55 Politics

Back with my main body, I released my spiritual form and merged the sliver of my soul with the main part.

I was now more or less a being that could see eye to eye with the leading powers of this world. The only thing I was lacking to truly enter the ranks of these figures was their recognition.

Despite my power making me qualified to be one of them, I would have to pass a test of strength. This test wouldn't be artificially created, it required some instigation on my part. I would have to challenge an already recognized nation and either defeat it or achieve a balance in power, a truce of sorts.

In my case, this nation was the sky kingdom. Through my elimination of the muspel clan's upper echelon, the whole kingdom's stability would be affected. Of course, this was just a secondary benefit after taking my revenge.

Depending on Sigmund's reaction I, this challenge would either be settled through talking or fighting. Both ways could bring me recognition, thus the choice lay solely with Sigmund.

As for why I suddenly started caring about politics. The next evolution criteria left me little choice.

My next evolution was called an enlightenment tree. The name was given based on the tree's ability to grow a fruit containing enlightenment of a certain attribute. To do this I would have to acquire what was referred to as an innate understanding in my former world.

This innate understanding was formed after the comprehension of an attribute reached a certain level. The heavenly steel I could replicate was made precisely by one such innate understanding.

My momentary condition made things somewhat difficult. I didn't have a real affinity anymore and would have to completely rely on myself for any comprehension. This could take centuries or even more.

However, I was a tree without affinities, thus, I had another option. I could kill someone with an innate understanding and take it for myself.

The perfect victim to steal it from? I hadn't decided yet but I already had a favorite.

There was just one little problem... All possessors of an innate understanding were king magi since having an innate understanding was the breakthrough condition.

Killing such an entity would certainly not be easy. The best thing I could do was to establish myself and form alliances to increase my chances.

I had the sneaking suspicion that no matter how the conflict with Sigmund ended, I wouldn't get much help from the humans. The Aesir would definitely not help me either, partially because I had helped the humans and because they would most likely be my target.

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The elves had shown great interest in protecting me but they didn't seem very friendly. I felt like they were hiding secrets. Dark secrets.

These three races had little potential to be my allies. I'd have to consider the others.

I felt like the Jotuns and I had good chances to form an alliance against the Aesir. If only I had a way of contacting.

As for the other four races, I didn't see many possibilities for this to work out. Fire giants shouldn't mix with a tree, the dark elves and dwarves were too secluded, and the Vanir would most likely side with their fellow godkins, the Aesir.

Strengthening my own ranks would be crucial! If possible I really wanted to obtain some flying beasts and let Sven and Nerida achieve a few breakthroughs.

Specifically, Nerida needed to start getting stronger again. Sven had reached the peak of the baron realm through the help of his bloodline and an unending supply of wind apples. I had already made him a little hut in my branches and given him enough wind apples to hopefully become a viscount magus.

As for Nerida, I could only supply her with earth apples and advise her to train harder.

Völsung, on the other hand, had been sent out to hunt with his mount, the white lioness. Both had reached a level where my apples could do little to add to their strength.

Only an enlightenment fruit would be able to bring a significant change for them. Not to that they weren't binge eating vibrant apples but it just didn't bring any significant effects.