Chapter 13: Connection with origins 

Thanks to Professor_Light for the idea

—

Xander was lying on the couch in the headquarters, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. The quietness of the place felt strange. Veldrin and Lili had left for the Dungeon early, leaving him completely alone.

He let out a sigh and closed his eyes for a moment. He couldn't remember the last time the headquarters had been so quiet. Without Lili running around or Veldrin training, the atmosphere felt… empty.

After a few minutes, he sat down and looked around. He had nothing to do, and although rest was tempting, staying still had never been his style.

With a slight shrug, he stood up.

"I guess I should go out and clear my head for a while."

Without further ado, he grabbed his coat and headed out the door, with no particular direction in mind.

As he walked through the streets of Orario, Xander felt something strange. It wasn't a sense of danger or urgency, but rather an absence. Something that had once been a part of his daily life, but which he had unwittingly stopped doing.

His steps slowed as he recalled the numerous times he had stood on a busy street corner or in the center of a square, telling stories. He didn't do it just for the money—that was useful at the time, of course—but what he really enjoyed was the way people reacted.

He remembered the fascinated look on the faces of children, their eyes shining as they heard of heroes and gods of old. The younger adventurers would often cross their arms at first, feigning disinterest, but would always end up leaning forward slightly, caught up in the story without realizing it. The merchants, accustomed to trickery and dealing, would sometimes allow themselves to smile at his words, and the elders would nod slowly, as if his tales brought back echoes of a distant past.

There was that moment just before he revealed a twist in the story, when the entire crowd held its breath, waiting for what would come next. Or that burst of laughter when he improvised an unexpected comment. Even the sighs of relief when the hero managed to escape certain death.

It was the connection. That brief spark that ignited people, making them forget for a moment the weight of everyday life.

But it had been a while since he felt that way. Ever since his familia started to stabilize and they no longer needed to worry about every coin, he had put aside the shows. His interactions with others had become more personal, more focused on his group and life within the headquarters. It wasn't a bad thing, but… he missed that feeling.

Not because he wanted attention. Not because he was looking for applause. But because seeing those reactions, that genuine emotion on people's faces, reminded him of why he had come into this world in the first place.

Xander exhaled, scratching the back of his neck as he continued walking. He might not need the money, but that didn't mean he couldn't do it again from time to time.

Xander missed not only the excitement of an audience, but also the feeling of sharing something he cared about. It wasn't just entertainment; every story he told had a purpose, an emotion, something he himself had felt when he first heard it.

He remembered when he was younger, when he discovered those stories that left their mark on him. Moments when a hero, against all odds, achieved the impossible. Or when someone fell, but their legacy lived on in those who followed them. Each story had a weight, a lesson, an emotion that stayed with him.

When he told stories, he didn't just repeat words. He wanted people to feel the same way he felt the first time he heard those stories. He wanted the amazed child in the crowd to understand the bravery of a hero. He wanted the weary adventurer to find a spark of inspiration. He wanted even the most skeptical person to feel, if only for an instant, that connection to something bigger.

Storytelling wasn't just an act of fun for him. It was a way to share a part of himself with others. And by putting it aside, he'd missed out on a bit of that magic.

Xander sighed, realizing a limitation he'd always had. His stories might move, they might inspire, but they were just words and gestures. He couldn't show a large battlefield, or have two characters argue with each other without it looking awkward. He couldn't convey the true scale of what he saw in his mind: the imposing silhouette of a hero rising against the darkness, the glint of a sword in the storm, the desperation in the eyes of someone on the brink of defeat.

His stories depended entirely on the imagination of the audience. While some could visualize it clearly, others did not grasp the magnitude of what he wanted to convey. And that… was a shame.

Deep inside, Xander wanted something more. He wanted people to see what he saw, to feel what he felt when he first heard those stories. Not just with words, but with something more… something that would make every detail come alive.

"If only I could really show it…"

He stood there thinking, feeling that something was missing. He had no immediate solution, but the idea remained planted in his mind.

As he walked through the streets of Orario, Xander stopped in front of a book stand. The sight of the stacked tomes, some worn by time and others with bright, eye-catching covers, caught his attention. He watched as some people flipped through the pages with interest, immersing themselves in the worlds that others had captured with ink and paper.

Then, an idea popped into his mind.

If spoken words had their limitations, perhaps written words did not.

If he wrote down his stories, he could give them all the details he wanted, without worrying about missing settings or simultaneous dialogue. He could describe the landscapes, the battles, the gestures and emotions with a precision that his oral storytelling would never allow. And best of all, those who read them could live them at their own pace, imagine them in their own way.

"Writing, huh?" he muttered to himself, an intrigued smile on his face.

He had never tried it before. He had always told stories live, using his voice and his expression to bring them to life. But this… this could be different.

With that in mind, he approached the position. Perhaps, before starting, he should see how others did it.

Xander picked up one of the books curiously, running his fingers along the cover. It wasn't a grimoire, nor a combat manual, but a story, written to be read and not heard. He wondered how a writer would capture someone's attention without the tone of his voice or the theatrics of his performance.

He turned the pages slowly, observing the structure, the rhythm of the sentences, the way the words created images in his mind. It didn't take long for him to realize something: good writers knew how to draw the reader in, how to draw them into their story without having to speak to them directly.

This… this could be exactly what I needed.

With a new excitement burning in his chest, Xander grabbed a couple of books and bought them without giving it much thought. If he was going to tell stories in a new way, he needed to learn how to do it first. And who knows… maybe writing would become a new show, one that reached more people than he could ever imagine.

Xander walked back to the headquarters with a calm gait, still holding the books he had bought. Unlike when he left, this time he was clear about what he wanted to do. Writing wasn't just an option; it was what he had to do.

It wasn't about trying something new or looking for an alternative way of telling stories. He knew exactly what story he wanted to write. It wasn't his own invention, but one that had grown up with him, that had been part of his life for almost two decades. A story of wars, heroes and sacrifices, with characters that had left their mark on his mind.

Walking through the door of the headquarters, Xander set his books down on the table and leaned back on the couch, exhaling slowly.

Warcraft 3.

That name meant nothing to this world, but to him, it meant everything. Every day, for years, he had returned to that story, followed every battle, every betrayal, every sacrifice. It was not just a game to him, but a tale he knew better than many other stories.

And if there was a story worth telling, this was it.

Xander rested his pen on the paper and closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his thoughts. This story wasn't just a passing memory. It was something he'd experienced in a different way in his previous world, something he'd witnessed and felt over the years, even if it had only been through a 

screen.

"Warcraft: Exodus of the Horde."

The vision of a young Warchief, the appearance of a mysterious prophet, a warning about the end of the world, and an orc leader who must make a decision that will change the fate of his people.

Xander started writing.

"The flames danced in the fire, casting shadows across the young Warchief's green skin. Thrall stared at the old man before him, his mind torn between caution and the unease the prophecy left in his chest."

The words flowed naturally. He described the prophet's first visit, the doubt in Thrall's mind, the call to rally the Horde. He detailed the march of the clans, the early difficulties along the way, and the inevitable confrontation with humans who did not understand the threat that was coming.

The sound of quill scratching on parchment filled the hall, but Xander barely noticed it. In his mind, war drums pounded, shaman lightning struck the battlefield, and the roars of orcs rose beneath the banner.

It wasn't just a story. It was the beginning of something much bigger.

Without knowing how, night had fallen on Orario. The dim light of the lamps illuminated the headquarters, and the sound of heavy footsteps broke the tranquility of the place.

Xander barely looked up when the door opened, revealing Veldrin and Lili.

The elf's hair was disheveled and his face covered in dust, his clothes showing superficial cuts here and there. His expression was, as always, serene, but his posture made it clear that he was exhausted.

Lili, on the other hand, was practically crawling. Her small figure wobbled as she closed the door behind them. Her legs shook with exhaustion, and she dropped her backpack on the floor without caring about the dry sound it made as it hit the wood.

"Welcome," Xander said, not taking his eyes off the parchment he was writing on.

Lili gave him a look of disbelief. "Lili and Veldrin come back from the brink of death, and that's all he says?"

Veldrin let out a tired sigh as he placed his weapons in a corner. "We're not on the verge of death. It was just a long day."

"For Lili it was!" protested the hobbit, flopping down on a cushion with her arms outstretched.

Xander smiled in amusement and finally set the pen aside. "Bad day?"

"Monsters, ambushes, more monsters…" Lili buried her face in the cushion. "And Veldrin made Lili carry the materials all the way. Lili feels like her legs are gone."

Xander raised an eyebrow and looked at Veldrin.

"It's training," the elf replied calmly. "If she can move after that, it means he still needs some effort."

"Lili doesn't want to exert herself, she wants to rest!"

Xander laughed and stood up, stretching his arms. "Alright, alright. Eat something and get some sleep. You can complain more tomorrow."

Lili snorted, but did not argue. Veldrin, as always, simply nodded.

As they headed to the kitchen, Xander looked down at his writing. His first story in this world had only just begun, but he had a feeling it would be something special.

As Veldrin and Lili walked away, Xander stared at the scroll on his desk. The words he had written formed more than just a story. It was the start of something bigger.

He ran a hand over his chin, thoughtful. He had told this story on more than one show before, but now he was giving it new life on paper. If he published it, he would no longer be dependent on his presence for people to know about it.

"How would they react here?"

Orario was full of stories about heroes and gods, butThe Exodus of the HordeIt was not an ordinary tale. It was the story of a people searching for their destiny, led by someone who defied everything they had been taught. It was not just a story of battles and magic, but of identity, of breaking chains and finding a new home.

Xander leaned his elbows on the table. If it worked, if the story captured people's attention… then he would continue. He already had in mind what would come next: the fight for survival, the unlikely alliances, betrayal and war.

But first, he had to make sure people wanted to read it.

"A bookstore…" he muttered to himself. He didn't know much about how selling books worked in Orario, but he was sure there were places he could try. If he could get someone to agree to sell it, he could see if it was worth it to continue writing the rest of the campaigns.

His decision was made.

The next day, I would go out to find where to publish "Warcraft:The Exodus of the Horde."

As the night progressed, the three of them gathered in the living room for dinner. Veldrin and Lili looked exhausted, but satisfied. They had spent the entire day in the Dungeon, and the hot meal in front of them was more than welcome.

Xander, for his part, was in a good mood. He had made an important decision about his book, but now his attention was on something else. He leaned forward slightly, looking at Lili curiously.

"So, Lili, tell me… how did it go with your new magic?"

The prum, who was in the middle of a large mouthful of bread, paused for a second before quickly chewing and swallowing. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand before responding with a mix of excitement and shyness.

"Lili thinks she did well! Although… she still needs practice."

Veldrin, who was cutting a piece of meat, nodded without looking up. "You did well. YourScout Owl "It's quite useful. We were able to avoid some ambushes thanks to it."

Lili nodded quickly. "Yes, Lili was able to see what was ahead without having to expose herself. It's weird at first, but she gets used to it quickly."

Xander smiled. "That sounds great. And tell me, were you able to useFire Arrowin combat?"

Lili puffed out her chest a little in pride. "Yeah! Lili got several shots off, though… sometimes she has a hard time controlling the amount of magic she uses. If she gets too excited, she shoots out more than she should."

Veldrin finally looked up and looked at Xander. "That's true. Her power is good, but her magic consumption is irregular. When she fights, she gets excited and misjudges how much she uses."

Lili lowered her gaze slightly, as if expecting a reprimand, but Xander simply laughed.

"That's normal. It's your first time using magic in real combat. The important thing is that it works and that you don't run out of energy at a bad moment."

Lili nodded quickly. "Lili will keep that in mind!"

Xander took a sip of his drink and looked at Veldrin. "What do you think? Is he adjusting well?"

Veldrin shrugged. "She has talent. If he learns to control his magic consumption, he will be able to better combine it with his combat style."

Xander smiled. "That sounds promising. Well, at least you have more tools at your disposal now, Lili. How does it feel to have magic?"

Lili smiled excitedly. "It's amazing! Lili never thought she could do something like this. When she shoots the arrow and sees it light up… it's like she can do things she only imagined before."

Xander nodded with a smile. "That's the magic. It changes not only how you fight, but how you see the world."

Lili nodded, still excited, while Veldrin continued to eat in silence. Xander, satisfied with his companion's progress, relaxed in his seat.

Xander leaned an elbow on the table, an amused smile on his face.

"By the way… did they make a fuss at the Guild when you announced your level up, Veldrin?"

Veldrin put down his knife and looked at him with a neutral expression. "As expected."

Lili laughed between gulps. "It was amazing! Everyone was shocked when the receptionist confirmed that Veldrin had leveled up to Level 2… in just a month!"

Xander leaned back in his chair, feigning surprise. "A month? How slow…"

Veldrin gave him a sharp look. "If you want to try it yourself, go ahead."

Xander laughed and raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Nah, not my style. But seriously, how did they react?"

Lili leaned forward in excitement. "Well, first the receptionist went blank. Then she checked the numbers over and over again, as if she couldn't believe it. When she confirmed it, a bunch of adventurers came over to watch. Some were amazed, some were upset."

Veldrin nodded. "Some said there must be a mistake. Others insisted on seeing the statistics."

Xander smiled. "Let me guess… then the recruiters arrived."

Veldrin sighed. "Exactly. Large families wanting me to join them. Most of them didn't even bother to hide it."

Lili grimaced. "A guy from the Apollo familia almost begged him to leave Xander-sama and join them."

Xander laughed. "The Apollo Familia? They don't know when to give up. What did you say, Veldrin?"

The elf took a sip of his drink before calmly replying, "I ignored him."

Lili laughed. "You just gave him a death glare and the guy ran away."

Xander nodded in approval. "Wise choice. But seriously, breaking a record that's been around for over a year in just a month… that's going to be something to talk about."

Veldrin sighed. "I know. But I can't do anything about it."

Xander smiled. "You don't need to. Let them talk. In the meantime, we'll move on."

Veldrin nodded and continued eating, while Lili was still smiling with excitement at the scene at the Guild.

Xander finished his meal and set his cutlery aside, resting his elbows on the table.

"So… with all this stuff about Veldrin breaking records and our familia becoming more wellknown, I've been wondering."

Veldrin raised an eyebrow, while Lili tilted her head curiously.

Xander laced his fingers together. "Should we start actively recruiting more members for the familia?"

Silence fell at the table for a moment.

Lili was the first to respond. "Lili is not sure… More people would mean more responsibilities, more resources… do we really need it?"

Veldrin nodded slightly. "We're not in a bad position. With what we earn from the Dungeon and the sale of the magic stone, we have no financial problems. And although we are few, we know how to work together. Including more people could bring unnecessary complications."

Xander watched them both closely. "You're right about that. But there are advantages, too. More members would mean more presence in the city, more influence, and if we choose well, more strength."

Veldrin leaned an elbow on the table. "That depends on who we recruit. If we find someone reliable and capable, it could be beneficial. But if we bring in someone problematic, we might end up with more trouble than good."

Lili frowned. "Lili doesn't want just anyone to come in. Lili has had enough with the Soma familia. She doesn't want a big group where no one cares about anyone else."

Xander nodded. "I don't intend to turn us into a huge, identity-less familia either. I was just wondering if we should start considering other people. Make sure that if we find someone suitable, we're ready to integrate them."

Veldrin thought for a moment and then sighed. "It's not a bad idea… but we shouldn't rush it."

Lili nodded quickly. "Exactly. Better few but good ones."

Xander smiled. "So for now, we're staying where we are. But if we find someone who fits, we might consider it."

Veldrin and Lili nodded, and with that, the topic was temporarily closed.

Xander let Veldrin and Lili retreat to their rooms. As soon as they crossed the door, he heard their footsteps grow heavier. He smiled to himself, imagining how exhausted they must be after a full day in the Dungeon.

He didn't have to wait long to confirm it. As soon as they touched their beds, silence took over the headquarters. No movement, not a word... they had fainted from exhaustion.

Xander stood in the room for a while longer, staring at the empty table and letting his thoughts wander. It had been a good day. Lili was making progress with her magic, Veldrin was still advancing

an inhuman pace, and he… he was about to try something completely new with the publication of his story.

With one last look at the quiet headquarters, Xander turned off the lamps and headed to his room. Tomorrow would be a new day, and with it, would come new challenges.

At dawn, the Xander familia headquarters was once again filled with activity. Veldrin and Lili, now recovered from the fatigue of the previous day, prepared for another raid into the Dungeon. Xander watched them leave while he calmly ate his breakfast, listening in the background to the conversation between the two about strategies and possible encounters with monsters.

Once the door closed behind them, Xander stretched and walked over to the table where he had left his draft. The parchment was neatly organized, each page carefully written with the events of theExodus of the HordeGathering the orcs, escaping from Lordaeron, the mysterious figure of the Prophet… it was all there, although it still needed polishing.

With a mix of excitement and nervousness, he rolled up the scrolls and secured them with a leather cord. It was time to take the next step. She had no idea how Orario's readers would react to a story like this, but there was only one way to find out.

Grabbing his coat, he left the headquarters with a clear goal in mind: to find a bookstore or publisher willing to give his story a chance.

With the manuscript in hand, Xander stepped outside, taking a deep breath of the fresh morning air. Veldrin and Lili had already left for the Dungeon, leaving him the day free to take care of his own project.

Walking around Orario was always interesting. The city had a unique rhythm: adventurers marched purposefully towards the Guild or the Dungeon, merchants excitedly advertised their wares, and ordinary citizens went about their lives, oblivious to the danger lurking beneath their feet. But today, Xander wasn't here to watch. He had a clear goal.

After asking around at a couple of stalls and receiving vague but helpful directions, he finally found what he was looking for: a publishing house. It wasn't an imposing building or a large store, but a modest office with a simple sign that said Quill & Pergamino Editions.

He entered confidently. The interior was small, with shelves filled with books and rolled scrolls, some meticulously arranged and others stacked less carefully. Behind the counter, a middle-aged man with round glasses was sifting through some papers with a concentrated expression.

The editor looked up as Xander approached. "Can I help you with something?"

"Yes. I have a story I want to publish."

The man arched an eyebrow and took the manuscript from Xander. With a familiar gesture, he unrolled it and began to read. A few minutes passed as Xander waited in silence, watching the editor's face subtly change. At first, neutral. Then, a little more interested.

When he was done, the man set the scroll down on the counter and crossed his arms. "Not bad. Good storytelling, keeps you interested… but it's a bit short for a full-length book."

Xander smiled, waiting for that comment. "It's just the beginning. There's a lot more after this. If people like it, I'll continue the story."

The editor studied it for a moment, thoughtful. "Hmm… It could work. We do a small print run and see how the public reacts. If it sells well, we talk about moving forward."

"That sounds fair to me," Xander said confidently.

The editor took the manuscript and nodded. "Give me a few days to make the first copies and distribute them. I'll let you know when there's any news."

Xander left the store with a sense of anticipation. Now all that was left to do was wait…

Xander left the publishing house with a slight smile on his face. He had taken the first step. Now it only remained to see if his story would manage to capture the attention of Orario's readers.

As he walked back, his thoughts drifted back and forth. He wasn't nervous, exactly, but he was intrigued. He knew the story of the Horde Exodus had weight, emotion, and memorable moments. But it was, after all, a tale from another world. How would the people here react?

He stopped at a food stand and bought a quick snack before continuing on his way. The familia headquarters was quiet when he arrived. Without Veldrin and Lili, he felt the same as the day before, though this time he wasn't bothered by it. There was work to be done.

Xander stared at the parchment on his desk, mentally going over the structure of the story. The Horde Exodus was just the beginning. If it played well at the publisher, then his next step was already clear.

"Warcraft: Scourge of Lordaeron."

It was an apt title. This time the story would revolve around Prince Arthas, the hero of his people, the paladin who would defend his kingdom against the orcish threat… and later, against something much worse.

Xander closed his eyes for a moment. He remembered every scene. Not just the battles, but the small moments, the decisions that seemed right but slowly led to disaster. Arthas wasn't just a warrior; he was someone who truly wanted to protect his people, but whose methods would lead him down a path of no return.

…

Xander reviewed his notes before beginning the actual introduction of the book. He needed the story to start off on the right footing, setting the tone for the human campaign from the start. So he began with the Alliance Council meeting in the capital of Lordaeron, a crucial moment before chaos would break loose.

King Terenas Menethil II, monarch of Lordaeron and de facto leader of the Alliance, sat on his throne, surrounded by representatives of the allied nations. The discussion revolved around the

Recent events: some orc clans, who had been defeated and confined in internment camps after the Second War, were gathering again in the south of the kingdom. Despite being on the verge of extinction, they still seemed to retain their thirst for battle.

Not everyone considered the orcs to be the main threat, however. An even more disturbing problem was on the lips of nobles and generals: a strange plague had begun to spread in remote villages, devastating crops and sickening the inhabitants. Some rumors spoke of victims rising from their graves, but these were dismissed as peasant superstitions.

It was at that moment that the doors of the hall flew open, and a hooded man entered with a determined stride. Despite the surprise of those present, his deep and calm voice easily imposed itself: Medivh, the Last Guardian, had come with a warning.

Medivh spoke to them of a greater danger, one that overshadowed all other concerns. The Burning Legion, the demons who had once used the orcs as their pawns, were about to return. The plague was no simple ailment, but the harbinger of an even greater catastrophe. If humanity was to survive, it must abandon Lordaeron and flee westward to the distant land of Kalimdor.

The Council erupted in jeers and protests. King Terenas, his voice firm, dismissed Medivh's warning, declaring that they would not abandon their homes and their people based on vague prophecies. "We decide how we will protect our kingdom," he declared.

Medivh, with a grim look, only sighed before giving his final warning:

"If you do not listen to my advice, then I will look for someone else who will. Someone who has the will to save his people."

And with those words, the Guardian retreated, making it clear that the fate of the kingdom was now in his own hands.

Xander reviewed what he had written so far. With the Alliance Council meeting established, the story had a solid starting point. Now it was time to transition into the true beginning of the campaign: the perspective of Arthas Menethil, crown prince of Lordaeron.

With Medivh's warning ignored, life in the realm continued as usual. But the threats discussed at court soon came to fruition. Reports of orcish raids came from the south. Clans that did not follow Thrall, still clinging to the brutality of the Second War, had begun raiding human villages. The Blackrock Horde, a particularly aggressive faction, was spearheading the attacks.

This is where the story shifted to Strahnbrad, one of the first victims of these raids. As the northernmost city in the region, it was an easy target for the orcs. The only real defense they had was the arrival of Prince Arthas, who, accompanied by his personal guard, marched towards the city in hopes of repelling the threat.

Xander leaned back in his chair, causing the wood to creak slightly. Yes, this was the perfect introduction to the first chapter: "The Defense of Strahnbrad." From here, Arthas' story would truly begin.

Xander barely lifted his quill from the parchment before letting out a long sigh. He rubbed his eyes with his fingers, feeling the slight fatigue of having been writing non-stop for several hours. But he couldn't help it. Once he started, the story just flowed.

He looked at the text he had written so far, titled "The Defense of Strahnbrad," scanning the lines where it described Arthas rushing towards Strahnbrad. He had carefully written every detail: the smoke rising on the horizon, the metal hooves urgently pounding the ground, the young prince's tense expression as he realized his village was under attack.

Xander set his quill aside and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he read silently. He wanted the scene to convey the tension of the moment, Arthas's sense of duty, the imminence of conflict. This was a pivotal point in the story, after all. The prince's first great test before all that would come next.

"Will that be enough?" he muttered to himself, drumming his fingers on the table.

I knew I was writing a story I already knew inside and out, but putting it on the page was another thing. When I told stories on the street, I could use my tone of voice, my expressions, even silences to emphasize a scene. But in a book… it was all about the words.

He picked up the pen again and turned it between his fingers.

"Maybe I should reinforce the villagers' desperation more," he thought, returning to a paragraph where he described how people fled as the orcs ransacked the village. "Or make Falric more of a presence, so that his relationship with Arthas will carry more weight later on."

With a slight smile, he leaned over the parchment again and continued writing.

The sun moved slowly across the sky as the story continued to take shape.

Xander wrote without stopping, completely immersed in the next chapter: "BlackRock and Roll."

This part of the story depicted Arthas' first major offensive. Having secured Strahnbrad, the prince had no intention of sitting idly by. Together with Uther, they planned to eradicate the orc threat at its source. However, the strategy of the battle revealed a difference of approach between master and apprentice: Uther insisted on maintaining a defensive position, ensuring that the orcs would eventually weaken. But Arthas, impatient and thirsty for justice, wanted to attack immediately.

Before the fight began, an unexpected event added tension to the story. An orc, different from the others, appeared before Uther. He wore nothing but trousers with a flagpole on his back and carried a great sword in his hand. He was a bloodthirsty berserker like the other orcs of the Blackrock clan. This orc was a Sword Master, an elite warrior of his race, but his attitude was unusual: he did not come to fight, but to warn.

"The demons will return," were his words. Uther tried to strike him, but revealed that he was a clone that the original swordmaster had sent.

The message was disturbing, but Uther, being a pragmatist, did not let it deviate from his main objective: eliminating the orc threat. Arthas, on the other hand, took it as a mere distraction. To him, the orcs were invaders, destroyers with no possible redemption.

Thus, the battle began.

The troops of Lordaeron marched with Arthas at their head, assaulting the fortress of Blackrock with the full force of cavalry and infantry combined. The orcs resisted fiercely, and among them, the Blademaster stood out, fighting to the end to protect his clan. But their fate was already sealed.

When Arthas finally reached the heart of the fortress, he discovered an act of unexpected cruelty: the kidnapped villagers of Strahnbrad had already been executed. The Blademaster, knowing his end was near, taunted the young prince, challenging him to one last battle.

The duel was fierce, but Arthas won. With a blow from his hammer, the Blademaster fell.

The chapter closed with the orc base in ruins and Arthas standing among the flames, unaware that that day he had not only destroyed his enemies, but had taken another step towards the path that would eventually consume him.

Xander leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply.

So far, the book was taking solid shape. It had managed to capture the essence of the conflict, the clash of ideologies and the tension that would lead Arthas down his tragic path.

Xander blinked a few times, still lost in the story. He hadn't realized how much time had passed until he heard a noise behind him.

"Are you still writing?"

The silver-haired elf was leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed, watching him with a raised eyebrow. Xander rubbed his eyes and looked out the window. It was already nighttime. Not only that, but he hadn't heard when Veldrin and Lili had returned either.

"When did you arrive?" he asked, surprised.

Veldrin snorted. "It's been a while. We ate, talked a bit, and Lili almost fell asleep at the table before crawling into her bed. You didn't even notice us coming in."

Xander was silent for a moment, staring at the pile of written papers on the table. He had been so wrapped up in his writing that the world around him simply faded away.

"Well…" he said with a tired smile, shrugging. "That means I was doing well."

Veldrin rolled his eyes and entered the room, approaching the table where Xander had several written pages spread out. With a swift movement, he picked one of them up and picked it up to read.

"The Scourge of Lordaeron…" he muttered, scanning the contents. "Is that the name of the next one?"

Xander nodded, stretching his arms with a yawn. "Yeah. Now that I've finished The Horde Exodus, I need to see if it's worth continuing to publish the full story. If the first book sells well, I'll continue."

"And what is this about?" Veldrin skimmed through it a bit more, but not being used to dense writing, he simply left the sheet of paper on the table.

"The fall of a kingdom." Xander smirked. "At first, it focuses on a young prince who does his best to protect his people, but slowly begins to sink into despair."

Veldrin noticed the glint in Xander's eyes as he talked about his story. As relaxed as he acted, he was really putting his all into this.

"It sounds tragic."

"Oh, it is." Xander chuckled. "But I haven't gotten to that part yet. I've barely finished attacking the remaining orcs in Lordaeron. A showdown between an idealistic young man and a brutally pragmatic warrior."

Veldrin cocked his head. "And who wins?"

"The prince, of course." Xander shrugged. "But at a cost."

Veldrin looked at it for a moment before sighing. "You know, if I wasn't so tired, maybe I'd bother to read it."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

Veldrin shook his head, patting her on the shoulder before turning away. "I'm going to sleep. You should too."

Xander watched the elf leave the room and wondered if he was actually sleepy. His body felt tired, but his mind was still active.

He looked at his writing once more, running his fingers over the newly written words.

There were only a few more chapters left to reach the true turning point of the story. The moment when everything would change for the young prince.

He smiled to himself.

But that was for another day.

…

When Xander woke up the next day, sunlight was already streaming through the windows, indicating that he had slept longer than usual. He stretched with a yawn, his muscles still feeling slightly exhausted from having spent so much time writing the night before.

As he left his room, he found Veldrin and Lili in the living room. To his surprise, neither of them seemed ready to go to the Dungeon. Veldrin was sitting with his arms crossed, and Lili, with her legs dangling from a chair, was calmly eating buttered bread.

"You two aren't going today?" Xander asked, raising an eyebrow.

Veldrin shook his head. "No. We'll take the day off."

Lili nodded quickly. "Lili has already worked hard, and the Dungeon can wait another day."

Xander let out a short laugh, taking a seat with them. "I don't blame them. They've been going non-stop. Do they have anything in mind for today?"

Veldrin shrugged. "Nothing in particular. Maybe take a stroll around town. It's rare to take a break without feeling like we're wasting training time."

"Lili wants to buy something sweet," the little girl added, with a determined expression.

Xander smiled and poured himself some coffee. "So, a quiet day, huh? Sounds good. I might as well see if the publisher has reviewed my book yet."

Veldrin gave him a sidelong glance. "You look excited."

"Well, of course I do," Xander replied with a smile. "If this turns out well, I might go ahead and publish the rest of the story. But anyway, I need to see what they say first."

Lili finished her bread and jumped out of her chair. "Is Xander going now?"

"Yes, after breakfast."

Veldrin stretched out in his seat. "We could accompany you. I don't feel like staying at home all day."

Xander looked at them with amusement. "Are you sure you don't just want to watch my failure from the front row?"

Veldrin smiled slightly. "Maybe."

"Lili wants to see too."

Xander laughed, shaking his head. "Fine, fine. Let's finish eating and get going."

Xander left the headquarters alongside Veldrin and Lili, the sun illuminating the streets of Orario. The cool morning air gave his mind a brief relief, but he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. There should be news today on how the Horde Exodus fared.

As they walked through the city, Xander noticed that several people seemed more animated than usual. Some even carried a small book in their hands. He frowned until he caught sight of the cover on a nearby shop: The Exodus of the Horde, with his name as the author at the bottom.

"Well, looks like it's sold," Veldrin commented with a half-smile.

Xander felt a mix of satisfaction and surprise. He knew the story was solid, but the fact that so many people had it in their hands was unexpected. He walked over to the store and saw a sign with the words Unexpected Success! More copies coming soon.

"Wow…" Lili blinked. "I didn't think people would like a book about orcs so much."

Before Xander could respond, a young man in plain clothes walked past them, flipping through his copy. "I can't believe the orcs were the main characters… and they weren't the bad guys. That Thrall is amazing!"

Xander smiled. "That's a good start."

When they arrived at the publishing house, the editor greeted them with an expression of surprise and satisfaction. "Well, I guess you have talent. All the copies were sold in less than a day. We are preparing a second, larger printing."

Xander crossed his arms. "Does that mean I can move on to the next story?"

The editor leaned forward. "It depends. Is it just as good?"

Xander smiled confidently. "Better."

With the book issue settled, Xander decided to put any worries aside for a while. Today was a good day to relax and spend time with Veldrin and Lili. There was no dungeon, no training, just the three of them enjoying the day.

"So, what do we do now?" Xander asked as they left the publishing house.

Veldrin sighed, crossing his arms. "I don't know about you, but after days in the Dungeon, a break sounds perfect."

"Lili wants food," Lili stated bluntly.

Xander laughed. "So, food first. Then we'll see what else we can do."

They headed to a tavern in a quieter part of Orario, where they didn't have to worry about curious glances or unnecessary trouble. Once seated, they ordered a hearty meal. Lili was happy with her plate in front of her, while Veldrin drank calmly and Xander enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.

"I must admit," Veldrin said after a while, "I didn't expect we would end up like this when we started the familia."

"How so?" Xander asked.

"Like… this. Sitting, eating together. Like a family."

Lili paused in her meal, as if the words had taken her by surprise. Then she looked at Xander.

"Isn't that what we've always been?" she asked.

Xander smiled. "I guess so."

The conversation flowed easily, with light jokes and anecdotes from the past few weeks. For the first time in a long time, there was no pressure, no worries. Just the three of them, enjoying the moment.

After the meal, the three of them left the tavern feeling more relaxed than they had in a long time. The afternoon sun illuminated the streets of Orario, and the bustle of the city continued its usual pace. Xander walked with his hands in his pockets, enjoying the feeling of not having an immediate plan.

"Well, what now?" Veldrin asked, stretching.

"Ohhh, but look who they are!"

Xander looked up with a slight grimace as he recognized the person approaching with a casual gait. Loki, with her eternally mischievous grin, approached them with her hands behind her head, her carefree gait contrasting with the small figure at her side.

She was a girl with golden hair and golden eyes, with a stoic expression. Although Xander had seen her before when he visited the Loki Familia headquarters, this was the first time they had a direct encounter.

Veldrin, at her side, barely glanced at her and muttered, "Ais."

Lili, for her part, frowned and whispered, "Who is the little girl?"

Loki approached with that smile of hers that always seemed to mix fun and mischief.

"What are you three doing wandering around the city like tourists?" She asked in a relaxed tone.

Xander crossed his arms. "Can't we have a day off?"

"A day off is one thing, but you guys look suspiciously relaxed. Don't tell me you're up to something?"

Veldrin sighed, accustomed to the goddess's attitude, while Lili simply watched the little blonde with curiosity. Loki noticed this and decided to make the introductions.

"Ah, right. Lili, this one here is Ais. Ais, this is Lili, the little raccoon of these two."

Lili puffed up slightly in indignation. "Lili is not a raccoon! Lili is a pallum!"

"Sure, sure, whatever you say~" Loki scoffed.

Ais, for her part, looked at Lili with a neutral expression and then looked away at Veldrin.

"You promised to train me," she said in his soft voice, without embellishment or beating around the bush.

Veldrin looked at her with a slight frown.

"I remember," he said. "Do you still want that?"

Ais nodded determinedly. "I want to become stronger."

Xander raised an eyebrow and looked at Veldrin with a mocking smile. "Ohhh, so you're already receiving disciples. Since when did you become a renowned master?"

Veldrin sighed. "Don't overdo it." Then he looked back at Ais. "If you still want it, I can see how to help you… but it won't be easy."

Ais didn't seem to hesitate for a second. "I don't care."

Loki, with a satisfied smile, patted Xander on the back.

"Well, well, this is getting interesting~" she said in a sing-song tone. "An elf master training my Ais… I like the sound of that."

Lili, who had been watching the conversation with a mix of confusion and curiosity, finally spoke.

"May Lili ask why this child wants Veldrin to train her?"

Ais looked at her and answered with the same frankness as before. "Because he is strong."

Xander laughed at the simple and direct answer, while Veldrin let out a soft sigh, as if he had already expected something like that.

"Well, I guess there's no escape," the elf muttered, resigned.

Xander looked at Loki with a smirk.

"By the way, there's something interesting you should know," he said in a casual tone, but with a spark of amusement in his eyes.

Loki looked at him suspiciously. "What are you up to now?"

"Veldrin has been upgraded to Level 2."

There was a brief but intense silence. Loki blinked several times, as if she hadn't quite understood what she had just heard. Then, her expression twisted into a mixture of disbelief and something like... indignation?

"Are you kidding me?!" She exclaimed, putting both hands to her head.

Veldrin, who had already expected something like this, just sighed while Lili tried to hold back a laugh.

"One month! One fucking month?! How the hell did it go up in one month?! The previous record was one year and one month! 

One fucking year and one month! And this elf comes and blows it up in one month?!" Xander crossed his arms, enjoying the reaction. "Looks like he did."

Loki pointed at him with a frown. "Ais is one step away from leveling up to Level 2! If we knew we could speed up the process, maybe we would have broken the record too! We were just one damn month away!"

Ais looked at Loki with a slight tilt of her head, not fully understanding his frustration.

"Is that important?" She asked in his calm tone.

Loki looked at her as if she had just said the most absurd thing in the world. "Of course it is! It was the record for the fastest level up in the history of Orario! And now this shining elf took it away from us without even realizing it!"

Ais snorted, "I don't care about records, as long as I can get all the strength I can."

Veldrin closed his eyes for a moment and then calmly opened them again. "I didn't mean to break records. I just did what was necessary."

Loki frowned at him, before huffing in resignation.

"Nah, whatever," she said, crossing his arms. "Anyway, this is amazing. A month… damn. How did you do it?"

Xander chuckled. "Let's just say he had some extra motivation."

Lili, who had been enjoying the conversation, nodded enthusiastically. "Lili saw Veldrin training like crazy! He worked so hard!"

Loki sighed and then smiled with some acceptance.

"Well, I guess I'll have to take you out for a drink one of these days, Veldrin. It's not every day that someone breaks a record like that."

Veldrin nodded calmly. "Whenever you want."

Ais, for her part, looked at the elf with a strange gleam in her eyes. She seemed to have confirmed something in her mind.

Xander, seeing the little swordswoman's expression, smiled to himself. This was getting more and more interesting.

Ais kept her gaze fixed on Veldrin. Her expression was calm, but there was an unmistakable intensity in her golden eyes.

"I want to fight you."

Veldrin blinked, surprised by the direct request. "Now?"

Ais nodded determinedly. "You said you would train me. I want to measure my strength against yours."

Loki whistled in amusement. "Oh my! My Ais is more motivated than ever. See what you caused, lightning elf?"

Xander crossed his arms with a smile. "I don't blame her. Anyone would be motivated by seeing Veldrin break records."

Lili looked at Ais warily. She knew she was an incredible warrior and the idea of watching her fight Veldrin was intimidating… but also fascinating.

Veldrin looked at Ais in silence for a moment before nodding. "Alright. If you want a fight, we'll have one."

Ais's eyes sparkled with suppressed excitement. She didn't need to say more. She had been waiting for this moment since they last saw each other.

Loki stretched with a satisfied smile. "This is going to get interesting."

Xander nodded, watching Ais curiously. He knew she was strong, but he also knew that Veldrin was not someone easy to face. What was to come promised to be a duel worth witnessing.

Xander smiled at Ais's excitement and Loki's satisfied expression.

"If you want a good place to fight, you can use the garden of our headquarters."

Loki raised an eyebrow. "Do you have a garden? Wow, how luxurious. Do they have a private bar, too?"

Xander chuckled. "We didn't go that far, but the garden is quite spacious and discreet. Perfect for uninterrupted combat."

Ais nodded immediately. "Sounds good to me."

Veldrin sighed, already accepting the inevitable. "I suppose there is no excuse for refusing it."

Lili, who had been silent, looked at Xander with some concern. "Are you sure this is a good idea? Lili doesn't want her house to end up destroyed…"

Xander patted his head. "If that happens, we'll send the bill to Loki." "Hey, hey! Why me?" Loki protested, crossing her arms.

"For bringing this little warrior ready to destroy everything."

Loki clicked her tongue in amusement, while Ais simply waited silently.

"Well, let's go then," Veldrin said, starting to walk. "The sooner we finish, the sooner I can rest."

With that, the group headed to the Xander familia headquarters, ready for a showdown that would undoubtedly be interesting.

Upon arriving at the headquarters, Xander led them out into the garden, a large space with enough ground to move around freely. The light breeze stirred the leaves of the trees, and the firm earth beneath their feet provided the perfect ground for combat.

Ais wasted no time. With fluid movements, she unsheathed her sword, the blade glistening in the daylight. Her gaze was fixed on Veldrin, determined.

Veldrin, for his part, exhaled slowly and turned his glaives in his hands before taking his stance. He wasn't underestimating Ais; he knew that although she was still level one, her talent was undeniable.

Xander crossed his arms, watching with interest. "Okay, basic rules: no lethal attacks, no complaints if you end up with bruises, and if you break anything, Loki pays."

"Hey, you bastard!" Loki complained, but without losing her smile.

Lili, on the other hand, watched with a mix of excitement and concern. She had never seen Ais fight, but she knew how strong Veldrin was.

Ais nodded seriously, gripping her sword with both hands. "I'm ready." Veldrin didn't respond with words, only made a slight nod.

The air became tense, the first move was about to happen.

The silence in the garden was broken by the sound of cutting wind as Ais advanced with speed. Her sword moved in a precise arc, seeking the opening in Veldrin's defense.

Veldrin reacted with the calm of a seasoned warrior. In a single movement, his glaives rose, deflecting Ais's sword with a metallic impact that resonated in the air. He took advantage of the inertia to spin on his axis and launch a thrust with the other glaive.

Ais nimbly took a step back, her expression unchanged. As soon as she touched the ground, she propelled herself forward with even greater speed. This time, instead of a frontal attack, she traced a diagonal movement, forcing Veldrin to raise one of his glaives to block.

The force behind the blow was impressive. Although Ais was still at level one, her mastery of the sword and her instinct in combat were evident.

"She's fast." Veldrin acknowledged it in his mind as he twisted his body, releasing the pressure of the impact. In response, he launched a horizontal slash with his left glaive, forcing Ais to lean back to dodge it.

Xander watched with a satisfied smile. "Not bad, but Veldrin still isn't taking this seriously."

Loki, eyes narrowed, also assessed the scene. "Hmm… my Ais is still improving. If she keeps this up, she'll reach his level soon."

Lili watched without looking away, amazed by the skill of both fighters.

Ais didn't back down. She used the force of her dodge to push herself to the side and change angle. The sword sliced through the air in a downward slash aimed at Veldrin's shoulder.

This time, Veldrin didn't just block, he used his other glaive to press against Ais's blade, tilting it and deflecting it to the side. He took advantage of the opening and launched a low kick.

Ais reacted quickly, jumping to avoid the blow. But in the air she was vulnerable.

Veldrin knew it. In a single movement, he turned his body and launched one of his glaives as if it were a spear.

The edge of the glaive grazed Ais's cheek, forcing her to twist her body in midair to avoid a direct hit. She fell to the ground and rolled, regaining her posture in an instant.

She stood still for a moment, her breathing slightly accelerated. Slowly, she brought her hand to her cheek, where a small scratch appeared.

Her golden eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Further."

Veldrin gave a slight smile. "As you wish."

The fight had just begun.

Ais's eyes shone with determination as she took a breath and said in a firm voice:

"Tempest."

[Author's comment: Please tell me if this is correct, because I know what Ais says to activate Ariel in my language, but not in English.]

Instantly, a current of wind began to swirl around her. Her golden hair fluttered wildly as an invisible barrier of compressed air formed around her, sending up small swirls of dust and leaves in the garden.

Xander crossed his arms in interest. "Wow, so she can activate her magic quickly in combat."

Loki smiled proudly. "Of course. My Ais is not far behind"

Veldrin, however, showed no surprise or concern. Instead, he relaxed his posture and exhaled slowly. Then, with a slight movement of his free hand, he snapped his fingers.

Immediately, an orange glow emerged from his body. Flames danced on his armor and weapons, enveloping him in a scorching aura that distorted the air around him.

Lili instinctively took a step back as she felt the wave of heat emanating from him. "Veldrin…"

Xander let out a low laugh. "Now this is going to get interesting."

Ais did not hesitate. Using Ariel's momentum, she slid forward with incredible speed, her sword tracing an arc of silver light. The cutting wind surrounded her, intensifying the sharpness of her blow.

Veldrin didn't move until the last moment. When the downward slash was about to reach him, he pivoted on his foot and leaned to the side, letting the sword pass inches from his torso.

Ais tried to correct her position, but at that instant, the heat of Immolation hit her hard. Her wind barrier protected her from the direct impact, but the temperature rose drastically around her.

Veldrin took advantage of the distraction and launched a counterattack.

His right glaive sliced through the air in an upward slash wreathed in flames. Ais barely managed to react, crossing her sword to block it. The impact resonated with a burst of sparks and magical pressure.

The clash of Ariel and Immolation caused a gust of fiery wind to spread across the garden.

Ais was pushed back, her feet sliding on the stone floor, but she didn't lose her balance. She adjusted her stance and strengthened her magic, letting Ariel spiral around her.

Veldrin smiled slightly. "Is this all?"

Ais's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Not yet."

Without wasting any time, she launched herself at him again, this time with even more speed.

Xander and Loki watched the scene attentively.

"Who do you think will win?" Loki asked with amusement.

Xander smiled. "If this keeps escalating… I think we're going to have to intervene before they destroy the garden."

Loki laughed. "I like that better!"

But on the battlefield, neither Ais nor Veldrin were thinking of stopping.

Veldrin calmly stepped back, his gaze fixed on Ais as he assessed the situation. Ariel was still at full power, reinforcing her speed and defense, but maintained by her mind and magical energy.

If he managed to empty her reserves, Ariel would dissipate.

He raised his left glaive and with a slight gesture, the fiery energy surrounding him condensed at the tip of the weapon. Immediately, a purplish-blue flash crackled in the air before shooting straight towards Ais.

It was a simple but effective spell.

Burn Mana.

An ethereal ray traveled the distance between them in an instant.

Ais tried to react, turning her sword to intercept it, but the energy beam was not physical. It passed through without resistance, striking her in the chest.

A chill ran through her body as she felt a sudden tug on her energy, as well as a small burning sensation. It wasn't a direct attack or an impact that threw her back, but something more subtle and dangerous: a drain.

His connection with Ariel was shaken.

Xander raised an eyebrow. "Huh. Interesting strategy."

Loki narrowed her eyes. "That movement… is it draining his mind?"

Xander nodded with a smile. "Exactly. If she keeps using his magic, she will use it up even faster."

Ais frowned as she felt the pressure on her energy. Ariel didn't immediately dissipate, but her intensity began to fluctuate.

Veldrin did not miss the opportunity.

He advanced quickly, his glaives wreathed in fire, seeking to force Ais to expend even more magic on defense.

Ais moved to block, but with each clash, she felt Ariel growing more unstable. Burning Mana continued to drain her reserve, and though she could hold on for a bit longer, she understood Veldrin's intention.

If she continued like this, she would run out of resources before the fight ended.

Lili watched the fight with wide eyes. "Veldrin is amazing… he's winning without even needing to outclass her."

Xander crossed his arms proudly. "That's how he fights. He controls the pace of the fight until his opponent has no more options."

Ais, however, was not one to give up easily.

She took a deep breath and made a decision.

If Veldrin tried to exhaust her, then she just had to end the fight before that happened.

She gripped the hilt of his sword tighter and advanced with even greater speed, launching a fierce attack.

Veldrin felt the pressure with each clash of weapons, his strategy was working. With each exchange, Ais spent more of her mind, and Ariel fluctuated with each passing second.

But then, amid a flash of steel and flame, Ais took a breath and determinedly repeated one last time:

"Tempest."

A blast of wind enveloped her again, propelling her speed and power to the maximum in a final attempt to decide the fight.

Veldrin barely had time to react.

Ais disappeared from sight in an instant, moving with a speed that surpassed even his enhanced reflexes.

A hum in the air was the only warning before the steel pierced his flesh.

Ais's sword pierced his left shoulder.

The impact was brutal. His body leaned back from the force of the blow, his left glaive falling from his hand as the burning sensation spread up his arm.

Lili gasped. "Veldrin!"

Loki whistled, impressed. "That girl… what a way to end the fight."

Xander watched the scene with a mix of surprise and pride. Ais had played her last card with surgical precision, using what was left of her mind to secure her victory.

But then he noticed something.

Veldrin, though wounded, was still standing.

Ais was breathing heavily, her body shaking from the effort. Ariel began to slowly dissipate, her magic drained.

Veldrin exhaled and, with his right arm still functional, raised his second glaive and pressed it against Ais's neck.

A tired smile appeared on his face.

"Nice try… but in a real fight, you still could have died."

Ais blinked in surprise. Then, feeling her energy finally leaving her, she dropped her sword and dropped to her knees.

The fight was over.

Lili rushed towards Veldrin with a frown, taking out several healing potions from her bag.

"Veldrin, take it quickly!" she said urgently, offering him a bottle of glowing liquid.

Veldrin accepted the potion with a slight smile and drank it immediately. His wounds began to slowly heal, though he still felt the pain from the impact.

A few steps away, Ais was still on her knees, breathing heavily. Lili looked at her with a mixture of disdain and resignation before taking another potion out of her bag.

"Ugh… here," she finally said, handing it to her with obvious reluctance.

Ais blinked, looking at the potion and then at Lili.

Loki laughed. "Hey, what was that? It looked like you were handing over your last coin."

Lili puffed out her cheeks. "Lili is not to blame for that blonde stabbing Veldrin!"

Xander chuckled, crossing his arms as he watched the dynamic. "Come on, Lili, it was a fair fight. Ais was exhausted too."

Ais, without saying anything, took the potion and drank it calmly. Little by little, her breathing stabilized and the extreme tiredness diminished.

Veldrin, now recovered, reached out and picked up his second glaive from the ground. He then looked at Ais with a neutral expression.

"You have talent," he said finally. "But if you really want to improve, there's a lot of work to be done." Ais stared at him and nodded seriously.

Loki patted his little swordswoman on the back. "Well, that was entertaining. What do you say, Ais? Did you learn anything new?"

Ais, still staring at Veldrin, simply nodded again.

Xander smiled, seeing the seed of a future rivalry between them.

Ais stood up with some difficulty and looked directly at Veldrin. She lightly clenched her hands, as if searching for the right words, and then slightly bowed her head.

"I'm sorry… for hurting you."

Veldrin blinked, surprised by the apology. Then he shook his head, running a hand over the shoulder where he had been hit.

"You don't have to apologize," he replied calmly. "It was a real fight, and you didn't hold back. That's what matters."

Ais looked up, her golden eyes shining with determination. "But… still."

Veldrin sighed, though not in annoyance. "If I apologized every time I hit you in combat, we'd never be finished."

Ais seemed to think about it for a moment and then nodded slowly.

Loki, watching the scene, smiled in amusement. "Hey, hey, how touching. It almost seems like they're becoming friends."

Lili snorted. "Lili doesn't think that will happen anytime soon!"

Xander laughed at Lili's reaction and then looked at Ais. "If you feel bad, the best thing you can do is make sure it was worth it."

Ais thought about it for a moment before nodding firmly.

"So, all good then," Xander concluded with a smile. "Now, does anyone else want to stab Veldrin or can we get on with the day?"

Loki burst out laughing, while Lili still had her arms crossed with a frown. Ais, for her part, just nodded again, silently accepting the lesson.

Loki stretched with a satisfied smile, taking one last look at Veldrin and Ais.

"Well, this was more fun than I expected. It's been a while since I last saw my little Ais giving it her all in a fight." She then turned her gaze to Xander and smiled mischievously. "And it was nice seeing you again, too, Xander. You always end up getting into interesting stuff, though, huh?"

Xander shrugged with a smile. "It's a natural gift."

Loki let out a laugh before jerking her thumb at Veldrin and Lili. "By the way, I'll pay you back for those potions those two used someday. But, uh… don't expect it to be anytime soon." Lili looked at her suspiciously, while Veldrin simply sighed.

Xander laughed. "Sure, sure. I'll put that on my list of debts I'll probably never see paid."

Loki winked at him. "Exactly."

With that, the goddess turned around and began walking with Ais by her side. The swordswoman girl glanced once more at Veldrin before silently following her goddess.

Xander, Veldrin, and Lili watched them leave, before Xander sighed. "Well, that was entertaining. Now, who wants to get dinner?"

Lili immediately raised a hand. "Lili wants it!"

Veldrin simply nodded, adjusting his still sore shoulder. With that, the three of them returned to the headquarters, leaving behind the trail of a fight that would undoubtedly be the first of many.

—

Sorry for the wait

I would like to be able to make more chapters like this, but I find them a bit boring, so I would like opinions.

Should I do more daily life chapters?