Chapter 154: Contaminated Land (3)

When do parents feel the happiest while raising their children? Is it when their kids bring home good grades from school? Is it when they sing and dance to the songs they learned in kindergarten?

Kai shook his head.

"The happiest moments are when the child eats heartily and is on the verge of evolving."

With a contented fatherly smile on his face, he watched as the slime-shaped Mimic crawled along the ground, diligently absorbing the poison.

[Absorption rate 99.4%...]

Taking small Mimic around such a vast land was quite an ordeal—particularly so in areas with stronger toxins where Mimic would remain still for hours and absorb the poison.

Has it already been over two weeks...?

Kai had been to every contaminated area during the past three weeks. He had traveled through fertile plains ideal for growing crops, solid land perfect for building structures, forests that were dead but soon to be revived, and even the polluted ocean depths!

Having wandered all these places with Mimic, Kai smiled at the thought of soon being liberated from this labor. And that labor referred to...

—Kai, I'm so bored. Could you call Cherantia? We won't bother you, we'll just have a quiet chat.

“It's impossible for the two of you to have a quiet conversation, so I reject your request.”

—But I promise we will. I was the first Solaris Cleric and high priest. Why don't you trust me?

𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

It was the fact that Shimizu had followed him around for the past two weeks!

She disappeared quickly during the Trial of Hanox, so why is she hanging around so long this time?

Shimizu explained the reason for this.

—You asked me about the contaminated land, right? Until this is resolved, I’ll probably keep following you around.

“... This can't be happening.”

She was a specter that wouldn’t disappear until the task was complete!

I’ll definitely only summon her for quick, simple questions from now on.

More exhausting than fighting the contaminated monsters was being Shimizu’s conversation partner.

Soon, Kai was freed from that torment several hours later.

[Mimic has completed absorbing the Blue Plague.]

[Mimic can now perfectly control the power of the Blue Plague.]

[The contaminated land has been fully purified. Life can once again thrive on this land.]

"Oh, my Mimic! You've finally absorbed it all!" Kai proudly patted Mimic’s head and unsummoned it. “You’ve worked hard, take some rest.”

With a smile, Kai quickly checked Mimic's skill list. Sure enough, the Blue Plague skill was clearly registered.

Mimic can control the Blue Plague now. This is certainly an unexpected gain.

And according to the skill description, Mimic didn’t need to defeat monsters to gather energy like Kai did.

It can perfectly control the Blue Plague, just like Aosa once did.

After all, Mimic had been the core that handled Aosa's essence. In other words, there was no reason it couldn’t use the same techniques that Aosa had used.

So... could it grow as large as Aosa did if its level increases?

If that were to happen, there would be nothing to fear.

After thinking of this pleasant thought, Kai turned his attention to reality.

“Now, the issue is..."

—The remaining contaminated monsters. With the Blue Plague gone, the land and sea will start purifying themselves naturally.

Kai nodded in agreement to Shimizu.

"Yes, the contaminated monsters are the problem... but, I’ve actually thought about that over the last couple of weeks."

—There are still tens of thousands of contaminated monsters roaming this land.

"Yes, there’s a lot. Way too many, honestly."

But instead of frowning, Kai smiled.

Once I bring the elves and merfolk here and build a city, players will naturally start gathering.

However, players inherently wanted to grow stronger. While the idea of elves and merfolk could draw them in initially, it wouldn’t be enough to keep them around for long.

So, I’ll need to give them a new reason to visit.

That was why Kai had come up with a plan involving the contaminated monsters ranging from level 290 to 340!

It would be the perfect hunting ground for high-level players.

In other words, it would be one of the best leveling zones currently available. Additionally, whereas hunting here was previously impossible due to the Blue Plague, things were different now.

Mimic absorbed all the plague. Even regular players, not just someone like me who’s a Poison Master, can hunt here.

Kai’s goal was to spread the word among high-level players about this fantastic hunting ground.

If a lot of high-level players visit, the local economy will naturally flourish.

These players valued their time more than saving a few coins. In other words, even if prices were a bit higher, they would prefer to buy everything from a nearby town.

Once that infrastructure is in place, elves and merfolk will be able to mix with humans without any issues.

Kai quickly sprinted toward the Elven Forest with a satisfied expression.

“Friend, is it true? Is it a land that has a forest, a sea, and even rich ore?” Luteria asked Kai.

"It’s true. However, the forest is quite badly contaminated..."

“

Heh

, you underestimate me, don’t you think? I am the World Tree, the guardian of nature and the parent of all elves. Purifying one contaminated forest is a trivial task.”

"Then when can the elves begin relocating?"

“We could move immediately... but some preparations are needed.”

"Preparations? What kind?" Kai asked in confusion.

“The distance is quite far, isn't it? We'll need to prepare enough food for such a long journey...”

"Oh, about that. His Majesty has arranged for help from one of the magic towers in the Kingdom of Rashion."

Kai had been granted permission by Beoruk to receive the help of the Crimson Tower. This meant he could use teleportation magic to transport all the elves to their new home!

“

Oh!

Is that true? Then there’s no reason to delay.” With Luteria’s command, the elves quickly began packing their things. “On the day we defeat the wicked Church of Muldine, we shall return to this forest...”

With Luteria’s determined voice, the elves began their move.

The situation for the merfolk wasn’t much different.

"

Hmm

, as long as it’s connected to the sea, we can travel anywhere in the world."

In fact, the merfolk’s relocation was even easier than the elves’. Their giant turtle, Tarutaru, which carried their kingdom, could move very quickly.

“So, this is the place where we’ll live anew,” Luteria said, looking around.

"Hmm, it’s not perfectly purified yet, but it’s good enough."

“I can help with that, King of the merfolk.”

"

Ah,

it’s the World Tree! It’s been a long time."

“Indeed. You’ve grown.”

The two races shared a joyful reunion after a long time apart!

As Kai watched this heartwarming scene, he slightly turned his head.

—Is there something you want to ask?

There was indeed plenty. So many, in fact.

Kai turned to Shimizu, who still hadn’t disappeared, and asked, "

Umm...

Why haven’t you left yet?"

—I’ve been holding on desperately because I have something important to say.

"Wait, you can hold on like that?!" Kai scratched his head in disbelief with a bewildered expression at the shocking fact. "Alright, fine. What is it you want to say?"

—You are planning to visit the main church of the Solarian Church, right?

“Yes, I have no choice but to go if I want to inherit the true power of the Apostle, don’t I?”

—Well, be careful.

Shimizu’s warning was as cold as if a blade had been pressed to Kai's neck.

Kai furrowed his brows and asked, “What do you mean by that?”

—Think carefully about why the third Apostle, Patrick, didn’t entrust the relics to the main church.

“The reason Patrick entrusted the relics to the demi-humans....”

Was there any other reason?

“Because he couldn’t trust them, I assume.”

—That’s right. Trust. If you can build trust with them, that would be ideal, but...

“

Hm,

so just because they believe in god doesn’t mean they’re all pure and righteous?”

At that, Shimizu gave a bitter smile and nodded.

—Where there is light, there are shadows. The brighter the light, the darker the shadow becomes.

“So, even the place with the brightest light in the world, the heart of the Solarian Church, follows the same principle,” Kai nodded, signaling his understanding.

—Best of luck to you, then.

With those words, Shimizu’s already translucent figure began to fade further. She gazed at Kai with sad eyes, tears rolling down her face.

Kai let out a soft chuckle. “You’ll just come back when I call again, so why all the tears?”

—This way, it’ll feel like a more memorable and sorrowful farewell, so you’ll call me more often.

How boring must heaven be for her to act like this?

Kai shook his head in disbelief as the king of the mermaids, Karius, and the queen of the elves, Elania, approached him.

“Who were you speaking with just now?”

“

Hm?

Wasn’t Kai alone?”

Shimizu’s figure wasn’t visible to others, and Kai didn't want to seem like a weird person, so he shook his head and replied, “It was nothing. Do you like the land?”

“Yes, with the power of Luteria, the forest is rapidly being restored. The elves seem to be very satisfied with their new home.”

“It’s the same for us. The sea here is abundant with food, likely because there have been no predators for a long time.”

“I’m glad to hear you’re pleased.” Kai smiled warmly and congratulated them. “With the elves and mermaids living together, it’ll be easier to defend against any future attacks from the Church of Muldine. Adventurers will also continue to visit, and if you need it, the Kingdom of Rashion say they can send soldiers to support you. Just let me know.”

“There’s no need. Living in such a place, it’s only right that we manage our own defenses.”

“

Hm

. While we may not be of much use on land, we’ll certainly protect the sea with unwavering strength.”

“Alright, if you ever need my help, please don’t hesitate to call me.” Kai bowed his head, offering his farewell.

It was time for him to depart for the Church of Solaris’ main church.

But...

Karius, Elania, and the small Luteria on her shoulder were all wearing odd expressions.

In the awkward silence, Kai cautiously asked, “Did I do something wrong...?”

To his surprise, the three looked even more taken aback by the question.

“Well... Are you leaving already? Weren’t you going to be the lord of this city?”

“We naturally assumed you’d take that role, Kai...”

“My friend, even if they communicate well with you, never forget that the elves and mermaids have been isolated from human contact for decades. A mediator is essential to bridge the gap between humans and demi-humans,” Luteria added.

Kai's mind processed this a bit slower than usual.

When he finally understood what they were saying, he shouted in surprise, “W-wait a minute! Are you saying you want me to become the lord of this city?”

“That’s exactly what we’re saying,”

“You’re the perfect fit for that role,” Luteria pitched in.

“But I’ve never led anyone before...” Kai trailed off.

“Why speak such disheartening words?” Luteria extended a small, delicate branch and patted Kai on the head. “My friend, you led the elves and mermaids to a great victory against the Church of Muldine. Even if you haven't realized it yourself, you are more than qualified to lead many.”

“But...”

Kai, who was about to continue, stopped speaking. The serious expressions on the faces of Luteria, Elania, and Karius made him pause.

After a moment, Kai asked one final question, “Are you really sure about this? Can you trust me?”

“Haha, my friend. No parent would entrust the fate of their children to someone they do not trust. I have believed in you for a long time,” Luteria replied.

“The merfolk feel the same way. You were the only one who extended a hand to us when we were on the brink of extinction. If we cannot trust someone like you, then there's no one in this world worth trusting.”

Their heartfelt encouragement and unwavering trust made Kai choke back tears. The deep emotion Kai felt as the sincerity of those he had treated with genuine care came back to him with full force.

As he absorbed the deep sentiment, he looked at each of them in turn and nodded. “If you all truly believe in me that much... then I will become the most honorable lord this world has ever seen.”

At that moment, several messages appeared before him.

Ding!

[You are the first player to become a lord.]

[Special title acquired: First Lord]

[Affinity with the elves and mermaids has reached its maximum.]

[Helik sheds a tear, touched by the deep bond that transcends race between humans, elves, and merfolk.]

[+10 Benevolence.]

[Lord’s Territory Management interface has been unlocked.]