42 Yggdrasil's Pupil

[Hey there old ghost!]

"Hello, old ghost! X2"

"…. Can't you guys just call me guardian as usual?"

They look toward me showing that they'll keep following my lead.

[I need some information. Something happened. Have you ever heard of any transmigrators or other worlds?]

He looks at me dignified. This is the moment. If this was a novel, right here would appear the beginning of the main plot. The main exposition. It would start with an extremely vague hint. Thus my actions would have a deeper sense of purpose.

It being very vague would give way to infinite development. You know, in order to make this adventure a long one. Give meaning to what can only be called a training arc. There it comes! … He looks at me gravely.

"I have never heard about something as transmigrators. As for other worlds I know there are some, but I have never come into contact with them, and I probably never will."

What kind of setting is that?! Why is he acting cool if he is going to say such mundane stuff?! Ah, wait… I forgot a tiny little detail. This ghost is always acting cool in normal situations.

He was the one that reproached me for losing my calm when we first met. It just so happened that I actually saw him flustered a lot. Kinda funny considering he's not technically alive haha.

I'm not exactly sure how to react to this, to be honest. I was waiting for some really complex dialogue. You know some back and forth between us. Him teaching me all he knows about this potential danger.

The thing is he doesn't seem to know much. Either his info is lacking, or I am simply overthinking all of this. I guess something big could happen down the line. By then Yggdrasil should be done slumbering.

This is awesome. Also kind of ridiculous. Doesn't that mean that when the danger will come… I'll just be able to run back to my friend for protection … Golden Finger number one: Mythical tree!

Of course, I shouldn't become complacent. I am but a newcomer in an environment I do not understand fully.

[This is reassuring, I'll just be able to have fun and relax for a while!]

"Definitely not. I have been thinking long and hard. Yggdrasil asked us to train you. At first, I was confused but I have finally realized his intent."

[You have?!]

He nods.

"At first I believed that he perhaps wanted to recruit you as a guardian for some reason."

[You think so? I'm pretty weak.]

"That matters not. Someone as ancient and wise as Yggdrasil can see things more in-depth than any of us will ever be able to."

This means that I truly am an idiot. All this time I have been rambling to him about my stories. Meanwhile, he always was a powerful being.

What surprises me the most is the name he took. Perhaps it was on a whim. But it probably came from my tales, didn't it? Just thinking that I somehow influenced a being that strong, I can't help but grin.

Me, the small and insignificant human. Still … I must ask.

[What do you think he has planned for me?]

"I was confused on why you were able to touch him directly. After all, this isn't possible even for us guardians. I thought long and hard you know."

He can't just stop his sentence there!

[And?]

"Then I remembered something he told me once. That one day he would find himself some disciple that he could slowly nurture..."

I like how he uses the term nurture. How very fitting. But does that mean…

"I believe you to be the one he chose. Not only does he wish for guardians to train you, but he also gave you something he created personally to live in and allowed you to interact with him. "

It all makes sense now. I must have seen so foolish all these years. I acted like I was some kind of all-knowing being telling him about so many random things. Yet all this time he was greater and bigger than me. Have I been a blind man trying to teach a man to see?

[This…are you sure?]

This might have huge implications.

"Yes. I truly am convinced!"

His gaze is unwavering. He truly believes. I can feel it. His conviction is unshakable. He actually seems right.

[What does that make me?]

He says solemnly.

"Obviously Yggdrasil's disciple, the only one in existence."

[Eh…it doesn't sound right. Aren't disciples something you accept by the dozen? I just came here and I already have two!]

He says dignifiedly.

"Then that makes you Yggdrasil's student, the only one in …"

[Nope! That would remind me of school every time I hear it. That would be really bad.]

He says pensively.

"Then that makes you Yggdrasil's recruit, the only…"

[What is this? An army? Recruit doesn't convey any sense of warmth and familiarity.]

He says completely at a loss.

"Then I don't know what that makes you. The only …. I don't know."

I take a time to collect my thoughts. I need a title that sounds majestic enough yet shows clearly our relationship. Ah, I have it.

[How about Yggdrasil's pupil?]

"Yggdrasil's pupil?"

"Yggdrasil's pupil, teacher?"

"Yggdrasil's pupil, is it?"

[Are you guys just going to repeat that over and over?]

"Yes!"

"This tiger too!"

[I have a question. What does the title imply?]

"To protect the forest. Also to be the bridge between us and the world."

[That is a crushing weight of responsibilities no?]

"Indeed."

[We could wait for Yggdrasil to awake to ask him directly.]

"Are you willing to just waste so much time?"

[How long are we talking about?]

"Generally a few months to years."

[WHAT?!]

I was hoping for days or weeks.

[What will happen to the forest without its protector?]

"If we are lucky everything will be fine. If we are unlucky..."

My friend is slumbering because of me, from giving me this new life. I owe it to him to protect his forest, at least until he returns.

[What do you suggest I do?]

He looks at me heroically.

"How about I teach you for now, so you can become stronger?"

[What are you going to teach me exactly?]

He gives a small grin.

"I will teach you all that I know."

Such a simple answer. It implies such a commitment, however. All that he knows. This means teaching me all his secrets.

This is more than what one would do for one's own disciples. This is more than I could ever have hoped for. I can see some unyielding spirit in his eyes. I can somehow see the old me reflected in there.

One that is not exactly sure of what is happening.

Or even what will happen in the future.

But one that has decided to do everything to realize his goal.

My resolve back then was to remain sane, for him it is teaching.

I will soon be worthy of this new title!

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