Chapter 16: 15. Linear [Arc 2. Sinful colors]
"Don't you want to enjoy the chilly night" a girl with bunny ears muttered with teasing eyes. Her cheeks were like ripe mangoes,I could feel her warm and premium chest.
I Ignored her question and focused on her attractive features, especially her luscious lips. She grabbed my hands and pinned me down, she slowly wrapped her hot crystal body. I can hear her naughty voice, a voice that shows her feelings and emotions, she slowly unwraps my shirts with a gentle rub.
She touched my lips with her reddish index finger, I don't know why but I can't resist her nor tried to shout at her, I felt the sensation of her body while hugging me and licking my ears.
A loud slammed, a noise from reality crushed my dream, and reality struck me. I was in the crimson bed with my head spinning from the sudden shock.
"Good morning, Miku" the girl a naughty smirked slammed the door wide open. "Get up stupid pervert" Kimberly shouted with a disappointment.
The elven kingdom was a gilded cage, its beauty a cruel facade. Two weeks had passed since we were imprisoned here, and my body still felt numb, my joints stiff from the constant tension. Kimberly, the elven girl who'd become my unwelcome morning alarm, burst into my room, her expression a mixture of annoyance and concern.
"You never changed," she grumbled, her voice laced with disbelief. "The elder is calling you for your appointment."
"It's early," I mumbled, burying my face in the soft pillow. "Can't I sleep a little longer?"
"You have to go," she insisted, dragging me out of bed and tossing my clothes at me. "Change quickly and head to the central arena. Don't forget to shower."
I quickly washed and headed to the central arena, my mind still foggy with sleep. On my way, I ran into Kiyara, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. "Can you fix your clothes? I can see your soul," I teased, my voice a low murmur.
Kiyara chuckled, adjusting her tunic. "Yikes, you're a pervert as ever," she said, playfully pushing me.
"Beautiful girls never really notice their surroundings," I said, my voice a sigh.
Kiyara grabbed my hand, her eyes flashing with playful anger. "Don't joke around with me!"
"I'm done with you," I said, my voice laced with a hint of frustration. "Why am I the only one training with the old elf? Every day feels like a curse."
Kiyara's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a genuine curiosity. "This is the first time I've seen you complain. What's really going on?"
I took a deep breath, the memories of the elder's grueling lessons sending a sharp pain through my head. "He's…intense," I said, my voice strained.
Kiyara paused, her lips curving into a thoughtful smile. "He really likes teaching you," she said, her eyes distant.
"Like me?" I scoffed, my voice dripping with mock horror. "That's disgusting!"
Kiyara's laughter filled the air, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're good at lightening the mood," she said. But then her smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. "You do like him, don't you?"
"Like him? Who, the old elf?" I asked, my voice laced with suspicion.
Kiyara hesitated, biting her lip, her eyes filled with a secret she was unwilling to share. "No… I'm not talking about the elder," she finally said.
My mind raced, trying to decipher her cryptic words. "Then who?"
"I'm not sure how to say this," Kiyara said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But in the third moon, a star was born. A star in the middle of the nether, a tiny shard of leaves that left with gems."
"That's a rough riddle!" I exclaimed, my curiosity piqued.
The central arena opened up before us, a vast space dominated by the towering Tree of Knowledge. Its ancient bark seemed to pulse with life, the air thick with the scent of earth and wisdom. Each knot and gnarled branch told stories of those who had come before, their trials echoing in the stillness.
The elder's amusement was a thin veil over his sharp eyes. "You seem to be late again, young man," he said, his voice laced with a hint of disapproval. "When will you learn your lesson?"
A wave of frustration washed over me. "Curse you..." I muttered under my breath, grabbing the wooden sword and stepping into the arena. I swung the sword, the rough roar of its movement echoing around me. Quick slashes, like lightning passing through the abyss, filled the space with flashes of light. Each strike was powerful, a blast of energy.
The elder gently patted my head, a suspicious smirk playing on his lips. "You've improved a lot, young man."
"Well, it was thanks to your guidance," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
"I see," he chuckled. "Even your manners have improved. You really do love to have a fake personality."
"You're too sarcastic, elder elf," I retorted. "Maybe you should cut it off."
"Because of that, I'll add another round next time," he muttered, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
I finished the remaining lessons and started my duty with the little elf princess. The maid entered the green and flowery garden, her voice a melodious chime. "Gorgeous day, madam Mia, sir Miku, and ma'am Lhara. The food is ready, and the queen is waiting for you."
"Quick, I'm hungry already," the little princess mumbled, her stomach rumbling.
"Let's go, my princess," Lhara said, her voice soothing.
"Oh, wew, let's go," the princess said, her eyes wide with anticipation. She grabbed Lhara's hand and ran towards the twinkling palace.
I sniffed the air, the garden thick with the aroma of countless dishes. My stomach rumbled as I took in the sight of the delicious foods laid out on the table. The queen invited us to join their lunch, and I sat down, the maid already preparing my food. I could have done it myself, but they insisted on handling.
The king stood up, holding his glass of wine with a great and gentle smile. "To my daughter's birthday! Everyone, please enjoy the banquet!" he shouted, his voice ringing with joy.
I looked back, the wide glassy windows open to the world beyond. A giant bowl, measuring around seven feet, sat in the middle of the table, filled with a vegetable soup and surrounded by an array of fruits from the area.
The queen snatched a golden plate from the table and started to get her food. "Everyone, let our bellies be blessed by the God of Nature! For the princess's birthday, lets begin the banquet!," she mumbled, taking a bite with a gentle manner.
Everyone followed her, filling their bellies with the delicious foods.
"Oh, little princess, why aren't you eating?" I asked, amusement and curiosity dancing in my eyes.
"I dwon't lwike the fwood, fweed me onwwee-chawwwn," the princess explained, her words slightly slurred.
"Come on, princess, you can feed yourself!" I countered, trying to encourage her independence.
"Nwpe, I dwon't lwike too," the princess insisted, her head shaking stubbornly.
With heavy glares from the others, I forced myself to do her demand. I grabbed her chopsticks and picked up a piece of food.
But before I fed her, I smelled it first. Something felt unusual about the serving, so I put it down and gathered my thoughts. I looked around, noticing everyone eating the same food that was served to the princess.
"What's wrong, Miku? You look uneasy!" Kiyara muttered, her voice laced with concern.
"No!" I shouted, my voice loud and urgent. "Everyone, please throw your food!"
Murmurs of confusion and disbelief rose from the table. "Why would we do that?" one elf muttered, his voice laced with annoyance.
"Yeah, that's right," another elf chimed in, his voice dripping with anger. "It's great food! Why would a mere human try to destroy our tradition?"
Everyone had the same opinion, mocking me, but I knew something was off. Slowly, I felt something inside me, a power entering my body, its warmth spreading through my veins. Suddenly, a memory emerged from my mind. 'Indeed, someone just died right now,' I muttered in my thoughts, a chill running down my spine.
A loud scream pierced the air, disturbing everyone. "Ahhh! Arrgg... gasp cries," a girl cried out in pain, her face contorted in agony. All eyes turned towards her, watching as she struggled to breathe. Then, she collapsed, her body cold and lifeless. One by one, the other elves also collapsed, including the queen, king, Kimberly, and Lhara.
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A: Sup....