Those Who Lie In Wait

“Mm. Mother, Sister—looks like neither of you have gotten rusty. Good.”

The next day, Titancia, Quylindra, and Colette—having regrouped—raced through the forest toward the Swart Elf’s dwelling, the Stygian Forest.

Since their purpose was to nullify the demonic contract between Zarichu and the Swart Elf using the Barrier Stones, they brought no other Elf with them.

If they brought a large force into the Stygian Forest, it would provoke all-out war.

“Ohoho, don’t underestimate your chief, dear.”

“Yeah, exactly. After all, Mother is still only seve—”

“…Colette. Perhaps living in the capital has loosened your tongue a bit too much…?”

“W–wha—reallyyy?”

“Haaah…”

Colette averted her face in a panic as Quylindra shot killing intent her way.

Watching the two squabble, Titancia let out a dramatic sigh.

Then—

“…A Swart Elf barrier.”

“Yes…”

They were still a distance from the Stygian Forest, yet a barrier reached even this far—proof that the Swart Elf were on the highest alert regarding Elf movement.

Most likely, they knew the Elf had gathered the five Barrier Stones.

“So, Mother, what shall we dooo?”

“The answer is obvious. We neutralize it.”

Quylindra smiled softly and took a single Barrier Stone from her bag.

“…!? …The barrier vanished.”

“Ohoho, as expected of the Hero’s Barrier Stone. A Swart Elf barrier disappears in an instant.”

Quylindra nodded, satisfied.

After the war against the Demon King 500 years ago, the Hero left many relics behind—Barrier Stones included.

The Holy Sword that slew the Demon King, the Shield that blocked all attacks, the Armor that protected the Hero’s body.

Each relic possessed immense power; today, nations with ties to the Hero safeguard them.

As for the Barrier Stones they gathered—these were originally stationed across nations as protection against possible Demon Army remnants, loaned to them under special arrangements.

If this became public knowledge, the remaining Demon Army might use it as a chance to attack.

Thus, Quylindra negotiated in secret and had the stones delivered discreetly to Aubern.

Why did nations lend such precious relics to the Elf? Quite simply—because Quylindra herself was an exceptional figure.

“Well well. With this, we should be able to erase the entire demonic pact.”

“Yes… with this, Zeria too…”

When Titancia was still young and knew nothing of the conflict between Elf and Swart Elf, she met Zeria in the forest.

They would sneak out of their villages and play together—precious childhood friends.

As they grew older, they learned they were supposed to be enemies. Even after being torn apart, Titancia longed to return to those days.

For years… always.

“…It’ll be all right, Cia. Once this is over, you two will be able to be friends again.”

Seeing Titancia’s determined expression, Quylindra gave her a warm look.

She had known all along that the two girls met in secret and had watched over them.

And she was not the only one hurt by their separation—it wasn’t just Titancia and Zeria who suffered.

Quylindra had long carried guilt over allowing her daughter to experience such sorrow.

The three women sprinted through the forest now freed of barriers.

Along the way, several more Swart Elf barriers appeared, but each was dispelled by the Barrier Stones.

However, both the Swart Elf and Zarichu—Demon King’s officer of Hunger—would certainly realize barriers were falling.

So the key now was reaching the Stygian Forest before the Swart Elf could mobilize.

And then—

“…There it is. That is the Stygian Forest.”

From atop the tallest tree, Quylindra pointed forward.

Unlike any ordinary forest, its dense foliage was as black as its name implied—radiating an oppressive atmosphere as though it would swallow all who entered.

“Mother, Sister—let’s go.”

“Yes.”
“Yes.”

Each woman raised her Barrier Stone toward the Stygian Forest.

Then—

“…!?”

Suddenly, Titancia felt her right hand—holding the Stone—go numb, as though lightning surged through her arm.

“What was that…?”

“It’s proof the forest barrier has fallen. Now—what comes next will be quick. Don’t let your guard down.”

“Okay.”

“Understood〜”

Quylindra’s expression grew stern.

Titancia and Colette stepped into the Stygian Forest, resolve glimmering in their green eyes.

At that moment—

“…So you’ve come, Titancia.”

“Zeria…”

Standing before them was Zeria—clad in armor, wielding a staff carved from pitch-black wood.