Rise Ethereal Essence - Chapter 19

With its body undergoing transformations the Dark Essence set off. It wanted to explore what was left of the world.

Although the world of The Crystal Tree was just trees and plants, the variations were endless, and to the Dark Essence that had not seen anything else, it was alluring.

After finishing its journey, it would return to The Crystal Tree to observe the advancements made by the elves.

Much time had passed since it left. By now the sky only had five different lights now. The Sun Elves only needed five more tribes to complete their advancements by bringing the hundred meter stones to their centers.

As the Dark Essence flew through the sky and thought of the elves, another color suddenly disappeared.

“Well, that makes four, now.”

Although the Dark Essence had completely absorbed the divine light, its body radiated a celestial aura that was perceivable by the god messengers.

They looked towards the aura with wide eyes. As it distanced itself from their position, they sat up slowly. They were still dizzy from the beam of divine light. The power was too much for their beings, and it might definitely be too much for another powerful deity.

They were astounded by the Dark Essence. Although they only saw a sphere, they assumed it was the creature they were following. How it was capable of absorbing that divine beam and remain whole was beyond them.

Their large bodies were still trembling from the thunderous reverberations, but after they heard the voice of the Dark Essence, they lost all strength. The god messengers tumbled from the sky laying in the newly grown vegetation.

The vegetation surrounding them had a different aura to that of the world. It had the same kind of ten-colored light nutrients, but they seemed to be more vigorous and beautiful.

Their large frames stood within the odd plants. The long tunics they sported were spotless as if it had never touched the ground, rustling in the wind.

The god messengers started walking in the direction of the Crystal Tree of Origin. They passed their hands through the thick tall grass and let it brush against their legs as they felt the softness.

Several plants were still glowing, and they could be seen even underground, which was similar to looking at an x-ray.

Breathing in, the smell of nature and light flooded their senses. Wait… the smell of light? Could light be smelled?

They stopped walking and stared at each other for a good minute.

“Beyond… beyond us.”

“Yup, don’t question the designs of others.

They continued their walk. More than half a day had passed since they started walking. They would have just flown towards it, but their energy had somehow depleted. At least they could still glow like night lights.

In front of them was a large hill. Although it was originally a hill, after fractions divine light struck the creation, it grew in size until it was a small mountain.

But one thing had to be understood about the mountains and hills of this world. They weren’t small, but instead the complete opposite.

“Wow”

“I don’t think the spiraling trees hundreds of times larger than this structure can compare to the grandiosity of this… what did that sphere call it… oh! The Crystal Tree of Origin.”

They gazed upon the stairs extending miles up.

“Alright, let us continue on, there is still much to do.”

The two god messengers placed their first steps upon the marble-like stairs.

“BOOOM”

…

Back at The Crystal Tree were the god messengers.

They had returned approximately three days ago. Their tunics were tattered and hair disheveled.

They were still reeling with indignation.

They had to drag themselves back to The Crystal Tree, completely exposed before the elves and dryads.

“Aarghh! I’m sure I heard a few dryads chuckling at us!” The Twilight God Elf didn’t want to let go of the shame it went through.

“Don’t mind them too much. It might be our fault, for wanting what we couldn’t have.” Although the Light God Elf said those words, it too didn’t let go.

The Dark Essence had vaguely perceived what had happened a few days ago. The elves were taking their first steps onto the stairs when “BOOOM!”

“Ahahaha!” The Dark Essence was joyful, not at the misfortune of the god messengers but instead at the sight, they portrayed. It was funny seeing them launched as they flew like ragdolls with confused faces.

It might have to recreate that scene again. But wait, it wasn’t an elf. It looked like it would have to form a body somehow. Hahaha, nah. It was a good idea though, hmm.

Days later, the god messengers were healing and resting inside The Crystal Tree. The other creatures might not know, but within the enormous tree were endless amounts of golden sap.

This sap not only had the power to heal and give life but also many other things. The sap was constantly being made invigorated the world.

The Crystal Tree patiently waited as its messengers recovered.

“Haa… bad news and good news.”

“Let me explain the bad news you explain the good.” The Twilight God Elf then went on to reveal the withering force, barren lands, and devastation caused by the Dark Essence.

Shortly after it finished, the Light God Elf told the good news, the Crystal Tree of Origin, the divine light, the odd vegetation, and the rejuvenated lands.

“Aah…” A crystalline voice resonated within The Crystal Tree. It was ancient and profound.

It was the spirit of The Crystal Tree. When it heard about the withering force and barren lands it sighed, wistful.

“I was hoping to break away, all those years ago, but it seems even I am bound. No matter how far we go, there is no escape.”

“We?” The messengers exchanged their thoughts. “Is the lord referring to us or someone else?”

“Of course I’m not talking about you, child. Go and inform the elves about the events you experienced. I would also like to hear more about this… Crystal Tree of Origin.”

At the start of the new month, the gods of the elves, the Twilight and Light God Elves called for all the creatures to gather before the tree. There they conveyed the many incidents that had occurred, as well as the reason for the intense tremors from The Crystal Tree before dismissing them once more.

“The Crystal Tree of Origin?”

*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*

Ition was picking some plants and replanting them elsewhere. Its mind was muddled. Since the moment the Light and Twilight Gods mentioned the name, something within it throbbed. Every mention of the name would cause the thumping to escalate.

“Hey, hey! Are you listening?”

“Huh? Oh. Yeah, yeah. Something just came to mind.” Responded Ition stilled slightly confused.

“You know, you seem to be out of it lately. Has something happened recently?” Asked Yune. Them two had long become the best of friends. They joked around and laughed constantly.

“Nothing, nothing, don’t worry about it.” Ition didn’t know why the throbbing started it just felt something like a calling. As if the Crystal Tree of Origin was calling towards it.

*Thump*

Ition resolved to one day journey again reaching this legendary place. It would have to be after this era though. After making its resolve, the throbbing slowed down before softly disappearing.

The Dark Essence did not know what its creation meant within this world. Although it would leave soon, maybe something unexpected would occur in the future.