Chapter 256

Over the span of five years, Arthur and Vivi taught me countless things. With just these two individuals, there should be no significant issue in reclaiming the throne.

Arthur’s strength, honed meticulously over several years through various forms of education, had slightly transcended the boundaries of human capability. Likely, there would be none who could catch up to him in swordsmanship.

He might even be at a level where he could effortlessly repel a few hundred soldiers alone. Though if we’re talking about thousands, that’s another story—but gathering such an army would be tough unless it’s wartime, so let’s move on.

And then there’s the sword I gave him. If Arthur were to use Dainslayf alongside a method for physical enhancement using internal magical power… wouldn’t it even be possible to cut down ten thousand? Maybe.

As a rough comparison, unless someone possessed the strength akin to the Great Warrior of the Lizardman, they wouldn’t even be able to withstand Arthur’s blade easily.

Lastly, with Vivi recognized as the Dragon Priestess, she could surely receive assistance from the Church of Life. Thus, there might not even be a need for me to accompany them.

Especially since the position of Dragon Priestess grants authority to sway the Church of Life, allowing one to act freely in many ways.

The ability to control the Church of Life, which spans across the entire world, equates to wielding power beyond nations. Its value is immeasurably vast.

If disguised as pilgrims of the Church of Life, slipping into Sirius, the capital of Romania, would be no challenge at all.

From there… if Arthur so desired, he could single-handedly slay the emperor and reclaim his throne.

Of course, what follows afterward would be a separate matter entirely.

Should the long-missing heir to the previous emperor reappear, claiming the throne as theirs by killing the current emperor—would the lords of the land trust this claim without question?

Or would they brand him as a tyrannical emperor assassin and seek to seize imperial power for themselves?

Though it may seem like an exaggerated imagination, one cannot be certain it won’t happen.

Thus, Arthur needs to establish a bit of a foundation first.

Hmm. Since I’ve already emphasized this point repeatedly to Arthur… he’ll probably handle it fine on his own, right? …Right? He’ll do well, surely.

Hmm. I’m unsure. For some reason, a vague sense of unease creeps into my mind. Should I assist these two? Or send them outside the forest and merely observe from afar?

Recalling what Vivi said yesterday, both Arthur and Vivi likely took my accompaniment for granted. Hmm.

Would it really make much difference if I followed along? Observing closely instead of keeping a slight distance might prove more entertaining.

Plus, it seems they desire my presence too. Hmm… perhaps I should just go along? It shouldn’t cause any problems if I follow…

Ah, that’s right. I lied, saying I couldn’t leave the forest.

Hmm. A small lie like that can probably be concealed with another lie. But is that alright? Would one falsehood truly lead to another? Is it fine?

I don’t know. While I’m uncertain, it probably doesn’t matter. What could possibly go wrong?

One element of concern remains: how long can this sage’s body made of rock endure? Hmm.

Well, if I use it carefully, it might hold up fine. Besides, what’s the harm in following along! If it breaks, I’ll repair it!

This mission feels fitting as the final act for this sage’s body.

I hadn’t anticipated it being used for so long; it’s gradually deteriorating. So,

Let’s assist these two while bringing closure to this body.

It’d be inconvenient if a sage from the Age of the Gods still existed. The Sage of the Deep Forest needs a proper conclusion.

So, let’s keep going a little longer.

Just a bit more, and I believe we can complete a rather decent story.

—

The Tree of Life. Sephirot.

A staff symbolizing the authority of the Church of Life, owned exclusively by the Dragon Priestess, the saint of the Church of Life.

Shaped like a tree with ten mana stones wrapped around its branches, it is a staff that proves the grandeur of life itself despite never having rooted in the earth.

This staff protects its owner, restores magical power, drastically reduces magic consumption, and is a legendary staff coveted by countless mages. It refuses to be held by anyone not permitted.

Its storage method is surprisingly casual: during periods when there is no Dragon Priestess, it roots itself in the garden of the Main Headquarters of the Church of Life, patiently awaiting the next priestess.

This is because it possesses a feature where anyone with impure intentions will have their life and magical power drained by the branches rooting into their hands, leaving them near death.

—

Legend has it that Sephirot originally had a different form, adorned with only a single gem containing a massive mana stone.

Over time, as it passed through the hands of numerous Dragon Priestesses, they attached exceptional mana stones from monsters they defeated, eventually forming its current appearance.

Sephirot carries within it the tales of Dragon Priestesses who protected the world for centuries.

– From the Encyclopedia of Legendary Weapons.

—

“Tree of Life?”

“Yes! Even though it’s shaped like a staff, it’s still alive, right? Plus, since I, the Dragon Priestess, carry it, it’s bound to be important to the Church of Life. The name ‘Tree of Life’ fits perfectly, doesn’t it?”

Indeed. That name suits it well. It gives off a vibe full of vitality.

But calling it simply the ‘Tree of Life’ feels a bit empty, so let’s add something small.

“Sephirot.”

“Huh?”

“Let’s call it the Tree of Life, Sephirot.”

Since calling it just the ‘Tree of Life’ feels incomplete, naming it ‘Sephirot’ should fit nicely.

“That sounds good too! Tree of Life, Sephirot! Your name from now on is Sephirot!”

Seeing Vivi’s delight, I smiled faintly.

Then…

“Vivi. Arthur. Let’s prepare to depart.”

“Ahh, yes!”

“Ne…”

Hearing my words, Vivi went inside to gather her bag, while Arthur looked slightly disheartened watching her. Hmm… is he feeling a bit nervous about finally starting this long-planned endeavor?

I didn’t raise him to be so timid, but hmm…

“Why do you seem so low on energy, Arthur?”

“Ah, it’s nothing. Just… um…”

Arthur hesitated briefly before speaking.

“Vivi told me that our teacher won’t be coming with us.”

Ah, so Vivi already informed her brother. She’s quite the chatterbox, isn’t she?

“I worry if I can accomplish this without our teacher. Despite my efforts, I fear I may not succeed…”

While training, he could clear his mind and avoid anxiety, but now that it’s time to begin, his worries are growing.

Hmm. There’s nothing to be done. Truly, with such anxiety, he won’t be able to achieve anything.

“Looks like I’ll have to come along after all.”

“Huh?”

My words left Arthur bewildered, and Vivi, who emerged carrying her bag, was also surprised.

“But you said you couldn’t leave the forest?”

“True. My body can’t leave normally. However…”

I flicked my finger lightly, and an illusion enveloped the sage’s rocky body.

Covering the stone figure with the semblance of a living human.

“If I limit my powers and take some risks, I can leave the forest. Of course, I won’t possess the same overwhelming strength as within the forest.”

At my words, smiles began to spread across Arthur and Vivi’s faces.

Is my presence really this reassuring to them?

“To have our teacher come along is like gaining an army of a million soldiers!”

“We hope for your continued guidance, Teacher!!”

Truly, these two are hopeless.

Before we proceed,

“It’ll create complications if you call me ‘Teacher’ outside the forest. Please address me by another name.”

“Another name?”

Let’s see. What name would be suitable… Hmm… Since the sage’s body is made of stone, something related to the earth.

“Gaia. Call me Gaia.”

There’s no one left who remembers Gaia as Baal. Using it here shouldn’t cause any issues.

Thus, I departed the deep forest with Arthur and Vivi.

Let’s begin our journey to find those who can assist Arthur.