[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
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Chapter 310: The World Tree (2)
***
The World Tree was dying. Its once-mighty branches were falling like rain, and its trunk was crumbling like a sandcastle.
"Oh, World Tree..."
The elves watched in despair as their beloved tree withered away.
For the elves, the World Tree was life itself. Its demise was equivalent to the end of the world.
As their connection to the tree severed, the elves' mana began to fade. The effects were immediate.
"I can't breathe!"
"I can't feel the spirits!"
The elves clutched their throats and chests in agony. They wept and tried to hold onto the fading mana.
But there was nothing they could do. All they could do was wait for death.
One by one, the elves gave up hope. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, something extraordinary happened.
A brilliant light erupted from the top of the World Tree, where the guardian resided.
The light spread out like ripples, washing over the tree. And then, something incredible happened.
The branches that had fallen to the ground began to rise back into the sky. They reconnected, and new leaves unfurled, vibrant and green.
But that was not all.
A crumbling trunk began to mend itself.
Gaps as large as those made by a gnawing mouse were now seamlessly closed. Life flowed through the tree once more.
The elves' connection to the tree was restored. They could feel the mana coursing through them.
"I can breathe again!"
"I can feel the spirits!"
The elves were overjoyed but also bewildered.
The World Tree was dead, there was no doubt about that. Everyone had felt it.
So how could it have come back to life? Even a being as powerful as the World Tree should not be able to overcome death.
"We have to find out what happened!"
"I'll go with you!"
The elves rushed to the guardian's chamber. When they arrived, they were met with an even more astonishing sight.
The chamber was filled with flowers. But these were no ordinary flowers. They were the World Tree's flowers, said to bloom only once every hundred years.
"What in the world..."
Elves were confused and saw Damien surrounded by the flowers.
Flowers bloomed around Damien as if to honor him. It was then that the elves realized it was Damien who had revived the World Tree.
The World Tree's gift didn't end there.
A branch extended towards Damien, and something opened at its tip.
About the size of a walnut, it was far smaller than the World Tree's usual fruits.
Yet, when the seed opened, the elves felt a far more intense presence.
"Damien... take this."
Imperial Supreme Sword said in an encouraging voice. Damien pointed at it and asked.
"What is this?"
"It's a seed from the World Tree."
Imperial Supreme Sword replied with awe filled voice.
"I've only heard tales of it, but I'm certain. That is undoubtedly a seed from the World Tree."
As the empire's leading figure, the Imperial Supreme Sword had handled countless treasures. But this time he was astonished by this sight
"The World Tree can produce the seed from its vitality. If you accept it, a sapling of the World Tree will take root within you. You'll then be able to wield its power."
Damien reached out and took the seed. Instantly, it was absorbed into his body. In that moment, Damien could feel the World Tree's seed taking root in his soul.
Damien communed with the sapling. It whispered to him about the things he could do. As a test, Damien manifested one of the sapling's powers.
His senses expanded dramatically and enveloped the entire island.
"Thank you."
Damien replied briefly, boarding a small boat.
Despite its small size, the boat was made from a branch of the World Tree and could travel across continents.
"I'll be off then."
Damien raised the sail. Suddenly, a tempest raged above them. A fierce wind swept over the spot where they stood, and soon, a dark shadow covered the ground.
Damien and the Imperial Supreme Sword looked up.
It was a dragon.
A red dragon was descending towards them. The sudden storm had been caused by the dragon's flapping wings.
"A dragon?"
Damien muttered in surprise. Dragons were a species thought to have vanished from the continent long ago. Even in his past life, Damien had never seen a living dragon.
The red dragon landed and roared at them.
"Which one of you is Damien Haksen?"
Though it didn't seem to be shouting, its voice echoed thunderously.
"I'm asking you! Which one of you is Damien Haksen!"
Damien and the Imperial Supreme Sword exchanged bewildered glances.
"I am Damien Haksen."
"Good. The Elder Council wants to speak with you about recent events!"
The red dragon glared at Damien.
"You'd better come quietly. Or you'll regret it!"
The red dragon spread its wings. A scorching hot wind swept through the area. Its imposing figure was like a natural disaster.
"...Oh?" Damien muttered.
The problem was that Damien wasn't the kind of person who would be intimidated by such threats. In fact, he was starting to feel anger.
"What if I refuse to go with you?"
"That's a foolish question! I'll simply carry you there. You wouldn't want to be digested alive by my stomach acid before we reach the Elder Council, would you?"
Damien opened a subspace and pulled out a wooden club.
Damien pulled out his club, and the red dragon narrowed its eyes.
"Human, what do you think you're doing? Are you daring to defy me...?"
Before the dragon could finish its sentence, Damien leaped into the air and brought his club down on the dragon's head with a thunderous crash. The dragon's head slammed into the ground.
"Gah!"
The dragon roared in pain as its skull throbbed.
"You brainless lizard."
Damien sneered, resting his mace on his shoulder.
"Do you think I'm crazy enough to follow a suspicious creature like you?"
Damien stood over the dragon and tapped his mace against its head.
"You're going to answer my questions first. Tell me everything about why dragons have reappeared and why the Elder Council wants to see me."
"How dare a mere human lay a hand on a member of noble race!"
The dragon roared and reared its head.
Damien rushed forward, swinging his mace and striking the dragon's underbelly.
"Hufff!"
"The massive body of the Red Dragon soared into the sky and then fell.
At this point, even the Red Dragon realized that something was wrong.
“Just when I was already in a bad mood, this happens.”
Damien said, tapping his mace against his palm.
At that sound, the Red Dragon's face turned pale and froze.
"Wait a moment..."
Damian swung the club at the Red Dragon's snout.
The Dragon's teeth shattered with a loud crash.
***
[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]