Previously on Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong...
Leo Ray and his companions successfully destroyed the core of the dream, a giant black flower, ending the threat of the pervasive black fog and freeing the trapped Dark Elf Anna. They returned to real space, finding the original Anna still asleep on a stone bed. Upon waking, Anna showed a shy demeanor, expressing her embarrassment for her past actions in the dream and assuring Leo Ray that his companions were safe. She then guided them out of the Forbidden Land, where the Elf Village had vanished, leaving only the mysterious white landscape.
Near their location, Fei'er, Moli, Hollis, and others were just rousing themselves, a look of bewilderment on their faces. Upon seeing Leo Ray's figure, the assembled strongmen rose and approached him.
"My apologies, Lord. It was our failure in duty for not protecting you adequately!" Lila, who had recently become a subordinate, offered a salute to Leo Ray, her expression laden with shame. Fei'er and Moli mirrored her sentiment.
"This is not your fault. I failed to recognize this place as the Dream Space in time," Leo Ray stated, gesturing dismissively. A sense of relief washed over him as he confirmed all the strongmen were unharmed.
"Heh, so it was the Dream Space? No wonder those old monsters were so exceedingly respectful, welcoming me back home as the Forest Priest! They completely dropped their previous contempt and disregard!" Moli exclaimed, a hint of lingering delight in her tone. She then turned to the others, inquiring, "What did all of you witness?"
"I saw Lord leading us to stand at the very pinnacle of the Ten Thousand Clans!" Lila declared, her fair face alight with excitement. Hollis and the others shared similar expressions, though Fei'er simply glanced at Leo Ray before lowering her gaze, her breath quickening slightly, still caught in a state of apprehension.
"We can discuss these matters later. For now, let us focus on what is important," Leo Ray said with a slight smile, proceeding to recount the sequence of events that had transpired to the gathered strongmen.
Upon hearing Leo Ray's account, the strongmen were filled with astonishment and turned their curious gazes towards Anna. She possessed traits of both a Light Elf and a Dark Elf, even her forbidden land was the same—a phenomenon previously unheard of. Even Fei'er, a formidable fighter from a bygone era, regarded Anna with immense curiosity.
While the full story remained a mystery, it was clear that Anna, the elf before them, was also a fighter who transcended eras. The aura she exuded was vast and majestic, far surpassing that of ordinary half-step Tier 7 fighters, demonstrably reaching the level of a Demigod.
"Esteemed Anna, could you perhaps inform us of our exact location?" Leo Ray inquired politely, offering a slight nod.
"Your Majesty of the Humans, there is no need for such formalities. You may simply call me Anna," the elf responded sincerely, nodding emphatically. "I have caused you considerable trouble, and since Your Majesty of the Humans asks, I shall naturally share all that I know."
As she spoke, a mystical quality entered Anna's starry eyes. Recalling the past events she could still remember, she began her narrative.
"You must have observed the presence of elements from both Light Elves and Dark Elves here; even my attire bears resemblances. Though from the outside, it appears no different from a typical Light Elf city, this is merely our facade," Anna stated, her expression growing more somber. "The truth is, we are neither Light Elves nor Dark Elves. We are Gray Elves."
"Gray Elves?" Moli repeated, her eyes wide with disbelief.
It was common knowledge that since the Sun Era, the Elf Tribe had been divided into three major factions: Forest Elves, Light Elves, and Dark Elves. Even now, these three Elf powers remained at the zenith of the Ten Thousand Clans. As for Gray Elves, even she, the Forest Language Singer of the Forest Elves, had never encountered such a designation.
Beside Moli, Fei'er exhibited a similar state of bewilderment. As the Pelican Princess of the Silver Fire Kingdom, she too was unfamiliar with the name Gray Elves.
"It is understandable that you are unaware of us. Our power is exceedingly limited, incomparable to the other Elf factions," Anna sighed softly. "Furthermore, the Light Elves and Dark Elves have actively suppressed our existence, even resorting to hostility. With no alternative, we have adopted the guise of Light Elves, living precariously under the watchful eyes of the two major powers."
"But why would the Light Elves and Dark Elves attack you?" Moli questioned, her starry eyes clouded with confusion.
"Because we, the Gray Elves, pursue a singular objective: to bring an end to the animosity between the Light Elves and the Dark Elves," Anna replied, her eyes darkening slightly as she shook her head in resignation. "However, this endeavor encroached upon the forbidden territories of both factions, rendering the outcome inevitable."
"Why involve yourselves in their disputes? Is it not better to remain uninvolved, much like us Forest Elves?" Moli asked, her starry eyes conveying increasing perplexity as she tilted her head.
"If my assumption is correct, the Gray Elves are likely a hybrid lineage of Light Elves and Dark Elves, are they not?" Leo Ray mused for a moment before voicing this deduction.
Upon hearing this, a collective realization dawned upon everyone. It became clear why the location was imbued with characteristics of both Light and Dark Elves, and why the two Annas within the Dream Space were similarly dual-natured. If the Gray Elves occupied a space between these two factions, their existence suddenly made perfect sense.
"You truly are the Human Majesty. Indeed."
Anna corroborated Leo Ray's assertion with a firm nod. "Since our inception, we have existed in an ambiguous state between two worlds. It's hardly surprising that both sides harbor disdain for the other half of the blood in our veins, thus refusing to acknowledge us."
"Consequently, we forged our own path to self-reliance, adopting the name Gray Elves."
"Through prolonged periods of harsh trials, we Gray Elves were eventually bestowed favor by the Deity. This divine recognition led to the birth of successive Chosen Sons of God. We meticulously studied the arts of both Light and Dark Elves, refining our cultivation systems, forging techniques, and alchemy, which substantially augmented our might."
A discernible spark of excitement animated Anna's voice as her narrative gained momentum.
Leo Ray listened, a pensive expression on his face.
By contrast with the three prominent Elf factions, the Gray Elves were clearly not an original race. Their initial lack of divine favor was, therefore, understandable.
During the Silver Moon Era, only those blessed by the Deity could truly ascend in power, making Anna's current enthusiasm quite natural.
"However, just as we were experiencing growth and nearing the realization of our aspirations through our own efforts, everything was annihilated in an instant. The identity of our adversary remains a blur to me."
Anna's eyes clouded with sorrow. She continued, "As the Young Master of our people, I was assigned to the duty of maintaining the Barrier within this Underground City at that critical juncture. Ultimately, I was forcefully retained here by my kin before they entered the Dream Space. The original purpose of constructing this Underground City was to serve as a bulwark against the Light and Dark Elves, yet it tragically transformed into my sanctuary."
"So, at that time, were you aware of the events unfolding on the surface?"
He waited for her somber mood to slightly lift before posing his question.
"Indeed, Your Majesty of the Humans. This Magic Array possessed the capability to monitor the surface. Perhaps due to my prolonged slumber, many details have faded from memory. I recall only the anguished cries of my kin and the incandescent inferno, akin to the world's final moments."
Anna's complexion grew pale, her demeanor frail, her lips trembling almost imperceptibly. "Though the aggressor remains unknown, the profound terror and the crushing despair have never truly departed my soul. The world beyond these walls is perilously dangerous, truly, utterly fraught with peril!"
"It appears I now understand why that individual was so insistent on Lord remaining here."
Upon hearing this account, even Sheila and the other Stone Spirits displayed signs of empathy, offering comforting gazes.
Leo Ray ceased his inquiries, nodding and gesturing for Moli to approach and offer Anna some sustenance.
"This is my most cherished juice; please don't hesitate to partake!"
Moli presented a large pink cup to Anna, remarking, "My ability to articulate comfort is lacking, but surely, all that is past now?"
"Thank you, Sister,"
Anna accepted the cup with visible gratitude, her head bobbing in acknowledgement.
Witnessing this exchange, Leo Ray felt a sense of calm settle over him. His thoughts then drifted to another matter, his gaze falling upon the unfamiliar Stone Spirit standing nearby.
