"What are we going to do about this?"

It was early morning on the next day, as the sun had not even peaked through the window in the room of two boys as they sat in bed, completely naked as they had not even gotten dressed or even had breakfast yet. At the moment, Kuroki and Riku were focused on a different issue, one that was rather unexpected and puzzling.

And that issue was Kuroki's hair. Thanks to the ritual last night, Kuroki now had his True Arcanium along with his first Arcanium, but as a side effect of everything that happened, his hair had grown significantly. While the hair in the front had remained relatively the same, the back, the sides, and the bangs had grown to waist length. It waved and flowed, and it was very thick and healthy. Every bit of his hair coursed with vitality and mana, and almost seemed empowering.

That said, it seemed that this was no simple hair growth. This was made clear by the two pairs of scissors and one knife Riku had tried to use to cut it since it was kind of in the way, and all of them had failed. As such, Riku was here supporting Kuroki emotionally as Amyris was doing some research and looking for some tools. Whether from the increase in mass, the vitality and mana surging forth inside the hair, or perhaps from realizing his wish, Kuroki now felt much warmer and hotter then normal. It was a good thing children as young as them typically slept in the nude in this world, and they had gotten used to it, because with Kuroki the way he was now and with temperatures still going up as they had not actually hit summer yet, the two had expressed some concern he could have gotten heatstroke.

At the moment, Riku was now brushing Kuroki's hair to help make it more manageable. That said, there were about ten broken brushes to his right on the bed, and three unused ones to his left. The one he was holding currently seemed to be creaking and cracking as well, which indicated the difficulties they were facing right now.

"Hey, at least it means you did succeed" Riku said, trying to keep Kuroki focused on the good things.

"I know. I don't mind long hair, but I can't even get dressed in my current state. The hair gets everywhere and it makes it incredibly irritable".

Kuroki had tried to get dressed, but even putting on underwear as a major chore currently. Not to mention his increased body heat currently was making things even worse. He was actually sweating quite a bit, but most of it seemed to be absorbed by the hair, so as long as he didn't wear anything until this wore off, he wouldn't actually get sweat on anything. And for some reason his hair never got damp despite absorbing it all.

But obviously, the situation was still distressing and kind of embarrassing. Kuroki had no issue with long hair. In fact, he quite enjoyed having longer hair. His father always made him cut it though since he thought longer hair was too feminine, but plenty of guys have had long hair too. Kuroki thought it made him look more mystical also, but obviously he never said that out loud for fear his father would make him get a buzz cut. Still, when it was acting wild and uncomfortable like this, it was unpleasant.

Riku had even endured letting him bring his staff into bed, even though he had forbidden Kuroki from bringing the Grimoire into bed almost immediately after they started staying here. But right now, he needed the emotional help. So the staff could say.

The grimoire however, with all its chains and general discomfort, was still not allowed in bed though. Riku needed to be able to actually sleep, and as nice and understanding as Amyris was, he was hesitant to let children, who sleep naked in this world outside of the cold seasons, sleep in the same bed as him. Riku was pretty sure he was wearing him down though. They trusted Amyris after all, and leaving aside gender segregation wasn't even really a thing in this world, they were all boys anyways.

While thinking that, Amyris finally got back, but when Kuroki and Riku turned to look at him, his expression made them worry. It was not one that brought good news, but a grimace that indicated it would be trouble.

"What is it?"

"I looked through the archives, and it seems...it seems that this has happened in the past. A few Starfallen even, but also just exceptional young mages who were born here as well. It seems that this can happen sometimes when the ritual gets interrupted or targeted, or when one ends up overcoming more then was originally supposed to happen. Your brain produces additional magical growth hormone, but because of all the extra energy coursing through your veins and brain, it needs extra mass to help process and settle the energy. That said, since the brain can't produce physical growth hormone due to all the magic growth hormone being produced by the same organ, this results in just the hair growing absurdly, to compensate for the extra energy that you normally wouldn't get".

In other words, his hair grew to compensate for all that excess energy, since the ritual ended up generating so much extra thanks to the attack from that malice entity.

"Simply put, we can't cut it off. Leaving aside the density would break most blades that tried, if we used something too strong, it could just kill you outright".

"That would not be ideal".

"Yes. Furthermore, your body would experience increased heat further. You would basically have a fever across your entire body. It would also throw your mana and magic out of whack, and cause you to lose control and essentially hurt everyone around you at random intervals, especially if you get emotional. Incidentally, supercharged emotions is also a symptom".

"Of course it is".

"So, since all that would happen if we cut your hair right now, we absolutely cannot do that".

"What will I do today then? I can't get dressed like this!"

The two had already tried, despite being abnormal. Kuroki couldn't get any shirt on, and even pants were difficult. The hair always got in the way somehow and made it uncomfortable, since it was heavier and thicker then normal hair. The only saving grace is that he had no pubic hair, or if he did, the growth did not affect that, so he could at least still go to the bathroom, although he would need Riku's help keeping his hair out of the way when he peed or took a shit. They both already did that earlier in the backyard and confirmed that much.

"Yeah, while the hair is that charged with mana, it might be difficult. It might act like it has a mind of its own for a few days at least. I think if we tried some braids, hairclips, and a ponytail, we should be able to make it managable...tomorrow".

"Tomorrow?!"

"At the earliest. We won't be able to cut it for even longer. That said, you likely wont be able to get dressed till the day after, short of another miraculous recovery, so you will need to stay inside the next few days" Amyris added, having not wanted to shock them too much all at once. It didn't help Kuroki much though, and suddenly Riku began to shiver as the temperature dropped to below freezing suddenly, and he was still as naked as Kuroki was.

"Kuroki, your mana is going out of control. Don't freeze Riku to death".

Hearing that, Kuroki noticed the chattering teeth of Riku, and quickly reigned it in. "Sorry Riku".

"It's...its fine".

"As much as I loathe to tell you to take a page out of Anna's book...while not just lounge around naked in the house the whole time Kuroki? For various reasons, whether from the fact your hair seems to interfere with clothes, or the fact that you might accidentally freeze someone to death, you shouldn't go outside today".

"Why is it doing that? Is it really because it's just so wild that it gets everywhere? No matter how many times I pulled hair out of my underwear, more somehow found its way in".

"Its likely...its trying to form a protective shell around you" Amyris mentioned. "You faced a lot in the trial, but not your father right? I think on some level, you are still scared of him, and your hair is reacting to that, because you feel your current situation will only antagonize him further and make it worse for you".

Kuroki nodded, unable to deny anything that was said. That was almost certainly the case. His hair was trying to shield his body, even if it was highly uncomfortable and inconvenient. Because that's just what he perceived his father as. He was that dangerous.

"Riku, you should get dressed and..."

"No. If Kuroki is stuck like this, then I am too. He needs such a show of support right now".

"Riku, its okay. I don't want to trouble you with this".

Kuroki was a good friend.

"No, its okay. We need to be here for each other after all".

Riku was a good friend too. Amyris just nodded.

"I will go make breakfast and bring it up to you. Good nutrition should help your body adapt faster, and you should focus on resting and conserving your energy".

"Thanks".

"It's the least I can do".

Amyris was a good friend also.

----------------------------------------

At the same time, Juno was facing similar issues.

"This is absolute hell" Juno mentioned as he looked in the mirror they had. It was a full body mirror, so he was able to get a good visual on all the hair on his back and how far down it reached. "It's like a makeshift sensor bar. It somehow covers my butt perfectly no matter how much I move".

Reiji glanced at him, as he was dressed already. He had gone out to do some research on Juno's condition with the necromancer boy, and came back with some answers.

"It looks like trying to cut it won't work...and its too risky. Its overflowing with your mana, your spiritual energy, and your very lifeforce. We need to wait for your body to regulate these things again and adapt to your new state".

"Right".

At those words, Riki appeared right next to Juno, floating around while holding a pillow strategically. He was also naked for some reason. Reiji let out a sigh.

"Riki, why are you..."

Juno puffed his cheeks and replied instead. "Because its not fair if I am the only one stuck like this!"

Riki nodded. "He is right. Well, only you two can see me...I was a bit surprised since I thought only Juno would be able to see me outside of the spirit world, but you can too Reiji? Quite unexpected".

"Really?"

"Well, in all fairness, I am not an expert at this, but thats how it usually is right? I have a contract with Juno only! And the person who brought us breakfast couldn't see me! Also, the food looked so tasty! It is so mean I can't eat any of it!"

Even with the strangeness that happened during the trials, and the invocation of the Last Wish for Riki, which was only possible thanks to an unfullfillable wish the Starfall tried to grant and failed for Juno, Riki was still only brought back as a spirit. To be exact, he was Juno's contracted spirit. Reiji had looked it up, and confirmed that normally, a contracted spirit should only be visible by its contractor aside from certain circumstances, but Riki himself said he wasn't trying to make himself visible right now.

In truth, the situation itself seemed to be unprecedented. Then again, so was a massive, large scale Starfall. Reiji believed they likely wouldn't find answers about any of this at the library, they would need experts.

"Maybe you should ask your laundry group?"

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

Juno nodded. "The back porch is right next to the stairs, which are right near our room. Besides, its not like anyone else gets dressed to do laundry, so its something I can actually do! Sorry for being such a burden".

"You are not a burden!"

"You already work way too hard as it is".

Riki and Reiji both gave their responses. Riki himself had seen this exact conversation play out this morning. Both Juno and Reiji seem to feel like they are leaving way too much of the work and effort to each other and always try to take on more to help. They were very good friends, but if Riki didn't help to break up their chains, he felt like it might last for a long, long time.

"Anyways, Reiji, Juno might need more food to help him overcome this sooner".

"Got it. I will make sure to get a good amount of everything".

"Extra meat please!"

"It will be a good, balanced diet with plenty of everything".

"But extra meat right?"

Riku let out a sigh.

"Juno, just how long do you want to stay cooped up in this room?"

"But its not like I am asking for less of the rest. I am just asking for more meat".

Riki and Reiji both looked stumped. It was true, Juno didn't ask for mostly meat, he asked for extra meat. He did not request any less fruits or vegtables or dairy.

"...fine, I will keep an eye out".

"Yay!"

"I feel like this is some sort of trick or scheme, but whatever. Good luck Reiji".

Juno began humming a makeshift meat song as he continued to examine himself in the mirror. Riku then looked him over.

"This is so weird".

"Says the ghost who died in another world".

"Yeah, that's weird too!"

They were all very good friends.

----------------------------------------

At the same time, someone who was not a good friend was plotting and scheming on her own.

"Amyris' apprentice gained a True Arcanium? So soon? He has not even been in this world for a season yet. What is that damned elf thinking?"

Chianthias pondered such questions. True Arcaniums could be rather difficult to get, and plenty of mages never got one at all. After all, normal Arcaniums were quite useful and the really expensive ones could outperform them and be customized very well. Of course, they could be used together, but still. It puzzled Chianthias to no ends.

"Amyris is plotting something. How soon can we eliminate the apprentice?"

"It appears that he may be holing up inside of Amyris' home. At least for the next few days".

"Shit. Did he know we were planning our next operation? Or is this just the result of his own rushing and plans?"

Chianthias looked at the demon that served her, and motioned him to continue as she sat in her chair of their new lair.

"It is unknown. However, we have confirmed that other forces are on the move. The fourth prince is heading to this region, and we have reports that the flying workshop is on the move towards this region as well".

"Tsk. Ayazi and the Prince are both difficult opponents. We might need to move up our own timetable. How long until they arrive?"

"Presently, over a week, but less then two weeks for the flying workshop. However, the Fourth Prince has prepared multiple transport methods. He seems to be hiding his itinerary".

"Thats a problem. He knows about our spies then".

As she said that, she looked over at the planning board.

"How goes the Orc accumulation?"

"It is going well. We should be able to launch an attack on the city soon".

"Good. They should still be recovering, repairing equipment and looking for the more serious injuries to heal from the goblin invasion. It was a shame we could not get rid of that Dragon Caller brat or the Starfallen then, but even with their results, they were not able to prevent taking damage and even casualties that day".

The fact that she had given the goblins poison had helped to enhance that as well.

Chianthias was after all an incredibly cautious person, to the point that she even used a dopple for every operation. There was no way she would have relied on goblins alone.

In fact, she had considered the possibility they goblins would fail, as well as Flopsy, which was why she had been preparing these Orcs. With them, while the city was still recovering from the Goblin attack, this would let her do some critical damage and would guarantee the elimination of one of her targets.

Of the ones she considered the most dangerous, would be the top three members of the Azralia Adventurer's Guild. Krazel, Vanessia, and Ozlo. Amyris of course as well. ANd naturally, Riza was a major threat.

By this point, Ozlo had probably used his defensive spell on everyone, so trying to go after them using her same old method directly was far too dangerous. Especially if Anna could just pop in whenever she wanted. She was probably already nearly immune to her magic now, given the resistance she likely built up thanks to being cursed all that time and that previous battle. Chianthias would have to stick to normal attack spells and not attack her mind. After all, no amount of internal resistance would protect her from standard attack magic.

While thinking of such things, she quickly picked up a knife and threw it at the doorway. A figure, covered by a black cloak and who was masked in shadow to the point that she couldn't even tell their gender or build. The dagger stopped in mid air, freezing suddenly in front of him.

"The advisor to the Demon King, I presume?"

She stated that as a question, and yet her tone suggested she was already certain of the answer.

The figure replied in a shadowed voice, strangely distorted and impossible to tell their gender, age, or nature from.

"I heard you have been having difficulties with our quarry".

"Yes, operations have stalled. We know there are Starfallen in this city, and quite a few of them are strong, so we cant spend too much effort elsewhere and let them get even stronger. Besides, most of them have found cover or support by now, so its the long game".

"I see" the advisor said. "Do you know why I am here?"

"Because the Demon King wants an update, I would presume?"

"Not just that. Veledukix is dead".

Chianthias paused, clearly in shock.

"What? How?"

"Unknown. We detected a particularly powerful Starfallen in the east, and sent him to investigate...and just yesterday, we found his corpse riddled with holes, his internal skeleton crushes, and his limbs torn off his body".

"That is absurd...what group defeated him so one sidedly?"

"Reports say it was a single individual...an old woman".

"Impossible! No singular Starfallen should be so powerful yet! Hell, few of them could ever get that powerful at all!"

"Regardless, it happened. He was next in line to become one of the Twelve Generals".

Chianthias broke a sweat after hearing this news.

"I take it this means we need to accelerate our timetable. Will you be helping?"

"Not directly. The champions of each kingdom, their first attack to slow us down and buy the heroes more time, has already begun. As one of the strongest of our number, I will be busy fighting them for at least a year. They are extremely capable who reached the pinnacle of their fields of combat and magic. But I shall not leave you unaided".

He then set aside what appeared to be a cube covered in runes.

"This will allow you to quickly increase the Orc forces. I do not know if you will make it in time before the 4th Prince arrives, but you must eliminate at least some of the targets you have before that blasted brat with the flying workshop arrives".

"Understood. Who is the highest priority?"

"Ozlo. He might be tied to the adventurer's guild here right now, but he could easily be redeployed elsewhere. They can't move Krazel, they need him to watch over the forest, and Vanessia needs to be stationed in the city so that should the city get attacked during a time the forest becomes active, since Krazel wouldn't be there then. That said, if you get an opening...eliminating Amyris would take priority".

"What about the Starfallen?"

"The Starfallen in this city are showing unusually remarkable growth, but its nothing really out of the norm. Not like that Anna was. Eliminate them if possible, but those two are the priority targets".

"I don't suppose you have something to help deal with those damned dragons of his. And what about Riza".

"Ah yes, the grandpa brat. We have gotten someone new to go after him. As it turns out, he made quite a few enemies. We manipulated a few of them into sending a rather dangerous blade after them".

"Understood. I will focus my efforts on those two then, as much as I would have loved to ring that asshole's neck".

Chianthias was still furious of Riza, but she was also wary of him. He had conducted a surprise attack on her hideout and real body, somehow tracing the connection without her realizing. He had deduced that she used a dopple even somehow, despite the two of them never having a direct confrontation before.

Riza was a dangerous enemy. She had briefly wondered if he might even be one of The Hidden, and while she was right, she found it doubtful due to just how energetic and attention seeking he seemed to be, not to mention how peculiar he tended to be.

The Advisor nodded however, apparently reacting to her thoughts on The Hidden rather strongly, despite the fact she never vocalized them in this conversation.

"The Hidden will be our most dangerous enemy this time around I believe. We do not even know the true name of their organization, or their true nature, but they have spread far and wide, and we cannot underestimate them. Whether Riza is a Hidden or not, they undoubtedly have one...no, two of their members in this city right now or on the way. They surely have noticed the oddities, and I am sure they know of the incident with the Elven ruins as well".

"We never even confirmed the Hidden truly exist. They have been likened to a boogeyman by many in the Demon King's army. How are you so sure they exist?"

"Because I have encountered one. The fight nearly cost me everything, but I am certain of it".

Although his emotions could not be discerned, Chianthias felt his way of wording suspected a grudge and rage. She also suspected it might have been more then one encounter.

Then again, she suspected this advisor was far more dangerous and suspicious, and believed they were either planning to manipulate or betray the Demon King for their own purposes and goals. It was clear he didn't care what happened to the world itself, just so long as his goal was achieved. She was certain of that. The question is, what would he do after achieving his goal? And what was it? The elimination of The Hidden? Revenge against a powerful individual? Whatever it was, the Demon King likely knew to some extent, and was expecting it. But that still didn't quite sit right with her.

She just knew it would be a mistake to trust this person in the long run, but at the very least, his relic and support in this battle should be genuine. That said, she would take precautions to keep herself safe and alive.

"Have fun on the front lines".

"Hmmf. I will show them why they should not mess with the Demon King's forces".

Spouting such a line, the advisor seemed to fade out of existence, as if he was never here in the first place. She then looked back at her subordinate.

"Prepare the relic. We must make our own preparations at once".

"Understood".

They were all most certainly not good friends.

----------------------------------------

At the same time, Akano and Tamaki were going over some notes. To be exact, they were writing down some thoughts while they were sitting atop a bed in just shirts and boxers, opting for maximum comfort to help them think things over. And, and also because they didn't feel like leaving the room in their current slightly paranoid and wary state.

"So someone has been stopping us from meeting up?"

"I doubt its just us. I think the entire guild's communication network might be contaminated".

"But they don't typically use magical communication right?"

Akano nodded. He did his research, and guilds used fast moving birds to deliver messages. Magical communication was too easy to link into and tap apparently, not to mention it required powerful magic stones to operate. As such, unless it was a large scale meeting where secrecy didn't really matter, they were almost never used.

As such, all requests to find and look into people would have gone through birds. Now, if every Starfallen was making such requests, its possible those services were simply overtaxed. That was why Akano thought they had not heard back yet.

But if they had all been searching for each other, that should have changed things. Furthermore, he got the feeling they might be closer then they appear, so there should have been a response back rather quick. After all, if two people were looking for each other, the guild would more happily divulge this information to both parties. If it was just one way, they would need to do verification first, to protect their adventurers.

So, this begged the question. Why did they not hear back at all after nearly a month now?

"Someone must be interfering with the system, at least locally".

Tamaki nodded. "But that would mean that they have someone either intercepting and stopping, or at least rewriting the physical messages right?"

Akano pondered this point. "Yes, it would, and its very bad news. It means that someone who is working against us, or perhaps all Starfallen, is going around and nixing all these requests to find people".

Tamaki grimaced.

"That would take more then one person. And there is no way he can pinpoint every single request of only Starfallen".

"You are right...that is impossible. But that would mean entire batches of requests are being stolen. Guilds would notice subjugation requests were being taken, so it must be specifically related to finding people. But are they doing all this to keep the Starfallen isolated, or are the Starfallen being isolated because of a plot targeting someone else?"

"If we think like that, then I think we should rethink things".

Akano nodded, agreeing. The two of them knew how unrealistic that was, for every request around the world like this to be made to disappear. It just was not feesible, not in the slightest. There was no way they could pull that off.

"Which means, its this specific region".

Akano then remembered something he overheard at the guild.

"I have heard rumors lately that crimes involving human trafficking have been on the rise. What if someone related to that is responsible?"

"What, and they destroy every request?"

"No, they intercept every request, and then probably destroy. These requests are just basic guild service, they are low priority and I doubt they get them often, and given the surge of goblins that happened in the region lately, and the revival of the Demon King..."

"They are distracted. In other words, its the perfect time for them to quiet these requests, and perhaps even use them to find good, isolated targets".

Akano gulped.

"That includes us. Iv made several now, probably screams desparation".

"I have too..."

Akano quickly took some deep breaths, and Tamaki invited his dog onto the bed to give a hug to.

"Okay, so...we are almost certainly being targeted right now" Akano noted.

"We probably are being watched every time we go out of the room".

"They just need to wait, watch our schedule...and then when we are alone..."

"They strike".

Akano and Tamaki both nodded, certain they figured it out. Tamaki thought it was time to take action.

"We need to tell the guild. They need to know someone, or a few people, in their ranks betrayed them to human traffickers and kidnappers".

"Yeah, but what if the person we talk to is in on it?"

"If we tell the receptionists, all of them, even they can't hide it".

However, there was still one issue with their plan. One Akano pointed out.

"We don't actually have any evidence".

"Ah..."

Yes, they lacked the decisive evidence, and its not like they could just say "it was confirmed in the spirit world". No way they would accept that as a valid reason.

"So, do we need to wait for them to actually ambush us Akano? I don't like this idea at all!"

"Yeah, neither do I. To be honest, I am a bit surprised they haven't yet".

Little did the two of them know such an event had already happened once, but was thoroughly crushed by someone acting as a Night Watchman. However, it had been done out of their eyesight, in secret, by a third party, under the cover of darkness. And all the corpses were disposed of.

And so, they continued to run through ideas, but without some sort of new development, all they could hit was a brick wall. They didn't want to expose each other to unnecessary danger, or themselves even.

They were all good friends. And the fluffy dog was a good boy.