Chapter 129 – Spirit of the Divine Tree II

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Appraisal.

The ability that I had to be the most wary of in this world. And I was encountering it at a time like this. I didn’t know how much was appraised, but it sure looked like she had seen my status.

It had been a long time since I received the blessing of Lord Ibitrayme. I think it was…

“I don’t really know much about it myself. I learned about the status god’s existence from Lord Memrikia. And when I offered a prayer, I was blessed.”

“You have spoken with Lord Memrikia!?”

Oh, damn it. I spoke without thinking. The light around Nananakihi brightened even more. She must be very surprised.

“Just once. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity.”

“A god who serves Lord Memrikia. To think that there is a god in this world that I did not know of…”

Nananakihi was deep in thought. She was a spirit who had existed since ancient times. Obscure must be an understatement. I was starting to feel bad for Lord Ibitrayme.
Speaking of which, indiscretion when it came to the mention of gods could result in a real divine punishment. And so you had to be careful when mentioning their names.

“Once, I too met with Lord Memrikia, and received the appraisal skill. It is because of it that I was able to grow this much, in spite of just being one amidst so many other tree spirits.”

So Nananakihi had met Lord Memrikia as well. It must have been a very long time ago, as she had a nostalgic look in her eyes. And then she turned back to me.

“Is it not the same with your skill?”

“Uh.”

She had to be talking about Reverse Age. The one skill I did not want people to know about. Yes. The one she would be most curious about after seeing my status.

Ah, and Mezerir was hearing everything. Damn it.

“Yes, it is a skill that I received when meeting Lord Memrikia..”

“I see. Well, that makes sense, given the nature of that skill. However, remember this. That skill is more dangerous than you realize.”

Huh? Danger? Indeed, it was not without its downsides, but I never thought of it as being dangerous.

“Could you tell me how it is dangerous?”

“You should find out for yourself. There is no need for me to speak on it. However, when it happens that the skill causes you to suffer, I shall surely help you.”

Eh? How very cooperative of her. If I was going to use Reverse Age, having connections with Amernisus would be very good. Even though this seemed almost too convenient. Still, I had no reason to refuse.

“I thank you for your kind words. However, I have no way to repay Amernisus. Are you sure about this?”

“You need not worry. It is my decision as the guardian spirit of Amernisus. First, I will make it so that you will not get lost in the forest barrier. Ajifu, put out your right hand.”

“Huh!?”

I would be able to navigate through that barrier? I never expected such a gift. And so I thrust out my right hand, just as she said.

The spirit placed both her hands on it, and light gathered there. Eventually, it moved down to my wrist.
It became hot, and the light grew stronger. I narrowed my eyes as it became blinding. When it finally died down, I looked down and saw a green tattoo-like pattern that wrapped around my wrist like a bracelet.

“Wha-what is this?”

“With this mark, you will not be affected by the lost forest’s barrier.”

“Oh! Thank you!”

What a great present. I stared at my wrist. And it was rather fashionable, wasn’t it?

“So I can come to Amernisus whenever I want now?”

“That is not for me to decide. You can negotiate with the elves.”

Oh, things weren’t going to be too easy then. Though, the great Nananahiki had said that she would help me. Surely it was worth a try.

“And you, child…Mezerir. What you have heard of Ajifu just now. There is no need to repeat it to anyone else.”

“Yes! I will never reveal it to anyone.”

It was very perceptive of her to include that part. Not that Mezerir was the type to go around talking, but it did make me feel safer.

“Now, Ajifu and Mezerir. This was a good meeting. I look forward to seeing you again one day.”

Then the lights that made up her body began to scatter. They grew dim and her silhouette blurred. In the end, it all vanished without a trace.

The whole thing had been like a storm. I stood there, stunned.

“Hey, Ajifu! You must explain to me what happened! Are you more important than I thought? You don’t look very impressive at all.”

Mezerir was back to her old self. That last part was quite unnecessary. And while Nananahiki had told her to not tell others, she had not said anything about Mezerir asking me directly. Regardless, I did feel that I owed her an explanation.

“Well… I could tell you, as long as no one else knows. All it means is that you’ll have more secrets to hold in.”

“Fighting off my curiosity would be harder. Yes, you will give me a good explanation later.”

I bowed one more time in the chapel. It had regained its sense of tranquility. When we left, I looked back one more time, but there was only the giant tree, completely unchanged.

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Two beings watched the figures leaving, from high above in the branches of the tree.

“Was that really a good idea? Allowing him to pass through the lost forest? To be honest, that human seems so insignificant.”

Said the elf man who sat on the branch. Next to him was the divine tree spirit, Nananahiki, floating in light.

“He is no one. Yet. However, who knows what the future will hold?”

“Your appraisal could not be wrong. However, would that not make it dangerous for him to be too close with Amernisus?”

“While that mark is a key to get through the forest, it can also be a shackle to stop him. It was my decision, that ignoring someone with such potential, is not the safe path.”

The glowing spirit and elf looked at each other silently for some time.

“Do you disagree with me?”

“No. The barrier only exists through your power. Still, I will tell the high elves to keep an eye on him.”

The man bowed and the divine tree spirit smiled gently.

“And add this. That even I could not tell what his age was.”

“Even with your appraisal skill!?”

He was astonished, but the spirit only smiled. He bowed again, and then disappeared like the wind.

“Now, Ajifu. Can a human really bear the loneliness of infinite life… The elves will be severe, should one with power turn to the wrong side. My wish is that you ask for my help, before that time comes…”

She said to herself. The words vanished in the wind, and then so did the light of the divine tree spirit.

Next Chapter

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Bonus chapters courtesy of ShitaiNoKootoRyuu. Thank you so much!

Ossan Boukensha no Jimichi na Isekai Tabi