“You have got to be kidding me.”

“I don’t want to believe it either, Enbos, but by the looks of this mess…”

“Those goddamn idiots!”

Once it was safe for Hachirou to continue training by himself, I left the inn to meet up with Lili. However, upon entering the innkeeper’s house, we found the place to be in a complete mess. It seems the adventurers upheaved the entire residence for those maps. Worse, they cleared the place of any obviously heretical artefacts, resulting in the pile of cinders outside.

“I never thought they would start destroying things in their stupidity! Did they think they were doing the village a service by getting rid of the cultists’ stuff!? Damn it, if Sen catches wind of this…!”

“T-take a deep breath- I mean, calm down Enbos! We don’t know for sure if the communication item has been destroyed. After all, we don’t even know what it looks like.”

“There is nothing else in the house. Our only hope is to gather everyone who has ransacked this place and hope…”

Crack!

My voice trails off as I look down to find two halves of a broken crystal ball. Picking them up, we both analyse the broken enchantments: it’s the communication item.

“Oh no…”

“What the hell were they doing?”

“Do you see the cavity at its centre? I-I think it once housed a high-quality magic core, but someone must have… have…”

“In other words, one of those idiots got greedy and unwittingly destroyed our only hope.”

“I-it appears so.”

“Oh, for the love of… If we recover the core, can we fix it, Lili?”

“I hate to say this, but I believe not. The complexity of the spell was in the glass, which we cannot hope to mend without the right tools. Likewise, we can’t replicate the enchantment with a different core.”

“Sigh, that’s what I thought.”

“Should we destroy our adventurer crests? The guild will send someone to investigate.”

“No, they’ll only send a small B-rank party at best, and they will have no idea about the cultists. They may just attribute our “deaths” to the cursed quest.”

“Indeed, and we can’t send a flare or magical signal either as the cultists will realise first.”

Damn, this is getting worse and worse. Can’t we ever catch a break? If Sen catches wind of this, they might decide to confront the cultists and risk drawing the big cheese. But now that it’s come to this…

“It looks like I’ll have to traverse the Vivian Forest and get to Uradale myself. If we can find Mr Kell’s maps-”

“A-actually Enbos, there is one more thing we can try before you resort to that...”

Lili reaches for the silver amulet around her neck and passes it to me. On its surface is the symbol of the Path of Eden; two circles with one inside the other and a vertical line bisecting both, leaving a tail on top. Now that I’m looking at it closely, I can detect both magical and spiritual energies in the metal. I examine the back to find a very small but high-quality magic core at the centre of an intricate pentagram.

“This is…?”

“This amulet is an heirloom from my father, further enchanted by my mother. It disguises my elven blood if one were to examine my soul and I was told to always wear it. However, that’s not what I wanted you to know. The magic circle on the back is an emergency beacon that will inform the nearest major church. It’s an indirect method, but the Church of Eden may then contact Catorrem to send aid to the amulet’s bearer. The only problem is we will not be able to warn them of the cultists, but at least they’ll treat this more seriously.”

“How so?”

“I-in all likelihood, they’ll probably send something equivalent to an armed legion.”

“W-what!? How could a cleric have such a… Is there a reason you didn’t use this sooner?”

“Well, it was specifically designed to be used within the Lysium Theocracy, where the reach of the Church is wide. But in the Reinsol Kingdom, there is no guarantee it will even be received. Also, as you surmised, this isn’t something an Iranor cleric would normally have. I’m ashamed to say this, but I was hesitant to reveal it.”

“I swear I’ll keep it a secret from the others. In fact, I think it’s better they don’t find out the communication orb was broken.”

“Huh? But why? There is no guarantee the signal will be heard by anyone. Would it not be better to tell them everything?”

“That won’t be enough to keep Sen and the others at bay. As for the range, do you need holy magic to activate the enchantment?”

“No.”

“Good. Then, we can make this work...”

From my bag, I pull out my enchanted leather mat. Lili looks over the sheet with fascination, trying to understand its function from the foreign symbols.

“What is this, Enbos?”

“It’s a magical extender that will increase the reach of your spells. I’m not sure if you’ve seen these before, but this one is my original design.”

“Y-you made this!? By the Heavens, this is incredible, Enbos. I’ve never seen such an elegant circle of this effect.”

“My enchantment isn’t perfect. It needs to be used near a mana stream and can only extend the effect of a spell along it. The good news is it will run directly to Catorrem which is the nearest life well. Naturally, we need to make a few modifications to my circle before it’s compatible with your amulet. Will you help me?”

“Of course, but can we really do it in time? Our methods are completely foreign to each other.”

“It’s our best shot. I’m not giving up.”

“Then neither will I. I’ll teach you the invocation and symbols, so please respond in kind.”

After hanging a sign which says, “Do not disturb: mages at work,” on the door, we begin the arduous process of learning each other’s spells and designing the final array. Unfortunately, our efforts are soon plagued with complications as I come to realise the difference between our spells.

Although we both use mana and symbols to write spells, Lili’s magic relies heavily on the “faith” of the caster. In less theological terms, it means her spells depend more on the World Stream’s processing power than the caster’s understanding and control. While my magic skills would reference the elemental spirits at most, hers constantly use symbols relating to God. It seems those of faith have access to another alphabet of runes to draw more power from the World Stream. As a result, even low-skilled clerics can cast greater rank skills, but at the cost of finer control over the spell. While this is certainly useful, the power and activation of the spell is supposably tied to your piety, which is why most light magic is exclusive to the Church. Of course, that makes her spells an impossibility for me. It’s also one of the reasons I’m stuck on the fundamentals of necromancy.

“Your magic is truly revolutionary, Enbos! Instead of adding more runes to refine the effect, you interpret traditional symbols in new ways to achieve a similar purpose. To use the language of metal to describe the World Stream, refer to lightning not as a violent force but the fleetest messenger, and then combine the two is ingenious!”

“I’m glad you find this all fascinating Lili, since you’ll be the one writing the enchantment. It seems I cannot use your God-blessed runes, and thus, I cannot engrave the final circle. You’ll have to replace some of my symbols with Path of Eden equivalents in order to make it compatible.”

“Of course. Please continue, Enbos.”

“… Damn it, another failure.”

“Where did my mana stop?”

“I think the flow of mana stopped around… here.”

“I’ll try a different rune for the messenger of the heavenly host. Would you mind wiping the chalk and erasing the characters with your mana?”

“Right away, You know, I never thought of using dark-element mana to erase enchantments. Ah, that part needs to be reworked too…”

“… YEOUCH!”

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Enbos! I accidently used a symbol of light for this section… Wait, are you capable of feeling pain?”

“I shouldn’t, but for some reason holy magic is an exception.”

“B-but that means for all the times I’ve cast buffing and healing magic-”

“Forget about it! J-just focus on making it functional and undead-friendly…”

I’ve lost track of all the times we had to modify the circle. As time passed, each iteration got shorter and shorter as we gained greater understanding of each other’s spells. And in the end, after at least several dozen tests…

“… By the Lord, I-I think we’ve done it. All the symbols are finally in harmony.”

“After all that trial and error, I-I can’t believe we did it within a day. Are you sure it’s working?”

“I’m channelling mana through my pendent and it’s filling every part of the array. More importantly, I can feel the signal pass through the amplifier into the mana stream. If anybody receives the signal, the colour of the gem will change from white to blue.”

“Oh, thank god. You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that.”

“If it’s enough to make an undead give thanks to Our Lord, I’m sure you’re very happy.”

“That was just a common- Oh, never mind. Now is not the time. Let’s quickly- Huh?”

Looking through the gaps in the window, I realise it’s already dark. Lili’s have been keeping the room well-lit so I didn’t notice. Immediately after, I turn to find Lili attempting to stifle a yawn. She looks back at me with her hand over her mouth as I respond with a slight sigh.

“I’m sorry I didn’t notice earlier. After all, you were keeping pace with me the entire time. You better find some dinner.”

“I-I’m fine, Enbos. I want to run a few trials now that the array is in harmony.

“Then I’ll go grab something for you instead. You don’t need my help from here on out.”

“Thank you.”

I leave Lili to her devices and search the house for any edibles. I soon happen upon a kitchen, and while the previous resident may have been a godforsaken cultist, he at least knew how to stock a pantry. I decide to light up the stove and prepare a proper meal. As I cook, I open the necronomicon I confiscated from Terry and glance over it like a cookbook.

“Hrm, while this does have a lot on raising the undead, it’s just like the other tomes. The higher-level spells need to invoke Maleosis’ name, but I don’t have the piety to do that. There are still some interesting parts, but about a third of it is just swearing loyalty to their Hierarch and awaiting the Ascension.”

Seriously, the more I read about this glorious Tascus, the more I don’t want to meet him. While his achievements are obviously embellished, he is still an Apostle; the highest class on the path of a Dark Acolyte. There are only eight at a time, each representing an aspect of Maleosis and each with a unique blessing. Unfortunately, I have no idea what this Tascus’ aspect is. While it’s unlikely we would ever face him if things go south, the full brunt of his cult will be at his command, and it’s not one of the smaller ones.

Also, what exactly is this Ascension? I know it involves the remains of an undead ravager but unleashing a monster on a city doesn’t sound right. Even if they destroy Catorrem, it’s not even the Reinsol Kingdom’s seat of power. Then again, they could be targeting the capital but it doesn’t seem that way from what I’ve heard. They say they want to become the dominant religion, but if the Lysium Theocracy lets this blow over or sends a small force for show, they would actually benefit by banding everyone against the cultists. But if that’s not all there is to their plan, then what else could the bones of a legendary monster be-

“Oh shoot, I almost burnt the bread!”

Scraping off the bits of char, I finish preparing the toasted sandwich and pour a cup of herbal tea. However, upon returning I notice she is gone. A quick scan with suggests she has left the premise.

“I hope she gets back soon. I went through the trouble of toasting-”

“I’m back, Enbos.”

“Ah, welcome back, Li- What are you doing with that bedroll!?”

“Oh, it’s nothing much. After all, I can’t very well use the bed here. The idea of sleeping on the same fabric used by a heretic is quite distressing.”

“Just share the room with Minna like before! Why are you laying that next to the array? Don’t you know I’ll be busy channelling mana?”

“It’ll be alright, Enbos. It doesn’t take much concentration to channel mana, and knowing who, and what, you are, I doubt you’re going to try anything funny.”

“That’s not the point! Wait a minute. Could it be you’re taking advantage of the fact I won’t be moving to pester me all you like?”

“I’d prefer you thought of it as consultation.”

“Good grief, Lili. You just can’t help meddling in my affairs, can you?”

“I might as well use the chance to talk to you. Now that we’re using my amulet… we may truly never meet again.”

“What do you mean?”

“The enchantment was never meant to warn others of calamity, but to ensure my ultimate safety. While I doubt they will overlook the cultists’ operations… I-I will be left as be.”

“I see…”

That beacon must have been some sort of last resort. At this point, I have a feeling Lili is either of peerage or an important figure in the Path of Eden. Using that beacon must be tantamount to ending her adventuring life.

“… You did the right thing, Lili.”

“I know. I’m glad the beacon is being used for more than my own sake.”

“Anyway, please enjoy your dinner. I’ll go ahead and activate the beacon.”

“Thank you, Enbos. I’ll leave my amulet in your capable hands.”

Leaving Lili to nibble on the sandwiches, I look over the elaborate yet clunky array we’ve created. It’s actually composed of two separate circles with a “bridge” to connect the two. One houses Lili’s pendent while the other is based on my spell extender. Both were inscribed by Lili to keep the mana signature and language consistent. Sitting by the array, I place a finger on her pendant and begin channelling mana into the core. Anticipation boils within me as I watch my mana flow, but it’s quickly replaced with relief upon hearing the array buzz with power.

A short sigh also passes Lili’s lips as she watches from the table. While I continue to channel mana, she finishes her meal and thanks me before leaving the room. For an hour or so, I’m left in the company of myself as I crack open my new necronomicon while keeping my finger on the circle. Lili soon returns in lighter clothing with washed, combed hair. Noticing my tome, she gives a wry look to which I shrug my shoulders and continue to study. She lays out her bedding on my right before slipping into the covers, but with no intent of falling straight to sleep. Her clothes cling slightly to her model-like body as she lays on her side and watches with sleepy, serene eyes.

I must admit, most men would be enraptured by her innate beauty. I wouldn’t be surprised if, on top of disguising her ears, she used her magic to make herself less appealing in order to avoid trouble. While I’m hardly infatuated, I can’t help but feel touched that she could appear so relaxed around a being like me. Sadly, I can’t say I feel the same as I know the talk that will ensue is going to be uncomfortable.

“Enbos.”

“Yes, Lili?”

“Do you remember how you challenged me to find your true form?”

“I did, and I gave you the answer. The challenge is void.”

“No, you only revealed what was on the surface. I want you to know I’m still looking for the true you, even if you’ve lost sight of him yourself.”

“That’s because there is no true me. The “man” you know is a crumbling replica, dead to another world in another time.”

“Then, is your bond with Hachirou, with every one of us, a lie, too?”

“…”

“Please don’t start having doubts. I know you truly treasure your bonds. The truth is, you were never the kind of soul who could live without others. Although you may have the strength and appearance of a monster, your warmth always draws any and all who could see past your wooden shell.”

“The only thing you’re drawn to is my former memory, not the ball of resentment that’s really beneath this mask.”

“I know a compassionate soul when I see one.”

“Can you really say that after our adventure with that two-faced guide? We never saw through his façade, and in a sense, I’m as much a phantom as “Mr Kell” ever was.”

“Enbos, he was a monster.”

“And I’m not? I may not be trying to sacrifice everybody to Maleosis, but I never intended to befriend anyone either. In the first place, I only ever agreed to travel with you all to improve my reputation.”

“And yet, time and time again, you’ve come to our aid and openly told us about yourself. Isn’t that proof our bond is mutual?”

“Don’t misunderstand, Lili, I didn’t save you or the others because we were close. I only did it for the sake of my dwindling conscience. If I had just left you to die… I don’t know what would happen to my humanity. As for the secrets I have shared, it’s nothing consequential once I change my identity. In the end, everything I do is for my own self-interest.”

“… You’re a terrible liar. Even if you are not, you would be wrong.”

“And how could you possibly know?”

“Because, Enbos… you’re nothing like me.”

I put down my tome and turn to face Lili. At first, she seems reluctant to continue, but after a moment of silence, she meets my gaze and begins to speak.

“T-this may seem unrelated, but I would like to tell you about my mother. As you already know, my mother was an elf who ventured from her homeland, but she didn’t so out of fancy. She was entrusted with the duty of being a Surveyor.”

“A Surveyor? Was her job to observe the outside world and return with a record?”

“Indeed. The Surveyor will leave their homeland once every hundred years and explore Aren for another twenty.”

“That’s quite a lot of time for a report.”

“They can always leave earlier if they so wish, but my mother never did. She truly loved seeing the outside world, which is why she accepted the duty for the past several hundred years. Although all elves are gifted with , it was only intended for limited interaction with mankind. But my mother… she openly walked among men and lived as they did, all to experience their ways. She even fell in love and had me, b-but in the end…”

“… she couldn’t stay and had to leave her second life, and you, behind.”

“Yes. I still remember her face… as she bid farewell.”

“But why would she leave you with your father? Wouldn’t the elves be worried about a half-elf being left in the world of men?”

“My father always said my mother wanted me to grow up in the outside world she loved. I’m sure I will visit the city of the elves once my mother returns, but until then, I want to see as much of this beautiful world and help make it an even kinder place.”

“Is that why you became an adventurer?”

“Indeed.”

“I see.”

Although she says she wants to follow in her mother’s footsteps, she has no intention of being an observer. Her desire for society to accept demi-humans is likely tied to her desire to see her mother. She probably believes that in a more accepting world, elfkind would no longer have a reason to hide. It’s a puerile dream, but one worth dedicating her allegedly long life to achieve.

For a moment, she shifts her gaze to look at the moonlight pouring in from the window. With a melancholy smile, she returns her attention towards me.

“I’ve seen many things on my travels, Enbos. Rolling hills, vast oceans and untread lands. I had thought I finally understood what my mother saw in the outside world, but upon meeting you… I now realise I only ever saw half the picture.”

“What do you mean, Lili?”

“For all the souls I’ve met on my travels, I had always appeared before them as a cleric. What others saw in me was never the woman following in her mother’s steps, but an extension of God’s divine will. However, I was content. I thought that by living in service to my Lord, I was already connected to the people of this wonderful world… I was wrong. No matter how many parties I’ve accompanied, I’ve always felt a sense of loneliness, birthed from my own paranoia for being… different. In a way, you were closer to humanity than I ever was.”

“You’re overexaggerating. If I had the choice, I would like nothing more than to avoid society altogether.”

“And yet you don’t. Even when you hide your identity, your words and actions are filled with history. Even when you keep your distance, your outbursts betray all concern. Even when you have no obligation, you offer any and all aid without hesitation. You’re an honest soul, Enbos, and because you’re such, you readily, and unknowingly, become entwined with those around you. Despite carrying a greater burden than my own, you’re still able to share yourself with others, and that is something I find truly inspiring.”

“Even if it means risking the agony of loss and separation?”

“… Is that why you can never fully open up to us, even when you trust us so?”

“There is only so much one can treasure, especially in this world where lives are so short and fragile.”

“But bonds are not. Enbos, we never truly lose our ties. To know sadness is to know joy, which means behind any loss, that warmth still exists in equal part.”

“I’ve heard those words enough in movies and tv dramas…”

“Eh?”

“… plays and chronicles, but the reality is never that easy. If it were, I wouldn’t be haunted by this unrelenting emptiness. I may find joy, but no matter how many people I befriend, they can never fill that unique void, for each would be their own piece in my unstable life.”

“God didn’t create life so that we may suffer, no matter what form it may take. I promise you that your grief over your past life will fade, b-but I know I cannot invoke such a change now. If you will not open up to me then that is fine, but… will you accept me if I open up to you?”

I don’t say anything and turn to face the circle once more. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch her downcast expression as she turns to sleep the other way.

Honesty, could she be more sly? If I will not reach out for my own sake, I should do so for hers? It’s the same deal in the end, and yet…

“… Tyler.”

“H-huh?”

“My human name was Tyler.”

“Thank you… Enbos.”

Letting her drift to sleep, I continue to pour my mana into the array. I’m not sure if it was right to tell her, and I’m not sure if I will ever reveal my form to Sen, Minna and Norf. But at the very least, I want them to know they’re already a part of my dysfunctional life.

As I make this silent oath, the room is soon filled with the sound of countless droplets landing on the roof.