Emerging from the dense woods, the scene before Dunce and his companions – Moon Scar, Moon Princess Petal, Miao, Mystic Mystic Moon, and their ally Girln Shi from the Puyan tribe – struck them like a physical blow. Their breath hitched as the sheer, breathtaking beauty of Elmshadow unveiled itself. Gone was the oppressive canopy; a vista of impossible serenity spread before them.
The heart of it all was Lake Serenity, a vast, sapphire mirror reflecting the sky. Sunlight danced on the impossibly clear waters, illuminating darting fish and the mosaic of stones on the bottom. A gossamer mist hovered over the surface, lending the whole scene an ethereal, dreamlike quality. Hundreds of elves flitted over the water, their laughter like wind chimes woven with the vibrant hum of their wings. But it wasn't the lake or the joyful elves that truly anchored their awe. It was the colossal centerpiece: the World Tree, Verdant Heart.
Towering over a hundred meters tall, its trunk wider than some city streets at fifty meters across, the ancient tree radiated raw life force. Thick vines, older than memory, coiled around its bark, creating pathways elves darted through like hummingbirds. Its immense canopy, lush with emerald leaves that glittered with captured sunlight, stretched as wide as the tree was tall. The symphony of birdsong and the rhythmic whisper of elven wings filled the air.
Verdant Heart wasn't alone. Surrounding it, like loyal sentinels, were smaller, though still massive, sister trees. Their canopies were less dense, revealing glimpses of homes seamlessly integrated into the living wood – dwellings that seemed not built, but *grown*. Bridges of woven living vine connected tree to tree, creating the intricate tapestry of a city seemingly floating upon the waters of Lake Serenity.
Mystic Mystic Moon stared, utterly captivated. "It's… unbelievably beautiful," she breathed, her voice hushed with reverence. "Even grander than my own home. This tree, this lake…"
Roma, the elven magic user they'd rescued earlier, flew beside her, a gentle smile touching her lips. "Welcome to the heart of Elmshadow – our Sylvan Enclave. Most of our kin reside here. Ten miles around this sanctuary, intricate illusion mazes spun by our Archdruids guard our borders, confusing intruders. Only here… only here is our true sanctuary."
Mystic Mystic Moon nodded. "Your Druidic magic… it's profoundly different. Intricate, connected to the world itself."
Roma's smile faded slightly. "Our Fae-kin magic *is* deep and ancient. I am young still, only scratching its surface… or I wouldn't have needed your help against those raiders. Mystic Mystic Moon," she added softly, glancing back towards Girln Shi who carried the unconscious Dunce, "the one who collapsed… who is he to you? Without him today…"
Mystic Mystic Moon hesitated. "He's… a friend. He has a good heart. Just… not always the quickest to understand things." She trailed off, watching Roma's thoughtful, downcast expression.
Back at the Enclave, most elves dispersed into their treetop homes. Tiananying, their rescue party leader, landed beside Girln Shi. "Our homes are small, integrated into the living trees. We have little spare lodging. Rest here by the shore for now. I must report to the Queen."
Girln Shi nodded. "Understood, Tiananying. We'll be fine here. The beauty alone is restorative. Please… convey to Her Majesty our desire for an audience when possible."
Tiananying nodded. He clasped his hands before his chest, murmuring in the resonant language of the Fae-kin. Green energy, vibrant as new leaves, suffused him. He gestured towards the nearby trees; branches swayed, lengthened, and wove themselves together, forming a natural, living pavilion enclosing the group. "Rest now," he instructed. "Girlyan, Roma, come." With powerful beats of their wings, they shot towards the World Tree at the lake's heart.
Girln Shi laid Dunce gently on the thick, soft grass within the pavilion. He turned to Mystic Mystic Moon. "Dunce… there's something deeper. How did he scare off those raiders? And those lower-level thugs… I checked. Dead. Not a single mark. How?"
Mystic Mystic Moon bit her lip, adopting an air of innocence. "Tandor't ask me! I know nothing. Ask him when he wakes. Remember what Prophet Pulin said? He's your 'fated key.' Mysterious fits, doesn't it?"
Moon Princess Petal sidled up to Mystic Mystic Moon, squeezing her hand conspiratorially. "C'mon, Luna," she whispered. "You two are thick as thieves. You *must* know something. Spill! He's just… layers of surprises. First, we thought he was a mage, but every scrape, he fights like a brawler? Seems his *true* strength is martial arts, not magic. Rare combo. Then today, that blinding flash wasn't fire... it felt Holy, like *your* power? And *way* too strong. We thought he was done for against those ninja-dressed guys – then he just scares them off? Waved a stick? Impossible! What's *really* going on with him?" All eyes turned to Mystic Mystic Moon.
Mystic Mystic Moon shook her head firmly. "Honestly, I barely know him myself. I met him only two days before you guys, at the Mage Guild trials! Then I… well, I sort of tricked him into joining my mercenary guild application. We got this Deathpeak Mountain job… As for his past? Scraps. Mentions of an Artificer mentor? An armsmaster uncle? That's it. Ask him yourself."
The group exchanged uneasy glances. Miao raised a skeptical brow. "Truly, Lady Mystic Mystic Moon? That simple? Knowing each other barely a week? Doesn't seem it. He fusses over you like an older brother. Every time you're in a scrape, he's frantic. Always first to jump in."
Before Mystic Mystic Moon could retort, a young female elf entered the pavilion, bearing a large platter overflowing with vibrant, unfamiliar fruits. Moon Princess Petal whistled appreciatively. "Now *that's* an elf maiden. Explains the scumbags wanting kidnap targets."
The elf blushed, placing the platter down. "Honored guests. Please, sample the bounty of Elmshadow." She quickly retreated.
The sheer variety and intoxicating fragrance drew them. Mystic Mystic Moon snatched two fruits first, settling near Dunce to eat. The unexpected bounty successfully derailed further interrogation.
**The World Tree – Heart of Elmshadow**
Tiananying led Roma and Girlyan upwards, hovering respectfully outside the highest canopy of Verdant Heart. "Archdruid Tiananying, with Druid Girlyan and Fae-kin Adept Roma, request audience with Her Majesty."
An opening shimmered in the canopy. "Her Majesty will receive Archdruid Tiananying."
They entered the verdant sanctuary, the air thick with potent life energy. Within the largest grove-chamber, Elf Queen sat on a woven throne of living vines. Her beauty was majestic, regal, but worry lines etched her brow. Beside her sat Flute, his expression grim, worry warring with tightly leashed anger. Tiananying and the others bowed. "Your Majesty. Archdruid Flute."
Elf Queen looked up, a fragile calm in her eyes. "What news? More incursions into our territory?"
Tiananying nodded, subtly signaling to Girlyan. Girlyan stepped forward, recounting their capture, the terrifying efficiency of the black-clad raiders, and the intervention of the human group – particularly Dunce's ferocious stand and subsequent collapse.
As the tale ended, Flute surged to his feet. "This must stop!" he roared, his voice vibrating with suppressed power. "They push too far! Again and again, they violate our sanctuary, steal our children! Your Majesty," his tone softened, pleading, "we cannot sit idle. We *must* act."
Elf Queen's eyes hardened, radiating a cold fury. "Archdruid Tiananying, these allies… where are they? Can they be trusted?"
"Sheltered by the lakeshore, Your Majesty. I believe their intentions are true. Girln Shi… he is the son of Presidenttain Chieftain Rock of Duncetooth Tribe (Puyan). The one who collapsed fighting… Dunce. They expressed a desire for audience. Perhaps… they might serve the purpose we discussed?"
Elf Queen sighed, the sound heavy with ancient sorrow. "Very well. Summon the Circle. We will meet them. And… that delicate matter may indeed require outsider intervention."
**Lake Serenity Shore – Awakening**
Within the pavilion, amidst the remains of fruit feasting, Dunce stirred. Weakness saturated every fiber. His internal Life Rockforce Rockforce reserves (Inner Qi/Sheng Sheng Zhen Qi) were dangerously low, a mere trickle. His mental energy was utterly spent, depleted after channeling… *something* ancient and terrifying.
He groaned, trying to move his heavy limbs.
Mystic Mystic Moon was instantly at his side. "Dunce! You're awake! How do you feel?"
He blinked groggily. "…Tired. So tired… Mystic Moon, where…?"
The group gathered. Moon Scar answered. "We made it. Inside Elmshadow. Lake Serenity shore."
Dunce managed a weak nod. "The elves… safe?"
"Yeah, thanks to you," Mystic Mystic Moon said quickly, handing him a glistening purple fruit. "Baddies gone. More elves came. We're okay." As he fumbled, too weak to grasp it, she frowned, concern flashing in her eyes. She bit into the fruit herself, then held it to his lips, letting the sweet juice drip into his mouth.
He drank gratefully. "Thank you… Mystic Moon."
She tossed the skin aside. "More?"
He shook his head, looking at her with profound gratitude. "Thank you."
Her cheeks flushed slightly at the intimacy. "Friends. That's all."
Miao smirked. "*Close* friends, huh? Okay, Dunce, time for some answers. Spill. How'd you put the fear of hell into those raiders?"
Dunce's eyes widened. The memories slammed back – the horrifying desiccation, the fear, the *wrongness*. Waves of nausea overcame him. He lurched sideways, retching violently onto the grass.
Everyone jumped back. Girln Shi dropped beside him, rubbing his back. "Brother! What's wrong?"
When the spasms eased, Dunce gasped, eyes haunted. "I… I didn't mean to… Not kill… I didn't want to kill…!"
Girln Shi relaxed slightly. "Oh, *that*. Listen, I've shed more blood than you've seen. They were predators, pure scum. Deserved worse."
Moon Princess Petal leaned over. "First time killing?"
Dunce nodded mutely, shrinking in on himself. "They… made me… pushed me…"
Miao pressed, impatient. "Yeah, yeah, war sucks. But the tough one, in black? How'd you drop him? You're full of surprises. What did you *do*?"
Dunce looked at him, eyes clouding with fear at the memory of the artifact's touch. "N… not. Didn't… Tandor't know."
"Tandor't know?" Miao scoffed. "How can you *not* know? He crumpled at your feet! Spit it out!"
Suddenly, Mystic Mystic Moon shoved Miao back hard. "Get off his case! Can't you see he's suffering?! Give him space! Let him breathe!"
Her voice cracked. She gently pulled Dunce into her lap, cradling his head on her thigh, stroking his dark hair. Her tears fell silently onto his shoulder. "Shhh… it's over… it's done."
Moon Scar subtly pulled Miao away to the far corner. The others, chastened, gave them space. Mystic Mystic Moon's touch calmed Dunce. He grasped her hand, holding it against his cheek. Breathing in her familiar scent – sunshine and wildflowers – he drifted into a deeper, exhausted sleep. Mystic Mystic Moon rested her head against his, surrendering to sleep herself, content just to be his shield for now.
**Diplomacy and Desperation**
Dunce felt Girln Shi gently shaking him awake. He blinked, disoriented. Seeing Girln Shi's expression, he mumbled, "Brother Girln?"
"Quick, get up," Girln Shi murmured. "The Queen… others."
Dunce sat up stiffly. He felt something warm in his hand – Mystic Mystic Moon's fingers. He looked up. She gazed back, concern and an unspoken emotion in her eyes. He realized he'd been lying in her lap. A confusing warmth bloomed in his chest. "Sorry…" he mumbled, letting go.
"Later," she whispered, color touching her cheeks.
He stood, feeling slightly stronger. Inside the pavilion stood six more elves, all radiating quiet power and age. Two women. The one at the center commanded attention. Radiant, regal, bearing an innate authority despite the exhaustion in her eyes. She studied him intently.
"She… you're incredibly beautiful," Dunce blurted out, without thinking.
Girln Shi nudged him urgently. "Respect! Her Majesty, Elf Queen!"
The Queen smiled faintly, the weariness lifting slightly. "No offense taken, child. I represent the Fae-kin people, and I thank you for shielding our own."
Dunce flushed. "I… I mean… I just saw… bad people. Wrong."
Elf Queen sighed. "Indeed. We seek peace, yet outsiders hunt us." Her expression darkened, grief resurfacing.
Her companion, Flute, stepped forward protectively. "Perhaps, Majesty, some rest…?"
She shook her head, silent tears welling. Flute wrapped an arm around her shoulders, his own expression pained.
Dunce moved closer to the Queen. "Please… don't cry. Your daughter… She'll be safe. I promise. I *will* find her." The words tumbled out, driven by impulse and shared pain.
Moon Scar immediately tensed. That was too far, too fast! "Your Majesty," he interjected carefully. "Our hearts wish to aid you. But realistically… these kidnappers are dangerous elites. Our small team… we'd be walking into a meat grinder. Beyond that, we are bound by contract – a dangerous quest to Deathpeak Mountain for high-grade energy crystals."
Miao snorted. "Exactly! Going to Deathpeak? Risky, but *maybe* survivable. Ticking off nobles – the ones probably *paying* for elves? That's a death sentence! Can't fight city guards with contracts! Find her? Great. Bring her *back*? Suicide!" His voice dripped with cynicism.
Girln Shi stepped closer to the Queen, his tone heavy. "Your Majesty… his words are coarse, but they ring true. Just us… we are too few."
Dunce's frustration boiled over. "You turn your backs?! They need help! Humans did this! If you won't go, *I* will! Alone!" The words were rash, fueled by emotion and the echo of Mystic Mystic Moon's belief in him.
Flute placed a calming hand on Dunce's shoulder, cutting off his outburst. His gaze swept the group, not angry, just deeply weary. "We hear your concerns. We do not ask you to throw yourselves blindly to the wolves. You mention Deathpeak Mountain? A quest for crystals?"
Moon Scar nodded. "From the Mercenary Guild."
Flute's expression turned grim. "Then I must warn you: if you enter Deathpeak in your current state, you will not leave it alive."
Miao bristled. "How can you *know*?"
Flute met his stare levelly. "Because I was there. A century ago." His gaze became distant, haunted. "As a young Druid, I sought the crucible. Many rivals sought Her Majesty's hand. Danger breeds growth. So, I left the sanctuary. Alone. I journeyed into the belly of Deathpeak."