ShadowMist gazed at the backs of the humans as her lead scouts guided them towards their village, tension laced in their every elfin movement as though they would unleash violence should the humans show any suspicious behaviour. And yet the elves managed to maintain some form of civility in the face of the almost… lax attitude the human party was exhibiting. It was such a relaxed atmosphere… that the boy William was playfully tugging on one of her scouts' longbow, the somber Elf trying to maintain a composed expression while swatting the hand of the little child away from his weapon. And that wasn't even the beginning of it.

After only explaining briefly that she and her scouts were sent to track and hunt down the monster that was rampaging through the Elven domains which the Tree Friend, Gerhard, had defeated, she then asked if he would like to come to her village as thanks for his actions. To her surprise, Gerhard readily accepted ShadowMist's request, citing curiosity and something about comparing villages with those of Tolkien's own although the female human mage groaned for some reason.

Feeling eyes on the back of his neck, Gerhard glanced over his shoulder, before slowing his stride until they were walking side by side together.

"…You still haven’t mentioned why I received that title… umm ShadowMist"

"It's fine to call me Mist. The first word in our name marks our clan, while the second is earnt"

"..That's kind of confusing", Gerhard tilted his head, "Then what are you called before you earn a name?"

"We are given a birth name, though it is discarded once we mature", her face now cast in a serious light, "and we must never reveal it to outsiders unless to our most dearly beloveds"

Gerhard chuckled, "I had no intention of asking about anything private like that though"

"…You have excellent manners. For a human", she smiled.

"Well I was raised in a different era", he returned the smile.

"But to answer your question", Mist explained, "You were performing a ritual on one of our sacred sites, something you humans would call a 'temple'. In ages past there may have been such a structure however, it is not the physical form we worship, it is the spirit that endures in such places"

"But why was it located in such a place? Especially in front of a cave?"

"…That…", as though deciding whether to tell him or not, she came to the conclusion that there was no harm in doing so, "is because the cave and the tunnel system was carved eons ago by the dwarves. The site you camped and fought the deadly beast was built to welcome back Elven travellers and traders from distant lands long ago, so that they may linked once again to the nature of their birth place"

"Ah...so, I was right that someone was observing my battle", Gerhard reflected, "but I couldn’t be sure"

Mist chuckled, "I earnt my name because I am as indiscernible as the mist that lingers near the waterfalls. You won't know I am there until you feel the wetness of your blood leaking from your throat!"

Gerhard grinned, "That sounds very reassuring"

"Well… as long as you don't offend me", she gave a small laugh, her voice almost sounding like music.

But the mood of the party became subdued as they approached one of the first warning sign that travellers had strayed into Elven territory… a human skeleton speared to a tree.

Indicating the markings on the spear, Mist explained, "These symbols are those of the War Clan"

"Let me guess… they are warlike"

Mist nodded in affirmation as she continued, "Yes, but they are also the largest of the Selvari Elven clans and hence tasked with the Guardianship of the Forest and what you humans call us, the 'Wild Elves' as a whole. So, I would suggest that none of your party stray far from our group, lest they would like to suddenly sprout arrows from their hides"

"That is good advice that… you are giving to the humans", a voice called out from high above before a tall Elven man landed lightly in front of them as though like a cat, swathe in tattoos and furs, a dark stained runic war axe sheathed to his side and wielding an ornate oak longbow which hung limply from his hand.

"WarWalker of the War clan", Mist closed her eyes as she recognised the figure, lowering her head slightly in a submissive gesture, "I, ShadowMist of the Shadow clan, greet you in peace".

"May the branches of the World Tree always caress you in comfort and warmth", came the low reply from WarWalker before he continued, "I take it you are bringing these…humans to your village?"

With Mist nodding respectfully, Gerhard thought he should introduced himself, but feeling her hand grasp his sleeve, he felt that he had to observe some form of unknown propriety and so remained silent.

"I see", was all the taciturn Elf said before he whistled lightly, to which Elves with similar clan tattoos came, immediately falling and landing gracefully from the trees, more than two score who moved about with the grace of prowling panthers.

Mayumi, Masumi, Lydia, Max and William were all caught by surprise by the sudden appearance of more Elves, although Lorelei continued to hum along in Max's head as though nothing was wrong. Then again, she didn’t have a physical body to worry about…

"We will follow", as though giving a command that brooked no argument.

Mist just shrugged as she turned to Gerhard to shake her head apologetically. Looks like things had just gotten complicated.

*********************************************************************************************

INTRO SONG: Trust Me

*********************************************************************************************

Max ran to the edge of the soaring platform, hands gripping the stone railing as he marvelled at the intricate Elven architecture of this place. The structure seemingly floating high above the meandering river on columns that looked like crystallised wood. Feeling at peace in the world, Max was grinning broadly and a few curious Elven children were pulled away by concerned mothers as they whispered how strange the Amin was to one another. Although few are sane enough to cross any of the Elves here, for none travelled up and about unarmed. The surrounding streets and boulevards of the 'village' looked like it was crowded with wandering warriors, rather than Elven families going about their business. ShadowMist was summoned by her Elders and for the moment their party were being left alone, however there were a few Elven 'caretakers' keeping watch on them.

Nevertheless, this didn't dampened his spirit as Max was about to shout out loud before he felt a light smack on the back of his head, turning to see his grandfather looking embarrassed by Max's actions.

Nevertheless, this didn't dampened Max’s spirit as he was about to shout out loud before he felt a light smack on the back of his head, turning to see his grandfather looking embarrassed by Max's actions.

"…You…", Gerhard frowned lightly, "Just how old do you think you are?"

"Twelve", Max responded immediately as he stuck his chest out proudly.

"Haaa… my dream of great-grandchildren is slipping further away…"

"Eh? What do you mean by that Opi ?"

Patting Max sadly on the head, Gerhard only sighed as his reply.

The two men stood side by side, admiring the majestic view before Max finally asked, "So, I guess you met Lorelei...?"

Gerhard just shrugged, "I wasn't sure she was real either, until I saw your reaction when I mentioned her name"

"…Opi … weren't you convulsing at the time?"

"Your point being...?"

"J-just what kind of guy can think of such a thing when he is suffering like that?!"

Looking at his grandson in bemusement, Gerhard replied, "When you have lived through…some of the things I have been through…then you will be able to do it too. Although", he smiled sadly, "I hope such a thing never happens to you".

"…Are you talking about the 'War', grandfather?"

"…Enough about me", Gerhard dodged the subject, "Tell me about Lorelei"

"Well", Max scratched the back of his head, "For one thing…she doesn't have a physical body"

"Oh?", was all his grandfather said.

"And the other…it seems only I can hear her"

"I see", Gerhard accepted it like it was the natural thing to do.

"…You believe me?", Max asked in shock.

"Why wouldn't I believe my own grandson?", Gerhard smiled affectionately back, "I made a promise long ago… to always cherish the words of my own family".

"…I see", Max feeling a little bit guilty now as he remembered telling minor fibs to his grandfather to skip school when he was still a child, faking a fever even though when Max was checked, there was no such symptoms. He only realised now how strange it was that his grandfather let him stay in bed at home, resting for an 'illness' Max never had.

The figure of William appeared in between the two tall men, and Gerhard chuckled as he ruffled the boy's hair playfully, a giggle coming back as a reply.

"He seems to like you a lot, Opi"

"Haha", Gerhard chuckled, "He kinds of remind me of your father when he was little"

"Ehhhh?", Max looking at the boy and frowning, "I can't ever imagine father being that cute before"

"They all grow up in the end though", Gerhard smiled, "But the both of you are still adorable in my eyes"

"Er Opi…that doesn't make me happy unless it's from a girl"

"Well what about that Japanese girl?", Gerhard indicated with his eyes over his shoulders, "She seems to have taken a liking to you".

"…only as an obedient dog to a dominatrix mistress…"

"Max", he chuckled, "you seriously do not understand a girl's heart, do you?"

"…I reeeeeeally do not want to hear that from you, Opi"

"?"

Max sighed, "Anyway, I need to speak to Lorelei for a moment".

Gerhard just gave a small wave of his hand, "Its fine, I am actually quite curious to see how you communicate"

"…Please don't. You're making me feel like I am crazy"

"Haha we are all a little crazy in our own ways", his grandfather winked.

Max closed his eyes as he called out, "Lorelei?"

"Hmm?", came a yawn as a reply, "What is it Max?"

"I have finally got a nickname for you"

"OOH!", immediately she sounded quite awake, "Tell me! Tell me!"

"Oook", he smiled happily as he thought to himself, 'If only Mayumi was as good natured as Lorelei...ah what a shame'

Gerhard just smiled and for a second Max thought his grandfather can hear their conversation…it couldn't be. Yup, it has to be his imagination as Max started to his list off the nicknames he had thought of.

"Lorelore"

There was a moment of silence before she replied, "Rejected"

"Leilei"

"Rejected"

"Lol"

"Rejected!"

"Relolei"

"Rejected!!!"

"Loli Queen"

"Do you want to get a headache hmm?"

"Haha, just kidding", He had already decided on a proper nickname for her, "How about, Lorei?"

"….H-hmph!..."

"Weeeell", Max teased.

"Its…its good", she said shyly.

"I am glad you like it then", he heaved a sigh of relief.

"I see it all went well?", his grandfather asked.

"Yes, of course", Max announced proudly, "After all I am the KING of 2D dating sims"

"Dating sims?", Gerhard asked in genuine curiosity, "what is that?"

"Errr", Max realising it was the one thing he never wanted his grandfather to know, laughed robotically, "I-it is nothing ha ha ha"

"…Suspicious…", Gerhard wrapping his arm around Max's neck as though trying to wring the truth from him, "Tell me, boy!"

Mayumi was striding towards them however seeing such a playful and familiar scene caused her to freeze awkwardly, for once perturbed by an emotion that rosed within…before she brutally crushed it. Smiling once again, she tried to unobtrusively sneak from the side… to jump and cling unto Max in surprise… only to hug William, the little boy unashamedly used as a shield by Max after having lifted him up from the ground suddenly as a reflex action. The boy stared at her innocently while Mayumi gazed back… Max hiding behind the diminutive figure.

"…"

"…"

"Gopher", Mayumi finally said.

"Eh?", Max whistled nonchalantly, "W-what is it?"

"Doesn't anata ~ want a hug?"

"…That's…", Max thought about it briefly, "Doesn't sound too bad at all…"

"Ok ok", Mayumi smiled sweetly as she took the boy into her arms and placed him on the ground, "Yosh! William go to my sister… are you ready Max?"

"? I have to get ready for a hug?"

"Of course", she winked at him prettily, "It’s a Mayumi special~".

Feeling a premonition of something untoward about to happen, "M-maybe we can do this another time…", he replied nervously as Max slowly backed away from her. Gerhard only watching on curiously, wondering when his grandson had become popular with women.

"Feel my burning loove~", …as her fist connected into Max's stomach, causing him to fall backwards in pain.

"Isn't that a punch?!" , Max groaned, clutching his stomach.

"Noo~", she objected coyly, "in my culture that type of hug we call, 'Super Soul Grinding Love Punch for Unappreciative People'~"

"THAT'S STILL A PUNCH ISN'T IT?!!!"

"M-Max", Lorelei asked, "Is a hug meant to be that painful?"

"…Only when it involves demons…", he muttered in reply.

"Hmm?", Mayumi asked as though having heard what he said, "Did you just say you want another one?~"

"Ahem", Gerhard interrupted, "I think Max said he would love to take you out for a stroll, to take in the sights of such a wondrous place"

"I did?", Max said in surprised, before catching the eye of his grandfather, eventually understanding dawning as he realised Gerhard was trying to save him, "I DID!", finally agreeing, nodding his head up and down rapidly.

Behind Gerhard, Mayumi could see Masumi looking at her with pleading eyes, and she realised with a sigh what her twin wanted.

'Geez', Mayumi thought to herself, 'We are surrounded by potential enemies and you want a date?'. Err…didn't you just knocked down a quarter of Max's HP yourself...?

But her twin's eyes seemed to be saying, 'PleasePleasePleasePleasePleasePlease'

"Yah-ho!", Lydia shouted cheerily, returning after selling the portions of the Death Panda she couldn’t use… which Gerhard and Eric had taken to pieces with knives after she had exclaimed, "Kyaaa~, do you want me to ruin all OUR efforts?". And actually… the men agreed as they silently went to work on the dead beast with Lydia looking actually stung at the time. But now they had so much fur they could dress over a hundred people.

"Come here onee-san", Mayumi linking her arm with Lydia's.

"Eh?", Lydia looked at her in surprise, "Since when did we become close?"

"Since you captivated my heart with your skilful use of men", Mayumi stroked Lydia's hand seductively.

"EHHHHHH?!!!", Lydia blushed, "I know I am otherworldly gorgeous b-but we can't do something… or or", her imagination running rampant, "like THAT…between girls"

Winking at her twin to say she had everything under control, Masumi took that as a signal to grab Gerhard's arm and drag him away. He didn't resist although Gerhard looked to all the world confused at what was happening, the little boy William tailing along behind them.

Mayumi then grabbed the reluctant arm of Max saying, "Well since we are here, let's go plaaaay~", dragging the pair on either side of her with a smile on her face. Might as well have fun. As much as time permits.

*********************************************************************************************

Masumi was on one arm and William on the other side of Gerhard, both being held hand in hand as they wandered towards what appeared to be a market, although what was being sold was mainly meats and fruits of a wide variety, with the notable few clothing being mainly of practical design. All the Elves were giving them suspicious looks, Masumi thought it was because they looked like a young couple on an outing with their son…which caused her to cheeks to turn a little rosy. But to everyone else, no matter how you looked at it…it was more like a group of brothers, with Gerhard being the responsible elder and making sure that none of them would get lost. Actually… that was also what Gerhard was thinking; making sure his charges don’t get lost. Especially in such an obvious exotic alien village.

"A-angel-sama", Masumi finally finding the courage to speak, "Are you looking for anything specific here?"

"Hmmm?", Gerhard replied absentmindedly, "Not really, although", pulling out his sword which was in a notable state of disrepair, "It would be good if I got this fixed".

"Isn't that", Masumi exclaimed in amazement, "A level five sword?!!"

"? Well, I guess? I have had this ever since Serabourg as well as the Instructor's sword"

"…the sword was the best of its kind…at level five, Angel-sama. It is time for you to acquire a new one"

"Oh?", Gerhard shrugged, "Lydia told me to keep using this until it broke, because I already have a sword I can equip when I reach level 100"

"Eh? Why is that Angel-sama?"

"You can call me Gerhard, you know?", which caused Masumi to blush at their supposed increased intimacy level up (*Ding* 1%), "And to answer that, she apparently appointed herself as my accountant for some unknown reason"

'…That cheapskate of a woman!', Masumi thought to herself before she noticed something worrying about that statement, 'Wait! Isn't there a bigger problem here! C-could it be I have a love rival!'

"G-Gerhard-sama", Masumi asked nervously, "How long have you known Lydia-san?"

Tilting his head up with hand under his chin in thought, "Hmm, I would suppose near the start of my travels? I have no idea why she has attached herself to me though"

"…uuuuu… the road is going to be long and difficult…fighto Masumi!", as she clenched her petite hands in determination.

"Hmm did you say something?"

"N-no! By the way Gerhard-sama", saying his actual name still causing her to blush lightly, "I have never seen you use a 'skill' before"

"Oh? But I am always using my sword skill aren't I?"

"…ano, more like the skills that the game provides you with"

"You mean something like 'Dark Blade' that Mayumi used?"

"Hai! Exactly that Gerhard-sama!"

"…Oooh! The skills window! One second I will bring it up and share it with you"

"S-share?!", Masumi feeling all giddy and excited at the thought that they would be sharing a Skill Window…but wouldn't it be more heart thumping if it was a glass of juice with two straws, Masumi…?

SKILLS WINDOWPassiveForced March (Intermediate)Lv.1 (57%)When singing whilst in an allied group of more than 5, movement speed is increased to all members due to your motivating song

+ 10%Herald of the King (Intermediate)Lv.1 (57%)When singing whilst in an allied group of more than 5, your leadership is increased temporarily.

+ 5 minsLord of Battles (Intermediate)Lv.1 (57%)When singing whilst in an allied group of more than 5, attack power is increased to all members due to your motivating song. Additional effects on your sword mastery.

+ 10%EnduranceLv.8 (78%)Reduces physical damage inflicted by the enemy.

- 5%Sword Mastery (Intermediate)Lv.4 (22%)

Increases attack power and speed for equipping a sword.ActiveSword SongLv.1 (0%)Increases attack speed and critical chance. If leadership higher than opponents, additional effect of 'slowed' is applied on enemies.

15%

Mana consumption: 40 per secondTree SongLv.1 (0%)Constantly heals and increase defence of user and nearby allies within 10 feet. If activated within wooded terrain, the user and allies also gains 'cloak', which is dispelled upon attack.

Heals 5% of Base Total Hitpoints per second.

Defence increase by 5%

Mana consumption: 40 per secondWords of IronLv.1 (0%)Chance to turn enemies or convince NPCs to do the unreasonable for a limited duration.

10%

Mana consumption: 10Rare Skills AchievementTrue Warrior"To a real warrior, power perceived may be power achieved."

You are a strangeness in this world, unbound by the laws that dictate the lives of its denizens. You have relied on nothing but what was given at birth, and triumphed over great foes, never tasting the sleep of death.

Survived the first 50 levels without allocating Bonus Stat Points, used an Active Skill or suffered Death. Once per day, you may choose to augment any single attack for 4x extra damage. [Please choose mode of activation: Spoken or Motion]

"What are you doing over there, Masumi? Come closer so you can see properly"

"…Ojyamashimasu", as she stood back next to him, her eyes widening in surprise as she noticed Gerhard's active skill usage.

"Oh dear", Gerhard grinned, "that expression tells me I have done something wrong again, haven't I?"

"N-no! It's just that, I think we should start teaching you how to use your avatar properly…"

"Ahhh…So I guess I will have to rely on you as my teacher then?"

"!!!!!!!!!!!", she smiled happily, "Y-Yorokonde !"

*********************************************************************************************

Standing in the centre of a circle of seated Elders, the oldest and wisest chosen leaders of the Shadow clan, their faces and physical form unmarked by the passing of the ages, Mist was currently being berated for what she has done. And that was to lead humans to their homes. She stood in respectful silence, only speaking when spoken to, as was customary among her kind as each of the Elders in turn condemned her, followed by questions as to why she had acted in this manner. For Mist had broken one of the sacred laws of the Selvari, 'Never be discovered by the Amin', with the implication that, if so, all human witnesses should be slain.

And she would always reply, "Selvaria, Mother Goddess, has spoken. He is Sainür".

"Are you saying", One of the Elders, his face in disbelief, "That although not one of the Selvari have been able to commune with our Mother Goddess for centuries, she has now deigned to speak to a MERE Amin?"

To this, Mist looked up and stared coolly at the Elder man, "He is not a MERE Amin, my father, the human is named Gerhard and I as well as twenty others have witnessed his Ascension through ritual offering", refusing to be cowed by the combined might of thousands of years of wisdom before her, "He IS Sainür and as such, we need him".

"…Daughter you do understand what you are saying right...?"

She nodded, "I do"

Another voice spoke up, "And what if you are wrong? We would alienate ourselves from the entire Selvari nation, just on the mere say-so of a young child who thought she has seen something that she understood?"

Before Mist could speak up, her father retorted in her defence, "Everyone here knows the mettle of my daughter. She has ALWAYS accomplished every task set before her from the council and her judgement has been proven and tested in countless skirmishes over the century. Don't bring in personal matters into this gathering just because she refused courtship from your son, Ellemon".

"Taisei! How DARE you?!", the Elf named Ellemon stood up in anger, "Do you think", he spat, "that I would be driven by petty revenge for something as important as this?! What she is implying is that we should leave the lives of all of our clan in the hands of an Amin whose character we do not know, whose skill we do not know, and", looking at Mist with scornful eyes, "whose ascension has yet to be VERIFIED by Elves of…better judgement".

"I still refuse to believe", Ellemon finished and a chorus of agreement rose up from the other Elders at this.

Mist remained silent to this tirade before a voice interrupted from the doorway, WarWalker's low voice cutting through the hubbub of discussion between the Elders, like an axe cleaving through wood.

"He should have been given a gift… from the Mother", WarWalker leaning against the doorframe of the council chambers, spoke with his sombre manner. There were no doors amongst such a community, trust is everything, entailing that there were no secrets or threats from amongst their own.

"WarWalker", Taisei bowed his head slightly in respect as all the Elders stood and did the same.

However, Ellemon asked, "What do you mean by that, Tel's'vär?"

"…Exactly what I said…", casting his gaze on the Elder, undaunted by the attention given by the whole council, "In our long history…every known Sainür was given a noticeable gift…one that proves beyond all doubt that… the Goddess has chosen him".

All the Elders nodded to this in acknowledgment; after all, their many tales are laced with such descriptions of the varied powers wielded by the Ascended. If the Amin was truly a Sainür, then surely he must possess a similar endowment to those of such figures of the past.

Picking up on the mood of the council, Taisei suggested, "Then shall we put this Amin to the test?"

"…What do you have in mind, father?", Mist feeling slightly guilty to Gerhard. It was she who invited him without ill intent, and yet now he might be more than likely forced to face a trial.

"It is simple, my child", Taisei looked at her with unreadable eyes, "He will just have to manifest his powers…before the entire clan assembly"

*********************************************************************************************

A man sat next to a large opened window, hunched over as he filled in the day's events from across the Kingdom of Rosenheim, rolled up parchment after parchment stacked high on a corner of his desk, important news being read and then collated into a summary to be sent as reports to his superior, Count Albrook.

There was a flap of wings and looking up, the scribe saw a carrier pigeon arriving, the lithe bird flying through the window to immediately land on one of the many bird stands made available in the center of the room. With a groan and creak of his back, the man stood up, pushing his chair back and walked towards the creature, which was busily pecking away at the prepared bird feed located in a tin cup. The bird ignored him, tamed and used to such situations, and with well practiced hand, the man retrieved the tiny rolled up paper that was fitted in a metal tube tied to the pigeon's feet.

Unfurling it like a banner, what greeted his eyes were, 'The Eagle of the East has appointed a new heir', which caused the scribe to arch his eyebrows in astonishment. That the old wily General would dare to do so… quickly, he went to the doorway and pulled a rope hanging from the ceiling. The sound of bells ringing echoed throughout the long hallway, summoning a servant to pass on the news to their master, the sharp peals as though announcing a prelude to momentous occasions to come.

*********************************************************************************************

Ending Song: Kore wa Koi

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