Eleven days had passed since Runa arrived in this world.
The darkness of the night slowly withdrew, leaving behind a sense of freshness and moisture that permeated the dawn, painted in a palette of cool tones. The first rays of light, guided with agility and precision, filtered deftly through the dense leaves of the towering trees of the Lughwood Forest. These rays created luminous patterns, admired as a natural masterpiece born from the interaction of two elements of nature that had coexisted for centuries. That faint light was enough for the inhabitants living in the treetops to carry out their daily tasks. After all, while elves possessed superior night vision compared to humans, it wasn't advanced enough to significantly ease their activities in complete darkness.
However, none of those inhabitants were in their usual places at the moment. The reason? It was none other than the fact that they were all on the ground instead of in the treetops. Each of them was busy with specific tasks: some sharpened arrows and prepared their bows, while others transported supplies such as medicinal herbs, weapons, and food rations to the carriages hitched to the Olux left behind by humans after their last attack on the village. All of this was part of the preparations for the imminent battle.
Among them were two particularly well-known elves in the village.
Reinell: Lynell, please, listen to me. Are you sure you want to participate in this attack? You know we'll be in different groups... I won't be there to protect you.
The hyperactive older brother had become a more cautious and serious person than he had been just a few days ago. His gaze and appearance suggested that he hadn't had it easy in recent days. The reason was none other than the numerous tragic events that had occurred throughout the week.
Lynell: I know, Reinell, but I can't stay behind. This is our village, our home. I have to do my part.
Reinell: But it's too dangerous! We've already lost Mom and Dad because of the humans. Don't you think I've had enough fear of losing you too?
Lynell: Do you think I don't know that? I think about them every day, Reinell. That's why I have to fight. I can't let what happened to them happen again.
Reinell: [Sighs, looking at the ground with frustration.] I understand how you feel, but there's something else that worries me. This... relationship you have with Runa.
Lynell: What about Runa-sama?
Reinell: Don't get me wrong, but I don't trust her. She's too strange, too... calculating. Since she arrived here, it seems like all her actions were already planned. Besides, I can't understand what motivates her so much to defend a village of strangers. She doesn't seem like someone who acts out of altruism. I feel like she's just using this village for her own ends.
Lynell: Runa may seem cold, but I don't think she's what you think. If she really just wanted to use me, there would already be clear signs. She's done a lot for the village since she arrived.
Lynell: Unlike us, she's a proud elf from the South. Her way of thinking might seem a bit unpredictable to us because she's strong, but maybe that's why she's so determined in this battle—to protect the weak of her race.
Reinell: [Looks at her intensely.] Maybe, but I'm still not convinced. She's unpredictable, and that scares me. I can't bear the thought of you risking yourself like this for someone who might not be what they appear to be.
Lynell: [Takes his hand gently.] Reinell, I appreciate your concern. I know you're trying to protect me as always, but I need you to trust me. This isn't just about Runa. It's about our people, our family, what we've lost.
Reinell: [Sighs again, resigned.] Alright. But promise me you'll take care of yourself and never let your guard down—not even with Runa.
Lynell: I promise, brother. And you too... come back alive.
Reinell: You can count on it.
At the end of this conversation, they both boarded their respective carriages and prepared for the two-pronged mission.
[Scene Transition]
From the top of a nearby hill, Runa drew her crossbow and placed one of her limited arrows, aiming at the walls of Bytea. With flawless precision and overwhelming strength, she pulled the trigger. The arrow flew like lightning, cutting through the air until it struck the main entrance of the city with a deafening crash. The impact was devastating: the gate was completely destroyed, and part of the wall collapsed, leaving the imperial soldiers in shock.
As the dust settled, the group led by Reinell began their attack. Hidden among the trees, they started shooting arrows at the soldiers who had descended from the rubble to defend the now-exposed entrance. The projectiles, fired with lethal precision, took down several enemies. However, some of the imperial mages quickly reacted, casting spells that struck the elves positioned at the rear. Cries of pain rose among the elven ranks as some of their comrades fell.
Reinell: Retreat! We've been detected!
The surviving elves followed the orders and retreated toward a carriage drawn by two Olux, which had been prepared beforehand for their escape. Reinell took the reins, and the group disappeared into the forest, heading east.
In Bytea, Captain Valeria Codex Altharyn stood on the city walls, surveying the devastation. Her eyes burned with fury as she gazed upon the destroyed gate and the bodies of her soldiers scattered across the ground.
Valeria: [In a firm voice.] This cannot go unpunished! Gather the troops!
A soldier approached her hesitantly.
Soldier: Captain, Lord Roderick has ordered us to wait for reinforcements before taking any offensive action.
Valeria: [With a cold glare.] Wait? While those elves humiliate us and escape? No. Allowing those elves to take the Duke and my master was already reason enough to wage war, and now this. We cannot stand idle while they continue to disgrace the name of the Empire. I will take full responsibility for my actions. We march immediately to hunt them down.
Soldier: But, Captain...
Valeria: [Interrupting with authority.] This is not a request! Prepare for departure. I will not allow this insult to go unanswered.
After rallying her troops and organizing a pursuit for two hours, the forces of the Algorythian Empire found themselves in the heart of Lughwood Forest.
Valeria: This direction... As I suspected, it's them—the traitors.
One of the soldiers, a member of the same battalion as the captain, approached to speak with her.
Soldier: Do you mean the same elves who killed Master Khaelion?
Valeria: Exactly, Zhyrithia. I don't know what dirty tricks they used to catch him off guard, but now we're more than prepared to repay them with the same hospitality they showed us.
Valeria carefully chose her words. She knew that if the troops discovered they were facing someone capable of defeating the city's Master Mage, their morale would plummet. Meanwhile, she mentally prepared herself for the grueling battle ahead—after all, in a forest, the elves held a clear advantage.
In a commanding voice that ensured all her troops could hear, Valeria issued her orders:
Valeria: Listen up! While we hold the upper hand in weaponry and military power, do not forget that this is their territory. Treat every tree as if it were a hungry Thornpaw waiting to pounce.
Her voice echoed among the soldiers, resonating through the forest. One might think such a declaration would reveal their position, but there was no need to worry about that—the meticulous elves would have likely detected the armed group from hundreds of meters away.
A soldier from the vanguard, who had scouted ahead of the main battalion, returned to deliver his report. Unlike the others, he did not ride a carriage pulled by Olux; he rode a Ferix, an animal trained by the soldiers. Both the soldier and the Ferix were outfitted with metal plates adorned with spikes, giving them an intimidating appearance.
Vanguard Soldier: Captain, we've followed their tracks and confirmed that the Zhyrithia village is ahead.
Valeria: As I thought. Then it's certain that they're responsible.
Vanguard Soldier: However, there's something odd.
Valeria: Speak. What is it?
Vanguard Soldier: We haven't found the carriage used by the elves responsible for the earlier attack. With the Ferix's speed, we should have caught up to them long ago, but we've seen no sign of it. Additionally, the Ferix detected that their scent disappeared near one of the trees.
Valeria: Did they climb into the trees to lose the trail? ...No matter. It's too late for them to hide their village's location. We've tracked them here. Everyone, form up. Prepare to lay siege to this village.
As they approached the village, the siege began sooner than expected. Two elves, who appeared to be standing guard at the entrance, fired arrows at the vanguard. However, their projectiles failed to fully penetrate the Imperial soldiers' armor, leaving the targets merely wounded.
In response, the imperial mages unleashed air and water spells to attack. The strategy was to avoid using dangerous magic that could cause friendly fire while fighting in the forest. However, Valeria cast a fire spell powerful enough to burn the entire base structure of a tree where several elves were positioned.
The elves responded by emerging from their homes armed with bows and spears, determined to defend themselves against the human assault. They tried to target Valeria, but the soldiers, well-trained in their duties, effectively shielded her.
In the early moments of the battle, a nearby voice broke the tension surrounding Valeria.
Alysia: Captain...
Valeria: ...
Alysia: I think you shouldn't use so much fire magic in the forest.
Valeria: ...
Alysia: Captainnnnn!
Valeria: [Sharply.] SILENCE! I need to focus on this battle. Do you think I'm unaware of the extent of my own magic?
Alysia: But at this rate, we'll set the whole forest on fire.
Valeria: Isn't that what you're here for? You did a fine job clearing the mana in the area, which allowed me to use my magic without risks. Now do your job.
Alysia: That's not the issue. No matter how hard I try, I can't cast large water spells to counteract your magic, Captain.
Valeria: Did you forget who my master was? Don't worry. When the battle is over, I'll extinguish the fire myself. Just focus on doing your part and staying alive.
The battle raged on intensely, a chaotic clash between both sides.
The imperial soldiers advanced slowly, raising their shields to block the elven arrows, while the mages maintained a constant flow of spells, disorganizing the defenders. The fire began to spread among the trees, and though the elves fought fiercely, their numbers and equipment weren't enough to stop the assault.
At the heart of the combat, Valeria observed every movement of her troops as she held back the main forces with her fire magic. It was then that a figure emerged from the center of the village, drawing her attention. The sudden silence among the elves revealed the importance of this individual.
Zitras, the leader of the village, had decided to intervene.
Dressed in lightweight dark leather armor reinforced with engraved metal plates, he advanced calmly, holding a bow that glowed faintly with magical energy. His eyes, filled with intensity, locked directly onto Valeria.
Zitras: [Firmly.] Humans... What is the meaning of this attack? We had an agreement.
Valeria: [Coldly and defiantly.] An agreement? It was you who broke that deal with your greed.
Zitras: It seems you've been deceived. Someone has orchestrated a scam, human. We are not responsible for the attack on the other village.
Valeria: [Mockingly.] Do you expect me to believe that, right after your elves made a ridiculous spectacle at our walls? There's a limit to insolence.
Zitras: What are you talking about?
Valeria: Confess where you're holding Duke Thalion. If you don't cooperate, this village will be reduced to ashes.
Zitras: We haven't kidnapped anyone, let alone the Duke. What would we gain from something so foolish? It's clear there's a third party pulling the strings to profit from this.
Valeria: [Relentless.] Enough with the excuses! If you wish to doom your clan, so be it. I, Valeria Codex Altharyn, will subjugate your village, avenge the Duke, and restore the honor of the Empire.
Zitras remained silent. After all, anything he said would be futile when dealing with an opponent who, from the outset, sought nothing more than the merit and status that defeating her enemies would bring. Moreover, as a captain, Valeria had to project the utmost hostility and confidence in front of her enemies to maintain the respect of her troops. It was unlikely that she would later choose to sit at the negotiation table and disappoint her soldiers' expectations once the attack had already begun. Zitras once again marveled at how brilliant the true enemy's strategy had been: removing the Duke, a more reasonable figure, from the picture so that no agreement could be reached to resolve the conflict.
Without further delay, Zitras loaded three arrows into his bow simultaneously. With impeccable precision, he shot them at the soldiers protecting Valeria, piercing their armor and taking them down instantly. The arrows' power came from Zitras's enchanted bow, a relic of his lineage.
Enchanted weapons were extraordinary tools, forged from at least one of the three rare materials in this world—substances even rarer than gold or platinum, known for their unique ability to store mana.
Some of these weapons were relics from lost civilizations, secrets carefully guarded by certain nations, or cherished possessions of legendary warriors passed down through generations as symbols of lineage and power. In Zitras's case, his weapon belonged to the latter category.
Such weapons could also be acquired in an independent location known as the Druidic Sanctuary. However, attempts to replicate the forging process had resulted in lower-quality products. Despite this, the price remained exorbitant, making them a luxury accessible only to a privileged few.
Seeing her soldiers fall, Valeria reacted swiftly, invoking the spell "Hand of Fire," an advanced magic that projected multiple flames from her palm, making evasion difficult. The flames surged toward Zitras, but he dodged nimbly, moving to a nearby tree and climbing it deftly to gain more distance.
In a duel between an archer and a mage, the advantage lay with the archer if they could maintain distance. As a seasoned archer, Zitras constantly sought elevated and distant positions to maximize his advantage.
With the benefit of distance, the mages' spells failed to reach him, while he could comfortably rain down attacks on the soldiers from the treetops.
Realizing his strategy, Valeria quickly issued a command to her troops:
Valeria: Everyone, ascend the spiral staircase of that giant tree!
The elves' village was built around a massive central tree, with homes and elevated walkways. A large spiral staircase allowed access to the village's heart. If she could lead her soldiers there, she would force Zitras to engage in close combat to protect his people.
The imperial soldiers, following Valeria's orders, began ascending the spiral staircase that wound around the trunk of the immense central tree. The structure, intricately carved into the wood, was designed to support the elves' passage. However, as the human soldiers attempted to climb in masses, they struggled due to the narrow space and slippery, moss-covered steps.
While the soldiers advanced, two figures hidden among the upper branches observed closely. Miranla and Avaris, Zitras's wives, were ready to execute their part of the defensive plan. The pair had a unique synergy, complementing each other in battle. Avaris wielded ice magic, while Miranla specialized in setting traps and using poisons derived from the forest's plants.
Avaris: [Whispering.] They're in position. Are you ready?
Miranla: [With a cold smile.] Always. Just remember to stick to the plan.
With an elegant motion, Avaris extended her hands toward the staircase. A thin layer of ice began forming on the steps, almost imperceptible to the human eye but slick enough to destabilize the soldiers. On the first misstep, a soldier lost his balance, tumbling backward and dragging others down with him.
Imperial Soldier: [Shouting.] Watch out! The staircase is frozen!
Before they could reorganize, Miranla activated a second trap. Hidden grooves in the wooden staircase released vertical spikes coated with a lethal poison. Soldiers who fell into the void or clung to the edges found themselves wounded, their injuries quickly becoming infected by the spikes embedded along the staircase. The cries of pain began to echo, filling the air with a blend of confusion and terror.
Seeing her soldiers fall into disarray, Valeria shouted in fury:
Valeria: Proceed with caution and maintain formation! I will dispel the ice.
With a fluid motion of her hands, Valeria cast fire spells to counter the ice covering the staircase. However, Avaris gave them no respite. From her elevated position, she conjured ice spears that rained down mercilessly upon the soldiers.
Meanwhile, Miranla partially descended the staircase, confronting the soldiers attempting to advance. Armed with poisoned daggers, she moved with agility and precision, striking and retreating before being surrounded. Yet, her skill had its limits; in a moment of distraction, a soldier landed a sword strike that pierced her side.
Miranla: D-damn it...
Despite her combat prowess, most of Miranla's life had been dedicated to academic pursuits. Though capable of fighting, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the relentless advance of the imperial soldiers.
Avaris: Miranla, fall back!
Avaris's warning came too late. The ice coating the staircase had already melted, and the soldiers were about to overpower her. In a desperate attempt to retreat, Miranla was struck by a searing flame.
Avaris watched in horror as her companion's body, engulfed in flames, fell lifelessly from the staircase.
Avaris: MIRANLAAA!!
From the base of the staircase, Valeria observed the scene with cold indifference.
Valeria: Don't worry. You'll be next.
Valeria's words filled Avaris with fury. Her gaze locked onto the human's face—the one responsible for leading the attack that had caused so much loss.
Avaris: I knew it... This is why I opposed cooperating with humans from the start. It's impossible to understand your kind. With your short lives, all you know is to take and destroy in your insatiable greed. That desperation is what makes you pathetic.
Valeria: Spare me your moral posturing. You betrayed your own race for ambition. We knew you had no honor when we made the deal, but we didn't expect you'd also lack the common sense to face a stronger enemy.
Avaris: You talk as if you understand anything. Let me tell you what will happen for going against us without negotiation first: you'll be crushed by the real enemy, all because of your foolish decisions.
Valeria: Sounds like you're already delirious with despair.
Wasting no more time, Avaris channeled all the mana she had left, creating a massive wall of ice to delay the invaders.
Valeria: Alysia! Eliminate the ice mana in the area, or it'll take me longer to destroy this barrier.
Alysia: I'm doing the best I can!
Suddenly, a soldier fell near Valeria, pierced by an arrow. Looking up toward the treetops, Valeria noticed Zitras and other elven archers had taken strategic positions, firing deadly accurate shots at the disorganized imperial soldiers on the staircase.
Valeria: Damn it!
The squires reacted quickly, regrouping to form a compact shield wall to protect the remaining troops from the enemy's assault. Despite their losses and the elves' growing resistance, Valeria knew retreat was not an option.
The sound of arrows bouncing off shields echoed around them. The imperial soldiers, though under constant pressure, began to regain some composure in the midst of their disadvantageous situation—until a sharp voice cut through the air.
Zitras: Don't think I'll show mercy after what you've done.
From his position, Zitras unleashed his skill. One of his arrows, imbued with deadly precision, pierced through an imperial shield and, in a single motion, took the life of the soldier holding it.
Valeria: Damn elf!
Valeria's rage reached its peak. She decided to use the mana she had reserved to burn down the rest of the village after taking control. Concentrating all her power, she began to cast the spell that earned her the reputation as the most feared fire mage in her city.
Beneath the massive wall of ice Avaris had created, a large magic circle appeared. Distracted by the combat, Avaris didn't notice it until it was too late.
Valeria: Well, you asked for no mercy.
A pillar of fire erupted from the magic circle, radiating a scorching heat that consumed everything in its path. The impact was devastating. Even nearby imperial soldiers felt the intense heat absorbed by their armor, which caused first-degree burns from the metal's contact. The ice that should have melted into water instantly evaporated, and the wooden stairs began dangerously charring.
Valeria: Quickly! Before the staircase collapses completely!
Following her command, the imperial soldiers abandoned their defensive positions and rushed toward the top of the stairs. Once they reached the center of the village, Valeria turned to assess the casualties.
Valeria: Only 20? Only 20 survivors?!
Out of the 80 soldiers who had started the ascent, less than a third remained alive. Her original plan of cornering Zitras with numerical superiority and using civilians as hostages now seemed unattainable. The options were limited: attack the civilians to force a surrender or face the remaining elven warriors in a final battle.
On the other hand, the number of remaining elven warriors was likely small. Most of the imperial forces were besieging the lower part of the village, forcing the elves to concentrate their strongest defensive efforts in that area.
However, any hope for reinforcements had vanished. The staircase connecting the treetop with the lower levels had been destroyed by flames, making it impossible for the elves to quickly ascend and defend the treetop without leaving the base of their village vulnerable.
At this point, the battle at the treetop would become a decisive clash between the few warriors left on both sides. Diverting forces to subdue the civilians wasn't a viable option; both sides had a clear priority: controlling the treetop would determine the outcome of the fight.
Valeria: Listen, we'll head to the largest house at the center of the village. From there, we'll burn the rest. That will be enough to draw him out.
The soldiers silently nodded, obeying the order. They began advancing toward the indicated location while the elven civilians, hiding in their homes, watched them with fear through cracks in the walls.
Valeria led her troops mercilessly. With each step, she assaulted nearby homes with her fire magic, reducing the village to ashes. Alysia's presence, managing the area's mana usage, proved crucial on this battlefield, where numerous types of magic had already been employed.
The village was in its final stage of destruction. The flames spread uncontrollably, and the elves' defeat seemed inevitable. However, for Valeria, there was still one task left: taking Zitras' head. While the current situation could already be considered a sufficient victory, unfinished matters remained.
First, she needed information about the duke. If he was still alive, rescuing him would be a considerable achievement and a step toward earning the favor of Bytea's governor. Second, she had to uncover the type of artifact the elves had used to destroy the city gates in mere seconds. Leaving such a dangerous weapon in enemy hands was unacceptable. Judging by the situation, it seemed they couldn't use it continuously; otherwise, they would have continued assaulting the city walls until securing victory. Even so, the artifact represented a significant threat.
If Valeria managed to retrieve the artifact for the Empire, she would gain unprecedented recognition, possibly even a place within the secret organizations of the capital. For this reason, completely subjugating her enemies was her primary objective.
Valeria: Stay alert! He'll come at any moment!
The soldiers obeyed, scanning their surroundings with anticipation. The silence was abruptly broken by an arrow slicing through the air, striking one of the soldiers, who collapsed lifelessly to the ground.
Valeria: Finally, you show yourself.
Zitras: Do you think I'll let you walk away as if nothing happened after what you've done? I might not be able to defeat your Empire, but I'll make sure you suffer as much as possible.
The situation had now shifted. Valeria and Zitras were close enough to confront each other directly. The advantage of distance that Zitras typically relied on was no longer a decisive factor.
Without hesitation, Valeria conjured a series of fireballs aimed at Zitras, who quickly took cover behind one of the nearby houses.
Valeria: Unfortunately for you, that won't help here.
The terrain was a disadvantage for Zitras. Any structure he used for cover could easily be set ablaze. The flames began to surround his hiding spot, forcing him to move. Valeria had ordered two soldiers to position themselves at the exits of his refuge. Although the smoke obscured visibility, it was clear Zitras would have to emerge at any moment.
With swift, precise movements, Zitras fired an arrow at the soldier on the left, feigning that as his escape route. Valeria hurled a fireball in that direction, but it was a ruse. Zitras appeared on the right, surprising the other soldier with a dagger and delivering a fatal blow. However, before the soldier fell, he managed to injure Zitras' face, slashing his left eye.
The situation was critical for Zitras. Skilled as he was, the numerical disadvantage and encirclement brought him closer to inevitable defeat.
Before Valeria could cast another spell, Zitras dove through a window of the building where she and her soldiers were stationed, disappearing inside. Valeria barely began to organize a pursuit when a group of elven civilians, armed with tools and improvised weapons, came to Zitras' aid.
Valeria: Ha, it seems that even cowards like you know that when there's no escape, the only choice left is to fight for your lives.
Though they were few, the civilians outnumbered Valeria's remaining imperial soldiers. Despite their lack of training, they posed a temporary challenge that could disrupt the group's efforts.
Valeria: Listen up! Don't let them approach the building. I'll go after their leader.
Valeria: Alysia, you're coming with me.
Alysia: But, Captain, I don't think I can really help...
Valeria: Of course, you won't be of help in combat. But your mana control abilities will be useless if you stay here.
Leaving Alysia, a mana doctor, behind with the soldiers would be a total waste, so it was logical for her to continue supporting the only mage remaining—Valeria.
Alysia: B-but...
Valeria: Just come!
Once inside the building, they began to meticulously inspect every corner. An experienced fighter like Zitras could launch a fatal surprise attack at any moment, but Valeria wasn't an opponent who could be easily caught off guard.
As a captain, Valeria not only possessed magical abilities but also extensive hand-to-hand combat training. In the Empire, training sessions included battle simulations between mages and warriors, designed to teach mages how to tactically confront physical opponents.
Thanks to this experience, Valeria knew how to use her magic precisely to block attacks, gain distance, and avoid ambushes. Though the confined space of the building was dangerous, she was prepared to face Zitras even under these conditions.
Valeria: This place is quite spacious... It's strange that he's nowhere to be seen. We saw him enter through the upper window.
The search continued cautiously. Every shadow seemed like a potential attack, and the silence that reigned only heightened the tension. Valeria was ready to face Zitras and end this, but something in the atmosphere told her that the battle was far from over.
With a casual gesture, Valeria set several pieces of furniture on fire. The flames began to devour the wood, filling the air with thick, rising smoke. Alysia watched the scene with evident concern.
Alysia: Captain, if we keep this up...
Valeria: Don't be foolish. I'm just burning some furniture to create smoke. The heat and smoke will rise to the upper levels, forcing Zitras to come down. We won't be the first affected if we move to the other side of the room.
Alysia: But what will we do when this place is completely burned down?
Valeria's patience ran out immediately, and her response came in the form of a shout, full of frustration.
Valeria: Stop bothering me with your questions! Don't you see the situation we're in? Do you think I don't have a plan to solve this? That's why I hate dealing with peasants like you! They always think others are as incompetent as they are, worrying about everything.
Alysia turned her gaze away, holding back a mix of frustration and fear. The captain's words had hurt her, but now was not the time to argue.
Before either of them could react, an arrow shot out from behind the wooden throne, piercing everything in its path. It was so sudden that Valeria barely had time to move.
The arrow shot by Zitras was aimed directly at Valeria's heart. With reflexes as quick as a cat, she extended her hand and conjured a wall of flames. The projectile passed through the fire, losing part of its mass and stability, but still managed to strike her left shoulder, piercing her armor and causing a deep wound.
A sharp pain shot through her body like a lightning strike, impossible to ignore. It felt as if her nerves had formed an intricate web spread through every corner of her being, and suddenly someone yanked on a central thread, tearing the connections and uprooting the tips from their natural places. For a moment, her vision blurred and her mind seemed to sway, facing a sensation she had never experienced before. It was the first time in her life that she had suffered such a severe injury.
However, adrenaline began to surge through her veins like an unstoppable torrent, imposing order amid the chaos. Her training in the Empire had not only strengthened her body but also her will; that iron discipline became the anchor that kept her mind focused. Despite the searing pain, her determination remained unshaken, refusing to give in to adversity. Valeria let out a grunt of pain as she tried to stay on her feet.
Valeria: Damn it... I'm not going to let that elf defeat me here.
Zitras wasted no time. Taking advantage of Valeria's injury, he jumped from his hiding spot towards her, a dagger in hand, ready to finish the fight in close combat. Valeria stepped back, quickly evaluating her surroundings.
Valeria knew she barely had enough mana left to cast her spell one more time. She had no choice: she had to use it. Although it was common to think that a fire mage would be immune to their own element, that wasn't entirely true. In fact, there was no direct connection between a mage and their element in terms of resistance. However, there was a golden rule that all magic practitioners knew: a mage couldn't be harmed by their own spell.
For example, if a mage used their magic to light a charcoal, the flames created wouldn't affect them. But if they then tried to touch the burning charcoal, they would suffer a burn like anyone else. Still, there were individuals who were born with greater affinity to resist certain elements, or who developed that resistance through specific disciplines. A notable case were the members of the Church of the Four Encounters, who could withstand extreme temperatures far better than an ordinary person.
In the current situation, Valeria had no time for philosophical considerations. She conjured her famous spell again, Fire Pillar. This time, the magic circle that formed under her feet was smaller in radius than the previous one. Zitras was already close enough to cut her throat, but Valeria managed to activate the spell just in time.
Zitras: Shit it will not reach at time
A pillar of flames erupted violently from the circle, engulfing everything around it. Zitras, who had his hand raised with the knife ready to strike, was hit by the fire. His instincts allowed him to pull away before being fully consumed by the flames, but not enough to avoid the consequences. His left hand, the one holding the weapon, was completely burned.
Alysia: CAPTAINNN...!
The exchange had devastating consequences. The flames and smoke inside the house intensified even further. The heat was suffocating, the oxygen was running out, and the structural beams were on the verge of collapse. Black smoke filled the lungs of those present, making it impossible to stay much longer.
When the fire from the spell dissipated, Valeria remained standing, her figure almost undisturbed amid the embers. She had survived, though gravely wounded. Zitras, for his part, quickly realized the severity of his situation. With his left arm completely disabled, he hid again in the smoke, using the cover to avoid any immediate retaliation.
Valeria: Alysia... the window... take me to the window.
Without a word, Alysia obeyed. She carried her injured captain, placing her over her shoulder to help her reach the spot with better ventilation. As they moved, Valeria whispered in her ear:
Valeria: I'm going to buy time. Clear all the fire mana around us.
The half-human woman wanted to ask the reason for this strange order. After all, fire was her captain's specialty, and purging the mana of her primary element seemed counterintuitive. However, she knew that questioning Valeria's decisions at such a critical moment would only lead to a scolding or, worse yet, could result in her death if she distract her captain who was fighting for both her lives in this situation. She decided to trust and not waste time.
Near the window, they managed to catch some fresh air, but the danger had not passed. Zitras, hidden in the thick smoke, had a bow and arrows, and he didn't need to see them directly to shoot. He only had to follow the sound or deduce the logic of their position: it was clear they would look for a place with better ventilation.
Valeria: (thinking) "We don't have much time... If he shoots now, we're finished. It all depends on Alysia finishing in time."
The spell she was planning to use was something that could be considered beyond her abilities, as she had never attempted it before, so she had to focus entirely on her magic and had no time to purify mana.
Near them, there was a damaged table, close enough that the smoke didn't completely obscure their view. On it, Valeria was able to distinguish some documents written in characters that seemed strangely familiar to her.
For a brief moment, her mind transported her back to that night in the mansion, remembering the note found after the duke's abduction. Both images—the note in the mansion and the documents before her—overlapped in her memory.
Valeria: It seems I was right. It's been you all this time.
From the invisible depths of the smoke, a voice filled with hatred resonated, chilling the air despite the suffocating heat.
Zitras: Don't joke. You came here without even being sure? Not only are you a failure as a leader, but also a piece of trash. You've led your men to die for something you don't even know if it's true.
Valeria: What more proof do I need? You're traitors, elves who sold out your own people. These notes are encrypted the same way as the one left at the duke's house. Did you really think we would be puzzled by your little mystery and wait to decipher it before acting? The elephant in the room was too obvious. Don't be ridiculous.
For a moment, Valeria's words pierced Zitras' mind, forcing him to analyze what they implied. Slowly, the pieces began to fall into place.
Despite being in a burning building, surrounded by suffocating smoke and oppressive heat, Zitras felt a chill freeze his blood. If the note left at the mansion had directly blamed Zhyrithia, it would have been too obvious to leave a note incriminating themselves, which would have made the humans doubt its authenticity. In that case, they could have tried to contact Zhyrithia to clear up the misunderstanding.
However, the strategy had been different: an encrypted note, carefully designed to sow confusion and fear. This forced the empire to take hasty action. Moreover, it made use of the spy they had planted in the village, having him take those documents to Zhyrithia as a sort of insurance, because if the humans were to find those notes in the village, it would make it seem like a mere "coincidence," confirming the humans' suspicions.
It was a masterstroke, a strategy that sealed Zhyrithia's fate by leaving no room to refute their guilt. But this plan could have failed at any moment if something had not gone exactly the way it was unfolding. To foresee the development of events with such precision was a challenge that even the greatest minds and strategists couldn't calculate. In fact, pulling off such a meticulously orchestrated strategy seemed to transcend the limits of human intellect. If there were someone capable of weaving such a complex and accurate plan, they could only be compared to an entity with the ability to see the future.
Zitras: It seems you've spawned a true monster, Fimas...
As he uttered these words, an avalanche of memories flooded the leader of Zhyrithia's mind.
The world seemed to turn green again. The atmosphere changed, and one could feel that peace and tranquility, almost boring, that reigned every day.
A child was in a lookout post, slightly removed from the main village. These posts were usually used to alert of any danger approaching the village, although they were only watched during the afternoon and night, mostly due to the elves' laziness.
The child was practicing with a bow found in the area, probably belonging to one of the on-duty guards. It was not common for an elven child to practice archery at such an early age. Elves usually waited for their bodies to fully develop before teaching them any combat skills. After all, being elves, they had practically all the time in the world to learn.
Most children spent their childhood playing or learning about the forest, living a carefree existence in harmony with their surroundings. It was the general norm.
In this world, it was believed that the most important encounters of life happened during childhood. These encounters defined the people who would become part of their family or the friends they would have for life. Friends made in childhood were considered the most genuine, those who approached out of true interest, whether to share something in common or simply because they saw something admirable in the other, with no hidden motives.
???: So, here you were, Zitras. What are you doing?
Zitras: Wow, did you really come all the way here just to bother me again?
???: Do you really think I'd come here just for fun? The master wants me to keep an eye on you, since you're always wasting time.
Zitras ignored the other child's comment and continued practicing with the bow, as if the words were completely irrelevant to him.
???: By the way, have you finished today's task? I managed to make a perfectly round plate. You could put several spoons of soup on it without spilling a drop. Want to see it?
Proudly, the child pulled out a piece of wood he had carefully carved. Its rounded shape was flawless, with no jagged corners or splinters. For a child, it was an exceptional piece of work.
???: And you, where's yours?
Zitras: It's over there.
He pointed to a piece of wood abandoned in a corner of the lookout post. It was uneven, as if it had been nibbled on from all sides. But the worst part was that...
???: What the hell?! It's full of Xurnida insects!
???: Are you an idiot? I'll tell the master what you're doing with the wood for the tasks.
Zitras: Don't be hasty. These insects eat wood, and with some time, the plate will form on its own without me having to do anything.
???: I don't think it works that way.
Zitras: I see. But, you know, not everyone can do things as well as you, Fimas.
The child, Fimas, blushed slightly at the unexpected compliment.
Fimas: Ah, well... if you insist so much that I'm good, maybe I could help you a bit with your task.
Zitras (murmuring): How easy.
Zitras: Is that so? Maybe I should go find another piece of wood so you can start from scratch.
Fimas: Leave it. Maybe there's a way to guide how the insects eat the wood so they form the plate by themselves. It could be something useful.
Zitras: Really? In that case, I'll go find more insects.
Fimas: Maybe we can even slack off every day if we find a shortcut like this for the carpentry tasks.
Zitras' eyes sparkled upon hearing Fimas' comment. The two children began working together, trying to shape a plate using the insects.
The next day, the scene changed. Zitras was severely scolded by the carpentry master for presenting a completely disastrous plate.
Time passed, and with each shared memory, Zitras and Fimas became great friends. Together, they faced life's challenges and eventually assumed leadership of the village. Their combination of strength and intelligence earned them the respect of all the villagers, making them admired and essential figures in their community.
Until that day came...
The storm raged fiercely, and the sound of rain hitting the leaves seemed like a constant lament of the forest. The sky, overcast and gray, mirrored the tension that hung over the center of the village. The elves, exhausted and wounded after the human mercenary attack, remained silent, watching the two leaders face off.
Fimas: Don't you understand, Zitras?! There's no sense in staying here to fight a battle we can't win. The humans are numerous and well-armed. If we keep going down this path, we'll condemn our people to destruction.
Zitras: And your solution is to run like cowards? Abandon our home, to hide as if we were defenseless prey? Fimas, if we let the humans think they can do whatever they want with us, we'll never be safe, no matter where we go.
Fimas: And what do you propose? Charging at them with what little we have? That would be suicide. Zitras, being brave doesn't mean being reckless. Sometimes, retreating is the best strategy for survival.
Zitras: Surviving isn't enough. We need to fight, we need to show them that we're not weak. I'd rather die defending what I love than live like a coward, running from every shadow.
Farida: Why do you speak as if you're the only one suffering? Don't you realize that we already have too many injured? If you insist on taking us to fight now, many others will die because they won't be treated in time.
Farida's words seemed to momentarily calm the intensity of the argument, but Zitras wasn't willing to back down.
Miranla: And what do you suggest, Farida? Let them keep attacking us over and over while we hide in the forest? Of course, it would be great if you had less work, right?
Zitras' words thundered like a storm in the rain, and for a moment, silence overtook the village. The gathered elves began to murmur among themselves. Some looked at Fimas with approval, recognizing in his stance a safer path for the future. Others, inspired by Zitras' passion and determination, nodded in silence, sharing his desire to confront the humans and protect their home at all costs.
The verbal confrontation continued for hours, but the words failed to reconcile the differences between them. Finally, Fimas, his gaze filled with disappointment, took a step back.
Fimas: If it's war you want, Zitras, don't expect me to drag our people into your madness. I will protect those who wish to live in peace, even if it means leaving this place.
Zitras: Just like you protected your wife when the elves from the south took her. You didn't want to fight for her then, and you let her go without demanding anything. You'll never be able to protect anyone; others will take everything from you if you don't stand up for yourself.
Fimas: ZITRASS!!
Zitras' words struck Fimas like a dagger. His face remained impassive, but those who knew him well could see the pain hidden behind his eyes.
Fimas: I know all too well how powerless I was, and that she decided to leave of her own will to avoid causing us problems. I couldn't do anything for her back then, but now we can avoid being prey to a worse fate.
Thus, under the rain, the elf village fractured. Fimas led those who shared his vision of peace to a new village, away from danger. Zitras, on the other hand, stayed in his homeland with those who believed in resistance and fighting. Over time, his group founded the village of Zhyrithia, a symbol of bravery and combat spirit that even the empire would recognize. However, that village also represented the irreparable rupture of a friendship that had once been inseparable.
Back to the present situation, the village that Zitras had sworn to defend with his life was locked in a fierce struggle.
Zitras: That's right... we won't run from this place. We'll fight against all enemies, even if it means facing the entire empire.
Zitras lived to prove he was right. For him, fleeing was not an option. Even after the death of his friend, he wanted to prove, in some way, that he was wrong. This obsession had led him to suggest the human attack on Fimas' village as a twisted way to demonstrate that peace was nothing more than a fragile illusion. No matter how much they fled, enemies would always find a way to disrupt any refuge.
With his burned arm, Zitras tried to pull the string of his bow. The tips of his fingers, devoid of skin from the burns, began to bleed as he made the movement. Still, he shot an arrow toward a window where he distinguished the faint figures of two women.
The shot missed, something that should have been impossible for someone with years of training as an archer. But now that he had revealed his position, he had no choice but to attack head-on. He gripped his dagger with the only healthy hand left and, without hesitation, charged toward the mages.
Despite his condition, Zitras knew that the confrontation had worn down the two women. He believed that if he could use his skill and speed, he'd have a chance to win. However, before he could land a lethal blow, he heard a voice cut through the air:
Alysia: Captain, to the right!
Zitras cursed silently. The half-human had detected his movement. He could understand how she might have perceived his initial position by the scent of his blood, but deducing his exact direction in mere seconds was more complex. It wasn't just a sense of smell; it was clear Alysia had an extraordinary talent.
Valeria: Well done, Alysia.
Valeria, who had barely managed to dodge the attack, fell to the ground. However, she quickly raised her hands and aimed them at Zitras.
Valeria: I hope this teaches you a lesson for what you did to my master. Water Bubble!
A crystal-clear sphere of water enveloped Zitras instantly. The level 3 magic, known as Water Bubble, was as dangerous as its description: it trapped the enemy, blocking their movement and depriving them of oxygen. A lethal technique, but difficult to master.
Inside the bubble, Zitras fought to free himself as he processed the situation. Although the Water Bubble was a level 3 spell, it wasn't an infallible key to victory. Its effectiveness depended on the concentration of the user, who needed to maintain control over the water to suppress the enemy's movements. Furthermore, Valeria couldn't move while maintaining the magic, making her advantage as fragile as her ability to keep the spell active.
Valeria: Alysia! Quickly, take your sword and stab him!
All imperial soldiers carried a sword, even those in non-combat roles like Alysia, a mana doctor. The small short sword hanging from her waist was more of an ornament than a practical tool for her. She never thought the day would come when she would need to use it with the intention to kill.
Though Alysia had been in dangerous situations before, primarily due to her captain's risky decisions and imperial missions, she had always managed to stay out of direct violence. Now, the weight of that responsibility fell on her, and her hands trembled as she tried to process it.
"I can't do it," she thought, feeling her body freeze. The sword at her waist felt like an alien object, heavy, impossible to wield. She knew it was irrational, that she didn't have the luxury of doubting right now. But the thought of taking someone's life with her own hands filled her with an uncontrollable terror.
Valeria: Do it now! We don't have time!
Valeria's voice momentarily snapped her out of her trance. Her captain was at her limit, and Alysia knew it. The spell wouldn't last forever, and if Zitras managed to free himself, it would be the end. Her captain was exhausted, almost out of mana, and Alysia herself had no combat experience. Zitras, even weakened and injured, was still a lethal warrior.
Alysia gritted her teeth. "If only someone else could do it..." she thought desperately. But there was no one else. It was her responsibility. The battlefield offered no alternatives. Taking the life of some to save others was the harsh reality of the empire she served.
Suddenly, an image crossed her mind: her siblings. It wasn't what they would think of her that troubled her, but the fear of what would happen to them if she didn't return. Her death wouldn't just be a loss for them; it would be a devastating blow to her family. They were her reason to keep going, her connection to something beyond the chaos and war.
"If I die here, who will take care of them? Who will protect them if I'm not here?"
That thought was enough to snap her out of her paralysis. Tears began to fall from her eyes as she unsheathed the sword.
Alysia (thinking): "It's not just about me. I have to go back... for them."
With a muffled scream, she raised the sword and drove it into Zitras' chest with all her might. She felt the resistance of the steel cutting through muscle and flesh. The elf writhed inside the bubble, and his blood began to tint the water inside, turning it a reddish liquid. The flames that burned around them reflected a crimson glow, intensifying the macabre scene.
Valeria: You did it... Is he dead?
Alysia, her hands still trembling and her face soaked with tears, barely managed to nod.
Valeria exhaled deeply and struggled to rise.
Valeria: It's finally over.
With evident exhaustion, Valeria murmured those words before dissipating the spell. Zitras' body fell to the ground with a dry thud, and Alysia let out a sigh of relief. But that breath of peace was short-lived.
Suddenly, a guttural sound echoed in the room. Against all logic, Zitras rose, even with his heart pierced. His gaze was empty, but his fighting instinct still burned. He grabbed the short sword that was still lodged in his chest and, with a grunt of pain and effort, pulled it out. Blood gushed like a torrent, but it didn't stop the elf. With his last strength, he lunged at Valeria.
Alysia (thinking): "No, it can't be!"
Valeria, exhausted from the effort of maintaining the spell, could barely move. In an impulsive act, Alysia ran toward her captain, stepping between her and Zitras. With no time to think, she grabbed the blade of the sword with her bare hands, stopping the attack. The edge cut through her palms, and the pain was so intense that she felt the greatest urge to scream in her entire life.
With every fiber of her being resisting the torment, Alysia struggled with the almost-dead Zitras. The intensity of the moment was overwhelming: her hands bled profusely as the cruel steel bit into her flesh. Finally, with one last cry of determination, she shoved Zitras toward the window.
The elf, in his final moments, used his last trick. With a quick and desperate movement, he threw the short sword toward one of the pillars of the house, already weakened by the flames consuming the structure. The impact was enough to fracture it, and the building began to shake.
Murmurs could be heard as the last words of the chief of the Village of Zhirithia.
He remembered the good times he had lived with his old friend, bothering him was some of the interaction he like the most.
He recall the picture when he gave him that black dagger for him to gift to that girl he was interested in, he later got scolded by her because she couldn't accept that dagger because of her culture, and then he came back to him complaining.
Zitras: "Fimas forgive me... I wish I could have spoken with you more."
Zitras fell through the window, disappearing and being consumed by the surrounding fire, and with that, the forest had finally claimed the souls of two great friends who had grown up and lived in the Lughwood forest.
Valeria: "Alysia, cover—"
But before she could finish the sentence, the roof of the house, damaged by the flames and the collapse of the pillars, collapsed on both women. Alysia barely had time to raise her arms in an attempt to protect herself.
Her vision suddenly darkened, as if reality had been erased in an instant. The crash of the collapse blended with the crackling of the flames, and the world around her disappeared into an abyss of shadows and pain.
The darkness consumed her vision...
Everything went dark...
In a dark and dusty basement, a young woman remained completely alone. The walls, unyielding, enclosed her small figure. There was no one around, no one to see the tears sliding down her pale cheeks, nor hear the echo of her sobs, muffled by the screams and the roar of the flames consuming the world outside.
Clara: "It's not my fault... it's not my fault... it's not my fault..." she repeated between gasps, as if the words could convince her of a truth her heart refused to accept.
Clara had taken refuge in the shed of Zitras' cabin, but her mind was on the brink of collapse. Since the moment the battle had broken out, the screams reminded her time and time again of the suffering she had brought to these people.
"If only that girl hadn't shown up, none of this would have happened," she thought. "Why did this have to happen to me? If I had never found her that day, trapped by the slave traders..."
The elf, betrayer of her own village, couldn't help but curse the cruel twist of fate. She knew only destruction awaited the village. The idea of stepping out and facing the consequences of her selfishness with her own eyes terrified her more than the flames consuming the place. She would stay there, motionless, waiting for her fate. If she could ask for anything before the end, it would be the company of someone. Though her heart was burdened with guilt, she didn't want to die alone.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted her thoughts.
???: "Is it you, Clara?"
???: "I knew it, it's you. Clara, what are you doing here?"
For a moment, she thought she was seeing a mirage. In her mind, there was no way the girl with green hair and a carefree look could be there. There was no reason for her to be meeting her in this place.
Clara: "C-Celine?"
Celine: "Of course! It's me, the brilliant Celine as always. I really thought you had escaped the village because you didn't want anything to do with the fight that Runa-sama was organizing."
Celine: "Who would've thought, you beat Runa-sama plan itself and wanted to bring results before anyone else! After all, you've always been the most capable of us all."
Clara: "W-What...?" she stammered, a chill running down her spine.
For a moment, just hearing that name made fear take hold of her. Was that woman here? If she found her, she would definitely kill her.
Celine: "Well, I'd love to chat more with you, but we have a mission to fulfill. We were tasked with retrieving anything valuable before this place turns to ashes."
Celine scanned the area, assessing the chaos.
Celine: "This looks like a storage room. As always, Clara, you're quick to find solutions. Tell me, what do you think we should take?"
Clara had no words. She still couldn't grasp what was happening. Were the humans not fighting right now? So why was this woman here? Had she planned it all from the beginning? There was no way out of her trap. Every move she tried would be doomed to failure. From the moment she had become an enemy to her, her fate had been sealed.
As she wandered, lost in her thoughts, a loud sound echoed. A crash shook the ceiling of the place where they were. Part of the structure of the first floor of the cabin collapsed, probably due to the fire consuming the building. Now, they were trapped in the underground shed beneath the ruins.
Celine: "Clara! Are you okay? What was that sound?"
The smoke and flames consuming the upper part of the cabin began to spread downward, threatening to consume the shed as well.
Celine: "This is bad, Clara. We need to move and get out of here."
Clara: "...
Clara couldn't move. She was paralyzed, weakened by the shock of everything happening around her. Celine tried to lift her, pulling her clumsily, but then a shadow rose among the burning debris.
???: "I've had enough of this, damn elves!"
It was a woman, clearly exhausted and covered in wounds. Her worn and stained uniform revealed that she was a soldier of the empire. Her eyes, filled with fury, reflected a terrifying determination. Clara understood immediately: if she was there, it meant the battle had ended.
Celine: "Clara, this is bad. We need to get out of here."
Clara: "It's pointless..."
Celine: "What?"
Clara: "Leave me here and go. It's pointless to help me. I'm going to die anyway."
Even if she survived this place, Clara knew that all that awaited her was a far more painful death at the hands of that woman. Her only wish at that moment was for Celine to leave her and escape.
Celine: "What are you saying? Stop talking nonsense! Come on, get up. We have to..."
Celine pulled with all her strength, but Clara remained dead weight. Her legs didn't respond, unable to support her. Then, a fireball soared through the air and exploded near them. Fortunately, Celine managed to drop to the ground with Clara, dodging the attack.
Celine: "This could be dangerous..."
She got up again, determined to escape, but Clara remained still, an obstacle hindering her escape.
Celine: "CLARA! Stop spacing out, please, move-"
Celine's voice trailed off when a thread of blood erupted from her mouth. Clara watched in horror as the woman trying to save her was stabbed in the back with a dagger. Blood stained her uniform as her eyes slowly faded.
Clara: "Celi-"
Before Clara could utter another word, she saw Celine fall onto her, lifeless. A pool of blood began to form beneath their bodies.
Clara: "Celine?"
Even after accepting her own death in that place, the shock of seeing her friend die in front of her shattered her even more. She wished she could disappear. Everything she had done only brought misfortune. Even in her last moments, she had caused more unhappiness to those who considered her a friend. If only she hadn't betrayed her village. If only...
Valeria: "Your village is already finished. This will be a good achievement, exterminating those who oppose the empire. Now, you'll be next."
Valeria pulled out the dagger and prepared to use it again. However, before she could attack, a dark voice resonated from behind her.
???: "Seems like I didn't make it in time."
In the chaos, Valeria realized she hadn't sensed the presence of the person now standing behind her.
Valeria: "Who the hell are you?"
Behind Valeria appeared an elf with hair as white as snow, silky and glowing under the moonlight. Her crimson eyes were more intense than the flames surrounding them, radiating an energy impossible to ignore. The faint moonlight bathed her face, highlighting the clarity of her skin and the softness of her unique features, impossible to replicate. Her long, pointed ears were an unmistakable testament to her lineage, and even amid the chaos, she appeared like an untouched flower, immune to the smoke and dust of the ashes.
The most terrifying thing about the figure wasn't her beauty, but the aura of danger that emanated from her, freezing Valeria's bones. There was no doubt that the elf before her was not ordinary, she could even be much more dangerous than Zitras.
Valeria: "I see... So you've finally decided to make your move."
With the appearance of this elf, the doubts and gaps in the story Valeria had built in her mind cleared up all at once. The clothes she wore and the weapons she carried were markedly different from those of the other elves from the forest. It was evident that this woman came from the southern elven country. Throughout history, there had never been any recorded military attacks from the southern elves; they had always remained within their borders, avoiding conflicts with other nations.
But her presence here suggested the opposite. What had seemed like an isolated incident with a wild elf village was now revealed to be a national-scale problem. The elves were invading the empire's territory. Clicking her tongue, Valeria recalled Commander Roderick's words: he had insisted on waiting for reinforcements from the capital before acting. Now, she understood that his caution had been justified.
Valeria: "Who would have thought you'd finally come out of your comfortable home. Isn't that right, southern elf?"
Runa: "You're right."
The elf responded with a calm tone, while a malicious smile appeared on her face.
Valeria: "I'm afraid I won't have the honor of taking your head tonight. But rest assured, in our capital, there are monsters who transcend the strength of any of yours most skilled warriors. Once this little insurrection comes to light, they'll take care of you."
Runa: "You think so? I think you'd make a good opponent. After all, there are a few things I'd like to test with your fire magic."
The elf's tone was provocative, but Valeria knew it was a bluff. Although she considered herself strong, she was no match for the woman standing before her. As a noble, she also had no value as a hostage; they had probably already captured the duke a noble with higher rank than her to play that card. She knew she wouldn't survive this mission, but she wasn't willing to die without fighting. If she could wound the elf and send a message about the southern plans, her name would be remembered with honor in the history of the empire.
With the little mana she had left, Valeria launched a series of fireballs toward the elf, who remained still amidst the rubble.
The fireballs flew with ferocity, but they vanished before reaching her. It was as if an invisible barrier around the elf had erased the spell from existence. Valeria was bewildered.
Valeria: "What... what the hell...?"
Runa: "My mistake, my mistake."
The elf, with an apologetic gesture, bent down to lower something she had on her back. At first, it seemed like just a backpack, but upon closer inspection, Valeria noticed it was a shield. Not just any shield: it was unusually dense and large, something that seemed impossible for a slender elf like her to carry.
When she dropped it to the ground, she didn't even let it fall from a great height, but the impact resonated throughout the place as if it were an enormous weight.
Exactly, how much did that shield weigh?
Runa: "Well, try your magic now."
Valeria: "Stop mocking me, damn you!"
Valeria conjured flames in the palm of her hand: it was the Fire Hand spell. Her body, on the brink of collapse from mana exhaustion, began to show the effects of her effort; blood began to drip from her nose. Pushing her limits, she unleashed an attack with multiple flames aimed at the elf. At this distance, it seemed impossible for her to dodge them. No matter how skilled she was, she wouldn't have time to react to such a broad area of attack.
The captain assumed that Runa's confidence lay in her ability to dissipate spells, as she had done before, but this time, the attacks were consecutive and numerous. There was no way she could nullify them all. However, what happened next defied all logic.
The flames didn't dissipate, but they also didn't reach their target. They inexplicably veered off, as if ignoring the elf's presence.
Valeria: "What...? How is that possible?!"
Runa: "Ah, I see... So this is how it works here."
Runa, as if she had just remembered something, understood what had happened. It was due to one of her passive abilities. In Runes and Worlds, every 10 points added to an attribute allowed the player to select an ability linked to that attribute. Runa's character had 51 points in Luck, which granted her the passive ability Beginner's Luck. This ability ensured that either the first attack of an enemy always missed or the first attack of the player always hit. But she hadn't expected that this mechanic would carry over to this new world.
In her desperation, Valeria conjured another spell: Fire Pillar. This time, the magic circle she created was tiny, designed only to cover the exact spot where the elf was. She knew she didn't have enough mana to maintain even that small circle, but she decided to wager everything, no matter the cost.
Blood spilled from her mouth as her vision blurred, but her words carried all her determination.
Valeria: "Die!"
The magic circle beneath the elf's feet activated, creating a pillar of fire bright enough to stand out among the flames already consuming the area. But when the spell ended, the elf's figure remained completely intact.
Not only was she unharmed: not even her clothes had been affected. There was no dust or visible burns on her.
Runa: "Well, I think the outcome was obvious. After all, I belong to the Sacred branch. Maybe if you'd used ice spells, you could have harmed me."
Valeria was stunned. Sacred branch? The elf's words made no sense. Confusion mixed with exhaustion as her body finally gave out. She fell to her knees, coughing up blood. She had completely exceeded the limits of her mana.
Runa: "By the way, that spell you just used... it was Fire Pillar, wasn't it? It's a level 3 magic. Though a little less impressive than I remembered, it seems you have some talent."
Runa began walking toward her with firm steps. Each one resonated like a blow in Valeria's clouded mind.
Runa: "If you promise to serve me and abandon the empire, I'll spare your life. What do you say?"
Living under the command of an elf and betraying her own country. Neither of those two options could be conceived by a noble of the empire, let alone Valeria Codex Altharin. But Runa didn't know that.
Summoning the last of her strength, Valeria staggered to her feet. She gripped her dagger tightly, and with a shout that echoed through the rubble, she charged at the elf.
Valeria: "Glory to the empire of Algorythia!"
Runa sighed. Without showing emotion, she unsheathed her weapon and, with a clean and precise strike, ended the life of the captain of the empire.
Runa: "What a waste... I thought I had finally found a strong ally. What is wrong with the people in this world?"
Runa turned her gaze toward two familiar figures in the distance. Though she typically didn't pay much attention to the faces of others, this time she recognized immediately who they were.
It was Clara, the elf who had disappeared after returning from the reconnaissance mission. Her presence here confirmed Runa's suspicions: Clara had been the spy all along.
Runa had thought that if she ever crossed paths with her again, Clara would show some sign of fear. But the situation was different now. The spy was holding the lifeless body of her friend Celine in her arms.
The flames and chaos consumed the surroundings, but at that moment, everything seemed to stop when Runa and Clara's eyes met. It was Clara who broke the silence.
Clara: "Kill me."
Runa looked at the girl with a mix of pity and resignation. It wasn't a priority to eliminate her right now. After all, the village she had been spying for no longer existed, and Runa didn't take pleasure in killing people without a good reason. She decided to ignore her for the time being; there were more pressing matters to attend to.
As she turned away, another familiar figure appeared behind her.
Lynell: "Runa-sama! So this is where you were... We've evacuated all the civilians."
Lynell stopped in the middle of her report, her eyes fixed on the scene behind Runa.
Lynell: "Runa-sa...? Cee—! CELINE!!"
Lynell ran toward her friend's body. With trembling hands, she took Celine's and turned her head to search her face for any sign of life. But Celine's eyes no longer shone with the light they used to radiate.
Lynell: "Celine, please respond!"
Tears began to stream down her cheeks. For humans, the loss of a loved one was heavy. But for elves, who carried the weight of death throughout an indefinite existence, the emptiness was deeper and more devastating. That pain was clearly reflected in Lynell's green eyes, who had spent her entire life with her friend in the same village.
Lynell: "Clara! What happened to Celine here?"
Clara looked away, unable to hold Lynell's tearful gaze. Guilt consumed her, preventing her from answering.
From a distance, Runa observed the tragic scene with a bitter sense of helplessness. She couldn't allow herself to feel sadness, knowing part of the blame lay on her shoulders. The irony didn't escape her, as the first three elves she had met upon arriving in this world were now wrapped in such a heartbreaking drama before her eyes. Surely, fate had cruel ways of weaving encounters between people.
Before leaving the scene, Runa turned toward the last person still there, who had been silently watching her for a while.
Runa: "Well, it seems we meet again."
The half-human jumped, as if waking from a trance at the sound of Runa's voice.
Alysia: "You're... it can't be... You're the hooded girl from the bar that night!"
Runa: "That's right. Looks like you weren't lying when you said you were part of the empire's forces. It's unfortunate that we meet again like this."
Alysia: "Why...?"
Runa furrowed her brow. Alysia's words were barely a whisper, hard to understand.
Runa: "What did you say?"
Alysia: "Why are you doing all this...?"
The question resonated in the air like an echo. Runa remained silent for a moment.
Runa: "Why am I doing this, huh?"
The question seemed foolish to her. The empire had tried to enslave the elves of the forest, beings who posed no threat. The hostile actions Runa had brought to this world were more than justified to the elves who had suffered years of oppression.
However, ironically, that question had been asked to the only elf who did not share that justification. Runa could have answered with the easy argument that she was doing it in defense of the elves, but she knew that would be lying to herself. So, instead of masking her motives, she chose to tell the truth.
Runa: "Isn't it obvious? It's because I want power."
Alysia: "Aren't you already strong enough?"
Runa: "Don't misunderstand me. It's not strength I'm after, it's power."
Alysia: "Huh?"
Runa: "The empire doesn't dominate because it's strong, but because it has power. They impose their rules, dictate how the rest should live, and keep the strong on their side through hierarchies."
She paused, looking at Alysia with an unsettling calm, as if she were exposing the very system that governed this world.
Runa: "No matter how you look at it, if you prioritize the well-being and desires of those at the top of the hierarchy, you will inevitably create inequality."
Alysia: "Then, what do you hope to achieve?"
Runa: "What I want is the power to change those rules. I don't need the strong to be on my side. I don't need a hierarchy. I want to build a world where the rules are the same for everyone: strong and weak alike."
Alysia took a step back, unable to look away from Runa.
Alysia: "You..."
Runa: "But more importantly... what I really want is freedom."
Alysia: "Freedom...?"
Runa: "Only someone sitting on the throne can say they are truly free. Only from there can you shape the world to your will."
Alysia: "And does that freedom justify all those lives?"
Runa glanced at her sideways, her expression unreadable.
Runa: "All the people who died today fought for their freedom. Both the soldiers of the empire and the oppressed elves. It's in the nature of all living beings to fight for freedom."
Alysia: I won't let you get away with this. You won't take any more lives.
Runa: You? Stop me? Do you really think you can change anything when the solution you chose after being trampled by your captain's orders was to drown yourself in alcohol at the tavern? Let me put it this way—people like you can't change anything.
Without saying more, Runa walked past Alysia, ignoring her. The half-human closed her eyes, expecting the final blow. But it never came.
When she opened them again, Runa had already walked away, leaving behind the echo of her words. She left the half-human alive because she knew that if she survived the fire, she was certain fate would cross their paths again. For the first time since arriving in this world, that brief conversation felt like a real conversation, one in which fate would await its continuation.
The scene shifted to the lower part of the village of Zhyrithia. The survivors, both warriors and civilians, had gathered in the middle of a vast meadow. Though the village's fire was still raging and the sky was beginning to darken, the glow from the flames made it seem like daytime.
Despite the chaos and confusion, the elves of Zhyrithia were neither subdued nor chained. Rather, they seemed to be collaborating, though their expressions betrayed fear and despair.
Suddenly, a firm and clear voice broke through the murmur of uncertainty.
Runa: "Attention! Listen up, everyone!"
The group fell silent, and all eyes turned toward the figure standing in the center.
Runa: "Right now, your village is finished. Both your leader and most of your warriors have fallen in battle."
The silence grew heavier, and the atmosphere filled with a somber air. Many elves looked down or toward the horizon, as if holding onto the last thread of hope.
Runa: "However, I am here to offer you a second chance."
Some raised their eyes, their gazes reflecting confusion and disbelief.
Runa: "Despite our past differences, we must now unite against the humans. If you cooperate with me, I assure you that you will have a place to live."
An elf from Zhyrithia stepped forward. His expression was stern, but the tension in his voice revealed the burden of speaking on behalf of everyone.
Gather: "Does that mean you'll let us live with you in your village?"
The question made the air grow even thicker. Everyone present anxiously awaited Runa's response, knowing their future depended on it.
Runa: "You're not entirely wrong... but first, I need you to do your part so that we can help you."
Gather: "What do you want us to do?"
Runa: "It's simple. Your people have experience with setting things on fire, right? After all, you burned down our village."
Runa's sarcastic tone made several elves recoil with expressions of panic. They feared that this might be the prelude to punishment.
Runa: "I need you to burn the forest at strategic points. My group will take you to the Olux so they can evacuate your civilians in time."
Gather: "But that would be..."
Runa: "Throwing the house out the window? Exactly. That's exactly what we're going to do. We won't need our village after this."
Gather: "What are you saying?"
Runa: "Our goal is to take the human city of Bytea and turn it into our base."
The murmuring resumed among the elves, mixing fear and astonishment. Runa's declaration not only changed their fate but also the course of their history.
End of part 8.