For going out, we've prepared plentifully. I decided to create a three hundred more Undead to protect the village, this time, they're all A Rank, and I used over half of all the resources we earned from our battles against the Frost Army to create them all.
Older and weaker Undead were also upgraded to stronger forms too, and my most loyal Undead, who were all S Rank, will also stay here to protect the citizens, they're the ones I can trust the most after all, some of them even defeated Frost Generals by themselves, so their might is recognizable.
I left the handling of citizens, and other paperwork affairs such as trades and other things with the dwarven Kingdom to Hermes and his two assistants Gustaf and Cecilia, the three Majin were reliable and a good replacement for me and my family while we're out.
Even though I insisted, Arachne wanted to stick around, so we decided to bring her alongside Nyx and the twins. Brunhild would sadly stay behind, as she promised us to protect our village and the dwarven kingdom. Oh, and Lancelot's egg will be taken care by Hermes and his assistants, and some of my Phantom Clones there too, so everything's' alright.
This time I decided to not use Divided Egos, as that weakens my base form quite a lot… Nonetheless, we were more than ready. Helga and Hermes helped us with the route we needed to take, while I was able to map things with my Auto Mapping and sending ghosts everywhere, I was still confused as to where was everything, the map helped us.
"Anyways, you just need to fly to the northeast and then move directly to the north, that's where the area known as the Ancient Spirit Forest is. I think that's where Emeraldine's village is. Long ago, we used to do trades with the settlement of elves there, which moved from their original continent to those areas." Said Hermes.
"Yeah, I think they must be there. My uncle used to call that place the Ancient Spirit Forest as well!" Emeraldine nodded. "I'm so excited we're making a stop there! I hope my uncle is doing fine! And we'll also get to leave flowers on my mother's grave. And also meet everyone else…"
"I'm glad you're happy, dear. I'm also looking forward to it." I smiled. "Even if it's a brief visit, let's make sure to have fun."
"I'm ready too!" Partner said excitedly. "I wonder if they have tasty meals there… Elven Cuisine, I wonder how it tastes like…"
"Hahaha, I don't think you would like it, Partner." Emeraldine laughed. "It is mostly vegetables and fruits. Not much meat, aside from fish."
"Eh?! Just plants?!" Partner got disappointed.
"Anyways, I wish you good luck! Don't worry about the village, we'll make sure to take good care of it." Said Hermes. "I'm relieved I've already become slightly acquainted with Ruby and the Dwarves, negations should be smooth."
"Leave the work to our lord!" Gustaf said with a big thumbs up.
"He's a reliable young prince!" Cecilia smiled, giving him a head pat.
They were Hermes' number 1 fans, I can tell…
"Then, let's get going!" Lucifer roared. "Oi, human, come over already."
"A-Ah, right…" Jonathan was a bit nervous. "Is it okay? You don't mind it, sir Lucifer? I know you hate me but…"
"Tch! I don't hate your damn idiot! You're… a good lad. You've proved yourself. But that doesn't mean I completely approve of you either!" Lucifer said. "But for now, we're good, come."
"Thank you." Jonathan left relieved.
"Yeah I guess you're not half bad, blondie." Partner said. "You've got what it takes, and you're a brave guy! …Okay, I said it."
"Well done." I patted Partner's head.
"Jonathan, thanks for joining us. With you along, the trip will become much safer as well." Emeraldine smiled. "You've helped us so much, so we'll make sure to help you back by finding your family once we're done with the first things."
"I don't deserve such kind words. I am merely an outsider here…" Jonathan said humbly. "Thank you so much. I can tell why Maria loves you all so much, you're wonderful and strong people. I've grown to admire you three."
"A-Admire us!?" Partner was shocked, as her ego was quickly feed with praises from an honest man. "Hah! O-Of course you admire my greatness! Though sorry but I don't like guys…"
"Me neither." Emeraldine smiled.
"A-Ah, I didn't meant it like that…" Jonathan sighed.
"Hahahaha! We're just messing with you!" Partner laughed, hitting his back very strongly.
"O-Ouch! Hahaha…" Jonathan laughed nervously.
"We know you only have eyes for Maria." Emeraldine smiled. "Though we were still saying the truth about that… I just can't bring myself to find men attractive anymore…"
"I've never liked guys, but you're cool." Partner laughed.
"I understand." Jonathan nodded.
"Hmph, would you two stop your tomfoolery already? You're killing me with your cringe." Lucifer facepalmed. "Let's just get going! We have to visit that town and then rescue Maria's brother!"
"R-Right…" Partner sighed.
"A-Ahahaha, you're right, Lucifer. I just got distracted, teasing Jonathan is fun." Emeraldine giggled.
"Well I'm glad the ice between you guys is finally melting a little bit more." I said with a smile. "Anyways, Brunhild, we'll leave things to you too."
"Sure thing! Have a nice trip, everyone!" Brunhild smiled, waving her hand, as Lucifer slowly started flapping his wings.
"Mama! We're going to meet the elves?" Nyx wondered, sitting on my legs.
"That's right dear!" I smiled.
"Nice! So excited!" Takeshi said happily.
"I bet they're as pretty as aunt Emeraldine!" Said Laura.
"Z z z z z z…" Arachne was sleeping inside my shadows.
"Alright then! Onwards!" I said with a smile.
As Lucifer started flying, suddenly, we heard someone else.
"Please… Please wait for m e e e e e e!"
It was Tear, running towards us with everything she had.