Chapter 7: A beating should do the trick

What is it?

Yes, that's why I said we're going to where the phantoms live.

...What?

What? What are you talking about?

Sprite Master, could we talk for a moment?

I understand what Master is trying to say.

Yes, that's right. I should explain before Master causes any trouble...

The phantoms of Elias are quite different from what we typically call phantoms.

The phantoms in Elias aren't souls of deceased living beings.

Phantoms are like cousins to elementals.

Just like how from an evolutionary perspective, humans like you, Master, and primates belong to the same lineage.

I'm being completely serious.

We discovered this when we first landed in Elias and conducted reconnaissance.

We tried to subdue them with proton beam cross-attacks, but...

When that had no effect, we checked their energy frequency, and they were nearly identical beings with only a 0.0001% difference from elementals.

Because we shouldn't carelessly spread knowledge from your world to Elias.

Haven't you watched time travel movies?

Carelessly spreading knowledge that shouldn't exist in this world can interfere with the dimensional lines and cause irreversible consequences.

That was unavoidable for survival!

This place only had primitive bathroom facilities without proper drainage systems!

Earth is different.

It had reached a certain scientific level. That means it was okay to invade.

Yes, you catch on quickly.

Hey! What are you two talking about? Let me join in! Ashur only says boring things, and I'm bored!

What issues?

Don't worry. Our initial attacks on the phantoms had no effect, so they probably didn't even realize they were being attacked.

Since then, we've maintained an awkward neutral relationship, pretending not to see each other.

Master!

Since we're outside the elemental realm, we should be able to contact the kingdom using magic now.

What message should we send, Master?

Moving to... Phantom Marsh...

Just in case, we should ask for reinforcements...

Join as soon as... possible...

Tell them to bring a chest of chocolate cake.

...Fine, I got it.

Chocolate... cake...

Ah, specify that it should be just chocolate cake, not the weird ones with strawberry or other toppings!

No toppings...

Chocolate frosting... chocolate bread... chocolate cream...

...

I'll just skip the chocolate cake message.

Hey!!! Why did you even ask if you're going to ignore it?!

You should keep your demands reasonable...

Tch...

It usually takes between one minute to a week.

I should talk to the mayor about distributing communication devices. Such a primitive race...

But it's inconvenient! Quick communication is crucial for joint operations!

Well, now that we've informed the Head Priestess about our destination, let's head to the marsh.

Master!! Hurry up! I want to get this over with quickly and go home!

Hey, Fricle!

What now? Got another plan?

How dare you act so bold after ruining my perfect plan?!

Honestly, I don't think it was my fault...

If those weird folks hadn't interfered, it would have succeeded!

Well... that's true.

I guess... we'll have to get rid of those meddlers first.

You mean those ones? Were they that annoying?

They've gotten in my way before.

If we leave them be, they'll keep interfering.

So? What are you going to do?

Hmm... with this... it might work...?

What's that? A new toy?

You'll love it, Shaydi. Hehe...

An item that's right up your alley?

Yes, I've only heard about it and never been here before. Everyone avoids coming here...

Hey... help me out.

My feet... won't move...

Maybe it's because Her Majesty is the heaviest from eating so much?

Hey! I can hear you!! When I get out of here, you're getting a noogie!

O...Okay!

What's taking so long? Get me out of here!

Master?

Hey! You too?!

You're gonna get it, I swear!

What are you looking at? I said get me out!

What are you... doing?

What are you talking about?! Are you messing around again?!

Stop hitting and just pull me out! That hurts, you jerk!!

...

Master and Your Majesty, what on earth are you doing?

We don't have time for games, so get out of there quickly!

What do you mean?

Looks like she's stuck in the marsh.

Should I help you?

Now then, draw one.

You must be new here, this is the Marsh of Fate.

It's impossible to escape this marsh until you get your fortune told.

Well, I wouldn't know. I told you I'm new here.

Ah... I don't really get what's going on, but I just need to do what I'm told? Give me a card quickly.

Hmm?

What's this picture...

They're Fate Cards... hehehe...

Hieeeek!!!!

Hey!! What are you doing tearing that up!!

In the card... I saw myself chewing on tree roots for the rest of my life... I couldn't bear such a horrible future...!

...To be precise, the picture showed you hanging from tree roots trapped in the marsh, but the image can originally be interpreted in different ways.

Of course it is! Because I just drew it!

It's not cheating, it's real! Anyway, you've had your fortune told, so pay up!

I'm Alice, the master of the Marsh of Fate.

My hobby is to swindle fools who pass through the marsh.

Why is that unsettling? It's the truth.

At least we elves try to be subtle about deception... This is strange.

Anyway, quickly offer up your most precious good.

If you don't make an offering, the fate drawn on the card will befall your friend. Hehehe...

Master.

You said Her Majesty isn't moving? I think it must be that phantom's doing.

Elementals and phantoms are similar beings... they can disrupt magical flows. It's fatal for sprites. That phantom has the high ground here.

Maybe? Do you think you could persuade her?

Just give her something quick and get me out!!! I can't feel my legs!

What? You're not just giving me some worthless trash, are you?

'Holiday Surrender Contract'...?

Are you saying this junk is precious? Do you think I'm stupid? Give me something else!

What?

What?!

Wh-what...!

Hey!!!!!!!!

What kind of thoughts do you normally have to say something like that!

Perfect checkmate! I'm impressed, Sprite Master!

Ugh... to use the situation like this...

Pfft!

Kyahaha!

You, I quite like you.

Other phantoms would like you too! You're someone we can reason with.

I've lifted the curse that bound her feet, so take her.

It's been ages since I laughed at an outsider's joke.

A good joke is like treasure I'm trading her for your precious joke.

Since the joke's being traded with Her Majesty, it can't be that valuable.

I can hear everything!! I'm right here!!!

I'm not sure what's going on, but let's hurry before she changes her mind.

...

You need to pull me out to leave...

Maybe because it's a marsh, but everywhere looks similar...

Even my tracking skills are useless. Phantoms and elementals don't leave many traces...

We should have asked that phantom Alice for directions when we met her.

Those two went that way.

Whoa!? Don't just sneak up from behind and whisper in my ear!!

Of course! It's hard to find good shows these days.

I mean you lot. I'm curious to see what you'll do in this episode.

What's strange about it?

Anyway, it's good intel that you saw Sylla. Let's head in the direction this phantom said.

But why are you looking for Shaydi?

You say the great Shaydi is plotting something...?

Oh my goodness! This is hot news in the phantom society! If it's the great Shaydi, she must be preparing something huge...!

I don't have time to watch rookie shows like yours! I need to tell the others!

Hey! Where are you going!

She just left without listening to us.

Oh! Look here!

It looks like on of Sylla's arrows. It's identical to the ones she shot at us.

There are... footprints here too.

Looks like several people passed through...

Haaah!!!

Everyone, hang in there! We're almost done!

Ha! That's another one taken care of.

Hmm?

Isn't that Beni and Rufo? Are those Chow Rebels causing trouble again?

Chow Rebels...! We defeated those ones long ago!

This can't be! Be careful! They're evil doppelgangers!

A phantom?! Can't you even recognize the High Priest of the Yggdrasil Order?

That's right! I am Ner, High Priest of the Yggdrasil Order!

N-Ner? Did you come here after receiving our letter?

What's wrong with you, Master?

Master...?

To think the Master is here! I, Ner, am more delighted than ever!

I am Ner, High Priest of the Yggdrasil Order.

I am Erpin, the Spite General!

The strongest warlord among the sprites!

W-warlord...?

I am Ashur, the magical brain of the sprites!

Ashur, do you mean me? Well, I am smart...

The poorest-looking one among the sprites!

...

I'm Beni.

Yes, she's Beni.

You fool!

Don't ruin the immersion when we're in the middle of it!

For a leader, you really have no sense.

Everyone! Don't be swayed by the doppelgangers' words! Just trust me and do as I say!

So, High Priest, what's our next goal?

Eliminate the doppelgangers before us! These evil monsters are holding Master hostage!

Ashur, we can each handle our own doppelganger, right?

Yes, exactly! Let's each take care of one!

Waaahh! Master! Do something! They're trying to hit me!

These blockheads won't listen to reason!

Yes, Master.

Well... it happened this morning...

Ner came to us suggesting we go on an Adventure.

...I'm not sure. She looks pretty much the same to me.

Anyway, we defeated the Scarecrow Priestess-Queen in Sprite Kingdom...

Then wiped out the Chow Rebel gang with their Dynamite and Blowgun...

And we smashed and knocked over all the trash cans on the elven streets.

We're trying to make Elias ours before it falls into the villain's hands.

Then we'll transcend into cosmic rulers and become the center of the world.

Yeah, hanging out with the High Priest is fun. Hehe...

Erpin Punch! Erpin Punch!

Oww! Ack! Gyaah!! Stop it already!! This is so annoying! Uweeek!

Tig? Who's Tig? Tig has long disappeared, devoured by Erpin.

Master! Join hands with me and let's rule the universe!

Tch... Captain Tig...! Looks like this is as far as we go.

Damn... I didn't imagine my fun time would end like this...

You're always causing trouble whenever we meet, seriously!

Master... how could you say that...

On what grounds are you calling this cosplay, Master? Can you prove that I'm not Ner?

Master... you're being unreasonable.

According to the sacred rites of the Yggdrasil Order, after washing your hands clean, one kneels and prostrates before Yggdrasil, then clasps both hands together to pray!

Master is smart!

I-Impossible!

Order and royal authority should be treated equally, so the Queen and Ner are equals, and the Master is above me!

Ugh... That's not entirely wrong... ah, like an arrow to the chest...

Oh, my!

I... I... ugh...

Uwuwu... hic... waaah...

Master, you made Ner cry! You're so evil!

This seems... a bit too much.

Honestly, it all seems like fun and games, pushing too hard is...

Woo... Trash...

It's Speaki...

Yes... Speaki...

Just... having fun... waaah...

I heard rumors about sprites having fun adventures... I wanted to be like that too... *sniff*...

Ugh. This is why serious people are no fun. Making an innocent friend cry, how petty!

Huh?

Ah... That's impossible!

Master has shattered everyone's immersion, so this game is no longer fun!

Chow Rebels! We're done here for the afternoon! Let's return to the hideout!

Yes, Captain!

Since it's mealtime anyway, I'll go too. Take care, Master!

They all left... Now I'm all alone again... *sob*... *sniff*...

Master! What are you going to do! Why did you make her cry...!

Huh?

R-really?

Is the High Priest Ner really traveling with Master and the Queen?

Awesome!

Master, you're weak to tears, huh... hehe... if you make things difficult for me in the future, I'll just let the tears flow.

Ouch! Why did you hit me?!

Good heavens!

There are enemies everywhere! It's too dangerous here!

The pumpkins, the pumpkins! Master, can't you see these pumpkins right now?

It's a picky eating 'struggle'! Pumpkins are the worst!

When boiled into porridge, they turn golden and confuse you about whether they're delicious or not, those evil things!

Don't you just ignore me!

...

...

You're so dense... you told her to act as Ner.

Yes! I'm High Priest Ner of the Yggdrasil Order!

This is... the Yggdrasil Order Headquarters!

This is where all important matters are handled, from holy wars to cosmic conquest!

I think this is the phantom house.

This is where Ner's friends gather!

That small one is Pumky, and the biggest one here is Pumking.

Ah...

...Not funny.

N-No, nothing! Ner is just happy to introduce Friends to other Friends!

What do you mean?

The great Shaydi?

I haven't seen her because she went out to play with Erpin and Ashur today!

I think she's talking about Tig and her gang...

But why are you looking for Shaydi?

Elemental...? You mean those 'No Funnies'?

Yes! That's the nickname we gave them because they're so boring!

Yes.

What's wrong? Why do you suddenly look worried...

The great Shaydi... um... I don't really know.

Of course Ner wouldn't know that! Ner is the High Priest of the sprites!

But since Ner is the High Priest... Ner can receive a revelation!

It's not me who receives the revelation! As the High Priest, I bestow it upon others!

Hmm...

Since Your Majesty has an important position, I'll bestow it upon Your Majesty.

Me?

Well... I am pretty important.

Then get down and prostrate yourself.

...? What?

Hey, Master. Are you sure this is okay?

Master...! How can you maintain your position with such weak faith?

Why won't you understand that even I, Ner, have no choice but to do this?

Do I really have to do this?

I'm the queen here, who are you to give orders, you mere Master?

Your Majesty, we're just playing along. Let's just go with it.

Tch... but this is kind of annoying...

Tch... try anything funny and you'll regret it...

Now, I shall bestow the revelation upon you.

When Ner swings the holy sword, you will hear the voice of the divine...!

ARGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!

Ow! That hurts!!!

Kyahaha!

This kiddo, really! You just made that up because you wanted to hit me!

Ah! The divine voice echoes from the heavens...!

What's echoing?!

If you walk 0.4 light-years east-west for a day, you shall reach the land where the scythe's phantom dwells. You shall reach it.

What's this kiddo up to?!

Which direction is east-west anyway? East? West...?

Walking 0.4 light-years in a day doesn't make any sense!

Ner never lies!

...

...

Ner was honest! The divine words are always truthful!

What do you mean?

What are you doing, Master?

Hmm... I guess that's better than our current situation getting nowhere. You have a point, Master.

Do you need... other friends besides Ner?

Are you... abandoning me?

Yeah, we're getting rid of you, you brat!

The nerve of you, talking back after hitting people with a staff!

Ugh...!

Do I look like I wanna calm down to you?! Huh?!

I already didn't like this pumpkin patch... Ugh!! I'm done with this!

No, stop! Don't destroy it!

You're hurting me!

Speaki will tell you! I'll tell you where the other phantoms live! Destroy their homes instead of mine!

How can I trust you?! If you don't spill it right now, I'll turn this pumpkin patch into pumpkin puree!

Someone lives on the hill 100 steps from here!

Speaki counted the steps while playing there! It's true!

I never actually apologized, but I'll pretend I did!

Sigh... So what you're saying is the truth?

Yes! A phantom named Espi lives there! It's not my house, so you can destroy that one!

We're taking her with us.

She might be lying. If it's a lie, I'm coming back to destroy all the pumpkins!

Eek! Speaki was wrong. Please don't destroy them!

Let's hurry up and go!

It's exactly 100 steps like Speaki said!

That's Espi's house!

So it wasn't a lie... Hmm.

Lead the way then.

What do you mean?

But... Speaki was honest, so shouldn't you let me go now?

Of course not! It could still be a trap! You go first!

Arrgh...

I can't remember Espi's hypnotic trap patterns, it's been too long...

Master, you always act so smart but couldn't even see through this?

Well, well... How pathetic, truly pathetic...

It's okay! Speaki will bravely break through the traps!

I have no choice since I'm being threatened! Please remember Speaki's courage!

Hup!

*Zzzz*

Is she... sleeping?

Well, there is something like that... but with the interference waves at the Phantom Marsh, the results might be strange or worse!

I have experience with disarming explosives... but this is different.

Understood, Master.

Let's see... drawing a magic circle...

Reading the flow of magical energy...

Ah! This is taking too long! Hiiyah!

Ah! Your Majesty, if you suddenly push me-

*Snore*

Understood. I have the mandatory protective gear for hazardous field operations... not here.

...Then I can't do it.

This violates safety protocols! Even in the heartless Elven Empire, there are safety regulations...

Hey! What are you muttering about?! Just get in there!

No! How cruel! To suddenly push like that...!

*Snore*

How are we supposed to climb the hill like this?!

They're just falling asleep, that's all!

Why don't we just wake up the ones who got caught in the trap?

Hey! Wake up!

Huh... what?

It was... horrible... It felt like 500 million years passed while I was sleeping...

Wake up the others, quickly!

Um... Your Majesty.

Why?

I don't want to have that horrible dream anymore... I can't do this anymore!

That's right! Even our Mayor doesn't exploit us like this!

We just need to go one more step forward!

Every time I fall asleep... I'm trapped in a black room for 500 million years...

Speaki can't maintain sanity anymore...

Ah! Morale is at rock bottom. Is it finally time to show it?

Noblesse oblige.

You're here too.

As Master, aren't you the noblesse of all noblesse?

You dare to DEFY the Queen's ORDERS?

What?

Hey! Don't come any closer!

Aaaargh! Betrayal, betrayal! This is mutiny!

*Snore*

The trap is gone now, let's wake up Her Majesty quickly!

Ugh... mmmh?

Ah, geez... I was sleeping so well... Why'd you have to wake me up...

Dreams? I'm not sure... But I feel like I had such a good sleep, my head even feels clearer now.

*Whisper, whisper* Master, they say idiots don't dream. *Whisper, whisper*

I was wondering what all the commotion was about... Speaki, is that you?

Espi!

I told you there'd be no traps if you came through the back door.

Speaki did not remember...

What are these sprites and elves doing here? And that weird one in between?

Something to ask?

Where Lady Shaydi lives?

If you walk about 0.4 light-years east or west...

See! Speaki wasn't lying!

Is there really such a place?

Hmm...

Which direction are we supposed to go exactly?

Hmm...

You. You look interesting.

I don't think I've seen your kind in Elias before... Very intriguing.

You must be tired, why don't you come inside? I'll serve you some tea.

H-hey, got any hot chocolate?

Of course.

Let's go in! Hurry!

Well, suit yourself if you don't want to.

Master! Let's go in right now! I'm exhausted from walking all the way from Elemental Mountain!

Are we really going in?

Can we trust her?

...

That's right. She already went in alone.

Speaki will wait outside.

What? But... Speaki wants to wait outside like a good phantom!

Wah... Waaah...

Hmm...

Don't worry too much. You're just sleeping.

I don't know what kind you are, I've never seen your race or a dream of yours... This should be interesting...?

Now, shall we see what kind of dream you'll have?

Do you really think you can wake up from a dream like that?

Just give up and show me your deepest dreams. I've even prepared popcorn... hahaha...

Hehe! You think you can wake up from my sleep trap with something so simple?

Time flows differently in dreams. Want to see who can wait longer?

Huh?

...

...?

Huh? Wait a second.

What are you thinking... huh?

Whoa whoa! Stop... wait... stop it!

Eeek!!! Ughhhh!!!! No! What is this!!!

Master! Wake up!

She's writhing in agony over there in the corner.

I don't know what you did, but the hot chocolate is off the table now!

Too... dark... *huerk*... never want to see that again... *gack*...

Master, you broke Espi!

How did you escape from your dream?

This is the first time I've seen someone break free from Espi's dream trap on their own...!

What horrible method did you use to reduce Espi to this state?

Nooo... ughh... don't want...

You...! How can you stay sane having dreams like that!

Usually other people's dreams are like bright, hopeful theme parks!

Urgh... what a hopeless creature...

Don't lie! You started it!

Look at these shameless home invaders who forced their way through all my traps, making excuses...

Master! Don't show weakness!

What?

Master, we already got the answer to walk 0.4 light-years east-west.

Well... Your Majesty rushed headlong into an obvious trap...

Are, are you blaming me?! If we all went in together, we're all responsible!

Don't try to shift the blame!

If you're done, get out of my house!

You didn't give us hot chocolate! You said you would!

How could I possibly have any, are you stupid?! Everyone except you knew it was a trap!

Tch... tch...

Espi! Are you home?

Huh? Alice?

Huh...? What's this, why is everyone here? Even Speaki?

Do you know them?

They're the ones I saw near my house.

Espi, Espi! Hot news, hot news!

I heard from them that the great Shaydi is preparing the biggest performance in Elias!

What...?

The great Shaydi?

Is it that the rumored Operation Elias Destruction?

That must be it! The great Shaydi would totally do something like that! Won't it be super fun?

Are you saying I almost missed such a big event because of these trespassers?

Wait... come to think of it, you invited us in at the door... so we're not trespassing!

Let's hurry to Shaydi and ask for front-row tickets!

We're not going alone, right? What about the others?

Already visited them all. Espi and Speaki were the least close ones, so I came by last.

Thanks for even coming. Now let's hurry!

Yeah, yeah! Hurry up, Speaki! It's such a pain to look after everyone like this!

Uh... uuhm...

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed. I thought I was going crazy.

Right. Just like when I tell Your Majesty 'Please visit the bakery again' while thinking 'Please stop coming' inside.

I'm right here! Keep those thoughts to yourself!!

That's just how phantoms are...

No... Speaki is scared of other phantoms...! I prefer Master who's easier to take advantage of because you're always so nice!

Look at this one too. Just saying such things without care. Why are phantoms so shameless?

Something feels off. Watching these phantoms talk makes me uncomfortable.

It's like... how should I put it...?

...They seem to have no filter.

Filter?

Don't they just blurt out everything without distinguishing between what should and shouldn't be said?

Of course I felt the same! What do you think me as?

Socio... what? Stop using difficult words that only you understand!

Concept... war-what? Stop using difficult words that only you understand!

Master, anyway, shouldn't we follow them since they said they're going to see Shaydi?

Speaki.

Can't you follow them?

I can... follow them! But...

I can't take you all with me... only Speaki can go.

Do phantoms have their own way of moving...? Interesting.

What's the use? It's worthless if only Speaki can go.

Does Master trust Speaki?

Maybe... there's a phantom who could help you.

There's a scary phantom.

The scariest phantom among all phantoms... one that no one dares to approach.

That phantom should be able to transport all of you to Shaydi!

In terms of power, she's as capable as Shaydi!

Yes! But she's lacking in everything else! That's why other phantoms drove her away! So she lives alone!

What does "bullying" mean? It sounds fun!

Good thinking, Sprite Master. Teaching her that would have irreversible consequences for Elias.

Yes! She lives in that tower on the hill!

Hmm... I'm not sure about this.

Right. If she's said to be the scariest phantoms... wouldn't she be the strangest one?

She might attack us without warning...

She might start hurling words that violate content guidelines the moment she sees us.

Yes, Monatium's content guidelines.

Then we have no choice.

We'll stay behind, so Master, you go in first.

Ah, that's...

Rim.

Who might you be?

Ugh... it suddenly got cold around here...!

That's the phantom! It's the chill she's emitting!

I asked... who you are?

If you make me ASK again...

...I'll unmASK you.

...

?????

That's it! Rim is a cursed phantom who can only tell lame jokes! Her curse is to emit awkwardness just by existing!

Urgh... I apologize for being so rude to my guests. Please understand it's due to my inherent nature from birth.

Ugh! That awkward attempt at social pleasantries is melting Speaki's brain!

Speaki's gonna run away! Hiyaaaa!!!!

Hey! Where are you running to! Hey!! Won't you stop?!

She's already gone, Your Majesty.

Come inside. It's been a while since I've had visitors who aren't phantoms.

It's been a while since I had any visitors at all...

It's a trap! She's obviously using drinks as bait to lure us in!

I don't have any drinks.

W-What?

Phantoms only drink Boo-ze! Ah, I must stop...

...

Master, I don't want to go in! If we follow her in, I feel like everyone's gonna hit the quit button! At least give us some options!

The quit button of life. I'm about to press my mission failure self-destruct switch.

That's right.

So, are you coming in?

So... Shaydi manipulated Sylla to try to destroy Elias?

Sylla all filled with rage came after Shaydi into the Phantom Marsh...

And Shaydi was plotting everything with a Witch named Fricle?

Not surprising.

Because I've stopped Shaydi every time she tried something similar.

Shaydi has always enjoyed trying to ruin the world.

Not bad. It's just like in our nature.

Phantoms lack the empathy to understand others.

I just dug my own little well, but in essence, I'm the same as all other phantoms.

I didn't want to be one of them who just mumbles along with other phantoms' comedy routines.

Of course, as a result of being too unique, I became like a singularity among phantoms... but I'm not ashamed of that uniqueness.

You mean about shows and performances?

Phantoms think of everything as one big show. They think their very existence is a comedy.

With their lack of empathy, they can't do comedy that other races or... even their own kind would understand, but they're always enjoying themselves.

Each phantom has their own theme they believe in.

Alice's is fate, Speaki's is identity, and Espi's is dreams.

My theme is balance.

I am the base of reason. The sole grounding weight that steadies the scale against... all the foolishness of my kin.

Based.

Ah... so it's a pun using 'based' that I agree- ah...

I'm sorry. It's just how I am...

It's fine. I'm used to being the outcast among phantoms, so I'm familiar with situations like this.

Chaos. Shaydi's goal is to make Elias 'somewhat' chaotic.

Because there can't be a perfect state of chaos.

You could say that.

Because I didn't know.

Yes.

Something is strange about this. Usually when Shaydi causes trouble, I gotta feeling-... eherm I get this strange sensation...

This time that feeling was strangely silent.

Like silent feel... silent hil-

She's definitely plotting something, so I need to find her. I think she's getting help from that Witch.

Since Shaydi isn't the type to be careful about hiding her tracks... I think that witch named Fricle is helping her.

All of you?

With... with me?

B-but...

You're... the first one who's ever said you'd come with me...

Friend...

Fri-end.

Ah, so the end goal is friend-

Ah! There they come!

Master! Are you okay?!

Worry is worry. Do you know how guilty I felt letting you go alone?

Your Majesty was disqualified for cheating at hide-and-seek and got all sulky, so all I could do was worry.

Hey! How dare you tattle on me?! That's not fair!!

You're the queen! Isn't it stranger that there is something to tattle about! Have some dignity, DIGNITY!

See! This pushover says they get it, yet you're making a fuss, Ashur!

Ouch!! You said you understand! You understand!!!!

I-I see.

Looks like things worked out well. A phantom helping us...

Nice to meet you, I'm Rim. Looking forward to working together.

Hmm... nice to meet you.

If the Sprite Master says so... I'll trust you.

Yes. Please hold hands, everyone.

I'll transport everyone to Shaydi's Dimension.

Dimensional travel? Something like that is possible?

With Shaydi's Dimension it's possible.

It's a subspace secretly carved out from the Phantom Marsh.

So that's what the 0.4 light-years east to west meant?

Well, we can't exactly do point-blank shooting from the eastside to the westside.

.......

Nope, I don't want to be friends with her! Bye, I'm going home!

It's like an instinct that comes out unconsciously. I-I'm sorry...

Hmm, not talking to you...

P-please understand just this once...! Forgive me! I don't want to be left alone!

Look at you debasing yourself? Let go!

Based. Banger. Basic... that came out wrong... ugh...

Tch... tch...

Hmph, we'll see about that.

Now everyone, please stay still while holding hands.

If you move even slightly, you might accidentally end up alone somewhere in Elias...

Alone...

You're getting ready for another joke, aren't you?! I'm watching you, tch!!

If-if you end up a-alone, you might become lost and never be found again.

Now then...! Phew...

Oh space-cutting G-force, heeyaap!!!!

She slashed the air with a scythe... and a portal-like thing appeared!

Here we are. This is Shaydi's subspace... her roost.

Whoa... what is this place for?

I can't believe somewhere like this exist in Elias...! The magical flow here is incredibly chaotic!

You could write thousands of pages of research papers about this place!

Yes, yes. We heard Professor Snoozefest Ashur's lecture alright.

Could you not make fun of someone's academic enthusiasm?!

Look around why?

Who are they?

Huh? Why are they here...

It's Rim!!!

Rim has shown up!!! We're all doomed!!

Ugh... ungh...

I'm fine. I'm used to it.

Rim will ruin everything!

What's with them? Why are they talking like that?

Rim will throw cold water on Shaydi's performance and turn it into a merciless cringe fest!

...

Ugh... tch... this is making me feel bad...!

Hey! How can you stay so calm when they're mocking you?!

What do you mean?

Rim's gonna cry! Woohoo! Hihihi!

Arrgh...

Can all of you just shut up?!!!!!

...?

Honestly, none of you are funny at all!

What's so funny about making fun o a friend and casually throwing around mean words?!

I don't get any of this!! At least Rim doesn't put others down even if her jokes aren't funny!

Defending Rim? That's bottom of the barrel scraping funny!

Yeah, that's right! Hahaha!

Friendship is more important than jokes!! A true friend should laugh even at unfunny jokes!

*Whisper, whisper* Master, did Her Majesty laugh even once at Rim's jokes? *Whisper, whisper*

You won't be friends with me? Good riddance! You don't deserve to be my friends anyway!

I will not stand for this anymore! I'll be your friend, Rim! I won't let anyone mock you!

Friend...

Hmph! I'm too nice for my own good. But that doesn't mean I'll tolerate weird jokes, so keep them in check, got it?!

O-Of course...

Oh... Rim... finally made a friend? Congratulations!

Shaydi?!

Wow! This is truly amazing!

Shaydi! Whatever you're planning, stop it right now.

Stop? Stop what?

I know you came here to mess with Elias's balance, so don't try anything funny!

But... I've already done everything I planned to do.

Besides, I'm also one of the new friends, aren't I? Hehe...

What...?

Phantoms and elementals! The big event is about to begin!

Today's show will see some unexpected main characters! Rim and her newly made friends!

Uuuuugh

And facing them as the villain is the former wind elemental! The vengeful spirit, super rookie Sylla!

Woooooow!

..."Former" wind elemental?

I'll... I'll destroy everything...!

Something's wrong with Sylla! Her eyes are totally unfocused!

Honestly, I was surprised too.

She came to me full of anger, so I was just playing around and ended up controlling her mind. I didn't think it would actually work.

Sylla could be controlled with only word at Elemental Mountain... Does that mean, complete domination is possible in Shaydi's Dimension?

That's impossible.

While elementals and phantoms are like family... elementals are elementals, and phantoms are phantoms.

Just like flipping a paper doesn't turn the front into the back.

Huh? On Sylla's wrist... is that a new Bracelet?

Could it be... Master, Master!

Remember the magical spell I used to subdue elementals before?

I can sense a similar magical energy from that bracelet!

Those briars are accessories used by witches!

They use different magical techniques from us, and they seem more advanced than our sprite magic!

Hey, bread-et sprite.

It's actually pronounced BERET and it's a magic hat!

Y-Yes! Magical hat sprite? Will removing the wind elemental's bracelet bring her back to her senses?

I've never seen anything like this either... but maybe?

Understood. Leave it to me.

G, please. Hiyaap!

Huh?! An attack?

Hmm? What was that? I thought you were actually swinging at me... but you missed!

Lost your touch from being cooped up in your room? Haha!

I wasn't aiming for you.

What?

Ugh... my head... hurts...!

W-What's this? What did Rim do? The wind elemental is acting strange!

Ah! Rim made another bad joke! No Fun, No Fun!!

What am I doing...? Where am I...

What?!

Shaydi...? Ugh, dizzy... my wrist hurts... ugh...

She's just unconscious! I'll protect her!

You ruined my plans again...?! Rim!!! What did you do to my new toy?!

Shaydi! It's over! Give up quietly and stop this!

Y-You comedy-immune... commune!! How long are you going to keep interfering!

L-Look! Shaydi and Rim are about to fight!

This is bigger than a mega event!!!

These phantoms never change... ugh... creepy.

Fight! Fight!

Fine! I'll give everyone what they want.

Let's settle this here and now, Rim.

Shaydi isn't planning to give up. Everyone should prepare themselves!

We're Friends! We just need to protect each other!

Yes...!

Rim is fighting head to head with Shaydi!

Look over there!

Ugh!

What's wrong, Rim? Lost your edge from being alone too long?

Edge... sharp as a tack...

Euuughh!! I can't stand it!! I'll sew that mouth of yours shut so you can never make those jokes again!

Rim is being pushed back a little!

Maybe it's because this is Shaydi's roost?

And all the phantoms around are cheering for Shaydi...

What about Sylla? She's stunned.

Ah... an elemental's weapon? Elementals and phantoms are similar...

Breaking a Noble Phantom's space with a Noble Elemental's weapon?

Maybe... maybe it could work...?

Oh? That theory sounds convincing!

Shaydi did say that Sylla came here alone!

Neutralizing phantom power with elemental power...? Or just a clash of similar powers?

Hmm... that's something we'd need to research properly to understand-

Argh! Chitter-chatter! Hey!! Why don't we just try it!

Huh? Your Majesty! What if something goes wrong?!

I don't care, I'm just going to shoot! If we do nothing, Rim will lose!

What's this? Why won't it draw back? Ugh...

The elementals interfere with magical flow, remember? That's why Your Majesty can't use her powers properly.

Without magical power, the only one who can draw this bow is...

...

...

Hey! You with the big ears! Canna! Try drawing this bow!

You're always carrying weapons bigger than yourself, you brute, so you should be able to draw it, right?

B-brute, how dare you...!

Phew! This is an urgent matter, so I'll let it slide for now.

Back in my training days I used practice archery... Anyway, where am I supposed to shoot this?

How should I know? Just shoot it at the sky for now.

Hmm... then...!

Hiyaaaaaah!!

...

...

As expected, nothing happened...

How about aiming at Shaydi instead of the sky?

It's been so long since I've used a bow, I'm not sure if I can shoot that accurately...

W-whoa!

What's that sound?!

What? What are you doing...!

The sky...! It's Elias's sky!

My subspace...!

This is the end, Shaydi.

Argh!!! W-what?! When did...!

Your tricks won't work anymore.

Now that you're in my domain, you can't defeat me.

No way!! Lady Shaydi lost! The boss has been defeated!!!

Everyone run! Rim ruined everything again!!!

Guh... Making me lose face in front of everyone again...!

This isn't about losing face, Shaydi.

You shouldn't have done this in the first place.

Let go of me right now! How much more are you trying to embarrass me?

I'll do it as many times as needed to stop you.

Enough already! I will never cease-!

Caesar Salad.

Urgh...!

Just destroy me then! If I'm going to keep getting in your way like this, just end me!

Shaydi...

Without you, I can't exist either.

She does all the bad stuff herself and then sits there whining, sheesh...

She seems fine. She's just stunned.

Hmph, I just picked it up in the marsh.

W-what?! How did you know?!

What? You...!

Wow! Master, what's going on? How are you so smart? How did you know?

How should I know? She was merely my toy vending machine.

Isn't that obvious? You think a phantom would be pushed around by a simple witch?

That's true. A phantom like Shaydi wouldn't take orders from a witch.

Our interests just happened to somewhat align.

She had something to gain from me, and I had something to gain from her.

What's the point of explaining that now? After you've ruined everything, are you trying to make me look even more pathetic?

If you're done here, just shut up and get out!

Master, then what will you do about... Shaydi?

She's too dangerous a phantom. If we leave her be, she's bound to cause another major incident...

Well, go ahead and try. Hehe...

No!

What's with you? Are you trying to defend Shaydi?

Aren't you angry after being mocked like that?

Really? We're just going to leave her like this?

Isn't that too lenient? It was dangerous this time... if something similar happens again...

We have no choice. Shaydi must be allowed to remain active.

Yes. Without Shaydi, I have no reason to exist.

Rather... if Shaydi disappears, another phantom with enough power to fill that void... would take her place.

Are you saying you might become like Shaydi?

Keep dreaming. You, Rim?

It could be me, or it could be another phantom taking Shaydi's place.

Balance isn't maintained by one alone.

...Alright, fine! Let's just go back.

You understand?

I feel uneasy about this... but I don't want to see a new friend turn bad.

Of course, I trust you too. Make sure Shaydi doesn't cause trouble next time!

Could you stop talking like you raised me?!

What kind of way is that to talk to a queen, you little Master?! Ner I could understand!

Rim, come visit Sprite Kingdom whenever you want. Stay and have fun as long as you like.

Huh? Yes...!

Hehe...

I'll brief the mayor on what went down.

Building communications with phantoms could be a good opportunity for Monatium too.

Um... come to think of it... Master?

If it's alright, how about giving Rim the security comms instrument we received from Amelia earlier?

Security instrument to contact Monatium?

S.I.T.CO.M, I see.

...

...

I-I'm sorry... Please forgive me... ugh...

Urgh... The quality of these jokes is just terrible, my brain feels like it's melting. If we're done here, everyone just get out...!

Not knowing what jokes to use, just forcing in whatever comes to mind... This awkwardness... urgh... I feel sick...

Rim, you're banished from today. Step one foot in Sprite Kingdom and it's straight to the farm with you.

It's hard to resist instinct... Please understand...!

Ah! Finally, home, sweet home!! The smell of baked goods in the streets! So nice

It's been so long since I've stepped foot on my home...!

My head is still spinning.

But... my mind is calmer now.

If you'd like, I can help you back to Elemental Mountain?

An Elf? You?

What's wrong with that? We've cleared up our misunderstandings now...

For future betray-... I mean, diplomatic relations, I should at least do this much.

I absolutely, absolutely am not receiving orders through earphones!

Are you trying to get revenge because Sylla kidnapped Elena?

Ah. We Elves are totally cool about such things!

We join hands when we need to, and cut ties clean when we have to.

You could say we're excellent at separating personal matters from business.

I'm not sure. Although my hatred only grew because of Shaydi's mischief...

I still have my guard up because of what the elves have done.

I'm telling you it's all a misunderstanding!

Setting aside how well you take care of lesser elementals... aren't you secretly dumping waste?!

Ugh... hehe... Well, that part isn't a misunderstanding...

Can't Master talk to Elena and make her stop that?

We can't keep fighting with the elementals like this every day.

Well, Elena agreed to play nice with us, so maybe something can be worked out?

Are you capable to do that?

...

I understand.

It looks like you're just throwing words around, but who will listen to what you have to say?

I'm not believing without reason.

I believe because of what you've done.

You came to Elemental Mountain and exposed Shaydi's plot...

You followed me to Phantom Marsh and saved me...

I can... give you that much trust... at least.

I suppose you're right.

Then I'll escort the wind elemental back and return to Monatium.

What a great strategy, Master! Yes, sir!

I'll see you next time.

Once the chaos at Elemental Mountain settles, I'll come back to properly show my gratitude.

Master! If you say that, you'll have to help her later when she bothers you!

Just say goodbye properly!

Tch...

Hmm... but...

No, something feels... empty. Strange...

Are you preparing another lecture about academic passion or something?

That's not it, Your Majesty!

Don't you feel like we've forgotten something?

What's there to forget? Everything worked out fine.

Come to think of it... This wasn't the reason we left the Sprite Kingdom in the first place...

Everyone's back! Why did it take so long?

Ner! Didn't you get our letter?

Letter? I haven't received it... Seems the magical mail delivery is delayed again. I'll read it when it arrives.

Well then... please hand it over now.

Hand over what?

Account books... ledger...

Huh? Uh... cheat... sheets...?

Why do you all suddenly look so flustered?

You look like you've lost sight of your original goal and got sidetracked doing other things...?

Hurry up... Hand. It. Over. Weren't you supposed to resolve this before coming back...?

Eeek!

Ner's expression is getting weirdly distorted! Master! Do something! Master!!!

...

Everyone, I'm so sorry!

Speaki needs the references to become the Perfect Ner.

I need copies of the sprite documents...!

And if I can just grab the Master at the end as well... Speaki will become Ner... hehe!