The son of the God-Emperor in Warhammer Fantasy

Upon arriving in this world, Ryan discovered that the classic fantasy trio of elves, dwarves, and humans existed here as well. However, their relationships were quite different from what he had read in books like *The Lord of the Rings*.

Elves, the darlings of the heavens, naturally possess powerful magical affinity. Any elf can easily double as a wizard and another class. They are handsome, strong, and thousands of years ago created a brilliant civilization among the stars, with cities that roamed the cosmic void. Their radiant civilization shone brightly among the stars.

However, as their civilization peaked, they also became complacent and indulgent, engaging in reckless behavior. When the elves immersed themselves in universal subjugation, disaster followed. Some elves coveted the power of the gods, waging war against deities in the void, followed by internal strife. A horrific civil war engulfed the entire elven civilization.

According to some dark historical accounts, one of the four Chaos Gods was conceived and emerged during this civil war.

Centuries later, the once-glorious elven civilization was reduced to ruins. Due to the enormous internal strife and the suppression by the gods, the elves lost 99% of their population. Their magical prowess and technological advancements regressed thousands of years. The remaining frail and aged elves settled on the continent, and it was during this time that the last batch of elves made contact with humans, teaching them magic.

Dwarves, children of the mountains, boast advanced technology but no magic. They are irascible, extremely vengeful, and merciless. As the original inhabitants of this world, a conflict with the elves erupted after which both races were drawn into war. The already weakened elves suffered severe setbacks, but their glorious past left them with significant legacies. After a thousand years of war, the dwarves were driven into the depths of the mountains. Facing near extinction, the dwarven high king, Kazadni Ironbeard, sent envoys to seek help from a nearby human tribe.

Fortune for the dwarves, misfortune for the elves, because that human tribe was the Carolingians, led by Chieftain Charlemagne.

Despite historically poor relations with the dwarves, Charlemagne decided to aid them, personally leading human warriors over mountains to attack the elves from behind.

Could human troops match the battle-hardened elven armies? No, they couldn't. Elven armies, with their illustrious cultural legacy, excelled in tactics and formations.

Could human troops match the elves in equipment? Again, no. At the time, human craftsmanship was primitive, producing only simple weapons.

But the sheer ferocity and bravery displayed by human soldiers shocked the elves. Accustomed to gentlemanly warfare and orderly engagements, the elves' formations fell apart when faced with a surprise rear assault. Their morale, already low from prolonged stalemates, crumbled. The front-line commander was swiftly decapitated by Charlemagne, and with the dwarves' pincer attack, the elven army was annihilated.

After this battle, humanity and dwarves forged the most sacred alliance. Charlemagne and Kazadni agreed that when the dwarves needed help, humans would come to their aid without hesitation, and vice versa. 

This agreement, known as the "Sacred Alliance," remains in effect to this day.

Combining dwarven high technology with humanity's strong learning capabilities, Charlemagne led his forces to sweep across the land.

Two centuries later, the last regimented elven army was crushed by a human-dwarf coalition, and the Eternal King of the elves perished in the battle. The elves were forced to negotiate peace with humans, with most retreating to islands for recuperation, calling themselves High Elves.

Later, the High Elves further split into Dark Elves.

A small number chose to remain in the mainland forests, calling themselves Wood Elves.

The Saint Lorenzo Forest is a major settlement for Wood Elves.

The Wood Elves are reclusive, caring only about their forests. Rarely do they venture out, but Estelle, a half-elf, was different.

Half-elves are a beautiful accident.

It's well-known that humans and elves are not reproductively isolated. Although most elves reside in forests or on islands, some do travel the mainland or settle in human settlements. Elves are drawn to human vitality, while humans are enchanted by elven grace, leading to occasional intermarriages. For elves, these unions are fleeting due to human lifespans. However, they leave behind offspring: half-elves.

Half-elves find it hard to fit into elven society due to their early maturation, making them feel out of place. Conversely, in human society, they mature more slowly. Most half-elves live among humans due to the greater acceptance and sense of belonging. Some gather in half-elf-exclusive towns, like Twilight City in the southern free city-states.

Given their unique status, half-elves get along well with various races, including humans, dwarves, and halflings, though they despise orcs, who are nearly extinct on the continent.

"I've heard much about you, Mr. Ryan. Your exploits have been well-known during my years in Nord," Estelle began with flattery, which Ryan cut short: "Get to the point, Mr. Estelle."

The half-elf's smile faltered.

His good looks, a product of his lineage, often made him a favorite in human society.

"Please be direct, Mr. Half-elf," Teresa interjected, feeling somewhat bothered by his presence.

"Yes, get to the point, Mr. Estelle. We knights prefer straightforwardness. If you have a request, state it plainly. I have other matters to attend to," Ryan added, uninterested in wasting time.

"Alright, Mr. Ryan. I'm employed by the Imperial merchant Matz, whose caravan is currently stuck in this town. We wish to depart for Mijo Den Haven soon to seek passage. However, we haven't been able to meet the lord. We heard you're acquainted with Mr. Villard. Could you introduce us?" Estelle asked directly, sensing Ryan's seriousness.

Estelle's polite and graceful manner, coupled with his handsome features, made it easy for people to feel at ease around him.

"An introduction, is it..." Ryan stroked his chin, contemplating.

According to Oliver's news yesterday, several caravans were indeed stranded in Karlzten Haven due to the northern barbarians' mobilization and the presence of sea monsters, making sea routes temporarily unusable. The northern route was also blocked.

This left the merchants with the southern route to Nord's largest port, Mijo Den Haven.

However, the journey from Karlzten Haven to Mijo Den Haven was fraught with danger, involving traversing two mountains, Hodalan and Skaviel, known for their peril.

Ryan suspected the merchants wanted to hire Villard's soldiers for protection.

Seeing Ryan frown, Estelle thought he was hinting at something and spoke slower, even somewhat condescendingly: "Rest assured, Mr. Ryan, there will be a reward."

"That's not my concern." Ryan raised a hand, indicating he wasn't after money.

He was considering traveling companions since he and Teresa might also head to Mijo Den Haven.

Teresa, leaning on her staff, had no intention of involving herself with this, given her lack of rapport with Villard.

"There's a banquet tonight." After a while, Ryan said slowly.

"Banquet?"

"Yes, at six-thirty. Lord Villard is hosting a banquet at his residence. My suggestion is if Mr. Matz wants to contact the lord, he should find a way to attend this banquet. That might be an ideal solution," Ryan said. "For various reasons, I can't directly intervene, but I can tell you that I also plan to head south, so let's stay in touch."

"I'll convey this to Mr. Matz," Estelle replied, his spirits lifted by the news that Ryan might also head south. Maintaining his graceful demeanor, he nodded and bowed.

Having said his piece, the half-elf left without further ado.

"Shall we head to the docks?" Ryan shrugged, smiling at Teresa. "Quite the handsome half-elf, isn't he?"

"Yes, indeed. Though his attitude is somewhat haughty, it's not off-putting," Teresa followed, her staff in hand. Despite Estelle's slight aloofness, his demeanor felt appropriate for his kind.

"That's the racial trait of half-elves. They naturally possess an approachable aura due to their elven bloodline, while their human blood makes them relatable. So, despite his arrogance, we don't feel much aversion," Ryan nodded.

Half-elves' innate charm often made them excellent mediators among various factions, moving gracefully through high society's events and courts.

Unlike true elves, who saw humans as "unrefined monkeys," half-elves merely saw themselves as somewhat superior by blood, a slight arrogance that humans could easily overlook.

"Yes, many nobles like having half-elf lovers, only to find them still youthful when the nobles grow old," Teresa noted, knowing such stories from her presence in high society's gatherings.

Half-elves, even common ones, live 180-250 years, far outliving short-lived humans.

"But you seem immune to his high charm?" Teresa inquired.

"Well, that's because..." Ryan deliberately trailed off.

"Because?"

"Firstly, I'm not interested in men. Secondly, with such a beautiful lady by my side, how could I be captivated by an ordinary half-elf?" Ryan's gaze lingered on Teresa's lovely face. Even in the dead of winter, her beauty remained undiminished—skin like cream, bright eyes, and a radiant smile.

Teresa said nothing, but her smile and

 sparkling eyes betrayed her pleasure.

"Of course, it mainly comes down to my disinterest in men. The rest is secondary," Ryan added, making Teresa's face darken. "You could've kept that last part to yourself."

"Honesty is one of the knightly virtues, dear Teresa."

"Hurting a lady's feelings isn't gentlemanly."

"Ah, but I can't change my nature as a knight or a gentleman based on your whims. My knighthood is my bones; being a gentleman is my flesh. Both are inseparable, yet sometimes one must be prioritized over the other, don't you think?"

"Tch, a knight who loves sophistry?"

"A sorceress who loves to prattle?"

Their banter continued until they reached their destination: Karlzten Haven's docks.

In the depths of winter, Ryan saw a scene of white sea and blue sky. Unless extreme cold set in, the ocean, under the sea god's blessing, rarely froze. The docks were bustling with fishing boats, passenger ships, and merchant vessels. Fishermen, sailors, guards, and tax collectors moved about. Seeing newcomers, the dockworkers, many in tattered clothing, rushed over, hoping for work. Some, in the bitter cold, wore only thin garments, supporting their families with hard labor.

Many were dirty, with matted beards and hastily tied hair. Seeing the rush, Teresa instinctively stepped back, and Ryan stepped forward to shield her.

Seeing the knight's insignia, the crowd backed off, leaving a leader-like figure to approach: "Is there work, my lord?"

After detailed inquiries, the dockmaster confirmed the visitor's description, adding peculiar details about the visitor's attire and demeanor.

Ryan and Teresa exchanged a knowing look, sensing they were close to understanding the situation.

Further inquiries were interrupted by a strange vibration from the ground.

"What's that sound?" Teresa noticed, as did seasoned sailors and fishermen. Horses and dogs reacted anxiously.

Ryan instinctively looked towards the source: the turbulent sea, where countless shadows moved below the surface.

"Teresa, stand back!" Ryan ordered, her body not yet fully recovered.

"Prepare for battle! I command all dock guards by the authority of a White Wolf Knight!"

"Form ranks! Archers in front, swordsmen behind! Ready to engage!"

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A brief introduction to the world's setting. Another update tonight.