Book 16: Chapter 13


    As a consequence of what transpired during the Deer Hunting Festival incident as well as the anthropoids invasion, the eastern forest suffered heavy damage. Mom sealed it off long ago to ensure that it could eventually return to normal. The night patrols were conducted because elves revered forests. For that reason, not even Mommy Vyvyan interfered with the rate of growth of elven forests and allowed them to recover on their own ord, instead.


    I didnt know how the forest recovery wasing along. Thest time the anthropoids invaded, they severely damaged the forest to the point that the White Deer King had to take the initiative to seek me out. Perhaps the forest could never recover. The incident mightve been the result of having the forest cut down. Mommy Vyvyan only mentioned a change in mana; she hadnt stated the reason behind it. She needed to enter the forest to get to the bottom of the cause.


    I didnt have enough time to bid the White Deer King goodbye. I didnt want to disturb her until her trauma subsided somewhat. I galloped to the forest on horseback. Mom extended her hand out to temporarily stop me and stressed, Son, remember to stick to Mommy in the forest. Do not act on your own ord no matter what happens. The forest is a dangerous ce to begin with, and now theres an unconfirmed mana disturbance. If its a natural disturbance, then its no big deal, but if another elf deliberately instigated it, especially one researching ck magic, then itll be dangerous.


    Momsst statement echoed in my mind. I pointed out, ck magic is still practiced? Mom, dark elves practiced ck magic, didnt they? I personally killed thest dark elf. There are no more dark elves.


    That may not be the case, Son. Bear in mind that you only killed thest dark elf we know of. There may be other dark elves who are still alive. Didnt somebody live in the dark elves district just a few days ago? That individual might be a dark elf. Someone sent them there and retrieve something or some things.


    I paused for a moment before replying, Oh? I honestly didnt know about that. I did know that somebody was there, but I didnt know they were there to grab something. Theres nothing left there, though, is there? Meras house is the only home with items left inside. The things in other properties mustve worn out by now or taken, right?


    When a sudden terrifying realisation seized Mom, her expression stiffened: Mommy doesnt have any ruthless ideas. Ive never thought of robbing the dead. Things there have basically been damaged or abandoned. If they were lucky, they would be able to get a fair number of things. ording to the testimony, there werent many things worth money. Lots of things avable there were also avable outside of the area. With that said, it was pointed out that their objective was things specifically from the area. Logically, if theyre after things there specifically, then this must have to do with dark elves. Thus, we must be careful. The reason ck magic is magic is due to them requiring elven bodies to act as primers. If youre captured, then theres bound to be danger. Stay alert.


    Im now covered in dragon scales. I think I should be immune to magic, so ck magic is practically useless on me, isnt it?


    No, Son. If Mera wanted to harm you now, what would you do if she used a mana dissolving agent? Dragon scales are just kes once the mana dissolving agent removes the mana covering your scales. Mana dissolving agents are something that dark elves came up with. If there are still dark elves who can use them around, then youre still exposed to a big risk. Dont ever underestimate the viciousness of dark elves. After all


    Mom pointed at herself and me. She narrowed her eyes and softlyughed. What she signalled couldnt have been any more obvious. The Gdriel Tribe was a tribe of dark elves. The Gdriel Tribe wouldnt have such pure mana, otherwise. Due to development, however, we became indistinguishable from ordinary elves and dark elves. The soldiers guarding the elven spring were an example.


    I nodded: Ill stick with you, Mom.


    Good boy. Youll be absolutely safe by Moms side, so dont separate from Mommy. Mommy Vyvyan caressed my head.


    We resumed, passing under the virescent canopy, grass and wilted leaves. The air was clear and moist smell as expected from forests. We were deep in the elven forest. Moss seizing the tree trunks continued to grow. Birds twittered at us, as we disturbed their peaceful lives. Our horses walked side by side, but it soon became squishy. As a result our legs kept rubbing up against each other.


    Mommy Vyyan didnt seem to consider it squishy. She, to the contrary, looked happy. She pressed her hand on mine. That was a dangerous behaviour. We came to investigate what happened in the forest, yet Mom was rxed as though we were there for a vacation. Just moments ago, she was warning me about how frightening the dark elves were, yet she wasnt worried whatsoever.


    I looked up at the trees overhead and peered to the deeper part of the forest. It wasnt particrly dark in the forest. The trees werent towering tall, and the animals ran around in the shrubs on both sides. There were no oddities to be seen at first nce. In fact, it felt amazingly peaceful and soothing.


    Is there really a problem here? Im starting to feel that there isnt anything serious. Something might have happened to the white deer, but theyre still well, while the forest doesnt show any signs of negative changes. I cant see a problem even if the trees showed signs of problems, let alone the forest. Theres barely a noticeable change. We just need to get rid of it and all is well. Mom must consider something this simple and rxing to be a happy trip, and she can improve our mother son rtionship while shes at it, I mused.


    I had to remind myself to keep my guard up and stay vignt. There was indeed nothing around when I looked. In saying that, there mightve been darkness moving behind me. I nted a seems its safe g for myself, which meant that I really might go through some major crisis. Therefore, I should be cautious.