After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
"Sir Ilwen...!"
Noticing Elder Elran’s gaze, Ilwen struck an exaggerated pose, bowing with theatrical grace as always.
However, his eyes remained fixed intently on Silk.
"Sir Elran, let us capture this insolent one at once."
"Before that, I have something to ask. Is it true that you have detained Sir Feldio?"
"That human intends to ravage our Amber Forest."
Ilwen’s response was anything but an answer.
But... to brazenly utter such words—it was truly astounding.
The reason for his unbearable arrogance became clear: his mannerisms were strikingly similar to those of Simon, my childhood friend.
Twisting the truth to suit his own narrative, spouting lies as though they were fact—he was just like him.
"Sir Ilwen, I have told you time and again not to act recklessly."
"I am merely concerned. As Silk’s other half, and as the next chieftain."
Spreading his arms like a stage actor, Ilwen began to lecture, but Elder Elran simply shook his head in response.
"I also told you that this is a time for careful judgment, did I not? Besides, we have just now declined the offer from the Western Forest."
"Wha...!?
Ilwen’s eyes widened as he slowly turned to look at Elder Elran and the rest of us.
"What do you mean? This is about the unity of us Elves—"
"We shall consider unity in another form. Taking into account what you have done as well."
Elder Elran’s gaze sharpened.
It seemed my detention had been an impulsive move on Ilwen’s part.
And it had significantly worsened his standing.
"Grandfather, more importantly, right now we should—"
"Yes. Let us go, Silk. Sir Feldio, you should come as well. As for Sir Ilwen—remain in your chambers and reflect on your actions."
Following Elder Elran, Silk and I moved forward.
We left behind Ilwen, his fists clenched tightly as he hung his head.
◆
We entered the mansion and followed Elder Elran as he walked ahead.
"First, let us begin by sharing our information."
In a slightly secluded room, Elder Elran offered me a chair before speaking.
The room contained a map of Vilmuren Island, along with unfamiliar artifacts—most likely magical tools. Judging by the atmosphere, this was probably the elder’s private chamber.
"The disturbance among the spirits and this strange presence—it's similar to when the 'Inverted Labyrinth' appeared across the continent."
"'Inverted Labyrinth'… You mean the labyrinth's rampage mentioned in King Vincent's letter?"
"Yes. Back then, the 'Abyss Gate' was linked to the 'Selection' from another world, disrupting the balance of this one. A similar phenomenon may be occurring on Vilmuren Island."
Hearing my words, Elder Elran narrowed his eyes and nodded.
As expected, he seemed to have some understanding of the situation.
"'Selection,' is it? I see. That is how you humans have observed and interpreted it."
"Is my understanding incorrect?"
"Hmm… This may lead to some misunderstanding, but… would you believe me if I told you that we Dark Elves, too, originate from the 'Selection'?"
I tilted my head, accelerating my thoughts.
Perhaps I needed to reevaluate my understanding of 'Selection' itself.
—'Selection.'
A threat from another world, one that brings destruction to this one.
An external force imposing unfamiliar rules upon our reality.
Most of these threats are unleashed into our world from labyrinth dungeons.
Because all labyrinth dungeons are connected to the 'Achromatic Darkness.'
The dragon of 'Selection' sealed deep within the 'Achromatic Darkness.'
The appearance of the Twilight Castle, Glad-Shi-Im.
And, as a consequence, the emergence of the 'Inverted Labyrinth.'
Each of these had threatened the peace of this world.
So how could this world itself originate from 'Selection'?
As I pondered this, Silk’s voice brought me back to reality.
"What do you mean, Grandfather? What connection do we Dark Elves have with 'Selection'?"
"We, too, were once 'Selection' that drifted into this world from beyond."
Both Silk and I were left speechless in shock.
How were we supposed to comprehend such a statement?
As we stood frozen, Elder Elran continued.
"This world is like a tower of blocks built upon a thin sheet of ice."
"What do you mean…?"
"As adventurers, have you not encountered remnants of civilizations that do not belong to this world?"
His words immediately brought to mind the Aion Ruins Labyrinth, which we had explored not long after forming Clover.
That ancient labyrinth had an unusual structure, with indecipherable scripts covering its walls.
I had heard scholars say that its script was so complex that it did not match any known period in our recorded history.
"I suppose… we may have."
"This world has endured many instances of 'Selection,' consuming them to form itself. Even you humans may have been one such instance."
My thoughts could no longer keep up.
The truth of this world was far beyond my comprehension.
"I told you, did I not? When one lives long enough, one inevitably learns things best left unknown."
Elder Elran lowered his gaze and chuckled softly. Then, he pointed to a specific spot on the map.
At the center of the Amber Forest, where a large tree icon was drawn.
"Long ago… we, the people of the Amber Forest—Dark Elves—came to this world using the 'World Tree.' We disrupted the world’s balance, becoming the catalyst for great conflicts. To this world, we were nothing less than 'Selection' itself."
"But that is no longer the case."
At my words, Elder Elran looked up in mild surprise.
Then, with a small nod, he smiled—a smile that reminded me of Silk.
"Silk."
"Y-yes?"
"I believe I now understand, at least in part, why you favor this man. Humans are more varied than I once thought."
"Yuke is simply that kind of person."
The two Dark Elves exchanged knowing nods, smiling softly.
After yesterday’s tense atmosphere, seeing them laugh together brought me some relief, though I couldn't help but wonder if I had said something strange.
"Now then, let us move on to the main topic—this current anomaly."
With a shift in tone, Elder Elran’s expression sharpened.
"It is likely that, once again, we—the Dark Elves of the Amber Forest—may become 'Selected.'"
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