Summoning the Holy Sword

The group stepped back subconsciously as they stared at the mighty Pegasus. It was no wonder that they had such a reaction because the Pegasus was a rare, holy beast. Rumor had it that they only lived in the Elf Forest and only the Elves had the rights to be their riders. The relationship between them was unlike Humans training and raising a warhorse. Instead, there was a sense of equality between them. There were Humans who spent a lot of effort and used various means to get their hands on a group of Pegasi from the Elf Forest. However, the group of Pegasi opposed strongly and they ended up escaping or committing suicide instead of surrendering to the Humans. In the end, the Humans failed to domesticate the group of Pegasi and they suffered a double loss instead, provoking the Elves and Church. Thereafter, no Humans tried to domesticate the holy beasts anymore and the rare Pegasi only lived in the Elf Forest.

Anne and Lize laid their eyes on the white holy beast, but Rhode focused his attention on the slender figure leaping off the Pegasus’s back. The Elves were mostly lithe and beautiful beings, but this Elf was a cut above the rest. Most importantly, Rhode knew who she was…

“Long time no see, Mr. Rhode.”

Corina’s mind was clouded with complex feelings. On one hand, the battle that they had experienced against the Duke Fiend together wasn’t that easily forgotten. On the other hand, the bad rumors that she had heard about Rhode made her feel conflicted about her views on him. Along the way, she was hoping that this was nothing more than just a coincidence. But it was a pity that her prayers didn’t come true.

“Hi there, Miss Corina.”

Rhode didn’t think as much as Corina did. He didn’t commit any crime that offended the Elves and had no grudges with the Country of Law. Moreover, he had a close relationship with the Church, so the Elves wouldn’t make things difficult for him. The only thing that surprised him was that Corina actually received them personally. Or perhaps it is because we have met in Soraka Mountain back then, so she specially made the trip here?

Corina let out an inward sigh as she gazed at Rhode’s expressionless face. She realized that she wasn’t ready and didn’t know what to say to him. Should I be asking for an explanation regarding the rumors about him? Corina surely wouldn’t do that, but she felt as though something was clogging her mind.

But as a presence in the Legendary Stage, Corina naturally wouldn’t allow the negative emotions to affect herself. Her expression didn’t change the slightest and she walked slowly to Rhode’s group with a gentle smile like the spring wind.

“Honestly speaking, I thought I heard wrongly when I was told about this matter… Mr. Rhode. Welcome to the Elf Forest. If it is possible, I would like to know if you have any urgent matters to attend to in the Elf Forest?”

Corina empathized with Rhode’s feelings because she also felt curious over which Elf these two daggers belonged to. After all, she couldn’t remember which popular Elf used daggers as their main weapon and if Rhode’s investigation results were accurate, there might be some place they had neglected or forgotten in Ivory Valley.

“I understand.”

Corina pondered for a moment and nodded.

“I have sensed Mr. Rhode’s sincerity, but this matter is especially important and I can’t call the shots. Please follow me, Mr. Rhode and…” Corina swept a glance to the little mermaid in the floating water ball and scanned her curiously. Got to say, this little mermaid’s strange appearance would attract attention everywhere she went. “…the three ladies. I will guide all of you into the Elf Forest, but please comply with the Elves’ rules as we enter. As for the matter regarding Ivory Valley, I will report this to the Queen and if the Queen approves of your request, you can then enter Ivory Valley, Mr. Rhode.”

“No problem.”

Rhode nodded in agreement. He didn’t seem to be dissatisfied, which Corina heaved a sigh of relief and presented a smile. She returned the daggers to Rhode and stroked the Pegasus beside her. The Pegasus moved its neck comfortably before heading into the depth of the forest. Then, Corina beckoned.

“Welcome to the Elf Forest, everyone.”

On the surface, the Elf Forest didn’t appear any different from other forests. There were dense shrubs and thick, long vines all around. Warm sunlight spilled between the thriving green leaves and they heard the cheerful birds singing their merry little tunes. As they proceeded further, they discovered the biggest difference. They felt a gentle breeze and the fatigue and soreness drifted away from their body like filthy dust. Not only that, but there was also an indescribable tranquility and harmonious atmosphere. Time had as though frozen in the moment. The tunes of the chirping birds and their footsteps were as though shrouded in a layer of gauze, turning their vision fuzzy. The group observed the surrounding and listened to the calm breathing of nature. However, Anne was an exception. She widened her mouth and let out a long, satisfying yawn as though she hadn’t slept for days. But even so, she slowly followed the group and rubbed her eyes. Judging from her sleepy look, Rhode suspected if she would just fall asleep immediately.

Lize and the little mermaid admired the picturesque sceneries of the Elf Forest. Perhaps due to the influence of the Elves, the forest emanated a graceful atmosphere.

It seems that Rhode isn’t angry.

Corina stole a glance at Rhode. In fact, after Rhode revealed his true colors during the battle in the Soraka Mountain, Corina felt apprehensive for a while. Rhode had always been expressionless and she suspected if he had any objections. Later on, she unintentionally heard from the other mercenaries from the Fortress that it was normal for the young man to be expressionless. On the contrary, it would be a sign of danger if he ever smiled.

Corina didn’t know if these remarks were trustworthy. However, she believed that the situation should be fine judging from the three young ladies following him casually.

Corina felt that the Queen wouldn’t approve Rhode’s request. But no matter what, this man was her ‘comrade’ who had faced the Duke Fiend alongside her and it wouldn’t be nice of her to reject him directly. So she might as well invite him into the Elf Forest to satisfy his little curious heart.

If Corina knew that Rhode didn’t care about her approval and he would surely enter the sacred land of the Elves no matter what, perhaps she wouldn’t harbor such thoughts.

The Elves’ gathering place didn’t blend in with nature as much as Blackberry Town did. Instead, if it weren’t for Corina who informed them of it, perhaps Lize and Anne would have misunderstood that it was just an ordinary open field. There were no traces of man-made buildings and only densely packed vines and shrubs existed all around. The shade-giving foliage and the calm, flowing river were so natural that it seemed as though no one stayed here…

“Please wait here for a moment. I will report to the Queen now.”

Corina turned around and suddenly, hundreds of birds fluttered and sang in harmony, symbolizing a grand welcome. Corina puckered her brows and pondered in silence before turning around solemnly.

“Mr. Rhode, the Queen wishes to see you.”