The Fading Lifeforce of the Elves
'What in the world happened that they'd even use a term like heaven's punishment?'
It must be something beyond just the World Tree gradually weakening—there had to be another problem brewing among the elves. As if answering my unspoken question, Ivelin spoke up again.
"Ancient texts record several instances where the World Tree's power temporarily waned. However, separate from that, the lifeforce of us elves is steadily wearing away."
"Isn't lifeforce different from the World Tree's blessing?"
"Indeed. Think of it as the essence that constitutes an elf rapidly depleting. It means we're losing the immortality we once prized as our glory, our exceptional mana sensitivity, and our bond with the World Tree."
"Then what are we gonna do!"
I jumped in shock at the mention of losing immortality. Silleia, Rune, Ivelin, and all the other elves I'd seen—they were all going to lose their power? My face must have fallen, because Ivelin spoke in a reassuring tone.
"Never imagined I'd end up pitied by a human. We won't keel over until long after a little squirt like you grows old and dies, so don't worry your pretty head."
The Ivelin I'd first met would have grumbled something like 'humans are irrelevant' in this situation. Had we gotten close without me noticing? The tsun-to-dere ratio felt like it had shifted to about 3:7.
This guy's—or elf's—heart is actually pretty warm. So why'd he act so cold on the first day?
As the leader of the elf search team, maybe he was just trying to set an example for others. I'd have to ask Silleia about his reputation later.
"Now that I've said all I need to, off with you."
"Wait a sec."
Most of my questions had been answered, but there was still more he needed to tell me. What I really wanted was the story about what happened when I left the forest, right? Why I had to be extra careful of the Dark Elves outside, and how the current situation affected me. But all I'd heard so far was that the elves were in deeper trouble than expected. He'd started by saying there was a special reason to watch out for Dark Elves, but he'd just rambled on about elf problems and wrapped it up.
"You haven't finished everything yet."
I voiced my complaints about the remaining questions, and his expression darkened.
"I didn't want to get into this—it tarnishes elven pride. Hear it once and forget it, if you please."
He looked like he hated perceptive humans as he continued.
"In my earlier explanation, there was something I deliberately omitted. It's true that elven lifeforce is wearing away, but specifically, it only applies to the elder generation of elves."
"Why just the elders? Is there a reason?"
"Only the World Tree knows that."
Suddenly, it clicked.
I think I've figured out the root of the tension between the elf generations that I sensed since arriving in the village.
Silleia had said the young elves were neglected simply because the World Tree was declining, but there must be more to it. Maybe the elders were deliberately hiding their fading lifeforce to protect the young ones.
But how did a problem exclusive to the elders relate to me? Ivelin pressed on, ignoring me.
"The key point is that it's caused division among the elves. One faction says it's the World Tree's will and we must accept it. Another blames the young elves entirely. And a third wants to summon outsiders to resolve it."
According to Ivelin, the biggest problem for me was something else.
"A few years ago, some couldn't take it anymore and left the World Tree's protection. It hasn't been that long, so they likely haven't fully lost their sense of self. They'll be the deadliest threat to you."
"Why does it feel like the enemies outside the forest keep getting stronger? First it was just monsters, then Dark Elves, and now they still have their wits?"
"It's all our elves' fault. Needless squabbles among us have just burdened you more. On behalf of all elves, I apologize."
"No, you don't have to—"
Did telling me about the Dark Elves feel shameful to him? The proud elf who'd always held his head high now bowed to me.
"The only info worth passing to a human is that hazy-minded Dark Elves lurk outside the forest. I shared our tribe's troubles because I sensed your sincerity."
I had trained hard, after all. Not just to clear Floor 2, but to genuinely grow stronger. Running the training grounds, scaling cliffs—even when I felt like collapsing, I always gave my all. Having Ivelin acknowledge that made all the sweat from training feel worth it.
"I hope our bond isn't just you as the fixer and us paying you fairly. So please, come back unharmed from beyond the forest."
He seemed embarrassed after saying it, turning his head away slyly.
Ivelin still seems awkward expressing his true feelings.
Offering me precious drinks during training or that ring—it all fit the pattern. He was the first to open up with courage; it'd be rude to just sit there like a stone. Time for a thank-you at least.
"You took time out of your busy schedule to train me and even shared the elves' secrets. I'm the one who's grateful. Thank you so much."
"And it's good you're getting along with Silleia. That child worries a lot, even in the search team."
"Yeah, she's louder and more hyper than most."
His unexpected response to my casual reply threw me off.
"No, not that. A few years ago, Silleia lost her closest friend. She's been anxious ever since."
"Huh?"
"Now I've told you everything. It's late—head home. I've confirmed your sincerity, so from the next training, it'll be even harsher."
Clicking his tongue, he made a face like he hadn't meant to bare his soul like that. Ashamed of his honesty, his tone turned stern again, threatening tougher training for no reason.
Wait, the training can get even harder from here?
Didn't he say overdoing exercise beyond your limits was bad for the body? I had a bad feeling Ivelin would force tonics down my throat if I broke down, then resume training anyway.
"Now I'm dreading the next training day."
I muttered to myself on the way home.
Back at the house, the mother-daughter duo greeted me enthusiastically.
"I'm home."
"Welcome back~"
"Seha! I was waiting forever!"
As I sat naturally, Silleia fired off a question.
"How was training today? Ivelin didn't bully you or anything, right?"
"Yeah, it was tough, but rewarding. Thinking back now, it was kinda fun."
Silleia stared at me like she'd heard something unbelievable. Watching us, Rune quietly covered her mouth and chuckled softly. Her reaction puzzled me, so I asked Silleia,
"What's up? He's a bit gruff, but he treats me well, doesn't he?"
"…."
She gave up answering, burying her face in her bowl to eat. The usually noisy girl eating quietly? To quiet things down in the future, just bring up Ivelin. I mentally saved this new Silleia-taming strategy. Then Rune spoke to me.
"Seha, tomorrow I'll teach you magic. Look forward to it."
"Whoa, I'm so excited I might not sleep tonight. What do I do?"
"Hoho, you sure know how to talk pretty."
Half of that was joking, but I was genuinely looking forward to her magic lessons. Even in the rest village, the most I'd done was chat a bit about magic with Jeonghyeon Yeo—no real chance to learn. Especially for me, who always blasted magic at max output without control, it'd be super meaningful. Amid the warm vibe between me and Rune, Silleia stayed silent, just fidgeting and glancing at us.
Silleia did complain once that her mom's lessons were tough.
With her personality, sitting still must have been torture, so Rune probably had her work for it. Thinking of mother and daughter both struggling over magic studies brought a natural smile. And it took only half a day for that smile to twist into a scream.