Chapter 1221 - 552: Thus, Miss Squirrel’s Life...

Chapter 1221: Chapter 552: Thus, Miss Squirrel’s Life...

All its actions, whether playing, sleeping, or driving away invaders, revolve around this core.

It is familiar with every texture of the Holy Tree, remembers every dappled shadow cast by sunlight through the leaves, and listens to the gentle sound of each dewdrop sliding off a leaf. Its world is just that giant tree and the few inches of land beneath it.

Now, the core is gone, and meaning seems to have been drained away.

It possesses great power, enough to walk through most of the continent with ease, yet this power cannot tell it where to step next at this moment.

To be precise, the Demigod Squirrel’s current plight is not like that of a pitiful child abandoned by its parents.

The rupture of emotional dependence is not the core; the core is the sudden termination of its "mission."

It’s more akin to a thirty-five-year-old excellent employee suddenly optimized out by the company.

It feels like a diligent, dedicated gatekeeper who has even exceeded in completing the task of protection.

But suddenly, without warning, it is no longer needed.

No explanation, no handover, not even the final wages, perhaps a particularly sweet pinecone—none settled.

The leader ran away... no, the company ran away!

The sudden onset of "mid-life crisis" forces it to deeply reflect on the meaning of life and the direction of the future.

As the Demigod Squirrel falls into contemplation of the unfamiliar concept of "future," its fluffy tail droops slightly in the chaos of thoughts, the "provoker" nearby coughs twice, almost forgotten by it.

"Cough cough."

Lukalia tries to break the somewhat dull atmosphere, weakly speaking: "Um... Herbert asked me to bring you a message, he really said it this time."

"Huh? What did he say?"

"He said..."

Lukalia paused, again switching to Herbert’s voice, but this time particularly serious and earnest: "If I’m not wrong, the Mist Holy Tree has left, and your feelings might be quite chaotic now."

Chaos? It is indeed quite chaotic.

The voice from the mirror paused briefly, the other party pondering, then continued steadily: "As an outsider, I cannot persuade you not to mind."

"I neither know your relationship nor your feelings."

"But I think, at least the Mist Holy Tree wouldn’t want to see you become despondent."

The voice paused again, seemingly organizing thoughts, then shifted to a more practical topic:

"Additionally, before leaving, the Holy Tree asked you to bring me a Tree Heart, within it left a message for me."

"It said, ’I’ve entrusted everything to you.’"

"I’m unsure whether it was entrusting something to me, but perhaps it hoped I could provide you some temporary assistance."

"If you now feel nowhere to go, why not stay at my territory Elda for a while, decide after thinking through your next plan."

"When that time comes, whether to stay or go is entirely up to you, I can say I didn’t fail her entrustment."

Herbert’s words ended here.

No excessive comforting, no hypocritical pleasantries, just a clear statement of facts, expressing respect for the Holy Tree’s trust, and offering a practical and kind suggestion.

He left the choice entirely to the Demigod Squirrel.

If you’re willing to come, you are welcome, the gates of Elda are always open for you.

If you’re unwilling to come, I won’t stop you, as anyhow in this Mist Mountain Range, few can harm you.

"...Hmm, that’s what Herbert said."

After conveying the message, Lukalia immediately ended the voice simulation.

She looked at the pondering squirrel, thought for a bit, felt that the previous offense still required a formal apology.

The illusory, light-and-shadow formed petite figure slowly floated out of the mirror, suspended in mid-air, made a graceful yet solemn bow to the Demigod Squirrel, lowering her head in apology.

"Respected Lord Demigod, please allow me to apologize, I indeed intentionally provoked you and hope you can forgive my disrespect."

"I am willing to fulfill your request, to calm your anger."

She paused, adding, fearing her role might affect Herbert’s goodwill: "Additionally, Herbert’s invitation is unrelated to me, please don’t let my disrespect affect your thoughts."

The squirrel looked at her for a while, shook its head, unconcernedly waved its small paw: "Hmmm, it’s nothing, I don’t mind."

"As for Herbert’s invitation..."

Regarding the invitation, it indeed needs careful consideration.

Elda, huh?

It recalled the brief visit a few days ago, a town nestled on the forest edge, basking in the warm light of the Holy Light’s torch.

Human houses aren’t as tall as the forest’s trees, but they stand neatly aligned; streets are clean, filled with the aroma of baked bread and stewed meat.

Peace.

That place had the extremely precious peace and tranquility of the Mist Mountain Range.

It hesitated for a moment, then helplessly nodded: "Hmmm, I indeed have nowhere else to go. Since he’s invited, I’ll stay there for a while."

"I quite like the atmosphere there!"

A few days ago in Elda, the residents treated it kindly, without sensing any unpleasant aura.

I shall stay there for a while!