While the Elves of Terrim had embraced ‘high culture’ and traded most of their elven traditions for a sort of ‘Aristocrat’ way of life. The elves of Persendi remained deep in their roots, in their forests.

——

“[Forest Warden] Wila! ” yelled [Green Mage] Tesina. The [Forest Warden] was currently on the Mother Tree, Spig, having a meeting with the Arbor Council, the ruling body of the forest elves of this region. Waldoase. Tesina was actually the niece of the [Forest Warden] - also one of the most talented mages in their forest - which was probably why the [Woodland Guardsmen] let her through. The Arbor Council hall was on the highest branch available on Sprig. It was made out of crystal, as if the whole tree branch itself was magical. On top of this huge branch there were two white doors, and one door on each side of the tree trunk. It almost looked like the doors were floating in mid air. As you walked down - Council way - or the highest branch of the tree, you could see little holes in the ground that had magical lights illuminating the area around them. The closer you got to the center the more guards or [Treeguards] you saw.

—

Tesina ran through ,the Sylim wood doors, excitedly. “ Aunt Wil— ah, Forest Warden!” She yelled as she ran into the main room, before quickly blanching when she saw who was in the room with her aunt. The most powerful people in the forest. Wila just rubbed her forehead tiredly at her nieces antics. She was also slightly grateful. She’d been stuck in this meeting room for the better part of the day. The rest of the Council was equally grateful and [Arbor Councilmen] Venusoi, the Chairperson for this particular gathering, merely chuckled. He was among the oldest elves in the forest, at maybe two hundred years old. “Ah!Young Tesina. What has our little [Green Mage] so excited.” Venusoi said warmly. Tesina blushed, slightly. She’d grown up around everyone in this room and they knew her well. She was the niece of the [Forest Warden] after all. “Grandfather Venusoi! I’m not a kid anymore you know - I’m 33.” Everyone chuckled or smiled warmly at that and Venusoi clutched at his heart - mock wounded. “Grandfather! Have I become so old. But 33? You grow too quick and there’s still forever to go.” It was a good moment and even Wila had laughed and agreed - internally. Her little niece was growing too quickly for her liking. She was a great source of pride and she loved her dearly. But all good things have to end - or at least they do around [Arbor Councilwomen] Abyla. Abyla coughed - loudly and said “[Green Mage] Tesina, I trust you had good cause to interrupt a council meeting. Other than to flaunt your age.” Wila clenched her jaw and Venus rolled his eyes. Abyla was probably the only one who wanted to go for a few more hours and hammer out the details. Sylim was a really good mana conductor. Used in enchantments, artifacts and other mundane crafts. It was a burgundy wood with veins of white that ran through its middle. The [Enchanters] and [Artificers] of Cuceril - the premier magic academy of Persendi and perhaps the world - wanted Sylim wood and were willing to pay good money for it. Everyone on the Arbor Council of Waldoase agreed that they should sell the wood - as they did so occasionally. However they hadn’t been able to agree on how much they should charge or how much they should sell. Which was why Wila - and a number of other Arbor Council members- had been grateful for Tesina’s interruption. To her credit, Tesina became serious once more and gained a bit of urgency - which made Wila sit up. “It’s humans. They’re in the forest center.” She said and Wila was already half way out the door. The thing about Elven Forests in Persendi is that only elves were allowed inside. And even then, elves of other forests had to give advanced notice. The last time humans had set foot here was - 15 years ago -during the Frigid Queens conquest. When she had conquered most of the continent of Persendi - and half of Maset. Her conquest had failed and she had been wounded - grievously. Magical wounds which healing potions wouldn’t work on. The kingdom of Rimern had signed an armistice with most parties - after their queen had been injured.

An armistice wasn’t an end to a war. It was a pause - a promise to be back. And this time, Waldoase wouldn’t be rolled over. [Forest Warden] Wila had leaped into action and [Woodland Guardsmen] had already assembled and were running through the branches - following her towards the center of the forest. Elves in forests were death from above. Council member Venusoi was also following after Wila - and keeping up. The elf had been around the last time humans had desecrated their lands.

——-

A group of five young adults wandered around a forest filled with glowing flora. “Dude, where the hell are we?” Asked Alexander for the like the tenth time in as many hours. Persia had been on her way to the bathroom and new thing she knew - she was in the middle of Fucktown, population 5 lost idiots and some trees.She stepped on something and it crunched. A smushed glowing plant was all that remained when she lifted her foot. “Careful. Watch where you step, we don’t know what’s lurking around.” Said someone to her left, Bonas. Perhaps the most level headed among them - and even he was freaking out. The other two trailing behind her were Jack and Jill. Twins. Persia hoped their parents paid for their crimes for naming them that. The twins hadn’t said much though, understandable. It might rattle one - ever so slightly - to be walking around the house, only to end up in some strange glowing forest. Their ages ranged from 17 to 20. Alexander being the youngest and Persia being the oldest. ‘An adult’ apparently, she didn’t feel so different from when she was 15. Then again. At 15 she could, probably, tell you where the heck she was. The group had been walking around for 12 hours - by Persia’s count. The sun was coming down now - and they had no source of water. They’d just eat the plants if they got hungry - if they were poisonous? Well - nothing ventured, nothing gained. Well, no one had been brave enough to try - but she was pretty sure they’d grow some balls quick once hunger started setting in. Bonas kicked a stone out of the way as he looked around. He’d been in odd situations but this? This took the cake. But they’d survive, probably, it was a forest so there had to be animals and wild life - but they had no hunting tools. Just a few phones, with no signal, some gum - which he’d shared and a watch. Not exactly a top tier survival kit. He noticed some movement overhead as a [Junior Treeguard] took aim. The group of the [Forest Warden] and the Treeguard had split up, the forest center was a large amount of ground to cover and in their rush they hadn’t thought to as Tesina where exactly in the center did they she them. [Junior Treeguard] Levin and his partner Aluin found the humans on the outskirts of the center - far from the Heart tree cave where the stronger members of the Treeguard and the Forest Warden had rushed off to. “We should go get the Captain.” Suggested Aluin, while keeping his own bow on the humans. “By the time we get back - they’ll be gone already….there’s only 5 of them. Unarmed. There’s two of us, we have the high ground and the element of surprise.” Said Levi but Aluin shook his head “Unarmed from what we can see - for all we know they have artifacts. Lets —“ Twang.Persia was about to pick up an interesting flower - it had drawn her in like moth to flame and there was a certain tingle on her body as she was about touch it. Before Bonas knocked her into the ground - from behind. “What the fu—“ She started before she noticed the arrow which had struck where she was standing a moment ago. “Get up!” Bonas said as he got to his feet and dragged Persia up with him. The other 3 of the group had stopped moving completely, searching the tree line frantically. Two figures thudded behind them as they dropped from the branches - Jack had seen them swing down like Tarzan. “Don’t move.” Aluin said - cursing internally. Levin had fired his arrow as soon as the human reached for a Quen - or a mana rose. It was probably the right course of action - Quens were sacred and expensive but damnit! He’d missed and they’d given themselves away. “I want you to move towards each other - in front of me - nice and slow.” He said to group - keeping his bow trained on them. Levin said nothing as he watched the big dark skinned man - the one who’d saved the olive skinned human with red hair. Aluin took a step forward and Levin did the same. A soul piercing shriek sounded through the air as Jill screamed. Twang. The shriek had caught Levin off guard and he’d flinched- momentarily letting go of the drawn string.This time the arrow hit someone - Bonas , who’d been standing protectively in front of Persia. It buried itself in his arm and he bit back a guttural yelp.

——

“Did you hear that?” Said [Treeguard Captain] Jasmine as she stood on above, hand on the hilt of her sword. Unlike the others, she didn’t carry a bow. She’d go down and fight. “Yes. It sounded like someone fired their bow.” Said the Forest Warden. She was scanning down below - the guards at the heart tree cave had reported nothing out of the ordinary and upon further inspection everything seemed normal. Most of the Treeguard was spread out - circling the forest center. The heavy hitters were at the heart tree cave. Which meant the Village itself was unguarded. Wila turned to the in alarm Captain as a thought hit her “Jasmine what if they were just bait may-—“ she was interrupted by a shriek - south east. Jasmine was already hopping branches by the time she’d determined where the sound came from.

—-

By the time they arrived. Venusoi and a contingent of the Treeguard were there already. Levin and Aluin were currently being chastised by the elderly council member. “ - have any idea what you fools could have gotten us into.” He said heatedly to the the tall elf pair. The humans were surrounded and in Vine Shackles and it appeared one of them had been injured as a bloody arrow was on the floor. The human was still bleeding - not a lot though. The Treeguard had made sure he wouldn’t bleed out and left it at that. Jill was still shaking as Jack hugged her. Jasmine strode in authoritatively. “What’s going on? Why are you speaking to my Treeguard like that?” She asked, politely but not without heat. Before Venusoi could respond Alexander broke out angrily. “Those fucking idiots,” he said jabbing - hands still shackled - at the pair. Levin and Aluin. “Those dumb fucks - shot us.” And Jasmine stood there, staring at the young man who had entered her home and had the audacity to complain about being shot. But Alexander went on heedlessly “Is that what you guys do? just a bunch of blood thirsty elves! I know my goddam rights and when my country hears about this — there’ll be hell to pay!” “Human.You desecrated our land. Killed a Quen. You’re lucky that you’re still alive!” One of the council women, Felien said to the unhinged human — practically spitting at him but Alexander just shifted his attention to her. “ We didn’t do shit but get lost. And the only reason that flower got trampled on was because again - you idiots shot us. In any case - who the hell kills people over a flower. My country will come for me - you fucking morons. Elvish war criminals - who would’ve thought” he finished - breathing heavily. At this point even Bonas and Persia were staring at him. But it worked, Venusoi pulled Jasmine, Wila and Felien to the side so that they could speak privately. “It appears we may have stumbled into an international situation — or at the very least a political one. I only thank the gods that none of the humans had been killed.” He said quietly and Felien scoffed “They killed a Quen. They should’ve been dead before I got here.” And Wila was inclined to agree. “Perhaps — but look at their clothing,” They turned their eyes back to humans. Bonas was wearing a purple nike track suit and Persia was wearing a Loui Vuitton dress with Gucci pumps. Wila had never seen such fine embroidery, material or such bright clothing. Neither had Felien or Jasmine. Venusoi continued “ They’re clearly not from around here and their clothing seems too bright to be for any common born. Also — I’m sure you all noticed?” Jasmine and Wila nodded but Felien was unsure about what he meant. “ Truth spells — I usually have mine running all the time, force of habit. But when that boy said they hadn’t done anything but get lost — my spells indicated he was telling the truth.” He said worriedly “I prefer using truth stones - but they too indicated he was being honest, the entire time.” Added the [Treeguard Captain]. This whole situation became a lot more complicated. Venusoi spoke and he glanced back at the humans. “I think the best course of action is to detain them — politely —- until we can figure out what’s going on.” Wila agreed. Venusoi didn’t linger around as he went to go update the other council members. Wila was about to follow but she heard Felien whisper to Jasmine “Not too polite of course — they did break into elven territory.” And Jasmine gave her a slight, almost imperceptible nod, as she went go check on Levin and Aluin.

—

“They’re like blood thirsty environmentalists. Eco-friendly war criminals!” exclaimed Alexander. They were currently in a large wooden cell. The elves had stuffed them in there after they didn’t kill them in the forest center. A noticeable improvement in Bonas’ opinion. But he also agreed with Alexander, he just wished he wouldn’t say it so loudly with - like - ten of those elf guards at the door.He’d also accepted the fact that they were in another world. It was kinda hard to rationalize when you had anime elves trying to shank you for stepping on a bit of grass. Also the voice he’d heard just as he fell asleep helped.

“[Survivor] Class gained. Level 3! [Skill: Bark Skin] learned” he mumbled. He’d both seen and heard the words. Bonas wasn’t an idiot. Or at least not an ignorant one. He’d watched Isekai anime and he liked Litrpg novels. Liked was a bit weak of a term, he was absolutely addicted to the Wandering Inn. Pirateaba probably laced the words with crack which why was he - and everyone else - was so hooked. He knew what that voice meant. He knew what those words meant. It was just hard to believe.

So for the sake of posterity and more importantly - his sanity. He’d bit himself. Not nibbled or pulled a bit with teeth. Munched. A big Ol’ bite and pull. Like a bloody cannibal trying to enjoy his - raw - spoils of war. He’d literally tried to rip his skin off with his teeth and it barely left a mark. Sure it hurt like hell but still. “You’re a [Survivor]? That’s cool, I guess. I’m a [Diplomat], level 5. Get Alexandered big guy or is it Alexed? Anyways, I also got a Skill. [Abrasive Diplomacy]. Pretty neat right” Said Alexander. It was actually impressive that he managed to annoy the fuck out of Bonas and improve his mood at the same time. It also said a lot about his ability to stay calm under pressure, but Bonas didn’t want to give him too many compliments. Even in his head. “That’s only 2 levels. And [Survivor] is definently cooler than [Diplomat].” He replied. “Also [Bark Skin] is definently more useful, [Abrasive Diplomacy] just sounds like you’re a bit of a dick who gets his way” he said with a smile, jokingly. “Hey!” Exclaimed Alexander. They’d been stuck in the cell alone together - well if you ignored the guards posted at the door. They’d tried to force Jack in here but he wouldn’t leave Jill and vice-versa so they got their own cell and so did Persia. Bonas found he rather liked the twerp, especially after Alexander had whispered that he’d been bluffing the whole time.He rubbed at his arm - the one which got shot - as his head was leaning on the cool wooden wall, he closed his eyes and ignored the minor existential crisis developing in his very bowels. God? Aliens? Are we even in our solar system?What happens next? Those questions all went into the ‘I’ll deal with it later’ box in his little meat computer - or brain.

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—

The outside of the Arbor Council hall was packed, as habitants of the forest asked questions trying to figure out if they were back at war. But the inside was rather quiet, calm - if not tense. Councilwomen Felien was the first to break the silence. “We should’ve executed them. It is no secret entering our forests is a sign of severe disrespect — regardless of whatever nation they hail from” She said, heatedly. A few nods of agreement but Venusoi didn’t agree “And if they were agents of the Frigid Queen? Elves executing humans,? It would give her casus belli. A cause for war. Let them stay detained — until we can develop a peaceful solution.” “The Frigid Queen is dead, Venusoi, the [Archmage's] of Cuceril slayed her. ” “According to whom? The Archmage of High Tower only ever claimed to wound her. And Rimern has been as silent as the Iron Sisters. The Frigid Queen was 25 when she made war. She’d be 40 now, she could still yet live. And if we executed her people - justified or not. What would she do?” No one needed to answer. Everyone knew how the Frigid Queen felt about her people. “Perhaps we are over thinking it. The Frigid Queen might live - but I do no believe she would make war so hastily. Certainly not with us, there are others who have better cause to infiltrate our forests.” Said Councilwoman Petras. All eyes turned to her. “And who might that be? Councilwoman.” Asked Venusoi. The [Intelligent Arbor Council member] raised her fingers as she listed. “ Well - the slavers of Gordl. Elves are rarely slaves - for we do not allow our people to be slaves - and they’d consider us an ‘exotic’ commodity.The Mage City of Kaledies. Ambitious mages would probably sell their own mothers for even a dead seedling from the our heart tree.I don’t believe the Stormlands or the Adumbra of St Poseid would do so - they’re a decent bunch. I also doubt they could be so subtle. My point, however, remains. There are many groups who have sufficient motivation to take from us. Let us not allow the shadows of the past to blind us from the light of today.” She finished. By then tempers had cooled and cooler heads began to prevail. The Council hall was silent as they Petras words sink in. “Quite right - Councilwoman Petras,” said Abyla. Everyone focused on her as she turned her eyes to the Forest Warden, Wila. “However, I believe the ‘how’ is more important than the why. At least at this current moment.” Wila tensed in her seat. She’d been running around all night, last night, securing the forest. Trying to figure how five humans made it to the center of the forest. And when finally went home - she’d been kept up by guilt and shame. That could’ve gone very wrong - had the humans been less conspicuous or if Tesina hadn’t seen them. People could’ve died. Everybody shifted their attention to her. The [Forest Warden] took a deep breath. “I claim full responsibly for the lapse in security - the Treeguard are conducting a full investigation but the failure is my fault. As such…. I shall be resigning as soon as the matter is resolved.” Someone gasped and Venusoi objected “ Nobody blames you —“ Abyla cut in “She is the Forest Warden, Venusoi, even if she isn’t directly at fault. She is in charge our safety - and it was put into jeopardy yesterday.” Wila’s stomach twisted as she saw a few heads in the room nod. “Wila has always been diligent, Abyla, you know that. But even she can’t stop high level individuals.” Venusoi rose in defense of Wila and Abyla was about to reply but Wila said something that made them both falter. “They had no levels.” Petras looked up from the quiet conversation she was having with the [Treeguard Captain], Jasmine Hova. “In what Class? [Forest Warden]” she questioned. Low levels in an advanced class would still explain how the humans managed to sneak past everyone. The [Forest Warden] just shook her head. “Last night - when we detained the humans - I had one of the Treeguards cast [Appraise] on them. They had no levels and no classes. I, myself, cast [Identify] and on them and got the same result.” that stunned the whole room. “Perhaps they had Anti-Appraise artifacts, Forest Warden.” Replied Petras after a moment. “We checked -they had none. No magical artifacts.” She said - frustrated. Venusoi sat down slowly “That is…..” He trailed off. Jasmine, the [Treeguard Captain], chose this moment to interject. “Greetings - Council members - in addition to what the [Forest Warden] said. Only 3 of them remain Classless. This morning my guards reported that two of the males gained Classes and levels. [Survivor] Level 3 and [Diplomat] Level 5.” She stepped back as she finished. Petras, astute, asked “ Did you say Level 3 [Survivor]? Captain” “Yes, Councilwoman. A skill too, [Bark Skin].” “That’s—that’s a really good skin for level 3.” Said Venusoi but Petras just shook her head “It is, Councilman, but - why would our infiltrators get [Survivor] Class. I thi - I think they might be the victims in this situation.” She said grimly but confidently. It made sense. Why would enemy infiltrators become [Diplomats] or [Survivors]. Especially when you considered what that angry human — Alexander —- had said. Abyla raised her chin “ I think the best course of action might be to speak to….these humans, ourselves. [Treeguard Captain], would that be safe?” Jasmine just nodded her head “Certainly, I’ll get some of the higher level Treeguard to come in - but I could take them - the humans - all down. They’re not a threat.” She said, confidently. Which was likely the case, she hadn’t even taken into account that [Forest Warden] Wila would be in the room. “Very well - Captain - let us talk to them.” Said Venusoi, not even calling for a vote. They would’ve all agreed anyways. Jasmine went out to fetch her prisoners and Petras sat deeper in her chair.“Not a threat, just an anomaly” she murmured.

—

“We don’t want to mention we’re from another world” said Bonas — whispering —to Alexander, . They were huddled at the back of the cell - whispering to each other. One of the guards had informed them that they’d be having a trial, with the Council, shortly. “Makes sense — but what do I say if they ask for specifics.” “ I don’t know, you’ll think of something - maybe use [Abrasive Diplomacy]. You’re the [Diplomat], after all.” Alexanders chest puffed up a bit at that. “What about the others though? Do you think they’ll agree?” “Persia will understand. Plus — I don’t think Jack and Jill will say anything, they’ve been as quiet as mice those two. Obviously not including…..” He trailed off, rubbing at his arm. It was healing — but it might get infected. It would also leave an ugly scar.He didn’t get why the elves couldn’t have given him a bandage or something for the pain. Rather cruel of the space fairies but whatever. “Listen, you did well yesterday but try keep in mind — these guys could shank us at anytime. Hell, they wanted to do it over a bit of greenery.” He said to the [Diplomat].

——

“The United States of America? Where is that — up north?” Asked Venusoi. His truth spells were still indicating the young man was telling the truth. “It’s…on another continent.” Bonas groaned internally and Persia bit her tongue. But it was working. Venusoi sucked in a breath and the rest of the council leaned in. This is exactly what they didn’t want, an international incident. “Which continent boy — Terrim, Maset or Bascan?” Pressed Abyla. The [Diplomat] tensed slightly, he didn’t know about the truth stones or truth spells in the room but he figured lying would be bad .A sort of sixth sense informed him falsehoods would make the whole situation worse. A [Diplomats Intuition]. So he went with his gut. “Listen here — you old —- We also don’t know how we got into your forest. We didn’t break in or come here to steal anything and then you —you shoot us!If there’s anyone who should be getting interrogated right now, It’s you lot!” Said Alexander, seemingly outraged and shifting the direction of the conversation with his outburst. “This isn’t an int—“ started Venusoi but Alexander cut him off “ Oh? Then what is it? Are we prisoners or are we free to leave —- If not, why were we held unlawfully? Don’t you think we also want to know what’s going on. Or is it because we’re humans and you’re just a bunch of speciest elves. In fact —I’ve never met elves as horrible as you.” He’d also never met elves before but that was besides the point. The council — Venusoi in particular —-was sweating now. Even [Captain] Jasmine was uneasy at the accusations and their implications. “Out of curiosity — what would your nation do if they found out about this…incident?” Asked Petras, speaking up for the first time. Alexander took a moment to think about the question. What would the USA do if they found murderous extra terrestrials with unique and unquantifiable resources which could change the landscape of both American civil society as well as the military? Deliver some good Ol democracy of course. “Candidly — they’d invade, pillage and perhaps abduct each and everyone of you. Our scientists at Area 51 would have a field day dissecting you, probably. We’d claim this land as our own and everything on it. They’d bring choppers, tanks. Mow you all the fuck down. And then celebrate — for freedom and democracy would win that day.” He said this casually, mixing up movie facts with real life possibilities. Some of the words didn’t make sense but the meaning was communicated clearly. War.The Council room became quiet. Venusoi had paled with each word. When did humans become such monsters. “….Do they know you’re here?” Alexander paused, don’t lie but adjacent facts worked just as well as any lie. “No one from home knows we’re here, yet. But they can track me — using my iPhone. They’ll see where the connection cut.” “Your… iPhone? Is that an artifact?” “…I suppose you guys could call it that — but it’s just a phone.” So saying he reached into his underwear — gross — and pulled out his phone. An iPhone X actually. The rest of the Council gave [Forest Warden] Wila a look, she had assured them the humans had been dislodged of any magical artifacts. Wila herself was surprised. She didn’t sense any magical residue or mana from the device but the human had been telling the truth. Abyla looked at the [Treeguard Captain[, Jasmine, and said “Thank you. [Diplomat] Alexander. Captain Jasmine will now return you to your holdings — while we deliberate.” Jasmine stepped up and led the humans in the room. The doors clicked as they were closed. Felien breathed out a curse. “Tree rot” Venusoi gave her a look but he didn’t say anything. [Forest Warden] Wila was the one to speak what was on everyones mind. “We can’t afford a war. The rest of the Enclave won’t help us.” ‘The Enclave’ was this regions collection of elven settlements. Unlike the elves of Terrim or Maset or even Bascan. The elves of Persendi didn’t have kingdoms. They had enclaves, a grouping of at least 3 forest settlements which formed something akin to a country or city state. Crucially — forests settlements within the enclaves didn’t always agree. As was the case right now. Waldoase and Brachenfurt had been involved in decade long argument. The details of the argument were unimportant — in the grand scheme of things but they meant that Brachenfurt wouldn’t back Waldoase if humans came knocking on the door. Which meant that Fruhlingsig wouldn’t support Waldoase either, no one liked to go into a losing battle. The Willowon Enclave wasn’t exactly a united one. With these thoughts running through everyone’s head it was Petras who offered a workable solution. She tapped the sylim table slightly, getting everyones attention. “Perhaps — perhaps we can salvage this situation?” She said standing up “Obviously they’re rather mad — understandably. And the [Diplomat] has some rather strong opinions about us.” Felien rolled her eyes. “Get to the point, Petras.” Petras glared at her but continued “That is Councilwoman Petras, nonetheless, from their current stand point we are aggressors. To make amends I suggest we release them from their bonds — but make sure they remain in the village. Using polite methods. Show them that it was just one large misunderstanding and that crucially —- we are not some bloody thirsty elves. They have a [Diplomat] among them, let us do some diplomacy.” She finished. Venusoi nodded, agreeing, and rose to his feet. “A workable solution indeed. All in favor?” He said. Calling a vote. All hands rose. Even Feliens —- though hers was a second or two behind the others. “Witnessed and passed. Let us make amends and show the humans some elvish hospitality.” He said moving to speak to the [Forest Warden], privately. Wila had been dropping the ball lately and he needed to figure out what the issue is.

——

The Humans weren’t taken back to their cells — this time they were moved to one of the waiting rooms in the Council Building. Jack and Jill lingered at the back, sitting comfortably on a couch made of green mesh. Bonas stood at the window — over looking the entire settlement , he was watching people go about their day. They looked alien but also so normal. If you ignored the pointy ears you could forget that they were elves instead of normal people. Alexander was sleeping in the corner before he jumped up excitedly. “I leveled up, again. Level 10 baby. [I speak; You listen] and [Aura: Irking Presence].” He said pumping the air. He spooked Bonas a bit as he turned from the window. “Level 10, already? That’s fast. I guess this whole speak or we die thing is getting you some major grind. Good job.” He said giving Alexander a high-five. Persia just eyed them worriedly before throwing her hands in the air. “Is no one freaking out about this shit — or like the fact that we have no idea what’s going on. And what the hell is this Level stuff.” She said frustrated. Bonas and Alexander just eyed each other before looking at Persia “But we do know what’s going on — we just don’t know what happened.” And Persia looked at him like he’d grown another head. “We do ?— Then, please enlighten us. Oh sage of secrets.” She said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. But Alexander just spoke casually “Yeah — We’re clearly on another world right now. We got Isekai’d. Have you never watched any anime?” “…What?” Said Persia, looking at Alexander. Had he lost his mind? But even Bonas, the big black south African — who’d saved her life, twice — was nodding. “We’re clearly not on Earth. Unless this is some big experiment or I’m as high as Table Mountain. The girl from Italy looked at the south African and turned to the twins for help “You don’t believe this right ? Another world — levels? Do you think this is some game?” She said — her voice rising. But even Jack and Jill looked at her and it was Jill who spoke — probably her first words since arriving. “It doesn’t feel like a game—Everything just feels so real. But I also heard the voice. ‘[Depressed Girl] level 11![Skill:Piercing shriek] learned. [Aura: A Somber World] acquired’ ” she said softly.Everybody stopped to look at her. “Poor girl.” “Congrats!” Said Bonas and Alexander at the same time. Jack also chose the moment to speak up “ I haven’t gained a class yet — but I too have figured out we’re not at home. I mean, clearly but yeah — Anime.” He said, somewhat stumbling over his words. Persia plopped down convinced everyone had lost their minds. Alexander looked down at her and said “This is why anime is important — prevents ignorance. I mean, dude, there’s literal elves at the door and we’re on a tree city. I don’t think being on another planet is that far-fetched. In fact — it’d be harder to hide all of this on Earth, I think.” He finished, calmly. Persia looked at him and said. “Huh. I guess you’re right.” The teen nodded sagely and gave himself a pat on the shoulder. “Moral of the story — listen to Alex and watch anime.” Bonas shoved him slightly and Persia gave him the finger but they froze and then smiled when they heard Jill laughing softly. A Diplomat indeed.