Chapter 211

The afternoon in Ardisus is dark.

In the mountains and forests, it feels like the sun sets faster than usual.

And that sensation becomes even more bone-chillingly apparent once you enter the dense thickets of the forest.

In that sense, Ardisus itself can be called a great woodland without exaggeration.

After all, even the World Tree makes it nearly impossible to catch a glimpse of the sun just by standing beneath it.

Thus, unless artificial light or illumination is provided, the area remains extremely dark.

Still, thanks to some mysterious grace, the World Tree evenly distributes sunlight in moderation, preventing the place from being perpetually shrouded in oppressive darkness throughout the year. However, as the sunlight fades during the afternoon, its absence becomes all the more evident.

Nevertheless, the Forest Folk have excellent hearing.

Not quite like nocturnal beasts who perceive the night as if it were broad daylight—but the elves’ acute sense of hearing compensates for their limited vision.

Hence…

Even before any physical presence was detected, subtle noises—many movements rather than one—were picked up, leading them to accept that their plans had been compromised.

“…”

A finger moves through the air, creating an almost imperceptible breeze.

They’ve trained tirelessly to interpret such minimal disturbances.

This precautionary measure was intended for races with exceptionally keen auditory senses but was also a last resort when stealth was necessary.

Given the current situation, there was a high chance they might inadvertently involve their kin in this unwelcome event.

So this was their contingency plan.

– They’re approaching. We’ve been spotted.

– What should we do?

– Attack? Wait? Retreat?

The lead elf at the forefront wiggles their fingers frantically, signaling instructions.

– We’ll hide. If they know our position and are advancing accordingly, we’ll ambush after lying in wait. The signal will come from me.

Everyone crouched silently under the trees, blending into the shadows. Their agility in moving through the woods was remarkable, but their true forte lay in leaping gracefully between branches.

The wind, atmosphere, and guidance of the forest ensure they always find the optimal path. This, too, they believed, was the blessing of the Sacred Tree.

Regardless of reality, they firmly believed in this truth.

And then…

The approaching group suddenly vanished, their presence fading as though swallowed by the earth.

“…”

In this situation, even hand signals become difficult to convey.

Their proximity has exceeded expectations.

Suppressing even their breathing, they waited for the intruders to either retreat or pass by.

“…”

Anxiety sharpens their senses.

Despite their hearts pounding loudly, they strive to regulate their breathing as finely as possible.

…

…?

The insect chirps momentarily faltered.

Just that slight disruption…

…was enough for the hidden presences to explode into action.

The secrecy abandoned, hostility and aggression erupted, overwhelming them in waves.

Yet, even amidst the pitch-black forest, no scent of blood or sound of combat had yet reached them.

Not until someone crashed down from a tree and arrows pierced through the air, cutting through the insect noises, did silence and stillness finally yield to the acrid stench of fresh blood.

Since these individuals knew each other so well, they submerged themselves deeper into the quiet, embracing the stillness as their specialty.

====

“There’s been a clash.”

Between the gaps of black cloth, glimpses of pale skin appeared.

He stood on a thin branch, gripping an unknown dark spear, whispering softly.

“Was it anticipated?”

A faint voice of Kailan reached from nearby.

“That’s unlikely.”

“Then what?”

“Their attire is similar.”

“…Attire?”

When Kailan showed signs of doubt, Bar-go responded dryly.

“Are there thieves dressed like us in our own home?”

“…You mean…”

Did they preemptively detect and handle our ambush? Such preparation?

If word gets out that the human child faced assassination threats, failure would be problematic, but success might be worse.

Perhaps they aimed to eliminate any possibility beforehand.

“If that’s the case, it means our ambush has already been exposed.”

“…”

Bar-go struck the core first.

“How about pulling out now?”

“…One more thing.”

Kailan spoke, suppressing excitement.

“If they had the same intention and targeted the human child?”

“Hmm. That makes sense.”

But this implies something else entirely.

…Meaning the assassins clashed with their unwitting accomplices instead of their target.

“But this is speculation for our rear guard. Do they think the same?”

“We don’t know. They might prefer swift action.”

“Even elves act impulsively in emergencies, I guess.”

Bargo’s indifferent remark twisted Kailan’s brows.

“Then we must exploit even that.”

“Kailan. They could think the same way. If we hesitate… you understand?”

“Still, this assumption might be flawed from the start. They could’ve been tasked solely with eliminating us.”

“It seems the entire world has turned against us.”

With a sarcastic tone, Bargo dismissed it.

“Hand over your command to me, and I’ll provide a way forward.”

“You?”

“I remember giving you sufficient hospitality. Or would you rather ruin everything by overthinking?”

“…”

Kailan hesitated briefly before closing his eyes tightly.

“Originally, worrying is the job of aides or strategists.”

Leaping off the branch, Bar-go spoke.

“If we’ve decided, we must move decisively.”

====

Was it because of the timing?

Or perhaps due to the period?

There are multiple altars honoring the World Tree.

However, the areas surrounding entrances to sanctuaries are notably less accessible compared to others.

“Still, it’s unusually quiet.”

“It’s festival season, and the temple is open, so many may be there to pray. The purification rites… will happen later.”

“But it still feels too empty.”

Remira looked around and said.

Without a single ray of light, and given the proximity to touchable sacred trees, this area is cloaked in deep shadow. At this point, even imagining the night sky is impossible.

“Let’s go back. Today doesn’t seem right.”

“No, today is perfect.”

“What? Perfect for what?”

“The day before the World Tree became what it is, a dedication ceremony was held around this time.”

“Dedication ceremony?”

“Not particularly special; it happens monthly. Simply put, just like flowers and trees need water, right? Think of it as watering day.”

Though the water isn’t ordinary rainwater or typical resources—it’s more complex.

“Nature doesn’t unnecessarily antagonize itself, does it?”

But that’s only because you don’t fully understand. Even trees compete fiercely, striving to grow taller to overshadow weaker ones by strengthening their roots. There are countless examples.

“Stories I’ve heard suggest that when you’re aware of these things, the world appears different.”

Depending on whether you view nature with awe, understanding, or empathy, it reveals itself differently.

“It varies based on the perceived necessity. Cutting forests for expansion or mining mountains for minerals differ from humans. Invading wars for territorial gain… need no further explanation, right?”

“What? Are you getting smarter following me?”

“…Only because you talk so much.”

Though Remira outwardly criticized, she enjoyed learning. Otherwise, Carriel wouldn’t bother lecturing endlessly.

If they cared only for vanity, they’d chatter regardless of warnings. But Carriel is far removed from such tendencies.

“Ultimately, there’s a reason we’re here… Your warning of danger and my permission to accompany you both have grounds, right?”

“Of course.”

Clearing her throat, Remira turned her head.

“But is this kind of danger something we can overcome?”

“I wish.”

Approaching along the main road leading to the World Tree and altar, a few figures turned toward them.

Adapting to the dark, Carriel casually leaned against a rock while Remira positioned herself protectively on his right flank.

“Just as expected.”

“We were waiting. Not sure about your arrival, though.”

“Sounds like you have other guests.”

“Indeed.”

Remira addressed him.

“Councilor Vadera.”

“Guard Remira. You should step aside. I have urgent matters to discuss.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Why not? It’s just a brief conversation.”

“Unless those Green Thorn faction members lurking around have no specific reasons to be here?”

“True, we are valuable. Precautions are necessary in case of unforeseen incidents.”

“Do you really think that’s appropriate?”

Amused, Carriel smirked.

“I asked you to erase that memory since it’s dangerous. Though you claimed you already did.”

“If we possess this, ruling the world isn’t impossible.”

“Someone like me, a kid, is nothing compared to you. It seems fitting, doesn’t it?”

Even if I, in another world, nearly succumbed to myself… Can someone who’s lived centuries lose themselves completely within decades of memories?

…What makes it impossible? The alternate-world Carriel—a military deity, war god, tyrant, and corrupt ruler—his life brims with fatally serious magic.

“Our Queen will understand, and we’ll secure you safely. Daily life won’t be affected, so don’t worry.”

“Wait… you weren’t planning to kill me?”

“Our lineage desire rivals humans’. Your wisdom isn’t overlooked. Spreading irresponsible rumors about the death of the Sacred Tree is troubling, but if you speak on its behalf, wouldn’t that work? Isn’t that why you staged this small event? Am I wrong?”

“Not entirely, but partially correct.”

“Only half? Now I’m curious.”

Right here, only we two exchanged smiles while calmly conversing.

“Still, lingering too long isn’t wise. Let’s end it here. Future exchanges can happen leisurely.”

“Don’t rush. Waiting a bit longer might offer quite an interesting experience.”

“I understand, but I dislike unnecessary hassle. Why provoke trouble? Surely you didn’t come here idly. You must’ve guessed my intentions. However… the world favors the quicker and more agile. You know this, don’t you, given your memories?”

“You’re right, but how applicable it is now is questionable.”

“Fine. I’ll rest for a few days before continuing. Enough talking.”

Soon, the sleek-faced Councilor Vadera signaled with a nod, and armed elves surrounded them.

“Remira.”

“What?”

She glanced around before responding.

“We shouldn’t wait; we should strike first.”

“What?”

That moment slipped past unnoticed.

Carriel swiftly retreated backward.

But that instant was orchestrated fate disguised as coincidence.

While pretending to follow Carriel, Remira rammed into someone chasing him, head-on like an enraged bull.

KRAK!

The armored body slammed into a tree with tremendous force, echoing violently through the forest.

The impact was so powerful that the collided tree groaned and tilted dramatically, slicing through the darkness.

BOOM!

“Excellent!”

Councilor Vadera stroked his smooth chin appreciatively.

“Hm…?”

Meanwhile, several figures had closed in on Carriel.

“To properly restrain him…”

“Even guarding him…”

Yet those holding onto him collapsed like puppets cut from strings, one even flipping mid-air before crumpling.

“How… How is this harmony?”

Each of them was outstanding within the Green Thorn faction.

Why couldn’t they subdue a mere child so effortlessly?

Moreover, this technique… I’ve seen it before.

“Hero… Emperor?”

“You recognize me?”

Among human races, ‘his’ genius transcends norms.

Even the Knights of Glory, immediately after obtaining the Sacred Sword, couldn’t surpass him.

Not limited to humans, though.

The skills, performance, and functionality demonstrated by the Hero Emperor in battle…

…exceeded the standards of all races.

Had he possessed Ruelde’s robust physique,

Or an elf’s agile and flexible body,

Or any other race’s superior physicality,

…another history might have been written.

“One day, our Majesty mentioned: Without weapons, one must use hands and feet, but that’s inefficient.”

The Emperor was great but lacked standout traits among heroes.

Excelling in everything, yet never reaching perfection in any single aspect.

To some, everything he did might seem ultimate and extreme.

Magic and knowledge saved his companion.

Swordsmanship challenged the Knights of Glory.

Compassion and life energy protected the Holy Maiden.

Bravery and protection embodied the Giant.

Destruction of non-humans showcased the King of Plains.

Dominance over skies and seas without wings belonged to the Witch of Islands.

Beyond these, numerous fallen comrades and heroes alike…

The Hero Emperor of the era lacked anything substantial.

Still, he believed otherwise despite others dismissing it as absurd.

Eventually, he realized and arrived at a definitive conclusion.

“What exactly is a ruler?”

Cutting off the breath of struggling elves with precise kicks from his heels or toes, Carriel replied.

“It means controlling and leading every situation.”

They don’t know.

The memories of the alternate-world Carriel they’ve seen…

Have been selectively edited.

More accurately, parts have been omitted.

But even so, they found satisfaction beyond contentment.

However…

The core connection between this Carriel and the alternate-world Carriel…

They probably couldn’t even dream of.

Before obtaining the Legacy of the Great Demon King, the alternate-world war deity…

…already achieved this with sheer force alone on fierce battlefields.

“In both this world and the other, my master has always been the Emperor.”

Why?

“…Do you have any guesses now?”

That brutal memory holds significant meaning for me.

A realm originally unreachable…

But.

…Lacking only the physical form, the experience and expertise are already perfected.

That’s why I’ve prolonged the situation.

Since entering the sanctuary, conspiring, causing chaos before the councilors!

Even after entering the sanctuary consistently…

…Actually, even before entering, I was busy.

Anyway, since following the sixth elder into the sanctuary, my life has been incredibly hectic.

“How should one proceed without weapons? Even innate talent in wielding weapons might fail eventually. Hands and feet aren’t adequate substitutes. So?”

First.

Seize the opponent’s weapon.

But what if that’s impossible? Meaningless?

Second.

Overcome using techniques with minimal effort for maximum effect.

But what if that’s ambiguous? Difficult?

Third.

“Seize and use the opponent’s weapon.”

And that weapon is none other than this.

Mana.

More precisely, redirecting or twisting the intended use.

This applies not only to humans but also to daemons and beastmen.

Though, doing so requires…

Perfect comprehension of the opponent’s mana manipulation methods, applications, structures, and flows.

Even after understanding, one must process it skillfully.

…A gamble that even a natural genius might find daunting.

…But if a genius commits wholeheartedly…

Such madness becomes possible.

“As long as you use mana to approach me, it’s not advisable. I recommend utilizing your signature spirit spells.”

And now…

I’ve secured the bows and quivers from the fallen.

“I distrust miracles and coincidences the most in this world.”

For example, this.

“How about it? Did the bait look tempting?”

Though merely twelve years old in human terms…

Why was it?

Unconsciously, Remira swallowed hard.

The movement of her throat felt unnaturally conspicuous.

Still, she couldn’t tear her gaze away from him now.

“Isn’t luring prey into a trap about making them believe you’re the hunter?”

Councilor, you know well, don’t you?

“You know how many foes I’ve turned into corpses, impaled on stakes, or nailed to crosses using this strategy from those memories?”

Using himself as bait.

Sometimes using Crown Prince Alesius as bait.

Sometimes his younger brother Elimiun as bait.

Or all of them as bait.

…How many big catches have been snagged?

“This is the stratagem of a fisherman catching people.”

“Just a dozen-year-old human brat! No matter how extraordinary, there are only two of you! Such arrogance has limits!”

Suddenly, thunder cracked, and several trees snapped.

Strangely, despite the lightning, the flash wasn’t very bright.

“What’s happening?!”

Some were likely hiding in the forest, but there was no response to the call.

By then, Councilor Vadera’s expression and complexion had worsened significantly.

Had it not been for the pitch-black darkness enveloping them,

They’d have been virtually naked in vulnerability.

Councilor Vadera sharply turned his gaze toward Carriel.

“…So, is this part of your preparations?”

“Partially.”

From the shadows emerged a man wielding a spear, draped in tattered cloth.

Additionally,

Around a dozen beings neither human nor elf revealed their agile forms discreetly.

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