Rebirth : The Alchemist's Path

As Sylvus gazed in the same direction, a figure appeared at the end of the alley. A woman with long, flowing blonde hair, eyes as blue as emeralds, a silver crown adorning her head, and a white gown trimmed with gold lace stood there. The dress, royal in design, gave off a noble air. The woman's appearance was exquisite and regal, her beauty commanding awe.

Although her face held a cold and distant expression, there was a natural warmth and charm emanating from her presence. Just by standing still, she seemed like the center of the world.

With just one glance, Sylvus felt a sense of inferiority, as if he wasn't worthy. He couldn't even muster the thought of disrespect. This woman was none other than Queen Louis Elena, ruler of the Elven race, and by extension, the forests of the entire continent of Eslar. She wasn't alone.

Beside her were Princess Xiya and several other female elves, each of whom possessed striking beauty, leaving all the residents of the Holy City frozen in admiration. Even some of the women couldn't help but be mesmerized by their looks.

Ronald, with a glimmer of hope in his eyes, exclaimed, "Queen of the Elves, you've finally arrived!" Had she not appeared, their fate would have likely been sealed in this dire situation. The arrival of Elena gave Ronald a flicker of hope for survival.

Elena cast a glance at Ronald, and then her gaze shifted towards Sylvus. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes; she hadn't expected this human man to have bested the Dwarf King.

Sylvus, with a smirk on his face, asked mockingly, "So, are you here to save them?"

In a calm, cold tone, Elena responded, "The Elven race has always had good relations with the Dwarves. If you insist on attacking them, the Elves will not stand idly by."

Normally, Elena wouldn't care much about the fate of the Dwarves. But this time was different; the undead situation was urgent, and she needed every ally possible. The Dwarves could not afford to fall at this time.

Next to her, Princess Xiya smiled coldly as she watched Sylvus, seemingly confident that with the queen present, his arrogance would be put in check.

Sylvus chuckled. "Queen of the Elves? You're standing too far away. I can't see you clearly!"

And with that, an invisible force surged toward Elena.

"Moonlight's Salvation!" Elena reacted swiftly, surrounding herself with a spiritual light to counter the invisible force.

But Sylvus let out a cold snort. In an instant, Elena's protective light shattered, and the invisible force dragged her directly in front of Sylvus. His right hand clasped around her neck.

The scene left the elves, and everyone present, stunned. The revered and powerful Elven Queen, an untouchable figure in their eyes, had been subdued in mere moments.

"Let go of the Queen!" several elves cried out in panic, launching powerful magical attacks toward Sylvus.

Sylvus merely cast them a glance and waved his hand. Instantly, the magic of the attacking elves vanished, and they were flung against the walls, bound and unable to move.

The crowd inhaled sharply at the sight, especially Ronald. Just moments ago, he had thought himself saved. Now, even the Elven Queen had been captured.

Up close, Sylvus grinned, taking in Elena's appearance. "You really are beautiful up close," he said softly, a fragrant scent drifting from her that made him feel momentarily intoxicated. Elena's face, with its almost devilish perfection, seemed like it had been carefully sculpted, flawless in every detail.

"These ears are quite delicate," Sylvus mused, running his hand over her. "Isn't that crown heavy?" he continued, his hand roaming over her body. "And that waist...feels rather nice."

As Sylvus's hand trailed over her body, Elena's icy demeanor only grew colder. Yet, a flush of red crept across her face. The onlookers were shocked, yet some couldn't help but feel envious. This was the Elven Queen, a goddess in the eyes of many, being toyed with by Sylvus so openly.

Beside him, Meylan watched in admiration, his eyes gleaming with respect for his boss. If even the Elven Queen was in Sylvus's grasp, then what did that make him, the humble shop assistant?

"Let go of me," Elena said, her voice as cold as ice. Anyone who heard it would feel as if they had been plunged into a freezing abyss. But Sylvus only smiled slightly, seemingly unfazed.

"And if I don't? What will you do?" Sylvus taunted.

Elena bit her lip, attempting to break free, but found herself powerless, her strength completely sapped. Panic began to rise in her chest. For the first time, she found herself in a situation where she had no control. As the Queen of the Elves, people always treated her with reverence. Yet here, this man showed her none, going so far as to humiliate her.

If her gaze could kill, Sylvus would've been torn to shreds by now.

Seeing that Elena had fallen silent, Sylvus turned his attention back to Ronald. "So, this is your backup? They don't seem to be very impressive."

Ronald gulped. This man was a demon. Before encountering him, the Dwarves and Elves were forces that no one dared provoke. But now, here they were, at the mercy of this single individual. Even the revered Elven Queen was at his mercy. Compared to her, what did they matter?

Trembling, Ronald quickly spoke, "My lord, we admit our mistakes. We will fulfill the promises we made to you. We will craft everything you asked for."

Sylvus smirked. "And how long will that take?"

"Five years...no, no! Three years...no, one year! My lord, at least one year. That's the absolute minimum we need," Ronald stammered, fear clear in his voice.

To complete all the designs—over a hundred—within a year, even with all the manpower of the Dwarves, was a monumental task.

Sylvus nodded slowly, then turned his gaze back to Elena, a faint smile on his lips. "And what do you have to say about this?"