Wizard Alchemist

Chapter 624 Ancestral Tree's Recognition (4-in-1)

Can talents be fused and upgraded?

This is a phenomenon that had not been observed before, but it is not unexpected.

Roy quickly pondered how to trigger it, such as refining all the messy Iron-level talents he had in the past.

As your life level increases, many low-level talents such as [Skilled Worker], [Alchemy Machine], and [Craftsmanship] become useless.

However, based on current experience, a higher level of "seed" or one's own soul qualities are required to attempt this.

"Ilor!"

Prince Zalik's voice startled him awake.

"His Royal Highness Prince."

Roy turned to look.

"Congratulations! Your talent and reputation are now widely recognized, and the world calls you a master!"

The prince of the Great Bear Kingdom offered his congratulations.

Roy said, "Thank you."

"Have you heard? It seems that even in the south..."

Everyone's trying to buy your paintings!

At this moment, Zalik told Roy another piece of news.

His expression held a strange mix of pride and hidden jealousy.

"Oh, is it so?"

Roy asked for details.

It turns out that Fayit and his associates have once again set their sights on the foundations of this country, attempting to weaken its military strength by promoting art.

They intend to concentrate vast amounts of wealth, fame, and status in the hands of artists, crowding out upward mobility for the lower classes.

A large amount of social resources are wasted on things that cannot be directly converted into combat power. For example, holding more salons, balls, and exhibitions can also help weaken the opponent's strength.

As a wizard lurking in the Bear Kingdom, he naturally became an object of admiration.

Some intelligence agents, smugglers, wizarding apprentices, and even professional wizards...

They are all colluding to hype up their own paintings and collect them.

This makes it extremely difficult to obtain, even at a high price.

The naive prince thought this was a victory for art.

Little did they know, there was another reason behind it.

After the art exhibition ended, Roy took out his communication crystal and asked Fayt a question.

Fayt's reply confirmed his suspicions: "We are indeed hyping up your paintings, and taking the opportunity to increase our plans to purchase various artworks from the Giant Bear Kingdom..."

Other wizards might need to study many things carefully to understand it.

But Roy understood completely as soon as the four words "Qi Wan Lu Gao" came to mind.

"If possible, I would like to collect some as well."

He hesitated for a moment, then made a request.

"No problem. Anyway, most of the artworks we collect just sit in the warehouse collecting dust. If a wizard is willing to collect them, we'll sell them openly."

Fait said nonchalantly.

Upon hearing this, Roy smiled slightly.

It seems I can add a few more good pieces to my collection.

When the nation is in peril, it is easy to be inspired and create great works of art that inspire and move people.

"By the way, we also plan to buy a large amount of cotton and sell grain..."

Fayt told him again.

This was exactly what Roy had expected.

"This matter can perhaps be accomplished through the wealthy merchant, Gnaum."

He now controls the military's cotton business, and by lobbying the kingdom's high-ranking officials, he can gain considerable benefits.

I believe they will actively promote it, and it won't arouse much suspicion.

This is nothing more than profiting from the national crisis of the Bear Kingdom. But what is their hero is our enemy, and vice versa.

He simply wanted to conveniently arrange for this enormous worldly fortune to be given to Grenam.

"Let's do as you say."

Fayt didn't care about such specific matters at all; it didn't matter who he assigned to it.

……

More than half a month later, the new year arrived.

Roy suddenly received another message from Jedi.

"Lord Roy, I have found the land of the elves!"

It really exists!
Moreover, the tomb of the hero Brembo really is located beneath the World Tree!

"what?"

Roy looked somewhat surprised.

Previously, Jedi had already accepted a secret mission to travel to the legendary land of elves.

Several years have passed, and there has been no news of them.

He himself thought he had died on the battlefield.

Unexpectedly, they not only successfully found it, but also confirmed this world's top-secret intelligence.

Are there any powerful individuals there?

After calming himself down, Roy asked.

"Although the number of elves here is small, almost all of them are spellcasters, and their overall strength is extremely high!"

There is indeed a Level 3 expert among the elders inside!
"We were once captured by him, but he released us only because he feared the high-ranking wizards and the Great Wizard behind us, and requested to negotiate."

When Jedi got to this point, he still looked shaken.

Shortly after that, Fayt summoned Roy and, as expected, discussed the same matter.

"The land of elves has been found!"
I now need to gather several level-two wizards to participate in a major mission.

Prepare yourself; we will assemble at the eastern beach in three days!

Is it that urgent?
"Don't worry, it's just a precaution."

Because the opponent also has a level three expert, and is a spellcaster, it is not advisable to start a battle rashly.

They probably don't want to go to war with us either, as their population is too small.

More likely, they will try to avoid conflict in exchange for their own territory, or even the opportunity to leave the stars and return to their ancestral lands.

Fayt told Roy.

"However, if they insist on going to war, I will not hesitate to go to war."

At that time, the three of us will join forces to deal directly with the other side.

If it really comes to that, your mission will be to slaughter the land of the elves!

Roy was speechless for a moment, but quickly packed up and left the capital.

Before leaving, he made proper arrangements and embarked on his so-called "journey" in the name of "pursuing a higher artistic realm".

As for the destination, it was naturally the Gray Eagle Kingdom, located southeast of the Giant Bear Kingdom.

It was there that he could easily arrange various "signs of activity" to fabricate a reputation and achievements.

……

Three days later, at the eastern coast.

Roy used "teleportation" to arrive at the meeting point, only to find that quite a few people had already gathered there.

Jedi, whom I had met before, was among them. He had actually advanced to the official rank, exuding the aura of a Blood Mercury Witch Body, with skin that was fair and rosy.

Upon seeing Roy, he immediately stepped forward and bowed.

Other lower-level wizards also came up to the several second-level wizards to greet them.

"The land of elves is right here, but it's in a demiplane, in the gap between the material world and the astral plane!"
Normally, we call it...

A hidden realm!

Fayte arrived later, looked at the gathered wizards, and intended to popularize some dimensional knowledge that was difficult for ordinary juniors to grasp.

Then waved his hand.

A mirage-like scene appeared on the sea ahead, reflecting the forest.

He led the way in, and soon, as if looking in a mirror, they turned back and entered the seaside forest.

The first thing that catches the eye is a huge tree, like a pillar supporting the entire world.

******
"So tall, so big!"

Many wizards were seeing such a scene for the first time, and they looked up in shock.

Roy remained calm and absorbed this scene into his mind and will, turning it into a "seed of imagery".

This is an ability he has developed over the years; his eyes and memory have acquired an effect similar to that of an alchemical camera.

After flying forward for a while, a barrier of light with hexagonal golden edges resembling a honeycomb grid appeared in the sky ahead.

"It's a massive barrier, 'Biltos's Gensokyo'!"

Fayte Road.

"They've already spotted us."

Leonter Road.

Beneath that enormous, towering tree ahead, there was a place that looked like a village.

Dozens of figures arrived at the edge of the barrier with the help of "flight magic".

They were tall and slender, with skin as smooth as moonlight, and their famously long, pointed ears were faintly visible through their hair.

Roy finally got to see the legendary "elves" race for the first time.

This is a high-magic race that is widely distributed in a magical universe and possesses extremely strong magical talent and bloodline power.

In some worlds, the elves have long since merged magic and technology, developing a highly advanced magical civilization.

Their floating cities blot out the sun, their warships powered by magic engines traverse the sea of ​​stars, and they possess interstellar fortresses, planet-destroying cannons, and other creations comparable to divine artifacts.

In some worlds, elves follow ancient traditions, relying primarily on racial gods or the protection of the World Tree.

It also has magical fortresses, moon wells, divine ancient trees, and other such things to rely on.

There are also various systems that have combined with different civilizations, giving rise to blood elves, wood elves, water elves, drow, and other beings...

Pranzio comes from a clan under one of the dark elves, making her a distant relative of the elves in this elven land.

"There really are elves here, these white-skinned, pointy-eared monsters..."

At that moment, she couldn't help but send a message while following Roy.

Fortunately, she knew her limits and didn't dare to voice her complaint publicly, but instead muttered it to herself in private.

"Aren't you an elf yourself? Why are you being so sarcastic and mean?"

Nisha couldn't help but say.

“I am a dark elf, unlike these guys!” Pranzie corrected.

Roy ignored their bickering and simply observed them silently.

"Sure enough, they are all handsome men and beautiful women, and their clothing, weapons, and staffs are quite artistic!"

This is a species concept relative to "humans," a kind of perfect long-lived species.

According to the classification method that bloodline wizards are accustomed to, it can be regarded as a high magic template with a basic life level as high as level one.

This doesn't seem very high at first glance, not even as high as many wild monsters...

However, this is the average level of the entire race, not an individual!

In other words, adult elves can very easily reach the level of a level one mage or other mainstream professions!

They also possess lifespans comparable to a second-level wizard, spanning approximately a thousand years, and their intelligence surpasses that of humans.

If we add a career template...

Elf mages and elf priests are common, and there are even powerful individuals at level two or three or above, as well as demigod heroes and racial gods!
Like dragons, they have left their mark on various planes and worlds of the magical universe, belonging to a civilization that developed astral travel very early.

Fortunately, this race is inherently chaotic yet kind, lacking long-term vision and consideration for the sake of the entire race, and they dislike aggression.

As a dominant species, it merely engaged in travel and ordinary migration, failing to seize the opportunity of colonization and reap the benefits.

The elves in this world of Brevorel are a small group of people who arrived here through magic such as "interdimensional teleportation," but unexpectedly lost contact with their mother civilization.

It looks like a pastoral elf that's heading towards the countryside.

These thoughts flashed through his mind, and Fait stepped forward to speak with one of the elders among the elves, a man with a dignified appearance.

Roy noticed that the other person seemed angry: "Wizard, I have already let your people go, why do you break your promise and come here again?"

"Hahaha, Elder, are you kidding me?"

You only spared our scouting agents; do you really think that's some great favor?

"We pose no threat to you, so why are you pressing us so hard?"

“Thousands of years ago, your people helped a hero, and even the hero’s remains were buried here.”

"It's hard to believe that you didn't form some kind of pact of mutual support..."

Roy listened and felt that they were all uncultured, arguing back and forth without getting to the point.

The saying "How can I allow others to snore beside my bed?" makes it clear.

The problem now is that the elves want to remain neutral, but the witches don't believe in that neutrality.

However, both sides are quite strong and dare not underestimate each other.

Things came to a standstill.

As expected, the negotiations before the battle failed.

However, Fait did not rashly engage in battle with the other party, because the other party's elven elder was indeed a seasoned level three powerhouse.

Even if our side has three high-level wizards working together to deal with them, we still have to consider the opponent's barrier, and even the towering tree behind them that is over a thousand meters tall.

"The opponent's level has been confirmed. Let's try to make peace."

Upon returning, Fayet didn't say much else, only letting out a simple, helpless sigh.

Roy nodded.

This is indeed a simple and straightforward method of judgment used by wizards.

They slaughtered and enslaved the weak.

For those that have resistance, find a way to conquer them at a low cost.

Powerful...

Of course, they came with the utmost sincerity, seeking a way to coexist peacefully.

Moreover, even if the opponent is weak, if they have the support of the mother civilization, one should consider the consequences more carefully.

The elves were very unhappy about the wizards being stationed outside, but there was nothing they could do about it in the short term.

The next day soon came.

The elves once again came from the village to the edge of the barrier, conveying their message: "How can you possibly believe that we will remain neutral?"

Fayte took flight and declared loudly, "It's simple, send troops to help us attack the native kingdom."

With just one attack, one can leave the team and return home.

We have no interest in your human infighting!

The elves left in anger.

"These stubborn long-eared monsters!"

Fayte was somewhat annoyed, but there was nothing he could do.

Roy showed little interest in the progress of the negotiations and privately summoned Jedi to ask, "Did you see the tomb of the legendary hero Brembo?"

"Yes, he buried himself under the World Tree, which is said to allow him to enter the soul realm created by the spirit of the World Tree and enjoy immortality!"

However, it's also possible that she simply wants to be with her beloved elf lover.

******
Over the next few days, Leonte, Fait, and Hisalia explored the elves' barrier, looking everywhere, both in the sky and on the ground.

Various portals and dimensional beacons were also tested.

But found nothing.

"This is a famous defensive spell of the Elven race, 'Biltos's Gensokyo'... If it is just cast in an ordinary way, it is just a level three group defense spell, which is nothing special."

But this is their territory, and they have a ancestral tree that has been nurtured here for thousands of years!

In the makeshift camp, the three wizards summoned Roy and other second-level wizards for a meeting.

Among them, Hisalia mentions the concept of the Tree of Home.

The World Tree is a very unique and intelligent ancient tree species.

In ancient times, they had already transcended being allies and established a symbiotic relationship.

These giant trees are rooted in the earth's veins, connecting the energy and spirituality of the entire world, and their status is comparable to that of gods.

Although due to racial characteristics, they have weaknesses such as difficulty in movement.

However, it excels at supporting barriers.

Large, advanced protective barriers like this have their roots placed on the World Tree. Attacking the barrier is equivalent to attacking the World Tree itself, and even a great wizard would have a headache.

"We cannot break through!"

The three high-ranking wizards quickly reached a conclusion.

"But we can't afford to waste time here, so we have to compromise and assume they really will remain neutral..."

"However, we must be wary of the elves breaking the treaty and suddenly coming to the aid of the native kingdom!"

"Therefore, we need to send people to be stationed here."

The group looked at each other, unsure whether they should accept the task.

"The main task of those who remain is to monitor them."

Because lower-level wizards can be deceived or even controlled, we need a level-two wizard to lead and at least one combat legion.

We will leave war puppets and "dimensional beacons" here, but if the other side really turns hostile, we may have to face a level three powerhouse directly...

You need to ensure your survival and report any incidents promptly.

Who is willing to take on this task?

Everyone looked at each other again.

After a while, Roy volunteered.

"I'll stay."

Fayte was slightly surprised.

Other wizards who saw this were also deeply impressed.

This young man is quite confident in himself for accepting such a task.

"Well, I'll leave it to you."

Fayte hesitated for a moment, then secretly told him in a telepathic message.

"In addition to monitoring the elves' movements, we must also prevent the native kingdoms from seeking help here!"

If you encounter a native messenger or a brave warrior approaching...

You know what to do.

Roy nodded.

This instruction was not unexpected.

It could even be said that this is a more important task than monitoring the spirits.

Given the nature and habits of elves, the possibility of them getting involved is indeed extremely small.

However, if an elf is instigated by a human messenger or hero, it is more likely that they will be willing to go on an adventure and thus drag other members of their race into it.

……

In the days that followed, Fayte and the others evacuated, while Roy stayed at the entrance to the secret realm.

Although the days spent stationed there were risky, they were actually exceptionally comfortable and free.

Roy, along with a few first-level wizards and apprentices who were also willing to stay, spent their days studying and researching, living a vacation-like life on the battlefield.

The elves were aware of their existence and dispatched a small team to patrol the edge of the barrier on a routine basis.

After a while, the two sides actually got to know each other.

The patrol captain opposite them was named Melius, an elven woman over 180 years old, who possessed the strength of a level two mage, a level two peak ranger, and a level two peak sword dancer.

"Your main job is a mage, right? How come you also work as a ranger and a swordsman?" Roy couldn't contain his curiosity and asked directly.

"Since I'm free anyway, I might as well take it as a side hustle."

Melius also asked Roy.

"Aren't you the same? You're also practicing the warrior class at the peak of level two?"

"We are different..."

The other person was so simple and honest that Roy didn't know how to explain it to them for a moment.

However, his attempts to showcase his charm and strike up conversations with the other person were not merely for casual chat.

Before long, his true intentions were revealed: "Your equipment looks quite artistic; you have good taste."

Melius heard this and smiled faintly.

She could tell from Roy's appearance and attire that he was a person of good taste.

"I'm quite interested in your elves' equipment and handicrafts. Can we trade some items?"

Roy displayed several exquisite pieces of art, as well as jewelry with aesthetic value.

Sure enough, it instantly attracted the other person's attention.

But Mephisto shook his head.

"The elders instructed that we must never accept your gifts, in order to prevent you from tampering with them."

Roy was speechless for a moment.

These elves may be simple and honest, but they're not stupid at all.

However, just as he was feeling slightly disappointed...

The other party actually threw out the dagger he was wearing at his waist.

Roy looked at the fair-skinned, beautiful, long-legged elf woman opposite him in surprise.

The other person smiled and nodded slightly.

……

"That wretched elf must be after your beauty!"

After leaving the edge of the forest, the dark elf who had been lurking nearby emerged, looking furious.

"Isn't it normal for men and women to have sex?"
Those elves had been cooped up in the forest for thousands of years and hadn't seen many outsiders, so it's normal for them to be curious..."

Nisha, however, disagreed.

"The friendship between elves sometimes comes unexpectedly, but they are not creatures driven by hormones. In some cases, they can even be described as detached from worldly desires."

I think her curiosity about me stemmed more from a shared interest.

Roy's gaze fell on the gift in his hand, and the [Eye of Hermes] revealed its attributes.

It was a treasure that shimmered with a dark green light.

"Merius's Beast Fang Dagger (Level 1)..."

The beast-tooth dagger, crafted from the sharp fangs of a saber-toothed tiger, is intricately carved with patterns, revealing sophisticated array formation techniques…

Roy saw in them some exemplary models that could be considered aesthetically valuable.

By this time, he already possessed the talent of an "art master," and he could see many things that could enhance aesthetic value.

However, in a short period of time, it is not enough to obtain the source of talent.

Roy knew he couldn't possibly take everything from the elf, but he still found an opportunity to ask about the legendary hero, Brebo.

"The legendary hero, Brebo..."

That was the only human in thousands of years to gain the ancestral tree's approval and thus receive the friendship of my people.

He possesses fearless courage and an indomitable will…

******
"These things do sound quite charismatic, but I don't really believe them."

The charm of a hero should still be about bringing hope and victory to the world.

The World Tree accepted him because it would be beneficial to do so.

So, what exactly is this benefit?

After parting ways with Melius, Roy began to ponder this question.

"You're really quite pragmatic!"

Nisha couldn't help but complain.

"Oh, so you're not after anything, and you stay by my side because you're sincere?"

Roy teased.

Nisha choked for a moment, then became so angry that she refused to say anything more to him.

Roy continued to ponder the problem, but he couldn't find an answer in a short time and had to give up for the time being.

……

Several months have passed.

Roy continued his arduous training in the "Liquidus Sealing Technique" and explored ways to fuse the seed.

During this time, Beryl and the others were released to explore.

By this time, Beryl had already consumed the "uranium energy potion" and become a Level 1 warrior.

However, her profession is that of a hunter, who is better suited to woodlands and not other terrains.

At Roy's request, the other wizards' subordinates also spread out to explore the relevant ley lines and various resources.

As a result, a variety of minerals were found in the surrounding area, but there were no large-scale mineral deposits.

Roy couldn't develop this place either, so he had to temporarily shift his attention to the World Tree itself.

Such a massive tree makes it an excellent subject for painting.

During his many days here, Roy painted several portraits of Him.

But no matter how many times I drew it, it just didn't feel quite right.

Because the world tree I drew was ultimately just black and white, and golden yellow.

The Golden Tree, in particular, appears magnificent and beautiful at first glance, but its appearance and temperament are completely inconsistent with the giant tree in front of us.

Even Melius couldn't help but purse his lips when he saw it.

Fortunately, Roy himself realized the problem and began to adjust his intentions.

He found a mineral called malachite in a nearby copper deposit, crushed and ground it into a fine powder, and mixed it with water or glue to make a pigment.

This is a natural green pigment.

But pigments alone are not enough; they must also be infused with seeds of "life" and "vitality."

Fortunately, Roy had studied soul pigment for many years and had some understanding of this color.

He made full use of the "activation" energy he possessed and actually created a "soul pigment - green" that possessed the characteristics of life.

With this, combined with other common pigments, I finally managed to capture the spirit of the World Tree.

Another day, when Roy encountered the patrol guards, he showed them his new painting through the barrier.

The elves on the other side were indeed stunned.

"So you're also a master painter!"

These soul-stirring paintings are beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Just then, something unexpected happened to everyone, including Roy himself.

A soft white light appeared, enveloping it and gently pulling it in.

This scene put both sides on edge.

But soon, Melius recognized the source of the white light.

"It's the Ancestral Tree! The Ancestral Tree has acknowledged him!"

……

Soon after, Roy, led by the patrol guard, headed toward the village.

The elves inside had already been alerted and were on high alert.

The elven elder stepped forward, holding a wooden staff, and asked solemnly, "Merius, what's going on?"

Did this wizard somehow manage to penetrate the barrier?

"That's not how it is, Elder, just now..."

She briefly recounted what had just happened.

"what?"

The elder was indeed greatly shocked when he heard this.

"Young man, what exactly is going on?"

"I do not know either!"

Roy answered truthfully, with a hint of helplessness in his voice.

"I was just figuring out my soul pigment, and I never expected it would even alarm the tree spirit!"

"It's probably not that simple."

The elder thought for a moment, and realized that it was impossible to admit that the tree of homeland that the people worshipped was senile and had mistaken the shaman in front of him for a good person who loved peace and life because of the soul pigment.

He closed his eyes, as if communicating with some unknown entity.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes wide and looked at Roy with a hint of disbelief.

"Are you the chosen one, the hero?"

Roy: "Hmm?"

It seems like this is getting more and more outrageous.

As for being a hero, I have indeed killed and plundered.

But how did he end up being seen as the chosen one, the hero?
Could it be that because of the inherited nature of destiny, it was plundered and became one's own?

"The Ancestral Tree has determined that you are a worthy candidate to be a hero, and wishes to entrust you with the seed of the World Tree to take to other worlds!"

The elder then uttered words that shocked the other elves.

"This, this could mean..."

"The ancestral tree will once again sacrifice its life to blossom, bear fruit, and create seeds!"

"This……"

The elves were all terrified.

This is because the ancestral tree does not usually flower or bear fruit.

Once it blossoms and bears fruit, it will lose at least a thousand years of its lifespan.

He was originally an immortal being capable of living for over 100,000 years, and would not have made this decision if it were not for a major upheaval.

Roy also had a strange expression.

He thought to himself, "Could it be that this so-called tree spirit has sensed the special nature of my soul?"

Perhaps He believed that He could help Him take the tree seed to other worlds and plant it properly.

So that's why this whole charade was staged?
This isn't to say that Roy insists on viewing it as a conspiracy theory, but rather that the whole thing is filled with a paradoxical quality.

In truth, this old tree is the most powerful and oldest being on earth, almost like a god.

Now, the kingdom has been conquered by wizards, and the world's will has been captured, leaving no escape from its doom.

If He truly has a spirit and is intelligent enough, it's time for Him to run away.

Roy saw through their scheme but said nothing. He silently followed the elves to the altar of the sacrificial tree and was astonished to find a huge, white, sun-like sphere of light shining above the village, on the tree roots and wooden walls.

Immediately afterwards, the light covered the entire tree, and the towering tree began to flourish at a visible speed.

It produced branches and leaves at an astonishing speed; in just half a day, thousands of branches seemed to have gone from the cold winter to the height of summer.

The trees were covered in white blossoms, and countless spiritual forces, like souls, surged forth, while a vast and boundless mysterious source of energy flowed into the many fruits.

However, not all of these fruits successfully solidified; instead, they rotted on the spot, scattering into the air and turning into fleeting illusions.

Finally, through large-scale elimination, they concentrated their efforts and successfully cultivated a fist-sized, golden fruit.

　The "Protagonist Status (Progress: End of Hero World Arc)" section has been updated; please check it out if you're interested.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)