After three long years, Ace came back to Elderngard. With the prior announcement of Dryad, the elders as well as Isabella were quite impatient to see him though for different reasons. And so on the next day as all of them were waiting at the foot of the World Tree light appeared and in it was Ace, "Hey guys I'm back, now let's see…found ya." Said as he disappeared and reappeared behind Isabella wrapping his arms around her as he added while whispering in her ear "I'm back Isabella, sorry it took so long.", as she turned back to face him with a teary face she said "Welcome back Ace."
"Hiyah elders, long time no see, it's been a while since I've seen but you seem well." He said with a smile on his face. "Hahaha, seems that even after being in contact with the Dragon Hermit, you haven't changed much." Said Dorian. "Welcome back. Yes welcome back" said Riselia and Claude. After the heartfelt reunion, they enjoyed a meal as all of them were quite pleased. After the feast Ace and Isabella went back to the villa. "It has been a while since I've been in here, it feels like it's been an eternity." Said Ace as he looked around.
"You really haven't changed, you are still the same Ace I know and…" she said as Ace faced her with a perplexed face while she suddenly kissed him, "And you're still the same Ace that I love." She said having a gentle smile on her face. Seeing this Ace heart ached as he embraced her and said "Now how am I to hold back when you make a face like that." As they again gazed at each other, under the moonlight Ace embraced her passionately.
The next morning under the same bed, Isabella woke up and by her side was Ace's face and she then told him good morning just as Ace also woke up and responded good morning touching her face gently. After breakfast, they went for a stroll around the city. "I noticed last time but they sure are busy huh?" said Ace as he was taken with awe. "Well they are preparing for the Founder's Festival, which is the day when Elderngard was founded." She explained.
As they were walking, he noticed that many people were greeting her. "I guess the people got used to you huh?" he asked, "I guess so, after all it has been three years." She answered. "Ah mister, miss long time no see." Said a young beastkin in the distance. "Ah you are one of the kids we rescued that day." Said Ace, "Yep that's me." He answered. "Oh I see so you are the one who rescued my son, I'm very grateful to you. Thank you very much." Said the mother of the child as she approached bowing her head.
"Don't mention it as I've said it was my pleasure." Added Ace. "Hey mister will you participate in the tournament?" said the child, "Come on it is time to go back , thank you again." Said the mother, "Okay bye mister, bye miss." Said the young boy as he and his mother went away. "What was the tournament he mentioned?" asked Ace as they continued to walk. Isabella answered that it is a tradition held down in Elderngard which happens every year on the Founder's Festival.
As Ace heard that, "Hey do you think we can also participate?" asked Ace. "Yeah I guess." Answered Isabella, "Then in that case you and I will participate, I'm quite curious to see how much you improved plus I'm sure it'll be fun." Added Ace, though hesitant Isabella agreed. And so a few days later, it was the founder's festival and as promised the couple participated. "Now let the founder's festival begin." Announced the elders after a speech.During the tournament, the two overwhelmed their opponents and finally met in the finals.
"I say we go all out this time, what do you say?" asked Ace, "Fine I'm ready when you are." Responded Isabella. As the aura around their bodies started emanating, "Overdrive: Tatsu Ryuugetsu" , "Spirit Assimilation: Ice Valkyrie" stated the both of them as their powers were released. And hence they fought a ferocious battle the spectators could not take their eyes off this dance of white and black blurs that were clashing in the arena, with attacks upon attacks the fight reached a level unseen. "Shadow Arcane: Illusion Blade", "Frost Blade" stated the both of them as they unleashed powerful attacks.
At the end of the battle, it was Ace who won. "You really became stronger didn't you Ace, reaching king-class swordsmanship while only being at the master-mana level is a feat indeed." Said Will who was watching the battle. "Oh Will good to see you again. Well even with what you said, Iza really outdid her self. Reaching Sage-level is really impressive. And her swordsmanship is also quite refined." Said Ace.
"If you say well I'll be leaving enjoy the festival." Said Will while leaving, "Sure you too enjoy." Said Ace. "Hey lover boy, go give your girl a hand." Said Ryu as Ace immediately reacted, "You did good, Iza." Said Ace as he offered her his hand, "Thanks, well let's enjoy the festival shall we?" said as she held his hand with a smile. After taking the prize, they went to enjoy the festivities. They ate, drank, danced and had even more and so the Founder's Festival ended with magnificent light shows as the couple and other denizens of Elderngard enjoyed them.