An arrow whizzed by, striking the spot where their elf guide had been standing just moments before.

“Back away,” a sharp voice in the trees shouted.

Eris drew her sword, her eyes narrowing.

The form of the elf slightly shifted, catching their attention.

Eris squinted her eyes. On closer inspection, her skin seems unnaturally pale, and the arms seem a bit out of proportion.

A deep guttural growl erupted from the elf. The body started to warp and contort, revealing a grotesque quadrupedal monster : ghostly white skin stretched over a bony frame, an elongated neck bending in an unnatural way, covered in small tufts of gray hair. Their empty pupil-less eyes stare ahead.

“Screeee!!”

Rearing up on its hind legs, it claws at Eris, who tried to parry the strike.

‘Heavy,’ she thought, groaning under the weight.

Eris shoves Yuki backwards as she unseals her rapier.

The voice rang out again. “That’s no elf! That is a corpsewalker! This monster is a puppeteer, wearing the skin of the dead, burrowing inside the body and controlling it.”

Eris took a step back, casting a flurry of icicle spears alongside Yuki.

Suddenly, dozens of arrows buried themselves into this creature, killing it, pinning it to the forest floor. The monster spasmed violently before collapsing into a heap.

“This is why you have to properly dispose of the dead in this forest, purifying and burying them.”

“Travelers, you are on the edge of elven territory, state your intentions.” the voice demanded.

Eris glanced up, to see a group of elves perched on the tree branches, bows trained on them. What appeared to be their leader stepped forward.

She pulls down her hood, revealing distinctly long ears and clothing made of leaves, and a cloak of animal hides, her piercing gaze fixed on the two travelers.

Eris sheathed her sword.

“We are adventurers who got lost. We wish for passage through your forests to get to Calarin.”

The elf who appeared to be the leader sighed heavily. Her expression remained stoic.

“Many warnings were posted at the forest’s edge. You’re lucky to be alive. The forest’s powerful distortion magic warps your sense of direction, and powerful monsters roam the grounds.

Her gaze flicked to Yuki, causing her to flinch.

“And you. Your kind has no place in this sacred forest. Although we tolerate you due to our sacred covenant with our ancestors, how dare you trespass? Do you know not manners? Nor treaties?

The elves murmured in disapproval, glaring at Yuki.

She visibly shrank back.

“I’m sorry!” Yuki blurted, bowing deeply. “The city is currently on lockdown, and the teleportation arrays were closed—”

The leader raised an eyebrow.

Eris hesitated before stepping in. “There is a fugitive on the loose. Nobody is allowed in or out. We adventurers got out just in time.”

The elves exchanged uneasy glances, whispering amongst themselves.

Finally, the leader spoke.

“Fine, if you must follow us, you will abide by our rules,” she said, pointing at Yuki, her gaze still hard. “Consider it a favor to our half-elf kin,” gesturing at Eris.

She continued, her voice stern. “First, no lighting fires. The forest is sacred, we do not want to risk damaging this sacred forest. Second, respect the forest. Do not pollute or damage it, learn to respect nature. Third, follow us closely on the trees. Do not wander.”

Eris and Yuki nodded quickly, eager to avoid further conflict.

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As they followed the elves from tree branch to tree branch, she talked more about her people. They are well suited to the forest, mostly hunter-gatherers, of classes such as archers, rangers, druids, and elementalists.

“We have to respect our prey. We use every part of the animal, using the bones as tools, the hide for clothes. Our long lifespans allow us to grow stronger with time, but the forest is our greatest ally.”

Eventually, the group of elves stopped.

“We are at the eastern edge of the sea of trees, next to the Federation of the Beastkin. Be careful, although the war won’t reach here, there are many skirmishes at the western border,” she said. “We will direct you in the direction of the Calarin embassy.”

She handed them a map and an item each.

[Elven Wooden Pendant]

Carved from high quality wood, it serves as a token for safe passage through the elven territory.

Protects against distortion effects of the forest

Causality manipulation decreased from ⅔ -> ⅓

Eris and Yuki hastily slipped on the pendant.

“We must depart, we cannot accompany you any further. Follow the map, and you should safely reach Calarin. May the forest guide you.”

Yuki bowed, thanking them in gratitude while Eris waved enthusiastically.

“Let us go then, you and I.”

Over the next few days, they sustained themselves mostly on nuts and berries and the occasional wild game, making their way deeper in the elven territory.

Eris’ skill [Botany Knowledge] contributed significantly to their journey.

Soon, they arrived at the heart of the forest; Leafantum, the elven capital.

Centered around the towering world tree, it is a breathtaking sight. The massive trunk seemed to stretch on endlessly, piercing the sky. Its vibrant green canopy seemed to glow with an ethereal light. Smaller trees surrounded its base, connected with walkways made of wood and twine.

The scent of flowers and fresh pine filled the aura, soothing the weary travelers.

Soft rustles of leaves and the distant hum of chatter could be heard as elven artisans worked.

Elves patrolling these bridges, bows drawn and ready.

“Travelers, halt,” an elf called out as they approached.

A gray-haired elf slowly shuffled forward, her arms resting behind her hunched back, exuding an aura of authority. Her sharp gray eyes study them carefully.

“Come with me,” her voice soft yet commanding. “Yggdrasil spoke of your arrival.”

“Yggdrasil?” Eris and Yuki asked curiously in unison.

The elder nodded. “Yggdrasil, the source of life. It pumps life into the world, it’s precious sap able to heal even the most dire injuries, and maintain your youth.”

She trailed off, gazing at the tree.

Eris followed her gaze and frowned slightly.

The world tree appeared to glow, the tree giving off an ethereal, almost otherworldly feeling.

“Wow,” Yuki said, her eyes wide in wonder, her voice barely above a whisper.

Eris pointed at the base of the massive tree. “Why are some leaves falling? And the base of the tree—It’s graying.”

The elder sighed heavily. “The tree has been poisoned,” she said, her voice laden with sorrow.

Eris and Yuki gasped.

“Our best druids and botanists cannot solve this problem,” she said as she shook her head sadly, her gray hair swaying gently in the breeze. “The world tree grows weaker by the day. However, it also spoke of a pair of travelers who may help us in our plight,” the elder continued, pointing at them. “And we believe that you are the ones we are waiting for.”

With a somber look at the tree, she continued. “The world tree has been growing more and more quiet. If you can save Yggdrasil, we will reward you generously and give you anything you wish for.”

Eris and Yuki exchanged a glance before nodding.

“How can we help?”

The elder led them to a modest tree house, where an elf gently sat down a meal of mushrooms, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and dried meats.

The floors are padded with moss carpets, with a small area carved of wood used and woven reed matts used as a dining area, and a small section covered with straw and leaves as a sleeping area.

“Here is your meal.”

“Thank you!” Yuki said excitedly. “I’ve always liked elven food!”

Eris stared at the food with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. Reluctantly, she picked up a piece of dried meat, taking a cautious nibble.

Her eyes widened.

“This is… Delicious?” she said, her voice tinged with surprise. “I’ve never had anything like this!”

The elf smiled. “The legend goes that the first elven king complained of the bland food everyday. So he set out to search for a solution to our dilemma. This is made from the powdered flesh of a mushroom monster. A staple seasoning among our people, it has a rich, umami taste.

Eris froze mid-bite, staring at the elf in horror.

“What did you say?”

“Monster flesh powder,” the elf replied, matter-of-factly.

Eris and the elf stared at each other in silence.

Yuki stifled a laugh as she continued eating. “A bit shocking, I know, but you’ll get used to it.”

“It's more common than you think. Many people season their food with monsters,” the elf further explained. “Some parts are very tasty. The raw liver of the roc birds that lives in this forest is considered a delicacy.”

Eris thought for a bit. “I respect your food and culture, and I do admit this is very tasty. Thank you for the food!”

The elf smiled politely and left.

“Yuki! Yuki!” she hissed. “I almost choked on the food. Why didn’t you warn me??”

“Well, suit yourself,” she said as she nibbled on the dried meat, winking.

After lunch and some sightseeing, they met up with the elder for the mission briefing.

“I need you to bring back a master botanist in the west,” she continued. “We pure blooded elves cannot leave the forest, so we will need your help.”

Their target is the newest demon general, code named “Hemlock,” the 13th demon general.

“We elves cannot withstand the miasma generated by the demons, so we need someone with strong divinity to traverse to the west.”

She held out a flask by the neck.

“Every year, we get to harvest a bit of the sap of the world tree. We use this sap to make ancient elven medicine, passed through the generations. Legends say that it is to even be able to bring the dead back to life.”

Eris and Yuki’s eyes widened and they shared a brief glance.

“I promise this as a reward should you succeed.”

She handed them a map and a bag of supplies.

“It contains medicines made by our apothecary, which can help you regain your strength and vitality, and other useful items. Use them wisely.”

[Elven Good Luck Charm]

Smells of fresh dirt after a summer rain.

+10% luck

Can communicate with plants

In the past when the enchantment on pure-blooded elves was temporarily severed, these would be gifted as a good luck charms as they venture in the unknown

“Well travelers, I wish you the best of luck. Make haste. The world tree would only last a few more years at this rate, a blip in time for us elves.”

Despite centuries passing since the initiation of the great war, the demon territory remained mostly uncharted due to the heavy presence of miasma and corrupted monsters.

Despite demons being many times stronger compared to other humanoid races, the countries worked together and produced many heroes and anti demon technologies.

Possessing superb intelligence, they are born through hatred and lingering resentments when a member of an intelligent race dies, be it humans, elves, or beastkin.

Bidding the elves farewell, they set off on their journey.

Transforming into a hawk, she steadied herself, as Yuki climbed on her back, wrapping her arms gently around her neck, before she took off with a swift, smooth dive into the sky.