The World Tree of Resentment.
The being that sought to end my life. Undoubtedly, the World Tree had its reasons. After all, I was the one who had forcibly inserted something into a passive tree. According to this world's common sense, it was a cardinal sin. Pushing aside any feelings of injustice, that was the objective truth.
However, why should I just accept my fate? There were countless instances that felt unfair to me. Since coming here, I have suffered. I faced threats of death, was violated by a tree, almost became a public toilet for everyone in the dungeon, and had my throat almost sliced by a chainsaw.
And that was not all. I suddenly had a daughter I didn't expect, and a world-renowned terrorist started targeting me, thinking I was a threat. If they had tried to kill me from the beginning, I'd feel wronged but understanding. But now? I couldn't just apologize for the violation and move on.
In the end, I was only the victim in this whole ordeal.
-Thud.
On the way back to the dormitory, the car jerked over a speed bump. Because of various issues at the academy, time had slipped away.
There had been a kidnapping incident involving an academy student. On the way back, Seyeong told me it seemed to have blown up into a bigger issue.
Not just any academy, but El Academy. And not just any student, but a promising one.
[The shocking security state of the academy.]
[World's top academy? Time to reconsider…]
It wasn't just local news; it had become an international topic. As expected, the media was quick to churn out articles tarnishing the academy's reputation, which spawned a slew of rumors and gossip.
-The academy situation sounds grave. I know someone who works there, and it's chaotic. They somehow managed, but something was off.
-ㅇㅇ(160.55): I feel the same.
└ㅇㅇ(160.55): Stuff keeps happening at El Academy. It's suspicious. My sibling attends, and they said a student resolved this issue. What are instructors and the police doing?
└ㅇㅇ(33.2): My brother is there too, and the vibe isn't great.
└ㅇㅇ: Are there that many people from the academy here? Lol.
-Soul: This scandal won't blow over soon.
-Soft Rhus Typhina: What are you all talking about?
└Asymmetrical Power: If you don't know, why post?
└Soft Rhus Typhina: Sorry…
└Cornus: Where do you live?
Regardless of the chatter, it was evident that the academy's reputation had plummeted. When I asked Seyeong why she let it escalate, she said it was for my safety and to suppress public sentiment. Consequently, I had to meet with politicians and top academy officials.
"Hey."
"Yes?"
"Why do you look so serious?"
Seyeong teased in an exaggerated manner. I smirked, reflecting on the recent ordeals.
"It'll be a hassle syncing up again."
"Did I make a fuss? They made the fuss."
-Vroom.
The car engine revved, signaling our arrival.
"Still, you won't have to worry anymore."
Seyeong looked back with a wry smile and patted my back.
"I don't know when you became close with her, but… explain it to me later? For now, it's reassuring."
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh, didn't I mention? From today, you'll be living with Cheondo."
Upon hearing those words, my face hardened. My body froze, sweat beading on my forehead.
My only personal space was about to be invaded. And with my master?
"…Can you reconsider?"
"Why?"
At my words, Cheondo responded sharply.
"Whenever my thoughtless disciple makes a fuss, I think this is a good opportunity to step back from work and focus on training."
"Am I that disciple? Can't I just be more careful from now on?"
Cheondo firmly closed her eyes and coughed lightly.
"Initially, cohabitation in the dormitory was forbidden…"
"Shiheon. Who do you think I am?"
A woman close to the world's strongest.
In just a minute, she could easily deal with a medium-sized guild and then still have time to bite into a peach. Such an unbelievable powerhouse.
Of course, she would get her way. Cheondo would later handle any subsequent issues, which would be a win for the academy. And the news would report it as:
-Spring Peach Blossom's Baekdo. The Guardian of the Academy.
Wow. Cheondo was taking charge of the academy's security?
Of course, the public would appreciate the investment.
Cheondo would train me intensely, and we would both reap the benefits, no questions asked.
"Master."
"Mm, you don't have a say in this, kid."
Seyeong, with her unmistakable determination, made her stance. I bit my lips, eventually giving in.
… Wait.
Wasn't this actually great?
Living with the master. It might not be bad.
"Well, I guess there's no helping it."
"Why are you suddenly smiling?"
"Hehe. This is just a one-time thing."
"Crazy."
Smack.
She flicked my forehead.
"At least you seem to be in a better mood now. Let's go down. Message me in the evening."
-Thud.
I opened the car door and sneaked a look at Seyeong. As always, she smiled sweetly. I pretended not to notice her faint dark circles, which even makeup couldn't hide.
"Thank you."
"Kid. I should be thanking you. You saved my life."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'd be dead without you."
Ah…
She was serious, wasn't she?
"Please live."
"Kekeke. Off you go."
Cheondo followed me out, and I stretched widely outside the dormitory. It had been such an eventful day, and the fatigue penetrated my bones.
"Hmm."
I cleared my throat and looked back at Cheondo.
"So, Master, are we really living together?"
"Yes."
"Alright then. Do as you please."
Entering the dormitory, fortunately, aside from a few staff members, no students were in sight. Meeting them would have meant answering endless questions.
First, I wanted to check on my daughter.
I approached my room, opened the door, and looked back at Cheondo.
"She's inside. I'll be back shortly."
"If it's not a big deal, I'll come with you."
"It could turn into one, so just stay put."
Cheondo, adjusting her gown, looked into the room. The floor was a mess from the dirt, and a half-empty bottle rolled around.
"It's dirty."
"Yes. Probably my daughter's doing."
"Daughter?… Ah, you mean that potted plant."
"Yes, she became human this time. I wonder if you'll like her."
Leaving Cheondo in my room for a while, I headed toward Jin Dallae's room. My steps were heavy, the weight of responsibility and possibly leaving Shiba again weighing me down.
I felt a slight pang of guilt.
Now, in front of Jin Dallae's door with its familiar ornamentation, I knocked.
-Knock, Knock, Knock.
The sound of a knock echoed brightly.
Inside the room, there were hurried footsteps.
-Beep! Beep-beep!
-Just a moment!
-Squeak!
Shiba.
When a familiar sound echoed, my anxious heart started pounding.
I wanted to see Shiba by opening the door right away.
-Click.
"I'm here now-"
As the door's lock was unlocked, I quickly opened it.
"…!"
Jin Dallae, who was holding the door handle, widened her eyes in surprise and was dragged out. In Jin Dallae's arms, Shiba spread both arms wide.
"Beep…!"
Bam!
I hugged Shiba, who was in Jin Dallae's arms, tightly.
As if rushing forward, I naturally entered the entrance, and the door gradually closed.
"Baah. Baa!"
Shiba rubbed her face against my cheek repeatedly.
I felt the warmth of a tear rolling down a little girl's cheek.
"Beep-beep-beep"
Shiba, with her fists the size of a small bell, patted my shoulders as if blaming me, letting out a crying sound.
I wondered if becoming human made her more intuitive.
Or if she had always felt this loneliness.
Feeling unnecessarily sorry, I hugged Shiba even tighter.
"Um, excuse me."
Jin Dallae stammered, tapping on my back. Her face was turning bright red.
"Well… It's nice to hug, but…"
"Beep-beep-beep!"
I had only seen Shiba and didn't notice Jin Dallae.
The inevitable physical contact when hugging both Shiba and Jin Dallae.
I felt a soft touch against my chest and slowly stepped back while holding Shiba.
The atmosphere turned awkward in an instant.
"Beep, Beep-beep-beep!"
Only Shiba, who couldn't get over the excitement of the father-daughter reunion, was crying out loud.
The most beautiful girl in the province appeared before her eyes.
A slender figure, as if each detail was meticulously crafted. And above all, those big, sparkling eyes. Even considering the scar on her face, she had a beauty that one might want to cherish.
Cheondo was taken aback.
She couldn't help but be stunned.
-Kyaa! So cute!
-What's so cute about that?
Hwangdo exclaimed in an excited voice while Baekdo scolded her in a stammering tone.
For Cheondo, who occasionally watched PriCure when Hwangdo and Baekdo fell asleep, this scene was quite a surprise.
"This is my daughter. Shiba, say hello."
"Sa?"
-Kyaa, she said Sa, Baekdo! She said beep earlier!
-Quiet down.
Cheondo tried to keep her composure and cleared her throat.
The fist she held near her mouth was trembling.
"Hello."
"Beee?"
Shiba bowed her waist, following Shiheon's hand. A smile crept on Cheondo's face.
"Is this your daughter?"
"Yes. She's pretty, right? Her name is Shiba."
"Shiba? What does it mean?"
Cheondo's question, filled with curiosity, made Shiheon pause for a moment.
Why did he name her Shiba?
Seeds… had sprouted.
Roughly translated, it sounded like a curse word, so it was softened to Shiba. It felt a bit cruel to name his daughter that.
"Sa?"
But Shiba already identified with that name. Nothing could be done about it. Shiheon looked at Cheondo with a determined face.
"It's the name of the god of destruction worshipped by a certain tribe."
God of destruction. Cheondo frowned.
"Is that an appropriate name for a daughter?"
"Isn't it cool? The god of destruction."
-Ah, what's so cool about that? Right, Baekdo?
-...
-...Baekdo?
Cheondo chuckled at the dubious origin of the name. After all, it seemed very much like Shiheon.
Cheondo reached out to Shiba.
"I look forward to getting to know you."
First encounters mattered. Kids tended to like people with beautiful appearances. Cheondo smiled warmly, putting some strength into her fingertips to pat Shiba's head.
"Beep!"
-Slap.
But our forever daddy's girl, Shiba, was different. Rubbing her reddened eyes, she glared at Cheondo with a fierce look.
Dumbfounded, Cheondo looked at her stinging palm.
"Baa!"
Gripping her father's knee, Shiba yelled at Cheondo. It was a warning from the tree not to come any closer.