Chapter 1592: 535. Fighting monsters? We are good at that, co on, let’s sign a contract first.
Adel’s hatred for the jewa Clan was etched into her very bones. She believed that her fellow half-elves shared the sa deep-seated grudge.
But reality seed to tell a different story.
If her childhood friend Lisa was to be trusted, then it appeared many in the Dark Valley had already forgotten the ancient hatred. Perhaps this was because survival in this place was too harsh, and in the face of brutal realities, old animosities lost their relevance.
After all, one can’t feed themselves on hate, except for those who truly have nothing left.
In any case, after the Shadow Elves who sought refuge showed so “goodwill,” many half-elves believed they should give them another chance.
How foolish!
From her childhood friend Lisa, Adel learned that the Dark Valley currently housed 3,500 people—a population painstakingly cultivated over the last twenty years. This was just 500 more than when Adel had left.
The reproductive capabilities of the half-elves were evidently not as challenging as those of true elves, but compared to humans, who reproduce abundantly, they were still at a disadvantage.
The valley had reached its maximum capacity to support a population of this size. As the current mistress of the valley, Lisa knew that growing their numbers required expanding beyond the valley’s borders—and she had already started doing so.
“Near a small grove by the Blackfla Mountain Pass, our people established a small village of 200. It was they who first discovered the Shadow Elves fleeing here, and most of those elves now reside there.
They traded so supplies with us in exchange for that village and nad it ‘New jewa.'”
Inside the Avalon Temple in the valley, Lisa introduced Adel to the situation, her tone laced with mockery:
“Those restless elves still dream of rebuilding their clan. Their ambition is to drive out the underground beasts and restore their cities in the future. But I know many of them have already lost hope.
These creatures are clinging to the Weaver of Destiny’s prophecy to endure. But now that the Weaver of Destiny has been kidnapped and her fate unknown, so Shadow Elves have started to flee. According to my Scouts’ reports, that village will completely crumble within a month or two.
Still, as I ntioned, so among them refuse to give up.
They’ve co to my valley, trying to sway the elders into sending people to the Goat n’s dangerous Underground Palace to rescue their Prophet—offering promises they can’t possibly fulfill.
They claim they’re willing to pay us with the jewa Clan’s treasure to hire our help. Many of the younger folks have beco intrigued by the idea, including so of the elders.
And I know those repugnant elves see and ckel as thorns in their side. They must already be scheming in secret to assassinate , just like the vicious elf stories our parents once told us.
When the Weaver of Destiny was still here, she could suppress those restless fools.
But now that she’s gone, it’s hard to tell if those bastards will stir up trouble within my valley.
Your arrival is tily, Adel.”
Lisa stepped closer, lowering her voice as she spoke to the Shadow Intelligence Officer:
“Now that there are elders cozying up to the Shadow Elves, ckel and I can’t openly eliminate these restless troublemakers.
But you can!
I will hire the vampires under your command to wipe out these stray dogs under cover of night. Once that’s done, I shall reclaim full authority as the Mistress of Shadow Valley. Then, I will discuss what your master desires.
You see, Adel, I can’t talk these matters over with you now. The truth is, my rise to power depended on the support of a few elders. Many of the younger generation are willing to follow , but those old n remain stubborn.
They are always so stubborn…
I need your help, my dear friend… No, my confidante. We share a connection stronger than re friendship. We were destined to stand together. No matter what fate has turned you into, you remain my closest companion.”
“Lisa, you’re trying to manipulate —to turn into the blade in your hand to strike your foes!”
Despite Lisa’s apparent sincerity, Adel’s past experiences and her years of serving Murphy had long steeled her resolve. The sches of the valley’s mistress could not escape her perception.
Adel felt disappointnt but chose not to feign ignorance. She broke the facade directly and firmly, saying:
“I don’t know what you’ve been through all these years, but there’s no doubt—you’ve started to succumb to the part of your bloodline that belongs to the Shadow Elves. You’re using the tricks they excel in to deal with them, even scheming to turn a stranger into a weapon to strike down others.
If Aunt Bernice saw this, she would be deeply disappointed.”
“You yourself said you’re a stranger! Adel.”
Realizing the negotiations had broken down, Lisa no longer bothered with pretense.
She stepped back, scolding Adel:
“You’ve been gone for over twenty years. Did you really think you could suddenly appear tonight and have everyone welco you like they did in childhood?
I admit I’ve been trying to use you. But you must understand, I harbor goodwill toward you, Adel. Otherwise, there’s no reason for to let you into the valley, or share secrets outsiders shouldn’t know.
I’m giving you a chance—a chance for the tribe to accept you again.
User Comments
0 comments from readers