Ryan was equally bewildered. He knew that every race in the Underground City had their own main city, but those were all on the second layer. The path from the first layer to the second was so long that even flying might not allow someone to reach in just a few days. Moreover, flying in the Shadowed Region was almost impossible; only certain creatures like bats could fly here. So, Ryan didn't pay much attention to the change in Holman's expression.
"Wait here, I'll tidy up a bit," Ryan said, unable to make sense of things. He turned to Holman and then entered his laboratory.
Ryan locked up several of the goblin shamans and said threateningly, "I'll give you one more day to consider. If you don't follow my instructions, you will all die." Ryan was helpless. These goblins weren't like the timid ones in games. Instead, they had a defiant spirit and were fiercely loyal. Ryan still didn't understand the significance of the markings on the goblin shamans' bodies. He wasn't willing to risk experimenting blindly, so he had confined them for now and planned to take his time.
"Is this the breadfruit tree? It really produces breadfruit! The fragrance in the air, the natural aroma, and the sweet taste—this is truly a miracle! It's been so many years, and we've only imagined it through historical records. This is the blessing from the Goddess of Nature for our elven race!"
"With this breadfruit tree, our elven race will be free from misfortune."
"Holman, tell us again about that human's background. Not only did he create a magic weapon with immense destructive power, but the breadfruit tree he provided should also be handled with caution," the city lord said, smiling at the elders in the room. These elders were part of the dark elf tribe, and their decisions were made through consultations. Only significant issues would be escalated to the Queen, who was deep in meditation, reportedly attempting to break through to legendary rank.
Holman, who had already anticipated that this information would draw the elders' attention, was surprised when five of the seven elders appeared, instead of the usual two. As they entered the City Lord's mansion, they were immediately captivated by the breadfruit tree's fruit. While the City Lord considered what benefits he might gain from this, one elder suddenly mentioned his name.
"Honorable elders, this Ryan is indeed from the surface, but it was the enemy who used a random teleportation scroll..." Holman respectfully explained. Although the city lord was also a level-nine powerhouse, the elders had been around for hundreds of years. Holman, who had recently reached level nine, still deferred to them.
"A random teleportation scroll? Is anyone still using those? This guy must have great luck," one elder remarked.
"Yes, I even checked the place myself. The cave was only about ten meters high, surrounded by sharp rocks. He was incredibly lucky," Holman continued.
"So what materials were used in that human's magic weapon?" another elder inquired.
"Actually, it's quite simple: refined iron, water and fire magic crystals, some animal skins, obsidian powder, and some venom. That's about it," Holman quickly answered.
The five elders exchanged glances, their faces filled with disbelief. They knew how many goblins had died in the surrounding area, and not a single person had perished in the battle at Mu'an City. The goblins were known for their ferocity, and throughout history, similar attacks had always ended in disaster for humans. But this time, not only did Mu'an City survive, they managed to eliminate hundreds of thousands of goblins. The fact that such a miracle was achieved with what were considered the most inferior materials in the Shadowed Region—refined magic crystal powder, spoiled animal skins, and easily obtainable obsidian—left the five elders in stunned silence.
"No matter where he's from or who he is, the Dark Elven race values respect above all. Since this human has allowed us to eat the breadfruit recorded in our history, he must be considered a benefactor to our people. I propose we make him an honorary elder of the Dark Elven race. Are there any objections?" one elder tentatively suggested.
"I agree, but we should first verify the effectiveness of the magic weapon made from such cheap materials."
"I think we don't need to verify it. The most important thing is for us to control the breadfruit tree. This is essential for the survival of our people."
"I oppose verification. Alchemy is not so easy to replicate," another elder chimed in.
"Forget the verification. If he becomes an honorary elder, won't he prioritize supplying the breadfruit tree to our people?"
The five elders discussed their points of view, and in the end, they all agreed to grant Ryan the title of Honorary Elder. Their true objective, however, was the breadfruit tree. It was vital to the survival of the Dark Elven race. As for Ryan's alchemy, the elves had their own traditions. Furthermore, the differences in aesthetics between humans and elves meant that Ryan's alchemy might not be suitable for their needs. What mattered now was securing the rights to manage a portion of the breadfruit tree, which could not easily be handed over to others. The title of Honorary Elder would ensure that the management of this vital resource stayed in the hands of the Dark Elves.
This decision was quickly announced, and news spread throughout Mu'an City. While the citizens were initially surprised, they soon realized that Ryan had earned this honor. After all, the towering breadfruit tree was enough to justify the elves' decision. Ryan, still busy in his laboratory, had no idea of the events unfolding outside. If it hadn't been for Holman's notification, Ryan might still be unaware.
"Congratulations! Congratulations!"
"Same to you!"
"Congratulations!"
"Same..."
Ryan walked through the city, meeting one congratulatory person after another. His throat was sore from all the polite exchanges. People not only congratulated him but also asked to learn alchemy from him or invited him for drinks. Some even asked if he was married, which Ryan politely avoided answering. A gnome, about 1.3 meters tall, even asked him if he was married. Seeing his small stature, Ryan just laughed and brushed it off. He was a normal man, after all.
"Ryan, come and meet the elders of our elven race. This is Elder Two, Elder Three, Elder Four, Elder Five, and Elder Seven," Holman introduced.
"Uh? Hello, elders!" Ryan said, realizing something was off. The elders were referred to only by their titles—no last names. It was almost like being called by a job title in a corporate office.
"Well, little one, you're quite impressive. Now tell us, do you want to become an Honorary Elder of the Dark Elven race?" Elder Two asked first.
"Sorry, I'm not sure what being an Honorary Elder means," Ryan replied, feeling a bit lost, like a normal citizen being asked if they wanted to do something extraordinary by someone as influential as a world leader. The position of these elders in the Shadowed Region was comparable to the power and influence of someone like Barack Obama on Earth.
"I firmly disagree. Without the Water of Life, the breadfruit tree couldn't have survived," Ryan said just as a group of dark elves rushed in. Leading them was a female elf. The dark elves were so beautiful that Ryan had trouble telling them apart, only able to guess their gender based on subtle clues, much like how some foreigners struggle to tell apart people from East Asia.