CHAPTER 1333: CHAPTER 711: RANGER AND FOREST GODDESS

His unconventional development philosophy enthralled the Tree Spirits, leaving them captivated and in awe.

Because this teaching aligns remarkably closely with the doctrine advocated by the Forest Queen, Melikai’s reputation among humans and other non-natural beings has even surpassed that of her father, the Natural God Sylvanus, due to her relatively gentle teachings.

She believes that all intelligent beings can coexist harmoniously with nature without mutual destruction; there’s no need to fear the wilderness—it should be embraced. The way of the wild is not inherently evil.

She regards even non-natural intelligent beings as a part of nature. In many wilderness areas, Melikai’s Rangers often serve as the only line of defense against peril. Many believe that her priests and followers are more willing to seek a balance between the development of civilization and the protection of nature than Sylvanus’ followers and the elves who bury their heads in the sand within the forests.

Though this perspective may not necessarily be correct and doesn’t apply to all Melikai followers.

But she undeniably serves as a crucial buffer among the Natural Deities who place a higher emphasis on nature, effectively preventing the outbreak of further wars.

"I originally planned to observe you more before revealing myself. It seems I was overthinking—your foresight in harmonious development surpasses even mine."

The Tree Spirit Queen Radanaxi radiated a brilliant green light, and a young maiden stepped forward with graceful yet agile strides.

Her golden hair was adorned with elegant ornaments woven from green leaves and golden moss. She wore a flowing yellow-green gauze gown, and her beauty rivaled that of Lord Virginia and the Tree Spirit Queen. Yet the confidence she exuded from within was unmatched, as though nothing in the world could daunt her.

"Your Majesty!"

"Lady!"

Not only did the Tree Spirits bow in reverence to her, but even Gaven and Lord Virginia promptly followed suit.

For she was the protector of all woodland creatures, the Daughter of Nature, and the Divine Nature Incarnation of the Forest Queen Melikai.

Throughout, she had been dormant within Radanaxi’s body, like a possessing spirit, hearing what she heard, seeing what she saw, smelling what she smelled.

Her appearance here did not surprise Gaven or Lord Virginia.

Whether it was dealing with Magla’s totem incarnation as the God of the Hunt or addressing the Dragon Oak Mother Tree’s current condition, it was a great honor for her to intervene. It was evident her attention on the Dragon Oak Mother Tree was longstanding—this much was clear from Radanaxi’s prior knowledge of Gaven’s name.

In Felen, no messenger surpasses the gods themselves. When they notice a matter, their followers inevitably grant it significant focus.

Gaven, now experienced in dealing with gods, no longer focused on glorifying them. He simply concentrated on his work, and when his actions within their divine domain became worthy enough, they would naturally appear.

Melikai was clearly a prime example of this phenomenon.

The Divine Nature Incarnation of the Forest Queen was far from comparable to those of Lady Strategy or the God of the Hunt.

Lady Strategy, having recently ascended, possessed only feeble divine power and a third-level divinity.

The God of the Hunt was somewhat stronger; he barely retained minor divine power and wielded a sixth- to seventh-level divinity. However, he had recently stolen the Blue Bear Totem Spirit from Uthgar and had yet to fully absorb and integrate it into his own strength, rendering him weaker even than Lady Strategy’s incarnate avatar.

In contrast, the Forest Queen and Ranger Goddess, being established intermediate divine powers, wielded at least a thirteenth- or fourteenth-level divinity. Her descended Divine Nature Incarnation alone was likely more powerful than the true forms of the aforementioned gods.

Under the boundless natural power she faintly emanated, even the Dragon Oak Mother Tree paled like stars beside the moon, dim and insignificant.

The Dragon Oak Mother Tree, no matter how mighty, was merely a tree—a tree supported by ten thousand souls.

Melikai represented the forests—not just those in Felen or Toril, but those in the Fairy Wilderness and other planes across the Multiverse. She sheltered billions of living beings and commanded the faith of hundreds of millions.

How could the two possibly compare?

Even if she had descended merely as a Divine Nature Incarnation.

"There’s no need for formalities." Melikai smiled and nodded toward Gaven and Lord Virginia. "You’ve created something remarkable. Now, you’re being watched not only by me; many hold high expectations for you and your Mother Tree. I hope you stay true to your original intentions and use it in the most appropriate direction."

What the Forest Queen referred to was, of course, the Dragon Oak Dream Realm and the Dragon Oak Mother Tree.

Even if the Natural Deities hadn’t originally paid attention to the Dragon Oak Mother Tree, the moment it was activated on Darama’s side and crushed Moando’s Divine Root with a single blow, they couldn’t ignore it any longer.

Previously, they had refrained from intervening, likely wanting to see how far Gaven and his companions could proceed with their own capabilities.

This had always been the prevailing attitude among the Natural Deities.

To put it kindly, it was "effortless harmony." To express it harshly, it was "cold indifference."

Unless nature was intentionally and wantonly destroyed, they wouldn’t intervene directly.

"We plan to transform the Dragon Oak Mother Tree into the vanguard army against Dark Power, fully utilizing its purification functions against decay, corruption, and rot. When and where there is need, we shall deploy it. If possible, I hope to help our Mother Tree seize the Corruption Priesthood. Since you preside over the Autumn Divinity, Lady, you should know best that natural decay is an essential component in the cycle of life. I hope to dedicate that honor to you at the appropriate time."