422 # 403 Trials of Advanced Elves.txt (1/2)

When I opened my eyes, there was Setia next to me, and in front of me was a tree so huge it pierced the heavens. I had seen this one before.

''The World Tree Yggdrasil...''

That's right.

Someone answered Setia's muttering and the person came down from Yggdrasil. He was an elf equipped with a wooden staff with seven jewels in his hand and a single magic sword at his waist.

''You are!''

'It's nice to meet you... I'm Elibe the Ancient Elf. I am an elf who has committed a great sin.

Hmm? Does Setia know about this elf? Was there such a person in that Congress?

''Hmm... I wasn't there. More to the point, I am already dead and assimilated with Yggdrasil. This time, I learned about you guys and got permission from the Ancient Elves and Yggdrasil to come here as a trial agent like this.

Seriously....from what I've heard, the elf will be assimilated with Yggdrasil when he dies. Then Setia asks me.

'Tact-sama... do you remember the story I told you about the magic sword before?

Hmm?　I remember. ...no way.

'Yes. I am the first elf to make a treasure ball. And this is the magic sword Hylant Eribe, made by the man I love. It is the cursed magic sword that sliced through our love and destroyed a nation.

Setia exclaims. I guess it's because she understands the weight she's carrying. But it doesn't look like that sword is cursed to me.

''It's a cursed magic sword that sliced through love and destroyed a country, and yet you still wear it on your hip even now that you're dead.

Setia noticed as I pointed out. Normally you wouldn't equip a weapon like that. There is only one reason why they are equipped.

''You're very perceptive...you're a person who is liked by numerous subspecies. As you can see, no matter how unhappy you are, you can't let go of this sword made by someone you like... what do you think?

'I...only heard about you guys from Setia. That is not enough to tell me about the sword. But if the thoughts you put into it are real, then I think that sword is the sword you or the man you love should have.

Even if this is the sword that parted us?

'Even so. That sword is in your possession now. I suppose that's the answer.

It is said that a sword is a mirror of our own heart. Even if that sword makes them unhappy, they want to keep the one made by the person they love. That's Eliebe's heart...that's the proof that she still loves that person. Then I want to respect that feeling.

''...What do you think of us?''

'I know what has happened to you. If I were in your shoes, I would find a way to destroy my country and bring him back to life. That's exactly what I would do, as you made the jewel, no matter how dirty this hand gets. And when you meet that person, you will give that sword back to him. And that's where I think love begins again.

Hmmm... you're very strong.

'Of course. I'm an elf from Takht-sama.

I can feel the weight of love in Setia's words.

'It's good to hear your thoughts...I'm sure you guys will be fine...okay. Let's just trust you guys to pass.

'You have completed the trials of the higher elves. Please choose where to evolve.''

Hmm? Two evolutions? Then he explains.

'There are two kinds of higher elves. One is the Holy Elf. They are holy elves who protect nature. And the other is the Dark Elf. They are the holy elves who destroy nature.

'Are you a holy elf for destroying nature?'

'It's a natural question. This world is made up of the cycle of life and death. Nature is no exception to that. When a tree dies, it becomes a nutrient for the soil and a new tree sprouts up again. This is nature. A tree can also become sick. That disease infects other trees one by one, but when the infected tree dies, it prevents it from doing so.

I see, that makes sense. It's true that humans also burn mountains in the wild to create new nature. If that's what the role of a dark elf is, then surely they can be called holy elves. Then Setia drops the bombshell.

'Well, you can choose whether you like me with white skin or brown skin!

No, that would be different. As long as the destination of evolution is different, there should be a clear difference. But if what I said earlier is correct, I have a feeling that Holy Elves are specialized in defense and Dark Elves are specialized in attack. The explanation is the same as before...mmmm. I think I'll just go with the usual.

”I'll take Holy Elf.

'I knew Tact-sama wanted a white me after all!