Little elf will survive in another world?

Chapter 42: Red nose reindeer

The expedition continues. Kaede still came and join us in the expedition, even though we all know that she was sacred in fighting the monsters. She is currently putting a brave front so that she will not become a burden to others.

"Are you really okay Kaede?"

Hikaru asked.

Kaede nodded and then walked beside me.

"I will be fine."

Just like before we started defeating the monsters in the forest. They all get lots of experience and level up. I'm still struggling to level up. Still, It's fine my level is higher than this monster after all.

After a while of fighting the monsters, we reach a location that Is safe and has no monsters around. We decided to have a little rest there and sit down on the big rocks.

"What do you think Mayu? Do you have an answer to us?"

I then, look to the moss in the ground and remember that they asked me before about joining their party in the future.

I turn my head left, right, and turn my glance to Yoshiaki.

"Sorry, but I can't join you I'm very sorry."

My eyes were filled with sorrow for some reason. Unlike those who have a clear goal. My goals are confusing at this moment. I don't want to join a party with my current mindset.

Just looking at Kaede's force smile to make every feel happy is very painful.

It's not her fault to he summoned her in the first place.

Why does she need to suffer?

The wind blows and Kaede's hair fluttered, I scented its fragrance.

It's so sweet I think.

For a girl like me being attracted to this cute girl is quite weird. This is my first time feeling this. Maybe because Kaede is so cute I really became attached to her in such a small amount of time.

"That's a waste, we thought that we got a mage. Yuko is a mage but having another mage will be great."

Yoshiaki then chows down his food to regain his energy.

After that, we continue the expedition and successfully defeat the monster in the mountain area and beach area. The only thing that we have never seen in the unknown area seems to be a labyrinth. It's located in the northern area and it's not explored by anyone yet.

"It's kinda creepy inside."

I feel a bit bad about this.

"As the future heroes, we need to enter this tunnel. We can't let down the king's expectation."

Mashiro said.

Yoshiaki seems to agree and made a torch using plant magic and light it with fire magic.

We then enter the tunnel.

Upon entering we fought some low-level bat monsters and some slimes. In this tunnel, we started to loot a huge amount of gold and types of equipment. Just like normal people that find treasure. Everyone was overjoyed.

Hikaru and everyone let their guard down and walked into the tunnel to go deeper.

"This is very easy, we can just one shot every monster."

"We already reach level 60, I think we have gotten really strong."

"That right no one can stop us now! Not even the demon king! Ahahahaha!"

Hikaru is being confident and walking in front of us.

My area detection skill was turned off forcefully and my mapping skill was deactivated forcefully at the same time. I'm using my skill to navigate the area and detect upcoming danger.

Without those skills, I no choice but to rely upon my own sense. I'm used to it because I lived in a crystal dungeon, but with this five is not the case. They got used to defeating the weak monsters and gaining huge experience from them.

Their fighting experience is still not enough.

"Should we go out now, it's getting dark."

I said to stop them.

"Eh? But looting gold and treasure is fun. Let's go back after we finish exploring this tunnel. It's a bit small so we can finish it fast."

"Hakaru is right, we have gotten stronger if the monster appeared we can defeat them all."

"You’re right."

I just smiled at them and then look a bit sad.

While walking Hikaru stepped on a block and then a door was hidden in the wall opened.

"Oh?"

Everyone then looks at the room inside and they saw a pile of gold and treasures. Their eye's started to glimmer and they all want to have a piece of it.

Kaede is hesitant to go inside.

"It's quite weird, I don't like it."

"Let's stay here outside."

I said and held Kaede's shaking hands.

Hikaru and Mashiro then walked toward us and pull us in.

"The two of you became such a scaredy-cat. There was no monster here come inside."

We're both suddenly pulled inside by them.

Nothing happened when we enter.

"See, there's no monster here..."

Chills suddenly run to my spine.

"The plants are talking to me... It's dangerous! Let's go out quickly."

Kaede said and hurried herself to the door, the door close, and beneath us a magic circle light up in bright red color.

Monsters in steel armor were then summoned into the room. There are too many of them and we are all surrounded by them.

At that moment all my ability was turned off and I can't use magic or skill.

"I can't feel magic."

Yoshiaki said.

"This seems to be high level my monsters! Yoshiaki help me! Gwaaa--!!"

A monster in steel armor pierced through Mashiro’s body and Mashiro quickly die. Kaede was then terrified and use her staff to battle the monsters.

"Mashiro!"

Yoshiaki was killed by multiple arrow shots.

“I will avenge all of you with my sword.”

Hikaru swings his sword but it didn’t hurt the monster. Instead, his sword broke at that moment. The metal sound was heard and then the monster came to kill him by smashing his head with a hammer.

Nana lost it and sit down with a despairing expression. She then dies after cutting in half by the monster.

“Nana!”

I shouted and then do my best to kill the monster. I’m the only one with over a hundred levels in this party. My sword was able to kill them.

But then, I turn my glance to Kaede.

Behind, Kaede is an upcoming sword attack.

I became desperate at that moment, trying to reach her. I stretched my hand to her with my all strength, but in the end. I didn’t reach her and she was stab from her back.

She turns her glance toward me and she grins.

Her sweet smile and satisfied face were embedded in my head at that moment.

She whispered something, but her words were never heard.

Kaede then dies.

I was so angry at that moment. Tears came falling from my eye’s and then I turn my eyes to the monsters.

My expedition team meets its end in that room full of treasure and gold. Red blood then kept on flowing on the ground. And the smile I want to protect died.

I never felt this before.

For a short time, I think I really fell in love with her.

…

The week ended and also the expedition, but I was returned home earlier than the other team because of the tragedy.

Some of the heroes in other teams were also killed.

No one really returned happily after the expedition.

I meet up with Yuko in the river near the capital city and tell her the happening. I also told her the truth that I’m in over a hundred levels.

Yuko can’t believe that her club members were all dead.

She looks very anxious and grieving.

“You already know that it’s dangerous, but you didn’t warn them earlier. It’s your fault, if you give trust to them and became honest none of this will happened.”

“I… T-Tried…”

I answered with a shaky voice.

“Then you’re not trying enough…”

Yuko then pulls the dagger into her waist and then struck her own throat. Her body was then fell into the river.

After the splashing sound of the water. I then fell to my knees and cry.

Why is this always happening? I’m always trying my best. Why I’m always ending up sad?

Still, they are right. I distrust them and tried to be alone. I became arrogant. I never learn from my mistake. I wanted to become better. Even with such power, I’m still powerless in those kinds of situations.

The following days.

Akane came back from her raid with a happy face.

She approached me.

“Hello! Mayu I really missed you. What happened to the expedition is it fun.”

Fun? Yeah, I remember we have lots of fun, At the same time. It feels the worst.

Akane realized my feeling after seeing my eyes.

My eyes were lifeless and I barely walked to a certain destination.

I fell to the ground.

“Mayu?”

She offered her hand but I reject it by slapping it away.

“Leave me alone… Please…”

“Mayu?”

Akane steps backward.

I stood up and make my way to exit the guild. With my lifeless self. Disappointed in my actions and grieving.

“Survive… Mayu, please survive.”

I heard her words.

Time passed, I decided to travel alone and level up myself alone. I already forgot that I’m on a mission to find Retto or defeat Eriko.

Or even my purpose in defeating the demon king.

I feel flawed in myself and continue traveling in this world that I don’t know.

Two months later, I’m currently in the town of Rustboro. My level reached 178 and I have lots of magic skills in my disposals.

While looking for available skills that can be learned.

I can’t find anything useful and then turn my glance to the night sky. I can’t see any stars because of the little snow falling from the sky.

While looking at the sky, I saw a flower floating and seems to be going in this direction.

It’s winter it's rare to see a flower.

The flower enters my room from the window and the landed on the table.

This flower as far I remember looks like the flower ornament in Kaede’s hair.

“Kaede?”

I then touch the flower. The flower then lights up and I heard a familiar voice.

“Merry Christmas, Mayu. By the time you heard this, I’m probably dead. How should I put it… You know the truth is I really never want to leave the kingdom. But if I stay like that I will become a burden to my classmates and disappoint my teacher. That is nobody's fault. I think it’s mine alone… Since that night you started to assure me that I will survive in this world. If I die in this dangerous expedition, you might feel bad about yourself or blame yourself. That’s why I leave this recording behind… The calendar In this world and the earth is similar, that why I know it’s Christmas… Also, I find out your real level because I use a status check on you that night. I saw how powerful you are. I try to think hard that night on why your hiding you’re level, but in the end, I give up. I just think you have your own good reason behind it. I was relieved to find out your true power. I’m very happy…. Even if I die, I Want you to continue and survive. Okay? Live until you find the reason behind all of this. The reason why a weak girl like me is brought here… And lastly, the reason for our short but memorable meeting. That’s my last wish… This magic can still last some time. How about a sing you a song?”

She started humming a Christmas song I recognize. It’s “Rudolph the red nose reindeer”.

It’s been a short time meeting her.

My heart was struck with emotions of sadness, despair, happiness, and joy.

Tears come flowing from my eyes.

“...Thank you Mayu… Goodbye…”