Death Notice Book 8: Chapter 20: The Moon Elf Tribe

Release Date: 2026-06-01 11:23:01

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“Have you decided?” King Testiel stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the clouds below the council hall’s platform. His calm face showed neither happiness nor anger. Ever since news spread about the Moon Elf tribe’s migration, the Elf King would frequently climb to the castle’s top-floor council hall, lost in thought while staring at the drifting clouds.

“Yes, Father! Prince Milleras of the Sun Elves braved dangers and traveled thousands of miles to retrace the Ancient Path. Why should I worry about just traveling a few hundred miles to the AnK Forest?” Coris Greenleaf lowered his head respectfully, but his tone remained firm, clearly resolved to go.

“I’m not like a parent clinging to their fledgling. Sending an envoy shows greater sincerity to Ank Forest. But remember this: once you become an emissary, protecting the safety of the delegation comes first—no matter what happens.” King Testiel turned around, giving the prince a calm look.

“Yes!” Prince Coris paused briefly before eagerly asking, “Father, when do we depart?”

“Tomorrow. You set out tomorrow. Make your preparations.” King Testiel replied evenly.

“Prince Milleras cannot travel with us!” King Testiel frowned slightly at his son’s question. “Stark from the mercenary group clearly stated they’d only accept being hired by us alone, or else quit the mission. The Sun Elves won’t abandon their mercenary guides either. Our groups cannot merge.”

“Willing to quit? Aren’t they afraid of damaging their reputation?” Prince Coris asked in surprise.

“They probably heard rumors about the Sun Elf ambush and don’t want extra risk. Besides, they suffered heavy losses this time, so we owe them for it. Even if they abandon the mission, could we complain to the mercenary guild?” King Testiel looked helpless.

The Elf Prince considered this carefully. Using mercenaries as cannon fodder was already dishonorable. Forcing them into duty while shouldering extra risks was unreasonable. The mercenaries knew the Elf King wouldn’t push them—and complaining would ruin their guild standing while also tarnishing the honor of the Qiongda’er Elves.

Most importantly, the Qiongda’er Elves hadn’t interacted with neighboring Qiongdus Kingdom in a century, leaving them unfamiliar with humans. Their mission to Ank Forest needed mercenary guides. Stark’s group had proved their ability by rescuing Emma in Elbad despite being ambushed, forcing Testiel to compromise.

“But what about your promise to Prince Milleras?” Coris asked anxiously.

“The elders of the Moon Elf Tribe took on that task.” King Testiel said impassively. “Though leaving Qiongda’er, Ank Forest offers no safety. Those old foxes want another escape route to Evermeet.”

“Aren’t they worried the migration convoy will get attacked?” Coris paled in shock.

“The first group has over 1,000 Moon Elves. The ambushes aimed at Sun Elves are small-scale—knights from human lords are their only real threat. Larger forces won’t matter much.” King Testiel shook his head gently.

“Protecting Prince Milleras means placing Sun Elves in the convoy’s center, risking the core team during ambushes.” Coris bit his lip, restless.

King Testiel’s eyes flashed. “Remember what I told you. The mission to Ank Elf Court comes first. You mustn’t lead guards to aid the Moon Elf migration convoy—even if attacked.”

“Father!” Prince Coris’s eyes widened. He stepped forward to argue, but the Elf King waved him off.

“Otherwise, you’re not going!” King Testiel said icily. “I’ll personally deliver this command to the guard captain. Now, leave!”

“…Yes.” Coris’s shoulders trembled. His fist clenched tightly inside his sleeve, knuckles turning white.

Watching Coris walk away gloomily, King Testiel sighed.

He knew Coris volunteered to lead the mission mainly for Iristin. The Elf Prince hoped the guards protecting the delegation would help his beloved reach Ank Forest safely. But now that the Moon Elf Tribe had split from the Magic Cup Court, the king refused to add risks to the mission.

……

“Iristin, where are we going this early?” Qin Lun followed the Elven Druid closely. They’d traveled over ten miles outside the capital, heading deep into the forest.

Iristin paused and turned. The female elf wore her Druid wilderness attire again, her face painted with pigment. Her bright blue eyes locked onto him, making Qin Lun uneasy.

“Are you really joining the migration convoy’s guard with Leader Emma? What about your mission?” The Elven Druid asked doubtfully.

“Emma and I are pure-blooded Moon Elves. Helping our tribe comes first. Besides, King Testiel only asked us as guides for the delegation. The guard work belongs to the royal guards, so two missing mercenaries won’t matter.” Qin Lun smiled, his gaze flashing.

Three days had passed since Fortress Team’s return. Two nights ago, Stark’s group learned everything from Qin Lun about Magic Cup Court. Over discussions, Qin Lun gave two mission paths and shared “Moon Elf Migration,” the Lieutenant Colonel-ranked sub-plot.

The first path prioritized safety: abandon “Moon Elf Migration,” force King Testiel to separate the Sun Elf Diplomatic Mission from Magic Cup Court’s own. Without Sun Elf risks and with royal guards defending, Fortress Team could protect the delegation even against knights. This path might actually prove easier.

The second path maximized gains: split the team. Most pursued the Main Plotline with royal guards; only Qin Lun and Nicole—purest Moon Elf Apostles—joined the migrants. This completed the Lieutenant Colonel-ranked sub-plot while contacting the Sun Elf emissaries.

Fortress Team agreed without debate. A newly Silver Rank team wouldn’t risk dropping back to Bronze Level after sacrificing so many comrades.

Qin Lun remained indifferent. Joining the migrants didn’t demand fighting to death. Failed sub-plots carried no penalties. Partnered with Nicole, a Second Order Divine Caster, their safety seemed assured.

Stark’s group would handle the Sun Elf problem. If they still failed, they deserved to perish. Qin Lun felt no loyalty to hopeless amateurs.

His sole worry was Lost Novices discovering their Apostle identities—inviting chaos. If caught, Qin Lun planned to surrender to Kelly and join Lost. Protection came first, even if humiliating.

“If you insist,” Iristin gave him a strange look. She turned to lead onward without further comment.

Qin Lun grew more anxious at her gaze. “Where are we going? If you don’t tell me, I’m not following.”

“The tribal elders want to verify your blood’s purity. Otherwise, they won’t trust you near the convoy. After all, you and Leader Nicole recently worked for King Testiel.” Iristin replied flatly, not stopping. “Relax. I tested your heritage—you’ll pass. Seeing the elders will only benefit you.”

“Oh.” Qin Lun relaxed. They weaved through forests until reaching a hidden path.

Clearly not man-made, the trail appeared through heavy walking. Through bushes at its end, parts of a tree-village emerged.

Qin Lun blinked. A tiny black-red crosshair flashed in his left pupil—he activated Gannett’s Left Eye. Strong Perception projected an image outlined by white and black lines onto his retina. Ahead, Iristin glanced back but said nothing.

Qin Lun felt impressed—Druids truly knew their woods. How instantly she sensed his Perception ripple.

Since discovered, Qin Lun dropped secrecy. He openly wielded Gannett’s Left Eye, scanning the forest village ahead.

A glance left Qin Lun amazed by its simplicity compared to Magic Cup Court. While the court’s tree-houses resembled villas with gardens, these felt like sheds for refugees.

Many Moon Elves lacked items—wearing leaf clothes, using stone bowls watchtower guards wielding bone arrows. Barely any iron tools existed. Thatch covered roofs; children raced around muddy, wearing only partially covered underclothes.

Elves respected nature, but such hardship revealed Green Elf oppression—otherwise wealthy Qiongda’er Forest couldn’t have caused this poverty.

Finally Qin Lun understood. Why the Qundar Moon Elves abandoned homes for Anke Elf Court, why Iristin sacrificed love to stay with her tribe.

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