Yarra’s Adventure Notes
Chapter 1014 - 129 Transparent House

Chapter 1014: Chapter 129 Transparent House

If one could see the World Tree from afar, they would surely notice that its crown was not the spindle shape commonly found in the uppermost foliage of the Forest of Death but the round-headed shape typical of the Shining Forest. Though from a distance the crown’s top appeared to be just a small curved surface, considering the entire area that the crown covered, one could imagine the vast expanse at the very top.

The topmost layer was quite expansive, and at its center, encircling the end of the World Tree’s main trunk, a circular structure had been constructed to envelop the entire trunk. Surprisingly, this might be the only building within the Elven Royal Court not made of wood. The structure’s exterior material was entirely made of transparent Crystal—roof, walls, and floor were all see-through. In places without horizontal branches for support, walking on the floor felt as if strolling through the air. Standing by the wall and looking out often gave the illusion that nothing lay before one, which could surely make the faint-hearted feel weak at the knees despite knowing the place wasn’t truly suspended in air. However, the girls from the adventure team clearly weren’t about to lose their composure. Although their steps became cautious, they still moved calmly throughout the transparent structure.

The building wasn’t large, with at most just over three hundred square meters, and considering the World Tree’s main trunk at the very center which acted as a support pillar, the actual usable space was around two hundred square meters. The modest room was sparsely furnished, with several sofas and coffee tables on three sides for resting, and on the other side, near the transparent wall, stood a round table set up for banquets.

"This room is quite interesting. If Rachel were here, she’d probably have fainted by now," Catherine said while holding the delicate little skeleton, snatching back the skull she had been using to play catch with Annie and fitting it onto the spine before silencing the two youngsters’ protests with an angry glare. "I never imagined that someone would construct a room like this. Indeed, dining here would be a supreme delight—savoring elven cuisine while gazing out at the beauty of the Lost Forest. This is an experience many may never have in a lifetime. Even if it were shared, most people would find it hard to believe that such a place of enjoyment exists amidst the dangers of the Lost Forest. But I wonder, this room surely can’t have been built solely for hosting guests, can it? According to what Flare said earlier, it seems it might be used once every few decades, which doesn’t justify constructing a room for it alone."

People were gradually filling the transparent room, but instead of gathering around the table right away, they sat in the sofas to rest, conversing occasionally. These Demigods were mostly long-lived races; even the scorpion-tailed lion was said to have a lifespan of two hundred years. Though encounters were rare, often taking years or even decades between them, the frequency of their meetings over long lives had strengthened their friendships, and by now, they were quite familiar with one another. The girls from the adventure team didn’t join the Demigods; they gathered separately in a corner of the room. While they seemed outwardly fine, Pannis, who knew them well, could sense their inner unrest. Each girl, Ava included, had become somewhat tense. This was entirely understandable. No matter how well-prepared, how confident, or how strong their convictions, the unknown dangers of the Forest of Death exerted an unignorable pressure. Thus, as they drew closer to the Forest, it was natural for the girls to feel increasingly nervous.

However, Pannis was by their side, but this time, he said nothing to relieve the girls’ psychological pressure, simply standing quietly nearby, occasionally peeling seeds and throwing them into his mouth, as if their tension had nothing to do with him.

"Of course it wasn’t built just for hosting guests," Flare had joined the transparent banquet hall unnoticed and, catching Catherine’s question, replied with a smile, "You’ve heard of the Star Observing Technique, haven’t you?"

"Diviner?" Catherine suddenly recalled something, "Of course, we’ve heard of it. I remember we met one in the City of Innocence. He was a great help to us. I’d like to thank him in person if I get the chance."

"We can talk about that later," Vivian interjected, shaking her head, "My experiment is almost finished. Once it’s done and the records are out, we can properly express our gratitude in person. It would serve as repayment for his investment in me."

"Ah, him. He should be back in half a year," Flare paused, a realization dawning, "He is one of the three Upper Rank Diviners of our race, but he lost a bet to Aske of the Shadow Hand and had to set up shop in the City of Innocence for fifty years. Come to think of it, it seems like those from the Thieves’ Guild always win their bets. I remember when they moved to Neutral Land, they did so through a bet too. I really suspect they might be cheating."

"Well, I suppose only they know for sure," Catherine replied with a wry smile, "But what does the Diviner have to do with this room?"

"There are many methods of divination, but for life after the Third Epoch, there is only one ancient method left, originating from our race—the Star Observing Technique." Flare explained, "Predicting the future by observing the paths of the stars, that’s the Star Observing Technique, and those who use it are called Star Observers."

"Ah, I see now," Catherine said, "This was an observatory."

"Exactly. A long, long time ago, this place was an observatory. After the Star Observers found new ways of stargazing, they stopped using this place. Some queen eventually decided to turn it into the royal banquet hall, although it’s rarely used," Flare said with a half-smile, "But is that really all you wanted to ask? I don’t think so."

"Flare," Pannis suddenly interrupted the Queen, "I’m starving to death. When can we eat?"

"Hmm? Heh, it seems you’re really looking forward to their performance. Do you think it’s time for them to face the pressure? Alright then, you’ve decided," taken aback by Pannis’s interruption, Flare paused thoughtfully, nodding without further questioning and then clapped her hands, raising her voice, "Dear friends, please be seated. The banquet shall begin shortly."