After talking with her a bit more, I felt my stomach start to growl.
When she heard it, Serie ran off and came back with some fruit for me to eat.
"This is all we have," she said.
"No meat?"
"The animals nearby have disappeared. There are mountains to the east—lots of monsters and animals can be found there."
"That's fine. I can survive with this."
I ate the fruit quickly. The hunger was unbearable. As I ate, I noticed Serie staring at me, so I asked, "Aren't you going to eat something too?"
"It's fine. I ate before you woke up."
"…"
So, I ate everything.
It wasn't enough to satisfy my hunger, but it was okay.
I even considered going to the mountains to hunt for food, but now's not the right time.
I stood up and looked around. Nightfall was approaching. "Serie, do monsters show up here at night?"
"Since we don't have the protection of the World Tree anymore, yes. Many of them come down from the mountains and head this way. They can appear during the day too, but it's more common at night."
"Alright, let's head inside and hide, then."
"It's fine. I have a place to stay. I don't want to bother you."
"I insist that you stay with me. I need to explain my current situation."
"Did something happen?"
"Come on, let's go inside."
We entered the tree, and I closed the entrance behind us. Then I turned to her and said, "I'm going to tell you what I'll be doing over the next few days."
"…"
"Hah, no need to be nervous." I smiled. "I'm not planning to do anything dangerous. For the next few days, I'll stay inside the World Tree and focus entirely on my training. While I do that, I need you to protect my body."
"But why do I need to protect your body? You've always taught everyone that repetition is the best training. Casting a single spell over and over again, for years if necessary. What changed?"
"Everything has changed. Just do as I ask."
"Alright. You don't need to ask twice. I'll protect your body with my life. If you say it's necessary, then I'll do it."
"Thank you, Serie."
I walked to the trunk of the tree and collected the 100 Primordial Elements it had produced.
After that, I climbed the stairs to the wooden coffin. I sat down on it and crossed my legs.
Serie followed me up the stairs and came closer.
"Don't touch me, Serie. Just leave me here—however long it takes."
"Understood, my Queen."
Serie bowed her head in respect and went back downstairs.
I smiled, satisfied, and closed my eyes.
Seconds later, my single magic circle appeared, floating in the darkness.
####
The magic circle floating in front of me had grown larger and denser.
Golden threads now swirled around it, like a silver ring turning into gold ring.
Slowly, the color of the circle began to change.
A wave of heat swept through my entire body.
Even though I was floating in a vast, endless darkness with only my circle, I could feel everything—every change in my body.
Now partially golden, the circle began to fade.
Then, I opened my eyes.
[ Mana +100 ]
[ Magic Proficiency +100 ]
I looked at my body—it was drenched in sweat.
I rose from the coffin and approached the trunk again to collect more Primordial Elements, but just as I got close, the door opened.
Serie came in, carrying a basket full of fruit.
"My Queen, you're finally awake."
"Ah, Serie. I'm awake, but I plan to return to training."
I began collecting the Primordial Elements from the tree—another 100 gathered.
"What? Again? But you look exhausted."
She is right.
Even though I had more mana in my body, I felt drained. Very drained. I couldn't stop sweating, and my hands were slightly trembling.
"Don't overdo it, my Queen. Eat something and rest. There's no need to push yourself—no one even knows you've woken up yet. No one will come here to cause trouble."
"We can't be sure of that."
I walked toward the stairs to return to the coffin.
Even though I was tired, I was certain I wouldn't die from training.
I could handle the fatigue.
"At least eat something!" Serie raised the basket, and I looked down at it.
Seeing it full of fruit, I sighed. I walked back down the stairs.
Serie let out a sigh of relief—only for me to take the basket and head right back up again.
"You can go now. I'll eat—don't worry."
"…"
Though still concerned, she left.
I placed the basket beside the wooden coffin and sat down, cross-legged.
Before starting cultivation again, I grabbed one of the fruits and ate it quickly.
It eased both my hunger and thirst.
"All right. Let's begin."
I got into position and closed my eyes.
####
POV: Serie
Several days have passed, and the Queen remains inside the tree, doing her so-called training. It's a form of training I've never seen before—something new.
Probably a new method she created herself.
That's just who she is.
Intelligent and strong.
With a basket full of fruit I'd gathered, I approached the tree's entrance and stepped inside.
As soon as I entered, I saw the Goddess sitting in her coffin.
Her long silver hair swayed in the breeze coming through the door.
A strong wind.
Then, her eyes slowly opened.
Her green eyes—like precious gemstones—fell on me, and I felt chills run through my entire body.
She's so beautiful. Her aura is divine.
The Queen's lips curved into a smile.
Her white robe dragged along the stairs as she descended.
"I've finally reached the Fifth Circle."
"Fifth Circle?"
I didn't understand what she meant by that, but I was sure it was something good.
"Here, for you."
I stepped forward and tried to hand her the basket, but she walked past me, and her pleasant scent reached my nose.
She approached the tree and placed her hand on it.
"Perfect."
After saying that, I saw her eyes shine with a golden light.
At the same time, I felt my body fill with energy—like it was being infused with mana.
"The tree…"
My eyes widened.
I remembered the past. The powers of the tree.
"Are they… coming back?"
####
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