I Was The Hero, But I Woke Up as a Phoenix Princess! – Chapter 780

Chapter 20 Humans in the Elf Town
The World Tree stretched and wove across the sky, its branches shedding soft golden light.
Arriving at the hills on the edge of Frodelia Town, Ig raised his gaze, able to see far and overlook the entire town.
The stream flowed between the windmills, its clear babbling sound like music striking their ears. This elf town was built on a thoroughfare, not nestled in a forest or on giant branches, yet the entire town’s style was full of vibrant life.
Even from a distance, the clear chirping of birds could be heard.
Verafia also woke up at this moment, a happy expression appearing in her large eyes. She transformed back into a phoenix, her long plumes much more magnificent than in the past few days. She hummed a tune cheerfully while perched on Ig’s shoulder.
Almost forgot… this girl is now truly a phoenix. Well, according to legends, are these birds her kin, her subjects?
Feeling the girl’s genuine happiness, Ig couldn’t help but smile.
Ig suddenly had a thought: if his girl could always be like this, perhaps that wouldn’t be such a bad thing?
Not carrying past hatred, nor needing to face her destiny as a goddess… wearing a beautiful dress, like a carefree little bird, softly humming songs, sipping delicious floral tea in the garden, being an innocent, pure, lively, and cheerful girl.
“This is a bit unexpected…”
Ophi, beside him, also poked her head out, looking surprised. “It doesn’t look like it’s in a war at all.”
The entire elf kingdom was currently at war with the Dark Elves. It wasn’t just the encounter when they first arrived; Ophi had seen many traces of battles with the Dark Elves along the way. At this moment, she had a curious look.
“This place is very close to the Sacred Tree, naturally, it won’t be too disturbed. If there were still traces of Dark Elves here, that would be something to fear.”
Ain lightly stuck out her tongue, her face showing a quick, bright smile. However, she soon remembered the scene of the Dark Moon corroding the World Tree. The thought that the Dark Moon’s flames might spread to the Sacred Tree wasn’t impossible, and her small face became a little serious.
“But, Ig, let’s go over there first… Sister Lorilinta will catch up soon.”
…
Guards stood at the entrance of the elf town, their armor exquisite, like artworks. They looked at Ig and the others with curious and suspicious eyes. However, Ain had a permit from Lorilinta, so they were quickly allowed into the town.
The buildings in the town were not densely packed. One could see meticulously maintained gardens and fountains. After entering, not only did Verafia, who had transformed back into a little girl, feel it, but Ig could also sense the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
The stone slabs on the ground were exquisitely carved. Among the people coming and going, there were many elves with long ears and beautiful faces. Ig could feel that their magical aura was not low; most of them were at Gold Rank or above.
Gold Rank was enough to be considered a master in human kingdoms, but it was quite common among the elves present. For most elf species, reaching Gold Rank before adulthood was very normal.
“As expected of a race favored by two goddesses.”
Ig couldn’t help but sigh. With Verafia’s help, he had struggled to reach Gold Rank. However, considering the elves’ extremely small numbers compared to humans, he quickly came to terms with it.
With humanity’s population base, true powerhouses would always emerge. Although elves were exceptionally talented, weren’t humans the majority among the heroes who defeated the Demon King a hundred years ago?
Ig’s gaze fell on the delicate face of the golden-haired girl in his arms. Noticing his gaze, the girl turned her face, grabbed his hand with her small fingers, and blinked her large eyes under her long lashes with a hint of curiosity.
He naturally smiled.
Well, a former hero had become a little girl, obediently staying in his arms.
“But there are humans here too, looking just like Ig.”
Ophi stood on her tiptoes and said quite curiously. Among elves, there were not only half-elves but also occasional pure humans, though they were much rarer.
“Perhaps they are humans who were left here when the Elf world was sealed,” Irene suddenly spoke up.
“Yes, just like Sister Irene said.”
Ain glanced at her and then nodded. “Sister told me that the seal cast by the Elf King at that time with his self-sacrifice was very sudden. Those who didn’t leave also stayed here… At the Sacred Tree, you might even see more humans, Ig.”
Ig nodded. He naturally hadn’t experienced that history, but he had heard Verafia talk about the elves a hundred years ago.
The Sacred Tree at that time was a very open and inclusive place. Many famous human adventurers and rangers often visited the Elf’s Secret Realm, not to mention merchants.
Just like Verafia, she had visited the Sky City on the Sacred Tree more than once. Even Endgame was forged with the help of Ain’s sister, Lavnoros… He remembered that girl bragging about how good her relationship with the Elf King at that time was.
However, the Black Moon Tide and the Great Sealing incident made this race become conservative… In less than twenty years, the entire continent had begun to forget this race that held an extremely significant position in the world’s history.
This thought flashed through Ig’s mind. He slightly raised his gaze; in the sky, one could see the branches of the golden World Tree stretching out, but they subtly appeared cold, as if corroded by the Dark Moon.
At this moment, a commotion sounded from one side.
He looked up and happened to see a young man with golden hair, a handsome face, and ornate clothing in a small alley. He had raised his gemstone-decorated long sword high, cursing violently. In front of him was an elf girl with silver hair.
“You lowly Silver Moon bitch… dirty, summoner of demons. You should atone…” The golden-haired youth furiously cursed, as if his previous request had been rejected.
From about a hundred meters away, even though Ig was a Star, he couldn’t hear clearly in the noisy environment. However, the other person’s demeanor made him frown.
“But, this person is also an elf. A golden-haired elf?”
Ig noticed that the other person also had pointed elf ears, and beneath his golden hair, his handsome face, sculpted like marble, still had a pair of golden eyes. Even filled with unbearable rage, it still gave off a sense of nobility.
As if born a noble.