The Adventures of an Overpowered Knight in Another World Chapter 573- Please Save Cecilia (3)

"They underestimated the danger, and it struck before they could even grasp it—too late. Yet, hope lingers for correction. Should the remaining human realms and demi-humans unite their strength, victory against the demons might be within reach."

Jerrel and the top officials beside him stared at Zerina in utter disbelief.

Her own Holy Knights shared the same shock. None had imagined their comrade harbored such grand visions.

Only Reinhardt remained unfazed. A smile crossed his face as he nodded approvingly at Zerina.

"She speaks the truth. To triumph over the demons, we must succeed where our forebears faltered."

Jerrel shut his eyes briefly. Upon reopening them, resolve burned brightly within.

"I understand. We shall track her down. My kingdom harbors demi-humans from countless tribes—ancient lineages, vanished clans, scattered heirs. Should a High Elf endure in this realm, we will unearth the trail to her."

Grasping the full weight and intricacies of Reinhardt’s scheme, he mirrored the knight’s pressing need.

"Yes, I’m relying on you."

He had shared his strategy with Jerrel precisely because he viewed Rune and the Emerald Knights as future comrades against the demonic horde.

Once discussions concluded, Jerrel himself guided them to the demi-human enclave now established in Rune.

.

.

Jerrel arrived at the village alongside his knights and Reinhardt’s group, greeted by wary, hostile stares.

A sharp departure from Toto Village’s welcoming vibe.

Stepping ahead, Jerrel spoke to the assembly.

"Folks of Rune, meet Lord Reinhardt Arcknight, Governor of Snowpoint and Commander of the Temple of Light. From Solaris, where demi-humans dwell freely with humans as equals."

He presented Reinhardt, highlighting his numerous feats.

"Any who desire to move to Solaris will receive citizenship, land, safeguards, and jobs. I vow secure travel and proper integration myself."

Jerrel concluded his words, awaiting replies from the demi-humans. Skepticism and disdain met him instead.

It made perfect sense. These souls had endured lifetimes as mere possessions—bartered, pursued, abused, and bred like animals.

Though Jerrel granted liberty, terror’s wounds cut too profoundly to heal from one decree. Human vows, however earnest, echoed the deceptions they’d once trusted.

Not only Jerrel and his knights faced such glares; Reinhardt’s party endured them equally.

Distrust hung heavily everywhere.

Then, two figures advanced boldly.

Zerina moved first, her purple slit eyes capturing every demi-human present.

"I am Zerina, once Elder of the Panther Tribe in Toto Village. Demons long dominated my home. Life was torment, prospects grim. Our savior from that abyss was Commander Reinhardt."

"He shattered demonic rule, freed my kin, and revived our village. Now, my people thrive freely under his watch."

Zerina shared every detail without restraint.

Witnessing a fellow demi-human praise a human so fervently, clad in knightly armor and cape matching theirs, stunned the crowd.

As if the astonishment weren’t enough, Elina emerged next. Hand on heart, she intoned in pure ancient elven.

Her voice flowed like enchanting music, a hallowed chant inherited from forebears.

Finishing her chant, she turned to the village’s diverse demi-human groups.

"I am Elina Sylverae Lirwen, of the Silverwood Line. Elf warrior and heir to Elfenheim."

Silence gripped the throng.

From Zerina and Elina—demi-humans themselves—the message rang far truer than from humans.

"I serve Lord Reinhardt willingly. He rescued my folk and reignited our dreams. He seeks your support today, so I implore you to aid him."

With that, she bowed deeply. Delicia mirrored her.

The heavy air lightened. Eyes fixed intently on Reinhardt.

Doubts and scrutiny persisted, yet the hostility had softened markedly from outright contempt.

Bringing Zerina and Elina proved wise.

A therianthrope and elf at his side eased acceptance, bypassing tedious trust-building.

For demi-humans, kin standing free beside humans spoke volumes.

Gradually, tension eased from their frames, lifelong dread yielding a fraction.

From the back, Reinhardt observed silently, entrusting the exchange to the pair. Zerina and Elina voiced his intentions flawlessly.

As they engaged the villagers—listening, inquiring, comforting—Reinhardt scanned the area from afar.

He noted the varied demi-human breeds and their social order. Diversity defined the village.

Panther-kin mingled with wolf-kin, foxes alongside bearfolk, winged avian folk resembling harpies, plus scattered sylvan kin akin to elves.

Each upheld distinct rites and legacies.

.

Zerina and Elina wrapped up as the sun sank, bathing the heavens in rich amber hues.

"Commander, many are eager to move. Far more than anticipated. Few ties bind them—no fields, no deep roots."

They relayed the outcomes to him.

Elina affirmed with a nod. "Solaris promises true opportunity, especially tales of Toto Village."

Reinhardt expected as much. Solaris’s appeal was irresistible. Beholding proud tribesfolk claim Solaris citizenship was compelling.

Once hope dawns, it’s hard to dismiss.

Content though he was with their choice for Solaris’s safety and stability, that wasn’t his purpose here.

"What of the elves? Signs of royal lineage?"

Locating and protecting the High Elf Priestess was paramount.

The women shook their heads.

"None. Local sylvan families lack Elfenheim descent. Their chants and bloodlines diverge from ours," Elina clarified gravely.

Zerina crossed her arms, ears and tail sagging in disappointment.

"Elders I consulted know of Elfenheim but nothing of living high elves."

Thus it stood.

Reinhardt exhaled, retrieving the Origin Seed from his [Dimensional Storage].

It throbbed softly in his grasp; waving it about revealed a faint pull.

Westward it pointed, past Rune’s frontiers.

West once more.

"She’s not here," he declared, pocketing it again.

"What next, Lord Reinhardt?" Elina queried, concern etching her features.

"The hunt goes on. Our quest is barely begun."

He knew pursuing the High Elf Priestess would prove arduous. His instincts of peril had always held true.

Informed by Jerrel of seamless relocation to Solaris, the settlement buzzed with joy.

Reinhardt’s group readied to leave soon after. A timid call halted them.

"E-Excuse me."

Faint as a whisper, yet it froze the departing party.

Reinhardt pivoted, eyeing the speaker.

A slender elven maiden stood nearby, shoulders rigid with nerves. Drooping pointed ears and darting gaze betrayed her bravery in approaching.

Zerina and Elina spotted her too.

Elina’s expression warmed at the trembling girl in her baggy sweater. Leaning to Reinhardt, she explained, "Meet Lirae of the Silverbloom line. No Elfenheim kin, but her forebears once linked with mine."