Chapter 211: ·Undercurrents in Forest Home
Kayan’s question nearly made Nolan jump out of the pool.
The man could sense others’ emotions, and Nolan’s heart was racing—of course his feelings would be heightened.
Forcing himself to remain composed, Nolan quickly straightened his posture. “Ah… yeah. I’ve been here a while. The girls helping with the clothes were pretty quick…”
As he spoke, he subtly adjusted his position, using his body to block the gap in the vines that offered a view of the scenery across the way.
“This Dreamwell really is something. First time experiencing it—got me a bit excited,” he added casually, brushing it off with a laugh before looking up at Kayan.
The burly priest had also changed into the silk-leaf robe, though on his massive frame it looked slightly undersized, as if it might split at the seams at any moment. The tight fit outlined every ridge of muscle, making the garment seem thoroughly outmatched.
“I see.” Kayan showed no suspicion. He walked to the edge of the pool and, somewhat awkwardly, removed his robe. “There was no one in my room. This thing was tricky to put on—I spent quite a while figuring it out.”
As he stepped into the water, his expression shifted to one of surprise. Clearly, the Dreamwell was just as novel to him.
“It really is comfortable,” he murmured, watching the ripples around him with curiosity.
Nolan inwardly sighed in relief. The last thing he wanted was to be labeled a peeping voyeur in front of his subordinates.
The two of them soaked in silence, enjoying the rare moment of peace. Mist drifted softly around them, and golden motes floated through the air, lending the place an almost unreal beauty.
Just as Nolan felt himself drifting toward sleep in the soothing warmth, Kayan suddenly straightened, sending ripples across the water.
His expression turned serious.
“My lord, there’s something I think I should tell you.”
The sudden gravity in his tone caught Nolan off guard. “What’s wrong? No need to be so formal,” Nolan said, shifting to lean against the pool wall. “We’re companions. You don’t have to stand on ceremony.”
Kayan seemed moved and nodded firmly before voicing his concern. “When we followed Captain Romina through the city just now…” His voice dropped lower and lower. “I sensed a faint hostility… and a strong desire. The one behind it has powerful willpower and excellent emotional control. The feeling vanished almost the moment I noticed it, but not long after, it appeared again from another direction—like sparks from flint, intense but fleeting.”
Gifted with unusually keen intuition, Kayan’s perception of emotions far exceeded that of ordinary people.
Nolan’s expression darkened as he grasped the seriousness of it. After a moment’s thought, he asked quietly, “You’re certain?”
“Completely.”
“It seems someone doesn’t want us here—and not just one person,” Nolan said, narrowing his eyes. “More importantly, they’re trained. I suspect… Forest Home isn’t as pure as it appears.”
Kayan’s face tightened. “My lord, do you mean this isn’t just simple xenophobia from the Wood Elves, but…?”
Nolan nodded and quickly raised a finger to his lips in a silencing gesture. “Careful. Walls have ears.” His voice dropped to a near whisper. “Exactly what you’re thinking. You’ve done well, Kayan. The enemy is hidden. Inform the others to stay ready. We’ll act according to the situation.”
Kayan nodded and said no more.
***
Half an hour later, Vivi, Rehanna, Ailindel, and Romina emerged from the changing house, chatting and laughing. After soaking in the Dreamwell, each of them looked refreshed, their faces glowing with vitality. Vivi in particular seemed delighted, her tail swaying lightly behind her.
From a distance, they spotted Nolan and the others near the entrance and quickened their pace.
Dressed in a dark green, formal-style robe, Nolan leaned against a great tree, speaking quietly with Kayan. The fifty soldiers of the Holy Hammer Division stood in formation nearby, fully armored and solemn, a stark contrast to the fairyland surroundings.
Vivi bounded up to Nolan in a few light steps and gave him an appraising look. “Oh? Not bad—you look pretty handsome. Wood Elf clothing suits you. Why are you all out so soon?”
Nolan straightened as she approached, no longer leaning against the tree. Ailindel and Rehanna followed, naturally taking their places at his left and right.
“You really think we came here on vacation?” Nolan said, giving Vivi a helpless look. She grinned and scratched her ear sheepishly.
“Nolan, how was it? The Dreamwell lives up to its reputation, doesn’t it?” Romina asked with a sincere smile.
Nolan nodded, his praise genuine. “It’s an experience like no other. Truly wonderful. Thank you for your hospitality, Romina.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” She seemed genuinely pleased. “Come, let’s go. The elders are waiting for us at the Hall of Tree Shepherds.”
At the mention of business, Vivi immediately dropped her playful demeanor, stretching lazily before snapping back to attention.
Romina led the way deeper into the city.
As Nolan followed, he made a series of quick hand signals behind his back toward Vivi, Rehanna, and Ailindel. His left hand covered the back of his right, fingers pointing downward, then his index finger traced a circle in the air.
It was coded sign language used within the Black Armored Legion. Meaning: Ambush. Stay alert.
The atmosphere shifted at once. What had been a tour of an exotic city turned into a state of quiet vigilance.
Ailindel frowned slightly, the power of her soul spreading outward without a sound. Rehanna and Vivi exchanged a glance, each reading the same tension and unease in the other’s eyes.
There were no outsiders here but their group. An ambush? Did that mean the Wood Elves intended them harm? But why? They had come at Romina’s request, allies meant to resolve the crisis of the Foundation of Life. The elders had been proud, yes, but still courteous in the end.
Or was it that… someone did not want the Wood Elves’ predicament to be solved?
The surrounding Wood Elves continued to cast curious glances their way, but now, in Nolan’s eyes, every gaze might conceal lethal intent.
“Romina?”
“Yes, Nolan?”
“Nothing serious. I’m just curious—besides the Wood Elves, are there any others in Forest Home? Any visitors apart from us?”
Romina considered for a moment, then shook her head. “No. You should be the only outsiders in the past ten years.”
Ten years? That didn’t quite line up with his thoughts. Nolan did not press further.
After about ten minutes of walking, a grand structure came into view.
It seemed to be part of a massive branch of Forest Home itself, its thick trunk hollowed out and transformed into a temple-like hall. Clinging vines formed intricate and ornate decorations along its exterior.
Two enormous doors, carved from a single piece of living wood-steel, stood at the entrance, engraved with ancient elven script.
“Nature is the highest purity,” Ailindel read softly, translating for Nolan and the others. “That phrase didn’t exist in my era. It must be a product of the great elven schism you mentioned.”
This was the heart of Forest Home, the Hall of Tree Shepherds.