The Adventures of an Overpowered Knight in Another World Chapter 609- Revival of the World Tree & Aurelian (8)

Under the enchantment of the song, the Origin Seed finally showed a response.

Its surrounding light intensified, and it was no longer able to maintain its original form. It expanded and unfurled, much like a sprouting seedling breaking free from its confines.

The Origin Seed began to experience rapid growth. Roots emerged and spread, followed by the appearance of branches.

As Cecilia’s singing grew deeper, infused with emotions of longing and a heartfelt wish, the seed responded.

Soon, a small sapling took shape. Radiant and pure, its very presence infused the space with the vitality it had been missing.

Although this white expanse was now awash with color, it still lacked the essence of life. However, with the emergence of the sapling, the area finally seemed to brim with life.

A stark contrast to its former barren state.

Reinhardt observed in silence. For the first time, even he felt a flicker of awe.

This... was the genesis of the World Tree.

A phenomenon destined to usher in the dawn of the world.

Nevertheless, life is an inseparable amalgamation of good and evil. One cannot experience the pinnacle without enduring the depths of despair.

At this very moment, as the World Tree approached its imminent birth, a blemish silently manifested upon the canvas. It was subtle, barely discernible amidst the vibrant explosion of colors.

However, the instant it materialized, it began to spread with ferocity. It distorted the colors, twisting them into something far more sinister.

Like a creeping rot, it flowed along the roots, seeping into the ground and slithering towards the sky.

Reinhardt witnessed this unfolding spectacle with solemn eyes.

"So you cannot wait any longer, can you? Since you've chosen to reveal yourself, then allow me to discern your true nature."

The very force that had previously attempted to engulf Cecilia, the malevolent energy that had infiltrated the heart of this place, was finally showing itself.

With the manifestation of this malevolent energy, the world began to lose its luster. Wherever it spread, colors would vanish, and the once vibrant realm started to wither.

Simultaneously, in an undisclosed corner of the spiritual realm, a sinister shift occurred. Two pairs of deep crimson eyes silently observed the unfolding events.

They had monitored Reinhardt and Cecilia within this world, understood their intentions, and perceived the presence of the High Elf Priestess. They had watched in silence, and when the moment was opportune, they struck.

The corruption surged forth.

Like a famished beast unleashed, it lunged towards Cecilia. Tendrils of black rot tore through the radiant world, consuming color, devouring light, and even extinguishing life itself.

Cecilia, the intended target, appeared oblivious to the impending assault. She remained at the center, eyes closed, lips moving as she continued to hum a soothing lullaby.

She neither saw the creeping rot approaching her nor felt its presence.

However, there was no need for her to be concerned, for she was under someone's protection.

Reinhardt gazed at the advancing malignant energy with his golden eyes, and for the first time since entering this domain, a palpable killing intent surfaced.

The corruption gradually extended across the entire world. Yet, just as it neared the nascent World Tree, mere meters away, it abruptly halted.

No, it did not merely stop. More accurately, it was repelled.

A colossal golden barrier materialized around Cecilia and the World Tree, resembling a colossal sphere of pale gold.

This golden barrier emanated a divine radiance, warding off all corruption. The encroaching malevolent energy could advance no further.

Furthermore, each attempt to approach the barrier resulted in its burning and disintegration.

The corruption recoiled violently, as if recoiling from its natural predator.

"[Divine Sanctum]," Reinhardt's voice rumbled softly.

[Divine Sanctum] -

It was this very skill that had halted the ravenous corruption earlier.

[Divine Sanctum] was among Reinhardt's select few support-oriented abilities. While it might not match the defensive prowess of [Aegis of the Eternal Flame] or the offensive might of [Radiant Ascension], and its usage was restricted, it offered unparalleled effectiveness when it came to shielding a vast, fixed area.

The malevolent energy refused to yield. After its initial repulse, it attacked repeatedly.

Yet, each attempt met the same fate. Every contact with the glowing golden barrier resulted in its utter annihilation.

Like relentless waves crashing against an unyielding cliff face, its efforts were futile.

The radiant sphere remained immaculate and untainted.

Observing this, Reinhardt's lips curved into a smile. His gaze then sharpened, turning icy as he addressed the unseen adversary.

"It is futile. As long as the essence of your power remains inherently evil, Divine Sanctum cannot be breached."

The contorting mass of corruption, which had now completely enveloped the stark white world, surged with renewed vigor.

Then, as if in response to his declaration, a voice resonated. Deep and resonant, it seemed to emanate from the annals of ancient history.

"Foolish mortal, you dare to defy the will of the World Tree?"

Reinhardt let out a snort upon hearing those words, his golden eyes drilling into the heart of the encroaching corruption.

"Whom are you attempting to deceive? Do you take me for an imbecile, like that maiden, to swallow your deceit whole? You lurk in the shadows... you fester at the roots... and yet you dare proclaim yourself the will of the World Tree? Cease your insults; you could never grasp its essence. You are naught but a parasite clinging to the World Tree's roots. An insect from the Abyss."

A profound contempt and disdain radiated from him, clearly showing he held no regard for the entity before him.

There was only one kind of foe that could provoke Reinhardt's prejudiced nature.

The identity of this shadowy being was now quite apparent.

A heavy silence descended. For a fleeting moment, the corruption ceased its movement. Then, a disembodied laughter erupted.

"Hehehehe... well, well... to think you could perceive my true form."

The voice, which had been deep and majestic moments before, now shifted to a low, distorted crawl, slithering into the ears as if whispered directly from within one's skull.

Despite Reinhardt's scorn, it showed no anger. Instead, its tone suggested a peculiar amusement.

"It appears... that in this current age, there are still individuals like you in Valdonia. That you have managed to reach this profound place suggests those lesser beings are not fulfilling their duties adequately."

Lesser beings... current age...

Reinhardt's eyes narrowed. The entity's words implied a remarkably elevated status, allowing it to look down upon its own kind with such condescension.

Could it be one of *them*?

Unaware of Reinhardt's introspective musings, the voice continued, tinged with mirth.

"I acknowledge you, human, for discerning my nature. However, what does this truly change?"

At that instant, the world's malevolent energy intensified, becoming heavy and suffocating, reaching an unfathomable degree of density.

All chromatic hues were leached from existence, leaving behind only a pervasive darkness.

Nevertheless, a single bastion within this darkened world resisted the encroaching void: the [Divine Sanctum], which continued to gleam like a radiant beacon in the desolate expanse.

"I must admit, your ability is quite intriguing. I have no recollection of such power, even from the ancient epochs. Yet, it is all for naught. Even if you can see through me, you are powerless to act."

With that declaration, the voice descended into chilling, spectral laughter.

"That girl, she endeavors to resurrect the World Tree, does she not?"

Reinhardt's brow furrowed as the subject abruptly shifted to Cecilia.

"The revival of the World Tree... such noble aspirations. I comprehend your collective objective. The Aether Core cannot be purified. However, let us set aside the Aether Core. Even the World Tree itself cannot be reborn, for I stand in its path."

Suddenly, a deep crimson luminescence bloomed within the oppressive darkness, coalescing into a pair of immense, unsettling eyes.

"As long as I persist in this realm, the World Tree shall never rise again."

The voice proclaimed with an air of absolute authority.

"You have commendably brought forth a High Elf Priestess and secured the Origin Seed. I never anticipated that a remnant of the World Tree's seed would still exist in this world. It should have been utterly eradicated by our kind. Nevertheless, your efforts are ultimately futile. You may impede me for the present moment, but for how long can your humble sanctuary possibly endure?"

Indeed, despite the potency of the [Divine Sanctum] skill, which served to shield the nascent World Tree from the pervasive corruption, it possessed a finite duration.

Like all forces within the world, this skill was subject to a time limit. Upon the expiration of its allotted duration, the [Divine Sanctum] would inevitably dissipate.

Reinhardt's gaze sharpened slightly.

The voice continued its condescending monologue.

"Time is my ally. When your diminutive holy field finally fades, when that abominable energy recedes, I shall return once more."