Chapter 958 – Setting Out to Train

“First, comprehensively strengthen forest patrols.

“Redesign patrol routes, increase patrol frequency, and ensure all patrol teams are equipped with anti-detection and anti-trap tools. Strict adherence to the new communication and early warning protocols is mandatory.

“Second, deploy traps on a massive scale along the forest’s outer perimeter—especially in directions where known Ashen Claw outposts may attempt infiltration. Establish contact with the ancient trees. Every slaver who sets foot in this forest must pay a terrible price!

“Third, assemble elite ‘hunter squads’ to take turns deploying near the three other exposed Ashen Claw forward outposts, conducting surveillance, reconnaissance, and proactive ambushes.

“Our objective is not to storm their outposts, but to hunt down any Ashen Claw member who dares show their face—to bleed their fighting strength, crush their morale, and make them understand that the Emerald Forest is not a hunting ground they can waltz in and out of at will!

“Fourth, all clan members are to heighten vigilance. All non-essential long-range foraging and outside activities are suspended immediately. Underage elves’ movement is strictly restricted to the core residential area.”

The string of orders was clear and decisive, and the unease in the elves’ eyes gradually gave way to resolve.

Yes—the forest was their home turf. They knew every blade of grass and every tree here, and they could call upon the power of nature.

Hold the homeland, leverage the terrain, wear down the enemy—this was the most reliable defensive counterattack strategy, and the one most aligned with their traditions.

“For the forest! For our people!” someone growled, and answering cries rose one after another.

Fighting spirit began to coalesce in the hearts of the elves.

The meeting dispersed, and the elves departed with their orders, throwing themselves into urgent preparations.

“Grandmother Chieftain.” Mo Lan approached Matil.

“Moira, why haven’t you gone to rest? You’ve had a hard few days too,” Matil said gently.

“Grandmother Chieftain, there’s something I’d like to say to you.” Mo Lan sat down on a flat tree root nearby.

Matil looked at her, waiting.

“You know I’ve always hoped that one day I could travel to Suramalan to complete the bloodline atavism ritual and recover our lost high Elf heritage…”

Mo Lan chose her words carefully. She made no mention of the Shadow Merchants affair—that would only deepen the chieftain’s worries and likely lead her to oppose the plan. Instead, she steered toward a direction that aligned with elven values and sounded practically achievable.

Matil nodded slightly. She had heard Mo Lan talk about this decades ago.

“To complete the bloodline atavism ritual, I need to learn about elves from other branches.

“I want to leave the forest and visit other elven settlements—to observe their cultures and traditions.

“Along the way, I could also look into the Ashen Claw mercenary band’s activities.”

Seeing Matil’s brow furrow slightly, Mo Lan quickly explained,

“Of course, I don’t mean to confront them head-on—that wouldn’t be wise. What I have in mind is… dealing with them in my own way.”

“Your own way?” Matil looked puzzled.

“Yes.” Mo Lan nodded. “I am a bard. My weapons, beyond the bow and Magic, are my harp and my voice!

“I will gather accounts of their atrocities—especially how they brutally treat humanoid races, including us elves, Goblins, and goblins—and weave them into catchy ballads and compelling stories.

“Then, in taverns, at marketplaces, at Intersections where travelers pass through, I’ll sing these ballads and tell these stories, so that more and more people learn the filthy dealings hidden beneath the Ashen Claw’s polished veneer!

“I will make their infamy spread with my songs and stories to every place they set foot!”

Matil’s eyes brightened slightly, as if she was beginning to grasp Mo Lan’s intent.

“It’s not just us nature Elves on the Ashen Claw’s ‘cargo’ list—elves of other branches and other distinctive-looking humanoid races are on it too.

“And even within human kingdoms, slaves are only those sentenced for crimes or who sold themselves willingly.

“Hunting free, intelligent beings for enslavement is an explicitly prohibited atrocity everywhere!

“Once the Ashen Claw’s slaving operations are widely publicized and brought to light, they’ll become a target for everyone.

“Legitimate mercenary guilds may revoke their standing. Merchants who deal with them may distance themselves to protect their reputations. Even some regional lords and officials, whether to maintain the appearance of order or under public pressure, may have no choice but to restrict or investigate them.”

Mo Lan paused. “More importantly, I want to use my ballads to warn every humanoid race on the Ashen Claw’s ‘cargo list’—to raise their vigilance and strengthen their defenses.

“Perhaps it could even spur some of the victimized races to band together in collective resistance.

“This would certainly weaken them to some degree and ease the pressure on our tribe’s defenses.”

Mo Lan looked at Matil, her gaze clear and earnest:

“Grandmother Chieftain, I know there are risks, but I believe I’m up to the task. This would also be an excellent opportunity to train and grow.”

Matil gazed at Mo Lan for a long time, her heart swirling with emotions.

The Tree Spirit had once mentioned that Mo Lan aspired to pursue the heritage of the high Elves and was destined not to remain in this forest forever.

Matil simply hadn’t expected the day of parting to come so soon. It felt as though only yesterday she had been a tiny infant, opening her eyes in bewilderment within the Life Cocoon, and now she was about to spread her wings and soar into the vast, unknown sky.

Beyond the forest, danger lurked everywhere.

But as Matil looked at the maturity far beyond Mo Lan’s years, and the composure that seemed ready to face any challenge, her worries eased somewhat.

Perhaps the Tree Spirit’s guidance was right. A child like this needed a wider world in which to fly.

“Very well, Moira.” Matil finally nodded slowly, her voice carrying an elder’s tenderness and reluctance to let go:

“I give you permission to leave the forest and travel. But you must remember: safety comes first.

“Your primary task is to make contact with elves of other branches, learn about their cultures and traditions, broaden your knowledge, and prepare for the bloodline atavism ritual. Investigating and singing about the Ashen Claw’s crimes is only secondary.

“Do not take unnecessary risks. Do not reveal your identity. Stay vigilant at all times.

“If you encounter danger you cannot handle, abandon everything immediately and return to the forest!

“The Emerald Forest will always be your home. Your safety matters more than anything else!”

“I understand! Thank you, Grandmother Chieftain!” A weight lifted from Mo Lan’s heart, and she gave a solemn promise.

“Before you leave, don’t forget to say goodbye to the Tree Spirit, and to your friends,” Matil reminded her.

“I will.”

After bidding farewell to Chieftain Matil, Mo Lan first returned to her own treehouse. She pressed her palm gently against the bark and said in Wood Speech, “Tree Spirit Mother, I’m leaving the forest to journey through the outside world.”

(End of Chapter)