3 days later...
The war had finally concluded, and a search team was assigned the task of locating the hidden portal within the Demon King's palace. The portal that would allow Raqnid and his classmates to return to their original world.
Today marked the burial day for the warriors who played significant roles in the war, including Razor and Rose. They were laid to rest in the city of Mardi, a city specifically constructed for the preparation of the war against the Demon forces.
All their close friends and acquaintances attended the ceremony, along with the kings from each nation who came to honor the fallen heroes. Rose and Razor's comrades surrounded their graves.
Those who were close to Rose keenly felt her absence. Ray, too, mourned upon learning the news after successfully defeating Demon King Valkanon. Razor's grave was surrounded by his fellow friends: Raqnid, Wells, Izar, Paul, and Anne. Each of them had played a crucial role in the war.
*Razor! Thanks for everything!* Izar.
*Razor, you are the best leader! * Paul.
*Goodbye, Razor! * Anne.
*Even though our meeting was short, it was the best experience of my life! * Well.
*May you rest there, my friend! * Raqnid.
There were tears shed, and sorrow lingered in the air for the loss of their beloved companions. The sacrifices made were significant, providing safety to the world from the greatest threat it faced—the Demons.
Shara watched Raqnid from a distance, worried about his health after recovering from his injuries. Shara did not dare to approach because she did not know and knew who Razor was for Raqnid.
After the burial, most people dispersed, leaving only a few behind. Jilk, Zack, and Sofia remained at the site.
"Jilk, don't you want to regenerate your hand?" Zack inquired.
"No," replied Jilk.
Jilk's left hand had been severed during the battle with Demon Lord Dolce. He had decided not to regenerate it as a self-imposed punishment for Rose's death.
Izar, Paul, and Nancy were still at Razor's grave.
Ray, preparing to leave, saw Raqnid within the group. "Isn't that Raqnid–"
Not only Ray but also Fat and Sora noticed Raqnid. Without hesitation, the two of them pushed through the crowd to greet their friend.
"Sorry, coming through!"
After making their way through, Fat addressed the person in front of him. "Raqnid!"
"Huh?" To their surprise, the person they greeted wasn't Raqnid. They looked around, searching for Raqnid but couldn't find him.
"I'm sure I saw Raqnid earlier!" Sora exclaimed.
"Me too!" added Fat.
—---------------------------------------------------
Shara, too, searched for Raqnid among the crowd. However, he was nowhere to be found. She then noticed her grandfather and approached him.
"Grandpa!"
"Shara! What are you doing here?"
"Did you see Raqnid, Grandpa?"
"Raqnid? Yes, he was standing next to me earlier."
Wells looks beside him.
"Where is he?"
"HUHH?"
Searching the surroundings, they found no sign of Raqnid. Only a few people remained near the graves, and Raqnid was not among them.
*Why did you disappear again, Raqnid?* Shara wondered.
4 days later...
The search teams, after a week of exploration, failed to locate the portal rumored to exist within the Demon King's palace. For now, Raqnid and his classmates had no choice but to continue residing in that world.
Today, an award ceremony was held to honor the fighters who played crucial roles in the war. Titles and rewards were granted to the warriors.
Fat, Kiel, Doug, Nancy, and Leonel received significant recognition for defeating Demon Lord Dylas in the battle. Razor and his group were also honored for defeating Demon Lord Pico, but their whereabouts became unknown after the funeral.
The final awards were presented to Hero Ray, Jilk, Zack, and Sofia for successfully defeating Demon King Valkanon and Demon Lord Dolce.
Sora and Monica were also recognized for their role in activating the Dragon Heart.
However, the recipients of these awards were far from joyful, as the honors couldn't replace the loss of their friends.
After the ceremony, Fat, Kiel, Doug, and Nancy were summoned by the Guardian group leader, Jones. They were taken to a quiet area.
"Congratulations! You four have brought honor to the Guardian group," Jones said.
However, Jones then put his arm around Doug's neck. "But, you guys must share a bit of the reward with the group."
Jones and his associates threatened them. About ten people, including Jones, surrounded them.
"We won't give in!" Kiel stated.
Weapons were pointed at them.
"Fine–" Doug began.
**"Huh? What are you saying, Doug!"** exclaimed Kiel.
"Heh, just like that!" Jones replied casually.
"But, you need to step over my dead body first!" Doug surprised Jones with those words.
"Hah! Have you lost your mind?"
**DOOM!**
"Arghhhh!"
Doug twisted Jones's arm on his shoulder and slammed him to the ground.
"Hiyarrrghh!" Fat joined the attack.
They engaged in a fight with Jones and his companions. In the blink of an eye, they defeated Jones and the others.
*How did it come to this?* At that moment, Jones realized the strength of Doug and his friends.
"Now, we're no longer members of the Guardian group," Doug stated.
"Hah, don't think we've been silent all this time, thinking we're weak! We just gave you a face because you were the leader! Now, you're not our leader anymore, and don't try to approach us again!" Kiel said sternly.
"Fine!" Jones replied, intimidated.
######
**3 months later...**
The portal had been found, but Ray had destroyed it when attacking Demon King Volkanon. Now, they all had to live in this world, and no one complained. They had grown accustomed to living there.
**Tuk! tuk! tuk!**
A knock sounded on Shara's door.
"Come in!"
Lyn entered Shara's room and conveyed a message.
"Princess Shara, his Majesty wishes to meet with the princess!"
"My father wants to meet me? Why?"
"I don't know, my lady! It seems important!"
"Important! Alright, I'll go now!"
Shara headed to meet her father.
"Father, why do you want to see Shara?"
"Shara... Father wants you to get married!"
"Huh? Married!" Shara was shocked.
"Yes... Father wants you to marry Hero Ray!"
"Hero Ray! But Father! Shara..."
King Nolan interjected.
"But what! You're old enough to get married, and I don't want to hear any other excuses, especially because of someone else."
"Hmmm, alright, Father!" Shara could only accept her father's decision, as everything had been determined by him since she was a child.
Shara returned to her room feeling sad. Lyn was puzzled to see Shara suddenly so upset.
"Princess Shara, why are you sad? What happened?"
Shara threw herself onto the bed.
"Father wants Shara to get married!"
"Wow, congratulations, Princess Shara!"
"Grrrr.." Shara glared at Lyn.
"Uhhh... I'm sorry... What does Princess Shara want to do now?"
"I don't know... Lyn... Maybe this is Shara's fate!"
"Who's that person?"
"Ray!"
"Ray? The hero who killed Demon King single-handedly? Princess Shara!"
"Yes!"
"Princess Shara, no need to worry. I've met Hero Ray; he's a good person, handsome, stylish, friendly, ... ... ..."
After that, Lyn was kicked out of Shara's room.
"Princess Shara! Why? I just told the truth! What did I do wrong?"
"Enough, Lyn! You better stop before you get expelled from the palace too!" Albert, standing beside Shara's room, shook his head and walked away.
"Huh? Did I say something wrong? Albert, tell me! ALBERT!!" Lyn followed Albert.
Meanwhile, inside the room, Shara wiped away her tears.
*Sniff! Raqnid! Where have you disappeared to!*
#####
**1 week later...**
Wells came to visit Shara before the wedding ceremony scheduled in 3 days.
"Shara! Grandpa is here!"
Wells entered Shara's room and saw her sitting on a chair in the corridor, sipping a cup of tea.
"Huh?" Wells was surprised to see his granddaughter not welcoming him as usual.
Wells approached his granddaughter and observed her face. She looked like someone unwell—bruised eyes, pale face, and lifeless.
"Shara! What happened to you?"
"Uhh... Grandpa! When did you arrive?"
Wells held his granddaughter's shoulders.
"What's wrong with you, Shara? Why do you look so unwell?"
"Haha... I'm fine, Grandpa, just didn't get enough sleep! Don't worry!"
Wells then left Shara's room and questioned Lyn, who was outside.
"Lyn, what happened to Shara?"
"I don't know, my lord! Maybe Princess Shara isn't ready to get married!"
"Married! Shara is getting married! With whom? Why wasn't I informed about this?"
"My lord, I don't know! As far as I remember, an Elf nation already knew about this!"
"Nolan is useless! How dare he keep this from me!"
Wells immediately met with his son, Nolan.
**DOOM!**
The sound of a slammed door.
"Huh? Father, what's wrong? Why did you burst into my room suddenly?"
"Why didn't you tell me that you're planning to marry Shara!"
"Mmm... If I told you, you wouldn't have agreed!"
"So, now that you know! Why are you still doing it?"
"Father! Shara is my daughter! She's grown up! It's time for her to get married!"
"Yes, I know! But you can't force her to marry someone she doesn't like!"
"Since when does Shara like someone else!"
"Ahemm, what I mean is let Shara choose her partner like you used to!"
King Nolan was stunned to hear those words.
"Father! Don't interfere! This is all for Shara's good! I won't let Shara marry an ordinary person! I don't want Shara to face the same fate."
"The same fate! So, that's your problem! So, you consider that..."
"YES! INDEED! BECAUSE I MARRIED AN ORDINARY PERSON LIKE HER, SHARA HAD TO GROW UP WITHOUT A MOTHER'S LOVE!"
"So, you blame her! If not for her, our country wouldn't be as safe as it is now!"
##### FLASHBACK #####
Once upon a time, there was a remarkably skilled female sword hero among the Elves. She could be considered the greatest sword hero in the country. It was challenging to find Elves skilled in swordplay, especially women, as most Elves excelled in magic and archery.
Although she came from a poor family, her fighting spirit overcame everything. She completed many challenging tasks and helped many people. Because of this, she became known as the 'Queen Of Sword' and was highly praised by many.
The woman was Shila, the queen of the Elf kingdom. Her prowess made Nolan, the prince of the Elf kingdom at the time, fall in love with her.
Unlike Shila, Nolan is a weak and non-combative prince. However, his intelligence captivated Shila's heart. For the first time, Nolan approaches Shila as an ordinary person, and eventually, his secret is revealed, making Shila angry for deceiving her all this time.
Nolan apologized to Shila, and due to Shila's deep love for Nolan, she forgave him. They got married after receiving Wells's blessing, who was the king of the Elf kingdom at the time.
After 2 years, Shara was born, and at that time, the Elf nation faced a significant threat from an Arch Dragon near their country.
The dragon destroyed many small towns, and no one could stop it until Shila stepped forward to confront the dragon.
Initially, King Nolan did not allow Shila to go, but Shila insisted on going because she did not want her country to perish because of the dragon. Moreover, she had just given birth to her child.
"Shila, I won't allow you to go!" King Nolan said.
"Forgive me, Nolan! I need to go!" replied Shila, who was in her armor.
"You are the queen; you no longer need to fight!"
"Because I am the queen, I must go, Nolan. I must ensure the safety of this country for the future of the Elf race and Shara's future!"
"That's not how a queen should act, Shila! Queens only need to wait and see!"
"If that's the duty of a queen, then I am no longer a queen!"
"Gargh, can't you abandon your hero spirit, Shila!" Nolan scolded.
"I was born as a warrior, Nolan, then, now, and forever. I cannot change that fact."
Shila then hugged her newborn daughter.
"Shara, forgive Mama for not being able to raise you!" She gave a mother's kiss on Shara's forehead.
"GUARDS!"
"Yes, my lord!" The guards gathered.
"PREVENT THE QUEEN FROM LEAVING THE PALACE BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY! Even if it requires the use of force."
"YES, MY LORD!" The palace guards began to gather around Shila.
Shila then looked towards Nolan with a smile. "Forgive me, my love!"
"Huh!"
**WHOOSH!**
With a single sweep, Shila's sword cut through the palace guards. She then ran out.
Since Shila stepped out of the country, she never returned to the embrace of her family.
The dragon disappeared after that, and the news of Shila's greatness spread throughout the land. After Shila's absence, King Nolan transformed into a stern and strict ruler. He became less approachable by others, including his own daughter.
##### FLASHBACK #####
"Yes, those of the lower class and those of the upper class cannot be together!"
Hearing these words from his own son left Wells speechless.
"You've changed, Nolan!" Wells left the room.
*All of this is for Shara's good!* Nolan thought.
######
Wells returned to Shara's room. He sat beside his granddaughter.
"Shara, tell Grandpa! Are you sure you agree with your father's plan to marry you to Hero Ray?"
"Uhhh! What is Grandpa talking about? Of course, Shara agrees!" Shara replied, lowering her head.
Wells then held Shara's shoulders.
"Shara, look at Grandpa! Are you sure you want to marry Hero Ray?"
"Yes, Grandpa! Shara is sure!" Shara turned her gaze away, avoiding eye contact with her grandfather.
"SHARA!" Wells said firmly.
Shara was surprised to hear her grandfather call her name so sternly for the first time. She looked at her grandfather's face. Upon seeing his face, Shara couldn't hold back her feelings and began to shed tears.
"You don't need to be afraid to express your desires, Shara! You don't always have to comply with your father's decisions! Grandpa knows you're a good child; since you were little, you never opposed your father's decisions! But, Grandpa feels sorry for you, Shara, for accepting all your father's decisions even though they are painful... So this time, Grandpa wants you to let out everything that's in your heart! Let it out! Grandpa is here to help you, Shara!"
"Sniff! Ughh... Arrghhh! Forgive Shara, Grandpa!" Shara cried in her grandfather's embrace.
After that, Shara told what had been buried in her heart.
"Shara doesn't want to marry Hero Ray, Grandpa!"
"Alright... So, do you already have someone you like?" Wells asked.
"Huh? Uhhh..." Shara was stunned by that question.
Wells already knew and just wanted to see his granddaughter's reaction.
"Grandpa might know Raqnid's whereabouts!"
"Huh! Where is Raqnid now?" Shara quickly asked Wells.
"Huh?" Wells was surprised to see Shara's reaction to Raqnid.
"So, Grandpa knows!" Shara looked embarrassed when Wells found out.
"Get ready; tonight we're going to meet Raqnid!" Wells said.
"Alright, Grandpa!" Shara quickly went to prepare.
*Hurghh, Raqnid! You better take responsibility for what you did to my granddaughter; if not, you're dead.* Wells thought as he saw Shara become enthusiastic about meeting Raqnid.
That night...
Wells and Shara managed to pass through the palace guards and sneak out of the country.
"Albert, Lyn... Make sure Nolan doesn't know about this!" Wells said.
"Alright, my lord!" both of them replied.
Although they had been instructed by King Nolan not to let Shara leave the palace, their loyalty to Wells and their relationship with Shara overcame all that.
"Don't worry, Princess Shara... We're happy to see Princess Shara cheerful again, just like before!"
Wells and Shara left.
"Albert! You better tell me who this guy named Raqnid is!" Lyn asked seriously.
"Hurmm!" Albert sighed.
Wells and Shara managed to get past the palace guards and sneak out of the country.
"So, Princess Shara met the guy named Raqnid when Princess Shara went to the Human Country before. Princess Shara practiced archery with him. It was during Princess Shara's training with Raqnid that she started developing feelings for him. Since then, love blossomed between them. However, there is an obstacle hindering their love affair due to their different social statuses. A princess forced to obey every decision of her father and an ordinary young man who only wants a simple life. The love between them seems like heaven and earth that will never meet. Will this forbidden love come to a happy end, or otherwise?"
"Hmph, she's done again!" Wells walked away, leaving Lyn daydreaming.
######
"Grandpa, how does Grandpa know Raqnid?" Shara asked.
"Huh... Ahh... The story is long, Shara!"
During their journey to Raqnid's location, Wells told Shara how he met Raqnid. They shared their stories about Raqnid until just before dawn; they arrived at a village where Raqnid currently resided.
The village was one Raqnid visited after defeating the Arch Dragon single-handedly. Wells learned about this village on the same night Raqnid found the village. Therefore, Wells suspected that Raqnid stayed here after Razor's burial.
Shara swiftly rushed towards the village, leaving her grandfather behind. Upon reaching the village gate, she inquired with the guard about Raqnid.
Although the guard did not know the name Raqnid, the description Shara provided about Raqnid's appearance enabled the guard to recognize him.
"Ohh... That person... If I'm not mistaken, he lives at the end of the village... There's a small field there," the guard said.
"Alright, thank you!" Shara continued on her way.
"She's so beautiful, is she an angel or what? Huh!" remarked the guard.
"Shara, wait!" shouted her grandfather from behind.
"Stop!" the guard said to Wells.
"Huh? Why?" Wells was confused.
"What is your purpose for coming here?" the guard asked.
"Huh? My purpose, you're asking me! My purpose is the same as the woman who passed by just now!" Wells replied.
"Sorry, I need to question you!"
"Hah! Why me? What about the woman earlier?" Wells protested.
"Please cooperate, sir; this is for the safety of the village!"
"Garggghh!"
#####
Shara arrived at the area indicated by the guard. She knocked on the largest house there.
Tuk! Tuk! Tuk!
After a while, the door opened, revealing an old lady behind it.
"What is it?" the old lady asked.
"Um... Excuse me, is there a man named Raqnid living here?" Shara inquired.
"No, he's in that house over there, he appeared three months ago," the old lady replied.
Shara looked towards the small house opposite the garden.
"Thank you, ma'am!"
Shara left with a joyful feeling, heading straight to the door of that house.
Tuk! Tuk! Tuk!
"Raqniddd!" Shara called out confidently.
The door opened, revealing a woman Elf. She looked relatively young.
"Yes, want to find who?" the Elf woman asked.
"Apologies, wrong house!" Shara said.
Before Shara could leave, a voice similar to Raqnid's was heard.
"Who's here so early in the morning?"
*That voice!* Shara thought.
Another person came out of the house.
"Huh, Shara!" Raqnid was surprised to see her.
"Raqnid!" Shara said, equally surprised.
*Shara?* the Elf woman next to Raqnid questioned.
"What are you doi—"
PANG!
Before Raqnid could finish his question, Shara's right hand landed on his face. Raqnid saw Shara's face streaming with tears.
"I hate you, Raqnid!"