Chapter 45 - Would you lose?

The group left Feyhaven on the third day, with the elf leader guiding them to the city's edge.

As they stepped out, the towering trees of Feyhaven loomed overhead, their ancient branches weaving together to form a thick canopy.

Though they had left the city, the vast forest stretched endlessly ahead, its depths seeming to go on forever.

Feyhaven was known as one of the largest forests in the empire, a place where even the most experienced travelers could easily lose their way.

After marching for half a day, the trees seemed to press in closer, creating a growing sense of disorientation.

Despite following their map, the forest's size and winding paths made it feel like they were walking in circles. Every turn mirrored the last, with the forest floor blanketed in ferns and the air filled with the rustle of leaves and distant bird calls.

As the afternoon light began to fade, long shadows stretched across the underbrush. Realizing it was time to rest and regain their bearings, they stopped and made camp in a small clearing.

The group worked quickly, setting up tents and gathering firewood, remaining alert to the quiet dangers hidden within the forest's tranquil beauty.

As dusk settled, a fire flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the campsite. The forest's shadows deepened, and the sounds of nocturnal creatures filled the air.

Princess Ling, Spark, and Yuna sat close to the fire, watching the flames while Zhao Shi prepared their evening meal with calm efficiency.

The quiet of the evening was broken when Princess Ling finally voiced a question that had been on her mind.

"How much does Lord Spark know about the sovereigns?" she asked casually, though curiosity laced her tone.

Yuna's eyes caught a faint shimmering light that seemed to surround their camp.

"A sound barrier," she murmured, recognizing the spell the masked man had cast. It was meant to keep their conversation from wandering ears.

Spark, unfazed by either the barrier or the question, shrugged.

"I guess they were strong in their time," he replied, his voice as indifferent as ever.

Princess Ling leaned in slightly, pressing the subject. "What if they returned to the continent and tried to rule again? What do you think would happen?"

Spark's eyes flickered briefly with interest as he considered it. "If they came back, the world would be thrown into chaos. They could topple empires with a single move."

"Does Lord Spark believe the current rulers are strong enough to stop them?" Princess Ling asked, her gaze fixed on him as if trying to read his thoughts.

"They'd lose," Spark replied, waving the idea away with a casual flick of his hand. His tone was steady, unbothered.

Sensing a chance to dig deeper, Princess Ling asked with a playful tone, "And what about Lord Spark? Would you lose?"

Spark paused, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. Turning to meet her eyes, he responded with quiet, unmistakable confidence. "Nah, I'd win."

The boldness of his statement hung in the air, leaving Princess Ling momentarily speechless.

He didn't entertain doubt or second-guess himself. He spoke as if victory was a given. Was it confidence, or arrogance? She couldn't quite tell.

Composing herself, she replied, her voice steady but touched with admiration. "Then if that day comes, I hope Lord Spark will fight for the world."

Their conversation was cut short by a commotion at the edge of the camp. The soldiers' voices rang out, sharp and commanding.

"Stop right there!"

"Who dares approach the camp?"

A weak, familiar voice answered from the shadows beyond the firelight. "I'm just here to sell my goods."

As the soldiers parted, the group saw the hunched figure of an old elf, his body bent under the weight of a large bundle of wood. He shuffled closer, waving a gnarled hand when he spotted Spark and Yuna.

"It's you two youngsters," the old elf greeted them, his tone friendly despite the soldiers' harshness.

Spark's instincts had been right to keep their identities hidden until they left the forest. This old elf had a knack for appearing out of nowhere. It was smart to stay cautious around him.