Chapter 56: Instantly Solving the Language Barrier

The military personnel from Earth, as they mentioned earlier, indeed came with the intention to visit the Light Elf tribe. But rather than just a visit, it was more like a diplomatic mission. For the people of Earth, discovering a brand-new, vast world that is similar to their own planet, and in some aspects even better, was an irresistible temptation for anyone's curiosity.

"When we went out into the forest a few days ago to gather food, we didn't expect to be spotted by the Empire's soldiers in the area! They surrounded us, and just as we were about to be captured, these humans from another world saved us!"

The Light Elves who returned with them explained what had happened.

The Light Elf tribe is located right at the border between the Empire and the Republic, a sensitive military area. The Empire's troops stationed here have always wanted to wipe them out. Especially since Reider came to power and relations with the Republic soured, over a dozen Light Elves have fallen into the Empire's hands in just a few years! Most of them were sold as slaves to other countries, and their fates were bitter.

Although slavery has long been outlawed across the continent, some countries still engage in it secretly. Moreover, with the continuous invasion of monsters, many weak creatures that were captured were also sold as slaves.

Given the hostile relationship between monsters and humans, the Sage Council, which oversees the Continental Human Covenant, has not been strict in regulating this. Particularly because of the historical ties between Light Elves and Dark Elves, the Council often turns a blind eye. As a result, countries like the Empire have become more and more reckless in selling Light Elf slaves, which is the main reason why the Light Elf tribe harbors deep hatred toward the Empire's army and has never been able to reconcile with them.

Of course, the protective illusion magic around the tribe isn't just for show. Breaking the magic requires a large number of light-element mages. But light-element mages are rare among humans, and even if the Empire gathered almost all its strength, it could only muster a few dozen. Moreover, with the need to focus on the Republic as their major enemy, they naturally can't afford to deal with us much.

So when dealing with these "nail houses" on the border, the Empire's army usually resorts to traps or hunting. This time, however, they were unlucky, running into Earth's army from the other side of the space portal.

Faced with Earth's advanced weaponry, the ordinary Empire patrol squads stood no chance. The rescued Light Elves were treated exceptionally well, receiving careful medical attention and being brought back to Earth's base, where they saw many new and fascinating things. They were even granted special permission to tour certain areas of the base.

In just a few days, both sides had built a strong sense of trust. The Light Elves, eager to return home, were convinced that these humans from Earth posed no threat and decided to bring them back to the tribe.

"So simple-minded!"

After hearing the whole story, I couldn't help but sigh deeply. But at the same time, I was a bit worried. With a big battle on the horizon, how do these Earthlings still have the leisure to wander around?

"You… hello! We… want… to learn… magic, can… you touch us… how?"

While I was lost in thought, two Earth soldiers, a man and a woman, approached us. The woman, who was the "translator" from before, stuttered as she explained their request, leaving everyone confused.

"Magic? What magic? Where do they want to touch?"

Their attempt at the common language of the continent was terrible, probably because they had just started learning. After a while, and with my limited understanding of H-country languages, we finally realized they were asking about learning magic.

"Magic… You might have to go to a big human city for that. Only there will you find tools to test for elemental affinity. In our small village here, we only have some basic knowledge of light magic. We really can't help you."

Chief Kalati immediately shook his head with regret upon hearing this. It's not that he was unwilling to teach, but Light Elf magic is challenging even for ordinary light-element mages to learn, let alone these humans from another world!

Whether the female translator fully understood or not, she and her companion seemed to catch some of the meaning from the chief's expression, and they looked disappointed.

"I have an idea that might help. It's not fully developed yet, but it might work for you."

Seeing their disappointment, Reed felt a bit sympathetic. After all, we both came from Earth, and these people were from our own H-country. Naturally, she wanted to help in any way she could. She quickly added, "And if it works, it could also make communication between us much easier!"

Reed said this entirely in the common language of the continent. We purposely avoided using H-country languages to prevent unnecessary trouble. If the people here knew we could speak another world's language, it would lead to a series of complications that would be hard to explain to either side!

"Yes, yes! No problem!"

It took them a while, but they finally understood Reed's meaning. The female translator, especially when she heard that this method might let them instantly learn the local language, quickly agreed without hesitation.

"What are you going to do to them?"

I asked Reed, a bit worried. I had never heard of a way to make someone learn a language instantly.

"Just stand in this circle!"

Reed didn't answer me directly. Instead, she focused on drawing a magic circle on the ground. Although the circle wasn't large, it was very complex. It took her quite a while to complete it. Once everything was ready, she pointed to the center of the circle and asked the two of them to stand there.

"I know this! Could it be a magic circle?"

The female translator recognized it right away. Though she looked excited, she was also a bit hesitant. But after discussing it privately with her companion, they decided to step into the circle as instructed.

"This idea came to me from the Angel Descent Formation. The formation originally has a memory infusion function. Although the language function was added later, the method handed down by the angels served as a key. This key proved that the Angel Descent Formation could be modified, which led me to believe that the language infusion function could be extracted from the original formation."

As Reed slowly injected magical energy into the circle, she briefly explained her discovery to me. Although, according to her, it's currently only possible to extract the language infusion function, it's still a significant breakthrough.

"Was she just chanting a spell? Wow, it's the first time I've seen someone use a magic spell! Does the spell have a special meaning too?"

The female translator misunderstood, thinking Reed's explanation to me was a spell. In reality, no spells are needed to activate the magic circle, but the effects are genuine!

Soon, a blinding white light emerged from the magic circle, enveloping the two people's bodies, and finally, it gathered at their heads and gradually faded away. When they opened their eyes and spoke again, they were surprised to find they could now fluently use the continent's common language!

"It's amazing! Magic truly can do anything!"

The brilliance of the magic circle attracted everyone's attention in the tribe. Other soldiers who had been touring different parts of the village also gathered around. Everyone was amazed by Reed's work, even Mia, an angel, was thrilled. After all, Edenmere had been studying the Angel Descent Formation for many years, but they had never made any breakthroughs. Who would have thought that a glimmer of hope would finally appear under these circumstances?

"Learning magic in a short time is extremely difficult, and it depends on individual talent. But magic circles don't have such requirements. If you can master the study of magic circles, learning magic itself might not be so important!"

With the language barrier gone, Reed could finally, and easily, promote her theory of coding magic circles, something she had developed over time.

Unlike Cyra and me, the others here never imagined that this visit to the tribe would yield such important information! One of the Earth soldiers quickly pulled out a notebook, sat down on the spot, and began to take notes as the female translator relayed the information.

"I see. Magic circles usually need someone to activate them. If the activator leaves, the circle needs elemental energy to keep functioning…"

"The activator must have an affinity for the elements, meaning they need the ability to use magic. But if an elemental-attracting magic circle is used, it can replace the activator as a source of energy!"

...

And so, Reed's magic circle class began. But not everyone was interested in this. Some of the Earth soldiers responsible for other tasks stood aside and continued trying to communicate with the villagers.

"It's so much easier to talk now!"

With the language barrier removed, the male soldier who had received the language infusion could finally speak directly with us. He started by introducing himself.

"My name is Wayne Peng! I'm a soldier in the National Defense Forces of H-country. Some of my teammates are civilian scientists. My job is to ensure everyone's safety. On behalf of H-country, I'd like to thank you for your warm hospitality!"