Chapter 110: The Adventure That Stopped Abruptly
Time froze as Roy’s perspective drifted through countless fragments of memories, back to the end of the First Age, a time when mythical beings fell, and magic civilizations rose, witnessing the precious yet unremarkable moments belonging solely to the two of them, long forgotten by history.
Invited by Laiya, Liliya set off on her journey.
Under the shadow of an ancient castle, the last true ancestor, sealed for a hundred years, finally realized how grand the world truly was.
Just as Laiya had described, the two traveled through the deserts of the Western Regions, sailed the islands of the Southern Seas, crossed the mountains of the North, and trekked across endless snowfields. They even reached the Eastern Continent of the time, witnessing the uncivilized cultures.
Their footsteps almost covered every corner of the world, richer and more colorful than the tales left by the “Great Adventurers,” surpassing the imagination of any scholar.
But Roy felt that for them, more valuable than the adventure itself was the companionship they shared.
Those little moments spent together outweighed the most magnificent sights in the world.
If their story could end here, it would be the most romantic fairytale in existence.
Unfortunately, that day came.
The Fallen, entwined in withered vines and decaying wood, eventually came knocking.
“All Things Wither” nearly overwhelmed them, its foundation far beyond Roy’s imagination.
The tree sea spread, life withered,
Blood light filled the air, resembling catastrophe.
Even in the First Age, when mythical beings still left traces, the battle between the last true ancestor and “All Things Wither” shook the continent.
The brutal conflict ended with the last true ancestor’s victory; however, her partner was caught in the crossfire, severely injured, and fell into a coma.
The Blood Clan excelled in slaughter, not healing.
The proud ancestor had no choice but to bow her head, seeking protection from her once-kindred, enduring their cold gazes, and entrusted her partner to their hands.
By the time Laiya awoke, her former partner had long left without a word, leaving behind a meager letter.
On that short sheet of paper was written the life of the ancestor.
“I’m sorry for not telling you this sooner.”
“I am the last true ancestor, a descendant of the Blood Elf. However, this title has largely fallen out of use.”
“The attackers this time have come for me.”
“In truth, the elf clan originally had twin royal families; the Blood clan led the way in slaughter, proud and fiery, while the Forest clan mastered healing, calm as still water. Only together did they embody the essence of life that the elves worshipped.”
“However, a thousand years ago, my ancestor, the first true ancestor Lilith, abandoned her people when they needed her the most. As a result, the elf clan lost to the fallen treants and was nearly annihilated.”
“One could say, we Blood Elves are the sinners of the entire elf clan. Thus, being exiled is only natural.”
“As a descendant of sinners, even when imprisoned in this ancient castle, I have no complaints. But thanks to you, little guy, I was able to enjoy a pleasant time.”
“Unfortunately, that bunch of uncouth ‘All Things Wither’ seems intent on eradicating me.”
“Blood Elves know no fear; dying on the battlefield is our best homecoming. But this is my fate, unrelated to you.”
“Originally, I just wanted someone to distract me from this loneliness. Yet, I’ve unknowingly become so fond of you, little one. Whether in the castle or on our travels, as long as you’re with me, those are the most precious memories of my boring life.”
“And because of that, I brought you into dangers that aren’t yours to bear.”
“Adventuring with you has really been enjoyable.”
“Thank you, little guy.”
“The world is so vast; there’s no need to be tied to just me.”
“If you truly can’t forget me, then go explore the landscapes I’ve never seen.”
“Wishing you a smooth adventure.”
The content of the letter came to an abrupt halt.
Although the words on the paper were light-hearted and casual, seemingly unconcerned, the distorted handwriting from pressing too hard and the faint wet marks revealed Liliya’s heart was anything but calm.
The young boy clenched the envelope tightly, his fist white-knuckled, not loosening his grip until his fingertips turned blue.
At this moment, Roy felt an endless sense of unwillingness and reluctance, just like Laiya.
Laiya accompanied Liliya, but couldn’t Liliya also be accompanying Laiya, brightening his dull adventures?
Just like Nia and himself.
At first, Roy thought the girl was just a hyper little brat, but at some point, he found himself captivated by her sweet smile, wanting to travel with her, his heart racing.
Every moment spent together was the most cherished memory.
Yet the story of Laiya and Liliya brought an uneasy fear to Roy.
Like Liliya, Nia also bore the fate of being hunted by “All Things Wither.”
What if Nia, like Liliya, abandoned him, leaving without a word, foolishly wanting to bear everything alone—
What would he do?
The scene faded like mist, and a heavy dizziness washed over him.
Roy suddenly opened his eyes, looking up at the girl above, wanting to confirm her presence.
Fortunately, that big bundle still hovered above him.
Roy had to shift a bit to see the girl’s face.
Nia seemed a bit tired too, dozing off with her eyes half-closed, her head bobbing like a pecking chick.
The corners of her mouth revealed the sweetness of her dreams, adorably silly and cute.
Inhaling the jasmine fragrance from Nia, feeling the soft touch at the back of his head, he gently held her delicate, fair hand, confirming that the nightingale hadn’t left him, which brought Roy a bit of relief.
Laiya didn’t have the strength to walk alongside Liliya.
But he wasn’t Laiya; Nia wasn’t Liliya, and the past couldn’t determine their future.
Gazing at that sweet sleeping face, Roy tightened his grip on Nia’s hand, silently vowing never to let her walk the same path as the last true ancestor.
With a soft “smack,” Nia moved her mouth, slowly letting a droplet slide down, almost falling, causing Roy to feel more nervous than when facing a Cultist.
A twitch at the corner of his eye, he instinctively touched his face, only to discover a slightly damp mark, and he couldn’t help but facepalm.
No way, did this girl just drool on my face?!
Thinking of this, Roy’s resolve to protect the girl suddenly dropped by thirty percent.
Just then, Douglas’s voice called from outside the tent.
“Roy, there’s a problem with the barrier; we need you to take a look.”
The awakened Nia rubbed her eyes sleepily and found Roy staring intently at her.
Nia, still half-asleep, wasn’t prepared for this and turned beet red, her heart racing wildly.
Too close!
“Whoa!”
Nia fell backwards, dragging Roy along for the ride.
“Ow! Be gentle!”
“Who—who told you to be so close?!”
“Didn’t you say you wanted to sleep on my lap?!”
Outside the tent, Douglas was stunned, his pupils shaking, utterly shocked.
This—what time is it? You two really have the leisure for this?