Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part Two]

CHAPTER 204: A Melody, Insight, Dire Circumstances

The girls huddled closer together, their delicate hands clutching the fabric of their borrowed dresses. Tiphanna knelt before them, her voice soft, reassuring—yet it wasn't enough. And the muffled noise of the other children scurrying inside from play only heightened their nervousness.

Sister Aeliana tried next, speaking with a gentle firmness that usually worked wonders on children. But tonight, fear had built walls around their hearts.

And then—

A melody.

Soft, delicate, almost like a whisper of wind through silver bells.

Daisuke stiffened. That song... he had heard it before.

Suddenly, all eyes turned to Princess Lumielle. She hummed a tune that shimmered like moonlight on water, each note floating through the air like petals in the breeze. The flickering fire cast a golden glow around her, her coral-pink hair catching the light, her jade-green eyes seeming to hold the universe itself.

Lyndoria, standing nearby, smiled knowingly, her hands clasped in front of her as she drank in the melody. The elves stilled, their fear melting away as if drawn into Lumielle's warmth. Their cheeks flushed, their gazes transfixed—some of them trembled, others wept silently.

Her voice wrapped around them like the embrace of a mother long lost, whispering unspoken promises—you are safe now. You are home.

Slowly, gracefully, the princess glided toward the fireplace as if her toes didn't touch the ground, her dress glistening like stardust as she settled onto the floor.

She stretched out her arms, beckoning, and one by one, the elven children stepped forward, mesmerized, drawn as if by a spell. They nestled against her, their tiny hands clutching the fabric of her gown, their weary heads resting against her warmth. She caressed their silken hair, her fingers light as a breeze, her voice never faltering as she lulled them into slumber.

Tiphanna's heart swelled at the scene, and a tear slid down her cheek. Josephine, her ever-loyal assistant, was quick to wrap an arm around her.

Daisuke watched the sleeping children, his expression unreadable. He had seen too much suffering, but something about this moment stirred a deep, unfamiliar ache in his chest. His voice was quiet, yet resolute when he finally spoke.

"I'll find a way to take them home."

Tiphanna turned to him, her pear green eyes glistening. "Haxks... that's incredibly sweet of you, but the elven city is far—far beyond human reach. It's hidden and protected by ancient magic. Even if you found it, humans aren't allowed entry. Besides, the monsters there are fierce."

"Then I'll just get stronger." His words were simple, yet they carried the weight of an oath. "Maybe not now. But one day."

Tiphanna hesitated, searching his face. Then she sighed, shaking her head. "The journey is treacherous. Not even elves dare to make it without guidance. And you—" she gestured at him with a knowing look. "You might be strong, but protecting twelve children through those lands? The way you are now, you wouldn't stand a chance."

Daisuke smirked. "Then I'll just have to become someone who does stand a chance."

The fire crackled, seemingly amplifying his words, its warm glow illuminating his determined gaze.

Tiphanna watched him, a smile forming as she recalled the sorry state of his daggers—yet, despite all odds, he had pressed on anyway, completely undeterred.

Her eyes gleamed with newfound conviction at that fact. "After everything I've witnessed so far, I can't help but believe in your words."

Daisuke grinned. "You won't regret it."