Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 239 "So, you've come to find us, Gadena?" Master Meltas welcomed the unexpected guest on behalf of the Gray Magic Tower. It was Gadena, the elf who was an Ancient Text Researcher staying in Bondaless. Gadena's specialty was ancient texts and the general knowledge of handling them, but as he was originally an elf, he had some knowledge of nature magic and spirits. From Gadena's perspective, the Naturalization Phenomenon currently occurring throughout Bondaless appeared quite different. "That's right. I don't know if you're aware, but the simultaneous multiple Naturalization Phenomena occurring in Bondaless now cannot be fully explained by simply saying that plant growth has increased. The suddenly increased Spirit Distribution and habitation proves that." "Hehe, I thought they wouldn't be simply ordinary plants, but to draw spirits to this city full of human fingerprints? Truly interesting. So, Gadena. As you said, our Gray Magic Tower doesn't have as deep knowledge of spirits and Nature Magic as you Green Mages. But why are you looking for the cause of this Naturalization Phenomenon from us?" "...Isn't it something that man did?" That man. Meltas immediately understood what Gadena was trying to say. "You're talking about Risir. Let me be clear, Risir is currently away from not only the Gray Magic Tower, but also from Bondaless." "So?" "Hmm?" "That doesn't mean he's not connected to this matter, does it?" "...But how could he exert this level of influence when he's not even in the city?" "I don't know." "Hmm?" "There must be some way. If it's that man." "..." "I know too. How irrational an argument I'm making." Gadena looked confused. The braided-hair old mage looked at the elf with pity. "Yes, it's fortunate that you know. However!" "?" But soon he created a pleased smile. "Being confused by the voice of reason yet not losing direction! That is truly the first path to understanding Risir." "?" "Congratulations, Gadena. You've passed the test." "What on earth are you talking about, Meltas?" "You've proven that you're qualified to know the truth! You've opened your eyes! Follow me, to the Gray Magic Tower!" "?" Has he gone senile? Gadena couldn't help but be confused by the change in that wise old mage. *** "So, that man is currently at Night of the Forest's residence, receiving instruction in Nature Magic from her...?" "That's right! What do you think!" "...What do I think about what, exactly?" "No! Don't ask for my thoughts! Just say what your heart and mind are pointing to right now!" "Are you saying that him learning Nature Magic is affecting Bondaless?" "Huh! Gadena! Excellent! Very excellent! Should I say it's just like you!? Your thinking has already reached that far! You're not normal either! You're very far from normal! Of course you are!" Gadena began to feel afraid of the old mage before him. In his long life, he had never seen someone speak of being far from normal in such a positive way. "By the way, Gadena. Do you believe what I'm saying at face value? The unbelievable story that Risir encountered Night of the Forest, the most vicious one from the distant past?" "Is it just once or twice that man gets involved in incidents? Now I just accept it." "Whew, excellent!!! That's a very excellent approach!" "Good grief. Why are you being so disgustingly like this?" Now the old mage was even breathing heavily with excitement. Gadena backed away, thinking he might cling to him asking to become his assistant. It was a moment when the instinctive distance elves felt toward humans was overlaid with even more intense contempt. "Well, enough joking around. Gadena, let me ask you. Do you think the plants growing throughout Bondaless are related to Risir's Nature Magic?" "...Let me get to the conclusion. Even if this Naturalization Phenomenon is caused by that man, the likelihood that the cause is that man's Nature Magic is low." "Huh. You're quite boldly making a definitive statement. How can you be so certain?" "The fact that he's only now starting to learn Nature Magic proves that he was unrelated to Nature Magic until now. Meltas. Nature Magic is different from ordinary magic. To handle that power, it's necessary to go through a somewhat complex process." "What do you mean by a complex process?" "To put it simply, it's necessary to visit Illatdein, the City of Elves. There, one must receive recognition from the Green Mages and make contact with the great elven ancestors." "..." Understanding and bewilderment appeared simultaneously on Meltas's face. Nature Magic, which had become the exclusive privilege of Green Mages in modern times. He hadn't thought it would be easy for a human to learn, but he never imagined it would be such a complex matter. "Would it be the same even if Night of the Forest helps?" "If I'm not mistaken, Night of the Forest must have also learned Nature Magic through the same procedures and paths." "...That Night of the Forest?" Master Meltas couldn't help but be shocked this time. Even Night of the Forest, who was said to have reached the pinnacle of Nature Magic, had her foundation with the Green Mages? "Then what on earth was Night of the Forest thinking when she said she would teach Nature Magic to Risir?" "..." This time Gadena fell into confusion. A being like Night of the Forest wouldn't have stepped forward to teach Nature Magic recklessly. There must surely be a way- "...When did that man go under Night of the Forest?" "About a fortnight ago." "Then it was foolish to worry. In a fortnight, he wouldn't have even laid the foundation of Nature Magic yet. From a human's perspective, just reaching Illatdein and going through the admission procedures would take several months." "Hmm... Then what on earth is the naturalization of this city stemming from..." "Well, let me share my personal opinion. I was thinking that the spirits were drawn to his Constitution and settled in Bondaless, causing this to happen." "Hmm... No! That's not it!" "I think it's a fairly rational approach." "That's the problem!" "?" "Matters related to Risir need to be approached from a more radical perspective!" "Have you really gone senile, Meltas?" Just as the elf was about to show genuine concern toward the old mage. "Master Meltas. Lord Palag has come to visit. Along with two Young Ladies who are acquaintances of young Risir." *** "Oh, are you perhaps that elf who resides in this city- Gadena, the ancient text specialist?" "I greet the Archmage Frozen Breath." "Perfect timing! I was looking for you! More precisely, I was planning to ask Master Meltas to help me find you!" "Me?" "That's right! If it's alright, would you come with us now!? There's something I'd like to show you!" The Former Blue Tower Master. The presence that Frozen Breath Palag's reputation carried was still strong even within elven society. Gadena wasn't the type to willingly associate with humans he'd just met- But if it was Frozen Breath, the story was different. However, Gadena was hesitating somewhat now. "Oh, Lord Palag!!! Is it perhaps related to Risir!?" "That's right! It's quite a Risir-like situation, so don't be surprised!" Because he felt a familiar and uncomfortable atmosphere from that great Archmage. 'That man. What on earth has he done to these mages...' Gadena began to seriously worry whether it was alright to get deeply involved with these people. *** It happened not long after the two old mages and the elf began their journey together. "..." At some point, Gadena's expression had taken on the arrogant smile characteristic of elves. "You'd better prepare yourself mentally. Even an elf like you would be seeing this kind of tree for the first time!" Palag's statement had properly struck the elf's pride. 'No matter how much he's Frozen Breath, being human, it can't be helped. Being ignorant about elven ecology.' Nature- In other words, the elves' understanding of plants was unrivaled. Even bringing any random elf walking the streets of Illatdein would have deeper knowledge than a respected botanist among humans. But a plant that even himself, from the Green Magic Tower, had never encountered. Gadena even thought it was ridiculous, but he didn't bother to correct the human's mistake. The moment he directly encountered and gave his opinion on a tree whose identity the humans couldn't possibly fathom, the humans would realize how narrow-minded they had been. "This is it." The moment they arrived at their destination. Gadena could immediately confirm that he was right. The young tree that Palag had asserted even elves would be seeing for the first time was, without fail, within the scope of Gadena's knowledge. "..." However. Separately from that, Gadena fell into extreme confusion. "Wh-why is this here..." "Ooh!!! You seem to know about this tree!? Should I say as expected of an elf- how about it, would you share your wisdom? Tell us about this tree!" "...I cannot." "Hmm?" "I cannot tell you anything about this tree." "What do you mean- for what reason?" "...Because I know nothing about this tree." It was a lie. Everyone realized it immediately upon hearing. Because that rational elf was visibly shaken to the point where it was clearly apparent. However, his expression was so serious that no one dared to press him about the lie. "Uh...-" Just then. Gadena's eyes widened. The expressions of all those watching the young tree became like that. The young tree suddenly began to emit light and radiate a deeper aura. Soon. Next to that young tree, a teal girl appeared. "Wh-what is this...!" Gadena knelt toward the teal girl. Through his desperate expression and gestures, 'wonder' and 'what is this?' were expressed. The humans' curiosity deepened at the elf's reaction. What kind of tree and what kind of spirit could make an elf react like that? "O Spirit..." Palag spoke to the spirit without hesitation. Gadena was horrified, but Palag and the others didn't mind. The things they'd experienced at Risir's side weren't just one or two. Whatever the spirit's identity was, whatever actions the spirit took- They were ready to accept it without being surprised at all. "Do you perhaps know anything about Risir?" Risir. The moment that name was mentioned, the teal girl brightened and bounced in place. -Risir! "As expected. It must be Risir's new spirit." When Fienne chuckled and said this, Gadena beside her cried out. "Th-that man's spirit! That's impossible!" "Huh? What? Why are you so surprised-" "A-anyway, it's not! If it's not, then know that it's not!" "Now, now. Calm down, Gadena. Since the person in question is right in front of us, can't we just check directly?" Meltas approached the spirit and asked. "O Spirit. Do you know anything about a human called Risir?" Nod! Nod! What made her so excited, the teal girl nodded her head vigorously. The girl pointed to herself with her small hand and kept saying. -Risir! Risir! Fienne's group already had expressions as if they understood everything. -Mommy! "?" Until the teal girl mentioned that title. "What mommy?" Elf. Human. Progenitor. Desire Demon. Sword. Everyone in the place fell into confusion without discrimination. *** "A-a-a-alright, Ri-Risir. Si-since you also said you know nothing, l-l-let's go back and rest for now... A-also, by any chance, are there any inconveniences in staying at Illatdein!? I-if there are any inconveniences, please tell us without reservation! I will definitely!!! Our Council of Elders will step forward and resolve it!!!" Well, I wonder what happened to the World Tree. The atmosphere... That was the Elders' reaction after Risir's answer. The Elders alternately looked at the flat dirt ground and Risir, then soon became restless and began rushing toward him. "A-ah, no- there's nothing in particular! No inconveniences!" "Risir!!! Come to think of it, aren't you at an age to consider marriage!?" "This person!!! There's nothing you won't say to a young friend!!!" "I am an adult for now, but-" "Ah, is that so!? Then how about my granddaughter!?" "How about what, what do you mean...?" "Risir!!! Then how about me!?" "Ratsil, please stay still for now-" "Come to think of it, Risir. Where are you staying now?" "Ah, I'm borrowing and using one of the rooms that the Green Magic Tower students use." "You're borrowing and using a room that students use!!! Someone of your caliber!? That won't do! What a disaster!!! I'll immediately look for suitable accommodations for you in Illatdein!" "Rather, how about staying at the Teal Palace this time!?" High Elves who were elders of the elves as Guardian of the World Tree. Risir's mind became dizzy from the countless handshake requests pouring from them. "Everyone, please calm down for now. Isn't Risir troubled?" "Ah, thank you, Lord Karoer!" Fortunately, he was able to safely escape the situation through Karoer's mediation who was at the scene- "..." Risir could tell. The fact that the elven Elders wouldn't give up like this! 'Am I going to be leashed like this? In the role of World Tree protector?' Risir began to worry about his situation of inadvertently becoming the World Tree's mother. However. As time passed, Risir realized that it was a groundless concern. Contact with the World Tree Guardians continued after that, and the Elders' cautious attitude shown each time was consistent. They treated Risir politely and carefully- Risir felt no impure intentions from them whatsoever. Nevertheless, Risir's anxiety didn't completely end. 'Since they're elven Elders, they might be cunning people that someone like me can't dare to predict...!' He consulted Ratsil just in case. "Huh? What do you mean? Showing respect to Risir who received the World Tree's Selection is natural as an elf, isn't it?" "Ah..." Risir once again realized the elves' unique way of thinking. The World Tree! To the elves, it wasn't some throne they wanted to somehow grasp and usurp. Having seen too many cases of blood relatives fighting each other in political struggles within families, Risir felt considerable emotion at the elves' sincere attitude. Along with a small curiosity. '...Then, if I suddenly return to Bondaless taking the World Tree Spirit with me, what would the elves do?' Risir asked Ratsil again just in case. "Well? Such cases are rare... No, it's not just rare! Such a thing has never happened in elven history!? So, to cautiously give my opinion- hmm... hmm...!!! Hmm!!! Maybe, maybe! That kind of thing might happen!? Some elves would follow Risir! Because the World Tree's embrace is the place where elves should be! Ah! Then what about me!? Risir, what do you think I should do!? Should I follow along too? How about it, if I go outside the Great Forest, would Risir guide me then!?" "Ughhhh." Ratsil's answer made Risir's worries even more serious. 'D-Dingding- please, put down roots in Illatdein...!' Risir tried to discuss this matter with the World Tree Spirit in his Inner World- Surprisingly, she was away. -That weed woman!!! She said she was going 'home' for a moment and asked me to convey the message to you! "...Home? What home? What are you talking about?" In the end. All Risir could do was just hope that everything would work out well and focus on daily life. So a few more days passed from the fortnight. Risir was spending his days steadily training in Nature Magic according to Lunadien's teachings. "Lady Lunadien. I have one question- at this level, how would you rate the progress speed of Nature Magic?" "Well. What do you think?" "Well, for me, it’s hard to say... My only point of comparison is you, Lunadien, and—" Night of the Forest. Only such tremendous people. Risir hastily cut off the words he was about to say. "Lady Lunadien and?" "Ah, it's nothing. The only comparison subject I know is Lady Lunadien, so I don't think I can make an objective evaluation." "Really? Then well. Let's postpone that part for later enjoyment." Should I say it was unexpected. Lunadien approached Risir's guidance with a sincere and kind attitude. How long had such a teaching relationship, shallow if shallow, deep if deep, continued? One day. A question suddenly came to Risir. 'The Green Magic Tower master subjugated Night of the Forest...' The image of Lunadien, who was teaching him magic, subjugating his grand master didn't readily come to mind. Risir went to find an elf once again to resolve that curiosity. This time it was Karoer, not Ratsil. "I'd like to relieve your curiosity, but I think it would be better to hear it directly from the person involved. From Lunadien, or that woman." "..." Come to think of it, what relationship do Lord Karoer and the grand master have? Risir ended up carrying one more curiosity after going to resolve his curiosity. "Oh right, you. Come to think of it, I almost forgot to mention this. Soon, it seems like a conclusion will be reached regarding the matter related to the World Tree Spirit." "...!" Finally! Risir cheered inwardly. He had been spending fulfilling days receiving Nature Magic guidance from the Green Magic Tower master- Originally, his purpose for visiting Illatdein was simply to obtain the 'Seed of Nature Magic'. 'I'm sorry to Lord Lunadien, but if I learn Nature Magic, to the grand master or Master...' In that sense, the news Karoer conveyed was quite encouraging. According to him, he would be able to leave Illatdein soon. 'Come to think of it, how is everyone doing?' Risir thought of his grand master and Master, and the acquaintances in Bondaless in turn. And after that- It was as usual. After spending his rest time reminiscing about acquaintances, Risir tried to head to the designated place to check Nature Magic again. But was it because of reminiscing about acquaintances? 'Come to think of it, I seem to have been neglecting Magic Swordsmanship practice lately.' A clearing in the Green Magic Tower that Lunadien had designated as Risir's exclusive place. Arriving there, Risir took up his Sword after a long time. 'This- it's fortunate I realized it even now.' It was the impression Risir felt right after taking up the sword. He could immediately feel the price of abandoning the rapid progress and Magic Swordsmanship he had trained daily without missing a day for over a fortnight. -Master's great magic, Magic Swordsmanship is a high-level and delicate technique incomparable to the grass games of those pointy-ears, so it's natural!!! 'Hey, grass games? What I'm learning now is those grass games.' Risir objected to Dangaleon's comment but couldn't help but agree on one hand. Nature Magic was certainly a tricky and mysterious power, but in terms of the difficulty required in applying the power itself, it couldn't compare to Magic Swordsmanship. In a way, it was natural. Magic Swordsmanship was a Power That Defies Logic that would cause Overload just by handling it normally. "Hmm..." A moment later. Risir organized his thoughts. "No matter how important it is to inherit Master's unique magic, I shouldn't neglect Magic Swordsmanship." It was a technique he was attached to as his own skill and vision. Risir took time to check and maintain his Magic Swordsmanship after a long time. How long had he been absorbed in Magic Swordsmanship? "Whew...~" It was when Risir, having finished his Magic Swordsmanship training, was refreshingly bleeding from all the holes in his face. "...Hm?" Risir suddenly looked around. -@#!$@$!$!@... Strange whispers came from somewhere. Risir initially thought he had unconsciously seduced a spirit again- "...No." Soon he realizes. The whispers he's hearing now are different from the voices of spirits. Regardless of his will, the hair on his skin stands on end. His whole body's senses are on edge. Like that, he feels vicious malice clinging stickily to his skin. Whispers and malice. Risir was already pursuing the source of all that. "...!" In an instant. Risir was startled and looked around. Suddenly the surrounding world turned upside down and Darkness swallowed Risir. 'A barrier...?' Risir's gaze naturally turned to one place. There, something was placed that emanated a noble aura in the deep darkness. It was a sword stuck in the ground upside down. The dark-colored blade that could be clearly distinguished even in the darkness evoked a strange ominousness. *** [Title: Oh Illatdein, what is this?] Content: Suddenly something like a dark version of a Sacred Sword is talking to me? Is this perhaps that thing? Night of the Sword? -: Yeah that's right That 'night' sword *** -Swordsman... The sword spoke to Risir. -Beast blinded by power... You desire my power... "...Your power?" -Swordsman... Submit to me... Then I shall grant you power... The power you desire... Magic Swordsmanship. The sword mentioned that name. "...!" The sword he suddenly encountered. His own magic he heard from such a sword. Risir was shocked. Just as he fell into such contemplation- "...For now, could you show me that thing called Magic Swordsmanship?" Risir spoke with an expression as if he had realized something. He thought. "Perhaps what we're each thinking might be different." The Magic Swordsmanship the sword speaks of. The Magic Swordsmanship he speaks of. Perhaps there might be a serious communication error between the two. -... The dark sword quietly emanated aura. As if, measuring the meaning of those words.