After many attempts of killing each of the monsters, I realized it was impossible to finish the battle with melee attacks. I jumped to the highest branch of a tree and rested my hand against to balance myself. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to take back my composure. As I took the wooden rod behind my back that was tucked in my belt, I calmed my mind and called out to the energy of nature.

"I'm starting to feel my mana... I hope I will not wear out. Master, Vieren, and friends, please be my guide." I recollected my memories of them, giving me serenity to converge on my magic.

I opened my eyes and jumped back to the ground. I locked my sight on the monsters and casted the skill Magic Claw. It was one of the most basics skills that magicians could learn. The skill attacked at least three of the monsters that stood near to each other. They began to howl in pain as the magic burned and cut through their bodies and heads. I quickly turned around and saw the evil eye leaped to me. I hastily took out the knife and unexpectedly cut the monster's neck allowing its blood to squirt toward my face. I casted my magic claw again to attack until none was left but only to realize there was only one remaining. It growled and started to retreat back to its home which allowed me to relax. I walked towards my bag and took out my water to wash the stain of blood in my face. I sat for a while and leaned against the tree to catch my breath.

"I did it." I told myself. It was an achievement for me given that I was unconscious for centuries and suddenly, Lania came to my mind. I immediately wondered what she was doing. I went back to my feet and continued my journey to Ellinia.

After following the tracks that would lead me to my desired destination, I started to feel a magic near me and a sign slowly appeared in front of me. It was Elluel's entry sign. As I thought, it was still there. But I felt something unusual, its magic has become weaker and a faint vision of the invisible portal can already be seen. I tried entering but to no avail due to the absence of the amulet that I was given centuries ago.

While I carried on to my journey, I felt a presence of a man but nonetheless harmless. I followed my instinct and I finally saw a man wearing a black robe and a pointed magician hat. I came closer hoping that I would be able to ask directions leading to Ellinia.

"I am guessing those are armor and weapon scrolls?" my sudden asking seemed to slightly surprise him.

"Ah... yes, sir. Would you like to browse for scrolls?" he was approachable enough not to hesitate about me. I suppose my appearance didn't look suspicious.

"I would love to but I am currently travelling to Ellinia. Do you know the directions that would lead me to the town?" I asked him and he pointed the road saying that I just have to follow it. I gave him one of the apples that I took with me as an appreciation.

"Thank you very much. You don't know how much I was starting to get hungry. Perhaps this kind of business is not enough to make ends meet." He thanked me. His tone was a little tired and sad.

"My name is Luminous. What brought you here anyway? I do not think that a lot of adventurers pass by here."

"Adventurers used to walk by through here but now, they use vehicles and airplanes as their mode of transportation. It's amazing but now it's just sad that I'm not profiting like I used to." He explained to me and I began to become curious about the vehicles and airplanes that he mentioned.

"Vehicles? Airplanes? What are those?"

"They're like horses and ships but they're much faster. They're like machines and cannot only accommodate just one person."

"Hm. That sounds very convenient. Why don't you sell in town?"

"I would if I could. But vending spots are just too expensive for me to lease."

"I wish I could help you but fret not; you will have your own business stand someday. Do not give up, my friend."

"Thank you very much for your kind words. My name is Vega, by the way."

"Very well, Vega. I should go." I ended the conversation with the stranger named Vega.

After following the road that Vega told me, I was finally in Ellinia. I was able to go for not more than 10 minutes since I didn't encounter any monsters along the way. The presence of young fairies playing as they flew around the town became a sign of welcome. Some of the houses or establishments seemed to be built on the huge tree branches, strong enough to safely support each of their heaviness and some were on the ground. Most of the people living there were fairies, similar to elves without wings. I walked around to see more of the town, Lania's father's description of Ellinia must have been so clear it gave her an idea what the town looked like.

There were a lot of adventurers as well, as witnessed from their weapons that they brought with them. The fine weather also beamed sunlight that battled against that trees. I then asked one of the townspeople if they knew about a person named Grendel the Old, hoping to be given direction.

"Excuse me, young miss. Do you know anyone named Grendel the Old?"

"He's at the magic library."

"Do you know where it is?" I asked again.

"It's in the middle of the town. Just climb about 4 branches."

"That's very nice of you. Thank you very much."

"You talk... really odd... but you're welcome." She answered me with great doubt as her eyes narrowed and her eyebrows nearly met.

"May I ask why? I don't speak abnormally, do I?"

"Nah. You just sound so formal and all that. But I think you're very kind."

"Ah. Is that so... well, I should go. Thank you again."

"Alright."

The young ladies' impression about me was very unusual. Perhaps the way that people talk has also changed. I followed the stranger's instruction and I was able to find a building that has "Magic Library". I entered the building and found a young boy.

"Hello. Do you know someone named Grendel the Old? I heard he lives here."

"Uhm... He said he'll be back within a few days."

He was courteous enough to stop what he was doing and I didn't stay for long. I walked around the town again to study the people. Then I saw a human with a tied black hair; she wore a white coat and eye glasses, always looking at some sort of paper, not minding her surroundings. I should say she's really busy and she doesn't look that young either. Perhaps she has a daughter? Another one was a fairy, a little short and she looked troubled. It seems that she lost something very important.

After a while of observing the place, I went to a weapon shop where I could browse different items for mage. "I wonder if they sell shining rods." I thought. Mages like me who uses light magic are very few in number and shining rods were only created upon request to adept blacksmiths. Procedures in making rods took at least a month and if lucky, it'd be a week shorter. Making shining rods work with magic doesn't stop with its creation. In fact it also required a special magic in order for the rods to be able to be used.

Upon entering, I walked towards the young fairy girl who seem to own the shop. I asked her if she knows a weapon called the shining rod. She apologized because she knew nothing about what I asked. I was a little disappointed since I can never use my magic properly without a shining rod until I saw a dual bow gun behind her.

"Young lady, do you sell that dual bow gun behind you?" I was a little surprised about what I saw. Dual bow guns were only used by elves and used infinite magic arrows.

"I'm afraid it's only for display, sir." She answered with a smile.

"Where did you get it?"

"My father said that it was found by our ancestors near the outskirts of Ellinia. Legends also say that they were used by Elves. I don't know if they really exist, though."

Little did I know that I have actually been staring at the weapon for quite a while thus giving the young fairy suspicions about me. I immediately snapped out when the fairy asked me if I was okay and apologized. I finally went out of the shop and sat on a bench. I also started to wonder what could have happened after the war. What happened to the elves and to the war? Did they lose? And Afreud, Mercedes, Aran, Phantom, Vieren, the Empress, Shinsoo, the Knights of Cygnus? I also remember Demon Slayer, one of the Black Mage's commanders, was trying to help us.

And in that moment I decided to find out more. Lania may have only been my family for all these years but I cannot leave my past behind me and have to face it. And in that way I can only find my peace of mind.

Finally I'm done with chapter IV. I've actually been working on this for weeks but due to having a lot of work, it took me quite a long time to finish. And for his relationship with Lania, it will be very interesting. With his dark side, maple story will never be the same. But yes, as always, your reviews and suggestions are very much appreciated. They're very exciting to read and thanks for those who made this as their favourites and followed the story! I still can't believe it. It gives me inspiration and motivation, you know? Hehe