They themselves didn't know why they were afraid.
However, under the influence of the 'Tree of Ad's' mindset, they cannot leave the Elf Forest at will.
At the same time, they must not allow humans to easily discover their existence.
However, when they looked at Viktor more closely,
But to their surprise, the human before them was not as terrifying and dangerous as the mother of the Yad Tree had described.
Instead, it made them feel a strange sense of kinship.
As a result, more and more elves began to look at Viktor with curiosity.
Some of the bolder elves even began to cautiously approach Victor.
I moved closer to him, trying to catch a whiff of his scent.
Then a particularly serious voice rang out, startling all the elves.
What are you doing here?
Upon hearing the voice, every elf on the field looked in the direction of the sound and clearly saw the questioner.
It is the High Priestess of the Elves, Vinya.
The elves quickly withdrew their curiosity and, upon seeing the high priest's arrival, stepped aside to make way for Vinya.
Vinya was able to see the human in front of her and quickly noticed the senator badge on his chest.
Her eyes flickered for a moment, then she turned away and uttered a single sentence.
"Come with me, human."
With Viktor by her side, they passed through a group of curious elves and traversed the intricate and deep forest labyrinth.
Finally, they arrived at the location of the Tree of Adrien.
The enormous, towering sacred tree remained solemn and majestic, its canopy reaching into the clouds.
The branches under the tree swayed in the wind, and the leaves rubbed against each other, making a rustling sound.
Viktor's arrival seemed to cause some branches to sway merrily, as if warmly welcoming him.
Seeing this, Vinya didn't say anything, but instead raised the wooden staff in her hand and pointed it at the sacred tree.
Then, the brownish-red bark began to peel off.
The thick trunk of the sacred tree opens to both sides like a wooden gate, revealing a passage leading to the interior of the sacred tree.
After doing all this, Vinya turned to Victor and said:
"Please come in."
After saying that, she walked inside without waiting for Viktor's reaction.
This made Victor even more convinced that Kokot had deliberately arranged for him to come here.
However, Viktor still doesn't know Kokot's purpose.
until……
They entered the interior of the Tree of Ader and headed towards its very center.
Surrounded by brown wooden walls, strangely shaped branches and vines intertwine, encircling a core that emits a glowing green light.
Through the gaps in the branches, the emerald green core seemed to shimmer slightly, like a beating heart.
Vinya didn't turn around, standing still, and spoke with a hint of sadness in her voice:
"If you're here looking for Kokote."
"Now, you've found her."
Viktor raised his head and looked at the heart of the Tree of Adriatic.
His hunch was right.
"You should know that although our elven race has a long lifespan, it is still finite."
“Elves whose lifespan has come to an end will become nourishment for nature and the power of this world.”
"This is called 'natural regression'."
This is why the Tree of Yad can grow for so long without ever withering.
Because every Elf Queen, when her lifespan comes to an end, transforms herself into nutrients to nourish the Ade Tree.
Yes, just as you thought.
Vinya raised her head and looked at the still-beating, vibrant heart, her eyes dimming.
"Kokote has returned to nature."
...
After leaving, Victor received a small box from Vinya.
It is said that this is a phonograph box made by Ryan Kent, the most famous magic craftsman among the dwarves.
If someone can crack the combination lock inside, they will be able to hear sounds left inside the box.
"I don't have magic, so I can't open the box left by Kokot."
"I don't know what message she left hidden inside."
Those were the words Vinya said when she gave them to him.
"So, this must have been left for you by her."
Holding the box, Victor used magic to float above the clouds.
He arrived at the highest point of the Elf Forest and stood atop the Tree of Adrien.
Even from this high vantage point, there wasn't a single gust of wind in the sky.
Therefore, Victor was able to calm down.
He sat atop the canopy of the sacred tree, gazing at the vast, ethereal, and pristine sea of white clouds before him, and felt a profound sense of tranquility.
He then easily unlocked a magical lock set by a fourth-tier mage.
Click—
The box was opened, and Kokot's voice came from inside.
'Huh? This thing lets sound in when used like this? Ryan Kent isn't lying to me, is he?'
'Whatever, if it doesn't work, I'll just ask that damn dwarf for a new one.'
Sizzle—
'Okay, from now on, this is where I'll be leaving my comments.'
'I've set up several extremely difficult routes for this box!'
First, you need to go to the city of mages and ascend to the seventh floor through the maze-like, dilapidated route!
Of course, no one will help you along the way!
'Once we get there, I'll have Helmhorn give you the council badge I left behind and tell you my location, which is the Elf Forest.'
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
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