In a location beneath the seabed of the Yedela Sea north of Berenz Port, there existed a hidden space that had been artificially carved out.
The only "door" connecting this space to the outside world was covered by a spell called "Mystery Reappearance – Magpie Bridge," so it could only be opened for one day each year on July 7.
At this moment, dozens of "people"—or rather, elves in disguise—had gathered at the entrance of the hidden space. They were waiting for the "entrance" to open, preparing to send this year's "purchasers" to the surface to buy supplies.
Josie Charlotte was a "young" elf who had just turned twenty. It was her first time participating in an outbound mission, so she was somewhat excited, constantly asking questions to the man beside her who was disguised as a middle-aged uncle.
"Brother Karat, what is the outside world really like? Is it very different from our Howling Town?" Josie asked with sparkling eyes.
"Hehe, I don't know the exact situation either, but Berenz Port, which is closest to us, is very prosperous. Its population is more than ten times ours, and merchant ships from the Northern Continent often pass through. You can buy all kinds of goods there," the elf Karat, dressed as a middle-aged man, replied with a smile.
"Then why don't we stay in Berenz Port? I heard the space there is also larger than ours…" Josie asked in confusion.
"Because in the eyes of humans, we are also merchandise…" Karat sighed, then said sternly, "After we go out, stay close to me. Speak less and observe more. If you can avoid talking, then don't talk at all!"
Seeing how serious he was, little elf Josie was immediately intimidated and replied meekly, "Yes, I'll be obedient…"
"Sigh, if we had a way to clear the mental pollution accumulated in Beyonder characteristics, and if, among the new generation, you weren't the only elf whose personality resembles the late Grandpa Taro and who successfully inherited his 'Sailor' characteristic, we would never let such a young elf like you take the risk of going out to procure supplies." Karat sighed again, seemingly lamenting the gradual decline of the elves of Howling Town.
Although elves were not long-lived like the Sanguine, their lifespan was still longer than that of humans, generally living to around 180 years… Thus, at only twenty years old, Josie was indeed a genuine little girl.
And while the mental state of mid- and low-Sequence Beyonders did not contaminate characteristics as severely as demigods, problems accumulated over generations were still considerable—not to mention the remnants left behind by those who lost control…
With no way to handle mental pollution, the elves of Howling Town could only take the characteristics of the out-of-control during the once-a-year "Magpie Bridge" opening to Berenz Port to exchange them for corresponding Beyonder materials.
"Sigh, there are fewer and fewer 'Sailor' elves capable of 'free underwater movement.' If this continues, sooner or later we'll be trapped to death in Howling Town… Who could have imagined that what was once considered a safe refuge would now face such a crisis?" Another elf nearby sighed upon hearing their conversation.
"Hopefully Lady Emily can exchange for more 'clean' materials at Berenz Port this time," Karat said worriedly as he prayed.
Emily was currently the only demigod in Howling Town, a Sequence 4 "Cataclysmic Interrer."
However, she was already over 330 years old. Even for an elf, that was considered advanced age, and she could pass away at any time.
And once this last demigod of Howling Town died, this hidden seabed town likely would not last much longer…
After all, without a demigod, relying solely on mid-Sequence Beyonders, it would be impossible to transport in a single day the supplies needed for over 5,000 elves for an entire year… unless they hired many humans.
But if they did that, their hidden town would be exposed. Living beneath the sea would lose its meaning.
On the other side, "Cataclysmic Interrer" Emily, who was standing at the edge of the "door," listened to the younger generation's discussion and revealed a bitter smile.
In such a large Howling Town, they had only managed to gather a little over twenty Beyonders at the "Sailor" level or above—it was indeed too few…
Back then, nearly ten thousand elves had established this town here with the help of a Traveler from the Abraham family!
And among those nearly ten thousand elves at the time, thirty percent were Beyonders, with three demigods!
But now, among 5,000 elves, there were fewer than 200 Beyonders, and only a little over twenty above Sequence 7.
Of course, part of the reason was that over the centuries, characteristics had gradually been sold off in exchange for supplies—but the greater reason was the accumulation of mental pollution that could not be eliminated.
Perhaps… it's time to change our living environment…
Although Howling Town is safe, it is also a 'cage'!
But where can we find a homeland that belongs to the elves?
After all, the continents and islands are now dominated by humans, the King's authority has been stolen by false gods, and for our race to survive is far too difficult!
As various thoughts swirled in Emily's mind, the entire space suddenly trembled. Countless illusory birds—named "Magpies" by that Traveler of the Abraham family—formed a long bridge, connecting Howling Town with a certain place in the seabed.
Speaking of which, the other end of the "Magpie Bridge" had originally been a ship capable of navigating the seabed, found by that Traveler and gifted to the elves for transporting supplies.
But unfortunately, more than seven hundred years ago, a demigod of the "Rose School" inexplicably became the owner of that ship and made a deal with the Grand Elder at the time, then sailed it away.
This also meant that any elf who had not reached the "Sailor" level, without the protection of a demigod, could never leave Howling Town in their lifetime!
At this thought, Grand Elder Emily saw that the Magpie Bridge outside the "door" had already taken shape and was about to summon the elves in the plaza to hurry toward the surface.
But at that very moment, she suddenly ordered all elves to halt and enter a state of combat readiness.
Because she discovered that at the other end of the "Magpie Bridge," a warship mentioned only in ancient texts was docked there!
And on the deck at the bow stood a man and a woman—two elves.
...
As early as when the disturbance occurred beneath the sea, the "Elf Songster" Shatas had sensed something unusual and steered the Trident to the source of the disturbance.
At the same time, through the connection between the Trident and Ebner, she sent him a "message."
Only a little more than ten seconds later, Ebner's figure appeared on the deck.
However, his appearance was slightly different from usual. Though his eyes and brows were still his own, his hairstyle, facial contours, ears, and other features had changed to resemble the "God of Luck." Coupled with the simulated aura of a "Cataclysmic Interrer" emanating from him, if Shatas hadn't already known his true identity, she would have surely believed him to be a pure-blooded demigod elf.
"It'll be more convenient to make contact this way." Ebner glanced at Shatas, whose gaze was full of scrutiny, and explained with a smile.
Hmm, 9:90~~
(End of Chapter)