Chapter 7 – Responsibility Without Pleasure (2)

“We can’t do that. No matter how many talented students there are, if we group the elite cadets together in one class, the Woodpecker Association will surely object, claiming discrimination, don’t you think?”
“But the gap in skill among this year’s cadets is particularly wide. Those students deserve a more suitable education.”

The educator who argued against an advanced class frowned, seemingly displeased with the suggestion.

“Still, having an advanced class… It’s a bit much.”
“Do you intend to waste the potential of the most promising cadets?”
“That’s not what I’m saying!”

The atmosphere in the meeting room heats up as the debate intensifies. This issue should have been resolved long ago. After all, the ‘advanced class’ system was abolished a decade prior, settling the matter once and for all.

“In the past, the gap in abilities among students was small, so there was no need for specialized training classes. But isn’t the situation different now? Just consider the students Jung Si-woo and Cornus, for example.”

Jung Si-woo, Cornus.
These two exceptional individuals stand out among a generation rich in talent, so much so that they are referred to as the ‘Green Generation.’

Upon hearing their names, the teachers nodded in agreement.

“Well, Cadet Jung Si-woo is to become the spouse of the ‘World Tree,’ after all. If we have him, perhaps dissatisfaction will subside.”
“Indeed… Cornus’ father also occupies a significant position within the Woodman Association.”

As the conversation took a positive turn, the teacher who initially objected pressed the bridge of his nose as if irritated.

At that moment:

“It’s fine.”

A clear voice echoed from the center of the meeting room.

“It’s only natural that the one to become the spouse of the esteemed World Tree cannot receive the same education as mediocrity. Proceed as planned with the Korean branch.”

At the heart of the meeting, she sat poised on a massive desk, her knees crossed, and presented the solution.

Principal Angelica.
The Lion of the World Tree, guardian of justice.

Only the supreme being, the World Tree itself, could disregard her words, and the teachers had no choice but to bow their heads.

“I came to the Korean branch of L Academy because I heard there was someone who would become the World Tree’s spouse. I am pleased to see such an abundance of talent.”
“Thank you, Principal.”
“I shall leave now. Is there anything else?”

As the general manager nodded, one supervisor raised his hand.

“Excuse me… there is one student on hold.”

Bewildered gazes from the teachers turned towards the supervisor.

‘Are you utterly clueless!?’

It was a situation that couldn’t help but evoke such thoughts. Angelica approached the supervisor with a sly grin.

“Who might it be?”
“…Lee Si-heon, a prospective student. He competed against Jung Si-woo.”

“Oh, how pitiful. So what? Is there any issue in having a match with the top student of the school year?”
“No. Prospective cadet Lee Si-heon had a few exchanges of swordplay with cadet Jeong Si-woo.”

Angelica rested her ample bosom on her folded arms and inquired of the person in charge.

“Is that such a remarkable feat?”
“…No. Since it was conducted without magic, there would be quite a few students among the current enrollees who can engage in a few bouts with cadet Jeong Si-woo.”
“Then why the delay? Please explain.”

The supervisor touched the front of his suit and began to speak.

“When I observed the event, the way he held the sword and his swinging motions appeared as though he was wielding a sword for the first time. It seems he possesses a unique trait, so we need to keep an eye on him.”
“Wielding a sword for the first time? Then why is he at the academy?”

The supervisor could not answer Angelica’s obvious question.
In reality, to enroll in the academy, one must learn swordsmanship and magic from an early age.
That is why the academy is referred to as the school for nobles.

For this reason, fewer people enrolled in the academy.

“…I believe it’s an awakening. The reason for coming to the academy as well. Otherwise, there would be no reason to apply for admission.”

The supervisor finally provided his answer.
An Awakener.
Individuals with high potential abilities related to growth inherently develop unique characteristics.

“An Awakener.”

Angelica drew out her words.
Awakeners had been esteemed figures across generations.

“Can you take responsibility for that? If admitted, he won’t be expelled before even taking the midterm exams, right?”
“…”

The supervisor, Mansejeok, could say nothing.
He had no intention of gambling with his own teaching career.
However, anyone who had witnessed the confrontation firsthand would have understood Mansejeok’s words.

From clumsy footwork and foolish stances to awkward breaths.
Yet, prospective cadet Lee Si-heon demonstrated strangely remarkable movements. Even Jung Si-woo was astonished by his extraordinary physical prowess.

“…”
“Will you answer?”

“Principal! It’s the first time the Mansejeok Supervisor has handled the admissions department’s work. If we could just let this one go…”

The beleaguered general manager rubbed his hands together and beseeched Angelica for forgiveness.

Mansejeok pondered.

‘If what I witnessed was true, that unattractive child could become a remarkable hero.’

It had been quite some time since Mansejeok last saw a cadet with such a promising future, so he decided to speak up. However, he never imagined that his words would turn into a metaphorical shovel, digging his own grave. It would have been better to keep quiet.

“I will take responsibility. It will work out. That student.”
“Mansejeok Supervisor!”
“Hmm?”

Normally, he would have held his tongue.
Who wouldn’t have restrained their words in this situation, with the principal standing before them?
He didn’t possess enough loyalty to push for a cadet whose face he didn’t even know.

“Why?”

And yet, the reason he spoke up was simply –

“Because I became an A-grade hero like that.”

It reminded him of his own distant past.

“…”
“…”

Silence enveloped the conference room.

The superintendent and the teachers each cast worried glances at the adjacent seats.

The silence was ultimately broken by none other than Lee Se-Young.

“It seems acceptable. Allow them admission. However, if their grades falter, they will be expelled.”

Sweat trickled down Se-Young’s face as she cautiously raised her hand.

* * * * *

[I passed! Hand over the tree ring.]
“How did you find out my phone number?”
[Do you really think it’s that difficult to acquire the contact information of incoming students?]

An unexpected call came through on Baekju-daero, revealing itself to be a pressing call from Lee Se-Young.

“Your temper is rather short, teacher.”
[Don’t call me teacher. I’m a second-year instructor, you know?]
“Regardless, I can give you the tree ring, but in return, I need some information. Compile a list of the admitted students, identify the promising talents, and bring it to me.”
[What? Are you joking?!]
“No, seriously. It’s not too much to ask. You know my home address, right? Oh, and on your way, please bring some pizza. Sweet potato shrimp pizza would be great.”

[…Insane. Understood.]

Se-Young surprisingly complied and hung up the phone.

‘What’s up with this person? The last time we met, they were so eager to devour me.’

I had no idea. There must have been a reason. I lay down and stared at the ceiling.

“I’ve been admitted. I’ve received compensation.”

The moldy ceiling was reminiscent of the one in the rented room I’d lived in before. The only things that had changed were me and the world.

“I’ve found a purpose.”

Collect the wooden seals and complete the encyclopedia. Then, strike the World Tree with a single blow. Considering there was no reaction from the World Tree or the status window when I adopted this mindset, they seemed to be unaware of my plan.

‘It could be that they’re pretending not to know… but that would be too depressing.’

For a while, I intended to focus on gathering information and honing my skills. There was just so much I didn’t know. Researching on the internet had its limitations, so I needed someone to provide me with more specialized information.

“World Tree of Purity, can you tell me a little about this world?”

【 The World Tree of Purity shakes its head. 】

“Incompetent wretch.”

【 The World Tree of Purity makes a sorrowful face. 】

As always with the World Tree of Purity, it comes rushing when called, but it couldn’t really help me.

“So when will the love of the World Tree of Purity arrive?”

The love of the World Tree of Purity, the reward for this entrance quest.
It merely promised that it would arrive someday and then ran away.

Still, the experience of the quest wasn’t meaningless.
That’s because I was able to acquire some knowledge after reading books in a library near the Korean branch of El Academy.

‘World Tree’

In the previously mentioned N-1 district, five world trees form the roots of this planet.

[Justice], [Diligence], [Resilience], [Sacrifice], [Prosperity].

The world trees that govern each concept are revered as god-like beings in this world, and it is said that dozens of world trees exist beneath them.

In essence, there exists a hierarchy among the trees.

[Five Great World Trees] > [World Tree] > [Spirits and Saints] > [Elders] > [Old Trees] > [Holy Trees] > [Nomadic Trees]

To simplify, it could be summarized as such.
Only trees imbued with the World Tree’s energy are acknowledged within this ranking system. Ordinary trees do not receive such esteemed treatment.

The distinction between a wood-person and a tree is… merely a matter of evolution. The class of wood-people, an amalgamation of trees and humans, is considered nobility in the human world.
It’s akin to a divine lineage. It’s said that the first wood-person was born to a woman who had once made rice cakes with the World Tree.

‘The typical logic of a king.’

Those with vested interests, donning the cloak of God’s representatives.

Whether they used their power for sustenance or other purposes, it was not my concern. My sole focus was on returning to my original world.

What does pique my interest is the World Tree of Purity.
She? He? Regardless, this World Tree of Purity does not belong to the category of the Five Great World Trees.

The second in rank in this world. Not a Brahmin in the caste system, but more akin to a Kshatriya.

‘Yet the problem is that nobody knows about the World Tree of Purity.’

When I surreptitiously asked the librarian, the reaction was incredulous, as if I were spouting nonsense. It’s evident that this tree is an obscure one. A wretched woman who only knows how to rot her husband’s insides.

‘Even if I ponder ways to gain honor, if this world remains ignorant of the World Tree of Purity, there’s nothing to benefit from.’

If I were to appear, proclaiming myself the husband of the hidden World Tree! I’d be undoubtedly met with disdain. I’d likely be treated as a fraud. This world is sensitive to such things.

It seems I’ll have to live quietly for some time.

– Ding-dong!

The bell rings just then.
When I opened the door, wondering if Se-Young had already arrived, I saw a man holding a delivery box.

“Are you Lee Si-heon?”
“Yes.”
“This is an item entrusted to the Tree Corporation under your name. Please take it.”

With his hat pulled down, he handed me the box in an emotionless voice and left.

*Thud!*

Upon closing the door and entering the room, I unpacked the box to reveal a light green seed inside.

What is this?

As I took out the seed and brought it closer to my eyes, the hologram window reacted first.

============================
▶Love of the World Tree (?)
[Category: Miscellaneous]
– The seed conceived by The World Tree of Purity.
============================

Reading the information, I couldn’t help but let out a dumbfounded sound.

“What?”

I regained my composure and carefully read the text again.

– The seed conceived by the World Tree.

“What is conception?”

【It means to carry a child. Pregnancy. The pure term is ‘pregnancy’.】

“No, I wasn’t asking about that right now.”

After pondering for a long time, I eventually had no choice but to give up on understanding the situation. So, to sum up my current predicament:

“The World Tree entrusted a child to me. This insane World Tree.”

A deep frustration arose within me.