The Herb King

Queen Irithel tried to discern Aethelwolf's power, but when her perception moved to him, she felt like she was looking at a mortal human. There wasn't even a trace of world essence in him!

Elder Dawon and the other two Elders were also secretly observing Aethelwolf. Their faces changed when they realized that they couldn't gauge his power. Aethelwolf's power also became unfathomable in their minds.

Queen Irithel shook her head and chuckled. "You're too humble, Sir Aethelwolf. According to my daughter, you defeated Sir Eliazar who was formerly ranked 7th in the Heavenly Might Rankings. It was also because of that battle that made you famous in the entire continent."

Aethelwolf smiled and no longer bothered to explain himself. That would only make him sound hypocritical. He adjusted his sitting posture as he muttered. "Since you guys came with Aenwyn, I assume you want to work for me."

While Aethelwolf was talking, Aenwyn noticed him gesturing his fingers. Others wouldn't know what this means, but Aenwyn who was familiar with him knew what he wanted. She excused herself and left the office. She went back soon after with a pot of freshly brewed coffee and some empty glasses.

She skillfully poured coffee into the empty glasses and distributed them to Aethelwolf and the others.

Queen Irithel and the Elders stared at the once arrogant elven princess with shocked faces. Who would have thought that she would actually willingly pour coffee to a male human? They found it hard to believe, but the evidence was already in front of them.

"I wonder what benefits you are willing to offer to our elven people if we join you." Queen Irithel's face turned serious as she spoke.

She would prioritize the welfare of her people over her own. This was also why she was willing to ally with the humans despite the strong opposition.

Aethelwolf tapped his fingers on the table as he muttered. "I will treat them equally like how I treat my people. The children will be sent to the academy to train their talents, while the adults can freely choose the occupations they want. As long as they contribute to the territory, I will give them the resources they need. As for the fighters, I'm not stingy to those who are willing to fight for me. All our warriors have access to countless resources. They can exchange any of these resources using contribution points or money. Other than that, they also receive monthly allowance according to their ranks."

Queen Irithel and the three Elders were silently contemplating his words. His offer was very attractive, but they were still uncertain about Aethelwolf's personality. This was the only thing that made them hesitate to agree to his offer.

"You guys can stay for a year and observe the situation here. I won't stop anyone who wants to leave after that." Aethelwolf added in a calm voice. He was confident that he could make these experts stay. He was a Level 5 Blacksmith, a Level 5 Alchemist, and a Level 5 Engraver. He could make items that are sought after by many Level 5 Espers. He would just casually make some and display them in the treasury.

"What about Callon and his remaining subordinates? What do you plan to do with them?" Elder Dawon asked.

Hearing this, the others stared at Aethelwolf with solemn gazes.

Aethelwolf didn't even bother to think and answered. "I don't have the time to deal with him. Since he is a member of your Aracan Kingdom, I'll let you handle this matter."

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing this. Even Queen Irithel was relieved by his words. Callon may have betrayed her, but she knew that her son was merely doing what he thought was right.

"I'll try to persuade His Highness to join us. This is not the time for our elven people to be divided. The prince is a talented Engraver and he might even surpass Elder Dawon in this field. I'll go back and convince him." Elder Gild volunteered. He was the closest to Prince Callon and he was like a grandfather figure to him.

Elder Gild turned his gaze to Aethelwolf and asked. "If I can convince the prince, are you willing to take him?"

Aethelwolf furrowed his eyebrows and looked at Aenwyn. She was still expressionless and he didn't know what she was thinking. "If Aenwyn is willing to forgive him, I will accept him as one of our own." He said.

"Alright. I'll go now." Gild stood up and left.

***

Meanwhile, in the depths of the earth.

There was a whole new world hidden underneath the surface and the beings living in this place were humanoid figures with dark scales and ferocious facial features. Some were as tall as mountains, while the majority were twice the height of humans. These beings were the Underworlders!

Inside the biggest dwelling of this dark world, a massive figure that was as tall as a building could be seen sitting on a throne of corpses. His body was covered in purple armor-like scales. He had a pair of demonic wings on his back and a blade-like horn protruding on his forehead. This creature was the overlord of the Underworlders, Bralgorach!

Bralgorach was an ancient being who survived the war many years ago. He was a cruel and bloodthirsty expert who killed millions of the Regalis Continent's top fighters. He was unstoppable at that time and the ancestor of the ancient fairies and a few other ancient experts joined hands to fight Bralgorach. In the end, the ancient experts died one by one and even the last survivor was sealed. As for Bralgorach, he received a fatal wound and had to recuperate. Even until now, he still hasn't recovered.

At this moment, the leaders of the Underworlders were rallying their troops. Each of these leaders possessed the strength of Level 5 Espers and there were more than a hundred of them congregating in the empty field of the underworld!