Chapter 418: Can you tell me more?

After they were done talking about their future journey to the underworld, the two continued their journey towards the eternal forest. As they were passing by some familiar places, Valdel couldn't help but sigh.

"This place looks so different from those days in my memories, it has changed so much that I can hardly recognize them."

"What do you expect it has been eleven thousand years since then. Even the mountains and deities have changed in that time."

"Heh, when you say it like that, it does make sense. But in my memories, it just happened a few years ago. Still, seeing it now with my very own eyes... It truly has been that long." Valdel sighed as he said those words. Even though he had the memories of Kir, those memories were like dreams to him, still seeing the scenery had changed from that of his old memories made him feel a little heartbroken.

'My past life's kin, all of them should be dead by now. Even Shera my most trusted aid shouldn't be able to survive the purge that happened back then.' Valdel remembered the story of what Ren knew regarding what happened after his death. It would seem that he was able to get some information from a supposed descendant of his. Based on that descendant of Ren's every pure-blooded demon was killed on that day when Ren as Kretos died.

'If even Kretos wasn't able to survive the purge, then most likely she's dead as well. I wonder what her reincarnation would be like?' Valdel shook his head as he continued running.

...

When they finally arrived at the entrance of the forest, the elven queen was already there waiting for them. Both Ren and Valdel were surprised by the sight, but the reason for each of the surprised reactions was different.

Valdel was surprised since this was the first time he has ever seen an elf. Even when he was called the Mighty Lord Kir, he hasn't seen an elf. They were rather rare to see in his past life or even in this life since they didn't like to go out and interact with the other races. Still, they were as the stories proclaimed a very beautiful race.

On the other hand, Ren was surprised to see that Kara the elven queen was here waiting for them.

"How did you know that we were coming, can you see the future?" Hearing Ren's question made Kara smile a very sweet seductive smile.

"Unfortunately I do not possess such an ability. The reason I was able to greet you today is simple. When the Guardian of the tree of life returned, she informed me that you'll be coming to visit. So as I didn't know when you'll be arriving, and I didn't want to be unable to greet you upon your arrival, I have been staying out here. I've been waiting for about one hundred and seventy days." Kara gave out a number that made Valdel and Ren look at her dumbfounded.

"That's a rather long time."

"Maybe for those of little life spans, but for us elves, that's just like the blink of an eye."

'Oh right... If it was me from my past life, I wouldn't even feel bothered if I waited for a few years. I didn't really notice it but I guess after becoming human my read on time has become different as well.'

"Still, didn't you need to sleep, or did you sleep out here?"

"We elves are loved by nature, sleeping in the outdoors is normal for us."

"Really, then why build houses?"

"That was not built by our own hands, but by the tree itself made it from its branches."

"Well, whatever." As Ren was about to move away, Valdel held onto him. "What are you doing?"

"Introduce me to her?"

"Why should I? Are you interested in her?"

"No, but it's the polite thing to do."

"I keep on telling you that you don't need to act that way. If you want to be introduced, how about you introduce yourself. I have other things to do, so see you." As Ren left, Valdel sighed as he looked at Kara.

"I'm sorry for the late introduction. I'm Valdel the childhood friend of that rude guy that just left, it's nice to meet you." Valdel extended his hand forward. Kara stared at Valdel's hands for a bit before she grabbed Valdel's hand and shook it.

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Kara the Queen of the elves." When Valdel heard Kara's introduction he immediately backed away and was knelt on one knee.

"I'm sorry I didn't know. I hope I wasn't being rude." Kara was equally shocked by Valdel's reaction and tried to help him up.

"There's no need to kneel in front of me. I might be the queen but as a friend of Sir Ren, that means you actually have a higher status than I." When Valdel heard Kara's response he stood up and looked at the elven queen.

"So you know about his secret?"

"We elves have a very cooperative relationship with all the Strongest Mortal Soul's incarnations. Our fate seems to be tied to his, however reluctant we are. That relationship of ours has been both a blessing and a curse."

"I understand what you mean, I truly do." Seeing that very awkward smile on Valdel's face, Kara nodded her head.

"It would seem that you truly do understand." The two looked at each other and started chuckling. After a little bit more small talk, Valdel's tone suddenly got serious.

"Um, Kara, I know that we've just met and all that, but I have something I want to ask."

"There's no need to be modest, please ask whatever you want, and I will answer as best as I can."

"How much do you know about the God of Death?"

"Hmmm, I know just as much as any other person, maybe just a little bit more."

"Then do you know where the entrance to the underworld is located?" When Kara heard Valdel's question she couldn't help but frown.

"The underworld, where souls are gathered and cleanse to prepare them for the next life. The only reason why a person would ask to find it. You have recently lost a person dear to you, haven't you?"

"...Yeah."

"You should accept it, death is just simply a part of life. Trying to change that is impossible. Even if you do get to the underworld, nothing will change. The dead will remain dead, but the living might turn out dead. That's the kind of place you want to go to."

"But I still must try. Also, who decided I cannot save my friend from the clutches of Death? I know of a person that defies fate and changes the rules to suit his whims. If he could do it, then why can't I?" Kara looked at Valdel's eyes and saw the burning determination in them. Kara sighed as she shook her head.

"I know of whom you speak of, but even he had to give up things in the face of Death... There are a lot of things in this world that you can change if you're strong enough, but not even the Strongest Mortal Soul could escape death, much less you."

"Even so, please tell me."

"... Truth be told I know not the way to the underworld, but I do know some that might know the way."