Aftermath

'What do you mean I was holding back? I fought with everything I had.'

\u003cThat may be so but had you already evolved again or invented a new way to attack, things would have been different. You have been taking it easy all this time. There is no age limitation holding you back, you need only gather enough magic and fulfill a few conditions then you can instantly evolve.\u003e

'Dammit.'

I knew the system was right. I could have done more... no, I should have done more. I was naive to think that if I held back and played nice, the humans would leave me my peace and quiet.

\u003cAlso, check your rune of recording right after the evening prayer. Be aware, this may be harmful to your peace of mind ;)\u003e

Rune of recording, after the evening prayer... found it! Play it.

"You wanted to see me, Erik?"

"No, he didn't, I did. Lady Nerida, head of the mountain bull clan, I am Surt, the heir of the muspel clan."

"And why did you call me here? I don't see a reason for the heir of one of the great clans to come here?"

"Surely you jest! The existence of this tree, you call him Eldar, would be of great value to any clan. Especially if he didn't keep his abilities for his own benefits."

"What are you talking about? Eldar has never kept anything for his own benefits!"

Erik interjected.

"Did he really? He grows those ingots within seconds once a month but he did the same with the apples every three days. Are you certain he couldn't grow more?"

"I-I-"

"It doesn't matter whether you believe Erik or not. I do and I will obtain these benefits for my clan. I'm just here to ask you to stay out of this. If you do as I say, my clan will surely reward you. We might even help you deal with the verdant serpents, something you tree could never do."

"Can you truly destroy the verdant serpent clan?"

"If you and your clan stay out of this. You have my word."

Recording end.

'No... She betrayed me?'

\u003cBetrayal isn't really fitting. How about abandoned you for benefits.\u003e

I could feel something in the deepest parts of my soul break. A strong trust I had always had for humanity. And, something was born to fill that empty void. Hatred, wrath, resentment, call it whatever you want.

'What are the conditions for me to evolve again?'

\u003cPosession of iron, silver, and gold.\u003e

"Aldi!"

I was taken aback by the sound of my own voice. It didn't sound wise and deep like before. I had always tried to make my voice sound like that but now that I spoke without trying to do so my voice sounded strange.

It was androgynous, neither high nor low and carried a monotony that made it seem somewhat ethereal.

While he probably didn't recognize my voice, Aldi still appeared before me within minutes. Based on his pale face and slightly trembling hands, I assumed he was very afraid. After all, the noble had been brought by him. Despite fearing the worst, Aldi still put on a professional smile and stood there as though he was awaiting judgment.

"Fear not little merchant, I know you held no part in the tragedy that occurred. I called you for a request. I wish to acquire both gold and silver ore, as big as a man's head. Can you find that for me?"

"Lord Eldar, I surely can bring you those things... but the cost..."

"How many iron ingots would that be equivalent to?"

"Well, for me to turn a profit I'd need around 100 iron ingots for the silver... golds' worth is roughly 20 times that of silver, so that would be 2000 ingots."

"Then I'll buy the silver one for now. Step back."

Aldi was already accustomed to this and retreated quickly. Iron ingots began to drop and form a pile.

"There, 100 ingots. How long will it take for you to bring me the silver?"

"A round trip should take about five days if I make haste."

"Please do that then."

Aldi quickly left the village with the iron ingots.