Chapter 1316: Senior, it’s not worth it

Lavena, as Milica remembered, was the second student Severin had chosen after her. A little later, Severin chose Renar.

At that time, Milica was the eldest for these two.

The two of them witnessed how she had won the quota competition, received the Queen’s recognition, and advanced to the seventh rank.

After becoming a seventh-rank elf, Milica, inspired, decided to educate her disciples herself and, after a long search, found a promising elf.

That elf was Weira.

Milica was full of enthusiasm and was ready to put everything that Severin had taught her into her disciple.

But fate had its own plans for her.

She ended up on the continent of Labirelia, in one of the seven unconquered dungeons, and was unable to leave the dungeons, being consumed by it, and was trapped in Limbo.

It took years before she left this place. And all thanks to her new disciples, whom she found in that ill-fated place.

Now her younger ones were standing in front of her.

Lavena, as Milica remembered, had only recently reached the sixth rank, while Renar, who was at the fifth level, had just begun to lay the foundations of his law.

Now, they stood in front of her, being her equals, the seventh—rank elves.

Her gaze returned to the Weira.

To her disciple, whom she had failed.

Weira was Platinum-ranked when she accepted her as a disciple. But now, thanks to Lavena, she has become a sixth-rank elf.

Milica looked away from the Weira and looked at the other five young elves. All of them, like Weira, were students of Lavena and Renar. Three of them, including Weira, were ranked sixth, and only two of the youngest were ranked fifth.

"Let’s sit down," Lavena suggested, and the whole group moved to the empty tables located along the outer edge of the structure.

The masters sat separately from the disciples, and the disciples sat at one large table.

Idan and Arabel’s passion for fine food was aroused by the sight of a table set with an abundance of treats. The two started tasting the dishes of the Elven kingdom, while enjoying their taste and taking notes for themselves.

Meanwhile, Eulalia, being the eldest of them, took on the role of negotiator with Lavena and Renar’s disciples.

She fit seamlessly into their company. Her attractive appearance, pure bloodline, and affinity with the element of wood played a role.

The young elves sought to impress her with their knowledge, achievements, and even wit.

As for the girls, Arabel noticed a slight jealousy on their part without hostility. It was obvious to her that the elf of the sixth rank, who introduced herself as Saelis, Renar’s disciple, was annoyed by the fact that attention was focused on Eulalia.

Weira, on the other hand, remained silent and occasionally inserted remarks into the conversation.

Idan, sipping a drink from a fruit unknown to him, watched everyone intently and noticed the restrained arrogance evident in the elves’ eyes. Even the disciples of Lavena and Renar. It was obvious that he and Arabel were accepted only because Milica recognized them as her disciples.

Arabel was acutely aware of the hidden disdain in their words and looks.

"Senior, it’s not worth it," Arabel said, addressing Eulalia through a mental link, seeing how she intended to stand up for them. "It doesn’t bother us, and besides, unlike you, we won’t be staying in the Elf Kingdom."

During the conversation, Saelis asked Eulalia a question that caught the attention of Idan and Arabel.

"Junior Eulalia," said Saelis, "will you be the only one participating in the upcoming Challenge Circle?" She glanced at Idan and Arabel.

Eulalia also looked at her younger ones. She didn’t know what to say.

Unlike those present here, she was well aware of the strength of Idan and Arabel and, frankly, understood that they were superior to her.

"What kind of ’Challenge Circle’ is this?" Idan finally asked.

"These are demonstration matches between disciples of the fifth rank," Saelis replied, turning her gaze to Idan. - "The participants choose who to challenge themselves. If the other side agrees, they discuss the terms and the bet."

"A bet?" Arabel asked.

"Of course. The winner gets more than just recognition for his skill."

"And who determines whether the bets are equal?" asked Idan.

This time, the young elf sitting next to Saelis answered him.:

"The participants themselves and their mentors. Usually, disciples consult with the Masters in advance. Sometimes Masters put up an award on their own behalf."

Idan nodded understandingly.

Now Milica’s desire to take them with her has become even clearer.

"The fights are supervised by the elders," Eulalia added. "They will intervene if there is a danger to the life of one of the participants."

"So the sixth rank is no longer allowed?" asked Arabel.

"No," Saelis replied. "We can only watch."

"And yet..." Saelis looked at the two of them. "Are you going to join the Circle too?"

"We haven’t decided yet," Idan replied. "Until you asked, we didn’t even know that something like this was planned."

"Master invited us at the last moment," Arabel explained.

"Then you should watch first," — Saelis said. - "Disciples who were personally trained by their masters gather here, and everyone intends to defend the pride of their master."

Idan and Arabel nodded.

Idan shifted his gaze to the mentors’ table.

Milica was listening to Renar at the time, but as if sensing the disciple’s attention, she turned her head.

"Master, did you want us to participate in the Challenge Circle?" asked Idan through a mental link.

A faint smile appeared on Milica’s lips.

"Would you like to participate?"

Idan did not immediately respond. On the one hand, he wanted to, on the other hand, he didn’t want to reveal his secrets. After thinking for a while, he still said:

"If master wants to, then I’m ready to participate."

Milica smiled.

"I don’t mind. But it’s up to you. If you decide to participate, please consult with me before accepting the bet."

"Are you worried that we’ll lose something valuable?"

"I’m worried that you’ll accept too modest a reward."

Idan smiled when he heard her words and felt how confident she was in them.

The conversation continued. Idan and Arabel were eating the food slowly, listening to the conversation, when suddenly there was a commotion in the crowd.

"What’s going on?" Arabel asked.

"She condescends," replied Eulalia, rising from her seat. "The Queen of the Elves."