"Did you find their tracks?" Philip asked Alora who was coming back from scouting.

"None. Their area was clear as if they just vanished to thin air. They either used teleportation, or used magic to travel underneath the Earth. From the looks of the loose soil where they originally stand, I think it was the latter." Alora reported before leaning against the cell where I am currently on. She is like a jailer, not looking at me but I can feel that she is aware of what I am doing right now. Which is finding a good position to lie down since every move causes discomfort from my now healing wounds and bones.

Kurt healed me earlier before covering me in salve he created from the herbs he foraged earlier. After which he covered splinted my broken bones and covered my already closed wounds with bandages to increase the recovery speed. It seems his healing skill is not that strong that is why I need at least a day to fully recover even with the herbal salve.

"Damn it! Why are not we not going after those bastards that got Mark?! We might still be able to chase them down." Philip was furious as he walk back and forth.

Kurt was back cleaning up the camp after he healed me. Ortho in the meantime was sifting through his collapsed tent to check on his devices. Both of them halt what they were doing to face Philip.

"Calm down Philip. No sound plan is born from a disturbed mind." Kurt said as he grabbed the pot I threw earlier in the fight.

"How can you be so calm when they captured our friend? We should go and rescue him as soon as we can. Who knows what they are doing to him?" Philip answered as he glares at Kurt.

"I am calm because we need to be calm. What good will it do if we just run around in panic? We would only miss an important clue or something if we do that." Kurt stood and locked eyes with him. Calm as can be. "Tell me. What would you do if we are able to find them? With your hot temper you would just endanger Mark more if we rush ahead without planning."

Philip walk towards Kurt and grabbed the pot he was holding and threw it to the ground. "So we're just going to let them get away with our companion? Some friend you are. If you're the one that got nabbed I am sure Mark will be one of the first one who will jump through all of the hoops just to get you back."

"Don't mistake caution with cowardice. I too would like to save our friend as soon as possible. But right now we don't have a plan, much less a trail to follow. You've seen how powerful the female mage was. She doesn't only have a large amount of mana, she could also use silent casting with almost instant casting to control multiple elements." Kurt grabbed the pot once more and brushed off the dirt from it. "To rush in without thinking is to make a mistake. A mistake that will not only endanger Mark, but also all of us."

"Grrrr… Shit!" Philip slammed his fist against a tree with enough strength for it to shake violently. "How could I let this happen? How could I make such an obvious mistake? We should've stayed together. I should have remained patient and waited for Alora to come back. Then I would've been able to defend Mark so he can focus on his spells. Then we could've won. Instead he was left fending for himself. Fighting 4 enemies at the same time." With face full of guilt his shoulder slumped. "It's my fault. I am a failure of a leader."

Ortho stopped what he is doing for a minute and placed his hand over Philip's shoulder to comfort him. "It's not your fault. It is not like you just wandered around the forest without a valid reason. You we're concerned that the Elf hasn't come back from her patrol that is why you headed out."

Alora who remained to stand guard on me in my cage seemed to be affected by what Ortho said but remained silent.

"This is asinine. This is not the time to throw blame around. Instead we must focus our efforts in finding and saving our friend." Kurt exclaimed.

Everyone went silent.

The first one to break the silence was Philip. "Who are those people anyway and why did they attack us? I don't see why they would attack random adventurers just for fun especially here in the Elven Forest."

"Fer who or why, I don't really have an idea. But for how, I have some questions too. Elves are known to detest people trespassing in the Elven Forest without permission. Those people wouldn't be able to enter the Forest normally." Ortho's gaze fell upon Alora.

"Well, maybe my Ranger brethren are busy with something more important. That is why those people were able to enter." Alora replied. She tries to maintain a calm exterior but the way she fidgets was a clear sign that she was hiding something.

"Something more important?" Stopped from sifting through his items which were scattered by the fight and stood up. "More important than guarding the Elven Forest? I doubt it." Ortho retorted.

"What are you trying to imply dwarf?" I can feel the tension rise as sparks flies as their gazes meet.

"Hey! We already agreed that no bickering!" Philip quickly put himself in the middle of the two.

"There be something strange going on and the Elf knows it. Why else would that crazy wind lady run away with her tail between her feet at the sight of her?"

"If you're trying to insinuate that I have something to do with Mark's abduction? You better watch your tongue dwarf." She looks offended by Ortho's accusation.

"Then why don't ye tell us what yer hiding eh? If ye really not responsible for his capture then tell us." Ortho demanded.

The whole party have their eyes glued to Alora, who is clearly struggling to decide whether she tell them her secret or not.

Finally she answered. "I can't."

"Ha! See?" Ortho exclaimed.

"It is not that I don't want to tell you. But if I do, it will just end up endangering your lives." She said, trying to convince the party. "Believe me. I don't want Mark to get captured. I too want to rescue him as much as you. I consider him a companion too." She looks like she is about to cry. The always cold face elf is showing emotion. What a surprise.

"Ok. I trust you." Philip answered.

"Oh please. Open yer eyes Philip." Ortho seem frustrated as he try to convince Philip to side with him.

"Ortho. We have been adventuring with each other for months now. For the few missions we took, Alora has never let us down. She even saved our hides a couple of times. I trust her. If you can't do the same, then put your trust in me." Determination clear in Philip's eyes.

As if he is debating against himself, Ortho finally answered. "Yer a good leader Philip. Even after I caused a lot of trouble fer ye and the others, ye always got me back. Now, I got yer back. Fer any decent dwarf worth his barrel of beer always stick with their friends."

"Thanks Ortho. I value your friendship too." Philip pat Ortho's back and then started walking towards Alora. "If you believe that knowing your secret will put us in harms' way, then I put in trust in you. Not because I like you. But because we are a party and a party who don't put trust in each other will fail." I noticed that he stuttered a bit when saying "like".

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

"Don't worry. I like this party too. When I was expelled from the Rangers, you guys are the ones who took me, a lone Elf without questions asked. This is my family now." Alora answered.

"Okay. Enough drama. Let's get back to finding Mark." Philip stated.

"Yeah." Ortho answered as he returned to cataloguing his items and listing down which are still serviceable and those which are busted. "By the way. The storm bitch mentioned the One. If my intuition is correct, she is speaking about Cloud."

"She looks determined to take you in the end. I wonder what she wants." Kurt

"Tell us the truth boy. Are ye related to those bastards who took Mark away?"

Oh. They finally remembered I exist. "No. This is the first time I laid eyes on them myself."

"Hmmm… He doesn't look like lying." Philip stated.

"Why would I lie? Look at me. They beat me so hard that I now look like a mummy. If I was related to them, I would've just left Mark to fend for himself and escape." I answered.

"Well maybe you thought you can't escape without Mark's help so you have no choice to team up with him?" Philip interjected.

Well, that's true. But straight up admitting that will not aid me. "Of course not." I tried my best to look offended.

"Hmmm… Hard to know if he is telling the truth or not. Kurt could you check his pulse?" Philip asked.

"I would but how does that help us? He fought bravely against the ones who took Mark until his body was reduced to a pile of broken bone and squished organs. If he didn't do what he did, they would have already took both him and Mark away without us finding what happened." Kurt continued. "Standing against those who are stronger than you for the sake of others is a sign of bravery. Especially when he can't use mana or Ki. For that he have my respect." Kurt answered.

"Well. If you say it like that." Philip replied as he scratch his head. "Ok. What about being the "One" and why does they want to capture you? Why did they capture Mark? Tell us what happened."

I told them the story of how we got ambushed and surrounded by the Crazy Wind Lady and her lackeys, the fight against said lackeys, the Crazy Lady butting in when his minions are in a disadvantage, about the Crazy Wind Lady telling me that their organization would like to capture me for my Void energy that I can't use. Up until the moment I was able to hit her with dirt which resulted to me getting multiple bone fractures and internal bleeding.

"What a fascinating story. If what you say is true, then they are in an organization of some sort. It will be hard to rescue Mark then. Especially when we have to leave you in your cell. That means we have to leave someone to guard you, which we can't afford if we want to succeed." Philip mutter to himself. "We need Alora to scout the area. Kurt can also move and dispatch sentries in silence. We might need Ortho's mananite rifle to provide magic attacks since Mark is out. His other inventions might also be helpful in infiltrating their camp. As for me, I am needed to defend the party in case worse comes to pass. We really can't afford to leave even one person to guard."

"How about we bring him with us?" Kurt asked.

All of the party members including me look at Kurt. What the hell bringing me? If that is the enemy camp, I would surely get curb stomped to oblivion once push came to shove since I don't have any magic or mana for that matter.

"You know they are looking for him right? If we bring him and we got caught, then we have no bargaining chip to exchange with Mark." Philip said with a serious face.

"You said we need all us there if we want to rescue Mark right? This way we won't need to leave someone to guard him." Kurt answered. A calm smile plastered on his face.

"And besides, even if he did quite well in the earlier fight, it was because his enemies are underestimating him. If his enemies used "Shell" then he will not be able to do anything against them especially since he have no mana or Ki attacks to break them and that is a mistake I am sure they will not make twice. If we got found out he will be of no use and more of a liability."

"It is true that his lack of mana or inability to use Ki is a problem. That is why I am thinking of teaching him how to use Ki." Kurt stated as a matter of fact.

"What are you saying? We should not teach him how to use Ki! What if he use it against us?" Alora argued.

"Do not fret. I will not teach him advance Ki control. Just enough to be able to contribute in the coming battle and defend himself against magic and Ki attacks." Kurt answered. "He seem decent enough. I don't feel that he will stab us in the back. He doesn't look like that kind of person. Even if he does, I will take care of him." He seem so confident in his answer.

"If you say so. Then I will leave him to you. In the meantime, I will write a letter to the Guild requesting their aid. But once we find those bastard's tracks, we will try to save Mark as soon as possible with our without the guild's help. Gods know what those bastards are doing to him right now." Philip stated after which he proceeded to walk towards his fallen tent.

Finally I get to learn something good.

Once I learn this, I won't finally get my ass kicked by any scrubs who could cast that annoying defense magic.

Who knows, I could even use it to escape. But best not be greedy. Just take it one step at a time.

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

Damn it. If only that Ranger didn't come when she did, I would've defeated those worthless adventurers and brought that insufferable One back. Then I won't have to endure this humiliating "Talk" with the Elder.

"I remember explicitly instructed you to return with the One back here in the camp." Elder Maximillian started. His back turned facing a map. "Now, answer my question Mariam. You have returned. Now where is the One?"

"I apologize Elder Maximillian. The One was almost within my grasp. It was only because an Elven Ranger came to disrupt my plans. If she weren't there I would've captured the One with no problem." The restrictive aura of Elder Maximillian wash over me. I can feel his displeasure as the pressure increases by the moment. I didn't use my own Aura to defend myself, lest Maximillian view this as insubordination and punish me.

"And?" That was his only reply.

"I- Argh…" The pressure was so intense that I was forced to kneel.

Maximillian stood in front of me. "You know why I assigned you in this most important mission Mariam?" I tried to answer but pushed down once more by his aura. "You are my best apprentice. I know your capabilities. Be it in knowledge, skills, or power, none of the other members of our organization could even compare."

"But it seems I didn't took into account those nasty habits of yours. No doubt you played around with your opponents to flaunt your strength in order to inflate your ego. Like a child who thirst for her parent's attention." Bastard! How long would you make me kneel? "How many times do I have to tell you this Mariam?! The strong doesn't need seek the recognition of the weak! Let your power speak for itself. Respect and adoration you seek will follow. If not for this flaw of yours then you would've been the perfect mage, far beyond your peers. Even better than your rival, Minerva." He put his hand on my shoulder and continued. "Heed my word. I tell you this not as an Elder to a subordinate. But from a Master to his student. Let go of the chains that is your pride. That is the only way you can break what binds you and soar to a new heights." He sighed as I felt his aura subside.

This bastard! He thinks he can understand me? The things I have gone through? The shame I felt from losing to that half-blood bitch? He even have the gall to mention her name to me? If only I didn't need his knowledge and connections, I would not have to suffer this humiliation any longer. "I am sorry Mas- Elder. Give me another chance. I promise I will not fail you again."

"No." Maximillian stated. "You will be given another mission, more suited to your skills. Go back to your room and wait for further instruction. This meeting is dismissed."

What the hell! He is sending me to another mission?! He will not even give me the chance to regain my honor! I grit my teeth and try to regain my composure before I respond. "As you wish, Elder." I stood up and bowed once more before I proceeded to the door.

As I exit the Elder's office, one thing is on my mind. Revenge!

How dare those lowly adventurers humiliate me like this? Not only does the Elders reprimand me for my failure to capture the One, but the other useless minions must think I am a pushover too! I have never been this humiliated since that damned Ice Queen defeated me back when we were in the Royal Magic Academy.

My blood boiled once more when I remember the name of my greatest rival. Minerva Merryweather. The bastard daughter of the late Lord Ashton Merryweather. If not for her. I would've become known as the strongest female mage in the academy standing beside the strongest Knight, Prince Reginald.

That bitch!

We continued to battle each other year after year for the top spot and not only did she defeat me, she had the gall to humiliate me in front of the whole school! I left the academy to find famous mages and learn their secrets by any means possible. All of these years I have trained myself to be stronger and what do I find when I finally felt ready to face my rival? I found out that she now stands as one of the great generals of the now greatest known knight and mage in history, Prince Reginald Kingscrown now known as Kaizer.

I have the pure bloodline of noble mages. Not some daughter of a dirty peasant accidentally impregnated by a horny noble. I am Mariam Lexine Frey the Storm Queen! I should be the one standing beside him!

A sound of someone clapping interrupted my thoughts. I look towards the origin of the sound and saw Christopher Esclaire.

"Looks like the great Storm Queen has finally returned from her most important mission. How about you grace us with an amazing tale of your triumph your highness?" Christopher said. This bastard. Did he come to mock me? "But what's this?! You don't have the One with you. This is so unlike you, the favorite of Elder Maximillian "Storm Rage" Grant to fail. What could possibly have happened to for our perfect Queen to fail?"

I can feel my veins about to pop out of my forehead but I maintain my calm composure. I hid my anger, turned my face towards him and smiled. "Oh my. If it isn't "Tiny" Chris. Don't worry your "little" head. It is just a minor setback. I would get the One next time we meet."

His arrogant façade slipped and show his annoyance upon hearing his nickname but quickly changed back. "Hmph! As if you have another chance oh Queen. From what I heard, the Elders have already decided to send you away to another mission. Chances are, I would be the one to clean up your mess."

This arrogant little prick! I couldn't control myself and used wind blast to send him crashing to the side of hallway.

Struggling to get to his feet, I can see him gathering his mana. "You crazy bitch!"

"Oh I am sorry. I was just being playful. I didn't think that you are so weak that my weakest spell could send you flying like that. I apologize." I stand over him with a mocking smile. "Also. Try calling me that one more time and not even the Elders could save you from my wrath." I started to walk away from the loser. "Weakling should learn their place and not cross the path of the strong. Least you be crushed underneath their boots."

I can still hear his angry voice as I walk away. "Don't think this is over Mariam! Remember this day! I will have my revenge!"

Yeah right. I don't have time playing with weaklings. I must find a way to fix my reputation. Damn you Maximillian. Stepping on my pride and not even letting me the chance to fix it. Look at what happened! Even the weakling have found their spine to stand up against me. This is unacceptable!

I can feel my rage about to burst as I enter my room. I proceeded to go to the basement where the fire mage that I captured lie. Chained against the walls and still unconscious. In his neck was a collar that I requested from the jailers. It seals the mana of the one who wears it. Just to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid once he wakes up.

On the side were my subordinates, chained up and bloodied after I tortured them for their failures. That's right. It's not my fault that the mission failed. It is because of these useless trash. April and June could not even defeat a single fire mage on their own. Corbin and Marlon was even defeated by the One who wasn't even using Ki or mana. What's worse was Allan and Claire who I sent to stall that bastard monk and dwarf. They haven't returned yet. I hope they were dead for if I find them, they will wish they are.

At the middle of the room is the body of Adriane, our scout. This bitch never told me that there was an Elf in the party. Or that she was alone and not part of the Elven Rangers who patrol the Elven Forest. I was so surprised that she appeared that I feared that the Rangers have caught up to our plan. If I knew that she is alone, I would've destroyed them in no time. Yes. It is because of these worthless maggots that I failed. It is not my fault.

I am perfect.

I am Mariam The Storm Queen, and I will have my revenge.