Awakening The Only SSS-Rank Class! Now Even Dragons Obey Me Chapter 773: Divine Prophet

Daniel remained perched near the tree, his sword held low yet at the ready. His attention oscillated between the four newcomers and the pulsating fruit suspended above the branch, his expression utterly devoid of emotion.

The quartet exchanged glances, their gazes then settling on Daniel with an air of evident reluctance to answer his query.

Or perhaps, beyond hesitation, a certain astonishment was apparent. This surprise in turn perplexed Daniel, as he could not fathom what aspect of his question had caused such a reaction.

Could it be that these individuals expected him to recognize the cursed tree? But on what grounds would such an expectation arise?

The most logical conclusion was that this tree possessed a far greater renown than was immediately obvious, a fact that could potentially illuminate many things for him.

At this juncture, Elisira advanced, her focus shifting from the tree to Daniel.

"You do not appear to be here with the intent to destroy it." Her voice carried a placid resonance, yet beneath it lay a cool, analytical edge, as though she were intently probing the boy with the golden eyes.

"Not yet," Daniel responded without missing a beat. He found the girl's question peculiar; why would he harbor intentions of destroying this tree?

Conversely, it seemed this individual and her companions had anticipated his arrival with the purpose of its destruction, and in light of that expectation, he offered a reply that preserved a breadth of possibilities.

His response was concise yet deliberately ambiguous. The paramount characteristic was this very vagueness, designed to circumvent their suspicion. Naturally, their suspicion held no consequence for him, but for the present, his objective was to glean as much information from them as feasible.

Elisira's azure eyes contract slightly for a moment; her scrutiny lingered for a mere few seconds. It wasn't a comprehensive examination of his person, but rather a pointed focus on his eyes.

Those golden orbs, unnaturally striking. She had never encountered a soul with such an eye hue. Could it be that this man was not a native of this continent at all?

"Your eyes are unusual. Is it possible you hail from beyond this continent?" Her lips moved subtly as the question was posed.

Daniel maintained an impassive demeanor, his gaze unwavering. He had not anticipated that this maiden would deduce his extraneous origin with such alacrity. Of course, he had made no concerted effort to conceal it either.

Kieran, who until that precise instant had been positioned a half-step ahead, brought his brows together in a frown.

His gaze flickered between the two individuals.

"You are perhaps too readily conversing with a stranger, Princess," he remarked, his tone dry.

He enunciated the word 'stranger' with a particular emphasis, conveying not merely a caution but an unspoken objection, as if he were displeased by their burgeoning proximity.

"I am engaged in conversation," Elisira stated, her eyes remaining fixed on Daniel.

Kieran lapsed into silence, compelled to acquiesce, yet his hand remained poised on the hilt of his sword. It suggested a readiness to act should an opportune moment arise to confront this unknown man.

At that moment, Saren slowly released a breath.

"If he is not of this continent, is it not more prudent to inform him?" His gaze traversed from the tree to Daniel, then back to Elisira.

"Logical," Elisira concurred, finally diverting her attention from Daniel. She fixed her gaze upon the tree for a few contemplative moments.

She exhibited a degree of hesitation regarding the disclosure, yet the information she contemplated sharing was public knowledge, and its impartation to a stranger would scarcely alter the grand scheme of things.

Moreover, a nascent curiosity about this enigmatic stranger had taken root within her, and it would be a lamentable outcome should he meet his demise merely for his presence here.

"Inform him," she commanded softly, bestowing a nearly imperceptible nod.

"That which stands beside you is known by various appellations within our empire," Saren commenced, initiating his explanation of the tree.

He paused momentarily.

"The Cycle Tree," he declared, his tone imbued with a subtle gravity as he continued.

"And more significantly... the Cursed Tree."

A brief silence descended, as if he were carefully considering his subsequent pronouncements. Daniel remained quiescent, an attentive listener.

"Its true nature remains an enigma. Numerous legends surround it." His finger lifted slightly, as if enumerating distinct points.

"Some narratives claim that each instance of its fruiting precipitates a continental calamity."

"Others posit that this tree absorbs malevolence, and should its accumulation reach a critical threshold, it detonates."

"And a segment of belief contends..." His eyes narrowed momentarily, a spark of heightened enthusiasm animating his expression as he concluded,

"That this is not a tree at all, but rather a portal." With that, his explanation concluded, affording Daniel a moment for reflection.

"So, it is indeed a renowned entity," Daniel mused under his breath. As he had suspected, the tree seemed to command considerable fame, shrouded in a tapestry of legends.

Naturally, he dismissed all such tales as preposterous and lacking in reason. He could readily discern that this was no mythical artifact nor a vessel for sequestering corruption.

Rather, it was an entity that consumed vital essence, drawing sustenance from it.

However, the legend concerning its fruit might hold a kernel of truth, given that the tower had also tasked him with its protection until the fruit reached full maturity.

This directive carried but a single implication: the tree's ultimate significance lay in its fruit.

"A few weeks prior, the Divine Prophet issued a decree," Elisira interjected, adding a crucial detail.

"This tree must be destroyed." These words were more than mere information this time; they were a crucial command that compelled the entire continent to comply.

"Divine Prophet..." Daniel subtly elevated his gaze. The tone they used clearly conveyed profound respect for this Divine Prophet.

But why would someone known as the Divine Prophet issue an order for a tree's destruction?

"Her decree is absolute law. I don’t know your origin, but on our continent, she is the most significant human. It is said she communicates directly with the gods," Saren affirmed, nodding in agreement.

"And when she pronounces a decree, the continent’s most formidable warriors are mobilized to execute her command. They are likely en route already."

"We journeyed here to observe this tree before its inevitable obliteration."

Daniel remained silent for a few moments, his mind racing with analysis while maintaining a state of calm.

His attention re-focused on the fruit. It was evident that whoever this Divine Prophet was, she would pose the most significant challenge for him on this particular floor. He had no knowledge of the timeframe required for the fruit to reach full maturity.

This situation implied a potential confrontation with the world’s most powerful individuals. While not unwelcome, as it presented a valuable chance to grow stronger, the core issue was time. His objective was to conquer this floor as swiftly as possible, but now he might be compelled to remain here for an extended period.

‘Still, the true nature of this tree remains a mystery, and in this predicament, it seems only this Divine Prophet holds the answer to that particular question,’ he mused internally.

‘Could she be the ultimate adversary? A human capable of conversing with deities, you say?’ Daniel let out a mocking chuckle.

Let alone a human who communed with gods, he had already faced a deity on the previous floor. Naturally, he harbored no fear of this one either.

Daniel shifted his gaze away from the tree, directing it toward the princess.

"I would appreciate it if you could provide details about this Holy Empire," he stated, changing the subject. Since he could no longer extract useful information regarding the cursed tree, he deemed it more prudent to acquire knowledge about this realm.

"A governance system rooted in religious principles, operating on a straightforward tenet," Elisira responded without hesitation.

"We have been chosen for the purpose of eradicating corruption." Her declaration was resolute, indicating a genuine conviction in her words.

"To obliterate beasts of corruption? And by whom were you chosen?"

"By the gods, naturally. The Divine Prophet herself has validated this," Kieran interjected with evident pride.

Daniel nodded. This tower floor might very well be a simulated representation of a world that had succumbed to an invasion by corruption beasts and consequently been annihilated by them.

"We have addressed your inquiries. Now, it is your turn. Who precisely are you?" Elisira then reiterated her question.

Kieran reacted instantly, his hand subtly moving to rest on his sword's hilt.

Daniel remained quiet for a few seconds.

"A traveler from an exceedingly distant land, who has no desire for this tree to be destroyed," he finally replied in a very low tone.

He offered no further elaboration, yet this statement was sufficient to intensify the atmosphere, causing the tension to escalate sharply.

Kieran advanced half a step, as if preparing to draw his blade against Daniel. Saren and the accompanying knight also adopted battle-ready stances.

The palpable tension was on the verge of erupting, but the princess raised her hand slightly, signaling them to halt, without diverting her gaze from Daniel.

"Princess, why do you restrain us? His preceding statement was utter blasphemy! It’s unequivocally clear that he intends to defy the Divine Prophet’s ordained command!" Kieran exclaimed with sternness.

"Such an individual warrants immediate execution!"

Elisira prepared to respond, but at that precise moment, she sensed something amiss.

Daniel abruptly turned his head slightly. His eyes narrowed, and his divine sense expanded once more.

The perception that followed caused a flicker of amusement to dance in his eyes.

Dozens of distinct presences were converging on their current location from various vectors.

"It appears we have acquired additional guests," he remarked, his gaze still fixed on the surrounding forest.