Chapter 59 – The End Process (4)
“Is this a seed from the tree?”
I took it in my hand, surprised by its size, larger than my fist, and the intricate patterns etched on its surface revealed my true feelings.
The elves buzzed with conversation upon hearing my words. They seemed astonished that I, a High Elf, was seeing the seed of the World Tree for the first time.
“I’ve never seen the seed of the World Tree. In fact, I’ve never seen the World Tree itself.”
“It is said that the World Tree emerged after the collapse of the Tower of Creation. In that chaotic time, which could be called hell, it served as a guardian protecting our elves. Does that mean…”
Arno, who had given me the seed, muttered to himself, his eyes widening. He realized who I was and from which era I had come.
“Are you truly an ancient elf from the Mythical Era?!”
“Yes. I lived during the Mythical Era, and I closed my eyes at the end of that era. I have just recently opened them again.”
Since there was no reason to hide it, I admitted that I lived in the era they called the Mythical Era. The elves’ astonishment grew even greater.
It was only natural, as the ancestral figure from the dawn of time had appeared before them.
Moreover, the Mythical Era was a forgotten time, almost entirely lost to history, with few records remaining—a true mythical age.
It was not surprising that those who had lived for centuries had eyes sparkling with amazement.
‘Did I say too much?’
Anticipating the barrage of annoying questions to come, I regretted my words for a brief moment.
I had to tell them something, but I could not bring myself to share the truth.
Just like other races, the elves had lived with great pride for the past ten thousand years.
While that pride could easily turn to arrogance, I believed their identity and pride, built over such a long time, were worth something.
It was impossible to tell them that their ancestors were, in fact, ordinary humans who had entered the tower and transformed into an artificial race with altered races and genders.
“Please tell us. What race were we during that time? Please let your distant descendants know of your greatness!”
As if entranced, the elven elders bowed their heads in unison. Realizing the moment had come, I sat still and shut my eyes tightly.
The thought that whatever I said, it would be regarded as actual history, drove me to near madness.
“…That era was an age of harmony. There was little difference between races. Unlike today’s elves, we did not harbor hostility toward humans. We simply mixed and lived together. Then the Tower appeared.”
I aimed to share information based on facts as much as possible. The statement that those who entered the tower and became a different race were once all humans, meaning there was no racial conflict, was indeed a fact.
However, there were various conflicts of a different kind.
“After that, it was similar to what has been passed down. Everyone tried to unite and conquer the tower, but they failed, and the end came. Those who survived eventually rebuilt the current era over a long time.”
“To think that all races lived as one. Is that really possible?”
“That depends on the situation and the environment. But I can say this for certain: there is no duty engraved in your souls that demands animosity. You can always join hands with them if necessary.”
I felt that perhaps I could use this opportunity to quell the anxiety and hostility prevalent among the elves. The notion that it wasn’t encoded in their genetics to be antagonistic toward other races received shocked expressions.
It was a long-standing tradition and teaching. It was not surprising that they found it natural, especially since many among them were over several centuries old.
Changing such deep-seated beliefs would not be easy.
“How could I freely associate with humans? I did it even back then.”
“Then, please tell us this one thing. Who was the leader of their faction? Humans and elves have different lifespans. It would be difficult for elves to follow a human king…”
“There was no king; representatives were usually elected through voting.”
Unsure how to respond, I spoke the truth in response to a desperate question from one elven elder. Upon reflection, the act of voting might indeed be a strange practice, unless one was a citizen of a free city electing a mayor.
“Then doesn’t that put humans, who have many children, at a significant advantage?!”
“Well, that… our own birth rate was lower than expected…”
Of course, what I said was quite close to a lie, which sometimes led to sharp questions that caught me off guard, but still, they did not suspect me. After all, there was no way to prove otherwise.
“Now, everyone, please calm down. I know you all have a mountain of questions, but this is not the time.”
Fortunately, before my tongue could trip, Elnar stepped in to mediate. Thanks to that, the barrage of questions from the elven elders ceased, and I wiped away the cold sweat that had started to flow without my realizing it.
Having often talked about the time I lived in during the Mythical Era with my friends, I felt the weight of its significance pressing down on me now.
“Is it time to examine the seed of the World Tree?”
It was only at this moment that I could once again look at the seed I had set aside. Just by gazing at it, it felt like nothing more than an old seed, devoid of any sensations.
“Honestly, I don’t sense anything. So you all are my hope.”
Holding the seed, I stepped outside and quietly whispered to the spirits. I knew as little as they did about what to do.
After leaving that request, I carefully placed the seed on the ground to allow the earth spirit to examine it.
Immediately, the earth spirit began moving the soil and carefully took the seed underground. For now, I could do nothing but observe.
“—, —?”
Not long after, the earth spirit communicated something to me, and my eyes widened upon hearing it. It was not impossible to revive this ancient seed of the World Tree, which had remained dormant for thousands of years.
“Is that really true?!”
“It seems that way. But it cannot be awakened through ordinary means. A special power is needed.”
I calmed the surprised elves by adding that there was a condition. The earth spirit stated that it could not sprout the seed with its own power and that it would require the help of water.
Furthermore, it specified that the water needed was very special. Hearing this made me bite my lip.
“The earth spirit keeps talking about some special water, but to be honest, I don’t really know what that means. Do you have any idea? I don’t know the history after the Mythical Era well, either.”
“By special water, you mean…?”
As I urged the elves, they began looking at each other. From their expressions, it appeared that they had no particular knowledge on the matter.
Given that they had lived in isolation for many years without much contact with the outside world, it was no wonder they were not well-informed.
“Special water. Could it be the true holy water?”
Surprisingly, the one who tentatively suggested this was Patrick, the human who had been quiet until now. As all the elves turned their attention to him, he gulped nervously.
“Ahem! I-I’ve just heard about it while adventuring.”
“What is this true holy water? Tell me.”
As he stammered, I grew more intrigued and pressed him for answers. The notion of a holy water sounded promising.
“As you know, the Order of Light is an ancient unified order that encompasses all races and factions. There is a legend that has been passed down there. It is said to be the miraculous power created by the first Saintess. The order is still striving to recreate that holy water, and the replicas are spread all across the continent now.”
Patrick explained to the elves what he knew under my prodding.
This was the first time I had heard such a story. I had thought I had learned a lot about this world, but it turned out I was mistaken.
“High Elf, this is nothing more than an unfounded legend from humans.”
“Do you want to keep saying that? There was no such thing back then!”
I was annoyed with the elder who tried to interject before we even began and thought it was time to seek out the only clue—the holy water.
If we could nurture the divine tree, the World Tree, which holds the power to resist the End Process of erosion, then it would be worth the investment.
“True holy water, how do we obtain it?”
“I’m not sure… I think we should ask someone from the order.”
Having gauged the atmosphere, Patrick respectfully answered my question. Hearing that I would need to meet a member of the order, I nodded.
That much shouldn’t be too difficult.
“Let’s go right away. Right now, it’s the only way. The fate of this world hangs in the balance. Do we have time to spare?”
Having made my decision, I looked around at the elves. The elders were unable to respond to my question.
