Rizki stood in the heart of the enchanting elf forest, his thoughts swirling like the wisps of smoke from his cigar, as if each puff carried with it a piece of his contemplation. The gentle breeze played a symphony with the rustling leaves, creating a serene backdrop for his inner musings.
The forest around him teemed with life, the elves moving gracefully through their daily tasks, their harmonious existence a stark contrast to the chaos that often engulfed Rizki's life. He found solace in the act of lighting his cigar, a simple pleasure that connected him to moments long past.
"Happy birthday, Rizki," Liora's voice echoed in his mind, a memory from the time she had gifted him a silver magical flint during his training. It was a reminder of the passage of time, marking yet another year in his journey. With a flick of his thumb, he ignited a flame.
Click!
The flickering fire danced before him, casting intricate shadows on the forest floor, and Rizki savored the taste of his cigar as he continued his solitary journey. He stumbled upon a hidden garden, a tranquil oasis in the midst of nature's beauty, transporting him to simpler times, a world free from the complexities that now weighed on his shoulders. With no chairs in sight, he settled on the soft ground, producing a small parchment from his pocket.
The parchment lay beside him, its blank surface ready to receive the thoughts that swirled within his mind. Rizki extinguished the cigar's tip with a deliberate press, his thoughts shifting to his recent conversation with Varian.
"Man has aged so much, huh?" Rizki murmured to himself, his gaze drifting upward to the expansive sky. He pondered the decisions that had led him to agree to marry all four of them. It was a decision that still baffled him at times, but he couldn't forget Faye's words of wisdom.
"Nothing makes sense if you are using your modern mindset in this world," she had told him.
"Still…" Rizki took another contemplative puff of his cigar, lost in the labyrinth of his thoughts.
Just as he was sinking deeper into his introspection, the chime of his phone interrupted his solitude, displaying Faye's name on the screen. He answered with a casual, "Heyo."
"Hey, Rizki. I saw you finally agreed with your future father-in-law, didn't you?" Faye's voice flowed through the phone like a gentle river.
Rizki replied, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and determination, "I just want to fulfill the old man's wish. I've had enough of disobeying parents or elders." He took a deeper puff on his cigar before continuing, "I don't want Varian to end up like my late father, leaving this world with regret."
In her divine realm, Faye, the goddess, nodded in understanding. She had observed Rizki's transformation closely, from a brash fighter to a man dedicated to self-improvement. Memories of his journey flashed before her, and she added, "It's the same with Liora. You've worked tirelessly to the point where you can almost outmatch the god of archery in archery. Running ten kilometers, doing a hundred push-ups, and swimming fifty kilometers—those feats are extraordinary."
Back in Rizki's world, he simply said, "I just want to push my limits. Liora is an archer and a knight who can almost outmatch a hero. To become a villain capable of defeating the hero or decimating the demon lord, I have to surpass her."
Faye laughed, her joy echoing through the phone. "You've come a long way, Rizki. I love it!"
Rizki appreciated the compliment but felt compelled to clarify, "It's not just about fighting. I want to do it for someone."
Faye's tone shifted as she probed, her curiosity evident, "So, you have a heart for them?"
Rizki hesitated for a moment, his thoughts racing like wildfire before settling on an answer, "More like a sense of responsibility. I want to ensure that all four of them are safe under my care. And then..."
Before he could finish his sentence, a woman's voice interrupted from Faye's end. "Hey! Stop smoking!" she scolded.
Rizki's voice rang out, "No, let me! I'm too stressed with stuff!"
Faye chuckled at their playful banter, deciding to end the call, allowing them to continue their discussion in peace.
As she returned to her divine realm, her expression grew more serious, and she muttered to herself, "Move fast, Rizki. We're running out of time."
Meanwhile, in the ominous depths of The Land of Bastion, an oppressive silence clung to the air like a shroud. This foreboding realm, accessible only to the chosen few with the rare ability to breach its ominous gates, exuded an aura of chilling isolation.
Within the desolate expanse of this realm, ancient and foreboding thrones stood in eerie silence, their occupants sealed away in an enigmatic slumber. These thrones were more than mere seats of power; they were the linchpin of a dark and arcane legacy, patiently awaiting their next rightful heir to emerge from the shadows and claim their destiny.
Back in the elf forest, within the cozy hut of the quadruplet, Rizki and the girls had gathered. Rizki's curiosity burned, and he couldn't help but ask, "Tell me about any customs I should follow in elf marriage."
The four of them exchanged puzzled glances, clearly unsure of what he was referring to. It was Everyn who finally ventured to speak, her voice tinged with timidity, "Our father will change your name, just like elves do with others when they have a new member enter their family through marriage or sworn sibling."
Her words were met with synchronized nods from the others, a sign of affirmation. Rizki absorbed this information, trying to make sense of the elf customs.
"My family has a tradition where females inherit their surname from their family," Rizki explained his confusion, seeking clarity. "So, I possess nothing great in my family compared to my sisters. But I don't know how it works for you."
Eva, her eyes fixed on the dagger that Rizki had revealed, gasped in surprise. "That dagger belonged to our late grandfather. It was supposedly given to the grandmaster."
Rizki was taken aback by this revelation. He knew there was a connection between Liora and their late grandfather, but the details had always eluded him. Eager to learn more, he probed further, "What is the relationship between Liora and your late grandfather?"
Evelyn took a deep breath and revealed a long-held secret, "You need to know that the Grand Master is actually... our step-grandmother."