The evening arrived before they knew it, and two guards arrived before the sun went down, carrying two sets of white and green ceremonial clothes for Paul and Elaina.
-All elves wear these robes during celebrations or rituals.
Elaina explained when Paul asked about it.
He planned to wear his usual black and silver clothing, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
The pants, tunic, and sandals fitted him perfectly, which was surprising, as no one had taken any measurements, and the same was true about Elaina's dress.
Additionally, the symbols their attire had embroidered on it were not from Elaina's clan, but were the Blood Rabbit mark.
-Alright, how did they know that this is our family mark?
Paul asked.
-Since they knew where I had been all this time, and about everything that happened since you freed me from goblins, it's natural for them to know our mark.
Elaina giggled, seeing his surprised face, while Paul wanted to kick himself for not thinking before opening his mouth.
The guards escorted them to a large hall that resembled a shrine combined with a throne room.
The throne was placed in the middle, and it looked like it had grown instead of being built, which was most likely the case, since elves could manipulate plants to grow into shapes they needed.
Other than the two of them, there were hundreds of elves inside, and the assassin from the shadow blades was also present, wearing a robe that was almost identical to Paul's.
-Welcome.
The elder said, approaching them.
-The ritual will soon begin, so let me explain what will happen and what you need to do.
The elf said.
-I would appreciate that, since I have no clue how this is supposed to go.
Paul said with a sigh of relief.
-As you can see, there are twenty-four circles on the floor, surrounding the throne.
The elder pointed at the circles.
-When the ritual begins, the Lady of the forest will be placed on the throne, and
Every mage here will approach one of the circles and stand inside.
The moment you enter them, your mana will be drained slowly and sent into the throne to help the lady transform fully.
Once you feel your mana fall below half of your capacity, you will need to switch places with the next mage and proceed to replenish your mana before waiting for your turn again if it so happens that it will be required.
-Can you estimate how much mana will be needed for the transformation?
Elaina asked.
-Unfortunately, it is impossible, since the lady is well past the best age for her transformation.
However, I believe that with enough mana, she will be able to transform successfully, and with all the mages that gathered here, we can deliver an endless stream of mana for many days or even weeks if necessary.
Their further conversation was interrupted by the entrance of thirty golden guards in full armor, followed by twenty priestesses surrounding a stretcher on which the girl was carried in wearing a green tunic that was a bit too big for her.
Following them were another thirty guards, and Paul could see even more of them outside, surrounding the temple, or whatever this building was.
-Elder, would you explain to me why Dryads are so important?
Paul asked, seeing all of this security, and it didn't escape his notice that all the elves inside were armed as well.
-Even the human Emperor is not as protected as this child.
He added.
-I'm sorry, it had to slip my mind in all of the excitement.
The Elder apologized.
-You see, every realm except this one has dryads, and they are mostly protected if not outright worshiped.
The reason for it is that they are not only the ladies of the forests, but also their caretakers.
Additionally, their influence over the whole realm is great, since their presence allows the forests to enrich the mana and Qi of the realm.
-Since that's the case, then why were they wiped out in this realm?
Paul asked, shocked at this revelation.
-Because humans had no clue about it, and when we told them, they brushed it off, as our attempt to keep them away from the dryads.
Moreover, they desired the dryads' blood, so they hunted them down by any means necessary.
They only understood their mistake once the last Elder Dryad was killed and the quality of the powers in this realm fell drastically, making it extremely hard for anyone to reach the stage necessary to ascend to the next realm.
The elder explained.
-Now we have a chance to undo this damage, and with a Queen Dryad, we will be able to find more Elder Dryads who have yet to transform.
With any luck, this realm might have its mana and Qi restored to what they were thousands of years ago, in a span of a few years or decades at most.
-Thank you, Elder.
This was illuminating for me.
Paul thanked the elf, as it truly was important knowledge, which even his reincarnation soul didn't know about.
As they talked, the girl was placed on the throne by the priestesses and surrounded by six golden guards, while the rest dispersed to stand guard alongside walls and entrances.
-Our Lady has returned to us; now is the time for us to once again support her transformation.
The Elder Priestess said.
Her voice was not loud, but everyone present heard her loud and clear.
-Let the transformation ritual begin.
She added, and along with twenty-three priestesses, she was the first one to stand in the central circle.
As soon as they were in position, a green aura surrounded them, and the circles started glowing, revealing runes hidden underneath them.
Paul looked fascinated at this display of powerful magic.
The power surged towards the throne, following lines that were previously invisible, and as soon as it reached the throne, a pillar of green light erupted from beneath the throne, enveloping it and the girl seated on it, before it shot into the heavens.