Finally, I reached the valley where a strange temple wandered. A temple, indeed—it stood on a small island with stone legs that roamed the valley, and between those legs, a bell clanged.
"What the hell is that?" I whispered, awestruck.
"It's a wandering mausoleum," Melina explained. "Ancient heroes rest within, their names long forgotten."
"Oh… I see…"
Besides the mausoleum, another part of the valley held the ruins of a mage settlement. After fulfilling my promise to Irina, I resumed my explorations and finally found it. Yet, the sight of the settlement did nothing to lift my spirits.
"Let's get closer…" I sighed, guiding my horse toward the ruins.
As it turned out, I could have reached this place earlier, right after dealing with the guardian of the small tree. There was a convenient path down to the valley, though I had missed it last time—searching just slightly off. I'd need to correct the map. But now, I arrived at the settlement, which greeted me with clear hostility.
On the approach, I encountered walking dolls with four arms, reacting to my presence with immediate aggression. They attacked at once, wielding various weapons. At first, I didn't even realize they were dolls—only saw sinister creatures roaming the swampy terrain. Years of neglect had transformed the settlement into a foul, damp marsh.
Drawing closer, I recognized jointed doll limbs. These creatures reminded me of Witch Renni, though she had been far more sophisticated in design. Here were simply mobile, faceless mannequins. Curiosity piqued, I stepped closer and stopped time to study the doll soldiers.
Truly, they were dolls…
Up close, I could feel the magic within them—not comprehend it, just sense it. Still, I was curious how they operated. But first, I decided to return to Sellena and ask her.
"Hmm, dolls?" she pondered. "Ah, those are magical marionettes."
Sellena nodded knowingly as I explained my interest.
"They were created in the academy as ordinary soldiers and guards. The art is related to the creation of dust dolls."
"And how are they made?"
"Oh… well, I suppose I should start with a bit of history of this school. The spirit tutors—those who use dust—sought ways to make weak spirits more useful. That's how the art of magical marionettes began."
"So, spirits are placed into these dolls?"
"Yes. Even weak spirits, once given physical form as soldier-marionettes, can become formidable opponents in battle. Historically, marionette creation aligns with the Karian school of magic. Though not directly linked, royal family mages developed the soldier-marionette concept, merging it with dust dolls."
I immediately thought of my wolves.
"Do you know how to make such dolls?"
"Oh… sorry, my student, but I do not possess that art. If you find instructional scrolls, I can help you understand them, but my specialty is the magic of shining stones."
"I see."
Not that I was particularly invested in the topic—just curiosity.
"So, you found a mage settlement on the Weeping Peninsula?" Sellena asked, her interest piqued.
"Yes," I nodded. "Though, it didn't impress me much. Long ago, it was destroyed and flooded."
"That's a shame," she shook her head. "Then…"
I sensed a fleeting doubt in her tone, yet she straightened her shoulders and collected herself to continue. The hesitation lasted barely a second; I didn't even get a chance to comment.
"Then I'd advise heading to the Rai Lukaria Academy—or Selia, the mage city in the Star Wastes. Hmm… though I'm unsure of Selia's condition. The academy's library, however, almost certainly remains. It's also more dangerous—Queen Renalla is still sealed there, albeit mad…"
"Hmm… I think I can handle that," I shrugged.
"I hope so, my dear student," she smiled beneath her mask. "But please, be cautious."
"Mm… of course…"
As I responded, her words lingered in my mind. Smirking, I decided to tease her a bit. For effect, I rewound time slightly to answer immediately after her remark.
"Be cautious…" she had said.
"My dear student?" I tilted my head. "You think I'm… dear?"
"W-what?" the sorceress stammered.
"Oh, I like you too, even though I've never seen your face. But you're very sweet with me, and you have a beautiful voice."
"Ahem-ahem…" she coughed awkwardly, raising a fist to her mask. "Thank you for the compliment…"
"Oh… by the way, how do you feel about teacher-student relationships?" I smiled, stepping closer.
Sellena hesitated, leaning on the table. I approached within intimate range yet made no physical contact. Admittedly, after Irina, I felt far more confident—and the ability to rewind time only added to that.
Though playful with women was enjoyable, I wanted more than fleeting pleasure. I wanted possession—her entirely, not just her body.
Partly, this desire stemmed from a feeling of omnipotence. I'd encountered countless beings in this world, and nearly none could resist me. Time manipulation alone placed me far beyond most. I had to be careful not to let that arrogance consume me.
Yet, it might also aid in seduction. At least, I could try repeatedly.
"You are very perceptive," I continued, pressing gently. "And though we haven't spent much time together, I've grown fond of you. I want us to be more than teacher and student."
I placed my hand on hers. She took it in hers—but the gesture carried no passion, only a cold distance, almost an attempt at comfort.
"Sorry," she murmured apologetically. "I don't think this will go anywhere…"
Failure.
It wasn't just her words; her voice had previously held more warmth. A few awkward lines, and I'd ruined the moment. Still, I could try again. Time could be rewound—though not far.
This time, I acted more cautiously.
"Please, be careful…"
"Of course, teacher," I smiled. "Mm… Sellena…"
"Yes? Did you want something else?"
"No, it's just… I come to see you often, yet you're always alone."
"Haha… I did tell you I was expelled from the Academy?"
"Yes, I just… worry about you. If you're lonely, I can keep you company, if you'd like to talk."
I reached for her hand, stroking her wrist—a subtle yet sensual touch. Unlike my earlier clumsy attempt, this time she did not recoil. She leaned in slightly, like a cat drawn to caresses.
"Oh, you're unusually sweet today, Chrono," I could feel her smile beneath the mask. "And I'm not lonely, since you visit so often—ha ha. That's enough."
With her other hand, she ruffled my hair gently.
Yes, this went much better. Though progress was slow, it pleased me.
"And, if you need anything, you can count on me," I assured her.
"As you wish, Chrono."
With that, the conversation naturally ended. I preserved the closeness briefly before shifting topics.
"Ahem… Teacher, could you advise the best way to reach the Academy?" I asked, pulling out my map journal.
"The route to Liurnia is blocked by the Castle of the Storm Veil. There used to be a bridge, but it's long gone. Now, I believe the only way is through the castle. You're clever; perhaps you can sneak past the demigod? Hmm… perhaps Selia first?"
Her voice carried concern.
"But… it could be dangerous…" she added thoughtfully.
"Heh… don't worry, Sellena. I doubt Godric can stop me."
"Oh, confident, are we? May the stars light your path, student."
"Alright, then I'll go, but I won't say goodbye."
"You may return whenever you wish."
So my path now led to Stormveil.
I wasn't entirely sure about challenging Godric. My confidence in defeating a demigod stemmed from time manipulation—it outweighed most local powers. What concerned me more was the Great Rune.
I had no plans to immediately seek all the other Great Runes, and I didn't want to risk insanity. Yet, curiosity about even a minor rune lingered. Small runes held blessings; Great Runes governed the world's order. They demanded understanding before interaction.
For now, I headed to the Round Table Fortress.
When I appeared in the hall, someone else vanished in the light of grace, leaving the fortress. I stared at the table, trying to reconstruct the residual image of the luminous figure—without success. Another missed encounter with a vanished one.
My plans were unaffected.
First, I went to Gideon's study. I rarely pestered him, so he didn't mind. He respected my thirst for knowledge and usually answered my questions, grumbling occasionally. This time, I intended to ask about Godric and Stormveil.
But Ofnir's office was empty, and Enshi was nowhere in sight. Perhaps they had left through grace before my arrival?
Still, the office wasn't vacant. By the fireplace, a woman sat reading a book intently.
"Hmm?" she glanced at me, slightly distracted.
She looked almost barbaric—fur skirt, leather bracers, a dark blue cloth over her head. Yet her athletic form, defined abs, and muscular arms were undeniable. Her dark coffee-colored skin added allure rather than intimidation. Beside her chair, an axe rested handle-up.
"Hello," I waved. "My name is Chrono. I'm new to the fortress."
She nodded.
"I'm Nepheli Lux," she introduced herself. "A warrior and a vanishing, like you."
"Nice to meet you…"
Time froze, and I approached her calmly. I couldn't resist.
Glancing at her chest, I tried to loosen her band—but it held tight. Eventually, I succeeded, revealing her beautiful form. No, I wasn't indulging lust—just appreciating her body. Unlike Fia or Irina, Nepheli was firm, rough even. I touched her stomach, feeling her abs, then slid a hand beneath her covering over hips and pelvis.
My body responded naturally to the close contact.
I didn't proceed further. After appreciating her form, I rewound time.
"Sorry for the distraction," I continued as if nothing happened. "Nepheli, have you seen Gideon Ofnir?"
"My adoptive father," she nodded. "No, he left his office about an hour ago, but he should be somewhere in the fortress."
"Thanks. Were you planning to meet him?"
"Just wanted to ask about Stormveil and its lord."
Interest sparked in her eyes.
"Planning to challenge Godric Stormveil?"
"Hmm, maybe later. For now, I want to reach the Rai Lukaria Academy, but I'll need to pass Godric's castle."
She raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Going to Liurnia without disturbing the lord will be difficult. Every passage is guarded—almost as hard as challenging a demigod directly."
"You've seen the castle?"
"Yes," she nodded. "Father tasked me to scout and assess the terrain… possibilities."
"Can you share the info? If it's not a secret."
"It's not."
She set the book aside.
"Have you heard of grafting?"
"You mean how Godric creates his spiders?"
"Grafted offspring…" she grimaced. "It's vile; unbecoming of a lord to meddle in such things."
"How does it work? He doesn't just attach human parts to himself?"
She blinked.
"No… it's a ritual. He uses the power of a vanishing rune. Though Godric is the weakest demigod, he inherited the most powerful Great Rune."
"How so?" I asked.
"Godric is a direct descendant of Godwin the Golden, Marika's firstborn and her favored son," Nepheli explained. "The rune was initially granted to him, then passed to Godric after death. It's the Rune of Unity, forming the central pattern of the Elden Ring, binding all Great Runes."
Despite her wild appearance, she was knowledgeable—a testament to Gideon's influence.
"What's a 'vanishing' rune?" I clarified.
"Father says grace has turned away from the demigods; their Great Runes lost power. They still grant immense might, but only a shadow of their true strength."
"I see…" I pondered.
"Even if you defeat a demigod and claim a Great Rune, you'll need to restore its power."
Fascinating nuances of world-saving and Elden Lord ambitions.
"And how to do that?"
"I don't know," she sighed. "Perhaps a vanishing who acquires the rune will learn from Father, or the finger readers might answer."
"I see. Thanks for enlightening me."
She smiled faintly.
"Whoever becomes Elden Lord must be educated."
"So, you also seek power?" I asked.
She shook her head.
"I'm a warrior, embodying my father's ambition. If I obtain a Great Rune, I'll present it to Sir Gideon."
"Understood. Hmm… do you have a Stormveil map? Could you show me the layout? Knowing the possible paths will help me not get lost."
"Yes… I can."
I added the castle's floor plan to my journal. Its architecture was peculiar. In one narrow cliff section, the fortress funneled through the throne hall. To reach Liurnia, one had to pass the demigod's abode—no bypass existed.
Still, with my abilities, it wouldn't be a problem. I could walk beside Godric without issue.
"When will you head to Stormveil?" Nepheli asked.
"Hmm, soon… maybe tomorrow."
"Then I could accompany you. If your target is Godric, I'll aid you in battle."
"Oh, no, not yet," I replied.
She frowned.
"Are you afraid?"
"Not fear," I said thoughtfully. "I'm confident against Godric, but I lack the knowledge and… education to wield the Great Rune correctly. That's why I'm going to the Magic Academy. They have an extensive magical library."
Listening, Nepheli raised her brows in mild surprise.
"Impressive ambitions, Chrono. Not every vanishing seeks such understanding."
"Thanks."
"And your confidence awakens in me the desire to challenge you."
"Excuse me?"
"If you don't mind, I want to test you," she said. "We are comrades, so a friendly duel—first blood."
Her gaze held genuine interest. The duel itself offered no benefit, but it was a chance to impress her.
"Very well. I agree," I nodded. "But know I'll use magic—will that seem unfair?"
She tilted her head, puzzled.
"Unfair? Magic is a weapon like my axe; every warrior fights with their strengths."
"Then at your service, Nepheli," I bowed theatrically. "Where shall we duel?"
"There's a large, unused hall downstairs," she said.
"Are duels allowed in the fortress? Isn't it forbidden to raise arms against one another?"
"We won't kill each other," she shook her head. "A friendly duel among comrades is fine."
"Shall we?"
"Yes."
She rose, collecting two axes—one hidden from my view. Both fit her hands perfectly.
"Follow me, vanishing," she said.
Through the hall and right wing, we reached a staircase. A previously locked door was open. Nepheli led me down to the living quarters, where several beds stood. On one slept the young man Fia had embraced. Nearby, a rapier rested against the wall, and a magical staff suggested he was a mage. Others were warriors too.
Eventually, we reached a spacious hall.
"Ready, Chrono?" she asked.
"Anytime," I smiled, drawing my dagger.
"And your staff?" she queried, puzzled.
"This dagger channels magic as well."
"Interesting weapon."
"Shall we begin?"
"Yes, prepare! I attack!"
At my nod, she lunged, axes crossed like a shield yet poised to strike. The closer she came, the slower her movements became—until she froze entirely.
I contemplated subduing her without harm. A fleeting, mischievous thought urged a slap on her behind—but that would humiliate her given her serious attack stance. My spells were dangerous.
Considering options, I conjured a phalanx, sending five glowing blades.
"Ykhtss…"
"Oh…"
I winced, rewinding time. My intent had been to have the blades graze her lightly—but instead, they pierced her fully. Nepheli collapsed, overpowered by the magical blades, one piercing her neck.
It took three attempts to perfect the maneuver in slowed time.
Finally, five golden-light blades cut the air, leaving only light scratches on her body.
"Hah…" she stopped mid-attack, startled.
She'd crossed only half the distance.
"You… didn't miss?" she asked, wiping blood from her shoulder.
"No," I smiled. "If you'd dodged, the cuts would be worse."
"Impressive," she nodded. "I've never seen magic cast so swiftly."
She lowered her axes. Though impressed, I sensed her disappointment—she had sought a battle, not this brief skirmish.
"Oh, thanks. Hmm… Nepheli…"
"Yes?"
"Strong warrior… could you teach me a few lessons, if you have time?"
"Lessons… you want to learn warfare from me?" she smiled.
"Yes, my magic is decent, but my combat skills are lacking. Without magic, even a common Stormveil soldier could defeat me."
"Impossible," she smiled. She likely thought I was joking. My loss had made it hard for her to believe my warrior skills were so poor.
"And yet? My magic is good… but I wish to not be limited to it."
"Well… I have time… if you wish, I can show you some techniques. And I wield more than axes."
"Oh, thank you, Nepheli. You're very kind."
I was honest with her. Perhaps I should recall the dust of war. Advice from an experienced warrior wouldn't hurt. And despite mild envy, I might also seek guidance from the mage warrior.
It wasn't true resentment—more childish jealousy. But I could handle that.