There was no need to head all the way into the territory of the elves, where the World Tree was located. It was because they could open the “door” from the vicinity of the World Tree.

“Considering the distance we’ve traveled, shouldn’t we pay our respects and visit the World Tree and Lady Sienna?” Melkith voiced her disappointment at not being able to witness the majestic World Tree and explore the elves’ realm firsthand. However, Eugene’s response was resolute as he firmly shook his head.

“She’s in no condition to meet anyone. Lady Sienna would not want to either,” Eugene said. In addition, it would be difficult for him to explain the hole in her chest.

His greatest concern, deep down, lay in the possibility of his tears streaming uncontrollably upon seeing Sienna. Despite possessing a physically appealing and robust reincarnated body, he was burdened by an unusual disorder. At times, tears would well up in his eyes without any volition on his part.

That’s not a disorder. I think you’re just a sentimental person, Sir Eugene. You have a lot of tears, Mer piped in with her opinion.

‘Don’t say something so ridiculous. I have a lot of tears? I could probably count the number of times I cried in my previous life with my hands.’

Are you sure you could count it with your hands? At the minimum, wouldn’t you need all your fingers and toes to count how many times you cried?

‘What would you know?’

How strange. I’m pretty sure I’ve said this last time as well. I know a great deal about you, Sir Eugene. I know you act fierce and obnoxious on the surface, but you are surprisingly gentle and kind on the inside, Sir Eugene.

“Shut up,” Eugene verbalized his thoughts accidentally.

Melkith had been on the verge of proposing another visit to the World Tree, but her words were abruptly stifled, and her mouth hung open in astonishment as she fixated her gaze upon Eugene. “Hey, Eugene… I’m still your senior and quite a bit older than you, so isn’t it a bit too much to tell me to shut up?”

“I wasn’t speaking to you, Lady Melkith,” Eugene responded, but Melkith did not seem convinced.

She leaned closer to Eugene with an expression of being wronged. “Is that really so? Little bro, have you never told this older sis to shut up? At least, you must have imagined it, though, right?”

“I entertained the thought many times, and right now, my imagination is about to become a reality,” answered Eugene.

“I knew it! And since my little bro’s basically told me to shut up, I can be depressed, right? And I think it might be best to go and see the World Tree to help relieve this older sis of her depression,” Melkith muttered.

“Stop talking nonsense. If you keep doing that, I won’t take you along next time,” said Eugene, giving her a side glance, causing Melkith’s jaw to drop in shock.

Melkith grabbed Eugene by the shoulders and jumped up and down with excitement. “Little bro! You’re saying you will definitely take me to the World Tree next time, right?!”

“Ah, yes…. Well, that’s…. I guess you did help me this time around, and—”

“Right! Right!? That’s a given. You can’t possibly think of enjoying free help from Melkith El-Hayah, the darling of the world and a spirit magic genius with contracts with three Spirit Kings. Pleasure without responsibility doesn’t make sense, right?” Melkith exclaimed.

“But if you think about it, didn’t you get to sign a contract with Ifrit because of me? I gave you the Fire Spirit Stone, and you would have never gotten the chance to come here if it weren’t for me,” Eugene retorted.

“That’s! True, but… I still helped you out, and…. Hngh…. I used a lot of mana so you could do well…,” whined Melkith.

“Fine, fine. I understand. I’ll take you next time, so stop acting so silly,” responded Eugene.

“When did I ever act silly?” Melkith took a step back, a mischievous grin adorning her face. Eugene acknowledged that she wasn’t a bad person, yet…. He couldn’t help but express his disapproval with an exasperated click of his tongue as he fixated his gaze upon her.

In truth, Eugene had contemplated presenting Melkith with a leaf from the World Tree once their mission concluded. He deemed it rather troublesome to return all the way to Samar solely for the purpose of allowing her to witness the magnificence of the revered World Tree.

‘She’ll be able to enter the territory of the elves with that.’

Even now, the leaves of the World Tree quivered within the confines of his pockets, indicating their proximity to the elven territory. But the leaves weren’t the only things trembling. Nestled within Eugene’s cloak, tightly ensconced within Mer’s protective embrace, Raimira quivered incessantly.

“Sir Eugene.” Lovellian approached Eugene with a weary sigh, signaling the completion of the last-minute preparations. With utmost care, he presented Akasha, cradling it with both hands, before speaking further, “I’ve done everything I can.”

In the preceding days, both Lovellian and Melkith had expended their mana, channeling it into Akasha. However, their contributions extended beyond a mere infusion of mana — they had meticulously purified it, ensuring its readiness for immediate utilization by Eugene. Eugene humbly lowered his head as he accepted Akasha.

The moment Akasha nestled within his grasp, Eugene could discern its presence keenly. A tremendous reservoir of mana resided within the artifact, emanating an overwhelming magnitude and potency that lent it a palpable weight in his hands.

Such a phenomenon was only to be expected, given the circumstances. Two eminent figures, the Heads of Aroth’s Magic Towers and accomplished Archwizards boasting mastery over Eight Circles of Magic, had channeled their mana into Akasha until their reserves were nearly depleted. Their collective efforts had infused the artifact with an abundance of raw power.

“Thank you,” Eugene said as he raised his head. Kristina approached him. Her face was a little thin, evidence of hardly sleeping over the last few days.

“Are you okay?” Eugene asked. She tottered helplessly, and Eugene supported her with a worried expression.

‘How could that be the Saint? She’s more like a sly fox in disguise…,’ Melkith couldn’t help but think as she stole glances at Kristina. She was kept from speaking out because of the heavy, deadly flail hanging from Kristina’s waist and thigh.

“Yes, I’m okay,” answered Kristina. In fact, she wasn’t acting. It was true that she had gotten barely any sleep over the last few days, and she was weak and dizzy from using so much divine power in the battle.

Kristina barely managed a smile as she handed Eugene the Holy Sword.

“I’ve stored as much power as possible,” she conveyed. Remarkably, the Holy Sword emitted a gentle radiance, effortlessly illuminating their surroundings without Eugene needing to exert any effort. As Eugene took hold of the Holy Sword, Kristina cautiously positioned her hands behind her neck, deftly unfastening the knot of the rosary that adorned her. “And… this contains our wishes and prayers. I dare ask, may I place it on Sir Eugene’s neck?”

“Yes,” Eugene acknowledged with a nod, slightly lowering his posture to facilitate Kristina’s reach. Glancing down at Eugene’s head, Kristina experienced a fleeting, inexplicable urge. It was a clandestine impulse to run her fingers through his lustrous gray hair, a longing to gently caress his head….

“…What are you doing?” Eugene asked.

“Hmm,” Kristina believed she had managed to suppress her impulses, yet reality challenged her self-control. With audacity, Anise seized the initiative, guiding Kristina’s hand and tenderly stroking the crown of Eugene’s head.

“May the care of the Light be with you….” Kristina dealt with the unexpected situation without a change in her expression.

‘Ah, she must be offering a prayer on my behalf,’ Eugene surmised. He reverently shut his eyes without uttering a single inquiry, allowing himself to receive Kristina’s prayer in profound silence. In that instant, an air of solemnity and sanctity enveloped them, permeating the atmosphere with an ethereal presence.

With a serious expression, Kristina leaned forward to hang the rosary around Eugene’s neck.

Kristina. I have to be the one to do this, Anise suddenly interjected.

‘What? Why is that the case?’ asked Kristina.

Because this rosary was a birthday gift from Hamel, and he hung it around my neck. So it’s only natural that I should use my own hands to hang it around Hamel’s neck.

‘I cannot accept that, Sister. If Sir Eugene hung the rosary around your neck, that means you’ve already experienced the pleasure, right? So you must concede this to me.’

Hamel is going to rescue Sienna, an old colleague and friend of mine. It’s a blessing to be given on his way to save her, so I cannot give this up.

In that brief instant when Kristina stooped down, the collision of disparate viewpoints occurred between the two of them.

Then let’s do this. Kristina, I will put the rosary around Hamel’s neck now, so when he returns it, you can receive it from him. You can enjoy that moment.

‘My goodness…! Sister, are you a genius?’

The two came to a quick compromise, and Kristina calmly retreated, imagining the moment when she would receive the necklace from Eugene.

Don’t be surprised by every little thing, Kristina. I’ll show you now what it really means to be a genius. 𝘪.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Seizing complete dominion over the physical vessel, Anise concealed a malicious smirk as she leisurely stretched her waist. With calculated intent, she subtly lowered her knee and brazenly leaned forward, causing her ample bosom to press against Eugene’s head.

‘Detail is the key.’

My God! Kristina screamed. H-how shameless! How, how could you think of such a thing?

‘Remember, Kristina. Sienna can’t do anything like this, but we can. This will be our powerful weapon.’

Anise hung the rosary around Eugene’s neck, feeling proud of her sly, ingenious idea.

Eugene didn’t want to imagine the identity of the soft, fluffy, and heavy objects weighing down on his head, and he deliberately allowed his awareness to fade by half. Mer’s piercing cries echoed within his mind, yet he found a peculiar sense of gratitude towards them at that moment.

“It is done.”

The weight slowly lifted, and Eugene looked up in surprise. He saw a familiar smile.

Anise looked down at Eugene and moved her lips, ‘Hamel. Please take care of Sienna.’

Constrained by the presence of others, she refrained from speaking aloud and instead silently mouthed the words. Nonetheless, Eugene comprehended the unspoken message and responded with a nod of understanding. “Of course.”

Eugene had received Akasha, the Holy Sword, and the rosary. He rose and took a deep breath. “Here I go,” he said.

“Uh…. Right.” In the eyes of those who weren’t privy to the details, Kristina’s behavior had been extremely sudden and unconventional, especially considering that she was the Saint. Even Melkith, who boasted unparalleled expertise in such matters, couldn’t conceal her astonishment as her mouth fell open in surprise.

Cyan was particularly surprised as well. What had he just seen? After a moment, he closed his mouth, cleared his throat, then approached Eugene. “…Be careful,” he warned.

Unlike the others, Cyan could not assist Eugene by storing his powers in a vessel. Instead, he took out Gedon’s Shield and handed it to Eugene. The shield was what Eugene had needed the most.

“Of course, I’ll be careful. Don’t get into trouble while you wait here. You know, protect your elders,” responded Eugene.

“Even if they’re exhausted, I don’t think there will be any need for me to protect the Tower Masters,” answered Cyan.

“You should still have your blade at the ready. What else would you be doing among tired people?” Eugene said, mounting Gedon’s Shield on his left arm. Afterward, he placed his hand into his cloak and tapped on the back of Raimira’s hand.

“Hieek….” Raimira squealed while instinctively grabbing Eugene’s hand. She was trembling incessantly with fear.

Eugene gave a deep sigh and dragged Raimira out of the cloak.

“N-no…. I don’t want to go. T-this Lady is not fully prepared yet…. O-oh, w-why don’t we go tomorrow instead of today…?” she begged.

“Tomorrow? After we came all the way here? The mood is already set on us leaving, so stay calm,” said Eugene.

“No…. This Lady is not…. Sniff, sniff. W-what’s the matter with the ambiance? If this Lady were to grace you lowly peasants with a dance, can we postpone it until tomorrow?” Raimira whimpered, her voice tinged with reluctance. She contorted her shoulders and even swayed her hips, attempting to demonstrate her resistance. However, her awkward movements fell far short of being classified as a dance.

Eugene stared at Raimira with a horrified expression, then shook his head. “Stop…. And you just need to come out for a moment. After we enter, you can hide inside the cloak.”

“But…. But… as his daughter, how could I not give my greetings to the Black Dragon…?” whimpered Raimira.

“What kind of a daughter makes a fuss like this because she’s scared of her dad? Don’t worry. Everything’s going to be fine. I made a promise, remember?” said Eugene.

“Really…. Are you sure it’s going to be okay?” Raimira looked up at Eugene with tears in her eyes.

Eugene stared at the red jewel on her forehead before nodding. “That’s right.”

Eugene’s words appeared to resonate with Raimira as she inhaled deeply and retreated a few steps. Eugene slowly extended Akasha towards the hatchling.

It was the Draconic spell that he had performed several times. Raimira closed her eyes while taking a breath, and Akasha emitted a red light.

Wooooo….

Akasha’s Draconic spell intertwined with Raimira, forging a profound connection. Utilizing the hatchling as a catalyst, the spell harnessed its energy to unveil the gateway to the interdimensional realm where Raizakia awaited.

As the space surrounding them warped and twisted, Eugene cautiously advanced towards Raimira, firmly grasping her shoulders. In an instant, they were enveloped by the engulfing grip of the distorted realm, disappearing from sight.

Her head pulsed with a disorienting ache, and a wave of dizziness washed over her. She struggled to discern whether she stood firmly on her own two feet or if she was sprawled on the ground, her senses tangled in a haze of confusion.

The sensation resembled her distant recollection of that initial encounter with alcohol ages ago. In a manner akin to severe intoxication, she found herself unable to regain her faculties. The current state of her being eluded her, slipping through her grasp like an elusive mirage.

“Hieeeeeek.”

She shook his head, attempting to shake off the disorientation. Raimira lay sprawled on the ground. Her legs had faltered beneath her, and she clung tightly to Eugene’s hand.

Eugene slowly caught his breath and raised Raimira off the ground. “Come inside,” he said.

Sniff….

An overwhelming sense of madness seized Raimira as if her sanity teetered on the edge. The red jewel embedded in her forehead throbbed relentlessly as if struck repeatedly by an invisible hammer. Suppressing the rising nausea, Raimira swiftly covered her mouth with her hand, determined to quell the unsettling sensation. Seeking solace, she sought refuge within the confines of the space concealed within Eugene’s cloak.

Only then did Eugene look around.

Darkness… was drifting around him. Within this ethereal darkness, myriad shades and densities intermingled, resembling an amalgamation of countless night skies woven together. Simply looking at it threatened to confuse his mind.

He had succeeded in entering through the door. Eugene gulped before moving on. Within a few steps, the darkness drifting around him was lifted.

Eugene found himself immersed in an encompassing darkness, devoid of solid ground beneath his feet. However, a subtle incline loomed just a short distance ahead, sloping downwards. With vigilance, Eugene directed his gaze downward, refusing to let his guard waver.

He saw a big, truly enormous black dragon.

It was Raizakia. Just like when Eugene had first seen him, the Black Dragon was curled up inside his large tail; the black, sharp-scaled tail covered his face.

‘…Is he sleeping?’

He hoped so. Eugene slowly raised the Moonlight Sword towards Raizakia. 𝑖𝘦.𝘤𝑜𝘮

At that moment, Raizakia’s head suddenly tilted upwards.

Openbookworm & DantheMan’s Thoughts

𝑖𝘦.𝑐𝘰𝘮