Hey there people.
So... Who would have thought that this story would receive such a review? Not to mention the latest likes and follows it has received! Many thanks everyone.
Kakuyoku: Hey! Thank you for the review! I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far! And as for the series' "shortcomings", I completely agree. I've said that multiple times, not only are the characters terribly written but they seem to exist for one thing, being used by the protagonist for revenge purposes. Nothing more nothing less. The main character gets mistreated, in every messed-up way so the author can basically persuade the audience to root for him and justify all the shit he does in the future. And I know I may sound repetitive, but the villains are evil for the sake of being evil, so we can see them pathetically losing as Keyaru raises to the top, and of course they're ALL cowards and rapists. So one could say, "he's not that bad at the end of the day, he goes for the bad guys!". Well, I completely disagree, he's as terrible as the people he hunts down for a bunch of reasons: he brainwashes Flare for her to become a sex slave, and then points out her hypocrisy for calling out the kingdom's evil ways, despite her literally being a different person... he manipulates Kreha and forces her to fall in love with him, and has no problem to use her as a cum dump afterwards. And he pretty much does the same with Setsuna. A few chapters ahead, he deliberately drugs and rapes a demon spy that was after the demon girl candidate. And she has done ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong to him. He says he doesn't go after the ones who didn't wrong him, which is bullshit, he consistently uses and manipulates people, regularly rapes women and twists the events to his own accord so it LOOKS like it's consensual. But he still saves people right? Of course he does! Like the villagers he let the royal knights slaughter RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM, and he does NOTHING to prevent it, instead he has a shitty grin on his face. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the way I see it, it almost seems like he awaits people to wrong him so he can carry on his merry quest for "revenge". So again, poorly written story, characters and idiotic sex.
Hyaenodon: Heya man, glad you're enjoying this! Yep still alive, for now xd. And as for Keyaru's approach... well, you'll just have to wait and see!
Guest: Thanks! Didn't expect it to be 'so good', but much appreciated the compliment!
And with this out of the way, let us begin!
Flare pressed on through the searing inferno, as the heat intensified with every step she took. Her staff being gripped tightly between her teeth didn't help her breathing; it was heavy, each breath of air burning her lungs. Her vision was blurred by tears from the acrid air and her once immaculate clothes were now burnt and tattered. The demi-human siblings she carried felt heavier with each passing moment, their unconscious bodies a constant reminder of her weakened state. She cursed herself with every step, as frustration and anger bubbled up inside her…
'Why am I so weak?' She thought, as bitterness and a hint of desperation pervaded her inner voice. 'Why is this happening to me? How did I come to this? The next heir to the throne, Flare Arlgrande Jioral, reduced to such a feeble and flimsy position…'
She had always prided herself on her strength and magical prowess, yet here she was, struggling to carry a couple of demi-humans through a burning forest, creatures that she was supposed to despise. Struggling like a commoner.
As she stumbled onward, Flare's mind began to unravel the events of the past few days. She recalled the encounter with Ashimar, the way he had countered her most powerful spells with ease. She also remembered the Chimera that had ambushed them and the searing pain when its tail had bitten into her flesh.
'Could that bite...' she mused as a dawning understanding crept into her thoughts. 'Could it have affected my magic? That would explain my sudden magic power decrease. Still, it could…'
The possibility struck her like a blow in the gut. The bite of a Chimera was no ordinary wound; it could weaken or even nullify other magical powers.
'You fucking idiot! Step away! That thing's a Chimera, it can nullify magic!'
Flare's eyes widened in realisation, cursing herself again this time for not figuring it out sooner.
'The thief's words… of course. That damnable monstrosity has poisoned me, sapping my strength.'
Flare's gaze fell on the unmoving demi-humans she was carrying. Even now she felt a twinge of disgust, repulsion and something else… something she couldn't quite identify, twisting in her chest. The fatigue was becoming overwhelming, her legs buckling under the strain. The fire was closing in, the heat becoming unbearable. Her vision blurred and she could feel her strength slipping away. Her legs buckled as she fell to one knee, the weight of the demi-humans started to affect her.
'I can't... I can't keep this going…' She thought as her despair grew. Her body trembled, the strain of carrying the girls and fighting the fire taking its toll.
With a final, desperate surge of willpower, Flare tried to rise but her limbs refused to obey. She looked around, the flames closing in on all sides, and knew she was out of time. The fire was too strong, her body too weak. This was it, she had reached her limit.
'I've been missing for only a few days… and already, I've been close to death more times than I can count…' Flare reflected, clenching her teeth in silent despair.
Yet, it wasn't just the image of Norn or her own survival that sparked a flame of defiance within her. There was something else that sparkled her determination.
'No.' Flare thought shaking her head slightly, forcing herself to focus. She clenched her staff harder between her teeth, the rough wood biting into her lips. Narrowing her gaze, Flare took a deep breath, drawing on the last reserves of her strength and magical power.
'I… I refuse to give up. I am still the Magic Hero. I've made it this far and I will not be defeated so easily. After all, I still have a promise I made myself a long time ago to uphold!'
With fierce determination, she summoned the energy for one last spell. Despite her exhausted state and the effects of the Chimera's poison, she knew she must resist. Focusing her mind on the icy core of her magic, she decided to call upon a spell that had rarely served her: a rank three spell known as Frost Storm. The air around her began to freeze and she felt a biting cold emanating from within her. With great effort, she lifted her staff and pointed it in the direction of the burning flames, her eyes glowing with an intense blue light.
"Frost Storm." she muttered through her clenched teeth.
The blizzard erupted from the jewel of her wooden staff as a torrent of ice and snow surged forth in a focused stream, cutting a path through the approaching flames. Flare staggered as the spell drained the last reserves of her strength, but she forced herself to stay upright. The path she just created through the inferno was clear. With a fatigued sigh, Flare moved forward.
Meanwhile, Ashimar, astride the horse and guiding the cart with the last captive demi-human, cursed under his breath. The blazing fire threatened to consume everything, and he had almost lost sight of Flare. His instincts screamed at him to keep moving, to escape the encroaching inferno. But for some reason he still didn't, which annoyed him to no end.
"Fucking dammit!" Ashimar cursed under his breath.
He had maneuverer the horse away from the blazing campsite, trying to avoid the spreading fire. The scene around him was chaotic: flames roaring, smoke billowing, and the eerie silence of the unconscious captives.
As he urged the horse to move faster, a sudden chill in the air caught his attention. He turned, eyes widening in disbelief as he saw the Frost Tempest in action. Through the swirling snow and ice, he could make out Flare's form, staggering forward with the two demi-human girls in her arms.
For a moment, Ashimar was genuinely taken aback. He had seen Flare's magic before, but this was different. She was using her powers not for dominance or pride, but to save lives... lives she was supposed to despise.
'Holy shit... she's actually doing it...' He thought with a rare flicker of disbelief crossing his mind. 'She's saving them for real.'
The path Flare had created through the fire was arrow but navigable. Ashimar snapped back into action, urging the horse toward the opening. He could see the exhaustion etched on Flare's face, the sheer effort it took for her to maintain the spell and keep moving. Knowing they couldn't afford to linger, Ashimar snapped back into action. He guided the horse closer to Flare, the cart bouncing behind them.
"Move it, princess!" Ashimar barked in an irritated tone as he dismounted the horse. "You're gonna get us all killed!"
Despite his harsh words, there was a note of urgency in his voice that betrayed his worry. He quickly lifted the unconscious demi-humans from Flare's arms and placed them gently in the cart next to the cage.
Ashimar then turned back to Flare, who was barely standing, swaying on her feet. "Fucking… ugh." he muttered, more to himself than to her. With an irritated grunt, he helped her up onto the horse. Flare was weak again, but managed to hold onto him as he mounted behind her. He kicked the horse into motion, guiding them away from the encroaching flames with a speed born of desperation.
As they dashed away from the blazing wreckage, Ashimar glanced back at the inferno they just escaped. His jaw clenched as he processed the chaos. But for now, they were alive, and they had a chance to make it out of the forest. He could feel the icy wind from Flare's spell still biting at his skin.
"Next time…" he called over his shoulder as they sped through the grove. "Listen when I tell you not to use magic, you fucking moron."
As he led the horse through the dim, smoky forest, he felt Flare's face pressed against his back. Her breath was warm and shallow against his shoulder, each exhalation reminding him how close she was to collapse. He widened his eyes, a mixture of exasperation and reluctant worry gripping his thoughts.
'Of all the places and times to play hero, she had to be in the middle of the damn Ancient Grove on fire.' he thought, urging the horse to quicken its pace.
'Why would she do that?' Ashimar thought, frowning. 'She's always looked down on demi-humans as far as I know. Hell she practically made a career out of tormenting them, right? And yet...'
He couldn't quite put his finger on it. The Flare he knew, the haughty princess who lived by power, lies and control, would never risk her life for a couple of demi-humans. Yet there she was, defying all expectations after having saved three of them.
As they proceeded, the fire behind them began to thin out in the distance. Ashimar scanned the area, looking for a suitable place to stop. They had to treat their wounds, check on the demi-humans and decide their next move.
Flare remained silent as they rode, her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions and thoughts.
'What was I thinking?' she asked herself, with a mixture of disgust and confusion gnawing at her. 'I just saved demi-humans...' Her gaze shifted to the unconscious ice wolves in the wagon.
The faint rustling of leaves and the distant sounds of forest creatures filled the silence, but Flare barely noticed. Her mind was focused on something else entirely.
'How? How did it come to this?' Flare wondered in silence, gritting her teeth. 'I'm the next heir to the throne, the Magic Hero destined for greatness. How could I be reduced to saving demi-humans and relying on a lowly thief?' The world seemed to have turned upside down and she could not find her way around in this.
'So why, why did I save them?' she asked herself again and again. She had told herself that she needed Ashimar for survival, that his skills and the supplies they had looted were crucial. But the question that lingered was why she had saved the demi-humans. Why not just save herself and leave them to their fate? Despite the faint image of Norn popping on her mind, she had no clear answer.
In the meantime, Ashimar stole a glance back at Flare as he rode the horse. "Great…" he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "Just what I needed, a princess in existential crisis."
Time passed and the sky above grew darker with each passing minute. As the first droplets of rain began to fall, Ashimar urged the horse forward through. He scanned the surroundings, searching for a place to take shelter. The rain fell harder, drops drumming against the leaves in a persistent rhythm. Through the misty haze, he spotted a dark shape ahead, a cave, partially hidden by a few vines. With a firm tug on the reins, he led the horse towards the cave. It was a risk: the cave might be occupied by some creature, but they had no better alternative. Reaching the entrance, Ashimar dismounted quickly and began to inspect the secluded area, the cave wasn't too spacious, but it would do for a short time.
He moved to look at Flare, expecting her to dismount from the horse, but she remained in her trance-like state. 'No time for this.' he thought in annoyance. With a firm grip, he guided her off the horse.
Ashimar rummaged through the supplies they had salvaged from the bandits, a few bags of food, some rough blankets, basic tools and a few logs. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. The rain was now a heavy curtain, the forest shrouded in a misty gloom. He glanced at Flare who had finally snapped out of her trance and was watching him with a mixture of uncertainty and barely masked disdain.
"Don't just stand there." he called out. "Help me get them inside."
Flare winced but ultimately dismounted from the horse and followed him as they carried the two unconscious demi-humans into the cave, laying them on the driest patch they could find. Flare had to hold her annoyance as her eyes travelled to the collars around their necks.
"These… collars." Flare spoke up, more to herself than anyone else. "They suppress their powers…"
Ashimar nodded. "Yeah I saw them. Bandits use them to keep their captives under control." Gathering the logs at the centre of the cave, he busied himself with lighting a small fire to provide warmth and dry their soaked clothes.
"Do you have the key?" she asked.
Ashimar paused and glanced over at the cage. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring of keys he had taken from the bandits. He sighed, noticing she wasn't about to do it any time soon.
He approached the cage. "This one's on me, I guess." he muttered under his breath, mostly to himself. With a final turn of the key, the cage door swung open with a creak.
Ashimar halted, scanning the creature inside. 'Hold on, this doesn't look like a demi-human…' He realised, leaning closer to get a closer look. 'Looks like just a regular wolf to me. Or at least a pup.' He took a glance behind his shoulders at the demi-humans. 'Could it be with them?' He sighed as he took the creature in his arms and placed it close to the demi-humans.
Once the animal was freed, Ashimar took a step back surveying the cave. The rain had turned into a deluge and the downpour outside was relentless. They had no choice but to stay here through the night. At least they had food and some supplies to see them through.
"We're stuck here." He said, breaking the silence. "At least until the rain lets up. We'll have to make do with what we have."
Flare settled her staff down as she barely acknowledged his words. Her eyes were fixed on the unconscious demi-humans, her expression a mixture of revulsion and something else… perhaps, though she would never admit it. She moved to sit by the fire. She stared into the flames, the flickering light reflecting in her eyes, lost in thought. The events of the day had clearly shaken her, forcing her to confront parts of herself she had long ignored or suppressed.
'Tch. That bastard of a beast and its damn black hole. If that warty shit hadn't shown up, then I'd be on my own by now… lucky fucking me.' Ashimar pondered, cursing the day he was forced to be stuck here with Flare.
He sighed again, shaking his head as he settled down on the opposite side of the fire. He watched her for a moment, unsure of what to make of her change in behaviour. He couldn't understand why she had saved the demi-humans, given her obvious disdain for them. And yet, she had done it, despite the danger and her own prejudices.
"Well, this is cozy." He remarked dryly. "A princess, a thief and a few demi-humans stuck in a cave. Sounds like the start of a bad joke."
Flare frowned but didn't respond, not immediately at least. She was lost in her thoughts, replaying the events that had led them here. She felt conflicted, once again.
"Don't think this means anything." she said suddenly, her voice cutting through the quiet. "I only did what I had to. It was convenient to bring them along."
"Doesn't change the fact that you saved them." he reminded her.
Flare's eyes narrowed and she quickly masked her reaction. "I didn't save anyone." she snapped, her tone sharp and defensive. "As I said, I simply did what was necessary. Nothing more."
Ashimar raised a questioning eyebrow. "Necessary, huh? I've seen what you pulled. You could've easily left them behind to their fate and save your pinkie ass. Yet, here we are." He said in a deadpanned tone.
Flare bristled at his insinuation, her haughty demeanour snapping back into place. "Don't misinterpret my actions, thief." she retorted. "They were a means to an end. Just convenient pawns in the moment."
Ashimar ultimately shrugged. "Sure. Whatever floats your boat, I guess."
Flare's face twisted with an emotion she quickly masked. Hugging her knees, she fixed her eyes on the flames, clearly wrestling with her thoughts. She needed a distraction, anything to pull her away from the turmoil of her unexpected actions and the memories they stirred.
"About earlier…" Flare began with a defiant tone. "I want to know more about this 'Qi' of yours. How does it actually work? Is it considered to be similar to magic? And is it really possible to be as skilled as you displayed?"
Ashimar was momentarily taken aback by the change in topic but welcomed the shift away from the heavy atmosphere. "Qi?" he replied, raising an eyebrow. "It's not as mystical as magic or anything like that. I actually suck at magic. Zero potential there." he admitted with a shrug. "Qi is more about channelling internal energy. It's a skill anyone can learn with enough practice and discipline."
"What about you? How do your Hero powers work? It's not like I've got a manual on heroes." Ashimar asked, reflecting on the fact that he knew little to nothing about the heroes.
Hearing the thief mentioning that, Flare's eyes lit up with evident pride. "Heroes are chosen by the gods." she said, carrying a haughty edge in her voice. "Each one of us is endowed with unique abilities. There can only be a maximum of ten heroes in the world at any given time. Each has a distinct insignia on the back of their right hand, a mark of their divine selection. It is a mark that represents the essence of our greatness…"
"Will you cut to the chase already? I already know the basics." Ashimar interrupted brusquely, clearly not interested in the stuck-up remark.
Flare's eyes twitched, forcing herself not to react to his bluntness. "As I was saying… our abilities are unparalleled. We don't have a level cap, unlike ordinary people. We can even raise the level caps of others, usually through... well, intimate means. Those in a hero's party gain double the experience points in battle. It's a gift and a responsibility."
Ashimar's feature twisted in slight disgust as he absorbed the notion. "So you're telling me that to raise a level cap, a hero has to... literally fuck? That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard." He said with a small hint of derision in his tone. "No effort, no skill, just sex? It sounds like a lazy way to power up. Like, what's the point?"
This time Flare's eyes flashed with indignation and anger. "E-excuse me?! It's not just about that!" She snapped with a small flush of embarrassment. "Heroes are unmatched. We are chosen by the gods and our abilities are beyond ordinary comprehension. Our power isn't just about power expertise per se; it's about our divine purpose."
Ashimar snorted in annoyance, shaking his head. "Unmatched, huh? I disposed of that meteor-like spell you threw at me while I was injured. Not so 'unmatched' now, is it?" He leaned back against the cave wall, crossing his arms over his chest.
"That's different, I was not using my full potential at times!" Flare exclaimed defensively.
"And I was sore, and that was after almost getting flattened by the Chimera freak." Ashimar countered, causing Flare to cease her protests momentarily. "You heroes might have your fancy powers, but don't kid yourself into thinking you're invincible. Everything has a flaw, princess. Nothing's perfect. That level cap crap sounds like something that's completely detached from reality. It's got nothing to do with actual training or growth. You decide how much power you need with Qi. The more you use, the more you expend. It's about honing your body and mind, not just some arbitrary cap."
Flare glared at him as her lips tightened into a thin line. "You know nothing of what it means to be a hero, you ignorant brute." she shot back with a pointed look. "Our strength is not just physical. It's chosen, destined. We don't just gain power; we are granted it by divine right. That is why they are the pinnacle of strength and potential."
Ashimar rolled his eyes, clearly not buying it. "Pinnacle of strength my ass. You think because you can boost your level by hopping into bed, you're better than everyone else? Real power comes from within. Qi isn't some mystical gift from the gods, it's no shortcut. It's something you have to work for. You push yourself, you train and yeah, you might burn out if you overdo it. But at least it's earned, not handed to you on a silver platter."
Flare's lips pressed. "You just don't understand." she protested in an annoyed tone. "Being a hero isn't about taking shortcuts. It's about responsibility and wielding power for the greater good for everybody's sake."
Ashimar scoffed, clearly unimpressed by her defence. "Responsibility? Everybody's sake? Tell that to the forest you almost torched earlier. Power's only as good as the person wielding it. And from where I'm standing, all I see are a bunch of spoiled brats who think they're above everyone else because they've got a fancy mark on their hand."
"How dare you speak ill of the very people who are going to save the kingdom from demons and bring about peace to humanity?!" Flare exclaimed with an angered tone.
"Save humanity? You mean the same folks you don't give a shit about, 'your Highness'?" he shot back bitterly. "You're talking about the same 'commoners' you and your precious royalty let rot away? The same people you and your merry band of idiots are supposed to 'protect'? What a fucking joke."
Flare felt a surge of frustration, not used to being questioned multiple times, her pride wounded by his brutal honesty. She opened her mouth to retort, but the sting of his words lingered, knowing deep down that even heroes had their flaws. She wasn't about to admit it of course. She knew that if a hero fought in a field they weren't competent in, they might lose. That's why they formed parties, to cover each other's weaknesses. She still failed to realise the effects of his words.
Sensing her introspection but choosing not to comment further, Ashimar moved to check the supplies they had scavenged from the bandits. He rummaged through the packs, finding some dried meat and hard bread, nothing luxurious, but enough to sustain them for now.
The rain continued to pour outside and the fire crackled softly in the cave, yet Flare's thoughts were still focussed on Ashimar's words. She didn't want to admit it, but his words gnawed at her mind.
'Is this Qi he speaks of the reason of his current strength?' she wondered. 'But it's absurd! He isn't a hero, he is nothing! He is just a thief. So how can he be a match for someone like me? If he's not relying on a level cap, then how?' She thought back to their first encounter, remembering how he had outsped her, dodging her attacks with ease. And then there was the fight with the Chimera, how he managed to fend off such a monstrous creature single-handedly, even while injured.
'This is ridiculous. I am the Magic Hero, chosen by the gods. How could a mere commoner even come close to matching my power, let alone exceed it? There is no way the likes of him should be able to do that. So how can he…'
Unable to suppress her curiosity, Flare spoke up, her voice laced with a mix of frustration and genuine wonder. "You still haven't explained yourself completely. How is it even possible?" she asked still in denial. "How can a commoner, a thief, fight and potentially overwhelm someone of the calibre of a hero with just this 'Qi' alone?" Refusing to believe any of his words, Flare's frustration grew and protested. "You must be some sort of anomaly!" she almost shouted accusingly. "You shouldn't be able to do what you do. It's not normal!"
Ashimar emitted a grunt in annoyance. "Tone it down you dumb bitch. You're being louder than usual..." He gestured at the unconscious demi-humans.
Flare scowled, his vulgar words still not sitting well with her. "Excuse me? I speak as loud as I damn please!"
"…And I already told you, it's not that simple." Ashimar looked at her with a mix of irritation and contemplation. "Hell, I don't know all about it myself." he said, his tone edged with annoyance. "Qi isn't something you just pick up and control overnight. It's about hard training, focus, pushing your limits every day. It's… something my master taught me."
Flare's eyes narrowed slightly. "Your master?" she asked intrigued despite herself.
Ashimar shrugged and looked away, clearly unwilling to divulge more. "None of your business." He immediately shut down. The thought gnawed at him, but he quickly dismissed it. 'Fuck me and my mouth.' he thought bitterly. 'Why the hell did I even consider telling her? Flare is nothing more than a nuisance anyway. Dammit.'
Turning back to Flare he tossed a small bundle of dried meat and bread towards her, clearly not wishing to entertain her antics. "Here, shut up and eat something." he said gruffly. "Unless you want to end up eating carcasses again like last night."
Flare's eyes flashed with indignation, but she ultimately took the food, as she felt her stomach rumbling in reluctant agreement.
Noticing her complaining stomach, Ashimar snorted. "That's right. Make sure to fully stuff your face, pinkie." He commented.
"Silence, you vulgar thief." Flare countered with a hint of flush on her cheeks.
Jioral Kingdom
As the evening descended upon the Jioral Kingdom, the streets outside the royal palace began to quiet down. Keyaru and Kreha found solace in a small, dimly lit tavern nestled in a quiet corner of the city. He insisted to prefer not to linger at the palace longer than necessary, especially not when his fellow heroes were around. Seated at a corner table, their plates filled with steaming food as Keyaru and Kreha ate their meal, away from prying eyes and ears. However, the conversation soon took a serious turn, with Keyaru revealing the details of his plan.
"What?!" Kreha suddenly exclaimed, widening her eyes in disbelief. She set her fork down and cast him a hard look. "You can't be serious!"
However, Keyaru remained calm taking another sip from his cup. "I am serious, Kreha. It's the most efficient way to gather information and ensure loyalty. Slaves can be... incentivized to cooperate and we need all the help we can get."
"That is not the point I'm making and you know it!" Kreha's eyes blazed with indignation, sticking to her principles. "It's a barbaric practice! It goes against anything heroes should represent… how can you even suggest such a thing and try to justify it?!"
"Kreha, you must understand the kingdom we live in. The system is flawed, yes but we have to use every tool at our disposal to achieve our goals. Besides, demi-humans aren't highly priced in Lanarrita. We can acquire one easily without drawing too much attention. The disappearance of Princess Flare is a matter of grave importance and we need every advantage we can get to bring her back safely."
"Advantage? By sinking to such lows?" Kreha's eyes narrowed, his response was vague and she did not appreciate the tone he was adopting. "Heroes should never stoop to the level of slavers. They should encourage people to avoid such a vile practice, not perpetuating it. Just because something is easy doesn't make it right."
For a moment, Keyaru's eyes narrowed towards the Blade Goddess. "Remember, you made a promise to help me after I restored your arm."
Her eyes flashed with anger. "Don't you dare use my promise against me. I made that vow because you saved my arm for me to help you find Princess Flare, not because I would agree with such despicable actions."
Keyaru bit her tongue, resisting the impulse to grimace in revulsion at the mention of her name. "This is part of that help. Trust me, Kreha. I'm not suggesting this lightly. Our goal is to find Flare and make the guilty party pay. We must use every tool at our disposal." He added.
Kreha remained silent. She was conscious of the significant issue of slavery and trafficking of demi-humans, although it was also true that recently this practice had diminished. Yet, the thought of purchasing another being went against everything she believed in.
"Keyaru, this is wrong." She insisted, her voice trembling with emotion. "We should be finding allies, not buying them. Slavery is a blight on our world, and I refuse to be complicit in it."
Keyaru leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. "I know it's wrong, Kreha. But sometimes, to achieve a greater good, we have to make difficult choices. The world isn't black and white. It's messy, and sometimes we have to work within that mess to make a difference."
Kreha remained silent, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. She prided herself on her sense of justice and had always stood firmly against the enslavement of any being. Yet, she couldn't deny the urgency of their mission and the potential benefits Keyaru presented.
Despite how against she was to all of this, Kreha knew she gave him her word. "Very well, Keyaru. I will help you, but only because I gave you my word. I still do not agree with this plan, but I trust you have the best intentions."
Keyaru smiled with satisfaction. "Thank you, Kreha. Your trust means a lot to me."
Jioral Kingdom's outskirts
Flare's disappearance didn't only affect the royal palace and the capital of Jioral. A few hours ago, word had reached Norn Clatalissa Jioral of her sister. Now, en route to the capital of the Jioral Kingdom, Norn was determined to uncover the truth and maintain control over the situation. Norn was a beautiful young woman with pink hair and piercing green eyes, with a petite frame, which was a direct contrast to her older sister's voluptuous figure. She sat in a finely crafted chair at the centre of the tent, with a narrowed expression on her face.
Entering the tent was Trist Organ, also known as Hawkeye. A powerful knight of the Jioral Kingdom known for his serious character and intimidating appearance, but also for his sense of honour. At Norn's feet knelt John, her ever-submissive servant.
Norn's fingers tapped frantically on the armrest of the chair, betraying a fraction of the agitation within her. "Hawkeye, any updates on my sister's whereabouts?" She questioned, raising a brow.
Hawkeye stepped forward, shaking his head solemnly. "None yet, Princess Norn. Our scouts are scouring the surrounding areas, but there is no trace of her. It is as if she vanished into thin air."
Upon hearing the troublesome, irritating news Norn's frustration boiled over. She stood up abruptly and kicked John in the side. He grunted in pain but remained submissive, not daring to raise his head. "Useless!" she snapped. "Why did she have to disappear so suddenly in times like this?!"
Despite the pain, John barely flinched, waiting for Norn to regain her calculative disposition.
Hawkeye's expression remained impassive, though a flicker of disapproval crossed his eyes. "We are doing everything in our power, Princess. I assure you we will find her."
She took a deep breath, regaining her composure before turning back to Hawkeye. For a moment, Norn's facade cracked, and a flicker of genuine concern crossed her features. "Very well. Keep me informed of any developments. You are dismissed, Hawkeye."
Hawkeye gave a resolute nod. "As you command, Your Highness." Hawkeye replied, bowing slightly before exiting the tent.
Alone with John once more, Norn let out a heavy sigh, causing her demeanour to shift slightly. She looked down at her servant, her gaze less harsh but still commanding. "John, do you know why Flare's disappearance troubles me so?"
John, still kneeling, looked up slightly. "No, Princess Norn."
Norn's gaze remained fixed on the lamp. "Despite our… differences, she is still my sister. Her safety is still paramount. But more than that..." She paused, holding one hand to emphasize her next words. "I have a dream. A vision where we are strong, united, and prosperous. I dream of a kingdom where strength is not just measured by power and cruelty. A place where people are valued for their contributions, where knowledge and wisdom are cherished as much as physical prowess."
John nodded in understanding. "And Princess Flare plays a role into this?"
"She's crucial." Norn replied with a firm nod. "The Demon King's threat looms over us, and only with Flare can we hope to stand against it."
"I understand, princess." John nodded quietly.
Taking a deep breath, Norn gave one nod, regaining her composure. With a final glance, she strode towards the entrance, her mind already strategizing the next steps.
And another chapter in the bag.
As you noticed, Flare eventually managed to save the demi-humans, incredible huh. One small step for Flare, one giant leap for mankind I suppose. In case you were wondering, I made Norn more human, unlike in the original work where she was essentially nothingness mixed with nastiness, like pretty much everyone else. The same thing could be said for Kreha, and I think her being against the practice of slavery is consistent with her character.
Hope you enjoyed this. If you didn't, well, leave me a review. Sayonara amigos.