Lance stayed in the center of the Takin group, gradually becoming more familiar with them as they talked.
He soon learned that these Takin had originally lived in this region.
Hundreds of years ago, when the Maze first appeared, it had directly transferred this entire area—along with their village—into the Maze.
Since then, they had become residents of the Maze, occasionally dealing with monsters or Adventurers.
“This area used to be relatively safe, which is why our village was located here,” Maji explained. “But two months ago, two Element Lords suddenly fell from the sky. They began to clash near the village, and the environment suddenly became dangerous.”
“You also fell down, and you landed right on our planned migration route, so the Elder sent us to see what was happening.”
After explaining the situation, Maji and his group once again expressed their sincere apologies to Lance.
Their tone was earnest, and since Lance was not a petty person, he did not hold a grudge against the Takin.
Thinking back to the rising flames he had seen earlier, Lance couldn’t help but ask, “Aside from that Fire Element Lord, are there others?”
Maji gave a bitter smile upon hearing the question.
“There is an Ice Elemental Lord wandering not far to the north of the village, though it doesn’t move its position very often. Usually, the Fire Element Lord goes there to challenge it.”
“Thanks to them, the river in our village is either frozen or dried up, and the crops in the fields have been completely wiped out.”
Lance winced. This situation truly proved the proverb: when gods fight, it is the mortals who suffer.
He felt sorry for the Takin’s plight, but his primary concern at the moment was the Elf’s condition.
Although she was powerful and possessed many mysterious ancient artifacts, there was no guarantee she was safe.
‘But what if something happened?’
He then asked in a seemingly casual manner, “Aside from me, did anything else fall nearby?”
Maji thought for a moment and decided there was no reason to hide it.
“Indeed, there was. Just like you, a star fell to the east of the village. We also sent a team there. Since that location is quite close, they should have already returned if everything went as planned.”
Lance understood immediately.
That was clearly why the Elf was at the Takin Village, and he couldn’t help but worry.
After all, these Takin hadn’t come to him for a friendly chat; they had tried to sneak up and ambush him.
He hoped the Elf lady’s treatment was better than his own, and that she hadn’t let her guard down and allowed the Takin to successfully ambush her…
‘Don’t worry, that little Elf girl isn’t in any danger… in fact, she’s quite popular…’
The Witch’s gentle voice suddenly rang in his mind again, but this time, Lance was mentally prepared.
‘Quite popular?’
Lance was puzzled. Had the Elf lady also helped the Takin escape some kind of danger?
‘You’ll see for yourself in a moment.’
With that, the Witch fell silent once more.
Though Lance had his doubts, he could only suppress them and follow closely behind the Takin.
Traveling along steep cliffs and crossing several mountain ridges, the view finally opened up.
A village, brightly lit and looking quite lively, sat on the plain beneath the night sky.
Seeing this, the Takin looked at each other in confusion.
“What’s going on? Is there a festival today?” one Takin asked.
The Takin beside him shook his head, looking just as bewildered. “How could that be? The Elders have been at their wits’ end. Even if there were a festival, they wouldn’t be in the mood to hold it!”
“Could it be that the Element Lords have left?”
Maji, leading the way, waved his hand to stop the discussion. “Stop talking. Speed up. We’ll know everything once we get back.”
The group immediately fell silent and followed Maji closely.
Looking at the lights in the distance and connecting them to the Witch’s words, Lance made a guess and quickly kept pace with the group.
— — —
As soon as they approached the village, Maji spotted a friend on patrol and immediately waved. “Kass! What happened?”
The Takin on patrol had noticed them long ago and ran over with a look of joy. “That’s great! You’ve returned safely!”
“Never mind that. What’s happening in the village? Why is it like this?”
Hearing the question, the patrolling Takin became even more excited. “The Messenger of the Holy Lord has arrived! We’re saved!”
“The Holy Lord?”
Maji’s dark eyes widened in disbelief. “How could a Messenger of the Holy Lord appear here?”
“The Elder said so himself! You should go pay your respects to the Holy Messenger as well! We’ve all seen her… and who is this?”
The patrolling Takin finally noticed Lance, who was wearing silver-gray Knight heavy armor in the middle of the group, and immediately became wary.
Maji quickly waved him off. “This is our guest! Don’t be nervous! Where is the Great Elder? I have something important to report to him!”
The patrolling Takin’s expression relaxed slightly as he stepped aside. “He’s in the Clan House. The Messenger of the Holy Lord is there as well.”
“Good…”
The group of Takin set off for the Clan House, with Lance walking among them.
‘A Messenger of the Holy Lord… No way, right?’
The pale green Soulfire in Lance’s helmet flickered.
For Demi-humans, especially Beastmen, the Holy Lord could only be the God of Nature, Panice!
‘Then the Holy Messenger is…’
The village was not large, and the group soon arrived at the largest building in the center.
The open space in front of the house was filled with tables laden with all kinds of food, looking very much like a banquet.
Many Takin who had drunk too much waved at the returning squad, even inviting them to join the dance.
Ignoring them, a doubtful Maji looked toward the wide-open doors of the Clan House. With just one look, he was visibly shaken and quickly lowered his head.
Most of the other Takin had the same reaction; some even looked as though they wanted to prostrate themselves in respect.
Lance was utterly confused, but in the darkness, his vision was far inferior to that of the Takin, and he couldn’t see what was happening deep inside the building.
Seeing Lance still looking around, Maji quickly tugged on his arm and said earnestly, “Lower your head! Quickly, lower your head!”
Though Lance was curious, he followed the principle of “when in Rome” and lowered his head as well.
An attendant by the Clan House ran over to ask about the situation.
Maji reported their encounter truthfully and requested to see the Great Elder.
The attendant didn’t waste any time and soon returned. “Go in. The Elders are all inside. However, because the situation is special… that guest must stay at the door. He cannot enter.”
Maji looked at Lance with an awkward expression.
Lance shook his head. “I don’t mind. Standing at the door is fine.”
And so, the group carefully walked toward the entrance of the Clan House with their heads bowed.
Lance was stopped at the door, but he could hear the conversation inside.
“Maji! You’re back!”
“Reporting to the Elder, we just—”
“Stop, stop, stop! None of that is important right now! Pay your respects to the Holy Messenger!”
With several thuds, the Takin immediately dropped to one knee, chanting under their breath, “Holy Lord above, we pay our respects to Your blessed incarnation…”
Curiosity getting the better of him, Lance quietly shifted the Soulfire in his eyes. Without moving his head, he adjusted his field of vision to look into the room.
There, sitting in the seat of honor at the head of the room, was a girl with pointed ears wearing a yellow and black dress.
She didn’t seem to mind the Takin’s actions, simply holding a small tea cup and taking a gentle sip of hot tea.
Lance stumbled in shock, instinctively wanting to step forward and ask the Elf what was going on.
But before he could take a step, he was blocked by the guards at the door with their spears.
“Halt! The Holy Messenger is inside! No entry allowed!”
Hearing the discordant sound from the entrance, the Elf raised her eyes toward the door.
Her gaze collided directly with the Soulfire deep within the helmet, and her expression changed instantly.