Chapter 210: Strange Valley

Under each World Tree resides an elven tribe.

These tribes govern all surrounding human kingdoms.

Backed by the World Tree, they wield immense magical power, with nearly every elf being a natural spellcaster.

Their absolute power grants them absolute authority, dominating nearby kingdoms.

Aside from lower reproductive rates, elves are an almost flawless race.

They possess beauty, longevity, and exceptional magical talent.

With their long lifespans, elves have many powerful spellcasters.

However, great power comes with great responsibility.

The world has many problems that humans in the elven plane struggle to solve.

This is when the elves step in.

When elves act, they always resolve these issues.

Recently, though, some matters have troubled the elves.

Namely, invaders from the wizard plane.

These invaders, calling themselves wizards, have abilities similar to spellcasters.

They are powerful, ruthless, and love to plunder valuable things.

To them, the World Tree is a priceless treasure.

Upon arriving in the elven plane, these wizards seek to seize the World Tree.

Every elf sees the World Tree as a mother, and won’t allow harm to come to it.

Wizard invasions have occurred worldwide, drawing the elves’ attention.

Where wizard bases are found, elves send forces to defend or attack.

In areas without wizard bases, elves take preventive measures.

For instance, the wooden flute given to Severus.

Elves use such methods in every kingdom, usually given to protectors like Severus.

Wizard bases start hidden, hard to detect, relying on kingdom champions to notice anomalies and contact elves.

With limited numbers, elves can’t monitor the entire elven plane.

Wizards are cunning, initially staying hidden, making detection difficult.

But once a sign appears, elves act swiftly.

Lucio, captain of Strange Valley’s elven guard, has magician-level power.

After receiving messages from the World Tree’s royal elves, Lucio visited nearby kingdoms.

In each, he chose one or two people, giving them contact methods.

He also sent elves to explore kingdoms, hoping to spot anomalies early.

One day, Lucio received Severus’s message.

After speaking with Severus, Lucio was grave.

From Severus’s account, Lucio suspected a wizard base in the Lim Mountains.

Only wizards could silently eliminate so many, including a mid-level spellcaster, without leaving traces.

Yet Lucio needed to investigate personally.

Lucio took three high-level spellcaster guards with him.

Fewer people meant easier movement.

“Lucio, be cautious. If it’s truly a wizard invasion, return immediately; we must prepare,” said Strange Valley’s elder.

Over 800 years old, the elder was the oldest in Strange Valley.

Strange Valley had three grand magician-level spellcasters, including the elder.

Lucio, the most promising young elf, was likely to succeed the elder.

Lucio nodded, “Rest assured, elder. I’ll return once I understand the situation.”

His goal was to clarify the situation.

If wizards had invaded, Strange Valley’s power might not suffice.

With few members, they’d likely need other tribes’ help.

Though elven tribes might have conflicts, they unite against external threats.

***

Lucio and three elves traveled for half a month, reaching Sea Stone City.

Their journey was discreet, unknown to the Norn Kingdom’s king.

By the time the king learned of four elves in Sea Stone City, Lucio was in Severus’s office.

“Mr. Severus, what’s the situation?” Lucio asked.

Severus, looking older, sighed, handing over two letters.

Tyron had sent another letter.

Cole hadn’t emerged from the Lim Mountains.

Even Tyron realized Cole might not just be trapped but in danger.

A mid-level spellcaster, in peril in the Lim Mountains.

Tyron felt suffocated by the thought.

He immediately had a letter sent to Archmage Severus.

Tyron, sleepless, had increased border patrols, monitoring the Lim Mountains 24/7.

Behind him lay all of Oberstein, a heavy burden.

Lucio read the letters.

“We’ll head to Oberstein to investigate,” Lucio said.

“I’ll join you; I’ve informed the king,” Severus, eager to explore the Lim Mountains, said.

Lucio observed Severus’s mental state, then said, “You’re old; stay here.”

Severus shook his head, “I want to see for myself.”

Lucio pondered, “You can come, but don’t act rashly. We’re investigating, not confronting.”

“Confronting? Do you know what’s there?” Severus perked up.

Lucio shook his head, “Just a guess—perhaps wizard plane invaders.”

“Wizard plane invaders?” Severus recalled, understanding.

“I shouldn’t have sent him; it’s my fault,” Severus regretted, guilt-ridden.

Long ago, he’d heard of other planes but never encountered them.

He’d seen records of the wizard plane, but years had dimmed his memory.

Lucio’s mention jogged his memory.