Episode 92: A Proposal for a Double Date
Serina and Leon were strolling along the riverside, chatting pleasantly as the warm sunlight wrapped around them. Their hearts felt light, their laughter mingling with the breeze as they shared small stories and occasionally stopped to browse the shops lining the street.
It was then that they spotted Mariel and Adrian in the distance. The two of them seemed to have grown quite close recently, smiling at each other in a way that needed no explanation. Adrian noticed Serina and waved cheerfully.
"Serina! Leon! What are you two doing here?" Adrian called out with a bright grin.
"Just taking a walk," Leon replied briefly, then offered a polite greeting to Mariel. "Hello, Mariel."
"Hello, Leon," Mariel answered with a nod. Yet her eyes lingered on him for a moment, betraying a flicker of tension as though she was aware of Serina's presence.
Adrian, of course, didn't miss the subtle atmosphere. "Say, Serina—how about we go on a double date today?" he suggested out of nowhere.
"A double date?" Leon blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected such an offer. Serina was just as startled, but quickly smiled and said, "That actually sounds like a good idea!"
Adrian gave an approving nod before turning to Mariel. "It'll be fun if the four of us spend some time together. Where do you think we should go?"
After a moment of thought, Mariel replied, "How about a little café or the park nearby? The weather's perfect today."
Leon glanced at Serina, his tone cautious. "Would that be all right with you?"
"Yes, I'd love that!" Serina answered brightly, her eyes sparkling with interest.
And so, the four of them walked together until they came upon a cozy café. The warm glow of its lights and the charming trinkets decorating the place instantly caught Serina's heart. She could already imagine how delightful their conversation would be here.
Once seated, Adrian immediately set the mood. "First of all, we need to congratulate Leon for his victory in the tournament!" he declared, drawing everyone's attention to Leon.
"Thanks, Adrian. I just did my best and it paid off," Leon replied modestly.
Mariel's lips curved into a faint smile as she watched him. So he and Serina have grown this close, she thought, a tiny sting of jealousy brushing her heart. Still, I suppose Serina has every reason to be proud of him.
Serina, on the other hand, was glowing with pride as she looked at Leon, while also finding herself genuinely enjoying the easy chemistry between Adrian and Mariel. Their conversations flowed naturally, laughter filling the space until all four of them felt a sense of closeness that hadn't been there before.
The double date turned out to be an unexpectedly delightful experience, leaving them all eager for the next time they could share such a day together.
**
Episode 93: The Charm of a Special Day
Serina had taken extra care in preparing for her meeting with Leon today. Excitement and nervousness churned in her chest as she made her way toward the café. But just before entering, she happened upon an unsettling sight: Camilla moved toward their table with a slow, deliberate sway of her hips. She placed a hand on the back of Leon's chair, leaning close enough that the scent of her jasmine perfume drifted to him. 'Leon,' she murmured, her voice a low purr. Her smile was deliberately provocative, her movements calculated.
Camilla again… she's plotting something, Serina thought warily. And when she caught a flicker of interest in Leon's expression as he regarded Camilla, unease stirred in her heart. Relief only came when she noticed his gaze soften as though remembering Serina.
No. Leon's thoughts are with me, she reassured herself and stepped inside the café.
Her heart sank momentarily when she saw Camilla seated beside Leon, engaging him in conversation. Still, she forced a polite smile as she greeted him. "Hello, Leon. Today feels like such a special day…"
Camilla seized the opening with her own sly grin. "Oh, Serina. Is that a new dress? You've certainly dressed up for the occasion." Her tone was casual, but the intent behind it was sharp enough to cut.
"I just thought today called for a little effort," Serina answered, steadying herself against the tension.
Leon's smile eased her nerves. "Serina, I admire the way you always dedicate yourself to your work. But seeing you dressed like this today—it really is wonderful."
The warmth in his words gave her strength. "Recognizing each other's charms is important, isn't it?" she replied softly.
Camilla, unwilling to retreat, leaned forward. "Research must be exhausting, Serina. But if you've dressed up like this, then today must be very important to you. Is it because of your relationship with Leon?"
Serina faltered for a second but quickly regained her composure. "We support each other. My research matters, yes—but so does this, our bond."
Leon, watching her stand her ground, felt his chest fill with quiet pride. "Well said, Serina."
Camilla's smile stiffened ever so slightly. She tried once more, her tone teasing but edged with challenge. "All the same, Serina, you could stand to put more effort into your appearance. Especially when you're with someone as admirable as Leon."
Serina's resolve only hardened. "That's not how I see it. What matters most is showing myself as I truly am."
In that moment, Serina reaffirmed her decision: she would not be shaken by Camilla's provocations. This wasn't just another meeting with Leon—it was the beginning of her own quiet trial, a step toward becoming stronger both in heart and in spirit.
**
Episode 94: Toward a New Path
After a fierce battle with the corrupted elves, Elahar sat alone in a quiet corner of the forest. The aftermath left his mind hazy, yet one thought refused to leave him. What am I, truly? The High Elves I once revered cling only to the glory of the past, blind to the present—and now, they have fallen this far.
Memories of their history flickered in his mind. Once exalted, they had chosen to hide themselves from the threat of the Shadowkin rather than face it. Elahar realized they had never truly understood the meaning of strength. Ironically, even the corrupted elves, who fought desperately for ancient relics, had left an impression on him. Their path may be twisted, but at least they resist. At least they fight.
He remembered the pride he once held as a swordsman of the Northern Elf Kingdom. Back then, his convictions had felt unshakable. But now those convictions wavered. Was the path of the High Elves ever right? What exactly have I been pursuing all this time?
The corrupted elves he had fought carried stories of their own, weighted with grief. "We fight to reclaim the glory we lost." Their words echoed inside him. What he once dismissed as mere corruption, he now recognized as a form of resistance.
At last, he steeled himself. "I will no longer be bound by the traditions of the elves. I will find my own way." He resolved to redefine his identity, to walk a path not for a kingdom, but for his own truth.
Turning to Leon, he shared his decision. "I'm leaving the Northern Elf Kingdom behind. I'll search for a new path. If you'd walk beside me, I would be grateful."
Leon nodded, understanding shining in his eyes. "I'll respect your choice. You've always been important to me. Whatever road you take—that road will be yours alone."
Strengthened by Leon's sincerity, Elahar felt a glimmer of anticipation for what lay ahead. He would no longer remain in the shadows of the High Elves. Instead, he would seek his own purpose.
Raising his sword skyward, he whispered to the heavens, "This path will be mine alone. I will shape my own fate."
With that vow burning in his heart, Elahar left the forest behind. The future of this new path was uncertain, but one truth was undeniable: at last, he was walking toward his true self.
**
Episode 95 : New Foes, New Bonds — Birth of the Supreme Swordsman
Elahar and Leon ventured deep into the forest, seeking the high leader of the corrupted elves—a Blood Elf swordsman known as Drashion. For Leon, it was both a proud and daunting moment as captain of the guard. He knew Drashion's reputation: a master of both blade and strategy, far beyond what Leon alone could oppose.
Facing them, Drashion radiated an oppressive presence. His sharp gaze cut through the air as he sneered. "Elahar. I've been waiting for this. And you—human—you are beneath my notice."
Elahar met his words with quiet resolve. "I will end you, Drashion. Your tyranny ends here."
With a mocking laugh, Drashion raised his blade, and the duel began. Leon immediately knew he could not intervene. The clash between these two swordsmen was beyond his reach. His role, instead, was to guard the periphery, to ensure no outside interference disrupted the duel.
Drashion struck first—blindingly fast. His blade carved into Elahar, leaving a deep wound. Yet Elahar did not falter. He countered swiftly, his sword glinting as it aimed for Drashion's side.
"Your swordplay is strong," Drashion taunted, deflecting with ease. "But to surpass me, you'll have to kneel in blood."
Their blades rang again and again. Elahar pressed forward, but Drashion's relentless strength and unshakable rhythm forced him back. A shallow slash across his arm drove him to one knee.
"Too slow," Drashion spat, pressing the attack. His sword became a storm of steel, driving Elahar toward the edge.
Leon clenched his fists, heart pounding as he circled the battlefield. Elahar, you must win this. I'll wait for the moment to act.
And then—the opening came. Elahar saw it, the brief crack in Drashion's defense. With lightning precision, he thrust, his blade grazing Drashion's flank and drawing blood. Gasps rippled from the watching elves.
"Yes!" Leon urged silently, his eyes narrowed, calculating and fierce.
But Drashion barely flinched. Regaining his stance, he retaliated with brutal force, his blade crashing toward Elahar's chest. Elahar barely managed to block, the impact rattling his entire frame.
"Die where you stand!" Drashion roared, pressing harder.
At that instant, Leon acted. "Elahar!" he shouted, charging forward, his speed and agility forcing Drashion to turn his gaze for a heartbeat.
That heartbeat was all Elahar needed. Gathering the last of his strength, he unleashed a final, decisive strike. Steel clashed, echoing through the forest, before Elahar's blade cut true.
Drashion staggered, bloodied, his sneer replaced by stunned disbelief. He crumpled to the ground, defeated.
Elahar stood tall, breath ragged but unbroken. In that moment, he had earned his place as the supreme swordsman.
Yet even as victory washed over him, his heart remained troubled. What did it mean, this path of corruption and blood? What did the Blood Elves truly seek? These questions would not leave him.
Still, his resolve hardened. This battle was more than a triumph—it was the turning point of his journey. From here, he would walk forward, guided not by the shadows of others, but by the strength of his own will.