Training Ground

"I'm very tired and need to rest first."

Li Lin ignored the other party's temptation and rejected the Dark Elf's invitation.

This caused the previously smiling Dark Elf's expression to pause slightly before returning to its previous state. Even if the doctrine had changed, Dark Elf would still be Dark Elf and wouldn't so easily become fair-skinned.

"Of course, esteemed mage, I have prepared rooms for you all. Please follow me..."

At this point, the Dark Elf suddenly looked back, her sharp gaze sweeping past Li Lin and the others, fixing on one of her companions in the guard—the very person that unfortunate little thief had impersonated. However, the priestess said nothing more, but immediately turned around, making a gesture to invite them to her quarters.

"City of Ten Thousand Stones is not the same as our Dark Elf city."

The female priest walking down the street introduced the letter to Li Lin with a rather smug look. Although her beautiful legs occasionally attracted the attention of the people around her, no one who had ever been in City of Ten Thousand Stones was unaware of the power of this female Dark Elf, and naturally no one would dare to risk their life just to feast their eyes on her.

"As you can see, there are quite a few humans here... Although the Dark Elf consider humans to be short-lived, ignorant animals, look at these people. Though their lives are brief, they still possess boundless potential. Like fireworks, though their lifespan is only a fleeting moment, the brilliance they unleash is all the more unforgettable."

"Judging from your words, it seems that you and your compatriots have somewhat different views on humanity."

Hearing the female Dark Elf say this, Li Lin was somewhat surprised, although he had considered that she was saying it specifically for him. However, judging from the Dark Elf's words, it didn't seem like she was deliberately making such a public statement.

"Of course, in fact, I would rather admit that these humans possess courage, talent, and wisdom no less than ours. Because that would make me feel better."

"Oh?"

I think you're well aware of this as well.

Noticing Li Lin's question, the female priest first passed through a passage, dodging the huge, slow-moving Slo Beast, before continuing her story.

"We Dark Elf were reduced to this state because we were defeated by the Five-Nation Alliance. Indeed, we are arrogant; we consider humans greedy, foolish, and cowardly. But then, what about us, who were defeated by them? We Dark Elf have a saying: victory is true victory... So, following this logic, aren't we even more foolish and cowardly than humans? Only if we Dark Elf ruled the world today, and those humans became our slaves like these goblins and orcs, would we have the right to say such things. Otherwise, to face a race that defeated us in this way is nothing but self-humiliation."

That's true.

Li Lin nodded, then thought of Angela again. Clearly, the little one was never on the losing side, which explained her carefree smile. No, perhaps that was precisely why Angela couldn't allow herself to fail in front of ordinary humans; otherwise, wouldn't she become the biggest laughingstock she created for herself? If you considered it this way, it wouldn't be hard to understand why Angela had such an interest in torturing and killing humans.

"To be honest, I never expected to hear these words from Dark Elf."

"When I first arrived in this city, I, like other Dark Elf, didn't have these thoughts. But after spending some time with these humans, even Dark Elf change their minds."

Hopefully this is a good sign.

As they spoke, the priestess led the group to a magnificent house deep within the City of Ten Thousand Stones, its architecture clearly incorporating elements of Dark Elf and Duergar. In the small square before the house stood a beautiful fountain, continuously spouting clear water—a lavish design rarely seen in the underground world. After all, water is a precious resource for the inhabitants of the underworld.

"I had anticipated that you would bring guards, because I hadn't set up any sentries here."

The female pastor explained.

"I hope you can get used to life here, esteemed mage. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to tell me. We will do our best to fulfill all your requests, as long as it is within our capabilities. Tomorrow, I will arrange for you to meet with the leader of the Duergar here. Do you have any further questions?"

"No problem, thank you so much for your help, Pastor."

"Then, I shall take my leave."

The female priest glanced at Li Lin, then wisely shut her mouth and turned to leave. The remaining Dark Elf, led by their captain, began entering the house to prepare for defense. Li Lin, meanwhile, extended a finger and beckoned to the two sisters.

"Master, is there anything I can help you with?"

The two sisters had originally planned to tidy up Li Lin's room according to their own ideas, but now it was clear that Li Lin hadn't brought them to his side simply to serve him, like Angela had.

What do you think of what that Dark Elf said?

Li Lin glanced meaningfully at the passageway where the female priest had left, and asked with a slightly strange smile.

"This..."

Fina thought for a moment before answering.

"I've never seen anyone with such an attitude among the Dark Elf before; perhaps she's an exception. But if that's the case, as long as there are Dark Elf with this mindset, coexistence with humans shouldn't be too difficult. As long as we can see and acknowledge each other's strengths, I think we can still move forward hand in hand, can't we?"

Fina's answer was almost perfect, but Mina, who had been silent, shook her head with a hint of difficulty, seemingly disagreeing with her sister's views.

"I feel very dangerous, Master."

She spoke in a cold voice.

"My former teacher, the bishop, once told me, 'Don't pay attention to those enemies who wantonly insult you, because they pose no threat. But be extremely vigilant towards those enemies who praise you, because they know not only your weaknesses but also your strengths. And they will only praise your strengths when they are confident in their ability to handle them.'"

Your teacher does seem very intelligent.

Li Lin nodded in satisfaction at Mina's answer.

"Yes, that's what I think too. This woman is dangerous."

Upon hearing this, Fina's eyes widened in surprise, as if she could hardly believe it.

"Danger, you mean that pastor... But I think she's very kind..."

"Don't forget, she's Dark Elf."

Clearly, there is still much to be done to educate this naive little maid.

"You already know what kind of race the Dark Elf are: they suppress the lower classes and overthrow the upper classes. You also heard what she just said. For the Dark Elf, victory is victory; defeat is meaningless. She acknowledges the strength of humans, but this is precisely the Dark Elf's style of acknowledging enemies. For the Dark Elf, only by defeating powerful opponents can they climb to a higher position. This applies to the Dark Elf internally, and it's the same externally. Just look at how they treat those goblins and orcs, and you'll understand."

"..."

"There's no need to think of it as so serious."

Seeing that Fina's mood had suddenly become much lower, Li Lin smiled and patted her head.

"There's nothing wrong with this idea at the moment. I'm just worried about the future... but that's too far in the future, and besides, it seems that only a minority of Dark Elf have this kind of thinking, so it's not to the point where we need to worry about it."

At this point, Li Lin clapped his hands, and soon a barrier of light descended from the sky, enveloping the three of them.

"Alright, let's begin."

"Why?"

"You don't actually think I brought you out here hoping you'd make me tea or coffee, do you? Now's a good opportunity. Angela isn't around, so you don't have to worry about getting scolded."

As he spoke, Li Lin's voice suddenly became much lower and more serious.

"Come here, let me see your true strength as Vampire Species."

※※※

There's no need to hold back.

Li Lin noticed the hesitation in the two sisters' hearts and spoke up.

"At your level, you're not a threat to my life. Right now, I just want to see what you've learned after such a long adventure."

"... Well then, excuse me!"

As soon as Mina finished speaking, her figure instantly transformed into a black shadow and flashed in front of Li Lin.

"Bite!!"

With a crisp sound, Mina took two steps back, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, showing no signs of it being drawn. However, beside Li Lin, a gruesome wound appeared on a semi-transparent barrier; clearly, Mina's attack had broken through Li Lin's defenses, but it was far from enough to completely breach them. "A level five spell, and you managed to damage it like this. Not bad," Li Lin said, watching the crack in the protective shield heal, then glaring at Fina with displeasure.

"What are you standing there looking at, Fina?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry!!"

Startled by Li Lin's rebuke, Fina suddenly realized that although Fina had memorized the fighting style of a mage, she had never imagined she would one day fight Li Lin. However, Fina quickly regained her composure, chanted an incantation, and stretched her hands forward. As mysterious power emanated from the girl's fingertips, the protective shield around Li Lin immediately began to blur and sway. Just then, Mina reappeared, but this time Li Lin's shield did not withstand the girl's attack as before. Weakened, the shield could no longer withstand Mina's attack and vanished into thin air in a mere instant.

"Good."

Li Lin retreated swiftly, inwardly alarmed. Clearly, while he didn't know whether Angela's so-called Battōjutsu was a joke or she was serious, Mina was obviously serious. Even Li Lin couldn't see her sword-drawing movements clearly at all, and only barely dodged the attack with his years of combat experience.

Fortunately, the elven weapon I made for her wasn't transparent; otherwise, it would have been even more difficult to deal with.

The air began to vibrate.

Several dazzling, multicolored light projectiles appeared out of thin air and shot towards Li Lin's body. Mina, however, sped through the storm of Magic Missile at a speed no less impressive than his. Clearly, an ordinary mage would find it difficult to withstand such an attack. After all, Mina's magical weapons could penetrate low-level magical defenses, and these Magic Missile also possessed considerable destructive power. Although Fina lacked a warlike spirit, her magical talent was not to be underestimated.

However, it's still too naive.

Mina gave a soft, sweet shout, and a swift flash of light shot out diagonally. Li Lin reached out, seemingly intending to block the attack. However, Mina's longsword pierced through Li Lin's defenses without any resistance and then plunged into his body.

"Why?"

Mina was startled by the solid touch. But before she could say anything, Fina's Magic Missile had already been launched and slammed heavily into Li Lin.