Chapter 294 – Heavenly Demon Works Magic (3)

It was strange.

I had gone through my usual morning routine and sat down for an early meal, but the atmosphere was decidedly chilly.

*Clatter.*

The sound of tableware colliding. In other words, there was no other noise around. Cornus, having taken a large spoonful of the pristine white rice, chewed and rolled it in her mouth as she stared in my direction. Maroni, seated beside her, fidgeted and nibbled at his rice as well.

Under normal circumstances, the scene would have featured Cornus’ enthusiastic barrage of questions or expressions of affection, to which Maroni would awkwardly yet willingly respond. Today, however, Cornus was entirely focused on her food. Maroni didn’t seem to have much of an appetite either.

“Maroni.”

“Uh, yeah?”

“Don’t you like the rice? If it’s not to your taste, would you like me to prepare something else?”

“No, no! It’s fine.”

He shook his head vigorously, then placed his chopsticks in his mouth and averted his gaze. Cornus, however, continued to stare intently at me.

It seemed as though he had something to say, but perhaps he was grappling with a concern too vague to give voice to. His attitude had changed overnight, and it just so happened to be right after that incident with Marronnier, stirring an uneasy feeling within him.

“I, I should go. I have class.”

In the end, Marronnier left the kitchen first, as if escaping.

Taking a bite of rice wrapped around a piece of Spam, Cornus chewed thoughtfully while her gaze followed Marronnier’s retreating back.

“What’s going on?”
“Not much.”
“Clearly something’s up, tell me. Did you have a fight?”
“……”

He looked at me again with a meaningful expression. The image of Cornus, reminiscent of a cute puppy, had transformed into a breed-worthy dog with its head turned to the side, glaring at me. The resolve in its eyes seemed to say that once it bit down, it wouldn’t let go.

Ah, I think this is somehow related to me again. Perhaps because I was in front of the imposing Cornus, the rice I was chewing didn’t go down easily.

“Sieon is not involved.”

Uncharacteristically cool.

“It doesn’t matter.”
“Really.”
“Are you and I on normal terms? We understand each other without words. I told you to tell me if you’re in trouble.”
“Are you gaslighting me?”
“Heh.”

Where on earth did she learn that word?

“From TreeInside.”
“Stop browsing that site.”

Why can’t she quit that place? Although it’s where her connection with Champi was formed, there are so many good people outside. Why? I know that Sansuyu can be extremely introverted when it comes to human relationships. Am I not almost the only person she’s close enough with to openly discuss her worries?

“…You don’t need to know about Sieon. I just feel a bit uneasy.”
“Alright, but I’m really not gaslighting you.”
“I’m joking.”

Suddenly, those words came out of Sansuyu’s mouth, and my heart jolted in surprise. If she had actually taken it that way, I would have had to seriously reconsider my actions.

In Sansuyu’s case, the true meaning of the term was often unknown, making it seem like a joke.

I took my share of the dishes and tidied up the tableware. I also made sure not to forget imbuing Sansuyu with the healing power I had gathered that morning.

* * * * * * * *

The sage, her billowing white dress trailing behind her, bowed her head modestly. The pristine white garment she always wore was so ornate that, if not for her, it would be impossible for anyone else to wear; it could even be called a winged dress.

Following the three-day assignment, we were tasked with developing magic.

In a secluded corner of the library, I opened a trapdoor on the floor and descended into the basement. There, I found a training ground wherein the entire space was an artifact.

“The development of magic.”
“Are you experiencing any difficulties?”
“No, not particularly.”

Creating magic was something I had already accomplished several times through experience.

At that time, I behaved as though possessed by a spirit, but as a lesser Heavenly Demon, I constantly changed my magic when confronting hunters. In the first trial, I even developed Wind Lily, a spell that blended the power of the wind. Of course, it would be an overstatement to call it my unique magic.

What I created was an adaptation of existing magic, reshaped to suit my aptitude. With that alone, anyone well-versed in magic could achieve the same.

In terms of martial arts, it was akin to re-establishing a foundational technique to better suit my body.

However, this time was different. The challenge was to create a spell the world had never seen.

“If Si-heon truly understood my teachings in those three days, it should be possible.”

Despite the ambiguity surrounding Flower and my relationship, the sage did not withhold his lessons on magic, earnestly sharing his knowledge. As with most fields of study, the key was to establish a solid foundation.

It might be due to my relative lack of knowledge that I accept it that way. After all, Marronnier’s face was filled with deep admiration.

“Is there anything else you’d like to ask?”
“I don’t have anything specific about the classes.”
“Then, are you curious about something else?”

Marronnier had been sequestered in the laboratory for quite some time.
In the absence of Sansuyu, she exhibited a playful charm without actually trying, but as soon as she received the assignment, she vanished like a shot arrow.
Even the fellow who once cried out, longing to break free from his status as a national official, was genuinely passionate about magic.
And that made me want to support him even more.

I halted my pen, which had been tracing magical incantations.
In any case, all the incantations I was crafting now would eventually be erased.
It wasn’t as though groundbreaking magic would suddenly emerge.

“Will you answer if I ask?”

I lifted my head slightly and gazed at the sage.
There, the sage was looking down at me.
Two large, prominent breasts caught my eye.

“You don’t need to know that right now.”

A faint smirk-

Upon seeing my grave expression, the sage chuckled.

“If I tell you this, you probably won’t believe me anymore, will you?”
“……”

The sage drew a chair closer and took a seat beside me.

“It may be a cliché, but let’s follow the tradition of the old classics. I’ll answer three questions to the best of my knowledge. Of course, after finishing the task at hand.”
“What if it’s a lie?”
“Hmm. Should I swear upon the Sacred Tree?”

In this world, at least, swearing upon the Sacred Tree is not a matter to be taken lightly.
I had only heard it a few times since I first set foot in this world and became aware of it.

“Sephirot does not interfere with the world. It’s not that someone else has dictated this, but rather, it is a self-imposed behavior. As a result, I cannot indulge in excessive desires. However…”
“You mentioned there was an exception.”

-The World Tree of Knowledge does not intervene in the world at all, except for the purpose of fulfilling knowledge!

Sephirot’s words. In other words, she can become involved anywhere if it is for the sake of knowledge.

It’s a common pun.

The sage nodded and extended a hand.

“I’ve rarely shown such great interest.”
“……”
“I am not someone who would recklessly be hostile to anyone. Rather, I enjoy imparting knowledge. That’s why you entrusted me with this task.”
“Is that so?”

The sage’s voice was soothing, and as I listened quietly, sleepiness crept in. It was reminiscent of being cradled in my mother’s arms as a child.

– Clap.

The sage who applauded rose from her seat.

“Well, whether to believe or not is up to Lee Si-heon.”

As the sage turned her head to leave, I stopped her and asked.

“You mentioned three questions.”
“Yes.”
“…This Forest Keeper Selection. Do you know who the Flower is?”

There are many things I want to ask.

What kind of being is the World Tree that cursed Heaven?
What happened to Do-won, the place I left behind?
Is there a way to heal Cornus?

How can one change the future that was seen previously?

Additionally, what is the purpose behind your friendly attitude towards me? Despite the policy of not becoming deeply involved, why have you summoned both Cornus and Marronnier, and not just me?

Of all these matters, the imminent raid is the most pressing concern that requires our vigilance right now.

“Of course,” the sage replied.

Flowers and the World Tree. Sephirot is part of the World Tree, but it is reasonable to consider it a neutral force between the two. The sage, though nominally a hunter, is not truly one in practice.

“Understood.”

Upon hearing my response, the sage took their leave. I resumed my efforts in developing magic.

A brief period of one month. Perhaps in the next trial, the Flower will truly be able to move. Can I remain like this without conducting any investigation?

“No.”

Isn’t there a way?

In the slums known as the Land of Flowers, if you search deep enough, there’s always something to tread upon. Lately, I often find myself venturing out alone during my morning routine.

…Perhaps I should prod it.

I wonder why the sage has sent me on this morning task all by myself, even knowing my hostility towards Flower.

‘First things first.’

Let’s focus on the present.

I examined the magic scheme I’d devised, and with one hand, I extracted magical energy as if I were gathering it. A pure orb of magical power materialized. As if smoke were blooming from my five fingers, magic flowed into the orb, causing it to grow in size.

Once I made sure no one was around, I slowly began to transform the magical energy.

From magic to magi.

-Kwajijijik!

The once-blue orb of magical power suddenly turned ashen gray and seemed on the verge of exploding, unable to contain its expansion. Canceling the magic was impossible. Without hesitation, I turned my head and launched it towards the center of the training ground.

-Kwaaang!

A resounding noise rang sharply in my ears.

The wind gusts within the enclosed space, causing her hair to flutter.

A tempest of magical power, consuming half of an area as vast as a colossal sports field. If I were to be ensnared within it, I doubt my body would remain intact.

Such is the nature of Magi. Without deliberate control, it is a force that can rapidly spiral out of control. In the case of the Black Sword, which converts all mana into Magi, my body is at risk of bursting, not to mention my energy reserves being depleted.

‘Not quite there yet.’

It’s not sufficient.

I have a past where even a minuscule amount of Magi tore my body asunder. Considering the potency within this immense magical sphere, it was rather ineffective, having been converted into magic.

‘I cannot wield Magi outside without reason.’

Experimentation is necessary here.

As long as I can harness Magi to cast spells, my options in battle will expand significantly. Magic that doesn’t exist in this world. Even the Zodiac and the sages are incapable of wielding it, due to its reliance on Magi.

I must create magic that only I can use.

* * * * * * *

A space where a prolonged silence lingers.

“A setback has occurred.”

On the verge of a momentous event.

“The Hunter Association moved quicker than anticipated.”

Flower.

Eight high-ranking members unusually gathered in one place. It’s exceptionally rare for these individuals, with a history of frequent power struggles and clashes akin to war, to join forces.

“…How will you take responsibility for this?”

The Fifth Leaf, Honeysuckle. A towering man with white, medium-length hair questioned the woman before him, as if challenging her. The gazes of all six executives, except for Freesia, were fixated on one woman.

“Proceed according to plan.”

The Second Leaf, Canna.

The founding of Flower, and the person at its core.

Except for the first leaf that does not partake in the power struggle, it could be said that, at least nominally, they hold the highest position among these officers.

“As planned? If you continue down this path, you’ll gain nothing.”

Cistus interrupted Canna’s words. The dreadful tone, coming from the body of an infant, made the listener furrow their brows.

“The plan is nearly exposed, and yet you want to reduce the number of victims by one. Have you forgotten the greater cause? Ha, even Flower has lost their mind.”
“Cistus.”
“What? Am I not right? Father.”

The aggressive tone made Honeysuckle’s eyebrows narrow. Only then did Cistus close his mouth.

There’s no benefit for either side in fighting. Everyone here had either reached the pinnacle or was on the verge of it. If they were to miss this opportunity, when everyone had come together for the first time, they might waste decades more.

There are over ten nations united under this ideology. If this chance slips away, many corporations and countries that had sided with Flower might turn their backs.

There was no future for Flower unless the tense struggle came to an end.

“Detonate it now.”

The sixth petal. Pianhua’s words fell.

“Reducing the number of victims is a futile notion. Don’t you realize that once the war begins, all the lives you’ve saved will become soldiers and turn into our enemies, Canna?”
“…”
“Don’t think you can cleanse yourself alone.”

Catastrophe loomed.
Whenever their disputes began, Canna and Sistus were always at the heart of it.

“…I never wanted this.”
“Bullshit.”

Sistus sneered at Canna’s words.

“A girl with nothing but a flower garden in her head.”

Even if she was called a saint or the sole prophet in the world, in Sistus’s eyes, she was still a hypocritical girl.

Every wood-person deserved to die.
As long as even one remained alive, it would never stop.
Without exception.
Whether it was the World Tree or the wood-people, all had to be eradicated by the roots.

“If you refuse to change, I’ll go myself.”

“…Cistus!”
“Why?”

Tension spread across everyone’s faces at Cistus’s remark.
Canna let out a cry but immediately scoffed.

“Reflect on what you’ve done!”
“What, exploiting the Cornus family? Or domesticating the Wood People? Weren’t those good moves? Ha, or are you going to scold me again for doing something without informing you? Is this a kindergarten?”
“……”
“I even lost my Tuberose.”

Cistus yelled fiercely.
Canna closed her mouth grimly.

“Silence.”

A heavy voice resonated in response.
The First Leaf, Taragon, cast a glance at Cistus.

“…Hmph.”

In an instant, his entire body tensed.
Cistus, with trembling hands, forced a nonchalant laugh at Canna.

“Again, again. Always complaining when things don’t go your way.”
“Watch yourself.”
“Yes, yes, I understand. I got it.”

Taragon scanned the surroundings.

The three individuals who had, until now, never spoken out – Lotus, Freesia, and Hong-Yeon.
They were executives who adopted a neutral stance when exchanging words.
Hong-Yeon belonged more to the role of an agent rather than an executive.
However, her exceptional intellect allowed her to perform at a level comparable to a Flower executive.

“Freesia.”
“Hm?”
“What do you think?”

All eyes turned to Freesia.
Her light green hair and adorable appearance. She blinked and gave a faint smile.

“…Well, I suppose it doesn’t matter.”
“Lotus.”
“I think it’s better to pull back a little.”
“Hong-Yeon.”

Lastly, Taragon gazed at her.
Her fiery red hair and eyes that seemed ablaze.
She stared at Taragon for a long while before gently closing her eyelids.

“…If the goal is to reduce the sacrifice of innocent civilians, then proceeding as we are now is sufficient.”
“How so?”
“The wise woman won’t remain idle. If we’ve reduced this much, it’s enough.”

“She won’t step forward.”
“There are many loopholes in the contract with Sephirot. Knowing her character, she’ll be more than capable of helping.”

The number of cadets had significantly diminished.
There were enough individuals to save the civilians.

Since the Flower’s initial purpose was to annihilate the World Tree and the other trees, it was deemed sufficient to let it burst as is.

“I see. Then proceed as planned.”
“…You.”
“Ha.”

Canna’s eyes widened in surprise, while Sistus laughed heartily.
Among the two with differing opinions, Taragon sided with one of them.

Unlike other emotional executives, Hong Yeon was different.
The deeper her desires, the colder she became.
She possessed the innate qualities of a strategist.
While others weren’t lacking in talent for devising and executing schemes, most of them focused on expanding their own power.
As an outsider, Hong Yeon appeared to have relatively little attachment to her own influence.

Just vengeance.
All he desires is the annihilation of the World Tree.

It held value for exploitation.
By granting power and merely observing from the sidelines, one could discern the direction of Hong-Yeon’s emotions.

“The assault commences amidst the third trial. Have everyone prepared.”

A resolution was reached.