Melora gnced at the two with slight confusion; it felt as if she had interrupted a conversation. The old elf got up from his seat and approached her, starting to do a check-up on her.

  “You did quite well. How do you feel?”

  “I feel as if I have regained my mana and more. My body also feels more refined.”

  Melora started to flex her muscles with great pride. Adeline simply watched while seated. She did not like to admit the fact the old elf had gotten through her; the tough exterior she had built around her heart had a slight crack.

  “Hoho, don’t start fighting yet; we need to make sure whatever caused the fracture is out of your body.”

  Gena entered the room and escorted Melora out, her eyes locked with Adeline’s as if wanting to tell her something.

  “The tree of life would like to also give you a gift.”

  “Can you actually talk to a tree?”

  “It passes its will through me. I am its caretaker, after all, but I have grown too old, haha.”

  “Can’t other elves do it?”

  “When I eventually die, that responsibility will pass to Gena. She is a diligent child. I am relieved she will have people like you to rely on.”

  “You’re very talkative. Do what you need to do.”

  The old elf reached out and broke a small branch of the tree and muttered something as the branch turned golden in color. He then presented the branch to Adeline, who was still seated. She stared at the branch and reluctantly accepted it.

  She felt a surge of energy course through her body; everything turned to bck. Then screams suddenly could be heard, people pleading for their lives. Adeline was very familiar with these screams; she did not hide or deny them. The screams suddenly stopped as dead and mangled bodies appeared, arms appeared as they pulled Adeline down. Deep down her heart, she started to wonder if Melora would be safe; after all, many people were plotting against her. What about Scales? Did she find love with the other hydra? And there was also Fang. She wanted to see if he actually was successful in the mission she gave him; her resolve wavered. It was not yet her time; there were things she needed to see through.

  Red mana surged from her body as she pulled herself from the hole; the more she struggled, the harder the hands pulled her in.

  “YOU BELONG WITH US. JOIN US. PAY FOR YOUR SINS.”

  “I changed my mind.”

  The struggle continued until suddenly everything disappeared, and she was back to the table with the old elf sitting across from her.

  “Congratutions. How are you feeling?”

  “What was that?”

  “It was a trial, of course. The tree of life does not pass down its mana free of charge, hoho.”

  Adeline stared at the elf, but she did in fact feel stronger; she was still learning how to properly use her mana.

  “I really dislike you, old elf.”

  “You are welcome; someone is waiting for you outside.”

  Adeline got up from her seat and made her way outside. Melora was waiting for her anxiously. The air around them was awkward as the two wordlessly stared at each other.

  “Are you alright?”

  “Yeah, I am fine. That stupid old elf was just getting under my nerves. How about you?”

  “I am fine. They completely healed me, and thanks to the tree of life, I am back to full strength.”

  “That sounds good.”

  “You want a quick spar just to check everything is actually good to go?”

  “Yeah, that sounds good to me.”

  Adeline’s tail started to wag slightly as a nearby elf showed them the way to the nearest training ground. As they entered the room, Joseph was already training some elves. Joseph quickly instructed the elves to create room as he bowed in front of the duo.

  “I would like to apologize for my behavior.”

  Adeline would usually revel at such a sight, but she was sympathetic to the man. It was natural for him to feel anger towards Melora and her, even though it was mispced.

  “No need to apologize; it’s all in the past. We are now allies.”

  “Thank you. I and my fellow elves would like to see your spar.”

  “Of course, you’re welcome; just keep a safe distance.”

  Melora was once again stunned; this was her first time seeing Adeline being gentle. She went over to the weapon rack and picked a wooden sword. Adeline, on the other hand, had trouble choosing a weapon as she looked intently.

  “You having trouble, Adeline?”

  “Yes, I am. I never use weapons. I do not know which would fit me best.”

  “I have heard of some families which just use martial arts to fight.”

  “I could, but it’s very inefficient. Imagine the amount of people I will have to punch to death; I’d rather just cut them in half.”

  “What do you prefer? Moving fast and precise, or dealing maximum damage? Now that I look at your body better.”

  Melora started to assess Adeline’s body; she had thick muscles and a very strong body overall. She admired her body as she held her neck, then her face. The two stared at each other in silence; they both got lost in each other’s eyes as time simply stopped. Joseph cleared his throat, bringing them both back to reality. Adeline started to wag her tail as she hid her embarrassment.

  “I recommend a great sword. Do you know how to wield it?”

  “Not really; it’s my first time.”

  “It is alright; I will teach you in time, but for now, let’s just spar barehanded. I have grown fond of your fighting style.”

  “That sounds good; I won’t go easy on you.”

  “I wouldn’t like it any other way.”

  Gena and the high elves suddenly entered the room and took a seat next to the other elves.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I think it will benefit all elves to see what a spar between two strong people looks like.”

  “I see; just remember to keep a safe distance.”

  “Will do!”

  The two raised their fists as they released their mana; a small shake could be felt as the red and purple mana collided.