Duke noticed that even these ragtag deserters possessed a decent level of individual combat skills, familiarity with the forest, and use of moonlight energy.

This was likely because the innate talents of the Elf Race allowed most of them to possess a high baseline without much effort.

Humans, on the other hand, are entirely different; every bit of strength requires diligent practice to gradually raise their Life Level.

The Night Elves, in comparison to humans, have relatively long lifespans.

And like most of the Elves, even if Night Elves spend all their time on leisure, with age they still gain a certain level of power.

Moreover, with their inherently high talent for being Casters, they have great affinity with various Free Energy Particles, making it easier for them to grasp Extraordinary Energy.

Through rigorous and well-timed training, Duke quickly secured his position in the camp.

Heisman described him as "steady, perceptive, a promising seedling," and some elves began to voluntarily engage him in conversation and invite him for additional sparring. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Of course, he never forgot his true mission.

During breaks in training, he used every opportunity to casually inquire about the clan’s internal affairs, especially regarding Lady Ysera’s deeds, the legends of Moon Scar’s Gaze, and... those prestigious clan members, like Lady Lirandrella, Ysera’s daughter.

He appeared as a young Warrior filled with awe and yearning for the powerful clan, eager to gain recognition, so these inquiries did not arouse suspicion.

His strict training and low-key yet solid performance gradually built the reputation of the name Shadowleaf in the camp and even higher tiers, like water wearing away stone.

The one-eyed Heisman mentioned this young man from the Flowwind Clan several times in regular reports to clan administrators, praising him as "resolute, skilled, especially adept at stealth and close combat, a talent worth molding."

Several days later, when Duke finished his archery training for the afternoon and returned to his simple tree hollow, he found Heisman and a middle-aged elf, exuding calmness and wearing the High-tier Priest attire of the Moon Scar clan, waiting there.

"Shadowleaf," Heisman’s expression was more serious than usual, "this is Priest Moran."

Priest Moran’s gaze was calm yet penetrating, sweeping over Duke as if evaluating the quality of an artifact.

"We are aware of your performance during the training camp," he began, his voice gentle yet carrying indisputable authority.

Duke slightly bowed, remaining silent.

"Miss Lirandrella, Lady Ysera’s only daughter, you’ve met her before," Priest Moran continued, "By Miss’s side, there’s always been a shortage of a sufficient number of truly loyal and reliable young guards. Previous protective forces mostly came from the ranks of noble clansmen, their loyalty indisputable, but their experience and disposition were ultimately lacking in tempering."

He paused a moment.

"Recently, the situation has been turbulent, and Her Ladyship is more concerned about Miss’s safety. We intend to select a few from incoming, battle-tested, capable individuals with relatively clear backgrounds, like you, to supplement the outer ranks of Miss’s personal guard, responsible for some outer guard and accompanying escort tasks."

Inside, Duke’s heart stirred; this was undoubtedly an excellent springboard for approaching the core area of his target, far more direct and effective than any roundabout method he had imagined.

But he only displayed a suitable amount of surprise on his face, quickly shifting to a gravity mixed with honor and caution.

"This... is my honor, Priest Sir," he responded in a deep voice, "but Shadowleaf’s qualifications may be lacking..."

"Strength and character are more important than qualifications," Priest Moran interrupted him, "Of course, this is merely a qualification for selection. Whether you ultimately get selected depends on your performance in subsequent specialized tests. The selection will be held in a week, jointly by me and several other instructors. If you’re willing to accept the challenge, be ready."

"I am willing!" Duke immediately answered, his voice firm and decisive, eyes lit with the fervor of a young warrior eager to prove himself and gain recognition.

"Very well." Priest Moran nodded, "Heisman will inform you of some basic precautions. Remember, the selection not only tests personal combat power but also loyalty, discipline, and identification with the Moon Scar clan. Conduct yourself wisely."

Having said this, Priest Moran then turned and left.

Heisman looked at Duke, a complex expression flashing through his one eye, containing expectation and a hint of warning, "Kid, this is both an opportunity and a trial. If you enter, there will be more rules and more eyes on you. Perform well, and the future is bright, but if you make a wrong move or if your intentions aren’t pure," he lowered his voice, "the consequences won’t be as simple as being expelled from the camp. Are you really sure about this?"

Duke met his gaze, unflinching, "Uncle Heisman, my Flowwind Clan only has the fire of revenge left. Serving under Lady Ysera and Miss Lirandrella is the best way for me to prove my worth and gain the power for revenge. I won’t disappoint you, nor tarnish the warrior’s honor."

His answer was sincere, and Heisman stared at him for a few seconds before slowly nodding, "Alright, remember what you said. Starting today, your afternoon regular training will be suspended, and I’ll give you special instructions on the rules and skills that the personal guards might need to know; don’t embarrass me."

"Yes!"

In the following days, Duke entered a more intense preparation phase.

During the day, he followed Heisman for extra training, focusing not just on combat skills, but also on etiquette, knowledge of important figures, crests, taboos of the Moon Scar clan, and conduct codes in specific situations.

A week passed quickly with double the effort and silent anticipation.

The selection day finally arrived.

In the morning, as the silver light of Suren’s Moon was especially crisp, Duke was led by Priest Moran and several expressionless clan instructors away from the familiar refuge camp, advancing toward the true core area of the Moon Scar clan, the sacred area shrouded in the light of the Level 3 Moon Well.

The selection site was in a special wooded area on the outskirts of the core, called the Trial Forest.

Here the ancient trees towered, and the terrain was complex.

When Duke arrived with the group, on a clearing at the forest edge, nearly thirty young elves had already gathered.

Most of them came from various deserter camps and were standouts recommended by their respective camps, much like Duke.

They were unfamiliar with each other, and when their eyes met, there was both the scrutiny of seeing a competitor and an subtle, barely noticeable tension when facing the unknown trials. No one spoke; the atmosphere was solemn.