kscans

Chapter 16 - Crossing the Plains to the Forest of the Elves

Having finished their evolution and training, the companions set forth into new lands. Their destination was the Forest of the Elves, which lay beyond the mist. This was not a land they had controlled before.

It was the territory of another race.

"Somehow... the air feels different."

Defray muttered, his frying pan on his back. Indeed, as they approached the forest, the wind grew damp, and the density of the plants became abnormally high. The presence of small animals vanished, and not even the birds sang.

"Be careful. This is elf territory."

Mamoru said in a low voice.

Elves. A noble race with an appearance that could be mistaken for human. However, they were known to hold strong hostility and suspicion towards monsters.

The reason for this was the history of the elves' forest being ravaged by an Orc army in the past. Since then, they have regarded all monsters as invaders and relentlessly set traps for anyone coming from outside the forest.

Bashiin!

"Whoa!? What the heck is this!!"

The moment he stepped over the forest's boundary, the ground beneath Mamoru's feet glowed.

In the next instant, countless magical wires flew from the air, entangling the group.

"Damn it!"

Koni's arm, Amy's tail, and Defray's frying pan were all instantly sealed.

They couldn't move. They could barely even breathe. A cold green mist descended, and the shadows of figures holding bows appeared around them.

"You are not worthy to enter this forest."

It was a beautiful, yet sharp voice.

What appeared was an extraordinary being with golden hair, red eyes, and light blue skin. The Dark Elf female warrior, Tiris.

"Monsters... do you intend to defile this forest?"

Her arrow was aimed straight at Mamoru's forehead.

"...You guys are really on the human's side, aren't you. You won't even listen to what we came here for?"

Mamoru said in a low growl.

"No questions asked. The law of the forest is to eliminate first, talk later."

Her eyes were cold, those of a merciless warrior.

Their first time in the land of another race. A place ruled by a different power and a different logic.

Amy quietly said,

"...Mamoru, what are we going to do...?"

But before he could answer, their vision was engulfed in a blinding flash of light.

They were being carried away. To somewhere deep within the forest.

To a forest of a different culture and isolation, where the rule of monsters did not apply. Mamoru and his companions' journey was finally moving on to the next stage of contact with civilization.