Eirana crouched in the dense underbrush, her breath low, barely disturbing the leaves around her. In front of her, the main entrance to the Elven settlement loomed like a natural fortress.
It wasn't a gate in the traditional sense—it was a living archway, formed by interwoven roots and vines that pulsed with magical energy. At least six guards stood at each side of the arch, all dressed in sleek bark-like armor, their spears tipped with silver-tinted mana crystals. Each one bore the insignia that looks more sophisticated than the ones she has seen so far which hinted that they might be the elite warriors of the inner Elven territory.
Her eyes narrowed.
Their stance was too tight. Their awareness too high. Even with the fourth stage of the Nullcarver Qi Juggernaut techniques, slipping through unnoticed would be a gamble. A dangerous one.
She watched for several minutes.
