Chapter 23: Mysteries and future journey

We stayed like that until the sky became completely dark. The fireflies of the forest became our source of light as we head back toward her house.

I was exhausted.

In just a single day, the Queen changed everything I knew.

My head was filled with questions. I knew I couldn’t sleep like that. There was no way I could wait tomorrow for her to answer my questions.

Hopefully, Hirillë wasn’t yet ready to sleep either.

As we sat down on the chairs in her small room, we began to talk about my reincarnation.

According to the Queen, I wasn’t human. Not totally anyway. However, that was not what I wanted to talk to her about. After all, there was no way to discover anything about it with just the two of us.

I wanted to talk about Lost magic.

She's already explained the basics to me, but after thinking about it, I understood that it still didn’t explain what happened that day.

They were too many things that didn’t fit her explanation.

I explained to her in more detail how I died.

I described the drawings inside the two circles to her, the lights, the pain. I didn’t hide anything because something was seriously wrong.

“If I understood correctly, the circle emitted a red light before your blood was put on the circle. After that, the color became golden.”

“Yes, it was exactly like that. The pain came as soon as the circle became golden.”

She made a complicated face.

“This doesn’t make any sense to me. I don’t understand what the trigger for this Lost magic was but, even if I ignore this, Lost magic can only activate after blood is put on the circle. Well, maybe this isn't really important, but one thing is sure. This wasn't a common Lost magic.”

We fell silent together.

I heard some birds outside the house.

We were stuck. The more we thought, the less we understood.

However, Hirillë didn’t want to give up.

“I understand the part about the two identical circles. It’s difficult to make, but it’s really effective to strengthen the magic. However, even if we forget the fact that you didn’t put blood when the circle emitted a red light, I never heard anything about the change of color.”

“I see… Is that really important?”

“Yes, it is. You must understand that the color of the circle is linked to the magic created.”

I thought about it.

“I don’t know if it’s possible, but the fact that two different colors appeared means that two different Lost magic were used on me.”

“It’s the only logical explanation. I don’t know what the red lost magic made, but with the words of your old master it’s clear that the goal of the golden lost magic was to transfer the mana he accumulated with his previous victims toward him.”

I thought the same thing.

His words were quite clear. I couldn’t understand them when I died, but after my encounter with the ‘Millennium Ancestor’, I remembered his words. The meaning hidden at that time became clearer.

“That's why I have more mana in my soul than normal people, isn’t it?”

She nodded lightly.

“This is the only thing I can think about. It’s likely that the golden Lost magic transferred the mana he accumulated in the stones toward you.”

“This also explains the pain.”

“Yes. However, the mana should have been transferred to him after that. I think this is at this moment something went wrong. Do you remember anything else?”

I tried to remember the tiniest detail, but after a few minutes of intense thinking, nothing came to my mind. I was tied to a cross, I couldn’t do anything. The only thing I could think of was that one of the guys around the circle did something, but it was unlikely.

“I can’t think of anything else. I didn’t do anything after that as I was almost unconscious.”

“I see. Well, I’m also curious about your old master. It’s hard to believe he knew so much about Lost magic. Maybe, in the end, it’s not Lost magic, but something from your world.”

We spent some time talking about every possibility, but it was no use.

We didn’t have any idea and even if we did, we couldn’t check if this was the truth.

We couldn’t understand what was the red Lost magic or what went wrong with the golden Lost magic. One thing was sure, instead of transferring the mana toward the old man, I kept it in my soul and was reincarnated in this world.

“Thank you.”

Hirillë raised her head to look at me after I told her these words.

“Why are you thanking me? We have not yet solved this mystery.”

“Yes, but it’s just impossible. You already helped me more than you think."

I was reincarnated.

I couldn't change this truth.

However, after the words of the ancestor, I began to feel like a monster. If not for her, I would probably still feel that way.

“You’re right, but it’s frustrating not to understand. I still have many questions. For example, who was your old master?”

“It doesn't matter anymore, my reincarnation is definitely an accident. I don’t think it’s something he can use at will. Moreover, if my guess is right then he is already dead. You helped me understand why I had so much mana, this is already more than enough.”

I made a small pause before continuing.

“Besides, I’m also glad I shared this with you.”

“I’m also glad you trusted me.”

She made one of her dazzling smiles.

I smiled back.

We stayed like that in front of one another without moving. After a few seconds, she finally broke the silence.

“What do you intend to do? You can stay here if you want.”

She knew why I was in a hurry so this proposal was clearly just to make the end of my time here more comfortable. I couldn't help but laugh a little. Allowing a human to live in the city of the elf was definitely not something common.

“If I stay here longer, I will be struck by an arrow before the end of the week.”

She shook her head strongly.

“You don’t have to worry about that. Calil will surely change his mind. Moreover, I don’t think the others think the same way.”

I remembered the elf who tried to shoot me after my judgment. I wasn’t afraid of him, but the idea of having an angry elf near me wasn’t pleasant.

Hirillë, as if remembering something, suddenly smiled mischievously.

“I also think Hiraliel will not let him hurt you. I heard that you two got along pretty well.”

“What… What are you saying? How do you know I met her?”

She was in her underground at that moment.

Was she omnipotent in the forest or something like that?

“Bethil told me.”

She turned her head to look at the horned hamster that was resting on her bed lazily

I gritted my teeth and spoke with some anger and annoyance in my voice.

“This damn hamster”

I also slightly raised my voice without noticing.

The evil hamster opened one eye to look at me. After his gaze crossed mine, he turned his head to the other side. He wasn't interested in me at all.

I suddenly had the urge to attack this apparently harmless animal. I knew that I shouldn’t have this kind of thought, but I probably developed a hamster trauma because of that little rascal.

I changed my focus to Hirillë and could only sigh when I saw her mischievous smile.

“Hiraliel was nice to me, but I don’t think she would be happy if I stayed either.”

“Why do you think that?”

I tried to make the same smile as her.

“Because she was really upset when she learned that I was sleeping here. I think she loves her Queen a little too much.”

Her ears twitched a little after my sentence. It was cute and quite surprising. I couldn’t hold back my laughter.

She became red from embarrassment.

“Stop laughing, Sillath. You’re wrong!!!”

She finally joined me in my laughter. After a few seconds, the hamster had enough and left the house.

The atmosphere was nice between us. It was difficult to think we only knew each other for a couple of days. I really wanted to stay here with her in this marvelous city, but I knew I couldn’t waste any more time.

It was time to relapse in the human world.

After a few minutes, we calmed down. I smiled at her before telling her my feelings.

“I would really like to live here. Honestly, nothing would make me happier. However, I need to join my family. I must also warn them about the possible kidnap attempt on my sisters.”

Hirillë lost her smile.

“Of course, I understand. You must do that as their brother, but I don’t think the kidnapping will take place. After all, Arthur Waldemar is missing, this is far more important. Even if he gave orders before he left, which is unlikely, I think this order doesn’t matter anymore without him. Except if he had some extremely loyal follower.”

I nodded in agreement. Her words reassured me but, even if the risk was slim, I had to leave. I couldn’t spend my time here. Even if my sisters were safe, I had to tell my parents that I was alright.

It must have been hard for them.

Losing a brother was the hardest thing I ever experienced. However, I couldn’t imagine the pain of losing a child.

I was sure that if she wasn’t pregnant at that time, my mother would have rushed after me. It probably wasn’t possible after that because they had other children to protect. I had to go back to ease their guilt. I also had my old promise with Gaya.

“If you’re leaving tomorrow, then there are a few more things I want to tell you about.”

“Yes?”

“In the future, if you still want to discover the secret behind your reincarnation, I know someone who could help you.”

My eyes lit up. Someone who understood Lost magic better than Hirillë. It was easy to guess it was an incredible person.

“Who is it?”

“It’s the Queen of the Ancient Forest.”

“Ancient Forest?”

I never heard this name. I only knew about the Great Forest of the West and the Great Forest of the North.

“Some believe that this is the first forest that appeared in the world. She is, without any doubt, the most powerful and oldest elf alive.”

“Is she more powerful than you?”

“Yes, there is no doubt about that.”

When she saw my excited face, she quickly extinguished my disillusions.

“You can’t go there yet. I’m only telling you this if you still want to know in the future. The Ancient Forest is in the western part of the West continent. It’s not a place a child can go, especially since it’s close to the border of the two other Human kingdoms. Trust me Sillath, this is not a peaceful place.”

I looked at her in the eyes. Her expression was serious.

“I understand. Anyway, I’m still in a hurry to go back home. Thank you for everything you did for me. I just need to know how to get out of this forest.”

“Don’t worry, I will ask someone to guide you out of the forest, but that’s it. After that, you will be on your own.”

“Thank you very much and don’t worry, everything will be alright.”

She shook her head in denial.

“No, you don’t understand. Did you encounter any hostile creature inside this forest?”

I thought for a bit. As my mind wandered through my memories, I couldn’t help but remember an incredibly dangerous monster.

I raised an eyebrow before answering her sarcastically.

“I remember at least one…”

A helpless smile appeared on her face.

“I’m not talking about Bethil. He is the guardian of the forest. Therefore, if a deviant or people with bad intentions come inside, he will defeat them.”

“You mean eat them…”

“Anyway, this won’t be the case anymore outside the forest. Moreover, human settlements are far from the forest. You will have to cross an important distance before finding a human town. Bandits, vicious animals and deviants aren’t rare there. It’s dangerous, especially for a young child.”

“You know I’m not a child.”

“Maybe inside, but your body is that of a child. You will fall prey to the slave traders when they find a cute little boy alone in the wilderness.”

I stiffened after hearing her words.

Slavers were certainly no joke. I was also a fresh meal for wild animals. I understood what she wanted to tell me.

This trip was dangerous. It would be safer if I waited and trained for a bit in this city.

“How long will it take me to get to the eastern part of the continent?”

“It’s difficult to answer. If you're lucky enough, you will be able to find and rent a Vrapy carriage in the next town. It will be quite fast that way. Do you have any money on you?”

“I don’t.”

I hoped she could lend me some money. It was shameful, but if I could hire someone, it would be much faster.

“I’m sorry Sillath, but I don’t have any Human money either.”

“Oh…”

It wasn’t surprising. Elves didn’t care about money. In this forest, human money was totally useless. Besides, if she wanted something, she could just ask. She was the Queen of one of the Great forests of the elves and a Master mage. Nobody would refuse her anything.

“Don’t worry about that. So how long if I’m on foot?”

"Difficult to say, that depends on the road you will take but if you don't take the 'Blueway' to avoid any unnecessary attention then maybe around a year. Maybe more.”

“A year!”

I couldn’t prevent myself from screaming.

A year was simply too long. I knew it would be impossible to go back home in six weeks, but I never imagined it would be this long. I finally understood the true value of the Vrapy carriage.

“It’s not only because of the distance. You will have to find food by yourself and sometimes make huge detours because of deviants or simply because of the geography.”

“Then I definitely can’t spend more time here. I need to get to the next town quickly so that I can send a letter to my parents.”

She sighed before hugging me.

I was surprised by her reaction.

“Just be careful, ok? Don’t forget what I told you about magic.”

“I won’t forget.”

“You won’t be able to train while shooting magic during your journey, but that doesn’t mean you mustn’t train by reflecting on your magic.”

“You remind me of my mom when you’re giving me advice like this."

She laughed a little, but I felt her uneasiness.

The safest decision for me was to stay in the forest, but it wasn’t the safest decision for my family.

I’ve already made up my mind, for the better or for the worst.

As I went to bed with the Queen, I wasn’t disturbed by her alluring figure or her sweet scent. My thoughts were fixed on the long journey that awaited me.

Wait for me… I’m coming home!