## Chapter 1382 – 천마신교

“Got anything to say to me?”

I asked, staring at the World Tree in a low voice.

If this bastard could interfere with my dreams, it could probably read my thoughts to some extent. At least, it seemed to be able to interfere with me when I was in the desert.

After that, I became so damn strong that it couldn’t, but at least until then, it was likely aware of the questions I had.

So, I thought this World Tree bitch had noticed my thoughts and cut off contact. But if that’s not the case, then whatever. I guess I have to hear it now.

“…”

But the World Tree remained silent.

“You have nothing to say? World Tree-nim?”

It was impossible to read the expression of the World Tree, which was merely borrowing Shahran’s appearance.

It’s measuring the power within me. The World Tree that has descended here can’t be the main body. Even if I attack, it won’t really work.

These gods are still beyond my understanding. They exist in some higher, inaccessible dimension.

Therefore, it can’t harm me either right now.

A state where neither can harm the other. A perfect condition for a conversation, but it seems our dialogue will inevitably run parallel. As always. What I want isn’t a conversation, but an interrogation. I don’t like that violence is restricted.

“…”

Anyway, after being silent like that, the World Tree finally spoke.

“What do you want me to say?”

It said without any change in tone.

No… I don’t need to worry about changes in tone or anything. This isn’t a creature of this world, but something from another world. It’s borrowing our appearance and communicating in our language, but it’s just some indescribable, terrifying thing.

“Hehehe, what do I want you to say?”

If you’re planning to play dumb.

It might not be bad to speak directly.

As a result, there’s a possibility that the World Tree will issue a strange oracle and become hostile to the elves, but if that happens, I’ll just butter up Shahran.

Just as I was thinking that, the World Tree continued.

“You have admirably completed my request.”
“What?”
“You have recovered the fragments of power that fell to the ground.”

—Paaat.

In an instant, the scenery of the sky changes.

The same scenery as before. There were countless holes in the sky, all of which were gaps in dimensions. The gaps were like a night sky with inverted colors and starlight floating in it.

Those holes that that Lich bastard is making.

“But the gaps are still appearing. And at an even faster rate.”

—Tsupat.

As it said, even now, black streaks of light were being shot from here and there, creating holes in the sky.

“…”

There are so many stars in the night sky. Literally astronomical units of starlight. But the dark night sky is never filled with starlight alone… But looking at those gaps being torn open like that, I could feel that an ominous prophecy about the sky being covered by something was being realized.

An unpleasant suggestion.

“External beings with some kind of intention are crossing over through those gaps.”

The World Tree naturally brought up that story.

Is it trying to change the subject?

“As I said, we are unable to resolve this, but you, with your current power, should be able to stop this phenomenon. That’s why I gave you the sap and assisted you in searching for the fragments of power.”

A clear summary.

“That was the story I had with you. What else are you curious about?”
“…”

Even if I don’t know anything else, I can tell this much right now. This bastard is trying to change the subject like that. It’s clear that it feels like avoiding sensitive questions.

Even if it’s an existence beyond living things, it can’t escape this Kim Kat’s insight. Is it making me uncomfortable right now?

That’s funny.

So I said.

“Why do we have to stop it?”

The World Tree stared at me for a moment at my brazen attitude, but calmly explained.

“If external beings cross over excessively, this world, which has no ability to defend itself, will be destroyed. You should know that.”
“Of course, I know.”

Do you think I wouldn’t know that?

Of course, those monsters from another dimension are no match for me, but if they invade all at once in a lump, I’ll inevitably suffer damage on the level of destruction.

I can’t protect the whole world by myself.

“But I want to ask you first what the definition of destruction is that you, World Tree, are talking about.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m asking what exactly you define as destruction. I’d like you to answer clearly.”
“…I’m talking about the destruction of a world centered on beings with souls.”
“Souls?”

To define the destruction of this world in that way.

Good.

I can roughly grasp how these god bastards think. First of all, what’s important to them is souls. And according to what I’ve learned so far, the monsters from another dimension also value souls.

“Then exactly what beings possess that thing called a soul?”
“Numerous living things.”

Numerous living things.

“But among them, the souls that have meaning are definitely the souls of intelligent beings. Elves, humans, dwarves, etc. It would be understandable if I said those kinds of beings.”

Intelligent beings.

“Because only intelligent beings can have faith.”
“So monsters also have souls, then?”
“If you can call it a soul.”

A meaningful answer.

“It’s difficult to define a soul.”
“Even for a god?”

The World Tree nodded.

“Then you guys value the souls and faith of intelligent beings. Is that right?”
“I am the god of the elves. Therefore, I value the souls and faith of the elves. It can be said to be natural.”

That’s true.

Anyway, the fact that I can communicate with this bastard is damn amazing.

“World Tree. You clearly said this to my question last time. That I’ll know when the time comes.”
“…”
“What is your identity?”
“I am the World Tree. The god of the elves.”
“What does a god do?”
“That’s too broad of a question. Can you clearly explain what you do?”

I am a seeker of Fusion Confucianism.
And I benefit this world.

But if I explain it clearly, from breathing to blinking my eyes or moving my arms. I do a lot of things.

“Something representative.”
“As the god of the elves, I manage the well-being and souls of the elves.”
“What do you do with the souls of the elves?”

I kept asking questions like a five-year-old kid. Then, as if it was annoyed, the World Tree said.

“You have no right to ask, and I have no obligation to answer.”
“What the hell. Then when did you become the god of the elves?”
“That’s the same. Everything about the elves is entirely my right.”
“…”

It can’t say.

It seems like threats won’t work right now because we can’t harm each other.

“Then where did you guys come from? I know an era when there were no beings called gods on this land. An era when a giant race called the Titans ruled this world. I know that there were no gods back then.”
“Is that the basis of your suspicion?”
“Yeah. Can’t you just tell me comfortably?”
“…”

The World Tree was silent.

“You’ll have to figure that out for yourself.”
“What the hell?”
“What’s important is that this world is in danger. I want not only the well-being of the elves but also the well-being of this world.”

—Sreureuk.

At the same time, the World Tree’s appearance began to disappear.

“You bastard! Don’t run away and answer!!! Where did you come from and when did you come here!!”

—Hwaaaak.

The moment I scolded it, a flash of light struck again. At the same time, I could feel that the World Tree was trying to leave. This bastard… In the end, since there’s no way to force an answer, I couldn’t hear what I wanted to hear.

Whatever it is, if it doesn’t want to say it, there’s no way.

“Shit.”

There’s still no way other than to figure it out myself.

But if I reach your dimension, you won’t be able to ignore me. If I reach a place where we can harm each other, I’ll be able to hear the answer as much as I want.

But as the World Tree said, what’s important now is the Lich.

It’s still silently doing its job. The World Tree sees that as a threat. And it wants me to protect the world.

“For the souls you’re going to take to prosper?”

Thinking that way, it’s extremely unpleasant.

It can’t be said to be a good existence. It’s just that my understanding partially aligns with it.

—Paaat.

Soon the scenery completely changed. I was in the World Tree’s dark hole. The World Tree’s energy… It feels faint, as if it’s far away.

“This fucking bitch. I really want to smash it to pieces.”

The impulse to destroy the World Tree like this strongly gripped my heart, but I didn’t act on it. Even if the elves are shitty bastards, they’re not beings who deserve to be massacred. I can’t kill their god without clear evidence.

That’s the way of the Heavenly Demon Kim Kat.

—Kkiiik.

I opened the door and went outside.

* * *

“Haaah…!”

As soon as I opened the door and went out, Shahran, who was waiting in front, suddenly sat down. Her face turned red, and she exuded a female scent. Is she suddenly going into heat? She’s going into heat as easily as my women who go into heat every time they see me.

Well, did she suddenly fall in love again after not seeing me for a few tens of minutes?

It’s absurd, but it’s a natural thing, so I’ll let it go.

“What. Why. Got a problem?”
“N-No, that’s not it…”

Shahran, who had turned red, stuttered as she tried to cover her face with her hands. She’s completely different from the World Tree who borrowed Shahran’s appearance just now.

“Then what is it?”
“Y-Your expression…”

My expression?

“You seemed angry… Your expression was so fierce that…”
“Stop talking nonsense and get up, you bastard.”

There’s no need to remind you that even Kim Kat’s angry face is a work of art. Because you already know it.

“Ah… Oh my. I feel like I’m becoming vulgar when I’m only in front of you…”
“You’re actually vulgar, aren’t you?”
“…I’m sorry.”

Shahran, who had gotten up, straightened her clothes and bowed politely in apology. There’s nothing more to see here. As I walked out, Shahran followed me.

“So… What did you talk about with the World Tree-nim?”
“Nothing much. It said the World Tree manages the souls of the elves.”
“Yes? You came all the way here to ask such an obvious question?”
“Obvious… No. Not just that.”

Yeah.

What the people of this world think is really obvious.

“It’s nothing much. It said this world is in danger, so it asked me to solve it.”
“As expected! It seems the World Tree-nim really trusts you!”

It’s just that our interests align.

“Then I have no choice but to support you.”
“I said I don’t need it.”
“No. I’m not saying this in exchange for a union. It’s a religious thing to do, so I’m doing it.”
“Is that so? Then do it.”
“…”

If that’s the reason, there’s no need to refuse. But it was the same situation originally. Since I refused to the end, she’s just saying she’ll take care of me without any compensation.

“But did it say anything else about me…?”
“It didn’t really say anything about you. I didn’t ask.”
“…Is that so.”

At those words, Shahran seemed a little depressed.

Is she feeling like she’s not even getting attention while she’s nagging her god? Shahran seems to be the type of woman who lacks a lot of affection, so it must be a little difficult.

“I understand.”
“Okay.”
“Anyway, I’d like to hear the story you had with the World Tree-nim in a little more detail, is that okay?”
“Well… There’s no reason to refuse that.”

I’ll have to explain the things about the invaders from another dimension in a little more detail. I can tell you as much as you want about that kind of story.

“Then I’ll prepare a place.”
“Do that.”

With that, I went back into the palace and parted ways with Shahran.

“Teeheeing. Boongtzz boongtzz. Teeheeing. Boongtzz boongtzz.”

I had nothing to do, so I went into the assigned room, washed up, and was meditating while chanting a mantra to calm my mind.

—Kkiiik.

Soon, the elf maids came to pick me up.

“…”

They’re still silent maids. Were they some kind of priestesses? These elf maids, who were wearing transparent clothes that showed everything, seemed no different from primates who didn’t know the concept of clothes.

“Okay. Let’s go.”

With that, I followed the maids to where Shahran was waiting.

—Kkiiik.

As soon as I entered, I couldn’t help but frown at the strong aphrodisiac scent.