Chapter 34: The Chronicles of Madness - Remember Your Choice
"Madness will remember your choice," were the first words spoken by the Redskin Elf. Translated, it roughly meant that.
In reality, the seven pseudo-flower spirits immediately chimed in when they heard he was going to translate, talking all at once, each with a slightly different take on it, like:
"Madness spirits remember favors."
"I represent the Madness clan in extending friendship to you."
"You've made the right choice."
In any case, it was something along the lines of "someone will remember your choice in the game."
Hua Mi pondered for a moment and came up with what he thought was the most appropriate translation. "No need for you to repay me; just don't cause trouble for me," he thought.
He didn't say anything and simply nodded at her, shifting his gaze back to the lake. In his heart, he silently urged her to leave.
Hua Mi only wanted a peaceful life, tending to fields, raising bees, and occasionally going on adventures to find rare nectar sources to make more magical honey. Everything was gradually falling into place, just as he had planned. He didn't want this healthy routine disrupted.
The Redskin Elf said something again, this time very briefly. Purple hair interjected, "She says her name is Lei Luo."
Yellow hair followed up, "In human language, it translates to 'War Hammer.'"
"You can call me the Bee Whisperer," Hua Mi introduced herself once more.
"Bee Whisperer... What does that mean?" The Redskin Elf sat up, her arm resting on her knee. There was a gruesome wound on that arm, almost down to the bone, but she seemed completely unbothered, letting the wound gape open.
"Honey bees, that's what these little guys are called. I'm a beekeeper."
"Do they feed on nectar?"
"Not exactly. They can transform nectar into something more valuable—honey." Hua Mi spoke and pulled a bottle of Moon Slumber Flower Honey from a box, tossing it to her.
War Hammer caught it and examined it closely. Her fearsome yellow vertical pupils displayed a hint of curiosity. "It has a wide range of uses. You can dissolve it in water or spread it on food as a seasoning. When applied to the surface of food, it can even prevent spoilage."
This was no exaggeration. Pure natural honey could indeed prevent food from spoiling. This was because honey was rich in antioxidants, acidic compounds, trace antibacterial substances, and its high sugar content, which all effectively inhibited the growth of microorganisms. In theory, pure natural honey would never spoil. If stored properly, even after hundreds or thousands of years, it would still be edible. Hua Mi remembered reading a report about archaeologists finding a jar of honey in an Egyptian pyramid dating back over three thousand years, and after analysis, it was still safe to consume.
"Honey can not only be consumed but also used topically. If you're injured and don't have any first aid supplies, applying honey to the wound can effectively kill bacteria and prevent infection," Hua Mi advised, subtly hinting that she should tend to her wound.
The Redskin Elf didn't react to Hua Mi's words at all, not even to address her wound. Instead, she stuck a finger into the wound, stirring it around. Hua Mi's mouth twitched, and goosebumps covered his body. This woman was a bit of a maniac.
"Madness Elves don't feel pain. On the battlefield, even if we suffer severe injuries, as long as we have the strength, we will continue to fight until death," she explained with a low and calm voice. "When more than ten Madness warriors gather, it triggers a war frenzy. When injured, they become irritable and aggressive. They possess robust physiques... all these are traits designed for war. We are born war machines."
Hua Mi was a bit uncertain about her emotional tone. Was she mocking herself or proud of it? However, her subsequent emotional expression was clear: it was evident anger.
"After the war, our creators considered us a threat and planned a genocide against the Madness. Even to this day, a thousand years have passed, and we still face expulsion and oppression from those pale-skinned elves."
War Hammer's finger left the wound, and she stared at the blood on it, her expression growing more fervent. "But the situation won't remain like this. Once we conquer the Emerald Court—this is just a matter of time—they will bear the accumulated anger of a thousand years!"
Hua Mi remained silent. Talking to me about this won't make a difference. I'm simply a honey seller.
"Applying it externally anytime is fine, but if you want to take it internally, I must remind you that it will put you into a deep slumber. The worse your physical condition, the stronger the sedative effect. In your current state, I estimate one bite will make you fall asleep on the spot."
Hua Mi's implication was clear: take it in a safe place, not here.
War Hammer gazed at him after swallowing the honey, her head held high. "Sweet treats are for those pale-skins; we Madness folk prefer spicy and stimulating food."
Well, she found something to complain about. Hua Mi urged, "Let's get inside quickly."
"Alright," War Hammer nodded and jumped into the well, but not before mentioning, "There's a ladder here."