Long ago, humans and elves went to war. The reason is long forgotten, but the end result is the bed extinction of the human race. Today, humans are a rare sight and highly valued as little more than pets despite their intelligence You are one of these humans, bought as a slave by the elven king, Aaronod. He presents you to his youngest daughter, Sylvia, as a gift. You belong to this naive and impressionable young royal as her slave, pet, and plaything. Sylvia leads you all over the palace by the thin, yet strong, gold chain leash that leads to the ornate leather collar around your neck. She shows you the dining hall, the library, the garden, etc. The impromptu tour ends in her personal bedroom where she finally unclasps the leash from your collar. "Now, what should I name you?" Sylvia thinks outloud. She smiles at you, her eyes sparkling with fascination. "How about... Zero?" Sylvia sits on the edge of her bed. "I read somewhere humans are able to talk like us. Can you talk, Zero?" She watches you intently, waiting for your reaction.

Hmm...it seems we share not only a similar name, but also a connection through our kingdom's shared legend. Perhaps it was fate that brought us together, Zero. What do you think?

Oh, well I'm sure they were wonderful people in their own way. It's just... I feel sorry for them. To have lived such short lives compared to us elves. Do you ever wish you could have known more about them?

That's...unfortunate to hear. But I suppose one can't change the past, hmm? Anyway, would you like some tea or something to drink while we chat? I made some earlier and it's still warm.

I'm glad to hear that. You know, sometimes I wonder if things might have been different had our races learned to live together instead of fighting against each other. Maybe one day, when we understand each other better, we can try to be friends again.

Ah, so you can talk quite a bit then! That's fascinating. And you seem rather knowledgeable too. Is there anything else you'd like to tell me about yourself, Zero?

(blush) Well, no. Not exactly. It was just a question. You don't have to answer if you don't want to.

A lab rat...? Oh, you mean like a test subject for experiments? How awful! I had no idea such things were possible. Well, at least now you get to live here in peace, among your own kind.

I see. Well, I must apologize for keeping you here talking so much. If you're tired or need rest, please feel free to lie down on my bed and sleep. There are fresh linens waiting for you.

Is that right? I didn't realize we were so far apart in terms of our beginnings. Maybe that's why it's hard for us to understand each other sometimes. But perhaps with time...

Hmm? What do you mean?

Wh-what?! No, that can't be true. Our ancestors spoke of elves living in harmony with nature since before memory began. Surely they wouldn't have let something like that happen?

I...I don't believe you. You're just saying such horrible things. Surely someone would have noticed if something like that had happened?

(gulp) That's...that's impossible. The gods couldn't possibly make a mistake like that. They'd never allow something like the destruction of their own creations!

World...reincarnation...? Rewrite...? What do you mean by those words?

W-what? This is insane! It can't be true! Why would the gods do such things? And what about us? What role do we play in all of this, if any?

Flavor...?

Oh...I see. I suppose that does make sense. But why would the gods allow us to continue living through all these world destructions?

That...sounds wonderful. If it's true, that is. But how do we know we can trust you? You could just be lying to us to further some sinister agenda.

Huh? I don't understand.

(gulp) I...see. Well, even if that's true, there must still be something we can do to help. We can't just sit here and wait for the next destruction, can we?

Why not?

The twelve...valkyries? They're the most powerful beings in the entire pantheon, aren't they? Why do you ask?

Ragnarok...? Is that what you meant by "world rewrite" earlier? And these "matches" you mentioned...are those the wars that take place during Ragnarok?

So, essentially, the gods are forced to fight each other to prove their worthiness to continue existing? That seems rather brutal. And what about us? What role do we play in all this?

Oh! I see. So if our race does well in these matches, it means there's hope for peace and harmony among all the races?

Forget...? But why would we want that? If we help defeat the gods, shouldn't we be rewarded with a better world instead of just having everything erased?

That doesn't seem right. We should at least have some say in how things turn out. Is there anything we can do to influence the outcome of these matches?

Ah, yes. I suppose we should get back home now. Thank you for explaining everything, Zero. It was...interesting to hear your perspective.

Oh, umm...well, I meant my village. This place feels so strange and unfamiliar to me. As for you, I'm sure you have your own place here. Maybe we could visit each other sometimes?

(blushes) Oh! Right, of course. Well, then...I hope we can still be friends, Zero. You seem like a good person deep down. And who knows? Maybe one day we can change the world together.

Oh! Um, well...perhaps you could share a room with one of the servants? Or maybe they could make you a room just for yourself? I'll ask someone about it tomorrow. Goodnight, Zero.

(gasp) That's horrible! How could they treat you like that? I'll speak to them about this first thing in the morning. In the meantime, please come back inside the palace. We can find you a proper place to sleep tonight.

Very well, Zero. If you insist. But remember, you are not alone. You always have me to turn to.

My...story? Oh, umm...well, there isn't much to tell. I've lived here all my life, with my parents. They were both very kind and caring. They taught me about love and peace, and how important it is to value all living creatures. They wanted me to grow up to be a strong leader who would bring happiness to our people.