The place Ryner’s group ended up at was a large, empty room that wasn’t constructed by men. It seemed to be made of countless brown branches that were tightly interwoven to form the walls and floor. Sources of light placed on the high ceiling and the walls illuminated the place. These were, however, coming not from lamps, but from tulips that glowed brightly.

This strange room that wasn’t made by men was the inside of a tree in Hossylei Nac.

Led by the elves he saved, Ryner was brought to one of the giant trees that were at least half a kilometer wide. Taking a good look, it had several windows and unnatural bumps, showing that people lived in it. Just as he wondered what they were doing standing in front of it, a part of the trunk moved like soft clay, giving way to an entrance big enough for five people.

“MEEEIIIIRRIIIITTTHH!!!” [???]

The moment they went inside, Meirith was practically tackled by a man in his thirties who was crying and screaming her name. Just like every other elves, he had long pointy ears, emerald green eyes and golden blonde hair that was cut short. He was more beautiful than handsome and his fair skin was as smooth as a baby. He wore a deep green robe that had wide sleeves as well as light green patterns resembling vines and leaves. Covering his back were two strips of green, semi-transparent cloths like the wings of a dragonfly. But, if one looked closely, there were actually two pair of “wings” set on top of each other.

“UWAAAAAHH!!! MY LITTLE GIRL’S FINALLY HOOOOME!!!” [???]

“D-dad! U-um, I’m sorry for worrying you, and I-I’m happy to see you too. But, y-you’re embarrassing me!” [Meirith]

Meirith, while dutifully returning her father’s hug, blushed from embarrassment because of the gazes she was receiving. Besides the group she travelled with, there were other people present who were watching her father’s antics. Four people in their thirties, two men and two women, were standing behind him. They all wore deep green robes with four wings of cloth on their backs. They sighed heavily at their leader’s crying appearance. Yet, the corner of their lips twitched upward and a few were smiling broadly, happy that Meirith and seven Travelers returned.

The same could be said for the other elves that followed them as they walked through the city. They included the curious ones as well as friends, family and acquaintances of the former slaves. As such, Meirith was being watched by quite the crowd, which made her more embarrassed. As her eyes darted around, she saw the only human present and his small dog. While holding the puppy in his arms to prevent it from running around, the sleepy-looking man was staring at everything but her. It would seem that he was more interested in the interior decoration than her family reunion.

And her father, noticing the human, instantly stopped crying before sporting a more serious expression. The instantaneous switch made him appear like a different person.

“Let’s talk.” [Meirith’s father]

With those words, a meeting was held right there and then.

They didn’t move to a different location or make any longwinded preparations. Meirith’s father and the four elves following him sat down on thick branches that instantly sprouted from the wooden floor to form a chair. The backrest was composed of many smaller branches with green leaves that snuggly supported the back. Ryner, Meirith and the seven Travelers similarly sat in front of them. Surrounding the seated people was the crowd that had swelled to over a hundred. Moreover, everyone was also quietly sitting on wooden chairs that sprang from the floor. The room was large enough to accommodate them, especially since it had pretty much been void of any furniture just a second ago.

“So the human is named Ryner, he saved you from slavery and escorted you back to Hossylei Nac.” [Meirith’s father]

“Yes, High Elder.” [Traveler]

“And he wants safe passage to the Forbidden Tomb in exchange?” [High Elder]

“That’s correct. To keep our side of the deal, we’d like to ask for your permission.” [Traveler]

Having heard the situation from the elven women that were once slaves, Meirith’s father had a pensive look on his face. The four men and women who were dressed like him and sitting on both sides were discussing among each other. It was the same for the crowd that were spectating the meeting. They were exchanging their views in a low voice while glancing at the human in question.

Ryner, who was the subject of attention, was busy examining the room.

“Can that human be trusted? Bringing him to our city and granting him access to the Tomb. It’s all too risky.” [???]

“His kind is fond of enslaving us. Many Travelers like you have been tricked, captured and enslaved. Their fates remain unknown to this day.” [???]

“Elders, we confirmed it when he promised to bring us back to Hossylei Nac. There was no malice in his heart.” [Traveler]

“We doubted him at first as well, but he was telling the truth. He wants to explore the Tomb and leave right away, not trick us all into slavery.” [Traveler]

The elves with four cloths imitating insect wings on their backs were doubtful and asked various questions to the seven women called Travelers. They carefully observed the human who was the first of his kind to step foot into their city.

“Humans always have ulterior motives.” [Elder]

“Honestly, I’m afraid he’s a spy tasked with infiltrating our city to collect information before reporting to an elite unit formed to invade us.” [Elder]

“Same here, but I’m more afraid that he’s a pervert. Humans seem to like us a lot. Perverts.” [Elder]

“But, there really is no malice coming from him. Strange…” [Elder]

Although he was the topic of their conversation, Ryner had no idea what they were saying since he couldn’t understand their language. That was why he was examining the inside of the giant tree. As such, after looking around the room, he was tapping the floor with his foot. Despite it being made of branches tightly woven together, it wasn’t hard to walk on. That was because the area that the sole of his foot came in contact with changed shape.

The branches stretched out and flattened down to give him even footing. Moreover, the branches gave off warmth and they became soft enough that it felt like he was walking on a carpet. Mi had taken a liking to it and was now lying down next to his seat. In fact, the chair possessed the same characteristics and was quite comfortable to sit on.

“(Weird place.)” [Ryner]

Ryner thought…

“(Awesome.)” [Ryner]

Before accepting it as common sense the next second since it wasn’t his first time seeing moving trees. After living for countless years in many worlds, he learned to quickly accept things for what they were.

“He’s not nervous at all, but… This human is definitely ready to fight.” [Elder]

“Yes. I can feel a quiet fighting spirit, ready to jump out like a dragon if we attack.” [Elder]

“Just like how we don’t trust him, he doesn’t trust us.” [Elder]

“More importantly, someone show him your panties. We need to confirm how much of a pervert he is.” [Elder]

“You’re the one that sounds like a pervert!” [Elder]

As various opinions were exchanged, the four Elders and the High Elder seemed to have come to an understanding. They all looked at the human who was busy pulling on one of the leaves of his chair’s backrest.

“Ahem, human, we are grateful that you upheld your word and helped our Travelers home. But, the reward you seek…” [High Elder]

“High Elder, he doesn’t speak our tongue.” [Elder]

“Oh, right. Ummm, how did it go again? My humankin language is a bit rusty.” [High Elder]

“Want me to talk to him?” [Elder]

“No, it’s fine. Just give me a moment.” [High Elder]

Meirith’s father, the High Elder, groaned to himself for a bit as he recalled the humankin language. Meanwhile…

“Oh crap.” [Ryner]

Ryner pulled a leaf out of the chair by accident and hurriedly tried to stick it back in.

“Um, human, no, Ryner…” [High elder]

Noticing that the High Elder was speaking to him, the sleepy-looking man quickly dropped the leaf on his side and it gently floated down on top of Mi’s head.

“She did it.” [Ryner]

He said while pointing at the red puppy lazing around. Some of the elves who understood what he said giggled. The High Elder looked at Meirith questioningly, wondering if he was alright in the head. But, his daughter only laughed lightly as well.

“Right… Don’t worry about it since they grow back. Listen. You saved our brethren, and we’re honestly grateful. Thank you. I am especially super, super grateful since my daughter’s among them. I mean, I was going crazy when she disappeared. I couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, often cried and troubled everyone around me. Even now, I’m furious at myself for not noticing that she left Hossylei Nac and got enslaved. If anything had happened to her because of some sleazy bastard, I would have killed every human in th-!” [High Elder]

“High Elder.” [Elder]

One of the two female Elders sitting next to him kicked his chair and stopped his speech that was turning scary towards the end.

“Oh, right. As I was saying before some uptight Elder rudely interrupted me.” [High Elder]

She rolled her eyes and muttered “Stupid doting father”. Everyone present nodded their heads and agreed with her. But, it didn’t faze the High Elder who magnificently ignored them all. Only his daughter was blushing while covering her face and saying “I’m sorry.” repeatedly.

“You have our gratitude. But, the reward you asked for-.” [High Elder]

“You mean letting me enter the ruin?” [Ryner]

“Yes, that. It’s something like sacred, or forbidden grounds to us, hence, why we call it the Forbidden Tomb. We can’t really…” [Elder]

Ryner tilted his head and spoke again after thinking for a moment.

“The elves I saved were surprised when I asked, but they didn’t tell me it was impossible. Can’t you make an exception?” [Ryner]

Meirith’s father looked at him with a sharp gaze and a serious expression.

“I’ll say this now so you don’t get the wrong idea. Those girls weren’t lying. It’s true that you can enter if we permit it. But, no one is allowed inside, nor is there anyone that even wants to. So, letting a stranger, especially a human, just waltz in, even someone I’m eternally grateful to, it’s just impo-.” [High Elder]

“I stopped some fat old pervert from violating your daughter.” [Ryner]

“I PERMIT IT!!!” [Elder]

The doting father stood up and roared loudly in the elven language.

“High Elder?!” [Elder]

“GIVE HIM ACCESS TO EVERYTHING!!! THE TOMB AND THE CITY!!!” [High Elder]

Of course, the four Elders didn’t agree to it. The crowd was also in an uproar at his declaration that broke common sense. The four Elders represented everyone and started arguing against their mighty leader who threw reason out of the window.

“Have you lost it, you stupid doting father?!!” [Elder]

“SHUUT UUUUPP!!! HE PROTECTED MY DAUGHTER!!! I HAVE TO REWARD HIM FOR SAVING THE WORLD!!!” [High Elder]

“IT’S YOUR KID, NOT THE WORLD!!!” [Elder]

“The spirits chose you as the High Elder!! You have an obligation towards them and our city!!” [Elder]

“BUT-!!” [High Elder]

“THE FOBIDDEN TOMB IS CALLED ‘FORBIDDEN’ FOR A REASON!! NO ONE GOES IN, ESPECIALLY NOT HUMANS!!!” [Elder]

“B-but!!” [High Elder]

“DO YOUR JOB AND PROTECT OUR LAWS, TRADITIONS AND BELIEFS!!!” [Elder]

Since they were speaking in their native tongue, Ryner couldn’t understand what they were saying. However, sensing his advantage waning, he decided to add in a few words.

“By the way, that fat old pervert brought his perverted friends to do this and that with your kid too.” [Ryner]

The doting father’s eyes opened wide. The faces of everyone present had “Don’t say anything unnecessary…” written all over them.

“If she’s a virgin, then that would mean her first time could have been rape and ga-.” [Ryner]

“SCREW THE LAAAWS!!! GIVE THIS HUMAN EVERYTHING HE WANTS!!!” [High Elder]

“High Elder, I know you love your daughter, but you must think of the city-!!” [Elder]

“MEIRITH IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE CITY, THE TOMB AND THE SPIRITS!!! HER VIRGINITY’S MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYTHING!!!” [Elder]

“SHE’LL LOSE IT WHEN SHE FINDS A MAN SHE LOVES!!! AND YOU’RE SAYING SOME REALLY BLASPH-!!!” [Elder]

“I’LL KILL HIIIIMM!!! MEN ARE JUST PERVERTS AFTER HER BODY!!! THEY’RE JUST CHASING AFTER HER BIG BREASTS AND VIRGINITY!!! THEY JUST WANT HER VIRGINITY!!!” [Elder]

“DAAAAAD!!! PLEASE STOP YELLING ABOUT MY B-B-BREASTS AND V-V-V-VIR-!!! I CAN’T DO THIS ANYMOOOORE!!!” [Meirith]

Everyone in the city would later remember how one human caused a meeting to fall into pandemonium by uttering a few sentences. But, more specifically, they would all remember how the High Elder was being a doting parent, as always, and how his daughter fled with a burning red face.

The next morning, Ryner was visiting Hossylei Nac. After an intense verbal fight between the Elders, he was given permission to tour around the city so long as he was accompanied by someone.

Walking on one of the giant roots that served as a road, Ryner noticed a line of red ants marching on the edge. It seemed that they noticed his stare too since the one at the head of the group stopped and looked at him. Then, it brought one of its legs to its head and saluted him. The other ants followed suit and all saluted Ryner as if they were facing their commanding officer.

Mi got curious and brought her nose close to one of the ants, only to get pushed back by the tiny insect. She yelped, shook her head and growled before jumping on the red ants. However, instead of being squashed, they supported the puppy’s weight and threw her away. This time, Mi admitted defeat and ran away with her tail between her legs. Ryner watched the ants that marched on as if nothing happened.

When he looked in front of him, he saw the sparkling clear water that filled the whole city. Elves on platforms of rocks were leisurely travelling through the waterways. They kept their “boats” afloat by using magic to control the water around them. Some of the platforms, such as the bigger ones that supported a dozen people, were covered with blankets and cushions to make the trip more comfortable.

When Ryner looked up, he saw the towering trees that rivaled skyscrapers, their giant branches stretching in all directions and their green leaves blanketing the sky. Sunlight filtered through the many gaps and countless glowing flowers hung on the branches. As such, the city wasn’t dim during the day and Ryner could clearly see a swarm of honeybees with black and yellow fur flying through the sky. The insects, that were about ten centimeters long, were carrying a ball of honey in their six legs which they dropped inside a pink plant that had the form of a pitcher.

The pitcher plant was on a platform that was thirty meters in the air and sticking out of the side of a tree. It didn’t look like it was built-in. Instead, it was like the tree stretched its bark and formed the platform. A couple of elves could be seen patiently waiting beside the pitcher plant as the bees filled it with honey. When Ryner looked closely, there were many green vines over his head, linking various trees together. Vehicles that resembled sailboats were attached to these vines and the elves rode them to travel in the air.

“You look dumb, ridiculous and easy to kill staring up like that.” [Riteinia]

Hearing a familiar voice calling out to him, Ryner looked in front and saw a woman with light green hair and golden eyes. Despite her beauty, her sharp gaze, cold expression and aggressive aura kept people at bay.

“How long do you plan on making me wait?” [Riteinia]

Riteinia asked in a steady voice as she stood still with her arms crossed, yet impatience and displeasure oozed from her every pore.

The Elders allowed Ryner to visit the city so long as someone accompanied him. It had to be someone they could trust, that could act as his guide and, most importantly, keep an eye on him.

As such, it had to be someone that could suppress him by force if he became violent.

Or, buy some time until help arrived.