Kaiser's Perspective:
The Mother of Fairies—Sylaphine Blossom.
Even her name felt like poetry, something you'd read on the first page of a fairy tale before closing the book and whispering yeah right, that's too much imagination. But seeing her in person…? No book, no bard, no pretentious poet could've captured this.
She didn't just walk toward us—she arrived. Each step she took left flowers blooming in her wake, like even the ground competed for her attention.
Her hair shimmered in emerald hues of green, green eyes glowing with the kind of timeless depth that made you feel like she'd seen you before you were even born. Wings of living green shimmered behind her, scattering pollen-lights that hung in the air like blessings.
Yeah. She wasn't beautiful. She was gorgeous. Perfect.And that's worse.
Even Lucas, the sarcastic pessimist, looked frozen stiff with awe. Celia's lips parted for half a second—surprise flickering across her face. For her, that was basically fainting in disbelief.
Me? I stared back.Not at her beauty. At what was hiding underneath it.
"Mother…" Lily's soft voice finally broke the silence. "This is our queen, Sylaphine Blossom."
Sylaphine raised a hand, silencing Lily before she could gush further. The queen's gaze swept across us, her voice flowing like a lullaby.
"To you," she said, her eyes on Lucas, "the one who brought heavenly virtues to this forest. And with it… magic unlike any I've known."
Lucas gave an awkward half-smile. Typical. Sir ninja gave me sleeping pills, but apparently even the queen of fairies can sense his hidden sparkle.
Her gaze shifted. Celia.The air tensed.
"And you," Sylaphine said, her tone carrying both awe and caution. "Your aura is dangerous… older than centuries. Yet you stand calmly."
Celia tilted her head, lips curling in that polite smile of hers.
Dangerous aura? That was the nicest way anyone had ever described her.
And then… she looked at me.
No smile.
Her eyes narrowed, taking me in—my black overcoat, sharp features, black hair and blue eyes.
"You…" she whispered. "I cannot sense you at all."
Her composure cracked. Her pupils tightened. A hint of fear—raw, unmasked—surfaced on her perfect face.
"It can't be…" she breathed.
Her hand rose, almost instinctively, and for the first time, the Mother of Fairies—the embodiment of eternal spring, nature's grace incarnate—looked like she had seen a ghost.
"Nature's Wraith."
In an instant, the air shattered.
Spear after spear of raw, deadly magic sprouted around me, closing off every path, points glinting like executioner's blades ready to tear me apart. The killing intent was suffocating, the kind of spell meant to pin down monsters, not men.
I smirked.
Really? Straight to the "stab him until he's dead" approach? No warm welcome?
No "would you like some tea"?
I raised my hands slightly, smirking."Well… that escalated quickly."
The spears trembled, closing in. Sylaphine's voice shook—not with hesitation, but with absolute certainty.
"Who are you?"
"Well, miss Mother of Fairies, I'm Kaiser Everhart. A human."
I said it plainly, with the kind of tone you use when introducing yourself at a dinner party.
You know—the sort where people clap politely before stabbing you with questions. Or in this case… actual spears.
Her eyes narrowed. "Not that. Why can I not sense your presence at all?"
Ah, the million-dollar question. Or in her case, the forest-heart-jewel-and-spear-pointed-at-your-face question.
"Aw man," I sighed, tilting my head, "just because you're gorgeous, I'm letting this slide. Normally, death spears on a first meeting would be a huge red flag. But you—"
I glanced through the glittering wall of spears, meeting her gaze, emerald fire reflected in emerald eyes—"you get one free pass."
And damn it, she was stunning. Her gown looked like the forest itself had woven it for her, threads of ivory and green twisting together with blooming flowers that pulsed with her heartbeat. Pearls shimmered at her chest, glowing faintly with dewlight. Around her throat sat that emerald choker—the so-called Heart of Sylaris, breathing faint light like it held the pulse of the entire forest.
Then there was the crown. Not gold, not metal—alive. Silver vines, blossoms, and firefly-lights threading through her hair as if the world itself bent to crown her.
"Answer me," she pressed, voice sharp now.
Before I could open my mouth, Lucas jumped in like the self-proclaimed public speaker of awkward situations.
"It's because he has no mana at all." His tone was steady.
Sylaphine blinked, disbelief flashing across her flawless face. "That's impossible—"
"Yep, that's me." I cut her off with a half-grin. "Zero mana. Can't use magic."
"Congratulations, you've met the world's most magically useless man."
Slowly, almost reluctantly, the spears began to dissolve. Then she froze, her eyes locking back onto me, sharper than before.
"Then why," she whispered, "do I feel something so familiar around you? A presence of pure destruction… and of life itself."
"What do you mean by that? We've just met for the first time."
Before the tension could snap, Celia's voice slipped through the silence, cold as winter steel."Let him go."
I side-eyed her. Calm face, calm tone—but the murderous intent radiating from her shadow was enough to make even the air flinch.
I swear to god if she summons demons here...
"Celia—" Lucas muttered, palms raised in surrender. "Calm down. We're not here to fight."
The Queen's eyes flickered, her voice a hushed confession to herself. "This primal feeling…"
The spears vanished completely. I exhaled, slow and steady.
My gaze slid toward Celia again. She was calm.And that—honestly—scared me more than the spears.
The Queen's gaze lingered on me for a moment too long. Then her lips softened, a shadow crossing her face as though some old ache had stirred.
"…Forgive me," she said at last, her voice even, yet colored faintly by a distant sorrow. "What I saw in your eyes… was merely a relic of a past I can no longer return to."
I didn't press. Whatever it was, it belonged to her alone.
"It's alright," I said, letting it pass.
A small silence stretched before Lily shifted, fidgeting with her hands. "Umm… shall we head inside?"
Sylaphine nodded gently, as if pulled from her own thoughts. "Yes."
Lucas let out a long breath, rubbing the back of his neck, the tension in his shoulders easing. Beside him, Celia stared at the Queen with the most indifferent expression imaginable, lips barely moving, eyes narrowed like she'd rather be anywhere else.
I couldn't help the smirk tugging at my mouth.
"Follow me," the Queen said, steady and sure.
—
We entered a chamber carved from living wood and light. The walls breathed with a faint emerald glow, their surfaces alive with veins of silver and gold that pulsed as if the room itself were conscious. Threads of crystal hung from the ceiling like frozen rain, catching the glow of tiny drifting wisps—fairy lanterns that hummed softly as they floated overhead.
In the center stretched a long oval table of pale wood, its surface polished so fine it shimmered like water beneath moonlight. Seven chairs of woven branches and silk circled it, each adorned differently. At the far end, raised slightly above the rest, stood the throne. It was larger, fashioned of intertwined roots that bloomed faintly with petals the color of dusk. That was the Queen's seat. Sylaphine's seat.
We each took our places—Lucas opposite me, Celia on my left, Lily beside her. The Queen, of course, settled gracefully upon the throne.
Not long after, the doors opened, and the fairies entered one by one.
The first was a tall figure with pale lavender hair that cascaded like falling mist. His wings shimmered in hues of sapphire, the edges sharp as if cut from crystal. His eyes, deep violet, carried the cool detachment of a moonlit night. He inclined his head faintly."Caelum," he said, his tone low, formal.
The next was a woman with hair spun like sunlight, gold braided with strands of white. Her wings blazed amber and scarlet, almost like a perpetual flame. Her emerald eyes shone with a fierce vitality, though her smile softened it."I am Aliana," she said warmly, her words lilting like a song.
Behind her stepped a smaller fairy, a boy no older than sixteen by appearance. His hair was silver, cropped short, his wings translucent and pale blue like frost. His eyes—icy gray—carried a calm so absolute it bordered on eerie."…Eryndor," he said quietly, voice almost flat, yet clear enough to carry.
The fourth was a woman with midnight hair flowing to her waist, her skin dusky, wings spread in shades of deep violet streaked with silver. Her golden eyes gleamed with quiet mischief as she tilted her head."Velith," she introduced herself, her tone sly, as if every word was half a secret.
Finally, the last to enter was a man with chestnut hair and warm amber wings. His brown eyes shone with kindness, yet there was a steadiness to him."I am Rowan," he said simply, voice rich and grounding.
They each settled into their seats around the table, their presence distinct, yet united by that faint, otherworldly grace fairies carried.
We also introduced ourselves.
But when Celia's turn came. She didn't bother smiling. "Celia," she said bluntly.
The introductions finished, and the chamber seemed to breathe again, as if acknowledging the gathering at last.
Sylaphine's gaze swept over us, her green eyes luminous in the dim light filtering through the canopy. The soft flutter of her wings punctuated the weight of her words.
"You all were called here for one very specific purpose," she began, her voice carrying the resonance of both kindness and quiet command. "To eliminate the beast that has haunted the Twilight Forest for seventeen years—since its awakening."
Velith leaned forward, his violet eyes narrowing. "Your Majesty… I understand the gravity of this matter. But… can we truly trust mere humans to lend a hand in such a task?" His tone was careful, polite, but sharp, the question hanging in the air like a blade.
Rowan's amber eyes followed Velith's gaze. "I do not trust them either," he added simply, his hands clasped in front of him, steady and unyielding.
Lucas, ever casual, slouched slightly in his chair, voice carrying a lazy certainty. "Look, our goal is the same—to reach beyond this forest, to Sylvaris. Our interests align. Simple as that."
Eryndo, silver-haired and impassive, held up two pale, frost-flecked picks, his gray eyes cold. "And what proof do we have that the three of you won't betray us, as your kind has done in the past?" His words were flat, piercing, but not rude—more a statement of cold caution.
I didn't bother looking at them directly. Instead, I tilted my head toward Sylaphine, a small smile tugging at my lips.
"But I respect your caution. Let us first hear what Sylaphine has to say." Lucas said.
"That's Queen Sylaphine," Aliana interjected sharply, her scarlet wings rustling in disdain. "Speak with respect, human."
Lucas exhaled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. My bad," he muttered, his tone resigned but faintly amused.
Sylaphine raised a hand, her presence smoothing over the tension like sunlight through mist. "Enough. Listen carefully. The underlying threat we all face is the Frost Serpent itself." She paused, then gestured toward Aliana. "Aliana, describe the scene by the Twilight Forest."
Aliana's scarlet wings fluttered unconsciously, a tremor in her voice betraying the memory. "Each night, around midnight, the serpent emerges from its lair," she said, voice soft yet carrying the terror of experience. "It devours anything in its path—creatures, trees, even the earth itself—relentless, merciless."
Rowan leaned forward, hands clasped under his chin, his brow furrowed. "It remained in timeless slumber for seven thousand years," he said quietly, "until a few decades ago. It broke through the surface that held it bound, and ever since… it has fed."
Celia, finally leaning in, red eyes narrowing with interest, muttered, "What do you mean by 'surface'?"
Eryndo lifted his picks, revealing sketches and measurements. A large cavity in the earth, water pooled at its base. "It comes out of this pit nightly to hunt," he explained. "It doesn't care about race, allegiance, or territory. Only the cold of midnight calls it forth."
Caelum, with a faint sigh, added, "We are powerless to stop it. That is why it has feasted upon us for seventeen long years."
Lucas's voice cut through, calm and measured. "Then why not call upon other races? Surely there are armies capable of fighting a single serpent."
Sylaphine's expression tightened, her luminous gaze unwavering. "To do so would expose the Labyrinth's proximity to the Twilight Forest," she said, tone steady, measured. "I cannot allow such knowledge to spread—not with what is to come in the next three years."
Celia's voice cut sharp, her curiosity and suspicion overriding her usual restraint. "What do you mean… 'the next three years'?"
"I cannot tell you," Sylaphine said, her tone final, carrying the weight of a secret she had borne alone for thousands of years.
Celia's red eyes bored into the Queen, unyielding. "I thought we were fighting together to take this serpent down. Hiding information gives me… plenty of reasons not to trust you fairies."
Lucas's hand rested lightly on the table, a subtle attempt to anchor her. "Celia. Maybe it's unrelated to the serpent. There are… other possibilities."
I leaned back slightly in my chair, smirking. This was going to be interesting.
Sylaphine's green eyes flickered briefly toward me, a hint of understanding. "We do not have the luxury of doubt," she said, voice gentle but unyielding. "Only what's to come."
Aliana spoke first, wings flicking with irritation. "The Frost Serpent is no ordinary beast. Close combat is its strength. Its fangs are venomous enough to kill us in minutes, and its cold radiates in a radius that freezes the earth itself."
Velith frowned, pacing. "So… any direct assault would be suicide. Even our illusions would be useless. It does not respond to magic in the conventional sense."
Rowan's jaw tightened. "Then what options remain? We cannot risk open engagement."
Lucas, voice casual but sharp, leaned on the edge of the table. "Simple. A joint alliance. Humans and fairies. We—Celia and I—can handle the Serpent in close quarters. Your people assist with reconnaissance, illusions, guidance. We draw it out, corner it, and end it. Quick, easy."
Eryndo tilted his head, skeptical. "And why can't you do this alone? Surely your magic is formidable."
Sylaphine sighed, a soft rustle of wings accompanying it. "That won't be needed. We do not engage directly in destructive attack magic. Our strengths lie in guidance, manipulation, illusions… controlling perception. It is not the way of our kind to fight in brute force. But the Serpent is immune. None of our methods work on it."
Celia's red eyes glinted with interest. "Then you need someone who can actually touch it." She leaned forward, sharp and direct. "Cursed magic. I can utterly destroy it. Lucas can help control its positioning. And you fairies can do what you do best—guide us, watch for ambushes, track it in the forest. We slaughter it in one shot."
Aliana hissed softly but remained quiet. The distrust lingered, but the logic was undeniable.
Lucas's eyes gleamed. "That could work. Vague, yes, but workable. It's better than sitting here talking ourselves to death while a cold-blooded predator eats your forests."
Sylaphine's emerald eyes swept over us, narrowing slightly as if weighing possibilities, then softened. "That… could work. But only if the humans can be trusted not to act recklessly. And only if your coordination is flawless."
"Fine by me," Lucas said with a shrug, "we can work on that." He glanced toward me, half-smile tugging at his lips.
"Kaiser, what do you think of this plan?"
I had been studying Sylaphine the whole time, her presence as beautiful as forest itself, and finally, my gaze met hers.
I shrugged lightly. "I think… she's gorgeous."
The chamber froze.
Fairy after fairy blinked. Aliana's scarlet wings twitched in shock. Celia's red eyes widened, a mixture of disbelief and confusion. Lucas just stared, mouth slightly open.
And Sylaphine… she held my gaze, and for a moment, the tension melted into something softer. A faint smile curved her lips, subtle, knowing, like the forest itself had decided to forgive a reckless intruder.
I smirked back. "Don't worry, I'm also considering the serpent. But a good smile never hurts negotiations."
I leaned forward across the table, deliberately letting my gaze linger on her eyes, letting the room around us blur into insignificance.
"May I have dinner with you?" I asked, bold enough that even the air seemed to catch its breath.
Velith shot up like a spring, his wings flaring, eyes ablaze. "What is this tone? Disrespecting our queen—"
"Shhhh… two adults are talking." My eyes never left Sylaphine's. I cut him off with a sharp wave of my hand.
The other fairies tensed, anger etched into their posture, ready to leap at me like cornered wolves—but Sylaphine raised her palm, and their movements froze mid-air.
She leaned in as well, elbows resting on the table, fingers interlaced beneath her chin. Her gaze drilled into mine, both tender and assessing.
"You are… quite bold to speak in such a tone."
"They say it's art," I replied, letting my voice drop just enough for intimacy, "to love someone, you need courage."
Her brows lifted slightly, a spark of amusement hidden beneath her composure. "And what, exactly, are you implying?"
I smirked. "I'll leave that to your imagination… until our dinner, Miss Sylaphine."
She let a soft sigh escape, eyes flicking momentarily to the gathered fairies, who were still bristling. "You shouldn't be this bold. It's… unhealthy. Judging by how my fairies glare at you, I trust you are rational enough to control yourself."
I turned my gaze on the room, letting a slow smirk curl across my lips. "Hearing your voice… that alone keeps me just fine, Miss Sylaphine."
A small, almost imperceptible smile touched her lips. "Quite the charmer, human—"
"It's Kaiser. Just Kaiser," I corrected, voice smooth and confident.
"If you say so, Kaiser. But listen… our negotiations are not over. Dinner can wait."
"Is that so?" I leaned back, voice amused.
Awww man... I guess its time to try for a bit.
I folded my hands, eyes narrowing with focus as I traced the serpent's patterns in my mind.
"As we know, it lives beneath some sort of deep lair… under the water. Its nightly emergence confirms my theory. It is weak against heat. Especially the sun, thus it stays down."
"And," I continued, watching her closely, "if it's evolved to survive sub-zero conditions over centuries under frozen waters, that explains its freezing aura. Everything around it succumbs to cold because its body is built for it."
I paused, letting the weight of my next words land. "Lastly… if this is a primal creature, its venom carries ancient diseases. That alone means we cannot fight it up close. Only from a distance… or with magic."
I let the logic settle, eyes flicking to Sylaphine. "Your fairies will provide the gear, essentials, whatever we request. Lucas will craft the plan. Until then, we wait. Within a few days we'll take it down."
I leaned back, smirk widening. "There. Are you happy now?"
Her emerald eyes softened, a faint smile curving her lips. "Quite impressive… for someone who has been staring at me this whole time."
"Well," I said, feigning modesty, "I suppose I just have a decent memory… when my eyes focus on beauty."
A genuine, quiet smirk appeared on her face. "I appreciate the flattery… but, my sincere apologies. I cannot reciprocate your feelings."
I tilted my head, undeterred, eyes still holding hers. "Fair enough, Miss Sylaphine. A shame, but dinner's still on the table, yes?"
Sylaphine chuckled softly, a sound like wind rustling through spring leaves, and rose from her throne. "Mhm, I believe I can treat you all to a banquet tonight."
"Oh, that's so kind of you," I replied, letting the words slip out smoothly.
The rest of the room remained rigidly silent, the fairies' eyes shooting glares at me. The normal ones were practically vibrating with irritation—jealousy barely contained.
Man, game is game. Why are they so jealous?
I just took my chances. I'll play the main game during the banquet.
Lily stepped cautiously into the room, glancing between us. "Is… everything okay?"
Lucas groaned, exhaling like he'd just climbed a mountain. "My god… bro, did you really have to stare at her the entire time?"
"Man, don't blame me," I said, shrugging. "She's… drop-dead gorgeous."
"I know that, but still," Lucas muttered, shaking his head.
I glanced at him, smirk widening. "Anyways, we have a banquet to attend later, so let's get moving. Lead the way, Lily."
Lily blinked, stuttering slightly as if my earlier flirting still haunted her. "U-um… okie, I'll… lead you three."
Lucas squinted at her, voice low and teasing. "You're acting oddly… suspicious."
I placed a hand casually on his shoulder, letting a smirk curl my lips. "It's just… I've fallen in love, Lucas. I want her to be mine, that's all."
He raised an eyebrow at me, voice skeptical. "Uh-huh?"
We left the room, the door closing behind us. I could feel Celia's eyes on us as she rose slowly from her chair, expression unreadable but her red eyes glinting.
Oh… no…