"What?"
Jing Lung spits out his drink from the porcelain glass in the middle of the city. That night Lune Temple was so shining. Defeating the blue moon in the middle of the sky, the Elves were each still busy carrying out their activities in their place. Shops are still open, and some tea shops and flavored drinks are still receiving guests. Some inns are also still full of people.
"You got this crystal from an Elves whose mother is dying?"
The shop where the flavored drinks were served was full of visitors. Named flavored drinks because they use spring water as the main ingredient and some flowers and herbs that have various aromas. Several short Elves and beautiful Elves filled each other's place. The corners of the shop are decorated with several clay statues and ornaments. Actually, this shop is so harmonious with the atmosphere of the land. The guard at the door—Elf who wear jewels have sweet mouths. She gave Han Zhong and Jing Lung a discount because of Han Zhong's status as Dragon son.
While Han Zhong had to go to Jing Lung first at the inn above—he also brought Jing Lung to the impromptu report he had.
"Actually I don't think Naya is an ordinary Elves."
The spherical, pearl-like crystal that was bright blue in color was slightly conspicuous. Jing Lung hastily returned it to Han Zhong so he could keep it in his pocket.
"What do you mean not an ordinary Elves? Was she a descendant of the Moon Elves who could perform magic? It's only natural then, right."
"No. Earlier… when I entered the hut, I could feel a strong energy emanating from something."
Jing Lung's brows furrowed. "You mean this crystal?"
Han Zhong looked at Jing Lung lazily. "No. It's something else."
"Hey, sweet kids," someone called from behind them. Han Zhong and Jing Lung reflexively turned their heads towards the middle-aged Elves who were wearing body-fitting overalls and excessive jewelry. The ears are pointed and large. Judging from their physique, these Elf were in their forties and above. Her hair is dark black and her eyes are dark blue.
"I'm not used to receiving children's guests, are you guys from far away?" asked the Elf kindly.
"You don't recognize him? I mean, this is the Dragon Prince." Jing Lung immediately pointed at Han Zhong who was reluctant to be introduced as if the Dragon Prince had a status that should always be respected.
"Ah? Are you the dragon son? Wow, well, it seems today I am very lucky to have someone as important as you. Is the Dragon Palace all right? Rumor has it that Folix attacked the Shield of Light? Is that true?"
The face of Jing Lung who was about to tell the story was suddenly restrained by Han Zhong. "How do you know about that?"
The Elf laughed lightly, "Ah, I have a lot of acquaintances out there. Some are from Arintis and other Myths close to the human settlement at the foot of Mount Severe."
Han Zhong was a little unsure of that explanation. But with the kidnapping of human babies at that time which involved the wars of the Folix, for humans, it was only natural that they had accidentally spread the tragedy. Han Zhong felt like it was a bit of a waste to erase the memory of the baby.
Because the whole village already knows and like it or not, this exciting story will become the history of mankind.
"Dragon Palace is fine. We can still handle it. Thank you…" Han Zhong tried to say the woman's name.
"Penya," said the Elf kindly.
"Ah yes, thank you, Penya. Speaking of that acquaintance of yours, can he also give us some information?"
Penya approached and then sat by Han Zhong's side to hear this careful conversation. "What does the Dragon Prince need? I hope I can help a little."
"About Folix's Hole."
Penya's dark blue eyes widened slightly. She glanced left and right for a moment before answering. "What are you going to do with the Folix Hole?"
"We want to know who created the clear magenta crystal. Ehm, this might be hard to say but well, that's the plan. And we had to get into the Folix Hole to stop its growth furthermore. We must protect the palace as well as the settlements in our valley." And the baby who was said to have been sent by the Dark Lord, added Han Zhong inwardly. He glanced at Jing Lung who nodded, trying to make sure he wasn't wrong to ask an Elf for help. After all, the Elves have always been the trust of the Dragons. They always fought and defended the Trixon Dragon in certain wars according to the history books.
But of course, the information shook Penya a bit.
"I didn't know you children had the nerve to enter the Folix Hole to carry out the orders of Venerable Dragon Trixon."
"This is not grandfather's order. But I'm just trying to save the human villagers," Han Zhong muttered as he took a sip of the peach-scented drink from his porcelain glass.
Penya's smile faded, "Isn't that really noble? But rather than being noble, I'm more worried about this. Because no one ever made it out of the Folix Hole. The hole of darkness was the same as the Abyss Hole in the north. They are dark and deep. Like a trench in the Eastern ocean. You may be entangled in two things."
"What's that?" Jing Lung asked.
"In the dazzling darkness and horror," said Penya seriously. Her eyes became very sharp and straight. As if giving a warning.
Jing Lung and Han Zhong looked in trepidation for a moment. But he couldn't feel that way anymore. Han Zhong also knew how deep the Folix Hole was and how terrifying the Abyss Hole was. Although he had never actually been there, he had seen pictures in history books.
How the Abysses lived there, beneath the surface of Newtra, they lit fires and then turned on the volcanoes. They created Newtra's land, cooking it as if those living above would never be left behind. They all knew of the movement of Eaven who had great power and strength. And they will destroy it if they find it a threat.
"I know it's very dangerous, but we have to do it," Han Zhong said calmly. Even though he was only eight years old, the knowledge he had imparted from his grandfather had made him used to it.
"But I'm sorry. As for the Folix Hole business, I don't know how. Maybe I can ask my friend first. Would you like to stop by here again in a few days?" Penya laughed, smiling.
"Ah, that would be very helpful. By the way, we have to leave immediately." Han Zhong got up followed by Jing Lung.
"Okay. I will find the information as soon as possible," said Penya.
"Thank you. We'll say goodbye first."
After exiting the scented tavern, Jing Lung approached Han Zhong. They walked through the hustle and bustle of the city and the night grew darker.
"Are you sure you'll come back again?" Jing Lung asked.
Han Zhong paused for a moment. He looked up at the blue moon above his head. Different atmosphere, different place.
"Yes. I have to meet Naya again."
***