Chapter 578 - Omniscient First-Person’s Viewpoint

In this continent, there were once two World Trees. Once, there were. The blessed gingko tree stood within the southeastern jungles of the continent. This colossal World Tree, drawing water from the river's flow and splitting the earth with its roots, stood alone for tens of thousands of years, gazing dignifiedly upon the world. Though jungles know no seasons, seasons were mere whims of the World Tree's fancy. If the World Tree chose to don a yellow patchwork dress one day, then that day was autumn. When countless ginkgo leaves spread across the world, heralding the arrival of autumn, a bridge of ginkgo leaves formed over the river that cleaved the jungle in two. That was the moving season for the beasts dwelling on land. In the age when all nations flourished, the World Tree, a symbol of such splendid civilization, stood tall. Yet, the beautiful and blessed ginkgo tree fell, consumed by vile jealousy. And at that ultimate point, the quiet metasequoia sustaining civilization within the northwestern great forest became the sole World Tree. “The World Tree? Why the innocent tree?” [The tree is blameless. But I'm more interested in the despair they felt when that tree fell.] “You mean the druids of the great forest? Why them? They, too, worship a World Tree, after all.” [It must not have been the same World Tree for them.] There seemed to be a story behind the parrot's muttering. Perhaps this called for some probing into its thoughts, or perhaps it would be easier to coax it. YW9peUx5cktZYXhyU2hzY1VsMkQ0V3dDWFdPclRkRzZ1UG1xRnByOGdLelV1OXpRd3ZKenNraUI0dlZINUs4ZQ […Oh. Walpurgis. What? Did I say something I shouldn’t have? Hm? Did I talk too much?] Apparently, even beneath the Archwitch, the witches showed some glimmer of cleverness. Regaining her composure, the Archwitch adopted a condescending demeanor. [Knowledge is more precious than gold. If you wish to hear more, you'll need to pay the price.] “What do you need? Would a recounting of Tyr's divine drink interest you?” [Oh, um, hmm! That would just about be okay!] “If it's just about okay, then let's forget this conversation.” [Wha—? Why?] “Honestly, I wasn't that curious about your motives. What does it matter if the World Tree on the other side of the continent falls? It's uncertain if it will even succeed, and I neither contributed nor plan to.” [Oh? Perhaps you might help?] “What could I help with, even without the story?” I'll just read your mind later to figure it out. As I gestured to dismiss the parrot, it flapped and clung to my body. [No, if you're on this ship, you have to absorb it all! King of humans, let's make a deal! Don't you want to know why the World Tree burned?] “I told you, I'm not interested. Was I too indirect? I really don't care.” [But, but! The metasequoia is the World Tree of civilization! The forest people have no qualms about chopping down the tree they worship to fatten the Empire! They've become the Empire's dogs, yet call themselves druids!] “People can become dogs. I do sometimes when I drink.” [Hey!] Such a nuisance. I told you several times I'm not interested. '…Wait. I'm somewhat interested in the Archwitch's circumstances.' The Regressive Mage, quiet until now, suddenly showed interest. He seemed to have been silently listening despite the parrot ruffling his hair, soaking in the tale grimly. I can't blame the Archwitch for everything, it seems. 'The Archwitch scattered the Riders of Pestilence across the land and also devastated the great forest with the Green Death. If only we could prevent even one of those...' Riders of Pestilence? Green Death? Another set of bizarrely intriguing keywords. But if it's so important, shouldn't you have already known and told me? Why are you trying to find out now? Then again, if the Regressive Mage had always been an enemy of Nevida and the Archwitch until now, there wouldn't have been a chance to hear their stories. He was likely too busy battling against them. This is a predicament. If I were to know the truth alone, I could simply read thoughts and keep silent. But if I intend to inform the Regressive Mage about the Archwitch’s circumstances, seeking such information requires a 'legitimate' procedure rather than mind-reading. Only then will the source be credible. “In that case, would you set up a meeting? Although we're in the same boat, let's hold a friendly exchange.” [Yes! Good idea!] “Make the arrangements on your end. I'll come find you.” [You must come! Promise!] With repeated insistence, the parrot fluttered energetically out the open window. Despite her long life, the Archwitch was surprisingly affable. Until now, all the elders I met were either emotionless or stiff. Perhaps living with animals influenced her? Still, she's not the best guest. Even as the parrot departed, the Archwitch's familiars remained silently watching from every corner of my room. As I shut the door and then the window, the Regressive Mage groaned. “…Hughes. When you go, take me with you.” “Can you handle that in your state? Your arm looks like it might fall off with a light jog.” “Still, I need to hear about the Archwitch. Because the Archwitch…” “Whoa, hold on a moment. Be careful with your words, Shei. This is the enemy's camp for you.” Your information mostly comes from what you witnessed in your regressions, making it effectively knowledge of the future. If you speak of future knowledge carelessly, you'll trigger the Archwitch's vigilance. While Nevida is a dull yet steadfast mighty plant, the Archwitch is a sensitive and cautious beast. Show any vulnerability, and it could spell disaster. “Hmm. But this is also an opportunity. The Archwitch might…” “Ah, wise up already before something slips!” I warned explicitly but to no avail. As I clamped my hand over the Regressive Mage's mouth, I glanced around the room. The lurking surveillance—no, observation—no, voyeuristic bugs of the Archwitch remained still. They were probably not receiving input from the insect senses right now, having been recently involved with the parrot. “Could you be more cautious in your actions? Even if it doesn't matter for me, you're just a captive here, Shei. Leak the wrong information, and you'll have to face consequences. Do you understand?” “Mmph, mmph!” “I'll trust that you do. Henceforth, keep what only you know to yourself.” "I'll just read your mind," I said, and waited until it seemed like the Regressive Mage had settled down before I released my hand. He seemed displeased but acknowledged my words nonetheless. “…I hadn't considered that. You're quite perceptive.” “Those who are weak often have to be more observant. You might not get it since you've always been the strong one.” “If I were truly strong, I wouldn't be here, struggling with a broken arm…. I'm not that strong…. I was always weaker. Than the Sin Lord, the Demon King, the Sword Saint, and… Nevida.” With a defeated sigh, the Regressive Mage lamented his current state. Without his usual confidence and fierce demeanor, he seemed almost endearing. He'd been a bit too sharp so far, after all. “If you can list your opponents from the top, that already makes you strong. Otherwise, what does that make me?” “…Indeed. How did you survive?” “Oddly, acknowledging me only makes this unsettling. How'd I survive? By diligently avoiding danger and running away! Yet here you are, always sticking your head in death's door, and somehow still alive.” ‘Though I've already died more than ten times.’ Exactly. Without his regression ability, he would have been long gone. He should be thankful to whoever granted him that. “If you're set on attending that meeting, get your arm taken care of first. I can't drag along a walking mess that bleeds at the slightest move.” “It’s not that bad…! Uh….” Suddenly recalling his own state, the Regressive Mage groaned despondently. He couldn't move a finger, and his clothes were soaked in blood, sweat, and dust. Although he had patched up his injuries, his skin was torn and slack, oozing yellow fluid. It was an apt description of a human waste bomb. ‘Ordinarily, I’d use ki to clean up, but... I can't even maintain the base of my energy flow right now. I need to clean myself up….’ But with no access to his ki or even his hands, he had no way to clean himself. He pondered the situation, groaning. ‘Should I ask someone? But the only ally I have is Hughes. If it comes to that, it'll have to be Hughes….’ Just the thought made him shake his head vehemently. ‘No. I’ll endure. It's just a little uncomfortable. Only a bit….’ Yet once you've noticed something, it can't be ignored. The Regressive Mage fidgeted uncomfortably, squirming, as only his feet could move at all. ‘How do I even ask him to help clean me?! It sounds inappropriate! But I have no one else to trust…! The witches? No, as long as the Archwitch exists, they’re all my enemies. I can’t entrust my body to an enemy. Not ever!’ His pride wounded at the thought of speaking it aloud, he stubbornly kept his lips sealed, glaring at me. The intensity was palpable. What now? Is he expecting me to offer a solution without asking? This is really quite the predicament. I tried to focus on preparing my meal for the day, but his gaze became even more demanding. It felt like my head might catch fire first, before the stove. “If you have something to say, just say it. Stop staring.” “…Nothing, really!” “Then stop staring! Focus on healing yourself!” “I can't focus! My clothes are damp with blood, and my body feels filthy!” “Oh, do you want me to help clean you?” “Are you insane?! Who would ask for that?!” “Seriously, what do you want then?!” This is such a headache. He clearly needs cleaning, but how do I get past his defenses? Maybe… it most likely won't work, but should I give it a try? “Shei, you’re a guy, aren’t you? Guys can help each other out sometimes, right?” Finally remembering that he was disguised as a man, the Regressive Mage hesitated before replying. “Oh, right. I am…?” “Come on. There's no need to be embarrassed. We should help each other out when times are tough.” “Uh, yeah. Ple— I mean, no! Stop! Hands off my clothes!” Ah. Caught. Although, it would be odd if he wasn't aware. Even so, the Regressive Mage must be really weakened now. I withdrew my hands, which had started to remove his clothes, and sighed, looking at his accusing glare. “What do you suggest then? Plan to wear that forever?” “…Is there another way?” “What other way could there be? Your desire is clear: no touch, but willing to clean. Don’t want me to see you. Isn't it?” “Well, it’s not so…!” ‘…Though that would work.’ “Ha. It’s really troublesome. You have so many demands for a prisoner.” Too many orders and wishes. Fine, okay. The more challenging the request, the more rewarding it is to fulfill. It might be bothersome, but the living shouldn’t be denied their wishes when even the dead are granted theirs, right? “…Forget it. Leave me be. I’ll do it myself once I heal.” “How long do you think that will take? What about me, since we have to live together for now?” Sighing, I searched the room. The natural chamber, crafted from the World Tree's heartwood, was rich with versatile herbs. Soon, I found a lush cluster of moss growing near the bath area and ripped off a large handful. Though dry, the moss felt soft, akin to a towel. Though classified as moss, it was an unfamiliar species to me. Likely enhanced by Nevida's abilities. “This seems like cleaning moss. It's dry now, but it should moisten once soaked.” I filled a gourd-shell bucket with water, soaked the moss inside, and placed it at the Regressive Mage's feet. Then, I summoned the origin of the divine tree to cause the moss to 'grow' along his body. “If left like this, the moss will grow, wrapping around and cleaning you. How's that?” Technically, it’s dubious, but it overcame his discomfort well enough. “…That’ll do, I suppose.” “Well. Since the moss, not I, is doing the cleaning, whether it's thorough or not, it's not my issue. You can't complain, okay?” “Mm.” As we spoke, the moss had already started extending its tendrils. In order to grow without stalks, the moss needed a support to cling to. While searching for a brace in the gourd bucket, its tendrils discovered the Regressive Mage's bare foot and promptly wrapped around it. ‘Ah, that's cold. It's more moist than I thought. It grows quite rapidly… This should clean him well. Hyuk?!’ At that moment, having found its support, the moss began to vigorously climb up the Regressive Mage, seemingly in competition with itself. The green moss slithered across his skin like a snake. The unfamiliar sensation creeping up from below startled the Regressive Mage, who exclaimed in alarm. “W-wait! Hughes. This…!” “I don’t really know. I'm going to take a nap.” This is exactly what you wanted. If I had washed you myself, you'd probably have been full of complaints. Just bear with it. “This, it's going inside…! Hughes, wait! Can you peel it off—hik!” “Snore.” I lay on the bed, turning my back on the Regressive Mage as he was slowly enveloped by the moss. Despite the clamor he made, which I thought would keep me awake, it seemed I was more exhausted than I realized. Surprisingly, I drifted off to sleep quite easily.