The situation of the Druids surprised Ben quite a bit. Just the survivors from the Green Tower exceeded over a thousand people, and the number of Druid apprentices and Tree Elves gathering from various settlents surpassed a quarter of the total population of the Trade Wind Ring's natives. This was much better than the disastrous scenes in history after the Wolf Calamity where nearly nine out of ten perished. Ben initially thought that relying solely on his own strength to restore history for the Druids would require a greater cost, but now it seems he has done better than imagined. This shows that the thousands of players in history may have played no significant role at all, yet the two Great Wizards of the Silver Alliance, William and Turaman, have acted like a stabilizing force.
The Druids received them with the highest honor upon their return from the Trade Wind Ring. Although the city was still in ruins at the ti, hundreds of high-level Druids managed to draw precious Mana from the Pool of Nature and began paving a flower-strewn path for Ben from ten miles away at the Rose Wall. By the day they arrived at the Green Tower, almost the entire city turned out.
The young n were a bit excited because Ben had jokingly told them earlier that there might be Elf beauties offering kisses, which made several noble youths' eyes shine brightly. However, the imagined scene did not occur; the Elf Girls were still reserved and conservative, hiding in the woods with cautious curiosity as they watched these 'Alien Race' heroes.
There were no kisses, but at least everyone received a wreath offered by the Elf Girls, and Ben got two. Unfortunately, he didn't have the chance to see what the two Elf Girls who gave him the wreath looked like.
It was Queniel who led the Druid Elders to greet them. This Leader of the Tree Elves walked briskly to Ben, opened his arms, and gently touched shoulders with the young man. This is the highest etiquette a hunter can offer to his comrade, showing that this Leader of the Tree Elves has recognized the honor of fighting alongside Ben. For Elves, this is a bond of life and death.
Then Queniel took a step back and said in the Tree Elf Language: "A'aton ss talar." (The forest is evergreen with you, my friend.)
Fortunately, Ben could understand, and he smoothly replied in the Tree Elf Language: "Atar os dar, X'dor mun." (The forest is evergreen, and the bowstrings sing.)
A hint of surprise flashed across Queniel's face; the Tree Elf language evolved from the Wood Clan Language is entirely different from the mainstream Wind Elf Language. He originally didn't expect this human friend to understand the aning of his words and had planned to explain afterward. Yet Ben not only understood but replied in a way that completely matched the Tree Elves' etiquette.
The Druids Elders behind Queniel also showed expressions of surprise, for a human to be well-versed in their customs is quite incredible in human society. They surely didn't know Ben was quite different from the average person; he had 'lived' in many places, understanding many cultural traditions that ordinary people do not.
At this mont, a kind smile appeared on Queniel's face: "You have not let down our expectations, and we certainly won't break our oaths. Now, you are the Lord of this land." He raised both hands, presenting a White oak seed in his palms.
Ben was shocked upon seeing the oak seed: "Is this the fruit of the Holy White Oak Tree? You are giving this to ...?"
In the tradition of the Tree Elves, they worship the Holy White Oak Tree, seen as the Guardian and Ho to all Essences in the forest. There is such a Holy White Oak Tree where the Torch is stored at the Green Tower, serving as the spiritual ho for all Elves and Druids. Queniel giving him this oak seed signifies acknowledging him as their leader, usually only the Great Elder of the Druids has the right to possess the fruit of the Holy White Oak Tree.
"You should be quite familiar with our tradition, Ben," Queniel said, holding the sacred fruit with both hands to Ben.
Ben nodded, looking rather astonished at the smiling Queniel and the Druids behind him. Was it possible that because he saved this place, these people were all bending their knees in worship? That seed a bit too outrageous.
Queniel appeared to notice Ben's confusion and explained: "Normally, according to tradition, we and the Druids would follow our customs, gradually migrating out of civilized areas to settle in a new Black Forest. But Lord, having considered your proposal carefully, if you truly wish to pave a path through the Barbaric to trace the road of the Ancient Saints, we are willing to depend on you."
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