[i know chapter was late but it's okay here is new chapter]
Night had fallen over the Eluto Kingdom.
A grand mansion stood illuminated under the dark sky, decorated lavishly with golden lights and elegant ornaments. Guards were stationed at every entrance, maintaining strict security.
Inside, a magnificent party was in full swing.
Nobles and elites filled the hall—some sipping fine alcohol, others enjoying expensive dishes, while many gathered in groups, chatting and laughing.
Among them stood Mity.
Holding a glass in his hand, he was engaged in conversation with a few individuals. Beside him stood his wife, Hima, quietly observing.
"This is the last day of the event," Mity said with a smile. "So make sure to enjoy the party to the fullest."
"Yes, King Mity," one man replied respectfully. "Hosting a month-long celebration after conquering the Bhalmut Kingdom was truly a brilliant idea."
Another person added,
"But… now that Bhalmut Kingdom has been defeated, what will happen to its people?"
Mity chuckled lightly.
"Hahaha… Well, humans have enslaved elves countless times before. But if we do the same—turn humans into slaves and force them to work… it wouldn't feel right."
…Maybe it's because I'm human myself, he thought.
"So instead," Mity continued, "we'll assign them war-related roles. During battles, they'll be sent to the frontlines first. Or we can make them produce weapons for us."
"Oh… that's a good idea."
"Indeed."
Another man suddenly asked,
"By the way, King Mity… when are you planning to visit the Life Tree?"
Mity frowned slightly.
"Life Tree? What is that?"
The group fell silent for a moment, clearly surprised.
Hima looked at him in disbelief.
"You don't know? The Life Tree is a deity."
"…A deity?"
"Yes," another person explained. "Whenever an Elf King wins a war, they visit the Life Tree and pray. Even your father-in-law did the same after conquering another elf kingdom."
"I see… but what exactly is the Life Tree? Why is it so important?"
One of them stepped forward and explained,
"It is said that when an elf dies, their spirit returns to the Life Tree. That energy strengthens the tree… and in return, it blesses the land."
"Blesses the land?"
"Yes. Crops grow better, the lifespan of elves increases, and many other benefits follow. In short, the Life Tree is a divine existence. If it were ever destroyed… the entire elf race could fall into danger."
Mity nodded slowly.
"I see… Well, I'm human, so it won't affect me directly. But for the sake of my people… I'll make sure no one harms that tree."
"Yes, and you should also go there and pray," someone added. "Along with Queen Hima."
"…Hmm. Alright."
Meanwhile…
In the Shin Kingdom…
Pretty was sitting comfortably on a sofa inside her home, watching the news on television.
The news anchor spoke energetically,
"When you hear the word 'technology,' what comes to mind? Cars? Helicopters? Lights? These are now common across almost every kingdom."
"But the Naco Country—the most modern nation in the world—has taken things to another level. This is where cars and helicopters were first invented, and even now, it remains far ahead of others."
A video played on the screen.
People were moving across the roads—but strangely, they weren't walking.
Instead, they leaned their bodies slightly forward… and began to glide.
Leaning backward made them move in reverse.
"This is possible thanks to roads made from Nano Particles," the anchor continued. "By simply shifting body weight, people can move forward or backward without walking."
Pretty watched with wide eyes.
"And that's not all. The technology in Naco Country now rivals even the magic used just 3–4 years ago."
"Take the 'phone,' for example. It was once used only for long-distance communication. But now—it can play games, record videos, take photos, and store memories."
"In the past, such abilities were only possible for top-tier beings. But today… even commoners can do it."
The anchor smiled slightly.
"Who would've thought that a nation could surpass even the dwarves in technology? The Dwarf Kingdom, once unmatched, has now gone silent… perhaps waiting for the right time."
"Well, stay tuned for more updates after a short break!"
The screen switched to advertisements.
Pretty sighed and turned off the TV.
"Ah! What time is it?"
She looked at the clock.
"4 PM?! I have to go to the palace—there's dinner!"
She quickly stood up.
"Hurry, hurry… I can't be late!"
Servants entered the room, bringing her outfit. After getting dressed, Pretty rushed out.
Meanwhile…
Near the border of the Shin Kingdom and the Cult Kingdom…
Lior and Yuki stood at the entrance of a cave on a mountain.
"We've reached the border…" Lior said. "But how do we get inside from here?"
"That's a good question…"
Yuki suddenly pointed ahead.
"Look there! There's a line. We can blend in and enter with them."
Lior nodded.
"You're right… but soldiers will check IDs. We'll need fake ones."
"…And where are we supposed to get those?"
"That's the problem."
Yuki thought for a moment.
"What if we hide inside a vehicle?"
"We could… but if we get caught, it'll cause serious trouble."
Suddenly—
"I can help you."
A voice echoed from inside the cave.
Both of them reacted instantly, jumping back in shock.
A man slowly walked out of the shadows.
"Who are you?" Lior asked cautiously.
The man smiled.
"I'm a merchant. Name's Kayu."
He approached them calmly. He had short black hair and a light beard.
"A merchant?" Yuki asked. "Then what are you doing in a cave?"
Kayu chuckled.
"This cave is both my home… and my business."
"And what business is that?" Lior asked.
Kayu's smile widened.
"Hehe… I'm an illegal merchant."
Yuki blinked.
"What's that?"
"Someone who deals in illegal trade," Lior answered.
"I see…"
Kayu nodded.
"My business is transporting people and items between the Cult Kingdom and the Shin Kingdom… without the soldiers ever noticing."
"I see…" Lior said.
"Follow me."
They entered the cave.
As they walked deeper, Lior asked,
"How do you transport people?"
"I use a portal," Kayu replied. "It cost me a fortune to create. And my fees aren't cheap either. So only follow me if you can pay."
"How much?" Yuki asked.
"60 silver coins per person."
"WHAT?! That's expensive!"
"Creating a portal isn't easy," Kayu said calmly. "Especially for common humans like me."
Lior spoke,
"We'll pay… after we reach the Cult Kingdom."
"Sure. No problem."
They continued walking until they reached a hidden space inside the cave. It looked like a small home—beds, kitchen, everything.
In one corner… a glowing portal stood.
But suddenly—
A massive crocodile-like beast roared at them.
"AH—!!"
Yuki froze in fear.
"STOP."
Kayu's voice was firm.
The beast instantly calmed down and moved aside.
"Sorry about that," Kayu said.
"…What is that?" Lior asked.
"My companion," Kayu replied. "A Gharial Crocodile. It protects me."
"I almost died from fear…" Yuki muttered.
Kayu smiled faintly.
"I deal in illegal business. Some people try to steal my portal or use it without paying. That's why I keep my best friend with me."
"…Best friend?"
"Yes," Kayu said softly. "My mother gave it to me when I was 15. It was injured back then… but it stayed with me."
"…So it's your only family," Lior said quietly.
"…Yeah," Kayu replied. "You could say that. Its name is Pampi… my mother's nickname."
Yuki hesitated… then asked,
"…How did your mother die?"
Silence fell.
Kayu's expression darkened.
Lior immediately whispered,
"…Don't ask things like that."
"Oh… I'm sorry…"
Kayu shook his head.
"No… it's fine."
He took a deep breath.
"My father was part of a gang… a leader, actually. One day, he took my mother to a party… and she never came back."
"…I saw him many times after that. But I was too scared to ask."
"…Until one day… I gathered the courage."
"What did he say?" Lior asked softly.
Kayu's eyes turned cold.
"He said… 'I killed your mother.'"
Yuki froze.
"I asked him… why."
"…And he said… 'Because I never loved her. Or you.'"
Silence.
"That same night… I killed him."
The air grew heavy.
"The only thing my mother left me… was Pampi."
No one spoke for a moment.
"…That's a painful past," Lior said quietly.
Kayu suddenly smiled, breaking the tension.
"Anyway! Enough of that. Let's get you to the Cult Kingdom."
Then he added with a grin,
"And don't forget the payment… or—"
"—Pampi will bite us, right?" Lior said.
Yuki laughed nervously.
"Haha…"
They stepped into the portal.
A moment later—
They arrived inside another cave… in the Cult Kingdom.
Lior handed over the payment—1 gold and 20 silver coins.
"Pleasure doing business," Kayu said.
Without wasting time, Lior and Yuki left.