A group of figures slowly appeared in the distance.

Their movements were graceful, almost unreal, and their presence carried a sharp sense of pressure that spread through the air. The ground seemed to grow quieter as they approached.

Sunlight reflected off their silver armor and green robes, revealing the long, pointed ears of elves. Every step they took showed elegance and pride.

At the front of the group was a tall man wearing a long white priest's robe. A golden coronet rested on his head, and in his hand, he carried a tall staff that glowed faintly with holy light. His face was calm but cold, his eyes sharp and deep like a still lake.

When he stepped forward, the air itself seemed to grow heavier, making many around lower their heads instinctively.

The man looked around slowly, his gaze firm and full of authority. Then, in a calm but chilling tone, he asked, "What is going on here?"

Michelle, already burning with anger, didn't care who had come. She pointed straight at him and shouted, "Hey, you! Long ears! Who the hell are you to stop me? And why haven't you kneeled before me yet?"

"..."

"..."

"Wha.."

Vic's expression fell as he looked at his mates in disbelief.

"Did he really say that?"

"Yes!"Handle nodded.

Her voice echoed across the ground. The warriors nearby froze in disbelief. Richard, standing behind her, felt his heart drop. His face turned pale, and he looked at Michelle in horror.

"Saintess, that's.." he began, but Michelle cut him off sharply.

"Shut up!" she snapped, glaring at him before turning back to the elves. "Hey, why are you all not kneeling yet?"

Kael, who had been standing to the side, nearly burst into laughter. He covered his mouth, trying to hide it, but his shoulders trembled. Inside, he was thinking

'Damn, we are really lucky. I can't believe I'm witnessing something like this. Such a mess.'

'I like it..'

The elf man blinked a few times, clearly taken aback by what he had just heard. His calm face turned into one of disgust.

"Little girl…" he said softly. "No, it's useless to talk to such fools." He turned his gaze toward Richard instead and completely ignoring the girl.

"I can't believe you are allowing such an idiot to stand as a candidate for such an important position."

Before Michelle could reply, a streak of light flew toward her and struck her chest.

"Mmmhhh!" she cried, but her mouth was sealed shut by the magic.

She could only glare and mumble angrily as she looked at the man who casted a spell.

Richard frowned deeply but didn't move. The High Priest stepped forward and looked down at Michelle with cold eyes.

"Do not bring your insolence here, you lowly creature," he said, his voice filled with disdain.

"Do you not know that we elves were created with the blood of gods? We are the superior race above all others, and yet you dare to ask us to kneel before you?"

He raised his staff slightly, and the surrounding air rippled with divine power. "Let's see if you can still act proud when this matter reaches the Church."

Richard immediately lowered his head. His voice came out calm but strained. "Forgive us, High Priest Sir Crebs. The Saintess acted out of ignorance. We deeply apologize for the offense caused."

"I will make sure to educate her properly."

He bowed deeply, showing full respect. But as his head lowered, his eyes turned sharp and cold. His fingers curled tightly into a fist, the veins on his hand standing out. He wanted to strike back but held himself with great effort.

Kael, standing nearby, felt a strange tingling in his chest as he watched Richard's reaction.

The smell of tension in the air reminded him of something he wished he had long forgotten. His expression darkened.

Vic leaned close and whispered, "Who is this man?"

Riley, standing beside him, looked carefully at the elf in front of them. "He's the High Priest from the elves' side," she said quietly. "Just look at his robe and that staff. There's no doubt."

Martina nodded slightly, still processing the situation, when suddenly a cloaked figure leaped from the crowd straight toward her. She almost drew her sword, but then a familiar voice called out.

"Martina, it's me!"

She froze, lowering her weapon. "Huh? Brother?"

The man pulled off his cloak, revealing a young face with a warm smile.

It was Roosevelt. "It's been a long time," he said softly.

Martina's eyes widened, her expression filled with surprise and relief. "Brother… you're here."

Sol, Herion, Linda, and Frey immediately stepped forward and kneeled before him. Their voices were respectful as they greeted him together.

"Greetings to the First Prince of Heizen," they said in unison, bowing their heads.

Roosevelt looked at them with a faint smile, signaling them to rise.

The heavy air began to settle slowly. After some time, the three sides decided to camp nearby, not too far from the battlefield. Though the battle had ended, tension still hung thick in the air.

The elves kept their distance, their eyes full of pride and coldness. .They were set apart from each other, each group keeping to themselves

Kael looked at the sky as dusk began to fall. The once-bright field now seemed darker and heavier, and everyone could feel the silent pressure of what was yet to come.

In the human camp, the air felt lighter than before. For a while, everyone seemed calm and at ease.

"I can't believe you ended up in the elves' camp," Martina said with surprise. "How did you even manage to convince them?"

Roosevelt gave a small smile. "It wasn't as hard as it sounds," he replied. "Their attitude has changed a lot over the years. They've learned to adapt when working with humans. All I had to do was show them that I was useful instead of doing something to annoy them."

"See, Verion? Did you hear that?" Martina said with a cold glare.

Verion scratched his head nervously. "Sister… you don't have to keep reminding me," he muttered, clearly uneasy.

Then Roosevelt turned his gaze toward Verion, and the man froze.

He noticed it and frowned. "What's going on? Isn't he from your side?"

Martina sighed and almost facepalmed. "My side? No, he ended up in the demon camp alas.. instead of convincing them he asked them to follow him."

"...."Roosevelt blinked his eyes and clicked his tongue "With his mouth, it's no surprise he got himself beaten and locked up."

The whole camp fell silent for a moment.

Verion quickly tried to defend himself. "That was part of my plan! If they kicked me out, I could finally join the other side. Who would want to stay with demons anyway? See, it's clever, right?"

Roosevelt stared at him blankly, almost speechless. He rubbed his forehead and sighed in disbelief. Martina's jaw tightened, and she looked ready to explode.

'Kael was right,' she thought angrily. 'I should have just killed this idiot when I had the chance.'

After a brief silence, Roosevelt's voice turned serious. "Have any of you heard anything about Rein?"

The cheerful mood instantly vanished. Everyone went quiet, their expressions turning grim. Martina frowned deeply at the name.

She had received reports about many others and their actions through messengers. Most of the princes and nobles had already made a name for themselves in different camps only to be killed.

Most of them had already been eliminated.

But Rein's name had never appeared anywhere till now.

"He might be with the demons," Martina said quietly.

"That's what worries me," Roosevelt replied. His voice was low and heavy. "I've tried asking through the elves' messengers. If Rein was with them, he or his people would have already done something noticeable. But there's been no word about them..There has been nothing at all. It's as if he's disappeared completely."

"Who knows? Maybe he's hiding because he's scared of us," Verion said carelessly.

Two sharp glares immediately turned toward him. He froze, feeling the cold pressure from both Roosevelt and Martina.

Roosevelt spoke again, ignoring Verion's comment. "He's always been like that. Using sneaky and strange ways to turn everything upside down. It's exactly what makes him so dangerous."

Martina nodded, her eyes darkening. "He's not someone who acts without purpose. If he's quiet now, it means he's planning something big."

The two of them exchanged a serious look. They both understood the same thing without needing to say it aloud.

Though they were rivals fighting for the same position, there was one unspoken rule between them..

That was,no matter what happened, they could not allow Rein to rise to that seat.

Meanwhile outside,wind blew softly through the camp, making the fire flicker.

The once relaxed atmosphere had turned heavy again.

Each of them sat quietly, lost in their own thoughts. The night stretched long and uneasy, as if even the stars were waiting for something dreadful to unfold.