Seeker 222

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Chapter 222. World Tree (1)

They followed Unicorn through a serene and calm forest. 

The soft dappled sunlight streamed through the leaves of the lush trees, creating a sense of beauty that felt like a painting.

As I continued, I began to hear whispers through the gaps in the surrounding trees.

-Hey, look, humans!-

-Eek! It's my first time seeing humans so up close!-

-There's a male and a female human!-

The voices were audible, but the figures remained hidden.

However, glimmering specks of light danced between the trees, appearing and disappearing.

Curious, we inquired about these mysterious voices from Unicorn walking ahead of them. Unicorn explained,

-Those are pixies. They're quite shy, so they don't like to reveal themselves. They use their power to conceal their appearances.-

"Pi-pixies?"

Yuzuki, who was easily frightened by the supernatural, clung to me, shivering, as they asked.

-Yes, they're small fairy-like beings that resemble humans. As long as you're with me, they won't harm you, so don't worry.-

"I-I hope so. I'm scared of things I can't see."

-There's no need to be afraid. In this forest, there are many other friendly creatures, but they're all good-natured. -

As Unicorn had said, during our journey with him (?), we encountered several other types of monsters. 

These included monsters resembling flying serpents with colorful wings, and creatures resembling wriggling masses of plants. 

All of them were friendly, and we exchanged friendly greetings with Unicorn.

While progressing through this tranquil yet lively forest, Unicorn suddenly asked us.

-Why have you come to the World Tree? I know you don't have evil intentions, but if you don't mind, could you tell me why? -

Even though Unicorn seemed to see through their intentions as being good or kind, it didn't appear to know everything about us. 

Thinking that lying might not be the best course of action, I replied like this.

"Speaking in detail would make this lengthy, but in a word, it's for leveling up, I guess."

-Leveling up—Awakened Ones seek to gain greater power, right? Even now, you seem to possess quite formidable abilities compared to other human Awakened Ones. What do you plan to do with this power? -

"When you ask what I plan to do... I haven't really thought about it. For now, having more strength can't hurt. It means I can protect the people I care about, and I can stand against any unfair situations."

I briefly glanced toward Kazane-san and Yuzuki.

At the same time, I remembered an incident from when I had just become a Seeker.

I had been attacked by a thug-like seeker named Nitta in front of the armory owned by a man known as the Oyaji-san. 

Back then, I had been utterly humiliated and beaten to the ground by that man who tried to harm Kazane-san. 

Of course, he was no match for us now, and we could easily handle any troublemakers. 

But there was no guarantee that other opponents wouldn't resort to unjust violence, so it was better to be as strong as possible.

-I see. The power to protect what you care about... You truly are kind-hearted. I don't think it's a bad thing for people like you to gain power. In fact, it's a good thing for the world.-

"Well, thanks."

In reality, it wasn't as simple as that. 

For example, one could view us as ruthless individuals who slaughtered monsters as we went.

 No, dwelling on such matters was futile.

Unicorn acknowledged us as kind-hearted individuals, so for now, let's leave it at that. 

However, Unicorn added something more.

-But those who possess power may also be called upon to bear the responsibility that comes with it. There are probably many people who consider those who have the power to do something good but choose not to do it as selfish. If you seek power, it might be a good idea to be prepared for that responsibility.-

"Ah..."

I recalled Yusufia-san, one of the Eight Heroes and a Dark Elf. 

I remembered how I had felt a little irritated by her easygoing attitude after we had defended the fortress from the monster army in the Dwarf town of Dagmaharl.

It could be because Yusufia-san had power. 

I didn't feel like blaming her for not fighting for the Dwarf in the town. 

If we were to become known for having powers beyond the ordinary, we might also be viewed similarly.

Whether it's right to be seen that way or not, I can understand it as a common occurrence.

"Uh, does that mean it's like a famous tax or something?"

"...Hotaru-chan, isn't that a bit different?"

-Hahaha, you're not too far off. Well, the World Tree is right in front of us now.-

Unicorn guided us. Then we eventually reached a clear area within the dense forest. 

I saw a place that strangely open and resembled a plain, even though it was surrounded by a dense forest.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves in the tranquil and vast plaza, giving it the appearance of a serene and expansive hall, much like an open-air dome stadium. 

Despite the absence of diverse trees in the plaza, the reason for the dappled sunlight was that a gigantic tree stood in the center.

The leaves of this enormous tree covered the entire plaza like the roof of a dome stadium, giving the entire area the appearance of an open hall with an airy, spacious atmosphere.

Unicorn approached the massive tree at the front slowly, and we followed suit.

"By the way, Uni-chan, we haven't heard your 'request' yet." 

Yuzuki suddenly mentioned.

Uni-chan, as in the unicorn? 

It's true; we haven't heard any request from Unicorn despite being asked about our purpose.

-Yeah, that's right. Thanks for reminding me. What I want to ask of you is related to the anomaly of the World Tree.-

"The anomaly of the World Tree...?"

In response to Kazane-san's echoing question, Unicorn nodded.

-Yes, it would be easier to understand if you saw it for yourself. I want you to see it with your own eyes.-

Eventually, we arrived at the massive World Tree, standing in the plaza's center. 

Seeing it up close, it was of an unimaginable size, and words couldn't adequately describe its magnitude. 

The trunk was so thick that it would take a hundred people stretching their arms in a circle to encompass it. 

As for its height, it was impossible to discern the top from this position below. 

Comparing it to something like Mount Fuji, it might have been several thousand meters tall.

This unbelievably enormous and majestic tree emitted a faint and sacred radiance, similar to the entire forest and Unicorn. 

Its grandeur was so overwhelming that it seemed like nothing in this world could violate or harm such an immensely great and sacred tree.

When we reached the base of the World Tree, a notification popped up, as usual.

───────────────────────

Mission Reach the World Tree completed.

All party members gain 30,000 experience points!

New Mission Unlocked - Reach the Floating City (Reward: 100,000 experience points)!

Current Experience Points:

Musou Daichi: 61,734 / 63,7868 (Next Level: 20,234)

Kodachi Kazane: 60,3926 / 63,7868 (Next Level: 33,942)

Yuzuki Hotaru: 68,7301 / 72,0298 (Next Level: 32,997)

───────────────────────

Mission complete. 

We had reached the World Tree with no significant obstacles, so it felt like a substantial gain.

-Alright, then. I'll guide you through the inside of the World Tree. Follow me.-

Unicorn, on the other hand, headed towards a cave entrance that had formed at the base of the World Tree.

Although it was called a wooden cave, it was the size of a reasonably large cave, allowing humans and unicorns to walk inside comfortably.

"You're quite laid-back, Uni-chan." 

"Well, isn't that fine? Let's go. Is it okay with you, Daichi-kun?"

"Yeah. We've come this far; we might as well explore inside the World Tree."

The mission was completed, but it didn't seem right to say goodbye right here. 

So, we followed Unicorn into the cave at the base of the World Tree.