"Our origin is said to be through the very first World Tree. Our race was blessed for tending to it, and the first birthed guardian by the tree who contracted a female elf came to be known as the Mother of Elves, our first god and also who sacrificed her life alongside World Tree to preserve our lives in our previous home," Venyra said, her voice steady yet reverent.

"Yes. And the World Tree did not make us like other beings. Through its blessing, the high elves were born—able to live up to two thousand, even three thousand years. The normal elves, who once lived barely seventy to a hundred years like humans, now reach seven hundred to a thousand." Cyrandel leaned back, the soft glow from the mana lamps outlining the edges of her face.

"Now tell me… what would have happened if instead of us, humans received that blessing? Call it misfortune that they went extinct before the World Tree appeared and mana entered the world. But we cannot deny we are fundamentally the same beings—unlike demons, who embraced the blessings of carnal desire." Her tone sharpened, though she kept her expression composed.

"So, you can say, humans are the sole untainted beings—untouched by any force. Not blessed by the World Tree, not warped by desire, nothing. Pure, in a way… able to take any path."

Venyra frowned due to Cyrandel talking about humans, but she could not deny it as it was true. Cyrandel continued.

"And as you can see, with only five hundred years of mana, they're already catching up to us and the demons, who've had aeons to adapt. And let's not forget their Emperor—he's a completely a unhinged bastard."

"But that's only because we lost our research—" Venyra began resorting her, but Cyrandel lifted a hand, halting her.

"Back to the topic."

Cyrandel's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

"You said they're conducting a mass trial selection? More than two hundred thousand participants—far too many for their academies. Are they finally grasping the laws of the new world?" She tapped her lower lip with a slender finger.

"Yes, I'm certain they've somewhat understood how Beast Taming talent works. Your Majesty… this is bad." Venyra shifted uneasily, her ears twitching.

"Even if I hate to admit it, they're already strong—strong enough to contend with us and the demons. And as you said, their Emperor is unhinged. I'm sure he's collecting the bodies of dead candidates and beasts to advance—or even attempt that forbidden spell discovered in the ruins of the Beast World."

Cyrandel fell silent. The room cooled slightly as her mana stirred with her thoughts.

"No. Impossible. Even if they met the flesh-and-blood requirements, they would lack intelligent specimens. A hundred humans equals only one beast's intelligence…" She murmured calculations under her breath. Before she could continue, Venyra nodded quickly.

"Yes, Your Majesty, that is true. But I don't think they're trying to summon the real thing. More like… the diluted version."

Cyrandel's brow arched. "Diluted? What could they possibly be planning? birth another Royal Beast? Diluted results would amount only to that, based on what we've experienced."

"No," Venyra said, shaking her head slowly.

"I think, since it would be their first attempt, they plan to test the waters. They must have heard something from our own and demons' calls… and how dangerous they are. Requiring the presence of a Peak 8-star like yourself. Didn't the Human Emperor reach High 8-star recently?"

She paused, then clicked her tongue.

"Tsk. I still don't understand how he holds his ground despite being weaker than you—and the Demon Emperor too. Even you, Your Majesty—pardon me—struggle to hold your ground against the Demon Emperor. Yet the Human Emperor fights him every invasion like they're childhood rivals."

She exhaled sharply.

"Well, thanks to him, at least the Demon Emperor doesn't come here, finding more thrill over there."

Cyrandel shook her head, amused despite herself.

"No, you're just stating the truth. Unlike us, the humans played it cleverly—spreading teaching early about taming beasts of similar elements for maximum benefit. And it worked. The Human Emperor tamed only space and healing beasts, making him an almost absolute master in that field. Not like me, with spirit beasts of many kinds. My only advantage is that my beasts don't die and that my mana reserves vastly surpass theirs—allowing me to exhaust them and force them back."

Venyra nodded. Louis Von Arvonnon—an absolute monster in the domain of space, paired with near-immortal-like healing abilities. With his expertise, he could even challenge the Demon Emperor, who, despite only being a High 8-star as well, fought like something beyond comprehension thanks to demonic techniques. It was because of these three monsters—and the precarious balance created by their power and intelligence—that three dominant Empires existed at all. Not like the dwarves and others, who lived enslaved or buried themselves in caverns to escape torment.

The Sunborn territory existed too—dragons—but since they were technically beasts, they didn't count among the Empires.

"And I heard demons were loitering in the human trial territories?" Cyrandel asked, her tone growing thoughtful.

"Yes. From what we've inferred, the demons want to kill the human geniuses and gain a lead for future invasions. They must be planning something nasty."

"And? Do the humans know?"

"Some higher-ups do, but they're ignoring it. Because, technically… they also want people to die."

"Even then, don't you think two hundred thousand is a significant loss? Yes, they reproduce like rabbits, but still…"

"We don't know the exact details, but I'm sure they have countermeasures to ensure only the intended amount of deaths occur."

"Hmmm… looks like Louis finally took a bold step. How many years has it been since they discovered the other talents—and how they are connected to Beast Taming?"

"For other talents, forty years. Their connection to Beast Taming… only ten."

"Ten years…" Cyrandel exhaled softly, a faint, chilly breeze stirring as her mana reacted.

"I must admit—they prepared their mass gallows far quicker than we did…"

"But even so, our objective remains unchanged. Tell the girls to bring my grand… uh… grand-grand niece, along with her so-called lover. Tell them that if they succeed, they'll receive a chance to bathe in the World Tree's sap," Cyrandel said.

Venyra froze, her eyes widening like struck crystal.

"World Tree sap!? Your Majesty! Why would you offer such an invaluable treasure just for providing their cunts!"

Cyrandel's face darkened instantly, her expression curling into disgust.

"How many times must I tell you not to use such vulgar language inside the palace—especially when others can hear your thunderous voice?"

Venyra shrank back, shoulders drooping.

"Sorry, Cyr… it's just—a childhood habit…"

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