Preparing for Battle

Maya strode into the Black Stone Hall and knelt respectfully before the Dark Elf sitting on the stone chair before her, trying her best to show sufficient respect.

"Your Majesty, everything is ready."

The young high priestess's words did not elicit the praise she expected. Ryan, the Black Elf matriarch who had ruled Kasos for five hundred years, possessed the most powerful influence and prestige in the entire Kasos City —a prestige derived from her own strength and the favor of the Spider Goddess, not from her personal charm. In fact, this Black Elf matriarch was far uglier than her kin. Her left cheek had been disfigured by her eldest daughter in a betrayal. Had she not ultimately defeated her daughter cruelly and offered her heart to the great goddess, she would likely be one of the many defeated fallen on the ground. In return, the Spider Goddess repaired her face using a special method. Now, her left cheek was completely spider-like, including her eyes, which were no longer the beautiful eyes of Dark Elf, but four small, yellow, round pupils. Even half of her lips had become spider-like mouthparts, hissing and trembling. Black fur covered them, making her appear exceptionally terrifying.

However, this also proves the great goddess's favor towards this mistress. Throughout the Kasos City, there was even a rumor that: if you want to know whether the First House is still favored by the goddess, just look at the face of Matron Ryan.

Even so, the First Matriarch never lowered her guard. She knew perfectly well that her goddess favored more than just piety; chaos and intrigue were equally beloved. If she were to appear weak and subservient, relying solely on divine favor to maintain her position, her fate would be defeat and death. Therefore, for the past five hundred years, Matron Ryan had employed every possible scheme and trick. She instigated conflict among the lower-ranking families while carefully maintaining her aloof and independent position. The First House's position was unshakeable; within the Kasos City, they possessed the greatest power. However, through Matron Ryan's deliberate actions, each family believed they had the strength to challenge the First House, provided they defeated the families above them and gradually rose to become the Second Family. But when they reached that point, they would despairingly discover that the First House's power was overwhelming and utterly insurmountable.

However, the actions of the First House this time were indeed unexpected by everyone.

"The Bursting Arrow is ready, and the mages have begun preparing their spells, Your Majesty."

Although Matron Ryan didn't give a clear answer, Maya still forced herself to finish her report. However, she remained filled with doubt. The young priestess looked up at her matriarch, and Ryan nodded, signaling her to ask a question. Only then did the priestess dare to speak and voice her questions.

"Your Majesty, I don't understand, what is it that requires us to be so anxious?"

Perhaps because there was no one else in the hall, the priestess's tone became agitated.

"The entire family is actively preparing. Our actions have attracted the attention of the other seven families, who are even beginning to feel uneasy, and the order of the entire city is being disrupted..."

That's enough.

Matron Ryan waved her hand fiercely, stopping her daughter from continuing.

We have a mission, a task.

She stood up, as if addressing all the Dark Elf.

"Our great Spider Goddess sensed a threat; someone was trying to harm us, to harm her people. She gave us timely and sufficient warning. Now, what we must do is prepare everything before the danger arrives! This is a test given to us by the great goddess. If the First House can pass this test, then we will receive unparalleled glory!!"

At this point, Matron Ryan paused for a moment before continuing.

"The other families must have received the same revelation from the Great Goddess. Their purpose is the same as ours. According to the Great Goddess's will, we must unite against the common enemy until that calamity is over!"

Not necessarily.

The young eldest daughter inwardly denied it. Everyone knew the Spider Goddess favored chaos and evil, but who could say for sure whether she had deliberately sent such chaotic signals to ignite war in the entire Kasos City? After all, the city had been peaceful under the rule of the First House for far too long, at least on the surface. No one knew if the great goddess actually liked this kind of "rule." However, she had no way to respond. Since the mistress had given the order, she could only carry it out.

But what exactly do disaster and danger refer to?

The young eldest daughter racked her brains but couldn't come up with an answer.

"The Underdark is far more extensive than we imagined."

Walking through the underground passages, Li Lin leisurely taught the two sisters the lessons he had never stopped learning. Just as the fat merchant's "unreliable" map indicated, this passage should pass through the entire mountain range and reach the other side. However, the Dark Elf city was also connected to these passages, and they had "sweeped" the entire passageway. In fact, Li Lin could already sense that they were getting closer and closer to their goal. Because in these passages, the dangerous monsters were no longer visible; they had either left this dangerous land far behind or become slaves of the Dark Elf. Either way, Li Lin believed it was advantageous to him.

At least they ensured safety here, in another way.

Unlike ordinary humans, Li Lin didn't despise the Dark Elf's bloody methods. On the contrary, he deeply understood the grief and anger they felt when they were banished. They wanted to kill the humans who had invaded and occupied their homeland, but this rage clashed with their own nature. Ultimately, they chose the teachings of the Elf Goddess over their own suffering. Now, the elves themselves were facing extinction, and humans intended to enslave them, just as the Dark Elf had enslaved the kobolds and goblins. This threatened the Elf Goddess, forcing her to change her stance and behavior to protect her race from extinction. This is why the Elf Goddess agreed to let Li Lin accept the traitor she had once banished.

Racial deities are arguably the most free of all deities, because their existence is a continuation of their race, and therefore, their nature can change when necessary. The Elf Goddess realized that the elves' previous way of survival was driving them to extinction, and she had to make changes.

Otherwise, they will face annihilation.

Humanity failed to understand that its relentless offensive ultimately brought about its own most dangerous outcome.

After learning this news from Li Lin, the two sisters were the most shocked. After all, they were once human, and they never expected things to develop like this.

"So..."

Fina hesitated before asking the question.

"Will the elves become as cruel as the Dark Elf...?"

"Won't."

Li Lin shook his head, glancing at the silent elf following behind them.

But they will change.

He calmly pointed it out.

"The weaknesses that humans discovered in the past to harm them were largely due to the doctrines of the elves themselves. But now, once the Elf Goddess intends to change those doctrines, those humans will find that their once-overconfident attacks will become their graves."

Nia stopped in her tracks, gazing at the deep cave before her, and paused to think quietly.

"Once we pass this point, we will enter the territory of the Kasos City."

As Nia's voice rang out, her body began to radiate a dazzling light. Then, the girl's image vanished, and the magnificent, Eternal Library reappeared in Li Lin's hands. This scene astonished the mercenaries and elves, who had never encountered anything like it before.

"You two, protect the others."

Li Lin gave instructions to Mina and Fina.

"Dark Elf are extremely ruthless and will use any means necessary to eliminate the weak. You must protect them, and..."

As he spoke, Li Lin walked up to Fina, extended a finger and touched Fina forehead. Fina felt a moment of dizziness, but immediately returned to normal.

"This is a Magic Shield Spell, the most powerful protective spell you can currently use."

Li Lin gently touched the cover of the Eternal Library, and the faint light that it had been emitting immediately dimmed considerably.

"Remember, this time, we will face a very dangerous battle. Don't forget what Nia told you, remember it, and use it."

After giving his advice to the two sisters, Li Lin turned to face forward.

"Angela?"

"Yes, Master. What are your orders?"

The little one, who had been somewhat bored, immediately skipped and hopped to Li Lin's side upon hearing his call, her face beaming with excitement. Li Lin observed her expression, a wry smile playing on his lips, and reached out to stroke her little head. His gaze turned serious, and his tone became unusually grave.

"Once we got there..."

He paused, making sure Angela understood what he meant, before continuing.

"You can do whatever you want, don't worry about me."

Angela didn't answer immediately. She quickly realized the meaning behind Li Lin's command. Soon, the light in her bright red eyes became even more dazzling, a sign that the little one was always excited.

As you wish.

Angela her head and gently kissed Li Lin's cheek, then let out a clear, sweet, and dangerous laugh.