Darken had already left the forbidden lands of the Elves after helping them resolve their issues—and in addition to that, he had also helped settle the troubles of the Dire Wolf Valley. Though the outcome had not been ideal, it was still far better than nothing.
Now, however, he had fallen into a trap set by strangers within the Mysterious Forest, forcing him into an unexpected encounter with the first human he had ever met on the new continent of Andrastis.
First the people firing arrows… then those faceless figures… and now this girl? Did I use up all my luck earlier or what?
Darken thought to himself as he searched for a way out of his predicament. But it seemed he had fallen into the hands of someone formidable.
The girl's eyes, though cold, were sharp and merciless—eyes that made one thing absolutely clear: she could kill him quickly, easily, and without a single ounce of regret.
At least… that was what Darken believed.
"Speak. Answer my questions. Based on your answers, I'll decide whether you're an enemy… or just a fool wandering around."
Her voice was harsh, though not loud.
Darken furrowed his brows and replied, "You attack someone out of nowhere, try to kill him, and then expect him to answer your questions just like that? Fine then—tell your companions to come out. Or are you planning to stab me in the back once you get your answers?" He spoke with obvious defiance.
The white-haired girl said nothing at first. She simply stared at him, processing his words calmly.
Then she slowly closed one eye, lowered her sword effortlessly until its edge touched the grassy ground beneath her, and spoke clearly:
"Camellia. Ando. You may come out now."
The moment she said that, someone dropped down behind her—it was the same young man Darken had faced earlier, the one whose copies had appeared faceless.
' So… this human's name is Ando. Which means the elf must be the other one. And from the name… she's female. But where is she? '
Moments later, an elven woman stepped out from between the shrubs. She had long ears and wore an outfit similar to Ando's, though hers bore patches of green.
What shocked Darken most… was her hair—green.
"A Northern Elf…?" he murmured quietly, but not quietly enough. Camellia stopped in surprise.
The white-haired girl immediately caught the shift in atmosphere.
She spoke again: "Stranger, introduce yourself. And tell me why you're here."
She had decided to start with the simplest question.
Darken exhaled, preparing to answer. "My name is Darken, and—"
But he froze, suddenly realizing something very important.
' I don't even have a family name… that'll look suspicious. And why I'm here? I can't tell them I came from another continent. I'm already in a terrible position. '
After a few seconds of thinking—and while the white-haired girl stood patiently waiting—Darken spoke again, completing his sentence:
"My name is Darken Silver. I'm of Northern descent. I wander the continent with no particular destination, and being here in the Mysterious Forest is simply… part of my never-ending journey."
It was a lie, but the best he could manage.
"Northern descent?" Ando muttered, stroking his chin.
"That explains why he recognized me, doesn't it?" Camellia whispered to Ando.
"Is that even a question? Of course. If he's Northern, it's only natural he'd recognize a fellow Northerner," Ando replied—not bothering to whisper.
As for the white-haired girl, she made no comment. Silence surrounded her like a second skin.
Then she broke that silence: "My name is Lorsia. Lorsia Brandel. I'm a mercenary who travels around taking paid assignments. One such assignment is handling strangers… like you, Darken."
She raised her sword slightly, then slid it into the sheath at her left hip.
"The Mysterious Forest is forbidden. No humans—or anyone like you—are allowed here. Therefore, you're coming with us. We'll see what the Grand General has to say."
"The… Grand General?" Darken repeated, confused.
"Yes. The Grand General—the one responsible for officially licensed mercenaries like us. Don't tell me you've never heard of him? He's one of the generals serving the Imperial Guard."
Her tone carried an extra layer of coldness.
' Damn it… this is getting worse. Suddenly I'm being asked things I know nothing about. I need a believable response or everything is going downhill. '
Darken thought for a moment, trying to keep up with Lorsia's expectations and avoid suspicion—perhaps worse than suspicion.
He chose improvisation.
"I've heard some talk about him while traveling, but nothing detailed. You could say I never paid much attention… since such matters aren't important for a wanderer like me."
He spoke calmly, without tension.
Lorsia stared at him—long and hard. Her gaze lingered for minutes, so long that even Ando and Camellia didn't understand the purpose behind it.
Finally, Lorsia stepped away from Darken, approaching Ando.
"Restrain him and confiscate his weapon."
Her tone didn't sound like a direct command—but Ando felt it as one, and moved immediately.
"Sorry, man," Ando said, pulling a rope from the small pouch at his waist. He began tying Darken's arms. Darken didn't resist.
Ando continued, "Lorsia's strict… extremely cautious. I hope you understand."
Darken replied, "You're the one who attacked me earlier—the copies and all that, right?"
Ando chuckled. "Yeah… sorry about that. Lorsia's orders were clear: either injure you enough to stop you, or push you into her hands. Name's Ando Frastil, by the way."
Lorsia's voice came from ahead: "Finish up so we can move." She walked on, and Camellia followed her.
Ando nudged Darken's shoulder. "Let's go."
Darken cooperated, not even trying to break free—he could easily tear the ropes, just like he had the last time he'd been tied, when he was taken to meet King Toras.
' These people… two humans and a green-haired elf. Toras was right—this elf is Northern, and she seems close to these two humans. '
' Which means that, logically, I might meet Western Elves someday… the blue-haired short ones. But that doesn't matter now. '
' This Northern Elf… I know nothing about the northern regions. One wrong answer could expose me. And the white-haired girl… I'm certain she didn't buy my lie. She seems far too sharp for that. '
' I need a way to deal with them when the time comes. Ando seems manageable—but barely. Camellia is fast. '
' I'd need to be faster… or smarter… to deal with her. But the real problem is the white-haired one. She's too calm. And even if I'm not great with a sword, I can tell—she's highly skilled. '
Darken closed his eyes briefly, thinking deeply. His mind drifted to the monstrous form he once took—powerful, terrifying.
' In the worst case… I may have to rely on that. But there's a problem—I don't know how to activate it. Last time it just… happened. I don't remember any details. That puts me in a terrible position. '
He was so lost in thought he didn't notice Lorsia glancing back at him over her shoulder for a few seconds before looking forward again.
They walked for nearly an hour before reaching a place where the neighing of horses could be heard.
"There are only three horses," Lorsia said as she walked toward them, particularly toward her own grey one. "So one of you will have to carry the stranger with you."
Camellia spoke first: "Well, I suppose Ando should take him. He's a man like Darken, isn't he?"
Lorsia nodded. "Correct. Then that settles it. The stranger rides with Ando."
Ando immediately protested, "Hey! Shouldn't you at least ask me before deciding? Why can't he ride with one of you?!"
He received only silent stares in response—stares that conveyed everything.
Ando sighed in defeat. "Fine… I'll take him."
He leaned toward Darken and whispered, "They're both ridiculously bossy," before walking to his horse.
Darken, meanwhile, was barely paying attention—his eyes were fixed on the vast green meadow ahead. Something about it tugged at his memory—A place similar to this one…A more beautiful place…A vague i mage of a smiling child.
What was that?
He opened his eyes and found Ando standing in front of him.
"Hey. Can you get on the horse?"
"Ah—yes. I can."
Darken jumped, even with his hands bound, landing skillfully on the horse's back—impressing Ando.
"Look at that. Hands tied and he still moves like that," Ando said to Lorsia.
Lorsia replied coldly, "Then perhaps we should cut off his limbs to prevent any threat. What do you think?" She stared directly at Darken.
Darken stared back—calmly, almost amused.
She's trying to intimidate him… but strangely enough, he looks like he's about to laugh. He's… odd.
Lorsia thought to herself before turning away and mounting her horse, followed by Camellia and Ando. They were ready to move—though an uneasy feeling lingered among them.
Lorsia rode ahead, positioning herself in front of Ando and Camellia.
She spoke firmly: "We'll travel west for about two days until we reach Vara Village, where we'll deliver the purple flowers we were tasked to transport. "
" Then we head north to Sardar Fortress to receive the mission reward. After that, we return to Vara Village for a day of rest, and then proceed to the Imperial Capital. Understood? Memorize the route—I won't repeat it."
Ando and Camellia nodded immediately.
Lorsia began moving toward the west as planned.
Darken, confused by the detailed speech, leaned toward Ando and whispered:
"Why did she explain everything at once? Couldn't she just tell you things step by step? Or is she the type who can't wait for the right moment?"
Ando stifled a laugh. "It's because Camellia once got lost during a mission. She just sat next to a rock crying until we found her. So Lorsia now tells us the full plan and route every time—to avoid losing anyone."
"That elf? She's that fragile?" Darken asked, surprised.
"No, no—she has a good personality. Just… childish sometimes. And that incident was two years ago. But honestly? For a twenty-nine-year-old? Yeah… you could say she has a gentle personality under normal circumstances."
Darken blinked. "I have no idea what you just said."
Ando groaned. "I'm bad at explaining. You'll understand eventually."
Darken fell silent.
Then—something washed over him.
Something strange.He whirled around abruptly, eyes wide open.
"What is it?! What's wrong with you?!" Ando yelped, startled.
His sudden movement drew Camellia's and Lorsia's attention—especially Lorsia's, whose hand moved toward her sword instinctively, though she didn't draw it.
' I've felt this before… '
Darken stared toward the Mysterious Forest.
' It's him. Without a doubt. That same person… is inside the forest. '
A memory resurfaced—That strange man with the blurred features and the wide, unsettling smile.
An uncomfortable chill ran through him… and vanished.
"Ah—sorry. It just felt like something was coming toward me. Must've imagined it," Darken said, trying to calm the others.
Ando sighed deeply. "Man, you nearly stopped my heart. Be careful." He nudged his horse forward.
Camellia placed a hand on her chest, relieved.
Lorsia narrowed her eyes, slowly easing her hand off her sword before riding ahead.
Darken, however… remained troubled by the sensation.
Meanwhile—In the very spot where Darken first stepped foot upon Andrastis—the stranger stood.
Same figure.
Same faint, eerie smile.
"Darken… let's see how far you can go. I gave you the opportunity, so don't disappoint me."
A soft breeze swept across the land—and the stranger vanished like smoke.
Darken's journey had taken a turn he never anticipated—and now he was surrounded by people he never expected to meet.