Corruption (3)
“Kyle, a deal is something that can only happen when both parties are on equal footing.”
The World Tree spoke in a teaching tone, as if explaining to a young mortal who might not grasp it easily.
“And you’re a mortal, while I’m a god. Isn’t the gap too wide?”
“So what? You’re not going to help? With Rana in that state?”
True to her role as the goddess who governs life, the World Tree favored mortals more than other gods did. She wasn’t like the old fogeys such as Red or Orange, nor was she indifferent like Blue or Yellow. On top of that, thanks to Rana’s abilities, the World Tree had taken a special interest in her—greater than with any other god. As a sign of affection, she’d even gifted her divine beast, Ren.
“Don’t rush me. Keep listening.”
The World Tree continued.
“I’m saddened by what’s happened to Rana too. She’s my favorite human, after all. But the world of gods has rules, and I can’t just grant wishes on a whim. Wielding influence over the world arbitrarily leads to trouble down the line.”
Her words were undeniable truth. There were issues of causality, and checks from other gods that prevented reckless use of power.
“That’s why you proposed a deal.”
Still, there was a legal way around it. That was the deal.
“Exactly. A deal makes it possible. So, what can you offer me, Kyle? The wish you want is light enough, but ordinary tribute won’t cut it. Unless…”
The World Tree’s eyes gleamed as she cast a subtle, lingering gaze.
She didn’t even pretend to hide her desire. Her eyes roamed every inch of his body.
“You’re offering that body of yours? I’d welcome it. Haa, having a young man by my side to devour… Oh dear, pretend you didn’t hear that.”
“Lewd thoughts for a goddess.”
“What are you saying? I’m a woman before I’m a goddess. Besides, my children are so dull. It’d be nice if they had that human spark of defiance…”
Well, elves were pure and rigid by nature. That’s probably why they stayed by her side.
“So, what’ll it be?”
“I’m not giving you my body.”
“What a shame…”
The World Tree smacked her lips regretfully.
I’m never becoming that pervert’s slave.
I made a different proposal. One she couldn’t possibly refuse.
“Instead, one thing. I’ll grant you a favor whenever you want.”
“Kyle…”
The World Tree slumped in disappointment. Her gaze was full of pity.
“Didn’t you understand what I said?”
“No, I did. But this isn’t the time to quibble over Holy Kingdom politics, right? Isn’t the whole place in chaos over Black? It’s a powder keg where war could break out any moment…”
“…Where did you hear that?”
The World Tree’s voice dropped cold.
This was rumors circulating only among the gods, unknown even in the Holy Kingdom. And very recent at that.
I pressed on shamelessly.
“If you want to know, pay the price.”
“…Never mind. Not that curious.”
She seemed a bit sulky, but I had no reason to cater to her mood.
I ignored it and said, “So, do we have a deal?”
“No. And even if you know that, how could you help? With your family’s power? You’re not the heir—just a wastrel with no real authority. Decal Arden, then? Though that won’t happen. Arden family heads have never cared about the Holy Kingdom.”
Every word hit home.
In the Empire, religion was take it or leave it. From the founding emperor who rejected gods, that attitude had carried down.
The first Arden family head, a friend of that emperor, was the same. Like him, the Ardens never paid much mind to the Holy Kingdom or the gods.
“So your favor wouldn’t hold up as trade value. Nice try, but no dice. I’d love the Arden family’s power, but come back when you’re head—or have equivalent sway.”
Become head and wield real power first. Greedy as hell.
I snorted at the World Tree’s words.
“Who said anything about family power? I’ll fulfill it with my power.”
I drew strength from the depths of my soul and manifested it as mana.
“Kyle… Huh?”
The World Tree, who’d been looking at me with pity, suddenly sounded dumbfounded.
She couldn’t tear her eyes from my hand.
“That power…”
“This should be enough. More than enough.”
The corners of the World Tree’s mouth slowly curved up, like slow motion. Her face twisted into a grin that reached the heavens.
Then she burst into mad laughter.
“Ahahaha! Kyahaha!!! Hihihihi!!”
Honestly, she looked insane. Her peculiar laugh was tough even on the elves attending her. And I was right in front of it.
“No way, seriously! To think that tiny, cute little one reached completion! At this young age! Perfect, Kyle! Let’s make the deal—right now!!”
The World Tree thrashed about in excitement.
She was benevolent to humans and all life, but the reverse was true too. Anyone seeing this would bolt.
The World Tree extended her hand.
I reached out and clasped it.
“Kyle Arden. Do you swear to grant my favor in exchange for me granting yours?”
“I swear. And you, World Tree, swear to aid me until Rana’s matter is resolved?”
“Of course I swear. It’s you, after all.”
This wasn’t a mere promise—it was a soul oath, staked on our very essences. Breaking it would erase the violator from existence.
Not even a god could undo it once sworn. Absolute power.
A beam of light emerged from my chest. It linked with one from hers.
A sense of shared souls. But no mind-reading—just confirming each other’s existence and conveying words.
Finally, a pattern appeared on the backs of our hands. Mine was hers; hers was mine.
The mark on my hand took the shape of a tree.
“Oh my, yours is unique?”
Checking her own, the World Tree showed me her hand. Two lines spiraled around it.
“What does this mean?”
“No idea. Now hurry up.”
“Got it. We’re soul companions now—why so impatient?”
“Cut the crap.”
The World Tree reached out.
Rana, whom she’d never permitted entry before, appeared in the mental world. Still sleeping peacefully.
I lay down beside her.
“Ready, Kyle?”
I nodded and closed my eyes.
“Take good care of Rana…”
Before the World Tree finished, my consciousness sank deep.
A space of pure darkness.
What to call this place? Hell? Abyss? Just darkness?
Whatever its name, Rana didn’t care much.
“So boring…”
She hugged her knees.
This place was too boring—nothing around. No tiny life signs, no sense of time passed.
It frustrated her.
“Hiiing…”
Rana idly traced the floor with her finger. No change. No flow of time. As a summoner sensitive to space-time from calling beasts elsewhere, she felt nothing here.
Just emptiness.
“I miss the kids…”
Her heart grew heavy. Nene, Ren, Ur, Nok, Silpi, Sally. And the others. She wanted to see them, sing and laugh together, eat meals, gaze at the sky idly.
Those everyday things felt so distant.
Tears welled in Rana’s eyes.
Alone, melancholy was inevitable.
“No, can’t cry.”
She slapped her cheeks, swallowing the gloom. No one to see her weak side anyway—but she wasn’t alone.
—Accept the emotions…
—It’s okay, Rana…
—We’ll help…
Voices echoed endlessly from the void. They tormented her, dragging her mind under, tempting her, stirring negativity.
Instinct told Rana not to listen.
But it wasn’t easy. Plugging her ears didn’t help; the stench hit whenever they spoke. She felt like dying.
“Leave me alone!”
She yelled to drive them off, but they clung harder.
“I miss Kyle…”
Suddenly, she yearned for him. His scent, not this foul stink. Nothing else could lift her gloom.
But with no clues or info, meeting him was near impossible. Plus, no recent memories… She even wondered if she was dead.
—We’ll help…
“No, good thoughts. Bright, fun ones.”
The voices tried to invade again; Rana snapped alert.
She recalled recent memories.
The year’s first joy: meeting Kyle. Born of curiosity, yet the most intense memory of her life. Pure joy surpassing her first contract with Nene.
At first, just curiosity. Selfishly drawn by his scent, harshly put.
But when did it shift?
His training? Entrance exam? Or his grumpy concern?
“Too many to pick…”
Plenty of candidates. But she remembered realizing it: when he suggested going out. After that, she knew it wasn’t mere curiosity.
Faint at first. But time, talks with friends—it filled her mind, spilling out. Evan, her junior from that first meeting, noticed right away.
That small feeling had grown huge.
From then, Rana admitted it: she liked Kyle.
That’s why his shoe gift felt like the world’s greatest joy. Plain shoes, but she cared for them more than before.
Oh, and the practical training. Him shielding her, that broad back—her heart still raced recalling it.
“Makes me miss him more…”
A lonely sigh escaped.
Thinking of him only deepened the longing.
—Miss Kyle? We’ll make you meet him…
The backlash—or price—came close. Her guard slipped; darkness crept up her legs.
“You’ll really take me to Kyle?”
Silent till now, Rana finally replied. Truth was, staying here, fighting negativity—it exhausted her. She wanted to let go, find ease.
—Trust only us. Surrender your body…
Darkness rose from below. Rana barely resisted.
—Yes… Just do that, and we’ll… let you see him…
It engulfed her legs, belly, chest, up to her neck.
Unstopped, it climbed her jaw, covering her head.
Within, Rana whispered softly.
“Heehee, wanna see Kyle soon…”
As darkness fully consumed her—
“Where do you think you’re going?”
A rough hand she’d seen before burst out.
The voice was familiar too.
Rana’s mind cleared instantly.
“Kyle? Is that you?”
“Yeah, it’s me.”
The enveloping darkness parted, revealing his longed-for face. Scarred and bloodied, he murmured low.
“Been a while.”
“You too.”
How long? Time unknown, but ages.
A smile bloomed on Rana’s face.
“How’d you get here?”
“Came for you, obviously.”
“Really? Wasn’t hard?”
“Eh, whatever. More importantly, Rana.”
As Kyle spoke, the dark backdrop shifted. Light bloomed, filling with bright, lively vibes.
“Time to wake up.”
He pressed his bleeding hand to his forehead.
“And this is punishment for almost giving up.”
Snap!
The flick hit her forehead.
“Ow… Huh?”
Rana awoke from deep slumber, eyes fluttering open.