Chapter 181 He wants to see the tree
Gavin's Pov
He is mad, really really mad. Did something piss him off to look like this?
The last time he had this look was when we first met. His expression was devoid of any emotion while his eyes had this cold glint as if aiming to kill someone. It was the kid who had no love for anything until Astro intervened. However, why is he reverting to his previous self? That Apollo that didn't seem interested in anything and only followed the head wherever he went.
Why does he look like that?
"Sir Gavin"
"Yes?"
I was suddenly taken aback when he suddenly spoke, especially with those cold-looking eyes staring at me. I felt like I was being scanned.
"I will be keeping that" he voiced his demands pointing at the piece of the world tree.
"Kid I think we can't give that to you"
"!?"
I was suddenly alarmed and concerned when a mage from the association spoke.
"Don't worry I am not asking for permission I am only informing you guys" Little Sun replied while his eyes reflected nothing but a silent beast.
"Boy we know you play a role in finding this place, but we can't just hand over important evidence and piece of information"
"I already gave you the information you all need, did you not read what I showed you? Are you blind or are you illiterate?"
I was suddenly taken aback when his voice suddenly rose so high like that. Fortunately, the two mages he was arguing with didn't speak, it seems they felt the sudden change in the boy's behaviour.
"Kid you alright? If I remember correctly you weren't like those before" he asked seemingly worried about our little sun.
Despite the rivalry between the tower and the association, we can still put our differences aside when it comes to serious situations.
"Oh my, are you going through puberty right now? Are you in that stage of your life where you are turning rebellious?"
"Is that what's going on?"
"No I am not in that or anything" Apollo tried to explain and switch his tone to speak to the two mages from the association.
"Kid we will give the shard but let us make a report first and ask some superiors, no worries we can just say we need to do some research after showing it to them, and then we will give it to you"
They tried to explain fortunately Little Sun finally agreed though he seemed a bit disappointed. Witnessing this the two mages couldn't help but change the subject.
"Gavin" Arthur spoke suddenly making me surprised for a second.
"What is it?" I answered as I shifted my gaze from Apollo to him.
"Did something happen at the operation a while ago? Apollo looks a bit, angry?"
"I think it's because of the World tree, you know that any mage can go mad if they knew about this"
"I am mad as well but I think Apollo wouldn't be this out of control just because of that"
"I know but let's just observe the boy for now"
Then as we continued our conversation a presence suddenly appeared behind me though I didn't bother knowing who it was, but then a voice suddenly spoke surprising me and Arthur.
"Sir Gavin" we both jolted and looked at the source of it only to see Apollo.
"I want to see the World Tree"
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Continue your journey on empire
"Little sun is it because of the sacrifice thing?" Arthur calmly asked though Gavin just spoke whatever came to his mind.
"It must be those council whatever members, they believe a sacrifice is needed for the health of the world tree"
Apollo hearing those words just shook his head.
"Trust me and let me see the tree"
A pair of golden eyes stared at the two senior mages making them sigh.
"We will ask for the head's permission first, okay?"
"Okay," the boy replied, his mood slightly elevated than before.
"Oh by the way I want to show this to the two of you" Apollo suddenly said when he was about to leave the laboratory.
"I actually saw the waypoint, if we use it we can access all the bases they have"
"You did?"
"Yes, I just forgot since my mind is a bit clouded"
"It's alright show us the way"
Then the boy walked towards the collapsed path he blew a while ago. Seeing the wreck place the two senior mages remained silent. In their mind there is only one thing they thought of, "He is really pissed off"
"At the end of this narrow path, there is a small tree, underneath it is a pond that connects to the other waypoints. You can check that out while I head towards the world tree"
His statement made Arthur and Gavin silent.
"Um... Okay," Gavin answered although he wanted to ask if the path really existed since all he could see was a massive hole.
"I'll be going then"
The boy then turns back about to leave the underground laboratory but Arthur stops him.
"Apollo don't be too hasty, if you really want to go to the world tree let me take you there"
"Really thanks" The boy then smiled making the two worried mages happy.
"I will do the report and stuff so don't worry go ahead and do what you wish to do" Gavin just stated wanting to make Apollo smile.
A few hours went by and more members of the crusaders got either caught or killed. And with their hideouts being discovered in just a matter of minutes made it impossible for them to defend themselves. The imperial soldiers also didn't stay idle and went to imprison all members of the council, which consisted of the eastern kingdoms' royals and heirs.
All their authority and assets will now be under the imperial family. The Emperor also had the power to execute them without proper trial, that's how dire their current situation was. Although no execution shall happen, they will only be under probation and later return to their proper positions.
Back to Apollo who finally arrives at Sentor, a place which belongs to the kingdom of Valoria. The kingdom where the World Tree is located.
"You are too worried my child" Alger said as he welcomed the boy.
"I want to see the tree" Despite the words of the head of the tower Apollo was adamant about visiting the world tree. This made Alger shake his head.
"Alright you know I can't say no to you" he spoke softly making the other high-ranking mages surprised.
"Mage Alger, we have detected some intruders I think we should capture them before letting the boy approach the world tree"
A knight from the imperial army said though Apollo just shakes his head.
"I will be fine so let me in"
The knight looks worried and instead looks at Alger, letting him decide.
"It's okay let the boy in"
With those words from the head, the knight obeyed.
"We will stand guard instead, so please be safe" After saying those words the knight bows before leading the way towards the barrier that protects the tree.
"Mage Alger I suggest we do this quickly, I am too worried to make the boy stay here any longer"
"It's okay sir I can defend myself"
The soldier just laughed at the boy's words before nodding.
"Alright if you say so"
In the eyes of many the word tree is still the same but for Apollo and some mages, it was merely a blurry spell put up to deceive the eyes of others.
They walked around the spell until they arrived at the rift inside the barrier. This was made specifically for passage however only specific people are permitted to enter.
"Here it is be careful" The knight was truly worried as he repeatedly said those words.
"I will be fine sir thank you" the boy told him trying to assure the worried knight.
With Alger by his side Apollo went towards the rift and entered.
The air suddenly changed and the boy could only look up and observe the old majestic tree.
"This" he mutters while a sudden pain washes over him. He couldn't help but clench his fist while his eyes flared with anger.
"I know what you feel, I also had the same reaction when is saw this the first time, but it doesn't mean I will let you sacrifice yourself. I love the world tree and respect its significant role in this world. However, your life is far more important to me. I don't care what happens, I will choose you even if it means ruining this world"
Alger said those words as he locked his gaze at the tree, it was still determined and didn't waver a single bit.
"Grandpa"
"Yes my dear sun"
"I will go"
The old mage couldn't help but close his eyes seemingly expecting those words.
"You will be back right?" he questioned shifting his gaze from the tree to Apollo.
"I will"
Apollo smiled warmly as he said those words.
He might be the strongest mage of his age but in front of this old man, he was still the same little boy he caught blowing up his own house.
"Alright go inside" he finally lets him go wishing that he will return just like he said.
The wind blew solemnly as if mourning the loss of someone important. Then this quiet place turns stormy while the old mage still stands from where he was.
"You are too late Isabella"