Raon closed his eyes, feeling the energy of the fruit as if its flesh melted into mana.
'Is this the World Tree's fruit?'
A current, no, a majestic flow like the waves of a vast ocean.
There was no need to open the path of the mana circuit with Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation or Glacier. The fruit's energy moved on its own, as if it were alive.
The first place the fruit's energy permeated was the wound left by the Crimson Flame Demon. The internal and external injuries from his flames were washed away as if cleaned by water.
'This kind of energy...'
He almost broke out of his state of enlightenment in disbelief. He didn't expect both his internal and external injuries to heal in such a short moment.
It wasn't just an elixir, calling it a sacred artifact wouldn't be an exaggeration.
'I didn't need to worry.'
He thought the fruit might have gone bad because it had a strong taste of Nadine bread, but as Rimmer said, it probably always tasted like rubber.
Goooong!
The energy of the World Tree's fruit, having healed all his wounds, began to create a vast flow, spreading through his entire mana circuit as if the real process was just beginning.
'It's none of the four major elements.'
This is pure mana itself.
No, even the word pure couldn't describe the energy within the fruit. It was like the very essence of nature had been transferred. It was pure mana, without the slightest impurity.
The fruit's energy permeated the lower dantian, mingling with the heat of Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and the cold of Glacier, then climbed the mana circuit in the abdomen, expanding the middle dantian.
He felt the heavily seated middle dantian maintaining the balance between his body and mind.
However, the fruit's energy still had strength remaining, rising to the upper dantian and bringing a refreshing vitality to the mental world.
He felt that all his energy centers had grown: the lower dantian cultivating his aura, the upper dantian supporting his mind, and the middle dantian maintaining balance.
Raon's mind sank deeper into the world of enlightenment, unlike the gradually diminishing energy of the fruit.
* * *
Even after waking from enlightenment, Raon didn't open his eyes. He took slow breaths, feeling the changes within himself.
'Not only have my energy centers grown, but my mana circuits have also expanded.'
Thanks to the expanded circumference of his mana circuits, he could now move more energy faster.
'This is a significant gain.'
In battles between masters, victory is often decided in a moment, so being able to move aura even slightly faster meant a direct increase in martial prowess.
'Also, I can naturally sense the presences around me.'
Without even spreading his aura perception, he could feel the presences of the elves around the World Tree. He could not only sense that they were nearby but also what they were doing.
Normally, to sense presences, he would have to spread his aura around, but that concept seemed unnecessary now. By manipulating mana, he could detect even further distances than before.
Feeling satisfied with his growth, Raon slowly opened his eyes.
"Whew..."
As he took a short breath, Rimmer, looking slightly pale, approached him.
"A guy who enters the state of enlightenment as easily as eating, why did it take so long this time!"
Rimmer rubbed his ear as if annoyed.
"How long was I out?"
Raon looked up at the sky. Just like when he started his training, the sun was high in the sky, so he couldn't tell how much time had passed.
"Three days."
Rimmer raised three fingers.
"I thought I was going to die staying awake without sleeping!"
He waved his arm, telling Raon to take it easy.
"Three days..."
Raon let out a sigh.
'So they guarded me at that level for three days?'
The vigilance of Rimmer, Sterin, Siyana, and the Chief Elder was so tight that it was like a steel wall.
If they maintained that posture for three days, it was understandable that they were so exhausted.
"I'm sorry for being late."
"There's no need to apologize."
When Raon tried to bow, Sterin shook his head and approached.
"We suggested it first, so why are you apologizing?"
Sterin frowned and smacked Rimmer's forehead.
"Gah!"
Rimmer stepped back, clutching his forehead.
"Why did you hit me!"
"Be thankful I didn't smack your mouth."
"Oh man, I get hit here, I get hit at Zieghart. It's my fate..."
He walked away irritably, dragging his feet.
"It looks like you absorbed it properly."
Sterin smiled softly, as if pleased that Raon had properly absorbed the World Tree's energy.
"I can definitely feel the difference."
The Chief Elder nodded, inspecting Raon.
"Your already pure mana has become even cleaner. Now, even high elves can't compare to you."
He let out a sigh of disbelief.
"Ra, Raon."
Siyana bowed her head, with a bird seemingly made of water perched on her shoulder.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, but you look exhausted, Siyana."
Her complexion was even paler than Rimmer's, and her entire forehead was soaked with cold sweat, making her look like a sick person.
"Oh, I'm fine."
"Fine, my foot."
Rimmer glared at Siyana.
"She kept a highest-grade spirit summoned for three days. Even the old man can't do that crazy stuff."
He twirled his finger at his temple, indicating she was out of her mind.
"I, I'm really fine."
Despite her words, she immediately sent back the highest-grade spirit as if she was at her limit. Only then did her complexion begin to improve.
"Hmm..."
Raon let out a short sigh and bowed to the four elves.
"Thank you."
Staying on guard for three days without sleep is something difficult to do, even for family. He sincerely expressed his gratitude.
"Didn't we say such thanks are unnecessary?"
The Chief Elder shook his head.
"Right. You're too polite."
Rimmer scrunched his nose at Raon.
"If I were you, I'd have taken half the World Tree."
"Why would you take the World Tree?"
"You protected it entirely. Isn't half its share yours?"
"Ah..."
He was so dumbfounded that his mouth hung open.
"That's why you're like this."
Sterin sighed, looking at Rimmer.
"Ra, Raon. I think similarly. The World Tree is practically yours!"
Siyana nodded, clenching her fists. Siblings do resemble each other, indeed.
'It doesn't feel bad, though.'
Maybe it should be said that it feels good.
Forming a bond where different races genuinely care for each other gave him more satisfaction than just growing his martial prowess.
Now, he felt like he was truly becoming human.
-Good, you say?
Wrath's voice, as if it were about to break, came out. His cheeks were sunken and pale as if he would collapse at any moment.
-Burying this king in rubber, and you feel good?
'I never buried you in rubber...'
-The World Tree's fruit! That vile taste doesn't disappear!
Wrath screamed out in a voice akin to a wail.
-Do you know how hard it was for this king to erase that rubber taste alone? Breathing through my nose tasted like rubber, and breathing through my mouth tasted like rubber! Rubber! Rubber wouldn't disappear! Even in my dreams, rubber appeared!
He teared up, saying he nearly died buried in rubber.
-If I had eaten something else, maybe, but I still taste rubber. Ugh...
'Oh...'
Raon swallowed dryly, seeing Wrath wipe his eyes with the back of his hand.
'As soon as we get back, we'll eat. Something nice.'
Normally, he would have ignored it, but Wrath looked really worn out, so the words to eat something came out.
-Sniff.
Wrath stopped trembling and raised his head at the mention of food.
-What's on the menu?
'...'
He didn't expect to be asked about the menu here. He didn't know what to say.
"Now that everything's done, we should go back."
Rimmer lightly stroked the World Tree, smiling softly.
"Indeed."
Raon nodded. Although he had strayed from his original goal, he had accomplished everything he needed to, so it was time to return to Zieghart.
"You've probably heard from that idiot, but there's someone you'll take with you when you return to Zieghart."
Sterin stepped to the side and raised his hand.
"Ah, you mean the envoy."
"Yes. This one."
His hand pushed Siyana, who was swaying as if she were sleepy.
"Eek!"
Siyana was startled and jumped like a rabbit.
"Originally, Rimmer was supposed to go to Zieghart to settle the mess, but thanks to you, it's right to send gratitude instead. Normally, I would go, but since the barrier hasn't been settled yet, I'll send Siyana."
Sterin said that while pushing Siyana another step forward.
"There will be diplomatic discussions in addition to the thanks, so I hope you'll help well."
He nodded, saying that if things went well, Sepia and Zieghart could form a temporary alliance.
After hearing Sterin's words, Raon looked at Siyana.
"Uh..."
She still covered her face with her thin golden hair, trembling.
'Even though she looks like that, she'll do well when it comes to it.'
Having seen Siyana's true abilities, he wasn't particularly worried.
Raon smiled faintly, seeing the worry in Sterin's eyes.
"I'll do my best."
"Yes. I'll leave it to you."
As Sterin and Raon shook hands, the World Tree spread its branches as if blessing the future of Zieghart and Sepia.
Raon looked up at the World Tree and let out a hollow laugh.
'Seeing those branches, I understand why the World Tree is a rubber tree.'
It was fascinating how the World Tree spread and contracted its branches at will, probably because it was a rubber tree.
-Ru, Rubber! Where is the rubber!
Wrath trembled as if having a seizure at the mention of rubber.
"Let's think about the future later and eat first. I'm starving."
Rimmer motioned with his chin to go down quickly.
"Since we haven't eaten for three days. Should we eat Nadine bread so our stomachs won't be shocked?"
He wiggled his fingers, saying he had asked the other elves to prepare it.
-Nadi, Nadine... Ugh...
Wrath fainted, foaming at the mouth as he mentioned Nadine bread. It seemed the self-proclaimed Monarch of Wrath had developed a trauma.
Raon sighed and shook his head.
"Today, let's eat something normal..."
* * *
Two days later.
Raon finished preparing to leave Sepia and stepped out of the lodging.
-Yes...
Wrath raised his fists to the blue sky.
-We're finally leaving! I can escape this hell where all I smell is rubber all day long!
He shook his head, saying he would never set foot in Sepia again.
'A few days ago, you said you'd burn it.'
-It's not even worth burning or freezing!
Wrath gritted his teeth, saying Sepia was the worst place he had ever visited.
'I was fine with it.'
He had gained real combat experience fighting the Crimson Flame Demon, strengthened his martial prowess by eating the World Tree's fruit, and formed good relationships with Sepia's elves.
It was a time of only gains, so unlike Wrath, he felt this place was like home.
'The food was fine too.'
-The food being fine is because your taste buds are broken! It's all rubber!
Wrath shivered, saying he could still taste rubber on his tongue.
'Well, once we get back, you can eat all the foods you want.'
-So let's go quickly!
'Then, to save time on the way back, how about Nadine bread?'
-Ugh!
He turned pale and stiff like a statue at the mention of Nadine bread.
-To go quickly, Nadine bread. But Nadine bread tastes like rubber. But to erase the taste left on my tongue quickly, Nadine bread... Ahh!
Wrath kept mumbling about Nadine bread, his eyes half-rolled back. While teasing him, they soon arrived at Sepia's entrance.
"Hmm?"
Raon widened his eyes.
'Why are there so many people?'
He thought only people he knew would see him off, but it seemed all of Sepia's elves were gathered, filling the entrance without any space to step.
"You're finally here!"
Erian waved energetically at him. Anyone seeing it would think they were childhood friends.
However, he seemed trustworthy, so it wouldn't be bad to become actual friends.
"The protagonist is late, huh?"
Rimmer frowned at Raon.
"You just arrived too, Division Leader."
Yua blinked at Rimmer.
"Yua, you didn't have to say that."
Rimmer shook his head, patting Yua's head a bit strongly.
"Welcome."
Dorian took out a snack from his pouch and chewed it, grinning.
"Everything is ready?"
"We're ready but..."
He trailed off, looking to the right.
"We're ready too."
Leyran nodded, indicating Siyana and the five guardians who would escort her.
"Ah, hello."
Siyana bowed, her face covered by her robe. Her pointed ears trembled slightly under the robe.
"Please take care of me."
"Yes, I will definitely succeed!"
"Success? Ah, you certainly can."
He nodded, understanding it as her determination to succeed in the diplomatic negotiations between Sepia and Zieghart.
"Yes. Definitely."
Siyana raised her small fist, determined to succeed.
"Lady Leyran."
Raon called Leyran, who was sticking close to Siyana.
"About what I asked?"
"It's ready."
She nodded, telling him not to worry.
"Thank you."
As Raon was thanking Leyran, Sterin walked out from among the elves.
"Looks like everyone is here."
Sterin stepped forward to Rimmer first and squinted his eyes.
"You should get a grip."
"I only had one drink this afternoon."
"That's the problem!"
Sterin smacked Rimmer's head and walked to the side.
"Siyana."
"Yes..."
"You are going to Zieghart as Sepia's representative. Always remember the weight your words carry."
"Don't worry!"
Unlike when she spoke to Raon, Siyana nodded confidently.
"Leyran. I'm counting on you."
"I will risk my life to assist Lady Siyana."
Leyran nodded heavily, in contrast to Siyana.
Sterin made a satisfied gesture with his chin and stood in front of Yua.
"Did you enjoy learning the songs?"
"It was fun! Playing music with the bow was interesting too!"
"You can come again anytime."
"Yes!"
He patted Yua's head, who answered energetically, and looked at Dorian.
"We're positively considering the trade with Sephia Company you mentioned. We'll discuss it properly when their people arrive."
"Th, thank you!"
Dorian bowed to Sterin. From what he heard, Dorian had managed to set up trade with Sepia in this short time as a successor of the trading company. Raon thought he was just lazing around, but it seemed he was doing his job properly.
"Sepia won't forget your help."
Sterin passed Dorian and finally stood in front of Raon.
"If you ever need help, just say the word. Everyone, including myself, will come running."
"Thank you."
"However, the reason we move isn't for Zieghart, but for you, Raon."
"What?"
"Sepia moves solely to assist you."
He calmed his gaze, showing he meant those words sincerely. The Chief Elder, other elders, Erian, and the other elves behind him had the same look in their eyes.
"Elves repay favors twice over and enemies tenfold. Be sure to contact us."
Sterin patted Raon's shoulder gently and stepped back.
Raon felt Sterin's sincerity, so he bowed without a word.
"Let's go then."
Just as he turned to leave Sepia.
"Good fortune on your journey, benefactors!"
With Erian's clear voice, the gathered elves took the elven salute, placing their left hands on their right shoulders.
"I will definitely return."
Raon smiled, responding to their salute with a sword salute.
-I'm not going!
But Wrath refused.
* * *
Five days later, Raon entered a human village.
Elves, especially Siyana with her mysterious aura, stood out, so they planned to camp out until they reached Zieghart, but Rimmer whined so much they had no choice but to enter a village restaurant.
"See, how nice human civilization is."
Rimmer grinned as he sat in a restaurant chair.
"I'm done with eating grass in fields! I love meat and beds!"
It didn't seem like something an elf would say, but Raon didn't bother to question it.
Ignoring Rimmer's words, he looked around the tavern.
People wearing robes were common, so most didn't pay much attention, but there were a few who did.
Despite Rimmer also wearing a robe, they seemed to recognize him as an elf.
'What's this?'
Their gazes were fixed on Siyana and Leyran, and their tongue-licking expressions didn't look good at all.
While pretending not to notice and choosing a menu, a young man with a noble aura in his face and clothes approached.
"Are you the owner?"
"What?"
"You're going to the Maritime Market?"
The young man licked his lips, pointing at Siyana.
"She looks quite pretty. Instead of the market, sell her to me. I'll pay more than the auction."
He gestured with his finger as if he thought Siyana was a slave.
"What are you..."
"Wait."
Raon narrowed his eyes, stopping Leyran who was about to get up in anger.
'Market? Owner?'
He wasn't just trying to harass the elves. It was clear he saw them as slaves.
'Come to think of it...'
Sterin and Erian had mentioned that many elves who didn't return from the recent attack had not been found. It seemed those elves might have been taken to the slave market.
Raon stood up and smiled.
"How much will you pay?"
"How much do you wan... Gah!"
He grabbed the man's face and lifted him into the air.
"Wha, what..."
"Let's have a little chat."
-Is this how humans chat?