Since winter arrived, significant changes had occurred across various regions.
One of the most notable was the war between humanity's army and the barbarian forces.
As soon as Arshley issued the order, Luna and Valen led their troops to attack the barbarians' territory.
However, the barbarians had anticipated the assault and set up a formation, aiming to wipe out humanity's army in a single decisive strike.
Unfortunately for them, the presence of humanity's two Heroes rendered their strategy useless.
In just two days, the barbarian forces werempletely overwhelmed and had no choice but to surrender.
Upon realizing that his army and people had fallen into humanity's hands, the barbarian leader—who had once boldly declared war—chose to flee.
Yet, before heuld escape, he was intercepted by Valen and Luna, who swiftly executed him on the spot.
With the barbarian army's defeat, humanity and the Holy Orthodox successfully expanded their territory and strengthened their national power.
"Valen and Luna never disappoint."
Sitting on the sofa, Arshley crossed her long legs, her gaze fixed on the golden-white letter in her hand.
"They are heroes, destined to bring glory to humanity," Edward remarked from across her, taking a slow sip of hisffee.
Arshley nodded in agreement. Heroes existed to protect humanity from the Demon Emperor and lead them to greatness.
At least, that was the belief that had endured for 7,000 years—until Leon finally uvered the truth.
"By the way, Saint," Edward called out, turning to her. "How is theoperation with the Demon Emperor—I mean, Demon Empress Liliana Crimson? Any issues so far?"
"No issues to date," Arshley replied, folding the letter in her hand and placing it on the table. "Demon Empress Liliana Crimson is easy tommunicate with. Besides, she's broad-minded, not narrow in her thinking. Maybe it's because she once lived with Brother Leon—her way of thinking andmmunication style are very similar to his."
A hint of annoyance and jealousy crept into her voice as she uttered the last sentence.
After Leon's earlier revelation, she had only just realized that her brother and Liliana had lived together for more than two to three months while he was rvering from the devouring poison.
To be honest, she didn't really mind if her brother had a special relationship with Liliana Crimson.
After all, he also had a similar relationship with Athena Hellness, and while that annoyed her, it never turned into hatred or blind jealousy.
And yet, for some reason, whenever the topic of her brother and Liliana Crimson came up, she felt an unshakable dimfort and irritation.
It made her wonder—was she actually hostile toward Liliana?
Considering they had never met in person, outright hatred should have been impossible.
In the end, sheuld onlynclude that it might have something to do with that dream—the one that had left her feeling restless and depressed for days.
Meanwhile, Edward nodded in satisfaction at Arshley's response.
Although he had assisted in theoperation with the Demon Empire, he had refrained from interfering too much in the directmmunication between Arshley and Liliana.
After all, that was a matter for the two highest leaders of their respective races. His role was simply to stay prepared in case Arshley needed his assistance.
Suddenly, his eyes widened slightly as he recalled something important.
"Saint, my apologies—I forgot to inform you," he said, his tone turning serious. "A few days ago, a mysterious letter from the Elven race was sent back, addressed specifically to you."
Arshley was momentarily taken aback. "A letter from the Elven race?"
Since receiving the first letter from them, she had yet to send a response.
Not because she had deliberately ignored it, but at the time, her mind had been entirely preoccupied with her brother's whereabouts and well-being.
Once her brother's safety was secured, she had beennsumed by the monumental task of uniting humanity and re-establishing a stable government.
Only now, with Edward's reminder, did she recall that the Elven Kingdom's letter remained unanswered.
Reaching into his pocket, Edward retrieved a leaf-green envelope adorned with intricate golden patterns on both sides.
With a respectful gesture, he carefully handed it to her.
"The letter arrived about two days ago. They used the same method as before—intercepting a merchant from the south who was traveling to Astralyn's capital to deliver it," Edward explained.
"I see." Arshley narrowed her eyes slightly and gave a slow nod.
She opened the letter and carefully read through itsntents.
Given the difference in race, it was naturally impossible for her to understand Elven script.
However, to her surprise, the message was written in the language of mankind.
This demonstrated their intelligence—just as described in ancient historical rrds.
After reading and rereading the letter for five minutes, Arshley's forehead creased. Without hesitation, she quickly folded the letter.
Noticing the change in her expression, Edward's curiosity piqued. "Is it aboutoperation with us?" he asked.
Arshley took a deep breath and shook her head.
"No, it's not that," she repliedolly, leaning back on the sofa. "They want me to ask Brother Leon—the Fated One—tome to their territory immediately."
Edward frowned. "Leon once mentioned that he needed to visit the hidden races to prepare them for theming battle against the Evil God. Could there be something happening within the Elven race that requires his help?"
His words struck a chord with Arshley.
"You're right, Edward. That's very possible. I can sense a sense of urgency behind the wording in this letter," she admitted.
The two fell silent, exchanging glances as if they had already grasped the gravity of the situation.
"In that case, are you going to tell Leon?" Edward asked.
Arshley gave a small nod. "Yes. I'll inform Liliana Crimson and have her relay the message to Brother Leon."
Edward nodded in understanding, choosing to say nothing more.
...
"Has the letter been sent?"
Seated on an emerald-green throne, an extraordinarily beautiful woman rested the right side of her face against her palm.
Her gaze remained fixed on a man standing about twenty meters away.
Upon hearing her question, the man bowed respectfully and replied, "I sent the letter two days ago, Queen. They should have received it by now."
The woman let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Very well, I understand."
A brief silence settled over the throne room before the man spoke again.
"Are the elders still pressuring you, Queen?"
She massaged her temples and gave a small nod. "Yes. They refuse to relent. The World Tree is still beingrroded by the Evil God's malicious energy, and only the Fated One can save it."
Turning her head toward the large window on her right, her expression grew solemn.
"I can only hope that this generation's Holy Orthodox Saint delivers our message to the Fated One," she murmured. "If not... the fate of the Elven race may be in grave danger."
