Chapter 206
Chapter 206
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 206
Chapter Title: Chapter 5-1. These People Here Are Gifts Prepared for You.
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Judah looked at Via upon hearing her mutter. Her face was unmistakably dark.
"What is it?"
"That there are so many dangerous enemies. If those kinds of things are flying around in the sky, we won't be able to launch surprise attacks like now—we'd only be able to defend."
She seemed to have never even imagined beings that flew through the sky dropping lightning bolts. If they could hide among the dense leaves of trees, that might be one thing, but moving across the white snowfields made them perfect targets. And if they dropped lightning to paralyze their bodies, they'd be helplessly captured without a chance to flee.
She had been planning guerrilla tactics to harass the enemy in this unfavorable situation, which made it all the more bleak. Though she was determined never to lose and avoided weak words, hope was nowhere in sight.
"I don't want to admit it, but humans are truly... impressive."
Her words carried multiple layers of meaning. Elves had no one to particularly ask for help from. This vast forest was entirely their domain, a peaceful place with almost no threats to their livelihood. Excluding the time long ago when the gates to the demon realm opened and monsters spread throughout the forest, there were no threatening opponents. In other words, no other race had built up as much power in this forest as they had.
Seeing her grow gloomy, Judah approached and patted her shoulder encouragingly.
"Attack isn't the only way to win. Sometimes just holding out is enough to win, and that's the case right now."
"Holding out? Can we beat the enemy just by doing that?"
"Yes. Hard to believe, I know, but the enemy didn't come here to conquer this land with overwhelming spare resources. They've thrown everything they have into this, staking a whole nation's fate on it. If they can't win this war, we'll get to watch them self-destruct."
"And if we can't hold out?"
"Then we'll see the elves perish instead. A grim future awaits."
"The future..."
Via closed her eyes there, seemingly lost in thought, but said no more. Standing around blankly wouldn't accomplish anything, so they headed back to Loengrim. When they reached the hill where the city and walls were located, Judah couldn't hold back his admiration.
It was far more impressive up close than from afar. Sheer cliffs stood like walls on either side of the uphill path, with defensive walls built atop them.
At the end of the uphill path, the elves who had evacuated earlier were waiting.
Via issued some command to them, and the elves moved accordingly. Passing through the open triple gates and entering the city, Judah was surprised by its scale—it was larger than expected.
Compared to Brick Castle, which was probably now burned to ashes, this city seemed nearly ten times bigger. The brick buildings blended harmoniously, making it feel like arriving in a well-groomed European village.
Yet the atmosphere in this beautiful city was incredibly tense. Having heard from the refugees that humans were invading, it was only natural.
Everyone moved with stern faces, carts loaded with arrows and spears bustling about as they prepared for a siege defense. In truth, Loengrim was essentially the elves' final defensive line, so they were thoroughly preparing to meet the enemy.
Amid that, more than a few gazes turned toward Judah. Some looked anxious, others hostile. Receiving various stares, he wondered if Arhil had been doing well here.
His worry was unfounded. As he'd initially believed, Arhil was getting along fine with the elves. Somewhat awkwardly dispelling his brief concern, she was using holy magic as a saint to heal those with minor illnesses or injuries.
Of course, being human meant some disliked her, but that was unavoidable in the current situation. After a warm reunion with Arhil, Via's consideration allowed them to stay in the same building. Arhil occasionally followed visiting elves to provide treatment and such, but Judah had nothing particular to do.
While everyone else moved busily, he was the most relaxed in the city, sitting on a windowsill watching the scene. Taking a long breath at the unexpected leisure, he wondered when he'd see Lüsen Ardahan. He was curious where the massive golem nearly 9 meters tall might be.
After spending the day pointlessly, a thumping sound—thud thud—came from afar. He bolted up from the bed upon hearing it. It couldn't be the enemy attacking, so it had to be Lüsen Ardahan walking.
Judah grabbed his coat and, ignoring the perfectly fine door and stairs, boldly stepped onto the windowsill and leaped outside. His coat fluttered in the wind as he fell from the three-story building, startling nearby elves who flinched back. The sound came from beyond the triple gates at the uphill path.
Elves poured out through the wide-open gates, and those on the walls cheered. Hearing their hope-filled cries, Judah ran out too. Standing at the front of the uphill path, looking up at them, was the golem.
〈Lüsen Ardahan〉
An autonomous golem created by Perlnirn with the eighth fragment.
Its 9-meter colossal size, sturdy lower body, and thick arms made it intimidating just standing there. The black, glossy, crustacean-like armor covering its body looked demonic. No one could mistake it for an elf guardian. Yet Judah thought Lüsen Ardahan looked cool. A single kick from its feet would sweep enemy troops aside like leaves. And depending on the situation, it could summon up to 24 Akan subordinates, making it perfect for defending an area.
Wuuung...!
As he gazed at Lüsen Ardahan, Carpediem on his finger resonated. It emitted a faint purple glow and hummed. At the same time, red light flowed from the golem's four eyes as it looked at Judah and began ascending the uphill path.
"Huh? What's that?"
"It's coming up?"
Unusual behavior from its norm, the surrounding elves buzzed. Lüsen Ardahan climbed the hill with fluid movements, striding toward them.
The condition to acquire Lüsen Ardahan was simpler yet harder than for other fragments.
All it required was the twenty-fourth fragment, Carpediem, which held the power of subjugation. Without it, no method would grant ownership, no matter what. With it, acquiring the fragment was easier than anything.
Soon reaching the top of the uphill path, Lüsen Ardahan knelt on one knee before Judah, extending its fisted hand. The watching elves gasped in shock, speechless. It was a sight they'd never seen, and doubly shocking that it knelt to a human.
"Uh..."
Judah hadn't expected Lüsen Ardahan to approach so suddenly either. In the game, you had to go to it and interact, but here it was different. It seemed to react automatically within a certain range.
[Will you acquire the eighth fragment, Lüsen Ardahan?]
[If acquired, command rights of Lüsen Ardahan will transfer from temporary owner 〈Via〉 to 〈Judah Arscher〉, and the mana supply linked to the World Tree will be cut, preventing summoning of the 24 〈Akan〉.]
[Yes / No]
Unlike acquiring other fragments, it came with a warning and two choices. A first so far, but he'd anticipated it and selected No without hesitation.
Without the fourteenth and fifteenth fragments, Lüsen Ardahan couldn't exert its full power. Even with Valentina, handling that much mana would be burdensome, so it was better to leave it receiving the World Tree's mana supply for now.
Judah casually stepped aside, but the elves buzzed about him for a while with various talk.
+ + +
After about three days, the Sillan forces advancing in eleven prongs had merged midway, revealing five battalions total. With winter stripping all leaves from branches, the elves atop Loengrim's walls in the biting wind could see the enemy pitching camp in full detail.
Watching humans chop down trees in the forest where they'd played as children, the elves seethed but could take no action. Rashly moving troops risked attack from the Thunder Sovereign looming overhead with lightning displays. Loengrim had barriers and defenses from the World Tree's mana, safe from sky bolts, but venturing out required caution.
Thus, the enemy leisurely assembled and adjusted siege weapons or scouted paths bypassing the uphill road, blatantly. Yet even after preparations seemed complete, they didn't attack.
One day, two days... No battle erupted; the standoff dragged on.
He wished they'd just charge already. Sure, they could revive no matter how many died, but facing war kept tension high. Watching unpredictable enemies wore him down.
Nearby elves suddenly turned, straightening up. Wondering what was up, he looked back to see Via and several elves approaching. Following Via were elders, all with long white beards and leaning on ornate staves. They looked like immortals or grumpy old men.
"Judah."
"Long time no see."
"Indeed. Doing well?"
Doing well... Not a great question.
He'd wasted time in constant tension awaiting the unknown assault, exhausted. Nor could he leisurely tour the city with Arhil and leave.
The first day, awkwardness with nearby elves had been mutual discomfort. Unable to bear it, Judah bribed them with food and drink to converse and befriend them. Still a bit awkward, but tolerable.
It had been tough.
He sighed softly without a word; Via, watching, gave a wry smile.
"Well, no reason you would be."
Judah shrugged. The elders behind frowned disapprovingly at his attitude. Ignoring their piercing stares, he turned to Via.
"So, what's up? You must be busy."
He hadn't seen her in three days. With enemies unpredictable and strategies in play, he'd only glimpsed her bustling about.
"I said you could act independently, but spending nights on the walls with other elves worried me, so I came to check."
"Grateful for the concern, but that's not all, is it?"
"That obvious?"
"Not hugely, just those piercing stares from behind. They seem to have business with me?"
Via nodded.
"Sharp. They're the elders guarding the Queen. Among the oldest elves and high mages too. They wanted to speak with you, so I brought them."
"With me? Now?"
"Doesn't seem like the enemy will charge anytime soon. They want a short talk; I can't refuse."
He had no desire to chat with the elders. Their stern faces promised no pleasant talk—likely a one-sided notice, he feared.
"If it's inconvenient, no need. It was just a hope."
"...Hm."
On second thought, elders wouldn't come personally if unnecessary. They could've sent underlings to summon him. Yet they'd walked the walls themselves. Refusing those showing courtesy first seemed wrong, so Judah took a deep breath.
Judging without talking isn't good.
Judah nodded to Via, saying he'd talk, then passed her toward the elders.
Up close, they were bent and staved, forcing him to look down. He bowed politely, greeting sincerely.
"Pleased to meet you, elf elders."
"Pleased to meet you, Judah Arscher."
"?"
They knew his name unprompted. Via must've told them, but calling him by name instead of "human" was surprising. Contrary to their stern looks, their voice was kindly.
"Forgive our abrupt visit. We'd have preferred a warm spot with fragrant tea, but circumstances brought us to you."
One spoke, neither rushed nor slow.