Chapter 64

Following Anders’ lead, I ventured deeper into Alheim once again. It was even further in than the place we’d held the meeting earlier. “This is…” “The place where the High Elf resides. They say it’s where the Mother Tree’s words can be heard most clearly.” “Is that so?” Could this be some kind of temple? The deeper I went inside, the darker it got—less like a temple and more like a shrine for offerings. Why does it feel like one of those fortune-telling places? Though to be fair, I’ve never actually been to one, so I wouldn’t know for sure. “You’ve arrived.” Under a soft glow of light, Akielda sat composed. “Will the clan leader please excuse themselves for a moment?” “Yes. May you gain much.” With those cryptic words, Anders left, leaving me blinking in confusion. What was that supposed to mean? “And you, please leave as well.” “…?” “It’s fine. I’m just a frail elf, after all.” Black Wolf, expressionless until now, suddenly turned their gaze toward me. “Hm.” Then they nodded and walked out, giving off an oddly reassuring vibe despite my cluelessness. Once Black Wolf was gone, Akielda gestured. “Come, sit down.” So I did, cross-legged on the floor—a rare sight in this world. Sitting like this made it feel even more like I was at some fortune teller’s place. Is this world into astrology or something? “Do you have someone specific you want your compatibility read with?” “…Stop reading people’s minds without permission.” “Hehe, sorry. It wasn’t intentional.” Seeing her smile like that made it hard to stay mad. Shaking my head, I asked, “So, why did you call me here?” “The Mother Tree seeks you.” “The World Tree… wants me? Why would it do that? I’m just a human.” Why would the elves’ deity seek me out? I was curious. “Hmm~ Does Camellard believe in gods?” “Wait, are you asking if I follow a religion?” I scratched my head. “I neither believe nor disbelieve.” “A very balanced answer. Camellard, may I call you Allen instead?” “Sure.” “Allen must already know, but the Mother Tree is practically our god. All forest folk are its devout followers.” What exactly is she getting at? While I blinked in thought, Akielda gave me a sly smile—one different from her usual benevolent one. “How about becoming a believer yourself, Allen?” “Are you trying to convert me right now?” “Technically, you’re already an honorary believer. Being called ‘Camellard’ means that.” You’ve already been converted… huh? No idea what she’s getting at. “Anyway, what I wanted to say is…” Akielda smiled and extended her hand. “Hold on. Take a look at our god first.” “Eh?” Before I could fully grasp what she meant, I felt my consciousness being pulled somewhere. In simpler terms, I blacked out. “Hehe, enjoy your time.” As I slumped over, Akielda quietly closed her eyes. *** When I opened my eyes, instead of a ceiling, an unfamiliar sky greeted me. Slowly rising to my feet, I assessed my surroundings. “Seems like I’m physically fine… and surrounded by branches and leaves…” This feels like I’m on top of a tree… Looking ahead, I saw an endless forest spread beneath where I stood. Clearly, I was at an incredible height. “So, this is the World Tree…” There’s no way any other tree could be this massive. Naturally, Akielda wouldn’t send me anywhere else but here. “Just how tall is this thing?” Such a colossal tree isn’t visible from the village… What kind of magic makes this possible? “This isn’t the dimension where humans live.” At the sudden voice behind me, I turned to see a girl with green hair staring at me. Instinctively, I knew—she was the ‘god.’ “This is the dimensional passage connecting the divine realm and the human world. That’s why it can’t be seen from the human plane.” “…Is this the World Tree?” “Its name is Yggdrasil.” Her emerald-green eyes, resembling the leaves of the branches, locked onto mine. Dressed in a pristine white dress, Yggdrasil slowly approached me, then looked downward. “Isn’t it fascinating? Can you see the little ones bustling about down there?” “My vision isn’t that good…” Standing so high up that trees two or three times my height look like broccoli, how could I possibly see elves? Spotting them would be a miracle. Hearing my skepticism, Yggdrasil shook her head. “If you wish to see, you will. Don’t limit yourself.” “Even if that were true…” If merely thinking could make it happen, wouldn’t everyone be Masters? Though I couldn’t say that aloud, I grumbled internally while gazing downward. “…Why can I see them?” Elves gathering toward Alheim were clearly visible across the forest—not as ants or dots, but distinct enough to make out their features. How is this possible? “An ordinary human might struggle. But you aren’t ordinary.” “I’m pretty normal though…” “Didn’t you come from another world?” Her calm statement hit me like a bucket of cold water. My eyes wavered as I blinked dumbly. Yggdrasil stared intently at me. “As someone who came from another world, you’re somewhat free from this world’s rules. That’s why a human who isn’t a child of the forest can stand before me. Normally, I cannot interfere with beings outside the forest.” “Ah…” “You must have noticed to some extent.” Could it be that the reason I can wield the abilities, physique, and traits of barbarians isn’t because I’m exceptional… “Because I’m from another world.” “…So it’s not due to my own efforts, then.” “Even if you’re somewhat free from this world’s rules, without your effort, you wouldn’t have achieved what you have. Don’t belittle your journey.” A god acknowledged my efforts. An odd sense of relief washed over me, like being possessed by a ghost. “‘Somewhat,’ remember? Your freedom from the world’s rules only goes so far…” Somewhere along the way, Yggdrasil had a small leaf in her hand. “This much.” Seriously? It’s laughably insignificant. Despite myself, I chuckled, shaking off useless thoughts to ask, “Why did you summon me?” Though disrespectful for addressing a deity, Yggdrasil didn’t mind. “Only you would know. Why did you seek me out?” “…Riddles?” She simply gazed at me with her deep, abyssal eyes as I awkwardly replied, “Why do corrupted spirits, tainted by demon energy, exist?” “Is that really what you want to ask? You have another question on your mind.” “Tch… Just answer already, why don’t you…” Sighing, I followed her hint. “What must I do to gain a god’s approval?” A thought that had occupied my mind since seeing Yggdrasil. 「Gain divine approval and become semi-divine. That way, even a Great Demon’s curse can be resisted.」 According to Mimir, this was the most plausible method. Right now, breaking the Demon King’s curse was urgent since its effects were worsening. “Prioritizing the present over the future, huh…” Muttering incomprehensible words, Yggdrasil finally nodded. “A seed of unrest has sprouted in the east. Handling it will grant you what you desire.” “The east…” Of course, something’s happening in the Eastern Union. I’d hoped to pass it off to the mage tower or the royal palace, but looks like I’ll have to go myself. Bowing respectfully, I thanked her. “I should take my leave. How do I exit from here?” “Not greedy, are you? Too human to be truly human.” “Oh, so a few more questions—” “Go.” Before I could finish, Yggdrasil simply waved her hand. Instantly, an irresistible gale swept over me. “Wha—?!” The spot I stood on was a cliff overlooking the abyss. Without time to react, I plummeted. “AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!” At least give me a heads-up! Echoing through my panicked ears was Yggdrasil’s voice. “Don’t seek too far. What you’re looking for is closer than you think.” What does that even mean…? Briefly pondering, I had no choice but to close my eyes as I fell into the endless chasm.