Dawn Traveler

The Empire’s Divide

Part 1

Jiss returned to the Elves’ Forest after the dungeon exploration.

“My training was too lacking as of late. The body cannot be ignored even for a single day.”

Rendall went towards the training area in the inner forest to train right away, and the dwarf Nedhand went straight to the forge.

“Hm. It seems I will have to work all night tonight.”

His actual objective was not to make something at the forge, but rather drink all the beer he had bought from Ellim.

Jiss went with Hereseh to inspect the items they brought from the hunt.

“Hm. This magician Raven was a 5th circle magician.”

The magician Hereseh inspected the relics.

From a grave robber’s point of view, the sense of accomplishment came after discovering large sum of silver, gold and gems. However for him inspecting the leftover research was just as fulfilling.

Jiss was also able to observe the magic scrolls and the materials next to Hereseh.

“So he was a magician lesser than you, master.”

“Just because you are of a higher circle, that does not necessarily mean you have a deeper understanding of magic. It seems Raven was a magician who studied earth magic. No wonder the cave was quite large.”

“So are there any new discoveries in his research?”

“Earth magic is useful for everyday life in many ways. Finding wells, or making the land more fertile, such is possible with earth magic.”

“But still, isn’t earth magic unpopular amongst the magicians?”

“Yes. As there are many magic that are useful for people, there aren’t many who primarily study earth magic. There isn’t many offensive earth magic and it lacks efficiency, so it is not a very popular element. You also need formidable knowledge if you want to increase your earth magic mastery. On the other hand if the user can raise the circle high enough, the user can accomplish unimaginable things…. the magician can even cause earthquakes and destroy an entire castle. However seeing as he was only a 5th circle, I don’t think such skills were within his reach yet.”

Jiss was able to read Hereseh’s mind at this moment.

– I was also in the 5th circle just a moment before. However since I am of the 6th circle…. I have become completely different from the past.

A 5th circle magician is typically respected anywhere he goes for his considerable skill.

They are able to teach beginner magicians at the magic tower, and are also given considerable compensation so that they can continue their own research.

They are also considered as powerful individuals amongst the mercenaries as well.

When a person reaches the 6th circle, the level of respect changes completely. Wherever the magician goes, he can receive a nobility status higher than the viscount.

Even at the magic tower, the magician receives endless compensation and are exempt from the responsibility of needing to teach others.

Hereseh sorted the research records, magic encyclopedia, and the earth magic books.

“It would be good even for you to read these earth magic books.”

“But I am just barely learning the 2nd circle.”

“Elementary earth magic does not require manipulating nature so it is all good knowledge to have. I will pick out the books around your level.”

Jiss received 5 big fat books.

– Easy to memorize how to earth magic beginners guide.

– Breakdown of lasting destructiveness of earth magic.

– 12 characteristics of land that has been cursed.

– Records of deepest part of earth shaking.

– Records of how long it takes for earth to recover.

Just from looking at the titles of the books, they seemed significantly difficult.

The books weren’t at a level a 12 year old could read, however Jiss had a combined life experience of a 24 year old.

Jiss opened a book next to a bonfire during nighttime.

“Hm. This would be cumbersome if it was just studying, but since I will be learning how to use earth magic from these books…..”

In the clear and clean Elves’ Forest, the dried branches burnt away.

Jiss sensed small curious animals coming by every once in a while to see what was going on.

– Easy to memorize how to earth magic beginners guide.

I, Raven, who loves earth magic, is leaving this record.

We humans live day to day not realizing how grateful we should be to the land.

The earth that does not desire for anything constantly provide us with endless supply of life force and ……………….

Jiss just skimmed over the introduction and flipped the papers.

The elemental guide had records of basic earth magic principles and mana and earth interaction.

Such as simple 2nd circle magic which made a wall using sand, or skills which dug through the land and brought up the water from the underground well below.

“Even just these magics will seem like a miracle to common folks.”

Powerful knights were relatively common but magicians were still worshiped by the commoners as bringers of miracles.

It is recorded in history that the beginner magicians 3000 years ago even paraded around as Gods.

It was then when the magic kingdom Alkasais was born.

However, even though it was the Alkhasais empire that set the foundation of the magic studies, the kingdom declined after the empire invented the magic armor.

The influence and power declined compared to when the kingdom was first born, however it is still considered as the hometown of magicians.

Part 2

The daily life in the Elves’ Forest was pretty much the same everyday.

When morning came, Jiss ate fruits from trees and bread knead from grains for breakfast.

“The fruit in this town is so delicious.”

Jiss was at his happiest moment when he was eating fruit.

There were some bad parts not being to eat meat, however for the most part there was nothing to complain about food in the Elves’ Forest.

Ripe fruits in the forest melted in the mouth like butter.

Not only the fruits were very sweet, they were also deliciously sour and released luscious aromas.

And the fruits that required to be grilled first contained unique savory flavor.

If you were to bring fruits from the real world, such as watermelons or peaches, even animals wouldn’t eat them in the Elves’ Forest.

“THIS is nature.”

He filled his stomach with fruits that never even touched insecticides or dust.

Jiss’s work for the day started after breakfast.

Morning run with Grona, physique training with Rendall, unique crafting lessons from Nedhand, and magic discussion with Hereseh.

After all this came the nighttime, and the archery lessons begin with Lishiansus.

The high elf who would be considered number one even in the entire continent.

That man’s training surpassed all imagination.

“The best point of archery is, with it, you can attack all enemies in your field of vision.”

Jiss asked a question after Lishiansus’s statement.

“What if the enemy is behind cover?”

“Then you just need to make a curve shot.”

“What if they block with a shield, or hide behind a wall?”

“Just penetrate it. Why do you think the arrowhead is for?”

Such were the teachings from Lishiansus.

“What if the enemy count is close to hundred?”

“How far are they?”

“Um, let’s say 50 meters for example.”

“That is nothing. Just fire the arrows before they come. You will just have to shoot about four each second.”

“But there will still be enemies left afterwards?”

“You just have to penetrate four, five at a time.”

“Keeuuk.”

The unstoppable force, archer Lishiansus.

‘Elvish talent surely is different. Though Lishiansus-nim is unique even amongst the high elves.’

He now understood why Nedhand squinted his eyebrows and stated ‘they are ruining the beer flavor’ just at the sight of an elf.

“This is difficult? Why can’t you do it even though I showed you.”

“I am not sure. If you can give me some explanations…….”

“Watch carefully. You just have to observe and follow what I am doing. Easy yes?”

There were 45 elves learning archery from Lishiansus other than the human Jiss as well.

After learning archery from Lishiansus, it is said they are given the task to protect the forest for about a hundred years.

With their light bodies, the elves swifted ran on top of the tree branches and were able to fire 3, 4 arrows in mid jump at a time.

To not fall behind the elves, Jiss tried his best during the archery training.

Due to the human physique being generally heavier than an elve’s, he had to run as if he was going to die, even with the forest’s breath.

Next to the training Jiss, there stood the history’s most beautiful elf, Allium.

“You think you can do this too Jiss?”

“Of course. Too easy. But I am a little tired today so I will do it tomorrow.”

As a man he did not want to show her his weak side.

Throughout the whole night he reflected upon the lessons, and caught up to the others by training from dawn.

“Try to catch me. Jiss!”

“Here I come.”

The hide and seek with Allium was a like hurricane.

It was worlds different from a typical ‘catch me if you can’ couples played.

Allium was truly an innocent maiden.

To not get caught, she ran through the obstacles faster than the wind.

Jiss still had a body of a teenager, however his heart was devious.

‘I am going to catch her. I am going to absolutely catch her!’

Due to the special characteristics of the Elves’ Forest, within it, Allium far surpassed the speed a human could chase.

Allium, who only became farther even though Jiss was running as if he is going to die.

‘Keeeuuk. I really wanted to catch her today!’

Part 3

Churp churp~.

The clear bird noises.

It seems the Elves’ Forest repeated the same cycle every day but this was not entirely true.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter.

As there were different seasons in the forest, animals also grew and migrated to different areas.

Rendall, Laurelle, Grona, Nedhand, Hereseh.

Everyone was solely intoxicated in their own training.

They analyzed the countless artifacts they found from the tombs, and they never showed negligence in their training, so they would be able to protect their bodies.

Jiss was also busy in his own way.

“It is not like I am going to be in the Elves’ Forest for a thousand years, so I better eat well while I am still here.”

Medicinal herbs were plentiful in the forest, where it was full of life force.

Amongst Hereseh’s books, Jiss used the book which well described the herbs that were beneficial to human bodies to find and eat as much as he can.

During his free time he ventured through the forest alone to find something to eat.

“Keeuhh. Even the herbs are different here. These are without a doubt the best. It pretty much wouldn’t get any more perfect if I had some sweet fruits and chicken right now.”

He also found herbs for injuries and poison treatment, dried them, and stored them as well.

Though Hereseh’s books, even if Jiss wasn’t an expert, he knew how to properly store herbs.

Even just the fact that a human was able to stay at the Elves’ Forest during the chaotic Gratess civil war alone was amazingly preferential.

It was all thanks to the priestess Laurelle and the elven elder, however Jiss was still uneasy.

“It feels like we are living off a lease or renting. I better pack up as much as I can before we leave the forest.”

Even in reality, it hasn’t been much time since his parents bought an apartment through a loan.

He explored the the forest thoroughly as much as the anxiety he felt.

The sea of forest filled with the blue trees.

A beautiful scenery was something only a bard or a noble, who knew of romance, would want to sight see.

Jiss of course was the same.

“The deeper parts of the forest should have all sorts of herbs. I have to take care of my body now, so I will struggle less when I become old.

The side effects from the difficult training.

He treated the muscle fatigue and the mana depletion with the medicinal herbs.

Even though Jiss was young, he loved all medicinal herbs good for the body.

Part 4

“Lal lala~”

Allium was walking in the forest early in the morning. The wind followed the rhythm of her voice and rustled the leaves, and the fairies danced.

Depending on their disposition, the elves can typically handle at least two or three kind of spirits.

The high elf Allium was able to summon the spirit of the wind, spirit of the water, spirit of the trees, spirit of the earth, spirit of the light, and the spirit of the fire.

Though the ability to summon many spirits did not necessarily make her powerful, there were definitely many pros.

Since in terms of magic, this was pretty much same as being able to use all elements.

“It would be great if Jiss was also able to handle the spirits. Hehehe.”

A recent memory came to her mind.

Jiss asked her, what was her secret to being able to summon to many spirits.

“Secret? But all I did was just become their friend?”

“Then is there an easy way to become friendly with them?…..”

“Just friendly reach out your hand to the spirits.”

“That is all?”

“Yup. You just have to become friends.”

If there is a spirit master nearby, it is easier to become friendly with the spirits and learn how to summon them.

Jiss extended his finger towards the water spirit.

The spirit reacted instantly.

– Kyyaaaaaaaak!

“Eung?”

– An evil human is bothering me!

“…..”

The water spirit that ran away after splashing a bucket of water on Jiss’s face!

Looking back, it seemed Jiss was wronging the spirits when he played with the spirits Grona summoned as if they were toys.

Allium smiled brightly.

“It seems you don’t have any affinity with the water spirits. Then I will summon the wind spirits for you.”

“Okay. Even I think wind spirits will be fine.”

Jiss reached out to the wind spirit that looked like a kid traveler with a cloak.

– Go away, you human!

The wind spirit summoned a gust in that instant and ran away after slapping Jiss in the face with the wind.

“You bastards!”

He was angry but he calmed himself since spirits were useful in many ways.

Magic was solely controlled by the user, however you had to ask the spirits for their assistance.

‘Calm down. Calm down and try again. If I give up just because I am angry, I will regret it for the rest of my life.’

This time a tree spirit was summoned.

However the spirit that resembled a tree branch swayed as if striking Jiss’s finger.

The earth spirit dug into the ground the second it was summoned and rejected Jiss right away.

The spirit of the fire showed a little different mannerism.

– Keeuuuu.

“Eung? Do you feel some friendliness towards me?”

– Keuureeeuuureuuu

“Yea. That’s cool. If you will accept me as your friend, from then, you can be my underling and my comrade.”

– Keuuuaaaakkk!

Whooooosh

As Jiss neared his finger, the fire spirit released a fiery storm in all direction.

“It’s dangerous!”

Allium yelled in concern.

Of course Jiss had already expected this and dodged the fire by rolling on the ground.

Even after Jiss was farther away, the fire spirit continued to release the flame.

“Ah. It seems I seriously have absolutely no affinity towards any spirits.”

Jiss spoke in discouragement.

There were no other spirits left to summon either.

“Hehehe.”

Allium who was thinking about the past, released a small satisfactory laughter.

Jiss’s rotten expression was fresh and funny to look at for the elvish girl. (Zix: Sadist alert.)

Other elvish parents typically do not allow their children to hang around with humans.

Human influence was dangerous for an elf.

This was because they would get bored living the quiet forest, and leave the forest just to face all different sorts of hardships.

– Humans are….. just one of many different animals.

– The race that destroys the forest and worships technology and magic. The children of God who has lost all nobility.

Elves did not value their race itself much highly. However Lishiansus’s opinions differed from the other typical elves.

– Humans are clumsy and unskilled so they are fun to observe. Humans or elves, they are both immature. Only time will tell which of the two race will be the one to advance.

Typical lifespan of a high elf is 1000 years.

If they show interest in longevity like Jiss and consume healthy foods, they can live 200 to 300 more years.

Lishiansus also thought of living this long life doing nothing but taking care of small animals and the forest was foolish.

He believed it was important to explore the world and meet other races such as humans.

– Even though it hurts us sometimes, time is a medicine that cures our wounds. Even if you fall you can rise again, and weeds that never saw the sunlight also tend to be weak.

Lishiansus was planning to take Allium into the human world himself in the future, and tour around the human world together. He thought before that happened, it wouldn’t be bad for her to know at least one human or so.

– Jiss. I’m also curious how he will turn out in 20 to 30 years or so.

Allium was also benign towards humans, due to Lishiansus’s influence.

The first time she saw Jiss was when he was merely 6 years old. Now it had been 6 years she had spent with Jiss within the forest.

Allium collected the herbs Jiss was looking for before and smiled shyly.

“Later on…. When Jiss becomes a little older…. Should I live about 100 years with him?” (Zix: Jiss you dawg.)

Part 5

The war for the crown inheritance of the Gratess empire!

The war that plunged the continent into chaos, finally began to reach its end.

The battle between the prime king candidate and the third prince impoverished the once fertile granaries, and destroyed advanced modern cities and great forts that once seemed like giant brick walls.

The fourth prince who lacked manpower tried to increase his forces by allying with the foreign countries, however negotiations failed and he lost his life.

As for the fifth prince Rognak, he had nothing but bad reputation floating within the mainstream.

“If there is a power struggle, he will definitely be the first to die.”

“Allying with him would be same as suicide.”

The empire’s nobles rejected Rognak.

Many nobles also turned their backs on Rognak due to his violent nature.

Though Rognak had many faults in his personality, he was quick witted and knew how to handle people.

He accepted any skilled people with open arms, even if they were heinous.

“There is someone out there in the world that can be of my strength. Go find them. When I become the emperor, I will be able to grant them anything they desire.”

Rognak’s forces pulled in the Pleyisen race and the black magicians nobles feared and despised.

Though this move was hard to justify and lacked morality, in times of anarchy, power gave authority.

The moment civil war broke out, Rognak increased his forces by instilling fear into the citizens by destroying and setting fires to the surrounding cities.

The residents of the lands he conquered had no choice but to support Rognak out of fear.

The knights were also recruited by kidnapping their family members and using them as hostages.

Due to the three princes fighting over the crown, the empire’s national power also dwindled.

“If I lose this opportunity…… I will never be able to escape from the shadow of the empire.”

Then the declaration of independence from the Verkas duchy!

The Gratess empire was too engulfed in its own civil war to send any forces to stop the Verkas duchy rom breaking off.

Following the Verkas duchy, 17 more duchies broke off from the empire at the same time.

“We the Roin kingdom had to pay tributes of women, grain, and slaves to the Gratess empire every year under their rule. From today, the Roin kingdom is free.”

“The empire lost the right to rule over us. The treaty we held 170 years ago is now null.”

“Destroy the empire’s order!”

20 colonies also declared their independence.

The Gratess empire grew weak as they even lost the colonies right next to their empire.

The magic armors which determined the force of the armies were destroyed, and the brave knights also lost their lives.

As they were previously depending on the colonies to provide them with supplies, now that the colonies declared their independence, the empire faced starvation.

The mannerisms of the other kingdoms changed as well.

“We can no longer allow the Gratess empire the right to rule the continent.”

“Now is the time to satisfy our hatred of 300 years.”

Invasion from the neighboring kingdoms!

This was an event unimaginable for the Gratess empire just 10 years ago.

With the empire’s great army and the knights, they were able to transform any kingdom into a field of ashes with the power of the magic armors.

But now, the Gratess empire’s army was in shambles and there was no leadership in place to stop the invasion.

The king candidate, the third prince, and the fifth prince now delayed mobilizing their forces, and tried to position themselves in an advantageous position in the civil war.

“The empire is finished. Even the family’s livelihood will no longer be safe if we stay here.”

The year Jiss became 13 years old, countless nobles fled the empire to different kingdoms.

This was because even if someone would actually become the emperor at this point, it would be difficult to deal with all the problems.

“I am better than my elder brother in every way, the only difference is he was born earlier than I was….. Our quarrel ended up destroying the empire!”

The third prince started a new kingdom named Heron by the West with his supporters.

“Kuheuuheuu. If it was going to turn out this way in the end. What fools.”

The fifth prince took part of south and created a new kingdom called Keudon in the east.

“The time has come. Let us wipe out the foolish and dirty royal blood from this world!”

Duke Anchulen united the rest of the southern land, Rognak was unable to conquer.

The royalty of the northeastern land, who were tired of the civil war, also united under the new kingdom Nerumis.

The Gratess empire who once ruled the Marka continent had fissioned.

“Ah…. the glorious empire has fallen due to childish actions.”

Even until the end the prime king candidate protected the heart of the empire and tried to retain the core system, however his forces was not even one fifth of the original force of the empire.

The small split kingdoms enthusiastically involved themselves in international affairs to enforce national power, however due to their relationships being awful, there were nothing but endless quarrels.

The Gratess empire now being nothing but a name, the nearby kingdoms began to invade other nations since they no longer had a ruler.

Part 6

The Rendall family was not harmed in any way thanks to hiding in the elves forest.

“I did not realize the civil war was going to explode to this level of proportions. It was good that we decided to hide in the forest.”

“You’re right. Though I guess you can say the war opened up some opportunities as well.”

The population of knights decreased due to the war.

There was an abundance of nobles who sided with the wrong faction and faced extermination.

Due to the fall of law and order, many noble graves or stashes have become unprotected.

There were also countless mages that were forced into the front line, thus many dungeons and laboratories were also somewhere unprotected.

These were heart throbbing times for grave robbers.

Rendall grouped with Hereseh, Nedhand, and Grona to have a group meeting.

“This is an opportunity that won’t appear for another several hundred years.” (Rendall)

“Em. I feel the same way. It wouldn’t even be exaggerated to say the continent’s treasures are  laid out in the open for the picking.” (Hereseh)

“Not just us but how long can Jiss live only hanging around amongst the elves? Elves are peaceful but they lack sociability. And I am not only saying this because I want to drink beer.” (Nedhand)

The group decided to leave to the outside world.

This was the most optimum time to hunt tombs, and it seemed the peace was going to last for a bit even though it was still a little dangerous.

Of course, Rendall thought deeply for long before making the final decision.

If safety was the only concern, it was great to stay in the Elves’ Forest.

According to the elves tens of thousands of refugees roamed the lands, and it was a time where life held very little value.

People dying or going missing was a common event.

Just because the war had ended, that did not mean this level of chaos would just subside within a day.

But they had to leave since it had already been seven years in the Elves’ Forest, and they couldn’t afford to live away from society any longer.

“Then let us return to Terace.” (Rendall)

“I wonder if our place in Terace is still intact.” (Hereseh)

“If it is collapsed, then we can just rebuild it sir.” (Rendall)

“I Nedhand shall demonstrate some skills. I will have to make the new basement bigger than the last as well.”

Rendall’s family, Nedhand and Hereseh packed their baggage.

As they were living the Elves’ Forest, there was nothing much to pack.

As the trading routes reopened with the end of the civil war, they decided to move back into Terace with the traders.

– Jiss will keep have to training his swordsmanship even when we return to Terace.

Rendall, as usual, was very interested in Jiss’s training regime.

– I wonder if Mrs.Misha who used to bake us bread is still there? Rasboa’s daughter must have grown up well right? I am going to bring many perfumes made from the flowers as gifts.

As a woman, Laurelle had many items to pack.

– I am curious what type of magic the Terace magicians are interested in nowadays. They will be shocked when they hear of my ascension to the 6th circle. I must get to the city quickly. Research materials, and journals, there is much I must purchase.

Hereseh’s interests were filled with nothing but magic.

Ever since he reached the 6th circle, his passion for truth and research burned even stronger.

– I guess I will go to the Gotu mountain and relax with the dwarves there. Lots of beer I shall drink.

Nedhand was looked forward to drinking beer with his dwarven brethren.

Grona did not have much interest in moving.

After she was released from being a laboratory slave, the only family she had were Rendall, Laurelle, and Jiss.

That is why she decided to follow wherever the Rendall Family went.

“Em. I guess I will have to say my goodbyes to Allium.”

Jiss walked around and said his goodbyes to the elves she often saw as the village.

“Human. Be well.”

– He is leaving.

“Let there be clouds and breeze to ease your travels.”

– I guess I won’t be seeing him again.

“Eat these fruits of the Pao tree in your travels.”

– I was going to throw these out because they tasted bad. I guess I will give it to him.

“Eeerah. These bastards.”

The coldhearted loveless elves!

Most elves spend their long life within the forest alone and live one with the nature.

So most elves have hard time sharing rapport with humans.

“It seems the time has come for us to go our separate ways even though there is will much archery left for you to learn.

Lishiansus was regretful he was not able to teach Jiss anymore.

– I was unable to train him properly because he was still young, how regretful. The real training would have truly began from now on. The last bastard that I taught even begged to be killed instead.

“You have finished the basics, so continue to practice consistently. Even if you have no talent, with time you will become skillful.”

“Yessir!”

Jiss answered with conviction.

It is not easy to get used to the pain of departure. However being able to read the minds of others eased his pain a bit.

– City Terace if I remember correctly. The next time I visit the human world, I will definitely have to visit this brat.

Jiss felt glad to know Lishiansus was actually sad to see his departure. The day of their reunion shall come one day.

-Ah, I will also have to teach him the techniques I was not able to teach him yet. He is not quite mature enough but he should be quite different when we meet again.

Jiss also looked forward to that day deeply.

Lishiansus’s interests only dwelled in swordsmanship and archery.

The man who spent hundreds of years training, will be able to find much happiness in the future to witness his disciple’s growth.

‘I know I have to say something but…. what should I say?’

Jiss finally met with Allium after some hesitations.

“Do you have to leave the forest now?”

“Ya. I must go with my parents.”

“But I heard the human world is dangerous……”

“Well danger is everywhere.”

The 13 year old Jiss tried his best to look cool. His opponent, the elvish beauty who surpassed 140 years of age.

From a man’s point of view, race meant nothing in the face of beauty.

“You must be safe.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t die on you.”

“Don’t get hurt. I am going to visit you later.”

“Okay.”

“You are going to play doctor with me again next time we meet right?

“Ye……ah.”

Jiss felt guilty as if he had taught something bad to the elf who was filled with nothing but innocence.