The Elven Forest.

After Yelena left with the elves, the place was completely empty. If there was one thing left, it was,

The World Tree.

Only that one mysterious, giant tree, said to have lived for long ages, stood tall in the middle of a plain devoid of the forest's trees.

"Here we are."

Tia de Mezelia.

She had overcome the numerous traps set in the elven forest and arrived here.

"Nael."

Behind her was none other than Nael, the leader of the beast-kin.

"......"

Nael's expression was lifeless.

It was thanks to Tia's efforts that Nael, who had become her enemy, had followed her this far.

After regaining consciousness in the barracks, Tia had told the enraged Nael the most important fact.

—If Elhaen takes Clay's body, everything will be over anyway.

What was important to Nael was the 'returned Clay'. If it wasn't Clay, there was no point even if he had returned.

—Neville is helping Elhaen take Clay's body. We have to get rid of him first, together.

Nael was wary of Tia. After all, she had been subdued by her and was lying in the barracks.

But if they wanted to kill her, either Beatrice or Tia could have done so at any time. Realizing that fact, she reluctantly accepted reality, though with a displeased expression.

And the fact that the biggest threat to Clay right now was Neville.

"...Tia."

Even though she had recovered to some extent and gotten up, her body was not yet back to normal.

Having broken through the traps of the elven forest in such a body, Nael was in a very tired state.

"Can we really obtain the power of the World Tree?"

Nevertheless, the reason she cooperated with Tia's journey was solely because of the talk that she could gain the power to face Neville.

"Yes, probably."

Tia said, looking at Nael.

"If things go as planned, you'll be able to recover your body more completely too."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"But why didn't you bring the elves with you? If you had let them join the journey, it would have been more helpful in breaking through the traps."

"If we activate the World Tree, we can make the elves more elite for sure. But until then, they're not strong enough to get through the traps here without casualties."

At that answer, Nael let out a groan.

"Is there a reason why the elves would suffer that much damage even though it's the elven forest?"

"The place where the World Tree is is on a different level from just wandering through the elven forest."

The two had already realized that difference on their way here. The closer they got to the World Tree, the more various plant monsters appeared and blocked their path.

Moreover, those monsters were as strong as the executive-level members of the Demon King's army. If Tia hadn't received the strategy guide in advance from the personnel in charge of the elves' key information, she might have been seriously injured.

"Even if you know the strategy, you need that much ability to enter. To move around safely, you need both."

"Alright, I understand."

At Tia's words, Nael sighed and nodded.

"I get it, so I hope we can get to the World Tree quickly. I need to finish what I have to do and go get Clay."

"Yes."

As she answered, Nael moved her body sluggishly. Tia stared at her.

'She seems to be out of her mind.'

Clay had returned to Barungenia. Even if they were to meet again, the Demon King's army would have already completed its reorganization.

Even if Nael tried to take him, it probably wouldn't happen.

'She could be torn apart by the Four Demon General.'

It was as clear as day that the Four Demon General wouldn't stand by, even if Clay didn't step forward.

Nevertheless, Nael thought that if she went to the World Tree and received its power, everything would work out well.

'No, I wonder if she's even thinking properly...'

It seemed she was so focused on bringing back Clay, who had recovered his former body, that she couldn't see anything else.

'Well, it doesn't matter.'

After all, it was because Nael was like that that Tia was able to bring her here. Thanks to that, she was able to preserve the elves and overcome the trials she faced on her way to the World Tree without overexerting herself.

"Let's go together, Nael."

Tia hurriedly followed after her, running the remaining distance to the World Tree.

***

♧

"This is the World Tree."

Nael, who had arrived at her destination, looked up at the World Tree and let out a sound of admiration.

"So this is the divine tree of the elves."

Branches full of golden leaves. The trunk, harder and larger than the pillars of the imperial palace, stood with its roots spread far and wide as if stretching its legs on the ground.

Every time the wind blew, a five-colored heat haze flowing from the World Tree embroidered the empty air.

It was a sight that could make one feel ecstatic just by looking at it.

"Tia."

But such things didn't seem to be of much interest to Nael.

"I hope we can receive the power of the World Tree quickly."

She was only concerned with fully recovering her physical condition through the World Tree.

"First, we need to have a little talk."

Tia said, as if to calm her down.

"Please wait a moment while I speak with the World Tree."

"Alright."

Nael plopped down nearby.

"If possible, I hope you can finish quickly."

Tia looked at her for a moment, then turned her head towards the World Tree.

'World Tree.'

Although it was called the divine tree of the elves, it was in fact a tree that was also called a being that represented the entirety of this world's nature.

Yelena was said to have been able to converse with the World Tree, but even Tia didn't know what was said.

Tia let out a slight sigh and approached the World Tree, extending her hand.

As her hand touched the giant trunk of the World Tree, a light condensed slightly before spreading out.

A sensation transmitted through her palm. It was a kind of sensation Tia had never felt before.

『Child.』

"!"

A voice was heard. The moment Tia lifted her head, a wide, empty plain unfolded before her eyes.

"Nael?"

Her figure was nowhere to be seen. Not even the World Tree.

『You seem confused.』

The voice was heard again. Tia, turning her gaze, was able to find a single woman.

"You are..."

Pointed elf ears. She had blonde hair and blue eyes like Tia, but the clothes she wore were just a simple white one-piece dress.

『I tried to imitate your appearance.』

"My appearance...?"

『Should I call it the heart of one who is not an elf, yet tries to use the divine tree of the elves?』

The woman smiled slightly.

But Tia couldn't smile. Because she felt the sting in those words.

"I'm sorry. This wasn't how I wanted to meet you."

『It's alright. I've heard a lot from Yelena. Shall we sit for a moment?』

As soon as she spoke, two tree stumps appeared side by side. At the words of the woman, the World Tree, Tia sat down on one of the tree stumps.

『From what I hear, it seems there's a problem with the Hero of this world.』

"That is..."

『You don't have to speak with so much worry. After all, I know everything about you trying to use Yelena.』

At those words, Tia held her breath. The fact that she had used Yelena and the elves, she had never expected the divine tree to appear in this form and point it out, so her heart sank.

『The elves revered me, so it is true that I am their divine tree, but I am not only their divine tree.』

The World Tree said, as if reading Tia's mind.

『I am also the guardian of this entire world. Though I myself doubt whether I have the ability to be one.』

"I came to borrow your power."

Tia managed to spit out the words.

"I don't know how much you know, but the one who was the Hero is in danger right now. I must save him."

『From Elhaen, you mean?』

At that question, Tia wore a surprised expression.

"You really know all..."

『I know. I have no choice but to.』

The World Tree extended its hand and took Tia's hand.

『Because you are now conveying your heart to me.』

Light leaked from their clasped hands. Tia was then able to realize what state she was in.

"I've been touching your body this whole time."

『Yes, your friend outside will only see you like that.』

In short, this place was the spiritual world of the World Tree, and only Tia's spirit had been summoned here.

"Can you lend me your power?"

Whether the World Tree read her memories at will or not was a matter of no concern to Tia.

"I don't think my current power will be enough."

『Probably not.』

The World Tree tilted its head.

『Elhaen does not belong to this world, but instead possesses a great power from outside this world. He is a god of a different domain from me or the other ancient gods.』

That was an outer god.

『But aren't you also receiving the favor of an outer god other than him?』

"I did become his saintess through a sacred object, but..."

『Yes, you must feel that even that is not enough.』

The World Tree wore a thoughtful expression for a moment.

『Then do you wish for the power to fight him from me?』

"Yes."

There was nothing else to say.

"I want that power."

『Then you must not think of dying.』

"Pardon?"

『To think of disappearing with Nael after killing only the puppet named Neville, I'm not so sure if that's right.』

At the World Tree's pointing out, Tia flinched.

'I...'

Beatrice had said it. That it was the path for Clay.

That was why she had planned to eliminate Neville and exit this stage with Nael.

All for the sake of easing Clay's pain.

『If it were me, I think I would go to the end.』

The World Tree said.

『Your existence has become a great burden to the Hero Clay anyway. You have become beings he loved but could only hate. Clay himself might have wanted to forgive you. But, it just didn't work out, I suppose. No matter how hard he tried.』

People are sometimes caught between conflicting emotions. Which one would prevail, even the person themselves sometimes cannot decide.

『From what I see, the Hero's suffering seems to have the name of sadness.』

That could only make that person miserable.

『Even if the outcome of what you can do for that person is set, I hope you can think a little more about how to face the end.』

Because he has to live on after this.

『Now, I think that's enough of the old-fashioned lecturing. No matter how long I've lived, I too am full of things I don't know. Just a single tree stuck in the ground, watching the affairs of the world.』

She looked at Tia's eyes intently.

『What I can give you, is only my life force.』

In other words, lifespan.

『It is a power I have been saving for my own longevity, but it seems I too have found a place where I want to use this power.』

She said, looking at Tia, who was shedding tears without realizing it.

『Take it, child.』

The power for sadness.

C(End of Chapter)