I, the Weakest Human, Start with a Hundredfold Bonus Talent?

Chapter 81: Chapter81-Rebuilding and Expansion

"You have no idea what that existence truly means..."

"So, do you still think that one day I will become such a terrifying entity?"

"I never thought you could, but the master says you will. While I don't trust you, I unconditionally trust the master."

The [Deception Apostle] stretched, then patted John's shoulder and sighed.

"In any case, the next time we meet, I hope you will have become strong enough."

"I'd rather never see you again."

"Don't say that. I thought we were friends by now. Without me, wouldn't your life lack a bit of fun?"

John's response was silence.

"Are you leaving now?"

"Yes, it's urgent, and I can't delay. Goodbye."

With that, the [Deception Apostle] turned and leapt into the abyss, giving John no chance to ask further questions.

At this point, John didn't care to ask more. Compared to these irrelevant matters, he was more concerned about Helena and the others.

[Lust] was dead, and logically, the monster tide should have returned to normal. But such things could never be guaranteed, and he needed to check!

After reconnecting, John immediately crushed the teleportation scroll. After a few seconds of casting, the scene before him had drastically changed.

Looking at the elven habitat littered with corpses and the salty tang in the air, John frowned, his expression darkening.

"Monsters... all monster corpses. But... where are the elves?"

Not seeing any elven bodies was a good thing, but the problem was, John didn't see anyone at all!

Confirming Helena and the others' statuses, he found they were all severely injured but at least still alive.

The monster tide had receded, clearly over.

"Elaria! Exiled Immortal!"

"Lily! Helena!"

"Where are you!"

John called out repeatedly, his voice echoing through the forest, but there was no response.

"All gone?"

Seeing the palace sealed tightly by vines, John approached and knocked hard. In the next moment, the vines reacted swiftly, wrapping around John's ankle, about to throw him away!

At that moment, the vine's controller seemed to sense something and released John. The vines covering the palace's surface retreated into the ground.

"Johnny!"

Helena and Lily rushed out simultaneously, dragging their injured bodies into John's embrace.

"You've worked hard."

Seeing Lily's blood-stained little face, John couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

Unlike the previous major event, the goblin invasion, where they could retreat at any time to save themselves, this time they had no way out. If they had faltered, the entire elven race might have ceased to exist. Their bodies were the last line of defense.

Even with Elaria and Qing joining, the battle's tide wasn't entirely turned.

Especially Qing, if not for Exiled Immortal pulling him out of the monster tide at a crucial moment, he might have died again shortly after his resurrection.

With no other options, Elaria had all the survivors hide in the palace, protected layer by layer with vines, waiting for the disaster to end.

Only after [Lust]'s death did the monsters regain their sanity, and the carnage drove them away by instinct.

"Did... did we win?"

Elaria's eyes were red and wet as she looked pitifully at John. Hearing him say, "We won," her tears flowed uncontrollably, falling like a torrent.

At that moment, Elaria also wanted to throw herself into John's arms and share the joy of the moment.

Unfortunately, with so many of her people around, she couldn't let go of her pride.

"John... thank you."

"If it weren't for the elven warriors fighting desperately, no amount of preparation on my part would have made a difference. This victory belongs to every one of us."

"In the coming days, the elven race will likely be incredibly busy."

The habitat was completely destroyed, with only the palace remaining intact.

Elaria's implication was that she couldn't leave until the habitat was rebuilt.

"This monster tide revolt has allowed us to eliminate a large number of monsters. Perhaps we can take this opportunity to expand our habitat. Your Majesty, if you permit, please let me lead our people to expand outward!"

"The matter of expansion can be discussed later. For now, our priority is to rest and recover."

Elaria immediately dismissed Elowen's proposal, considering the bigger picture.

However, John had a different perspective.

"I actually think Elowen's idea is good. The monster uprising likely affected more than just the elves. Although the losses were heavy, the casualties were minimal. This is an opportunity for the elves to expand outward.

Rebuilding the habitat can be left to those without combat abilities. This is a chance that, if seized, could lead to the steady growth of elven power, eventually allowing us to completely control the forest."

"But..."

Elaria bit her lip, still hesitant.

She understood John and Elowen's thoughts, but after just experiencing a great battle, her people needed time to recover both physically and mentally.

"Don't hesitate anymore, Elaria. This experience should make you realize that standing still is a path to destruction.

The decrease in population and the lack of high-level combatants cannot be remedied by simply resting. More territory and more resources will lead to a larger population and stronger warriors!"

Elowen also chimed in, "Your Majesty, I swear on my life that I will not disappoint you!"

"...I understand. Elowen, once your injuries have healed, you may lead the first squad of warriors to expand outward. John, during this period, could you please stay with the elves and help them recover?"

"Of course. I'll stay until you've made your final decision, but don't take too long."

...

Destruction and renewal were proving true for the elves as well.

After the great battle, much was left to be rebuilt.

Elaria oversaw the reconstruction of their home, while Elowen led the elven warriors to expand outward, eradicating the remnants of goblins at the forest's edge, annexing their territory, and establishing forward outposts and temporary bases.

Although the population issue couldn't be resolved in a short time, the problem of insufficient habitat had already been addressed.

Stepping out of the palace into the sunset, Elaria looked down at the smiling faces of her people.

Though they had lost their homes, they had not lost hope.

"Seeing this, you must be very pleased, right? It won't be long before the elves are no longer the weak race they once were. They'll stand up bravely against oppression and protect one another."

John's voice came from behind her, and Elaria turned, her eyes full of emotion.

"I'm truly grateful I chose to let you stay that day. Without you, the elven race might have ceased to exist."

"Without John, there might have been another player. Actually, I'm the one who should be grateful. If I hadn't insisted on staying, this beautiful scene before me would have nothing to do with me."

"Are you leaving?"

"My time is limited. I have less than two years left, so I must continue my journey to find a way to survive. Elaria, I've fulfilled my promise to you. What about you? Will you leave with me?"

"I... I don't know."

Elaria lowered her head, unable to meet John's eyes. She was afraid that if she looked into them, she would become lost, abandoning everything to leave with him.

"The reconstruction of the elven habitat... it can't be completed in a short time. I'm worried that if I leave, and something happens to the elves..."

"Sigh..."

"John, I'm sorry..."

"There's nothing to apologize for. I'm just amazed at how smart I am, being able to predict this and prepare accordingly."

"W-what?"

Elaria looked up, puzzled, meeting John's smiling gaze. "I don't understand..."

"You'll understand soon enough. If it's convenient, would you come outside with me?"