Chapter 1476: The Path of Breaking, Sacrificing One's Own Child

Furthermore, considering the Spellcasters living within the range of the Mythallar, if the internal and external Spellcasting systems were different, what if the Mythallar disappeared one day? Wouldn't they not even have a chance to adapt?

Therefore, the more sophisticated a Mythallar is, the more similar and harmonious it tends to be with the normal Magic Net environment, but this does not mean a lack of Mythallar functionality.

On the contrary, such Mythallars often possess more complex and powerful functions.

However, all changes leave traces. The Mythallar Xia Duo was currently in was undoubtedly among the best he had ever seen, but some changes of an "infrastructure" nature were still difficult to hide.

When he tested several specific elements of the tenth layer of the Magic Net, the truth immediately surfaced!

These specific elements were considered secret even in Elf society, pointing directly to the foundation of the Mythallar that was difficult to hide; once used, one could immediately discover that its Spellcasting feedback was at odds with the normal external Magic Net environment.

Based on the differences, Xia Duo could even deduce some of the Mythallar's functions and attributes in this area, and that was indeed what he did!

……

After several attempts, Xia Duo quickly probed the true attributes of this corridor scene. Borrowing an open loophole he had cracked during the probing process, he directly shut down the realistic Illusion that was rendered at all times.

The corridor was still the same corridor, but not far ahead was the end of the corridor; the walls on both sides still had exquisite murals, but they were much simpler.

And the starry sky that had originally been projected above had turned into a complexly decorated dome, integrated with the surrounding walls; this was the true corridor scene.

Of course, there was one thing Xia Duo had guessed wrong, which was that the Elf official leading the way in front was not an Illusion, but a real existence.

Just when the scene suddenly changed, he specifically noticed that the Elf official even showed a moment of panic; if it were an Illusion, it probably couldn't act out such a realistic stress response.

Of course, the other party quickly recovered and continued to lead the way with composure.

The corridor after the Illusion was lifted was not long. Following behind the Elf official, Xia Duo soon arrived at the end of the corridor, which was a relatively simple small Reception Room.

Of course, the simplicity of the Elves had nothing to do with current humans, even though this Reception Room could be considered high-class even if placed in Seventon.

But for a lifesaver who had come to extend his life, this hospitality from Crown King Akaola was somewhat rude.

Considering the need for secrecy, Xia Duo did not argue with him much; otherwise, counting the previous probing, he would definitely have turned hostile on the spot.

At this time, in the Reception Room, besides the middle-aged Elf sitting in the main seat who was suspected to be Crown King Akaola, there were two young-looking Elves in gorgeous clothes standing on the side.

Xia Duo was no stranger to one of them; it was Prince Furuisi of Akaola, whom he had seen before in Evereska, representing Akaola at the Northern Alliance Founding Ceremony.

As for the Elf official who had brought him in earlier, she swayed her graceful figure and turned into another exit of the Reception Room, quickly disappearing, and did not stay here any longer.

……

"Xia Duo greets Crown King Akaola, and on behalf of the Seven Cities Council, I bring you greetings!"

Xia Duo bowed slightly. Well-versed in Elf etiquette, he naturally would not let the Elves pick any faults, but he also implicitly expressed his dissatisfaction in the cadence of his tone.

Such an expression might not be understood by most humans who had mastered Elvish, but as Elves themselves, the three Elves in the Reception Room, especially the object of Xia Duo's speech—Crown King Akaola—could not be entirely unaware.

"Lord Xia Duo, please forgive our poor hospitality; the situation is truly special."

Akaola said with sincere words while leaving the throne to come before Xia Duo, solemnly returning the bow, "Please also convey my greetings to the seven members of the Seven Cities Council on my behalf!"

After speaking, he returned to the throne and invited Xia Duo to sit down, continuing: "If I had known it was Lord Xia Duo coming, I should have gone to Evereska in person back then."

Xia Duo certainly did not believe this superficial polite talk from the other party. If Iolum hadn't also gone to Evereska back then? Did Iolum not have a secret method for Longevity?

"I also have some regrets that I could not meet with Crown King Akaola sooner. This time, besides submitting the state credentials, I have also come to participate in confidential matters at the request of the Crown King's second son."

Even in a private room, it was not convenient to mention the matter of Longevity. If this were said bluntly, how much face would Crown King Akaola lose!

Elves just liked this sort of thing, and Xia Duo did not mind. In fact, his mission record for the Seven Cities Council this time was "participating in confidential matters."

Let's just say both sides understood each other!

……

After submitting the state credentials, Crown King Akaola introduced the other two Elves in the Reception Room to Xia Duo. Besides Prince Furuisi of Akaola, whom Xia Duo already knew, the identity of the other one was also not simple—

He was the Crown King's military Consultant and commander of the Army. Of course, more importantly, he was also the Crown King's maternal uncle, the High Mage Aisibilan.

Next was the formal discussion of the Longevity matter. Xia Duo had a premonition in his heart, but when the Crown King personally said he chose the Swift Scheme, he still couldn't help but sigh secretly.

Sure enough, he still chose this one!

"The Swift Scheme requires special Spellcasting materials. The Crown King must have known about this in advance, right?"

"I am fully aware, but the country is in difficult straits at the moment, and the fate of the nation of Akaola is tied to me. If I choose a more peaceful plan, I am afraid there will not be enough time."

Speaking to the point of emotion, tears streamed down Crown King Akaola's eyes, and Aisibilan on the side also revealed a sorrowful mood.

Prince Furuisi explained: "The one who volunteered to sacrifice for the country this time is precisely the own child of Consultant Aisibilan!"

"……"

Good heavens! For a moment, Xia Duo could not distinguish whether these three Elves were truly revealing their feelings or were just highly skilled at acting, but regardless, the Akaola leadership seemed to have reached a consensus to sacrifice a young, healthy Elf.

And this sacrifice was the child of a High Mage!

Besides sighing that it was not easy for a small country, Xia Duo had no better way. Once the heart was gone, all physical functions would decline rapidly. Even with a Priest specializing in healing and recovery standing by, it was not certain that their life could be saved.

Moreover, this matter was secret. Most Priests of the Elf main gods were biased toward Cormanthor. Even if a Priest with such skills could be found in Akaola, the Crown King probably wouldn't dare to use them.

If it had been earlier, Xia Duo might have been able to save that Elf's life. He couldn't resurrect an Elf, but cloning an Elf body for a Life Extension Spell was not difficult.

It was just that this also required time. If there had been sufficient time, perhaps Crown King Akaola would not have chosen this Life Extension plan.

Of course, under the current circumstances, that Elf might not necessarily die. Perhaps Akaola had some secret method to save or temporarily preserve their vitality.

But regardless, this kind of sacrifice was something that should not have happened.

Although this did not happen to someone he was familiar with, as they were all beings of Wisdom, Xia Duo still felt deeply about this sense of powerlessness when weak.