Chapter 696: Sun Palace

A giant crystal mushroom stood amid the countless trees and outstretched branches of Janea. It was higher than anything else in the forest and sent sunlight to its darkest corner. None of the wildlife neared the Sun Palace, where the Queen of Janea lived.

"This boat is moving on its own," said Arthur as he observed. "However, we didn't direct it anymore. Is it a part of a runic array?"

"As a man of runes, you would tend to believe," said Tiara with a smile as she sat on the edge of the boat. "However, this boat is created from a special plant that can change its appearance. We ask it to take us somewhere, and it knows."

"Ask?"

"The people of Janea are capable of talking to plants. This is how we can make them grow and listen to their suffering when they die." Tiara sat dripping with melancholy as her long green hair waved in the wind. "This is also why we fight."

Arthur didn't understand the last part, but he didn't want to pry on their business. Instead, he was more interested in the Sun Palace, which seemed to be shining midday. Streams of light looked like veins going down the mushroom and into the earth.

"There is a tree inside the Palace?" asked Arthur with confusion. "There seem to be branches of light."

"Although it's far from being a tree, its name is Life Tree. It feeds on the sun and gives it to all plants in our forests. This allows the trees to grow without ever hindering one another."

"Since all trees and plants get enough sunlight, there would be no need to cut down the ones with a large shade." Arthur nodded while staring at the light streams. "It's truly the Tree of Life."

The river went down, and trees began blocking the sky view. Arthur could see several huts erected on the trees with eyes staring at the two of them. However, there was curiosity instead of malice.

"It is rare to see an outsider, and our people can tell. You are a bizarre creature, as far as they can tell. A man from the outside," Tiara explained, while Arthur counted the huts they passed along the way.

The forest was complex, almost like a maze, but the river went up and down to avoid the trees. Arthur looked through the waters and could see the trees below. A few shadows jumped from one place to the other, and Arthur could see them through the stream.

"Janea seems to be a closed community," Arthur said as he looked up and saw the mushroom's stalk. It was bigger than the Tower of Yalen, where he once contended. "This last request of yours is taking a lot of time."

"We could have teleported straight into the palace, but I wanted you to meet Janea. It might be necessary before mother discusses what needs to be discussed."

"Then, I'll meet it," said Arthur as he leaned back and turned to the side. His eyes glowed golden as they peered through the forest, and a pulse radiated from them before it disappeared.

A ripple began with Arthur in the center before passing through Tiara and the rest of the forest. It traveled far, penetrating the existence of everything around them. Arthur then turned back toward Tiara, who looked at him with confusion.

"Did you say something, Arthur?" asked the princess with furrowed brows.

"Nothing, nothing at all." Arthur wore a smile as the two of them approached the Sun Palace. Then, the river started going up toward the mushroom's gills. There, Arthur saw the river merge with the gates.

***

As the world made the fuss about Ascent, videos of its guild master resurfaced. Arthur Silvera spoke at the memorial of Kera about his guild, which Alexie Linan announced its creation a month prior. This led to the realization that Arthur Silvera assumed a different identity after his death.

This would have usually led to catastrophic consequences and countless arrests for whoever was involved. However, in the mess that the invasion left, those that should be held accountable were missing. This included Arthur Silvera's master and the one who vouched for Alexie to join Jerano, Master Ronin.

Despite the great unrest in the world, Arthur Silvera shone like a gem among coal. However, he was still a rough diamond that needed to be polished, as no one could tell what he would be.

It was different for those in power. They all knew he was dangerous because words spread around about his identity as the outsider. He was only expected to appear, but no one knew what he would do next.

The Queen of Janea sat on her balcony, admiring the great prosperity of her lands. She was also waiting for that exact man: Arthur Silvera. It was her wish to meet him, and her daughter had to suffer having a selfish mother.

A knock came on the glass doors, and Tiara pushed the door open a moment later. She was accompanied by a young man whose black hair and golden eyes seemed to complement each other. His features were sharp, looking like a wolf, but his gaze was curious. Then, as he laid eyes on her, he smiled.

The Queen was confused as she rose from her chair. However, his smile didn't disappear even as Tiara presented him to her. The introduction was all things she knew very well: Arthur Silvera, the man who defeated Amelio, and Guild Master of Ascent.

"Greetings, Mr. Silvera," greeted the Queen humbly. Arthur Silvera raised his brows before he returned the gesture with a slight bow.

"Greetings to you, Queen of Janea," said Arthur Silvera. "Princess Tiara mentioned that you wanted to see me, and who am I to refuse the offer?"

"Don't be too humble, Mr. Silvera," said the Queen before she gestured for the two of them to sit. "You are more than worthy to reject my selfish request. However, I just had to meet you."

"I can't say I'm not curious about the reason."

Tiara didn't sit, and the Queen nodded for her to leave. Then, after excusing herself and finding an excuse, she left the two of them alone. Silence descended in the room, and Arthur Silvera broke it.

"I want to know something since it has been on my mind. How did you know my title?" asked Arthur Silvera. "I mean the Seika of Living Beings."

"Ah, Tiara used that knowledge to intrigue you." The Queen smiled as she adjusted herself. "Before we discuss such matters, it's better if we talk about lighter subjects, Mr. Silvera."

"Please, call me Arthur."

"I understand. You may call me Ava, too."

"Alright, Ava." Arthur didn't hesitate to call her by her name, making her smile. Then, she brought her hands together.

"Do you like plants, Arthur?"

"I do."

"And the reason for that?"

"It might be their incapability of harm and their significance in granting life. A good answer would be their peacefulness."

"That is a good answer indeed. If, by chance, the world lost all of its plants. What do you think would happen?" asked Queen Ava. She was observing the outsider and was almost affected by his calm.

"That would be far from being a light subject." Arthur chuckled, and the Queen nodded with a smile. "It would be the beginning of a worldwide famine. Even the most powerful people need to eat."

"There are a few exceptions to that," said Ava as she stared at him for a few seconds. "Regardless, you are right. A famine would strike this world, and no amount of agriculture would cure it."

"I understand the importance of plants," said Arthur as he placed a finger on his temple. "However, how is this related to the reason you wanted to see me?"

"Let us go back to the question you asked me: how did we know about that title of yours? It shouldn't exist in this world but only in the memories of those who came across it. However, we met someone who knows of those events."

"The God of Life." Arthur realized it, and Queen Ava nodded. "It is an unexpected thing to come across him so soon. So tell me, Queen Ava. How did this prompt you to meet me?"

"The Healer Guardian warned us through my daughter," said Ava with shaking hands. "Our ancestor spoke of the first disaster to strike this world: famine. After that, the plants will start dying, and our crops will go extinct. It will affect the whole world, and only the powerful would survive."

Even after hearing her words, Arthur Silvera didn't lose his composure. Instead, he seemed to have expected her words since he stepped into this room.

"This is more about your forest than it is about the world. Your land is dying, slowly but surely." Queen Ava watched the man slowly lean forward with a smile. "Don't try to fool me, dear Ava."

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