The grand magus's fascination with the Elysian tree was undeniable, to the point where Ery began to feel uneasy, briefly worrying that the elder might request the entire tree.
However, the grand magus's true desire was sothing called the "Elder Branch."
As the grand magus elaborated, VIA, was already on standby, confirming the details. According to both, the Elder Branch was essentially the first limb of the tree that could separate and live on its own, functioning almost like its first offspring.
However, despite its independence, this branch wouldn't possess the full vitality of its parent tree, at least not until the original tree was erased from existence. The grand magus's eyes glead as he discussed the rarity and potential of such an item, but there was a significant catch. The Elder Branch wouldn't erge until the Elysian tree reached full maturity, a process that required considerable ti.
Both the Grand Magus and VIA provided a similar estimate—around 1,000 years for the tree to reach maturity.
Ery glanced at the towering juvenile tree and felt a pang of anticipation mixed with frustration. Even with its rapid growth, the Elysian tree was still in its juvenile stage. Based on their calculations, it would take another 600 to 700 years before the tree produced its first Elder Branch. The sheer tiscale involved was daunting.
Hearing the Grand Magus's request, Ery smiled "Elder, forgive , but I don't dare promise sothing that is still so far ahead," Ery's mind already weighing the challenges that lay in his imdiate future. With the looming threats from the Nephilim and the precarious situation on Earth, even the next decade was fraught with uncertainty and danger. The Grand Magus, however, wasn't fazed by Ery's reluctance. With a light chuckle, he replied, "Six hundred years may seem like an eternity but for soone like … it's hardly that long. Besides, what I'm offering in return might just fast-track the process."
This piqued Ery's interest.
The elder went on to explain his proposal—a long-term commitnt to support Ery with vast quantities of rare and powerful materials that were uniquely compatible with the Elysian tree. His offer didn't end there; he also promised his personal expertise to help nurture the tree, predicting that together, they could reduce the ti needed for the tree to reach maturity by at least half, possibly even faster.
But the Grand Magus didn't stop at promises of growth. To sweeten the deal, he hinted at another incentive.
The Grand Magus carefully unrolled a scroll, its edges worn and faintly glowing with the remnants of powerful magic. As Ery's eyes fell upon the intricate designs and runes etched into the parchnt, his breath caught in his throat. The complexity of the spell was staggering, and the weight of its power was undeniable.
"This… is this a tier 8… no, is this a tier 9 spell?" Ery stamred, his mind reeling from the sheer depth of understanding woven into the runes. Just a single glance at the spell was enough to stir his own comprehension of the law of nature, like a door had been opened to a new realm of possibilities.
He could feel his connection to nature pulsing, responding to the runes before him.
"Elder, what spell is this?" Ery asked, his curiosity tinged with awe.
The Grand Magus smiled, clearly pleased by Ery's reaction.
"This is a spell of my own creation, the culmination of over a thousand years of research and deep study into the law of nature." His voice was calm, yet the pride in his accomplishnt was evident. "I call it Verdant Ascension."
As Ery delved deeper into the spell's purpose, the similarities to his own Nature Grasp technique beca apparent, but this was on an entirely different level. It went beyond simply connecting with nature—it allowed the caster to fully rge with it, achieving a complete union where the boundaries between self and the natural world dissolved.
The result was full control over the surrounding environnt, enhancing the caster's strength and resilience in perfect harmony with the land, plants, and creatures.
Ery's heart raced as he realized the potential of such a spell. This was not just an amplification of his power; it was an evolution. The thought of using such a technique, to command nature in such a profound way, filled him with excitent. But there was also the realization that this spell was far beyond his current capabilities—sothing to strive for.
The Grand Magus explained that this spell was instruntal in his own rise to the rank of Grand Magus. By mastering this spell, Ery would be able to forge a more profound connection with the Elysian tree. This enhanced bond would significantly boost the tree's growth, potentially accelerating its developnt and potency.
Additionally, it would help balance and harmonize the energies within his domain, further optimizing the environnt for both the Elysian tree and the creatures that thrived there. The potential for growth and balance promised by Verdant Ascension was imnse, making it a valuable asset for Ery in his ongoing efforts to strengthen his domain and confront the challenges ahead.
He let his words hang in the air, waiting for Ery's reaction. "So, what do you think? Do we have a deal?" the elder asked, the corners of his mouth turning up in a smile of anticipation.
Ery didn't need ti to mull it over. The offer was too good to pass up.
The elder branch, while incredibly precious, was still sothing that would take centuries to materialize into real benefit—it didn't address his imdiate needs.
What he needed now was leverage, power, and resources to face the mounting challenges ahead. The spell, combined with the Grand Magus's support, was a much more tangible and urgent benefit.
There was more to this deal. By forging this alliance with such a prominent and influential figure, Ery was securing sothing priceless—access to the Grand Magus's wisdom, council, and resources. This formal relationship could even give Ery an edge in navigating the intricate politics of the Magus Alliance.
Seeing Ery's positive response, the Grand Magus added a final clause to their agreent: if Ery were unable to continue developing the Elysian tree—whether after 600 years or in the event of his demise—the Grand Magus would retain the right to take the tree. This clause ensured that the Elysian tree's future would be secured, regardless of unforeseen circumstances.
The agreent would be formalized in writing, allowing Ery to review it with other experts. Understanding the fairness of this provision, Ery accepted the terms.
"Good, I will be seeing you more often, then."
With that, the Grand Magus departed from Earth, his expression one of contentnt.
Ery on the other hand had other pressing matters to attend to.
Shinta, noticing his preoccupation, asked, "Are we going back to the academy?"
"You are… I still have sowhere I need to go." Ery replied.
His next destination was a place that Shinta, or anyone else, could not join him in: a Nephilim-ruled planet. This journey demanded a level of discretion that only he could provide. The ti for answers had arrived, and Ery was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
User Comments
0 comments from readers