The destination of the journey finally revealed its outline in a secluded valley nestled by mountains and water, embraced by lush ancient trees.
The Moon Shadow Family's residence—the Night Shadow Manor—just as its name suggested, displayed the unique elegance and ancient style of the Elf Race in a meticulously crafted atmosphere of silence.
It sought to proclaim the nobility of its Bloodline heritage and the profound weight of its long history, while deliberately maintaining a harmonious posture of blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.
The main structure extensively utilized a rare material called "Moon White Rock," which presented a warm yet bright milky white color throughout, creating a dramatic yet perfectly harmonious contrast with the deep, rich greenery around it, appearing both elegant and eye-catching.
Ancient, sprawling vines were skillfully pruned and guided by expert gardeners, clinging perfectly to the white walls and carved Corridor Pillars, showcasing vigorous life without appearing messy in the slightest, thus maintaining the Elf Race's characteristic neatness and sense of order.
The convoy slowly halted before the massive wrought-iron gate engraved with the complex and mysterious Family Emblem of the Moon Shadow Family. Only after meticulous inspection by the sharp-eyed Elven Guards clad in light armor at the entrance did they slowly proceed into the Core area of the residence.
Third Master was the first to alight from his exclusive Carriage that signified his status. With fluid and practiced movements, he smoothed his already flawless Elven robe, quickly regaining his usual, almost rigidly serious expression.
He beckoned with a very small gesture toward A Mi and Xiao Ye, who had also dismounted and stood slightly awkwardly beside him.
"Follow me. Your current status and contributions have not yet reached the level required to meet the Family Head. There is no need to proceed to the main hall.
Go directly to the Guards' communal quarters to settle in. Familiarizing yourselves with the environment as soon as possible is your primary task right now."
The two nodded silently, simply following behind him quietly, like two fledgling birds mistakenly entering a magnificent palace, cautiously observing this World that was utterly different from the dilapidated Tree House and the noisy city.
As they walked, they saw quite a few figures quietly busy in the residence's spacious courtyard, corridors, and gardens.
Most of these people wore standardized Servant attire made of materials that were understated yet clearly high-quality. Their movements were light and silent, appearing extremely well-trained, like precisely wound mechanical instruments.
Furthermore, as far as the eye could see, from the gardeners trimming the plants to the maids polishing utensils, from the attendants delivering items to the low-ranking Guards on patrol, almost everyone was exclusively Elves.
When these Elven Servants saw Third Master passing by, they would immediately stop their work and bow slightly with a standard posture to pay their respects.
However, when their gazes inadvertently swept over A Mi and Xiao Ye behind Third Master, a flicker of curiosity and scrutiny would flash across their eyes, but that look was fleeting, like a dragonfly skimming water, and they quickly restrained it, returning to their work.
The entire interior of the residence was permeated by a suffocating sense of orderliness, yet it carried a cold atmosphere, difficult to penetrate, stemming from Bloodline and tradition.
Third Master led the way with composed steps and a steady rhythm, while speaking in a low, rapid voice without turning back, giving various instructions. His speaking pace was quite fast, clearly indicating that these rules were long imprinted upon his mind:
"Remember, the west wing of the residence is the living area for core family members. Do not approach without being summoned."
"The library and alchemy workshop on the east side require contribution points or special permission for entry."
"Daily schedules must be strictly adhered to; the Guards have a specific rotation roster."
"Also, watch your words and actions. Do not speak loudly, and do not casually converse with... non-designated personnel."
The pause in his speech seemed to carry an implied meaning.
Finally, he addressed the practical and crucial matter—compensation: "Your salary is calculated on a natural month basis. The base salary is two Silver Coins per month."
When he stated this figure, his tone was flat and unwavering, as if it were merely a trivial, self-evident starting point.
However, Xiao Ye, following behind him and diligently trying to memorize all the rules, had her eyes instantly widen to saucers upon clearly hearing the figure "two Silver Coins."
She even stumbled underfoot, tripped by a piece of Loose Gravel, and nearly fell flat on the ground. Fortunately, A Mi beside her was quick enough to grab her slender arm.
Two Silver Coins!
That was almost the amount they had managed to scrape together after risking their lives completing dozens of low-level Commissions!
And here, that was merely the base salary, issued reliably without needing to venture out on dangerous adventures!
She forcefully covered her mouth, her fingernails nearly digging into her palm, barely managing to prevent herself from crying out in extreme shock and disbelief. Yet, her eyes, filled with "incredulity," completely exposed the turbulent waves within her heart.
Third Master seemed to have eyes in the back of his head, accurately sensing Xiao Ye's lapse in composure. The corners of his always tightly pursed lips twitched upward almost imperceptibly, forming an extremely faint, almost helpless curve.
Right, he almost forgot, this little thing used to be a penniless pauper struggling for Survival at the bottom...
Third Master did not elaborate or slow his pace because of this. He simply continued speaking in that steady tone, as if the minor incident had never occurred: "The base salary is just the most fundamental guarantee, ensuring you can maintain basic living here.
The main source of income will still rely on actively participating in actual Guard duties and successfully completing assigned tasks to earn extra remuneration and valuable contribution points.
The better the performance and the more important and dangerous the tasks undertaken, the richer the final rewards will naturally be."
As he spoke, they passed through a relatively open gravel area marked with various training traces on the ground, arriving before a standalone, three-story stone-and-wood structure whose architectural style was noticeably rougher and more utilitarian than the main residence.
Although this house did not exude the Elven refinement and magical aura of the main residence, it was built to be very sturdy and durable.
The walls were constructed from large blocks of Bluestone, and the wooden parts showed signs of frequent maintenance. In the open space by the door, training equipment showing obvious wear, such as Wooden Stakes and stone locks, were casually placed.
Third Master stopped in front of the door, habitually cleared his throat, and then called out toward the inside, not too politely, his voice sounding particularly clear in this relatively "down-to-earth" area: "Old Stubborn Stone! Come out and meet the newcomers!"
As soon as his voice fell, the heavy wooden door of the house, bearing some traces of chopping, was violently shoved open from the inside with a loud "clank" in a manner bordering on rough.
A Dwarf, stocky and solid like a piece of Granite, with a wild red beard resembling burning flames, came out rubbing his eyes while grumbling.
He was wearing a set of Old Leather Armor that looked quite old, its edges frayed. He exuded a strong smell of Mead, so potent it could almost ignite the surrounding air.
At this moment, the fellow's face was unnaturally flushed due to alcohol, and his eyes, large as brass bells, appeared hazy and unfocused due to heavy intoxication.
But when he glared over, the depths of his eyes still held the terrifying fierceness and hostility belonging to a veteran of the battlefield.
"What's all the racket?! Which blind idiot is disturbing my drinking... Oh, it's Third Master."
The Dwarf Instructor called "Old Stubborn Stone" squinted, finally recognizing who it was. His tone slightly softened the soaring anger, but it still lacked any real respect, instead carrying a familiar impatience.
"Show some respect, Old Stubborn Stone. Mind your address."
Third Master's brow immediately furrowed; he felt a loss of face, especially in front of A Mi and Xiao Ye, the two "newcomers." He tried to reclaim some of the authority befitting a steward.
"Cut the formalities!" Old Stubborn Stone waved his hand, large as a cattail fan, completely unconcerned, and let out another loud, boisterous burp.
"I call you that because I respect you and am familiar with you! If it were some other Elven brat, I wouldn't even bother talking to them!"
He spoke in a rough voice, and his gaze, like two coarse brushes, swept over A Mi and Xiao Ye again without any attempt to hide his scrutiny and suspicion.
"Tsk, are these the new beanpoles? Skinny arms and legs, looking like they'd fall over in a strong wind—they don't look very durable!"
Third Master seemed long accustomed to Old Stubborn Stone's unruly attitude. Knowing that reasoning with a drunken Dwarf was futile, he bothered to waste no more words, stating plainly without changing his expression:
"I'm handing them over to you. You explain the rules here clearly to them. Arrange their lodging quickly, and devise a preliminary training plan based on their abilities."
Having said that, he didn't even glance back at A Mi or Xiao Ye, as if completing a routine handover task. He turned and strode away along the path they had come, with the elegant and standard gait characteristic of Elves.
A Mi and Xiao Ye stood rooted, exchanging helpless glances. The smell of Mead emanating from the Old Dwarf was almost dizzying.
Looking at the hot-tempered, rude, and clearly still alcohol-affected "Old Stubborn Stone" before them, a question arose in both their minds... "Can this fellow really be relied upon?"
"Hey! You two beanpoles! What are you spacing out for?!"
Old Stubborn Stone's voice exploded beside them like a Dwarf's powder keg, making their eardrums ring, instantly yanking them out of their chaotic thoughts.
"F-Follow me!" he barked roughly, then tilted his head back and took another large gulp from a liquid container he had somehow produced, the strong smell of alcohol washing over them again.
His steps were unsteady, and he staggered off in the direction opposite the house, toward a small grove of trees nearby, mumbling vaguely, "I'll... I'll take you to find a room... to settle..."
"Um... Mr. Old Stubborn Stone..."
Xiao Ye looked at his retreating back, hesitated for a long time, then finally mustered the courage and pointed with a voice as faint as a mosquito's whine toward the house behind him, the structure they were supposed to enter.
"Did... did you take the wrong direction? The quarters... are in this house, right?"
Old Stubborn Stone: ...
His massive frame froze abruptly, as if struck by a paralysis spell.
After a full two or three seconds, he very slowly turned his large, red-haired head, accompanied by a series of cracking joint sounds.
He looked blearily at the direction Xiao Ye was pointing, then at the dark little grove in front of him. A fleeting moment of extreme embarrassment seemed to cross his flushed face, but it was immediately covered by deeper intoxication and belligerence.
"(╬￣皿￣) Hmph!"
He let out a dissatisfied grunt from his throat, carrying a heavy accent of Dwarven dialect. No one could make out what he was muttering, likely complaints or excuses in Dwarven Language.
But he merely turned around sullenly, his steps slightly heavy, and walked toward the entrance of the three-story house, still muttering something foul under his breath.
A Mi and Xiao Ye watched this dramatic scene, each shrugging helplessly and exchanging a look that said, "Just as expected."
The two said no more, simply following the eccentric and thoroughly inebriated Dwarf Instructor at a "safe" distance, entering the dwelling that would be their temporary home in the Night Shadow Manor.