Chapter 117: The Festival Where Moonlight Stays (2)
“Haa. Haa. Haa.”
Sylvia was breathing heavily with an expression as if she were about to die.
It couldn’t be helped.
The path on the right that Jinhyuk had guided her through was so rugged that even the elves didn’t traverse it.
It was essentially a blocked and dangerous route.
Nevertheless, Jinhyuk had pierced through rock crevices and crossed through the thicket, basically sprinting like a madman all the way to the edge of the village.
Having arrived considerably earlier and performing calisthenics, Jinhyuk looked back at the belated Sylvia.
“From now on, we’ll use this path. It’s much faster.”
He normally wouldn’t share such things.
Time was precious, therefore he was specially revealing the shortcut.
At Jinhyuk’s words, Sylvia’s face was a picture of astonishment.
“Well, of course, it’s faster!”
How could it not be faster taking such an unreasonably treacherous path?
Time saved would be multiple folds.
The problem was that it would not be surprising if several people died along the way.
‘How can a person even move like that?’
Even if a high-ranking ranger were to stand here, performing such dazzling and natural movements was impossible.
Moreover, was he not perfectly familiar with a path unknown even to the native elves?
It was hard to believe even while watching.
This entirely undermined common sense.
‘Could it be, maybe a Polymorphed dragon? Or perhaps came down from the tower for amusement. To feast on elf meat…gulp.’
While Sylvia was lost in her wild imaginations:
Rustle!
Whoosh!
Accompanied by the sound of cutting through the wind, something flew in.
It was fast.
“Huh?”
Sylvia, startled, couldn’t react, but a dagger with a red glint was already in Jinhyuk’s hand.
Clang!
The arrows that were deflected spun in the air before sticking into the ground.
A white wooden quiver and arrowheads engraved with elaborate patterns.
They were unmistakably of the elves.
“You’ve got a rough way of welcoming guests. Is it because I didn’t bring a housewarming gift?”
Jinhyuk shrugged his shoulders.
At that moment, multiple elves emerged from beyond the forest.
‘There’s quite a crowd.’
At a glance, there were more than twenty.
Rangers armed with longbows and daggers perfectly surrounded Jinhyuk.
“A guest… you mean you?”
The cold words were spoken by a male elf with long silver hair.
The kind of handsome face you’d see in a movie.
However, what troubled Jinhyuk wasn’t the elf’s appearance but the annoying memories associated with the man.
The rangers’ commander and a high-ranking 1st class high elf, Theslon.
Yes. That would be likely be that bastard’s name.
Jinhyuk rapidly activated ‘Eye of Gluttony’.
Name: Theslon
Gender: Male
Age: 926
Level: 30
Strength 18, Agility 30, Stamina 21, Magic 45, Spirit of the Forest 40
Occupation: Senior Ranger
Unique Ability: ‘Bullseye (百發百中)’
Skills: Lv6 ‘Quick Shot’, Lv6 ‘Spiritual Enhancement’, Lv5 ‘Light Footsteps’, Lv5 ‘Blessing of Wind’, Lv4 ‘Farsight’
[Copy Conditions: Theslon is a proud 1st class ranger of the Elf tribe. If you want to copy his unique ability, which he prides himself on more than anything, land an arrow with higher accuracy than him at least once.]
Damn, it’s him.
That guy. The same one who chased me to the outskirts of the forest during the festival.
Jinhyuk let out a small sigh.
Looking at that annoying face reminded him of past grievances.
Chased all the way to hell’s end just for one failed performance.
If there were a spoiled brat in elf society, it would be this guy.
That’s when:
“Lord Theslon! Wait, just a moment!”
Sylvia, who had been standing beside, stepped forward.
Theslon, who was about to notch another arrow, hesitated.
“You are… Surely, the ranger who served under Elder Fenheim?”
“Yes. I am Sylvia, a 3rd class ranger.”
“Tell me. Why are you with a human?”
“That is…”
As Sylvia trailed off, a cold glint passed through Theslon’s eyes.
“Surely you cannot spout such nonsense that you permitted this human into our territory. Even if you’re a naive young elf, I shall not pardon you.”
“It’s not that. The Elder himself permitted this gentleman as our guest.”
“What? The Elder granted permission?”
Theslon’s brows knotted in an unsure expression.
“Theslon, you were in the ‘Central Forest’ when the decision was made. Here, this is the token that permits me to bring in this guest.”
Sylvia pulled out a sculpture made of blue jade.
It was a holy artifact only the elf elders could possess.
“I cannot believe it. The Elder invited a human to the festival… and of all people, such a rude one at that.”
Theslon muttered discontentedly, though that was the extent of it.
Even a 1st class high elf couldn’t defy the Elder’s orders.
But as Jinhyuk was listening quietly, he scratched his head.
Hmm.
How should I put it?
If I just let it slide, there would be no incident, but after hearing such remarks, it feels uncomfortably wrong to remain silent.
“Ah, my apologies for being such an unrefined human. But may I ask one thing? O venerable pointy-eared Sir, is your highness so full of poise that you shoot arrows at guests? Or is that brain so full of grace that it cannot think?”
Jinhyuk blurted out rapid-fire.
Ah, it’s endlessly refreshing to speak my mind.
I wonder how others manage to hold their words back. Saying them out loud clears all upset.
“What, what did you just say to me!”
“Just talking to myself, but you seem bothered, poked a sore spot maybe?”
“You really have a death wish!”
Theslon quickly notched an arrow.
Fast.
But still…
“It seems unwise to flout the Elder’s orders. Are you sure you want to go through with this?”
Jinhyuk didn’t even blink an eye.
In fact, he provoked even further.
“Even if you do shoot, you won’t hit anything, but if shooting helps you feel better, feel free to try.”
“……You. The invitation from the Elder emboldened you. You’re making a big mistake right now.”
“It’s you who is making a grave mistake.”
Because.
“Given the current lack of ‘Swamp Figs’ for the festival, I am the only hope to get them in time.”
There were reasons like this.
A brief silence followed.
And what ensued was utter commotion.
Theslon’s pupils shook as if struck by an earthquake.
The other elves were equally shocked.
“How, how could you know?”
“How did you find out we’re short on swamp figs?”
“It’s impossible. There’s no way an outsider could know…”
The murmurs grew louder.
They must be perplexed.
To think, a human they first met had such deep insight into the elves’ private matters.
But with such hints given, it was hard for Jinhyuk to pretend ignorance.
‘Theslon and the other elves were probably picking figs in the swamp just before this.’
Jinhyuk’s gaze descended.
Dried mud still clung to the elves’ shoes.
In such fine weather, only a minute walk from wet areas would draw such a conclusion.
Plus, Sylvia had mentioned the ‘Central Forest’ – known to be dangerous but with an abundance of fig trees.
The mobilization of rangers, whose primary duties were scouting and guarding, suggested a severe shortage for the festival.
“So you know a way to acquire the figs?” Theslon asked.
“Exactly. However much you want. I can help with that. Only if I choose to do so, of course.”
“……”
Theslon pressed his lips tight as if considering something.
But it didn’t last long.
“Although I have my doubts, we’re in dire straits. Just this once, I’ll trust you.”
Well…
“It seems there’s some misunderstanding.”
Jinhyuk chuckled.
“I said I could do it. I didn’t agree to actually do it, though?”
Special permission, is that what you think it is?
You still don’t understand, I am a guest here.
You’re just one of the twisted hosts treating your guests rudely.
With a firm refusal, Jinhyuk turned to look at Sylvia.
“Let’s go. After meeting with the elders, we’ll discuss how I can assist. Of course, that rude elf over there is excluded,” Jinhyuk gestured.
“Yes? Ye…Yes.”
Sylvia nodded reflexively.
They both walked past the circle of elves and headed serenely towards the village.
Of course, Theslon could not move a finger.
He only ground his teeth in frustration, glaring at Jinhyuk.
＊＊＊
Shortly afterward, they came upon a village where trees and houses harmoniously blended.
“Please wait here for a moment. I’ll go inside and bring out the Elder.”
Sylvia asked for Jinhyuk’s understanding.
Left alone, Jinhyuk leisurely admired the surrounding scenery.
The sight of warm sunlight shattered on the leaves was truly magnificent.
‘Ah. It really is beautiful.’
How long had I yearned to return here?
If only I hadn’t played that damned Titanic, I wouldn’t have faced the disgrace of a permanent ban.
But there’s no need to worry about repeating the same mistake.
I’ve already stored relevant unique abilities in preparation for this occasion.
All that’s left is to ensure the gains and opportunities from the festival fall into place in the order I desire.
‘I’ll completely erase the black history this time.’
Jinhyuk was burning with determination.
How much time passed since then?
Creak!
Finally, the door opened, and an elder elf with signs of age appeared.
A different aura from Theslon’s.
Indeed, could this old man be one of the elders?
“Thank you for traveling the long distance. I am Fenheim, entrusted with the position of village Elder.”
Fenheim extended a hand in greeting.
“Jinhyuk Kang.”
Jinhyuk briefly introduced himself and shook Fenheim’s hand.
Nor did he forget to add the customary civilities.
“First of all, thank you for the invitation. I’ve always wanted to visit this place. Opportunities to see the beautiful and peaceful elven village don’t come often.”
“It’s no trouble at all. Sylvia praised your cooking… ha-ha. We’re the ones fortunate to meet you.”
Pleasure evident, Fenheim laughed heartily.
“I’ll gladly prepare a meal for you this evening.”
“Ah… While that’s a generous offer, I have a question before that.”
“Go ahead.”
“I’ve heard about our predicament from Sylvia, but is it true that you can help us resolve our difficult situation?”
This was about the ‘Swamp Figs’.
Good.
I’ve been waiting for this topic to come up.
“Of course, it’s possible.”
Why wouldn’t it be?
“But,” Jinhyuk cleared his throat and came to the point.
“There’s something I want in exchange. I wouldn’t call it a reward, but I’ve been longing to witness elven archery, if that’s possible? In my ascent of the tower, I need to master archery, considered the strongest at mid-range.”
Elves were famously adept with the bow – that was common knowledge.
Fortuitously, Fenheim nodded as if nothing could be simpler.
“Of course, that’s something we should offer. How would you like us to arrange it? Should we assign Sylvia to teach you?”
“No, I’d feel inadequate learning from an elf who shoots too well. Ideally, someone slightly less skilled would be perfect. That way, there’s hope I might match them or perhaps perform slightly better.”
“Then, from whom would you like to learn? Is there anyone in particular you have in mind?”
“There’s just one person suitable.”
Jinhyuk pointed to a certain elf.
“That one, over there. I believe he’d match my beginner level perfectly. Ah! Maybe I could even surpass him.”
The indicated elf’s expression twisted angrily.
“You… insolent.”
The elf was none other than Theslon, the head of the ranger elves.
