Book 9: Chapter 50


    The anthropoids werent in the elvennds. Perhaps they never intended to attack the elves here. Or maybe they felt it was unwise to attack the elves right now. Whatever the case may be, the anthropoids only stopped there for a short while.


    I underestimated the anthropoids ability to think. Ling Yue said that the anthropoids are virtually brainless, only killing and destroying. Therefore, I didnt consider the purpose behind each step they took. I was under the impression that the things they did served no purpose. I never expected the anthropoids to act with a n in mind.


    They werent after the elvennds here; at least, not now. My guess is that was because they knew that itd be impossible for the lead team to conquer the elvennds. If the anthropoids over on their side are afraid of the Gdriels, they will be very cautious against the elves.


    What the anthropoids want right now is Troy City.


    They only wanted the resources from here, the elvennds.


    They failed in their attack on Socina City, because they didnt have appropriate weapons for capturing a city. This time, however, they chopped down arge number of trees in the Eastern forest. Theyd have spare wood after building siege towers, let alonedders. If I made it back one day earlier or Mom headed out one day earlier, maybe we couldve stopped them returning South to attack us with arge force. s, its toote now.


    The anthropoids should be rushing toward Troy City now. Troy City is the city that sits on the border of the elven and human border. If they manage to conquer it, theyll be able to threaten both elves and humans. The anthropoids from Socina will be able to gather at Troy City and even turn it into a weapon and tool factory on the frontlines. The anthropoids on the frontlines charging at us may be brainless, but theirmander in the rear is a highly-advanced anthropoid as Ling Yue is.


    I underestimated them.


    I can still make it in time. However, I need to find an old friend, or maybe an ill fate. Im referring to the White Deer King.


    The White Deer King ran offst time, refusing to be my steed. I really wanted to make it my steed this time, though. The White Deer King is extremely fast, while I happen to want to return to Troy City immediately. Moreover, the White Deer King might be able to rescue me from danger with its speed in the future. As a plus, it can neutralise all sorts of venoms. The White Deer King is an invaluable treasure to me.


    <em>It ran awayst time. I wonder if itll ept me this time.</em>


    I looked at the White Deer King. It was the same as before. It looked at me arrogantly and majestically the same way as it did back then. Next to it was a group of white deer, which I presumed to be its tribesmen. I looked at them. They scanned me with curiosity. I never saw so many white deer during the Deer Hunting Festival.


    I did nearly get beaten to death by a rabbit, nevertheless.


    Mm I dont know if you can understand me


    I looked at the White Deer King and started awkwardly. Speaking to a deer looks stupid no matter how you look at it. In saying that, I trust that it can understand me. The White Deer King looked at me and blew a gust of hot air out from its nose. Maybe that was its response to me. I swallowed my saliva. I looked at it and continued, White Deer King, its been a long time. This time, I came for ourmon enemy. Thats right. Im talking about that horde of anthropoids. They invaded our territory and even destroyed this holy forest. You and your tribesmen mustve gone through a crisis.


    The White Deer King didnt make a very arrogant gesture this time. It was the first time that it took me serious as it looked at me. It stamped its hooves, leaving deeply-etched prints in the grass.


    <em>It must be furious, as well.</em>


    It watched its home get destroyed and its tribesmen get killed. However, it was powerless despite being their King. It could only run away with its tribesmen. Its tribesmen may consider it good fortune to have escaped with their lives, but as a King and lord of a territory, it was suffering due to its weakness and powerlessness.


    We both felt the same way in that regard.


    <em>I cant flee. I must protect my people and my territory. As a King, I carry more responsibilities than the average person. If I cant fulfil my duties, Ill feel guilty and humiliated, which feels worse than death. Death isnt that scary. Whats truly scary is living in anguish.</em>


    A moment of carelessness wont bring a lifetime of happiness. Life itself is a consumable. A life thats consumed for a goal is a life that was meaningful. Misusing life is a waste of life. A glorious life isnt measured by how long it is, but whether that moment of explosion can take the peoples breath away just as fireworks.


    <em>Since when did I start considering myself a King?</em>


    I looked at it and sincerely exined, So, I came this time toe to an agreement with you. Im the next Elven King. Im leading the war against the anthropoids this time. They are ourmon enemy. I think that you want to join the war against the anthropoids, too. Ill provide you with the right to join this war, but youll need to provide me with your value as a White Deer King. In other words, Ill protect your tribesmen, help you get back at them, and take back your territory. You need to be my steed.


    I had a chance to make you my steedst time. But nheless, I know that you, too, are a King. I cant make such a suggestion to a King, but things are different this time. We areing to an agreement. If you think its feasible, lower your head. I promise that I will drive the horde of anthropoids back to the North and return peace to this forest. No elf will disturb your life thereafter, as well. What do you think?


    It looked at me and stamped its foot on the ground. Perhaps it could understand what I meant, but I had no idea what it was expressing. All I could do was meet its gaze.


    I wasnt lying. I dont want to resort to underhanded schemes to turn it into my steed. If thats what I wanted to do, I couldve done it months ago. The White Deer King is also a King; I cant order a King. Were on equal footing, so if I can ride it, then its an agreement we came to.


    It seemed to be a bit hesitant. It looked back at its tribesmen. I dont know what they said or what their gazes meant, but I didnt interrupt them.


    A moment after, it turned back around and walked up to me. It looked up and met my eyes in a serious manner as though it wanted to confirm once again.


    I promise. I swear on the Gdriel name of the imperial family that I will not vite our agreement or betray you. Ill let you witness the anthropoids fleeing. Ill let you go to the North as a victor, and I will guarantee the safety of your tribesmen in the future.


    I looked at it. I didnt know if I shouldve reached my hand out or not. I asked, So, what do you think?


    It walked a circle around me, and then made a sound akin to a deersugh. It then walked up to me from the front, looked at me and lowered its head, cing its horn before my chest.


    So you agree?


    I looked at its horn, feeling somewhat scared. Seriously, the horn could kill somebody. It stabbed mest time, but it was for the sake of saving me


    It called out then raised its head. It turned back to face its tribesman and bleated. Its tribesman responded with their own bleats. The entire forest was filled with the bleats of deer. They then lied down on the ground and looked at us with extremely envious gazes.


    Lets Lets go, then I hope my horse saddle fits you Also also, should I give you a name? What shall I call you? Xiao Bai?!! Dont! Dont! Dont! Dont bite me! Dont bite me! I wont name you, okay?! Dont bite me!!


    <strong>Glossary</strong>


    *Xiao Bai = Small/young/little white. When using Xiao as part of a name, its either to make it cute or for children  except for the rare exceptions. Here, the Xiao is not tranted, as its used as a name, not as a reference to being small/young. Some people feel offended when you attach it to their name, so theres how you can try to insult someone in Chinese.