The Rise of the Black Plain

As soon as they entered Elves Island, Minos' group was guided through the territory by the elf who had joined them a few moments ago, with this Demigod showing them where to go while introducing the city.

"Elves Island is not large, but we still have six cities here, three cities exclusively for elves in the center of our territory, and three other cities where beings of other species are free to come and go.

In regular times, the island would be open to visitors. However, given our current circumstances, only authorized personnel with good reason to be here are allowed on the island. That's why you can see that this city we're in is so sparsely populated."

"What about the people attending the Continental Tournament? Will there be no crowds at this edition of the competition?" Ruth asked.

"There will be, but it will be smaller than other editions. Many people who normally come for the attraction won't venture out into the world under the current circumstances. Only participants, gamblers, and powerful people are expected to attend the event.

The audience for this edition will be smaller. However, the city will still be filled with beings from different parts of our world, Your Majesty. You were one of the first to arrive here, so it's natural that you will see less movement in this city." The elf smiled before showing the group interesting monuments and places to visit in their spare time.

After a while of walking through the main streets of that city that could comfortably house up to 60,000 beings in humanoid form, the group came to a large resort where rulers or representatives of heads of state would stay during this period.

"This is where you'll be staying for the next month." The elf said. "The entire building we're in will be at your group's disposal only, so make yourselves at home here." The group members looked around with interest, understanding that the other 30 or so buildings in this paradisiacal area of the city would individually serve the strongest powers in the world.

The elf continued his explanation. "Here, you can move freely. But when you move around the city, you must carry your identification with you and, if possible, be accompanied by a member of the Elven Guard." He said, having already handed over the IDs of each of the people in Minos' group.

"Anyway, I'll stay with you until the end of the day to answer your questions and introduce you to the city. When you're ready, let me know. I'll show you where the Continental Tournament will be held." He said as he led the way for the group to settle into their temporary home on Elves Island.

The Continental Tournament lasted from 7 to 14 days, depending on how some of the games went. Since Minos and his team had arrived a little early, they might have to stay on Elves Island for a whole month. After the elf's words, the group quickly entered the building that would be their home for the next few weeks, each choosing where to stay, and the Black Plain Army personnel quickly familiarized themselves with the place.

Without stopping to rest, Minos, his wives, and children soon returned to the entrance of the building, eager to finish getting to know this place.

"We are not that tired. Please finish showing us the town." Sarah said, anxious and a little excited for the tournament to begin.

The elf didn't refuse and soon began to lead them to the central part of the city, where most of the tournament would take place, where the places for registration, betting, viewing, stands, shops, etc., were located.

On the way, the group passed other newcomers, who watched them carefully because of Minos' identity.

But they didn't see any old acquaintances and didn't stop to talk to anyone. They just followed the Demigod for the next two hours, visiting the most important places in the city, learning more about the area, and even hearing local stories.

As they were about to finish their exploration, Minos felt something calling him from the north, a sensation too strong for him to ignore.

'That fluctuation...' He looked in the direction of the beautiful forests of Elves Island while the people in his group realized that something wasn't right.

The elf observed Minos, understanding what the ruler must have felt.

"Minos, is something wrong?" Isabella asked worriedly.

The elf explained to the group. "What His Majesty Stuart is feeling must be because of his old deal with an elf. It's nothing dangerous as long as he doesn't ignore it."

The elf looked at Minos and advised him. "Your Majesty, you should follow this feeling and sort out what there is to sort out. My leaders have warned me that you would do this, so don't worry. No elf will stand in your way if you just go for it."

Minos folded his hands and said. "That's what I'll do. But what about my deal with Aurae? When do I get access to that place?"

"About that, you should take care of your personal affairs first. After that, someone will take you to the place of your interest." The elf replied, not liking that his tribe had given Minos access to the Tree of Life.

Unfortunately, he was too small to fight him. Since someone like Aurae had already made up her mind about it, he and the other elves could only keep their feelings to themselves!

With that in mind, Minos said to his group. "Enjoy the city until the start of the Continental Tournament. I might be gone for the next few days, so don't expect me."

"Okay." The people in the group replied before watching Minos leave in a northerly direction. Minos didn't hesitate to leave the city he was in and ran so fast towards his destination that, after only five minutes, he couldn't see the city on the horizon anymore.

The closer he got to where he was going, the stronger the previous feeling in his being became.

As he felt the place he was supposed to go become more and more tangible, Minos clenched his fists as he remembered the woman who had forced an agreement with him decades ago.

With her face in his mind, he murmured the name of the one who had put herself in a position to steal his destiny. "Ayla Daeharice, I'm here to finish our deal!"

After saying this, he stopped in front of an ancient castle where he could feel a level 91 aura in the place where he could feel something calling him.

As he stopped in front of the place where more than 30 elves lived and worked, Minos soon saw someone appear at one of the entrances to the place.

It was a woman whose appearance he remembered very well, someone he had met when he was only level 79 during his journey to the core of the Ancestral Sea.

She still looked the same as she did then, with long, straight blonde hair and a breathtaking beauty.

But now she was much stronger, having advanced many levels to become a level 91 Demigod.

"Minos Stuart." She murmured the name of the person she had made a deal with decades ago, finally coming to the realization of that deed.