Major QB's speech, complete with hidden benefits.
"We can no longer tolerate the current situation, conflict with humans is inevitable."
With the topic unveiled, denial or evasion would be an unforgivable rudeness. Tyr boldly expressed his exploratory thoughts.
"How do you plan to execute this 'revolution' you speak of?"
"Great question."
The clashing sound of hands putting down the teacup echoed deep, a finely sculpted face revealed an appreciative smile.
Tyr's statement ought to be praised. It was a cautious inquiry deserving of accolades, far superior to the shallow and brash opening lines like "when should we start?" or "let's collaborate".
"First of all, the powers of elves, including those living in Niflheim Valley, are inherently weak. As unfortunate as it is, this is a fact that won't change in the short term. Hence, we must bide our time; it is dictated by our current state, there's no other choice."
Raising his right hand to block Tyr's reddened face, Li Lin expressed understanding yet denied others from interrupting him, and resumed:
"We are not merely maintaining the status quo, Mister Thor. The folly of inaction will not be tolerated. You won't, and I can't stand idly by wasting time."
"Umm... I'm a country boy, these formalities really exhaust me. Can we change the way we address each other a bit? Maybe drop the 'Mister' part, it makes me feel old..."
Rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment, the gnome, renowned for his bravery, appeared awkward, yet somehow endearing. Even the always-serious Tyr couldn't help but smile. Li Lin shrugged, revealing an apologetic smile on his face.
"I should be the one to apologize. I've been spending too much time with a group of stubborn old men, unconsciously adopting their middle-aged tone."
He was clueless about the so-called "middle-aged working-class" human group, yet there was something oddly charming about watching a young man with black hair rubbing his shoulder, ranting like an old man.
Honestly, he was a perfectly qualified comedian, capable of lightening the mood.
"You're too greedy, Li Lin."
Tyr began to chuckle and spoke in a scolding tone again:
"Not to mention the 'Ancient Species'. Look around you - you see gnomes and assassins. We are roughly your age, but there's not a single 'middle-aged uncle' hanging around us, heck, they barely give us the time of day. Despite this, you are still not content and continue to whine. I must say, you are a very picky and greedy soul."
"With them alone, a worldwide revolution seems distant."
Interweaving his fingers, placed on the plain wooden table, his red pupils no longer dancing with laughter.
"You must understand, Tyr. The world is vast. If a young traveler gets a sudden whim to journey around the world on foot, he'd spend his whole life regretting the corners he couldn't reach. An army composed of all the elves from Niflheim Valley and these middle-aged lackeys wouldn't make a dent in the existing world order, even occupying a small town would stretch their capabilities. You know very well, as I do, that rash actions that can't achieve goals and only result in losses are futile. Therefore, I have specifically prepared a strategy not to alert the enemy."
He took a sip of the cooled bitter tea, gazing at Li Lin's casual demeanor, which perfectly suited his fluctuating mood.
"Quietly growing stronger."
The careless smile reflected in Tyr's eyes seemed more sarcastic, as if the word he blurted out, which seemed philosophical or strategic, was a peculiar thing.
Indeed, it was a strategy, an overused one in another world, rarely adhered to by rulers and nations. It remained to be seen if the elves would adopt and stick to it.
The disparity between the elves and the dominating forces of this world was vastly greater than the power gap between the two superpowers in the late 20th and early 21st centuries of Earth, and the geopolitical situation was messier. It was utterly impossible, and unnecessary, to replicate the grand play acted out by the superpowers on either end of the Pacific Ocean.
However, there was no issue with the strategy itself. It needed minor adjustments according to actual conditions, and would be equally applicable to the elves.
"For now, you don't need to understand overly intricate strategies, just continue your day-to-day lives. In due time, I will incrementally elaborate."
His easy-going words dispelled the mental fog that immobilized the two elves' unfamiliar thought process. Although they felt somewhat dissatisfied with the ambiguous conclusion to the topic, their expressions remained solemn and serious, with their breathing slightly accelerated.
"What about joining me on a trip to the human market tomorrow with your companions? Oh, right. The place is more aptly referred to as the 'Black Market'."
Caught off guard by his red-eyed smirk, Tyr and Thor were left speechless.
############
A group of young elves;
They intended to travel beyond the valley with an unknown creature, who was shockingly just a youth!
Their destination was none other than the human marketplace, in fact, it was the Black Market!!
—"They've really lost their minds."
This terrifying news left Emil, upon learning of it, with nothing other than this sentence swirling in his mind, causing his lean and tall body to tremble with rage.