The enormous Warp Gate that's been modified to be able to connect to the capital of Elnira Kingdom did its function perfectly as Russell Moon, the members of the Umbra Mercenary, Samantha Hall, Han Jiho, the princess of Etheria, and the daughter of the richest man on the Orion Continent, together with numerous player civilians and affiliated players of various guilds, arrived almost at the same time.
What was screened in their visions and registered in their ears were the chirpings of innocent birds, the tranquil butterflies with kaleidoscope wings hanging on some green leaves, and other animals, walking freely as if danger was something not to be considered, that looked different from what the Old World had because of the consolidation of Mana in the surroundings.
Numerous towering green trees were covering the capital, and the wind they gave off was serene and cold. The houses were also made of thick tree branches and huge quantities of unknown species' leaves. Apart from that, the conspicuous large tree rooted in the middle of the capital could be seen as if it were covering the heavens as the sunlight barely passed through its gaps.
It was a sight to see for someone who wants to maintain their inner peace in a world of madness.
"Just how high is that tree? Isn't that the rumored World Tree from the mythology of the Old World?
"The one called World Tree of Yggdrasil?"
Gazing above in puzzlement and wonder, Amelie muttered her astonishment.
"That's probably it. Does the Queen of Elnira sleep there? I mean, it's basically her castle, right?"
Freya responded to Amélie as she asked her own question in general, waiting by chance for someone to answer, but her older brother, who knew it as the one who had written it in his unpublished novel, just scrutinized the surroundings in awe. It's his first time seeing this scenery of an absolute natural environment.
'This is heaven for introverts... Minus the elves, of course.'
Russell Moon thought as the batches of guests kept pouring from the wide Warp Gate. As per the agreement before the day of this event, the Elnira Kingdom would only accommodate approximately 3,000 humans and 3,000 dwarves, a total of 6,000 individuals that would be considered foreigners in their kingdom.
The Obelisk Organization released a memorandum regarding how it was chosen to be the lucky guest to visit the Elnira Kingdom to watch the El-Vul-Or Tournament with its own set of eyes. But this memorandum was only aimed at the unaffiliated and was limited to 1,500 people. In other words, apart from the chosen players from the Obelisk Organization, from the Top 1 to the Top 10 Guild, the slot to come in this place of nature, fully depicting the sense of what a biosphere was, was random.
It's something that Russell had no idea about since, according to his unpublished novel, the guests were numbered that way and randomly chosen apart from the major characters and notable related ones, but how the Obelisk Organization made the mechanics to be a part of this historical founding of an ambiguous bond was unknown to him.
"Good morning, everyone. May I ask first if everyone understands me?"
The sound of an alluring voice destroyed Russell's temporary heaven in his head about this kingdom's atmosphere.
It was an elf with blonde hair that was fluttering, accentuating her beauty; she also possessed yellow-green eyes that seemed to contain the tranquility of nature and snowy white skin that was mostly coveted by men. Her demeanor showed her good-natured amiability as she clasped her supple hands as she addressed the group of visitors.
"Yes, we do. Good morning, too. How may I address you?"
It was Samantha who responded, standing in front of the group.
Based on the order of the Obelisk Organization, the group of people must be divided into three; Selected representatives from the academies, including those that weren't from the Obelisk Academy and Sky Academy; Selected affiliated players that belonged to renowned or blooming guilds and randomly chosen civilian players, except for the ones that were working for the media companies to broadcast the event so that it could be accessible for those who weren't able to attend, These groups were then divided into subgroups, and they would have Elves as their guides while they were here. It's simple tourism.
"I'm glad to hear that. It seems you possess a language-translation skill.
"Anyway, you can address me as Alfina. Introductions aside, I'll be your group's guide until the end of the event.
"It's my pleasure to meet all of you."
Slightly bowing as a symbol of politeness, the beautiful elf, who called herself Elfina, welcomed the group.
"Ah, Miss Elfina, everybody here has a language-translation skill since it's been provided for each of us before coming here.
"What I mean is, don't be awkward around some of us, thinking that not everyone will be able to understand your words. We're glad to have you, too, Miss Elfina."
Samantha also bowed her head, causing Elfina to smile in a genuine manner.
"Thank you! Ah! I forgot, I introduced myself, but how may I call you?"
"I'm Samantha."
She succinctly replied with the same smile as the elf, who looked young but was probably a hundred or more years old.
***
'At least that part didn't change at the very least.'
Russell felt grateful for the generosity of the Obelisk Organization to provide a low-rank language-translation skill for every guest since the System would only translate the difference in linguistics if the race was the same. In other words, humans of different nationalities and languages would still be able to understand each other even without the language-translation skill, but communication between two different species would be a different case.
"Ouch..."
"Oi! Oppa! What are you gawking at, huh?"
Freya whispered in a firm manner, seeing her older brother looking blankly at Alfina, who was still conversing with Samantha.
"I'm lost in thoughts, so stop bothering me."
"Psh. Lost in thoughts... Lost in thoughts your face!
"You find her attractive, do you?"
Russell scoffed before responding, feeling mentally tired to deal with his younger sister this morning.
"I shouldn't have woken you up that way earlier, alright."
"Heh..."
Freya formed a sly grin, somewhat feeling false empathy for her older brother.
Amelie, Amery, and Ken were all silent as the siblings seemed to duke it out because of what happened earlier.
"Everyone, welcome to Irennora, capital of Elnira-!"
With a cheerful voice, the voice of Alfina gathered everyone's attention, ending the irrelevant bout between the two siblings.
After that, everyone followed her to the audience seats where the arena for the tournament was situated in the middle.
***
The entire arena was made of tree branches, but not ordinary ones since it could withstand the outburst of Mana between two individuals fighting. In fact, it's one of the training grounds for the Elven soldiers of the kingdom.
It's circular in shape, being held by thick branches on all sides. In other words, it's a floating stage, including the audience seats that were surrounding it.
The way for Russell and the others to come in here was the use of teleportation, which Alfina possessed as a guide.
"Excuse me, everyone. Is there a participant here?
"I'll ask you to line up on the front seats so it'll be convenient for me to transport you on the stage when it's your turn."
The participants in the student's category raised their hands, which included Samantha Hall, Han Jiho, Anya Amasawa, Leon von Obreyon, Russell Moon, Freya Moon, Amelie Rose Merveil, Azalea Vermillion, Arthur Wolfson, who was now merely a puppet under Amelie's grip, and the list went on.
Alfina was bewildered and somewhat astonished, seeing the number of participants in the students' category.
Based on the rules set, the tournament would be divided into two categories: Selected students from various academies, and selected non-students or senior players from various guilds.
Just like humans, education also exists in the Elven kingdom, as well as the Dwarven kingdom. Although the curriculum might be certainly different, the learners still do exist.
After some time, as the clock exactly hit ten in the morning, the subtle, alluring voice of the Queen of Elnira reverberated throughout the capital.
"Greetings to my citizens, and to the foreigners of our nation.
"Although the misunderstandings between the races are still present, with the help of this alliance, we are hoping to completely eliminate it since it'll be beneficial to every one of us — for the innocent and only want peace, to be united as one.
"And today, for everybody witnessing this event wherever you are, I declare the commencement of the El-Vul-Or Tournament!"
Whoo—!
Deafening shouts echoed throughout the arena as the Queen addressed her and the visitors.
'Sounds fake and hypocrisy to me.'
Russell inwardly lampooned, hearing the passionate voice of the Elven Queen.
After the announcement, the lineup of battles for today had been posted through holographic technology in front of everyone.
***
El-Vul-Or Tournament Day 1
Matches: Best of 1
Student's Category:
1. Aisha Whispercrest — Obelisk Academy, versus Aina Llanor
2. Acelyn von Ephilon — Sky Academy, versus Aerin Llanor
3. Arthur Wolfson — Obelisk Academy, versus Alf Basil.
4. ...
'It seems we're assigned for tomorrow or the third day or maybe the fourth one...'
Russell thought. Since they're on a confidential mission, only known to some higher-ups, to capture a wandering vampire, it would be suspicious for the others if they fought first and didn't come back until the end of the event.
'I wonder when's-...'
Before he could finish the thought, floating exclusive tree-made, wide encapsulated seats, appeared and steal everyone's attention.
Within those seats, the Queen of Elnira, together with her subordinates, were leisurely sitting.
On the other hand, just on their right side, Artorious Hall, along with Ayleen Mayfield, and some other higher-ups of the Obelisk Organization were sitting in the same manner as the Elves.
Furthermore, on the left side of the Elves' seats, the Dwarven King with his subordinates showed their appearance.
They were here to watch the spectacle that was about to happen.
The atmosphere became tense because the battles would be personally watched by these individuals that held much power in one place.
Muttering in Elvish, the Queen of Elnira erected a barrier throughout the arena so that the impact of the battle would be lessened.
Artorious, the Dwarven King, and the others watched in with different expressions since the barrier erected seemed to be unorthodox. In other words, it's not a skill in the System.
"Before the tournament starts, I will now announce the rewards for the champion, first place, and second place..."
In a minute or two, gasps could be heard from almost everyone as the rewards, which came from each race based on the agreement they'd made, were more than someone could hope for.
***
On the Northern Border of the Elnira Kingdom. Atop the fortress made of sturdy trees, an Elven Commander was looking ahead, feeling numerous presences, which he considered filthy.
"It seems they're getting worked up. I should notify the council."
As he whispered in the air, the Elven Commander informed the elders of the Elven Council, knowing full well the ongoing tournament.
***
In the Nether Realm, where death was the definition of true living.
Rakshana, a Dark Elf, at the same time a Death Executioner like Freya Moon, wandered around aiming for human territory.
Due to some business and since the Vampire Lord she's connected to was someone not in hurry, it's only this time she's exploring and would spy on the human territory by utilizing the location equivalence of the Nether Realm to Earth.
Walking for how long, she noticed something from afar.
Her crimson eyes constricted as she realized something.
"Don't tell me... The Ruler of Death had already assigned a Death Executioner for humans?"
Knowing the Nether Realm, she pulled back and canceled the reconnaissance mission without prior information regarding the identity of the Death Executioner on the human side.
What was screened in her eyes were the vicious Nether Workers, whose strengths weren't something to laugh at and to be messed with.
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