Elqueeness [EN]: Chapter 6

Chapter 6

“Surely the domain itself isn’t completely disappearing, is it?”

“Don’t say such ominous things, Trowell.”

“I’m just stating a possibility.”

“That’s absurd. Things are already difficult enough as it is. We should be filled with hope, so why are you thinking about things getting even worse?”

“Ifrit is right, Trowell. We haven’t even confirmed exactly what’s happening yet. There’s no need to be pessimistic until we know the facts.”

When Minerva also agreed with Ifrit, Trowell simply shrugged. When a strong wind fuels a raging fire, there’s nothing more ferocious. With the two Spirit Kings in agreement, the fragile earth spirit could only quietly retreat, lest he be burned.

“Trowell, you— don’t tell me you were just thinking something very rude?”

“Surely not.”

Trowell replied with a bright smile to Ifrit’s glare. It was an angelic smile that showed no hint of discomfort. Of course, Ifrit, who had known him for more than a year or two, was not fooled by appearances. Ifrit wore a displeased expression for a moment before letting out a sigh of resignation.

“Ugh, really. Well, whatever. That’s not what’s important right now anyway. Instead of this, let’s go check on the Water Domain right away. I’m dying to know what’s going on.”

At Ifrit’s urging, the other two Spirit Kings nodded calmly. Even at this moment, the ominous energy in the Water Domain was becoming increasingly apparent. The lower spirits didn’t even think about approaching it, staying far away in confusion. The feelings of fear and chaos they felt were directly conveyed to their lords, the Spirit Kings.

“Hmm, at this rate, the Spirit Realm will fall into great chaos. Can we stabilize it with our power?”

“Isn’t that obvious? We have to do it somehow, even if we can’t. Honestly, how can there be a space in the Spirit Realm that spirits can’t access?”

“…No, but perhaps that’s actually a natural phenomenon.”

“What?”

“What do you mean, Minerva?”

At the unexpected words, Ifrit and Trowell naturally turned their attention to her. Minerva continued, with a calm, thoughtful expression.

“The Water Domain is Elquines’ unique space. And our Spirit King’s unique domains are originally inaccessible to anyone. It’s only allowed to the spirits under their command. It’s strange that other spirits besides the Water Spirits have been freely traveling there until now.”

“But we can’t help that. The master, Elquines, hasn’t been born yet. In fact, even though it’s called the Water Domain, it’s just a dried-up wasteland, isn’t it? There isn’t even a Naias [a type of water nymph] left among the Water Spirits, you know.”

“Yes, you’re right, Ifrit. It has already lost its function to the point where it’s embarrassing to even call it the King’s Domain.”

“…So, are you saying that the original order is suddenly being restored now?”

The last one to mutter was Trowell.

At that moment, the three Spirit Kings looked at each other as if they had made a promise. The tangled order was being restored. As far as they knew, that phenomenon could only mean one thing.

“Good heavens…”

“…Could it be?”

* * *

The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was ‘water.’ It was hard to describe it in any other way, as my surroundings were completely filled with blue water. It felt like I was in the middle of a deep ocean with no bottom.

For a moment, I was so surprised that I instinctively tried to cover my nose and mouth, but I soon stopped. I realized that I was breathing normally. Also, I didn’t feel any of the resistance unique to water when I moved my limbs. Except for the visual sensation, it was no different from being in the air.

‘Wow… is this real?’

I already knew that I was the Water Spirit King, but I didn’t expect to experience a situation that transcended human limitations as soon as I opened my eyes. Breathing underwater. I was more dumbfounded than happy, feeling like I had suddenly become too great of an existence.

Come to think of it, was his name Kim Gyu-hyun? There was a guy in my class who was a fanatic about fantasy novels, and I wonder what his reaction would be if he knew about my situation now. He would probably be dying of envy.

‘Ah, right. My body! I was told that I would regain my original form once I crossed the gate. Is this my real body?’

I quickly pulled myself together and slowly examined my body. White skin, almost the color of wheat, and slender arms were the first things that caught my eye.

‘My skin is white. My hands are so pretty. And the scars I used to have are gone.’

I really have been reborn.

I muttered to myself, even though I was already enjoying the clear evidence that I couldn’t deny. But even though it was my body, my arms and legs still felt awkward. I clenched and unclenched my fist lightly. The sight of a hand I was seeing for the first time moving according to my will evoked a fresh feeling in many ways.

One strange thing was that I was already wearing clothes, even though I had just been born. Moreover, for some reason, the style of the clothes was exactly the same as the round t-shirt and long pants that I usually enjoyed wearing. It was the only familiar thing in a state full of unfamiliar things, and I liked it.

‘Uh…?’

Then, suddenly, I began to feel a strange sensation around me. It felt like an unpleasant impurity was invading, like something heavy was approaching. And it seemed like there was more than one.

I raised my head and turned my gaze in the direction of the sensation. Then, in the distance, I saw three people walking towards me.

Were they about my age or a little older? They were all wearing flashy clothes and had striking appearances. They were looking around curiously.

“Wow— look at this. It’s all water everywhere.”

“I know. I didn’t expect it, but it really has regenerated.”

“Amazing. That desolate space has recovered so quickly…”

It didn’t take long for them, who were admiring the surroundings with amazed faces, to discover me standing alone blankly. The moment our eyes met, the three of them stopped in surprise. I also didn’t know how to react to their sudden appearance, so I just stared at them.

But apart from the bewildered feeling, I could roughly guess who they were. They were probably the other Spirit Kings who had the same power as me.

Maybe that’s why. Even though they were beings I was seeing for the first time today, I felt a sense of familiarity, as if I had known them for a long time.

“Um, excuse me… Elquines?”

The one who broke the long silence that flowed between me and them was the boy who looked the youngest of the three. His black hair slightly covered his ears, and his skin was as dark as if it had been tanned by the hot midday sun. Above all, his golden eyes, shining brightly, were quite impressive.

‘He’s a man… right?’

His appearance was definitely that of a boy, but the reason why I had this question was probably because of the atmosphere he had. Something like bewitching. I know that black skin can make a person look sexy, but this was the first time I had seen a being to whom that expression suited so perfectly. Especially his eyes, which had a strange magic that seemed to captivate you if you stared at them indefinitely.

When I nodded reflexively to his cautious question, he looked even more pleased.

“Ah, I see. Sorry for suddenly showing up like this. No, wait. Shouldn’t we congratulate you on your birth first? It’s quite late. I’m glad you came now, though. Things were getting pretty precarious.”

“Trowell, don’t add unnecessary remarks.”

“Haha, sorry. I’m just so happy to see Elquines.”

‘Hee, that guy is Trowell. So he’s the Earth Spirit King.’

Maybe that’s why. I could smell a friendly scent of earth from him. It was the clear scent of the forest that I used to smell when I went to the mountains to escape the summer heat.

Next, I shifted my gaze to the white-skinned woman standing next to him. She had long hair that reached down to her lower back, and surprisingly, the ends were almost transparent. A gentle breeze swirled around her calm appearance as she stared at me. Thanks to that, I could easily tell that she was the Wind Spirit King, ‘Minerva.’

From head to toe, she gave the impression of being all white. Even her eyes were pure white, but it didn’t feel repulsive at all; rather, it was so beautiful that it made me exclaim.

“What, is this Elquines a female?”

At the high, thin voice, I slowly turned my head. And I met the gaze of the red-haired girl who had been staring at me intently since a while ago.

The first thing I thought of when I saw the girl was ‘very flashy.’ Her hair, which was richly curled as if it were burning, her large, rabbit-like red eyes, were flashy and eye-catching enough on their own, without the need for other accessories. Even her skin tone was a light pink that was far from ordinary. Yet, everything suited her without any sense of incongruity, like a pretty girl warrior in a cartoon. No, to be exact, it felt more like the queen of the villainous forces.

‘Um, so… that must be the Fire Spirit King, Ifrit… right?’

I was told that there were four Spirit Kings, and Ifrit was the only one left, so that must be right.

Compared to the other two Spirit Kings, who were generally showing me goodwill, she seemed somewhat displeased. It seemed even more so because of her slightly sharp, fierce-looking eyes.

‘But she’s calling me a female? What does that mean? Does she mean I look like a girl?’

Like a girl. That’s something I’ve never heard in my 17 years of life as Kang Ji-hoon. I wanted to find a mirror and check right away, but there was no way such a detailed tool would be available in a space full of water.

Was it because I didn’t show the reaction she wanted? I could see Ifrit’s face crumpling up.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you mute?”

“Ifrit.”

“But that guy keeps staring at me in a creepy way. Even if Elquines is famous for being rude, not even greeting me at our first meeting is too much, isn’t it?”

…Huh. I’m famous for being rude?

There’s no one here who knows me, so why is that rumor spreading? Could it be that the Arehis [likely a reference to a group or faction] are spreading bad rumors about me? Since I shook off the offered potion and ran away, it’s entirely possible that they’re holding a grudge.

Confused, I couldn’t find the timing to react this time either, and just mumbled to myself. Then, as if she was even more upset, Ifrit shouted in a shrill voice.

“Are you trying to mess with me? I’m telling you to say something!”

“Ah…”

“What?”

“…Hello.”

In the end, unable to resist the urging, I smiled awkwardly at them and raised one hand slightly. But for some reason, the expressions of the Spirit Kings who received the greeting weren’t very good. They were quite sullen, as if they had seen something they shouldn’t have. I glanced at them and quickly added.

“…How do you do?”

“…”

“…”

Oh dear, is that not it either?

The surroundings were instantly covered in a heavy silence. I could only sweat awkwardly as I looked at the three Spirit Kings, who were even more frozen than before.

“Um, excuse me… you’re the Spirit Kings, right? Sorry for the late greeting. I haven’t been in my right mind yet… Um, I’ll formally greet you. For now, I’m the newly born Water Spirit King… I guess. Unless there’s been some kind of mistake.”

“…A mistake?”

“No, well… even though I’m a Spirit King, I have to be able to believe it. There’s no way I could be this lucky, so it’s a bit strange. Ahahahaha, hahahaha. Ah, anyway, please take care of me.”

“…”

However, the greeting I offered at the end of my futile laughter was just scattered alone in the air. With the feeling that a proper conversation wouldn’t continue at this rate, I carefully asked.

“Um, have I done something wrong?”

Then, as if finally coming to his senses, Trowell, the Earth Spirit King, smiled and replied.

“Ah, sorry. Don’t worry about it. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with you. It’s just that the gap in personality between you and the previous Elquines is too big, so it’s hard to adjust.”

“The previous Elquines?”

…That means, he’s talking about the Water Spirit King of the previous generation, right? The fact that there’s a big gap in personality means that he was very different from me. Could it be that the rudeness he mentioned earlier was referring to the previous one, not me? What was that guy’s personality like?

“Anyway, welcome. Let’s get along well in the future.”

“Ah, uh… I, I also ask for your help…”

I nodded awkwardly as I shook the hand he offered. Then, Trowell’s expression took on a strangely nostalgic light.

“It’s been a while, the touch of water.”

“…Huh?”

“It feels so good.”

Trowell smiled languidly, as if he was really happy. I already didn’t know where to look because of his unique atmosphere, but with the addition of his smile, I felt dazed even though I knew he was a man.

But what was even more embarrassing was his next action. He put his cheek on the palm of my hand and closed his eyes quietly. At that unexpected action, I was forced to freeze in an awkward state, unable to pull my hand away or just leave it there. Even though I was underwater, my face felt as hot as if it were burning.

“T, t, Trowell?”

Hey, you. You don’t seem to know what you look like. Could you please stop seducing me without realizing it? No, more than that, I’m a man! Why am I getting excited! Snap out of it, Kang Ji-hoon!