Mythology: Ragnarok

Argreed and Heya traveled day and night, and in seven days they quickly arrived at the border of the Elven Kingdom. As they approached, they gradually slowed down, admiring the unique city walls made of vines and ancient trees as if taking a leisurely stroll. Heya looked at Argreed and asked, "How do you plan to persuade the Elven King to send troops to help Avalon?"

Agreed sighed, "Actually, I only came to ask for help on a whim. If all else fails, I can send you back to your hometown so that you can at least stay away from the war. After all, you shouldn't have to suffer with us. This is a human catastrophe, not yours."

Heya rode up to Agreed, stopped him, and demanded, "What do you mean? Are you just going to leave me like this? I can go through thick and thin with you. After everything we've been through, is there really no trust between us?!"

Agreed smiled wryly and comforted her, "Don't overthink it. I just don't want you to stay there. To put it bluntly, dying far from home is the worst outcome, and staying in Avalon could very well lead to that. I don't want you to die, no matter what your status is. Heya, you're different; you still have a choice. Come home. At least you have to stay here for a while. If we get through this, I'll bring you back, okay? Trust me."

Heya looked at him, biting her lip and helplessly urging her horse to continue towards the city wall. She knew Agreed's temper better than anyone. Now that he had made up his mind, nothing she said could change it, but she was not going to listen to him.

The two reached the foot of the city wall, where the elven general, who had noticed them long ago and even come up to the top of the wall, loudly questioned them: "Human, what brings you here? This is not a place for you. If you have any sense, I advise you to leave immediately."

Heya quickly stepped forward and called out, "I brought him here. We have something to discuss with the Elf King. Please allow us into the Elf Kingdom. If possible, please inform His Majesty the Elf King."

The guard looked down at Heya and warned, "Do you know what crime is punishable by colluding with foreign tribes? I advise you not to make a mistake. You can come in, but he can't!"

Agreed shook his head in disappointment, then pretended to shout loudly, activating the magic circle for barrier-free communication, "Looks like I'm not very popular. Well then, I'll take my leave. Heya, you go home first. I'll think of another way."

Just as Heya was about to say something more, a messenger elf (a small elf about the size of a palm, a high-ranking messenger among the elves) suddenly flew over, came to the general's side, and handed him a phonograph bottle containing the Elf King's decree. The general took the phonograph bottle, opened it, and listened to something. Then, he suddenly ordered the city gates to be opened and led his men down quickly.

Soon the elven general walked out of the city gate and came before Agreed. He then knelt on one knee and called out loudly, "Please forgive my rudeness, honored guest of the Elven King. My king has just ordered me to take you to the palace to meet him. Please follow me." As he spoke, he stood up and bowed slightly, gesturing for him to come.

Argreed unexpectedly walked through the city gates, and then he and Hea, guided by the elves, rode towards the palace.

Along the way, Agreed, still puzzled, asked Heya, "Heya, you wouldn't happen to be the Elf King's daughter, would you?"

Heya, with an expression of pity for someone with intellectual disabilities, retorted, "If I were a princess, would I have to go to a human kingdom to make a living just because I was ostracized? No matter how bad things get, as a member of the royal family, I wouldn't be unable to survive in the elven kingdom."

“Indeed,” Agred agreed helplessly. What other reason could the Elf King have for sending a special message to see him? The unexpected good news did not surprise Agred, because he knew that something unusual must be going on. This sudden turn of events left Agred feeling very uncertain.

Along the way, Agreed admired the beauty of the Elf Kingdom like a tourist. These cities, filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers, were built with plants, fully demonstrating their philosophy of living in harmony with nature. The paradise-like living environment and clean and comfortable lifestyle allowed most races to feel healed in this country.

Thus, Agreed admired the customs and culture of the elves with envy all the way, and finally, escorted by the elven army, he arrived at the elven palace through the portal of the elven city.

After delivering Agreed, the general took his leave with his guards, while the royal guards led the two to the palace where the Elf King resided.

Afterwards, Agreed and Heya arrived at a pavilion in the side hall and met the Elf King, who was a very young and handsome young man. However, according to Heya, this Elf King was actually over seven hundred years old. The Elf race ages very slowly, and some even die of old age without showing any signs of aging on their faces.

When Heya saw the Elf King, she immediately bowed to show her respect, and Agreed, who was standing next to her, followed suit and bowed to the Elf King as well.

The Elf King had them sit opposite him, and then instructed the servants to attend to them. After a while, he finally spoke up and asked, "Guests from afar, what brings you here?"

Argreed took a deep breath and then got straight to the point: "I have come here seeking the aid of the Elven Empire. The Orc Empire has launched an attack on humanity, and I hope you can provide us with assistance."

The Elf King shook his head and asked, "Why should we help humans?"

Agreed continued, "Because if we are defeated, the Orcish Empire's next target will be here. They will destroy your walls and turn your paradise into a sea of ​​fire."

The Elf King scoffed and retorted, "You underestimate the elves. They can't defeat us."

Agreed continued to persuade, "That is true, but is it really a good idea to bring the war here? Rather than waiting for those vile creatures to invade our territory, why not help our harmless allies keep the enemy at bay? Moreover, you don't need to exert much effort to assist from the sidelines. This will cause huge losses to our two potential enemies, the humans and the orcs, while also greatly benefiting our own side."

Furthermore, if you are willing to send troops to support us, we will offer you annual tribute of supplies and wealth needed by the elves. Please consider this carefully.

The Elf King thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "That sounds very good, but I still don't intend to help you. It makes no difference to me who wins or loses; the short-lived race will eventually bow down at the feet of the elves."

Agreed asked helplessly, "Then why did you summon me, Great Elf King?"

The Elf King looked at him meaningfully and said, "Because the ancient Hiscana wants to see you, I have summoned you here."

“Siescana? Who is that?” Agreed asked again.

Heya then quickly explained, "He is the tree spirit transformed from the first ancient tree that appeared in this Elf Forest. It is said to have existed for millions of years. He is the uncrowned king of this Elf Forest and the mentor of all Elf Kings. All major decisions of the Elf Empire must be approved by him before they can be implemented."

At this moment, the Elf King proudly nodded and said, "Did you hear that clearly? In other words, my teacher wants to see you. Come with me."