Although no one had confirmed its true nature due to the strange mist that surrounded the Great Forest, it remained a place of mystery.
“Huh, I’ve heard about it in rumors, but it’s truly a strange place,” Aria murmured as she navigated through the dense fog enshrouding the Great Forest.
Iris, walking ahead, found herself admiring the strange atmosphere.
The mist seemed to partially hinder her senses, even though she had reached the level of a Master. It was clear why no human had been able to enter this forest without the elves’ permission for the past thousand years.
“…Doesn’t it seem like you’re moving too smoothly, given how difficult you say it is?” Aria remarked, watching Iris advance without hesitation, her tone laced with mild sarcasm.
“While this mist does interfere with my five senses, it cannot disrupt the instincts I’ve honed as a martial artist. And you’re keeping up well. If you were to get lost here, finding your way back would be no small feat,” Iris replied calmly.
Aria held back a retort, recognizing Iris’s assistance was crucial—at least until they located her Young Lord Cain. Any argument would be pointless.
As they continued silently through the fog-filled forest, Iris abruptly stopped, sensing something unusual.
“…Hmm. Are you here to greet us? You’re a bit late. Such tardiness hardly befits the reputation of the forest tribes.”
No sooner had she spoken than five or six arrows shot through the fog, aimed directly at Iris.
She didn’t flinch, standing still with a composed expression. For her, arrows like these posed no threat. Besides, she trusted in the skills of the talented mage accompanying her.
Pajijik!
Electric currents burst from Aria’s hand, deflecting the arrows mid-air. The male elf who had fired them gaped in astonishment at the sight.
‘To cast enough magic to deflect arrows instantly…’ he thought, unable to believe what he saw.
It had taken only seconds for his arrows to reach the target, yet this woman had cast magic powerful enough to repel them in that brief moment. Moreover, his arrows had been imbued with the power of spirits, far beyond what normal strength could repel.
‘Could this white-haired woman possibly be an archmage?’
“…Why didn’t you dodge?” Aria asked, slightly exasperated.
“Well, it wasn’t an attack aimed at a vital point, and I trusted in you completely. Besides, your casting speed is impressive. Your magical skills aren’t far off from those of Bianca del Castana,” Iris responded nonchalantly.
“You sound as if you know her well,” Aria commented.
“Yes, I’ve known Bianca del Castana for quite some time, though we’ve had no official contact.”
Their casual exchange carried no hint of tension, as if they had forgotten the elf who had just fired at them. They then turned their attention to him, as if remembering his presence.
“You see now? I have no intention of antagonizing the elves. I’m here purely on business,” Iris explained.
“…We do not allow outsiders to enter without prior permission,” the elf replied sternly.
Iris only shrugged at his harsh response. “I’m well aware, but I’m pressed for time. Every minute counts, and I cannot afford to wait for formal permissions. I apologize if I seem rude,” she said, bowing slightly.
Her composed tone and actions suggested she wasn’t of ordinary status.
The elf hesitated, recognizing the unusual strength of these human women. Hostility would be unwise.
After a pause, he asked, “…Human woman, what is your business?”
Iris smiled slightly. “I have just one purpose. I seek an audience with Kyrie el Denaris, the guardian of the World Tree. I do not wish to intrude on the elves’ realm but only to speak with her.”
The elf narrowed his eyes.
As a border guardian of the Great Forest, he lacked the authority to let them pass. Yet, he couldn’t ignore their strength. Before he could reply, a refreshing voice drifted to them on the breeze, though no one was nearby.
“…Lane, please guide them to where I am.”
“…Uh? How?” Aria looked around, perplexed. She hadn’t lowered her guard since entering the forest, so how had this voice reached them?
“She must have used the forest spirit to transmit her voice. She has always enjoyed keeping a mysterious aura about her,” Iris said, slightly amused.
“…Please do not insult the Guardian,” the elf muttered in a weary tone.
“Oh, my apologies. Still, I hope you understand. It’s been a long time since I’ve visited an old friend, and I may have spoken out of nervous excitement.” Iris chuckled lightly, while Aria tilted her head in confusion.
“Princess, didn’t you say this was your first visit to the Great Forest? How, then, are you friends with the Guardian of the World Tree?”
At Aria’s question, Iris glanced back with a cryptic smile. “Sometimes, friendships that transcend time and space are possible.”
“…Yes, just as I and the Young Lord entered a master-servant relationship,” Aria replied with a wry smile.
Sponsor Chapters at the Patreon Shop: Along with BuymeaCoffee where you can now make payments in your local currency, the Shop section on Patreon can be used as a way to make a one-time-payment. I will be creating products in the Shop section with the title of the webnovels. It will only have an image as the product, but it will count as the payment for the Sponsored Chapters.
For example: You will buy the product with the title “Flower Stealing Master” to sponsor a chapter for the novel. As far as I know, you can buy the same product multiple times, so you should be able to sponsor as many chapters you want. I hope it was easy to understand.
Introducing KN WN Bundle ($15) for those who prefer to read only KR webnovels. This bundle gives you access to all the advance chapters of the Korean Webnovels on Goblinslate immediately, and will stay ahead of the regular release for the month! Get it on Patreon!
That means, you get:
PTTV – Four Advance Chapters! ($10)
IPUAW – Two Advance Chapters! ($5)
MSAS – Two Advance Chapters! ($5)
MWD – Two Advance Chapters! ($5)