20 - Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

A man in lavish attire hurriedly alighted from the halted carriage. He took no assistance from the coachman or servants he had hired. It was as if there were an opportunity before him that he was unwilling to lose to anyone else. "Miss?" With that, the man helped a young girl out of the carriage. Her attire bore no traces of wealth, indicating her modest status at a glance, starkly contrasting with that of the man. "We have arrived." However, his manner towards the girl was nothing but kind. No, it was far more than that—exceptionally so. "Thank you once again for your kindness." "No need to thank me. I was merely passing through here. Is there anything else you might need?" "You've already provided more than enough assistance." "Please, allow me—" Though eager to offer more help, he keenly observed the girl's demeanor. This conflict puzzled him. Why am I doing this? He was not the sort to show special kindness to children or those of humble status. After all, as a merchant, it was far more common for him to look down on them. But with this girl, he simply couldn't. There was something indescribably special about her. An irresistible specialness. It wasn't the kindness an adult would show a child. It was the desperate struggle to win over the other's favor. "I sincerely hope you have a wonderful day." When the girl expressed her gratitude with a radiant smile, the man could do nothing but leave, despite lingering regret. While he regretted not gaining her favor, he feared even more the thought of her disliking him. Having received such exceptional treatment from a stranger merchant she met by chance on the road, the girl—Fienne—took in the sight of the house before her. "...Phew." She inhaled deeply and exhaled. "Ah, ahh. Hmm hmm." Then she cleared her throat and meticulously checked her appearance with a mirror from her bag. Her awkward yet fresh demeanor was almost unrecognizable as the girl who had entranced the merchant just moments earlier. Knock, knock. Once Fienne deemed herself ready, she knocked on the house's door. "Oh, Fienne." Risir, the one who opened the door, welcomed her warmly. Fienne responded with a brief nod. Casually. Yet the tension in the air starkly contrasted with any sense of nonchalance. "What happened to that lovely white dress?" "...So your eyes aren't just for decoration. I liked that dress too, but it's too conspicuous. Not exactly practical for traveling." Of course. At Risir's offhand remark, her pretense of nonchalance was instantly peeled away. "So, what brings you here?" "...What do you mean?" She had promised Risir and Pamon. That she would stop harming innocent people with the power of her heritage. Thus, she could no longer remain as Miss Dintal. In essence, she had lost her home. In response, Pamon had requested the two of them to— "You wouldn't be pretending to forget after everything was agreed upon, would you? I distinctly recall you saying so yourself. That you'd like me to accompany you on your travels." "Sigh..." "Sigh!? What's with that sigh!? How rude! Do you think I deserve such treatment!?" "No, it's not that. I just... took a deep breath. Are you sure about this? It's not going to be a comfortable journey." "That's for me to decide. Just so you know, don't get any strange ideas. I'm only accompanying you until I can establish my own base." "What strange ideas. You won't be up to your old tricks of subtly manipulating people's minds, will you? It won't just end with a scolding next time. Wait, did I scold you before?" "..." When given attention, they rejoice like a dog meeting its owner. When shown any sign, they desperately try to win favor. To Fienne, humans were such beings. Simple, foolish, insignificant— Yet when dealing with Risir, she experienced the opposite. Even now, look at this reaction. Despite the hint she gave, his reaction remains as dry as ever. Like being treated as a child. It was the first time since becoming a special existence that she had been treated in such a manner. It was humiliating. Ever since her first encounter with Risir, Fienne’s thoughts had been filled with nothing but him. ‘I won't forgive this... This humiliation... I'll make sure to return it…’ She would turn this foolish man into her servant. Even without using the power of her lineage, Fienne knew that wasn't all she had. She was well aware of how charming, beautiful, and extraordinary she was. "...Guess what strange ideas I might have in mind?" With a sudden shift in demeanor, Fienne approached Risir. Her slender form entwined with his, looking up at him from below with her upturned eyes. It was a movement she believed to be bewitching, meant to incite a man's desire. Or so she thought. She had confirmed it in the mirror and even rehearsed it. But the reflection she saw and the image of her in Risir’s eyes bore a stark difference. Her hesitant movements, awkward gaze. Above all, a face flushed with embarrassment, making it ambiguous whether she meant to seduce or be seduced. Risir, unsure what to make of her, merely patted her head gently. "Eeek—" Her face grew even redder at being treated so nonchalantly like a child by the Pure-blood. "What are you?" It was then that a sharp voice interrupted. Roera pulled Risir’s arm to separate the two of them. "Why are you here? She's not a Bendel anymore." At that gaze, Fienne’s demeanor changed abruptly. From an inept girl always losing in a battle of pride, to a girl wielding magic. "Indeed. I'm no longer a Bendel. And he's no longer your brother. So, it's none of your business, is it?" "Moreover, he's no longer your fiancé. It's even less of your business." "Oh my. Haven't you heard? At Risir's request, I've been invited to join him on this journey." "Risir's request?" "Risir's request?" Roera looked to Risir, demanding an explanation. Risir met Roera's probing gaze and passed on a knowing look to Fienne. "Am I wrong? Wasn't all of this essentially sparked by your request?" Requesting her to stop using her Pure-blood powers on innocent people could indeed be considered a plea, albeit reluctantly accepted after the frightening Dark Elf sister put her foot down. Though Risir wasn’t about to explicitly point that out. "..." Given her sidelong glances seeking validation, it was painfully evident she was aware of her boastfulness. "It's not entirely incorrect..." "Right!?" The look of sheer delight on her face when Risir tossed her a coin-sized token of affirmation was quite something. Roera eyed the interaction with skepticism. "What’s with that vague attitude? And what about the Dintal family? Did they agree to this? I doubt it." How could they not agree? The Pure-blood commanded them in their master's name. Dintal willingly consented to Fienne's departure. Soon, they'd forget about her completely. "Of course they did. They understand the exceptional bond between Risir and me." "But it seems like he doesn’t share your sentiment, judging by his reaction." "...He's just a shy guy, isn't he? He's acting like this out of embarrassment." "And what do you know about him? Haven't you two hardly spent a fortnight together?" "And what do you know about Risir? From what I've heard, bastards in Bendel are treated like they don't exist." "..." "..." The tension in the room escalated as their eyes locked. "Hmm? Oh~ Fienne, you're here? And Miss Roera? Let me introduce you. This is Fienne. She's actually a Pure-blood, isn't that fascinating? It's my first time seeing one too. Dangerous, you ask? Why, of course! But it’s okay, she tried to use her mind control power on Risir, just like with the Dintal family, but she got normalized by Risir's special ability—now she's become Risir's attendant." Not until the Dark Elf emerged with the luggage did the tension ease. On spotting them while passing by, Pamon delivered this quick-fire revelation before continuing on her path. "Pure-blood...?" "Attendant...?" "Normalized..." It wasn't easy to leave three people simultaneously flustered, but somehow, the Dark Elf achieved it. *** Risir's earlier concerns quickly became unnecessary as Roera had little trouble accepting Fienne's existence. A Pure-blood? Z2dKbDJFSCtSbEo3WFlpUEN0eDQxWSt3TEMzV2UrSWpiWU00TVVyTFhsQWlOQzlLb054UUpCb3R0aWRRSmZuRA So you were manipulating the Dintal family with your Pure-blood power? Impressive. Almost as impressive as this duo. Since encountering various entities recently, a Pure-blood seemed among the more rational ones. Even so, Roera found Fienne vexing. “She’s the brat who wanted to make you her puppet. And you’re taking her with you?” “Don’t worry too much. A Pure-blood may sound grandiose, but she’s less harmful than a mosquito.” “Mosquito…” Fienne murmured with eyes that had lost their spark. “Besides, she promised. Never again will she use those powers to harm people. Master certified this with magic, so it should hold.” “Well, if he vouched for it—” Reluctantly, Roera let down her guard. Risir observed Roera with a playful grin. “Were you that worried about your brother?” Roera’s expression crumpled instantly. “You wish.” Though she shifted restlessly, as if to leave, she simply kicked off her shoes and swung her legs into Risir's lap. “Roera? My dear sister, is this advanced etiquette something you usually display before others?” “Only in front of you, obviously.” “Just so you know, there’s someone else here besides us.” “She’s just an attendant. Who cares? My legs are tired, so I’ll stay like this.” Perhaps the tone was the culprit, making her seem she was playfully whining, unable to hold back the sisterly affection. “I-I’m not an attendant!” Instead, Fienne, sitting across from them, sprang to her feet, raising her voice. “Then what are you?” “I- I am—You know! Risir’s fiancée!” “Oh~ is that so.” “We’re already intimate; we’ve kissed, you know?” “Oh~ is that... what?” Roera swiftly turned to Risir, eyes narrowing. “What in the world does she mean?” The weight of the leg on his lap noticeably increased. “Risir! You were happy, weren’t you...? You're not going to deny it, are you!?” Fienne sidled closer to Risir, clinging to his arm. She might have intended this as an enticing flirt but appeared more akin to a child demanding attention. “You’re heavy...” Under the burden of the pressure from both ladies, Risir began to feel the strain. *** Preparations for departure were complete. If not for me, my master certainly seemed ready. The bustling plant zombies that had been scurrying around the house had vanished. It wasn't long afterward that my master summoned me. “My dear student? How is everything coming along? Are you ready for our departure?” Her usual lively smile adorned her face. She began to speak about the plans ahead. “My desire is to travel with you, share experiences, teach you many things, Risir.” “But as I’ve said many times, there’s still much work for me to complete.” “And more so, the journey we face is fraught with challenges, and I fear I can't take you along.” The news shouldn’t surprise me. My master had intended this from the start, and so had made it clear. I listened to her words with a calm demeanor. “My heart wishes to share the secret arts of magic with you, even by forcing it—” “But that magic demands great sacrifice and constraint.” “Moreover, the curse of Dark Elf magic is far from a normal life.” "My good student might say it's alright, but that's not what I wish for you." "There's no hurry. It's not too late to decide after experiencing and feeling a bit more." "So, my student?" "My brief teaching ends here." With her usual lively smile and voice, she punctuated our meeting. It might have seemed dry for a farewell, but that felt characteristic of my master, which made me lighten up. "It really was short, astonishingly so. I'd learn more from sitting under a restaurant table." "My student~ I'm sorry~ I've been a worthless master~ But don't you think my long limbs make a nice sight~?" My master's playful remark. "Truly worthless, like a work of art." Then came Duran's jab. I felt a pang knowing this was the last of such exchanges. But— "We're bound to meet again, aren't we?" "Of course. And you know, maybe next time we meet, Risir might have become my master? Given your growth rate, it seems entirely plausible." "That's undeniably the most inspiring thing you've ever told me, Master." "Oh, really?" "Absolutely. I shall become a disciple capable of returning the favor, bringing you the despair of exceeding your expectations." "Listen to you." "Duran~ Oh no~ My student is angry~ Isn’t he~?" <This is the monster you've created. Prepare for the inevitable future and its ensuing chaos.> I suddenly recalled the day I first met them both. One was with a book, but nonetheless. My master often said my normal treatment of a Dark Elf was a unique experience for her. It was the same for me. My master, treating an illegitimate child like me as any other, was a remarkably unique experience. What would have become of me had I not met her? Would I have found this new path of magic? Could I have gained independence from the Bendel family? Would I have reconciled with Roera? "Master." "Yes, my student." "Though brief, the time we've spent together has changed my life. Thank you." "..." For the first time, I saw it. My master’s signature lively smile vanished from her face. The serene gaze of the Silver-eyed Dark Elf met mine briefly. "Ahhh~ My student~" Returning to her usual expression, she cried out and hugged me. "Oh, dear~ I didn't want to cry so shamefully in front of my student~" She clung to me, making crying sounds for some time. ...Just the sounds of crying. *** "Lastly, my student? Would you accept this?" My master retrieved a small glass bottle from her bag and placed it on the table. "What is it?" <Last night, while you were asleep, we raided Bendel's vault. It's one of the few useful things there.> "Duran~ Don't say raided, say borrowed. What would my student think of me~" "The kindest, strongest, most beautiful, and irresponsible master in the world." "Oh my, my student~ You're making me emotional till the end~" <The last adjective seems critical here.> My master handed the glass bottle directly into my hands. For a treasure belonging to Bendel, it appeared an ordinary glass bottle. The liquid inside was a featureless, clear liquid as well. "It's an elixir." "...!" The moment the word left her lips, my heart raced. An elixir. A treasure perfectly embodying the term, created with rare ingredients and a master’s touch. In this fantasy world, power is a significant value. Everyone fervently burned their bodies and lives to gain such power. An elixir circumvents or shortens this exhausting process—or even transcends it. A mere click could grant achievements that might take months, years, or a lifetime to accomplish. A literal cheat key in existence. People with money or influence were always eager to taste an elixir. But if it were that readily available, it wouldn't be an elixir. Even a family like Bendel couldn't drink it and stored it safely in their vault, which said it all. Its worth was beyond imagination. For the original me, it was something unattainable even in a lifetime. And if I had ever obtained it, I would have exchanged it for money to secure a comfortable life rather than daring to consume it. "Isn't it too plain to be an elixir...?" "It’s plain because it’s a valuable elixir, not a cheap one." "Oh... is that how it is?" "From creation to long-term preservation. To maintain and preserve the elixir's value, extremely meticulous refinement and processing are required. Resources are invested in essence rather than appearance. Though it appears ordinary, even I cannot grasp all the magical knowledge and skills contained within it." "Is it really alright for me to have this...?" I couldn’t help but tremble in my voice. Though it was unlikely for my master to seize such a treasure often— "Yes. That's why I want to give it to my student." "... Master!!!" "My student~" <Knock it off and move on with the conversation.> Carefully lifting the elixir once more, I inspected it from various angles. "So, what should I do...? Is it alright to drink it here...?" A shake of the head. "No. Here is not the suitable place to drink the elixir." "There’s a place suitable for drinking an elixir? What is the criterion?" "The elixir alters your constitution. And your drastically changed constitution is directly influenced by the surrounding environment. Hyiern isn't a bad place—rather, it's decent. But decency won't suffice. The consumption of this elixir must be perfect under optimal conditions and environment." Her eyes sparkled as she explained, a rare sight. "Uh... Could you explain the concept in a way that even a student like me, who knows nothing about magic, can understand, ideally in terms of tangible value?" "While its value is nearly impossible to quantify with money—let’s see... perhaps it’s akin to an entire mansion in a major city?" "A—a mansion in a major city!?" Should I understand it like an apartment in the heart of New York? So, if you mishandle the elixir, it’s like watching an expensive penthouse in the center of New York disappear into thin air? "Yes. Losing 10% of the elixir’s effectiveness could be equated to losing a mansion in a big city." Only 10%? "Arghhh!!!" "My student~ you seem so delighted~" <Seems more like he’s experiencing mana reflux from the pressure.> After regaining my composure, I continued the conversation. "Then, Master, where exactly would be a suitable place to drink this elixir? The capital?" "The capital, yes, but it's too far. So, my student, how about making Bondaless your next destination?" Bondaless. A city reachable after passing through two or three villages from Hyiern. The keywords that came to mind were the Carog Magic Tower, many adventurer guilds, and trading companies. "Though not as renowned as the foremost magic cities, it’s not a bad city to broaden your magical horizons." "Would taking the elixir there work?" "It’s not about gulping it down the moment you arrive, but there are a few suitable places there." She handed me a paper with something written on it. "Present this letter at the locations listed, and it will help~. Now, then~" Clap. My master concluded the conversation with a clap. "My student~?" She then rose and extended her arms. I approached my master and embraced her. "Wishing you well, Master." "Of course~" "At least until I come back to succeed you..." "I wasn’t joking~" <Risir. It can't be a joke. From now on, my purpose in life is to witness this sight of being overshadowed by the student who becomes a master. Though I'm a book, it still counts.> "Wishing you well too, Mr. Duran." With our farewells made, my master and Mr. Duran promptly left Hyiern. I immediately set out from the house to arrange transportation to Bondaless. ────────── [Title: Should I just skip the Witch of the Western Forest quest?] Content: The difficulty is insanely high. What even is a Mumumi? And what's a Derongi? The frustration is real after repeatedly losing to these weirdly named enemies. - : Is Mumumi your friend or something? - : Just grind through it. You must eat to survive. - : [Picture] The elixir you get as a reward for the Western Forest Witch quest has insane options, so it’s worth taking her down. - [Author]: Oh, look at those options. Looks like I can't skip it now. - [Author]: Does the witch drop it when you kill her? - : The witch has her own rewards. The elixir is from raiding the vault after taking her down. It's basically Hyiern's primary farming item. - : Just take it slow. As you can see from the reward options, it's not meant to be tackled early on. - [Author]: If you're not going to drink it, could you just give it to me? - : Try raising your reputation. - [Author]: Can you even raise a witch’s reputation? - : As a human race, it's impossible. - [Author]: But we can only choose the human race! ────────── ************************ ▶Another Tale◀ This is another story. ************************ [Stop it] [Please stop!!!] [The man cried out] [But they paid no heed] ["Eron, oh Eron...!!!"] [She was the man's companion] [Someone who had willingly lent her back in moments of life and death] [She was the man's lover] [Holding hands and feeling her tender skin under the night sky, those moments left nothing else to be desired] [But now—] [She was moaning, calling another man’s name] [In his embrace] ▶ Event 17: A Tainted Relationship ************************ "Then, let us depart." The scenery in their eyes began to shift. It didn’t take long for the silence, filled with the rhythmic sounds of horses galloping and wheels turning, to break. "So, then—everyone. We’ll be together for a while; how about we introduce ourselves?" The voice was so exquisite that the gender couldn't be discerned. Golden blonde hair gleamed like ripe barley. The habitual smile revealed white teeth contrasting with slightly tanned skin, while thick lashes framed bright blue eyes, drawing attention irresistibly. A youthful beauty that garnered affection regardless of gender spoke warmly to those seated opposite him. "I’m Eron." The man sitting opposite responded politely. "Risir." Eron’s gaze focused on Risir. It was the kind of gentle look that naturally evoked goodwill from the other party. One might typically not imagine— ‘This guy is insignificant.’ The fact that the owner of that gaze might be smirking with inner superiority and pettiness. Having finished his initial appraisal, Eron turned his leisurely focus to the other passengers. “…!” His gaze fixed on the girl sitting next to Risir. Despite being shrouded in a gray robe and hood, her delicate presence couldn't be concealed. After glancing between Risir and the girl multiple times, Eron smiled brightly, filled with anticipation for the journey ahead. "Nice to meet you, Risir. Although the time we have is short, I hope we get along well." "Yes. Eron, I look forward to it." He laughed at the naïve, unwary demeanor, ignorant of the potential unfolding events. ────────── ■ Eron Level: 19 Race: Demon [Succubus] Class: Mage [Mental Magic /Dark Magic] Skills: Power of Seduction [Low-level Mind Manipulation] ────────── ────────── [Unique target present] [You are under the subject's influence] ────────── ────────── ────────── [The subject's influence is overwhelming] ────────── ────────── [Status Effect] [Attributes related to 'Power of Seduction' are significantly reduced] ▷Skill: Power of Seduction [Mind Manipulation (Minimal)] ────────── ────────── [The subject's influence is overwhelming] ────────── ────────── [The subject's influence is overwhelming] ────────── ... ... ...