Gradual Battle (Part 1)

Within the dense forest, faint sounds could be heard.

Only upon close observation could one make out the Elves, and Aivisi swept her gaze over them with a trace of satisfaction.

The Elves were slowly retreating deeper into the Edge Forest. Everything was orderly yet exceedingly tense, and the chaotic footsteps on the ground gradually faded into the distance. In the direction they were advancing lay a secret base of the Elven Tribe, where several defensive Magic Formations jointly created by the elders had been set up. Once they entered the base, they would be safe.

At this moment, deep within the Edge Forest, there was a large clearing amid rows upon rows of lush trees. All around stood damp, sweltering woodland, yet within the clearing lay a small pool of limpid azure water, its ripples gently stirring. Before the pool stood a beautiful palace—or rather than a palace, it was better described as a medium-sized structure so beautiful that only the word "palace" could do it justice.

Because this place lay deep within a remote corner of the Edge Forest, the Elves' base was unknown to outsiders. Furthermore, several defensive formations had been arranged nearby, from outer warning formations to inner formations that killed outright, each one exquisitely crafted. The wisdom of the Elven race could not be underestimated.

However, because the Elven race currently had no god to watch over them, they kept an extremely low profile in all they did. Aside from statues of several senior Elven elders, no other God Statues could be seen within this building.

This medium-sized structure stood quietly amid the forest. Its exquisite construction concealed the sense of incongruity that its presence here might otherwise have inspired. The solemn, beautiful building, the lovely and delicate little pool, the sacred atmosphere, and the