Chapter 939
Chapter 36: Through Thorny Paths
There’s nothing heavier than a mother’s almost pleading words and the life of a loved one.
In the past, I could barely take care of myself, struggling just to survive under the weight of fate. There was no way I would agree to such a request, but now it’s different.
Facing the wrath of the Holy Light Pope, leading the kingdom through the chaos of the Dragon Clan, and even slaying a dragon, Roy Ainbrad is no longer afraid of destiny.
Through thorns and hardships, I will simply carve a path forward.
Destiny is determined by people.
Holding the little elven girl’s small hand while looking back at Janthea, Roy took on this heavy responsibility without hesitation: “I promise you. No matter what happens, I will bring her back safely.”
The elven girl beamed, and the council members could hardly contain their excitement.
Janthea, who was originally worried about Nia, felt a sense of reassurance looking at the resolute young man before her.
Not only because it was a promise from a high-ranking extraordinary being, but also because he, as a man, accepted her request as a mother.
With that, the only response she could give was one.
“I believe in you.”
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The next day, the advance scouting team gathered beneath the World Tree.
To ensure Nia’s safety, besides Roy, Janthea specifically summoned twelve top rangers and several remarkably skilled adventurers, including the retired Natasha.
Leaving Varolan behind, Natasha had become the top combat power of the Verdant Council after years of service.
“Sorry to trouble you again this time.”
“Not at all. Serving the council is the mission of every descendant of the elves.”
Janthea and Natasha’s relationship had long surpassed that of a ruler and a subject; they were genuine friends. Besides Roy, Natasha was the person Janthea trusted the most.
“Nia, even though I promised you, you must listen to Roy and Natasha along the way, understood?”
Knowing that Nia would only agree verbally, before she could respond, Janthea turned to Roy with a serious expression: “Roy, you know how reckless Nia can be. At critical moments, feel free to discipline her properly for me.”
“Not a problem,” Roy raised an eyebrow.
“Hey, don’t treat me like a brat!”
Ignoring Nia’s protest, Janthea suppressed her reluctance and earnestly said to Roy: “I’m counting on you for Nia.”
After saying goodbye to Janthea, Roy and the others finally set off on their journey to the Eternal Twilight Forest.
The Eternal Twilight Forest is located deep within the Elven Woods, and due to its remoteness and the dangerous magical beasts, it has been too hard to develop, meaning the Verdant Council still couldn’t incorporate it into their territory.
Among adventurers, there were also many legends about the Eternal Twilight Forest, such as tales of the elven empress’s legacy.
“To be honest, leaving aside those wooden guys, we’re just going on an adventure in the Eternal Twilight Forest, right?! Who knows, we might actually find the elven empress’s legacy!”
Unlike the worried Janthea, as soon as they left Emerald City, Nia’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she called out.
Roy and Natasha exchanged glances, very much in sync, and grabbed the delicate pointed ears of the girl from either side.
“Ouch, ouch, ouch! What are you doing?!”
“This isn’t a trip for fun; please be a little more alert!” Natasha took on the role of a guardian, giving her a serious lesson.
Roy nodded in agreement: “Indeed.”
“Indeed? You just think pulling my ears is fun… Ouch, ouch, ouch, okay, okay, I was wrong, I was wrong, alright?…”
Under the girl’s teary-eyed pleas for mercy, Roy smirked mischievously.
Since he had been entrusted by Janthea directly, it would be a waste not to use this power. And let me tell you, the elf girl’s ears are so delicate, soft, and squishy—perfect to touch!
“Help me, Sister Nana!”
“Reflect well. Roy will discipline you. It must be your own fault.”
Natasha walked past without looking back, leaving Nia dumbfounded.
Wait a minute, I’m the chief daughter of the council, shouldn’t I be the darling? Why is everyone picking on me?!
Nia suddenly felt like this journey might not be as fun as she thought.
Considering that All Things Wither had strange scouting demons that are hard to guard against, Roy chose to travel low-key again this time.
If they could insert spies into the high-ranking council, it wouldn’t be difficult to have eyes all over the Verdant Council.
Roy wanted to reach the Eternal Twilight Forest quickly to avoid being entangled by cultists, so he suggested everyone hide their identities, posing as real adventurers, avoiding large cities and taking the shortest route.
With his high-ranking extraordinary being status, plus experience dealing with cultists, no one dared to refute his suggestion.
Unlike the Lionheart Kingdom’s mountainous terrain, the Elven Woods are relatively flat, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to traverse.
On the contrary, the overgrown vegetation can reach heights of a hundred meters, with no end in sight, and still mixed with many strange plant-based magical beasts, making it quite dangerous.
In this situation, recklessly taking unmarked paths could easily make them targets, so Roy and the others had to alternate between air and ground travel. The giant eagles ridden by the elven descendants might not be as strong as griffins in direct combat, but their speed is on point, more than enough for travel.
About half a month later, Roy and the others finally arrived at the adventurers’ outpost outside the swamplands.
Having come this far, they were just a few days away from the Eternal Twilight Forest, already very close.
However, the sight before them made Roy and the others furrow their brows.
When adventurers mobilize on a large scale, they often set up temporary outposts along the way for later travelers to rest.
These outposts are essentially makeshift resting places, usually not staffed with many people, but at this moment, over a hundred adventurers were gathered here, idly sitting in a temporarily built camp.
“This isn’t good; based on my rich experience in adventuring…” Nia squinted her eyes, pinching her chin, starting her deduction.
Natasha coldly interrupted her boasting: “Most likely, the road ahead is blocked, and the guild has started temporary restrictions.”
Can’t I just show off a bit in front of Roy?!
Nia became gloomy, her eyes turning resentful.
But Roy had already started talking to Natasha first.
“What should we do?”
“Let’s see the situation. I’ll have a word with the guild’s leader. Don’t worry; I have some connections in the Adventurers’ Guild.”
“True to form, a seasoned adventurer is dependable at critical moments,” Roy didn’t hold back his praise.
“Too kind. To be praised by a dragon-slaying knight, I’m a bit flattered,” Natasha joked, then set off toward the nearby temporary guild station.
A number of adventurers were gathered there, anxiously asking questions.
The dragon-slaying knight’s reputation was too bright, like a flashbang in the dark; exposing him too early might alert All Things Wither, so having someone else handle it was certainly more to Roy’s liking.
Once Natasha left, Nia leaned in closer.
“Let me make it clear, I’m reliable too.”
“Uh-huh, got it.”
“How dismissive!”
