The Honey-Ring Tribe
The Honey-Ring Tribe. Their appearance had never been directly described in the original novel. However, descriptions of how incredibly dangerous they were appeared quite often. They were so conservative and aggressive toward outsiders that it was said no being who stepped foot into their territory ever survived.
The Queen of the Honey-Ring Tribe, in particular, possessed a sturdy body that was impervious to most attacks. It was said that a single swing of her whip, embedded with sharp thorns, meant certain death for anyone in her path. It was so bad that in the Empire, parents would quiet crying children by telling them that the Queen of the Honey-Ring Tribe would come to take them away.
And yet, I had to meet such a tribe? "This is insane..."
To meet them, I’d have no choice but to lure them from their habitat to here. That would require sending our own people. What if they got hurt? Or, for that matter, would conversation even be possible? "Should I just give up on the fruit...?"
As my contemplation dragged on, Hylen spoke up cautiously. "Is there something troubling you, World Tree?"
I answered him immediately. "I'm worried that if I send the kids to talk to them for no reason, they might get hurt..."
The village was only just beginning to stabilize. I was worried that someone’s absence would cause a stir and lead to unrest. At my words, Hylen gasped.
"Truly... World Tree..."
Why. Why again. What is it now. "You are worrying about us."
No... that’s not it. But before I could even say anything, Hylen shouted first.
"Truly. You are so thoughtful...!"
His eyes were glistening. "Ah, I don't even know anymore."
And so, another misunderstanding was added to the pile today.
In the end, after much deliberation, I decided to go meet the Honey-Ring Tribe. The party consisted of the elves Delis and Rupel, along with Genie and three elite goblins. Since Delis had encountered the Honey-Ring Tribe before, she took the lead. She said she roughly remembered their habitat, so it shouldn't take long to find them.
Everyone was positive about going, except for one.
-Hing... I don't want to leave...
It was Genie. With a tearful expression, Genie clung tightly to my trunk and rubbed her face against me. She looked like she absolutely didn't want to go meet the Honey-Ring Tribe. No, she looked like she didn't want to leave this place.
I spoke to Genie gently. "But I'm asking you... Genie. You can go, right?"
At my words, Genie hung her head and replied.
-Uung. Since it's your request... Okay...
And so the party was decided. "I'm glad Genie is going." Of course, Delis, Rupel, and the elite goblins were strong enough on their own, but I felt I could only be at ease if Genie, an intermediate spirit, was there too.
"If anything happens, you must let me know immediately." At my words, Lin popped out.
-Don't worry! The Honey-Ring Tribe is kind to us!
"That is correct. In the past, there was much exchange between us."
Of course, they might be friendly as these two said, but a sense of unease kept creeping in. Was it because I had read the original novel too much? "Still, it's good to be prepared."
If I had my way, I would have wanted Khan, the strongest among them, to join. That would have put my mind at ease. However, Khan rejected that suggestion.
"If I am not here and this place is attacked, it will suffer great damage."
-That was his reason. A quite reasonable point. Since there had been the straw cicada incident last time, I accepted his opinion. Instead, I decided to increase the number of elite goblin soldiers from three to five.
The party heading to meet the Honey-Ring Tribe would depart first thing tomorrow. So, to wish them a safe trip, we decided to gather everyone together tonight. We decided to light a fire, sit around together, eat, and chat. "A sort of festival, if you will." Of course, it was a bit ambiguous to call it a festival; it was closer to a campfire...
As the evening grew dim, the elves roasted well-grown corn over the fire and handed it out to the Totori and the goblins.
"Here you go."
The Totori and goblins, having received the piping-hot corn, went, "Kieeee~" and "Kku-ung!" They had very happy expressions. They gripped the golden-roasted corn with both hands and started eating.
"Kku-ung!" "Kie-et!" Their eyes sparkled.
The moment they took a bite, sweet juice flowed out, and their mouths were covered in corn juice. Even while puffing out air because it was hot, they couldn't stop and kept eating.
"Kku-ung!" Tori, who had already finished one, was making a fuss for more. Seeing that, the elf laughed and handed over another one.
"Eat up."
"Kku-ung~"
Next to them, potatoes and sweet potatoes were being wrapped in leaves and roasted to a golden brown. Everyone had expectant expressions at the savory smell. Glowing mushrooms were placed here and there, illuminating the surroundings softly. The flickering flames. The Totori, goblins, and elves sitting in a circle around them. A quiet, warm light softly dyed everyone's faces.
Laughter never ceased, and spirits flew between them, adding to the light. It was a night that felt as if the stars had descended.
"Everyone looks happy."
Seeing the vibrant village, I flapped my leaves with pride. It felt as if the memory of the sapling that was once alone had faded away. No, even the memories of my modern life had become hazy now.
"Maybe I'm much happier now...?"
Just then, the Elf Elder Hylen approached.
"I never thought such a peaceful moment would come again..."
Hylen looked toward the campfire. The elves clinked their tomato juice with the goblins next to them. The Totori were dancing excitedly, "Kku-ung, kku-ung." Seeing the Totori, Khan smiled softly. Between them, Lin, Genie, and the spirits were flying around, giggling. It was an infinitely warm atmosphere. Hylen kept watching the scene.
"It is all thanks to you, World Tree."
At Hylen's words, I said quietly. "Hey. It's thanks to everyone's help."
Honestly, there was nothing I had achieved alone. The spirits, Lin, and Genie. The goblins and the Totori. And finally, the elves. This village was something we had all built together.
At those words, Hylen smiled again.
"I thought you would say that."
He leaned against my trunk and continued. "But it is possible because you, World Tree, are at the center of it all."
"Is that so?"
Hylen opened his mouth cautiously. "You may think of yourself as a little more extraordinary."
Hmm. To be honest, I didn't feel like I was extraordinary. I was just a peculiar tree. Still, I felt grateful to Hylen for saying as much.
"Yes. Hylen, you've worked hard until now, too."
I lowered a branch and patted his shoulder. At my actions, Hylen smiled faintly.
"Thank you..."
And so, the deep night passed.
The next day arrived. The investigation team finished their preparations to leave in search of the Honey-Ring Tribe. Delis carried a large pack on her back and gripped a staff made by Hylen tightly in one hand. It was a staff imbued with various magics and the power of spirits. Beside her was Pina, the fire spirit she had contracted with. Delis's expression was resolute. She was the leader of this investigation team, after all.
"Are you all ready?"
At her words, the elite goblins nodded.
"Genie, please come over too."
At Delis's call, Genie, who had been stuck to my side, flew over listlessly.
-Hing... I'll be back...
"Come back safely, Genie."
But wait. It feels like one person is missing?
Then, a nearby house burst open.
"W-wait!"
An elf with gray hair and green eyes ran out urgently.
"Ugh! Don't leave me behind!"
The one running over in a hurry was Rupel. He had a slightly clumsy personality, but Hylen had recommended him, saying his ability was worth using. Once Rupel appeared, Delis shouted in a loud voice.
"Then, we'll be off!"
At Delis's words, the Totori, goblins, spirits, and elves waved their hands.
"Kku-ung!"
"Kieeee!"
"Come back safely!"
Khan and Hylen also saw them off.
"Return safely."
"You must be careful! Everyone!"
I hurriedly added my own words. "Come back safely. And if anything happens, send a spirit immediately."
At my words, Delis bowed her head.
"We will bring back good results!"
With those final words, the investigation team entered the forest. In search of the Honey-Ring Tribe.
Deep in the Pirel Forest. There was a place where gorgeous flowers gathered in every corner. A flower field so beautiful it was dizzying. On a tree in the very center of that place hung something round. It was light brown and about the size of an adult man. And there were holes pierced all over that round object. It looked just like a beehive. And flying around it were things the size of a pinky finger. They had antennae on their wings. They were yellow with black stripes. They were bees.
They were the Honey-Ring Tribe. Those flying near the hive were quite on edge.
"Kku-ring...!"
"Kku-rorong!!"
"Kku-roring!"
Countless Honey-Ring Tribe members hovered around their home in an anxious state. Inside the hive, there was only one being. It was the size of a human arm. It looked similar to a young girl, with yellow hair and black antennae. On its back were insect wings. She was the Queen of the Honey-Ring Tribe. But her condition was strange.
"Kueeeuk..."
Red bloodshot light rose in her eyes, and she twisted her body as if in pain. Her entire body was covered in black smoke. It was Demonic Energy. The Queen of the Honey-Ring Tribe was being encroached upon by Demonic Energy.