'Despite the Elf calling for Silver, no reaction was seen.'

"Hum… He's gone." Chuckled the Elf

Like the wind… He's truly fast.

"He left the moment he realized I was beyond his league…"

Was I too direct?... I lost my composure.

I am getting old, I can't even hide the same way I used to...

'The Elf showed a surprised expression.'

Isn't he curious?

'His eyes sharpened.'

If I can't get in touch with you like this then…

"Ho? You actually came back?" Said the Elf in surprise as he turned around

'But he noticed that the boy was now without the scarf.'

'And he had a large black halberd in his hand.'

"Hoho… So you left to hide it? Pretty smart." Said the Elf as he put his hands behind his back

'His eyes darted around the place, but he saw nothing, he chuckled and focused his sight back on Silver.'

"..."

'But Silver continued to watch him in silence.'

"It's okay to be on the defensive, I am the reason why your grandparents are hiding after all." Said the Elf as he sat on a box in the alley

'He looked at Silver who was holding his weapon tightly.'

I can hear you thinking from here…

So?... Where do I start?...

"This conflict between me and your grandparents started 40 years ago…"

'But Silver interrupted the Elf.'

"Why are you even doing this?"

"Hum?"

'The Elf was surprised by the question.'

'But he chuckled a bit after thinking, he opened his mouth and said:'

"... That's right, why am I, someone who's been waiting for 40 years, hesitant to kill a young boy to complete my plan?" Asked the Elf to Silver

"Not only that, I am now talking with him as if I knew him from a long time ago…"

"You noticed didn't you? The fact I could've killed you from the very start."

"Was that the reason you came back? Curiosity?" Asked the Elf

'But Silver's expression did not change.'

"... Does it matter? I am not really that hard to be tracked." Said Silver

"You? Certainly aren't… But that's not the reason right?" Said the Elf with a smile, making silver tense up

"That's right, there are people who are much easier to be tracked and used instead of you, that's why you are here." Said the Elf

'The Elf relaxed his expression and looked at the broken wall of the alley.'

"I am doing this because I regret the past and fear the future." Said the Elf as his eyes trembled slightly

"And that's why… I am prepared to take drastic measures, even if it goes against my morals."

"Does that include sending assassins after an old couple?" Asked Silver in anger

'The Elf remained stunned when he heard that.'

"... Do you call them assassins?" Said the Elf as he chuckled

"Am I wrong?" Asked Silver

"... You're not wrong, but you would be mistaken to assume that I sent them for that purpose."

"I gave them one last chance, they were old, their children were not adventurers, and their grandson was still growing up, it was time for them to make a choice, stop living in the past and let go." Said the Elf

Unfortunately... I can't do the same.

Not anymore, so I had to break the promise

"Why do they disagree with you so much?" Asked Silver

"They gave up on adventuring and went to live their own lives after the… Accident our Familia had."

"My greatest regret and my reason for this… No, my reason has already changed."

"In a sense, I played a part in their leave since I actively helped them in doing so."

"I was the vice Captain at the time… No, the Captain since the old one died."

'He lt out a dry laugh as he said that.'

"Because of that incident, I took a new view of what was needed in a Familia, and they didn't agree with my methods and vision."

"To the point, they even stopped me from achieving that when they stole that item you just hid."

"For that reason, I waited 40 years and prepared my best, but your grandparents refused me every single time… My patience has long run thin."

"Perhaps… It all boiled down to… Forget it." Said the Elf in a low tone

"..."

That's a bit too much for a single magic tool, isn't it? If this is one... Although his actions seem to point toward this possibility.

'Silver tried to process everything, just what sort of beef did he have against his grandparents?'

"So why did my grandparents kill the assassins if they were just in there to talk?" Asked Silver

'The Elf smiled mysteriously…'

"My patience has run thin… I am determined to achieve my dreams... Even if I have to use force."

"So why not kill me?" Asked Silver

'The Elf looked at Silver.'

"Because that would go against the very thing I want to achieve, I have no interest in killing talented youngsters."

'A lie...'

'He just wished to atone for the years of tension he had them go through...'

"So the old and useless are fine?" Asked Silver

"Twisting my words is easy." Replied the Elf in annoyance

"So I am not wrong." Said Silver in a low tone

"..."

'The Elf did not reply.'

"I heard enough of the past for now, so what do you mean about the future?" Asked Silver

"To explain the future, we need to visit the past again…" Said the Elf

"To be precise… 12 years ago…" He said

'Silver tried to think, what happened 12 years ago?'

'And then… It came to him.'

"?!"

"Oh? Do you actually know about that event?" Said the Elf with a big smile

"Hohoho… What a surprise, I thought the Guild had censored every single media channel, but to think a countryside boy would find out…" He said as he chuckled

"It's not really a massive secret for the old-timers or those who studied Orario's history and know how to connect the dots."

"But that's enough to not cause widespread chaos."

'He looked at Silver and asked:'

"Do you know what I am talking about? 'Miracle Child'?" Said the Elf in a serious tone

"The… Extermination of the Zeus and Hera Familias?" Said Silver in disbelief

"That's right boy!" Said the Elf as he got up

"The reason why I started to lose my patience! The nightmare that looms over us!" He said loudly, startling Silver

'He stopped talking loudly and took a deep breath to calm down.'

'It seemed this subject had a deep impact on him…'

"Initially, I was more than ready to wait decades to achieve my plan, in fact, that was the promise I made to your grandparents… And probably the reason they are so angry at me."

"That I would wait for them to pass away before collecting the item, and in the meantime, I would watch the world develop and perhaps, change my opinion of things." He said in a sad tone as he remembered the past

For her...

"My opinion almost bent, but what I saw made me rethink everything." He said as he turned his back to Silver

'He stayed like that for a minute before he resumed talking.'

"One Level 9, the Captain of the Hera Familia…"

"One Level 8, the Captain of the Zeus Familia…"

"Several Level 7's… Some with the power to face Level 8's, others with the power to face Level 9's…"

"And several dozen Level 6's… The elite of the elite."

"All of them were equipped with some of the best gear ever conceived in Orario, supported with the best team and items… They lost, badly."

"They died, all of them, in a single night." Said the Elf

"And no one remembers them! No, they were purposely forgotten!" He said as he turned around, looking at Silver

"..."

All of them?

Alfia and Zald survived that though…

Now that I think about it, his words and purpose are slowly aligning with theirs.

How strong was the black dragon so that even Alfia and Zald gave up to despair, putting their faith in the next generation? Even if it meant being remembered as monsters and dying in the process?

Alfia was sick, so I can understand, she didn't have enough time to grow stronger…

And Zald was poisoned, slowly dying... And now… This Elf too?

"And the creature behind this? The Mythical creature, the Black Dragon, is still very much alive."

"Am I supposed to live my life knowing that such a monster is out there?" Said the Elf

"So… The Dragon was so scary that it made you change?" Asked Silver in a sarcastic tone

"..."

'The Elf looked at Silver's unsurprised face and laughed out loud.'

"I don't know if you are confident, or if you are simply rash due to being young."

"..."

Technically… I'm old…

"You are capable, I won't deny that kid." Said the Elf

"Level 2 in one and a half months? Not only that, but you are also very strong, I saw your fight against the Captain of the Tityos Familia."

"You did?" Asked Silver in surprise

"Of course I did, in fact… I've been watching you since then."

"?!"

I didn't realize it... Fuck...

"Kid, I can imagine what you are thinking right now, don't underestimate me just because you are a bit talented."

"So, let's say you keep a consistent speed. How long would it take for you to reach Level 7? 9?"

"15 years? 20 years? Perhaps less, 10 years?" He said as he speculated

"This generation has some of the most talented individuals in the past century, the Sword Princess and the King are both good examples of that."

'Both took similar times to reach Level 5, they are indeed very talented.'

"As long as you have time… Is that what you believe?" He asked

"..."

'Silver did not reply.'

"What if you don't have time?" Replied the Elf

"... What do you mean?" Asked Silver

"... It doesn't matter for now anyway."

"Of course it does!" Said Silver in anger

'The Elf stared at Silver and let out a sigh.'

"The Black dragon slept for 1000 years, only to have its slumber perturbed by the Zeus and Hera Familia, don't you think that's a bit too long and peaceful for the ultimate creature conceived by the Dungeon?"

"Personally, I already found it impressive that it simply vanished after the fight, something very unusual." Said the Elf

It's not really confirmed, but on the year of the fight, a country was actually destroyed and erased from the map, but I have no confirmation it was the Black Dragon.

"The previous two targets of the three great tasks, the Behemoth and the Leviathan were known to stay in their own territories and not leave, being rarely seen."

"But the Black Dragon? It vanished. It is considered a Myth because no one has ever seen it since its first appearance in the past."

"Meaning, something must've been preventing it from moving, since ancient times."

"And what? Are you telling me I have to live the rest of life in fear of a creature that may never move for the next 1000 years?" Asked Silver

'His answer surprised the Elf once again.'

"Is that how you react? What about the future? Are you okay with…" Said the Elf

"The future? How far in the future are we talking about? 100 years? Or more? If that's the case I don't care."

"And when did your own personal grudges and problems transform into something that affects the whole world? Are you trying to become a Hero?"

"What does all of this have to do with the Black Dragon!?" Asked Silver as he interrupted the Elf

'The Elf tightened his fists.'

"'What?' You ask? Allow me to answer you!"

'The Elf pulled something from his pocket and threw it at Silver.'

'It was a bunch of badly written words in red, most likely dried blood.'

'It seemed as if whoever wrote this was really weak physically... Or deeply shaken by something.'

'It read: Wings that engulf the temple of Gods… Soon after the daughter of the spirits reaches Level 5.'

"?... Is this supposed to mean anything?" Said Silver

Daughter of the spirits?...

"That in your hands are the last letters of the last Elven prophet that died last century, you may not understand what that means, but in short, the Elven prophet is a diviner and a symbol of the elves…"

"And the one she is talking about here is none other than Ais Wallenstein… Daughter of Aria, the Great Spirit of Wind and…"

"Albert Wallenstein, the strongest Human to ever exist."

"?!"

This shit keeps getting more ridiculous…

"So… If I processed this exactly…" Said Silver as he had a headache

"Ais Wallenstein reached Level 5 within this year, so it's safe to assume that…" Said the Elf

"That's not it! How in the name of the Gods did you reach the conclusion that the person mentioned in this prophecy is Ais?! There is a 1000-year gap between them!" Said Silver in a loud tone

I know she is their child, what I am confused about is how this guy actually figured that out.

Ais existence was always a mystery…

How a Human had a child with a spirit, something that was seen as impossible.

And how she is 1000 years in the future…

"Oh… That… You don't need to know that boy, it's something we Elves have been hiding for a long time, so much so that most nobles forgot."

Another blatant lie but… It doesn't matter.

"Alright, I understand why you are so tense and pressed for time, all because of this bullshit…"

'The Elf eyes twitched.'

"I don't mind if you don't believe me, but do not bad mouth our traditions!" He said in anger

"Right… It may be today, or it may be in 20 years, 'soon' isn't exactly precise, what do you plan to achieve until that time? And how does that connect to my grandparents and the… Fucking scarf?!"

"They really didn't tell you… I guess that's their style." Said the Elf

"That scarf you've been wearing so far without a care in the world is the last remnant of Albert." Said the Elf as he crossed his arms

'Silver stopped moving...'

"A magic item that has been blessed by the Great spirit of wind, Aria, and the only item that survived that fight."

'Silver mouth opened wide...'

"Imbued with the essence of the last Hero and the blood he took from the Black dragon's eye!"

'Silver almost took a step back...'

"It's a magic tool of immense historical and actual power… The key to all of this!" Said the Elf

'Silver was incredibly shocked… Kind of.'

'His fluffy white scarf was actually 1000 years old?! Wtf?'

'It had such sublime origins?!'

"..."

Wasn't Albert Scarf… I forgot the color.

It's been too long for such a minor detail…

(It's red)

"... Alright! Fuck it. Let's say it's indeed everything you said." Replied Silver as he scratched his head

"How did you get your hands on such an item, and what does it do to make you so… Euphoric?" Said Silver

"..."

'But the Elf didn't seem too keen on talking any longer after he heard that.'

'Nevertheless, he looked at Silver and said:'

"Now? It does nothing, an incomplete item that has long lost its essence, its power lays dormant..."

"As for the rest… It doesn't matter to you kid." Said the Elf

"I already said enough, make your choice."

"Give me the item, I…"

"Alright, I will give it to you, but, I have a condition. I just need you to do two things for me." Said Silver with a thin smile

"Oh? Just ask me… You are surprisingly cooperative, did you understand there is no point in trying to flee?" Asked the Elf

"Of course there is, I can just return to the Loki Familia and ask for their Help." Replied Silver blatantly

"Ho! That would risk the item, it might fall into Loki's hand…"

"And why would I care who is in possession of this item? Better that girl than you." Said Silver

"..."

"I am not that greedy over an item to a point where I would bet my life on it."

I don't even know what this does.

"That's because you don't know its value." Replied the Elf

Not greedy huh... Someone as talented as him surely understands about the wall...

Everyone has their limits, a point at which their status stops changing...

The agony and the helplessness of not being able to improve anymore, despite you working to the bone every day.

I wonder how he will react once he finds out what this does?...

"You kept saying it's valuable and that is the key to this predicament, but if that's the case, why don't you ask for help from some of the stronger Familias? The ones that are actually trying to improve and are worthy of this?"

"In fact! Why don't you just give the item to Ais herself?" Asked Silver

"..."

"Of course you can't reply… And that's my question."

"Answer me, what do you plan to use this item for?"

'The Elf smiled.'

"To breach my limits." He said

"..."

That's it?

"Just in order to get stronger?" asked Silver

"It's way more than just strength." He said

"If all of those incredible Heroes and warriors failed when faced with the Black Dragon, then who am I to try?" He said

"What I want… Is to buy time." Said the Elf as he looked at Silver's eyes

"What?" Said Silver in surprise once again

"I am old, and I have reached my limits… But with this item, I can break these chains and grow to a New Level."

And I will repeat that as many times as necessary...

"And when the time comes, I will hold the sky in the hopes that the growing trees will one day be able to do the same."

"That's what I wish to do… This is the power of this item."

"With it, you can become limitless!" He said in a loud tone

'Silver's mouth opened.'

'He knew very well about the many types and forms of magic and magic tools.'

'The power of such tools is directly correlated to the complexity of their creation.'

'If he understood it right, this tool was capable of making someone go beyond the limit of Levels just by having it!'

'It doesn't make sense…'

"I don't believe it. And in any case, no one is asking this of you!" Said Silver bluntly

"Too bad, I only speak the truth… Now, I answered your question, tell me your second request… But be warned, if you do not comply with what you said, the consequences will spread beyond you." He said

"It's nothing too much really… Fight me." Said Silver

'The Elf's eyes opened wide.'

"Do you want a spar boy?"

"Spar, fight, whatever."

"If you want this item, then take it from my neck." Said Silver as he pulled the scarf from his pocket

"!"

Was it in his pocket all along? No, he pulled it from somewhere else…

What an interesting kid!

"Alright, I can do that." Said the Elf as he opened the box he had previously sat on top

'He took a thin rapier and a red orb connected to a small tree branch, holding it like a wine chalice.'

"I don't think I introduced myself yet, so I'll do it now." He said as he swung his rapier around, making cutting sounds in the air

"I, Aetos kaukas, Captain of the Prometheus Familia, accept your challenge!" He said as he swung his rapier down, entering a stance

'The Elf and the Human stood in there facing each other...'

'A face-off to determine the future...'

…

.

.

.