Keith and Rigel brought me to the embankment of the divine tree, the most sacred place in the divine tree forest.
　The place, which Ars Dittrand had never had the chance to get close to, was warded in a certain way so that magic could not be detected from the outside.

Even for a place of refuge, you're living a somewhat inconvenient life. You could have built a simple hut in no time at all," Seretia said casually.

　Around the sacred tree, there were many trees dozens of times thicker than normal trees, and the elves seemed to have made holes in them and taken refuge in them.
　Through these holes, the ordinary blonde elves were looking at me with both curiosity and hostility.

　Of course, I could see a few faces that I knew.
　Some of them hadn't changed at all since I arrived here when I was Ars, about twenty-five years ago, and some of them had aged a bit.
　Some have not changed at all since then, while others have aged a little. It is said that the appearance of elves differs from that of humans, and that they grow in stages over time, and this is probably the reason.

It is said that this is the first place the elves lived when they came down to this land, and it should not be modified any further. And just being in that hole will help your wounds and magic heal faster," Fiel explained to Seretia as she followed up. "Do you understand, Mr. Walth?

　I'm sure you're not the only one," she said, her eyes seeming to tell me to stop Seretia.
　This is a sanctuary for the elves, and for humans to set foot in it is special. If you want to interfere in the lives of the elves, you have no idea what they will do to you.

"Celestia, you should refrain from saying what you think. This is a sanctuary.

...... I'm sorry. I'll leave the rest to Walth.

　I thought for a moment why he would do that, but since it would cause the least trouble, I decided to let him reflect on it.
　The other problem here is that Neya can't use magic.

　Neya can't use magic. Me and Celetia can show our power and be accepted as such, but Neya can't do that.
　The elves also seem to think that wielding a sword is barbaric, and they are certain to look down on Neya as if she were a mere human.
　They are water and oil, the worst of both worlds.

We're here, come on in.

　Keith and Rigel led me to a tree that was the largest of all the giant trees, second only to the God Tree.
　In a hole in the tree, tables and chairs were lined up, and three high elves were discussing something.
　All three of them were known to Ars (me), and they were elves who had rather favorable feelings toward humans.
　But as soon as the three of them saw us, their expressions changed to one of blatant displeasure.

If you think it's too late to come back, Keith, what's with the humans ......?

　Holbert Kirkin, the oldest of the three, gives me a particularly stern look, as if to maintain his dignity.
　But the moment his eyes turned to Pheuel, who was hiding behind my back, he transformed into a mere old man.

"Feuel, Feuel, isn't it, you're back at last?

　I'm sure you'll be glad to know that I'm not the only one who's had a bad day.

"It's been a while, sir. Uncle Holbert. These are my associates, Mr. Neyer, Mr. Walls, and Her Highness Seretia Londobro.

----, so these are the humans who sent you?

Yes, but not exactly. I didn't come back.

...... What's that supposed to mean?

　Holbert looked at us, his face slowly reverting to what it was before.

Holbert, come on. Don't look so pathetic in front of humans.

　Sighing, Marielle Elgreen, the only woman in the room, spoke up.
　Her voice echoed in the pit of his stomach, causing Holbert's back to straighten.

"Keith, why did you bring that person here?　Please give us an explanation that makes sense to us.

　The last of the three, the only High Elf with the appearance of a child, but still the most influential in terms of power and status, Veer Elstor, said with an innocent smile.

I'll tell you about it.

I'll ask Fiehl to do it then.

　Under Vio's direction, Rigel prepared a chair for Fiehl, but it was not prepared for us.
　He explains in detail about Ars' death, the attempt on his life, the alchemy doll, and the ravenous dragon Hell Artyo.

　In the midst of all of this, Pheuel would casually mention my and Celetia's high level of magic adaptation.

I understand what you're saying. You're amazing by the way. Vio smiles innocently, "Two people with as much talent as Ars, but not as much.

"Vio, what are you so happy about? Humans are our enemies now. We can't be happy about that.

"Don't be so mad. Don't be so angry. You know the truth, don't you, Mr. Holbert?　You know that there are many kinds of people, and you shouldn't look at them all at once. I'm a good judge of character.

Mariel clapped her hands and interrupted them, looking annoyed, "Yes, yes, you always believe too much," she said. We haven't decided yet if Fiehl is telling the truth, so at least we need to find out if he really has that kind of power and if he's not our enemy. Don't you think so, Keith?

　Marielle asked Keith to talk to us, and he gave us a cold stare.

---- Well, if you really have that kind of power, it's best you prove it now. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

　All three of them agreed to Keith's proposal.
　In particular, Vio was the only one who seemed to be enjoying himself, even though the lives of his people were at stake.

It's settled. At least let's see some proof that we're not enemies. We'll talk about alchemical magic and Ars when we're done with that.

　Celestia was the first to start arguing against the elf's decision.
　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it.

I've been listening to you for a while now, and you're saying whatever you want. The Kingdom of Worms cannot be driven back even by your power. I don't know how you can expect us to save you from such a foe.

　If the elves, who are skilled in magic, are having a hard time, it's normal to assume that the Worms army has a certain amount of magic power.


　If we're going to attack the southern continent, the first thing we need to have in place is a magic division, that's for sure.

But, but, but, Fiehl said, you're definitely the chosen ones among the humans, so you can do this. Besides, if you're both humans, you can talk it out.

　Vio didn't mean to be offensive.
　He's always been a guy who genuinely enjoys this kind of thing, and on the other hand, he's afraid to let any other emotion enter into it.

"I don't know what country you're from, but we, the elves, rule here. If you can't convince us, then get the hell out of here. And if you can't convince us, then get the hell out of here.

What do you think you're doing? We're just ----.

　In the event that you've got any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
　Mariel had no ill will, for this was the usual way of elves.
　The kingdom of Worms seems to have made it a little worse. .......

I'm not sure what to say now, but we're just people, like the Wurms. The quickest way to get them to admit that is to show them our power and prove that we are not their enemy.

"But we're dealing with the Kingdom of Worms. It has twice the military power of the Rain Kingdom. It's not like they're going to be willing to discuss it with you because they're a bloodthirsty nation, and the three of you can't ...... handle that kind of thing.

　I don't know about the Kingdom of Worms, but if they're that belligerent, there's no point in just rescuing Radael. I don't know about the Kingdom of Worms, but if they're that belligerent, rescuing Ladaer won't be enough.

　Perhaps the reason they are stopping the invasion now is because they are being cautious after the appearance of Hell Artyo. Otherwise, they would not have missed this opportunity.
　This is proof that paganism and the Kingdom of Worms are not connected.

　If they were to be rescued, they would have no choice but to engage in a full-scale clash with Worms' forces on this continent.
　It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this. .......

I'll go alone to rescue ----.

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.
　In contrast, Vio's eyes sparkled and he had a happy expression on his face.

"Wow, we're in over our heads, and you're going alone. That's really interesting! Vio, unable to contain his excitement, got up from his chair and shouted, "That's so reckless! "I like your recklessness, just like Ars. So I'll tell you something good. It seems that there are several people in the Kingdom of Worms who can handle Attribute Disabling Magic, so be careful.

Well, thank you for the valuable information.

　I'm not sure if that's why the elves were being pushed.
　It's a very difficult task, and you have to be prepared to have multiple people who can use attribute-disabling magic.
　I can see how serious the kingdom of Worms is about invading this land.
　They will not give up the invasion unless they are completely screwed over.

　When I think about it, this battle might have been more difficult for me when I was Ars Ditland, and I feel a little bit superior to my current body as Walth.

"Are you sure you want to go alone?

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.
　It seems that Neya is the same, her fists clenched as if they were about to bleed, and you can see that she is biting down on her frustration. She seemed to be filled with anger at the inadequacy of her power.

No problem. Just take care of Neya, who can't use magic while I'm gone. I don't think the elves will touch her, but they will certainly look down on anyone who can't use magic," I said to Seretia.

"That's all well and good, but ......

　Celestia didn't have the same energy as usual.
　I'm not sure if she's aware of the fact that this mission is more than just a rescue, but it's dangerous.

"Neya, take care of Celestia.

"...... Yes, sir.

　When you're dealing with an entire army, it's hard to go easy on them.
　Attribute-disabling magic is a nuisance, but now that we have body armor, we should be able to handle it.
　The most important question is whether or not Radael is still alive.
　If the Kingdom of Wurms were to get their hands on Radael, my position would be lost.

"Let me get this straight, this Radael is still alive, right?

　The moment I said this, I could see the tension in Fiehl's face.
　Mariel, seeing this, stood up, walked over to Pheuel and put her hand on his shoulder.

Don't worry about that," she said. I've told you that in two days you have to choose between Radael's life and surrender.

"Well, that's all right then.

　Looking at the relieved Fiehl, I departed for the south of the Forest of the Divine Tree, where a large amount of magic power was gathered.
　I hope I can find out something about the kingdom of Worms that I don't know, and about this world while I'm rescuing it.