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“It’s so damn hot…”

Crim grumbled, looking really worn out.

“I hate the sun…I’m dying…”
“And it’s so humid too…”

Crim’s vendetta was mainly aimed at the sun, shining brightly without a care, but as Freya pointed out, that was not the only problem. There was also a lot of humidity, making everything feel wet and greatly raising everyone’s discomfort.

“Whyyyy, I thought we were finally done with the summer heat…”
“Why do we have to experience summer all over again…”
“Ahahah… Let’s keep going, I’m sure it’ll feel much better once we get in the forest, so just hang on, okay?”

Lycoris and Hinagiku trudged along as well, glaring at no one in particular as they complained, and Kasumi tried her best to reassure them, but that did not make it any more bearable.

They were currently in the newly accessible southwestern part of the continent.

As they began moving through it, they realized that it could only be described as uninviting at best.

There was a barren cliffside on one side, constantly hit by the humid wind from the ocean on the other side, creating a hot and humid environment that tortured any visitors.

Only guild Lua Cheia was going there now. Their activities with the rest of the United Kingdom were currently on pause, so the other guilds could explore whichever areas they were interested in on their own.

Lua Cheia went to search for the Fairy Village, except for Jade, Sara, and Ryunosuke, who went to look into the situation in Wyndham. Everyone else had found themselves in that hellish situation as they searched for Weisswald and the elves.

◇◇◇

After many hardships and suffering, Crim’s group reached the next area, a large forest.

“Woah, this place is so pretty!”

A large quantity of white particles was carried around the air as the wind blew. It was almost like seeing snow in a lush forest, which dazzled Rouge, who as usual was watching everything from Crim’s breastpocket.

“I see, so the name of this place comes from these white flowers.”
“They aren’t pink, but they kind of look like cherry blossoms, wouldn’t you say?”

Frey and Freya caught a few flowers on their hands to examine them more closely. Each of them had five heart shaped petals, which did resemble cherry blossoms.

The forest was also located at a fair altitude, before the hills turned into a tall mountain range, making the air much more refreshing, and coupled with the wondrous sight of white flowers, it was a pleasant place to walk around.

It was even more comfortable because the previous heat had made them change into light clothes, which now allowed them to feel the breeze better. But not everything was so easy there…

“It’s also these flowers that are hindering us…”

Crim caught one of the fluttering petals and frowned. At first, she thought she was being worn down by the strong southern sun, but then noticed that Hinagiku and Setsuna, basically everyone with a non-human species, was looking just as worn down as her.

And in her status window…she saw a debuff icon shaped like a flower, which had the rather awful effect of lowering all their stats by 20%.

“Elves live around these flowers, so that’s probably why it doesn’t have an effect on us.”
“And humans are safe too.”
“I don’t see the debuff either.”

Frey and Freya, Kasumi, and Lycoris did not have any issues with it. The flowers were only harmful to demons and demihumans.

“Is it really that awful for you? We’re completely fine…”
“I wouldn’t exactly call it awful, rather, it feels like we’re out of energy…”

Freya looked at them worried, and Crim nodded with a difficult look on her face, but there was something else…

“That aside, Crim, you’ve noticed too, right?”
“Yes, I took notice since we entered this forest. Remember to be careful and not act rashly, everyone…they’re here.”

Just as Crim warned those around her, a whistling arrow flew and planted itself in front of their feet.

Crim and the rest immediately raised their weapons as they moved closer, their backs against each other, while various shadows landed in a circle around them.

All of them were armed with bows, wearing lightweight armor inscribed with strange symbols, and their faces had handsome features and long ears…They were the elves of the forest.

When they all gathered, one of them, a male wearing a luxurious looking robe, took a few steps forward. He was likely their leader.

“You’re surrounded, please hold your hands up and do as we tell you.”

His voice was filled with authority, and Crim whispered what to do to her allies.

“…They had plenty of time for a surprise attack, so we can probably come to a peaceful agreement. Stay calm and just do as he says.”

Even the first arrow they had shot was one designed to be noisy on purpose, and was only meant as a warning shot. Crim felt like she could trust the elves. And if things went south…then she could always rely on Frey and Freya to step forward.

When she felt everyone nodded in agreement with her plan, she took a few steps forward.

“We bear no ill intent; we shall do as thou askest.”

Crim raised her empty hands, showing she meant them no harm. That seemed to surprise the leader for a moment, before he turned to his companions and gave a signal, after which everyone lowered their bows.

“…I apologize for our rude welcome. We probably became a bit too wary after seeing your group being led by a demon.”
“There’s no need to apologize. I’m sure there’s plenty of reasons to be wary around here.”
“There is… Thank you for understanding.”

Now it was Crim’s turn to be surprised, hearing the leader speak in such a humble manner. But she was also relieved to have met such an open minded elf.

As she looked at him a bit more, she realized he did not act in a haughty or proud way either, and instead was happy to see Crim and her group were friendly.

*Maybe something happened and they can use our help?*

Crim almost asked them about it, but she decided to keep silent. She believed they would tell her if they needed anything like that.

“Well then… Let me escort you to our city, Floria. We’ll talk more there.”

Once everyone from Lua Cheia showed they meant no harm, the elven leader said that with a relaxed voice.