As the white magic circle appeared in the center of the room, it released a radiant glow that spread throughout the chamber before sending the three young men away to a new world.
At the same time, that very circle transported the soul of Kai to be reborn in another realm…
As his consciousness slowly resurfaced, a faint voice echoed through the darkness—followed by the sound of a child crying.
A baby's cry.
"Waaah… waaah… waaah…"
A blond-haired man with blue eyes, wearing a brown tunic and black trousers, gazed warmly at the newborn in his arms before speaking gently.
"So you've finally arrived… my child. You're truly beautiful—just like your mother. I shall name you Maylona."
Several elves stood around the room, their expressions filled with astonishment. One of them thought in shock:
"Impossible… such overwhelming magical power… from an infant? Her power rivals that of the Seven Holy Knights…"
A golden-haired woman with golden eyes, dressed in a white gown, smiled softly.
"Look, dear… our daughter is adorable beyond words. Maylona, you said? Isn't that the name of the ancient Queen of Magic?"
The man chuckled quietly as he gazed at the baby in his arms.
"Indeed. Since she was born with exceptional magic power, she will surely grow into someone strong… and one day become the next queen of the Elven race."
Inside the infant's body, Kai slowly moved his tiny hands. The crying ceased, and in his small eyes lingered the awareness of an adult as he thought:
"Reincarnated… huh? And I'm a girl this time… an elf too, it seems. Interesting. So this life, I'm an elf."
"That means… the other two must have reincarnated as well."
"Just wait, you two. I'll grow up as fast as I can… and I'll come find you—my dearest friends."
Twenty years later
Maylona had grown into a soft-skinned, fair young elf girl with long golden hair and bright golden eyes. After waking up from bed, she washed herself, bathed, and brushed her teeth. Once she finished, a maid helped her dress. As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she spoke within her mind:
"I've grown way too cute… seriously. If those two see me like this, what are they going to think? This is embarrassing… but it's true. And I'm even a noble lady of the elf royal family… Damn it. Even I like the way I look—this is too cute."
Her cheeks flushed red. Once fully dressed, the maid bowed.
"You're ready, Lady May."
As she walked through the halls, she continued thinking:
"How should I get to Sema…? It's already been twenty years. First, I should ask Father for permission to travel. Those two are definitely waiting for me. I wonder what faces they'll make when they see me like this…"
She imagined Rhyde and Dan standing before her.
"Whoa, Kai—you're this adorable!?"
She snapped back to reality, face burning.
"No, no! It won't be like that… I've lived as a girl for too long—I'm starting to get used to it. What am I going to do…"
Maylona, once Kai, entered the grand royal hall where her father, the Elven King, sat upon a high throne. She knelt gracefully and spoke:
"Father, I, Maylona, believe I am now old enough to journey on my own. Please grant me permission to travel and see the world."
The king looked at her with affectionate eyes.
"Very well, my beloved daughter. But on one condition—you must take one attendant with you."
Then a young elf woman stepped forward—silver hair flowing down her back, blue eyes shining, dressed in a green top with black trousers and boots. She bowed deeply.
"My name is Gueda, my lady. Please allow me to accompany you."
Maylona froze for a moment, eyes widening. Then she stepped closer and gently extended her hand. Gueda reached out and held it, their connection warm and familiar.
"I'm counting on you, Gueda."
The two left the hall together. As they walked, Gueda spoke from behind her in a respectful, affectionate tone:
"Lady Maylona, where shall we be heading?"
Maylona continued walking as she answered:
"To the city of Sema."
Gueda nodded.
"Understood. I've already prepared the supplies and the carriage, my lady."
They boarded the carriage and set out from the elven capital. After traveling for a while, bandits suddenly emerged from the forest, surrounding the carriage. Gueda prepared to step out, but Maylona stopped her.
"Wait, Gueda. I'll handle this."
She stepped down slowly. The bandits readied themselves, and their leader barked:
"Hand over everything valuable, and we might let you go, elves!"
Maylona stood still, calm—and then unleashed a wave of killing intent.
Sweat drenched the bandits as terror overtook their faces. Their bodies trembled uncontrollably, frozen as though facing the most terrifying creature imaginable.
Gueda, watching nearby, thought:
"This magic power… and this killing intent… Are we truly here to protect her… or is she the one protecting us?"
When Maylona withdrew her killing intent, the bandits finally regained control of their limbs. Panic erupted—they scrambled into the forest, fleeing in every direction like frightened animals running from a nightmare.
"Suddenly, a mysterious man appeared. He walked out from the forest and headed straight toward Maylona."