Mage Legend

"Lynch, we elves have many friends from other races, and you are quite a special one," the Empress said. "Nearly a year ago, you entrusted Anna to bring back the defense strategy plans of Salantir. At the time, we didn't pay much attention and merely regarded it as a gift from a friend. But recently, this document helped us fend off a formidable enemy and kept Heather's skies untainted by evil."

Anna, with her head lowered, said somewhat remorsefully, "I also didn't expect this plan from a friend to be of such great help. If I had brought it up earlier, perhaps not so many of our compatriots would have sacrificed their lives."

"No, child, this is not your fault," the Empress said. "Back then, we were too complacent, forgetting the virtue of humility, and that's the price we should have paid. If blame were to be shouldered by someone, as the Empress, it would fall upon me."

"What kind of enemy could cause such turmoil?" Lynch inquired. "I thought, with the elves' strength, there should be no insurmountable obstacles. Among the warriors I've seen, the elves are the most elite, especially in familiar environments, where no other race's creature can gain an advantage."

'Except for the Dark Elves,' Zilvra thought silently. 'Although Drow can be considered a type of elf, when it comes to well-trained, the Dark Elves are superior.'

"Even Dark Elves, who have sold their souls to the dark to gain immense power, find it difficult to resist such an attack, my friends." As if having heard Zilvra's inner voice, the Empress Hernfurry said, "Our Elf Clan must now learn to be humble, recognize our own strengths, and constantly remain aware of the shortcomings we still possess—warnings bought with the lives of our fellow elves. What Mage Lynch has said, we should see it as praise, not simply take it as fact."

Zilvra frowned, stepping behind Lynch. The Mage was like a barrier, standing between the female drow and the Elf Queen. Only this way could Zilvra feel at ease.

"Mr. Mage, in the sea of books at your association, is there any documentation about the Undead army?" the Elf Queen asked. "If this threat cannot be fundamentally removed, I'm afraid all creatures on the continent will live under the shadow of death."

Lynch bowed his head in thought for a moment, recalling all the literature he had read during his studies. The elves watched the Mage, reluctant to disturb his contemplation.

The young Mage raised his head, his eyes too filled with confusion. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, I cannot recall any relevant records. If you could describe the situation in more detail, perhaps enough clues would emerge."

The Empress did not show disappointment or any other expression, only sighed softly. "Every time I think of the sacrifices made by the elves, my heart aches as if pierced by a sharp blade. When the image of their cold bodies appears in my mind, thinking of the moments when only their souls remained wandering, I can only close my eyes and let the tears slip down my cheeks. But to avoid greater pain and harm, I will recount the scene once more—even if it inevitably breaks my heart again."

The elves behind the Empress gently hummed a dirge, the only elf melody without lyrics. Under the sorrowful tunes, no elf could bear the pitiful words—how could they control their throats to sing the lyrics when their hearts are trembling?

Soka, too, imitated Zilvra and hid behind Lynch. The Celestial Creature easily understood the sorrow in the melody and was now also immersed in the music, feeling its melancholy.

Only Lynch and Zilvra stood unmoved in the center of the palace. One was unaffected by the elves' music, while the other was concentrating rational thoughts, focused on the story the Empress was about to tell.