Chapter 90 – Blooming in the Swamp (7)

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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[Pentagram of Pure Knowledge]

[Rank : Epic]

[Limit : None]

[Effect : Upon equip, acquires knowledge about all minerals and all plants on the Arcana continent.]

[Description : A magic tool containing unfathomably vast knowledge.]

The knowledge about all minerals said.

That is not a rock.

The knowledge about all plants also said.

That is a seed, and a seed of the World Tree at that.

Right, the World Tree is an existence that even the forest spirit Nymph does not know about.

If, let’s say, a phrase about the World Tree had been written in a book or something.

I wouldn’t have been able to easily trust that information.

However, an epic item isn’t epic for nothing.

‘Because item effects do not lie.’

The loot wasn’t something like a rock.

It was the seed of the World Tree.

My first words upon learning that truth.

“It seems the crisis of the continent’s extinction has truly arrived.”

The Nymph politely asked back.

“Ho-yeol-nim. What you mean by those words, for someone lacking like me…….”

It’s natural to not know.

I wouldn’t have even been able to guess if it wasn’t for the item effect either, right?

Even if someone knew the fact that the World Tree exists on the Arcana continent. Who would have known that the World Tree would scatter seeds like this?

“It is not that you are lacking.”

Of course, I knew the reason.

The fact that the World Tree scattered seeds.

It means the World Tree itself is facing a tremendous threat.

Naturally, that threat must refer to the demons.

‘This knowledge was a demon’s knowledge until recently.’

The [Pentagram of Pure Knowledge] is a demon’s item.

And an item acquired from a Demon King, Decarabia, at that.

Decarabia, that guy must have also had an item related to all minerals and plants like me right now. He must have also known the information about the World Tree.

‘Did he use that information to pose a threat to the World Tree?’

Of course, as for the specific story.

There is no way for me to know.

It’s something that happened on the Arcana continent in the past.

How could the me in reality know?

However, the task for me, who has learned that fact, is simple.

[World Quest : Seed of the World Tree]

The crisis of the Arcana continent’s extinction that has arrived.

In the midst of the massive crisis.

Sprout a new hope.

─Sprout the Seed of the World Tree. (In Progress)

●Total Seeds of the World Tree Currently Discovered: 1 / Unknown

●Total Seeds of the World Tree Currently Sprouted: 0 / Unknown

The quest that popped up.

And clearing a world quest at that.

Suddenly, the Players’ fuss came to mind.

A message popped up before the eyes of all Players.

This is definitely a world-class quest.

Although they don’t know who it is, it’s definitely someone who succeeded in a world-class quest.

Since everyone was saying so.

I just thought it was like that too.

But looking at the quest window that popped up, I realize it.

There was a real world-class quest separately!

Just from its scale, it’s truly world-class.

How is it just looking at the story?

The World Tree, called the mother of the continent, has fallen into a crisis, and in such a world-class crisis, I must sprout the seed of the World Tree, a new hope!

As I said, when it comes to grasping one’s standing, I was amazing at it.

‘……Doesn’t it seem way too early for something like this?’

My level to handle such a world-class quest is merely level 324.

Wouldn’t the World Tree also lament.

Saying why did such a newbie end up sprouting its seed.

Right, let’s think about a normal situation.

‘The quest popped up the moment I realized that is the seed of the World Tree. The specific information about the World Tree must be the starting condition for the quest.’

……Wait, that starting condition itself makes no sense?!

As I said.

Even the forest spirit Nymph was ignorant regarding the World Tree.

Would the Mage Tower be any different?

Even though I have read numerous magic books all this time.

I have never seen the word World Tree even once.

But for a Player.

To get information about the World Tree veiled in mystery?

Shouldn’t they reach at least level 1,000?

Sincerely.

So to summarize in one sentence.

It meant that I have deviated from normal quest progression.

Thanks to defeating Demon King Decarabia.

And obtaining the [Pentagram of Pure Knowledge].

I skipped that tremendous intermediate process.

It was clear that I was able to start the world-class quest……!

This, it wasn’t strange that it felt burdensome, was it?

If one has a normal way of thinking, it is natural to worry.

Agonizing over whether I have the capacity to succeed in such a world quest.

However.

Since when have I ever had normal thoughts and actions?

The Great Evil, Seven Deadly Sins, Greed.

Demon King Decarabia.

The Mage Tower’s demon-worshipper Elder Mages.

It wasn’t even level 300.

Even when I was merely at level 100 or 200.

I was someone who merely acted as pride led me.

That is why I know.

Even if it means drowning while sinking in that pride.

The fact that I have no choice but to move forward.

Moreover.

“Time waits for no one.”

I witnessed the Arcana continent.

And the Arcana continent being trampled by demons at that.

The probability of the demons just watching until the seed of the World Tree sprouts?

Especially since even Demon King Decarabia existed.

I probably can’t even expect a sliver of possibility.

So I shamelessly continued my words.

“Also, I cannot take your pride lightly. World Tree.”

At my muttering, the Nymph was agitated.

“If you say World Tree……. By any chance, the seed is?”

It’s a relief she wasn’t agitated because my tone was cringy.

Anyway.

It seemed the Nymph also realized everything.

“I finally understand. Why so many coveted the rock, the seed. It must be instinct. Because the seed of the World Tree must contain energy that cannot dare be expressed.”

To think the World Tree actually exists…….

The Nymph trailed off at the end of her words.

The Nymph, whose noble figure hadn’t shaken due to the influence of her contractor, me.

Therefore, she seemed deeply concerned about what to do with that giant seed of the World Tree.

‘In a word, it means she feels the same way as me.’

Even just Granfel’s pride is overwhelming enough.

To think I would end up shouldering even the pride of the World Tree.

However, I didn’t have the same hesitation as the Nymph.

“Prepare yourselves. Nymph.”

I am good at grasping my standing.

It means I am confident if it comes to struggling again.

Even if it means resorting to any means and methods.

It means I am confident I won’t sink because of pride.

“Your blessing is needed to sprout the seed.”

Even if it’s the great World Tree, in the end, it was a plant.

Just like how I was able to grasp information about it with the [Pentagram of Pure Knowledge] because it was a plant.

The effect of the Nymph’s blessing that promotes the growth of plants would also be valid.

“Me, a blessing on the seed of the World Tree……?”

As expected, the Nymph seemed quite flustered.

However, she soon answered in a calm voice.

“If it were just me alone, it would have been impossible. But since Ho-yeol-nim is here, I will give it a try.”

Right.

Whether the blessing is effective or not, we have to struggle.

Of course, before that.

“It seems there is a need to quiet the commotion.”

The Swampland of Predators.

The center where the fighting is the fiercest among it.

Just getting past the interference of those ruthless predators and reaching the seed of the World Tree was a problem in itself but.

‘I won’t have the luxury.’

I coldly rolled my brain.

It wasn’t an ordinary elixir herb, it was the task of bestowing a blessing on the seed of the World Tree.

‘That recoil will definitely hit not only the Nymph but also me, the contractor.’

It meant it wouldn’t be strange to fall into mana exhaustion right away.

Because my ability to grasp my standing is amazing.

I was someone who had dug holes to survive against mana exhaustion through swordsmanship and black magic but…….

It’s just that the opponents are those opponents.

‘I don’t know if [Natural Enemy] was active.’

If not, the fact is that it’s overwhelming to even face just one.

“……!”

However, it wasn’t only monsters that were engaging in death struggles.

Because there were Players here.

Among them, familiar faces were…….

No, there were connections that I would feel sad to just call familiar faces.

“There is giving and receiving in everything.”

Right, it’s about time it’s my turn to receive again, right?

‘Ah, I really laid an iron plate on my face. With multiple layers even.’

Are those familiar faces, those connections, ordinary people?

They were basically all rankers and top-tier Guild Masters.

I cheekily babbled to them.

“Your cooperation is required.”

Not even help, but cooperation is required!

However, to act humble now.

‘Come to think of it, I’ve even summoned the Mage Tower’s Senior Mages as I pleased.’

Unfortunately.

I have experienced too many things…….

*

Arrival at the center of the Swampland of Predators.

The very first thing that came into view was a giant rock.

And up to the monsters battling surrounding such a rock.

“!”

However, there was something else that caught the eye more intensely than anything else.

It was none other than Ho-yeol standing upright above the swampland.

“Ho-yeol-ssi, after everything, are you walking on water now?”

Have you really been saying Homen, Homen and now……?

Gaon’s guild members said to the astonished Nam Tae-min.

“Tae-min Hyung. Look closely. He’s riding on a lotus leaf.”

“Ah, is that so? But that’s also something in its own way……?”

“Wait a minute. Is that beside him that spirit?!”

Indeed, that figure lacked nothing to be called Ho-yeol’s spirit.

You can tell just by looking.

Just like the stories they heard.

It looked clearly like at least a high-ranking, at most a Spirit King-class spirit.

“Isn’t it actually a relief?”

“……?”

“From what I see, there’s not much difference from Unni?”

What do you mean there’s not much difference.

‘……Well, the face?’

As Leonie lifted her head, she saw crazy people estimating height with their fingers. ……Forget it, she didn’t even have the energy to speak. Leonie stomped on their feet instead of answering.

Crunch!

“Ahh, Unni!! It’s a joke. A joke.”

It was then.

That Ho-yeol’s voice was heard.

“Your cooperation is required.”

“……!!!”

A high-ranking skill, [Telepathy].

Ho-yeol’s voice was heard as if he was right next to them.

Leonie flinched for a moment.

‘Y-You’re too close. Suddenly?!’

Even knowing it was telepathy.

Such a sense of distance from Ho-yeol was unfamiliar.

‘……Leonie. You, this is a delusion.’

However, Leonie immediately came to her senses.

‘He needs cooperation?’

Although she couldn’t know what kind of cooperation he wanted.

This was an opportunity to pay back the debt she owed Ho-yeol!

Right, she had been waiting for only this day.

Leaving aside personal feelings.

‘……It’s not like I really have any feelings though.’

Right, whatever that is!

Leaving aside getting a cup of tea!

The debt owed to Ho-yeol was a matter on the guild level!

Even as the Master of the Berserker guild.

It naturally meant she had no choice but to respond to Ho-yeol’s request for cooperation.

Such Leonie did not hesitate.

And she ran into them.

“Uh, you too?”

“……What is it? That unmatched combination.”

“Well.”

Nam Tae-min.

Hisagi Kazuma.

And all the guild members of Gaon and Inazuma.

‘Gaon, even if I assume so.’

Because Gaon also had a debt owed to Ho-yeol like herself.

Also, Nam Tae-min seemed to have the same nationality and acquaintance with Ho-yeol.

She could understand.

‘But what’s with Inazuma and Hisagi Kazuma again?’

Gaon and Inazuma?

It was a combination she couldn’t understand no matter how much she racked her brain.

Even Leonie, one of the parties involved, saw it like that.

It was needless to say for the third parties watching.

Studio.

“What is this……?”

The cast members blinking their eyes at the screen that popped up.

Wondering if they saw those faces wrong.

The host slowly recites their physical descriptions.

“A sturdy build that is reliable just to look at. It is indeed our South Korea’s Player Nam Tae-min. And next to him is indeed Leonie Cassel of Berserker, who has had many points of contact with Gaon recently. And…….”

No matter how many times he rubbed his eyes and looked again, it was certain.

“The spear he’s holding. And looking at his sharp impression……. He definitely looks like the Guild Master of Inazuma, Hisagi Kazuma!”

It’s Inazuma’s Hisagi Kazuma.

Why hesitate so much just to say a name?

If someone asked.

One must first bring up the tiresome ill-fated relationship between Gaon and Inazuma.

From the days when Arcana was a game to after the Cataclysm.

The two guilds, the two Guild Masters, growled just by seeing each other to the point where there were fewer days they didn’t clash. So they couldn’t help but doubt their eyes at the screen that popped up.

“……First of all, it doesn’t look like there’s any discord?”

Gaon, Inazuma, and Berserker.

The three guilds were gathered together in one place.

In the Predator Zone where battles never cease even at this moment.

If it wasn’t a war of nerves, what it meant was simple.

“A-Are you saying Gaon and Inazuma joined hands?”

“It looks like it. And the Berserker guild is added to that!”

“They aren’t guilds that would join forces without a proper reason. Aren’t they large guilds that lack nothing individually? Furthermore, Gaon and Inazuma. Considering the conflict between the two guilds, this is impossible……!!”

“Ah, wait a minute. As we are speaking, it seems Player Lee Ho-yeol has revealed himself! Silver hair, dress shoes, a suit, and even a spirit. The physical description is definitely Player Lee Ho-yeol!”

“Lee Ho-yeol? Wait a minute, then could it possibly be? The reason Gaon, Inazuma, and Berserker guild joined hands is……?”

That was right.

Soon, a sight where ‘possible’ catches people began to unfold.