Chapter 48: The Scale of the Sacred Tree’s Root System
“The majority abstained, but the ‘yes’ votes outnumbered the ‘no’ votes by three. Therefore, we will adopt Master Belator’s plan and attempt to drain the mana from around the sacred tree, observing its mana flow,” Ambrosius announced, after counting the votes cast using leaves.
Most Druids nodded in agreement, the dissenting minority remaining silent. The vote was considered fair, and they respected the outcome. Only Arcaiste seemed troubled, his mouth opening and closing, as if he wanted to speak but couldn’t. Even as Grand Sage, he couldn’t overturn the council’s decision. It was against their rules, a violation of ancient elven customs.
Abyss looked at Arcaiste, sensing his unease, his unspoken concerns.
What was this Grand Sage hiding? Abyss was curious, but he didn’t press the matter. He had a feeling the truth would reveal itself soon enough.
“The first part of our meeting is concluded,” Ambrosius said, taking over as moderator, since Arcaiste remained silent.
“Master Belator, please explain your plan in detail. When do you intend to begin?”
Abyss thought for a moment. “Give me two days. I’m currently mapping the sacred tree’s root system. I haven’t finished yet. And I need your apprentices to inform the nearby villages about the temporary mana disruption. That’s all for now.”
“Is the sacred tree’s root system that difficult to map?” a Druid asked.
“Well… it’s not easy. Haven’t you tried mapping it yourselves?” Abyss asked, shrugging. “I thought you would be interested in such things.”
“The sacred tree is our most valuable resource. Of course we’ve tried to study it. But its power is too immense. Our root-tracing spells are disrupted by its mana,” Ambrosius explained. “That’s why we still don’t know the extent of its root system.”
“The fact that you’re casually discussing mapping the sacred tree’s root system is impressive in itself,” Arcaiste said, finally speaking. “Haven’t you encountered any difficulties?”
“My methods are unconventional. I can’t reveal them,” Abyss said. “I haven’t failed, but I’ve encountered some challenges. I need more time.”
“Understood. We’ll send our apprentices to inform the nearby villages,” Arcaiste said, standing up. “If there’s nothing else, we’ll adjourn. We all have much to do. Master Belator, I wish you success.”
The Druids rose and dispersed, their conversations continuing, their manners informal. They were satisfied with the meeting’s outcome.
The Sages nodded at Abyss, then left. Arcaiste, however, glanced at the sacred tree, then at Abyss, his expression thoughtful, before leaving.
Abyss leaned against a tree, his mind focused on the information being relayed by his insect spies—thousands of undead insects, their bodies reinforced by his necromancy, now digging tirelessly, following the sacred tree’s roots deep into the earth.
They had been digging for a long time, but they hadn’t reached the end yet.
“How deep have your insects burrowed?” Rebecca asked through their link.
“They’re almost at the planet’s core,” Abyss replied, shaking his head. “The sacred tree’s root system is far more extensive than I imagined. I suspect it spans the entire planet. Its size and its power are truly remarkable.”
“Spanning the entire planet?!” Rebecca exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. She had imagined a vast root system, perhaps covering the Elven Kingdoms, but not the entire world!
“Yes, you’re surprised, aren’t you? I was as well, when I first discovered it,” Abyss said, smiling. “That’s why I choked during breakfast.”
“Why didn’t you tell us? This is incredible!” Rebecca exclaimed, leaning against him, her excitement evident.
“I was planning to, but I wanted to wait until they mapped the entire root system. It’ll be… interesting,” Abyss said. “Agnes’s true power is becoming apparent… Her mastery of magic might even surpass my own. It’s exciting.”
“A powerful rival. Aren’t you worried?” Rebecca teased.
Abyss chuckled. “I’m not worried about her power, but about how to befriend her. Based on the legends, she wasn’t exactly sociable. My current companions are quite normal, their thought processes easy to understand. I can treat them like ordinary girls. But Agnes… I’m not sure about her personality. Perhaps I should ask the other Druids, but I doubt they’ll be helpful. She wasn’t very social, even when she was alive.”
“Then it’s time to test your charming skills,” Rebecca said, playfully tapping his nose. “If you succeed, we’ll have another powerful mage on our team.”
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