Chapter 583 - Omniscient First-Person’s Viewpoint

There are no graves without stories, and the Archwitch's tale was indeed quite unfortunate. How ironic that a momentary act of kindness would return as poison, setting the World Tree ablaze. It's little wonder someone would become twisted from such an ordeal. "So, that's what happened." 'To think a druid burned down the World Tree. I hadn't even considered the Archwitch's circumstances...' The Regressor nodded as Shei echoed the Archwitch's words. "Everyone has their own backgrounds and circumstances, after all." "...I understand. But even so, I can't just accept the Archwitch's words as you do. If the sole purpose was to burn the World Tree, she could've just let it die on its own." "So, it's fine to let the World Tree perish?" "Why not. The death of the World Tree is still better than the end of the world. We can do without a single tree." To say the World Tree could die? It truly was as simplistic as it was audacious. "But the Archwitch won't stop there. Surely, she'll do something even worse. We must prevent any attempts to bring down the World Tree." "And how do you propose we do that? You're helplessly captured as it stands." "Ugh..." The Regressor, coming to terms with their situation, tried to move his arms desperately. His arms remained immobile, with the mere attempt causing excruciating pain. "I may not be able to do much... but this might still be an opportunity. This place is the Tree of Depravity, the king of dead trees bearing the fruit of sin. The clue must be here." "A clue?" "The Plague Rider and the Green Death. The Archwitch likely crafted them here." "What are those? Speak of something I know, will you?" The Plague Rider and the Green Death—it was the first he'd heard of them. What good is a historical event if only you know about it? "A terrible plague ravaged the Empire. A disease causing the skin to rot black, oozing pus and foul odors, killing its victims. With a survival rate of only 20%, even those who survived suffered severe aftereffects. It spread so rapidly it was named the Plague Rider." This was news. A plague? I was startled as I asked. "Did the Archwitch create this plague?" "No." "What?" "The Archwitch wasn't the one who created that plague. Though she did spread it to several villages and instill fear, so she could be considered the root cause. But while it was particularly terrifying and dreadful, the Plague Rider was a common plague." It sounded strange to call it a common plague, but in truth, all sorts of plagues lurk in the jungles of the myriad nations. It just doesn't show due to the low population density. When the flu from these myriad nations spreads to the heart of the Empire, that's a plague. "What the Archwitch created was something else." "The Green Death?" "Yes. It's a disease that kills not people, but plants and insects. Once afflicted, it rots from the inside until the plant inevitably dies, signaling the end of flora." A disease that kills the World Tree. The intent is clear. Considering no one would bear enmity toward trees, the one to create such a disease must be the Archwitch. "Once people finally realized that insects transmitted the plague, they used the Green Death excessively, unaware it was poisonous, in an attempt to eradicate the insects." Neither Walpurgis nor the Archwitch needed to hold back their words. Their plans had already been realized, a future that no longer existed due to the Regressor's return. "Is this one of Shei's prophecies?" "Let's leave it at that. I'm tired of making excuses now." "It's true, once you start peeling away some layers, the truth comes out." "What do you mean by peeling?" "Masks. I mean masks." I was relieved the Regressor spoke first. I had sensed something through reading Walpurgis's thoughts, but pretending to be oblivious was truly difficult. "Even if it's practically confirmed that Shei is a saint, aren’t you worried someone might overhear you talking like this?" "This isn't our original room, plus it's right after the Archwitch departed. It's the only time there won't be surveillance. If we're still being watched even now... there's nothing we can do about it." "Not bad at all. Well done." "I-It's not like I'm happy to be praised by you." "You're finally starting to think a bit. You've come a long way. Keep it up." "But I didn't mean it as an invitation for criticism!" What does he want, exactly? What an impossible person. I sighed and summarized the Regressor's words in my mind. "In conclusion, somewhere within this tree, there's a clue about what you mentioned, right?" The Regressor spoke with solemn determination. "Yes. We need to find it." "...." "What?" What else? Since you can’t move on your own, I'll have to accompany you everywhere. "Fine. I'll play along. Where do you want to go?" "First, let's examine the tree comprehensively. We don’t know what’s where yet." "Comprehensively? Are you serious?" "Yes, I'm serious. Why? Is there a problem?" "...No. Let's go." The problem will be revealed in time. The World Tree. With a height of 870 meters excluding its roots, it's the tallest tree in the world. Its base, supporting such size, is more like a small hill, and its roots stretch out to firmly grasp a 10 km radius. It sustains itself with flowing rivers and its leaves blanket the world. In the realm of the World Tree, there are no earthquakes, floods, or wildfires. The breaking earth is held firm, overflowing water is absorbed, and ordinary flames are extinguished with a breath. "...How do we get down?" Thus, the Regressor's statement reeked of arrogance. With his celestial talents lost and his arms useless, a single slip would lead to his demise. Soaring on the winds of the sky was a thing of the past. "Descending is easier than ascending, so let's start from the top and slowly work our way down." "What about when we need to get back up?" "Nevida can lift us back up. If not, we’ll just walk out." "...Sure. Nothing wrong with that. Let’s do it." Small mushroom footholds had grown along the trunk of the Great Tree, allowing passage. The Regressor stood from his wheelchair, his arms still immobile. "With your arms useless, you're going to walk?" "Why? You think I'll fall from the tree just because my arms can't move?" "Yes." And then a sudden gust swept through. The Regressor wobbled, slipping beyond the mushroom foothold. Just as expected. I grabbed him to prevent a fall. "Phew, whoa." "See? It's not possible." They say tall trees are rarely windless. The Tree of Origin, no different from the World Tree, was practically wrapped in a storm. Nearly a kilometer above the ground, navigating the turbulent winds that break and twist amidst protruding branches isn't something anyone, especially someone who can't move their arms, can withstand. "Ugh, wait. I can balance using my inner energy." "The Tree of Origin inherited the World Tree's essence. Its trunk and leaves are brimming with spiritual energy. Not even you in your prime could easily channel energy through the essence of the World Tree." "And what about you?" "I can use the power of the Demon God." I subtly lifted my foot. At my feet, burdock sprouted to grip my shoes and prevent slipping. The Tree of Origin is the Demon God itself. The power I harnessed from the Demon God had its full cooperation. The Regressor brightened and said, "Oh? Then can you do that for my feet too?" "What? You want me to read every unconscious step you take and grow plants to match your stride? While also minding my own steps?" "But there's no other way, right? It's not like we can fly." "Sigh." "What?" With a brief sigh, I hoisted the Regressor up. Since his arms were tied to prevent movement, I couldn't carry him on my back. How troublesome it would be if this carefully positioned arm got crushed and misaligned. With no other choice, I held him like a parcel with both hands. I couldn't push his wheelchair or risk dropping him, so this was the only way. The Regressor, understanding the necessity of the method, didn't object. "Er, uh, um." "Geez, you're heavy. If it weren't for your arm, this would be easier." "...What! I'm already light enough!" The Regressor sulked as he glared at me. Still, since he couldn't move his arms, staying still made it somewhat easier to carry him. I began descending the mushroom stairway, leaning against the World Tree’s trunk for support. "The Tree of Origin is structured with a massive trunk leading to the realm of spirits, from which countless branches grow. Even if we had plenty of time, it'd take over a year to explore each branch." "We don't need to do that. We'll just observe from a distance to see what might be important, then head there. I'll use the Seven-Colored Eyes." The Regressor's eyes glowed with a purple hue. The sight for seeing from afar, one of the seven abilities of the Seven-Colored Eyes. He scanned the numerous distant branches. With just a turn of his head, he fixed his gaze on the fruit far away. "The closest branch has meat-bearing fruit." "Meat fruit? Can you tell what kind of meat?" "Not too clearly... Can you turn me around a bit?" "It's within your field of view." "When viewing afar, my vision narrows. Hurry and do it." Grumbling, I adjusted his angle. After about 10 seconds of observing the branch, the Regressor spotted the shadow of the beast ensnared by the fruit. "It's a monkey. From the closest branch to the furthest, they all take the form of monkeys, though the finer details vary slightly." "Are all of them meat fruits?" "Yeah. Everything growing from that branch seems to be meat fruit. This branch seems to produce monkeys." "And what about over there?" I tilted the Regressor towards a branch visible below the monkey-bearing branch. He grumbled at the sudden shift. "Don't turn me so quickly. Looking around too fast with the Seven-Colored Eyes makes me dizzy." "So you'll open and close your eyes every time? Just close them while I turn." "Announce it when you're turning!" Complaining, the Regressor glanced at a branch with small fruits clustered like grapes. "Those are rodents and rabbits. There's an overwhelming number of them. So many varieties of mice. They're hanging between the leaves." "No movement among them?" "No. But they seem ready to awaken any moment. The form of the World Tree is complete enough." "Rodents and rabbits don't really seem edible." "Who knows. You might find a tasty rabbit." Even from the nearest branch, there was this much variety. Below that, innumerable smaller branches bore fruits of varying sizes. Some fruits were so small you could barely make them out with the Seven-Colored Eyes, while the largest threatened to sway the branches of the World Tree. After descending for quite a while, we still only saw branches laden with meat fruits. "Are all of those animals, then?" "Seems so. They're all beasts. I see cows now." "Since we're here, how about we take a break by the cows?" "We haven't descended that far yet." "I've been carrying you down here, my arms might fall off." "Oh, uh, right." Mentioning the fact I was carrying him made the Regressor immediately agreeable. His compliance was a tad better now, perhaps due to his weakened state. Adjusting my grip on him, I said, "Hold tight. I'll jump directly to where the cow fruits are." "Jump? How?" "Like this." After supporting the Regressor with one hand, I drew a card with the other. The Nine of Spades, the Tree of Origin. The power of Nevida and the sum of its knowledge resonated with the energy from the Demon God. As I struck the trunk with the card in hand, tough, elongated vines surged from beneath the bark. A skilled magician can tie a rope with one hand. Binding our bodies securely with the vine, I nodded with confidence. "Alright. It’s solid." "...What’s so solid about it? One slip and we could fall." 'Sure, but if it's Hughes, he'd handle it somehow.' Huh? If you believe in me that much, it’s quite overwhelming. I can manage, but not with someone whose arms are paralyzed. Feeling a bit uneasy, I looped the vine around the Regressor's body once more before launching us off the mushroom foothold. I was confident in such techniques, and the Regressor, while currently encumbered, had faced plenty of danger before. Together, we smoothly arced through the air towards the branch where the cow fruit grew. Landing on the relatively flat branch, I finally exhaled the breath I had been holding and set the Regressor down. "Ugh. My arms, feels like they're going to fall off." "What? It wasn't that heavy." "Beast forelimbs aren't meant for carrying heavy things. Why don't you try it?" "When my arms are healed, I'll give it a shot." "Ugh, muscle pain. Not even enough strength to massage my arms." "I'll do that too, once my arms are healed." "How kind of you... Ah, now I feel better." Such convenience, the power of the Demon God. Taking a moment to rest, I summoned plant-based furniture using the Tree of Origin. A bamboo pipe bringing forth clear water rose up, accompanied by wooden chairs and a table. The Regressor naturally took a seat. "Feeling a bit peckish, I'll go fetch a cow. Or should I say harvest one here?" I headed toward the large cow-shaped fruit nearby. Unlike before, the fruit containing an entire cow was so massive and heavy that it sat heavily on petal-like structures resembling a large nest. I approached to pluck the cow fruit with my card. But then, a human silhouette squirmed from inside the fruit alongside the cow.