Chapter 77 - Unearthing Truths 2

"Kid, don't push your luck."

The Mech God was amused at Rynold's sudden remark. "It's a nice joke, but you are years away from being even half my level."

Rynold couldn't help but scoff at the Mech God's response. It wasn't that he was arrogant of being better than the god. He knew he was outmatched when making a Mech, especially when he was up against a god. Rynold just wanted to antagonize him because of the amount of shit he had to deal with from this point forward.

"As I was saying," the Mech God resumed his explanation.

"Being a Mech God Candidate, you can use numerous ways of strengthening yourself aside from the normal leveling up. As you've experienced before, Mana is an intangible yet powerful tool. I suggest you use what you've learned so far wisely and try to adapt it to whatever Mech you make.

This is the only valid advice I give to my Candidates while the rest is up to how you choose to use the information I have so graciously provided."

Rynold raised a brow, clearly not satisfied with what the Mech God had just informed him of.

"That's the only thing you can tell me? You're kidding, right?" Rynold said with a dissatisfied tone.

The Mech God audibly sighed once more before speaking. "You know I can't directly assist anyone. Stop being a jackass and be grateful instead. Geez. Talk about the worst candidate ever, no respect to a god."

Rynold clicked his tongue before settling down and agreeing.

"Fine, fine," he said defeatedly. "Answer me one thing, though. Why the hell did you choose me? You could've chosen someone better in battle or someone smarter. Literally, any of the million people in the entire world could have been a better choice. So, what gives?"

Whether he'd like to admit it or not, Rynold was curious. He wasn't the type of guy to go against what he's given. But, he'd at least like to know why he's given these things.

"Kid," the Mech God suddenly donned on a serious tone in his words. "The reason why I chose you is that..."

The Mech God paused, making Rynold's heart rise to his chest in anticipation. The few seconds that the god decided not to speak made Rynold slowly and gradually annoyed at making him wait for it.

"I can't tell you."

Suddenly bursting into laughter, the Mech God thought that he had gotten back at Rynold for all the times he's disrespected him. Rynold, on the other hand, raised his hand and covered his face with it. Shaking his head, Rynold realized that he may have been dealing with an actual child all this time.

Not that it mattered what Rynold thought, the Mech God continued laughing for a few more moments. Rynold waited until the Mech God stopped himself and recovered his composure. The Mech God then continued what he was trying to say.

"Look, kid, it doesn't matter why I chose you. When did it ever matter? And even if I did tell you, I doubt you'd be satisfied with the answer," the god paused once more, thinking what to say next. "Well, the only thing you should know is that you have the potential to be great out there. Just... try not to disappoint."

Rynold reluctantly nodded and didn't know what to say. Well, not that he had anything to say, anyway.

"One last thing before you wake up," the Mech God continued. "Say hi to that devil for me."

Without even waiting for a response, the god gave Rynold a little shove. It seemed like nothing more than a simple push but Rynold immediately woke up from his sleep. Waking up suddenly made Rynold lose his balance and noisily fell on his butt.

"Damn it."

Rynold cursed as he stood back up and stretched. He had been sleeping on a chair of all things, leaning back for support. Suffice to say, it's not a comfortable position to sleep in.

"Shut up, would you?"

Surprised at the sudden words from the only other person in the room, Rynold immediately checked on her condition.

Margareth wasn't actually awake. No, she was just talking in her sleep. With her eyebrows narrowed expressing annoyance, Rynold realized that the beautiful elf was just like anybody else. Well, prettier than anybody he's ever met, but her personality was more down-to-earth than he expected.

Shaking his head, Rynold decided that maybe he should just come back later. After all, who knows what time will they wake up? He couldn't stay in the medical ward just wasting time while waiting.

Just as he was about to leave the room, Margareth suddenly groaned. Rynold turned around as soon as he heard movement from the elf.

Using a soothing voice, Rynold approached Margareth's bedside. "Hey, hey. You alright?"

The elf rubbed her eyes and yawned. She looked at Rynold with half-opened eyes and nodded.

"Can you tell me what happened?" Rynold carefully asked the elf.

Margareth was silent for a few moments as if she didn't know what to say. There were a lot of things that happened on her side which mainly led to the Tree's biggest loss. Compared to what happened to Rynold, Margareth's experience was much worse.

Seeing that she didn't want to answer, Rynold decided that maybe it was too soon to ask such things. In which case, Rynold turned and headed to the door once more.

"You can tell me later, just rest easy first," he said before leaving the room.

Stepping out onto the corridor just outside of the medical ward, Rynold thought about what he should do next.

As the Lord of the Tree of In Between, Rynold had to check on the condition of things. It was one of his many responsibilities. Even though he wasn't necessarily indoctrinated as Lord yet, he felt the need to fulfill one of his basic duties.

With a determined expression on his face, Rynold started to get going. Bringing X along with him, the two continued and walked past rooms and facilities.

Rynold checked on everything they passed by. He soon realized that, apart from the emotional and mental torment that the elves have experience, they were otherwise unharmed. Nobody seemed to be hurt and barely anything got destroyed.

The two moved along at a somewhat brisk pace.

They obviously couldn't spend any more time messing around and tried to see where they were needed. Much to Rynold's satisfaction, it turns out that no one really needed his help.

As time went on, the duo found themselves back at the very depths of the Tree. Venturing deeper and deeper within, Rynold didn't have anything to fear as he knew where he was going.

The Forge.

It was the only place that Rynold could think of to go to. Although there were other major areas in the Tree, the Forge was the place where repairs would be happening.

Or so Rynold thought.

At first glimpse, the Forge was still going on full force as if nothing important had happened. Rynold and X urged forward and soon reached Phrystol's office.

The short elf was busy fidgeting with something as Rynold entered the room. Even though the Shado Beasts and the Association attacked, there appeared to be nothing amiss among this level of the Tree.

"Phrystol? You busy?" Rynold knocked on the elf's wooden table.

Phrystol was startled by the question as if he didn't even hear Rynold come in. After calming down did he reply in a manner that Rynold didn't expect.

"Ah! My Lord, unfortunately, I am preoccupied with something urgent. The enemies that attacked the Tree had taken something important, of which only a select few can fix."

Rynold raised a brow. He expected that the Association was up to something, but only now did he have a clue as to what it was.

"Tell me about it," Rynold commanded with a deep and serious voice.

The elf hesitated for a split second and willfully nodded to Rynold's request. He then placed down the small object he was holding and asked Rynold to follow him.

Stepping outside of the office, Rynold, X, and Phrystol walked out of the Forge. Rynold didn't know where Phrystol was leading them, but, so far, the area seemed familiar.

They continued into the corridor that led up to the higher levels of the Tree until Phrystol suddenly stopped. Not knowing why Rynold looked at Phrystol with a curious expression.

"This way, My Lord."

Rynold stared curiously at the elf until he started to walk to the very wall of the corridor itself. They were still in the relatively lower parts of the Tree. That's is precisely why Rynold didn't understand where the elf was leading them.

Until he walked into the wall. Rynold couldn't believe his eyes as the elf instantly disappeared from his sight. Reluctant to follow, he took a step in the direction where Phrystol went. Not soon after, he found himself in a completely different place.

The room that he was in turned out to be huge but there appeared to be nothing inside.