Eritrea

"So... what rank are you Raph." Eli asked curiously.

The trio walked cautiously through the dark forest. The two girls where very much aware of the monsters lurking in the heart of the forest. But they hadn't come across any since they excited the cave.They assumed it was just their luck. Little did they know, the beasts in the forest where keeping a clear hundred metre radius distance from the trio. Their instincts were telling them to run for their lives. The presence leaking from Raph was more than enough to keep them at bay. Rapha had used earth magic to seal the entrance to the cave. The sisters where amazed by Rapha's use of earth magic. The mountainside looked like it had never collapsed to begin with. This is why Eli thought to ask what his rank was.

"Oh I'm a stage 9 saint expert and my magic affinities are earth, fire, ice, darkness and light." Raphael spoke casually as he continued walking. Though he could only hear his footsteps only. 'hmm did they stop walking.' He looked back to find that Freya and Eli had deadban looks on their faces. "What's wrong? Is there something on face"

Freya was the first to recover " Say... How old are you Raph?"

"hmm, I was 15 when I went into forced hibernation so I'm turning sixteen in a few months."

Eli and Freya's mouths hung open. Freya couldn't believe he was not only younger than her but he was also two complete stages above her

"Wait..! You just mentioned five affinities How's that possible! People usually have a single affinity, two is rare, three is practically insane and impossible. But you have five! That's absurd!"

"Is it?" Raph looked up thoughtfully. "Now that I think about it, our race usually possess two or three affinities, I was an anomaly even amongst dragons. But it's pretty normal to me."

"Monster..." Eli and Freya said simultaneously.

"I think it's best if you reveal just two affinities or the Mage Association and Adventurers guild might just dissect you. And if you can mask your horns that'd helpful...and please put a shirt on! "

"Geez fine." Raph retracted his devilish red horns snapped his fingers and his upper body was covered in a loose black tunic. "Anyway I wonder what I'll be doing in the this modern world. Would you guys mind giving me a crash course to surviving in this day in age. We wouldn't want my being rude to the wrong young master would we?"

"I think it's best if you come with us for now. I'll introduce you to my father. He will probably have a thing or two to say. And we'll need an explanation for coming home late so everything fits. But I don't know how close dragons and elves were in your days so we should keep your race a secret and say you're a human. "

Raph snickered "Using me as a scapegoat are we, it's not like I asked you to find me. I don't mind. And your father, what's his position amongst the elves?"

"He's the king of Eritrea, the kingdom of elves and we're are headed to the capital at the centre of this forest. The capital was built around the world tree. It grants us protection. It's literally impossible to find your way through this forest without an elvin guide. Some humans wander around for decades in this forest. "

"Ehhh..... so the two of you are elvin princesses. This humble servant greets your highnesses." Raph said playfully

Eli put her hands on her hips and laughed enthusiastically" hahaha haha. You're funny brother-in-law. "Freya gave Eli a death glare at her words. " Don't mind me I'm only enjoying the moment. " Eli said shifting her gaze to the side while whistling.

"Jokes aside," Freya said "our parents occasionally let us go hunting for beasts. The mana stones they possess are useful for cultivation and it helps us train our skills and disciplines. I'm an archer. And I possess affinities for ice and wind magic. Eli here is a wood mage but she prefers to use a whip. Today she was trying to use a bow though. Oh we're here"

"Here where?" Raph asks

Freya silently approached the tree in front of them It was taller and thicker than any other tree had ever seen, and its bark was smooth and shiny. Raph felt a strange attraction to it, as if it was calling to him. He watched as Freya reached out her hand and touched the tree.

feeling a warm and gentle pulse, Freya took a step back as a sudden flash of light enveloped her, and the tree opened up like a door. Raph saw a glimpse of another world, a city of light and beauty, unlike anything he had ever imagined.

Freya stepped through the tree Eli right behind her " Come on don't trip" she said with a smile on her face.

Raph found himself in front of a magnificent gate, made of silver and gold. It was the entrance to the city of Eritrea, the capital of the elves. The huge gate was adorned with intricate carvings and jewels.

The gate was guarded by two tall and graceful figures, wearing green cloaks and holding longbows. They looked at the trio with curiosity and respect, recognizing two of them as their princesses.

They opened the gate for them . They bowed their heads and saluted, with respect and admiration.

"Welcome back, your majesties," they said in unison. "We are glad to see you are safe."

The sisters smiled and thanked them, with warmth and gratitude.

"Thank you, my friends," Freya said. "We're glad to be home."

"Who's the young human" one of the guards asked. It was not everyday he got to see humans in Eritrea. Particularly not humans accompanied by members of their royal family.

Raph curiously eyed the two guards, taking note of their emperor ranks, the stage just below the saint stage.

"He's a friend!" Eli said "we're taking him to see the king"

"Okay you may enter guest of the royal family" the other guard said. He could feel his spine tingle under Ralph's scrutinising gaze, though he could not identify his rank. This surprised him. 'could it be his rank is higher than mine. No he looks to young. He must be using a treasure to conceal his rank'.

Raph had decided to conceal his rank which he could do with a thought, to avoid unwanted attention.

Raph smiled politely at the guards, stepped inside and gasped in awe. The city was a marvel of architecture and art, blending with the natural beauty of the forest. Towers and domes of crystal and marble rose above the canopy, reflecting the sunlight. Bridges and walkways connected the buildings, creating a network of pathways. Fountains and gardens filled the spaces between, adding color and freshness. The air was filled with the sound of music and laughter, and the scent of flowers and spices.

Raph felt a surge of joy and wonder, as he walked onto the pathway.

Freya turned back to Raph and smiled sweetly "Welcome to Eritrea..." But Raph's gaze was looking behind her. He had never seen anything like it before. The city was a living, breathing wonder, a symphony of green and gold. He walked past Freya, his eyes practically sparkling. He marveled at the intricate designs and patterns that adorned the wooden walls, the windows that glowed with warm light, the balconies that overflowed with flowers and vines. He felt a sense of awe and reverence, as if he had entered a sacred place.

But the most amazing sight was yet to come. As his gaze looked at the end of the path, he saw the world tree, the heart of the city. It was so huge that he could not see its top, only its vast trunk that rose like a pillar into the sky. Its branches spread out in all directions, creating a canopy that covered the entire city. He could hear the faint sound of waterfalls and birdsong, and smell the fresh fragrance of leaves and sap. He felt a surge of energy and joy, as if he had found his true home.

"Beautiful..." that's the only word that came out of his mouth. He had never laid eyes on such a breathtaking scene before. Definitely during not the age of dragons.