Li said to Lud "I take it that you have read the report that Ms. Ti had provided us." Lud said "Yes. I've read it."
Li then says "Don't be too disheartened my lord. Ms. Ti is known to not like elves in the first place. I suspect that some of what she said was exaggeration." Lud said "But I talked to the people that Tear rescued. They were clearly showing signs of great distress and PTSD."
Li says "That is true but… Once one's mind is hard wired to work a certain way, they are hard to make think otherwise. To them, humans are like ants. But even though they see humans as such, they are capable of empathy. Even though a hunter is starving, it can still feel sorry for its prey when consuming it."
Lud says "So what you are saying is that we should try to make them feel empathy towards us?" Li answers "Something along those lines, yes. If we act too harshly, we might not be too different from those who have forgotten their empathy."
Lud thinks for a moment and then says "Then I order you and Illi to go to the town of Lostwood and make connections with those of higher status and more. We need to build an image that even humans have some value." Li says "As you wish. I'll see to it that we might make progress to lessen the blatant racism."
And so Li leaves and Lud is left to ponder. Lud mutters "If they are capable of empathy, how can they see humans as mere pests? Have I lived such a comfortable life that I'm unable to see how they can think that way?" He sighs and then says "What would you do Adam?"
Li is going to Illi's workshop to inform him about what Lud wants them to do. When he opens the door, he feels a stench that pushes him back for a second. He says "Mr. Tipten? Are you here?" To which a rowdy voice can be heard saying "Yeah, I'm here. Just working on something interesting."
Li then says "That's great and all, but our lord has requested that we go to a town to build relationships with some elves." Illi shouts "HAAH?! Why would y'all need me for politics?! I'm an inventor, builder and even a lover to some extent. Not some goody two shoes that can make political connections."
Li says "That is true, but I believe the reason why our lord has asked that you come along is to show our technological position. I agree that it would work better when dealing with dwarves, but the disparity between the two countries' technology should prove that we have some leg to stand on in the noble's table."
Illi then says "You sure I'm a good fit? I mean I sure can show them some of my designs of our old tech, but I don't think we can get too far with that." Li asks "Why won't you show them the new tech? Would that work in our favor in your eyes?"
Then Illi shouts "I'll drop dead before I give those outsiders a glimpse of our top tech! I heard that they ain't very kind to humans, so I don't want to give them the privilege!" Li is thinking of what to say, but Illi says "Besides, even if we gave them the top tech, that would just make them want for more. If we show them our old tech and they ask for more, though we won't give it to them, we can always have the technological advantage over them."
Li says "So you are now thinking that you could come with me, I take it." Illi says "Yeah, sure, whatever. I'll tag along with some old designs. It's not like those long ears can distinguish between good or bad tech."
Li says "Great. We'll leave in three hours. I have some preparation to do before we leave. See you at the front gate."
While Illi is finishing a couple of things, Li is taking some of the fifth and second battalion members with him. Li has the right to request personnel when he goes on a mission without the approval of the king. The only thing he needs to do is to ask the battalion commanders.
When the three hours were set, Li and Illi met at the front gate. Li had five other people alongside him. Two were dragons in humanoid form, two were elves equipped with rifles and one was the sixth battalion commander Elisia. Illi asks Li "Why is the old hag here? I thought that I was the only commander going on this mission." Elisia laughs elegantly and says "My my. Is the little man disappointed with my humble self?" Illi says "I mean… didn't the boss just order me and Li to go?"
Elisia then says "Well, I saw Li walking in the hallway and I had a little chat with him. He told me what he was going to do, so I decided to come along by my own volition." Illi asks "Don't you have other matters to attend to?" To which Elisia said "Actually, it has been quite dull these past few days. The people at my battalion were actually excited to hear we came to a new world and they have mostly done their own thing. The second in command will deal with any problems that may arise from my absence during this mission."
Illi then asks "Did you ask if the boss was okay with it?" To which Elisia laughed lightly with a bit of a dangerous aura. Illi just said "Okay, fine then! Don't tell your secrets to me! Let's just go and be done with it already."
The two dragons turn into their true forms and others climb aboard them. Soon after the dragons start to fly, Li notices something around them that he wasn't sure should be there, but then he said out loud "Everything has a reason, even if that reason is insanity." Then He shouted "Let's go!" and the dragons started flying towards the town of Lostwood.
When the group gets close enough to the town, Li tells the dragons to land a little closer than he had initially planned. The reason being that he realized that this was a good opportunity to see how this world treats dragons.
After landing near the gate of the town, they got off of the two dragons and started walking towards the two guards guarding the gate. The guards were clearly in distress most likely due to the dragons. This information pleased Li as they now knew that even normal dragons caused the people of this world to panic.
Li was about to talk to the two guards, but then Elisia said to the two guards "Excuse me, can we enter the town peacefully?" One of the guards nodded and then the group decided to just walk right in.
Illi asked Li "Don't you think it was a bit too much for our boys to land so near a town?" To which Li says "It got the reaction that I was hoping for, so yes."
Illi said "The poor boys at the gate looked like they were about to piss their pants at any moment." To which one of the riflemen commented "If it were the old me, I would have pissed myself for sure." To which the other rifleman said "You sure telling us is doing you any favors?" To which the previous rifleman said "I know what I said."
Then Illi asks Li "So where are we going to go first?" To which Li answered "As Ms. Longwood is with us, me, you and the riflemen are going to the local adventurers guild that ms. Ti informed us about. Ms. Longwood will do what she thinks is the best option."
Elisia said "Then I'll go ask some people about those in charge of the town and dema-... ask for an audience." Li says "As you wish. Let's go to the guild then gentlemen and show them what our kingdom is made of."
Elisia and the rest of the group then separate to do their own thing.
In Li's group, Illi asked Li "So what is my part when we get to the adventurers guild?" To which Li says "Your part is to inform the people about the properties of the rifles our riflemen are carrying. I trust you brought some designs along with you to show them?"
Illi said "You didn't specify what to bring, so I bought a design of our old artillery cannons." Li is speechless for a moment and then says "As expected of a proud craftsman. You just bring one of our top equipment's designs with you like it is nothing."
Illi says "I long since upgraded the designs from what master Polli gave me, Besides, it's not like they have the means to make it. The weapons these folk are carrying are giving me the impression that their technology is quite lacking." Li says "Well our equipment was top notch even in our own world."
Then the group saw the entrance to the adventurers guild and Li said "We are here. Let's bring the show on the road, as they say."
The group enters the building and before Li gets to say anything, Illi shouts "So any of you pipsqueaks think you can beat our two twinks?!" The whole building looks at the group and Li gives a quite shocked face.
One of the people shouts "You mean those two with weird sticks in their hands?! I can take them." To which Illi shouts "Good! Twink number one, shoot a blank at the guy who answered."
The riflemen look at each other for a moment in confusion, then both proceed to do rock paper scissors and the loser shoots a blank at the guy who answered.The sound of a gun being fired deafens the building for a moment and the guy who got shot falls to the ground, alive but unconscious.
Then when the ringing stopped from his ears, Illi shouts "Anyone else?!" At this point Li is facepalming hard and one of the staff shouts "STOP! STOP! STOP! Not here! If you wanna fight, then go to the training grounds!"
Illi shouts "Lead the way lady!" Then the staff lady gets close to them and says "Follow me." Before they left the room, Illi shouted "Those who want to beat one of our twinks, feel free to come along! Trust me when I say this, we don't have high expectations from any of you!"
Li was dying inside as Illi said that, but he knew that Illi mainly did all that to rile up the people at the guild to go against the riflemen. Sure enough, many people came to the training grounds and people took turns to try and get close enough to one of the riflemen. The bouts were fought one to one, with the riflemen taking turns in different bouts.
Eventually someone shouted "Using those sticks is cheating! If they didn't have them, then they'd be easily defeated!" This made many other adventurers shout at confirmation, so Illi shouted "If you think that having them is cheating, then bring them a training sword and then have a bout!"
One of the riflemen said "We are ranged units! We don't excel in face to face confrontation!" To which Illi said "Just do your best!" The rifleman whose turn it was was near tears at this point as he was handed a training sword.
Then the close distance combat started and to the surprise of all the people there, with the exception of Illi and Li, the rifleman won the bout with ease.
Then one of the adventurers came forth and said "I'm an A rank adventurer and there is no way you can beat me." The next rifleman was scared as his turn arrived. The first rifleman tapped the second rifleman's shoulder and said "Good luck John Doe. Don't die." To which the second said "My name isn't John Doe, it's Lary Pot. Also it isn't a fight to the death, right?" After which he was left to the arena with the menacing A rank adventurer, he turned his head to the rest of his group and said more loudly "This isn't a fight to the death, right?!"
Then the referee gave a mark to start and the A rank adventurer charged at the Lary. Lary was sure he was about to die, but then he blocked the attack in his amazement. Then the next attack was blocked. And then the next.
Lary kept blocking each attack with an ease that made him weirded out. He even shouted at the A rank "This can't be all you've got! I can't be this good!" This irritated the A rank and the attacks became stronger and faster. Lary was sweating, which made the A rank think he was close to victory. But in reality Lary was sweating because he was freaking out about how he was being able to go toe to toe with someone who was one of the more higher ranking people at the guild that actually specialized in close range combat.
Li mutters "If this is the level cap between our basic ranged unit versus their A rank adventurer, then the scales are far too much in our favor. This may cause some of our people to get overly confident if things get out of hand."
He looks at the fight a little more and says "So what are your thoughts Mr. Tipten?" Li doesn't hear any response, until the first rifleman says "Fourth battalion commander left as soon as the A rank opened his mouth."
Li is stunned by this and looks around him, then uses a skill that can locate Illi and sees that he is chatting with a dwarf that adventurers guild pays for blacksmithing purposes. Li sighs and says "Of course he stirs trouble and leaves someone else to deal with the aftermath. Oh well, it's not like I don't have any ideas how things will unfold."
Meanwhile in the adventurers guild's smithy, Illi says to the other dwarf after appraising some of the items "You call these weapons? Looks like child's toys to me." The dwarf at the smithy says "What did you say punk?! These things are enough for your basic adventurers. I doubt that you can make things even at that level."
Illi says "Oh yeah? Well, look at this dagger I have in hand." Illi hands a dagger he had made for a basic ranger unit to the dwarf of the smithy. The dwarf looks at it for a second and then says in awe "Whe- where did you get this?!" To which Illi said "One of my rookies made it for me for one of Elysium's rangers."
The dwarf says "This is one of the most well made daggers I have ever seen! There is no way a mere rookie could make this! Bring them to me!" Illi said "Not gonna happen. I'm the leader of my battalion that the said rookie belongs to. I doubt they'd like to work in a measly smithy that can't even produce a piece like that."
The dwarf says "Then… you must be part of a very high ranking clan. What is your clan's name?" Illi simply said "I don't know anything about clans, but my master was therianthrope… beast folk named xxxAugustina2049xxx. Or just Tina for those close to her. She was one of the founders of the kingdom of Elysium."
The dwarf says "I have never heard of such a person, nor have I heard of such a kingdom." To which Illi said "Well, our kingdom was kind of flung from another world to this one, so I expected as much."
The dwarf says "Another world? … Well that may explain the quality of this piece of art." Then Illi says "Well anyways, it doesn't matter. I came here to show you this." Illi hands the blueprint that he brought from Elysium.
The dwarf looks at it for a second and says "I… can't make much sense out of this, but what I can gather is that this is some kind of long range weapon." Illi says "Wow, you actually can get that part? I thought that you couldn't even understand what it was."
The dwarf says "Don't look down on me just because your people can make such a piece of art. I have my own pride as a dwarf as well." Illi says mockingly and as in he was in a hurry "Yeah yeah. If that's enough to get you impressed, then that means my job is done here. Feel free to keep the blueprint and the dagger as a present from our kingdom."
Illi was leaving the smithy, until the dwarf shouts "Hey you! You sure you can leave such high ranking items here without a care!? Won't that cause any issues with your kingdom?!" Illi chuckles and says "Cause issues? Those aren't even our standard level items that you are holding. They aren't of much significance to our country."
And just before Illi is about to close the door, the dwarf asks "At least tell me your name!" To which Illi just shuts the door as to show that the dwarf there isn't worth to know Illi's name.
Meanwhile, Elisia is sitting in a fancy room that was prepared for her meeting the head of the town of Lostwood. The elf sitting in front of her says "Greetings, oh high one. I hope getting here wasn't that much of an issue."
Elisia says "No it was quite alright. Where I come from, I'm used to talking to people who underestimated my position as a "Gardener" of my home town." Then the other person says "For you to be a mere gardener, I'd expected that you'd have a much higher position as an elder."
Elisia says "Oh my? Are you looking down on "Gardeners"? I must inform you that where I come from, it was a very important job for our kind. You'd have to make sure the plants were growing steadily, remove all weeds, and you know… make sure that outsiders didn't threaten the space my dear plants were growing."
The other person says "I'm sure it must have been quite an important job, but I fail to understand why you'd need such a high amount of mana while gardening." Elisia then says "It seems the ways of elf are different in this world. No matter, I'll just have to make friends another way."
The other person says "So what is your reason for being here, high one?" To which Elisia says "Well, I've come here to inform you that there is a new kingdom called Elysium in the eastern side of the forest. That kingdom has come from another world by some unknown means and they hold different ideals than people of this realm."
The other person says "I see. I heard a rumor about someone shouting about a human ruling a country like that. So it is true. No matter, a mere human can't hold a candle in this realm, let alone a kingdom. It'll fall soon enough."
Elisia sips the tea that was presented to her and then says "Well, if I say that they have my support, would that change your viewpoint?" To which the other person says "Are you serious? Why would someone as majestic as you support a mere human? I would have accepted the fact that you supported a dark elf ruler more than a human."
Elisia puts her finger on her cheek and ponders for a moment. Then she says "Well they are outworlders after all. But if it helps you accept him, the first king was an elf like myself and he appointed our current king himself."
The other person thinks for a moment and then says "I see. So a human sneaked up the ladder to gain favor from the founder and managed to snatch the crown to himself." He snickers for a moment and then says "My goodness. The other world really stooped that low to appoint a human king. Perhaps it would have been better if their kingdom was placed in the lower realm. At least there they would be accepted more."
Elisia then says "Did I ever say that it was a human kingdom? There are much more non-humans there than there are humans." The other person responds with "You sure have gathered a lot of intel from a kingdom that has just appeared out of nowhere. I only had gathered that their king was a human. But still, if it isn't a human kingdom, then they'll be welcomed in the allied kingdoms when they overthrow their king."
Elisia says "You seem quite confident that the citizens who have lived under a human ruler for a while would cause a coup just like that." The other person says "You don't think so? Even if they are from another world, it will be only a matter of time until they see how ridiculous it is to follow a human king."
Elisia takes another sip and then asks "If you don't mind me asking, what was your name and your household's?" Then the man smiles and says "My apologies. I thought you already knew of my name since you came to visit me. I am marquess Punna Lis Begnir, the head of Begnir household and the head of this part of land known as Begnarin." Elisia says "I see. So you are pretty high up there. This is good information."
Then Punna asks "While your power indicates that you are of noble bloodline, your name is not familiar to me, miss Elisia Longwood. May I know your title?" Elisia places the teacup on the table, puts her right hand near her heart and says "My name is Elisia Longwood and my former title is Gardener of the world tree Solus, but my current title is duchess in the kingdom of Elysium and I'm also the commander of our the sixth battalion Elysium's main army."
Punna is stunned for a second and says quite loudly "You are one of the outworlders?!" Then in a much quieter tone "No, that's not the main issue." and then in normal voice "You are one of the highest ranking nobles in Elysium that follows a human king?" Elisia says "That's right."
Punna then says "Then… I see, you are here to make allies to help you overthrow that human pest. I see now. You have my… no, the house Begnir's full support." Elisia then gives a slight chuckle and says "That's not why I'm here. Didn't I say it already? I came here to inform you of Elysium's existence. Sure, I'd like to make friends with you, but the way you are talking about the king I serve is making me quite opposed to making you one of my friends."
Punna asks "You… you don't feel even a little repulsed to serve under a puny human?" Elisia slaps her hands together and says "I'm quite fond of my king. He is the reason why I joined Elysium in the first place."
Punna mutters "You… someone as powerful as you… to a human…" Then he sighs and says "I guess there is no helping it then. Say, what is the color of my eyes?" Elisia looks at Punna's eyes and says "They are blue like the ocean."
Then Punna says "I see. Thanks for clarifying. Still, you wouldn't mind joining my house, now would you? Elisia says "Oh my. Quite the nerve you have to ask me that. Unfortunately I have to say no. Your little house doesn't interest me if the barrier you have around your town is this weak."
Punna thinks "Why isn't it working? And what do you mean the barrier is weak? It is one of the strongest barriers in the world." Then Elisia says "I have a little friend here, who I didn't invite by the way, who's here to help me to nullify the apparent effect that you are trying to put on me. And yes, the barrier you have is indeed quite weak. I wouldn't have to spend that much mana into my attack to completely break it."
Punna says "You… you can read minds?" To which Elisia says "Not quite me, but my friend here, who I didn't invite, has a way to understand some of the feelings that people have on their head. She guessed that you were confused by your little spell not working and that you thought that I was lying in some way, most likely about the barrier. Both appear to have been spot on."
Punna asks "Are… are you communicating via telepathy or something?" To which Elisia says "Something like that. It is a gift that our king gave to all of those who made a contract with him. Unfortunately, it only works with the others who have made the same contract."
Punna then says "In any case, I have felt you mana and I can say that you don't have nearly as much mana as it would take to break the barrier." To which Elisia says "You are wrong in two ways. First, the way you use your mana is more important than how much you have. Granted I don't know yet how the magic in this world works, but I have conducted a few tests to prove that I can use the same magic I used in my original world. Second, I am concealing my manaflow a little to not make the others too nervous."
Then Punna says sarcastically "Hah! You might seem like a high born noble, but you really think too much of yourself. No wonder you've fallen so low as to serve a mere human." Elisia says "Oh my. If you really think that I'm bluffing, then why don't I…"
Then suddenly a monstrous murderous aura envelops the whole town and Punna falls to his knees. Elisia then says "Oh dear. It seems someone hit our advisor's nerves. I guess that's our que to leave and reconvene with our comrades. In other words marquess Begnir, please spread the word that the kingdom of Elysium has arrived whether you like it or not. We will try doing things in a diplomatic manner, but so far our contacts with the people of this world haven't been promising. Goodbye." And so Elisia and the mystery person left the building and the murderous aura subsided. Many people were in shock due to the intensity and some were even passed out.
A little earlier, Li, Illi and the rifleman were called to the guild master's office to talk a bit. The guild master, who was an elf, introduced herself "Greetings. My name is Brinnie La Ilinos, the master of this adventurers guild branch. Let's get right to the point, I'd like to officially invite you to join our ranks." To which Illi said "Not interested. Goodbye." and started to leave. Then Li says to Illi "While we won't join them, at least let's hear them out Mr. Tipten." After which Illi came back and sat down.
Then Li said "Forgive me Ms. Ilinos, but all of us are part of the Elysium army. That is why we cannot join your ranks." Brinnie said "I see. So the rumors weren't fake after all. It is a shame though, but no matter, if there is a new kingdom in the area and it becomes famous, then perhaps there will one day be a branch of the adventurers guild there one day. And when that day comes, we might attract some of your men to join our ranks."
Li says "You seem quite confident about that. Just out of curiosity, what would happen if we declined a branch to be opened?" Brinnie was confused for a moment and then says "Why wouldn't you want adventurers guild to be placed in a city that is inside the Lostwood forest? Oh right, you guys were outworlders and probably the reason for that sudden magic influx in the east. No matter, I'll explain it to you then. Since the city you live in is located deep within the Lostwood forest, that means that many people would like to stay in that city in order to have less travel time between missions. Having adventurers clean up the surrounding area instead of using your own forces is also beneficial to your kingdom. And when there are many adventurers in your city, you gain fortune by selling weapons, lodging, food and other necessities needed for living as an adventurer. I have no doubt in my mind that your kingdom would benefit from having adventurers on standby."
Li then says "You failed to tell me if there is any consequence of us not accepting one of your branches." Brinnie then says "Well, there really isn't much that we, as an organization, can do. If nothing else, you'll have to use your army more than you would have to if you had adventurers cleaning up the surrounding area. And then there are some other masters who will look down on you for your foolish actions. For me at least, I'd like to just help your people to get along with our people."
Li then says "I understand your worries, but I can't make the call to let a branch of adventurers guild come into our city. That is up to my lord." Brinnie then says "Your lord you say? You mean that human?" Li asks "Is there a problem with that?" To which Brinnie says "I personally don't have a problem with humans. They are living beings like the rest of us. The only reasons why people look down on them in the middle realm is because they are from the lower realm and that their growth potential is inherently low compared to those born in the middle realm. I grew up in the lower realm and I came to understand the way humans do things. When I came to the middle realm, it was quite a shock to me as well."
Li asks "Have you done anything to human discrimination?" To which Brinnie said "If I did, I wouldn't be in my current position. Human sympathizers are often looked down upon and they face many struggles. Of course, I did try to make people more sympathetic towards humans when I first came here, but it was of no use. The way things are in the middle realm is hard to change and I don't have the resolve to go that far."
Li then says "As far as I've seen, I don't blame you. Since you weren't affected by it personally, you let things go since it was easier. In my experience, that is the way of many living things. Still, we will press on to make things change in this world, whether it is our right or not. And when the times are changing, can I trust that we'll have your support?"
Brinnie thinks for a moment and then says "I'll first have to see how you are planning to achieve that. But in general, you have my support."
Then Li and Brinnie shake hands and after the handshake, Brinnie says "You know, opening up a branch in your city would help you achieve your goal of making things easier for humans." To which Li said "I know, but it is not my call to make. Now if you excuse me."
Li and the crew were about to leave, until Brinnie said "May the gods bless you for your upcoming journey ahead." This stopped Li from moving further and he started to turn his head towards Brinnie slowly while he said "What did you just say?"
When he finished saying it, a huge amount of murderous aura was released from Li. The aura could be felt even in the very edges of the town they were in and it made many people pass out.
Brinnie, who was barely standing after the murderous aura was directed at her, said "I- I wished that the gods would bless you." Li said "So I didn't misheard you" and started slowly walking towards Brinnie, who was barely able to stand as Li came closer. Each step made the murderous aura stronger and stronger towards Brinnie.
Then Illi came between Brinnie and Li and shouted at Li "Calm down old man! We are in a different world so I doubt that she knew what those words mean to your race! And besides, the gods of this world have likely no association towards the gods of our old world!"
Li looked down at the dwarf for a moment who had determination in his eyes to stop Li from raging. Li looked back up at Brinnie for a moment, closed his eyes and then took a deep breath in… and then out. Soon after, the murderous aura dissipated and then Li opened his eyes again.
Then Li smiled and said to Illi "Thank you Mr. Tipten. I went a little overboard just now." To which Illi said "No kidding. You were ready to make lil Brinnie meet her maker. Apologize to the little one." Li said while still smiling "You are right. I shouldn't make a potential ally think too badly of me."
Then Li looked at Brinnie and said "Forgive me for my sudden outburst just now Ms. Ilinos. Gods are a very sensitive subject to my race, so I would like to ask that you talk as little about them when I'm present." Brinnie responded without thinking "Sure. I'll do that."
Then Li said "But that doesn't mean that I look down on those who believe in gods or anything. It's just… the concept of religion is foreign to my species and the majority of our memories are negative on the matter, so that is why I reacted like that just now. But do feel free to talk about religion with others in Elysium. This is solely my personal issue."
Brinnie says "I- I understand. Now take care." Li nods and says "You too." and then leaves. Brinnie collapses as soon as the door is closed and mutters to herself "For a second there I was about to empty myself. Seriously, what kind of monsters are those people."
While Li and the group were leaving the building, they noticed several people passed out or stunned to the point of not daring to make a move. Li looks at Illi with a little of embarrassment on his face, scratches his cheek and says "Did… did I really go that far?" To which Illi said "I wouldn't be surprised if multiple people died from the shock. Honestly, you should get that part of yourself together."
After they left the building, they started to head over to where they had landed the dragons. While walking there, Li said "It is hard to get over a grudge built over ten thousand years." Illi says "The great conflict. I've heard stories about it and that it didn't go well for either side." To which Li said "In terms of casualties, the gods' side suffered much more than rell's side." To which Illi said "Well it was basically rells against the whole world."
They stay silent while they walk on the streets that barely make any sounds. You can hear someone speaking of the end times here and there and a child crying, but the bustling town was huddled and halted for a while longer.
Illi just said to Li "I also heard that the rell thought that gods bastardized the gift of the one the rell called the parent of the world". Li answered "You have heard correctly then." Then Illi added "Those bastardizations also included most of the living things." To which Li said "That is correct."
There was silence for a moment while they walked. Then Illi said "So you think that we are bastardizations." To which Li said "That is also correct." They walked again in silence until a voice using telepathy said "So you can empathize with the way the people of the middle realm think of humans."
Li said using the same method "Ms. Ruitup. I thought that I felt a familiar presence following us." To which Lili said "Faust told me to tag along as this bitch came with you." Then Elisia's voice was heard saying "I can hear you, you know."
Then Illi asks "So how was it on your side, long ears?" To which Elisia said "We tried making new friends, but it ended up in failure. They can't seem to grasp the concept of non-human races following a human king willingly."
Lili then says "Honestly, why can't we just call Faust homunculus? I know his body is based on a human, but he is undeniably a homunculus." Li answers with "I suppose it is to weed out the unwanted friends. That or…" Lili asks "Or?" Then Li says "Or that he is yet to take all of this seriously."
There is silence for a moment until Illi says "I mean, can you blame him? To him and other real ones, this all was a game. I mean, I don't know if this can still be classified as a game to them, as we have no way of observing ourselves in it, but to them it was like a second nature."
Then Li says "I believe that this is no longer a game." To which Illi asks "Why do you think so?" Li answers "There is a certain restricting factor when an NPC is inside the game. Since I was made self aware from the very moment of this "game's" creation, I can feel this sort of thing."
Lili then asks "So you think that Faust is in denial." To which Li says "Oh most definitely. Then again…" There is a moment where Li doesn't say anything, but then continues "... I'm sure there is more to this situation than meets the eye."
The group walks in silence for a few moments, until Lili gets back to the topic that was left unanswered "So Li, about your empathy towards the middle realm people against humans…" Li says "No, I cannot."
Lili asks "Why not?" To which Li answered "From the very first moment of the creation of all of your ancestors, the rell has thought of you as bastardizations of the things that were created by the great parent. This does not mean that we never abhorred your kind in any shape or form. It is thanks to those gods that you were created, so the abhorrent thing was done by them. The creations aren't to be blamed for their own creation, or in other words, children shouldn't be blamed for the actions of their parents."
Illi then says "Didn't stop you from killing our ancestors." To which Li says "Can you hate a soldier for following orders that are absolute?" Elisia then asks "I thought that the rell weren't keen on following anyones orders." To which Li said "I wasn't talking about the rell."
There was silence as they were already seeing the two dragons that they left. Then Illi jokingly asks Li "So what's your kill count?" To which Elisia said sternly "Illi! You know that isn't appropriate!" After which Li asks all casually "Do you mean the more intelligent life or do you want me to go as far as to count all the way to ants?"
Illi said "I meant people, but you actually have a number?" To which Li said "The rell were created as the observers of Mundus, so we were to make sure we remember all that is in the gift that our parent gave us and cherish it to the fullest. No matter how big or small, a rell was to remember everything that our parent would have wanted us to remember. And that meant every birth and death that we, as observers, would observe. So the answer to your question is yes. I do remember how many lives I have taken in my time. I can even remember the number of each species separately."
Illi said "That's… a lot to remember. How old were you again?" To which Li said in good spirit "You sure you want to know?" After which Illi said "On second thought, I rather not know." Then Li said with a smile "It is somewhere between five digits to nine digits." Out of breath Illi said "Nine digits…" Li smiles and chuckles a bit.
The four men waited for the two elves to come where the dragons were, and when the elves reached the dragons, Elisia said "I guess since things didn't work out here, we will have to try the next town near us when our lord gives us the go ahead." After which Li says "On my end, I'll have to talk to our lord about potentially opening a branch of an adventurers guild in our city."
And so the group returned to the capital and told Lud the report.