Death Notice Book 8: Chapter 34: Thanequalas Nightstar

Release Date: 2026-06-09 01:23:11

A+A-Light Off<!--

«Volume 8 Chapter 33: Cloudtop City

Volume 2 Chapter 31: Combat Model »

Qin Lun looked up, surveying the ancient hall he was in. Eighteen vine-columns, each so thick it would take three adult Elves to encircle them, stood arrayed around the perimeter of the chamber, converging high above into the vaulted ceiling.

The gaps between the vine pillars were filled with broad leaves from the World Tree. These leaves were a vibrant green and semi-transparent. Under the sunlight shining through, the dark green veins within were clearly visible, like gigantic microscopic slides showing plant cells. They pulsed with life, yet also carried marks of long ages worn.

Compared to the haughty command room atop the Magic Cup Castle, this magnificent natural hall lacked that supreme arrogance, but it held a richer, more natural and ancient aura of life.

This was the royal court of Cloudtop City. Within this enormous hall, besides Qin Lun, stood another silver-haired Elf, positioned sideways to him. His shoulder-length silver hair was tied into braids with simple silver bands, falling loosely behind him.

He stood by the hall’s window, staring absently at the drifting clouds beyond heaven, seemingly unaware of Qin Lun’s arrival. His shoulders were broader than those of most Moon Elves, his figure tall and slender. He wore a long robe trimmed with gold, a silver crescent moon embroidered on the back. Seen in profile, his face resembled a perfect sculpture, chiseled by a master, yet with the faintest lines etched between the eyes, revealing he was not as young as his appearance suggested.

Qin Lun hadn’t expected such a question. A flicker of appropriate surprise crossed his face before he took a moment to think. He then smiled and replied, “If I were King Testiel, from the moment I ascended the throne, I would seek reconciliation with the Qiongdus Kingdom. Even if that proved impossible, I should at least have dispatched scouts to gather intelligence on the major kingdoms across the continent.”

The silver-haired Elf’s gaze flickered slightly, a trace of admiration showing in his eyes. Though Qin Lun hadn’t directly answered his question, his response was clearly an answer nonetheless.

King Testiel’s actions regarding the Qundar Moon Elves hadn’t been mistaken, viewed as the maneuvering of a ruler. Both his initial conciliatory policies and later pressure on the tribe by allying with the Council of Elders were sensible moves. His failure stemmed from losing ground to Ank Forest.

After the Moon Elf Tribe made their decision to migrate, whether King Testiel permitted it or not became irrelevant. By then, the initiative had already shifted hands. Even if he interfered to the end, he could not regain the hearts of the Moon Elves.

To outsiders, it seemed King Testiel was simply unlucky. However, had he not neglected external factors, burying his head only in internal affairs, he would not have overlooked the influence of Ank Forest or the Sun Elf Diplomatic Mission.

“After we Elves lost our supremacy over the continent,” the silver-haired Elf continued, a self-deprecating smile touching his lips, “many Elf Courts still lingered in the glory of the past, withdrawing their heads like timid ostriches into our ever-shrinking forests. They refuse to engage with the humans, who only grow stronger and more prosperous.”

“He does not realize the sun and moon still turn,” he said with a note of resignation. “They do not wait upon his will. A race unable to adapt to its time will inevitably be swept aside.”

“Many races that created magnificent civilizations have vanished into the river of history,” Qin Lun observed, a gleam in his eyes, “Yet we Elves have endured on Faerûn for tens of thousands of years. Perhaps many of us simply believe that humans, with their fleeting lives, are but a momentary flower upon that river?”

“And you, Firal?” The silver-haired Elf’s eyes brightened with interest. “What is your opinion?”

“I do not know if humans are that fleeting flower,” Qin Lun answered softly, shaking his head with a smile. “I only know that if Elves do not change, they will soon exit Faerûn’s stage of history, much like the Dragons or the Giants.”

“Is this conclusion your own?” The silver-haired Elf nodded noncommittally. “It seems your travels on the continent these years were not in vain!”

He paused briefly before asking in a cooler tone, “Then, do you think the Sun Elves’ plan to migrate to Evermeet is feasible?”

“It is far too conservative,” Qin Lun replied, narrowing his eyes and choosing his words carefully. “We Elves are not yet so diminished that we must abandon Faerûn entirely and retreat offshore. Humans are not a monolithic, insular Sapient Race. Wars and schemes are never lacking between their many kingdoms. Since humans birthed the Netheril Empire even during the Elven era, why can we not coexist with them now?”

At last, undisguised admiration blossomed on the silver-haired Elf’s face. He smiled and nodded. “Elder Adeline was right. You are an impressive young Elf. I perhaps should send my own somewhat lackluster children to journey the continent!”

“You flatter me too much, Your Majesty!” Qin Lun offered a respectful, deep bow.

King Thanequalas waved a dismissive hand and turned back to gaze at the clouds beyond the window. Silence settled heavily in the room. A long moment later, the Elf King took a deep breath, as if reaching a firm decision. He turned resolutely back, his gaze intensely fixed on Qin Lun.

“Firal, I have a task I wish to entrust to you.”

Qin Lun’s brow furrowed slightly. Since reaching the Anke Elf Court, Nicole had reunited with Stark and the others. To everyone’s surprise, however, the Fortress Team had suffered casualties during their escort mission: one companion deceased, two critically injured.

After inquiries, Qin Lun and Nicole learned that the diplomatic mission led by Prince Coris had been ambushed by a large knightly order from the Qiongdus Kingdom while crossing a river. The danger they faced was no less than that encountered by the Moon Elf migration party, perfectly befitting a mission ranked at the Brigade-level.

Under the charge of the knights, the three unfortunate Apostles were overwhelmed before any rescue could be mounted. One died instantly; the other two clung to life but suffered horrific punctured abdominal wounds so severe that recovery items were useless. Precious team artifacts had to be used to send them back to the Shattered Starry Sky immediately.

Fortuntely, this battle raised the mission evaluation, allowing the Fortress Team to gain significantly more Contribution Points, ensuring the sacrifices weren’t entirely in vain.

The Fortress Team had now officially accepted Prince Milleras’s hire. Together with the Lost Team, they would jointly pursue this major plotline. As a member of Fortress Team, Qin Lun had actually planned to leave the Anke Elf Court imminently, joining the Sun Elf Diplomatic Mission in his capacity as a hired Elf mercenary.

The grave seriousness with which King Thanequalas framed his task suggested this could be a Plot Mission formally recognized by the Shattered Starry Sky. Yet where would Qin Lun find spare time for it now?

He regretted letting his guard down before the Elf King, showing off too much. Taking on the major ‘Ancient Path’ plotline with the Sun Elf mission had made him complacent. He had completely forgotten that the Anke Elf Court was also a vital plot hub. There were other Plot Missions to be found with King Thanequalas.

“You refuse?” King Thanequalas, ever discerning, immediately caught Qin Lun’s hesitation. He appeared slightly baffled. In his mind, this youthful Elf of the royal lineage should leap at such an opportunity.

“No, my King,” Qin Lun took a deep breath, knowing refusal was not an option. “Firal is ever at your service!”

Perhaps the Anke Elf Court couldn’t offer a Plot Mission more significant than the Sun Elf’s ‘Ancient Path.’ But listening wouldn’t hurt, and triggering the task didn’t obligate him to complete it. If necessary, he could just leave. He felt no particular responsibility towards these Elves. And if any trouble landed on the recently migrated Qundar Moon Elves? That was beyond his consideration.

To the Toril World, Apostles were merely passing shadows. Yet in the next moment, the words spoken by King Thanequalas made Qin Lun’s eyebrows rise slowly, his heart filling with utter disbelief.

Even after leaving the Elf King’s audience chamber, Qin Lun was still marveling at this unforeseen twist of fortune. Unable to resist, he checked the Death Notice once more, reviewing the recently appeared Plot Mission.

“70053 Apostle, you have triggered the Anke Elf Court Hidden Plotline: Ancient Path (Fake)!”

[Ancient Path (Fake): The King of Anke Elf Court commands you, assuming the Plot Identity of Saophila Elf Prince, to participate in the ‘Ancient Path’ storyline. Accompany Sun Elf Prince Milleras to complete the mighty undertaking of retracing the Ancient Path. The goal: secure a foothold for Moon Elves within the future Sun Court, sharing in the Sun Elves’ mantle of legitimacy and leadership role.

Mission Objective: Retrace the Ancient Path. Accompany the Sun Elf Diplomatic Mission visiting major races across the continent. Spread the Moon Elves’ influence to the major Elf Courts along the Ancient Path’s route. There is no need to reach Evermeet, controlled by the Sun Elves.

Mission Reward: Issued based on the Apostle’s Contribution Points earned during this mission. Extended Stay Time: +1 month. Current Remaining Stay Time: 43 days, 5 hours. After exceeding this stay time, a new point will be recorded each time an important location is reached.

If World Exploration Degree exceeds 0.21%, the cost of this extended stay will be covered by Shattered Starry Sky.

If World Exploration Degree remains below 0.21%, the cost must be paid on credit by the Apostle, to be deducted from the final mission rewards upon return.

If total World Exploration Degree exceeds 0.2%, the final mission evaluation will be raised by one tier.

Note: The Apostle already possesses the genuine ‘Ancient Path’ Plotline. Rewards for this plotline will be merged and settled together. The World Exploration Degree for this plotline is currently unknown. As the Apostle ’s team has already completed the Main Plotline, the Apostle may choose to return to Shattered Starry Sky upon reaching each important location. Returning during the mission journey itself is not possible.

Note: This plotline is tied to the 70053 Apostle’s unique Plot Identity. Sharing with other team members is not mandatory. However, if other Apostles participate in the ‘Ancient Path’ without being part of this specific task via your sharing, it will lower your (70053’s) Contribution Point ratio. Sharing this task with other Apostles is recommended.]

Qin Lun had never imagined King Thanequalas would hand him this task!

While other Elf Courts shunned or eyed the Sun Elf Diplomatic Mission with suspicion, this King of Anke not only refused to obstruct them, he was actively scheming to exploit them. He aimed to snatch a share of the glory earned from retracing the Ancient Path, seizing the Sun Elves’ legitimate claim and established authority.

King Thanequalas’s vision was profound enough to inspire even Qin Lun. Within the heart of the Serial Killer, a faint spark of expectation and genuine excitement ignited.

If it weren’t for the constraints of his Stay Time, he truly wished he could remain on Faerûn to witness just what heights this Elf King could raise the Anke Elves—no, the Saeopiya Elves—to.

«Volume 8 Chapter 33: Cloudtop City

Index

Volume 2 Chapter 31: Combat Model »