As previously informed by Amara, Arthfael was invited to the birthday dinner to celebrate Seraphine's special day. Not alone, Arthfael arrived accompanied by Valentina, Camilla, Zeke, Ian, Flare, and Neptunis.The birthday dinner for Seraphine was held at a dining place in the city center. As Seraphine was not of noble birth, the event was a simple dinner party rather than an extravagant affair. There were no ornate decorations or elaborate dances like those held by the nobles. Nevertheless, the birthday party still felt lively and meaningful, with many invited guests in attendance."Is birthday parties always like this here?" Arthfael asked Valentina, who was flying beside him."Well, usually, it's much livelier. But since we're not nobles, it's kept modest," Valentina replied.Arthfael and the others stepped into the entrance area and were greeted by several guests engaged in conversations near the doorway. As Arthfael's arrival became apparent, all eyes turned to him. They instantl
The bright morning sun heralded the start of the day as Arthfael walked through the refreshing and cool forest. He wasn't alone; he walked alongside Camilla, who was still half-awake. Her steps were somewhat unsteady, and her eyes frequently fluttered closed. She occasionally slapped herself to stay alert.Plak!Another slapping sound echoed from behind Arthfael, causing him to quickly turn around. There stood Camilla, rubbing her cheek where she had slapped herself a bit too forcefully."Come on, we're almost there," Arthfael encouraged.Camilla let out a slightly labored breath, then resumed walking, shooting Arthfael an annoyed look."Do we really have to leave this early? The sun hasn't even fully risen yet!" Camilla complained, but she kept following Arthfael who was leading the way."Valentina is still asleep," Camilla added, remembering their friend who was likely still in bed."You need to get used to training in the morning. Your body's in its optimal state during this time,"
Days turned into weeks, and Camilla's training intensified with each passing day. Due to the distinct nature of her training compared to Arthfael's, coupled with their differing physical abilities, Arthfael eventually granted Camilla a day off from training.Camilla leaped with joy upon receiving permission from Arthfael, but there was a condition attached to it: the next day's training would be twice as challenging, as she would be combining magic with her sword techniques."I finally get to experience a break!" exclaimed Camilla joyfully as she received permission from Arthfael to take some time off."Don't get too excited, though. Your training will intensify tomorrow as the day to face Searox draws near," replied Arthfael.Camilla nodded eagerly, "Got it, Sir!""Well, then I'll take my leave. Today, I have a meeting with King Endeavor to strategize," Arthfael said, slipping on his shoes and bidding farewell to the others.Now only Zeke, Ian, Camilla, and Neptunis remained there as
On the way back home, suddenly, Camilla felt a tremor beneath her feet. Her steps halted immediately, and she tried to sense the tremor once again."What's wrong, Miss Camilla?" Zeke asked, perplexed as Camilla, who was at the front, stopped suddenly.Camilla turned and looked at Zeke. "Did you feel that?"Zeke furrowed his brow, as did Ian, who seemed puzzled by Camilla's question. "Feel what, Miss Camilla?" Ian asked, equally confused.Camilla's panic heightened as she felt the vibrations again, and she turned her gaze towards the source of the tremors. Eventually, Neptunis, sensing the vibrations that Camilla was referring to, also looked in the same direction.The vibrations grew stronger and closer. Trees began to sway, and animals that typically inhabited the trees took flight, as if something was rushing through.Not only that, the bushes around them started to rustle. Now Ian and Zeke were beginning to realize what Camilla was talking about, causing her to halt in her tracks.
Camilla hesitated for a moment, torn between the urgency of the situation and the complexity of what Neptunis was suggesting. The idea of a monster contract was new to her, but she trusted Neptunis's judgment.Seeing her uncertainty, Zeke and Ian fought to create a protective barrier around Camilla, buying her a moment to consider her options."Camilla, we believe in you," Ian called out, his sword deflecting a fierce blow from an Ogre.Camilla took a deep breath, her mind racing. She had never attempted a monster contract before, but the dire circumstances demanded bold decisions. She looked at Neptunis with determination."Okay, Neptunis, let's do it. I trust you," Camilla declared, her voice unwavering.Neptunis's eyes glinted with a mix of pride and gratitude. He stretched his form, the water that composed him shimmering with magical energy. His essence flowed toward Camilla, enveloping her in a gentle, cool embrace.Camilla closed her eyes and focused on the connection with Neptu
For the past 3 days, Arthfael had been using his training time to practice the magic that Camilla directly taught him. After nearly two full weeks of Camilla training in swordsmanship and then combining it with her storm magic, Arthfael followed suit.Not only that, Camilla also practiced how to fight while working in tandem with Neptunis, who was, after all, her contracted monster. They conducted simulations, and now it was Arthfael's turn to learn how to use magic."Are you ready?" Camilla asked, looking at Arthfael.Arthfael wasn't entirely ready, as he wasn't particularly skilled in using magic. Even in his video games, he mostly used swords, so it wasn't surprising that he was more adept with a sword in this world than with a bow and arrow."I don't know, we'll soon find out," Arthfael replied, gripping his Mighty Soulfire sword tightly.Arthfael's sharp gaze was fixed on the wooden dummy in front of him, one he had crafted himself earlier. Similar to Camilla, Arthfael was practi
The entire forces of the Kingdom of Verdantia, along with its people who were ready to fight against Searox, were gathered in the palace courtyard. Arthfael, designated as the leader of the war party, stood behind King Endeavor, allowing the king to deliver his words before they set out to confront Searox the next day.Arthfael wasn't alone, he stood beside Camilla, accompanied by Flare, Neptunis, and Valentina. Of course, Neptunis was there alongside Camilla as the monster had formed a contract with her.Beside Arthfael were the attendants of King Endeavor, and not far from the king's side stood a middle aged woman dressed in exquisite royal attire with gold accents, none other than the Queen of the Kingdom of Verdantia."Good morning, everyone," King Endeavor greeted, beginning his address.The atmosphere in the palace courtyard was tense, a mixture of determination and anxiety hanging in the air. Camilla stood among the assembled warriors, her heart both heavy and resolute. The wei
Ten horse drawn carriages moved in a procession from the Kingdom of Verdantia towards Rhett Valley, a journey that would take them 12 hours. In the front carriage rode the leader of the Kingdom of Verdantia, King Endeavor, accompanied by his aide, Elsher.In the carriage behind, Arthfael sat with Camilla and Valentina. The third carriage contained Neptunis, Flare, and one of the palace guards. Flare, being a phoenix, and Neptunis, a water elemental with a larger form than the phoenix, didn't get along well. The palace guard looked fearful, especially due to the tense interactions between Flare and Neptunis."Hey, human," Flare called suddenly, his tone brusque.The palace guard jumped at the sound of Flare's voice, his head turning slightly to acknowledge the creature."Could you try to be a little more polite?" retorted Neptunis abruptly.Hearing Neptunis respond, Flare hissed and shot an irritated glance Neptunis's way. "Could you just shut up?""You're the one who won't let me shut
A week had passed since Alvin's initiation into the corporate rhythm of Graham Company. As he approached the office building on that particular morning, he noticed Marshall standing near the entrance. The two exchanged a friendly nod, and without hesitation, they walked side by side into the bustling lobby.The elevator doors opened just as they reached it, and Alvin and Marshall stepped inside. The hum of the elevator's ascent enveloped them in a brief moment of solitude. It was within this confined space that Marshall broached a topic beyond the realm of work."Hey, Alvin," Marshall began, leaning casually against the elevator wall, "how's Camilla doing these days? Last time we talked, she had just lost Richard."Alvin's expression softened at the mention of Camilla. "She's doing much better now," he replied. "She's formed a contract with Neptunis and even mastered the art of lightning magic. It's incredible how resilient she is."Marshall's eyes widened in genuine amazement. "That'
With the introduction to his new workplace, Alvin felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. Sophia led him to the 3rd floor, where his workstation awaited. Upon entering the spacious, well-lit office area, Alvin noticed the hum of productivity and the scent of freshly printed documents.Sophia directed Alvin to a desk where a woman was working diligently on her computer. Alvin's eyes widened in recognition — it was the same woman from the elevator earlier. Sophia approached the desk and tapped Felicia gently on the shoulder."Felicia, this is Alvin, our newest addition to the team. Alvin, meet Felicia, your colleague here. She'll be showing you the ropes," Sophia announced with a warm smile.Felicia turned around, her face lighting up with recognition. "Ah, we did meet earlier, didn't we? Good to officially welcome you, Alvin!" Felicia extended her hand, and Alvin shook it warmly.Sophia, pleased with the positive atmosphere, continued, "Felicia, please help Alvin settle in and guide
Alvin, with a head full of new memories and a heart carrying the weight of two worlds, stepped off the bus into the familiar hustle and bustle of the city. The urban landscape, with its towering buildings and constant hum of activity, seemed both alien and strangely welcoming after his fantastical adventures.He strolled down the busy sidewalk, a stark contrast to the forest trails and mythical creatures that once accompanied him on his journey as Arthfael. The echoes of his footsteps resonated with the rhythm of city life, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for the simplicity of the human world."Missed this place," he muttered to himself, his breath forming a small cloud in the chilly air. Despite the bustling crowd around him, Alvin found himself longing for the solitude of the forest, where every rustle of leaves told a story and every creature held a secret.Approaching the Graham Company building, Alvin gazed up at its sleek exterior, adorned with reflective gla
A man with black shirt, still caught in the hazy transition from one reality to another, found himself in a small, cozy room. The remnants of dreams clung to his consciousness as he heard the persistent knocks on the door. The voice outside, insistent and slightly annoyed, belonged to someone who seemed to know him well."Alvin! Alvin! Wake up, it's already morning! I've cooked breakfast, and if the food gets cold, I'll hit you!"The words echoed in his ears, and Alvin groaned, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar surroundings. The name "Alvin" echoed in his mind, and he muttered to himself, asking aloud, "Who's Alvin?"Reality asserted itself, and with a jolt, Alvin's memory clicked into place. He wasn't Arthfael, the hero navigating a magical realm. He was Alvin, and this room was his own. He rubbed his eyes, willing himself to wake up from the lingering traces of the fantastical adventure.As he stirred, the room revealed familiar details—a worn-out poster on the wall, a collecti
The room, adorned with the regal elegance of the Kingdom of Dragomir, became a sanctuary for Arthfael, Valentina, and Flare. As they entered, Arthfael locked the door behind them, enveloping the space in a cocoon of privacy. The air within held a palpable weight, a prelude to the poignant moments that would unfold.Valentina, with her tiny form and delicate wings, sighed audibly. "This might be our last meeting, Arthfael. We may not see each other again."Flare, the Pyroblaze Phoenix, who had accompanied Arthfael through battles and triumphs, let out a cry tinged with sorrow. The fiery aura surrounding her seemed to flicker, revealing an underlying emotion.Arthfael, perceptive to their sentiments, inquired, "Flare, are you crying?"Flare, attempting to conceal her emotions, retorted, "No, it's just something in my eye."Arthfael, recognizing Flare's attempt to mask her true feelings, chuckled and pulled her into a tight embrace. Unlike her usual blazing form, Flare's body now held a
The night settled over the Kingdom of Dragomir, casting a gentle glow on the palace gardens. Arthfael, Camilla, Neptunis, Flare, and Valentina gathered under the twinkling stars, surrounded by the fragrant blossoms of the palace garden. The soft hum of crickets and the distant murmur of the celebration in the courtyard provided a serene backdrop.Seated on a stone bench, Camilla began reminiscing about the first encounter between her and Arthfael in the Esteria Kingdom castle during Prince Frederick's birthday celebration. The memory brought a nostalgic smile to her face."Ah, that was quite the eventful night," Camilla chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Who would have thought that a simple escape plan would lead to such extraordinary adventures?"Arthfael, leaning back against the bench, nodded with a grin. "It was a night of unexpected turns, and I'm grateful for every moment."Neptunis, the calm and observant one, added, "Fate has a way of weaving its threads in the most
The wedding celebration continued with an air of jubilation that permeated every corner of the grand hall. Arthfael, standing amidst the joyous crowd, felt a warmth in his heart as he witnessed the union of Zeke and Ian with their brides. The bonds of love, forged through trials and triumphs, now culminated in a celebration that seemed to transcend the boundaries of kingdoms.Camilla, with her innate grace, approached Zeke and Ian, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Gentlemen, it is customary at this point to seal your vows with a kiss," she announced, her voice carrying across the hall.The guests, caught up in the enchantment of the moment, erupted into cheers and applause. Arthfael, smiling at the genuine happiness surrounding him, couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of this tradition. Zeke and Ian, their eyes locked with their brides, exchanged a glance that communicated a shared excitement.Zeke, turning to Molly, took her hands in his and pulled her close. The room fell int
The day of Zeke and Ian's wedding arrived, and the air in the groom's preparation room was charged with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. The room was adorned with elegant white suits hanging on racks, symbolizing the union of two souls about to embark on a journey of love and commitment.Zeke, a mix of anticipation and nervousness etched on his face, adjusted his tie in front of the mirror. Ian, standing nearby, mirrored his feelings, his hands betraying the subtle tremor of anticipation. Both grooms, resplendent in their white suits, exchanged glances that spoke volumes about the emotions swirling within them."How are you feeling, Ian?" Zeke inquired, turning to his partner.Ian, attempting a confident smile, replied, "My heart won't stop racing, Zeke. I've never been this nervous in my life."Zeke chuckled, his eyes softening with affection. "Well, they say it's a good sign. It means you're ready for this, and so am I."As the two grooms shared a moment of reassurance, the d
Arthfael, standing in the room that served as a temporary sanctuary within the Dragomir palace, took a moment to collect his thoughts. The events that had transpired — battles fought, alliances forged, and the sacrifices made — weighed heavy on his mind. He couldn't shake the memory of Freya's selfless sacrifice, a haunting reminder of the costs endured in the face of darkness.In an instinctive motion, Arthfael raised his hand, and a holographic screen materialized before him, displaying a series of information. His eyes focused on the screen as he rotated his hand, prompting a pop-up that revealed a number: 999.Arthfael's level, a reflection of his strength and capabilities, stood at the pinnacle. The enormity of his power, however, was juxtaposed with the feeling of inadequacy that lingered within him."Freya," Arthfael murmured, his voice tinged with regret. "I'm sorry. You sacrificed so much for me, and yet I couldn't protect you. I was too weak."At the bottom of the holographi