Chapter 22

Chapter 22: The Machinations of the Tree Spirit!

The village chief and several villagers arrived at the entrance of the forest.

Although it was called an entrance, it was just a spot where the trees slightly separated to create a pathway. If it weren't labeled as an entrance, one wouldn't know.

Throughout history, it seemed that Gondo Village had always entered the forest from here.

I placed my hand on a tree and tried to establish contact with Lila.

When we parted ways, she had told me that she could communicate with the trees in this forest since she was connected to their will. If I touched them and spoke, we would be able to have a conversation.

"Takuto here! Lila, can you hear me?"

"Yes, is there something urgent?"

"We need to explain about the forest to the villagers of Gondo Village. Can you show yourself?"

"Normally, I wouldn't show myself so readily, but if it's Takuto-sama's request, I can't refuse."

Lila emerged from the shadows of the trees.

The villagers were taken aback by the sudden appearance of a beautiful woman.

"This is Lila, the dryad tree spirit!"

Once they realized she was a dryad tree spirit, they each began conversing with those nearby.

Indeed, she was a threat, as she would seduce men and absorb their life force as nutrients for the trees.

I had momentarily forgotten about her appearance. Is Lila a member of the human or the demon race?

"Never did I expect to meet you while still alive!"

The villagers knelt down and assumed a posture resembling prayer towards Lila.

For generations, the people of Gondo Village, who coexisted with the forest, treated the dryad tree spirits as divine beings. They always expressed gratitude to the dryad tree spirits, whether when felling trees or gathering fruits.

It seemed to be a common understanding that only those who engage in acts that harm the forest, such as destruction, would become nutrients for the trees.

The legend had been passed down that those who mistreated the dryad tree spirits would not receive the forest's protection.

Lila was naturally aware of all of this.

While my wish might have played a role, perhaps she readily agreed because it was the villagers of Gondo Village.

"Lila, please explain the current situation of the forest and the events that led up to it."

Lila nodded with a smile and began explaining the current state of the forest.

Firstly, the goblins, who had been a threat to the village, had been completely wiped out and were no longer present.

And there was no doubt that I was the one who annihilated them.

Although there was only a large orc settlement, there were no signs of them moving their settlement for now.

The weak monsters outside the forest were gradually gathering in the center of the forest.

The animals that resided in the center of the forest had expanded their range of movement and started venturing outside the forest.

When she finished her explanation, the villagers were all delighted.

It was only natural for them to be happy when the previous threats had diminished even slightly.

"If you're worried about the orcs as well, I believe that if you ask Takuto-sama over there, he can resolve it for you."

She smiled and looked at me.

Upon hearing those words, all the villagers turned their gaze towards me.

That woman casually dropped a bomb with her words...