Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 237 [Title: Ah, those stone elves are so damn picky, shit] Content: The living elves say they'll teach nature magic, so why are you guys being so stubborn? They're demanding we hand over the nature magic seed before we bring the A-frame, shit -What's a stone elf? -[Author]: Those stone tree things, yeah, the elf ancestors -What's a living elf then? -[Author]: Elves that haven't died yet and are still alive -Look at the way he talks -Even if I were an elf, I wouldn't want to teach this bastard anything -Shit, the ancestors had such great foresight that's why they were ancestors -[Author]: Wait, am I the only human here? Why is everyone taking the elves' side? -Humans are few, but there are quite a lot of dwarves, hobbits, and orcs -Hey you pathetic bastard -(Ugly crying emoticon) -You need to change your true name to pass the ancestors' interview -[Author]: True name? Is it different from a title? -Yeah, there's a separate thing for setting your true name Haven't you set it yet? -[Author]: Oh, it's already set Mine is 'Filth Eater' -Tasty? -So you went before the elf ancestors and said 'I'm Filth Eater Jung Pyeongtaek, please teach me some nature magic'? You did that shit? -I really don't usually take the elves' side But isn't this really a win for the elf ancestors? -[Author]: No, there's a story behind it;; I can't set a cool true name -?? What is it, some kind of easter egg? -[Author]: When I first created my character I didn't know I'd play this game for long, so I made my nickname the same as someone I had a keyboard fight with, to keep trolling him -Are you seriously a fucking elementary schooler? -[Author]: Sigh, shit, maybe it's time to forgive him Okay, I'll be generous and change it to the coolest true name I have -[Author]: Wait What's this? Why won't the true name change? -Because it's a true name, yeah; -That's a true name I think it can't be changed once you pass level 50 or 60 Because of the setting about true names and fate being bound to each other -[Author]: No shit, then what am I supposed to do? -You could just keep eating filth -Oh, fate really does follow the true name -What nature magic? Accept your fate and keep eating filth *** "Purified the Blood Pond... huh?" Risir stopped the endless introduction he had been giving. "It stopped." It was because the strange sensation that had been guiding him had been suppressed. 'What was that? All sorts of things were popping out just now, and those are my true names?' Risir chuckled and touched the corner of his mouth. "Ah." Then he hurriedly composed himself. Since this was a place where he was encountering the tremendous existence of the elf ancestors, he shouldn't act recklessly. Risir cautiously looked around, wondering if the solemnity of the place had been disturbed. In doing so, he realized his efforts were in vain. "..." Including Lunadien, who was speechless with her mouth agape— "..." Even the massive eyes of the wooden statue— Were creating an atmosphere quite removed from solemnity. "Ancestors, what just happened—" Lunadien, who had barely regained her composure, tried to voice her questions to the wooden statue. However, her elegant voice trembled midway and couldn't form words. There were more than one or two questionable parts in that introduction. If he's an Honorary Mage of the Gray Magic Tower, then he's an Honorary Mage— But what's this about being a swordsman of the Gray Magic Tower, what's a shaman, and what are dark mages and priests? Moreover, the inexplicable parts weren't just the inconsistency. 'Master of the Sand Mountain that Blocks the Sun?' Lunadien hadn't even heard half of the names Risir had mentioned. The moment that name was mentioned, all her attention had focused there. 'If it's the Sand Mountain that Blocks the Sun, then surely...' Lunadien definitely knew that name. Related to a certain Dark Elf's long-cherished wish— No, the name of that transcendent being related to all Dark Elves' long-cherished wish. The weight of that name. That's why she also knew how unrealistic it was to claim to be its 'master.' An immortal being that doesn't even serve death—who could it possibly serve as master? So while Lunadien was focusing on that particular name and feeling confused— -True names... The wooden statue was focusing on their 'number' and feeling confused. True names. They are literally true names, meaning identities imposed by self-determined fate, not roles given by others. Therefore, one can only have one true name. While the paths of fate are infinite, the beings who can walk those paths are limited to singular existence. It was a rule and providence that could never be violated as long as one was bound to the great flow of fate. The elf ancestors certainly believed so. ...But what was that? -As if listing collectibles... A human listing true names like collectibles. The elf ancestors were confused about how to react to this phenomenon, or being, they were encountering for the first time. Then, one ancestor's soul that formed the wooden statue's will subtly spoke to his companions. -...My friends. I think I just heard a strange name. -We all did. -...No, judging by your reactions, you didn't hear that name. -What name could it possibly be? -...I cannot say it. -What? -It's too difficult to utter... The wooden statue's eyes, which had been united as one, scattered into many again and moved busily. Like opinions busily exchanged between them. "..." Risir stood quietly in place, waiting for their agitation to calm down. The confusion and madness of people around him due to his unusual constitution. It had become almost as familiar as daily routine. After a moment. -Who are you who demands the elves' legacy from us? State your true name. The eyes united as one again and urged Risir to answer. As if nothing had happened. In that moment, Risir felt something welling up inside him again. That familiar sensation was once again trying to guide Risir, attempting to make him list(?) his true names. However. Was it because he had become too conscious of it from that one experience? Risir failed to naturally surrender to that sensation. In the end, Risir was given two choices. Just stay still. Or say something following his thoughts and feelings. -State your true name! Risir felt that voice seemed impatient for some reason and had no choice but to open his mouth. "...Guardian of the World Tree." It was the true name Risir had chosen(?) after much deliberation. Correcting the mind-numbing name 'Mother of World Tree.' Appealing to the elf ancestors. It was an efficient(?) true name that could expect two effects. 'But is it okay to just make up a true name as I please?' There was a moment of worry, but— '...Well, it's my name, so what does it matter.' Risir decided that managing the situation was the immediate priority for now. -Indeed, something definitely went wrong just now! -He seems to possess an extraordinary aura! -Unlike us elves, he has diverse colors, shall we say? -Though not beautiful, we must acknowledge that extraordinariness! To influence the power that sees through fate! The ancestors' subsequent conversation proved that Risir's judgment was correct. A relatively more convincing progression compared to before! The ancestors cleanly treated what had happened before as if it never occurred. -By the way, Guardian of the World Tree! Are you saying that you, a human, are in the same position as the Descendants of World Tree—especially the respected ones among them!? -It's hard to believe!!! However, one cannot speak a false true name! That name must surely be proof that you've been acknowledged by the Descendants of World Tree! -How lamentable!!! To acknowledge a human as Guardian of the World Tree without consulting us! The wooden statue reluctantly acknowledged him. 'Somehow, I feel like if I had revealed my true name as Guardian of the World Tree from the start, they would never have acknowledged it—' Risir irreverently thought of the concept of 'shock therapy' while looking at them. -Guardian of the World Tree, state your name! After that, the massive eyes that had united as one again looked directly at Risir. "I am Risir." -Guardian of the World Tree, Risir! In the name of us Green Mages, we permit you to embrace nature's bosom! The massive eyes closed, and a newly opened teal crack took their place. 'A dimensional gate...!' Risir widened his eyes as he peered into the dimensional gate that appeared on the wooden statue. The forest aura flowing from within reminded him of the Great Master's forest. Risir fell into great shock comparing the aura he had felt in the Great Master's forest with the aura flowing from within the dimensional gate. Even though he wasn't deeply versed in nature magic, he could feel that it was on a higher level than the Night of the Forest. It was proof that there was a clear gap between the two. "Human." "Yes? Ah, Lady Lunadien." "You need to stay sharp from now on." "I'm going to enter that place from now on, right?" "Yes." "Certainly... I really do need to stay sharp. What exactly is inside there?" "The first Green Mage. Would you understand if I said the founder of nature magic?" "..." Risir's vision went dark for a moment. No, it went green. 'So—they didn't just create a unique magic or school, but the foundation of magic—the very essence itself?' As Risir struggled to organize his thoughts, Lunadien continued speaking. "Also, the being who built the current Great Forest together with the World Tree." "The scale of the story is too large to follow... Should I perhaps think of something like a god?" "Haha. Did I tease you too much? Calm down. You're not really going to meet that first Green Mage. What's waiting for you inside is the first Green Mage—more precisely, his will." "Will, you say?" "Something that cannot be described in words or writing." Lunadien continued speaking while pointing at the dimensional gate. "The moment you enter there, you'll be tested." "A test?" "By nature's will—your aptitude for nature magic." The seed of nature magic. Lunadien mentioned those words. "What do you think the seed of nature magic is?" "Actually, I was thinking of something like a physical object. Something like an artifact." Lunadien looked at Risir and smiled meaningfully. Then, she touched Risir's forehead with her fingertip. Very lightly. As if not even touching. "This is it." "...Pardon?" "The aura of the first Green Mage. Just by making the slightest contact with it, you'll be able to gain the aptitude for nature magic." Huh. Risir couldn't help but chuckle. Just how vast must that aura be to implant magical aptitude just by being touched by it? "Like that. What you need to do after entering there is somehow succeed in making 'contact.'" "When you say contact... contact with what exactly?" "You'll know the moment you enter. A form of nature will be waiting for you." "A form of nature... do you mean something like grass?" "That's right. It won't be easy. The natural aura flowing in there is not something gentle enough for a human who's also a complete outsider to nature magic to endure." Lunadien looked ahead and created her characteristic brilliant smile. "Still, I believe you'll succeed well enough. And there's good reason for that. You're the Guardian of the World Tree, aren't you?" "...!" -Human! Make haste! Even now, his aura is being wasted in vain! Risir nodded and stepped forward. His body was swallowed by the teal dimensional gate. *** -Star of the Garden. After the human entered the dimensional gate, the elf ancestor called the Tower Master's name. -You're telling the human unnecessary things. "What do you mean?" -Should I say you're filling him with false hope? You know how many humans have failed contact and been frustrated. "He's not just any human, but a human acknowledged as Guardian of the World Tree, isn't he?" It was then. "Ah!" A human figure was ejected from the dimensional gate. It was Risir. He was looking around with a face as if bewitched by something. Anyone could see he had failed to make contact. Just as Lunadien was feeling the wooden statue's mischievous gaze. Risir said. "Wh-what happens now?" "What do you want to do? Keep trying? Or give up?" "Ah, can I keep trying!? Then—" Risir entered the dimensional gate again without hesitation. And was ejected. This series of processes continued to repeat. *** -Lunadien. How about stopping around here? Since you made that human like that, you're the only one who can stop him. "..." Lunadien's expression became heavy with worry. Though only a few succeed in 'contact' from the very beginning— Even considering that, Risir's consecutive failures were unusual. Countless attempts repeated over several hours. The fact this proved was clear. Risir. He had no aptitude for nature magic. Lunadien felt confused. 'Then why, how, could he have been acknowledged as Guardian of the World Tree?' It was then. Once again the dimensional gate spat out a human figure. The tediously repeated process. "That's it!!!" And for the first time, it was a different reaction from Risir. He clenched his fist and cheered triumphantly. -It seems he succeeded. The wooden statue said. And added quietly. Finally. Lunadien was troubled about how to respond to Risir's joy. This wasn't the time to be happy. It was exactly the kind of situation where those words fit perfectly. He had proven his aptitude through repeated attempts, but— Aptitude that could only be proven through such means couldn't possibly be extraordinary. Risir's innate aptitude for nature magic was extremely ordinary. Perhaps even lowly. Lunadien wondered how to convey this fact to Risir. "Lady Lunadien, I succeeded! Finally, finally I succeeded in making contact!" "Is that so... Well that's—" "With that tree!" Lunadien's words stopped. The form of nature seen in nature's embrace. It takes different forms according to the subject's aptitude for nature magic. Ordinary aptitude is a sprout. Better aptitude is grass. Exceptional aptitude is a flower. Outstanding aptitude is a sapling. And- At the end is a tree. Until now, only the respected elf ancestors and the Green Tower Master, along with a very few Green Mages, had been able to touch that tree. They called that tree the 'Tree of the End.' Green Mages regarded touching the Tree of the End as a kind of symbol and made it their goal. In that place that cannot be resolved merely by magical prowess— The essence of nature magic— The will of nature would be there, they believed. Thus, the elf ancestors and Lunadien were still refining their aptitude with the goal of making contact with the Tree of the End. -Why? "Pardon?" -Why the tree? -...Well, who knows? -Why did he touch that tree? "...No, even if you ask me that—" This was why the elves were expressing doubt instead of congratulations. Risir, who had expected congratulations, was flustered by the barrage of questions. Then, Risir looked intently at his own hands. 'It doesn't seem like much has changed?' He spoke, wondering if there might be something else. "What should I do next?" *** At the same time, a commotion was happening in Bondaless. The Acting City Councilor, Fienne, frowned with her elegant features and said. "What? Trees are suddenly growing? What does that mean?"