Rubies, emeralds, sapphires, opals, and many more. The flowers were like jewels under the midday sun. Though they couldn't gleam under the shimmering sunlight, they shine just as brightly and beautifully.
With the butterflies, bees, and all sorts of colorful bugs dancing in the air, the scenery only became more beautiful. It was one where people would feel both relaxation and comfort just seeing the magnificent sight alone.
The garden was already before, but after its destruction, like a phoenix, reborn from the ashes of death, the garden grew even more colorful and vibrant. It was a paradise unlike any other and second to none. A true heaven.
"Mama! Look! A butterfly!"
"Waah～! So pretty!"
Of course, the same went with the villagers of the Malus village. The anxiety, gloom, and all those dark emotions they once felt was now nowhere to be found. They have been buried by the garden's beauty and grandiose, never to be seen again.
Grey, on the other hand, was now sitting under the shade of the Tree of Life. He had just escaped from the villagers' very wam gratitude and was now resting himself, his eyes gently closedー or so, how it would seem.
『So, uhh... What's your name again?』 ［Grey］
『I bear no name, Holy One. Kindly refer to me as you please.』 ［???］
『Then, since you're a Leifdorn Oak, are you fine with "Leif". It feels a little awkward referring to you without a name.』 ［Grey］
『I am more than honored, Holy One.』 ［Leif］
Currently, Grey is talking to the Tree of Life. At first, he thought he was going crazy, but after checking again and again, he determined that the tree really was talking to him. And strangely enough, he was the only one who could hear its voice.
The only reason Grey could only think of was that Leif was no longer classified as a normal plant, but rather a "Magic Plant". The catalyst of such a transformation was, of course, his very own blood. Still, it felt strange for him, talking to a tree, literally.
Magic plants, like the name suggests, are plants which could utilize mana. In a sense, they are like the plant versions of beasts which are animals which could freely unitize the mana in their bodies.
While all plants have mana in them, only those which can actively utilize it can be called magic plants. The "Kalkia Grass", although widely used in magic potions and alchemy, is only a plant. It only possesses mana but can't use it.
Before, the Tree of Life can only process mana for its growth and vitality, using them as nutrients. Although its fruits and leaves have amazing properties, it can't actively use mana for itself, thus it was only a "Plant" and not a "Magic Plant".
Magic plants are those on which can actively spit out fire as a defense mechanism or alter the surroundings to fit their needs. They are even rarer than beasts, and are thus, much more valuable. They are also the main ingredients of high-level alchemy.
Even then, Grey has never seen nor heard of a magic plant which possessed true sentience. As far as he was concerned, the Tree of Life in front of him was the first. Not only is it aware of its surroundings, it could also converse like intelligent life forms.
『Then Leif... Can you explain to me this "Holy One" deal? It's been bothering for quite a while now.』 ［Grey］
『Hm? Is there any reason for it? The Holy One is the Holy One. It has always been like that and will always be.』 ［Leif］
Grey was a little baffled at Leif's answer. The question which has been bothering him since was easily dismissed as if it was just a trivial matter. The way Leif explained it also sounded as if they were explaining something obvious.
Of course, Grey already has his own suspicions, but still, he wanted to confirm it to the person, or rather, tree which was calling him such. In the end, he decided to leave it with him possessing the "Divine Blood of Creation".
『Then Leif, can you tell me what the "Divine Blood of Creation" is? And how is it related to the "Essence of Creation" that you needed to grow?』 ［Grey］
『It would be my honor...』 ［Leif］
At Grey's request, Leif quickly explained the things it knew about Grey's queries. Strangely enough, while God imparted him the knowledge he needed. The subjects they are currently discussing were not amongst them.
According to Leif, to put it simply, the "Divine Blood of Creation" is blood which contains the absolute and highest concentration of the "Essence of Creation". The one who possessed such blood was none other than Grey himself.
As for the "Essence of Creation", it is the energy which governs the very laws of the world and maintains it. Balance, growth, chaos, and even life and death. No matter what aspect of the world it is, the essence of creation played a part in them.
『I see... But even if you say that, I can't control such things. Also, wouldn't that totally make me inhuman?』 ［Grey］
『That... I also lack the knowledge to answer it, but there is one thing I am certain of. I am certain that the Holy One possesses the "Essense of Creation"』 ［Leif］
『Haah... What a bother. Also, can you stop using Holy One this, Holy One that. Refer to me as "Grey" instead.』 ［Grey］
『That I cannot do. How could I dare show disrespect to the Holy One?』 ［Leif］
『I'm telling you that you can.』 ［Grey］
『And, with all due respect, I'm am saying I can not do that.』 ［Leif］
Grey tried to persuade Leif, but it was fruitless. Of course, he didn't just give up after a single try. Even then, Leif wouldn't budge from their stance and continued referring to Grey as "Holy One". In the end, all of Grey's efforts were in vain.
Somehow, being called by such a title felt more tiring than those like "Count" or "Archduke". He couldn't just shake the feeling that there was more to it than what meets the eyes. It was not an ominous feeling, but rather, a troublesome one.
Still, even with all the things answered, there was still one question that was bothering Grey all this time. It started when they summoned the familiars, only reemerging now that the topic was once again touched.
『Leif, this is my final question... Why do you think I... This body possesses the Essence of Creation?』 ［Grey］
『I am not sure as well, but if the Holy One allows it, I would like to express my suspicion on the subject.』 ［Leif］
『Sure, go ahead.』 ［Grey］
『I believe it has something to do with fixing the Mana Cycle and solve the imbalance of forces in the world.』 ［Leif］
Imbalance... Such a word resounded loud and clear inside Grey's mind. After all, it was the very reason why he was chosen by God to reincarnate in Merusia. It was his mission to reactivate the devices at the cores of the Labyrinths which will correct the imbalance of corruption,
In Merusia, mana has tree forms. There is the pure mana or aether, free or raw mana, and impure mana or corruption. These three types of mana are present all over the world and is responsible of everything which occurs,
Mana is a very malleable force, easily influenced by the other forces into one of the three forms. Free mana is simply mana which has yet to be influenced. Pure mana such as the spiritual energy or the soul itself are mana that maintains the living.
Among them, impure mana is quite complicated. They are the mana which is the byproduct of using magic. Simply put, when people use raw mana as fuel, after the magic is casted, the mana turns impure. The more destructive and corruptive the reason for magic was, the more impure mana becomes.
Normally, these mana maintain balance because of the Mana Cycle. It is a process where free mana is attracted by the pure mana of the soul. After magic is performed, the free mana will turn into impure mana and concentrate to create monsters. When the monsters are defeated, free mana is released back into the surroundings to repeat the cycle again.
For thousands of years, it has always been like that. But with the growing population and more frequent use of magic, the mana cycle couldn't keep up and the balance of the scale has been tipped for the worse.
『In the past centuries, I've noticed that corruption has been growing more and more in comparison to aether. If this continues, after a couple more centuries, I am certain that the very workings of the world will come to see change.』 ［Leif］
『I see... That's a little worrying...』 ［Grey］
Said Grey as he fell deep into thought. While he has been keeping in mind God's words, he never knew that the scale of change was so massive. Even then, he felt neither panic nor anxiety. He was as calm as one can be.
『Well, it's still a few centuries away. I'm sure I can clear the labyrinths by then. There's no need to rush things.』 ［Grey］
Said Grey as he opened his eyes and stood up, stretching his arms towards the sky and letting out a low groan as if he had just woken up from sleep. Grey was not trying to act. It just came out on its own out of habit.
『Is it alright to be so carefree, Holy One?』 ［Leif］
『Hmm... I mean, there isn't really a point worrying about it. It won't solve anything except make you stressed... Also, while it may be my task to restore balance, a certain someone also gave me another mission.』 ［Grey］
『And that is...?』 ［Leif］
A smile appeared on Grey's face as he recalled the scene when he chatted with God. It may only be for a short while but he would never forget such a scene. After all, it was where it all began.
『It's to enjoy this life in the fullest.』 ［Grey］
Right now, Grey couldn't be any happier with what he has. Not only does he have an amazing home, great friends and acquaintances, now he also has something he never had in his previous life. Although a little childish and spoiled, he now has a very precious person he holds dear.
Grey's eyes wandered in the vicinity until it landed on Yuna. A warm and gentle rush filled his heart in its entirety, filling it with happiness and comfort he never knew before. Right now, his life is in complete bliss.
『I see... Then I wish you all the best, Holy One.』 ［Leif］
『Yeah, thanks.』 ［Grey］
While it was a little weird talking to a tree for the first time, there was no sense of discomfort in Grey's heart. Rather, he felt relaxed as if he was talking to an old friend. If it wasn't for Leif's formal speech, it would have been perfect. Nevertheless, it was a pleasant conversation.
Just as he finished his conversation with Leif, a certain silver-haired elf approached him in an adorable manner, skipping her steps whilst humming excitedly, wearing a bright and excited expression on her face.
"Grey, do you need something from me?" ［Yuna］
"Hm? Not really, why do you ask?" ［Grey］
"Well, you've been glancing at me for some time now. I figured you wanted something from me. Am I wrong?" ［Yuna］
Well, no matter how sneaky Grey glanced at her, she always managed to find out. It may be because of her sharp senses, but for a more romantic feel, let's just say that she felt the warmth in his gazes. Romantic and cheesy, a perfect match.
"Hahaha, looks like I've been found out. It's just that my girlfriend is so cute that I couldn't help but look at you." ［Grey］
"Geez～! Again with those lines... I told you to stop it already!" ［Yuna］
"Hm? Do you hate it?" ［Grey］
"N... No... That's not it. It's just embarrassing... At least say it only when we're alone together..." ［Yuna］
Said Yuna shyly as her face started to turn red, her voice getting quieter and quieter with each passing second. Her reactions only filled Grey's heart with more happiness as he chuckled under his breath.
"Then, as you wish, Miladyー" ［Grey］
"Big Bro! Big Sis! Look, I found some pretty stones!" ［Ruru］
Just as Grey was about to jokingly bow his head, a little ball of energy came running towards the two of them. It was Ruru who was now holding two beautiful crystals in her hand. One was the color of the forest, while the other, the color of the earth.
What Ruru held in her little hands were none other than the Beast Crystals from the Citraka and Molterow which had turned into demonic beasts. Not only were they pretty, they were also quite big, just a little smaller from the Beast Crystal Polaris was summoned with.
Following Ruru were Kris and Aria, obviously aware of what kind of item the little girl was holding in her hands. They were both calm and collected as if they weren't in a life-threatening battle just a short while ago.
"Here!" ［Ruru］
"Oh? Are you giving this to Big Sis and Big Bro?" ［Yuna］
"Yes! Big Sis Aria and Big Bro Kris told me to!" ［Ruru］
Ruru declared enthusiastically with a bright and heart-melting smile on her face. It was a face full of innocence which just screams cuteness and fluffiness. Unless one possessed a heart of ice, it was impossible to not fall for her cuteness.
"Mister Kris, Miss Aria, this is..." ［Grey］
"It's just as Ruru said. Please take them. It's the drops of the demonic beasts from earlier. I believe it is only proper that they are returned to their owners," ［Aria］
"But Miss Aria, we weren't the only ones who foughtー" ［Yuna］
"Shhh～! That's enough, now... While that may be true, you and your familiars were the only ones who fought at the end. We really didn't have many contributions. And what was it again...?" ［Aria］
Yuna tried to reason out, but in front of Aria, she was powerless. Just like Vanessa, Aria was no longer a simple acquaintance to her and Grey. She was more like an older sister figure to them. No matter how powerful they are, they couldn't so much as to argue with her.
"Ah, right... Please take it, this is the least we could do to thank you for everything." ［Aria］
Using Grey's own words against them, Aria ended her statement with a smile. With it, there wasn't much the two could do anymore. They could only accept their sincerity with grace and gratitude in their hearts.
Ruru excitedly handed the Beast Crystals to the two of them in an adorable fashion. In the first place, although light, the crystals were far too large for her hands. She handed it to them one by one with a determined face as if she was holding something heavy and important.
"Thank you, Ruru. And... Thank you, Mister Kris, Miss Aria." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha, don't mention it." ［Kris］
Having the beast crystals in their hands, Grey opened up his "Inventory", but before he could even do so much as to store them, a familiar, clear, and resonant voice resounded in his mind.
『Holy One, I believe it is best to perform the summoning right now.』 ［Leif］
『Hm? What do you mean?』 ［Grey］
『It may be meager, but I believe I'll be able to assist in the summoning. Also, I believe it would be in our best interest to summon your current familiars.』 ［Leif］
Grey suddenly remembered the moment of Dianthus and the others' summoning. It was true that the others were strangely powerful compared to Vanessa and the other's familiars despite having the same kinds of beast crystals as catalysts.
"Grey, what's wrong?" ［Yuna］
"Nothing... I was just thinking that it's better to perform the summoning now. We may not have any other chances in the future. Are you fine with that?" ［Grey］
"... Un! Sure!" ［Yuna］
There wasn't much to think about and Yuna quickly agreed to Grey's suggestion. She didn't even question Grey's decision a little bit. It just showed how much trust she had in him. A trust even stronger than mithril and orichalcum combined.
"Oh? We're doing another summoning now?" ［Kris］
"A summoning?! Big Bro! Big Sis! I want to see!" ［Zeke］
"Me too! I wanna see!" ［Ruru］
Words spread and more people were drawn into Grey and Yuna's summoning. Many haven't seen how Kris and Aria's familiars were, and now that they have the chance to, they weren't going to miss such a rare opportunity.
At Leif's request, Grey quickly summoned Polaris and the others. They were still in their true forms and the people couldn't help but gawk at them with awe as they were basked in their magnificence and beauty.
Soon after the familiars were summoned, Grey started chanting incomprehensible words once again, chants much longer and complex than before. And just like the chants, the magic circle which formed was also much bigger and much more intricate, in correspondence with the quality of the beast crystals.
Two sophisticated circles shone brightly as the outer layers turned faster and faster as they continued to suck mana from the atmosphere. With how wide the area was, it allowed Grey to summon two familiars at the same time.
『Leif, what now?』 ［Grey］
『Please continue to perform the ritual as you would,』 ［Leif］
『Alright,』 ［Grey］
Now that the magic circles were finished, all that was left was the final materials. Grey and Yuna quickly placed the beasts crystals on the center of the magic circles and following it, they let their blood grace the magic circles with a little wound on their palms.
The very moment Grey and Yuna's blood touched the magic circles, the inner circles started to spin like crazy. It may be because the crystals were S-rank, but the summoning was noticeably more flashy.
"Oh Great Beast who once walked the lands of Merusia, I hereby call you forth! Throughout the sky, the lands, and the seas, let your brilliance be known!" ［Grey］
There wasn't only a storm of mana. An even more magical and mystical scene unfolded before everyone's eyes. As the mana swirled as if drawn to a vortex, the Tree of Life started to shine too.
Flowers of all colors and sheen glowed like jewels along the branches and leaves. Not only at, the ground also started shining like a field of stars. Unlike the violent storm, it was gentle and calm like the surface of a silent lake.
"Pretty～!"
"Amazing!"
"How beautiful..."
Whilst everyone was mesmerized by the beautiful blossoms, the storm of mana continued to grow, glowing brighter and brighter with the passing of time until such that the storm burst forth into a shower of light, complimenting the blooming and glowing garden.
What was revealed after the light dispersed were two magnificent creatures also covered with platinum-colored scales and crystals on their chests and crown. They were the very same High Dragons Grey and Yuna summoned before.
"Oh my... So you can summon different kinds of creatures from a beast crystal, huh... I thought it was supposed to be only the ones you defeated." ［Aria］
"That's pretty neat..." ［Kris］
Both Kris and Aria were surprised at the result, but Grey was even more confused. Even when he was the one who prepared the preparations and summoned them, his head was filled with question marks.
It was understandable with the previous Beast Crystals since they were made from a combination of beasts, so it chose a certain form, but the current Beast Crystals were pretty specific. He could only blame such circumstances to the blood flowing in him.
One of the high dragons was of the plant-attribute, bearing emerald green eyes and crystals, while the other one has deep brown like that of the earth of those or walnuts. Both were beautiful and mesmerizing.
"Hello, Mistress! Master! It's nice to meet you!" ［???］
"G-Greetings... Master... Mistress..." ［???］
The one with emerald eyes was frivolous, while the one with brown was timid, completely opposite of one another. While they were both females like Sirius, their personalities couldn't have been any more different
Of course, the naming was once again left to Grey's devices. There wasn't too much to think about. After all, the familiars were named after the brightest stars in the night sky. All he had to do was follow the trend.
"Then, you shall be named Vega and Capella. We'll be in your care." ［Grey］
"Vega! How pretty! Thanks, Master!" ［Vega］
"I-I'll also be in y-your care... Master... Mistress..." ［Capella］
The names were given but the summoning hasn't finished. Soon after the names were given, the flowers and all of which glowed in the garden burst into orbs of light and fused with the familiars' bodies.
It wasn't just for show. Deep inside their bodies, things have been altered. Their souls which processed corruption into pure mana have been enhanced significantly to work more efficiently. Not only that, the corruption which they have gathered in their souls for months was instantly turned into mana.
Vega and Capella weren't affected much since they haven't consumed any corruption yet, but the same couldn't be said for the others. As they consumed the pure mana, their strengths improved by leaps and bounds. It was a power-up!
Canopus, Kentaurus, and Arcturus immediately broke through S-rank, whilst Sirius was immediately pulled up to be on par with Yuna at the middle of S-rank. As for Polaris... Well, he was in a totally different league.
Rooooaaarrrrr
Answering his roar, a golden beam of light came flashing like lightning from the heavens above and Polaris' body grew bigger and more intricate. Marks formed in his scales and his eyes gleamed a fiercer and sharper glow. The magnificence of a king!
"Waah～! An angel!"
"So shiny!"
"The light is so warm!"
The people looked at the scene with bright, sparkly eyes, not blinking even a second. The only ones who had different reactions were those who knew what was actually happening. It wasn't just a flashy show. Polaris has reached Calamity Class!
A single S-rank beast could already equal an entire army, and now, Grey and Yuna had six of these as familiars, not to mention one which reached Calamity Class. One couldn't help but worry with such a line-up.
'Well, I'm sure everything will be fine... Probably...' ［Grey］
Thought Grey as he convinced himself that everything was fine. He decided to not think too much about things, but the others didn't think the same. He was asked a barrage of questions before he could even get away, but that's a story for another day.
CHAPTER 149 END