Chapter 446 – Declaration of War (8)
Lupinus is a type of herb, divided into annuals and perennials, with an upright stem of about 1 meter growing from the ground. Its colors are varied, including blue, white, and red, and it is characterized by its ability to enrich the soil.
The alternative name for this plant is lupine. In Latin, it means “wolf,” and its name is derived from the belief that this plant contaminates the soil.
However, contrary to its traditional origins, modern lupinus is now known as a plant that absorbs toxins from the soil, to the extent that it is widely used as feed or green manure.
Having Lupin as a guardian knight meant that the World Tree of Growth was an open-minded being, free from prejudice.
-Clang!
The double-edged swords aimed at each other. The clash of their blades cut through the grass and sent flowers scattering.
“…Have you crossed the boundary!”
With a short whisper, Lupin adjusted his stance and stepped back.
Lee Si-heon’s sword, reaching the spot where Lupin had retreated, sliced the surrounding plants into fine pieces.
There was no time to waste.
With his sword thrust forward and his left foot positioned behind him, Lupin’s body radiated a brilliant light.
“Godmother, please step back.”
“What? Ah… But the conversation!”
“Now is not the time!”
The burgeoning plant stems enveloped Lupin’s body.
The stems, wrapping around him like light armor, quickly hardened into an icy blue, and steam spread across Lupin’s skin.
The adversary’s face appeared on the transformed blue surface of the sword.
“…Roving Ice Flower.”
A languid ice flower. Its symbolic meaning: maternal love.
Grasses resembling his hometown tea plantation sprouted and bloomed. The towering grasses flourished with blossoms.
Shortly thereafter, the temperature dropped, and frost began to settle in the surroundings.
The honed nerves were prepared to slit the opponent’s throat at a moment’s notice,
The ice in the shape of flowers broke sharply, swirling around the edges of Lupin.
“……”
Lee Si-heon observed the scene silently.
The quality of the magical power was outstanding, but its specific ability remained unknown. As this was their first encounter, it was impossible to discern.
‘…I’d like to sneak a peek, though.’
He gripped the sword tightly, then relaxed his hold. The black magic that had been swelling within Lee Si-heon’s body vanished in an instant.
‘I’m running out of time.’
Soon, a crown of thorns emerged. As his eyes filled with blood vessels, something burst forth from his shoulders.
– Woong!
A colorless ripple resonated throughout the entire space.
【First Transformation】
Armor-like plates sprouted from his body. A tremendous energy, enough to engulf the Black Dragon, enveloped him, and his eyes burned red as if consumed by something.
The crown of thorns pulsed.
【Second Transformation】
– Woo woo woo woong!
The resulting shockwave swept through the surroundings.
The grass bent in response to the vibrations, and the ice flowers crafted by Lupin shattered and vanished.
‘What kind of power is this…’
Though he hadn’t moved a step, a terrifying sense of oppression drained his entire body’s energy in an instant. Sweat trickled down Lupin’s chin and dampened the ground. Lupin concealed his despair within.
Even if he had been a Guardian Knight who had orchestrated countless turnarounds thus far.
‘…Is this truly the power of a king?’
He couldn’t help but reconsider that fact once more. It wasn’t until after the war that he had assumed the roles of both knight and forest keeper.
He never anticipated it would be to this extent.
‘…Outside, there may no longer be any worthy opponents. I am unsure if Mugung still lives, but regardless, how long could he endure?’
Lupin concluded that this was not the full extent of the power.
‘It seems that drawing upon the crown’s power beyond this point places a considerable strain on the body…’
Lupin gathered his mana. A blue light from the sky enveloped his body.
The World Tree of Growth had yet to leave this place.
She didn’t even seem to consider fleeing.
“…What do you plan to do with the World Tree?”
He uttered these words, hoping to buy time until reinforcements arrived.
Had his intentions already been deciphered?
– Flash!
The vibrations from the sound intensified, and the king, who had vanished before his eyes, reappeared right in front of Lupin’s nose.
“…!”
The king remained silent.
A single point of red light connected, and chilling eyes swept across Lupin’s face.
– Bang!
“Ugh!”
Barely raising his sword, Lupin managed to fend off the king’s strike.
The overwhelming force sent Lupin’s body flying through the air.
– Thud!
As he collided with a tree, the trunk of the tree broke and was uprooted.
Countless trees snapped without providing any cushioning.
– Thud! Thud! Thud!
Despite being flung away in shock, Lupin never closed his eyes and stared straight ahead.
His wrists trembled. His lungs, having taken in the cold air, contracted sharply.
‘I can barely see it…’
A movement so swift, one wouldn’t even notice if it weren’t for their own keen senses.
A faint connection could be seen above the crown on Lee Si-heon’s head.
‘If I sever that connection… Could the bodily transformation be reversed?’
It was worth the gamble, but whether it was possible remained uncertain.
Lupin felt the gaze of the World Tree of Growth emanating from somewhere.
‘…Godmother.’
He must do something, no matter what it took.
With that thought in mind, Lupin grasped his sword.
* * * * * * * *
‘Should I have used a thorn?’
He dropped the man who was caught in his grip onto the floor.
-Clank!
The guy collapsed, unconscious with a croaking sound. This one, called Lupin, was inherently a tough opponent.
He was one of the few who could challenge Mugung and Heavenly Demon.
Of course, he hadn’t reached an unparalleled level, but…
He possessed a skill powerful enough to overturn the gap in strength. Choosing to use the power of the crown, a reliable method, rather than the ability known as “Thorn,” was the right decision.
‘It was dangerous.’
He almost lost his sanity once again. The power was too burdensome, creating a problem.
【 Bwaaah!!! 】
The king’s favor, which granted him strength, was now desperately struggling to take control of his body. The more he exerted his power, the more potent the favor became, as it managed the power of the crown.
‘No, I can’t give in.’
He didn’t just roll over for no reason. Feeding the favor had caused a throbbing in his head. It felt like someone on the floor above was stomping their feet.
It was infuriating, but that was all.
【Just wait. Wait and see! One day, I’ll take your body!】
‘What you should be watching is your own undercarriage.’
【Ahhhhhh!!!】
The crown of thorns on my head turned to dust and vanished, and the intangible energy surrounding my body dissipated as well.
The earth that had been dug up around me was now a disheveled mess beneath my feet. As I clumsily rolled my foot over the soil, it was evident that it was of high quality.
‘There’s a lot of magical energy here. Well, that’s that.’
I stood before the frozen World Tree of Growth and gazed upon her.
– Creak.
As I took a step closer, the trembling World Tree closed her eyes. A plain golden crown, void of any jewels, adorned her head.
“… Are you going to kill me?”
“That’s up to you.”
I glanced once at the prone lupine before returning my gaze to the World Tree of Growth.
‘Now that I think about it.’
Why does she take on a human form?
Humans possess greater freedom of movement, but due to their status as inferior beings, World Trees typically do not assume a human form. However, the World Tree of Growth unmistakably resembled a first-generation wood nymph, regardless of the angle from which it was viewed.
The shock of seeing Mary’s human form for the first time surged through me once more.
“…Again.”
The World Tree of Growth murmured as it looked at me.
“I didn’t kill him this time either.”
Lupin, who had fainted, was already in a state of incapacitation. It wasn’t that I had held back my strength; it wouldn’t have been surprising if he had died this time. I had given it my all, and yet, somehow, he had managed to survive.
What kind of misconception could they be harboring? Did they think I was aiming for some sort of fire-based retaliation during this raid? Although I intended to limit my actions to dismantling the Danjeon as much as possible, it was an overreach to assume that I wouldn’t kill anyone.
“Is it all right if I die? What’s going to happen to me in the future?”
The World Tree of Growth spoke with an anxious yet bold tone. Known as the Mother of Plants, her physical form appeared much younger than expected.
“Why do you think that way?”
“Because I nurture children. And you are turning the World Tree into an enemy.”
The power of the World Tree varies greatly depending on its growth environment. The World Tree of Growth’s prediction was not incorrect.
“Because it’s turning?”
Killing the mother would only show results after several centuries had passed. For me, who sought to end the war within a few years, the death of the World Tree of Growth was unnecessary.
All I desired was a single power – the ability to restore the vital energy of the earth.
“So…”
Upon seeing my expression, the World Tree of Growth realized her thoughts were mistaken and closed her mouth. Perhaps she was feeling despair.
“…”
Before long, she spoke.
“…I have, indeed, lived for a long time.”
“What?”
A sigh tinged with resignation.
“…The elderly should meet their end, right?”
Trembling, the World Tree of Growth grasped the crown and placed it on the ground.
“Just…protect the birth of the next child, please. I will soon give birth to a child who will inherit this crown.”
“What are you doing now?”
Begging for mercy from an enemy?
Even in my thoughts, it seems absurd.
The child seems a bit off, perhaps losing some wits. Quite peculiar.
‘Has senility taken hold?’
Unlike any World Tree I’ve encountered, it seems to have grown foolish rather than arrogant in the course of life.
A different kind of innocent charm compared to Cornus.
‘There’s no time.’
I wonder if the children have finished their tasks.
I took a step closer to the World Tree of Growth.
-Thump.
The World Tree of Growth, embracing the crown, wore an expression reminiscent of Marie Antoinette, the French queen led to the guillotine.
Not a single tear falls, yet emotions are evident on its visage.
The air of unneeded loftiness made it clear that the title of Queen was not for naught.
I opened my hands. The World Tree of Growth shut her eyes tightly.
“…I’m sorry.”
What is she sorry for?
I can’t help but feel curious since I don’t know what she’s experiencing.
However, there’s no time to ask anything more. As I infused mana into my outstretched hand to use spatial magic, the World Tree of Growth raised her head.
“…What are you doing?”
The World Tree of Growth, who had noticed that my actions bore no aggression, asked. I pondered for a moment what to reply, then spat it out at her.
“You’ve been kidnapped.”
You are mine.
* * * * * * * *
Rustling and shaking the seeds.
– Kkiririk~!
Gu-seul pushed the cart with all her might towards the portal opened by Wiki.
“Move! Move!”
Swiftly moving towards another cart, Gu-seul shouted at Ebony. With her small arms filled with seedlings, Ebony almost stumbled and fell while holding them.
It was nothing short of chaos.
“Put them in!”
Since they were already discovered, using magic was no longer a concern. Wiki, who had opened the portal, used magic to transport the seedlings to a warehouse within the castle. The children from the foundation were quickly moved to the desolate land.
Priests arrived mid-way to eradicate them.
-Bang, bang!
Their intrusion was thwarted by Gu-seul’s timely bullets and the barrier created by Wiki’s magic.
-Click.
Apparently, the pistol wasn’t enough. Gu-seul, who had drawn a magical circle on the ground, pulled out a submachine gun. It took one second to draw the gun and another second to unfold the folding stock.
-Ratatatatatat!
Utilizing magic, the torrent of sorrow was directed to the desired location. Individual bullets, each possessing their own identity, poured out at a rate of 350 rounds per minute.
Even if a single power is insufficient, the situation alters when it becomes five or ten shots.
“Damn it…”
As the priests standing at the entrance didn’t even consider entering, Gu-seul spurred on and unleashed even more bullets.
“Wiki!”
“Yes…”
“How much longer do we need to do this?”
“We’ve already reached our goal… but I think we can do more.”
“Then gather as much as possible!”
Is their intention to eradicate the threat completely? Despair flickers across the faces of the priests. Prospective gods vanish into the portal. Could it be that Flower truly intends to instigate a war?
Regardless of the ominous direction the future may take, they needed to confront the imminent issue at hand.
Yet, they remain unaware that the entity they are facing is one of the top three talents in the world.
Simultaneously, a wizard who was a sage’s child and had already reached remote heights in magic was present.
“…Ah!”
Only Ebony, a commoner, was swept up in the situation and didn’t know how to react. She had defeated a few priests, but most of them were overcome by Gu-seul. She instinctively decided to protect the mage Wiki, but a massive barrier had long been erected around Wiki.
Stay calm.
Ebony, imbued with dark power in her dagger, looked towards the place where she sensed a presence.
A location the priests couldn’t enter: a small tunnel.
“…?”
A green-haired individual was entering the tunnel.
