Chapter 777 - 776. System Error (2)

The air on Edrisyl was thick with tension as the people gathered close to the new World Tree, feeling the pulsating mana that filled the surroundings.

Nobody dared to imagine what might happen if the Dragon left and the World Tree became hostile again.

Erisgrirlum stared up at the new World Tree, the thick bark marked with faint blue veins, its enormous branches spreading across the sky while the leaves carried a subtle blue tinge unlike anything that had ever grown on Edrisyl.

Only five days had passed since its birth.

Yet already, the World Tree felt as though it had always belonged there.

The mana surrounding it was calm now. It no longer carried the oppressive hostility that had once forced the Elves to keep their distance, nor did the roots writhe beneath the soil whenever someone approached.

It was composed.

And that, more than anything, was what left Erisgrirlum unsettled.

He had spent centuries watching over the Yggdrasil from afar and only occasionally seeing it up close whenever he visited Elvenland but he had never imagined that Yggdrasil- the pillar of life would be destroyed.

Yet here it stood before him.

A new World Tree. Kalpataru.

And somehow, its existence was tied to a young Dragon who had arrived on Edrisyl as a storm and had changed the fate of an entire race within a matter of days.

Erisgrirlum’s gaze lingered on the branches stretching toward the sky.

Five days.

That was all it had taken.

Five days for a Dragon to arrive, awaken the land, burn the dying World Tree, create a new one in its place and bring together two races that had spent centuries separated by hatred and fear.

Even now, he found himself wondering whether he had truly understood what he had witnessed.

Perhaps none of them had.

The World Tree remained silent above them, its leaves rustling softly in the breeze.

Zale had also arrived along with a few of his closest aides and retainers to see Reina, she was to leave Edrisyl today and though he was disappointed at that, he was still looking forward to seeing her again.

One of his closest confidant and friend stood beside him looking around, his name was Delmar.

Delmar was a young merman who hadn’t yet gathered enough strength of his own since he hadn’t even crossed 50 years of his age. He was one of the most loyal men of Zale, despite at first being on the side of the other contender who was stronger than Zale and seemed a better ruler for the throne of Nelius ocean. Among Merfolk strength and aura was vital and Zale seemed to weak and lanky with no aura so, it was clear that he was never even considered.

The things had become so dangerous for him back then that he had to escape his own homeland and seek help from a demon. This seemed like a final nail on his coffin.

However when he had returned and turned the tides, Delmar and the whole kingdom had been taken aback. Zale Turquoise, the weak and aura-less merman had returned stronger and with more aura than the other Prince, moreover, when Serathil, chose him it was clear that nobody was worthy enough as him to take the throne.

Stillz the bloodshed that had followed his coup was one of the most terrifying battles that Delmar had seen.

He recalled the bloodstained face of the man who grinned from ear to ear while slaughtering his enemies and felt a chill run down his spine.

He then turned his head and glanced at the same man whose face was now bright and smiling eagerly like an excited child. This made him shudder.

Zale Turquoise, the terrifying Merfolk King of Nelius ocean was blessed by a Supreme Dragon and wielded a Holy weapon. He wasn’t the kind of man that anyone would dare to mess with now. Despite being young, he stood on par with the Kings of Dwarves and Elves.

A murmur travelled through the gathered crowd.

The Elves and the Dwarves turned toward the path leading from the Elf Palace.

The Supreme Aqua Dragon was coming.

The sight immediately caused the murmuring to grow louder, although nobody dared step forward.

The Dragon who had saved them was still in the form of a child.

She was between Fior and Yttriva, with Davian and Aelfric- the King of Pure Mana Elves following close behind and the Supreme Dragon of Wind carrying her as though this were the most natural thing to do.

Several Elves stared.

Others exchanged bewildered glances.

Erisgrirlum’s brows rose slightly.

Apparently, the sight of their saviour being carried around by the Supreme Dragon of Wind had already become something he would simply have to accept.

Reina, meanwhile, looked completely unimpressed by the attention.

She had already endured enough embarrassment for one morning.

Everyone present kneeled at once as Caelthir stopped before them and Reina looked down at everyone.

"Rise." She spoke.

They all obliged but kept their eyes down.

*As you all know, I will be leaving Edrisyl today so, I hope you all will remember what all things I told you."

"We remember well, Our Guardian."

Reina nodded and then let her eyes run over everyone, the kids and the adults alike had gathered to bid her farewell. Everyone looked like they were healthy and fine, without any problems, regardless of the mana and aura changes.

She was satisfied.

She then glanced at the four men whom she had the last words for.

"Kings." She spoke and then stretched her arm ahead, "Come forth."

Aelfric, Erisgrirlum, Zale and Xeveris stepped ahead and closer to the two Supreme Dragons.

She then gestured to be let down and Caelthir gently let her down to her feet.

The four Kings instantly kneeled before her with their heads bowed.

[Temporary authority of Dragon God activated.]

Reina closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling and exhaling deeply as she used the temporary power that was allowed fortunately because her minimal mana recovery was done.

She opened her eyes, the blue orbs glowed softly making the ones who caught a glance to state at her with wide eyes as even the blue strands in her hair glowed softly.

She raised her heads, holding her palms up facing the heads of the four men.

"I, Reina Aurelius, Scion of Supreme Aqua Dragon, bless Aelfric Aurevane, Erisgrirlum Goldenheart, Xeveris Kaelvorn and Zale Turquoise, power and protection of my name and authority." She spoke, "These four shall bear the responsibility I grant them. These three and their chosen future generations will be the guardians of the Holy Tree Kalpataru. And they shall rejuvenate it annually."

The four men felt the surge of energies coursing through them as the mana, aura and dead mana respectively flowed from both Reina and the Kalpataru into them.

Reina stood there with her hands facing the four men before she let them rest against the heads of Erisgrirlum and Zale.

It was a good thing that she had bargained for this blessing with the system earlier since she couldn’t leave without having done this. Kalpataru needed those with her blessings and mana around, so, even if she couldn’t use her mana she could at least temporarily use her authority and pass on some of her mana to those whom she wished to bless.

The two Kings felt the little fingers against their hair before Reina removed her hands.

The four lifted their heads looking at Reina who looked a little pale after casting the blessing.

"We accept the responsibility and blessing bestowed upon us, Our Guardian." The four spoke in unison.

"We pledge to be loyal to you for eternity. May you have the glory of heavens."

Reina nodded and then Zale smiled taking Reina’s hand.

"The Nelius Ocean and every aquatic creature living or not, will follow your word." He spoke before he pressed his lips gently over her knuckles.

"The Dwarves shall also lay their lives on line for you."

Everyone in the crowd kneeled at once when their Kings pledged their loyalty to Reina. Reina felt a sense of swelling warmth in her chest and she hummed trying her best to keep a straight face. Her human side was still very much in control so, she felt emotions quite vividly unlike her Dragon’s side which muted most of them.

Once the people were sorted Reina turned her gaze to the World Tree. Despite it appearing to be normal, she knew it would try and do something to keep her there.

The Maternal Resonance was strong enough for her to feel the sense of turmoil that it was going through. It was strange to be connected to the emotions of a tree and a World Tree at that. Or maybe it was because it was a World Tree that gained life through her life energy. Reina wasn’t a complete Dragon herself so, maybe her human side was what influenced the World Tree’s psyche.

Caelthir glanced at the World Tree and then sighed before he swirled the air around Reina making her look up at him. The two stared at each other for a moment before she glanced at Davian and then she steeled her expression.

"We should get going," she announced.

The hum of energy around them was noticed by everyone, Reina glanced at the World Tree.

"We talked about this." She thought.

There was a vibration in the air, it wasn’t harmful to anyone but it felt as if the Kalpataru was upset, maybe even crying.

Reina felt the tug in her chest before she sighed and then glanced at Caelthir.

"Can you send me closer?" She asked gesturing at the Tree and Caelthir shrugged.

He flicked his wrist and Reina felt the air swirl around her as a mini tornado lifted her off the ground into the air.

Some of the people gasped before Caelthir flicked his wrist and Reina floated away towards the Tree.

Reina floated over until she reached at one of the thick branches of the World Tree and she felt the wind receed as her feet touched the branch. She walked gracefully over the thick branch closer to the bark.

Once there, she placed her palm flat over the bark, feel the pulsing energy beneath it.

"I’m your Guardian, Kalpataru." Reina said, "We’re bound beyond my living vessel. As long as I exist, this bond shall stay. So, don’t be upset that I’m leaving this island, you understand?"

The energy beneath her palm hummed softly, there was a sense of melancholy but nothing hostile.

"Be a good child while I’m not here, understood? These people here will take good care of you and whenever I can, I’ll come see you."

There was a faint vibration in the air and Reina smiled.

"Good."

With that said, she was escorted back by Caelthir’s spell and before long, they were teleporting back to Sestia, Ryujin mansion.