Chapter 276: Next to the Huge Tree

Chapter 276: Next to the Huge Tree

Three days had passed since we began spending our time in the flower garden. I had yet to receive any word from the Mountain God and we made this place our base while living a communal life with Woodsorrel and the others. Our days were filled with gathering wild vegetables and fruits, hunting non-intelligent beasts, and engaging in mock battles.

It was essential for us to secure our own food to avoid burdening Woodsorrel and the others, and the act of procuring food itself became a form of training. Gathering allowed us to share knowledge of edible plants while hunting offered a chance to refine our skills in stealth, archery, and spiritual arts. RêAd lateSt chapters at novelhall.com Only

Moreover, the mock battles with the animals of the flower garden were mutually beneficial. We gained experience fighting against intelligent animals, and they, in turn, could accumulate experience fighting human beings.

Though it happened only once every few centuries, there were times when nations attempted to encroach upon the forest they inhabited. The experience of fighting against humans gained during those times would undoubtedly be passed down and prove useful.

Is it morning already?

The fourth day dawned. As someone who didnt require much sleep, I spent the nights in meditation while everyone else rested. While meditating in one place, I focused on increasing my fighting spirit and spiritual power as much as possible without squandering any of it.

When I stood before the Mountain God it became painfully clear that in my current state, I wouldnt be able to protect my comrades should we ever face gods of equal or greater stature as him. This was something I couldnt accept.

Although I doubted such a situation would arise, becoming even slightly stronger was never a bad thing. I found myself reclaiming the greed for strength I once harbored on the battlefield. It had been a while since Id been so driven to improve myself, and somewhere deep inside, I found this newfound determination oddly enjoyable.

Yawn Good morning, teacher.

Good morning, Chirik.

It was Chirik who approached me as I meditated next to a huge tree. He seemed to have just woken up and he was rubbing his eyes as he came closer. Chirik was a very smart child, but his occasional childish gestures were cute. Perhaps that was why Lappy liked him too.

After washing his face in the clear waters of a pond to shake off the sleepiness, Chirik sat down beside me and began to meditate in imitation of me. Previously, Chirik would focus solely on enhancing his spiritual power, but today, it seemed he was also attempting to raise his fighting spirit. His control was more erratic than usual, and he struggled to grasp the sensation.

Whats the matter, Chirik? This is unusual for you.

Ugh Ive been thinking, and Im trying really hard.

Thinking about what?

When I asked him, Chiriks face twisted as if he found it difficult to respond, and his control over his spiritual power faltered significantly. It seemed like there was something he was hesitant to share with me.

Noticing my suspicion, Chirik began with a plea not to be angry before he spoke. Indeed, what he was about to say could potentially provoke my anger.

I always thought you were invincible, teacher. There are strong people like Tigar and Zald, but you were on a different level. But then

I was easily handled by Button, and against the Mountain God I was completely overwhelmed. I must have seemed so pitiful.

It appeared that Chirik had overestimated me. Even though I might be considered strong among demons, I was no match for the true powerhouses, the gods themselves. This was a reality I had come to terms with, and it was the reason I continued to train so diligently.

Then, what was my true feeling? It was. It was the pathetic fear of being despised by Chirik.

[If you have nothing to feel guilty about, wouldnt it be better for the child if you just told him?]

Guilty, you say Indeed, that might be the case.

Yes, I harbored feelings akin to guilt. It was Orvo who had killed Yaro, Chiriks father, not me. However, the motive was tied to my being a human. In other words, I was deeply implicated in Yaros death.

Logically, I understood that Orvo was the root cause of it all, and I too was a victim. But emotions are tricky. When I thought Chris had died, back when I was just a mere scorpion, I was consumed by rage and lashed out. Had Orvo not picked me up to use as material, I would have certainly died.

Im alive because of Yaros sacrifice. The guilt of having survived by using Chiriks fathers life as a stepping stone was the true emotion I felt.

Antares, its not your fault. Dont blame yourself.

I understand that in my head, but still, you know?

Chris tried to cheer me up, but my spirits remained low. It was then, amidst this gloom, that I sensed something odd underground. Deep beneath the surface, I felt as if something stirred.

This was no time to get discouraged. Immediately after I stood up quickly with Chirik in my arms, I felt the ground shake slightly but surely.

My sudden movement must have alerted the others that something was amiss. Chris crouched, ready to move at a moments notice, while Woodsorrel smoothly slid off Chriss shoulder.

Uh!

Huh?! What?! Teacher?!

The disturbance deep underground suddenly made its way to the surface, causing the ground to shake violently. Though we were not taken by surprise since I noticed beforehand, for Chirik who had been asleep in my arms, it was as if lightning had struck on a clear day. His eyes, swollen from crying, darted around in alarm.

Tigar and the others, who were standing a bit farther away, were flustered but they werent thrown into chaos. It seemed that those with sharp senses, like myself, had sensed the impending shake beforehand.

Antares?

Wait the epicenter is underground, almost directly beneath the giant tree.

Wait a moment could this mean?

Bang!

Just as I pinpointed the epicenter and both Woodsorrel, who understood what this location entailed, and Chris, who had a rough idea, braced themselves, the ground next to the giant tree bulged and burst open and what broke through the surface wasa young three.