The trio made their way through the thick forest without any problems. They did encounter small bands of goblins who were intent on killing them, but they were easily dispatched, and their cores collected. Adeline also revealed her conversation with the goddess to Melora, who started to think differently about the monsters she hunted back in Credoa. Days passed with no end in sight. Adeline started to doubt Melora's ‘mind map’.

  “Are you sure we are going the right direction?”

  “I think so. That was what the continent map indicated. Based on my calcutions, the port city should be directly north of the orc camp.”

  “If you say so.”

  They continued their long journey as the forest slowly withered away, revealing a vast green field with sparse trees. Various animals could be seen grazing, but one caught Adeline’s eye; it looked like a small furry teddy bear which wordlessly wandered the field.

  “Oh, look at that adorable thing!”

  She ran across the field towards the unknown creature. As she approached, she heard Melora screaming.

  “Adeline, that’s dangerous! It is a baby balowick!”

  Adeline did not care, though, as she embraced the small creature, pnting multiple kisses. The creature seemed delighted as it returned the affection. A huge bear-like creature suddenly appeared. It had rows of sharp teeth and razor-sharp cws, and three horns on its head. It towered over Adeline as it released a menacing roar.

  “You must be the mother.”

  With one swipe of its paws, Adeline was thrown across the field as she crashed into several trees while still holding the baby balowick. She quickly got up and made sure the baby was alright and set her sight on the huge monster who charged towards her. She held her ground as the monster crashed into her. They locked arms as they pushed each other with great force.

  “You’re the strongest thing I have met so far.”

  Adeline twisted her body as she threw the rge monster to the ground. It quickly got up and swiped at Adeline, who barely blocked the attack. Adeline then climbed the beast and held it by its horn as the monster vigorously tried to shake her off. It then decided to go on all fours and charge through the trees. Adeline did not let go of her grip as he continued to wrestle. Having exhausted all options, the monster stood up and started to radiate a green glow. It then violently hit the ground with its forelegs as the earth trembled. Adeline felt as if she was holding onto an earthquake. After trying the same thing a few times, Adeline’s grip finally slipped, and she fell in front of the monster.

  They locked eyes as Adeline summoned her red mana. They violently crashed into each other once more as they wrestled. Melora and Scales, who was around her neck, did not intervene since they knew how much Adeline hated people interrupting her fights. She took notes on this new animalistic type of fighting which differed greatly from her family's swordsmanship which dictated accuracy over power. She decided to sit down and watch the fight more intently.

  Some time passed as the once beautiful green field was filled with rge holes and trees that were torn down. The two of them were in a complete standstill. The Balowick then released its green mana as it made a call. The small balowick appeared and jumped on its back as it left the area leaving Adeline who simply watched.

  “I have never seen someone survive a Balowick attack. Who are you?”

  Startled, Adeline turned to the nearest tree where she saw an elf with their long ears and trade mark beauty.

  “I am Adeline, and who are you?”

  “I am just a lonely scout looking for humans to kill like that dy over there.”

  “Unless you want to return in pieces, you would be wise not to touch her.”

  “Oh, so scary.”

  The elf descended down the tree in a nonchant manner as he stared at Adeline.

  “You do know what they do to our kind, right? They hunt us down and put us in cages to be their maids. We are nothing more than ornaments, yet you walk with one and even protect them.”

  That was when Melora approached them, void of fear, but she had a hand on her knife.

  “If you have something to say, have the decency to say it to my face.”

  The mood turned serious as Scales slithered down and turned to her true form and stared down at the elf. The elf narrowed its eyes at the group, then smiled.

  “I do not trust any of you, but our Queen told me to come here and lead you back to our city. So follow closely; it will be a shame if any of you got lost.”

  The elf then bolted as the group followed behind. They came face to face with a rge stone pilr, but he did not stop. The elf disappeared into the stone, but the group halted as they stared at the pilr. Adeline raised her hand to inspect the stone, but a hand emerged and pulled her inside. She found herself in a forest with a path lined in various flowers. Elves could be seen tending them while others collected fruits. She was then joined by Melora and Scales who both had the same reaction.

  “Stop daydreaming, this way.”

  As they walked through the path, some of the elves stared at them, they murmured among each other. They soon arrived at a great pace made of roots and marble, guarded by elves armed with spears.

  “Are these the guests?”

  “Unfortunately, they are.”

  “A demon, snake, and a human, how disgusting.”

  Adeline slowly approached the guard who simply smirked at her. As she was about to punch the guard, Melora intervened and lightly nudged her shoulder.

  “Elves are prideful creatures; do not fall for their provocations.”

  “A human knows nothing about us, you dare even speak in our presence.”

  A soft cp could be heard as the guards quickly bowed and made a pathway. An elven woman wearing all white slowly strode towards the trio as she gave a sharp gaze towards the guards and the scout.

  “Please forgive their behavior, I welcome you to the elven city.”