The God of Cookery

by havok038

Running from suffering to chase a shared dream, embracing his new meaning in life through his mentor's words, "Food is the medicine of the soul". A decade later, a Gate would unravel a fated encounter beyond in the new world. Racing against time to save a kindred spirit from her preordained ruin and the haunt from beasts of his past. Hitoshi Furuta would succeed, if nothing else.

27. Chapter 26 - Envoy of the Fane Part 1

Author's Notes:

Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year! A little late for that, I know. And I apologize, been in the holiday mood for too long whilst fiddling around with the many iterations of this chapter that I hadn't anything solid to post before the new year.

---

A bell was rung, warning those around that an attack was taking place on one of the Cities most secure facilities. Like many other structures, it was embedded into one of the many great oak trees of their forest. With the sole exception of occupying almost every square inch of the tree's branches, stem and Amarel's finest warriors. Appearing more as a wooden fort on a tree than just a large house. Many of its observation parapets had a strange opaque white smoke billowing out of it leaving many to believe it to be some sort of fire outbreak like another in the distance.

It would be a while until this place would receive reinforcements, then again, the probably wouldn't have expected a place garrisoned by over a hundred warriors to be so easily stormed. Nor by only three men, and yet the Central Barracks fell to these men cladded in gas masks.

It had been Lancer's idea to limit the casualties caused while still removing all opposition. Six tear gas canister grenades were thrown into the barracks along with 40mm CS rounds from a standalone M203, while the few guards on watch were tased by stun baton. Giving them completely unhindered entry into the facility. The garrisoned forces which had retired to their quarters in the barracks coughed and rolled around in their own tears and vomit caused by none other than the smoke itself.

-Breaching.- A gas mask cladded Lancer motioned with fingers he was about to detonate the explosives pasted to the riveted hinges of a heavy metal door that seemed the likely spot where their confiscated equipment was being stored.

(click)(BOOM)(crash)

The heavy door crumbled forward while the tremor of the facility urged the elven warriors to escape in their exposed attires without their weapons or armour.

Lancer took point, being the only one sufficiently armed with his battle rifle. Stepping through the clearing smoke blasted out by the explosives, they were exposed to a vault-like room. An armoury like they had expected with racks of elven weapons stacked side by side along with complete armour sets with intricate elven pattern engravings. All to give their warriors a polished and grand look in appearance while still providing adequate protection and cutting power to their human contemporaries, but likely insufficient against firearms.

"Masks off." Lancer gave the all clear as there was no smoke around them to safety remove their masks without getting any CS agent in their eyes or lungs.

"Finally, out of these blasted things! Could hardly breath in it." Kugel complained since the mask was not a perfect fit.

"Kuruta, go get your stuff with Kugel while I place the charges." He said as he assembled the charges of C4 together.

"Alright, where are you gonna put it?" With a brief look around, Lancer pointed to a room with a stockpile of jars which likely held their oil supply.

"That should turn this garrison into a char."

"You're really more into this stuff than I thought." Takeo had thought him reluctant to carry out Hitoshi's instructions that were clearly arsonistic in nature. But SFG Lancer hadn't even murmured a single complaint since they gave him a rope to climb over the outer city walls. In fact, he'd been the pointman the entire way.

"Come on and pick up the pace, Kuruta! The elves aren't going to like what we're doing here!"

"Uh- right!" being urged to hurry, Takeo made his way to a barred room where he could visibly see their weapons and bags sitting in a corner.

"Riku, it's behind bars, I need a stick." Lancer threw him a small portion of C4.

Wrapping it around the bar door lock and inserting the det cord into it, he motioned for Kugel to stand back.

"Fire in the hole!" (Bang) A controlled explosion blasted a hole in the keyhole and destroyed the precise locking mechanism.

"Hahh!" With brutal force, Kugel kicked the bars open and walked inside.

"…" The Dwarf was the one that had no patience.

They proceeded to collect their effects among the other seemingly foreign items that were placed here in storage. Takeo additionally mounted his combat plate carriers and reloaded magazines into their pockets.

"This must be some kind of loot stash." Kugel surmised from studying the weapons, armour and equipment that were neatly laid out on the tables and under them.

"Loot?"

"Even the elves like to bring back spoils of war to brag about to their kin as trophies." That was a fair assessment, but then what was Kugel doing fiddling around with them.

"What are you doing?" He asked the Dwarf who was taking some of it and stuffing it into his sling bag.

"Pilfering the pointy-ears sorry, you're gonna blow up the rest of it anyway, so I'm helping myself."

"Really?"

"Look friend, the trip to Velduar will be a lot more difficult than what boy'o told you all. I guarantee it, my kinsmen will make it so because it's in their blood." This was a Dwarf badmouthing other Dwarves in Takeo's honest opinion.

But Kugel's expression said it all, he knew of the dangers ahead that none of them did. Even so, Takeo had his reservations about looting and was not willing to partake, it would just be Kugel.

"Believe me, friend. We'll need to salvage as much metal to use as possible." He claimed even though he took some equipment that hardly had metal content, like a pair of leather and hide vambraces which he donned himself.

"You should help yourself to some as well."

"I'd rather not-."

"Takeo friend, this stuff won't be reclaimed later. Look, didn't you want to buy some jewelry for that special girl of yours? Think of this as compensation, for grievances from that crazy apostle who tried to kill you." He even tempted him with such an amazing reason for him to seek reimbursement for the scare that Granham put him through. And he was tempted indeed. For he had no money to buy, let alone make the gifts that he wished to win the heart of his beloved with.

"… No." But deep down, he knew better.

"Seriously, you won't have another opportunity like this you know. Are you sure?" Kugel asked again whilst looting more items like a shiny chainmail shirt that was a size too small for him.

"I am." Takeo said with resolve. "I don't think I can hold my head up high if Persia ever asked how I got her those jewels."

"….." Kugel gave him a sincere nod, it seemed that he had underestimated his friend a little too much. Takeo certainly wasn't brave or courageous as the few in their company, but he had heart and an honest one at that.

"Geeze, now you're trying to shame me, aren't you?" The Dwarf said scratching his head as he tossed down a whole lot of gems that would have simply weighed him down, such was in his Dwarven nature to hoard. However, pride was something they valued more than treasure. So how could he be so content with stealing trinkets that even this person didn't stoop so low to taking?

"I mean, that's just me, Kugel. If you're doing this for us, I can't really speak against it." Takeo tried to make him feel better, but the damage had already been done.

"Heh! There's nothing to feel bad about it. I'm sorry I started suggesting such nonsensical crap. I got too absorbed with screwing the elves over royally I forgot myself. Thanks for the reminder, friend."

While they were getting all buddy buddy, Lancer appeared before them, with the explosives wired to his handheld firing device.

"You guys done getting all chummy?" He left them red in the cheeks as he leaned agaisnt the wall watching this play out.

"Hurry up and take whatever, because they ain't recovering it later." They looked surprised that even Lancer was telling them to steal the stuff they could carry, leaving them chuckling to themselves.

"Stop wasting time." Lancer was stuffing some of the foreign jewels into his pocket that Kugel had dropped just now. Making it such that they weren't the only shameless pirates among their merry band.

"Reimbursements?" Kugel asked Lancer.

"Reimbursements." The SFG confirmed their version of the story and begun taking what was portable. Which left Takeo sighing as he slung most of their own equipment into the duffel bags while the other two were taking spoils of war of their own. Of a war waged against the High Elves of Amarel by the members of Spirit Ten-Five.

Takeo took up his squad automatic weapon and covered the vault door since they'd spent a considerable amount of time fiddling about with explosives. But it appeared that the elven warriors had been more concerned with evacuating the building than recovering it.

The other two moved like tomb raiders, taking the small precious objects and sharing their mirth at what a hearty collection they had gathered like a bunch of pirates. That's when his eyes landed on "it".

"Hey…." He called out to them to grab their attention.

"What is it, Kuruta?" Lancer came over after he was satisfied with a small portion of valuables jammed into his plate carrier pouch.

"Oh?" He noticed the object that Takeo pointed to on a shelf that stood out in the centre of the loot room walkway that hadn't been noticed because of a wall of goodies in front of the bars they had been concentrated on just now. But with the angle Takeo was in, he saw it.

They approached this unusual piece of elven loot that rested in its own mantle with lumination from its own skylight, signifying its value above all other treasures the elves had acquired over the centuries. Walking closer to get a better look, Lancer dragged his finger along the mantle.

"It's been cleaned, regularly. There's even signs of oiling to keep it in that state." He took a whiff of his finger that scrapped the residue of natural oils and wax used to keep the leather and metal in mint condition. Whatever it was, this was a real prize to the elves who got it.

It, being a set of armour meant for a woman. But not for an elf and certainly not for a human either, it was too big for either standards of females despite their curves. A pair of plated leather vambraces and greaves lined internally with a durable fur, a scale armoured skirt and a corset reinforced with cuirass plating that was covered with archaic effigies of certain warriors with long ears fighting all manner of beasts that didn't seem native to the Special Region. Long story short….

"This thing is ancient." Kugel gave his expert artificer opinion towards the old but seemingly practical armour set.

"But made to fight in." Lancer confirmed from the scabbard still containing its sheathed weapon as it wasn't purely ornamental and in fact, razorsharp.

Takeo was wondering if they were serious about taking this armour that probably none of them could don, since it was made for a lady and a pretty strong one at that. Until he picked up what appeared to be a headpiece that complimented the armour.

It was even more intricately designed than the cuirass corselet, with line art that seemed to move around the way it formed over its wearer's head. But where the ear lobes would have normally been, were covered with the only two openings that resembled the ones for ears too high on the head that curved around to protect the base of the ear. Perhaps it was meant for a beastkin woman with more animal-like ears.

"So what do you think, Kugel?" Takeo asked the person who was likely to carry it back with them to their rendezvous point with the others.

"I'm thinking, this is around the size of our bunny lass, right?"

---

The dirt-ridden streets which they walked side by side with the ziggurat as a reference guide were eerily quiet, as the inhabitants of the many mud brick dwellings seemed to have a respected curfew timing, to the point that there were no roaming armed patrols. Unlike the city that never truly sleeps outside of these walls. The rare exceptions were those who roamed the street aimless in their delirium caused by malnourishment and despair at their own prospect of a life due to end in a week or a day.

Yet these aesthetic differences were considered negligible in his eyes closed with head leaning back without a shed of caution. Parna on the other hand was anything but relaxed. With heightened senses catching the faintest of sounds and darting of miniscule shadows in the corner of her eyes, even if they were just mere nocturnal insects roaming for food.

In such a dilapidated place where the emotions of hope and blessing hit a deadend, it only left her wondering how Hitoshi could be relaxed in such an atmosphere. Although, this mystery was something that she who was born into the privilege of a home and family would never truly understand. He let his sigh catch with the cold chilly wind that blew pass them.

"… The moonlight has never felt this warm before."

"M-…. Master?"

Unlike the rest of the city which had most of its building foundations bolted to the ancient trees, this entire district was barren. Thus, the full moon shone down its brilliant light, the blanket of stars wasn't obstructed by the branches of the elder wood. Those who lived within the wood of Amarel were fortunate indeed to be plentiful, safe and secure within their warm wooden homes.

But they would never be able to look beyond their habitat, both protected and concealed by the wood. The trees had inadvertently taken their freedom to dream beyond the comfortable confines. Neither was he accusing the forests, if anything, they had been kind to all who rested under their branches.

But not here.

That was why Hitoshi no longer felt confined by the ancient oak or walls that watched over them, but most of all…

"There are no more voices."

"Voices?" If he heard any sort of thing, she would've been the first to hear them.

Hitoshi casted off her worries with a wave to disperse them. But they were anything but assuring. Even so, she wouldn't understand.

She followed his gaze towards the high walls wondering if these fortifications had anything to do with his statement.

"It's nothing, sorry for worrying you." But his reply did anything but remove that concern, and he knew it. Instead, he would have to let his plan unveil to regain her confidence that he had a handle on the situation.

They arrived at what appeared to be the end of the road, leading to an empty square that dominated the district under the shadow of the ziggurat. Under more conventional standards, this would've been where a bazaar or ceremonial square would be located.

Consulting the breadcrumb trail left by the Dark Elf Ranger on the tablet interface he had, Hitoshi walked a little further before taking a break in the most awkward of positions to take one.

Right in the middle of the stone slab parade square where there was not even a single sign of life, except the cool breeze that seemed to be funneled through thanks to the street arrangement.

"Probably every house receives this cooling wind." He declared after raising a wet finger into the air to further his assessment.

"Right, let's set up here." He once again left her speechless.

"Master, weren't we looking for that Dark Elf?" To which he smiled knowingly.

"We are, it's just… you don't simply wander into someone's backyard looking for them." Parna realized that his vigiliance was never gone, he respected that he was in grounds he didn't fully understand. Without any knowledge of how the inhabitance were or would respond to his arrival, for whatever the case, he was sure that behind those mud walls of those shanty houses, there were listening ears. Suspicious of who had come to their neighbourhood looking for mischief.

Seeing as he unpacked his day's purchased ingredients out onto a tatami mat he laid out, Parna sighed as she began to understand his motives once more.

"We'll have him come to us." A chuckle was let out from Parna which Hitoshi light-heartedly questioned.

"You don't like it?"

"If I didn't, would I have been so amused?" Parna took the initiative before him in laying out all the heavy items in his pack.

Everything from portable stove to the iron cast pot that had only been recently purchased at the elven wares shop. Not to lose steam, he brought out the ingredients and sorted them in their order.

With the masonry brazier lit and stocked with charcoal, the pot rested upon it with water ready to boil.

"Right, let's get to it." Tying his sleeves, he was ready to do what he did best.

Now, everything that was going on outside of the walls didn't matter. Not the acts of arson committed by Arpeggio and Kir to make the elves rush to put out the fires. Nor the elven barracks that had been stormed by Lancer, Takeo and Kugel. Retaking their confiscated equipment and putting the entire garrison out of commission with CS grenades. Leaving the elven warriors struggling to remove the temporary blindness caused by the smoke irritance. Not even the Elf King and Queen's response to the reports of these two events taking place simultaneously. Whatever the case, Alok Tanithil couldn't let his actions go unanswered for. Whether he was regarded by the Gods or not. Somewhere in the Wareharun Temple, a certain priestess was definitely giggling with mischief at the chaos that had been wrought. Her Sun God counterpart was not of the same mind, however, likely pleased that the profaner had dug his own grave early to justify her interventions.

All that mattered now, was the ingredients before him and how he would begin his way of commencing dialogue with a people he knew almost nothing of. The notion excited him, like a whole tour of foreign tourists seeking replenishment after a long day of travelling. What sort of exotic tastebuds did they have and how would his dishes attune to their preferences?

That was not for him to decide. All Hitoshi needed to do was let his unsheathed knife do the talking.

Ten minutes passed, eyes that floated in the dark watched and noticed he had settled within the main assembly square.

Twenty minutes passed, the aromatic smell of mushrooms being sautéed made many empty stomachs turned. What in the world was this outsider doing in their neighbourhood?!

Thirty minutes passed, some left their houses and lurked closer to have a better look and to catch the scent of rich smelling ingredients being prepared.

Forty minutes later, someone couldn't be bothered to hide his presence and emerged from the darkness to reveal his unsightly image.

"Hello there!" The foreigner caught notice of his shadow and called out. His figure flinched and was prepared to run back into the dark.

"Come over, don't be shy. Come share a meal with us." Hitoshi expressed with both sincerity and physical action of holding out a bowl. His words seemed to have no impact on the silhouette shrouded in darkness, he figured it was because they didn't speak Imperial but some sort of local dialect, he was oblivious to. Even so, his actions were indicative of inviting the individual braver than most to come have a meal entirely provided for. The silhouette stayed where it was, nonetheless, suspicious of his true intent. No one, especially in these parts would simply give out a "free" meal that didn't entrail any sort of conditions.

Maybe it was not enough of an incentive, maybe it was Parna's fierce expressions that made them wary. Hitoshi laughed at the challenges that were obstructing him, there were but simple problems that chefs like himself would work quickly to solve.

"Haru koro no hana no en…."

A solo person's tune left his mouth, as his lips iterated what sounded like a folk song native not to them but him.

"Meguru sakazuki kage sashite…."

He lifted the cover to his pot whilst he continued to sing this traditional folk song, releasing the complete fragrance of his concoction to the winds that carried the strange yet appetizing scent along its wind tunnel trail through the streets. Bringing more grumbling stomachs to join the gleaming eyes party in the dark.

"Ima kojo no yowa no tsuki…"

He knew he was far from the professionals. Even so, he let two months of Shigin-style recital workshop speak for itself. And before he knew it, the silhouette had crept close enough that the moonlight could not be obscured by the walls of the hovels.

What came out to hesitantly accept his invitation wasn't as he had expected.

A hand reached out from the shadows, fair skin coloured in lilac or bight pale violet. Followed by a pair of feet that were just as white as snow. Although adorned in clothing more akin with rags, the hair of this woman was long and lustrous silverly turquoise. And bright sapphire gems were occupying the place in which eyes of more ordinary colour would have been.

"Beautiful…." These words escaped Parna's lips without her realizing it and were not words to be taken lightly but someone who could proudly proclaim she could win the hearts of many with just her looks alone. Before Parna realised that the person she'd just complimented had all the other features that resembled that of the species she recently began to bear growing hatred for.

For that woman was an elf, despite the worn appearance that she had or the outfit of someone who did not have it well in this world. Although, not the same as those ones outside these walls who called themselves High Elves, as if they were the reigning breed of their species. Nor was she like that of the Dark Elves, another subspecies of the Elven genome. Was she a subject of what was equivalent to Albinism in Human body sciences she had been taught by Mari, a mild genetic mutation?

Despite Parna's unsubtle bigotry moulded into her furrowed brows, the strange elf woman was not the only unique case. As her innate night vision picked out many more who were of the same condition as this woman, thus leaving her to conclude that it was quite possibly another subspecies of elf.

"Ah! Kojo no yowa no tsuki.."

The woman halted right in front of them as Hitoshi had finished his song, a few feet from them. As if the music was what guided her closer and its end had made her stop where she was. Because if words or actions of convincement could be deceitful, the songs of the homeland couldn't betray their meaning.

"Mana nostale -o ettele care- tye hail -o?" When she spoke in her local tongue, it even sounded like morning dew.

But as appealing as it was to enter a conversation, Hitoshi knew nothing of the elven tongue she spoke of. He could only perform the actions and behaviours that his fellow Japanese did when facing unfamiliar foreigners for the first time.

"Please." But hopefully, she would understand his hand actions that requested her to take a seat before them on the tatami mat.

Taking his ladle and swirling it within the thick and viscous contents of his concoction, he poured its steaming luscious contents into a bowl that he then held out to her with both hands.

"Maui im?" Unlike the elves from before, this woman's tone carried a humility that seemed absent in the enunciation of the Elvish tongue he'd heard thus far. And therefore, it pleased him to hear that she was likely asking if it was alright for her to take it.

While initially suspicious, the shadows emerged from hiding since the first person had taken the leap of faith and was to be rewarded for her courage. The same lilac skin tone, but hair of a glossy but luminous turquoise and sapphire eyes like her. Parna found that this woman was not the only one to bear these unique features.

Once again, Hitoshi could only represent himself with a helpless smile and the food that he offered.

"It would honour me."

---

Where there's a city, there's always an underground.

A place where the squalor of civilization festers into one congregation. With it, the broken dreams and perpetual limbo of those who had either lost their way or were born into this world with misfortune. An unspoken social hierarchy where those who lived like rats or scum to society existed for even the everyday common man to look down upon as failures. Just as they were constantly belittled and envious of those born into privilege as the elite few of any society. The day when all men were truly equal in all regard was a distant one.

Hitoshi learnt these fundamental rules along his difficult road to success back when he was still a proper chef thinking about his future. Working hard and humble to new techniques, he earned the favour and praise of his initial employer, a friend of Grandmaster Furuta with the surname Iida, someone he often remembered as a great teacher. Owner Lida was a chef by trade and had worked his way from a small vendor to a 1st class restaurant in the span of four decades, often citing that the road to success was often treacherous but well rewarded at the end of the journey.

And the truth behind the hopeless rat race of climbing social hierarchy began with the successor to Owner Iida's restaurant. For the owner had a son, a typical good-for-nothing who never put his mind to anything nor the effort to make it happen. Yet, eager to escape the social boundaries of a common man who was a "son of a chef" into being someone of prominence. A baseless and empty pride in the eyes of those who were Owner Iida's friends and under his employ like Hitoshi. So foolishly eager to climb the ladders of success and easy riches that he would associate himself with anyone and did anything unscrupulous without considering his father's legacy. It was such that the son of Iida would associate himself and the restaurant with one of the powerful Gokudo secret society groups, otherwise referred to in Western Culture literature as the Yakuza.

Nearing his deathbed, Owner Iida naturally bequeathed his restaurant over to his son despite numerous protests and the all-round consensus that it should have fallen to Hitoshi or his direct apprentice instead as the head chef. He apologized endlessly to Hitoshi, even as his lifeforce faded in his hospital bed. How he had wrongfully spoilt his son and not disciplined him hard enough to properly inherit the business, but also how he regretted not having a son like Hitoshi instead. But the latter understood, therefore didn't hold it against the old master despite his fellow chef and kitchen hands' opinions.

He would never blame a father's decision to ensure that his son could at least inherit something to stand on his feet than be left a penniless vagabond. This was simply the case of a Good Father to a Rotten Son.

It was worse that the son of Iida not only had poor cooking and management skills but was also prone to short-tempered bursts and was extremely petty. Believing that his own way in managing the store despite no previous experience was best for the company. Hitoshi tried to patiently teach the family recipes and business handling methods that his father taught him, but he ended up being barked at and ridiculed for using such "dated" means of running the business. In lieu of Hitoshi's "traditional" methods, the son of Iida attempted to sell cheap fast-finger food out the window as it followed along the more "modern trend". Not only did he insult the prestige of the restaurant his father established but the long-term staff were like family to the old owner, resulting in their early resignations. Thus, leaving two people to manage an operation that required at least seven.

Even so, Hitoshi managed to keep things together all by himself. Treating it as a good opportunity when running the start of his own shop one day. He managed the accounts with careful spending and good relations with the suppliers, could only afford inexperienced part-timers but offered them extensive training and guaranteed good resumes to compensate for the unreasonably low wages the son of Iida was willing to fund.

Everything Hitoshi did to keep the restaurant afloat as well as balance its reputation was recognized not just by regular clients and his irregular staff members, but also by Owner Iida's widow as well. This only served to worsen already abysmal relations to their son. Then things became difficult for the regular patrons who were scared off by the new crowd of questionable background the son of Iida had been inviting over. They were low-level Yakuza underlings he had befriended in order to establish his so-called early "connections" without realizing he was simply offering to do their bidding, worst still, he now had to owe them protection fees. The restaurant faced another ill-omen when it became infamous as a popular hangout for gang members to celebrate their promotions up the ranks of their hierarchy or other special inner-circle occasions. Hitoshi constantly got into conflict with his new boss and several gang members who had on occasion harassed his young female employees whilst thinking their restaurant was some sleezy hostess establishment. And Hitoshi was not the type to avoid confrontations, thus, he was constantly hounded with threats and harassment in turn. But had grown a fearsome reputation for a misunderstanding due to a "certain" tattoo of his that he was a former Black Dragon Society hitman despite his age, as the rumours continued to manifest from fiction into legend.

However, fate would have it for a friendship of one particularly powerful Yakuza clan on a certain day to forge not with the son of Iida as he had expected, but with Hitoshi instead. That day was a celebration for the birthday of their oyabun or family boss. Where Hitoshi had ended up saving the boss's face in front of all the other attending clan bosses. It started with a seemingly innocent discussion over their mastery of traditional arts and were quietly implying how the particular clan boss lacked thereof from his humbler beginnings. Hitoshi, being the meddler that he was happened to do what he did merely on a whim to spite the son of Iida as a lesson for getting involved with the Yakuza thugs and perhaps have them going for each others' throats in the process. By humiliating the other clan bosses with an extra dish, he served that had the absolute aesthetics values of beauty to its arrangement and design. When they couldn't help but ask him for its inspiration, he answered them to their surprise with an intricate haiku.

Reflecting the toils and suffering of the youth that toned and strengthen both resolve and fortitude of those who harvested its ingredients. The arrangement had also obviously pointed out indications reflecting their hierarchy system with the crown jewel being a glazed lobster sashimi shaped in a bowl displayed at the top representing the family boss himself. There were samon roe eggs held inside that represented his subordinates, being treasured and held high by their boss.

And for all the suffering that built his character, how the other clan bosses lacked thereof.

Naturally, they assumed that it was this clan boss's move against them as they stormed out leaving him to his mirthful satisfaction.

This encounter earned Hitoshi, the boss with the nickname "Arashi" his gratitude and the respect of his lieutenants who were helpless in such battles that weren't dealt with the pure brute strength. Hitoshi had inadvertently saved his 2nd Generation restaurant owner from the wrath of the underlings who would have been on the receiving end of their higherups' frustrations. This unwitting friendship had also regulated the future Yakuza patrons to maintain their etiquette and politeness when patronizing the restaurant out of respect. Thus, making it comfortable enough for the old regular crowd to return. On occasion, he did help excommunicated or retired Yakuza up on their feet with equal employment opportunities in the cooking trade. Once again, Hitoshi had managed to restore the prestige and added some to the restaurant that he knew the old owner would have been proud to witness. A restaurant where all could freely visit, no matter their background. This would become the keystone in which he would use when his time to create a restaurant came.

However, with such boons came their misfortunes as well. For he might have earned the Yakuza's respect, but also earned the evergrowing hatred of the son of Iida to no avail. Whatever Hitoshi suggested as practical improvements or amendments, the son deliberately refused to acknowledge it. Thus, worsening his own evaluation by his peers as nothing more than a spoilt and uncultured brat. To the point that even his own mother at one time, scolded him. Increasing his loath for Hitoshi, because in his mind, the former was taking credit for all his decisions. The son of Iida never believed for a moment that he was flawed and became appallingly petty and jealous. Refusing to give him leave or his monthly salary at times unless Hitoshi argued with him endlessly.

Until one day, he could no longer take it and had attempted to assault Hitoshi in the afterhours while the latter was doing his usual foodstock count. Whether it was to frighten Hitoshi into submission or to genuinely take his life under clouded emotions shrouding his ability to think, Hitoshi didn't think twice when he showed the son of Iida the shadow that lurked in him for so long. Which ended just about how one would expect for a child soldier with intense killing instinct on a soul that hadn't even hurt a fly. Shivering and whimpering when the reverse was about to happen, then, when Hitoshi showed no sign of taking action, he went off screaming and ranting about his petty differences with the former. So much so that Hitoshi couldn't care anymore and left the son of Iida to do to the restaurant as he wished.

"You can see why Zorzal isn't such a big deal anymore, right?"

Parna's reaction to that particular history was also just about how he imagined it, wearing a face of utter revulsion. She was just astonished that there were these soughts of people over the other side as well, albeit with delusions of grandeur that only seemed to hurt everyone around them at their own concenience. But also surprised at the amount of patience he had for a fellow like that to the point that he could even achieve his own sainthood. But Hitoshi knew he was no saint, let alone a good person. He just had a lot of experience under his belt about these sorts of feelings of inferiority and being ridiculed for being weak. Thus, had been very patience with the son of Iida, albeit he did not know how to teach the former to improve his character, which he felt was his personal failing in what could have been instead. Perhaps Yaeko could have done better.

"Even so, such a person sounds utterly revolting." She replied while handing back a bowl filled with delicious looking gruel to another recipient of their charity. Their conversations with one another were simply to pass the time, or else it would have been too quiet as Hitoshi prepared several batches more of the appetizing porridge. In all honesty, Hitoshi enjoyed the quiet and simple act of charity on his part. It relieved him of the stress he had accumulated over this entire venture. As Kugel would put it, dealing with these pointy-eared bastards was frustrating. They liked to talk their way out of things, always avoiding the straightforward questions he asked. Hitoshi had almost accepted it as the way elves went about their daily routine, right until he came here.

The elf who received his bowl back thanked them in a local dialect before making off in a hurry to find a peaceful place to eat away from hungry eyes.

"Right, who's next? I see you are providing for your family, no worries. Parna give this man one of our extra-large bowls to take back." While he had a limited number of utensils and crockery available, careful attention to their needs was his number one concern.

"Yes, Master." As the next person was a Kobold accompanied by his children walked off after giving their thanks with a portion that could satisfy all of them at least for the late night.

Hitoshi made his estimates, but it appeared that the famished crowd that had assembled before him was twice his expected size he could afford to feed. In his servings, he had learnt several crucial things from what little he exchanged with the locals who understood him as light conversation.

One, the majority of elves that exclusively dominated this "Gen" district which had the weird skin colouration that differed from both the dark and high elves were called Tovonún in the High Elven dialect. They were the only variety of elves to be found here, assuming they were from the same subspecies as their more mainstream brethren. There were other sentient species but were only limited to Human-half breeds, Kobolds, Gnolls, Volralden, a subspecies of the Medusae called Naga which had a head of a snake on a semi-humanoid body and Jagurites, a smaller cousin to the Lionheaded Leonoids. Basically, a hot pot of mix breeds that for a lack of better description did not meet a certain "pedigree" of race to qualify being amongst the beautiful streets. These Tovonún elves represented the vast majority living in these dilapidated conditions. Which left Hitoshi without a doubt to what this place was. An internment camp of some kind.

Two, there were some who could speak a little Imperial but that wasn't the main language of this place. From appearances alone, they seemed to be subjected to hard labour of sorts. And they all spoke of a work that they all shared in common, related with an excavation or restoration project of some kind. Basically, digging and hauling of heavy stones. In the day, they worked until late dusk where they received their due issue of food which was obviously insufficient just by all of them coming to eat now. And he was sure that only a fraction knew about him serving food now, because if everybody did, there would be a frenzy right now. This intensive labour didn't show anywhere in this district when he looked around. No major construction projects or buildings with scaffolding, they weren't doing any redevelopment of this district, that's for sure. Which inevitably left the most prominent site as the answer, the eerie Ziggurat pyramid. Leaving another mystery waiting to be solved, although time was scarce. But the reminiscing vibes of the Altera structure echoed in its black monolithic surface, calling out to him.

Lastly, was the history of this district. From what he gathered, it was a residential district that had been struck by a civil war over centuries ago, it was still very cryptic. Some only knew from the tales told to them by their grandfathers and grandmothers, while others hardly knew details aside from that a certain transgression made by their ancestors around four hundred years ago. Thus, leading to an isolationist policy that subjected these particular races and species to a continued state of martial law and surveillance. Confirming Hitoshi's theory of a concentration camp, since the legal aspect seemed so grey it was as if they rounded up the select species population into an enclosure and called it a day without passing a fair judgement. Nobody was allowed to leave apparently, not with the high walls and constant patrol of elven warriors roaming all-day. But there were rare exceptions, like organisations that supported the High Elf control over the district through subservience. Giving them some measure of freedom and privileges exclusive to their services. But the ratio of these groups meant that they should have seen at least one member of that race roaming outside. Hitoshi's guess, on the day that they were guided around by the King, all services were suspended.

Elisen was likely aware of the Japanese level of civil rights through intel and therefore hide the existence of district with her King. But the more they tried to hide it, the more obvious it was to Hitoshi to investigate. Maybe, if it were one of those timid civilian inspection authorities, they would have kept ignorance out of courtesy or be more forthcoming to hush money. But they were expecting to receive the God of Cookery at their city gates. He refrained from telling Parna what he thought about these findings because he felt that it would drive her to her wit's end. There was sadness all around, worse than what befell the Warriors Bunnies he dare say, which she could not feel even the least bit happy about. It was in this place where the proverb "Dog eat Dog world" was applied aptly.

"Medi- eithel." At least, they had made a friend out of the elf woman who was their first patron. As she lent a hand at serving the porridge to the community out of good will. No words were exchanged between herself and the two of them, since they didn't understand each others' tongue. But her actions spoke louder than words, she understood the mood of these people who were fellow sufferers.

"Do you think the Dark Elf will come?" Not forgetting the objective, Parna seemed two-minds about their approach.

"We know he's here, so there's no way he won't hear of this. And if he didn't…." Hitoshi panned his eyes towards an unsettling group that approached their way.

(crash)

Somewhere along the line, someone's bowl was broken when they were being pushed aside.

"…. We'll just make louder noise." But it would seem that Hitoshi would get more than he bargained for.

The line of eager food recipients was forcefully made to part as the show of force from the arriving groups increased into harsher physical action. While many stood their ground, reluctant to give up their long wait for a nice warm bowl of porridge that was said to be the best they'd ever taste from those who had already received it. The beating was turned up a notch until they yielded but didn't disperse.

"Cin baur na deli-, breg!" The elven woman even made noise that sounded like she was insisting for them to leave while the could. Parna was already feeling for the combat revolver under her belt, only Hitoshi seemed to pay it no heed.

The sea of patrons was parted as twelve figures, all meanly dressed stepped through and yelled curses to keep the hungry folks back or telling them to go home. Armed with crudely made batons were these assortment of creature enforcers with only one identifiably similar characteristic shared between them. The broach that held their cloaks was the only clean effect on them by virtue of the moonlight reflecting off of it.

They were as Hitoshi had perceived. Hired enforcers under the High Elves' patronage to keep "law and order" within this District on their behalf. Because what was better than being beating and oppressed by none other than your own race members. Hitoshi understood the joke early, but he wasn't amused.

However, the leading enforcer who happened to be a grizzled Volralden did. His attire even reflected his superiority over his subordinates by the shine of the blackened leather of his armour, as if to symbolise his badge of office.

The party encircled him and forced the crowd to reluctantly disperse with brutal persuasion from their clubs and fists. Then, their leader made their way to him.

"Turi ceri- cin hwer o?" With a vocabulary that sounded like he was asking for what their purpose here for was. Stepping forward, he placed his crop stick against Hitoshi's shoulder. Hitoshi wasn't expecting that from a Volralden of all things, but this was what he spoke.

"Im've ú- qwen cin gur." The crop dragged along his shoulder until it lifted his hood and touched his cheek of all places. Leading to the only reaction someone could give to such a discourteous action. Swiped from his hand, the crop was flung all the way into the alleyway.

In response to that, one of his retinue brought down his baton which bludgeoned him on the cheek in review of the display of defiance he gave.

(crash) Hitoshi fell on a kneel whilst rebalancing himself and disturbed his utensils laid out.

"Ori-." The elf woman intended to intervene, her only hindrance was an iron grip that forced her to stay where she was, courtesy of his bunny companion. Even though her own face was wrought with agony despite not receiving the hit.

"I take it you're not one for charity then." Hitoshi's indifferent mirth earned him another round of beating as if he'd spat in the head enforcer Volralden's face.

But hit him as hard as they did with their inhuman strength, there was not even a cry or grasp from him. Only an eerie silence despite the blood that he spat out or trickled from his forehead.

-What was wrong with this fellow?!- They all thought.

Both the crowd and the enforcers were of the same mind even though they wanted different things. Until the kobold enforcer who had been doing most of the beating couldn't take this unease and decided to draw his knife to restore the intimidative status that they should have bore.

As he brought into a threatening thrust, the one receiving it didn't stand by to let him.

Catching the jabbing knife by the edge despite the kobold's actual reluctance to commit. Blood trickling from the grazed palm bathed his simple knife, causing the enforcer to become shaken on the inside for his willingness to be harmed. Hesitantly trying to retract his blade from what felt like a stone-handed grip.

The sudden change in the air could be felt from their bout even though the stranger had yet to make any single violent move against them. Even so, their guards all went up with swords drawn from their scabbards.

"Im'll rist- cin or-!" The Volralden said something that sounded like he was demanding who he was, like he caught on to the fact that Hitoshi wasn't from here at all. If not, he wouldn't have had the will to stand up to an enforcer.

"Dár! Bui conn- -o i rís!" And who would have appeared right this second of all times, but the person they had expected to the cavalry arriving at the last moment, Pryder ran forward to reason with the Head enforcer with the show of his badge of office.

Then, as if part of a scripted event, the Head Enforcer and his group exchanged harsh words before giving an eyeful as they left reluctantly, shoving those who stood in their way as they departed the premises. After the disturbance had passed, the locals naturally readopted their place in the line like it was merely a minor occurrence that had no effect on their day, or rather it was was simply too common a thing to bother about. Naturally, Hitoshi treated it as such as he returned to giving these people what they wanted. Albeit with the authorities notice and their likely arrival to apprehend him for the breaking an entry into the cordoned district.

"What are doing here?" A voice of distraught exclaimed, expecting an explanation for all that he was doing in a place like this.

"Oh? Commander Pryder, fancy seeing you here." He replied kindly to the individual who came to them on his own accord, wiping the bloodstain from his cut as casually as he had cut it accidentally during cooking.

"How-.. No…. Why are you here?" He had meant to ask how, but that seemed like a ridiculous question to someone like him.

"Just doing some community outreach in ways that I can. Stumbled upon these hungry souls, so I decided to feed them. After all, am I not my name sake?" Even Pryder knew that beneath the generous exterior, there was a manevolent motive behind what he did.

"What are you scheming?" Pryder lost all sense of formality, in which Hitoshi replied with a smile.

He continued to serve the next person whilst the Dark Elf awaited his response.

"I would've liked to ask you the same thing, actually." Leaving Pryder taken aback, because while Hitoshi was here, he was only here because of Pryder.

"But I digress, someone who has so much riding on him couldn't possibly be capable of scheming to this extent." Pryder couldn't understand what he was saying, only that somehow, he was found to be unrelated to the schemes going on behind him.

"….. What do you mean by that?"

"….." Hitoshi took it as playing ignorant to his answer and simply passed it off.

"I'm just as curious as to what a soldier of His Majesty's guard in your calibre is doing roaming about in a place like this. Although, I'm more piqued by your ability to seemingly pass through these walls undetected." This sentence was taken aback by the Dark Elf for a number of reasons not obvious to Hitoshi or Parna. But served its purpose of roughening up Pryder from his place of comfort, his sanctuary.

"But I'll settle for the question you'd most likely answer instead. Why did King Alok and Elisen hide this place?"

The Dark Elf was silence, although his face was hiding the unbearable under its charade of calmness.

"Do you share the same sentiment as them, do you believe that over tens of thousands should be incarcerated indefinitely behind twenty feet of brick?"

"No!-…" The Dark Elf shouted before regaining his composure and wits.

For Hitoshi, this was one step forward into his dialogue with Pryder and what was truly going on around here. Even if it put Pryder in a strained position.

"What do you want from me?" Straight to the point, Pryder shouted unconsciously to the unjust invasion of his privacy. Making the crowd wonder what he was so flustered about, but figured he was telling the human he shouldn't continue providing this service, which made them frown. The enforcers were always acting typical of their behaviour.

Hitoshi handed out the last portion before leaving it to his associate to continue the hand-outs.

"I want to meet them."

These words sent chills down Pryder's spine.

"W-… Who…." At this point, the dark elf wasn't able to keep his composure to hide his blatant lie.

"The people who mirrored your orders from the Queen to bring me to Amarel." Pryder's facial expression worsened by the second.

"Don't look so distraught, Commander. This is a win-win for you isn't it? Now you don't have to shuffle about in the background hoping to get our attention and convince us to come over, right?"

Even so, he didn't like it. There was not a shed of reluctance from the human they called Furuta, it appeared as if the title he was given did shed some truth to what he was capable of. No one would lightly bear the title of God in the presence of the Great Twelve of Falmart.

"No?... I won't rush you then."

A wave of calm seemed to overtake the Dark Elf's expression as he wasn't forced to do something against his will. But the human's smile was anything but comforting.

"What?"

"Oh nothing, it's just-….. so even you can feel oppressed." Again, the human said words that had multiple meanings behind them. Pryder became at a loss of what to do.

The Dark Elf was left to think on the spot, while Hitoshi returned to brewing a second batch of the gruel he prepared for the hungry "patrons" of his. By his calculations, he had at least fed over a hundred and thirty with the numbers still climbing with the queues extending as far as the eye could see in this dark.

Although, he was surprised at the sudden transition of mistrust that the Dark Elf had accumulated in such a short time considering he was the one who invited them to Amarel. It was likely that they were encroaching on a place that even the Dark Elf considered sacred to himself. It contradicted the initial belief that the Ranger Captain was another mindless peon of the Monarch like every other elf and race of Amarel. Perhaps he shouldn't have been.

Given the state which the elven woman and many others were in within this district, this treatment wasn't exactly a winner for hearts and minds, much less a generation spanning punishment passed on from father to son like an eternal sin. Indeed, these elves were naturally slender and pale beings, but these….. "outcasts" were in a state that could only be described as beyond impoverished. It was no wonder even in the initial state of suspicion, they still came out to see him cooking. Where Hitoshi was expecting to be assailed by a disorderly mob that would snatch away his free food for themselves, there were none. Or rather, even the supposedly fierce looking ones were too weakened to fight over something that was given out evenly. Thus, a seeming civility to their actions, but also exhibited their ability to think despite malnourishment. What were they doing so strenuous to appear this weak? What were these elves even expected to do behind these confines? Sit out their days in misery to the things that the other elves on the other side were supposedly enjoying?

"Cin shari ú- thír dad bo cín tuwydus." Giving some unexpected respite to Hitoshi's constant questioning, the elven woman of all people stepped in and asked the Dark Elf something.

"Gwanur?" Pryder answered as if distraught by what the woman was saying.

"Care to share?"

"W-Wyr!... Whui gar- cin tul-…?!" The Dark Elf expressed his distress at why the lilac-skin coloured elf with turquoise hair was assisting them.

"Treneri- hon!" The woman insisted that he pass along her words to Hitoshi with pokes.

"… She says, you shouldn't be underwhelmed by your own efforts." Reluctant as he was, he relayed the surprisingly deep words that the woman had wanted to say for a long time.

"Hendi an an hendi!" She expressed with jubilation as she patted Hitoshi hard on the back in a very tomboyish way.

"It's an old proverb, Goodwill shall always be repaid with goodwill." Pryder translated.

Leaving Hitoshi surprised by who would be giving him this kind of encouragement, he simply gave a nod of appreciation to let her know that her words, he was thankful of.

"Tul- na mín car an murha!"

"Nuaw!?" but instead of translating that enthusiastic sentence the elf woman followed up with, Pryder expressed his disbelief she had even suggested it. Even discreetly dissuading her not to do that behind their backs. The woman replied to his suggestion with a piercing gaze with dug into the Dark Elf despite the disparity in their social status, and he finally receeded.

"She-…. She invites you to our home."

"Does she? I'm sure we wouldn't want to refuse such hospitality then." Pryder could have sworn there was a brief and subtle smirk on his lips, but there was nothing he could do about it.

They continued to feed the people that came in droves until there was nothing left to scrape at the end of the pot. Which left several people remaining in the queue disappointed, but that was truly all that he had left. If they had been more adventurous to come forward, they could have received their reward of a warm and tasty meal. Instead, they will hear their friends and companions talk about the flavour in the weeks to follow.

They made their way to the household of the woman's whilst she carried away some of the crockery Hitoshi had bought back since it was a waste to simply leave it lying there after one use. Seeing it as a suitable housewarming gift, Hitoshi and Parna carried much of the bulkier items on her behalf. Pryder simply accompanied them, seeing as this woman's house would be a better place to talk about the things he wished to say than in the public streets where the wall had ears.

"Mui est- na- Silwyr…. Si-..l-…wyr." The lilac coloured elf woman introduced herself as Silwyr, even Hitoshi didn't need an interpretation from Pryder to tell that as she seemed enthusiastic to start a conversation with him and Parna.

"Mui esut- na-… Furuta." With a rougher accent, Hitoshi copied her sentence to try his best at introducing himself.

"Fuh-rata?" She tried pronouncing his name which he nodded since it was close enough.

"Parna." When she turned to his companion, Parna spoke her name as well.

"Paruna." Which she tried as best she could to pronounce hers as well. The phonics of this dialect were not the same as the Imperial language, after all.

At her insistence, Silwyr made Pryder interpret every word she wanted to exchange with them.

When Silwyr asked what that gruel was called and how it was made, Hitoshi replied.

"It's called Yachae Jook in the local language where it was popular, but its basically a Vegetable Congee. Not just a simple porridge. A colleague of mine advised me that Elves were typically vegetarian, so I tried my best. Was it to your liking?"

Silwyr would express that it was like nothing she had ever tasted, certainly not a dish comprising of nothing but kelp, tofu and mushrooms. Also, it appeared that these elves weren't part of the denomination that abstained from meat like the High Elves did. Livestock was eaten, but its flesh considered sacred and at very least should not be wasted.

"Furuta, Ceri- cin tul- o?"

"She asks, where you hail from?"

"Japan, a country from the other side of the Alnus Gate. Over there, the likes of elves, dwarves and other species were nothing more than fairy tales."

Silwyr was surprised to hear and tried to imagine such a place.

"Allwo n- turi na glenn- ennas."

"It would be nice to see for ourselves."

"I wouldn't count your chickens just yet into thinking the grass is greener on the other side. There are a ton of things your world has to offer…." Pryder did his best to translate, taking his time because Hitoshi spoke quite quickly.

"Like what?" They both seemed unconvinced.

"For example, um… there's magic. On Earth, we have to depend on machinery and gadgets powered by scarce natural resources to create conditions. While you guys can just will the phenomenon on its own." Faced with this answer, the Dark Elf stumbled in his speech instead of fully translating to Silwyr. But even she became silent as she sensed what it was about.

They both became as quiet as church mouses with some sort of complex emotion welling inside. Leaving Hitoshi clueless as to why they asked such a question.

And then, Silwyr said something softly to herself which he couldn't quite catch, even if he didn't understand the dialect used.

-Tovonune?-

"Well, I guess if you'll looking for something over there that you can't find here, it'll be technology. For now." Hitoshi tried moving the subject along, since it wasn't helping their current mood.

"Ceri was i est- -o i glír, Furuta?" Pryder raised a brow upon hearing her query.

"What did she say?"

"Something about-… a song or hymn that you sung. Hang on a minute, I'm having difficulty try-."

"Kojo no Tsuki." Hitoshi instantly replied, knowing what Silwyr was trying to ask for.

"It's a folk song that speaks of ruined castle under moonlight." Pryder did his part in translating the meaning, leaving Silwyr perplexed.

"Nai ir, I morco suche eresse -esse its lira?" She responded with a sad smile losing all semblance of her rough talk.

"Even with such wonders in your world, why does the tune bear such solitude?"

For once, Hitoshi didn't know what to reply back in an instant, nor after Pryder awaited a reply. If she wanted the short answer, it was the way of the tune in these typical folk songs to be sung in such a way. Alluring to the struggles faced by the people of that era the song was sung, an era where samurai and feudal societies were forced to play catch up to the modern world around them.

But the answer that Hitoshi would have given could not come out of his mouth. Because in light of all the sacrifices he was making in the name of Japan by his solemn oath of allegiance there was something that was different about him from the others who took up the same words.

What did he fight for in Japan?

Others would answer, for their families, their futures assured, career choices and such. Hitoshi had none of these, or at least that which he couldn't already grasp with the help of the Government and his contract. In the end why did he take the role of Raizen Amara seriously to the point that name became a legend onto its own? Why didn't he satisfy himself with the role of cook for the remaining duration of his service? Why did he accept the admission into the Special Task Force expeditionary force? Why did he take up this role of espionage behind enemy lines once more, only to be thrown into the forefront of the field where no one else had ventured before?

Because a voice in his head told him it was the right thing to do? Nonsense. He knew deep down what the problem was.

He was becoming disillusioned with the country that he fought to protect, that he lost a brother for, turned his back on the people who called him brother one time. All for a misplaced faith in an ignorant government and weakened Imperial Throne, a society that hardly knew of their existence which protected their way of life. Where the social norm was to look to one's own advancement as their ultimate goal in life than laying it down for a greater cause. Orochi sought to destroy what was to them a selfish cruel way even if it cost them a few innocent lives, to bring about the return of nationalistic sentiments which remained in some parts of the country.

He surmised that the real reason he was here in the Special Region was to perhaps find some meaning to that struggle the only way he knew how. Which was to fight for it, or die in the process. In truth, if he had not told Hazama about Orochi or their activities, the General would be completely helpless in handling them and would be forced to ignore them. Maybe he was selfishly finding vindication from fighting an opponent such as his former brothers and sisters in a savage world of swords and shields. Or escaping his true anxieties.

He was raised as a warrior to vanquish foes and liberate the helpless but was born in the wrong era.

Weren't they all?

The more he reflected on these issues, the more it showed on his face as the Elves and Parna were left waiting and wondering what he was deeply pondering on after mention of the song's relation to the life in Japan.

"Master." Parna's call shook him back to reality.

"I don't know…." He said addressing Silwyr's previous statement that shook him to the core with a wavering but strengthening resolve.

"Maybe those who wrote it simply didn't want us who are so fortunate to forget their sacrifices."

And he won't. Regardless of the stakes, he had his reasons to fight.

---

When morning arrived, the cloud of worry amongst them dispelled. As the woman introduced herself as Iota, protector of the Warrior Bunny enclave. They had ended up in a place near the Mountain Range of Ice and Snow called Ascension Glade, nearly seven hundred kilometres from Alnus. This site was a settlement dedicated to the rehabilitation of the ravaged Warrior Bunny Tribes. As for the Jietai personnel wandering all the way here, they were engaged in a quid pro quo agreement with the latter for vital intelligence which she held.

With that, she said no more about their peoples' history and told them to go out and interact with the inhabitants if they wished to learn more. The man who had done most of the interrogating was apparently the stand-in commander for the Special Operations garrison posted to protect this site while their Commander was away on a "Resource Investigation Expedition", in their words. His rules were simple, if they left the perimeter outside without consent. He'll treat it as espionage and hunt them down like game. Did they believe it? Callsign Operative Ymir certainly hoped they would test his limits. Furthermore, any misbehaviours by any of them would be judged based upon local standards. Meaning that if they committed an offense they would be punished and judged not by Japanese Laws but by the laws that Iota had put in place for this territory.

"If that is all Mister Ymir demands, then I have only to say you are welcomed here as guests of mine." This Iota assured them not just with a faint smile behind the veil that she wore, but in their own native language. Making them surprised that someone else besides Lelei and Pina could speak Nihon with such fluency. There was some credibility to her words, as the operatives ceased their hostilities towards them almost as if they answered directly to her. In any case, they were seemingly given a chance to carry out a typical journalist tour through the workings of the settlement out of good faith.

But that was all the time she could afford to them apparently, she was a very busy woman. So the task for guiding them around the settlement to all the amenities, their operations and what to do with them was given to Lieutenant Takeji Kenzaki. Whom they had the unfortunate first encounter with back when they stowaway.

"… This is the public mess hall, where they provide all three meals a day. Which I believe we still have some time before breakfast becomes available." Their temporary PR liaison officer took them on a tour which brought them to their next key location on the list of venues. A series of sheltered long tables with seats on both sides and cutlery in the process of being laid out by a kitchen worker.

(Grumble) Without realizing she'd spent a whole day about this fiaso to sit and eat, her body answered for her.

"Don't worry, Miss Mochizuki. I assure you, the meals here are wholesome." Kenzaki said with these words and his smile.

"We'll eat here?" Nanami asked curiously.

"Everyone in the settlement does, as do the servicemen stationed here. So you won't need to feel left out."

"Eating the same unsanitary food as these primitive-arghh! Oi! Knock it off!" Komurazaki yelled at Noriko who gave him a thoroughly hard kick to the shin.

"You knock it off! Do you also shit talk even when someone politely invites you over?" Sometimes she couldn't believe the manners of this man or how he managed to coexist in the society they knew back home.

"I'm sorry for the trouble we've put you through, Lieutenant." Even Nanami ended up bowing down to express her sincerest apologies on behalf of her senior which even Kenzaki could not find fault with.

"Ehe…. It's quite alright, Miss Kuribayashi. As for the food, I can guarantee that it meets our basic food hygiene standards back home and I'm confident in saying that it's a little more than that too."

"Oh, perhaps you have a chef here!" Nanami's innocent declaration almost made Noriko chuckle to herself.

"We do, but he's currently away at the moment." But then, Kenzaki confirmed it to be true.

"Most of our present rotating menu was designed by him, including the Warrior Bunnies he trained in cooking those recipes. The ingredients are a combination of our own supplies and local forage and wildlife in the forests. Personally, I recommend days with Boar on the specials, its meat is out of this world."

Kenzaki had said enough to tell them that this public eating area was comparable to the mess hall and tavern in Alnus.

"What, you got a chef to come all the way here?" Komurazaki asked in his familiar accusing tone, whom by now Kenzaki had more a less gotten used to.

"Not exactly, since Captain Furuta was running this site. He just happens to be the best there is in terms of choice for who cooks." That sounded strange to Noriko as it did with the ever vigiliant Komurazaki.

"A senior ranking officer, that cooks for you?" That's when Kenzaki realized he left a gap in his explanations.

"Pardon me, I forgot to literate the overview. The Base Commander of this site is the Captain, but he also took it upon himself to manage the nutritional needs and general food intake of the settlement on the side as well." With a clearer picture to a very odd position, they at least understood the circumstances.

"Furuta…..?" Noriko repeated that familiar last name in her mind and with her lips, catching Kenzaki's attention.

A common surname in Tokyo and among the Japanese as a whole, but here, there was only one person that came to mind. And coincidentally, she had been acquainted with him on several occasions. One of which was when she tutored the servicemen in the Imperial Language alongside the professional civilian linguists.

A rare occasion that a serviceman could even converse with her fluently in Imperial after just two months. The other instance of meeting him was in the mess hall in Alnus where he worked, and she spent most of her time simply sitting or reading to waste time. Not a very remarkable person in appearance or stride, however, kind enough to listen to some of her rants over a smoke at the back.

"Is he by chance related in anyway to Furuta from the mess halls?" Perhaps like how Kuribayashi had a sibling here, Furuta might've had one in the service as well.

"What, the cook back in Alnus? Then I'm related to the CEO of the agency." Again, Komurazaki with his worthless rants went unappreciated by the lot.

"….. No." Kenzaki said, but for some reason he was sweating just from saying that one word.

Was that a lie? Noriko wondered for a moment, but then found it not worth pursuing. After all, even if it was, what would that change in any way?

Kenzaki seemed in a hurry to change the subject that had made the situation awkward for himself and the three of them. He brought them to the another few sites.

A waterwheel mill that acted as both grinder and electrical generator for the electrical utilities this site had adopted. Salt harvesting ponds, animal pens, stables where the workhorses and messenger horses were groomed regularly.

There were amenities that were also the likes in which even Alnus didn't have. Like public access to a beer hall, or a shooting range where they could freely enter and practice with some of the weapons, provided they have a reason to. Such as for hunting, sporting purposes or target practice for the inhabitants to the former and the servicemen to the latter. There was even an onsen, found along the ends of the marshes just recently built. Kenzaki had quite a story to tell about its trials and tribulations that those who built it had to go through, including himself.

They finally arrived at what appeared to be a vacant Yurt house where some attendants brought in fresh sheets and blankets for them to use.

"You'll be staying here from now on. Also, since you haven't been screened yet, you'll be under quarantine."

"So, we are your prisoners after all then!" Komurazaki said in a provocative manner.

"It's nothing like that, everyone that comes here needs to be monitored for 24-hours by our resident medical specialist. As per Sergeant Kurokawa's regulations. Food will be brought to you as will hot water for baths. And if you need to yunno… answer nature's call, there's one near the river."

"Miss Kurokawa is here?" Nanami seemed excited to hear as Kenzaki nodded.

"She might visit you in a few hours time-."

"Can we see her now?" Nanami caught Kenzaki off guard with her jiggling chest that made him almost forget what he was supposed to say as he flinched. A psychological habit reared by a punch that followed after unconsciously staring at the equally ample chest of the older Kuribayashi. But this time, no fist came flying.

"She…. Had a long night yesterday." He wasn't about to spell out how their chief medical officer had gotten drunk and was now in the process of recovering from a hangover with whatever pills and ointments that could sustain her. To think that he had to report on her behavior to the General as well made him sigh deeply inside.

"I see…." The younger Kuribayashi sounded disappointed.

"I did say she would come here later, Miss Kuribayashi. In any case, please bear with this waiting period for the day. Rest up, eat up when the meals come and if you feel bored, I'll have one of our personnel bring some games over for your entertainment."

Kenzaki seemed in a hurry to leave.

"Thank you, Lieutenant. Sorry for taking up your time." Seeing that one of them still bothered to remember basic courtesy made him feel a little redemptive that they were aware of their accommodations.

"It's alright, Miss Mochizuki. Bringing you all around was a delight." He said in a very gentlemanly manner to hide his anxieties that he couldn't hide from Noriko's perceptive gaze. But not because of them.

Something else was weighing on his mind. She would have never guessed in was something as simple as how he was to report to the Base Commander on the events that transpired and how he was directly responsible for them. After all, she had yet to meet this Captain Furuta. Thus, knew almost nothing about him.

Kenzaki showed them the switches to a single light bulb, the suspended veils of cloth for when they wanted to change clothing and other household features that weren't all that obvious at first glance. All in all, it was worthy of being at least chalet quality despite them being in an indigenous settlement of a minority species.

"I guess that's all I can show." Kenzaki really wasn't an expert in the Yurt features since he stayed in the makeshift cargo container barracks like every other personnel with the exception of Hitoshi.

"We'll be seeing each other in the evening, so until then." Kenzaki said his goodbyes as approached the exit.

"Will-." Noriko called out and spoke halfway before stopping mid-sentence, carrying both curiosity and anxiousness with her tone.

"Hm? Yes, Miss Mochizuki?" Not even Kenzaki was so cold as to ignore it.

"Will Lady Iota-…. Would it be possible for you to arrange a meeting for me with her?"

A question that seemed to pique not just Kenzaki but Komurazaki's interest as to why she asked for such a thing.

"Please…." Instead of backing out on the request, Noriko continued by bowing her head. To describe her deepest sincere wish to meet with that person.

"…. I'll see what I can do." His answer was all she could ever wish for, even if he was unsure what she wished to talk to the Warrior Bunny contact about.

"Please do, thank you." She bowed again to express her humility.

"I'll let her bodyguard know, but I can't make any promises that she'll fulfill your request." Kenzaki didn't need to highlight how busy she was to them. If he did, he would compare the Warrior Bunny to an office executive who controlled multiple departments yet managed her own life at home. Because he hardly saw her not without her writing quill apart from when she ate at the public mess hall with her brethren.

"If it's all the same, please help me make these arrangements." Kenzaki gave a nod and went on his way, leaving them to explore the confines of their 20 tatami-sized accommodations.

"This doesn't seem so bad after all." Even though Kenzaki showed them some items, the Yurt seemed fully provided for. Everything from toiletries to fleece futons, there was even a set of clothing articles for each of them. Cheap bargain-buy civilian clothes but clothing, nonetheless.

"Yeah!" Nanami agreed with her. Especially content that these clothes would fit her due to their rounding average sizes.

"You lot can be happy with what's inside this little house, I'll be looking around." Komurazaki wasn't satisfied with being cooped up.

"You're not supposed to, Kuzunari! We're under quarantine."

"Don't be ridiculous, Mochizuki! There's no such thing, it's just a lie to keep us segregated from whatever's going on here!"

"Enough of that!" Nanami announced as she struck Komurazaki hard with an open palm strike to the back of his head in an attempt to copy her sister's style of combat only to knock his glasses off him.

"What's your problem now!?"

"I should be asking you the same thing, Mister Komurazaki. This segregation you speak off isn't meant for the sake of us but the inhabitants."

"Hah? What kind of nonsense is that?" Komurazaki denied what a suddenly brave Nanami said as fact, however she wasn't quite done yet.

Noriko also realized it even though she never really questioned the reason for it in the beginning.

"We must abide by it for the sake of the locals, Mister Komurazaki. Failure to do so means we will be violating the Quarantine Act and I will report you to the authorities when we get back." With such a calm tone, even Komurazaki felt threatened by her willingness to call him out to the police for breaking a law.

"Don't be ridiculous, Kuribayashi! This isn't Japan!" He retorted anxiously.

Since they came directly from Alnus, there was a possibility of spreading a gem or parasitic bacteria that might not be harmful to them. But to the inhabitance, it could be like the introduction of smallpox to the Aztec Empire by the Spaniards or Black Death by the Mongols to Europe. Perhaps, Komurazaki only saw it from his angle, how he was vulnerable to the diseases and infections of the Special Region in his own self-centred and hypocritical way as usual.

"Maybe not, but I think if we want to earn the respect and appreciation of the locals. We should be acting with standards that align with not only our own laws but theirs as well."

In summary, what Komurazaki would be doing by venturing out now was the equivalent of him committing acts of chemical and biological warfare against the inhabitants of the Special Region. Making him what was essentially an eco-terrorist in the eyes of the Jietai and an immediate target for disposal.

"Hmph! Whatever, we'll do it your way this time….." Even so, Komurazaki had been convinced that to go out now would as counterproductive to his movements and would give the Jietai another reason to want his life which he wasn't willing to allow them to take easily.

"Good job, Nanami-san." Noriko whispered to her colleague who accepted her praise with a smile.

"Impressive, wasn't it?" She whispered back cheekily.

"Don't get all high and mighty yet, Kuribayashi." Komurazaki grumbled to her as she flinched at the sound of his voice.

"After all that you said about legalities, you've failed to notice that we're still held against our own will." To him, they were still being detained. There was literally nothing they could do to dissuade him otherwise. In a way, Komurazaki was right. But then…

"You can continue to feel like you've been oppressed, or you can do something about it." Noriko pushed a set of clothing to the middle-aged man, pointing to the back and holding her nose to tell him he reeked of sweat and piss badly.

"Ha! Maybe I will!"

"Just don't get us involved in your stupid plans, your last so-called strategy nearly cost us our lives." She still remembered almost getting filled with lead by a young soldier for running had it not been for Kenzaki's intervention. Komurazaki was more enraged than sorry that he was being shot at for something he clearly felt entitled to learn.

"We're only this far because of what I did to push you to come." Noriko almost lost the ability to control her drive to punch him in the teeth for his continued arrogance.

"Shut up. If you don't, I'll make you sorry you didn't sew that mouth shut sooner." She made her warning first, knowing somehow that he would violate it regardless.

"Do you really think I'm that stupid to wander around a Government black site without looking for trouble?" His comment gave pause to her decision, as it reflected that he was at least aware of what he had done.

"Obviously, I knew that container was headed somewhere."

"Because you snooped around."

"Because I-… had-… help!" His complacent smile let them know how aware he truly was of a conspiracy unfolding before them.

"I would never have known about a container of supplies that was not marked on any manifest, sourced from companies that had no connection to the Government, or that it was delivered in a very unroutinely flight by the Ground Air Force services."

Noriko held her forehead, forcing down a migraine that unconsciously arose from the facts that were made available now of all times. The help he was referring to was certainly not referring to them as much as Komurazaki was willing to admit that their presence might've saved his life. It was clear that there was something going on here that was deeper than what the military personnel here were willing to indulge, but that was because of their profile as soldiers sworn to uphold all orders and maintaining confidentiality over the information they held. Like Kenzaki, they were all brought here under orders and carried them out without personal agendas to manipulate their surroundings.

But if what Komurazaki said was true, then there was something brewing here. Someone had intentionally leaked information that lulled an ambitious Komurazaki towards their cause. Another agenda that sought to undo whatever was being conducted here. And to confirm her fears, Komurazaki explained the next step of his "brilliant planning".

"With or without your consent, I'll be expected to meet my contact tonight."

Even if his plans were unveiled to the Jietai in an untimely manner by whistleblowing him now, she feared that the faith she had worked to gain their trust would be forever lost.

Noriko had once again felt the helplessness she once had when coming to this world.

---

"You did what?!"

To regain some trust our of the suspicion that the Dark Elf Pryder had grown, he shared some of his comings and goings in order to gain Pryder's temporary cooperation. Only, he divurged something that was too much for even the Dark Elf to take all at one moment.

They had barely arrived at the lilac elf Silwyr's household to further discuss things inside, and now he was being told that Hitoshi had forced Queen Elisen personally come to a place like this.

"If she doesn't want to come, nothings stopping her." That was true but for Pryder, how audacious of him to demand such things. Little did he know of the developments beyond this transpiring outside the walls.

"Will you calm yourself down?"

"How can I keep calm?! After you've done such a thing!" He exclaimed exasperatedly, but the former only smiled back.

"You have a great many worries, don't you, Commander." Approaching him as he swipped the dust on the other person's shoulder.

"But frankly, I don't care. Whether it was by your design or someone elses that guided you to bring me here. I'm not working for free." The lack of any sort of intimidative action in lieu of the same smile was what made it more terrifying for Pryder deep down, as the man bearing the title of God of Cookery washed his hands off him and accompanied Silwyr with Parna in tow.

But in lieu of a mud-brick hovel that mirrored the housing standard of this "Gen" district, they were brought to where a lone waterfall that streamed the only notable freshwater throughout the district. Hitoshi was no geology expert, but he had learnt a few tricks from his subordinate Bjorn to see the signs that this water was being tapped from an underground spring.

As such, there was a cave in which had been etched out from what was possibly centuries of erosion to give them a habitable space behind the veil of water. Led around a natural walkway of stone to avoid the spray of water by the tens of gallons dropping a second, their seemingly crude dwellings had an unexplainable ambience that contrasted with the other habitats of their kind. There were other inhabitants of these accommodations who were the same lilac colour as her roaming about the cave who exchanged a formal greeting of cup hands to her as a show of great respect.

Silwyr said something along the lines of "welcome home." to them. Hitoshi took the actions of expressing a sign of respect for this home just as any Japanese person would. There was a spartan presence of furnishings, but for what it lacked in interior amenity it made up with many cave artworks painted into the walls and carvings in the pillars by hand that seemed too grand for a mere cave. He was tempted to ask her about the full in depth history behind these hieroglyphs and life-like images.

This place appeared more like a cave temple in appearance and perhaps in function, as Hitoshi noticed a pagoda of stone under a skylight which allowed moonlight to shine all the same down on them. Surrounded by a garden of what looked like herbal remedies, while elevated and shaded by the pagoda itself.

As they approached, two figures emerged from the shadow of the pagodas pillars and stopped them from walking further than a few feet from the structure. And if they refused to comply, these guards would make short work of them with their crude but purposeful spears. The body paint and vambraces that adorned these two gave a different feel from the rest of the cave dwellers, let alone the other inhabitants of the district. The residents of the cave too felt different, almost clerical from their simple robes and body paint. Giving the vibe that this cave wasn't merely a dwelling, but a holy place.

Silwyr was the only one that walked past without being stopped, as she casually passed them and their bowing. Raising some suspicions with the Dark Elf and Parna to the actual identity of the woman. Parna instinctively looked towards Hitoshi who had his arms folded as he waited for something he had already suspected. Silwyr disappeared behind a translucent changing panel that hid everything save the silhouette of her proportions as she changed out of her rags to something more befitting of the mistress of this holy ground.

"Naneth!" It appeared that Pryder was given a warning from one of the guards for staring too intensely with ulterior intent and flinched. But for Hitoshi, they gave no such warning as he exhibited a modicum of respect with closed eyes that were resting while he was waiting.

Pryder was now left in an awkward silence as he had previously established a no-talking mood with Hitoshi beyond translating what this woman had to say and whether he would take him to them. So he had to avoid eye contact with the silhouette show that teased his eyes by looking deliberately in another direction.

During his silent moment of contemplation, Hitoshi had sorted out most of his thoughts and was amazed that the elf was still changing, this time, there were other elven women assisting her behind the panel. Making him wonder about the significance that elven woman named Silwyr actually had over these people that he let curiosity get the better of him by casting essence detection magic to gauge-

"Arrrhh!" A sudden attack of pain assaulted him behind his skull, bringing him to a kneel as he grasped his forehead where the agony from the feedback was centred.

"Master!" While shocked, Parna reached out to hold him up with a hand supporting his shoulder to keep him from swaying after being struck by an invisible pain. The elven guards exchanged looks, seemingly realising what had occurred as did the one behind the panel.

These behaviours were met with a glare that bled strong killing intent as did the dangerous-looking device with six cylinders that was pointed in the guards' direction.

"What the hell did you do? Answer me!" Parna was one word away from changing their status from hostile locals to immediate enemies. So much so that the guards actually hesitated between keeping their guard up and explaining what had occurred with stutters.

If Parna had looked Pryder's way, she wouldn't noticed that he was in a similar line of thought and therefore was not sure how to approach her in her state of mind.

"I had no idea out-worlders could be a mages." Answering in their stead was a refined and feminine voice coming from the person who she least likely expected it from. The elven woman who had introduced herself as Silwyr came forth in clinical white robes that shattered her former image of street dweller to priestess, bending a knee as she assisted Parna in raising him on his feet.

"Shame on me then." Hitoshi managed to say to point out that he was alright with some humor while he wore a weak smile.

"You speak Imperial after all." Parna stated a fact which by now, all three of them were aware of. Thus, leaving Pryder in a troubled position of not being depended on anymore.

"As the head of our clan, it is one of my duties to speak at least most of the five primary tongues of Falmart." She explained without giving any further detail into it.

"Is that your power?" Hitoshi asked directly gazing at Silwyr and the other elves who were distancing themselves from where they initially were, to give him space. All she could give in response was a weak nod of her head. He turned over to the other elf that he knew.

"…" But Pryder's silence was his confirmation to him in what was an unlikely twist to their arrival here in Amarel. He had taken a random guess, but it turned out to be true.

"I'm fine." Hitoshi told Parna who had unconsciously locked his arm in place to prevent him from moving.

He stood up and faced the elves with strange lilac coloured skin.

"I am Captain Furuta Hitoshi, Japanese Self Defense Force 27th Reconnaissance Company of the Special Task Force." And gave a respectful bow on par with the one that he gave to Alok from Pryder and Parna's internal comparisons.

"Then, I shall do the same." Silwyr chuckled as she did a curtsy with the hem of her robes lifted with both hands.

"And I am Silwyr Wa Rayfael, the last heir of House Rayfael."

"Nuara- Rayfael!?" Pryder interrupted with a surprised exclamation of her claim.

"Since you were rude enough to interrupt, I suppose you can explain the rest to Sir Furuta." Silwyr said with an icy tone to express her dissatisfaction yet temperance despite Pryder being a stranger in their home.

"There's no need to explain, House Rayfael doesn't exist."

"Berth- cin!" The guards pointed their spears exclusively to Pryder, having been greatly offended by his words than their mistress was. But on this subject matter, the Dark Elf seemed adamant in his words, as his eyes showed no fear in what he said. Silwyr only sighed in response, as if exasperated with dealing with certain individuals for their bigotry.

"What nonsense, the seven great houses of Amarel came together-."

"That part was likely being omitted from the texts, just like the reason behind why twenty thousand call these confines their home without knowing the reason to it." Seeing as Pryder had interrupted her before, she did the same to him with another set of details that had no fact to back it. Then again, neither did what the High Elves say have any backing in Hitoshi's mind either. So he was no bias against what Silwyr wanted to post as the truth but not supportive of it to being the entire truth either.

"I think its time you left, Commander." Pryder became distraught with the sudden change in treatment Hitoshi had given him to the point of giving a cold shoulder now, he begun to regret his actions of being suspicious now.

"I think Queen Elisen needs someone she trusts to lead her over to where I am. Besides, I'm not going anywhere yet." Realising what he meant didn't change the fact that he worried for the kind of information that the other elf was supplying him with, but he took his leave nonetheless.

With no more interference from the outside, most of the lilac elves breathed a sigh.

"So, doesn't Silwyr of House Rayfael have a hobby of prowling the streets at night anonymous?" As far as he knew, this elf didn't go this far in concealing her identity purely because it was out of the fun of it.

Said elf was caught by surprise when he mentioned that and blushed slightly, while the guards seemed to conceal quick snickering before being met with a glare from one of the female lilac elves who had assisted Silwyr awhile ago like a lady-in-waiting.

"News of you travels fast, Sir Furuta. Or should I call you God of Cookery?"

"Furuta is fine, Lady Rayfael. I guess word also reached your ears about our run-in with the Rangers and the colourful relationship I have with Granham." Silwyr gave a curt nod acknowledging this.

"Parna."

"Y-Yes?"

"I'll have a moment with her, alone."

"Are you sure?" It seemed that Silwyr was suggesting the same with her subjects, telling them to leave them for a moment as they discussed some things in private between one another.

"I am. Meanwhile, the rest should be arriving here shortly. Lead them through the waterfalls in here. I hope Lady Rayfael will grant her permission if I bring in a couple of friends of mine?"

Silwyr gave her nod of approval. "Any friend of Sir Furuta is our friend as well."

"There you have it." Hitoshi confirmed with Parna.

"I understand." Parna got up ready to be on her way out to wait for the others while dawn had yet to approach. Her nightvision equipment could help her spot them in a distance easily.

The presence of only the two of them allowed Hitoshi to absorb the full serenity and ambience of the garden surrounding them under the glow of the moonlight. It was as if all the moon energy was converging into this one place, giving meaning to this shrine.

Silwyr began with, "I would assume that Sir Furuta is aware of a great many things that are transpiring within Amarel?"

"I wouldn't say that I know anything, just the things Alok told me with a pinch of salt. So, I'll be depending on you to fill in the blanks which no one else seems to want to do." As far as Hitoshi was concerned, each of the elves and other races had their own versions that hardly had any similarities to one another. Meaning they either interpreted their history based on their heritage, or that they were outright lying to him.

"I'm sure I will do my best to translate our many epics, Sir Furuta."

"Furuta is fine, formalities at this stage are quite a nuisance." Considering the hands-on that Silwyr had done whilst helping the civilians, Hitoshi was willing to give a certain amount of trust in her word.

"You have a great many questions, I'm sure."

"I do. But for the time being, I'll put them aside. And ask, what would you have me do?" His reply made her sigh in relief, even loosen up her body language that said she had been tense until that very moment.

"Did you think I would decline helping you?"

"There was always that possibility. After all, you are an outsider with no affiliation to the city or to the Tovonún." Now Hitoshi was sure he heard of that word being used before when these elves referred to themselves.

"Well, I haven't heard your request. So, it wouldn't be fair to decline it."

Hearing this, the elven woman smiled as it reflected a great amount of patience and understanding on his end, considering the things she'd heard him go through yesterday.

"What would you like to hear first?" Silwyr, being the host that she was allowed him his pick.

"So, you say there are eight founding houses. And not seven that I've heard everyone else acknowledge." Silwyr carried herself with grace as she lit tinder into an incense burner that had the scent of a variation of sandalwood.

"Sir Furuta, I'm sure you are wondering up until now what is happening in Amarel. Why does King Tanithil go so far to conceal our existence from you especially? Why we have been confined into the enclosure of these high walls?"

"Or why you look different from the High Elves and Dark Elves?" Silwyr had almost stated all his queries with the exception of the most important one that he added in.

Silwyr could only respond with a sadden but genuine smile, as she wished she had better words to convey in a brighter fashion.

"Fighaven, Willaright, Tanithil, Dantur, Beowrath, Cloven and Rayfael. Were the original seven under the leadership of Amarie the First, the namesake bearer of this kingdom. But our country wasn't born from simple struggle as many have been led to believe." So she stated this in story fashion to keep it from effecting herself. Even so, Hitoshi rested his feet in the same crosslegged position as he gave his full attention to the storyteller who would tell him the tales of their heritage.

The Head of House Rayfael took that as he was willing to listen and made herself comfortable. A smile once again crept onto her face as she saw a child-like eagerness in his eyes contrary to his stoic behaviour, which made her a little more assured that her words were not wasted.

She was only delayed for a brief moment by the sudden attack of a cough with heavy tone of phlegm behind it. This place certainly did have a ton of moisture that could be the cause for mold that was bad for health, but then, compared with the other housing, what difference did that make? It did prove that Silwyr despite her supposed lineage was not different from the rest of the inhabitants of the district in terms of health.

"I'm sure you have heard us being referred to as the Tovonún, not just by us but the whispers which you heard when asking about this place, no?" Hitoshi gave a nod.

"It was not a name we chose for ourselves, but one forced upon us for the terrifying power that we are born with. The curse of a demon that haunted these lands thousands of years ago."

"Demon?" Silwyr just responded with a wry smile as she would soon elaborate in the story.

"Tovonún, I believe in the language of the Imperials means….. blight."

Upon hearing this, there was a visible frown on his brow. To refer to other peoples as something like blight was to say their existence was a scourge. It was easy to imagine the kind of thoughts others would have regarding these people referred in such a way. Undesirables, unclean, a bane of existence.

Hitoshi had seen and faced the struggles from both sides of the coin to know how a simple miscommunication could easily hinder the progress of a city, a nation. There were plenty of history books that discussed the social issues revolved around discrimination, but this was a story about the elves who were being called the Tovonún.

"Our story begins as all stories of valour do, with heroes and a monster to slay." The greatest lies that are ever told didn't come from a person's lips.

"Well, our story has eight such heroes who would be venerated throughout our time as the ancestors of all elven kind."

They come from the book that chronologize our history.

"And a monster they sealed, with unmeasurable power that was said to be able to devour Gods."

---

A fire outbreak in the northern end of the city with descriptions from the troops of a fire that devoured water as it did of numerous apparatus of the artisan trade. Still raging on without a resolution to extinguish the flames.

An attack on the Main Armoury that left its garrisoned soldiers stunned and out of action by means of a harmful gas. Even though no losses were sustained, material and provisions had been razed. Several notable wargear aside from the arsonists' own had been looted.

Alok Wa Tanithil, King of all High Elves sat on his dias with a hand to his forehead in solemnness. Barely even sunrise to have these circumstances befall the kingdom was a sign of happening. For even if there were reports to suggest otherwise, the Eleven Council Members representing his advisory group and representatives to the numerous minority races. All pointed their fingers at the culprit responsible for their latest anxieties.

"This… Hitoshi Furuta must be brought to justice! We cannot tolerate any further action on his part!" Roared the Bearkin representative banging the oaken round table to express his point further.

"Even if Her Holiness states otherwise. This human outsider has no regard for the Mother Wareharun or her children." Addressed an elder Dryad to support the previous councillor.

"Friends, while you are convinced of the lunacy of his actions, I assure you that the person I met with was anything but these things you claim him to be. I'm sure Master Furuta has some sort of explanation." Alok's words hardly calmed the fire in their hearts, and only made the flames stronger with his half-hearted justifications.

"My King, you say he is without fault. Then have the culprit come forth to denounce our claims with proof!"

"Proof!" "Show Proof!" "Proof!" A collective flight of pixies all repeated after their leader.

"Why have him confess the crimes he's already committing, isn't there enough proof of that around the city, My King? If he wants to wage a one-man war against us. I say, let him!" The Captain of the Guard was willing to showcase the valour of the Elven Guard to their leaders and politicians who for once were agreeable to his military action.

"Then, you'll be waging war I didn't ask for, Commander!" Alok chasted his trusted aide and left the latter holding his tongue reluctantly.

"Perhaps you feel confident in defeating him with your warriors, even apprehending Master Furuta. Without knowing the full extent of his abilities. But make no mistake, ladies and gentlemen, treefolk and beastkin. You're contending against an elite soldier of the Men in Green, the likes which was said to have take down a Great Flame Dragon. How sure are you that if he falls into a predicament that his fellow soldiery wouldn't come to his rescue? And as Her Holiness Keyleth has said, a lot more than just that with alone." There was a resounding silence at the King's reasonings and a justified one at that.

"And this one you speak so lightly of, no one knows how he did it. But he has the recognition and infamy of not just our Mother Wareharun and Holy Flare, but Mistress Hardy herself! Tell me, friends. Are we still fighting just one man?" No one could answer back, not even the High Priest of Flare whom greatly despised the human infidel.

"Then what are we to do, my King?" Helpless to the early statements, the councillors easily gave up when explained the odds. But also put more strain on Alok for making him find the solution on their behalf.

"Commander."

"Here, my King!" The Captain of the Guard responded to his call at arms.

"Have your men located him?"

"N-.. Not yet, my King. Although reports from the attendants suggest he might have left around the time he had been shown to the guest quarters of the palace. Another recent report states that he had made a few waves here and there amongst the market district. Associating with a vendor, then sponsoring a full-night party at one of the inns. Unexplainable behaviour, my King." The councillors were asking one another what the meaning of all of these weird and eccentric movements without logic or reason was.

King Alok furrowed his brow in disappointment, why did the God of Cookery suddenly go off on such rampant behaviours?

"They aren't without, you buffoon." The Captain of the Guard turned to face his mocker, only to find the opponent too big in status and overall raw strength to contend with.

"Your Holiness." King Alok gave her his due respect with a curt nod and acknowledgement, despite her crashing an important meeting.

"Spare me your pleasantries. I am only here for the whereabouts of the profaner. Tell me where he is and consider the rest none of your business." Granham had a way of forcing her intimidating power upon the mortal beings.

But no one was going to get in the way of the Apostle who sought to do the job that was left hanging. In fact, she was the only one qualified to handle this situation in such a manner. Friction was evident between the travelling God of Cookery and Holy Flare from the quick travel of rumours and information. So it was obvious that the God's Apostle would respond in kind to her Lord's demands.

"Your Holiness, while we are ever grateful for the assurance of Lord Flare's protection. If these misunderstandings can be clear up and conflicts resolved without bloodshe-."

"Again, why do you test me, whelp?" Granham cut in amidst his sentence with belittling chuckles.

"Your-… Holiness?" He responded confused.

"You ask if Lord Flare has the patience to give his divine protection on you all, when you shelter and welcome his most hated foe into a kingdom of his most beloved vassals." She exclaimed with the most perversed of smiles imaginable.

"Y-Your Holiness, we had no idea!" (Bang) "Hieee!" The Councillors, big and small cowered under the long oak table and chairs.

The ground tremored when a long metal blade plunged mercilessly into the granite flooring, sending a minor shower of shards about.

"You're a conniving snake, Tanithil." The apostle accused him as he maintained his regal composure in the face of such overwhelming pressure.

"Plotting with the Mother Forest to have Lord Flare's hold over the Kingdom replaced back with her divine will. Even after he welcomed your snivelling hides into his open arms when you faced oblivion at the hands of the Imperials. Disgusting!" She sneered at the leaders of the City like they were thieves in noble's attire.

"I'm here, to remind you people of how thin the grace of your God can be when it is misplaced. You've bestowed the divine right over your lives over to Lord Flare and by the oath that you swore for his salvation. Do not forget this."

In all of Alok's years of rule, where other Apostles had at least shown some degree of respect to his position, there was never someone as haughty until she was anointed. But this was the reality of their circumstances, in exchange for Holy Flare's saving grave, the Imperial Legions turned their ambitions elsewhere. The price was far to great to even mention. So heretical in the eyes of the former clergy of the Evergreen forest, it was similar to disowning the Mother Wareharun and crippling her. And yet, she understood their pleas and forgave them. Through clairevoyant messages from the girl who would become the High Priestess. Yet, the old priests and former maidens vanished without a sight, leaving the temple of Wareharun abandoned to all but the last member of the Green Faith.

"I thank her Holiness for her noble intent." Alok adopted an immediate submissive posture of prostration before the Apostle to display sincere attentiveness to her word.

"You'll prove it by the immediate mobilization of all your warriors to finding him. His companions, dispose of them on sight."

"A-As her holiness wills it!" The Captain of the Guard answered without the consent of the King, no longer holding any authority to hold him back in her presence. Since this was an edict from a demi-god.

The apostle removed her claymore from the granite floor and sheathed it on her back before turning back to the dias, walking right up to the King face to face until he could feel her inhuman breath upon his face.

"The "wellspring" of this Forest belongs to Lord Flare. Not Wareharun and certainly not you. Once I've dealt with this profaner, I will hear you recite your oath before our Holy one's mantle once more." The apostle whispered her ultimatum upon him for the motives he'd been caught redhanded for posing.

Granham turned her back to him and walked away, as if she'd stated her orders and was about to carry out her duties. For whatever Hitoshi Furuta had planned to do, Granham had taken provisional power over the military and bureaucratic power of the city to corner him wherever he might appear. Awaiting the swift and merciless blow of her claymore to finish him off. This was now the City of Amarel by the apostle's side against a human and his six other companions.

Then, as if to tensen the atmosphere, a courier arrived to give word to the Elven King in private. Whispering the latest news into his left ear, leaving the King in an expression of distraught again.

"What?!"

"What is it now, Tanithil?" Granham would not let that detail slip if it was in front of her. But the unease from what he heard chasted his stuttering lips.

"You, messenger! What is your report?" She demanded off the nervous messenger, causing him to hesitantly look towards his king due to the confidentiality of the information learnt.

"Do you defy me, filth?" She asked in a sweet but toxic tone which only induced fear upon the God-fearing elf.

"A breach has been sighted at the Forbidden Zone. We suspect-…."

"Explain." The messenger knew that if he didn't elaborate well, he might face her wrath.

"A patrol of guards had found the Eastern Sewer access with an opening through it…. The- the bars seemed to have been melted through." The messenger would have added to the report that it was one-inch cast iron bars with signs of burns to the metal to the point that it turned to slag, only in a furnace could that happen. But the apostle wasn't interested in trivials.

"There has also an urgent report from the Palace Guards that state that Her Majesty had been spotted heading there as well." The councillors now understood the reason for the King's look of distress and shared their concerns on the situation amongst themselves.

"My, House Amarel consorting with enemies?" Alok immediately got up from his throne to defend his consort.

"Her Majesty would never-."

"Then we'd better…. Liberate your queen from her kidnappers." By manufacturing this lie, herealised that the apostle had already dictated how things would be etched into the historic annals. It was simply the Man in Green's fault for coming alone without backup to support him and verify his side of the story if he ever made it out alive.

"By-…. By your will." Alok fell to his knees, helpless to change the outcome. Between maintaining good relations with these Men in Green and the immediate safety of his peoples, there was really no helping it.

"Let us hope so, for your queen's sake as it would your own."

Between possibly offending the Japanese for the envoy they had sent or his own Gods, surely, they would understand. Even so, he had ill feelings about these affairs. It was just like it had been, almost three years ago. When he was presented with crisis that had two choices. The choice he chose turned the carefree prince he once was into a stoic king. There were lingering regrets of how things had turned out, but also relief that he had still saved his kingdom from ruin.

"When these affairs have cleared, have the Tovonún filth finish their excavating tasks, then, execute them." The King looked stunned. This apostle was telling him to cleanse the entire forbidden zone of its inhabitants.

"Even them….?"

"Especially them, their very presence is what disrupts our perception of "that" place. Spare no one, not the young or old."

"…." What she asked for put a heavy weight on Alok's would have never thought that in his generation would he be required to purge them after their ancestor's millenia long transgression.

"Take heart, Tanithil." Her tone had changed, but her demeanor hadn't. "You'll be fulfilling a centuries old wish that the Ancient Kings and Queens of Amarel had been working towards, when the "wellspring" has been uncovered for Lord Flare, I can assure you of his bestowal of just rewards to you and the seven successor houses."

Neither did the smile match her malevolent words which consigned an entire district to death by the will of her God.

"If you're still worried about all the blood on your hands, then think of it as inevitably the fault of Hitoshi Furuta. If he hadn't been sneaking around, we wouldn't have needed to cull those poor subjects of yours." So she said, but her words didn't appear to justify why such acts needed to be done.

"What has Master Furuta done to earn the ire of Lord Flare?" It was the only explanation and yet the one that puzzled him the most. An outworlder who had become such a hated enemy of the God of the Sun. What did he do?

"What else, Tanithil. He stole what was rightfully our Lord's." Alok did not have the time to contemplate how or what that thing was when dispatch warrior rushed forward carrying reports from the front barely a few minutes after the Captain of the Guard and Gate Castellans left to deal with their former state guests.

"Reporting!"

He even forgot to address himself in the presence of an Apostle, but Granham was keen to listen to what he had to say than threaten him with death for failing proper etiquette.

"What is it, warrior?" Unlike her, the King acknowledged the soldier for his many years of service. Just as the warrior recognised him for being a just king to them all.

"Urgent news from West Garrison, Your Majesty! It appears that multiple fires have broken out in the residential areas. The Lord Commander has prioritized extinguishing their sources but is undermanned and requires reinforcements if Your Majesty wishes to storm the forbidden zone."

"Thank god, tell him he has permission to use the wall garrison forces to assist him." Fires, in their forested city were a disaster that needed immediate attention over all else. Less they intend to return to a home in ashes. But the apostle shouted her scorn at their priorities.

"Fool! That's what he wants you to do!" Since Hitoshi Furuta seemingly had nothing to lose, setting fires to the city would further delay any armed intervention upon him. Which it was.

"But how, it's not possible for one person to make that many fires?"

"Your Majesty, I regret to inform you-….. there were numerous sightings of Volralden by the citizens as well as a confirmed sighting of Lord Volcatts among the arsonists."

The councillors all broke out into heated arguments. Because that name was not one to be thrown around lightly in these parts. A mercenary commander of numerous distinctions, and one of recognition to the Monarchy and city for past deeds.

"Are you sure?" Whether true or not, he was accusing a councillor, not a very punctual one or cooperative, but a councillor no less of committing treason.

"The warrior cadre who witnessed him swears it, Your Majesty. They were sighted evicting the residents before setting fire to their homes." So, the mercenary was mindful of casualties as well.

There was no denying it, their actions were in line with what Hitoshi Furuta was doing. Meaning that he had somehow hired or convinced them to work under him. How could Lord Volcatts, an honorary lord of Amarel turn on his own city? Alok had only met him once after he return from a long journey to Alnus to find him quieter than before. What had happened there to change his views so radically?

Another headache assaulted his head demanding two of his hands to cradle his cranium. The cause was both by entities that were out of his league. Demi-god Granham and Captain Hitoshi Furuta at each other's throats in a personal war against each other. In his city!

"Is that all, warrior?" He asked after expecting to dismiss him.

"T-There is one more news that concerns Her Holiness." But it appeared not to be the case.

"What is it then? Spit it out!" Hearing that she was the focus she demanded its contents.

"Not her holiness, Granham-…" The messenger hesitated.

"What-….?" Granham was caught by surprise, because if it wasn't referring to her, then it meant-…

"Gaaahhhiiee!" The messenger yelped as he was lifted off the ground by an inhuman grip and stared into his sockets by a pair of deadly eyes.

"Speak!" The messenger shivered as he was being manhandled by an Apostle that would kill for even the slightest wrong thing said to her.

"Say it now!"

In response, he gulped and said his final prayers before divurging the last piece of information he was made to relay to the King via the Elven Commanders out in the front.

"Her Holiness Keyleth is-… nowhere to be found."

---

The writings on the wall were alien, but the pictures said a thousand words. House Rayfael's last descendant told him the tale that had been left by her ancestors to reiterate to the next generation by guiding him through the hieroglyphs etched into the cave walls. Only, Silwyr was sure that she would be the last to tell it. So what difference did it make to tell it to an outsider?

Although, Hitoshi was anything but an outsider. It appeared that the information she'd received about him was apparently the same as the tales that Zorzal had been spreading, thus the belief that if there was anyone who could deliver them from their outstanding peril, it was likely a god that actually helped mortals.

Hitoshi was far from the perfect image that Silwyr had the impression of regarding the obviously false information she received like every other inhabitant. But she did have his admiration, to put together in just a day of his arrival that he was that very person. It left him with deep dark reservations as to why she would be in such desperate need of help to ask a God of Cookery of all things instead of Deities with more war-centric finest. If the circumstance was truly as dire as the family hieroglyphs had foretold, even one of those loafing Gods would at least send down an Apostle to investigate.

Unfortunately, none of that would happen for another valid reason.

That was the presence of Granham and that Amarel was in the patronage of Flare and therefore anything within his turf was for his keeping. If there were any sort of emergencies or crisis, they should be the first to respond to it and not the other Gods. Nor would they tolerate interference, less the interlopers were truly seeking to ridicule them.

Like what Hitoshi was doing.

Although the state which himself and the Falmart God of the Sun were at was anything by friendly, let alone abysmal and thus the mortal enemy of Granham. Hitoshi was stemming to guess the core of that reason was Altera.

The coincidence that Flare name was appearing at two sites that had similarities to one another was by no coincidence. What Flare failed to acquire in the ancient temple at Altera, he was desperately trying to get from the Amarel ziggurat. And who would conceniently appear at such a crucial time but the person who laid waste to his former Archmagi. If anything, he sensed that the God was afraid of what he would do to this site that he did to Altera.

Ironic, considering he had never even met the God personally, or even seen an effigy of that petty God.

Alok had once told him another version of the history of their city, short of one founder named Rayfael. Where Amarie and the other six had come upon this land straight from a foreign world that was likely their Homeworld to settle. No mention of a millenia-old demon or the strife that would take place four hundred years ago. But there was a possibility that like many others, Alok was truly ignorant to what actually happened and it was by the will of his predecessors that the truth was omitted.

However, what wasn't omitted was the Civil War that occurred four hundred years ago between the founding houses known as the Succession War.

"Lord Dale Rayfael, my great grandfather. Had been caught in a political pincer by two opposing factions. One wanted the absolute supremacy of the ruling Houses to remain in power, while the other wanted centralized power to be distributed evenly between the majority races."

The story of this civil war masked by deception was told from Silwyr's family point of view.

Like many Founding Houses, House Rayfael had near total control over their respective districts. One thing that set their area apart from others was their willingness to accept refugees from outside the Vorshant Forest. As the then-fledging Empire had waged war with numerous kingdoms spanning over the continent. Including the old kingdom of Kobolds and the Volralden union of tribes. A policy that its fellow Founding Houses did not appreciate.

However, when it came to settling disputes through traditional manners such as duels, Rayfael was unequal. Such that not even the Kings could veto what was written in the stone of their laws. The High Elves all had the natural blesssings of Spiritual Magic from birth as their strength. But the scions of Rayfael and their many descendants had a rather special condition that was unique to them.

A trait that made them the bane of all magic users, a genetic magic attribute that simply became known as Anti-Magic. No historian knew why this was so, or why all bearers of Anti-Magic attribute would also have lilac skin colour. Even Silwyr confirmed that the Founder Rayfaire was true and true a fair skinned and blonde like the other High Elves. Leading some to believe this phenomenon to be some sort of condition brought upon by impurities in their bloodline for mingling with mixed or inferior races.

"I think that's why my ancestors had an easier time socializing with the other races that the other Houses which practiced bloodline purity to the point of in-breeding." She even showed her disgust with her tongue sticking out.

Yet, even with such class discrimination, House Rayfaels' successors had always proved themselves before challenges. As their so-called curse was their most potent asset against the magically adept elves by sapping them of their greatest strength.

"Maybe the Monarch feared us, maybe it was just plain and simple loathing. No one can say, only that none of the Founding Houses were there that day to help us when the uprising happened."

As Silwyr readdressed over and over about it being a plot against her ancestors, the events that occurred spoke for themselves. It was believed that some of the Houses had insighted a revolt by the other demi-human residents, the Kobolds, Volralden and Leonids. By assassinating key members of the public relations council to rouse a riot which Rayfael alone could not appease. Then sending in the national troops to quell the rebellion in the manner that only increased the most collateral among these races. By the time House Rayfael realized what was going on and had shielded these minority races, the other Houses and Monarch took it as an act of rebellion and added them to the list. Confiscating their wealth and confining them to their own district which remained in martial law to this very day. These elves became known as the Tovonún, the lowest form of scum beneath even the rebel races for their transgression of turning on their king.

The rest was history that was decided by the ruling Houses to suit their concenience. And neither did Silwyr care for what was already passed since it was out of her control.

But she took her Ancestors' warnings to heart, and though she wasn't blessed with spiritual magic to go about her living in day to day concenience like the other High Elves and Dark Elves she still had their races longevity and wisdom to retain it. Uncovering that Ancient site was a path to peril.

"Tell me about that ziggurat." Having heard enough about their elven history, Hitoshi now wanted to focus on what Flare and Granham wanted from that excavation site. As much as Silwyr's ancestors were cautious of it.

"You mean the Fane?"

"When did they start excavating?"

"Three years ago. Why?"

"…." Three years ago, what a coincidence? Hitoshi thought.

Three years ago, Tyuule was left at the mercy of the Imperial Legions by her contemporaries. Somehow, an armistice was drawn between the High Elves of Amarel and the Imperial Forces to the latters concenience since they had to trek over the treacherous Mountain Range of Ice and Snow to get to the Eastern regions. A natural bulwark like the Vorshant Forest would have been disadvantageous to the Empires expeditionary forces. Hitoshi was beginning to get the vibes that the dialogue hadn't been possible between races, specifically mortals.

But a God could become an intermediate between such parties, a God like the one who was sharing patronage with Wareharun over Amarel. Thus, it became clear that Flare's intervention was planned from the start. Given that the Empire-Warrior Bunny War was considered a holy crusade by the Flare worshipping Imperials. Thus, the war happened because of Flare.

"Parna will be thrilled at this…" He said laced with sarcasm as he sighed at the complexities that were involved.

He honestly didn't care about what Flare, much less Granham thought of him. Only that they keep their distance, but it appeared that there was going to be no peace between them.

But he would have to see what the Warrior Bunnies and Tyuule thought about it. He could only seek the advice of one who was approaching him right now.

"Master. They're here." Like she said, Parna had brought the rest of Spirit Ten Five back here. Following their given breadcrumb trails they were able to stealthily enter the district through the high walls without anyone noticing after their activities had been completed.

"Well?" He asked each and everyone of them individually.

"Job done." Kir spoke for himself and Arpeggio who was bearing a guilty conscience of burning down infrastructure.

"A fair bit of damage to those pointy-eared thieves." Exclaimed Kugel who represented their party.

Hitoshi looked to Lancer for verification.

"One central barracks leveled to rubble, no casualties sustained on both sides." Lancer seemed proud to report that their actions had limited collateral and even spared all the elves.

"Good work, all of you." Hitoshi's praise was met with surprise from all of them as he looked at them baffled himself. But mainly attributing to his rarely given compliments.

"Um… These are-." The newly arrived five noticed a beautiful elf with lilac skin approach them inquiring their names. Acknowledgement of that simple fact was proven by the blush that streaked across even Kir's face.

"These are my companions, Lady Rayfael." Hitoshi had them stand to attention as he introduced them one after another.

"Arpeggio La Lalena, our mage. Kugel, metallurgy specialist. Sergeants Riku Ishiki and Takeo Kuruta, my subordinates from the Self-Defense Force. Parna and Kir Pa Invidia, my aides."

"It is a pleasure to meet all Sir Furuta's companions." Silwyr gave a formal bow to show her respects.

"This is Silwyr Wa Rayfael. Well…. Someone we just recently got acquainted with." Silwyr looked a little surprised then sad as she realized that he wasn't entirely trusting of her just yet, thus never referred to her in any measure of familiarity.

"Oh! Oh! Question!" Raising his hand whilst bouncing, Takeo seemed eager to have something answered.

"What is it Takeo?"

"Is she a night elf*?" The Special Region members including Silwyr herself were baffled by his interpretation.

"Night-… elf?" Silwyr repeated as she tried to translate is meaning to her local dialect.

"No, Takeo. None of them are."

"Sir Furuta, what is a…. night elf?" Now he had unadvertantly gotten the curiosity of Silwyr in finding out what this video game race was.

"It's nothing, just something akin to a folk tale in our world. Nothing bad by it in any degree." He justified before staring at Takeo to shut up before he made them dally longer on useless chatter.

"Anyway, can I trouble you to repeat the two stories you told to me to them?"

"O-Of course."

And that's what she did, both the story of the Founding of Amarel and of the Succession War that marooned the Lilac Tovonún elves in the district now known as the forbidden zone. Then, Hitoshi added the pieces which he had collected thus far.

The faces that responded on the members of Spirit Ten Five were anything but excited after each tale was being said. After All, they'd also listened to King Alok say his version to them during his tour.

But to hide and entire population behind concrete walls and rob them of their liberties as citizens was another thing.

"This is-… inethical." Even Lancer said despite his previous acts of looting.

"So do I have you as a witness in telling Imazu we can't negotiate with them?"

"Screw them! This is amoral, complete lack of conscience!" Lancer angrily declared.

"I told you these pointy-eared bastards couldn't be trusted!" Kugel added in unnecessarily.

"I'm with Riku, there's only so far we can go." His second Japanese member agreed too.

"Might I remind you that under no circumstance are we to engage unless we be engaged first." Why of all times did Hitoshi bring this up after having them hear what Silwyr said and what they witnessed from passing the streets.

"Then what do you suggest, sir?" Lancer was getting worked up and slightly annoyed for being led on by Hitoshi.

"I had Volcatts and his mercenaries as a third-party cause some arson on the West residential districts to allow you guys to sneak in. But as far as direct engagement is concerned, we need a valid reason to retaliate."

"In their own city?!" Takeo exclaimed as it sounded ludacrious from Hitoshi's explanation.

"Legally speaking, we were given travel access by King Alok to venture all parts of the Kingdom. This Forbidden Zone wasn't mentioned otherwise so we're clear on that. However, aiding what the Monarch would consider rebels isn't something we're capable of doing. Without giving Hazama or Central Command a blackeye."

"Then what?" Takeo became the voice of doubt.

"But we do have options. If Alok or Granham take significant military action against us, we can call it an ambush and break radio silence to Alnus and call in air support. A few guided munitions here and there would easily cover up who shot first and we'll have our war with Amarel."

"That's shameless." Lancer murmured.

"You beat shameless folk with shameless tactics, Riku. Not the way you wanna wage it." Hitoshi corrected him and once again reminding him of his own interpretation of war and people in general.

"So… basically, we're looking for a right excuse to help these night elves." Takeo managed to condense what Hitoshi was saying into one sentence, albeit keeping to calling them that fictional race of elves.

"The gist of it. Like one of you sustaining grievious injury from a coordinated ambush, or even something they stole from us like the Albatross or our gear which are priority assets."

"Ah-." Takeo, Kugel and Lancer seemed to exchange looks to one another knowingly as they seemed to have come to a unanimous agreement on something and began undoing their bags of equipment.

"Sir, about the raid. We found a spoils of war room in their armoury." Lancer explained while Hitoshi chuckled at the idea of these High Elves actually winning wars.

"We're not sure but we'll need Miss Parna's verification."

"Mine?" The Warrior Bunny was perplexed but was starting to have thoughts about why.

"We recovered some artefacts from the room before we blew it, which Kugel thinks it came from Volgia." The Warrior Bunnies Capital City razed to the ground.

"Oh?" Hitoshi realized what they were on about. And in a surprisingly better twist than it being a direct offense to their status as Japanese Soldiers.

Since the Warrior Bunnies and the High Elves of Amarel were never officially at war, these spoils of war that they had claimed could be considered as stolen property to the Kopis Restoration. Hence, they would have valid reason to bring it back and demand explanation as to why it was on the High Elves in the first place. On the Warrior Bunnies behalf, of course.

But as each piece, from head piece to greaves were deposited in front of them. A mysterious silence plagued the wide-eyed Parna who had seemingly recognized the given set of armour as she approached it with wobbling steps.

"How is it-….. no wonder…" She murmured to herself.

"Um-….. will this help?" Takeo asked the still dazed Parna who was still in a mind of her own.

"It will, Takeo." Hitoshi replied. "In fact, its more than any of us could hope for." As his smile became so big it appeared as if he had won a major victory.

"I don't understand, is this valuable, Lass?" Kugel asked even though he sort of guess it was.

Parna finally turned to him but with brows that were permanently locked in a fierce expression of resentment.

"I thought it lost when the invasion ended and any hope of recovering a symbol for the restoration impossible." She said as she ran her fingers over the scale lamellar sections of the corset, over its ancient inscriptions.

"….. I thought we'd never find Ostroc." Her handling of the armour was like that of sacred treasure.

"Ost- what?"

"Ostroc." Hitoshi corrected Lancer once again. "Armour of the Fel beasts."

He seemed to know a bit about the armour himself and it could only be from someone amongst the Royal Guard or higher.

"Iota told me a story or two about it. Its more than just a ceremonial armour set but a symbol of the Kingdoms power. A national treasure much like our own countries Three Primary Imperial Regalia."

"Legend has it….. it was worn by the first exarch, an apex warrior of her prime. Who ventured through the Gate of Sacred Alnus from her homeworld to here. And has since carried on the tradition of maintaining the highest honour to devote oneself to wearing it and bearing the office of Exarch, the strongest warrior of the clans." This further highlighted the significance of the armour to the lads from Parna's explanation.

"So, is it enough?" Lancer had intended to ask Hitoshi directly, but realized his breath was wasted.

All he could see was him smiling disturbingly and breaking into hysterical insane laughter himself. The rest could only imagine why, as he usually only did so when his foe made a terrible mistake.

"Yes. It'll do nicely." He said with his glee from ear to ear. For he never imagined the High Elves to be so stupid as to collect loot that wasn't properly won in battle. Especially said sacred artefact.

As far as Parna was concerned, this was the greatest sacrilege to have ever been committed. And it reflected on her face which was void of any expression other than fury, and a wrath that the High Elves would not be spared from. From Hitoshi and the Japanese mens' perspective, this was the equivalent of the Philistines making off with the Hebrew Ark of the Covenant.

"So, a show of hands. All in favour of liberating these folks."

"""Aye.""" He received their popular democratic vote in favour of their personal war against the High Elves.

"I have one more question, Hitoshi?" Takeo asked sensitively.

"Are we just evacuating these people out against King Alok's interests while contending against his army?"

"Not getting cold feet are we?" Lancer poked him.

"N-No! I mean-… we're actively declaring war against the High Elves on behalf of the entire expeditionary force. I don't know if that's within your prerogative, Hitoshi. Won't we be putting not just the Special Task Force and ourselves, but these people at risk as well?" Once again, Takeo showed a sense of reason to things by looking at it from the other side of the coin as well.

"We are. People will die and there will be those we can't save." Hitoshi became honest with him and the rest.

"Then-."

"So we should just pretend that none of this was our problem, right? I'd love to, as much as I can't stand these High Elf Bastards from the moment we set foot here. But isn't this one of the Jietai's missions?" They roughly understood what he meant.

"We're here to win hearts and minds how best we can. Not according to a directive. Not just by relief aid but coming to the defense of those who can't defend themselves. Hazama knew that, and so did Itami. So what's stopping you from acting on your beliefs? Politics? That's not within your reach. Public Image? The Public will always find fault with whatever we do right or wrong. Or are you afraid you'll put our friends in Alnus in a tight spot with the Diet and Central Command back home again? Do you think that if they were in your shoes they'd do any different? Or would you believe they won't stand for it like you do now and take up arms against these crooks!" Hitoshi threw the rifle in the equipment duffel into Lancer and Takeo's hands each.

"Gentlemen, I'm asking a lot from you, I know. Alok won't stand for this humiliation and we'll likely be up against an apostle besides from the army he'll send. I can't give enough of an assurance beyond taking responsibility for these actions entirely. I can't ensure your safety nor guarantee that we make it back to Alnus dead or alive. I've put you in a precarious spot, gambling the odds and I apologise."

"If you disagree with what I'm making you all do, say it. I won't include you to these activities and send you straight to exfil out via the Colonel. I won't hold anything against you. But I'm not changing my decision, not for these people and not for the Warrior Bunnies." Takeo and Lancer were now in mode which went between questioning the odds against what they had to live for. The thought that they would die here was frightening, especially when the Apostle was brought up as an opponent. Hitoshi sighed releasing his tension and speaking in a more calm manner.

"…. I've watched them work their way from nothing to get to where they were right now from day one." He said with feeling as his hands gripped tightly around his own rifle.

"I know why I'm here, boys. I was brought here by fate, something I've been running from my whole life like you won't believe." That and the will of Wareharun, Flare and maybe even the other Gods of Falmart to be their toy soldier. But he wasn't going to stand by it, nor was he going to let them have their way.

"This is personal, between me and them. I don't care if even Flare comes down to intervene himself, I'm determined and I mean to let him know that I eat crooks like him for breakfast!"

His words of motivation had seen some effect on the two shaken Jietai members who seemed determined to do the same with his words of encouragement.

"(Sigh)… With respect. This is the first time I've seen you show any emotion, sir." Lancer stood up straight and cocked his battle rifle.

"I never liked these elves anyway." He gave his final word of consent that he was ready to fight it out.

"I'm staying too…." Though shaking in his boots, Takeo spoke with growing confidence.

"I won't blame you for leaving, yunno know that right?" With Takeo, Hitoshi always gave exceptions. Takeo's response was a light smile and rested a hand on his shoulder.

"… You've always looked out for me, from the day we met at Yokusuka. I-… I never knew you had such a colourful history with the SR. I fact, I didn't even care. But today, let me at least try to say that I was out there watching your back." Hitoshi had never received such a sincere response from Takeo and exchange handshakes with him in their own novelty way.

"Don't we get a pep talk?" Mirthed Kir, as Hitoshi hadn't yet come to the Special Region Members Kir, Kugel, Arpeggio and Parna yet.

"How? You want me to motivate a Hero of the Empire, the Warrior Bunnies fiercest Royal Guard, a Blacksmithing legend and a Formidable mage?" Reminding them that they were many proalific figures of their field to be motivated by small talk.

"Fair enough. But personally, between the three of us, Flare had this coming." Kir could not forget what Flare had done through Koschei especially. And now, Parna had one more reason to hate the petty God with a passion. For what he did that instrumentally set the motion of the war in her homeland.

"You would go so far as to offend, Holy Flare?" Having listened in on their discussions this far Silwyr could not hide her awe that this mixed match of people were ready to raise their hand against another God.

"We're taking a stand against Flare for our own reasons besides helping you, but the question still remains. What will you people do?" Hitoshi asked not just her but the guards and maidens, her people as well.

"We will cooperate!" With unwavering resolve, Silwyr declared as if waiting for those words he said for decades. The lilac elves also expressed their support for her in their native language.

"Then it's settled." Hitoshi said to all who were present.

"Do we have a plan?" Lancer was good at keeping them reminded of being realistic about their approach.

"As a matter a fact, I do." He had already make some preparations through coercing Queen Elisen and Priestess Keyleth, Wareharun's envoy seemed to have aligning agendas in supplanting Flare's patronage back with her Goddess.

"It revolves around our hold over that Fane." He pointed out through the waterfall to where the dark monolithic ziggurat stood dauntingly. Taking possession of the Fane with Flare had gone out of his way to excavate was locking the God's balls in a vice. As Hitoshi begun to understand the importance of the Ancient structure to the God of the Sun. Something that no mortal alive except himself were aware of. Hitoshi clutched his adamantite blade unconsciously.

"Then what?" Lancer asked.

"We offer terms. The people for the site." Even if Alok disagrees, Granham will straighten him out for her God's sake.

"From the way you described this Deity, will that God accept?"

"I can think without a doubt if caught between sacrificing an entire city and this site, Flare will choose the latter without breaking a sweat."

"You really make it sound so simple, sir."

"But it is, Riku. Because apart from Granham, Flare doesn't have the fealty of King Alok or the High Elves who worship the Goddess instead."

"Meaning?"

"It means that with the slightest discord, it'll be every man, woman and Deity for themselves." And the seeds were already sown with the anarchy he'd made the Volralden Mercenaries cause by starting the fires which the Elven army had tried desperately to put out in lieu of answering Granham's call to muster. With Queen Elisen's disappearance, there would be hesitation on sourcing a rescue party as well. Thus, they might not be contending against the full might of the Elvish Army.

"Looks like we'll be using those C4 charges early, then."

"Looks that way." Hitoshi gave his consent, as Lancer would source for all their explosives including the ones on the Albatross to wire the entire Fane complex the way Hitoshi wanted.

Everyone seemed to have something to do either before or after Hitoshi approached each and every one of them to dispatch his orders, the Tovonún elves in Silwyr's abode were no exception to this as he would need every man behind a weapon to answer his rally.

"Tell him to drop all of it, including the weapon containers." Hitoshi left Lancer to make the necessary arrangements.

The last person he approached was Parna, who seemed to want to pack the armour Ostroc away safely.

"We're really doing this, aren't we?" Parna exchanged a few solemn words with him bearing the leftover anxiety in her heart.

"We'll all be fighting for something we want. So will I."

"Which is?"

"Vindication." He said with an unapologetic smile that even broke the tension that Parna had remaining.

"How will you contend with the apostle?"

"However we can, every way we can. Until it goes through their thick skulls that unless they yield, they'll never get what they want."

"What about Pryder?" She seemed to point out all the gaps he hadn't yet mentioned on.

"I wasn't kidding when I said he represented another interest, but it turned out to be something I didn't expect here of all places." Hitoshi didn't specify, but she thought it had something to do with his LCD device and the breadcrumb trail he had left behind.

"How will you deal with him?"

"You leave that to me. I'll make the arrangements. I've got a very important mission for you."

Parna straightened herself ready to do her duty for her master.

"Name thy bidding. Master."

"It involves us liberating the Wall from its High Elf Garrison, so that our friendly mercenaries can enter."

"Why?" She asked not because of the wall but the part about the mercenaries who were in her regard expendable for their lust for the coin.

"Volcatts gave me a condition when I asked for his help." Hitoshi stated as he checked the chamber of his rifle before slinging it over his shoulder despite how weird it looked over his hakama.

"When I asked him about the City heritage, he told me to find the scion of Rayfael inside the forbidden zone."

"You mean…." Hitoshi nodded as Parna began to understand the significance of why Hitoshi was so keen to help Silwyr out.

"It looks like Silwyr isn't the only one who remembers the deeds of her ancestors." Because he stood to gain more allies from those who supported her and thus increasing their probability of success.

Parna looked resolved to carry out his will immediately, before Hitoshi stopped her once more.

"There is just one thing."

"Y-… Yes?"

Parna wondered what more would he ask of her until his index finger pointed to the bag which held one of the Warrior Bunnies most sacred treasures.

"Wear it."

"M-… Master, perhaps Tyuule didn't mention the finer implications of donning Ostroc. She-."

"Who so dons Ostroc must be empowered with the will of the Monarch to carry out the solemn duty to do all within her power to protect the sovereignty. Which is you, a Royal Guard."

"-eignty." Parna was at a loss of words to complete the sentence, to think that Hitoshi had learnt this much of their heritage that he could even recite passages from hymns lost to time.

"I'm quite sure you won't acknowledge Tyuule as your monarch even now, but in the absence of one, is their consent really necessary to carry out your duty to your sisters?"

"…." Parna approached the armour, she didn't need Hitoshi to further coerce her into what she had already resolved herself with doing.

She raised the decorative headpiece that shone in the dim light of the dawn approaching over the horizon. Mediating over her commitment, she placed its tempered steel form over the crown of her head. Accepting what burdens she would shoulder in the future to come.

"What would you have your Exarch do?" She spoke not as his companion, Parna. But as the will of her people, those alive and those that had already passed on. For as long as she wore Ostroc, she would not have any semblance of self until she took it off.

"Glad to have you with us, I need you to wreak havoc as best you can. If possible, let a few survivors run back to inform their higher-ups that someone is running about in their precious spoils of war."

"Gladly."

"If you happen to see Granham earlier than expected, don't engage." So now he had the most powerful political tool worn by Parna whose tales would become exploits which could rally the Warrior Bunnies back into their former fighting mood beneficial for their future sovereignty. The trick was to keep her alive whilst she wore it.

"I have one question if you may."

"Yeah?"

"I understand these Tovonún elves are of value due to their traits at repelling Magic and I'm sure it has something to do with how you intend on levelling the playing field against Granham. But what about the other races trapped here with them?"

"You mean what use are they to me?" Parna nodded to his question.

"Extra manpower, Parna. If they're willing to fight alongside us through this, I can think of no better assurance that they'll be willing to work with us in the future. And as it stands currently, Ascension is quite short on available hands at the moment." Although it was strictly a Warrior Bunny restoration, it wouldn't hurt to have some subjects of different races. Or as breeding stock.

Hitoshi's attention now transitioned over to Silwyr, though Parna remained around him.

"I've sent my companions to prepare as best as they can. Hopefully, your name will rally more to the cause."

"Do we really stand a chance?" Hitoshi knew she was asking that, because even though she asked for his help, it seemed against perilous odds. Against a country and its deity no less.

"We will, because we must. But you'll have to decide if this is the path which you wish to tread, or simply remain subservient to those that stole from your family until there is no one left in it."

Hitoshi's words were frightening to her, not just because of their realistic view but because the possibility of loss was always there.

"Please, just say that we will have a chance?" Even so, she was desperate to take his word for it.

"We will, Silwyr." He said in the sincerest of fashion.

"How?" She asked not of doubt but of means to temper her faith.

As Hitoshi was only ready to reinforce it if all it costed from him were a few words of encouragement. However, what he would say next was something that even he was sure of.

"By occupying this District."

---

Author's Notes:

I can't help but hear Madilyn Manson's song when writing about these "Untouchable" caste Elves.

The beautiful people. The beautiful people-AAHHH!

I ended up portraying Granham as an ill-tempered individual with no respect for authority aside from her God & unrequited affections to the High Priestess. But also reflects a darker upbringing before her ascension to apostlehood.

*Night Elf – Warcraft Universe flagship race.