Crownjade Wood was a sprawling temperate evergreen forest, blanketing the lower slopes of a towering mountain range.
The forest was dominated by towering needleleaf trees—fir, pine, cedar, and majestic redwoods—while a grassy floor intertwined with dense briar patches created a maze of life beneath the canopy.
Though vast and brimming with ancient magic, only half of Crownjade Wood had ever been explored. The elves had built their homes in this familiar territory, weaving their elegant structures into the natural landscape.
But the other half of the forest remained off-limits, shrouded in mystery. The reason for this was a closely guarded secret, one the elves had kept hidden from outsiders for centuries.
However, with the upcoming competition attracting millions of visitors, the High-Elves had taken unprecedented measures to accommodate the influx.
They erected multiple Tier-9 Illusionary Magic Fields, expanding the forest far beyond its natural borders. The once-limited woodland now stretched into an endless realm, creating the illusion of even greater vastness.
Towns and villages within the woods seemed to swell overnight, their borders stretching to house the countless adventurers, guilds, and spectators flooding in from across the world.
The elven capital itself, Eldrasil, the heart of the competition, grew larger by the day, constantly reshaping to accommodate the surge of visitors.
Streets that were once quiet and serene now thrummed with life, filled with merchants, warriors, and entertainers alike.
The elves took their role as hosts seriously. New buildings were erected at a relentless pace, towering high into the trees to provide lodging for the travelers. Vast fields were planted to ensure an endless supply of food for their guests, a clear sign that the elves intended to welcome them with the finest hospitality their ancient kingdom could offer.
But even with all this grandeur, one thing remained unchanged—the elves' guarded secret about the untouched half of Crownjade Wood was still off limits.
Whispers of what lay within the forbidden territory stirred curiosity, but none dared venture beyond the invisible line that marked the unknown.
Lunaris Village, usually a quiet haven shrouded in an eerie serenity, now pulsed with vibrant life. The air thrummed with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming event, drawing in participants from every corner of the realm.
Horizon and the others wasted no time and made their way to the Teleportation Magic Circle. In mere moments, they emerged in a vast clearing just outside Eldrasil City, a dazzling sight that contrasted sharply with the bustling Lunaris. Throngs of players and spectators poured in from the magic circle, their laughter and chatter creating a symphony of energy.
As they stepped into the clearing, Horizon and his companions couldn't help but notice the other groups arriving in impressive Low to High-Tier Silver Equipment, their presence exuding strength and affluence.
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Meanwhile, Horizon and his crew felt somewhat out of place, like beggars in a royal court.
"Whoa, look at all these players!" Lydia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with greed as she envisioned future prospects for her business. Coins and glittering jewelries danced in her imagination.
Nyx scoffed, crossing her arms. "What's so great about those low-tier gear? They're all flash, no substance."
"We should swing by the blacksmith's shop in town to upgrade our equipment," Von suggested, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
"Good idea," Horizon agreed, taking the lead while Von and Cappy followed closely.
It had been years since Von last stepped into Eldrasil, and he was more apprehensive than excited, memories of past experiences bubbling to the surface.
The line at the grand gates of Eldrasil City snaked forward, guarded by vigilant Elven sentinels wielding high-tier detecting items that glimmered with enchantments.
As Horizon and his friends patiently queued, trouble came knocking in the form of a rowdy group of players. It was the usual type—troublemaker players who thrived on causing chaos while the Eternians were the polite ones, appearing like the players were the original inhabitants of this world than invaders.
"You lot, scram to the back!" barked a player clad in Tier-5 Silver warrior gear, a smug grin plastered on his face. His words cut through the air, threatening to spoil the vibrant atmosphere that had just begun to settle.