Mage Legend

The elves on the platform brought greetings to Lynch. Some had known the mage standing before them for a long time, while others had merely heard his name. Nevertheless, they all offered kind blessings. Elves, who have dealt with nature and the forest for generations, often use words drawn from these to express their feelings. "May your Tree of Life remain ever green"; "May your path be filled with green and gold"; "May your life's journey be accompanied by verdant trees and gentle breezes" are common phrases they use. A few elves who were more familiar with him would say, "My heart begins to sing at the sight of you."

Zilvra and Soka did not understand the Elf Language, but they could sense the unique rhythm of the language and guess most of its meaning. When elves speak, their voices become very melodic, with smooth transitions between syllables. Many people believe that elves spend their entire lives singing, which is inseparable from the characteristics of their language.

The enchanting scenery around them made the upward climb feel effortless. Just as Zilvra and Soka were lingering in the experience, the palace appeared before them.

While human palaces are always lavishly constructed and dwarven halls are imposing, the holy temple built by elves fully embodies elegance. The enormous wooden door appeared exceptionally tall and narrow, standing like an upright sword blade at the front of the palace. Most of the door had been chiseled away, leaving only the outline of a thriving tree. The elves adorned the hollowed-out parts with emeralds and agates as foliage, and garnished them with rubies and yellow crystals to represent flowers; even obsidian was used to depict the texture of the wood, making the entire door a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Yet compared to the entire palace, it was just a small detail. Because of the extensive use of gemstones for decoration, the door seemed somewhat too lavish, deviating from the natural. However, the rest of the structure integrated seamlessly with the Holy Tree "Heather." The gigantic branches served as supporting pillars, with pruned vines draped over them; the leaves of the great tree formed the roof, allowing golden sunlight to stream through the gaps, illuminating the entire grand hall interior with bright light. From the center of the Holy Tree, a clear spring continuously spouted, making it possible to taste the refreshing Holy Water even at the summit of Heather. Some protruding tree knots were carved into seats, scattered around the central podium of the palace. It's unclear whether the enchanting scenery existed first, prompting the elven artisans to construct the palace; or if the Holy Tree Heather, endowed with wisdom, bestowed its gift to create this structure the elves are so proud of.

Zilvra was extremely excited, having never witnessed such beauty. The natural architectural style opened her eyes to new marvels. However, being accustomed to hiding her thoughts as a Dark Elf, her expression only showed calmness in the face of these wonders.

Little Soka's large eyes darted back and forth like an alert field mouse, swiftly surveying the surroundings. She felt as though her eyes weren't enough, unable to instantly capture all the beauty. If not for Lynch holding her shoulder, the little angel would have already flown up to touch the landscape with her own hands.

Lynch had visited here long ago, so the palace's magnificent scenery no longer overwhelmed him. His gaze focused on a few people standing behind the podium, especially the two Elf Kings in the center.

One of them was the Elf Queen, still dressed as she had been yesterday. Lynch had never seen Empress Hernfurry in any other form. She seemed to have transcended the shackles of time, untouched by the ravages of age, and had become eternal. Whether a thousand years ago or a thousand years in the future, the Elf Queen always looked the same. The only thing that changed was her ever-growing wisdom.

The person beside her was the actual steward of Heather, Great Druid Nosta—"the Elf of Birth." This male elf had lived in Heather since ancient times and knew every plant and tree intimately. Over a millennium, he had meticulously cared for the environment, cherished every compatriot who loved this place, and repelled countless enemies. The Elf Queen thus called him the "Servant of Heather," entrusting him with the eternal life to care for this Holy Land.