Chapter 209: On My Command, Into the Hot Springs!
Romina led the group onward and called out to the party from Coldsteel City when they reached a tunnel-like hollow within a tree. “We’re here. Ahead lies the Dreamwell, the place we are most proud of.”
Perhaps because she had given prior notice, there were no other Wood Elves in sight.
They passed through a winding corridor, and the space suddenly opened before them.
The Dreamwell was not a well at all.
What appeared before them was a vast, circular expanse built entirely from warm, polished wood. Exquisitely carved wooden houses encircled the area, their eaves draped with lush green vines dotted with small, unfamiliar blossoms. The entire layout instantly reminded Nolan of the finest hot spring resorts from his previous life.
At the center of the grounds, several pools of varying sizes and natural shapes were arranged in harmonious layers. The water was not crystal clear but glowed with a dreamlike shade of bright cyan. A faint mist hovered above the surface, radiating a soft aura even in daylight.
More wondrous still, countless golden motes drifted through the air like living fireflies, rising and dispersing slowly within the mist.
A rich, sweet fragrance filled the air. With a single deep breath, the fatigue of days spent traveling seemed to melt away.
“Wow…”
Vivi and Rehanna both held their breath at the same time, their eyes shimmering with disbelief. The sight before them was as beautiful as an unreal dream.
Even the usually aloof Ailindel showed a trace of admiration. She extended her hand, and a playful golden mote landed lightly on her fingertip before dissolving into a faint warmth that seeped into her skin and vanished.
Kayan and the warriors of the Holy Hammer Division behind him were struck speechless. Their eyes widened, mouths hanging open as though they had been petrified by a fifth-circle earth spell. These rugged men had spent their lives amidst dirt and steel. Never had they witnessed anything resembling such a fairyland. Even a king’s private garden could hardly compare.
Romina watched their stunned expressions, a proud smile appearing on her face. “These Dreamwells are all naturally formed. There are three within Forest Home, and this is the largest.” She walked to the edge of a pool and dipped her hand into the water, feeling its warmth. “The water of the Dreamwell also originates from the ‘Tree Realm.’ It can be considered a tributary at the far end of the Foundation of Life. Because it is infused with the dispersed magical elements of the Tree Realm, it maintains a constant temperature year-round and possesses remarkable self-purifying properties. If consumed directly, it can even invigorate the body and extend one’s lifespan. The water we use to nourish young trees is drawn from here as well.”
Understanding dawned on Nolan.
He had heard of the Dreamwell before, but had never encountered it personally. The reason was simple—the Dreamwell water accessible in the human world was exorbitantly expensive. Once, at a top-tier auction in the royal capital, a small vial of Dreamwell water had appeared, its origin unknown. It was ultimately sold for a staggering price, enough to purchase an entire knight’s fief.
And even that bottle had been far inferior in quality to the pure, luminous water before him.
Nolan gazed at the massive pools and made a silent calculation.
Damn, these aren’t just pools. They are reservoirs of liquid gold.
No wonder Demont had once considered sending people to steal Dreamwell water.
Of course, they were not the only ones to harbor such thoughts. Yet for centuries, no one had ever succeeded. It remained a mystery how that single vial had ever made its way out.
“Romina,” Vivi finally managed to tear her gaze away from the mesmerizing pools. She pointed to the nearest one and asked, puzzled, “Doesn’t it seem like the water level is a bit low?”
Following her gesture, the others noticed a faint, darker ring along the smooth inner wall of the pool. The current water level sat about ten centimeters below that line.
It was subtle, but unmistakable.
At Vivi’s question, Romina’s expression dimmed. “Yes,” she said softly. “After we realized there was a problem with the Foundation of Life, not only did some of the Wood Elves begin to feel unwell, but the Dreamwell was affected as well. Although the water here shows no signs of contamination yet, the water level has been slowly declining day by day.”
A rare note of worry tinged her voice, and everyone present felt the weight of it.
“The Foundation of Life is closely tied to the magic and vitality of every Wood Elf. It is not only the heart of Forest Home, but also the very foundation of this entire Borderlands Forest… If it were to dry up, or become irreversibly corrupted…”
She did not finish the sentence, but everyone understood the dreadful consequences left unspoken.
It would mean the decline of the entire Wood Elf race and the withering of this vast forest.
For a moment, no one spoke. The wonder and joy brought by the Dreamwell were dimmed by this harsh reality.
Seeing the obvious gloom on Romina’s face, Nolan reached out and gently patted her back. “Which is exactly why I came,” he said, his tone matter-of-fact as he broke the heavy silence.
A simple sentence, yet filled with confidence powerful enough to defy fate.
Romina froze for a moment and looked up.
That’s right. He had come. The man who had once created miracles was now standing here.
Realizing her momentary lapse into despair, Romina took a deep breath and gathered herself. “You’re right.” A smile blossomed on her face again. Though still slightly forced, it was far brighter than before. “Fortunately, the effects of the Foundation of Life haven’t fully spread here yet. Come, honored guests from afar. Let me guide you to bathe and rest. Cleansing your fatigue with Dreamwell water is the highest form of hospitality in Forest Home.” She turned to Nolan and the others, gesturing toward the wooden houses on the left. “Gentlemen, please proceed to the largest pool ahead on the left. Ladies, follow me this way.”
Nolan nodded to Vivi and the others. “Go on.”
Among the women, Vivi and Ailindel were already familiar with Romina, and Rehanna’s warm, outgoing nature had quickly brought them together during the journey. The four women, each with her own charm, formed a beautiful sight even from behind, rivaling the scenery itself.
They chatted softly as they walked. Nolan noticed Vivi glancing back at him from time to time before they followed Romina into an elegant wooden house nearby.
In the blink of an eye, the open space was left with only Nolan and the fifty warriors of the Holy Hammer Division led by Kayan.
“My lord, we…” Kayan, who had spoken little along the way, finally asked.
“Relax, Kayan.” Nolan waved a hand casually and raised his voice. “Holy Hammer Division, on my command, into the hot springs!”