True Friends [Part 1]

Ever since Mio and the others left three months ago, Kamine had been feeling uneasy. Even though she talked about it with Uni, there wasn’t much to do.

Now around 10 a.m., Kamine and Uni were deep in the mountains digging for white truffles. Although white truffles are extremely rare, Kamine managed to buy a map from a shady merchant from the Theocracy. Even though it cost gold, Mireia, who manages their funds, didn’t mind at all.

“I’m telling you, Little Kamine, we’ve only found two pieces of white truffle after 20 minutes. This map seems…”

“Of course, the merchant was expensive, but the stuff he sells is high quality. He even came to our area a few times before.”

“Why did you even think of white truffles?”

“One is for making soup, the other is for gifting.”

Uni smirked mischievously.

“Gifting to a boyfriend?”

“What are you thinking? I’m giving it to my brother’s friends. My brother received a lot of help from them, and as his real sister, I’m just showing gratitude.”

“Fair enough. But looking at the map, this mountain probably only has six patches of white truffle. As for the white truffle king, maybe only Mio knows where that is.”

“Let’s dig a bit more and then go back for a bath. After that, I’ll fly to Flash Island alone to buy some specialty spices.”

“Sounds good! I’ll cook today.”

Meanwhile, in the Theocracy, due to Eve’s involvement, all the girls harmed by the High Priest were resurrected. However, Sheila, due to Eve’s interference, lost all memories and was now just an ordinary person. Her sister, Sarati, took great care of her.

Inside the palace, Sarati said,

“Sis, how about we go out and have fun?”

“Hmm, where should we go?”

“To the Kun District! Let’s make an offering to the Elf King first. After all, the people under the Holy King said it was the Holy King who brought you all back to life. Mira, you’re coming too!”

“Yes!”

Palmira, one of the priestesses the same age as Sarati and Sheila, had served them since childhood. She too had been killed by the High Priest and casually resurrected by Eve.

“Thanks. By the way, Mira, do you know where Gio went? Kara can’t find him either.”

“I don’t know. I just woke up two hours ago.”

“Sigh, maybe he went out to play.”

Back in the original world, it was storming. Eve stood by the window watching the rain outside, while Anya held Eve’s hand and looked at her.

“Eve, what are you looking at?”

“Nothing much. Just thinking… my parents lived in Akihabara. They probably became figure collectors.”

“I like figures too. If it weren’t raining, I’d go buy some.”

“Also, we bought three PS4s. Did you notice Ren and Alexander are obsessed with playing them?”

“Yeah, with Mio and Shizuku’s memories and their natural learning abilities, they picked up everything quickly. My Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 combat skills are already worse than theirs.”

“If you’re not satisfied, let’s have a few matches later. I’m getting the itch too!”

In the room, Ren and Alexander were playing Resident Evil 6. Thanks to Mio and Shizuku’s memories, they mostly figured out the controls.

“Ren! Shoot the weak spot on its back with the machine gun!”

“Leave it to me!”

Though it was only Chapter 2 of Chris’s campaign, the nightmare difficulty had them sweating, fully immersed in the game.

After a while, they finally cleared the level and sat drinking beverages while chatting.

“Haven’t focused like this in a while. It’s even better than actual combat.”

“Hey Alexander, you seem pretty content with this life now, huh?”

“Of course. I still don’t fully understand why Mio revived us. It wasn’t for some goal or benefit. Just to be friends, or maybe even something more special.”

Ren smiled gently.

“Unlike us who’ve fought together, the people in this world are still innocent and carefree. But our identities as kings might help bridge that gap.”

“Even though we’ve given up on military force, it’s not like peace and friendship will happen overnight. Some people still harbor hostility toward Mio.”

“We’ll find a way. But have you noticed the Elf King’s body actually gets hungry?”

“No big deal. There’s plenty of good food. Maybe it’s a divine energy issue.”

“Little Alex! Ren!”

Lin came running over.

“What is it?”

“Mio wanted me to tell you that we’ll be having salted meat vegetable rice and bone broth later. Each person gets a serving of spicy chicken. Do you want it spicy?”

“Yes!”

“Same for me!”

“Got it!”

Lin ran off again. If the elders from the Sword Dance World’s Divine Academy saw normal people and the Elf King sharing meals, they’d probably faint from shock.

Forty minutes later, the food arrived. Everyone sat at the table eating.

“No surprise from Little Mio, the restaurant she picked is delicious.”

“Anya, this place is near my old home. My late father wrote about it in his diary. Before Shizuku and I were born, he used to go there often. I read the diary and tried the food—it was amazing.”

“That must be over ten years ago. I wonder how long they’ll keep running. If they pass on, I’ll arrange for them to open a shop in the underworld.”

Ren got curious.

“What’s the underworld like?”

“The sky is always purple. Any capable good person becomes an underworld resident. Life there is much like the mortal world. Only difference is a lack of good chefs.”

“What happens if you die again?”

“You can’t die again. Once someone dies, they don’t die a second time. Criminals are imprisoned. For evil people who died in the mortal world, they’re just like normal people—memories are wiped and they reincarnate. Or, if they wish, they can keep their memories.”

Mio suddenly thought of her parents.

“Anya, what about my parents?”

“Sorry… I have no information on them.”

Though a bit disappointed, Mio and Shizuku accepted it.

“Sigh, I wonder what Kamine and the others are doing. Can you use the crystal ball to check, Anya?”

“OK!”

Eve conjured the crystal ball and looked—Kamine and Uni were digging white truffles.

“They’re digging for white truffles. Looks like they plan to cook something.”

“White truffles! Those are crazy expensive in our world. Alex, are they rare in yours too?”

“Also rare. Even with elemental fairy soil, you can’t easily meet the strict growing conditions for white truffles.”

“No wonder they’re so pricey. I hope someone donates a bit to me.”

“Mmm…”

Suddenly, Anya’s eyes changed.

“Who’s there!?”

Everyone was startled. A black hole opened on the floor, and up flew a silver-haired, blue-eyed girl who looked just like ‘Eucliwood Hellscythe.’ The girl smiled at Anya.

“Lord Anya, your mother, Lady Anya Bud, just gave birth to another daughter and sent me to fetch you.”

“Thanks, Little Ji!”

Though her voice differed from ‘Eucliwood Hellscythe,’ she gave off the same harmless, sheep-like vibe.

“Anya, who is she?”

“She’s one of my servants. Her name is Gilly, no surname. She’s from the underworld.”

Gilly looked around at everyone.

“Lord Anya, seems like you’ve made quite a few friends. Lady Anya Bud will be happy.”

“More importantly, what’s my new sister’s name?”

“Her name is Anfeng Mio. There are dedicated people watching over her now.”

“Alright, I’ll finish eating and take my friends to visit.”

“But bringing mortals to the underworld…”

“Don’t worry. I make the rules there! My old man brought mortal friends there for a few days 79 years ago.”

“Understood.”

After speaking, Gilly went back into the black hole.

“Anya, looks like you’ve got a little sister now. She’ll be good company.”

“Yeah. Just like you, Little Mio, I’ve got a sister now. After we visit my mom, I’ll ask what she wants to eat. My family loves human food too.”

Back in the underworld, Gilly returned to Anya Bud’s side.

“Lady Anya Bud, Lord Anya said he’d come with his friends after dinner. Is that okay?”

A woman who looked to be in her twenties, with long black hair and crimson eyes like Anya, smiled happily.

“Isn’t it great he has friends? He used to be so reclusive. His father and I worried so much.”

“But one of them is Eve, who Lord Vaynront once placed a bounty on.”

“Eve, huh. I took care of her from age six to nine. She was always kind. Must’ve suffered a lot being hunted by Vaynront. Though he sent people after her, he didn’t know my husband and I planted spies, greatly reducing the search intensity.”

“A wise decision!”

“Keep it secret, alright?”

“Of course. But I don’t get it—why didn’t Lord Anvitel just persuade Lord Vaynront?”

“No good opportunity. And I didn’t want to damage their brotherly bond. So I took action from the shadows.”

“Why didn’t you tell Lord Anya?”

“We didn’t know he was friends with Eve. If we had, we would’ve. Besides, Anya is deeply loyal to his friends.”

“With his personality, if Vaynront attacked his friends, he’d retaliate immediately. Just like when he helped me before.”

“Of course! If it’s in front of him, Anya won’t care if it’s family—he’ll fight. I suspect Anya might be as strong as Anvitel now.”

“Anya used to be too lonely. Now that he has friends, his protective instincts are much stronger.”

“Hehe, when Feng Mio grows up, I’ll leave her in your care.”

“Yes! It’s my honor to serve you all.”

A while later, Anya brought everyone to a town in the underworld. The houses looked just like those in the human world, and the people were no different, though the sky was purple.

Mio, Lin, and Shizuku felt a strong chill.

“Anya, why’s it so cold?”

“Sorry, the atmosphere suits underworld people and spirits. If you weren’t demigods, it’d be worse. You’ll get used to it.”

Ren and Alexander realized this place felt just like the Dark Elemental Domain from the Elemental Spirit World.

“Anya, is the underworld basically a dark-element domain?”

“Pretty much. But when you meet my mom, just use her real name. Anything else will feel unnatural.”

“Is there any need to explain the identity of the Elf King?”

“It doesn’t matter. You can just say one of the Eight Elemental Elf Kings. Only Light and Dark have two kings, from another world.”

“Woof woof woof!”

A grey three-headed dog with red eyes ran over, but Dark Yue stomped harder on the ground, scaring it off.

“Wow, a hellhound!”

“Eve, that’s just a domesticated three-headed dog. It has the same temperament as a Pomeranian.”

“But its appearance doesn’t suit a pet… it can scare people…”

“I’m sorry!”

A young man ran over and immediately knelt down.

“Apologies for startling Lord Dark Yue. It was fine before, not sure why it suddenly barked at you.”

Dark Yue sighed.

“Get up! It’s just a dog, this kind of thing is normal.”

“Yes!”

After standing up, the man glanced at the person behind Dark Yue and looked surprised.

“Lord Dark Yue, is that a mortal behind you?”

“Yeah. Now go catch your dog. Don’t scare the kids.”

“Yes!”

Suddenly, a black hole opened beside Dark Yue, and Jilly walked out again.

“Lord Dark Yue! Lady Anya says you can use this portal to go directly to her room.”

“Did you say something again?”

“No, I only said Lord Dark Yue brought some friends for a visit…”

“Alright, let’s go.”

Everyone entered the black hole and arrived in a room full of chandeliers. A woman in her twenties was sitting on a large blue bed and greeted everyone.

“Hello! I’m the mother of the Death God Dark Yue. My name is Anya. Pleased to meet you!”

But Dark Yue looked a bit unhappy.

“Mom! Calling me Death God will scare people.”

“Sorry, it was just a spontaneous joke.”

Anya got off the bed, waved her hand to change into a black dress, and then walked over to look at everyone.

“Long time no see, Eve.”

“Hello, Auntie Anya.”

“Just call me by name. What about the rest of you? What are your names?”

“I’m Kamikoshi Mio Wescott!”

“I’m Kamikoshi Shizuku Wescott!”

“I’m Kamikoshi Rin Wescott!”

“Alexander!”

“Ren Ashdoll!”

“Nice names and all so cute. Dark Yue, when did you meet them?”

“I forgot, but we’re all friends now. Anyway, Mom, do you want to eat anything?”

“Oh my, why so generous all of a sudden?”

“Well, since you gave birth to my sister, I should at least do something. But where’s that rotten old dad of mine?”

“He went to personally buy supplements. Said he can’t trust anyone else. By the way, that boy named Ren—can I call you Little Ren? I’d like to add ‘Little’ before your names.”

“Sure!”

Although Ren, Alexander, and the Mio sisters had gotten used to things after spending time together, they actually enjoyed it a bit too.

“Little Ren and Little Alex, you must be visitors from another world, right?”

“Yes, I’m one of the Eight Elemental Elf Kings in the Spirit World, also called the King of Darkness.”

“And Little Alex?”

“Yes, I’m the leader of the Eight Elemental Elf Kings, the Light Elf King, also known as the Holy King.”

“How did Mom know that?”

“Because their aura is not of this world. I know the aura of every living being in the Mortal Realm—even if it’s a new species. But…”

“Hm?”

“Little Mio and Little Alex feel the same. So do Little Shizuku and Little Ren. Are you also Elf Kings?”

“Yes, among the Eight Elemental Elf Kings, only Light and Dark are separate. We Elf Kings hold positions equal to the chief gods.”

“And we’re all sisters. Mio is the eldest.”

“I see. And Little Rin?”

“I’m their adopted sister. I mostly just take care of things at home.”

“Mom! She was originally human. I turned her into a half-god.”

“Not bad. And Little Jilly!”

“Yes!”

“Take everyone to the Nether Garden and let them eat some Netherfruit. You can also bring more back for your friends.”

“Yes!”

Eve suddenly recalled the effects of Netherfruit.

“Anya, Netherfruit is cultivated to enhance physique and power, and only top-tier gods can eat it. The one who eats it gets their abilities, strength, speed, attack, defense, and lifespan increased 180 times. Is it really okay for us to eat it?”

Anya walked over and gently patted Eve’s head.

“It’s fine. Although the effects of Netherfruit are permanent, you can only gain one boost every 75 years. Eating more within that time won’t help. After 75 years, it can work again.”

“Thank you. I’ll thank you on behalf of my friends too.”

“No problem. Go ahead.”

Everyone followed Jilly to the Nether Garden. The place looked like trees and green grass, but the trees bore blue strawberry-sized fruits. Mio was just about to approach when Dark Yue stopped her.

“Careful of the invisible Nether Serpent. It’s sentient.”

Then Dark Yue walked up to a tree and spoke.

“My mom said I can let friends eat some Netherfruit and bring a few back. Just stand aside and watch.”

Though there was no sound, the grass rustled.

“Invisible Nether Serpent? Like a garden snake?”

“No. My dad created it with divine power 269 years ago. Since we had nowhere to put it, he left it here. Jilly! Pack 44 fruits.”

“Yes!”

Jilly summoned a bag and started packing one by one. Dark Yue flew into the tree and tossed one fruit to each person.

“Everyone, eat it directly!”

Mio bit into it and found it tasted like apple, and she felt her power increase.

Alexander and Ren were a bit surprised too.

“This is really great! Would make an awesome prize for the Elf Blade Dance Festival.”

“Looks like divine power has increased too. How about you, Shizuku?”

“Same here.”

“Me too!”

But Rin didn’t feel a power boost, only that her stamina and mental strength improved.

Eve also felt a big boost in power, but Dark Yue remained the same—he had eaten one 36 years ago, so no increase.

Jilly flew to Dark Yue’s side and handed him the bag.

“Lord Dark Yue! Lady Anya just contacted me telepathically and asked if you’d like to stay for dinner before leaving?”

“No need. But I have a favor to ask.”

“What are your orders?”

“I want you and your sister to go live in my place in the human world. You two lived there for three years before, right? You can help clean up. The game consoles are all yours to play.”

“Got it. I’ll let Lady Anya know before I go.”

◆

At that time, Mireya was chatting and playing cards with Esther in her room.

“Hey sis, don’t you think Mio seems troubled?”

“I know. But some things aren’t ours to ask. I don’t even understand the master’s limits. You and Rubia were half-pretending back then too.”

“How could we be real friends with former enemies? I’m good at pretending, anyway.”

“Can you even make real friends like that? You know before I met Alesia and the master, I always hoped to make a true friend. Now, both my divine and human selves have finally done it.”

“You really mean that, sis?”

“Of course. And I get it—you already think of Shion as a friend, right?”

“I…”

“Can’t say it, huh? Why not just admit it? Or have you really given up on your original wish after all these years? For Esther and me, that original wish was to make one true friend.”

This emotional attack was actually taught to Esther by Eve. Knowing Mireya well, she tried to help her open up.

“I am Esther… but also not Esther! Remember that, sis. But don’t worry, I know my limits.”

Though Mireya didn’t fully understand why Esther said that, she suspected her own personality might have made Esther misunderstand.

“Fine then. I’m heading out.”

“Where to?”

“To those two. I’m going with Restia.”

“Then I’ll come too. I want to see that little sister of yours.”

Mireya and Esther arrived at Alesia’s home, but Restia had made plans with Nemesis and couldn’t come.

Mireya greeted first.

“Long time no see, other big sis.”

“Hello. And hello to the other me.”

“Where’s Alesia?”

“She went to the library. Said she wants to learn some recipes and try cooking.”

“Hey, me—want to come hang out at my place?”

“Sure. The master took me there once. The tofu was really good.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Mireya was speechless.

(Why is everyone but me like a child?)

“Let’s go then!”