Goodbye, My Brother

Time passed quickly. The elves at the Eternal Elves' outpost had finished packing. Everyone except the sentries on duty was already aboard the ships, waiting for Jarod to bid Apophis farewell. Once he had done that, they could go home.

Jarod was preparing to cast a teleportation spell to take him to Apophis's town.

A sentry suddenly ran over and told Jarod that Apophis was coming to see him with his personal guards, bringing several carts of goods.

"Oh? That saves me a trip." Hearing the sentry's words, Jarod stopped casting and hurried toward the outpost gate.

"My brother, what brings you here? I was just about to teleport over to say goodbye."

"I heard from the mage apprentices who returned that you were leaving, so I hurried over with my personal guards and gifts for you."

Ten years had passed, and Apophis was no longer young. The years had left their marks on his face. Now in his thirties, he had long since shed his youthful immaturity and had become a capable chieftain.

"Gifts? You didn't have to." Jarod looked delighted to hear that Apophis had brought him gifts.

"We started saving these things from the day you began teaching the apprentices. They're a small token of our appreciation."

"The carts are full of precious herbs, mountain delicacies, and animal pelts. They're all good things." Apophis described the goods on the carts, pride showing on his face.

Jarod understood that these were the best things Apophis's clan could offer, all saved through their everyday frugality.

"Then I'll accept them. Thank you for your gifts." Jarod instructed the soldiers to carry the gifts Apophis had brought aboard the ships.

"My brother, now that we're parting, I don't know when we'll see each other again," Apophis said, sadness in his voice.

"We'll meet again someday, my brother." Jarod was also reluctant to part. After all, they had spent ten years together.

There was still affection between them, even if elves had long lifespans.

"Here, take this." Jarod took a magic stone from his magic backpack.

"This stone lets us talk to each other. If you need anything, you can tell me."

"All right. I'll take it." Apophis accepted it from Jarod.

"Come on. Time waits for no one. I'll see you off."

"All right, let's go." Jarod also beckoned Apophis and his companions inside.

Seeing the once-bustling outpost now empty, Apophis was filled with emotion. The lively scenes of the past were gone.

Jarod saw Apophis's sadness, but said nothing. After all, anything he said now would only add to the sorrow.

"What a powerful and beautiful fleet," Apophis exclaimed when he saw Jarod's fleet.

"Indeed, our fleet is both beautiful and powerful," Jarod said, praising his own fleet.

"Board your ship, my brother. I hope our next meeting comes soon."

"Yes, my brother. The day we meet again won't be far off."

"Goodbye, my brother." With that, Jarod led the remaining Eternal Elves aboard the ships that would take them home.

Seeing Jarod standing on the deck, Apophis shouted, "Goodbye, my brother! Have a safe journey!" As he spoke, he waved farewell to Jarod.

Jarod waved back, and the ships gradually disappeared from Apophis's sight.

"Seal this place off. No one is allowed near it. My brother will surely come back," Apophis ordered.

"Yes, Chieftain," the personal guards beside him replied. Apophis could be said to hold absolute power in the clan. His great strength and the credit he had earned for bringing the mage profession to the clan gave him absolute power among his people.

The sea breeze caressed the cheeks of these wanderers. Standing on the deck, Jarod reflected that they were finally going home.

"General, look. There seems to be something on the reef ahead," the adjutant beside Jarod said.

"Let me see." Jarod took the telescope from his adjutant and used it to get a clear look at what was on the reef.

It was a female Night Elf, washed onto the reef by the waves, with pieces of a wrecked ship around her.

"Lower a rescue boat and bring her aboard," Jarod ordered. Although they were Eternal Elves now, they still felt a trace of goodwill toward the Night Elves.

Of course, that only extended to lending them a hand when they were close to death. After all, they had been driven out by the Night Elves.

The flagship Jarod was aboard lowered a rescue boat, which gradually approached the Night Elf on the reef.

When they were close enough, the mage aboard cast a manipulation spell and placed the Night Elf in the boat.

"He really is beautiful," the mage on the rescue boat exclaimed. The elf was very beautiful, with excellent proportions, and the necklace around her neck made her even more beautiful.

"Hurry, row! She needs treatment."

The small boat brought the injured Night Elf back to the ship.

The mage from the rescue boat reported to Jarod. Upon hearing that the Night Elf was injured, Jarod sent a physician to treat her.

A few days later, the fleet was nearing the Helidos Continent. Every elf aboard was delighted that they were finally about to reach home.

Jarod also went to see the injured Night Elf. She had woken up long ago, but Jarod had not seen her, merely ordering the guards to keep watch over her and bring her food and water on time each day.

"Hello. How are you feeling now?" Jarod looked at the very attractive female Night Elf before him.

"Thank you for your help. I'm much better now," the female Night Elf replied.

"Why were you out at sea?" Jarod asked.

"I'm an explorer. My ship was destroyed in a storm," the female Night Elf said. She lowered her head as she spoke, clearly reminded of something painful.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought up something painful. We're almost at our homeland. If you don't mind, you can stay there for a while, and then we'll help you get home."

Jarod extended the invitation to the female Night Elf, hoping to make up for his earlier mistake.

"Really? Thank you for your help." The female Night Elf was delighted.

"By the way, I haven't asked your name." Jarod suddenly remembered that he still didn't know her name.

"My name is Aisali. I'm an explorer."

"Then welcome to our homeland, Explorer Aisali."

Aisali smiled in response.

"Get some more rest. I won't disturb you. I'll come get you when we arrive." With that, Jarod left.

After everyone else had left, Aisali stroked the necklace around her neck and spoke.

"Finally, I can see you again."