Chapter 216
—Arbor is like the root of the world. Its roots and branches extend extensively, sustaining this world.
The Guardian looked up at the ceiling. Thick branches, harmoniously integrated among the elaborate structures, caught my eye.
—While there are races like us who live together in gratitude for Arbor’s grace, there are also those who never know satisfaction and are consumed by greed. We call them ‘Nex.’
“Nex?”
“Could you explain in more detail?”
—They’re beings that pollute Arbor’s essence and endlessly gnaw at it, weakening it. In your language, they would be…….
After pondering our question, the Guardian finally spoke.
—Similar to what you call insects.
“In-insects?”
—Yes, just as your reaction suggests, they are utterly disgusting and evil beings. Far from being grateful to Arbor, they have no reason and just endlessly devour and pollute.
The Guardian added with an expression of approval. Somehow, I don’t think Meliana’s shock was due to that…….
—They’ve always existed steadily, but they weren’t this threatening. However, about twenty years ago, a mutant Nex that we had never seen before appeared. I’m told it’s a truly terrible being.
“Does that mean you haven’t seen it directly, Guardian?”
—The Guardian must tend to and watch over Arbor’s branches in the temple and cannot leave the village. Therefore, the warriors handle exploration separately. Natura, who is beside you, is also a warrior.
It seems the name of the elf guiding us was Natura. They didn’t seem pleased, as if they were reluctant to reveal their name to us. Their pointed ears were moving up and down.
‘So they can move their ears like that.’
It was fascinating to see how their emotions could be roughly understood even without them speaking.
—We sent warriors to deal with this mutant Nex…… but there were more who didn’t return than those who did. This was only possible because of Pinus’s sacrifice.
The Guardian spoke with an affectionate gaze and voice.
—That child is still suffering, personally holding back the Nex.
“Still? Didn’t you say the mutant Nex appeared about twenty years ago?”
—That’s correct.
“So for over twenty years……?”
The Guardian silently nodded. Their affirmation brought a silent shock. Even though elves generally live much longer than humans, suffering for over twenty years…….
—During that time, we’ve consistently devised ways to deal with the mutant Nex. But nothing has worked.
The Guardian shook their head and sighed.
—Thanks to Pinus’s sacrifice, this peace continues, but in truth, it wouldn’t be strange if it shattered soon.
“The fact that you’re telling us this now means…….”
—That’s right. We would like you to deal with the mutant Nex.
Ding!
[<System> New quest arrived!]
[<Linked Quest> Eliminate the mutant Nex that is gnawing at the World Tree, Arbor.
The elves have been troubled by the mutant Nex that appeared about twenty years ago. Eliminate the mutant Nex to gain the elves’ favor.
—Extermination of mutant Nex: (0/???)
—Success reward: Elf’s token and goodwill.
—Failure: Collapse of the World Tree, Arbor.
(※This is a linked quest to the ‘Trial of Lublin’ quest.)]
[Cancel] / [Confirm]
I had my suspicions, but to think this was the trial they were giving us.
And if we fail, the World Tree collapses?
The World Tree is the foundation that sustains this world. Its collapse would mean the end of the world.
‘Isn’t that basically saying we’ll die?’
This is insane…….
It’s not just a matter of winning or losing against Meliana.
—While we couldn’t do anything about it, as outsiders, you might have a different approach. New perspectives are often needed for such matters.
“……”
—I ask you. Will you accept this trial?
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