Chapter 386: Beneath The Tree

A short while before Noah defeated Tharylssa.

The four figures finally came to a stop before the gates leading into the protected area beneath the World Tree.

A massive mana barrier stretched overhead, shielding the people taking refuge beneath the enormous tree. Beyond it, countless elves had gathered for safety, while guards stood ready to defend the area against any intruders.

Even now, the World Tree’s burning branches continued to fall from above, crashing against the protective barrier. Each impact sent ripples of mana across its surface, but the shield held firm, preventing the blazing debris from reaching the people below.

Lyria was breathing heavily.

They had fought their way through the city, encountering Blood Elves at every turn. She, Elowen, Damien, and Instructor Brandon had been forced to battle their way forward, protecting one another while navigating the bloodstained streets.

And now, at last, they had reached their destination.

Elowen stepped forward and approached the guards stationed before the gates. Each wore protective armor and carried a weapon, their alert gazes constantly scanning the surroundings for approaching enemies.

After a brief conversation with them, Elowen returned to the group.

"What did they say?" Brandon asked, glancing at her.

"The guard I spoke with went inside to inform the elder of our arrival," Elowen explained. "He said we can only enter if the elder gives us permission. For now, all we can do is wait and hope he’ll agree."

She glanced at Lyria before continuing.

"I also told him her name and mentioned that she’s a member of the Sunweave family. That should give us a decent chance."

Brandon nodded.

The four waited before the gates, hoping they would be allowed to enter soon. Time was precious, and with the World Tree continuing to burn, every passing moment mattered.

Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait long.

The guard who had gone inside soon reappeared, running toward them.

"The First Elder, Lord Caelthas Sylvaine, has ordered all of you to enter immediately!"

Their expressions brightened.

"Finally," Brandon muttered.

Without wasting another moment, the four followed the guard through the gates.

Lyria had visited this area before. Back then, it had been filled with warmth and vitality, with elves going about their daily lives beneath the World Tree’s protective branches.

Now, however, that familiar atmosphere was nowhere to be found.

The area was filled with anxious people rushing from one place to another. Some carried the injured, while others hurried to assist the guards or deliver supplies. The usual peace and tranquility had been replaced by confusion and desperation.

Even here, beneath the protection of the World Tree, the fear of what was happening outside was impossible to ignore.

Lyria followed the others deeper into the area until they reached a gathering of several important-looking figures.

Among them stood an elderly elf with blonde hair and slightly wrinkled skin. His piercing blue eyes held a sharpness that contrasted with his age. He was holding a phone-like communication device against his ear, speaking to someone on the other end.

Beside him stood another elf dressed in an elaborate magical robe. He had blonde hair, sharp black eyes, and the composed bearing of someone accustomed to commanding powerful mages.

As the four approached, the elderly elf glanced in their direction.

His gaze swept across the group before finally settling on Lyria. He was still speaking to someone through the device, but he paused when they came closer.

"Are you Lyria Sunweave, daughter of Duke Lucian Sunweave?"

Lyria straightened and nodded respectfully.

"Yes, I am Lyria Sunweave."

"Good. It’s fortunate that you came here on your own."

The elderly elf lowered the communication device slightly.

"I am Caelthas Sylvaine, the First Elder of the Royal Council. However, given the current situation, let’s dispense with the formalities."

He extended the device toward her.

"Take this. Your father is on the other end. He wants to speak with you."

Lyria blinked in surprise. Her father?

She hadn’t expected him to be involved in this so quickly. That was surprising. Nevertheless, she accepted the device with both hands and raised it to her ear. She also believed that her father might have more idea about this and how to solve the problem.

"Father, it’s me."

"Oh, Lyria! Are you safe? Are you injured? How did you manage to reach Lord Caelthas?"

"Father, the situation is terrible, and I think my ability might be able to—"

"Yes, Lyria. You’re right." Her father interrupted her, his voice filled with urgency. "There is a way to deal with this situation. Those flames are cursed or perhaps calling them corrupted would be more accurate. You need to use your Purification Ability to weaken them. Once the corruption is removed, we can bombard the flames with every water-based attack available. That should turn them into ordinary fire, allowing us to extinguish them."

Lyria frowned as she glanced at the burning World Tree in the distance.

"But, Father... how can I use my ability on something as enormous as the World Tree?"

"There is a way." Her father’s voice grew serious. "We can use a method to channel an enormous amount of mana from others directly into your body. With that much mana at your disposal, you should be able to sustain your ability and continuously purify the flames."

He paused for a moment.

"However..."

Lyria’s expression grew tense.

"However, what? Is there a problem?"

"Yes." Her father’s voice carried a hint of reluctance. "Even if you gain access to an enormous amount of mana, your body still has its limits. Your Mana Core cannot safely withstand an amount of mana that exceeds its capacity."

He paused and then continued, "You’ll have to expend that mana through your ability as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the excess mana could damage your core."

He fell silent for a moment before continuing.

"The risk is considerable, Lyria. I’m worried about what might happen to you. If you’re afraid, we can look for another way—"

"No, Father. I can do it." She said with a resolved. Her fist clenched tightly.