Chapter 43
The next day, Ellia had a private meeting with Alexis.
She thought there were things he needed to know as well.
“Guests are coming from the Magic Tower?”
“Yes.”
“And you invited them?”
Ellia nodded.
“Can you tell me why?”
“Soon, the Forest of Monsters will erupt. It’s quiet for now, but not for long.”
“The Forest of Monsters… erupting?”
“I learned it through the World Tree’s power. If short, it’ll be tomorrow. If long, in about two days, the monsters will attack the ducal castle. That’s why a few days ago, I evacuated the villagers inside the castle.”
“So that’s why the village was empty.”
“Yes. Duke, I need your help.”
“Of course, I’ll help.”
At that moment, Alexis grabbed Ellia’s shoulders, as if realizing something.
“Ellie… don’t tell me you’re planning something?”
“There’s no choice if we want to protect the castle.”
Alexis’s face stiffened.
“What do you mean by that?”
“I don’t want anyone in the castle to get hurt. To ensure that, we need the Magic Tower’s support.”
“What are you trying to do…”
But when Alexis met the determination in Ellia’s eyes, he shook his head.
“No, don’t do it.”
He had realized that Ellia was planning to use the World Tree’s power.
“You promised not to do anything dangerous.”
“It’s not dangerous. Please trust me, Duke.”
“No, I can’t trust you. You always tell white lies. You may deceive everyone else, but you can’t deceive me, Ellie.”
Alexis’s heart ached.
It made him feel useless—that he had to entrust everything to such a small girl.
“You’re not useless, Duke. Please don’t think that way.”
“Ellie, I don’t want you to carry all the burdens. You’re still so young.”
Ellia gave a bitter smile.
Only her outward appearance was young—inside, she was an adult. But she couldn’t say that.
“Don’t worry. I treasure my life too.”
“Ellie…”
“I can’t just hide behind you and do nothing. A guardian of the World Tree mustn’t do that.”
Since he knew that truth all too well, Alexis couldn’t bring himself to argue any further.
“I’m glad I can use this power to protect someone.”
Alexis pulled Ellia into a tight embrace.
Outside the door, Noah—who had been eavesdropping on their conversation—quickly left, confused.
Late that night.
In the dark forest, three shadows appeared.
On their black robes was embroidered a red rose emblem.
“The order has been given.”
“So, we unleash it now?”
“Tonight, the ducal castle will be soaked in blood.”
They looked at one another and grinned cruelly.
“Begin.”
At once, the three clasped their hands together, forming seals, and began chanting.
The ancient incantation spread out in waves, filling the forest.
The black magic they released began devouring the woods.
Soon, a monstrous roar shook the air.
The beasts that had been lurking in the forest went berserk and charged toward the Cartellani ducal castle.
On the castle wall, a guard on watch snapped to attention at the trembling ground.
“Wh-what is that?”
“Sound the alarm! Quickly!”
One soldier sprinted along the wall and rang the emergency bell with all his strength.
Daaang! Daaang! Daaang!
The bell rang three times, waking everyone in the castle—including Alexis.
He hurriedly donned his armor, entrusted Ellia and Noah to Norman, and rushed to the battlements.
There, the Iron Eagle knights stood in formation, their eyes burning with resolve.
“You’ve arrived, sir.”
“Are those monsters?”
“Yes, it’s an assault.”
Countless monsters could be seen racing toward the castle. Even in the pitch-black night, their terrifying shadows were clear.
“Everyone, prepare for battle!”
The monsters began ramming the gates to break them open.
“Mutant trolls.”
A massive troll glowing with a bluish aura smashed its body against the wall. Alexis drew his sword, leapt over the battlement, and unleashed his mana.
Pwaaaak—!
From his blade erupted an Aura Blade, the exclusive mark of a Sword Master, slicing the troll’s body in half.
Landing lightly, Alexis immediately charged at a second troll. His one-man onslaught began.
On the wall, Dmitri grinned as he watched Alexis’s performance while cutting down lesser beasts.
“Our Duke is flying tonight.”
Feeling itchy for action, Dmitri hefted his greatsword and glanced at Campbell.
“What are you planning?”
“Leaving this to the vice-captain.”
“Whaaat?!”
Ignoring Campbell’s cry, Dmitri jumped down the wall and decapitated another troll with a single swing.
But Ellia wasn’t idle either.
She shook off Norman and Meryl’s attempts to stop her and climbed the battlements. The monsters were moving faster than expected.
She had thought to act once the magicians arrived, but things had gone awry.
[What do you think you’re doing?]
‘I’ll do what I can.’
[What exactly?]
‘Bless the Duke and the knights.’
[What?]
‘Hurry.’
[Tch, fine.]
Though grumbling, the branch obeyed Ellia’s words.
Leaping from her shoulder, the branch soared into the air and showered Alexis and the Iron Eagles with golden blessings.
The World Tree’s blessing minimized injuries in battle and formed a shield that deflected attacks aimed at vital points.
Feeling the golden power seep into his body, Alexis looked up at the wall.
Ellia was standing there, smiling.
He had warned her again and again not to come out, but she had still used her powers.
At that moment, Dmitri approached, also sensing the blessing.
“Your Grace, this is…”
“Ellie must have given us her blessing.”
Dmitri’s gaze turned toward the battlements.
Ellia was pumping her little fist and cheering.
“This gives me strength.”
“Do you have time for chatter? You take the left, I’ll take the right.”
With a grin, Dmitri nodded and dashed left.
Alexis ran right, cutting down beasts as he went.
A white-haired wizard flew through the sky and whistled as he gazed at the ducal castle, now a battleground.
“Whew, things are wild here.”
“Shouldn’t we help?”
“It seems the one who invited us is there.”
“Where?”
Jirke glanced around uncertainly, but Austin smirked, grabbed him by the collar, and said,
“Follow me.”
He soared through the sky and landed lightly atop the battlements.
“Wizards?”
The knights, noticing their presence, tilted their heads. Then, parting the ranks, a pink-haired girl stepped forward.
“If you’re here, come down. What are you doing up there?”
“Oh-ho.”
“So, you’re the one who sent me that invitation.”
“Yes, that was me.”
The small girl planted her hands on her hips and declared boldly. Austin burst out laughing.
“How did things turn out like this?”
His eyes pierced right through Ellia’s soul.
“What good would it do you to know? Anyway, give me the magic stones you brought.”
“You’re probably the only one in the world who asks for gifts out of the blue.”
“That just makes me special, doesn’t it?”
Chuckling, Austin lowered Jirke to the ground below the wall.
“Jirke, hand them over.”
“Yes, Tower Master.”
The angelic boy poured out a handful of magic stones from his pouch.
Ellia picked them up, checked them, then called to the branch.
[What now.]
‘I’m going to infuse the World Tree’s power into the stones.’
[What?!]
‘Do it.’
[Don’t tell me…]
‘It’s exactly what you’re thinking.’
[No, you mustn’t!]
‘You’re always telling me not to.’
[Your body can’t withstand it! Did you forget your promise with the Duke?]
‘If I don’t, every monster in the forest will swarm here. The Duke can only hold out for so long.’
[Why are you going so far? You could die!]
‘I won’t die.’
Ellia turned to Austin.
“Grandpa.”
“What? Hey! What part of me looks like a grandpa?!”
Austin nearly jumped.
His outer appearance was that of a young man in his twenties, but his soul was over a hundred years old.
He looked that way because he was a transcendent—one who had reached the pinnacle of magic.
