Chapter 59 Treasure Hun (2/2)

”Yes, Zero. Just give me a moment, my arms are full. How did you get stuck in the bush?”

Zero stopped flailing and didn't answer immediately. While Truen set the gathered edible mushrooms, leaves and roots on a nearby rock, he heard Zero mumble.

”I saw a fluffy tiger-rabbit and wanted to pat it. It ran away after pushing me into the bush.

At this, the elf couldn't help but laugh aloud as he casually snapped a precious photo. Then, he carefully reached for Zero's waist and hoisted the boy out of the bush. Zero was clutching onto something huge and heavy, making it challenging for Truen to free the brunet.

After ten minutes of struggling, the elf succeeded. His first reaction at the sight of the 'treasure' was to raise a brow.

”Zero, what are you holding?”

Zero beamed. ”This is the treasure!”

Truen frowned. ”But it's not a leaf with the same shade as Gaia's hair.”

The brunet laughed at that. ”No silly, it's not. It's even better!”

The elf didn't know what he was looking at. The oval object was solid and shiny. It looked like a rock. It was huge and heavy but the elf knew that no rocks were this smooth. The object was a lovely pale blue and was half the size of Zero. The young boy's arms couldn't circle it fully so Zero was constantly shifting it for a better grip. The elf had a hunch about what that 'treasure' was but he wasn't sure. Regardless, he didn't think it was a good idea for Zero to keep it.

”No! I'll take good care of it, I promise!”

Unable to convince his ward, Truen could only compromise and told Zero that he should keep it in the lamp or in his storage. It was impractical to carry it around while they travelled in the forest. Zero was a little clumsy by nature and holding the 'treasure' while they travelled wasn't advisable. Zero took Truen's advice and stored it in the lamp, eager to play with the 'treasure' later.

Truen made a small fire and told Zero to wash up while he made some root soup. Zero whooped with joy and stripped in record time before jumping into the freezing river. Truen massaged his temples. He'd have to report this to the gods to ask for advice. That 'treasure' could very well be a danger beyond his capabilities to handle.