Outside the window, the rain and mist stretched endlessly, and the fine raindrops gently tapped against the windowpane;
Inside the window, the clinking of wine glasses was crisp and melodious, creating a warm and pleasant rhythm.
Everyone sat around the dining table, their laughter and chatter rising and falling, even drowning out the patter of rain outside the window.
Elinalise held a wine glass in one hand and had the other on Magia's shoulder. The two were talking in hushed tones, occasionally exchanging knowing smiles.
It seems that after such a long period of estrangement, their relationship has finally returned to what it was before.
On the other side, Eris and Leona had long since disregarded all etiquette and were devouring the delicacies on the table without any restraint, as if they wanted to make up for the food they had missed during this period.
And Talhand, a veritable "drinking barrel," for reasons unknown, kept pouring drinks for Rujierd.
As for Roxy, she was in a little distress because she couldn't reach the grilled meat on the other side of the table.
This was Rudeus's first visit to the Long-Ear Race Tribe, and also their last night before they left.
To express their gratitude for Primordial God Impact's visit, the village chief prepared an extremely lavish banquet.
A variety of rare ingredients were laid out on the table, their aroma filling the air, a dazzling array that was almost impossible to look away from.
After a satisfying meal, the group didn't rush to leave but instead sat together, enjoying their rare moment of leisure.
" Primordial God Impact, I've heard that your homeland was destroyed by a natural disaster, and you are now searching for the survivors who were scattered around the world because of the disaster?"
Kailitia looked at Rudeus, her tone tinged with concern.
"If needed, we can send our people to assist you in searching for those who have been separated from you."
"That's true," Rudeus nodded. "However, I have my own methods."
"In fact, my familiars have thoroughly searched the entire area of Great Forest these past few days."
But the result was not ideal.
His voice was slightly low.
"Hundreds of innocent people were transferred to this land, but in the end... not a single one survived."
"Is that so...?"
Kailitia sighed softly, a hint of regret in her eyes.
"It's so sad that they suffered such a disaster..."
Everyone has their own destiny.
Rudeus said calmly, "Perhaps this was an inescapable calamity in their destiny."
"Alright." He raised his glass and swirled it gently.
Let's not talk about these heavy topics anymore.
Let's get down to business.
"When do you plan to move to the Elf Race homeland?"
Magia picked up the conversation and said:
"We plan to begin operations immediately after the rainy season ends."
"Repairing roads, building houses, replanning villages... these are all massive projects."
"Although it's still the rainy season, we must prepare in advance."
"Hmm." Rudeus nodded.
"If you encounter any problems that you can't solve, you can go to Nahida."
"She is one of my familiars."
"If there's anything you want to tell me, you can pass it on to her directly, and she will relay it to me."
At this point, Rudeus noticed that Magia and the others looked slightly reserved, so he added:
"Of course, this help doesn't come without a price."
"One day in the future, the Long-Ear Race will regain its former prosperity and strength..."
"By then, the Demon God Laplace will also be resurrected."
"If he were to regroup the Demon King Army at that time, it would likely ignite another war that would sweep across the world."
"At that time, I hope you will all be able to lend me a hand."
Upon hearing this, Magia's tense expression finally relaxed.
"I'm relieved to hear that."
"Don't worry, Primordial God Impact."
"We, the Long-Ear Race, will never forget your kindness."
"If there is a need in the future, our clan will definitely stand at the forefront."
Rudeus smiled and raised his glass.
"Then—cheers!"
Everyone raised their glasses.
The crisp sound of glasses clinking echoed for a long time in the rainy night.
The next morning.
Rudeus summoned the giant flying sword once more.
This time, everyone was already used to it and skillfully mounted the sword.
Under the watchful eyes of the village chief and many members of the Long-Ear Race, the giant sword slowly rose into the air.
Then it transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into the horizon.
Even though it wasn't her first time riding a flying sword, Roxy still observed everything around her with great interest, like a child seeing the world for the first time.
" Rudeus, look!"
I've never seen those birds before!
Roxy pointed to the birds flying in the distance, her eyes filled with surprise.
Let me see...
Rudeus squinted and looked over.
The next second, his expression instantly turned serious.
Wow...
"This bird is so fat!"
"That's really rare!"
The words had barely left his mouth.
Taking advantage of Roxy's inattention, Rudeus suddenly raised his hand.
An invisible magical force was released instantly, firmly binding one of the birds in mid-air.
"Grumble--!"
The birds let out a mournful cry.
" Eris!"
"Quickly, quickly, set up a fire! Set up a fire!"
Rudeus shouted excitedly.
Meanwhile, Eris, who had been observing for a long time, had already quietly prepared the pots and pans.
They were just waiting for Rudeus's order.
The next moment, the fire magic crashed down.
The water in the pot boiled rapidly, releasing billowing steam.
Rudeus deftly tossed the bird he had just caught whole into the pot.
Let it thrash and struggle in the water.
This scene directly and severely impacted Roxy's worldview.
She stared blankly at the scene before her, and it took her a long time to come to her senses.
" Rudeus..."
"The little bird is so cute."
Why eat birds?
"The strong prey on the weak; only the fittest survive."
Rudeus looked completely at ease.
"If it were a more powerful monster instead, we might be the ones being eaten now."
"..."
Roxy opened her mouth, but didn't know how to refute it.
"Alright, Eris."
"Open the lid, but don't actually cook it."
"Okay, sure."
Eris responded and reopened the pot lid.
Rudeus reached out and took out the half-cooked bird, magic flowing continuously in his palm.
"Secret Technique - The Art of Peeling Bird Feathers!"
The next moment.
Countless feathers seemed to be drawn by an invisible force, falling off one after another.
Watching Rudeus's incredibly skilled movements, Roxy fell silent.
She couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
My once lovely and sensible apprentice...
When exactly did it become like this?
Rudeus noticed her gaze, turned his head, and gave her a bright smile.
"Teacher."
"Would you like barbecue or soup later?"
Roxy helplessly rubbed her forehead.
After a moment of silence, she chose to accept reality.
Let's make soup.
"It's better to eat something light in the morning."
"Okay~"
Rudeus responded and continued plucking the bird's feathers diligently.
As Talhand gazed at the gradually familiar landscape below, his expression grew increasingly complex.
After a long while, he suddenly spoke:
" Rudeus."
What are your plans next?
"Continue south."
Rudeus said.
"I heard that we'll pass through a settlement of Mine Race along the way."
"Since you're here, why don't you go and pay a visit?"
"It was a friendly exchange, in a way."
However.
Upon hearing this answer, Talhand's body stiffened slightly.
His expression instantly turned serious.
"Able..."
"Should we not go for now?"
I'm not ready to face them yet.
These words were spoken.
Everyone's gossip instincts were instantly ignited.
"What's wrong?"
" Talhand, you also have a hidden past?"
"Elinalise I asked curiously."
I'm also a little curious.
Roxy said.
"When I was adventuring before, I rarely encountered the Mine Race outside."
" Those Mine Race dare to venture out on their own must all have some unique experiences behind them, right?"
Talhand gave a wry smile.
"No..."
Do you really want to hear this?
"My experience might be even worse than Elinalise's."
"Oh, just say it."
Rudeus urged.
"I've plucked all the bird feathers, and I happen to have nothing else to do."
"I'll just use your story to pass the time."
Talhand remained silent for a moment.
Finally, he sighed helplessly.
"All right."
"Since you all want to hear it..."
"Then I'll tell you that story from the past..."