Chapter 63 ….
I wandered around Centa, sightseeing and performing the peacekeeping duties of a dove.
In the meantime, I also sent instructions via telecommunication to Austin Gerard, Kalebrin, Kardil, and Yelena.
The plan was perfect. If everything went according to plan, there would be no problem in my journey toward the World Tree.
And soon, the day to head to Elar’s Tear arrived.
Preparation was complete.
“This is your elf guide who will lead you to Elar’s Tear.”
It was Erendor, whom I hadn’t seen in quite a while. It was probably only the second time since our first meeting. Thanks to sharing plans via telecommunication, our sense of familiarity was almost on par with Yelena.
“Hello. I’m Inspector Erendor. Pleased to meet you!”
Kardil, Yelena, Kalebrin, the accompanying attendants, and some high-ranking representatives from Centa exchanged greetings.
No one corrected his casual tone. Not only was it not the time to do so, but anyone who looked at the greatsword on his back and his muscular arms would swallow any impulse to speak up.
“Are you really an elf?”
A young representative of Centa’s officials asked. Was he fearless, or just utterly naïve?
Erendor tilted his head slightly, raised one side of his mouth in a wry smile, and then answered boldly:
“If you’re asking whether I’m an elf… well, yes, I am. The only reason I can pass through this barrier is because I’m an elf. But wouldn’t it be better for you to be a little more grateful? The exalted elves refused this entire delegation’s request for a sightseeing visit—every single one of them.”
Erendor mocked them with exaggeration.
“Oh, though I don’t think you want me to say all this.”
“Uh-huh… hmm. Why are you clearing your throat so much? Do you have more to say? Hmm… maybe I should speak first? Seems like you want to say something.”
The atmosphere became tense, yet no one stopped him. While the Empire’s side was in a difficult position to intervene, I hadn’t expected Centa to remain silent too.
‘Erendor is this highly respected? No one dares to speak? And even if elves are proud, they wouldn’t refuse all of Centa’s invitations…’
It seemed that trouble had struck Centa as well.
“You wanted to say something like, ‘Why is a half-blood fused with an elf here…?’”
“Th-That’s impossible.”
“Hmm. Right? Someone as well-educated as you wouldn’t say such a thing. Ah… I misunderstood again. One more misunderstanding, and boom—!”
Erendor spread his hands like he was making a playful roar at a child.
The young official gulped in fear. Erendor, however, crossed his arms, shifted his weight casually, and sneered.
“…Or maybe I’ll throw you into that fierce elf forest? Actually, elves don’t live there. It’s purely symbolic, like an old castle left empty and used just for tourism. That’s why there are lots of wild animals, monsters that come from above—and the barrier doesn’t just keep out poachers but also wild creatures. That’s why elves avoid serving as guides. Haha.”
Everyone became solemn at his explanation. An old, weary Centan stepped out, locked eyes briefly with Erendor, shrugged, and stepped back a few paces.
“Yes… as Erendor explained… the Elf Forest is dangerous. While the barrier was said to be set to prevent illegal harvesting… the real reason is that no one has the capability to manage this vast, dense wilderness properly…”
A rusty voice, and he glanced at me. He wanted something. Those with desires are easy to manipulate. I looked at him with a pitying gaze. Not the time.
“So everyone, please refrain from acting individually… stay with Erendor… he is not only a ‘guide’ but also serves as a ‘guard’…”
Erendor yawned openly, seemingly unbothered by everyone’s attention, and clapped his hands twice.
“Well then, let’s go enjoy the great outdoors.”
After a short walk, a grassland dotted with enormous stones appeared. They must be the barrier stones.
The real thing was far more impressive than what I had seen on the monitor. My heart raced. Since we would also see Elar’s Tear, I resolved to enjoy the waterfall as well. Who knew when I might return here again.
“Hold hands. Quickly. Don’t hesitate. Those holding hands are considered ‘companions’ by the system.”
Kalebrin held my right hand; Kardil held my left.
The Centans and the Empire’s representatives held hands like a circle dance. Finally, Erendor took Yelena’s hand and led us toward the barrier stones.
A shiver ran through me. I felt a translucent wall brush past, like invisible spider silk in midsummer.
Soon, everyone had entered the field: [Elf Forest: Recommended Lv. 20~30].
It was as if the game had come to life. I tried to restrain my excitement, appearing only mildly intrigued, like a noble who had lived only within the Empire.
‘Wow, if there were no quests, this would be perfect. This really is a fantasy world.’
Flowers of unknown species bloomed in abundance, butterflies fluttered around, trees bore glass-like fruits, and leaves glimmered like stained glass—it was breathtaking.
Thud. Thud.
“What’s that sound?”
Yelena, wary, placed her hand at her waist. Erendor, unfazed, walked ahead with a cheerful Ifrit.
“It’s just an animal. Don’t provoke it. As long as it’s herbivorous, it won’t attack first.”
Did you know? Rhinos and elephants can kill humans. Even a giraffe’s kick can kill a lion.
Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.
Terrified by the approaching sound, the Centans huddled close behind Erendor.
“Are you sure it won’t attack?”
“…As long as you stay still, it won’t.”
Erendor seemed irritated by the repeated questioning.
The dense trees parted like waves, revealing the source of the heavy steps—a Giant Tree.
A monster straight from a game. I felt the excitement I had when first entering the Elf Forest once more.
To see it in person! No wonder the ground shook. Even the vibrations reached my legs.
Everyone watched in awe. Erendor, apparently thinking it better to pause and observe, stood still.
The walking tree bore what looked like a human face carved into its trunk—reminding me briefly of a criminal I had once condemned to become a tree.
But that was the past. This was now. My mental resilience wasn’t weak enough to falter.
Moss and mushrooms dotted the Giant Tree. Unlike its size, it moved slowly.
Then, spotting some insects flitting through the flowers—prehistoric-like creatures—it swiftly extended a branch to skew and kill them like impaling on a skewer.
The Giant Tree consumed the insects, while the faint-hearted Centan officials squealed like pigs.
“Didn’t you say it was herbivorous?!”
“Well, it eats bugs but not animals,” Erendor replied nonchalantly, picking his ear.
“If it can kill such big bugs, it could probably kill us too!”
Why even come along if you’re going to be scared? Apparently, the young noble ladies clung to me, expecting miracles before reaching Centa.
“Don’t be fooled—it’s intelligent enough not to attack recklessly. Knows the strong from the weak. That’s why I told you not to leave my side, yet you never believe me,” Erendor said like an older uncle. Indeed, he must have been in his sixties by elf standards. Even half-elves could look that age; elves’ average lifespan is around a thousand years.
The tree glanced at the noisy group, then, noticing Erendor, turned and disappeared back into the forest.
Thud… thud… thud…
As the vibrations and footsteps faded, the group realized how foolish they had been in front of a sage.
“Ah… Traveler, earlier…”
“I don’t mind. It’s natural for life to tremble in fear when threatened, provided there’s instinct,” I said.
The Centans smiled broadly. Despite the racial differences, the corruption among their elites seemed similar to the Empire’s.
Erendor briefly looked at me before continuing silently into the forest.
The others conversed quietly and followed him. Even those who subtly resented him obediently trailed behind, like goldfish swimming in line.
I wanted to speak more with Erendor, but too many eyes were on us. The conversation would have to wait.
Deeper in the forest, spirits began to appear—some playful, riding on giant leaves like innocent children.
Spirits with intelligence—though not Ifrit-level, perhaps intermediate—whirled around Erendor, chattering.
Other animal- and insect-like spirits swarmed, yet only I, Erendor, and slightly displeased Kalebrin noticed.
-{Erendor! Long time no see!}
-{Erendor, Erendor, Erendor!}
-{Why are you here? Let’s play!}
The playful spirits spoke, but Erendor ignored them, walking silently. The ignored spirits became sad.
-{Erendor is ignoring us!}
-{It’s because of the humans nearby. Right?}
-{Let’s chase them away! Then he’ll play!}
-{Play! Play!}
He seemed quite familiar with spirits, much like having a contract with an Ifrit.
Soon, birds like glass filled with water sang. They passed in front of us, followed by a sudden rain. Surprised, the party screamed and tried to shield themselves. I accepted it quietly, my hair growing wet.
Erendor stopped, wiping his brow.
“Fine, fine. Damn it. I’ll play with you if you take me to Elar’s Tear, so cut out the tricks. My friends are scared.”
His words puzzled everyone. Only Kalebrin, sensitive to presences, and Kardil, indifferent unless it concerned a patient, were unbothered.
-{We’re friends too!}
-{Friends shouldn’t be bullied!}
Ifrit, also soaked, stamped tiny feet, causing the spirits to laugh uncontrollably.
I brushed my wet hair aside, clearing my vision.
“So damp…”
Beside me, soggy Kalebrin seemed to radiate dark frustration. But purification powers could not cleanse this pure water, leaving only Kalebrin feeling miserable.
“Ifrit, dry everyone,” Erendor commanded.
Ifrit flashed a spark and approached me. Yelena and Kardil’s eyes widened at the sight.
“Wow! Amazing!”
Yelena, like a child, welcomed Ifrit. As Ifrit circled me, my clothes and body dried instantly.
“Thank you, Ifrit.”
“Me too! Do me!”
Yelena, soaked, hopped joyfully.
Amused, Ifrit partially squinted its yellow eyes, covered its mouth with a tiny hand, and silently circled her, sparkling. Yelena beamed.
“Wow! It’s like magic, thank you!”
As Ifrit dried everyone, Erendor approached me quietly.
“Ah, you know Ifrit’s name, don’t you?”
Ah… damn. I had slipped up.
