Upon the dissolution of Diva's curse, she started to systematically remove the surplus mana she had been accumulating. This led to a remarkable and substantial growth of Balsa Plants within the confines of her garden, which began to flourish more than ever before.
Prior to entrusting these Balsa Plants to the group, Sun took it upon herself to perform a thorough examination of their condition and properties. She decided to utilize the mystical Appraisal spell, which would provide her with the necessary insights to ensure they were of the highest quality and suitable for their intended purposes. This action was not hasty, but rather a prudent step taken to guarantee the efficacy of the plants before they were passed along to her companions.
[Roug]
| Name = Roug Balmuth, Gender = Male, Age = 21 |
| HP = 175/500, MP = 402/500, Rank = C |
| Skill = Leadership lv 2, Strength lv 2 |
| Magic = Fire Magic lv 2, Earth Magic lv 1 |
| Title = Warrior |
[Latina]
| Name = Latina Mith, Gender = Female, Age = 17 |
| HP = 90/300, MP = 102/300, Rank = D+ |
| Skill = Ranged lv 2, Archery lv 2 |
| Magic = Air Magic lv 2, Water Magic lv 1 |
| Title = Archer |
[Lilith]
| Name = Lilith Albasa, Gender = Female, Race = Elf, Age = 87 |
| HP = 480/600, MP = 40/1200, Rank = B |
| Skill = Wide Range Attack lv 2, Mage lv 3, Magic lv 5 |
| Magic = Air Magic lv 3, Earth Magic lv 2, Dark Magic lv 4, Water Magic lv 1 |
| Title = Mage, Sorcerer |
[Danna]
| Name = Danna Julbina Astora, Gender = Female, Race = Human, Age = 16 |
| HP = 157/300, MP = 152/400, Rank = C |
| Skill = Healer lv 2, Holy Maiden lv 1, Magic lv 3 |
| Magic = Holy Magic lv 2, Healing Magic lv 3 |
| Title = Healer, Third Princess of Astora, Retainer |
Sun looked over at the group and said, "If you're asking for Balsa Plants, then someone must be sick?"
Danna nodded sadly. "Yes, but it's confidential. That person is very important to me."
"Well, I suppose it's okay to give you some. But before I do..." Sun paused and then cast an [Area Heal] spell.
"Wow, that's some high-level Holy Magic you've got there. I can't do that," Danna said, watching the group's wounds heal.
"And who might you be, young one?" Lilith inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"Hold your horses for a sec. I've got something to show you," Sun instructed, then summoned Iris. The sudden materialization of the wolf caused everyone to jump and ready their weapons.
"Easy, folks. She's my sister, so let's keep the arms down," Sun said, placing himself between the group and Iris. Upon witnessing the wolf's docile nature, the group gradually lowered their defenses.
"I've put up a protective barrier. You all stay put, I'll just be a minute," Sun assured them before exiting with Iris.
"That's no ordinary wolf," Lilith spoke up, her voice tinged with amazement.
"Yeah, she's his sis, apparently," Roug chuckled.
"Guys, she's actually a Fenrir," Lilith disclosed.
This revelation left everyone stunned. The Fenrir were legendary creatures, revered like characters from a mythical saga. They had been secluded from humanity by a magical boundary for countless generations.
"You're positive?" Danna asked, her eyebrows shooting up.
"Absolutely. As an elf, I can feel divine energy. And she's practically glowing with it," Lilith affirmed.
"Does that mean he's a Fenrir too?" Latina questioned, pointing at Sun.
"Nope, Fenrirs are usually female, and I'm not picking up any divine vibes from him," Lilith responded.
"Ah, now I get it," Roug exclaimed.
"Lilith, can you tell us more about it?" Danna prompted.
"Of course, but let's focus on keeping him safe for now," Lilith said, her eyes shifting to Sun.
"Okay, Iris, let's go," Sun said, and off they went, leaving the others to ponder the situation.
Once Sun and Iris had departed, Adolph turned to Diva, noticing the furrowed brow and anxious expression etched upon her face, and inquired, "Diva, why do you appear so troubled?" Diva replied, her voice tinged with concern, "When Sun spoke of those humans, his excitement was palpable. It's as if he's contemplating the notion of abandoning us to live among them."
"Adolph," she continued, "his enthusiasm was unmistakable. What if the desire to be with his own kind becomes so overwhelming that he chooses to leave me behind, venturing into the heart of human territory?"
Her mentor, Adolph, offered a contemplative sigh before speaking, "Diva, it's natural for you to feel anxious about such matters. However, you must realize that the time will inevitably arrive when Sun will have to confront his true nature. Would it be fair to stand in the way of his destiny, especially considering the precarious situation we face?"
He paused, allowing his words to resonate before continuing, "When he learns of the Demon Lord's impending return, I suspect his loyalty to you may waver. His love for you is unquestionable, but the allure of humanity and the opportunity to play a part in their fate could be too strong."
Diva's eyes brimmed with unshed tears as she contemplated the gravity of Adolph's words. "I understand that," she conceded. "But I can't bear the thought of losing him so soon. I need more time with him, especially before he fully matures and understands the gravity of the world's situation."
Her voice cracked with emotion as she spoke, "I just want to cherish every moment we have together until the inevitable day arrives. I know it's selfish, but my heart refuses to accept that he must go."
Adolph, though sympathetic to her plight, remained firm in his stance. "You're always too lenient with him. You're aware of the potential peril he faces should he become embroiled in our struggles. It's for his own good that we sent him to the northern kingdom. Both Sun and Iris have a lifetime of experiences awaiting them, and it's essential that they are afforded the opportunity to live it without the shadow of our impending doom looming over them."
Diva's shoulders drooped in defeat, and she began to weep openly. "I know you're right," she murmured through her sobs. "But it's just so difficult to let him go."
Adolph, though maintaining his firmness, offered a comforting pat on her back. "We all have to face reality eventually, Diva. And the sooner you come to terms with this, the better it will be for everyone involved."
Sun emerged from the dense foliage, his arms laden with an unexpected bounty of Balsa Plants. The astonishment on the faces of the group was palpable as they stared at the sheer quantity of the precious flora he had managed to procure. In disbelief, they extended their hands, eager to examine the plants more closely. The villagers, filled with gratitude for Sun's unanticipated generosity, attempted to offer him monetary compensation for his efforts. However, Sun waved away their proposals with a gentle smile, his demeanor as humble as ever.
Instead of accepting their currency, he merely requested that they allow him to guide them safely out of the perilous forest. As they made their way back towards civilization, Lilith, the leader of the group, expressed her sincere thanks. She promised that if Sun ever found himself in their town, he should not hesitate to seek her out at the local Guild. There, she assured him, she would be more than happy to extend her assistance in return for his kindness.
Sun, ever the agreeable soul, nodded in acknowledgment of Lilith's offer. "If I'm ever in town," he said, his eyes gleaming with the prospect of future camaraderie, "I'll definitely look for you at the Guild. Thank you for your generosity!"
As they parted ways, Lilith called after him, her voice resonating with genuine warmth, "Remember, Sun, stay safe out there!"
Sun's reply floated back to them on the breeze, a heartfelt echo of Lilith's parting words. "You too!" With that, he disappeared into the verdant embrace of the forest, leaving the villagers to ponder the mysterious yet undeniably noble spirit they had just encountered.
As they were leaving, Danna gave him a big hug. "Thank you for everything," she said. "Whenever you come to town, you have to come and see me. I'll be waiting for you."
A few days later, Diva brought up the idea of Sun going to the Human Kingdom. She talked about human food, buildings, adventurers, dungeons, and the Magic Academy. Sun and Iris were both intrigued and wanted to go, but when she said that only they would be going and she would stay behind, Sun didn't want to leave the village.
After some persuasion, Sun agreed to her proposal. Diva then blessed him, making him much stronger. She said that once he was ready, he should make a contract with Iris because she wouldn't be able to change her form again. This way, in the human village, Sun could take her everywhere. Iris really wanted this, so Sun finally agreed. After the contract, Iris evolved into a Divine Fenrir, just like her mother. Everyone was stunned, but they had seen enough to be surprised anymore.
Diva said that it wouldn't be long before Iris could change her form again, and when that happened, Sun would be the only one to know. Sun and Iris left the village, and even though Diva watched them go with a smile, once they were out of sight, she broke down and cried for a long time.
As they were about to enter the Astora Kingdom, Diva gave Sun a letter to give to Luna at the Guild. "And here," she said, handing him some gold. "You won't have to worry about money for quite a while."
[Askoy]
Someone asked if a messenger had been sent to Diva. They were desperate because they knew the Demon Lord was about to revive and they needed her help.
"Yes, we've already sent a messenger. She's not just a pretty face, she's the real deal. We need a true queen, and that's Diva."