Chapter 335: Me? (6)

Flutter~

The petals of the World Tree were trembling.

"...Elder. What is happening here?"

Erza, the only inquisitor who had changed her path to join Cale's side after following Dragon Lord Neo, was also an elf who had followed the Three-Star Dragon, Exion. She cautiously asked the elder. However, his gaze was fixed on the World Tree and the man leaning comfortably against it.

'Cale Henituse-'

Who else could lean so comfortably against the World Tree? But if that 'who' is Cale Henituse, no one here would question his right to do so.

"Well-"

After a long moment, the elder spoke. Erza’s gaze turned towards him. She was not the only one watching.

The World Tree, which had regained its sanity. Or rather, the World Tree that had been protecting this world by itself all this time. Additionally, the Source of the World, who was regaining her power.

As soon as these two entities were known, elves who had been freed from the oppression of the Dragons began to gather here. Of course, this excludes the Inquisitors who had bowed to the dragons.

Among them, the elves who were currently staying near the World Tree next to the elder were all individuals of high rank or honor in elven society. The elder spoke again.

"Does our question—this little doubt—really matter?"

At his words, the elves fell silent. The elder silently observed the World Tree and Cale.

A soft breeze rustled the petals, carrying them away.

Cale Henituse leaned comfortably against the tree, his red hair swaying in the breeze. It was such a peaceful and beautiful scene. The sun that illuminated them was high in a clear sky, and the land that supported them was filled with fresh green and a welcoming warmth. Cale Henituse was the creator of this scene.

"Probably, they are sharing stories we cannot even imagine."

The World Tree and Cale Henituse. And even the Source of the World who might be inside that space.

"Everything is back to normal—just like before."

The air they breathed had changed. The elves, who had lived since before the Catastrophe Era, could clearly feel what this small breath of peace brought them.

"Even so, our enemies have not disappeared."

The Hunters.

They had learned about them. And also, about the Gods with whom they collaborated.

"The weight of the conversations they are having is something we might find difficult to bear."

Stories that transcend worlds and gods. Just imagining the conversation between the World Tree, Cale, and the Source of the World made the elder short of breath. However, facing the world that had returned to normal, he finally felt that they must carry that weight.

"Therefore, rather than doubting, it is time to trust and follow."

He lifted his head.

Sssssss--

A trembling petal from the World Tree fell and was carried away by the wind. The petals crossing the vast blue sky seemed limitless.

"Isn't this space, this air we breathe, telling us all the answers to our questions?"

The elves nodded silently at the elder's words. They had seen the results, now it was time to believe.

"I have been told that the fight is not yet over."

The elder spoke calmly.

"If there comes a time when our help is needed, what should we do?"

Erza responded to that question.

"We must return the favor."

"That's right. It’s not about what they’re doing—it’s about what we can do, what we must do for the future. That is the most important question for us."

The elder’s words, filled with wisdom and experience, made all the elves bow their heads in agreement.

During the Catastrophe Era, the elves who had acted as inquisitors, as pawns of the dragons, had survived, but those who had not fought barely maintained their lineage. Therefore, this moment was so precious to them. It was time to thrive again as a tribe and protect this world, the World Tree. To do that, they had to act for this world and fight against the enemies who had threatened, and might threaten again, this world.

Sssssss---

A trace of wind passed over them.

Flutter--

The petals responded with a tremble. Everyone solemnly looked at those petals, the World Tree, and Cale.

Cale stepped into the World Tree’s domain and spoke with a serious expression.

"Hey."

His expression was indifferent. Not a single trace of emotion.

"Are you going to make me say the same thing twice?"

Suddenly, with a very relaxed tone, but without emotion, he continued.

"Shouldn't you compensate me, right?"

Gulp.

The young man under the tree swallowed, and the young woman with long, loose hair behind him trembled slightly.

"Hey."

Cale's face finally distorted.

"If someone saw us, would they think I am threatening you? Do you want me to really threaten you?"

The young woman, the Source of the World, who was hidden behind the World Tree, shouted.

"N-no, don't threaten!"

She hesitated before stealing a glance at Cale.

Cale's face distorted.

"Hey. You two, think for a moment."

Gulp.

Both the World Tree and the Source of the World swallowed.

"I was about to really die. Do you know?"

"!"

"!!"

At Cale's words, both the young man and young woman flinched in shock.

A smirk crept onto Cale's lips.

"So, are you going to keep your mouths shut?"

Of course, when Cale's plate broke, the vital energy that the Source of the World shared with him had been a great help. If it were not for that, Cale would not have had the strength to survive after consuming the plate. But that was one thing, and Cale had to get what was owed to him.

"Shouldn't you give what you owe?"

At the moment those carefree words came out of his mouth.

“Waaaah- “

Crying.

The Source of the World was crying.

Thump!

And she did so by suddenly sitting on the ground.

"I'm so sorry---!"

Moreover, the World Tree, the young man, also spoke calmly while rubbing his wrist marked with chain scars.

"I'm sorry."

What is this? Cale, unknowingly, had a serious expression on his face.

- Could it be...?

The Cheapskate, confused, was also perplexed.

- Cale!

Super Rock spoke urgently.

- Don't they have anything to offer you as compensation?

That's it. Could that be it? Is that the reaction that would be expected?

‘Now that I think about it-’

Cale remembered that the condition the Source of the World had set to act as an air purifier was 'to make the plate stronger'. Of course, compensation was mentioned, but it was never clearly defined.

‘Don’t they have anything to offer, and that’s why they put that condition?’

Super Rock murmured dejectedly.

- Cale, think about it, what could they have? One barely survived while being consumed to the core, and the other was confined until going mad. What could they have to offer us?

That’s true. Now that I think about it... it really is true.

- And what could we ask them for?

Right. That’s also true.

"Ha—"

Cale let out a long sigh, his body slumping onto the grass as if the weight of the entire world had finally crushed him.
It wasn’t like when he had received countless Magic Stone mines in Xiaolen. Nor was it like when he had taken numerous Divine Medicines from the Central Plains.
All that effort, only for his plate to turn to dust—leaving nothing but a trace in his heart.

"It can't be."

A voice filled with disappointment automatically came out of Cale.

- ...Cale.

Super Rock called to Cale with tears in his eyes, but Cale did not even have the strength to respond. Seeing this, the eyes of the World Tree and the Source of the World trembled.

Dragon Lord Neo.

Even when he faced the wretch who tried to destroy Aipotu, the Angel did not make that expression. Even when his plate broke, he clung to a ray of hope without trembling. But he now was lost in his thoughts.

"Waaaah---!"

The Source of the World couldn't help but cry.

"I'm sorry!"

She really meant it.

"No matter how much I think about it…" The Source of the World hesitated, biting her lip. "I have nothing that could truly repay what the Angel did…"

Really, no matter how much I thought about it. Even after discussing it with the World Tree.

"We…., all we can offer you are mines of Magic Stones, relics, and treasures-"

Cale was startled. But the young woman continued speaking, filled with remorse.

"The locations of dead dragons' lairs and their treasures—just material things like that!"

Pat, pat.

The young World Tree comforted the young woman. He spoke with a serious expression.

"...But that’s not worth as much as your life. Nor does it compare to the peace we’ve achieved."

The World Tree and the Source of the World knew. One of Cale's companions had made a sacrifice and, although he survived, was not in perfect condition. What comfort could they offer those who had suffered so much?

What compensation could heal the wounds of their hearts?

It was impossible.

"There’s nothing we can offer that equals the value of what we’ve gained. I’m sorry."

"Sob—Angel, I’m sorry—"

The World Tree and the Source of the World could not hide their remorse. And it was at that moment.

- Eh.

The Cheapskate spoke.

- Aren't these kids angels?

And then...

"?"

"!"

Two hands rested gently on the shoulders of the World Tree and the Source of the World.

Cale's smiling face was reflected in their eyes.

"It's enough."

"What?"

"Hic, really?"

Pat, pat.

Cale gently tapped their shoulders, a kind smile on his face.

"I trusted you. But I couldn’t help feeling depressed, thinking you might betray that trust and leave me with nothing in return."

"Ah-"

The Source of the World, the young woman, sobbed.

"Is that really enough as compensation?"

"Of course."

Cale wiped the tears in the eyes of the young woman. He then smiled brightly.

"The best effort you can give is already enough for me. It truly is. Our companions will understand too."

‘Oh? Oh-ho~?’

Cale’s eyes lit up as realization dawned.

'These kids… they actually have decency! No, wait—more importantly, they have MONEY!'

And the voice of Cheapskate echoed in his head

- Hahaha! Mines plus money and treasures! And, what else? They will even tell us the location of the dragon lairs! How much money is that? Hahahaha~

Cale was satisfied, and the young World Tree bit his lip before speaking.

"Thank you. If that counts as compensation, then we, the World Tree and the Source of the World, will do our best."

"Yes. That's it."

Cale patted the head of the young man with a pleased face.

Good kids. After all, isn’t that why they’ve been fighting so hard to protect Aipotu from Neo for two hundred years? They’re the truly good ones.

The friendly conversation between Cale and the young man continued.

"And I've heard about your situation. Do you have to fight in that new world now?"

"That's right. That's it."

Cale responded easily as the conversation continued. The young man thought deeply before speaking cautiously.

"Are you going to establish a territory there and attract allies?"

"Yes. Yes."

"That world—meaning beings like the Source of the World—wants to help you, but the transparent blood makes it difficult. By the way, I heard that from Exion."

"Right."

Cale agreed cheerfully.

The AI created by the system wanted to help Cale, but he had to avoid the eyes of the transparent blood, so there were limits on what the AI could do.

"Then, how about?"

The young man hesitated for a moment before speaking cautiously.

"How about planting the seed of the World Tree there?"

"Hmm?"

Cale paused, surprised, and his gaze turned toward the young man. Bright and cunning eyes were watching him.

"Perhaps there is no World Tree in that place. But traditionally, World Trees observe the flow of the world. If you want to communicate directly with that System, going through a World Tree might be best."

This boy...

"A World Tree there would also help the elves and elementals grow stronger if they chose to follow."

Cunning, huh?

Cale smiled and said, "That's a good idea."

The Dark Abyss of the Third Evil. That place is not suitable for a World Tree to grow. But the Abyss of Time of the Seventh Evil. What about planting a World Tree in that beautiful fairy-tale world and adding a new field?

"Hahaha-"

Cale chuckled to himself. This could be very interesting. A World Tree in the worst place. I like the idea.

"That's good advice."

Cale patted the hair of the young man and the girl, as satisfied as he felt.

"Then, where did you say those dragon lairs are?"

With a smile, Cale listened as Cheapskate spoke.

- If Raon saw this, he would be asking you where you plan to go to rob.

And that prophecy was accurate.

That night, with only two days left before departing for the Abyss...

"Eden Miru is protected by Dark Bear! And as Choi Han is also there, it will be safe!"

Raon puffed out his belly with determination as he declared.

Meow! Meow!

Beside him, On and Hong were just as serious. Despite being just ten years old, their gazes stayed locked onto Cale's hand.

"Human, is that it?"

"Yes, this is."

Cale waved the map he held in his hand.

"Here are all the locations of the dragon lairs, the treasures."

The locations of the lairs. Not just the dead enemy dragons, but also the positions of living enemy dragons and allies. Plus, the locations of the lairs of the dragons killed by Neo's forces not yet found.

"Everything is on this map!"

This information was provided by the elementals to the World Tree. Perhaps it was the elementals' way of exacting revenge on the dragons. And the living enemy dragons of Aipotu were currently confined and being interrogated.

"Hehe-"

So, before they found out...

"We're going to clear all this tonight."

Gulp.

Watching the young ones gulp, Cale calmly stated.

"It's a tough job even for allies."

Humans, mixed species. Could these really compensate Cale's group? So, he told them to take this. Of course, they didn't know about the mines, treasures, etc., that the Source of the World had revealed in secret.

"In the end, the important thing is that everyone has authorized it."

The Black Castle.

Many had come there with him and suffered, so Cale had to take good care of them.

"Hehe-"

Cale smiled, and the ten-year-old children also smiled. And seeing this, someone else commented.

"You told me we would talk, but this has become interesting."

Cale had brought someone to take the place of Choi Han on a task.

"Kim Hae-il… you truly are an interesting man."

The Heavenly Demon.

Impressive, yet also amusing—the Heavenly Demon. The heart of evil. The very embodiment of a heaven of darkness.
A being worshiped as nearly a god within his cult, now preparing to raid dragon lairs.

"I am quite interesting. Hehe. And you don't have much to do these days, right?"

Cale offered the Heavenly Demon a black formal attire.

"Good. Then put this on."

The Heavenly Demon was silent for a moment but finally accepted the black formal attire.

***

If you find any errors or have suggestions, please feel free to provide feedback.

Thank you for reading!

[Author – Yu Ryeo Han]

[Translator – Anowa]

[Proofreader – Mayank]