After a day of traveling. Grand Ecstasy alongside Helyna safely reached Zelestre. And now the group is approaching the renovated home of Helyna. It's now fixed on its minor damages caused by the previous event.

  Helyna knocks the door and wait with lingering anxiety as she have no idea how to face her little sister.

  Helyna feel a hand placed on her shoulder. It's Sophia giving her a reassuring smile. Confirming that everything would be fine. With a soft smile, she face the door again and prepared for what its to come.

  The door open, it reveals a middle aged lady who surprised to see Helyna as like she never seen her for a very long time.

  "Helyna?!"

  "Aunty? It's been a while." Helyna gives a bitter sweet smile.

  .

  .

  .

  Everyone is sitting on the chairs as Helyna's aunt place some bread and butter on the wooden table.

  "Misha's currently on her apprentinceship on my bakery so you might need to wait a little while hon. As for now, just feel at home ok? Well, this is your home anyway."

  "Thank you Aunty for taking care of Misha for me." Helyna speaks with guilt.

  "It's nothing. I just want to help my big brother's daughters." The aunt gives a pained smile.

  The mood went silent for a moment. An uncomfortable quiet that rings on everyone's ears. Watching the anxiety of her beloved niece. The aunt scratches her head.

  "Good grief Helyna. Stop sulking."

  "But I'm unsure if Misha is going to forgive me after everything that happened." Helyna lowers her head.

  "Atleast you can try to sincerly apologize. If Misha didn't forgive you then well deserve I guess?" The aunty shrugs.

  "Aunty..." Helyna's disbelief as she didn't expected such words.

  "In my honest opinion. Leaving your only family just for your self imposed mission is terribly wrong. And I kinda hate you for that."

  Helyna bits her lower lip in bitterness.

  "You left Misha alone here in the very same home, reliving those happy anf sad memories. You should reconsider how painful it would be for her."

  "I-I know that Aunty. Please."

  Grand Ecstasy watch silently as Helyna's aunt speaks her thoughts to Helyna who just listen in pain.

  "But. You're now here. You finally realized and ready to apologize to Misha. All I can say is just speak your heart."

  The aunt slaps Helyna's back.

  "Showing that you're really sorry is enough." The aunt smile.

  Helyna strenghten her resolve reassures everyone.

  .

  .

  .

  After some time outside the home. Misha looks around on the field and smiles softly after indulging on nostalgia. Misha see the open spot where her dad teaches Helyna swordsmanship. Remembering how Helyna is doing her best to learn from their father.

  in front of the door. She reminiscent her father who casually relaxing on his favorite rocking chair placed in the veranda as he waits for Misha to return home after playing outside. Then it fades, the chair is now empty and silent.

  "Papa, I'm back." Misha's soft words.

  Misha gently opens the door and only to get surprised after seeing familiar faces sitting on the wooden chairs.

  "Mr. Mateo?" Misha's confused question.

  Her confusion turned shock after panning her view after recognizing the rest of Grand Ecstasy, Misha finally see the most significant one.

  "B-b-big S-sis?"

  Helyna meanwhile. Her lips are wide open but... No word comes out of her mouth. Like she got choked out anything to say now that she see her little sister after a long time of bitter seperation.

  Misha throws her stuff on the side and walk towards Helyna with heavy steps. Helyna prepares for the worst as Misha's walk sounds angry and loud. But deep down, she's hurt as Misha is not going to forgive her.

  *SLAP*

  Everyone gasp after Misha slaps Helyna. Helyna meanwhile look down in sadness at it's clear that his little sister still didn't forgot how she leave her and ignore her please to stay on her side.

  Only for Helyna to got embraced by Misha as she clings on her.

  "M-Misha?" Helyna's confused question.

  *Sob.*

  Misha is now crying on Helyna's shoulder. Releasing all of her contained grief as she really missed her sister despite everything that happened. Afterall, she's still her little sister.

  Helyna can't contain her emotion any longer and hugged Misha tightly. Crying alongside her.

  "I'm s-so sorry M-Misha. For leaving you alone."

  "It's ok big sis. I already forgave you. Welcome back home." Misha's crying answer.

  Grand Ecstasy watch happily. Sophia is tearing a little bit as she see the warmful scene unfold.

  "All of those talk and it only happen in an instant. You two are truly insufferable." Helyna's aunt wipes the bead of tear forming on her eye.

  After the reunion, everyone spends a heartful dinner then have a fun telling stories before going to sleep. On Helyna's room is Misha and Helyna sleeping peacefully like what they used to do in the past.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  The next day. Misha skips her apprentinceship so she can join her sister and the others on a trip inside the city of Zelestre.

  Grand Ecstasy gives space for the two to enjoy their day as they have fun on their own.

  Inside a clothing shop.

  "Big Sis what do you think?" Misha proudly shows a elaborate pink dress she's wearing as she spins around.

  "You look beautiful Misha. You gonna turn the head of the boys." Helyna's teasing.

  "Big sis! Stop saying such nonsense!" Misha blushes which just make Helyna chuckle.

  After buying the dress alongside other clothing. Misha and Helyna are now enjoying a hearty meal on a prestigious restaurant.

  "Hmmmmm! Delicious!" Misha eats with gusto as Helyna watch with a warm smile. It's been a while since she see Misha so energetic.

  Then she noticed something on Misha's table.

  "Misha."

  "Yesh?" Misha answers with food still on her food.

  "You should eat your veggies."

  "B-But... They're always taste... Awful." Misha look on the veggies with cringe.

  "But if you don't eat them. You not gonna become strong like me and dad."

  "Hmfp! I'm not going to become an adventurer like you and papa anyway."

  "Haha. But where you gonna get the strenght to knead bread dough Misha?" Helyna gives a smug grin.

  "Eeeehhhh?" Misha is in disbelief.

  "So eat your veggies ok?"

  Helyna use a fork to take few pieces of vegetables and bring it near Misha's mouth.

  "Here. Big sis gonna feed you."

  Misha hesistant at first then seeing the endearing eyes of her big sister. Misha finally give in and eat the vegetables. Misha chews with a tear on her close eyes.

  "Ughh..." Misha have no choice but to just endure the taste.

  After the diner. Misha then bring everyone on the bakery where she's doing her apprentinceship. There, Misha bakes her sister and her friends some bread.

  "Misha... Your breads taste amazing!" Sophia compliment.

  "Hehe thanks. But I can only make basic breads." Misha's shy answer.

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  "Worry not. I can tell you will also master decorating cakes or making complex bread. You're a fast learner afterall." Misha's aunt gives reassurance to his niece.

  "Thank you auntie!"

  "But still far from reaching my level." Her aunty gives a smug smile.

  "Geez... Whatever." Misha pouts.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  In West Wing of Nattunia.

  "Hmmmm...?"

  Beltrand is inspecting a rows of iron shields placed on the wall of a blacksmith shop.

  "Something caught your interest young lad?" An old man talks to Beltrand. He was the owner and crafter of the weapons and armors displayed inside.

  "These shields are quiet... Good."

  "Haha of course! They're crafted with finest Zelestrean metal and with the hands of a finest blacksmiths here." The old man proudly showcase her hands.

  Beltrand picks a medium sized shield. A non-decorative piece but the craftsmanship speaks durability.

  "I take this one."

  "Good choice lad. That would cost you 10 gold elz."

  Meanwhile on Zelestre's wharf. Helyna is looking for a gem necklace that she can gift to her little sister as Mateo, Claustrine and Sophia are watching the seaside.

  "I kinda miss this scenery." Claustrine commented as she remembers their vacation.

  Mateo noticed a very particular group of individuals trading with humans.

  "Naupia?" Mateo asked.

  "It's been a while since I see them. They're quiet magnificent aren't they?" Claustrine marvels on the individuals trading with humans.

  Naupia are humanoid races commonly living on coastal areas of Zelestre and secluded islands. They're bipedal with a very distinct gender dimorphism.

  Male Naupias are strong and stout. Sporting armored gray scales with sturdy fins on their back runing from their spine. Female Naupias are known for their elegance with their sparkling rainbow scales and long flowing colorful fins.

  Naupias are expert divers and can last indefinately underwater using their gills located on their neck. With this, they can catch more luxurious fish or hunt for underwater treasures which Naupia sells to the people of the surface. Just like what they doing right now selling rare fish that can't be caught by conventional fishing methods.

  Naupia alongside Elves and Beastfolks are discriminated in all of Yhigressia but with the collaboration of Three Kingdoms. Discrimination among them are outlawed and instead the kingdom promotes trade and cooperation between them while also ensuring their safety. Treatment varied on each kingdom of the trifecta but the relationship between Naupia and Zelestre is a highly mutualistic one.

  As Mateo, Claustrine and Sophia continues their sightseeing. Mateo feels someone tugging his sleeve. It's Shirna.

  "What's wrong?"

  "Can you help me on something Mateo?"

  Mateo sees concern on Shirna's eyes so he decide to help his friend.

  "Guys lets go somewhere."

  .

  .

  .

  In the secluded alleyway near Zelestre wharf. Mateo and others are in front of a stall selling different items, from fruits to weapons and armors. It's a scavenger's shop tended by a skinny man.

  Scavengers are profiters that dwells on dangerous areas not for adventure but to look for the adventurers fallen in battle and scavenge their remains and belongings in accords of "search and salvage" doctrine. A dishonorable profession in any margins but the guild allowed their existence as they provide closure for the families of the fallen and the guild.

  "Where did you get this one?" Mateo points on a shining blue pearl the size of a fist placed in a pillow cushion surrounded by materials and worn down equipments.

  "I find it in one of dead people's belonging I found in the Savagery Forest."

  "Do you have an idea what is that mister?" Claustrine asked.

  "No. But it looks valuable and I almost died retrieving that. So if you want that gem, I offering it for 50 Gold Elz."

  "Ok then. What you values the most? Money or your freedom?" Mateo's question is stern and threatening.

  "Oi why you suddenly threatening me? If you're not planning on buying anything on my shop, just leave." The seller's mood are sour.

  "Mister. You clearly having an illegal contraband here. The fact that you profitting on that pearl makes you liable to be put in jail."

  "And how so? It's just a fucking shining orb."

  "The same shining orb called Forest Pearl. Are you dumb? As a scavenger in Zelestre, that item should be well known to you." Mateo's serious answer.

  The shop owner shudders and he give a panicked look on the Forest Pearl shining on his very own shop.

  "S-so this is what it looks like? No fucking wonder those dead people holding this thing doesn't have any adventurer's tag on them." The shop owner's sinister words.

  "They're slavers." Mateo continue his thought.

  The shop owner looks at Shirna and noticed small details that hinting of his Elven race.

  The owner hastely picked the Pearl and give it to Mateo.

  "Here! Take it with you or whatever. I don't want that kind of smoke so bring it away from me."

  "Good decision. Next time you find something like this, surrender it to the guild." Mateo's advice.

  "I-I will."

  Everyone leaves the alleyway in peace, glad that unnecessary confrontation is avoided. Mateo gives the Forest Pearl to Shirna who give it a warm clench near his heart before putting it inside his bag of storage.

  "I going to bring you back home. I promise." Shirna then pat his bag.

  "Should we report this to the guild or the authorities?" Sophia asked.

  "I think this is just an isolated case caused by ignorance. Lets give him some slack."

  "I believe that's the case. This is the only pearl I feel here." Shirna's reassurance.

  Everyone finally reunites, returned home safely where they finish their day with a dinner of meat stew and some remaining deserts from Earth brought by Mateo, Claustrine and Sophia.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  "Misha... Let me go already." Helyna chuckle as she pats Misha's head.

  "Just a little bit longer sister." Misha instead savor the moment. It's final moment before her sister returns to her adventures so Misha want to make every second count.

  "Can't you really just stay here big sis?" Misha's innocent question.

  "I can't. I want to ensure that you will get a better future. So I'm going to continue my adventures."

  Misha breaks the hug and wipe the tears forming on her eyes. Then she show a fierce determination.

  "I'm going to become a successful baker that you don't need to leave anymore. I promise!"

  Helyna gives a blissful smile.

  "Hehe. That's promise Misha. So always listen to Aunty ok?"

  Misha nods agreesively.

  After saying her farewell. Helyna finally walks away to join Grand Ecstasy which waiting for her from a distance.

  "Sorry for keeping you waiting and thank you."

  "No problem. So you're ready to leave now?" Mateo asked.

  "Yes. Let's go."

  Helyna gives one final glance on her house then smile as she walk away beside Grand Ecstasy.

  .

  .

  .

  As everyone traverse the lonely dirt road. Mateo notice that Helyna have an unsure yet bitter faint smile on her face.

  "Reminds you of something?" -Mateo.

  "Y-Yeah. I kinda miss my old party. Walking beside you guys reminds me of them."

  "I see..."

  "Speaking of which. Are you planning to join another party?" Claustrine asked.

  "Hmmm... I don't know to be honest. I might go solo for a while until some party not scared of my reputation invites me." Helyna gives an awkward chuckle.

  "Is your image as the Headhuntress really that bad?" Sophia's inquiry.

  "I think it's not that. It's just... I don't think they want someone who killed so many people join their gang." Helyna's sad answer.

  "I think they don't mind that as the ones you killed are criminals, I supposed? Besides, bounty hunting is not really rare on our profession. Even us have blood on our hands." Shirna's opinion.

  "Wow when did you become so opinionated Shirna?" Claustrine's genuine question which Shirna just decide to ignore.

  "T-Thanks, I guess." Helyna's unsure gratitude

  "But doing solo is quiet risky that's why only Platinums have the guts and power to do such thing." Mateo's counter.

  "I know that."

  "Hmmm... So. How about this. Do you want to join our party Helyna?"

  .

  .

  "H-HUH?!"

  Everyone besides Mateo are surprised on his sudden proposal

  "A-Eh-ehhhh? J-Join G-Grand Ecstasy?! I c-can't possibly do s-such thing!" Helyna panics.

  "This is so out-of-the-blue Mateo." Claustrine's confusion.

  "I know, I know so everyone calm down. I just feel that Helyna is gonna be a fun addition to the party."

  "I kinda agree on that Mateo but. Is Helyna have the abilities to match us? I'm worried for her." Sophia's inquiry which Mateo understands as valid questions.

  "Ms. Sophia is right Mr. Mateo. I-I'm too far from your level."

  "Then we just gonna mentor you until you reach your potential." Mateo's answer.

  "Are you truly serious about this aren't you?" Claustrine asked her leader.

  "Yes."

  "I kinda like the idea. I'm finally not the youngest member of the party."

  "But... You're 100 plus years old Shirna."

  "You can't just use your human age on elves Sophia. Besides, the way you guys treat me says otherwise." Shirna pouts.

  "A contradictory statement Shirna." Claustrine gives a sly smile.

  "Shuddup Claustrine."

  "So Helyna. What do you think? Do you want to join Grand Ecstasy?" Mateo repeats his invitation.

  Helyna looks at Mateo and realizes that he's truly serious on his words. She gulped and strenghten her resolve.

  "I-I will do my best! Thank you Mr. Mateo!"

  "Just call me Mateo. I still don't know why you still adding honorifics."

  "Hehe. Sorry, just a habit." Helyna awkwardly laughs.

  "Now that's settled. How about we celebrate Helyna's entry on our party?" Sophia's cheerful suggestion.

  "Good idea!" Shirna agrees easily.

  "Hold your horses you two. We clearly disregard the main issue here."

  "What Issue Claustrine?" Sophia's innocent question.

  "Now that Helyna is a member of Grand Ecstasy. She's deserving to learn about our secrets right?"

  "Oh? Ohhhhhhhhh..." Shirna's realization.

  "I completely forgot about that. Yeah, that's clearly an issue." Sophia agrees.

  "Huh? What secret?" Helyna is curious.

  "I forgot to put that in mind. Hmmm... Yeah. Helyna deserves to know about it."

  "W-what? I don't understand. H-Huh?!"

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  In Agbayani Residence on Earth. Beltrand is casually slacking on the couch watching a martial arts movie when he feel numerous footsteps coming down from the stairs. He stand up and as expected, he see Mateo and the others.

  "Yo Mateo. Why you take so long?" Beltrand's opening question.

  "Sorry about that. We just have so many matters we need to deal with. By the way, where's mom?"

  "Mrs. Ligaya is in the kitchen with Mr. Reymond. Cooking food."

  "Ah I see... Good timing." Mateo smile as he smell the delicious cuisine already.

  Mateo and Others joins Beltrand as they sit on the sofa and coach. Beltrand notice a familiar face.

  "Hi Helyna." Beltrand's greeting.

  .

  .

  "HELYNA?!"

  Beltrand's shock alerted Ligaya and Reymundo as they rush towards the living room. There, the husband and wife see that their son and his friends finally come back home.

  "Welcome back Mateo." Ligaya's warm greeting.

  Reymundo then notice Helyna who seems spaced out.

  "Who's that girl Mateo?"

  "Mateo? Why Helyna is here on EARTH?" Beltrand's confused question.

  Mateo gives a stressed sigh.

  "It's a very long story."

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  "Huh? What happened? What?"

  Helyna is dumbfounded. It all started when they go on Mateo's home and then with Mateo's command. A wooden door appears out of thin air.

  The moment they enter the said door that Helyna lost all of her thought. As the other side of the door doesn't make any sense to her.

  Mateo flicks the switch and the room lights up with brightness rivaling daytime. All of it done by a single small white light on the ceiling.

  "W-what the."

  Helyna see the peculiar items around the room. The posters with unique and very detailed anime art, the computer, the unusual shoes, the electric fan and AC. The only things that holding her remaining thoughts are the familiarity given by the bed and pillows.

  Now they leave the room and the environment just become even more alien for Helyna. He see more technology which confused her mind.

  A flat rectangle with small people and place inside. Moving like it's a seperated world from them.

  The gadgets placed on the table.

  More electric fans.

  And the appearance of the place itself which very unconventional compared to the layout of homes he visited in Yhigressia.

  "I-I don't understand what's happening!"

  Helyna is so dumbfounded that she didn't even noticed the people around her.

  "Helyna?"

  "Huuuuhhhh?"

  "Helyna?!"

  Helyna snaps back on reality as Mateo calls for her.

  "A-Ah! W-where's the enemy?!" Helyna's panic.

  Only for her to see the confused stare everyone directed at her. Helyna feels small out of embarassment.

  "S-sorry."

  "She must still be on trance after seeing this place." Claustrine commented.

  "She must be hungry. I gonna prepare the food now so get ready ok?" Ligaya then happily returns back to the kitchen.

  "M-Mateo..."

  "Yes?"

  "W-What's this place?"

  Mateo stand up.

  "This is my home from another world. Welcome to Earth Helyna." Mateo's proud greeting.

  "Another world? Earth? Eeeeeeeeeeee..."

  "Oh no. She can't handle the revelation. There there... Take it easy." Sophia gently pat Helyna's back.

  "Hahahah! This reaction is new!" Beltrand's hearty amusement.

  "I guess this is too much for her." Mateo then facepalmed.

  "You just brought her to a completely alien world with no preperation at all. Of course Helyna is gonna get confused." Claustrine then chuckle as she look on the still confused Helyna.