Chapter 397: Gift

What exactly would define a great king?

Is it its royal heritage?

Is it its prowess?

Is it the strength of the military he can command?

Is it the size of the land he conquered?

Is it the number of supporters he has gathered?

These were the things that always existed in the mind of the one known as the Golden Prince. He was born with it and he lived for it. He never actually questioned it.

He already had all of the above, which caused him to think that he would definitely become someone people called a great king.  However, his thoughts instantly changed the moment he grasped the legendary sword.

The moment he did so, he was convinced he could be more of that, to be that one king who would finally pull the sword and be the king of kings.

He was given the vision of the great tree situated within the heart of the Briton. This was the thing which led his steps to this moment.

The moment his finger touched the mystical tree, he was immediately given an insight - a realization that everything he relentlessly pursued before was merely a little sprout within a large forest. Just a small parchment in the thousands of years of Earth's history.

The tree did not let out a voice like the sword, but it could touch his heart and give its assurance that he would play a role in a much higher stage, his future was linked to the sword of destiny.

Then all of a sudden, all the pressure he felt was lifted off and Arthur knelt in front of Gaia, his breath slightly panting.

Moments later, he walked back to give his gratitude to the High Priestess, before stopping and standing next to Emery.

The High Priestess eyed the Golden Prince and asked, 

"Have you found the answers you seek?"

Arthur was silent for a moment, before he opened his mouth, 

"Yes... It was life… This is my purpose, to prevent destruction and bring life to the kingdom."

High Priestess Nimue let out a genuine smile at his words and commented, 

"You will be a great and wise king."

Afterwards, the High Priestess did a slight bow to the prince and Arthur instinctively took a glance at Emery who nodded his head. Soon, he walked out of the shrine, leaving Emery and High Priestess Nimue alone.

The High Priestess subsequently glanced at Emery, "I can see it, Emery. Gaia's blessing is shining brightly upon that prince. You did good by leading him here."

Emery swiftly shook his head and replied, "I only brought him here because you asked me to, Priestess."

Upon hearing his modest reply, the High Priestess softly smiled, "It was never that simple, Emery. Your path will never be simple."

Alas, hearing those words only made Emery even more concerned than elated.

"Please give me your guidance, Priestess. What should I do to brave this tricky path of mine?"

The High Priestess unexpectedly responded to his question with a light chuckle.

"I indeed can see many things, Emery. My foresight is a gift from Gaia. However, it's strangely always unclear when used on you. There is something, a shadow and a mist that I can't really see through. However, with the way you're progressing at the moment I'm sure soon enough there won't be anything else I can do for you."

Emery once again was troubled, extremely so, by the High Priestess' words. What did it exactly mean? Even Arthur was able to receive the guidance he needed. So why not him?

Nimue naturally realized the concern Emery had through his expression. Therefore, she said,

"There is one thing I know you will definitely need, Emery. I wasn't sure before, buti think its time you learned this"

Emery inwardly cheered as he heard that. Something that could help him would always be welcomed anytime.

Without further ado, the High Priestess instructed him to get inside the pond. Hearing that, Emery swiftly followed each and every instruction she gave with the utmost precision.

There was a series of instructions he had to do and a chant, which was then followed by the High Priestess' own spells.

After an hour worth of unbroken chanting and concentration at the words that sounded like a song, Emery finally could feel the energy of the water in the pond reaching out to the glowing roots, into the Gaia's tree.

Immediately after, he could perceive a deeper connection with the pure energy residing within Gaia. Emery felt as if the energy came flowing into him, his body was slowly rejuvenated. Any hidden exhaustion seemed to fade away, as he felt extreme comfort coursing through his entire body.

Soon, a notification appeared in Emery's mind, bringing him out of the ecstasy-like feeling.

[New skill acquired!]

[Nature Grasp - Rank 4 Plant Element Spell]

[Connect the caster to a source of natural energy and absorb it into the body]

Emery was excited beyond words by the new spell he just gained. He still wasn't sure on how the spell could be of any use to him, but he was confident the spell was no ordinary spell. After all, High Priestess Nimue had deliberated about the matter high and low before finally deciding to bestow it to him.

Emery slowly made his way out of the pond and gave his gratitude to the High Priestess.

"This spell is the greatest treasure of our people, Emery. It's said to be the reason for our role as the protectors of Gaia."

Emery was shocked when he heard the High Priestess' words. He didn't expect this skill to carry such significance. He then inquired about the reason as to why she was concerned about giving the skill earlier. 

Unfortunately, the High Priestess only smiled and said.

"You will know why soon enough, Emery"

Again more riddles, why couldn't the priestess just give him a straight answer?

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Written by Avans, Published exclusively by W.e.b.n.o.v.e.l,