Following the kobold’s directions, Shade and I arrived at a large oak tree.

  The staggering tree seemed to reach the heavens, though its massive branches that stemmed seemed to block out the heavens. The huge leaves formed a type of ceiling that made the land below dim.

  The ground was uneven and damp, covered in a mix of soil, small rocks, and thick moss that clung to nearly every surface. Low-growing plants and ferns dotted the edges of a pond spread out toward the bases of the trees. Lily pads dotted the pond, and the scales of fish gleamed as they swam through the shining water. A doe was quenching its thirst, while a small rabbit hopped across the exposed rocks of the pond.

  It was nice to look at, but I wasn’t here for that.

  I was here for what flew around the flowers.

  Small flashes of light hovered around the lights, almost like they were appreciating each one by sniffing their scents.

  They looked like just that, small flashes of light.

  But in reality, they were Elemental Spirits.

  And if you looked closer, you could see that they were more than just mere flashes.

  The green flash is a Sprite. Her-

  Skin shimmers with a subtle green glow like the coming of spring, and her green eyes sparkle like morning dew on grass blades. Delicate freckles, like scattered pollen grains, dust her tanned face, giving her an innocent, almost ethereal charm. Her hair cascades in loose waves, a rich chestnut brown streaked with strands of deep forest green like highlights. Tiny blossoms and curled fern leaves are woven naturally throughout her locks, forming a type of crown. She wears a simple tunic made from woven moss and which was spun by spider silk. Around her waist is a belt of braided vines that holds tiny flowers, even smaller than her. Covering her legs are strips of bark and leaf-patterned cloth. Her tiny hands are also decorated with bracelets made of tiny acorns and feathers. Behind her, tiny wings made of translucent leaves flutter, carrying a faint scent of moss and fresh earth.

  ………The grey one is a-

  The Vayra! She stands slender and graceful, with skin that shimmers like polished silver-blue glass. She wears a robe of finely woven silk, pale like morning fog, clinging gently to her frame yet flowing with every breath of wind. Around her wrists and neck hangs delicate bands of braided feathers and slender reeds. As for her face, she’s striking-sharp, elegant features framed by high cheekbones and a smooth jawline. Her eyes are pale blue and clear, similar to her long hair that flows like silver clouds. Due to being a wind spirit, she has no need for wings, and rather floats however she wishes to.

  Can you let me talk?

  My bad, continue on.

  Anyway, the blue one is the Neris, who-

  The Neris’ polished aquamarine glass like skin is complemented well by her deep turquoise eyes and dark seaweed hair.

  If you interrupt me one more damn time-

  Her skin is slender and fluid, accompanied by water droplets that clung to her, yet not ruining her kelp form. Her fish scale wings glow in the light, casting small rainbows at every angle.

  Can you stop? You keep interrupting me whenever I try to-

  As for the red one, the Fyril, she blazes as a literal flame, her orange hair roaring like a wildfire. Her skin glows like molten gold, and her eyes, those chaotic black eyes, sneered at every waking moment. She wears armor forged from charred obsidian and braided strands of ember-threaded cloth, which crackled softly with sparks that never fully burned away. Around her wrist and neck hang chains of smelted metals fused with glowing coals, ornaments that gave off steam, trailing behind her every move. As for her ability to fly, she uses her natural output of steam to control her flying mobility.

  I facepalmed as Sys still ogled at them.

  The only reason why he was even so accurate was because he was right next to them. Since he was my personal system, no one else could see him…………He better not do anything weird.

  I let Shade follow me as I walked up to the spirits. “Yo.”

  The spirits instantly flew away in my presence.

  Nice going, Silver Tongue. I can just tell the ladies couldn’t keep their hands off you back on Earth.

  I shoved Sys away.

  Sure, they flew away, but if I was right,

  I watched as the flashes of light slowly came back.

  “Why does that wolf follow you?” The Sprite demanded.

  “It’s my summon.” I scratched under Shade’s chin.

  The spirits watched in awe as Shade fell down, panting in pleasure.

  The Vayra flew closer and examined my hair and ears. “Silver, but normal ears………”

  She flew back. “Are you an elf?”

  “Yeah.” I answered.

  I heard the entire group of four sigh.

  “Thank the gods!” The Neris exclaimed.

  “We thought you were another dirty human.” The Sprite explained.

  “Even if you were, I’d smoke you just like the rest.” The Fyril proclaimed.

  “But you flew away as well.” I pointed out.

  “Huh? What are you trying to say? You wanna go?”

  I merely watched as the small fire lady yelled obscene things at me.

  The Sprite moved closer, sniffing my hair. “Even still, you smell different than a regular elf.”

  Here we go.

  “Well actually, I’m not a full elf. I’m a Half-Elf.”

  The spirits gasped dramatically as they backed up even further.

  “Disgusting!” The Neris yelled.

  The Vayra merely shook her head.

  “Get away from here right now!” The Fyril threatened with small sparks.

  “The detestable offspring that holds the blood of both the horrible humans and the revered elves………” The Sprite muttered.

  Yeah, spirits are actually racist towards humans. But honestly, can you really blame them? Humans have been destroying their homes ever since they’ve been born.

  “Can you at least hear me out?”

  Only the Sprite answered. “Due to your elven lineage, we will at least listen.”

  “So, I want to be an adventurer-” I awkwardly shuffled my feet. I cleared my throat as I continued. “But, I’m not good with elemental magic, so I was wondering if you’d be willing to form Soul Bonds with me.”

  The Spirits merely looked at me.

  Until the Fyril burst out in laughter. “You? You want us to form Soul Bonds with……you?” She laughed even harder.

  “What a foolish request.” The Vayra murmured.

  The Neris sighed. “We’re not interested in forming Soul Bonds, especially with a weak halfling like you.”

  “Weak?” I moved closer. “I killed that huge orc all on my own!”

  The demeanors of the Spirits changed.

  “That was you? You killed that orc?” The Neris asked.

  “Yes, that was me.”

  “You’re the one who knocked down all of those trees?” The Sprite demanded.

  “Uhhh.........” I paused. “It wasn’t entirely my fault.” I mumbled.

  “Do you know how long it took to fix that? To replant the lost trees? To reform the ruined land? To convince the critters to return?” The Sprite continued.

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  I backed up. “It sounds like it was really difficult.”

  “Difficult is an understatement! You caused so much chaos with that stupid fight! And now, you think you can come in here and just ask us to Soul Bond with you? Do you realize how stupid you sound?”

  “But-But-” I sputtered. “Look, I realize what I did must have annoyed you, but regardless, I still took down that beast. Doesn’t that mean I’m at least worth something? Can’t you at least consider it?”

  The Sprite folded her arms. “While it is undeniable proof of your strength, we have no reason to leave. This is our home, and there is nothing out there that will make us leave.”

  I looked around the pond. “Your home? Is it that important?”

  “It is the source of our very own wellbeing. While nature itself is what supplies us, we are at our most powerful when in the vicinity of our birthplace. We have to stay and protect it from monsters and humans for not just ourselves, but for the future spirits.”

  I went into a kneeling position. “Even so, can’t you at least think of a way? Maybe a lonesome spirit who wants to explore? Can’t you find it in your heart to help me?”

  I tried my best to seem pitiful.

  “Hey, isn’t it obvious?” The Fyril asked.

  I looked up to see her sneering eyes.

  “We don’t want to. We don’t want to help a filthy halfling like you.”

  “The idea of forming a Soul Bond does irk me.” The Vayra said with a disgusted look.

  “Just leave already. We don’t want your kind here.” Neris said with an unbothered look.

  “Maybe if you didn’t have that filthy human blood flowing through you, we would consider helping you. Tell me, from whom have you inherited your elven blood?” The Fyril asked.

  “...........My mother.”

  She laughed. “A foolish whore who fell for a disgusting human’s deception.”

  Calm down. It’s just a spirit.

  The Sprite quietly spoke. “It is as they said. Leave before we are forced to make you.”

  “And besides,” the Fyril added with a cold sneer, “how can we trust someone like you with our souls? Half-Elves are just as vile as the humans who birthed them.”

  “I just want to become an adventurer,” I said quietly.

  “Is that so? Then tell me, are you truly willing to do anything to form a Soul Bond with us?”

  I nodded without hesitation. “Of course.”

  “Alright then,” the Fyril said, a wicked glint in her eye. “Let’s put that claim to the test. See that tiny village over there?” She pointed off into the distance. “Go there. Kill every last one of them. I’d wager that’s where you’re from, isn’t it?”

  I stared at her silently.

  “Well?” She pressed. “What’s your answer? Do you want our help badly enough to destroy those wretched humans?”

  “..........Why do you hate humans so much?”

  That question made her pause. For a brief moment, She looked taken aback. Then, her expression darkened.

  “Why do we hate them?” She repeated bitterly. “Isn’t it obvious? Our homeland is dying because of them. The humans have taken so many lives, so many innocent souls, all for their own gain. They’ve leveled the forests, poisoned the creeks, stripped the hills, and scarred the mountains. They never once asked permission. Never once stopped to think that we live here too. All they care about is their insatiable hunger for food, for land, and for power. Their homes rise while ours crumble.”

  “And killing all of them would make you happy?”

  The Fyril scoffed, baring sharp teeth. “Happy? Perhaps. Satisfied? Maybe for a while. But even then, I still wouldn’t be thrilled about forming a Soul Bond with you. But well, I don’t need to worry about that. Let’s be honest. How could a pathetic Half-Elf like you ever hope to wipe out an entire village?”

  Their hatred was thick, almost tangible. They loathed humans with every fiber of their being, and their contempt for Half-Elves ran just as deep. Nothing would satisfy them short of total destruction of my home, my people.........and my family.

  They were never going to Soul Bond with me.

  Not willingly.

  “You hear that, Sys?”

  Yeah, I understand. I’m fine with it now.

  “Good to hear.”

  I stood up. “I understand, but before I leave, I have just one more question.”

  “What is it?” The Sprite asked.

  “Why didn’t you help me with killing that orc? If killed sooner, it wouldn’t have destroyed as much as it did.”

  “We never leave our home. It’s simply too risky.”

  The shimmer of the spirits began to dim. It was almost time to leave.

  “I see.” I lowered my head. “Well, I guess I was right. You guys are pretty……..spirited.”

  The Sprite cocked her head at that pun. “What are you-”

  The ground trembled violently as an orc burst onto the scene with a guttural roar, a massive club clenched in its hand. Without hesitation, it began smashing through the small sanctuary, tearing apart trees and the pond with savage fury.

  Panic erupted among the spirits.

  They scrambled to cast spells, but before their chants could be completed, a storm of hawks descended from the sky. Wings beat the air as talons and beaks tore into their faces. Just as the Fyril raised her hand to unleash a fire spell, a hawk dove straight into her chest, knocking her back. She cursed loudly, her spell sputtering out.

  “What is going on?!” the Neris shrieked, flinging shards of frost at an incoming bird, her voice pitched with panic.

  “Hold them off!” the Vayra shouted, trying to rally the others.

  The Sprite darted her eyes around the rapidly collapsing sanctuary. The orc’s destruction was relentless. Trees lay strewn across the ground, their roots exposed and broken. Craters marked where the beast’s club had struck. Wildlife had already fled in terror, and the once-peaceful puddle at the sanctuary’s center had broken free, its waters spilling away downstream.

  Then her gaze landed on me.

  “Elfling, please help us!” she cried, desperation twisting her voice.

  “Huh?” I tilted my head and called back, my voice laced with mockery. “Why would an elfling help you? Isn’t that just the bastard child of pure elves? Aren’t we evil and filthy like our human blood? Shouldn’t I just turn around and leave you to your fate?”

  Her eyes darted frantically. The orc’s rampage was sapping their strength, and the hawks were preventing them from casting anything strong enough to stop it.

  “If you help us,” she said breathlessly, “I’ll do whatever you ask.”

  “Oh?” I raised a brow, pretending to consider it. “.........Nah.”

  “What?!” she gasped, stunned. That shock quickly shifted to fear as the orc lumbered toward the towering oak at the sanctuary’s heart. She barely had time to throw up a shimmering barrier as another hawk lunged at her face, its talons aimed at her eyes.

  “I want all four of you to form Soul Bonds with me,” I said calmly.

  “Hell no!” the Fyril snapped, her voice venomous even in panic.

  “Alright then,” I replied, shrugging as I mounted Shade. “Have fun.”

  With that, I turned to leave.

  “Wait!”

  I paused, turning just in time to see the Neris reaching out toward me, desperation in her eyes. “I agree to your terms.”

  “What?!” the Fyril screeched, her voice sharp with disbelief.

  “I do too!” the Vayra called out, more composed but no less urgent.

  “What is wrong with—” the Fyril stammered, but her voice faltered as her radiant form began to flicker. Her glow dimmed momentarily, returned, then dimmed again, each cycle more unstable than the last. “My power! What’s happening?!”

  “I agree to your terms as well!” the Sprite cried, turning to Fyril. “Please, you must do the same!”

  “No!” Fyril snarled through gritted teeth, eyes blazing as the orc brought its club crashing down, tearing through the sacred roots of their sanctuary. “I’ll defeat it myself!”

  “You can’t! Stop being so stubborn!” the Vayra pleaded. “You’re only weakening us further!”

  “I won’t let this monster destroy our home!”

  “You already are!” the Neris shouted over the chaos. “You’re making it worse by resisting! Just agree to the Elfling’s terms!”

  “I can’t!” Fyril shouted, her voice cracking as she backed away from the collapsing tree. “I don’t want to leave our home!”

  “Our home?” the Sprite repeated quietly, eyes wide.

  “I don’t want to go on some ridiculous adventure,” Fyril muttered, trembling. “I want to stay here…....with all of you.”

  “Fyril…...” the spirits whispered in unison.

  “What’s the point?” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the destruction. “Either way, we lose our home and each other. Isn’t it better to fight for what we have? To die here…....together?”

  “No, it’s not!” the Sprite suddenly shouted, her voice ringing with fierce clarity. “We can’t die here! Not like this!”

  “......Sprite?” Fyril looked at her, eyes glistening.

  “Even if we lose our home,” the Sprite began, her voice trembling but steady, “we won’t lose everything. We still have each other.”

  She stepped forward, eyes locked with Fyril’s. “We aren’t just the still pond where animals come to drink. We aren’t the old oak tree that shelters countless little creatures. We aren’t the soft moss and beautiful grass that blanket this place.”

  “We are the Spirits.”

  Her voice grew stronger with each word. “We are the ones who purify the water, who make it clean and safe. We are the ones who give the tree its strength so it can stand tall and offer a home to the forest. We bring growth, abundance, and harmony to the wild. We are what makes this sanctuary sacred.”

  She reached out, hand open, her expression tender. “Our home isn’t just here, it’s us. Wherever we go, we carry its heart with us. As long as we’re together, we’ll always have a home.”

  Fyril’s lips trembled as she looked at her outstretched hand. Her eyes shimmered, overflowing with emotion. She bit her lip, her voice breaking into a whisper.

  “.........Promise?”

  “I promise.”

  “Are you crying?” I asked Sys who had a crying emoji on his face.

  No, shut up.

  The Fyril dried her eyes. “Fine. Filthy halfling, I agree to your terms.”

  Finally.

  “Are you sure? Do you realize what you’re agreeing to?”

  “Yes, we do. We will form Soul Bonds with you, and we will become your loyal summons.” The Sprite answered.

  “And you’ll follow my every order, no matter what?”

  The Sprite staggered. She hesitated on answering, but upon feeling more effects of the orc’s destruction, she made her answer. “We all understand.”

  “Hey, Sys, spirits are good for their word, right?”

  Of course. If not, then they’ll lose all of their power and die.

  Convenient.

  “Then, this is it. If I stop that orc from destroying any more of your sanctuary, you’ll form soul Bonds with me.”

  The Spirits all solemnly nodded their heads.

  Perfect.

  Getting off Shade, I slowly walked to the orc. Instantly, the Spirits were confused when the hawks suddenly disappeared out of nowhere.

  The orc stopped attacking the tree and simply stared at me.

  I poked its stomach.

  The orc then dramatically fell down to the floor, sticking his tongue out for even more flair.

  “.............What?” Was all the Sprite could say.

  I recalled King.

  "That last part wasn’t necessary."

  “Sorry, Chief. I wanted to make it authentic.”

  It didn’t seem authentic at all.

  “What did you do?” The Fyril demanded.

  “How do I say this?” I tilted my head. “Those hawks and that orc were my summons.”

  “What?”

  “In other words,” I pointed finger guns at them. “Y’all just got played.”