"For example, the Dark Elf territory," Serwinf replied. "After all, that's the birthplace of Anselin's dark magic. If her power returned there after her death, it would be a form of returning home."
"So, do you think that power might be hidden in Blackstone Castle?" Dao Lao asked directly this time.
Serwinf hurriedly responded, "I didn't say that, my lords. I was merely speculating. Please consider it as random chatter."
"Hey, why are you so nervous? We're just having a conversation. Don't worry, we won't tell Elinna," Hao Yun reassured Serwinf, puzzled by his sudden nervousness.
"That's good to hear." Serwinf bowed gratefully to Hao Yun, a gesture that only increased their curiosity.
"Serwinf, does Elinna forbid you from mentioning Blackstone Castle?" Dao Lao pressed further.
Serwinf seemed to be struggling with his thoughts, hesitating for a long moment before answering in a slightly fearful tone, "Lady Elinna is very certain that Anselin's remaining power is not in Blackstone Castle. That's why she has always rejected our suggestions to infiltrate the castle and forbids us from mentioning it."
Serwinf sighed and continued, "Lady Elinna is right. After all, it's a powerful force that any dark elf could use. If it did return to Blackstone Castle, a dark mage elder would naturally inherit it, and we wouldn't need to investigate to learn about such a significant event."
"However, Lady Elinna's reaction to this matter has made me worried. It seems she has some sort of fear or aversion to Blackstone Castle. Because of this, she always stays within the Light Elf territory instead of using her divine power to destroy the castle and end the dark elves' war against us."
Hao Yun and Dao Lao were surprised. They hadn't expected Serwinf, who seemed loyal to Elinna, to hold such differing views. Naturally, they didn't explain Elinna's reasons for not using her power to end the war, as it involved many rules about the celestial realm's governance of divine beings. Explaining it would risk revealing forbidden secrets.
Still, Serwinf's mention of Elinna's fear of Blackstone Castle intrigued them. A god should have no reason to fear anything in the lower realm. If Elinna did fear the castle, one possibility was that her past life's memories held negative experiences of the place, causing her aversion. Another possibility was that some force within Blackstone Castle made her uneasy, likely the presence of malignant spirit energy.
If Blackstone Castle did harbor such energy, why hadn't Elinna told them directly or reported it to gain leniency from the Underworld's pursuit?
"Could it be that Elinna knows there's something strange in Blackstone Castle? Perhaps she knows it's malignant spirit energy but doesn't want to be associated with it, hoping instead to lure us there?" Hao Yun suggested privately to Dao Lao, making a throat-cutting gesture.
"Or maybe Elinna wants to use us as sacrifices to gain more power from the malignant spirit energy," Dao Lao replied.
"To help her learn dark magic?" Hao Yun guessed.
"Or to escape the Underworld's pursuit," Dao Lao agreed.
"Hmph! It's unfortunate for them that we're here specifically to hunt down the malignant spirit energy. If they want us to fall into its trap, it'll only save us the trouble of finding it!" Dao Lao said.
"Looks like Blackstone Castle is a must-visit," Hao Yun said, stretching to invigorate himself.
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Dao Lao then asked Serwinf directly, "It seems Blackstone Castle is quite peculiar! I'm very interested in exploring it. Serwinf, can you get us there?"
If their analysis was correct, Elinna and Serwinf were subtly guiding them toward Blackstone Castle. Thus, Dao Lao's request would likely be met with eager assistance.
However, Hao Yun still felt nervous about the direct question. They were, after all, under a form of house arrest. If their analysis was wrong, their request might be harshly denied.
What if their request to leave was denied? How would the Light Elves react? How would they escape? Although Hao Yun had no combat experience and couldn't predict how to handle such a situation, he knew he had to prepare for a confrontation.
After hearing Dao Lao's question, Serwinf didn't respond immediately but instead asked in surprise, "My lord, are you saying that you want to go to Blackstone Castle?"
He glanced around instinctively, as if checking whether Elinna was nearby and might overhear the conversation about Blackstone Castle.
Seeing this, Dao Lao laughed heartily and said, "Hahaha! We've been curious about Blackstone Castle ever since we heard about it. Naturally, if we get the chance, we'd like to visit this landmark of the Dark Elves! Moreover, we'd like to investigate its situation. To be honest, we find Blackstone Castle quite strange. Who knows, we might find a way to help end the long-standing war between your two tribes!"
Noticing Serwinf's increasingly stiff expression, Hao Yun quickly stepped in to ease the tension. "Actually, we mean no harm. If you're worried, you can send soldiers to accompany us and monitor our actions. Of course, if you think it's inappropriate, we understand."
Serwinf raised his hand to signal that Hao Yun didn't need to explain further. Then, he said seriously, "Please don't misunderstand, my lords. Lady Elinna has instructed us to ensure that you are not interfered with while you're here on important business. We can't afford to delay your work. So, if you wish to leave, I will arrange your journey. However—"
"However, what?" Hao Yun urged, feeling anxious after Serwinf's unexpected agreement to their departure.
"However, you must be aware of the Dark Elves' temperament. They won't treat you as hospitably as we do. Given your distinct appearances, you must be extra cautious if you enter their territory. Don't make the mistake of exposing yourselves openly like you did when you first met us; it will bring you great trouble," Serwinf warned.
Dao Lao nodded, agreeing that his previous actions on the High Cliff Prairie had been reckless, leading to their easy capture by the Light Elves. Indeed, one should avoid mingling with novices to prevent blending into their lower ranks.
Serwinf continued worriedly, "Moreover, the center of the Dark Elf territory is heavily guarded. Do not attempt to break in; you must find a way to sneak in. Otherwise, if something happens to you, I won't be able to explain to Lady Elinna."
"Of course," Hao Yun reassured, patting Serwinf on the shoulder. "But don't forget, we're Elinna's colleagues. Even if things go south, we have ways to escape."
"That's reassuring," Serwinf replied awkwardly.
Hao Yun felt something off in Serwinf's words. Serwinf's awkwardness came from forgetting that Hao Yun and Dao Lao were as powerful as Elinna, making his worries seem excessive. However, it sounded like Serwinf wasn't expressing relief but rather subtly hoping they would encounter trouble.
Hao Yun considered that his suspicion might stem from Serwinf's allegiance to Elinna, making anything he said seem dubious. He convinced himself that was the case.
Serwinf then reminded them that while Anselin was gone, the loyal elders of the Dark Magic Association remained. These elders, powerful and knowledgeable in dark magic taught by Anselin, were still a formidable force. This was why, despite Anselin's death, the overall strength of the Dark Elves remained significant.
"We'll keep your warnings in mind," Dao Lao assured, patting Serwinf's shoulder. "Our goal is to investigate and gather information, not to fight. Rest assured, we will act discreetly to avoid provoking the Dark Elves into a retaliatory attack on you."
Meanwhile, Hao Yun and Dao Lao cynically noted in their system channel that despite Serwinf's concerned demeanor, he and Elinna would likely celebrate if they ran into trouble.
During their conversation, Serwinf had led them out of Elinna's command post to a spacious training ground. Earlier, it had been filled with soldiers, but now it was nearly empty, with only a few soldiers and four giant eagles grooming themselves.
Serwinf brought Hao Yun and Dao Lao before the soldiers and instructed, "Equip the lords."
Before they could react, the soldiers began to dress them in dark silver armor.
"Isn't this Dark Elf armor?" Hao Yun asked, letting the soldiers fit him with the armor while trying to get used to its weight and restriction.
"Yes, my lord. These are spoils we collected from the battlefield. Serwinf thought that if you wore this armor, it would be easier to move around the Dark Elf territory without being noticed," Serwinf explained earnestly.