The Price of Arrogance

He had never seen anyone with such a blatant disregard for their own life.

This man had completely shattered his understanding of human survival instincts.

Humans were known for their self-preservation.

Yet there were always those who insisted on seeking death—dancing wildly on the edge of danger, all while acting like they ruled the world.

Who gave him such courage?

The last person who dared to provoke an elf like this… well, they were already history.

Darius's Adam's apple bobbed as he fought the urge to step back and distance himself from the elf beside him.

Suddenly, he remembered the last person who had suggested that the elves use the Spring Water of Life to save someone—the grass on their grave was already three meters high.

To this day, their family didn't even dare to openly pay respects, let alone inscribe their name into the family register.

Even though the one standing beside him wasn't a fully adult elf but just an adolescent one, that only made things more unpredictable.

Precisely because he were still young, who knew what he might do?

And in any case, if he caused any real trouble, the older elves would clean up the mess for him, wouldn't they?

Illiya was truly angry.

The usual gentle smile on his delicate face had long since disappeared, replaced by a cold and unyielding expression.

At some point, an ornate scroll had appeared in his empty hands.

Thick, visible magic energy surged around the scroll's surface, its sheer power unmistakable.

"Elves have always been a tolerant and reserved race," Illiya said coldly. "We have no interest in meddling in the affairs of others. But that does not mean we are beings who can be belittled at will, nor does it mean we take the matter of the Spring Water of Life lightly."

At this moment, he didn't care whether this city had people who shouldn't be provoked or not.

His teacher, the Elf King, had always said: If you can't win, just call your elders.

The man who had spoken earlier only now realized the gravity of his words.

His previously arrogant and haughty expression instantly turned pale.

Cold sweat dripped from his forehead, falling onto the ground.

His once-straight back bent under pressure, and his entire demeanor became a pitiful sight.

Only now did he snap out of the excitement of his family's young mistress soon advancing to become an advance mage.

Only now did he understand why the task of announcing the annulment of the engagement—something so profitable—had fallen on him.

Because from the start, he was nothing more than a disposable pawn.

The main family could easily push all the blame onto him by saying he had misunderstood the orders.

More importantly, not only had he been set up to take the fall, but before that even happened, he'd stupidly offended an elf.

At this point, he had no idea how he was going to die.

Casting aside all thoughts of dignity, he began bowing repeatedly toward Illiya, his voice filled with flattery. "Esteemed Elf, I didn't mean it that way just now. You see, I'm not very good with words—I must've misspoken and caused a misunderstanding…"

Illiya wasn't buying it.

His voice was laced with quiet mockery. "Oh? Weren't you the one telling me to use the Spring Water of Life to save someone? What, now you're saying that wasn't what you meant? Should I be thanking you for your compliments, then? Since elves are all so kindhearted, after all."

The last few words were heavily emphasized.

The man's back was already drenched in cold sweat.

He wished he could travel back in time and strangle his past self before he spoke.

"Haha…" He forced out two awkward laughs. "Yes, elves are indeed very kind and generous…"

His voice trailed off, growing weaker and weaker, until he didn't know what else to say.

No matter what words he picked, they all felt wrong.

Realizing there was no way to talk his way out of this, his murky eyes flickered with a hint of ruthlessness.

No matter what, today he was determined to drag the Taeharin family down with him.

If he had to die, then they'd all go down together.

If he was going to offend the elves, then Taeharin's people would too.

That was the only way his family might still have a chance at survival.

"Esteemed Elf," he said, straightening slightly. "These words weren't something I just made up. I happen to know that the eldest young master of the Taeharin family has suffered some unknown accident that prevents his body from retaining magic. His magic level has been steadily declining. And in an unfortunate incident, I personally overheard them discussing this matter. Otherwise, why would I have suggested that they beg for the Spring Water of Life?"

At this point, the man abruptly stopped speaking.

Straightening his posture, his gloomy gaze swept across the crowd, sending a chill down their spines.

It was as if a venomous snake had locked onto them, and many couldn't help but shudder.

"You all remember what happened to the last person who offended the elves, don't you?"

The moment those words left his mouth, the surroundings fell into a deathly silence.

The faces of the onlookers twisted with discomfort, clearly recalling that tragic incident.

None of them were even interested in verifying the truth of the man's claim anymore.

Their only thought now was to get away from this place as soon as possible—they had no desire to become the next sacrificial warning.

The man caught sight of their fearful expressions, and a sneer flickered across his heart.

However, just as he was about to take his next step, a silver magic attack flew straight toward him.

When he tried to dodge, he discovered that he couldn't move—not even an inch.

His entire body was frozen in place, unable to even shift his gaze.

He could do nothing but endure the attack head-on.

"Aaahhh!!"

His anguished scream rang through the air.