The World Tree is the root and foundation of existence for the fae race.
It’s said the first elves were born from the branches, leaves, and bark of the World Tree.
Those born from the leaves are known as the Tribe of the Forest, or Tree Elves, while those from the branches are called the Children of Light.
The ones born from the bark came in various skin tones and were derogatorily called Husk Elves, classified as the “insufficient” or “deficient” clan compared to the pristine beauty and dignity of the Children of Light.
Over time, distinctions and hierarchies formed among them, eventually leading to conflicts.
Ultimately, the Tribe of the Forest triumphed and now live near the World Tree, while the Children of Light supposedly left the continent and the deficient ones spread across it and beyond.
But these are ancient tales now. The Tribe of the Forest later split into factions, merging with the deficient ones in complex ways that would take days to fully explain.
The descendants of the deficient ones who mixed with other races outside only retain faint traces of their elven heritage—this is why half-elves and quarter-elves exist today, though the Tribe of the Forest remains dominant.
Even they, however, can be laid to rest near the World Tree, either as ashes or relics, showing the last respect given by the forest folk.
“Only by overcoming barbarism can a healthy civilization form.”
“Carriel? Where did you pick up such preachy talk?”
While watching the queen paying respects alongside her people, Carriel was casually listening to Remira recounting some anecdote.
“What do you think about it, Remira?”
“I don’t know. What’s the point in discussing things I didn’t personally experience?”
“Hypothetical thinking isn’t bad. We learn from the past, right? Like imagining defending Her Majesty against an aerial attack—wouldn’t it be foolish to be optimistic and then get caught off guard?”
“Is that comparable?”
“Using thought is the greatest weapon of intelligent beings. Did you even realize your bow and sword stem from this process?”
“All these things have existed since we were born…”
“Not exactly. Even the first elves had to develop skills like magic, architecture, clothing, and lifestyle through trial and error over time.”
“…Is this relevant?”
“Why do your people revere your ancestors? Because their legacy benefits you, right?”
“…”
Remira nodded naturally. It made perfect sense, yet she hadn’t thought about it before. Everything seemed so natural until now, but hearing this made something feel off.
“You’re different from other elves, which is why you became a guardian knight.”
“Are you calling me disloyal?”
“Don’t just hear what you want. Being aware and perceptive is crucial; otherwise, you’ll always be swayed by the world and others.”
“…”
As Remira crossed her arms and stroked her chin, she began to ponder.
“When people call me smart, it’s because there’s a snake in my mind, constantly questioning me: ‘What do you want to do? Is it right? Will you fail?'”
“My head hurts already.”
Remira squinted.
“Yeah, this is probably my ego talking. In a way, it’s self-indulgence too.”
“Is it?”
“Teaching others or claiming to guide them can become boasting. But for you, this much should suffice. Your race refines life with time, like the wind or flowing rivers.”
“True. So we’re not hasty.”
Though Remira herself was surprisingly impatient compared to humans, still far more patient.
After hesitating briefly, she suggested:
“You don’t need to stay here. Why not pay respects yourself?”
“We acknowledge no one but our Lord. This is merely respect and courtesy.”
“…Not because it’s troublesome?”
“How did you know?”
Carriel smiled wryly.
“Considering how openly you admitted it.”
“Does that make sense?”
Carriel tilted her head.
“If Her Majesty personally led you here and you just stood around, wouldn’t that be embarrassing?”
“That’s true.”
Carriel’s smirk deepened as if saying, “Took you long enough to point it out.”
“…”
Are you trying to teach me again?
“Even as the youngest guardian knight, when near great figures, you should at least read the situation.”
“So, you’re saying I noticed late and am pointing it out now?”
“If not, Her Majesty would’ve approached and invited you directly, making a good picture either way.”
“Picture? Why bring that up? Is it some metaphor?”
“Oh, there is.”
Maybe the imperial expression in Elvish wasn’t quite right.
“In Elvish terms, it’s like admiring the dance of petals falling gracefully.”
“So, you’re saying it’s natural and proper, even beautiful?”
“Close enough.”
Perhaps such expressions should be reserved for older listeners.
“…”
Was it just her imagination?
“Did you say something to me?”
“Me? You must’ve misheard.”
“Umm…”
“By the way, don’t go blabbing today’s conversation to anyone.”
“I don’t have anyone to tell anyway.”
Just then, the queen returned after finishing her prayers and greetings, accompanied by two female elves dressed warmly in white robes covering everything except their faces, looking almost divine.
She introduced them as priests serving the World Tree, guardians of its sacred faith.
Upon reaching another altar, an elderly male elf with visible wrinkles waited ahead.
“It’s been years, Sixth Elder.”
“Indeed! My old bones ache…”
The elder likely rivaled a senior dragon in age.
“Let me see… Is this the child you mentioned?”
“May I inquire your name without offense?”
Calling him just “Elder” felt awkward, so she asked.
“I forgot my name long ago. Still, it seems you know little about us.”
“Yes, shamefully.”
“No need to be ashamed. Ignorance is ignorance. If we never taught you, expecting knowledge would be strange.”
The old man chuckled and preferred being called simply “Elder.”
“Now I understand why spirits fear you.”
“Fear? Like my father?”
“Your father, the warrior Ruelde, broke countless swords before wielding the Sacred Blade, correct?”
“Yes, as far as I know.”
“Same case. Your nature is too strong for nature itself to embrace.”
“Hmm?”
“For instance, scooping a cup of water is easy, but trying to scoop an entire lake or river might cause rainstorms, floods, or droughts where the water was taken.”
“Hmm…”
Carriel thought for a few seconds then sighed softly.
“The spirits fear me because they fear being consumed.”
“Exactly.”
Though he softened his tone…
‘Could using spirits lead to unnatural phenomena?’
Possibly more destructive than beneficial.
If I could command fire spirits…
I’d incinerate mountains and forests where enemies gather without hesitation, especially during war on a massive scale.
Cruel tactics like burying foes alive in fiery pits or using fire for torture or threats would come easily.
Certainly, someone’s livelihood could be reduced to ash effortlessly.
Since I always aim for efficiency, considering all extremes…
Killing one person or ten thousand would be the same.
Though, given my position, I wouldn’t cross that line lightly.
“You’re well aware of this.”
“As Her Majesty put it, I’m nurturing a snake in my mind.”
He doesn’t deny it.
A monster lives within me, but it’s not inherently evil.
Fear comes from fearing oneself being overwhelmed by darkness.
Yet, everything has its use.
If God created the world and is omnipotent…
Denying His creations and designs would be arrogant and disrespectful.
“Aren’t you afraid?”
“This fear helps me guard against arrogance and folly.”
“Courage that makes fear a companion. Yes, extraordinary individuals change the world this way. Beyond inheriting the Warrior’s Bloodline, you possess the qualities of a warrior. This trial will aid you.”
“Qualities?”
“Haven’t you realized already?”
The Old Elf’s words made Carriel feel uneasy.
“A warrior’s existence implies chaos and disorder in the world, right?”
“You misunderstand. The world is always chaotic and turbulent, even without a Demon King. Because the world was born from chaos. But we built order upon it.”
Pointing at Remira’s waist, he continued:
“Even that metal weapon wasn’t always like this. It was forged from stone, shaped, and made useful.”
“Through the foundation of order?”
“Correct. Our bodies function because the heart pumps blood continuously, following orderly rules. Death occurs not because the heart is pierced, but because the rules are broken and circulation stops.”
“So, could we survive without a heart if blood flowed properly?”
“Exactly.”
“Even creatures without hearts can live… But mammals generally follow this rule, with rare exceptions due to chaos or unknown factors.”
“There are undead corpses moving despite broken rules. That’s chaos—things defying logic. Order is the essence and basis of logic.”
“Hearing you say that… eases my concerns somewhat.”
“In what way?”
“I held unconscious biases about warriors.”
“One doesn’t need an adversary to be a warrior, but eventually, yours will appear.”
Child, I never said you’d become a hero.
“A hero might exist without opposition, but a warrior cannot.”
“Hmm?”
“Ho ho ho…”
The Old Elf stopped speaking.
“Enough idle chatter. Since this child can’t wield spirits, let’s try teaching them the language of the Sacred Tree instead.”
“Is that wise?”
The queen’s question only brought amused laughter from the Old Elf.
“Destiny is destiny. Can we just let it pass by?”
“As you wish, then. May this truly help you, Carriel.”
“I’ve already gained much help and comfort. Please don’t worry.”
Carriel smiled gently.
Knowing spirits fear and avoid him… yeah, it’ll be tough.
Finding a spirit willing to cooperate might not be impossible…
But that creates its own problems.
“Anyway, what does the language of the Sacred Tree mean?”
So stop clinging to false hopes.
Let the past rest.
Anyhow…
![[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come](https://i3.wp.com/darkmtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737407792-8993-TS-The-end-of-magical-girls-has-come.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come")
