Elven Village, near the edge of the barrier.
The hot spring Shien had used yesterday was still steaming here, causing magic power to rise continuously from its waters.
Unicorns drank from the spring, while other docile magical beasts came here to absorb the magic power from this hot spring-type Magic Power Source.
If this were outside, magical beasts would surely fight to the death over the waters of a Magic Power Source, with the victor earning the right to enjoy it.
Yet here, the magical beasts did not interfere with one another. As though they had made an agreement, they got along remarkably well and shared this Magic Power Source, making everything seem so peaceful, warm, and tranquil.
Just this scene alone made the place seem like a paradise beyond the world.
It had to be said that Elven Village truly resembled a dreamlike land. Incredible sights rarely seen in the outside world could all be found here.
Until, at a certain moment, the peace was shattered.
Whoosh!
With a sharp sound of air being torn apart, Shien, carrying Merika in his arms, flickered several times like an afterimage before landing in front of the hot spring.
Splash!
The magical beasts here were immediately startled. Some of the timid ones scattered in every direction, while the bolder ones watched curiously, seemingly harboring no wariness toward these sudden intruders.
Shien ignored the magical beasts and set Merika down from his arms.
"We should be safe here, right?"
Shien did not know whether he was speaking to Merika or merely muttering to himself. After mumbling that, he let out a breath.
"W-Where is this?"
Merika stood to the side with her staff in her arms, her face flushed. She seemed relieved to have gotten out of Shien's embrace, yet also reluctant and