Chapter 48: 46 – The Tale of the Elves

Seriously. What the fuck is this situation? How did this 'Princess' see through my stealth? Why does she have a Godsword she can't use? What the fuck did the old lady mean they, 'expected' me? Did she get some oracle like Alienor? Why the hell is the elven city just a pile of ruins? Argh! More and more questions keep coming, but I'm almost fucking certain the damn gods set this stupid scenario up, and that it has nothing to do with me or my task. Let's abort.

"Yeah… Sorry for disturbing you. I'm just gonna go,” I say as I quickly turn around.

"Please, wait!" The old woman called out in desperation. "Two months ago I received an oracle from the God of Order! He said:

'Those who shield new sprouts from the burning sun, return to your parents' home, for your shepherd has come. Those who still hold faith in their hands, celebrate, for your deliverance is nigh.

'Bathed in night, your salvation will soon call. At the seat of your ancestors, present yourselves, for the enemy of your past will be the hope for your future.

'Children of the trees, the eclipse is imminent, ushered by the Queen of the Darkness. Regain your throne with the acknowledgement of the children of night, flower, and stone, and hoist your fragment of star high once more.'

"Please. We beg of you. Please hear us out."

I really was set up! If those gods would've asked, like with the Empire, I might be more receptive... But this? I fucking hate being used without knowing, or expected to do something I wasn't told about. Why the hell not just tell me...? Probably because it's something I would've turned down. I agreed to defeat the Empire and their church. I have a plan to do that, and it involves non-interference from the elves. Not… Whatever this is. I just want to leave. This just screams more trouble than it's worth. 

I'm not some hero, dammit! The shit I do is for me. All in order to reach the goal I set for myself; To live peacefully in my castle with my family. I'll help someone when in front of me, but there are at least a hundred elves here! That's the difference between handing someone on the street a bag of chips, and opening a damn soup kitchen! I have things to do. Everything fucking points to this not being a part of the main story! I'm the farthest thing away from a prepubescent brat getting hit by a truck and helping everyone with naivety, optimism, rainbows, and sunshine. Just fucking look at me! I look more like the person someone is isekai'd to defeat for fucks sake! Also, did fucking Order refer to me as the 'Queen of Darkness?' How the fuck is that someone who helps anyone! 

Alright legs, start walking… Anytime, now... Just lift up my foot and take a step... Why can't my legs move! Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuuuuck! 

I release a sigh. 

Dammit. You know what, you stupid Quest Giver gods? Fucking fine. You want a full clear of this world? Whatever. Fucking throw a DLC at me. I'll fucking play all the routes, win the hidden characters, and get a fucking 100% completion. Dammit! I'm such a pushover. 

I turn back to look at the old elf. "Alright, then. Tell me what exactly is going on here."

She smiles brightly, accentuating the wrinkles around her eyes. Dammit. Kids and old people are my two fucking weaknesses. That, and sunlight. But I have armor for that. I don't have armor against the young and old. I know I can be a bit of a manipulative jackass at times, but I'm not a complete asshole. 

"Let me tell you the tale of our people. Before that, let me introduce myself. I am Priestess Dharma, and this is Princess Zahra Zarate, the last member of elven royalty."

I watch as the girl unsteadily sheathes her sword. Oi! Fucking careful or you'll stab yourself, Girl! Whatever. When an old person says they'll start a, 'tale,' I better get comfortable for a long ride. Let's channel my inner thespian for this. I might as well have some fun now that I feel like I've lost and will end up helping, regardless of what their insane request is. The sun is down enough to be blocked out by the trees and the castle. Let's fucking do this! 

"Greetings, Princess Zarate, Priestess Dharma. I—"

I can't use light beams, so I channel a good amount of fire magic on every part of my armor, making me look like I just burst into flames like a phoenix. It only lasted a second, but it was bright and surprising enough to get them to all glance away or shut their eyes for just a moment. In that moment, I unequipped my armor and equipped my favorite black and ruby dress, crown, and fancy sword belt. my 'queen set.' This equip skill is awesome, even though I'm sure this isn't how it was meant to be used. Sorry, not sorry.

"—am Dalia Midnight, Queen of the Vampires."

Widened eyes and surprised faces at my dramatic transformation. Fuck yeah, I still got it. I could hear a few mutters of 'vampire' from the peanut gallery.

"Now then, Priestess Dharma. Please begin your tale," I say as I take a beautiful armchair from storage, appearing directly behind me. I sit down gracefully without even looking. 

"Ah—Um. Yes. Yes, this is the story of how our people came to be in this state," she says, getting over her initial shock and into storyteller mode. "Long ago, when the four races all lived together peacefully, the elves thrived. Our people were happy. They traveled amongst the other races, trading their talents in magic for items and services. The world was wide, and as nomads, we were a part of it.

"In the elven lands, there aren't monsters except at the northern edge. Levels and power aren't something the elves ever needed beyond a certain amount. Here, in our city, the Zarate royal family served as a beacon for our people. All elves would start in the city as young adults and train for a year. At that time, it wasn't uncommon for a young elf to travel the world for a century, then come live in the city for a century. They would then decide if they want to continue in the city, start a family in the forest, or travel and live elsewhere. 

"The dungeon here allowed our people to get to a minimum level to enjoy their travels. We were never the most skilled of combatants, and always had the lowest levels of all the races. We were travelers and scholars, musicians and mages. More concerned with where the winds would blow us to next than how to get stronger.

"Then, one day, the winds changed. Reports that the humans had discovered the truth of the gods, and had found the one true god they would serve, began trickling in. King Zarate was fascinated by the prospect of new knowledge. After over a century from the first rumors, and new reports about all of the humans now worshipping the new god, he sent his son and heir to the human capital to find the truth about what was found.

"Later, King Zarate would receive a letter from the Prince. It was written that everything the humans said was true. That the God of Order and the Goddess of Chaos were actually fakes. The oracles they gave were hoaxes created by vampires, proven by the fact oracles are only received at night, while asleep, and while the vampires roam. It went on to explain that the true god was Sol, and that the vampires had been manipulating the world towards ruin, all to gain more power.

"King Zarate was furious. He was a good father who had full faith in his son. He loved his only son to such a degree, that he was blinded, and paid no attention to inconsistencies or contradictions in his letter. He began extolling Sol, and denouncing the Church of Balance. The elves always had full faith in their king, and never questioned his words. When he received another letter from his son, saying that the humans were going to lead a crusade against the vampires, he and the elves supported it fully. 

"The elves, full of confidence in their King and Prince, never questioned the order for all able bodied elves to gather and march with the other races. The fact that the dwarves also joined the humans only spurred their belief that they were making the correct choice. Over ¾ of our population mobilized. Everyone but the young, disabled, and elderly. My mother had barely turned two decades at the time, but was considered an adult. She joined the march with thousands of other elves into the vampire lands.

"Over a quarter would never make it to see the armies of the other races. Being weak in levels and strength, vampire assassins and small attack forces killed the elves before they reached the first castle they were to attack. Yet, they marched on. Determined to serve their king, and promised eternal paradise for all that fell against the evil. Those that survived to meet the other armies were told by King Zarate before they left, to follow the orders of the human commanders."

Dharma closes her eyes to compose herself. All of the elves are listening with rapt attention, although I'm certain they've heard the story many times. After composing herself, she continues the tale.

"What they were instructed to do was terrible. My mother refused to speak of that time, but from the few surviving elves, we know they were forced to fire large scale magics on the position of any vampire. Sacrificing any humans or dwarves in the area. Those that could, continuously cycled light magic flares to weaken the vampires.  Those light mages not on 'cycle duty' were to launch light beams in sweeping arcs, eliminating any escape routes for the vampires, but killing many of the soldiers in the process. 

"Because of this, the mages, specifically the elves with their greater affinity with magic and lower levels, were targeted heavily by counter attacks. The already dwindling numbers continued to plummet. By the time that the final battle was to commence, the elves were but a shell of their former glory.

"'It takes a thousand lives to kill a vampire' was what my mother told me, over three centuries later after I was born. The story goes that after the land was stained red with so much blood the earth wouldn't soak any more, a message was received around the world; 'System notice to all users. The last user with the race: Vampire, has died.'

"It was over. The war was won, but nobody celebrated. How could they after what they had just done? After how many were lost? The remaining elves all returned to the forest, ready to rest after walking through the abyss. However, what they found when they returned was the children and elderly they left behind, killed by monsters. Monsters that had never before entered deep into the forest had decimated our people while all that could fight were away, chased into the forest by the wedge that was the armies of the crusade.

"Only those that could make it to the city had any chance to survive, thanks to the royal guards and minimal guard force remaining behind. After the forces returned, for over a decade they fought once again. This time to reclaim the forest, with many deaths along the way. 

"During this time, King Zarate received another message from his son. It was written that Sol was pleased, and that after two decades, his son wanted to see him and had things to show him. The eager father readily accepted and left with his wife and daughter for the human capital. Looking forward to some good news about why the great sacrifice of the elves was worth it.

"Instead, when they arrived, they were greeted with the corpse of the Prince. Tortured to death over the years and forced to send letters to his father. The elves were furious, but being trapped in the human castle for this reveal, they were surrounded. With the sacrifice of many of his royal guards, his life, and the Queen's, a few guards were able to escape out of a window with the Princess and the Godsword Nyota. 

"All but a few of the guards died to get the princess safely to the elven city, fighting and running from the human pursuers. By this time, the humans declared war on the dwarves and elves. The elves would have surely been erased if it weren't for their ability to maneuver and hide within the forest. The Princess, without ever having been named the successor to the throne, was not able to receive the title of Queen from the [system.] It was said that should a line of succession ever be broken, a majority of the royalty from other races must recognize who the rightful successor to that race shall be.

"The elves fought tooth and nail to survive. Attacking in small groups from range, and retreating when noticed, they harassed the human army for years, always hiding, striking, and running. The princess gave birth to a prince, and the city itself was lost and razed to the ground. Eventually, time took its toll on the princess, and she passed away, leaving the Godsword with her son, the prince. Almost three hundred years ago, the humans made an offer to the remaining elves. 'Bring us the head of all elven royalty and the Godsword, and the war will end.' In the meantime, they retreated to await the response from the elves.

"Tired of centuries of war, the elves turned on themselves. Led by the young and hot-blooded General, the elves were split with most of the remaining military following the General. The prince barely managed to escape with his life. The humans seemed content with the elves fighting each other, and the prince and his remaining supporters ran and went into hiding even deeper into the elven lands.

"Even centuries later, and after all of the lies, all of the time and if the humans even remember that promise generations later, many of the elves still cling to hope that should they bring the Godsword and the last royalty to the humans, that they would agree to a true peace. Having children is already hard for elves, but for the prince, it seemed even harder. After trying for centuries to have an heir while constantly running and hiding, under two decades ago, he was finally successful. His wife gave birth to Zahra.

"Before Princess Zahra was even a year old, we had made a small base for the birth and her early months. However, a traitor among us leaked our location to the other elves. Like his grandfather, the Prince and his wife sacrificed themselves along with many of the remaining guards loyal to them.

"As the oldest amongst us, I was entrusted with Princess Zara and the Godsword Nyota. Those here are all that remain of the elves still loyal to the rightful lineage. Who haven't betrayed our own people for the likely lies of the humans. Of the less than two thousand elves that have survived centuries of external and internal wars, our group of just two hundred have been hiding, constantly moving, and fleeing from our own kin. 

"Two months ago, I received that oracle from the God of Order, and we made our way here. I beseech you, Queen Midnight. Please help us. Help Princess Zahra receive her rightful title. Help us end a meaningless conflict with our own people. Please, Queen Midnight. We have nowhere else to turn."

With the end of her story, I remain silent. That's a lot to take in. Most of it's also not my problem. In fact, this seems like a civil war that was brought upon by their king being a complete fool and not realizing he was being tricked by the humans. Hell, a coup after getting most of your people killed in a pointless war is pretty justifiable in my book. I might've even joined the separatists after my leader led my race to ruin.

Also, what the fuck is up with the whole needing to be recognized by other royalty? Is that like on Earth where countries will recognize some regimes and not others? How fucking well has that worked out on Earth? How well has a country interfering in a civil war worked out? Many times, the war gets dragged on for decades, or just becomes a proxy war. This entire situation just seems stupid and like a can of worms I don't want to touch with a thirty-nine-and-a-half-foot pole.

Working with the dwarves was mutually beneficial. Taking in people thrown away by the Empire gives me citizens and acts as a shield against unjust prejudice towards vampires once I defeat the Empire. Taking in hundreds of elves? If that was it, then it would be simple and I'd do it. To also end a civil war, though? That's asking a lot, and would put a large target on my people. A drawn out war in a dense forest doesn't sound like anything I want my people to be involved in, either. Hell, the humans even seemed to realize that the forest is too dense and large to fight an enemy like the elves to extinction inside.

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"Pardon me if this sounds callous, but what is the reason I should help you?" I ask, looking at Dharma and Zahra. "A civil war like this could be seen as a consequence of the mistakes the last king made in joining the Vampire War and believing nonsense. What reason would I have to join a civil war? Besides keeping the Godsword of the elves out of the hands of humans, what is there to gain for me and my people? 

"If I get involved, then my people do as well. As a queen, I can't make decisions without thinking about the consequences, and must bear the weight of my decisions. Just like your old king bore the weight of his. I sympathize with your plight, but it seems like it doesn't involve me or mine."

The blue-haired Zahra just scowls at me. I completely understand as well. I pretty much said that her life wasn't worth protecting, and that all of this is the fault of her family. Right as she opened her mouth to say something, Priestess Dharma reached out a hand in front of her to stop her.

"No, Princess Zahra. Queen Midnight is correct. Your great-grandfather was who ordered the elves to eradicate the vampires. My own mother was a part of it. We also have nothing to give when we ask for everything." Dharma looks at me in the eyes with unwavering resolve. "Queen Midnight, all we can do is put our faith and hope in you. I pray to the God of Order and Goddess of Chaos that you will find it in your heart to help us as the last elves that don't worship a false god. We're at the end of our rope, and hiding and running will just see our lives fizzle."

Wait… wait, wait, wait. Just to make sure, I ask, "You said you are the last elves that don't believe in Sol. Then the remaining elves worship Sol? Why? That was the original cause for your races' downfall."

She nods, face dejected. "Yes. Whether they truly have faith or if it is out of fear of the humans, they have abandoned the God of Order and the Goddess of Chaos. Even now, they still believe that they can reach an official peace with the humans should they abandon everything they once held dear."

I do my best to hide my mounting annoyance. "That makes no sense. Are they trying to correct wrongs by making more mistakes?"

"They are desperate, Queen Midnight. I truly believe that most aren't wholeheartedly faithful to Sol, but are just grasping at whatever slim hope they have. Fear and desperation have driven their choices." She smiles sadly.

Dammit! Why couldn't they be like the dwarves? The fact that the church potentially has roots here makes it even harder to abandon this group! If I'm getting rid of the church, then I'll need to get rid of it here, too. This religion is a fucking virus, spreading with fear and misinformation. I can't afford to leave any embers when it gets snuffed out.

"What makes you think I could provide any assistance? Besides the words of an oracle, I could lead you directly to the humans or the other elves if I wanted."

"The God of Order wouldn't lie to us," she says with confidence. "Everything about the oracle points to you. You are our salvation. You are our only hope for a future."

I can't take them all in as citizens, since that's not what they're looking for. They want to serve their own elven ruler, and build their people again. As such, I'd have to take them in as refugees. That's fine. two hundred more people can be taken care of with the surplus of food we have and there is more than enough land to build housing. I would just put them to work to make sure they don't drain my own citizens.

How the hell can I deal with the civil war, then… Going into negotiations would be almost pointless after centuries of war… Wouldn't it just be a lot simpler for me to kill all the other elves? Let this group just be the ones to repopulate them? Yes, that'd be easy. I'll just wipe them away, then these elves can just do whatever they want.

My course of action decided, I smile at Dharma. "Then point me in the direction of the other elves and I will kill the rest of them. Then you can rebuild your people."

I was met with silence, stunned, and shocked looks. Was that such a ridiculous plan? Looking around, all of these elves are under level 20. Why the fuck are they so weak?

She gently says, "Queen Midnight, I know you may be strong, but the other elves have always made trips to the edge of the monster lands. It's even said they had many people with levels in the thirties, and that the General has even reached the upper forties."

…Is that supposed to scare me?...

"Wait." Maybe my common sense is just wrong. "What level do you think is high?"

"Well, my mother said long ago there were a few elves that lived in the human lands that were able to reach levels in the forties after years of training at a dungeon there. I would think that levels in the forties or if someone worked for decades, they may be able to reach level fifty. 

"The dungeon of the elves only allowed us to reach level 22, thus, elves that wanted strength always traveled to the dungeons of other races. However, it's been lost and inaccessible for centuries, buried under the ruins somewhere. The forest has reclaimed where it once was, and even I, as the oldest, don't know where it is. Currently, we must risk traveling to the edge to level ourselves in groups."

"Then, if you think the elves in their thirties are strong, what level do you think I am? Can anyone use appraisal?" I look around at the elves.

"None of us can, but if you were to be our savior I would guess in the high forties, or maybe you have entered the fifties?" she asks, looking excited that my level might be in that level.

Whose common sense is skewed in this situation? Have I just spent so much time with other OP people that I don't even think like normal people anymore? Or have they just been so secluded, they think the fifties are high? Well, a Dwarven general was in the low fifties, and I think Navi also said the low fifties was where the elite of the humans were… Am I the weird one?

"I'm level 71. People in their thirties wouldn't even register as enemies. My armor has survived the flames and strength of wyverns and I've killed a dragon. If you just point me to them, they'll be dead, and you can live your lives how you wish. It's a pretty simple solution."

More stunned silence. Maybe I really am the weird one here. Oh well. This should be an easy fix to the problem.

"I—if that is the truth, Queen Midnight," Dharma pleads, "then p—please. I also beg you not to kill them all. Even though they are after us and trying to kill us, there aren't enough elves left as is, yet alone if we became the last."

"Do you realize how naïve that is?" My frustration begins to leak. "If they are trying to kill you, they should be prepared to die."

"E—even still. Please. If some die in self defense, then that is inevitable, but there are many good elves with them. They're just scared and trying to survive. They are still our people. It might be naïve, and it probably is, but please don't kill them all!" She bows deeply to me.

What the fuck! Do you want me to save your little group or not! This is fucking frustrating. If I don't just kill them outright, there's only one more valid option I can see for what to do, and I'm not looking forward to it. I'm certain I'll get a headache from this. Can I fucking fight a dragon again, instead? Why couldn't they be chased by a dragon instead of idiotic elves?

I'll have to tell them a half-truth here in order for my new plan to have a chance. The amount of elves that actually know what I'm going to do needs to be a bare minimum. 

I sigh, resigning myself to the situation. "Fine. Then the only other way I can see to help your group is to escort you to my city and give you shelter there until I destroy the church. Priestess Dharma, if I destroy the human church and the entirety of their government, and build it up from the ground, with the new human leader declaring peace with the races, and that Sol is a fake, will that be enough to get the elves to follow Princess Zahra?"

She looks at me like I had just grown a second head. "Ah—uh." She clears her throat. "Um. Yes, Queen Midnight. If something like that would happen, I believe most, if not all, elves would recognize her as their Queen. They aren't after her because they dislike her, just that she is royalty."

"Then how soon can you all be ready to leave? I can escort us back to my city and offer you refuge there. I don't see any carts outside. Do you travel on foot or are they hidden?"

"That would be amazing, Queen Midnight! We thank you for your mercy and generosity. We don't use carts. All of us travel on foot and carry what we need on our backs. We should be ready to leave by sunrise."

"Then that's what we'll do. It will most likely take around eight weeks to reach our destination. I will be with Talon during the day, but we will be scouting a much wider area and will not always be near. Be sure to have guards to watch the surroundings during the day as well as night. Can I leave that to you two to arrange?"

"Certainly, Queen Midnight. May I ask who Talon is?" Dharma said.

"Oh, yes, I almost forgot to introduce you." Turning my head to the entrance, I yell out. "Talon! Come on in!"

A handful of seconds later, the hippogryph walks in with her head held high like she owns the place. I see some elves physically tense up.

"Pii!"

"This is Talon. My friend and riding partner. Don't mistake her for a dumb monster. She can understand people, and as long as you aren't hostile to her, she won't be hostile to you. She's also level 59 and can use magic, so there's nothing to worry about even if she encounters the other elves."

"Pii!"

To show off, she created a small whirlwind around her and created a few rocks in the air before dropping the magic. Looking at the elves, it's a mixture of shock and fear. Good job, girl.

"Then we'll sleep outside and see you in the morning." Standing up and storing my chair, I unequip my 'queen set' and put my armor back on, before walking up and petting Talon. 

We both just walked out, leaving the silent elves. Always fun, but now, my real plan begins. I won't kill all of the other elves, but their leadership that started this war all needs to go, along with any traitors. The leaders also need to be killed in a way that no elves besides those I choose, know that I was the cause. The fact they've had long-term spies that have betrayed them multiple times, means that this time is likely no different.

Let's start the behind the scenes fight to end this stupid civil war.

Player 3 has entered the game.

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