The Crimson Throne

Elaine observed the young man speaking wise words beyond his years, wondering what experiences shaped his current view. Though referencing her ordeals, Elaine concluded that paranoia and distrust were common traits developed in those living in this world. And the male protagonist, too, was not an exception.

She thanked him for the advice. Elias then rose and tore down the tent, scattering the pieces in different spots and destroying their traces. Elaine watched in awe at his efficient movement and speed and, once again, felt fortunate that he had discovered her. Despite her reservation about changing the plot, Elaine knew her survival entirely depended on the male protagonist, and she must stay close to him until they escaped the Insidious Forest. 

After Elias finished, Elaine ambled toward him, asking, "Where are we headed?" 

"First, we meet up with my men." He brushed the dirt off his hands and stared ahead. "Then we will try to locate and inform the Léonas troops of what happened and retreat outside the forest." 

"What about those inside the tomb?" 

Elias glanced back at her, his expression unreadable. "We only have a small timeframe to look for them and locate the Léonas troops. However, I will still order our withdrawal, even if we cannot complete one or both tasks within that time." 

Does that mean you will abandon them? She pursed her lips, forcing back her accusation. Elaine felt a tightness in her chest at the thought of deserting Cecil, yet she also understood Elias' position. As the current expedition Co-Commander, his obligation was to his troops and the Étoile Empire, not a few lost soldiers and knights in training. "Will you try?" she implored, her gaze holding his.

"I will try," he nodded. 

"Thank you, Sir d'Amboise." A thin smile appeared on Elaine's face. Though it was not a promise of finding Cecil, it was the closest assurance Elias could provide her. Even if they failed, she would have no regret in the future. 

"We have idled long enough. Let us depart, Lady Estella." The male protagonist started walking toward an unknown location.

"Yes." Elaine shadowed him. 

They roamed for a long time, though she was unsure of the extent. Elias guided her through the twists and turns of the dense wood, cutting down the overreaching branches and sprawling vines. Sometimes, wild beasts or monstrous creatures would block their path, but he would always cover Elaine behind his broad back when fighting them. "Follow my lead," Elias said. His right hand drew his sword from the scabbard and whirled it with elegance and deadly precision—a skill one could only master through experiences on countless battlefields. His remaining hand held onto Elaine's, leading her to duck or jump while he plunged the sword into the target's stomach, twisting against its entrails or splicing its skull in half. Red liquid erupted from the fallen creatures' bodies and soaked the blade and their clothes. Elaine could see Elias' sword vibrating as if drowning in excitement. The blood baptism polished its surface, becoming sharper and shinier with every kill. 

What kind of sword is this? she gasped, unable to tear her eyes from the blade's death dance. 

When each battle was over, Elias used the cleaning spell on Elaine and himself, washing the sticky liquid from their clothes and bodies. However, he did not apply it to his weapon, allowing it to continue bathing in blood. The male protagonist then trod forward, eyes on high alert, holding his sword in one hand while still clutching Elaine's slender fingers in the other. 

She followed his steps, though her mind had already strayed elsewhere. Through their short time traveling together, Elaine noticed the magician association's imposed limit did not apply to Elias. Or was it he bypassed their restrictions? Unlike Elaine, the male protagonist could use several standard spells throughout the hour. How was it possible? Like an expansive undercurrent, the association's magic connection extended to every human being in the known world. Unless…the individual existence was outside of the magicians' reach. 

The Wandering Wisemen. Elaine recalled Elias' mother's bloodline. A powerful yet mysterious clan seldom mentioned in the story. Although the book world contained wondrous magic and mythical creatures beyond imagination, the story's primary focus was the struggles and politics among the human kingdoms and empires. Therefore, Elaine knew little to nothing about the supernatural aspects of the world besides a few encounters and confrontations within the plot.

Maybe Elias' immunity has something to do with his mother's clan. The male protagonist's maternal origin seemed to contain many secrets. Elaine scoured her memory of the book's knowledge detailing his mother but only recalled limited information. It revealed she left the young Elias with his father at the tender age of seven and disappeared, never to emerge again. Unfortunately, the story did not explain the reason for his abandonment. 

"We have arrived, milady," Elias informed Elaine of their arrival, plucking her from her contemplation. 

She glanced around, noting the scenery had changed. Too occupied with her thoughts before, Elaine failed to realize they had reached a camp tucked inside a hidden cave. She surveyed Étoile's remaining troops. The men sat scattered in several smaller groups. Their bodies looked haggard and filled with injuries. Some men lost an eye or ear, while others missed an arm or leg. Elias is right to order the withdrawal. These men are in no condition to continue fighting. The longer the troops lingered in the forest, the more men he would lose. Not to mention risking the safety of others. Elaine stared in dismay at the grim aftermath, recognizing that she might have no choice but to leave Cecil. No matter how much she valued him as her guard, Elaine would not endanger her own life and the chance of returning home to save another person.