Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win
Chapter 155: Sylvan Kingdom [1]

Chapter 155: Sylvan Kingdom [1]

[Five Days Later.]

"Am I some kind of main character or what?"

Viros mumbled to himself as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

His long sea-green hair tied in a loose ponytail while a smug look was on his face.

Luca glared at his cousin who kept on gloating over something.

"What are you speaking?" He asked, punching Viros. "Have you gone senile?"

Viros rubbed his side, walking side by side with his brother.

"No, think about it carefully. During the last few days we have been attacked six times!" He said, wrapping his hand over his shoulder. "Isn’t it too much of a coincidence?"

Akamir, who was leading the group, looked back at the boy.

"It’s because of the path we are in." He said, his voice clear. "It’s almost a jungle, best place for the bandits."

Just like how Viros had said, they were attacked a total of six times.

Most of them were low-level bandits who couldn’t even use mana properly.

Elves, being secretive as they are, give the humans only one way to reach them.

The other paths are all completely guarded by their armed forces.

Akamir slowed his pace a little so the two boys could catch up beside him.

The path ahead was narrow, with trees crowding close on either side.

The air smelled damp, the kind of earthy scent that stuck to their clothes and hair.

Midway through their journey, their carriage crashed, forcing them to continue on foot.

"From the looks of it, we are close." Akamir said, glancing back. "Perhaps a few more hours."

"That’s good." Viros replied, massaging his hips. "Man, my ass hurts."

"What did you do at night, Luca?" Akamir asked, glaring at the ginger-haired boy. "I thought you were the bottom one."

"Wha—What do you mean!?" He rebuked, his mouth half open. "I swear I didn’t touch—."

"Tch. I always had my suspicions." Viros cut in his words with a disappointed look. "That’s why elder sister always beat you up."

Luca visibly trembled at the mention of his sister. "Don’t remind me of her!"

"Wait, you guys have an elder sister?" Akamir asked, raising his brow. "Aren’t you guys orphans?"

"Why are you shocked?" Viros grumbled, noticing their blunder. "Can’t orphans have sisters as well?"

Akamir stared at them for a moment, then let out a short laugh. "I guess that’s fair."

Luca, still flustered, crossed his arms. "Trust me, you don’t want to meet her. She is the scariest woman I’ve ever met."

"And the strongest," Viros added, rubbing his neck.

"She once threw a grown man through a wall just because he looked at Luca wrongly."

"Well, with his twig-like frame, I don’t blame the man." Akamir replied, observing the boy.

Viros rubbed his chest lewdly. "Neither do I."

Luca glared at both of them. "One more word and I will kill you both."

"Keep dreaming." Akamir said, leading them once again. "Not like it’s achievable."

Viros stifled a laugh while Luca groaned, dragging his feet behind them.

The jungle path ahead dipped into a slope, roots sticking out from the soil like bones buried halfway through.

The sound of birds and the occasional rustle in the brush followed them.

As they kept walking, the air grew cooler, the sunlight dimmed by the thick canopy above.

The trees were taller here—abnormally so—and far older.

Moss clung to the bark, and small patches of glowing fungi shimmered faintly at the bases of trunks.

"We’re getting close to elven territory now," Akamir said, brushing aside a low-hanging branch. "The forest here is different."

"How do you know?" Viros asked, wiping sweat off his forehead.

"I’ve studied their land before," Akamir said. "Besides, can’t you feel it? The mana here is... heavier."

Luca paused, frowning. He looked around as if only now noticing the change. "It’s true. Even I can feel the change."

Viros groaned, rubbing his chin. "Wait, why the fuck is mana thicker now?"

"Don’t you know?"

"What?"

Luca let out a sigh as he looked at Viros like he was seeing an idiot.

"It’s because of the World Tree." He replied, his voice soft. "The World Tree refines the mana and makes it thicker."

"That’s why the elves are both physically and mentally stronger. They live in a better place." Akamir added, looking at him.

"And also the reason they spend most of their time close to the World Tree."

Viros blinked slowly, letting the explanation sink in. "...So you’re saying the tree makes them jacked?"

Luca facepalmed. "No, you idiot. It refines the mana in the area, which affects their bodies, minds, and magic over time."

"Right, right..." Viros nodded, pretending to understand. "Jacked tree magic. Got it."

"How are they jacked?" Luca groaned in confusion. "They look weaker than me."

Viros grinned. "Genderless femboy."

"That’s not a thing." Luca frowned. "How can a genderless—."

Akamir ignored the comment and pressed forward.

"Keep your voices low from now on." He said, quietly. "We’re too close to the border. Elves may already be watching us."

"Honestly, I hate how much we have affected this world." Nayomi suddenly grumbled softly. "They were pure before we arrived and ’educated’ them."

Akamir let out a soft chuckle. "Yeah, telling them things like femboys wasn’t a great idea."

"What can I say." She replied, her voice ashamed. "Few of my classmates have weird tastes."

Akamir smiled but didn’t comment on it.

Viros and Luca fell silent as well, their footsteps more cautious now as they followed Akamir.

The deeper they moved, the more the forest felt... alive.

It wasn’t just in the rustle of wind or animal calls, but a subtle presence in the air, like the forest was listening.

They passed an old stone marker half-buried in moss.

Elegant writing in a language neither Viros nor Luca could read glowed faintly on its surface.

Akamir paused briefly beside it.

"What does it say?" Luca whispered.

"It’s a boundary rune," Akamir replied. "It marks the edge of the elven domain. We’re officially on their land now."

The two boys tensed, suddenly hyperaware of every sound around them.

The trail curved slightly, revealing a clear stream running across it.

The water sparkled unnaturally, like tiny stars had been dropped inside.

"Holy crap," Viros muttered, kneeling down. "Even the water looks magical here."

"Don’t drink it," Akamir warned. "Some streams near the World Tree are laced with mana too strong for humans."

Viros yanked his hand back quickly. "Good to know."

A soft rustling came from the trees ahead.

All three of them tensed up instantly.

Then, as if melting out of the forest, two figures appeared—elves, dressed in long cloaks of green and silver, bows in hand and eyes like cold glass.

Akamir didn’t flinch. He stepped forward slowly and raised his right hand.

A wooden slate with engraving in his hand.

It was the seal given to the elves who have a friendly relationship with their kingdom.

"I come bearing the seal of Imoyan Company," he said calmly. "We request entry to Sylvan."

One of the elves narrowed her eyes. She looked at his hand, then at his face.

"Wait here," she said curtly before vanishing back into the forest without a sound.

The other remained still, watching them carefully.

Minutes passed in silence.

Luca leaned closer to Akamir. "Are we actually gonna be let in?"

"We will," Akamir said confidently.

"How can you be so sure?"

Akamir didn’t reply; instead, he shrugged.

He can’t just say that he was holding one of their favorite resources.

As they waited, the trees ahead parted slightly, and a taller elf with golden hair and a high crest of armor stepped through.

His eyes landed on Akamir. Then slowly, he gave a short bow.

"The one who bears Velyrian’s mark," he said. "You may enter."

The elf stepped aside, and the forest behind him seemed to shift—revealing a hidden path lined with glowing stones and silver vines.

Akamir looked back at the boys. "Let’s go."

Viros smiled as he walked towards the elf with the armor. "Brother, is there any brothel—."

Luca quickly walked forward and grabbed his mouth. "He doesn’t say anything!"

He quickly dragged the boy along with him towards Akamir.

Akamir walked on the path as they slowly saw it.

The World Tree.

Its enormous branches floated in the air like they held the entire sky.

’Damn, this place is nice.’

He let out a sigh as he looked down on the pathway.

It led them to a city.

Contrary to what Akamir thought, the place was like an ancient elf domain.

It was far more modern, made around the world tree without even harming it.

Tall white towers made of polished stone stood proudly between thick trees.

Bridges arched over small rivers running through the city like veins, and glowing blue lights floated above the streets, giving the entire place a gentle radiance.

Smooth, rune-etched roads curved through the city, guiding their way as the elf escorted them silently.

It was far more magical than they had expected.

Viros glanced around, wide-eyed. "Okay... I take it back. Elves might be cooler than I thought."

Luca elbowed him. "You’ve barely been here five minutes. Don’t jinx it."

His steps slowed down as he noticed the elf taking them somewhere.

"Excuse me." Akamir said, his voice soft. "But where are we going?"

The elf with the armor glanced back at them.

"Our leader would like to meet you." He said, his voice cold.

"The Empress?" Akamir guessed, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

"No."

The elf shook his head.

"Our royal advisor—Sir Lewin Anthris Faelor."