Dream of the past

"All you need to do here is put your back into it, Elara. And then, after that, if you chant this spell, you get yourself the best protection wards for your camp," the Mistress instructed with a tone of both authority and encouragement.

Elara nodded, her brows furrowed in concentration. "Then, if a monster shows up, the wards should make a sound and some vibration in the direction they are activated," the Mistress continued, ensuring Elara grasped the full extent of the wards' functionality.

"I see, Mistress," Elara replied, her voice tinged with a mix of realization and humility. "I guess what I have done before is more of protection around me instead of around the campsite. I thought I knew everything at this point in my life."

The Mistress chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with wisdom and amusement. "Well, Elara, even I can learn new stuff. What has it been, 300 years since you came to this world?"

"Yes, Mistress," Elara affirmed, her voice reflecting centuries of shared experiences and challenges. "When will you teach me more about the maid-knight?"

"Well, you see, Elara, maid-knight is a title one is given by the world, similar to the titles of hero and demon lord. The difference is that it's incredibly difficult to become a maid-knight. It's a title that carries a deep history and significance," the Mistress began, her tone growing more serious and reflective.

She paused, as if recalling a distant memory, and continued, "The concept of the maid-knight was created a long time ago. My master, who was a knight serving a kingdom that was eventually destroyed by invading forces, was the first. With no place to go and no purpose left, she was found by a noble creature, a godly spirit. In her despair, she chose to serve this spirit. Before she knew it, the spirit had granted her the title of maid-knight."

Elara listened intently, her curiosity piqued. "What happened to the spirit, Mistress?" she asked softly.

"My master never found out what became of the noble creature. But she was not sad. She had a profound feeling that this spirit was the spirit of Eldoria," the Mistress concluded, a serene smile playing on her lips.

"Eldoria..." Elara echoed, the name resonating with a sense of ancient power and mystery. "So, becoming a maid-knight is not just about strength or skill, but also about a deeper bond and understanding with the world and its spirits."

"Precisely, Elara. It's a path of service, devotion, and an unyielding spirit. And perhaps, one day, you will uncover more about this path than even I know," the Mistress said, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and pride.

Elara felt a renewed sense of purpose, ready to embrace the challenges ahead and to deepen her understanding of the ancient and noble title of maid-knight.

...

"Wake up, Elara, it's time to get up," Lilith said softly, shaking Elara gently.

Elara groaned and slowly opened her eyes, a yawn escaping her lips. It had been a long time since she had overslept.

"Ellie and Levy are already ready," Lilith continued. The two faeries, Ella and Levy, flew around playfully with Tami, who barked with joy, ready for the day ahead.

"Well, Lilith chimed in, "Levy said that you looked tired, so we should let you rest. I made breakfast, and the others have already eaten. The camp is all packed; we're only missing your stuff."

"Damn, I still have a long way to go... what a failure as a maid-knight," Elara murmured to herself, feeling a pang of guilt and frustration.

Lilith handed her a bowl of soup, her eyes filled with understanding and encouragement. "Here you go," she said warmly.

Elara took the soup, feeling the warmth seep into her hands and lift her spirits slightly. "Thank you, Lilith," she said, taking a sip. The rich flavor and warmth of the soup helped to shake off the remnants of sleep and self-doubt.

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Elara," Lilith said softly. "Everyone has their off days. What matters is that you're here, and you're trying."

Elara nodded, appreciating the comfort in Lilith's words. She quickly finished her soup, stood up, and began packing her belongings. "I won't let you down," she vowed, more to herself than anyone else.

As Elara finished packing, she joined the rest of the group, feeling a renewed sense of determination.

The journey ahead was long, snaking through the narrow pass up the mountains. The path was steep and treacherous, with loose rocks and sharp turns that tested their endurance.

"Tami, stay close to me and don't run around," Lilith said with a stern voice, her eyes watching the small fenrir carefully.

Levy flew in front of the group, her wings fluttering with an almost effortless grace, while Ella was napping comfortably in Elara's hood, her tiny form barely noticeable but for the soft rise and fall of her breath.

"I guess Ella is still tired from the watch," Lilith said, glancing at the peaceful faerie.

"It can't be helped," Elara replied. "We're just lucky we can manage it like this. We have a better journey when we're well-rested. And with the two small faeries, it's easy for us to carry them as we walk ahead."

Lilith nodded in agreement, the warmth of the morning sun beginning to break through the cool mountain air. They moved steadily, each step bringing them closer to their goal. The path wound upward, flanked by towering cliffs and scattered with patches of hardy mountain flora.

"We're almost there," Levy said as she flew closer to the group. "Right up ahead, there's a cave. Just like the other one. We can use the waypoint teleportation there to get to the last waypoint of our journey. And we can rest there after we go through it."

Elara felt a surge of relief at the news. The thought of resting in the cool, safe confines of the cave was a welcome prospect after the exhausting climb. She quickened her pace slightly, spurred on by the promise of respite.

As they approached the cave, the entrance loomed dark and inviting. Levy landed lightly on Elara's shoulder, her tiny wings folding neatly behind her. "It's just like we planned," she said with a smile.

Inside the cave, the air was cool and damp, a stark contrast to the bright, dry heat outside. The walls were lined with ancient runes, glowing faintly with a mystical light. Elara recognized the markings—symbols of an ancient teleportation spell.

"Let's activate it," Levy said, her voice echoing slightly in the enclosed space. She moved to the center of the cave, where a circular platform was etched into the ground. The group gathered around her, each taking their place within the circle.

Elara felt a familiar tingle of magic as Levy began to chant the spell. The runes on the walls flared to life, their light intensifying until it filled the entire cave. The ground beneath their feet seemed to hum with energy, and a moment later, they were enveloped in a blinding flash of light.

When the light faded, they found themselves in another cave, identical to the first but with subtle differences. The air was warmer, the runes on the walls glowing a soft blue rather than white. They had arrived at the last waypoint of their journey.

"We made it," Elara said, a sense of accomplishment washing over her. "Now we can rest."

The group set about making camp, their movements practiced and efficient. Elara felt a deep sense of camaraderie with her companions. They had come far together, and the bond they shared was stronger than any challenge they faced.

As the fire crackled and their small camp settled into a quiet rhythm, Elara looked around at her friends. Lilith, ever watchful and caring. Levy, with her boundless energy and optimism. Ella, the quiet strength at the heart of their group. And Tami, whose playful spirit brought a lightness to their days.

With a contented sigh, Elara lay back and closed her eyes, ready for the rest she had earned. Thinking to herself, she reflected, Lilith has come a long way now. She has grown and become her own person. I knew I chose right to serve her as a maid-knight. With that comforting thought on her mind, Elara fell asleep.

The night passed peacefully. The crackling fire cast a warm glow over the group, and the soft sounds of their breathing filled the cave. Tami curled up at Lilith's feet, occasionally twitching in her sleep. The faeries, Levy and Ella, rested near the fire, their tiny forms glowing faintly in the dim light.

Elara dreamed of their journey so far. She remembered the first time she met Lilith, a young girl with a determined spirit and a heart full of hope. They had faced countless challenges together, from battling fierce monsters to navigating treacherous terrains. Through it all, Lilith had grown stronger, more confident, and wise. Elara's heart swelled with pride and affection for her charge.

Suddenly, a faint noise stirred Elara from her sleep. Her eyes snapped open.

I see you serve the new Demon Lord...