Chapter 93: Forest of The Elves (11)
At the Secret Lake, just like before, the thick mist was still lingering.
The Griffin kept hovering above the forest but didnt land.
Celtic hugged McCaw: The Secret Lake now blocks the elves from entering. What should we do about the Prince?
Jin Cheng was now skeptical of every single word that came out of any elfs mouth, but there was no need to pull McCaw into this risky situation, so he said: You stay here, and Ill jump off. When I give you a signal, you can come down.
By now, Celtic had come to follow whatever Jin Cheng had to say: Okay!
Jin Cheng immediately jumped.
As the whirring wind blew in his ears, his figure passed through the thick mist and gradually, his eyes caught a clear sight of the lake and the dense forest below. After slightly adjusting his position, he landed accurately on a big tree by the lake, successively stepped on several branches that were thicker than his thigh and finally came to a stop.
There was no one at the lakeshore.
As Jin Cheng fell on the last tree branch, he dusted off the leaves that had stuck onto him and opened the Character panel to take a look. A single jump consumed more than 70% of his HP.
After taking out a potion and gulping it down, he looked around to suddenly hear something coming from the forest in the distance, and he immediately charged towards that direction.
After running for about ten minutes, two huge beasts with big fangs and blue hair rushed out of the forest. They fled in a furry with fresh-looking wounds on their bodies, and they continued to bleed as they ran.
The moment they saw Jin Cheng, their eyes gleamed brightly, and to Jin Chengs surprise, they uttered human words: Help! Please help us, theres a madman behind!!!
Jin Cheng raised his eyebrows and quickly realised that these were probably two druids who had shapeshifted into trolls. Were they the druids from the team?
Thinking so, Jin Cheng didnt immediately make a move. Instead, he stood aside and looked over their heads to see what was behind them. As the shadow of the tree shook, a ghostly figure jumped out of it, chasing closely after them with a few ups and downs, his posture as fierce and speedy as an electric flash.
Slit! He moved so fast that the moment he pierced his sword into the trolls back then neatly pulled it out, only an afterimage could be seen.
As hot blood splashed onto the side of his face and slowly dripped down, the man raised his head. Although there was blood on his cheek, that handsome, righteous face still fully exuded his ever-upright air, his remarkably bright eyes filled with resolve.
It seemed as though the moment this man said that this person deserved to die, this person truly would deserve to die, and that there would be absolutely nothing wrong with killing him.
At this point, knowing that his teammate had been killed, the other troll was so scared that he hopelessly ran to Jin Cheng. He recognised Jin Cheng and even called out the name Lancelot, reaching out to him like grabbing the last straw.
Help me! He yelled in distraught and desperately rushed forward.
Seeing Jin Cheng stretch out his hand, the troll was overjoyed, but a second later, in his eyes was a dagger that magically appeared out of thin air and pierced his heart.
His eyes widened in disbelief. As his body slowly slumped down, he still didnt understand what was going on.
What are you doing? Youve scared them out of their wits. Jin Cheng walked around the corpse and approached Tang Cuo.
The Rose Sect. Tang Cuo didnt explain much, but Jin Cheng understood it anyway. He only felt that the drowsiness had eventually taken effect. Mixed with both his physical and mental fatigue, it made him almost unable to stand.
Perhaps it was also because of the man before his eyes. His appearance instantly allowed Tang Cuos tense nerves to relax, and the sleepiness finally won the battle.
Whats wrong? Jin Cheng felt that Tang Cuo was a bit strange today. Tang Cuo just quietly stood there looking at him, seemingly a little dazed. Jin Cheng couldnt help but stretch out his hand to wipe the blood off Tang Cuos face, but as soon as he reached out, Tang Cuo fell forward and rested his head on Jin Chengs shoulders.
Tang Cuo? Jin Cheng hurriedly grabbed his arm, thinking that he was wounded.
Dont make any noise, I want to sleep. Tang Cuos voice came from his shoulders, tinged with a bit of sadness. His voice still seemed as cold as always, but the drowsiness had strung it a tad higher, making it sound as though Tang Cuo was somehow looking to be pampered yet also wanting to lament.
Jin Chengs hand that was grabbing his arm couldnt help but let go. Just like that, he let Tang Cuo lean on his shoulders: Tired?
Tang Cuo: Drunk.
Jin Cheng raised his eyebrows: Who did you drink with?
Is this even important?
Tang Cuo endured his sleepiness and briefly talked about the main events so far, but he really was too sleepy and his head and eyelids were out of control, both getting heavier and heavier, to the point that almost his whole body was leaning on Jin Cheng.
Jin Cheng directly carried Tang Cuo on his back, and while continuing to whisper softly to Tang Cuo, he went to find other people.
So everything turns out to be an illusion. I knew I shouldve exchanged for a [Dream Gem] at the Infinite Market of Dreams. Maybe things could have been easier.
Uhm.
Very soon, Tang Cuo fell asleep completely.
By the lake, Hawk, Heimen and Hammo were guarding the other sleeping members and against any possible ambush from the Rose Sect. Hearing footsteps coming from the forest, the three thought that Tang Cuo had returned and looked back together. Surprisingly, it was Jin Cheng.
Stop! Heimen immediately drew his sword. Although he saw Tang Cuo resting on Jin Chengs back, he couldnt let his guard down and asked vigilantly: Whats the code?
Before leaving, in order to help confirm each others identity, Tang Cuo gave them a code. It was a modern-day code that would never be seen through by the enemy.
As Jin Cheng was about to open his mouth, the fake Celtic that was sitting by the lake in a daze turned around and said: Hes real.
Before their eyes was a stunning shade of white. Entirely enveloping McCaw, the light glowed bigger as it struck everyones vision, and slowly, the whole thing turned into the outline of an adolescent.
He had long golden hair, green irises that looked like crystals and a face as beautiful as a gift bestowed by the gods. His two small ears didnt seem to be as pointed as those of the elves. They were a little rounder, even adding a tinge of loveliness to him.
Mc, McCaw! Celtic had been mentally prepared, but he never could expect that seeing a mouse turning into such a gorgeous person would impact him so much.
How could a black rat become so handsome and lovely?!
Celtic! Lancelot! The voice of such a handsome and lovely adolescent sounded like spring water, clear and sweet at the same time. He almost jumped up with delight, but aware that he was a prince, he held back the urge.
Not knowing his identity, the others were astounded to see a mouse suddenly turning into a young man. After Celtic explained, they all came to the realisation.
Tang Cuo pondered over the words His Royal Highness. He folded his arms and looked at Jin Cheng with a blank expression, almost as if he was looking at a dead person
Before there was a princess, now theres a prince. Someone truly lives up to his reputation of the most popular bard in the continent of Sicilit.
Jin Cheng stroked his nose, his instinct telling him that the situation right now didnt seem so good. But just when he was about to explain, from the corner of his eye, a figure flashed by the small wooden cabin in the distance.
Someones there! He immediately gave chase.
Tang Cuo didnt hesitate at all. One after another, the two reached the cabin just as Aesop opened the door and walked out. As the two sides stood face to face, Aesop smiled and waved his hand that was holding onto a book: Its been a while.
Its been a while. Very casually, Jin Cheng stood in front of Tang Cuo and looked directly into Aesops eyes: If I may ask, Sir Aesop, how has my friend Bazz been doing lately?
Aesop tilted his head and smiled, the tassel earring on his right ear dangling with his movement: Dont worry, hes all good. Compared to you, Bazz is really a good kid that doesnt make people worry. He never troubles me. Thanks to you, Evans is dead and Sophia is exposed. My elaborate plan for the Forest of The Elves has been completely destroyed.
Jin Cheng: You started it first, Sir.
But do you really think that a half-blooded child is qualified to become the Elf King?
At least the Heart of The Lake acknowledges him.
Heh. Aesop chuckled and opened his umbrella. Seeing that Jin Cheng and Tang Cuo didnt retreat and werent scared at all, he couldnt help but express his admiration: I gave the pendant just to send you some greetings. Im not interested in killing two wannabe gallants beneath me. If you dont appreciate my goodwill, then forget it.
Jin Cheng believed none of his nonsense. And at this point, Tang Cuo finally noticed a change in the Mission panel.
[Kingdom Hidden In The Moonlight]
The third round: Forest of The Elves.
Main mission: Cabin by the lake.
Since Aesop had already planned to leave the cabin, Jin Cheng and Tang Cuo obviously couldnt stop him, let alone having a mind to look for death. The two sides thus amicably went their separate ways and even said goodbye to each other.
As the two watched Aesop leave, Jin Cheng asked: Did you see the book in his hand?
Tang Cuo: [Secrets of The Lake], a book written by Louis XIV.
Was this book kept in the cabin then later taken by Aesop? They didnt know the answer for now, but since Aesop held it in his hands, it must be some sort of hint.
It was a pity that when it still lay inside the Magic School of the Kingdom Hidden In The Moonlight, Tang Cuo didnt take it away.
The furnishings of the cabin were simple, no different from any ordinary cabin in the woods. Tang Cuo and Jin Cheng walked one round and rummaged through the entire cabin, but they didnt find anything strange.
When they checked the Mission panel, the main mission still said Cabin by the lake.
At this moment, McCaw ran in from outside, pushed open the small stove in front of them and pried open the floor. From below the floor, he pulled out a simple wooden box.
He opened the box and handed it to Jin Cheng as if offering a treasure: Thank you! Ammo told me earlier than it also wants to thank you.
Ammo?
Tang Cuo and Jin Cheng looked out of the door together to see the unicorn that was standing by the lake turn back and nod at them. It seemed that it had really got back its own name. Thinking about this, the two couldnt help but look at the floor they clearly found nothing just now. How did the wooden box hide itself? Were they both blind?
No, if they were blind, it would mean Aesop was also blind.
After all, he didnt find it either.
The wooden box randomly given to them by McCaw contained a red gem, a pen, a painting and a small glass bottle with water inside.
Ding!
Congratulations to the players for successfully completing the third round of the serial mission [Kingdom Hidden In The Moonlight], Forest of The Elves. Difficulty: Hard. No. of completed side missions: 96. Rating: A. Character points to be earned: 45.
For personal rewards, please check the system panel by yourselves.
Welcome back to Yong Ye City!
Ding!
[Drakes Gem] has been detected. According to the law issued by the 5th Movement, this item will come into possession of civil player D11119.