Recalling these events, Diana took a gentle breath. Given that the voyages of the previous few days had been documented by this exploration ship, the crew''s experience could be relied upon to handle any perils that might befall. Only upon entering the truly uncharted regions would her adventure truly commence.


    "May God grant me safe return."


    After whispering this prayer, Diana turned to make her way back to the cabin for some rest. However, as she did so, she caught sight of Captain Pike of the ship hastening towards her.


    Diana was about to offer a salutation, yet the man brushed past her without so much as a glance, promptly raising his telescope to peer out at the sea - level ahead.


    Observing Captain Pike''s demeanor, Diana surmised that something might be amiss, and thus she too directed her gaze forward. She had been intently watching the same direction moments ago and had noticed nothing out of the ordinary, and the view remained unchanged now.


    But then she heard Captain Pike''s expletive: "Blast it! What in blazes is that thing!?"


    Immediately, the captain spun around and bellowed to the crew, "All hands on deck! Prepare for battle forthwith! We seem to have encountered a monstrosity!"


    These words galvanized the crew into instant action. Some hastened to adjust the sails, while others grabbed their weapons.


    The captain, for his part, leaped directly to the helm and began to maneuver the sailboat.


    Only Diana was left uncertain of what to do. She could only draw her weapon and ready herself for combat at any moment.


    ...


    In Bayek.


    After seeing Solray off, Glen regarded the newly installed electric lights in his abode, a sense of hope for the future welling up within him.


    "All that remains is a television..." he murmured to himself. Turning to the elven housekeeper beside him, he inquired, "Well, what do you think? Does it not evoke a different sense?"


    The elven housekeeper nodded. "It is brighter than a kerosene lamp and even brighter than the fluorescent fruits we forest elves employ. It is quite comfortable."


    "This will render it far more convenient for you to carry out tasks at night. All you need to do is simply pull this small switch."


    The switches for these electric lights were simple, diminutive levers. As he spoke, Glen demonstrated by toggling the switch on and off, causing the room to alternate between darkness and illumination.


    "These inventions can, to a certain extent, supplant magic. Truly, they are the creations of a genius!"


    The elven housekeeper lauded.


    "One could say so," Glen concurred with a nod. Then, as if struck by a thought, he remarked, "These past few days, the climate has been rather frigid. I''ve noticed that you elves do not seem to be attired in very thick garments. Are you not averse to the cold?"


    The elven housekeeper shook her head. "Of course we are averse to the cold. However, the high priestess can beseech the Mother of the Forest to endow us with a certain degree of cold - resistance. This is, of course, only because the number of our clansmen here is not large. Were we in our ancestral land, the high priestess would not perform this act, and we would still don thicker clothing."


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "I see..." Glen comprehended. He had assumed that the elves were sacrificing warmth for the sake of appearance. Now it seemed he had been over - thinking.


    The elven housekeeper, Drell, looked at Glen''s countenance, as if she wished to convey something yet was hesitant.


    Glen, with his acute perception, naturally detected her unease. "If you have something to say, do not hesitate, Miss Elf."


    "Nothing..." Drell was on the verge of shaking her head, yet under Glen''s solemn gaze, she reluctantly confessed, "In truth, we have long harbored an idea. We would like you to become the protector of our clan. This may be rather presumptuous, but we humbly request your forgiveness..."


    "Protector? What precisely does this entail?" Glen furrowed his brows and queried.


    "It entails safeguarding our tribe. Should you consent, you will possess the same authority as our high priestess and will receive the blessing power of our entire tribe. Of course, this pales in comparison to your own power, and we do not expect this to sway you..."


    "Will it impose any restrictions on my freedom?" Glen seated himself and inquired.


    "Certainly not. You merely need to be present when we are in need of your assistance..." Drell, as if detecting a glimmer of hope, hastened to explain.


    "Very well, I consent," Glen replied forthrightly. This would scarcely have any impact on him, and these elves were his employees after all. It was only fitting for him to offer them protection.


    "That is truly wonderful! I must convey this news to the high priestess! Excuse me, Mr. Glen! I shall step out for a moment and return shortly to prepare dinner!"


    "Go ahead."


    Upon obtaining Glen''s assent, the elven housekeeper hastened out the door.


    Glen turned to glance out at the wintry scene beyond the window, pondering his next course of action. He had spent the entire day with Solray occupied with the electric lights. Inspired by the latter''s exuberant spirit, he too had been rather animated, and now he felt somewhat fatigued. He had no inclination to descend to the basement to engage in magic research.


    Suddenly, a streak of light flashed outside the window, and moments later, a winged letter crashed against the pane.


    Glen recognized the magical aura of Daof, and thus he opened the window and snatched the letter from mid - air. The magically - formed diminutive wings dissipated, and Glen unfurled the letter.


    Indeed, it was penned by his magic instructor.


    "Glen, my exemplary student, months have elapsed in the blink of an eye. I wonder how your magical studies have progressed. Should you encounter any impediments, do not hesitate to seek our aid.


    "Of course, I have no qualms regarding your talent, my boy. You are the most perceptive apprentice I have ever encountered. If it is convenient, do remember to pen a reply. Leaves and Mushroom are constantly speaking of you. I am at a loss to understand what enchantment you have cast upon those two young ladies. I have never witnessed them so steadfastly fixated upon someone with whom they have spent so little time.


    "Very well, enough of the pleasantries. Let us turn to the matter at hand. In two weeks'' time, in the Magic Capital, Platinum City, there will be a nation - wide magic extravaganza. Magicians from far and wide will be invited to partake. There is a segment within it, a magic open - class organized by magic scholars. They are all paragons of their field. Although attending such a class may be somewhat premature for you at present, it will undoubtedly offer you some inspiration. Do attend. I have managed to secure a special invitation for you, enabling you to enter without charge and partake in all the activities.


    "Mako and I are currently engrossed in a research project, and thus we shall not be able to attend. I regret that I cannot personally accompany you to experience the splendor of this magic extravaganza. - Daof"


    After perusing the missive, Glen also extracted from the envelope a card adorned with gold - embroidered borders and inscribed with high - level magic runes.


    This must be the card that allows me to partake for free, I presume? … Glen mused as he gently stroked the exquisitely crafted card.


    An opportunity to partake in the festivities while enjoying free food and entertainment was not something Glen would forgo.


    However, why was such an event being held in the frigid winter? Was there some ulterior motive? … Glen once again pondered the peculiarity of this event.


    In the end, although he harbored some speculations, Glen was not certain, and thus he ceased his musings and ascended to his bedroom upstairs to compose a reply.