Chapter 79 - The Tree's Origin

They were a series of random images.

Without context, Rynold would certainly be lost. Luckily, though, the images appeared to be chronological in order.

Rynold was analyzing the series of events that appeared in his mind. Through and through, an elf man appeared in almost every image. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he guessed that the elf was important to the story.

What's more, the elf appeared to have a profound vibe to his presence. Rynold couldn't tell why or how images of a previous time could express such profoundness. However, that was what he felt.

The elf was no simple one, to say the least.

Prancing on, the story seemed to explain how the Tree came to be. The elf, which Rynold assumed to be the previous Lord, was the one who created the place.

Naturally, the elf couldn't conjure a Tree of this size from Mana alone. Even with the guy's immense power, he could only do so much.

The story explained that the Tree came from an even larger one, with the Tree that separated itself becoming the Tree of In-Between. The name seemed to stem from the fact that the previous Lord situating it in between dimensions. It was a feat that Rynold couldn't imagine but was somehow seeing it before his very eyes.

Rynold unintentionally gulped. His mind thinking, 'I have to live up to that?'

However, the story wasn't done.

The images shifted from the feats of the elf to the struggles that he had to go through. Battles of great magnitudes and loss of even greater pains were shown.

Eventually, the events led to the great Mana Crystal that the elf had painstakingly acquired. It was evident that the sacrifice to the great elf's body and power was more than he could bear. But, somehow, Rynold could feel that the elf's happiness towards the very end.

Despite the gradual build-up to his death, Rynold couldn't help but sympathize with the previous Lord. It was silly. Rynold knew it was silly to get such emotion from still images, but it felt real.

But, then again, it still wasn't done.

Time seemed to have slowed. The images in his mind clearly emphasized the last few moments of the previous Lord. It showed the elf with his hand on the Mana Crystal just like what Rynold was doing now. Only the previous Lord's face carried an expression of pure joy.

The elf was happy.

Tears were welling on the previous Lord's face, out of joy. Rynold couldn't help but wonder if it was in this moment that the Lord cherished the most before he passed. The elf's eyes were crystal clear with hope.

It was as if saying that he had succeeded. That his entire life has built up to this very moment. Rynold thought that it was fitting, though.

Rynold's initial impressions of sympathy slowly changed to the utmost respect. It wasn't because the previous Lord had died a hero, not that Rynold denied it. Instead, he respected the fact that the Lord has found his true calling. Something that he himself has yet to find.

The images continued.

Elves by the thousands came into the Tree of In-Between, calling it their new home. Rynold understood what the previous Lord felt. This was a new beginning for them but an end to the older times. Rynold could see elves with long faces, saddened by the new change.

Perhaps it was due to a sudden change in their homes that the elves leave. Regardless, it was understandable to be sad when abandoning their own homes. After all, a task such as that is never easy.

However, Rynold noticed something missing.

The Elf Lord wasn't there to welcome the new elves to their home.

Rynold guessed that he must have perished, using the last of his strength to procure a Crystal of high caliber. It was no easy task, even for an elf with immense and profound power. It was then the series of images ended.

He couldn't understand why the images ended so abruptly. Unexpectedly, though, a figure suddenly approached him.

It was the Elf Lord, but it was no ethereal image. No, it was as if a ghost was slowly approaching him and stopped just a few feet from where Rynold was watching.

The elf didn't say anything.

Truth was, he didn't have to. With a simple nod, the ghost of the elf gave Rynold all the confirmation he needed.

It was then that Rynold's respect turned to recognition. In honor of the previous Lord's memory, he'll live up to the elf's image. Or, at least try to, anyway.

The memory of the previous Lord's feats and struggles may not be remembered by the people of the Tree, but Rynold knew better. He could tell that the previous Lord wanted it to be this way. No more holding things of the past in high regard.

This time, it was about moving forward into the future.

Without Rynold's knowing, he was suddenly forced out of his trance. Still standing, Rynold removed his hand from the Mana Crystal. He now had a newfound respect for this place and the people within it. Not only that, he had more appreciation for the title of Lord now.

[Title Unlocked!]

[Legacy: The Forgotten Elf]

You have fully understood and accepted a forgotten Legacy. The Forgotten Elf has bestowed upon you a part of his will, increasing your Nature Affinity by 15%.

Rynold nodded in satisfaction. He didn't really expect a new title to form the experience, but it was a welcome one nonetheless. Well, then again, 15% of zero is still zero. He had to admit, though, he had big shoes to fill, not that anybody would actually fully realize it.

"My Lord," Phrystol said respectfully. "Are you alright? You stood still for a few moments without saying a word. Is something the matter?"

Rynold turned around and saw the worried expression on the elf's face. To which, Rynold shook his head as a response.

"I'm fine," Rynold said with a somewhat depressing tone before realigning his focus. "We should get going and assess the situation outside. Margareth, are you rested enough to get some work done?"

The blonde elf nodded in confirmation. Without saying a word, she followed Rynold's order without question. So much so, in fact, that she teleported out of the room, leaving Rynold and Phrystol behind.

"That... is starting to get really old," Rynold said, defeatedly.

Letting out a sigh, the three that were left in the room headed out. They first stepped past the hidden door and walked on the same corridor once more. Only this time, the difference was that the lights weren't dim.

Rynold was satisfied with the results of integrating the Mana Crystal to the Tree. This way, he could actually see where he was going. Walking a few feet and passing a few rooms, Rynold could see that the morale was starting to recover.

With a satisfied smile, they continued.

At about halfway through, Phrystol bid them goodbye as he headed back to the forge. Perhaps there was something else that was in the elf's mind, but Rynold decided not to mind it. After all, nobody else was as qualified as Phrystol was.

With Rynold and X left, they moved back up the Tree and headed to the Library. If there were another place where Margareth has gone, it would be the place where she would call home.

The two passed by several rooms and facilities. Nothing was to note as they passed through, only that the elves were slowly recovering before the attack.

It wasn't long until the duo stood before the entrance to the medical ward once more.

Rynold decided to go in and check on Oliver. Hopes that the guy might've recovered by now were instantly shut down. Oliver's condition was no different from when Rynold had left him.

With another exasperated sigh, Rynold decided to come back later. That was what he wanted to do until he was stopped by a sudden scream of pain.

Leo was in another medical room and was in treatment. Naturally, it was going to be a painful recovery considering how he was basically played around like a soccer ball. Rynold obviously had no qualms with the guy and didn't want to stir another commotion. So, Rynold swiftly exited the room.

Rynold and X continued to go up the Tree.

As much as Rynold wanted to use a floating platform, he decided to reject the idea. He thought that it would be better if they simply walked as to not miss any important details.

Passing through more rooms and facilities that all shared the same sentiments, Rynold was truly glad that he had helped out. With the threat of Shado gone and the reintegration of a Mana Crystal, it wasn't long until the elves would fully recover.

The two continued on until Rynold noticed something from a room as nondescript as the rest.

Sitting alone in the room, Rynold saw one of the other humans that he had met before.