Floating Island - Triple S Talent

In an instant, a black sword floated in the air, radiating an overwhelming aura that caused the surrounding air to tremble slightly. Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire

"This is a gift from my brother, Lady Tauriel," Nita said sincerely. "A token of gratitude for allowing me to use the Silent Forest Elf's Crystal Core."

Tauriel gazed at the sword with a serious expression. There was something different about this weapon. Her breath felt slightly heavier—not out of fear, but from the realization that this sword was no ordinary blade. It felt alive, as if it had a will of its own.

She extended her hand, feeling the energy flowing from the blade. Her fingers brushed against the seemingly dull metal, yet the aura it exuded was so sharp it felt as though it could pierce the soul itself. Tauriel had the distinct sense that this sword was capable of cutting not just flesh, but the very essence of existence.

"A remarkable sword..." she murmured softly, her voice nearly drowned out by the whispering breeze over the lake. She continued to examine the weapon closely, her keen eyes scrutinizing every detail she could perceive.

"Please convey my gratitude to Young Master Lein," she added, still unable to tear her gaze away from the sword.

Nita smiled faintly and nodded. "You're welcome, Lady. Then, I shall take my leave now."

With light steps, Nita slowly retreated. Then, without a sound, her figure vanished like a shadow swallowed by the light, leaving Tauriel alone by the silent lakeside.

Tauriel stared at the black sword for a moment before carefully storing it. Her gaze then returned to the lake's surface, which reflected her image along with the trees around her.

"How is this possible?" she murmured softly, barely audible. Her mind was still filled with curiosity. It had been a long time since anything had truly surprised her, but what had just occurred had shaken her deeply.

As an elf, she had been blessed with a long lifespan and vast knowledge. The Silent Forest Realm, her homeland, had stood strong for eons, sustained by the Guardians who had always protected it. She herself had witnessed countless wonders and secrets of the world. Yet, what she had seen today made her question everything she had believed in.

Long ago, in her youth, Tauriel had believed that anything in this world could be achieved with enough effort. Becoming a Guardian had been an inevitable goal for her, as a noble-born elf. Nothing was impossible. But after witnessing Nita's extraordinary transformation in such a short time, she began to wonder—was there a power greater than what she had ever known?

"I must not become an enemy of this realm…" she whispered, barely audible. The confidence that had once filled her eyes now carried a hint of caution.

The day grew brighter. Realizing she could not afford to dwell in her thoughts for too long, Tauriel took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She had to prepare for the upcoming event.

In the blink of an eye, her figure vanished from the lakeside, leaving behind only the faint trace of her presence in the warming air.

***

Tree of Life – Tree's Base

At the northern part of the Tree's base, the entrance gate was crowded with people arriving with burning enthusiasm. Cheers echoed from various corners, creating a lively and spirited atmosphere. The attire they wore reflected their personalities and backgrounds. Some donned traditional clothing from different regions of Earth, bringing a nostalgic touch from their homeland. Others dressed as superheroes, embodying their adventurous and joyful spirits. Some opted for formal attire, while others dressed casually. There were no strict dress codes—everyone was free to express themselves as they pleased.

Since this event was also attended by people from various alliances, diversity was vividly apparent. White skin, slanted eyes, high-bridged noses, and hair of different colors—all mingled without barriers, without distinctions. They spoke in their respective languages, but thanks to advanced translation technology, communication remained seamless. Laughter, jokes, and discussions filled the entry lines, forming a harmonious symphony of civilizations.

However, amid this colorful crowd, the Cui race and the Silent Forest Elves stood out in a different way. It was not because of their clothing or appearance but because of the aura radiating from their bodies. Their energy felt deeper, more intertwined with nature. The people of Earth, though unaccustomed to it, could instinctively sense the difference. The sensation was akin to standing before an unyielding mountain breeze or being near an ancient tree that had held the world's secrets for centuries.

Among the sea of humans and beings of various races, a group of students from the Star Academy walked along the main path toward the gate with confident strides. Nova and Pele walked side by side, their eyes attentively scanning the crowd.

"Pele, what do you think? Are they strong?" Nova asked, his voice flat, but a hint of unease flickered in his eyes. His gaze was fixed on the students from the Cui race sect and the Silent Forest Elves, who moved gracefully, seemingly untouched by the surrounding commotion.

Pele, always calm, glanced briefly before replying casually, "They are very strong, and there are a lot of them."

The answer was simple, but it carried significant weight. What he stated was an undeniable fact. The Divine Sky Realm was less than a year old, meaning that most top human students had only reached Tier-2. There were indeed a few who had advanced to Tier-3, but their numbers were still scarce.

Nova let out a quiet sigh. A sense of pessimism crept into his thoughts. He did not expect to change this reality overnight, but when it came to inter-racial duels, everyone wanted to see their race emerge victorious.

Seeing his friend's expression, Pele patted Nova's shoulder lightly and offered a small smile. "Don't worry. We are not that few. The academies from other alliances also have formidable strength," he said with confidence. "The Holy Moon Academy from the Arab alliance, the Divine Katana Academy from the Japanese alliance, and the Rasputin Academy from the Russian alliance—they all have talented students who can be relied upon."

Nova nodded slowly. Pele's words brought a slight sense of relief to his heart, though the lingering concern remained. He could only hope that luck would be on their side this time.