A little grammatical errors here and there but hopefully you enjoy~ Any comments or opinions are greatly appreciated:)

Dark theme ahead, Reader's discretion is advise

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Chapter 3: I Promise

Being able to move freely, Keisuke was able to notice a lot of things.

Aside from the girl's long elvish ears, the white part of her eyes(sclera) looks hollow. Because of that, her gaze can be somewhat cold. She's really young looking and slender with a thin face and smooth golden hair. Her eyes are vivid green and they shine brightly like an emerald. A nose with a pointed tip and light pinkish lips that perfectly matches her features well.

She also looks like she's wearing casual clothing, although it's not something he would describe as normal. She wears a loose tunic with it's wrapped belt, a knife sheathed on her waist.

There's just something that differentiates her from everything else.

Keisuke find himself staring at her, completely fascinated. If he really did not experienced the events from today and yesterday, he would not hesitate to think that she's a delicate angel. But he wouldn't be fooled anymore. No matter how beautiful she appears, she's a very violent person.

The girl is painfully watching his every move, so Keisuke took that opportunity to introduce himself. Although with their language barrier, that might be a tough case to crack. Nevertheless, Keisuke didn't lose hope. He wanted to befriend her.

Attempting to introduce himself, Keisuke pointed at himself like a dummy, as he mentions his name.

"He-llo! I am Kei-su-ke-!"

However, the girl remained like a statue, still silently watching him. Keisuke realized his introduction was a failure, so he did it again.

"Kei-su-ke----"

The girl perplexed at his actions, kicked him hard on the shin and smacked the heel of her hand on his forehead. Keisuke sprawled on the dirt, his vision spinning around.

"XX-XXXX!!"

The girl heeled backwards and resumed what she was doing before a certain annoyance had bothered her. Although such a simple refusal like that isn't enough to break Keisuke's indomitable spirit. Keisuke got up and hastily chased after the girl, impeding her track. However this time, Keisuke only offered a friendly handshake towards the girl.

"........."

"Umm, handshake?"

The girl just stared at his outstretched hand and after a moment of silence, crossed her arms and glance sideways to ignore him.

Oh boy.

Bothered by her unfriendly behavior, Keisuke pulled his hand back and just scratched his head with it, as he showed his most winning smile. But once again, he was ignored.

The girl finishes her arrangements and mounted her horse. Her horse is geared for traveling, though with such a rugged forest like this, it made Keisuke wonder why she needed one.

The girl left the clearing without even glancing at his direction or even offering any help to a clueless person like himself. A reaction he was somewhat expecting. Who would offer any help to a suspicious stranger like himself? Moreover, they couldn't even understand each other.

How did I even got here?

Keisuke have so many questions for himself but there's no way for him to answer them. At times like these is where one continues walking and search for a town. After reaching a conclusion, Keisuke followed the girl softly from behind.

Rather than walking aimlessly, might as well use her as a guide, is what he thought.

Because he could not sense if she was suspicious of him to any extent, he had not walked closer to the girl. The girl didn't seem to mind that he's following her, so Keisuke made use of that.

"Wow." Keisuke couldn't hide the astonishment in his voice.

The scenery of the forest was indeed like a maze, until now. They reached an area with many beautiful flowers, as if those flowers were a landmark. Keisuke, intrigued by their appearance and stagnant smell, picked a few and held them behind his back. Although the flowers are beautiful, the girl didn't pause to admire them. Since for the girl, these flowers are something that she saw all the time.

More than half a day had passed since Keisuke ventured after the girl, yet no signs of anything that will lead them out of the forest. Even the loud grumbling of his hungry stomach was pestering him, but he pressed on, maybe because that's the only thing that he could do.

As they continue to move forward, the girl kept on glancing left and right. For some odd reason too, her horse was acting weird, refusing to cooperate. So she started walking..

"Umm.."

Keisuke politely approached the girl and walked next to her with hidden intentions in mind. He wanted to slid a flower behind her ear, but the girl forbid his chance by walking faster. It didn't escape Keisuke that she just avoided walking side by side.

Damn.

But Keisuke already predicted that response. This time, he lightly tap the girl's shoulder from behind, his right hand carrying the flower, is at the ready.

"XXXX?!"

And the chance presented itself!

Swiftly, faster than the wind, Keisuke made use of that defenseless moment, and slid the flower resembling a lily, to her left ear. It was a success and Keisuke unconsciously let out a "Yes!". Its as if the flower was created for the sole purpose of being worn by her, it perfectly harmonized the girl's elusive appearance.

"".......""

Keisuke prepared himself for the inevitable punishment brought by his foolish actions, yet there is none.

Instead, the two of them were drawn into a staring contest. With an innocent smile on the girl's face, she giggled, and their gazes were broken. But that's all she did, and the girl resumed her walk. Keisuke was bewildered, but he quickly snaps back to reality. Her laughter was nicer than what he had expected, girlish and genuine.

Although the girl acted as if it was nothing, deep inside, she's shaken.

After all, those flowers are called Afule, and they represent a promise between lovers. For the girl's race who live a longer lifespan compare to humans, it is pact. A promise that they will meet again someday. For a race who could live centuries old, the word someday is extremely convoluted. Maybe a year, maybe a decade, maybe a century. A human's lifespan is but a fleeting moment.

For a human boy to give this to a girl like her can only mean that, On my next life, I promise to find you someday. No matter how long it might take.

Of course, Keisuke is oblivious to this fact. Truly, ignorance is a bliss sometimes. He only wanted her to be more relaxed with him. And once she is, she would be a treasure trove of information for him to abuse.

What was that for? This guy's weird, The young maiden couldn't help but sigh.

Cold silence envelop that side of the forest afterwards. Other than their footsteps, nothing else was heard.

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The thickening in the air could be visibly seen and white fog soon surround them on all side, limiting their visibility. Every step they take, the fog is getting thicker and thicker. The absence of noise in this forest makes it more intimidating. Like someone or somebody of unknown origin is staring down at them with the intent to kill. Like the hunter silently waiting for it's prey.

"XXXX-XX.."

The girl stopped Keisuke on his track with a harsh look.

She probably meant "Hold on" or something like that.

"Wha---"

"Shhh!!"

Keisuke immediately felt the rising tension in the air. He quickly covered his mouth with his hands in panic and looked around, but there's nothing. However, the girl's face is still scowling, she must have sensed something.

The silence was broken only by a quick rustle of the wind. Cautiously, the girl continued walking after that, leaving Keisuke no choice but to ran after her.

The sunset was soon replaced by the dim glow of the moonlight, and eyes began to glimmer inside the tree hollows. Keisuke didn't mind the darkness himself, but the girl beside him is different. She tries hard to suppress it, but he could clearly see her feet shivering.

Is she afraid of the dark?

All of a sudden, monsters of all kinds that have hidden all day finally came out, and are glaring at them left and right. Just silently leering them as they walk. Keisuke was stunned, yet he was calm at the same time. He waited for the right opportunity to run, along with the girl.

But the girl who couldn't contain her fear, sprinted and left her horse dumbfounded.

"Eeeekk!!"

"Oi!"

Thankfully, Keisuke was able to catch the horse's rein before it completely ran away. Strangely enough, the fearsome looking monsters just leered at Keisuke even after the loud shouting of that girl. Keisuke stopped and think for a moment on what could be the possible reason.

In certain games, this type of skill would be...... Illusion? Is there somebody out there playing tricks on us?

Although his mind is full of questions, Keisuke's main priority is to find the girl. As he stepped into the shadows, Keisuke saw a figure not too far from him. He followed his intuition and chased after this shadow. And over there, he found the girl holed up on the ground, right beside a tree.

Seriously... she could be a troublesome princess, but I don't mind, Keisuke discern in his thoughts.

"XX-XXXXXX!!!"

"It's alright."

Keisuke gently grabbed her hand, pulling her away from that dreadful place. No doubt his action and warmth had eased her mind. Surprisingly, the girl didn't revoke Keisuke holding her hand and just quietly stared on the ground as they made their way pass the darkness.

Damn, her hands are soft...

Thus, Keisuke ended up leading the way, although he has no idea where to go next. Just when he thought everything had calmed down, the girl stops walking. Keisuke looked back at her, her eyes are darting around nervously, and her free hand reaches out to her dagger that is hanging on her waist.

The girl silently glares at the empty space in front of them... Because of the thick fog, Keisuke couldn't really see what's in front himself. But his senses are kicking in, telling him that something strange is coming towards them from deeper within.

"XXXX!!!"

"What?"

"XX-XX!!!!"

The girl kicked him about and tugged him to move furiously. Keisuke panicked at her sudden declaration, but his body is quick to respond simultaneously. They started running but with the horse along with the girl's backpack with it, they couldn't run fast enough. All the while a horrifying presence is slowly closing in on them.

The both of them realized that with their current pace, they wouldn't be able to escape!

"Shit!"

"XXX XXXXX!!!"

The girl mumbled an incantation and a slightly curved blade of ice connecting to her dagger appeared. It's appearance is a reminiscent of a katana with a length comparable to a long sword while the blade itself produces an icy gale.

"XXX!!"

Her voice and actions are telling Keisuke to move, but his body refuses to comply. Once more, the girl kicked him away, this time, with a compassionate gaze. Although they could not properly communicate, Keisuke understood what the girl wanted to convey. So he forced himself forward and started running desperately while tugging her horse behind his back.

Behind him, the sharp metallic echoes of swordplay could be heard, an echo which sounded alien in the silent forest.

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The sound of his heart palpitating reverberated inside his eardrums. Keisuke continued running away from that noise, while not minding the dark thoughts occupying his mind.

"I'm worried.. I'm worried.. I'm really worried!!!"

But after thinking that she might be in danger, his body refuses to take another step forward.

Keisuke honestly wanted to help the girl, even when he could just leave her here to fate and begone with it. He's not the type of assertive person who would dive headlong into danger. Yet something tells him that if he left that girl by herself, he would no doubt wither in regret for the rest of his life.

Clearly, Keisuke's interest in her could be seen as romantic, but that's not all. The girl greatly reminded Keisuke of his childhood friend.

"How can I help her?"

Keisuke tied the horse's rein in a nearby tree and started scrambling the contents of her backpack. Clothing, bottles of liquid, and other kinds of merchandise. As he dug deeper, his hands reached to something cold. It piqued his curiosity right away and he took it out of the bag in a scuffle.

"A dagger?"

It's a dagger with a slightly longer blade than usual, with a sheath that is engraved by luxurious emblems and words that he couldn't read nor recognize. When Keisuke unsheathed the dagger, the same engravings could be seen, but in the middle of the blade is a red gem that resembles a cat's eye.

Keisuke knew immediately that that dagger is something especial. He's played games long enough to understand the caliber of a weapon such as this one. Taking that very same dagger with him, Keisuke raced towards the opposite direction where he left the girl.

Heck, she might not even need my help. But even so..

Keisuke quickly made his way through the conflict in a distance and immediately found her. After confirming that she's safe, he searched for a comfortable spot to spy on.

Only naive and hot headed fools would dive in without any information, so he hid himself behind the bushes and waited for the right opportunity to aid her. The girl seems to be very focused, tightly gripping her ice blade with both hands.

What is she doing?

Keisuke was perplexed, but when he looked at the space that she's glaring at, he felt a chill radiating from inside out. It was the same strange feeling from before, making his spine shudder in fear and his hair stand on end. What a terrifying presence!!

"What?"

A black mist suddenly closes in on her, becoming a black shadow, submerging the forest with it's aura. The monster emerges from within the mist, taking the form of a humanoid beast with a head of a maned goat, boasting two enormous horns. It's muscles are thick and has three huge claws on each arm that looks like it would tear apart her skin like butter. The monster is covered in fur, while it's visible skin is painted dark purple.

Final boss archetype? Already?

Ever since becoming an otaku, Keisuke had read various things about young men like him transported to another world. For a closet otaku like Keisuke, it was supposed to be a dream come true. However, he can't feel an ounce of happiness for the setting that they provided for him.

He didn't start in a comfort zone, he couldn't understand the girl, he experienced a suffering worse than death. Nevertheless, if fate will force him to fight a boss on the get go, he's already resolved himself to do it.

For Keisuke, losing this girl could very well mark the end of his life here, and that's something he doesn't want to happen at all cost. Not until he finds the real reason as to why he was sent here in this parallel world. Much more, he doesn't want to lose Reina all over again. Yes, look alike she might be, but deep in his mind, he wanted to amend for his sins on that time three years ago.

If his purpose in this world was not to save it from it's impeding doom, or live his life to the fullest, then it could only mean one thing.

Swaang~!

The monster rushes towards the girl almost faster than what his eyes could follow! But she gracefully dodges it's claws and retaliated a slash of her own. The girl dances with the blade, on a tempo that the monster couldn't follow.

Just before, she was shaking in fear caused by the sudden darkness, but now, Keisuke can't feel a speck of fear in the girl's fighting style. By moving closer, she's eliminating her weak spots. It's effective and had given her the upper hand, but it's a daring move, for a single mistake here could end her life. Keisuke knew that such an advance stage was not for him, and a beginner like himself would just be a hindrance.

He tightly clench his fist as he watched the battle unfold in his eyes.

The girl is leading in terms of speed and technique, but she's slowly getting tired.The exhaustion written on her face said it all. If this drags on, her life would no doubt be in danger. No matter how many times she cut, her enemy keeps regenerating!

Instant regeneration?! Cheat! But there's no time to hesitate.

Keisuke took a deep breath, unsheathed the dagger, and slid it's fancy sheath in his pocket.

Using his dominant right hand, he gripped the handle tightly, with the blade opposing his thumb.

"Now!"

Upon witnessing an opportunity, Keisuke quickly sprang to his feet and revealed himself to danger! Just like a bird of prey, he took a forward leap, and brought the knife down in a beautiful slanted cut towards the monster's behind. The resistance of flesh being cut is felt from his blade and arm. A burst of fire followed the line of cut, boosting the damage inflicted.

"Grooaa!!"

The monster let out a loud screeching noise that echoed throughout the forest, freezing Keisuke momentarily. It's supposed to be hurt, yet the suffocating aura around the monster hasn't subsided at all.

"Shit!!"

Just when it's attention shifted towards Keisuke, the girl took that chance to swipe it down. Half of it's body fell on the ground, splattering it's gore everywhere. Not even a scream was heard this time as the attack was too swift for it to follow.

"XX, XXXX!!"

" Ehh? What? "

The girl raised her voice, leaning her body towards Keisuke. Even though he couldn't understand a word that left her mouth, he knew that she was just worried, and what he did was definitely careless. Unconsciously, he patted the girl's head and smiled like an idiot.

"......."

"Ahaha----"

From Keisuke's perpetual vision, he saw the monster finished regenerating in a flash, and immediately lunged towards them! Keisuke hurriedly shoved the girl aside, away from it's claws!! There wasn't any interval left for him to avoid!! Gritting his teeth hardly, Keisuke intercepted it's attack with his knife!!

"Bloody hell!!"

Klang!--His body flexed backwards just by receiving a single attack! Twisting his body sideways, Keisuke dodged the left claw that came in an unsightly manner. It was then he realized how thankful he was for doing all of those morning training.

Drip... Drip...

Keisuke barely avoided death, but he wasn't completely unscathed. Hollow pain came above, near his brain. Blood sprayed, and his left ear was completely shaved off by the monster's claw!

"Aaghh..!"

"Grrr..."

The monster grinded it's teeth and leered Keisuke down with a death glare. Every cell in his body is telling him to run, but fear had already taken a hold of him, and his body refuses to move. The monster raises it's hand upward to the air, then it's sharp claws comes down.

He wouldn't be able to avoid it!

"XXXX!!"

Suddenly, the girl takes a defensive stance in front of him, using her ice blade to block it's claws. She managed to block it in time but the impact was so strong that it threw her to a nearby tree where she collapses.

"Nghhh!!"

Her struggle broke into Keisuke's musings, and he rushed over to help her up, but it's no good, she's already unconscious. The beast immediately ran towards them at a terrifying speed, while razing it's claws on the ground, accumulating a momentum to strike them with a sweeping motion.

"Oi!! Ms. Elf!! Oi!!"

The girl didn't flinch no matter how hard he shrugged her shoulders.

"It's coming!!"

With no time to evade, Keisuke just tightly held her unconscious body to guard her and grit his teeth to brace himself for the upcoming punishment.

Kraaaash--The sound of it's razor sharp claws ripping apart his flesh!

"Kaaaaggnnnhhh!!"

The monster carved it's claws onto his back, forcefully hurling the two of them against a tree.

That pain that had no name. It was otherworldly.

"Guaaaghh!"

The impact caused Keisuke to writhe and squirm, while dripping crimson from his mouth blew extreme amounts of blood!! Keisuke's wounds trailed his gore down the tree, and the two of them rolled on the dirt. Inexpiable pain curses throughout his body, but he still tightly held her within his arms to cushion her body from the fall.

This hurts... dammit...

Keisuke's vision sways side to side as he tries to keep a firm look on the monster. It's slowly approaching them with a horrific expression. It's eyes doesn't think of anything else besides killing it's prey.

Is this it?? Is this how my life would end?? I couldn't even protect her?? Shit, move it my body!!

Keisuke cried for help, yet there was barely any strength left in his body. Not even enough for him to scream. The only thing that came out of his mouth was his own blood.

Sweat-moist blond hair was cemented to the side of the girl's face. Her delicate features were salt-pale and clenched in anxiety, and her eyes were squeezed tightly shut. Both of them laid on the dirt, which is now a rapidly expanding pool of blood. His inability to change their fates made him curse himself. The outcome was already dictated, and he knew his death is imminent.

Just her, if only she could survive this nightmare, I would have no regrets!!

The torrent of blood gushing from his behind is rapidly eating his consciousness away. Starting from his waist to shoulder are three deep gashes that penetrated his skin. The pain coming from his backside was like a living being with fangs, one that is continuously gnawing him apart. His vision is blurring, and the feeling of his limbs had long abandoned his body.

For Keisuke, there is only death. He's already lost so much blood that not even the most complex and advance healing magic could save his life.

In his last moments, Keisuke thought...

---If there is such a thing as God! Then grant me a miracle... I beg you... Even the devil... Anyone... Someone...

"Aghhh---!!"

As if fate was mocking him, the last thing that filled his thoughts was the girl's voice filled with despair. Chunks of what seemed to be internal organs spattered on his face. With his darkened vision, Keisuke couldn't even properly determine what type of suffering the girl adhered to.

.......I promise... Just...wait....for...me...

He begged for a second life, for time to rewind, for him to undo his mistakes, but death isn't so considerate. Taking his last gasp of blood, the young man called Keisuke, had died.

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Keisuke was plunged into oblivion...

Falling endlessly in that hollow shaft where his cries echoed, and his pleas ignored.

Nineteen years of his life flashed in that dark pit and something... something shattered.

"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-------------What?"

When Keisuke opened his eyes, its as if everything else that transpired was just a bad dream...