Mage Legend

"At this point, I can naturally understand," Lynch said. "So, on the eve of a potential conflict, Zilvra is not by my side. However, my elf friend, the Dark Elf you mentioned is risking her life for the safety of the elves. I hope you can remember this."

"Though the words of mages are always filled with mystery and wisdom, I must say, the statement just now is something I couldn't have imagined," Nosta pondered and said. "If she's doing all this to gain the forgiveness of the Elf Clan, I think it's impossible. But... if she truly is risking her life to work for her former foes, I think I would give her a chance to prove herself anew."

"All she needs is an unbiased view," Lynch nodded towards the Great Druid, "I do not expect the elves to cast such a gaze upon every Dark Elf, but I assure you, she's definitely an exception, she's worth it."

"Let's hope so," the Elf Druid said. "There's one thing I still can't understand: why did you intentionally bring a Dark Elf into Salantir? What made it impossible for you to be apart, and what brought you to this land? Perhaps only the wise lady can know. Speaking of our lady, the Empress, after reading your letter, has ordered everyone to manufacture what you mentioned overnight. Those peculiar Dwarf tools are all ready."

"That's good," Lynch said. "The dawn of victory has begun to shine in my eyes. Is there anything else, Great Druid?"

"No, my friend," Nosta said. "I wish you a safe journey."

As the mage walked out of the Holy Temple, it was already getting a bit dim outside. However, the elves did not go to rest; they were still busy on this land. On the platform of Heather's Tree House, they were building some simple Observatory Towers to monitor the entire lake. And fences were constructed on the branches for concealment; when necessary, the Elf Clan's archers could use them as shelters to shoot down enemies who dare to approach. Even though every elf is convinced that the Heather Holy Mountain will never be defiled by the undead, their preparations were still meticulous.

Some rope bridges had been withdrawn, while other bridges were being built. The elves were gradually replacing the ropes connecting each platform with items soaked in Holy Water. Such things would make it hard for the undead to get close and allow for stronger connections between important structures, enabling the guards to reach any corner of the Holy Mountain more swiftly.

A waft of aroma followed the evening breeze, from the food the elves were preparing for the warriors. They collected fruits from the forest, using honey and some precious medicinal herbs as seasonings to make this special bread. The elves called it "Yilinos," and the more common name was "Elf Cookies." This food, known among humans skilled at imitation, was praised by all for its delicious taste. However, only those blessed by the Moon Priest of the Elves were true Elf Cookies, and those made with materials from Heather were the best. Besides alleviating hunger and fatigue, they could partially heal wounds or support severely injured or dying warriors, helping them hold on until their rescuers arrived. Usually, these Elf Cookies are prepared for warriors who patrol the dangerous border areas for extended periods. Now, as every elf prepares for the potential outbreak of war, this kind of non-perishable Elf Cookie is of utmost importance.

Amid the wonderful aroma of this food, another figure, rich in fragrance, approached Lynch. The female elf Yilinrui held a small green pouch in her hand, not much different from Lynch's Magic Material Bag. She said to the mage, "I'm all set. Do you have any instructions now?"

Lynch looked behind Yilinrui and didn't see any other elves. He was somewhat confused; wasn't it said that the Princess's squad was the most elite in the entire kingdom?

"Just you?" the mage asked.

"Yes. That's why this team is the most elite."

Lynch stared into Yilinrui's eyes, trying to read what kind of thoughts led the Elf Princess to decide to follow a Human Mage into the battle to defend Heather. Yet, Lynch only felt the serene lake under the blue sky from those eyes, and couldn't decipher any emotion.

"I'd like to ask you to return to your mother's side. I think the Empress needs your protection more," the mage had a feeling that taking Yilinrui along wasn't a good idea.

"I can't fulfill your request," Yilinrui said. "It was my mother herself who instructed me to stay with you. Between your request and my mother's orders, I've decided to follow her instruction."

"In that case, you'll be responsible for carrying Soka," Lynch awakened the sleeping Angel and handed her over to the elf.

Soka shifted her body, not quite satisfied with the arrangement. Yilinrui's long hair was always tickling her, making it hard for her to settle down.

Lynch silently walked towards the Elf Queen's residence; he still had matters to report to the Queen.

Meanwhile, Zilvra had already ventured deep into the Elf Forest, where the landscape had been influenced by the undead, becoming twisted and filthy. The black tree trunks were like covered in malignant lumps, twisting and spiraling upwards; the leaves had turned to dust, and only noisy crows perched on the barren branches. The once fertile soil gradually transformed into black sand, and various poisonous insects, disturbed by footsteps, scurried for safety. Thick fog drifted at knee level, dense like nasty cobwebs, exuding a marsh-like stench; a static black cloud overhead blocked the sun's rays from shining on this land.

Wherever the undead were, decay and destruction filled the air. Zilvra felt the ground beneath was soft, as if she walked over corpses, and sometimes sticky things clung to her boots. Unable to see the path clearly, she leapt to the branches, continuing to tightly follow the skeleton ahead.

The deeper she went, the harder it became to breathe in the increasingly stifling air of the dark forest. The ghostly wailing gradually arose. Green and blue lights appeared from afar, flickering as they approached.

"How much farther?" Zilvra asked, but she quickly remembered she was being led by a skeleton, incapable of speech. As the temperature began to drop, the only warmth she felt was from the weapon at her waist and the pendant on her chest—where the Invisibility Gem Lynch crafted was kept.

Suddenly, she leapt to the side, simultaneously swinging her thin sword to pierce the dead tree beside her. A bat, trying to sneak away through the thick fog, was pinned against it by the sword.

Zilvra sniffed it, displaying a disgusted expression, and said, "You're drenched in the stench of blood; do the undead these days never restrain? Reveal your true form and lead the way ahead."

The bat struggled a couple of times but only widened its wound without other effects. It twisted its form, transforming into a human male in a puff of smoke. Clutching the injury on his shoulder, he despairingly said, "Yes, milady. Please, this way."