The Bastard Swordsman Of The Imperial Guard [EN]: Chapter 224

Chirp- Chirp chirp-

A refreshing birdsong echoed.

Ra-El followed Reina into the depths of the forest.

The World Tree, towering high, revealed its grandeur as they ventured deeper.

A special barrier, invisible from the outside, protected it.

“Reina, earlier, the giants and beastmen were fighting. Don’t the elves ever fight?”

“Elves are different from those fools. We are a race of harmony, living in balance with nature!”

“…Right, let’s go with that.”

Based on Ra-El’s experience with the various races, the elves weren’t exactly normal either, but pointing that out to Reina would definitely upset her.

Ra-El was quick-witted enough to keep his thoughts to himself.

“Hoo, the air is really nice.”

“Of course. The natural magic emitted by the World Tree benefits everyone.”

The deeper they went into the forest, the fresher the air felt in his lungs.

As Reina said, the natural magic was a pleasant sensation.

“What are they doing?”

Ra-El pointed to the elves nearby.

Elves emitting natural magic were visible everywhere on the path to the World Tree.

“…Uh, um. They’re focusing their magic on the World Tree.”

“Right. You said you were going to check on the World Tree? Is something wrong?”

“Something important. It’s a big problem for the elves. Hurry and follow me!”

Reina gestured urgently, guiding Ra-El toward the World Tree.

Ra-El followed behind her, looking around.

Most of the elven warriors and spiritists were channeling magic.

‘Is there really something wrong with the World Tree?’

They wouldn’t be doing this otherwise, would they?

Ra-El quickened his pace, pondering this.

[I’m only going this far. Human. Your journey ends here!]

Haaaaak-

At that moment, Vermeil III, who had been clinging to Reina’s body, stuck out his tongue at Ra-El and darted into the forest.

“What’s that fox?”

“Hmm, don’t worry about it. Let’s go.”

Soon after, a refreshing breeze blew, and a huge tree came into view.

The World Tree was so tall that even giants would appear small beside it.

The World Tree, located in the center of the forest, stretched so high that its top was lost from sight.

“It’s amazing that such a huge tree isn’t visible until you get close.”

The World Tree, which looked like just a slightly larger tree from outside the forest, now seemed endless before his eyes.

Perhaps this was a way to protect itself from the dangers of the wilderness.

“It’s all thanks to the World Tree’s magic.”

“The elves brought the seed of the World Tree when they first came to this forest. I never imagined it would grow this big.”

“That’s because we put so much care into it. Now, you pray too. The World Tree always provides answers.”

Reina looked at the World Tree, put her hands together, and began to pray softly.

Feeling compelled by the atmosphere, Ra-El also put his hands together.

Of course, he didn’t actually pray.

‘It would be nice to bring the kids from the orphanage here for a picnic.’

The fresh air is wonderful, and it clears your head.

Since everyone seems to be coming here anyway for the Interspecies Alliance or whatever, Ra-El should bring the others later.

‘More than that, how can a tree be this big?’

The biggest tree Ra-El knew was the baobab tree. [A tree known for its massive trunk.]

The World Tree in front of him was the size of a castle. Maybe the baobab tree couldn’t even compare?

“Ra-El, do you know?”

While he was lost in his random thoughts, Reina, who had finished her brief prayer, spoke.

“Know what?”

“Elven children are all born under the World Tree. As a race connected to nature, elves must receive the magic of nature from the moment they enter the world. They greet life under the World Tree, where the magic of nature is strongest.”

“Really? That’s quite amazing.”

“Yes. That day becomes a festival for the entire elven race. There hasn’t been such a thing in recent years because of Basolord… but from now on, the elven race will thrive again. And I will be at the center of it!”

“I sincerely support you.”

Ra-El nodded.

Reina may or may not have the talent to lead the elven race… but Eren Gore is there, so it should be fine.

If that doesn’t work, they can always help with the empire’s farming.

Ra-El now has the ability to parachute in the entire clan, if needed.

“Thank you. Ah, do you also know? Elves also draw upon the power of the World Tree when they conceive.”

“Conceive?”

“Yes. The process of creating life also requires the magic of nature. They must receive blessings from the World Tree.”

“…Really?”

Like giving birth in front of the World Tree, are they making love under the World Tree?

Even though the elves are a race that is friendly to nature, he couldn’t quite picture such a scene.

Ra-El continued, just in case.

“It’s not like childbirth is a festival for the clan, is it?”

“What are you thinking? Long-lived species have a hard time getting pregnant, so they can’t spend every night at the World Tree. Elves only love one person and live… they only spend their first night here.”

“Should I say that’s a relief…”

Ra-El looked at the World Tree with a strange expression.

Fortunately, they seem to be maintaining some boundaries.

He almost became disillusioned with the elven race once again.

‘So many elves have made love here. It feels strange.’

It seems like it would be best to just check what needs to be checked and leave right away.

“So, Reina, what are we checking? Come to think of it, aren’t there any other elves around? I want to see Reine too.”

“Don’t worry. No one will come.”

“No one will come?”

“Ra-El, do you know? Only pure beings can stand in front of the World Tree.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. The World Tree does not reveal itself to those who are not pure.”

Reina said this and turned around.

Ra-El blinked at her face, which was somehow flushed, and her unusual demeanor.

“Ra-El, you know, I’ve consulted with the clan a lot. And I thought I should win you over, as an elf.”

“…”

At that moment, Ra-El sensed something familiar.

“So, with me in this World Tree…”

“…No, wait a minute, Reina.”

“What is it? This is an important moment. What’s wrong? Humans really have no dignity.”

“…Don’t say any more.”

“Why are you acting like this now? You always pretend to be quick-witted.”

Reina took a step closer, as if asking what the problem was, and pressed herself against Ra-El’s body.

Ra-El moved his hand back to match her and turned his head.

“No. I’m not ready for this yet. You’re kind of like… a younger sister, I guess…”

“What are you talking about? That’s absurd. I’ve lived 100 years longer than you, you know?”

“…”

That’s not wrong.

Ra-El has only lived about 50 years, including his past life.

“Ahem, even so… I need a little more time, I guess.”

“I’m sorry, Ra-El. I won’t give you time. You can’t escape now.”

“Huh?”

Chwaaaaaak-

At that moment, a surge of natural magic erupted around the World Tree.

The magic, forming a massive net, densely covered the area around the World Tree.

“What is this…”

“This is the secret technique I learned from the Jeongcheon Alliance Leader. Cheonlajimang! [A powerful magic barrier.]”

“…You’ve completely lost it.”

It’s annoying that Cheonlajimang exists, but why did they even tell the elves about this?

It was even a great magic that didn’t disgrace the name Cheonlajimang.

Ra-El frowned at the unnecessarily high-level magic.

“Even Tia-nim [Referring to Tia] has reinforced the magic. Even you won’t be able to escape.”

Ra-El looked around.

The elves hidden in various parts of the forest were diligently spreading magic.

“These crazy guys are doing this to their benefactor… wait a minute, isn’t that Reine? Reine! Have you forgotten that I saved you?!”

“…I’m sorry!”

Reine, who was squeezing out magic from the corner of the forest, closed her eyes tightly and turned her head.

She also felt grateful to Ra-El, but Reina’s feelings were more important.

She had to do it, even if it meant forcing it.

“Ra-El, obediently give up your purity!”

“…Haa. So you lured me to the World Tree for this.”

Ra-El felt a headache coming on and pressed his fingers against his forehead.

It’s really touching that she has feelings for him… but Ra-El isn’t ready for this right now.

“I’m sorry, Reina.”

Sreung-

Ra-El carefully drew his sword.

Instead of the Holy Sword that he had entrusted to the Silver Cross Knights, he held Seomgwang [A sword].

“You, you… are you thinking of killing me? Do you hate me that much?!”

Reina’s face hardened as if she was shocked.

Ra-El sighed and shook his head.

“Get a hold of yourself, Reina.”

“Yes! Just kill me! I won’t let you go until you kill me!”

Reina closed her eyes and spread her arms.

He never knew that the words ‘just kill me’ could be so terrifying.

Ra-El carefully channeled magic into his sword.

“How could I hate you? Reina. Just… wait a little longer.”

Even if he killed the Demon King and saved the world from crisis, Ra-El’s personal crisis was far from over.

He needed some personal time.

“No! Benefactor-nim! Kill me too!”

“Ra-El! No!”

When Ra-El raised his sword, Eren Gore and Reine, and the other elves, were surprised and jumped up from their hiding places.

What are those guys? Do they really think he’s going to cut Reina?

Cheonsal Sword Third Form, Dapcheon [A sword technique].

Ra-El’s sword drew a curve and unleashed a sword aura.

Dapcheon’s sword, which transcended space, sliced through the outside of Cheonlajimang.

Right after that, Ra-El’s vision blurred.

Feeling a slight dizziness, Ra-El rode the sword aura out of Cheonlajimang.

Ra-El has awakened his divine power and already surpassed the realm of Sword Master.

Sorry, but he could easily traverse this distance with Dapcheon’s sword.

“Huh, uh. Ra-El?! Where did he go!”

“Damn it, catch the benefactor!”

“Cheonlajimang was supposed to be invincible! This can’t be!”

With the elves’ cries of resentment echoing behind him, Ra-El escaped from the forest.

*

After visiting the Interspecies Alliance, Ra-El had been holed up in the orphanage for almost a week.

Many people came to visit, but he sent them all away.

He needed time alone right now.

“There is a request to teach swordsmanship to the Knights.”

The only one who could contact Ra-El was Janice, the captain of the Beggars.

Ra-El couldn’t completely shut himself off from the outside world.

“Lucas should do such annoying things.”

“No, but if you go in person, the Beggars Knights will also be able to save face…”

“Let’s be efficient, Uncle Janice. Lucas is better than me when it comes to swordsmanship talent, you know?”

Actually, he wasn’t so sure anymore.

Ra-El has reached a realm that cannot be attained through talent alone.

But well… maybe that’s not the case?

“…”

Janice closed his mouth.

All the humans on this continent witnessed the sword that incinerated the Demon King.

But Lucas is better.

He wanted to yell at him and ask what kind of nonsense that was.

“Okay. I understand…”

But Janice didn’t say anything more.

Ra-El was the hero of hope for the Beggars Knights.

“Ahem. Ra-El, do you have any plans to visit the Order or the Imperial Palace?”

“Not for the time being.”

“Then what about the Interspecies Alliance…?”

“Uncle, how much did they pay you? Do you want to get hit as many times as the number of gold coins you received?”

“…I’ll be going now, so rest comfortably, Ra-El.”

Janice quickly lowered his head and left.

This was already the umpteenth time something like this had happened.

To be honest, he still couldn’t quite believe the reality, even now.

What’s so good about him that they reveal their feelings so openly?

“Sigh.”

Chak- Chak-

Ra-El sighed and turned his head.

Next to him was a girl who was diligently packing her bag.

Most of the things she put in her bag were chocolates.

“Why are you packing chocolates?”

“I heard that we are going on a picnic next week. I am preparing for that.”

“Really? I’m glad you seem to be adapting well.”

Ra-El smiled as he watched the Ghost King diligently pack her bag.

The Ghost King, who had awakened from the Saintess’s purification, had been adapting to the orphanage.

‘A picnic is something I couldn’t have imagined even 10 years ago.’

The world is becoming a better place, so we’re going on a picnic.

Well, it’s what Ra-El wanted for the children to be happy, so he has no complaints.

“Gwiwa, no. Yacha [The Ghost King’s new name]. Is there anything wrong with your body?”

“I’m fine. But my teeth hurt because I eat a lot of chocolate.”

“…Tell that to Teacher Sara.”

Ra-El examined the Ghost King’s body and nodded.

He had observed her several times in case something strange happened, but the Ghost King Yacha’s body was just like a normal girl’s.

As she was born from human malice, her body is similar to that of a human.

Since he forcibly purified her magic and ghostly energy, all that remained was an ordinary body.

‘But the power that can be contained in that body will be enormous… so maybe her talent is exceptional.’

She will become the future commander of the Knights or the master of the Magic Tower.

Ra-El will be losing strength at that time, so Yacha will be able to protect the orphanage.

It is necessary to guide her firmly so that she does not go astray.

“Ra-El, were you playing with Yacha?”

“Ah, Teacher Sara.”

At that time, Sara approached with a sweet scent.

She handed him honey tea and smiled faintly.

“I heard you’re going on a picnic together tomorrow. Are you feeling okay? Didn’t you say you didn’t want to go outside?”

“It’s not that I don’t want to go outside, but… I just have something on my mind. But I have to go tomorrow.”

Protecting the children is also important, but the place he is going tomorrow is also significant to Ra-El.

The hero’s tomb, built in the center of District 1, in the best location, is finally completed.

It is the place where Ra-El’s teacher, Cheonsal Sword Lord, is buried.