A little grammatical errors here and there but hopefully you enjoy~ Any comments or opinions are greatly appreciated :)

Chapter 1: Problematic Lily

It began in a distant world born from the powers of the God of Creation; Aestrea. Naming her world after her Holiness, the Goddess created a world with many different lifeforms. The two largest continents in Aestrea; the central continent which is home to an abundant number of races, and the demon continent, also known as the lawless region.

Far to the eastern side of the central continent lies the “Sea of Trees”. Deep inside this forest is the “Tree of the Beginning”— a tree which has existed ever since the birth of this world.

The name Sea of Trees was derived from the countless trees that resemble each other making this forest impossible to navigate. It was describe as a forest labyrinth that has many different kinds of danger man has yet to discover. One of the most dangerous place in this world, just from the various unknown that inhibits the forest.

Akin to fireflies all over this forest are called “Spirits”. Spirits are magical parasites born from the Tree of the Beginning. Various rumors floating around, saying they’re souls of the departed, lingering about, waiting for their destined reincarnation.

There are those who made use of these spirits by forming a pact, creating a weapon as the spirits acting as the core. These weapons are called “Spirit Weapon”. Spirit weapons are sought by many, yet the knowledge to forge one had been long lost. Those existing ones that were created beforehand are regarded as artifacts.

Anyways, it is said that a village lies hidden in the thick forest, inhabited by beautiful forest dwellers. Humans regarded them as “Elves”. Distinguished by their long and pointed ears, they are capable of living for hundreds of years. They are those who traverse the forest just to see a glimpse of these forest dwellers, but their travels only ended up in naught. Their biggest mistake was that the village’s location wasn’t even inside the forest to begin with.

Over the steepest mountain, and the mistiest thicket, passing through the forest towards southeast is paradise. Surrounded by magical barriers to keep intruders at bay, they’ve completely cut ties with the outside world. Crawling upwards on the steepy cliff is a town, and built at the very end is a mansion, secured by ornamented walls. Flowers in bloom hugged the exterior, and behind the manor led to a garden of Afule and fruit orchards.

Scurrying through the luxurious hallways is a girl, with her smooth golden hair hovering in the wind. She wore a white dress, with layers of draped satin and pale blue illusion.

“Spare me from the lectures Elena!! Ugh, it’s all because of this skirt!!”

Erin cursed her heavy skirt, grabbing them in frantic handfuls as she tried to run. Dashing after the tottering girl is a maid, hoofing in anger. The girl caught her breath and backed up against the wall, sneaking glances at her predator.

“Did I lose her?”

“Lose?”

A low, chilling voice came to her ear, followed by a horrifying chill that rake her spine and made her skin crawl. Without her knowing, the maid had already circled around her.

“It hurts!” A cry escaped her, as she was caught in a brutal, expert grip.

“Let us go. Your father awaits,” the maid insisted gently.

Quivering, Erin followed the maid’s advice. She kept her gaze at the maid’s blonde hair bouncing left and right as they walk.

She—Eririnuesha Lye Sylvant or Erin for short, is part of the small community that resides in “Filaena Daryl”, also known as the land of the elves.

Being an only child of their clan’s leader, she suffers from his overprotective treatment. Erin loved her family dearly, but she longed for the kind and quiet life that didn’t seem possible with all the maids and guards that watch her all day. She wanted peace. She chose culinary as her main point, where she limped through butchering beast and excelled at baking cakes. She had a somewhat rowdy childhood, filled of natural disasters caused by her own stupidity. Today was supposed to be her coming of age ceremony, and a huge party was assembled, but not a cell in her body wanted to attend such a grandiose reception.

Leading the way with graceful steps, Elena commented:

“If only you'd act more ladylike.”

She was truly dismayed. Guiding Erin for eighteen long years, only for her to turn out to be such a tomboy. She felt like she somehow misplaced her guidance.

“Maybe I was too leaning,” Elena quietly told herself but still loud enough for Erin to hear.

“Hmph. I’d rather go fishing than attend such a boorish party,” Erin retorted.

When they have made it through the halls, they turned on their right to face a luxurious door. Erin went from being overheated to chilled. She could feel her father’s anger all the way through this door. To Erin’s horror, her throat clench and her eyes stung.

“Ah…”

“Come in!”

While Erin was hesitating, a commanding voice rang from the other side of the door. Now that her father knew she’s here, all of her escape routes had been sealed. She glanced sideways to Elena, asking for help, but she quickly averted her gaze.

There really is no way of me getting out of this scolding, huh?

Trudging on as she was told, Erin opened the door, slowly stepping across the threshold.

“Is something the matter, Father?” Erin said softly, her shoulders narrowing.

Leaning on his favorite sofa, the well built man with a striking resemblance urged her to sit beside him. His brows are lowered in a scowl as he looked up at the frightened lily. Erin exhaled a sigh, and inhaled incredible amounts of air for confidence. Resolved, she sat beside her stern looking father.

“You’ve really grown,” He ruffled her hair. All of a sudden, his eyes were filled with nostalgia. “You’re the spitting image of your mother when she was your age.”

Because of her mother’s weak constitution, she passed away when she was three, leaving most of her childhood with her father. Wise and considerate, her father is admired by all of the members of their small community. Even though he always wear a humorless face, deep inside lies a very loving and caring heart of a parent. It goes without saying she’s a daddy’s girl. A fact that Erin doesn’t particularly hate, yet inconvenienced about it.

“Umm… Isn’t it possible to just have dinner along with everybody else?”

“No.”

“But…”

“No.”

Erin’s heart sank. She had been hoping that her father would at least think about her words, at least be bothered by her clear conscience. But in just a matter of single word, it was settled.

Careful to keep biased emotions from his words, her Father spoke sternly.

“Enough. Go back to your room and prepare yourself.”

Erin didn’t reply, she went blank as depression swept through her. Her heart thudded with dread as she forcefully lift herself out of the room. Stepping outside of the suffocating space, Elena greeted her with a composed smile.

“Shall we go?”

“Mhm.”

It would seem the time to go is now, Erin told herself.

The manor was toppled upside-down and all of the servants were busy with preparations. Preparations for her birthday party. However for Erin, this is the perfect chance for her to find the means to escape. In her loneliness, she gathered a small but faint hope that her Father would at least listen to her speak, but everything else was shattered.

I’m not an animal or pet to be caged!

Erin moved to her room, and collapse into a chair. The curtained windows limned with the sunlight stole her attention. Cool breeze swept through her face when she opened the white trimmed window. Looking on the budding flowers and the space towards the high stone wall that surrounded the yard, she sighed deeply. She felt caught in between the hammer and the anvil where her sheltered life and freedom are cornered.

Her mind was wandering among those fields when she heard a footfall. Elena held her from behind, her arms crossed around her waist.

“Elena?” She murmured in confusion.

“Thinking of escaping again?” Elena spoke in a genuine warmth.

Erin knew that she could be very honest with Elena, but wasn’t certain she should be. The thought of Elena betraying her was so painful she couldn’t breathe. Ever since her mother’s passing, Elena was the only one who was able to keep her patience with her. More or less, she treated her as a mother.

“Yes, I’m definitely leaving this time.”

“I see. I knew this day would come.”

“You knew?”

“Of course, I’ve been watching you closely these past eighteen years after all.”

Erin was silent for a moment.

“Then…”

“I asked Galvin beforehand to prepare the necessary items for your travels. Clothes and everything else were included. All awaits is your departure.”

Erin couldn’t control the emotions stirring inside her. It was a subject she dislike to think about, much more to actually discuss with someone. Surprised and strangely relieved that someone is willing to go that far to help her, Erin turned to return the embrace.

“Thank you.”

The only word that she could mutter in her state was a simple thanks. Elena comforted the sobbing girl with a taunting expression. Her mouth couldn’t help but curve widely to that of a mischievous grin.

Foolish girl, the maid thought to herself.

It might sound a petty reason, but there are many wishing for a change. They grew wary of their longevity, wishing to experience something new. Many propose on opening their little town to others. However, since Erin is here, her father, the chief, refuses to do so. Because of that, her daughter became the target of scorn to those who wanted freedom. If she would quietly disappear somewhere in the Sea of Trees, along with all of their worries away, it would be perfect—such conclusions Erin decided herself.

Since of course, Erin isn't so oblivious to not notice their loathsome glances. It was indeed the perfect opportunity for her to disappear. But she miscalculated one thing, she had no allies to begin with. All are snakes, creeping slowly, waiting for the right opportunity to nudge her exposed skin.

But is something so trivial really enough for them to resent their kind or is there a deeper meaning behind all of these?

Erin had taken Elena at her word. As she changed out of her dress, her mind wandered to her trip. She would be leaving their walls and traversing the Sea of trees by herself, taking on a journey that would no doubt burn her away in fatigue, and a slight carelessness could lead her life to danger.

However, with their sixth sense, traveling on the forest labyrinth is much easier as they could asked the spirit and trees for direction. An ability only available to one with close ties to nature, such as themselves.

Directly to the west is a Merchant town called “Saphir”, and that’s where she plans to start her new life.

“I can’t wait for my upcoming adventure,” she spoke in front of her mirror, speaking to nobody in particular.

She pulled the hairbrush through her hair as she gazed upon her reflection. Wearing her sized leather boots, a plain white tunic for top, and matched with a ruffled mini skirt held by a leather belt for mobility. Her golden hair is tied in two short twintails that is drooping down over her chest. In the depths of of her viridian eyes lies a hint of woe, and the straight bangs covering her eyebrows are quietly blowing in the light breeze that’s flowing through the air. Her smile was lovely, free of judgement and deceit.

Carrying on, she reached towards the daggers she set on top of her wooden table. Both weapons are mementos from her late mother. As her hands glide at each handle, she felt the link starting, and the mana from her body draining consistently. At the same time, multiple voices echoed inside her head.

[Lady Eririn, are we leaving?]

[Seriously, to not feed us in two days.]

The first one to spoke was Levasti, while the one who grumbled was Volius, and they are both what they call a Spirit weapon. They could be both annoying at times, but Erin treasures them dearly and treat them like family.

[Yes. I’m counting on you both.]

Erin replied in her thoughts as she sheathed both of her daggers on her waist. By using a spirit weapon, one can amplify their magical prowess many times and can cast powerful spells at ease, depending on the weapons element. Just by wielding one, your basic parameters would take a leap. But there’s a few downsides.

Spirit weapons survive by feeding on their user’s mana and requires a tremendous amount before they could even function properly. Mana capacity is determined at birth. There really isn’t a known way to increase your mana but it is said that it’s close to impossible not to have any.

All living beings in Aestrea possess a runic marking carve somewhere in their body, and these runic markings serve as an arcane conduit for the Goddess Aestrea. Yes, all magical reservoir in this world are said to come from the Goddess Aestrea herself, and the size and shape of these runic markings determines one’s future as a magician. Basically, half of your future was already decided the moment you are born. That’s how unfair the system in this world is. These markings are referred to as “Blessings of the Goddess”.

Another downside is that the wielder’s thoughts are conveyed to each other, forming a link and because of that, Erin couldn’t hide a single thing from her nosy spirits.

[Won’t you say goodbye to your father?] Levasti asked in the tone of a worried mother.

[You know that’s impossible…] Erin answered back a bit coldly.

Unfazed by the cool breeze, she breathed the fresh air and gazed upon the view of their yard once more.

It is time!

The sun’s flare arced across the dismal sky; the afternoon was beginning to fade. Using Elena’s help, they were able to stealthily leave the manor without any trouble. It’s as if everything was carefully planned or just nobody paid attention. Erin felt it was weird, but set the feeling aside and decided to trust the person she considered a second mom.

Once again, the feeling of dread swelled in her chest as they passed through the small town their ancestors created through the years. It’s as if she doesn’t exist. No spiteful gazes. No hurtful murmurs. None of the usual abuse she usually get.

Are they being considerate since today is my birthday?

Continuing on, they finally reached the outskirts of the town. Waiting for them at the edge of the town is a familiar figure, tugging a horse behind his back. A man of small stature with ashen gray hair and eyes. He bears a scar on his face going all the way down through his left cheek and dark bags under his eyes. Dressed in a suit with a glossy finish and laces that can be used to adjust the width of his jacket.

“Lady Eririn, I have prepared all that’s needed to be prepared. Will you be departing this very moment?” Galvin asked.

“Yes. I appreciate the concern you both.”

Gripping her hand tightly, the maid spoke tearfully. “May the Goddess Aestrea be with you.”

Erin gave the two a quick hug and shepherd the horse away. She needed to quickly leave before her Father notices her absence. To her innocence, she doesn’t know. That an eerie trap awaits. A grand scheme formulated by the persons she trust, dying to see her dead.

The maid tugged a handkerchief from her pocket and mopped her fake tears with it. Seeing her wicked reaction, the small man couldn’t help but shrug.

“Man, you’re really twisted you know… I don’t think she deserves all of these though.”

“Everything is the will of the Goddess.”

Galvin clicked his tongue and ambled towards the direction of the woods.

“Goddess my ass…”

The sun was long gone below the ridgelines, the light falling fast and the forest stood grey in the dusk. The place seemed inhabited by great force of loneliness and spirits glow much more naturally in the full dark.

Soon after saying her goodbyes to the two, Erin headed northwest. Everything that she would need on her journey was already prepared beforehand. Her merchandise, food, money, and a horse for transportation.

Lacking the courage to trek in the darkness, Erin formed a campfire. For her, making a campfire is but a simple task. Simply gathering enough firewood that were lying around, Erin sparked fire by using Volius.

[To use me in such a manner…]

The talking weapon opposed to be used as a simple lighter. To think a grand artifact like himself would be reduce to a pitiful job, he could scarcely believe it.

[Don’t worry, I’ll use you for cutting vegetables later.]

[What?!]

Ignoring the loud spirit, Erin carried on with her task. After setting the campfire, she looked for a comfortable log to sit on. She sat and examined the sky. Something about the color of the sky and the smell of the burning log brought her mind to her current troubles.

[Neh, was my decision to leave the mansion really correct?] Erin spoke in her thoughts.

[Whether or not it’s right or wrong, only the future could tell.] Levasti replied. [Besides, I’d rather have you do what you like rather than stay in that place where you have no freedom.]

[Mhm… But Elena and Galvin really do want me dead, huh?]

[I do not lie. Their reasons, I do not understand. Galvin is debatable, but even so, they’re both snakes.]

[I see… Then what shall I do?]

[For now, go get some rest. You need it. Tomorrow, we will discuss our course of action.]

[Mhm… Goodnight…]

The full moon stood directly overhead, it’s disc softened by the humidity in the air. The sky glimmered silver, too bright for the stars. In that darkness, Erin quietly listened to the surrounding spirits hum their music. Leaning her dainty back against a tree, she quietly closes her eyes to sleep. Drifting into the distant sea of dreams, she sought another friend.

…………

…………………

…………………………

And then, as if somebody heard her prayers, a voice answers…

“I’m… alive?”