Ascension of the Sylvan Cosmos - Volume 1

Chapter 169. Enemy Intentions.

Several groups of people have converged on the <Small White Flower Forest>. The base that the <Void Witherwood Exarch Sect> had was being used as a center of operation. Among all of these people, there was one group that didn't belong to a power that was related to the Nexus people.

While he was not someone with a high level, his background was strong enough to interest the other groups that had gathered here. This man, a very handsome and charismatic guy, spoke with a serious face. "We need to act as fast as possible. The <Explorer Association> has already set up its gaze onto the Golden Sap Forest."

A woman with a common-looking face and slim body spoke, her face looking bored. "Eldric, if the <Explorer Association> truly set their eyes on that city, you would've received a little letter telling you not to poke your bratty nose where it doesn't belong."

Eldric frowned and spat. "If not, then why has Wert moved? Could you please enlighten me, Jolie!"

Jolie looked at Eldric and rolled her eyes. "He is probably acting from personal interest. <Explorer Association Managers> are allowed to open branches at will. However, if something goes wrong, all responsibility falls upon the manager's head. So, Wert is taking quite a big gamble. After all, while he might not be completely sure or have all the details, he must know that we are roaming around and are interested in that place."

Eldric shook his head. "If he really knew what was in that forest, he wouldn't be acting so casual. The <Explorer Association> would've sent a new and more powerful manager to take care of it."

Jolie looked at Eldric for a few seconds, and then, she turned toward one of the other two men sitting at the table. "Alaric, you've been in charge of the <Void Witherwood Exarch> group since Malachai died. What do you know about the Golden Sap Forest situation?"

Alaric shook his head. "When we first went to take over the Golden Sap Forest, there was a very young World Tree that was leveling up from Level 9 to 10. While the fruits we found were extraordinary, they weren't impressive enough since, during the time we occupied the place, the World Tree only gave fruits two times. With one of the flowers not even starting to transform into the fruit."

Jolie hummed. "So, the effects of the berries are powerful, but the young World Tree only gives fruits every two to three months; some flowers perhaps need even more time."

When Liu Shu leveled up, her branches produced the fruits at a normal pace. Remember that the <Nature's Gift> skill had an active that shortened the gestation time sixty days per day. This meant fruits that would take 600 days to gestate would instead take ten days when Liu Shu actively fed them.

Alaric nodded. "That's correct. As the World Tree is now, she is quite useless. Although producing around 1000 Experience Points a year can be considered good, it is not enough for the needs of a small-scale power, not to mention anything more significant."

The last man, who had been silent, spoke. "So, this is more of an investment. No wonder Wert moved by himself. However, if I remember correctly, the ones occupying the town are... peculiar, so to speak. Right, Eldric?"

Eldric nodded. "Yes, Lord Finnian. It is a group of Rose Fairies and Ants that are occupying the place. While I've seen Myconids roaming around, they were not much of a threat. I am honestly confused about how Malachai was defeated or killed by them."

Alaric agreed. "Yeah. Moreover, no one survived. That's too strange. How can nobody from several hundreds of people be able to escape? Malachai particularly. He was Level 20, and the strongest enemy was a Level 14 Rose Fairy, if I remember correctly."

Jolie blinked and asked, confused. "Then, why did you not go to reclaim it?"

Alaric snorted. "Do you think that rebuilding the <Void Witherwood Exarch Sect> is an easy task? All of us have been busy setting up our bases in strategic positions this last year. Only now did you two bother to come to speak."