''We're heading to Gandor. If I'm not mistaken, you guys are the patrolling guards of Gandor, right?"
"…"
Facing Maria's question, the remaining four dark elves gnashed their teeth, exchanged looks with one another, and nodded grudgingly. These dark elves weren't fools either. Judging from the exceptional power that Maria's group displayed, it was obvious to the dark elves that these adventurers weren't fools who came to this place just to commit suicide. Perhaps not even the matriarch of the number one family of Gandor City possessed such strength. Facing their silent response, Maria revealed a gentle smile.
"Alright then, please inform your people that the Saint adventurer's group composed of only SS rank adventurers intends to pass through Gandor City. I hope you guys can open up the city gates and allow us through. If not, be prepared to suffer the consequences."
Gazing at the ashen dark elves, Maria spoke in a soft tone, unlike her previous cold face.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe dark elves started pondering in silence.
In the meantime.
''Big sister Maria, you said the dark elves will open the city gates for us?"
Gracier sauntered, turning around to ask Maria curiously. Facing her question, Maria shrugged and didn't answer immediately. Dark elves weren't a race that would die for their pride. At that moment, the dark elves were hesitant about whether to believe her words. If wasn't because of this group's strength, there would be nothing to consider.
"I think we can enter the city without any issue. But we may face some problems when heading out."
Maria responded as she extended her hand to pat Gracier's head.
Upon hearing Maria's words, the group didn't reveal any huge reactions. It was apparent that most of them thought the same. Even if the dark elves did not let them pass they could force their way through. If not because they needed to enter the city to check a certain dungeon for their investigation they wouldn't want to stop by this city known for their hate of other races.
Previously, there were a total of five dark elves who escaped death from Maria. She sent three of them to report the situation to Gandor, while commanding the other two to lead the way. As for their background, she had checked with them.
They were members of the fifth family in Gandor. This time, they were responsible for patrolling the outer region. Just as Elseria's investigation team said, Gandor was indeed in lockdown, but the dark elves in front of her didn't know the reason behind it. Well, they couldn't be blamed because they were males.
In the dark elves' society, male status was always low because only females were equipped with the powerful ability. That was why the rulers and higher-ups of every family were always females. On the other hand, males were mostly guards and subordinates. In this city, only magicians were respected, while warriors weren't worthy of a mention.
Under the lead of the two dark elves, Maria's group didn't face any obstacles along the way. They passed straight through the cave's entrance before finding a trail and when they turned the corner, a huge and majestic city presented itself before them all of a sudden.
Gandor, city of the dark elves.
This city consisted of fifty of thousands of stalactites, varying from place to place. Of course, dark elves in the deep underground couldn't possibly build their homes with trees and vines like on the surface. But this didn't mean that the dark elves were at their wits' end. They used huge stalactites as a base for their homes. The stalactites that connected the dome and ground ranged from a few meters to a dozen meters. The dark elves used their skills to carve these products of nature into elegant, beautiful artwork. At a glance, one could see purple, ghostly fire spreading between the stalactites as though it were a sea of purple stars. The sharp peaks of stalagmites were engraved with various sculptures of demons. They linked up, forming a wall that was a dozen meters thick and resisted any ambushes from outsiders. The pitch-black opening at the top of the stalagmites seemed like corroded holes. But from the information Maria's group clearly knew that lethal weapons and crossbows were hidden in them.
Just like in the rumors, Gandor City was entirely sealed off. When Maria's group arrived at the entrance, the heavy, enormous steel door constructed among the stalagmites was lifted high, seemingly to stop any outsiders from entering.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmGazing at the giant metal door, Maria knitted her brows, lowered her head, and observed the lava moat that was seven to nine meters wide in front of her. This was the city's biggest reliance. Any intruders who targeted the city would be devoured by the scorching lava without having a chance to attack. But it was a pity that no one dared to risk one's life by trying.
"We've brought honorable guests! We're requesting to enter Gandor immediately!"
Staring at the steel door, the dark elves who led the way yelled loudly for attention. One of them extended his arm and reached for a steel plate from his waist pouch. Then, he roasted it in the heat above the lava moat and tossed it high. This was the dark elves' emergency signal to request for the opening of the gate.
Rumble!
After a few moments, the steel door was lowered as a heavy, sturdy bridge appeared over the moat. Shortly after, sharp, enormous iron fences expanded in piercing creaks. The city of dark elves, Gandor, finally revealed its true identity to everyone.
Sweeping a glance at the surroundings, Maria confirmed her doubt. It seemed like the dark elves had no intention of stopping them from entering the city. After all, Gandor was a large city, populated with hundred dark elf families. Every family consisted of thousands of well-equipped dark elf soldiers and also tens of thousands of goblins and slaves of other races. If Maria's group didn't reveal her strength to terrify the dark elves into yielding, perhaps her and her group would have to pay the price.
At that moment, Maria's group witnessed seven, well-armored dark elf soldiers scuttling toward them. Then, the dark elf who seemed to be their leader saluted.
"Welcome to Gandor City."