Great Ancient Mage, Acknowledged (2)

That was the biggest, largest, and most beautiful tree in the world. Its branches were a healthy reddish-brown, and its shiny green leaves were enough to cover the entire world. The so-called center of the world. Born along with the world, it was the mother of all living things that took care of all lives on earth on behalf of the gods that left. The core was connected with the origin of the world and contained its power. It was the most important being in the Yo-Ma Great War Zero game and, at the same time, the largest artifact.

Ah

With the World Tree in front of him, Evan murmured dumbfoundedly. He expected to see the World Tree someday after he was sent to Gods Era. It was a huge honor as an addict of the Yo-Ma Great War series to see the giant tree in real life, which he had only seen through CG. Howeverhe realized that his expectations were too low as he actually saw it with his own eyes.

Perhaps this is how people feel when they visit the Vatican to see Michelangelos Creation of Adam.

No, nothing could be compared with this. Its size was tremendous; describing the World Tree was just too foolish of an act.

It only looks like a dragon in terms of the size, though.

So, youve seen a dragon, Zero.

But why does itfeel so magnificent?

Dragons are dignified creatures, but they couldnt be compared to the World Tree. Its presence was so strong that it couldnt be captured with two eyes. A being that wasnt a plant nor an animal, and it was on a different level when compared to himself. There was no need to understand it. Understanding it would be weird in the first place. If ever Save came to Gods Erahe might have faced an undesirable ending as he wouldnt have accepted the World Tree.

Zero.

Huh?

Mother is pleased to meet you.

Mirole suddenly spoke. She still looked like a teenage elf girl who was obsessed with him. She took away all the elves who jumped on Evan. So why did she look sacred as she took a step away from him and looked up to the World Tree?

I see; please tell her I feel the same, too.

Your voice is being heard by her directly, so theres no need to relay it through me.

Mirole smiled lightly and lifted her head up once again. A calm breeze blew from the World Tree and spread her golden hair in the air like ink spreading into water. Countless crystals were shining between her hair: spirits, playing in the wind. Evan felt it was normal for him to be charmed by such beautiful scenery that couldnt exist in the real world. He recalled how much effort the developers put in Miroles description and meeting with the World Tree in the game. Perhaps Evan would have failed to resist due to lack of resistance and have fallen for Mirole if his charm level didnt exceed its limit.

Though I believe its not that simple. Whats important is that Mirole looked very gorgeous right now.

Mother has another message for you.

What is it?

How did it go in the game? Evan had a hard time remembering it as Mirole looked so mesmerizing as she let herself be indulged with the World Tree along with the spirits (the wind was blowing, but Evan could only see it as the World Tree consoling her.).

Youve gone through a hard time, but its possible to undo the curse youve brought along with yourselfcurse? Is there a curse on you?

Although he was dazzled by the aura, he knew that such a dialogue didnt appear in Yo-Ma Great War Zero.

You.

Evan was speaking to the World Tree directly.

Do you know everything? The type of curse cast on me, the reason why IveGrgh.

Evan regained his senses by biting his lips as he was about to speak everything in his mind due to a huge shock. The World Tree only spoke of the curse that Evan had. There was no need to expose all his secrets in front of Mirole when only part of his secrets was revealed.

Is it due to getting dazed by looking at the World Tree? It definitely has to be.

The charm level that the World Tree had exceeded Evan when it was calculated into the game status. Its charm had created a huge impact on the fairies, spirits, and the world since its birth. Charm is the result of all influences done to others, and that had caught Evan off guard and troubled his mind.

Zero?

As he regained his senses, Mirole was looking at him worriedly.

Its all right, Mirole. I justrecalled some of the lost memories.

Memories? What kind ofah, Aaah. Im sorry, Zero. I shouldnt have asked about it.

Mirole opened her eyes widely and approached Evan at the words lost memories, but she suddenly stopped. She seemed to have heard something from the World Tree as she looked guilty and apologized to Evan.

Mother said she doesnt have any intentions to hurt you. Andan apology to you.

Apology? Why?

If she were stronger, she wouldnt have let such a curse be cast on youwhat in the world are you?

Evan smiled bitterly at her words. The curse that Evan had was the Worlds Curse. It was a horrible curse that let the victim have all the hatred of the world. Of course, as Gods Era, where Evan was at, was different in terms of time when compared to the world he used to live in, the level of hatred got lowered, but that didnt mean his curse was lifted. The World Tree was apologizingto Evan as she realized the identity and the source of the curse.

A Mother with too much love.

Was the World Tree feeling guilty over the birth of hatred in the world? If so, it was a foolish thing to do. Even the Mother of the World that takes care of all things couldnt do anything with regards to the emotions of Her children. The World Tree was a cluster of emotions called love that She wanted to offer her everything to all living things. And Evan finally started to naturally accept its existence. There was no need to feel repulsion when his thoughts were read by the World Tree.

Its all right. I will take care of it by myself in this world as youve told me earlier.

Zero

Mirole looked hurt by the determined Evan as he spoke towards the World Tree. Was she worried about Evan? But that wasnt needed. He just got a firm answer that the curse could be liftedhowever, Evans sentimental thoughts were completely destroyed by Miroles harsh words.

I was the first one to meet Zero, but why is Mother sounding like she understands you more!? How is she having such a pleasant conversation with you!?

Is that a problem?

By a lot, yes, Im feeling very distant right now!

It seemed like Evan was doing his Encounter with the World Tree event well with a good atmosphereEvan looked at Mirole with a sad expression. Still, she was already quibbling at the World Tree.

Ive always admired Mothers ability to understand everything without a word, but today is an exception. I think its very, very mean!

As Mirole totally lost her composure, the word very got used many times in her expression.

Huh? I finally found lowait, thats not the problem here, Mother! You could have told me first anything regarding Zero so that he and I could work out a solution together!

Her murmur was an argument between a mother and a daughter. Evan looked at her in a limp way and took a step back. Dupa stood still dumbfoundedly with her mouth wide enough for a fly to get in as she arrived in the vicinity.

Its been a while that Mother took great interest in another person aside from the Princess

Is that the most surprising thing here?

Perhaps the Mother prefers the young and awesome man.

With your word, my fantasy about the elves and the World Tree just got blown away.

Miroles argument with the World Tree continued for 30 minutes, but Evan couldnt understand even a bit of their conversation.

Whew, really. This was the reason I wanted to escape from this Forest!

Didnt you run away to bring a solution to the crisis that is approaching this Forest?

Sort of!

After replying to Evan in a loud voice as if she were shouting, her expression became hazy.

Im sorry, Zero. Ive been too selfish up until now.

Hmmhuh? Nowell?

Youve been listening to my problems all this while. If you have any, please share them with me. Yes, such as your curse. Ah, I dont have any intentions of digging out your secret! I always think that we should have a relationship that equally benefits each other

Although I do have things to share, I think its better to calm down, for now, Mirole.

Y-yeah.

The 700-year-old, young high-elf, who experienced puberty late, tried to calm her breathing. She didnt realize that her argument with the World Tree was seen by all the other elves.

Share with me your stories when we are alone. So, for noweveryone, gather up!

colors of lights were emitted from Miroles body and filled the Forest. Evan knew that each of those particles of light was fragments of the spirits. Perhaps all elves were listening to her right now. Maybe everything in the Forest was.

All forest fairies will gather around at this place! I will relay your Mothers message! The fight to protect freedom shall now begin!

Clearly, her wave of mana that surpassed the limit made all elves obedient. The World Tree must have lent those powers to herso, despite Mirole going all out with her anger for 30 minutes, the World Tree was lending her power. Evan quickly dismissed the thought of an image of a defiant daughter in puberty and a mother who was giving her money from her purse.

Mother has spoken. That we should take action instead of being spectators if we truly want to protect this Forest! We dont know how to deal with the unknown, but thankfully we have someone who can help us. Mother has acknowledged him!

Huh?

Mother has acknowledged him as her son, so we will follow the new deputyZero! He will retrieve the paradise for us, the forest fairies!

Huh?

From now on, he is the king of this Forest. He shall always be my side, your queen. So, everyone, come out and salute him! He will bring back the peace once again to this world through the harmony between different races!

Huh!?