Entering the Land of Elves

The Land of Elves is actually a very vague concept. Although they also possess territory, it's not as clearly defined as human kingdoms. For elves, the edge of the Forest of Elves and the Eternal Plain can be considered their borders. However, unlike human kingdoms, elves don't seem to place much importance on the concept of "borders." Land that humans gain through bloodshed and sacrifice holds a different meaning for elves. This is why, currently, humans can freely enter and leave the Land of Elves as long as they have sufficient strength. Although the elves resent this behavior, they are powerless to stop it. Even killing those humans would only invite more enemies.

The Forest of Elves is a dense forest along the coast. Only after crossing this forest and the Dawn Strait can one enter the true heart of the Land of Elves. Unlike the outer areas, the coastline is heavily patrolled and defended day and night, making it inaccessible to ordinary humans. Although human nations had previously attempted to conquer the Land of Elves by sea, their efforts were thwarted by the treacherous location of the center, surrounded by reefs and whirlpools. Since then, no human has ever considered advancing on the Land of Elves from the sea.

"I really don't understand why these long-eared idiots can't just stay on the island and have to come to live in a place that borders humans?"

After listening to Li Lin's explanation, Angela complained with dissatisfaction. She couldn't understand why, if the Island of Elves was so easily defended, they wouldn't just move there all the way. Why did these elves insist on living so close to humans?

"Elves are children of nature."

Li Lin shrugged helplessly, looking at the tall trees around him.

"They have a harmonious and peaceful relationship with nature that we cannot comprehend. Nature helps them, and they protect nature in return. This Black Forest is the land where their ancestors have lived for generations; how could they bear to let humans take it over... Of course, this is just my opinion. In fact, even if the elves understood your thoughts, they wouldn't do it this way."

"Just like this bunch of idiots who know they're doing something pointless, but still insist on going out to their deaths?"

Angela snorted coldly, glancing sideways at the elves in front of her. Because of Kalin, Angela already had a bad impression of elves, and now it seemed that the words "idiot," "stupid," and "stubborn" should be added to her dictionary when it came to elves.

The rescued elves scattered after entering the forest; some were tribal members, others were homeless. But regardless, the Forest of Elves was their home, and no matter how uncertain their future, they had to continue to survive. After the elves thanked Li Lin and Angela again (though Angela had no interest in such Li Lin farewells), only the Angela captain remained with them. She said she would take them to the elven tribe deep in the forest, treat them well, and thank them for saving their lives.

"I am indeed very curious. Aren't you worried that the reason my master and I released those elves is simply to capture more? Perhaps we hope you will bring us to your base?"

Finally, unable to contain her curiosity, Angela asked the other person a question that sounded almost provocative.

But when she questioned him, the patrol captain remained unmoved.

"Of course we've considered that possibility, but it hasn't happened yet, has it? You two are our benefactors who saved our people, and it's only natural that we repay you. It's only right and proper for us. We won't hold back from you just because something hasn't happened yet."

"... Master, the fact that such a race has managed to survive until now shows how incredibly kind the humans in your world are."

"Don't say that... at least don't say it so loudly."

Of course, from Li Lin's perspective, he also couldn't agree with Angela's unrestrained remarks.

The elven villages remained largely unchanged from a thousand years ago—because they were a race that changed very slowly. Despite possessing lifespans dozens of times longer than humans, elves didn't have the same strong desire for change and innovation. Li Lin initially thought this was simply due to their longevity, but later, when he discovered that even the elves who became mages were slow in their research into spells—taking longer to develop a single spell than other equally advanced human mages with lifespans of hundreds of years—he realized it wasn't just a matter of lifespan, but a matter of culture. Humans weren't born long-lived; even Arcane Mage only gained longevity after becoming Arcane Mage. Humans possess near-infinite lifespans, which is why human culture is always full of change and innovation. Elves, however, are different. They are not born with long lifespans, but rather possess them naturally. This makes their culture slow-paced, difficult to develop and change. Growing up under this kind of civilization, elves cannot be expected to utilize time and pursue change and reform like humans. Once their character is formed, it is difficult to change. Therefore, even elves who become mages are far slower in progress and change than their human counterparts. The fact that only one of the thirteen Arcane Mage in the Magic Empire is an elf speaks volumes.

Li Lin had visited the elven tribe several times before, but now it seemed completely different—while the layout of the elven huts remained unchanged from a thousand years ago, the people living there had changed. A thousand years ago, in the Forest of Elves, even other races entering the elven tribes were warmly welcomed. But now, Li Lin and Angela felt only complex, cautious, and fearful gazes. Although they had indeed saved the elves, they were, after all, human. The things humans had done to the elves over the past millennium would force even the most peaceful race to change.

Looking at everything before him, Li Lin felt a little heavy-hearted, but he quickly composed himself and looked ahead—the patrol captain had already greeted an old elf in a long robe. After a brief introduction, he led the old elf to the two of them and to the picture book.

I have heard everything the two of you have done.

The old elf's expression was calm, just like most other elderly elves, as if even if the world ended tomorrow, it would have nothing to do with them.

"In this cruel age, it is truly rare to see humans who are so kind to elves... We are incredibly lucky. Thank you both for everything you have done for us."

"I didn't do this for you, old man. This is my master's order. Otherwise, why would I bother with these stupid blockheads who would just walk right into my trap to die?"

Angela had barely finished speaking when Li Lin patted her head, signaling her Angela shut up.

"You're welcome, messenger of the forest. It's what we should do. As a member of a former alliance, I'm simply fulfilling my duty."

"The alliance...?"

The old elf frowned, and for the first time, a look of doubt appeared on his face, which resembled the bark of an old tree.

"The covenant... you mean... that 'covenant'?!"

"The wind is blowing through the forest, and the light of magic will continue to shine."

As Li Lin spoke, he made a complex hand gesture with his right hand, and a magical light flashed between his fingers, disappearing in an instant.

"This... could it be that you are...?"

Upon seeing the gesture and hearing Li Lin's response, the old man became even more surprised and puzzled.

"You are from the Magic Empire..."

"I am very pleased to see that our allies continue to provide strong support."

Li Lin's words, in effect, confirmed the old elf's guess.

"How is this possible!? The Magic Empire existed a thousand years ago..."

"Some things can't be known just by looking."

Li Lin shook his head, interrupting the old man's sigh. He felt that the old elf in front of him looked somewhat familiar, but he couldn't remember who he was.

"The Magic Empire isn't such a fragile thing."

Please wait a moment!

The old elf's expression was serious. He took a step back and cautiously scrutinized the man before him.

"What evidence do you have that you are still our ally, the friend who once helped us in the narrow space between heaven and earth?"

"If you want to see evidence, that's not difficult, but... I think it's unnecessary."

As Li Lin spoke, he looked up and gazed ahead.

Ahead, dozens of fully armed elves were marching in with practiced discipline. They were dressed in the uniforms of the Royal Guard, each a seasoned veteran. Soon, the elves split into two lines, standing before Li Lin. They drew their rapiers from their waists, extended them diagonally upwards, then gripped them tightly again, placing them at their chests. This scene left the old elf and the patrol captain speechless with astonishment. They knew very well that this was the highest level of elven etiquette, something that would never be used under normal circumstances.

Then, a slender, beautiful elven woman walked out from the middle.

"On behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, I welcome you, Your Excellency Arcane Mage."

The elven girl lowered her head and bowed to Li Lin with the most formal etiquette, to which Li Lin returned the bow with a slight nod. Just as the elven girl raised her head and looked at Li Lin, her eyes suddenly widened and rounded, as if she had seen something she could not believe.

"It's you?!"