Chapter 583

A massive serpent of flames coiled around the World Tree, so large it could be mistaken for a dragon. The once lush green land was half-burnt, littered with the charred bodies of elves. The clear blue sky, previously unmarred by a single cloud, was now fractured with dark cracks that threatened to collapse.

The elves fired white arrows and unleashed powerful spirit magic, but the serpent of flames ignored everything, sinking its fiery fangs into the World Tree.

Boom!

The mana barrier protecting the World Tree shattered, and crimson flames began to blaze from the right side of its trunk. As despair filled the elves’ eyes, a high elf who bore a striking resemblance to Sterin stepped forward. Though he seemed weary from fighting elsewhere, his eyes were sharp and fierce.

The high elf’s arrow, shot like a bolt of lightning, pierced the serpent’s mouth that was burning the World Tree. The serpent shrieked for the first time and recoiled from the World Tree, but the flames it left behind continued to burn both the interior and exterior of the tree.

As the high elf tried to approach the World Tree to extinguish the flames, a grotesque figure with spiral horns protruding from its forehead emerged from a crack in the sky. The monster, with its fiery red hair, conjured crimson flames that blocked the high elf’s path.

The high elf frowned and fired a white arrow at the monster, but his arrow melted in mid-air, unable to penetrate the monster’s flames. More figures in similar attire to the monster emerged from the crack, attacking the elves and empowering the fiery serpent.

The massive serpent coiled tightly around the World Tree once more, sinking its fangs deeper. The flames covering the tree grew even more intense, like a red paint spreading over it.

The high elf, already exhausted and desperate from the sight of his dying kin, made a single fatal mistake. The monster took advantage of it, and the high elf collapsed with a black hole in his abdomen.

The red-haired monster approached the World Tree with a mocking smile at the dying high elf. His followers scattered flames around, as if wishing to erase the entire space.

As the ground, rich with the energy of nature, turned into a hellish landscape and wailed in agony, the black sky split open, and brilliant golden flames poured down like the sun. The radiant golden flames surged forward with a mighty wind, engulfing the crimson flames and the monster’s followers in an instant.

An armored swordsman descended upon the split ground, now familiar to Raon. It was the ancestor of Zieghart.

Without a word, the ancestor pointed his sword at the monster. The monster, who had been brimming with confidence, twisted his mouth in a snarl.

The red-haired monster lunged at the ancestor, his hand wreathed in flames, but this time his attack was on a different level. Ten spheres of fire, burning in mid-air, fell like meteors towards the ancestor.

The Zieghart ancestor didn’t even glance at the descending fireballs. He focused solely on the monster, gripping his sword with a relaxed hand.

Bang!

The sword left his hand, transforming into an explosive golden light that pierced the monster’s heart and shattered the serpent’s head before embedding itself in the heart of the World Tree.

Now it was visible—an ethereal sword. The ancestor had infused his mental energy with destructive prowess and launched it like a spectral blade.

The monster looked down in disbelief at the hole in his chest before collapsing, and the serpent, headless, writhed before disintegrating into dust.

“I’m sorry.”

The ancestor murmured an apology to the dead elves as he approached the World Tree. He frowned at the charred and blackened base and roots of the dying tree.

“At this rate, it’ll die.”

As the ancestor said, the World Tree had suffered too great a blow. If the flames had only burned the exterior, it might have recovered on its own, but the serpent had drilled holes and burned the inside, leaving no apparent way to save it.

“This must be fate as well.”

The ancestor closed his eyes deeply before pulling out two orbs from what appeared to be a subspace pouch—one red and one blue. They looked like animal eggs or jewels, but they exuded pure natural energy unlike anything he had felt before.

The ancestor placed the orbs into the holes where the serpent had sunk its fangs and used the flames of mana to seal them.

“Live.”

He gently stroked the World Tree as he raised his gaze.

Woooong!

The World Tree seemed to respond to the ancestor’s touch, shaking its branches and leaves with a gentle hum. The surviving transparent leaves fluttered softly.

The ancestor caressed the World Tree for a while before standing up and turning around. His red eyes, filled with intensity, seemed to be staring directly at Raon.

As Raon leaned forward to get a closer look at the ancestor’s face, the Ring of Fire resonated once more, and his vision darkened.

“…Raon. Raon!”

“Ah….”

Raon lifted his head slowly at the sound of someone calling him.

“Didn’t you sleep last night? Why are you dozing off while standing?”

Rimmer chuckled, asking why Raon was spacing out like Runaan.

“Sorry.”

Raon wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and shook his head.

-Where did you wander off to this time?

Wrath latched onto his shoulder, his blue eyes narrowed.

‘I just saw the ancestor.’

-Nonsense!

Even though Raon told the truth, Wrath predictably turned his head in disbelief.

Raon chuckled and looked at the World Tree. Seeing it grow more majestically than in his memory, seemingly having forgotten the past blaze, he felt the ancestor’s greatness once again.

‘But who was that monster?’

Every time he saw the ancestor’s memories, there were these grotesque figures. Despite looking like demons with inverted black and white eyes, the aura they emitted was distinctly human.

‘And what were those orbs?’

The orbs that saved the dying World Tree and caused it to grow even larger—Raon was curious about what they were.

‘I wonder if they’re still inside?’

Considering that the orbs were left by the Zieghart ancestor and the World Tree had survived well, he wanted to retrieve them if possible.

“Ugh….”

While pondering how to find the orbs, he heard Rimmer sigh.

“There are some old fogeys.”

“What?”

“There are some typical elf fogeys over there.”

Rimmer pointed to a group of elves behind the World Tree. Eleven elderly elves, with wrinkles similar to Sterin’s, stood there, and behind them were young elves dressed as guardians.

“Who are they?”

“The Elders.”

Rimmer frowned as he saw the approaching elves.

“Ugh….”

Siyan, who had been hiding under her blanket, shuddered and let out a short groan. It seemed these elders had been the ones nagging and insulting her all this time.

“Greetings, Guardian.”

The blond elf standing in the center bowed to Sterin.

“Did you come ahead to prepare for the ritual?”

Sterin thanked them for arranging the purification ritual.

“It is our duty. However….”

The blond elder’s gaze shifted to Raon.

“Why is there a human here?”

His tone was not just of confusion but of open hostility.

“This is a sacred place for elves only. Humans are not allowed.”

“It will be fine. This human will become a Spirit King’s contractor.”

The answer didn’t come from Rimmer or Sterin, but from Erian, who stood behind the elders. He raised his fist, still insisting Raon was the Spirit King’s contractor.

“Erian.”

“Yes, Great Elder.”

Erian lowered his head proudly.

“I wasn’t asking you. Stay silent.”

“S-sorry.”

Erian trembled and stepped back at the Great Elder’s cold tone.

“Guardian.”

The Great Elder clicked his tongue and turned to Sterin.

“I’ll ask again. Why has a human been allowed into this sacred land?”

He cast a cold glare, questioning Sterin’s judgment.

“You know that humans tried to burn the World Tree!”

“Are you saying this child is the same as the humans who attacked Sephia?”

Sterin’s voice was calm, but his eyes narrowed.

“There is no difference! They’re all humans!”

The Great Elder shouted, but his eyes remained icy.

“I learned from the ancestors that humans nearly burned the World Tree!”

He pointed to the right base of the World Tree, where traces of the past flames still lingered.

“The Great Elder is correct.”

“Humans should not tread on this sacred ground.”

“Remove him at once!”

“Guardian!”

Other elders also shook their heads, unable to accept Raon’s presence.

Raon frowned at the obstinate elders.

‘The record wasn’t left.’

In the ancestor’s memories, he left without meeting anyone after saving the World Tree. It seemed his act of saving the tree wasn’t recorded in history.

“We accepted dealings with humans at the Guardian’s request, but not the World Tree. Absolutely not.”

The Great Elder stood firmly, blocking the path. From the conversation, it seemed Sterin had made a deal with the council to interact with humans.

“Hm….”

Sterin furrowed his brows, seemingly not expecting such resistance.

“How stingy.”

Rimmer stood next to Sterin, shaking his head.

“He’s my disciple. Can’t you just understand….”

“You’re a problem too.”

The Great Elder turned his sharp gaze to Rimmer.

“You’ve become a scoundrel influenced by humans, and you dare speak here?”

He glared at Rimmer with an even more piercing gaze than at Raon.

“This old bastard! Want to see what a real scoundrel is like?”

“Enough.”

Sterin stepped forward as Rimmer began to lose his temper.

“Is this everyone’s opinion?”

“Yes.”

The elders stood behind the Great Elder, supporting his stance.

“And….”

The Great Elder’s gaze shifted to Siyan, who stood next to Raon.

“Coming to this sacred space in such a state, how much will Siyan degrade the dignity of elves?”

“Uh….”

Siyan trembled under the sharp voice and presence of the Great Elder.

“First, remove this human and Rimmer from here. Siyan cannot enter in that state either.”

As the Great Elder’s gaze grew harsher, Siyan’s shoulders shook more violently.

“Are you challenging me?”

Sterin’s voice grew cold as his patience waned.

“Of course not. We only think of the prosperity of elves. Please reconsider.”

The Great Elder stepped back, gesturing with his hand. But the elders and other elves stood their ground, not backing down.

“Hm….”

“Commander.”

As Sterin pondered, Raon gestured to Rimmer.

“The guardian is like the head of a family or a king, right?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

“But there are many here who ignore the king.”

The playful tone mixed with mockery drew the elders’ and Sterin’s attention.

“What did you just say?”

“Think about it.”

Raon stepped forward, curling his lips.

“The Guardian told me two days ago he’d show me the World Tree. Other elves knew, so you elders must have known too. Yet, you didn’t object immediately but waited here to block the path. Isn’t that disrespecting the Guardian?”

“T-that’s….”

The elders averted their gaze, unable to refute.

“Even humans stop factional fights and show their best sides when guests come. But you esteemed elves only show your faults before a human.”

“That’s not… We….”

“Oh, none of that matters.”

Raon cut off the Great Elder mid-sentence.

-Here it is. Interrupting speech!

Wrath frowned, watching Raon.

-It’s the most infuriating technique!

He grumbled, saying it was the most annoying when Raon cut off excuses.

“I just find your words laughable.”

“Laughable?”

The Great Elder’s brows knitted deeply. His fierce presence seemed to slash through Raon.

“If you don’t speak clearly, you won’t even be treated as a guest.”

He frowned, genuinely angry.

“Great Elder!”

“Wait.”

As Sterin tried to intervene, Rimmer raised his hand.

“Trust him. He’s got a plan.”

Rimmer smiled, saying Raon didn’t act without a reason.

“R-right.”

Siyan, too, mumbled to trust him, recalling what she read.

“Hmph….”

Sterin crossed his arms and stepped back, listening to his grandchildren.

“Think about it. Who guaranteed that the World Tree belongs to the elves? I think it likes me more than you.”

“You must be out of your mind. I’ve served the World Tree since I could crawl. I devoted my life to it, though not as a high elf. How dare you spout such nonsense!”

The Great Elder scoffed, calling Raon’s words ridiculous.

“The World Tree closed its heart for centuries after humans burned it.”

He turned to the World Tree, his voice growing gentle.

“But after countless elves’ efforts, it started to open up again a hundred years ago.”

As the Great Elder placed his hand on the World Tree, its branches shook, emitting a clear mana. The rich scent of mana filled the air, as if transforming the world.

“Do you think you can handle the World Tree better than I?”

He shook his head, saying it was impossible.

“Leave immediately….”

“How about a wager?”

“A wager?”

“Yes.”

Raon stood next to the Great Elder, looking up at the World Tree. He nodded at the tree that humans had tried to destroy and save.

“What if I can draw a stronger reaction from the World Tree than you?”

“Hah!”

The Great Elder chuckled, finding the idea absurd.

“You’re insane….”

“What arrogance from someone who just saw the World Tree today!”

“Is he really the dragon slayer who defeated Kaibar? Or just a crazy human?”

Other elders and elves frowned, finding it laughable.

“If I lose, I’ll leave with Rimmer and never return.”

Raon smiled faintly, offering the elders what they wanted.

“Hey, hey! Why involve me in your wager!”

Rimmer, who had been supportive, now looked alarmed. But Sterin remained silent, maintaining his initial trust.

“Will you keep your word?”

“Of course.”

“Fine. If the World Tree accepts you, I’ll grant you anything you desire.”

The Great Elder twisted his lips, confident that the World Tree wouldn’t accept Raon.

“My conditions are twofold. First, I want the fruit of the Mountain Spirit.”

“You reveal your greed.”

The Great Elder scoffed, as if expecting this.

“And second, you and the elders must kneel and apologize to me, Siyan, and the Guardian for your rudeness.”

“What?”

“How dare you!”

The elders widened their eyes, shocked by the demand.

“Fine.”

The Great Elder smirked.

“It’s not going to happen anyway. Say whatever you want.”

“Then I’ll add one more condition later.”

Raon whispered, looking like he had caught something valuable, raising his finger.

“M-me?”

Rimmer looked puzzled, seeing all the names mentioned except his own.

Raon walked calmly towards the World Tree. He touched the spot where the color hadn’t fully returned—the area the Zieghart ancestor had placed the orbs and caressed.

‘Humans tried to destroy you, but also saved you.’

He gently stroked the area, channeling the mana and Ring of Fire like the ancestor, trying to awaken the tree’s memory. But the World Tree remained still, not responding.

“See?”

“The World Tree won’t accept a mere human.”

“Rimmer, prepare to leave.”

The elders and elves laughed, seeing no reaction from the World Tree.

“Guardian, it’s unfortunate.”

The Great Elder, though his words were polite, wore a crescent smile.

“The human you favored has trampled on your kindness with his greed. Humans are inherently like that.”

“…”

Sterin silently watched Raon’s back.

“Guards.”

The Great Elder flicked his hand. Guardians stepped forward.

“Remove that human, Rimmer, and Siyan. Expel them from Sephia entirely….”

As the Great Elder spoke, a transparent leaf fluttered down.

“Hm?”

As the Great Elder looked up, the World Tree spread its majestic aura and shook its branches. The tree’s resonance, like a clear sword song, soared to the sky, filled with longing and gratitude.

“W-what is this!”

“Oh….”

“The World Tree is resonating….”

The elves’ mouths gaped in astonishment at the World Tree’s brilliant blue light.

“Uh….”

The Great Elder’s eyes bulged as Raon turned around.

“What are you doing? Kneel.”

He curled his lips thinly, gesturing with his chin.

“Kneel.”