"What do you mean I doomed your people? "

Maximilian was standing there, looking at the little fairy crying, her head in her hands.

"Why would you care human? It's always the same with your race, you take what you want and destroy everything in your path. You lie, you hurt the ones who trust you and betray them as long as it can bring you something. You treat other races as inferior, you are the worst kind of being. "

Maximilian, while listening to the fairy monologue, was standing there patiently waiting.

Seeing she looked kind of weak, he took a mana potion from his bag. He was going to give it to her than realise it was not going to work, the flask was twice the size of the little lady.

As she finished her lament about how humans were all evil and such. He coughs lightly in his fist, making her looking at him from the corner of her eyes. Showing the mana potion, he said.

"I don't know about the other humans, but I'm not like that. For once, I don't have for habit to hurt others, even for profit. "

Still talking, he took out the plug from the flask. Seeing the fairy unconsciously liking her lips, it seemed like he had the right idea.

"And when I hurt someone by mistake, I at least try to help. Open your mouth. "

The fairy hesitate, looking the potion than Maximilian.

"Why would you give me that? A potion of this quality is very valuable. "

"Maybe, but right now you seem like you could use a bit of it, so... "

Hesitantly, she lifted her head and open her mouth. Slowly and with caution, Maximilian let three drops of the blue potion in the fairy 's mouth. The effect were immediate, as she visibly regained power.

"...thanks "

Closing the flask, he put it back in the Havenbag.

"Don't mention it, you needed it and I had it, simple equation. So... Mind telling me how the fact that I killed Dragnïr doomed the fairies? "

She breathed slowly, calming herself.

"OK, I guess it cannot hurt any more to tell you."

She rubbed her cheeks, stood up than jumped inside the cauldron. Immediately after she got out of it, flying, with a crystal in her hands.

It was different from the ones Maximilian saw before. Those in the pedestal's room were some kind of decoration with little power in them and the big one in Dragnïr's room was pulsating with energy. This one in the fairy 's hands seemed dead, there was no energy coming from it at all.

"This crystal was the heart of the fairy Kingdom. But now he is empty... "

Looking at it, Maximilian ask.

"Can it not be... I don't know, recharged or something?"

"Normally yes. It is the duty of the Queen to recharge the crystal with her mana. For centuries each Queen has watched over the crystal and keep the kingdom safe. But now our Queen is ill, our healers don't know what she have. She is exhausted and must stay in bed, and while she's weak, something has taken over the kingdom."

"Something? "

"We don't really know. The fairy Kingdom is in the heart of a magical forest, but for some time now, an obscure force has progressively taken it over. Bit by bit, it has started to kill it, and the crystal was our only hope. But now that the Queen is ill, and the crystal without a drop of mana in it, there is no hope any more."

Maximilian stayed quite a moment, thinking.

"But I saw you using magic, isn't there anyone in your Kingdom who could pour mana into the crystal? "

The fairy shake her head negatively.

"It's not that simple. You can't just put a little bit in it. Once you start filling the crystal, it will suck on your mana until it's filled entirely. If you're not powerful enough, it will kill you. That's why it is the Queen duty, she is the most powerful fairy there is. It could be possible for all the fairy together to do it, but now we are too much occupied fighting at our border to keep the kingdom safe."

Her story other, she sighed. Maximilian scratched his head.

"That's hard, sorry for your people... And Dragnïr in all that? What does he have to do with this? "

"Dragnïr is...was a dragon, one of the most powerful being on this land. I was sent here with the crystal to make him recharge it."

"To 'make' him?"

She thought a moment.

"Well... More like implore him. But as I told you, dragon aren't know for there altruism. "

"To be frank, he was the first dragon I met."

"It's common knowledge. For a dragon to give or do something for you, you must give or do something for him in return. "

"And? What did he ask from you? "

Looking around her, she says.

"I had to cleaned all four of his treasures chamber. Thinking about it, I was almost finished. Talking about bad luck "

She laughed a bit, as if amused by the irony of the situation. Maximilian kept silent a moment, thinking. After a moment, he said.

"Fine, I'll do it."

The fairy looked at him, eyes wide open.

"What did you just said? "

"I said I'll do it, I'll recharge the crystal... Although I don't quite know how right now. Give me a moment would you."

Stepping away, he started walking around the room, thinking.

*So if I understand what she explained, all I have to do is pour mana into it and it will be OK. Now the bad news is that I don't know how much is needed for it to be filled. *

"I suppose you don't know how much mana is needed? "

"A lot, that is all I know. It's not as if there as graduation on it you know. "

"Naturally "

Starting to walk again, he continued his inner monologue.

*If I judge Dragnïr reaction earlier, I suppose I'm way beyond the normal amount of power of a human, even magic creatures. But it still is bothering me to go and jump in without basic inform... That's it.*

Focusing on the crystal in the fairy 's hands.

"Crystal scan. "

Like before, in front of his eyes came the informations about it. He learned that its name was primal crystal of life.

*That's pompous... *

His status write dead and empty.

*But how could a magic rock be dead...oh who gives a fuck, what else...*

Under those Informations were mana points, 0 / 10000000. Maximilian opened his eyes wide.

*What the hell...10000000 mana points... No wonder nobody could fill it.*

"And you say your Queen can fill it?"

She looked preoccupied for a moment.

"Well, it's a bit hard to say. We never had the crystal empty before. As long as it was active, it wasn't necessary a big deal. The Queen was charging it twice a year, it's only because of her illness and the attacks that we couldn't do anything to prevent this...emptiness. "

"OK...ok...let me think"

Starting to walk again, he continued to think about this.

*So if I believe my stats I need ten times my total amount of mana to entirely refill the crystal... How the hell am I suppose to do that.*

While thinking, he made his stats screen appeared before him, looking for an answer. He looked at his mana to see it was still full.

*hum, that's strange. I've been using the scan spell quite a lot, doesn't it cost any mana?*

Testing, he cast the scan spell... But nothing happened. Realising it certainly was because he had already analysed every item in this room. Looking through his spell list, he saw a new one had appeared.

'Wind blade ' was now visible on the list. As he read the name, his Assimilation skill made him understand it, knowing immediately how to use it.

*the wind magic skill mastered must be helping. *

Turning away from the fairy, he faced the opposite wall. Raising his left hand, he slew through the air.

"Wind blade "

Like with the fairy, a blade of wind came from his hand, slicing through the ground and cutting the shelve in front of him in two.

"You are a mage?"

Looking at the fairy, she seemed quite amazed at the fact.

"Would that surprise you? "

"Well yes, you didn't use any spell on me..."

"To be frank, it is the second one I learned, thanks to you by the way."

"What? Why?"

"Well, let's say I'm a fast learner. The spell you use on me, I can now use it too."

He concluded his phrase by a little toothy smile, making the fairy sigh.

"Human, I don't know if you are impressive or frightening... Maybe a bit both. "

"Yeah yeah I know, I'm some kind of monster to you or something..."

*So... Now I'm sure magic is a thing I can do easily, my god it's awesome. *

He closed his eyes an instant, savouring the fact. The now usual ring sound alert him of new skill discovery. Looking at it, he saw 'mana refilling' was accessible.

As he looked his stats, he saw the little bit of mana he used for the spell. Even if, compared to his total mana pool, it wasn't much. What bothered him was the slooooow pace at which it was getting back, even with his high stats.

He maximised the new skill quickly, and now the pace of refilling greatly augmented.

Using the wind spell several times, he remarked that his mana, thanks to his new skill, didn't seem to go down. Happy with the result, he came back to the fairy.

"Alright, it should be good, let's get to it."

The fairy looked at him, unsure of what to say.

"I...you...why would you do this for me, you're not even a fairy. "

"I'm not the kind of guy who can stand by and do nothing when a pretty girl is crying. That and I feel responsible for killing the one who was supposed to help you. Now let me work would you."

"You realise that you have a good chance of dying right?"

At that he smiled at her.

"I trust my chances, the Odds are on my side."

"I don't understand"

"you don't have to, just trust me "

The fairy looked at him a moment, then at the crystal, then closed her eyes and lifted it up above her head.

"Alright, here comes nothing. "

Maximilian made his neck and hand cracked as he stretched a bit, then put his two hands on the crystal and let his mana slowly go from him to it.

Slowly, the crystal was being filled by Maximilian, who was constantly keeping an eye on his mana gauge, testing how quickly he could transfer his energy without danger.

While the human was doing this, the fairy was looking at him then at the crystal, feeling the energy going into it.

*how is this possible? How can a human have so much energy, it's impossible. Even though I'm right here, I've got a hard time believing it's happening. *

"Are you alright human?"

"Hm? Ho yes I'm just fine thank you. You wouldn't happen to be worried about me, would you?"

"OF COURSE NOT!!! I mean I... I'm worried you can't go until the end and I'm back at the beginning. "

"It's fine, don't worry... But it's going to take I while I'm afraid. I made sure my mana is regenerating fast enough so I won't die being sucked dry, but I have to be careful and don't let my mana go to quickly. With that said, this let us time to discuss a bit, if you don't mind of course."

"But aren't you going to be hungry, thirsty or even tired?"

Maximilian shake his shoulders.

"Nah, I'm fine. You know, I may look big, but I can live an hour without eating or drinking and not throwing a tantrum. "

The fairy almost dropped the crystal, surprised evident on her face.

"ONE HOUR?!"

Wondering what was surprising her, Maximilian said.

"What? Is it so much longer than when your Queen do it?"

"Longer? When the ceremony of refilling was held each year, it lasted three all days, and the crystal wasn't even empty at those times... Who are you? What are you?"

"Well if it's my name you ask for, I am Maximilian Baltazard Van Nilmerus... But I find this name a bit to long, so my friends call me Max. Can I know your name in return, I don't want to keep on calling you fairy if we have a true conversation. "

"You won't be able to understand my name, it was given to me in memory of one of my ancestors, and to say it you have to speak the fairy language. "

"Do me a favour, let me try."

she sighed

"All right. "

As she pronounced her name, the words coming from her mouth seemed to be tingling, like little drop of water on a crystal leave. Maximilian guessed that was the fairy language, idea confirmed by the obtaining of the fairy language skill. After maximising it, he smiled a bit. The fairy sighed.

"See, I told you youwouldn't understand. "

"Ho no, it's not like that. I smile because I think it suits you well actually. "

"What?"

"Rosemaldia... The emerald rose... Quite fitting for a pretty girl who can show some spikes. "

It was a good thing Maximilian was holding the crystal for the transfer, because the tiny girl literally fall into the cauldron, her surprised voice echoing from inside it.

"You...you speak the language of the fairies? "

"Yep"

"But how? When did you learn it, who taught it to you?"

"By skill, just a few seconds ago, and...well, you."

"..."

The fairy stayed silent, flying out of the cauldron and coming in front of Maximilian's face, her hands on her hips.

"OK human, we need to talk."

"No problems for me, as long as you agree on two things. "

She made a gesture of the hand, telling him to continue.

"One, each one of us ask a question in turn, and we answer honestly. Second thing, please call me Max, human seems kinda pejorative the way you say it."

"alright huma ...Max, you can call me Emy. "

"Marvellous. You first then Emy. "

"ok, how are you able to speak my language. "

"I have a capacity, a special one if I believe your reaction, who allow me to “discover “skills very easily and, if I'm powerful enough, to use them."

He chose to not talk about stats screen, skill points and such. He had the feeling it wasn't a common thing in this world. Dragnïr told him, after all, that only a special attribute allow certain people to see the level of others, in a limited way, so the stats and such...

"It's my turn. You say you have cleaned the four treasures room for Dragnïr, what's in them?"

"Why does it matter? "

"I'm winning time. I'm going in them when we're finished here and if I already know what to expect, well it is always good to have informations. "

"That's understandable. Well Dragnïr has explained to me that he had, year after year, arranged the different treasures he got in four different rooms. This one is about knowledge, the three big books you see here are condensed collection. One of magic, one is like an encyclopaedia of creatures of this world, and the last one is about alchemy. "

"That explains this room, what about the others?"

"Me first. How did you defeat Dragnïr? "

"That's a bit more complicated. I...appeared... Inside his chest. Imagine a very powerful teleportation spell casting on me. I didn't know where I was going to appear, and it happened to be...inside Dragnïr's chest. He died a bit after I woke up, we managed to talk a bit...to be frank he seemed relieved. He told me he was waiting death for a long time... I hope he's in peace."

Emy kept silent for a bit.

"Okay, I kinda understand. "

"Kinda?"

"You have to understand Max, dragon are some of the most powerful being in this world. An army defeating one is rare, a group defeating one, it's legendary. One man alone defeating one, it is simply unheard of."

"I guess it makes me special then."

"Special? When the rumours will start to spread, a dragon killed, everyone will want to know who did it. Some people will follow you, admire you, seeing in your achievements a message of the gods. Other will hate you, or they will want to defeat you to gain your power. "

"But how would they know? Last time I checked, I was alone with Dragnïr when it happened."

"That's correct. But you have to understand that the death of a great dragon will not pass unnoticed, even if just by the other dragon. That and this..."

She flew behind his back, touching the golden scales on his spine.

"...is quite a give-away "

"True, I'll have to be careful. First I'll need to wash off the blood, then find something to wear. "

Sitting mid-air while her wings kept moving, Emy thought for a few seconds.

"That shouldn't be a problem. "

"Would you mind elaborating a little. "

"One of the room is the one where Dragnïr has stocked every weapons and armour he has found on his numerous journey. You are certain to find something to make you more presentable in there. For the cleaning part... I think a water spell will do the trick. "

"I don't know any water spell Emy. "

"You've got the magic book just here big dummy. I would be very surprised if there were no water spell in there. "

"That's a good idea... But why would a dragon need weapon and armour?"

"Dragnïr, if what I heard is true, liked to transform into a humanoid form or something like that. It was more practical for him so he could visit town, ruins, those kinds of thing. "

While they were discussing, the crystal in Maximilian's hand was slowly starting to shine, indicating that it was slowly getting his power back. Emy was getting more and more excited by that fact.

"You're still OK Max? "

"Peachy, your turn to ask a question. "

"alright then... Why didn't you fight back when I attacked You?"

"Didn't need to "

She seemed to take offence of that.

"Ho. I suppose the big strong human isn't seeing the poor feeble fairy as a threat. You are soooo superior that you don't even need to fight back. "

Keeping cool and calm, Maximilian respond.

"No. It's just that I haven't seen you, even for a second, as an enemy. "

She calmed instantly at his words.

"But I... I attacked You. How could you not saw me as an enemy right then? "

"That's another question Emy, tell me about another one of the room before that. "

"One of the room is simply where he kept precious stuff. Gold, copper and silver coins. Some jewellery and other things like that. Now answer to my question please "

"You want to know what I saw back then? I saw a fairy. Not any fairy, but the very first one I have ever met. You have a grudge against humans and, to be frank, I understand that. I know it's a fact some of my race are more monstrous than monster themselves. As for me, how in the world could I hope making a friend of someone if the first idea I have is to hurt her?"

She looked at him, eyebrow arced.

"You, a human, want to befriend a non human? "

"Is it so hard to believe? "

"Do you know what human do to the fairy they capture? "

Asking that, she land on Maximilian 's arm, looking him straight in the eyes.

"I cannot say I do."

"They imprisoned them, using magic so it's impossible for them to escape, and then..."

Reaching to one of her wings, she caressed it slowly, a single tear running down her cheek.

"They take our wings."

Maximilian opened his eyes wide.

"They take your w...but why? Why would they do such a thing, that's horrifying. "

"Some of them by greed, the fairy's wings are used for jewellery making. After all they are beautiful, and because they are the result of our essence and mana crystallised, they have a very long lifespan. "

"I had no idea, it's monstrous. "

"Oh those who do it for money are not the worst. There are some who do it for fun. You see, even if you pull out our wings, with time we can grow them back."

"That's relieving. "

"Normally yes. You have to understand, when a fairy want to, she can offer her wings as a present. It is the most precious thing a fairy can offer because it will make her vulnerable in front of you, it shows just how much she trusts and open her heart to you. While our wings are gone, we cannot fly, or even use magic. And as you can guess, we don't really have the size to defend ourselves physically. "

"But I suppose the effect is not the same when someone takes them by force."

"It has nothing in common. When a fairy offers her wings, it doesn't hurt, it is the purest symbol of trust. When they are taken away from us by force..."

She shivered, as if the sole idea of the act was terrifying.

"It hurts so much, some fairies die because of it, or cannot fly any more, that is how atrocious it is. "

She then stays silent, Maximilian too, for some time.

After a moment, Maximilian said.

"I'm sorry. "

"For what? "

"As a human. I'm sorry for what they've done. I know I will never do something so despicable, but it won't heal those they have hurt. I will promise you something nonetheless, if I ever come across one of your kind in peril, I'll help if I can."

Emy put her little hand on Maximilian 's arm, as if to assured herself he was really there.

"Thank you. Even if it isn't true, it is pleasant to hear those words. "

She seemed to debate with herself a few seconds, Maximilian let her think, not wanting to disturb her reflexion.

"OK Max, I choose to trust you. "

"That's a good choice. Tell me, just so I know, is there a way to tell apart the "good"wings and...the others? "

"Of course there is. See mine's colour, when we offer them, they stay this colour forever. When they are taken, they taint red."

"That's a useful information. Thank you."

"But be careful, this is a secret. Those humans think it is normal for it to turn that way, it's the only way we found to trap them when they come and try to pass as a friend. "

"And no one has taken a clue?"

"That's because the gifted wings are very rare, for the majority of people, it's normal for the wings to be red. "

"Good for us, it will be easier to trap them that way."

"But how will you find them? It's not as if they were selling them on every market you know. "

As he remembered the long and many hours spent on so much side quest where you had to find every single clue to get the reward, he let a miscellaneous smile appeared on his face.

"Don't worry Emy, I have quite a strong feeling I'll be able to find them, and when I do, they'll have a lot of regrets. "

At that moment, the crystal let a little bell sound resonate inside the room, a bit like the one in Dragnïr's room before. Emy jumped from Maximilian's arm to flew around the, now green shining, crystal. Overjoyed, she had teary eyes.

"You did it! You really did it. I... I can go home now."

"Not so fast..."

Turning to face Maximilian, the fairy showed worries on her face.

"Wh... What is it?"

"Two things. One, you still haven't told me what's in the fourth treasure room. "

Hearing that, Emy visibly relaxed.

"Oh yeah, you're right. Well the fourth room is...how to say this...it's like a catch-all. "

"A catch-all? "

"Yes. Remember I told you about Dragnïr's journey around the world, well he brought back treasures, that's for sure, but also other stuff. Some are magic, others not. You'll have to see for yourself. "

"Ha...ok then...here, your crystal. "

Slowly, as if fearing it would vanish in her hands, Emy took the crystal given by Maximilian.

"Thank you so much Max, it means so much to us, I'll make sure the Queen knows who to thank when she's better."

"Ho yes, about that, that's the second thing..."

Maximilian put a hand inside the Havenbag and pulled out a tiny flask, much more little than the mana's one before. Inside could be seen a very little quantity of a golden liquid. Almost opaque, the equivalent of two or three drops of the honey like substance was looked upon with interests by the fairy.

"Hum...what's this."

"Panacea. "

"WHAT?! "

"You told me that your healers don't know what your Queen have. Dragnïr had some of those in a little box on the shelves. "

"But that's very..."

"Rare? Precious? As is the affection you have for your Queen, and I still have some. Don't worry about my wealth, here..."

Maximilian was going to hand the flask over but realised Emy was too small to carry the crystal and the panacea together. Thinking a moment, he took a piece of his destroyed shirt and made a necklace out of it and the flask, the little size of it made it possible for Emy to carry around her neck.

"Here, now you can save your people and your Queen. "

"I... I..."

She looked at the crystal, the flask, then at Maximilian, not knowing what to say. Slowly she flew next to him and put a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you, for everything."

"You're going now?"

"Yes, the fairies need the crystal, and thanks to you, I can also save my Queen. "

"I'm happy for you... You think we will see each other again someday? "

"Who knows, maybe. If someday you happen to pass near the fairy forest, come and say hi, I would love to introduce you to my Queen."

"If I can, I will be glad to. "

Facing him one last time, Emy smiled at him.

"I wish I could give you something worthy of what you've done..."

"You already have. "

"What do you mean?"

"You gave me the hope we will see each other again. That's a reason for me to go see the world and find you. I wanted to travel anyway, now I have a quest, find the fairy Kingdom to see my friend again. "

He finished his phrase with a toothy smile, to which Emy laugh a bit

"You really are strange for a human... So it's a goodbye, my friend. "

"Goodbye, my fairy friend. "

And in a puff of golden smoke, she was gone. Maximilian looked around, almost expecting to see her reappeared, but she didn't. He sighed a bit.

"Aaaaaand I'm alone again... Ho well."

Clapping his hands on his cheeks, he cheered himself up before taking the three books and put them in the Havenbag.

"Good actions done, now it's time to loot. "

He took every ingredients and potions that were staying here and there then went back at the door. Before closing It, he took a last look at the where a met Emy.

"Until we meet again... "