Chapter 604 - Sacred Land of the Elves (1) (1/2)
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 looked at Rhode with her emerald green eyes and revealed some vague signs of anticipations. On the other hand, Rhode simple nodded slightly in response.
“That’s right, Miss Corina. There’s indeed something important…” Rhode paused. He hesitated whether he should tell her the truth. Although he didn’t know what the relationship between his twin daggers and the sacred land of the Elves was, he had to give it a shot since it was just a simple path ahead. With Rhode’s abilities, it wasn’t difficult for him to make up a lie and sneak into the sacred land after entering the Elf Forest. However, he denied this thought. If the other party was from the Country of Light, he wouldn’t feel pressured at all and he might even slaughter her. However, the Country of Law had a decent reputation among the players and the sacred land of the Elves wasn’t as important as the sacred grounds of the Humans. The sacred land of the Elves was more of a place with high spiritual status. It shouldn’t pose a problem if he told her the truth.
“… Miss Corina, although this might sound offensive, I hope to enter Ivory Valley in the Elf Forest to investigate something important.”
“Eh?”
Corina widened her eyes in surprise. At the same time, she let out a long inward sigh, but she didn’t know if she was relieved or disappointed. But her thoughts weren’t crucial at this point in time.
“Mr. Rhode, what you meant was… You’re heading into our sacred land?”
“Yes, Miss Corina.”
Rhode lifted his head without a change of expression and welcomed her examining gaze firmly. On the other hand, Corina was highly suspicious of his intentions. Ivory Valley was the sacred land of the Elves for a reason. The heroes of the Elves who had contributed to the prosperity of the Elves were buried in Ivory Valley after they died. That place was blessed by the Creator Dragon Souls and the heroes’ souls would be blessed forever in the embrace of nature peacefully. It was due to this reason that Ivory Valley was termed as the sacred land of the Elves. In order to not disturb the resting souls, the Elves wouldn’t head there without permission. They would only enter Ivory Valley when there were specific festivals to offer sacrifices to the heroes who had given up everything for their former generations.
It was also due to this that Ivory Valley had a special place in the hearts of the Elves, but not in the Humans’. Besides, Corina didn’t believe that Rhode had anything to do with the former generations of Elves, so why did he request to enter Ivory Valley?
This request could be said to be simple and difficult at the same time. Ivory Valley wasn’t as heavily guarded as the Humans’ so-called sacred land where only the Humans with unique identities could enter. As long as Rhode promised that he wouldn’t blaspheme against the heroes spirits, there would be no harm letting him in. However, on the other hand, a Human entering Ivory Valley might cause unhappiness among the Elves. Although the Elves didn’t hate the Humans, they were wary of Humans due to their differences in cultures and lifestyles. If Rhode entered the sacred land of the Elves, Corina couldn’t guarantee that the Elves would react badly and take actions against Rhode. Moreover, according to the intelligence gathered about Rhode, Corina knew that this Human definitely wasn’t any kind hearted person…
“About this matter…”
Corina frowned. After returning to the Elf Forest, she didn’t become the leader of the Pegasus Knights as Rhode had predicted. Instead, she became the Commander of the Queen’s Royal Elf Guards. She had the authority to approve if a Human was qualified enough to enter the Elf Forest. She would surely agree if Rhode was here for a tour or for reminisce sake. However, this matter was overly sensitive and she couldn’t make the decision on her own accord.
“Mr. Rhode, if you don’t mind, may I ask what important matter do you have exactly that requires you to enter Ivory Valley? I’m sure you’re aware of its status in the Elves’ hearts. Although it isn’t as grand as the human temple, it is still an irreplaceable presence for us. As a Human who tries to enter Ivory Valley…”
Corina didn’t finish her sentence, but Rhode knew what she meant. However, Rhode had no intentions of turning back because greeting Corina now was only a peaceful measure before using force. If Corina allowed him to enter Ivory Valley, everything would be fine. But if Corina disapproved, Rhode would simply find another chance to sneak in. Even though this was of rude him, their relationship hadn’t reached the stage where he had to be sensitive of her feelings yet.
Rhode didn’t respond and he unsheathed his daggers swiftly. Corina’s fingers twitched to their reflexes, but she relaxed shortly after, because Rhode didn’t draw his weapons to attack. Instead, he turned his wrist and showed her the daggers.