Chapter 122 – The Past (1)

Though it was dead, the World Tree of Time was so colossal that it was incomparable to any other tree I had ever laid eyes on.

The tree’s outer surface had a blackish-brown bark, reminiscent of ancient rusted armor, and the irregular, round leaves adorned such armor with splendor. The flat leaf stalks were large enough to easily envelop a person.

– Thud.

The wind stirred by the falling leaves traveled from afar. Rustling – the wind carried the fallen leaves, which touched my feet. The very ground I stood upon was also covered with the World Tree’s leaves, tinted a bright yellow hue.

“[…What is your name?]”
“Lee Si-heon.”
“[Thank you. I hope my question is not impolite.]”

Not responding, the World Tree of Time silently created a chair made of leaves behind me.

“[The story will be lengthy… Please, have a seat.]”

-Swish.

The chair was crude, but it had a backrest and was a size that fit my body quite well. As I hesitantly sat down, a pleasantly moderate breeze blew around me.

[First, let me clarify that I do not intend to harm you.]
“……”

Huh. Even a newborn child would know that those words are not trustworthy.

‘What is going on?’

Why has this tree been trying to please me since earlier? Reflecting on the words I heard in my dream, it didn’t seem like it was doing this because it valued its own life. It was evident that it wanted something from me.

[I am aware of the discrimination you have faced. It is regrettable that I cannot fully comprehend the depth of that pain.]
“…You speak well.”
[If I have offended you, I apologize. I have only endured until now to ask for help from you, a descendant of King Mokryeong.]
“I heard that before. You said you had a favor to ask of me?”

If there is something departing, there should be something arriving as well.
The World Tree of Resentment fell silent for a moment before cautiously inquiring.

[Of course, I will tell you everything I know as well… Are you referring to your existence?]
“That’s right.”

My worth. Who I am.
It’s not a trivial matter like a philosophical reflection, but rather the degree of value assigned to me by the various factions in this place. Until now, I have been helplessly caught up in events, ignorant of the bigger picture. The organization known as Flower hailed me as part of some prophecy, while the World Tree of Resentment was extremely guarded against me.

As if I were an irreversible button that, if mishandled, could bring about catastrophe.
There were even several attempts to eradicate my very existence.

‘So many of them are targeting me, it’s almost absurd.’

Even excluding the World Tree of Resentment, which is eager for my death more than anyone else and was the reason I came to this place, there are still many after me. My master couldn’t provide a clear answer regarding the reason, either.

[For you… ]

The World Tree of Time continued to speak in its distinctively gentle voice.

[You possess the same power as King Mokryeong. No, even beyond the power, you share a similar aura. When I first saw you, I could have mistaken you for the king himself.]

[As for the reason, I apologize, but I am uncertain. You could be a direct descendant… or perhaps you’ve merely inherited the power itself. There are individuals in this world who have inherited a portion of King Mokryeong’s abilities, but I have never encountered anyone with the complete power like you.]

“What is the purpose of this power?”

[…A vessel.]

The abstract concept wasn’t difficult to comprehend.

Indeed, having acquired the abilities of the World Tree of Healing, my body has become a vessel capable of containing the power of the tree.

[The potential of your power is limitless, and for this reason, just as with King Mokryeong before you, many will covet you. By now, you can surmise why the World Trees of my descendants are targeting you.]

“Wait, descendants? What do you mean by that?”
[…The countless World Trees growing in this world can be considered my descendants in a broader sense.]

Are the four Great World Trees, revered as absolute gods, included in that?
When I asked, just in case, the World Tree of Time denied it.

[They are among the few World Trees that, like me, survived the war.]
“So, I should think of them as being from the same generation.”

The World Tree of Time has endured the same era as the four Great World Trees.
Otherwise, there would be no way to explain the size of this ancient tree that has stood for a millennium.

‘It’s not much different from what I’ve discovered so far… But it’s worthwhile just to get a definitive answer.’

The conjectures that were once just theories have now been confirmed by the World Tree, making it a decent harvest for what was uncovered.
With a curious mind, I asked the World Tree a few more questions.

“What kind of beings are these Flower creatures?”

[Apologies. I don’t know what happens after my demise.]

The World Tree of Time responded candidly and conveyed its apology. It was understandable, considering the significant gap between death and awakening.

He clicked his tongue lightly and moved on with the conversation.

“Will our encounter be shared among the World Trees?”
[No. Merely conversing like this is overwhelming, so contacting distant World Trees is impossible.]
“What about the girl who wore a mask before coming here?”
[She is a shrine maiden who has been guarding the temple. One-sided communication is possible through her innate divine power, but unless I speak of it, our current conversation will not leak.]

It didn’tseem like a lie.
In fact, the power of the World Tree he was sensing was extremely weak.

Considering the sincerity in its responses, he was willing to at least hear the story.

“…Fine, what’s your request?”
[Thank you.]

The World Tree of Time seemed to joyfully sway its leaves high in the sky.

Soon after, she spoke.

[What I wish to discuss with you is the power you possess.]

Having experienced death alongside King Mokryeong once, he would undoubtedly know better than I the extent of potential his power held.

Well… I can only recall a few instances when I truly harnessed that power effectively. However, considering the subjugation of the Ents and seizing the authority of the World Tree, it was painful to discuss the possibilities of such abilities.

[The vessel you possess has the capability to destroy the foundation I have carefully nurtured, as it holds sway over the world.]

The World Tree appeared to be well aware of this fact. It was for this very reason that so many had sought to end my life.

I awaited her next words. And yet, the statement that emerged from the World Tree of Time next completely defied my expectations.

[So, if the time comes, please bestow your mercy with vast generosity.]
“…Is that all?”

A groveling plea from a low position. Unbelievable.
Upon closer examination, I found several inconsistencies within her request.

‘It doesn’t make sense.’

It was understandable that she had been catering to me and divulging everything she knew in order to ask for a favor.
However, her request was far too abstract, its content ambiguous.

What should I show mercy towards, and when will that time come?
If I didn’t know the precise moment and target, I wouldn’t be able to properly fulfill the World Tree’s request even if the sky were to collapse.

If she had listened to all my requests just to say this, she’d be a fool.
It was something that I might not even agree to. Did she feel like grasping at straws?

However, the words that subsequently emerged from the World Tree’s mouth were somewhat shocking.

[…Not being able to mention the future is the providence of the world, and I cannot go against it. If there is someone who does, that tree must have surpassed its own realm. I cannot tell you the future I experienced.]

I know the future.
It was as if my fate had already been determined, so I couldn’t help but doubt my ears.

“So, are you saying you’ve seen my entire future?”

That can’t be.
If he truly saw the future, there’s no way he wouldn’t have known who I was when he first saw me.
The World Tree of Time seemed to be seeing me for the first time in my dream.

But.

As if the World Tree had anticipated my question, it began to explain its situation diligently.

[To be precise, it’s merely a vague feeling. Perhaps someone from the future has given me a sense of incongruity.]

“Weren’t you supposed to die sometime later? Explain it to me.”

[My power allows me to interfere with the past, but it’s very faint… Only traces remain. Just as I considered begging you for mercy without any basis.]

The surrounding environment gradually changes.

The yellow garden transforms into dry, cracked land.
The sturdy roots that once rose above the ground now wither and become gaunt.

The World Tree of Time, now a dying colossus, chants in a twisted voice.

[I may die, but in the future, there might be a World Tree that inherits my power.]

I rest my chin on my hand and begin to sort through the stories she’s shared, one by one.

‘So…’

The power of the World Tree of Time is to interfere with the past.
In the future, a tree that inherits this power grows, and this tree sends a message to the World Tree of Time.

Can I understand it that way?
There was no other way to make sense of it.

“…Is that enough? Just by talking about it?”

[No.]

The World Tree of Time spoke firmly.

[The future I sense, even you are engulfed in misery.]
“…”
[You must grow stronger and visit the past as well.]
“Visit the past?”
[Through me.]

The story takes such an absurd turn.

“Do you expect me to believe that too?”

The World Tree of Time fell silent, and soon pleaded fervently, its voice cracking with desperation.

[I understand it’s sudden… but that’s the only way to prevent catastrophe. I act for the world I have created, and I am also on your side.]

It felt like the last testament of a tree that would soon perish, and it didn’t seem like a lie. It’s a decision that inevitably plunges one into deep contemplation. I exhaled, my breaths caught in my throat, and clenched my head in my hands.

What I can do now…

“Heh.”

As I mulled it over, a bitter laugh escaped my lips.

What was I thinking attempting this? I knew what was at stake before.
The peculiar experience of traveling back in time, when I wasn’t targeted in the past, allowed me ample time to gather information and seemingly plenty to salvage.

The most crucial concern is the possibility that the World Tree might deceive me and trap me somewhere…

‘No matter how I look at it, it’s not a lie.’

That’s my intuition. I trust it.

I will face more challenges in the future, but if I crumble in a place like this, I am not worthy of being my master’s disciple.

“…Fine. How long will it take?”

[Leap through time and return to this era. At most, it shouldn’t exceed four hours.]

I nodded in silent agreement.
The World Tree of Time rustled its leaves in gratitude, then began to envelop me with its magical power.

– Oomph!

Tiny, spirit-like particles wrapped around me from head to toe.

In a brief moment of less than three seconds, my field of vision shifted dramatically.

A dizzying sensation coursed through my entire body, as if I were waking up frantically from a dream. Flailing my arms, I ended up falling on my backside with a thud.

*Thud!*

My mind felt disoriented from the frequent changes in my surroundings. Pressing my throbbing forehead, I rose from my spot and took a quick look around.

…Just an ordinary garden that could be found anywhere. Pink petals danced gracefully in the wind, creating a breathtaking scene. But where was this place? I didn’t know the time zone, and since I arrived according to the whims of the World Tree of Time, I had no specific purpose or information.

‘Am I supposed to find something to do on my own?’

A familiar situation. For now, I decided to explore the area. The moment I turned my back on that thought…

“…?”

I locked eyes with a girl in black robes standing behind me. Scarlet hair and familiar magical energy – the same power possessed by someone I knew.

*Giggle.*

The girl blinked her eyes a few times and then, with politeness, bowed her body to greet me with proper etiquette.

“This is Do-won’s private land. If it’s not impolite, may I inquire about the purpose of your visit?”

The words were spoken with an endearing lilt, as if the speaker had yet to shed their youthful innocence. A wave of familiarity washed over me, leaving me momentarily stunned. Could it be…? Caught off guard, I found myself muttering in response to the girl.

“Master?”

There, before my very eyes, stood the childhood visage of Heavenly Demon and Heaven, who had once taught me the meaning of righteousness and life.