The Magic Empire for 20,000 years

Chapter 168 The Underestimated Ain
In the magnificent palace, the Elf Queen flipped through the mountain of reports piled on her table, her brow furrowing slightly.
"what the hell."

"No signs of abyssal invasion can be detected at all."

"King Elion of Mankind, perhaps the observation is flawed?"

The elven subordinates nearby reported:

"Your Majesty, the people of Eldorum seem to have completely taken their monarch's words to heart and are actively preparing to deal with the invasion of the Abyss."

"Recently, Eldoron also ordered a large quantity of extraordinary materials from us. It is estimated that this is to manufacture a batch of military magical items that can counter the demon legion."

The Elf Queen waved her hand:

"So be it. Since they believe that calamity will befall them in the future, let them prepare. We don't need to pay any attention to them."

"Anyway, being able to export a large quantity of extraordinary materials is not bad."

Today, in trade between the two countries, the Elf Kingdom's biggest source of revenue is the export of various natural resources.

"correct."

At this point, the Elf Queen Antinoya suddenly remembered something:
"It's been nine years."

"Has the Sun Elf King Larklas still not returned to the mortal realm?"

Over the years, the trade density and economic interdependence between the Elven Kingdom and Eldoron have increased significantly.

The Moon Elf Queen was somewhat worried that the Sun Elf King would be too traumatized to see this scene upon returning to the Elf Kingdom.

Even...taking some extreme actions...

The subordinate shook his head:

"Not yet. According to the reports from the legendary priests, the Sun Elf King is estimated to be several years away from returning from the grand banquet in Avandor."

The Queen's expression was grave as she gave the order:

“Send a legendary priest to set up a ceremony and send a message to the divine kingdom, subtly informing Laclaus that the Elven royal court has established diplomatic relations with the human kingdom of Eldoron.”

She wanted to give the Sun Elf King a heads-up.

……

The land of the fairies, Avando.

A colossal, verdant World Tree spans the heavens and the earth; a waterfall formed from starlight cascades down; a mirror-like lake reflects the azure sky; and the sound of a harp plays in the wind.

The gods of Sidreen gathered at the top of the tree canopy for a grand feast.

The sacred flying elephant soared through the air, fairies flew about with wine glasses in hand, songs filled the air, wine glasses clinked, and countless delicacies appeared out of thin air on the tablecloth, seemingly endless.

The elf supplicants favored by the gods—those deceased elf ancestors—were also immersed in this grand feast.

These elven supplicants maintained an almost frenzied state of ecstasy, greedily indulging in delicacies, performing beautiful dances, or plucking the strings of their instruments without stopping for a moment, as if they never felt tired. If interrupted, they would erupt in fury.

This is the norm in the elven kingdom of Avando; almost all elven supplicants are in a state of high excitement.

Some scholars believe that the reason why earthly spirits have such abundant emotions and exhibit exaggerated language, psychological activities, and physical movements is a reflection of the divine realm.

King Larklas of the Sun Elves was also immersed in the banquet, watching the elves dancing wildly in front of him, and taking a wine cup from the hands of the fairies in the air.

In this atmosphere, the concept of time is diluted; a day and a hundred years are no different.

Even he himself was unsure how much time had passed in the mortal realm.

After eating a delicious berry, Larklais suddenly noticed an odd figure at the banquet.

She was an elegantly dressed, dignified and graceful lady.

She held a book in her hands, her expression remaining calm, not immersed in the atmosphere of frenzied ecstasy. She only occasionally sipped the honey in her silver cup, as if patiently waiting for a certain moment to arrive.

This stands in stark contrast to the other elven ancestors and gods who dance wildly, sing rousing songs, and pluck strings.

"Great Sun Prince, guardian deity of the Sun Elves, your humble chosen ones wish to know, who is this lady who is out of place in the world?" the Sun Elf King asked the Sun Prince Telani, the deity he worshipped.

Prince Sunlight savored the fragrant venison, slightly raising his head:

"A god of knowledge and prophecy without a pantheon. Don't worry about it."

“She happened to come to visit Avando at that time, and my father allowed her to join the banquet.”

True God?

Is this woman actually a god?
Upon closer inspection, Larkle recognized the woman's somewhat familiar face—

Aion, the god of knowledge and prophecy.

Although not part of the Sidrian gods, some elves in the elven realm still worship him.

"So it was Ain, the goddess of knowledge. What was her purpose in visiting the beautiful and great Avando?"

Laclais remained extremely respectful and asked in a soft voice.

"I don't know. It seems like there's something they want to tell us..."

Prince Sunlight didn't even raise his head, maintaining his arrogant attitude, clearly not taking Ain seriously.

Ian sat in her guest chair, her head down, turning the pages of her book, patiently waiting for the break in the banquet, seemingly oblivious to the jubilant songs around her.

"It's a bit noisy..."

"I still can't get used to the atmosphere of the Sidrian gods' revelry..."

The goddess of knowledge sighed inwardly.

Aion could sense that the gods of Sidreen were as arrogant as their creations, known as "elves," and held his visit in utter contempt.

Admittedly, she is a deity of moderate power. But ultimately, she is alone and has no pantheon.

Moreover, she had only barely reached the threshold of intermediate divine power, and was still a knowledge goddess who was not good at fighting.

Among the gods of Sidreen, there are at least several who are more powerful than her!

For example, the Sun Prince Telani, who possesses the divine authority of [War], or Rabelas, who possesses the divine authority of [Time], are both of medium divine power, but their strength is clearly a level above hers.

The power of a deity depends not only on the level of divine power, but also on the divine office and symbols it holds!

Just as Aion was lost in thought with a hint of regret, a handsome silver-haired elf wearing a single eyepatch appeared beside her.

—Lord of Continuity and Unity, God of Longevity of the Elves, Rabelas!
"Guest from afar, goddess of knowledge and prophecy, you seem to be somewhat unaccustomed to the carnival kingdom of the gods of Sidrian?"

Rabelas fiddled with the hourglass in his hand, listening to the rustling sound of the sand dripping, and asked softly.

Ain smiled gently:
"Yes."

"I only wish to wait for a break in the banquet to inform the gods of Sidrian about a recent discovery I made in the material plane, a threat that could potentially affect the gods."

Is there a danger that could affect the gods?
Rabelas's smile vanished, and his expression suddenly turned serious:

"According to the time in the mortal world, it will probably be a few more years before the banquet takes a break."

"Why don't you tell me your discovery now, goddess of knowledge!"

"Rabelas actually values ​​my information this much?" Ain raised an eyebrow slightly.

Then, the longevity god of the elves solemnly said:
"I have recently observed that there is a mysterious force that is plucking the strings of time."

"And a priest told me that a new race called Mind Flayers is gathering information about me."

"And this race claims that they come from the distant future!"

(End of this chapter)