Despite being an equally sentient and humanoid race, elves differed from humans on several levels. Beyond abstract factors—such as the unique interfaces they accessed through the system, their interactions within this system-driven world that is Fiendfell, and even their distinct modes of birth—there were also many notable differences on a superficial level. Yet, upon first meeting an elf, one might mistakenly assume the only difference was their pointed, elongated ears. However, that trait alone was unreliable an identifier as other sentient species, like certain demon races, also shared it. Recognizing an elf required knowledge of key traits and customs unique to their race.

Like humans, who have subspecies such as Highbreed, Peons, and Verdenkind, elves also have their own equivalents, though structured differently.

One prominent category was known as the "bastard elves." Originally, this type of elf was simply called "ancient" or just "elf," but that title faded as these beings were gradually replaced by other elves who bore similar characteristics. 'Bastard elves' might sound like a disparaging term, but it only denotes elves who lack ties to a recognized elven family. A good example is Goblin, who, along with elves of the Mistwood Arbor village, belongs to this group. These elves descended from an elven family yet have distanced themselves from that legacy due to circumstances. Another pragmatic way, albeit somewhat crude, to identify this category is the existence of biological parents, as those elves were usually born with a conventional set of parents, both elven, a father and a mother who "directly" gave birth to them, which doesn't happen for the other category.

Next, there are half-elves like Aquaflora, who were born as half-breed but chose to embrace elfhood. Bastard elves, depending on their descent background, have various names for half-elven children born from elves and humans; the best known is 'Chai ii Lin,' meaning 'Child Born Across the Sea.' This term is the origin of the common practice of naming human-elven hybrids 'Charlie.'

Last but not least, there are the true elven families. Currently, there are five major types of elves, each associated with a distinct family: the Noctil Elves of the Umbryan Family, the Solvan Elves of the Aurian Family, the Lunor Elves of the Argyrian Family, and the Terran Elves of the Ferron Family. While one might think of an elven family as a clan, it’s more complex; one cannot simply join an elven family as one would join a human clan as those are two very different concept. Being born into an elven family brings about physical changes, often manifesting in shared traits like hair color and complexion. In some cases, these traits are so pronounced that they become defining physical markers.

For example, members of the Umbryan Family—the Noctil Elves—are distinguished by their pale skin and black hair. They live in the northern western regions of the continent. We were currently headed there, riding on the back of Veilleuse-19, to seek the patriarch of the Umbryan Family, the monarch of the Noctil Elves.

We were flying above the clouds, just as we had many times before, when I, becoming increasingly bored of the silent journey, couldn't hold back a yawn. Dungeon Master 05 and Aquaflora both gave me a look.

"What? Don't you two think this is too monotonous?" I defended myself, indignant at their gazes.

Having traveled almost as long with Dungeon Master 05 before, I was certain the journey wouldn't have been this dull if we didn't have Aquaflora along. His silence this time around was clearly due to our little extra.

Tired of the silence, I decided to break it myself, "So, since we still have a long journey ahead, why don't we discuss something to pass the time?"

While it was clear my two companions were interested in the suggestion, neither of them showed it outright. Instead, both answered in a seemingly indifferent tone, "Sure."

"What do we talk about?"

"You're the one who suggested it," Dungeon Master 05 said.

Oh, what difficult companions I have here, but I wasn't going to back down.

"How about we introduce ourselves properly, since we'll be together for some time?"

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Licht and Aquaflora exchanged glances, then replied, "We already did that."

"Indeed, but last time it was done under awkward circumstances. We mostly just exchanged names. Now's our opportunity to actually get to know each other—you know, properly," I said. "In sign of good faith, I'll start.

"I am Arianna. I am a Highbreed, with unique special classes of both Sorceress and Monk classes. Beyond my nature, I am many things—adventurer, former King, though it's more of a thing of a past, so 'Oathbreaker' might be more accurate. But you see this tiara I'm wearing? You can still call me Queen Arianna, I wouldn't mind. I like traveling—be it by flying like this or the old-fashioned way on horseback. And I also enjoy rat-hunting."

At this, both Aquaflora and Licht frowned. "Rat-hunting?" Aquaflora echoed.

"Yes, rat-hunting. It's one of my favorite hobbies," I smiled. "Rats are quite a nuisance, so to make the world a better place I chase them, find their lair, and set it on fire. In other words, thoroughly exterminate them so they don't cause any more problems."

Dungeon Master 05 caught on quickly and added, "She was so thorough with it that it earned her the unique nickname among adventurers—the 'rat-slaughtering black witch.'"

"How rude of them, I deserved a better title, especially after all the effort I put into cleaning the continent of the pest that they were," I replied with a pout.

Licht made a "can't be helped" shrug, while Aquaflora looked at me with a grave expression, so I went ahead and said, "Anyway, that's me. If you have any questions, I'm open."

I glanced at Licht, more out of courtesy than expecting a real question. He didn't ask, but Aquaflora did. "You earlier mentioned you're an Oathbreaker. Is it true that you've killed a king?"

Bold question, I thought, amused.

I smiled at her and answered, "It happened." Then I added, "I am an Oathbreaker to the One and Only Emperor, through and through. Well, to be exact on paper only. If you had [Appraisal], you would see that I have no such title."

[King] and [Oathbreaker] are both system titles. The latter is bestowed by the emperor, and the former is stripped when the emperor deems you unworthy. Normally, I would have contracted the title [Oathbreaker], but since I never fully embraced my kingly oaths, I fully escaped its backlash.

"So that man… Alexander, did you… him?" Aquaflora asked but couldn't do so fully.

I smiled, refusing to directly answer. "Lee once told you not to worry about him anymore. Now I'm telling you the same." Before she could react, I shifted focus. "Now, I believe that's enough about me. Licht, why don't you introduce yourself properly?"

Licht proceeded with an introduction—he talked of he was the knight Verdenkind and an S-ranked adventurer. His introduction was smooth, almost rehearsed, but it was genuine. He spoke of his penchant for and adventure and solo monster extermination.

As soon as he offered to answer questions, Aquaflora immediately asked, "What's your relationship with her?" She pointed at me. "And with Lee and that girl?"

Getting curious, aren't we? I decided to answer on Licht's behalf. "Licht here was mentored by a good friend of mine. He believed staying in the Land of Men was holding him back from reaching his full potential, so he sent him over here for me to look after. And as for his relationship with Lee and Sharrone—none, except what connects them to me."

Before Aquaflora could pry further, Licht added curtly, "I suppose you don't have any other questions." His tone made it clear that no further explanations were forthcoming.

"I guess it's your turn now, Miss Aquaflora," I said.

With a sigh, Aquaflora introduced herself, much the same as she had before. It was nothing I didn't already know. I was most interested when she finally finished so I could ask, "Now, I've always been curious. What were you doing in that corner of Quelt'halas where Lee and the others found you? I understand you were sent to this part of the world to keep you away from danger, but why the isolation?"

"What do you mean?" she asked, clearly understanding but wanting me to elaborate.

"You knew I was Queen, which means you were informed about what's going in the Land of Men—about what happened to your grandmother and family—despite being isolated deep in Quel'thalas. My question is, what were you planning?"

"Are you asking because you want to mock me for not doing what you did to your fellow King?"

"Not at all. I'm genuinely curious. When I heard about that one missing half-breed princess Alexander was searching for, I immediately thought of you. I assumed you were out there plotting—your return, your—"

"Revenge?"

"Justice for your usurped royal family. I have no respect for people who cling to titles, but a desire for 'justice' is something I can get behind."

Inaction, on the other hand, was something I couldn't fathom. I chose not to voice that thought, though.

Petting the white loong draped around her, Aquaflora said, "My family sent me here so I could live away from all that burden."

"Oh? And it never occurred to you to go against that wish? Not even when you heard what Alexander did to them?"

Aquaflora remained silent, but her loong—coiled protectively around her like a scarf—hissed at me, clearly wanting me to stop. It was about as intimidating as a garden snake. Still, deciding to wrap it up, I said, "Well, that's impressive, really. As you said, I can't imagine myself doing that. I guess that's the difference between you and me." I glanced at Licht before adding. "Because I do not forget, and I certainly do not forgive."