I ended up chatting with Adrian about my realm. He grinned like a dork when I offered him the role of Moderator—and just like that, I dumped all the other responsibilities on him too. Why not? He could handle it. So, I had him open the Dimensional Door, and together we stepped into my realm. There, I let Tama and Rin know that Adrian would be taking care of them from now on. I wouldn’t be able to visit as often.
Adrian, ever the Four Eyes, adjusted his glasses and agreed—though he said he was only doing it because we’re friends. Still, I saw that glint in his eye. He was hyped to be able to come here whenever he wanted—and no doubt, he was already looking forward to spending time bickering with Tama.
Once everything was sorted, I said my goodbyes and told them I was heading out on a journey. Adrian and I returned to Eldoria, and I went shopping for supplies I’d need for my trip to Elvarion Kingdom—my next destination in acquiring the second piece of the Key of Ascension.
While I was checking out some sleek, sharp scalpels from a local blacksmith, Adrian snatched one l had paid for and bolted like a maniac.
"Oi—get back here, you klepto!" I shouted, chasing after him.
But I didn’t get far before I collided with someone—a solid bam!—and we both tumbled to the ground. Her brown hooded cloak flew off from the impact, fluttering in the air like a flag of chaos.
"Ugh... ow..." I groaned, rubbing my head.
When I opened my eyes, I was met with the sight of smooth thighs beneath a short, white tunic-skirt. My gaze drifted upward and saw an orange v-collar top stretched tightly over some very well-endowed assets, leaving a hint of cleavage, then l saw a cascade of long, blue hair, caramel-hued skin, and finally... pointy ears.
An elf?
I stood up quickly. "Who are you?" I asked, suspicious.
Adrian’s eyes nearly fell out of his head. He rushed forward, offering the elf woman a hand like some awkward gentleman.
"My deepest apologies, ma’am. My friend’s a walking disaster. Please forgive him," he said, practically bowing.
"You... know her?" I asked, staring. "Who the hell is she?"
Adrian looked at me like I was an alien. "Dude. That’s Freya! The Freya! She’s the hero of this town!"
The woman smiled faintly. "It’s alright. Asher lost his memories, didn’t he?"
I blinked. "How the hell do you know my name?"
Adrian clamped a hand over his mouth. "Dude! You don’t swear at an S-rank Hunter! Are you trying to get vaporized?!"
"S-rank?" I echoed in disbelief.
People were starting to gather, whispering, and pointing, especially the kids. They were straight-up fanboying over her.
Now that I got a good look... yeah. She did seem familiar. I saw her the day when the undead attacked the kingdom. She was with Liloth. But I still had no idea how she knew me.
"I’m sorry," she said softly, picking up her cloak. "I have to go."
And just like that—fwoosh—she vanished in a blink.
"Damn it! She left before I could ask anything!" I muttered, frustrated.
Adrian groaned next to me. "Why the hell does someone like her know your name?! That’s so unfair! Why not mine?!"
I smirked. "Maybe she’s got a crush on me."
He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, keep dreaming."
"Well," I said, shoving my items into my item box. "I’ve got everything I need. Time to head out."
We said our goodbyes, and I activated my flight magic, lifting into the air and shooting off toward the southern skies—toward Felmora Kingdom.
But even as I flew, I couldn’t shake the feeling I was being followed.
Every time I glanced back, I saw nothing—but I felt it. Whoever it was had to be female. No man could hide their presence this well. At least not in this world where men are nothing.
Just in case, I activated my Divine Protection and cast a barrier around myself.
Surprisingly, the barrier had another perk—it made high-altitude flight way smoother. No more air slapping me in the face, no more getting lightheaded from altitude sickness. Just smooth, uninterrupted cruising at high speed.
After about four hours, I reached a crossroads surrounded by thick forest. I descended and pulled up my map from my item box—but a small sign nearby caught my eye.
It read exactly like what was written on a paper the Priestess gave me that other day.
"Beware: Fertile Elven Women Ahead! Unaccompanied Males Will Fall Victim to Forced Elven Crossbreeding."
I chuckled. So that’s what she meant when she said this trip wouldn’t be safe...
Well, I wasn’t turning back. And I sure as hell wasn’t gonna let some wrinkly old elves use me for some weird Elven crossbreeding.
Elves just weren’t my type. I could make a long list why l was never a fan of them, even back in my old world, l never really read or watched anything with an elf character.
Still, if I wanted the Key of Ascension, this road was unavoidable.
I refrained from flying and took the path into the dense forest. With my barrier still up, I felt untouchable. Cocky and confident—cockyfident, if you will.
I was invincible.
Or so I thought.
Something came at me fast. Too fast. It shattered my barrier like it was made of wet tissue.
I glanced down, my heart pounding and saw an arrow on the ground embedded in the dirt.
Before I could react, a net fell from the treetops and wrapped around me like I was tonight’s dinner.
Figures dropped from the trees—at least a dozen. Women... or gorillas?
They wore barely-there blue straps over their absurdly muscular bodies. Light skinned, long ears, ridiculous curves, and weapons of every kind. I used my appraisal skill, and all of them were S-ranks! Some double and some even triple S-ranks! They were indeed powerful, no wonder elves are called the masters of magic!
They also spoke in a language I couldn’t even understand:
"Emaptë sanda nessacenyanë síra."
"Estanyë nai coita mára colma," another replied, giggling with the others.
The leader crouched beside me, smirking. "A fine, young human male... Let’s see how many of us will he able to breed before he dies."
She grabbed my chin, licked her lips, and stood up, barking an order.
They hoisted me up like I was a prize pig.
Welp.
Maybe the Priestess was actually right.
This place was really dangerous.
But l was ready to do anything to get my hands on the second piece of the Ascension key.
TBC.