Chapter 192: The Elven Sacred Ground—Elfo Sagrado (5)

Arkemis approached Ketal carefully, her voice tinged with hesitation as she asked him the question that had been weighing on her mind. “Do you think your tribe could ever make it out into the world outside?”

Ketal opened his mouth to deny it, but then paused, uncertainty flickering across his features. “I... don’t really know.”

It was true that the barriers between realms were breaking. The beings of the Demon Realm were already appearing in the outside world. While the chaos hadn’t fully consumed the world yet—suggesting that some restrictions still existed—it was clear that monsters could, and would, find a way out. Whitie from the White Snowfield had already crossed over, so there was no reason other creatures, or even the ashen-haired barbarians, could not follow.

“I hope they don’t come out,” Ketal muttered at last.

Arkemis was taken aback. “Really? I thought you’d want to see them again. I assumed you must be close to your tribe, after all that time together.”

Ketal gave a small, ironic laugh. “If I had to pick, I’d say I like them more than I dislike them. But that doesn’t mean I want to see them again.”

The truth was, Ketal’s feelings toward his tribe were complicated—a tangle of loyalty, frustration, and reluctant affection. He had spent countless years with those barbarians, leading them through hellish hardship, but their stubbornness had made everything harder than it needed to be. If only they had listened to him, Ketal could have left the Snowfield twice as fast.

His memories of the ashen-haired barbarians were more bittersweet than nostalgic.

Would they really try to come out?

Ketal wondered.

Unlike Ketal, the other barbarians saw the White Snowfield as their true home. They felt no yearning for the world outside; so, even if the restrictions vanished, most probably wouldn’t leave. Yet, he remembered how some of them had clung to him, weeping and begging not to be left behind when he finally escaped. A few had even packed their belongings, determined to follow. Ketal had been forced to beat them away to stop them. However, he couldn’t shake the thought that a handful might still find a way after him.

He frowned, rubbing his temples at the mere thought of running into those idiots again out here.

“I don’t know,” he said, sighing. “If it happens, we’ll find out soon enough. But if those fools do make it out, I can guarantee they’ll cause trouble—and I’ll be the one who has to deal with it.”

Trying to push the topic away, Ketal redirected the conversation. “So you think the unique qualities of my body are the result of my Karma?”

Arkemis nodded. “That’s what I think. I can’t say for sure, but it seems likely.”

Sensing Ketal’s reluctance to talk more about his tribe, Arkemis let the matter drop. She followed his lead without complaint.

“In that case,” Ketal mused, “is the aura I give off because of that, too?”

“Probably, yes,” Arkemis replied. The pressure Ketal exuded was unmistakable. Just being near him was enough to intimidate ordinary humans. Elves, attuned to the flow of nature, sensed his presence even more intensely—they saw him as a terrifying beast. Even the High Elves couldn’t bear his presence; many of them would flee in panic.

If Ketal’s aura was a byproduct of his Karma, it made sense. His entire body had become the embodiment of Myst, so the aura was simply an extension of that overwhelming presence.

Ketal sighed. “Is there any way to control it? Honestly, it’s a nuisance. Everywhere I go, people either fear me or ask for an explanation. At first, I thought it was funny, but I’m starting to get sick of it.”

Arkemis thought for a moment. “I’m not sure. There’s no precedent for something like this. But... I do know someone who might be able to help.”

Ketal perked up. “Who?”

“Our Queen,” Arkemis replied with a smile.

Ketal’s eyes widened in surprise. “The High Elf Queen?”

“She’s the only one who can control the High Elves. She’s the leader of this sacred ground, and she’s contracted with the Spirit King. If anyone can answer your questions, it’s her,” Arkemis answered, nodding. According to her, the High Elf Queen was a Hero-level powerhouse.

Ketal’s voice quivered slightly as he asked her, “Can I really meet her?”

“Of course! Normally, no outsider would be allowed, but you have me. I can arrange it,” Arkemis replied with confidence.

Ketal broke into a broad grin, overflowing with gratitude. “Thank you, Arkemis! I owe you one. Seriously, thank you!”

Arkemis blushed, her lips curling up in a proud little smile. “It’s nothing. We’re friends, aren’t we? Don’t mention it.”

To celebrate, they raised their glasses in a toast.

***

The next day, Ketal followed Arkemis as she guided him higher up the World Tree. They ascended into the upper reaches of the immense tree, climbing well above the forest canopy.

“This is incredible,” he exclaimed as he was awestruck by the sight.

They stood at a dizzying height, the entire forest spread out beneath them like a living tapestry. The World Tree was so massive that its crown pierced the clouds. Here, Ketal could see clearly to the farthest edge of the woods.

Arkemis’s eyes sparkled with pride. “Isn’t it amazing? Only the High Elves ever get to see this view.”

“It’s spectacular,” Ketal replied, his eyes narrowing as he peered into the distance. “Beyond those woods—I see dark mages moving. Looks like they’re getting ready for an attack. We should prepare.”

Arkemis gaped. “You can see that far?”

She strained her own eyes, but even with elven sight, she couldn’t make out anything beyond the forest’s border.

“I can,” Ketal replied simply.

She shook her head in disbelief. “That’s just ridiculous. Let’s keep going.”

They continued climbing, eventually reaching a plaza woven from the tree’s massive branches. The plaza itself was alive with magic, its leaves shimmering in the sunlight. Arkemis strode forward, her voice ringing out.

“Hey, Your Majesty! I’m here!”

A voice answered with a gentle sigh. “Arkemis. As I’ve told you before, this is a sacred place. Please show some respect, and keep your voice down.”

Arkemis shrugged. “That’s not really my style, is it? If you didn’t want me here, you shouldn’t have invited me.”

The Queen’s voice was tinged with both exasperation and affection. “Sometimes I wonder why there are High Elves like you at all.”

“But I’m the only one you can talk to like this, aren’t I? Don’t worry so much,” Arkemis replied with a laugh.

The Queen let out a small, weary sigh. “I see you’re not alone today.”

Arkemis grinned. “Noticed, did you?”

“How could I not? Someone with his kind of presence, making waves all over the sacred ground—I’d have to be blind to miss it.” The Queen’s eyes, the vivid green of new leaves, turned toward Ketal. Her hair, the rich brown of tree roots, swayed gently in the breeze.

Standing before them was one of the world’s greatest powers—a true Hero.

Ketal had met someone of this caliber only once before, the Master of the Mage Tower. However, this encounter felt completely different. As soon as he faced the Queen, he could sense it instinctively—she was strong.

Ketal’s upbringing in the White Snowfield had honed his senses; he could gauge an opponent’s strength at a glance. When he met the Tower Master, he hadn’t sensed anything, but that was because the Tower Master was an expert at hiding his presence, delighting in deception and illusion. The Queen, on the other hand, had no reason to hide her power. It radiated from her in waves, unmistakable and raw.

Ketal met her gaze. They studied each other for a moment, a mutual understanding passing between them.

The Queen took a step back, her tone formal. “If you could reduce your presence, I would appreciate it. When someone as powerful as you walks around, it has an effect on this place—not all of it good.”

“Presence?” Ketal repeated, puzzled.

The Queen’s expression shifted subtly. “You mean you don’t know what I’m talking about?”

He shrugged. “I can guess, but I’m not exactly sure.”

The Queen looked stunned, as if a genius mathematician had just confessed to being unable to add two and two.

“I’ll explain,” Arkemis said, jumping in to smooth over the awkwardness.

***

Arkemis explained Ketal’s situation, describing the aura he projected and the problem it created. At first, the Queen seemed confused, but as she listened, her expression grew more composed.

“I see,” the Queen said at last. “You want to know about your aura, and if there’s a way to control it.”

Ketal nodded. “That’s right. It would be a relief if there was.”

“I believe I can help,” the Queen replied calmly.

Ketal’s face lit up with hope. “Thank you. That would mean a lot.”

The Queen dipped her head in greeting. “First, though, allow me to introduce myself. I am Karin Yggdrasil, Queen of the High Elves and the leader of this sacred ground. You may call me Karin.”

Ketal bowed slightly. “It’s an honor, Karin. I’m Ketal, a barbarian of the White Snowfield.”

“I know who you are. Arkemis never stops talking about you,” Karin said, a sly smile on her lips. She gave Ketal a searching look. “So you’re the one she’s been so obsessed with.”

He blinked. “Is there something wrong?”

Karin shook her head. “Not at all. I’ve been meaning to meet you. This is the perfect opportunity. Still, Arkemis, you might have given me a heads-up.”

Arkemis shrugged, casual as ever. “Why bother? You knew the moment he entered the sacred ground anyway.”

The Queen’s smile faded. “Even so, there’s a process. Formalities exist for a reason.”

Arkemis dismissed the comment with a wave. “Not my thing.”

Karin heaved a sigh, the resigned patience of a mother with a difficult daughter.

“Regardless, as the leader here, let me officially welcome you to our sacred ground, Ketal. I hope you enjoy your stay. Just... please be careful. Your presence is overwhelming, and it can be unsettling for the residents here.”

Ketal nodded. “Don’t worry. I won’t cause any trouble.”

Arkemis snorted. “Aren’t you being a bit harsh with my guest?”

Karin’s eyes flashed as she silenced Arkemis with a look. “Enough, Arkemis.”

Arkemis closed her mouth instantly. She had learned, through experience, that it was wise not to push her luck with the Queen.

“My apologies for the outburst,” Karin said, turning to Ketal. “Please forgive us.”

Ketal smiled, clearly amused. This Queen was fascinating—gentle on the surface, yet there was an undercurrent of ferocity about her, like a wild beast in the guise of a docile animal.

“Getting to the point, Arkemis was mostly correct,” Karin said, turning her gaze to Arkemis. “You have a remarkable understanding of things, Arkemis. If you had chosen elemental magic over alchemy, you might have succeeded me as leader here. It’s a pity, really.”

Arkemis waved her off. “Not interested. I’m happy with where I am.”

Karin chuckled. “So be it. Now, Ketal—your aura, the pressure people feel when you’re near, is your presence, distilled. It is the weight of all your Karma.”

She met Ketal’s eyes, her expression grave.

“A beast that’s killed countless people gives off bloodlust. An emperor who has unified a continent radiates charisma. A saint who’s helped the masses exudes gentleness. The atmosphere a person creates—that’s the true nature of your aura.”

Ketal’s doubts finally settled, and he let out a sigh of relief. “So that’s what it is.”

However, Karin still looked puzzled. She cocked her head. “Even so, it doesn’t quite make sense to me. The presence you emit is so overwhelming, even the High Elves mistake you for a dragon. To have that much presence, you would need achievements that shook the entire continent—or more. Even then, I’m not sure it should be possible. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. May I... examine you, just for a moment?”

“Go ahead,” Ketal agreed.

“Then please, relax and open yourself to me.”

Ketal complied, lowering his guard, allowing his aura to be seen for what it was. Karin reached out and gently placed a hand on his chest. A breeze curled softly around them, and her emerald eyes seemed to pierce into his soul.

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

It took only a moment for shock to spread across her face. She jerked her hand back, recoiling as if she had touched fire. For an instant, she could not comprehend what had happened.

Did I really, instinctively, pull away out of fear? Is that even possible?

Karin thought. She stared at Ketal in wide-eyed horror, her composure shattered. “What... what exactly have you

done

?”