Three days later, on a bright morning, Rawin and Valien met again at the city square.
"Good morning, Valien," Rawin greeted warmly.
"Good morning, Rawin. Are you ready to leave now?" Valien replied.
"Yes. But could you lead the way this time, Valien?" Rawin asked.
Valien raised an eyebrow. "Don't you know where the elders live?"
"No one ever told me where their residence is," Rawin admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
"It's deep within the forest," Valien explained, "right inside the White Greever Tree."
"The White Greever Tree?" Rawin asked in disbelief. "Why is it white?"
"I've heard that particular tree was the first to receive the blessing of the goddess Elvaria. Because of that, it possesses far greater power than any other Greever tree," Valien said.
"Wait—are you talking about that ancient legend? The one from thousands of years ago?" Rawin asked, his eyes widening.
"So you've heard of it. Then I'll get straight to the point—the White Greever Tree is the sacred symbol of Gondal Village. The first tree blessed by Elvaria," Valien said proudly.
"That's... incredible," Rawin murmured in awe.
"Well then," Valien said, smiling, "shall we go?"
"Of course. Let's not waste any time," Rawin replied.
After walking for quite some time, they finally reached the place where the village elders resided. But as soon as they approached the courtyard, they were stopped by a stern-looking guard.
"Stop right there! This area is restricted to the elders. No outsiders may enter without proper authorization," the guard barked.
Valien tried to explain, but the guard demanded proof.
"If that's the case, show me the official letter from the village hall as evidence," the guard insisted.
Rawin and Valien exchanged confused looks—they hadn't been given any such letter.
Their conversation drew the attention of someone inside. A calm yet powerful presence emerged from the main hall. The guard immediately stiffened as an elderly man in green robes appeared.
"E-Elder Darvish! What brings you here?" the guard stammered.
Darvish smiled faintly. "They're my guests. Naturally, I came to greet them myself."
The guard immediately bowed his head. "Forgive me, Elder Darvish! I had no idea they were under your invitation."
Darvish chuckled. "No harm done. I should've given them the proper authorization beforehand—that was my oversight."
The guard turned toward Rawin and Valien, bowing deeply. "Please forgive me, young hunters, for doubting you."
Rawin quickly raised a hand. "No, please—lift your head. It's also our fault for not bringing an official letter."
"Yes, we share the blame," Valien added politely.
Darvish's lips curved into a smile. "See that? These two young hunters—they truly are different from the rest."
"Yes, Elder. Just as you said," the guard agreed.
"Well then, shall we go inside, Rawin, Valien?" Darvish gestured toward the hall.
"Yes, Elder Darvish," they replied in unison.
As they walked, Darvish glanced back at them. "By the way, have you both recovered? I heard you collapsed after your duel."
"Yes," Rawin replied. "We were unconscious for a few days, but we're fine now."
"That's good to hear," Darvish said.
"What do you mean, Elder Darvish?" Rawin asked curiously.
"You'll understand soon enough. We'll be making an announcement during the gathering," Darvish said mysteriously.
"Understood," Rawin and Valien replied together.
When they entered the grand hall of the Gondalwa Elders, several figures were already waiting.
"You're late, Darvish," said a broad-shouldered man with a stern, arrogant tone.
Darvish laughed softly. "My apologies, Margel." (The Cruel of the Red Leaf Elder).
"What kept you so long?" asked a hooded figure with a faint, elusive voice.
"I was speaking with the tree guardian, Kaelith," Darvish replied. (The Caginess of the Purple Leaf Elder).
"And are these the ones Elder Warsen spoke of?" asked a gentle woman with flowing golden-orange hair.
"Indeed Merinel, (The Cherub of the golden Leaf Elder)" Darvish confirmed.
The air in the room grew tense. A commanding voice echoed through the hall.
"Have all elders and guests arrived?"
"Yes, O Visionist of the Greever Tree," the elders replied in unison.
Rawin froze, startled. He leaned closer to Valien and whispered, "Wait—you never told me Warsen was the village head!"
"I thought you already knew," Valien whispered back.
"I only knew his title, Visionist of the Greever Tree, nothing more," Rawin muttered.
Warsen's gaze swept across the room, his presence exuding immense pressure.
"Then let us begin," he declared, sealing the hall with an aura so intense it filled every corner with an overwhelming stillness.