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nUpon entering the Sacred Temple of Al’khira, which appeared as a flourishing environment on the inside, flush with overgrown shrubs and beautiful plants, Kieran stood in awe.

n‘Although there isn’t much change in terms of the quality of Mana, the scenery is simply breathtaking!’ Kieran thought, glancing around.

nAs he watched silently, Kieran witnessed many elves practicing various types of arts but the common factor amongst these arts was a link to nature, which altered their surroundings in minute ways.

nThough all the elves that inhabited the Eternal Oasis were Highborn, Kieran could see a distinct disparity in their connection to nature. The strongest connection manifested as an overflowing vitality nearly three times stronger than its peers.

nWhen Kieran laid eyes upon this individual training their swordplay, he was shocked to see that a single wave of their blade caused a surge of numerous vines followed by a deluge of leaves created with Mana alone.

nCurious, Kieran stepped closer but was stopped by a hand pressed against his chest. Upon turning his head, Kieran noticed the hand belonged to Paeris.

n“I wouldn’t suggest that you interrupt their training. Accidents are bound to happen that way. In fact, injuries are even common amongst themselves,” Paeris voiced.

n“I see,” Kieran muttered.

nHowever, he couldn’t ignore the presence of this individual.

nEventually, he lifted his finger and pointed at the girl, whose appearance seemed comparable to a young human adult. Of course, this was only age-wise.

nThis young woman bore all the traits of the elves—especially ones with extremely pure elven blood. Pointed ears, deep emerald eyes, beautiful hair of varying hues of green depending on the way the light fell upon it, and incomparably winsome features.

n“Hoh? Have you taken an interest in one of the Sacred Leafs? That’s one of the Elven Princesses, the Ninth Princess Civala,” Viessa said, announcing the identity of the elven lady not too far away.

n“Compared to the others, her understanding of her elven arts seems leagues above. Is that what it means to be a Sacred Leaf?” Kieran questioned.

nA proud smile crept its way onto Viessa’s face as she openly admitted to Kieran’s assumption. “Correct. A Sacred Leaf is a member of the younger generation who displays a blessing that almost surpasses the general scope of us Highborn elves.”

n“I see,” Kieran nodded, finding some similarities to the structure on Earth. ‘I suppose it’d be comparable to the Affluent Families and Magnate Families when it comes to their members having strength that generally surpasses the general populace.’

n“Follow along,” Viessa instructed, walking past the center of the temple where most aspects of elven training were conducted.

nWhile traveling through the Sacred Temple of Al’khira, Kieran found that there were additional manor-looking edifices inside this place, all of which were situated on what seemed to be large leaves.

nConsidering that elves stressed their attachment to nature, Kieran understood why they chose such a setting and appearance for their most important site.

n‘Though it’s called a temple, it’s more fitting to call it a stronghold that encases a unique forest,’ Kieran mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

nCompared to the area where the young elves trained, the journey into the depths of the temple was quite uneventful.

nUp until they stumbled across a bed of leaves with a symbol imprinted on the surface, Kieran merely looked around absentmindedly, committing the layout to memory.

nFrom what Kieran gathered, the bed of leaves acted as a door. Though it didn’t seem too sturdy, Kieran knew that trying to apply common sense to matters like this was a ridiculous notion.

nOnce before this bed of leaves, Kieran noticed the strange symbol aligned to match a ring-like marking on the chest of every Highborn.

nWhile standing before the door, Viessa pressed both her hands above her cleavage until the symbol on her chest and the bed of leaves released identical glows.

nA second later, the leaves warped, spiraling until they formed an opening.

nBeyond the opening, Kieran saw what seemed to be a lake with emerald waters and in the center of that lake were more leaves that acted as a seat for a captivating lady to sit comfortably.

nBeside this seated lady was another individual, who judging by their feature seemed elderly. But, viewing this elder as incapable due to age would be a grave mistake.

nThe moment they entered, Viessa, Venali, and Paeris lowered their heads, respectfully greeting the two presences in unison.

n“Greetings to your majesty. Greetings, Great Sage of the Sacred Leaves.”

nAfter receiving this greeting, rather than the seated queen, the Great Sage of the Sacred Leaves waved his hand, creating a few seats for everyone present.

n“Take a seat. We’re aware of your presence, but before that, our Eminence Vitalia would like to speak with the young human.”

nAs per instructions, everyone took a seat including Kieran.

nHowever, unlike the rest, the Great Sage of the Sacred Leaves motioned his hand strangely, bringing it close to his body.

nDue to this action, Kieran’s seat rose into the air, landing before the Elven Queen, Vitalia, a few moments later.

n“You’re quite a remarkable human. To think the Ego of our Ancient Protector spoke on your behalf,” the Great Sage of the Sacred Leaves remarked.

nBecause of his remark, Kieran looked at him curiously until information on him was generated.

n「Lv.??? Ayduin, The First Emplenan (Ancient NPC)

nClass: Great Nature Sage

nHealth: ??? (100%)

nAffiliations: «Queen’s Ancient Confidant» «Emplenan Few»」

n‘No wonder he commands so much respect. The first Emplenan, yet the feeling he exudes is unfathomable. A single placement separates their position, but compared to Viessa, this Ayduin character feels insurmountable.’

nNot too long after his initial comment, the Great Sage Ayduin continued. “Not only were we advised to meet with you but we were also cautioned to treat you differently. Apparently… you hold an incredible Ego in your body but that’s not all. Your fate… is calamitous if challenged.”

n“I’ve been told this. Though, what doesn’t become difficult when challenged? It’s the challenge that molds us,” Kieran replied, shifting his gaze between Ayduin and Vitalia.

nUntil now, Vitalia’s pale green eyelashes continued to flutter as she gazed at Kieran. Unlike Ayduin who took initiative to speak, Vitalia remained quiet, studying the boy before her.

n“What makes you special?” Vitalia suddenly asked, rising to her feet.

nThis question, when posed to other people, would perhaps warrant some deep answer that tried to explain the recipient’s uniqueness but not Kieran’s. In response to the question, Kieran replied with a mere shrug.

n“Nothing,” Kieran answered. “I’m pretty much as simple as it gets. If I set a goal, I do everything within my power to attain it.”

n“I see. But… that’s not what I’m asking you,” Vitalia replied.

nUpon rising to her feet, Vitalia stepped lightly, circling Kieran’s chair a few times before extending her slender finger. “I’m asking why, despite having experienced the elven’s doomsday, the Ego of our Ancient Protector vouches for you. What are you? You… are not of this world. So, it’s understandable why Gaea feels you should be held to another set of standards.”

n“Not… of this world?” Paeris gasped, knitting his brows.

nThis revelation came as a tremendous shock. With all of the powers Kieran had obtained, Paeris felt it was strange for him to apparently not be of this world.

n“Well, perhaps my words are somewhat incorrect. What I mean is… his current presence in this world isn’t through natural means,” Vitalia said, paraphrasing the meaning of her words.

nMeanwhile, Kieran was taken aback by Vitalia’s question.

nThis was admittedly the first time anyone had challenged his presence. Illiueta had briefly commented on his presence in the world, but given her inadequate experience, Kieran couldn’t believe what she said.

nVitalia, on the other hand, was a different story. Especially with the details given about her.

n「Lv.??? Vitalia Viviscosa, Ninth Elven Queen (Ancient NPC)

nClass: Great Quintessence Contractor

nHealth: ??? (100%)

nAffiliations: «Great Elven Clan» «Emplenan Few»」

n‘Quintessence generally relates to something invaluable. If Vitalia can contract something invaluable, her power likely exceeds many figures on the same level. But… considering she’s also the Ninth Elven Queen, that must mean the queen’s abilities come at a similarly great cost,’ Kieran mused.

n“You could say that your words are correct. My presence is unnatural. But what’s even more unnatural is the fact you can sense that,” Kieran replied, unable to hide his astonishment.

n“To be more precise, it’s Gaea that knows. It’s because you lack the proper quintessence belonging to the Lesser Boundary. Even the quintessence of your soul seems far too great for this boundary. That said… in the end, can the elves rely upon you?”

n“Rely upon me for…?” Kieran questioned, skeptically contorting his face.

n“If it boils down to choosing between helping humanity and assisting the elves, can the elves rely upon you to keep our interests in mind? Depending on your answer… Gaea awaits you,” Vitalia said.

nDue to this question, Kieran grew quiet for quite some time.

nTruthfully speaking, Kieran didn’t quite care for the longevity of humanity and the reason for that was its inability to rouse any great reaction from his power.

nThe elves, on the other hand, made his Source Rune thrum with an unquenchable thirst. This benefit alone made Kieran consider forsaking humanity.

nDid he have any loyalty to race regardless?

npAn,d a-n0ve1 In Kieran’s eyes, everything was a blank slate until something beneficial or unfortunate occurred. The elves, as a result of their strange vitality, gravitated to the former.

n“As long as you don’t do anything to betray my trust or forsake me, I see no reason why I wouldn’t make your longevity a priority. In that same way, should I ever require it… could I count on the elves to create a haven for me?”

n“You may,” Vitalia said after careful consideration.

nAfterward, she extended her hand, manipulating the leaves in the center of the lake to form a descending staircase. “A visit with Gaea awaits you.”

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