Chapter 322 - Yggdrasil and the Mighty

“W-What in the world was that thing…”

“That’s a demon, apparently, and it was pretending to be Yggdrasil.”

That demon probably took advantage of Sylph’s vacancy because of her rebirth and took over Yggdrasil’s consciousness.

However, even if they were demons, they wouldn’t be able to easily turn Yggdrasil into their host, because it was the tree that had its roots since the beginning of time.

That’s probably why that demon created that Forest of Evil. He then weakened the power of Yggdrasil as it took dominion over the area surrounding that Tree.

When I burned that forest down, Yggdrasil’s power returned, and it drove the demon out on its own.

“Nah, I was also shocked because of that, but…What’s up with those flames!? What kind of fire was that!!? It burned the entire forest in a snap!? B-Besides,why do you have that ginormous amount of mana? That’s almost impossible for people to have! And you even easily cut through that chunk of oricalchum…Elnor, a-are you really an elf?”

“Well, let’s just say that’s a secret. I’ll give you these, so please don’t ask me to explain.”

I pushed several Fruits of Yggdrasil towards Dairon.

It was a lie that I came here to pick those fruits.

I don’t need it from the start.

That’s why I gave every single fruit to Dairon.

He would probably be able to save Sairos with these.

I also successfully slayed the demon.

The evil aura from the forest irritated me, but I feel much better after burning it down.

By the way, Dairon was frozen in shock while carrying those fruits.

Well, that’s understandable. Yggdrasil was supposed to bear fruit once in a millennium, and yet he got around 10 pieces of it.

I drew closer to Yggdrasil.

“Thanks for giving me the fruit.”

((O, Oh… You’re welcome.))

It was a very gentle voice, totally different from that demon’s Yggdrasil.

It felt familiar for some reason.

And it seemed that it was really scared of me.

“Sorry for threatening you. I wasn’t really planning to burn you. Forgive me.”

((I felt that you were really going to burn me.))

“The one I wanted to burn was that demon.”

((Are you not one of them? I can only see this as demon comrades falling out with each other…))

“Eh!? N-No way!!”

Ah, is it because this body was created by Evil God’s curse?

I myself was probably covered by the aura of Evil God, it seemed.

In that case, Yggdrasil wasn’t mistaken with what she said.

((Well, if you insist that it’s different, then I can only accept it as such. I’m just a huge firewood in front of you who could manipulate fire.))

That’s not how it is, you know.

This gigantic tree speaking to me was no other than the Yggdrasil that began its existence alongside this world.

The forest that had been corrupted by evil was no more, and even the demon was obliterated, so Yggdrasil should be able to defend itself now?

Still, I should confirm it first.

“Do you have any means to protect yourself?”

((I have, but… it is still a young spirit that can’t grow unless it undergoes its routine reincarnation.))

That’s probably Sylph.

She was still considered young for a Spirit King.

Sylph was said to be the personification of Yggdrasil, but she was probably an existence that was more like the Tree’s child.

When Sylph moved into my mansion, part of Yggdrasil withered for a time.

It was because she didn’t return to the Tree for a long time, and Yggdrasil got lonely and it sulked.

Hmm —

It would be worrying since there is a chance that another demon would try to take over Yggdrasil while Sylph was still sleeping.

I came up with an idea because of that.

“Do you want to use my body?”

((....What?))

“You can transfer the consciousness of Yggdrasil into my body so that you can protect yourself. This body is very powerful, enough for demons to desire it, so it will probably come in handy.”

People could exist in this world because of the combination of [Body], [Soul] and [Consciousness].

This body was created because of the Evil God’s curse. When my consciousness disappears, the body and soul that was left would also vanish.

However, if the consciousness of Yggdrasil entered this body and replaced its own, it would be possible to recycle this body.

I didn’t need this anymore.

Might as well put it to good use.

((A-Are you sure?))

“Yup!”

“H-Hey! Ernol, are you in your right mind!? You’re gonna die if you turnover that body to Yggdrasil!!”

Dairon threw the fruits of Yggdrasil on the ground and grabbed me.

“I know that, of course.”

I wanted to die.

This was the last round.

I could finally return to where everyone is after this.

“Y-You promised that you’re gonna work for me! I won’t forgive you for arbitrarily dying on your own!!”

Ahh…

Right, I did say that.

“Hey, Yggdrasil. Will you work for Dairon after you enter my body?”

“—What!?”

“The elves will care for Yggdrasil, too. So protect the elves, okay. In return, my body will protect Yggdrasil.”

((...That’s fine. In return for receiving your body, I pledge an oath to protect the Elves for all eternity.))

“Oh, and that Vimris Disease is spreading, so —”

((That will also work out. If all the elves eat my fruit, they will develop immunity against that disease. It’s also part of the scope of my oath to protect the elves.))

“I see. Thanks.”

“Ernol, you…”

“Dairon. It was a short while, but I’m glad I fought beside you.”

I pulled Hakoku out from the ground and handed it to Dairon.

He could easily carry it.

Dairon had also been recognized by Hakoku — that must be it.

“T-This is —”

“That’s a great sword. Use it when you fight against majins and demons. By the way, if a hero tasked to slay the Demon King comes to visit you, lend it to him, alright.”

“...Got it. This will be the national treasure of the kingdom that I will establish. We will treasure it. I’ll consider lending this to the hero, but I will only do that to somebody I acknowledge, got it?”

“Yup. That’s fine.”

There was also one more thing I needed to do no matter what.

“Please keep it safe inside Yggdrasil. I will definitely come to take it someday.”

I showed the gemstone that was glowing red — the Dragon King’s Eye — to Yggdrasil while requesting that.

The Dragon King’s Eye originally came as a pair, but one was with Soryuu-sama, and the other was with the Goddess of Memory.

I got this Dragon King’s Eye back when our class explored Yggdrasil’s dungeon back then.

Let’s leave this under Yggdrasil’s care so that after a few millenia, the future me would be able to give this to Tina as a present.

((That’s alright. I will protect this item until you come.))

“Yup, thanks.”

Alright.

Everything’s going smoothly.

Perhaps it was unexpectedly fortunate that I was blasted into the past because of Evil God’s curse.

Well, I would still punch him.

((Then, allow me to have your body. ))

“...Yup.”

A shining ray extended from Yggdrasil, and it enveloped my body.

((Lastly —))

“What is it?”

((Ernol. Can I have your name?))

“No can do!”

I had a different feeling.

Not Ernol — My impression was that there was a name far more suitable to this body.

((I-I see…. Then, in lieu with your powerful heart and strong body, I will be —))

((called Sarion, which means a mighty man.))