Chapter 68: Lets explore Celebi Forest city!
High above the moss-covered canopies of Celebi Forest City, nestled within the upper-lower district of the World Tree's gargantuan branches, stood a magnificent housing unit crafted from living wood, crystal leaf glass, and flowing streams of essence energy. The upscale district, governed by the Nightbloom family, gleamed with both natural beauty and powerful design. Here, among towering vines and twilight-touched flora, rested the temporary residence of Elton, Zoro, and Ramiro.
Servants, chosen by Aeloria herself, had been assigned to accommodate the trio's needs. The interior of the home was luxurious—polished bark floors, glowing essence stones, and calming natural fragrances filled every room. For Ramiro, this place was paradise.
"Ahahahahaha! Look at this place! We got hot spring baths, spirit fruit platters, and even talking bird messengers! Brawlmanica? Hahaha lets live to our hearts content!" Ramiro declared dramatically as he leaned back on a leaf-shaped couch with a goblet of Elven nectar in hand.
He took to his new environment like a duck to water—eating like royalty, training with style, reading various scrolls, and enjoying the pampered life of a young master. His laughter could be heard echoing through the wooden halls at all hours.
Zoro, on the other hand, was the very image of stillness. Most of his time was spent meditating in one of the essence-gathering rooms, his body steeped in Dark Ki Essence as he silently cultivated. He had barely spoken since they arrived but he had a great calmness about him.
"Hmm are you doing alright, Zoro?" Elton had asked earlier.
Zoro merely opened one eye, smiled faintly, and said, "It's nothing. Just good to see you back at a hundred percent."
Elton now sat quietly in his own room, gazing out the open balcony that overlooked the vibrant inner canopy. The events of earlier that day still played in his mind.
He had awoken surrounded by warmth by the genuine care from those around him. The image of Shayleaf, weak and pale, passing out in his arms lingered. He felt a sense of guilty watching her in yhat state. Then there was Shearleaf… Shayleaf and Shirleaf's mother. She had been watching him pretyy much the entire time.
She never said a word directly accusing him of anything, but Elton had sensed the probing as she scrutinized him. Her eyes, like ancient starlight, had scanned every inch of him, and her subtle magical probing hadn't gone unnoticed. He had already began to realized that It was her who had helped accelerate the awakening of his 5th meridian. That, he was certain of.
He couldn't tell if she knew he sensed her actions, but he played dumb. After all, who could blame a mother for being wary of someone so close to her daughters?
What truly stunned him though, was her sudden change in attitude. Only the current Elton with his unusually high sensing ability could notice it.
Her words echoed in his mind:
"Thank you for taking such good care of my daughters. And I wish for us to get along as… …one big happy family."
The sincerity and the warmth had hit him like a thunderbolt. Elton had frozen and the room had gone silent.
Shayleaf, overwhelmed with emotion, had smiled blissfully before finally collapsing into a deep sleep.
Caught off guard, flustered, and with a storm brewing in his head, Elton had simply nodded and agreed.
Ramiro had roared in celebration, Zoro had flashed his ever-mysterious grin, and the fanged elves in the room—including Shirleaf—had looked utterly dumbfounded.
Back in the present, Elton shook his head with a wry chuckle. "One big happy family, huh?"
Truthfully such desires had lingered in the back of his mind ever since his lost everything at 8 years old. It would certainly be nice to have a big family… While thinking of that numerous people flashed within his mind. He felt a bit guilty when he thought of Erica as he sighed.
The journey to their new 'treehouse' had introduced him to the majestic city of Celebi Forest for the first time. Built into the Fanged Elven World Tree itself, over 40% of the fanged elves' territory lay embedded in the living bark and branches. Elton had been unconscious unable to witness any of it until now. What he saw amazed him—winding vine roads, floating platforms, glowing spirit lanterns, and the sweet smell of nature magic.
Most importantly, this place was a goldmine for cultivation. The energy density here surpassed even that ancient abandoned city they first appeared in. Elton could feel his strength rising just by breathing in the air.
That night, the trio sat together in one of the open lounges, sipping tea and speaking in hushed tones.
They filled Elton in on recent events, speculated on the political dynamics of the fanged elves, and spoke of future plans. Then, with mutual understanding, they retreated to their rooms to cultivate before sunrise.
Morning arrived with radiant golden sunlight cascading through the canopy.
Elton, Zoro, and Ramiro had already bathed, eaten, and dressed when their individual attendants came to inform them:
"Honored guests, you have visitors."
Another servant opened the main door, revealing a group standing outside.
Shayleaf and Shirleaf appeared, both looking refreshed and radiant.
Three familiar Fanged Elves that Elton's Trio met back in the Whispering Expanse Walked forward with their own smiles and greetings.
Three more unfamiliar fanged elves, each with regal and sharp appearances with Noble Auras came walking in looking around with slightly haughty expressions as they smiled.
And lastly, Two silent royal guards clad in enchanted elven armor, masked and poised stood besides each other as they moved in coordination.
Elton blinked. His instincts told him those guards were no joke. Definitely Gold Tier 2 experts. It suddenly occurred to him that he was somehow able to see through the Auras of Gold tier experts at least to the 3rd tier which was definitely not something he could do before falling unconscious.
The unfamiliar elves each stepped forward, and one of them—a striking girl with Blonde and violet hair and eyes that practically sparkled—stepped to the front with a dramatic flair.
"Kufufu~ This Beautiful Fanged Elf Princess' name is Amberleaf Crimsonroot! I am the daughter of the Crowned Prince and our Great Fanged Elven King's Granddaughter! Kufufu~ You humans can bow to me if you want to."
Ramiro's eyes widened. Elton arched an eyebrow. Even Zoro blinked. All of them had stunned expressions seeing such a character actually appearing before their sights.
Shirleaf exhaled deeply. Shayleaf burst into laughter.
"Ah, just ignore her. Cousin Amber is just not right in the head, ya know?"
Amberleaf puffed up like an angry pufferfish.
"Who's not right in the head?! Kuuu! I think it's you, little Shay, who isn't right! Don't y'all agree with me?!"
The other two fanged elves Nobles looked anywhere but at the arguing cousins, pretending to examine a tree branch or adjust their cloaks.
Amberleaf visibly deflated, her shoulders drooping.
That's when Elton stepped forward.
With a charming, half-serious bow, he met her eyes and smiled.
"I think you're not only beautiful… but very interesting."
Amberleaf's breath caught. Her eyes widened. Her face went completely red.
Frozen in shock and embarrassment, she stood there, mouth slightly open, hands twitching.
"Y-you really think s- No I mean Yes that's right Human male! Er Elton was it?! Hmph! I-I can even give you permission to kiss this Princess' hand! I mean if you want to of course."
Everyone in the room minus the Royal guards who faces can't be seen as well as Shayleaf were extremely taken aback with strange expressions on their faces. Shayleaf on the other hand ran over to Elton with puff out cheeks and pulled him away as she made little, "Uuuuuu…" sounds as she looks back and forth between them.
Ramiro looking at this situation says in a loud mumble, "What the Hell kind of Romcom situation are you all trying to show us right?" Which causes more awkward gazes to land on Amberleaf, Shayleaf, and Elton who smiles wryly at this situation.
Zoro looks at Ramiro and says, "Heh you should just get used to it now buddy. Not long after meeting him a certain girl was already showing him favoritism"
Elton startled upon hearing their exchange shouts, "Zoro!!! It's not quite like that! Really!"
The exchanges once more lightens the mood with laughter as they prepare to finally go on this tour around Celebi Forest city. Stepping out of the house A large 4 winged Faery Duck with a carriage strapped to its back is sitting and waiting. Shirleaf tells everyone to come on in to which they do. Ramiro feels slightly terrified since they are already so high up on this giant branch, "Ugh seriously now we are about to be flying even higher?!"
Elton pats his shoulder saying, "Trust me I understand how you feel…"
After boarding the 4 Winged Faery Duck Shayleaf while holding onto Elton's left arm Exclaims, "Let the tour around Celebi Forest City Begin!!"
Amberleaf glances at Elton and then says, "Kufufu Human Elton, Dark Human Zoro, and spear Human–"
"Oi My name is Ramiro–"
"Yes yes You. This great Elven Princess is going to do her best to show you guys Celebi Forest! Ah Ahem E-Elton y-you can have this small Nature stone if you want… its used to refill and even cultivate energy essence until it runs out But there are many of them in this world so don't think anything strange! Alright?!"
Elton gives a dry laugh as he smiles and thanks her.
"Uuuu Brother Elton!! I have those too! Here take 5! Ask me for as many as you want alright?!"
Elton once again gives a dry laugh as he thanks Shayleaf. The others look at them with a mixture of amusement and surrender. The Royal guards glance at each other and the helplessness can be seen in their barely visible eyes.
The Faery duck took off as they began their exploration.