Chapter 196

“It seems we were able to enter the inside after all.”

It’s more accurate to say that the tree was uncovered rather than dug out.

Inside, bioluminescent stones faintly glowing green even in darkness hung on vines, spaced out like chandeliers on the ceiling and walls.

“That’s right. And though the paths may differ, the spirits and souls of our ancestors who have returned to the earth and trees are contained here.”

“Spirits? Souls? So is this place like a tomb, an indoor cemetery, or something akin to a columbarium?”

“Well, you could see it that way, but we don’t have the custom of burying corpses. Pure-blooded members of the Tribe of the Forest vanish into dust almost immediately after death.”

“Hmm…”

Carriel maintained a calm attitude, continuing to listen attentively to the old elf’s words.

“So this place…is some sort of symbolic space central to the faith of the World Tree and Sacred Trees, huh?”

“The core of the faith, indeed. It’s not entirely wrong. Once upon a time, we offered blood sacrifices here too—mostly outsiders, non-elves.”

“Was that thousands of years ago?”

“From what I recall, four thousand? Six thousand? Somewhere around there.”

…That’s quite a discrepancy.

Human history has only been reliably recorded and passed down to the future for a surprisingly short period.

Without misunderstandings or unnecessary interpretations, it took an absurd amount of time to express things in a way that intuitively reveals the past.

In fact, the idea that holy texts and scriptures are historical documents isn’t insignificant.

There are opinions that these are myths, cautionary fairy tales, or outright fabrications—but they exist nonetheless.

Wall paintings or records of fallen civilizations are often misinterpreted due to differences in language and cultural systems, making definitive conclusions difficult.

And even these can easily be distorted by national power or individual intent.

After all, rulers often deify their lineage and ancestors to legitimize and distort historical facts—a fairly common practice.

“Did you really need to tell me all this?”

“You’re talking about the blood sacrifices, right? It’s the truth, so I felt it necessary. Some view it as a blemish, while others bring it up when discussing the golden age of our race… but the past is the past. We should let it rest and instead focus on how we can improve through it.”

“…”

Carriel could’ve pointed out that this wasn’t the main issue but chose to remain silent and listen.

“Humans might argue a lot, but we elves aren’t without internal disagreements either. The problem is, once we stray onto the wrong path, it’s hard to turn back. We may walk slowly, but if we take the wrong route, it becomes incredibly difficult to reverse course.”

“…”

“So we established rules. Through the voice of the Sacred Tree, we sought to discern right from wrong.”

“Does the Sacred Tree always provide the correct answers?”

“To be precise, it gives the best possible answer.”

With that, he fell silent for a long while, walking steadily until the downward slope flattened out into level ground.

“And based on that ‘best’ answer, your voices decreed and sentenced my death.”

“…What?”

At first, Carriel thought he had misheard.

“Not everyone agreed, which is why you’re still alive. But the general consensus is unshakable. If anything happens to you, the tragedy that will befall us is obvious. That’s why we’re striving to avoid it or find alternative solutions.”

“…”

So, when the queen mentioned half of the council opposed her will, she meant… both this and something else entirely.

In other words.

Based on the Sacred Tree’s judgment, those who want me eliminated make up roughly half of the council.

…I guess understanding it this way makes sense.

And since the queen and the elder here oppose or discourage such actions…

If the decision-making process relied on unanimity rather than a simple majority, my life would’ve been in serious danger right now.

“That reaction sounds like you’re just realizing this.”

“Yes. To my embarrassment, I just became aware of this fact.”

“Hmm. That’s why we urged Geoffrey to expedite ties through blood relations, wasn’t it?”

“No. That request came purely from goodwill.”

The old elf seemed slightly impressed.

“I see. Looks like fortune favors you in some ways.”

Luck isn’t random.

It’s the result of causes and conditions aligning because they could.

To think that luck and chance are unrelated to one’s will and intent is to ignore the circumstances leading to outcomes.

But when you start examining every detail of the world, what you call luck is merely what you didn’t know, couldn’t perceive, or lacked awareness of.

For Carriel, luck and chance were like air and wind—ever-present yet invisible, influencing everything indispensably.

Just as the world exists beyond what meets the eye or feels tangible.

How many processes must a farmer’s crops go through before reaching Carriel’s plate as food?

Even if Carriel farmed himself or baked bread or made soup, only inevitability exists here.

…Everything boils down to necessity.

Calling birth a coincidence likely stems from ignorance of its structure, laws, and causality.

Otherwise, does that mean I possess special qualities others lack, all thanks to mere luck?

Thus, this situation somewhat makes sense when analyzed this way.

“So, my activities and events have possibly—or likely—gone against someone’s will or intent?”

Though the elder called him a hero, Carriel aims to create a world where heroes aren’t needed.

But if someone opposes such efforts?

“Is there a possibility that the World Tree itself perceives this as undesirable—not just individuals or groups?”

“Hmm.”

The old elf paused briefly before responding.

“I don’t know. That’s why I brought you here—to find your own answers. There’s something else I should mention: a hero doesn’t solely refer to someone who saves the world.”

“What do you mean?”

Something ominous loomed as if hearing something one shouldn’t.

“If the counterpart to a hero is the Demon King, then wouldn’t the Demon King also occupy the same role or rank as a hero, or even surpass them? Wouldn’t that make it a proper trial or hardship? What do you think?”

“…”

A simple yet profoundly logical argument.

One that, upon reflection, seemed utterly obvious.

Apparently, I held a rather naive bias toward what being a hero entails.

Was it because I’m the son of a hero…? Feels like I got hit hard in the back of the head.

“Now that you mention it… you’re absolutely right. There’s no arguing with that.”

“Indeed.”

Then, the snakes in my mind and the turbulent emotions swirling in my chest—along with the clarity I can summon at will—are all talents, skills, and abilities granted for that purpose?

Thinking about it this way, it makes sense.

Because I’m nothing like my father in personality, temperament, or disposition.

Nor am I like my mother.

“Child, seeds are fascinating things. Whether planted upwards or downwards, they naturally grow roots into the soil when the time comes, sending shoots skyward.”

“…”

“People tend to overlook this natural order, dismissing it lightly. But how does a seed determine each step? Can you guess why?”

Carriel pondered the old elf’s question for a moment.

Yet, an answer that seemed obvious at first eluded him, blocked by something intangible.

Truths are said to be simple and straightforward.

When fully understood, they become concise.

If words falter and explanations grow convoluted, it means you don’t truly understand.

“This somehow sounds much more complicated the way you phrase it.”

“How could they comprehend the wonder and miracle of simple truths like lightning striking from the heavens or fiery rains falling?”

“…”

“A recent revelation for me. Though trivial, I find reverence for such things important.”

“Is that so?”

“Compare it to your life. That’s all I can offer. It might seem unrelated to your current predicament, but I believe you’ll see differently.”

We had arrived at a dead-end cave-like area.

It was completely empty.

Small enough for a dozen adult men to stand uncomfortably close, yet spacious enough for just Carriel and the old elf.

No bioluminescent stones illuminated the space, and the prolonged absence of light made the air feel heavy and oppressive.

“If only you could understand the language of the Sacred Tree and alter its voice, perhaps you could resolve this crisis.”

“In that case, I suppose I’d better try my hardest—for my own sake as well.”

So the spirit issue was just an excuse.

The queen prioritized allowing Carriel, the elder, and herself to enter this place together.

And this probably stems from some form of ‘expectation’ they have for me.

If anything happens to me, the continent’s balance will be irreparably disrupted.

Especially considering the empire lies in the west, and we’re at the far east.

How many nations would willingly open their borders to military movements under such circumstances?

It’s clear in my mind.

I’ve envisioned this ever since long before reaching the land of the elves.

Whether I desire it or not, any problems involving me could lead to such outcomes.

Ironically, this also serves as leverage to pressure or coerce others.

But this only works on those who possess much and fear losing it—those driven by reason.

Like now, when someone blinded by faith seeks to hang, burn, or slit throats—it’s all emotional.

No amount of rational persuasion would matter in such cases.

“This is troublesome.”

“Didn’t you knowingly throw yourself into external troubles to replace the imperial princess?”

“Now that you put it that way… I’ve run out of arguments.”

Pretending to be calm, confident, knowledgeable, superior, extraordinary—all attempts ultimately reveal that he’s just a weak kid underneath.

Once the masks fall and the hoods are lifted, there’s nothing left but emptiness.

“Being a hero is inherently arduous. Adversity and trials come as naturally as breathing. For someone remarkable like you, these challenges are simply part of the deal—that’s what I believe.”

“Maybe it’s just a crazy tree wanting to kill me and burn the world?”

“That’s probably accurate.”

Eh?

I was joking, but now that I’ve said it aloud, can there be a more fitting description?

“So convince the Sacred Tree. It’s the only way to prevent the impending tragedy for the world.”

“Couldn’t we just send a letter to my dad? That’d solve everything, right?”

“Hehehe. They fear that most of all. If you cause trouble, there’s no guarantee what happens next.”

“This life sure is tough. What even is this…”

“In reality, hasn’t your situation been precarious enough that this shouldn’t surprise you?”

“That’s true.”

As absurd as it sounds, it’s accurate.

Why pretend otherwise?

Let’s just accept it.

“Guess I’ve been conducting myself decently without realizing it.”

And thus far, fortune has smiled upon me—accept it for what it is.

While situations demanding unconditional death haven’t entirely disappeared, this predicament isn’t something clever maneuvering or strategy alone can resolve.

Unless I somehow regain control of the situation, which isn’t possible here since all avenues are fundamentally cut off.

Resultantly, had I stumbled even slightly… phew.

Ironic self-pity creeps in.

“All previous incidents have been anything but smooth. What’s going on with me at this young age?”

Despite saying this…

Carriel quickly composed his expression.

While it’s fine to show vulnerability to trusted allies, doing so risks unintended consequences.

Thus, there’s no need to reveal it unnecessarily.

Struggles are my problems, my burdens.

Expecting anyone else to alleviate or solve them would only invite disappointment early on.

“So, what should I do now? The Sacred Tree’s language? Its voice? How do I hear it, and how exactly can I influence it?”

“Do you know how to pray?”

Carriel tilted his head momentarily in confusion but soon smirked.

“Thanks to Mom, I’m actually very familiar with that.”

Since leaving the empire, he hadn’t prayed properly, but he’d pretended to appear devout.

Those moments were actually used to organize thoughts and devise plans, usually lasting over an hour.

And during that time…

He faced the monster within himself head-on.

“So… using human terms, ‘May God’s blessing be with you,’ or ‘Good luck’—which would you prefer?”

“Thank you. Your intent is more than clear.”

This gesture, seemingly supportive, might actually be another desperate measure to avert the worst-case scenario for them.

However, let’s ride along with it for now.

The crucial point is, they haven’t cornered me entirely.

They’ve left an escape route.

Whether it leads to safety or further peril, or serves as a starting point for retaliation…

…depends on my meeting with that damn World Tree that wants me dead.

====

Holding hands, kneeling, focusing like staring at a wall—how long had it been?

Somehow, I found myself tossed into the heart of a blazing forest.

-If you won’t set the world ablaze… then become the kindling that burns for the world.

This is your destiny.

-Carriel. Fulfill your destiny.

Fulfill it.

Fulfill it.

“…”

Carriel wandered amidst the roaring flames, perplexed by the unknown voice commanding him.

What is this even supposed to mean?

My destiny? What the hell does that even mean, you stupid tree bastard?

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