Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Hill's mailbox had just been set up when Lynn already knew about it.

He quickly realized that his younger brother was sharing the burden and changing his style, which was somewhat bittersweet.

Perhaps due to his noble heritage, Hill was much stronger in handling social interactions than when he had first left the forest.

Even stronger than most underage elves.

Lynn would never admit that this was because Hill was a mage, with a higher intelligence, which made him so clever.

After all, every elf or half-elf is easily deceived when they first enter human society, and mages are not exempt from being tricked.

However, thanks to their long lifespan and decent strength, underage elves often have elders following and caring for them, which allows them to salvage situations even if they are deceived.

But those elders appear only at the last moment, preferring to see a face filled with despair than to warn the young elves of potential dangers during their ventures.

If they were only deceived for money or affection, they had to accept their misfortune.

The worst scenario isn't being left homeless in the wilderness—elves and half-elves don't mind living in trees.

What really prevents these experienced elves from returning to their forests are the unscrupulous elders who treat all their experiences as jokes to be shared around!

Thus, every seemingly carefree elf carries many burdensome past events.

With this unspoken bitterness, Lynn spread the word that Hill had set up a mailbox in front of his house for direct communication.

He would no longer manage the affairs from there.

So, almost the next day, Hill received a large number of letters.

Hill watched as Marsha, assisted by puppets, sifted through the mail, tossing away those letters that didn't even disclose their identities and simply requested to purchase magic scrolls.

Then came a few thank-you letters from the members of the Quel'va Council.

Hill's expression turned strange as he raised an eyebrow.

"Hill's Dad, hasn't Lynn already conveyed their gratitude?" Agleya, floating beside Hill's shoulder, curiously asked, "Are they seeking a favor by mentioning it again themselves?"

"No," Hill realized quickly, "Lynn and I both understand the traditions of elves, so we cooperate well.

Lynn won't misunderstand that I set up the mailbox to guard against him trying to control me, but the others seem a bit suspicious.

If they had just sent their respects, it might seem a bit like undermining Lynn, but it could be explained.

However, the thank-you letters actually negate the message conveyed by Lynn before.

If there was indeed a problem between Lynn and me, they might seek to find another alliance.

If I plan to stay in Quel'va."

"But didn't Hill's Dad already decide to go to Silvermoon City?" Agleya asked, a bit puzzled.

"So they're just testing the waters, in case I'm too lazy to face greater challenges," Hill said with a helpless smile. "Marsha, remember to send a letter when Lynn's people pass by here."

"What should I say, Sir?" Marsha asked, puzzled, "I can't just say that those people are trying to instigate something! I'm worried the guard might not dare to pass the message."

Hill pointed to the thank-you cards: "Just send these to Lynn; he's not foolish."

"Alright, Sir," Marsha nodded and left, now able to control much more territory with the Maze Forest Array.

"Hill's Dad!" Agleya poked her head out and said, "Why don't you put up a warning sign outside the maze?"

Hill and Agleya could feel that since the maze was established, some covert gazes had become more eager.

After all, not just any thief can enter a dimensional space, but a maze, untested by others, only incites their desire to peek and probe.

"It's my first time using it; I need some feedback!" Hill smiled, "Agleya, if you're bored, you can also enjoy the spectacle outside. It probably won't quiet down for three or four days."

Agleya's eyes darted around as if she thought of something fun; she shot up and headed straight for the seaside.

Hill, not minding much, glanced over. Whatever Agleya learned, she would not use it against him.

He looked at the few letters the puppet had finally sorted out.

From the gilt and silver on the envelopes, it was clear these were from merchants.

Indeed, they were from some of the major guilds in Silvermoon City.

These were the kind of people who could cause a bit of trouble for Lynn.

They are merchants who send large quantities of winter goods to Quel'va for trade before each winter, and also buy local herbs and meats on the side.

Though they couldn't threaten Lynn in terms of power, just the threat of cutting off trade routes was enough to make Lynn restless.

Even if they could only threaten and not make such a large decision, just meddling in the trade could cause Lynn significant losses.

Unless Lynn didn't care about his rangers and warriors, but clearly, he did.

Hill looked indifferently at the letters; even as a 14th-level mage, he was not someone ordinary merchants could just decide to visit.

But if Lynn were caught in the middle, he would have found it even harder to extricate himself.

Now that Hill had directly cut off contact with Lynn, these merchants immediately changed their attitude, no longer mentioning visits or even hinting at buying Magic Scrolls.

Hill sneered, as they were testing him, a newly emerged Mage, to see if he had any objections to Lynn's refusal to introduce them a few days ago.

They were a bit clever, knowing that Hill opening this mailbox might also indicate his dissatisfaction with their pressure on Lynn.

No wonder they could become major merchants in a complex place like the Silvermoon Alliance.

Upon returning, Marsha disposed of similar letters directly, and Hill glanced at the last letter that remained.

This one was from Hughes of the library, who aside from joining others in sending thanks, had sent a letter that Hill felt was really meant for him to see.

The long winter had already begun, and it was clear that Hughes's library wouldn't be doing much business anytime soon, at best selling some "Warm as Spring" scrolls.

So he had set his sights on Hill, asking if Hill wanted him to help copy various books in the library.

He could deliver them to Hill's door, and he brought his own Transcription Technique.

Hill's expression subtly shifted as he read the letter from this self-promoting Mage: Mages in Ferun apparently weren't very wealthy.

It seemed the winter in Northern Ferun was indeed fearsome; everyone began to hibernate, with Mages ready to make money using Level 0 Magic.

Of course, Hill would agree to this suggestion. Compared to copying the books himself every day, it was better to have them delivered ready-made.

Hughes knew that Hill was heading to Silvermoon City, and he wouldn't cause any trouble in this regard.

Hill quickly wrote a reply and attached a Gold Bar.

He was well aware that Hughes wanted the pure gold in his hand, not the gold coins Hill would get from him.

The value of Ferun's gold, consumed mostly by Mages as Magic Material, must be really high.

Hill's Puppet made its first appearance in Quel'var Town.

Of course, Hill hadn't sent out his most advanced version. Although humanoid, it was instantly recognizable as a fake.

This Intermediate Swordsman Puppet, Hill felt, was about on par with a Level 9 Ranger in this world and almost had no rivals in this small town.

The Fran family were particularly adept in creating Swordsman Puppets, likely due to a strong defensive mindset against Swordsmen. Teraxil's Swordsmen, much like Ferun's assassins, had some Demonslayer skills.

Hill could feel many eyes on his Puppet as it made its way to the library.

But no one intended to blatantly make a move; he couldn't help but laugh.

Tonight, there would likely be many guests in the maze.

This should be considered the first public test of the Maze Forest Array.

Hill had no intention of summoning Elements here, but those low to mid-level Puppets could certainly be used.

Initially, these practice Puppets were with him in case he encountered danger and needed them to scout ahead.

Turns out, before they could serve as cannon fodder, they found another use, which was somewhat more fitting.

Hill looked out at the sky beyond the Dimensional Space; the snow was falling heavier now, and he genuinely understood for the first time what a heavy snow looked like.

The snow he had seen before was like petals of pear flowers, but here it was huge flakes the size of a palm.

This heavy snow had been falling for so long that the ground was beginning to accumulate snow.

Hill murmured, "North Wind rolls the white grass over, and the moonlit, windy night is perfect for murder," while slowly walking back to the mansion.

As night fell, Lynn appeared outside Hill's labyrinth.

Hill could only have Marsha go out and bring him in.

Agleya unhappily returned to the underwater hall on her own to watch the labyrinth; she still wanted to discuss some techniques of the labyrinth with Hill's Dad, to make it more torturous for others.

If Hill knew her intentions, he would probably welcome Lynn's arrival even more.

"It seems you're quite confident in your labyrinth!" Lynn looked at Hill, who was welcoming him with a toast in the hall, and shook his head with a laugh, "Then I'll just sit back and enjoy the show."

Hill turned his head to ask him, "Have you had dinner yet? Would you like to try some of the special dishes from my chef?"

Lynn quickly nodded, "Of course I want to eat! I've long been curious to taste a meal prepared by the chef from the Luxury Mansion Art."

Hill began to laugh, "If you like it, you can visit anytime! However, today might be a bit makeshift; next time let's go to a restaurant."

A strikingly out-of-place dining table was set up in the living room, and the mansion's own servants began laying out an array of exquisite and tempting dishes.

Lynn decisively took his seat, picked up the knife and fork, and responded carelessly, "With good food and a good show, what more could I ask for?."

Both he and Hill, seated next to him, looked up toward the front of the hall's glowing screen.

Someone had already come in.