Chapter 86

At Dori's request, I filled the soil in the northern block and had Rain sprinkle water on it. Now the preparations for the contract with Dori are complete.

"Dori, what are you going to do next?"

"Please wait a moment."

As Dori closed her eyes, magic power began to gather in front of her...

"Hey, Sylph. This feels really unusual. Is it okay?"

Sara and the others seemed to notice the abnormal situation and froze.

"It's fine. That's one of the abilities of the forest spirit."

I understood that it was fine because the spirits were so relaxed, but it was still scary. Tamamo, in particular, was very interested in what Dori was doing, wagging her tail wildly. Something incredible must be happening.

The magic power that gathered shone brightly, and when the light gradually subsided, a seed about the size of a baby's fist was floating between Dori's hands.

"Yuta-san, please plant this seed in the center of this place."

"Ah, yes."

I couldn't help but take the seed that was offered. I couldn't quite follow the flow, but this seed was clearly not ordinary. What's going to happen?

Holding the seed, which had an unusual presence, I headed to the center of the northern block.

"Um, is this the right spot? Dori, how deep should it be?"

"Let's see. A bit deeper... about fifteen centimeters, please."

I planted the seed as Dori instructed and covered it with soil.

"Yuta-san, please come over here. Ah, Yuta-san, please tell Sara and the others to stay back."

What? Is the contract with the Great Forest Spirit dangerous? Just in case, I told Sara and the others to stay back and faced Dori.

"Shall we begin?"

Dori smiled.

"Y-Yes."

I returned a strained smile. After confirming my response, Dori extended her hands and, like Sylph and Dine, gathered elemental power... but it wasn't a sphere like a wind orb or water orb?

"I am the Great Forest Spirit Dori. If you wish to make a contract, press this seed against your heart."

I thought about using a wind orb or water orb, but what about a seed? Would a plant grow out of my heart? No, the contract partner wouldn't do something dangerous. I steeled myself, took the seed, and pressed it against my heart.

Oh, the seed dissolved into magic power and was absorbed into me. I was relieved that it didn't get absorbed into me along with the seed.

"The contract is complete."

Dori smiled gently. Huh? It's over? Honestly, it was the most understated and anticlimactic contract I've ever had. But, this is just right. As I felt satisfied, Dori smiled and pointed to where the seed was planted. I turned to look...

A sprout popped out from where the seed was planted... Miki Miki? Nyoki Nyoki? Meki Meki? It started to grow rapidly with an indescribable sound.

What? This scene looks familiar, like something from a To- game. While I was stunned, the tree grew taller and thicker, approaching us.

"Um, Dori, what kind of tree is this?"

Looking up made my neck hurt. What is this tree? It's too big.

"It's a Spirit Tree. It's a good tree that will help enrich this land."

"Ah, I see. That's amazing."

I couldn't help but speak in a flat tone, but I thought it was inevitable. Is it even okay to grow such an impressive tree in the Land of Death?

Belle and the others were already flying around the Spirit Tree, playing. Well, more green is a good thing, right? Yes, it is.

"Yes. Sylph and Dine seem to have put a lot of effort into their performances, so I have to do my best too."

Dori smiled. So, the Spirit Tree is part of the performance. Is it uncouth to point out that the Spirit Tree is a performance?

"Y-Yes. I was really surprised. But, thank you, Dori."

"I'm glad you're happy. With this tree, the surrounding vegetation will also flourish. Let's make this a wonderful place."

"Y-Yes. I'll do my best."

Dori, I thought you were a refined and elegant Great Spirit, but you're quite bold.

"Master, what is that tree...?"

Sara was flustered. I understand how she feels.

"It's a Spirit Tree. Dori planted it after we made the contract."

"A Spirit Tree from a fairy tale? I remember a maid reading me a picture book about it..."

A fairy tale... So, the Spirit Tree is that level of tree. I can tell it's not an ordinary tree just by looking at it, but this is what happens when a Great Spirit puts in effort. It's incredible.

Also, the fact that Sara had a maid read her a picture book means she must have come from a good family. And there's a keyword I can't miss. A maid... I'll need a maid if I build a big house. But, will a maid come to the Land of Death? It seems unlikely and sad.

"Master! Can we climb that tree?"

Marco asked excitedly. Hmm, children like climbing trees, but is it a good idea for Marco to want to climb that tree? Kikka is shaking her head and looking like she's about to cry.

"Wait a moment. Dori, is that tree a sacred tree? Is it okay to climb it?"

"As long as you don't damage it, it's fine to climb. The branches are strong, so it's even okay to build a treehouse."

...A treehouse. It's so big that climbing up and down would be a hassle. But, I could ask Sylph to help me get around. Should I build one?

When we have money, it might be good to build a couple of proper houses in the labyrinth city. If they're built separately from the ground, it should be fine. Marie might be able to introduce me to someone good, so I'll ask her.

Or, I could try building a cabin myself since there are a lot of logs from the thinning. I think I could build a cabin with the right tools. It would be good to start drying the wood early.

"It's okay to climb. Should we ask Sylph to take us up? Sylph, is that okay?"

"Yes, that's fine."

Sylph nodded lightly. Dine, only Sylph can fly, so I'm not asking lightly. Please don't look at me like I'm saying something different.

"Since Sylph said it's okay, let's go up."

Marco jumped with joy, but Kikka looked betrayed.

"Kikka, it's not scary. We've flown many times. Sylph will take us up, so it's absolutely safe."

...After thinking for a moment, Kikka nodded. She must have lost some of her wariness from yesterday when we were leveling up Sara and Marco. Her expressions are more visible now.

"Is it okay, Sara?"

"Are we climbing the Spirit Tree? ...Yes, it's okay."

It seems like Sara is more concerned about whether it's okay to climb the Spirit Tree rather than being afraid of heights. I can imagine how impressive the tree is, but is it that much? Maybe I should look for books or picture books about Spirit Trees.

"Let's go up then. Sylph, please."

"Yes, let's go."

Sylph enveloped me and Sara in a wind cocoon and floated up gently. Sara and the others, who had experienced this several times, remained quiet.

We rose smoothly, like riding an elevator, and were placed on a branch near the top.

"Master! This is amazing!"

Marco moved excitedly on the branch. I'm worried he might fall, but the branch is quite thick, so he should be safe as long as he doesn't lose his balance.

"Marco, be careful not to fall."

"Got it!"

His response was perfect, but his actions didn't match. I'll ask Sylph to keep an eye on Marco. The view from up here is different from when I flew with Sylph. My feet are firmly planted, and I can hear the leaves rustling in the wind and smell the green. When flying, it feels somewhat unreal, but on the tree, my senses are fully engaged.

Belle and the others were flying around, darting through the branches. Sara and Kikka were sitting on the branches, enjoying the view.

The Spirit Tree has a calming, pleasant scent. In games, World Trees often have special effects on their leaves. Does the Spirit Tree have something like that?

"Dori, can the leaves of the Spirit Tree be used as materials?"

"Yes, they can. The sap and leaves can be used as materials for high-rank healing potions and are also top-quality for tea and honey. But the fruit is the best. It's very delicious and can even heal severe illnesses. As long as you're not dead, it's fine!"

"...S-So, the Spirit Tree is amazing."

Is this a bombshell? If it's discovered, all the countries might attack. I don't think it's a good idea to grow something like this as part of a performance. "As long as you're not dead" is too dramatic.

"Hey, if the existence of this tree is discovered, it could be dangerous. It's so big and noticeable, we need to think of some countermeasures."

"It's fine. No one will come here, so it won't be discovered. Even if it is, we can handle it."

Sylph said casually. ...Is it that simple? Well, if no one comes, it won't be discovered.

"Doesn't anyone come here?"

"No, they don't. A lot of time has passed since this place became the Land of Death. At first, it was explored, but the harsh environment and lack of anything valuable made people lose interest. Only the most curious might try to confirm. And... if Nemos' efforts succeed, it will be even more secure."

Nemos was talking about a sanctuary, right? I'm curious about that too.

"About the sanctuary... What's going to happen?"

"Hmm, Nemos said he'll talk about it when he has a plan. Please wait a bit."

Sylph said apologetically.

"Um, I understand."

It's probably not something bad. When I asked Nemos before, he said it would be amazing and to look forward to it. It seems like he's planning something surprising.

If I can't do anything about it, the Spirit Tree won't be discovered. I'll try to stay positive and look forward to the fun events. Just the name "Spirit Tree" sounds like it brings great benefits.

I felt better when I shifted my mindset positively. I'll enjoy a leisurely forest bath and work hard in the afternoon. Thanks to the Spirit Tree, we now have shade, and the house by the spring will be more comfortable.

Thank you for reading.