The Grand Quest

Seated at the table inside the secret room of the mansion, Hiro found himself in the company of William, Liliana, and the Elven servant he had aided during dinner. After being brought here by the aforementioned knight, following the audience with Lord Alastair, Hiro patiently awaited an explanation from the group.

To pass the time, he observed his surroundings with keen curiosity. Multiple maps of different parts of Osata adorned the walls, including one of the mansion itself. The abundance of books within the room indicated that it served as a small library. The absence of windows only confirmed their location deep underground.

The familiar faces in the room were quiet. Liliana played with her braid, seemingly bored and tired of staying silent. William simply sat there with his arms crossed, and an unsatisfied expression on his face. As Hiro observed the people around him, his attention was particularly drawn to the Elven girl sitting opposite to him at the table. She had short, loose, blue hair that complemented her blue eyes, giving her an air of serenity and grace. Her appearance had changed since dinner, and now she wore a completely different attire than before.

Her sleeveless tunic, in varying shades of blue, displayed a minimalist yet tasteful design. The fabric exuded comfort and allowed for ease of movement, while subtle decorative accents showcased the fine artistry of the Elves. Over her tunic, she donned a layered blue skirt, its graceful cascade reaching her knees. Underneath the skirt, her well-tailored blue pants featured delicate golden lines along the sides, adding a touch of sophistication to her outfit. Around her waist, a modest yet functional belt.

Hiro found himself unable to tear his eyes away from the most striking difference between the girl and the rest of the group - her delicately pointed, long ears. Elves were a mystery to him, and his curiosity drew him to observe the girl in front of him closely. However, as he admired the elegant earlobes, his gaze inevitably intersected with hers. The girl appeared somewhat embarrassed and quickly averted her eyes. Her reaction immediately made Hiro aware of his own impolite behavior. Filled with remorse for his unintentional rudeness, he resolved to approach the girl and address the situation.

“I'm sorry! I didn't mean to stare. It's just... I haven't seen... or maybe I have? I'm not sure. I was just curious…?” with hesitant words, Hiro began.

He tried to both apologize and explain his inquisitive demeanor. The girl responded with a soft chuckle, her hand delicately covering her mouth. She then graced him with the most soothing smile one could imagine.

“It’s okay,” she assured him warmly. “Lili had already informed me about your amnesia. I understand that you didn't mean any harm.”

Hiro breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that the girl had an understanding nature. He felt a weight lift off his shoulders, knowing that his accidental scrutiny had not caused offense.

After their simple exchange, Hiro felt a wave of ease wash over him. The Elven girl, Ai, exuded kindness and understanding, putting him at ease with her demeanor. Unbeknownst to Hiro, his interactions were being closely observed by William, his mood in a further decline following Hiro’s encounter with Ai.

“William might’ve already mentioned my name before, but it’s only proper that I introduce myself in person. My name is Ai. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” she explained, and followed with a courteous bow and a warm smile.

Her impeccable manners were evident in every word she spoke.

“Ah, Ai. Yes, William did mention your name, though I didn't realize it belonged to you.” Hiro reflected.

“Yes.” Ai responded with a hint of amusement, “William can be a little ambiguous at times.”

Curious, Hiro glanced in William's direction upon hearing Ai's remark. In response to the his gaze, the Knight grumbled something under his breath and diverted his eyes elsewhere. Deciding not to dwell on William's behavior, Hiro chose to focus on the present.

“Anyway, my name is Hiro. Or rather, that’s the name Lili chose for me. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” he introduced himself, offering a warm smile in return to Ai's courteous gesture.

Her smile, just like before, held an enchanting allure that captivated Hiro's attention. Its soothing effect seemed to draw him in, making him feel at ease in her presence. For a brief moment, he found himself mesmerized by the genuine kindness she exuded.

However, the spell was momentarily broken when William cleared his throat, reminding Hiro of the ongoing conversation. Shaking off his amazement, Hiro refocused on the matter at hand.

“How's your hand by the way? Does it still hurt?” changing the topic, Hiro inquired.

“Right, I didn’t thank you properly earlier. It’s completely fine. Thank you so much for your kindness and concern.”

As Ai expressed her gratitude, a sudden sharp pain shot through Hiro's palm, taking him by surprise. He couldn't help but glance at the source of his discomfort - the dark mark on his skin, a reminder of the wound he had absorbed from the Elven girl before him. Along with the physical pain, an inexplicable sense of foreboding washed over him, leaving him perplexed and slightly distressed. His eyebrows furrowed unconsciously as he covered the mark with a gentle grip from his free hand.

“Are you okay, Hiro?” observing his pained expression, Ai's concern was evident as she inquired.

In that moment, he felt the weight of everyone's gaze fixed on him. His reaction had drawn their attention, and he sensed that they were watching him closely for any signs of distress or discomfort. Quick on his feet, Hiro offered a reassuring reply, determined not to raise any alarms.

“I'm fine! Completely fine! I think I didn't stretch properly today, so my hand might be feeling a bit numb.” he explained, hoping his words would allay any worries that might have arisen.

Both Ai and William appeared to have accepted his explanation at face value. However, Hiro knew he couldn't simply ignore the strange occurrence. He had countless questions about his newfound abilities and their origins, but he also didn't want to burden Lili or anyone else with unnecessary concerns.

‘I can bear through a little pain like this. Lili’s worried about me enough as it is. I can’t put my burdens on anyone else either. That’d be selfish. I’ll just power through when it comes to it.’ he thought to himself.

As Hiro continued to grapple with his thoughts, unbeknownst to him, Lili had been observing him with a hint of doubt in her eyes. His internal struggle hadn't gone unnoticed, and she couldn't help but sense that something was amiss. However, before Lili could inquire further, Hiro quickly mustered a smile, hoping to dispel any suspicion. Despite the burning pain in his palm, Hiro managed to maintain the facade, not letting his discomfort show. Seeing his attempt to reassure her, Lili eventually gave in to his gesture and returned his smile, though her concern lingered beneath the surface.

“They’re late. I say we start without them.” William's voice cut through the air with frustration.

“I guess you’re right. Honestly though… They should’ve at least informed us about the possibility of running late.” Lili interjected.

“Come now. I'm sure they have their reasons. Although, I do share your opinion as well.” Ai nodded empathetically, seeking to maintain a positive outlook even amidst the disappointment.

The air in the room was tense, with both Liliana and William visibly upset. While Ai tried to keep the atmosphere optimistic, there was a subtle undertone of doubt in her voice, hinting that this might not have been an isolated incident.

Amidst the emotional exchange, Hiro felt a bit left out and uncertain about the situation.

“Umm… Who exactly are you talking about? Are we waiting for someone?” he asked Ai.

“Yes, two people—Rayna, an Elf, and Felix, a Human Knight,” she explained. “You’ve already met Rayna, though.”

Hiro's memory quickly retrieved the image of the Elven servant from the audience with Lord Alastair. Among all the attendants, Rayna had left the strongest impression on him.

“You mean the girl who cleaned up the broken plates after you? That's Rayna?” he asked.

“Exactly.” Ai replied with a warm smile, appreciating Hiro's keen observation.

As Hiro reflected on the memory, he vividly recalled the Elf girl who had been observing him from across the room during the audience with Lord Alastair. At the time, it hadn't particularly bothered him, as it was natural to be cautious around someone you encountered for the first time. However, what had struck him was her demeanor, which stood out from the other servants who seemed distressed. Rayna exuded an air of self-assurance that piqued his curiosity.

Another memory resurfaced. It was about when he caught a glimpse of Rayna's eyes up close, just after she had tidied up the mess Ai had inadvertently made. At that moment, he couldn't help but notice the depth and intensity of her striking green eyes. For now, knowing what she looked like was sufficient, as this information could prove to be crucial for the meeting he was attending.

Rayna's appearance left a lasting impression on Hiro's mind as well. Her long, flowing turquoise hair added to her captivating presence. While she appeared quite tall, she wasn’t taller than Hiro, and her overall demeanor exuded grace and confidence. Apart from her distinctive facial features and striking hair, she dressed similarly to the other servants, making it challenging to differentiate her from the rest at first glance. Nonetheless, there was an unmistakable aura of uniqueness surrounding her, setting her apart from the crowd.

“Firstly, I'd like to address the elephant in the room. Hiro…” William spoke up, his words carrying a stern edge.

“Yeah.” with an attempt to steady his nerves, Hiro responded with as much confidence as he could muster.

Taking a deep breath, he reminded himself of the importance of this meeting and the need to remain composed. Hiro glanced at each person present, trying to assess the situation and understand the dynamics at play.

“In the first place,” William resumed, his tone still intimidating, “I want you to know that I was against letting you in on this.”

Liliana promptly interjected, her voice firm and unwavering. “We’ve already discussed this, didn’t we? I trust Hiro with my life.”

Her strong statement momentarily caught William off guard, but he quickly regained his composure. He paused to collect his thoughts before speaking again.

“As I was trying to explain, there are two reasons for my temporary approval of you. First, you’re a blank slate. Your amnesia, as far as the healers can tell, is genuine. This indicates that you lack any motive or advantage to betray us. Secondly,” Willaim sighed, “…these two.” he said, gesturing towards Lili and Ai.

Lili, the younger girl, beamed with pride, while Ai, the older one, averted her gaze with a hint of embarrassment.

“It's only natural. Hiro is my big brother now, and my hero. He's selfless, brave, and compassionate, making him perfect for this job!” Liliana, filled with admiration, spoke up confidently.

“One good deed does not wholly define a person.” the knight interjected with a snarky remark, lacing his words with a hint of hostility.

This response visibly aggravated Lili, and Hiro braced himself for her retort. To his surprise, however, it was someone else who spoke up first, stepping in to break the escalating tension.

“He saved Lili’s life, William. He risked his own well-being to bring her back unharmed. He was alone and confused and he still chose to help her. Besides, it wasn’t just this one good deed. He helped me too.”

Ai's composed yet angry tone caught both Hiro and William off guard. Neither of them expected such a reaction from Ai. The knight wasn’t giving in just yet, however. He stood up and gritted his teeth with frustration.

“Such a gesture should be common courtesy after all, so it doesn’t-”

Just as he was about to explain his reasoning, Ai cut him off by raising her voice. Her chair went flying as she abruptly stood up from the table.

“But you know that it’s not! You know how they treat us! And yet, even after the Lord warned him against our kind, he still reached out his hand. It might not have meant much in the grand scheme of things, but it mattered to me.”

Ai's words carried a pure passion that made the whole situation very confusing to Hiro. In his mind, what he did for Ai wasn't even worth mentioning. Apparently, it made a bigger impact on her than he could imagine.

“But!” William began, but Liliana quickly interrupted.

“You know William, if you make Ai angry or sad again, Rayna is gonna kick your butt like last time. You really want a repeat of that?”

William was taken aback by Liliana's warning and bowed apologetically to Ai. The whole situation left Hiro wondering, ‘Just who is this Rayna anyway?’

Aside from that, Hiro was deeply moved by the faith both Ai and Lili had in him. After all, he didn’t even have faith in himself at this point. With all his memories gone, he wasn't sure who he was, where he was from, or anything else for that matter. To hear such encouraging words from people he had just met was like salvation for his crumbling identity.

“I really appreciate what you’ve said. It means a lot to know that I have someone I can count on. I can also understand your point William.” Hiro spoke up, his voice laced with gratitude.

William looked intrigued by Hiro's statement and leaned in closer, listening with anticipation.

“I can’t expect you to just outright trust me like that. I understand your caution. You just want to protect the people you care about, right?”

“Of course. With my own life if need be.” William replied with unwavering conviction.

Hiro could sense the power behind William's words, his resolve and courage were undeniable. Taking a deep breath, he continued.

“It might sound conceited, given my memory loss, but I’m the same way. I’d rather die myself than see those I care for suffer. It’s just the feeling I get. Which is why I’m going to prove to you that I can be trusted. That, I promise.”

His words rang with sincerity. Hiro understood the audacity of his claim, especially given the dearth of tangible evidence to support it. Undoubtedly, William had already made countless sacrifices in the past, needing no validation. In contrast, Hiro remained shrouded in suspicion in the eyes of those around him. Hence, he felt compelled to make this statement—a promise for the future, one he knew he must honor.

“I'll keep an eye on you. That's the extent of my offer for now.”

William hesitated momentarily but eventually acquiesced. This time, he did so with less reluctance, acknowledging Hiro’s determination, at least for the time being.

“Sure. I hope we’ll get along from now on.” Hiro replied.

Yet, immediately following these words, a frigid, pointed object was pressed against his throat, sending shivers of fear coursing through him. His gaze darted to everyone in the room, but oddly, they appeared unfazed.

“Confident much? It sounds to me like you're a tad too eager.”

Suddenly, a woman's voice emanated from behind, attempting to sound menacing but ending with a comically low, squeaky note. Hiro couldn't help but stifle a laugh.

-Pfft-

Just then, Ai offered an explanation.

“I’m sorry. Rayna enjoys putting on an intimidating facade at times, though she's not particularly skilled at it.”

"What are you doing, Ai!?" Rayna protested. "You blew my cover! And you, why are you laughing!?”

The previously forced low voice transformed into an embarrassed squawk as the knife that had been held against Hiro's throat clattered to the floor.

“I'm sorry,” Hiro said, his amusement still evident in his tone. "It's just... that voice. I was scared at first, but after hearing your squeak... could you do it again?"

“Stop making fun of me!” she retorted, her face flushed with anger and her foot stomping in annoyance, resembling a petulant child.

Adding a pinch of salt to the wound, Liliana chimed in.

“You can't really blame him, Rayna. Hiro here practically mastered the art of being menacing while coming to my rescue. It's what he did to scare off those bandits.” she explained, leaving Rayna with her lips slightly agape in shock.

“He did what!? Why doesn't it work when I try it!?”

“Do you encounter bandits that often? Are they lurking around every corner?” Hiro inquired, genuinely curious about Rayna's experiences.

“Not the point! Whatever. It’s all ruined now.” Rayna replied, sulking.

“William, you seem unusually quiet. Don't you have anything to say about Rayna's performance? Was she terrifying, I wonder?”

Liliana's sassy attitude had an immediate effect on her target. Though the knight initially wanted to deny the statement, a quick, intimidating glare from an Elf standing across the room made him stammer, and he instead bowed his head in defeat.

“Zip it Lili. She’s scary. That’s the end of it.”

Hiro couldn't help but wonder how the knight had lost a confrontation with Rayna. Meanwhile, Liliana appeared smug about eliciting a reaction from William. It became clear that the titles and politeness exchanged between Lili and the knight were merely a façade for public appearances. Moreover, there seemed to be some history between Rayna and William.

“Anyway, Rayna. What about Felix? Wasn’t he with you?” Liliana abruptly changed the topic.

“I'm not his babysitter. I have no idea where he is.” she replied indifferently, her tone dripping with annoyance.

“Rayna, what did I tell you about being cheeky?” Ai, clearly displeased with Rayna's response, reprimanded her.

“B-But!” Rayna tried to defend herself but was met with Ai's stern gaze.

“Alright, fine. I'm sorry, Ai. Like I said, though, I don't know where he is.”

“I suppose we can't do much about it. Felix has always been a free spirit. I'll brew some tea, and then we can continue the meeting. Any objections?”

Ai inquired, her commanding presence evident. Everyone kept their heads down obediently in response, Hiro following suit after a glance from the blue-haired girl. Ai smiled warmly and proceeded to retrieve the kettle and cups from another section of the room. William stood up from the table and offered his assistance.

After the tea, it was time for the significant revelation Hiro had been anticipating. They all took their seats as before, with the addition of Rayna, who remained close to Ai. The Elven girl's attire resembled Ai's, differing in color scheme and design. She also wore a scabbard with a sword by her side.

‘Could she be really skilled with it? William seemed kinda intimidated’ Hiro mused to himself.

“Big brother Hiro, there's something you need to know before we proceed. If anything you hear next makes you reconsider, we'll completely understand. To be perfectly honest, what we're about to tell you borders on the fantastical, but the danger is all too real.”

Hiro already had a hunch about the impending revelation, and he wasn't too far off the mark too.

“I might have pieced together the general idea. Judging from the earlier conversation and the scene during an audience with your father, I'm not entirely certain, but... does it have something to do with how Humans treat Elves?”

The reactions from both Ai and Rayna confirmed his suspicions. Ai appeared sorrowful, while Rayna gave him a resolute look. Liliana simply nodded, her expression solemn.

“But why?” Hiro's curiosity compelled him to ask, his brow furrowing.

“It's rather straightforward,” William interjected. “Jealousy and greed.”

A subtle nod from William signaled Ai, who gracefully stepped in to elaborate.

“You see, Elves are revered as a unique class of magical creatures. To put it simply, we possess an innate ability known as an 'Attribute.'”

“An Attribute?” Hiro's eyes widened with surprise as he queried, his fascination piqued.

“Think of it as a special power, a unique talent that we're born with. Depending on luck, it could manifest as a formidable combat spell or some mundane everyday skill. There's no set pattern to it, really.”

As Rayna shared these insights, Hiro's thoughts raced. He contemplated his own abilities, wondering if they might also qualify him as a magical creature. The possibility of hidden complexities intrigued him, and he resolved to uncover the truth in due time. However, he recognized the need to proceed cautiously, understanding that the conversation was far from over.

“So, these Attributes are random.” Hiro mused aloud. “William mentioned healers earlier. Are they common?”

Hiro had a deliberate strategy in mind, inching closer to the core of the matter. Ai responded thoughtfully, providing insights into the healing aspect of Attributes.

“Anyone blessed with an Attribute can tap into their own life force to mend the wounds of others. It's a skill that requires time to master, but it's feasible. However, there are limitations. For minor injuries, like a simple cut, they can be almost instantly sealed, but it doesn't account for the blood loss incurred during the process.”

“What about something more serious?” he probed.

Ai, once again, offered a detailed response. “Consider, for instance, a broken arm. It would demand at least a day of almost continuous treatment for a full recovery. Given that healers must use their own life force, it becomes an arduous task. They often need to alternate with another healer or rest in between.”

Hiro absorbed this information, gradually piecing together this puzzle. However, he sought complete transparency, not half-truths.

“Are there any visible side effects to healing magic?” he asked.

“Aside from potential fainting or exhaustion, none that I can think of. Why do you ask?” Ai replied.

Hiro was taken aback by Ai's response. His own healing abilities left temporary dark scars, pain, and a lingering sense of dread and fear in their wake. As he suspected, the healing magic described by Ai diverged significantly from his own. Slowly, his thoughts began to drift elsewhere, but Lili intervened, snapping him back to reality.

“Big brother Hiro. Your abilities are something unprecedented.” she chimed in, her voice filled with certainty.

Ai and Lili exchanged nods, their gazes shifting toward William and Rayna, seeking their approval. After a brief moment, it seemed unanimous among them all.

Liliana took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering as she addressed Hiro with utmost sincerity, “Big brother Hiro, there's something you must be absolutely honest about, okay?” her serious expression conveyed the gravity of the matter.

“O-Okay. What's going on?” Hiro, his brows furrowed in concern, responded cautiously.

The room seemed to hold its collective breath as Hiro focused intently on his sister. It felt like a pivotal moment. Suddenly, William rose to his feet, his demeanor one of unwavering seriousness.

"Your remarkable healing ability," he began, leaving no room for ambiguity. “How do you do it? Do you channel this power through an object you carry with you, or is it a natural ability?”

“An object? W-What do you mean?” Hiro, caught off guard by the inquiry, stammered.

William continued, his tone resolute, “Allow me to be direct. Humans, by their nature, cannot wield magic. It's an irrefutable fact. The only way for them to harness magical abilities is through charms created by other magical creatures. These charms can store a portion of one's Attribute, granting the user access to magic. When you healed Liliana's injuries initially, I suspected that the sword you possessed might have been your charm. However, after our audience with Lord Alastair..."

Hiro abruptly interrupted William, a realization dawning on him, “I didn't have my sword on me. Or anything else for that matter, except the clothes you gave me.”

With the possibility of the sword being his charm now ruled out, Hiro grew more convinced that he must be some form of magical creature, despite his outward appearance as a Human. He possessed an Attribute, and that seemed to be the only logical explanation. Yet, everyone else in the room appeared to have a different perspective on the matter.

“Now, are you hiding something from us or not?” William's eyes bore into Hiro, unwavering in their intensity.

“I'm not hiding anything, I swear,” Hiro met William's gaze squarely and asserted, “This power... it just manifests within me.” his words rang with sincerity. Hiro had no hidden charms or artifacts.

“Please understand, Hiro,” Ai, the voice of reason, interjected gently. “Although your possession of this ability is somewhat unprecedented, it’s not what troubles us most. Elves and Humans are incapable of having children with each other, so there shouldn't be a way for you to have a mixed heritage. While there could be exceptions, this situation has never been documented before.”

Hiro, now slightly puzzled, sought clarification, “If my having an Attribute isn't that much of an issue, then what is?” he inquired.

Lili chose this moment to reveal a crucial detail, “There's something I didn't mention the night we first met. Just before your arrival, my index finger was broken.”

Hiro's eyes widened in realization, “What? Woah. Wait. You don’t mean…” he stumbled over his words, stunned by the revelation. In the room, a hushed tension filled the air as everyone awaited his reaction.

“You healed the injury instantly. Mending a broken bone in her finger, would typically take half an hour or so. But you...” Ai continued, her voice tinged with concern.

“That's not all. The pain vanished instantly, and I felt completely at ease all of a sudden. This defies the natural order of things.” Liliana chimed in, her tone echoing the bewilderment of the group.

The group's collective focus turned once more to the enigmatic boy in their midst. Hiro grappled with a mixture of emotions – uncertainty, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of fear. Was this revelation a blessing or a curse? The answer remained elusive. While their conversation continued, Hiro noticed the pain and the ominous dark mark on his hand finally vanishing. Yet again, this temporary inconvenience brought about more questions than answers

“Is that all? Is there anything about your power that we didn’t cover?”

The dreaded question finally emerged, hanging heavily in the air like an impending storm. William's inquiry was direct and unrelenting.

Hiro faced a pivotal moment. He had been silent for an extended period, and the hesitation etched across his features was impossible to miss. A knot of anxiety tightened in his stomach as he contemplated the decision before him. Revealing the truth about the side effects of his ability would render his power useless, and the prospect of being left feeling powerless was a deeply unsettling one.

‘I… I am… nothing?’ A sudden thought sent a shiver down his spine.

It was a familiar statement, one he couldn't ignore. It echoed a dream he had, but the significance eluded him. Or perhaps...

‘…was it… my lost memory? Why would I remember things in my dream and then forget them all over again? Or maybe…’

Lost in his contemplations, Hiro felt a gentle tug on his sleeve, and to his surprise, Liliana was by his side, her voice laced with concern.

“Big brother Hiro, you look pale. What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick?” she inquired, her eyes searching his for answers.

He was sick. His ability, the memory of the dream that had suddenly resurfaced, the voice from the darkness weighing heavily on his heart and causing his knees to weaken. He struggled to maintain his composure, but his emotions were spiraling out of control. His heart raced, causing lightheadedness, and the memory of the dream grew clearer with each passing moment, boiling within his mind. Nervously, he scanned the room, finding everyone's concerned eyes fixed upon him.

Liliana, noticing his distress, gently shook his shoulders in an attempt to bring him back to the present.

“…d-don’t… leave.” trembling, Hiro managed to stammer out.

It was a plea born of pure fear; he didn't want to be alone right now.

“We’re not going anywhere. Now, just relax and trust me.”

Rayna, an unexpected source of solace, stepped forward and placed her forehead against his, her eyes closed. Hiro felt a strange, calming sensation wash over him. After about a minute, his racing thoughts and emotions began to subside, and he returned to a state of relative calm.

“What just happened…? How did you do that?” Hiro, bewildered by the sudden transformation, asked.

“It’s my Attribute. I can affect people’s emotions.” Rayna, her face slightly flushed, explained.

The closeness between them during this exchange left both of them feeling embarrassed. Rayna then pulled away from him, retreating to stand behind Ai.

“I know what a panic attack feels like... I thought I should help.”

Hiro blushed from the unexpected interaction and took a moment to regain his composure. As he did, he felt Liliana's grip tighten on his right arm. Her gaze held the same fear he had experienced back in the forest, mirroring the deep concern that now filled her eyes.

“I’m fine now, Lili. Thank you for being there for me.”

He reached over and affectionately ruffled her hair, eliciting a joyful smile from his little sister. Despite her lingering doubts, she sighed with relief and settled beside him, content as he continued to caress her hair.

However, the moment of calm was abruptly shattered by Rayna's unexpected outburst.

“N-Now hold on a second! I was the one who made you okay! Shouldn’t you be grateful to me!?” she interjected with a shout, her face still hidden behind Ai, her voice tinged with both embarrassment and frustration.

Hiro was momentarily taken aback by her outburst, but he quickly recognized the validity of her point. He had been somewhat disoriented earlier, too caught up in the experience to think clearly.

“You're right, Rayna.” he conceded, bowing in appreciation “I'm sorry; I was a little out of it earlier. Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it. I'm lucky you were there for me.”

However, Rayna appeared unsatisfied with his response, prompting Hiro to awkwardly stare at the girl in confusion.

“Is that all?” she asked bluntly.

“Oh, I… do you want me to pat your head too?”

“NO! ONLY AI IS ALLOWED TO DO THAT!” Rayna's embarrassed frustration bubbled to the surface as she exclaimed.

Her cheeks flushed crimson with both embarrassment and annoyance. Their playful exchange, however, didn't sit well with Liliana, who was still deeply worried.

“It’s not funny! I’m really worried, so stop joking!” she couldn't contain her emotions any longer and tearfully interjected.

Her heartfelt comment left Hiro and Rayna feeling guilty for making light of the situation. Just then, William voiced his concerns, adding to the gravity of the moment.

“We can’t leave things unsolved. We have to know what’s going on. Please, take it seriously.” William's words resonated with a weight of seriousness, anchoring the group in their resolve to uncover the truth.

“I think I remembered something, but it was more like a dream, or a feeling. It wasn't anything specific, but it wasn't a pleasant memory, that's for sure.”

Liliana was visibly surprised, “Your memories are coming back?” she inquired with a hint of hesitation in her voice.

“I'm not sure what it was exactly.”

A contemplative silence settled over the group as they considered the implications of Hiro's vague recollection. Ai was the first to break it.

“I don't want to sound negative, but it's possible that your memories may never fully return. Chances are, you might never recover what you've lost.”

Hiro nodded in agreement, “I'm okay with that. I'd rather focus on making new memories than remembering something horrible.”

Ai acknowledged his perspective with a nod and continued, “Now, in regards to our earlier question, is there anything else you'd like to share about your powers? Did we miss something?”

Hiro hesitated once more, his gaze drawn to his sister clinging to his arm. Her presence reinforced his decision.

“You didn’t omit anything. That’s about it.” he lied.

Despite his good intentions, a pang of guilt lingered. However, he felt a strong obligation toward the people in the room, particularly his newfound sister, Liliana. He had resolved to bear the burden of his secret alone and to protect those he cared about, even if it meant suffering in silence.

“That’s certainly unheard of, then. A Human possessing an Attribute. Color me surprised.” William commented his eyebrows raised.

“If it's as potent as we believe, it could provide us with a significant advantage.” Ai chimed in with conviction.

Hiro, hearing these words, felt even more assured that he had made the right decision. William wasted no time in explaining their mission without any unnecessary ambiguity.

“We’re trying to put an end to the strife between Elves and Humans.” he declared earnestly, his gaze unwavering, “The enslavement, torment, and senseless deaths. To stop it, we're determined to uncover the whereabouts of a very specific place.”

“The Fountain of Knowledge.” Liliana, seated beside Hiro, interjected with a sense of urgency.

She wanted to make sure that the knight didn’t hide anything from her hero.

“The what now?” Hiro, perplexed, couldn't help but ask.

It was to be expected, especially from someone grappling with amnesia. Once again, Ai stepped in to provide clarification.

“Supposedly, it's a place with the power to reveal all there is to know.” Ai explained patiently, “For over the past hundred years, groups like ours have been striving to finally end the ceaseless conflict between Humans and Elves. Unfortunately, these efforts have mostly been in vain so far."

“Some Humans trust us more because of this endeavor. It's also why Lili, William, and Felix are with us.” Rayna, her turquoise hair adding a touch of uniqueness to the scene, contributed.

This revelation shed light on the dynamics among the individuals gathered in the room, sparking the interest of everyone present as they started explaining their perspectives in unison.

“We firmly believe that the Fountain possesses the knowledge required to bring an end to the conflict once and for all.” Liliana continued.

“Legends tell us that the Fountain's wisdom played a pivotal role in halting the Great World War, hundreds of years ago. Since then, its location has remained concealed. Without the map, no one can find it. And there exists only one copy.” William added with a hint of awe.

“Let me guess. The sole existing copy is hidden somewhere in Osata?”

A unanimous nod from the group affirmed their conviction in the Fountain's power. However, Hiro couldn't help but remain skeptical, feeling like he was caught in the midst of an enchanting, fantastical tale, just as Lili had mentioned earlier.

“I don't mean to sound ignorant, but doesn't it seem a bit far-fetched? How can we be certain something like this even exists, especially when William described it as nothing more than a legend?"

“Because the person who confirmed the map’s location in this city was my own father.” Ai responded with unwavering confidence.

“But why would he choose to leave the map here of all places?” Hiro's curiosity led him to inquire further.

Ai's gaze turned somber as she proceeded to explain the situation, “Because... Lord Alastair used to be a close friend of my father's. It was Alastair who initially stumbled upon the map and sought my father's assistance in deciphering it. That was before the Lord betrayed him and took his life.”

A gasp of shock escaped Hiro's lips, his surprise evident. It was a revelation that defied reason—someone who seemingly despised Elves had once been friends with them? The incongruity of the situation left Hiro bewildered. From Ai's mournful expression, it was clear that this wasn't a topic she wished to delve into at the moment.

“It's okay if you don't want to talk about it. Let's get to the heart of the matter.” Hiro decided to steer the conversation in a different direction.

Ai nodded, a grateful smile crossing her face, and Rayna cast an approving glance in Hiro's direction. They all understood that the details could be addressed later. Ai proceeded with her explanation.

“Lord Alastair should possess knowledge of the map's exact whereabouts. Regrettably, he guards this secret closely, even from his own family.”

Hiro noticed Lili's reaction as she tightened her grip on his arm and nodded. It was evident that, despite her love for her father, their relationship was marked by complexities and hidden truths.

“That’s where you come in. You’ve already earned Alastair’s favor by saving his daughter.” Wiliam interjected.

Hiro, however, wasn't convinced. He raised a skeptical eyebrow and retorted, “Hold up! I barely know him! If even Lili couldn't extract the map's location from him, what makes you think a total stranger like me could?” the boy protested.

“He's aware of your remarkable healing abilities. I was originally tasked with investigating this for him.” William, undeterred, offered an explanation.

Hiro's confusion lingered as he gazed at the knight. He failed to comprehend the connection between his unique power and their current predicament.

“The map cannot be deciphered by just anyone. Only a select few in the world possess the capability - magical creatures with a specific Attribute, or…”

“...a Human bearing an Attribute of their own. That's what Ai and her father believed, at least.” William completed Ai’s thought.

Realization slowly dawned upon Hiro. He mulled it over before inquiring further.

“So, if your investigation confirms that I possess an Attribute…”

“...Father might seek your assistance and reveal the map to you. Given your amnesia, you might not even think twice about helping when asked. That's what I think he believes, at least.” Liliana, her voice tinged with hesitation, added.

Dreadful thoughts swarmed Hiro’s mind as he slowly came to realize the meaning behind this.

“So… is this why you were so persistent about my ability? And that comment just now… since I don’t remember any better, I’m an easy tool, huh?”

Hiro's shoulders slumped in a mixture of frustration and feeling of betrayal. He sensed the remorse in everyone's expressions, even William’s, as they realized the hasty nature of their actions. Hiro had begun to believe that they were simply taking advantage of him. But before he could let his mistrust fester and draw wrong conclusions, Rayna suddenly revealed herself from behind Ai and hurried across the room to Hiro's side.

“I know it might seem that we're just trying to use you, but it couldn’t be farther from the truth!” Rayna, her voice filled with passion and sincerity, exclaimed.

“How’s that?” Hiro, still guarded, asked bluntly.

With equal determination, Rayna continued, “Because Ai's Attribute grants her the ability to read and comprehend all texts, regardless of language or structure.”

Ai nodded, her smile reassuring Hiro. It became apparent that Rayna was telling the truth. In that moment, Hiro recognized the folly of his own doubts. It was natural to be wary of people he had only just met, but his skepticism had extended even to the girl still clinging to his arm. He felt a pang of self-reproach for his unwarranted mistrust.

“Ai can read the map as well…” he muttered to himself, “I... trust Lili. And she trusts you. So, I'm going to place my faith in the people my sister believes in.”

Lili, somewhat bashful yet relieved, couldn't hide her gratitude. The others in the room accepted Hiro's decision. With that, the boy was entrusted with the mission to retrieve the map and contribute to ending the conflict between Elves and Humans.

After the meeting concluded, William made plans to report Hiro's unique abilities to Lord Alastair, while Lili excused herself to attend to other matters. Left behind were the two Elves and Hiro, tasked with tidying up after their meeting.

Hiro took this opportunity to engage Ai in conversation.

“Hey, Ai. I have some questions. Would you mind sparing me a minute?” he inquired.

“Not at all. What is it?” Ai, ever so approachable and willing to share, replied with a friendly smile.

“I’m wondering about your roles around here. Could you elaborate on that a bit more?”

“Hmmm, let me think.” she sat at the table and crossed her arms in contemplation. “You already know this, but Rayna and I are maids, or rather, servants. We handle cleaning, laundry, and various other tasks.” she explained.

“It must be tough. How long have you and Rayna been doing this?” he inquired further.

“About three years now. We were on the run before that. Until William found us, that is.” Ai responded, a wistful expression briefly crossing her features.

“On the run?” he pressed curiously.

“Yes. Ever since me and Rayna met, we struggled to find a place we could call home. The last settlement we stayed at was raided, forcing us to flee. We were at our wits end back then. That’s when we stumbled upon William while he was on patrol.”

“You’ve been through a lot at such a young age. It’s hard to imagine what it must’ve been like.” Hiro remarked empathetically.

“I can say for certain that if it weren't for Rayna, I never would've made it out alive.” Ai confessed, a warm smile gracing her lips.

“But she was much younger back then, right?”

“Yes. There’s a five-year difference between us. But Rayna is a little different from other Elves.” Ai divulged with a smile, glancing around to ensure Rayna was out of earshot.

“Different?” he inquired curiously.

“You see, Rayna comes from a long line of warriors. Her physical strength surpasses that of a regular Elf. Even at a young age, she was remarkably strong. I hated seeing her endanger herself for our sake, so I did my best to support her... though, unfortunately, I'm not much of a fighter.” she chuckled awkwardly.

“I can tell she’s really fond of you.”

“Well, she is my sister. Not by blood, but it's a similar bond to yours with Lili.” she explained.

Hiro’s eyes widened in surprise, but it wasn’t that much of a shock to him. He was more interested in the other thing Ai mentioned.

“I’m curious, can she really beat William? I mean, he’s older and a knight at that. Is she that much stronger than him?”

“I can kick his ass with ease,” Rayna interjected confidently, suddenly appearing next to Ai, “Felix isn’t much of a challenge either!” she boasted proudly.

“Yes, you’re very strong. Big sister is really proud of you.” Ai responded, affectionately petting Rayna's head.

Though engrossed in Ai’s gentle gesture, she turned her attention to the boy standing next to them.

“Ummm, Hiro. I know a thing or two about nightmares.” Rayna spoke tentatively, “You’re one of us now, I guess. So, you can ask me for help too.” she offered.

“I appreciate it, Rayna.” Hiro replied without missing a beat, “Thank you.” he smiled, while Rayna nodded, appreciative of his reaction.

“It might not seem like much,” Ai chimed in, her smile brightening the room. “but having you around means a lot. It’s my dream for Humans and Elves to finally get along.”

Rayna nodded in agreement. Despite a century of sacrifices and what often seemed like futile endeavors, the two girls continued to cling to the glimmer of hope that a peaceful coexistence between Elves and Humans was attainable.

“It's a beautiful dream.” Hiro remarked, his gaze softening, “So, that's why you endure all of this, isn't it?”

The two sisters simply nodded. Hiro took a moment to reflect and, eventually, he decided to voice his observations and concerns.

“Besides Rayna, I've noticed that you and the other servants seemed frightened during my discussions with Alastair." Hiro pointed out, his tone gentle yet probing.

Ai was momentarily taken aback by Hiro's perceptive observation. Her expression shifted to one of sorrow, and she hung her head.

“You've noticed. I... There's nothing to worry about. I'm fine, really.” she replied, her voice tinged with unease. “I must go now. Rayna will show you around. She was assigned as your personal maid. See you later.”

Hiro attempted to stop her, but Ai had already hurriedly departed from the hidden base. Rayna stepped in to offer clarification.

“If you suspect what I think you're suspecting, then you're absolutely right.” she confirmed.

“Rayna? You don’t mean…” Hiro's eyes widened in disbelief.

Without uttering a word, Rayna rolled up her sleeve, revealing a scar that stretched from just below her shoulder, all the way to her elbow. Hiro's shock gave way to anger.

“They’re hurting you…”

“If we misbehave or make mistakes, we can expect punishments like this. It's a whip scar, by the way.”

Hiro was more than infuriated now. Rayna's concealed scar served as a grim reminder of the consequences of failure. Hiro was beginning to grasp the gravity of their mission.

“Wait, is Ai going to be punished for the plates? Is that why she seemed so scared?”

“Not this time, apparently. Lord asshole took pity on her because of you. At the very least, that’s what William heard.”

A sense of relief washed over Hiro, but it was impossible to ignore the fact that both Ai and Rayna had already endured so much. Recognizing Hiro's concerned expression, Rayna decided to elaborate on her previous response.

“Ai doesn't like to burden others. I love her, but she could afford to be a bit more selfish. Anyway, the sooner you assist us, the sooner this nightmare will end.”

“I promise to do everything I can. This isn’t right. Nobody deserves to suffer like this.” Hiro declared, newfound power filling his voice.

Rayna appreciated his enthusiasm, as a small, grateful smile crossed her lips. Hiro intended to inquire about Ai's situation at a later time. For now, he had more pressing plans.

“About your fighting skills. Are your really as good as I’ve heard?”

“That again? I’m the best swordswoman in the city! I’m better than any lousy knight in this mansion too!” she bragged confidently.

Hiro was both astonished and impressed by her proclamation. If that were the case, perhaps his concerns would be alleviated. He didn't want to be a burden to anyone, which is why he needed to be capable of defending himself and, hopefully, others too. He knelt before the turquoise-haired girl.

“In that case, please, teach me!” he exclaimed.

“W-What!?”

Rayna was taken aback by Hiro's sudden request. With that, his new life began.