Author’s note: Interlude means something leading to something big. Thus this chapter will be shorter than the others, okay?

Part 0

Many have looked up at the sky and shouted to god, complaining how evil the world was, how unfair it was to them. Yes, many have viewed this world as an evil place. But, if you look at it from another POV, you will notice that it isn’t that cruel.

You experienced joy, sadness, love, grief, and even anger. This ‘experience’ is the greatest blessing you could ever ask for.

Yes, the world may be a pretty even place, but…

That doesn’t mean there is only cruelty on this world, right? Some philosophers have said that human are born cruel, but pure, innocent children are the very first people who would reach out their hands to help someone. And the people of this world are experiencing more and more joys of life.

So live on with this in heart, know that the world may be cruel, but where there is the shadow of evil…

There is always light somewhere near.

Part 1

The time has come. Our army has reached more than 100,000 in number.

Those beastmans will never know what’s coming. We shall send 20,000 demons, 10,000 normal demons, 5,000 orcs at the frontline, 3,000 calvary, and 2,000 archers and long range snipers. With Furio leading the demons, and Bonazia leading the calvary.

You can’t go out yet, Corillia, you shall only enter when you are needed.

The flood supply have multiplied ever since we attack those human villages. Luckily, the leaders of those foolish species still hasn’t taken it too seriously. But we must be careful, I heard they are starting to train their army in secret. So as not to alert the other major races under their calm facade.

There are some freelance groups of mercs training in the beasts man’s too. We shall crush them all in 1 swell swoop.

Yes, we shall reach the kingdom of Brezia in 10 days.

Part 2

The elves led us to the door and opened it. The inside is just a small room, with seats all around. The room itself is in a circular shape. Then the old elves left me, Hanna, and Rohana alone. I looked around the room for someone else, then I saw a familiar face.

“Mira?”

“Mark, Hanna?”

“Miraaa!!”

Hanna cried out in joy as she embraced her orphanage’s sister.

“How much have you grown already?” Mira said with a shocked expression. “My, Hanna you’re tall!”

“Are we forgetting someone here?” I voiced in, searching for attention.

“You too Mark.” Mira hugged me, I was happy to be hugged again, but there is a slight problem.

(TOO CLOSE)

This girl is too close, I want to look at it, but Hanna would kill me! I need to move away now!

Mira released me, whew! That was real close.

“A-hem” One of the council leader coughed for attention.

“Oh, sorry sir” Mira blushed.

“Now, let us start the meeting shall we?”

“Yes, when Mira told me about the demons, I thought she was lying, but now we got 2 more human witnesses. We can be more than 70% sure that the information is precise.”

“So, young human, tell us the information again, just in case the information that the old elf brought is biased or stupefied in a certain way.”

So I and Hanna told them the whole story. Except for me fighting the leader. Mira adds in here and there the parts that she thought was strange.

“Hmmm, what you say matched, so I guess we can make a conclusion.”

“ Hear me, comrades! I Artineeus, head of the elf council, hereby declare this as the representative of the council itself. We will increase the defence in all elf lands. And send this intention to all the other major species. So as not to alert them too much. More over, send warning about this threat to all nations and kingdoms including Berzia, Dwargia, and Xion, just in case. All of the weapon restrictions from now on will be lifted from level 4 to level 2. And prepare an army just in case things go a bit out of control. UNDERSTOOD?!”

“ROGER!”

Multiple elfs ran out of the room and carry out the elves’ head order. The next day, all nations were shocked at this sudden turn of events, and decided to follow since they know how serious the situation must be if even the peaceful kingdom of Gaxul took action.

My group was then praised by Artineeus, “Young human and elf, we thank you you for bringing us at last to a decisive conclusion. No more question shall be asked, you may leave for Berzia. We shall appoint a carriage to assure a smooth ride.”

We started leaving when Artineeus called out to me to talk in private. We went to the backroom, which was heavily decorated by multiple carvings. Then the old elf turned to me and handed me something like a green orb.

Part 3

What! Berzia and all other races are starting to mobilise their defences? Impossible!

Could it be information has been leaked? No, that is absolutely impossible. I already made this as secret as possible.

What?! Gaxul started it! What a surprise? But it seems they don’t know about me yet. So there isn’t too much risk. But do tell the army we will change our schedule a bit.

Yes, we will move out in 7 instead of 10 days.

Part 4

“This, is one of our ultimate weapons, I want to give it to you, incase worst comes to worst.”

“What is it?”

“An old treasure from many aeons ago. It will damage no one, but what it does is that it will freeze time itself.”

“What!!!”

“Well, I mean lock you in a huge impenetrable barrier, which that the time inside it will flow differently than outside. You and everyone in the 100 kilometres radius will be put in temporary stasis for six years.”The head of the council explained “If you judge the situation to be out of control, use this spell to freeze yourself in stasis with all the other demons.”

“Why are you giving this to me? Shouldn’t you give it to someone else far more important and loyal?”

“There aren’t many people who will be brave enough to put themselves at risk in order to protect someone. And if my sources are correct, you will be heading to the demon continent right?”

Oh no, he knows about my plans.

“I sense that the Demon King will emerge again soon, more fearsome than ever. We must be prepared. And for that we need time! So if you judge the demons to be too strong, please use this orb.”

“How can you be sure I won’t use it against you? I can use this and absolutely do something outrageous, right?”

“No, your eyes is the eyes that I have never seen in a long time. You are wiser than many humans, maybe even me. So I judge that you will use this at the right time.”

“So I will be something like a sacrificial pawn instead of your elf friends, right?”

“…Yes…”

“Ugh!! Fine!”

“Thank you human, I wish you a safe journey and I wish the Demon ing hasn’t been born. Oh, and one more thing.”

The elf gave me a string.

“This treasure came from the lost technology of teleportation. Anyone connected to these strings will be teleported to the sacred room, where they will be safe. Use this in case you want to teleport all other people around you out of the orb’s strike zone. You can use this only ONCE, so do so when you feel it is truly needed. Just input it with magical energy.”

“Thank you…”

“And don’t forget, when you come out of stasis, you better just abandon the orb and run away with full speed. I have these special custom made rings for you, it should help you in your escape.”

“ Umm… How many years will I stay in stasis?”

“Well, according to record, you will be released from the time barrier in 6 years.”

I nodded and walked out of the room and the old elf disappeared into the darkness.

Part 5

Artaneeus’s point of view.

The human is powerful, I am sure of it. He could become a major threat at any time.

His powers are just off the charts. He hid it carefully, and show a facade, but actually he is far more powerful than almost anyone I have even resolved myself to send assassins after him. But I changed my mind when I saw his eye.

Yes,

He has the eyes of the wise. The eyes that considers all logic, but ready to throw it all away if necessary.

I actually feel sorry for him. He will be journeying to Berzia, and eventually he will surely enter the demon’s territory.

It has been a long time since I have familiarise myself with humans. They are greedy creatures, but rarely, some are born wiser than many. I think he is one of them. For now, he may be the one with the most potential to stop the demons if they were to become a major threat..

I kinda miss him, I think that if he ever used the orb and teleported someone inside here, I will treat them with utmost respect.

I have never, for such a long time, have such a good chat with someone. I would prefer him not to die.

“Well, my old bones still wants someone to talk too, huh?”

I whispered quietly to myself while walking to the council and continue making preparations.

Part 6

The sky was bright, and I prepare for my journey to Berzia. The head of the council is more mature than many people I’ve seen.

“What are you thinking of Onii-chan?”

“Yeah, stop spacing out already, you idiot” Rohana added.

I turned back to these girls, and made a conclusion.

“No, just thinking about something, how about we start going?”

Then Mira came running down the cityscape.

“Wait for me, I wanna go too!”

She wailed out so we allowed her to keep us company. Later through the journey, she talked wildly with the other girls, about beauty and such. I don’t really care anyway, except the part about how to seduce a boy using your breast and body. Which bothers me a bit. Especially when Hanna is still listening with great interest.

But then, the talk with Artaneeus is worthwhile. He gave me the things that can be used to help Hanna, Rohanna, and Mira.

Yes, I have already made the decision of saving them all, if worst comes to worst, with the risk of my life.

I will not allow this to end with someone crying at the end.