Chapter 356: Crossroads

Alma stood her ground. She had said what she truly believed and there was plenty more. "I want to be queen one day. I want to lead our people in more than just protecting the forests. I wish for our people to see the world and everything it has to offer. I wish for others to see the beauty and brilliance of our city every day. And if we can not change our ways then I see no reason to remain in the home I love." 

The elder's faces had become sour. They knew that Alma was on a path to become a queen and had been trained to take on the title one day. Hearing that she would self exile herself because she wanted the entire culture to change was an insult to the ways the elves had relied on for hundreds of years. 

Another elder stood and spoke, "If we must lose one potential to remain in safety then I see no downside. There are many in the future youth that could have the potential to become a queen." Alma bit her tongue at this. The words were true enough. However, hearing them said out loud was a harsh blow to any elf.

"Then you can forget me staying here. I refuse to be part of a hermit kingdom that is afraid of its own shadow. Alma is basically my sister, without her here there is no point in staying. I will leave and go wherever she goes." Calen did not even see a point in staying. She knew her master would let her roam free just like he had in life. 

With Calen backing up Alma another elder was forced to speak. "The speedster title has not been passed on and we know you are far from the requirements. There are more that could take on the mantle in the elven race. There are many in the frost elves domain that hold such hope." Calen glared at the elder after hearing this. It took all her energy not to shout out that there was no one else that could take the title but her. 

"Fine, none of you will get your courage up, then I will need to leave too." Wade forced himself to stand and walked to stand next to Alma and Calen. He was still showing that he suffered from his injury but stood taller than he ever had before. He had the strongest feelings for the way the elves existed. He knew they had amazing magic that could heal many. They had unique crafting techniques that were guarded from the world. They had So many potions and herbs they had hoarded in fear that others would come to harvest them to extinction. 

"How do you think the surrounding kingdoms will view the elves if one of their title holders chooses to leave them. What will the demons think? What will the spirits of those who have passed think of losing one of the few archery related titles our race has?" Wade's response was more than any of the elders had been prepared to handle. If the other two left they could be forgotten and replaced in their eyes. However, if they lost a title holder then there would be no coming back from it. 

"I agree with the future queen Alma, the elves must change and remove our illusion barrier. I will pledge myself to be her right hand." Wade kneeled before Alma and used his uninjured hand to raise his bow to her. This was the same as offering up his soul to someone as an elven archer. 

Alma was moved beyond belief, she had seen many do this for the current queen and knew that it was one of the most important ceremonies for any enforcer that took up archery. Having someone do so for her and the ideals she believed in was an honor that could not be summed up with words. This gave her the last push to put down her demands. "The elven people will drop their illusion barrier. We will show the world who we are and bring about a change. There will be no more pointless war and no more hiding." 

The room was shaken. The actions of the three elves had been enough to cause cracks to form within the foundation of what the elders had believed for their entire lives. Everything they had been taught since they were born was to protect their knowledge from spreading and their people from being seen. The very idea of changing that was an insult to the culture they fostered. 

'Optional kingdom quest- The elven kingdom's future

The true hero title holder is witnessing a great fork in the road for the elven people. The culture that has existed for generations has been challenged by the future leader of the elves. The true hero has the power to stand with the young queen and raise a new culture or they have the ability to step back and allow the elven people to remain as they are. The tree hero is supported by other heroes and the user's decision holds the weight of the world.

Requirement:

Choose to step back and allow the current culture of the elven people to continue

Or

Step forward and assist in the change to elven culture creating a new culture for the elven people 

Reward or Punishment:

Based on the true heros' decision there is the potential for an unshakable bond to form with the elven people and the culture to evolve.

Or

Based on the true heroes' decision there is the potential for a war between elven people and every kingdom to begin'

Walker read this notification after hearing Alma's words. He was being prompted with the largest quest he had ever received. Based on his decision the entire culture of a race could change. He knew that his party would stand with him and that he wanted to see the elves become a better and more fulfilled people. He would hope the same for anyone. He wanted to avoid war at any cost.

The problem was that he could not see the future nor the possibilities they held. If he chose and caused war he could be responsible for the extinction of an entire race. His decision could not be made so lightly, but if he did not speak his mind at this moment then there would be no point. 

"Will you all stand with me?" Walker whispered to his party and instantly received nods from everyone. Onyx responded by coming out from his tattoo form and coiling up next to everyone. This was all Walker needed to step forward next to Alma. 

"I stand with the future queen of the forest elves. As the true hero title holder, my self and the hero title holders support her beliefs. There is nothing more than I would like to see than the elven people flourish and make themselves known to the world. The beauty that is held hidden here pains me. It is something that every soul deserves to see in all the glory it possesses. I witnessed an enforcer heal in an instant. I have seen the forest from the highest point and been lost in a sea of green. And I have seen the courage of an elf that would put their life on the line for the future leader of his people." 

'Kingdom quest complete

The true hero title holder has chosen to support the change in elven culture. 

The rewards will be shown over time.'

This was a much different quest completion notification than he had seen, however, it was also a much different quest than he had ever known to exist. Walker stood still next to Alma mirroring their gaze as the rest of the party stepped forward. Every single one of them was ignoring the elders and staring right at the queen.

The vines she rested on had long stopped moving. She was as still as a statue, completely unmoving with her eyes wide open looking at the very depth of those who stood within her hall. Without any warning, she started to breathe heavily and the vines began to spread through the entire hall. The elders and the enforcers became tangled within them. Not a single person had the courage to move as the vines took over. The party and the three elves refused to budge even a step as all this happened. If they were to move everything they said could be disregarded. 

"May my spirit be born from the earth. May my blood be made from the purest of rain. May my body be crafted from the peaceful breeze through the trees. I beseech those who have long lived and long died. Dwell within my domain, palace of the spirit kingdom" The queen's words sent a wave through every single being within her hall. She had just used her mastery skill for the first time in over a hundred years. 

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