As it turned out, Jack was more than capable of using stealth and patience when he actually wanted to, doubly so with all of the power at his fingertips now that he had stepped past level fifty. Creating a simple, yet effective spell to conceal himself and Nivi from sight, smell, hearing and mana senses of other being they might encounter was easy enough. Then, once again pulling the young elven woman to his side he flew up and inside the concealment formation, passing through it with none the wiser.

  What came into view was nothing like the swamp that it looked like from the outside, filled with poisonous gas and countless deathtraps ready to end your life. No, before their eyes stretched a large expanse of a magnificent forest, filled with large, towering trees and plenty of underbush, filled to the brim with life. Birds flew around, hunting for insects for their feast, all while remaining alert for any small sized predator that aimed to feast on them in turn.

  Smaller mammals like squirrels, rabbits, mice and the like could be seen darting around here and there, going about their lives as they always did, none the wiser about the couple of apex predators hovering far above their heads. Plenty of larger game animals like deer, wild boars and so and on could also be observed, though those were further apart from one another- save for the packs they traveled in.

  Jack could even sense a fair few large predators prowling about,no doubt on the hunt for their own next meals. A small pack of wolves was chasing a hog some kilometer to his right, close to another edge of the concealment barrier. Further ahead, a couple of large cats were doing their thing as well, two solitary hunters tracking their own meals to be.

  And yet, for all the natural beauty that drew his eyes, calming the mind with its soothing sight, something else drew his attention to it as though enchanted with supernatural charm. Off in the distance, poorly hidden within the large forest from Jack's vantage point, a large city stood. Encased in a beautiful, seemingly wooden wall adorned with carefully crafted murals and watchtowers that almost towered above the entirety of the forest gave the elven settlement a unique air.

  "That's what I would expect from an elven city." Jack hummed as his sharp eyes took in the sight before him, appreciating the exquisite craftsmanship he could track from this distance. He also had to modify his plans a bit. He had initially believed that his impromptu stealth mission- attempted with barely half an effort- would quickly turn into an old fashioned melee of sorts, filled with plenty of elven blood spilled and lives lost. Now however, he deemed it only fair that he tried to limit the actual damage he does to the city itself. It was just that beautiful, and he could bring the kids over for a visit once he had returned and established a proper home anew. He doubted that where ever the kids were staying in now would be capable to accommodate their ever growing needs. And so, with greater caution in mind, Jack flew the two of them towards the city, al the while taking in the beautiful craftsmanship it offered to ones eyes.

  Jack did several extra tests regarding the stability and durability of his stealth spell, flying by the aforementioned watchtowers multiple times, each time closer than the last, with the final one being so close he could reach out his hand slide it across the structure's wall. Satisfied in the result of his tests, with none of the guards aware of his presence one bit, Jack proceeded to fly past the walls, taking in more of the murals that adorned most of the city's walls- be their the great walls surrounding and protecting the city, or the walls of ordinary homes that housed those lell well of than the elite. Pompous and arrogant the elves might be, no matter where they were, but it brooked no doubt that they were indeed skilled artisans and enthusiasts of arts among other things.

  Nivi too seemed to be caught by a pang of nostalgia, remembering some of the better memories of her childhood here the exile, even guiding Jack to the places she remembered with fondness, few as they were by now. Coincidentally, that guidance also brought them ever closer to their destination- the manor her former family lived within, and one that was hosting a rather large party the very same evening if some of the chatter Jack and Nivi overheard as they moved along the streets hidden from sight. Despite all the anger Nivi felt, she seemed more than just slightly willing to stall it out for just a bit longer.

  So here the two were, slightly off the target as they stood in a somewhat secluded corner of the city, surrounded by a small version of the forest outside the walls and facing a crystal clear pond that was home to some koi looking fish that slowly swam through it, the color of their scales slightly glimmering the the moonlight.

  "I'd spend hours here, gazing at the fishes and taking in the clear air and absence of other people. It soothed me and gave me strength whenever the lessons felt too much." Nivi explained in a gentle voice, tinged with nostalgia. "Heh, how naive was I, right?" she mocked herself "Though what could a sheltered young elven lady know about hardship?"

  "What does anyone growing up in a world where there is no immediate and constant threat to your life know, really?" Jack snorted a question in turn, adding "We are born naive and helpless, and the world beats it out of us sooner or later. The only question is whether that happens on your deathbed, or sometime sooner?"

  Nivi soaked in Jack's words for a while, sinking deep in her own thoughts, until finally, some ten minutes later refocused herself, more confident and sure of herself than just moments before that. "I am ready now, come what might."

  "Alright then." Jack nodded and stretched out his arm- the meaning clear as day. Without hesitation, Nivi took his side once again, finding some extra comfort in Jack's mere presence. She hid her face in his chest and waited, feeling the land disappear beneath her feet as they ascended once more, Jacks wings bringing them towards the mansion Nivi had pointed towards a short while ago. It was about time to meet her family and settle old scores, and Jack was very much inclined to ensure there were no unsettled debts remaining once he was done. Nivi now was, after all, one of his people.

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  Ivelyana had done as expected, and followed after her mother a short while later, trailed and flanked by two of her personal servants- both in somewhat cute, though rather revealing outfits, though not nearly as high quality as her own. Both were there to be eye candy and draw the attention towards them, giving Ivelyana plenty of reasons to extricate herself from any conversation she might be drawn into and did not desire to prolong. No male could keep their eyes away from her little thirst traps after all.

  And so she walked into the large hall the gathering was held. A richly decorated and clearly affluent family owned the place, as evidenced by the number of decorations that were inlaid with precious gems that created a unique, but quite pleasant lighting in the large room. Numerous tables were lined next to the walls of the hall, each one almost overflowing with all sorts of exquisite dishes, snacks and pastries, sating the taste buds of all who were invited and would attend. And there were next to none who would decide to miss this event her parents hosted, save for an unfortunate few who were bedridden right now.

  With a quick glance over the room she located her parents, both mingling with other noble lords of their generation, no doubt gossiping about this and that. Or sowing the seeds of some other, new machinations they had come up with- both her own parents and the rest of the lords. She too, would have to join in on those games they played, she supposed, but not just yet. Both of her parents were still in good health and would hold the fort for quite some time, and by the time she would have to step up as the head of her house, she was sure she would have mellowed out and would be more than happy to play the game. Who knows, maybe by then she would even have a capable man by her side to do as he was told.

  Still, etiquette had to be observed, so a round of her own Ivelyana began, walking up to all the lords present and greeting them. She exchanged niceties with them, congratulating them on one or another endeavour they had succeeded, or expressed well wishes and hope for better luck in future when regarding a promising but risky ventures that had not borne fruit. She still played her role as haughty and confident young lady.

  No, she would not act out of turn when it came to the other lords themselves, but that did not mean she could not do the same when it came to their progeny- failures one and all. And so she snubbed the younger generation, ignoring every male present. She did interact with her fellow young ladies. Not only would she not need to constantly fight off unwanted advances and offers of all sorts, but the rest of the elven noble daughters were mild mannered and all too willing to be led. And so she would slowly cast out her net, reeling them all in one by one. until each and every single one would be under her control.

  "Fetch us some heaven cakes." she ordered one of her maids, too engrossed in her own machinations to turn her attention towards either in particular.

  "Yes young miss." came the reply the sound of shuffling feet reached Ivelyana's ears. Her command was fulfilled with haste- as it should be.

  "Ah, Ivelyana dear!" a happy, slightly aged feminine voice reached her ears a moment later, drawing her attention immediately towards it. How could it not. Ivelyana was addressed by one of the greater mages of their city and a retired lord of a noble house- lady Velunia herself.

  "Lady Velunia!" she exclaimed, a genuine smile spreading across her face- a rare occasion when she was not faking. "I did not know you were coming. Had I known, I would have met you at the gate myself. One such as yourself should receive welcome no less."

  "Ha, ha ha ha." Velunia chuckled. "It was a spur of the moment thing. I felt like I needed to come. Im my advanced age, you tend to trust such gut feelings. But I di appreciate the sentiment dear. Speaking of, how did you get here so fast my dear?"

  "I'm sorry?" Ivelyana slightly tilted her head to one side, confusion on her face.

  "I believe I caught a glimpse of you in the gardens just mere minutes ago. And it was not your mother, that much I know. You two are quite similar in appearance yes, but she told be she had been busy with the guests for quite a while. And a good thing that is- you taking after your mother in the looks department. Your father, skilled magician that he is, is not the best looking guy out there."

  "No? I have not been in the garden recently." Ivelyana shook her head gently. "Perhaps one of the maids?"

  "Odd. I could swear I saw one of you. Well, must be my eyes playing a trick on me, seeing as I did indeed want to have a chat with you two, mother and daughter."

  "Let's do that then, shall we? Mother will no doubt be just as eager as I am." Ivelyana replied, gently guiding the older elven woman towards a nearby room with more privacy that the hall could offer.

  As she guided Velunia towards the private room, she sent the remaining maid off to summon her mother, and then to pick up her fellow attendant and wait by the door, ensuring no one decides to interrupt or worse yet- eavesdrop on their conversation. As she did so, her gaze slid past the hall for a moment, only for her body to freeze in its place as her eyes slid past one of the balconies overlooking the garden. There, staring right at her was a spitting image of herself. A doppelganger of herself with a wicked expression on her face and a small, seemingly sand castle in her hands, one that was crushed at that very moment.

  Fear gripped Ivelyana's heart for a split second. Then she blinked, only to see nothing at all a moment later. 'What the hell!?' A single, confused curse took over her mind, though she quickly recovered. So quickly in fact that lady Velunia did not seem to notice at all.

  Ameliana was starting to see things. That was the only explanation. Things that could not be real. They simply could not. Someone was playing tricks on her, and whoever the bastard was, they would pay dearly once she found out. And she would find out. Oh yes, she would. She always did.

  She excused herself from her current conversation and headed towards the private room Ivelyana had entered with lady Velunia just moments ago, the two awaiting her arrival and no doubt chatting about this or that thing. At least that was something Ameliana could be nothing but happy about. Her daughter had befriended the influential elven lady and developed quite the nice bond, almost ensuring future support from lady Velunia's house should they need it. Lady Velunia might no longer be the head of her house, but her word was still the law there.

  Only, there it was again. The damned spectre once again flashed in the corner of her eye. Always appearing seemingly just out of sight, and disappearing just as quickly, leaving no traces behind. And Ameliana knew well enough what that spectre, that shadow was supposed to be. Her exiled youngest daughter- Nivelyana. She would not doubt have grown to look just like her and Evelyana. Was she actually feeling guilty for what had happened to her youngest? There was no way. The evidence was there, clear as day. Nivelyana might have pretended to be sweet and innocent, but behind that mask hid a monster that tried to even end the life of her own sister, and was exiled for it. No, there was no doubt in her mind that something foul was a-foot. And so she pushed back the thought and headed towards the private room, just as eager, if a little distracted, to strengthen her own relationship with the older elven lady.

  Jack Raja(?)

  Age- 27

  Species- human(?)

  Level- 50

  Class- Greater twin aspect of Creation and Destruction(Ex)

  Stats unassigned: +14

  Attributes:

  Strength- 39 (14+12+13(gear))

  Vitality- 38 (12+18+8(gear))

  Dexterity- 34 (15+11+8(gear))

  Intelligence-30(15+10+5(gear)

  Spirit- Spirit- 35 (20+15)

  Skills- Wisdom of Creation and destruction(EX), Choice of the creator(EX), Eyes of procurer(EX), Matter storage(EX+), Arukain language(C), Spark of inspiration(EX+), Origin of matter(EX+), Unbound by laws of the lessers(EX+), The end made manifest(EX+). Destroyers presence(unique legendary), It's all the same, really.(EX), Domain of Destruction(EX).

  Spells- Whatever the heck he needs.

  Titles(unlocked): The real Monster, Big Game Hunter, The brilliant rookie, The insane Solo. Monster debugger.The actor. Executioner. Survivor. Pioneer, Record breaker.The new champion supreme. Slavemaster, Eldritch garbage disposal(legendary).

  Gear: Two handed sword(t3)+ 5 str +5 vit: Armor 3str +3 vit +3 dex; Ring 1 - spatial storage, ring 2 +5int, ring 3 +5 str; amulet +5 dex.