Spark remained unfazed by the elf lord's words, his usual aloofness unshaken by the weight of the conversation.
He crossed his arms and leaned back, his gaze unwavering as he said, "Why share such important matters with us?"
The elf lord met his gaze with equal calm, his expression solemn. "Because I might need your help in the future. There are events unfolding that will affect us all."
Princess Ling, sensing the gravity of the conversation, leaned in slightly, her curiosity piqued. "What is this important matter?"
The elf lord appeared to contemplate for a moment before responding, "There will soon be the emergence of a high class ruin."
Spark's eyebrow twitched subtly, but it was Princess Ling who reacted more visibly. Her eyes widened, and her voice held a note of incredulity. "How do you know this?"
The emergence of ruins was closely guarded information, known only to a select few in her empire. In fact, her very mission to the Jul Emperor was to discuss this topic.
"By now, others should have noticed it too," the elf lord replied, his tone indicating that such information wasn't as secretive as Princess Ling might have believed.
Her gaze narrowed as she scrutinized the elf lord. The elves' knowledge of ruins was unsettling.
Could there be a spy among their ranks? The thought made her skin prickle with unease.
The elf lord, seeming to read her thoughts, added, "There's no need to be vigilant. The emergence of ruins is too significant to go unnoticed by those who are truly aware."
The tension in the air was palpable. Everyone understood that the appearance of ruins heralded both great opportunities and terrible dangers.
These ancient ruins, shrouded in mystery and forgotten power, were the stuff of legends, with treasures and relics long lost to time. The allure of such places was irresistible.
Princess Ling's thoughts raced as she imagined the potential consequences. The mere rumor of a ruin could throw entire empires into chaos.
Kings and emperors, driven by greed and ambition, would mobilize their armies, launching expeditions to claim the priceless artifacts and the power they contained .
Such ruins were not just treasure troves but also strategic assets, capable of tipping the balance of power in favor of whoever controlled them.
Before she could voice her thoughts, the elf lord raised his hand.
The air shimmered, and suddenly, the hall around them brightened as spirit energy enveloped the group.
In a flash, the scene changed. They were no longer inside the grand hall but suspended in the sky, standing on a vast, ethereal expanse.
Yuna gasped softly beside Spark, her voice barely audible as she muttered, "Oh, a high-level projection spell."
The magical projection revealed the continent in all its breathtaking beauty. Vast landscapes sprawled beneath them: rolling mountains, sprawling forests, and expansive plains that seemed almost tangible.
"This is our continent," the elf lord said, his voice reverberating through the shimmering space. He gestured to various points on the projection. "And those verdant patches you see are the other Feyhavens."
Spark and the others understood immediately.
Feyhavens were the hidden cities of the elves, each governed by a lord like the one standing before them.
Though scattered across the continent, these cities were connected by a web of alliances and intricate communication.
"I've received word from a nearby Feyheaven about the ruins," the elf lord continued, his tone growing more somber. "They've requested our assistance."
Princess Ling's curiosity deepened as she tilted her head slightly.
"But why seek help from us?" She asked, Her voice was careful, cautious.
The elf lord's gaze drifted toward a specific region on the projection, and with a subtle gesture, the image zoomed in.
The land between the Jul and Yan empires came into sharp focus, dominated by a series of massive craters that pockmarked the terrain like the scars of ancient battles.
"This is where the ruins are expected to emerge," the elf lord said, pointing to one of the craters located precisely on the border between the two empires. "The energy signatures are growing stronger by the day. Something ancient and powerful stirs beneath the surface."
Princess Ling's expression tightened.
That region had always been a delicate matter for both empires, a contested frontier where any unapproved movement could spark conflict.
Yet the ruin's emergence could not be ignored—it was the very reason she had come to negotiate with the Jul Empire.
The elf lord's words confirmed their worst suspicions, and his presence added even more weight to the matter.
"How long until this ruin emerges?" she asked, her voice steady, though her heart raced.
"It's difficult to say with precision," the elf lord admitted. "But the signs are clear. Months, perhaps years at most."