Chapter 24: A First Glimpse of the Sacred Tree
As they drew closer to the sacred tree, the mana in the air grew denser. Its immense size became more apparent with each passing hill, its massive trunk and sprawling branches, large enough to cover a medium-sized city, finally coming into full view. The elven settlements, clustered around its base, formed concentric circles. And at the innermost circle, a dense network of vines, shaped by Druidic magic into habitable structures, marked the location of the Druid council.
“The sacred tree isn’t just a plant. It has a form of sentience,” Baggs explained. “Notice the lush vegetation beneath it?”
They looked. A dense forest thrived under the tree’s vast canopy, some elven villages nestled within its branches.
This was unusual. Such a large tree would normally cast a deep shadow, preventing undergrowth.
But the sacred tree’s shadow wasn’t uniform. Sunlight filtered through its canopy in certain areas.
“Its leaves can change shape?” Abyss asked, glancing at Baggs.
“Indeed, Mr. Belator, you’re very perceptive,” Baggs said, nodding. “The sacred tree manipulates its branches and leaves, allowing sunlight to reach the ground below, creating a habitable environment beneath its canopy.”
“That’s quite considerate,” Abyss remarked. “What about rain?”
“Its root system is vast, sharing water and nutrients with the surrounding plants. It’s a self-regulating ecosystem, a living magic array,” Baggs explained proudly. “Thanks to the sacred tree, the alchemical ingredients grown here are incredibly potent and abundant. Those villages you see cultivate these ingredients, supplying the world.”
As they rode through Keshel, the area surrounding the sacred tree, passing through the elven villages, Abyss and his companions observed the elves’ way of life.
Elven society had a relaxed, unhurried pace. Their long lifespans allowed them ample time for leisure and reflection. They valued spiritual pursuits above material wealth.
The villages were mostly inhabited by Wood Elves, the dominant elven population. Dark Elves and Light Elves were less common. Dark Elves, with their differing values, preferred to live separately. Light Elves, although numerous, were often ostracized due to their mixed heritage.
Laughter and music filled the air as they passed through the villages, the melodies of elven instruments echoing through the streets.
These elven farmers, cultivators of medicinal herbs, were also artists. The Gray Elves, who governed the Elven Kingdoms, provided free education for all children, ensuring literacy and cultural understanding. Their manners were impeccable, their speech refined.
The literacy rate in the Elven Kingdoms was almost one hundred percent, a stark contrast to even the well-educated Western Empire.
The villagers of Keshel, wary of the humans, kept their distance, despite their polite nature.
“I apologize. Elves are distrustful of humans now,” Baggs whispered to Abyss. “They don’t know you’re a high-ranking Druid here to help.”
“It’s alright,” Abyss said, waving his hand dismissively. He was used to such reactions.
“Don’t worry, we’ll reach the Druid council soon. They’re welcoming towards all, especially those who come to help,” Maggie said, pointing ahead.
“That’s good to hear,” Leona said, nodding. She didn’t like being regarded with suspicion.
They rode through the villages, past vast fields of medicinal herbs, then entered a dense forest, its trees and vines intertwined, flowers blooming everywhere. Passing through a natural archway formed by the trees, they entered the Druid council’s territory.
“Ooooooh!”
A naked figure, swinging from a vine, shouting gibberish, suddenly appeared before them.
“What was that?” Flora asked, startled.
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