The Berserker’s Second Playthrough in the Game - Chapter 170



Only Krnovel

Episode 170 Guardians of the World Tree (5)

“Melissa is getting more and more crazy.”

Everyone trembled at the words of the first-tier guardian, ‘Blue Fang’ Borduel.

The round table was filled with old elves. The common denominator was that all of the members were first-ranking guardians of the ‘Guardians of the World Tree’. In what was effectively the highest meeting of elven society, Borduel once again repeated his groundbreaking declaration.

“I thought I was crazy before, but it seems to be getting worse. Well, I don’t know if we’re going to end up burning down Mother’s World Tree sooner or later.”

“… … Sir Borduel, I think it would be best for you to exercise some self-restraint. After all, you are the one who carries out the will of the World Tree, so aren’t your words and actions too excessive… … .”

“Why, did I say something wrong? Everyone must have thought about it at least once after hearing the news. “Our proud ‘keeper of the world balance’ has finally grown tired of it.”

“… … .”

“You said that well, but Lord Tevio personally brought you the news that the ‘branch’ was broken not long ago, so don’t you know better?”

Borduel did not give in despite the dissuasion of the oldest person, ‘White Turtle’ Tevio. The audience, who were shocked at first, gradually lowered their heads in silent acceptance.

Certainly, I couldn’t help but think that way. When I told them that one of the ‘branches of the World Tree’ that was blocking intruders had been broken, they burned three more trees on top of that… … This was not something a leader in his right mind would do.

Thanks to this, the guardians’ feet were on fire. We urgently dispatched an investigation team, formed additional patrols, and cracked down on people joining to prevent the news from spreading… … I didn’t even have time to open my eyes because I was busy cleaning up after the past few days.

This outrage by World Bank’s Melissa was not something that happened in a day or two.

Since they have no chance to meet her directly, the common elves only know Melissa as a representative of the precious World Tree. However, the first-tier guardians who know the truth have this perception. She is a tyrant who is only gentle when in the ‘World Tree’s Dream’, and who brings disaster without fail when she wakes up.

It was no exaggeration to say that the peace of elf society depended not on the efforts of the guardians but on the mood of a single human woman. Nevertheless, there is only one reason why she has not been ousted so far.

strength.

overwhelming power.

No one dared to oppose her power. Just considering her destructive power alone, she was able to overwhelm the highest level of druids, and even defeat dragons, which were considered supreme beings. Adding all sorts of tangible and intangible authority and divine power, Melissa’s authority was currently so absolute that it could not be fully described.

However, since the interest had risen up against the tyrant, he sympathized but could not bring himself to agree with it. Borduel looked around at the guardians who had bowed their heads and made a face as if he was displeased.

“Do you know what I see now? Livestock! Livestock that can’t crawl out of the barn even though they see the fence burning brightly, and are afraid of their master’s beating! Are you all doing this because you don’t know what will happen if you keep going like this?”

“… … So, what are you going to do? If you confront the World Tree Keeper now, your body will only turn to ashes and it won’t end there. Your soul will most likely never be able to reach the ‘World Tree Dream’ and will wander the world like a ghost… … .”

“Ha, since when did ‘Dream of the World Tree’ become the exclusive preserve of short-eared girls? She’s not qualified to deal with that dream in the first place! Because you’ve lived your whole life tied to a leash, have you even forgotten that your mother, World Tree, Hesilia, is actually the god of the elves?”

“Whoa… … . Look, Lord Borduel. Come to your senses. “I know your tongue is very fierce, but your sweet fangs won’t even scratch the skin of the World Treasurer.”

“That’s right. The other Guardians aren’t being stupid and just sitting there, so don’t make a fuss and just be quiet… … .”

The Guardians, whose pride was hurt, opened their mouths one by one and denounced the ‘Blue Fang’. Eventually, all those surrounding the Round Table joined in, and Borduel alone was left fighting the battle. However, he did not blink an eye.

“Oh, of course, that’s only if you stab a healthy spot. However, what if we find and stab the world balance keeper’s ‘misfortune’?”

“Huh, what do you mean ‘reverse’? The person who defeated the dragon alone has some kind of weakness… … .”

“‘Atalaine, a fierce-looking and large man.’”

““… … .””

The atmosphere of fierce criticism suddenly died down.

There was no Guardian who did not know what those words meant. The human that Melissa, the World Keeper, was willing to find at the cost of her life.

“If we find her first and secure her new recruits, even the most skilled World Guardian will be unable to move. Of course, before that, we’ll have to figure out a way to confine her to a place she’ll never be able to find… … .”

“No, what are you talking about? That human… … Didn’t you just conclude that he was dead? How can a human who disappeared hundreds of years ago still be alive? … .”

“I never said you were alive. “How can humans live for hundreds of years?”

“… … .”

To the guardians who looked as if they had no idea what nonsense they were talking about, Borduel finally confessed the main point.

“but.”

“… … .”

“You could bring someone who looks similar and fool them. As you know, our World Keeper is not in a very good state of mind, is he?”

““… … !””

Shocked by the reckless plan, there was silence again for a moment.

The Guardians raised their voices, asking where in the Great Forest they would find such a savage. Borduel snapped his index finger without losing his composure.

“I thought so too until a while ago. But yesterday, one of the agents who went out on patrol told me a very interesting story. Sir Tevio? “Didn’t your greatest disciple, Parneo, find a barbarian somewhere yesterday and pick it up?”

Tevio, the ‘White Turtle’, opened his aged eyes wide at the sudden spark. The other Guardians quietly rubbed their chins and muttered.

“If you’re talking about Parneo… … you’re talking about that kid who disguised himself as a ‘black panther’ and rose to the second rank as the youngest?”

“That rookie, he only goes in and out of the asylum every day, so I thought he had a crush on that dark elf woman… … Where can you find such a savage… … .”

“What, what do you mean? Going in and out of the asylum every day? Sirs, are you in your right mind? You knew that and yet you left it alone… … .”

“… … Hmm, hmm, hmm.”

It wasn’t for nothing that he had left it alone even though he knew it. The Guardians glanced at the eldest Guardian who had been covering up his disciple’s blemishes without knowing it. Tevio roughly wiped his wrinkled face and faced Borduel.

“… … As I got older, my bones got covered in moss, and I couldn’t do anything about weighing things and negotiating. If you have something to say, don’t talk around it, just say it right away, ‘Blue Fang’.”

“Willingly, White Turtle. Bring the savage your disciple has found here. If his appearance truly resembles the one the World Keeper is seeking, I will tolerate the minor mistakes of your disciple.”

“… … .”

Tevio, the ‘White Turtle’, wrinkled his face like a turtle with its shell exposed. Did he let it be all this time, knowing that he would exploit his weakness someday? … Indeed, the author was as cunning as his impersonation.

“Oh, of course it goes without saying, but from now on, anyone entering and leaving the confinement facility will be strictly prohibited.”

‘Blue Fang’ Borduel smiled cunningly like a snake swooping down on its carefully prepared prey.

*

A shelter made by digging out a tree stump.

Duncan looked from one elf to the next on guard with wide eyes.

“… … “In human years, you’re 26, right?”

“Yeah, well… … That’s right.”

“And you are 31 years old?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“And the average lifespan of elves is around 50 years?”

“Yes, that is also true. Is there a problem, dear friend of the Archdruid… … ?”

“Huh, huh… … . No, that’s not it… … .”

Apart from their handsome appearance, the two elves looked just like their age. Duncan was thinking that rumors were not to be trusted after all, and was revising his idea that elves were long-lived.

Kadim did not accept that fact so easily.

“… … I smell blood in your arms?”

Eyes that glared sharply at the elves. The sentries made surprised expressions, and pulled out red berries the size of cherry tomatoes from their bosom.

“Yes, you really have great sense. That’s right, this is a fruit called ‘sanguis’, and it contains the blood of all elves. And this… … “It is also the currency we use.”

“… … what are you talking about. “Blood is currency?”

“That’s right. Mother World Tree not only needs nutrients from the soil, but also needs nutrients from the flesh. Therefore, all elves have the obligation to offer blood to the World Tree periodically. However, it was not easy for some people because they were sick or had to do hard work. So, while others were offering their share of blood, someone came up with the idea that it would be fair for everyone if wages and taxes were calculated with blood.”

The story goes that ‘sanguis’, a fruit containing blood, eventually came to be used as currency.

The sentry elves were calm as if they were saying common sense. Duncan was terrified as if he was facing a group of human sacrifice fanatics. But when Duncan wondered if there would be anyone who would fight for blood and commit fratricide, the elves answered that there would be no such thing because only the blood contained in the fruit could be used as currency.

Kadim’s thoughts went one step further.

In this world, there were three ways for humans to live beyond their designated lifespan. Receiving a god’s blessing, making a pact with a devil, and drinking elf blood.

Somehow, the shortened lifespan of the elves did not seem to be related to that fruit. I was silently thinking about the cause and effect for a long time… …

“… … Did you sleep peacefully, Grand Druid? Ah, it looks like you haven’t slept yet.”

… … Farneo, a 17-year-old elf, has returned. Come to think of it, while I was talking with the sentries, I realized that the sun had dawned before I knew it.

Parneo had also stayed up all night. Considering that, his complexion was particularly bad. When the sentries and Duncan asked him how he was doing, he said he was fine, but in fact, he was not fine.

Last night, he went straight to find the imprisoned girl, Lillia. He had heard that if he brought the Archdruid, the girl would be freed, but he had no idea what to do after bringing her. He planned to listen to the girl’s dream story more and decide on his next course of action.

However, unlike yesterday, the gatekeepers of the prison did not open the door obediently.

‘I’m sorry. Only those with the World Keeper’s permission are allowed to enter the confinement area, Guardian.’

‘… … What are you talking about? Have you already completely forgotten that I gave you a lot of ‘Sanguish’ yesterday?’

‘Well, there’s nothing I can do about it now. The first-tier guardians, including Borduel, gave instructions in person and left… … .’

‘… … !’

Then came the call from his teacher, ‘White Turtle’ Tevio.

The teacher already knew everything. Because his nature was merciful, he did not scold him out of necessity, but he also did not take the side of his disciple who had committed obvious mistakes. He briefly explained the situation and firmly ordered that the barbarian be brought in.

Perhaps because he was an outsider who had trespassed, the first-tier guardians seemed intent on arresting Khadim. The idea that he was not a barbarian but a great druid was not even convincing. If things continued this way, the nobleman would not be able to meet the World Tree Keeper, and even his plan to liberate Lilia would go down the drain.

But Parneo found opportunity even in the midst of crisis.

“Grand Druid, that… … “I have something important to tell you.”

“… … .”

“I searched day and night for a way to meet with the World Keeper last night… … I’m sorry, but I couldn’t find a proper solution because my position is still low. However, fortunately, I heard that those above me wish to meet with the Great Druid. If I can receive their permission, I will definitely be able to meet with the World Keeper.”

“… … .”

“However, one thing to keep in mind is that… … they are people who hold very conservative views on outsiders. You might even be rude enough to not recognize the Great Druid, so it would be much easier to start the conversation by immediately disguising yourself as a gold-and-metal tree… … .”

If you don’t believe me when I tell you, you just have to show it to everyone. That Iza is not an outsider who has trespassed, but a ‘great druid’.

Kadim, who had been listening silently for a while, jumped up and grabbed his throwing axe as soon as Parneo finished talking.

“egg plant.”

“… … yes?”

“Let’s go. Anyway, if we get their permission, we can see Melissa.”

“Ah, ah, yes! We’ll guide you right away! Well, this may be presumptuous, but why are you carrying that ax? … .”

The boy glanced at the wavy axe blade with anxious eyes. The sentries and Duncan also swallowed nervously. Kadim answered in a flat, emotionless voice.

“He is my dedicated interpreter. “It makes you able to ‘converse’ with people who don’t know how to speak.”

“… … .”

“… … .”

No one could laugh because they couldn’t tell if it was a joke or serious.

*

Inside the pillar of the World Tree, the reception hall located at the bottom.

The ‘Guardians of the World Tree’ sitting around the round table, the first-tier guardians, were not at all desirable.

It was good that the second-tier brat easily brought the barbarian in question. It was also nice that the barbarian really looked similar to the person the World Treasurer was looking for. However, the problem was that the barbarians’ attitude towards them was extremely wanton.

“Hey, so where can I see Melissa?”

““… … .””

As soon as he sat down, he immediately ordered me to reveal where the world balance manager was. Even when talking to middle-aged people or even elderly elves with wrinkles, they spoke informally. Just looking at his attitude, he seemed closer to a conquering monarch who had brought the elves to their knees rather than an intruder taken in for interrogation.

It seems he didn’t quite understand his situation, surrounded by the highest-ranking druids. One of the guardians couldn’t bear it anymore and hit the round table violently.

Bang, kwaggagagak – !

“Hey, savage. I knew short-eared guys didn’t know what was right or wrong, but I didn’t know it was this bad… … Even if you don’t know what your position is, shouldn’t you at least figure out who’s older?”

A sharp thorn rose from the round table and reached right before his eyes. Kadim was completely unfazed by the sight. He simply grabbed the thorn and snapped it off, asking:

“It seems like the elves aren’t as old as I heard. “Who is the oldest guy here?”

The guardians looked displeased and looked at ‘White Turtle’ Tevio. Kadim also stared at him.

“How old are you? How many years ago were you born?”

“… … In human years, he would have been a little over 200 years old. “I was born before Mother World Tree herself came down to this earth.”

A shaky answer came from the elf who looked like an old turtle. This one was quite old. Of course, it was not enough compared to the lifespan of the elves I knew.

“Then have you ever seen the army of the Great Devil descend?”

“… … What? I, I’ve never seen anything like that.”

“Then, have you ever seen a dragon living in a nest outside the great forest?”

“… … I’ve never seen it.”

“I never saw Melissa when she was a desk-cracking wizard who didn’t know anything about the world.”

“… … .”

After completing the Q&A, Kadim clasped his hands together and calmly declared.

“You were born much later than I was. “I seem to be the eldest person here, so I will continue to speak comfortably from now on.”

““… … .””

Elves with expressions on their faces like they’ve been beaten by a runny nosed punk the size of their grandson and had their pocket money stolen.

The warrior who had surpassed 300 years of history leaned back against the backrest as if he had nothing to be ashamed of.