The Author's Viewpoint-Chapter 86 - The Price of a Slot

Tave stood before the most luxurious inn in all of Deadbay. A tall building of smooth white stone, with gold-trimmed arches and balconies covered in blooming flowers. The walls gleamed in the sunlight, and vines of blue blossoms curled around the carved columns. It was the kind of place where nobles or rich travelers stayed, especially those visiting to see the floating island of Vensalor.

He allowed himself a thin smile as he stepped into the wide front courtyard, the polished stones under his feet reflecting the early sun. This was where the forest elves were currently staying during their visit. And from what he’d heard, not all of them would be joining the Rift Expedition.

Elincia, their Imperial Knight would remain behind, along with several guards. Tave couldn’t help but wonder if this had anything to do with the recent spike in demonic activity in the region.

As he approached the entrance, two attendants in pristine uniforms stepped forward and greeted him with a practiced elegance.

"Welcome to Elarien Grace, honored guest."

"Hi, my name is Tave. I’m the official guide for the forest elves of Vensalor Kingdom," he replied promptly.

"Yes, of course, Tave. We’ve been informed. Please wait in the lounge. Ms. Panpan has been expecting you since this morning."

Panpan?

Tave made his way toward the waiting area, when suddenly he sensed someone approaching from the hallway, and somehow, he immediately knew who it was.

He turned around, and his eyes landed on a woman wearing a soft, flowing robe, her hair hidden beneath the hood. It was Panpan.

She waved cheerfully, her smile warm, and quickened her pace toward him. He stepped forward as well, drawn by instinct until they were standing face to face.

"Tave, I have good news... and I think you’re going to love it."

Tave paused, her words echoing in his mind. Because... Why was it that every time he saw this girl, every thought, every strategy, every scenario running through his head would just... vanish?

Such a distraction!

Well... not really.

The truth was, he still wasn’t used to the sheer presence, the effortless elegance she carried with her.

"Hi, Panpan... I do love good news," he replied casually. "But what about the bad news?"

Panpan chuckled softly, lowering her gaze for a moment before lifting her head again, a mischievous light in her eyes.

"You’re too quick to assume... but yes, there is something that might not be so pleasant. Still, I’ll let you hear it directly. What do you think?"

"That’s a good idea... I like both bad news and good news."

"Okay... Please follow me."

Tave followed the forest elf girl into the elevator. The space between them felt quiet, calm, almost peaceful.

It wasn’t awkward. It just suited them. Tave had never been one for small talk, and the girl beside him didn’t seem like someone who spoke unless she needed to.

Every now and then, she glanced at him and offered a soft, tranquil smile. So effortless, so calm, it always left Tave frozen.

Hell. Yeah. Frozen.

Because, sigh, even in his real life, back in his original world, everything had felt heavy. Too much to carry. Always.

Who smiled like that? With that kind of stillness in their soul?

Maybe for her, it was normal. Maybe grace like that just... came naturally.

After all... Anyone born on the floating island of Vensalor lived surrounded by peace and harmony. Protected by the World Tree and their ruler, an overwhelmingly powerful king who was practically a god in mortal form.

With all the blessings and advantages they were born into, it was no surprise they lived in serenity. And maybe that explained someone like Panpan. Someone born with a smile as calm as still water. A smile that carried peace just by existing.

"Tave..." Her soft voice gently tugged him out of his thoughts.

He blinked and realized the elevator doors had already opened.

"Ah, sorry..." he murmured, stepping out quickly to follow her.

They walked side by side down the quiet corridor, and yet Panpan still hadn’t revealed either the good news or the bad. ƒгeewёbnovel.com

Though oddly enough, Tave felt unusually confident. Something he was actively trying to suppress. But it wasn’t working.

Hell! He’d bet anything Elincia had approved his participation in the Rift Expedition.

And that thought alone made his chest tighten. Because seriously, he didn’t like this one bit. He could already picture the possible bad news that might be wrapped up inside this so-called good one.

Moments later, Tave stood before the central figure in the room. Elincia, the Imperial Knight. The sixth strongest individual in the entire Vensalor Kingdom.

The elf woman stood with a casual posture, wearing nothing more than a loose white top and brown leather trousers. Her long pink hair fell neatly down her back.

And no, that color wasn’t natural. That was dye.

Around the room, a few other elves lounged in quiet conversation or rested, likely just finishing a training session. There were six in total, with Panpan now among them.

Tave offered a faint smile and bowed his head slightly in respect.

"Tave, at your service. It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Elincia."

Tave remained silent, bracing himself for whatever kind of trial this very important figure was about to throw at him. And yes... she was important. Immensely so.

But because Tave knew this woman’s character all too well, he also knew. This wouldn’t be easy. And of course, it wasn’t.

"A Gaia Guardian... and you want to join a Tier-4 Rift Expedition?" Elincia’s voice cut sharp, just as blunt and biting as he remembered.

"I may be a Gaia Guardian, yes," Tave answered, keeping his tone respectful yet steady. "But I have dual elements. Fire and Shadow. I also have a tamed beast, and I specialize in scouting operations."

Elincia narrowed her eyes slightly. "Scouting is useless. You need to be able to fight."

Tave bowed his head again, measured, composed. This was no place for ego. He needed to be precise. Rational. Honest. Because that’s who Elincia was: fierce, blunt, but always rational. If he wanted to convince her, logic and proof were the only way.

"I can prove my combat ability," he said. "My offensive potential is not limited to stealth or recon. I’ve developed a damage-focused fighting style. My attacks are empowered by dual elemental synergy. My Relic is bound to a high-grade fire spirit. I can and will contribute to frontline combat if needed."

He took a slow breath. Yes... there was no point in hiding anything from this woman.

She was straight-cut, unwavering, and utterly loyal to her kingdom. Elincia wasn’t interested in politics, favoritism, or sweet talk. Her only priority was the mission. The kingdom.

Well, that and her one bad habit. No, nothing too dangerous. She just drank a bit too much. That’s all. But even so, she remained a sharp commander and a battlefield weapon forged in discipline and willpower.

If there was even the smallest chance to gain her approval, Tave knew that he had to use everything at his disposal. Because this was a cause worth fighting for.

Elincia didn’t respond with even the slightest shift in her expression. Instead, she casually moved her right hand behind her back and raised her left arm just slightly.

"Well then, you overconfident little brat, show me this so-called combat potential of yours. I’ll give you sixty seconds. Land a single hit on me, and the permit’s yours," she said flatly.

"I’ll only be using my left hand to block, and yes... I’m doing this because I could kill you effortlessly if I didn’t. Consider this the largest handicap I can offer. No Gaia powers. So, think of this as a test made for cripples. And if you fail, you might as well go bury yourself or cry under your stupid father’s boots."

Tave swallowed hard. Yeah. That sounded exactly like her. Harsh, brutal, unfiltered.

But he couldn’t protest. He wouldn’t. He designed her, after all.

He knew there was no way this test would be anything less than merciless.

And he knew the truth. The woman standing before him was a Gaia Archon. Level 68!

Tave bowed deeply, maintaining his composure.

"Understood, Lady Elincia. I will not waste the opportunity you’ve given me."

His voice was calm, and precise. No hint of sarcasm or fear. Just respect. Because despite everything, this was still a chance. And however impossible it seemed, it was a chance worth everything.

He would play her game. And he would fight for his place.