One of the regions that made up the vast territory of the Lughwood Forest was its intricate underground tunnels. These galleries connected various points of the area, although most of them ended in dead ends or deep underground water reserves. Exploring these passages was risky, not only because of their complexity and the lack of oxygen in certain areas but also due to the presence of creatures that had made the darkness their home.
Throughout history, many inhabitants of the Algorythia Empire had tried to map and conquer this network of tunnels. However, the exact size and totality of its paths remained a mystery. Despite this, the maps created by generations of explorers provided a valuable guide, though many of them were imprecise or incomplete.
The elves, who had lived near the forest for centuries, also possessed maps of the underground area. Their longevity allowed them to preserve knowledge across generations, ensuring the reliability of their records. Unlike humans, who transmitted information through manuscripts that could deteriorate or be misinterpreted, the very elves who had drawn the maps could testify to their accuracy.
At present, the elves were using these maps with a clear objective: to infiltrate Bytea. They knew there was an underground passage that led directly to the city, as they had detected that humans used it for illicit activities, including the clandestine slave trade of elves.
The narrow tunnel passage was occupied by a group of elves advancing in silence. They did not carry torches, as the light from fire could betray them. Instead, they used makeshift lamps made from bioluminescent fungi, whose faint bluish light allowed them to move without problems, thanks to their keen night vision.
Reinell: Are you sure it's this way?
Elendor (checking the map he held in one hand): Yes, we should be on the right path. If these maps aren't wrong, we're almost there.
(A glimmer of determination crossed his face as he added in a low voice:)
Elendor: This time, I'll do a good job. I have to make up for my previous mistake in front of Runa-sama.
(Reinell narrowed his eyes upon hearing those words.)
Reinell: Elendor... Do you trust Runa that much? Doesn't it seem a little strange?
(Elendor blinked and turned his head.)
Elendor: Strange? Why do you say that?
(Reinell lowered his voice, as if fearing that someone else might hear.)
Reinell: It's not that... It's just that everyone follows her so naturally, as if she's always been the leader. She adapted too quickly to her role after Fimas's death. Almost like she planned it.
(Elendor frowned. Reinell's words were dangerous. It was almost as if he was implying that Runa was responsible for Fimas's murder.)
Elendor: Reinell... Are you...?
(Reinell swallowed hard. He realized too late that what he had said could be interpreted as a betrayal. If Elendor decided to inform Runa, he couldn't predict how she would react. But then, Elendor let out a chuckle.)
Elendor: Ah, I get it now! You're jealous because Runa can socialize better than you since she arrived in the village.
(Reinell went silent for a moment before frowning.)
Reinell: It's not that...
Elendor: Come on, if you stopped acting like some mysterious "dark hunter," people would take you more seriously.
(Reinell sighed, but the tension on his face eased slightly.)
Elendor: I understand that you're still affected by Fimas's death, but I don't think Runa's involved in that. For starters, everything she's done has been for our benefit. I don't like violence, but the truth is, without it, we'd all be dead by now. If we don't fight, we'll never be able to defend ourselves. She's giving us this chance to fight. That's why I trust her. Also...
Reinell (raising an eyebrow): Also?
(Elendor blushed slightly before muttering.)
Elendor: It was her who saved Lynell. That's why I'm in her debt.
(Elendor's words resonated in Reinell's mind like a sharp blow. He was right. Since Runa had arrived in the village, all she had done was help them. Suspecting her was ungrateful. If it weren't for her, his sister Lynell wouldn't be alive. He hadn't even properly thanked her. After reflecting on how ungrateful he had been, he began to look at Runa differently.)
Reinell: I see... Maybe I've just been too paranoid about her since that time I accompanied her on the hunt.
(Attempting to lighten the tension, he added with a sly smile.)
Reinell: But I didn't expect that from you, Elendor. I didn't think you paid that much attention to Lynell.
(Elendor jumped.)
Elendor: N-no, it's not what you think! We've just been friends since childhood.
Reinell (laughing softly): If you say so. Well, when this is all over, I'll teach you and Lynell how to use a bow. Then you can talk to her as much as you want. If it were you, Elendor, I'd feel at ease leaving Lynell with you.
Elendor: Hey, it's not as...!
(Suddenly, Reinell raised a hand signaling silence.)
Reinell: ...I hear something.
(The group of elves stopped immediately. A few steps away from them, at a tunnel fork, a group of humans was advancing with torches.
Unlike the soldiers, these men were dressed in elegant robes. Their cloaks and adornments suggested they belonged to the nobility.)
Prolocc: Do you really think those elves managed to tear down the city walls? How can you be sure?
Lazarius: I don't know. This could just be a test from Duke Thalion, as Sir Lurnix suggested. Maybe he just wants to evaluate if the nobles of Bytea still have their fighting spirit.
Nessat: Don't talk nonsense. The Duke's wife evacuated with us. No one would waste the wall budget just for a drill. Don't pay attention to those young lunatics.
Nessat: Also, you shouldn't be speaking so carelessly while we're still escaping. We don't know what we might encounter in this tunnel. Since all the soldiers stayed behind to defend the city with the commander, the responsibility of protecting the women and children falls on us.
(After this exchange, Lazarius gave a slight smile of reassurance.)
Lazarius: Of course, Sir Nessat. As expected of you, coming from a lineage of noble warriors, you provide a calming presence in situations like this.
(The elves remained in complete silence.)
(Reinell closed his eyes.)
The orders Runa had given them were clear.
Eliminate anyone trying to use the tunnels to escape.
The main reason for the underground incursion was simple but crucial: Runa had anticipated that once the city began to fall, the humans would try to escape by any means, including the ancient tunnels. According to her information, those who would choose that path would not be soldiers or brave defenders, but the nobles: those who called themselves the elite of Bytea. Precisely the same ones who had orchestrated the elf kidnappings, who had treated their people like merchandise.
Reinell's mind refocused. He had never killed anyone before. However, after his sister's kidnapping and the multiple attacks on his village, sympathy was a luxury he could no longer afford. He was here by his own will, prepared. Because Runa had trusted him to lead this mission. And he wasn't going to fail her.
With precise and silent movements, the elves pulled out small glass vials containing a dark liquid. It was a poison prepared by Farina: a lethal mix of extracts from toxic plants and spores collected from the same mushrooms that illuminated the tunnels. When released, the gas would spread quickly through the narrow corridors, suffocating those unprotected.
All the elves had ingested the antidote beforehand. There was no turning back.
(Reinell opened his eyes again. This time, they were filled with determination. He looked at the vial in his hands and gripped it tightly.)
This wasn't just an order. It was personal.
For his parents, murdered in a human raid. For his sister, kidnapped and nearly sold as a slave. For every child in the village who deserved a future without fear. For those who could no longer fight.
And for himself... to stop running from what he had to do.
Reinell (whispering, more to himself than to the others): This time... I won't fail.
Then, he gave the signal.
And so, deep in the earth, the silent fall of the nobility of Bytea began.
[Separator]
After the human who had sacrificed himself as a guide – named Oleg – led them through a secret path used to transport goods from the merchant square to the noble district (a path he knew from his work as a butcher), Runa and her group managed to eliminate the remaining soldiers with relative ease.
One squad was trying to set up an ambush near a gate, but it was useless: the elves entered from the rear and were able to anticipate their movements without being detected.
Since Runa didn't want to waste her limited arrows, she forced herself to think outside the box to defeat her enemies. Even though she possessed the powers from the game, that didn't mean she was restricted only to them.
For example, she used her heavy shield as a throwing weapon to knock down a tower. The structure collapsed, burying several soldiers instantly.
Later, they came across what seemed to be a magic academy. This academy focused more on the practical use of magic and not on combat, unlike the wizards who belonged to the army. Seeing their teachers fall, the apprentices quickly surrendered. Although Runa could be ruthless, she was willing to forgive those who had no intention of fighting.
The only task left for the elves was to eliminate the few soldiers who managed to escape the natural disasters caused by Runa's passage.
Once again, she regretted choosing the elves as her initial allies. Most of them were archers; few had affinity for close combat weapons.
Honestly, she felt like the only melee character in a squad made almost entirely of ranged fighters.
Still, she needed an army if she wanted to take control of the city once it was conquered. Besides, she needed a reasonable justification to expand her forces in the future.
Expanding her numbers...
Runa's plan to conquer the city was to replace the noble class so that the elves could occupy that vacant place in the city. But the current number of elves was too low to sustain her rule. And after the battle, that number would likely decrease even further.
That's why she was faced with her current dilemma.
??? : Hey, are you listening? I won't repeat myself. Drop your weapons and surrender... or this will end badly for them.
In front of Runa, a group of human nobles with a squad of soldiers were holding several enslaved elf women hostage. They were tied up, with the soldiers' blades pressed against their throats. It only took one wrong move for one to die... and even if Runa saved one, the others would perish. It was a rather complicated situation.
Runa: Haaa...
Runa sighed, assuming that everyone expected her to resolve the situation. The elves who accompanied her remained frozen, not knowing how to react, waiting for Runa's next orders.
Runa: Release the elves, and we will spare your lives.
Although some of the hostages might have ties to the elves from her village, Runa wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice their lives if it meant securing the conquest of the city. Besides, they were all women. It was unlikely they would contribute to the military effort, and the elf population already had a high percentage of females.
Still, they were few.
To occupy the city and stabilize her rule, she would need to significantly increase the number of elves. Even if these elf women had no immediate value in combat, their presence in the noble houses and daily life would serve as a symbol of order and continuity under the new regime.
After her ultimatum, the nobles began whispering among themselves:
Node: Lurnix, we should do what she says. Those elves tore down the wall and killed almost all the soldiers...
Lurnix: Don't be foolish, Node. This is just a simulation orchestrated by the duke. He wants to know which nobles still have the Empire's fangs... and purge the cowards of Bytea. No way those filthy elves did all this under Commander Roderick's watch and with Duke Thalion's guidance.
Node: I think this has gone beyond the point of seeming like a mere simulation... even for you. You should know that by now.
Lurnix: That's what they want us to think! Surrendering now would be the worst mistake. We have their people. This is the time to show whether we know how to play our cards right or not.
Node: This... is this really going to turn out fine?
Kran: Stop being a coward, Node. If you're going to show weakness in this situation, it's better for you to leave.
Lurnix: Node, you're being a nuisance and a disgrace to your noble title. Go hide in the mansion if you wish.
The nobles fell silent. Then, in unison, they turned their gaze toward Runa.
Lurnix: We refuse. We will only release them if you surrender.
Runa: In that case... would you be okay if I surrendered, in exchange for releasing them?
The elves behind Runa were stunned. Their gazes were filled with helplessness and surprise. Was the leader, the heroine who had torn down walls and led their offensive, going to surrender so easily?
Lurnix studied her carefully.
That elf was not like the others. By her posture, presence, and the way everyone obeyed her, it was clear that she was the leader. If they managed to capture her, the enemy's morale would plummet. And also... her beauty was unsettling. He had never seen a woman like her, neither human nor elf.
Runa: I'm sorry... but it's a bit cold here. I'd like to at least keep my cloak.
Lurnix (with a lustful look): O-Of course... just hurry up and come.
He could no longer resist. He wanted to have her in his hands. He didn't care if she kept that cloak on. In fact, he told himself it made her even more desirable.
Runa's barefoot steps softly echoed on the ground until she stood in front of Lurnix. The noble didn't wait a second: he grabbed her roughly, intending to humiliate her in front of the other elves, and placed his hand on Runa's chest.
Runa (letting out a faint moan): Ahm...
The elves clenched their fists in anger. But they still couldn't move. The one most affected by the scene was Gater.
Gater: We've done what you asked. Now free the others.
Lurnix: No way. Why would I give up my belongings?
Lurnix: Get out... if you value the lives of these girls. As a reward for their bravery, we'll let them live... this time.
Gater: You bastard! And you call yourself a man, breaking your word?
Lurnix: Would I keep my word to filthy elves? You're attacking our home. This... this is the best hospitality we can offer you.
Gater: You're the ones who started it! You invaded our forest, kidnapped our women, destroyed our lives... And now you dare talk about justice?
Lurnix: Ha... whether it's just or not, it doesn't matter. It's the law of the strongest. Now we have your leader in our power... and the hostages on our side. The best thing you can do is leave.
Gater: How miserable can you be to use women as shields?
Lurnix: From the position of the loser, every action of the winner seems unjust. You just didn't think enough before making your decisions.
With arrogance, Lurnix turned to look at Runa. The judgment of the elves was beginning to irritate him. Who did they think they were, questioning his honor? He no longer cared about appearing as a respectable noble. Now, he wanted to show absolute superiority, humiliate her in front of her people, and break the pride of her race with a single action.
First, he would stretch and smell her hair, then make her kneel... and make her experience the greatest humiliation in front of her subordinates.
But something interrupted him.
He felt something was wrong.
He looked at his right hand, the one holding the elf...
There was nothing.
Lurnix: What the hell...?
He looked up, and what he saw froze him.
His own soldiers — the ones holding the elves hostage — were lying on the ground. Without making a sound, they had all been executed. They weren't knocked out... they were dead. Their necks twisted grotesquely. It was as if an invisible predator had slipped among them while they spoke.
And then... he felt it.
A strange itch, right in the center of his chest.
When he looked down, he saw it: an arm. A bloody arm protruding from inside his own body.
What was happening? Was this a dream? An illusion?
But then the arm withdrew, and in the bloody reflection of his own armor, he saw the silhouette that towered behind him.
Lurnix: Y-You... bitch...
Runa (with a malicious smile): Ha... don't take it personally. It's the law of the strongest... don't you remember?
Lurnix's body hit the ground with a dull thud. That was the end of his life.
Runa: Eliminate them all.
The elves didn't need more instructions. Instantly, they drew their bows and launched a precise rain of arrows toward the remaining nobles, who still hadn't fully reacted, now without soldiers or hostages. They were an easy target. The chaos was brief.
Amid the massacre, some elves ran to Runa and offered her their armor and weapons, helping her dress quickly.
Runa: Good job.
Gater: My respects. Honestly... I didn't think you'd go this far for your goals.
Runa (dressing): It's no big deal. It's simply a matter of priorities.
By now, Runa had a pretty clear idea of Gater's bootlicking character. He was useful... but a bit annoying.
Gater: Still, I'm surprised at the audacity of the women from the South. It was, without a doubt, a brilliant strategy. I don't think any woman from our tribe would dare to do something like that.
Runa: Huh? Oh... yeah, sure. You did a good job acting to buy time too.
But right in the middle of that conversation, a tragedy began to unfold.
Node: No! Don't come any closer or this girl...!
The noble, seeing how the others had been massacred, fell into a paranoid state.
Runa: Tch... one got away.
Everyone immediately turned toward the mansion. From one of the side entrances, a last noble emerged. In his arms, he held a hostage, an elf dressed in servant clothing. Her face was disfigured by bruises, and her jaw visibly dislocated. Perhaps that's why they hadn't presented her earlier... her condition was so deplorable that it would have ruined any negotiation.
Elf Archer: M-Mother!?
One of the elves in Runa's ranks stepped forward in desperation upon recognizing her.
That movement was enough to trigger panic in the noble, who, gripped by fear, plunged a ceremonial dagger into the elf's neck.
Blood immediately gushed out.
Node: I told you not to come closer!
Frightened, realizing what he had just done, the noble dropped the dagger as if it were burning his fingers and began to run, trying to escape the scene as quickly as possible. However, he barely managed to take a few steps toward the mansion entrance when an arrow whistled through the air and struck him down immediately. Gater gave him no chance.
The elf archer who had recognized the hostage rushed to his side, his face pale and his heart pounding wildly.
Elf Archer: Mother... this... this can't be happening...
With tears in his eyes, he held his mother's face, a woman marked by years of slavery in the human city. Her face was covered in wounds, her jaw dislocated, and her eyes half-closed, almost lifeless.
Runa quickly approached. Though her face remained calm, she understood the gravity of the situation. She stopped next to the elf and observed the dying woman carefully. If she left her like this, she would die within seconds from the bleeding. Then, as if confirming a suspicion, she spoke to the archer.
Runa: How old are you?
Elf Archer (surprised by the question): I... I'm 22...
That was enough for Runa to understand everything.
According to Lynell's reports, the last time the humans had kidnapped people from their village was twelve years ago. Twelve long years since several elf women had been taken, and among them, surely, was this young man's mother. That meant he had grown up without his mother since he was ten, while she was enslaved and tortured in human lands. And just when fate seemed to allow them to reunite... everything was taken from them again.
Runa firmly believed that suffering was a necessary part of life. Everyone had to go through it, at least once. But she was also against anyone suffering more than they deserved.
In that moment, only she had the power to change that fate.
The potions she had brought with her to this world were limited, and there was probably no way to replenish them. Using something invaluable on a stranger out of mere altruism was not something many people, let alone herself, would expect.
However...
When she realized it, her fingers were already instinctively probing her pocket, brushing against the cold glass of the vial. She had already made the decision without realizing it.
She remembered a phrase she always repeated to herself when having to choose between two paths:
"When you flip a coin to decide what you want, you know the answer before it hits the ground."
That was Kobayashi Arata. He followed his instincts because he always struggled to make decisions.
Even though he was a hypocrite and didn't enjoy doing good for others, turning a tragedy into a happy reunion brought him an unexpected satisfaction. Defying fate was a privilege reserved for the protagonists of fantasy worlds, and now that was his own reality.
Without saying a word, she uncorked the potion and carefully poured it over the woman's neck wound.
The magic took effect immediately. The wound closed before her eyes, and the bruises on the elf's face began to disappear, as if time were rewinding in a rapid sequence of images. Within seconds, she appeared as the woman she once was.
Elf Archer: M-Mother, you're okay!
Servant Elf (weakly): Cough... cough... Anariol...? Is that you?
Anariol: MOTHER!!
The young man hugged her tightly, an embrace full of tears, pain, and years of absence. An embrace that tried to recover lost time, even if only a little.
When they both slightly separated, seeking to thank the one who had made their reunion possible, Runa had already turned her back on them.
Anariol: Thank you so much, Runa-sama! Really... thank you so much!
Runa: You can thank me by working. Take your mother and the other elves to a safe place. From now on... there's only the cleanup left.
Runa: Gater.
Gater: At your command, Runa-sama.
Runa: These must have been the last soldiers in the city. Gather your men and take all those who no longer have the will to fight to the central square.
Gater: Understood. Is it alright if I ask what you will do now, Runa-sama?
Runa: I have one last matter to attend to.
Her gaze turned to the large mansion in front of them. The duke's mansion.
If that man was anywhere... it had to be there.
Shortly after, Runa stood alone before the mansion's doors, the wind brushing through her loose hair, the tension still vibrating in the air.
In this world, the average strength of people was nothing compared to what she had gained. Neither her enemies nor her allies could match her. Only a few, like the Chief of Zhyrithia, the captain, or that mysterious mage from the first invasion, had any relevant power at all.
And still... none of them came anywhere near the power she currently possessed.
After causing such a commotion, and seeing that no one came to the city's defense, Runa was almost certain of something: there were no other players... and there was no one, nothing, that could rival her current power. In other words, it was perfectly valid to consider that, in this world, she was now the most powerful entity.
It was clear that those in power would try to buy her favor. They would offer her money, fame, power, women, treasures... anything they considered valuable. But for Runa, those scraps no longer sufficed.
Unlike her previous life, she now possessed the strength to claim a grand destiny with her own hands. A path full of adventures, hardships, and satisfaction. A life she could be proud of, and one day say with certainty that she lived a story in this world. After all, the instinct for conquest and freedom had always been present in the human heart.
And surrendering to the sweetness of a quiet life... was the last thing she wanted.
Runa: Aaah... but well, being a hypocrite every now and then feels so good.
Runa: I think it's time to finish my first act in this world.
With that, she confidently crossed the doors of the mansion.
She had been there before. The building was enormous, probably the only three-story structure in the entire city. Upon entering, she found the large main hall, adorned with portraits of the duke's ancestors. To the right, a hallway led directly to his office.
Not finding any signs of the man she was looking for, she headed toward it.
But just as she took her first step into the hallway, something descended in an instant from the railings of the third floor.
Runa: Huh?
An ambush. Pretty obvious when thinking about the surprise attack options within a mansion... but Runa didn't mind being cautious, as drawing the enemy out of their hiding spot was exactly what she wanted.
With a roar, a man descended, putting all his weight onto his sword in a vertical strike. It was Commander Roderick, trying to end the fight in one move.
However, just before the blade reached its target, it collided with something invisible.
Crack
The sound of metal breaking filled the air. The sword split in two. Realizing his attack had failed, Roderick landed on his feet and, without wasting a second, took a defensive stance with his broken sword in front of Runa.
Runa: Well... certainly, this is generic.
In front of her stood the most repeated archetype in the history of all fantasy worlds.
A human warrior. Full plate armor, shining as if it had just come from the tutorial store. A muscular build. A long sword gripped with both hands, neither too shiny nor too epic, just as if it had been pulled out of a chest labeled: Common Long Sword +3. A long cape of a single color with unnecessary embroidery. A belt filled with potions in brightly colored vials and a pouch of coins. The emblem of his nation stamped on the armor, which no one cared about. And of course... that short haircut styled backward, shouting: "I'm the serious character of the group."
A walking cliché. A cardboard cutout with a voice. A preset template with a pulse.
Runa narrowed her eyes, scanning him from head to toe. Everything he wore matched the pieces of an equipable set from the game Runes and Worlds.
She also wore that kind of armor, yes, but in her case, it was different: her character had been pulled directly from the game, with aesthetics and stats included. Roderick, on the other hand... was doing it on purpose.
Runa: HAHAHA... no, no, wait a moment, this is too generic even for me.
She felt that if Roderick opened his mouth and said phrases like "This is the end for you" or "For my kingdom!", she might actually die... from laughter.
Runa covered her mouth to stifle the chuckle, but it was useless.
Runa: Hahaha... the tutorial's end is somewhere else.
Roderick stood there, staring at her in disbelief. He didn't understand why, but her appearance had caused a strange reaction in the elf.
Was she really laughing at him? Or was she trying to distract him, make him lower his guard? Whatever the reason, it was impossible to relax in front of such a monster.
He had survived countless battles. His body, his instincts, his gaze: everything had been honed over the years. But what he felt now... was different. An overwhelming, suffocating pressure. The danger radiating from that elf was unlike anything he had faced before. It wasn't magic he felt. It was fear. Instinctual. Primal.
Every fiber of his body told him he couldn't win. That he had to flee. But he hadn't come to run. As the last line of defense for the city, he had decided to face the enemy leader head-on.
He quickly forced his mind to focus. Analyze. Diagnose. Survive.
What had gone wrong? He needed to figure it out fast.
He had tried to bring her down with a single blow. A surprise attack from the third floor, using his unique ability: Total Descending Strike. He had channeled all his strength, combining his weight—about 120 kilos—with the mass of his full armor—another 50—letting gravity do the rest as he leaped from the third floor.
All that energy, concentrated at the tip of his enchanted sword, should have been enough to cleave any enemy in two.
And yet... He hadn't even touched her.
The blow had collided with something invisible. A barrier.
It wasn't a lack of strength. He knew that well. As proof...
His sword—an enchanted weapon with qualities and durability beyond what one would expect from common weapons—had broken in two. As if the weapon itself had had to choose: obey the strength of its wielder or surrender to the absurd resistance of that invisible defense.
And it chose to break.
If that barrier was still active, then defeat was inevitable. But if she had used all her magic to stop that first attack... there was still a chance.
Roderick refocused on his enemy. He noticed a short blade at her wrist and a shield strapped to her back. Additionally, her limbs were shorter than his. Although her sword had broken in terms of range, he still had the advantage.
He had to take advantage of the fact that she was still distracted, with her guard down.
With a quick movement, Roderick tried to go straight for the elf's neck. She was still holding her stomach, laughing. A perfect opening.
But then...
Steps.
A slight slide. Barely a sound. She had dodged it with ease. Without even paying attention.
Without losing momentum, Roderick chained his next attack. He couldn't let his enemy counterattack. If she did, that would be the end. He spun, thrusting, sweeping sideways... A frantic dance of steel.
But nothing connected.
Nothing.
He was attacking her with everything he had, but she slid away as though she didn't quite belong to this world. It wasn't experience. He knew veterans well. Talent, maybe?
No, she didn't even have a solid defensive posture. She didn't take any guard; she didn't calculate angles or prepare the ground. And yet...
She dodged every attack like a breeze avoiding a blade.
It was like trying to cut a dandelion floating in the air. No matter how he moved his sword, she simply wasn't there when the edge passed.
And then, as if she wanted to make it clear that she could kill him whenever she wanted, she grabbed his wrist.
With a simple movement of her legs, she swept his balance and slammed him violently to the ground.
Runa: Well... if you really want to fight this lost battle, at least start by changing your strategy when something's not working.
Roderick barely had time to process her words when he felt himself being lifted. With a single arm, as if he were a mere damp towel.
She threw him with unimaginable force. His body shot out and crashed through one of the mansion's walls, shattering it into a thousand pieces.
The brutal collision had an unexpected side effect: the debris kicked up a dense curtain of dust, momentarily obscuring Roderick's figure from his opponent's line of sight.
Roderick: -I'm sorry I couldn't entertain you... It seems my technique has rusted over the years.
Runa: Hmm, Commander Roderick of Bytea, am I correct?
Did she know him? That meant the elves had gathered intelligence on the city from somewhere.
Roderick: Yes, you are, and you... From your clothes and abilities, I can tell you're not a regular elf from the forest. You're from the South, aren't you?
Runa: You're right. It seems not all humans are so blind as to confuse me with the elves from here.
Runa: -Hm... Anyway, I didn't expect you to still be alive after that blow. Also, shouldn't a commander's role be to guide his troops, instead of hiding to try and ambush the enemy leader?
Roderick: -You're absolutely right. But against enemies like you... one does what has to be done.
Runa: -You know? In battles, casual conversations only happen in two circumstances: When you're sure you're going to win... or when you're sure you're going to lose. Which one do you think you are?
Roderick: -Heh... You say that so confidently that you sound like a textbook villain.
Runa: -Perfect, then I'll stick with the first option. Can I ask you a question?
Roderick: -What do you want to know?
Runa: -How necessary is this city to the Empire?
Roderick furrowed his brow. What sense did it make to ask that question now, when he was already reducing it to ruins? Still, if he could buy some time, it was worth answering.
Roderick: -Bytea is located on the furthest border of the Empire, bordering the Elven Kingdom. It's several days away from the capital and isolated from other cities. Because of its location, it doesn't trade fresh produce; its main activity is the export of fine wood and rare herbs from the forest. The nearby villages depend on this city as their economic center, and although the Elven Kingdom has never been hostile, the fact that you've invaded it now... has probably changed that. If you're asking me if it's important to the Empire... It is now.
Runa: -I see... that's definitely unfortunate to hear. Though, even so, this mansion is too luxurious and large for a duke of a small city, don't you think?
Roderick: -From the start, I never intended to question your reasons. It's been an open secret that the duke had been amassing a fortune from some shady source. Not long ago, I found out about the elf trafficking... though honestly, I'm not interested in the dirty dealings among nobles. In the Empire, it's always been the law of the strongest. Those who choose humiliation over war end up receiving both. So, yes... rebelling was a wise decision.
Roderick: -But there's still one thing that intrigues me. I'm not speaking from morality, but from strategic logic: Why attack the city directly? There are a thousand ways to take revenge without kicking up so much dust. Now that you've invaded Bytea... the Empire won't leave you in peace.
Runa: -You're right. There were more discreet ways.
Runa: -But none of them aligned with my goal.
Roderick: -Your goal?
Runa: -To conquer the Empire.
Silence hung heavily in the air. Roderick was stunned, before swallowing hard.
Conquer... the Empire? Was she insane?
Such a statement could only come from the mouth of a king with a delusion of grandeur... and even then, it would still be a suicidal plan, full of bloodshed and generations of unending wars. But the person standing before him was not human. She was an elf. A creature with centuries ahead of her. And more importantly: she had the power to back up that madness.
The absurdity... stopped sounding impossible.
Roderick: -Conquer... the Empire? You elves are insane. Does that mean you plan to use this city as a base? I don't recommend it. Mocking the Empire like that will only make them send all their forces to eradicate you.
Runa: -Thanks for the compliment. But there's no way I'm giving up now... not after seeing all the comforts this mansion offers, built with the sacrifice of my people. Don't you think?
Her tone, cold and sharp as a blade, made it clear that she had no intention of continuing the conversation. She was ready to resume the fight.
Without another word, Runa broke through another wall, charging directly toward the room where Roderick's voice had come from. However...
As soon as she placed a foot inside the room, a magical circle activated beneath her feet, rapidly expanding.
Roderick: -Of course... A mansion this size wouldn't be complete without a security system, don't you think?
The room they were in was a treasure chamber, hidden at the heart of the residence. On the floor was a magical trap inscribed: a level 5 spell called Chain of Lightning, designed to annihilate anyone who dared enter without permission. As soon as the circle activated, a blinding light flooded the room, as if all the walls had been coated in lime.
The sole intent of that light was clear: to eradicate whoever was in its center.
However... Runa remained standing.
An invisible barrier, similar to the one that had protected her from Roderick's first attack, materialized around her once more. This time, the glow was slightly different, as if it had been adjusted or weakened.
Roderick furrowed his brow. Seeing Runa unharmed after taking a high-level spell was a blow to his morale. For a moment, he thought that barrier was inexhaustible... but the change in color gave him a clue: maybe she couldn't use it indefinitely.
Refusing to give up, he quickly grabbed a handmade crossbow that was resting on a shelf in the chamber. It was already loaded; aiming at close range wouldn't be difficult. This was his only chance to deal damage before she reacted.
He fired.
The arrow sliced through the air, heading straight for Runa's head, but she caught it with a single hand before it could touch her. This time, there was no barrier. Only her agility. It was a clear sign: she wasn't protected all the time.
Roderick didn't waste any time and ran toward the stairs, trying to reach the second floor. However, before he could get there completely, Runa threw the same arrow as if it were a dart. It grazed the commander's left calf, making him stumble, though it didn't stop him. With difficulty but determination, he continued climbing.
Runa: —Are we playing "run and catch"? Looks like you're finally using your head, huh?
Upon reaching the second floor, Roderick entered a completely dark room. But Runa could feel it... there was something there. Something that didn't quite fit.
She managed to spot his figure near one of the walls and, without warning, Roderick pulled the curtains, letting a ray of sunlight illuminate the place.
The scene was bewildering.
Inside the room were strange-looking animals: they had no eyes, their mouths were oval and took up most of their faces. They had wings, but lacked feathers, and their bodies were brown and pitch-black. With just one glance, Runa could compare them to an animal from her previous world, though these were much larger.
Just by seeing the shape of their mouths, and thanks to her experience with fantasy novels and games, Arata could discern the purpose Roderick, who had covered his ears with cloth, planned to give these beasts. Yes, they resembled the typical portrayal in fantasy worlds.
The animals, bat-like in form, became agitated the instant the light started filling the room. Runa instinctively put her hands over her ears; however...
GAAJJJRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
The sound they emitted was, without a doubt, the most disturbing thing Runa had ever heard in her life. It couldn't even compare to the most annoying neighbor she remembered, the one who played music loudly on weekends.
She had made a mistake: she tried to cover her ears with her palms instead of using her fingers. And since she now had elven ears, longer and more sensitive, her hands weren't enough to cover them completely.
If she tried to move her fingers to adjust her coverage, that brief moment would leave her eardrums exposed. It was a trap specifically designed to exploit physical weaknesses.
But Runa reacted.
She activated the ability she could select upon gaining 30 points in the Agility tree: Genius of the Steps. In the game, this ability increased both attack speed and movement speed, allowing agile jumps to dodge obstacles. Moreover, her speed didn't have progressive acceleration: she moved at maximum speed from the first step, allowing her to change direction instantly without losing momentum.
She had already tested it in this world, and it worked similarly. While the ability was perfect for escaping or chasing enemies, its best use in this moment was as a quick attack to multiple targets in succession.
In the blink of an eye, she launched herself at the bats. With a series of precise kicks, she took out all eight without a single scratch.
But just as she landed after the last attack, Roderick seized the moment: he threw a vial containing a dark substance.
Runa knew she wouldn't be able to dodge it now that she was in the air.
Since the bats were dead, she removed her hands from her ears and, using the blade in her hand, broke the vial mid-flight.
Even so, part of the content—a fine black sand—fell on her.
Then she felt it.
A burning sensation in her eyes, mouth, ears, and nose. Something from the substance had entered her body.
What the hell was that sand?
Dizziness. Nausea.
Poison. It was definitely some sort of poison.
Runa started to stagger. Her vision was blurring, she felt nauseous, and her body wasn't fully responding.
Roderick didn't waste the opportunity.
Seeing her weakened state, he soaked the broken half of his sword in a flammable liquid and set it on fire.
Runa: —D-Damn... you have ten points in creativity.
The commander began to unleash a series of relentless attacks. Runa, still dizzy, dodged them as best as she could, but the margin was growing narrower with each passing moment.
If the situation continued like this... it wouldn't be long before one of those attacks actually landed.
The blade, engulfed in flames, traced a glowing arc through the air, and Runa barely managed to dodge it, leaving behind a trail of smoke. The poison continued to hinder her senses, her vision was trembling at the edges, her breathing becoming ragged... but her feet kept dancing with inhuman precision, spinning, ducking, rolling.
But Roderick wasn't planning to attack forever.
Roderick wasn't trying to beat her with technique. He was guiding her. Leading her. Step by step... Column by column... Toward certain death.
Roderick: —Come on, weren't you the one who was so sure of winning?
Roderick wasn't smiling. He couldn't. He was giving everything with each move he made. His gaze was fixed, like a hunter who knew exactly where to lead his prey. The fire from his sword began to spread across the curtains, the furniture, and the wooden columns of the east wing of the mansion, turning the surroundings into an infernal battlefield.
She jumped toward him with a spinning kick. Roderick barely dodged and retreated once more, just as she landed in an area where steel threads were tensioned between the columns, almost invisible to the eye.
Shhhht! The threads tightened the instant Runa tried to move.
Runa: —What...?
Her arms were trapped by the steel net, which closed like a lethal knot. It was a malicious design, so precise that it didn't cut... at first. But if you pulled, the threads tightened. They embedded. They pierced.
Runa let out a growl. The trap had immobilized her from the waist up, suspended between two pillars. Roderick looked at her, panting, with a half-smile on his face.
Roderick: —It's over... Finally.
However, he shouldn't have stayed for too long admiring the result of his trap.
Although she couldn't move from her position, Runa still had her legs free.
CRACK!
Roderick's leg snapped like dry wood.
Runa's boot collided with his knee with such force that the sound of the bone breaking echoed through the entire flame-filled hall. Roderick was sent flying and crashed to the ground on his side, gritting his teeth as blood mixed with soot.
But it didn't end there.
With a roar like a cornered wild animal, driven by sheer will, Roderick got up with both of his injured legs trembling and lunged toward Runa with his broken sword.
Roderick: —AAAAARGH!
The thrust was aimed at Runa's chest. She couldn't dodge it. Nor block it.
But then—
CLANK!
She caught it with her teeth.
Her fangs sank into the metal, and with a dry, brutal sound, CLANK!, she broke the sword's blade with her mouth.
Roderick fell silent. Runa spat out the fragments like a dragon spits fire.
One of the pieces cut deeply into Roderick's shoulder, causing his arm to fall limp, hanging as if it had been torn off.
Roderick: —Impossible... —he whispered, falling to his knees.
Then, Runa lowered her gaze. The trap was still attached to her arms, but she didn't care. She gritted her teeth, flexed the muscles in her back, and screamed like a beast.
Runa: —RAAAAAAH! Light Weight!
The pillars to which the threads were attached began to creak.
CRRRRK!
The sound of rock and wood breaking resonated throughout the mansion. The bases cracked. The beams gave way. An entire side of the ceiling collapsed, dragging torches, furniture, and tons of debris.
Runa fell to the ground amid the dust, free, her arms, though bloodless, bore the marks of the threads. She stood up, gasping as if she had a fever.
Runa: —Ah, damn... this is useless, I feel terrible.
Runa: —Looks like I'm not as immune to altered states as I thought...
Both of the elf's hands began to glow with the same color as sunlight.
Runa: —Lay on Hands.
Upon saying those words, she brought her hands to her body, and it began to feel as if it were glowing, leaving a bright trail as it finished.
Lay on Hands was an ability gained by investing 20 points in the Sacred tree. Although her character wasn't focused on being a paladin, she still had 33 points in the Sacred tree, which allowed her to possess at least three abilities from that attribute.
Runa began to stagger. Her vision blurred, she felt nauseous, and her body was not responding fully.
Roderick did not waste the opportunity.
Seeing her weakened state, he dipped the broken half of his sword in a flammable liquid and set it on fire.
Runa: —D-Damn you... you get ten points for creativity.
The commander began launching a series of relentless attacks. Runa, still dizzy, dodged them as best as she could, but the margin was getting smaller and smaller.
If this kept going... it wouldn't be long before one of those attacks actually hit.
The blade, wrapped in flames, traced a glowing arc through the air, and Runa barely managed to dodge it, leaving a trail of smoke in her wake. The poison was still clouding her senses, her vision trembling at the edges, her breath becoming harsh... but her feet kept dancing with inhuman precision, spinning, crouching, rolling.
But Roderick wasn't planning to attack forever.
Roderick wasn't trying to defeat her with technique. He was guiding her. Leading her. Step by step... Column by column... Towards a certain death.
Roderick: Come on, weren't you the one so sure you'd win?
Roderick wasn't smiling. He couldn't. He was putting everything into every movement he made. His gaze was fixed, like a hunter who knew exactly where he had to lead his prey. The fire on his sword began to spread across the curtains, furniture, and wooden columns of the eastern wing of the mansion, turning the surroundings into an infernal battlefield.
She jumped at him with a spinning kick. Roderick barely dodged and retreated once more, just as she fell into the area where steel threads were stretched between columns, almost invisible to the eye.
Shhhht!
The threads tightened the moment Runa tried to move.
Runa: What...?
Her arms got caught in the steel net, which closed like a deadly knot. It was a malicious design, so precise that it didn't cut... at first. But if one pulled, the threads tightened. They embedded. They stabbed.
Runa grunted. The trap had immobilized her from the waist up, hanging between two pillars. Roderick looked at her, panting, with a half-smile on his face.
Roderick: It's over... finally.
However, he shouldn't have spent too much time admiring the result of the trap.
Even though she couldn't move from the spot, Runa still had her legs free.
CRACK!
Roderick's leg broke like dry wood.
Runa's boot slammed into his knee with such force that the sound of the bone breaking echoed through the entire fiery hall. Roderick flew backwards and crashed to the ground, gritting his teeth as blood mixed with soot.
But it didn't end there.
With a roar like a wild animal cornered, fueled by sheer will, Roderick got up, both injured legs trembling, and charged at Runa with his broken sword.
Roderick: —AAAAARGH!
The thrust was aimed at Runa's chest. She couldn't dodge it. Nor block it.
But then...
CLANK!
She caught it with her teeth.
Her fangs sank into the metal, and with a dry, brutal sound, CLANK, she broke the blade of the sword with her mouth.
Roderick stood frozen in silence. Runa spat out the fragments like a dragon spitting fire.
One of the shards cut Roderick's shoulder so deeply that his arm fell limp, hanging as if it had been torn off.
Roderick: Impossible... —he whispered, falling to his knees.
Then, Runa looked down. The trap was still holding her arms, but she didn't care. She gritted her teeth, flexed the muscles in her back, and screamed like a beast.
Runa: RAAAAAAH! Light Weight!
The pillars to which the threads were attached began to creak.
CRRRRK!
A sound of breaking stone and wood reverberated throughout the mansion. The bases cracked. The beams gave way. One entire side of the roof collapsed, dragging torches, furniture, and tons of rubble with it.
Runa fell to the ground among the dust, free, her arms marked by the threads, but she was unharmed. She got up, panting as if she had a fever.
Runa: Ah, damn... this is useless, I feel terrible.
Runa: Seems I'm not as immune to altered states as I thought...
Both of the elf's hands began to glow with the same color as sunlight.
Runa: Lay on Hands
As she spoke those words, she placed her hands on her body, and it began to feel like it was glowing, leaving a glowing trail as it finished.
Lay on Hands was a skill gained after investing 20 points in the Sacred branch. Although her character wasn't focused on being a paladin, she still had 33 points in the Sacred branch, which allowed her to have at least three abilities of that attribute.
All those skills were focused on resistance to altered states, as her character was built for 1v1 combat. However, if she had known she'd be transported to another world, she would have chosen at least one healing skill.
Fortunately, in this situation, she could only be grateful that this ability worked against the poison.
The fever and nausea began to fade, and the color returned to her face.
Roderick (panting): Hahaha, you can even use sacred arts, this goes beyond ridiculous.
The elf walked, step by step, approaching with relentless slowness as if announcing the omen of death.
Instinctively, Roderick raised what was left of his sword: barely a battered dagger rather than a weapon.
SWING!
With a single merciless move, Runa cut off Roderick's arm that was holding the weapon. The blade flashed like lightning, and the severed limb spun through the air before hitting the ground with a dull thud.
Roderick: —Ghuuack!—
Roderick looked at her, eyes wide open, kneeling.
His mouth trembled. He couldn't find words. His whole body shook like a dry leaf.
Roderick: Y-you... you're... really... a monstrosity...
Runa: Those aren't words a lady would like to hear, you know.
Roderick forced a bitter smile as sweat dripped down his forehead, mixing with blood and ash. Despite the pain piercing him like knives, he didn't lower his head. He wasn't a coward. Even in front of a monster like this elf.
Roderick: ...I guess I don't have the best repertoire for impressing a lady...
His voice was rough, raspy, but still full of a dignity the pain hadn't broken.
Runa, instead of mocking him, tilted her head slightly, with a spark of genuine recognition in her crimson eyes.
Runa: You... are not weak. —she said neutrally, almost thoughtfully—. You did everything you could to stop me. Until the very end.
Roderick smiled bitterly.
Roderick: —But it wasn't enough.
The elf stopped a few steps away from him, looking down at him like an unyielding judge yet to deliver her verdict. The fire crackled around them, casting shadows on her that seemed to dance to the rhythm of her will.
Runa: —To prepare a strategy in such a short time, to launch a desperate ambush against a superior enemy, to adapt in the middle of the battle, looking for an opportunity... And even after losing everything, you kept fighting.
—she paused, her gaze full of respect—. If I weren't this strong, you would have won.
Runa: —This is my offer, Roderick. If you want to buy your tomorrow, you must renounce the empire and serve me.
It was a subtle way of saying she would kill him if he didn't obey.
Roderick looked at her, his pupils trembling, but he didn't look away.
Roderick: —I am a dog of the Algorythian Empire. My loyalty... is not fragile enough to change it just because of fear.
Runa narrowed her eyes, evaluating him.
Runa: —Loyalty...? —she whispered, lowering herself to his level, her face mere centimeters from his—. Really? A man like you, hiding in a ruined mansion, waiting like an old wolf to ambush me? Does that seem like an exemplary dog of the empire?
Runa's words hit harder than any cut. Roderick gritted his teeth but said nothing.
Runa continued, her voice softer, almost like a poisonous caress:
Runa: —You didn't fight for the empire. You fought... because you wanted to prove yourself against a superior opponent. You wanted to find someone strong and claim glory by defeating them for yourself, not for the empire or anyone else. If not, you wouldn't have gone this far to set all these traps, and you would have fallen defending the wall like any other dog of the empire. Deep down, you long for freedom, to face the strongest and create your own legend.
Roderick closed his eyes for a moment, as if those words had touched something he had kept hidden even from himself.
"Freedom..."
Yes. Maybe, deep down, it was true.
He didn't want to be a tool. He didn't want to die as a soldier forgotten by the bureaucrats. He wanted to fight. He wanted to live by his own sword.
And she... She had seen it all.
Runa: —I can offer you something better than a golden chain. —she murmured, extending a hand toward him—. You won't be a slave. You'll be yourself. A free warrior under my banner.
Roderick looked at the outstretched hand. He looked at it as one might look at an abyss... and salvation.
Roderick: —And if I serve you...? Will you not make me fall into another cage?
Runa gave a slight smile, calm, honest.
Runa: —I'm not that merciful. Nor that cruel. You'll have to follow my path... but you'll fight however you want. Free.
Runa: —Our enemy is the entire empire. We are few. No territory, no allies. Our resources are a joke. Our situation, desperate.
Runa: Will that be enough to keep you entertained?
Roderick: —You make it sound so hopeless... —he said, shaking his head slightly—. God, why do I always end up on the most twisted paths of life?
Roderick: —But conquering the empire... That really sounds like the kind of madness someone like me could love.
His voice became firmer, cleaner.
Roderick: —If you truly believe that I am necessary to achieve such madness...
Then I will be happy to serve you, my lady.
Runa: —Then get up, my knight.
Roderick tried to rise.
However...
A dry thud echoed through the room as his body, unable to hold itself up, crashed heavily onto the fire-blackened floor.
Runa: —Huh?
She blinked, surprised. She had gotten caught up in the moment, completely forgetting about the half-dead state she had left Roderick in.
Roderick, with a grimace of pain, muttered:
Roderick: —I'm sorry... but I don't think I'll be able to get up for weeks.
Runa sighed, placing a hand to her forehead, as if lamenting someone else's mischief.
Runa: —What a shame... Fortunately, we have an exceptional healer in our village.
Roderick: —I don't doubt it. I've never been treated by elves, but I bet you know all kinds of herbs and hidden remedies.
Runa glanced around quickly — at the cracked walls, the charred beams, and the curtains reduced to ash — and let out another sigh, this time heavier.
Runa: —Aahh... Look at the mess you made right after I told you I was going to use this mansion. I hope you produce results worthy of the cost you're putting me through.
Roderick, still lying on the floor, forced a tired smile.
Roderick: —Again, my apologies... I'll work hard. I'll make you proud of accepting me by your side.
Runa looked at him for a few seconds, evaluating him, before nodding slightly.
Runa: —I hope so.
With a smooth gesture, her hidden blade retracted into her wrist, transforming into an elegantly designed crossbow. She took a special arrow from her quiver, one she had kept hidden until now, refusing to use it because she didn't want to waste her non-renewable resources. But she had no other options: she had to put out the fire before it consumed whatever little of the mansion was still useful. And there was no other way to extinguish fires without using the arrows.
As she loaded the arrow, she thought about her growing need: I'll have to recruit a water mage... or several. This won't be the last time I have to deal with fires.
So, with a ceremonial gesture, she raised the crossbow and aimed at the open sky.
A shot echoed like a war drum.
From the arrow, a magnificent, serpentine water dragon emerged, twisting and shimmering as it rose into the smoke-filled sky before bursting into a torrential rain.
The flames that had been devouring the room began to extinguish little by little, smothered by the intense curtain of water.
From the ground, Roderick watched the scene with a mix of awe and resignation, unable to take his eyes off the figure that seemed more like a force of nature than an ordinary warrior.
A dry, almost disturbed laugh escaped his lips as he thought:
Roderick (quietly): —Does this monstrosity really need my strength to conquer the empire...?
At that moment, a soft and concerned voice interrupted his thoughts:
Lynell: —Runa-sama?
Runa: —Oh, Lynell, just in time.
Turning towards her, Runa could distinguish how the elves she had sent through the underground tunnels were now emerging from the back courtyard of the mansion. Who would have thought that those hidden passages directly connected to the Duke's private garden?
Runa: —Are you alright? Not injured? How did the mission go?
Her eyes scanned the group: tired faces, bloodstained armor, and a severely wounded Reinell being supported by two companions. It was inevitable that her concern grew upon seeing them in that condition.
Lynell, breathing heavily but firmly, replied:
Lynell: —We were able to eliminate all the humans in the tunnels. We didn't have any casualties on our side.
Lynell, with a spark of enthusiasm in her eyes, added:
Lynell: —And you know, Runa-sama... just when we were in a tight spot, I suddenly managed to summon a mysterious barrier that protected us—
Before she could finish, Runa interrupted by quickly stepping forward and embracing her tightly.
Runa: —I'm glad you're safe.
Lynell: —Ru-Ru-Runa-sama...!!
Lynell's face turned bright red in a matter of seconds, unable to hide her bewilderment at the unexpected gesture.
As she held her, Runa thought calmly:
Runa (thinking): I'm sorry, Lynell... but that girl talks too much. This method is quicker to skip over her endless dialogues. Right now, I have other priorities.
Minutes passed before all the elves had fully emerged from the tunnels and gathered around the mansion, like a small, improvised army.
Runa, now sitting with regal posture on the main stairs of the grand hall, took control of the situation:
Runa: —I know you just returned from your mission, but there's still work to do here.
She pointed to Farida, one of the elves in charge of healing.
Runa: —Farida, first. Take this human to the other wounded and treat his injuries.
Farida, raising an eyebrow at the sight of Roderick, asked:
Farida: —A human? Is he important?
Runa smiled enigmatically.
Runa: —Let's just say he'll be a valuable warrior for our cause.
Farida: —Understood, Runa-sama.
Runa: —The rest of you, help me inspect the mansion from top to bottom. Don't kill anyone who doesn't resist, especially those in the kitchens.
Her gaze sharpened, a silent warning.
Runa: —Also, I want you to bring me all the treasures and riches you find in the mansion.
There was a moment of confusion among the elves, exchanging hesitant glances. They didn't seem sure what exactly counted as "treasures and riches" since they had lived their whole lives in the forest.
Runa, sighing, corrected herself:
Runa: —Hmm... Bring anything that shines and looks pretty. It doesn't matter what it is.
This time, they all nodded energetically, finally understanding the true nature of the order.
Soon, the elves scattered and, like diligent ants, began to ransack the mansion. Jewelry, coins, gold-framed paintings, silverware—nothing escaped their scrutiny.
Before long, an impressive pile of gleaming and luxurious objects formed in the hall.
Runa, watching it with satisfaction, murmured to herself:
Runa: —Hmm... This seems more promising than I expected. With these resources, we could hold out for much longer.
Just then, the doors of the mansion swung open abruptly.
Gater, one of her trusted men, hurriedly entered.
Gater: —Runa-sama! We've gathered all the humans in the city center.
Runa stood up with feline elegance.
Runa: —Good work. I'll head there immediately.
Gater, glancing briefly at the looted splendor, commented with amazement:
Gater: —Oh, wow... seems like this mansion is much bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside.
Runa smiled, showing a clever expression.
Runa: —It's not unusual. All human houses are like that. You'd better get used to it... after all, this will be our new home.
She spoke those words with a subtle malice in her voice.
The scene shifted to dusk.
The elf invasion had begun at noon and ended nearly at nightfall. However, the sky was already covered by a thick layer of smoke, a result of the fires consuming the nearby forests. Despite the darkness, the environment was intensely lit by the flames still devouring the trees, creating a tragic and unique effect: an artificial sunset tinted red and black.
Before the gathered crowd in the central square, Runa spoke with a firm voice:
Runa: —Listen up. From now on, we will rule this city. However, you need not fear. We will only replace the position once held by the former nobles.
A human in the crowd raised his voice, filled with resentment:
Unknown Human: —Don't be afraid? You massacred all the guards and destroyed several buildings!
Another citizen echoed him:
Unknown Human 2: —The Empire won't stand by when they see what you've done!
Before he could finish speaking, an arrow whistled through the air, grazing his cheek as a warning.
Runa: —I want you to understand something. We did not start this war. You were the ones who invaded our home and kidnapped our people. While I do not expect you to accept the blame for the crimes of your rulers... —she paused, letting the silence weigh heavily— ...this is the situation. If you don't like it, you should have defended your city better. Isn't that the law of the Empire?
Runa: —You won't be able to leave or rebel. You will live peacefully, as long as you respect your new rulers, the elves. Your daily life doesn't have to change.
A merchant stepped forward, nervous but determined:
Merchant: —You talk about peace, but how do you plan to keep the city alive? If we can't trade freely or leave, in a few months we'll run out of food and supplies.
Runa smiled slightly, as if she had anticipated that question.
Runa: —That's not something you need to worry about either. I already have a plan to maintain trade. Entry and exit will be strictly regulated, you will continue to use the Empire's currency, and taxes will be collected just as before.
Runa: —The only thing you need to worry about is doing your work and obeying our orders. No more human nobles. Just us.
In the back of her mind, Runa knew that promising improvements or abolishing taxes would only cause confusion. Radically changing the way they lived —even if it were for the better— would generate more rejection than acceptance. People, even when they suffer, prefer the routine they know over risking the unknown. That's why it was wiser to maintain the illusion of continuity, as if only the leadership had changed and nothing else.
And to seal her demonstration of authority, fate offered her one final perfect opportunity... or perhaps, it was all part of her plan.
From the ruined streets, a group of colossal beasts from the first wave, wild and disoriented by the fires, charged into the central square. Their gigantic bodies, covered in ash and wounds, looked like living mountains moving through the smoke and flames, their eyes glowing with fury and hunger.
With no guards to protect the city, the humans could only watch, paralyzed with terror, knowing they would be torn apart at any moment.
But before the beasts could pounce on the crowd, Runa stepped forward.
Her blade cut through the air with a silver flash.
In the blink of an eye, with movements so fast they seemed impossible for the human eye, she sliced through the flesh and bone of the beasts as though they were paper. Each slash was a sentence, each fall a message: No creature, not even monsters of that size, could challenge her power.
The roars of the beasts ceased.
In their place, only the stunned silence of the citizens remained, their gazes, once filled with fear, now surrendering to a mix of horror, respect, and submission.
Runa walked back to the center of the square. Her voice, cold and authoritative, broke the silence like a blade:
Runa: —Any objections?
No one responded. No one even dared to breathe loudly.
Satisfied, Runa spun on her heels and began to leave, as there was still much to be done, accompanied by Lynell, who trotted beside her with a furrowed brow of concern.
Lynell: —Runa-sama... do you really plan to live with the humans?
Runa: —Don't worry. You won't have to see them too much. We'll live in the noble districts.
Lynell: —I see... still, I don't think I'll be able to get along with them...
Runa glanced at her sideways, thoughtful.
Runa: —For humans and elves to get along...
Her gaze softened, and the words came naturally.
Runa: —...that's something that's really not necessary.
End of Part 11.