Chapter 102 - Even if We Look Different from Each Other 5 (1/2)

Chapter 102 - Even if We Look Different from Each Other (5)

It was hard to travel around, while hiding the fact that they were heroes.On the other hand, it was very easy for Artpe and Maetel to prove that they were heroes.They just needed to use at least two skill.Each skill had to be from a different Class.

“Oh oh. They really are a hero!”

“I should have realized it when humans willingly helped us.”

“So why isn’t Sienna a hero?”

After the Elves confirmed that Artpe and Maetel were heroes, they let go of every bad feelings they had against Artpe’s party.This is what being a hero was all about.Their mere existence allowed them to be welcomed by everyone, excluding Demons.They were cheat-like existence that received absolute support from everyone.

In certain aspects, it was a lonely path.Everyone had a preconceived notion of the heroes even before they met the heroes.They looked at the heroes with enviable eyes, and they stipulated rules that the heroes had to follow.They expected the heroes to act within their ideals.The individuality of the heroes were ignored.The only thing left to the heroes were their duty and achievements. It would be a lie to say that he didn’t find it annoying.

“Oh, heroes.Please come this way.The current situation is a bit….We’ll prepare some tea for you.”

“Mycenae has a contract with us as a merchant.Treat her well.”

“M...mmmm.We planned on doing so.You should come with us, Mycenae.”

“······yes.”

However, Artpe didn’t care what other people thought about him, and he didn’t care for their rules.Artpe’s motto was to use whatever he could exploit.

He hadn’t revealed their status as heroes before, because he didn’t want to become entangled with the Demon King’s army.However, he was about to start his activities in earnest.There were plenty of goodies he could eat by using his status as heroes.He had no plan on passing upon these opportunities.

“Are there any more injured Elves?”

“Aside from the heroes, all the humans have left the forest.Moreover, all the trace of the curse was erased…...”

“Since the heroes have made their appearance, I’m sure the Demon King’s army is on the move somewhere.It seems all the Elves should start getting ready for war.….yes.We’ll do so with the Dark Elves.”

The situation was pretty much wrapped up.Aside from Artpe’s party and the elders, the Elves dispersed to go do their work.

The remaining group moved to a nearby home.It was the home of an elder.

“This is a tea brewed from leaves that are periodically dropped by the World Tree.”

Artpe’s party was served the world’s greatest tea, which couldn’t be purchased even if one hadmoney.Artpe used his Read All Creation to look into the tea cup.He watched as the liquid let out a soft blue light.He let out an exclamation when he confirmed the tea was truly made with the World Tree’s leaves.

“Wow.I can’t believe these survived that mess.”

“If the odd emotional amplification status had continued, this village might have be wiped out…

Fortunately, the heroes appeared before that could happen.”

The Elves had aged the World Tree’s leaves with great care.Its clear, sweet and refreshing taste was secondary to the effect it had on a magician’s Mana.It permanently cleared up one’s Mana.It was a treasure that all magician’s wanted to drink in their lifetime!

However, these leaves never exited the Forest of Eternity.Even those that lived within the Forest of Eternity didn’t get many opportunity to drink it.This precious tea was served to them, because they had revealed themselves to be heroes.At this moment, Artpe had never been so happy for being a hero.

“Artpe, this is bitter.It isn’t tasty.”

“All right.I knew you would say that.Just eat the candy I prepared for you.”

“Yes!”

Artpe wanted to seal Maetel’s mouth, so he put a candy in her mouth.He pushed Maetel’s tea towards Mycenae.

“Ah.This is······.”

Mycenae was blameless, yet she was self-conscious as she looked towards the elder.Like her, the elder possessed dark brown skin color.When the elder nodded her head, Mycenae’s ears moved slightly as she took up the tea cup.When she took a sip, a smile of delight appeared on her face.

“I heard the Dark Elves aren’t liked by the humans..”

“It was caused by the attitude of the Elves.The humans followed the example set by the Elves.They looked down on the Dark Elves.However, I hate being prejudiced against someone based on their external appearance.”

“You are saying that the difference between Elves and Dark Elves are only superficial…..Do you perhaps know the difference between an Elf and a Dark Elf?”

“Even if I do tell you the difference, will you be able to go against the preconceived notion you guys have kept for hundred of years?”

“Our preconceived notions have already been flipped, so we’ll be fine.If we stick to our preconceived notions, the Elves won’t be able to avoid our own destruction.”

When Artpe heard the elder’s word, he realised the elder was right.Maybe, this elder was trying to borrow the power of the heroes to settle the current situation.

“All right.I’ll give you a simplified explanation.”

This was something Artpe had wanted to do, so he nodded his head.He gladly gave an explanation.

“It is true that the Dark Elves were created by the World Tree.I’m sure you guys have already realized that this didn’t happen through an internal power.”

“Yes, that is why we thought it was a punishment meted out by the World Tree.”

“So why do you think it is a punishment to develop darker skin and an inclination towards fighting?”

“That is······.”

The elder was silent.This was a common perception that was set in stone for couple hundred of years.It was something they considered to be obvious, but when one looked at it through a new perspective, they realized that it was a prejudiced view that didn’t make any logical sense.

In this aspect, Elves weren’t too different from humans.The had preconceived notions based on aesthetics.The humans valued light skin over dark skin.It was the same for the Elves.This was why they considered it a ‘problem’ when an Elf’s skin turned dark.

“However, the World Tree views the world through different eyes from you guys.It isn’t a punishment.It is a blessing.You have been turned into a Dark Elf.You can probably feel this now.The benefits you gained from the forest has decreased, but in turn, your battle capabilities were boosted.Isn’t it so?”

“That is….You are correct.”

“In an attempt to protect itself, the World Tree chose aggressive and lively Elves to be turned into Dark Elves.The predominant opinion that Dark Elves are fallen beings came to be, because they are more active.This is why the probability of them getting into accidents is higher.You probably all know what I’m talking about, right?”

“Kooh-ook······.”

“Koo-ook.”

Mycenae had been meekly drinking her tea from the side as her ears twitched, yet she received splash damage from his words.It seemed she truly was a troublemaker during her stay in the Forest of Eternity.

“I just told you that this was all done to protect the World Tree, right?Of course, the number Dark Elves would increase when the World Tree is in danger.Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”

“······I see.That is why earlier…...”

“That’s right.It seems you have a complete understanding now.”

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that the World Tree had faced a danger that would have killed it.This was why it had went nuts in giving out Blessings to create the Dark Elves.There was almost a 1:1 ratio of Elves to Dark Elves now.

“How can this be······.”

His explanation sounded very plausible.There was a casual relationship, and she couldn’t use logic to dispute Artpe’s explanation.The elders were at a loss for words.It was so simple that the elders wondered why they couldn’t have come up with it.That was how foolish they had been. She let out a sigh as she mumbled to herself.

“I just wanted an excuse I could tell everyone.”

“You finally revealed your true intent.”

Since events had turned out like this, it was necessary for the Elves and the Dark Elves to live together.However, they might ostracize each other without realizing it.

What if Artpe’s words were spread through the elders?If everyone believed the words of a hero…….They would be able to preemptively prevent the misapprehension between the Elves and the Dark Elves.

Artpe was satisfied with achieving just that.

“Hero, how do you know all of his?”