On the seabed north of Berens Harbor, beneath the Yadla Sea, lay a Hidden Space that had been deliberately carved out.
The only "door" connecting this space to the outside world was covered by a spell called "Mystical Reenactment: Magpie Bridge." It could open for only one day each year, on the seventh day of the seventh month.
At that moment, several dozen "people"—or rather, disguised elves—had gathered at the entrance to the Hidden Space. They were waiting for it to open so they could send this year's buyers ashore for supplies.
Josie Charlotte was a "young" elf who had just turned twenty. It was her first assignment outside, and she was so excited that she kept peppering the man beside her, disguised as a middle-aged uncle, with questions.
"Brother Karat, what's the outside world like? Is it different from our Whistling Town?" Josie asked, her eyes shining.
"Heh, I don't know all the details myself. But Berens Harbor, the closest place to us, is bustling. It has more than ten times our population, and merchant ships from the North Continent often pass through. You can buy all kinds of things there," Karat replied with a smile.
"Then why don't we live in Berens Harbor? I heard there's more room there, too..." Josie asked, puzzled.
"Because to humans, we're merchandise too..." Karat sighed. His expression turned stern. "Once we're out there, stay with me. Speak less, watch more, and don't open your mouth unless you have to!"
His solemn tone cowed young Josie at once. "Yes. I'll do as you say..."
Karat sighed again. "If we could clear the Mental Pollution that builds up in Beyonder Characteristics, we'd never send an elf as young as you on a supply run. But of the younger generation, you're the only one whose