Chapter 979 – The Radiance Clan

This was the outermost reception and checkpoint of the City of Eternal Radiance. All outsiders had to first register here and obtain permission before they could enter the city’s outer region.

As for the inner city, only Solar Corona Elves were allowed to enter.

At the outpost entrance, four Solar Corona Elf guards stood ramrod straight, clad in full suits of gold-trimmed armor and wielding long spears. When Zhizhi suddenly appeared, they immediately went on alert.

“Halt!”

A high-rank magical beast, a high-rank undead, and… a nature Elf?

The guards’ gazes fell in unison on Mo Lan. “Where are you from? Why have you come to the City of Eternal Radiance?”

Mo Lan had long heard from Alfred that the City of Eternal Radiance was strictly governed. She hastily presented the recommendation letter he had prepared along with the sun emblem.

“I am Moira, from Starlight Magic Academy in Quelariel. I’ve come at Alfred’s referral to pay my respects to the elders of the Radiance Clan.”

The guard took the letter and carefully examined the wax seal—it bore a burning sun mark, unmistakably the seal of the Radiance Clan.

He broke the seal and quickly read through the letter, his expression gradually softening.

“A guest of Lord Alfred of the Radiance Clan…” The guard returned the letter. “His letter mentions that you are a seeker of the high Elves, come in pursuit of advanced heritage for the Radiant Cleric and Solar Knight classes?”

“Yes.” Mo Lan nodded. “I am currently a level 18 Radiant Cleric and level 18 Solar Knight. I hope to receive guidance from the Solar Corona Elf seniors to advance both classes to level 20.”

A flicker of surprise passed through the guard’s eyes.

Either a level 18 Radiant Cleric or a level 18 Solar Knight title alone would command respect in the City of Eternal Radiance, let alone a dual-class holder.

Even among the Solar Corona Elves, such prodigies were rare—to say nothing of this nature Elf who looked so young.

He appraised Mo Lan anew, this time with considerably more respect in his gaze.

“Please follow me. You’ll need to register and receive a temporary pass.” The guard stepped aside to clear the path. “The Radiance Clan’s quarters are in the eastern district of the city. There’s a teleportation array inside the outpost that leads directly there—I’ll have someone escort you shortly!”

“Thank you very much.”

After completing the registration, Mo Lan received a metal token engraved with sunlight patterns, valid for thirty Thelan days.

The token served as both identification and a way for the city’s guards to track the whereabouts of outsiders.

Passing through the teleportation array inside the outpost, Mo Lan quickly arrived near the Radiance Clan’s quarters.

After presenting the sun emblem and recommendation letter once more, she was brought before a Solar Corona Elf with chiseled features who appeared to be around forty in human years.

“Welcome to the Radiance Clan! I am Kairos, Alfred’s uncle, responsible for the clan’s daily reception affairs.” He extended his hand with a smile. “Alfred sent word via letter several weeks ago that you would be coming. He said you may be the Elf with the best chance of completing the Atavism Ritual since the divergence of the Elf race!”

Mo Lan shook his hand and exchanged pleasantries. “Lord Kairos, a pleasure to meet you. Alfred flatters me. I’ve merely traveled a bit further than most on the path of seeking knowledge.”

“Humility is a virtue, but excessive humility becomes insincerity.” Kairos made an inviting gesture. “Please follow me—let’s head to the lounge first. After such a long journey, you’ll need time to adjust to the environment of the City of Eternal Radiance. The light pressure from the Radiance Tree takes time for non-Solar Corona Elf beings to adapt to.”

The lounge was comfortably furnished. Through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, one could see the City of Eternal Radiance’s distinctive landscape.

All the buildings displayed perfect geometric symmetry. The streets were wide and straight, and everywhere there were meticulously maintained gardens and fountains.

The Elves in the city wore garments predominantly in white and gold, their steps steady as they walked, their expressions mostly solemn and serious.

Kairos personally poured Mo Lan a cup of sunlight flower tea that radiated a warm aura. “Have some—it helps outsiders quickly adapt to the light pressure environment.”

Mo Lan thanked him and took a sip.

Though she honestly felt nothing whatsoever from the so-called light pressure, the tea itself tasted quite pleasant.

Kairos sat down across from her, his expression turning serious. “Regarding your request, I have already informed the Council of Elders. In principle, we are willing to assist an Elf so dedicated to pursuing the high Elf heritage. Even though you are a nature Elf, as long as you embrace the Path of Radiance, you are a friend to all Solar Corona Elves.”

“Thank you very much.” Mo Lan set down her teacup. “May I ask what trials or conditions I need to fulfill?”

Kairos smiled. “Yes, there are two—well, three conditions. First, you must pass the ‘Radiance Test’ to prove that the foundations of your Radiant Cleric and Solar Knight classes are solid and that you haven’t strayed onto the wrong path. Second, you must demonstrate the highest level of light-element magic or combat technique you currently possess. Third, if you successfully undergo atavism to become a high Elf in the future, or if you obtain high Elf heritage, you must promise to record the knowledge pertaining to light-element magic within that heritage and have Alfred bring it back to our Radiance Clan.”

Mo Lan had already heard about the first two conditions from Alfred and was mentally prepared. As for the third condition, that was even less of an issue.

She agreed almost without hesitation. “I accept all three conditions.”

“Excellent.” Kairos nodded with satisfaction. “The Radiance Test is scheduled for tomorrow morning and will be personally conducted by Elder Liandel of the tribe. As for the demonstration… Alfred specifically advised me to have you showcase the ‘composite magic’ you developed yourself. He said it would astonish us all.”

“I’ll be ready,” Mo Lan said.

What Alfred was referring to was a spellcasting technique she had developed during her time at the Association—layering the Radiant Cleric spell Holy Light Aegis with the Solar Knight spell Searing Rampart through a guiding spell constructed with psychic power, forming a composite shield that combined powerful defense with a continuous burning effect.

This technique required extremely deep mastery over both classes’ powers, and demanded that the caster possess formidable psychic power to break free of the mana web and construct spell structures within their own mental sea.

It was difficult for others to master, but for her, it was quite easy to perform.

“Then rest well today. Dinner will be brought to your room by an attendant.” Kairos rose to his feet. “By the way, Elder Liandel is currently the only level 20 powerhouse in the city. Though he is strict, he places great value on those who possess both talent and strength. As long as you demonstrate your true abilities, he will not be stingy with his guidance.”

“Thank you again for all your arrangements,” Mo Lan said gratefully.

After nightfall, the City of Eternal Radiance did not descend into darkness. The glow of the Radiance Tree bathed the entire city in a soft, pale golden halo.

Mo Lan stood by the window, gazing out at this Elven city so utterly different in style from Quelariel.

The City of Eternal Radiance was orderly and well-organized, rugged yet refined—much like the temperament of most Solar Corona Elves themselves: revering order, prizing honor, and pursuing ultimate power.