★28
YAMI'S POV
Yami materialised deep within a dense forest, his form phasing into existence without so much as a ripple of sound. The air around him warped for a brief instant, leaves trembling as if reality itself had exhaled.
Towering trees surrounded the clearing, their ancient trunks etched with age and moss, while beams of filtered sunlight pierced through the canopy above, illuminating drifting motes of dust and mana.
He stood still, senses spreading outward instinctively. The forest was alive, roots burrowed beneath the soil, insects whispered in the undergrowth, and distant beasts moved cautiously, unaware that something far more dangerous had arrived among them.
<
As soon as he pinpointed the coordinates, he vanished, reappearing at the border between Sarion and the Western States. The shift was seamless.
He descended into the forest below, boots touching soil without a sound, and began moving forward with slow, deliberate steps.
Presences brushed against his senses from every direction, hidden watchers, but he paid them no mind. He neither concealed himself nor acknowledged them, as if daring whatever lurked nearby to act first.
The deeper he went, the denser the forest became, the air heavy with unfamiliar magic and quiet tension. Before long, he noticed it, a crude but cleverly disguised trap. Instead of avoiding it, he stepped forward intentionally, curiosity outweighing caution.
The moment his foot pressed down on a fractured branch, the forest reacted. Roots burst violently from the ground, coiling around his legs and arms, tightening until movement became impossible. Bound in place, he remained calm, eyes steady.
From the shadows between the trees, several figures began to emerge, their presence finally revealing itself.
"Ah, more elves,"
"Shut up!"
"What does that mean?"
"You can't keep walking around with such an aura. You're a threat, there's no doubt."
Yami took a moment before answering simply.
"I'm just adventuring."
"No one's buying that. You're a majin... your presence says it all."
"Presence? Do you mean this?"
Yami released a sliver of his aura, controlled, restrained, and deliberately harmless. The bindings snapped apart instantly, the roots crumbling back into the soil as if they had never existed. Yet the effect on those nearby was anything but gentle.
An invisible pressure washed over the forest, heavy enough to steal breath and freeze limbs in place. The figures that had surrounded him stiffened, their instincts screaming danger as cold fear crawled up their spines.
They understood then: the one they had trapped was not prey, but something far beyond their reach.
"Call me what you want. I'm here for adventure, that's all."
The pressure he had released receded just as quickly, leaving the air heavy but no longer suffocating.
"Ahh, you don't have to display such an aura in this peaceful land."
The voice came from above. An elf lounged casually on a thick tree branch, one leg dangling as if he were merely watching a play unfold.
Long blonde hair cascaded over his bare shoulders, catching the light filtering through the canopy, while sharp green eyes studied Yami with open curiosity rather than fear.
Shirtless and relaxed, his posture stood in stark contrast to the tension that still lingered among those hiding in the woods.
"This forest doesn't take kindly to reckless strength."
The elf continued, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"But neither do we attack without reason. So tell me, adventurer, are you lost, or did you come here looking for trouble?"
"You did well masking your presence. But you're still a feint."
Yami declared, catching him off guard.
"Hmm, you're sharp, I'll give you that."
He looked down at the pitiful guards below him.
"You poor things."
He murmured before sifting his gaze back on Yami
"So what's your name, intruder? Human? Adventurer?"
"Yami."
"Yami... so you're here adventuring? This isn't just a forest but a nation. A place home to us elves. It's not a tourist site."
"Well, no one told me."
Yami shrugged.
"I just did."
"So, what do you want, captain? Elf? Commander?"
He fired back the same inferiority words at him, which made him laugh.
"I'm the oldest child of Elrald Grimwald, son of Eris Grimwald."
"So Eris, are you here to stop me?"
He jumped straight to conclusions after making up his mind. He'll test him.
"Depends on what brings you..."
Eris dashed forward at full speed, his palm wrapped in compressed wind sharp enough to slice through steel, aiming straight for Yami's head.
Yami neither dodged nor blocked. He simply reached out and caught Eris's wrist, effortlessly, without even blinking.
Predicting that outcome, Eris smirked.
"It's a feint."
"I know."
Yami's mastery of magic far exceeded anything humanity could grasp. His perception stretched outward, reading fluctuations in mana, intent, and motion all at once.
In the same instant he seized the clone, he released it, pivoted smoothly, and completed a flawless three-hundred-and-sixty-degree spin. His kick struck the real body standing behind him with crushing force.
Eris was sent flying, skidding through the air before halting himself mid-flight, wind suspending his body effortlessly.
"I'm impressed you caught on, but..."
His aura surged violently. The atmosphere warped as the surrounding air was dragged inward, ripping breath from lungs and forming a colossal tornado around him, both shield and weapon.
Trees bent, leaves were torn apart, and the pressure alone threatened to crush anything nearby.
"…I'm the wind now."
H
is voice came out distorted, layered with roaring currents.
"Impressive…"
Yami answered calmly, igniting the flames within him, fire so intense it incinerated everything it touched before impact could even occur.
The elven guards had already fled; had they stayed, they would have been annihilated by the sheer pressure of this clash.
"Fire or wind. Let's find out which is superior."
The two were about to engage again when the atmosphere abruptly shattered.
"This is unforgivable, Eris!"
The voice thundered across the forest, heavy with authority. The pressure alone forced both combatants to halt mid-action. Their gazes shifted upward as a man dressed entirely in black slowly descended from above, his presence suppressing the raging energies around them.
The moment Eris recognized him, his aura vanished instantly. He dropped to one knee, head bowed, eyes fixed on the ground.
"F… forgive me… Father, I was only testing him."
He said, his voice strained.
Yami, sensing the sudden shift, extinguished his flames without hesitation. He stood calmly, observing the newcomer as he came into full view. The resemblance was unmistakable, those sharp green eyes and flowing blonde hair mirrored Eris perfectly.
There was no doubt about it. This man was his father.
"Testing? You...no, he would have destroyed our home if you two had fought."
"Beg your pardon...wind can control the direction of flames."
Not actually control but extinguish, but said logic doesn't apply to Yami's flames despite trying to mend with society.
"Shut up and listen to Father. His flames aren't ordinary."
The words came from the small elf who had been hiding behind the man, finally stepping into view. Her tone was sharp, almost irritated, as if Eris should have known better.
Only then did I notice how her gaze lingered on me, not with fear, but wary recognition.
That alone caught my attention. Among elves, perception like that was rare. Whoever she was, she understood that the fire I wielded wasn't something born from simple elemental magic, and that realization, more than her words, surprised me.
"You might have fighting skills, but your sister has better analysis than you. Forgive my son, Yami."
He simply said before matching with the wind, leaving the scene.
The elven girl stepped forward, her earlier wariness replaced by open curiosity. She stopped a short distance from me and gave a small, confident smile.
"You're an adventurer too, huh? So am I."
She said.
"My name is Eren Grimwald. And this.."
She gestured lazily over her shoulder,
"—is my foolish brother, Eris."
"Foolish?"
Eris's voice sharpened instantly. His aura didn't flare, but the irritation was clear in the way his brows knit together. He straightened slightly, wounded more in pride than in spirit. It wasn't anger aimed at her, it was frustration, the kind born from wanting acknowledgment, dignity… respect.
"At least show some grace when you speak my name."
He muttered, eyes flicking away for a moment before returning to her.
Eren merely sighed, unimpressed, as if this exchange was a familiar routine.
"Not your regular adventurer, but I like exploring."
"That can also be considered part of adventuring. Come lemme show you around."
Eren led Yami through the heart of Sarion, the sprawling elven nation unfolding before them like a living tapestry. Towering trees intertwined with elegant structures, their spires glinting in the sunlight, while crystalline waterways threaded between settlements.
The hum of magic was palpable in the air, almost like the land itself was alive with conscious energy.
They arrived at a secluded area where Eren's homunculus awaited.
"With this."
She explained, gesturing to a complex array of magical constructs and runes.
"We can imbue our spirits into these forms, creating temporary bodies. They mimic our abilities, senses, and even a portion of our consciousness."
Yami observed intently, noting the precision and fluidity in the homunculus' movements. "So it's like an extension of yourselves, capable of acting independently while still bound to your essence?"
I asked, my analytical mind already calculating the applications.
"Exactly."
Eren replied, a spark of pride in her eyes.
"It allows us to explore dangerous territories or perform tasks without risking our true selves. The skill is ancient, but few elves have mastered it. And now, you'll understand why Eris' recklessness earlier was… acceptable. He was merely testing limits with a surrogate."
The homunculus moved gracefully, its form shimmering as magical energy flowed beneath the surface, demonstrating the potential of this unique elven art.
Yami could feel the subtle yet potent aura radiating from it, both alive and distinctly controlled, a perfect bridge between spirit and form.
"I'd like to buy a few of them for sale."
"They're only available for foreigners with a high profile. But if you are desperately in need, I can get you one."
"I'd really appreciate it."
"No problem. Just know they're super expensive."
"Don't worry, I have enough."
Eren guided Yami into the dimly lit private store, its shelves stacked with rare artifacts and enchanted items that seemed to hum with latent power.
The owner initially blocked their path, a stern gaze fixed on Yami.
"This isn't for sale to just anyone."
He said, his tone firm, hands crossed. It's classified for elves along, high authoritative elves to be precise. Not everyone can get it even if they can afford it.
Eren, unfazed, leaned closer and whispered to the store owner. He knows her status and blood, refusal isn't an option.
I turned to Eren, genuine gratitude in my eyes for the first time.
"Thank you so much, Eren."
He bowed slightly, a rare display of humility.
Eren waved him off, a faint blush on her cheeks.
"No need for that. It's just… helping a fellow adventurer."
Her discomfort at the bow was evident, but she smiled nonetheless, a mixture of pride and modesty showing in her expression.
Yami couldn't help but feel a sense of connection forming, a mutual respect forged through trust and shared understanding.
<>
"I'll get going, Eren."
"What? I thought you were staying?"
"Forgive me. I need to deliver this package to someone."
"So you came here to buy one, huh?"
"No... I found them interesting, and I figured out I can use them to help a friend."
"Oh....that's nice to hear. Safe journey then."
"It's a pleasure to meet you. If time permits, I'll definitely come here again. Maybe we can go on an adventure if you like."
R.. really? It'll be great, but…"
Her words faltered, and a shadow of sadness crossed her face.
"What's wrong?"
I asked, noticing her hesitation.
"My father won't allow me to go. He's… overly protective."
She admitted, her voice soft, tinged with frustration.
"But, I'm secretly building my own team so we can escape. It'll be fun to have you on my side."
"If you want me to join you, consider it done."
Yami replied firmly.
<
"Thanks… I look forward to seeing you again, Yami."
She murmured, a mix of excitement and embarrassment in her tone.
"Sure, Eren-sama."
He said respectfully, almost teasingly.
Eren froze for a moment, caught off guard and flustered by his words. She simply stood there, watching him disappear into the distance.
Once away from prying eyes, Yami teleported back to the palace and reported everything to Asteri, including details about the homunculus and the conversation with Eren.
"That's fantastic. I'll duplicate it later for now. You can keep it."
"Nah… what's mine is yours, Master."
"…I guess."
Asteri paused, his gaze lingering on Yami longer than usual.
"Something feels off, but for now, I need you to get some rest."
"I don't need rest."
Yami's reply was immediate and unwavering.
"My sole purpose is to serve you. You gave us bodies without limitations, and I intend to make full use of that. I want to be more useful to you than the rest."
There was no arrogance in his words, only quiet resolve. Loyalty shaped into obsession, sharpened by purpose. Asteri said nothing for a moment, aware that this wasn't defiance, but devotion taken to its extreme.
"It's no competition, but you're the most useful among the five and probably the strongest."
"Strongest? I thought we were all equal."
"In origin, yes. In design, yes. You were all given the same foundation, the same limits or rather, the absence of limits. But power isn't decided by what you're given. It's decided by what you build upon it."
Asteri's gaze sharpened slightly.
"Don't you notice how the others react around you? Even when they don't say it outright, they fear you. You're always composed, always focused. No wasted movement, no unnecessary emotion. You're the complete opposite of Eto, he thrives on instinct and chaos, while you embody control."
He paused before continuing.
"I said you were equal based on what I supplied. But unlike the others, you didn't rely solely on that. You created your own skills, techniques born from observation, adaptation, and understanding of this world's systems. And that's what sets you apart."
Asteri folded his arms.
"Your abilities don't feel foreign anymore. They blend seamlessly with this world's magic, laws, and logic, as if you were born here rather than created."
His tone grew more serious.
"Against Eto, you are undoubtedly stronger as long as he doesn't draw the Dagger. That weapon isn't just a tool. it's an unfair advantage, something that forces supremacy rather than earns it. Without it, Eto falls behind you."
He met Yami's eyes directly.
"Power gained through growth will always surpass power borrowed from artifacts."
"I'll still try my best to be the strongest."
"I know."
"So please, what was it you were talking about?"
"Bring them in."
Shinn, who had been standing silently behind Yami, finally spoke. At his command, the doors swung open, revealing seven females.
Without hesitation, they stepped inside and knelt in unison behind Yami, their heads lowered in clear submission. The atmosphere in the room subtly shifted, the weight of their presence unmistakable.
"These are the orges and goblins you save."
"Magnificent. They changed just by naming."
"Indeed, the orges evolve to kijin while the female goblins to goblina."
"Noted."
"I believe you guys know some friends or family who are in danger or people you wish to join you here. You'll lead the way, and Yami will rescue all those willing to serve the Great Master."
Shinn said.
"Yes, we do, we'll show Yami sama where they are."
"They'll be more than grateful to serve you, no doubt."
Sabi, head of the kijins and Goblia for the goblina, spoke up.
"I'm ready now, Master."
"You should get some rest before heading out."
"Fine. We will move tomorrow morning."
"Sure."
"Understood."
The hall emptied quietly, the echoes of footsteps fading as the group departed.
By the next morning, in line with their plans, they set out toward the Great Jura Forest.
NT2 End:)
To be continued...