Martial Elf

I feel like I’m going to die.

The Elmony of Harmony.

The High Elf, who is called by such an alias in the Elven Road, thought.

Though Elmony’s face was expressionless as usual, dark circles were deeply settled under their eyes.

It was painful.

Elmony was wandering through the vast forest, deep in thought.

Now it is called the Elven Road.

Or rather, it should be called a great forest now instead of merely a forest.

Although it was not intended, they had never gone outside the forest where they had lived their whole life, but the forests of the outside world were not that large.

The Elven Road seemed to be a colossal expanse, combining at least more than 100 forests seen from the outside world.

Such a vast great forest was currently suffering from a labor shortage.

During a recent incident when they went outside, many guardians of the forest, who had been with them for decades, lost their lives.

168 of them.

The number of forest guardians who died in the line of duty fulfilling their mission.

Even for Elmony, who typically had few emotional fluctuations, the sorrow was unavoidable as more than half of their fellow Elves died.

Using the authority of their mother, El Prigion, it took quite a while to restore the dead bodies and transport them to the Elven Road.

And after the mourning period…

‘…I want to rest…’

Elmony let out a quiet sigh.

The balance of the vast forest, barely maintained by more than 300 forest guardians, was greatly shaken as their number was halved.

In the vacant areas, the Roas, returning to a time when there were no Elves, began to run amok.

To mediate or stop those Roas, it was now a daily job for Elmony to move from one end of the great forest to the other.

‘…It will take at least 20 years for the children to grow…’

Although many forest guardians had lost their lives, there were still many new lives growing.

If those children grow up and learn Araya’s martial arts, things will improve a little.

‘But…I might die before that.’

◈ ◈ ◈

“Elmony. You’re back?”

Returning to the palace after finishing their tasks, Elmony passed by the training grounds inside the palace, where Araya greeted them.

In front of Araya lay Palas, sprawled out in a large ‘大’ shape, unconscious.

‘…Looks like he lost again.’

It had become a usual sight ever since Araya returned.

Palas constantly challenged Araya, and the outcome was always similar.

To be honest, Elmony had watched once out of curiosity about the fight, and saw Palas glare at Araya for a while before suddenly vanishing, only to be found sprawled out on the ground moments later.

It seemed this time was similar.

Additionally, Araya was developing new martial arts for the Elves as if feeling responsible for the deaths of the forest guardians.

Though not sure of the details, it was said that creating such martial arts would take centuries for someone with ordinary talent… Honestly, Elmony wondered if it would be too boring.

While lost in such thoughts, Elmony nodded in response to Araya, who was still waiting for a reply.

Araya, their younger sibling who had been out for about ten years, returned.

Being such a strong child, Elmony thought there was no need for concern, yet they always worried about Araya.

Seeing Araya return after ten years brought relief but also a sense of unfamiliarity since they hadn’t spent much time together.

Demis showed a dual attitude of feeling reassured that the troublemaking sibling had returned, yet worried about what kind of trouble they might cause in this place again.

To be honest, Elmony couldn’t help but nod in agreement with that sentiment.

“You look a bit tired. Are you okay?”

Araya approached, worry etched on their face as they looked up at Elmony.

In the past, Araya’s movements felt beautiful, but now they were elusive.

To the eyes of the High Elves, it was nearly impossible to catch them.

Moreover, how powerful they had become; just a few years ago, they fought and won against an immensely large giant.

Of course, their mother and a strange golden lizard had helped Araya, but still.

No matter how impressive they might seem, to Elmony, Araya remained their adorable little sibling.

Not wanting to worry them as an older brother, Elmony gently ruffled Araya’s soft hair and smiled naturally.

“…Um… Elmony? Did I do something wrong? Your expression seems strange.”

However, their younger sibling remained unaware of their brother’s feelings and spoke harshly.

Perhaps a little hurtful.

Elmony playfully pinched Araya’s cheeks.

They were soft, squishy, and rather tender.

Sometimes, there are trees that seem to cry, and when that sap hardens, it feels similar to how Araya’s cheeks felt.

“Let go of me, Elmony.”

Araya said in a disgruntled voice, but considering the strength they possessed, it would not have been too difficult to escape, yet they seemed to tolerate it, suggesting they didn’t actually dislike it that much.

After toying with Araya’s soft cheeks for a bit, Elmony released their grip.

Araya rubbed their cheeks, puffy and red from the pinch, and let out a sigh.

“What’s happened? You’re doing things you usually wouldn’t.”

Elmony quietly shook their head.

They were tired from all the work, but there was no need to show that in front of their younger sibling.

While they were thinking that, Araya’s palm gently landed on their solar plexus.

With that touch, a warm energy spread out from the center, and Elmony felt a slight invigorating sensation in their tired body.

“Isn’t that a bit excessive? It seems your energy has been overexerted slightly.”

“…I’m fine.”

“…Is it because of the gap left by the forest guardians?”

“Don’t worry.”

Elmony ruffled Araya’s hair and moved into the palace.

Though they could feel Araya’s gaze on their back.

‘…I’ll think about it later.’

Elmony, overwhelmed with fatigue, gave up on ruminating.

◈ ◈ ◈

“Araya said she’d help you.”

Demis called out while rummaging through the piles of paperwork like a mountain.

“Honestly, we’re short-handed, and… sigh, it’s a waste to leave such talent unused. Get her on board.”

“…I don’t need it. Araya is… my sister… I’m the brother. Brothers don’t take help from their sisters.”

“If your pride is wounded by receiving help from your younger sister, then Palas should have hanged himself a long time ago. Besides, have you forgotten? He was one of the forest guardians who made the most contributions during the pioneering era.”

Elmony looked at Palas, who was still lying on the ground, collapsed like a squashed frog.

Help? What’s that?

Elmony couldn’t quite understand, but most of what Demis said was rarely wrong.

“I know you’ve been overexerting yourself. The great forest we live in is even larger than the area ruled by those humans in Fohlernian. The gap left by the original forest guardians has widened, and no matter how much we’re all High Elves, there’s nothing we can do.”

Demis let out a low sigh.

“…It’s been three years, but we’re doing our best to fill that gap. Moreover, among the elves who have suddenly lost their companions or parents, there are still many who are bedridden in sadness. Sigh, this gap in personnel will be quite prolonged. While the level of the guardians is continuously rising, they’re still not at a level to fill the gap, so this situation will persist until the next generation of elves grows up. One or two years won’t be sufficient. Unlike the beasts that mature in one or two years, we elves take at least 20 to 30 years.”

“…I can hold out.”

“Why don’t you get rid of those dark circles under your eyes first?”

Demis laughed lightly as he approached and tapped Elmony’s head.

“Don’t overdo it. Besides, you saw it last time, didn’t you? That creature soaring through the air like it was a bird. It’ll save you a lot of trouble.”

“…Hmm.”

“I’ve taken up too much of your time. Go now. When will you be back after you go out this time?”

“Hmm… maybe in four days at the earliest?”

“Since Araya will start helping you, take your time. If any issues arise at the edge of the great forest, just leave it to Araya. With her speed, she’ll get there in no time.”

“…Alright. I understand.”

“Once you’re outside, she’ll probably be waiting for you. Go.”

◈ ◈ ◈

“…Um… Elmony. Are you angry?”

“…What’s this?”

“Well, you see, there’s only Terato or Palas that I’ve fought against in the last three years, so my control of strength… is strange. It seems like Roas weren’t this soft back in the day.”

“…Araya, did you start throwing punches out there?”

“…No, not really.”

“That’s not good.”

“…”

Elmony looked down with cold eyes at Araya, who was glancing at them.

“Eeeeeek! It hurts! It hurts!”

Of course, it was understandable, as a giant snake was writhing in agony in front of them, a third of its body severed.

The once huge frog constantly battling for territory with snakes looked more astonished than pleased at the horrific sight of its rival and nervously glanced this way.

“…But even so, Roas don’t die this easily. So it could be a good warning, right?”

“Violence produces nothing. Words are enough. Since you’ve been outside, Araya, you’ve become violent. As an older brother, I’m worried.”

“…”

Truthfully, Araya might feel a bit wronged.

From Elmony’s perspective, it looked as if Araya merely waved their hands with light strength, yet the snake Roa was cut in half without any resistance.

Araya was clever enough to understand, but those who possessed great power also had to bear the responsibility that came with such strength.

Still, being a kind-hearted child, and skillful in handling energy, they would likely adapt in no time.

“Ughhh- my shell.”

“Oh no—! It used to be so sturdy.”

…They would likely adapt.

And as Araya said, it might serve as a good warning for the Roas who constantly caused trouble.

…

Sigh.

‘…Twenty years. It might be a bit long.’

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