Sand Mage of the Burnt Desert Chapter 592

Chapter 592

Latricia's face turned rigid as rock.

Having led the High Elves for countless years, she instantly grasped the reason behind Zeon's words.

“...Hoo! So you're saying the races of Kurayan will turn into scavengers just to stay alive.”

“That's their only path to survival.”

“Haah!”

“I'm sorry. For dropping such a heavy truth…”

“No. We have to get ready for it.”

Latricia, much like Zeon, had endured endless trials. She knew full well the world's brutality and how vicious humans and elves could turn in such a nightmarish realm.

No elf, no matter how honorable or righteous, would remain unchanged if abandoned in the desert without food for three days—they'd become outlaws.

That was the desert's true nature.

In this land, an elf's noble arrogance held no value.

Survival demanded any means necessary, and killing or robbing came easily.

“The world will plunge into deeper chaos.”

“No exposure has hit this spot yet, so you can relax for now.”

“Still, preparations are essential. I'll warn the other elves to stay extra vigilant too.”

Currently, a barrier and Arisedon shielded the World Tree Village completely. Yet, that didn't stop the High Elves from venturing out.

They kept scouting nearby regions and collecting intel, bracing for the World Tree's expanding power.

Thus, those scouting High Elves risked detection by humans or other races.

Hundreds of thousands from El Harun had spilled into the world.

Most would trail Del Roa in groups, but some were bound to break free.

Stragglers might wander straight here.

“Hoo…”

A shuddering sigh escaped Latricia, the very idea filling her with dread.

Hiding the World Tree indefinitely was impossible.

As it expanded, discovery became inevitable.

Then, hordes would swarm unbidden.

Until that moment, she aimed to conceal it while bolstering their forces. But the world rarely followed plans.

Out of every ten schemes, six or seven derailed.

Latricia hoped El Harun's people would uncover this haven as late as possible.

Her eyes shifted to Zeon.

‘Thank goodness that man stands with us.’

Allied, Zeon proved more dependable than even Arisedon.

No ally brought greater comfort.

Right then—

“Zeon!”

Brielle dashed over, shouting his name. Excitement lit her features.

“Is it true?”

“What is?”

“That there's a teleportation method.”

“You heard it from Levin.”

“Yeah! Is it real?”

“It’s true.”

“Waaah!”

Watching Brielle's joyful outburst, Latricia inquired with a confused look,

“What’s that about? Teleport?”

“It means installing a portal here lets you travel to Neo Seoul or the Primordial Forest anytime.”

“Is that possible?”

Latricia stared at Brielle, doubt in her eyes.

Brielle gazed at Zeon, her eyes sparkling with hope.

“Quick, turn on the portal.”

“Hold on a sec.”

Zeon pulled a teleport gem from his subspace and scanned the area.

He sought the perfect installation spot.

Zeon picked the spot directly before the World Tree.

It seemed the World Tree itself desired the portal there.

Zeon triggered the teleport gem right in front of the World Tree. Instantly, a portal shimmered into existence.

Latricia's eyes grew wide.

“A portal…”

“This portal links to any other installed one. But please hold off on using it for now.”

“Naturally. We can't reveal the World Tree's presence yet.”

“I'll give admin rights just to you and Brielle.”

“Thank you.”

Latricia dipped her head in thanks.

Brielle circled the portal excitedly, yelling,

“So we can zip to Neo Seoul anytime with this?”

“Yeah.”

“But don't head straight there yet. If you must go, route through the Primordial Forest.”

“The Primordial Forest connects too?”

“I set one up there on my way here.”

“Waaah! Then I can visit Har unni whenever?”

“Even this instant, if you like.”

“Then let's go now.”

“Won't exposing World Tree Village bother you?”

“I trust Har unni completely. Remember? Who birthed the first spirit on Earth?”

“I remember well.”

Har's light spirit Yuri had paved the way for all Earth-born spirits.

In essence, Yuri stood as the origin of Earth's spirits.

Zeon turned to Latricia.

“Your thoughts, Lady Latricia?”

“We can head to this Primordial Forest immediately?”

“If desired.”

“The World Tree yearns for it.”

“What?”

“Forests crave connections. A portal link would let spiritual energy flow between here and the Primordial Forest.”

“Perhaps. Got it.”

Zeon gave a nod.

Though he believed it could be premature, the intense longing from those most concerned made it acceptable to link them without delay.

Zeon promptly connected it to the portal in the Primordial Forest.

Saaa—!

With the portal swinging open, the World Tree rustled its branches and leaves in a welcoming sway.

Right then, a figure stepped through the portal into the World Tree Village.

The bewildered girl glancing about was none other than Har.

Brielle leaped in delight at Har's arrival.

“Unni!”

“Brielle? Don’t tell me this is the World Tree Village?”

“Yeah! How did you come?”

“I felt that the portal connected somewhere else…”

“Really? You came at the perfect time.”

Brielle seized Har’s hand, overflowing with joy.

Not just Har emerged from the portal—her spirit, Yuri, followed too.

Yuri, gazing around in astonishment, soon locked eyes on Liri and darted over.

—Liri!

—Yuri!

The pair of spirits twirled together, drifting around the World Tree.

—Waaah!

—Light!

Suddenly, spirits from across the forest detected Yuri and surged toward her in droves.

Every spirit shared a deep bond with Yuri, the inaugural spirit born in the Primordial Forest.

Sharararak!

Countless spirits whirling around the World Tree in Yuri's wake created a breathtaking spectacle.

Pleased by their dance, the World Tree vigorously trembled its leaves.

The High Elves, stunned by the abrupt mass of spirits taking flight, gaped at the sky.

Even they had never witnessed spirits gathering in such vast numbers before.

The spirits' collective flight formed a truly awe-inspiring display.

Light particles sprinkled across the air, painting the sky in vibrant five hues.

Those shimmering bits from the spirits got soaked up by the World Tree's leaves on contact. The tree then released intensified spiritual energy, making the spirits glow even more brilliantly.

“Beautiful!”

“It’s my first time seeing a swarm flight of spirits.”

“But whose spirit is that? I’ve never seen it before.”

The High Elves, snapping out of their trance from the swarm, finally spotted Har and the portal.

“Oh, it’s a human child. I can feel an elf’s aura too—is she a half?”

“What is that portal?”

Full of curiosity, they drew near Har.

Brielle presented Har to the High Elves.

“This is Har unni from the Primordial Forest. She incubated a spirit egg for eight whole years and gave birth to the very first spirit.”

“Really?”

“Waaah!”

“That’s incredible!”

The High Elves burst into amazed exclamations at Brielle’s words.

Har blushed furiously, flustered by their fervent praise.

Latricia stepped up to Har.

“So it’s you!”

“Pardon?”

“The World Tree says so. It says that because of you, it was born, and the forests could come into being. Thank you so much.”

Hand over her heart, Latricia dipped her head in a slight bow.

This represented the utmost respect from a High Elf.

All the High Elves mirrored her gesture instantly.

Overwhelmed by their honor, Har turned scarlet and fidgeted unsurely.

“Ah, I… I mean…”

Latricia grinned warmly and pulled Har into a soft hug. Only then did Har relax.

After Har composed herself, Latricia clasped her hand and spoke,

“Come with me for a moment.”

“Yes!”

Latricia guided Har right up to the World Tree.

Before the colossal World Tree, Har gasped,

“Waaah! It’s huge!”

“Greet it. This is the World Tree.”

“Yes!”

Har extended her hand to touch the World Tree.

The instant contact happened, a zapping thrill raced through her like an electric current.

Swoooosh!

A gust swept through, sending the World Tree's branches shaking in unison.

Eyes shut, Har connected deeply with the World Tree.

Observing, Latricia whispered,

“Other than High Elves, Har is the only one who can commune with the World Tree.”

“That’s because Har unni is special.”

Brielle stated it matter-of-factly.

“Indeed. She truly is a special child. For the World Tree to welcome her like that…”

“She can come here anytime, right?”

“If she wishes, anytime…”

“Hehe! That’s great.”

Brielle beamed radiantly.

Spirits like Yuri clustered around Har as she communed with the World Tree.

Encircled by the World Tree and myriad spirits, Har appeared utterly divine.

Soon, Har smiled, opened her eyes, and withdrew her hand from the World Tree.

Brielle hurried over and inquired,

“What did the World Tree say?”

“It said I’ve worked hard all this time. And… thank you.”

“I see.”

“Brielle!”

“Tell me!”

“Can I bring my dad and Lady Floa here?”

“Of course you can. They have the right to know about this place.”

As she replied, Brielle glanced at Latricia for confirmation.

Latricia nodded quietly, granting approval.

Har dashed back through the portal and reappeared moments later.

Flanking her stood her father, Go Du-won, and Floa, leader of the Dark Elves.

Their faces registered pure shock.

“My goodness!”

“The World Tree…”

Floa stumbled forward toward the World Tree.

The High Elves parted to let her pass.

Floa dropped to her knees before the World Tree and sobbed.

“Ah… Mother.”