[attr="class","haniaimage"]❝Light as feathers, as fleeting as Zephyr, one moment they breathed gold, the next they faded.❞

[attr="class","haniascroll"]In the hallowed halls of the Golden Dawn Magic Knights, a seasoned officer called Kenja aside. "Listen, Kenja," the officer said with a stern expression. "I know you've been assigned to deal with those Trolls, but remember, they're endangered mana beasts. We can't afford to kill them or tarnish the honor of our order. Find a way to handle the situation without bloodshed." Kenja nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. With a sense of duty, he accepted the mission, his determination visible in his eyes.

As he set off toward the common realm where the Trolls were said to reside, Kenja's thoughts were a whirlwind. He had faced some magical challenges before, but handling creatures as sentient as Trolls, without causing harm, would be a true test of his skills and morals. In the midst of his reflections, an unsettling realization washed over him. His grimoire, the source of his Pure Aura advanced magic, had fallen silent. His connection to mana seemed severed, and he could no longer perform spells, not even the simplest ones that required no grimoire. It was as if a veil had been drawn over his magical abilities. One he was doing his best not to tell the squad about for fear he would be kicked out of the Golden Dawn. Yet, amidst this confusion, he discovered something peculiar. He could still wield magic, but it was different. Instead of the Pure Aura he was accustomed to, that he was born with, his cantrips manifested as lightning, a manifestation of a bronze-level element. Despite the change, he felt no decrease in his strength or prowess.

As Kenja journeyed on, the weight of uncertainty hung heavy upon him. What had caused this shift in his magic? Why was he suddenly attuned to a different element? With these questions echoing in his mind, he remained determined to uphold the values of the Golden Dawn Magic Knights, find a way to peacefully resolve the Troll situation, and perhaps, along the way, unravel the mystery behind his altered magic.

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[attr="class","haniaimage"]❝Light as feathers, as fleeting as Zephyr, one moment they breathed gold, the next they faded.❞

[attr="class","haniascroll"]As the leaves whispered secrets in the wind and the sunlight danced through the canopy, Kenja suddenly froze. A distant cry for help echoed through the woods, the urgency of the plea sending shivers down his spine. Without hesitation, he set off in the direction of the cry, his instincts guiding him toward the source. The cries grew louder, leading Kenja to a small clearing. What he saw there took his breath away and filled him with a mix of astonishment and concern. Towering over the scene were trolls – hulking, grotesque beings with moss-covered skin and wild, tangled hair. Their faces were rugged and twisted, eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and malevolence. Sinewy muscles rippled beneath their rough, earth-toned hides, giving them an air of formidable strength. In the center of the clearing, Kenja's heart sank as he saw what the trolls were gathered around. A large iron pot, big enough to hold a person, sat atop a makeshift stone hearth. And inside that pot, bound and helpless, was a boy who couldn't have been more than twelve years old. Kenja's throat tightened as he watched the trolls place whole onions and unfamiliar stalks into the pot, their intentions unclear but undeniably sinister.

"These are a lot bigger than I was expecting and I have no magic, just my own raw strength. Will I be enough if I can rescue the boy without killing the trolls? Can I even kill the trolls? I can't get any black stars for the Golden Dawn. They made it clear these are endangered mana creatures." The thoughts rolled through Kenja's mind. Yet, there was a strange glimmer of hope amid the bleakness. No fire had been started yet, and the boy appeared to be relatively unharmed. It was a chance, however slim, to save him from whatever fate the trolls had in store.

Kenja's eyes flickered to the side, and there he saw her – another figure, equally stunned by the scene unfolding before her. A young woman, but he couldn't quite make out who she was until he or she got closer. Even more there seemed to be a man possibly behind her. Desperate to get her attention and make sure they were on the same page, Kenja carefully raised his hand, waving it gently in the girl's direction. His fingers moved in a subtle, beckoning gesture, an invitation for her to approach him. He hoped that she would catch his eye, see his intention, and understand that they needed to coordinate their efforts to rescue the boy.

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[attr="class","haniaimage"]❝Light as feathers, as fleeting as Zephyr, one moment they breathed gold, the next they faded.❞

[attr="class","haniascroll"]As Sumire approached the golden dawn member's beckoning, Kenja's heart lightened. He was glad it was her he saw once the shade was offer her and had hoped she would join him, and her familiar presence brought a sense of reassurance. As she moved to his side, his lips curved into a grateful smile, acknowledging her presence. Her servant's concern didn't go unnoticed, but Sumire's confidence in their ability to handle the situation put him at ease. "Mi'lady, is that wise to leave you with him?" the servant questioned, to which Sumire responded with confidence. "I will be fine, I've done a few dungeons assisting him and a few other magic knights." Kenja's respect for Sumire deepened as he observed her poise and experience. It was clear she was no stranger to challenging situations, and her willingness to face danger head-on was admirable. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Sumire," Kenja addressed her with the proper respect due to their noble statuses. "Hania and Amaya are both doing well, thank you for your thoughtfulness. Amaya absolutely adores the clothing you've designed for her."

Turning his attention back to the trolls and the boy trapped in the pot, Kenja's concern was evident. Kenja nodded, his expression serious. "Indeed, these are trolls. They're not inherently evil, but they can be quite dangerous. Killing them is generally discouraged since they're considered endangered creatures, but the boy's life takes precedence. Trolls possess a limited intelligence, so perhaps we could reason with them. Offering them an alternative food source for tonight might buy us time. If we can help them understand that forming an agreement with the village could be mutually beneficial – food in exchange for protection – we might be able to avoid any violence. Of course, this is just one idea off the fly I thought of. Do you have any yourself or suggestions to build upon mine? This reminds me of a war quote. 'We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors'." He admired Sumire's willingness to approach the situation thoughtfully, she was a noble through and through. "Your experience and insight would be invaluable, Sumire. Together, we could try to negotiate with them. If all else fails, we'll have to prioritize the safety of the boy and intervene, but let's exhaust diplomatic solutions first."

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[attr="class","haniaimage"]❝Light as feathers, as fleeting as Zephyr, one moment they breathed gold, the next they faded.❞

[attr="class","haniascroll"]As Sumire confidently approached the group of trolls, Kenja followed closely behind her, mimicking her composed demeanor while maintaining a cautious awareness of their surroundings. The trolls seemed agitated, their attention shifting between Sumire and Kenja, their massive forms poised for action. Sumire's voice carried a calming tone as she spoke, her words directed at the trolls. He watched as she initiated a deliberate action, stepping on a pair of twigs to create a loud cracking sound. The trolls were momentarily startled, their attention shifting toward Sumire's direction. She stood her ground like one would a charging animal. The trolls moved, their lumbering steps taking them closer to her. Four of them emerged from around the pot, their hulking forms contrasting sharply with Sumire's delicate presence. Their eyes held a mixture of caution and uncertainty. It was clear that these creatures were primal and untamed, yet they bore a semblance of intelligence beneath their brutish exterior.

The trolls remained vigilant, torn between their instincts and this unexpected encounter. As the atmosphere grew tense with anticipation, one of the trolls stepped forward more than the others. He appeared older, his fur more worn and his eyes carrying a glint of curiosity. He was a towering figure, his presence commanding despite the roughness of his appearance. In a voice that was broken and halting, like someone struggling with a new language, the aged troll spoke, "You... talk... like... forest... spirit. Who... you... and... human?" His words were simple, his syntax awkward, but the fact that he was trying to communicate was a sign that there was potential for understanding. Sumire's approach seemed to be working, and Kenja remained by her side, keeping a close watch on the trolls' movements. The aged troll's brow furrowed, his confusion evident. "Human... want... from... us?" he asked, his eyes narrowing with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. The troll's expression remained wary, but he seemed to be considering Kenja and Sumire's presence. "We... hungry...not... share." Kenja's picked up on the troll's guardedness, his watchful stance. He could tell that the trolls were creatures of instinct, driven by basic needs. He wanted to add his perspective to the conversation but felt it was better to let Sumire keep taking the lead on the talking as she was clearly more comfortable with it.

As the conversation unfolded between Sumire and the troll, Kenja found his thoughts briefly wandering, prompted by Sumire's mention of Fu Yue. He had a moment of uncertainty, wondering who exactly Fu Yue was and what the significance of the reference was. "Fu Yue...," he murmured to himself, trying to recall any fragments of information about the name. It wasn't a name he readily recognized from his experiences or interactions. Could it be someone from Sumire's past, someone who held importance to her? Or was it something else entirely? His curiosity deepened when Sumire spoke again, mentioning 'Her.' Was she referring to the same Fu Yue, or was Her a separate entity? Kenja's mind raced with questions, but he knew that now wasn't the time to pry into Sumire's personal history. They were in the midst of a delicate negotiation, and his focus needed to remain on the present situation. Resolving to ask Sumire about it later, when the circumstances allowed, Kenja brought his attention back to the troll conversation unfolding before him. It was a precarious situation, and his instincts told him that every word and action mattered. The trolls were creatures of their environment, driven by basic needs, and finding a way to align those needs with the village's survival was their best chance at a peaceful resolution. More importantly, the safety of the child at the moment.

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[attr="class","haniaimage"]❝Light as feathers, as fleeting as Zephyr, one moment they breathed gold, the next they faded.❞

[attr="class","haniascroll"]Sumire's calm and composed demeanor continued to guide the conversation as she introduced herself to the trolls, explaining her role within the Honoka family and her willingness to trade for the boy's safety. The tension in the air was palpable as the negotiations hung in the balance, and Kenja closely observed the trolls' reactions, ready to act if the situation escalated.

The appearance of the chest of meat was met with skepticism by the servant and the carriage driver. They voiced their concerns about the risks of dealing with the trolls. Sumire responded with a mixture of compassion and firmness, asserting the importance of assisting sentient beings like the trolls and emphasizing the example set by Fu Yue. Kenja admired her unwavering dedication to her principles and her willingness to take calculated risks. As the chest was brought forth and Sumire unveiled the cuts of meat within, Kenja took note of the variety and quality of the provisions. Sumire proposed the trade – the boy for the meat – and outlined the benefits of the arrangement, including her offer to assist in preparing the meal with spice ideas for the trolls. It was a creative solution that addressed both the trolls' hunger and the villagers' safety. Kenja stepped forward as well, adding his support to the proposal. "The meat in this chest contains far more sustenance than the boy could provide," he said, his tone steady and convincing. "And if you accept our offer, I will personally oversee the meal preparation to ensure it's to your satisfaction. You'll have a warm meal to enjoy, and we can all leave this situation with a peaceful resolution." The lead troll, who had been observing the exchange intently, stepped forward again. His voice, though broken, held a note of calculation. "Stingy boy has little meat. You cook. If we no like, we eat you too," he declared, his words carrying a warning and a challenge. Kenja's eyes met the troll's gaze, his own unwavering. "I accept your terms. I will prepare the meal, and you can judge its quality for yourselves." Kenja didn't know what Sumire would do at this moment. Help him make the food or conversate with the trolls further to keep them distracted.

With the troll's hesitant agreement, Kenja turned to the pot that held the boy and the onions and stalks. Taking the boy out he'd direct the boy to go to the servant of Sumire. Kenja carefully began to add the meat, the rich scent of the cuts filling the air. The trolls watched his every move, their silence heavy with anticipation. As he worked, Kenja noticed a sack of potatoes nearby. Although some were in poor condition, he quickly cut away the damaged parts and added the usable portions to the pot. He began to prepare the stew, meticulously combining the ingredients and adding in herbs and spices to enhance the flavors. The trolls remained watchful, their posture still guarded. As the aroma of the stew began to fill the clearing, their expressions seemed to soften, curiosity overtaking their caution. Kenja continued his careful preparation, focused on creating a meal that would satisfy their hunger and foster an atmosphere of cooperation.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, the stew was ready. Kenja lifted the pot from the fire, the savory aroma filling the air in a tantalizing cloud. The trolls' anticipation was palpable, their eyes locked onto the pot with a mixture of hunger and curiosity. Kenja's heart pounded in his chest as he carefully ladled the stew into bowls, the warm liquid cascading down and mingling with the chunks of meat and vegetables. The trolls stepped forward, their massive forms crowding around, their posture still cautious but their curiosity undeniable. One troll, the aged figure who had first spoken, cautiously took a spoonful of the stew and brought it to his lips. He tasted it, his eyes widening in surprise as the flavors hit his palate. A moment later, a rumble of approval emanated from deep within his chest, echoing the sounds of contentment that the other trolls emitted. Their skepticism seemed to dissolve as they dug into the hearty stew, their expressions shifting from guardedness to something resembling enjoyment. Kenja watched with a mix of relief and satisfaction, his hopes for a peaceful resolution finally taking root.

The trolls' gestures were still primal and rough, their manners uncouth compared to civilized folk. Yet, their actions spoke volumes – their willingness to accept the offered meal was a sign of trust being tentatively built. As they continued to eat, their initial caution gave way to more relaxed postures, and the tense atmosphere that had hung over the clearing began to dissipate. Kenja tried to share a glance with Sumire, a silent acknowledgment of their shared success in fostering cooperation. It was a small step, but a significant one, towards understanding between their worlds. As the trolls savored the flavors of the stew, Kenja's heart swelled with a mix of emotions. Relief, accomplishment, and a touch of camaraderie for these creatures he had initially seen as threats. The challenges weren't over, but for now, they had taken an important step toward ensuring peace and safety for the child, the village, and these sentient beings of the forest.

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[attr="class","haniaimage"]❝Light as feathers, as fleeting as Zephyr, one moment they breathed gold, the next they faded.❞

[attr="class","haniascroll"]

As Sumire bid her farewell and prepared to depart, Kenja watched her carriage move away. He was left with a sense of admiration for her diplomatic skills, her compassion, and her ability to handle complex situations with grace. He realized that he wouldn't have the opportunity to ask her about the enigmatic "Fu Yue," a question that had piqued his curiosity earlier. Despite that, he appreciated the role she had played in their encounter and knew that their paths had crossed for a reason. After ensuring the boy's safe return and wrapping up the mission, Kenja would find himself back at the Golden Dawn headquarters. Reflecting on the events, he would make sure to include Sumire's contributions in his mission report, recognizing her instrumental role in the success of their endeavor. As he wrote, his thoughts would linger on the skilled noblewoman who had taught him that sometimes, diplomacy and understanding were as powerful as any magic.

Exit

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