Vaelorion stood up, "Please, follow me. I want to show you something that might be useful to you for your current situation."
Vincent was intrigued, but then suddenly asked, "My current situation?"
Vaelorion replied while looking at him deeply, "I don't know how it is possible that you have a broken essence seed, yet you are still alive."
"Honestly, I never saw one personally, only heard rumors that such a thing existed."
Vincent was stunned, "How did you find out?"
Vaelorion pointed at his hand.
"My blood?"
Vaelorion nodded, "It's very faint, but your blood contains very small amounts of plant, water and dark essences. Blood usually does not carry essence within it, unless… something happened to it."
Vincent narrowed his eyes.
But Vaelorion's next words made him freeze in place.
"I assume you have around 11 to 13 months of life remaining until all essence completely leaks out from the seed and it explodes within your body, destroying most of your organs."
"..." Though Vincent was surprised, inwardly he was strangely calm about this information.
Slowly exhaling, he spoke, "I felt that something was wrong, but just couldn't understand what exactly," he looked at the High Elder, "Thank you. Now I have a clear view of my situation."
'I thought I had more time… I need to hasten my plans. I can't waste any time now.'
"Elder, since you now know my predicament, I can't waste time. I need to find a solution to fix my essence seed or at least do something that can prevent my death."
Vaelorion also knew it.
Without saying anything further, he placed the Sacred Dark Oak branch on the table and left the house and Vincent followed after packing his stuff.
The High Elder wasn't worried that something happened to the branch as 'it' had already noticed its presence.
After around 20 minutes, Vaelorion and Vincent arrived at a certain location in the forest but within the Red Maple's barrier.
It was a small lake around 50 meters in diameter.
Standing at the shore, Vincent couldn't help but enjoy the scenery.
Birds on trees, chirping.
Small animals coming and going to drink the clear water.
A calm wind blowing through tall trees…
Everything here was in harmony.
But then Vincent's eyes shifted towards something at the center of the lake.
It was a house, but not like anything he had yet seen. It was floating on the water as if repelling it or better to say… the water refused to touch it.
A bizarre scene.
A complicated expression appeared on Vaelorion's face, "Come with me to meet someone."
With the slight wave of his hand, a green energy emerged from his palm and began to transform into a solid wooden boat.
Vaelorion stepped in, and Vincent followed.
As they slowly went towards the centre, Vincent observed his surroundings in curiosity.
This… was the most beautiful place he ever saw.
If only he could live here with Alisia…
Deeply exhaling, he put those thoughts to the side.
Until he fixes the problem with his essence seed, he can forget about seeing her.
Vincent calmly looked around and noticed something.
There were no elves around here.
'Is this some restricted area?'
Suddenly, a small bird flew onto their boat.
It curiously looked at the two before flying away.
"Interesting place, isn't it?" Vaelorion spoke.
"It is. I wouldn't mind spending my life in a place like this," then Vincent's gaze shifted towards the lone house in the centre and chuckled slightly, "but sadly, someone has already settled here."
"Vaelorion… you brought… an interesting guest…"
Suddenly, a calm voice resounded straight in his head. It felt as if it was his own voice talking to him.
Vincent's heart trembled.
'Such control of soul force…'
Even when Vaelorion casually invaded his soul, he didn't feel this weak.
Just this mysterious voice made his soul screamed in alarm.
'The 4th Stage!?'
'No... It must be the equivalent of Soul Refinement 4th Stage.'
This was the first time Vincent came into contact with someone of this calibre.
Never had he felt this powerless before.
Vincent was completely helpless if that person had ill intentions towards him.
Their boat gradually arrived at the house on the water.
"Enter…" a faint female voice was heard from within the house, inviting the duo.
Taking a deep breath, Vincent stepped out from the boat.
Vaelorion had a complicated expression as he followed suit and looked at the old wooden door.
Vincent didn't know who was behind this door, but… his blood was giving an odd feeling.
Vincent didn't enter first and waited for Vaelorion.
Only after High Elder entered, so did Vincent.
After passing the door, Vincent was greeted with a similar style house like the two he saw before, but unlike them, this one was decorated with various plants and flowers on walls, giving a very pleasant smell.
But his eyes soon shifted towards the window.
He saw the back of a tall female.
Her long silver-gold hair reached the floor, yet it didn't stain it in any way as her hair was magically glistening in the sunlight while slightly dancing from the calm breeze that was passing through the window.
The snow-white robe also added a sense of complete purity to her image.
Vincent stared at her back before he suddenly saw how Vaelorion… bowed down.
'Is she… No. There's no way she's a member of Royal blood. Then…'
He observed this woman calmly yet carefully.
This was his first encounter with one of the only two revered groups of elves.
It was a person who will outlive everyone, except a certain few.
And if not killed, she would have to see the death of her closest ones. See them go while she remains, carrying all those memories with her.
And if lived long enough, witnessed something that no one could see.
Vincent can't even begin to imagine that.
An immortal person who elves call in veneration.
A High Elf.