Chapter 630: Chapter 630 - The World Tree Historian
Chapter 630: Chapter 630 - The World Tree Historian
Broken rejoined Aerin for their journey after ensuring his play limit had fully reset. As they ventured deeper into the forest. The trees closed in tightly, their tangled branches forming an almost impenetrable canopy, while the fog thickened.
In some areas, the mist was so dense it felt almost suffocating, blurring vision and dampening sound.
They continued moving, leaping skillfully over the massive roots that jutted out from the forest floor. Aerin led the way. Occasionally, she glanced back at Broken, offering a warm smile.
"Let me know if I'm running too fast."
"No, not at all. My concern is more whether moving this fast will attract monsters to attack us."
Aerin chuckled softly. "Monsters will come regardless of whether we move fast or slow. But by running faster, we'll reach our destination quicker."
"Understood."
At times, they slowed to a walk, adjusting their pace when the terrain became too difficult for running. Twisted roots and uneven ground made certain areas treacherous to navigate.
"With a forest this dense and wild, I can't imagine anyone finding the forest elves unless they already know where to look," Broken said as they carefully maneuvered around a steep incline.
"I think you underestimate the fact that some races live many times longer than humans. Given enough time, it's bound to happen."
"Ah, okay," Broken replied with a nod. "That does make sense."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
On his screen, the map was equally unhelpful, covered by a thick fog that rendered it nearly useless. The forest seemed intentionally designed to disorient, making navigation nearly impossible without a guide.
Information about the Dreamscape Forest was scarce online, leaving him to rely heavily on Aerin's fragmented memories to locate the hidden forest elves.
To ensure their safety, Broken sent Pawpaw ahead to scout the area. With his mobility and formidable battle skills, he had already dispatched multiple monsters before they could approach Broken and Aerin. His efficiency allowed their journey to remain relatively uneventful, even as they traveled for nearly six hours through the eerie forest.
At one point, Broken reached into his inventory and retrieved a bottle of water, handing it to Aerin.
She accepted it, her expression softening as she took a sip.
The two paused their journey, settling on the thick, protruding roots of a massive tree. All around them, the forest stretched endlessly, cloaked in towering trees and a suffocating fog that limited visibility.
The silence, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves, added to the eerie atmosphere.
"I don't think anyone can help but feel anxious in this forest," Broken remarked, his voice low. "Even without the curse you mentioned."
Aerin glanced at him, her expression thoughtful. "It does seem like the forest elves are serious about maintaining their secrecy, doesn't it?"
The Forest Elves were a popular topic online. Despite their reputation for their enchanting beauty, they differed from their High Elves relatives in one key aspect: their proportions were more akin to humans, lacking the towering height and commanding aura that defined High Elves.
"I'm interested in learning more about Forest Elves, and I believe I'm with the right person to discuss that. Although, there are some Forest Elves in Slumdon Town as well."
"But they're not from Dissidia or even the South Continent, right?" Aerin asked.
"Correct."
"Some Forest Elf tribes are more open to outsiders," Aerin explained. "Perhaps the ones in Slumdon Town belong to one of those tribes."
"Does that mean your tribe-the one you come from-has something unique or special about it?"
Aerin smiled warmly and nodded. "You'll find out more about that soon enough."
"I'm intrigued," Broken said with a slight grin.
Aerin nodded slowly. "Shall we continue our journey while having this conversation?"
"Of course," Broken replied, rising to his feet.
As they resumed walking through the dense forest, Aerin continued.
"There's been a long-standing feud between Forest Elves, High Elves, and Dark Elves. It all stems from each race coveting the unique advantages the others possess-qualities they themselves lack."
"Have you heard of the World Tree, Broken?" she asked, glancing at him.
Broken had, in fact, heard of a World Tree before, though not the one she referred to-it was a different legendary tree located in Yunatea. Even so, he shook his head, deciding to let Aerin explain.
"Tell me about it."
"The World Tree is a guardian of the world," Aerin began. "It bestows life, blessings, and fertility upon the land. We Forest Elves are especially privileged to receive its benevolence, as it chooses several of our people to grant special blessings. Abilities so extraordinary they rival even the Blessings of Sins granted by the gods."
After a moment, she continued. "Because of these blessings, the Forest Elves have long been the target of the High Elves. For centuries, a great war raged between our people until, eventually, the unthinkable happened-the World Tree was destroyed."
Aerin's words grew heavier with each sentence.
"With the destruction of the World Tree, everything changed. We lost not only our blessings but our purpose in the eyes of the other elves. That marked the beginning of our isolation."
"And here we are now-the Forest Elves, a people who have chosen to seclude themselves from the outside world. While some of us still venture out as adventurers, our race is no longer considered one of the major powers."
[Congratulations! You have earned the title 'The World Tree Historian' for your understanding of the World Tree and its significance.]
[Reward: 100 Stat Points have been added to your account as recognition of your achievement!]
"It seems like it's been a while since I last received bonus stat points," he mused aloud.
Curious, he turned to Aerin and asked, "So, Aerin, is it impossible to restore the World Tree?"
She answered immediately. "They are trying..."
Broken nodded slowly. "If they really are trying to restore the World Tree," he said, "wouldn't that risk starting another war if they succeeded?"
Aerin shook her head slightly. "I'm not sure, Broken. I don't think I'm privy to that kind of information. But the World Tree means everything to us-it's our protector. Because of that, I'm sure the Forest Elves will keep working to bring it back. In fact, I think they've already
started."
Initially, Broken had accompanied Aerin to this forest for a different purpose: to find Mithril, a key material he needed to complete his quest for Fokil.
However, hearing about the history and importance of the World Tree had sparked his
curiosity. The more he learned, the more he felt drawn to understanding its significance and
the potential ramifications of its restoration.
But was he ready to involve himself in such a critical and potentially volatile situation? A relic
as powerful as the World Tree had already sparked a great war between the elves.
Could he handle being caught in something so monumental again?
He checked his Mana Crystals, noting that the mana collection rate in the forest was impressive-averaging between 9 and 11 mana per minute.
If the Forest Elves' village offered an even higher rate, perhaps 20 mana per minute, it would prove invaluable to his progress.
"Broken!" Pawpaw's voice suddenly called from a distance. "We are surrounded on all sides."