Elven Village ①

A cavern nestled deep within the mountains of the Saliera Kingdom.

In the hidden chamber at its heart, the instructor activates the transfer magic array.

"This transfer magic array leads to the Elven Village. Are you ready?"

Nodding in response to the instructor's question.

Confirming this, the instructor activates the transfer magic array.

The field of vision distorts.

The distortion lasts only an instant. When it returns to normal, a different scene comes into view.

From the narrow cavern, into the interior of a structure.

A circular building resembling a grand hall, with multiple transfer magic arrays embedded in the floor.

Yet, the nature of the building matters little now.

An infinite number of sword points greet us upon arrival.

We are surrounded by Elven soldiers.

"Filimes, I believe bringing outsiders here violates protocol?"

A man among the elven soldiers—likely a captain—addresses them.

The language used is not human tongue.

Elven.

Good that I studied Elven at the academy.

“They are allies. I believe I conveyed the circumstances already?”

“Indeed. I stated clearly. We cannot admit humans into the settlement.”

“This is not the time to concern ourselves with human matters. Draw your swords.”

“That is not possible. If you leave immediately, I will spare your lives. Return through the teleportation array now.”

“This is not negotiable. Summon Potimas.”

Tension fills the air.

I gesture to calm Katia, who nearly assumes a combat stance.

I step quietly in front of Ana, shielding her from the blade and the elven gaze.

“Cease this.”

The man’s voice echoes.

It has been many years, but I have met this man once before.

Potimas Haifenas.

A male elf chieftain.

“Such rough hospitality is not sufficient. The elves as a whole welcome the hero and their companions.”

“Is that acceptable?”

“Very well. Should the barrier be breached unexpectedly, having more forces is always preferable.”

A discordant undercurrent enters Potimas’s words.

I do not hold a favorable impression of this man.

He has judged me at first sight, as if he had done so before. There is a gaze directed at me, as though everything outside myself is beneath contempt.

“Come. I shall prepare a modest welcome seat.”

The elven warriors sheathe their swords.

Potimas walks briskly forward.

I follow closely behind.

“Potimas, what is the situation?”

“Not good. We will speak later.”

Potimas answers the teacher’s question with indifference.

Is it appropriate to welcome us when the situation is not good?

“Um… if the situation isn’t good, is it really okay to welcome us like this?”

The words escaped before she could stop them.

“It could be said to be fine. It could also be said not to be fine. But nothing immediate will happen. There is enough time to eat. Details can be discussed later.”

Potimas turns forward and begins walking.

His back made clear that further questions would not be answered.

Exiting the building containing the teleportation circle.

Before them, a forest spreads—home to a tree estimated to be thousands of years old.

One trunk alone measures at least ten meters in diameter.

The base of the colossal tree has been hollowed out and repurposed as a dwelling.

Looking back, the location where the teleportation circle had been—what she had assumed was a building—is revealed to be inside the tree itself.

The elven village was less a settlement within the forest than the forest itself.

Elven eyes watched from within the wooden houses, from branches above.

The lack of welcome was unmistakable.

Elves were known to be exclusive. Yet, being met with drawn blades and such discomforting stares was unforeseen.

Observing Ana.

She held herself with composure, but her hands trembled faintly.

To Ana, this elven village was a place saturated with bitter memories.

She had undoubtedly endured such gazes since living here.

I stayed as close to Ana as possible.

Eventually, Potimas entered a single wooden house.

Inside, the space resembled a conference hall, with a circular wooden table at its center.

We took our seats as invited.

Food was then brought in.

"Elven cuisine. Should be palatable to human tastes."

We took a bite of the meal as Potimas suggested.

Vegetables formed the base, quite mild in flavor, but the ingredients' natural taste was clearly emphasized.

Indeed, it was delicious.

Tired from the journey, we ate in silence.

"Now, to the matter at hand."

After the elven waitstaff cleared the dishes, the instructor spoke.

"Indeed. Let us explain the current situation."

Potimas began the explanation.

"Enemy forces have already reached the outer edge of the elven forest. They are currently halted by the barrier. Their force consists of approximately eighty thousand troops, primarily from the imperial army."

The sheer number was startling.

Given the ongoing conflict with the demon clan, how could the defenders possibly withstand such a force?

Was Yugo not considering this possibility at all?

The complication is that the church is deploying a considerable number of soldiers. The formal endorsement of Yugo as a false hero suggests a strong alliance between the empire and the church.

Perhaps the church was indeed influenced by Yugo’s mind-control ability.

I assume you know the elven village is protected by a barrier. However, church mages appear to be constructing a large-scale spell. Scouts report it is an unknown spell, incomprehensible to analysis. Likely intended for barrier destruction. A large-scale spell requiring several days of preparation.

Several days!? Shouldn’t we stop it!?

"The correct answer is that it cannot be stopped, even if one wishes to. The barrier erected over the elven village is powerful. Even we cannot pass through it. To enter the village, one must use a specialized teleportation array. The barrier resists even standard spatial magic and deflects skills such as telepathy. Currently, six thousand elves are active outside the barrier. That is not enough force to combat an army of eighty thousand."

I see.

The barrier surrounding the elven village is stronger than anticipated, as the master claimed.

"Um, how do they communicate between the outside and inside?"

"They use a technique known as sign language. The barrier blocks sound entirely, but does not obstruct vision."

Huh.

Sign language exists in this world as well.

It likely differs greatly from the version on Earth.

"The prediction from external contact was that the spell formula would be completed shortly. Therefore, the village remains safe as long as the barrier-breaking magic has not been completed. That is the reason it is both safe and not safe."

"Will the barrier be destroyed?"

"Unknown."

After that, we were told we had endured a long journey and were given rooms to rest.

If the barrier is breached, that will be the signal for battle to begin.

Until then, recovery of lost stamina must be completed.