After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
Guided by Nene, we advanced through the “Amber Forest,” where the presence of the labyrinth dungeon grew stronger.
We were delayed a few times by skirmishes, but it seemed like we were nearing the final destination.
“…It’s amazing.”
Running beside me, Rain looked up at the strange object now visible through the gaps in the trees and muttered in awe.
Just as the sun was about to set and the surroundings began to darken, it radiated an eerie presence.
“That’s the World Tree…!”
As the pain in my cheek gradually intensified, I looked up at the faintly glowing tree as well.
With its sheer size, you’d think it would be visible even from outside the forest—no, even from outside the island. But we hadn’t noticed it at all until we got close.
There’s an old saying: “A wise man hides a tree in the forest.” This situation fit that phrase perfectly.
The “Amber Forest” that spreads across Vilmuren Island was undoubtedly created to hide this World Tree.
By confusing and misleading those who enter—through the work of the spirits—the dark elves managed to keep this amber-colored sacred tree, their greatest treasure, hidden from sight.
“Silk-san is in the direction of the World Tree. What should we do, Yuke-san?”
“We’re going in. We don’t know what’s waiting, so everyone get ready.”
At my command, everyone traveling through the forest nodded.
Just as I said—we had no idea what lay ahead.
But most likely, Silk would be with Ilwen.
Whatever circumstances there may be, reuniting with Silk was the top priority.
There was a chance we might end up fighting Ilwen… but this time, we were a full party. Unlike last time, we wouldn’t be taken by surprise.
He wouldn’t be so foolish as to underestimate us again.
We stepped through the trees and approached the base of the World Tree.
Sure enough, two elves stood there.
“Silk!”
At the sound of my call, Ilwen turned around.
He let out a deep sigh, clearly annoyed.
“You again, Yuke Feldio.”
“Ilwen Pearlwood! I’ve come to take Silk back!”
“How strange. She is my other half, you know?”
As if escorting her, Ilwen offered his hand. Silk gently took it and turned toward us.
Her gaze lowered slightly as she gave me a small bow.
“Yuke-san, I’m grateful you came all this way… but if possible, I’d like you to leave. Take everyone with you.”
“Silk?”
“This is the conclusion I reached after much thought.”
“Then, will you tell me what that conclusion is? I want to respect your decision, but I can’t just leave you here.”
Silk gave a small shake of her head, lowering her eyes as she began to speak softly.
“All of this… is the result of my own lack of virtue.”
“Say it so we can understand, Silk!”
“That doesn’t explain anything, okay?”
Prompted by Marina and Rain, Silk raised her eyes.
Tears glimmered faintly at the corners of her eyes.
“As the guardian of the ‘Amber Forest’ and heir to the World Tree, I ignored my role and selfishly pursued happiness… and that may lead to war.”
“What…!?”
“There are extremists among the elves—those who harbor deep anger and hatred toward the Kingdom of Welmeria for disgracing me as a ‘dark elf’ and spreading lies about the discord between light and dark elves caused by ‘Thunderpike.’”
As Silk spoke, Jamie, who stood beside me, trembled.
Back then, she had witnessed the incident as a member of “Thunderpike.”
She once told us she regretted not stopping that fool Simon.
That’s likely why she now felt responsible.
“…That’s why Ilwen and I must now make a declaration to the world.”
With a look of resolve, Silk produced something: the Gopro-kun G, glowing faintly with golden light.
We had activated it before leaving camp, so how did it end up here?
And what exactly was Silk trying to do?
“Ilwen! What are you doing to Silk!?”
“I merely showed her the truth—and the right path. So that everything will go smoothly… you see.”
The Gopro-kun G floated gently into the air.
Reflected in its lens were Silk and Ilwen… and us, the members of “Clover.”
“Now, Silk. Let’s begin…”
“Yes, Ilwen.”
The surrounding trees began to rustle as if they were alive, and a strong tremor shook the ground beneath us.
“W-What’s happening?”
“I don’t know!”
Supporting a staggering Jamie, I kept my eyes on Silk and Ilwen, who were in the middle of something.
Silk slowly floated, eyes closed.
When she opened them again, they shimmered with the glow of amber.
“You’re wonderful, Silk.”
With a euphoric expression, Ilwen smiled.
In front of the light elf, Silk knelt and bowed her head.
“Ilwen Pearlwood. As the guardian of the Amber, I, Silk Amberwood, acknowledge you—
You are our king.”
As she said this, Silk took Ilwen’s outstretched hand and gently kissed the back of it.
The next moment, a chilling sensation swept through the air… and the World Tree opened its mouth.
“Behold. This is the entrance to the palace, granted only to the ‘True King of the Forest.’”
Ilwen smiled with a theatrical flair.
The hole behind him resembled the hollow of a tree, but it carried an utterly alien presence—something unlike anything natural.
If Elder Elran’s story was to be believed, the World Tree contained within it the Abyss Gate, a labyrinth dungeon and dimensional jump device.
As for the “True King of the Forest” Ilwen spoke of, we’d never heard a word about it before.
“Farewell, Yuke Feldio. We shall meet again in the new world that awaits.”
“Then, please excuse me. Yuke-san, everyone… please, don’t worry.”
Silk and Ilwen began walking toward the World Tree.
With their backs to us, they disappeared—melting into the tree itself.
“Silk, wait!”
I sprinted after her—but the next moment, I collapsed to my knees.
I couldn’t understand what had happened at first, but the burning pain, the heat in my abdomen, and the blood spreading across it forced reality upon me.
“Yuke!”
Rain’s voice cried out, almost a scream, just as I felt something hard being pulled from my stomach.
Ah… this isn’t good. This might actually be fatal.
What the hell just happened?
Even as I coughed up blood, I looked up at the figure standing before me.
“You’re…!?”
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