The Druid Who Swallowed Mother Nature - Chapter 34



Only Noblemtl

Episode 34. Pass

“A copy of the newspaper.”

“It’s here.”

I bought a newspaper at the counter.

The quality of the article was as low as the cheap price.

It was a yellow journalism obsessed with provocative expressions and sensational gossip.

Even for this type of media, demand was high.

Major newspapers, which follow power rather than journalism, select articles according to the tastes of those above.

On the other hand, the yellow press had no qualms.

That’s why sometimes you can find the real thing among the fakes that are nothing more than street talk.

─The savage city of Pearlseer has broken its agreement with Galaga City. Are the clouds of war coming?

‘I guess this story is coming up at this time.’

The city of Perseus, located in the south, was called the City of Savages.

It’s not given that nickname for nothing.

Their diplomacy was unprincipled, and they occasionally waged war.

There will be a war between Galaga City and Pearlseer.

The cause was the accidental murder of the Pearlseer delegation in Galaga City during negotiations.

Among the main quests, it was part of a world quest that would plunge the continent into war.

‘It’s not something that a contractor should be interested in, but… … .’

It was a story that had no relevance to me unless I was going to be a war mercenary.

The faces of the city negotiating team that will welcome the delegation piqued my interest.

‘The leader of the negotiation team was an elf.’

In a photo of the broken negotiation table, someone with pointy ears stands out.

A beautiful appearance, a noble air, and flowing clothing are the characteristics of elves.

They were natural born magicians and acknowledged nobles.

It was as difficult to see their faces as it was to see the small population of the nation.

He did not even leave his residential area of ​​District 1 unless absolutely necessary, and even in District 2, he moved around under strict security.

‘If I think about it, I don’t have much experience encountering elves either.’

The only city they settled in was Galaga City, the melting pot of nations.

The residential area of ​​District 1, which was the land of the nobility, also had high hurdles, and even socializing with outsiders was refused due to strict standards.

Unless you were a noble, a member of parliament, or a high-ranking businessperson, contact with them was nearly impossible.

‘Let alone royalty.’

Even in the closed elven culture, royalty was a secret.

At least as far as I know, the elven royalty has never shown their faces to the public.

There were even rumors among users that the royal family setting was dummy data.

‘Well, since it’s to that extent, I guess I must have obtained information about the spirit’s healing.’

Since it was an issue believed to be related to Centrim, it was only appropriate for someone of royal status to be included.

‘The only question is why that happened.’

There was no scenario in the game’s story where elves and large corporations were at odds.

They had achieved noble status, so there was no reason for them to now take an opposing stance and become an environmental group.

‘Is this a personal deviation?’

Nothing in particular came to mind.

‘The chances of you meeting me… are slim.’

I’ve already heard the story from Draxia.

The content was that they had suddenly lost contact with each other.

Given his extraordinary status, it was bound to happen someday.

A royal family member who hides his identity and walks around the slums would be in trouble if his close associates found out.

But the timing was bad.

Of all times, why now… … .

‘I can’t help it.’

I decided not to be too disappointed.

There is no need to be as obsessed with Greenwood as before.

First of all, it was a great gain just to reveal the identity that had seemed like a distant cloud.

‘If you proceed with the private request, you will have the opportunity to come into contact with elves.’

Secret requests tended to come from higher ups.

‘Leave the elf gun alone… … .’

There were other pressing issues that needed to be addressed first.

“Meet the remaining condition for the World Tree to grow!”

“Deficient Condition: Endless Spring”

‘It is an endless spring.’

His brow furrowed.

Honestly, I don’t know what you’re talking about.

‘That’s a name I’ve never heard of before.’

Since it’s a game, I wonder if such a spring really exists, or if it’s a metaphor.

It was an ambiguous expression, unlike the other conditions that were met.

‘It’s a shame that the information exchange device on the rooftop is lacking.’

There will be clues there, just like when we got information about the World Tree.

The ID you used to log in last time is no longer available, so you need a different ID or legal authorization.

All you have to do is send Sage to the Magic Tower… … .

‘You can’t trust Sage to just anyone.’

He is a talented person with guaranteed potential.

He is a talented person who can do his own thing even if left alone, but if he receives high-quality education at an early age, he can grow even further.

But among the eccentric wizards, how often do you find someone with guaranteed character and skills?

Hoping to meet someone on the street is harder than winning the lottery… … .

“Excuse me, is this Mr. Allen?”

“… … ?”

“Uh, do you remember me? I’m Layla, the one we worked with before.”

Someone spoke to me.

A gloomy expression with a face covered by a tousled hairstyle, and a stammering tone of speech.

When I heard the name, someone came to mind.

Also about her circumstances.

“… … found it.”

“yes?”

There was.

A wizard who fits the conditions.

***

“Excuse me, how have you been? I was worried about you a lot.”

Laila was a wizard who accompanied Brotherhood 102 Branch Leader Hartig on his mission.

She smiled awkwardly, twisting her side hair.

“I’m sorry I ran away alone back then. I should have stayed… … .”

“I was the one who told you to go because you were bothering me. I’m fine, so it’s okay.”

She wiggled her fingers and glanced at me with a guilty conscience.

I really didn’t have any particular feelings because I didn’t have to be so careful.

Unlike Collard and No. 21, she tried to help me as much as possible.

My symbol wasn’t so bad that I could blame it on my lack of ability.

“How have you been?”

“I just stayed at home and learned magic. The Brotherhood chased me. As time passed, fortunately the misunderstanding was resolved, but I was careful not to get in trouble just in case.”

It seemed that Hartig had taken into consideration the circumstances as he had heard from me.

“Do you know what happened to Collard and No. 21?”

“I heard that Mr. Collard was caught and Mr. 21’s whereabouts are still unknown.”

It was half a success.

I wish they had both gotten hit, but I honestly didn’t have high expectations for number 21.

‘Since he’s good at reconnaissance, it would have been easy for him to evade pursuit.’

He is a strange guy who makes you question whether he is even a living human being.

It would have been difficult to track down with the capabilities of a single Brotherhood branch.

“Even if you say it’s okay, I feel sorry. If you have any trouble, I’ll help you.”

“you?”

I asked back without realizing it.

She added, realizing the meaning.

“I won’t be a burden like last time. My skills have improved, and these are all high-quality items that increase magical power and help with the manifestation of magic.”

The appearance has definitely changed.

A neat robe and cone-shaped hat, and even a wand in his arms.

All of them were of factory quality.

If the effects mentioned are real, then the total would have been several months’ rent.

I’m starting to feel a bit sorry about the hotel prices.

If I were to add that amount of money to my own purchase… … .

“Then lend me some money.”

“Yes? Um, how much will it be?”

“……I’m kidding.”

You allow this.

It was only a brief cold snap, but Layla was serious.

He glanced at me briefly and spoke in a whisper.

“S, if it’s you, Master, I’m sure you’ll lend it to me.”

“I told you, it’s okay. What about you, Master?”

“Oh, yes. I decided to do it properly this time.”

“That’s right… … .”

There is no teacher who accepts just anyone as a disciple.

Wizards who were greatly influenced by talent were especially affected.

Sage had no worries about taking Laila, who was a latecomer and had not received any systematic education, as his disciple.

“I’d like the location of the wizard who taught you magic.”

Even though she said everything would be okay, Layla looked wary with a trembling expression.

“Master? Why?”

“There is a child I want to connect you with.”

“Oh, is this my case?”

“He’s still young, so it’s a pity to let his talent rot away like this.”

Of course, I could be confident that he was a prime candidate for the next Matopju.

Layla nodded, her complexion brightening.

“That’s no problem. I’m sure the Master will be happy. I’ll take responsibility and help you.”

“By the way, what is your teacher’s name?”

“This is Colin Sieghar.”

“Colin.”

It was a familiar name.

Certainly, that human being would have been capable of such an outrageous act of charity.

This is the character that ranks at the top of my list of wizard candidates to introduce Sierra to.

I never thought we would come into contact like this.

‘The third disciple of the current Magic Tower Master, the Wanderer Colin.’

The leader of the Juggernaut school, known as the home of public magic, and the highest ranking executive in the Magic Tower.

It was an unexpected giant.

***

That evening, I headed to Layla’s house, where I had been delivered with Sage.

“Hoo, hoo.”

Excessive breathing kept tickling the exposed skin.

It was Sage’s doing.

From the moment she left the hotel until now, she couldn’t contain her excitement.

“Take it easy. It’s nothing.”

“It’s nothing!”

Sage asked, rarely showing any sign of anger.

It seemed like an unconscious reaction, but soon he looked at me and lowered his voice.

“You’re the wizard of the magic tower. How is that not a big deal?”

“I told you I would send you to the rooftop.”

“That was just a few days ago. I wasn’t even mentally prepared, and now you’re arranging this for me… .”

Sage grumbled, then grabbed my collar and pulled hard.

“What should I do?”

“They’ll take care of the evaluation, so just act as usual.”

“Is that really okay? I have to look good.”

“You’re not dressing up in luxury goods and becoming noble right now. It’s useless to worry about that.”

“That’s true, but… … .”

As his nickname, The Wanderer, suggests, Colin was an eccentric man who traveled the country.

Perhaps because of that wanderlust, he was considered a person of character, an endangered species among the Magic Tower people.

He was different from other magicians of the Magic Tower who lived in their rooms and enjoyed being old farts.

‘If you try to force it, it’s a personality that will end up hating it.’

If he had wanted to have noble children who were polite and of good character, he would not have taught magic to so many disciples, including Layla.

“Just show me as I am.”

I didn’t consider the possibility of being rejected.

Sage is an unpolished stone.

If anyone saw a glimpse of that talent, it would be natural for them to show greed.

We arrived at our destination shortly thereafter.

The second floor of a shabby-looking villa was where Laila lived.

dripping!

As I knocked on the door, I felt Layla stiffen.

I was so nervous that I even grabbed his hand.

Soon Layla opened the door and came out.

“Oh, welcome.”

“… … Do you dress like that at home too?”

She was still in the same clothes she wore when we met that morning.

Isn’t it uncomfortable?

I know because I tried it on, but the wizard’s attire was actually quite uncomfortable to wear outside.

Moreover, wearing it at home is self-torture.

“That’s right, I sold everything to buy this, and that’s it.”

Layla laughed strangely, as if trying to avoid embarrassment.

“Even so, you sold everyday clothes too?”

“… … I know I was stupid, but when I dug into it, it fit perfectly.”

So, is that why you responded to my asking to borrow money?

It seems like he was very sorry.

Or maybe you don’t know the ways of the world.

“Is it this kid or that kid?”

“okay.”

Sage grabbed my hand tightly and asked, “Is this you?”

The tension from just a moment ago seemed to have faded away, and he looked quite uncomfortable.

When I shook my head, Sage greeted me with relief.

“Hello. This is Sage Dale Loafer.”

“Yeah, yeah, oh, hello? My name is Layla.”

Why do adults seem more nervous than children?

I asked him, seeing as he was flustered and seemed to be frozen in place, not knowing what to say.

“Is your master inside?”

“Yes, yes, come in.”

Layla opened the door politely and gestured inside.

Contrary to her gloomy appearance, the house was neat.

It didn’t look like it had been suddenly cleaned up, but rather that it had been handled neatly.

“… … .”

In the center of the living room, a middle-aged man was waiting.

A person’s impression is a trace of life.

With his roughly trimmed beard, large figure, and angular face, he looked more like an adventurer than a wizard.

Wanderer Colin, he was right, although he was younger than I remembered.

“Hmm.”

He looked at us with the cold, wizardly gaze.

Sage began to feel nervous again, realizing that this time he was the target.

“Hmm.”

There was something about Colin’s incomprehensible antics that made people cringe.

Perhaps it is because of the gruesome appearance that is clearly against the rules to show it to children.

Layla, who was even more scared by the cold atmosphere, opened her mouth to lighten the mood.

“Ahem, Master. It’s this kid.”

“… … Phew.”

Sage was worried that his small head would burst, but when the time came, he bravely stepped forward without being afraid or retreating.

“Hello, my name is Sage Daleoper… … .”

“Pass.”

“……yes?”

“You pass.”

Colin grinned, revealing his gold teeth, in front of a bewildered Sage.

I thought I smiled friendly, but honestly, it was more of a bandit smile.