《Everlasting Bond: Odyssey》 Prologue It¡¯s a dream. A dark dream of terrifying past. When all begun, there only two colors. It¡¯s red. Crimson red like blood. By the time they realize, their entire vision filled with sinister crimson light. It¡¯s black. A pure blackness of lightless darkness. A giant terrifying black whirl summoned in midst of crimson light, swept everything on ground below it. Then, something more terrifying appear. Amidst the crimson light and black wind, a dark hole opened. A lightless hole that devouring everything. They didn¡¯t know what is that, but their mind unknowingly recognizing it. A calamity. ¡­ . They see it. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Something that hiding in the hole. Under the calamity, there¡¯s a burning city. Once was a home. Once was a beautiful place. Once was a great capital. Now, it is wrecked beyond recognition in despairing state. Bright red thoroughly painting the city. Crimson red redecorating the street and building. Terrifying black things were crawling in every part of city. They devouring anything in their path. Filling the world with blackness. Blood-curling screams raise. Despair cry flying along black storm. They, who were watching the nightmare from the center of calamity, can¡¯t do anything except laying helplessly. No longer they have strength to resist of fight against despair. Only waiting their turn to devoured by the darkness. As one of black things approach them, they close their eyes, waiting for their end. ¡­ ¡­¡­ But it never happens. The storm got stronger, swept them over to sky, sucking them upward the dark hole. As their bodies approaching the hole, a gentle and warm light suddenly come out, enveloping them as though trying to protect them. Their red and black color turned white. Then everything was changed. ¡­ The dream ended. ***** *** * *Gasp* A gasping breath escaping out as she suddenly wakened. Looking around, she found was herself still in her room. Touching her forehead, she felt the wetness of drenched sweat. ¡°¡­¡± No longer sleepiness left after the dream, she decided to take a little walk. She opens the door, looking at very different scenery from her dream. No longer she saw tall buildings or stone houses. Instead, there¡¯s only simple wooden houses and green field as far scenery goes. No chaos death she saw in dream, only serenity life in reality. She walks out, looking at slightly brightened horizon as dawn just arrive. ¡°It¡¯s been four years.¡± She murmurs softly. Reminding herself four years have passed since that tragedy took place far from her currently. Four years since the nightmare was ended. Four years after this peaceful dream will end. Chapter 1 – A Day Just Begun Inside nameless forest. *Clank!* *Clank!* As morning barely begun, louds of blade clashes reverberating through leaves replacing singing of birds. ¡°Haa!¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± At source of clashes, a young boy was pushed back, or more like being blown away after desperately shielding against a brutal assault from a hammer of a young girl. For a moment, the girl looks worried, soon change after saw he was fine. The boy blown quite a distance. He¡¯s rolled as he landed on the ground. As he regained his balance, the boy gazing through his messy black hair at his opponent and her weapon. Contrary with her delicate look and short stature, the blonde girl before him easily wielding a seemingly heavy sledgehammer in her arms like nothing. Somehow creating a weird picture. [Shadow Trap] ¡°!!¡± A sudden chill assaults him. Without hesitation the boy jumped to side. On ground he stood, a shadow appears, then wooden spears protruding out of it, instantly turning the ground to spike floor. Although he knew the spears head were blunt, it still scaring him imagining if he got caught. The boy swept his gaze on surrounding, saw a white-haired girl, the culprit of shadow trap, hiding behind a tree no far from him. The white girl seemed frailer than the golden girl, but something about her aura feels more dangerous than latter. ¡°!!¡± Again, a sudden chill assaults him. *Shuush!* Following his instinct, the boy crouched down, felt something grazing the top his head. When he raised his face, there¡¯s a young girl in maid uniform before him griping a deeply embedded spear on ground. Seeing that, cold sweats broke out. Are you trying to kill me!? He didn¡¯t know how supposedly a blunt spear could pierced the ground, but he definitely wounded badly if not killed if he got hit by it. The boy¡¯s gaze went toward the young maid then the rest of girls, and raising a protest. ¡°Misha, Herlin, Raina! Why you all ganging against me!? Didn¡¯t we agreed it¡¯ll be royal battle!?¡± The blonde girl, Misha, tilted her head. ¡°What are you talking about, Arc? I just aiming at you. It¡¯s only a coincidence I went along with others.¡± ¡°Mm!¡± ¡°Same¡­¡± The white girl and young maid, Herlin and Raina, nodded in agreement, throwing him innocent look. Arc¡¯s lip twitched. Seeing his reaction, Misha smiled slightly. In midst of sudden relaxing mood, she took a surprise action. She charges toward Raina, swung her hammer at her. Raina, who instinctively realize her action, also took unexpected move. Like a beast, she lowering her stance and swiftly thrusting herself just slightly below Misha, then giving a straight spear trust. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°!!¡± Because young maid unexpected action, not only Misha lost her target, she also become defenseless. That attack would knock her out. If only she an ordinary girl. [Small Barrier] Just she about gets hit, a small transparent round wall formed between her and the spear, guarded her from the attack. ¡°¡­¡± Seeing her attack stopped, Raina quickly pulls back her spear, then thrusting it to side. Misha also quickly retracted her sledgehammer, using the shaft to shield against Raina attacks. *Clank!* *Clank!* As their body clashing, they realized the ground beneath their feet blackened. Misha and Raina¡¯s expression changed. They stopped their confrontation, immediately jumped out there. Soon afterward, spears protruding out the shadow, turn the blackened ground to spikes floor. Raina sweeps her gaze at surrounding, searching a white figure among surrounding trees. ¡°?¡± Only then she found some figures were missing. ¡°Huh? Where are Arc and Herlin?¡± Only then Misha realized the missing people. She didn¡¯t pay them attention in her heated fight. As she observing surrounding, her ears caught sounds in distance. ¡°Up there!?¡± Raising her face, she caught a pair of shadow jumping around on trees. A shadow of a boy chasing a big rabbit in midair. It¡¯s them. Misha didn¡¯t know when they get up there. Herlin, riding a big gray rabbit doll, hopping on branch of trees in attempt to escape Arc¡¯s pursuit, as he swinging around trees using a weird device known as hookshot. [Shadow Trap] As she riding the doll, Herlin glanced her pursuer, then throw some shadow traps. Unfortunately, the traps missing its target as Arc¡¯s movement was agile and more often in midair. Some missed magics strayed on other girls¡¯ feet, almost accidentally turned them her innocent victim. ¡°Uuh¡­¡± Seeing her means were ineffective, Herlin then control some puppets she hides in woods, charging those to him. In her surprise, Arc cut all puppets only with twice swings, took them down rather easily. ¡°Uh!¡± Seeing puppets cut apart made her teared out. They weren¡¯t some puppets. They¡¯re her result of couple weeks of hard work. ¡°Uhm¡­¡± Arc¡¯s expression was awkward. He almost apologized on spot when he saw Herlin¡¯s sad face. He became hesitate after seeing her tearing face. Misha, who watching their fight from ground, got annoyed. With a cold and mischievous smile on her face, Misha decided to punish Arc. She pointed her sledgehammer to the boy, chanting out unknown language. Her body glowing slightly, then light gathering above her. ¡°Eh, Young Lady? Wait¡­¡± Raina tried saying something to her, but it¡¯s too late. [Light Spear] A spear of light formed above Misha¡¯s head and shot toward Arc. ¡°What¡­¡± Arc, who still in midair, late to react on Misha¡¯s surprise attack. The boy receives the blunt force of Misha¡¯s magic, and¡­ *Boom!!* ¡­ *Splash!!* Sound of plash of water echoing in forest. ***** *** * A girl bowing her head to drenched boy. ¡°I¡¯m sorry!!¡± Misha said, bowing her head profusely. She really regretting to followed her impulse decision. ¡°¡­It¡¯s okay¡­really¡­¡± ¡°No, Arc! I¡¯m really sorry!¡± Although Arc have forgiven her, Misha keeps apologizing. She feels so guilty looking at Arc¡¯s drenched appearance. The last attack she shot hit him directly. Although there¡¯s no wound apparent on his body, since it¡¯d healed with magic, she still feels very guilty. Usually, it wouldn¡¯t very mattered, as Misha had adjusted her power so Arc wouldn¡¯t get injured. What happened afterward was the problem. As their mock battle happen near a river, the impact of Misha¡¯s magic unfortunately blew Arc into it. The current of river was strong, dragging Arc¡¯s in current, almost drown him. The girls panicked. They immediately leave their activity to save him out. It was quite a struggle before the girls managed drag him out of water. Because of that incident Misha keeps apologizing on road to home. ¡°Hm?¡± Raina stopped her feet and tilted. ¡°¡­Master, Young Lady, someone ahead.¡± ¡°¡­¡± A sigh escape from Arc¡¯s mouth heard what Raina, the young maid, had called him. ¡°¡­Raina, how many times I have tell you to stop call me ¡®master¡¯?¡± ¡°It¡¯s been many times.¡± ¡°¡­Can you stop already?¡± ¡°Yes, master.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Arc rolls his eyes, resigned on her stubbornness. As Raina and Arc keeping their conversation alongside Misha profuse apologizing, no one paying attention the surrounding, except Herlin. Only her noticing the identity of approaching person. ¡°It¡¯s Slyph.¡± ¡°Huh, Slyph?¡± Only then Misha noticing the arrival of new person and stopped apologizing. Her face turns little pale as the man, or rather the elf, approaching them with wrathful face. ¡°YOU ALL!!¡± A terrifying roar exploded. The young man and girls shook by the rage of the elf. ¡°Just where you all have been!?¡± A shout mixed of rage and displeasure shoot toward them. ¡°A, hi, Slyph.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t ¡®HI¡¯ me, Arc! Don¡¯t you know how worried us not seeing you all this morning? And what the hell with your appearance!?¡± She angrily pointed Arc¡¯s drenched state. ¡°Well, that a story.¡± Arc laughing weakly. ¡°What kind story made you in this kind sorry state!?¡± ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Slyph¡¯s long ears swinging, expressing her raging emotion. Arc was dejected gotten scolded despite being the victim himself. Looking his pitiful appearance from side, Misha feels more guilty. ¡°Slyph, please don¡¯t angry at him. It¡¯s my mistake.¡± ¡°Yours? Is this another unfortune accident?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ yes¡­¡± A tired sigh escape from Slyph¡¯s small mouth. Seeing her reaction, Misha felt very awkward. As her anger quieted alongside the sigh, Slyph raised her usual smile. ¡°Let¡¯s quickly return. Everyone was worried.¡± ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go everyone.¡± ¡°¡°¡°Yes.¡±¡±¡± With that, the teens spend their rather stormy and unfortune morning safely. Chapter 2 – Nearing End A boy standing before a boiling pot. *Tock¡­* *Tock¡­* Slowly stirring its content. ¡°Haa¡­¡± Arc sighed. Misha once said sighing is sign of unhappiness. She told it better to less sighing so your happiness won¡¯t escape, but Arc can¡¯t help but sigh to express his gloomy mood. The morning was rough. ¡°So unlucky¡­¡± Not only he fallen into river, dragged by flow quite a distance, almost drown him. When he returned to village, no one comfort him except the culprit of his tragedy. Worse, he scolded harshly instead. ¡°Haa¡­¡± After release all his gloominess with last sigh, he resumed his focus on the dish. He put the diced meats and chopped vegetables he¡¯d prepared into pot, then returns to stir. After a while, he put in the seasoning. An appetizing smell begun to rose, assaulting Arc¡¯s nose. *Guuu¡­* *Gulp* A rumbling sounded out Arc¡¯s empty stomach. He¡¯s hungry. Because the morning incident, he didn¡¯t get breakfast. His mouth watered at the sight of boiling stew and appetizing smell, tempting him to snitch some of it. ¡°No. I can¡¯t do that.¡± Arc shook his head, suppressing the temptation. Although he is hungry, he prefers to have eat together than snitching it alone. Arc continued stirring the pot until the stew was done. As the stew was done, Arc takes the pot off the stove, placed it on nearby table. Suddenly, a thunderous sound exploding in kitchen. ¡°Hey, Little Arc, are you done!?¡± Arc swiftly close his ears. Fortunately, he already took off the stew or all his effort will turn waste. Arc release his ear, facing the origin of thunderous sound. An ogre-like middle-age man stride in kitchen. With his usual stern face, he asked. ¡°Have the diner were ready?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Good. Hurry up serves it. Everyone already been starved.¡± This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. After saying that, the man quickly leaves the kitchen. Arc hastening his move to prepare their dinner. ***** *** * ¡°Thank for the food.¡± Arc glanced blond girl beside him as she finished up her food. ¡°¡°¡°Thank for the food!¡±¡±¡± Soon after, he also finished followed by couple of girls beside him. A gentle middle-age woman appears behind them, gathering the plates. Misha smiled to the woman. ¡°Here my plate, Miss Monica.¡± ¡°My, polite as usual, Little Lady.¡± Monica smiles lightly as she picked the plates. Arc and others giving their plates following her. Monica went to kitchen with all the dishes. ¡°I¡¯ll clean the plates, Dear.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± The huge middle-aged man nodded. Seeing his wife leave, the man eyeing the four boy and girls in front of him. Noticing his stare, Arc and others sat straight uncomfortably. ¡°What wrong, Uncle Rex?¡± ¡°Did you all got into trouble again?¡± Arc smile wryly at the question that didn¡¯t sound like question. Arc answering it honestly since there nothing to be hide. ¡°Well, we did.¡± ¡°Tell me.¡± ¡°That¨C¡± Arc retelling the incident, pretending not noticing Misha who pretending watching scenery outside window with embarrassed face. Mr. Rex close his eyes as he heard the story¨C ¡°So, it¡¯s another unlucky incident¡­¡± ¨CSuccinctly the story. ¡°Ahahaha¡­¡± Arc can¡¯t help but release a weak laugh as he heard it. It sounded like he is an unlucky person. If only he could refute that¡­ ¡°¡­Sorry.¡± Misha lowering her head, not daring meet Rex¡¯s gaze. Rex sighed in exasperation. He was wondering how many times this conversation has been repeating. Just how unlucky these kids before him. Thankfully, their misfortunate didn¡¯t spread to other, instead it felt as though they taking others¡¯. If not, he was long chase them out. ¡°It wasn¡¯t matter. I call you all for another matter.¡± Mr. Rex put a serious expression. Seeing his expression made the group tensed. ¡°Listen. It¡¯s been four years since you came. It¡¯s almost the time.¡± The four pairs of eyes widened, hearing most shocking news for them since they living in village. ***** *** * Misha: ¡°C¡¯mon everyone, we¡¯re almost there!¡± Arc: ¡°Just slow down, Misha. Look, Herlin was tired.¡± Herlin: ¡°Huff¡­ huff¡­ it¡¯s okay¡­¡± Raina: ¡°¡­Don¡¯t force yourself.¡± Arc: ¡°See.¡± Misha: ¡°Ah, sorry Herlin.¡± The next day. Arc, Misha, Herlin and Raina taking a stroll to nearby hill. The hill wasn¡¯t far from village. It¡¯s free from monster threat as villagers would exterminate them regularly. It is most special place in the village. ¡°¡°¡°¡°Whoa¡­¡­¡±¡±¡±¡± As they arrive, they greeted by a very beautiful scenery. A vast flower fields. Myriad of mystical flowers as far sight managed, shining even under sun. In center of field, peak of hill, a lone great tree stood tall. Ancient and majestic. It held the most beautiful flowers in field on its branch. Looking the shining white flowers on the tree, the four of them were enchanted. It took minutes before they could break from the charm. Arc: ¡°Huh? Oh¡­¡± Arc was first wakened. Arc: ¡°That was dangerous. This always happen whenever we go here¡­ Hey wake up.¡± Misha: ¡°Uh?¡± Raina: ¡°¡­?¡± Herlin: ¡°Eh?¡± Arc wakening the girls. After realizing their mistake, they continued their feet no longer dare to look the great tree, afraid they¡¯ll get trapped on its charm again. ¡°Just what the hell that tree?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Herlin nodded to Misha shuddering. Their destination was a small house located near the tree. Misha immediately knocked the door as soon they arrived. ¡°Excuse us!!¡± Then go in without waiting the reply. ¡°Hey! Haven¡¯t I said to stay outside until I say it¡¯s okay you guys could entering!!¡± And got a fierce scold from an angry little elf inside the second they are in. ¡°This place hasn¡¯t been tidied yet!¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Raina the maid nodded in understanding looking the state of room. There¡¯s only a word emerged in her mind when she saw it. Horrible! ¡°Sorry about that, but we really can¡¯t stay outside for so long.¡± ¡°That isn¡¯t really excuse, Arc. Why can¡¯t you all just to wait?¡± ¡°Hahaha, you still lively as usual, Slyph.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t laugh, Misha!¡± ¡°Um¡­ sorry¡­¡± ¡°Urgh¡­ you don¡¯t have to apologize for their behavior, Herlin.¡± Slyph tiredly dropped her shoulder. *Haa~* ¡°Whenever! Since you guys here, help me clean this place!¡± ¡°¡°No problem!¡±¡± ***** *** * As Slyph picking the trashes, she turned to Arc. ¡°By the way, why you all come here? You should know I didn¡¯t have time to play around.¡± She forgot to ask this question in midst of rage. It¡¯s quite rare for the group before her to visit her place. Slyph also didn¡¯t remember invite them. Then, her eyes rounded by the unexpected news Arc brought up. ¡°Well¡­ we here to inform you it¡¯s nearing the time for us to leave the village.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡­............................................Huh?¡± Chapter 3 – A Little Promise ¨C¨CFour years ago ¡°H¡­H..el..p¡­¡± ¡°Hiii~!! Blood!? So much blood!!¡± ¡°Who are you? How did you come to this place!?¡± ¡°H¡­ Ple¡­as..e¡­¡­he..lp¡­the..m¡­¡± ¡°OI! How come there so much wound on you!?¡± ¡°Hei! There other wounded children here!¡± ¡°Stop questioning him, old fool! We¡¯ve to treat them first or they¡¯ll die with this wound!!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t call me fool!!¡± It¡¯s a story before Arc, Misha, Raina and Herlin, living in village. At the time, they have another home. That time, they life in satisfactory. Living with their family in happiness, as happy as their current life. However¡­ Betrayal and calamity destroy everything. Their home was devoured by flames. Ugly and abominate creatures rampaging. They couldn¡¯t forget the faces of their friend and family as they turned into same abomination. Under the calamity, the four children almost lost their lives. Miraculously, they¡¯re safe. The blue jewel necklace Misha was wearing. The birthday gift from Arc in her tenth birthday. Arc and Misha never dreamed even in their wildness dream the gift at that time actually an artifact and would save their life. That day, a mysterious light burst from the necklace, enveloped them in light. For unknown reason it teleported four of them on field near the village. The villagers were very surprised by their appearance. Not only they covered by wounds and blood, their appearance near village was the very unexpected and improbable. ¨CCrestia¨C It¡¯s the name of village. Crestia is a hidden village. Its location thoroughly concealed. There¡¯s none ordinary way can reach the place, unless under the guide of villager. None of uninvited guest could ever set their feet on that land. Arc and others appearance was unexpected and miraculous. First in the Crestia history. The villagers took them in and decided to take care of them when they found their circumstance. However, the village have a rule not receiving outsider, except some special circumstances. Unless they decided permanently live in the village, they can¡¯t stay there for long. Fortunately, Arc, Misha, Raina and Herlin included in ¡®special circumstance¡¯. After the villager discussed about their treatment, they were allowed to temporally live in village. Beside the four of them, there also several people with different ¡®special circumstance¡¯ temporally staying in village, included Slyph, their elf friend. Arc and others were allowed to stay until most them reach adulthood. In this world, by human standard, they considered adult when they reach 14 years old. Except Herlin, all of them reach their adulthood. When they arrived, Arc and Misha still 10. Currently; Herlin, the youngest one, was 13 years old; Arc and Misha were 14 years old; and Raina, the oldest among them, was 15 years old. Four years passed since then. The time for their departure was approaching. ***** *** * *Clank!* ¡°Ha!¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± Arc was pushed back after his sword clashed with his opponent¡¯s. ¡°So heavy!¡± His hands trembling slightly as he parried the attack. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s rude to call a girl heavy!¡± ¡°I never say it¡¯s you, oversensitive old woman!¡± ¡°He~ still cheeky even though been beaten like that. Not only call me heavy, you also call me old. Let¡¯s me see if you can win against me this time, you sore loser!!¡± ¡°Oh yeah! I¡¯ll beat you this time!¡± Stolen novel; please report. *CLANK!!* It might the biggest clash for today. After lightly insulting each other, Arc and the girl resuming the battle. Even being overwhelming disadvantage, Arc still determined to brought down his opponent. Arc using two swords in each hand, whereas his opponent only using a sword against him. However, his sword couldn¡¯t reach her no matter how many times he swung them, while the girl managed to struck many blows on him. Luckily, they using training sword. If not, Arc already a minced meat. The disparity between their skill were apparent as they fighting. The girl lightly parrying his attacks as Arc¡¯s swords slightly grazing her red hair. ¡°You¡¯re open!¡± ¡°Gwah!!¡± A kick struck on boy¡¯s abdomen. The kick was heavy, throwing Arc quite far. As Arc clutched his stomach in pain, a sword pointed on his neck. ¡°You¡¯re dead.¡± The girl declared. ¡°Stop!¡± The instructor appears between them, announcing the duels result. ¡°It¡¯s Aiden win. With this, it¡¯s marked her 132nd wins against Arc.¡± ¡°Kukuku¡­Which mean, it¡¯s Arc¡¯s 132nd consecutive loss against me. Quite a sore loser there, Arc.¡± Arc scoffed at her grinning face. ¡°Hey, I only lost more than hundred times against you. Next time, it¡¯ll be my victory.¡± ¡°Hahahaha!¡± A laugh burst out her mouth as she heard something very amusing. ¡°You always have said that, but never once you win against me!¡± ¡°I definitely will win next time!¡± *Fuh!* Arc throw his body on ground, resting his aching body. ¡°¡­¡­I just hope I could win even once before leave¡­¡± Aiden stopped her laughing when she caught his whisper. ¡°Leave? What are you talking about?¡± Arc glanced at her. Aiden was a girl with fiery red hair and can be called a cool beauty. She currently in fifteenth, a year older than him. Arc always feel her appearance were older than her actual age. Arc once told her that only to get beaten by her. Since then, Arc occasionally tease her age as small revenge. Arc and Aidan started their rivalry three years ago. Neither of them knew why and when it became like this. Their initial relationship can¡¯t be called good, or rather it¡¯d be called bad. It¡¯s started with Arc challenge Aidan and lost. Afterwards, Arc¡¯s continuing challenging her despite kept losing and beaten. Along the way, the surrounding decided and turned them as practice partner. Sometimes Misha and others joining in, bringing their fight 4 on 1, always resulting in draw. Their rivalry starting by making fun on the other, then insulting, to denying and finally acknowledging on each existence. For Aiden, Arc and his company were closest childhood friend she haves. ¡°What do you mean you will leave!!??¡± That¡¯s why, without knowing best herself, she become one of most distraught once she learns the news of their departure. Arc was shocked by her reaction. Their sword instructor, Swordmaster Clerin, try to calm her. ¡°Calm down, Aiden. It¡¯s the rule. You should know about it.¡± ¡°But, why Master Clerin!? Why they have to leave? Who will practice with me if they leave!? Except them, no one will practice with me anymore!¡± ¡°Haa¡­¡± Watching to his tearful disciple, Clerin could only sigh. Although he already foreseen this¡¯d happen, Aiden reaction still exceeded his expectation. What she said only half of truth. Beside Arc¡¯s group, there also some villagers would occasionally accompany her practice. The villagers just too busy to often accompany her. There¡¯re other children. It just none of them want to practice with her for reasons. Because of that, there only three people close with Aiden beside Arc. Hearing all her close friend will leave her alone was a very disastrous news for her. Clerin can only sympathizing. ¡°Hey, Arc! Please tell it¡¯s not, is it?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Is it!?¡± Arc gently looking at her. Seeing her real pained expression really isn¡¯t something comfortable to look at. ¡°Master Clerin, do you mind give us some space?¡± ¡°¡­I hope you can resolve this amicably.¡± After said that, Clerin leave them alone. Arc returned his gaze on Aiden. With heavy heart, tell her the truth. ¡°Aiden, it¡¯s true.¡± ¡°!!!¡± Aiden staggered back. ¡°Why? Why you have leave!? Did you hate me by any chance? Do you actually want to leave because you can no longer stand my attitude? I¡¯ll stop if so!¡± Arc was speechless at her reaction. It¡¯s occurred again to him how Aiden was actually care of him, even though her usual demeanor said otherwise. *Sob¡­* ¡°So, please¡­ please don¡¯t leave me¡­¡± ¡°Hey, you¡¯re getting misunderstand there!¡± Seeing her tears, Arc panicked. He quite weak with tears of girl. Arc quickly caught her in his arms and gently patting her head. His action to calm her was so gentle and intimate making their previous attitude just a lie. *Sigh~* Arc calming the weak girl in his arm. Contrary with her usual attitude, Aiden quite a weak-willed girl, thoroughly hidden under her strong facade. The weak side of her reveal only those who really close to her. ¡°Let¡¯s sit under that tree first.¡± Arc pulling her under the tree, put her sit beside him. *Sob¡­* ¡°Don¡¯t be sad too soon. It¡¯s not like we¡¯ll gone right now.¡± ¡°¡­But you still will leave, right?¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s true.¡± ¡°Uh?¡± ¡°The date not decided yet, but we¡¯ll leave in two months at latest.¡± ¡°Gh¡­¡± ¡°So, don¡¯t be sad now. Meantime, I¡¯ll definitely kick your ass within these two months!¡± ¡°¡­¡± A small punch throw at his face. Arc easily caught it as he already expecting it. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t try to comfort me, not making me feel more miserable!¡± ¡°Why I should that when it¡¯s the truth?¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Aiden was so speechless she stopped crying. What kind comforting is this!? Seeing her reaction, Arc reveal a relief smile. They¡¯ve been together for years and he learn many things about her, even things herself isn¡¯t aware of. Calming Aiden won¡¯t be a difficult task. It¡¯s only a matter of convince her was challenging. ¡°You know. I didn¡¯t leave because yours irritating and childish attitude. If so, I¡¯d leave years ago¡­ No, it¡¯s because we should leave.¡± ¡°Why is¡­ Wait a second, did you just casually insult me?¡± Arc ignore her. ¡°It¡¯s because the village rule. Also, it¡¯s time for us to go home.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Home, huh¡­¡± Hearing the word ¡®home¡¯, Aiden staring the sky blankly. Arc always wondering why she always reacting like that whenever she heard ¡®Home¡¯. She never tells the reason. *Plop* Aiden rested her head on Arc¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Hmph, here I thought you were already forgotten that since you and your brides getting really comfortable here.¡± ¡°I never forgetting that¡­ wait, who are my brides?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t those three¡­ Never a day you without each other.¡± For some reason, there a trace of bitterness when she said that. ¡°That¡¯s not true. Also, it isn¡¯t like all of us will stay in village forever. We just leave sooner.¡± Then he noticed. ¡°¡­Hmm, I¡¯ve got impression we have discussed this before. Didn¡¯t we?¡± ¡°¡­¡­I just hope the four of you will leave this village with me¡­¡± Aiden whispered in somber expression. Seeing her have considerably calmed down, Arc thought off something that¡¯d make Aiden let them off in peace. ¡°Yeah, sorry can¡¯t make up such modest wish. In exchange, how about making a promise?¡± ¡°Promise?¡± Arc stretched his pinky finger. ¡°That¡¯s right. I promise I¡¯ll win against you next time we meet.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­Pffftt! Ahahahaha! That¡¯s funny, Arc!!¡± ¡°Huh, why!? Do you think I¡¯ll neglect my training and become weak after I leave the village!¡± ¡°No. I just think you¡¯d never win against me.¡± ¡°Hey!¡± With wide smile on her face, Aiden stretched her pinky finger, linking with his. ¡°It¡¯s promise, Arc. We¡¯ll meet again.¡± ¡°It¡¯s promise. Though, isn¡¯t this a bit early for farewell promise?¡± With that, their promise for future reunion was set. A modest, yet firm bond between them. None of both know how much impact it¡¯d brought for their future self yet. ¡°Hey, Arc, Aiden!!¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Ah, Misha, Raina, Herlin, you were here!¡± Without they realize, there¡¯re three people appear in training field. Arc and Aiden didn¡¯t realize their presence until Misha calling them out. ¡°Why you were here?¡± ¡°I heard Aiden¡¯s scream. What happened?¡± As Arc about to answer, Aiden quickly shut him. ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°?¡± Misha slightly baffled. Aiden took Arc and Misha¡¯s hands, dragged them with her as she leaves the training field. ¡°Wait!¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Raina and Herlin hurriedly following them. ¡°Hey, just what¡¯s up with you, Aiden. What the hell happened, Arc?¡± ¡°That¡­ let¡¯s call it¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°??¡± Aiden turned to Misha. Said with biggest smile she¡¯d muster. ¡°Hey, let make beast our time, okay.¡± Chapter 4 – Little Talk with the Little Elf *Clank!!* *Clank!!* Inside a certain room, there¡¯re five figures focusing on their task. ¡°Arc, give me that.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Raina, cool the iron.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Herlin, have you prepared the pelt?¡± ¡°This, Sis.¡± ¡°Slyph, please put the enhancement¡± ¡°It¡¯s ready.¡± ¡°Good.¡± *Clank!!* *Clank!!* Misha kept hitting the hot iron while she giving commands. *Ksshhh!* ¡°At last¡­¡± After finished her part, she¡¯d proceed to last step. ¡°Let¡¯s assemble this child!¡± ***** *** * ¡°We did it, Everyone!¡± Misha having a high-five with everyone after seeing the result of their long project. ¡°Yes, Sis!¡± ¡°Congratulation, Young Lady.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± ¡°Good work everyone.¡± Herlin, Raina, Arc, Slyph giving their respective respond toward her. After finishing the small congratulation party, Misha picked the crossbow they have finished. ¡°Let¡¯s go to test field.¡± Misha then brought the group to field behind the workshop. The test field, a place where many kinds testing for creation was done. One of most dangerous places in village. Despite the infamy, no one stopping their group entering since they are the very source of infamy. ¡°We¡¯re finished the ¡®Firestorm Project¡¯. With this, we¡¯ve our own personal strong self-defense weapon.¡± Misha lifted the crossbow. Unlike normal crossbow, the crossbow in her arm was thicker and there an extra handle below the bow, and Slyph¡¯s enhancement rune covering the entire body. Misha put the crossbow on nearby table, turn at people behind. ¡°Let¡¯s test this thing.¡± Upon heard ¡®test this¡¯ everyone took few steps away from her. ¡°¡­¡± Misha was speechless. After few moments of silence, she turned to Herlin. ¡°Herlin.¡± *Flinched* ¡°Yes, Sis.¡± ¡°Could I borrow Mr. Black Bunny?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Sis¡­are you going to make Mr. Black Bunny your test subject again?¡± This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Ahahaha. You¡¯re bit wrong. It¡¯s more like Mr. Black Bunny will testing the test subject.¡± ¡°What difference! No, please don¡¯t! The last time was already bad for him!¡± Herlin, alongside small doll in her arm, shaking their head strongly. The doll, Mr. Black Bunny, already trembling upon arriving on test field. Seeing Mr. Black Bunny humanly reaction made Misha wondering if it¡¯s actually alive. ¡°Herlin¡­¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t!¡± ¡°I see.¡± Misha back down with dejected expression. Herlin hurriedly took many steps back. No longer she¡¯d deceived by her sister pitiful face after the last time. Misha sighed. It¡¯s not like she¡¯d force her. Nothing she can do about it remembering the incident in last failure. She almost turned Mr. Black Bunny to Mr. Ash Bunny. *Sigh* ¡°Seems there no other choice. Arc will do it.¡± ¡°¡­Sis, you devil¡­¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s joke.¡± Misha giggling to frightened Herlin. ¡°Let me do.¡± Unexpectedly, Arc¡¯s volunteering himself. ¡°Big brother!¡± ¡°Arc, are you sure?¡± ¡°Master, please stop.¡± ¡°Are you serious doing this?¡± Arc shrugging at the girls¡¯ exclamation. ¡°Well, someone will do it eventually. I¡¯m also curious what we¡¯ve actually created.¡± ¡°Master, isn¡¯t it dangerous? Have you forgotten what¡¯s happened?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s quite spectacle event.¡± Raina and Slyph trying to stop him. ¡°Don¡¯t be too anxious. Wasn¡¯t I gotten out fine.¡± ¡°¡­Yeah¡­how you were fine that time was become one of village ten mysteries.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you too exaggerated Slyph? Let¡¯s me test this.¡± Arc picked the crossbow and begin to aim the target on field. Everyone immediately took long stride from him. ¡°¡­¡± Arc speechless by their reaction and decided to ignore them. He carefully aims the target then pull the trigger. A bolt flew across the field, hitting the target. Afterward, a thunderous sound and blight light burst upon the hit. The bolt exploded alongside the target. ¡°¡­¡± Arc marveled by power it created. Have yet the dust settled, Arc grab extra handle below the crossbow, then pull it. The crossbow expanded, stretched out its string, automatically reload another bolt from the magazine. Crossbow returned to it original form as Arc releasing the second handle. Arc quickly aim the other target and another explosion occurred. He repeating the steps several time until he run out bolt. ¡°Yay! It¡¯s a success!¡± Misha jumped in joy, showing her rare childish moment. It¡¯s the result of their project, a rapid shoot magic crossbow. This magic crossbow was something she built in whim after inspired by something from the depth of her memory. After many trials and errors, involving Arc, Raina, Herlin and Slyph in her small project, she finally managed to created it. The bolt it shot not limited to exploding bolts. There several various others type magic bolts. ¡°Stop Arc. Let me take my turn.¡± Arc handing the crossbow to her. Accompanied by Herlin and Raina, she testing the crossbow with other type magic bolts. Arc stands on Slyph side, watching the undergoing of testing from distance. He glanced the elf, seeing frowns formed on her forehead. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Slyph?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t be offended, I just feel bit weird with Misha¡¯s talent.¡± ¡°¡­So do I.¡± Arc nodding understandly. ¡°You don¡¯t need worry I¡¯ll feel offended. I also still can¡¯t relate how she¡¯s a great healer and skilled artificer at same time.¡± ¡°Yeah. I got impression those are quite incompatible skill.¡± ¡°Not only that, she is a strong berserker.¡± ¡°Hahaha, that¡¯s right, isn¡¯t it.¡± Arc was wondering what¡¯s wrong with Misha¡¯s ability. If it briefed in short sentence, he can say: ¡°It¡¯s messy all rounded.¡± Misha haves all aptitude magic with high prominence in healing magic. A promising and talented artificer. She having illogical strength and fighting with big hammer like a berserker. Her past also made her know quite a bit of politic and trade. She gotten a widespread talent, making her jack of all trade and maybe become master of all when she grows further. The point is; Misha was a girl with many talents. ¡°Having a talent is lucky. Having many talents is outrageous. Not something should be envied though.¡± ¡°Which mouth said that? You and other two brides were similar with her.¡± ¡°Who are my¨CJust forget it.¡± As Slyph said; Arc, also Raina and Herlin are also people with various talents like Misha. Their talent quite widespread; from combat, artistic, production talent, even some that deemed useless. Their situation so unique, enough made the elders in village perplexed upon discovery. However, it¡¯s only that. ¡°Is that actually great? We¡¯re even weaker than you when you¡¯re weakest among them.¡± Despite of that, the four of them actually the village weakest. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t say that. It¡¯s because our circumstance very special we¡¯re strong. Not like the four of you who are pure talent and hard work.¡± Slyph said while rubbing her sleeve. ¡°Maybe¡­.¡± Arc nodded acknowledging knowing the circumstance she spoke of. He glanced the sleeve, remembering what she said about her situation and future will come. ¡°Being chosen ones seems have its hardship.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Slyph was silent. ¡°Slyph?¡± ¡°Hey¡­¡± ¡°?¡± Slyph turned at him with most serious face she ever shown. Sensing her sudden change of mood, Arc tilted. ¡°¡­¡­When you will leave?¡± ¡°Ah, that¡­¡± Arc scratched his head as she suddenly brought up such unpleasant topic. It seems she also one that didn¡¯t like the news of their early departure. In fact, she was paralyzed for half of day when she first heard it. ¡°Maybe next month. We have a month to settle everything before leave.¡± ¡°I see¡­¡± A moment of silence permeating between them. Leaving the sound of explosion and Misha¡¯s joyful voice in the space. After a while, Slyph break the silence. ¡°Seems I have a month time to play.¡± Her voice was weak, almost disappear in midst of commotion. ¡°Yeah, we still have a month.¡± Arc replied. A small smile forming on Slyph¡¯s face. ¡°Hey¨C¡± *Snap* *Boom!!* *Kyaaa!!* A snap resounded in the air following by explosion. It¡¯s occurred on Misha¡¯s group. ¡°!?¡± ¡°What happened!?" Arc and Slyph turned to source of commotion. Saw what happened there. It seems another failure testing was occurred. Misha and others coughing as their body smoking. After they saw the situation, they regained their composure. ¡°Another failure, huh.¡± ¡°You seem didn¡¯t worry about them.¡± ¡°They will fine. No need to panic. Having said that, I need to look them.¡± Arc runs toward the girls. ¡°¡­¡± Watching the boy¡¯s back, Slyph letting out small smile before following him. ¡°By the way, what are you trying to say, Arc?¡± ¡°No, nothing.¡± Chapter 5 – I Regret to Let Him Cook It happens so sudden. ¡°Aaaa!!¡± ¡°Run away!¡± ¡°Run!¡± ¡°Escape!!¡± In a peaceful village, people were running as though they¡¯re escaping from a great danger. On her way home after training, a blonde girl watching people action in confusion. Among the running people, she caught a familiar boy running pass her. Misha¡¯s hand instinctively grabbed him, intending ask him the situation because the sudden terrible feeling she got. ¡°Gyaa!¡± Seeing how panicked and frightened he is, making her terrible premonition growing stronger. ¡°What the hell going on, Richard!?¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you Misha!¡± When the boy, Richard, saw his captor, he was brightened, as though salvation had come down to him. ¡°Misha, please stop those madmen!¡± ¡°Huh, what do you¡ªWait. please, don¡¯t tell me is it ¡®that¡¯ again!?¡± Even though her first confusion, Misha gradually realizing the situation. She knew. She had long familiar with this routine. Why Richard looks so frightened. Why people escaping. What terrible feeling she had now. She¡¯d predict the tragic future that¡¯ll fall on her! ¡°Are they making a new dish again!?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! And it¡¯s a giant failure!¡± Misha paled as she heard that. A failure new dish. It an ordinary word and ordinary occurrence with nothing special. However, in this village, ¡®failure new dishes¡¯ were more frightening than any monster or misfortune she ever faced since the calamity. If she¡¯d haves to describe the taste of failed dishes in a sentence, it would like this: ¡®You can¡¯t die no matter how much you want to die¡¯ ¡°Wait, what you mean by ¡®giant¡¯?¡± She was confused and frightened by new word attached to failure dish. ¡°Go see yourself. See ya!¡± Not waiting her reply, Richard storming his escape. ¡°A giant failure new dish¡­¡± *Gulp* Misha looking toward direction opposed Richard escape. She really never wants go there, but she must. With trembling all over her body, her feet firmly going to that place. It¡¯s actually same on her way home. Just two neighbors away. ¡°Ugh!¡± As her step going closer, her nose was pricked by weird acrid stinks and her vision slowly blurred by faint purple smoke. Looking around, she¡¯d found some fainted people on road. Some people that still have faint conscious looking at her as though they seeing an angle of salvation. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°¡­¡± Misha looking up to sky. There¡¯s a complicated feeling floating in her heart knowing the culprits behind this tragedy. With heavy steps, she gradually approaching a certain house. As she opens the door, a disgusting purple smoke and horrible stink burst out. Reflexive, Misha covered her nose. *Thud* *Thud* Fainted birds were falling near her feet as they passing the purple smoke. ¡°¡­¡± Misha might also faint if wasn¡¯t for the fact she haves long accustomed with the stink. ¡°Ugrh!¡± *Blegh* ¡­¡­or not. The stink was more horrible than previous. ¡°This¡­¡± Cold sweet pouring down. Her small body can¡¯t help but trembling heavily. Peeking inside the house, she¡¯d see a pair of shadows, small and big, were playing around a boiling pot filled mysterious black substance. Just the sight of mysterious black substance ringed warning bell in her head. She didn¡¯t know what that thing is, but she sure it surely not for human consumption. She called them. ¡°Arc, Uncle Rift, what the hell are you two making this time!?¡± ¡°Uh, Misha? Wait a minute, we almost done.¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you little girl. Seems your bride come to see you, Lad.¡± ¡°Who is my bride?¡± The two of them paid her little attention as they continuing their strange experiment. Misha strode nearing. ¡°No-No-No! Please don¡¯t finish that thing!¡± ¡°Uh, why?¡± Arc tilted. ¡°Why!? Can¡¯t you smell how horrendous stink is it!?¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a smell weirdly a little, I admit.¡± ¡°A little!? How could this little? What the hell you put in there?¡± ¡°Ho~¡± Uncle Rift interjecting. ¡°Hey, little girl, heard this! What we¡¯re making right now is new invention that would make revolution in food world. We¡¯re making a never seen dish. Everyone will tremble and salivating upon see this dish and will doing anything just to take a bite! Not only that, we¡¯ll introducing many kind ingredients you never thought could be eaten. See like this. Have you ever thought that nora bat wing, brown cicada carapace, werewolf body fluid, great boar milk, cockatrice blood, sandworm larvae boiled together and mixed with some¨C¡± ¡°Basically, we put wholesome particular ingredients we could thought for this dish.¡± Arc cut in. ¡°What in the calamity you put in!!?¡± Misha was very confused. What just in abyss they put in? Are they really speaking in same language? Why can¡¯t she understand anything they said? For some reason, her body and vision can¡¯t stop trembling. Rather than can¡¯t understand, it¡¯s more like she refuses to understand their word. Misha glanced at black substance. It might her imagination, for a moment she spotted something was squirming and screaming in there. *AAaaaa!* ¡°¡­¡± She definitely won¡¯t eat that. ¡°Oh, lad, the food was ready.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± ¡°!!!¡± Misha dumbfounded. Arc turn off the stove, and brought the pot on the table. He scooping some black substance, serving it on three small bowls. Before she could react, Misha already holding a small bowl of black substance given by the boy. ¡°Eh? Me too?¡± ¡°Since you were here, of course.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not hungry right now. This is your dish Arc. Why can¡¯t you try it alone?¡± ¡°Dish was better when served together.¡± Twitch appears on her lips. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t speak when eating. Just take a sip, little girl, and you¡¯ll find how delicious this is.¡± ¡°You say that but you haven¡¯t taken a sip either and I could see how wet you from your sweating!¡± ¡°Hahaha, what are you talking about, Lass? I just take some preparation before I try this mysterious thing since it looked little dangerous!¡± ¡°So you realize this isn¡¯t food to consumed, right!?¡± Uncle Rift ignore her comment and took a mouthful of black substance. Arc and Misha watching him intently. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± Silence. After took the mysterious substance into his mouth, Rift stop moving entirely. He stands steady like a tree. ¡°Master Rift, what¡¯s matter?¡± Arc poking his side. Then, the Aged Man¡¯s body shuddered heavily and fell with loud ¡®thud¡¯ on floor. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Are you really going to eat that?¡± Arc staring at sky, or rather the ceiling. With great resolution and sorrow in his gazes, he declared: ¡°Of course! It¡¯s our rule to never waste food!¡± ¡°Please stop being idiot Arc!!¡± He lifts the bowl to his mouth, took a mouthful of the substance and shallow it in haste. ¡°!!!¡± *Thud* Receiving same fate as Uncle Rift, Arc soundlessly fell on the floor with heavy ¡®Thud¡¯. Misha can only watch the tragedy happen in daze. Her little mouth hanging open, no sure what should she do. After a while, tears begun to leak out. Again!! Misha screamed inwardly. That¡¯s right. This situation haves been repeating many times already! Now, she really regretting letting Arc come here. For how this happen was because Arc desire to learn to cook. Uncle Rift happen the best cook in the village. He also took fancy on Arc and decided to take him as apprentice. The girls also were happy for him that time. They even made small celebration party. That time, they didn¡¯t know Uncle Rift¡¯s terrible habit as a cook. They didn¡¯t know his love in creating and experimenting with new dishes. How it often resulting with weird and terrible failure, creating many disgusting foods!! Now she understood why the villagers given them pitying gazes at that time. Worst of all this is, Arc picked his master bad habit! He sometimes creating disgusting foods that wasn¡¯t for human consumption. The pair master and apprentice like to try their own new weird dish and serve it to the others, creating scene of littered half-dead body whenever they creating failed dish. Worse¡­ Arc often dragged her with him. And always, she couldn¡¯t reject him. Watching her fallen family with resentment, she took a mouthful bowl of black substance. When the substance falls into her stomach, acrid stink burst out her mouth, piercing out her nostril, overwhelming her sense of smell. Her body paralyzed as horrendous taste assault her taste bud. Her eyes full of tears from burn sense. Isn¡¯t this worse than last time!? She thought as her conscious begun to dimmed. Before she fainted, she saw two familiar little girls approaching her. ¡°Young Lady!!¡± ¡°Sister!¡± Sorry for dragging you both into this. Her last thought before fainted. Afterward, the number of half-dead bodies increased by two.