Episode 84: The Truth Behind the Assignment and Ellahar's Decision
The truth of the assignment was far from simple. As Ellahar continued to fulfill his duties, he gradually uncovered the darker side of the situation. It was not merely that noble lords sought to flaunt their connections with powerful mages and swordsmen. Rather, in the absence of Elysium's emperor, certain power-hungry nobles were weaving conspiracies, hoping to seize power during the empire's political turmoil. To this end, they were luring strong mercenaries within the guild, using them as assassins or tools of war.
Ellahar felt a deep inner conflict. He had no desire to be bound by wars or politics. His sword was meant to serve his own purpose, not to be wielded as a pawn in schemes of power. Yet he could not shake the question—was it right to simply step away? Most of all, the face of Prince Lian came to his mind. They had once met as enemies and crossed blades, and at other times stood side by side on the battlefield. To Ellahar, Lian was not an evil man. Now that he bore the burden of acting emperor, Ellahar could not turn away knowing such conspiracies were at work.
Still, he knew that meeting Lian directly or offering open aid would be dangerous. A rash move might only worsen the situation. Thus, he chose to quietly resign from his post as a bodyguard. To entangle himself further would be to betray his own conscience.
At once, he reached out to Brakka, whom he had met at the nobles' gathering. Brakka was one of the few comrades he trusted, and together they might navigate the matter more wisely. When contact was made, Ellahar spoke to him in a low voice:
"Brakka, let's step away from this. This is not our fight. If we let ourselves be caught in their schemes, nothing good will come of it."
Brakka fell silent for a long moment, then finally nodded. "I understand, Ellahar. You and I have lived through too many wars already. This time, let's stay clear of their filth. We've already defended what needed defending."
With Brakka's agreement, Ellahar felt relieved and brought the assignment to an end. They chose not to fight, but to withdraw. Ellahar returned once more to the home where Eirina and his child awaited him. Now, he understood what he truly had to protect, and for what purpose his sword must be drawn.
In this way, Ellahar made his decision. He would no longer be ensnared in politics and intrigue. His blade would serve only his convictions. He was no longer a man who chased the strong for battle's sake—he was a husband, a father, and a guardian of those he loved.
**
Episode 85: Ellahar's Family in Refuge
Amid the chaos, Ellahar and Brakka resolved to seek out Caron, a comrade who had fought alongside them in darker days. Caron was one of the few they could trust, someone who might lend strength or cover when needed. Yet above all else, Ellahar knew he had to protect his family. He could not risk Eirina and their daughter being drawn into danger. With Elysium in upheaval and Acting Emperor Lian burdened with endless responsibilities, finding a safe refuge was essential. Ellahar resolved to move his family discreetly to the imperial capital.
He and Brakka reached out to Caron, who readily agreed and promised his aid. The three devised a plan: they would travel in secret, blending in among laborers at the great roadworks leading to the capital. It was one of Elysium's major projects, drawing countless workers, and offered the perfect cover for their journey.
Disguised as simple laborers, Ellahar joined the construction crews. His trained body made the work no burden, yet his eyes remained sharp and ever watchful. Eirina, holding their child close, could feel his resolve in every action. Though she took comfort in his presence, it pained her to see him suppress the instincts of a warrior, forcing himself to live as a hidden man simply to keep his family safe.
Brakka, in his own way, played the fool to lower suspicion. At times he would boast or crack jokes, winning laughter from the workers. In this way, he ensured they passed unnoticed. Yet beneath the levity, a current of tension ran through them all. They could never forget how near the hand of danger might be.
One quiet night, Ellahar spoke to Eirina. "I'm sorry for bringing you and the child to a place like this. But it's the only way I know to keep you safe."
Eirina took his hand with a gentle smile. "Ellahar, you're doing everything you can for us. That's enough. We're together—that's what matters. Wherever we are, we are still a family."
Her words eased his heart. For a moment, he could forget the sword, the battles, the burdens—and simply feel himself as husband and father. Whatever it took, he would protect them.
Thus, with Brakka and Caron at his side, Ellahar carried his family onward toward the capital. Each day they lived in secrecy, each night they prepared for whatever threat might come. Their sole purpose was clear: to reach the capital safely and carve out a new peace for the ones they loved.
**
Episode 86: The Awl in the Pouch — What Is Hidden Cannot Stay Hidden
Ellahar, his family, and his companions lived quietly under the guise of laborers on the road to Elysium. Outwardly they endured long days at the construction site, but beneath the surface tension never left them. Their only reason for remaining there was simple: to protect Eirina and their child.
Yet Ellahar knew the truth. Nangjungjichu—like an awl hidden in a pouch that inevitably pierces through, people like them could never truly remain unseen. Each morning as he walked toward the site, it was the sight of Eirina and their child that halted his steps. They longed for an ordinary, gentle life, and Ellahar strove with all his will to grant that dream.
But on the site, strife and accidents were constant. With Brakka at his side, it was inevitable. The giant warrior stood out too much to play the part of a common worker, and he could never ignore corruption or injustice. Quarrels and fights often broke out, and Brakka and Caron were always the first to step in. They won the trust of the laborers, carrying out their own form of everyday justice. To them, it was simply another rhythm of life.
The true problem, however, was the local lord. He was not merely unpleasant—he plundered his people, preyed on women, and committed crimes without shame. Ellahar wished to stay hidden, but the lord's outrages soon crossed the line.
One day, as Eirina and the child returned from the market, the lord's carriage barreled through the street. They nearly were struck as they scrambled aside, and instead of apology, the lord hurled insults at Eirina. She clutched the child, enduring silently, but the man would not relent.
Brakka and Caron witnessed the scene in the marketplace. Rage overtook them. Brakka strode forward and seized the carriage with one hand, shaking it violently. Caron unleashed his psychokinesis to restrain the guards and scatter the crowd. Brakka roared, "You dared threaten my friend's family. Time to pay the price."
Watching his comrades rise for his family's sake, Ellahar felt a surge of pride. The weight he had borne alone now seemed lighter. Brakka and Caron struck down the guards and drove back the corrupt lord.
Though the tyrant fled, their cover was broken. The townsfolk, half fearful and half in awe, stared at them. Their deeds were just, but it was clear they could not remain. Ellahar quietly reassured Eirina and the child:
"We must leave again. But wherever we go, as long as you're with me, that place will be our home."
Eirina met his gaze warmly, nodding. She knew he would do everything in his power to protect them.
So Ellahar, his family, Brakka, and Caron set out once more. They traveled toward safer ground, ready to fight whenever needed. No matter where the path led, what mattered most was staying together and guarding the ones they loved.
**
Episode: Repentance and Renewal
While evading pursuers, Ellahar and his companions heard tales of the local lord.
"They call him Alexis Rumir," a villager whispered. "Strange man, that one."
Ellahar tilted his head. "Strange how?"
"At first, a braggart," the villager said after a pause. "He loved to boast, to posture, doing nothing but flaunting himself. But after returning from Astralium, he changed entirely—humble, caring for his people, no longer given to luxury. We are all astonished at how different he has become."
Ellahar listened with a curious expression. "Astralium… A land known for awakening power and truth. Could even a lord who once abused his rank emerge transformed, perhaps even as a true protector?" He nodded inwardly. If the change is for good, then it is welcome.
Time passed, and the group stayed quietly in Rumir's domain. Peace prevailed, and the people praised their lord. Alexis was fair, always standing by his people. Even Ellahar found his regard for the man growing.
But one day grim news spread: rebels were marching through the region. Alexis led his soldiers to intercept them, declaring, "If they seek the road to the capital, they must step over me first!" Yet against overwhelming numbers, his men faltered and fell.
Captured, Alexis was taken as a prisoner. The town trembled under rebel control. Ellahar and his comrades debated what to do. They knew this lord had truly changed. To abandon him now would be to betray the people he had come to serve.
Days later, with most rebels gone and only a small garrison left, the villagers rose. Armed with whatever they could find, they gathered at the gates shouting, "Release Lord Alexis Rumir!" Their voices merged into a single roar.
Ellahar, Brakka, and Caron blended in with the crowd. Quietly, they struck from the shadows—Ellahar's blade moved too swiftly to follow, Caron's psychokinesis shredded defenses, and Brakka's axe split shields like paper. Panic spread among the rebels, and resistance crumbled.
The leadership, unwilling to suffer needless losses, chose to retreat. Before withdrawing, they freed Alexis Rumir.
When the dust settled, no one spoke of Ellahar's part. The people believed it was their courage that saved their lord. Alexis himself praised the will of his citizens, never knowing of the unseen hands that aided them.
To Ellahar, that was enough. He murmured to himself, "Names and glory don't matter. What matters is protecting people." He looked at his family and comrades with a faint smile.
**
Episode 87: The Grand Tournament — An Entrance in Chaos
Ellahar, Brakka, and Caron finally chose to emerge from hiding and enter the Grand Martial Tournament. Their reasons were not simple: the prize money was useful, yes, but above all they sought a chance to meet Lian. They could not live in shadow forever; this tournament would be their opening.
Yet delays and mishaps brought them late to the hall, sparking disputes at the registration desk. The clerk eyed them warily, but when Ellahar gave his name, the man blanched.
"The strongest swordsman of the elves… Ellahar?"
Ellahar answered firmly, "Yes. I am Ellahar, once called the strongest of my kin. I will enter this tournament."
The name spread through the crowd, stirring a storm of whispers. At once, another official reminded the guards of the bounty on Ellahar and Brakka's heads. Weapons half-drawn, the guards closed in—until a command came from above.
"His Majesty decrees they are to compete. Permit their entry."
The guards lowered their hands. With respectful salutes, they stepped aside. Ellahar and his companions strode into the arena, their presence electric. The spectators turned, captivated by the sudden arrival of legends.
The arena was already feverish with excitement. Warriors and onlookers alike filled the stands, chasing glory. As Ellahar and his comrades appeared, some recognized their names and bowed their heads in awe.
Others, however, bristled. "How can they join now? We've fought since the start—this is unfair!"
Murmurs of agreement swelled. Some participants, angered, drew their weapons. "We'll test your worth ourselves. The tournament must remain fair!"
Ellahar met their hostility with silence. His calm eyes radiated unshakable certainty. His hand rested loosely on his sword, ready for a single motion.
In an instant, he moved. His blade flashed like light, striking down an opponent's weapon. He spun with effortless grace, dropping another to the ground. Brakka's axe and Caron's powers crushed the rest with equal ease. Within moments, the challengers lay defeated.
The hall fell silent. Then Ellahar spoke, voice steady, without arrogance:
"Does this suffice as proof?"
The crowd erupted in cheers. Even those who had doubted now admitted the truth. "There's no denying it… they are strong," one whispered.
Yet Ellahar and his comrades did not relax. This was no ordinary tournament. Their goal was to reach Lian—and to protect their families from the enemies still pursuing them. Their purpose was clear, their resolve unbroken.
As the first official match began, Ellahar readied his blade. The air thrummed with tension. He whispered to himself:
"Now… it is time to show them."