I Became My Elf King Character In A Game-Like World
Chapter 35: The Elves’ Sudden Growth

Chapter 35: The Elves’ Sudden Growth

If not for the pointed ears, ethereal beauty, and otherworldly aura unique to Elves, they might have suspected that these were merely humans in disguise.

The sheer number of them was simply too astonishing, tens of thousands, an amount that rivaled the population of a human noble’s Territory.

But what truly unsettled the knights and mages wasn’t just the numbers. It was the fact that every single nature elf they saw was a trained warrior, their ranks clearly structured.

The elven archers were all at the fourth circle, while those mounted on panthers, an even more formidable force, had reached the fifth circle.

Their disciplined formations and synchronized movements resembled a well-trained army rather than a peaceful settlement.

Mage Gorren’s voice was heavy with disbelief. "What in the world happened to the Elves? Just last month, there were fewer than a thousand of them here. Now their numbers have grown more than tenfold!"

Theron, the knight commander, wore an equally grim expression.

Even as a ninth-circle knight, just one step away from advancing to the next rank—he felt an unprecedented sense of pressure.

He could swear that if he so much as made a wrong move here, he would be pierced by a thousand arrows before he could even attempt to flee.

Against such an overwhelming force, even an advanced rank wouldn’t dare to provoke them.

"Whattt..." one knight muttered in shock.

"If the nobles of the City truly plan to target the Elves, they will regret it as a whole."

...

At the entrance to the settlement, a group of elven huntresses stood guard.

One of them turned toward a figure in the center, speaking respectfully, "Commander Lorien, these are the humans from the Ironcrest Trading Company."

"I understand. Resume your patrol," Lorien replied.

As the huntresses dispersed, Lorien’s gaze shifted toward the human visitors. Just as she was about to speak, a young woman with bright eyes and an eager expression ran forward.

"Lorien! Do you remember me?"

Lorien’s cool demeanor remained unchanged, though she gave a slight nod. "Miss Lyra of the Ironcrest Trading Company. We met a few months ago. Why are you here instead of your sister?"

Lyra smiled. "My sister had other matters to attend to, so I came in her place."

Lorien did not press further. "Very well. Follow me. His Majesty, the great Elf King, has summoned you. However, your knights and mages must remain outside."

Theron and Gorren stepped forward.

"They can stay behind," Theron said calmly, "but we must accompany Miss Lyra. Our duty is to ensure her safety. While we respect the Elves and their traditions, we cannot neglect our orders and responsibilities."

Lorien cast them an indifferent glance, one knight, one mage, both at the ninth circle. Then, without a word, she turned and walked away, expecting them to follow.

Lyra, Theron, and Gorren quickly trailed behind her, stepping into the heart of the elven Territory.

——

Inside the grand Royal palace of the Elf King.

At the end of the opulent hall, seated upon the throne of the Elf King, was Renjiro Mikazuki. By his side stood his fiancée, Elaria, her presence as radiant as ever.

Lorien led the humans into the hall before stopping a few steps from the throne. She placed her hand over her chest and bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, the representatives of the Human Merchants have arrived. This is Miss Lyra."

Lyra and her companions stepped forward and performed a formal human greeting.

Renjiro’s gaze landed on Lyra, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. "Miss Lyra... If I recall correctly, this is our second meeting."

Indeed, three months ago, he had summoned this human girl to the elven lands. She had even stayed in their territory for two days before departing.

Lyra felt her face heat up slightly. She looked up at the strikingly handsome Elf King, his regal presence emphasized by the crown upon his head.

Somewhat nervously, she replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. You remember correctly. This is my second time here. This place is so beautiful—I begged my father for a long time before he finally allowed me to come here again. If it is permitted, I would love to stay here even after our trade is completed. I swear by my faith that I will not cause any trouble."

Renjiro chuckled softly. "We can discuss that later."

Lyra’s shoulders slumped ever so slightly, disappointment evident in her expression.

She truly loved this place, every part of it, from the elegant homes woven seamlessly into nature to the kindness and purity of the elves themselves. Everything about it drew her in, making her long to stay.

At that moment, Mage Gorren stepped forward.

Though he was an elderly man, his posture slightly hunched beneath his ornate mage’s robes, there was still an air of dignity about him.

"Your Majesty," he said respectfully, "we have brought a shipment of fresh fruits and honey, enough to sustain a thousand Elves for two months. If you approve, we can proceed with the exchange immediately. Additionally, our company would like to purchase another batch of equipment from elves, under the same terms as before."

As he spoke, his gaze subtly flickered toward Elaria, who stood beside Renjiro. The moment his magical senses extended toward her, his pupils contracted in shock.

He could feel it clearly, her magical aura was far stronger than his own.

’Impossible! Just three months ago, she had been an eighth-circle mage, significantly weaker than me. But now, her power has surpassed me entirely. What had happened during this time?’

Gorren could clearly sense it, Elaria’s magical presence was now stronger than his own.

It was an unbelievable realization. The last time they had met, this beautiful elf had only been at the eighth circle, significantly weaker than him. But now... her power had surged past his.

’How had she grown so much in such a short time?’ Just as he was about to say something, Renjiro leaned forward slightly, his voice calm yet firm.

"Mage Gorren, as you can see, the number of elves in my territory has far exceeded a thousand. The fruits and honey you’ve brought are far from enough."