32. Farewell to the Shamans

Having completed their collaboration with the shamans, Merslin and his party attended the farewell banquet the shamans had prepared. The shamans, grateful for their assistance, held a grand feast in their honor.

Laig smiled warmly as he spoke.

"Tonight is a farewell celebration in your honor. Please, enjoy yourselves to the fullest."

Merslin nodded and expressed his gratitude.

"Thank you, Laig. We'll make sure to enjoy this moment."

The village square was already filled with a festive atmosphere. Tables were laden with food and drinks, and the villagers danced and sang to celebrate the occasion.

Elena admired the dishes on the table and remarked in awe.

"These look delicious. I never expected shamans to be such great cooks."

Lisa chuckled and added,

"Yeah, it's been a while since we had a proper celebration. Let's enjoy ourselves."

As the night went on, conversations and laughter flowed freely between Merslin's party and the shamans.

Serena approached Merslin with a drink in hand.

"Merslin, have some more. Tonight is all about celebrating."

Merslin hesitated, a sheepish look on his face.

"Serena, if I drink too much, I might not wake up on time tomorrow."

He took a sip and let out a small sigh, momentarily setting aside his worries about their journey.

Lisa smirked playfully and leaned in.

"Oh? I don't think Serena is talking about the drink."

Merslin nearly choked, turning bright red.

"W-what are you talking about?!"

Elena giggled at Merslin's flustered reaction.

"Lisa, stop teasing him. Look, he's about to combust."

Merslin quickly set his cup down, trying to recover.

"Ah, it's just… This drink is stronger than I expected."

As the feast reached its climax, the shamans prepared a special performance, showcasing their deep connection with the spirits.

Tarun raised his hands, summoning ethereal beings.

"Now, we will show you the shaman's sacred performance. A dance in communion with the spirits."

The shamans gathered in the center, raising their hands toward the sky. Glowing spirits emerged, gracefully moving in harmony with the performers.

Aria watched in awe, whispering,

"This is beautiful. I had no idea spirits could create such a mesmerizing dance."

Elena nodded in agreement.

"It's amazing. I wonder if we could learn something like this."

At the peak of the performance, Laig transformed into his spirit wolf form, letting out a powerful howl. More spirit wolves appeared, joining him in a majestic dance.

Merslin marveled at the sight.

"Laig, that was incredible. The way you connect with the spirits… it's breathtaking."

Serena grinned and clapped her hands.

"That wolf dance was amazing! Maybe I should try it too!"

She attempted to mimic the movements, spinning and twirling with enthusiasm. However, as the dance grew more energetic, her dress clung to her form, accentuating her elegant silhouette.

Merslin averted his gaze, laughing awkwardly.

"Uh, Serena… maybe ease up a little? Your dress is kind of… sticking."

Serena smirked teasingly.

"What, don't you think I should be a little more alluring?"

Merslin stammered, his face heating up.

"N-no, that's not what I meant… I just wanted to make sure you're comfortable."

Lisa shook her head, chuckling.

"Serena, you're better suited for throwing daggers than dancing. But I'll admit, your enthusiasm is commendable."

Serena grinned.

"Thanks, Lisa. I always put my all into dancing, fighting, and having fun."

Merslin smiled as he watched his companions enjoying themselves.

"You know, it's nice to see everyone relaxed like this. We should cherish moments like these more often."

Lisa nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, we've been through a lot. It's good to let loose once in a while. We need to be ready for whatever's next."

As the celebration came to an end, Merslin's party exchanged final farewells with the shamans. Tarun advised them to head toward the Elven Forest, where they could find valuable information about the Blood Elves.

Tarun's tone was serious as he spoke.

"I wish you luck on your journey. You will find crucial knowledge in the Elven Forest."

Laig nodded.

"The elves hold ancient wisdom. Their guidance will be invaluable to your quest."

Merslin bowed his head respectfully.

"Thank you, Tarun. We will make our way to the Elven Forest and seek the knowledge we need."

Elena's expression turned determined.

"Let's prepare for the journey. The elves may hold the key to understanding what lies ahead."

Lisa clenched her fists, steeling herself for the next challenge.

"Yeah, we don't know what awaits us, but we'll face it together."

Serena's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"The Elven Forest… Sounds like another grand adventure! I can't wait!"

Aria smiled warmly.

"We'll get through this, just like we always do."

With the warm memories of the farewell feast in their hearts, Merslin's party set off toward the Elven Forest, ready to uncover its hidden truths.

Merslin walked ahead, feeling a newfound resolve.

"We will only grow stronger. No matter what challenges come our way, we will face them together."

Journey to the Elven Forest

After bidding farewell to the shamans, Merslin and his party set off for the Elven Forest, seeking ancient wisdom and crucial information about the Blood Elves. The Elven Forest was known to be an independent domain, separate from the Luminaria Kingdom, filled with mysticism and deep, ancient knowledge.

Elena: "Once we arrive, we must find the leader of the elves. They might be able to help us."

Lisa: "Yeah, the elves possess vast ancient knowledge. They could provide the guidance we need."

Serena: "The Elven Forest! I can't wait. A new adventure, new discoveries—it's going to be incredible!"

Aria: "Indeed. Let's all work together and make this journey a success."

Merslin listened to his companions, silently making a vow to himself.

'We will succeed. As long as we stand together, no obstacle will be too great.'

Trials Along the Way

The journey to the Elven Forest was not an easy one. For several days, they traveled through rugged mountain paths and faced the various challenges of nature.

One night, they decided to camp deep within the forest. A warm bonfire crackled, casting flickering shadows around them. Aria brewed herbal tea, offering it to the group to ease their fatigue.

Elena: "The night sky here is truly breathtaking. The stars in this world… they feel different from the ones in ours."

Lisa: "Yeah. Quiet moments like this remind me why we keep moving forward. But we still have a long road ahead."

The following morning, the party continued their journey, venturing deeper into the ancient woods. Along the way, they encountered various magical creatures, but the most remarkable of them all was a colossal Forest Spirit that blocked their path.

Forest Spirit: "To pass through, you must first undergo my trial. I shall test your wisdom and courage."

Merslin and his companions prepared for the trial.

•Elena relied on her vast magical knowledge to answer the spirit's riddles.

•Lisa overcame a physical trial, proving her strength and resilience.

•Serena, with her agility and cunning, passed the final test of wit and reflexes.

After they completed the challenges, the spirit gave them an approving nod.

"You have proven yourselves. I shall grant you passage."

A Rare Encounter

As they journeyed deeper into the enchanted woods, the party caught sight of a unicorn—its coat glimmered in pure white, and its golden horn radiated an ethereal light.

Merslin: "Look! A unicorn… it's magnificent!"

Serena: "A unicorn?! I never thought I'd see one in real life! Let's follow it!"

The group tried to approach, but the unicorn swiftly vanished into the depths of the forest.

Merslin: "To think unicorns exist here… what a rare and wondrous sight."

Elena: "Even in our world, unicorns are considered incredibly rare. I've read about them, but I've never actually seen one before."

Lisa: "We're lucky to witness such a creature. Our journey keeps becoming more and more extraordinary."

Aria: "Unicorns symbolize purity and mystery. I have a feeling this forest holds many more secrets yet to be discovered."

Arrival at the Elven Forest

After several days of travel, they finally reached the edge of the Elven Forest. The air was thick with mystical energy, and towering ancient trees loomed over them. Unlike ordinary forests, this place shimmered with an otherworldly glow, its very essence pulsating with magic.

Elena: "We've arrived. This is the Elven Forest. Let's head for the elven village."

As they ventured further, the elves appeared, their figures emerging silently from the trees, their piercing eyes full of caution.

Elven Guard: "Outsiders, this is sacred ground. State your purpose."

Merslin stepped forward.

"We have come to protect Erindella. We bring a warning about the Blood Elves and their growing threat."

The elven guard hesitated, then spoke sternly.

"Before you meet our leader, you must earn our trust. Help our village, and we will consider your words."

Gaining the Elves' Trust

Merslin and his party set out to assist the elves, helping them with various tasks to prove their goodwill.

•Elven Elder: "Our herb fields are suffering from a terrible blight. Could you assist us?"

•Aria: "Of course. I specialize in healing magic and herbs!"

•Aria successfully treated the blight, earning the elder's gratitude.

•Elven Blacksmith: "Our armory has been damaged. We need assistance in repairing it."

•Lisa: "Leave it to me. I know a thing or two about forging strong weapons."

•Lisa worked alongside the blacksmith, restoring the armory.

•Elven Merchant: "Monsters have been attacking our trade routes. Will you help us drive them away?"

•Merslin: "We'll take care of it. Your trade routes will be safe again."

•The party defeated the creatures, ensuring the merchants' safety.

Meeting the Elven Leader

After successfully completing these tasks, the elves granted them an audience with their leader, Eirin. In the central plaza, Merslin and his companions met Eirin, whose radiant presence commanded both grace and power.

She was an elven woman with long, flowing silver hair and deep, sea-green eyes, her expression calm yet filled with wisdom. The elegant robes she wore shimmered faintly, hinting at the magic that coursed through her very being.

Eirin: "Travelers, you have earned our trust. Now, speak your purpose."

Merslin stepped forward.

"We seek knowledge about the Blood Elves and wish to aid in protecting Erindella."

Eirin's expression darkened slightly.

"I understand. The Blood Elves were once our kin, but they succumbed to corruption, craving the power of Erindella's essence. They now wield formidable dark magic and pose a grave threat to us."

Elena's eyes sharpened.

"Then, we must learn everything we can about them. Is there an ancient source of knowledge we can access?"

Eirin's gaze deepened as she studied Merslin's party.

"The elves have a sacred ritual—the 'Ancient Slumber.' Through this, our druids can glimpse into the threads of fate, revealing secrets beyond mortal understanding."

She paused, then continued solemnly.

"Long ago, two powerful elven druids, Malion and Idanna, walked very different paths. Malion embraced nature's wisdom, while Idanna craved forbidden power. Malion sought wisdom through the Ancient Slumber, but Idanna pursued dark magic, leading to her corruption."

Serena leaned forward.

"Forbidden magic? What exactly did she try to do?"

Eirin: "She sought to claim the power of the World Tree for herself. Idanna used magic that defied the natural order, and in the end, it consumed her. Malion fought her, but he knew he could not destroy her—so he sealed her in eternal slumber at great personal cost."

Merslin frowned in thought.

"The Ancient Slumber… It must be an immensely powerful ritual."

Eirin nodded.

"Indeed. It is a moment of communion between the soul and the unseen world. Similar to the shamans' practices, yet distinct. Through it, you may uncover the Blood Elves' plans and how to counter them."

Elena's determination flared.

"Then, we must undertake this ritual. If it gives us an edge against the Blood Elves, it's worth the risk."

Eirin folded her hands together.

"The ritual requires preparation. In the meantime, stay here, assist our people, and learn from them."

Merslin and his party exchanged determined glances. This was their next step.