LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 92
Chapter 92: The Last Night in the Great Forest
The elves living in the Great Forest had been betrayed in the previous world, and after the World Tree was burned down, they fell into a deep mistrust of humans.
The Mother World Tree had burned, and even Olgania, the child of the previous World Tree, had disappeared.
The trauma imprinted in the souls of the elves was truly terrible, and even after coming to Earth, they worshipped a false World Tree.
Despite the world having changed, and the need for adaptation, they still rejected humans and maintained their closed-off way of life.
A mysterious plague had spread.
A monster called the Chaos Ant dared to threaten the Great Forest, and eventually, a horrifying incident occurred when a doppelganger was discovered among the elders leading the elves.
If it hadn’t been for the Saintess of the Dead, Shia, and the Hero Yujin… the elves might not have been able to greet a new dawn.
And today, the Great Forest greeted a new morning in the truest sense.
“I, Olgania Eiranier Veld.”
“I, Olgania Farseer.”
For the first time since returning to Earth, the elves of the Great Forest were filled with joy.
“I declare that the child of the World Tree has returned to you.”
“Children of the Twilight, children of the morning dew, children of the Lotus Lake.”
“On behalf of the Mother World Tree, I bless you.”
Not just one child of the World Tree, but two.
The lost child had returned.
The living proof that upheld the spirit and blessings of the elves had come back.
Thus, to commemorate this joyous day, all the elves beautifully illuminated the Great Hall.
The spirits, who had not danced since the World Tree was burned, sang and danced on the wind, and it was a day when no one could hide their joy.
[In the name of the Saintess of the Dead, Shia, I guarantee this. You are the rightful children of the World Tree.]
And in the center of the Great Hall, where countless elves knelt, Shia stood holding the hands of the two Olganias.
The space, filled with joy and praise, felt like a vast church or cathedral graced by the blessings of the gods.
[Oh, those who have received the great gift of the heavens, who have gained true connection, let us all sing the song of joy together.]
[Even if only one remains in this land, if there is a soul to share your heart with, let everyone rejoice.]
[But if even that cannot be done, let them quietly depart with tears.]
[However, our children of the World Tree, you must embrace those who shed those tears.]
[Oh, descendants of the World Tree, may all children drink of joy in the bosom of nature.]
Shia, with her Holy Power, was declaring to all the elves that the child of the World Tree they had lost had truly returned.
To those gathered in the Great Hall, to the scouts and knights on patrol, and even to those like the Chaos Ant doppelganger who wished to live as an elf.
[All the righteous, and all the wicked.]
[Walk the rose-strewn path gifted by the Great Forest, and nature shall bestow kisses and vines, delivering a bond that not even death can sever.]
[As the sun moves across countless stars, as it joyfully soars through the vast sky, walk together, brothers and sisters.]
[Embrace one another, for this is a kiss for the whole world.]
By the way, the seemingly profound prayer Shia recited… was just a part of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, 4th movement [Choral], taken and adapted.
Because Shia wasn’t particularly good at such things.
She had always struggled with creating eloquent and elaborate prayers.
Even during Thanksgiving blessings in the previous world, she had made several mistakes.
After that, Shia preferred to just borrow nice phrases or words from old sages and use them in her prayers instead of coming up with strange things herself.
This method also garnered much better reactions from people.
It’s not like the elves would know Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, 4th movement anyway.
In truth, what even is a prayer?
Sincerely wishing for someone’s blessing and praying for them—that’s what a prayer is.
The true meaning is that sincerity is more important than well-crafted words.
[In the name of the Saintess of the Dead, today, this paradise shall be filled with joy.]
And just like parents holding the hands of a bride and groom, Shia held the hands of the two Olganias, both of whom smiled brightly at her.
“As the child of the World Tree, I guarantee it. You are the benefactor of the Great Forest and the elves…”
“And you are a truly devout and human-like saintess.”
“Wow!”
“Olgania!”
“The child of the World Tree has truly returned!”
“Everything will be fine now!”
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for being alive!”
Many elves cried with joy, laughed, cheered, and sang.
Of course, Shia was also happy.
However, the reason why the Saintess of the Dead, Shia, could genuinely smile at this moment wasn’t because of something grand.
Saving Olgania, rescuing the two children of the World Tree, and delivering the elves—sure…
Yes, that was obviously a source of joy.
But, Shia had never doubted for a moment that she would save Olgania.
It could have been called dangerous, and there wasn’t solid evidence, but Shia was sure that as a saintess, she would be able to save Olgania and the despairing Great Forest, and she believed it was only natural to do so.
So, the real reason for Shia’s happiness was something else.
‘Now I can finally eat meat…!’
Having survived on World Tree leaf pancakes…
Just knowing that she could escape this green vegan hell was enough for Shia to rejoice and enjoy this last moment.
○○○○
After the declaration that the child of the World Tree had returned to the arms of the Great Forest, a feast began.
In fact, the elves’ feasts weren’t all that different from human festivals.
They constantly brought out delicious food, sang and danced, and the spirits’ bright, fiery dance illuminated the Great Forest as night fell.
The joy seemed to reach even those who had nothing to do with it, and the colorful dance moves captivated everyone’s eyes.
The lush Great Forest sang along.
The undying dew wet the earth, and the joyful soil and flowers proclaimed to the world that the child of the World Tree had returned.
They were happy.
They were filled with joy.
Everything was going to be okay now.
That was the thought of everyone present.
Of course, Shia didn’t eat anything during this festival and feast.
She had grown tired of the terrible green elf vegan food, and the Malevolent Energy she had sucked out of Olgania’s body earlier was strong enough to sustain her for several months.
Having eaten so much that she felt like bursting, she had no appetite for the elves’ vegan dishes.
“Once again, thank you, Shia. For saving me, for healing my people, and for restoring the sick Great Forest.”
Olgania bowed her head toward Shia, causing the large spirit pouch around her to sway.
“And for freeing the suffering World Tree… there’s nothing I shouldn’t be thankful for.”
“It was only natural as a saintess. Is your body okay?”
“Yes, honestly, I thought it wouldn’t be strange if I died… but I’m alive, thanks to you, Shia.”
Fortunately, thanks to Shia sucking out all the Malevolent Energy from Olgania’s body and manifesting the Miracle of Great Healing, Olgania had regained her full strength, to the point where she could act right away.
Of course, there were still some aftereffects.
Half of Olgania’s body had been eroded for a long time by Malevolent Energy and the fragments of the Demon King, leaving her with a dark scar-like mark, and a horn made of decayed World Tree branches had grown on one side of her head.
Shia’s Miracle of Great Healing wasn’t just a healing miracle—it brought the body to what it judged as its optimal state. So, Olga’s current appearance was likely what her body deemed the best form.
“But how will we tell you two apart? Calling your full names every time is a bit annoying.”
Originally, even pronouncing elf names in a way humans could understand was difficult.
Forcing them into human language resulted in long names with no spaces.
“Wouldn’t it be fine to just go with something simple? You can call me ‘Olga,’ Shia, and I can be ‘Olga’ or ‘Little Olga,’ while you can call my sister ‘Olgania.'”
At Little Olga’s suggestion, Shia tilted her head.
Well, if you think about it, it wasn’t strange to consider the two Olganias as sisters.
“Is that okay?”
“Of course, Shia. Please call us whatever you’re comfortable with.”
“We’ve already decided to call each other ‘sister’ anyway.”
“From the outside, you two look more like mother and daughter though…”
“Oh my, Shia. I’m still unmarried, you know?”
By the way, the relationship between Olgania, the child of the previous World Tree, and Olga, the child of the last World Tree, had become a bit complex and subtle.
Originally, the child of the World Tree was one being, a unique existence, and the reason a new child of the World Tree would be born was that the previous one had perished.
Therefore, even though they were both children of the World Tree, they had never met, and it was awkward to even refer to them as family.
But now, with two living children of the World Tree coexisting in the same time and space, it was a highly unusual case, even among special cases.
“Still, if I had to say, she’s my older sister. Though we’re not related by blood, so it’s not like I’m that attached to her. Besides, both she and I are proud children of the World Tree, so calling her ‘sister’ is merely…”
“Considering you cried your eyes out yesterday, clinging to Big Olgania, isn’t that a bit much?”
“…Th-that was…”
“Were you longing for your sister’s embrace?”
Little Olga’s face turned bright red as she puffed out her cheeks, at a loss for words.
She must have wanted to appear mature, pretending everything was fine, but from Shia’s perspective, having seen her sobbing in Big Olgania’s arms for over an hour, it was hard not to smile.
“Olgania.”
At that moment, a voice called out from somewhere, causing Olga to stiffen slightly.
It was Elder Gallard and the other elders under him.
Since the two Olganias had started sharing memories, they were aware that Elder Gallard and the other elders had treated young Olga like a princess pushed aside in a power struggle.
Naturally, Big Olgania’s expression hardened slightly as she stepped forward, as if to shield Little Olga.
“…I understand that we may make you uncomfortable on such a joyous day, but we judged that this might be our only chance to speak, so we commit this disrespect.”
And then, Gallard and the elders all bowed their heads in unison toward Olgania and Shia.
“On behalf of the council of elders, I sincerely apologize, Olgania.”
“For what?”
“For everything. We treated you as a child and did not acknowledge you as the child of the World Tree.”
At this, Big Olgania’s brow furrowed slightly.
Yujin had mentioned before that Olgania had quite the temper back in the day, but she was surprisingly holding back well.
Yes, whether human or elf.
No matter how good the initial purpose is, if the power and rights within a group grow, it is inevitable to fall into its sweetness.
“The council of elders, including myself, Gallard, will now return to our original roles as hands and feet to assist the child of the World Tree… We will relinquish all power and rights. If you choose to punish us, we will accept it.”
“…This isn’t something you should be bowing to me for, is it?”
At her words, Gallard lifted his head and bowed once again, this time toward Little Olgania, who stood behind Big Olgania.
“Olgania Farseer, I will follow your judgment.”
“…Phew.”
Olga, who was standing next to Shia, jumped down and stood in front of Elder Gallard.
There was no sign of the timid girl who once cowered under the pressure of the council.
“Do you know how much you’ve upset me?”
“…I see, Lady Olgania.”
“Every time we had meetings, you dismissed me for being too young. I’m already grown up, but you always put a time limit on my outings, and you were completely against calling in Shia!”
“Yes, Lady Olgania… it is all because of this old man’s poor judgment. Even if I am stripped of my position as an elder, I will accept it. If you want me to grow cabbages on the northern hill, I will do so.”
“Hmph, that’s not going to happen.”
Olga puffed out her chest, her shoulders brimming with confidence as Gallard lowered his head in apology.
“I hereby issue a lifetime service decree to the council of elders, including Elder Gallard!”
“…?”
“The purpose of the elders is to assist and support the child of the World Tree, to be their hands and feet! I’m telling you to properly fulfill that role from now on!”
“But, Lady Olgania… that’s not even a punishment…”
“It’s for life! Lifetime! Don’t think about dying somewhere; work and help until the very end. There’s no elf older than Elder Gallard, right? That means you can serve as my hands and feet for that much longer.”
“……..”
Though it was called a service decree, in reality, Olgania wasn’t taking anything away from the council of elders, nor was she imposing any kind of punishment.
“I understand. I will follow Lady Olgania’s will.”
In exchange, Olgania gained the loyalty of the council of elders.
A loyalty that would not change.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an easy loyalty.
They would have to work hard to prove their devotion.
“Looks like you didn’t even need me, huh?”
“Seems that way.”
Big Olgania and Shia shrugged their shoulders.
●●●●
“…..”
Yujin gazed at the brightly shining Great Forest from within the shadows.
It had been a long time since Yujin had seen the spirits dancing.
The fact that the spirits were dancing meant there was no longer worry, sadness, trauma, or depression in the hearts and subconscious of the elves, the children of this Great Forest.
At this moment, they had truly forgotten the past and were lost in joy.
But…
‘I don’t have a place here.’
No matter that she had saved Olgania, the one who had engraved trauma into the souls of the elves was herself.
Even though she had burned the World Tree to absorb its power, she hadn’t even been able to defeat the Demon King.
In a way, she hadn’t even properly fulfilled Olgania’s final request.
No matter how much she wanted to see her again, or how much she wanted to see her face one more time, Yujin believed he had no right to step into that bright place.
But at least, meeting Olgania one last time…
“Sigh, I’m wanting something beyond my station.”
Wrapped in the illusion of a man, Yujin leaned against a tree.
Yes, everything had worked out.
Olgania, her former comrade, and the last child of the World Tree, had both been saved thanks to the Saintess of the Dead, Shia.
The elves would no longer be tormented by the trauma of losing the World Tree.
As Olgania had said, the World Tree, before being corrupted by the Demon King and before Yujin had burned it, had already passed on the power to control the spirits and the blessings to all the elves.
The two Olganias would fill the void left by the Mother World Tree, and the elves who had come to Earth could now move on from the past and adapt to a new world.
Crunch!
“Urk?!”
At that moment, a sudden, overwhelming grip seized Yujin from behind, making her grit her teeth.
In truth, she had sensed someone coming long ago, but if she had dodged to avoid it, the person would only have used an even more brutal force to grab her later.
No, even if she had known, it would have been difficult to react.
She was still recovering from an exhausting battle, her mana almost depleted, and how could she escape from hands that emerged from the tree itself?
“Long time no see, Yujin.”
“…Grrk…”
The owner of the hands that had sprung from the tree was Olgania.
The former child of the World Tree and Yujin’s comrade, Big Olgania.
As a child of the World Tree, she could easily use the ability to merge with the forest or trees.
Even while strangling Yujin with one hand, Olgania affectionately rubbed her cheek against her.
“…Grrk, l-let go…ugh…”
“Hahaha, I don’t know how long it’s been.”
Yes, she smiled with a face full of emotion, but…
“There were times when I was conscious, and sometimes I would fall into a sleep-like state, but I’m really glad I never forgot your face.”
It would be nice if she loosened her perfect headlock a bit.
“Yujin, did you miss me? I really missed you.”
“L-let go…seriously…”
“No.”
Let me clarify once again.
Big Olgania was a spirit fighter.
If things had gone a bit differently, she could have fought the Demon King head-on, and her strength was enough to send the Saintess of the Dead, Shia, flying with a single blow.
Though she had been defeated this time by Yujin and Shia’s combo, her power was still not to be underestimated.
In other words, it was nearly impossible for Yujin to escape from Olgania’s grasp on her own.
“I don’t want to let you go anymore.”
Sensing an oddly obsessive atmosphere, Yujin instinctively stopped moving and made eye contact with Olgania.
Yes, Olgania…
She had always been a bit prickly and rough around the edges, but deep down, she had held considerable affection for Yujin during their days as comrades.
And it seemed that affection had not withered even after their long separation, surviving through all this time.
Crunch…
“Grr…!”
Of course, as Yujin struggled for breath under the weight of that affection, she found herself unable to put up much resistance.
It wasn’t just because she believed she had done many things wrong…
‘I…I can’t breathe… It feels like my neck is about to snap…’
The sheer strength in Olgania’s muscular arms, honed as a spirit fighter, was more than Yujin could endure.
S-seriously, s-stop… I’m going to die…
“Oh, sorry. I guess I got too excited.”
“Haa…haa…”
Only after Yujin’s face had turned a ghastly shade of blue did Olgania finally let go.
“Haa…haa… By the way, I was hiding behind an illusion. How did you know it was me?”
“How could I not recognize you?”
“Yeah, I suppose that’s true.”
Even though Yujin had masked herself with an illusion of a man, Olgania had spent more time with her than anyone else in the previous world, so she was the first to notice something off about her appearance.
For a moment, the two leaned against the tree, feeling each other’s warmth.
“This reminds me of the old days.”
“…Does it?”
Yujin couldn’t bring herself to say, “Yeah, me too.”
How could she look her in the face after failing to carry out even her last request and being unable to save the world?
“Yujin, do you remember the last thing I said to you?”
“…No.”
She remembered.
She remembered everything about her.
She had never forgotten, not for a single moment.
But she had been too afraid… that’s why it took her so long to come here.
She hadn’t even known she was alive, let alone in pain.
“It’s okay. I remember.”
[I am…the child of the Mother World Tree… Yujin, when I die… bury me there… and…]
[Burn the World Tree that has already been tainted.]
[Though it was defiled by the Demon King, if you take the power of the World Tree…you…]
Though it had been long ago, it was still as vivid as if it had happened yesterday.
“Haha, the last conversation I had with the Hero at the end of the world was that… It’s a bit embarrassing. But thank you…”
“…I’m not a Hero, Olgania.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
Olgania turned her body and looked directly at Yujin.
“…I couldn’t even protect the world from the Demon King. I didn’t carry out your final request. I’m not even a Hero… I was nothing but a liar who didn’t deserve the title of Hero.”
“…..”
“Yeah, Olgania. Like you said
… I should have just stayed in the countryside, quietly living a peaceful life, instead of becoming a Hero…”
Crunch!
“Urk!?”
“This…this is what happens when the already negative guy loses track of herself because I wasn’t around?”
“Wh-what…urk…what are you saying, Olgania…l-let go of me…!”
“No. You need a good scolding.”
As she tightened her grip on Yujin’s neck with her arm and the spirit pouch, Olgania continued in a slightly irritated tone.
“Did you really think my last words to you were to kill the Demon King?”
“Th-then…what was it…”
[Though it was defiled by the Demon King, if you take the power of the World Tree…you…]
“You’ll live. You have to live.”
“……”
“Don’t be sad. Live. Don’t die, live. If possible, I wanted you to live happily, even in my place.”
I was going to say that, but I closed my eyes before I could.
Saying that, Olgania loosened her grip on Yujin’s neck and met her eyes.
However, even so, Yujin couldn’t speak for a while, only staring at Olgania in a daze.
“My so-called last words… they weren’t anything grand. I just wanted you, Yujin… to live.”
“………..”
It wasn’t a command to kill the Demon King.
Nor was it a request to protect the world.
As she said this, Olgania gently stroked Yujin’s face.
“I don’t expect that my words alone will lift the burden of guilt you’ve carried…”
“………”
Olgania wiped away the small tear drop hanging on Yujin’s eyelid with her finger.
The drop had a slightly salty taste.
“But at least the guilt I placed on your shoulders, you can let go of that.”
“………”
“I’m really happy to see you again. And I really missed you.”
“…….I didn’t. I didn’t miss you.”
I missed you too.
“Yeah, I know.”
“………….”
I thought I didn’t deserve to cry.
That’s how I lived.
That’s how I acted.
But just for now, just for this moment…
Please forgive me for crying so shamefully in your arms.
“Hello, Yujin.”
“Hello, Olga.”