“Hah!”

Many days have passed since I temporarily settled here in the underground village of the dwarves.

They’re really down to Earth beings.

I’ve been practicing using sparklight a lot as well and it was productive.

I could now properly control the output of electricity that I’d generate through sparklight.

Thin as it may seem, my new rapier was sturdy as heck and getting used to it didn’t take much effort.

2 days after the drinking party, the elites were sent on a mission outside of the village.

It’s been a little lonely but I keep myself busy, it’s fine.

Supposedly, the troops would return tonight so I’m a bit jittery.

I’ve been using one of empty training spaces of the elites to let loose and workout.

When I was traveling, I didn’t have the luxury to actually practice my new found power.

They do say that firsthand experience is the best way to learn but it’s a bit different when you have many other things to try out.

Speaking of which, right now I’m shadow fighting as a workout.

Some of the dwarves would watch my routine sometimes, presently there are a few.

It’s a little embarrassing since I’m used to being alone but… this much is fine, I guess.

Then-

DUN DUN DUNNNNNN

“The elites have returned!!!!”

“Hooo they’re much earlier than expected”

It seems that this is how they welcome their elites huh?

Pretty grand to me… a little on the wild side.

It looks like there weren’t any major injuries this time.

As I recall, this was a recon mission.

I didn’t ask for the details since it wasn’t my place.

They were headed directly to the town hall to report… must be important?

I notice Enrica and waved at her, she noticed and returned a small wave back.

Shen had an evil grin as she was beside Enrica; I waved at her as well.

When these two are together, they really do seem like little kids bickering…cute.

Enrica did something that seems to be sign language but looks like she was stroking a dog in mid-air; I wonder what it means.

* * * * *

After a few hours, I had finished my routine and they finished their meeting.

I went back to my place and took a shower since I reek of sweat.

I then went out after changing into my casual clothes.

I’ve really gotten used to living here where everything’s a little smaller than usual…

I went to their training quarters.

The trainees are still doing their thing huh…

Hmmm?

There doesn’t seem to be an instructor present? Guess I’ll check-

Ah

There they are…

The elites are having another meeting as they wore grim faces. It seems that the news they bought back wasn’t good.

Ruin seems to have noticed me and invited me inside.

I went in… a bit anxious

“Did… I do something?” [Lan]

“Ah, no. It’s just that we could use your opinion on the topic at hand” [Ruin]

“Oh, okay…” [Lan]

“Now then, let’s continue our discussion-“ [Ruin]

The atmosphere suddenly became heavier

“of the elves’ kidnapping of beastmen…!” [Ruin]

Those… damned… ELVES!!!

“Lan… you okay, man?” [Taft]

!

I unintentionally let my bloodlust leak out…

I mean, who wouldn’t? After all that happened…

And they still do these kind of things?

Maybe this is just their nature; evil beings.

Good thing they didn't noti-

Oh, they actually did

“I’m fine… sorry about that” [Lan]

“Do you have some kind of past with the elves?” [Ruin]

“…Yes, I do” [Lan]

“I see… figures. Could you enlighten us of what happened?” [Ruin]

“Of course. About a month ago-“ [Lan]

I then continued to share my experience with the elves.

How they stalked me, followed me, hunted me… all of that and with some details omitted; Hosea for example.

“I see… something like that happened” [Ruin]

“Those bastards…!” [Taft]

“How awful” [Shen]

“Heh~” [Iron]

I could see Enrica fuming with anger, Stonoir was stoic as ever and Iron being totally smug.

The other dwarves were also irritated but I am not the subject of this meeting-

“Let’s get back to the topic at hand, is that fine?” [Ruin]

“Go ahead” [Lan]

“Thank you… for the personal experience you have shared as well”

I nod in agreement

“To the beastmen, we aren’t enemies but not friends either. We dwarves are neutral but the elves… those foul creatures” [Ruin]

I see…

So the situation where they were hostile against me; someone that’s not one of them, wasn’t uncommon

“They seem to have been using black magic to capture and enslave beastmen” [Ruin]

Magic is a form of power that is native to the elves.

They draw power from the sprites they are contracted with.

Contracts of corrupted sprites are taboo even amongst the elves since corrupted sprites corrupt other sprites and they lose their purity then become malicious beings that can create an ominous magic called black magic.

Black magic affects the person’s heart and when past the point of no return, they become savages that are dark elves.

“High ranking elves have enslaved beastmen to show their power. They display them publicly as a symbol of superiority.” [Ruin]

Those sick monsters! They’ve really done it this time

“The beastmen sent their finest warriors from different tribes to rescue their enslaved comrades but not one of them could get past the elves’ barrier. The sprites generating magic for the barrier have been fortified with time, making it impossible to enter forcefully. We’ve come in contact with one of the beastmen and they urged us to assist in their rescue. Frankly, we have no obligation to comply but…” [Ruin]

These emotions maybe personal from my standpoint but even I-

“Are my people going to allow the elves have their way?” [Ruin]

Even I cannot stand still if I know that there is something that I could do!

“Commander! Let’s bash those elves in the head!!!” [Taft]

“I agree commander, let’s burn them to the ground!!!” [Shen]

“Helping… no, having the beastmen owe us a favor isn’t so bad” [Enrica]

“Give the order Ruin, we’re raring to go” [Iron]

“Let’s give em hell” [Enrica]

“Ruin…” [Lan]

“Yes?” [Ruin]

I can’t allow those elves to continue their madness

“Please allow me to take part” [Lan]