Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter Dreams of a Hero ~ - Chapter 358.2: 《Infinite Variety's》 Strategy ④

“Really, how many people turned into Phantoms……” (Cry)

While I am saying this, the forest turns quiet.

During that time, no attacks are coming our way. It is too one-sided.

Compatibility is really important…… I can’t believe that the Phantoms from an estimated Level 10 Treasure Shrine cannot even lift a finger against it. The Black World Tree suddenly stops its movements as if it has devoured some delicious prey.

If you are satisfied, I would like you to turn back into a staff again…… I would also like to see what happens to the people who were thrown away.

The Black World Tree begins to move slowly. Its size has grown over time and has already exceeded the size of the great trees growing nearby. However, it is far from the real World Tree.

The World Tree is just a stone’s throw away, just as Tino has said. Although it is probably several kilometers away, seeing it from this high up gives you a good idea of the ridiculous size of the World Tree.

The cold wind makes me shiver involuntarily. And there, Tino, who has been shivering slightly, let out a hysterical voice.

“Ma-Master~, this one――It is being attracted to the 【Temple of Origin】!?”

“………… Yeah, that’s bad.” (Cry)

As Tino said, the Black World Tree is slowly but surely moving towards the real World Tree.

Apparently, this tree isn’t satisfied with the amount of power it has absorbed from the army of Phantoms. If it were a living thing, it would instinctively be able to understand the danger of the 【Temple of Origin】, but it seems that such a thing does not exist in this tree.

No matter how good their compatibility is, I can’t overlook the fact that we are going into the enemy’s headquarters where the Phantom of a god resides. Even if it were to succeed in infiltrating it and were to grow even further, this would be troublesome in its own way――.

I think we have bought enough time. Now that the device has been destroyed, there is no point in staying here, and I am sure Sytry and the others will be able to do something about this Black World Tree.

“Yosh…… Let’s take it to Sytry and the others.” (Cry)

“!? H-How!?” (Tino)

“Well, you know…… That thing you know, that. Like hanging a carrot from a horse’s nose――” (Cry)

Until just now, this Black World Tree had prioritized attacking the Phantoms. I am sure heading to the 【Temple of Origin】 isn’t that high of a priority.

“B-But………… What carrot are you going to use as bait? It doesn’t seem to be interested in us――” (Tino)

“Uuun, that’s right………… I think they said it was targeting Magi at the Academy……” (Cry)

In other words, this tree is attracted to Mana Materials and Magic power. I wonder if the reason why it doesn’t chase after Marin is because she is a curse too, or maybe Marin doesn’t have any Magic powers.

The Black World Tree moves slowly. No, it is not slow, but as long as we can attract it, I am sure we will be able to somehow guide it.

Things would be quicker if it reacted to Relics, but it doesn’t seem to be interested in them. They do contain a considerable amount of Magic power, but I can’t figure out the criteria for the Black World Tree to attack.

I let out a small sigh and say to Mimic-kun, half-resigned.

“Mimic-kun, give me something imbued with Magic power other than Relics.” (Cry)

I have a general idea of Mimic-kun’s performance. He is extremely talented as a 『Magic Bag』, but as expected, he can’t bring out anything that isn’t inside.

However, Mimic-kun spits out a cloth bag without hesitation.

It is an ordinary bag. It kinda looks familiar or maybe kinda not――.

The Black World Tree, which has been moving with a *zushin, zushin* sound of footsteps, *pitari* stops suddenly. I blink my eyes, make up my mind, and open the bag to look inside.

What is inside is――Gold and silver threads. Thin, shiny threads that feel cool to the touch.

No, to be exact, they are not threads. I take it out, look at it intently, and hand it to Tino, who is frozen in place with her eyes wide open.

These are――Hair. It is Astor and the others’ hair which they forcibly gave me when I helped Serene when she was swallowed by Miles. The hair of Spirit People with an aptitude for Magic. It can be a powerful catalyst for Magic and is the most important thing for Spirit People after their life and their pride.

There resides――The powerful Magic power of a Spirit People.

Tino blinks her eyes and roots come rushing toward her from both sides. I say quickly before they catch her.

“Tino, please use Car-kun to guide it.” (Cry)

Thanks for reading! Cry is always so fast when he needs to pass the hot potato. Now Tino, fly you fool (ref: LOTR)

If you are in a generous mood and want to support me, I will be very grateful! : Click here for Ko-fi donation or the button bellow