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Seria says: "Nothing should be as mysterious as I am!" Some info is missing, please help to provide it if you can.

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Blue Guardian

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	Blue Guardian

Wingless Angel

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	Wingless Angel: Chapter 1 Wingless Angel: Chapter 2

Way of the Priest

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Chapter(s)

Way of the Priest Narrator: After the Great Metastasis, the Order of Priests moved its headquarters from Lemidia Basilica in Hendon Myre to Remidia Kathedra in Underfoot, as Underfoot, the city of the Dark Elves, pushed above the ground when the geological strata rose, became the heart of Arad, and opened its door to the outside world. It was the queen of the Dark Elves who decided to open her kingdom after the Great Metastasis to other races and their cultures, and Remidia Kathedra became a symbol of that union. Remidia Kathedra settled down in the city, but there was a dark cloud hanging over a young Priestess named Grandis Gracia. She was worried about Nilvas Gracia, the only living member of her family. Nilvas was an exemplary paladin and the hero of his much younger sister. He comforted her when she cried for her parents and helped with her studies. It was also Nilvas who taught her to lead the other Priests and how to identify the Imposters. Nilvas was a great teacher for her. That was a long time ago. Before the Great Metastasis broke out, Nilvas left Grandis with the Order and went on a mission to subjugate the Imposters. He had not returned. People told Grandis her brother must be dead and she should give up on finding him, but she was convinced that her brother was alive. It wasn't a vague hope in a sister whose brother went missing. This was a priest's intuition, a feeling of connection to another priest through their god. She didn't receive His revelation, but every time she prayed, she felt as if He whispered that she must not give up, and she took heart from it. While other Priests transferred to quiet rural towns to focus on their training, Grandis remained in crowded Underfoot, so she could meet people from different places and gather information about her brother. Grott: "Grandis, long time no see." Narrator: One day, a hulking Priest walked up to Grandis. This man clad in heavy armor was Grott, a colleague of Nilvas. He went on a training journey separately from Nilvas and returned after the Great Metastasis. He sometimes dropped by the Order to lend a hand with things before he got back on the road. Grandis: "Grott. It's been a while. When did you come back?" Narrator: Grott and Grandis talked idly for a while. Other Priests told her about things that were taking place outside Underfoot, but most of their stories were sad and tragic. Grott was different. He told her lighthearted and hopeful stories about the beautiful Silver Crown, people who joined forces to overcome the devastation from the Great Metastasis, and the Blade Masters who were sealing monsters in the Iced Wall of Resignation. his stories made her think of sprouts growing from the debris of war. Grott: "Enough about me. How have you been, Grandis? It must be tough to be alone in a strange place like this. I don't know where in the world Nilvas is, but he'd better get back quickly." Grandis: "It's all right. I'm sure he's busy spreading His teachings and walking the path of the Priest. Comparing to what he does, I'm doing nothing." Narrator: Grandis answered with a smile on her face, but the anxiety and tension underlying her smile wasn't lost on Grott. Grott: "His teachings, huh? I'm not trying to be blasphemous, but nothing in the world is as difficult to understand as His teachings." Grandis: "Excuse me?" Grott: "Of course, He has such vast knowledge that we can never understand His intentions to the full extent. And He must be frustrated with our inability to comprehend things that are so obvious to Him. The Archbishop is the same way. He would send me on errands all day, and I would realize his intentions only at the end of the day, before I fell asleep in exhaustion. Sometimes I resented him for not telling me what he wanted. I guess he was a firm believer of seeing is believing. And learning things for yourself. The Archbishop could have been frustrated with me, too, for my inability to remember the things that he taught me the previous day. He probably thought God was using me to try him." Narrator: Grott looked so serious that it made Grandis laugh, but that didn't faze him. Grott: "Maybe that wasn't the right example, but my point is that we cannot know all the things God intends for us. And you should not regard everything as His will. Doing so is like eating candy before bed. Things can be tough. You can be happy. You can make mistakes. But only God knows if any of them was His will. We Priests are His servants, but we're only humans. we follow the path that He shows us. Some of us choose to walk the other way. None of us can become like Him. Accept your loneliness and angst. If you're angry at Nilvas, you can say so. He's walking the way of the Priest, yes, but he could've returned if he wanted to. Resentment and sadness are also part of the way of the Priest. We cannot teach and lead those who are angry and sad without understanding what they're going through. I'm not saying you should express every single emotion you feel. You just don't have to hide them. God gave us emotions, so we can feel. Don't forget that." Narrator: At first, Grandis was confused, but soon she smiled, having understood his intention. This big tough Priest was trying to comfort his friend's sister in his gruff way. He was telling her not to bottle up her emotions, or she would explode. Come to think of it, she'd been tense since she came to Underfoot. It takes time for everyone to adapt to their new surroundings, and Priests are not exception. Things can actually be tougher for Priests because they have to set a good example for others. Grandis: "Thank you. I'll take a break from work sometimes and think about the true way of the Priest. I want to find a different way from my brother to save others." Grott: "That's great. And don't worry too much about Nilvas. If he doesn't show up soon, then I'll go drag him by his hair to you." Grandis: "Then I'll punch him in the face once for making me worry so much. Or twice." Narrator: Grandis smiled. Grott returned her smile, knowing this brave, patient girl understood him. But a part of him worried for his friend who might get punched in the face by a girl who can swing a cross as tall as her like a twig.

Great Adventurer Karakas

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Chapter(s)

Great Adventurer Karakas Chapter1 Great Adventurer Karakas Chapter2 Narrator: Time went by. Karakas was a big boy now. His eyes sparkled with mischief and his pocket was filled with toys he made. One day, Karakas's older brother asked, "Karakas, I lost my kite. It went flying west. Could you find it?" He asked Karakas because his younger brother was faster than anyone he knew. Karakas decided to find the kite for his brother. There was a small lake west of Karakas's house. The weather was hot, so Karakas stooped to drink from the lake. There, he saw a red shadow reflected on the surface. He looked up. His brother's kite was there, flying and fluttering. The kite danced in the sky before it shot toward the forest. Karakas got scared. He heard rumors about a mage living in the forest who used children for his evil magic. But he braced himself and entered the forest. The mage's forest was thickly wooded with old trees. Karakas didn't know how long he walked when he arrived at the mage's house. It was a small hut with a gray roof. He looked for a door to knock on, but there was no door or even any windows. All four sides of the hut were hard walls. Karakas wasn't sure if someone lived in there. Suddenly, a booming, thunderous voice was heard. "Kid, what are you doing here? Stop disturbing me and leave." "I came to find my brother's kite. I saw it fly into this forest. Have you seen it?" "Finders keepers. That kite is mine now. Leave!" Karakas was angry. The mage was no better than a thief. He got so angry that he forgot that he was scared. He decided to enter the mage's house. There was a small mushroom in front of the mage's house. While looking around the house, Karakas accidentally stepped on the mushroom, and voila--a door appeared in a wall that had nothing in it a moment ago! Karakas was startled, but he mustered his courage and entered the house. On the other side of the door was a long tunnel with magic torches flickering along the walls on both sides. The air was so musty that Karakas could hardly breathe. He didn't know how long he walked when he arrived at a big room. Inside the room, he found his brother's kite sitting on a table. And the mage was sitting next to the table. "How dare you intrude my house?! I'll turn you into a frog!" "I'm sorry, but that kite is my brother's. Give it back, and I'll leave." But the mage didn't want to give up the kite. He also needed a servant, so he was unwilling to let Karakas go. Karakas quickly gathered his wits about him. "All right, I'll give up the kite and I'll be your servant, but only if you make me some delicious cake." "Not a problem." The mage swung his wand, and delicious-looking cake appeared in front of Karakas. It was as tall as him and decorated with all sorts of fruit and cookies. Karakas sampled the cake and shook his head. "This is not delicious. I told you I wanted delicious cake. Can't you do better than this?" The mage got angry. He kept creating cake to prove his ability. Quickly the room was filled with cake. Karakas hid his brother's kite behind his back, but the mage was so busy making cake that he didn't even see it. The mage, proud of his own work, laughed. "How about now, kid? I bet at least one of them will satisfy your palate." Karakas tasted all the cake. Chocolate cake melted right onto his tongue. Wine cake was bitter and sweet. Strawberry cake was laden with fresh strawberries. The cake toppled with broiled banana was especially delicious, and it was as big as a bear. "I suppose noblemen would love this cake. But this cake isn't fit for, say, a king." Spurred by the boy's insult, the mage made even more cake. The room was filled with so much cake that they had to come out to the hallway. "How about now? I'm sure you'd like at least one of them." "These are more delicious than the last ones, but they're only fit for a king. They won't satisfy an emperor." The mage was so angry that his face reddened. He kept swinging his wand. Cake materialized from the tip of his wand, and they were shaped beautifully. There was a sculpture of a hero. One was shaped like a river filled with melted chocolate. Karakas was impressed, but he kept urging the mage to make even bigger cake. The mage and Karakas walked backward toward the exit. Even the hallway was filled with cake. The mage was so preoccupied with making cake that he didn't think Karakas was planning to run. Exhausted from making so much cake, the panting mage asked, "How about now? At least one of them should be good enough to please an emperor. You can't complain now, can you?" Karakas nodded and said, "You're right. All of them are good enough to please an emperor. You should try some of them." Karakas pushed the mage to the mountain of cake behind them. Old and exhausted, the mage fell on his back and lost his magic wand. Quickly Karakas picked up the wand and started hitting the piles of cake next to him. The cake fell on top of the mage, pinning him to the ground. The mage flailed, but the floor was so slippery with cream that he couldn't get up. "Help! Help me! I can't breathe! The cake is crushing me to death!" The mage screamed. Karakas told him from the other side of the door. "I'll tell you how to save yourself, but you'll have to promise me you'll leave me alone" "I promise I'll leave you alone. How can I get out from under this mountain of cake?" Karakas stepped on the mushroom outside the house. The door started closing slowly. Before the door completely closed and blocked all the light into the hallway, Karakas yelled. "Eat all the cake!" The mage thanked Karakas and promised he wouldn't come after him before the door completely closed on him. Karakas escaped safely with the mage's magic wand and his brother's kite. Karakas broke the wand, so the mage wouldn't be able to use it for evil again. And he gave the kite to his brother. After that day, the children of the village never lost their kites due to mysterious circumstances. Great Adventurer Karakas Chapter3

Broad and Shallow Knowledge for Refined Aradians

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	Broad and Shallow Knowledge for Refined Aradians

Alchemist's Friend

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	Alchemist's Friend

Low Ranking Knight Training Journal

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Chapter(s)

Low Ranking Knight Training Journal: Chapter 1 Narrator (Lenny): "September 4 Today my training period ended and the successful candidates were announced. I barely ate breakfast and headed out to the announcement center, and Mom followed me to the entrance, going on at nothing and everything. "You're the only hope for this family." "Listen to your seniors." Mom worries too much, as always. The announcement center was already packed with low-ranking knights. Every time someone's name was called, the people got rowdy even if that person didn't pass, delaying the announcing process. When that wench Marie started jumping and screaming that she passed, I wanted to slap her senseless. Anyway, I didn't care for all the noises, but... I PASSED! I even tied for second place with some boy! I wish I won first place, but I'm still happy that I've been assigned to the Iron Wolves led by Sir Vaughn Walshuted! Hurrah! Thank you, gods! By the way, I wonder where that boy who tied for second place with me went to. I want to see how good he is." Narrator (Hartz): "I said you could write as you please, but don't write too childishly. As far as I know, Hemon Derike has been assigned to the Guardian Knights unit under Count Serons." Narrator (Lenny): "September 5 Battle assembly training hours in the Second Training Ground. Lasted a few hours. A welcoming party at 7 p.m. The food wasn't good. The Knight Master was absent." Narrator (Hartz): "If you didn't like the food, why did you eat so much? The knight Master was there. You kept throwing dumplings at him. Don't you remember? Stop drinking so much. And write in more detail. This is too short to be helpful." Narrator (Lenny): "September 6 The swordsmanship training began at 5:32:23 a.m. in the Second Training Ground and lasted for 3 hours and 42 minutes. walked 14 minutes to the cafeteria. Waited in line for 12 minutes to get my food. Today's menu was marinade meat, boiled beans, boiled potatoes, pickles, and cheese and broccoli soup. The marinade meat wasn't chewy, but overcooked. The boiled beans weren't cooked thoroughly and smelled. 23 people complained about them. The boiled potatoes were cold and weren't received well, but they were not too big and cooked thoroughly. They weren't too bad. I like the soup, but it could've been better without the broccoli. The pickles... Sorry, I ran out of space." Narrator (Hartz): "If you'd like to go into such detail, then write like this: "Practiced swordsmanship from 5:30 a.m. for 4 hours. Breakfast afterward." By the way, why did you spend so much time writing about the breakfast instead of your training?" Narrator (Lenny): "September 7 The swordsmanship training was so tough that I can barely hold a pen. My arm shakes so much that I keep dripping ink. Today I've learned to practice my swordsmanship harder. Thank you." Narrator (Hartz): "You got to be kidding me. Come to me as soon as you read this!" Narrator (Lenny): "September 8 It's my day off. I ate home-cooked meals, and bought some nice dagger, hair ties, shoes, and cookies. So happy! P.S.) Deputy Master, you said I could write anything I wanted. This is okay, right?" Narrator (Hartz): "Yes, knock yourself out. I can't seem to make you get the hang of this. Just try to write something more useful, all right?" Narrator (Lenny): "September 9 Well today was a shocker: Knight Master Vaughn Walshuted is married. I'm so devastated that I don't want to do anything." Narrator (Hartz): "I told you to write something useful. How can this help me help you improve? You're writing this journal for both of us. Stop writing something so personal." Narrator (Lenny): "September 10 The stray dog I picked up a couple of days ago keeps barking in the nighttime, making Fiona angry at me. What should I do?" Narrator (Hartz): "So it was you. Bring that dog, now!" Low Ranking Knight Training Journal: Chapter 2 Narrator (Lenny): "October 4 Today marks the 30th day since I joined the Knights. At the end of our training, the Deputy Master gathered us low-ranking knights and praised us for our good work. I almost wept. All the hardship I had to endure flashed through my mind. The Deputy Master then announced the test results. Gina, Bessy, Don, and Gail failed, and Fiona, Dan, and I passed. I thought I didn't worry too much, but I felt so relieved after I heard my results. Those who failed will be sent back to the training camp. Gina said she'd quit. Finally, she realized that she wasn't cut out for knight. I hated that girl for bragging about her wealthy family. And finally Dolores has been knighted today! This would've happened a long time ago if she were a noble, but I'm happy for her. I hope I can be like her soon... Well, I will! Oh, and the Deputy Master said he would stop checking my journal as of today. I'm glad because having my journal checked by him every day has made me feel as if I've gone back to elementary school, but I liked the chance to communicate with the Deputy Master on personal levels. He mostly yelled at me, but I don't think that would reflect badly on my performance... yet. Ah, can I really write anything I want now? I hope the Knight Master will come to see us training tomorrow, but I doubt he'd have time. He's always busy. I want to stay home and do nothing. I want a new sword. I was annoyed by some adventurer I saw in the tavern today. I want to eat apples. I want to be knighted soon. Argh, I'm so sleepy! Can I skip the morning training session?" Narrator (Hartz): "I knew you were stupid, but not this damn stupid. Why did you leave your journal on my desk in the morning today? For a moment, I wondered if I didn't talk to you yesterday. Starting tomorrow, you'll wake up an hour earlier and run laps around the training ground until you don't feel sleepy anymore." Narrator (Lenny): "October 5. I almost died today. I was running laps around the training ground, half-awake, when I crashed into a wall headfirst. The Deputy Master hit the roof. The entire unit of the low-ranking knights had to run laps around the training round all morning. In the afternoon, all the Knights had to run to the top of Mount Proxyl. The basic training continued into the night... Fiona almost killed me. So did Grey, a senior who's been so generous about my mistakes. Well, so did everyone else in the Knights. I think I'm going to buy everyone lunch tomorrow. There goes my entire month's salary... Why am I such a sleepyhead?" October 8 The Knight master showed up for the first time after a long time and bought everyone dinner. In the diner, he announced that we wold go to the old Principality on a special mission. He didn't go into detail. Everyone stopped eating and stared at him with their mouths agape. What are we going to do there? Dan said we were lucky that we weren't sent to the north, but to me, the ruins of the old Principality is just as bad. What's going on in there? October 11 The date of our deployment has been announced. Everyone is stunned that we're leaving on such short notice. Are we going to war? I'm happy to fight those damnable Dark Elves. Not knowing what we're supposed to do is so frustrating. The Knight Master and the Deputy Master have been away all day, probably busy meeting with some courtiers. Is something serious going on? October 15 Everyone's whispering that something big has happened. I hope it's true. The Knight Master made his name known as a great sword master when he was my age. I want an opportunity like that. I'd like to lead the knights alongside the Knight Master. But that'll take more than my ability. My family is not powerful enough. Well, I can't help it. I'll try to distinguish myself through this long-term mission and see what that leads me to. Low Ranking Knight Training Journal: Chapter 3

The Wind Blowing upon Empyrean

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	The Wind Blowing upon Empyrean

Hidden Bomb: The Cyphers

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	Hidden Bomb: The Cyphers

Happy Magic Classroom

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Chapter(s)

Happy Magic Classroom Kiri: "Yoo-hoo! Good morning! Long time, no see, Sharan!" Sharan: "Ah, yes. Good morning." Kiri: "You must have been busy. I haven't seen you for a while." Sharan: "I've been busy with the school. Um, excuse me now. I have a report to write." Kiri: "A report? You're still busy, huh? Is there something I can do for you? I want to help. And when we're done, I'd like to learn the basics of magic. The other day, you said you would teach me." Sharan: "That was because you wouldn't leave me alone. Hm... All right. I'm not supposed to teach magic to anyone other than Dark Elves, but as the principal of the academy, I shouldn't ignore someone so eager to learn." Kiri: "Really? Yippee! Then can you teach me how to summon fire pillars with a snap of my fingers?" Sharan: "...You're very ambitious. I guess being enthusiastic is a good thing. Please have a seat, and drink this potion. Now, breathe deeply..." Kiri: "..." Sharan: "..." Kiri: "Um... This is harder than I thought..." Sharan: "Please focus. Everyone is capable of magic, each person has a different capacity for mana. Controlling mana is easy if you're familiar with controlling your inner energy." Kiri: "I use guns, so I don't know how to control my inner energy." Sharan: "I thought you were a famous warrior from Empyrean? Even swordsmen learn how to control their inner energy." Kiri: "Ah. *Chuckle* We Empyreans focus more on external energy than the internal. I don't know if that's the correct expression. Anyway, I think I know what you mean, but I don't know how to detect the energy inside me. Please teach me." Sharan: "We Dark Elves live and breathe magic, so it's difficult to explain it to someone who doesn't. Close your eyes and try to remember one of the most unforgettable events in your life. Now, what do you feel?" Kiri: "One of the most unforgettable events... I'm angry. Those Kartels... They're outlaws that raise hell and destroy everything wherever they go. But I hate traitors more than the Kartels!" Sharan: "Calm down! Don't get carried away by emotion. You'll lose control over your mana." Kiri: "Just thinking about them makes me angry. If only I could go back to Empyrean, I'll make them pay!" Sharan: "Hm. This is the first time I've heard your story. I only knew you were from Empyrean. It may not be feasible to go back to Empyrean anytime soon, but I have good news: Kiri, you're gifted in magic." Kiri: "Whoa... Really?" Sharan: "Yes. You said you weren't familiar with controlling your inner energy, but for a moment you were able to tap into your mana. You just got too worked up before you could do anything with it." Kiri: "Whoa, then can I fly in the sky too now?" Sharan: "As I told you before, it depends on your aptitude and perseverance, but I can teach you the theory of flight. This is great. I didn't know if you'd be able to learn magic, and it turned out that you are more than capable. We should have a drink and celebrate." Kiri: "Sure! We Empyreans also drink and fire a gun salute when there are things to celebrate. I guess that's the same everywhere, huh?" Sharan: "Arad and Empyrean used to exchange and trade with each other, so I wouldn't be surprised if we share similar tradition. By the way, what's a gun salute?" Kiri: "Oh, you don't know. We hold a drink in one hand and a gun in the other hand, and start shooting... like this! (Excited starts firing her gun as she would at a tavern in Empyrean. Reagent bottles break and the sleeping cat takes flight, turning over the boiling cauldron along the way. Sharan's lab is in shambles. Dangerous chemicals have spilled on the floor, causing rising plumes of acrid smoke from the burn holes.) *Shriek* Sharan: "...Well, thank you very much for the gun salute. Kiri, now that you're my student, I expect you will clean up the mess you created without my help. It's apparent that you're full of bile and vinegar. You wouldn't need longer than 10 minutes to clean this up, would you?" Kiri: "10 minutes?" Sharan: "Yes. That should be enough. Now, I have to go receive an audience with Her Majesty. When you'e done cleaning, read this book. Oh, one of the reagents you broke is a transformation formula. Be careful not to touch it." Kiri: "Whoa, a transformation formula?" Sharan: "Yes, it'll turn you into a shiny black bug, and you might get eaten by my cat before I have a chance to turn you back. So be careful, all right?" Kiri: "*Shriek*"

Old Friend

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Chapter(s)

Old Friend Linus: "Wow, who's this? What a pleasant surprise!" Aganzo: "Linus? I didn't know you were on Behemoth." Linus: "I didn't know you were here either. The Adventurer arrived a while ago, followed by the Imperial Knights, and now you. Has something serious happened?" Aganzo: "I don't know yet. It could be just Vaughn blowing things out of proportion. What are you doing here? Are you playing blacksmith because of what happened a long time ago? Well, I'm really in no position to judge you. But really, why are you here?" Linus: "If I start talking about myself, we'll end up staying up all night, drinking. I came here because of Cinda. I've been learning smithing from him. The Great Metastasis made him think. I guess he was worried that he had no one to pass down his skill. He asked if I wanted to be his apprentice. I've decided to become a blacksmith, and I'm lucky to have such a great teacher. He told me not to call him Master, though. Anyway, he wanted me to come here, so I followed him. I also wanted to see some minerals unique to this place." Aganzo: "I see." Linus: "Enough about me. How have you been? The Magathas are the only source of news from Arad, and they don't come here often." Aganzo: "Things are not good in Arad." Linus: "...I see." Aganzo: "Linus, I don't know how valuable those unique minerals are, but don't you want to return to Arad?" Linus: "This is not a bad place to live. It's filled with mysterious minerals and the scenery changes every minute. And I like listening to the GBL doctrines. They teach me new things." Aganzo: "Linus, you've changed a lot." Linus: "I have. Since the Great Metastasis." Aganzo: "..." Linus: "I'm just worried that you're dwelling on the past." Aganzo: "You're not the first one to tell me that." Linus: "And I won't be the last." Aganzo: "I have nothing to say about that." Linus: "I see." Aganzo: "I'd better leave. I have someone waiting for me." Linus: "All right. How long are you going to be here? When you're done with your business, you should come by. I've got some good liquor that I'd love to share with you and your friends." Aganzo: "I will." Siran: "Are you done talking? Who's this? A friend? Don't worry. I have poor hearing. I couldn't hear what you were talking about. Anyway, what is he doing here?" Aganzo: "He's a blacksmith. What do you think he's doing?" Siran: "Don't snap at me. Why are you angrier now that you've met an old friend? I don't understand you." Aganzo: "Sometimes it's hard to accept that your friend has changed and there's nothing I can do about it." Siran: "I've never seen you so worried about someone else. He must be so important to you." Aganzo: "We've been through a lot together. ...I don't know why I'm telling you this. Let's go. Vaughn is waiting." Siran: "All right. You can tell me more over a drink later. He looks like he likes drinking, too. Didn't he offer you some good liquor by chance?" Aganzo: "Are you sure you didn't hear us?"

Talking about Kartel

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	Talking about Kartel: Chapter 1 Talking about Kartel: Chapter 2 Talking about Kartel: Chapter 3

Young Imperial Knight

Cover	Chapter(s)
	Young Imperial Knight: Chapter 1 Young Imperial Knight: Chapter 2 Young Imperial Knight: Chapter 3 Young Imperial Knight: Chapter 4

Forest of No Return

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Chapter(s)

Forest of No Return Narrator: The beautiful forest Grand Flores was inhabited by multiple races. Among them are the Elves, a race of superior intelligence that had existed since the beginning of Arad, and the Taus, a race of giants who were as strong as they were innocent and wise. All the habitants of the forest coexisted peacefully, protecting the Great Pentacles created by Myre. Sometimes they had uninvited guests, but their forest made sure that those guests left without causing too much trouble. It was a peaceful day as usual. Umtara, the king of the Taus and all beasts, was searching for someone. Umtara: "There you are. I've been looking for you." Narrator: Umtara was looking for an elder of the Elves. The Elves could sense each other through their magical connection, but Umtara, incapable of magic like everyone else in his tribe, had to do legwork to find her. Seria: "Good day, Umtara." Elder: "Long time, no see, Beast Tau King. What can I do for you?" Umtara: "Um, I came to consult you about some concern of mine." Narrator: The Tau usually speaks his mind without preamble, but today there's hesitation in his voice. The tactful Elf girl who is with the Elder quickly stands up. Seria: "Oh, I almost forgot that I have books to return to the library. Excuse me, Elder. Beast King." Umtara: "I'm sorry I interrupted you." Seria: "Not at all. Enjoy your conversation." Narrator: The elder waits until the girl is so far that her keen Elven ears cannot pick up on their conversation. Elder: "So, what is it?" Umtara: "I've been seeing more Human visitors these days. I don't mind the adventurer and traveler kinds, but the people I've been seeing are clad in iron and that doesn't bode well with me." Elder: "I'm aware of that problem. I'll assign more archers and guard the forest." Umtara: "Please do. That'll make our job easy. By the way, do you have any idea what those Humans are?" Narrator: Umtara sounds wary. He doesn't know why, but his instincts is warning him of a looming danger. Elder: "Soldiers. I think they're here to do some kind of research." Umtara: "They'd better not touch the Great Pentacles." Narrator: The Great Pentacles around the Grand Flores forest were made by Myre, a Human mage whose selfless act had gained him eternal respect from the Elves and other habitants of the forest. The Elves have been pushed out of their lands by the greedy Humans, and the Great Pentacles are the only thing that keep them safe from the outside world. Grand Flores isn't the home only for the Elves. This vast ancient forest houses myriad animals and trees, and therefore is a crucial part of the ecosystem of Arad. Elder: "I don't think they would, unless they're suicidal. There will be worldwide consequences if Myre's pentacles are destroyed." Umtara: "I'd really like to believe that, but the Humans always have been looking for opportunities to destroy and plunder our forest. Some of them might try to do anything to satisfy their greed, the hell with the consequences." Elder: "That's why we've stayed vigilant. This forest has us Elves and you Taus, the strongest of us all. Nothing bad can happen to it as long as we work together to protect it." Umtara: "I hope you're right. I just can't seem to shake off this bad feeling... Ah, forget it. I'm only embarrassing myself by talking about intuitions in front of an Elf." Narrator: Umtara stands up and hefts his greatax, which takes several Humans or even Elves to lift it off the ground. The Elf Elder admires his incredible strength. Umtara: "Then I'd better go look around the edges of the forest, in case there are more suspicious people than those soldiers." Elder: "Then you'll be gone for a while. I'll pray for your safe return." Umtara: "Thank you. See you later." Narrator: The Elf Elder watches Umtara's hulking frame disappear into the trees. This quiet forest is thickly wooded with trees that are bigger and taller than the king of the Taus. Whatever the Humans are up to, they cannot destroy this forest as long as the Elves and the Taus exist. The Humans, however, are the most unpredictable sort. Even with the Elf Elder's wisdom and experience, it's almost impossible to predict what they will do. Young Elves think they must go to war with Humans, but they're too inexperienced and proud to see the fact that the Humans are the mainstream of Arad. They can overwhelm the Elves by sheer force of numbers. The Elf Elder hopes that the Humans will be able to have a better outlook, that they will become at least smart enough to see the future more clearly, like Myre who sacrificed himself for the peaceful coexistence of all races. This Grand Flores must be protected not just for its habitants, but also for Arad. The Elf Elder hates to even imagine what will follow the destruction of the Great Pentacles. Forests, once destroyed, can never be restored to their original beauty. The Elf Elder prays that Umtara's worries will not come true for the sake of Grand Flores and the rest of Arad.

Black Crusade Report

Cover	Chapter(s)
	Black Crusade Report

Unexpressed Sadness

Cover

Chapter(s)

Unexpressed Sadness Narrator (Woo): "It's been a fortnight since I brought him with me. I'm glad he's making a fast recovery, but the grim expression on his face worries me. I get anxious whenever he strokes his sword yearningly. A part of me is happy to be so close to him, although I'm too shy to look him in the eye. I'm also so sad and depressed that I can't focus on anything. I've been making many mistakes, but if the Master has taken notice, he hasn't told me. I've pretended that I don't care if he cares or not. Every time I catch him looking up at the sky with longing in his eyes, my heart sinks. I hate the couple of birds chirping happily outside the window. He said he'd lost his appetite, so I cooked porridge for him. He barely had a few spoonful of his food. He said he thought he forgot someone and he couldn't remember who it is. My lips quivered, and he demanded I tell him what I know. That made me angry: it was for the first time after a while that he spoke to me. I told him that he forgot someone who died. He wanted to know the name. I lied that I didn't know, but I could never forget the name of the woman I envied so much. If I could move the sun from the western mountain to the east sea, would my wish be granted? If my mother gave birth to me earlier, would I have been able to be with him? I'm helpless when it comes to my feelings for him. I felt as if I'd been abandoned. The moon shone brightly as if mocking of me. If I was abandoned, I could've cried myself to sleep. The night was long and sleepless. My room was cold and dark, so I lit a candle. The candlelight swayed and flickered in the wind, breaking my already frayed mind, bringing tears to my eyes. I told the Master that I would leave as soon as the sun comes up. The heartless man curtly bid me farewell, and then asked me the same question that I'd dreaded. I hesitated and fidgeted. His penetrating eyes and silenced urged me to answer his question. I realized I was a wildflower that could never take root in a rock who is the Master. Resigned, I told him the name. His face instantly brightened, cutting me deep. If she was so precious to him, he shouldn't have forgotten her in the first place. He thanked me and walked away, leaving me with his shadow that grew as he went. I turned and walked the other way, trying to smile away my sadness."

Red Sin

Cover	Chapter(s)
	Red Sin