Hero Stories: Primed and Set

Ugh, I hate it no matter how many times I find myself here.

It sounds as if you're talking not about this location, but about me.

Well, I'm glad we're on the same page.

I have no intention of being around you any more than I need to be.

So why'd you ask for me? We're not exactly buddies. Not enough to have anything to say to each other in person anyway.

Can't you just hand it to me like a normal person? Jeez, was basic etiquette not part of your successor training?

Wait, this... It's Mana Ore.

You know where that village is, don't you? The one with those Shadow Elves who mingle with Humans.

That village was raided again.

I thought things had finally calmed down, but it's happening again?

The anti-Human extremists have been getting rowdier lately. They've been a pain for a while now, but this time it seems they actually went and caused real damage.

Oh, look at you. You're actually worried about your people. The quality of a commander is something to behold!

So this thing... I assume you found it there?

The soldiers we dispatched after the village attack discovered this.

...

I'm sure you can tell. It's no ordinary Mana Ore.

...

What's this?

It's a container for my mana research. I developed this method of storage by myself.

If you just do...this...you can easily store mana. This makes it convenient to bring with you wherever you want.

I wanna try it!

You?

Yeah, if show me how, I think I can do it too.

This is almost identical to the method I taught Senika. I'm the only one that can do this, which must mean...

Thanks for this. I've been bored lately, so this is a nice change of pace.

To think there would ever come a day when you would actually do something helpful for me for once.

I didn't give it to you because I knew you'd like it. I want to learn exactly what this thing is.

It shouldn't take long.

I had a hunch as soon as I saw it.

Just as I expected.

This isn't "almost" identical...it's the exact method I taught Senika. There's not even a single deviation.

Look at this, Fumyr.

Hmm, I didn't think you'd be able to do it, but this is impressive.

I never knew manipulating mana was this difficult. Now I understand why those mages are always so on edge.

Only the incompetent ones act all stressed out. But this is nothing for someone as talented as me.

I've known this to be true, but you really are a braggart to the extreme, aren't you?

I'm only telling the truth.

...I never thought we'd meet again like this.

I guess there are some perks to living such a long life, heh.

Hey, look at this. I brought you a flower.

Ladiki told me that this would be something you'd like, though I'm not so sure myself...

But I'm sure Ladiki knows your preferences better than I do, Mom. So, do you like it?

Ladiki told me that I could stay at her place, but I felt uncomfortable so I left.

As for a roof over my head... I guess anywhere's fine, really. I'll survive until my place gets fixed up.

Oh right, I still get made fun of by the others whenever they see me with Ladiki but it doesn't bother me anymore.

You told me that no matter what they say, I just have to be confident in myself.

So, I'm going to be a good son and follow your advice, Mom.

It would have been better if I listened earlier, huh? I really was a troublemaker, wasn't I?

Oh, I still have that necklace you gave to me, Mom. Y'know, the one you always worried about me losing.

One time when I was walking Ladiki home, a bandit jumped us. But I kept the necklace safe by running as fast as I could.

Not bad, right?

You told me that you'd tell me all about this necklace when I grew up...but there's no one left who knows about it now.

...I miss you, Mom...

What's this? I thought it was some Human brat but it's not, huh?

It's because of eyesores like him that Humans don't realize how much better we are than them.

...Shadow Elves...

Urgh...!

You won't find any of your Human friends here. This isn't a place for scum like you.

Hey, I got a good idea. Let's make an example of him for those Humans.

Even if they've got a few drops of Shadow Elf blood in them, that doesn't mean I'm about to show any mercy to any Human.

Let's just halfway wreck him.

No, not in front of my Mom...!

There you are!

...?

What do you want?

This one's ours, so go find someone else to mess with.

If you come to places like this, it's hard to find you, even for someone like me.

Who are you? Do you know me?

You certainly look like her.

What...?

Well, stand up. I need you to come somewhere with me.

Who do you think you are?! You're just gonna pretend we don't exist?!

Wait, I think she knows that halfling. I thought they killed off all the Human sympathizers, but it seems they missed a few.

Hmm, what could you possibly do to me with magic like that?

...

*sighing* Idiots really tick me off.

Kgh...

...She dealt with all those Shadow Elves singlehandedly... But she's a Shadow Elf herself. Why would she attack her own people?

Did she do that for me...? But why...?

Hmm, how embarrassing. Acting all high and mighty when you're still just a novice.

This isn't the first time this has happened to you, is it?

Stop it with all this nonsensical jabbering. Just who, no, what in the world are you?

I've always been a bit of an outsider myself, so I can empathize with your situation.

Don't make me laugh. You're a Shadow Elf...

True...but the others certainly don't think that way.

A scar...

I don't have a Shadow Elf mark so they think I'm different than them. It's all so childish, isn't it?

...

Come along.

You won't have to worry about any Shadow Elves or Humans bothering you here. I've set up a barrier that prevents anyone other than those that I allow to even find this place.

You look old enough to know how to do things on your own, so if you need anything to eat, feel free to cook yourself something.

I'm only being so nice cause it's your first day.

...

What's with the long face?

Are you asking me to live here?

Were you listening to anything I just said?

What? I'm just supposed to blindly trust someone I know nothing about and live with them?

Wow, before even muttering a thank you you're just going to interrogate your rescuer? Some manners.

I never asked for your help.

Then why did the little puppy follow me home?

That's...

Because you've got nowhere else to go, right?

I'm thankful for your help, but I've no intention of living here. I also hate being in someone's debt.

That right there. That expression. You really do look just like Senika.

...!? That's my mom's name. How...

Because I was her friend.

...

We were researching the Tree of Genesis and the power it harbors.

The Tree of Genesis...

Again with the "Tree of Genesis?" That's so boring.

We'll only cause you're still just a kid.

"The power of the great Tree was the Shadow Elves' genesis... It's the repository of all wisdom."

That's the story you're going to tell me, isn't it?

Oh, my little boy is so smart, isn't he?

So, does this thing you gave me also have to do with the Tree of Genesis?

It looks just like a normal necklace... Can't you just tell me about it now?

You'll learn in due time.

When you need those things mommy left behind.

...Did my mom know what kind of power the Tree of Genesis had?

Senika and I knew how astounding the power actually was. That's why we started our work.

She and I are probably the only two Shadow Elves that got as close as we did to the Tree of Genesis.

And then something unexpected happened. We were separated and I could never find a way to get back into contact with her.

If it wasn't for Senika, I probably never would've been able to start the research.

Not too long ago, I found some ore. It contained mana and was discovered in the village of Shadow Elves that coexisted with Humans.

That's where I found traces of Senika and I was on my way to meet her.

But then I came across you. I could tell the moment I saw the gravestone and the expression on your face... I realized she was no longer of this world.

...

Look, even if you go back, you've got nowhere to go. You've lost your home and your family.

That's more than enough reason for you to stay here.

And if you're still adamant about leaving by the time the sun comes up, I won't stop you. It's up to you whether or not you want to stay.

...I best get in bed and pretend to be asleep before she nags me...

You're late.

...You're...not asleep...yet?

Oh, you know what those Humans say. "The older you get, the less you sleep."

But you're not even Human...

You've been coming home late recently. Just what have you been up to?

Is this...your mother's legacy?

Seeing as how that necklace is what let us bypass the barrier to get in here...everything must be extremely important.

These must be her records on the Tree of Genesis and its power.

There doesn't seem to be anything over here.

She probably set up another barrier. To make extra sure that not anyone could see it.

I wonder if I can dispel it.

Amazing.

What is?

You were always so indifferent when it came to the Tree of Genesis.

Argh... I can't do this. No matter what I do, there's no way to dispel it.

Why did she have to cast such a powerful and complex ward...

Fumyr said I'm the only one capable of dispelling the spell...but I don't think I can do this, Mom.

Should I just call it quits? The Tree of Genesis...never interested me anyway.

You're tired already? Your lack of tenacity certainly did not come from Senika.

Just because I'm her child doesn't mean I'm a carbon copy of her.

I just don't have the knack for it. This spell, or the dispelling of it thereof...I can't do it.

Look, maybe it's because I'm half Human, but magic and I just don't mix...

Wanna see something cool?

Something cool?

That withered flower just...came back to life.

I just used a teensy tiny bit of mana extracted from the Tree. That flower was originally an ordinary, withered plant, but now I've brought it back as a mana plant.

It's bioluminescent now and can even guide you down a path. But what you see here is only an infinitesimally small fraction of what's really possible.

If we're able to tap into the essence of the Tree of Genesis, just imagine how much more would be possible when we're actually able to understand it.

Living life on the run, being chased and bullied wherever you go... Just think of how much your life would improve if you no longer had to worry about such things.

I'll...

...

Try again.

I just became curious about what it is that Mom wanted to teach me.

And I thought it'd be fun if I did it with you...

Oh, so this is all an excuse because you wanted to spend some time with me?

It's...it's not like that.

Well, since you have me here, I'll play my part!

I told you it's not like that.

That's why I've been late.

Hmm, did you learn anything?

...Not yet.

I don't expect it to be easy. She used some weird incantation that even I don't know of to put up that barrier.

And I'm sure Ladiki hasn't been much help either.

Actually, Ladiki... Her just being there is encouraging to me.

There's a deeper meaning to that comment, isn't there?

A-Anyway...! I want to find out what Mom left for me.

I don't want to be in your debt any longer.

And I want to learn about the Tree of Genesis as well.

Okay, give it your best shot.

Now that we've got that out of the way, will you please stop nagging me about being late.

Hey, since when did I "nag" you?

When you nag with your expression, it's no different than with your words.

I feed you and give you a roof over your head, and now you think you own the place. That attitude reminds me of someone I knew.

Hey, you're the one who forced this unto me.

I just wanted to make sure the research was continuing. But, if that's what you want, I'll try to bother you less.

What's the occasion? You never leave the house.

I also need some fresh air once in a while.

I'm going to be out late today. Feel free to be late yourself.

I thought I told you to be on time.

Don't you think that maybe it's you who's always too early? Haha.

So, why'd you want to meet so suddenly? I doubt it's because you missed me.

I'm here to ask about the Mana Ore I gave you.

Oh, that.

I find your lack of communication suspicious. Silence from you is more concerning than anything else.

There's just nothing worth communicating. I also thought it was special, too, but what do you know? It's just ordinary Mana Ore.

It is not ordinary Mana Ore.

That may be what you think. But as someone who actually knows what they're talking about, I'm telling you it is.

You can take it back if you don't believe me.

...

Oh, right. I had to grind it up during research, so I only have residual dust left. If you need it you can have it.

Why are you keeping that one by your side?

What? We're just moving on to the next topic, just like that? Jeez, you really are too much.

You've kept him with you since the day I gave you the Mana Ore. Am I wrong?

...

Yeah, you're wrong. There's no big conspiracy here.

I dropped by the village after our talk and I found the boy just sitting there in front of his mother's gravestone. He had this look on his face like he had nothing left.

As someone who knows what it's like to only be half-Shadow Elf, I couldn't just leave him be.

Is that truly all?

It is, though I doubt someone with such noble blood as our dear commander would ever be able to understand me and why I'd keep an insignificant child with me.

It seems I've let my thoughts wander. I suspected that you were bringing up a successor to take after you if you were ever caught doing the despicable things you've done in the past.

Hmm, a successor, eh? If there was a pupil who could potentially surpass me, maybe, but you already know that's highly unlikely.

...

...

I don't care about your plans for the future, but I advise some caution in your actions.

Right back at ya. You know what'll happen if you mess with me.

Unlike someone who's about to succeed the throne, I've got nothing to lose.

The items you left to your son, and the barrier that only he could dispel.

That was enough for me to figure out what you had left behind, Senika.

They were what remained of everything you and I had learned about the Tree together.

I just used a teensy tiny bit of mana extracted from the Tree. That flower was originally an ordinary, withered plant, but now I've brought it back as a mana plant.

It's bioluminescent now and can even guide you down a path. But what you see here is only an infinitesimally small fraction of what's really possible.

If we're able to tap into the essence of the Tree of Genesis, just imagine how much more would be possible when we're actually able to understand it.

Living life on the run, being chased and bullied wherever you go... Just think of how much your life would improve if you no longer had to worry about such things.

I'll...

...

Try again.

If I let him carry on your legacy on his own as you wanted...and if I could just give him a hand when needed...

Then, with your strength and his, I too would be able to achieve my goal soon, or so I thought.

But...

Is it true that you got your hands on some interesting Mana Ore? What did you find out?

Nothing worth mentioning, really. It's just a plain hunk of rock that contains mana. That's all.

I beg to differ. Considering the fact that the mana in that ore is similar to yours, it's more than just a "hunk of rock."

Whatever. It's probably the work of some pathetic wannabe who stumbled upon one of my inventions.

I had heard that you've been conducting your research in secret ever since you got on Noias's bad side. So I wonder, how could anyone just "stumble upon" your inventions?

Ah, could it be during the time you ran around telling everyone you were going to discover the truth about the Tree of Genesis? Maybe someone thought, "what an interesting gal!"

What's with the interrogation? And why does it even matter? Ah, wait a second. Do you feel weak, so you're secretly hoping to get some Mana Ore from me but are too embarrassed to ask directly?

That's enough, Fumyr. I've warned you about running your mouth like that several times already.

Haha... It's fine. Really. This ordinary Mana Ore holds no special place in my heart.

The following day, the village that Fenris used to visit frequently was attacked by the extremists and burned to the ground.

A series of small skirmishes followed, just like every other day, and with them more fragile lives withered away...

But the flames of war, which I had never paid attention to in my life, came roaring up around me in the most unexpected way imaginable.

Let me go!

Don't be absurd. There's absolutely nothing you can do here!

I need to find Ladiki...! I promised I'd wait for her here!

Can't you see what's happening right now? If you waste another second lingering here, you're going to end up just like them!

Remember what happened to your mother?!

That's exactly why I can't just leave!

...!

No one knows where she is! She was all alone until the very end!

And I can't let that happen to Ladiki, too.

*loud chanting*

...More soldiers are coming this way as we speak.

Urk...!

I have no time to baby you, Fenris. Not today.

Fumyr... Are you sure...you're all right?

...Listen carefully. We don't have much time.

It's just a simple invisibility spell. Soon, they'll be able to find me again.

There's no escape for me. The ire of Noias is fully focused on me now.

...

But it's not too late for you.

Take these and go.

But...these materials are everything we've discovered about the Tree of Genesis. Why are you giving them to me? You said they're more precious than your own life!

That's exactly why I'm telling you to run! I'm putting my life's work in your hands. Don't you understand?

Keep them safe, okay? Hold on to them until I come back!

The mark of fidelity and protection is leaving you.

Agh...!

Shame. Reproach. Derision. Animosity... You will get no sympathy from your kind.

*gasping*

*panting*

...

Every time I have that dream, I feel that burning pain in my arm all over again as if it were still happening.

Even though I know very well that it's not real.

...Why didn't you wake me up until now?

Fenris.

Ladiki's death had a profound impact on Fenris, far greater than I ever anticipated.

He was dutifully following my instructions to stay out of the Human villages and not go anywhere until the dust settled.

...

But he was just an empty shell of a person.

How long are you going to stay that way, not talking or eating?

...

Whatever. Suit yourself.

Still, he never leaves the house.

He was always right where he was supposed to be, like a statue...

...

*sigh* Seriously.

...

I should never have brought him here if I knew he'd be such a handful.

The soldiers we dispatched after the village attack discovered this.

...

I'm sure you can tell. It's no ordinary Mana Ore.

If only I had gone there a little sooner, would I have been able to meet you?

Then this could've all been avoided...

...

...Fenris.

...How did you...?

There are only a handful of places you could've gone. You're quite predictable in that way.

I knew I could find you in a place where you could overlook Ladiki's village, and here you are.

You look awful, by the way. What happened to you?

Actually, I know what happened. I'm sure you went down to the village and got caught by the Human survivors there.

...I just wanted to know where Ladiki was.

And? Did you find out?

...

You thought they would welcome you with open arms and make merry as they guided you to your friend? Is that what you wanted from those who survived?

You're half-Shadow Elf. To them, you're no different from the ones who trampled their lands and massacred their families. And you expected them to treat you the same way they did before?

I'm grieving over the death of my friend... What does my race have to do with anything?

She was the only friend who truly understood me, the first one who ever reached out to me!

And now she's gone. Why do I have to be the one who thinks about all of that?!

...

I...don't know how to live in this world anymore.

I'm an explorer. I travel all over Erasia, studying civilizations and learning about history.

Civilizations and history...?

Ah, I haven't even properly introduced myself. I'm Senika, a Shadow Elf just like you.

...Fumyr.

Fumyr? That name sounds quite familiar, hmm...

...

The house is a mess because of you.

...What...?

Stop moping around and get up.

...

Do you remember our living arrangement? I let you crash at my place, and you do the cleaning. Well, you haven't done anything in days, so I had to do it all.

I'm tired of doing it all by myself, not to mention everything on my plate with my mana research. So, I want you to hold up your end of the bargain.

What in the world are you talking about...?

It's okay to mourn. But if you start losing hope and wallowing in self-pity just because you lost someone dear to you, you'll end up truly having nothing left.

...

Would Ladiki want that for you? I don't think so.

If you don't know how to live in this world, you can figure it out one step at a time. Maybe you can start thinking about what you want to do with your life or how you're going to do it.

You need to keep going even if you don't want to. That's the best you can do as long as you're alive and breathing.

...

Not only for Ladiki but your mom would've wanted that for you too.

It's all up to you now to make your own decisions.

I tried to act nonchalant when I said it was all up to him, but I was secretly worried whether he would make the right choice. Fortunately, he is slowly coming back to his old self.

He became so much more independent than he used to be, and now he tries hard not to rely on me, which I find a bit annoying at times...

But for now, I'm just glad that he's decided to navigate life on his own terms.

*SNORE*

...He's sleeping here this time? It's amazing how he can fall asleep anywhere as long as there's enough space for his head... Hmm, come to think of it, Senika was just like that.

Mmm...

Are all kids such sleepyheads? He's sleeping like a rock over here.

Come on, Fenris. It's time to wake up. You're going to catch a cold if you slee...

...Mom...

...Ah, fine. Who cares if it's freezing cold out here? You can do whatever you want, just don't give up.

It's all good. It's not exactly what I had had in mind, but it's not completely wrong either.

But...

...La...diki.

I still have some unfinished business with you.