Chapter 579: What Kind of Tree Is This?
After parting ways with Sophia-sama and Erwin-sama, we headed toward the group preparing to ascend the mountain.
They looked fully ready. Determination shone on every face, their expressions brimming with resolve.
They were probably filled with the conviction that they would be the ones to purify this corrupted land. I understood that feeling well—if anything, I could feel my own resolve tightening too.
Our role this time was to apply Rapid Growth to the areas after they had been purified.
“We’ll be joining you as well.”
“Julius-sama! That is most reassuring. You’ll be bringing Rapid Growth along too, correct? Please leave the transport to us.”
“Then I’ll gladly accept your help.”
Someone stepped forward to accompany the wagon loaded with Rapid Growth. Perhaps I should have asked the knights who helped produce the fertilizer to come along as well. I’d make sure to request that next time.
By the time we returned to the royal castle, a considerable amount of Rapid Growth would likely have been produced. Even if production slowed a little, it should be fine. The gardeners alone could probably manage from there.
We set off toward the mountain together with the researchers and alchemists. With several guards accompanying us, there shouldn’t be any issues. Besides, I hadn’t heard any reports of monsters inhabiting this mountain.
We arrived at the contaminated area. Immediately, the alchemists began scattering purification powder. In sync with them, I used wind magic to spread the powder over a wide area, just like last time.
Since we had brought a larger quantity this time, we were able to purify a considerable area in one go.
“As expected of Professor Julius’s magic. This entire area has been purified in no time at all.”
“That’s thanks to everyone here. Next, I’d like to apply the Rapid Growth—could you assist me?”
“Of course!”
Giovanni-sama replied with a bright smile. The alchemists and researchers who heard him all smiled as well.
They must have been curious about Rapid Growth. After all, I had rather forcefully classified it as fertilizer rather than a magical concoction, so they hadn’t been able to experiment with it themselves.
Starting from the areas that had been purified, I explained the proper amounts and began distributing the fertilizer. It would have been convenient to spread it using wind magic, but I decided against it.
If I increased the strength of my wind magic, it would certainly be possible—but there was a risk it might flip Fabienne’s skirt.
Even though she was wearing clothes meant to get dirty, today’s outfit was still a town-girl-style skirt. Using magic to accidentally flip up my fiancée’s skirt? That would be absolutely unforgivable. Best to exercise restraint.
“Is such a small amount really enough?”
“It’s fine. I conducted proper growth tests beforehand. With this amount, it should grow into a fine tree in about two weeks.”
“In two weeks…”
Giovanni-sama murmured under his breath, almost as if groaning. Huh? Was that still too fast? But if it took any longer, the forestry industry in this region would suffer serious losses.
Rebuilding abandoned towns and villages is incredibly difficult. If it came to that, it would be better to preserve them—even if it meant taking slightly forceful measures.
Well, it’ll be fine. If anything happens, we can just attribute it all to the Forest Spirit. Truly amazing, that Forest Spirit—magnificent and reliable!
“Did someone call for me, my friend Julius?”
“The Forest Spirit!”
At some point, the Forest Spirit had appeared without anyone noticing. Seeing its presence, several people nearly dropped to their knees in reverence, but the Forest Spirit stopped them with a single raised hand.
Wow… that’s cool.
“Stay as you are. We are already comrades. There is no need for such formalities. More importantly… thank you. Truly.”
“Please, don’t bow, Forest Spirit!”
This time, it was the researchers who hurriedly stopped the Forest Spirit from lowering its head. It was a touching scene—but at this rate, the work wasn’t going to get done.
I explained our purification efforts and plans for restoring the forest. The Forest Spirit listened, nodding along, before offering a suggestion.
“Further ahead lies a place where the corruption is especially severe. It seems the blight is spreading outward from there. I have been holding it back with my power, but doing so leaves me unable to assist in restoring other areas. If possible, could you begin the purification from there?”
“Of course. Julius-sama, that poses no problem, correct?”
The most senior among the researchers turned to me for confirmation.
Why I was being treated as if I were in charge here, I had no idea—but if it helped advance the purification, I had no objections. Though, for the record, I’d like it noted that I wasn’t entirely comfortable being treated as the leader.
“Then let’s begin by purifying the most heavily corrupted area. Forest Spirit, would you guide us?”
“Certainly. This way.”
The Forest Spirit immediately led the way. The destination was near the summit of the mountain—a massive, pitch-black tree.
What the… this is bad.
Could this have once been the sacred tree of the Raven Kingdom?
The sheer abnormality of it made everyone’s expressions stiffen. Even the researchers, usually eager to investigate anything unusual, hesitated this time, perhaps sensing real danger.
“Could that be…?”
“You know something, Aiden?”
“I once heard that there was a great tree on this mountain, revered as a guardian deity. That might be it…”
“A guardian deity…”
It seemed that this guardian tree had taken the full brunt of the Bone Dragon’s corruption. An ordinary tree would have withered away entirely—but this one had endured. And in doing so, it had become something tainted itself.
Somehow, that felt a little tragic.
“H-Hey… didn’t that tree just move?”
“Haha… what are you talking ab—”
Before the words could finish, one of the massive black branches of the giant tree shifted.
Fabienne let out a small, stifled gasp and clung tightly to my arm. The softness pressed against me was… incredible. I had to clamp down hard to keep my expression from melting.
Focus. Stay serious. Keep calm.