Souls Online: Mythic Ascension-Chapter 285: The Heartwood Tree

’The danger was supposed to be gone, right?’

Leo couldn’t shake the feeling that he was somehow very close to death. The pointed stares like daggers were digging into his back as the Princess spoke to him. Perhaps it was because he was the guild leader but the Princess was focused solely on talking to him.

"I must thank you again my Dear Hero! Please allow me to accompany you back to the village. Though I must ask that you allow me this one small discourtesy" Seryn declared as she hooked her arm with Leo, using her own frail state as a reason to do so.

Rachel could feel a vein on her temple beginning to throb as she watched the Princess’ actions from Greg’s shoulder.

"That Conniving, self entitled bit—"

"Nyx, I don’t think it would be wise to finish that sentence~!" Penny chimed in, becoming thoroughly amused at the drama that was unfolding.

Rachel shot Penny a sharp look but said nothing. She folded her arms and narrowed her eyes at the Princess’s display.

Penny leaned closer, whispering with a smirk. "You think she’s flirting, don’t you?"

Rachel’s reply was flat and sure. "Absolutely."

Greg, caught between them on his massive shoulders, blinked in confusion. "Wait, you two are talking about flirting?"

Both girls ignored him and continued watching Seryn as she kept her arm linked tightly with Leo’s.

Crystal frowned deeply. Her displeasure was clear even though she said nothing.

Adam chuckled from behind, arms crossed and eyes gleaming with amusement. "Poor Leo. He’s going to have a hard time shaking this one."

Leo swallowed hard and shifted uncomfortably under the Princess’s steady gaze. The weight of the moment pressed down on him more than any enemy ever had.

Lily stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm as she placed a hand on Leo’s arm to guide him away. "Princess, your gratitude is clear, but Leo and the others need rest after everything they’ve been through. Perhaps now is the time to return to the village."

Seryn’s eyes flashed with irritation as she shook off Lily’s touch. "I appreciate your concern, but I will accompany Leo as long as I please."

Before the tension could escalate, Luna cut in sharply, her tone no longer polite. "Enough. Back off. You’re being way too clingy."

Seryn’s expression darkened. "Who the hell do you think you are, speaking to me the Princess like that?"

Luna stepped forward, unflinching. "And who the hell are you to ignore the words of his sister?" Her gaze locked on Seryn.

The challenge hit hard. Seryn’s posture stiffened for a moment, then she sighed and softened her tone. "Of course. I meant no disrespect." She forced a smile, turning her charm on Luna. "Your loyalty is admirable. I will step back for now."

Rachel’s jaw clenched as she watched, her eyes narrowing so sharply they looked like daggers. She looked ready to commit murder.

Adam stood a few steps behind, struggling to hold back laughter, a mischievous grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Crystal exhaled quietly, relief clear on her face as the Princess finally backed off.

Aria stayed silent, arms crossed, watching the exchange without wanting to get involved. But she did admit that Luna’s actions made her feel pretty damn good.

The group moved slowly down the hill toward the village. The soft crunch of their footsteps mixed with the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. Seryn fell into step beside Leo, her eyes bright with curiosity.

"So," she said, turning to him. "Tell me what happened inside the dungeon. How did you defeat those terrible creatures?"

Leo hesitated for a moment. His gaze flicked to Luna, who remained silent, her expression unreadable.

Finally, Leo answered, his voice steady. "We did what we needed to do, nothing more." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Seryn did not doubt Leo’s words. Instead, she looked at him with genuine awe.

"Despite everything you have faced," she said softly, "you remain humble and brave. It is truly admirable."

Her eyes shone with respect and something like hope alongside something else.

Leo shifted uneasily but gave a small, grateful smile.

Rachel’s face contorted with silent rage. Her lips twitched. Her brow furrowed. Her eyes narrowed so tightly they were almost slits.

Penny burst out laughing from Greg’s shoulder. "Oh my god, Nyx, your face looks really ugly right now."

Greg turned his massive head just enough to glance at Rachel, blinking at the expression twisted across her features. "Rose is right. Sheesh."

Rachel whipped her head in his direction and snarled. "Shut up, Titan."

Greg blinked again, then looked forward like nothing happened. "Okay then." He knew that he may not be the smartest man out there, but he trusted his instincts and they were screaming at him to shut up. It probably was for the best.

Penny snickered, clearly enjoying herself far too much. Rachel crossed her arms and fumed in silence, her gaze still locked on the back of Seryn’s golden head like she was trying to set it on fire with sheer hatred.

Leo, oblivious to the powder keg behind him, simply walked ahead beside the Princess, still not entirely sure how things had gotten so complicated so fast.

The winding path led them to the edge of the village where the trees grew larger and more ancient. Ahead stood one unlike any of the others. It towered over the forest, its trunk wide enough to house a dozen people side by side. The bark shimmered faintly with silver-green patterns, glowing gently in the light of day. Its roots twisted and coiled into the earth like ancient limbs, and above, woven between the branches, were elegant platforms and bridges formed from polished wood and living vine.

The entire tree seemed alive, not just in the natural sense, but with magic and reverence.

"That’s... your house?" Greg asked from above, his voice filled with awe as he tilted his head up to get a better view.

Seryn nodded proudly. "Yes. This is Eldenwreath, the Heartwood Tree. It has been the home of my family for generations. It serves as our residence, our council chamber, and the spiritual center of the village."

Leo stepped forward, craning his neck to take in the full scope of the tree. "It’s incredible."

Seryn smiled at him, her voice soft. "Come. The elders will want to hear of your success, and you all deserve a proper welcome after everything you’ve done."

Leo let out a sigh as he looked back at his party members. They were fine physically but everyone was mentally exhausted. He could only hope that whatever these elders had in mind, it wouldn’t be the straw that broke the camel’s back when it came to their mental health.