Chapter 72-76: World Tree (1/2)

Chapter 72-76: World Tree

After the forced transfer back to my dungeon ended, I opened my eyes to see Yihi. Her wings were flapping as she flew round and round.

“You came back, Master!”

“Calm yourself.”

Yihi flew down and lightly settled on top of the Dungeon Core. Yihi had a spirit body but could make contact with the Dungeon Core.

“Master, Master. Listen to Yihi’s words. Isn’t the scenery on the 15th floor pretty after I planted the Flower of Eternity?”

Yihi chattered without any concerns.

The Flower of Eternity was a gift I gave to Yihi after the 1st auction. A rare flower that bloomed forever. I replied lightly.

“Right.”

“The bees are also moving. Yihihi. Yihi is really looking forward to the delicious honey that will be created.”

“Right.”

“But Master. Do you have a gift for Yihi this time?”

Yihi was anxious as she waited for the answer. It was the reason she suddenly brought up the Flower of Eternity out of nowhere.

The fairy of the Dungeon Core wanted something from the Dungeon Master. I inwardly shook my head when thinking of this behaviour.

“It will come soon.”

He got something for Yihi from the outdoor market. Despite the irregularities created by the bees, she had excellent dungeon management skills.

Yihi’s clear, jewel like eyes blinked. Her wings flapped like a motor was attached to it.

“Wah! Yihi isn’t mistaken? Then I will guess what it is. Um, acacia flower! Night flower! Rapeseed flower! Yihihi. Master, honey harvested from these flowers will be sweet. Also…”

All types of flowers. It was evidence that she really loved flowers. Yihi gave a list that was tailored to her own tastes as she chattered.

A crack soon occurred in the surrounding space. I was receiving the items I had successfully bid for. They started to appear. There are a few usable goods purchased from the outdoor market as well.

Once everything purchased from the Demon World Auction appeared through the crack in space, Yihi’s mouth opened with admiration. Her attention was focused in one place.

“Eh…”

King Bee!

A large bee 1 metre in size.

It was a low grade creature. It wasn’t sold in stores but I discovered it at the outdoor market. I remembered Yihi talking about the King Bee one time when she was harvesting honey.

Yihi instinctively recognized that it was a gift for her.

But its appearance was overwhelming.

Unlike ordinary bees, its antennae were sharp and pointed. It had a big mouth and wide eyes. If dozens of them were gathered then it would be a terrifying sight. It was sometimes referred to as the bee penalty.

“Cute!”

However, this was like a feast for Yihi.

Yihi gave a big laugh and disappeared with the King Bee. I shrugged as she twisted her body around and waved her fingers. It was a gift that matched her heart. She had noisily called out ‘Master, the best!’

After that, I looked through the items purchased at the auction and grasped the Astral Code.

‘First I have to use this.’

I opened Mind’s Eye to once again check Astral Code’s options.

-Name- Astral Code (U)

Description: Add one option to an item.

* Stats +1~2 or a specific characteristic will be randomly selected to enhance the item.

** The failure probability will depend on the user’s magic power.

In the end, it was a strengthening item. It increased a random stat by 1~2 and gave an unique attribute to the item selected.

What should I enhance?

I thought for a moment before pulling out Wrath. It was one of the best things I used. There was also Sloth but it was a cloak. It wasn’t as important as the sword that was directly wielded.

‘I will strengthen Wrath.’

The information about how to use the item was simple.

“Astral Code.”

I called the name.

Soon the black object emitted a colourful light.

-Astral Code is working. Please select an item to strengthen.

Wrath (Epic) 2. Sloth (Epic) 3. Paranormal (U).

Those were my three current equipment.

I chose Wrath.

-Item ‘Wrath’ will be overwritten by Astral Code. Please wait for a moment.

The high magic power (93) has significantly increased the chance of success.

Progress 1%, 2%, 3%…100%.

-The enhanced attribute has been selected.

The requirements for the skill ‘Wrath (Epic)’ has become lower. If you have more than 76 intelligence then you won’t be taken over by the abnormal state.

I gripped my fists tightly. My breath was a little rough.

Randomly increasing stats by 2 would be a big winner. But the enhanced attribute. It lowered the intelligence requirements for the ‘Wrath’ skill.Right now my intelligence was 74. This meant I was almost unaffected.

Previously, I wouldn’t have dared use the skill unless I had over 80. Astral Code had fixed a persistent problem.

‘It is a good start.’

It was just the beginning. I immediately looked at the Spirit King’s Recipe.

‘A recipe gives instructions on how to make something.’

Dark Spirit King. What was he intending when he handed me this bundle of paper as a gift?

It was in the form of a few expensive pieces of parchment paper tied up. I untied the paper and read the words written on it.

But the letters were blurry. It was impossible to confirm with the naked eye.

‘Hidden options…’

A ‘unique grade observation skill’ was required to read the words. I immediately took a look at the letters with Mind’s Eye.

-The ‘Spirit King’s Recipe’ has been confirmed.

The rating of Mind’s Eye is higher than the rating of the seal. No penalty will be given.

The message windows that subsequently rose up. I ignored it and read the words written on the recipe.

-A unique combination skill is required to make the items listed in the recipe.

Tear of the Moon + Smile of the Sun = Magic Crystal (Curse)

Magic Crystal (Curse) + Elixir + Unicorn Horn = Magic Crystal (Pure)

Magic Crystal (Pure) + Seed of the World Tree = Germinated World Tree Seed

Only three lines.

However, the three lines were very meaningful.

‘Germinated World Tree Seed…this?’

I was at a loss for words after reading the recipe. World Tree. The best structure for extending a dungeon. A tree of life that was worth more than 10 million points alone.

In my previous life, no one could obtain it except for Okullos. But I could never figure out how Okullos obtained the world tree.

I took a moment to be impressed.

‘I have to do a combination.’

It wasn’t simple to make the Seed of the World Tree germinate. Combining things was a must to make it germinate. But no one would use combination on a Seed of the World Tree.

The seed itself was expensive and not easy to obtain. In my previous life, it had only shown itself a few times at the Demon World Auction. At most three, four times? There was a higher chance that a wrong mix of items would be combined.Then it would become a completely worthless item.

A gamble. However, it was a different story with the recipe. Of course, the Dark Spirit King gave it as a gift and it was unlikely he was deceiving me.

The Dark Spirit King was hoping that the balance would crumble. He selected me after the tests…one of the fastest way to expand a person’s power was the ‘World Tree.’ The reproduction rate of the creatures would increase and earth spirits would automatically be generated.The roots could be used to create high grade items.

‘The problem is Skill Combination.’

Skill Combination (R) wasn’t able to combine any items. I contemplated for a moment as I looked at Sage’s Leap that I purchased.

-Name: Sage’s Leap

Description- Alchemy Can increase the rating of all skills Unique (U) and below. If used on a Unique (U) skill, it will increase half a step towards Exceptional Unique (Ex U). There will be no effect on higher ratings.

A rare skill rating would increase to unique. Unique was literally unique. Changing something from rare to unique would have a high value.

‘Raising the rating of Skill Combination might lead to a skill related combination skill. Normally the behaviour would change but Sage’s Leap is random.’

I worried over whether to use it or not.

But the store didn’t sell any unique combination skills. No, Skill Combination (R) was the only choice.’

The only other ways to find it was through the Demon World Auction or rewards for special events. That was currently impossible.

‘It can’t be helped.’

The roads I could go on were very limited.

Waiting a year for the next Demon World Action would take too long. I also couldn’t be certain it would have it. It was more likely all that time would be wasted.

I would have to pray that a skill that could combine items would emerge. Besides, the Dark Spirit King would have pre-calculated something like this. The Dark Spirit King knew all the items that weren’t shown in the auction.

If he judged that I didn’t have the appropriate combination skill then he would have offered it. It meant I could resolve it myself.

I held Sage’s Leap to my tongue and drank it.

-The Sage’s Leap has been consumed. Please select a skill to raise the rating.

Skill Combination (R).

He was only capable of raising one skill. The rest was epic skills so Sage’s Leap would have no effect on them.

Anyway, it had already started. No regrets. The skill selected has raised its rating.

-Skill Combination (R) has been changed to Combine Everything (U).

An unfamiliar name. I never heard of it in my previous life. I carefully looked at the description of the skill floating in the air.

-Combine Everything (U) – Everything in the world can be combined. But there is a limit, unlike the tremendous name. It is possible for the user to combine the majority of things.

I nodded. Fortunately, this was a skill with a very wide versatility.

‘Good.’

I smiled with satisfaction as the result was even better than expected.

Now I just had to follow the steps as it was written in the recipe.

Tear of the Moon, Smile of the Sun, Elixir, Unicorn Horn and…Seed of the World Tree.

I didn’t think a world tree would appear in my dungeon already so my hands were sweating. Okullos had received a huge benefit from the world tree. He had good quality creatures that other demons didn’t dare go against.

He still had a favourable position but I was the one who would obtain a world tree first.

South Korea’s dungeon would be worth 5 different dungeons. Considering that it had only been 2 years, I had widened the distance.

Besides, I had one more Seed of the World Tree. If I found a way then I could have two world trees.

Unprecedented. A surprise that I didn’t think would happen. So my excitement was visible.

I shifted my attention to the recipe again. And I opened the store to buy the remaining goods needed.

***

-Magic Crystal (Pure) and Seed of the World Tree has been successfully combined.

The result is a very successful combination. ‘Germinated World Tree Seed’ has been completed!

Elixir and Unicorn Horn. Fortunately both of them could be purchased from the store. Once all the materials were combined, the only thing left was a germinated seed.

It was only the size of a thumb but the potential was endless. If it was buried in sunny ground then it could grow hundreds of metres into a giant tree.

In my previous life, I had seen Okullos’ world tree two times. A truly dignified form. A magic power that would make someone overwhelmed and at a loss for words. Creating an electrifying presence…

I could confidently say that it was one of the most beautiful things to exist in the world.

‘This is why the elves will wage war over the world trees.’

Of course, the world tree itself brought great benefits. But the elves had a lot of ego and pride about the world trees. The giant tree was the root of the elves’ vitality.

It was why only the strong elves could live near the world trees.

‘There isn’t much information written…but it is enough.’

The recipe was real.

I could know for certain that the Dark Spirit King was favourable to me.

Usually I would find receiving gifts a burden but this time I didn’t care. I had used a colossal amount of points at the Demon World Auction and would continue to do so. It was a role designed for a lot of entertainment.

This was enough to deserve it.

There might be a problem but such things hadn’t happened yet. Even if I refused their favour, there was no way for them to hurt me.

VIP. I used more points than the factions.

I would receive the greatest gains in the Demon World Auction and the Dark Spirit King wouldn’t receive any damages. They might feel resentful but that was all.

I carefully held the seed and moved to the 15th floor.

Before long, I reached the vicinity of the dark elf’s village and Julliom rushed forward.

“It is great to see Dungeon Master.”

“Where is the place that the Seed of the World Tree is planted?”

I spoke bluntly.

The seed I obtained from Adol Luph’s dungeon hadn’t germinated.

It was buried in the place with the strongest soil.

Julliom blinked and asked.

“Not far from here. You came…if you don’t mind, can I ask the reason?”

“I intend to plant the Seed of the World Tree.”

“Haven’t you already planted it?”

“It did not germinate. This is a Seed of the World Tree that has germinated. Look.”

I spread out my right hand and showed the Germinated World Tree Seed.

The seed contained such a massive amount of magic power that even Julliom could recognize it. It looked exactly like the other Seed of the World Tree…but there was one thing. The germinated seed had one difference.

“…!”

Julliom’s breath stopped as he realized the difference. His body trembled badly as his eyes widened.

It was surprising enough that there were two Seeds of the World Tree but now one had germinated. Julliom realized my intention and hurriedly bowed.

“I-I will bring you there immediately.”

Julliom swallowed his saliva and turned around.

In the middle of the 15th floor.

The Seed of the World Tree was buried.

Fertile ground. The status and strength of the soil was excellent. Anything planted there would grow rapidly.

Dozens of dark elves were gathered around singing. Chrisley’s face had a blood red tattoo on it and she was sitting closest to the seed.

A powerful surge of magic power. Grass was noticeably growing. This was the hymn of life that all elves instinctively knew.

But it didn’t seemed to be effective in germinating the seed. It seemed like the seed needed certain conditions to germinate so the usual way wouldn’t work.

“Please focus here. Stop the ceremony!”

Julliom clapped his hands. The concentration on the ceremony scattered. The dark elves turned their attention this way with puzzled expressions.

Then they hurriedly got up and bowed to me.

“Dungeon Master has come.”

“It is great to see Dungeon Master.”

I continued looking at Chrisley in the centre. Her face was tired from the ceremony but it still had its usual charm. But I asked a question rather than dwell on her beauty.

“It has been a while. The progress?”

“…No.”

Chrisley replied weakly.

She already had the seed for a few months. It started confidently but soon came to a standstill.

“Tell me what you used.”

“First the fertility of the soil. Bugs were used to stimulate growth and I asked the fairy to change the soil. There was also advice from the earth spirits but they seem unsure about the world tree. We also planted other trees but they just died. Finally, we’ve been performing the hymn of life for a month but…it seems like there isn’t much effect, My Dungeon Master.”

Chrisley answered honestly without holding anything back. Every other method failed so the ceremony was their last resort.

‘I am certain that nothing will work except combination.’

I expected it. There were no exceptions.

I passed the seed in my hand over to Chrisley.

Chrisley opened her mouth and spoke with confusion.

“This is?”

“A new Seed of the World Tree that will be planted.”

Chrisley noticed quickly. She perceived that it was real. But there was still one questionable thing.

“My Dungeon Master. If I’m not mistaken, that is in an already germinated state.”

I spoke like it wasn’t a big deal.

“You saw it properly.”

“Ah…!”

That one word was enough. It contained all of Chrisley’s admiration. All the efforts of the dark elves were in vain but she felt great joy at the germinated seed.

“Are you thinking of planting it?”

“It is worrying. Do you know if two world trees have every appeared in one place?”

Chrisley struggled for a while before her shoulders slumped.

“I’m sorry. I’ve never heard anything about it.”

“Any others?”

I asked the rest of the dark elves. However, none of them nodded.

I touched my chin while thinking. Julliom and Chrisley were familiar with the history of the Demon World. If they both didn’t know then it was unlikely to have happened.

‘I can plant it in Japan’s dungeon or plant both.’

I worried about where to place the germinated seed. But it increasingly tilted in the direction of planting both together. This was because of an item purchased at the auction.

Statue of Abundance!

An epic grade item that increased the reproduction rate of all ‘species’ near it. The Seed of the World Tree went in this category as well. It also had an impact on growth. If I moved a seed to Japan’s dungeon then it wouldn’t receive the effect.

I made a decision and said.

“Plant both together.”

“Will it be okay? We don’t know a lot about the world trees. There is no knowing if the other one with grow properly even with the germinated seed.”

“It does not matter.”

Chrisley’s face was full of worry. And she wasn’t wrong. There were many unsure variables.

If one was planted in Japan’s dungeon then the risk would reduce significantly. But there would be more results if both were planted together.

They would receive the blessing from the Statue of Abundance. Besides…what effect would the blessing have on the germinated seed? It might have a good effect on raising the world trees.

I selected the side that I wouldn’t regret. Anyway, I was rarely 100% satisfied.

I didn’t allow any further objections so she nodded. At the same time, conviction appeared in the eyes of the dark elves including Chrisley.

Two world trees.

They couldn’t help feeling greedy. Chrisley was just thinking of me when she was worrying about the results.

If they succeeded…this was a tremendous blessing. No, they would be able to enjoy unprecedented benefits.

“This is definitely the place with the most fertile soil?”

“Certainly.”

Chrisley replied confidently.

I took out the Statue of Abundance from the magic bag. It was a 1.5 m stone statue of a plump woman smiling. The dark elves stared curiously but I didn’t pay any attention and invoked the blessing.

“Statue of Abundance.”

A window popped up in the air.

-Only one species can receive the ‘Blessing of Abundance.

The range of the blessing is a 50 km radium around the status and the effect will disappear outside this range.

This is a list of the species that exist in the vicinity. Please select a species to give a blessing.

Dark Elf

Thousand Year Old Tree

King Bee

…

A list of species that existed in the vicinity came up. I found ‘World Tree’ at position number 12. The Germinated World Tree Seed seemed to fall under it.

After ‘World Tree’ was selected, a bright light poured from the Statue of Abundance. The light spread through the 15th floor of the dungeon and gathered at the Seeds of the World Tree.

-The Blessing of Abundance has been given to the world tree.

Its growth rate will increase significantly and it will grow up more healthy.

A blue light shone around Chrisley’s hand and the seed. The blessing was given properly. I didn’t know how much help it would give but…it would have some effect.

“Plant it.”

“Yes.”

Chrisley replied with a tense expression.

She chose a place a little off from where the Seed of the World Tree was already planted. She moved her hand through the dirt and carefully buried the seed.

Then she covered it with dirt again.

Puhung!

The ground started vibrating. The fertile soil started being affected.

But that wasn’t the end.

A small bud shot up from the dirt. The size was only a few centimetres but it gave off an intense vitality.

“Ah…!”

“World tree…world tree…!”

The dark elves were at a loss for words. They stared at the bud of the world tree with thrill. They were so ecstatic that tears started falling from their eyes. The dark elves sank to their knees and ‘welcomed’ the world tree.

They had never showed that reaction to me who was the Dungeon Master. Chrisley and Julliom were thrilled but they had self-control.

Soon a few messages appeared in the air.

-An incredible achievement! A ‘World Tree’ has successfully sprouted for the first time!

The world tree is the mother of the forest. Thanks to the special blessing, a large fortress can be constructed that will stop enemy attacks.

-The dungeon rating has gone up. You can verify this through Domestic Mode.

The title ‘World Tree Master’ has been given.

I frowned while looking over the windows.

‘Dungeon rating?’

I had somewhat anticipated a title. A title had been given for growing a world tree. But I was ignorant about the dungeon rating.

‘Was there a dungeon rating before?’

I couldn’t know. I had neglected almost everything related to my dungeon in my previous life. My information related to dungeons was very limited.

I should verify it. But I checked my status window first.

Name: Randalph Brigsiel

Occupation Demon Earl (Dungeon Master) Title * Dungeon Hunter (Residual stats +1 when occupying dungeons and hunting demons)

* Indomitable Warrior (Ex U, All stats +2)

* World Tree Master (Ex U, All stats +2)

* First to Receive a Fairy’s Blessing (U, Magic Power +6)

Stats

Strength 80 (+11) Intelligence 72 (+4)

Agility 75 (+11) Stamina 80 (+4)

Magic Power 85 (+10)

Potential: (392+40/500)

Remaining Stat Points: 3

Electric Power: 16GW

Uniqueness: Heart of the Hell Monarch has woken up.

Skill: Combine Everything (U), Mind’s Eye (Ex U), Lightning Elemental (Epic), Wrath (Epic), Sloth (Epic)

[Before and After Comparison]

Strength 89 Intelligence 74 Agility 77 Stamina 82 Magic 93 Potential (392+23/500)

Strength 91 Intelligence 76 Agility 86 Stamina 84 Magic 95 Potential (392+40/500)

“Uhh…”

I gave a smile. The +2 to all stats from the title meant strength went over 90.Agility rose significantly thanks to Sloth and my magic power was at 95. I have a total of 432 stats. I had gone way beyond my original capabilities in my previous life.

This was all thanks to the compensation stats.

The effects of the titles and items increased my stats by 40. This was a feat that most demons couldn’t compete with. My pure stats had risen but it wasn’t enough to cover everything.

I also had three skills with the epic rating. In the present time, only the Grand Dukes could barely match me.

I was looking forward to displaying Wrath that was strengthened by the Astral Code.

Either way…I was satisfied with the status window.

‘Unfortunately, the other one didn’t react.’

I was referring to the other Seed of the World Tree. The seed already buried in the ground didn’t react as well.

It was still too early. I would be able to obtain accurate data over time. If there wasn’t a reaction after a long then then I would find a different solution.

“Continue the ceremony.”

The chanting of the hymn of life.

I would try anything that would help the growth of the world tree.

“As you command, My Dungeon Master.”

Chrisley who was watching the bud of the world tree blankly hastily bowed her head. On the other hand, Julliom and the other dark elves were still affected.

They were close to the world tree that was their desire. Dream. Hope. Such a thing.

The dark elves lived in the Demon World where the strong ruled. They lived in remote areas and were strengthened every day. As a result, they were forced to make a deal with the dark spirits. Of course, their wish was to save Chrisley’s life but…now under the protection of the world tree, the dark elves could enjoy some prosperity.

‘Today they don’t have to worry.’

I wasn’t an unreasonable boss. I smiled and turned away.

Domestic Mode.

One of the privileges of the Dungeon Master was to learn the details related to the dungeon.

I ran Domestic Mode next to the Dungeon Core.

After a moment, a holographic cross section of the dungeon emerged. The placement and situation of the creatures was confirmed but not much changed from before.

But there was one place. A change on the 15th floor.

There was a towering tree like figure with the description ‘World Tree (Budding).It was the first time I had seen something added to the hologram.

Apart from that, I found new words on the bottom left.

‘A rare rated dungeon.’

There were some yellow letters. I touched my hand to the words that stated it was a rare grade dungeon.

The holographic screen changed and a new window was shown.

-The dungeon rating can vary according to special structures.

A rare grade dungeon will have additional features compared to a general grade dungeon.

Do you want to verify the additional structures?

Of course I wanted to confirm it. This was the first time I realized a dungeon had ratings. I clicked on the button without hesitation and lengthy writing showed up.

Stronger control over the creatures. No matter how low the intelligence of the creatures, they will now listen to the Dungeon Master’s commands.

It is possible for one of the creatures to be appointed to ‘Master Guardian.’ A Master Guardian will protect the Dungeon Core and is the Dungeon Master’s ultimate sword. The Master Guardian will have all stats +5. They can perform a ‘space jump’ beyond the law of physics only once.

New sculptures are added.

-Artificial sun, clouds and moon.

The seasonal setting is enabled.

-Spring, summer, autumn, winter.

Those were the 4 main points added. I looked at the list step by step.

Number 1. A leader was required for low intelligence creatures during monster waves but that wasn’t necessary anymore.

Point 2 about the ‘Master Guardian’ was quite interesting. One creature could have all stats increased by 5. Space jump was a bit vague but that was inconsequential.

Points 3 and 4 were additional features that changed the terrain. Depending on how I used it, various effects could be obtained. It would be good for those creatures strengthened by the sun or the moon.

‘It means there are even more ratings.’

If I had raised the dungeon rating to rare from general then I must be able to raise it even further to unique, epic and legend ratings.

These were the rare grade additional features so I couldn’t imagine what else would be added.

It seemed like a good idea to make multiple investments in the dungeon. There would be a number of benefits if I focused on raising the rating. There were some disadvantages but it seemed like the benefits were greater.

‘There wasn’t any related achievements?’

I thought I would obtain a dungeon achievement for raising the rating. But that didn’t seem to be the case. It seemed like the additional features were the reward.

I shook my head and looked at Sloth. I was wearing the red cloak. But I still hadn’t experimented with the skill.