Chapter 194: I’m Keeping the Good Stuff to Myself (2)
Chapter 194: I’m Keeping the Good Stuff to Myself (2)
Fundamentally, there is no formal hierarchy among the Elven elders.
Everyone is equal.
However, whenever political factions form, a leader naturally emerges to serve as a focal point.
This, too, is an unavoidable reality of politics.
And the man who stood as the representative of the Orthodox Faction was this very individual.
Kantaros, the leader of the Red Leaf Clan.
With blonde hair and reddish-brown eyes, he possessed the handsome appearance of a middle-aged Elven man. He was the head of the traditionalists.
The moment he opened his mouth, the other orthodox elders fell silent and focused their attention on him—a clear testament to his firm grip on the faction.
He spoke in a calm, steady voice.
"As I am sure you all agree, an Elf must remain Elven. That is the value of our tradition and the core of our argument."
"That is true."
"Of course."
"I agree."
The preservation of tradition.
This was the core value of the Orthodox Faction.
It was a principle no one could deny.
Having established a consensus on the broad framework, Kantaros turned to the other elders.
"In over ten thousand years of Elven history, there has never been an instance of an Elf learning Aura. Whether coexistence with spirits is possible or not is merely a secondary issue."
"Mmm. That is..."
"You aren't wrong. However..."
"Ahem."
Some of the elders looked regretful.
Inwardly, they had hoped to take this opportunity to send the children of their own clans to Patrick to learn the Aura Blessing.
Tradition was important, but the lack of practical military power was a genuine concern.
As long as they could maintain their communion with spirits, they had no inherent aversion to learning the Aura Blessing itself.
Kantaros fixed his gaze on those who looked disappointed and spoke.
"Those who would discard Elven pride to vulgarly chase practical gain do not belong in this circle. You would be better off joining the Reformists."
At his words, the regretful elders turned red and avoided Kantaros's gaze.
In truth, switching sides to the Reformists now was practically impossible.
The rift caused by years of accumulated conflict ran too deep.
If they were seasoned human politicians...
[Hahaha. Weren't we all just trying to do what's best for everyone?]
[Hohoho. Indeed, indeed.]
[Let's bury the past and work well together from now on.]
[Of course, of course.]
They might have been able to switch sides with a laugh, but Elves lacked the brazenness to pull off such a stunt.
Using the grand cause of legitimacy, Kantaros instantly reined in the fracturing faction.
He then addressed the elders.
"Keep a tight leash on your clans. Especially ensure the young ones do not entertain foolish thoughts."
"Yes. Understood."
"I shall demand that the human known as Double Dragon leaves Evergreen as soon as possible. Lend your strength to that cause as well."
"Certainly."
"It was unpleasant to have a human in our sanctuary to begin with."
"Honestly, the humiliation we suffer because of those Reformists..."
The orthodox elders grumbled a few more words, set their future course of action, and then dispersed.
Left alone, Kantaros leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh.
"It isn't easy. Not easy at all."
Muttering with a weary expression, he spoke quietly.
"How much longer must I endure?"
Kantaros spoke as if addressing someone in the empty room.
Then, surprisingly, the space behind him shimmered, and someone appeared to answer.
"It will be soon."
The figure, dressed entirely in black with their face hidden by a hood, had been there the whole time.
Yet, the Elven elders hadn't noticed his presence at all.
Kantaros spoke to the master of stealth.
"I cannot guarantee how much longer I can suppress the clans. As the World Tree's condition worsens, the anxious Reformists will surely attempt something reckless."
"There isn't much time left. You only need to hold out until then."
"I am asking exactly when that will be!"
At Kantaros's irritation-laced question, the figure remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"Kantaros of the Red Leaf Clan."
"..."
"You have already made your choice. Do you truly think you can turn back now?"
"I have no such thoughts."
"Then for now, simply trust and wait."
"..."
"It's not as if you have any other choice, is there?"
Kantaros's face contorted at the figure's mocking tone.
But even as his expression twisted, he couldn't offer a single word of rebuttal because what the stranger said was the truth.
The figure spoke to the silent Kantaros.
"When the time comes, you shall be saved. Along with your clan..."
Leaving those words behind, the masked man vanished, melting back into the air.
Left alone, Kantaros squeezed his eyes shut and let out a long, heavy sigh.
'It can't be helped. There's no other way.'
* * *
Initially, there were fifty Elves who learned the Aura Blessing from Patrick.
However, as word of mouth spread, other Elven warriors began seeking Patrick out to ask for instruction.
Patrick performed True Qi Guidance on each of them, personalizing the process to instill the cultivation method of the Supreme Purity Mental Method.
True Qi Guidance was no easy task; he could manage seventy people a day at most, but he still worked until he was drenched in sweat, fine-tuning the Elves' Aura.
Seeing Patrick like this, the Reformist Elves were deeply moved.
'Ah, to think he would willingly help us even while pushing himself to such exhaustion.'
'I thought most humans were a race that would harm others for their own gain, driven by greed... but a human like this exists.'
'He is a benefactor to our race. To think I would regain my spirit...'
The Reformist Elves, moved to tears by regaining their lost spirits, swore upon their names and their clans to repay Patrick's kindness.
Seeing the actions of the Reformists, the Neutral Faction Elves, who had been hesitating, also began to visit Patrick.
They approached him and asked cautiously.
"Is it truly certain that learning this Aura Blessing will not sever our connection with the spirits?"
"Of course. Would you like to learn it?"
At Patrick's words, the Elf who had asked hesitated.
"I must check with my tribal chief. We are not aligned with the Reformists."
"Ah, let's stop with the complicated political talk. I don't care about any of that."
Patrick Schneider.
A man for whom lying was a habit.
But the Elves, who had no way of knowing this, only saw Patrick's bright smile.
"If you want to learn it, just learn it. I will teach you."
"You truly do not care about our faction?"
"I am merely a martial artist."
"Ah..."
The young Elves of the Neutral Faction were struck with admiration by Patrick's virtuous smile.
'Ah... he is a truly noble human.'
No, he's not.
'Who dared to call humans treacherous? Rather, am I not the one who is cunning for worrying about factions and politics?'
No. You're wrong.
'Not all humans are good, surely. But this Double Dragon is a truly righteous man. He is someone to be trusted.'
At this point, one could only weep for them.
Regardless, the warriors of the Neutral Faction also came to Patrick to learn the Supreme Purity Mental Method.
Patrick performed True Qi Guidance for each of them, never stopping even as cold sweat poured down his face.
This sight moved the Elves even more.
"Lord Patrick. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Elione asked with a pained expression from the side, but Patrick replied with a saintly smile.
"Regrettably, this is something only I can do."
To be more precise, it was something he had to monopolize.
If he explained the concept of pressure points and taught them the circulation methods, the Elves might eventually be able to operate the Supreme Purity Mental Method on their own. However...
'No way. Hehe. I'm keeping the good stuff to myself.'
That was the kind of guy he was.
Well, technically, martial arts were secrets to be guarded against external leaks, so his actions weren't entirely "wrong." But still...
"Do not worry about my exhaustion. For the future of the Elven race, I... cough, cough!"
"Lord Patrick!"
"Cough, cough. It's alright. I just overexerted myself a little. Do not worry too much."
"Lord Patrick... this is too much..."
"Th-that's enough for today!"
"Our benefactor's health is what matters most!"
"Everyone behind them, go back! Now!"
Elione and the other Elven warriors who viewed Patrick as their savior hurriedly cleared the area.
Watching them, Patrick covered his blood-stained mouth with his hand and thought:
'Hehe. How's that? This is the Twin Dragon Sect's secret technique: "Vomiting Blood to Look Pitiful."'
If his Master had been there, he would have fainted with foam at his mouth.
Regardless, the effect of Patrick's performance was immense.
Just how immense?
* * *
Two weeks later.
"Patrick! Patrick! Patrick!"
"Patrick! Patrick! Patrick!"
"Patrick! Patrick! Patrick!"
Hundreds of Elven warriors were chanting a name in unison.
And where their gazes were fixed...
"Hahaha. Hello again today. Yes, it's your friendly neighbor, Patrick Schneider."
"Lord Patrick! Thanks to you, my younger brother has regained his spirit!"
"Lord Patrick! I heard you like Elven liquor, so I brought some. It's a family vintage my mother brewed herself when I was born!"
"This is silk my sister wove personally. Please accept it!"
A few young men blocked the path between the fanatical Elven supporters and Patrick.
Appearing with black sunglasses they had acquired from somewhere, they formed a wall in front of the Elves to protect Patrick.
"Alright, alright, step back. Step back."
"Didn't we tell you not to give gifts directly? Take them to the designated area!"
"Hey, don't push! Stay in line!"
"Make way! We need to pass through!"
Patrick walked through the crowd with a benevolent smile, and any Elf who happened to make eye contact with him cheered as if they were about to faint.
Watching this scene from afar, Matthew spoke.
"So this is what brainwashing looks like."
The thought that this was how cults were born naturally crossed his mind.
His companions beside him shared similar thoughts.
"According to the records, Elves were known to be a race impossible to brainwash..."
"Look at the reality. The records were wrong."
"It's proof that correct logic isn't always found in books."
"Poor Elves."
Well, it wasn't entirely incomprehensible.
From the Elves' perspective, Patrick was a benefactor who had brought about a revolutionary change.
Especially for those who had lost and then regained their spirits, they wouldn't even doubt him if Patrick said the sun would rise in the west tomorrow.
To them, Patrick was a savior, a saint, and a pioneer who had opened a new horizon.
"Sigh."
Harmony between humans and Elves was a good thing.
It was definitely a good thing, but...
'Why did it have to be him...'
As Isabella lamented, a strangely proud voice came from beside her.
"The Elves certainly know how to judge character. To recognize the Young Master's greatness so well."
"..."
"I am very pleased."
Isabella looked at April with pitying eyes.
Right. There was this one, too.
The original devotee of the Church of Patrick Schneider.
She was nodding as if this situation were only natural.
On her usually expressionless face, a rare hint of satisfaction was visible.
Patrick eventually reached his usual spot and sat down.
"Well then, shall we begin today? Next person on the reservation list, please."
He was about to start the True Qi Guidance for the Elven warriors. However...
"Stop!"
Suddenly, Elven Knights appeared and blocked Patrick.
"Why are they here?"
"What's going on?"
They pushed through the murmuring Elves and approached Patrick. Then, they spoke.
"Patrick Schneider."
"Yes. Why are you calling for me?"
Patrick answered readily and stepped forward.
The knight looked at Patrick with blatant hostility and declared:
"By order of the Council of Elders, I command you. Cease what you are doing immediately and leave Evergreen."
"Huh? Right now?"
"Yes. If you do not leave immediately, we will respond with force."
As he spoke, the Elven Knights drew the bows from their backs and notched arrows.
Patrick didn't even blink at the display. However...
"What is the meaning of this?"
A figure stepped in, her beautiful eyes narrowed in anger.
It was Elione.
She stepped in front of Patrick. The knight spoke as if he found her presence troublesome.
"Elione. This is not your concern."
"Yurahis, I am an Elven Knight just like you. Are you saying I have no right to be here?"
"Then, as an Elven Knight, are you formally rebelling against the decision of the Council? Just to side with that human?"
"I haven't heard anything about the Council making such a decision. How did this happen?"
The Elf named Yurahis pulled a rolled-up parchment from his tunic and showed it to her.
"See for yourself. It is an official order."
Elione took the order, checked it, and frowned.
"The date on the order is today."
"That is correct."
"Today isn't even a day the Council is scheduled to meet."
"It was an emergency session. And with a majority vote, the expulsion of that human was decided. There are no procedural issues."
Hearing Yurahis's words, Elione quickly grasped the situation.
"So, only the orthodox elders gathered for an emergency session and unilaterally rammed the motion through. Is that it?"
"..."
"Do you think such a railroaded vote will be accepted? Even humans don't pull such petty tricks."
"Well..."