Chapter 21 - 21: "Yes. Please do enlighten me, Grand Elder."

The Silver Dragon is a very accommodating and hospitable host. He is very knowledgeable about spells, poisons, and medicine. He indulges a few more questions before they all retired for the night.

The next day, the Ancient Dragon handed them a well-crafted silver box. He informed them that he had chosen the best Dragon's eyes in his collection, and he hopes Lord Azure will find them to his liking.

Holy Guardian Lord Azure's Black Matrix Opal eyes are irreplaceable and incomparable. Still, he is confident this is definitely a suitable replacement for him.

Dragon Beasts' eyes are well-sought after rare items. They can replace a Mystic Dragons' eyes with no problem while changing their elemental affinity.

As promised, Little Eu sets up a simple Loop Formation restricting intruders from disturbing his solace. The Silver Dragon thanked her wholeheartedly.

He never like unexpected visitors barging into his abode. This will help restrict anyone from coming in uninvited.

It is such a shame he didn't treat them properly when they came to see him. They can avoid the whole misunderstanding if only he were more open-minded.

He smiles as he watches them disappear from his vision. He refused anyone's company and lived in this isolated place for ages. Until those two came along, he never considered change.

He looks up in the sky, releasing a soft chuckle. He can't hide his amus.e.m.e.nt as he recalls Little Eu and her companion. He never truly enjoyed anyone's company in ages and hopes to meet them again soon.

The Silver Dragon lazily yawns as he reenters his home. He intends to keep his promises to her as he plans their reunion.

Meanwhile, Di'Anon and Eu are leisurely walking back to Bordertown. Unlike yesterday, the mountains don't feel threatening, and the creatures are no longer hostile.

Instead, the place has a pleasant, tranquil atmosphere, while its foliage fills the air with its refreshing, unique musk scent. It's a long way back, and it will take approximately a week to travel back on foot.

Last night's discovery is making Little Eu preoccupied and distracted. There is someone she needs to consult and clear the matters she uncovers about Themis.

"We are going to Oracle Clan Village. I need clarifications about something..." Little broke her silence as she stops.

Di'Anon doesn't need any more explanations as he transforms into his nine-tailed fox form. He decided to lead ahead while he analyzes the best route out to the Forbidden Mountains.

Forbidden Mountains and Ever Forest are both in Inner Courts. In fact, traveling to Bordertown is much convenient, passing the sacred grounds than going around it entirely.

"Little Eu, Your Elders might have a reason why they are withholding information. It doesn't necessarily mean they have ill intentions." Di'Anon broke his silence.

Little Eu looks at the beautiful creature leading the way as her lips slightly curved up. Di'Anon seldom shares his thoughts and gives words of comfort.

She is confident her Elders also means well when they withheld information from her. She is still young, after all. It's normal they protect her and not let her get involved in such complicated matters.

"Thank you, Brother Di'Anon..." she responded gratefully. She continued after a short pause, "What if my clan betrayed the Divine Lord, and everything is just an elaborate plan of deception to gain his trust?"

"I am quite confident that even if your clan betrayed the Divine Lord, you wouldn't let anything happen to him. Whatever path you choose, I will follow you..." Di'Anon said reassuringly.

She can't help but smile as she sighs and replies, "Thank you, Brother Di'Anon…"

She can't believe the loyalty he has given her. His words and presence are somewhat familiar as if she has known him before. He can't help finding comfort from him, and she appreciates it.

Meanwhile, he is finding it strange how everything slips from the Divine Lord's intelligence network. Mystic Spirit might be a vast territory, but he has men reporting irregularities to him.

"What are you thinking about?" Eu asked him.

"How confident are you that the Divine Lord's spies are not on our tracks?" Di'Anon inquired.

"I am the head of his information network. They will only disclose information about me if I wanted him to know..." she confessed. She paused as she continues, "Unless he found them out through other means, I am confident he won't easily figure it out."

He is quite surprised by her revelation. This little girl is simply crafty as she thinks and moves ahead of everyone else. If he doesn't know she is an eight years old Oracle, he will assume she is an immortal in disguise.

He shook his head to the thought as he remembered, Haru's words, 'This little girl is a Mystic or she is probably not really normal...'

"Shall we hasten our pace?" Eu asked, breaking his train of thoughts.

Di'Anon nods in response as he starts dashing towards the Village direction. Little Eu quickly follows suit using her teleport spell.

Before they knew it, they have finally reached their destination. Di'Anon wanted to slow down a little, but Eu insisted on continuing on his pace. She tries her best to catch up with his speed.

Eu is trying to catch her breath when they reached the gates. She has never used her teleportation spell as much as she did, and she felt drained.

The wind is calm and refreshing in Ever Forest. Not long, a familiar voice calls out to them a few moments after their arrival.

"Little One, this is totally unexpected. What do I owe you for this unexpected visit?"

She turns to the Grand Elder, who seems to anticipate their arrival. He is relaxed, drinking tea, and leaning on one of the pillars by the gate.

"Don't Play with me, Grand Elder. I am aware you knew very well the reason for our visit."

"Well, come in then. Let's discuss your business in my study." he waves his free hand as he sighs.

This little girl is growing up extremely fast. Most of the time, it seems like he missed something entirely and finding her rather strange.

"Di'Anon, this is Grand Elder Enoch of the Oracle Clan. Grand Elder, this is my subordinate, Di'Anon. He is a nine-tailed fox Mystic..." she coolly introduced.

"Greetings, Grand Elder…" Di'Anon in his human as he gives his respects.

"No need for pleasantries and formalities. Keep her safe. I am confident you will always keep her safe…" the old man has a knowing smile as he looks at the handsome boy walking beside the little girl.

His eyes widen, his face started to flush while he looks away and gulps. He heard a soft, amused chuckled from the old man.

'This Little one starts to bring men in the village... She is really growing up from that snotty little kid. I am starting to like this one better than that Divine Lord…' he sighed inwardly, 'Why it has to be him anyway?!'

Di'Anon can only sigh that she didn't manage to catch up, or he will genuinely be embarrassed. After all, this elder is assuming too much.

They arrived in the study as the Grand Elder took out the map from his drawer. He knows they have questions, and this is the reason they came to see him.

He waves the rolled map in front of them as he began, "This is the reason you are here, correct? The Themis layout plans and Array Formation key."

"Yes. Please do enlighten me, Grand Elder."

He sighs as he waves his hand to prepare tea. He wasn't expecting this girl to mature and get involved at such a young age.

He began the narration with the events of two hundred years ago. The incident is not apparent with everyone as different versions of the circ.u.mstances exist.

********

During the Holy War, the four Holy Guardians Lords was defeated. The Divine Lord Foeni used his power to save them for annihilation forcing his forced rebirth.

This gave the Holy Guardians time to escape. Far from everyone else knowledge, someone else helped them that day.

The Grand Elder Eiteilla's intervention has saved everyone that day at the cost of her life. If the Divine Lord Foeni's rebirth initiates, Mystic Spirit Realm will fall to meet its imminent doom.

For a short while, the Holy Guardians seek refuge in Themis. Lord Turtle is gravely wounded and at the state of comatose when the city faced an attacked. Themis barriers are easily breached as everyone tries to save their own lives.

They can't transport him as it may cause more harm to his injuries. Someone put a special enchantment around him while everyone else escaped the City. It was decided they move to Mystic Spirit while they investigate who is behind the attack.

**********

"That didn't explain why the map is in your possession." Little Eu said coldly.

"You are so impatient, little one. I am getting there." the old man sighs heavily. It is quite difficult recalling painful events like these after all. He closes his eyes as he calms his emotions.

**********

The map was originally left in the City of Themis, together with all the important scriptures and doc.u.ments they value. The enchantment in this room remains unbreakable to any outsiders.

Young Oracles wanted to free Lord Turtle from his enchanted cage. It should be an easy task if it weren't for the changes around the City. Malice has heavily contaminated Themis.

Ten years ago, during the final stages of their conquests, it was retrieved by Anatolia and her crew. Knowing its value, she entrusted it to her father for safekeeping.

They are on their final stage, and they can't afford any mishaps. Unfortunately, an unexpected thing has halted the plans once again...

**********

"Anatolia? Isn't that…" there is an evident surprise in her voice as she inquired as she continued, "My mother…"

"Yes. Your mother entrusted this to me. We are supposed to move and save the Holy Guardian, but…" he said.

He pauses as he carefully thinks about what to say next to her. He really doesn't like the word demise or passed on, or anything related it after all.