Chapter 166: Amanda Joins the Team.

Study at Saint Velia Academy of Magic?

Amanda’s eyes widened when he heard his brother’s words.

Wait—

His brother had never mentioned anything about this before they came to the Elven Kingdom!

Still, attending an academy of magic with the Little Fairies sounded like it could be a lot of fun!

The moment that thought occurred to Amanda, his astonishment transformed into delight. He had long since grown tired of staying on Dragon Island. The opportunity to travel across the continent was almost too wonderful to be true!

Coming here today had certainly been the right decision.

He grinned happily and looked expectantly at the noble Elven King.

Amanda was not the only one surprised. Shu Li was equally astonished by Harmon’s request.

Was it really a good idea to let an underage dragon travel across the continent with them? The five Fairies had studied diligently and worked hard to improve their strength. Only after meeting the Elven King’s and Ilio’s strict requirements had they received permission to leave and gain experience.

They knew nothing about Amanda’s abilities. What if something happened to him?

Dressed in magnificent formal robes, the Elven King smiled faintly. “Harmon, you should understand how dangerous it is for a young dragon to gain experience on the continent.”

“Don’t worry, Teacher,” Harmon replied. “Amanda may be a little foolish and somewhat slow, but his combat strength is comparable to that of a Great Swordsman, and his magical rank is close to Archmage. On Dragon Island, any dragon capable of assuming human form may apply to train on the continent.”

At first, when Amanda heard his brother call him foolish and slow, his raised lips immediately drooped, and he glared at him in displeasure. But when he heard the praise in the latter half, his anger instantly vanished. He unconsciously thrust out his chest, looking immensely proud.

The Elven King turned to the adolescent Fairies who would soon be setting out. “What do you think?”

Shu Li and the other four adolescent Fairies exchanged glances, unable to decide immediately.

“I’ll follow Sperien’s decision,” Budno said.

“So will I,” Disio agreed. He had always followed their leader unquestioningly. Whatever Shu Li decided, he would do.

Angel nodded in agreement. “If Sperien says he can join us, then he can.”

The pressure now fell entirely on Shu Li.

Shu Li looked toward Kumandi. Kumandi was the oldest Fairy among them. Calm and composed, he considered every issue thoroughly, and his words were always convincing.

Sensing Shu Li’s questioning gaze, Kumandi turned toward Amanda, who was standing proudly before them.

The moment Amanda found himself beneath the scrutiny of those violet eyes, his arrogance diminished. He straightened his posture and stared directly ahead.

Kumandi spoke unhurriedly. “Amanda, if you want to travel across the continent with us, you must fulfill the following conditions.”

Amanda agreed before even hearing them. “All right!”

This opportunity was too rare to miss.

“Don’t agree so quickly. Listen to everything before you decide,” Kumandi said. “First, while we are away from home, you must follow instructions. Second, you must take care of yourself and correct any bad habits. Third, companions must work together and help one another. Fourth, whenever you encounter a problem, you must consult your companions immediately rather than acting on your own. If you can do all of that, you may join our team.”

Amanda lowered his head and considered the conditions carefully for two minutes. Then he looked at Shu Li, determination shining in his silver eyes.

“I can do it!”

Although he had remained on Dragon Island all these years, whenever his brother returned from visiting the Elven Kingdom, he would tell Amanda many stories about Sperien.

Every story stirred Amanda’s blood and drove him to study even harder.

First, he had learned several languages.

Over the past thirteen years, he had mastered Draconic, Elven, and the Continental Common Language.

Next, he had increased his strength until he possessed an exceptional ability to protect himself.

The other dragons on the island all praised his extraordinary talent and sharp comprehension, saying that he would one day become a silver dragon as powerful as his grandfather.

His grandfather, Redek, had participated in the War of the Gods ten thousand years ago. He had fought beside the Elven King and slain countless demonic soldiers and generals that had crawled out of hell.

Although his grandfather had ultimately died in battle, he remained a hero of the Dragon Clan.

Amanda had grown up listening to stories about him and had resolved to become a dragon warrior just like his grandfather. Whenever Amanda assumed his dragon form, a row of golden scales identical to his grandfather’s ran down his back. His clansmen all said that he had inherited his grandfather’s bloodline and was destined to accomplish great things.

Amanda believed that with all his heart.

Adventuring across the continent with his Fairy friends before reaching adulthood would help him grow.

He believed he could meet every one of Kumandi’s requirements.

Standing nearby, Harmon gazed at his younger brother’s confident expression and felt deeply gratified. It seemed that spending more time with the Little Fairies would motivate Amanda to become even more outstanding.

All those stories about Sperien had not been wasted.

After hearing Amanda’s answer, Kumandi looked at Shu Li and gave a slight nod.

Understanding, Shu Li extended his right hand toward the silver-haired boy. “Welcome to our team. Let’s take good care of one another from now on.”

Amanda broke into a broad smile and happily clasped Shu Li’s hand. “Thank you! I’ll do my best and protect everyone!”

He was a thick-skinned, sturdy dragon, after all. If they encountered an enemy they could not defeat, he would immediately return to his original form and carry all the Fairies away.

Thirteen years had passed. He was no longer that tiny, weak, and helpless little dragon.

His wingspan was already four or five meters!

“Wow! This is wonderful, Amanda!” Budno threw himself at the silver-haired boy, wrapped both arms around his neck, and rubbed against him vigorously.

Amanda’s entire face turned red.

Little Fairies really were far too affectionate.

Disio and Angel also shook Amanda’s hand and welcomed him into the team. The other adolescent Fairies watched with almost unbearable envy.

“We have to work hard too, so we can travel across the continent as soon as possible!” Jonah declared, raising a fist.

“Yes!” the adolescent Fairies shouted in unison.

Misina, sprawled across Falm’s back, could not resist joining in. “We’ll work hard too!”

“We’ll work hard! Work hard—”

The seven other Little Fairies surrounding Falm raised both hands and shouted excitedly.

Falm flicked his tail, looking utterly devoid of hope.

Damn Sperien! He had abandoned Falm to eight Little Fairies under the pretense of letting them take care of him, when in reality, Falm was the one taking care of them.

The eight Little Fairies enthusiastically joined the commotion, making the atmosphere even livelier. Harmon burst into hearty laughter.

Haileni entered the resplendent hall, leading the Elven cub, who was dressed in a tiny formal outfit.

Attending the Midsummer Festival on the second day of his life, the cub found everything fresh and fascinating.

Islar had risen early that morning and clumsily put on his clothes. Following the washing routine Haileni had taught him yesterday, he went into the bathroom and cleaned himself up. He had even used a comb to smooth his short golden hair, which sleep had left in complete disarray.

Since Haileni had not yet knocked on his door, the cub had obediently sat on the bed and waited. His pointed little ears twitched now and then as he listened to the adolescent Fairies laughing and talking in the corridor outside.

He wanted to go and find Sperien, but Haileni had told him that he needed to learn to be independent.

And so the bored cub sat on the bed, fiddling with his fingers. The moment the door opened, he quickly raised his head and looked expectantly at the formally dressed Haileni.

Haileni had not expected the cub to wake so early, much less wash and dress himself without assistance.

Surprised and delighted, she stepped forward, kissed his forehead, and praised him gently. Then she removed a finely made little formal outfit of soft, delicate fabric from her storage ring. Lorin, a master weaver, had worked through the night to make it for the cub, along with several pieces of exquisite matching jewelry.

The cub looked extraordinarily beautiful in his new clothes.

Suppressing the urge to scoop him up and smother him with affection, Haileni took his little hand and led him toward the bustling hall.

Every Elf they encountered along the way greeted them warmly. Their eyes lit up the instant they saw the adorable, beautiful cub.

Haileni firmly refused to let anyone pick him up without permission. The little fellow was still somewhat afraid of strangers!

Islar looked around curiously as Haileni patiently explained everything to him and taught him basic etiquette.

With so much explaining to do, they walked slowly. By the time they entered the hall, everything had already been arranged and breakfast was about to begin.

Islar stayed close beside Haileni. Whenever an Elf or Fairy approached them, he followed the etiquette she had taught him and offered a solemn, proper greeting.

Every adult Elf and Fairy melted at the sight of the sweet, innocent little cub.

Islar ignored their longing gazes and searched everywhere for Shu Li. The moment he spotted the golden-haired Fairy standing beside the Elven King, he released Haileni’s hand and dashed forward on his short little legs as swiftly as the wind.

“Oh! Be careful!”

“Slow down, Islar.”

“Make way! Everyone, move aside and don’t block the cub.”

“Islar’s in such a hurry. He must be looking for Sperien, right?”

“The little fellow is so attached to Sperien. I’m jealous.”

“Ah, when will all the fruits on the mother tree’s branches turn into cubs? I want more of them to hold and cuddle!”

For now, there was only one Elven cub, and everyone treasured him beyond measure. Anyone who dared put their hands on him without permission would immediately face the reproachful gazes of every other Elf.

Yesterday, Ilio’s fingers had itched so badly that he poked the cub’s cheek and made him burst into tears. The King had immediately punished him by sending him to the pasture.

If it had not been for the Midsummer Festival, he would have remained there for half a month.

Shu Li and his companions were listening to the Elven King’s instructions regarding all the details they would need to watch out for on the continent. Halfway through, Shu Li suddenly saw Islar running toward him. After a moment of surprise, he bent down and spread his arms, allowing the little cub to throw himself into his embrace.

“Sperien~!”

The Elven cub wrapped his arms around Shu Li’s neck and buried his little face against him.

Shu Li lifted him with ease and patted his back soothingly. “Good morning, Islar.”

Breathing in that familiar scent, the little cub’s anxiety subsided. He raised his head and answered in a clear voice, “Good morning, Sperien.”

Holding him with one arm, Shu Li smoothed the hair that had become slightly disheveled from running and straightened the forehead ornament set with tiny gemstones. Then he gently reminded him, “You should greet the King and our guests.”

Islar immediately looked toward the Elven King. “Good morning, Your Majesty.”

“Good morning,” the Elven King replied warmly. “Did you sleep well last night?”

Islar nodded vigorously. “I slept very well... Haileni sang me a really beautiful song.”

“It was a lullaby.” The Elven King rested a hand lightly on his head and said softly, “This is the Elven Kingdom, a realm of light that darkness cannot invade. You are a pure Child of Light. There is no need to be afraid.”

Islar froze.

The palm resting on his head was exceptionally warm, as though it were drawing out every trace of anxiety and fear buried deep within him. His body grew light, and warmth spread through him from head to toe.

Once the cub’s negative emotions had been dispelled, the Elven King withdrew his hand.

No longer afraid of strangers, Islar looked at the two silver-haired guests. Encouraged by Shu Li, he greeted them politely.

The sight of the newborn Elven cub stirred countless emotions in Harmon.

The Elves finally had a new generation.

Once breakfast was ready, all the Elves and Fairies took their seats and began enjoying the lavish feast.

Islar was originally supposed to sit with Haileni. But when he spotted a smiling Ilio, he immediately glared at him warily and clung tightly to Shu Li, refusing to let go.

Rejected by the cub, Ilio awkwardly rubbed his nose, making the other Elves roar with laughter.

Shu Li gloated inwardly and let the cub sit at his table, taking attentive care of him.

Elven cubs were born with teeth and could eat all kinds of delicious fruit, crisp wheat cakes, soft bread, sweet nectar, and rich deer-cow milk.

Ilio had personally brought the fresh deer-cow milk from the pasture that morning. It was still warm when it arrived at Crystal Castle.

When Islar tasted the fresh milk, he gulped down a large mouthful. By the time he lowered the bowl, a white “beard” had formed around his mouth.

“Drink more slowly.” Shu Li took out a small handkerchief and wiped away the milk stains. “There’s plenty left.”

A large bottle sat on the table, enough to last Islar the entire day.

“All right.” The cub obediently set down the bowl, picked up a spoon, and began drinking more slowly.

He had little choice but to slow down. He was still clumsy with the spoon and frequently lifted an empty spoon to his mouth.

Amused, Shu Li taught him how to use the wooden spoon properly.

The cub was exceptionally clever. One demonstration was enough for him to learn, and he soon began drinking his milk with the spoon in perfectly proper movements.

Harmon sat at a table near the Elven King, holding a piece of fruit as he watched Shu Li’s table. Seeing the warm interaction between Shu Li and the Elven cub, he could not resist commenting, “Islar is very attached to Sperien!”

He had no idea how the mother tree had grown from a bare tree into the luxuriant form it possessed today, much less how it had unexpectedly begun bearing fruit. Even more astonishingly, every fruit was a different age, and after such a short time, an Elven cub had already been born.

Could cutting away the mother tree’s offshoot have caused her to mutate?

Of course, Harmon was delighted that the Elves finally had a new member.

He merely found it strange that the cub clung to no one but an underage Little Fairy.

Did Elves also imprint on the first person they saw after emerging from their fruits?

The Elven King smiled faintly. “The cub likes Sperien because of his kindness and courage.”

Harmon paused, unable to understand the implication behind his teacher’s words.

Kindness and courage?

Every Elf and Fairy possessed those qualities. Why had his teacher singled out Sperien for praise?

“Teacher, why did you agree to let the five of them leave for the continent before reaching adulthood?” Harmon asked.

The Elven King picked up a small fruit from his plate. “Because Sperien wanted to go.”

Harmon was baffled.

His clansmen all said that he spoiled Amanda, but compared with the Elven King, his own indulgence barely counted as anything!

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