Five Great Races.
It was a term that referred to the five races that stopped the Pandemonium, the pioneer in the Great War Era. But this didn't mean they were stronger than other races.
The term 'Great' was attributed to their population size, not their power. Moreover, it was also because they were the most initiative races that actively participated in solving the conflicts in Actlane, whether it was before the Great War or after the Pandemonium Alliance.
Hence, the Five Great Races were Human, Elf, Dwarf, Fairy, and Beastman.
These races were spread all over the lands, with Humans and Elves having the largest population.
However, as time passed by, the Fairies population started to decline.
These days, encountering a Fairy was like a myth. The chance one would bump into them was rarer than meeting a vampire roving in the sunlight.
And even if they did find one, it would not be in their original form, a little winged creature that produced sprinkles from their wings, a material usually used for alchemy called Magic Dust.
People assumed they were extinct because they were hunted, but it was only a rumor, as there was no proof of Magic Dust being sold or used anywhere.
'What truly happened to them, Nono?'
["Have you heard the story about the Grand Mage?"]
'You know I only learned history from you. And as far as I know, you've never told me about this particular legend.'
["What a spoiled kid you are..."]
'Thanks to someone.'
Nono sighed. She truly was baffled by Niveus. Had she ever known he would be like this, she would have kept him in the dark instead. But that could end up worse.
And it wasn't like she didn't benefit from sharing what she knew with Niveus, except for the things she couldn't tell, no matter how much she wanted to.
["A long time ago, there existed a man who was born with overflowing magic that should have been impossible for him to contain. The man should have perished, and yet, he prevailed for hundreds of years..."]
["With his magic, he created lives. With his magic, he created an ecosystem. With his magic, he created a world. The world of magic, Aetheris."]
'Oh, is it a myth about how this continent was created?'
["Yes,"] Nono replied, pausing briefly before continuing. "[The Grand Mage, the embodiment of what people called 'magic,' was sensitive to changes. Thus, he covered the entire world with his 'being.' So when something that could endanger his world appeared, he could sense and deal with it."]
["One day, the Grand Mage sensed a greater danger than anything he had ever faced. It was something that the Grand Mage himself wasn't sure he could stop it. Thus, he sacrificed himself to protect his world from the danger, shrouding it with his entire being to avoid the doom."]
'I guess when Vyrmoriann discovered Aetheris, the mage protection was no longer there. But, what does this story have anything to do with the Fairies?'
["Do you know how the Fairies were born?"]
Niveus raised an eyebrow. It was a question with an obvious answer. Even an uneducated child from the slums would know.
'Of course! They were born from Aether (mana). Hence why they could only be found in Aetheris, where mana is concentrated, and ley lines are abundant. Not to mention the story of the Grand Mage, if that's ever true... wait!'
Like a bolt of lightning, a sudden realization struck him, sending a jolt of stimulation through his mind.
The Fairies, born from Aether, were called magical creatures.
Because they were born like that, magical creatures were sensitive to changes, like how the magic enhanced the Grand Mage's perception to the point he might be able to see a glimpse or predict the future.
If the Fairies's senses also behaved like that, then...
'What if...'
...they might have sensed the doom that would destroy this world.
'...they sacrificed themselves to protect the world from its end?'
["You're right, but you're also wrong. They didn't sacrifice themselves, but they indeed tried to protect the world."]
'What does that mean?'
Before Niveus got an answer from Nono, the alluring voice pulled him from his thoughts.
"We're here."
Niveus looked around, finding himself standing before the entrance into a messy room.
He stepped inside, walking carefully to not step on the seemingly important scattered papers containing random scribbles, pentagrams, magic circles, and so on.
Violet grabbed the books piled on the desk, tossing them to the bookshelves on the left side, where the mountain of knowledge was formed. Then she sat down on the chair, behind her was a large board that incorporated her research and theories.
"So, what's your purpose? If you want to become a disciple through this method, I'll have to reject you. We have standards here."
"No," Niveus shook his head. "Even if I want, I can't become a student because I'm already a Knight of Glacend."
The Fairy observed Niveus briefly and chuckled, seemingly knowing something about him. And she did.
"A Vanguard, I assume?"
Niveus was not surprised. After all, Fairy could easily tell someone's nature, background, and identity (appearance) to a certain extent as long as they possessed mana.
But Niveus only shrugged, knowing she only knew that much about him, leaving Violet to her assumption.
"I need something that can change my appearance."
"Why do you want to hide your beauty?"
Niveus frowned under his mask.
"That's exactly why."
Raising her eyebrows, Violet leaned on her chair.
"I don't understand your reasoning, human. Isn't it always your kin's dream to be as beautiful and charming as the Elves? So why hide it now?"
Niveus sighed, his gaze drooped.
"Each to their own," he remarked. "It's not my dream to be beautiful, especially when I'm a male."
Dramatically, Violet covered her mouth when a gasp escaped her mouth, her amethyst eyes shrinking as she pretended to be shocked.
"You're a male?"
"Can you drop it, please?" Niveus felt his body cringed.
"Fine," the Fairy muttered, pouting. "So, why do you need it?"
Niveus rolled his eyes.
"It's for the banquet party. I can't wear a mask, but I don't want to reveal my appearance. Hence, I need your help, master of Illusion Tower, Violet Marione."
"Playing a mysterious role, I see."
Standing up, Violet made a hand gesture, summoning a potion out of thin air. After giving it a brief look, she tossed it to Niveus.
"It will change your appearance into a hot gentleman. However, it only lasts for 4 hours."
"Four hours?"
Violet shrugged. "Unfortunately."
'Well, it's better than nothing.'
Niveus lowered his head. A small bottle containing purple liquid rested in his palm.
'But it meant I'll attend late and leave earlier... what is this? A Cinderella Potion?'