You know that, don't you? That there are those who are after the power of the spirits.

Do you think he's playing with us? You're one of them.

Or, more accurately, I was just pretending to be a collaborator.

As long as there was evidence that it was a demonic ore that he had found during his search of the High Elf Village, it was only natural that he would see Harzang as one of his enemies.

Perhaps he had anticipated this, and continued to speak with a perfectly unconcerned expression.

''In the first place, there is no way that we high elves could seriously harm the spirit-sama. The only reason we were cooperating with them was because we desperately needed to bring Meldina to this place.

You're gonna call Mel?

'Yes. We high elves have no way to counter the magical tools they have created. We needed the power that Meldina possesses to overthrow those who harmed the Spirit-sama.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out what he's referring to as "Meldina's power".

I'm sure he sensed that I was talking out of my mouth, but he let out a short sigh and continued.

'No wonder you are oblivious, human. Meldina's power has been sleeping deep in your soul, you know. Do you know that Meldina has explored these ruins?

I... Yeah. I heard it this morning.

Yeah. Meldina is the Chosen One.

Chosen?

Virum couldn't help but listen back to the words spoken by Harzang, which he couldn't find any connection with.

I can't find any connection with the words spoken by Harzaan. It is the mausoleum of the founder of our high elves and elves, the Elder Elves.

'The Elder Elf? I've never heard of such a species.

I don't even know who to call.

From the looks of it, your spirit animal isn't very old. The word "Elder" means an ancient species. It is said that you lived in the age of ancient magical civilization. Probably only a few of the spirits alive today know about it.

Hartshan looked somewhat proud as he explained in a way that was easy to understand to Foumil, who tilted his head.

''It is said that there were some Elder Elf-sama who possessed magical power that exceeded even Spirit Beasts-sama. However, you have chosen to coexist with the spirits instead of increasing their magical power. Therefore, to us, Spirituals are absolute beings.

Meldina was an Elder Elf?

'Not quite. Meldina was chosen as the vessel in which the Lord Elder Elf dwells when he reached the latest part of this ruin ... or this room.

In other words, Meldina herself is unaware of it, but another personality resides within her.

I thought that with the power of the Elder Elves, I could resist them. The reason why I provided the magic ore is because I wanted to have them gather information about Meldina, which is scattered all over the world.

We almost got invaded because of that rock you provided.

'I'm sorry about that. But it is also true that without Meldina's power, there would have been no way to counteract it. There is nothing more foolish than to take on an unwinnable battle without a plan.

Even though he was surprised that Hartshan had apologized honestly, Virum had some sympathy in his words.

'I see, I understand why you want Mel. But how were you going to get Mel to cooperate with you when she refused you?

No matter how much of Meldina's body you get, if you can't convince its mind, it's useless.

''About that... we've already settled that.

What do you mean?

The answer that came back to the question I posed, including the intention that this discussion was not worthy of continuing if I tried to intimidate, trick, or brainwash them into obeying me, was a betrayal of Virum's predictions.

He said, "The power of the Elder Elf Master that resides in Meldina was taken into me before you came. If you cannot fight with me as my wife, then I have no choice.

So the Elder Elf was able to stop me and Hu from attacking you.

Yes. Now that I have the power of the Elder Elf in my body, I have no reason to argue with you, who has gained the trust of the Spiritual Master. That's why I wanted to talk with you and your spirit animal. To defeat the Ancient Garden.

"...I have no objection to defeating this Ancient Garden. However, Mel will be returned. If the Elder Elf's power in Mel was the goal, then we don't need her now, do we?

Although angry, he might make the same decision if it was to protect his family and friends.

With that in mind, Vilm demands Meldina's conversion as the lowest line of compromise.

'It can't be done,'

But what came back from Khartzan was a refusal.

I am responsible for depriving Meldina of her power. A lifelong companionship with Meldina is my way of repaying the debt.

...Wait.

The word 'atonement' came out of Harzun's mouth, and Vilm couldn't help but feel uneasy about it.

You said earlier that Meldina's power was sleeping in the depths of your soul.

Yeah, you said it.

'I'm sure taking that power away from you has had some negative effect on Mel, right?

The worst development that had arrived at this point in time caused the anger that had once calmed down to flare up again.

''The Elder Elf-sama's power that dwells in my soul was forcibly ripped away by a magic formula. The burden on Meldina's soul must have been considerable.''

His fists tremble with too much force, a dull thud echoes from his clenched back teeth, and a clear killing intent dwells in his wide-set eyes...

Meldina will never wake up again.

Wyrm's anger went through a critical point.