I asked Jeff about the Dark Elf’s dwelling and decided to head there.
After advancing for a while, as the sun began to set, I decided to rest for the day and go to the Dark Elf village tomorrow. We rested around a small bonfire. Philiana took a sip of tea and let out a sigh.
“I hope nothing happens after hearing the story. If that’s the case, it would make our long journey seem meaningless, but if we can confirm it’s safe, there’s nothing better than that.”
“What are you talking about? It’s not over yet.”
Nina retorted to Philiana, who was taking a breather. While I felt a sense of loneliness, I also wished it were over here. I wanted them to say that their ambitions ended with the Dark Elves I had already defeated, that they knew nothing of such things. And if possible, I wanted them to help me return to my original world. The item that opened the door to hell was here. If I explained the situation to that Unicorn Man, he might help me.
Around noon the next day, the village finally came into view. It took longer than I expected, just as Jeff said. I imagined people would usually come here by carriage, not on foot. For the time being, Jeff, Philiana, and Sharin decided to visit the village. The other members would wait nearby so they could come anytime.
The village looked like a peaceful rural area found anywhere, with simple, old buildings scattered about. The villagers, Dark Elves, turned their gazes towards us strangers, but they seemed reluctant to get involved and returned to their work. As I continued walking under their stares, a man spoke to me. He was likely one of the village’s guards.
“Hey, you, stop right there. I don’t recognize your faces. Where are you from?”
“Uh, excuse me, I’m sorry to bother you so suddenly, but can I speak with the village chief here?”
The man eyed us suspiciously, observing us from head to toe.
“What business do you have in a place like this? What do you want to talk about?”
“Well, we’re traveling this way and just wanted to pay our respects.”
I told a suitable lie. Well, it wasn’t entirely a lie; we planned to leave immediately once we confirmed it was safe. Still, the man didn’t seem convinced and looked me up and down.
“Paying respects, huh? I’ll go ask. Follow me.”
I silently followed the man as he instructed. He led us to a slightly larger building in the back of the village. “Wait here,” he said, and disappeared inside. After the man left, there was no one around, and only the chirping of birds could be heard. A slightly old door opened, and he beckoned us inside.
The inside of the building was dusty, much like where Jeff had been, with books piled around, their age unknown. The man led me to a room in the back.
“Here you go, make it quick,” the guard said and left. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door in front of me.
