Food. It had been many years since she had seen food. That alone made it the greatest thing in the world to her. Even though she didn't feel hunger because of her state—or the need to relieve herself—she hadn't needed to eat anything. She couldn't even drink water because she hadn't been able to move her mouth.
Perhaps in that false dungeon only circle nines could move. But honestly, she didn't care about that now.
'That looks so delicious.'
In front of her and the other humans gathered where she had appeared, Enrico had just finished preparing several dishes. Behind her were her brothers and sisters who had awakened, their expressions confused as they looked around. Some remembered what had happened and were crying. Others remained silent.
"Your name is Lyrielle, right?"
"Yes."
She wasn't the only one salivating at the smell of the food. Beside her, the girl named Valença stared at it eagerly, clearly someone who had tasted such things before and had no intention of stopping.
'How enviable… that food looks so good.'
"Val'Drakar mentioned you."
Everyone had already introduced themselves to her and the dark elves, explaining how Enrico had obtained the seal—one of the reasons they were sad beyond remembering what had happened.
Lyrielle, of course, felt sadness. But perhaps after living so many years to the point of barely remembering the past beyond revenge—and with her mind so exhausted—she showed little reaction beyond a quiet, distant sorrow. Val'Drakar had been like an uncle to her. So yes, it hurt.
"I didn't think he would mention me."
"He seemed to like you."
"Well… we were very close… I think."
Valença looked at her, not understanding that last word. Lyrielle spoke like someone who barely remembered her own past. Enrico had already noticed that when he introduced himself. That was one of the reasons he decided to cook.
When Enrico began placing the dishes in front of them, Kai—who had been training—and Malunes caught the scent and quickly approached.
"I hope you like it."
The aroma spread through the area even before the plates were fully set down on the improvised surface. Enrico had prepared something simple: soft bread lightly toasted, scrambled eggs with fresh herbs he found nearby, fruit cut into small pieces, and a light vegetable soup with warm broth to help restore energy. He had also grilled thin strips of meat—easy to chew and nourishing for someone who hadn't eaten in so long.
[It's very possible she did something reckless.]
'Very possible she did it out of overwhelming hatred.'
Lyrielle nearly drooled at the smell. She would devour those dishes while using her water magic to restore her vitality. By doing so, the drowsiness that threatened to drag her into a coma was rapidly decreasing. Just to be safe, she would only sleep when there was absolutely no chance of that happening.
Steam rose gently from the soup. The scent of freshly warmed bread felt almost unreal to someone who had gone so long without sensation. Her brothers and sisters watched with the same mixture of doubt and longing, some clutching their own hands as if unsure whether they were allowed to feel such desire after so much sorrow.
"What are you waiting for? You don't like the smell?"
"No, sir… we just don't know if it's allowed."
Seeing the small elf's hesitation, Enrico simply waved his hand dismissively. He gestured toward the food. They finally noticed how much there was. It was impossible that all of that was meant for only five people. Slowly, they began sitting around it.
"Thank you very much, sir."
Valença, Kai, Malunes, and Lyrielle were already seated properly, holding utensils with barely concealed anticipation. The first bites were taken by the four of them as the remaining elves settled down.
Their mouths filled with flavor. It was so good it made them tremble in satisfaction—especially Lyrielle, whose mind seemed to explode with rich and divine tastes. The remaining elves swallowed hard at the sight before lowering their heads and eating, feeling the same overwhelming delight.
"This is so good."
"Lord Enrico, how did you make this food? It's amazing."
[I want to eat too. Send it to me immediately, Enrico.]
'Later. I'll make some for you.'
He joined them and ate as well. After fighting and not eating like the others, he was hungry too and fully enjoyed his own cooking. The more he ate, the more he wanted to improve. The reason was simple—if it tasted better, everyone would enjoy it more.
'In four hours the attack begins… the war truly starts now.'
He made good use of those four hours.
Meanwhile, in the corrupted elves' base, they followed the orders of an elven commander named Kaedryn. His name echoed firmly among the corrupted elves as he walked before the organized ranks. Unlike the usual chaos of the cult, there was forced discipline there. Black armor was adjusted, weapons were checked, and magical circles were being drawn on the ground in irregular patterns.
'Good. With these defenses, an invasion will be difficult.'
Kaedryn observed every detail with cold eyes. He raised his hand and the magic circles began to glow. Units split into three fronts. Curse specialists stayed in the rear. Shock warriors took the front line. Above them, observers stood ready for immediate communication.
'Tomorrow we begin eliminating those worms who resist our queen.'
A dark smile appeared on his face as he looked at his guards. Without a doubt, this was one of the strongest cities in the Elven Dimension. To invade it would require three circle eights and several circle sixes.
Something that should have been impossible for elves who had always fled whenever discovered.
"Sir, we have a problem."
Hearing a subordinate's voice, he saw a corrupted elf approaching, exhausted and desperate. From the marks on his body, it looked as though he had escaped a sudden ambush.
"Intruders inside the city."
"What? That should be impossible."
An explosion in the distance shook the surrounding walls. Running, he turned his gaze toward the center of the city, where smoke could be seen rising.