Ch.21169. For You Who Cannot Die (3)

# The Afternoon of Ardisus

The afternoon in Ardisus is dark.

In the mountains and forests, one feels as if the sun sets more quickly.

And this sensation becomes even more palpable when entering the dense woodland thickets.

In that sense, Ardisus itself could rightfully be called a great forest.

Even beneath the World Tree, one could hardly glimpse the sun while staying under its canopy.

Therefore, unless artificial light is produced, the area is extremely dark.

Mysteriously though, the World Tree receives sunlight and distributes it evenly in all directions without excess, preventing the environment from being plunged into perpetual shadow year-round.

But when sunlight disappears in the afternoon, its absence is keenly felt.

However, the forest folk have excellent hearing.

Unlike some of their kin who can perceive darkness as clearly as daylight, like nocturnal beasts,

They have exceptionally keen ears, typical of elves, and are accustomed to compensating for their limited vision with their hearing.

Therefore.

When they detected subtle sounds before any physical presence—not just one, but multiple movements—they accepted that their plan had gone awry.

“……”

Fingers spread and waved in the air.

The noise created is so minute it barely stirs the faintest breeze.

But they have trained diligently to understand these signals.

It was an emergency measure deployed with great caution, meant only for those with exceptionally keen hearing.

But the unsettling incident—or rather, accident—occurring here now… inadvertently risked entangling their own kind.

This was a countermeasure prepared for that possibility.

-They’re approaching. I think we’ve been discovered.

-What should we do?

-Attack? Wait? Retreat?

The fingers of the elves at the front of the formation moved busily, gesturing rapidly.

-Hide. If they’re approaching knowing our position, ambush and intercept. I’ll give the signal.

Everyone crouched beneath trees, curling their bodies and holding their breath.

While running through the forest was extraordinary for them, their true mobility lay in climbing trees and moving through them as if flying—the unique mobility of the forest folk.

The wind, the atmosphere, and the forest’s guidance guaranteed them optimal paths.

This too was believed to be the blessing of the sacred tree.

Whether true or not, they firmly believed it.

And then.

…The multiple approaching figures suddenly seemed to sink into the ground nearby, suppressing all signs of their presence.

“……”

In this situation, even hand signals were difficult to transmit.

Already, the distance between them had become unexpectedly close.

Killing even the sound of their breathing, they waited for the approaching ones to retreat or pass by.

“……”

Anxiety naturally heightened their senses.

Despite their hearts pounding loudly, they released thin breaths, trying to suppress their presence as much as possible.

……

……?

The insect sounds momentarily faltered.

Just from that alone.

…As if they had been waiting, presences exploded all around.

Hostility and fighting spirit that had abandoned stealth manifested as killing intent, descending upon them.

Yet in the pitch-black forest, in that quiet darkness.

There was still no sound of combat or scent of blood.

Even as someone fell from a tree, and arrows pierced the air to embed in trunks, passing through the sounds of insects.

Tranquility and silence danced an unrestrained dance in the stillness and darkness, only then releasing the fishy stench of fresh blood.

Because they knew each other so well, they were sinking into the silence in their most characteristic way, as if being buried in it.

====

“They’ve engaged.”

White skin glimpsed through black cloth.

Holding a dark spear that appeared from nowhere, he whispered softly while perched on the tips of his feet on a thin branch.

“Were they prepared for us?”

Keilan’s voice came faintly from a short distance away.

“I doubt it.”

“Then?”

“Their attire is similar.”

“…Attire?”

When Keilan expressed doubt, Bargo added in a dry tone:

“Would thieves dress like thieves in their own home?”

“…That means.”

Were they trying to quietly handle our attack after detecting it in advance? Preparing for that?

If word got out that the human child was exposed to assassination threats, both failure and success would be problematic.

So they intended to eliminate any possibility beforehand?

“If that’s the case, it means our attack has already been exposed.”

“……”

Bargo had struck at the core issue first.

“What do you think? Should we withdraw now?”

“…One more thing.”

Keilan spoke, suppressing his excitement.

“What if they had the same intention as us and were trying to attack the human child?”

“Hmm. That makes sense.”

But this itself implied something strange.

…Namely, that assassins had clashed with fellow assassins rather than their target.

“But that’s speculation we can consider from the rear. Would they think the same way?”

“I don’t know. They might act rashly for a quick resolution.”

“I see elves are no different in emergencies.”

Keilan’s brow furrowed at Bargo’s indifferent remark.

“Then we should exploit that too.”

“Keilan. They might think the same. If we delay one step, two steps… you understand?”

“But this assumption might be wrong from the start. They might truly be executioners sent to deal with us.”

“Suddenly the whole world has become our enemy.”

Bargo dismissed it like a joke that wasn’t a joke.

“Give me command authority. Then I’ll tell you what to do.”

“You?”

“I believe I’ve been a sufficient host. Or… would you rather we all ruin this by just worrying?”

“……”

Keilan hesitated briefly but finally closed his eyes tightly.

“Deliberation is for aides and advisors.”

Bargo rose swiftly from the branch.

He said:

“Once decided, one must act without hesitation.”

====

Was it because of the time?

Or was it because of the season?

There are many altars honoring the World Tree.

However, the area around the entrance to the sanctuary had particularly poor accessibility compared to other places.

“It’s too quiet, though.”

“It’s festival season, and the temple is open, so many people will be praying there. The funeral rites… will be conducted later.”

“Even so… it seems too empty.”

Remira said, looking around.

Being in a position where one could touch the World Tree with their hands meant being in the deepest shade, without a single point of light.

At this point, even imagining a glimpse of the night sky was impossible.

“Should we go back? Today doesn’t seem right.”

“No. Today is the right day.”

“What? What kind of day is it?”

“It’s around the time when the dedication ritual was performed before the World Tree became the World Tree.”

“Dedication ritual?”

“It’s nothing too special, just a monthly event. To put it simply, flowers and trees need water, right? It’s like watering day. That’s all you need to understand.”

That water doesn’t mean ordinary water.

Not rainwater or other water resources, not simple moisture.

“They say nature doesn’t antagonize itself beyond what’s necessary, right?”

But that’s only because they don’t know better.

Even trees strive to grow taller to wither and kill weaker, lower trees.

By extending their roots more firmly.

And there are many other examples.

‘I’ve heard stories, but when you understand that, the world looks different.’

Whether you regard nature with wonder, understanding, or empathy… what you see differs.

“It depends on where the standard of necessity lies. It’s different from how you humans clear forests and cultivate mountains to expand territory. Or how dwarves damage mines for ore and metals. And invasive wars for territory… need I say more?”

“What’s this? Have you gotten smarter from following me around?”

“…You’ve certainly talked enough.”

Though Remira spoke that way, she actually enjoyed listening and learning.

If she hadn’t, Kariel wouldn’t have bothered talking so much.

Those seeking to show off or indulge in vanity would prattle on even when asked not to.

……But Kariel was far removed from such inclinations.

“So there’s a reason we came here… and your warning of danger, and your allowing me to accompany you. All of it has a basis, right?”

“Of course.”

Remira, who was about to clear her throat to express her incredulity, turned her head to one side.

“But is this danger something we can overcome?”

“I’d like to think so.”

A small group emerging from the forest onto the main path leading to the World Tree and altar was visibly approaching them.

With eyes adjusted to the darkness, Kariel sat on a nearby rock.

Remira positioned herself diagonally to his right, as if to protect him.

“You act as if you’ve been waiting.”

“I have been waiting. I’m not sure if you arrived first, though.”

“You make it sound like there are other guests.”

“Indeed.”

Remira looked at him and said:

“Councilor Badera.”

“Remira the Guardian. Stay out of this. I have important matters to discuss.”

“I cannot do that.”

“Why not? I’m just trying to have a conversation.”

“Then I suppose the Green Thorn Tree faction members lurking in the area are there for no particular reason?”

“As you know, we are precious individuals. We must be prepared for any unfortunate incidents wherever we go.”

“Do you really think that makes sense right now?”

When Remira expressed disbelief, Kariel smirked.

“I asked you to remove that memory you glimpsed because it was dangerous. You said you did.”

“With this, it’s not impossible for us to conquer the world.”

“Well, you’re better suited than a youngster like me. That must have seemed reasonable to you.”

The memory of another me shown by the World Tree almost consumed me—I can accept that possibility.

But could beings who have lived hundreds of years easily lose their nature to memories spanning mere decades, becoming instantly obsessed?

…What makes it impossible?

The life of Kariel from another world—a war god, battle deity, tyrant, and dark lord—contained dangerously fatal magical power.

“We’ll secure your person, and ask the queen’s understanding. We’ll ensure you can stay and live together without issue, so don’t worry about that.”

“Oh? So you weren’t planning to kill me?”

“We desire bloodlines no less than humans. And we don’t overlook your wisdom. Though it was vexing how you tried to disrupt the mainstream with irresponsible talk about the sacred tree’s death… couldn’t you act as the voice of the sacred tree instead? Isn’t that why you arranged this little celebration? Am I wrong?”

“Not entirely, but you’re half right.”

“Just half? Then what’s the rest? I’m curious.”

Right here, right now.

Only the two of us were calmly exchanging conversation with smiles.

“But too much delay is problematic, so let’s end it here. We’ll have plenty of opportunities to continue this exchange later.”

“Let’s wait a bit longer. You might have quite an interesting experience.”

“I know. That’s what I dislike. Why invite trouble? You wouldn’t have come here without purpose. You must have anticipated my intentions. But… the world favors those who are faster and more agile. You know that well, don’t you? If you possess those memories.”

“You’re right. Though I question whether that applies to the current situation.”

“Enough. I’ll hear the rest after you’ve had a few days of rest. That’s enough talking for now.”

At the sharp-featured Councilor Badera’s chin gesture, the heavily armed elves behind him began to surround us.

“Remira.”

“What?”

She responded while keeping her eyes on their surroundings.

“Don’t wait—strike first.”

“What?”

She missed it momentarily.

The sight of Kariel swiftly withdrawing to the rear.

But that instant was a necessity disguised as coincidence.

Remira, pretending to follow Kariel belatedly… instead rammed like a bison into one who tried to pursue him.

CRASH!

Was the impact so tremendous because she charged with her armored body?

The struck man flew into the forest with a shocking impact sound.

The tree he collided with cracked and then tilted, cutting through the darkness.

BOOM!

“Excellent.”

Councilor Badera stroked his smooth chin in admiration.

“However…”

Meanwhile, several figures had already approached Kariel.

“This is hardly…”

They even grabbed him.

“…proper…”

But strangely, many who grabbed him collapsed or fell over as if under a spell, one even somersaulting before crashing down.

“…protection. What sorcery is this?”

Each of them was an outstanding fighter within the Green Thorn Tree faction.

But why…

Why couldn’t they restrain a single child, suffering such humiliating defeat?

More than that, this technique… I’ve seen it before.

“Hero… Emperor?”

“Do you recognize it?”

Even among humans, ‘his’ genius was of a different caliber.

Even the Knight of Radiance after obtaining the holy sword couldn’t overwhelm him.

But not limited to humans.

The Hero Emperor’s sense of combat, performance, and functionality…

…transcended the standards of all races.

If he had possessed a sturdy body like Rueld.

Or a nimble, flexible body like an elf.

Or if he had been given a robust or exceptional body like other races.

…Perhaps a different history would have been written.

“Our Majesty once said: If you have no weapon in hand, you must use your bare hands and feet, but that’s too inefficient.”

The Emperor was great, but among heroes, he had no outstanding traits.

He excelled at everything and was versatile in all things.

…Yet none of them reached the ultimate level.

To some, everything he displayed was surely ultimate and extreme.

With magic and knowledge, he couldn’t match his companion.

With sword and force, he couldn’t match the Knight of Radiance.

With life and compassion, he couldn’t match the Saint.

With protection and charge, thus courage, he couldn’t match the Giant.

In destroying non-humans, he couldn’t match the Lord of the Fields.

In dominating air and sea without wings, he couldn’t match the Witch of the Island.

Among many other fallen comrades and heroes.

The one called the Hero Emperor of that era had nothing properly equipped.

Others might call it nonsense, but the Emperor himself believed it, they said.

Yet even he.

Eventually realized and reached a unique conclusion.

“What is a ruler, I wonder?”

Kariel briefly struck the vital points of several writhing elves with his instep or toe, as if ending their breath.

“It means controlling and leading all situations.”

They don’t know.

The Kariel from another world they saw.

His memories were partially edited.

More precisely, omitted.

But even with that, they were surely satisfied beyond delight.

However.

The crucial connection between the current Kariel and the Kariel from another world.

They probably never dreamed of it.

The war god from another world, until he obtained the Dark Lord’s legacy.

…survived through fierce battlefields and deadly situations with just what he’s displaying now.

“Whether it’s me now or me from another world, my master has always been His Majesty the Emperor.”

Because.

“…Can you guess what I’m getting at?”

And that cruel memory held clear meaning for me too.

A realm normally unreachable.

But.

…Though my body wasn’t developed, my experience and maturity were… already complete.

That’s why I’ve been buying time.

Since first entering the sanctuary, plotting, then causing a scene before the councilors!

Consistently since entering the sanctuary.

…Actually, I was busy even before entering.

In any case, since following the Sixth Elder into the sanctuary, my life has been incredibly busy.

“What should you do if you have no weapon? Won’t your natural talent for handling weapons become useless then? But hands and feet can’t replace weapons. So?”

First.

Seize the opponent’s weapon.

But what if that’s impossible? What if it’s meaningless?

Second.

Overcome with technique alone, using minimal force for maximum effect.

But what if even that is ambiguous? Difficult?

Third.

“Use the opponent’s weapon against them.”

And that weapon is none other than this.

Mana.

More precisely, not stealing it.

Reversing or distorting what they try to use.

This works not just on humans but on magical beasts and creatures.

…However, to do this.

One must perfectly understand the opponent’s mana usage, application, composition, and flow.

Even after understanding, one must process it through skill and art.

…A gamble difficult to attempt even for geniuses or naturally gifted individuals.

…But if a genius commits to desperate effort.

Such madness becomes possible.

“As long as you use mana, approaching me isn’t a good strategy. I recommend using your specialty, spirit magic.”

And now.

I’ve secured the bows and quivers carried by those who fell.

“The things I trust least in the world are miracles and coincidences.”

For example, this.

“How was it? Was the bait tempting enough?”

An age just approaching 12 in human years.

Yet somehow.

Remira unconsciously swallowed.

The movement of her throat felt unnaturally conspicuous.

Still, she couldn’t take her eyes off him now.

“The easiest way to lure an opponent into a trap is to make them believe they are the hunter.”

Councilor, you know this well, don’t you?

“In those memories you know so well, how many creatures did I turn into corpses with this strategy, impaling them on poles and crucifying them?”

Using Kariel himself as bait.

Sometimes using Prince Alesius as bait.

Using Kariel’s brother Elimion as bait.

Or using all of them as bait.

…How many big fish had he caught?

“This is the strategy of a fisherman who catches people.”

“A mere human child barely in his teens! No matter how extraordinary, there are only two of you! Your arrogance is beyond—!”

Suddenly, with the sound of lightning, several trees snapped.

Yet strangely, despite the lightning strike, the flash was somehow dim.

“What now?!”

Part of the forest should have been where they were ambushed, but there was no response to his call.

By now, Councilor Badera’s expression and complexion had deteriorated significantly.

If not for the pitch-black darkness enveloping them.

He would have been practically exposed.

Councilor Badera.

He quickly turned his gaze to glare at Kariel.

“…So, this too was your preparation?”

“Half of it?”

Eventually from the darkness, with an appearance worn by darkness, cloth strips fluttering.

…A man gripping a spear emerged from the forest, revealing his figure.

Additionally.

…About a dozen figures, neither human nor elf, stealthily revealed their nimble forms.