Chapter 176
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The group arrived at the deepest roots of the World Tree.
According to the guide fairys words, the formal name of this place is the Immortals Realm.
It is said to be the place where Laplace first planted the seeds of the World Tree.
It was hard to believe that before the World Tree sprouted, the surroundings were nothing but a hot wasteland.
Wow.
Of course, the Immortals Realm now was the place where the densest greenery settled in the Great Forest.
As the group looked around the fairy folks living spaces, they couldnt help but utter words of admiration.
It was completely different from the outskirts they had visited a few days ago.
Noubelmag muttered quietly.
Ive never seen anything like this before.
Even considering the vast expanse of space, there was not a single artificial structure in sight.
The trees composing the homes of the fairy folk were neither bent nor twisted.
It seemed as if the pure mana of the World Tree had spontaneously transformed them into suitable dwellings.
Where sunlight was needed, there was sunlight.
Where shade was needed, there was shade.
Even underground water sources flowed gently, forming small rivers whose origins were unknown.
Kasim left an impressionable comment.
Its like a peaceful dreamlike space.
Cozy and serene air circulated everywhere within sight.
The group felt a sense of tranquility here that they could hardly feel on human lands as they traversed through numerous branches, leaves, and roots.
It was then that Pia called out quietly to the guide fairy leading the way.
But why is nobody even pretending to notice us?
It was extremely rare for outsiders to enter the Immortals Realm.
Yet the fairy folk here didnt even spare a glance at the group.
They just went about their business.
The guide fairy explained briefly.
A ritual is currently underway to rejuvenate the forest with life force. Its forbidden to bring external disturbances during this time. Once the ritual is over, you will be warmly welcomed.
The Hero looked upon the fairy folk kneeling in prayer with reverence.
The fairy folk residing in the Immortals Realm were referred to as priests.
The solemn voices chanting prayers and the reverently kneeling knees were scenes rarely seen in the world devoid of sanctity.
Noubelmag grumbled.
Disturbance, huh.
But he dared not approach the fairy priestesses.
A ritual.
Wooooo-
A faint glimmer, so small it could be mistaken for dust, floated among them.
The group could see green sprouts blossoming wherever the descending light passed.
Ssshhh-
Even some of the lifeless branches began to wriggle like living snakes.
The guide fairy continued in a calm voice.
The forest breathes life into us as newborns. We grow, nurturing its blessings. This is an inevitable and beautiful cycle of returning the blessings to the forest.
The cycle of life.
It was also the reason why the Great Forest could remain lush without fail.
Having heard the explanation, the group proceeded with even more caution.
Even the Hero, who had lived for many years, found the current scene very unfamiliar.
The ritual only takes place while the sun stays in the sky. By nightfall, you will receive the residents welcome.
Wait. So, we cant meet your master right away?
Unfortunately, my master is overseeing the ritual. When the time comes, they will seek you out. Until then, please rest. Youve had a difficult journey.
The guide fairy nodded towards one side of the village simultaneously.
There, tree houses intertwined with the power of the World Tree basked in sunlight, emitting an aura of mystery and beauty as if from a fairy tale.
Thats my home. Please make yourselves comfortable during your stay. Once preparations for you are complete, I will come to fetch you.
Preparations?
Noubelmag immediately asked.
What preparations are you talking about?
We will assist you in fulfilling your duties as guardians.
Guardians?
What does that mean?
As the guide fairy left, leaving behind cryptic words, everyone watched her retreating figure in bewilderment.
.
.
.
A little later, the group hesitantly entered their house.
As if on cue, they scattered to explore the cramped interior.
Kasim raised an eyebrow.
Huh? But there are exactly four beds here?
Just one bed and three makeshift ones.
One of the makeshift beds seemed to be slightly smaller than the others, perhaps considering the dwarfs height.
The group fell into silence, feeling goosebumps creeping up their arms.
But even that was momentary.
Lets just rest for now.
Noubelmag was the first to lay down on the bed.
Though the guide fairys words had marked the past few days journey as quite arduous.
Having pushed through their schedule, the group was exhausted, and the Hero, who had traversed the East, West, and South tirelessly, was no exception.
Hmmm.
It didnt take long for everyone to succumb to sleep.
Though initially leaning against the wall, even the Hero eventually settled onto the bed.
The brief silence, lulled by the soft touch, was broken first by Pia.
The guide fairy called us guardians earlier. What does that mean?
Kasim replied with an unusual seriousness.
Well, if we go by the literal meaning, its just people who share and support the same values or concepts
Huh? Are you saying I support the same values or concepts as Professor Pierre?
Pia grimaced, causing Kasim to look a bit hurt.
Noubelmag chuckled lightly.
Rather than values or concepts, think of it as supporting a person. After all, dont we all passionately support someone?
The gaze of everyone in the room turned to the Hero simultaneously.
It was a neat summary.
Kasims eyes brightened.
It was a quite proud expression.
Earlier, that fairy clearly said she would assist us in fulfilling the duties of guardians. So, does that mean shell support us as attendants to Professor, ensuring we lack nothing?
Most likely. Perhaps we might even gain unexpected connections.
Meanwhile, as the group continued their lively speculations, the Hero was lost in slightly different thoughts.
Your past, present, and future will be overseen by your master.
To know the future.
Does that even make sense?
Of course, among the blessings left by Zero, there was one called Precognition.
But strictly speaking, it was a highly limited ability, a form of combat precognition predicting the opponents moves in urgent combat situations.
.
The Hero looked at the slightly smaller bed where Noubelmag lay with narrowed eyes.
Was there truly genuine precognition an ability to predict specific situations or events?
If that were true, wouldnt it imply that every individual is bound by fate?
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From the moment he first heard about Laplaces existence and when the guide fairy mentioned preparations for him.
It was fascinating and intriguing.
However, he did not believe in the concept of fate.
No, he didnt want to believe in it.
All phenomena are the result of countless choices or mere coincidences.
Nothing is predetermined from the start.
Life is made of freedom and its responsibilities.
After inheriting the title of Hero, he had come to embrace such beliefs.
What determines the future is none other than my own will.
Tragedy or comedy, all of lifes aspects belong solely to oneself.
Therefore, no matter what prophecy he heard, he remained steadfast.
He didnt want to waver.
All he had to do was always give his best in any situation, thats all.
With that determination, the Hero could finally shake off his troubled state.
His calm, reassured eyes scanned the interior of the room.
Silence fell-
Everyone had already fallen asleep.
The Hero looked at the sleeping figures, breathing deeply like children, resting their heads on pillows.
It was a moment when the thought of not wanting to entrust his and his loved ones futures to some transcendent unknown entity firmly took root.
* * *
Night fell.
But the guide fairy did not show herself.
Unable to wait any longer, the group, who had been waiting for her to come, decided to venture outside.
Kasim ran his hand through his hair briskly and said cheerfully.
Well, didnt they say that those rituals end at night?
And we dont see any priests praying outside. And she didnt tell us not to come out, so it should be okay, right?
By the way, earlier the guide fairy said that the residents would welcome us when its night. What does that mean?
Noubelmag laughed heartily at Kasims mixed tone of anticipation.
It probably just means theyll acknowledge us a bit more than they did earlier. Do you think those lofty fairy folk, even the priestly ones, would come out barefoot and say, Welcome!?
.
.
.
In conclusion, thats exactly what happened.
Crack-
As Kasim pushed open the door with a burst of energy, he froze, not even taking a few steps forward.
It was all thanks to the dozens of pairs of shining eyes he met behind the vines, in the bushes, or up in the trees.
Whoosh-
Eager voices surrounded Kasim.
Oh, he finally came out.
Wow, its my first time seeing a human man.
Am I the second one?
Arent humans generally considered ugly?
Hes not bad, though. Maybe Muriel lied.
Bad Muriel, definitely lied to trick us into letting her go out alone.
Giggles followed.
Kasim, too, was dumbfounded by being surrounded by so many women, especially fairy beauties, for the first time.
Moreover, most of them were sending curious gazes and cheerful smiles, making it seem like heaven to him.
What, whats going on? Am I dreaming?
While ordinary fairy folk had minimal interaction with humans, there were still some exchanges. They engaged in trade with nearby territories, gained the trust of diplomatic envoys, and a few humans who gained the trust of ambassadors would occasionally visit.
Noubelmag was one example of those who spent their youth on the outskirts of a tribe.
However, the deep realm fairies strictly prohibited interaction with the outside world.
They spent their lives in isolation from the outside world in the Immortals Realm, in order to preserve the existence of the World Tree.
As a result, they relied almost entirely on media for information about the outside world, and in reality, only a few of Laplaces disciples who were allowed entry and exit had met humans.
Most of them retained their childlike innocence.
Naturally, their curiosity about humans was boundless.
That person is a Hero? He defeated the Demon King!
Hes surprisingly young. Is he around 100 years old?
Forget 100. Humans rarely live to be 100, you know?
Hes handsome. Are all human men like that?
What, now I want to go outside too.
As the Hero, Pia, and Noubelmag followed, they stood there with wide-eyed amazement.
The fairies quickly surrounded them.
In their hands were various fruits, jams, pies, and more, in the blink of an eye.
Try it! Its delicious.
Do you know that the fruits of Immortals Realm have rejuvenating effects?
Theyll even make dark circles and wrinkles disappear from human women.
Wow, I smell fire from that grandpa over there.
And herbal scent from that woman.
Men smell like perfume and iron.
The fairies chattered away, diving into the midst of the group.
Before the Hero could intervene, the group was swept away by the crowd.
Noubelmag, Pia, and Kasims faces quickly faded into the distance.
The area was now bustling with tantalizing curls of hair, smooth white skin, and fragrances of grass.
It was dizzying.
What
The Hero reached out his arm to grab Pias hand, who was the closest.
But the hand that grasped his wasnt hers it was a fairys.
Muriel, the guide who led them here, smiled as she looked at him.
As the Hero looked puzzled at Muriel, Pia disappeared into the crowd of fairies.
Feeling no signs of threat or cries for help, the Hero relaxed his body.
Whats going on?
You dont need to worry about the guardians. Theyll all get what they want and return.
Her calm and leisurely tone didnt seem to contain any falsehoods.
The Hero was about to ask a question, but Muriel spoke first.
You have a different destination to head towards.
So, theres something specifically prepared for me.
Yes.
Muriel tightened her grip.
Just now, a prophecy has been prepared for you.
The Hero replied calmly.
Ill need guidance then.
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