First Quest

[What did the big brother tortoise say?!]

The turtle shows an embarrassed look.

"Actually, it's been so long I don't remember."

[What happened to him then?!]

"He gave his life away. Valiantly. He charged toward the swordman and got killed in one sword strike."

[He died just like that?!]

"Yes, just like that. Still, his momentum was so strong that his corpse kept going and crushed the swordman to death."

That's it?! After all that build-up they just kill each other in one move?!

[What happened afterward?]

"I left slowly while lamenting all that I had lost. That is when I realized how harsh the world can be."

[I got it! I will get revenge for your brother! I will find that despot and bring back his head for…]

"It's no use. They are all dead."

[That's exactly why we should avenge the villagers and your brother so…]

"No, all of them. The soldiers, the elite troops, the lord. All of them are dead."

[You got your revenge already?]

"No, I simply outlived them. That all happened centuries ago. Humans don't have such a long lifespan."

This is sad.

[Then…]

"Don't worry too much about it. It all happened a long time ago. So long I have started to forget some details even."

[Then what should I do?]

"Back then I left everything behind and ran. I kept running. Eventually, my journeys brought me here where I finally met Yggdrasil."

I'm glad my friend welcomed him.

"I have never left this forest since then. Here what you could do. Explore the world and try to find the remnants of my brother."

[Remanants?]

"Our shell is extremely sturdy and valuable. Chances are some equipment has been crafted from his shell. I would appreciate it if you could get it back for me."

[I understand! I will at all costs!]

"No, promise me this. Not at all costs. Last time I had this optic I lost everything. I do not want you to follow in my footsteps."

[That, alright. I swear I will be careful!]

"Well, it should be easier for you than it is for me."

[Because of magic?]

"No, simply because you look more human than me."

Ah, true that.

[What about my green hair?]

"What about it?"

[Won't it instantly reveal that I am something else?]

"Some humans have green hair."

[They do?!]

"Well, one can use magic to change hairstyle too. It wouldn't be too far stretched to call it normal."

[What about common sense?]

"As much as I would like to, I cannot help on that front."

The gorilla leaves saying that he will be back. In the meantime, I ask tons of questions to the turtle. About said kingdom. About the language they speak. About their culture. About lots of things.

He doesn't have any idea. He does tell me something vital. Apparently, there is a reason I am able to communicate with people here. It is called true speech.

The ability that magical creatures gain at some point. An innate speech that can be understood by everyone. It explains how a turtle was able to communicate with some random villagers in the first place.

My guess is that this ability stems not from myself, but from Yggdrasil. When he shared a portion of his power with me is probably when it happened. Either way, it is good news for me.

The gorilla quickly comes back followed by the spider. She comes to a stop right in my face.

"I heard you want to take a guardian's trial?"

[Yep.]

"You heard everything there was to know about it?"

[Maybe?]

"Good."

[You aren't going to explain?]

"Nope. Alright, let's get started."

She takes something out. It seems to be a branch. Somehow this looks like…

"Yes, a branch of Yggdrasil to act as a witness."

Gotcha.

"Now communicate your intentions."

[I will take on this trial for my friend here and …]

"Alright, we are done then."

[That's it?!]

"Meh, I can get the ghost for you if you want. I'm sure he'd be happy to make the ceremony last a few days."

[Actually, I'm good! Thanks!]

"Now, we just need to get you ready to leave the forest."

[What's the plan? Is there anything I need to prepare for? What should I...?]

"Actually I don't really mind you leaving like that haha."

[We just need to know our destination, right? How is it called?]

"It used to be called the Reilley Empire. I'm not sure about the current name."

[What about the directions?]

The spider laughs.

"I think I can help with that. You know the drill, right?]

The turtle nods and somehow crushes a small part of his carapace. Then he hands it over to the spider. She starts chanting for a while then it starts glowing faintly before coming back to normal.

[What is that exactly?]

"I have established a link between this piece and your target."

[How did you manage that?! Isn't that really far away?!]

"It will simply point you in a very vague direction where you can find a shell similar. It will work given that they are brothers."

[Awesome! Do I just hold it?]

"You need to drive your mana into it in order for it to work."

[Does nature magic work?]

"Just make sure you don't cast a spell on it. Just drive the mana in."

[Gotcha. Right, once everything is done how do I come back?]

"That one should be easy. Just feel it?"

What does that even mean? Is this some kind of charade?

"Close your eyes."

I do as she tells me.

"Now try to picture Yggdrasil. Do you see him?"

I form a clear mental image.

[Yes, I can. Now what?]

"Turn on yourself."

I do as she tells me but I'm really not sure what the purpose of this is.

"Keep doing it until you notice something different."

I keep going then…

[Ah! I can see the leaves are greener and lusher!]

"Exactly, now open your eyes. Yggdrasil is the exact way you are facing."

[That is neat! How?!]

"Who knows. Now shouldn't we do something about this?"

[About what?]

She points at me.

What does she…?

Ah, I'm completely naked!

How do I fix this?!