha, that’s nothing new to you.”


    “I guess,” I replied. “Anyway, Rick and Fae, want to ride the wyvern to the Tribe?”

    “C-can I?” For some reason, Rick was excited.

    And Fae, “I-is it scary?” Was worried.

    “It’ll be okay, Kanna will surely take care of you.”

    “Mehehe.” She laughed. “Of course I will!”

    “Argent, Erina, Ark, Camille, and everyone else, we’ll be taking Rick and Fae to the Tribe. For the rest, I apologize, but the saddle is just enough for two.”


    ““We understand, your Highness.”” They responded.

    “Ah, I can bring their mother along.” Kanna added. “I’m fine sitting on the scales, and besides, the White-tail can hold two children and one adult.”

    “Then it’s decided.” I nodded. “Camille, you’ll ride with Kanna and Fae, I’ll take Rick.”

    We got up the wyverns, tied their belongings to the back, and fixed ourselves on the saddles. As soon as I confirmed that I’ve tied Rick in front of me, “Give way!” I shouted as I made Birby run as he vigorously flapped his wings, starting our ascent.

    “Whaaaa!” Holding the handle of the saddle, Rick exclaimed excitedly. “Amazing!”


    “Hold tight.”

    Rick seems like a fearless one huh…

    As we took flight, “Rick, I know it’s a great sight, but close your mouth.” Chuckling, I said.

    “Your Highness!” Fae shouted from behind, waving her hand.

    In response, I waved back with my right.

    Gradually, we scaled the mountain while scouting from the sky, checking for dangerous beasts that Argent’s parade might encounter. Fortunately, it was clear, and so we proceeded to the Tribe without further delay. Upon arrival, I escorted Camille, Rick, and Fae to their prepared lodge while Kanna led the White-tails to the feeding grounds. She also asked other riders to take Elven guides that’ll lead the others to the Tribe. Unlike my lodging, it was a familiar rectangular structure, enough to rival a small manor.



    “You can pick any room you like.” I told Camille.

    “Thank you, your Highness.” She replied. “Please excuse us.”

    This lodge is far more welcoming than the one I have. I thought. I should move here.

    With a coffee-brown wooden flooring, couches covered in leather, a checkered rag made of different furs at the hearth, and indoor plants placed on corners, the lodge looked warm and comfortable.


    Moving from the stone covered floor to the raised wooden platform, I removed my boots as indicated by the sign near the door. After removing my boots, I moved around the lodge, fenced with harvest-colored wooden walls. On the left, wooden stairs lead to the bed-chambers on the second floor. Underneath the stairs, was a door leading to a large washroom, fitted with shards that dispense cold or hot water. On the right were a pantry, a dining hall, and a door leading to the yard.

    Outside the yard, was a circular stone structure topped with a grill. On the side, was a pile of peat covered with a wooden frame, a fuel for a fire.



    “Seems like they’ll be given freedom to cook the way they like.” I muttered. “I’ve decided. I’ll move here.”

    In the afternoon, Erina, Ark, and the other servants arrived one by one. They were fetched by the other wyvern riders and were brought in advance. Argent, refusing to leave the Guards and the baggage they carried, chose to walk instead while being guided by Elves.
     
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  5. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    Two days have passed while I informed Ark and the servants of their responsibilities in the Tribe, and now...

    “How is it?” Asked Erina.

    “Hmm…” On a stool, I sat as Erina combed my hair.

    Quietly, I began reviewing the contents of the parchment once the servants had settled in the lodge.

    “Is there any problem?” She asked.

    “Nothing,” I replied, “I just find it surprising that Libet would announce that they miraculously summoned four heroes in a single time.”

    “And?”


    “The fact that they announced it themselves meant they are not trying to hide it.”

    “Hide?”

    “Yes,” I answered. “They’re not trying to hide that they have four heroes as puppets.”

    “Isn’t that a harsh evaluation?”

    “I could only assume unless they broke free from Libet and the church at their own will,” I said nonchalantly. “Libet and the church will start by promising continuous support as they add a spy among their party members to control their movements. The fact that they allowed to let their princess and a high-priestess to join the heroes party is a testament of this.”


    “Do you mean that they’re all males?”

    “No,” I shook my head. “There are two males and females. Quite balanced, I say. For the female side, I could only be proud on one of them.” I smiled. “She snuck out and left a message behind.”

    “And it says?”

    “It says that ‘I’m going to live quietly on my own. I don’t want to fight some crazy demon lord or whatnot.’”

    “She chose wisely.”


    “She did, but I wonder how she’ll fair on her own, but perhaps, her blessing gave her the confidence to leave.”

    “What did Libet and the church do about it then?”

    “They suppressed the rumors,” I answered. “As expected, they reasoned that the hero wished to travel in incognito.”

    “The reason for summoning?”

    “Brent became a border kingdom.”


    For a second, she paused. “What grave news.”

    “Indeed,” I replied in pity. “I hope that the sons and daughters of the late King of Niveria find reprieve in Brent.”

    “Was the reason for their fall stated?” She said after placing the comb to a nearby desk and started tying up my hair.

    “Yes,” I replied. “They’ve let the Beastmen slip into the capital while the siege in Nava Fortress is prolonged. It would’ve been easy for Niveria to eliminate them, but the ones who got inside seems to be on the level of the heroes of old.”


    “For the Beastmen to have such a card…”

    “It’s not surprising given the fact that we are able to summon heroes, what reason do they have for them to not have the same capability? Besides, I’m more interested in the reason why they appeared now.”

    It’s not strange if they really did. Given that the Gods selfishly cherished the race they created, it wouldn’t be strange if they were given a similar parting gift by their God…

    “And what makes you so confident?” She asked.

    “…” Silently, I realized. I’ve been had…


    In a reassuring tone, she spoke. “It’s fine if you don’t wish to tell me.”

    Quietly, I’ve let Erina tie up my hair into a braided bun, similar to that of the one I had during the unofficial banquet. Without a single mutter, Erina moved to the bed made of cotton and sat.

    “Erina,” I called as I lifted my face.

    “Yes?”

    “Erina, will you… still, accept me? If for some reason… I changed?”

    It’s already the 1st day of the 3rd month and it hasn’t come yet...


    “You’re late asking that question now.” Gently smiling, she replied. “Whatever happens, as long you live, I will follow, stand beside you, and support you till the end. Even if I have to betray the kingdom, I will always, always, be by your side.”

    “…”

    “That’s just appropriate as your second mother, right?”

    Upon hearing her words, the feeling of hesitation vanished into thin air as if she understood what I meant.

    “Y-you…” I stuttered. “Remember?”


    “Unlike a child who can’t remember a part of her past,” she answered, “my memory remains sharp.”

    “Then…” I manifested my horn. “Do I… Look human?”

    “Of course not.” She answered unperturbed and began approaching. “There’s no human with a horn, but it’s beautiful.”

    “R-really?” I asked. “Isn’t it repulsive?”

    She reached her hands towards my horn and tried to grasp it, but failed as her fingers went through. “Sadly, I can’t hold it.”


    “I-it hasn’t physically taken root yet… But aren’t you-”

    “Like I said, I’ll stand beside you no matter the case, human or not.” She said, looking directly into my eyes. “I’m not the kind of mother who’d push away my daughter just because she’s different. Besides, you were always different from the others since the beginning, so what’s new?”

    Sniff. You’re so mean…”

    “There goes the crybaby.”

    “I can’t help it,” I smiled. “I’m a fragile maiden.”


    _____________________________

    After my conversation with Erina, I moved into Argent's room.

    “You seem energetic elder brother.” I chuckled with a hand over my mouth.

    “…”

    “Want to go out and play? I can teach you how to fly a wyvern.” I added.

    “…”

    “Rick and Fae are already outside playing with Kanna,” I said. “Want to join?”

    “…”

    “Want to e-”


    “Can’t you see I’m resting?!” Lying on his bed, he bellowed.

    “I can’t,” I answered. “I’m facing the other way.” I chuckled then moved my seat to face his direction. “Oh, I can see it now.”

    “I hate you…”

    “The feeling is mutual.” I smiled.

    “Please, let’s do this later…” He said exhausted. “I want to rest.”


    “That’s what you get for toughing it out even though you’re not the type to”

    “I get it. I get it.” He answered. “I need to”

    ““Be like father at times, but not always.”” We spoke in chorus.

    “Besides, you know the reason I stayed, right?” He asked.

    “Of course,” I answered. “Who do you think I am?”

    “My troublesome little sister.”


    “No,” I shook my head. “I’m your bane, your sorrow.”

    “I guess I’ll agree on that.”

    “Anyway, you should train more if you want to show your gallantry,” I said. “But then again, appealing to the Guards by appearing valiant despite the need to, serves as a good image to the Guards.”

    “Yeah, I know. I’ll start that after freeing up the things to be done in the palace.” He replied. “Anyway, let’s discuss the details later.” Then he returned to face the other side of the bed.


    “Fine.” Then I stood from my seat and approached the door. “Oh, one thi-”

    “Not! Listening!”

    Frowning, I unhooked the door and left.

    After leaving, I met up with the servants and ordered them to prepare a meal for Argent and the Guards. Afterward, I met with the Guards and informed them of their task. I tasked half to go out hunting with the Elves as training and to procure food and placed the remaining to guard Argent for a day of rest. After confirming their response, I went to meet Kanna who’s playing with Rick and Fae.


    “Kanna,” I called

    In response, she turned and replied. “Oh, Lia!”

    Meanwhile, Rick bowed, and Fae curtsied.

    “Hey, Lia.” She said. “Rick and Fae have a few similarities with Randolf, right?”

    Knowing what she meant, “Yes,” I played it off. “I think so too.”

    At least think why they’d show respect to me!


    Without a hint of being hurried, “Kanna, could we talk about the egg for a moment?” I asked.

    “Oh, sure.”

    I moved a distance from Rick and Fae and waited for Kanna to come.

    “What about it?” She asked. “It’s far from hatching yet, so we shouldn’t touch the egg right now. Besides, the condition for the egg is perfect at its nest.”

    “I know, but don’t mention to Rick and Fae anything about their similarities to the Royals.”


    “Eh, why?”

    “It’s complicated,” I answered, “now is not the time to discuss it. Just avoid mentioning anything about Royals to Rick, Fae, and Camille.”

    “Okay.” She nodded.

    Then we began to return to Rick and Fae.

    “Rick it’s a little early, but do you want to train again?” I asked.


    Enthusiastically, he replied. “Yes!”

    “How about Fae?” Kanna asked.

    “I… Want to try, but I’m not good with weapons...”

    “Wait,” Remembering something, I asked. “Fae, have you started studying magic?”

    Shaking her head excessively, “No, not yet.” She said.


    “Then wait here,” I said as I left towards the lodge. “I’ll be back in a bit!”

    Returning to my room, I passed by Erina, Ark, Camille, the Guards and the Servants and gave my greetings while I actively ran up the stairs. After entering my room, I grabbed a small pouch filled with shards and immediately returned to where Kanna and the others are.

    After leading Kanna and the others, I passed by Garfin’s workshop and borrowed a mana stabilizer made of mithril and a wooden sword. Then we went to the open field near the gates.


    “Rick, you can start with your warm up while I teach Fae,” I commanded. “And Kanna, here,” I threw the wooden sword which she caught properly. “Anything will do, just keep Rick busy.”

    “Hmm… I’m not used to swords, but I guess it’s a good handicap.” Then she began swinging the sword as a test. “Yup, this will do.”

    Then they began to move a distance from us.

    After confirming that we wouldn’t be interrupted, I started.


    “Fae, you haven’t learned your affinity right?”

    “Un.”

    “First, you have to know how mana flows.” I grabbed her hand and made my mana gloss over her skin. “Do you feel it?”

    “Un, it’s a little ticklish.” She giggled.

    “Good, now try to remember that feeling.” Then I brought out the mana stabilizer, a mithril ring, then inserted it on her finger. “How about now?”


    “It’s like water? Then it flows to the ring?”

    I removed the ring and said. “Now try to imitate that feeling.”

    “But?”

    “Just try it,” I said. “I know it's vague, but mana is like a sleeping liquid inside your body. You have to feel it and force it to move, and to do that, we have to rely on gut feeling.”

    “Un, Okay.” Then she tried letting mana flow to her fingers while I poured mine over her skin. “I-it’s hard...”


    “That’s good enough.” Then I placed the ring again to her finger. “Now, try again.”

    We repeated the practice several times until a small amount of mana was released from her fingers with the ring's help.

    “That’s it,” I said smiling. “Congratulations.”

    “I did?” She asked then, “I did!” She rejoiced.

    “But we’re not done yet.”

    “Un!” She nodded excitedly.


    “Next, we have to know your affinity, but the problem is, I don’t have an element stone with me so we’ll have to resort to trial and error.”

    Then I took out six shards from the pouch.

    “Each one of these shards is embedded with one of the lowest magic circle in each element system. First, my favorite, Stone Mold.”

    “Stone Mold?”


    “Yes,” I answered. “Generally, Stone Mold is useless, but I’m quite fond of them. This magic molds any earthen matter into a shape you want, but it usually ends up looking like a stone.”

    “What is it used for?”

    “You can use it to level furniture, tip a barrel to one side, and things that you usually can do without wasting any mana.”

    “Then why was it created? And why is it your favorite?”


    “It was created for the purpose of practicing before proceeding with Earth Spike. Without enough practice or knowledge on how the earth would mold itself, or where it would manifest, it could lead to injury or worse, death.” I warned.

    “And the reason why I love it is that it could be used like this.” Then I poured mana into the shard.

    “What was that?!” Kanna shouted after tripping from the stone I manifested.

    “I won!” Rick shouted in rejoice.


    “See?” I chuckled. “You can use it to trip people. It’s especially fun when tripping drunkards or any rude person then accidentally stepping on their hands with the heel of your shoes.”

    “Un, got it.” She nodded. “But what is her Highness doing outside to meet drunkards anyway?”

    “...” For a moment I froze. “D-don’t mind it. I was just looking for bad people, yes, that’s it. Anyway, here, try it.”

    With the ring on, she poured mana into the shard little by little and was able to activate it after 3 seconds.


    “Wha?!” Then Rick fell down.

    Then Kanna laughed at the fallen Rick. “Ahahahaha! Now we’re even!”

    “Fae,” I muttered. “I’m so proud of you.” Then patted her head.

    “Ahehehe.” She giggled.

    “Okay, let’s proceed with the others...”


    After testing all the shards, I found that Fae’s magic affinity leaned on water. Finishing the training between Kanna and Rick, I visited Garfin and asked if Fae could keep the stabilizer for a while, we promised to return it, but Garfin insisted as long as Fae visits now and then.
     
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  6. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    For those who are reading this, I'm still updating at the sites mentioned above. (Chapter 29 as of this post)
     
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  7. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    Chapter 32: Arc 1 End has been uploaded to the sites mentioned above. feel free to give any input
     
  8. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    After Argent has properly rested, I came to visit to discuss the matter regarding the trade.

    “Finally, the pitiful prince, poisoned by the witch and doomed to an endless sleep has awoken. Awoken by the love of his pure and magnificent sister who fought and slew the witch along with the evil dragon to retrieve the dragon’s blood at the cost of her life.”

    “I hope you actually die.”

    “Oh, what sorrow, for a kingdom to have such a dull and lifeless prince, what future does this kingdom have?” I continued.



    “Amelia,” He called. “What have you been reading in Academia?”

    “A variety of genres.” I smiled.

    “… For you to have enough time to read stories,” He said. “How much free time do you have?”

    “I’ve been reading some now and then,” I answered. “Some stories hide some secrets you know? And it’s not like all the stories I read are all fiction, there are those that are historical when I’m investigating civilizations of old. Anyway, it's not good to read only books of one genre.”

    “Fine...” He gave up. “In any case, let’s discuss the trade.”



    In response, I nodded.

    “So let me start," He started. "What commodities do you think we can receive from the Tribe?”

    “Their top commodities are leather, minerals, weapons, and armors. Aside from that, they have luxury goods such as soap, glass, and high-quality timber. We could also trade for alchemy materials such as herbs, flowers, oils, and powder. Not to mention their abundant supply of shards and crystal, in addition to the crystal thread.”

    “Have you confirmed this all?”

    “Of course.”

    I wouldn’t have flown to one place to another if not for this.



    “To think that the Tribe did have crystal threads. This will be a good leverage to reduce their procurement from Academia.”

    “Argent, we shouldn’t openly tell the public nor the other kingdoms that we have access to crystal threads.”

    “I agree, we could also reason out that we began a larger effort in trading with the Tribe to reduce the import.” He answered. “Anyway, have you found out what they need in exchange? The fact they don’t need any form of money means we could only barter.”



    “Yes,” I nodded. “For most of the Dwarfs, they wanted an alcoholic drink; mead, ale, beer, wine, name it. The rarity of fermented drinks here in the Tribe made them more interested in it so we could trade a hefty sum for them.”

    “It’s a good thing we have a lot of grape vineyards, bee farms, and several distilleries in Laurel.” He added. “How about the Elves?”

    “Most Elves wanted to trade for cotton, silk, wheat, milk, cheese, and salt just like it was during five years ago.”



    Confirming it, he nodded with his hand on his chin. “We don’t have any shortage on any of those so we could prepare them.”

    “What about the questions I’ve sent to Mother?” I asked. “What did she say?”

    “Oh, that.” He replied. “Mother said to proceed with the bulk trade. She also sent me here to tell you not to worry about it since she would take care of the loose ends.”

    “That’s reassuring.” I breathed a sigh. “So what did she plan?”



    “She planned on letting the army receive the armors and weapons first before using the old ones for the trainees and new Knights while we slowly release the weaker ones to the public.”

    “And the crystal thread?”

    “Actually,” wryly, he smiled “Mother wanted you to gather more information on how Academia uses their crystal threads and how they procure it.”

    “Regarding that matter,” I said confidently. “I’m planning to get access to the 4th area of Academia upon my return. Maybe I’ll get some hints there. If not, I’ll try to look for another way to access the 5th area without the help of a True Scholar.”



    “Okay, I’ll tell her when I return.” He said. “Oh, another thing, she said you can take a rest and let me check the prepared trade route. Then for the rest, Grandfather's vassals are willing to work the part for the road construction and maintenance, guarding, and the connection to the merchants.”

    “That’s good to hear, but I’ll still join the visit to the trade route tomorrow.”

    “Suit yourself.” He replied. “Another thing, we found out that the Lynxes who came from Alabaster seemed like they belong to an Island east of Alabaster. Do the Tribe know anything about them?”



    In response, I shook my head. “No, apparently, they just sighted the Lynxes at times, but they considered them as ordinary cats. And regarding that island, there’s a high dragon further east of here so the wyverns couldn’t get near.”

    “That isn’t a good news...”

    “I think it’s fine, they said that it doesn’t leave its nest that much. I also heard that Amalthea is looking after it so it won’t create that much of a disaster.”

    “Was it written in any myths or legends?”



    “No, apparently, it’s just an ordinary high dragon and not an elder one nor anything above that. I even thought it was named Gandr...”

    “Gandr?”

    “No, never mind that.” I chuckled. “Anyway...”

    We further discussed the details of the trade until we settled it at the night of that day.



    The following day, the next ten Guards went hunting with the Elves as ordered while the remaining guarded me and Argent. For my servants, I tasked them to build a small distillery beside the lodge with the full consent of the Dwarfs. Kanna on the other hand, left to check on the egg and to lead the other riders for scouting, knowing she’ll be useless in checking the trade route.

    Before we went to the caves leading to the mines, we were blocked by Garfin and a group of seven dwarfs.



    [Amelia,] Garfin called. [You’re going to visit the trade route?]

    “Yes,” I answered. “Is there any problem?”

    [Hrmm...] He muttered. [We’ll come along, but you’ll have to split midway.]

    Puzzled, I asked. “Why? Wasn’t it supposed to be tomorrow?"

    [Yes, it is.] He replied. [But Arkand and Dresbon encountered a problem while mining a vein deep in Alabaster, so I have to take a visit there and help. In any case, the path towards the sealed entrance to Randolf’s stash is somewhere near the vein so we can escort you there now.]



    “Stash?” Argent asked. “What does he mean Amelia?”

    “It’s a message left by Grandfather to me once I become chief,” I answered. “Anyway, do I have anything to bring with me?”

    [None, we already prepared enough resources for two weeks,] He replied. [and here, take this robe, it’ll be cold once we begin entering the Sapphire Domain.]

    I looked towards Argent and nodded.



    “I understand.” He said. “Don’t worry about the route, I’ll properly check it. Go and focus on the message left by Grandfather.”

    “Thanks, Argent,” I replied. “Also, please tell Erina and Kanna that I won’t be returning today.”

    “Got it.” He nodded.

    “Ark,” I called. “You are free to direct the servants while I’m away.”

    “Yes, your Highness.” He bowed.



    ““Your Highness.”” The guards called.

    “It’s fine, guard Argent for me.” Then I waved my hands as I left.

    After that, we left the gates of the Tribe and ascended Alabaster until we reached the top where a deep valley surrounded by steep cliffs was visible. Rather than going down the valley, we walked for a while until we reached a place filled with boulders.

    [We’re here,] Garfin said.

    The Dwarfs then scaled the boulders while I followed behind. We moved from one boulder to another until we reached a depression revealing a hole large enough for a small carriage to go through.



    The Dwarfs started to descend using the ropes hanging at the sides attached to iron stakes driven on the boulders.

    As I watched them descend using the rope, “Whoa, that’s deep...” I muttered.

    Using a leather glove given to me, I descended to the cave while I used the knots on the ropes as support. Eventually, I reached the bottom.

    I looked up to take one last look at the hole, with a thick ceiling filled with numerous sharp stalactites.

    Afterward, we continued moving until we reached the end of the twilight zone, the zone where light meets its end. The dwarfs, prepared for the exploration, brought out torches coated with resin.



    “Should I make a light instead?” I suggested.

    [No,] Garfin refused. [You should save up your mana, once we go deeper it’ll be a different world filled with beasts.]

    “There are beasts that live underground?”

    [Yes, and there are quite plenty of them.]

    With only the torches as our guide, we continued deeper into the cave filled with uneven rocks until we reached another hole, but this time the bottom is visible.



    “Is that water?” I asked as I looked at the mysterious water emitting a dull blue light.

    [Yes,] Garfin answered. [And we have to swim underneath it until we reach the sapphire domain.]

    “Wait, swim?” I asked for confirmation. “You mean we have to swim into an underground cave submerged in water?”

    [Yes, there’s already some crustacean beasts in that water.] While he spoke, he took out a shard and tossed it.



    At the next moment, a loud sound suppressed by water was emitted while the water surface jumped then raged after the explosion.

    So that’s how they use it… I thought.

    [Down we go!] without even letting the water set still, the dwarfs jumped one by one followed by a splash.

    In a panic, I hurriedly searched my pouch for a shard.

    Not this, Not this!



    [Just jump,] Garfin suggested. “There’s not much time before those crustacean beasts return.”

    “B-but how about air?”

    [Don’t worry, just hold your breath long enough and swim fast enough. Hup!] Then he jumped.

    Waaaait! Without a second thought, I tightened up the pouch’s string then dived.

    It’s good that I grew up near a harbor so I at least know the basics of swimming. When I dipped into the water. This is unbearably cold!



    Afraid of being left behind, I follow closely behind Garfin that kept swimming downwards. Fortunately, my build is more suited for swimming compared to the dwarfs, reducing the difficulty in catching up. Soon enough, my lungs started to ache.

    A-are we there yet? Nervously, I thought as I stomach the extreme cold that slowly sapped my strength. Oh, they’re changing direction! Just a little more!

    Following dwarfs, we swam diagonally upwards into a large crevice.

    Finally! I thought as the dwarfs surfaced just above me.



    “Haah… Haah...” I breathed heavily. I moved my sights around and noticed that there's no path leading to anywhere. It’s just a huge dome filled with nothing but air.

    [I’m done taking a breather!] A dwarf shouted then he began to swim again.

    “Eh?”

    [It’s an air pocket,] Garfin said before diving once again.

    Oh god…



    After two more air pockets, we finally reached our destination.

    “I-it’s… c-c-cold…” I muttered, with my teeth clattering. Reaching for a shard inside the pouch, I took one out and poured mana into it. Immediately, a fireball manifested in front of me.

    “I-I n-never… k-knew I’d… u-use it… l-like this...” I muttered as I took in the heat from the fireball, careful not to touch it.

    I’m definitely getting a cold after this…



    Looking around, I found that the other dwarfs are covering themselves with the robe after drying themselves with their own fireballs. Noticing something odd, I untied the robe from my waist and checked it.

    It’s dry…

    I checked the robe once, twice, before confirming that it was indeed dry.

    A waterproof clothing? I thought.

    “G-garfin,” I called as I slowly regain my body heat. “H-how did you... make this waterproof?”



    [Oh, t-that.] He muttered as he kept on drying himself. [The Elves said they used beeswax for that. They’ve been doing that for centuries they say.]

    Beeswax huh… I thought. Another thing I could use in the future.

    “T-thanks.”

    After drying ourselves, we restarted our journey, following the trail of glow moss until we reached a huge chamber filled with blue crystals sprouting like weeds of different sizes. They emitted a glow reminiscent of a sapphire, powerful enough to paint the chamber in a gentle blue hue.



    “Is this the Sapphire Domain?” I asked.

    [Yes,] Garfin confirmed. [Welcome to one of the domains in Alabaster, the Sapphire Domain.]
     
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  9. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    The sound of shattering glass howled in the surroundings, the barrier broke.

    [Thanks!] A Dwarf said followed by a light ground shake after a giant tail smashed the ground, crushing the nearby stones.

    [Cut it!] Garfin shouted. Following his command, the Dwarfs swung their axes on the colorless tail of the Rikea, a salamander.

    Lopping of its tail, the Rikea squealed in pain. It trashed around smashing the blue crystals. While it repeatedly ravaged the surroundings, the Dwarfs moved away with their shields raised at front.



    “I’ll try to hold it down,” I said behind the Dwarfs. For a few seconds, I waited for a chance before manifesting two earthen spikes that pierced its torso. “Now!”

    It’s bad to use earth magic excessively, but I guess this much is fine...

    After my command, the Dwarfs moved forward and brought down their hammers and axes on its limbs, crushing its bones and disabling it in the process. After disabling it, one Dwarf approached its head and, [Take this!] swung his hammer down, denting the skull then crushing its head, felling the Rikea.



    [Check it for minerals!] Garfin ordered.

    After arriving at the Sapphire Domain, we kept on proceeding downwards, but before that, the Dwarfs recovered their weapons from a sack beside the entrance. Also, from the baggage they brought, they took out balls made of wing membranes filled with air, a support to reduce the difficulty in swimming. They then left them in place of the weapons to increase the capacity of their sacks.



    Afterward, we followed the Dasbalite covered path, the blue colored crystals. After an hour or so, the Dwarfs, experts in exploring the caves, halted their advance wary of the surroundings. Locating the anomaly, they prepared their shields along with their hammers or axes. They then threw a shard with an incomplete basic magic circle to wake the Rikea, camouflaging itself among the limestone with its colorless skin filled with Dasbalite jutting out. It then immediately shifted into a battle.

    “Do you mean those crystals at its back are minerals?” I asked, standing beside Garfin, watching the Dwarfs climb the 4-feet tall and 8-feet long Rikea.



    Garfin shook his head. [No,] He answered, [not the crystals, those are ordinary Dasbalite, but there’s a chance that sapphire would be mixed in it, rarely mithril too.]

    “But how could it grow minerals on its back?” I asked. “Aren’t minerals too different from living creatures?”

    [Hrmm...] For a while, Garfin thought for an answer. [The Rikeas are different. They probably adapted by using the Dasbalites as another source of energy. Rather than growing it, it's more like they placed it at their backs.]



    “Why is that?”

    [You see,] He approached the nearest Dasbalite, large enough to tower over him, then pressed his hand on its surface. Not too long after, the intensity of the glow it emitted increased. [These Dasbalites here absorbs mana in the air, so if you pour mana into it, its intensity would increase.] Then he removed his hand from the Dasbalite.

    “Mana in the air huh.” To confirm it, I coated my finger with mana and moved it around repeatedly. “This place is definitely teeming with mana, but the amount is not that heavy.”



    It’s like touching dust, but instead, it’s scattered in the air…

    [Yes, and the Rikeas uses them to maintain themselves.] He continued. [And they probably ate gems and ores mixed with the Dasbalites, which is why there are cases that some minerals are mixed up.]

    “They literally eat those?”

    [Yes,] He nodded. [But they store them in a separate sac beneath its throat. Look at that.] He said. [There’s a small bulge under its throat right? That’s where they store them before moving it to its back after attaching some nerves.]



    Soon enough, A dwarf brought a pole, lifted the Rikea by the jaw, then fitted the pole beneath it before letting it rest. The dwarf then moved to its throat, slit its neck open, and dragged out a sac from inside. Letting the sac hang on its throat, The Dwarf took out a bowl of mesh and placed it underneath before cutting the sac open from below.

    Quickly after the sac was slit open, a liquid oozed out with a hiss as it struck the ground. One by one, different sizes of minerals and crystals dropped from the sac and was caught by the mesh.

    “Acid huh.”



    [It is.]

    Watching the dwarfs inspecting the Rikea’s back, “Garfin,” I called. “Why haven’t you took most of the Dasbalites in here?”

    [There are things that we shouldn’t grab vehemently.] He answered. [These Dasbalites act like plants on the surface. They produce air in place of mana. So if we remove them, we won’t be able to mine peacefully.]

    “But have you used them for something else?”



    [Yes, other than using them as lamps as we get deeper underground,] He answered. [we also brought some above, but the glow they emitted is not as good the dim glow these already have. Other than that, we haven’t used it for anything else.]

    “Then you wouldn’t mind if I take some?” I asked.

    [Feel free to do so, getting a small amount isn’t that detrimental to this place.]

    “Thanks, grandpa Fin.” I smiled. Gathering enough materials to work with Dasbalites, I placed them in an extra sack I borrowed from a Dwarf. I also asked if they could give me some nerves attached at the Dasbalites from the Rikea’s back.



    Absorbing mana huh, I have a lot of ideas for that. Mischievously, I giggled. But I wonder how am I supposed to study the nerves. I’m not even well versed in studying the very specifics of animals and beasts...

    After taking some minerals from the dead Rikea, they dragged it to the side and use the earth to cover its body. After that, we continued our journey deeper into the Sapphire Domain.

    Now and then, we encountered animals unique only to caves such as millipedes, centipedes, large spiders, and more. One surprising trait common among them is that every single one of them is blind and colorless, but despite that, they are sensitive to sound and movement, and most of them have antennas for navigation.



    Apparently, the places filled with Dasbalites are few, and the rest of the holes and passages we passed through is filled with nothing but darkness. Some even lead to the nests of the beasts or animals living in this caves.

    “Garfin,” I called while I slowly placed one foot after another on the rocks. “How did you prepare the weapons you placed at the entrance of the Sapphire Domain?”

    [Oh, that.] He replied. [There’s another entrance to the Sapphire Domain, but it’ll take two days before we reach the entrance of that cave. We brought the weapons from there and placed them here, a shortcut.]



    “I see,” I answered. “But why do you have to rush in and help Arkand and Dresbon? What were they mining anyway?”

    [Arkand and Dresbon were supposed to return yesterday, but what returned was another Dwarf asking for help. Badly enough, it seemed that their supply ran low while the return path was filled with beasts for an unknown reason. Guessing the reason, I think it's because of the earth drakes climbing into the cave system, forcing the beasts to escape and end up clogging the passages.]



    I guess that’s the only logical explanation other than a breeding season. But do they even have a breeding season here underneath the earth?

    “Then the vein?”

    [Orichalcum,] He grinned. [We finally found an Orichalcum vein.]

    Surprised, I asked. “Y-you mean that mythical metal?”



    [Yes, but the vein is only enough for half an ingot.] Nevertheless, he wore a fearless smile. [But it’s fine, we can mix it with other metals to make an alloy of it. I can’t wait.]

    “...” Silently, I gazed at his intrepid demeanor.

    That’s a true blacksmith for you.

    Moving forward, we took our time to rest based on the Dwarfs judgment of the time. To them, it seems like six hours has already passed since we entered the cave. Contrary to that, I already lost track of the time for being too dependent on the sun’s position in the sky.



    We all sat in a circle while they passed pieces of dried jerky around along with a wooden cup and filled it with water using a shard. Quietly on the side, I watched the Dwarf’s banter with each other as I listened for any form of trivial information. Most of what they talked about pertained to smithing, a topic I’m not well versed in. Nevertheless, I enjoy the extra information which gave me more knowledge on the subject.

    Resting for an hour, we restarted our journey, but this time we were faced with a problem.



    [So this is why they weren’t able to return?] Garfin said, combing his beard, looking down at another hole large enough for one Dwarf to pass through. As opposed to the previous holes, it was slanted and filled with the echoes of footsteps coming from below.

    “What are those?” I muttered, peeking at the hole, looking at the dark figures shadowed by the dim glow the Dasbalites emitted. Trying to make out their silhouette, I found out that they were standing on two legs.



    [Those are the main inhabitants of this domain,] Garfin answered. [They’re humanoid Rikeas. They almost look like a race, but they’re still beasts.]

    From time to time, they emitted a short squeaking voice while they moved their reddish gill-like ears, imitating a bat's echolocation. Unlike the previous Rikea, the humanoid ones were smaller but stood at 6-feet tall. In addition, they had sharp talons on their webbed arms and legs. Overall, they’re similar to the ordinary Rikeas, bearing minerals at their backs with the same pigment less skin.

    “How do we deal with them?” I asked.



    This hole is enough to fit one person at a time, but that’ll leave the first one to go down to be vulnerable from attacks. And from this height, it’ll be necessary to redirect the force by rolling. It’ll be good if we can drop above and crush them, but that wouldn’t be possible for all nine of us. Thinking for a solution, I thought.

    Besides, light and dark magic is useless here, for water, there’s barely any water around to work with the mana consumption efficiently, for earth, it’s too dangerous to use them excessively, it’s also dangerous to use fire since there’s too much air build up here, the best bet is wind but…



    [We’ll use this.] Then Garfin brought out a shard.

    “Ah,” I exclaimed. “We’ll startle them with sound, right?”

    [Yes, I’ll be using ones with a basic magic circle, using an intermediate or advance might make a part of this cave collapse.] Then he reached a shard for each one of us. [Throw this in different directions when I give the signal. After that drop one by one and start the hunt.]

    We all nodded in agreement. “I’ll provide more light once we get down,” I said before we executed the plan.



    After preparing ourselves, we threw our shards into the hole. Following momentarily, numerous small explosions reverberated in the surroundings at small intervals, startling the Rikeas to a halt. Without wasting a second, Garfin slid himself into the hole followed by the Dwarfs who immediately sprang from their feet upon landing. Following them, I slid down the hole holding a shard on my left. Upon landing, I bent my knees and rolled. I then quickly drew my rapier while pouring mana into the shard to produce a large ball of light to illuminate the battlefield.

    The Dwarfs, given the proper sight in the darkness, started hacking and smashing the startled Rikeas. On the other hand, I started sprinting to the nearest Rikea and stabbed it in the chest.



    Slitting them on their throat or beheading them is dangerous.

    Knowing about their acidic sacs, I avoided slashing at the heads of the tall Rikeas.

    After a short while, the Rikeas started to increase the frequency of the sound they emitted while bobbing their heads from side to side, figuring out the situation. Unfortunately, they were not given the chance to peacefully assess the situation as one by one, their fellow Rikeas fell.

    I moved from one Rikea to another cutting their arms or stabbing at their chests while the Dwarfs slashed with their axes while the hammer-wielding Dwarfs crushed the Rikea’s chests.



    Soon enough, the Rikeas noticed that they were being attacked and started their retaliation. Even though a number of them had fallen, more than half of them remained standing.

    Dodging a tail swung at me, I jumped backward, placing my back against the Dwarfs forming a circle facing different directions.

    [The party is getting started.] A Dwarf grinned, holding his axe above his shield.

    “Seems like it.” I returned a reply.



    [Thanks for the light.] Another dwarf muttered. [This will be a lot easier.]

    [Get ready!] Garfin shouted as the Rikeas surrounded us in every direction. [Now!] He shouted as he swung down his free arm.
     
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  10. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    Ducking, I swung the rapier and dismembered the Rikea’s arm. Not giving it time to squeal, I kicked it on its chest, powered by reinforcement, creating a crisp sound of its ribs snapping. Unable to stand the kick, it fell down dragging a fellow Rikea at its back. Then I tucked the shard in-between my fingers.

    Grabbing the dismembered arm in mid-air, I threw it at a Rikea with an opened mouth. Just in time before it spat its acid covered minerals, the arm stuck itself in its throat, scraping it with the talons in the process. Vehemently, it tried to swallow it, before it thought of spitting it out along with the acid from its sac.



    Jumping to dodge the tail swung at me, I drew my dagger from my right then threw it aiming for the Rikea’s thigh. Successfully, it forced the Rikea to halt and fall on its knee. Soon enough, the Rikea flew momentarily and rolled on the ground after a Dwarf smashed it with his hammer.

    “Thanks,” I muttered before moving to the next.

    About every 20 seconds, Garfin, with his free hand, threw shards that continuously stunned the Rikeas, giving us time to take them down easily.



    In a contest of speed, the Rikeas were slow, enabling me to dodge with ease. In-between the Rikeas, I moved while slashing at their thighs, felling them to their knees while another Dwarf finishes them off. Twisting to my left, I swung the rapier after I dodged a claw swipe from a Rikea, slashing at its open side, then kicked it to worsen the status of its wound.

    Really, slashing at the limb muscles never fails no matter what the beast is. Cutting through the soft bulging parts on its limbs, I thought.



    Moving to the next, the Rikeas suddenly halted, not from the shards thrown by Garfin, but because of a long yet low continuous growling sound. Then they bobbed their heads in confusion and panic.

    Suddenly, Garfin shouted an order. [Re-group! We’re getting out of here!]

    Moving past the Rikeas that forced themselves to stand with their damaged thighs, they crawled in desperation while continuously emitting a short squeaking sound.

    [Move! Quick!] Garfin bellowed yet again.



    Following his lead, we moved towards the passage. Leaving the Rikeas behind, I moved the ball of light into the passage lacking in Dasbalites. After a while of traveling into the passage, he ordered me to cut-off the magic, which I obeyed.

    [We’ll go through here.] Garfin said pointing at a hole leading to a passage half-filled with water, ushering with the resin torch he brought out as we moved. [That beast won’t be able to follow us there, now go.]



    While the squeals of the Rikeas reverberated, we moved into the hole and dropped into the water-filled passage.

    “What beast was that?” I asked, moving through the cold and wet passage, we emitted swishing sounds in every step we took.

    [Gidra, an intermediate earth drake.] Garfin answered in a serious tone. [It seems they really have moved, but for the Gidras to move up here…]



    “Would the other Dwarfs be fine handling a Gidra?”

    [As long as there’s many of them, there won’t be a problem, but I’ll bet they avoided the Gidras. They use earth magic whenever they’re cornered, sometimes resulting in a collapse. So taking them down must be done quickly.]

    “Quite a problematic beast.”

    [They are.]

    [Chief.] A Dwarf muttered.



    [I know,] He answered, [Kill the lights.] Immediately, the light from the torches went out as they dipped them into the water, returning us into utter darkness.

    For some reason, I can see the shape of the surroundings slightly, but it’s not as clear when I have my horn manifested…

    “What do we do?” I asked.

    [We’ll wait quietly.]

    From the distance, three twinkling dots moved as if it were playing around.



    [Ahehehe.] The giggle echoed through the passage. [Where could they be?]

    [Where could that be?] Another one said.

    Then the third followed. [Hide. Seek. Here we go!]

    Then the dots vanished as they moved upwards.

    [Devy! Come on! Come on!] The dot shouted while the other two giggled.



    Followed by the shout, a rumbling sound rocked the surroundings accompanied by a long low-pitched trill. Subsequently, something large emerged from the water in the distance, creating waves that soon reached our location.

    Damn that beast, we have to dry ourselves again!

    While I angrily thought of the problem it’s going to cause us, the beast moved its finger-less limbs, clinging to the sides, crushing rocks that plopped into the water.



    We waited for about 10 minutes after the beast left before we spoke.

    [Fairies huh.] Garfin muttered. [Amelia, please give us some light, it’ll take time to dry the resin.]

    “Sure,” I answered and poured mana into the shard stuck between my fingers.

    [[Thanks.]] The Dwarfs said.

    “Garfin, what do you mean by Fairies?” I asked, looking at the bothered expression painted on Garfin’s face. “I have yet to meet any Fairies, so I don’t know anything about them. But the fact that I can understand their speech means they’re a race too, right?”



    Unexpectedly, a different Dwarf answered. [Yes, they’re a race too.]

    [But Fairies should never be trusted.] Another one added.

    Moving my sight towards the Dwarfs that answered, “What do you mean?” I asked, the Dwarfs sharing the same bothered expression like Garfin.

    [You haven’t heard it from the history of the Elves yet?] Garfin asked.

    “Unfortunately, no.” I shook my head. “I’ve been busy lately so I haven’t asked Kanna for a continuation.”



    [Hrmm…] Garfin grunted. [Anyway, I’ll explain on the way. Let’s move.] Then Garfin moved towards the passage where the Fairies passed through.

    Oh, here it comes. I thought as I felt the backlash of the reinforcement. I guess it’s fine, the pain is not that bothersome anymore anyway…

    [Fairies,] Garfin muttered. [They’re the most hated race by Sylvar.]

    Placing my hands on the side of the passage as I moved for support, I said. “Please continue.”



    [You see,] He continued. [Fairies is a race composed mostly of females. They all look innocent, cute, and charming. Their wings are also marveled as an intricate form of art.]

    [But never get fooled by their appearance.] Another Dwarf muttered.

    [Yes,] Garfin added. [Never get fooled by their appearance.] He repeated as he looked through the giant passage the beast passed through. [You’ll never know if they’re telling the truth or are they telling lies. They’re the masters of deceit.]



    I moved the ball of light into the passage and lit up the surroundings.

    “That beast sure is huge...” I muttered as I observed the size of the vertical passage at a size enough to fit the lodge back at the Tribe.

    [And they called it Devy,] Garfin added. [It must’ve been the reason why the other beasts are running around, but the fact we didn’t see it closely, nor the sound was familiar, I can’t guess what beast it is.]

    [C-chief.] A Dwarf answered, visibly shaken. [I think I’ve heard that sound before, but I’m not sure…]

    [Talk.] Garfin ordered.



    [You know those small black things underneath the citadel?] He asked. [The one with a large mouth, sharp teeth, soft body, and has tentacles as limbs?]

    Citadel?

    [No,] Garfin shook his head.

    [Since the Fairies called it Devy,] The Dwarf continued. [I guess it’s those Devourers, but I’m not sure since I didn’t see it myself…]

    [Wait,] Another Dwarf answered. [Those weak beasts? They can’t even fight for themselves.]



    [Yes, those. They’re utterly weak at the start, but I’ve seen one powerful enough to eat a drake.]

    [Then the Fairies fed them?] One Dwarf suggested.

    [[…]] Silently, they all thought.

    [It wouldn’t be strange for the Fairies.] Garfin muttered and the Dwarfs agreed by nodding. [In any case, let’s move.]

    “But to where?” I asked. “I don’t see any path other than diving in that dark water.”



    There are no Dasbalites underneath it, that’s for sure…

    Without responding, Garfin placed his hand on the side of the passage and closed his eyes. After a minute, he opened his eyes and spoke. [We won’t be diving, the weapons will only weigh us down.]

    That’s reassuring...

    Then he continued. [Above us, there are passages. We’ll take the one nearest to our right.]

    “You mean we’re going to climb?”



    [Yes.]

    Puzzled, I asked. “But how? The surface of the walls here is smooth. I don’t think it’ll be easy. Especially that it’s now wet due to that Devy.”

    [Not to worry,] He answered with a grin. Placing his hand on the right side of the passage, he spoke after taking out a ring made of crystal thread, encrusted with a shard. [You’ll see.]

    Gradually, steps made of stone jutted from the side leading to the passage he indicated.

    “Isn’t it bad to use earth magic here?” I asked.

    [Don’t worry, that huge beast passed here, right? The fact that the walls didn’t collapse meant that it’s thick and powerful enough on its own.]



    “But how did you know where should we pass through?”

    [It's a racial ability.] He answered. [We live with the earth and forge with the fire, enabling us to feel the surrounding earth while fire lets us know the right temperature for forging.]

    “That’s convenient.”

    [But we can’t use any other element other than earth and fire without shards.]

    “That’s not so convenient after all.”



    One person at a time, we scaled the steps and arrived at the passage, maintaining our only source of light until the resin torches were dry.

    “Isn’t this, a slide?” I asked looking at the smooth surface of the slide before us. “And isn’t this a thin blanket of ice?” I gulped.

    Uwaah… I’ve had enough cold stuff for today...

    [Yes, it is. It’ll be colder further down, but it’ll be faster through here.] Garfin answered. [But you’ll go down last since there might be stalactites hanging above the slide. We’ll use the shields to break them just in case.]



    Courageously, a Dwarf jumped into the naturally made slide with his axe and shield blocking his front along with the torch. [Down I go!] Then he vanished with his fluttering robe, followed by the sound of rocks breaking apart.

    Before my turn, [Here,] Garfin gave me a pick. [Use that in case you sped too much. Be careful though, your arms might break if you don’t do it properly.]

    “Don’t worry, I can handle myself,” I answered with a smile.

    [Well then, I’ll see you down there.] Then he vanished into the slide.



    Quietly, I manifested my horn. “No one would see anyway. Better use it just in case.” Then slowly my sight lit up on its own. “This is really convenient.”

    Before I slid down, I detached the rapier and the dagger from my waist, placed it inside the sack containing the Dasbalites, and placed the sack at the front, holding the pick with my right.

    Gradually, my speed picked up as I slid further, producing a skidding sound. Soon, the blanket of ice thickened, the slide became wider.

    Nervously, I thought. I hope I don’t veer off…



    With a fork in the path, I buried the pick on my right to divert my direction towards the right passage where there are obvious skid marks on the ice. Supported by reinforcement, I held the pick’s handle as my weight burdened my arm, forcing the pick to scrape off the ice as I veered towards the right.

    This would probably hurt later...

    Suddenly, a voice giggled.



    Moving my head, I looked for the source of the voice, but my time was short, as the end of the slide appeared before my eyes. Luckily, I was able to hide my horn before I emerged from the hole. Immediately, I observed the surroundings, looking for the presence of the Dwarfs.

    Whew… I thought as I saw them gathering in one place. Were those Faeries?

    [Come now,] Garfin called.

    Steadily, I stood on the frozen spring and made my way slowly to the group. As we gathered, we again moved with Garfin on the lead, with a new set of resin torches.



    “Garfin, why does Sylvar hate the Fairies?” I asked for the continuation of the story, exhalin a visible breath.

    [Hrmm…] He grunted. [He knew that the Elves were deceived by the Fairies into joining the racial war, but he didn’t have the authority to voice himself. That led him to make his fellow Elves realize by making connections, but he was too late, the Fairies already had ties with the Elders.]

    “You just said that the Fairies were a deceitful race, right? Haven’t the Elders in Avalon realized that?”

    [According to him, the Elders thought that they were using the Fairies instead.]



    “...”

    [To Sylvar, there are benefits in joining the Fairies, but it changed after he saw a part of the truth.]

    “What did he see?”

    [He saw a Fairy leaking information to the Beastmen and the Humans.]

    “… That’s quite a problem.” I said. Leaking information to a human huh. I wonder from which kingdom were those?

    [Because of that, some Elves were captured, never to return.]



    Irritated by their lack of insight, I asked. “We’re the Elders blind?”

    [Apparently, the Elders has a plan, but Sylvar never knew anything about it. So he decided to use the connection he made and created a group of Elves to set out of Avalon to look for a place where they can peacefully preserve their race.]

    “Then what about the Dwarfs? You’ve met Fairies too, right?”

    [Yes, but we hate them.] He answered. [We hate those bugs who don't care for our craft. They just wanted to sow conflict while waiting on the sides, watching the others burn.]



    “...” Quietly, I thought. So I should never trust Fairies huh...

    [But mind you, sometimes they tell some truth to lure people into their plans. You could use that to your advantage, but knowing what is true and what is not requires some skill to discern.]

    “Got it,” I replied.
     
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  11. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    Shortly after, we found a path with Dasbalites.

    [We’ll sleep here.] Garfin commanded.

    Apparently, during that time, it was already night. Excluding me, they decided to take turns in twos for the night watch. They reasoned that they were more accustomed to the nature of the caves than I did, which is why it was best for me to take a rest, so I could adapt to the new environment I was in.

    “Thank you,” In gratitude, I said.



    After taking our fill, we huddled in a corner of the passage in order to maintain our heat, but despite that, I still felt myself shivering from the cold to the point that we wanted to build a fire, but our air is limited so we refrained from doing so. Fortunately, the Dwarfs was kind enough to place me in the center of the group, making it more bearable than I thought. Not long before, I fell asleep in comfort.

    By the next day, I was shaken awake by Garfin. [It’s time to eat.] He said.

    Rubbing my eyes, “Unn...” I yawned while I stretched my body and limbs.



    Not long after that, we took our meal, eating the same jerky and water we had.

    “By the way, Garfin,” I asked after resuming our travel through the caves. “Why did Grandfather place the stash here in Alabaster? He could’ve just placed it somewhere I can easily find, right?”

    [Probably a test?] Garfin answered, leading the group with a torch in hand. [He came down here several times with us, so he might have thought that you’d need to go through what he did before you are entitled to receive what he left. He even contracted an earth spirit to seal it.]



    Confused, I said. “But aren’t humans not supposed to see or feel spirits?”

    [That’s what I want to know. How did Randolf get into a contract with a spirit?] He replied. [And it’s a high ranking spirit at that.]

    Grandfather sure has a lot of mysteries...

    [We should pick up the pace a bit.] Garfin said. [I’m worried about the others, those Faeries might have done something.]



    “I agree,” I replied. “But Garfin, can you tell me more about the Faeries? Like, how strong they are?”

    [Physically, they’re weak. One swing of our hammer and they could die immediately.]

    “In terms of magic?”

    [In that regard, I haven’t seen them use magic.] He answered.

    [I have seen them,] A dwarf interrupted. [Their magic is on the level of a low to intermediate spirit.]



    “Err… How do I make of that?” I asked. “The only power of a spirit I knew of is the blessing of the water spirit during the ritual, and I don’t think that’s a good reference...”

    [The one from the ritual is a high spirit of water.] Garfin answered.

    “Hmm...” I muttered, tilting my head. “If that’s the case, then I guess they’re around the lowest to the highest of intermediate magic? Or possibly till advanced?”

    [Probably till advanced.] The previous Dwarf replied.



    “Thanks for the answer.” I smiled.

    About 3 hours or so, we found a marking on the side of a passage. It was a marking in a ‘Y’ shape indicating the fork in the path before us.

    Tracing the marking, Garfin said. [This is marking is recent, we are near.] Then he took out a knife and drew a line underneath the arrowhead that indicated the direction we should go. [There, that should do it.]

    “You're indicating that someone saw the marking they left and followed it, right?” I asked.



    [Yes,] Garfin replied. [It’s a standard for us Dwarfs.]

    “How about the other side? The mark indicated small circles clustered together.”

    [That indicates a nest. We should avoid that if we don’t want any trouble.]



    Following the indicated path, we traveled for about an hour before we reached the end of the passage. It led to a huge chamber filled with naturally formed pillars that reached to the ceiling. It was large enough to fit a 20-storey building and acres of land, dotted with waterfalls, protruding uneven boulders, Dasbalites of unimaginable sizes, springs, and lakes both frozen and running, unique luminescent plants, and a ceiling fitted with crystals.

    “It’s like a whole new world...” I muttered in pure awe.



    [Beautiful isn’t it?] Garfin chuckled a grin. [It’s called the Endless Chasm.]

    “Endless Chasm?” I repeated, trying to look for the end of the slanted chasm leading further down. “Then I’m guessing you haven’t found the end yet?”

    [We haven’t.] He answered with a wry smile. [There are too many dangerous beasts the further you go, lava also starts appearing, changing the environment drastically. Anyway, let’s talk while moving.]

    As ordered, we started moving.



    “Garfin, those crystals above us,” Shifting my sight towards the countless crystals hanging above, “those are Crystalline Manatite, right?”

    [There are Crystalline Manatite mixed in there, but there are various crystals included.]

    “I see,” I muttered. “Then, how did they ended up there?”

    [They formed due to the water and lava mixing together, producing a vapor that made its way up and formed the crystals. Or possibly this place was submerged in lava once, which naturally formed those crystals as the ground eroded.]



    I see...

    Again, I shifted my sight towards the towering Dasbalites that illuminated the surroundings.“This is just a guess, but does the mana content in the air increases the further we go down?”

    [You guessed right.]

    “The reason?”

    [We don’t know.] He shook his head in response. [Maybe ask a God or a divine being?]

    “… I guess.” I muttered. Maybe I’ll ask Celes next week.



    Once again, I observed the surroundings and thought quietly.

    Some pillars are stretching from both the top and the bottom, probably centuries old stalactites and stalagmites that eventually formed a pillar? But some have discolored marks, so I’m guessing those are eroded ones…

    There are also waterfalls here and there, so does it mean all that water we encountered is destined to arrive here? And that frozen slide. I guess it’ll defrost once the water level rose and eventually reached that passage?



    Continuously, I thought of possibilities to explain the scenery before me. As I imagined them, “Tell me,” I muttered in disbelief. “Is this a dream?”

    [Ahahaha!] Garfin laughed heartily. [To think you’d ask the first question that Randolf asked upon reaching this place!]

    “Ahaha. Well, I have Grandfather’s blood after all.” I laughed wryly. “… Anyway, does this place have some lore or something?”



    [We don’t have that kind of lore for this place,] Garfin answered. [But we believe that all the water running down Alabaster led to this place. Because of that, it slowly eroded the rocks that formed this chasm. We’re theorizing that this further leads under the ocean southeast of Randia or maybe an underwater volcano judging from the lava present further down.]

    “Then all of this is the marvel of Alabaster?” I asked. “To think that it’s hiding something like this...”



    There are countless things here that I have seen for the first time. To think it was just beside the kingdom of Laurel. We had no idea...

    [Yes, it is.] Garfin grinned. [The outside of Alabaster is an outright plain mountain range, but the inside is on a different scale, and I doubt that this is the only hidden gem underneath Alabaster.]

    “You mean there’s more?”

    [At least I think so, Alabaster is wide that we haven’t explored all of it yet.]



    “Then those beasts? The humanoid Rikeas and Gidras, did they come from here?”

    [Yes, they did.] Garfin answered. [The Rikeas use their talons to scale the pillars and numerous passages on the sides. They also use those to cling on the walls and act like ordinary Dasbalites, camouflaging themselves from their predators. Unlike the previous ones, this place has plenty of space for them to stand upright, allowing them to use their talons to hunt smaller beasts.]



    Then another Dwarf continued. [The Gidras hunts the Rikeas in this place, so wherever the Rikeas are, the Gidras are sure to follow.]

    “But I guess we can call ourselves lucky that most of them are gone,” I muttered, checking the immediate surrounding for beasts. Those small unnatural looking ones are probably Rikeas camouflaging themselves.

    [Luck, huh. It’s probably because of a divine beast that has visited nearby. We were blessed.] Garfin answered.



    “Eh? Blessed? By which divine beast?”

    [I don’t know,] He shook his head. [Although weak, I felt its presence for a short moment.]

    “When was it?”

    [During the slide.]

    “Oh… I didn’t feel anything.” I answered.

    [That’s natural.] He replied.



    Could it be… my horn? I thought. But whenever I call out to Celes, none asked nor did anyone spoke about a presence… During my time with Erina too. Kanna never mentioned anything, so I guess it really wasn’t me?

    Shaking my thoughts away, I asked. “Garfin, where are we headed now?”

    [I’m sorry about this, but we’ll head to a post we made in this area. We’ll head to the sealed area once we find the other Dwarfs.]



    “No, it’s fine,” I answered. “Right now, the lives of the Dwarfs is more important. I could always come down here to get the stash just in case.”

    [Thank you, Amelia.] He thanked.

    Then the other Dwarfs followed. [[Thank you.]]

    “No problem,” I replied with a smile.

    Peacefully, we reached the Dwarf post after about 2 hours of travel, a result of the mass migration of the beasts.



    [Garfin!] A Dwarf ran to our direction upon seeing our group.

    Then another followed. [Garfin?!]

    [Arkand! Dresbon!] Garfin ran up to them wearing a bright smile. He then brought out his fist and bumped it against the other two. [It’s nice to see you well!]

    [You finally came!] Arkand laughed.

    They both bore a brown hair that covered their face, an ordinary appearance among the Dwarfs.



    [Finally, there’s a chance that we can go back!] Dresbon cheered.

    But Arkand unhappily slapped Dresbon at the back of his head! [You fool! We just need food to kill that beast!] He reprimanded. [It’s not something we should fear!]

    [You’re the fool!] Dresbon refuted. [You haven’t seen one of those things yet!]

    [I have! I smashed them to oblivion!]

    [Those were newborns! The ones that reached past its maturity are absurd!]



    [Have some pride! We are Dwarfs! Our weapons can take care of that!]

    [I have pride! But that thing is different!]

    Quietly, we listened to their banter, gleaning information that they threw at each other until Garfin stopped both of them before they reached for their weapons.

    [Enough,] Garfin said, placing himself in-between them. [You're disgracing yourselves in front of our new chief.]

    As they looked my way, I smiled and waved my hand. “Hello,” I said in a childish tone.



    As expected, [Cough! You’re right, we shouldn’t disgrace ourselves.] Dresbon said as he reached out his hand. [The name’s Dresbon.]

    Reaching to his hand for a shake, I said. “Pleased to meet you, I’m Amelia.”

    Similarly, Arkand did the same. [Name’s Arkand.]



    After we gave our greetings, we proceeded to have a meeting regarding our next move. Apparently, the well-known exits were blocked by beasts, and they were hesitant in eliminating them due to their number and the consequences it will cause. They also found traces of the Fairies moving around the caves just like we did, but unexpectedly, they only found three. On the other hand, it seemed that they too encountered Devy, a Devourer as confirmed by Dresbon.

    According to Dresbon, that Devy is too powerful for us to handle. They saw it preying on two Gidras at the same time. And based on his estimation, it’s powerful enough to be on the level of a mid to a high dragon.



    Contrary to that, Arkand believed that they can take care of it if we relied on the crystals embedded with incomplete magic circles while wielding their prided weapons.

    In the end, we decided not to meddle with the Fairies, and work our way up while forcing the beasts to return to their natural habitat.

    [Hey,] Dresbon said, pointing at a passage from a distance. [Isn’t those Gidras returning?]



    Covered in rock-like scales, two horns pointed backward, and a form similar to a horse, they shot out from the passage as if running away from something.

    [I think it’s coming…] Garfin muttered.

    [Chiefs!] A Dwarf shouted. [The beasts! They’re returning!]

    [Gather your weapons and your sacks!] Arkand shouted an order.

    [Dwarfs!] Dresbon bellowed. [Move to the sides of the passages then form a barricade of shields!]



    [Prepare your torches! we’re leaving once the beasts finished rushing back!] Garfin added.

    Immediately, the Dwarfs moved to the side of the passage beside the post. Subsequently, the Dwarfs with shields moved to the front, while another line of Dwarfs at their back placed another shield above theirs, effectively making a wall of shields. At their backs, the Dwarfs split in half, ones gathered the sacks and served as carriers, while the others picked up weapons for battle.



    Soon, the area was rocked by a continuous shake of the ground, followed by a mass of Rikeas passing through the passage that continuously emitted a squeaking sound. The Rikeas, drowned in fear, created a stampede among themselves, crushing their fellow Rikeas that fell down.

    During the stampede, numerous Rikeas kept on hitting the shields in a blind panic. Fortunately, the Dwarfs were able to withstand it until all there was no Rikeas left.



    [Move!] Garfin ordered.

    [Those with weapons at the front!] Arkand shouted. [Kill anything on the way!]

    [Carriers at the center! Shields at the back!] Dresbon added.

    For some reason, the beasts kept running.

    It’s not done yet… I thought.



    Meeting my expectation, a low-trill echoed throughout the chasm. Then the hideous beast, Devy, emerged from the ground, swallowing a number of Rikeas.

    At the moment I saw it, I thought. It’s no use. We can’t outrun that thing…

    [Peek!]

    [A!]

    [Boo!]

    The Fairy trio giggled.
     
    Srennis and Kanana like this.
  12. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    After the ground shook, a giant beast burst through the ground, swallowing the unfortunate Rikeas in its path. Again, with a low trill, it moved its bladed tentacles and started massacring the leftover Rikeas. After confirming the annihilation, it revealed its body, covered in spikes jutting out from its thick calloused skin.

    Opening its mouth sealed by three large spiraled teeth, it revealed its throat lined with layers of serrated teeth. Moving its body from the ground, it showcased its horrid body surrounded by legs similar to a centipede, but unlike a centipede, its legs surrounded its cylindrical body without a pattern in sight.



    Then, it started sucking on the dead bodies of the Rikeas, leaving nothing but blood dripping on the ground as it sumptuously munched on its prey.

    [[Ahehehe.]] The Faeries giggled.

    [Go on! Go on!]

    [We’ll give you!]

    [A head start!]



    Shouted the Faeries in-between us and the Devourer

    “Garfin!” I shouted as the three Dwarf chiefs led the Dwarfs through the passage.

    [What is it?!] He replied, obviously shaken by the Devourer. [We have no time to dawdle! We must escape, now!]

    “It’s impossible!” I said. “That thing is obviously faster than us! With that kind of body, it can easily devour us if we grouped ourselves into one!”



    Although the situation was dire, Garfin responded without a hint of panic. [Then do you have any ideas?!]

    “You said that there’s lava further down the Chasm, right?!” Nervously, I replied in the midst of the noise emitted by the countless boots hitting the ground. “Is there any other way we could reach that place?! I don’t think that thing can swim in lava unharmed!”

    [Impossible!] He answered, quickly. [The quickest path is through this chasm itself. We have to go through that beast if we wanted to!]



    “But what do we do?! Luring that to the surface won’t save us either!” I replied. “Worst case, the Tribe falls prey to that Devourer!”

    [We might be able to eliminate that thing if we received help from the spirits contracted by the Elves!]

    “Again! We can’t outrun that thing!” I refuted. “Our best bet is to divide ourselves and hope that some of us survives and get help from the Tribe!”



    [I agree with her Garfin!] Dresbon intruded. [We’ll divide ourselves into two groups, and each will take a separate path to the upper ground!]

    [But!]

    [This is no time to argue Garfin!] Arkand said. [Her suggestion is the best we have right now! We just have to hope we see each other again!]

    [[Dwarfs!]] Dresbon and Arkand commanded.



    [On the first chamber above, split into two groups! Each would be led by two Chiefs! I and Arkand would lead one group, while Garfin and Amelia will lead the other!]

    [[Yes!]] The Dwarfs responded

    [Now move and pass the message to those at the front!] Arkand added.

    “Wait!” I interrupted. “Arkand and Dresbon would each lead the group of Dwarfs, while I and Garfin go to the stash left by my Grandfather!”



    [Amelia thi-]

    “It’s not that!” I cut off. “There’s a high spirit there, right?! There’s a possibility that it’d help me since Grandfather contracted that spirit. If we’re lucky enough, we could at least delay that thing for the two groups to reach the ground!”

    [Yo-] Wide-eyed, Dresbon muttered.

    “This! Is! Not! The! Time!” Angrily, I shouted. “Of course I’m afraid! But someone else is waiting for me up there! I won’t go down that easily!”



    [Amelia…] Garfin muttered.

    [It’s decided!] Arkand said.

    [For a human like you…] Dresbon muttered before turning his back and waved his hand. [Be sure to meet us after this, I’ll treat you to some drink.]

    “Ahahaha.” I chuckled wearing a wry smile. “I’m not old enough to drink...”



    Soon enough, the Dwarfs, along with Arkand and Dresbon, vanished into the passage.

    With only two of us left, [Amelia… You’re young.] Garfin said. [It’s fine, I’ll persuade the spirit myself. Go follow Arkand and Dresbon.] Then he started walking towards the passage a short distance away from the post.

    “I’m sorry Garfin, but I won’t act like your Granddaughter this time,” I said as I followed Garfin from behind while the Devourer raged from the distance. “Although short, my time with the Tribe is precious to me.”

    [I sa-]



    Again, I cut him off. “Just like you said, I’m like Grandfather,” Smiling, I continued. “Stubborn.”

    […] Silently he ran to the passage while I tagged along.

    Taking a look before we entered the passage, the trio were dancing around, discussing something between them like innocent children out to play in the woods.

    They’re too lax…



    With Garfin at the lead holding a new torch in hand, I followed behind holding my rapier, cautious of the beasts running around.

    [Amelia, we might encounter a Gidra here.]

    “It’s weakness?”

    [It’s head, it’s lower body is covered in rock-hard scales so piercing it with your strength would be hard.]

    “How tall is it?”

    [Around 13 feet.]



    “…” Silently, I thought. I can’t fly, you know? But then again, there’s that method…

    Thinking of a method to reach 13 feet, I rummaged through my pouch.

    With a shard in hand, Here it is. I thought I hope it works... I thought, fitting it in-between my fingers.

    Remembering something, Ah, I forgot to give the Dwarfs my sack... I thought as I realized the sack hanging on my waist filled with Dasbalites. Never mind, it’s not that many anyways.



    Just like Garfin anticipated, a gallop filled the chamber, followed by the figure of a Gidra. Upon sensing us, it let out a loud roar.

    [I’ll distract it.] Then Garfin moved to the side, luring the Gidra to the wall.

    Noticing Garfin, the Gidra started rushing to his direction, leaving claw marks on the ground. Not long after that, the Gidra reached Garfin, but it was met with a loud crash.

    [Now!] Shouted Garfin underneath the extended wall he manifested to cushion the Gidra’s charge.



    Activating reinforcement through my bracelet, I sprinted towards the Gidra. About 3 feet away from its body, I poured mana into the shard in my hand, manifesting a barrier. Jumping on the barrier I made into a foothold, I made my way up its body. Just in time, the Gidra removed its head embedded in the wall, approaching the blade of my rapier. With another foothold to support my body, I thrust the rapier into the back of its head. Piercing through its scales, I activated the magic circle in the crystal. With a crackling sound, a burnt smell followed after the Gidra fell, toasted by the lightning the rapier emitted.

    Finally, I was able to use it properly…



    The Gidra, falling to its knees, leaned on the wall extended by Garfin. As I took out the rapier, I went down through its back. “What a waste...” I muttered, thinking of the possibilities I could do with its scales.

    Resuming our run, the ground started to rattle.

    It’s moving…

    [Amelia.]

    “I know.”

    Increasing our pace, we ran for about another 5 minutes before a sealed door with two stone statues at its side appeared.



    “How do I open it?”

    [Those Golems at the side would recognize you,] He answered. [Probably.]

    “… Those sure are intricate Golems.”

    [It’s not surprising for a high spirit.]

    With legs bent backward, an armor made of stone that looked like it came from an ancient civilization, and a dog head, the statues moved their crossed halberds to their sides, inviting us through the stone door that started moving to the sides.



    While the sound of rock grinding against rock continued, the gap between the door widened. “It’s good that it doesn’t need anything else like a secret word or such,” I muttered with a chuckle.

    Without any issues, we were able to enter the sealed area. Looking around the chamber, I shouted “Spirit of the earth! Please listen!”

    Contrary to that, Garfin was silent. […]

    “What wrong Garfin?” I asked.

    [I can no longer feel the spirit…] He answered.



    “Wha-”

    Then a giggling voice echoed through the chamber. [Oh, what do we have here.]

    [Run!] Garfin shouted.

    [I’m afraid no one’s leaving.] The voiced giggled once again through the darkness.

    In short intervals, a heavy stomping sound emerged from the stone door.

    “What?” Wide-eyed, I muttered.



    The statues guarding the chamber from the outside started to enter. Once both of them were inside, the door started to close.

    A trap?!

    Garfin, painted with rage said. [Damned Fairy.]

    [Hairy Dwarf.] The voice replied before revealing itself.

    “Who are you?” Glaring, I asked.



    [I’m Randolf’s friend.] She smiled before landing above a chest. [I’ve been waiting for you, Amelia. I was tasked by Randolf to guard this place.] She smiled, taking her seat, swaying her small legs covered by a short leaf-like skirt.

    “Lies,” I replied.

    [Oh, that’s the truth though?] She said as she combed her blonde hair. [Rand-]

    [Liar!] Garfin shouted.

    [Shut up, Dwarf.] The Fairy glared. [I’m not talking to you.]

    After she said her piece, a statue swung its halberd on Garfin.



    “Garfin!” I shouted, after the halberd’s blade cracked the floor.

    Thankfully, he replied. [I’m fine!]

    [Dwarf, let’s make a deal.] The Fairy said. [If you keep silent, I’ll halt the Devourer’s advance.]

    [I wo-]

    [Whether you believe me or not, it’s your choice] She smiled mischievously. [I wonder, would you forsake the Dwarfs because you refused to believe me?]



    […] Quietly, Garfin gripped the torch and his hammer, gritting his teeth in frustration.

    [Doot. Doot. Looks like the Dwarf chose wisely.]

    Regardless, Garfin stayed silent. […]

    We have no other choice…

    “Tell me,” I asked, grasping my rapier, ready to move at any time. “How did such a Fairy meet my Grandfather? And your name, you haven’t told me yet.”



    [Oh, calling me such a Fairy even though you wouldn’t be who you are if not for me.] Frowning she said. [Shouldn’t you show a little more respect? After all, I birthed who you are now. Lastly, my name is not important to you.]

    “Nonsense,” I replied. “I chose this myself.”

    [Really?] She asked. [Even though everything seemed too perfect?]

    “...” Quietly, I listened.

    [Why do you think your Grandfather started visiting the Tribe when you were born?]



    “Coincidence.” Quickly, I answered.

    [Then what about the necklace Randolf gave you when you were ambushed? Why was he sure that you’d be targeted?]

    “He’s a King, he has connections.”

    [Really? Then why were you ambushed towards Libet and not anywhere else? Why not during the travel to Niveria? To Brent? To Academia? Why are all the others were an easy pass compared to the one towards Libet?]

    “He has competent people with him.”



    [Even though the assassins knew the number of knights and soldiers you brought?]

    “Of course.”

    [Wrong.] She answered. [It’s because I tricked the humans to prove my trustworthiness to Randolf, then when it came to Libet, I dropped the mask, I told Libet of the path you’d be taking and the composition of the knights and soldiers.] She giggled. [Oh, that Randolf, it was so hard to gain his trust without Celestia noticing. But he believed too much in peace with the races that he blinded himself.] She laughed.



    “...”

    [About the trade being dropped after his death, doesn’t it sound weird?] She asked leaning forward. [What do you think?]

    “...”

    [Oh, what a scary look.] She giggled. [The answer is to make you feel responsible for everyone’s death, responsible to continue what he started, to take over his dream and to know the real reason behind the trade severance.]

    “Impossible, such plan cannot be executed perfectly.”



    [Oh, it is possible with a few mishaps. With Sophia’s Mirror that is, but then again, we can’t use it anymore for another century.]

    “What are you after?” Rage building inside me, I asked.

    [Isn’t that obvious?] She replied. [To break you, again and again, then with your will, stand again as a proud princess you are. After that, become a newborn divine after meeting Celestia. Make you look for the stash that for some unknown reason, was hidden in this chamber.]



    [Impossible,] Garfin muttered. [We felt the spirit of the earth here.]

    [Oh, I’ll forgive you for that, but there won’t be a next.] She pointed at Garfin. [Haven’t you asked? Why was it placed somewhere the Elves would less likely to visit?]

    Realizing the truth, [You!] Garfin replied.

    [Doot! Doot! Correct!] She answered. [If the Elves saw the fake spirit we made, it would’ve been easily found out.] Then she smiled. [But since you spoke. Snap! Devy will move again!] With a snap of her little fingers, the rumbling of the earth restarted.



    [Stop!] Garfin bellowed.

    [I said quiet!] With a loud stomp, the statue tried to crush Garfin.

    Fortunately, he was able to dodge, but the incoming halberd closed on him. Unconsciously, I overloaded the shard and produced barriers over barriers, protecting Garfin.

    No!

    Even after countless barriers shattered like glass, Garfin was hit. On the bright side, the barrier reduced the force and redirected the blade a bit, making it a non-lethal hit. But sadly, he lied on the floor unconscious along with the torch.



    [That will do it.]

    I tried approaching Garfin, but a blade of a halberd suddenly block my path.

    [Nope. I won’t let you wake up that noisy Dwarf.]

    “You monster!” I bellowed, gripping my rapier till it started shaking.

    [Oh, come on.] She said. [All that 14-year plan just to reach this day. Can’t I have a congratulatory gift instead of that despising rage of yours?]



    “I’ll never believe you!”

    [Not enough yet? Then what about the preparations made when you became chief? Why was it so detailed? How did Randolf predict that?]

    “Everything you’ve said are lies!”

    [Then what about this?] She said, taking out a ring. [You remember, right? It’ll be sad if you don’t...]

    Recognizing the ring. “T-that!”



    That one’s from the paintings at the palace! There was even a replica...

    [Oh, seems like I’ve got your attention.] She giggled.

    “Why do you have Grandmother’s ring!?”

    [Have you forgotten?] She smiled. [How did it go again? Oh, right. ’Your Grandmother is traveling the world with the butterflies.’ You probably thought she was dead with those lines, right?]

    “...” Silently, I thought. That’s not possible, Grandmother went missing a long time ago…



    [You do realize, right? Where could your Grandmother be? Why did he trust a fairy like me? Is he really dead? Or maybe he’s somewhere out there, with your Grandmother, the missing Queen.]

    “You… What are you after!?”

    [Ever wondered what a Devourer might become if it consumed a divine being? Normally, a Devourer isn’t powerful enough to eat one, but for a newborn like you, it’s possible. Other than that, what could be better if you could pull a trick on Celestia? Isn’t it exciting?]

    “Is that everything?!” Unable to take it any longer, I sprinted towards the Fairy, drawing my rapier.



    [Ahahaha.] She laughed as she took flight. [Are you not curious? What if a Devourer becomes a divine being under our control? We could stop the racial war!]

    “Nonsense!” Making a barrier as a platform, I jumped, slashing at the Fairy.

    [Oh, the racial war can be stopped, that is if we reduced every race’s numbers to the bare minimum.] She giggled. [Tricking people to start a war is bound to get boring, so I thought, what if we stopped it instead?]



    “By massacring millions?! You’re mad!” Creating another barrier, I delivered another strike.

    [Aren’t you mad yourself?] She said, flipping through the air, dodging my strikes. [Doing what the Gods failed to do, isn’t that madness?]

    “The Gods were selfish!” I said, landing on another barrier, then jumping towards the Fairy again.

    [But we are sure, our God wasn’t.] Again, she dodged by doing acrobatic movements in the air.

    Immediately making a platform, I changed my direction to dodge the halberd swung by the statue.



    [Okay, enough with the games.] The chamber rumbled. [Devy!] Answering her call, a trill resounded. Slowly, the rumbling of the chamber increased. [It’s time to finish the trick of the century!]

    [[We’re coming!]] The trio Fairies’ voice resounded, followed by the ceiling breaking apart, revealing the horrid mouth of the Devourer, preparing to consume me.

    Ready to trade my life, I readied myself to at least delay the Devourer for the others to reach the upper ground, but contrary to my expectations, a hole appeared in mid-air, transferring the body of the Devourer to who knows where.



    [Trick of the Century?] A voice asked after the rumbling suddenly halted. [That’s quite a trick for it to fail at the last moment.]

    Unknowingly, my necklace glowed. “Celes?” I asked, recognizing the voice.

    [[Devy!]] The Fairies called.

    “Oh, you want to see that pet of yours?” Celes asked as her body formed from the light emitted by my necklace. “Here, have a look.”

    As she gestured to her right, the surroundings were covered by a thick mist, revealing a different scene after it receded. Floating in the air, [Thank you for this gift Celestia.] A deep voice resounded.



    Surrounded by thick clouds in every direction, we observed the Devourer falling from the sky, desperately struggling like a worm. Nearing the water surface, a serpent shot out of the water, tearing it to pieces. Not enough for the serpent, it dived back down to the ocean, cleaning the remains above the ocean's surface.

    “How is it? Wasn’t it a better Devourer than yours?”

    Speechless, […] The Fairies shivered in fear.

    [Celestia.] The deep voice replied while its endless body revealed itself in parts, looping on top of the water surface. [Don’t compare me to that measly Devourer. This one hasn’t even reached the level of the ancients yet.]



    “Of course, I’m trying to make a joke, Gandr.”

    [You still call me Gandr huh.]

    “Then Jormugandr, is this fine now?”

    [You’re just like always. I’d be happy if you deliver me gifts now and then.]

    “I’ll try.” She replied.

    No matter how long we stayed, the tail of Jormugandr never appeared.

    “We’re returning.” With those words, the mist covered our surroundings yet again, returning us to the previous chamber.

    “Now, where were we?” Tilting her head as if nothing happened. “Oh, yes, I have to punish Titania for breaking an unwritten rule. Or maybe the whole Fairy race? Hmm...”



    [D-don’t!] The Fairy suddenly responded. [I-it was my plan! I only asked for her Majesty’s cooperation! Me! Punish me and the three Fairies here! Our life is enough!]

    “Is that so? Even though Titania allowed the use of Sophia’s mirror and the Sash of Invisibility to go over my network?” She said smiling. “Even though I’ve repeated countless times to never force my kin to develop their horn? And yet here you are begging me to spare your race?”

    [Y-you had a hand in it!]



    “Oh yes, that’s because of your meddling that there’s no longer a possibility for Amelia to live other than developing her horn. You know this right? Titania’s clairvoyance coupled with Sophia’s Mirror.”

    “Haah...”She exhaled a sigh. “It’s a good thing I modified the necklace to confirm all this, but I never thought Titania would be careless. She never thought that Sophia’s Mirror cannot accurately predict the actions of the divine beings.”

    [I-Impossible…]



    “Anyway, I’ll visit Titania after I cool off.” After her words, the Fairy’s right arm inflated and blew off.

    [AAAAHH!] The Fairy cried. Immediately after, her right armed pieced back itself.

    “What limb should I practice restoring next?” Tilting her head, Celes playfully spoke. “Oh, the three Fairies too.” Then she turned to the three remaining Fairies before her, repeating the same limb destruction and restoration.

    “...” Silently, I observed Celes torture the Fairies, barely killing them then restoring their body repeatedly. One time, there were two black objects floating in the air, sucking the Fairies, stretching them into thin strands along with the dust and debris littered in the chamber.



    No matter what she did, she’ll keep the Fairies barely living, then she’ll start restoring their deformed bodies. It did not take long before the chamber filled with nothing by darkness to be filled with the pained cries of the Fairies.

    “It’s time to visit Titania,” Celes muttered. “Amelia, I’ll leave this Fairy here for you to judge.”

    [Uhhh…] The broken Fairy muttered.

    “For the other three, killing them isn’t enough so I’ll seal them, never to see the light again.” Just like she said, the trio Fairy was grabbed by a dark hand and was dragged into an unknown place. “Well, then. I’ll see you later Amelia.”



    After Celes vanished, the last Fairy’s body glowed, healing its wounds.

    [Uhhh…] The Fairy muttered, delirious.

    I pointed the tip of my rapier at the Fairy on the ground. “Stand.” Coldly, I ordered. “If you could defeat me or kill me, you can freely run away. So stand.”

    Again, the Fairy glowed in white.

    [Y-you… Promise?] She said, slowly recovering herself, a probable effect that Celes had left behind.

    “...” Quietly, I waited for the Fairy to recover while I took one shard after the other from my pouch. While the Fairy took her time to recover, I approached Garfin and chanted.



    O’ ruler of light I beseech you,

    Cover mine hands with light

    Warm light the sun’s might

    Wound fasten, hands light

    Manifest, Heal.



    Placing my glowing hands over Garfin, I healed him with an intermediate level light magic. As expected, Garfin’s breathing started to normalize.

    It’s good that I have an affinity in light…

    Moving the unconscious Garfin beside the Chest, I started rummaging through his pouch. Not able to wait any longer, I filled the shards with mana from the rapier and threw them below the statues. Followed by a series of explosions, the statues fell apart.

    I’ve removed the nuisance.



    “Are you not done yet?” I asked, revealing my horn as the light from the torch withered.

    [I’m ready.] The Fairy grinned.

    “Your name, what is it?” I asked.

    [Talya.] She replied.

    “Amelia.”

    With a hint of desperation and madness, she shouted. [Y-you’ll regret your decision!]



    “I’ll make you regret you lived.” With a head start, I immediately closed in on Talya, delivering my left fist to her body.

    [GAAH!] She flew into the air, but she managed to fix her posture with the help of her wings.

    “Where’s your vigor?” I asked. “Is that everything you’re willing to bet to live? Pathetic.”

    Without replying, she kept on silently muttering a chant. [Manifest, Whirlwind!]



    Backing away, "Know what you are using!" I threw a crystal into the whirlwind. Before it exploded, I moved towards Garfin and the chest, manifesting several layers of a barrier. After a loud explosion, another part of the chamber fell apart, filling the room with the chamber’s wreckage.

    After the thin smoke subsided, Talya was unharmed. It seemed she was able to create a barrier on time.

    Revealing a grin, [T-thanks!] she flew into the hole.

    Unfortunately for her, I sealed the hole with earthen spikes.



    The mana I stored in the crystal threads is now depleted. I’ll have to rely on my own pool now.

    “Where do you think you’re going?”

    [Tch! T-take this!] Unceremoniously, three Fireballs appeared, but their size was only half the original.

    Chant-less huh…

    Moving in, I dodged one fireball and blocked the other two with a barrier.

    [Not yet!] She then summoned earthen spikes, but the manifestation was slow and I was able to outrun it.



    “If you keep using those chant-less magic, you will never win!”

    Again, making a foothold of the barrier, I jumped to reach Talya. Twisting her body, she dodged with her small body. [You won’t hit me as long as I maintain this height.]

    Before I fell, I produced three wind balls while I’m close to Talya, effectively hitting her unaware. While falling to the ground, I created another barrier and jumped to deliver a flying kick.

    While she rolled on the floor, I approached her limp body.



    “Grandfather trusted you,” I said as I picked her by her arm. After dropping the rapier, I used my free hand to grab one of her wings and forcefully tore it out.

    [AAAH!] She cried in agony.

    “You toyed with our lives.” Then I grabbed her second wing and again, tore it apart.

    In pain, she arched her body, with the whites of her eyes taking over.

    [Y-you’re… A monster…] She cried in tears.



    “If I am, what are you?” I then drew the dagger from my waist.

    [H-have mercy…]

    “Did you show Grandfather mercy? What about the lives that were lost due to your petty trick? Would they come back from the dead if showed you mercy? They’re dead. Never to return. Burned to ashes. But don’t worry.” I smiled.

    “I will let you live.” Then I dismembered her arm with the dagger. “Until I find a Devourer myself.”



    [E-end me…]

    “You’re not supposed to die until I feed you to those pet of yours.” Then I started to chant the magic for heal and closed the wound on her bleeding arm.
     
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  13. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    Running up the stairs in the early morning, I immediately went in front of the 2nd door to the right. Excitedly, I opened the door and greeted.

    “Welcome back, Lia!” With a wide smile, I continued. “It’s been quite a whi- Eh?”

    Contrary to my expectation, the room was empty. The bed sheets were fixed, the pillows were arranged, the windows were closed, and a sack leaned beside the bed, but despite all that, Lia's figure is nowhere in sight.

    Walking inside the room, I observed the surroundings. “Lia?” I called a second time. “Are you here?”



    Noticing a letter atop the drawer, I approached it. “An open letter?” Reading the content of the letter with a single sentence written in it, “’I’ll be back.’” I muttered.

    Remembering what I heard from the Dwarfs after Lia and the others returned, my heart increased its pace. Could it be?!

    Checking for the authenticity of the letter, there was signature below it. To confirm it, I ran outside the room and leaned on the railings. “Does someone here know Lia’s signature?!” I shouted.

    [Is there a problem?] The servant named Erina asked.



    “Lia’s missing!” Running down the stairs in a hurry, I gave the letter to Erina. “She only left this behind!”

    After looking through the letter, Erina confirmed its authenticity. [It is indeed her Highness’s]

    Unable to believe the nonchalant reply of her personal maidservant, I snapped at her. “Why are you so calm?! Lia’s missing!”

    [I see that,] She replied. [But there’s nothing to worry about,] She assured. [Her Highness would return.]



    “How can you be so sure?!” Irritated, I shouted in reply. “We’re in Alabaster! Anything can happen!”

    [There was never a time that her Highness didn’t return after leaving such letter,] She smiled wryly. [So please calm down.]

    Grabbing the attention of the people in the lodge, I continued disappointed. “A-are you not afraid of her safety?”

    [What is this about?] A silver-haired man asked, emerging from one of the doors.



    [Your Highness.] Passing the letter to the prince, Argent, Erina bowed.

    [I see.] He muttered. [Please do not worry, my sister would definitely return.]

    “A-are you telling me that this is just some sort of trick?” Unable to come to terms with the calm expression they gave, I asked. “Are you not worried even for a bit?”

    [No, this is serious.] Expressing in a serious tone, Argent answered. [Amelia would only leave a letter like this if she doesn’t want to be found. Even if we did look for her, it’ll be like looking for a tree in a forest.]



    “W-what do you mean?”

    [My sister is resourceful; she even has a rare combination of affinity that lets her sneak in and out of even well-guarded places.] He added. [Her ability to hide, if she willed it, surpasses that of most assassins.]

    “…” Unable to take it any longer, I silently listened.

    Three days have passed since Lia went missing, and she hasn’t returned yet. Even Erina and prince Argent finally showed signs of worry.



    Leaning forward, arms clasped, and tapping his feet continuously, Argent spoke. [She’ll return.]

    “You kept saying that,” I replied. “It’s been three days and the weather outside is not good.”

    Since Lia and the others went deep into Alabaster, the weather had turned bad. Now and then, it showered or drizzled, but the clouds above did not show any sign of fading.

    Increasingly worried, “AAAAH!” I shouted. “I can’t take this anymore! She’s probably out there alone!”



    Storming outside the lodge, I grabbed the whistle hanging from my neck and blew it despite being in the residence of the Tribe.

    “Birby! Come!” I shouted, running towards the largest opening in this place, the square.

    Knowing what it meant, Birby hovered above the square, dangling its white tail.

    Running up the stage while taking out a rope, I jumped at the back of its tail, slowly scaling.



    “Go on!” I said halfway up its tail.

    In response, Birby replied with a growl and started flapping its wings harder, gradually ascending to the sky.

    Whipping up the rope, I aimed for the saddle’s back horn. Successfully tying the rope from the horn, I pulled it taut. Pulling myself, I unfastened my feet hugging Birby’s tail and continued scaling his back, eventually reaching the saddle. Confident of my skills, I tied myself to the saddle in a minimum.



    Pulling the reins, “Birby, we’re going to look for Lia.” I said darting my eyes, looking for any hint pointing to Lia’s direction.

    Could she be affected by that? I thought, recalling the previous event. But the sending would be in three days. She should be there to send give her condolences…

    Recently, there was a disaster that occurred in the caves of Alabaster. Although the issue was resolved, the Dwarfs returned with five casualties. I was told that the deaths were due to the beasts running up the caves, afraid of a Devourer.



    Flying low, I searched above the Forests, while the dark clouds loomed over Alabaster. Soon enough, droplets of rain started to fall.

    “Why now…” I muttered.

    Braving the rain, I continued my search until eventually; I noticed something calling for me.

    [- - -]

    “A spirit?” Feeling a sensation that drew my mind, I pulled reins and faced southeast.



    In spite of the low visibility, I noticed the clouds swirling above the Lake leading to Aves, Elena. Approaching Lake Elena, I could feel the spirit’s call getting stronger. Using my arm to shield my eyes from the rain, I neared the Lake’s surface, revealing a familiar figure standing above its surface.

    “Amalthea?” I muttered, recognizing the golden goat. “What is she doing there?”

    Curious of the reason, I slowed down Birby and made him hover above the lake.

    “Great Amalthea!” I shouted. “I have a favor!”



    [I know what you’re looking for.] She answered. [And I need your cooperation.]

    Wide-eyed, I asked. “Y-you know where Lia is?”

    [Scale down that wyvern and I’ll lead you.] Striding, she moved away without turning back.

    “I’m sorry Birby,” Tapping his back, I said. “You can go back for now.”

    After descending near the edge of the lake, I ran towards her direction while wishing for Lia’s safety.



    Following a distance behind her, I hesitantly asked. “What happened to Lia?”

    No matter how long I waited, Amalthea didn’t reply. Together, we traversed the forest quietly until we reached a crevice.

    “In here?”

    Amalthea nodded. [See for yourself.]

    Trampling over the damp grass, I approached the crevice. Fitting myself sideways, I slowly made my way inside, reaching a small chamber with a small cavity, illuminating a huge crystal and drenching it with rain.



    “Lia?” Recognizing the figure of the woman inside the crystal, I approached it in disbelief? “Lia is that… you?”

    Although I recognized her features, there was a horn, no, an antler on top of her head.

    [How is it?] Amalthea asked. [Isn’t it beautiful?]

    H-how did she get inside? I thought. No, that’s not important right now.



    “It is, but it’s sad at the same time...” Looking at her figure, floating in a fetal position with her hair neatly scattered as if she were submerged in water, I muttered. “It would’ve been perfect if she were smiling instead...” Despite the beauty it expressed, I felt sorrow just looking at her, like a thorn scraping my heart.

    [True.] Amalthea replied. [Which is why I called you here after noticing you from the sky.]

    “Why?” I asked. “Why is she even inside that?”

    [She isolated herself to accelerate her own growth.]



    “Growth? Do you mean aging?”

    [No,] She shook her goat head. [She’s accelerating her growth as a divine, leaving her humanity behind.]

    Surprised, I asked. “D-divine? No, that doesn’t matter, why is she even leaving her humanity? What happened?”

    [In the recent event, she felt weak. She couldn’t stand being protected by Celestia again. Understa-]

    [Thank you, Amalthea.] Suddenly, another voice echoed in the small chamber. [It’s fine, I’ll take over from here.]



    “Lia?”

    [Then I’ll take my leave.] With a short spark, Amalthea vanished.

    Without a hint of movement inside the crystal, Lia spoke. [It’s been a short while Kanna.]

    Ignoring her, I said. “Lia, come out there, let’s go back.”

    [I’m sorry Kanna.] She replied. [I won’t return for another five days.]



    Quickly, I asked. “Why? There are people worried about you.”

    [If it’s Erina or Argent, they’ll know I’ll return.]

    “They are worried,” I said.

    [I wish I could’ve written how long I’ll be gone, but it’s impossible, I don’t know how long I’ll stay like this until I isolated myself.]

    “Say, what happened?” I asked, worried. “You could’ve always talked to us if there was a problem. You could’ve approached us and asked for our help. Why do you keep on trying to do things by yourself?”



    […]

    “It’s been five years since I last saw you, but you’ve changed a lot.” Gripping my fist, I said. “When we met, I thought that there’s something wrong. I knew it has something to do with Randolf, but I don’t care I’ve been trying to cheer you up, and recently you’ve been smiling like you used to when you were small.”

    Shaking my head. “Please, Lia, let’s go back. Seeing you like this… it pains me.”

    [Kanna,] She spoke in the same monotonous tone. [Could you, tell me how I was like?]



    “I’ll tell you everything I knew,” Adamantly, I said. “if you tell me the reason behind this.”

    [… If you could promise that this will remain between us, then fine.]

    Sincerely, I nodded. “Even if I get struck by a lightning bolt.”

    [You see…]



    And thus I told Kanna how my whole life was a lie, no, a staged play that failed to reach its end. From the very day I lost Grandfather and my sanity, until the day I was forced to realize that it was all but a despicable lie, I told my story. I was but a doll dancing to the tune of someone else, a doll who failed to realize the strings attached to my very own body, a doll without her own decisions.

    After narrating my story, Kanna was in deep silence. “...”



    [I should’ve heeded Celes’ words.] I spoke through telepathy. [I shouldn’t have blindly followed what was set for me. I should’ve dreamed my own dream even if I think I’m not allowed to...]

    “...” Again, she listened quietly.

    [Say, Kanna,] I spoke. [Will help you realize my dream?]

    “What dream?” She asked.



    [I wish to continue what Grandfather started, but I’ll reduce the scale. In any case, once everything is over, will you…] Speaking of my plan, I waited for her response.

    “Are you sure about that?” Extremely bothered by my plan, she asked. “Wouldn’t everyone feel bad about it?”

    [I’m sure they will, but I believe it’s the only thing I truly wanted.]

    “If that would make you smile like you used to,” She said smiling. “Then why not? But tell me one thing, what did the great Amalthea meant by growth?”



    [I… Have the blood of the divine, but I’m a newborn.] Monotonously, I said. [If I don’t force myself to grow, I would only be protected.]

    Besides, Celes already knew about the play and has brought down the punishment. Just like she told me, there won’t be a next time unless the Gods themselves directly meddled into my business. I thought, recalling her words. In any case, I don’t want to be on the side of the protected as much as possible…

    “...” Silently, she thought.



    [Kanna, please tell me about my childhood.]

    Nodding her head, she replied. “Okay.”

    Smiling, she continued. “The first time I met you, you were such a cute little girl. You were so shy that you usually hid behind Randolf’s legs...”



    In those five days, Kanna kept on visiting and leaving on Birby to inform the others of my well-being. Every time she returned, she always had a story to tell. She kept feeding me stories of how I was, but because of her description of me being always cute, I tend to pass it off as a joke. Despite that, she joyfully narrated, sometimes happy, sometimes sad. I liked it, I loved it, her expressions seemed peaceful, yet her actions were relaxing. At times, I laughed, at times I felt sad. It was like watching the difference between the Me whom I lost, and the Me who continued being lost.



    Nevertheless, it gave me hope, hope that I could still change, or grow into someone better.

    I guess I’ll be a princess for a while longer...
     
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  14. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    “I deeply apologize for causing worry.” Deeply, I bowed.

    After my return, I asked for forgiveness for the worry I caused. Fortunately, Kanna explained the situation during the last five days she visited me, which made things easier. Nevertheless, I asked for an escort to lead me to the grave site for the Dwarfs who passed away.

    Arriving at the grave site, I was welcomed by a flight of stairs carved into a cliff. Beneath the flight of stairs, are rectangular depressions engraved with a name and a phrase, ‘May this body return its blessing to the earth’.



    Climbing midway, I arrived at five newly engraved graves.

    As I stood before the graves, I spoke. “I should’ve at least known their names while they were still alive...”

    Solemnly, I knelt down and grasped my hands in a prayer. “I, Amelia Laurel, a Princess and a Chief, recognize thine efforts to Laurel and to the Tribe. May your life serve as a light to shine the path to those of the living, and may your soul rest in an endless dream until the day of recall. With this, I give my blessing, hoping to guide your souls back to the earth’s embrace. May you rest in peace.”



    For the next three days, As an apology, Garfin and Sylvar showed me their planned process on how they wished to build the Horn Relic from Amalthea’s horn flakes. Due to the recent death of the Dwarfs, they stopped producing their craft as a sign of respect, hoping that refraining from borrowing the Earth’s power, they can give time for the souls to reach their destination.

    Understanding the situation, I accepted their terms and received books detailing the processes they wished to use. Unfortunately, the books were written in the language of the Dwarfs and Elves. Taking the opportunity, I started studying the Dwarfs language under Kanna’s direction. I’ve set aside learning the Elven language in the meantime due to my interest gearing towards Mana Forging rather than Spirit Enchantment.



    I have to find a way to see, or at least feel the spirits before I delve into spirit enchantment. I thought.

    For another reason, the Tribe requested me to bring along two more Enarfs aside from Kanna.

    [Would you bring them?] Sylvar asked in favor. [Unfortunately, the Enarfs are the least suspicious among us when mixed with the humans.]

    “The reason?” I asked. “Aside from Kanna who’ll have to teach me for quite some time, I don’t see the reason to bring along two more Enarfs.”



    [Amelia,] He said. [We can’t always rely on you for everything we wished to know about the humans. We too know how to divide the effort between us chiefs, so please consider the offer.]

    “Ah,” Realizing their intent, I nodded. “I get it now. I’ll accept the offer.”

    [Thank you.]

    “It’s fine to order them around, right?”

    [Of course, I’ll leave the decisions to you,] He smiled. [But they are ordered to return to the Tribe once a month.]



    “That won’t be a problem.”

    I’ve also decided to leave the egg behind for Rick and Fae to take care of under the supervision of an Enarf.

    “Are you sure?” Kanna asked. “It’s yours, you know?”

    “Yes,” I answered. “I’m not that selfish anyway. Besides, having to take care of an egg, a newborn wyvern even, will only hinder our movements. Aside from that, we can’t always look after it at all times, so it’s best to leave it behind for Rick and Fae.”



    “Then why not bring them along instead?”

    “Impossible.” I shook my head in denial. “It’s too dangerous to bring Rick and Fae. Other than that, separating them from their mother at this age won’t be beneficial at the very least.”

    “Well, it’s yours anyway,” She smiled.

    Under my command as a Chief and owner of the egg, Kanna asked for a fellow Enarf to guide Rick and Fae in her stead. We've also informed Camille of my decision, although bothered, she reluctantly agreed after Kanna narrated my story back when I was taking care of Birby.



    While I was coached by Kanna on language lessons, I taught Fae the basics of magic. I’ve also left her pointers on how she should study magic step by step. On the other hand, I trained along with Rick on my free time.

    After I spent my days leisurely, I went back to Aves along with Argent, Grandfather’s stash in tow. After I returned to the palace, Father and Mother held a private celebration for my safe return. Not wanting to spoil the mood, I postponed telling them the truth regarding Grandmother.



    After the celebration, I roamed the palace, savoring the scent of my home. “Nothing feels better than home...” I muttered. “Now that I’m here, I should roam the city!”

    And so I willfully roamed Aves along with Kanna and the two Enarfs, introducing them to my hometown. We went to the harbor, visited the orphanage under my name, visited the adventurer’s guild, tasted our local specialties, and a lot more that I enjoyed doing. The only problem that occurred during the tour was that Kanna was too attached to the children from the orphanage.

    “Kanna,” Smiling, I asked on the way back to the palace. “How is it? My hometown.”



    “Filled with cats.” She replied.

    Hearing her reply, I chuckled. “Well, that’s true.” Then I observed the surroundings.

    In almost every corner, there were Lynxes working with humans. It was a harmonious scene of two different races working together. Lynxes carried barrels supported by a human child. Human children played games with Lynxes.

    “It’s like the Tribe,” Kanna added.



    “Yes,” I replied, looking at the scene with warm eyes. “I hope this continues.”

    It wouldn’t be long before the fires of war start to affect Laurel. I thought. I’m guessing there are already refugees near the dukedom...

    Shaking my head, I thought. I should check the camps myself on the way to Academia.



    A day after, I presented Grandfather’s stash to Father and Mother along with Argent, informing the three of them of the truth behind everything. Inside the said stash was the diary of Grandfather, proving that he sought to find Grandmother’s whereabouts through Talya. I’ve also presented Grandmother’s ring to Father and Mother which made their mood turn sour. Although I have never met my Grandmother, I felt how important she is to my parents just from seeing them grieve.

    After giving Mother and Father some time alone, Argent and I discussed the effects of the recent war and the move we should take.



    “Well, that’s not a laughing matter.” Argent smiled wryly.

    “Haha.” I laughed weakly. “It sure is...”

    “Anyway, let’s talk about the racial war.”

    “It’d be better to do so.” I smiled. “So? Where do we start?”



    “Since Niveria has fallen, and Brent became a border kingdom, they’re requesting for weapons or ores.”

    “That’s natural.”

    “Indeed.” He replied. “In any case, I’ve just received word that Brent’s 1st prince wished to have a dialogue with Laurel.”

    “… And since I’m going to pass by the Dukedom, you want me to go instead?”

    “Yes.”



    “Haah...” Placing my hand over my forehead, I exhaled a sigh. “Argent,”

    “What is it?”

    “Sometimes, I think your skull is so thick that some things haven’t gone through your head.”

    “Why?” Puzzled, he asked. “There’s nothing weird about it, right?”

    For the second time, I sighed. “You want me to meet the person who used to be my engagement partner? Do you even know ho- Haah… Never mind. I’ll do it...”



    “Why? Aren’t you close enough to be friends?”

    “Yes, we are, but that’s the surface.”

    I have to deal with that man again…

    “Honestly… When would he give up?” I unconsciously muttered

    “...” Seemingly like he finally realized, Argent stayed silent. “Do you want me to go instead?”



    “You blockhead, you just realized it now? Haah… I’ll do it.” Gathering the courage, I said. “I just hope he understands this time. Besides, he should be engaged to the princess of Niveria right now.”

    “It’s their second prince who’s engaged to Niveria’s princess.”

    “… Maybe I should just punch him this time?”

    “Please don’t. you’ll just make unnecessary rumors. Besides, why do have to act like a brute?”

    “If acting like a brute would make him stay away, then why not?”



    “Why are so against him anyway? Don’t you want to be a queen?”

    “Argent,” I answered, unsmiling. “Right now, I don’t have any intention of becoming a queen.”

    “Then why don’t you tell him that you’re not willing to be engaged?”

    Exhausted, I replied. “Do really think I haven’t said that?”

    “Then why?”



    “That’s what I want to know!” I shouted. “I know he’s a good person, but things are different now! Haah… Anyway, let’s end it here. We’re going nowhere.”

    “We sure are.”

    I’ll just think about it some other time...

    Once I was done discussing the plans with Argent, I went back to the manor at night. After I was properly received by my servants, I proceeded to my room, satisfied with my meal.



    During that night, I ordered every servant to refrain from visiting my room.

    Tapping the crystal on my necklace, an object appeared before me, leisurely floating, containing a poor figure of a Fairy inside. Placing my palm underneath the cage, it gently landed.

    “Say,” I started. “Will you teach me how to cast magic chant-less?”



    Bearing the eyes of the dead, she shook her head in response. [No…]

    “Why?”

    [End… Me…]

    “Don’t you want a chance to be free?”

    Slowly lifting her head, she looked me in the eye. [Free?]

    “I could if you tell me.” I smiled.



    [W-will… You promise?]

    Quickly, I answered. “Yes, I promise to consider it.”

    [R-really?]

    “Yes.”

    […] For a moment, she stayed silent. [Then…]

    And so the Fairy was tricked for the first time in her life.
     
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  15. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    Within the dark woods came a figure of a girl, clutching her long skirt with her thin white fingers. Weaving through the trees, her unworldly tea-green clothes were decorated with leaves.

    Please leave me alone! The girl thought as she spurred her legs, carelessly snapping twigs and thin branches along the way.

    Closely following behind were frenzied hoof-beats carrying lights that flickered in the dark. “Halt!” A man in armor shouted, bearing a crest of a cross turned sword. “By the order of the church, halt!”



    Gasping for breath, she replied. “I don’t want to!”

    In response, the man leading the unit of horsemen replied. “Hero Meiko! You’re to return to the church and serve as our champion of light!”

    Unbelievably, her speed was on par with the horses galloping through the forest. As she turned around to face the unit of horsemen chasing her from behind, she replied. “I’m sorry!”

    Reading the words that floated before her eyes, she chanted. “Manifest, Earth Wall!”



    The earth rumbled as a thick wall of dirt slowly emerged from the ground, uprooting the trees along its path, disrupting the peaceful night of the birds at rest. Out of fear of the falling trees, the horses neighed in harmony with the snapping branches. After the trunks crashed onto the ground, a man shouted. “Hero Meiko!”

    Urging her weary legs, she began running, chanting a magic along the way as her black hair fluttered in the dark of the night. “Manifest, Body Reinforcement!”



    I don’t want this! I don’t want this! She repeatedly thought. I was only making tea at home and now I’m being called a Hero to slay the enemies of the humans? Where am I even! And What’s wrong with those three! What’s a Virtual Reality Game?!!! Is that a game card for the GBA?! I don’t understand anything! And what were they smirking for! Especially those two men! They were eyeing the princess and the priestess! Can I punch them?! No, I will punch them! Those normies! No, I don’t think they are even normies! But they are slowly becoming one! Go explode!



    Darting her eyes around, she continued thinking. Why am I even summoned wearing my tea making kimono! This is absurd! I just wanted to try making tea like those in the television! The next moment I’m inside some great summoning hall then we were forced to meet the King and the Bishop! Wait, Why am I even thinking about all these myself?! Can’t I find someone I can talk to?! I want to return!

    As she vanished deeper into the forest, Celes, with closed eyes, observing through a bird’s eyes muttered with a grin. “It seems like she’ll be a good pair for Amelia.” She chuckled playfully, lifting her eyelids as she observed the heroes.



    Taking a light step one at a time, she approached the root of a tree spanning at least 10 kilometers wide. Just before its trunk, was a large white wolf curled beside a grave decorated by swords of different lengths, colors, and sizes.

    “Four new heroes on the human side,” She muttered with a sorrowful smile. “I wonder how their stories will end.”

    After confirming with a look, she raised the palm of her hand and muttered. “Now, to observe Amelia.” As she muttered, the twinkling dust that emerged from the ground gathered, forming a thin oval-shaped mirror made of mana.



    Displaying a scene on its surface, it showed a cave floored by a thick layer of ice, a captivating scene of a naturally formed slide within a cave. Above the slide’s surface was a woman skidding, holding a sack and a pick, with an unnatural looking horn on her head.

    As Celes smiled at the thought of Amelia willingly using her horn, her smile turned to a frown as she heard a giggling voice from the background. Thinking it through, she replayed the events recorded by the crystal.

    Going through the possibilities of the Fairies presence in the caves of Alabaster, she slowly clutched her arm into a fist. “It’s possible...” She muttered. “But I have to confirm it.”



    Silently, Celes watched the events unfold through the mirror and as soon she confirmed it, “Deplorable,” She muttered, glaring at the mirror as if wanting to crush it. “For Titania to do such a thing, deplorable, despicable, unforgivable!”

    As she clenched her fist tighter, the ground rumbled.

    [Celestia, calm yourself.] The wolf muttered after lifting its head. [You’ll only harm this place if you continue.]

    Gradually, the rumbling of the earth calmed. “You’re right,” Celes replied. “I’ll be taking my leave.”

    [Give my condolence to Titania for me.]



    With a whisk of the air, Celes’ figure vanished like mist.

    “Trick of the century?” Celes playfully voiced through the necklace at the moment before Amelia entered the Devourer’s maw. “That’s quite a trick for it to fail at the last moment.”

    Manifesting a rift in space, the Devourer vanished inside. After interrupting the plan of the Fairies, Celes toyed with their bodies out of anger.

    I should’ve known. She thought as she repeatedly destroyed and healed the Fairies, slowly breaking their sanity as they wailed in the depths of agony. Their limbs burst, twisted, torn, skinned, mutilated, and forced to rot before their hollowed eyes as the scent of blood and urine wafted into the chamber.



    I slipped up. Amelia would have never gone through such madness if I had known. All these years I thought they understood the consequences of the rule I’ve set, but to think that Titania would pull this in the shadows…

    “It’s time to visit Titania,” She muttered as she viewed the blank expression of Amelia tightly grasping her rapier. “Amelia, I’ll leave this Fairy here for you to judge.” She said, pointing at the Fairy named Talya. Slightly, Amelia’s expression softened as she listened.

    Unsatisfied, Celes made it a point to not easily end the lives of the trio. Deciding on what to do next, she made use of the lingering mana in the air to manifest a hand that dragged the Fairies into the void.



    This should save Amelia some slack. She thought as she cast a recurring magic on Talya, again, making use of the mana in the surroundings. After confirming that everything is in place, Celes’ figured vanished.

    Shortly after, Celes’ figure reformed in an overgrown forest. Lush green patches plastered the trunks, twisted vines snaked the branches, moss painted the round stones, roots peeked through the cracks on stone lanterns, peat coated the stone stairs as roots cracked it from the side, and a temple gate standing tall, covered in a mix of vines, moss, and plants.



    Unperturbed, Celes trampled on the weeds that grew on the stone pavement, approaching the long-standing temple gate. Beyond it were stairs that lead deeper into the overgrowth, but contrary to that, she halted before the gate. Raising her right arm, she placed her hand on an invisible wall. With a slight push of her palm, cracks appeared in the space, shattering a barrier into countless pieces. As the barrier dissolved into dust, the space distorted, revealing an unusual structure across the gate.

    With determined steps, Celes neared the said structure made of entangled roots and vines in a form similar to that of a twisted castle.



    “Titania!” Celes called in front of the twisted castle, home of the Fairies. Adamantly, Celes waited, but contrary to what she expected, Fairy knights at 5 inches tall emerged from the gates wearing a complete set of engraved mithril armor that left their backs open.

    [[The Queen wishes you to leave!]] The Fairy knights, hoisting their small silver lances into the air, said with a glare.

    [Please leave.] A Fairy commander said, as her red hair peeked through her helm while her armor reflected a bluish silver hue. [We do not want any trouble.]



    “Oh, I didn’t know that.” Playfully, she placed her had over her lips, acting surprised. “But I’m sorry, no one is leaving this place.” With a snap of her fingers, a barrier formed with a white glint, encompassing the twisted castle and its vicinity.

    “I tried to play nice Titania,” Irked by Titania’s response, she said playing with ends of hair. “But this cowardly attempt threw your chance away.”



    Realizing the situation, the Fairy commander ordered, raising the tip of her lance on Celes. [Stop he-!] Abruptly, the commander stopped speaking. Her head leaned to a bow as the light in her eyes vanished. Subsequently, her colorful wings dulled as it grounded to a halt. With a soft thud, her body left a depression on the overgrowth along with the Fairy knights that met the same end.

    Standing before the castle, a flickering white flame hovered beside Celes.

    “Titania, the longer you cowardly hide, the more souls I’ll collect.”

    For every second that passed, the flame grew as white mist-like flow gathered underneath the flame.



    After 11 seconds, a woman bearing a long golden hair tied to french braid appeared from the balcony. With determined blue eyes and a motherly face, she looked down on Celes before she flew down from the balcony. Wearing a shoulder-less white gown laced with mithril, she asserted her ample chest by crossing her arms.

    [I’m here Celestia.] Said Titania, fluttering her transparent patterned wings that gleamed in a rainbow hue, hovering before Celes. [Now, return the souls of my Fairies.]



    Unsmiling, Celes gathered the flame on the palm of her hand. “These souls are already lost Titania,” Celes said as she grasped the flame, turning it into a clear marble. “This is repayment for your impolite greeting.”

    Titania, unable to move, clenched her fist and gritted her teeth in anger.

    “I gave you an option, and this is what you chose.”

    [you’re misusing your power.]

    “I don’t want to hear that from you who broke the only rule I’ve set as the guardian of this world.”



    [What made you think that it’s right for you to set a rule?] She continued. [We have every right to do what we wanted in this world. You were never supposed to intervene.]

    “Aren’t you supposed to be happy that I've set a single yet simple rule? It only indicated that forcing my children to develop their horn is unforgivable. All this time, you’re the only one who finds it hard to obey such rule. For a Queen of the Fairies blessed by their God, such a pitiable insect you are.”

    [We’ll see who’s pitiable.] She smirked as she brought out a black sash and vanished.



    “Indeed we will.” Opening a rift above the castle, molten magma started pouring in, burning down everything it touched. “I wonder how long it’ll take before this sealed space is filled with magma.”

    Bursting from the ground surrounding the twisted castle, three woodland dragons emerged. Coated with bark-like scales covered in moss, the dragons roared as it displayed its majestic tree-like horns, raising the ground to contain the flowing magma.

    “Do you think I’ve never considered that Titania?”



    Peeking its large diabolic head covered with thick rugged scales, a molten dragon roared, eyeing the woodland dragons as prey. Entering from the rift, the molten dragon revealed its jet black body patterned with the pulsing red lines underneath its scales. With a deafening roar, the molten dragon raised geysers of magma, gradually breaking the woodland dragon’s containment.

    “I wonder who’ll win? Three high dragons and the Fairies or one ancient dragon?” Molding the earth beneath her, Celes took a seat, waiting for the battle to unfold.



    The molten dragon, more than twice the size of one woodland dragon, leaned its neck and opened its jaw, gathering a mass of red light. The Fairies, donning their complete set of armor, helped the woodland dragons by chanting a ceremonial magic. The woodland dragons, realizing the next move of the molten dragon, raised several layers of earthen walls to defend.

    True to its name, the molten dragon vigorously flapped its wings, forming a wave of magma that tore down the earthen wall before unleashing its breath. At the same time, the Fairies finished their ceremonial magic and manifested a thick beam of water that tried to oppose the molten dragon’s breath. As the water beam and breath met, it created a huge amount of steam that immediately shrouded the surroundings.



    The dragons, not wanting to lose against each other, voiced their thunderous roars, blasting the steam away, and forcing the poor Fairies to cup their tiny ears.

    “Such a premature show, the molten dragon just began to warm up,” Celes muttered, crossing her legs in wait.

    As the amount of magma increased, the molten dragon’s red pulse gradually turned white. Moving first, the woodland dragons manifested towering earthen spikes that succeeded in bashing the molten dragon. Irritated, the molten dragon once again erupted the magma, randomly taking down Fairies whose unluckily hit by the splash.



    Taking flight, the molten dragon flew high before diving into the center of the pool of magma, creating an eruption that ravaged the entire area. The woodland dragons wailed as they tried to shake off the magma that stuck on their bodies. Quick as a bird of prey, the molten dragon whipped its searing tail against a woodland dragon before rushing to another one with open jaws. Catching the next dragon by the neck, the molten dragon crunched it and hoisted its dead body over the magma pool.

    [P-please stop.] Titania voiced.



    “What are you talking about?” Celes muttered as she shifted her legs in boredom. “The show's about to end.”

    [You have to stop this, our home, the eggs.]

    “Why bother? There’s still a lot of Fairies roaming around the world uninfluenced by your rule.” Celes said without glancing on Titania who dropped the Sash of Invisibility. “In fact, the Fairies would be better without you. I could always nurture a befitting Fairy to be a queen. Maybe, that way, the image of the Fairies would turn for the better.”



    Surprised, Titania quickly replied. [Impossible! You’re not a God!]

    “I did say that I’m not a God, but I didn’t say that I am not capable of feats only known to Gods.” Nonchalantly, Celes said. “This is one of the reasons I refused to intervene in this world, but the consequences before you is the punishment for that single rule that I’ve set. So take a seat and wallow in despair.”

    [The system! You should’ve been held down by the Gods orders!]



    “How long did you think have I lived to not try meddling with the system? Aside from that, I'm still doing what I'm ordered to do. Apart from that, eliminating a number of a race does not constitute this world's destruction.”

    [I-impossible…]

    While they conversed, the molten dragon finished off the last woodland dragon, tearing its wings and digging into its exposed back with white-hot claws while holding its head down with its jaw.



    “I’m done recording.” Celes playfully said. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to let you watch it for at least a decade.”

    With a thunderous roar, the molten dragon rejoiced over its victory, dragging the three woodland dragons into the pool of magma. Closing the previous rift, a new one appeared below the pool of magma, transferring the molten dragon and its prey.

    “And the show has officially closed,” Celes announced as she stood from her seat with a smile. “And now for the prize.”



    Similar to the trio of Fairies, Celes dragged Titania into the void.

    During the battle between the dragons, Celes collected the Fairy eggs and Sophia’s Mirror. “Unborn beings are innocent.” Little by little, the eggs appeared on the surrounding overgrowth. “That should do it. I’ll just hope they turn out different.”

    Afterward, Celes returned to the chamber within Alabaster to meet Amelia.

    When Celes arrived, Amelia was holding down the unconscious Fairy on the damp ground, with a quivering dagger raised above the Fairies neck.



    “Are you hesitating?” Celes asked, but Amelia did not respond. “Will it satisfy you when you end that Fairy’s life at this moment?”

    With a sniff, Amelia raised the dagger and quickly brought it down. “I Don’t know...” Missing her mark, she muttered shaking her head, facing the ground. “I want to prolong her suffering, but something inside me cannot forgive what she’d done...”

    “That’s a natural response.”



    “Celes,” She cried. “Was my whole life a lie?”

    “… Yes.”

    “Aha… Ahaha...” She laughed weakly. “This pain, would it leave me if I end my life here?”

    “Don’t let the pain blind you.” Celes consoled. “Think, what would the others feel when you’re gone?”

    “...”

    “Amelia, you're still alive. And while you're still alive, you could turn that lie into a story that drove you to live, a life beyond lies.”



    “...”

    “So, Amelia, would you like to try to live once more? To continue the story that’s supposed to end?”

    “...” After a minute of silence, “… I’ll try.” She replied.

    Smiling at her response, “Then...” Celes continued.
     
    Srennis and Kanana like this.
  16. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    Gawking at rugged roots unblinking, the man’s cheek caressed the crimson-coated weeds. Laden with a gray helm decorated with silver wings and twisted horns, his long black hair peeked between his neck and the helm.

    “J-john?” Called a woman. “John!” She shouted, stroking the man’s exposed back with trembling hands. “John, wake up!” Nudging the man awake, the pupil of her eyes shrank and her skin dulled.



    “Mary!” She snapped to her side. “H-heal John! I, no, we can’t lose him!”

    Long she waited in silence, but only the rustling of leaves ascertained her call. “Mary?” Yet again, she called. “Ahaha… Stop with the tricks.” Chuckling with trembling lips, she cranked her head, trying to inspect the condition of her comrade.

    But long before her eyes met her comrade's priestly white robe, her head hanged loose, gradually, her body leaned over a glimmering steel, trickling droplets into an unsightly gash.



    Neither smiling nor frowning, a fair woman stood before the desolate bodies, dressed in a white backless one-piece, silver threads flowed emitting a divine grace. Crossing around her neck in a tidy ribbon, the strap held her dress in place, proud of her round and ample chest peeking underneath the seams.

    “...” In silence, the weeds bent upon meeting her feet covered in a laced shoe. Glancing around, her clear blue eyes remained unchanging as the sharp black objects jabbed behind the bodies dispersed into tiny particles.



    At the palm of her hands sat two marbles, a small and clear one trickled with black, and a slightly larger one in black. Glancing at the marbles, the bodies sank into the ground, gradually eaten by rifts beneath their bodies. As the wind whisked, everything reverted to its original state, a calming forest dawn.





    There was a time when Gods were born out of nothing. They did not know who birthed them, created them, or for what purpose were they given life and the power to create. Nevertheless, the Gods conversed for countless millenniums before they decided.

    We should create a world where we all could contribute our own efforts!

    Nothing disagreeable about the suggestion, they all started working on their craft to create a world that they’d proudly call a work between the Gods.



    Using the power of creation, the Gods made stars, molded planets, sculpted them into shape, and gave them life. Once Origin was completed, the Gods, proud of their contribution, rejoiced.

    In Origin, the very first world, islands swam the skies, mountains chiseled the land uneven, caverns hollowed underground, trenches covered the deep, and magma flowed far underneath.

    Despite their efforts, the Gods thought. Something’s lacking…



    And so they made animals, hence the fishes swam, the birds flew, rabbits jumped around, and a lot more were born in Origin. Then again, the animals were not enough, and so they made beasts. Although the beasts were far more intelligent than the usual animals, again, the Gods thought it was still lacking.

    Maybe we should create an intelligent being?



    This time around, some Gods refrained. Unmoved by the other Gods’ decision, the remaining Gods proceeded to create the races, beings with a high level of intelligence. Based on their ideal image and likeness, different races were born; Some bore horns, some were covered in scales, some had tails, some large, some small, some with wings, and more defining qualities.

    After the races were born, the Gods were content. Hoping to watch over their creation, they observed from the sidelines, until it happened.



    The races weren't able to communicate with each other, giving birth to misunderstandings. To remedy the case, the Gods gave all intelligent beings with the ability to passively communicate through telepathy, in turn, creating the possibility for dialogue.

    It did not end there. The races who knew their own culture, viewed the others as barbaric, treating their own as the correct path despite the ability to communicate.

    The Gods, thinking of how they’d communicate with the races, decided to do so through oracles. Through these oracles, they conveyed that they wished for the races to make peace with the others, but instead, the races misinterpreted the oracles, devolving the situation into a racial war.



    Due to every Gods’ influence that lingered in Origin, it caused the message sent through oracles to become a broken mess of images.

    Then the Gods thought. We should descend.

    Unfortunately, the Gods refused to descend. Thinking that a small mishap and the others influence lingering in origin may affect their bodies, causing their divinity to dwindle.

    Thinking of a solution, a God suggested. Why don’t we create a being to do our bidding instead? Agreeing with the suggestion, the Gods created beings to do their bidding.



    When the beings were born, another set of problem occurred. There were beings secretly influenced by the Gods' bias for the race they created, creating a massacre of the other races, and incurring the wrath of the other Gods. The Gods, though beings of unimaginable power, were influenced by the fallacy of emotions.

    The remaining Gods, who sought to resolve the issue between the Gods had thought differently, but they too created beings, but these beings, different from the other divines, were the so-called divines with true purposes or True Divines.



    The first, Jormugandr, a serpent of enough length cover half the circumference of Origin, was tasked to split the land into continents using his serpentine body.

    The second, Amalthea, a golden goat stationed on the mountain range of Alabaster, the ruler of storms, tasked to seal Jormugandr in an endless sea of clouds after he finishes his task.

    Their creations were supposed to end there, but they thought that the problems would never cease, and so they made more for a different purpose, the so-called reset.



    The third and fourth, Leviathan twins, sea serpents that roamed the oceans and seas of Origin, rulers of the seas. Once the hourglass of souls is filled due to the blood spilled by the war between races, the twins would emerge and sink Origin underneath the seas.

    The fifth, Cocytus, a dragon centaur covered in a never-melting armor of ice. After the water resides, Cocytus would coat Origin in a heavy snowstorm, introducing the age of ice.

    The sixth, Legethon, a formless being of magma, usually in a shape of a small fish. Tasked to erupt every single volcano in Origin, reforming land and melting the ice.



    The seventh to tenth, Siarys, Pietys, Rystys, and Vakaris, four feathered dragons with two pairs of wings, representing north, south, east, and west. Tasked to disperse and level down the ashes from the volcanoes while cleansing the air.

    The eleventh and twelfth, Cybele and Demeter, dryad mothers of Origin, encourages the growth of animals and plants to cater life in Origin once again after Jormugandr was resealed by Amalthea to divide the lands once again.



    The thirteenth, Charon, a large skeletal torch behind the hourglass of souls. Soul keeper of those who perished during the reset. Tasked to release the souls to be reborn anew in Origin after the reset.

    Upon completion of the reset system made by the meddling Gods, the race creator Gods were irritated. Expecting that they would try to demolish the system or the world itself, the meddling Gods made one last True Divine.



    The youngest and the fourteenth, Celestia. Using their divinity to their utmost abilities, sacrificing most Gods' divinity even, they created Celestia as a being of the moon, to serve the world as its guardian to counter whatever schemes the other Gods hoped to achieve. To fulfill their wish to see the very first world they created to last eternally and to keep everything else in place.

    Despite not being able to do anything against Celestia, the Gods refused to cooperate with other Gods. Deciding that there’s nothing left to do, the Gods gave up on Origin after leaving behind their final blessing.





    [Thousands of millenniums have passed and your expressions remains the same.]

    “It doesn’t matter.” With a chuck, the dirt split apart, embedding another sword similar to the several thousands of others that stood like needles of different shapes and sizes.

    [How many has it been now?] Asked the voice.

    Staring at the make-shift grave I made, I replied. “The number is unimportant.”



    [Hmm…] Wagging his furry white tail, [I can only pity these poor lads.]

    “They chose this.” With a glance, the dirt beside me began uprooting itself, forming a rectangular pit of enough length to fit an adult human male.

    Above the pit came a crack in space, expanding gradually, it revealed a body of a girl. The girl, dressed in priestly white clothes, slowly sank into the hollow pit. When the girl's body reached the bottom, dirt started rushing in, filling the cavity to the brim.



    [It’s nice to see you’re giving them a proper burial.]

    Monotonously, I replied. “They’re victims.”

    Raising my right, a steel rod with a rounded ring head settled on my palm. With the bangles loosely ringing, I arrived at the head of the grave. On its final ring, its pole end dug deep into the ground.

    [Even though you used to burn them into ashes instead?]



    “...” Recalling the first time I slew the heroes, “Yes.” I answered in the same monotonous manner.

    [It seems you’re changing.]

    “Probably.”

    [Celestia let me ask one thing.]

    Turning to my left, a white wolf lying above green pasture entered my sight, sizable enough to have limbs as thick as a tree trunk. “Go ahead.”



    [I’ve been wanting to ask this for centuries now.] He voiced, licking his nose. [Why have you been using Origin’s mana instead of using your own?]

    “Using Aether and Erebus in Origin has consequences,” I explained. “At most my mixed divinity, or the Gods divinities used to make me, will affect Origin.”

    [And that effect is?]

    “The forced reset decades ago, Origin’s poles shifted and caused a massacre of every being in this world.”



    [You mean your battle with the manifested God Metis?]

    “Yes,” I replied. “But using Origin’s mana, though several levels weaker, is enough to eliminate the vessels.”

    [Then why have you been using rifts to summon beings to do your bidding?]

    “Rifts are enough to minimize the usage of Origin's mana.”

    [You say that even though Origin’s mana is endless.]



    “It is not.” Slightly shaking my head sideways, I replied. “Since the Tree of Origin took root, the amount has been reduced by a fourth.”

    [What’s the purpose of that tree?]

    “It was left by my creators, but I wasn’t given an order, nor was I informed.”

    [Neither were the other True Divines informed?]

    “No.”



    [That’s troubling…]

    After a moment of silence, “Fenrir,” I called.

    [What is it?]

    “What is it like to be a mother?”

    […] With a twitch of his ears, he replied. [You're asking a male wolf Celestia.]

    “Right.”



    [… What made you curious?]

    “The civilizations that rose, if not the sun, most of them call me a mother even though I never had a child.”

    [Ah, yes, the moon…]

    “I am the moon.”

    [Why not ask Cybele, Demeter, or Amalthea instead?]

    “I will.”





    Unfortunately, Cybele and Demeter have no idea, despite them being mothers of nature, and thus I arrived in Alabaster, where Amalthea resides.

    “Amalthea,” I called.

    [Celestia?] Covered in threads of gold, Amalthea raised his head, chewing on some weed. [What took you here?]

    “What is it like to be a mother?” Cutting to the chase, I asked.



    [I’m sorry Celestia, but I too don’t know.]

    “...”

    [How about observing the races? There are humans living in Alabaster, maybe try looking after them?]

    “True.”





    Ever since the day I was born, I was but a being protecting Origin. I’m a guardian, this world’s guardian, but all I ever did was kill, and so I thought, ‘is this everything I could do?’. Years went by, civilizations rose, civilizations fell, but what I did was still the same. I hunted down the so-called heroes, again and again. But then I thought, ‘did the so-called heroes want it?’. Searching for an answer, I observed the heroes. What I found was a horrid truth, they are victims, victims who were forced to bear the seed of the Gods under the disguise of a blessing. The more they use the Gods blessing, the more their souls will rot, and the more they become a fitting vessel for the Gods. Once, I tried telling them to refrain from using their blessings, but only a few dared to listen, the same is true for those who thought of the reason behind their summoning, and the rest were too blinded by the feeling of superiority, the joy of power, and the image of a hero.



    Then I thought of observing the civilizations, to find an answer as to why they needed the power of the heroes, but my thoughts diverted.

    What is it like to be a Mother? I thought as I observe civilizations who called or praised me as their mother or Origin’s mother itself.

    As the birds flew, perching from one branch to another, I observed a small village near a small lake at the east of Alabaster for days, months, and years out of curiosity.



    It was a village of humans, and similarly, they thought of the moon as their mother. Someone who’d shine above them at their darkest hours. Every time they’d hunt at night, they’d praise the moon, asking for guidance and luck.

    Nevertheless, there were a few things I found out. To become a mother, a union between man and woman is needed. I thought as I observe a similar pattern between the males and females of the said village.

    Slipping my hands from my stomach to my between my thighs, I thought. Could a divine being like me share a similar fashion of reproduction?



    “Ah...” I muttered as I recalled what I am. “It’s impossible.”

    I could shape myself to default image I was given, but my physical body still remains as the moon…

    What is this feeling? I asked myself, as a weight started pulling on my chest.

    The more I observe, the more I got conscious of the weight slowly piling on my chest. Could this be a feeling of longing?

    Even if the weight in my chest kept increasing, and the more my lips curved downwards, I remained watching. It was like a poison, no, an addictive drug. A drug that kept me thinking to myself. A drug that slowly drew the emotion of sadness.



    So I questioned my existence. Are emotions necessary for a being like me? Why was I given free will? The God’s could’ve made me like Origin, a non-sentient entity, but then why was I not made like Origin?

    I thought of the reason repeatedly, but the answer was nowhere in sight. Then it's okay, right? It’s not like I’m disobeying orders…

    Little by little, I grew fond of observing the small village, although not that peaceful, they were thriving. But it all ended in just one night. An attack by several migrating beasts.



    Seeing them suffer I moved a step forward, but all I did was again, observe as I thought, This is but a natural occurrence in this world…

    As I observe from afar, my lips tightened, and my fist clenched, in anticipation of their victory. But my expectation was betrayed, the men fell as they risked their lives to buy time for the women and children to flee. Without anyone to defend them, the woman and children were helplessly hunted down by the beasts. That was the time that I felt a stake driving through my chest. It was painful, and I abhorred it, but there was still a chance, for there was one woman who succeeded to flee safely.



    For days, the woman traversed the forests on her own, cautiously avoiding any sign of beasts. It was supposed to go well, but the woman’s skin quickly dulled, and her body continued sweating as she gasped for breath, she was sick.

    Despite her sickness, she fought, but it was still in vain. If not for the amount of food she needed, she could've been fine on her own.

    Then the day came where her body became stiff as a rock. She tried lifting her upper body, “Urgh..! Urgh..!” But her body refused to move. “Hhaah... Hhaah...” Rough breaths escaped her mouth as her eyelids quivered. Clenching her fist and gritting her teeth, she crawled.



    Despite the difficulty in moving her body, the light in her eyes never went out. Repeatedly, she crawled again and again, until her hands grasped thin strips of green. Lifting her head, the corners of her lips slowly rose as the light of moon lit up her dull white skin. “Oh, mother...” From the dark of the cave, she called in between breaths. “Please... Give my child... A chance...”

    Trickling beneath her chin, tears leaked from the lid of her eyes. “I want my child... To see the world...” Trembling, she reached for the moon, hoping to grasp it, but before she was able to stretch her arm, it fell to the ground.

    Like a candle burning out its last, the white flame burning inside her was snuffed.



    Is it fine? I asked myself. But to fulfill her final wish, I’d need to desecrate her body, to commit taboo. To take over her body by placing a part of my soul.

    While I argued what is right from what is wrong, the small flickering flame inside her womb started to fade. There's no time to think.

    Without knowing the consequences, I inserted myself into the woman’s body, to save the soul, no, the child within her womb. As I took over her body, her heart restarted its beat, and her memories cam in a series of broken images.



    Is this… Her memory? I thought as I blinked my eyes.

    This... Is this the feeling of embracing a man? Is this how a woman felt for her man? It's strange. I kept on thinking as my heart raced.

    Ah, I’ve done it… I thought as blood streamed through my veins. There’s no turning back.

    Manipulating the mana from the surroundings, I covered my body with light, gradually exposing myself to a warm and comfortable sensation.



    After the sensation receded, I tried opening and closing my fingers. Moving just fine, I propped my body that laid atop the dirt. Producing light scratches, I stood at the entrance of the cave. Shifting my sight downwards, my hands caressed my stomach.

    It's not mine, but can I call it my own? I thought. These rough clothes are on the way.

    Taking a quick work of the rough leather clothes, I manifested my usual dress and began circling the palm of my hands on my stomach.





    Returning to Amalthea’s side, I called. “Amalthea.”

    Again, chewing on some weeds, she raised her goat head. [Who?] Trampling over the grass, her figure grew larger. [Celestia?] She asked sniffing on my dress.

    “Yes,” I answered.

    [That voice, and that body…] She bobbed her head up and down. [What have you done?]

    Shifting my sight towards the ground, I said. “I... desecrated the dead...”



    Moving a few step backward, Amalthea then spoke. [I see… So you’ve interfered with the natural order.]

    “Yes.”

    [We can no longer do anything about it,] She said digging the ground with her front hoof. [It has already happened…]

    “I’m also pregnant with a human child.” Although slightly, the corners of lips raised.



    […] Again, Amalthea’s figure shrank. [I told you to try observing human mothers to know what’s it like to be a mother, and yet here you are pregnant with a human child?!]

    “Yes.”

    [Celestia, have you gone mad?!]

    “Yes?”

    [Haah…] She hanged her head. [This is the first time. What’s happening to you? It’s not like you to go to this extent.]



    “Emotions.”

    [What?]

    “Emotions, I think I’m gaining emotions...”

    [Well…] Digging with her hooves, she said. [That’s good, I think.]

    “It’s foreign to me, but I think it’s fine.”

    [Anyway, have you thought about childbirth?]

    “Ah...” Facing Amalthea, I shook my head. “No.”



    [Since the reset was done just recently then I guess it’s fine…]

    “I’ll eliminate the threats.” Siphoning a large amount of mana from the surroundings and condensing it into a ball of light.

    [Wait! Celestia!]

    With my arm raised into the air, a barrel of amplification magic circles manifested upon opening the palm of my hand.

    [Sto-!]



    Ignoring her cry, I pressed the ball of light against the end of the barrel. After exiting the barrel, a blinding flash of light painted Alabaster in white. With a gale of wind, the surrounding grass was forcefully bent; the trees swayed, the ground cracked, and the temperature rose. Shortly after, the beam of light vanished into the sky, piercing through clouds unchallenged. Upon reaching its peak, it became a rain of light that fell all over Alabaster and the surrounding sea.

    [Ah…] She muttered, staring the lights showering from the sky. [You’ve done it, now I have nothing to do for at least a century…]





    Munching, I remained seated on a wooden chair, holding a round red fruit. Before me is a figure of a woman bearing a golden hair. As I carefully chew on the fruit, the woman, wearing a similar dress as mine but more modest — slightly lacking on the chest — leaned forward, observing my actions.

    “Do you even need to eat?” Perplexed, she asked.

    After swallowing, I replied. “Human women mostly eat fruits when they are pregnant.”

    “I know, but as divines aren’t we always healthy?”



    Taking another bite, I activated telepathy to reply as I munch yet again. [Then why are you eating weeds?]

    “...” For a second, she froze. “I’m a goat… So I’m copying them...”

    [But you’re a golden goat.]

    “Haah…” Leaning her back to the chair, “You sure have changed in the strangest direction.” She said.

    Swallowing, “Have I?” I replied slightly tilting my head.



    “Both physically and mentally, yes.”

    “How so?”

    “Physically, you should look in a mirror.”

    “Hmm...” Shifting my sights to the ceiling I searched my memories, then with a snap of my fingers, a soft thud resounded, then came an odd shaped mirror.



    “...” With a straight face, she spoke. “You’re using Jormugandr’s scale as a mirror?”

    “But you’re complaining that I made this house out of the blue.”

    “A normal human could never complete this level of structure!” She snapped. “Besides, this is not a house, but a mansion! You’re having a single child yet you built constructed this mansion in a single day!”

    “They’re not utilizing magic too well.”

    She stood from her seat and replied. “You’re magic utilization is on the level of the Gods!”



    “I need the perfect conditions to rear the child.”

    “This is way too perfect!” She walked around pulling her hair from its base. “This house, no, mansion! You slew an Ancient Treant just to get its wood! You took the core of a Molten Golem just to level the temperature and to make the stone base! You took the heart of one of the Leviathan’s pet whale to produce the finest of water! And now you’re eating Fruits that can be used to make Elixirs!”

    “I need the perfect co-”

    “Since when did you started thinking like that?!”



    Tilting my head to the side, I replied. “About two months ago?”

    “Haah...” She breathed a sigh, after tapping sounds halted. “That thing, it’s already 6 months old right?”

    Slightly gritting my teeth, I glared. “It’s not a thing, it’s my child.”

    Smiling wryly, her face dampened. “Ahaha.” She chuckled a laugh. “You sure are overprotective even at the slightest of things.”



    “That’s natural.”

    “For you, I guess, but can you blame me? Your soul restructured the body of that woman and returned to the ideal image the Gods gave you. Thinking about it, then the child should’ve been affected as well. So it might not be an ordinary human being once it's born.”

    “It doesn’t matter.” Placing my hands over my grown stomach, I continued. “Whatever it becomes, it’ll still be my child.”



    I’ll be waiting for you patiently. So take your time and sleep. As my lips rose into a gentle smile, I thought.

    “...” Silently, Amalthea looked at my figure with a smile plastered on her face.
     
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  17. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    Ring. Ring. A set of bells rang.

    “Thea...” I lisped, blinking my eyes as a familiar pattern of brown entered my sights. Shuffling to a walk, I tumbled beside a smooth brown wall.

    Ring. Ring. The mansion trembled.

    “Urgh T-thea!I called as I grasped a wooden rail, propping myself up as I supported my round stomach with my other.



    Ring. Then the trembling stopped.

    “T-thea..! Augh…” In short breaths, I rasped my teeth, clenching the rails till it creaked.

    Sustaining my support, I leaned on the wall, skidding down till I sat on my knees. “Thea...” Again, I called as the familiar hallway became vivid by the second. “Hhaah...” I breathed, resting the side of my head beside the wall. As I waited, my heart thumped faster by the second while a sharp pain streaked throughout my body.



    “Thea...” Feeling a warm and damp sensation, I felt something leaking between my thighs, drenching my feet and my dress as it sipped in between the wooden edges. “Aaagh!” Gritting my teeth, I arched my back to endure, unconsciously grabbing the rail, slightly lifting my body. With a splash, I fell back on the wet floor panting. "Hhagh... Hah... Hhah..."

    It hurts, It hurts, It hurts… For the first time in my life, I felt physical pain.



    With my trembling hand, I reached for the rail once again, propping myself up, forcing my quivering legs to stand. With a dull thud, I leaned on the side of the walls. One step at a time, I teetered along the hallway cautiously. Unexpectedly I crossed my feet and tripped, forward first.

    Unfurling my eyelids, I forced the last bit of my capabilities to reduce my fall by manipulating the gravity. Steadily, I laid on the floor breathing roughly in relief.

    S-safe… I thought.



    In a series of thuds came a voice. “Celestia!” Quickly turning to the hallway, “What are you doing here!” She shouted panting as her hair glowed in a reminiscent gold.

    Placing her arms underneath my thighs and shoulder, “Thea...” I muttered as view shifted to her chin and the ceiling. “It hurts...”

    Repeatedly turning her neck she muttered. “Oh, no...” As I stared at the ceiling, I felt my body shaking.

    Why does this have to happen… I thought as my view shrank.



    “Celestia, don’t lose consciousness!” Staring with her quivering golden eyes, I fought against the pain and maintained my eyelids open.

    As the ceiling brown ceiling turned to white, I felt my body sinking into a soft white object.

    “Ah, it already broke...” Digging underneath my waist, I felt Thea’s fingers gliding over my skin, removing a white cloth with a rustling sound. Although slight, I felt a shiver down my spine from being exposed while damp underneath. Taking a quick look, Thea spread my legs wide.



    Against my thighs, Thea pressed her fingers coated in white light. When her fingers met the surface of my skin, the light expanded and enveloped my body. Gradually, a pleasant and tender sensation emerged from within me, helping me stabilize my breathing.

    “Celestia, I’ve already healed and purified you, but the pain from the labor, I can only reduce it to some extent.” Passing the back of her hand over her forehead, she continued. “Besides, I’m just copying how the humans did it, so please bear with it.”

    In response, I nodded.



    Moving to my sides, she wrapped my hands with a white cloth. “Grab on those later.” Using her fingers, she pried my mouth open from my chin. “Bite on this cloth.” Unable to reply, I bit on the cloth.

    Blinking several times, “Celestia,” she placed a hand over my stomach. “I know you’re like a human right now, but try to push the child slowly.” Gulping, I nodded repeatedly. “Now, slowly, use your muscles to push it.”

    Slightly contracting my muscles on my abdomen, I unintentionally arched my body. “Urr!!”



    “Does it hurt that much?” Painted with a frown and breaking a sweat, she asked.

    I nodded.

    “How about right now?”

    I shook my head.

    “It hurts when you try to push?”

    I nodded.

    “Haah...” She sighed. “It can’t be helped. If we only knew you’d slowly lose your abilities the longer you reject the rest of your soul just to maintain that body, it would’ve been easier...”



    Impossible, I’m the first divine to do such an act, none of us would know the consequences…

    “Anyway, try again.”

    With a tug, I pulled the cloth wrapped around hands taut as I bent myself forward, with nothing to see. Clenching my teeth as I breathe, “Fuu! Fuu!” My cheeks inflated, fighting against the twisting pain. With a soft thud, I leaned my back against the bed, breathing roughly through the cloth. “Fhuuu… Fhuuu...”

    Wearing a worried expression, “Celestia, why not let go of it? You can always adopt an abandoned child somewhere.”



    With my heaving chest into view, I mustered a glare towards Thea. An adopted child is not the same! I wouldn't have gone to such lengths if I thought like that!

    Seeming to know what I meant, “Celestia, you’re so weak now that even I can kill you right now.” She said. “Charon transferred this mansion to a different dimension inside the Sea of Clouds. Cybele and Demeter raised a barrier to protect the entrance to this dimension. Just below this dimension, Jormugandr is preparing to retaliate against anyone who crosses the Sea of Clouds. Outside the Sea of Clouds, The Leviathan twins, Legethon, Cocytus, Siarys, Pietys, Rystys, and Vakaris, they are all intercepting those who wished to enter and eliminate you while you're at your weakest.”



    Unable to mutter a reply, I stared at Thea. This is a first, to be the one protected instead.

    “Celestia, promise me, this is the last time you'll do this.” Unsmiling, she said. “And remember, you owe everyone for this trouble you caused.”

    Silently I returned a nod. I’m sorry, but I would’ve done everything myself if I knew this would happen…

    “Take this as a sign that we are not supposed to give birth.”

    With a nod, I endured another round of excoriating pain. I sweated as continued to clench on the cloth. I heaved, and heaved, as I played a tug of war with my insides as the rope. “Ffuu… Ffuu...” I breathed in the slight relief every time I surrender to the pain.



    Covered in beads of sweat, the lids of my eyes quivered. I feel light...

    “Celestia!” She snapped. “Don’t lose consciousness now! Else everything will be for naught!” Worried, she reached out her hand and touched my cheeks. “Just a bit longer, okay? You can do that without passing out, right?”

    Weakly, I nodded.

    Skimming her fingers from my nose down to my cheeks, she said. “You used to be the strongest guardian, and you will still be after you regain everything, right?”



    After confirming my nod, she moved again to my rear.

    Digging my fingers into the cloth, I felt a searing pain running through my spine accompanied by the region between my thighs ripping apart. “Ffuuu... Ffuuu...”

    “Keep going, the head is out, just a little more.”

    “Hfngh!!” I pushed, feeling my hips ripping apart.

    “More!”



    “Hfngh!!” Tears streamed from my eyes.

    “Go on!”

    Mustering everything I have left, “Hfngh!!” I pushed arching my body forward. When I lost my strength, I fell back to the bed, powerless.

    “...” Silently I waited for Thea’s voice, but what I heard was a cry, “Uwaaah! Uwaaah!”

    “Celestia, wake up, It’s a girl,” Thea said, placing my child over my chest, covered with a cloth.



    Feeling her weight, and hearing her cry, a tender warmth filled my lifeless body. Gently, I raised the lids blocking my eyes. As soon as I opened my eyes, my sights were immediately absorbed by the child before me.

    Lifting my hand, I gently held my child, allowing her to grasp my fingers with her cute and tiny hands.

    “This is my child...” Smiling, I weakly muttered. “My very own... Child...”

    Silver hair, she bore the same silver hair as I. I thought as the last drops of tears emerged from eyes. It is truly mine.



    Satisfied, I surrendered my body.

    I shall name her after that woman...





    Ele-na, Ele-na,” Cradling Elena in my hands, I sang her a lullaby. “Sleep my sweet Ele-na.”

    No matter what, Elena is so cute! Forming a deep smile, I carried Elena in my arms as I caressed her against my chest.

    Sitting beside me, “C-celestia,” Thea called wearing a worried expression. “Shouldn’t you fully accept the rest of your soul now?”

    Shifting my sights to Thea, “Please give me a month or two so I could savor being a human mother.”

    “But everyo-”



    “I’ll do anything in return, but please, at least keep the situation outside stale for at least two months,” I said, slightly bowing my head. “I’ll take care of everything afterward. I just want to retain this human body longer so I can feed her like this.”

    “The rest of your soul, wouldn’t it be in danger if you reject it any longer than this?”

    “I think it’s fine,” I shook my head. “It’s probably something that the Gods placed inside me to not veer off from what I am ordered to do.”

    “Then, that means that you being a mother is not something that’s supposed to happen?”



    “I guess.” Wryly, I smiled. “It’s probably because of my instincts shifting into protecting Elena instead of Origin.”

    “True,” she replied. “But wouldn’t that be resolved if you change back your priorities?”

    “No,” I answered. “The rest of my soul, which I returned to the moon, is trying to dilute the soul I have now which is affected by my motherly instincts.”

    “That...” She frowned.



    “So please, give me at least two months to try modifying this soul.” Again, I bowed my head. “I don't want the moments I shared with Elena to be just a simple memory...” Then I shifted my sights back to Elena peacefully feeding herself through my chest.

    I won’t let it happen. I can live without losing either Origin or Elena.

    As the days passed, I spent my time around Elena.

    “Ungaa! Ungaa!”

    “There there.” Sliding my fingers underneath the back of her head and hips, I lifted her into a cradle. Moving the strap of my dress aside, I fed her again.



    Such a glutton. Smiling, I thought. But go ahead and grow up Elena, mama will need your help soon.

    Singing her a lullaby, I repeated her name again and again till she falls asleep. Remaining close, I slept beside her, making a pillow of my crossed arms placed atop the bed.

    One day you’ll be able to hold my hand instead of a single finger. I thought as I stared at her sleeping while grasping my finger.



    Every time she wakes up, she’ll cry, a signal for me to wake up alongside her; I’ll cradle her, feed her, play with her small fingers, caress her springy cheeks, press my nose against hers, kiss her, all I did is spend my time with her. Moments that I wished that'd last forever; a time when I felt an endless warmth.

    It didn’t matter whether what I was doing was the same every day. It was a fleeting moment just for me and Elena, a treasure I could call mine and mine alone.



    Each time she laughed, I’d always return a smile. Each time she cried, I’d hold her dear. Each time she slept, I’d warmly gaze at her till I fall asleep. Words cannot describe it, that is, being a mother myself, a being who's not supposed to be a mother of one, but a mother of all.





    “Are you okay?” Anxious, Thea asked.

    “Yes,” Brushing past Elena’s lovely silver hair, I nodded. “Elena, mama will be out for a bit.”

    Elena... As if holding me dear, she reached for my finger and grasped it. No, I mustn't...

    “Elena,” Expressing a lonely smile, I used my hands to grasp her hands. “I'm sorry Elena, but mama needs to go. I promise mama will return.”



    Contorting her face, “Ngh.” Elena began crying. “Ngah! Ngah!”

    “Elena, please, not now.” A drop fell on my arms as I brush my fingers on her cheeks. “Your aunt Thea is here for you so don't cry...”

    “Celestia...”

    Releasing my hands, I slowly turned my back against the crying Elena.



    “Celestia, we can still hold it for a few more days.”

    Shaking my head, “Thea, please tempt me no more.” I shed another tear. “Please take care of Elena for a bit.”

    Digging my fingers into my palms, I took one step and another.

    I'll take some time till I see this patterned floor again…



    Facing the familiar hallway, my lips quivered.

    Two months should be enough…

    Then I took another step.





    A week has passed since Celestia left, and still, Elena has been somewhat down. “Ungah! Ungah!”

    Feeding Elena is a task. Frowning, I thought.

    “Elena...” Although she drank from the bottle I gave her, the amount is incomparable when she usually drank through Celestia's chest. “Come now, just a little more.”

    Celestia, please return quickly…



    Abruptly, Elena’s cries softened when steps resounded from the hallway. Celestia? I thought. Carefully placing my hands underneath her, I carried her and walked towards the hallway.

    “C-celestia?” From the hallway came the figure of a familiar woman who bore antler-like horns. But unlike her previous demeanor, her motherly smile is missing. “Are you okay Celestia?”

    This… feels wrong… Conflicted, I thought.

    Halting a step away, Celestia looked me in the eye. “Amalthea,” She called as my eye widened in surprise. “Is this, my child?” She asked, shifting her eyes to Elena as Elena returned a stare.



    “C-celestia...” I stuttered. “Do you remember?”

    “Yes,” She answered with a slight nod.

    “Then, you should be back to normal, right?”

    “I am, but my curiosity remains.”

    There’s still a chance.



    “Celestia, won’t you take Elena?” I said. “She’s been crying non-stop, she probably missed you.”

    “I guess,” She replied while staring back at Elena.

    Passing Elena to her, Elena began tried to reach out to her. “Mmuuu. Mmuuu.” Elena tried to speak.

    “See?” I said. “Why don’t you greet her back since you’ve returned?”

    “I guess,” She muttered. “Elena, your mo-...” Suddenly, halting her speech.



    “Something… Feels wrong...” She continued as she stared at Elena trying to reach her face.

    “Mmuuu. Mmuuu.”

    Unable to take it any longer, I grabbed Celestia’s hand and made Elena grasp it while I supported Elena's body with my other hand. “There,” I said. “She's asking for your hand Celestia.”

    “Right...” Slightly, her body froze for a very short moment.



    “Now, why don’t you repeat it again?”

    “Yes...” She blinked. “Elena, your mo- no,” She shook her head. “Mama has returned.” Although slight, the corner of her lips raised as Elena returned a bright smile. “Mmuu!”

    It’s still inside her. I thought with a smile. Now they only need time.
     
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  18. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    Inside a room within Amelia’s manor in Aves, “O-one.” Fae’s arms tried to balance her herself as she took a step forward. “T-two.” Each step she took, two books swayed atop her head. “T-three.” On her next step, “F-fo-!” The books fell with a thud. “Auu...” Fae sulked.

    “Once again,” A blonde female said, standing near a window in front of Fae’s direction.

    “Y-yes.”

    Collecting the books from the floor, Fae turned her back against the stone wall and placed the books atop her head.


    Then, again, Fae took her steps while balancing the books. “T-three.” But the books fell after a knock interrupted her training.

    “Yes?” The blonde female approached the door beside Fae and opened it. “Ah, your Highness.” With a bow, the blonde female greeted with a bow.

    “Erina,” Said the girl wearing a frilly blue dress. “Can I play with Fae?” She asked looking up to Erina with her short brown hair tied in a side tail to her right.

    Showing a light smile, “Yes,” Erina replied. “of course.”


    Embracing the books to her chest, “Eh?” The brown haired Fae said. “Her Highness Elaine?”

    Peeking from the side of the door, Elaine said to Fae. “Fae, I told you to call me Ely instead.”

    “But...” Hesitating, Fae looked to Erina.

    With a nod, Erina said. “Fae, please do as her Highness wishes.”

    “U-un. Ely.”

    At the same moment, Erina thought. To think that these sisters would meet each other as friends. Fate sure is unpredictable.


    “Fae, you may leave the books behind.”

    With a smile, “Un!” Fae happily responded and immediately went to Elaine’s side.

    As Fae and Elaine left to the hallway followed by servants, one of the remaining servants asked Erina. “Is this fine? Shouldn’t Fae be trained as soon as possible?”

    “Yes,” Erina replied. “Fae and Rick will soon be leaving for the Tribe, so it’s fine to give them more time to play.”

    “Ah…”


    “It’s fine,” Erina assured. “The people who were meant to travel to the Tribe will be given a week to return to Aves once a month. Besides, the route mentioned by her Highness Amelia will reduce the travel time between Aves and the Tribe, so her Highness Elaine will be free to visit the Tribe at her free time.”

    “Ah, so her Highness has already considered Fae’s and her Highness Elaine’s friendship?”

    “Yes,” Erina answered. Only a limited few know those two are sisters, Amelia has already considered this along with the breaks given to the servants.


    “Well then,” Erina walked to the hallway. “I’ll have to inform Ark of the proceedings and the preparations we need to discuss. I’ll leave the cleanup to you.”

    With a light bow, “Yes, Head Maid.” The servant answered.

    Walking down the stairs, Elaine led Fae down the stairs while lifting her long skirt. “Fae, is Rick around?”

    Following behind Elaine dressed in a black and white outfit while similarly lifting her long black skirt, Fae replied. “I think Rick is hunting with Marco.”

    Reaching the bottom, Elaine turned to face Fae. “Hunting?”


    “Un.” Fae nodded as they restarted walking side by side. “Rick said they were ordered to look for a tall man who usually roams the city in disguise.”

    “Ah,” Realizing what it meant, Elaine said. “If it’s Marco, then Rick is probably hunting down Father.”

    “The King?” Fae glanced at Elaine wearing a puzzled expression.

    “Yes,” Elaine replied with a nod. “Father loves to roam around, so I guess her Majesty has already specialized Marco in pinpointing Father’s location in Aves.”

    “Is that okay?”


    “Well,” Elaine crossed her arms in thought. “Elder sister told me that Father is doing something every time he goes out to town, so I guess it’s fine now and then. But I guess Father is overdoing it.”

    “Her Highness Amelia roams Aves too?”

    “Yes, Elder Sister does.” She glanced at Fae, before returning her sight to the carriage at the gate of the Manor. “But Elder Sister told me that being told and seeing the actual situation of the citizens is different.”

    “Hmm...” Facing the ground, Fae thought with her finger placed above her lips. “I don’t think I get it.”


    “Elder Sister told me that it’s a matter of perspective, but I do get it a little.”

    Arriving at the carriage, a servant opened the door and lead Elaine by the hand. After taking their seat, they restarted their talk.

    “Does her Highness teach you a lot?”

    Enthusiastically, “Yes!” Elaine answered. “But Elder Sister has been busy lately, so I haven’t heard any stories or lessons this year...” Then she immediately frowned.

    “This year?”


    “Yes,” Fae nodded along with the neigh of the horses, then the rumble started. “Every year, Elder Sister returns from Academia during the months of spring. And during those times, Sister usually spends her time helping in the palace, taking visits to the Guilds, and playing with me.”

    “Then Ely looks up her Highness?”

    With a smile, “Yep,” Elaine responded. “Elder Sister is amazing, you know? At age nine, sister took the responsibility left by Grandfather, but since it's too dangerous the King and Queen refused by setting conditions, but sister broke through those conditions and earned the right to travel to Academia.”

    “Why did the King and Queen refused?”


    “I heard Sister was sick back then, but I was not allowed to see her until she recovered. But I heard that the King and Queen placed conditions to restrict sister from leaving Aves. I also tried asking Sister about it, but she always told me not to mind it.”

    “Then why not ask the King and Queen?”

    In reply, Elaine shook her head. “They also told me not to mind it.”

    “Anyway, Ely, where are we going?” Changing the topic, Fae asked.

    “To the Harbor for a quick inspection.”


    After a few more minutes, the carriage halted nearby a guard post filled by Knights bearing the crest of the Royal Guards. When the door of the carriage opened, Fae and Elaine alighted.

    The moment Fae set foot, “Ooohh!” Her eyes sparkled at the number of Knights surrounding her wearing an armor gleaming in the sunlight. “Amazing!”

    Unperturbed, Elaine called Fae. “Come on Fae, we need to go.”

    “Ah, un, yes.” Shortly, Fae followed a step behind Elaine.

    Near the docks, towering brown pillars attached to numerous threads littered the surrounding.


    “Uwaa!” Fae muttered. “I’ve never seen Galleons this close!”

    Near their location, Caravels, Carracks, and Galleons dotted the docks. Men, along with conspicuous cats, pushed and pulled on large wooden boxes and barrels into the ship through platforms operated by pulleys.

    Everywhere they looked, men shouting in a rhythmic tune were heaving ropes thick enough to fit the arms of Fae and Elaine. In particular, most of the men were tanned and exposed their bulky muscles as they left their tops exposed.

    “Hmm?” Grabbing the attention of Fae, she asked Elaine. “Ely, what are those piles of rocks for?”


    Shifting her sight towards the barrels filled with sharpened oval rocks, Elaine smiled. “Oh, those are rock bullets!” She proudly exclaimed. “They are used as weapons against beasts from the sea.”

    Then she added, “I was told that those bullets are saved up to hunt down beasts from the sea since it's more effective to use earth magic against surfacing beasts rather than water which they are resistant to.” Raising a finger from her hand, Elaine continued. “But since you cannot mold earthen bullets while in the sea, they load them into the ships while docked in ports or harbors.”


    “Hmm...” Fae tried to imagine a large fish being shot by rock bullets while sailing the seas. “But why don’t they carry earth instead of bullets?”

    “Ah,” Pondering for a bit while scratching her head, Elaine answered. “Because molding bullets consume mana, so firing molded ones makes it more efficient and easier. I think the same thing applies to water. I think it's producing water and using the available ones?”

    Facing downwards, Fae tried to think. “I guess?”

    “Haven’t you studied magic?”


    Shaking her head, “No.” Fae answered. “Mama said that there are requirements for children to learn magic, and I think I haven’t met those?”

    “I think Fae is already okay?”

    “Then I’ll try asking Head Maid?”

    “Yes,” Elaine agreed. “Erina will probably teach you.”

    Afterward, Fae and Elaine toured the harbor. They found fishes of different sizes, squids, octopuses, shrimps, scallops, woodworms and more. They also checked the warehouses that contained the trades materials coming from Brent through the trade ships that arrived.


    As they went from one place to another, surprised expressions painted Fae’s reaction while Elaine proudly explained based on what she knew.

    At the same time, I feel like an older sister! Elaine thought happily.



    Later that day in the manor, “Suu… Suu…”

    It seems the sisters were exhausted from their tour. Beside the door, sitting on a chair, Erina allowed both Fae and Elaine to sleep inside Amelia’s bedroom.

    Watching over the two girls facing each other as they slept, Erina’s lips curved into a gentle smile. Quietly, Erina began to stand and moved towards the desk.

    I better start writing the letters. Erina thought, bringing out a feather pen and a paper from the drawer.



    Inside the library of the manor, Fae and Elaine searched for a book they wanted to read.

    “Hmm...” At the aisle between the shelves, Fae’s eyes darted from the left and right. “Ely, what book do you want to read?”

    On the other side, Elaine replied. “Maybe a book with drawings on it? ”

    “Then storybooks?” Asked Fae.


    “Oh, maybe those stories about Heroes!” With a bright smile, Elaine passed through the aisles until she arrived at the corner where a small shelf stood.

    “Ely?” Following shortly, Fae called. “What’s this shelf for?”

    The small shelf held a fewer number of books, but Elaine smiled still. “It’s Sister’s shelf. She leaves the books she recently read here.” Glancing at the spines of the books, Elaine noticed a book slightly extended among the rest. “What's this?” Reaching out her hand, Elaine grabbed the book and pulled it down.


    Checking the title of the front of the brown leather cover, Fae and Elaine muttered. ““'Diaries of the Heroes Comrades'?””

    “Ely, want to try reading it?” Fae asked curious of the book.

    “I don’t know much about the comrades of the Heroes so I want to know too.”

    Carrying the book to the table near the door, Fae and Elaine sat down side by side and opened the book.

    “Ely, it says recommended for ages 14 and above.” Pointing at the words written in the book’s preface.


    “Hmm...” Looking at the ceiling, Elaine muttered. “I’m still 11 so I’m not allowed to?”

    “I’m still 10,” Fae answered glancing at Elaine. “So we’re not allowed?”

    “Should we return it?”

    “Should we? But I’m curious.”

    “I’m curious too.”


    Meeting each other’s eye as they faced each other, Fae and Elaine nodded and smiled playfully. ““Then, it’s our secret.””

    Flipping through the pages, Fae and Elaine read the book expressing wonder.

    “Fae, what’s ‘Slime Play’?”

    “It says here that it’s used by the Noble’s.”

    “I haven’t heard anything about it though, but have you seen a slime?”


    “Yes,” Fae answered. “But I don’t think you could play with them?”

    “Why not?”

    “They’re round and a bit transparent, but they don’t have a face or anything, they’re like a soft ball of liquid.”

    “Maybe they throw it at people, then they pop?”

    After a short moment, Fae replied. “Un, I think so.”


    “Maybe I should ask Mother when I return.”

    “I’ll ask Mama too.”

    Then they continued reading.

    “A naked apron?” Fae asked. “But if they’re wearing an apron then doesn’t that mean that they’re not naked?”

    “Hmm…” Imagining herself, Elaine replied. “I think?”


    Turning to the next page, Fae asked. “Ely, what’s a di-” With a thump, Elaine forcefully closed the book after realizing the contents.

    “F-fae, I don’t think we should be reading this.” With her ears painted red, Elaine slowly dragged the book while expressing a twitching smile.

    “Why?” Fae asked.


    “L-lets just forget it,” Elaine replied as she slowly returned the book to the shelf.

    “But what’s a d-”

    “Not!” Elaine interrupted. “W-we should forget about it. Okay?”

    “Okay...”

    “Uwaaah...” Elaine muttered while covering her face.


    “Ely are you okay?”

    “Y-yes, but… Uwaaah…” Elaine muttered as she bent her knees to a squat. “H-how shameful...”

    Later that night after Elaine returned to the palace, Fae asked Camille. “Mama, what’s a ‘Slime Play’?”

    “F-f-fae?!” Camille shouted in surprise.

    That night, Camille was exhausted trying to divert Fae’s attention to something else.


    Somewhere in the manor, a blonde female wore a wry smile. Amelia, you forgot to return the book. I just hope you’re prepared to know that you indirectly broke the innocence of your sister.

    That day, Erina found another piece of information to bla- tease Amelia.
     
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  19. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    In a corridor stood pillars of white, joining the cream marble flat with the murals of varying masks. Iron flowers dangled, crowning in a shade of black, painting the way in a hallway surrounded by night.

    In a rhythm with the twinkle of the night, a gentle tap came masked by the breeze collecting the night's shivering might.

    [What do you need?] Shaped in a V, his golden eyes peeked from the pointed visor. Reminiscent of a dragon's jaw, his helm gleamed in a silver hue. Combed by menacing twisted steel horns, the man turned with a clink.



    With a sharp yet silent swing, a familiar thin sword reflected the twinkling stars in a bluish silver hue. “I came to reclaim my mother’s life.” Facing the man in an armor scaled by sharp steel, her brown hair fluttered along with the cold breeze.

    Pummeling the floor with a pole, a red banner fluttered over his head. [Ha ha ha ha.] The man chuckled, holding a halberd forged in a rugged black. [A girl speaking nonsense. What should've have I expected?]

    “Chuckle all you want, but your life is mine.” Leaning forward, she scowled with her ocean blue eyes as a crystal dangled loosely from her neck.



    [Leave, foolish girl.] The man took a step forward and swung his halberd, slicing deep into the marble floor. [Do not waste your time, nor your life. A measly girl like you should spend your days in a peaceful home.]

    Raising her thin sword, “Some words from the man who killed my mother.” She said pointing its edge before the man.

    [I have no memory of your claims.] With a quick pull, he lifted his halberd with ease and let it stand it his front, holding it with both hands. [But if it’s your wish to claim this place as your grave, then who am I to object such offer?]



    Raising the corner of her lips, “It'll be my pleasure to send you to my grave instead.” She grinned confidently.
     
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  20. gaulby

    gaulby [Space Rabbit] [Rappy Slaughterer] [Eviscerator]

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    Placing my hand on a hard and cold surface, I gently slid the palm of my hand to wipe off its moisture.

    “So this is how she looked like in person,” I muttered, admiring the woman encased in ice.

    Breathing a cold mist in its surrounding, the figure of a woman frozen deep inside the ice conveyed a sad yet captivating beauty. The woman, dressed in a snug fit red gown, was endowed by a wavy brown hair topped with a golden crown crusted by precious gems. Her arms, covered in a similar rosy red evening glove, rested above her stomach.




    Forming a frown, “It looks like she's just sleeping...” I muttered as I took in the figure of my Grandmother as she laid asleep.

    “But she’s not asleep, right?” I asked, glancing at the silver-haired woman beside me inside a rectangular room covered in stone tiles in every direction.

    Shaking her head in response, “No,” She answered. “She’s dead.”

    Moving my sight back to the figure of Grandmother, “So this is how Grandfather was deceived huh…”




    “This was stored underneath Titania’s chamber.” The silver-haired woman added. “I wouldn’t blame Randolf for believing that Fairy.”

    “I guess Grandfather was deeply in love with Grandmother for him to desperately believe in a Fairy.”

    “Love is complicated Amelia, it can be your strength, but it can also be your weakness.”

    Letting my arm fall back to my side, “Celes,” I asked. “Have you felt love before?”




    Gently raising the corner of her lips, Celes turned to face me wearing a warm smile. “Of course,” She answered as her eyes reflected a gentle light. “Even if I converted the time I have lived into hours of a day, that very tiny fraction of a second I have lived with Elena was the most glorious times that I had.”

    “Elena huh,” I muttered. “The first silver-haired woman before Laurel became a kingdom.”

    “Yes,” She added. “I made sure her name will remain in the history of Laurel.”

    Expressing a light smile, “That’s so like you.” I said.




    Turning her head towards the block of ice, “Do you want me to place this coffin of ice in Tercel?” She said.

    “No,” I replied. “If by chance the nobles thought that the last Queen went missing due to the machinations of another race, the achievements I regained with the Tribe will crumble. If it was only the nobles, Mother and Father could use their power as a monarch, but once it spreads into a rumor to the citizens, it will be impossible to stop.”

    “If that’s what you’ve chosen, then it’s fine.”




    “Say, Celes,” I said. “You said that I don’t need to call you through the necklace anymore, right? Why?”

    “It will impede your growth if you keep relying on me when you're alone.”

    “...” Silently, my sight shifted to my feet.

    “I'm happy that feel lonely about it,” she smiled as she reached out her hands and caressed my cheeks. “But Amelia, you could always speak through the necklace wherever and whenever you are. You don't need the deal to be a reason to talk to me.”




    “... True.” Leaning my head against her hands, I closed my eyes and savored the warmth. “But Celes, I'd want to have more time like this.”

    “You've been through a lot Amelia...”

    Clasping her hands with my own, “Yes, I have.” I muttered, feeling her soft hands through my cheeks. “But now, at least, I have something to work on that I can call my own.”

    “Indeed.”

    I don’t have time to keep on breaking down; the war won’t wait for me…




    “Celes,” I asked as I lifted my eyelids and looked up to her. “Can you train me like we used to? Once a week is enough.”

    “Aren’t you forcing yourself?” She asked. “I won’t lend you my stamina and mana on the next.”

    Chuckling, “Celes, I’m already broken, battering myself makes no difference.” I replied. “Besides, I don’t want to get used to having an indefinite amount of mana.”

    “A broken person can still be fixed.”

    Returning a smile, “My past will always be a part of me,” I said. “No matter how harsh it was.”




    “I will train you, but I won’t be teaching you things you have yet to know.”

    “That’s fine with me.”

    Removing her hands from my cheek, “I’m glad,” Celes smiled. “Then why don’t we start now?” Then she shifted back to her usual playful smile.









    Inside the rattling carriage on the day after. “Uuhh…” Amelia muttered as she slept on Erina’s lap “N-not that…”

    It seems that her Highness is up to something again… Erina thought as she brushed Amelia’s hair.

    “Is Lia having nightmares?” On the other side of the seat, Kanna asked.

    “I believe not,” Erina replied. “It’s a byproduct of a recent event, probably during the night.”

    Looking up to the ceiling of the coffee-brown ceiling of the carriage, Kanna muttered in thought. “What would Lia do at night?”




    In reply, Erina expressed a mischievous grin. “A rendezvous with a man.”

    “W-what?!” Shouted Kanna in surprise. “Impossible!”

    “Then why not listen to her mumbles?”

    “Y-you’re right.” Coming down from her seat to the floor of the carriage, Kanna placed her right ear near Amelia’s lips and listened.

    “N-not... That agai- Auu...” Amelia mumbled in her sleep.




    Paling, Kanna cranked her head to face the sleeping Amelia. “L-lia, it's not true, r-right?” Kanna asked with trembling lips while Erina placed a hand over hers.

    “Worry not,” Erina masked her giggled with the rattle of the carriage. “Her Highness will only allow a fitting man.”

    “What ar-” Immediately before Kanna finished her shout, Erina placed a hand over Kanna's mouth.

    “Mmnn...” Amelia mumbled.




    “Please voice your concerns once her Highness is awake.”

    Nodding in reply, Kanna returned to her seat. Crossing her arms, Kanna repeatedly tapped her elbow with her finger.

    “Kanna,” Unsmiling, Erina asked.

    Surprised by the sudden call, “Err… What is it?” Kanna said.

    “Her Highness has been up to something recently hasn’t she?”

    “Eh?” Widening her eyes, Kanna asked. “How can you tell?”




    “Her Highness had always been like this,” Erina moved her sight to her lap. “She'd always force herself to do more when she has a goal in mind. At those times, someone has to force her to take a rest.”

    Returning her sight to Kanna, “Please do me a favor,” asked Erina with a light bow. “I’m not always by her Highness’s side, so please tell her to take a rest once you think she’s overdoing it.”

    “O-okay.”

    At the time Amelia woke up, “A man?” she dubiously expressed. “What do you mean?”

    Leaning forward filled with concern, Kanna asked. “Y-you mean, you have no memory of sleeping with a man yesterday?”




    “I have no idea of what you are talking about.” Moving her sights towards Erina, “Ah, I think I get it now.”

    Smiling as if nothing happened, “Is anything of the matter, your Highness?” Erina asked.

    “Haah…” Amelia breathed a sigh. “Listen, Kanna…”









    “Mmmph!” Raising my arms, I stretched my back after alighting the carriage. “Erina, where should we eat this time?” Facing the brown-haired woman, I asked.

    “Why not the usual diner?” She replied.

    “Oh,” Kanna said pointing to a nearby food stall that offered wooden seats. “Li- I mean Mia, wanna try that one?”

    “Hmm…” Moving closer to get a better view of the stall, “Fried rice with eggs huh.”

    Recalling the food I ate at the Tribe, Rice is quite rare in the Tribe.




    Turning back to Kanna and Erina, “I’m fine with it.” I said.

    “So do I,” Erina replied.

    Deciding by ourselves, we moved to take a seat and ordered our meals. Each of us ordered the same salted fried rice with eggs mixed with leeks and fried garlic placed in a wooden bowl.

    After eating our meal, we went back into the carriage with a different set of horses. Taking our respective seats, the rattling of the carriage restarted after a few minutes.

    “That rice is not bad, but Amelia, you’re a princess, right?” Kanna asked.




    “That’s quite late of you to ask,” I grinned.

    “I just realized it after knowing the difference between the meals given to you in Tercel and the manor, but what we’ve been giving you is…”

    “It's okay,” I said. “Besides, if there’s anything that tastes bad, like really bad, it's the mana herb.” Shifting my sight to Erina beside me, “The two herbs from Argent are still fine, right?”

    “It’s within the carriage’s baggage,” Erina smiled.

    “I’ll take it at another time.”




    As the scenery through the window changed from the wooden houses with a touch of stone and cement to a thick layer of concrete then to a sea of plants, Kanna asked. “We’ve been in this carriage for quite a while now, but most of the things I saw outside are farms.”

    “That is the natural landscape here in Laurel,” Erina said.

    “Yes, just like Erina said,” I added. “But there’s a reason for that.”

    Tilting my head, “Where should I start? Ah, you see,” I said. “Most of Laurel's land is sandwiched by the sea of Formos and the forests at the foot of Alabaster. Because we can't build the farms near the forests and the coasts due to occasional attacks from beasts, the farmlands were built a distance from both, which results to the endless sea of farmlands.”




    “But aren’t there too many towns and villages around here?” She moved her sight from the window back to me and Erina.

    “True,” I answered. “But those towns and villages are essential. They serve as relays for carriages, posts for Soldiers, Knights, Messengers, and sometimes Adventurers. There are also towns and villages on the other ends of this sea of farmlands. Those towns and villages are the ones actively giving out quests to adventurers. They also serve as training grounds for the Armies at certain times.”




    “Hmm…” Kanna muttered. “That seems a bit complex, or not, but how will Laurel’s armies pass through these farmlands?”

    “I guess you could call that as one of the problems of Laurel,” I smiled wryly. “Although there are spaces between the lands near this road, it will make the formation of the armies sparse, but since the history of Laurel lacked large scale wars, especially that we are far from the center, Laurel focused more on production rather than the military aspects.”

    “That makes sense,” Kanna nodded. “But Lia sure has a lot of knowledge”




    “That’s necessary,” I replied. “It’d be a shame as a Royal if I don't know at least this much.”

    “Now if only his Highness Mark will feel the same,” Erina added.

    “True…” I sighed. “Anyway, the towns and villages are mostly owned by the Knights, but since the Knights need to serve the military of Laurel, they usually leave magistrates in their stead to rule their fief. On the other hand, some Nobles, like those who are staying in Aves, do the same while serving the palace, but there are also those who rule their fief directly.”




    “The way human society works is quite complicated huh.”

    “Our difference in population is one of the reasons.”

    Scratching her head, “I guess that’s enough for me.” Kanna smiled wryly. “Anyway, why are we heading to Fargan?”

    “We could have taken Birby,” I used my hand to knock on the wooden board at my back. “But the baggage I brought along is too much for him; there's also the issue with my Personal Guards waiting for me there.”

    “Eh?” Kanna muttered in surprise. “The Guards a distance ahead and behind us are not yours?”




    Glancing at Erina’s direction, I answered with a smile. “Yes, those aren’t mine. Those are the Royal Guards themselves.”

    “That’s weird, why haven’t you used your own?”

    “Because the Royal Guards are enough to defend me when I’m deep within Laurel.”

    “Because her Highness made them do questionable things while she's away.”

    “Ahaha, right.” Strained, I smiled.




    Stitching her eyebrows, “Questionable things?” Kanna asked, dubious.

    “Kind of,”

    “It's not 'kind of' your Highness, turning your some of your Guards into adventurers, that is indeed questionable.”

    “I can justify that,” I said with a smile. “Using adventurers to hunt Bandits hiding between the border of Academia and Laurel, that’s the best approach with the best results.”

    “You just wanted the bounty on their heads.”




    “I-I need funding for my land.”

    “You already have too much.”

    “It’s no-”

    “You also have funds from selling these pins and clips in underground auctions.”

    Gulping, I spoke. “But I ne-”

    “You also have funds from selling those despicable fertilizers.”




    “… They’re just slime fertilizers…” I muttered in a low voice while fiddling with the ends of my hair.

    “Haah…” Erina sighed. “You say that they’re just slime fertilizers, but the image of a princess owning slime pits is not a good one.”

    “I know that,” I said. “That’s why I placed someone else as a head of the production of those fertilizers…”

    “But it is still inside your land and you allowed it.”

    “Eh?” After a listening to our exchange, Kanna muttered. “Slime pit? Wait, Lia owns a land?”




    Noticing the oblivious Kanna, “Ah,” I said. “Yes, I have. Once Argent ascends to the throne, I’ll lose my status as a princess and become a duchess to rule over a land. I'll also have to change my last name into something else as acceptance of losing the right to the throne. But since I’ve been working at it early and the fact that I’ve been achieving a lot lately, my land has been expanding for quite some time now.”

    “Then those Guards you’re speaking of?”

    Smiling, “They’re more of a small personal army rather.”
     
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