Encountering An Elf Camp

In response to Ayame's concern, Blake assured her, "No matter how dark it is, my eyesight can adapt to it. I have already gained night vision while fighting against those Shadow Panthers, so it's not difficult for me to harvest loot from their corpses."

Ayame sighed, "If you say so. Just be careful, okay?"

Blake nodded. "Always. I'll start with the nearest one."

With practiced efficiency, Blake approached the nearest Shadow Panther carcass.

The creatures were intimidating even in death, their fur absorbing the ambient light, making them appear as dark, looming shadows.

Using a sharp knife he had in the enchanted bag, Blake began the process of dismantling the first Shadow Panther.

His movements were swift and precise, honed by years of experience in butchering and skinning animals for his culinary practices.

As he worked, Ayame watched through the Surveillance Orb, providing a comforting presence. "You're doing great, Blake. The pelts look valuable."

Blake nodded, focusing on the task at hand. The fur was tough and required considerable effort to cut through, but Blake's enhanced strength made the job manageable. He carefully separated the pelt from the muscle, ensuring it remained intact.

"These pelts are incredible," Blake remarked. "They could be used for armor or sold for a high price if we find a market."

Ayame agreed. "They might even have magical properties, considering the abilities of these creatures."

Blake continued working, harvesting not only the pelts but also claws, teeth, and other parts that might be useful. Each piece was carefully stored in the enchanted bag, which seemed to have endless capacity.

The process took some time, but Blake's Adaptation Sage Authority allowed him to work tirelessly, his stamina seemingly inexhaustible.

When he finally finished dismantling the last of the Shadow Panthers, the night was still dark, but Blake felt a sense of accomplishment.

He stood, wiping his hands clean, and glanced around the forest. "That's done. We have quite a haul."

Ayame's voice came through the orb, filled with pride. "You did wonderfully, Blake. Now, let's see if we can find a path to civilization."

Blake nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. With the valuable resources stored safely in the enchanted bag, he was ready to continue their journey.

As he moved deeper into the forest, his enhanced vision scanning the surroundings, Blake remained vigilant. The forest was full of unknown dangers, but he felt more prepared than ever.

They walked in silence for a while, the only sounds being the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures.

The path ahead was uncertain, but Blake and Ayame knew they had each other, and that was enough to face whatever lay ahead.

Suddenly, Blake's enhanced senses picked up a faint light in the distance. He paused, squinting to get a better look. "Ayame, I see something. A light."

"Can you describe it?" Ayame asked, her curiosity piqued.

"It looks like a campfire," Blake replied. "It's faint, but definitely there. We might have found signs of civilization."

Ayame's excitement was palpable. "Let's check it out. But be cautious."

Blake nodded and made his way toward the light, moving stealthily through the underbrush. As they got closer, the outlines of tents and the sounds of voices became clearer.

He stopped a safe distance away, peering through the foliage. "It's a campsite. There are people here."

Ayame's voice was filled with relief. "Finally, we might get some answers."

Blake took a deep breath, ready to approach the camp. "Here goes nothing."

With the Surveillance Orb floating close by, he stepped out of the shadows and made his way towards the camp, hoping their journey was about to take a new, promising turn.

As for concerns about life and safety, Blake had little to worry about due to his Adaptation Sage Authority. Although he didn't fully understand its limits yet, he knew that it significantly improved his chances of survival compared to Ayame.

Therefore, Blake felt more comfortable taking on the dangerous role of exploring this new world to pave the way for his wife.

As Blake approached the camp, he saw the elves clearly for the first time.

There were about 7 elves in the camp, tall and graceful, their pointed ears and luminous eyes giving them an ethereal appearance.

The elves noticed him and immediately took defensive stances, speaking quickly among themselves in a language Blake couldn't understand.

Before the situation could escalate, one of the elves, a tall male with a regal bearing, stepped forward and murmured an incantation. A warm glow surrounded Blake, and suddenly, he could understand their words.

"Who are you, and why have you come to our territory?" the leading elf demanded, his voice stern and filled with suspicion.

Blake, relieved that they could now communicate, raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "My name is Blake, and I come in peace. I'm an explorer, and I found myself in this world unexpectedly. I mean no harm and seek only to understand this place and find a way back to my home."

The translation magic worked not by converting the literal words but by conveying the intent and meaning behind the speaker's words. This ensured that even without a common linguistic foundation, the essence of their communication was preserved.

The elves exchanged glances, their expressions hardening.

The leader, Eryndor, narrowed his eyes. "Humans should not be able to penetrate this far into the Mystic Forest without alerting our kingdom. Your presence here is suspicious. How did you manage to get this deep?"

Blake could sense the rising tension and knew he had to be careful with his words. "I understand your suspicion. My journey here was not intentional. I possess a unique ability that helped me survive the dangers of the forest. I mean no harm and only wish to find my way back."

Eryndor's eyes remained fixed on Blake, skepticism clear in his gaze. "Unique ability or not, you are an intruder. We have strict laws about outsiders in our territory. You will come with us, and we will decide your fate after consulting with our elders."