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After several days of underground travel, the caravan finally arrived at the Kasos City.

Although the mercenaries had heard from their companions along the way about Li Lin and his group destroying a Dark Elf city, they simply couldn't believe it, no matter how wide their eyes were. A city doesn't have a small population, especially not a human city. These were Dark Elf! Normally, even a group of daring adventurers would avoid Dark Elf, let alone confront an entire city of them.

Faced with the suspicious looks of their colleagues, the mercenaries didn't offer any further explanation.

Facts speak louder than words.

When those mercenaries see the Kasos City, they will no longer react this way.

That is indeed the case.

When they saw the dilapidated, almost crumbling Kasos City, almost everyone who saw it for the first time, including the fat merchant, was so astonished that their jaws dropped to the ground.

Is this the city of the Dark Elf?

Although few have actually seen what Dark Elf city looks like, the saying "even if you haven't eaten pork, you've seen pigs run" applies to them. The Dark Elf's cruelty, ruthlessness, and treachery have instilled various ominous premonitions in many. For example, while no one has ever truly seen the castle of the Nine Hells Demon King, their imaginations alone are enough to conjure images of walls where human bones were auctioned off, and rivers burning with Faerie Fire. These may not be reality, but for the sake of fantasy, they are sufficient.

Now, the Dark Elf city before them was in ruins. Except for the city wall where Li Lin had been, which had miraculously survived, it was almost completely collapsed. Even the city gates, which had once exuded power and fear, lay sprawled on the ground. Within the city, Dark Elf could be seen moving about, clearly intending to continue living there. Soon, several Dark Elf noticed the caravan. They stood silently, their expressions complex as they watched Li Lin, exchanging glances. Finally, a male Dark Elf reluctantly approached and bowed to the man who had once destroyed his homeland.

"Welcome, Master."

"How is the situation?"

Li Lin glanced at the city, which was slowly recovering. Destroying Rome was easy, but rebuilding it in a day or two was not.

"We are cleaning up and narrowing down the area we can control."

The male Dark Elf spoke in a very calm tone, without resentment, fear, or the arrogance that Dark Elf are known for.

"The Maya matriarch has already given instructions regarding your matter before she left. We will take care of these humans... and protect their safety until they depart."

Where did Maya go?

Li Lin frowned slightly and asked.

"The Mistress has already gone to Lebijiales City and should be back in the next few days."

It seems that subduing the Dark Elf will be no easy task. This is understandable, given that even if the Dark Elf are opportunistic, the Elf Goddess and the Spider Goddess belong to completely opposite camps. The Spider Queen delights in chaos, betrayal, and intrigue, while the Elf Goddess cherishes order, music, and peace. These current matriarchs of the Dark Elf, which one didn't rise to power through betrayal and intrigue? This chilling venom has long since seeped into their bodies, becoming an inseparable part of them. Therefore, they absolutely cannot accept or understand the Elf Goddess's ideals. Although the Elf Goddess had anticipated this and sent the Dark Maiden to take over the leadership of the Dark Elf, the Dark Maiden, likewise, will not stand on the same side as the Spider Queen, and even relishes the internal intrigue and betrayal.

Therefore, Maya's first task after taking over was to kill all the matriarchs of the Dark Elf, a task that would have been absolutely impossible under normal circumstances. But things were different now. The matriarchs' most relied-upon power, the Spider Queen's divine power, had disappeared. With their own strength, they were simply not enough to fight against Maya, who had the support of the Dark Maiden, not to mention that Nia was also by their side. This time, when Maya went out, those matriarchs would definitely not be able to survive.

The Dark Elf' organized movement was once again evident. Just as the male Dark Elf was calling them, several people quickly ran into the Kasos City. Soon after, several Dark Elf women dressed in priestly robes appeared. The difference was that their black robes did not bear the spider pattern; instead, they bore the insignia of the Dark Maiden. However, seeing that they were at least wearing robes relieved Li Lin. He remembered clearly that the Dark Maiden disliked wearing clothes, and her followers were mostly streaky.

Of course, the education and upbringing of the Elf Goddess's family were not topics for Li Lin to concern himself with. Moreover, some had said that nudity was the most intimate contact and return to nature, and so on. However, Li Lin highly doubted whether any of them were specifically explaining things in this way...

Greetings, esteemed Master.

Ignoring the astonished looks of the human mercenaries, the Dark Elf priests respectfully approached Li Lin, bowed to him, and behaved as obediently as well-behaved puppies.

"Please allow me and the books to show you the way."

Although the leading Dark Elf spoke gently, her gaze remained fixed solely on Li Lin and Angela, completely ignoring those behind them. After all, to these Dark Elf, humans remained their hated enemies. Dark Elf would never bow to these humans, except for Li Lin. They had learned from Maya that Li Lin was not an ordinary human, but a mage from the Magic Empire era. Therefore, the Dark Elf elves were more willing to show sincerity to this "comrade-in-arms" who, like them, had been defeated by "humans."

Fortunately, the Dark Elf's reputation for evil was far-reaching, so even though the mercenaries and merchants of the caravan saw this, they didn't dare say anything. In fact, even being treated as slaves by the Dark Elf was already considered very good treatment for these humans. The cold indifference and seemingly friendly reception they received was the biggest surprise they could have imagined.

Led by several Dark Maiden priests, the caravan quickly entered the ruined city of Kasos. After settling them in a relatively safe place, the priestesses took their leave. Li Lin also warned the fat merchant and mercenaries not to cause trouble.

"This is, after all, a city of Dark Elf. Your perception of Dark Elf isn't wrong. If you're not careful, I won't care where you end up with your lives."

Listening to Li Lin's warning, the fat merchant and mercenary nodded repeatedly, practically numb with astonishment. Back in the City of a Thousand Towers, they had guessed this man was no ordinary person; the Golden Leaf Mage had such a good relationship with him, even changing laws for him—of course, back then, it was hard for any man who saw the Golden Leaf Mage's true face not to be jealous of Li Lin. But soon, his impression changed after his battle with a certain idiotic half-elf. He dared to easily face even the most ferocious dragons, chatting with them. Not to mention Angela's cruelty when facing Kudel's soldiers, and the mercenaries' accounts... And now, even the arrogant, treacherous, evil, and terrifying Dark Elf were obediently bowing before this mage, calling him "Sir"...

So the merchants and mercenaries made a decision immediately.

I will absolutely not wander off.

Sitting by the window, Li Lin gazed at the dilapidated Kasos City outside. Angela sat opposite him, her hands supporting her chin, watching Li Lin intently. They had been in this position for some time now. Perhaps their "exchange" in the cave had thoroughly satisfied the little guy's greedy appetite, so now Angela could sit quietly like a lady, instead of crawling under Li Lin to try and taste the freshly made milk.

Space began to distort and deform; the iridescent colors generated by friction coalesced into a circle, from which Nia emerged, staff in hand. She gazed at the two and smiled slightly.

"I'm back, Li Lin."

"It's good that you're back."

Li Lin turned his head and looked at Nia, a barely perceptible hint of relief flashing across his expression.

"It looks like you did a good job."

"This is thanks to Miss Tuo Anjie (hetushu. com. com)."

Even Nia couldn't help but blush a little when the topic came up.

"Angela?"

Li Lin then remembered that before leaving last time, Angela had gone out for a walk, saying she wanted to "let these black guys know who their real master is." Li Lin had considered this at the time, but only now did he recall it. Angela, on the other hand, proudly raised her little face, as if she had gotten a perfect score on a test.

"... Never mind, let's talk about this later."

From Nia's rare expression and Angela's smug look, Li Lin quickly drew a conclusion and had no interest in asking for details.

What about Maya?

"Miss Maya was slightly injured; I just took her back to the Temple for treatment."

Nia answered Li Lin's question and sat down in the chair between the two of them.

"She will report back to you after her treatment is complete—all I can say is that, although it wasn't entirely smooth sailing, we still achieved our goal."

"This is good news."

Li Lin tapped the table lightly, then suddenly stood up.

I'll go check on her.

Then, Li Lin said this.