The Queen of Scrolls never admits defeat

Such pure, highly concentrated anti-magic tree sap, a small bottle of it would be enough to buy all the high-quality slaves in their mercenary group.

It is usually used only when dealing with extremely dangerous spellcasters, either by coating weapons or creating a small number of arrows.

But these natural spirits in front of him splashed water directly onto him!

At that moment, the monk's shock even outweighed his fear and despair.

He let Lila manipulate the newly sprouted vines on the ground to bind him up like a dumpling, his mind a complete mess.

I don't know whether I should worry about my miserable fate if I fall into the hands of the elves, or admire their arrogance.

Despite not having an overwhelming advantage in numbers or average class level, the elves quickly gained the upper hand and dismantled their secret stronghold, which they had been building for many years, thanks to the abundance of plant materials they had produced!

In fact, the elves used very few offensive spells throughout the entire process.

From paralyzing arrows, sticky spider webs, and revitalizing vines to hypnotic pollen and anti-magic sap, and then to the revitalizing roots and various potions used by Moran... all of these things maximize the resource advantages that the nature elves have accumulated in the forest.

When the last slave hunter who was putting up a stubborn resistance was brought down by the ranger with a tripping vine and then finished off with a precise paralyzing arrow, the cave fell completely silent.

The slave hunters lay sprawled about, most unconscious, while the few who were conscious were paralyzed or bound and unable to move.

Ryandor quickly counted the number of people on his side. Only two rangers had suffered minor injuries, but they were fine after being treated by Lila.

"It's not safe here. The person has been rescued. Prepare to evacuate immediately!"

At Ryandor's command, several rangers immediately drew their daggers or short swords and approached the slave hunters, who were bound by vines and mostly unable to resist.

For them, the best fate for villains who invade the forest and abduct spirits is to return to nature, their corpses nourishing the earth.

"Wait!" Moran quickly stopped him, asking Ryan Doll for instructions: "We rescued Polly and Celine and destroyed this stronghold, so it is certainly a victory."

But think about it, would a slave-hunting team with high-level mages and such meticulous and cunning operations only consist of these dozen or so people?
This underground waterway outpost has been operating for a long time and is clearly a carefully chosen transit point, likely backed by a larger organization and a wider network for disposing of stolen goods.

She looked around and saw that many elves had thoughtful expressions on their faces, then continued:

"If we kill them now, it would be simple, but it would also cut off an important lead."

Where did they come from? Which faction do they belong to? Do they have any other accomplices? Why did they dare to attack the elves? Besides this place, do they have any other strongholds or hideouts? We don't know any of these things.

"It would be better to take them out and interrogate them using the Truth Potion. Then, we can use this information to trace them back and capture them all at once, thus eliminating any future trouble."

Upon hearing this, the elves fell into a brief silence, but none of them agreed with Moran's suggestion.

They weren't unaware of the logic in Moran's words, nor were they completely oblivious to the potential subsequent threats.

However, leaving the forest and taking the initiative to investigate thoroughly is an option that fundamentally contradicts the life philosophy and survival strategy followed by the nature spirits for generations.

Nature spirits are accustomed to living, growing, and fighting under the protection of the forest.

The forest is their home, their source of strength, and their natural barrier.

Unless absolutely necessary, they rarely leave the forest for an extended period of time to venture into unfamiliar, complex, and dangerous areas.

For them, the best way to deal with external threats is to strengthen the forest's defenses, so that any malicious intrusion will "return to nature" and become nourishment for the forest. Polly and Celine have been successfully rescued, and the immediate threat is about to be resolved.

In the elves' view, the crisis had been averted.

Further strengthening of patrols and vigilance will be sufficient to deal with similar intrusions.

Should we proactively investigate a potentially larger, more powerful force operating beyond the forest?

That would mean placing oneself in a completely disadvantageous environment, facing unknown enemies and conspiracies, which they considered too risky.

Ryan Doll looked at Moran's young face and sighed inwardly.

He admired the child's talent and sense of responsibility, but he also had to remind her of practical considerations.

"Moran, your idea... is very courageous. However, the forest is our home ground, the source of our strength, and the place we know best and where we can best utilize our advantages."

Leaving the forest would significantly weaken our strength. Moreover, the outside world is far more complex than the forest, and danger comes not only from the swords in the open.

Next, we need to strengthen forest patrols and vigilance, raise the awareness of our people, and ensure that all those with ill intentions who venture into the forest will "return to the forest" to nourish the land.

This is the safest and most effective way for us to protect ourselves.

Leaving the forest rashly to track down the enemy would likely put everyone in danger.

"Yes, Moran!"

Polly and Celine also grabbed Moran's hands urgently. The fear and exhaustion of their imprisonment still lingered on their faces, but now their expressions were filled with worry for Moran.

"It's too dangerous outside the forest! Those people are cunning and cruel. Don't take any more risks! Staying in the forest with everyone is the safest place!"

Moran originally planned to find out the forces behind the slave-hunting group, and after sending Polly and Celine back to the tribe, he would go out of the forest to investigate the matter and completely eliminate those associated with the slave-hunting group to prevent future troubles.

But now, seeing the expressions of her people—some silent, some admonishing, some worried—she could no longer find the words to say.

The nature spirits have chosen a survival strategy of inward protection and passive defense, stemming from their history, traditions, and deep dependence on the forest.

They were not short-sighted or cowardly, but rather, over a long period of time, they had developed a survival philosophy that they considered effective.

She cannot, and should not, force everyone to change their mindset and follow her on an uncertain "expedition."

I wouldn't say I'm disappointed, just... a little helpless.

However, as a member of the Emerald Elf tribe, enjoying the nourishment of the forest and the care of the tribe, Moran could not stand idly by and allow the potential threat to continue.

The number of tribe elves is already small, and each one is incredibly precious. We were lucky to save them this time, but what about next time? What if the enemy is more cunning and uses more covert methods?
She could not place the tribe's future on the enemy's mercy or on their own constant vigilance.

Since no one is willing to leave the forest and take the initiative, then... she will take on this responsibility.

Anyway, she had planned to go out and gain experience after she came of age, to learn more about magical traditions and complete the high elf's inherited memories. Investigating this matter was just a side trip.

However, now is not the right time to announce this plan publicly. (End of Chapter)