Chapter 549: World Tree
"Let them do it, brother," said Valerian. "I'm sure there are many people who share the same name as you. I don't think it would matter all that much."
"Yes, Professor!" Eleiney beamed. "You should definitely do it!"
Art and Aiden also chimed in excitedly, "It'll be so amazing to have a town named after you!" "When this town grows into a city in the future, you will become so famous! Hahaha!"
Fame? Adam went into deep thought.
I've never cared about things like fame... As long as I have a chest full of money, a gourd full of wine, and a lifetime to ponder the mysteries of magic, I would be a satisfied man.
He looked at the faces of all the townsfolk, their eyes blazing with respect, reverence, and
adoration.
Gradually, his lips curled up into a smile.
But this also feels nice, he thought.
I wish to live my life following my desires. If that desire is to travel the universe looking for grand adventures, then I shall do that...
If that desire is to build a town after me, then I shall do that as well.
The youth slowly got to his feet, turned around, and started walking toward the center of the crater. "Follow me, everyone."
Although no one knew what Adam was about to do, they followed him nonetheless.
What is he up to now? Yavia thought as she flew alongside him.
The blood moons had dipped below the horizon and a new day had begun. The radiant rays of the morning sun bathed Adam's face, reflecting the trace of excitement in his eyes.
I was saving it for when I had properly settled down somewhere... perhaps in another world, he inwardly said to himself.
I never thought I'd be using it here. Although I'm not expecting much, it doesn't hurt to try!
After confirming that he had arrived at the center of the large crater, he conjured a round, crystal vial from his earring.
Inside the vial, was an unassuming seed.
"What's that?" Yavia asked curiously. Being a wood spirit, she would naturally have an interest in anything related to flora.
"This is the seed of an ash tree," said Adam with a faint smile.
Yavia's pupils constricted as she deeply gazed at Adam. She didn't speak a word to him, and her thoughts were a mystery.
He went on his knees and began digging the ground without using mana. After gently placing the seed on the ground, he covered it with soil and then began carving strange runes around it.
Although he didn't quite understand what these runes meant, in the memories he had seen a great expert-who was also a Herbalist-do the same.
He hoped that it worked.
"Legend has it that our world is supported by a divine pillar known as the World Tree. Its branches and roots extend to every part of the world," he said to the people around him.
By now, even the Magi of the Brotherhood had arrived near him, drawn by the sudden
commotion. They were wondering what Adam was up to.
"They say that the World Tree manifests itself in the form of an ash tree. It is the center of our universe, its trunk reaching the heavens," the youth continued.
"But Professor, isn't that just a fairy tale?" Eleiney asked curiously.
"Who knows?" Adam replied with a mysterious smile.
Aiden couldn't help but jest, "Is the seed you're planting going to grow up into another World Tree?"
Adam shook his head with a chuckle, "No, it won't. However, they say all ash trees in existence are extensions of the World Tree."
"Like a clone?" Art asked incredulously.
"Sort of," Adam replied vaguely.
He paused for a moment before continuing, "Anyways, the reason I'm doing this is because we Herbalists believe that the World Tree can give us her blessings if we plant an ash tree in our herb fields.
"Although this place won't become my herb field, since it's going to be named after me, its importance will be no less in my heart."
Hearing his words, the townsfolk couldn't help but feel their hearts warm up. The respect that they had for the youth instantly doubled after hearing him say those words.
"Professor, I didn't know you were superstitious," said Eleiney.
"Haha, even if it's a legend, the World Tree holds a special place in the hearts of us Herbalists," Adam explained to them.
"Some say, the World Tree is the source of the most rare and magical herbs in the world. Others believe it to be a wellspring of ancient herbalism knowledge. Although these are mere legends, us Magi need something to believe in, do we not?"
Even though Adam had said so, he knew that these weren't mere legends. He had seen it in the memories.
The World Tree was real!
After he had finished carving the runes around the seed, they magically disappeared into the ground even though Adam hadn't used any mana.
The youth's eyes lit up and he thought to himself, As expected, it works!
He took a deep breath and bent over, placing his forehead on the damp earth. As the rays of the sun fell on the seed of the ash tree, he recited a solemn prayer.
"O Great Mother Yggdrasil,
Bless this seed to take root in this humble earth,
Allow it to grow strong, rise tall, and spread wide,
Allow it to shield this land and its people,
By your branches, may we find protection,
By your roots, may we find peace,
So let it be."
Unbeknownst to anyone present, a mystical pulse rippled through the land, spreading
outwards in all directions.
And at the same time, in the depths of the universe, an ancient existence cast its gaze in this
direction!!
Adam slowly got to his feet. He turned around and looked at all the townsfolk before declaring, "I permit you to name this settlement Constantine!"
"OHHHH!!!" The townsfolk erupted into cheers.
The sun slowly rose over the horizon, signaling the advent of a new day and a new chapter for
the town of Constantine!
...
After Adam had been given proper medical aid by Yavia, he decided to leave this place. He had to return to Ravenfell with his students.
The Magi of the Brotherhood chose to stay behind and help the mortals through the initial development of the new town.
As Adam and his students hopped on Valerian's back, the townsfolk surrounded them,
bidding them farewell with tearful eyes.
"My Lord, please take care of your health!"
"May you prosper in all endeavors of life!"
"You must visit us from time to time!"
"Do not forget us, My Lord! We are your people!"
Adam glanced at them with a bittersweet smile, thinking to himself, The antidote that you all
drank, contains traces of my blood... So in a way, you all are truly my people...
"Until next time," he bade them farewell before instructing Valerian to take flight.
With overflowing emotions, the townsfolk watched the enormous black panther slowly fly
away into the horizon.
The name of their savior would forever be etched inside their hearts.
While the townsfolk were looking in the direction that Adam had flown away, unbeknownst to
them and even the Magi present, a mysterious figure suddenly arrived at the place where the youth had planted the seed of the ash tree.
It was an old woman with silver-gray hair and eyes that were a deep, mossy green. She wore a white flowing robe, its hems embroidered with the patterns of leaves. Over her robe, she wore
a dark green cloak.
She looked at the ground where Adam had planted the seed, her eyes sparkling with kindness
and love.
Then, she looked in the direction Adam had flown off to. Despite the long distance, she could
see him as clear as day.
Her lips gradually bloomed into a smile.
A gentle smile.
A happy smile.
An expectant smile.