Chapter 61: What a Big Black Pot

  For the next three months, I worked hard to learn the magic of the elves under Soya's strict and demanding gaze. My magic gradually became more proficient, and the elven magic brought me closer to the essence of magic. By communicating with the elements, I was able to release my magic more quickly. Although the elven magic was slightly weaker than human magic, it was much easier to cast high-level spells. I kept comparing the differences between the two racial magics: why did elven magic have less power than human magic? Why did human magic require more time and spiritual energy to cast than elven magic?

  To clarify these things, I kept looking for the differences and similarities between them. Later on, I discovered that using the communication method of the spirit tribe and elements, and running with human guidance energy can greatly improve the shortcomings of both, but I still haven't completely figured out the reason. Magical research cannot tolerate sloppiness and guessing, it must clarify the principles before advancing to a higher level, this is the truth that Ankhara teacher and Soyare grandfather coincidentally told me.

  That day, I was deep in thought in the woods outside the village to verify a small idea of mine. Suddenly, I heard a faint quarrelsome voice coming from not far away. The sound grew louder and louder, until I had to interrupt my study and go take a look.

  When I approached, I heard a familiar voice say: "Trin, sorry, I really don't have any feelings for you. Can you please stop bothering me? Your presence makes it impossible for me to focus on studying magic. And Yalick, who came with me, has made tremendous progress in learning spirit magic from Master Soyare, while I haven't made any progress recently. You always disturb my peace of mind."

  I figured it out, it's Freya's voice, and she seems to be rejecting a spirit's affection. Who is this tragic figure that got rejected by Freya? And judging from the sound of it, it seems to have caused her quite some distress as well. I suddenly became interested and was eager to continue listening in on their conversation.

  That sprite named Trill said: "Frey, you are the most beautiful sprite I have ever seen. I wish to win your heart. If only you would consent, I am willing to do anything for you. Give me a chance and I swear to make you happy all your life."

  "Enough, Trill," Freya said impatiently. "I already have someone I care about, so please don't bother me again."

  "Huh? When did Freya get a boyfriend, I'm with her every day and didn't notice anything. If she had one before I came, why haven't I seen him visiting her? Is it possible that Freya made this up to get rid of Trill? Thinking about this makes me chuckle and shake my head, this Freya really thinks of everything, but this isn't a bad way to get rid of the trouble in front of us."

  I heard Trill saying again: "Fure, don't deceive me, you have a crush on someone? Then tell me, who is that person?"

  Furei fell silent for a moment before saying, "You don't know him, and I don't have to tell you. I'm leaving."

  I heard a rustling sound, and then Furei said somewhat irritably: "What are you blocking me for? Get out of the way! Otherwise, I won't be polite!"

  Then Tyrin said: "If you don't tell me today, I won't let you go."

  Then there was another commotion, and Freya seemed to say with some helplessness: "Alright, I'll tell you, my heartthrob is that Alex who's with me. Are you satisfied now? Let go!"

  Frey's words shocked me so much that I almost fell over. What? Me? Are you kidding? How did I not know? Is she being forced by Trin to find someone to take the blame temporarily? But taking the blame isn't done like this, without even a word of notice.

  As I took this step, I stepped on a withered branch. The crisp sound attracted the attention of both people. All I heard was Trilling shouting: "Who is it? Come out!"

  I had been discovered, so I awkwardly walked out from behind the tree, waving at the two people with a sheepish grin: "Hey, you two, I just happened to be passing by, sorry to disturb you, I'll leave now, you guys keep chatting, keep chatting..." After finishing speaking, I immediately turned around and was about to leave.

  "Halt right there, you despicable human! Hiding behind a tree to eavesdrop on others and think you can just walk away?" came Trill's voice from behind me.

  I stood still, let out a sigh and turned around to look at Furei's bright red face, then said to Trin: "What do you want me to say? It seems like you have some connection with me too. I told you I just happened to pass by, but you won't give up. To be honest, pursuing girls isn't supposed to be done this way, is it? You're being so persistent and annoying, it's only going to make the girl disgusted. Honestly, what a waste of your height."

  Telin heard my words and angrily said: "How dare you lecture me? I've decided to challenge you, if you're a real man, tomorrow at noon in the village square, we'll have a one-on-one fight!" After finishing speaking, he quickly turned around and ran away.

  I stared blankly at his back, then asked Furei with my mouth: "What did he just say? Is he going to challenge me?" Furei nodded beside me and said: "Yes, this is the rule of our Elf tribe. When two people can't agree on a girl, they decide who will marry her in the end through a life-and-death duel."

  I pointed stupidly at Freya with my finger, then pointed at myself and said, "But did I say I wanted to fight him for you?"

  "Alex, I'm really sorry to have dragged you into this. I didn't think he would resort to something like this."

  I irritably scratched my own head with my hand: "Can't I just refuse to duel him......"

  Furei said awkwardly: "It seems that it's not possible... In the history of our village, no spirit has ever refused to fight."

  I curiously asked: "Why? Will there be any loss if I don't participate in the duel?"

  Frey said somewhat irritably, "Of course there is. If you don't go to the duel, I'll have to agree to marry Trill, and...and...because a coward who doesn't dare to fight will be despised by everyone for his whole life, and the elves in the village will also drive you out of the elven village."

  I said somewhat dejectedly: "Then there's no room for discussion?"

  Furei nodded innocently...

  I looked up at the sky and shouted: "Heavens, what does this have to do with me?! How did I inexplicably become someone's love rival?!"

  Fure said hesitantly: "Or... or should we go back and ask Grandpa Soyer for his opinion?"

  "Right, right, right! Grandpa Sore will definitely have a way to solve it. Let's go find him!" When I heard Freya's words, I felt like I had grasped a lifeline, and I quickly pulled up Freya's hand and headed towards the village. Just as we were about to reach the entrance of Sore's house, I realized that everyone in the Spirit Village was smiling at me, and only then did I notice that I was still holding onto Freya's hand. Freya's face turned bright red as she followed behind me...

  At Soya's place, after I explained the whole thing to him, he gave me his answer: "I've taught you magic for so long, is it just for you to set off fireworks for others on holidays?" And then added a glance of disdain...