Cavirieth touched Enrico's shoulder and, in an instant, both of them appeared in a forest where trees, animals, and even spirits were slowly dying. The scene was, in a way, terrifying and sad at the same time. Even though they were being tended by some elven healers, they didn't seem to heal properly.
[All this disaster because that princess released the corrupted elves.]
'In her mind, it makes sense, since Elaris has the elven people on her side.'
As Elaris was the people's favorite for the throne, Elithia went after those who were rejected—criminals and power-hungry madmen—to join her. That elf abandoned any trace of kindness to become queen.
"You just need to follow the path to the left and you'll enter the area of Lake Thalanor."
"Seriously? You're going to let me go alone?"
"What's the problem with that? I'm not the type to help others out of kindness."
Before Enrico could say anything, Cavirieth disappeared from his sight, leaving only a blur behind. Truly a reckless and idiotic elf.
'Anyway, I already know where it is.'
Some elves noticed what Cavirieth had done and sighed. Approaching, they guided Enrico to a specific spot between two trees. With gratitude, Enrico bowed slightly forward.
"Thank you very much."
"No need to worry, boy. From what it seems, you're one of our princess's subordinates, so this honestly is nothing."
"That's right, boy. Just focus on taking care of our future queen."
Despite the elves' worn appearance, they still seemed warm. He wouldn't lie in saying that his heart warmed a little.
"You can be sure I'll help Elaris claim the throne."
"Oh, you even call her by name. Tell me, are you her boyfriend?"
"So that means you'll be our future king?"
Some adolescent elven girls surrounded Enrico with questions while the elders shook their heads. Not wanting to be surrounded and lose too much time, Enrico decided to say goodbye quickly.
"I have to go on an important mission now, to the lake—"
"And you're one of those who will release the blessing for us."
"Please do your best and stay safe, Lord Enrico."
Finally free, he began walking into the dead forest. He was heading to a dangerous place and would have to face many creatures along the way. You could say it would be the lake's first trial, even though no real trial actually existed. They were merely dangers born from the consequences of actions within the Elf Dimension.
"Good luck, handsome human."
"That's right, handsome. If you come back, we'll thank you a lot."
"I hope he survives. He's so handsome."
Enrico almost choked for a moment. Thinking about it, this was the first time someone had called him handsome out loud and without any shame. The parents of the elven girls dragged them away with smiles on their faces, making him realize something.
'Wait—the parents…'
[I can't believe this is happening. Could it be that this Elf Dimension has inverted beauty standards?]
'If that were the case, then all the elves would be kneeling at your feet.'
The system seemed to take a serious blow to its pride, as the screen cracked for a few seconds before recovering. The worst part was that, honestly, the system did think Enrico was handsome—but it would never admit that.
[Anyway, you'd better stay alert.]
'You talk as if you don't know me.'
[I'm just a little worried. If you die, what happens to my profits?]
'You know, you admitting that you use me to make money is irritating.'
Taking a step forward, he activated his Crimson Carapace, which covered both hands and part of his left chest. His right leg also began to be covered little by little until it reached his knee.
'A lot of creatures are going to appear along the way.'
[As always, that irritating intelligence of yours. You're going to use the Crimson Carapace for protection—]
'Actually, this time I decided not to think about anything.'
Taking a runner's stance, he pressed his legs and then vanished in a burst that left a hole in the ground, along with several creatures that had been hiding, waiting to attack him at the right moment—if not for that explosion.
[You lunatic, what are you doing?]
'Simple. I'm going straight through everything.'
As he tore through the forest at high speed, the other two who had been summoned for this mission were also crossing the forest in their own ways. One of them was obvious. Kai, the protagonist, had to take part in this arc without a doubt, as it was one of the most important, since it meant gaining the full support of the Elf Dimension.
"It's been a month since I last saw Enrico, and yesterday I barely managed to talk to him, but today I'll manage."
Kai cut a spectral mammoth in half. Taking a defensive stance, his sword left its sheath automatically, slicing through several earth wolves that emerged from the ground.
"You're annoying, so to not interfere with my meeting with him, I'll go all out."
Kai's eyes shone white as he looked at at least two hundred creatures in front of him. A second after he returned his sword to its sheath, an explosion erupted in the area, visible from afar by the third member of the team.
"That magic is definitely Kai's."
Valença flew atop the older Incandis. Its appearance had changed; it was now an almost mythical being, taking the form of a great golden firebird, with four flaming wings and flames dancing around its body.
"Incandis, let's hurry. We have to reach your father before he arrives first."
"Father…"
Incandis could now speak a little, and it was clear that it was happy. Its speed increased at least threefold, leaving nothing but a shockwave in the air behind it.
'I know that now we live together, but being one day away from him is becoming torturous for me.'
She placed her left hand on her cheek while imagining herself caressing that golden, perfect hair—at least, perfect to her.