Chapter 105 – Exotic Guests (3)
For the next few days, the group made their own away around the peaceful elf city. Some went into the forest to collect samples of soil and vegetation, while others got samples from streams or lakes.
Meanwhile, there were quite a few people who stayed to listen to the stories of the elves in the city. Right now, elves were hard to find in the human world. So, the kingdom itself was overflowing with many valuable things to study.
There were only two people who didn't move from their rooms. They were the representatives of Meltor, White Tower Master Orta and Theodore Miller.
'Is today already the fourth day?'
Perhaps it was because they had arrived too soon, but Elvenheim wasn't ready to meet them. The elves would send a guide when they were ready, so the delegation just needed to wait. Furthermore, the elves' sense of time was several times slower than that of humans.
Theo looked at the forest outside his window and muttered the name of the legend ranked grimoire, "…Laevateinn."
It was a grimoire of flames which had ended the Age of Mythology thousands of years ago. According to Gluttony, the fire had burned all the world trees growing above the clouds and destroyed the Arv. If this was true, 'Laevateinn' was almost like a disaster to the elves, and it would definitely hit Elvenheim.
'No matter what happens, it won't end moderately.'
The grimoire was aiming for the world tree. It wasn't a position where they could talk about coexistence. Both sides would fight until one was completely gone. Theodore was intent on conserving his strength until the omens appeared. There was nothing more foolish than consuming power and then not being able to use it at important times.
At this moment, someone banged on his door. "Excuse me. Theodore, are you in the room?"
"Yes, I am."
Theo opened the door, and an elf bowed politely as a greeting. From his accessories and clothing, the elf seemed to be a highly-ranked one. The middle-aged elf proclaimed himself as Theo's guide, and the news the delegation had been waiting a few days for had finally arrived.
"Please tell me when you are ready. The parent's dancers have called you."
* * *
The delegation members who had scattered everywhere gathered instantly. Naturally, they had many questions, but they were reluctant to ask the guide in case they would be seen as rude. During times like these, it was the role of the delegation leader to step forward and resolve any questions.
So, Theodore asked the guide who was leading them, "Do we just have to keep walking like this?"
"Yes, that's right."
"The destination is dozens of kilometers from here?"
"Yes, that is correct."
There were question marks above the heads of the delegation members who heard the answers. Why were the number of questions growing instead of reducing? Moreover, the guests were going to have to walk dozens of kilometers…?
However, when the guide saw their puzzled facial expressions, his only reply was a meaningful smile. Thus, they walked 10 minutes without knowing anything. Theodore and Orta were walking a few steps ahead of the rest when the guide suddenly stopped.
Before them was a fairly large knothole, enough for someone to enter without bending down. Oddly enough, the inside was so dark that even sunlight didn't expose it.
At that time, Orta muttered in an admiring voice, "Space door…! It is a record of a bygone era, so I never thought I would see one."
"White Tower Master?"
He didn't listen to the person's call as he touched the knot carefully. Orta's reaction to the knothole almost seemed to be passionate. Based on its name, the space door appeared to be connected to somewhere. After touching the knot, Orta walked into it hurriedly, and his white robe disappeared into the darkness.
"T-Tower Master!"
"Unbelievable…!"
"Ohh…!"
The feelings of the group could be largely divided among three emotions: astonishment; admiration; and fear.
'Aha, so it is like that.' Theodore was in the category of admiration as he followed Orta without hesitation.
The knothole was connected with another space, and as soon as Theo entered it, he felt the distinctive dizziness. It was a feeling of discomfort similar to the motion sickness felt from cheap carriages in Bergen.
Fortunately, the discomfort dimmed as soon as he took the next step.
"…This place."
There was the unique aroma of wood, the refreshing feeling of clear air, and the overwhelming flow of mana. As Edwin had said, a magician, who didn't have at least five circles, would lose control of their magic power here.
However, that didn't have much to do with Theodore who had already reached the limits of the 5th Circle. He calmed down the mana flow with an unconcerned expression.
It was only then that he saw them. There were four high elves were sitting around a table and waiting for him.
"Ellenoa."
"Welcome, Theodore."
While Theo greeted Ellenoa, the rest of the delegation crossed the knothole in turn. It was a situation where they couldn't talk privately until all the formalities were gone. The delegation frowned at the discomfort of the space movement, but they kept their mouths shut. It was because they were meeting the legends of the world, the high elves.
Alucard, a dark elf with impressive dark skin, rose and welcomed the guests. "Guests from the magic kingdom of Meltor! We, Elvenheim, sincerely welcome you who have come a long way. After this meeting today, I hope we will be not just neighbours but friends as well."
"Thank you for the kind words, descendants of the Arv. We will observe the laws of the forest while staying here, hopefully proving to be worthy friends and inseparable neighbours."
These were ritual words. White Tower Master replied skillfully to Alucard's old-fashioned greeting, and Alucard sat down again like the response was satisfactory. Theodore and Orta were seated relatively close to the high elves, with the rest spaced out.
The discussion began in earnest not long after.
"First of all, I would like to talk about trade goods."
The alchemists of the Yellow Tower were excellent, but they couldn't reproduce the special goods created from by-products of Yggdrasil. However, Elvenheim traditionally only traded a small volume to other countries. There had never been an exception to that policy, but today was different.
Alucard nodded since they had already consulted each other in advance.
"We feel the same way. The artifacts made by Meltor are useful to Elvenheim. If you increase that number, we will show the same kindness."
"If possible, I would like to increase the quantity of raw materials for medicines and…"
"What do you think about tripling the existing amount?"
"Wonderful."
Indeed, the White Tower Master engaged in the negotiations with diplomatic knowledge and eloquence Theo didn't have. It was impossible for Theo, who didn't really like being social, to negotiate the existing contract and its details with the trading partner. For this mission, it was more accurate to say that Kurt III had sent Theo as a diplomat.
In the meantime, Theodore felt a strange incongruity.
'Ah, that's it.'
There was one high elf missing. The voice of the chatterbox in Ratatoskr wasn't present. She was the elf who was curious about the relationship between Theo and Ellenoa.
Despite Theo wondering why she was missing, the meeting between the two countries proceeded smoothly. Meltor didn't want to lose this chance to get close to Elvenheim, and Elvenheim was willing to give quite a bit. For that reason, the conversation went smoothly.
"So, if we don't focus on one area, is it okay to cut from the outskirts?"
"It is fine as long as the balance of the forest isn't disturbed."
"I understand. I will be sure to tell you before proceeding with any logging work. In the case of the fruits and harvest, it will be divided in a 5:5 ratio."
Once the decision on logging, which was an implicit taboo, was finished, the air in the meeting room relaxed. Now, the only things remaining were the matters of mutual non-aggression and emergency military support. These weren't matters which could be determined in one or two days. So, as representatives of the two countries, Orta and Alucard both were satisfied with their current progress on the negotiations.
However, the moment they were going to move on to the banquet…
Pajik… pajijijik…
The high elves had more sensitive hearing than humans, so they were the first to notice the noise. They stiffened and looked up at the air, while the air above the table started to wobble. Then a wave of light appeared from somewhere.
Alucard was confused as he cried out, "This route… It is the dryad queen! What is happening all of a sudden? You're accessing Ratatoskr without our permission!"
The scenery turned red, and screams rang out in the distance. Theodore couldn't help gulping as he heard the noises.
Not long after Alucard finished talking, someone's distressed voice spoke up, [Ahh, please forgive me! But, but!]
"Explain what happened! I will investigate your mistake after that!" At the dark elf's words, an image in the air changed. The view rotated slowly to reveal a terrible red sight. There were mandragora-like screams as dryads and ents were swallowed by flames, and beyond that was the source of the tragedy.
"Fire… giant?" Someone murmured when they saw a giant burning the forest.
Flames covered the area every time he took a step, and his fire sword burned up the ents and dryads like they were rotten leaves. The scene where his feet turned the ground into magma was like a nightmare in itself.
'…That guy.'
Theodore's eyes sunk in as the White Tower Master remained speechless.
According to Gluttony, Laevateinn was an autonomous maneuver-type grimoire, and the fire giant was its second form. If two more seals were released, it would turn into a master level monster which they couldn't afford to face.
Chapter 106 – Exotic Guests (4)
'There is still time since it is only in form number two. The problem is how can I persuade the people here…'
Theodore calmly recalled the information about Laevateinn which he had heard from Gluttony.
A world where the sky, the earth, and the sea all burned… 'Muspelheim' was a sealed world. It was a crystal of power which existed to burn all life and was one of the few grimoires which could release its own seal without an owner.
The first form was a fire animal which burned trees. The second form was the fire giant, an embodiment of flames as seen in the video. This was already at the level of a national disaster and would need a massive operation to stop it.
However, it was nothing compared to the third and fourth forms. Theo recalled the thrill he'd felt when he first heard it and repeated the name in his mind, '…Fafnir.'
The third form was a type of transitional form, a swirl of fire which would give birth to a dragon. Laevateinn's fourth form actually reproduced the dragon, which was famous for being the strongest species on earth.
It had been an evil dragon in ancient times which literally existed for destruction. The air which touched the scales of the beasts would scream as they burned, while the earth which was touched by its breath would become so dry that no seeds of life could be left behind.
As it had been recorded in history, wherever that dragon existed, it was a land where life couldn't exist. The greedy grimoire explained in a simple way that Fafnir's flames had caused the birth of the Red Plateau.
Then it added in a dull voice, -Laevateinn is an autonomous maneuver-type grimoire, but it will remain dormant until it is brought close to a forest. There are many uncertain points about this situation.
'Did someone intentionally create this situation?'
It made sense to think so. He didn't know who the bastard was, but they were stupid. This was a premonition for a great disaster which couldn't even be imagined.
-The moment that Laevateinn reaches the fourth form, this era will come to an end. The person is calling ruin down on themselves, so they must be stupid.
The evaluation of a grimoire which had existed for thousands of years was indeed ruthless. Even if Blundell and Veronica, the most powerful magicians currently existing, joined hands with the Seven Swords of the Empire, they wouldn't be able to reach Fafnir.
It wasn't comparable to the fifth or sixth form which required the existence of an owner, but it wasn't an opponent which could be won with half transcendentals. Therefore, the only way left for Theodore and his party was to suppress Laevateinn before it reached the fourth form.
[This guy… How long are you going to act like this?] At that moment, someone's shout rang out from the video floating in the air. The person who managed to show such bravery before a giant who burned all life certainly couldn't be ordinary.
As all the ambassadors wondered about the person's identity, the high elves spoke with a bright countenances.
"Oh, they've arrived!"
"Guardian Ellaim."
"I don't know what the identity of that thing is, but there is no need to worry if the second parent is there."
There was only one high elf who murmured in an inaudible voice, "…N…o… danger…ous…"
Shortly after that, the guardian sent by Elvenheim attempted a preemptive strike on the fire giant. The elf called Ellaim wasn't an archer like Edwin. A wooden spear, which was strangely shining silver, flew toward the fire giant.
Then he immediately shouted, [Die down!]
The magma hardened, and the fire burning the leaves on the trees died out. An unknown chill suddenly spread around the fire giant. The dryads and ents used that gap to rush back. Simultaneously, the guardian shouted briskly, [Freeze!]
This time, the fire giant froze over. Its arms and legs were stuck in place as its body became covered with thick sheets of ice. The fire giant struggled with annoyed gestures, but the ice didn't melt. Soon, the ice completely covered its body, and there was only a huge statue remaining.
'Ohh…!'
As the air in the meeting room relaxed, Naia, the silent high elf, shouted for the first time, "Ellaim, get away from that place immediately!"
[N-Naia?]
Naia's voice had always been half-asleep, so Ellaim was surprised by the sudden changed and jumped back in retreat. Not only was Naia's loud voice unexpected, it also contained more urgency than they had imagined it could have.
The one who had spoken the words, Naia, was the wisest of the high elves, and her prophecy was right this time as well.
Hwaaak!
[What?!]
The ground where Ellaim had just been standing split apart, and lava flowed up. If he had been standing there, he would've been burned without a trace. A chill went down his neck as he stared at the cracks slowly forming on the fire giant. The ice restraint was meaningless.
As Ellaim stared at the giant, the people in the meeting room looked at Naia, who had warned of the attack earlier than anyone else. She had been snoring throughout the meeting, so they hadn't expected anything from her.
"…What are you looking at?" Naia's eyes, which had dark circles under them, blinked at their gazes. No sleepiness remained in her eyes, proving the emergency of the situation currently occurring.
After knowing her for such a long time, Alucard knew the signs and asked hurriedly, "Naia, do you know about that giant?"
"Well, halfway."
"Half?"
It was a fairly ambiguous answer. Naia nodded and pointed to the giant in the video. "I've read a mention about it in an old myth. It's the incarnation of flame from another world, a living flame… The ruin that moves to burn all life—Laevateinn."
"Laevateinn?"
"Yes. It's the ancient nightmare that burned our first parents, the primordial world trees, and our ancestors. Beyond that, I don't know any more. There is also a record of a giant mixed with a dragon."
The people in the meeting room started to murmur. The old myths of the elves were the far distant past for humans. It was a time when archmages of the 9th Circle, who no longer existed, had nests in each country, and swordsmen who could cut a mountain with a sword had been heroes. None of the people present would be able to resist the existences who had been called 'monsters' in that era.
Theodore was the only one who felt pleased by Naia's words. 'Okay, this is good. It would be hard if I pulled the story out first, but now I can attach it to a skeleton that has already formed. I can get help from Elvenheim without too much unnecessary attention.'
He knew more about Laevateinn than anyone else in this place, but someone else had to uncover it first. If even the elves couldn't connect it to an old myth, how could a young human magician? No, he couldn't take the credit and could only steer the story in the desired direction.
However, thanks to the high elf, Naia, he could now disclose the information about Laevateinn. Theodore carefully raised a hand.
"Theodore? Did something happen?"
"You…?"
Ellenoa and the White Tower Master noticed Theo's action and looked at him strangely. Although Ellenoa was concerned, the White Tower Master, however, feared Theo would speak nonsense in this situation.
Despite that, the next words from his mouth became a turning point in the meeting. "I've also heard about Laevateinn."
"What?!"
"I-Is that really true?"
Of course, it was the high elves who showed a strong reaction. Alucard jumped up from his seat, while Ellenoa's and Lumia's eyes widened, appearing several times bigger.
Theodore nodded slowly. In order to prevent anyone from asking, he spoke first, "I'm sorry, but I can't reveal the source of my information. There is a secret collection of books in our kingdom, where the removal of knowledge is strictly forbidden."
This time, the ones surprised were the party from Meltor.
"Perhaps… the Zero Library?"
"It might be possible. This young man received a national treasure from His Majesty, so the possibility of him reading an ancient book from the Zero Library is…"
"However, such knowledge at that age…"
Theo smiled with satisfaction as the gossip entered his ears. He didn't think they would 100% believe this excuse. It was enough as long as they thought there was the possibility.
Veronica had told him a long time ago that the White Tower Master was responsible for the security of the Zero Library, but he wasn't interested in all its contents. There was no way to instantly uncover the excuse he made unless they had read every book in the Zero Library.
Unsurprisingly, nobody questioned Theo. Now, he just needed to prove the veracity of his information. At any rate, the source of his information was meaningless to the high elves. Knowing wouldn't change the situation, and this was the best way to learn how to overcome the disaster.
Naia was the fastest one to regain her composure and spoke to him in a delicate voice, "Theodore. I know the favour you have done us, but this involves the fate of our whole clan. Please understand that the weight of your words will never be light."
"Yes, of course."
"And excuse me, can we speak through Ratatoskr from now on?"
Before Theodore could even react, Ellenoa cried out with anger on her face, "Naia! Are you suspecting Theodore right now?"
"We need to be more careful than usual."
"No, that's not it. It is because no lies can be passed on through Ratatoskr!"
Theodored smiled as he realized why Ellenoa was angry. She definitely knew how urgent this situation was and about the importance of his words being true. However, the trust and affection she held toward him was greater than that, and Ellenoa proved it directly.
Theo appreciated her gesture and raised his hands.
Clap.
The two arguing high elves turned to stare at him. He appreciated Ellenoa's gesture, but he also understood Elvenheim and Naia's position. Anyway, the information he would speak now was taught directly by the greedy grimoire, Gluttony. The authenticity of Gluttony's was more certain than that of any records.
Rather, Theo was glad to prove his words. "I will do as Naia says."
First, he summoned Mitra to the floor of the meeting room and picked her up. She rested her head on his and connected their senses in a fairly natural way. At first he had been confused by the flooding of sensations, but he quickly became proficient at maintaining the connection after training in his room the whole time.
It wasn't difficult to move his mouth while speaking through the world tree's neural network, Ratatoskr at the same time.
Then Theodore began his story.
["The fire that burned the original world trees, Laevateinn, looks like a giant now, but if it continues eating the forest this way, it will soon change into a new shape. According to the book, it is a living thing that grows from eating trees."]
The magicians, who had always been obsessed with knowledge, focused so hard they forgot to blink, while the high elves confirmed the authenticity through Ratatoskr.
Two of the three countries balancing the northern continent were dependent on a young magician.
["I will assert this first."]
As everyone paid attention to him, Theodore raised his finger. He raised all five fingers before folding them into a fist.
Then he looked at the firm fist and declared, ["In the next five days! If we can't kill Laevateinn before then, the northern continent will be destroyed on that day."]
Chapter 107 – Towards the Storm (1)
The meeting started with a shocking declaration, and the story that followed was profound in many ways. As questions were asked, the outline of the plan was gradually formed. There were many problems which Theodore wouldn't have been able to solve if he had been thinking by himself.
After the discussion which seemed both long and short, only two high elves were left in the meeting room.
Lumia picked up the teapot and asked, "Ellenoa, do you want a drink?"
"Ah, of course."
Steaming hot tea was poured out into Ellenoa's cup. The tea stopped two-thirds of the way, and Ellenoa held the handle of the cup carefully.
Lumia and Ellenoa were both high elves. However, Ellenoa was a young one who had only just experienced her coming of age ceremony, while Lumia was old. So, it was natural for Ellenoa to be a bit uncomfortable. As Lumia and the other high elves knew this, they expressed consideration for her.
Lumia drank from her teacup before joking in a playful voice, "By the way, isn't he a great gentleman? That Theodore."
"Cough!"
As soon as Lumia mentioned his name, Ellenoa put down her cup while coughing loudly. To think that it wasn't Alisa but Lumia pulling up this topic. It was so surprising that Ellenoa forgot to manage her expression, and she turned her head with a sense of betrayal, revealing her flushed face.
However, the high elf didn't stop there. "Ahh, I think it is a little sad. You've been here for half a year already, but you still think of him more than us. Wouldn't Naia be crying right now?"
"No, t-that…"
"What, am I misunderstanding? There was also a time when I burned with passion, so I will cheer for you!"
"Thank you—no, this isn't it!" In the end, Ellenoa shook her head with a grouchy expression.
As a high elf experiencing such intense and strange emotions for the first time, Ellenoa found it difficult to maintain her composure when faced with this type of hardship, especially in comparison to the old Lumia who had experienced it before. Lumia, who knew this fact, smiled inwardly as she recalled the young man who had been at the center of the table a while ago. The young man, who displayed his youth and skills, was undoubtedly attractive.
'It is rare for a human to ignite such passion in us, but… he is definitely different.'
At 20 years old, Theo had barely stepped into adulthood, but he was already expressing his opinions to wise people many times older than him. He even had the ability to cause the wise Naia to admire him. It was clear that Theo had a heroic nature which would get his name inscribed into the history books.
If Lumia were a hundred years younger, the fire might be burning inside her as well.
"…Oh my, I really had that thought."
"Huh?"
"It is nothing. I forgot my age for a moment."
Before the confused Ellenoa, Lumia lifted up the teapot again. If Ellenoa could see Lumia's inner thoughts, Lumia would have to be vigilant. However, the girl beside her was very distracted. Lumia had already finished becoming a beautiful woman, so she would be considered a tough rival for Ellenoa.
That said, fortunately, there was no cold wind coming from Ellenoa in this meeting room. After taking a few sips of tea, Lumia spoke words which pierced through Ellenoa's heart, "Do you want to go fight with him?"
"…Yes."
"I knew it. But in this situation, the right person is Alucard, not us."
The abilities of the high elves within the Great Forest were overwhelming. In addition to using mana at will, they could temporarily summon an elemental ruler who had already disappeared from the material world. There were six such people who could this.
Even if Andras and Meltor worked together, this was a power which was difficult to guarantee victory against. It could be called a power that was meant to protect themselves. However, the high elves weren't the Arv and were limited in how they could exercise the abilities.
"You aren't familiar with Ratatoskr and can't summon an elemental ruler. Additionally, Alisa and Alucard have already moved. Our role is to aid them from here."
"…Yes, I understand."
"You should bless them instead of worrying, Ellenoa." Lumia grabbed Ellenoa's trembling hand and whispered in an affectionate voice, "Our forest, parent, and him whom you are thinking about, wish them luck."
* * *
On the other hand, Theodore divided the personnel as planned and moved alongside Alucard, who showed the guidance ability Ellenoa had used. Alucard knew how to use it actively. The trees and earth retreated, creating a straight path through the dense forest.
Once a magician's Grease magic was added to the path…
Swiiik-
Six bodies slid at a rapid pace. They didn't have to take any steps and were moving at a speed which surpassed that of a carriage. The White Tower magician who devised this method had a deathly pale face. Maybe a means of surpassing wind power would soon be born again.
"Look," Alucard said as he slipped next to Theo.
"Why are you calling me?"
"…You don't have to be respectful. It can't be helped in public, but you are Ellenoa's saviour. No, your help in this situation is enough to be called our friend."
Theodore felt nervous. He was participating in the campaign to suppress Laevateinn to prevent a global disaster, but he was also getting some benefits. Unlike Death's Worship which had used black magic power, this was a legend-ranked grimoire which Theo might be able to absorb. If he did, he would smash down the wall of the 6th Circle instantly. Unfortunately, it wasn't philanthropy as Alucard implied.
As if he knew Theo's heart, Alucard stopped talking for a moment before starting again. "First of all, this is a report on the current situation. Alisa, who moved according to the instructions, confronted Laevateinn and called the wind elemental ruler, creating a vacuum around it."
"The result… No, what is the result?"
"Not bad. The forest fire calmed, and the giant's footsteps slowed considerably. It is regrettable that we couldn't stop it completely, but the spread of the flames is obviously reduced."
Gluttony's advice had been correct. Theo nodded inwardly as he listened to Alucard's report.
The flames which burned from Laevateinn's body was a power that transcended the rules of this material system, but the flames were subjected to the ordinary combustion phenomenon. If they maintained a vacuum around it, the damage wouldn't be so large. Of course, this method alone wasn't a good enough solution.
The vacuum only slowed down the rate at which the giant ate up the surroundings. Sooner or later, the fire would burn down the vegetation, and it would transform into the third form in five days. Then it would be reborn as the fire of destruction which burned all life.
Theodore's primary goal for the vacuum was to stop it and interfere with the full evolution.
However, that wasn't the only news from Alucard.
"What? Are you serious?"
"I'm sorry, but that is how it is."
Theodore's face stiffened. When he started the meeting, he had told them that the ents and dryads should retreat. However, he just received news that they had refused. It was so unexpected that an absurd expression appeared on his face, but there was someone else who answered his question.
It was Edwin who slid closer to him. "Benefactor, the mindset of the ents and dryads are different to the elves."
"Mindset?"
"Yes, to them, the forest isn't a place where they live."
For elves, the forest was their home and the foundation of their lives. The origin of the elves was to live in harmony with the animals and plants.
However, the elves couldn't compare to the ents and dryads when it come to closeness to the forest. Dryads were fairies who were born from trees, while ents were trees which had accumulated mana over a long period of time.
To them, the forest was their neighbour and family. So, despite knowing that their actions were foolish, they couldn't step back. While dying in Laevateinn's flames, they continued to fight by throwing rocks and spitting poison. Despite knowing that resistance was pointless, the dryads and ents threw themselves to their deaths.
Crunch. Theodore unconsciously gritted his teeth.
'Damn, if he continues eating dryads and ents… The mutation may occur faster than expected. Once that happens, it is the end.'
The fairies and trees filled with spirituality were like nutrient-rich prey to the Laevateinn. An ent was worth more than a normal tree, and dryads were useful offerings. Moreover, despite the fact that they respected the authority of the high elves, it wasn't a subordinate relationship where they had to listen to commands.
As Theo's mind stirred quickly, he asked Alucard, "Alucard, how much further to our destination? We have already been moving for two hours like this!"
"Pretty soon! Be prepared!" The moment Alucard answered… Theodore felt a feeling of weightlessness and regained his balance. The six magicians, one high elf, and one elf reached their destination after two hours. No one stumbled at this unexpected situation. It was proof that their nerves were tight.
Then they frowned and muttered.
"…How terrible."
"How many trees…"
The sun was still high in the sky as a red horizon appeared beyond the trees. It had only been a few days since Laevateinn started its activities. With Alucard and Edwin at the forefront, the eight people stepped carefully toward the burning horizon.
'Hot.'
They hadn't even walked 100 steps, and they were already soaked with sweat. By the time they reached 200 steps, they could see the devastation dealt to the surrounding trees. Once they passed 300 steps, ash fell as the charred wood broke under their shoes. At 500 steps, the eight people reached the forefront.
At the border of the eastern forest, they could see that a fierce battle was taking place.
[Ohhh… ohh…]
[Stones… throw…!]
Huge trees dozens of meters tall were moving. Like a person, their arms moved back, and they threw stones from the ground.
The strength was equivalent to a catapult. Any large monster would shatter to pieces if they were hit by the stones. A thunderous sound rumbled continuously in succession as the rocks fell. This was power of the guardian of the forest species, the ents.
Some people admired the sight.
However, Theo approached and shouted harshly, "Stop this and back off right now! You fighting this way won't be of any help!"
The leader of the ents growled ferociously.
[…Hu…man! Your command… don't… follow!]
The same was true for the dryads, who were floating over the ents' heads and informing them of the enemy's position. The small forms made of blue mana glared at Theo. They might show grace to the high elves, but they couldn't appreciate humans who mainly invaded and damaged forests.
Thanks to this relationship, it was lucky they didn't attack him, let alone cooperate.
"Stop it, Old Tree Elder!"
"We didn't come to fight you!"
Alucard and Edwin tried to intervene, but the dryads and ents continued to fight. They didn't care about the heat getting closer to them, as if they were going to jump into Laevateinn's mouth itself. Some may regard that virtue as stupidity but not Theodore.
'…Should I just move them through force?'
It wasn't an impossible task. He wanted to avoid any unnecessary power consumption, but it was better than giving offerings to Laevateinn. It might cause problems later, but his first priority was to overcome this crisis.
As Theodore reached this conclusion in a calm manner, magic power flashed around his hands, while the other magicians who noticed this quickly became tense. It was unspoken proof of their willingness to join him.
However, Theo didn't have to do anything.
[Hoing!] It was because the sound of the ancient elemental, Mitra, popping out of the dry land caught the attention of all their eyes.
Alucard exclaimed at the sight of the world tree's bud, while Edwin worried about whether he should bow or not. The magicians'curiosity was aroused despite this situation, and Sylvia wriggled her fingers in greeting.
Then at that moment…
Kuuong! With a heavy sound, the ent leader fell to his knees.
Chapter 108 – Towards the Storm (2)
No, the ent leader wasn't the only one to fall to his knees. The other ents bent their branches and roots which looked like limbs and fell to the ground.
Theodore was confused by the unexpected behaviour as other ents started to fall in a similar fashion. Thump, thump, the sound occurred every time the giant tree hit the forest floor. It was so loud that the crowded area quickly became quiet.
The dryads, who had been threatening Theo with their mana, lost their fierce attitude and bowed politely in the same manner as how servants welcomed a king.
Theodore, standing in the center of all this, looked around with an embarrassed expression and noticed something.
'These guys… they aren't bowing to me?'
The direction was slightly different. Theo followed their gaze and discovered Mitra looking around with a bewildered expression. He didn't know why, but it seemed like the bud on her head was especially pointed today. Theodore realized the moment he saw it.
Simultaneously, the similarly enlightened Alucard cried out with delight, "Indeed, it is due to the bud of the world tree…!"
It wasn't a well-known fact to humans, but the bud of a world tree could no longer grow in this era. The density of mana was several times thinner than it had been during the Age of Mythology, and the purity of the Arv's blood was now much lighter. Additionally, there were numerous elements which interfered with the growth of a world tree.
Even if all the remaining high elves on the continent joined forces, they no longer had the ability to grow another Yggdrasil. So, they had never considered the existence of another world tree.
The forgotten Mother Earth, Mitra, was a type of vessel. This meant Mitra could grow a bud of the world tree, the ruler of all the trees on earth. So, it was natural that, as tree-derived species, the dryads and ents couldn't resist her presence. For them, Mitra was an existence they had to serve.
[Hoing? Hoeng?] …Ironically, the involved party didn't understand at all.
Theo quickly weighed the situation and talked to Mitra in his head. Originally, the dryads and ents were inflexible species who required force to be moved, but the story was different now. It would be best if the situation could be solved without violence, and Theo had the means to make that possible.
'Mitra.'
[Ye?] The chubby Mitra turned around.
'Can you tell the ones lying down to go to the forest over there? If you say it, they will probably listen.'
[I noe!] She turned toward the trees lying down and shouted in an adorable manner, [Yew, up!]
Simultaneously, the ents raised their bodies. As the massive trees rose, the ground shook, and the scenery changed into a forest. The ents responded in low voices as they waited for Mitra's next instructions.
[As… you… command… ]
[…We… follow… king…]
[What… next…?]
Then Mitra pointed to the forest on the other side and shouted briefly, [Fere, go!]
It was truly a sight which seemed like a lie. The ents and dryads, who had repeatedly refused the high elves' request, started to move without any hesitation. They passed the pile of stones they had been throwing and moved in the direction of the dense forest. In their wake, the dryads and ents left stupefied expressions on the faces of Theo's party.
Theodore was oddly proud of Mitra, who looked delighted, for solving the problem.
* * *
After the two species retreated, the group was able to approach the burning horizon. The nearby trees had already become charred charcoal or turned to ash. If the party hadn't protected their bodies with heat-resistant magic, the heat would be enough to destroy their respiratory muscles instantly. Additionally, their visibility was distorted by a haze of heat, making it hard to see beyond dozens of meters.
Beyond that, a woman greeted them with great joy.
"Wow, we finally meet!" As the high elf, Alisa, spoke in a pleasant voice, her golden hair blew in the wind.
She looked at Theo in the forefront and cried out, "Hello! I want to say good evening, but isn't it too bright for that? Anyway, it is nice to see you! Are you the boy who has our Ellenoa twisted up? I did as you said. How about it, did I do well?"
"…Yes, very well."
It was a fairy difficult situation, but Alisa's chatterbox nature still remained. Theodore looked at the present situation while half listening to her words.
'Is it around 100 meters ahead? It is much wider than I thought.'
From the point where Alisa and the party were located, there was a vacuum which spread for around 100m. It was a space created by a woman floating in the air, the wind elemental ruler—Sylphid. There was no combustion allowed inside, but it was in vain.
This would buy as much time as possible to stop Laevateinn from changing into the third form. In this space, the fire couldn't spread and only the trees touching Laevateinn's body would burn. However, this vacuum could only buy time.
"Alisa, how much longer can you maintain it?"
"Um… 10 minutes? 15 minutes? Any more than that would be hard."
"I understand."
The high elves were assisted by the mana of the Great Forest, but that wasn't infinite. Alisa had already been using Sylphid's power for a few hours until the party arrived. She pretended to speak in a leisurely manner, but her forehead and neck were already wet with sweat. If she relaxed for even a moment, she would lose consciousness and fall. The power consumption of the vacuum was enormous.
From this moment on, it wasn't Alisa but Theodore's party who would fight. Along with the six magicians, there was a high elf and a guardian to defeat the legendary catastrophe. As the full weight of the burden fell on him, Theo forced himself to stand upright and cried out, "Then I will verify it for the last time."
In order to defeat Laevateinn, they needed precise tactics and cooperation. If even one person was out of sync, someone else would die to make up for that mistake.
Therefore, Theodore repeated the explanation he had spoken many times already. "Laevateinn can't be destroyed by normal attacks, but that doesn't mean it can't be damaged at all. The attacks may not be lethal, but it will consume the energy that Laevateinn has stored. Therefore, our primary goal is to reduce the stored energy as much as possible."
According to Gluttony, there was no way to completely destroy Laevateinn in this era. The archmages who could destroy the second form were only found in the history books. However, a method to suppress Laevateinn existed. While laughing slyly, Gluttony had taught him how to do it.
It was similar to pouring water into a broken jar.
"We will first start with Sylvia."
Sylvia, who was on the furthest end of the line, nodded and grabbed her white staff firmly.
Theodore's tactic was based on pouring sequential magic spells at the target as it wasn't meaningful to concentrate all attacks at once on an opponent who couldn't be killed.
"Continue in the pre-determined order of attack, but cover each other if someone misses the timing. If possible, use powerful destructive force to bother that guy. The ranged attacks will be handled by the two elves, so don't worry."
The two elves nodded in understanding. Alucard could summon the water elemental ruler, while Edwin's arrow could decimate 1,000 men. If possible, Theo wanted to save the water elemental ruler to play an active role against the third form, but it would be a mistake if they lost because power was conserved.
Therefore, the eight people refined their formation thoroughly. Some practiced moving around the circle at a moderate pace, while another waited and checked their potions. Most of the people here were veterans, and even the less experienced Sylvia still had enough experience.
Soon, the time they had been waiting for arrived.
"T-This…!��
Finally, Alisa reached her limit and released the wind elemental ruler, allowing a gigantic wave of heat to hit them.
Huuuuuok…
A hot wind blew from the horizon, and the ground burned black. The flames burned the ground until there was nothing left, while a black smoke bubbled up and blocked their vision. No life could survive in the center of this heat.
"—Remnants!" The angry Edwin cried out as he fired his bow.
Piing! A storm of arrows crossed the horizon! Meanwhile, a whirlwind a few hundred meters wide tore at the smoke and revealed the epicenter of the disaster beyond it.
Kukukung…! The earth shook and dust rose. A senior monster wouldn't be able to endure this and would turn into scrap metal instantly.
Shock waves burst from the arrows, causing the party's robes to flap. The evidence of Edwin's destructive power was amazing. A master's attack, shot with the intention of killing something, was really huge.
However, there was no meaning to it.
'——————————!!'
Flames swirled from beyond the horizon. The force, which had been bound by the vacuum until now, burned the air and melted any remnants. It was unknown if Edwin's attack provoked it, but Laevateinn's movements turned toward the party.
"It's coming!" Someone shrieked.
Theo shouted reflexively, ignoring his aching head.
He believed in Sylvia and the other magicians, but it was rare to ever encounter this type of oppression. After having absorbed Alfred's experience and encountering Superbia, Theo wasn't overwhelmed by the pressure, but Laevateinn's presence surpassed human imagination.
Shortly after that, the giant moved at a terrifying pace, riding the aftermath of the explosion.
"Sylvia!"
"Master of the cold, Ymir!"
The talent of the Blue Tower's top genius allowed her to use the prepared ice magic even when she was shocked. The vortex around Sylvia's body cooled the heat quickly and revealed its chilling teeth as a 100 meter tall monster. It was a swirl of frost which even monsters used to the cold of the north couldn't withstand.
'Minor Force, Blizzard.' As Sylvia was a 5th Circle magician, who was close to the 6th Circle, her original spell swallowed up the flame giant.
Starting with that blow, the curtain for the fight against the legend ranked grimoire, Laevateinn, was raised.
Chapter 109 – Towards the Storm (3)
Jjeok, jejejeok.
The flames on the ground were frozen over. Blizzard was originally a 7th Circle advanced magic, so the range of this Blizzard was extremely reduced. The range of effect which remained was reduced to a radius of around 10 meters. However, within those 10 meters, Sylvia had perfectly reproduced a magic of the 7th Circle.
Even the flames of Muspelheim were caught in the ice for a moment.
"Heinz, two seconds later!" At that time, Theodore had predicted the situation sooner than anyone else and pointed to the next magician to cast their magic.
Group fighting was familiar to knights, but it was difficult to keep their hands and feet in the right spot without any special training. The only one capable of catching the timing of the flow and then conducting the group was Theodore, who had awakened his supernatural senses.
The White Tower Superior, Heinz met those instructions. "Blow, a storm! Capture the enemy!"
Two seconds later, the fire giant broke through the thick ice but couldn't even enjoy a sense of liberation before being caught in a storm. This was 6th Circle wind magic. Vortex Prison rippled around the giant and caught it. According to the records, large monsters like the high ranking cyclops couldn't escape the Vortex Prison. No, they were usually caught in that vortex and torn to pieces by the wind blades.
However, that wasn't enough to stop Laevateinn.
Kururung! Kwarurung!
There was a thunderous rumble from inside the vortex, and the storm started burning as the giant beat at the wind with its two fists. There were random air discharges due to the shock waves as well as occasional lightning bolts. It was the manifestation of ineffective power. The firepower, which had already surpassed a master's output, eventually destroyed the vortex.
However, the fire giant didn't see what was happening to the ground.
"Olson!"
"Earth, hold that ungodly presence in your arms!"
The ground sank suddenly, and the pouring in of earth and pebbles became a mass weapon. The soil buried fire giant like a tsunami, swallowing it faster than its flames could melt the soil. Of course, the pressure was nothing more than an ankle grab, and the fire giant eventually crawled out from the ground.
Theo followed suit with another cold order, "30 meters in the 6 o'clock direction, two seconds later!"
A huge iceberg plunged from the sky into Laevateinn and protruded from its body without any errors. The chunk of ice was the size of a house, making it too big for the flames to melt it instantly. By the time the giant emerged, the next magic had already been prepared.
"After three seconds, Ordu!"
The wind shell exploded against the fire giant's head several times.
"46 meters in the 10 o'clock direction, now!"
Ice arrows poured down from above and tore the flames to pieces.
The chain of magic attacks never ended. Once someone's magic succeeded, another person's followed. The immortal Laevateinn could hardly move.
The two elves watched the perfect chain of attacks and couldn't help feeling in awe. The power of each magic which could stop the fire giant was great, but the greatest thing was the ability of the person conducting this battlefield.
Without Theo, this deadlock would've collapsed much sooner.
"…Amazing. Isn't this close to a prescience ability? Or a prediction ability based on experience? Either way, it isn't an ability someone that age should have."
"Yes, I think so as well."
This ability involved an insight which looked ahead a few moves, as well as the use of tactics which focused the power on the right place.
Theodore was stretching out his hand comfortably in an area which could only be reached through decades of fighting. Despite this, he wasn't at all aware of how ridiculous his actions were. Instead, he focused on being the support in this situation, by calculating the distance and seconds for enemies and allies.
'Damn, are we almost there yet?' Theodore didn't even have time to blink. He wiped away his sweat and glared at Laevateinn.
For those who didn't know, it might seem like they were dominating, but that wasn't the case. In the midst of such furious attacks, the party was slowly being pushed back. With a rate of three steps per 10 seconds, they were retreating approximately 5 meters per minute.
Additionally, this cyclic attack couldn't be maintained for much longer. It would be dangerous if he didn't reach his primary goal within the next 30 minutes.
Theo recalled Gluttony's advice in his head, –Despite being a grimoire, Laevateinn doesn��t possess any intelligence. It acts instinctively for its own purpose, but its actions have to comply with the rules. Its weakness lies in the rules.
Laevateinn's third form was merely a transient process for shifting from the second form to the fourth form. It was a process of offering up everything in order to burn away all life. That's why the third form was a diffuse flame storm.
However, what would happen if the second form wasn't able to obtain the offerings and was constantly disturbed?
Exactly 15 minutes later, Laevateinn answered this question.
* * *
There was no one specific who noticed it first as the group of people, who were constantly pouring magic attacks, were all sensitive to any changes in the target. After all, the target was a flame giant which could melt any metal in a moment.
The flame giant suddenly stopped struggling and curled up into a ball. Its appearance was like a chrysalis waiting to emerge, so those watching it suddenly felt greatly alarmed.
As Edwin drew back his arrow carefully,
Chill. Theodore felt a terrible chill run down his spine.
'Death.' Defense magic didn't mean anything as every being in this place would die.
As soon as this reality appeared in Theo's mind, he exclaimed, "Alucard!"
They would've died if it hadn't been for Gluttony's advice, if Theo hadn't explained it in advance in the meeting room, and if Alucard wasn't in this place.
"Gentle water mother, El-Mare!" Alucard immediately moved according to Theo's will which had been close to a scream.
It was also thanks to Alucard previously hearing about how dangerous the third form was. The lack of offerings reduced the power considerably, but it wasn't something which magicians who hadn't reached the master level could withstand.
[Did you call?] The water elemental ruler was quickly revealed. If it wasn't for this location, there would've been a shower when she was summoned, and the dry land would become wet. Without giving her a word of greeting, Alucard cried out, "Protect us from the mighty flames!"
[…Child of the forest, I will accept the request according to the contract,] an inorganic voice answered the call.
As soon as El-Mare spoke, a blue shield wrapped around the party. This was the soul which governed all water. It could only endure one or two rounds of the 7th Circle Inferno. So, it was inevitable that the party would receive some punishment.
Immediately afterwards, a super heated hell unfolded.
'―――――――――!!'
There was no sound. The heat had already long evaporated the air. Then there was a fierce flash of light which threatened to burn their retinas. Theo endured the few drops of blood flowing from his eyes and barely managed to look ahead.
Apart from the light, the Muspelheim's heat penetrated the shield. It was a wonder they could even breathe. The elemental ruler was their only lifeline.
"…Crazy," Theo muttered as he barely recovered and saw the sight in front of him. The rest of the group noticed the difference a few beats late.
"············?!"
"············?!"
They looked around to where light and ash could be seen. It wasn't beautiful but literally a disastrous hell. No life could survive on this burning land. Air, water, and everything else needed to survive had disappeared. The remaining vegetation on the horizon was the only comfort. If the green hadn't entered his eyes, he really would've thought that the world had been destroyed.
Theodore regained his calm sooner than anyone else. 'It is finally coming.'
As a grimoire that ate grimoires, Gluttony couldn't eat a book which didn't exist in this world.
So, it was impossible to subdue the fire giant, Muspelheim's second form. No matter how many times it was destroyed, the infinite flames would reappear, and those who weren't transcendent had no way to resist it. However, from the third form onwards, Laevateinn's body was revealed.
From where Theo was standing, it took a little over 20 steps to reach the center of that hot hell.
"A bead of light."
The white bead shone brilliantly. It was the passage connecting the material world to Muspelheim, the reality of the grimoire which existed to destroy the world. Then Theodore finally caught sight of Laevateinn's body and took a step forward.
Chiiik.
"Ack!"
As soon as Theo took one step, his skin turned red. Despite the protection of the water elemental ruler and 5th Circle defense magic, human flesh couldn't withstand this heat, especially if the person wasn't a sword or magic master.
Maybe Theodore would somehow survive 10 steps. After that, his flesh would burn, his blood would dry up, and his bones would break. For that reason, it was Theo's fight alone from here onwards.
"…!"
"....!"
He had a silent conversation with his group.
Someone saw him take one step and thought he should reconsider. Someone else gave him protection magic, despite it being meaningless.
Sylvia tried to catch up with him but was grabbed by a magician of the Blue Tower, while Edwin bowed his head in apology for not being able to help. It was because his powers became extremely weak in a space where upper ranked elementals were ineffective.
Theo glanced at all of them before looking back to the front.
'Not yet… A little more. I can endure it…'
He took one step and then another step. The heat peeled his skin, but it wasn't to the extent that he would die. His disciplined body and mind could endure this much pain. At the fifth step, his red skin was peeled off, and his muscles started burning. Then Theodore pulled out his trump card.
Wuuong! Emerald light emerged from the mark on his right arm and wrapped around his entire body.
The national treasure Umbra. The treasure that gave its owner its abilities, including Fluidization. Umbra had the ability to ignore physical attacks, so it could handle this heat. So, after the first five steps, Theodore's body turned transparent. However, he wasn't completely free from the heat.
'Kuok…! This is outside the laws of physics…!'
Muspelheim's flames even hurt spiritual bodies. Theo took seven more steps, but the stronger heat started to shatter his body.
He managed another eight steps forward. However, in order to put it in the range of Gluttony's tongue, Theo needed at least three more steps. It meant that this hell would become three times stronger after this.
Theodore really wanted to run away right now, but he gritted his teeth and persevered.
'Let's go.'
If he didn't stop Laevateinn here, the world would perish. Even if a transcendent he didn't know about showed up to stop Laevateinn, Elvenheim would still be destroyed. It couldn't be helped if he had never started this operation, but he couldn't forgive himself for running away when he was so close to the end.
Theo took one more step.
As he patiently tried to endure the heat which seemed like it would melt through his bones, Theo complained to someone who wasn't there.
He complained to the White Tower Master Orta, who had declared he wouldn't participate in this subjugation mission.
Chapter 110 – Towards the Storm (4)
Beyond the eastern forest, the horizon was burning red. Perhaps it was proof that Theodore and Laevateinn's battle was reaching the next stage. Flames would sometimes emerge through the clouds, while the whole forest itself was filled with bursting heat.
White Tower Master Orta sat idly on a stump in front of a cabin and watched the scene.
His lips, revealed under the white mask, suddenly parted. "In the last war, the empire lost two master swordsmen. The 3rd and the 6th, they were tough opponents."
Unlike his emotionless voice, Orta really meant it. If he looked back on when he encountered the 3rd Sword, he would still get goosebumps. There were dozens of senior magicians who had died from that man's sword. The 6th Sword's swordsmanship couldn't be ignored either. The wounds from his sword had been so strong that they never faded. From that time on, Orta had started using this mask.
Orta unconsciously touched the mask and smiled bitterly. "It has already been 15 years, pretty fast."
Even if the magicians and swordsmen reached the master level, it was hard for their lifespan to exceed 200 years. Meltor and Andras had repeated wars, so their lifespan was short on average. Nevertheless, the battle between the magic kingdom and sword empire continued on, and the reason for that never changed.
There were always people who appeared to fill those empty seats.
"…The personal talk ends here," Orta said as he got up. Then he turned in the direction of the cabin and stared. No, to be exact, he was staring at a area of air. Orta looked alert, like he was convinced that someone was there.
"Won't you show yourself, Sword Master? If you take one more step, then I won't be able to stay still."
Anybody would be confused if they saw this scene. There were nothing in the place where Orta's eyes were fixed on, just an occasional breeze passing through. No life could hide in it, and there wasn't even a flicker of mana.
In this first place, this was the Great Forest, so no one could avoid Elvenheim's Ratatoskr surveillance. It was an impossible feat even for White Tower Master Orta, who could use space magic. At that moment, Orta's index finger drew a line in the air.
Kaaang!
Suddenly, flames emerged. In the empty space, two powers collided, and there was a shock wave.
Then as the two powers canceled out, the shock wave rippled through the ground and showed traces of a border. This wasn't a coincidence. It was just a step away from the point where Orta had given the warning.
Simultaneously, a shocked voice rang out, "No?!"
The voice sounded like an echo, not leaving any traces of where it came from. It was like a whisper in his ear as well as a yell in the distance. So, it was impossible to find the owner just by listening to the voice.
However, Orta was convinced he knew and looked at a point two steps to the right of where he had originally looked. As a positive light shone in Orta's eyes, the space where nothing was present began to distort.
"…I am amazed. You… are you really looking at me?" A man appeared within the distorted space.
His face was covered with a mask similar to Orta's, but the colour was a dark black, as if to melt into darkness. There were a sword which was neither long nor short hanging from his waist. It was an arming sword, designed to be handled with one hand and suited for those with a sleek physique.
Oddly, there was a masked man standing in the forest of the elves.
As the tension rose, Orta opened his mouth first. "3rd or 6th, which one are you?"
"I don't know. Do all sword masters have to belong to the empire? I could just be a sword master passing by."
"…How slippery." Orta frowned at the man's joking answer.
The opposition was an unidentified person and surely one of the Empire's Seven Swords, but there was no way to prove it. The existence of a master who hadn't been exposed to the outside world was annoying in many ways.
On the surface, there was a non-aggression pact, and a third country wouldn't be able to plan this in a few days. In this situation, Andras wouldn't suffer any losses.
"You are the one who released Laevateinn."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"At the time of the delegation, you released the monster and infiltrated the deepest part of Elvenheim. Due to Laevateinn, you can aim at the neural network where the gap is weakest. Is your purpose the assassination of the high elves?"
The man flinched at the truth that emerged. He hadn't said anything, yet the opponent had pierced through their plan in an instant. It was a really terrifying insight. When the man's mouth shut, it was an inadvertent sign of agreement, and Orta immediately understood that his thoughts were correct.
'It is well-organized in its own way. The risk is low, and there is nothing connecting it back to Andras. They overlooked the danger, but…'
Andras probably didn't understand completely what Laevateinn was. If they knew, they wouldn't have released a monster which would burn away all life in the material world. They almost destroyed themselves in their last ditch effort to stop the Meltor Kingdom.
Andras just thought it was a plan which could deal a fatal blow to Meltor and Elvenheim in either direction. If Elvenheim collapsed due to Laevateinn, that would be good. Even if it failed, it would cause massive damage, and they could assassinate the high elves in the meantime.
In Elvenheim, a country which originated from the world tree, the high elves were the focal point and not simply a symbolic meaning. At least four high elves were needed to keep the world tree alive. If it fell below that, the world tree would weaken and wane.
If this happened, rather than Elvenheim playing a role in the war between Meltor and Andras, the existence of the country itself would be jeopardized.
"Who?"
"What?"
"Only idiots would use a knife that they don't know much about. The person who released Laevateinn and sent you here, I want to hear their name."
However, the man just laughed and shook his head. "I don't know what you are talking about. And you, will you even be in a state to receive the answer?"
"I see."
"Well, I did realize something." The man naturally raised a hand to his sword.
Wuuong-
The sword which had accepted its master's hand cried out threateningly. A frivolous attitude was nowhere to be seen as the sword master's eyes sharpened behind the mask. The man activated the power behind a sword master's existence, Aura ability.
He didn't know how, but his opponent had seen through his stealth and realized the whole plan. This meant it was too risky to keep Orta alive.
"You have to die here."
A sword master's flesh contained its own lethal power. Falling leaves were shattered without warning as a white aura formed around the sword. The current sword would even be able to break a dragon's scales.
Despite facing a blade which could slice at his neck any moment, Orta opened his arms without any fear. The number of people who had witnessed the White Tower Master fight didn't even reach 10. The white mask covered his face, but a strange smile was revealed underneath it.
"It has been a long time since I've felt this tension. It is quite delightful."
"…Are you going to fight like this?"
"That's right."
There was only a 10-meter distance between the two masters. For a sword master, it was such a short distance that it wasn't even half a step. The man thought he was being thought lightly of, and indignation bubbled under his black mask. There had been a desire to pay homage to the enemy who had fought against his seniors. However, that died down after his pride was wounded.
"I am familiar with the rumours. The White Tower Master, a fugitive who doesn't hesitate to show his back on the battlefield… You yourself claimed that combat isn't your specialty, isn't that right?"
"Well, your words aren't wrong."
"Is that so? Then…"
'Die.'
There were no preliminary actions. His ability, 'Disappear' removed him from the world. Visual, auditory, olfactory, as well as tactile senses… all signs of his existence were erased. So, all of his attacks were like ambushes, and the front was no different from the back.
There wasn't even a flutter of mana as he stretched out toward the elder's neck.
Kiiing.
Shortly after that, the positions of the two masters were reversed.
Fushu!
Red blood spurted out. Drops of blood splashed out from torn flesh and flowed down the neck. It was obvious that if the attack had been even one step deeper, it would be his brain, not his ears, which would have been damaged, and he would've died instantly.
"Hmm, I am still rusty," Orta murmured as he looked at the sword master whose ear he had cut off.
"…You, how?"
"Well, it is as you said. My magic is forever exploring space and time, so I never thought of combat as my specialty." A creepy light appeared from behind the white mask. "It isn't my specialty, but I never thought I lagged behind in it."
If anyone in Meltor were asked about the greatest magician, they would say Blundell Adruncus. If anyone in Meltor were asked about the most powerful magician, they would say Veronica's name. If anyone in Meltor were asked about the most mysterious magician, they would cautiously mention the Yellow Tower Master.
This was why White Tower Master Orta was more dangerous than anyone else. If there was an opponent he couldn't win again, he would flee and kill someone he could win against. In fact, it was Orta who had taken down the 6th Sword in the last war, but no one had witnessed how he'd fought.
As the black masked man understood this fact and started sweating, Orta sent him a cold smile.
"The price of not giving me an answer is costly. Don't think you will be able to leave with all your limbs…!"
The second battlefield was unveiled in the deepest part of the Great Forest.
* * *
'Two steps left.'
Theo's bones were already trembling. His physical body didn't exist, so it was likely that his brain would melt from the heat. The water elemental ruler's protection and Umbra were used to maintain his life, but Theodore had already reached his limit.
He needed to take one more step. However, his intuition told him that if he took this step, he would surely die.
"Da…mn!"
He had no choice but to go. He knew he had to go. He ought to go.
However, the soles of his feet didn't move.
The boundary of life and death… this last hurdle was so hard. Theo might die the moment he took this footstep. All the glory in his hands would turn to ashes. He was afraid that even his soul would burn up.
There was no way to bring out more strength. Mitra's strength was pointless in this dead land, and he had already mobilized the power of Umbra to its limit. The current result was because he also used the defense magic in Memorize.
Theo somehow understood that this was the boundary. This was the realm of a hero, the realm of those who overcame the fear of death and threw themselves into the struggle. Then, he remembered it.
'What…?'
Theo had already crossed this boundary once. If he reached the place where he'd left his footprints, he would feel more comfortable. The face of Ellenoa, who he had almost died to protect, entered his mind. As he recalled the moment he'd dealt with Superbia, all hesitation disappeared.
He made the third step. Then as the flames burned his consciousness, Theo shouted, [Gluttony—!]
–I have been waiting!
The tongue stretched out from his left hand, and in the swirl of heat and light which no one's eyes could see through, the nemesis of a grimoire appeared. Even the grimoire Laevateinn, who didn't have a separate intellect, tried to withdraw as it felt an unconscious fear.
However, just before that could happen, it was caught by the tongue.
–I got it!
Chapter 111 – Towards the Storm (5)
In the end, Gluttony's tongue wrapped around Laevateinn, who had been trying to run away. It was an odd sight in many ways. In the epicenter of the fire which burned the clouds, a bead of light was caught by a tongue.
However, Theodore didn't have room to enjoy the curious sight. [Hey! Swallow it quickly!]
The duration of the Fluidization effect was reaching its limits. Despite the fact that Gluttony had restrained Laevateinn, the heat was getting worst, and it wasn't at a level which his physical body could survive. Theo would die instantly the moment Fluidization was released.
Somehow, he had to win before that. Theo's sense of urgency was conveyed as the tongue became more taut.
Gluttony shouted in a voice which couldn't contain its joy, –Bastard! Resisting, meaningless!
Then it tugged Laevateinn's body as hard as it could.
Huwoook!
This was the final, desperate struggle. Flames soared into the sky through the gaps of the tongue wound tightly around it. The clouds floating tens of kilometers above Theo were scattered like a lie, and the atmosphere distorted.
It was a power comparable to the Dragon Breath Veronica had shown previously! Theodore was overwhelmed as he looked at the torn sky.
'If that flame had turned on us…'
They would have been killed without being able to do anything. It was an output which could sweep away the elemental ruler's power. Perhaps if Laevateinn changed to the fourth form, it could pour out these type of flames infinitely.
However, with a final roar, Laevateinn's body lost the power to resist. Gluttony mentioned this as a weakness of the third form. The body lost all defense functionalities in order to bring out all the power it had.
Gulp!
As always, there was the sound of good food being eaten as Laevateinn entered Gluttony's mouth. Simultaneously, the information about the legend ranked grimoire, Laevateinn, was updated. The contents previously veiled with question marks were now revealed.
[Laevateinn]
[This is a grimoire where the realm of fire, Muspelheim is sealed. At the time of Ragnarok, Surtr had fully unlocked the power of the grimoire and burned the world tree by releasing Muspelheim. However, in return, he was turn to ashes, and the grimoire, who lost its owner, closed its eyes and waited.
* The rating of the grimoire is 'Legend.'
* When consumed, fire magic affinity will rise to the limit. The magic power consumed by fire magic will be reduced by half. Fire damage lower than the user's level will be ignored. Fire damage above the user's level will be reduced.
* When consumed, Ring of Muspelheim will be acquired. Muspelheim's fire can be used step-by-step.
* When consumed, you can't control the power of this grimoire with your current capabilities. If you want to be recognized as its master, you must be at least a 8th Circle master or 9th Circle user.]
It was truly ridiculous.
'…What is this?!'
Theo was so astonished that he forgot about the pain. The grimoire sealed in his inventory, Death's Worship, was also ridiculous. He would be able to absorb 50% to 100% of a 9th Circle warlock's ability and control the undead. However, due to the danger of having his body taken over, it was just a pie in the sky.
In comparison, it might not be unusual that Laevateinn would grant those abilities.
At that moment, the bright field of view returned to normal.
[Urgh…?!]
The whole world seemed vague. His pupils had reached their limit after facing such a bright light for a long time. Theodore didn't look ahead and closed his puffy eyelids. He didn't need to see to guess what had happened.
The world returned to its original state after the source of the heat and light, Laevateinn, disappeared. The question was whether he could survive in this situation…
"Theo!"
As the air evaporated, his hearing came back. Theo heard the approaching sounds and turned off Fluidization as he started to feel dizzy. He expected Sylvia to take the proper measures. Then the pain from his blackened flesh and boiled blood entered his head.
"-Aaaack!"
'Horrible pain!' Theo now understood why burning was the most brutal death sentence.
Even the wind passing by caused his burned nerves to tingle and seize. Maybe it was because the damage he'd suffered while under Fluidization was transmitted to his body, but Theo was covered in burns.
Sylvia looked at his condition and instantly used magic. "Hold on!"
Her hands shone with a blue light as she used Chilling Touch and held Theo's neck. It was to stabilize him before starting to earnestly heal the burns. There would be no chance of recovery if the heat remained in the wounds.
This action was effective in its own way as Theodore's breathing calmed down a little bit. The rest of the group, who came a beat later, added a helping hand to his treatment. They squeezed out their remaining power, creating a bright flash of healing magic.
Then the high elf, Alucard, asked for help from the water elemental ruler, who was still summoned. "El-Mare, please heal him! If the price isn't enough, I will prepare a tribute for you in the future."
The status of the elemental rulers was so high that even high elves didn't dare make demands to them. The water elemental ruler, El-Mare, stared at Theodore with a blank expression. The mana which Alucard provided had already run out, so she would have to use her own power to heal him.
Originally, she wouldn't have accepted the request even with a tribute, but in this moment, she nodded.
[The one who extinguished the flames that were the world tree's enemy and averted a catastrophe… It is an achievement I can't overlook. I won't accept a tribute. Young human, be proud of today's feat,] El-Mare said while spreading out her palms.
Wuuuong!
An auspicious light spread. The dry soil became wet, and a little bit of vitality returned to the uninhabitable land. It was a power similar to what the high elves had but on a higher level. The light covered Theodore, and his skin started to return to its original colour. The torn nerves were restored, and the pain disappeared as his burned skin grew back.
Theodore was able to half regain his mind. He grasped the situation and bowed to the water elemental ruler, who provided him with such grace.
"T-Thank you."
[Don't mind it.] El-Mare shook her head before speaking again. [All the heat remaining in your body was driven out. But you shouldn't carelessly use the power that you have accepted, or you will know the consequences,] she warned while looking down at Theodore's left hand. There wasn't a burn mark there but a tattoo resembling the sun.
It was the power which Gluttony had extracted from Laevateinn, the Ring of Muspelheim. The power to summon Muspelheim was too much for a mortal who wasn't even at a master level yet. The slightest slip would cause the power to be abused and burn him up.
Theo smiled wryly and bowed while replying, "Yes, Water Mother. It was an honour to meet you."
[I never thought I would meet one being from the Age of Mythology, let alone two. It was an exciting trip.]
Other people might not have understood, but Theodore couldn't help flinching.
Indeed, the eyes of the elemental ruler didn't miss Gluttony's and Laevateinn's existences. However, El-Mare didn't seem like she wanted to expose it as she smiled strangely before disappearing from the material world. A big wind blew past as the huge presence vanished.
As everyone understood that the situation was over, the group couldn't help sighing.
"Hooo… It is gone."
"Somehow, I can't believe it."
"I am the same."
One person was conscious of the death they had just faced, while another person had difficulty believing their own survival. Theodore was the only one injured in this place. However, if he hadn't taken the last step, then the whole continent would've turned into hell.
The fight against the legend ranked grimoire had been terrible. It had been so hard that the victors couldn't enjoy it.
'…It is good that we won.'
The exhausted Theodore leaned against Sylvia and stared up at the sky. The thrill of what happened still hadn't disappeared. Theo looked at the sky distorted by Laevateinn, then he dropped his gaze to his left hand.
'Ring of Muspelheim.'
"I understand… I think."
El-Mare's advice was that the power was like an overwhelming fountain which would hurt his body. It was like an active volcano and was still too much for Theodore Miller. If he freed it now, he would burn himself and everything around him.
Right now, it was time to concentrate on his goal while keeping an eye on this power from the Age of Mythology.
The 6th Circle was carved into his heart. This was proof of the 6th Circle which Theodore had wanted before leaving for Elvenheim. However, right now, it seemed painful to close his eyes and concentrate internally.
Sylvia carefully held his side and asked, "Theo, are you somewhat okay now?"
"…Yes, I'm okay. And thank you for the help. It might've been dangerous if it hadn't been for Sylvia." Theo felt a subtle discomfort as he answered.
Just like with Death's Worship, what would've happened if he and Gluttony weren't here? Could he have won against Laevateinn who had burned the world tree and Elvenehim?
The current result was due to Gluttony being a nemesis for grimoires, but their victory hadn't been through a frontal confrontation. It was more likely that Elvenheim would've sacrificed all their power in vain.
'I don't know if an incident occurs wherever I go, or if I happen to go to places where incidents will occur.'
It might seem the same, but his behaviour could vary greatly depending on the cause. The nemesis of grimoires… Gluttony's existence itself was a strange thing, let alone having such a function. It was like a carnivore drawing in insects with its scent.
However, Theodore's thoughts didn't go much further than that.
"Hua! I thought I would die out there!" At this moment, the high elf Alisa approached the party after recovering her power.
She must be quite tired from calling the wind elemental ruler for several hours, but she moved while showing no signs of it. Thanks to that, the group gained enough strength to start moving. However, Alucard didn't seem to demonstrate the same recovery ability.
"Then shall we go back?" Alisa raised her thumb and pointed at the forest behind her. "Let's have a celebration as soon as we return!"
Chapter 112 – World Tree's Reward (1)
There was no need to rush while returning. Theo had recovered some stamina, but he was still weak. Therefore, he didn't have the strength to run or climb over trees.
However, unlike his tired body, everyone else was shining brightly. It was a life or death battle where a legend of the elves had been revived, but they had survived. Everybody understood that wanting more than this was greedy.
They tried to ignore the fatigue accumulated in their bodies and talked more than they usually did. In the end, it was natural that Theodore would become the center of topic, as the one who had ended Laevateinn.
"By the way, I was really surprised! Superior Theodore!" Someone said while patting him on the shoulder.
"Huh? Amazed?"
"I didn't know there was a way to survive that terrible heat! I don't know about Veronica, but we couldn't even take a few steps."
The middle aged magician had a white beard and wore robes symbolizing the Blue Tower, but he didn't hesitate to treat Theodore in this friendly manner. Perhaps he felt a bond after fighting together.
The magician called Philip, who had aimed the iceberg at Laevateinn, praised Theo's courage and whispered while squinting at his right arm, "The thing on your arm, that is the ability of the national treasure, right?"
Phillip's voice indicated he was already half convinced, so Theo sighed with relief. Apart from the elemental ruler, no one had perceived Gluttony.
He naturally restored his facial expression and gave Philip the answer he wanted, "Yes, that's right. I'm glad it helped."
"Indeed! The moment that the emerald light was seen, I recalled His Majesty. Thanks to this, it saved all of our lives. Isn't this Meltor's blessing?"
"It is as Philip says. I wouldn't even be able to approach it without Umbra."
It was half right, half wrong. Theo didn't lie, but he didn't disclose everything either. This was the excuse that Theodore, who was only a 5th Circle magician, used. After all, it was the national treasure Umbra, of which even the White Tower Master didn't understand the reality of its powers. Theo had insisted that he could defeat Laevateinn with the power of the national treasure and asserted that only he could destroy its body.
The power of the high elves saw that Theo was telling the truth.
Truly, Theo hadn't said that he could destroy it with Umbra. He just said, 'Umbra can be used to destroy Laevateinn's body.'
If they sat down and examined the context calmly, some people might be able to detect something suspicious. However, they were facing a crisis, and it was a confusing situation for everyone.
'Well, it isn't a lie either.'
If Theo didn't have Umbra's Fluidization ability, he would've died before he could even approach it. In his words, Umbra had been essential in destroying Laevateinn's body. As a result, he didn't tell a single lie despite not mentioning Gluttony.
While laughing inwardly, Theo gave the same answer to Heinz, the fourth magician who whispered to him. In this way, everybody was caught in the perfect misunderstanding.
"Oh! Who came to meet us?" Alisa asked as she pointed into the distance.
The humans weren't the only ones who couldn't see anything. The guardian, Edwin, was the same. As the weary Alucard noticed the situation belatedly, a white robe flashed before the party. It was the surprise appearance of the masked White Tower Master, Orta.
"T-Tower Master?!"
"Heok!"
However, Orta's sudden appearance wasn't the reason why Theo's group was shocked.
Duk. Dududuk. Duduk.
There was blood was dripping down. A few drops of blood occasionally fell on Orta's white robes, but he didn't let go of the thing in his hands.
It was someone's left arm. Clearly, the arm had been attached to someone's shoulder just a while ago. Blood flowed without interruption from the area where the cut had occurred. It was so out of the blue that the party couldn't help feeling shocked.
However, Orta opened his mouth and spoke as calmly as always, "Philip."
"Eh? Ah, yes!"
"Take this."
Philip came forward, and Orta threw him the arm. The arm was still bleeding heavily, and Philip looked frustrated by the blood on his robes. However, his expression changed after hearing Orta's next words.
"It is the arm of an assassin, presumably from the Seven Swords. I remember that the Blue Tower developed a tracking magic that uses the blood of the target, is that right?"
"…Yes, it is."
"Make a device that can track the owner of that arm. Make a lot and have it be as accurate as possible. He is someone who has a 'stealth' type aura ability. Be thorough when working on it."
"I will follow your words!"
The gazes of the party changed after hearing the mention of the Seven Swords. Although they looked like they were going to collapse right then, they were all suddenly ablaze with a fierce fighting spirit.
It wasn't just the magicians who reacted to Orta's mention of the assassin.
Alisa's playful look was gone as she asked, "Assassin? Is that true?"
"In my opinion, yes."
"…The targets?"
"It seems like you have already guessed."
Crunch. A loud sound emerged from between her lips.
Unless they were idiots of the century, nobody would send assassins into the Great Forest just to pursue the Meltor delegation. However, killing ordinary elves would just buy them Elvenheim's enmity. As to the valuable targets that only a sword master level assassin could aim at… they were the high elves in the Great Forest.
"I was thinking of killing him, but it is difficult to pursue him. Above all, it is difficult to pursue an opponent in this forest which has many barriers."
In the end, Alisa sighed and bowed her head. ���No, I am grateful. An assassin who can deceive the parent's eyes… The children may have been in danger if it wasn't for you."
"I am just acting as a friendly neighbour."
"Kuk, is that so? Then we should also act as neighbours." Alisa seemed to like Orta's ridiculous words as she shrugged and laughed again.
She normally thought of humans as boring, but she didn't hate humans who talked like this man. The debt wasn't that burdensome either. In any case, Elvenheim was now forced onto the same boat as Meltor.
It wasn't confirmed that the people of the Andras Empire were the ones behind this, but it was obvious. For them attempt burning the Great Forest with Laevateinn and assassinating the high elves… the sin was heavy.
It was at this moment that…
Basurak.
A group of people moved through the thick bushes and arrived at the party's location.
Theodore's eyes widened when he saw the person in the lead. The magicians of the Red Tower and elves who used fire elementals had been missing from the subjugation mission since fire magic didn't work on Laevateinn.
Currently, his mentor Vince was dragging some people who were tied up.
Without missing a beat, Orta asked, "The result?"
"It is like Tower Master said… Come out!" Vince stepped away, and one of the bound people walked out slowly.
"We have already secured their testimony. They are mercenaries hired by the black masked man and didn't know what they were carrying. There is nothing else, even if they are tortured."
"Hrmm, it is futile."
"Do you want me to handle this?" Vince asked cruelly as a red flame appeared above his palms.
The bound captives started struggling.
"P-Please spare us Mister!"
"We didn't know anything!"
"H-He, no, that son of the bitch was the one!"
"Please, I will do anything as long as I can live!"
They were evil and confident people in their own backyards, but they looked terrified at the thought of being killed. Orta nodded before squinting at the high elves. They might be lowlifes from Meltor, but this was Elvenheim, so the elves had the right to decide the punishment.
Therefore, he naturally turned to Alisa. "Alisa, how does Elvenheim punish sinners?"
"Huh? Well, there is a lifetime of servitude in the mines… or turning them into a worker responsible for harvesting or hunting?"
"Then do so."
"Eh." Her eyes widened for a moment then she giggled as she understood. "Are you sure you aren't a hundred year old snake? Well, okay. I won't refuse. Guys, take them!"
The group didn't struggle as elves appeared and took them away. It was better than being burned to death by a man with an expressionless face.
Soon after Vince joined, the group arrived at the place they'd left a few hours ago. It was a seemingly ordinary cabin, but inside was a space door Orta admired.
"I can finally relax…" As someone muttered that to themselves, the door opened, and someone ran out.
"Theodore!" It was Ellenoa, with hair which resembled grass as well as a clear, refreshing fragrance. She and the high elves had watched the fight through Ratatoskr.
"Ah, Ellenoa…" Theo wasn't given a chance to respond.
Ellenoa leapt forward and stretched out with both hands.
Snap. Theodore's face was suddenly grabbed.
Theo didn't know this, but Ellenoa had watched him jump into the fire. So, she was now looking at his face and body, searching for wounds which weren't yet healed.
"E-Ellenoa?"
"You aren't hurt anywhere? Hot air blew from the front, so can you see properly? You can move well?"
"I-I'm fine. Alisa treated me once and—"
"Alisa can't finish such a big task!"
Alisa was upset by Ellenoa's sudden outburst, but Alucard just sneered at her. The rest of the party didn't intervene at the high elf's sudden appearance and just watched. Fortunately, Ellenoa ended it quickly.
"Phew, you don't seem to be greatly injured." After examining Theo a few times, Ellenoa finally stepped back, and her head cooled down. She suddenly realized how daring she had been and stated, "That, I didn't mean to do this… that is…"
Ellenoa then inadvertently took a few steps back as all eyes were on her. As her white skin flushed red to an extent in which she couldn't hide it, Ellenoa covered her face and ran out of the cabin.
Then Lumia appeared with a confused expression. "…What happened?"
She didn't know what was going on with Ellenoa, but she sighed at the awkward atmosphere before continuing, "First of all, on behalf of Elvenheim, I would like to thank you for your victory in this tough fight. I'm glad that all of you returned in one piece. We of Elvenheim will never forget your grace. And…"
After the usual greeting, Lumia slowly smiled.
"There are new sprouts in the burned fields. Please join us in our festival."
She invited them to an event at which no human had ever been present since the founding of Elvenheim.