Chapter 124: Going Home Together

Patrick contemplated the fact that the fertile topsoil had been lifted into the sky along with the city of Sun-Day, leaving behind only clay layers devoid of agricultural value. He decided to assign a new project to the mages in the tower: "Upon returning to the Spire of the Sun, you must have noticed that a large portion of the topsoil across the central Ghostlands has vanished due to the floating of the city, exposing a barren, brownish-yellow earth."

"Therefore, I have decided that the mages of the Spire of the Sun shall practice the application of Arcane Mimicry. By skillfully utilizing its effects, you are to transmute arcane energy into earth elements to replenish the missing soil until the land is capable of cultivating elven wheat."

"As for the specifics, Ionis, you handle the arrangements. See to it that those mages master the casting techniques as soon as possible. Arcane Mimicry is the most fundamental metamagic skill; if one cannot master it, they will never become a top-tier spellcaster, regardless of how quickly their casting level might rise."

"As you command," Ionis replied, and the group took their leave.

The floating city was complete, but the construction of the city of Sun-Day had only just begun. Patrick was determined to keep the city in a state of constant progress, completely shedding the decadent and passive atmosphere of Silvermoon City.

Once everyone had departed, Patrick returned to his private chambers. Alleria had not attended the meeting; the rangers were under the capable leadership of Garinde Shalong, and Alleria felt entirely at ease leaving ranger affairs in her hands.

Patrick found Alleria reading on a lounge chair. "The Council has sent word of government business. The Kingdom of Stormwind has been attacked by an unknown humanoid species, leading to the nation's collapse. Duke Lothar has led refugees to land at Southshore, and King Terenas of Lordaeron is calling upon all nations to unite against this potential catastrophe."

Alleria showed no interest; she had no desire to hear about political affairs. "..."

"Come back to Silvermoon City with me."

The woman’s expression shifted instantly from overcast to clear, her face lighting up with a gentle, radiant smile. Her complexion was flawless, bestowing upon Patrick a sense of profound and enduring beauty.

"Brother-in-law, sister, what a grand display you’ve orchestrated," a familiar voice echoed from the doorway, making Alleria feel as though she had been caught in the act by her younger sister.

Alleria identified the visitor immediately: "It’s Sylvanas."

Upon receiving news of the Sun-Sanctum’s ascent, Sylvanas had made her way to the Spire of the Sun, possessed by an intuition that her sister, Alleria, would surely be there. As expected, Sylvanas reached Patrick’s chambers without obstruction; the elves of the Spire of the Sun dared not stop her.

Having served as the military commander of the Ghostlands for years, Sylvanas was an "old acquaintance" to Quelintris and Yanida, both of whom had served at the Sun-Sanctum for years and felt awkward barring her path. Others, aware of the unconventional relationship between Alleria and their Lord, surmised that Sylvanas would likely be the Lord’s sister-in-law, and dared not intervene.

Seeing her sister there, Sylvanas did not stand on ceremony, seating herself comfortably on the sofa. "While patrolling in the distance, I felt a tremor, and later saw the Sun-Sanctum slowly rising into the sky, so I came immediately to investigate."

Rangers are inherently lively and agile, and Sylvanas was no exception. Of the three sisters, only the eldest, Alleria, possessed a truly aristocratic air. Every gesture and smile was steeped in thousands of years of nobility. As the eldest daughter of the Windrunner family, Alleria had to master all aristocratic etiquette, maintaining a perfect facade before others to uphold the dignity of a high-ranking family of Silvermoon City.

Observing Alleria’s expression, Sylvanas continued, "A floating city—a truly divine miracle. It seems I, too, shall need to seek out a mage gentleman."

The first half of her sentence was pleasant enough, but the latter half was a blatant tease directed at Alleria.

Alleria, however, remained composed and generous. Knowing that Patrick was preparing to fulfill his promise and that their relationship would soon be made public, she felt no embarrassment.

Thinking quickly, Alleria retorted, "Perhaps some elf has already found one. When do you intend to bring him out for me to examine?"

Sylvanas choked, left speechless.

Patrick stepped in to defuse the situation. "Alleria and I will be returning to Silvermoon City shortly, and we will then proceed to Windrunner Village to formally propose to the Windrunner family."

As he spoke, Alleria gazed at Patrick with deep affection. The day had finally arrived.

"Ugh, can you two show some restraint? It’s so mushy the moment you arrive," Sylvanas grumbled to herself.

After settling the minor matters, Patrick took Alleria’s hand, and the two instantly teleported back to Silvermoon City, to the mage tower of the Cabolon family.

Upon their arrival, the appearance of Patrick and Alleria drew the attention of many clansmen. As the eldest daughter of the Windrunner family, her stunning beauty and perfect figure were already renowned throughout all of Silvermoon City.

Patrick continued to employ levitation magic, and since Alleria bore Patrick’s mark, she naturally shared in the spell’s effect. Pale blue arcane roses bloomed beneath their feet as the two walked through the air, stepping upon the blue flowers as they made their way toward the family estate.

His brother Patterson was the first to speak: "Why can I no longer sense the arcane energy you usually radiate, brother?"

Their mother merely smiled lovingly, watching Alleria by his side without saying a word.

Their father seemed to detect a hint of the truth, but dared not be certain: "A spiritual power that has almost merged with the surrounding environment. Remarkable, truly remarkable."

Seeing his parents and brother, Patrick shed his facade toward outsiders and allowed his true emotions to surface. "Father, Mother, Brother—I have internalized my arcane power so that its essence no longer dissipates aimlessly."

Under the expectant gazes of his family, Patrick addressed the question they cared about most: "I have reached the ninth tier."

The atmosphere of the entire family seemed to freeze for a moment, and even passing clansmen stopped in their tracks, as if locked in time, before erupting into thunderous cheers.

The ninth tier. During the construction of the floating city, that brief moment of crisis had solidified Patrick’s resolve. He had realized and clarified his own path of the arcane, receiving the permit to the road of legend and successfully reaching the starting line of the legendary realm.

With little time to spare, Patrick stated his intentions directly to his father: "Father, the Council has summoned me back to discuss a request from the human kingdoms. The Kingdom of Stormwind has failed in war, driven out of Stormwind City by an unknown green creature. They are now in Lordaeron, meeting with other human kings to discuss raising an army for vengeance to reclaim Stormwind." With that, Patrick looked at Alleria, who nodded in confirmation.

His brother, father, and mother seemed to have guessed what was coming, and Alleria appeared somewhat nervous, for the moment she had been waiting for had finally arrived.

With the elf’s silent consent, Patrick continued: "I have found an elf I love. It is Alleria Windrunner."