Following the elf who came to report, I found myself face-to-face with an ongoing standoff.
“Is that the thing that appeared this time?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm… I don’t see anything though…?”
I couldn’t help but panic.
Because I literally saw nothing.
To me, it looked like the elves were slashing at thin air with their swords or firing arrows into empty space.
“You see it?”
I asked Black Wolf, whose senses were sharper than mine. He sniffed around.
“A faint smell lingers. The stench of demon energy.”
“Smell, huh… I feel something vaguely too. Guess what’s written in the report was true after all.”
I thought they exaggerated because proper measurements were hard in the Elven Forest.
But this vague sensation is real?
It’s definitely demon energy, but diluted like watered-down juice.
More importantly…
“Do you see anything?”
“I can make out a wavering shape.”
“That’s better than me. I don’t see anything at all. Could it be…”
Worriedly looking at Anders, he nodded.
“It’s an elemental being. Of course, you wouldn’t see it without elemental affinity.”
“An elemental of demon energy? Headache.”
Elementals are supposedly natural forces given souls or shapes—something like that.
So we had fire elementals, water elementals, tree elementals… but now there’s an elemental made from unnatural demon energy.
When I report this back, the mage tower will go nuts for sure.
“Is this even possible?”
“Impossible, yet here we are witnessing it.”
“If it’s made of demon energy, then this should work. Let’s try it.”
I pulled out a clean piece of parchment from my coat.
It was a magic scroll I brought just in case.
The spell contained within: [Divine Magic: Heavenly Punishment].
A custom-made scroll Senna prepared for me.
“Good thing I brought this.”
Tearing the scroll lightly caused a cascade of white lightning to erupt into the sky.
My target was slightly behind the elves locked in combat.
Zzzt-!
!!!
The faint trace of demon energy violently stirred and then disappeared upon the heavenly punishment striking.
Clearly, the magic had worked.
Divine magic truly reigns supreme, after all.
“What in the world…?”
“Now! Push them back!”
Anders shouted toward the confused elves.
They hastily dropped their shields and swung their swords.
As the situation seemed to settle down, Anders approached me.
“Thanks to you, it ended easily. Appreciate it.”
“How long has it been going on?”
“A week now. Luckily, things are still manageable, but no one knows when things might escalate. It’s unsettling.”
“Hmm, a week, huh. Where do these things appear? They’re not popping up randomly, right?”
“East of the forest, near the outskirts. We suspect they’re coming from human nations.”
“So east means the Kingdom of Arion.”
Other than its affiliation with the Eastern Union formed during the Southern War, I didn’t know much about it.
While mulling over this information, Anders asked me,
“Is investigating this incident your mission?”
“Yeah. Since I’ve figured out the general identity, I’ll head back soon. Still no idea why they’re appearing, right?”
“Nope.”
Nodding, he hesitated before continuing,
“I have a favor to ask, though cautiously. There’s a meeting planned soon. Would you mind attending as well?”
“Meeting? If it doesn’t take too long, I don’t mind.”
Though I wanted to return immediately, confirming even a small clue would be better than coming back later due to incomplete investigation.
Besides, we once fought side by side risking our lives; leaving coldly would feel wrong.
“Thanks. Let’s go.”
Since returning to the empire was just a matter of stepping through a portal, I followed Anders casually.
***
“This wasn’t the kind of meeting you mentioned…”
I complained quietly to Anders.
He replied with his usual brazen smile.
“You didn’t ask, did you?”
“Is that even called explaining?!?”
I thought it was a small village-level meeting.
Turns out it wasn’t just any meeting—it was the (Clan Leader) Meeting.
Looking at the four clan-leader level elves in front of me, I broke out in cold sweat.
If I compare their power simply—
Each of them was on par with Golden Way Zodiac-level warriors.
During the Southern War, people jokingly referred to them as the Four Heavenly Kings…
Oh, if you’re wondering how such powerful beings could be troubled by heretics?
That’s because elves are bound to the World Tree.
If the World Tree gets polluted, the elves grow weaker.
The existence of the World Tree is both alpha and omega to the elven race.
Then you might wonder how the World Tree could get polluted?
Sorry, I was just a soldier back then.
Lost in thought, ignoring reality, I snapped back when a soft voice pierced my ears.
“It’s been a while, Camerlad.”
Reflexively, I bowed my head.
“Yes. Long time no see, Akielda.”
The owner of the voice was High Elf Akielda.
High Elves are those who convey the will of the World Tree—basically priestesses.
Apparently, she’s the oldest among the elves…
“Guessing someone’s age is rude, you know.”
“Apologies.”
Dang, forgot she can read thoughts.
Awkwardly scratching my head, Akielda chuckled and shook her head.
“Just kidding. Anyway, it’s nice to see you again after so long. Mother Tree is pleased too.”
“Yes ma’am. Wish I’d brought a present…”
“Not necessary. Your thoughtfulness alone is enough.”
“Hmm…”
She really knows everything, doesn’t she?
Smiling Akielda turned to Anders.
“Shall we begin the meeting, Great Clan Leader?”
“Yes. As everyone knows, today’s meeting concerns the recent increase in corrupted entities.”
Everyone murmured in agreement.
“To think they’ve reached Alheim. What in the world is happening?”
The male elf shaking his head is Zepel, who has a contract with the Fire Elemental King.
“This is troublesome. Their numbers keep growing, and now they’re spawning everywhere.”
The female elf covering her cheek with her hand is Clara, contracted with the Water Elemental King.
“Elementals tainted by demon energy? What’s happening in the Elemental Realm?”
The male elf with his eyes closed is Meyer, bonded with the Earth Elemental King.
“Does Mother Tree have nothing to say?”
Anders asking Akielda.
Back during the Southern War, he succeeded the deceased contractor and signed a pact with the Wind Elemental King.
He told me before we arrived.
The reason I know the identities of all these people?
During the Southern War, our top priority was capturing or neutralizing the elves who had contracts with the Elemental Kings.
Fortunately, we managed to capture and restore all but one.
“Regrettably… She hasn’t said anything unusual.”
In response to Anders’ question, Akielda gently shook her head.
Gods aren’t omnipotent, are they?
Or perhaps there’s some reason they can’t intervene.
Whatever it is, the elves’ expressions darkened.
“Therefore, I propose a suggestion.”
At Akielda’s words, everyone’s attention turned to her.
“Before things escalate further, what if we request assistance from the Empire?”
“No way!”
“That’s unacceptable!”
“The Empire…?”
“…”
All the elves except Anders resisted.
Wait, didn’t we sacrifice ourselves to help the elves? Is this reaction appropriate?
I’m starting to feel hurt.
“Why don’t they trust us? Aren’t we allies?”
“We may be fine, but other clans will strongly oppose.”
“Don’t you know that survivors of the war still spread bad words about the Empire?”
“The Imperial Army might cause trouble.”
“…?”
What? Their concern is for the Imperial Army?
Confused by their unexpected reactions, Anders whispered quietly to me.
“We don’t dislike the Empire. We know how much effort you’ve put in. But those who lost family in the war harbor resentment, which we can’t ignore. We understand their feelings.”
“… Sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing?”
“… Nevermind.”
There’s a reason behind their attitude.
My disappointment melted away.
After all, there are humans who dislike elves too.
“How about this: We won’t bring the Imperial Army into the forest. We’ll handle matters inside the forest ourselves and ask the Empire to investigate outside. That should work.”
“That seems acceptable.”
“We cannot leave the forest…”
“I think it’s a good idea. Camerlad is here anyway. Why not ask him?”
At Clara’s suggestion, all eyes turned to me.
Caught off guard by the sudden attention, I adjusted my voice and spoke.
“Hmm, naturally, I’ll assist you. Matters involving heresy are sensitive to us as well. That’s why I’m here in the first place.”
Akielda chuckled softly at my words.
“Thank you. We owe you another favor.”
“Not at all. If there’s ever a problem, don’t hesitate to ask for help. I’ll tell them to stay on standby near the forest.”
Leaving communication channels open isn’t difficult.
I considered bringing crystal orbs, but since communication doesn’t work properly in the forest, it would’ve been useless anyway.
“Then we need to devise ways to prevent greater damage.”
“The corrupted entities seem to be getting stronger. We need to consider that in our preparations.”
“How about gathering scattered clans back to Alheim? It would be easier to defend if we stick together.”
“Good idea. Strengthening patrols would also help.”
“In that case…”
Watching them focus on their own discussion, I relaxed.
At least there didn’t seem to be any immediate problems for me to solve.
I want to avoid unnecessary hardships as much as possible.
There are plenty of capable people in the Empire. I just need to focus on training my apprentices.
***
After the meeting ended, Black Wolf and I left Alheim to clock out.
“Good thing nothing major happened. Were you bored?”
“I’m fine. Allen’s safety is more important. The less fighting, the better.”
“That’s true.”
Walking along, I heard someone call my name from behind.
It was Anders.
“Being a Master makes you walk faster, huh.”
“What brings you here? Another issue? Did another corrupted entity show up?”
“No, it’s not that. High Elf wishes to see you.”
“…?”
Why does she suddenly want to see me?
Seeing my confusion, Anders added,
“Mother Tree sent a message.”
“That’s intriguing.”
If the World Tree wants to see me…
Somehow, I feel something good might happen.
Turning to Black Wolf standing idly by, I said,
“Let’s go. Extra duty or bonus… we need to check it out, right?”
“… I still don’t understand what you’re talking about.”
Black Wolf merely shook his head.
