_________________________________________________

[Crow point of view]

And here we are, going into the ancient tunnel one last time as to investigate for ourselves the mysterious mermaid that is told to us by the guild master

Ash did mention that he found an underground lake, and his upgraded ice missile shark is thank to the magic core he found it here, but alas

"There's nothing here" [Aries]

"I don't know whether that's a good sign or not" [Crow]

"Quite frankly, it felt like a bad sign for me, but then again, let just hope nothing bad will happen" [Lisa]

"Agree, best we can do is tell Queen Rinz to send periodic team to check on this lake" [Saint Louis]

But I wonder something, Ash did mention that his teacher claims the mermaid kingdom do exist, and there are reports of mermaid showing in Rock and Sea dungeon, but here, never? Does that mean the dungeon is connected to the ancient tunnel way more extensively than what research believe? And if so, how and why did the traveler king does that?

It's strange if it's only meant to ease the original ten heroes moving around, perhaps, there's more to this than meet the eye

_________________________________________________

After all of us head back to the orphanage, I make a call

"Yes, I will..." [Mira]

"Greet, see you soon" [Ash]

"..." [Mira]

"The line disconnected" [Diana]

"Such wonder... and here I thought only Saintess Rumia capable of such feat!" [Khamishah]

"That makes me want to meet her" [Ash]

The line between the two Housey are still weak and unstable. Even with the upgraded Housey, I can only get a minute call to orphanage in Malsia. Other will think it is a major milestone achieve, and in a sense, it is, but as someone from earth who basically have uninterrupted phone call whenever and wherever you go, it's pretty frustrating, which is why I need to make this telephone ASAP. (And a sidenote also the pistol, the staff user really wanted it)

"We can see Seo Ah and other soon!" [Elise]

"How exciting" [Kara]

"Well, the plan is there but let not get too ahead of ourselves" [Ash]

I really wanted to make a party to show my appreciation to those helping us out, and I will be inviting Mira and the other as well. Formal letter is still needed but it's good that I can head up to her in advance

"How about you make it during my birthday?" [Diana]

"You will be busy, so no. Plus, I have to show my appreciation to you as well. And no, I don't want to go to the castle celebrating your birthday, can't stand those nasty eyes" [Ash]

"Actually..." [Diana]

Diana tell us something outrageous

"Mahsuri, can you put a great seal?" [Ash]

"..." [Mahsuri]

"Rude!" [Diana]

"Don't be like that, you know how she is" [Ash]

"Don't pretend like you don't know who I am calling rude just now!" [Diana]

"But, to make your debutante party here is..." [Ash]

"Well, I do have other plan, not only to the orphanage, but to this place in general as well" [Diana]

"Calypso, can you make a great tree seal?" [Ash]

"I can and I can't, so nope" [Calypso]

"That sure is confusing" [Ash]

"Grrr..." [Diana]

"Ash, you really are rude, especially to a lady" [Khamishah]

"True" [Charlotte]

~Nodding in unison~

~Stab~

That really hurt, and by a lot

"Fine, I am all ear" [Ash]

"No, it's fine!" [Diana]

"Oh mine, this is the first time I see you all feminine. It really is, sulking and all in front of us" [Ash]

~Glare~

"I'm so sorry your highness, please forgive me" [Ash]

"Then you should do as I say" [Diana]

"Yes!" [Ash]

(Remind me of my younger day, but I'm 100% sure I'm not that rude) [Khamishah]

My joke really went way too far, ain't. Well, I am sensitive enough when it is needed, so I guess that would do

"Still, I have one question" [Ash]

"And that is?" [Diana]

"When is your birthday?" [Ash]

"!" [Other]

Huh, why are all of them look at me in disbelief. Is it really that important that you should know it. Time for an excuse

"In case you forgot, I am a traveler" [Ash]

And someone from another world to top it off

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Just make a citizenship already, can you?" [Diana]

"Nope, so when's your birthday" [Ash]

Diana told me about it, and according to what the goddess told me

"Huh, same as mine" [Ash]

"Then the more reason why I should do it here" [Diana]

"I'm really sorry, really, it doesn't make any sort of sense! Why do you want to do it here?" [Ash]

I'm sure all of us here thought of the same thing from the very beginning, but just too scared too voice it out

Diana begin to go closer to me, and whisper something

(To be the next ruler) [Diana]

"Politic!" [Ash]

"?" [Other]

"Right" [Diana]

"?" [Other]

"Sigh... I'll never understand politics. So, is this the true reason why you're coming today? Apart from taking Mahsuri for a tour and discussing about the school and all" [Ash]

"True, but let just talk when they're all here shall we" [Diana]

"Fine, and in the mean time, I'll rest for a while. Feeling too tired now. You should stay and have dinner with us as well" [Ash]

"It will be my pleasure" [Diana]

And when I am finally alone

"So Claude, did you speak with Calypso about the seal to your master underground sealed room?" [Ash]

"I did, and it's complicated" [Claude]

"Why is that?" [Ash]

"Apparently, my master really is one of the ten heroes 100 years back, and to top it all, he received the aid of one of the most powerful fairies around to make that seal" [Claude]

"The fairy queen?" [Ash]

"No, it Calypso herself. She's one of the seven fairies who protect the fairy queen, but she joined my master in sealing away the fallen god, and now, she loses all her power" [Claude]

"I see... and did she tell anything else? Especially what happen 100 years back?" [Ash]

"She loses all memories about what happened, unfortunately speaking" [Claude]

"Sigh... just who or what in the world keep on erasing this important pieces of information!" [Ash]

It strange, it really is strange. There's almost no record or tales for such an important event! It is no coincidence. Someone or something is definitely behind this