Chapter 399 – Peace Amidst the Cold War, Transformation (6)

World Trees typically live and breathe, rooted in another realm.

It shares the same principle as a dungeon, yet no one has drawn such a connection. The place they inhabit is Goto, the divine abode of the gods. Any interpretation, no matter how plausible, is seen as an affront to the deities.

【Open your eyes, Isabella. 】

Perhaps it is due to their existence in a far-distant dimension that only the World Tree’s representatives can see the gods. For the faithful, the most they can do is touch the roots of the World Tree as they pierce through space, or drink water emanating from the roots in a communion-like ritual.

A woman named Isabella lifted her eyelids.

“Yes.”

Her long hair brushed against the missal she held.

The World Tree of Prosperity · Isabella, the first female bishop.

Even if rumors abounded that she was the next Saintess, she dedicated herself from a position far too low to embrace the divine prophecy.

In other words, the current situation necessitated even a bishop like her to be guided directly by the World Tree. Sweat streamed down Isabella’s cheeks.

【Isabella, as you may know, the Church is currently on the path to ruin.】

The World Tree of Prosperity – an entity that takes root in this land and claims the world’s nourishment for itself. Alongside the World Tree of Sacrifice, without her, the number of humans and trees in this world would have nearly been halved.

【Forget the petty rules of the Church, and raise your head.】

Isabella was taken aback by the words of the World Tree of Prosperity.

This was not just any tree; it was one of the Five Great World Trees. While she revered and immersed herself in its presence, it was not enough that this magnificent being had summoned her; it even allowed her to capture its visage directly.

She slowly lifted her head.

– Trickling.

A stream meandering through nutrient-rich soil.
The colossal tree, having crossed countless hills and rooted itself at the very center, boasted branches so lush they could envelop the entire world.

A tree soaring high beyond the stratosphere.
Even if rain were to fall from the heavens, not a single speck of earth would be dampened within her embrace.

Gazing at the resplendent golden light scattering brilliantly, faith unexpectedly swells within.
Isabella, who once inwardly scoffed at the World Tree and the church, now physically understood why the priests revered this being as a deity.

As rice ripens, it bows its head lower.
Confronted with a crisis, the accomplished Isabella once more deeply lowered her head upon witnessing the World Tree of Prosperity.

【You may not find this form particularly appealing. The being you consider a god is this tree.】

“Ah, no, that’s not an issue at all. World Tree.”

【In truth, compared to other World Trees, my lifespan is shorter. It felt like a country bumpkin arriving in the big city from a rural village. Heh.】

The tree cracked a self-deprecating joke.
It even laughed.

Facing this situation, Isabella couldn’t help but smile.

‘…If it irritates my nerves, I’m the one whose neck will be on the line… Isabella, think carefully.’

But was the World Tree of Prosperity more compassionate than she had thought?
Soon, at the words that followed, Isabella’s eyes widened in surprise.

【My representative, Azeline, is doing well, but there aren’t many trustworthy people in this church, Isabella.】

“Yes.”

【You probably know what I’m thinking.】

Recent signs of division within the Church of the World Tree.
Even if they united as one, they could barely defeat the Flower, if at all. The church was on the brink of collapsing in half.

As the Cornus family fell, Lee Si-heon was branded a heretic under the pretext of helping Sansuyu.
He even turned his sword against his teacher, Do Won.

The ensuing social phenomena and mounting discontent were an unavoidable hemorrhage.

‘…In the end, I had to sever it. Had I persisted further, there could have been other side effects.’

Isabella deemed the judgment of the World Tree of Justice to be reasonable.

‘The most rational decision would have been to nip it in the bud before it grew. However, some of the World Trees opposed, leaving us no choice.’

Even the sharpest blade, without trust, becomes poison to the World Trees. Regardless, they are beings that have transcended realms. Surpassing a realm means reaching a level akin to some trees, including the Five Great World Trees.

In other words, they are on par with the World Tree of Prosperity before their eyes.

When tree beings and trees break through their limitations as living entities, they become beings in charge of specific concepts. The expression of reaching such a realm stems from this.

‘…If there is a distinction from the other World Trees.’

Heaven and Mugung are.

Only by tirelessly honing his own body, he had leaped beyond once more, in a state where the word “peak” held no inadequacy.

There are numerous ways to surpass one’s limits. Each has its own shortcuts. Only trees can access the realm with ease.

As for the hardships required to reach this realm, trees, as beings with no inherent limitations, have it the easiest. Next are the tree-folk, followed by humans. Particularly for humans, there has been no recorded case of transcending these boundaries.

Even King Mokryeong had to manipulate his own body to achieve this feat. It is only natural. One of the reasons Lee Si-heon was subtly overlooked, despite soaring and striving, was the inherent limitations of his species.

‘But really, it’s quite astonishing.’

A man introduced through Jung Si-woo. And the person he recommended for the forest guardian selection turned out to be the successor of that very king. Where in the world could such a coincidence be found?

With these thoughts in mind, Isabella promptly responded to the World Tree of Prosperity.

“I am aware to some extent. You’re speaking of the Church’s reformation, correct?”

Under the guidance of the World Tree of Justice, the Church had been undergoing change.

Elevating the divine authority even further.
The Church’s attempt to abolish the status differences between humans and woodfolk had failed, leading to a resurgence in tree supremacy.
Naturally, there was resistance from the existing Church factions as well.
As the conflict with the Flower worsened, they found themselves in an unavoidable state of indecision.

In such circumstances, the World Tree of Prosperity pursued a completely different path of reform, diverging from that of Justice.

【”The current Church’s reformation… Even if we were to win the war, it would undoubtedly collapse sooner rather than later. Isabella, what are your thoughts?”】
“I agree, but… Why involve me in such matters?”

The words of the World Tree of Prosperity made it seem as though she intended to appoint Isabella as one of the driving forces behind the reformation. And Isabella’s intuition proved to be accurate.

From the moment of birth, the Church had focused solely on climbing the ladder of success.

An opportunity presented itself to her, and she couldn’t let it slip away.

【…Please, take responsibility for the next Saint.】

A trust.

More human than divine.

It wasn’t a command, but a request. The World Tree of Prosperity’s attitude was subtly known. Regardless of one’s humble status, she never lost her reverence, and that’s why she was supported by many priests.

Her representative, Azelin, was also renowned for being a humble person who had saved numerous lives, never losing her modesty.

‘…However, is it the right course of action to divide the Church in the current circumstances?’

There was no change in the situation at the frontlines.

It wouldn’t be long before the World Tree and Flower would experience a loss of power. Or, there was a high likelihood of a ceasefire.

The reason Flower was unable to engulf the world, even as the Church lost its strength, was largely due to their own unstable power.

The World Tree of Prosperity’s ulterior motive was as follows:

To reunite the divided Church as one, the moment a ceasefire was established.

After a war, be it a Flower or a World Tree, they cannot escape the throes of civil strife. Should I say it’s due to their immense desires, which belie their kind-hearted appearances?

…Well, perhaps not. This being isn’t one to idly watch people’s suffering without lifting a finger.

【 I will take direct action. Can you lend me your assistance, Isabella? 】

Hesitantly, a beautiful doll materialized, naked, right in front of Isabella’s nose. It had emerged from the ground.

An incarnation in the form of a wooden figure. It seems the Five Great World Trees are beginning to show signs of direct intervention.

Isabella slowly nodded her trembling head.

But how does one intend to resolve the present situation?

【 Lee Si-heon. 】

As she listened to the tale in silence, Isabella nearly burst into laughter at the name that slipped from the being’s lips.

In a predicament where even the Flower sought Lee Si-heon’s demise, if the World Tree of Prosperity were to change course and attempt to save him instead…

Would this not be akin to entering the eye of a storm?

I thought it would last longer than expected. It would make sense if the World Tree of Prosperity had subtly intervened.

‘I don’t know. Jung Si-woo… I don’t know. Damn it. He’ll take care of himself.’

The world was changing at an astonishing pace.

* * * * * * * * * * *

“Sargenti.”
“Yes?”
“If you don’t want to die suddenly, don’t expose your armpit.”

As he slyly removes his suit, he places a honeyed chestnut on the forehead of Sargenti who is brazenly exuding sex appeal.

Being King Mokryeong, I’ve had relationships with more women than I could have ever imagined. I know I can indulge in such playful antics. Deep down, I yearn to be a pure-hearted man…

“It hurts… It seems the division within the church has become a fait accompli. At least, that’s how it appears to me.”

Sargenti resumed the story from a stance of loyalty.
I rolled my pen and nodded.

“I knew it.”
“Really? Did you actually? It seemed like you didn’t know.”
“…I want to die.”
“Ah. Hehe. I don’t have much time left, so please bear with me.”

Upon closer inspection, this rascal seemed even worse than Tae-yang.
If Tae-yang and Aori joined hands and merged, wouldn’t a bizarre lifeform like this emerge?
The expertise in crossing boundaries was not to be underestimated.

That being said, it was true that I didn’t have much time left, so if I misspoke, it could become a self-deprecating remark about my limited lifespan.
She was a cunning one, thoroughly understanding and skillfully utilizing this circumstance.

“My life is short too.”

The issue was that I was also nearing my own deadline.
Sargenti, who had been snickering, gazed at me with a sly expression.

“It’s because we’re in the same boat, isn’t it? That’s why we’re this close. Among the white ants, I’m the one who’s considered the hardest to befriend.”
“People have decided to call that a loner.”

“Yes, the same loser.”

I chuckled and shook my head as if I was fed up.
Any more jokes were no fun, just a repeat of the cliché repertoire.

“So, are your wounds okay?”

Sargenti’s words as he gazed at me.

No matter how close I am to such a high evaluation, it’s not easy to avoid injuries if someone is dead set on targeting me.

Debuffs from games, curses, and the like actually exist in this world. These are divine instruments imbued with the power of the World Tree. In the case of artifacts with considerable power, even my master could be defeated the moment they gather in one place. This is why one can never win in a one-against-many situation, and depending on the circumstances, even those who have reached a high level can die.

During the subjugation of Yoram or the Cornus family, these war weapons were not focused on me. The point is that if you let your guard down, you’ll become a mere fly.

Well, I wouldn’t give them that opportunity.

“So, you came here injured?”
“…….”

“Ah, fine. I’ll stop teasing you. I brought what you requested, so please forgive me.”

Sargenti placed the document with the coordinates on my table and vanished as if fleeing the scene.
Despite the teasing, he truly does excellent work.

“Oh, right.”

Sargenti, who was about to leave through the door, discreetly poked his head back in and spoke.

“Seri wants to meet with you. How about going when you have some time?”

Seri. A sari tree.
In other words… an Artifact Artisan introduced by Byul.

We met once before, during the cradle incident, and after acquiring the mask and robe, I didn’t visit much.
Nonetheless, there’s no one quite like her when it comes to creating artifacts, so while managing my faction, I often had to send people her way.

“Alright. I’ll go.”
“Yessir~”

I casually responded and studied the coordinates.

What I asked of her this time was nothing extraordinary.
It’s just that there was someone I knew whom I needed to meet.

At least in the current situation, there was only one person I knew who could act rationally.

Embarking on a dramatic path of success, this individual also had the keenest insight into the Hunter Association’s affairs. Lee Se-Young and Azalea loved too much, whereas this person’s love might not be lesser, but they did not allow emotions to overtake their judgment.

I gathered my magical energy and activated a spatial spell.

*Thud!*

A dull sound of landing footsteps echoed. Stepping down from the rather spacious vice president’s quarters, I took a cursory glance around. It was 2 AM; no wonder I was awake.

“Chirp!”

With a sound akin to a chick’s cry, *thump*!

The teacup in the woman’s hand rolled across the floor as she slumped into her seat. Perhaps the timing was somewhat off.

“Ah.”

I uttered a single word and looked down to see the yellow-haired woman, who had landed on her buttocks, gaping at me.

“…Uh, erm, uh…? Why did you come from there?”

Hanbyeol.
Vice President of the Korea Hunter Association. Hanbyeol.

Her eyes widened as she stared at me intently.

“Have you been well?”

Startled by my single question, she abruptly stood up from her seat. The subsequent action was only natural.

The binding rope in Hanbyeol’s hand.
I didn’t know when she had obtained it, but in an instant, it wrapped around my body.

Hanbyeol moved with genuine intent, and a doll-like figure sparkled like lightning before my eyes.
In a flash, my body was ensnared.

“…Huh.”

The reaction was different from what I had imagined.