The One Seeking Help
As we proceeded, guided by the Vendavals, the view suddenly brightened—though since it was already close to evening, the sun was beginning to set.
Before us stood a single massive tree, with no other trees in the surroundings.
Somehow, this one tree emitted an aura—but that aura felt weak.
"Could this be the World Tree?" I murmured, and Atre confirmed that it was.
Due to the influence of the dragon that had settled here, the World Tree had gradually weakened, and if left as it was, it would eventually wither away.
No, no, even if you're asking us to do something about it, that's impossible.
The Alraune living alongside the World Tree was also weakening. Atre said that since we could communicate with the Alraune, we should try talking to it.
Uh… Alraune is a plant spirit, right? Would it really be willing to meet with us?
I informed Captain Kyle and the others that this was our destination and that the request was to help the World Tree.
For now, we decided to leave the detailed discussion for later and split up—some to prepare dinner before the sun set, others to secure a place to sleep and keep watch, and my group to check on the World Tree's condition.
As I approached the roots of the World Tree, I could feel a faintly pleasant atmosphere, but again, it seemed weak.
Suddenly, something fell onto my head.
Sir Meyer, who was standing beside me, picked up what had landed on my head and looked surprised before showing it to me.
"It has wings. Could it be a fairy? A spirit?"
The winged being lay limp in Sir Meyer’s hands.
I took it from him and called for Captain Kyle.
"Did something happen?" He hurried over to me.
"Please give this little one some of your mana." I handed the limp spirit to Captain Kyle.
Although surprised, he did as I asked and infused it with magic.
Gradually, it seemed to recover—whether it was a fairy or a spirit, I wasn’t sure.
"Thank you for saving me. I am an Alraune who resides with the World Tree.” It said while remaining in Captain Kyle’s palm.
The World Tree and the Alraune had been weakening day by day due to the influence of the dragon, and they had resigned themselves to perishing together.
Although the Alraune had temporarily recovered, if the World Tree was not saved, it would soon weaken again.
"Hardt, how did you know Captain Kyle's magic would be compatible?"
During dinner—Minotaur steak, hunted by Ripka and Bianca’s families—my brothers and I discussed the situation.
"Brother Gerald, Atre mentioned that an Alraune lived alongside the World Tree. Also, Captain Kyle has green hair. Captain Kyle, you have the blessing of the Plant God, don’t you?"
"The blessing of the Plant God… That certainly would be compatible with the Alraune. So, does that mean Captain Kyle’s mana can save the World Tree?"
"This tree is enormous, and it’s the World Tree, after all. I don’t think Captain Kyle’s mana alone would be enough. Besides, he can’t keep coming back here frequently."
"Hardt is right. We need to find another solution. But what should we do? Also, did you ask about the cause of the World Tree’s weakening?"
"Brother Chris, I did, but… not here…"
"I understand. Tell me when we get back."
After finishing his steak, Brother Gerald commented,
"A solution, huh? If only something like a healing potion could work on the World Tree…"
"Brother Gerald, that’s it!! That might actually work!" I shouted.
"Oh." He responded, though he didn’t seem to fully understand.
Brother Chris asked, "Hardt, what did you think of?"
"If we mix Captain Kyle’s mana with a healing potion and give it to the World Tree, it might work."
I thought it could serve as a sort of plant revitalization solution, like in my past life.
It was worth a try.
After dinner, I asked Captain Kyle to infuse one healing potion with his mana.
The originally clear liquid turned a faint green.
We had the Alraune take a sip and asked for its opinion.
Compared to receiving mana directly from Captain Kyle, the recovery effect was much stronger.
Alright! This could work!
The Alraune fluttered excitedly around my face, asking for more.
Since there was no helping it, I handed over the potion, and it gulped it down in one go.
Its tiny, palm-sized body—about 10 centimeters tall—suddenly grew to around 20 centimeters.
"This is my true form. Thank you for restoring me!" the Alraune said happily.
"It’s not my power—it’s because Captain Kyle has the blessing of the Plant God."
"I need to thank him as well.” It said, fluttering away.
I thought it was going to Captain Kyle, but instead, it flew off somewhere else.
Judging from the conversation, it should have gone to thank him, but… well, spirits are known to be fickle.
"Captain Kyle, the Alraune confirmed it works, so please infuse three more healing potions with your mana."
Following my request, we created three more "plant revitalization potions" and poured them at three different points around the roots of the World Tree.
"Tomorrow morning, we’ll ask the Alraune about the World Tree’s condition. If there are positive effects, we’ll continue."
What do you think about this chapter?
