The system's hologram sensed Seojun's resolve to leave and decided to comply. [As you wish, host. Would you like to summon Huno and Silla now?]
Seojun shook his head, using his stealth skill to remain hidden. "No, let them stay there . I'll summon them later."
With that, Seojun carefully made his way out of the Bino Clan's territory. As he walked, he suddenly felt something strange—a faint sense of pain or distress in the distance. His heightened senses picked up on it, and he decided to follow the feeling.
He moved swiftly and quietly through the forest, guided by the unsettling sensation.
Meanwhile, in a grand castle, Nerathiel, the god of the domain, sat on his throne, visibly frustrated. He turned to a demon kneeling before him.
"Have you found the main ingredient?" Nerathiel demanded.
The demon shook his head and spoke with regret. "Forgive me, God Nerathiel. We have not found the main ingredient. It seems it no longer exists."
Nerathiel slammed his fist on the throne, causing a tremor to shake the room. "I need that ingredient! If there's no Vitalis mycelium then how can I save Yggrith?!"
His voice echoed with desperation and anger. The room fell silent as the gravity of his words sank in.
Seojun reached a clearing where the largest tree he had ever seen stood. It was huge, with a dark, twisted trunk and branches that reached out like ancient arms. The tree had black fruit hanging from it, glowing softly.
The system's hologram appeared, [This is Aeternum Yggrith, the Tree of Eternal Shadows. Its fruit looks like an apple but is black.]
Seojun looked at the tree, amazed. "This is incredible, What a beautiful tree"
As he approached the tree, The vines around that suppose to attack anyone who approach seemed to calm down. The cries he had been hearing grew louder. Leaves began to fall, and some branches started to break.
He reached out and touched the tree. Suddenly, he heard a voice more clearly, pleading for help. "Please… help us…"
Seojun focused on the voice, trying to understand. "Who is this? What do you need?"
The voice continued, strained and desperate.
"Help us... The tree is dying, It was once a small treasure in the domain, but as years passed, it grew and became the heart of the domain. If the tree dies, the entire domain will perish."
As Seojun listened, he remembered the happy faces and smiles of the Bino demons, especially the children. He recalled their warmth and kindness, and it strengthened his resolve. "I will do what I can. Tell me how can i help?"
Seojun stood by the massive Aeternum Yggrith, listening to the desperate voice. The tree's leaves rustled as it spoke, "Vitalis Myceleum… we need Vitalis Myceleum."
Seojun frowned. "What is that? I've never heard of it."
The system's hologram appeared and provided an explanation. [Vitalis Myceleum is a type of mushroom. It has healing properties and is known for its ability to restore life force and vitality. It resembles a small, glowing mushroom with a pale, bioluminescent appearance. It is often used in healing rituals and is highly valued for its restorative effects.]
The system continued, [In the past, demons in this domain used to exchange Vitalis Myceleum for the tree's fruits. The mushrooms were crucial for maintaining the balance and health of the domain.]
"Let's go back to the Bino Clan. They might know where to find Vitalis Myceleum."
Just as he was about to leave, the system's hologram blocked his path. [The Vitalis Myceleum no longer exists, host.]
Seojun looked puzzled. "What do you mean it no longer exists?"
The system explained, [Vitalis Myceleum was destroyed during a previous conflict when the domain was under attack. The remaining resources were depleted, and the mushrooms have not been replenished since. Without them, the tree's ability to heal is compromised.]
Seojun sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. "So, without the Vitalis Myceleum, the tree can't be saved."
Seojun stood by the Aeternum Yggrith, feeling the urgency of the situation. "There must be another way"He looked at the direction where the Bino demons is and muttered, "They're not humans, but they deserve to live longer."
The system knew that it's host is kind. Before Seojun, the system's last host was his mother, Seoyang. She was kind and always wanted to help others, even when it was dangerous. But At the age of 20, Seoyang accidentally got pregnant, and as per the system's rules, the system was automatically deactivated and turned back into a book. This deactivation happened because the system's rules stated that if a host became pregnant, it would turn back into a book and could only be reactivated by the host's child once they turned 18 and met the requirements which is blood.
Seoyang had hidden the book in the basement, knowing that only a female child could inherit it. She was unaware that Seojun had discovered it.
The system observed Seojun and thought to itself, 'Looks like the host has grew fond of them. If this domain were to disappear, it would surely hurt his heart. I can't let that happen.'
The system continued, [There is another way, but I must warn you, host. It might endanger your life.]
Seojun gazed at the Aeternum Yggrith, its once-vibrant leaves now drooping. He placed a hand on the tree's bark and murmured, "If Mom were in this situation, she'd do it without hesitation. Remember telling some of Mom bravery? I'm her child, after all."
A smile touched Seojun's lips as he resolved to act, even if it meant putting himself at risk. The system, recognizing Seojun's resolve, thought to itself, 'I'm right; it was a good decision not to follow through with my plan to take over.'
Seojun looked at the Aeternum Yggrith and asked, "What's the other way?"
The system responded, [The alternative involves a high risk. The first one is You would have to sacrifice a significant part of your own lifespan to save the tree. This means you would be endangering your own life in a serious way. The second one is Performing a dangerous ritual to transfer a powerful essence into the tree. This could be risky and might have unforeseen consequences.]
Seojun was taken aback, He took a deep breath and nodded, ready to make the sacrifice if it meant saving the domain and its people.