Chapter 8

"Can you tell me about the fruit of the World Tree... no, about the World Tree itself? I’m pretty clueless about these things..."

"Hmm, very well. I’m not so corrupt as to withhold information from someone who knows nothing."

Thus, Simurgh’s World Tree lecture began. The knowledge he possessed was, as expected, vastly different from what I knew.

Of course, that’s only natural. After all, Simurgh has seen the World Tree multiple times firsthand, not just through hearsay.

"First of all, the World Tree is, simply put, a magical artifact used to create sacred grounds. It can also absorb and convert magical energy, but these are merely byproducts of the sacred ground creation process."

"…Grr, what Simurgh is saying is difficult to understand."

Naja, who had woken up with me and had nothing particular to do, was listening to the conversation beside me.

Incidentally, Aila had finished tidying up so we could leave at any time and was now preparing tea for everyone. However, she was also listening intently, working while she listened.

But even I have to admit, it’s a bit hard to follow.

Actually…

"What is a sacred ground?"

"Simply put, it’s a region recognized by the gods as a place of rest."

A sacred ground refers to a holy space. In areas recognized as sacred grounds, crops grow abundantly, rivers naturally purify, and everything seems to go well. Additionally, monsters are said to avoid these areas due to the sacred energy. In even more sacred parts of a sacred ground, it’s possible to communicate with the gods.

"Generally, in a country, a part of the church—specifically the altar where skills are granted—is often a sacred ground. In fact, it’s often the only place that can become a sacred ground. They forcefully create sacred grounds through the sheer number of skill users who perform oracles and prayers, and use these as altars to grant skills."

"Church…"

My chest ached at the mention of the word. The image that came to mind was my father’s emotionless eyes and Acid’s mocking face.

But I quickly shook off those feelings. I didn’t want to show my weakness in front of Naja and Aila.

"There are several methods to create a sacred ground, but the most effective is using the World Tree to create one."

I had a sudden realization when I heard Simurgh’s earlier statement that monsters don’t approach sacred grounds.

"…Could it be that this larger tree barrier, made by overlapping trees…?"

"Indeed. It is a sacred ground, albeit a simple one. I’ve never seen a sacred ground created using multiple World Trees before. It’s quite a luxurious use of them. If an elf were to see it, they might faint from shock."

Eh, elves fainting…? Maybe my ‘Planting’ ability is even more powerful than I thought…

"By the way, the fruit of the World Tree is rich in nutrients, has anti-aging and disease-healing effects, and tastes incredibly delicious. In the human world, it was traded for at least a thousand platinum coins."

"Platinum coins… a thousand…?"

"Moreover, that’s the price for dried fruit. If it were fresh, the price would be even higher. Oh, by the way, the fruit of the World Tree is also a popular fruit in the divine beast realm, so there’s a good chance other divine beasts might come."

"Other divine beasts…?"

Aila’s eyes widened as she imagined the scene. She tilted her head to the side, clearly struggling to grasp the concept. I can understand her feelings.

—Because I’m feeling exactly the same way!

Yesterday, the impact of Naja’s sudden appearance was so great that I sort of brushed it off, but in terms of significance, this might be even bigger.

After all, we’re talking about a thousand platinum coins, a thousand. If converted to gold coins, that’s a hundred thousand. It’s more than the annual income of a minor noble family. Selling just one of these could probably allow us to live comfortably for generations.

And other divine beasts might come?

I always thought divine beasts were mythical creatures from fairy tales.

Thinking about it calmly, the fact that I’m talking to such an incredible creature and might even see more in the future is honestly hard to comprehend.

"…It seems that my ‘Sword Saint’ ability pales in comparison to ‘Planting’…"

"Indeed, in my long life, I’ve never seen such an outrageous skill."

Simurgh and Naja nodded in agreement. It seems they’ve become quite close during our journey here. Still, to be called outrageous by a divine bird…

"Anyway, getting back to the topic… would it be possible for you to regularly give me the fruit of the World Tree? Of course, I will provide adequate compensation."

"Sure, that’s fine. One fruit per day, is that okay?"

"I understand, it’s not something you can agree to so easily. Of course, I will provide the appropriate compensation… huh?"

Simurgh was taken aback. I might be the first human to see a divine beast look surprised.

But… yeah, giving one fruit a day isn’t a problem at all.

After all, there are still many World Trees in my ‘Storage Bag’ that bear fruit.