The Academy’s Ankle Reaper – Chapter 322

The Grand Warrior of the Forest.

He is the elf commander chosen by the World Tree, which is akin to a god for the elves, bearing the fate of protecting the forest and the elves.

While he ranks merely as an elite aura user, as the agent of the World Tree, he wields powers granted by it and demonstrates martial prowess comparable to a Master.

To the elves, the World Tree is a being they can touch and feel, so a Grand Warrior chosen by such a deity holds a status akin to that of a forest sage.

It’s worth noting that the elf designated as the Grand Warrior tends to live a much shorter life than other elves, which could be seen as a downside, yet no one harbors any resentment over it.

After all, being chosen as the representative of the World Tree is a glorious position, so what’s the issue with passing on a bit earlier than others?

Returning to the embrace of the mother, the World Tree, is something they actually look forward to.

Even if that life is short, in human terms, it’s still a lengthy life for a long-lived species, but time is ultimately a relative measure.

Particularly, this Grand Warrior is barely a fledgling, having just finished the coming-of-age ceremony by human standards.

Even though he must have lived several times longer than I have, why does he seem so immature? I pondered many thoughts, and the only conclusion I could come to is that time is indeed relative.

You could say in slang that he’d consumed his age through one end.

I have had moments where I was scolded for acting like an old man in front of long-lived council members, and once, I almost ruined a peace treaty because I made derogatory remarks without knowing a Dwarf Lion was listening outside.

This Grand Warrior isn’t evil, but he certainly exhibits clumsy and youthful behavior as an elf.

“Uwaaa! Don’t say bad things about the Grand Warrior!”

“Ouch! You guys haven’t really seen him properly! Look at Cindy, keeping her mouth shut over there!”

Right after being called a younger sibling, I suddenly felt the urge to bring up a few flaws known only to me about the Grand Warrior, and Nina bit my hand.

She couldn’t stand me disparaging the Grand Warrior, even though she used to follow me around constantly.

In any case, elves are a race that loses all rational judgment when it comes to matters tied to the World Tree.

As for the direct blood relative, Cindy Lue, perhaps feeling a bit guilty, she kept her mouth shut and turned her head away.

“I don’t know! Atlas is a fool!! I was so jealous that you’re the Grand Warrior’s younger sibling!”

Nina started to sniffle and then entered the carriage again.

I felt sorry for having said such harsh things in my moment of anger.

“Hmmm~ I figured it’d be impossible for you to have such feelings, but was it true?”

And as I stood there, folding my arms and observing the whole situation, Nivas approached with a grin.

Seeing that made me want to give him a smack.

The atmosphere had turned awkward, so I boarded the regular ship straight away, ending up in the current situation.

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Casey’s words dug deep, poking at my sore spot, causing my chest to ache.

‘Did I really look down on the Grand Warrior?’

I decided to reflect on the encounters I’d had with him one by one.

I had never revealed to him that I was his Master.

If I had confronted him as a Master, he probably wouldn’t have known my name was Atlas.

The forest is quite isolated, so news of what happens inside rarely makes its way outside.

The only established communication channels would reasonably be the Perda family, dealing in trade with elves.

But even that consists merely of checking the atmosphere by traversing to and fro the forest every few months.

The reason I had come to the forest was rather mundane.

Before the original story started, meaning before Hayden enrolled at the Academy, there had been a horrific incident where the defenses of the forest were breached, leading to the roots of the World Tree starting to rot due to demonic influences.

It was the result of meticulous planning over an extensive period, and the elves had no idea that it was happening.

I learned that the roots were beginning to rot only shortly after the story began.

If I recall correctly… it was stated that this incident occurred when the World Tree’s powers were at their weakest?

Remembering that, I traced back the true nature of the incident I knew and confirmed that the Demon Church was up to no good in and around the forest.

In the course of that series of events, I encountered some elves and saved the Grand Warrior, who had foolishly ventured out alone to chase demons and was caught in a trap… and this is how he repays me?

Thinking about it all made my anger boil.

[Grand Warrior… The elves appear to be thriving still.]

‘Elder, did you cough?’

Just as I was grumbling about the Grand Warrior, the usually dormant Wolf God stirred awake.

I thought he might have entered a long slumber since he hadn’t woken up lately, but presumably, he had just been sleeping in deeply.

[…You’re having some very blasphemous thoughts. Isn’t it better than being awake at all times?]

Even if he’s crammed inside my head, isn’t it a bit much to read my thoughts?

Well, at this point, I have no choice but to secure my thoughts even more tightly.

[I heard you’re heading to the forest? Once you deal with the children of Typhon, you can sleep as you wish, so don’t worry about it.]

He still wakes up occasionally, so it feels similar, but this time it seems different.

[And… regarding what I was just thinking… that Grand Warrior is young, so he might be a bit concerned about his image. No matter how much of a Grand Warrior he is, he’ll still worry about impressing the old elders who have lived for over a thousand years.]

Wait, so the Grand Warrior, who is the representative of the World Tree, is worried about how the elders perceive him?

Even if they’re a bunch of old-timers, does it make sense to act so deferentially towards a divine representative?

Or maybe not? I can’t firmly conclude since I haven’t deeply explored elven society.

It’s a place I haven’t encountered much throughout my life, and since that time, I haven’t visited either.

The elf I have the closest connection with has been Cindy since coming to the Academy, as we’ve been able to chat a bit.

‘The Grand Warrior is the representative of the World Tree, and he’s still concerned about others’ opinions?’

[That’s just the surface layer. From what I can see, your knowledge about the elves seems to have dwindled since the past. You should go see for yourself…]

He had dropped several intriguing lines before falling back into slumber.

My understanding of the elves having faded since the past?

This was the first I’d heard of it.

Does the knowledge about elves that has spread throughout the Empire seem strange?

‘Professor Prada was an elf too, right?’

Thinking further, I remembered another elf I personally knew.

That professor must have been away from the forest for quite a while now, but I should still ask him since he lived in the forest.

-Our vessel is scheduled to arrive at the Academy in 15 minutes. Please check thoroughly for any forgotten belongings. We wish you a pleasant journey.

In that moment, the regular ship had arrived at the Academy and was announcing its arrival.

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As many people got off the regular ship, students unable to bring their carriages were primarily commoners.

It was fortunate that I managed to reserve a separate cabin based on my previous experiences.

Just passing through the hallway made everyone surprise at seeing Lucia.

Lucia, not one to enjoy being the center of attention, must be feeling quite gloomy.

“I’m back… now.”

“It doesn’t feel like you’ve been gone that long, yet it feels like an eternity.”

“The start of the semester is in a week, right?”

Once everyone got off the regular ship, they marveled at the Academy buildings visible from the port.

Although the official start of the semester was a week away, there were still plenty of things to do in the meantime, so this timing seemed just right.

“Is that the Academy over there?”

“Yeah.”

Gemma, who got off with me, brightened at the sight of the Academy buildings.

Could it be that the Academy’s structure arouses a sense of possession within her?

I hope she doesn’t cause any trouble.

“Among the tasks to be done in this upcoming week, you’ll also have to undergo the processes for transfer, so pay close attention.”

“…Thanks.”

Hearing Gemma say a simple thanks made me feel good.

Having rode together several times must have formed a bond, which had her feeling a bit reluctant when faced with parting now.

“Well, let’s head to the dorm and unpack our stuff.”

“You’re heading to that mansion, right?”

“There’s not a trace of my belongings left in the dorm anymore.”

With it being my first time back in months, there was plenty to do.

I arrived earlier than others, but I had many faces to show and places to check.

First, I should visit my house that I had built before going to the dorm.

While Golems may have managed things, who knows what could have happened in the meantime?

“So, where will you be living, Gemma?”

“There aren’t any empty rooms in the dorm at the moment.”

“Since there’s currently an empty room available, you should be able to stay there until something can be arranged.”

When I built the new structure, I had developed several rooms, so even if a couple more were added, it shouldn’t be a problem.

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After everyone parted, Casey, Gemma, and I headed towards the mansion, taking a completely different direction.

I wondered if the Golems had been managing things well.

If not, I might have to cause a ruckus at the guild that sold them, so let’s hope everything is alright.

The mansion is located right in the midst of nature, so there are many elements to manage.

We had to remove weeds from the garden and clear all the dust flying in from all directions.

If I neglect maintenance even a little, it could instantly go from pristine to a terrible wreck.

“Hmph hum~”

Oblivious to my concerns, Gemma seemed rather excited, humming a little tune as we approached the mansion.

It’s not that impressive of a place, but she looked rather expectant, making me a bit nervous.

“Don’t get your hopes up. Compared to where you used to live, it’s a rather humble place.”

“I don’t intend to complain about a place where someone who allowed me to stay lives.”

“…The blinders have been securely fastened on you.”

Casey remarked a complaint in response to her demeanor, but I let it pass.

And shortly after we arrived at the mansion, I couldn’t help but doubt my own eyes.