Chapter 761: The Strongest Of Three Races

Chapter 761: The Strongest Of Three Races

How did I end up catching all their attention?! Leo’s head started spinning as he tried to figure out why that would happen.

"Hahaha—cough, cough." Cassian laughed when he sensed Leo’s inner turmoil, but laughing wasn’t healthy in the current condition.

He took a moment to stabilise himself through the pain while the woman made him drink another vial of Starfall Dew.

"Anyways, if you have anything to ask of me, speak up."

Leo’s eyes immediately sharpened. He had been waiting for this.

Leo’s thought process was simple. He shouldn’t stop himself from asking things necessary for his growth just because the other person was injured.

Who knew? If he didn’t ask now, he might end up in the same situation as Cassian someday.

"Principal Cassian, I request to have the Beast Core of the ancient savage beast that we killed in the competition."

Cassian didn’t even think for a second.

"It will be delivered to your territory. Next?"

Eh?

Leo was surprised it was so easy. He didn’t even get questioned about why he needed it.

Maybe they already know...

"Your Majesty."

The woman sitting beside Cassian suddenly spoke up.

"Hm?"

It was then that Cassian started bleeding profusely from both corners of his mouth, enough that a continuous stream of thick blood dripped down his chin and onto his chest.

Cassian simply chuckled and shook his head.

"Looks like our meeting ends here. I would have loved to talk about how I got injured, but it’s not suited for your ears. Anyways, if you want anything else, just tell the trusted people standing behind you. They can directly relay your words to me."

With that, the sofa that had descended from the sky rose back up in the same manner, carrying Cassian as he lay flat on his back and closed his eyes.

The injury was very severe.

Lily seemed to have something to say, but she refrained.

At that time, Tarun patted Leo’s shoulder.

"Kid, get ready. Now you will come face-to-face with the strongest individuals from their respective races."

Leo didn’t even get time to turn his face back and look at Tarun before they were suddenly teleported to a different place.

A lush forest.

"You all came."

A soft, melodic voice made Leo turn back once again.

There, a tall woman—really tall, nearly the same height as him—stood in the distance. She immediately started walking towards them with a calm smile.

She had silky white hair and sharp silver eyes, along with a voluptuous hourglass figure, graceful shoulders, and a naturally narrow waist that created a balanced, statuesque silhouette.

Wearing a luxurious pearl-white royal gown with a fitted bodice, high neckline, long sleeves, flowing floor-length skirt, silver-and-gold embroidery, and a delicate jewelled waist sash, she had a feminine, mature figure, carrying a natural sense of elegance rather than pure athleticism.

Combined with her poised posture and graceful movements, she possessed a striking and regal appearance.

But once again, she was tall, around 6’7".

One thing that caught everyone’s attention was that she seemed to have not an ounce of strength—looking like any ordinary woman.

"Elf..."

Lily noticed her long, pointed ears, and her eyes widened slightly.

As if an electric current had run through the whole group, they immediately straightened.

No way—

Leo’s thoughts halted.

"Looks like you all finally realised," Cyrandel said with a giggle.

"My greetings. I am Cyrandel Aeloria, the Elven Empress."

They immediately bowed.

"We greet the Empress!"

After that, Lily spoke up.

"Forgive our rudeness, my lady. We were unaware."

Lily immediately apologised on everyone’s behalf. Even if she and Leo were proud people, they too had their limits. And right now, Cyrandel wasn’t someone they could afford to offend.

"No need to apologise. I didn’t see anything worth taking as offence," Cyrandel said in the same gentle tone as she looked around the group with eager eyes.

"You are Lily, correct?"

Lily nodded.

"Yes. I am."

Cyrandel turned towards Leo.

"I am Leo."

He introduced himself, and the others did the same.

Even if Cyrandel had thoroughly researched them, Leo and Lily knew nothing. In other words, Cyrandel needed to build familiarity first.

Leo noticed Veronica wasn’t with them anymore.

Only he, Lily, Miho, Sylrael, Aeila, and Thalvyr remained.

Crap!

Leo panicked when he saw Cyrandel observing Sylrael and Aeila for a split second longer.

What were the chances she would get angry at him for having Elven slaves?

"I knew you both looked familiar," Cyrandel suddenly said, as if finally recognizing them.

"Do you belong to the Everwood family?"

Sylrael’s eyes widened in surprise, and she looked towards Leo for permission. He nodded.

"Your Majesty, we both used to belong to the family, but we were sent away in the Rite of Departure long ago," Sylrael said with a bow.

"Oh... that tradition. But only the two of you? Where are the rest?"

"They currently reside in our Lord’s territory and carry out various works."

Cyrandel looked towards Leo.

"Lord, huh..."

"Looks like you luckily found a great place and a good Lord."

Sylrael nodded.

"Our Lord is the best there can be."

Cyrandel smiled and nodded. She already knew it.

"Anyways, let’s wrap up giving your rewards so that we can have a good chat before the other two come after talking to their kids."

Saying that, Cyrandel extended her arm, and a sleek longbow appeared. It glowed softly with swirling silver runes and light.

Leo’s system reacted.

Moonveil Bow

Rank: High Yellow(5) Tier

Type: Weapon

Craftsman: Veilis Thornwood

-Forged from ancient spiritwood and engraved with glowing silver runes, the Moonveil Bow possesses immense magical power. Whenever its string is drawn, a radiant arrow of condensed mana forms automatically by drawing the user’s mana.

These arrows possess exceptional piercing force, can shatter magical barriers, and explode with stored magic energy upon impact. The bow never requires ammunition.

Leo was surprised that such high-tier magic equipment was being rewarded.

"I know it’s difficult to deal elemental damage with the wood element, so this is for you. It forms magic arrows which can be shot raw or even infused with your elements to achieve various effects."

Without waiting for a reply, she turned towards Aeila.

"From what I have figured out, your ability involves connecting people’s minds and communicating by utilising spirits, right?"

Aeila nodded.

"This."

With that, she brought out a transparent glass container holding pale silver-white roots, suspended and glowing softly with swirling green spiritual light.

[Refined Spiritheart Root] - Low Yellow(5) Tier Treasure

-A pale, naturally formed root that grows deep within ancient forests rich in spiritual energy. When consumed or refined, it greatly enhances the user’s affinity with spirits, increasing their ability to sense, communicate with, summon, and form contracts with them.

It also strengthens spirit-based techniques and lets the user perceive weaker or hidden spirits that would normally be undetectable.

A spirit-related talent has a small chance to rank up if the type and conditions are right.

"It’s said that if a suitable spirit-related talent is ranked lower than the treasure, there’s a chance the talent can rank up," Cyrandel informed with a pleasant smile as she saw Aeila having trouble averting her gaze from the treasure.

"Consuming it will take a bit of time, so do it when you are free."

Both Sylrael and Aeila took their rewards and thanked Cyrandel before stepping back. They had received their part of the rewards.

Now, the others.

"Now, Lily," Cyrandel said, looking a bit more enthusiastic as she addressed her.

"Your Majesty."

Cyrandel giggled at her stiff posture.

"Now, don’t be so nervous. I am sure we will be meeting more frequently from now on..."

Lily looked up at her in confusion, but Cyrandel continued.

"Summon your spirits. Let me get a look at them."

"Leo too, summon the young Dryad."

But the moment Leo summoned Niri, Cyrandel’s full attention shifted to her, leaning forward slightly as she analysed her from head to toe.

"Oh~ Such a cute baby," Cyrandel said cheerfully, immediately realising Niri was still a newborn.

But Niri was frozen stiff, her cute, wide ruby eyes fixed on the Empress. A slow blush crept across her cheeks, and the next moment, she ran behind Lily.

"Mama!" She poked her head out from behind Lily and looked at Cyrandel.

"I-is this big woman your sister? My aunt?"

Cyrandel could only stare at the scene, dumbfounded.

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*Image of Cyrandel Aeloria*