Chapter 41: The Roots of the Sacred Tree
The alchemical golem, a perfect replica of Abyss, emerged from the magical catfish’s mouth. Abyss, using his magic, established a connection with the golem, controlling it remotely. For someone capable of manipulating millions of puppets, controlling a single golem was effortless.
He sent the golem back to the work area, then, casting an invisibility spell on himself, set off on his own errand.
He wasn’t planning anything grand or world-altering. Having recovered his memories, he simply wanted to give his followers some gifts, a small token of his appreciation for their companionship and a celebration of their victory against the Lord of Nightmares.
Based on his past experiences, he decided on flowers.
The soil around the Druid council was incredibly fertile, its vegetation lush and vibrant, thanks to the sacred tree’s influence. Flowers of all shapes and colors bloomed in abundance.
He carefully selected a variety of flowers, three of each kind, one for each of his followers. As he plucked a small, resilient flower, its stem accidentally coming loose, its roots exposed, he paused, a thoughtful expression on his face.
This small flower, common throughout the continent, was known for its hardiness, thriving even in harsh conditions, its small, unassuming blossoms surprisingly beautiful.
He examined its roots, their size and complexity far exceeding those of ordinary flowers, a network of fine tendrils designed to absorb every drop of moisture, a crucial adaptation for survival in less hospitable environments. Although unnecessary here, beneath the sacred tree’s protective canopy, this trait ensured its survival in other regions, clinging to cliffsides and thriving even in the icy plains of the Western Empire.
Looking at the flower’s roots, he thought of the sacred tree, the largest living organism in Hai-Teweru. Its immense size, its ability to sustain the surrounding ecosystem, suggested an equally vast and complex root system. Magic couldn’t be created from nothing. Perhaps the sacred tree drew its power from the earth itself, its roots absorbing mana from across the world, filtering and purifying it before releasing it back into the environment.
If so, examining its root system might be the key to solving its withering.
Abyss, a man of action, immediately began his investigation. Using a fallen branch as a makeshift shovel, he dug into the earth, finding a few dead earthworms.
After glancing around, ensuring he wasn’t being observed, he chanted a spell, reanimating the earthworms.
Empowered by his magic, their movements no longer slow and sluggish, but swift and precise, they burrowed into the earth, their task to map the sacred tree’s entire root system. They would awaken other deceased insects along the way, their combined efforts creating a detailed map, without harming any living roots.
Their findings would be relayed to Abyss’s mind, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the sacred tree’s hidden network. However, their progress would be slow. They might have completed their task by the time the Druid council meeting began.
Satisfied with his preparations, he resumed picking flowers.
As he finished, his alchemical golem, still working alongside the Druids, suddenly slapped its forehead. “Ah, I apologize, I need to excuse myself again. I’ll be right back,” it said to Leona.
Leona, realizing that the real Abyss had completed his task, nodded. The golem turned and left.
The Druid who had asked about Abyss earlier looked at Leona, his expression understanding. “Ah, it seems his stomach problems are quite severe. He just left, and now he’s going again.”
“Yes, it’s his own fault for eating everything in sight,” Leona said, giggling. “Let him be.”
“He’s a high-ranking Druid. Why would he have such problems?” the Druid asked, puzzled.
“He eats a lot. He has a bad habit of consuming anything and everything. That’s why he has stomach problems. Don’t worry, he’s quite resilient,” Leona explained, making up a story.
Flora wanted to correct her, but it was too late. The Druid seemed fascinated by this “eccentricity.”
If she told him Leona was lying, he wouldn’t believe her. After all, people only heard what they wanted to hear.
Soon, Abyss, having swapped places with the golem, returned, his arms filled with flowers.
“I apologize for my absence. I was picking some flowers. These are for you,” he said, smiling, handing the flowers to Leona and Flora. He then went to find Rebecca.
As he walked away, the Druid whispered to Leona, “Why did he pick flowers while… relieving himself? Don’t you find it strange?”
“Uh…” Leona, caught off guard, stammered, “It’s not strange… We’re used to it…”
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