For elves, trees symbolize divinity. The combination of trees and vegetation creates a forest, where elves are born and thrive.
Thus, woodcutters are foes that must be eliminated by the elves, akin to villains. Yet, Cluna, the Guardian of the Forest, summoned this very woodcutter herself.
At that moment, a gigantic giant made of earth and vegetation appeared beneath Cluna’s feet. Somehow, I found myself next to it. Cluna glanced at me and said.
“I express my gratitude, Commander.”
“Uh?”
“Thanks to you, I can finally end this long-standing grudge.”
“If I was of any help, I’m glad to hear it.”
Even I, the iron-faced, felt guilt this time. Why? Because I hadn’t done anything at all. At most, I’d rolled around on the ground…
Even using time acceleration in between meant I couldn’t truly be of any power now. I swallowed the blood that had filled my mouth and said to her.
“Is there a chance?”
“At best, about 40%.”
“Wow.”
I nearly let a curse slip. Just 40% chance, and they made me suffer so much? Are you insane? But for the sake of safety, I couldn’t say that out loud.
I took a moment to calm my emotions and found the closest words that wouldn’t provoke the opponent in our current situation. Since I’m weaker, I have to be cautious. What a dirty world.
“40% isn’t enough, in my opinion.”
“The opponent is the World Tree. It has magical power accumulated over eons.”
“Is it hard to manage that?”
“Yes, but if it’s the Giant Woodcutter, it’s possible.”
I nodded at that. After all, the Giant Woodcutter was a magic created by her aimed solely at eliminating the World Tree over hundreds of years. At least, that’s what she claimed.
Of course, Cluna isn’t a professional mage. Yet, as a companion of the legendary hero, she possesses enough knowledge, experience, and magical power to easily crush ordinary mages.
In the first place, the Giant Woodcutter she created surpasses what’s rational in this world. Soon, the Giant Woodcutter began to act immediately.
The Giant swung the massive tree it held and sliced through the roots of the World Tree. The roots, which had previously regrown so well, were now completely severed by the axe, unable to regenerate.
“Does it have the power to suppress regeneration?”
“It’s a magic crafted by analyzing the traces of the World Tree. Detailed explanations later.”
“There’s no need to explain it later.”
Whatever the explanation, I wouldn’t understand it anyway. Furthermore, if we win against the World Tree, there would be no need to use this magic again. The Giant Woodcutter was happily chopping down roots.
“After all, wood is wood. If you smash all the roots, it can’t help but wilt.”
“The problem is that the World Tree won’t just sit and watch.”
“That’s right.”
Well, it’s trying to kill me right now. If it just sat there, that wouldn’t be a polluted World Tree. If it had at least some rationality left, perhaps the World Tree would choose my death.
Unfortunately, according to Cluna’s explanation, the World Tree in front of us has already been eroded by pollution and is merely performing life activities. This means its mental state is already dead.
So, it continues to grotesquely consume sacrifices to maintain its life. But that’s now over. Cluna’s created Giant will undoubtedly cut off its breathing completely!
“Cluna.”
“Yes.”
“It seems like the giant’s arm has been cut off.”
“That’s correct.”
I turned my head. I could see where one arm had been severed by the World Tree’s counterattack. Why do we lack regenerative abilities while the opponent has them? I sincerely want a balance patch.
Naturally, the World Tree wouldn’t comply with that patch and violently swung its roots. Now intending to bind every part of the Giant summoned by Cluna.
What does that mean? It means we can’t do anything now. I looked at the quiet Cluna, who hadn’t said anything for a while, with a sense of unease. Please, at least say something. Dammit.
“The resistance of the World Tree is stronger than expected.”
“Is there another option?”
“Yes, there is. I didn’t use this magic for no reason.”
“Right, that makes sense.”
Of course. Cluna created this magic specifically for combat against the World Tree. It wouldn’t end in just this state. So please, hurry up and use it. The giant is still bound by the roots! Damn!
“Commander, may I have a moment of your time?”
“What?”
“For the sake of contingency. There are absolutely no personal feelings involved.”
“No, wait……!!”
Suddenly, I wondered what she meant, but Cluna suddenly embraced me. That part wasn’t an issue. The problem was that she hugged me like a princess. I felt embarrassed, to say the least.
Since I roughly understood what Cluna was trying to do, I didn’t bother resisting. And as expected, Cluna threw her body toward the ground from atop the giant. I couldn’t even scream.
I was shocked enough that my heart nearly stopped. Of course, Cluna easily used magic to land on the ground. A gentle breeze cushioned our fall. Damn.
“Well, somehow that’s that.”
“Yes, thanks to you, Commander.”
“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
“Thank you for trusting me until the end, Commander.”
“Uh.”
I lifted my head. Cracks appeared on the giant, half-consumed by the World Tree, and light began to shine. Soon, a massive explosion erupted where the giant stood.
If it hadn’t been for the barrier created by Cluna, I would’ve used Time Stop with my damaged body and desperately run away with Cluna on my back. I knew it would happen, but I didn’t expect a self-destruct.
The World Tree, which had partially absorbed the giant, was completely annihilated in the blast. Moreover, considering the explosion’s scale, the damage inflicted on the surroundings was quite minimal. Of course, it wasn’t completely without damage.
“What kind of power was used?”
“I developed a magic that is contrary to the polluted World Tree. I just implanted the formula of that magic inside the giant.”
“So, cracks appeared, and the suppressed magic exploded like a bomb?”
“That’s right. And this is the result.”
Cluna and I searched the area where the World Tree once stood, in case any of its roots might still be alive. But there were no remnants of the World Tree’s roots.
After confirming the complete annihilation of the World Tree, I felt my tension finally ease. And because of that, I realized that my body wasn’t in normal condition. Strength drained from my legs, and my posture faltered.
“Commander!!”
“I’m fine, cough.”
“You do not look fine at all?!”
Rarely, Cluna’s smile had disappeared. She must be exhausted herself, yet despite that, she used healing magic to treat me. Thanks to that, the pain lessened significantly.
“There’s something I’ve been curious about for a while.”
“What is it?”
“Why don’t you take care of your own body, Commander?”
“That’s…”
“Of course, I understand you have your reasons. But… please value your body a bit more.”
Suddenly saying that, I just thought I was injured from using time acceleration. Other than that, I hadn’t taken a single hit. If I had taken even one hit, I would’ve been dead.
However, due to Cluna’s persistent questioning, I had to respond, even if just casually. After all, we had dealt with the World Tree, and we headed back toward the elves’ forest.
“Mother!! Commander!!”
“Clara! You’re safe!!”
“That’s a relief.”
Soon, not far away, Clara was seen running toward us. After the situation settled down and some calm returned, she must have rushed here from the village without resting.
I stepped back a bit. I didn’t want to interrupt the touching reunion between mother and daughter. Just then, as Cluna and Clara were embracing, a shouting voice was heard from behind.
“Cluna! You’re finally bringing us to an end!!”
Although he looked relatively young, judging by his tone, he appeared to be one of the elders Cluna mentioned. They interrupted the reunion, and I had no choice but to step forward to block them.
“What are you?!”
“Don’t meddle unnecessarily.”
“That’s a funny story! It’s because of those bastards that we’re worried about tomorrow!”
“…….”
“What are we supposed to do then?!”
That was a genuinely heartfelt cry. However, I couldn’t understand it. Is it right to continue sacrificing the living for a false peace gained through offerings?
“You have to handle it yourself. Be it managing or protecting the forest.”
“What did you say?”
“Stop relying on others.”
I coldly rebuked them.
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