Chapter 78
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: Never Provoke the Elves (8)
To elves, trees are sacred symbols. Trees and vegetation merge into one to form the forest, and it's within that forest that elves are born and able to live.
In other words, woodcutters are enemies that must be overthrown by the elves—no different from villains. And yet, Cluna, the guardian of the forest, had summoned one herself.
Soon enough, a massive giant formed from earth and vegetation emerged from beneath Cluna's feet. Somehow, I ended up standing right beside it. Cluna looked at me and spoke.
"Thank you, Captain."
"Huh?"
"Thanks to you, I can finally end this long-standing grudge."
"Glad I could help."
Even I, thick-skinned as I am, felt a pang of guilt. Because honestly, I hadn't done a damn thing this time. Rolling around on the ground was about the extent of it...
And to top it off, I'd even used time acceleration in the middle, so I couldn't really fight anymore. I forced the blood pooling in my mouth down my throat and said to her,
"Any chance of winning?"
"Maybe four out of ten?"
"What the—"
I nearly cursed out loud. She'd put me through hell for just a 40% shot? Are you insane? But for safety's sake, I couldn't spit it out like that.
I calmed myself down first. Then I scrounged my brain for words that sounded similar enough but wouldn't piss her off. I'm the weaker one here—I have to watch my step. What a shitty world.
"Four out of ten... that's not great odds."
"Even corrupted, it's still a World Tree. It's got magic power built up over eons."
"And that's what makes it tough to handle?"
"Yes. But the Giant Woodcutter can manage it."
I nodded. Of course. The Giant Woodcutter was a spell she'd spent centuries crafting solely to take down that one World Tree—at least, that's what she claimed.
Cluna wasn't a specialist mage, sure. But she was a comrade of the First Hero, with knowledge, experience, and magic power that could crush most wizards flat.
Besides, the Giant Woodcutter she'd just summoned was a monster of a spell that defied this world's common sense. And right away, it sprang into action.
The Giant Woodcutter swung the massive axe in its hand, severing the World Tree's roots. Those roots that had regenerated so easily before were now cleanly lopped off by the blade—they weren't coming back.
"Does it have some power to suppress regeneration?"
"It's a spell I made by analyzing traces of the World Tree. Details later."
"No need to explain later."
Even if she did, I wouldn't get it. And if we beat the World Tree, she'd never use this spell again anyway. The Giant Woodcutter got into the groove, hacking away at root after root.
"In the end, a tree's a tree. Sever all the roots, and it withers."
"The problem is the World Tree won't just sit there watching."
"Exactly."
Yeah, it's trying to kill me right now. A corrupted World Tree wouldn't stay passive. If it had any sanity left, it might've chosen death, but...
According to Cluna, this one was so eroded by corruption that it was barely alive—just going through the motions. Its mind was long gone.
That's why it was so pathetically devouring sacrifices to keep "living." But that's over now. Cluna's forest giant would surely finish the job!
"Cluna."
"Yes."
"Looks like the giant's arm got cut off."
"That's true."
I turned my head. One arm was gone, severed by the World Tree's counterattack. Why do we lack regeneration while it has it in spades? I seriously want a balance patch.
The World Tree, naturally ignoring any such patch, whipped its roots even more fiercely. Now it was dead serious—its roots wrapped around the giant's body, binding it completely.
What did that mean? We were screwed, that's what. I glanced at Cluna, who'd been suspiciously quiet. Come on, say something. Damn it.
"The World Tree's resistance is fiercer than I expected."
"Any other options?"
"Yes. That's why I used this spell."
"Right, of course."
Yeah. A spell made specifically against the World Tree wouldn't end like this. So hurry up and use it. The giant's still getting bound by those roots. Shit!
"Captain, if you'll excuse me for a moment."
"What?"
"Just in case. No personal feelings involved."
"Wait, hold on...!!"
What the hell was she—? Suddenly, Cluna scooped me up in her arms. That wasn't the issue. The princess carry was.
It was embarrassing as hell, but I knew what she was planning, so I didn't resist. And sure enough...
Cluna leaped from the giant's shoulder toward the ground. I couldn't even scream.
I was so shocked my heart nearly stopped. Of course, she landed softly with magic—a gentle breeze cushioning our fall. Fuck.
"Phew. Did that fix it?"
"Yes, thanks to you, Captain."
"What're you talking about?"
"Thank you for trusting me to the end, Captain."
"Uh."
I looked up. Cracks formed on the giant, half-devoured by the World Tree, and light began to shine through. Then, a massive explosion erupted from where it stood.
If not for Cluna's barrier, I'd have grabbed her on my back, activated time stop with this busted body, and bolted. I expected it, but a suicide bomb? Really?
The World Tree, having half-absorbed the giant, was completely obliterated in the blast. And for such a huge explosion, the damage to the surroundings was minimal. Not zero, but still.
"What kind of power was that?"
"I developed a spell that's the perfect counter to a corrupted World Tree. I just shoved the formula into the giant."
"So the cracks released the suppressed magic like a bomb."
"Exactly. And this is the result."
Just in case, Cluna and I searched the area where the World Tree had been. No roots left behind. Good.
Confirming its total annihilation, my tension finally eased. That's when I realized my body wasn't okay. My legs gave out, and I collapsed.
"Captain!!"
"I-I'm fine. Cough."
"You don't look fine at all!!"
Rarely, Cluna's smile was gone. She must be exhausted too, but she still cast healing magic on me. The pain eased up a lot.
"I've been wondering for a while."
"What?"
"Why don't you value your own body more, Captain?"
"Well..."
"I know you have your reasons. But... please treasure yourself a bit more."
It was just backlash from time acceleration—self-inflicted damage. I hadn't taken a single hit. If I had, I'd be dead.
But Cluna kept pressing, so I gave a half-hearted answer. Anyway, with the World Tree dealt with, we headed back toward the elves' forest.
"Mother!! Captain!!"
"Clara! You're safe!!"
"Good."
Soon, Clara came running toward us from not far away. Once things calmed down, she'd rushed straight from the village without stopping.
I stepped back a pace. No need to interrupt a touching mother-daughter reunion. As Clara and Cluna embraced, a shout came from behind.
"Cluna! So you've come to finish us off after all!!"
He looked young enough, but his speech gave him away as one of the elders Cluna had mentioned. Sure enough, they ruined the reunion, so I had no choice but to step forward and block them.
"And who the hell are you?!"
"Butt out."
"Don't make me laugh! Because of those guys, we're barely scraping by day to day!"
"..."
"So what are we supposed to do?!"
It was a heartfelt cry. But I couldn't understand. Was offering up people for false peace the right way? Continuing to sacrifice the living?
"Do it yourselves. Manage the forest. Protect it."
"What?"
"No more relying on others."
I rebuked them coldly.