The Wandering Fairy [LitRPG World-Hopping]

Amongst a gathering of books and scrolls, a woman that looked to be in her thirties drifted between states of wakefulness. A vibrant white light shrouded her like a heavenly curtain as she sat in a lotus position on the floor. All around her, the world continued to shift. Colossal bookshelves slid on air—their parchments of knowledge coming and going.

This was the Grand Dungeon Library.

Standing in the back, Tina couldn't help but watch her mistress under the sound of ruffled pages. Her lips sinking into a more noticeable frown by the second.

"Another prophecy…" She mumbled. By now, Tina knew that most of the Mistress' prophecies revolved around Soren. For whatever reason, it seemed as if the Orbits of Fate were becoming more and more impatient.

What exactly have they been up to…

The more she pondered, the more her worries grew heavy. This was especially true for Myrin, who she couldn't fathom surviving on his own. Though he was sly, his laziness knew no bounds. A helpless man obsessed with paints and flowers, and nothing more.

Just picturing his annoying grin is pissing me off… She shook her head slightly then looked back at the Mistress' glowing figure. It hadn't been long since this prophecy began, so she expected to wait a bit longer this time.

Suddenly, the faint sound of footsteps was heard from behind. She twisted her head back slightly, noticing a very old man covered in rags slowly entering the floating room.

"You are…?"

He smiled warmly then bowed his head. "Nothing more than an old relic. No need to be so pressed."

She furrowed her brows. Strange… I thought only those with an access key can reach this level of the library… Her suspicions only grew wilder the more she analyzed his features. Greyish white hair, decrepit robes covering him head to toe, and to top it all off, he was barefoot… He reminded her of the countless slumrats she would find in Staterra, huddling around poorly lit bonfires for warmth.

Just as she was about press further, she heard a familiar voice call out to her:

"Let him be, Tina. I know this man."

"Mistress?" Tina's eyes widened. She turned to find the Witch of Star Fate active once again. Her prophecy had ended quicker than usual.

"Indeed," Sienna nodded with a warm smile. She then glanced at the old gentleman standing behind Tina and nodded in his direction.

"Mistess, do you know this man?"

"Of course," she chuckled. "You do as well."

Tina's eyes narrowed as she tried to remember, but nothing came up. All she could do was rub her chin slowly. "I don't seem to recall…"

"That is quite alright, dear. Don't worry about me—I'd like to have a private conversation with this gentleman."

Hearing this, all Tina could do was shrug and turn to the door. But not before getting one last look at the old man. In the end, she could still not remember who he was.

Seeing her leave the floating room, the old man finally pulled down his hood, flashing another smile at the young lady surrounded by books and scrolls.

"I hope I am not interrupting you."

"Not at all," She shook her head slightly and chuckled. "I've been expecting you, Guntharion."

The old man sighed, "I prefer to go with Gunther now. It's a lot more modern, don't you think?"

"They say the young desire to be old, and the old desire to be young. I never thought I would see such an extreme example of this phrase."

He snorted while rolling His eyes. "You're one to talk, Witch. Centuries can't hope to describe your soul's age."

Sienna's eyes narrowed. "You want to count even the time I spend inside my prophecies? How unfair…"

"Accurate assessments are the definition of fair. Besides, you know better than most about your lifespan. Those prophecies do not come cheap. How much longer do you have?"

Sienna looked up, past the unroofed walls of this floating room and unto the colossal hole from which this Grand Dungeon Library began. Her lips curled up into a smile.

"Twenty years. Though, I don't believe I'll need all that time."

Gunther scoffed. "Mortals really have it easy…"

"Your role cannot end here." She chuckled. "You said something very similar to my disciple, didn't you?"

"How cheeky." The old man shook His head. He walked over the scattered scrolls, finding an empty spot to sit on. Then, He rummaged through the sacks in His robe, pulling out a strange, pocket-sized obsidian cauldron. Dark mist poured out from the top, as if it were over a flame.

"You have something for me?" She asked while crossing her arms. The look on her face told Him she was aware of everything.

Gunther sighed, "Even if time is running out, overusing [Cosmic Prospection] will only hinder your plans. You should try to enjoy life sometimes."

She laughed softly. "I am the type who enjoys knowing the play before attending it."

"How boring…" He shook his head again then allowed for something to "leave" the cauldron. It didn't take long for an object to pour out of it with the rest of the dark mist. A rolled up parchment tightened by a crimson knot.

"The second scroll…" She mumbled, to which Gunther nodded:

"Indeed. I assume you know why?"

All she could do was smile softly. It was as if she had already anticipated this day's arrival.

Gunther didn't hesitate to hand her the old document.

"I will be honest—I never expected him to defeat Her in the Mirror Game."

Sienna stopped analyzing the scroll and looked back up at Gunther. Her gaze tightening.

"You dare underestimate my disciples?"

The old man couldn't help but smile cheekily. "Disciples? I thought you had no disciples?"

Her lips parted, as if wanting to say something, but no words came out. Eventually, she chuckled.

"Indeed… It seems I too have changed a lot.

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"I have that insolent brat to thank for that, no doubt."

Gunther rubbed his chin. "He certainly is interesting. Arrogant, foolish, but also strangely intelligent. It's as if he seeks stupidity on his own accord."

"Is that why you believed he wouldn't succeed in the Mirror Game?"

"Nay," He shook his head with a chuckle. Looking Sienna in the eye, the old man smiled and said:

"It's because of his aversion to failure."

Hearing this, Sienna leaned back, staring once again at the grand ocean of space filled with books and scrolls above her floating room.

Gunther knew why. They both did. But neither could say it directly.

Eventually, the old man sighed and stood up, heading for the door.

"It's been an interesting conversation, Last Witch of Star Fate. You are right—I do still have a role to play.

"And so do you."

She glanced back down at the ancient scroll in her hands. This time, there was no masking her frown.

"Answer me this, He Whose Steps Walk Twilight… Ser Guntharion…

"What exactly is your role?.."

The old man paused for a second, as if to ponder her question. Turning His head back, Guntharion answered:

"To save my daughter."

As the mighty steeds marched down the snowy path, Illythia couldn't help but stare at the sun—watching it slowly hide behind the newly arriving clouds. The frigid wind brushed against her fair skin, sending a cold chill through her bones.

"My lady. Another blizzard is expected." The voice of one of her knights reached her.

The Silver Valkyrie didn't bat an eye. She continued leading her horse, watching the royal banners of the Silver Wing Sisterhood flutter in the wind.

"We will arrive at the Nagashi Village soon enough. Keep moving forward."

"Yes, my lady."

Suddenly, another knight drew close with their horse. She turned to see a young woman with her dark hair tied into a pony tail. She wore silver plated armor underneath her fur coat, with a mysterious glaive sheathed to her back.

Sinara of house Lumin. One of Illythia's most trusted vassals. Her illustrious figure was as enchanting as ever. Blowing warm air at her palms, the poised knight asked:

"My lady. I don't mean to pry, but… Did The Pale Lady say something to you? The mood within the Sisterhood seems off lately."

Illythia expected such a question. No doubt, Sinara was likely being pressured by her own house to find out more… Though, she didn't really mind. It wasn't as if it was a big secret—most who wanted to know already knew.

"The Elves have fallen into peril. Their Matron of Faith has unfortunately passed."

"Passed?" Sinara's eyes widened. "Is it… the Vynasians?"

She nodded, "Indeed. I am unsure how it happened, but the truth was discovered fairly quickly thanks to our astrologists and seers. Already, certain factions within the Aelloran government have begun to move in secret, likely hoping to take advantage of the chaos."

"Those fools…" Sinara spat.

"Fools indeed. But in a way, this is mostly a matter of experience. Unlike us and the Yadrians, Aellora has never fully faced the Vynasian threat. While the nobles worshipping the Gold-Giver sit quietly upon their wealth, the world around them continues to crumble without them knowing it. Truly dregs covered in silk."

Sinara rubbed her chin. "What about the factions that follow the teachings of the Greenfather?"

Illythia shook her head. "Those damned idiots are even worse. At least the Church of Brilliance is shamelessly unapologetic regarding its ways. Meanwhile, the Church of Nature preaches protection of the Greenfather's orchids while the soil they rest upon rots and festers. They would much rather hold a grudge against the elves for the Crimson Massacre than at the individuals who facilitated its occurrence."

Sinara chuckled. "What's that saying again? Losing the forest for the trees?"

The Silver Valkyrie could only shake her head in disappointment.

"Still," Sinara continued, "This is a bit worrying… Our history against the elves may be long, but it is also true that our goals align this time. If the Vynasians are not stopped, this entire continent will soon be covered in flames."

Illythia nodded. "That is why The Pale Lady has tasked me with this mission. Cassia of the Nagashi—it was said that she was the only survivor from that disaster fifty years ago… The Vynasians were related to it."

"I still don't understand," The War Maiden shook her head. "We've investigated this incident for a while now, and have arrived at no leads. Though this may sound disrespectful, it feels to me as if The Pale Lady is lying…"

Illythia remained silent. As if trying to think of an answer.

Eventually, she sighed. "I don't believe so. If she was lying, then she would not have told it in the way she did."

The confusion was to be expected. After all, The Pale Lady was the last generation's Fifth Valkyrie of the Silver Wing Sisterhood. After retiring, she was given the title of Pale Lady—she who watches over justice with pale eyes. Most of Illythia's sisters (including herself) looked up to her fondly. But it was clear that not all was right with the poor woman. As if her mind was stuck elsewhere…

It was only after Illythia took up the mantle of Silver Valkyrie that she learned the truth. According to the Pale Lady's own accounts, she and the rest of her battalion participated in a massacre of heretics… The Nagashi Tribe.

The Silver Moon Church obviously hid all mentions of this event. Though they preached damnation for those who bask in the worship of the Old Gods, they also preach for clarity in justice… Those caught committing heretical acts are usually sent to a tribunal to be judged fairly under the light of the Mother.

As for the Isolationist Tribes like the Nagashi, a more diplomatic approach was usually taken to preserve the peace. As long as these groups remained hidden without trying to spread their gospel, the Silver Moon Church would usually tolerate their existence and turn a blind eye to their activities.

This was especially true for the Nagashi, who they held a centuries-old pact with. Since the Tolarion White Expanse was harsh even for the Staterran government's forces to conquer, they needed a staging ground to expand their operations further North.

Statue Town was perfect for their plans.

Located in the grand Hedra Plains, Staterra saw easy access into the North. The only problem was the wild-life and climate. The frequent blizzards made long-term communications and travel extremely difficult. And with countless unknown Spirit Beasts roaming freely, it quickly became a problem for the already freezing expedition forces.

That was why they turned to the Nagashi for help. In exchange for teaching the Staterrans about the environment and providing them with shelter and food, the Silver Moon Church would provide cover for the Nagashi Tribe as well as trading goods they would usually never gain access to for cheap.

This mutual pact lasted for centuries, even after the Staterran government eventually gave up on its ambitions of conquering the star-lit mountain.

That was at least, until the Pale Lady's arrival fifty years ago… Being a Silver Valkyrie at the time, She and her battalion had finally arrived at Statue Town for an inspection… But the events that occurred after were truly from a nightmare.

A complete and utter massacre of men, women, and children. One that was unwarned and unabashed. Illythia could almost imagine their perspective… People you had thought of as allies once again visiting your home.

Not with gifts, but with knives and swords. All gleefully wishing to drown in your blood.

And yet, despite the visceral descriptions of genocide, The Pale Lady continued to insist she was innocent. To such a degree that many assumed her own guilt had driven her mad. She continued to assert that the memories of what happened were not real, despite retelling them over and over to all who may want to hear. No one really believed her.

As for the Nagashi Tribe itself—all of its Drakari members were slain, leaving only a few humans who eventually passed away as well. All that was left was that unrecoverable scar… A scar that none could heal. The tribe became even more isolationist than before, vowing no contact with anyone.

That was until Cassia was discovered…

After the Crimson Ritual Incident, Illythia and many within the SIlver Moon Church began to investigate. And after much information gathering, they were able to recover Cassia's true identity. What's worse, they soon realized that they weren't alone in this discovery—the Vynasians had also marked her as a target.

And so, after much time deliberating, the Pale Lady decided to order Illythia on a mission to bring Cassia back to her tribe and to see if she could discover the truth of what had occurred half a century ago.

"There is much left to do, Sinara. Whether the truth is what the Pale Lady says it is or not is not something we can decide based on our own judgements. Only after all the evidence is gathered can we form conclusions…"

"Indeed," The poignant knight nodded. "I believe we should investigate Elder Kaalan again… I still feel he may be hiding something."

"[Truth Bearer] showed no signs of lies being told." Illythia retorted. "But I do understand where you're coming from. Something about him seems off…"

Just as her faithful vassal was about to respond, Illythia noticed something suspicious in the distance. Past the strange array of snow-covered statues, the silhouette of a colossal serpent could be seen. This was the Serpent Statue for where the tribe was located.

But strangely, the statue wasn't all that she saw. Colossal clouds of smoke could be seen bellowing from the top, as if massive flames had erupted within.

"This is…"

"My Lady," Sinara interrupted. "Look there." She pointed toward the base of the statue, where a line of silhouetted figures could be seen marching through the snow. It seemed as if they were desperately trying to flee their home.

"Onwards!" The command reached the entire battalion. Illythia led the charge forward, ordering her steed to go faster and faster in the snow.

Eventually, they reached their destination. The sight stopped them cold: children and young warriors hiking through thick snow. All of them were bloodied and broken, as if they had just escaped a warzone. No one in the group spoke—their faces clinging to the ground.

Leading the pack were two people sitting quietly upon an Ashari Spirit Beast. One was cradling a young child in her arms.

"Uruk and Isha?" Sinara's eyes widened.