Adeline moved closer to the elves who cowered, but one of them stepped forward and shielded the rest. Adeline let out a scoff as she turned to inspect the end of the underground room. She touched the wall and slowly pressed it. Having confirmed something, she turned to the three elves and handed them some meat and water. The one who was shielding them reluctantly accepted, then started to distribute it to the two. Once done, the elf had none for himself. Adeline anticipated this and handed the elf more.
"Can any of you talk and understand me?"
The elf turned towards Adeline and shook its head. The tentacle with a human face appeared from the hole and stared down at the group. Adeline stepped forward and looked up to it, clearly unfazed. The tentacle then returned. Adeline turned towards the elves. She picked up rusted swords and handed them to them. They all looked confused by this, but Adeline pointed to the opposite side of the room.
"Dig."
If Joseph was right, there should be other tunnels and a possible escape route. Adeline ordered as she planted the torch to the side of the wall. Using her sharp nails, she started digging through the hard walls. The elves, having understood her intentions, joined her. They used the swords to break through the tough soil as they started to make small progress.
Adeline did the majority of the work because she understood there was a time limit with her gone. She trusted Fang, Scales, and Lola to protect Helen with their lives but remained doubtful of Joseph.
After digging for some hours, Adeline was still not able to reach the main body or another tunnel. One of the elves tugged her and pointed back to the center. Adeline took the torch and returned. She investigated it further, thinking she had missed something. It was then a large insect-like creature with several tentacles fell from above. It had multiple eyes on both sides of its face and large mandibles lined with small teeth. It had multiple insect-like legs and stood upright like a human. It had a dark green exterior with small hairs covering its exoskeleton.
"What an ugly fucker."
The thing made a screech as more of them descended into the cave.
Joseph was wrong, the Faceless don't live down here. It is a feeding hole for these fuckers.
Adeline handed her torch to the elves who cowered behind her and turned towards the monsters. She launched herself at the closest one and punched through its chest, then threw it away. Her hand was covered with a green sticky fluid.
They screeched at her once more as their mandibles opened up and spat a blue liquid. Adeline dodged it and landed on the nearby stones, which slowly started to corrode. Adeline rolled to her side and took a shield.
"Find a place to hide."
The three elves ran to the end of the room, keeping their distance. The rest of them started spitting out more of the blue liquid, but with the shield, she was able to get closer. She took down another monster with a swift punch to the head, crushing it.
Tentacles flew out as they grabbed her shield and body. The corroded shield was unable to withstand the tug-of-war as it broke away from her hand. Now defenseless, they started to spew more of the blue liquid as Adeline tried dodging while fighting against the tentacles.
She dug her feet into the ground and decided to tank the corrosive liquid. It started to melt away her delicate leather armor, exposing her skin. Her hair was next as some of it burned off unevenly. She grabbed all the tentacles with her hands and, in a great feat of strength, pulled them to the right, crashing some of them to the wall.
They continued their attack as some of the liquid started to burn her face and arms, but she did not stop. She tugged them to the left, then right again, crashing multiple of them. She then pulled the monsters close to her and started to punch the large mass as the corrosive liquid landed all over her body. The monsters were turned into a puddle of goop. Satisfied, she got up and released a sigh.
"These ugly fuckers."
Adeline spat on the corpses and turned to the elves who looked frightened. She ignored them and grabbed the torch and started to analyze her body, which had visible exposed bone. Her wounds were healing but at a very slow pace, but she had no time to think about that. She stared up towards the hole, then to the site where they had dug.
"We need to dig upwards."
Adeline aggressively placed the torch on the wall and started digging upwards. The elves joined in as they moved with more vigor. They made progress, but once again were interrupted when the Faceless tentacle came to investigate. It released small screeches, but nothing answered back. It released a spine-tingling screech, then disappeared. Adeline walked towards the hole, defiant.
"Continue digging."
Adeline ordered as the elves moved diligently. Tentacles came rushing down and wrapped around Adeline. It violently threw her against the wall, then dragged her around. Using her sharp nails, she pierced the tentacles, creating room. She started clawing at the rest of the tentacles relentlessly; another screech could be heard. The tentacles tightened around her; she was then pulled out of the hole.
Adeline was now outside and in the air and saw the towering monster. It was the size of a six-story building with several long legs for support and millions of small eyes covering the side of its face. Its legs looked like trees, with its abdomen covered with different changing colors like a chameleon.
"So this is how you were hiding, in plain sight. I wonder if that disco ball has anything to do with those faces we see."
The monster screeched at her, opening its large mandibles as some of the corrosive liquid landed all over her face, burning her.
"You're already ugly, no need to open your mouth."
The monster hurled her to the ground with great force, destroying the forest in the process. It repeated this process several times as if it was taking its anger out. It raised Adeline once more, this time closer. Its millions of small eyes took in Adeline's battered and unconscious body.
Suddenly, Adeline bit down on the tentacle as it loosened its grip on her. Her hands were free once more as she started to dig away at the tentacles, but the monster threw her away as she skidded on the ground through several trees and through a stone boulder.
"Will you still deny my help?"
A distorted voice could be heard in her mind as she opened her eyes and slowly got up.
"I won't be your dog."
"I never asked you to be one."
The distorted voice laughed as it faded. Adeline's right hand had hanging flesh, and her face was deeply burned by the acid, revealing bone, making her look like an undead.
"Mommy! Are you alright?"
Helen spoke in a shaky voice as tears rolled down.
"Get away from me now!"
"Mo…"
A huge tentacle hit Adeline, throwing her further into the forest. The group quickly grabbed her and started to run away. The Faceless turned its attention to them. Adeline, with a huff, ignored the pain and came running towards the Faceless.
"YOU UGLY BASTARD!"
Adeline screamed as she started to climb up one of its legs with determination. The Faceless tried shaking her off, but she did not let go, prompting it to turn its attention to Adeline.
"RUN AND DON'T LOOK BACK."
Adeline yelled her final command. Scales turned to her enlarged form and carried everyone as she slithered away. The Faceless turned towards the group and released a screech, but then returned its attention to Adeline, who was still climbing.
Its large tentacles tried to grab her, but she used its own body against it as she maneuvered around the large leg. It screeched once more as it started to gallop into the forest. Trees brushed against her but she still held on with what little strength she had.
Her tenacity paid off as she finally reached its lower abdomen. She saw a small opening and quickly climbed inside as the monster moved around with discomfort.
Inside, it was pitch black as Adeline crawled through the fleshy space. Suddenly, something bit her leg, then slowly moved up her body. She tried kicking whatever it was, but it had latched on to her skin. Adeline cursed as she continued to crawl with no other options.
A light suddenly appeared in front of her, which slowly multiplied into multiple white dots, followed by a screech.
"Fuck me."
It started to spit out the blue liquid towards Adeline, burning her face and shoulders. With a grunt, she pushed forward as she caught one of the monsters and crashed its small head. She continued to make her way as the attacks mounted. Luckily for Adeline, her body was also healing as her previous wounds closed and the flesh grew, covering the bone.
This also made Adeline extremely tired as she expended most of her resources simply surviving. Regardless, Adeline pushed forward until she reached the end. With her sharp nails, she tried to pierce the mucus-lined walls but slid off. Adeline tried over and over, making little progress.
The walls started to expand and contract, releasing a fluid which covered Adeline. It smelled similar to gasoline but with a tinge of alcohol. It was then she remembered the small iron ingot and stone in her pocket. She turned on her back and used her legs to create enough space as she reached out for them. She raised the stone and ingot, which were drenched in the mucus.
With no hesitation, she started to light a fire, but it was difficult to find a spark. The contractions got more aggressive, threatening to crash Adeline.
Come on, give me something.
She tried once more and saw a small spark in the darkness. She could hear the monster screeching as she started to shake. Adeline tried once more with increased urgency. Finally, she got a small spark which erupted into a flame. It engulfed Adeline and spread throughout.
"ARRGHHH"
Adeline screamed in pain as her flesh was being burnt off.
Meanwhile, on the ground, Joseph and the group were being chased by the Faceless as they evaded the large tentacles. Joseph reached for the book strapped on his hip.
"MOMMY, I AM SCARED!"
Helen screamed as Joseph went through the pages quickly. The Faceless started to spit out the blue liquid, but Scales was able to maneuver. Fang shielded Helen, who was still strapped on Lola.
Where is it, where is it?
He finally paused on a chapter as he raised his hand.
"Inferno Ignatus."
Joseph spoke, but nothing happened. He repeated the words once more, but nothing changed. He flipped through the pages once more, but some of the liquid landed on the book, forcing him to throw it.
"Fuck me. Joseph, you can do it. Just put some emotion into it."
"INFERNO IGNATUS!"
Joseph raised his hand as a small flame shot out of his hand. He stared at his hand with great disappointment; the feeling of death quickly set in. It was then the Faceless's abdomen burst into flames.
"I DID IT! I AM THE BEST MAGICIAN IN THE CONTINENT!"
Joseph yelled triumphantly as the Faceless screeched in pain and the flames spread. The entire monster was ablaze, lighting the night sky like a small sun. The huge monster swayed from side to side. Joseph watched this with triumph but soon started getting second thoughts.
"Umm, not to make anyone panic, but it looks like it's going to fall on us."
Joseph spoke as he patted Scales. The large monster swayed once more as it screeched but slowly started to collapse. Its large legs buckled as the rest of it came crashing down like a building.
"Faster, move faster."
Joseph contemplated grabbing the child and jumping off but crashed close to them. Joseph let out a sigh as he stared at the large burning corpse.
"Mommy!!"
Helen freed herself as she ran towards the fire, but Joseph caught her at the nick of time.
"Mommy, you promised you wouldn't leave me again."
Helen cried out as Joseph held her tightly. Joseph started to retreat from the inferno as the fire spread to the surrounding trees. With a heavy heart, he turned his back and climbed onto Scales, ready to leave.
"Kulo mana."
Joseph heard a weird language as he turned and in front of the burning corpse stood three elves carrying rusted weapons.
"Keep her safe, I will go for them."
Joseph handed the crying Helen to Fang as he dismounted and returned to the area.
"We have to leave before we are circled by the fire."
The elves simply pointed at the burning Faceless. He was confused by this but did not have time to indulge them. He moved closer, ready to grab them, but saw a figure slowly emerge from the fire.
Joseph saw the horns first, then the entire body which was still on fire. He was struck with piercing fear and horror. The figure continued to lumber towards him. It suddenly stopped, then fell over. The three elves moved closer and started an incantation. Vines grew from the ground, covering the body, putting out the flames.
The elves turned to the shaken-up Joseph as Helen came running past him. Helen hugged the body covered in vines as she cried. Animals emerged from the forest and stared at the scene from afar.
"Don't leave me, Mommy, I still need you."
One of the elves stepped forward and tapped Helen's shoulder. Helen ignored as she mourned. The elf tugged her once more with more force. Helen turned with anger and stared at the elf who simply shook its head, then pointed into the forest.
"What are you saying?"
The elf tapped its chest rhythmically as the pace decreased, then finally stopped, then pointed at the forest.
"Are you saying Mommy is dying and we need to take her into the forest?"
The elf nodded frantically as Helen got up and wiped her tears.
"I need your help, guys."
Fang leaped into action as he carried Adeline and placed her on Scales' large back. The elves threw away their swords and joined with Helen, leaving Joseph behind.
"Are you coming, Uncle?"
"Of course."
Joseph snapped out of his daze and climbed Scales. The elf pointed to the east as Scales quickly slithered away from the burning forest. Joseph stared at the three elves with a mixture of admiration and intrigue. This wasn't his first time seeing an elf, but the ones in the empire were bred and thus were not wild elves like these ones. They also did not practice any elven magic; those who were older refused to use it. They went to extreme lengths such as cutting their own tongues or taking their own lives.
Elves could live for hundreds of years and were prideful in their own ways of life. Nobles would pay exorbitant amounts just to buy an enslaved elf, whether it was for their beauty or for their own disgusting experiments as they tried to harness immortality.
Joseph was indeed an academic and was always against this. He believed elves and any monster should be left to live how they wished, just like humans, but he never publicly spoke of it. Such a path of thinking could be labeled as heresy and could land him in prison or even worse, beheaded.
He stared at the wrapped-up Adeline with a frown. This noble demon deeply unsettled him; all his knowledge on demons seemed pointless. To him, she could be a threat to humanity in the future. He thought of plunging a knife and killing her for good, but he came here to solve the plague.
One of the elves nudged him and wordlessly stared. Its long ears, black eyes, and hair were very distinct. Joseph panicked, thinking he was found out. He reached in his pocket for some meat and handed it. The elf stared at it, then accepted the meat. The elf turned around and divided it among each other. Joseph let out a sigh of relief.
Helen, on the other hand, was holding on to Adeline as she urged Scales to move faster. They spent the rest of the night traveling into the morning.
"How much further?"
Joseph asked as the elf turned. It raised three fingers, then pointed to the sky. Joseph was confused, did the elf mean three days or when the sun moves three steps in the sky. He just nodded, pretending to understand.
"Umm, Helen, right?"
"Yes, that's my name, Uncle."
"I have a feeling we are going to the Elven Kingdom. Just be careful, okay?"
"They won't hurt me because Mommy saved them, and she is a nice person."
"Umm…"
Joseph wanted to refute but chose to remain quiet. The scene of Adeline emerging from the flames haunted his mind. His thoughts were derailed after he caught a glimpse of a silver-armored person on top of a tree with a bow and arrow.
"Kuoa Pula."
One of the elves stood up and waved its hand as more silver-armored people appeared. They descended from above and circled Scales with spears. One of them wearing a white cape approached them.
One of the elves pointed to Adeline, covered in vines, then uttered some unintelligible words. The guard slightly tilted its head as the rest retracted their spears, and two of them came forward. They carried Adeline but were met with hostility from Fang and Helen who started to kick them.
"Where are you taking my Mommy?"
"Your mother is in critical condition. We wish to help her, but you must remain here."
"Where Mama goes, I go."
Helen remained defiant as she kicked one of the elves on the head, which was stronger than expected. With a sigh, they let her join Adeline. Lola and Fang were stopped. The guard kept a close eye on Scales, who towered over him. The three elves bowed towards Joseph and the group, then ran off in the same direction.
"What is your relation to this human?"
"I bumped into them not so long ago. I was being chased by the Faceless."
"Faceless?"
"Yes, that huge monster that Adeline defeated."
"Adeline is the name of the demon?"
"To the best of my knowledge."
"What's the relation with the human child?"
"So far, mother and daughter."
"Hmm."
The guard turned to the forest and saw multiple animals looking at them.
"Do you have business here?"
"Yes, we are currently facing a health crisis. A dangerous disease is spreading, and I need the elves' healing power."
"No."
Joseph was instantly shut down. This was to be expected, but he did not give up. He dismounted from Scales' back and looked around.
"Do you mind if I walk around?"
"Will you try and sneak your way in?"
"No…"
Joseph tried to get a read on the guard, but his visor blocked all expression, leaving him to speculate.
"Don't stray too far or we won't be able to guarantee your safety."
"Of course."
Joseph set off and disappeared into the forest. He looked around to make sure no one was close, then tried to climb up the tree.
"You need some help?"
A feminine voice could be heard as Joseph stared up and was greeted with a beautiful elf with golden hair.
"I can explain."
Joseph was yanked onto the branch by a rope. He instantly hugged the tree and stared down.
I am definitely going to die if I fall. What was I thinking?
"What an odd human. Why did you climb the tree if you were afraid of heights?"
"I am not afraid; I just don't want to die."
"Your demon friend really put on a show. To think she would slay Balowick in such a manner."
"She is not my friend…"
The elf stared at Joseph.
"Yet."
The elf let out an amused laughter.
"You're scared of her."
"Didn't you see her? Don't you think she is a bit unhinged, with all due respect?"
"I did, and I am also scared of her. I have never seen a demon fight like that."
"Then why are you laughing at me?"
"Because I am not her enemy."
The elf pinched Joseph's cheek, then descended.
"Hey, how about me?"
Joseph's leg was suddenly pulled as he fell from the tree but was caught by the elf.
"I already dislike you."
"The feeling is mutual."
Joseph pushed the elf away as he stood and adjusted his clothes.
"Follow me."
"To where?"
"Inside the kingdom, of course."
"That guard told me not to."
"Altur will be fine, I am the princess after all."
The elf ran into the forest with Joseph giving chase. He tried his best to keep up, but the elf had already disappeared out of his sight. He paused and started panting heavily and regained his breath. Suddenly, an arm pulled him out of nowhere, dragging him into an unfamiliar open plain with houses and a huge castle in the distance.
"Cover yourself."
The elf handed him a scarf, which he quickly used. He made sure his ears were not visible. The elf walked across the field, ignoring the elves tending to the land and doing other activities. Joseph's eyes wandered around this alien world; he was going to be one of the very few humans to see an Elven Kingdom.
Unlike the empire, which used different equipment to farm, the elves used magic. Elven magic was fundamentally different from humans'; theirs sounded more like a melodic song while humans read it out. This resulted in different outcomes: elven magic was warm and healing, but human magic was inherently destructive. Then there were the trolls whose magic was derived from an exchange with the land and their belief in Mother Nature. They used words like humans, but their magic was more mystical and hard to understand. Orcs never used magic but were able to manifest great amounts of mana and were tenacious.
Joseph was captivated by the beautiful song as he walked without looking. He accidentally collided with a tree, drawing a hearty laugh from the elf. The duo entered the village which was curved along the forest. They didn't have traditional paths, and most houses nested on trees. Those on the ground were made of mud and other natural resources.
The elves lived with the land, a far cry from human settlements. Grass and flowers grew freely and were always attended to. Even the animals and insects were protected, including wild predators which lived among the elves.
"Stop staring as if you're a tourist, or you will get…"
"Jean of House Relok, what is the meaning of this!"
Joseph and Jean froze as the deep voice could be heard. Jean turned to Joseph, giving him a stern look.
"Ah, Father, I was just looking for you."
"Were you now?"
An elf descended from a tree. Unlike the other lean-looking elves, this one was larger. He had bulging muscles and was toned. He was also shirtless, revealing intricate black lines and had braided golden hair.
"Hello."
Joseph waved but was met with a grunt.
"Follow me now, maybe this human might have answers."
The huge elf turned and started to walk away with his arms crossed.
"You don't say hello to the Sword of the Elves."
Joseph was smacked by Jean as she cursed at him. The huge elf slightly turned, catching Jean in the act. He reprimanded her with a disapproving look. Jean let out a sigh and rolled her eyes.
They quietly made their way to the royal palace. The guards gave Joseph a stern look, but he was too busy admiring the large doors carved with a large tree.
Inside, vines with beautiful white flowers lined both walls with large green windows. The ground itself was still grass, and one could even see small mice running around. The walls were made of mud, which was beautifully carved with different portraits of elves.
"Human, pay attention, take a right."
Joseph returned to reality as he quickly walked to the door on the right. Inside, a female elf could be seen standing over a charred body. She had silver hair with white flowers as pins; her beauty was otherworldly.
The female elf glided over to the group. She slightly nodded at the large elf, then gave Jean a disapproving look. The elf finally turned to Joseph.
"I have some questions."