Chapter 335: Cyclic Life (4)
Chapter 335: Cyclic Life (4)
Cyclic Life gave me one last embrace, then slowly stepped back and spoke.
“I shall bring it now, so please wait a moment.”
“Pardon?”
No way. Really?
While I tilted my head in disbelief, Cyclic Life had already closed her eyes and lightly extended her hand, palm facing the ceiling.
In an instant, a surge of pressure erupted from her. As she began to channel her divine power in earnest, green light began to coalesce, soon taking the shape of a long rod.
“This is...”
“A branch of the World Tree. I lack the talent of a craftsman, so I can only provide the raw shape.”
“That is more than enough. My personal alchemist is exceptionally gifted.”
“Oh? Well, that is a relief then.”
As I nodded with a confident tone, Cyclic Life gave a bright smile and looked toward Fay.
Fay, suddenly finding herself the center of attention, began to hiccup from the pressure... yet even then, her eyes remained glued to the branch of the World Tree.
She was likely already struck by inspiration on how to use it. Say what you will, she really was a genius.
Seeing my satisfied expression, Cyclic Life asked quietly, “If it were truly necessary, I considered spending a great deal of time to ask Clashing Steel for a favor... but you trust that child, don't you?”
“Yes. Everything I use must pass through Senior Fay’s fingertips.”
“My, my. That child is a bit peculiar, but she is an alchemist, isn't she? Then I should provide the materials accordingly.”
“Is that possible?”
“Of course. The World Tree is my clone, so it possesses power in its own right... but it becomes most powerful when I infuse it with my divine power. At that time, I simply need to match the wavelength to a specific individual’s life force.”
With a wink, Cyclic Life explained that everyone has life force and that it carries a unique pattern.
She began to draw up her divine power once more.
Woooong—
The pressure became so intense it made me hold my breath. However, far from being threatening, it felt strangely cozy.
Amidst divine power so strong the entire room glowed lime-green, other items began to manifest.
She brought out everything from tiny, newly sprouted leaves to massive fronds larger than I was.
There were beautiful flowers in every color—white, pink, yellow, red, and blue.
Beyond that, there were golden and silver apples; a set of glass bottles containing the World Tree's First Dew through the Third Dew, which I had seen once before; wooden bottles filled with a liquid as red as blood but far more viscous; roots shaped like humans; and bark harder than most steel plates.
Cyclic Life had bestowed upon me everything I had requested, just as she said she would.
Holding an armful of the World Tree series—something I had never managed to fully complete even in H&A—I felt a surge of genuine emotion.
I expressed it in the first words that came to mind.
“Maman...!”
“Ahem. Does that make me the Mother-in-law of Light?”
“What?!”
Solari, who had been lounging by the fireplace, bolted upright.
“Yandel? My husband? Isn't that going a bit too far...?”
“But think about it, Lady Solari. What else should I call someone who showers me with such unconditional happiness, if not 'Mother'?”
“I-If you’re going to put it like that, I’ve done plenty for you too!”
“Hmm... you can’t marry your mom, though. Are you really okay with that?”
“Gasp!”
As if caught in an unblockable mix-up, Solari froze in place, completely stiff.
I sat Solari down beside me as she began muttering to herself, looking like she had short-circuited.
Then, my eyes met Cyclic Life’s, who was watching us with a subtle expression.
“Is something the matter? Ah, thank you so much for the gifts. They will be a huge help in this operation.”
“I wasn't looking at you because I wanted thanks. I was simply curious how you managed to tame a lion who knew nothing but battle. ...By the way, what do you mean by 'this operation'?”
“I only just found out myself, but Ugly Prosperity is gathering an army right in front of the Great Forest. They likely intend to start an all-out war.”
“Ugly Prosperity... has a poor compatibility with elves. Still, Alfheim’s capabilities should be enough to hold them back, so do not worry.”
Her voice carried a hint of pride. Judging by her reaction, it seemed Cyclic Life didn't know those Succubus-types could even drain spirit power.
In any case, if it was this important, Chancellor Milone would have likely informed Cyclic Life through Nariel.
Thinking there was no harm in me saying it first, I gave her a brief summary. Cyclic Life’s expression turned grave instantly.
“...That is a very plausible scenario. Was that also from Fafnir?”
“Yes. It was one of the futures Fafnir observed. But don't worry. The situation now is much better than the future I saw. There will surely be a way.”
“I suppose so. But you haven't already forgotten what I said earlier, have you? I said I would lend a hand as well.”
“Uh, well. I truly appreciate the offer, but your power is Alfheim’s final bastion. Bestowing these gifts must have taken quite a toll, so for now, you should conserve your strength...”
As I spoke while looking at the World Tree series still in my arms, Cyclic Life began to chuckle softly.
“Fufu. Certainly, the power invested here is considerable. For other gods... for Righteous Light, it would have been a burdensome amount. But I am different.”
“Pardon?”
“The only god remaining on the surface. The god who has whispered oracles directly for three hundred years. The gargantuan god that can be seen from anywhere in the Great Forest. That is me. The divine power I have recovered during that time cannot even be compared to the other gods. Though, of course, it is not quite at my peak.”
“That... makes sense.”
No matter how much people know that gods exist and see priests channeling holy power, humans ultimately believe what they see with their own eyes.
Cyclic Life reached out with a benevolent expression. The hand that had been bestowing blessings upon parts of the World Tree just moments ago was now gently stroking my forehead.
“Originally, this was power I had saved to create an Apostle. I’ll ask just in case—do you have any intention of becoming my Apostle?”
“It is a flattering offer, but I’m afraid that would be difficult.”
“Oh dear. It can’t be helped then. I shall at least grant you a blessing.”
“...Huh?”
As I blinked in confusion, Cyclic Life’s playful declaration rang out.
“Be strong—presto!”
Simultaneously, a massive amount of divine power erupted from the hand touching my forehead. A light resembling fresh grass illuminated the surroundings before being sucked into my body.
Fwooooong—
“Ngh!”
It didn't hurt. It was just that my senses, which had become even more acute upon reaching the rank of High Magician, reacted sensitively to another’s energy racing through my body.
It felt closer to motion sickness, but as time passed, my body seemed to realize that Cyclic Life’s divine power was friendly.
The rejection response vanished rapidly. And as if waiting for that moment, the lime-colored divine power began to delve even deeper.
Thanks to having observed and even touched them directly, I was now quite familiar with the pathways between the flesh and the soul.
The divine power that squeezed through those narrow paths settled heavily... and before long, it merged completely, and even the slight sense of foreignness vanished.
At the same time, a clear bell sound rang out.
Ding!
======================
【Blessing Obtained!】
You have received the blessing of Cyclic Life, the Master of the World Tree and Mother of the Elves!
The Goddess, who is particularly fond of you, has joyfully given you many things. This blessing is one of them.
Thanks to this, your body, having awakened its life force, has become even more robust! It is as if your physical potential has been unlocked!
Truly, a motherly benevolence! You must repay this kindness. For that is the way of humanity...!
You know how to show filial piety... right?
You’re already crushing the Evil God’s forces whenever you see them, but smash them even more aggressively!
May good fortune be with you in the days ahead.
- Trait: Blessing of the World Tree (B) obtained!
======================
Good heavens, what is this?
In the blink of an eye, I had received a blessing. And a fairly powerful B-rank one at that.
I had to check this immediately.
Pretending to focus inward with my eyes closed, I concentrated on the detailed description.
Ding!
======================
【Blessing of the World Tree (B)】
You have been doused in the powerful life force contained within the World Tree. It is practically a baptism.
As a result, your stimulated physical body has broken through its existing limits and been reborn stronger.
The inherent power of life will always be with you.
- Increased efficiency of physical stats
======================
I had a hunch when I first saw the notification, and as expected, it was this.
There are two types of World Tree blessings.
One is an offensive blessing like the one I received, which awakens the body with dense life force and maintains an awakened state through the power of the blessing.
The stats themselves don't change, but the power those stats produce is enhanced. It’s easiest to think of it as a bonus to overall physical activity, independent of the stat numerical values.
The other type is the auxiliary blessing that Milone and Nariel likely received—longevity, regeneration, disease resistance, and so on. Things that help in daily life.
This type becomes extremely weak when far from the World Tree, but conversely, the effect improves the closer one is.
I suppose you could call it a parent’s heart, simply wishing for their child to grow up healthy and live a long life without pain...
Well, since I have the Sun God's Favor, I didn't really need those traits.
Knowing that, she probably gave me the offensive blessing instead.
Satisfied, I let the corners of my mouth curl up and checked my status window one last time.
======================
Name: Yandel
Title: Adversary
Basic Stats
Strength: 20
Endurance: 20
Agility: 20
Dexterity: 21
Magic: 27
Traits
Endless Mana (A)
Understanding of Elements (B)
Excellent Memory (B)
Excellent Weapon Skill (B)
Lintblum Mana Core (A)
Intermediate Magician (B+) -> High Magician (A)
Sun God's Favor (S)
Cultist Hatred (A)
Medicinal Constitution (C)
Element Combination (A)
Blessing of the Sea (B+)
Blessing of All Gods (A)
Intimidation Resistance (B)
Mana Affinity (A)
Origin Regression (S)
Cultist Detection (B)
Spirit Language (A) NEW!
Blessing of the World Tree (B) NEW!
======================
Only after reading through to the end did I slowly open my eyes.
And I locked eyes with Solari, who looked as betrayed as if she had just witnessed her husband having an affair.
“.......”
“I-It’s a misunderstanding!”
For some reason, I sounded exactly like a husband caught cheating, but surely that was just my imagination.