Evan was talking with Helena, the chief of the Elven Tribe. She gave a brief introduction of her tribe and explained what had happened to the World Tree.
The Elves, the people of the forest.
Their society was made of individual tribal units scattered across the Continent. Among them, this tribe considered themselves the most noble because they guarded the World Tree. Thus, they lived with great pride and a sense of duty to protect it.
However, that sense of duty was fading because the World Tree was dying.
According to her, the World Tree was in such a serious state that it could no longer function. She proclaimed its end, saying its lifespan was nearly over.
The cause was naturally traced back to humans, blinded by greed, who had attacked the World Tree. Evan could understand this part to an extent, but he had doubts. ‘The life force of the World Tree, and the tree itself, would make excellent materials.’
It was certainly a tempting prize. Even just a World Tree Branch traded for prices beyond imagination in this world.
However, the World Tree was the source of life; it wasn’t so weak that it would be threatened by humans.
‘Even if it was attacked over a long period, unless there was some special intervention…’
Evan soon shook his head. There were beings in this world who transcended common sense. ‘Beings like Ellecel or Mars.’
Even without those specific individuals, it wasn’t impossible if one or two more such irrational beings existed.
Furthermore, human kingdoms had been eyeing the World Tree since ancient times. There were bound to be problematic individuals among them.
‘I won’t know for sure until I see it myself.’
Regardless, the Elves had been at war with humans who sought to claim the World Tree for a long time.
“As long as human greed persists, this war will continue,” Helena said, staring intently into Evan’s eyes.
“Humans are foolish. They act led only by greed, not even knowing what they are doing. Is there any race more foolish? If the World Tree dies, they will surely pay a heavy price.”
At that moment, Ainis glared at Evan’s party.
“It’s because of you humans! Everyone is going to die! The World Tree’s lifespan is already ending! And now you want to hasten it?”
As she vented her indignation, Helena’s smiling eyes sharpened.
“Ainis, be quiet.”
“But—”
“Do not judge too hastily. It won’t be too late to decide after seeing the results.”
Soon, she wore a resigned expression.
“We have no choice anyway. And don’t you also hear what the forest is saying? The forest is vouching for this person. The forest does not lie.”
“…Understood, Chief.”
The story of the forest.
To the Elves who could communicate with nature, the forest spoke in Evan’s favor. This was an interesting topic for Evan.
‘Did they say my Forest Affinity has reached its maximum?’
The achievement Friend of Yggdrasil was proving useful here. It was an unexpected gain.
‘It’s not just a passing thing; this ability will be useful when negotiating with Elves in the future.’
Beyond the Elven Tribe, it seemed he could approach any race related to the forest this way.
Helena spoke to Evan again. “Since the World Tree is dying, the forest here is also slowly dying.”
Evan nodded as he listened.
“It’s a precarious situation. I see you’ve done well to hold out under these circumstances.”
The death of the forest meant they could no longer protect this place. The forest served as a sturdy fortress, and to the Elves, it was their entire life. Losing the forest was equivalent to losing everything.
Only then could Evan understand the Sacred Maiden’s request. With the Order’s power, they could have pushed through and ended this place.
‘But there’s no need to do that. It’s a castle that will naturally collapse if left alone.’
The plan had been to slowly bring this place down over time.
Helena shook her head with a smile.
“Thanks to the power of the relics left by our ancestors, we can still hold out. So you don’t need to worry. More importantly, what is your identity? I don’t understand.”
She began to question him.
“The forest is trying to protect you. And I am curious as to why you possess a perfect part of the World Tree, even if it is just a branch. It shouldn’t exist in this world.”
Ainis, standing beside her, also stared intently at Evan, filled with curiosity. To the Elves, Evan’s existence must have seemed contradictory.
Evan thought for a moment and decided to offer a plausible excuse.
“Actually, I have a deep connection with the World Tree.”
Ainis cut him off.
“Human! Don’t lie! The World Tree has been broken for a long time. It isn’t even possible to talk to it.”
“I don’t know the details myself. I simply encountered the World Tree in a place caught in a Dimensional Rift. I received help from it and escaped safely.”
“…!”
Their eyes widened in shock.
“Th—That can’t be…”
Ainis stammered, and Helena began to contemplate. If it was a Gate, anything was possible.
‘Wait…’
Evan also realized something important from his own words. Though he hadn’t seen the World Tree yet, he thought he knew exactly why it was dying.
‘When the new world reappeared, the World Tree probably couldn’t resurrect in its perfect form either.’
That meant it had been attacked by humans while in a weakened state. The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place.
Evan said to them, “Lead me to the World Tree.”
Ainis frowned. “Chief, it’s dangerous. Allowing a human near the World Tree… They are the race we hate so much.”
“Yes, I know that. It carries risks.”
Helena turned back to Evan.
“Go with Ainis. I don’t trust you yet. And if you cannot save the World Tree, you won’t be able to take a single step out of this village. You have learned too much information.”
Chilling words came out of her mouth, contrasting with her gentle smile.
Evan smirked.
“That’s a significant risk, considering I’m the one helping. You seem to be mistaken; I’m the one holding your lives in my hands.”
Based on the quests or the Yggdrasil he knew from the previous world, Evan would definitely step in. But he wouldn’t do it blindly.
‘There’s a lot I can gain from the Elves.’
Hearing their story, he could see they were desperate. Since their lives depended on it, he could demand much from them. He was the one holding the handle of the sword.
“How… How dare you! A mere human being so arrogant! You should be grateful just for your life being spared.”
Ainis glared and shouted at Evan. Helena’s brow twitched slightly, but she maintained her smile.
“You’re brave. Should I call this reckless?”
“Well, shouldn’t you be the one called reckless? I came here to make a deal. You set the conditions first, right? That I can’t leave if I don’t save the World Tree. Then I should also set conditions accordingly.”
“…”
Ainis was speechless with disbelief. On the other hand, Helena seemed willing to listen.
“Very well. Let’s hear your conditions.”
“In exchange for saving the World Tree, recognize me with the same treatment as the chief of this village.”
This was something Evan had planned while coming here. It was a waste to leave the Elves like this. Simply letting them guard the World Tree was a waste of military power. If he could bring them under his command, they would be a reliable force.
‘Most of this world is forest. No matter where they go, the Elves will have many opportunities to excel.’
The ability to hear the voice of the forest and their stealth skills were specialized for scouting and tracking. They were essential elements for building a surveillance network. Evan couldn’t let the Elves go.
Ainis shouted in shock. “You’ve gone completely mad! Chief, ignore him.”
Helena crossed her arms and remained silent, deep in thought. Evan waited calmly.
“I have nothing to lose. I hope you make a wise choice. If the deal isn’t made, I can just leave. Of course, you won’t be able to stop me.”
Helena sighed at Evan’s confident attitude. They were destined for ruin if they continued like this anyway.
‘If he can really revive the World Tree as he says…’
As the leader, it was natural to choose life over death. It was a fair condition in exchange for their lives.
“Fine. However, swear one thing to me. Swear that you will never harm the Elven Tribe. Of course, I will keep my promise too.”
An Elven Oath. It was a contract spell that took one’s life as a price if either party broke the promise.
‘There’s no need to go this far, but… it’s not bad to have.’
Evan remembered what he had heard from Alan. Elves never lie. That’s why they don’t make promises lightly, and once they do, they keep them to the end. There were even cases where people took advantage of this to force Elves into submission.
Thus, the contract between Evan and Helena was established.
***
Ainis led the way, guiding Evan’s party to where the World Tree was located.
“…Why.”
She had been repeating the same word for a while, seemingly in shock. Evan, following behind her, clicked his tongue.
‘Did she really dislike it that much?’
Alan tilted his head and asked Evan, “Young Master, did something happen?”
Alan and Reynold had been guarding the outside, unable to enter the Chief’s house. Therefore, they didn’t know about the current situation.
“It’s nothing.”
Evan decided to gloss over it, as explaining everything was bothersome.
Suddenly.
“…W—Wait! Stop.”
Ainis, who was walking ahead, raised her hand in a gesture to stop.
“What is it?”
Evan walked cautiously toward her.
“I told you not to come! It’s dangerous!”
She shouted urgently, but Evan reached her side anyway. Then, Evan’s brow furrowed.
“What on earth is this? Why is the World Tree…”
“I—I don’t know either!”
Ainis stammered in panic.
Below the hill, a massive tree stood in the middle of a vast forest. Its appearance was identical to the Yggdrasil he had seen in the previous world.
However, its condition was far from normal.
The World Tree was rotting and emitting powerful Magia into the surroundings.
**[You have discovered the Hidden Boss Monster: Twisted Yggdrasil]**