Susize Vredi’s flesh-and-blood sister immediately bit her lip after looking at my face and raised her hood over her head.    

I wondered why no one asked why two High Elves shared the same face, but illusion magic was to blame.   

I do not take failure well, my lord. After evolving, I specialize in piercing veils that hide the truth. Should I detect one, I alter your sight to see through it.    

I did my best to not stare, and she did the same. She would probably talk to me after the Heptarchis, so I needed to steel myself for an uncomfortable encounter.     

“I do hope you’ll forgive me for my tardiness,” said Lord Enele, his voice deep and smooth, like a famous bass line. “I offer my most sincere apologies.” Lord Enele sat in the empty chair. “I was recently on the Western Continent to hold discussions to end the war between Cridia and Uquenia.”   

“Not at all, Lord Enele. Please, raise your head.” Terokai was being a kiss-ass.    

“A war…?” I thought that was my voice, but it was Ayroix. “Between two Divine Countries?”   

“Curious, are you?” Lord Enele asked. The way he spoke sounded alarm bells in my mind. “I’m not surprised word hasn’t spread to Plymoise and Atrix. Considering the obvious, of course, which is why we have gathered here today. But do not let your mind worry about it. The situation has been handled.”    

Tris, look around with [Skyview]. See if you can get more information around Plymoise, Atrix, and what remains of Ria.   

Understood.    

“With that said, let us begin the Heptarchis,” commanded Enele. His voice alone…was deep and powerful, like the roar of an ancient bear. But it was sophisticated and civilized. A perfect harmony between both made those who heard it want to look.     

The Wisefolk called on Gretchen to give her side of the story. Then questions were directed to me since she dropped my name as a valuable ally, and it turned to Ayroix, who spoke of the rebellion as a means to an end-- to stop Gregory’s violent rule.     

The obvious question was asked by Lady Riotic.     

“Please do not think I didn’t request a Heptarchis after it happened. I did. Yet, I was given a letter stating my request was denied. Furthermore, the messenger was a mimic. Had Lord Springfield not been there to stop the assassination attempt, I would not be here.”    

Indiko commented on Plymoise’s historically weak navy and inquired how she defeated seven Concordian-class battleships.    

“You already know the answer, Lord Indiko. But that is not why I requested this Heptarchis. A mysterious letter has found its way to my hands. One that was penned by none other than Gregory Atrix!” Gretchen retrieved proof of Orchta’s corruption and laid it on the table. “Orchta is no longer pure. The Heptarchis has been tainted! The Wisefolk can no longer be trusted with overseeing Parthina!”   

And chaos broke loose. Hearing an outrageous claim would have gotten anyone riled up if it concerned their way of life. Indiko and Terokai didn’t want to believe it. Sir Hairokei argued with those two. Napoli remained silent and watched with judging eyes. Ayroix sweated bullets. He looked at me, and his face asked if I knew. I merely nodded. Perhaps my secrecy hurt him.    

Maybe I should’ve told him.     

I didn’t really care. Nothing good or bad would’ve come of it. Ayroix probably would’ve said he could’ve searched Gregory’s villa for more information, but Tris had already explored it from top to bottom.     

The madness only calmed once Enele cleared his throat. He emitted a quick pulse of his overwhelming mana, which almost knocked me away. The fear… I hadn't felt anything like it since I was thrown through the portal.    

For a moment, it felt like all my efforts to get this far…was just for nothing. Meruria?   

That bitch was as useless as Shuuta Fenton compared to this…anomaly. Surtr heard my teeth chattering and calmed me down.    

Enele reached for the letter and read it. Then he grabbed his necklace. It glowed and turned into a justice scale, albeit with a turtle-like twist.  

My lord, that’s a Divine Armament! It’s in the same category as Lady Sekh’s mace!  

This guy had something like that?!    

“With the power of [Conferment], I used my authority as the Dark Lord of Justice to bestow upon a rule of truth. Let the Wisefolk of Orchta speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” The scales vibrated, then enclosed the sanctum in a colorless light.    

My heart sank deep into my stomach. I’d never seen anyone other than me use it. How the hell did he master it so quickly? And to utilize it in such a way?   

“[Conferment]?! Then those words I heard weren’t figments of my mind?”   

“It appears not, Lord Indiko. I take it you’re seeing the mysterious power in action for the first time?” Napoli spoke for the first time. His voice was oddly calm.    

But I wasn’t.    

I was freaking the fuck out.    

How in the goddamn did Enele master [Conferment]? And how the hell did he use it on multiple people—no, that wasn’t accurate. Enele used it on all Orchta. And he used it specifically again to target only the Wisefolk…    

Why? Tris said he held a spell called [Truth Field], which did the same thing. SO...   

WHY?!   

Using it twice did nothing except make a point. But for who? Who was he trying to…?    

Holy shit… Holy goddamn shit… I need to reach that level… No, I need to surpass it.     

"Honorable Wisefolk of Orchta, heed my humble request. Let your words be as pure as the morning dew, devoid of deceit or falsehood as we delve into the matter. Recant the truth of the letter.”   

One by one, the Wisefolk spoke, and it wasn’t by choice. They actively struggled against Enele’s overwhelming use of [Conferment] to the point where they bled from the eyes.     

“…Eerg… The…the Wisefolk of Orchta…was…”    

“…Beseeched by man…not of Parthina…”   

“…to…collect…and…deliver…”   

“…the…seven… Vestiges…for…for…”   

“… archeological…purposes…to…put…an…”   

“…end to the…eternal…wars…to…bring…peace to…   

“…and unlock…Parthina’s…secret…history…hidden…by the…Wisefolk…of old…”   

“Secret history?!” Lady Riotic spoke first.    

“The ancient stories dictate a period of bloody war and strife because the Vestiges were together,” said Sir Hairokei.     

“That’s why our predecessors informed us that we cannot become arrogant and try to reform the mother meteorite! That is why we form coalition armies whenever a foolish city-state tries to accomplish the impossible!” Lord Napoli was awfully talkative and emotional.     

It makes sense if I think of it as a series of checks and balances. The city-states keep each other in line.  But whoever this outsider is must’ve manipulated the Wisefolk to refrain from approving Gretchen’s Heptarchis request. They must’ve provided Atrix with supplies. But why not more? They probably couldn’t. If they gave too much aid, perhaps the Wisefolk would have no choice but to intervene? They can probably get away with a little bit of corruption. But if it goes too far, then they need to act. Gregory should’ve burned the letter. But I wonder if he planned on blackmailing the Wisefolk?  

Lord Enele took a deep breath and canceled his use of [Conferment]. He said he offered to meditate this Heptarchis as the Head Arbitrator of Aquanis because he sensed something foul was at play. He side-eyed me, so there was probably a second reason. And I wondered if it had anything to do with Seraphina. She was awfully adept at staring at me via her peripheral vision.    

“Under the Dark Lord of Justice, I hereby pass on judgement to the Wisefolk of Orchta. For the crime of defying the sacred traditions of your ancestors for personal gain, I declare you guilty," Enele proclaimed, his scales shimmering with an intense radiance. "For the crime of forsaking the harmony of Orchta, I declare you guilty," his scales blazed with an ominous glow. "And finally, for the crime of betraying the sacred trust bestowed upon you as the cornerstone of Parthina, I declare you guilty," the resounding words echoed through the chamber, sealing the fate of the accused.   

Enele closed his eyes and took a deep breath.    

“The Wisefolk of Orchta are hereby sentenced to death. Use the refrain I’ve given you to make amends with your end. The execution shall take place tomorrow morning.” Enele’s words were heavy. Seraphina then acted. She ordered the Wisefolk to stand, and she escorted them away.     

“D—Die?” Lord Indiko exclaimed. “Lord Enele, the Wisefolk have always been here. They’re the cornerstone of Parthina! We must have the Rite of Succession and instate their successors--”   

“That cornerstone is broken. It cannot be trusted. I have made my judgement while looking towards the future. Once the stain of corruption has fettered your soul, you remain weak to it. Its alluring nature will chip away at your renewed resolve faster than before.”   

Lady Plymoise spoke and asked what they were to do. “I will not leave whilst the future is unclear, Lady Plymoise. Parthina is a rich nation with a history unlike any other. Its lands are vibrant and beautiful—a sight you cannot experience anywhere else. Seeing it torn asunder? I cannot possibly allow it,” Enele replied.    

And just like that…   

The entire topic changed. Tris said she didn’t think it would turn out like this.    

 

---

For thirteen hours, Lord Enele and the others talked politics, foreign policy, domestic affairs, taxes, rules, regulations, and the consequences of two city-states entering a defensive pact. Of course, they wanted to speak of the Wisefolk and what Lord Enele had in mind to replace them, but he said that discussion would come later.     

Gretchen argued that she couldn’t be sure any other city-state had a secret agreement, and it only made sense for Plymoise and Atrix to take the necessary steps to defend each other.    

Lord Indiko said Gretchen’s idea was ludicrous. Two others echoed the same and mentioned they would be forced to take preemptive measures.    

Tensions were flaring. You’d think they’d simmer when Lord Enele used [Conferment] to have only the truth spoken, thereby revealing that there weren’t any secret agreements, but it did little.    

Gretchen had good reasons to want this defensive pact.    

Since the crux of the matter was Atrix, Lord Napoli wanted a trusted advisor from each of their city-states to each have 1/6th controlling power and form a council to steer Atrix’s growth. Lady Riotic echoed that statement. She said that was the only way to be sure the defensive pact didn’t turn into something offensive and violent.    

“That won’t work. The people would never go for it. We spent a month overthrowing a traitorous lord—one that delved so far to hire a chimera to assist him. Yet you ask foreign bodies to have a say over what we do? We have letters and documents of Gregory Atrix selling the lives of his citizens and soldiers to a certain city-state to test their spells.”   

“A chimera?!” Sweat poured down Lady Riotic’s cheeks.     

“He appears to be telling the truth,” Lord Enele said. He held a Scan Stone and confirmed Ayroix’s chimera slayer title.    

“My… Oh my… Who knew you had the courage to slay one of those monsters. Shall we ask Bellerophon to construct a barracks? Perhaps an office or an outpost?”   

“Do not be crass, Lord Indiko. We do not have the money to license a unit from Bellerophon. We are focused on repairing our city, first and foremost. Even still, I refuse to allow others to have a say in my city-state when I cannot trust them.”   

Someone pointed to Gretchen, and Ayroix said she was shown to be a true friend.     

“Lord Springfield? Would the High Elf of Liberation like to add anything? The rumors report you were on the scene from the beginning.” Lord Terokai looked at me. Gretchen glanced, and I couldn’t stay quiet.    

I cited my experiences within Atrix. I spoke of the people and how fiercely they fought to overthrow their tyrant ruler—of how depraved Gregory was in the last few weeks. When he ordered the deaths of children and impaled them onto spikes.     

Lord Enele narrowed his eyes. I continued.    

“Once they taste freedom under a man who genuinely cares for them, they will not give it up. If you’re willing to deal with that, then be my guest. I expect to see you here within five years to discuss your failures, what went wrong, and how this could’ve been avoided.    

“You don’t mince your words, Lord Springfield.”   

“I do not, Lord Indiko. I’ve seen, felt, heard, and experienced more than you could imagine.”   

“And I don’t doubt that. I cannot begin to envision what it feels like to not be at the mercy of time’s whimsical restraint that binds so many others to its unbreakable chains. Rest assured, your words are highly valued and appreciated.”   

When night fell, Atrix and the defensive pact was still the primary topic of discussion. But Lord Enele offered a moment of respite and switched to the Wisefolk to rest their minds.     

What were they to do about them? The Orchta and Heptarchis system had been all they had known.    

They literally didn’t know any other way.  In my world, we had republics and democracies, but they were mostly just reminders of the past. While the concept existed here, I doubt it was anything like what the ancient Greeks developed in Athens in 508 BC.   

Someone brought up the idea of replacing the Wisefolk with trusted members from their city-states, but that brought up another weakness—the same concern as the defensive pact between Atrix and Plymoise.   

What was forbidding, say, Plymoise and Atrix from colluding their voting power and influencing decisions?   

Nothing except their word.    

But if this council was larger? Say, for example, made up of 10 citizens from each city-state?   

Unfortunately, Enele called for an end to the discussion since it was late. We had worked through lunch and dinner. Near the end, tensions were hot, and voices were raised. A fight wouldn’t break out, but it was clear we weren’t getting anywhere fast.    

Ayroix was exhausted to his core and needed General Blackthorn's assistance in standing. I knew what he felt from those sunken eyes. He didn't harbor regrets, but this was a new battle he wasn’t yet ready for. There weren’t enough books in the world you could read to prepare you for the intense world of politics.    

“Each day is going to feel longer than the one before it.”   

“Please don’t jest, Lord Springfield. I—” Ayroix’s stomach rumbled.   

Blackthorn said dinner would be delivered soon, so we returned to our respective embassies and waited. Tris spied on the other leaders and fed me updated reports while I ate with Gretchen. For being a big gal, she didn’t eat a lot. She pecked at her food like a timid squirrel while her mind moved a thousand miles an hour on how to best navigate this battlefield of words.    

She eventually excused herself and went to bed, leaving me alone with Captain Morgan. We chatted a little before there was a knock at the door. The captain narrowed his eyes and asked who would be bold enough to approach so late.    

But I knew who it was even without looking at [Skyview].     

“I’ll handle it. Rest up,” I said.  

---

“Lord Springfield? Please forgive me for intruding, but Lord Enele wishes to speak to you. Is this a good time?” Seraphina Vredi asked when I opened the door. She found it difficult to look at my eyes.   

“It is. I assume my advisor and protector can accompany me?” Tris and Surtr approached, and Seraphina nodded. She stepped aside for me to leave, and I followed Susize’s sister to the sanctum. Enele was there, sitting with a cup of coffee in his large hands.    

“Forgive me for calling you out like this. I hope you weren’t eating dinner.”    

“I was finished. Mind if I sit down?”    

“Not at all.” Seraphina pulled the cloak of her hood down, but the illusion spell was still up.    

I took my seat and introduced Tris and Surtr, who stood at my left and right.     

“That’s an interesting hat you have on, my dear,” Lord Enele said. “It's foreign to me, but it suits you wonderfully.”   

“Thank you for the kind words, Lord Enele, but do not refer to me as ‘my dear’ ever again. I am not yours. I am in service to Lord Springfield and Lord Springfield alone.” Tris’s tongue was sharp. I didn’t expect that. I didn’t think she could formulate a poisonous response.    

“O ho ho!” Lord Enele laughed a hearty chuckle. “Forgive me, Lady Tris. I mean no disrespect. But that was a determined answer. You looked at me and replied without hesitation, even after knowing who I am. And Sir Surtr… I’ve never seen a spirit like yourself, but I sense deep power harboring within.”   

Surtr narrowed his eyes and replied amicably, choosing to sit instead of stand. But he never let Lord Enele leave his gaze.     

“Care to explain why you wished to speak to me?”   

“I believe you have your own unique viewpoint, Lord Springfield. We couldn't discuss it much during the day, but more than that… I wish to know more about you—about why a Vredi would suddenly involve herself and take on the moniker of the High Elf of Liberation—you even went so far as to acquire [Liberator’s Legacy]. I want to know why you shed blood on their behalf. Your two surnames are intriguing as well.”   

“It appears our hunch came true, my lord. Vauche has leaked your name.”   

“Yes, he did. That’s a shame. His promises are nothing, but I expected it to get out one way or another. Remind me to tell Lady Plymoise to punish that gnome.”   

Seraphina opened her mouth briefly, but she didn’t speak. Her voice was caught in her lungs. She was trying to think of what to say now that I didn’t deny being a Vredi.   

“As for why I helped… It’s simple, Lord Enele.” I told him a brief abridgment of my 'life.’ The lie about being born in Vredi Forest, going into stasis, and being reborn in the Springfield Forest. I skipped to when I met Mom and Dad. He didn’t get the whole truth—far from it. But Seraphina intensely listened as I spoke.    

“You wished to protect your mother’s birth city-state? I cannot deny or fault a noble goal.” Lord Enele took another sip of his coffee. His hands were massive.    

“Family means much to someone who spent most of their life without it. I love my mother and father. And my sisters. And my advisors, protectors, and defenders. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for them.”   

“So it seems… Well, allow me to discuss the situation with you. You’ve fought with Lord Atrix. You’ve seen what Atrix has to offer. What path do you believe we must tread?”   

Just what was the best course ahead? Lord Enele and I discussed why Atrix’s and Plymoise’s agreements would be met with cynicism—now more than ever. The other city-states wouldn’t permit this to stand. And their idea of using Atrix as a democratic location wouldn’t fly by Ayroix. Nor would the people accept to be under 6 different rulers after they finally outed a dictator.     

Replacing the Wisefolk with elected members was a step in the right direction, but it was still a drastic departure from tradition. “In truth... The revelation of festering corruption within their ranks has likely inflicted a more profound wound than any other. What they once held as an unassailable institution has now become an unfortunate reflection of mortal nature. The bedrock of trust that bound them together has suffered irreparable damage. I doubt time is enough to repair the doubt. I’m skeptical that a single solution could genuinely appease everyone. The journey ahead is one of necessary sacrifices—choices that may breed both regret and resentment. Much like the growing pressure behind a dam, resentment builds over time until it eventually spills over, impacting all in its path.”   

“That’s a unique perspective. It’s a joy to chat with someone who doesn’t need to feel the effects of time. And very well-spoken, might I add. Of course, I mean that in the most respective way.”   

“And I didn’t take it to mean anything else,” I said, smiling. I crossed my legs and thoroughly enjoyed this intellectual conversation.  It felt like a little bit of Murag was coming out. By myself, I definitely wasn’t smart enough to converse like this. And Tris’s influence helped. I had access to her processing power, but I couldn’t quite grasp it like she did, but I was trying to change that.     

The conversation changed to Cridia and Uquenia when I steered it that way. He thought it was odd, but he explained Uquenia’s trap. They had implanted Meruria’s church with a magic explosion that killed some of her Soul Warriors, most of the nobles, many citizens and left Junsa in ruins. “Lord Meruria couldn’t let it go,” he said. He freely divulged information—even going so far as to tell me who died in the attack. “It’s not a secret, Lord Springfield. Lord Meruria freely spread word of Uquenia’s sin to all who heard. The entire country knows what happened in explicit, vivid detail.”   

The ones that died weren’t on my shit list. They would die regardless, but Quella, those other traitors, Mia, Tokko, and the rest I needed to kill were still breathing. At least I'd end their lives with my own hands.  

But then... Lord Enele told me about a Soul Warrior who used [Time Magic] to reverse the devastation across Junsa.  

That goddamn bitch reverted TIME for a CITY! Of course, Meruria would want everyone in the goddamn world to know about it.    

I wasn’t scared. I was excited. I was going to take that power for myself. I’d bring Mia within an inch of her life, then eat her alive. Bit by bit. Piece by piece. And I’d make it hurt. And she’d suffer...   

And that power would be mine...   

“I assume Cridia emerged victorious?” I asked, keeping my internal emotions in check after Tris’s voice checked on me. Lord Enele nodded, telling me that two twins named Lori and Ann led Meruria’s army. They fought Geron’s Soul Warriors to a standstill...   

But as it turned out, Geron had used his miasma to fill his Soul Warriors with a deadly gas he could activate at any time. They were forced to fight for him in a war Geron started to take out Meruria...   

Lori and Ann weren’t there when they threw me in, so I didn’t have a reason to hate them. But I’d kill them if they tried to stand in my way.    

My bullshit detector had its alarms blaring. Did Geron really make the first move? Or was Meruria behind it? I wouldn’t put it past her to commit a false flag attack. But could she fool Lord Enele? That was a concern, and I didn’t know if she could. But I almost knew for a fact that the bitch was behind it. She had to have been.    

“Is there anything you wish to add?” I looked at Seraphina. She’d been silent the entire time.    

In the following lull in the conversation, Seraphina stammered. She nervously bit her lips.     

“And I’m afraid this is where I must leave you, Lord Springfield. You’ve given me a great deal to think about, and I thank you for sharing the time to converse with an old man like myself.” Lord Enele stood and nodded towards Susize’s sister. “I know it’s late, but please hear Seraphina out.”   

“I cannot deny your request, Lord Enele.”   

Lord Enele thanked me and left to return to his room. Seraphina and I looked at each other. The silence erupted for what felt like a decade, but only a second or two passed.    

I had to break it, or we’d be here staring until the morning sun came up. “Seraphina, I’ll be in your care.”   

“Y—Yes!” She fumbled her staff and almost dropped it. She took a half step forward, stopped, looked behind her, and took another small step.  

The poor girl was torn as to what to do.    

Understandable.    

I had her sister’s face. But I just knew… “Are you wishing to teleport us somewhere?”   

She nodded. “I… Umm… Could…you stand, please?” It was hard to hear her voice.    

“We shall return to the room, my lord,” Tris said.    

I’ll inform Lady Plymoise to forget selling the ceremonial clothing. It doesn’t seem wise to bring it up.   

Good idea.  

My guardian and advisor left us, and I stood and approached Seraphina.     

She performed a chant that was too powerful for my [Mana Language] to translate, and a flash of light enveloped me.    

A moment later... We were on a hill overlooking Orchta when she began chanting again. It was a summoning spell, but it wasn’t to summon a spirit. It was called [Recollection Projection], which enabled Seraphina to manifest an aspect from the past into the physical world.    

And she summoned Aetos—when he was in his prime. The grand eagle took one look at me and happily flapped his wings.    

It appeared this recreation couldn’t speak. It was severely limited, and as soon as the eagle’s task was over, the beast would be gone, and everything they had learned since being summoned would be lost. His eyes turned sad when I rejected his affection. And the shame and hurt extended to Seraphina’s gaze. She hopped on the eagle and offered a hand.    

Earlier, I had asked Surtr for advice. It felt wrong to inherently act like a bitch towards Seraphina. I personally didn’t harbor any grudges. In fact, I had ample chances to potentially grow from this, but it would mean involving myself in the family of one of the Soul Warriors that sealed Sekh away.    

Surtr, however, said that was fine. He spoke the truth, citing that Sekh had already achieved victory over Susize by dealing a mortal wound before being imprisoned by the seal. And he assured me she wouldn’t be upset if I had somehow become friends with Seraphina.    

Furthermore, while I couldn’t reveal the whole truth, Seraphina would be a fool to try and kill Sekh the next they meet. She’d eventually agree that the best plan was to work together to rid Sekh of her curse.    

You didn’t need a supercomputer to predict how much it would hurt her. 

Surtr echoed my thoughts.    

Besides, this could be my chance to get an elixir or something for Sekh. I couldn't squander it.     

So…   

Instead of ignoring her assistance, I took her hand, using her help to get on the great eagle's back. 

---

It appeared we didn’t have any destination in mind. We’d been aimlessly flying for fifteen minutes. Seraphina turned around moments after takeoff and faced me, but she kept looking at a letter hidden in a pouch.    

“What’s troubling you? You can speak. We’re alone.”   

“Do you…know who I am?” she asked after removing the illusion spell.     

“Seraphina Vredi, a princess of the late Vredi Forest. Susize Vredi, the first chosen Soul Warrior of Holy Lord Amos... She was your sister. Sylara Vredi was your mother and queen. Isolde Vredi was her husband, the king, and your father. The illusion you wear on your face is strong, but my eyes can see through its veil.”  

“…”   

“I can see it in your eyes. You think I’m your sister? I’m sorry, but I’m not. You heard my story, yes?”   

“But you look like her!” Seraphina showed an ounce of heart. “You have her face and her hair. You walk as she did, and you move with the same grace. The leaves and vines from your clothing react…the same way… You’re… You’re everything like her…”    

“I’m not Susize Vredi. I’m Lyudmila Vredi Springfield.”   

“But there wasn’t any Lyudmila born in Vredi Forest. I knew everyone.”   

“I’m sorry, but… I’m not your sister. I’ll concede that I look similar, but there are differences. Have you noticed my chest?” Seraphina’s eyes looked at my cleavage, then she frowned. “If that’s not enough, then what about this? I belong to the subset of High Elves that possess both male and female reproductive parts. I’m quite certain Susize Vredi didn’t have that. Do you wish to see proof?” Seraphina’s eyes widened, and she shook her head, trying to hold back the tears. I could see the hurt in her eyes. I crossed my legs and wondered how to progress from here.  

Just what was the best way to approach this? Trying to mechanically build a friendship differed from growing it organically. But how much could I do without the pressing questions being asked?   

I didn’t have to hate Vredi Forest, and Sekh wasn’t involved in destroying it. It was someone or something else. But…   

This affection I felt…   

The Susize in me wasn’t so much lashing out as it was making itself noticeable. My thoughts weren’t tampered with, but they were influenced before being formulated. The bias was there. It wasn’t a bad feeling, per se. But why didn't I hate it?  

“Seraphina.”   

“Ye—Yes? What is it, Sis—Lord Springfield.” She wiped her teary eyes.     

“I understand where you’re coming from. Truthfully, I used to harbor hatred towards my birth forest. But… There isn’t a reason for that, is there? Perhaps this is the time for reconciliation. I have not told the entire truth. Please forgive me for not wanting to dredge up nightmares that are better left forgotten. There’s a reason I go by Lord Springfield and not Lord Vredi, but… I am willing to extend a hand. And should it help heal your heart from my sudden appearance, you may call me your sister.”   

That broke the dam.    

She dropped her staff and leapt towards me. We fell off the recreated Aetos’s back and slipped into a free fall. The eagle turned and dived, ensuring we landed like a gentle flower petal while Seraphina cried in my arms. Ten minutes later, we sat up. I held her arms while she confided in me, which explained her previous heartfelt actions.    

“My father ended his life twenty years ago. They say being immune to time is a High Elf’s greatest strength, but it’s also their greatest curse. My mother is my only surviving family. Less than ten from our forest still live. They vowed to continue the legacy, but...time is a vow’s greatest weakness. It chips away endlessly and tests our resolve, often emerging victorious. So… When Lord Enele was informed of the High Elf of Liberation and said it could be an unknown survivor from our forest… I felt hope I hadn’t felt in centuries… Lord Springfield… Sister… Thank you… Thank you for being alive… Thank you for being here…”   

I took a handkerchief she had laid across her lap and dried her eyes. She laughed and fondly recalled a memory of the past.    

“Sister… Susize would always hold my hand when I was little. She and Lord Aetos would share my bed when the sharp crackle of thunder was too much for my youthful mind to handle. I miss her, Lord Springfield. I miss her charming smile. I miss her scholarly advice. I miss how she acted like a newlywed when Murag proposed to her… I miss her flute… She was the brightest, most beautiful High Elf… There is not a day that passes that I do not grieve her.”   

A recollection of the past of those very events played through my mind.  

“You can call me Mila. But only if I can call you Sera.”   

“Mila…” Sera whispered the name twice and gave a happy, tearful smile. The letter she kept looking at was from her mother. The two shared a spirit that always knew where to find the other, and rumors reached Sylara before Sera. “My mother’s currently busy trying to gather the remaining Vredis. She wishes to celebrate. Please, you must attend, Mila.”   

“I… I wish to bring along my family. As much as I’m a Vredi, I’m more so my mother’s and father’s daughter.”   

“Yes, of course. That’s fine!”   

“Then you can write to her. Tell your mother I’ll attend.”   

“Thank you, Mila!” Sera was all smiles as she wrote a letter. She summoned a messenger spirit, handed it the carefully wrapped message, and sent it away, praying it would reach her mother sooner than later.    

I could only wish the party would happen before I recovered Sekh. I wouldn't purposely delay her recovery for this, but should it come to it... I could always have Sekh wear a disguise. Or I could learn illusion magic. [Conferment] was also an option.    

But I held an odd feeling in my stomach. I didn’t know if this was a mistake or a blessing because I could use this opportunity to find a way to heal Sekh. Perhaps a powerful elixir? That would be the best option.  

But there was more I could do… I asked Seraphina if she was adept at magic and combat. That prompted her to tell Aetos to take us down, where we landed near a lavender lake, and she explained her specializations.    

[Recollection Projection] was her strongest time-based magic because there wasn’t a limit to what she could snapshot. She had saved fragments of her family. Sera confided in me, saying she often summoned her sister to speak to her. The projection couldn’t talk. It would always forget everything once it died or was dismissed.    

Sera said Susize, her husband Murag, and his three other wives always rushed to hug her whenever she summoned them. “They’re gone… They’ve been…away for so, so long. But this is the gift they gave me,” she said, waving her staff.    

She also didn’t chant, proving she could mentally cast spells without being verbal. One by one, Sekh’s mortal enemies appeared in a sparkle of flashes.   

I was immediately blown away by their overwhelming aura. The wind died, and it felt like everything nearby waited with bated breaths to see what these powerhouses would do.    

And these copies weren’t them at their strongest. And Sekh often fought against them. And at the same time!   

Just how in the hell did she do that?! I found it hard to even remain standing!  

She’s so incredible… I miss you more than ever, Sekh.  

They ran to hug Sera—Murag patted her head with his massive hands, and all eyes turned to me. The five were cautious. They shared a look before the projected Susize approached.  She looked me up and down, smiled, and turned to Sera, who told her my name in a language I didn’t have.    

New Skill: [Ancient Elvish Language]   

Murag shared a series of looks with his wives, and all five extended their hands after coming closer.     

The irony didn’t fail to hit me in the face like a speeding train.    

Their bodies…were my body.    

I was made from them. And here I was, shaking hands with mere programmed entities of a past forgotten by much of the world.     

Sera’s tense face attracted my attention when the projections wavered. She groaned and waved her staff, causing her allies to vanish.    

With how strong they were, Sera was exhausted. She said it took an incredible amount of mana to sustain one, let alone five.      

This gave me an idea… I quickly used the massive stockpile of SP to pump [Mana Language] and [Arcane Sight: Veil of Mystical Vision] to Lv. 10. That barely put a dent in my dragon’s horde of SP, and I had enough to max out everything else.    

But…   

I had to learn this manually-- to prove to myself that I could. And then, if I was in a bind? Well, if I had the skills or magic available for purchase that would help, Tris could buy and pump them, as needed, to Lv. 10. Maybe that was selfish, but Tris processed information faster than me. I trusted her to act before I had to ask.  

However, it wasn't as simple as immediately buying everything in my Skill Menu. My body would need time to adapt to the upgrades. Honestly? Pushing [Mana Language] and [Arcane Sight: Veil of Mystical Vision] to Lv. 10 put strain on my body and spirit since they were so powerful. I'd have to recover from that, and Tris estimated it'd take a month. SP was a shortcut that had drawbacks, but manually learning didn't have any downsides.  

So...

There was one thing to do...

“Sera?”    

“Yes? Is something wrong?” The color was already coming back to her face. She regenerated mana quickly.     

“Could you…perhaps instruct me? In magic? I’m unsure if this is the proper etiquette, so I hope this isn’t rude, but would it be possible for you to chant for me?”