The Chimeric Ascension of Lyudmila Springfield

Chapter One-Hundred-One: The Eagle Yew’s Legacy – Part One (Arc 5 – START)

“WHY DID YOU HAVE TO BE SO STUPID, SERA?!”  

The Second Princess of Vredi’s anguished cries tore through the air, though they were inaudible to her own ears over the roaring wind as she drove the recollected projection of Aetos onward with furious haste.  

“WHY DID YOU DELAY THIS FOR SO LONG?! WHY COULDN’T YOU CONFRONT HIM?! WHY COULDN’T YOU MAKE UP WITH HIM?!”  

The vast ocean separating Dirge from the Heptarchis of Parthina sped by beneath her. Even the rapid, angry waves appeared as nothing more than a blur in the wake of the projected eagle’s blistering speed. Her heart pounded, each beat a painful reminder of unspoken words, the reconciliations left unmade, and the crushing weight of regret that drove her forward with relentless fervor.  

“Why…” Her voice became small as she looked at the towering, imposing tree that seemed to stretch to the high heavens. “Why…” Sera looked dejected. Her grip weakened as bygone memories of a far happier past flashed through her mind.  

She saw her beloved sister, the ever-elegant First Princess of Vredi—Susize Vredi—the one all High Elves strove to emulate. She was an icon of beauty, grace, and power. 

She was Seraphina’s role model.  

Most would have thought the second-born would harbor resentment, as the first-born received many more advantages. But Seraphina loved her sister deeply. Jealousy had passed through her mind, but the over-emotional elf knew it was wrong of her.  

She knew her sister was aware of her spying whenever she made love with Murag, who had captured her heart from the first look. Seraphina knew Susize had refused to bring it up because she didn’t want to cause problems. And yes, Seraphina was aware of how much Susize disliked that. It was wrong—intruding on what should’ve been private between her sister and their lovers.   

Seraphina loved her sister. She clung to the past and desperately wished to return to happier times—when the worst thing she had to fear was some random war between two distant countries. 

“Why…” Seraphina finally continued. Clear tears streamed endlessly from her eyes as she raised a trembling hand toward one of her remaining links to the past. Even though the Eagle Yew stood far away, it…  

It felt like it was right there.  

“Why can’t… I look to the future? Sister… Is it really so wrong to cherish what’s already happened? The world is cruel. It’s unkind… because you’re not here…”  

In that moment, Seraphina had forgotten—as she often did when her emotions consumed her—about a long-lost link to her past. Or rather, what she believed to be a long-lost link. Lyudmila Vredi Springfield was absent from her thoughts. The Second Princess was too engulfed in her yearning to relive what once was, unable to focus on what still required her protection.  

Seeing the Eagle Yew was always gut-wrenching for Seraphina since it tore at her heart. Aetos Village and the surrounding forest were an almost perfect replica—if not an exact copy—of the forest that had been so cruelly burned long ago. During her fight with Lord Aetos, Seraphina had demanded why it was acceptable for him to recreate Vredi Forest.  

At the time, Lord Aetos hadn’t offered a suitable answer. He was a stubborn and proud eagle, though hypocrisy wasn’t beyond him—just as it wasn’t beyond anyone else. Lord Aetos wasn’t perfect. He would never claim to be a shining beacon of exceptionalism.  

“Gods above, it feels like I’m still the same frightened child… The one who trembled at thunderstorms and was jolted awake by lightning. Sister… Would you even be proud of me? Murag? Beccy? Yaekira? Reina? I… I wish you were here. Please… Be okay… Eagle Yew… Just hold strong… I’m almost there.”  

But just as she poured her heart into those words…  

The worst-case scenario unfolded before her eyes.  

The Eagle Yew—  

A tree once thought indestructible…home to the powerful and almighty Spirit Lord of Nature...  

…was on fire.  

The entire tree looked like it had been drenched in oil and set ablaze by the flaming breath of a dragon god. The night sky glowed as though the sun itself had risen.  

Seraphina’s heart plummeted to her stomach, every ounce of hope drained and replaced by suffocating dread.  

“NOOOOOO!!!!”  

Her scream was raw, primal, echoing through the air. Unstable mana crackled around her as the recollected projection of Aetos let out an anguished cry of its own.  

“Come on! Fly! Fly faster!” Sera demanded, her voice frantic with desperation. The time-bound eagle screeched in response as Seraphina forced her mana to its absolute limit. The protective spell shielding her from the wind faltered, unable to keep up with the blistering speed. The unrelenting wind battered her face, drying her tear-streaked cheeks, even as more memories of better days flickered through her mind.  

Her life flashed before her eyes—a cruel reminder of all she had lost. And now? Her refusal to confront the future threatened to rob her of even more.  

“MILA!” Seraphina cried out, calling for her newest sister. “Please…” She turned her gaze to the heavens. “SISTER, ARE YOU THERE?! I KNOW YOU ARE! PLEASE, HELP ME! HELP LORD AETOS! I… I’M SORRY!”  

Seraphina longed for a miracle. She prayed, and prayed, and prayed, even as her recollected projection of Aetos flew at near-sonic speeds. What was once a two-hour journey had been reduced to a mere fraction. At this pace, Seraphina estimated she would reach the base of the Eagle Yew within fifteen minutes—if her body could endure the strain.  

Just as land replaced the water beneath her…  

Something else happened. Something that froze the Second Princess in place, her heart sinking deeper than ever before.  

The flaming inferno consuming the Eagle Yew was still there, but it began to twist, spiraling into a vortex of evergreen mana. The flames gradually dimmed, the brilliant light sinking into the ground until nothing remained.  

“The Eagle Yew…” Seraphina whispered, her voice trembling as if she were a scolded child. Something she believed would always be there—something unshakable, immovable—  

Was gone.  

The tree had vanished.  

In its place was… nothing at all. The brilliant light born of the ferocious flames had vanished, leaving only darkness in its wake—a darkness that mirrored the harrowing anguish clawing and screaming within Seraphina’s tired, aching heart.  

Her gaze drifted westward, where she spotted a camp at the forest’s edge. Suddenly, she noticed a figure sprout a pair of wings. From this distance, the details were indistinct. Perhaps she could have discerned them if she’d managed to steel her emotions, but her tear-filled eyes veiled the finer points.  

A heartbeat later, a soft melody erupted from the airborne figure as they soared high.  

That sound…  

That song…  

Any Vredi native would’ve recognized it.  

Seraphina wiped her eyes, forcing herself to focus as her eagle relentlessly closed the distance. She narrowed her gaze, straining to see the source of that enchanting melody. Finally, her eyes fell upon the angelic instrument responsible for such a wondrous song.  

Everything isn’t lost... It’s not all gone...   

“SISTER!!!” Seraphina shouted as she leapt from her eagle’s back, arms outstretched, a smile spreading across her face. For a fleeting moment... She didn’t see Lyudmila Vredi Springfield before her.  

She saw Susize Vredi.  

Susize, who was gone. Susize, who was dead. Seraphina knew that, yet for an instant, her heart clung to the hope that this was a miracle granted by her beloved elder sister.  

Lyudmila caught her, twirling gracefully like a pair of ballerinas as she gently guided their descent.  

“Sister! Sister!” Seraphina sobbed, her words tumbling out in an incoherent babble, more like a child’s first cries than speech. Snot dribbled from her nose, her tear-streaked face flushed crimson. Her raw, sore eyes brimmed with anxious anticipation. She didn’t know what she was about to hear when her sister finally opened her mouth.  

To her astonishment, it was what she needed to hear.  

“Lord Aetos is alive. He’s safe and sound, sister. The transplant happened without issue.” 

 *****

---

*****

Ten minutes later, Seraphina finally stopped crying. The villagers couldn't see her in such a state, so I quickly brought her to my tent.  

Tris, ever perceptive, had anticipated this reaction and prepared a soothing herbal tea. Susize’s sister accepted the cup graciously, her trembling hands steadying as she offered me a faint smile.  

Her gaze shifted to the armored figure standing nearby. A blind man could tell Sekh was on edge, her unease practically radiating in waves. Being this close to the one who despised her the most… 

The pressure was suffocating.  

“Are… you the Sekh I’ve heard so much about?” Seraphina’s voice was tentative, the curiosity tinged with lingering emotion.  

“That is my name, yes,” Sekh replied, her voice slightly higher than usual.  

“I’m glad you’re back,” Seraphina said softly, her expression easing into something kinder. “Mila gushed about you when we met in Orchta. You mean so much to her, and I’m so glad…we can finally meet.”  

“…Thank you.”  

The response wasn’t forced, exactly. But it carried an edge of unease—awkward, almost unnatural, as if Sekh were testing the waters of unfamiliar ground.  

I’m sure you have a thousand questions,” I began, keeping my voice calm and steady. “A lot has happened. I’ll answer them, of course, but I can’t do it alone. Tris, can you bring her?”  

Tris nodded silently and slipped out of the tent. Moments later, she returned with Quella.  

Seraphina tilted her head, her sharp eyes narrowing as she scrutinized the red-robed mage from head to toe. She said nothing at first, but her pointed gaze spoke volumes.  

“Before we begin, I want you to know this,” I said firmly. “Lord Aetos is alive and unharmed. He’s with Aello, trying to keep the villagers calm.”  

Seraphina’s intense expression softened slightly. “He’s safe. That’s enough for me, Mila. The villagers must be comforted first, for my heart is already at ease.” She paused, turning her full attention to me. “Now, please, tell me what happened. Leave nothing out.”  

Though her eyes were on me, I could tell she kept Quella in her peripheral vision, watching the mage like a hawk. Ironically, she seemed to trust Quella far less than the disguised mortal enemy standing just feet away.  

I took a steadying breath. The lie we had constructed—Tris, Aetos, and I—was ready. “It happened after the transplant,” I said, my voice even. “A group had been watching from the shadows, waiting for their moment to strike. They used a spell to sever the flow of mana sustaining the Spiritual Grove, trapping us inside.”  

Seraphina’s gaze didn’t waver.  

“…”  

“Lord Aetos used [Conferment] to open the portal,” I explained, keeping my tone measured. “But it drained the Eagle Yew. The tree was already teetering on the edge, and this… this pushed it too far. I’m sure you saw the swirling green energy? That was the last essence of the Eagle Yew. It’s… resting now. Its purpose is fulfilled.”  

Seraphina’s lips quivered, and she wiped at her damp eyes, her expression heavy with sorrow. Slowly, she folded her hands, bowing her head in reverence. Her voice trembled as she began a prayer in Ancient Elvish—a dialect I recognized but had not heard spoken aloud since the forest suffered its cruel fate.  

The melody of her words carried an aching beauty that honored the ancient tree’s sacrifice. Even though the dialect was long dead, her prayer breathed life into it. 

Aúmír en-naur loth,  

Tharwë o' i-galad,  

Lóth nilen ná kemen,  

Síla nilen ná menel.  

Eneth lin, ar-lóna in-dor,  

Ar-rian lóth en-aear.  

Ve melir lelyal,  

I'enna ringwaith-lóth. 

“Oh, spirit of the forest. Guardian of the green. Your life has returned to earth. Your essence to the sky. May your roots rest in the soil, and your leaves dance in the wind. In your memory, we plant anew. So your spirit forever grows...” said Tris, translating it into the common tongue. It was for Quella’s benefit. She knew Ancient Elvish from Melusine via some language skill granted from Mary’s monster-taming abilities via a loophole, but the dialect made it almost undecipherable. Sekh quickly acquired the skill since she had known it before being trapped in the crystal. She also innately knew the dialect since she had often taunted Susize with her own language.    

Her other skills would return—albeit far quicker than anyone else since the knowledge was still engraved onto her soul. It was just that her body needed to adapt to them. After she spent so long fighting the curse within her inner self?  

Her body was well-adjusted. They were sure to come at her like wildfire, so reacquiring all of them--and more--wasn’t a pipe dream.  She probably wouldn’t need to spend any SP, so the massive horde I still had would probably be distributed to Niva and Tilde, leaving me with an emergency stash.    

“That’s right. It’s a prayer passed down from the Vredi Forest. We say it after a funeral. I’m surprised you could translate it. The dialect hasn’t been spoken in so long. I rarely use it.”  n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“I learned it from my lord,” said Tris.    

“In Vredi Forest, everyone was family. The trees... The elves... The flowers and grass...”  

“That’s right, Mila. We were connected. We all return to the earth and become part of nature. Your instrument... Did...” 

“Yes.” I retrieved the flute and graciously held it. “Lord Aetos gave it to me upon our meeting. I must’ve reminded him of Susize, so he wanted me to play it.”  

Sera softly smiled. “You really do look so much like her. And you play...just like her. I’m glad it made it to you, Mila. Please, you have my blessing to keep it.”  

“Thank you, sister. I wish the mansion survived, but it fell in the attack. I’m sorry. I couldn’t save Susize’s slimes and draingi.”  

“Her pets? I wasn’t aware they were still alive. I...used to take care of them, you know. When I visited. Susize promised me to watch over them, and...” Sera cried, and I couldn’t hold back my emotions. She held my hands, and we vented our emotions together over their loss. “I’ll mourn them later.” Sera forcefully calmed her emotions. Her heart was a whirlpool of conflicting sadness, anger, and regret.   

“Not everyone made it. I tried, Sera. We tried, but... There were too many. They caught us unaware. But these two.” I pointed to Sekh and Quella. “They fought with us. They shed blood to protect this village we love so much,” I said, explaining Quella’s wounds when she faced off against the group with that silence orb.  

Sera lightly bit her lip, her eyes still red, her nose still runny. “I want to believe you, Mila. I do, for Sekh, but her?” She pointed to Quella, who flinched. “You know she’s...”  

“A Soul Warrior?” Sera nodded. “I do. She was summoned by Meruria, the Holy Lord of Cridia.”  

“Why are you here? Why did you cross the ocean to intrude upon a Divine Country that's not your home?”  

“I...”  

“It’s complicated, sister,” I said, answering for Quella. “She was sent to arrange a meeting between me and Meruria. Believe me on this. Quella and her team are not responsible or involved in the attack.”  

“Team? So, you aren’t alone?”  

Quella nodded, and I continued. “They’re innocent, but Meruria... Everything was her fault. You can blame the attack on her.”  

“WHAT?!” Sera stood up so fast that she went light-headed. I supported and helped her to her chair, then held her hands.   

“It’s complicated. I wasn’t lying about that.” 

“I hold magic to read memories, Sera,” said Tris. “I shall take over from here, my lord.” Tris then explained the story we had prepared. “Meruria sent an agent to brainwash Hymn’s upper leadership into attacking the Eagle Yew. This splinter group became loyal to this agent instead of Gloria. Everything they did was without her knowledge. Meruria wished to blame it on Dirge's Holy Lord. Quella, her team, and this agent would arrive before the attack and help fend it off, and then they would present my lord with ‘proof’ of Gloria’s involvement. We would naturally want revenge. Meruria would have offered Cridia’s support, leading to a ‘justified’ war between Dirge and Cridia on my lord's behalf. Her reward would’ve been a Vredi’s loyalty.”   

Sera’s anger flashed. The air trembled, and the ground shattered, sending tremors across the camp. I quickly calmed her with a tight hug. “This will not go unpunished, sister,” I whispered, hugging her tighter. “Believe me...”  

“I...” Sera clenched her teeth and fists. Slowly, she looked at Quella with so much hatred. “How do you know that woman isn’t in league with this plan? Can you trust her? She’s affiliated with Meruria, is she not? What about her team? The others?”  

“Because I hate her,” Quella finally said, her voice strong. “Meruria... We hate her. We despise her. We angered her shortly after being summoned. Her ire isn’t comfortable. She’s resolved to make our lives a living hell.”  

“Answer me this. If her treatment of yours is as you claim, then where is your handler? Why would she permit a group that hates her to be so far away without someone to report in?”  

“Because the handler is somewhere where they won’t hurt anyone. Please, believe me. I’m begging you.” I squeezed Sera’s hands. “Please, trust me.”  

“I was forced to kill,” Quella said. She looked downcast and clenched her fists. “Buildings? Towns? Villages? I... Meruria ordered me to kill so many after I acquired my Soul Weapon. She claimed they were guilty criminals, but I knew they weren’t. But I had to kill. If it wasn’t me... Then she’d have forced that cruel reality upon my friends. I’ve lost track of how many sins I’ve committed. Seraphina, there is not a day that goes by that I do not think about annihilating Meruria.”  

“It’s not just Quella and her team who despise Meruria.” Sera looked at me. “I have hundreds of reasons to desire her death. Before...we met. I endured so much anguish at her hands. It was torture and hellish. No one is more her enemy than me. Look at it from my point of view, Sera. What better way to work towards her demise than to use one of her 5-Star Soul Warriors? I know it’s odd. I know this is dangerous, but I have plans to handle any fallout. I can’t speak about them. Even still...” I touched my forehead to Sera’s and closed my eyes. Suddenly, I felt her grab my arms.  

“You’re shaking...” she whispered. “You aren’t lying. Your irises bear the flames of wrath.”  

“I’m not. I wouldn’t spread falsehoods about my hatred of that damned woman. Her demise is certain—it will happen. Yet it requires the help of those who also despise her. I know a Holy Lord can detect their Soul Warriors. However, the advantage is in our field, Sera. Meruria isn’t aware that we know the truth. She wholly believes the plan is still in play. Trust me, sister. Please, trust me.”  

“I do, Mila. I trust you. I swear I do. I...cannot hide my concern. Nor can I shed my disdain. Meruria’s the source of unsavory rumors. She is vile and wretched like an awful poison. I want to know what she did to you, but it’s better left unsaid. Her reputation precedes her, so it isn’t difficult to guess. Please, let me help, Mila.”  

“... Thank you.” 

“You.” Sera turned to Quella. “I still do not trust you. A part of me believes this to be a trap orchestrated by your awful summoner. I cannot deny my distaste for her. Still, you have shed blood to protect this village I love so much.” Sera lowered her head slightly. “Thank you, Quella.”  

“We weren’t here long, but it made me feel at ease, Seraphina. Aetos Village was beautiful. The nightmares that ravaged my sleep never showed up—not once. The tranquility...is unmatched by anything in my world. This peaceful and serenity... I wished I could’ve seen Vredi Forest in its prime.”  

“Ah... Your words aren’t forced through a veil of lies. You speak the truth, do you not?”  

“I do, Seraphina. Forgive me, would you like to be called Lady Vredi? I’m unsure of how to address you.”  

“Sera is fine...” Sera’s ears wiggled a little bit.   

So...what? To get on her good side, you must gush about Aetos Village and Vredi Forest? I know Sera’s hesitant. She has all the right reasons to be wary.   

“Umm... Sekh?”  

“Yes?”  

“Do you hate Meruria?”  

“I do. I have personal reasons to see her dead.”  

Sera pondered for a moment. “This may be obvious, but you won’t permit me to see the face of Aetos Village’s savior, would you?”  

“I’m sorry, but I don’t feel comfortable without my armor. I...feel alone without it.”  

“Ah-- I should’ve figured. I’m sorry. Still.” Sera approached Sekh, who slightly flinched when she found her hands occupied by her enemy’s little sister. “Thank you, Sekh. Thank you so much for helping Lord Aetos and the village. This favor will not go unpaid. Quella, that goes for you. If there is anything within my power that I can grant you... All you must do is ask.”  

“Your offer is kind, Sera. Thank you.” Quella smiled. Sekh remained quiet. I didn’t have to look at her face to see her hesitancy.   

“My lord?” Tris tapped me on the shoulder.   

They’re returning to the tent.  

“Ah, is it time already? Sera, do you believe in miracles?”  

“Miracles? I want to say no, but I’m living one right now. To say I don’t would mean denying this very moment. Why?”  

“Just watch.” I pointed to the tent’s flap and walked away. A few seconds later...  

They entered.   

Sera’s face trembled when she saw the spirit eagle resting on that potted plant held by a Vermillion Harpyfolk. Yet Aetos wasn’t the target of her gasps. 

It was the one who held Surtr after he shrank his body to the size of a plushie.   

“The Eagle Yew perished from the attack, but I did not say the tree was gone from our lives for good, did I? I know you saw the swirling green mana. That was the Eagle Yew reincarnating into the girl you see before you.”  

“Seraphina Vredi? My... My name is Yew Vredi!” said Yew, her voice proud. She smiled and bent down to let Surtr go, who walked away and regrew to his regular size.   

“Yew... Yew Vredi?” Sera asked. “A Vredi? There’s another one?”  

“There is. We have a new sister. The world saw Aetos Village as a continuation of Vredi Forest and granted Yew the last name we cherish. Go. Spend time with them. Say what you wish to say,” I said, whispering. I gave her an encouraging push. Sera stumbled forward, her teeth chattering. She found it difficult to look at Aetos because she probably felt shame at taking so long to take that first step of reunification.   

Aetos didn’t speak. Why use words when his actions could’ve imparted so much more? He spread a wing towards Sera, and she took it with both her hands, cradling it like it was the most precious gift in the entire world.   

“I’m sure you have much to catch up on. Once that’s done, I’d like to introduce you to Tilde, Niva, and Primrose. They’re in the medical tent. Look for the flag with the red cross.”  

Sera nodded and left with Yew and Aello. I turned to Surtr with a smug grin. “So, what happened to not shrinking yourself? I thought that was antithesis to what the king of the jungle should be.”  

“Hmm... You would think, Lord Springfield, but recall that I said I would if the situation necessitated it. My actions brought a smile to an uncertain child’s face. If that is not a worthwhile situation, then I do not know what is,” Surtr said in his deep voice. He licked his paws and rested at my feet.   

“I know. I’m just giving you a hard time.” I rubbed his head and scratched him behind the ears. “Well, that went better than expected. Are you doing okay, Sekh?”  

“It’s...not the easiest. It feels like I’m walking on pins and needles. I must be careful to not say the wrong thing or do something suspicious.”  

“I wish things were different.” I took Sekh’s armored hands in mine. Sera wasn’t here, but we couldn’t risk removing it even though Tris tracked her every movement. 

“This won’t be an issue, Mila. It’s temporary.”  

“You’re right. Can you be patient a little longer?”  

“Of course. Waiting will only make that moment feel so much better. I yearn for the day it arrives, Mila. I love you.”  

“I love you too.” I knew she had the cutest smile on her face… Oh, how I wished to see it. “Tris, is Sera far enough away?”  

“She is, my lord. However, I have compiled a spell to eliminate sound outside this room.” She sent me the data, and I used [Sphere of Silence].  

“Well,” I sat, gesturing to the now empty chair. “Ask away, Quella.”