Raon looked at the Requiem Sword he had placed on the floor and exhaled deeply.
'Rise.'
He tried to move the Requiem Sword with his willpower from his upper dantian, but the sword didn't budge as if mocking him.
Bzzzzz!
He resonated the Ring of Fire to raise his energy level like when he sparred with Sterin, but the Requiem Sword emitted a low hum as if tickled, without any slight movement.
"Ugh..."
Raon groaned, supporting himself on the floor with both arms.
'Why isn't this working?'
As soon as he returned to his quarters to not forget the inspiration he gained from the sparring, he practiced infusing the Requiem Sword with his willpower, but he didn't expect it wouldn't even move, let alone float.
-Do you want me to tell you why it's not working?
Wrath sneaked up and grabbed his shoulder. His hand felt plump and soft like rubber.
'Why isn't it working?'
-The reason is simple!
He confidently raised his fist.
-It's because you're hungry!
'....'
-Human strength originally comes from the belly. You haven't eaten since you came here, so how can you have any strength?
Wrath, despite being a demon king, insisted that human strength comes from the belly and kept talking about going to eat.
If nothing else, his consistency was top-notch. He wanted to call him the demon king of consistency.
'I'm getting tired….'
-I'm serious! Trust me just once!
'Just go away.'
Raon pushed away the wriggling Wrath and tried to focus on his willpower again when the door to his quarters was roughly opened.
Bang!
A foot that seemed to have kicked the door stepped inside.
"Division Leader…."
Raon shook his head at Rimmer, who kicked the door even at home. Come to think of it, his consistency was also outstanding.
"You haven't eaten, have you?"
Rimmer placed the tray he was holding in his left hand on the table next to the bed.
"They don't serve meals here. You have to find and eat by yourself."
He smiled, saying he already gave meals to Dorian and Yua.
-Ohhh!
Wrath gasped, looking at the silver lid covering the tray.
-What's gotten into Pointy Ears? Has he finally come to his senses?
He eyed the tray, licking his lips.
"Thank you for taking care of me."
Raon stood up and bowed to Rimmer.
"From tomorrow, there will be no such luxury. But…"
Rimmer narrowed his eyes as he looked Raon up and down.
"Why do you look so tired?"
"I just sparred with the Guardian."
"Sparring is good. Wait, sparring?"
He widened his eyes, as if he couldn't believe Raon sparred with Sterin.
"Really?"
"As you said, the Guardian's archery is on a different level. It was a good experience."
Raon briefly explained his sparring with Sterin.
"Huh! He gave you guidance and told you to come see the World Tree?"
"Yes."
"Our old man doesn't even teach the Guardians directly. What on earth did you do?"
Rimmer chuckled, unable to understand.
"Show me the fruit that the old man gave you."
"Oh, yes."
Raon took out the red fruit he hadn't eaten yet and held it out.
"This is the Fruit of the Mountain Spirit Tree."
"Fruit of the Mountain Spirit Tree?"
"There are trees around the World Tree influenced by the spirit realm, standing on the boundary between plants and spirit beasts. The fruit plucked from these trees, filled with natural energy, is more effective than most elixirs."
He raised his thumb, saying it's the best for recovery even if it doesn't greatly increase aura.
"Is it alright for me to receive such a precious thing?"
"What can you do if he's giving it to you? If you don't want it, give it to me."
Rimmer held out his hand, offering to take it.
"No, thank you."
Raon shook his head and pulled the fruit back.
"Come to think of it, you seem to be popular with the old men."
Rimmer laughed, finding it amusing.
"Me?"
"Yes. The Saint likes you, and even the Sword Fanatic wanted to teach you as soon as he met you, though now it's a bit different. The Head of House likes you too."
"I don't know…"
Raon shook his head calmly. The Head of House at least evaluates based on achievements.
Although their relationship has improved, personal affection would not be significant.
"You really don't know."
Rimmer sighed and lightly kicked the floor.
"The grandparent-grandchild relationship should be like mine with our old man. You saw me hug him as soon as I saw him, right?"
He mimicked a hugging pose, suggesting Raon hug Glenn when they return to Zieghart.
"Are you trying to get someone killed?"
Raon frowned at Rimmer's raised lips.
'My head would fly off immediately.'
Seeing Glenn's fierce expression, he would end up kneeling instead of hugging.
"I'm serious…"
"Stop saying weird things. Where have you been, Division Leader?"
The sparring with Sterin was quite noisy, so other elves should know. It was strange that he didn't know.
"Erian said something strange was happening outside, so I went out for a bit."
Rimmer nodded, saying that's right.
"If it's something strange…"
"We got a report that wild animals living in the Great Forest were standing in front of Sepia's entrance."
"Animals?"
"Yes. Normally, they shouldn't sense anything because of the barrier, but they were standing there as if they wanted to enter. Isn't it strange?"
"Yes, it is."
When he heard about animals wanting to enter Sepia, a woman came to his mind.
'It can't be.'
No matter how much, she can't come here.
-I think it's her.
Wrath shook his head, trembling his chin.
-It's definitely that crazy woman!
He shook his head, saying animals couldn't suddenly act strange.
"Come to think of it, there are no animals inside here."
"There's a barrier in Sepia that doesn't allow anyone in without an elf's invitation."
Rimmer pointed to the sky, saying the brilliant light seen when they first came to Sepia is the barrier.
"When we went out, all the animals disappeared, so it seems it wasn't a big deal."
He laughed, saying the animals might have sensed the sharp energy right before the purification ceremony.
"I see."
If it's really Merlin, she would find a way no matter what. He should go out after the purification ceremony to check if it's Merlin.
"How do you feel about coming to Sepia?"
"It's a more mystical place than I imagined. However…"
"However?"
"The elves seem more interested in people and others than I thought."
They weren't as troublesome as Rimmer, but a few elves had a similar air to people who liked to chatter.
"You're talking about them spreading rumors about you and Siyana, right?"
"Yes."
"You observed well."
Rimmer nodded calmly without refuting.
"It wasn't as bad before, but today, they seemed very interested in others' affairs. I thought I was looking at a human village."
He shook his head, saying it's worse than when he was in Sepia.
"Is it because of their relationships with people?"
"That, and some have defected."
"Defected?"
"Yes. Some couldn't endure life in Sepia and left entirely. They changed the atmosphere here a lot."
Rimmer's forehead wrinkled slightly, as if it wasn't a good memory.
"Still, many elves live with nature as their companion, focusing only on themselves."
He laughed softly, saying elves would never completely become like humans.
"Oh, I took too long after bringing the food."
Rimmer waved his hand, telling him to eat before it gets cold.
-I think he brought a fruit pie that suits my taste perfectly!
Wrath, who was flailing in front of the tray, swallowed his saliva.
"Thank you. But what's the meal?"
Raon nodded to Rimmer and opened the silver lid covering the tray.
"Huh?"
-Oh no...
Wrath's mouth dropped open at the sight of the plate. The reason for his shock was simple.
Two brown pieces of bread were placed on a white plate.
-N-Nadine bread...
"You should try the original since you're here."
Rimmer laughed, saying the original taste would be different.
"Oh, yes."
Raon blinked as he grabbed the Nadine bread.
'I'm fine with it...'
Honestly, I prefer Nadine bread, so it doesn't matter, but it was obvious how Wrath, who was expecting food, would react.
-I'll kill him!
Wrath trembled all over, lifting his head.
-I'll kill both Pointy Ear siblings!
'Calm down.'
Raon operated the Ring of Fire to suppress Wrath and shook his head.
"I'll eat well. Thank you."
"I didn't expect you to really like it. From tomorrow, eat proper meals."
Rimmer shrugged and disappeared after closing the door.
-Where do you think you're going! Come out right now!
Wrath flailed his limbs, his pupils blazing with blue flames, genuinely furious.
'It can't be helped.'
To calm Wrath, Raon immediately bit into the Nadine bread. It was warm, as if freshly made, but the taste and texture were still like chewing rubber.
-Ack!
Wrath, who was having a seizure, deflated like a balloon.
-T-T-to think that warm bread could taste this bad…
He panted as if on his deathbed.
-It's truly the food of demons…
Wrath said he couldn't endure it any longer and buried his head in the ground.
'It's fine.'
Because it's warm. It tasted a bit better than when it's cold. Like heated rubber.
-I have a request.
'A request?'
Raon turned his gaze to Wrath while chewing the half-eaten Nadine bread.
-Please eat that fruit earlier…
Wrath clasped his hands, asking him to cleanse his palate with the Fruit of the Mountain Spirit Tree.
'Hmm, I do need to heal my internal injuries…'
Raon couldn't ignore Wrath's kitten-like eyes and put the fruit he received from Sterin into his mouth.
The tangy sweetness, like a mix of cherries and strawberries, washed away the rubbery taste in his mouth.
-It's sweet…
Wrath nodded, sitting down.
-Thank you.
For almost the first time, he said thank you and sniffled.
'It's nothing.'
As Raon was about to shake his head, a message appeared before his eyes.
[You received thanks from
[All your stats have increased by 2 points.]
'You get rewards for this too?'
As he was marveling at the message, he heard the sound of Wrath's head hitting the ground.
-....
Wrath stared blankly at the message and then grabbed his own neck with his hands.
-I'm just going to die! Eating Nadine bread every day! What's the point of living!
Raon shook his head while chewing the second Nadine bread.
'You can't die that way…'
-Squawk!
* * *
Siyana lifted her eyelids and bit her red lips.
"It's not working after all."
She tried to resonate as her grandfather taught her, but her spirit couldn't escape her wretched body, like a tightly sealed bottle.
She had hoped she could change a little after hearing Raon's advice, but it was the same.
"Haa…"
Siyana buried her exhausted face in the blanket. Her golden hair spread like gentle waves.
'The best effort…'
Honestly, she hadn't given her best effort, but she had been consistent. She wanted to be a High Elf praised by everyone like her grandfather, so she constantly practiced resonance.
This world had never opened its door to her. Now, she even doubted if resonance was real.
'I'm tired. Really tired, but…'
Siyana clenched her fist. She stood up, veins bulging on her translucent hand.
'But I still have to do it.'
Normally, she would lie on her bed thinking it wouldn't work anyway and imagine being praised, but meeting Raon made her want to try a little harder.
As Siyana closed her eyes to practice resonance again, she heard a dull knock on the door. There was only one person who knocked like that.
"C-Come in."
She mumbled to come in, her face half-covered with the blanket.
Sterin carefully entered and sat on the chair next to the bed.
"That human you said was amazing."
He crossed his arms and drew a deep smile.
"He's really something."
"Huh…"
Siyana widened her eyes at Sterin's smile. It was the first time her grandfather praised someone like that.
"R-Really?"
"Yes. I could feel his innate talent and the countless hours he spent swinging his sword. He's a true swordsman I haven't seen in a long time."
"Right? I told you!"
She lifted the blanket and stood up, as if she was the one being praised.
"Handsome Raon can ignite fire and freeze ice!"
"Hmm, I'm not sure about that."
Sterin waved his hand to stop his granddaughter, who started talking nonsense.
"I invited him to the purification ceremony."
"T-The purification ceremony?"
"He's Rimmer's disciple, so I thought it would be good to help if possible. So…"
He uncrossed his arms and grabbed Siyana's shoulders.
"How about you come with us too?"
"I…"
Actually, she had refused when he asked her to come before. She didn't want to face other elves, so she said she would stay in her room. But knowing Raon and Rimmer were going made her strangely courageous.
With the blanket covering her face, Siyana nodded very slightly.
"I-I'll go."
* * *
Raon bowed to the blue-haired elf.
"Then, please take care of her."
"I'll do my best."
The elf, whose heavy gaze seemed unfazed by anything, nodded at Yua.
This elf was a musician introduced by Rimmer, said to be one of the best in Sepia. He came to her directly to entrust Yua to her.
"I'll work hard too!"
Yua clenched her fists, even furrowing her brows. Her pigtails swayed, looking cute.
"Alright. I'll be back soon. Wait for me."
Raon patted Yua's head and turned around.
"What about me?"
Dorian's eyes sparkled, as if asking what he should do.
"You…"
He hadn't really thought about it.
After smacking his lips, he pointed at Yua with his finger.
"Watch Yua to make sure she learns well and doesn't get distracted."
"Yes!"
Dorian raised his hand as if saluting and nodded.
'Luckily, it worked.'
Raon shook his head and approached Rimmer, who was waiting behind.
"You're quite the devil too."
He muttered that it was scary and shuddered.
"You're scarier, Division Leader."
Raon shook his head, not backing down.
"If you're done, let's go quickly. The old man will be waiting."
Rimmer said Sterin valued punctuality and walked quickly.
"Did you hear? That human earned the right to see the World Tree?"
"It's understandable. He's the Spirit King's contractor."
"If he really becomes a contractor with the Spirit King, it's not unrelated to the World Tree."
"Isn't he the first human to see the World Tree?"
"He's not the first. Someone came before too…"
The elves began to murmur among themselves, looking at Raon and Rimmer as they passed by.
-You pointy ear bastards!
Wrath yelled at the elves.
-I am not some Spirit King, but the Monarch of Wrath!
He waved his hands wildly, telling them not to compare him to the Spirit King.
'Yeah, that's right.'
Raon chuckled at the yelling Wrath. With the clingy Wrath attached to him, even the Spirit King would run away. It would be difficult to become a contractor even if chosen by the Spirit King.
Leaving the elves to chatter among themselves, he followed Rimmer and soon arrived at Guardian Sterin's house, which he saw yesterday.
"You're here."
Sterin lightly raised his hand. He was already outside, leaning against a tree.
"What's that?"
Rimmer tilted his head, pointing at the tightly wrapped blanket next to Sterin.
"What do you think? It's your sister."
"Ugh…"
When Sterin poked it with his finger, the blanket trembled.
"Siyana? Why are you wrapped in a blanket even outside?"
"I-I feel comfortable this way. Don't mind me."
Siyana's voice came out, not just covering her whole body but even her face with the blanket.
"Do you have a disease where you die if you come out of the blanket or what?"
Rimmer clicked his tongue briefly and approached Siyana.
"I-I said don't mind me…"
Siyana's voice was even smaller than yesterday, perhaps because she was outside.
"Still…"
"Stop it."
Raon grabbed Rimmer's shoulder.
'That must have taken a lot of courage too.'
Until yesterday, Siyana had no great interest in the purification of the World Tree. Whether she came to see the purification ceremony or for another reason, it was commendable enough that she came out.
"H-Hello, Handsome Raon."
Siyana bowed with the blanket covering her. Only her crown full of golden hair was visible.
"Oh, yes…"
Raon nodded awkwardly.
'She's so shy, so why does she keep calling me handsome?'
He didn't understand, but he didn't argue, afraid she might get scared.
"Grandpa, you had a bout with Raon the day before yesterday, right?"
Rimmer squinted at Sterin.
"How was it? My disciple is pretty good, right?"
"Yes."
Sterin nodded calmly. However, remnants of surprise remained in his eyes.
"He's too good to be just your disciple."
"Oh!"
Rimmer twisted his body as if he was the one being praised.
"I know there are sometimes monsters in the human world, but that guy is something else. It makes me think the gods and the demon king made a mistake."
Sterin expressed his astonishment from that time.
-It was a mistake.
Wrath nodded vigorously.
-This guy is a demon who will turn anywhere into hell!
He muttered that he wanted to take him to the Devildom and wreak havoc.
"I thought so from the beginning too."
Rimmer raised his chin and nodded.
"That guy will become great."
He grinned, asking for praise for his insight.
"Enough idle talk. Let's go in right away."
Sterin watched Raon for a moment and then gestured with his chin.
Raon recalled what Sterin said and smacked his lips.
'Go in?'
The expression "go in" was strange, rather than going to where the World Tree is.
However, his words were not a lie.
When Sterin placed his hand on his tree house, it rippled like turning into a lake and opened a path of blue light.
The green light of Sepia they had been seeing turned into blue light, filling their sight with transparent leaves, as if it was all an illusion.
The green wind rustled their hair, blue droplets wetted their skin, and the yellow earth provided soft comfort.
Lastly, the thick flames seemed to dance along with his breath, drawing a hand in the air.
Raon's fingertips trembled as he looked at the circular path of blue light.
He saw a thick tree that couldn't be taken in at a glance.
Its roots stretched grandly as if spanning the entire continent, its trunk so thick that even if everyone in Zieghart gathered, they couldn't grasp it, and its height seemed like a pillar supporting the sky, with no visible end even if he looked up.
The countless branches with transparent leaves fluttered as if welcoming, giving a mystical feeling as if it were from another world. The word beautiful couldn't describe the World Tree.
'Is this the World Tree Adrian…'
Raon swallowed dryly and stepped onto the blue path.
'But is that a burn mark?'
As he noticed the slightly blackened right side of the World Tree and thought it was strange.
Fwoooosh!
The Ring of Fire suddenly stirred, turning his vision red.