#701 - Invasion of Alfheim (1)

Alfheim, the home of the Light Elves, is described in human mythology as a land of eternal spring. In fact, it truly is.

Most of Alfheim is covered by verdant trees, and even the areas not covered by trees are filled with flowers and green grass. Magical creatures from fairy tales are everywhere.

This is a land suitable for most creatures to live in, a kingdom full of mystery and magic, a standard fairy-tale kingdom, like a painting that embodies all beautiful wishes.

But today, the tranquility of this painting, which has lasted for thousands of years, is about to be stained by a blemish.

On the city walls, which were as intricate as tree roots, the Queen of the Light Elves frowned as she looked down at the hordes of Frost Giants below. The leader was, unsurprisingly, the notorious King of the Giants, Laufey.

"Are you declaring all-out war on the Light Elves, Laufey?"

The Light Elf's question was met with Laufey's disdain. 'I've brought a fully armed army to your doorstep, did you think I was here for sightseeing?' These 'happy fruits' really are naive.

"Enough nonsense," Laufey raised the single-edged battle axe on his shoulder high. "Laufey is here to fight."

Before the words could fade, the axe, radiating cold air, was instantly encased in a thick layer of ice. The already enormous axe looked even more exaggerated. Before the Light Elf Queen could stop him, the Frost Giant Axe fell from the sky, directly cleaving into the city wall made of plant roots.

"Boom!"

The chilling giant axe plunged into the intricate and thick roots as easily as cutting tofu. Moreover, as the ice invaded, the roots began to frost over, and gradually the frost covered a large area.

The Elf Queen held onto the city wall to prevent herself from falling. She realized that Laufey intended to freeze the 'city wall' to death with ice.

Light Elves are creatures who worship nature and magic. Their lives depend on nature for food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. Their clothes come from the silk spun by insects and the leaves of plants, they eat the gifts of nature, and even their buildings are made of various plants.

For example, the city wall under their feet is actually the roots of various ancient Alfheim plants. Their lives are almost as old as Alfheim itself. Perhaps these plants existed even before the Light Elves.

But precisely because of this, these ancient magical plants, under the guidance and care of the Light Elves, have become a natural protective shield. Do not underestimate these plants; the toughness of a single root is no less than that of steel.

Under the protection of magic, ordinary fire magic cannot destroy these plants. Now, Laufey is able to split several roots with his axe using only his own power, which is remarkable in itself.

In addition to letting the cold air invade these plants from the inside, if he continues, it may not take long for him to break through the city wall, and then Alfheim will be plunged into misery.

"Strengthen the defense of the city wall! Stop the invasion of the Frost Giants!" The Queen quickly ordered. The Light Elf mages behind her immediately cast spells, some adding various magic to the city wall, and others attacking Laufey with offensive magic.

For a time, all kinds of barrages were endless, and many archers also shot arrows. The war was about to break out.

"Protect the King!" The giants behind Laufey shouted and rushed to Laufey's side, raising the round shields in their hands to resist the various attacks from the sky.

Ordinary shields naturally cannot withstand the bombardment of various magic, but the Frost Giants can use the power of ice. Even their shields are covered with a thick layer of solid ice. The attack is blocked by the ice layer before it touches the shield itself.

For a time, ice flowers splashed everywhere, and Alfheim, which was like spring all year round, ushered in winter for the first time. These creatures living in the greenhouse are now about to face the first blizzard of their lives.

"Retreat quickly, Your Majesty," a subordinate said to the Elf Queen. "We can build several more city walls, which can always block the Frost Giants' offensive. You don't need to risk yourself on the front line."

"Yes, Your Majesty," others echoed. "Even if we can't resist, you can ask Asgard for help in the palace. Staying on the front line is really unwise."

The Elf Queen thought it made sense. She was the backbone of the Light Elves, just like Laufey was to the Frost Giants. As long as their leaders did not fall, their subordinates would have a goal to fight for.

Conversely, if their leaders fell, the army would naturally collapse. This is also why the Frost Giants protect Laufey.

"Okay," the Elf Queen nodded. "Remember to keep the communication magic on. I want to pay attention to the situation on the battlefield at all times. If you can't hold on, you must retreat. Our main priority is to save our lives. At a critical moment, I will move reinforcements from Asgard."

"Yes! Your Majesty!" The elves replied in unison. The deafening sound not only gave the Elf Queen confidence, but also comforted the other companions around her. After all, the more people there are, the less fear there is.

The Queen looked at her soldiers with satisfaction, and then retreated under the protection of her personal guards.

Laufey stood in the protection circle of his subordinates, he was almost asleep. If it wasn't to cooperate with Malekith's plan, he would have already broken through this city wall, instead of standing here pretending to be evenly matched with the city wall.

Although the tree wall is very hard and there are many Light Elf mages constantly repairing the city wall with magic, these forces are just mantis arms trying to stop a chariot in front of Laufey.

Who is he? Giant King Laufey. Although not as tyrannical as Surtur, he is also a giant who led the Frost Giants to attack Asgard. Back then, he fought against the God-King Odin.

What level are you Light Elves? Do you really think this tree wall can stop me? Don't make the giants laugh.

Just when Laufey was bored, a Frost Giant standing at the very back suddenly raised the spear he had prepared long ago, then aimed it at the sky and threw it out, colliding with the elves' attacks, and then exploded into countless ice crystals.

Ice crystal debris fell, and all the Frost Giants noticed, including Laufey who was blocked. The corners of his mouth with fangs raised slightly, and finally he didn't have to stand still like an idiot.

This move looks like a counterattack by the Frost Giants, but it is actually a signal that Laufey and Malekith had agreed upon in advance.

Malekith's target is the Light Elf Queen, but it is too difficult to capture the king in full view of the public, so the Elf Queen must be allowed to return to the palace from the front line.

Because of the invasion, the Light Elves will inevitably transfer most of their manpower to the front line. At this time, the palace will be relatively empty, and Malekith wants to take action at this time.