Yggdrasil [1]

Amelia Elvenheim POV

"We will camp here tonight and tomorrow we head for the Elven Forest," the prince of the empire instructed. He assigned the tasks of gathering firewood, building a camp, and distributing roles between the women and the smiling yet eerie old man, who complied.

"And what about me?"

"Your silence here is an accomplishment in itself; just remain as you are."

"What does that mean—"

"You won't be useful as a child; just don't hinder us."

The prince's changing demeanor alone made my teeth grind. Alright, I'll bear with this until I return home. Only he truly belongs in hell!?

***

Third Person POV

Journey to the Fantasy Forest

Once we departed from the Dragon Lord's domain, I informed the party of our destination.

"Are you heading to the World Tree? That's the only reason I can think of."

"Yes, indeed. The World Tree is our destination."

"What do you plan to do about it?"

"What do you mean?"

"I will cut a branch."

"What?!"

At my words, all four present individuals looked at me as if they were seeing someone lacking something.

"There are many things we can gain from the World Tree."

"The essence that will make me—"

"Additionally, the branch of the World Tree—"

"Even with this much power, magic can be used much more efficiently than it is now."

"By the way, how do you plan to reach the Fantasy Forest? I don't know much about elves, but isn't it a place you can't enter alone? Even with this little girl with us, she won't be able to guide us."

"It's not that difficult."

I halted as I observed completely barren land.

A desolate landscape devoid of life on the horizon, with tree roots completely dried out.

I carefully placed my hand on the withered root of the tree.

The roots of the World Tree wrap around the entire world. "There must be a connection to the center."

"Is this the root of the World Tree?"

Ron looked incredulously at the roots I was touching.

This reaction wasn't unfamiliar to him.

In fact, these roots were weaker than those of the World Tree.

"It's not in good condition."

The small elf approached slowly with a somber expression towards the root of the World Tree.

The extent of root exposure indicated that the state of the World Tree's source had deteriorated to the point where it was difficult to contain the world.

"That's right. This isn't a good sign."

This is why I needed to contact the World Tree as soon as possible.

"But anyway, it's a root, so it's connected to the World Tree itself."

"Are you saying you'll use this to reach the World Tree?"

Ron said with a peculiar tone.

"I hate to say it, but the World Tree is an incredibly advanced being. There's enough vitality to allow you to venture outside."

"Because everything is fine."

"I do this because I have ideas."

After almost inspecting the condition of the World Tree's roots, I stood up.

***

"Is this the limit?"

In the darkness, an elderly, mysterious man sighed softly.

I've endured all this time, but I can't believe I didn't notice any children.

The reason he drew it.

It was a small seed that had been squeezed through its roots for a long time.

And its size gradually increased over time, and soon. It started to erode from within.

And he couldn't convey his crisis to the outside world.

Because the seed that suddenly increased in size did not allow that.

Well, I even realized that late, so I think I expected a lot.

I managed to endure somehow, but now I had to realize that it was more than necessary for me.

The roots that covered the ground dried up, and there was no longer enough power to bloom the leaves and flowers that were full of life.

Well, it's been a long time already, but it's still a matter of endurance for the sake of my family, for the sake of children, and the fate of this world.