Chapter 449: The Great Mother Tree Ganahil

Chapter 449: The Great Mother Tree Ganahil

"Alright, Olenna, please inform Marshal Alfred of this news as soon as possible."

"Oh, right, Anna might be coming with the pureblood elves and centaurs to the Seventh Sentinel Post for a temporary rest. You should prepare for that," Ren thought for a moment and said.

Olenna, sitting across from the thin plate, seemed to startle slightly at the mention of Anna's name, but quickly regained her composure and replied, "Understood, Lord Ren. I'll take care of Miss Anna and her people. I'll make sure everything is arranged!"

"Right, and what about you?"

"I'll escort them for a while, and then I plan to visit the nearby Valzich Ruins. Oh, and Olenna, could you keep an eye on the cult's movements near the ruins?"

"As you command, Lord Ren."

After ending the communication, Ren walked towards the group.

Supporting the Elven Race was best handled by the Empire officially, and he was aware that the higher-ups had already arranged for two Imperial Guardians to be stationed in the nearby province.

His original purpose for coming to the Ferdinand Forest was personal; he wanted to ensure Anna's safety.

Later, with the coordination of the Swordbearer Headquarters, the mission transformed into an initial reconnaissance task.

However, with the current information, this reconnaissance mission could be considered successfully completed.

Additionally, with his psychic crystalization at 94%, he was ready to break through to the fourth level of the Dawn Witchcraft tier. But he still hadn't found the fourth layer's Steel Heart meditation technique.

Fortunately, he had also obtained two 'Ancient Tree Cores', so he planned to visit the Valzich Ruins.

As for Anna, Lambert, and the others, they could take this Long Horizon Airship to the Seventh Sentinel Post for a temporary rest.

Ren spoke to the Elder Druid, Aldran, "Elder Aldran, in my opinion, it would be best for your people to find a place to rest and recuperate. We can make further plans once the situation becomes clearer."

"I have a suggestion. The Imperial Seventh Sentinel Post near the Ferdinand Forest would be suitable. However, since this involves leaving their homeland, it might be more appropriate for you to communicate this decision to your people."

"Good idea. But with so many people, Lord Ren, will there be enough space at the sentinel post you mentioned?" Aldran's initial joy quickly turned into a frown.

"There shouldn't be any issues."

Ren surveyed the area and noticed that most of the surviving pureblood elves from Bashalan Town were elderly, women, and children. There were only a few adult male elves, likely having perished in the previous defense battle.

This was why Elder Druid Aldran hadn't suggested a counterattack or requested aid for Ferdinand City.

It wasn't that they didn't want to, but both he and the surviving elves had little to no fighting power left. Even self-defense was a challenge, and there would be significant problems once Ren and Lambert departed.

"That's wonderful! Lord Ren, leave this to me. I'll communicate with my people immediately. Only by staying alive can we rebuild our homeland."

"Indeed," Ren nodded and smiled.

"Anna, why don't you and Lady Delana go to the Seventh Sentinel Post to rest as well? It will be much safer there. Olenna, whom you know, will take care of everything."

"Ren, what about you?" Anna's bright eyes fixed on Ren with concern.

She had overheard Ren mentioning something about ruins earlier.

"Well, I joined a Wizard Academy in the capital, and they're currently investigating the Valzich Ruins nearby. I need the Ancient Tree Core to break through the ancient witchcraft array and enter the core area of the ruins."

After a moment's thought, Ren decided not to hide the exploration of the ruins from Anna.

"Ren, can I come with you? By the way, I've mastered the Druid's Giant Bear transformation. I can join the fight!" Anna seemed worried that Ren wouldn't believe her, so she quickly began chanting a spell.

But Ren gently patted Anna's shoulder to stop her, shaking his head. "Anna, it's really not possible. I know you've improved a lot, but the ruins might have ancient witchcraft arrays and other dangers. I can take care of myself, but with you..."

"Anna, with Ren's strength, it's safer for him to go alone," Lady Delana added.

"Alright, then. Ren, please be careful," Anna said, her eyes filled with disappointment.

"Don't worry," Ren said, noticing Anna's low spirits. He hugged her and, in front of Delana and the others, gently kissed her forehead once more.

"Oh!" Anna exclaimed, blushing as she buried her face in Ren's chest, too shy to lift her head.

Her earlier disappointment had vanished.

After comforting Anna for a while, Ren approached Lambert.

"Your Excellency Lambert, your injuries haven't fully recovered. Why don't you take this airship to the nearby Imperial Sentinel Post to rest? With you there, I'll feel more at ease."

"Thank you, Lord Ren. And what about you?" Lambert smiled.

"I'll escort you on the Bloodplume Wyvern for a while, but later, I need to leave for a bit. The Academy has some matters to attend to in this area."

"Don't worry, Lord Ren. With me here, I'll ensure the safety of Miss Anna and the others," Lambert said, patting his chest with a smile.

Soon, the Long Horizon Airship, originally belonging to Boris, took off again, this time heading for the outskirts of the Ferdinand Forest.

As the sun rose, Ryan embarked on his mission, riding the Bloodplume Wyvern and escorting the airship. He planned to ensure the vessel's safety before heading towards the Valzich Ruins.

Ryan casually checked the system's combat feedback:

【Congratulations! You have defeated a formidable foe and earned 58 Golden Skill Points!】

【Congratulations! Your Will (Hidden) attribute has improved!】

【Congratulations! Your Dragon Pulse Wizard (Legendary) profession level has increased!】

【Congratulations! Your Dragon Pulse Wizard (Legendary) profession level has risen again!】

If the previous one-hit defeat of the 'Evil Serpent' could be considered a battle, then Ryan had consecutively defeated Boris and Quelrut of the Serpent Sect, making it three consecutive fights.

Especially the latter two, who were genuinely Epic-level powerhouses.

This caused Ryan's legendary profession, Dragon Pulse Wizard, to level up eight times, skyrocketing from level 1 to level 9.

Ryan gained 8 attribute points and 8 skill points.

During the battles, Ryan had added 10 attribute points to restore his psychic energy.

As a result, after this series of events, Ryan currently had 12 remaining attribute points, 10 skill points, and an impressive 277 Golden Skill Points.

However, despite the rapid increase in his Dragon Pulse Wizard (Legendary) profession level, Ryan's remaining attribute points had only decreased by 2, still allowing him to support two or more moderate-intensity battles.

This filled Ryan with confidence for his upcoming journey to the Valzich Ruins.

Half an hour later, in the capital city of the Donnai Province.

In the heart of the city, within a luxurious mansion.

A robust man with a rugged face and golden hair stood in a third-floor study, overlooking the dense forest to the west.

"Lord Losa, an urgent imperial military report has arrived regarding a situation in the Ferdinand Forest," a guard hurriedly approached, bowing as he presented the intelligence.

"Oh? Finally, some news," Lord Losa, the robust man, quickly scanned the report and felt his heart skip a beat.

"Has Prince Seldrin of the Elven Race been lured and corrupted by the Mother Tree Sect?"

"For an Epic-level powerhouse to fall, there must be divine intervention involved; otherwise, it's nearly impossible."

"Is the so-called Supreme Mother Tree targeting the elves?"

"It seems the elves of Ferdinand Forest are in for a major crisis!"

Losa's thoughts shifted, and he spoke in a deep voice, "Inform everyone and prepare the airships. We depart in fifteen minutes for the First Outpost in Ferdinand Forest."

"Yes, Lord Losa."

Four guards entered in quick succession, helping the robust man don the full set of knight armor. The armor's surface bore intricate golden patterns, resembling some form of inscribed symbols.

Once fully geared up, the lion-like man, known as Losa Elliot, a veteran guardian of the Dragoon Empire with the title 'Imperial Bulwark,' picked up a knight's spear and a massive shield hanging on the wall.

The shield was an unusual square shape, two inches thick, and crafted from a dark purple metal. The most striking feature was the eighteen sharp spikes protruding from its surface, each resembling a razor-sharp dagger.

One could only imagine the devastating impact of such a shield.

A quarter of an hour later, a massive airship adorned with the shield's eighteen-spike pattern lifted off from the Donnai City airship port.

Meanwhile, in the capital city of the Gilrand Province.

At the highest point in the city, an airship port, another large vessel headed towards the First Outpost in the Ferdinand Forest.

Two hours later, the First Outpost in the Ferdinand Forest.

Two large airships arrived one after the other.

Inside the outpost, the garrison was bustling, working tirelessly. They had never expected to receive two imperial guardians in one day.

The highest-ranking officer, a middle-aged man in a colonel's uniform, was denied even the privilege of attending the conference. At this moment, he stood at the conference room door, overseeing the guard duty.

The spacious conference room, which could accommodate over forty people, now felt crowded with nearly twenty powerful individuals in various armor, robes, and uniforms.

The atmosphere seemed dense, as if each person's aura was extraordinary. Despite maintaining a distance, the room still felt packed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have received top-secret imperial intelligence. A significant incident has occurred in the Ferdinand Forest. Prince Seldrin of the Elven Race has been lured and corrupted by the Mother Tree Sect, and the city of Ferdinand is now in turmoil."

Losa, adorned in golden-patterned knight armor, spoke in a deep voice.

As he finished, gasps filled the room.

"Prince Seldrin? Isn't he from the Elven Race?"

"His power is said to have reached the Epic level, making this a challenging situation."

"You didn't hear Lord Losa; he was lured by the Mother Tree Sect. The most formidable opponent will be the Mother Tree Sect."

It was Ryan's friend, the 'Chimera Knight' Luther, who spoke.

"You're right, Luther. An unknown enemy is the most frightening."

As the meeting concluded at the First Outpost, a crisis unfolded in the central region of the Ferdinand Forest.

A vast city, over 80% covered in green vegetation, was under siege by an evil force.

A defensive, giant green vine-like plant, resembling an oversized ivy, encircled the city. However, a large section of the vine wall on the south side had been destroyed.

In the heart of the city, a magnificent white marble structure stands tall, resembling a grand temple. This is the palace of the Forest Elves, the Ferdinand Royal Family, spanning several kilometers. At its center, a colossal tree resembling a banyan tree rises, its canopy spreading like a half-circle, reaching a height of hundreds of meters.

This tree, known as the 'Ferdinand Forest Crown' or 'Andahil', is currently enveloped by a dazzling green barrier, protecting the palace and the city's central structures. Floating above the tree are five rhombus-shaped crystals, each over a meter tall, emitting half-meter-wide beams of light into the sky, converging to form the green hemispherical barrier.

If the town mayor of Basharan, Aldran, were here, he would immediately understand why there had been no news from Ferdinand City. The city has activated its ultimate defense—the 'Crystal Barrier'.

Once activated, the five emerald crystals, empowered by millennia of accumulated energy, can withstand attacks from demi-gods for a limited time, there's a small issue—no communication can get in or out. Not even high-level witchcraft messages can penetrate the intense energy fluctuations, ensuring absolute safety but also isolation.

In essence, the palace and its surrounding core area have become an isolated island.

Not far from the green barrier, a group of people are deep in discussion. There are four leaders, three of them clad in black robes with large tree patterns, and the other, a slender figure in dark leather armor, with pointed ears revealing his Elven heritage. Before him, a fist-sized transparent sphere hovers, containing a miniature golden tree.

A tiny tree, emitting a familiar aura, reminiscent of the golden sapling that appeared in the Nocturne Forest after the defeat of the flesh-tree spirit months ago.

"Prince Seldrin, if we destroy three of these five crystals, this ancient witchcraft array will be broken, right?" asks one of the black-robed elders on Seldrin's right.

"Yes, the crystal barrier can only be broken from the inside. When the number of crystals falls below three, the barrier will automatically fail."

As Seldrin reveals this top-secret information, his expression is peculiar, and his voice carries a hollow tone, as if he's immersed in his own world.

Upon closer inspection, his eyes are fixed on the miniature golden tree, as if admiring a rare treasure or a mesmerizing beauty.

Perhaps due to his prolonged gaze, Seldrin's eyes take on a faint dark red hue, and his sclera is laced with worm-like blood vessels.

"Aside from you, does anyone else know about this secret passage?" asks the other black-robed elder on Seldrin's left, eager to learn if there's a risk of an ambush.

"No, not even the Great Druids or the Grand Marshal know. It's a secret of the royal family." Seldrin's voice remains hollow as he continues to stare at the miniature golden tree.

"Excellent! Once the crystal barrier is broken, the Great Mother Tree Ganahil can descend directly from the void into our world!"

The black-robed elder speaks with a hint of disdain, glancing at Seldrin, still captivated by the miniature golden tree.

Seldrin, since establishing a secret connection with the Great Mother Tree Ganahil in the void months ago, has undergone a gradual transformation.

Half a month ago, he became a devoted follower of the Great Mother Tree.

"Your Highness, the moment you wish for and have long awaited—the rebirth of the Ferdinand Forest Crown, Andahil, whose life is nearing its end, can be realized immediately!"

The black-robed elder's eyes narrow with a mischievous glint, and a sly curve forms on his lips.

The ability to change the faith of an epic powerhouse and embrace the Great Mother Tree is not a simple task.

If not for a meticulous plan and Seldrin's unwavering determination to revive Andahil, who is at life's end, the Great Mother Tree's power alone would struggle to exert significant influence on a steadfast believer from afar.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end