Game of the World Tree

【 THEY ARE THE CHOSENONES 】

Taylor felt wrapped in a warm, comforting embrace as the radiant light washed over him with its gentle glow.

This power was gentle yet profound, stirring a deep sense of kinship and longingness within him.

In the next instant, the atmosphere around him shifted whilst countless colorful particles of light appeared, swirling around him in a breathtaking dance.

They surrounded him completely, filling up the space with a kaleidoscope of brilliant hues.

Through the shimmering glow, Taylor vaguely caught sight of a beautiful Scepter entwined with vines and blooming flowers.

Suddenly, he sensed a surge of potent energy, rich with the essence of life, crossing over the vast, incomprehensible void of space and pouring into his body.

The energy flowed effortlessly, filling him with a mysterious, transformative force.

As the energy merged with him, Taylor could feel his body undergoing a rapid metamorphosis.

His senses sharpened with a clarity he had never known before. Every sound was crisp, and his strength surged in waves. The fatigue and wear of age, which had once been his constant companion, vanished as though they had never existed. It was as if the years had been wiped away in an instant, leaving only the raw, untainted vigor of youth in their place…

The feeling was intoxicating, as though he had been transported back to his prime, back to his vibrant teenage years.

“A miracle! T-This is… a divine miracle!”

Through his dazed thoughts, Taylor vaguely heard the astonished exclamations of other believers around him.

In the distance, he could also hear the sound of people falling to their knees, their voices fervently praying in reverence.

Taylor had no idea what was happening, but he suspected it had something to do with him.

At that moment, however, the radiant light encasing him rendered him immobile. His vision was filled with the dazzling glow, leaving him unable to verify his suspicions.

Curiosity simmered within him, mingling with anticipation, yet he remained powerless to act, just as his transformation proceeded on.

Whilst wrapped in the gentle embrace of light, Taylor felt an overwhelming sense of comfort, as though he had returned to the safety and warmth of his mother’s loving arms.

He had no concept of how much time had passed.

It felt as though he had been there for an eternity, lost in this strange, timeless cocoon of light, and yet, at the same time, it also felt like a fleeting instant.

Then, through the haze, a serene, divine voice echoed inside his mind.

“From this day forth, your surname shall be… Rocksand.”

The voice was soft and melodious, warm and gentle:

Taylor’s thoughts wavered, his consciousness briefly adrift.

Rocksand…

As a former adventurer, he was well-versed in the legends of their world.

He recalled that when the Church of Creation still existed, “Rocksand” was said to be one of the Seven Great Surnames of the members of the Divine Clan.

The other major surnames of the divine beings were “Moonlight,” “Shadowshade,” “Thunderwrath,” “Rageblaze,” “WhiteFrost,” and “Galewind.”

This realization struck him like a thunderbolt.

His body trembled with excitement, just as his mind was overwhelmed by awe.

He had now vaguely guessed who the ethereal voice belonged to…

A surge of ecstatic reverence welled up within him.

If he hadn’t still been unable to control his body, Taylor would have dropped to his knees to praise the goddess with all his heart.

Gradually, the blinding light slowly began to fade.

As it dissipated, Taylor finally regained bacl the control of his body.

Without hesitation, he knelt once more, fervently bowing his head in prayer.

“Praise be to nature, Praise be to life, and Praise be to the Great Goddess Eve!”

With devout sincerity, he traced the symbol of the Life Scepter over his chest before slowly rising to his feet.

It was then that Taylor noticed something unusual—the temple had fallen into an unexpected silence.

The interior of the temple, despite its solemn atmosphere, was usually filled with the murmurs of prayers and hushed conversations among the divine beings.

Yet now, it was eerily quiet.

Puzzled, Taylor glanced around and found out that every local believer within the vicinity was staring at him with a mix of shock and envy.

…What’s going on?

A sudden thought struck him.

“A m-mirror… I need a mirror!” murmured, his voice trembling with a mixture of excitement and disbelief.

He could already feel the changes within himself.

After his transformation, Taylor knew that his physical capabilities had undergone a qualitative leap.

His strength had surged from the first tier to the second!

In terms of the divine ranking system, he was now an intermediate Iron-ranker.

Luckily for him, the temple had several decorative mirrors scattered throughout its grand hall.

Without hesitation, he rushed toward one, his anticipation growing with every step.

His heart pounded in his chest, and his mind raced with the question of what his reflection might reveal.

When he finally saw his reflection, he immediately froze in astonishment, his breath catching in his throat.

There, staring back at him, was a figure that was both familiar and foreign, a version of himself that was at once him and yet not at the same time.

His height hadn’t changed much, but his figure had become noticeably more refined. He stood straighter, his posture now more elegant, statuesque even, exuding a sense of quiet confidence that he had never possessed before. His movements also felt more graceful, his body more fluid and in tune with the power now coursing through him.

His facial features had also undergone a dramatic transformation. His appearance, once that of a middle-aged man, now resembled that of a teen in his early twenties.

His skin appeared smoother as well, more flawless, glowing with an inner radiance.

It wasn’t vanity that made him scrutinize his reflection so closely.

No, this wasn’t about mere appearances per se—it was about understanding what he had become.

Everyone knew that the most distinctive trait of divine beings was their extraordinary features and their ageless appearance.

However, Taylor wasn’t focused on this aspect alone.

Instead, his gaze shifted directly to his ears.

At that moment, Taylor noticed that his ears were no longer human-shaped…

Now, they had transformed into small, pointed tips.

Although they still differed from the ears of a pure-blooded divine being, the resemblance was already pretty undeniable.

“So, this is what purifying one’s bloodline feels like? I’ve become a half-elf from the legends… but if my bloodline is further purified, could I perhaps also become a true elf—a member of the esteemed divine clan?”

Taylor’s heart raced with excitement.

He realized that his hair had also changed its color.

Once a deep brown-black, it now had lightened to an earthy chestnut hue, shimmering in the light as if it were touched by the very hands of nature itself.

This subtle transformation brought to mind another legend about the divine clan.

According to the olden tales, a divine being’s hair color was inherently tied to their surname, which often represent their affinity with a specific element.

“I remember being tested at the church before… Among the seven elements, my alignment was strongest with earth. So, after my bloodline was purified, I’ve become one of the legendary Rocksand divine beings, which are known for their mastery over earthen magic?”

He nodded to himself, murmuring excitedly.

“No… I’m still not a fully divine being yet. But at least I’m already halfway there!”

“And… I seem to have awakened a talent for innate magic as well! I’ve become a magical being—the kind found only in the legends!”

Taylor’s excitement grew.

A magical being was someone born with an instinctive ability to use magic.

In the demi-realm of Ouros, such existence were exceedingly rare.

As far as he knew, only members that belong to the divine clan was known to possess such trait.

Feeling the surge of power within him, Taylor’s heart swelled with joy.

After all, who wouldn’t want to become stronger and more extraordinary?

Whilst lost in thought, Taylor found himself smiling foolishly at his reflection in the mirror when a young divine being suddenly approached him.

The boy looked around twelve years old, with silver hair and striking blue eyes.

Yet despite his youthful appearance, his expression carried an air of calm maturity that seemed out of place for his age.

Taylor recognized him instantly.

This was none other than Aél Moonlight, the High Priest of the main temple in Seigües City!

Most notably, he was also a divine chosen by the goddess herself.

However, something about Lord Aél felt different from the other divine beings Taylor had encountered beforehand.

He couldn’t quite put his finger upon it…

But unlike most of the divine beings, who often carried themselves with playful energy, Lord Ael’s composed demeanor felt far more grounded and reserved.

The divine beings Taylor had met before were usually carefree, bounding around with childlike glee, casting spells for fun as they traveled about their land.

It was their lighthearted attitude that often made Taylor forget their lofty status.

But Lord Aél…

He was pretty different from the rest, so to speak.

His regal bearing and calm stride exuded a quiet authority that made Taylor feel unexpectedly tense.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Taylor quickly bowed in respect.

“This Taylor greets Lord Aél!”

Among the divine clan, surnames were rare, and there were only a few prominent ones. As a result, even those who weren’t personally acquainted often addressed each other by their first names.

Aél offered a gentle smile.

“Mr. Taylor, congratulations on purifying your bloodline and becoming one of us.”

One of us…

Taylor’s heart trembled at those words.

A sense of acceptance and belonging washed over him, bringing unexpected warmth to his chest.

He had been anxious.

To him, each member of the divine clan was distant, almost otherworldly existence. He had worried that with him being someone not naturally born into their ranks, he might be treated differently—or worse, rejected altogether.

But it seemed his fears were unfounded.

“You are now a half-elf,”

Ael continued.

“This grants you the right to travel to Seigües, the higher realm, and return to Elven Forest. Mr. Taylor, do you wish to return our homeland?”

Return back to Seigües?

The divine clan’s homeland, which is also said to be the fabled holy land of divine blessings, filled with abundant energy and unparalleled beauty…

Taylor’s heart stirred with longing.

Although the Church of Life didn’t impose any strict requirements on where he should go after his transformation, he didn’t hesitate for long.

“I wish to return to the Elven Forest!” he said excitedly.

His voice echoed with conviction.

He was all alone, with no family left in this world.

So the opportunity to journey forth to the fabled homeland of the divine clan was one he naturally embraced.

After all, it promised a wider world and countless possibilities.

And if he wished to become a true divine being, the only way was to ascend to the higher realm.

“Then come along with me.”

Aél Moonlight, the goddess’s chosen priest, smiled faintly before turning and walking deeper into the temple.

Taylor took a deep breath, grabbed the bag he had prepared long ago, and followed behind.

Led by Aél, Taylor soon arrived at the temple’s inner sanctum.

There, he saw a massive “mirror” standing at the heart of the chamber with its surface shimmering in rippling light.

Every moment, new members of the divine clan emerged from the mirror, while others stepped into it and vanished from sight.

“T-This… could this be the legendary gateway that’s connecting our world to the higher realm?”

Taylor marveled at the sight.

“Indeed, it is the dimensional pathway linking both realms. It was crafted by the goddess herself.”

Ael’s voice carried a reverent tone, his eyes gleaming with devotion.

The mere mention of the goddess made Taylor’s expression turned serious.

“There’s no need to be nervous,” Ael reassured him gently.

“Follow me. Let’s return to the Elven Forest.”

With that, Aél stepped into the mirror.

The mirror’s surface rippled, and Ael’s figure was instantly consumed by the light, before vanishing entirely.

Taylor licked his lips, feeling both curious and anxious.

With both wonder and anticipation coursing through his veins, Taylor bravely stepped forward, his heart pounding as he approached the glowing surface of the mirror.

Without a second thought, he pressed on, his body crossing the threshold into the unknown.

As soon as he made contact, a surge of warmth enveloped him, and he was swallowed by the light, feeling a strange sensation, as though his body was sinking into an invisible liquid.

It was a sensation he couldn’t quite describe—smooth, soft, and all-encompassing, like a wave of energy wrapping around him.

His vision blurred, colors melding into one another as though the very fabric of reality was bending, and a profound weightlessness overtook him, leaving him disoriented and yet strangely calm.

When his surroundings became clear again, he found himself standing in a different place.

He was still inside a temple of life—but no longer in the main temple of Seigües City.

This temple was far more solemn, adorned with intricate magical carvings and murals, exuding an ancient beauty and grandeur.

Divine beings moved about the temple, engaged in various tasks.

Is this… the higher realm?

Taylor’s heart brimmed with curiosity.

He could already sense the difference.

The air here felt remarkably more purer, filling him with an inexplicable sense of freedom and lightness, as though even his soul was being unburdened.

What Taylor didn’t know was that this sensation came from the elevated quantity of mana in Seigües.

Compared to Ouros’ demi-realm, Seigües possessed a much higher energy grade, a difference so striking that it could be felt the moment one set foot upon its soil.

The atmosphere here pulsed with an intensity that Ouros could never match, making the very air crackle with power.

The elements seemed far more active, swirling with a vibrant energy that surged through every corner of the realm, giving life to every tree, rock, and breeze.

Mana, too, was more abundant here, flowing freely like a river, and it was evident in the way the world seemed to be imbued with it.

As Taylor marveled at his surroundings, a clear female voice rang out behind him.

“Welcome to the realm of Seigües, fellow member of the Rocksand Clan.”

He quickly turned and saw a woman with dark gray hair approaching.

“This is Lady Nightingale. She’s the one tasked with welcoming new clan members today,” Ael explained.

Taylor immediately straightened and bowed respectfully.

“Greetings, Lady Nightingale. May the goddess be with you!”

“Greetings, Mr. Taylor. May the goddess bless you as well,”

Nightingale replied with a smile.

Then, with a casual wave of her hand, she added, “There’s no need to be so formal. And you don’t need to call me ‘Lady.’ Now that you’ve returned to the Elven Forest, we’re all family.”

“Come. Let me show you around the forest. This may very well be where you’ll live from now on.”

With that, Nightingale gestured for Taylor to follow her out of the temple.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Where I’ll live from now on?

Taylor’s heart stirred as he followed her toward his new life.

A spark of anticipation flickered in Taylor’s heart.

He nodded and followed closely behind Nightingale.

Once they were outside the vicinity of the Temple, Taylor realized he had stepped into a bustling city.

The city’s buildings were crafted from massive white stones, exuding a grandeur that carried a unique charm.

However, Taylor quickly noticed signs of turmoil—many areas remained in ruins, untouched by restoration.

Seeing his curiosity and confusion, Nightingale explained:

“This is the splendid city of Kenorland, one of the major cities of our elven race.”

“You see, Kenorland experienced a devastating war a thousand years ago. So since then, it has been long abandoned up until recently, when we began its restoration.”

“In the future, this may very well become your new home.”

My new home?

Taylor’s heart stirred as he gazed at the city.

Despite the lingering ruins, the restored areas was already bustling with life and activity.

It was a beautiful city—far more so than any he had seen back in his home world.

But it wasn’t just the architecture that captivated him.

The entire environment felt entirely different.

Lush gardens sprawled across the city, filled with vibrant flowers and verdant greenery.

Taylor could almost imagine how breathtaking the city would be once fully restored.

But what stood out to him most was the presence of numerous divine beings, all busy with various tasks.

Seeing them, Taylor’s initial tension began to ease.

Finally, he recognized something familiar.

These divine beings wore ornate armor or robes, reminiscent of those he had seen in his world.

Their carefree demeanor was also familiar—they bounced, skipped, and laughed as they walked, exuding a playful demeanor.

Ah…such familiar vibes, indeed.

However, there were differences as well.

These divine beings seemed wilder and far more uninhibited than those he had previously encountered.

Taylor hadn’t walked far before witnessing multiple duels breaking out in the streets.

And these weren’t friendly sparring matches either.

He saw two warrior-like divine beings locked in a bloody battle, their bodies already drenched in bloodied crimson.

Yet the odd thing was that despite their severe injuries, they still fought with fierce intensity, whilst grinning wildly against each other.

One of them had already lost an arm, while the other had a sword embedded in his abdomen, with their intestines partially exposed.

But neither seemed to care about their wounds as they laughed boisterously, continuing to clash swords.

Meanwhile, the surrounding divine beings cheered and applauded as if enjoying a grand spectacle.

Taylor: “…”

He stood frozen, utterly dumbfounded.

What’s wrong with these people?!

Are they not afraid of dying?!

Noticing Taylor’s shocked expression, Nightingale sighed, rubbing her temples in exasperation.

“Honestly… these Chosen Ones. Ever since they gained priesthood privileges, they’ve become more and more reckless in their fights, even though the goddess has already provided them with a virtual dueling space.”

Having spent enough time with the Chosen Ones, Nightingale had picked up some of their terminology and gained an understanding of their unique abilities and benefits.

Turning back to Taylor, she offered an apologetic smile.

“Sorry if that scared you. The Chosen Ones are like this. They may seem wild, but they’re actually good people. You’ll soon get used to it.”

“…Chosen Ones?” Taylor asked, puzzled.

He vaguely remembered hearing divine beings mention that term, but now it felt different—more significant.

“Yes. You can think of them as beings similar to yourself. They, too, have come from another world, before assuming the form of elves.”

“However, their personalities are much more… lively compared to us, traditional elves. That’s why you’ll sometimes see unexpected behavior from them.”

“Additionally, their status is also quite special. They’re summoned by the goddess herself and possess the ability to resurrect themselves. They have immense growth potential, which explains why they’re so reckless in battle.”

“For them, fighting is just a form of entertainment. Their greatest joy is seeking fun.”

“Oh, and by the way, most of the elves who descended into your world were also those Chosen Ones.”

Nightingale’s words left Taylor speechless.

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