1,900 years ago - Near Ydillia

  Among the blooming fig trees, a young woman with long wavy beige hair, brown skin, golden eyes, and wearing a flowing green dress embroidered with white flowers danced joyfully amidst the falling petals from the trees. A small elf watched her from afar:

  -Rendell: (So beautiful!!)

  Rendell attempted to get a bit closer and accidentally stepped on a branch. The young woman heard the noise, turned toward Rendell, and approached:

  -Rendell: (Oh no! She's beautiful, but she'll eat me alive like in the stories the elders tell about humans!!)

  He tried to run but slipped on one of the flowers and fell. Rendell curled up and began to cry. The young woman reached him, knelt down, and gently stroked his head:

  - "Calm down, are you lost, little one? I cannot enter Ydillia, but I can take you to the entrance."

  Present Time - Misty Forest

  -Norik: "Wow, I remember so much coming back through here."

  -Akana: "Tell me about it."

  -Undying: "Where are your manners?!" imitating Akana.

  -Akana: "Hey!"

  The two laugh lightly:

  -Koldarin: "Wow, to think Undying would make a face other than her usual frown..."

  -Norik: "Right? I'm surprised too."

  -Koldarin: "By the way, how did you meet Undying?"

  -Norik: "Me? Well, I was fleeing Grinus's invasion of Hagam, and she saved me."

  -Koldarin: "Is that all? Is she helping you out of goodwill and not because of a contract?"

  -Norik: "Oh, yes! I made a contract with her and gave her the Drek?r as an advance payment! It's been so long I barely remember!"

  -Koldarin: (That explains some things, but there are still gaps... I'll probe a bit more to see if I uncover anything else.) "I noticed Your Highness is quite curious; have you never left Hagam before?"

  -Norik: "No, this journey is the first time I've seen Kradlos, and I admit it's been full of highs and lows. Most of my life was spent in the castle in the capital, raised by my mother and Alder, a servant. My father was always absent."

  -Koldarin: "Hmmm... Even so, judging by your curiosity, didn't you ever feel like running away?"

  -Norik: "I did. Sometimes I would sneak out, but I never went far because of the border guards. One night, I got lucky and found a girl lying on the ground. I placed my right hand on her back and noticed her heartbeat and a growling stomach. So, I ran to the nearest shop and brought back a basket of food, which she devoured almost entirely! I remember asking her many questions about Kradlos, but the answer that stood out the most was: 'It's not what you expect; you'd better go back to your home and warm bed.' Even so, I'm grateful to have met her. I know she's long gone, being human, but I wish she had come with me, though my father would never have allowed it... I just hope she was okay after we said goodbye."

  As Norik recounts how he returned to the castle, Koldarin thinks as if she had solved an enigma. At this moment, Akana notices Norik talking with Koldarin:

  -Akana: "What is the dark dragon doing with Your Highness?!"

  -Undying: "Calm down; you know she won't want to listen to you. As irritating as it is, I'll talk to her."

  -Akana: "Are you serious?"

  -Undying: "I don't like her much either, but I want to help as a friend."

  Akana smiles, and the two continue walking. Elsewhere, Otto tries to talk to Garret:

  -Otto: "Garret, I just want you to listen to me."

  -Garret: "..."

  -Otto: "The day I lost my parents, I felt like the most powerless person in the world. All I could do while hiding in that barrel was sob, cry, and clutch my amulet to avoid being found. I managed to save you that night, but it was too late for your mother, and that same feeling came over me again."

  -Garret: "And is that why you're looking for my biological father? To satisfy your ego?"

  -Otto: "I thought I was doing it for you, but someone made me open my eyes to reality. I ask you, Garret: who is your true father?"

  Garret hugs Otto:

  -Garret: "Don't make me say it, you idiot. Until I met you, I lived in misery: that woman barely looked at me, only knew my name because she called it out once. Even when I tried to help her as much as I could, she never thanked me. I only discovered what happiness was after you saved me. You're the one who raised me, not my biological parents."

  Otto tears up a bit upon hearing this and says they should keep moving or they'll be left behind. Everyone continues walking until they reach the barrier, except for Koldarin, who stops before it:

  -Rendell: "Could you wait for us in the neighboring village of Lémia? It's to your left; when you reach a crossroads, turn right, and you'll find it. The villagers are very welcoming. When I'm finished, we'll meet you there."

  Everyone agrees. Before parting ways, Otto signals a thank-you to Rendell, who smiles back. A few minutes later, Norik, Undying, Akana, and Rendell reach the heart of the forest:

  -Jósal: "Rendell! Thank the Origin, you're safe! When you wrote that you'd be going to Eflessia, I was so worried."

  -Rendell: "I apologize for worrying you, Queen Jósal. However, on this journey, I met many good and competent people who helped us."

  -Jósal: "I'm grateful it's been enriching for you. Considering what you've seen and been through, do you still desire to open Ydillia?"

  -Rendell: "Yes, despite encountering many people who sought only their own benefit, I also met those who help and don't give up, no matter how challenging the situation. Ydillia will only truly flourish when it breaks its own prejudices, as I did in the past."

  -Jósal: "Rendell, your determination has only strengthened since you left... you are more than ready for the ascension test."

  At that moment, Rendell could only recall the reason that led him to break his own prejudices.

  1,900 years ago – Near Ydillia

  The young dancer led Rendell near the entrance to Ydillia, told him to be careful on his way back, and departed. The next day, he returned to the same spot and time and saw her again among the fig trees, focused on dancing:

  -Rendell: (She didn't eat me, nor did she hurt me... I feel bad for thinking of her that way, but I don't know how to apologize... I'm still a little scared...)

  -"Phew! That's enough for today! Hmm..."

  The young woman glanced toward the forest:

  -"I hope that boy made it home safely... Elves are such mysterious beings... It's the first time I've ever seen an elven child. It would be nice if we could get to know them better, but the malice of many people prevents that. Well, I should go... huh?"

  Rendell stepped out from where he was hiding. The woman was surprised, approached him, and asked if he was lost again:

  -Rendell: "N-No... I came here to see the fig tree flowers, but your dancing is also very beautiful, er..."

  -"My name is Dione, thank you for complimenting my dancing. What's your name?"

  -Rendell: "R-Rendell."

  -Dione: "I will continue practicing here; would you like to come back tomorrow?"

  Rendell nodded with a slight smile.

  Present Time - Heart of the Forest

  Jósal calls for Azális and asks her to guide Rendell to Sessrúmnir. Norik, Undying, and Akana stays in the heart of the forest with the queen:

  -Undying: "Excuse me, Queen Jósal: how does ascension work?"

  -Jósal: "I believe this is the first time you've heard of this term. Ascension is a mental test the elf undergoes to use ancestral healing magic bestowed by the Origin, which is stronger and can even break curses. However, only elves with a determined mind free of temptations can ascend."

  -Norik: "I've read about ascension during my studies; it's a shame we can't witness it."

  -Jósal: "It's a test that requires focus, so he will need to be alone."

  Meanwhile, Rendell and Azális were walking toward Sessrúmnir's corridor of trees:

  -Rendell: "How is Ydillia, Azális? Queen Jósal told me Grinus left temporarily, but I fear they'll return."

  -Azális: "They really left a few days ago, but everyone is still on watch in case Grinus comes back. We've arrived."

  The two arrives at a long corridor surrounded by large trees with thin, pointed white leaves, and in the middle was a circle with various unfamiliar drawings. Rendell thanks Azális and walks toward the circle, where he sit down and closes his eyes. At that moment, his consciousness is taken to a dark place. He walked a bit through the darkness and felt a push, falling into a cage:

  -"Ahaha! That's what you get for trusting humans! You'll become a slave and lick our feet for the rest of your life!"

  -Rendell: "You are merely a product of my fear when I left Ydillia. Disappear."

  The mirage vanished, but Rendell soon see one of Eflessia's assassins stabbing him:

  -"Elves... so fragile. Will you keep hiding behind your companions?"

  Rendell places his left hand on the injured spot and stares the assassin in the eyes:

  -Rendell: "Just because I lack the ability to wield a weapon doesn't mean I can't fight! If there's one thing I've learned, it's that war is much more than killing and winning! There's so much loss and sorrow... which is why a helping hand is a powerful weapon in any army!"

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  The assassin's mirage disappears as well. Rendell notices his injury is gone along with the mirage. Before he can examine further, Rendell hears a familiar voice behind him calling his name and turns around:

  -Rendell: "When I accepted this test, I knew the forest would use this memory..."

  -Dione: "Rendell... have you forgotten your promise?"

  -Rendell: "I haven't forgotten, Dione, never."

  -Dione: "Then why are you fighting and killing others?!"

  -Rendell: "Indeed... you've never been one for conflict. Even though what I see now is just a mirage: you're the reason I embarked on this journey. I've met many people, both good and bad, and I've learned so much. I had my doubts, like the ones you just asked, but if I hesitate, elves, dwarves, and dragons will never set aside their differences, as we always wanted. If fighting is what it takes to build our dream, I will continue down this path."

  Before the mirage disappears, Dione's face shows a slight smile, and Rendell could only recall the last memory he has of her.

  1,844 years ago - Village of Lémia

  Decades passed, and Rendell and Dione grew close to the point where he visited her at her home in Lémia, especially as she aged:

  -Rendell: "Are you alright, Dione? I brought more medicinal herbs to treat your back pain."

  -Dione: "Thank you, Rendell. How have you been practicing your dancing?"

  -Rendell: "I've improved! But I am still far from being as good as you."

  -Dione: "Don't worry, in time you'll dance so well that everyone will stop to watch you."

  They heard a knock at the door, and Rendell answered:

  -"Oh! You're the little elf who started visiting the village! I made a stew for Dione; could you warm it up for her, please?"

  -Rendell: "Of course!"

  Rendell placed the pot on the stove while Dione observed him:

  -Dione: "It's wonderful that the villagers accepted you. It would be marvelous if all of Kradlos were like this... Setting aside our differences and perhaps all dancing together in harmony..."

  Dione felt someone holding her left hand:

  -Rendell: "Dione, I'm sad that you won't be able to see everyone like this, but I promise you: as long as I live, I will work to ensure all races live peacefully!"

  She smiled and embraced Rendell, who did the same.

  Present Time - Sessrúmnir

  As Rendell opens his eyes, a tear rolls down his left cheek. He stands up and walks toward the corridor's exit, where Azális congratulates him and escorts him back to the heart of the forest, where everyone there also congratulates him. However, the celebration was brief, as they receivedsnews that the village of Lémia is under attack by thieves. The four rush there and already see Keith, Marin, Koldarin, Garret, and Otto in combat. To everyone's surprise, the bandits were using corrupted ones to fight.

  -"SEARCH EVERYTHING AND GRAB ANYTHING OF VALUE!"

  -Rendell: "I WON'T LET YOU DESTROY THIS VILLAGE!"

  Rendell runs toward one of the corrupted ones and strikes it with magic. Marin is surprised to see this:

  -Norik: "Rendell and Marin, focus on the corrupted ones! Akana, Garret, and Otto, protect the villagers! The rest of us will defeat these thieves!"

  Koldarin reaches for her essence, but Norik signals her not to:

  -Koldarin: (Just like Undying said since he was kidnapped: it's better if I don't transform to avoid attracting attention, only if it's necessary, as in Eflessia. Well, for now, I'll roast these people with my magic.)

  She raises her hand, and flames engulf many of the enemies. Undying and Keith strike those not caught in the flames, Akana rescues villagers while Garret and Otto shoot arrows and knives at those trying to capture them. Norik attempts to attack a man of medium stature with short spiky blond hair, fair skin, light brown eyes, wearing dark blue pants, only a shoulder guard, and a brown belt holding it across his chest. However, the man kneels and shouts:

  -"I SURRENDER! PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!"

  -Norik: "Huh?"

  -"I'M HERE BECAUSE THESE GUYS HIRED ME!"

  -Norik: "So you're a mercenary?"

  -"Yes! If you want, I can work for you now. How about it?"

  -Norik: "I don't know... If you're already turning your back on your contractor, I can't even imagine what you'd do to me..."

  -"Good point... Oh, I know! I'll charge you half the price!"

  Norik still looks at him suspiciously:

  -"Still not enough? Hmm... If it helps, I know a place where there's a legendary sword. How about that?"

  -Norik: "Just get up and help us. What's your name?"

  -"Corey, thanks! Er..."

  -Norik: "Norik."

  -Corey: "TIME TO BREAK SOME SKULLS!" he shouts as he gets up and runs east.

  He tries to attack a tall woman with short brown hair at chin length, fair skin, wearing a bronze breastplate, black pants, and boots of the same color, but she manages to dodge:

  -"Well, have you already turned your back on us?! No matter, you'll pay dearly for betraying us!"

  -Corey: "You're a beautiful lady, it's just a shame you work dirty, especially with Grinus!"

  -"This is called business! It's the cost of survival!"

  She attacks him with a sword, and Corey blocks it. At that moment, Norik arrives where they are and quickly stabs her in the back. She falls to the ground and murmurs to Corey:

  -"One day...you'll regret...that naivety..."

  Norik observes what just happened and questions Corey:

  -Norik: "Was she the leader of these bandits?"

  -Corey: "Yes, unfortunately, she didn't care about the methods she used to make money. It's sad to see a lovely lady die, but I have to prioritize certain principles."

  -Norik: "Huh... okay...?" (The more I listen to this man, the stranger he gets.)

  The prince signals him to continue the battle, and the two keep fighting until all the thieves are defeated. Shortly after, Norik checks for injuries:

  -Garret: "We were waiting when we were attacked. We acted quickly and managed to save a large number of villagers despite those strange creatures."

  -Norik: "Your agility was excellent, and I thank you for saving them. Those creatures are called corrupted ones; it's what happens when any living being exceeds the limit of power the Origin set for each race." (Now that he mentioned the corrupted ones, I need to ask Corey how they got those creatures.)

  -Garret: "I think Otto showed me once in a book when I was a child. Besides that, you should check on what's happening with Keith and the new guy—Keith's pointing his sword at the rookie."

  Norik turns around and runs to investigate. Two minutes earlier, Corey approached Marin:

  -Corey: "Hello, beautie~ Got plans for tonight?"

  Keith sees this and approaches them:

  -Marin: "Huh? M-Me?"

  -Keith: "Talk to her again, and you're dead!" he said with a threatening look and tone.

  -Corey: "HIIIIIII! O-Okay!"

  Corey runs from Keith:

  -Norik: "Calm down, what's going on?"

  -Corey: "That man is terrifying!"

  -Keith: "You're the one who has no shame!"

  The prince tries to calm Keith. The whole group notices the fight and approaches to try calming them down, but Corey sees Koldarin and moves closer to her:

  -Corey: "And you, gorgeous, are you available?"

  -Norik: "What?"

  -Keith: "That's what I said: he has no shame, flirts with the first woman he sees!"

  -Koldarin: "Haha, sorry, but I like girls."

  -All (except Corey): (It was expected.)

  Corey then tries to talk to Akana but is interrupted before speaking:

  -Akana: "Back off."

  -Corey: "*sniff*”

  Norik looks disapprovingly at the situation. Even so, he tries to talk to Corey:

  -Norik: "Er... excuse me, Corey: since you were with the thieves, could you tell me how they got the corrupted ones?"

  -Corey: "Unfortunately, I don't know much since I was recently hired by them. All I know is that Grinus is involved."

  -Norik: "WHAT?! DOES EVERYTHING BAD HAVE TO INVOLVE THEM?!"

  Everyone is startled by Norik's reaction. Despite this, Undying walks closer to him and holds his right hand:

  -Undying: "Calm down. We have a larger army, but we need to think before acting, as rashness can be fatal for all of us."

  -Norik: "A-Ah yes. You're right, Undying. I'm sorry."

  -Corey: "That voice... are you a woman? So, would you go out with me..."

  -Norik: "NO!"

  Before Corey could finish his question, Norik shouts and pulls Undying behind him. Everyone, except Undying, begins smiling slightly, as if they have figured something out. The prince turns red as a tomato:

  -Undying: "I think we should go inside one of the houses, Norik; you look like you have heatstroke."

  -Otto: "Heatstroke, right, Your Highness?"

  -Corey: "Huh? Your Highness?"

  After helping the people return to their homes, Rendell says he would briefly return to Ydillia to speak with the queen. The villagers of Lémia and some elves celebrates around the bonfire, rejoicing in the group's help. Near one of the houses, Undying approaches Koldarin:

  -Undying: "Why are you getting close to Norik? Are you trying to take advantage of him?"

  -Koldarin: "I'm glad you started a conversation with me, even if it's about him. Well, I've already gathered the information I wanted; I only plan to repay him with information about the creation of light and dark dragons. So don't worry."

  -Undying: "Hmm... To clarify something else: I like boys. I have no interest in you."

  -Koldarin: "I already knew that, but I never said you were my passion. After I really stopped to reflect... I saw her in you, which is why I acted that way."

  -Undying: "As long as you stop your weirdness with me, it's fine."

  -Koldarin: "Now that I remember: His Highness mentioned giving you the Drek?r as an advance payment. Do you plan to use it after the war ends?"

  -Undying: "That was my initial intention, but... now I'm not sure."

  -Koldarin: "Not sure?"

  -Undying: "I've spent my whole life searching for something, and I ended up finding it on this journey. So... I don't even know if I have a use for it anymore."

  Elsewhere, farther from Lémia, near the forest, Garret was practicing his aim. A few minutes later, he heard clapping:

  -Akana: "Your aim is good! From what I remember, you said you wanted to be the best archer in Kradlos, right?"

  -Garret: "Yes, but I still have a long way to go. Otto is an expert knife thrower, and I want to be as excellent as him before Otto dies."

  -Akana: "It's good to have someone to admire. I myself adored the knights when they marched through the streets of Hagam and imagined myself as them when I grew older."

  -Garret: "I thought you came from a family of knights."

  -Akana: "Well, no. My parents are nobles. They were furious when I enlisted in the army, but that's a long story. I want to test my aim with you first."

  By the bonfire, Corey appeared sad:

  -Keith: "What's the shameless skirt-chaser crying about now?"

  -Corey: "There isn't a single woman to keep me company..."

  -Keith: "Serves you right."

  -Corey: "Don't be so harsh! You have a lovely girlfriend! Could you give me some tips?"

  -Keith: "Marin isn't my girlfriend, nor my wife."

  -Corey: "What?"

  -Keith: "If you want tips, stop throwing yourself at every woman you see. It's annoying."

  -Corey: "O-Okay... You're not such a bad person after all... Oh, Prince Norik!"

  Norik passes near the bonfire and heard Corey calling him. He walks closer to the two:

  -Norik: "Keith and Corey! Enjoying the celebration?"

  -Keith: "It's always good to relax a bit after a battle."

  -Corey: "It would be even better if there were a woman... Anyway, about the sword I mentioned earlier, is Your Highness still interested?"

  -Norik: "I thought it was a bluff, but go ahead."

  -Corey: "Do I really look that untrustworthy? Anyway, have you heard of Balmung?"

  -Norik: "The legendary sword?!"

  -Keith: "What?"

  -Norik: "It's an ancient and powerful sword forged by dwarves that can only be wielded by those it deems worthy. But how do you know about it?"

  -Corey: "Well, my mother is a dwarf... She told me many stories about Kradlos's relics when I was a child. Despite knowing that Balmung chooses its wielder, would Your Highness like to know where it is?"

  -Norik: "Yes, I would. I believe it's worth the attempt."

  -Corey: "Balmung is near an old village reclaimed by nature. I think even the villagers who lived there didn't know the sword was there because the dwarves wanted to keep it secret. It'll take three days on foot to get there."

  -Norik: "Alright, when Rendell returns, we'll gather everyone and discuss the plan."

  Ydillia - 18:04

  In the heart of the forest, Rendell places several scrolls in a large yellow backpack:

  -Rendell: "Thank you very much, Queen Jósal. With these new spells, I can help even more."

  -Jósal: "I thank you for returning to Ydillia. I hope you return safely again."

  Rendell salutes Jósal and left the room heading toward Lémia. Shortly after, several elves, some older and others younger, enters the heart of the forest:

  -Jósal: "Well, well, if it isn't the council. To what do I owe the honor of your visit?" she said in a slightly irritated tone.

  -Elf 1: "We heard that Rendell has ascended. What do you intend with this, Your Majesty?"

  -Jósal: "It's been over a millennium since an elf ascended. It was about time for another."

  -Elf 2: "I disagree; after all, the council is already full. Unless..."

  -Elf 3: "We on the council already know who supports the opening of Ydillia, including Your Majesty and Rendell."

  -Elf 4: "This only means one thing: Queen Jósal intends for Rendell to succeed her on the throne of Ydillia."

  -Jósal: "You don't miss a thing, do you? That's right: of the ideals I defend, Rendell is the most fit to continue them."

  -Elf 5: "This is an outrage! It would be proper to nominate one of us!"

  -Jósal: "And do you think what you're doing is proper? Selling young elves to Grinus simply because they advocate for Ydillia's opening?! THAT IS THE TRUE OUTRAGE!"

  -Elf 3: "Say what you will about us, but we do this to protect the country."

  -Elf 1: "Furthermore, Your Majesty only reached the throne because the Origin chose you, and it hasn't been seen for over two millennia."

  -Elf 4: "The Majesty can prevent some of the council's actions, but only while alive."

  -Elf 3: "Enjoy your reign while you can, Queen Jósal," he said maliciously.

  The council left the heart of the forest. The doors closed with Jósal clenching her fists and the council's laughter echoing in the distance.

  Village of Lémia - 18:28

  Rendell arrives at the village and is called by Norik. The elf joins the group already gathered near the bonfire. The prince explains the plan to find Balmung. Rendell suggests spending the night in the village and departing the next day. Everyone agree and rest for the journey. While they slept, Rendell passes by a small stone tomb with a bouquet of white bellflowers:

  -Rendell: "I have so much to tell... I think I could spend the whole night just talking about what I've done and been through... However, when this war ends, I will tell you everything. For now, I just want to thank you for everything you taught me—in dance and in life... Dione. To me, you were a mother to an orphan like me. I love you."

  Rendell kneels, places the bouquet on the tomb, then slowly stands up and returns to his companions.

  Nohaj, capital of Grinus - 22:08

  In the dark dungeon of the royal castle, Rodney visits the King of Hagam, imprisoned in a tiny, filthy cell:

  -Rodney: "My real experiment, I've discovered your son is still alive and causing a lot of trouble."

  -"Really?! (I still have a chance to survive!)"

  -Rodney: "Now, I'm at an impasse... How do I draw his attention while you're still of use to me?"

  -"*worried sigh* Please, don't do anything to me! If there's anyone you can take, it's Alder! The two are very close!"

  -Rodney: "Heh, what kind of king sacrifices his subordinates? Well, it doesn't matter; it's good that you're still alive for my experiments, but I believe he'll now make an excellent test subject for something I've just created, há, há, há!!!”