Ch 238
『Title: Oh, you guys』
Content: What happens if you leave this base unattended for a long time?
I’ve been playing this game for a while now, and the quests have been chaining together,
so I’ve been making good progress,
but something feels empty.
So I thought about it,
and I had left the base unattended.
Is that okay?
Still, I managed the base well before leaving.
-: It’s the same even without you anyway.
-『Author』: Phew, haha.
-: Why “phew”?
-『Author』: You said it’s the same even without me.
-: I meant that even without you, the guys would still attack and events would still happen.
-『Author』: No, damn it!
-: Phew, haha. Finally, the reaction I wanted.
-: Are you a demon?
-: Why are you so mean to a newbie?
-: Quit the game.
-: You’re an angel.
-: If you’re helping me quit this crappy game, you’re a real senior.
-『Author』: No, you bastards! You fight-seeking bastards!
My base is screwed!
What are we going to do?
-: Did we leave the base? = X
Did we invade the base? = X
Why are we bastards and fight-seeking bastards?
You’re the bastard who left the base unattended,
and the ones you should fight are the ones who invaded the base, right?
-: That’s really logical.
-: Fate18: A logical malicious commenter.
-: Why is that malicious? You only stated facts.
-: Fate28: Fact assault.
-: What to do, haha… Just use the “Jobsam” method.
-: Fate38: Jobsam.
-: What’s the base’s status?
Is it a red alert?
If it’s a red alert, there are some tips you can refer to.
-『Author』: No, no. Luckily, it hasn’t reached a red alert yet.
It’s an orange alert.
-: Ah, then okay, figure it out yourself.
-『Author』: No, what the hell?
Tell me the tips you can refer to if it’s a red alert.
Can’t you use them even in an orange alert?
-: Jobsam.
That’s what I was going to say.
-: That’s really a great tip.
-: It’s a tip that can be used in an orange alert.
-『Author』: Ah, just get lost!
I’ll figure it out myself.
-: If it’s an orange alert, it’s the point where things are starting to go to hell,
so if you go back right away, you can still recover.
-『Author』: Ah, I can’t do that now.
The quest is almost over.
-: You thought well, just leave it until it becomes a red alert and quit.
-: Oh oh, you’re angry because I talked back.
-: Fate48: An angry hero.
-: But why is he a hero?
He’s a villain who prevents you from quitting the game by helping you.
-: Fate58: A real bastard.
-: Fate, shut up.
-: Fate68: ㅗ
-『Author』: I’m sorry, teacher.
After seeing other comments, I’ve come to my senses.
But seriously, is there no solution other than going back to the base?
If so, I have to give up on the quest progress so far.
-: As mentioned above,
whether the player is there or not, events and invasions happen the same way,
so unless the base is managed extremely well, damage is inevitable.
So, it’s better not to go far until the base is stabilized, but
where is your base located and where are you currently?
-『Author』: My base is in Bondales,
and my current location is Illathein.
-: Oh, then you can continue the quest?
-『Author』: Really?
-: Yes, you can’t go back in time anyway.
Just build a new base.
-『Author』: Damn it!
✦✦✦
The unfathomable natural magic talent that Lisir had shown that day.
A fragment of that talent.
It gave the Green Tower Master and the Elf Ancestor great doubt.
At the same time, it aroused considerable curiosity.
-A human who is an outsider to nature magic, receiving such recognition from the first Green Mage… What did the first Green Mage’s will see in you?
In the end, the Green Tower was engulfed in a great commotion.
Taking that incident as an opportunity, the Tower Master took it upon himself to become a personal teacher for a human.
Having been the Tower Master for over a hundred years, the number of disciples he had taken did not exceed five-
That Green Tower Master.
After that, Lisir’s stay in Illathein became full-fledged.
While honing his nature magic under Lunadien’s teaching-
Waiting for the Verdant Council to conclude the matter related to the treatment of the World Tree Spirit.
Thus, two weeks had passed since Lisir stayed in Illathein.
“Ms. Ratsil. From the Verdant Council━ has Duke Caroer not contacted us yet?”
“Of course not!? It’s only been two weeks!”
“…Only two weeks?”
“Yes! It’s a crucial matter concerning the World Tree and its spirit!?”
“Ah, that’s true. I thought that since you are elves, your sense of time is a little different from mine.”
“Hey~ Don’t exaggerate! Just because we elves live a little longer than humans, it doesn’t mean that a day feels like an hour!!!”
“Haha, that’s probably true.”
“So, wouldn’t half a year be enough?”
“?”
“Hahaha! Joke! Joke!”
“Uhahaha, oh, that’s funny.”
“Not half a year, three months will be enough!”
“?”
“Huh? What? Is your sense of time really different? Three months is nothing, right? Honestly, I’m already shortening it quite a bit.”
“If it’s alright, could you write a letter to Lord Caroer?”
This happened on the day that ‘only’ two weeks had passed since Lisir stayed in Illathein.
✦✦✦
Deputy Council Member Pien.
She was feeling the absence of a certain man more than usual.
It’s not because of an emotional reason like, ‘The person I could meet anytime I wanted has left for a distant place where I can’t meet them.’
“What on earth is going on… Ever since this man left, it feels like incidents and accidents keep happening…”
Until recently, Pien thought Bondales was a very peaceful city.
Geographically, it’s not strange for all sorts of criminals and riffraff from the continent to flow in, but there weren’t any significant incidents or accidents.
However.
Now, Pien has changed her mind.
She thought that Bondales feeling peaceful was perhaps a misconception due to ‘that man’s’ presence.
It has been about two weeks since Lisir left for some reason.
It was exactly the same period when a series of specific incidents began to occur in Bondales.
The Pure White Maiden rubbed her brow and muttered to herself without realizing it.
“If only that man were here…”
Then, she came to her senses and shook her head.
Snap out of it, Pien.
You shouldn’t rely too much on that man.
I’m also a Deputy Council Member, after all?
‘Since I’m the proxy of the Council Member, who is the proxy of that man, I’m practically the Deputy Deputy Council Member━ anyway.’
As a powerful figure in the city and the leader of the Guard （the proxy of the proxy of Ga-dum, the former leader of the Guard）-
she cannot rely on that man for everything.
Especially if it’s related to her responsibilities!
The reaction she wanted to elicit from that man was not ‘Of course, there’s no one but me?’, but ‘Of course, there’s no one but Pien!’.
Actually, it didn’t really matter which one, but it was a matter of pride-
For Pien, who is Jinjo before being a Deputy Council Member, a matter related to pride was a matter of utmost importance.
Pien vowed again.
That she would solve this problem with her own strength.
And when that man returns, she would report this matter-
and elicit the reaction, ‘Of course, there’s no one but Pien!’.
“Phew…”
Another sigh escaped her lips.
Being full of spirit was a very desirable thing-
but currently, there was no proper solution.
“No matter how I look at it, it doesn’t seem like a normal disease…”
A specific incident that has been occurring repeatedly in Bondales.
It was an epidemic of an unidentified disease.
A disease that turns the extremities of the victim black and alters their energy.
Or a phenomenon.
Pien believed that the disease was the act of someone with a specific purpose.
“So, Pien, is that what you want to say? That this is something someone planned deliberately?”
A nearby androgynous beauty asked.
Rona, who took on the role of Pien’s secretary because she felt that being just a ‘Saint’ wasn’t enough.
“There are too many suspicious points.”
“What points?”
“Mainly, the fact that the victims are concentrated among the city’s powerful figures. Isn’t that something you’re familiar with?”
“Familiar to me?”
“Rona, you gained fame by healing the illnesses of the city’s noble ladies.”
“…Pien, if someone hears this, they’ll think I spread the disease.”
“Oh my, wasn’t it? I admired you in many ways, thinking that was the case.”
“This is… Should I apologize for disappointing you? Anyway, I understand what Pien wants to say. It means that such a person will appear soon, right? Coincidentally, they will heal the illnesses of the city’s powerful figures and seize power━”
“That’s right. In that regard, I’m asking, how. Saint. How did the previous matter go?”
Rona smiled wryly.
“Should I say it’s further proof that I’m not the one who spread this disease?”
“A disease that even your power cannot heal?”
Pien’s neat expression was stained with shock.
Rona’s healing abilities, which have been developing day by day, have reached a level worthy of the name Saint.
“If even your power is useless…”
The Pure White Maiden.
Her snow-white face was further stained with a deep shadow.
“Pien, don’t worry too much. Even so, is there absolutely no way to cure this disease?”
“…That’s not what I’m worried about.”
“Then what?”
“If, as I suspect, there is someone who is scattering this disease━ this power for their own purposes, how powerful would that person be?”
“…”
The shadow that stained Pien’s face spread to Rona as well.
“Could that person be a Black Mage?”
It was Rona’s biggest concern.
The Pure White Maiden and the Young Noble pondered those words for a while.
“…”
“…”
Then, a chuckle escaped the lips of both of them.
“Why are you laughing?”
“No, I suddenly thought of that guy. I thought that guy would show an eccentric behavior of smiling brightly at the mention of a Black Mage━”
Pien nodded.
“It’s because of that man that I momentarily forgot. Black Mages. How disgusting and terrible beings they are…”
Thus, at the moment when the Pure White Maiden and the Young Noble were reminiscing about a certain man-
“M-Ms. Pien!”
A Bondales Guard rushed into the room.
“A-another victim has appeared!”
“…And?”
Pien, who read the ominous sign from the Guard’s attitude, asked again.
Dray, yes, Mastien.
It was the name of a Grand Noble mentioned by the Guard.
“T-the additional victim is none other than the Talent Scout!”
“…”
My goodness.
To touch the heir of a Grand Noble Family?
Rona and Pien were shocked.
If the mastermind of this incident exists-
that person would definitely be more insane than they imagined.
“Ms. Pien!!!”
At that moment, another Guard rushed into the room.
“My goodness. Is this really happening!? Another victim appeared besides the Talent Scout!? Who is it this time!?”
“Yes!? L-Lord Dray has been afflicted with the disease…?”
“Ugh…! I understand, so tell me, who else?”
“Yes? Ah! That, what I’m reporting is not that━ another one has grown! That unidentified tree!”
“…”
Pien rubbed her brow, feeling a headache.
It was another incident that occurred after ‘that man’ left.
Now.
Plants, including grass and trees, were sprouting up everywhere in Bondales.
As if they had suddenly received nature’s blessing.
Of course.
In this city where all sorts of Black Mages and criminals gather, there was no way nature’s blessing would suddenly descend.
If anything, nature’s judgment would descend.
Therefore, people considered it another incident.
“Rona…”
“Yes, what is it, Pien. I’m listening.”
“Just in case, I’m asking… If that man were here, would these incidents have been resolved immediately?”
“…What was the most recent incident that guy prioritized?
-Ah, right, I almost forgot. I caught two Heretic High Priests and the demon they served. They are the culprits behind the nightmare incident that happened then.
The Pure White Maiden recalled the man’s voice and her face became disgusted.
“Let’s move first. Let’s check Lord Dray’s condition and seek Frozen Breath’s advice.”
✦✦✦
“…What is all this?”
This was the first impression Pien and Rona had when they visited Goose Manor.
“Pien, I can’t remember well━ was this manor always like this?”
Now.
In Bondales, a phenomenon of plants suddenly growing （at an incredible speed） was occurring.
To the two of them, Goose Manor seemed to be the source of the phenomenon.
Not only were plants growing all over the manor grounds, but they were also covering the walls and roof of the luxurious building.
“Goose Manor was the first place where the growth of trees was reported…”
“Why didn’t Gus━ no, Frozen Breath take any action and just stayed still?”
The reason was revealed soon.
“I thought it might have something to do with Lisir, so I just left it be.”
“…!”
Rona and Pien were surprised.
To think that such a nonsensical statement would come from someone as powerful as an Archmage!?
“B-but━ isn’t that man in a different place right now!?”
“That’s right.”
“Then why━”
“Hmm. Didn’t you hear that far? Lisir. He’s learning nature magic under a great Archmage.”
“Yes!? An Archmage!?”
Lisir is currently staying with an acquaintance of his Master.
So don’t worry.
That was the news about Lisir that the two heard from Melthas.
But suddenly learning nature magic under an Archmage?
“No, that’s not the surprising part. So, what’s the connection between that man learning nature magic and this manor being covered in plants━”
Rona and Pien tried to question the connection between the two.
Following a very reasonable way of thinking.
But.
The mouths of the two who were questioning stopped suddenly.
Lisir learning nature magic.
His habitat suddenly covered in plants.
They felt a correlation between the two.
“C-could it be━ that this city is suddenly becoming natural━ because Lisir is learning nature magic!?”
“Hmm. To reach that conclusion so quickly. Ms. Pien. Your condition is quite serious.”
The Archmage pitied the Pure White Maiden, but nodded.
“Separately, at this point, that’s the most reasonable conclusion.”
“…Do you know where that man’s room is?”
“I do. But why suddenly that?”
“I have a feeling that that man’s room will be a mess. More than anything━ I have a feeling that the answer to all these incidents will be in that mess.”
“O-oh…!”
Pallag admired the Pure White Lady’s nonsensical conjecture.
As expected of Lisir’s acquaintance.
This young lady has considerable understanding!?
“Indeed, that makes sense! Let’s go right now!”
✦✦✦
‘Who is that woman?’
This was the first impression Pien and Rona had when they arrived in front of Lisir’s room, following Pallag.
A woman was coming out of Lisir’s room.
A tall woman with dark blue bobbed hair that suited her well.
‘Wait, I’ve seen her somewhere before?’
Thus, at the moment when the two were recalling their memories of the woman-
“Klana? Are you on your way to Lisir’s room?”
Pallag spoke to the woman.
The woman, Klana, responded with a cheerful smile.
“Ah! Yes! Since Lisir is away for a while, I thought I should manage his room!”
It was a truly desirable way of thinking, but for some reason, it bothered the two women.
Who are you?
Considering the situation, the two decided to put that question （dissatisfaction） aside for the moment.
“Huh? Wait━”
Pien entered the room, leaving Klana surprised behind.
Rona and Pallag quickly followed.
“…Ha.”
A chuckle burst out from the three of them at the same time.
A sapling with an extraordinary aura was firmly planted in the middle of Lisir’s room.
-L-Lisir!!! Is it Lisir!? Ah, no…
There was also a sword with an extraordinary aura, but it wasn’t something to worry about at the moment.
They immediately approached the tree and observed it.
Soon.
Pien muttered.
“Duke Pallag. Should we bring Lord Dray here?”
“What kind of absurd idea is that? Let’s do it right away!”
A moment later.
“This, this place…?”
Talent Scout Dray, who had lost consciousness due to the disease, regained his senses.
It was the result of contacting the young tree that grew in Lisir’s room.
Leaving Dray behind in confusion, the three fell into confusion.
“I never thought…”
They muttered in dismay as they looked at the tree.
“This tree… What exactly is it?”
✦✦✦
At the same time.
Lisir had just finished practicing nature magic in the place Lunadien had prepared for him in one corner of the Green Tower.
Then, he was about to head to the altar of the Elf Ancestors located in the basement of the Green Tower.
The embrace of nature.
It was to confirm his talent once again.
He was the one who had already encountered the form of nature called the ‘Tree of the End’ before learning nature magic.
The Green Mages believed that contacting the Tree of the End was the path to reaching the ‘peak’ of nature magic.
However.
What if that’s not the end?
What if there’s something else beyond that?
This was the reason why Lunadien actively taught Lisir nature magic.
They had both expectations and worries for Lisir.
They wondered if he might encounter something beyond the Tree of the End.
Thus, at the moment when Lisir was preparing to head to the altar-
“Mr. Lisir!”
“Hmm?”
Lisir’s room prepared in the Green Tower.
Watcher Ratsil came there.
“Lord Caroer has responded to the letter!”
“Oh! Finally!!!”
Lisir headed to the Verdant Council, leaving the altar visit behind.
✦✦✦
Lisir arrived at the Verdant Council.
He was facing a situation quite different from what he expected.
“So… you mean you planted the World Tree Seed here?”
“That’s right.”
Lisir looked at the patch of earth that Caroer and the other High Elves were pointing to.
The soil, which looked very fertile at a glance, was very flat.
It was unimaginable that it was the place where the World Tree Seed, which had grown with tremendous presence, was planted.
“I’m worried about the World Tree’s condition. Do you have any idea?”
“…”
No way.
Surely not.
It can’t be.
Lisir struggled to shake off all the possibilities that came to his mind.
✦✦✦
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