The Rise of the Black Plain

Sharing memories was something that only Spiritual Demigods or Gods could do. So Minos' words were soon interpreted by those elves as an indication that he belonged to a powerful family.

Obviously, no human family could compare themselves with the elven clan. Still, some human powers were respected by these beings on Elves Island.

Soon, those beings would think twice before going far against this human they were interested in.

"You could say that," Minos answered that level 84 woman's question and said. "Anyway, it is a surprise that my first encounter with elves is precisely so far from their territory..."

"Hmm, and where are you going, human? And why are you watching us so cautiously?" A level 83 being on that special ship asked.

Encounters on the high seas usually developed without one side contacting the other, with both watching each other until one was out of reach of the other.

But when strange circumstances arose in one of them, it was common for other crews to attempt contact to better probe whether or not that one was an enemy.

Naval battles were tricky, even more so where they were at the moment, a territory where powerful sea beasts could appear at any moment and annihilate them with the swing of a fin.

They had intercepted Minos for this, and this emperor was watching them because of such a move on their part.

Minos said. "I am traveling alone, so seeing you approaching me, how could I not watch you cautiously? For the rest, I will sail further into the Ancestral Sea.

I want to get to know this magnificent underwater world ahead!

Why? Do you have any tips about the area for me? Unfortunately, I don't know the place ahead well and don't even have a map."

Those beings were temporarily silent, watching Minos, sensing that he was hiding things and was probably running away from something.

But he didn't seem to lie about his goals and no longer looked like a threat to them.

A level 81 woman then said. "Human, we just came from the central part of the Ancestral Sea. That place is suffering from the awakening of a powerful beast that has been dormant for the past centuries.

If I were you, I would avoid traveling to that area. Soon, billions of beasts will start migrating from that area to escape the chaos generated by this one."

"The central area of the Ancestral Sea is vast..." Minos smiled as he spoke.

But he was interrupted by that woman. "The direction you are following leads directly to that area."

"Oh? Then thank you for the information. I will follow a slightly different direction." He made a gesture of thanks as he spoke, but without being able to fool these beings.

One of them was calmly looking at Minos, his eyes glowing in light green. At the same time, he saw an intense golden aura in the surroundings of this human.

This was his innate ability, something that gave him the capacity to see the potential and power of his targets easily.

'Boss, this human hides many secrets... Although he is clearly not one of us, he has an aura almost as bright as those of our lineage.' He relayed his thoughts to the level 84 woman. 'Furthermore, he does not intend to follow our recommendation. He will go toward danger.'

'Oh? Is he that talented?' That woman kept her expression unchanged, but she was surprised.

'Yes, unfortunately, he is only a human...'

'Anyway, if his talent is that good, it might benefit us to approach him.' She said. 'I don't think he is a threat. Perhaps if we use this encounter well, we can add a relevant human to our influence network.'

The elves were harmonious beings among themselves, but there were disputes over who would do what, activities, ranks, and resources. Not everyone could be given the same chances, so some members of this race competed.

The difference between them and beings from other races was that they mostly followed the rules and were not bad losers.

Elves understood that the heavens favored some more than others, so they didn't fight much against fate.

They worshipped fate and did not try to change it. Once someone proved to be better and more capable, the others competing would give up their right to compete and support the more capable one.

But before that happened, they would try to improve their influence in the Spiritual World, do business, become stronger, and create their own families. That is, they would try to reach their potential and achieve their destiny.

Whether this would lead them to leadership or to serving someone else, there was no way for them to know until it happened, so there was competition nonetheless.

This woman, eager to achieve her destiny, couldn't help but look with interest at Minos upon learning about his impressive talent.

'We had met in this remote place. This must be a thing of destiny!'

'I will follow whatever you choose, Ayla.' That elf said in her mind.

She then said aloud. "Human, this one here is called Ayla Daeharice. If you intend to go that way, I will give you something to help you."

After those words, she threw a green bottle in Minos' direction and said. "That is an item from my homeland. For us elves, we attach importance to it, but we do not lack it. But for beings of other races, it is scarce.

Use this as a bargaining chip if you have trouble on your way. Maybe you'll save yourself on account of it."

"Uh?" Minos was surprised to pick up that green bottle, not expecting to gain something from a chance encounter with elves.

She continued. "But this will not be free. I am giving you this so that if you go to Elves Island one day, you will help me with something.

Obviously, only if you can get to where I will be and can help me. Otherwise, your fate will be compensation for that bottle." After saying that, she made some gestures, causing inscriptions to appear between her and Minos.

Minos felt that and realized this woman was making a contract between them without his permission.

'Oh, damn...' He thought, but elven powers were so soft and compatible with nature that they could even force contracts with other beings!

They couldn't impose unfair conditions, or heaven would punish them. But if they followed contracts with benefits for the other side, then it was not difficult for a being of that race to accomplish what that woman had just done.

"I will also give you a hint. Whatever your goal is, visit the City of a Thousand Races. There you will find something relevant." She said before the symbols glowing in a green color disappeared from her and Minos' surroundings.

Minos felt a small tattoo appearing on his right hand, indicating the contract between him and that woman.

He then sighed before thinking about what he had just heard.

...