{[Trust can only be earned.]}

Three weapon barrels aimed deep into the cave. Wong moved in first, aiming left and scanning right. Ashner did the same, except he aimed right and scanned left. Gio aimed straight ahead. In a second, the three had secured the cave.

“It’s clear.” Ashner motioned for the others to join them.

The female elves walked in, followed by Alex and Risa.

Ashner had more or less prepared the group for this journey.

He carried his gear, food, spare ammo and kept some space in his duffle bag in case they had an opportunity to carry gold.

Wong wore a smaller medical bag. He had taken it upon himself to bring morphine and adrenaline shots. Not to mention everything needed to save or sever a limb. His weapon also had an attached 203 grenade launcher. On his chest, he carried three spare rounds.

Gio was the most heavily armed. He carried the spare ammo. Not to mention his 249 SAW. He was short, but he carried that weapon around like it was made of plastic.

Risa carried a backpack with food. The three had a choice between carrying military MREs or the cheapest food in the world… As three seasoned soldiers who have lived off the rations for months, the choice was a no-brainer. Ramen noodles won. She still carried the sword she had taken off the dead human. It was basic and a little too large for her. Risa hadn't complained. If anything, she was grateful she had a weapon she can use.

Alex carried an M9 and water. He wasn't very strong, but he would do his part.

The elves all sported hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, and they each carried extra food and water.

Pointy eared, slim, and beauty without measure. The three girls were a spectacle to the eyes in their human clothes.

“Holy ears!” Gio and Wong studied Risa and Alex. “Where did those come from?”

In this world, the status I bought for those two must wear off.

Both the slaves gave Ashner an odd eyebrow raise.

“I spent XP to create a permanent illusion, so what you see is how they really look."

“Word?" Gio grabbed Alex's tail, making him yelp. "It's real!"

“No touching the tail." Alex glared at Gio, who gave him a back tap.

Lina studied their reactions with her fingernail bit between her fingers.

She’s going to learn as much as she can from us. Smart move.

As they walked out of the cave, the girls were very silent. The clothes and armor of her people and the slavers were still littered around the cave.

“Which way?” Ashner asked, but Lina guided them. She walked in the opposite direction of the town.

The two elves with daggers circled Risa.

She holds some level of authority.

“How common are monsters in this world?” Asked Wong.

“They're common and live in nests. But the more souls that the Dead God devours, the more dungeons are created."

“Dungeons?”

"A place that the light never touches. That becomes a manifestation of the Dead God and his will. Monsters will emerge and attack every human or demi it runs across." Lina focused on the world, trying to recall her path. "If enough souls are collected, another dungeon will emerge, and more monsters will spawn from it."

“Master,” Alex butted in. “The cave we use, that was a dungeon, but it was a small one.”

So if mankind and demi-kind decided to unite and destroy these monsters, they could create a world like mine.

“How can you use magic?” Asked Wong, making it crystal clear that was the thing he was most curious about.

“The First God gave that gift to all mankind… You're human, but you don't use magic… How particular… Is it possible that the First God didn't create your kind?"

Wong shrugged. Truthfully he wasn't very religious, but he didn't discredit the idea of a God.

“Using magic is referred to as mana. Think of it as a muscle." Lina flexed her slim arm. "The more you use it, the stronger you get. In my case, I'm not very strong. I'm limited to using weak attacks… So when we find the reanimated bodies of the Neku clan. We're going to have to fight our way through it. We might have to fight through the night."

Menu, show me Lina’s magic stats.

Combat skills – 0

Powers – Sub-race

Light Magic – 4

Show me subclass powers for Light.

Light Sub Powers -

Buff Accuracy – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Buff Senses – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Buff Speed – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Buff Stealth – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Buff Strength – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Buff Target’s Accuracy – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Buff Target’s Senses – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Buff Target’s Speed – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Buff Target’s Stealth – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Buff Target’s Strength – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Cleanse Corpse – Level 4 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Detect Life – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Detect Illusion – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Flash of Light – Level 1 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Future Sight – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Hide Aura – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Holy Blast – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Light Shield – Level 1 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Share Mana – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

Steal Mana – Level 0 – XP Required 5 Per Level

So her powers consist of buffing herself or her target and cleaning souls. It's a shame she has no powers to heal. I'm also curious about Future Sight and Holy Blast. She also doesn't have any fighting abilities. So far, Risa is the only warrior I can rely on, other than Wong and Gio. Her speed is essential. Plus, if I fight another warrior that can summon those shadow dogs. I'm fucked.

The group moved out of the forest and followed a road. It wasn't very traveled due to the growing vegetation on the path. In the distance, a bird landed on a branch. It was similar to an owl, with a third eye and red feathers. Its head tilted and stayed steady on the group.

“That’s spectacular…” Wong stopped and gave all his attention to the owl. “Life here is similar, yet different.”

Gio glanced at it. “I bet it tastes delicious.”

“Really?”

“I wanna try the food out here.” He licked his lips as his eyes went to the elves. “And the locals…”

"Why are you so primitive? We're in another world, and all you can think of is food and sex?"

“Yes… What do you think about?” Gio was curious.

"How the weather affects this world's environment, how killing a monster creates gold. The people and their cultures, the ability to use magic, and where we are in the universe… Or maybe we’re in another dimension. Either way, this world has so many questions that I want answers for."

“… Nerd.”

“Simpleton…”

Both the guys glared at each other, then giggled.

"I missed you, Gio," Wong admitted. "You were gone for too long."

“Thanks for taking care of me while I took my nap.”

The two were far away from Ashner and the others.

"You don't have to thank me. You're my friend. I would've done it even if you never woke up."

Gio glanced at Ashner, who had made his way to the elves. "Ashner's quieter than he used to be. Why didn't you reach out to him?"

“I tried. But you can’t help someone who doesn’t want help… Give him some time. He’ll go back to that cheerful idiot we used to know.”

“I hope so.”

Ashner walked up the Lina, with Risa behind him. The girls still held some level of caution when he was near them. More so than with Wong and Gio. They had witnessed firsthand how far Ashner would go with violence. Lina was the only elf who didn’t fear him.

As he approached her, she was gasping for air.

We've been walking for a few hours now. But why is she out of breath?

“Lina. What is Future Sight and Holy Light?” Ashner asked.

"Future sight is an ability that allows a light user to see possibilities in their lives. It's not a very reliable power. Since the future is always changing." Lina answered. The other elves were keeping their guards up. "And Holy light is a wide-scale ability to cleanse corpses within a certain distance. A body emits the purest power of the Innovative God. And all corpses enter their afterlife.”

Future sight might not be reliable if it's not leveled up… But holy light is effective enough to wipe out masses of walking corpses. I need to level her up to use that.

"You can't use those powers," Ashner stated. But this only confused the elves.

“How do you know that?” Lina raised her eyebrow.

The people of this world don’t have a leveling system. I only have this knowledge because I can see her stats. I shouldn’t give out too much information to them. Only what they need to know.

“How long does it take to learn that ability?”

“It can't be done. I can use light magic. But without a proper grimoire, I can't use that spell. Most grimoires were destroyed in the wars we've had against mankind. It's impossible to use that power."

So she needs a grimoire to unlock the ability to use that power.

"What if I told you I can give you that ability right now."

“That’s impossible.” She caught her breath. “But if I had that power… I would be considered a saint. Before the wars, demi’s and humans with light affinities were renowned as saints that held back the power of the Dead God… But that time is gone. Humans allow our kind to be devoured as punishment for resisting slavery… We’re an example to all demi-kind.”

At one time, humans and demi's had peace? I wonder what changed that.

"Nothing is impossible." Ashner put his hand on her shoulder. She glanced at it. Normally she despised when men touched her. But Ashner held some influence over her. He was both terrifying and intriguing.

Menu, level up Lina’s Holy Blast to level ten.

The menu popped up and spun.

XP:940

Holy Blast – Level 10 – Maxed Out

Lina stepped away from Ashner, conflicted with a new form to use her mana. She touched her chest then gave a delighted and terrified glance at Ashner.

“What did you do?”

“Use Holy Blast.”

The other elves took a step back with Lina.

Lina sensed the peaceful aura that overtook her body whenever she used her light power. She glowed white then a blast of white light overtook the group… As quickly as she used it, her power faded.

The elves stayed silent, including Lina.

"That was a high-level holy blast… How?" The elves surrounded Lina, but she had no answers. Her eyes just stayed on Ashner. Who had just become more intriguing to her. “You’re amazing.”

“Use that power when we find Risa’s people.” Ashner moved ahead to stay in formation with Wong and Ashner. Lina, on the other hand, smirked.

*******

“We'll rest here tonight," Ashner announced to the group. The sun was starting to set, and the group had managed to find the remains of a destroyed tower. It had decent shelter, and the building was falling apart from neglect, not from destruction.

“What are the odds of monsters attacking us here?” Ashner asked Lina.

“We’ve been out in the sunlight all day. Monsters come to be in dark, isolated areas. But they on occasion roam into the world under cover of moonlight."

“Then we’ll make a guard schedule for the night.” Ashner took off his backpack and started readying his sleeping bag. Both Lina and Risa were in awe that he was able to fit three sleeping bags in his bag. They had taken enough for each member to sleep in one. Sadly they would have to make do without pillows.

"Travelers would pay good platinum for something that convenient," Lina commented.

“In my world. All soldiers are given these.”

Lina moved her sleeping back next to Ashner. Risa saw this and did the same.

Their sudden interest confused Ashner.

Lina seems interested in my world… And Risa is keeping me safe. She's desperate to save her people… And doesn't really trust the elf.

"Tell me about your world." Lina teased. Behind her, the two female elves were taking the first watch. The sun had just set, and the group was readying themselves.

Wong had gone out of his way to collect firewood, and Gio and Alex were getting dinner ready.

"You shouldn't bother our master," Risa warned. She kept her hand on her weapon.

"What's the harm in asking?" Lina sized up Risa. "We're all aware you're only protecting him for your own benefit. Plus, you need me to cleanse the bodies of your fallen comrades. Why are you cautious around me?"

Risa did not answer. She just kept glaring at Lina.

“Very well.” Risa leaned on Ashner, putting her shoulder on his. “What are humans like in your world?”

Ashner gazed down at the fire that Wong was lighting.

“They’re dark… Broken… And will use anything they can to get ahead… Betraying each other for their own benefit… Never taking a second to consider the feelings of others…”

Lina wasn't expecting that answer. She had good incite. But she was naive to the pain in Ashner's heart. Until that moment.

"At least humans in this world openly show their cruelty… In mine, they hide it until they can use it most effectively against you."

“You’re lying.” Lina studied Ashner. “Because you’re nothing like that, and neither are those two.”

Ashner stood up and walked to the fire, breaking away from Lina's clinginess. "That's enough talking. Get some rest." He grabbed his sleeping bag and moved away from the girls. Ashner wasn't in the mood to talk to them.

"He's a hard man to read," Lina spoke to Risa.

"Ashner is a kind man… But he’s broken inside…" Risa glared at Lina. "You're good at concealing your true intentions and how deep your hatred for humans goes. You won't deceive me, elf. Your eyes give away more than your voice does… That's why I'm warning you… If you plan on betraying him… I will end you..."

“Enough with the threats, neku." Lina was tired of her distrust. "What did he do that made you so fierce?"

“He… Showed me mercy… Then he gave me hope…”

"I do hate humans…" Lina admitted. "My intentions are not to kill him… If he truly is willing to give my people freedom. Then maybe one day he might take every one of my kin as slaves, then free us… Never allowing another human to claim us… That is my true goal… So stop readying yourself to kill me…"

Risa smiled and moved her hand away from her sword. “If you want anything from Ashner, let him make that choice on his own… Another thing, don’t play with his heart. That’s the part of him that’s most broken.”

Lina sighed. “Very well.”

Ashner found Alex and Gio huddled up together watching anime on the DVD player Wong had given him. He even had a portable solar-powered device to charge it.

"Why did you bring that?" Ashner asked. Gio was just carrying dead weight.

“Culture exchange.” Gio teased.

“That’s not even our culture. It’s Japan’s.”

"It's our world's culture… Plus… I need to know how this season ends. And since Alex took an interest, I restarted the whole series."

Ashner shook his head. “Get some rest. We should arrive tomorrow.”

“We will.” Gio giggled. “After a few episodes.”

Ashner got inside his sleeping bag and went to sleep.

*******

The sun rose. Everyone had taken watch over the night.

Ashner was the last one. He watched the sunrise in the distance.

This world has a similar night and day cycle as our world.

Risa awoke first. Her ears wiggled as she yawned and stretched.

She’s just like a cat.

Lina arose. She had slept in just her shirt. Her face showed signs of struggling to wake up. Her purple eyes looked at the dying fire pit. She changed inside the sleeping bag and put her pants on.

The other elves were already awake. They were eating the breakfast Ashner had prepared. More ramen.

The food was portable, and the demi's all adored it.

Lina had been quieter than usual, keeping an air of patience with Ashner.

Her elf friends spoke to her in elven.

Menu, buy Language Proficiency.

XP:935

"We can't trust them." The elf warned.

"When was the last time you talked to a human who didn't look down on you?" Lina retaliated. Her friend stayed silent. "I know this might sound weird, but I'm taking the word of that neku. Let's give them a chance."

Against her own instincts, the elf nodded and ended the argument there.

In a few minutes, everyone armored up, and they walked into the world again. This time they crossed a mellow filled with wild grass, occasional trees, and some plants that looked similar to Yukka's, except they were bright purple and dark blue.

As they walked, a large animal caught their attention. Ashner aimed his sight at it.

The animal looked like a rhino with the stripes of a zebra. It had two tails and four horns.

"What is that?" Asked Wong, delighted with the discovery of yet another animal. He had stopped a few times to study some bugs and even some plants.

“That’s a Java.” Lina answered his question. “They’re docile creatures, as long as you keep your distance.”

"I wonder what it tastes like." Gio's mouth was salivating.

"Its meat is rough. I don't recommend eating one unless you're on the blink of starvation. Their flesh is strong. It's why monsters rarely prey on them."

"Humm." Wong brought his hand to his head. "The animals in your world survive because they have the means to defend themselves against monsters."

“They on occasion kill monsters, but they’re smart enough to know when they should run away.”

Ashner lowered his weapon and kept on their path.

A few hours later, they found themselves on the edge of a dense forest. Ashner glanced at Lina, who was out of breath. Her elf friends gave her water.

She’s not as energetic as the other girls. I wonder why that is.

“This place is called the Timor Forest. A trial for humans.” Lina announced to the group once she caught her breath. "The reason humans haven't found our home is because this place affects your race in an odd way… Every human that's entered has left running in fear."

"Why is that?" Wong asked curiously.

"You see your worst fear when you enter the forest. This only affects humans… The secret is to keep moving forward. Regardless of what you see."

“Just humans?” Gio looked at his friends. “Is that possible?”

"It's possible," Wong butted in, "this forest might emit some kind of toxin that affects a human's mental state temporarily. If it's just an illusion, then it should be easy to break out of."

"Even if you should fail, we will carry you into our village," Lina reassured. "The effects of the trial are only limited to the forest. And once you go through it once, you never need to endure it again."

"Your body will start to resist it naturally," Wong commented.

Risa readied her sword. "If you're lying, I'll cut you down first."

Lina smirked at the cat-girl. "You won't do it. You need me to cleanse the bodies of your kin."

Risa glared at her. Lina still held all the power.

The busty elf moved a stubborn strand of hair behind her ear. "If you're so unsure, then our master can make it an order."

Risa waited for Ashner’s response. Eager for him to comply.

“No. I won't order that." Ashner stepped up to get face to face with Lina. She stood about half a head shorter than him. "You still want to use what we can offer you. If we die, then that deal goes with us… If anything, the deal you made with Risa is what's at risk. That's the promise I want you to hold more dearly… For now, I'm choosing to trust you."

Lina smiled. "Then let's move forward. The test is overbearing. So no matter what you see… Don't use your weapons."

The three guys shrugged and turned their weapon’s selective-fire from fire to safe. To ensure they wouldn't harm anyone or anything.

“No monsters enter the forest. The effects of the trees keep them far away from this location. It’s also why we chose to make our home here.”

The guys studied the forest. It was so thick, and it seemed to push away the sunlight from above. They couldn't see much, but if the elves were telling the truth, they just had to move forward.

“What are we waiting for?” Gio pushed ahead with a big smile.

“I hope this isn't permanent." Wong stepped behind him.

Ashner stood silent for a little while until Alex and Risa urged him to move forward.

I already know what my worst fear is…

The three walked forward, the air had become humid, and the group circled around some trees that were so wide it would take several semi-trucks to wrap around it once. The roots were so thick and large the guys found themselves crawling on all fours from time to time.

Even with all their gear, the three guys were doing great. Alex and the elves were struggling to keep up.

“What are those?” Gio pointed into a thicket of trees. Floating like ghosts were blue balls of fire. They flew into the trees and passed through them without leaving so much as a burn.

“Wisps." Lina recognized them, "They tend to all the trees here. Ensuring they have enough nutrients. Even in the winter, this forest never withers."

“Our world doesn’t have those things.” Gio was delighted. “Can I touch them?”

“No, they don't have a physical body, nor can they rationalize thoughts properly. If you move towards them, they'll either panic and flee or flat out ignore you."

“Maybe I can capture something from this world and take it as a pet into mine.” Gio smiled.

“No,” Wong lectured him, “that might destroy our own ecosystem.”

The two started bickering, then silence.

Ashner glanced left then right.

Everyone was gone.

He was alone in the forest.

This is the test.

Nothing happened. Ashner kept moving forward, this time alone.

A weeping girl materialized in front of him. It was Melissa, draped in a white dress. With blood going down her legs. Ashner held his breath.

“YOU FAILED ME!”

Her voice echoed into the dark forest. Ashner lowered his head.

I did fail you… There isn’t a night that I don’t recall your worst day.

Ashner walked up to the illusion, fully aware that she wasn't real. He studied her eyes. That was the only thing the illusion couldn't replicate properly since they lacked life.

“You failed me.” She cried. “I needed someone… Anyone…”

“I know.”

“Failing is just as bad as committing the deed." Her eyes shifted between colors. From brown to green to purple. Now that Ashner pictured her. He didn't know her eye color.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, you're not!" She hissed. "How can you say that! What kind of hero fails!"

Ashner’s heart tugged against his chest.

“I’m not a hero.”

“You’re a loser.” The girl’s voice whimpered.

“The whole world hates me… No matter what I do… So please, accept that as your revenge…”

She shook her head. “You need that hate.”

Ashner raised his eyebrow.

“As long as they hate you, you have a reason to hate yourself." Her dress started ripping around her chest and legs. "If they stopped hating you, then you would need to face your own reality… Your loneliness and emptiness… That's what you fear most… As darkness falls on another day, your light will dim beyond the horizon… You'll be all alone, and your soul will freeze alongside your heart… There is no hope buried deep within you…"

"Is that true?"

The girl touched his face. It was colder than ice.

Ashner shook with regrets and pain. He would've preferred the gazes of hatred, the crap people say behind his back over this… He wanted the pain to stop, and for a split second, he wanted to die…

"Don't you dare quit… Ashner, stand up and fight. You know what's right inside your heart. And you're not alone… You never were… It's time to wake up… My hero."

*******

Ashner lifted his hand up. He was on a bed. To his side was Alex sleeping on the floor and Risa with her hand on her blade. The outside had started growing dark.

“Where are we?” He asked.

“With the elves… You’re the last to wake up from the trial.”

Ashner recalled the trial and questioned why she had given him hope. This was supposed to be a test of fear, not encouragement. So why had she called him her hero?

“Who’s Melissa?” Asked the neku. Her voice was filled with disappointment.

Ashner gritted his teeth.

If I tell her, she’ll hate me too.

“She’s someone I failed… Please don’t mention her name again.”

Risa didn't acknowledge him. Instead, she stepped out of the room. Suppose they could even call that place a room. They were in the ruins of a destroyed castle. It was well taken care of and cleaned. But they hadn't bothered repairing the damage.

Lina entered the room. She had changed into an elven dress. It was a thin white fabric with a touch of green.

But she kept the shoes he had bought her. She studied Ashner. He was no longer wearing his armor.

“You were the last one to pass the trial." Ashner looked at his hands. They were shaking. "I didn't tell you one thing… Only righteous human souls may enter our domain."

“You were testing us once more. Had we failed, would we have died?”

“Yes. This is my home. I will risk everything to keep it safe… Especially from humans."

Ashner stood up, irritated, but he didn't blame her. Lina was a force to be feared. Once he got up, he rationalized something. He was naked. Lina got a full-on view. She peered down and smiled.

“What the hell?" Ashner was drowsy, and the test had dulled his senses. He grabbed the covers and looked around the room. Sure enough, Alex was using his clothes as a pillow.

“I personally saw to changing you… I needed to make sure you didn't have any hidden weapons…" She enjoyed the blush this gave Ashner. "The queen wants to meet the three humans that saved us."

“Queen?” Ashner wasn’t expecting that.

“Yes, as promised, my kin haven't tried to harm you. Even with my freed slave crest."

She took a step towards the door. "Get dressed. We still need to negotiate."

Ashner nodded and obeyed. He grabbed his clothes and jerked them out from underneath Alex. The demi-dog twirled to his side and started mumbling something about ramen noodles.

Dressed and prepared, the group walked into the only part of the castle that wasn't in utter ruins. The hallway was cooler than the outside world. And beautiful flowers bloomed from every corner of the castle. It gave every room its own unique aroma.

They arrived at what Ashner presumed was the throne room. A single-seat, made of wood and the clear color of Mythril, with designs of trees carved into the wood. It was the very essence of authority.

Around them were dozens of elves. They were all gorgeous.

Both the men and the women. The three guys didn't admit it, but they were subconscious about themselves.

They did have one thing that differed from the male elves. They were all in excellent shape. In contrast, all the male elves were skinny.

The female elves were all slim, and most of them had small to average-sized chests and butts. Most of them had clothes that revealed their slim waists. Their hair colors ranged from blonde to green and even some light and dark blue.

“Lina." A mature voice echoed, immediately all the elves knelt down. The rest of the group stood there confused and glanced at one another. Behind the throne was a wooden door. Out from it walked a woman towards them. An elf, one bustier than Lina and with a larger hip ratio. Her stomach wasn't as slim as Lina's, but she wasn't chubby in the slightest. Her breasts and ass stood out above everything else. "I'm glad you survived."

“Holy mother of thickness.” Gio ogled her, his mouth opened.

Wong elbowed his friend's side. "Dude, you're salivating."

Gio wiped his mouth… “Can you blame me? I’m down with the thickness.”

“Seriously? She’s a queen.” Wong lectured as the elf walked towards them, surrounded by four guards.

“Wong." She looked at him, curious about his Asian features, next. She went to Ashner. "You're their owner." Then lastly, she evaluated Gio, who smiled as she got close. "You're Gio."

“It’s a pleasure.” Gio gave her a wink.

The Queen tilted her head. Unaware of what a wink meant, she shrugged it off. "My people were attacked when we were gathering food. They were taken by slavers. From what my sisters told me. Ashner killed them with the help of his neku slave."

Ashner glanced at Risa and Alex. They were the only ones still armed.

The elves had taken away their guns.

“I ordered her to kill them.”

“Was it to take them as your own?” She asked.

“No, I wasn’t aware slaves could be passed like that.”

The Queen glanced at Lina and spoke in an elven language. Ashner understood every word they said, but they weren't aware. He had no intention of telling them either. This gave him some leverage.

“Lina, why are you standing up for these short ears? You've always been a rebel. But even so, this is too much. If he's a master that freed his slaves from the death curse. Then why shouldn't we kill them and liberate our sisters?"

“Elana, if I wanted to kill them, I would've done it while they slept. And you didn't see what I saw. These humans are not from our world. Their world makes clothes and weapons that far surpass our own. If we harm them and their people retaliate, then the high elves will be no more."

“Little sister." The Queen tapped her fingers on the throne. "Humans are not a race you should ever trust. They're violent, prone to destruction, and value themselves over anything and everything. Even if they're from another world, I need proof that they're better."

Lina smirked. “Then you should ask our other sisters?”

“Other sisters?” She raised her eyebrow. “Only three of you returned.”

Lina glanced at Ashner and spoke what he assumed was this world’s common tongue. “Please open the door to the white room. Allow my kin to return home…”

Ashner nodded and headed to a nearby door that led to a kitchen. He tapped his key on it, the door slowly shifted.

Lina withheld information from her sister. What an odd thing to do.

Ashner opened the door. The elves waited in anticipation. Then one by one, the girls walked out of the white room. Found their loved ones and rushed towards them. Exchanging hugs and kisses.

They weren't just happy to return home. They were full of energy and life.

Some walked towards Wong and started talking to him. Their conditions had improved.

The girls also walked out with their wounded elf friend. She smiled, and her eyes watered. After the nightmare they endured, they were finally home.

“Sister," Lina spoke loud enough for everyone to hear, in the common tongue no less. "These humans not only protected us from slavers, but they also gave us food, water, clothes, shelter, and medicine. The illness our people have can be cured with their help. Our fortunes can change if we trust them… Every single one of us knows how bad our situation is. We're trapped in this forest, and we can't leave because we have more sick than we can carry. Please, my Queen, trust in me. Not just as your younger sister, but as a woman who wants our race to survive."

The Queen pondered in her thoughts for a while. She focused on how the slaves interacted with the humans. They were timid around Gio and Ashner, but they were completely comfortable around Wong. He had healed them. And honestly, he was the least brutish-looking one.

“Ashner." The Queen addressed him. "If it were up to me, I'd kill you and the rest of your humans to free my kin… My sister is a lot of things… But she isn't a fool… We will treat you like one of our own."

Ashner nodded.

“If I may be so bold to ask." She continued. "How did you cleanse my people from their illness."

Ashner glanced at Wong, who was occupied memorizing the progress of all the wounded elves.

Wong sighed. "I have medicine that will cure them… From what I gathered, your people have not been drinking purified water. Because of that, their health has started to fade."

The Queen nodded. "You're very intelligent, human. My people don't have access to clean water inside these halls."

“If you're willing to let me, I'll look at every one of your subjects."

The Queen looked at their subjects, the ones who had already taken his medicine. The girls nodded.

“Very well. You have my permission to inspect my people." The elves grabbed Wong's hand and urged him to move away from the crowd. They were taking him to a part of the castle where their sickest patients were.

“We can provide you with clean water." Ashner announced, "We also have plenty of food and clothing… All we ask in return is gold."

“How much gold?" The Queen motioned to her servant, who ran off into her room.

“A gold coin should be enough to clothe and feed your people for a few days. The more we have, the better items we can provide.”

The Queen looked up and left. Debating something in her head. "A single gold coin won't buy us anything… Wouldn't you prefer being paid in platinum or mythril?"

Ashner shook his head. "Gold has more value than mythril… If you give us some time once we return home, we can gather dozens of supplies and trade among each other."

The Queen touched her chin, as she did, Gio studied her body. She was sheer perfection to him. As he did, the Queen's handmaiden returned with a small treasure box decorated in platinum.

She grabbed it and walked up to Ashner. Studying his eyes, looking for any sign of subterfuge, but there was none.

“All we have is five thousand gold coins… Will this be enough to clothe and feed my people?”

Ashner smiled.

That’s less than what I have now. But who’s going to say no to an offer this good.

"This is more than enough. If you give us a few days, we will return with supplies and food." The Queen sat back down on her throne.

“I'm not certain if I can trust your words, but it's just gold. We're not risking much." The Queen spoke to her people. "None of you are allowed to harm our guests… If you do, you'll face my wrath." Her words were a threat. "Spread the word. Oh, Lina, you're in charge of negotiating with the humans. You brought them here, so you'll take responsibility."

She stood and returned to her room. Her guards and handmaiden followed behind her.

Gio stayed frozen in place. And the rest of the elves walked away. A few of them carried swords. Ashner took in that they were ready to attack them. Even if they defied the orders of their Queen, he walked up to Gio.

“How can someone so perfect exist?" Gio's eyes were enchanted. "Elana is so hot… Do you think she likes anime?"

“I doubt she’s ever seen anime.”

“That's my 'in'. I wonder if I can marry her?"

“Dude, she’s a queen.”

“That just makes her hotter. Good thing I brought my DVD player. I'll start her off with my favorite animes."

Ashner shook his head. “Just don’t piss her off.”

“I got this…” Gio smiled confidently.

“Please, don’t fuck this up.”

“I swear that I won’t.”

Ashner glared at him.

“I swear on Emilia.”

Ashner bared his fangs.

“Fine… Fine… I swear on Rem… Happy?”

“Yeah.”

“By the way.” Gio sighed loudly. “What did you see in your illusion?”

Ashner didn't want to go too deeply into details. It was obvious, so Gio answered first.

“I saw my dad…" Gio's eyes shifted like he was reliving a world he lost. "He wasn't always a good man. He used to drink and get violent… That's the reason my mom left us… She was scared I would end up just like him… So one night, she packed up her things and drove away… I never saw her again."

“I'm sorry, Gio."

“Don't be… After that day, my dad quit drinking. It took him some time, but he became a good dad… He told me, 'Sometimes you have to lose it all to become someone better.'"

Ashner recalled his own test. "I saw Melissa… She wasn't real, but I sensed all her pain… I failed her…"

Gio stayed silent. “I should’ve been there. Together we could’ve kicked all their asses.”

“But you weren't… And I don't blame you…" Ashner hated this topic. He changed it. "So what did Wong see?"

“He refused to tell me. Wong said it was too personal to share. But it shook him to his core.”

“Gio, you were in a coma longer than I was in jail… Don’t you feel bad that you lost all that time?”

“A little… But.” Gio gave him a big smile. “I still have you guys. So I didn’t really lose anything. After I lost my dad, you guys became my family.”

Lina grabbed Ashner’s shoulder, Risa walked closer to them with her hand on her sword.

“We still have our deal. It's dark, but if we head out now, we can cleanse the fallen Neku tribe." Risa moved her hand away from her sword. "Your slave wants this more than you do."

“Don’t be mistaken.” Ashner corrected. “I want this just as much as she does. Let’s head out.”

Alex tried following, but Ashner gave him his orders. "Stay here with Wong. Help him out however you can. We'll handle everything from here."

Alex bowed his head and bid them farewell.

*******

The group found their way out of the Timor forest. After beating the test one time, they no longer needed to take it. The group found themselves in an open field. They were walking towards the sound of a rushing river.

Gio and Ashner wore their night vision nodes and were on high alert. In case a monster decided to attack.

Once they found the river, they walked alongside it. Passing wildflowers and something similar to a tomato, but it was square, not round. Eventually arriving at a seaside village, it was the middle of the night, but stones that served as dim lights gave the village some light.

Dozens of people stood lifeless and frozen. Their bodies were similar to burned flesh, with dark crystals emerging from their eyes and mouths.

The homes were rotting away, their farms were unkempt, and their stables were empty.

“What happened to them?” Gio asked.

“Humans," Lina replied in a spiteful voice.

“What’s wrong with their bodies?”

“That's a husk. They were swallowed whole by the Dead God." Risa replied, praying that it wasn't too late for her people.

Lina clasped her hands together, uttering a prayer. Her body was engulfed in light, and all the husks around them shattered and turned to dust.

“Their souls are gone… But no one should gaze on the trophies of the Dead God."

“I don’t understand, do humans not have a way to purify dead bodies?” Gio asked the girls.

“They do… Since the First God created them. They are blessed by every elemental attribute, while demi's were created by the Innovative God, our affinity comes from our race."

No wonder humanity overtook every other race. They have access to every type of magic… It's like going to war against an enemy that only uses one kind of weapon, while your army uses multiple types.

“What did the Dead God create?” Ashner dared to ask.

“Monsters. He wanted to destroy everything the other two made. That's why they fought. The two presumed they killed him. So they left our world and went to other parts of the stars. To continue making life elsewhere… But they didn't realize the Dead God infused his soul alongside his monsters. The only thing that can return him to life is the souls of humans and Demi's… The more he devours, the more he heals… Humans do this on purpose, to ensure our kind fear them… If we try to rebel, then we'll be devoured."

“Damn.” Gio gritted his teeth. This wasn’t his world. Even so, he didn’t like what the humans here did.

“There’s the bridge.” Risa just about skipped towards it. She dashed forward towards another town. This one had some homes burned down.

The rest rushed behind her.

Risa found her people. They were walking cadavers.

A part of her froze. Her strength faded, and her heart dropped into her stomach. "I'm home," she managed.

The remains of her friends and family focused on the neku girl. Risa shook. Her resolve broke now that she had arrived.

The corpses moved towards her, ready to kill.

Ashner grabbed Risa and took her down to the ground. “Gio!”

The SAW gunfire ripped apart the bodies of her former comrades. Risa reached her hand out, but Ashner pinned her on the ground and covered her eyes.

“You don’t need to see this.”

“Master…”

“It’s going to be okay… We won’t let the Dead God take them.”

Risa stopped resisting, and the gunfire stopped.

“Lina, finish it," Ashner ordered the elf.

Lina's steps were graceful, and her power surged inside her. Using light was blissful. She didn't use any incantations, but her body released a blinding burst of light. One that forced everyone to close their eyes. The bodies disappeared. And all that remained were their spirits.

Ashner stood up. Around him, dozens of spirits watched over them.

"How is this possible?" Lina studied their souls. "Only the most powerful saints and allow their souls to say goodbye."

Risa jumped up, her eyes filled with tears when she met one soul. "Dad." She rushed towards him and passed right through his body.

She glanced at them all and fell to her knees.

The spirits surrounded her, and together they put their hands on her head, shoulders, and arms.

A final goodbye.

Then they disappeared from the world. Finding peace for all of eternity.

In the distance, the sun started rising. They had just barely made it in time.

Risa whimpered and brought her knees to her chest.

Lina walked up towards her and whispered something to her.

The neku collapsed next to Lina. Both the girls were exhausted.

Lina from wasting her mana, and Risa from the shock of facing her people again. Her tears ran down her face. “Now they can enter the Eternal Forest… The Dead God won’t devour them.”

Ashner moved towards them. He stopped a few feet away from the girls. Lina composed herself, catching her breath as soon as Ashner caught wind of her. She stood up and gracefully walked towards him.

Until she collapsed forward due to the backlash of her mana being drained and the fact that she was malnourished and exhausted from walking, Ashner caught her waist and helped her regain her footing.

“You don’t have to pretend. If you push yourself too much, rely on me." She sensed something change in her heart. It started beating faster even if Ashner's face had an unkempt beard and shaggy hair. “You’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met. From both of our worlds.”

“… Aren’t men intimidated by strong women?” She asked blissfully.

“The ones who are, fear that someone like you will trample over their hearts and egos…"

She giggled, acknowledging that he was right.

"Even so," Ashner continued. "Courage and wits like yours hold more value than all the mythril in this world… And all the gold in mine.”

Lina stepped back. Hiding her face, she rushed away from Ashner. Towards Gio, who had a big smile on his face. As she passed him, he caught a full glance of her blushing face.

Something out of character for her usually calm and collected composure.

Gio giggled.

Ashner paced towards Risa, who was still on her knees weeping. She spoke name after name, everyone she lost. They were all precious to her.

Her prayers were a farewell to them.

“Do you need more time?” Ashner asked as a cool breeze rushed around them.

“… Master… You risked your life for people you didn’t know… All for my sake… Even after I failed to please you… And you knew how much I wanted this…” Her words were becoming heavy sobs. “I would’ve given you my everything for this… I planned on begging until you killed me or submitted… Alex was right about you… You’re different…”

Risa glanced up at Ashner. Her ears were down, and her face was covered in tears. Her catlike eyes stared deep into his brown ones. Like a dagger avoiding your flesh and ripping straight into your soul. Along with a beauty that most men would kill to get one taste of.

"I give you all I am… Not because I'm your slave… But because you are someone, I want to fight for… A heart like yours… With immeasurable kindness … And bravery without rival… It’s worth protecting…”

Risa stood and bowed to Ashner. Her tail moved around, and her ears shot back up.

“I am Risa, the last of the black Neku’s… Leliel’s last heir… I offer you my sword, my wind, and my body… Please allow me to continue serving you… Until the last of our days, as your slave.”

“No…”

Risa's tail shook, and her ears drooped.

"The only reason we came here was for my own redemption… I took you in as a woman I thought I could take advantage of… I was a fool, and I'm so sorry for that… I bought you because I was lonely… I was so alone and needed someone there for me… Someone who didn’t know my past… Someone who wouldn’t judge me… Someone who would ease the pain in my life… I wanted more than lust… My life became a nightmare because I failed to save her… I should’ve done more… That girl… I deserve this pain for failing her…”

“Master?” Risa’s eyes came up with concern. “Why are you crying?”

Ashner's hand came to his face, and sure enough… Tears were running down his face. He studied his teardrop and closed his hand.

“I never wanted a slave… I wanted a friend.”

Risa leaned in and hugged him tightly.

Her warmth passed through the armor. It slowly melted all the ice Ashner created in his heart to keep himself from falling apart.

His tears came down… Then the fear of his past returned to his mind like a bad harvest. He recalled the way people viewed him with disgust, the way they talked behind his back, and the way all their eyes were filled with so much wrath… Hate all rapists deserve… He relived it all in seconds. All that sorrow made his heart harden once more.

“Every time I look at you, you're always in pain…" Risa spoke to him. Ashner stayed still. He couldn't recall the last time a girl had hugged him… Even his ex, Iris. She never once hugged him… Or kissed him after their night together… "Even if it's just a little… Let me help you."

How can a girl hold so much power over me? This is just a hug… But somehow…

Ashner’s heart started melting.

Kind women don’t know how much power they hold over broken men… For the first time in a long time… I can actually feel my heart beating… And all it took was a hug… Oh, I'm so gullible.