Mage Legend-Chapter 403: Travel and Travel Beyond Travel - Twelve Holy Land

The river drifted forward, gradually covered by a thick layer of moisture. The mist floated like smoke, completely obscuring the clear river path. Without a local guide from the Elf Clan or eyes like Lynch’s that could penetrate obstacles, one would easily lose direction in such a place.

However, this mist completely dispelled the summer heat, and the cool, wet droplets falling on the skin brought a refreshing touch; the burning sensation in the lungs caused by the high temperature was also soothed.

Lynch sat comfortably in the small boat, not worrying about steering its direction. Enjoying a leisurely journey was the only thing he needed to do now.

Some faint lights drifted in from the mist, gradually increasing in number. These lights were like fireflies skimming low over the river, flickering with pale yellow light. Curiously, Lynch reached out for one that neared the boat and discovered it was a small lamp ignited with pine oil on a large overlapping leaf.

"These..." The mage looked in surprise at the two elves on the nearby boat, "Aren’t these lamps made for helping the souls of the deceased rest in peace? With so many of them, could it be that the Elf Kingdom has experienced a war?"

"Yes, my mage friend," an elf replied, "These matters were meant to be discussed directly with you by the Empress. Our Elf Kingdom did indeed endure a series of harsh battles recently." He paused, suppressing his inner sorrow, and said, "It’s not our intention for a friend to hear such news upon entering Salantir."

"I understand your meaning." Lynch returned the floating lantern to the water. "I will ask the Empress about everything."

Specks of light accompanied Lynch, always floating around the small boat. Lynch recalled the documents he had read. Such lights were meant to accompany the elves who had sacrificed their lives for the benefit of their kin so their souls could find the most peaceful slumber. The elves led lives nearly infinite, existing in nature like ancient trees. Unless struck by a terrible illness or giving their lives in battle, elves would only age gradually but not die. They believed that even if their physical bodies couldn’t persist forever, each elf’s soul could coexist with this world, and unless the end of the world came, the souls of the deceased would always inhabit this realm. Lighting a floating lantern on this river, seen as ’divinely gifted’ by the elves, is to help those unfortunate souls find their homeland sooner.

On another note, beyond their lengthy lifespans, the Elf warriors possessed exceptionally refined skills. In battle, they always formed the most elite units. Lynch had never heard of elves sending their people to fight outside Salantir; it contradicted their traditions, suggesting this battle must have occurred within the Elf Kingdom. Fighting on their doorstep, in familiar settings, with the aid of ancient defense systems, the warriors of the Elf Clan still paid a heavy price. What kind of enemy could achieve this?

"My dear friend, do not let these matters affect your mood. Please enjoy the comfort and serenity of the Elf Kingdom," came a female voice suddenly in Lynch’s mind as he delved into thought. It was a voice filled with both authority and kindness, perfectly blending those two conflicting tones. Despite being an unsolicited intrusion, Lynch felt no displeasure at all.

Lynch smiled knowingly, recognizing it as the power of the Elf Queen. Her mighty spells allowed her to communicate swiftly with any living being in the kingdom and even read their thoughts. Yet the Elf Queen never abused such power, only engaging in psychic connections during emergencies. Lynch recalled that on his last visit, he had cast a protective spell against mind control, causing the Elf Queen to encounter resistance during their psychic link for the first time. She merely smiled slightly, evidently unscathed. This time, she was just greeting the mage from afar, stubbornly yet playfully attempting to balance the scales.

Lynch closed his eyes, ceasing to dwell on the news of war. All answers would be revealed upon meeting her, and indeed, the moment was right to indulge in the pleasure of rest.