Chapter 154

Chapter 154 : The Great War’s Tree

“Come, Senetero.” (Reno)

Reno muttered, and a myriad of flickering green lights rose up.

Those fireflies, also known as spirit doctors, faintly illuminated the forest at night.

Reno thrusted her hand forward and drew a magic circle.

“” (Reno)

The Healing Fireflies Senetero emitted a stronger light. They flew throughout the forest, healing the wounded spirits.

As they sprinkled their scale-like sparkles on the withered trees, grass and flowers, all the greenery quickly regained its original color.

“May all of you who are wounded come to me, I will heal you.” (Reno)

Magic power emanated from the six wings that emerged on her back.

Then, Reno’s body levitated a bit. She proceeded to float around the forest.

The spirits who came out were healed by the that she emitted.

While doing so, she asked a question to Shin, who was walking beside her.

“How did those divine beasts break into this place despite the wall Anos built?” (Reno)

“I don’t believe they broke in. That wall is a strong curse against the gods.” Shin said.

Although the could be broken through with the appropriate amount of strength, it was an especially stronger defense against gods.

If I had made it using humans and demons as a standard for its toughness, then most gods, even the low-ranked ones, would’ve been able to cross it.

In order to prevent any interference from the powerful gods, I combined the magic powers of the Hero, the Demon King, the Goddess of Creation, and the Great Spirit, to place a curse on the barrier that would corrode their divinity.

Thanks to this, it was nearly impossible for divine beasts and divine keepers to break through it. Even the Heavenly Father Nosgalia had to be prepared to pay a reasonable price to cross it.

“Even if heaven and earth were to be turned upside down, the wall built by My Lord himself could have never let this many divine beasts come through.” (Shin)

Shin was analyzing the situation as calmly as he could.

The Divine Beasts Gwen could’ve never crossed the that I had erected. From his perspective as someone who knew how powerful the Demon King Anos was, this was the obvious conclusion.

“But they did show up here anyway, right? Maybe they possessed mysterious powers like the Titi’s that allowed them to cross the wall in spite of their low magic power…?” (Reno)

“No, it couldn’t be. Even supposing they possessed such a power, no mere divine beasts would be of any use in the face of the divinity-eroding .” Shin said in a stern tone while keeping an eye on their surroundings.

“We should assume that they snuck in before the wall was built. It is natural to consider the possibility that after we left for Dilhade, they infiltrated Aharthern and have been lurking around since then.” (Shin)

“…Don’t tell me that god who called himself Nosgalia is here?” (Reno)

After thinking for a moment, Shin spoke up.

“Divine beasts are messengers of the gods. They rarely ever act without their lord’s command. I cannot tell for certain if he’s the one responsible for this, but a god may very well still be lurking about in this forest. We mustn’t let our guard down.” (Shin)

When he said that, Reno hung her head down with a gloomy expression on her face.

“Rest assured. My Lord gave me the order to escort the Great Spirit Reno back to Aharthern safe and sound. I will remain by your side until I’ve slain that god.” (Shin)

Reno shot a curious glance at Shin.

He was still sporting a cold look on his face.

“But we’ve already arrived in Aharthern.” (Reno)

“My Lord would surely say that Aharthern is supposed to be a paradise for spirits. And for the moment, I have yet to bring you there.” (Shin)

When she heard that, Reno broke into a happy smile.

“You’re stubborn, but you also have a caring side, huh.” (Reno)

“If you believe so, please consider this the benevolence of My Lord. I am but the sword of the Demon King, as well as his right hand man.” (Shin)

After being at a loss for words, Reno said the following.

“I didn’t think the Demon King of Tyranny could be so kind.” (Reno)

Shin nodded with a hint of pride.

Reno looked in front of her again, and carried on through the forest.

“Shin, what were you planning to do once this mission was over?” (Reno)

“For me, there is no point in living in an era where I have no one to serve. I will therefore follow My Lord and reincarnate in 2,000 years.” (Shin)

“I see. I guess there’s also a bright side to the intrusion of a god in this forest.] (Reno)

After a pause, Shin asked.

“How so?” (Shin)

“Because it allows me to spend more time with you, Shin.” (Reno)

With a straight face, Shin stared at Reno’s smile.

“I am merely fulfilling My Lord’s command.” (Shin)

“I know. Still, thank you for escorting me here and protecting me to this day.” (Reno)

“If you wish to thank someone, please thank my esteemed Demon King, who died with honor.” (Shin)

Reno giggled.

“I already did. And he said that I should thank you directly instead. Normally, you wouldn’t act as a bodyguard for anyone other than Anos, right? In reality, you would be reluctant to listen to and be pushed around by a spirit like me, wouldn’t you?” (Reno)

“Not at all. If such is My Lord’s will, then I shall abide by it.” (Shin)

“Liar. It’s written all over your face.” (Reno)

Shin still had the same cold expression on his face as usual.

Being able to see through the subtleties of his emotions was something she could only achieve by being with him for a long time.

“Reno…!” (Titi)

A high-pitched voice rang out.

It was the Titi, who emerged from beyond the trees and flew around Reno.

“It’s granny…!” (Titi A)

“Granny is gonna die…!” (Titi B)

“It’s terrible…!” (Titi C)

“She’s falling apart…!” (Titi D)

In contrast to the panicking fairies, Reno nodded with a grave expression that seemed to tell that she was prepared for this. It didn’t seem that the spirit in question had been done in by the Divine Beast Gwen.

“Let’s see her off together.” (Reno)

Reno kept walking deeper into the forest.

Soon, on the other end of the path between the trees, a clearing came into view.

There stood a large old tree.

The countless branches growing from its thick trunk had plenty of green foliage on them.

And gathered there were the Hidden Wolf Genull, the Spirit of Wind and Thunder Gigadeas, and the Great Spirit of Water Lignon.

Reno put her feet on the ground and gently touched the great tree.

“…Granny…” (Reno)

When she said that, something like a face appeared on the tree.

“I’m so glad you’re back, Reno.” (Granny)

A hoarse voice echoed around the area.

Reno acquiesced with a sad look on her face.

“I see you have quite the adorable guest with you today. What’s your name?” (Granny)

“Anosh Porticollo.” (Anos)

“A nice name you have, Anosh. I am Migelonov. The Great War’s Tree Migelonov. I’m the spirit that gives humans the wisdom to survive the Great War.” (Granny/Migelonov)

Migelonov turned her Magic Eyes my way.

“Come here, Anosh. Please tell me the names of your companions as well. Then put your hands on me.” (Migelonov)

I walked up to the Great Tree Migelonov and touched her with my fingertips.

Lay, Misha and the others named themselves and touched the tree like I did.

Migelonov’s magic power wrapped their bodies.

The Great Tree spoke to Misha and Sasha first.

“Misha, Sasha. You two only hold half of your true power in your bodies. Fuse back into one being. If you do, you will awaken to your true magic power.” (Migelonov)

Then, she addressed Eleonor.

“Eleonor. You should learn some new magic. You might be better at supporting others than fighting yourself. Think carefully about what you’re better suited for.” (Migelonov)

Next, she directed her Magic Eyes at Zeshia.

“Zeshia, you possess wonderful qualities. You have the makings of a Hero. And I see you also specialize in mirror magic.” (Migelonov)

Migelonov also spoke to Lay.

“Lay, your role model is Shin-Boy over there. His sword will be your guide, then one day, I’m sure you will reach new heights.” (Migelonov)

Then, she spoke to Lena.

“Lena, you’re not cut out for fighting. Look for what you should do. And follow your heart.” (Migelonov)

Finally, Migelonov concentrated her magic power on me.

But unlike the others, she didn’t speak immediately.

She only did after a pause.

“Ahh… I have nothing. Anosh, I have no wisdom to impart to you. Sometimes there are people for whom even I can’t see any advice to give. But I can tell that you possess a wonderful amount of power. It’s impressive. Or perhaps it means that you don’t need my wisdom.” Migelonov said with a hint of sadness.

“I heard you were falling apart.” (Anosh)

“Ahh, that’s right. I am. And I doubt I will ever come back to life again.” (Migelonov)

“Does this mean that the rumor and legend about you have stopped?” (Anos)

Her gentle laugh echoed throughout the forest.

“It looks outside of matters related to fighting, there are still things I can teach you.” Migelonov said happily.

“When rumors and legends cease, the spirits related to them die out. But there is another case where it can happen. And that’s when they disobey their own rumor and legend.” (Migelonov)

Spirits were creatures that were born from and abided by rumors and legends.

Just as the Hidden Wolf Gennul was the Spirit of Vanishment and Enyunien was the Great Tree of Education, they acted in accordance with their rumors and legends.

“The Great War’s Tree Migelonov is the spirit that gives humans the wisdom they need to survive the Great War. And defeat the demons. However, I cooperated with the demons and the Demon King of Tyranny instead. I used all my wisdom so they could survive, and live in harmony with the humans.” (Migelonov)

So Migelonov, who was born to help defeat the demons, has gone against her own legend to save them?

“Anosh, it’s okay. Don’t make such a face. You’re a demon, but this is not your fault at all. Besides, I’ve lived long enough. And I’m done with it. I won’t give any more wisdom to kill anyone.” (Migelonov)

Her leaves were scattering, swaying, and falling.

“I’m grateful to the Demon King. For giving someone like me the chance to use my wisdom for peace… I couldn’t be any happier in my last moments…” (Migelonov)

“…Granny…” (Reno)

Reno clung to Migelonov’s trunk.

“I’m sorry… I was so selfish…” (Reno)

“It’s not your fault, Reno. Besides, the Great War’s Tree was bound to be forgotten after the end of the war. Sooner or later, I was destined to disappear.” (Migelonov)

One of Migelonov’s branches gently touched Reno’s head, as if stroking it.

“One day, the time for you to make a choice will come as well. This is the fate of spirits. As such, will you protect your own rumor and legend, or will you go against them to protect what’s important to you?” (Migelonov)

“…I don’t know. …What should I do?” (Reno)

“When you feel lost, Reno, following your heart is the right thing to do. Spirits are born from rumors and legends, and spend half of their lives being manipulated by them. They don’t even realize it’s happening to them. But their heart will always be theirs alone. You’re a smart girl. I know you’ll figure out your answer soon enough.” (Migelonov)

Migelonov’s body began to glow faintly.

She gradually turned transparent, as if fading into thin air.

“Protect what you want to protect, Reno. I have no regrets. Because I know… that peace… will come soon…” (Migelonov)

A strong light illuminated this place.

As that light slowly faded, the tree that was standing in front of me was gone without a trace.

The spirit known as the Great War’s Tree had indeed passed away.

Reno was standing still in a daze, and staring at the spot where Migelonov had been.

After staying like that for who knows how long, Shin eventually walked up to her.

“How troubling.” (Shin)

Upon hearing him, Reno turned to him.

“I was trying to think of a way to stop you from crying, but I could not find the right words.” (Shin)

Reno, who looked like she was about to cry, smiled in response.

“Say, Shin. Did the Demon King tell you to console me?” (Reno)

Shin was at a loss for a reply to her question.

Reno gave him a happy smile.

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.” (Reno)

Reno stared at Shin.

“I’m fine. I don’t cry when I feel sad. Because my tears turn into spirits.” (Reno)

As she smiled happily, a teardrop dripped down from her eye.

It was quickly absorbed into the ground.

A sparkling light shone in that spot, and a tiny bud grew from the earth.

“I feel sorry for the spirits born that way. If children are going to be born, then I might as well cry tears of joy, right?” (Reno)

The bud that sprouted from the earth grew rapidly and eventually became a trunk. The tree grew branches and countless leaves.

Even after growing into a bigger tree than Migelonov, it didn’t stop growing, and it kept extending far and wide with enough vigor to pierce the clouds.

“I’ve found a wonderful rumor for it. A school building in a peaceful era, where all kinds of people can study all kinds of things. The teacher would be a slightly stubborn grandpa with no artistic sense, and he would teach them lots of things.” (Reno)

In front of us stood a large tree we were familiar with.

“Let me introduce you, everyone. This is our new friend, the Great Tree of Education Enyunien.” (Reno)