Chapter 290: Battle For The World Tree 2
<span style="font-weight:400">Two days after arriving back from the Summit, Drake and his party were finally within reach of Avalon, the Elven city that Princess Aralleen and her sister came from.
<span style="font-weight:400">The road to the city was smoother than Drake expected. There had been no traps or waiting ambushes that he was prepared for. Instead just general monsters of average level, roughly 13 to 15. Which by his estimate was slightly above what it was a few weeks ago.
<span style="font-weight:400">Just as Tatsuki exined as well as Natto before her, the world was still assimting the changes from the integration as the monsters continued to grow in strength.
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake during their day’s travel had begun working his way through Natto’s detailed reports that he had admittedly been reluctantlyzy to read.
<span style="font-weight:400">The information in them was what he expected. Reports on the daily activities of the city, where manpower was being allocated, where funds were being funneled for growth, how the city was developing in general.
<span style="font-weight:400">There was also information on specific areas that theycked, such asws and regtions, staff and positions on general oversight outside of Natto. They currently had a small force of people who would keep the peace, but with the influx of people Drake had recently rescued it was impossible for them to keep up properly.
<span style="font-weight:400">Natto wrote several pages worth of requests for more funds, personnel, proper training for said personnel, and more than enough pages yelling at Drake for not enough snacks and sweets being paid.
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake had to be helped up multiple times by ire, as he read the documents tripping over nothing from sheer exacerbation.
<span style="font-weight:400">Moving to the dredges of the reports it began detailing uing events and quests Drake should be prepared for.
<span style="font-weight:400">In particr it detailed the process of ranking up to E-Rank for most individuals, as well as the quests that aremonly associated with them.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Let’s see… So it looks like hitting E-Rank isn’t the difficult part normally, just level up to 30 and you go through the same process as F-Rank… Gross does that mean I have to blow up again?” Drakemented, mumbling to himself as he read, “Skills be stronger and reset Proficiencies, same with Professions. Okay simple enough, but there’s an unlock quest normally that is scaled to main ss rarity. Now that sounds like a bitch…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hmmm? What are you reading?” ire asked, leaning over to peek.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Just reports and stuff I’ve been cking on recently. Natto gave me an earful when you arrived at the city, remember?”
<span style="font-weight:400">ire pressed a finger to her lips, “Oh I do remember that, I just thought she was yelling at you like she always does. Even when we first met she was always poking fun,” she giggled.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Haha… yeah, She''s just oodles and oodles of fun. But this is a little different, I actually deserve it after reading through these. There’s a lot of information I haven’t been told since I’ve been away from the city recently. I guess leveling up let her divulge a lot more. There’s even some detailed exnations on the races here… Like how Ice Wolves fight in a ceremony of dominance… to… pick…a… mate- God damn it!”
<span style="font-weight:400">ire’s eyes thinned and she rubbed a knuckle into Drake’s side.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I didn’t do it on purpose!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Their fun ended soon as they came to a small clearing in the woods. Led by Arallen, the Princess stopped pointing to the sky.
<span style="font-weight:400">“We are a few hours from the city now. You will be able to see the Millenium World Tree Fern,” she exined with a somewhat sorrowful expression.
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake whistled, “Now that’s a tree.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Fern is a rtively young World Tree. Even still, they have been rooted since before my family’s line was made.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Spread out before them in the distance was something incredible. Never had Drake seen something sorge. The monumentallyrge tree, even at the distance they were, could be seen clearly.
<span style="font-weight:400">Its enormous canopy spread over the horizon and let down hanging vines so thick they seemed to be fingers reaching for the earth.
<span style="font-weight:400">Not only this, but there seemed to be a different air about the tree, a small ripple in the air attesting to not only its power but vital energy is the only thing Drake could use to describe it.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Looks like they aren’t going to be taking my advice either,” Drake frowned, looking out, seeing the small outline ofrge walls with blobs of what he could only assume were people running on top of them.
<span style="font-weight:400">He turned to the group, “Everyone will stay here as nned. The rest of us will go receive their warm wee.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Drake, you are seriously going to go through with this and not take us with you? You know how much my skills will help, especially with your magic!” ire protested.
<span style="font-weight:400">“No. We’re doing this with just us. And Charlotte here specializes in lightingbat magic, so save your buff skills for her. I’ve let you have your way ande along, but this is where I put my foot down. You are staying here.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“But-”
<span style="font-weight:400">“No buts! You’re staying here where I know you’ll be safe and I can focus on doing what I have to,” Drake turned away from them and began walking towards the tree in the distance, “Let get this done quickly.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Leon looked over as well, nodding to Ari who bowed slightly and stayed with the remaining group without a fuss.
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake gave a nce to Leon and his expression soured more.
<span style="font-weight:400">“What?!” Drake scowled.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I didn’t say anything dumbass. Don’t bring it here just cause you''re frustrated at yourself,” Leon scoffed, throwing his hands behind his head.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Who said I’m frustrated?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s all over your face dude,” Damian pointed, “<i><span style="font-weight:400">Why can’t I be strong enough to just protect them!</i><span style="font-weight:400"> Ahhh, you better shut your ass about that dawg. We plenty strong out here, but things just happen. You remember that time we was grinding in the back lot of that map?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh the one we thought no one would bothering to because it was such a pain to get there?” Leon said, remembering the game Damian was mentioning.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Dats right. And what happened at 4 AM on a weekday?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake sighed, “Some assholes decided to raid our spot just because.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yup. We all know sometimes people just do shit just cause. And bad things happen sometimes just cause. If Ekko was here she’d say the same thing, she smart like that.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Your point?” Drake grumbled.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Point? You know damn well what my point is, Shot. You ain’t dumb. For all our power there are going to be things that are unexpected, it’s just how it goes. And your ass is trying to keep them in a nice little box so it don’t happen.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Is that so wrong?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“We all been there,” Leon yawned, “But you''re missing what Wow-fi is sayin’. You’re trying to take away their choice in the matter.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake flinched, frozen in his tracks for a moment as a conversation he had with natto in the tutorial shed in his mind.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah, there it is,” Leon smiled, “There’s the ssic, I’ve heard that before from someone else look.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake frowned, “You’ve never seen my face before a few days ago, how would you know what the hell this face is.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Leon waved his hand, “Dude, we could see that face through the mic a thousand times, how long do you think we’ve known you? Not to mention our asses are older than you, we been through everything you have dumbass. Just wish you would listen to us the first time instead of having us drill it into your fat head.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You guys are pretty old,” Drake scoffed.
<span style="font-weight:400">Leon swung his spear, hitting Drake in the back of the head.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’re old too, dumbass.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake rubbed the back of his head, but couldn’t help but smile. It was nice having them back like the old times.
<span style="font-weight:400">He had lost his father when he was young and these two were the ones teaching him growing up for better or worse. Drake’s dad was gone so there was no one to keep him in check and tell him when he was being stupid or crazy.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was a nostalgic feeling, like he was back in his room just talking to them on theputer again. Telling them about his problems.
<span style="font-weight:400">“We’ve arrived, Lord Wallen,” Aralleen spoke up, being silent for the entire walk.
<span style="font-weight:400">He felt a little embarrassed for letting her listen in on their conversation but Drake put his head back on straight. He wasn’t going it alone, having to protect everyone again this time around. This time he had his old friends by his side. Ones he had trusted his back to time and time again.
<span style="font-weight:400">Other Primordials.
<span style="font-weight:400">They all looked at the towering walls on par with ReUnites. However these were made of twisted and petrified vines.
<span style="font-weight:400">“The World Tree Fern’s branches formed these walls,” Aralleen exined, “They are very sturdy and will be difficult to get past,” she looked behind to their small force of less than 30 people.
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake had only brought themselves and the small contingent of Aralleen’s personal guards.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I don’t think will be havin’ any kinda problem getting through,” Damian smiled and tapped on his suit’s massive blue leg, “Things like this are kinda our specialty.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Leon ced his hand to his head like a vision, looking up at the wall, moreso the people than the structure itself.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Drake, Elf girl. You think these people are prepared?” Leon asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I thought you said it wasn’t your problem?” Drake shot back.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It isn’t but I don’t like killing weaklings.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake looked over to Aralleen, “What do you think Princess?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I fear all the sensible citizens left when we had. Anyone remaining will either be forced toply due to Valor holding their families captive, or are just that fanatical in their loyalty to Valor. We elves are stout of heart and I am sure they are prepared for what should happen while they are on top those walls,” she said sorrowfully.
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake took in a deep breath, stepping ahead of the others, “I’ll be giving them onest chance.”
<span style="font-weight:400">pping his hands together arge green magic circle formed in front of him. The wind around them beginning to kick up.
<span style="font-weight:400">“<i><span style="font-weight:400">Citizens of Avalon. This is yourst warning to vacate the city,”</i><span style="font-weight:400"> Drake began, his voice carried by the wind, “<i><span style="font-weight:400">Your leader has partaken in vile dealings with the undead, selling off your own for his selfish gain. I urge you to reassess your loyalties and not meaninglessly lose your lives in a fight that is not yours. I will give you one hour! And any one that surrenders peacefully will be treated fairly by Princess Aralleen!”</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake released the spell, the magic circle vanishing into particles of mana only for the shouts above the walls to fill the area.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Begone Demon!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“There is no quarter for you and your lies here!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“The Princess is just the daughter of liars and tyrants! Of course she would ask for aid from such a monster!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“We have seen what you have done to cities!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Do not underestimate the strength of our city!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Leon sped Drake on the shoulder, “Still want to give them that hour?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake bit his lip and nodded, “I just wanted to hope.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You doing a lot of thattely?” Leon asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s all I have right now… Isn’t it?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“That one’s over my head. But, stop putting your fucking head down. It’s pissing me off. If you’re going to do things your way even against our advice. At least do it with a raised chin and a straight back. A man bears the idents and bumps in the road as theye, with strength and the determination to go on, making the best of times.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Wow that was really-”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Even if I think you’re being incredibly fucking stupid.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Aaaaand it’s gone. You know, you and Natto might be brother and sister.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Another p came from his side and Drake looked down at Damian.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Life didn’t give no got damn manual to us, and it sure as shit didn’t give it to you. Work through it just like we did man. Now, how you wanna handle this? Iron man style or are we steam rolling this city?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Drake scratched the back of his head, “We don’t know what’s inside. They’ve had enough time to call for reinforcements from almost anywhere I’d guess…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mane on, you acting just like you did before that castle siege back in the day. You remember that Leon?” Damian spat.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh? The one everyone else canceled on so we had to go in with just us?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Dats the one. Bunch a bitches! They all backed out because it was runningte, then Shot went into trying to figure out the best way to fight it. But what ended up happening huh?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Drakeughed, “We ended up rushing the front gate and steam rolling them anyway.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yup. But now there’s a big difference.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“What’s that?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Now we got Lady,” Damian thumbed to his mech.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You named your ride?” Leon bursted outughing.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Don’t be jealous,” Damian scoffed, “Me and Lady got the gate, you two figure out the rest.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Leon and Drake looked at each other and shrugged, “Yeah, whatever.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Please wait! Fern has a constant barrier surrounding the city. Not even a thousand warriors could prate it without substantial preparation!” Aralleen interjected.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’re just bringing this up now?” Drake rolled his eyes, “What do you say now Wow-fi? Your Blue-MAU able to handle it?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Man…. Fuck that barrier,” Damian scoffed, jumping into his mech.
<span style="font-weight:400">—---------------
<span style="font-weight:400">Damian settled into his sports seat inside his mech, Lady. Pressing a small button on the console as music began ying and a cup holder extended out in front of him.
<span style="font-weight:400">“<i><span style="font-weight:400">Wee back, Pilot.”</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">A mechanical female voice greeted him.
<span style="font-weight:400">Damian took in a deep breath with a satisfied ah.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Nothing like the inside a sci-fi killing machine. Smells like got damn winning in here! Boot up the cannon. Armor pen rounds. Let’s dump 50%.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“<i><span style="font-weight:400">Initializing Siege Cannon… Processing…”</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">Damian leaned back, pulling arge cup from his inventory as the sound of humming began to overtake the music.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Turn up the jams Lady. We be showing off today. st the Free Bird.”
<i><span style="font-weight:400">“Loading 700mm AP Antimatter Shell… Round Seated… Charging Mana Battery Fold…”</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">Looking at the disy screen, the surroundings began to glow and Damian could see the elves in the distance begin chanting spells and bombarding him with skill empowered arrows. But none of them were powerful enough to prate his Mech’s armor.
<span style="font-weight:400">“<i><span style="font-weight:400">Depleting main Monster Core storage by Pilot directed 50%... Mana Battery Fold overcharged by 30%.”</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">“Let it be,” Damian took a sip from his cup and ced it into the holder. “<i><span style="font-weight:400">Twilight Salvos. Fire.”</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">“<i><span style="font-weight:400">Positive Pilot Voice Confirmation. Firing Twilight Salvos.”</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">The cockpit lit up instantly, the bright re of energy being discharged whiting out the heads-up screen and shaking the entire Mecha for a brief moment.
<span style="font-weight:400">Once the screen dimmed and then normalized, Damian smiled at his work. A massive hole was punched into the wall, scorching the earth ck around the weapon''s impact. Further out he saw the still smoldering hole punched into the center of the World Tree.
<span style="font-weight:400">Taking the cup from the holder he took another sip.
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s what I call a bang.”