C335

Flutter-

The petals of the World Tree were trembling.

"...Elder. What is happening here?"

Erza, the only inquisitor who had changed her path to join Cale's side after following Dragon Lord Neo, was also an elf who had followed the Three-Star Dragon, Exion. She cautiously asked the elder. However, his gaze was fixed on the World Tree and the man leaning comfortably against it.

'Cale Henituse-'

Who else could lean so comfortably against the World Tree? But if that 'who' is Cale Henituse, no one here would question his right to do so.

"Well-"

After a long moment, the elder spoke. Erza's gaze turned towards him. She was not the only one watching.

The World Tree, which had regained its sanity. Or rather, the World Tree that had been protecting this world by itself all this time. Additionally, the Source of the World, who was regaining her power.

As soon as these two entities were known, elves who had been freed from the oppression of the Dragons began to gather here. Of course, this excludes the Inquisitors who had bowed to the dragons.

Among them, the elves who were currently staying near the World Tree next to the elder were all individuals of high rank or honor in elven society. The elder spoke again.

"Does our question, this little doubt, really matter?"

At his words, the elves fell silent. The elder silently observed the World Tree and Cale.

Sssss--

The wind was blowing. The petals were fluttering. Cale Henituse, leaning comfortably against the tree, his red hair waving in the wind. It was such a peaceful and beautiful scene. The sun that illuminated them was high in a clear sky, and the land that supported them was filled with fresh green and a welcoming warmth. Cale Henituse was the creator of this scene.

"Probably, they are sharing stories we cannot even imagine."

The World Tree and Cale Henituse. And even the Source of the World who might be inside that space.

"The world has returned."

The air they breathed had changed. The elves who had lived even before the Catastrophe Era clearly felt what this small breath of peace brought them.

"Even so, our enemies have not disappeared."

The Hunters. They had learned about them. And also about the Gods with whom they collaborated.

"The weight of the conversations they are having is something we might find difficult to bear."

Stories that transcend worlds and gods. Just imagining the conversation between the World Tree, Cale, and the Source of the World made the elder short of breath. However, facing the world that had returned, he finally felt that they must carry that weight.

"Therefore, rather than doubting, it is time to trust and follow."

He lifted his head.

Sssss--

A trembling petal from the World Tree fell and was carried away by the wind. The petals crossing the vast blue sky seemed limitless.

"Isn't this space, this air we breathe, telling us all the answers to our questions?"

The elves nodded silently at the elder's words. They had seen the results, now it was time to believe.

"I have been told that the fight is not yet over."

The elder spoke calmly.

"If there comes a time when our help is needed, what should we do?"

Erza responded to that question.

"We must return the favor."

"That's right. It's not about what they are doing. It's about what we can do, what we must do in the future. That's the most important question for us."

The elder's words, filled with wisdom and experience, made all the elves bow their heads in agreement. During the era of changes, the elves who had acted as inquisitors, as pawns of the dragons, had survived, but those who had not fought barely maintained their lineage. Therefore, this moment was so precious to them. It was time to thrive again as a tribe and protect this world, the World Tree. To do that, they had to act for this world and fight against the enemies who had threatened, and might threaten again, this world.

Sssss---

A trace of wind passed over them.

Flutter--

The petals responded with a tremble. Everyone solemnly looked at those petals, the World Tree, and Cale.

And Cale, having entered the space of the World Tree, spoke seriously.

"Hey."

His expression was indifferent. Not a single trace of emotion.

"Are you going to make me say the same thing twice?"

Suddenly, with a very relaxed tone, but without emotion, he continued.

"Shouldn't you compensate me, right?"

Gulp. The young man under the tree swallowed, and the young woman with long, loose hair behind him trembled slightly.

"Hey."

Cale's face finally distorted.

"If someone saw us, would they think I am threatening you? Do you want me to really threaten you?"

The young woman, the Source of the World, who was hidden behind the World Tree, shouted.

"No, don't threaten!"

She then hesitated to look at Cale. Cale's face distorted.

"Hey. Both of you think for a moment."

Gulp. Both the young man and the young woman swallowed.

"I was about to really die. Do you know?"

"!"

"!!"

And at Cale's words, both the young man and the young woman were greatly startled. Seeing this, the corners of Cale's mouth twisted sinisterly.

"So are you going to keep your mouths shut?"

Of course, when Cale's plate broke, the vital energy that the Source of the World shared with him had been a great help. If it were not for that, Cale would not have had the strength to survive after consuming the plate. But that was one thing, and Cale had to get what was owed to him.

"Shouldn't you give what you owe?"

At the moment those carefree words came out of his mouth.

"Huuuuuuung-"

Crying. The Source of the World was crying.

Thump!

And she did so by suddenly sitting on the ground.

"I'm so sorry---!"

Moreover, the World Tree, the young man, also spoke calmly while rubbing his wrist marked with chain scars.

"I'm sorry."

What is this? Cale, unknowingly, had a serious expression on his face.

-Could it be...?

The Cheapskate, confused, was also perplexed.

-Cale!

Super Rock spoke urgently.

-Don't they have anything to offer you as compensation?

That's it. Could that be it? Is that the reaction that would be expected?

'Now that I think about it-'

Cale remembered that the condition the Source of the World had set to act as an air purifier was 'to make the plate stronger'. Of course, compensation was mentioned, but it was never clearly defined.

'Don't they have anything to offer, and that's why they put that condition?'

Super Rock murmured desolately.

-Cale, think about it, what could they have? One barely survived while being consumed to the marrow, and the other was confined until going mad. What could they have to offer us?

That's true. Now that I think about it, that's true.

-And what could we ask them for?

Right. That's also true.

"Ha-"

Energy escaped from his body. Cale casually collapsed on the grass.

Not like when he received numerous Magic Stone mines in Xiaolen. Not like when he received countless Divine Medicines from the Central Plains.

All that effort for his plate to become dust and only remain in his heart.

"It can't be."

A voice filled with dismay automatically came out of Cale.

"...Cale."

Super Rock called to Cale with tears in his eyes, but Cale did not even have the strength to respond. Seeing this, the eyes of the young man and the young woman trembled.

Dragon Lord Neo.

Even when he faced the wretch who tried to destroy Apitoyu, the Angel did not make that expression. Even when his plate broke, he clung to a ray of hope without trembling. But he now was lost in his thoughts.

"Huuuuuung---!"

The Source of the World couldn't help but cry.

"I'm sorry!"

She really meant it.

"Really, no matter how much I think about it, I have nothing with which to compensate what the Angel did..."

Really, no matter how much I thought about it. Even after discussing it with the World Tree.

"We, all we can offer you are mines of Magic Stones, relics, and treasures-"

Cale was startled. But the young woman continued speaking, filled with remorse.

"The location of the lairs of the dead dragons and their treasures, just material things like that!"

Toc toc. The young World Tree comforted the young woman. He spoke with a serious expression.

"...But that's not worth as much as your life. Nor does it compare to the peace we have won."

The World Tree and the Source of the World knew. One of Cale's companions had made a sacrifice and, although he survived, was not in perfect condition. What comfort could they offer those who had suffered so much? What compensation could heal the wounds of their hearts? It was impossible.

"There is nothing we can offer that is equivalent to the value of what we have won. I'm sorry."

"Huuuuuung- Angel, I'm sorry-"

The young man and the young woman could not hide their remorse. And it was at that moment.

-Eh.

The Cheapskate spoke.

-Aren't these kids angels?

And then...

"?"

"!"

Two hands rested gently on the shoulders of the young man and the young woman. Cale's smiling face was reflected in their eyes.

"It's enough."

"What?"

"Hic, really?"

Toc. Toc. Cale tapped their shoulders while showing a kind smile.

"I was just trusting you. But I was depressed thinking that you might betray that trust and not be able to compensate me for anything."

"Ah-"

The Source of the World, the young woman, sobbed.

"Is that really enough as compensation?"

"Of course."

Cale wiped the tears in the eyes of the young woman. He then smiled brightly.

"The greatest effort you can show is already enough for me. It really is. Our companions will also understand."

Oh, heavens. Cale thought.

'These kids have decency!'

And the voice of Cheapskate echoed in his head

-Hahaha! Mines plus money and treasures! And, what else? They will even tell us the location of the dragon lairs! How much money is that?- Hahahaha---

Cale was satisfied, and the young World Tree bit his lip before speaking.

"Thank you. If that counts as compensation, then we, the World Tree and the Source of the World, will do our best."

"Yes. That's it."

Cale patted the head of the young man with a pleased face. Good kids. After all, isn't that why they have been fighting so hard to protect Apitoyu from Neo for these two hundred years? They are the real good ones.

The friendly conversation between Cale and the young man continued.

"And I've heard about your situation. Do you have to fight in that new world now?"

"That's right. That's it."

Cale responded easily as the conversation continued. The young man thought deeply before speaking cautiously.

"Are you going to establish a territory there and attract allies?"

"Yes. Yes."

"That world, that is, beings like the Source of the World there want to help you, but it's difficult due to the transparent blood. That, by the way, I heard from Exion."

"Right."

Cale agreed cheerfully. The AI created by the system wanted to help Cale, but he had to avoid the eyes of the transparent blood, so there were limits on what the AI could do.

"Then, how about?"

The young man hesitated for a moment before speaking cautiously.

"How about planting the seed of the World Tree there?"

"Hmm?"

Cale paused, surprised, and his gaze turned toward the young man. Bright and cunning eyes were watching him.

"Perhaps there is no World Tree in that place. But, traditionally, World Trees observe the flow of the world. If you want to communicate directly with that System, going through a World Tree might be best."

This boy...

"Additionally, it would be useful for the elves and elementals here if they want to go there and gain power if there is a World Tree."

Cunning, huh? Cale smiled and said:

"That's a good idea."

The Dark Abyss of the Third Evil. That place is not suitable for a World Tree to grow. But the Abyss of Time of the Seventh Evil. What about planting a World Tree in that beautiful fairy-tale world and adding a new field?

"Hahaha-"

Cale laughed to himself. This could be very interesting. A World Tree in the worst place. I like the idea.

"That's good advice."

Cale patted the hair of the young man and the girl, as satisfied as he felt.

"Then, where did you say those dragon lairs are?"

With a smile, Cale listened to Cheapskate say:

-If Raon saw this, he would be asking you where you plan to go to rob.

And that prophecy was accurate.

That night. With only two days before leaving for the Abyss.

"Eden Miru is protected by Dark Bear! And as Choi Han is also there, it will be safe!"

Raon, showing his belly determinedly, spoke solemnly.

Meow! Meow!

Beside, On and Hong were also serious. At an average age of ten years, their eyes were fixed on Cale's hand.

"Human, is that it?"

"Yes, this is."

Cale waved the map he held in his hand.

"Here are all the locations of the dragon lairs, the treasures."

The locations of the lairs. Not just the dead enemy dragons, but also the positions of living enemy dragons and allies. Plus, the locations of the lairs of the dragons killed by Neo's forces not yet found.

"Everything is on this map!"

This information was provided by the elementals to the World Tree. Perhaps it was a form of revenge of the elementals against the dragons. And the living enemy dragons of Apitoyu were currently confined and being interrogated.

"Hehe-"

So before they found out...

"We're going to clear all this tonight."

Gulp. Seeing the ten-year-old children swallow, Cale spoke calmly.

"It's a tough job even for allies."

Humans, mixed species. Could these really compensate Cale's group? So he told them to take this. Of course, they didn't know about the mines, treasures, etc., that the World Essence had revealed in secret.

"In the end, the important thing is that everyone has authorized it."

The Black City. Many had come there with him and suffered, so Cale had to take good care of them.

"Hehe-"

Cale smiled, and the ten-year-old children also smiled. And seeing this, someone else commented.

"You told me we would talk, but this has become interesting."

Cale had brought someone to take the place of Choi Han on a task.

"Kim Haeil, you are an interesting subject."

The Heavenly Demon. Although impressive, he was also fun. The Heavenly Demon. The heart of evil. The heaven (heaven) of evil. That being in itself was almost a God within a cult, and now he was ready to raid the dragon lairs.

"I am quite interesting. Hehe. And you don't have much to do these days, right?"

Cale offered the Heavenly Demon a black evening suit.

"Put this on."

The Heavenly Demon was silent for a moment, but finally accepted the evening suit.

-