The Savagery Forest continues to get ravaged by the infection with multiple mammalian animals and beast spreading the virus even further. The area that becomes a danger zone increases but as it grows, it slows down.

  Either by the reduce number of organism that can spread the plague, the drastically degrading health of the infected and the fact that the forest itself fights back.

  In one area of Savagery Forest, a Devourer and other huge predators immune to the disease are actively taking down the infected. Treating them as easy food after the infected mindlessly attack them in an attempt to spread the virus.

  On the other side of Savagery Forest near the sea. The forest floor is getting cleared by a millions of Flood Crabs, eating the infected animals both living and the dead. Thus cleaning the forest from the infestation.

  On the terriroty of the Frihelm, the Elves are fully active on hunting down the infected animals and disposing of their body after Mateo told them everything they should known. The elves are efficient on this work being hunters at all plus their immunity makes them unfazed from the smaller infected.

  It's been days now since the events in Beastfolk village, after a long journey escorted by the elves, they finally reach a nearby elf village where everyone would stay temporarily. In a huge tree house, the important people are having a casual meeting as they eat the fruits prepared for them but one is visibly missing on the members

  "Where's Natsuko?" Mateo asked?

  "She's still not feeling well. She want to be alone." Tiasha's answer.

  "Wei're the leaders. Wei gonna represent the tribe in our Priestess' absence." Karka's polite and professional words as he sit on the wooden chair.

  "Very well then, I gonna tell the truth. you guys might take a long time before you can return to your village. And even if that's the case. I can't recommend returning as the nearby zone is now become dangerous due to the infection."

  Karka shows mild surprise but quickly calm himself. Like he already expected the news.

  "Ie Understand..."

  "Thein what's gonna happen to us? Wheire we should go?" Ismorela's sad inquiry.

  "About that. We already chosen an area where you can relocate. It's a safe place and you can start anew there." Fishan's positive wording.

  "Ie see... Ie surely bring the good news to our Priestess." Ismorela's is happy but she's showing slight sadnesss as the thought of leaving a place she grown with is kinda painful. But she knows there's nothing she can do.

  "I have a question." -Claustrine.

  "Yes young lady?" -Fishan.

  "Is Nattunia and Zelestre already informed about this?" Claustrine mindful question. Fishan gives a relieved sigh.

  "Our kingdom already sent multiple messenger falcons to the nearby human kingdoms. I just hope that the messeges reach them and stop sending people inside the forest."

  Grand Ecstasy sighs in relief after hearing the news.

  "Now that is settled in. Let's go to the next topic and for this, I kindly asking Karka and Ismorella to leave." Tiasha's stern proposal.

  "Huh?" Both Karka and Ismorela's surprise.

  "I'm so sorry. It's our Queen's order that no one else should know what we gonna talk with Grand Ecstasy." Fishan politely apologizes.

  Karka and Ismorela stares confused towards Grand Ecstasy, not understanding why the human party got such attention from the Queen of the Elves.

  But they decide that poking their nose on that affair is not on their concern. So the two gives a polite nod before leaving Grand Ecstasy and the elven commanders behind. The moment the two leaves the room, Tiasha taps his foot to the floor where a bright green light spreads from the floor then to the walls and then ending in the ceiling.

  "Soundproofing magic. Cool right?" Fishan's confidence on his friend's magic. Tiasha just sighs.

  "You all probably know the reason on such secrecy?" Tiasha's serious question.

  "Yes." Mateo's confirmation.

  Tiasha opens her BoS and there, she pulls a crudely made gun with clear elvish design on its intricate elven ironwood body.

  "The ones created these weapons says that she's only following someone's design. And after thorough questioning, she finally lead us to you."

  "Did you do something terrible to her?" -Mateo.

  "Oy we're not monsters on our kind. Unless she did something unforgivable."

  "Thanks. He's worried that something might happened to his friend." Mateo speaks as he pat Shirna's back.

  "Let's focus on why we bringing this up. To be honest, I'm also interested on these weaponry, can you tell me where you can get these weapons?"

  "What do you mean?" Mateo got confused on Tiasha's question.

  "These weapons must be a secret human inventions, right? Only elite adventurers and royals can have it." Tiasha's calm question but her voice is filled with suspicion.

  Mateo is perplexed. He understand that Tiasha might think that the humans designed the guns and thinks what Shirna's friend created is just a crude copy. But...

  Mateo shakes his head.

  "No that's not a tool created by humanity."

  Tiasha and Fishan are dumbfounded.

  "Then it must be secret tech from the Dwarves?" Fishan's theory.

  Mateo shake his head again.

  "Wait? Are you telling this is your original invention?" Tiasha's disbelieved question.

  Then she stares even longer to Mateo.

  "No offense but... You're not look like someone intelligent enough to be an inventor." Fishan's non-chalant rebuttal.

  Mateo feels like his heart and ego hot stabbed by something.

  "Ugh..."

  Claustrine is trying to hold a chuckle. Beltrand almost laugh.

  "Just tell us were you got these designs." Tiasha's hard question.

  "If we don't?" Mateo remains steadfast.

  Tiasha and Fishans thinks for a moment. Fishan sighs.

  "Well, we have no real good reasons. And antagonizing you is absolutely not an option. We pretty much just hoping that you guys cooperate."

  "Aren't you doing this job too casually?" Beltrand's weirded question.

  "You want them to torture us?" Helyna's dark suggestion.

  "Well... Isn't how it usually goes?" Beltrand shurg.

  "We're not monsters." -Tiasha.

  "That's a no-no unless if we want to break the this peace. It's not like we can pick fights with humans and cause another war. We're just playing it safe." Fishan shrugs and he stand up circling inside the room.

  "And we're in a crisis right now. So adding more problem is stupid."

  Fishan continues and he then lean close to Grand Ecstasy with a smile.

  "So we're just going appeal on your good sides."

  "And how you gonna do that?"

  "Not us. But the Queen herself. She wants to talk you guys personally and we're sent to relay the news. Fishan backs away.

  Grand Ecstasy is shocked.

  "The Queen... Of the Elves?" Mateo's disbelief.

  "Yes. Our Queen have some weird interest in your group."

  Tiasha inspects Mateo further bordering into criticism.

  "I don't understand. What she sees so interesting on you? You look unremarkable."

  "Ugh..." Mateo feel another slight ache.

  Fishan laughs softly.

  "Atleast I warned first." He spoke.

  Tiasha stand up, Fishan hastely follows as he understands that the conversation is nearing its end.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  "Well whatever, it's our Queen's duty now. Leave the Beastfolks on our care as we're now going to the capital once everything is prepared." Tiasha blandly speaks.

  Tiasha then taps his foot to the ground rhymicly, cancelling the sound-proofing magic she casted earlier. Then Tiasha leaves silently with Fishan following her behind.

  "See you later." Fishan's cheerful farewell to Grand Ecstasy as they leave the room. Grand Ecstasy is left silent, staring unsure with each other.

  "Did I... heared it right?" Helyna's dumbfounded question.

  "Yeah Helyna. We're gonna have a personal meeting with the Queen of Elves."

  "Ha? That QUEEN OF ELVES? The one that rarely face humans to the point that she's bordering into a mythical being?" Helyna still can't believe it.

  Claustrinne just nod.

  Helyna slumped on the chair.

  "We didn't do something super illegal right?"

  "If that's the case. Fishan and Tiasha should killed us on sight." Beltrand's calm reassurance.

  "Well it's it's already done. So we might just do it." Mateo's chilled remarks.

  "I kinda curious what the Queen of Elves looks like?" -Sophia.

  "Oh my Goddess... Can you guys take this a little bit seriously?" Helyna's stress.

  .

  .

  .

  Grand Ecstasy leaves the meeting room and got greeted by Karka and Ismorela waiting from them outside and also by the gentle sunshower falling through the small town they staying with.

  "How's Natsuko?" Mateo's question.

  "Their's no way we can talk to her in her current state." Karka's pained answer.

  "I see... What a shame?"

  "Whye?"

  "I'm planning on having a talk to her but it seems currently not plausable."

  "You're leaving?"

  "Yeah. We're going to Frilehm. That's really we're we suppose to go before this crisis came."

  "Eye understand. Wei will tell the news to Priestess once she feel better."

  Mateo pats Karka's shoulder.

  "We will return once we finished our business in Frihelm. Afterall, I made a promise to Natsuko." Mateo then give a calm smile.

  Karka nods with a smile.

  "I wish you all a safe travels."

  Grand Ecstasy visits the evacuation site of the Beastfolks and observe the tribe on their life trying to adapt to the new environment with the help of elves. They see the sadness on their eyes, the pain of losing someone precious. Despite that, the hope and desire to start anew lingers in the air as the Beastfolk helps each other. Patting each other's shoulder to ease their suffering.

  After Grand Ecstasy finish their brief preperation. They now joins a group of elves waiting for them in the entrance of the village.

  "You're late." -Tiasha.

  "Sorry about that." Mateo just apologize on behalf of his party.

  "Well then. Let's depart."

  The combined force of Grand Ecstasy and Elves managed by Tiasha and Fishan finally leaves the elven village they staying with. Now traversing the dangerous woods of Savagery Forest

  In front are the elven Squad while few meters behind them is Grand Ecstasy following. The journey is a quiet one as both sides remains silent. Unsure on whateven they can talk to waste time.

  Behind Beltrand and Helyna is Sophia and Shirna. Bored, Sophia instead intiate the talk.

  "Hey hey Shirna."

  "What is it?"

  What kind of place is Frilehm?"

  "Hmmm... For starters. It's a very boring place for you guys, I think?"

  "Eh? Boring? Can you elaborate on that?"

  "Just like I said. You might find it's restrictive atmosphere tiring."

  "Culture thing?"

  Shirna gives a slow nod answering Mateo's question.

  "I read that elven society is very protective on their environment especially about maitaining the natural form. It's better for us if we just remain civil and follow their laws." Claustrine's suggestion.

  In front where the elves gather...

  "Are we really that strict?" Fishan's playful whisper to Tiasha. Tiasha just sighs with mild stress.

  "The audacity of these humans. As if we didn't hearing their small talk."

  Tiasha then makes a melancholic gaze on the forest surrounding them.

  "We're not the one destroying the world the gods given to us in such greedy fast pace."

  The journey went uneventful with zero hazardous encounters and the squadron reach Frilehm safely. And there, Grand Ecstasy except Shirna greeted by a scenery they thought they would never see with their own eyes.

  At first they're confused as after Fishan announced that they finally reach their destination, Grand Ecstasy only see gigantic tree trunks dwarfing them. Then Fishan smirk and points his finger upwards.

  When they look up, there everyone stare with awe as in the wide thick canopy of the tall trees lies wooden structures that looks like they're alive and synergize with the trees itself.

  The clusters of both hanging and carved buildings are connected by modified branches that served as bridges for the entire complex. In the middle is a largest tree of cluster and atop of it is what seems like a elegant green temple.

  "That's Frilehm. And in the middle is our majestic palace. That's where we going." Fishan's cheerful explanation.

  "I-I see..." Mateo is still in awe.

  In one of the gigantic trees. A wooden platform slowly descends as Tiasha commanda someone above.

  "Let's go shall we?"

  Grand Ecstasy and the elves hesistantly ride the platform which is now being pulled up.

  "It would be faster if we just climb the trees ourselves." Tiasha's comment as she feel bored.

  "Hehe don't be like that. We have a guests that we need to accomidate. So we should use the platform."

  And reaching the canopy makes Grand Ecstasy see the entirerity of Frilehm on its full glory. They observe the lively atmosphere of the city full of commerce and traffic.

  And they also feel the curious gaze of the elves around them.

  "They seem didn't expected our arrival here." -Claustrine.

  "That's a given. Afterall, the recent humans that have the pass to visit this city is the Nattunian King and that happened 3 years ago." Fishan's explanation as they walk the wooden bridges.

  "That's wben the King starts creating alliance with the elves." Claustrine's words.

  After minutes of walking. They reach the entrance of the temple where competent and strong looking night elves inspects them and take their gears for safekeeping.

  "Sorry. Just a safety protocol." Fishan's polite apology.

  "We understand."

  And once Grand Ecstasy finally allowed to enter the palace. They greeted by naturalistic majestity of the grand hall. It's not lavish compared to the human castles but instead it possessed a serene atmosphere from it's fresh green and bright vibe and emphasis to the beauty of the trees and natural scenery.

  "Wow..." Helyna walks closer in one of the wall art and almost touched it to feel the expert carving. Only she feel a hand gently touching her shoulder. It's Claustrine stopping her kindly.

  "No touching."

  "Ah... Sorry." Helyna chuclkle softly.

  Grand Ecstasy silently admired the place until Tiasha wakes them up of their awe.

  "You can sight seeing later after the meeting. At the moment, just follow us or you'll get lost." Tiasha speak non-chalantly.

  Out of respect. The party follows her advice and instead just do few small talks and question to Fishan who seems to be the social type between the two.

  "Fishan."

  "Yes what is it Mateo?"

  "Before we meet the queen. I wonder if it's possible for us to see Shirna's friend."

  Fishan just gives a warm smile.

  "Absolutely. Tiasha, you hear the humans. Let's ease their worries first."

  Tiasha breaths deeply.

  "Fine."

  Then the suddenly make a sharp turn and now walking on a different corridor. It only takes few minutes until they reach the front of a door made of pure elven ironwood.

  "It doesn't screams like a prison." Beltrand commented observing the well intricate door in front of them.

  "We already told you that she's fine. Just a little bit stubborn." Tiasha's unamused words.

  Tiasha casually opens the door which caused a soft creaking sound. They enter the well ventilated and lighted room and instantly see the prime reason of their visit.

  In the table lies lots of papers, blueprints of guns both familiar and alien in design. Standing beside of the table is Yhio with her hands leaning on the tableside. Staring on the papers with utmost focus.

  "Is it really ok to share this? Hmmm?" Yhio speaks to herself. Unaware that she's now have audiences.

  "Ahem!" Fishan's signal of their pressence.

  "Eek!"

  Yhio jolted in shock due to the surprise of the familiar voice.

  "Mr. Fishan?!" Can you please knock before...."

  Yhio's words slows down as she scans the people around Fishan and Tiasha.

  ...entering... the... r..."

  She didn't even finish her sentence when she suddenly lunge towards Shirna.

  "SHIRNAAAAA!!!" Yhio's absolutely glad to finally see her beloved friend.

  "We're now here Yhio. Are you hurt? Did they do something to you?"

  Yhio slow shakes her head with a smile.

  "No. I'm fine. They ensure that my needs are met."

  Shirna makes a deep sigh of relief.

  "Oh god... I'm glad. I'm so worried after reading the news."

  "Didn't I also tell in the letter that I'm ok?" Yhio raise her eyebrow.

  "I know but still..."

  "Sorry to interrupt your reunion but we still have an audience we need to meet." Tiasha's stern reminder.

  "Ah right?! I'm so sorry but did you also bring your friends Shirna?" Yhio's serious question.

  Then Shirna shows his friends who just standing behind them. Just observing the scene quietly.

  "Of course. We're here."

  Yhio stares at Grand Ecstasy members 1-by-1. Like she remembering their appearance.

  "Good... Because I think you guys should..."

  Shirna and the others are confused after Yhio suddenly stops her sentence when setting her gaze towards Mateo who equally staring at her with great curiosity.

  .

  .

  "N-no way..."

  "No what?" Tiasha's confusion.

  "You're... Alive?"

  Mateo gives a warm smile.

  "It's been a while."

  Yhio don't know what emotions to show. She almost cry yet she holds and instead gives a very tight hug on Mateo who unsure what to do. In the end, he just give Yhio a comforting pat to the head.

  Silence ensues. Everyone around the two staring at them with bewildered expression.

  "What?" They all mumbled.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  "I'm surprised that you two know each other." Fishan's disbelief.

  "The same on us." Claustrine sharing the sentiments.

  The group finally calm themselves and now having an impromptu meeting inside the room. The topic - Mateo and Yhio.

  "Wait a goddamn minute. How you even meet Mateo, Yhio?" Aren't you hate interacting with humans?" Tiasha's question.

  "I second her question Mateo." Beltrand's agreement.

  Mateo sighs.

  "It's a long story and there's a more important things need to be done."

  "Oh come on! You're killing meeee... I know that I learning a few things or two wouldn't hurt." Fishan's curious suggestion.

  "Fishan I think he's correct. We can discuss this later after their talk with the queen." Tiasha's agreement after she held her curiosity.

  "No... I think it's much better if the Queen knows this. This can make things a little bit smoother." Yhio's sudden suggestion.

  "What do you mean?" Tiasha's curiosity is piqued again.

  "Remember 4 years ago? There's a single year where hundreds of human slavers got killed inside the forest and numerous elves got saved from their hands? Mateo did that and l'm one of the elves he saved." Yhio speak with calm gratitude.

  Tiasha and Fishan stares with absolutely astonishment. Grand Ecstasy also did the same as they don't know how to process the information.

  "That's... You?" -Fishan.

  Mateo just give a slow nod.

  Tiasha stares silent at Mateo for seconds then she suddenly stand up and walk away.

  "Let's go meet the Queen."

  "Eh? Right now?" -Everyone.

  "Yes!"

  With no choice. Grand Ecstasy hastely follows Tiasha as they walk back the corridor leading to the throne room.

  "Huh? This is so sudden." Beltrand's confusion.

  No one knows what makes Tiasha act more hastely and in-rush but...

  "It seems she views you guys favorably now." Fishan calmly speaks as they follow Tiasha behind.

  "Mateo..."

  Mateo's attention is taken by Tiasha's sudden call on his name.

  "Why Tiasha?"

  "Thank you..."

  He didn't see the face of the one that said it and only see her back. But despite that, Mateo feel the sincerity eminating on the two words spoken by the cold lady in front of him.

  Mateo just smiles.

  "I just did what I can do to help."

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  And finally, the group reach the huge door leading to the throne room. Two white elves with regal attire guards the entrance and quickly focus their attention to the guests.

  And after inspecting the guests and through the authority of Fishan and Tiasha. The royal guards open the giant door. Grand Ecstasy is expecting to see a grand hall decorated with precious fabrics and furnitures showcasing semblance of royalty.

  But instead. They just see a vast flower garden. In the middle of it is a tall figure standing tall and admiring the scenery with serenity on her eyes.

  A slender female figure with her glowing body who a have an appearance of an light elf but taller compared to her brethens. Her extremely long white hair now toucihing the ground and getting dragged smoothly like silk as she walks.

  The flowers gently waves as the tall lady inspects each flower with gentle and care while the flowers in the field sways softly in response.

  Despite the serene view they gazing right now. Grand Ecstasy clearly feeling a different reaction as they're sweating profusely due to awe and fear.

  They can feel the overwhelming pressence radiating from the tall lady. Like they're basking on the sight of a being they should never ever offend at all cost despite its serene appearance.

  The tall figure notices her visitors and gives a calming smile towards them.

  "You finally arrived. Me the Elf queen expects your visit."