Chapter 223: A Second Mythic Tree

Just as Cassian was about to recruit his fourth Hero, a notice appeared.

[A new recruitable visitor has arrived at your Tavern. Quality: Legendary.]

His hand stopped.

"Over thirty thousand Renown, and this is still my first visit from a native Legendary Hero."

He looked into the Tavern through his Lord interface. There were two visitors. One face explained everything.

"Fendrel again."

The Elf’s reluctance to leave last time had made Cassian suspect he was after the Fountain of Life. Now he was certain.

He would have to settle the matter sooner or later. The Tavern’s rules prevented the visitors from attacking him, so he had little to worry about. With a wave, he gave them permission to enter the Domain.

Fendrel soon approached behind a slender, hooded figure.

The newcomer glanced quickly around Forgotten Shrine, then lowered her hood. She was breathtakingly beautiful.

"Greetings, honored Human Lord. I am Sylvara, the Elf Que—Lord, from Pandora."

Several Eclipse Legionnaires happened to pass on patrol. Sylvara took a deep breath, her expression briefly turning blissful.

"I can sense fresh Life Water on your troops. But why does it seem so... faint?"

Cassian rubbed the top of his head. She had come prepared. There was no point trying to hide it.

"Dilute it a thousandfold, and it still makes a Rare potion. Clearwake Tonic. I get far more use out of each bottle that way."

Sylvara stared at him.

She had heard of countless attempts to refine potions into stronger forms. This was the first time she had met someone who deliberately watered one down. It was worse than pouring sweetened water into a priceless wine.

But it also confirmed what she had hoped.

"You can afford to dilute Life Water... Have you truly found a Fountain of Life?"

Excitement entered her voice.

"If you agree to share it, I will pay any price. Even give up being a Lord and become your Hero. With my strength, I would be at least Legendary Three-Star."

Cassian looked at her with renewed interest.

Desperate, or simply inexperienced? She had opened the negotiation by revealing the greatest concession she was willing to make.

A Legendary Elf Hero would be an excellent catch for any newcomer. A beautiful Three-Star one would have made even Darian agree on the spot.

To Cassian, that was worth perhaps a hundred million Aether.

He would not share his Fountain for that. Even if it had been a wild Building outside his Domain, he would have refused.

Still, he was curious.

"Lord Sylvara, a Fountain of Life is valuable. But is it worth giving up so much?"

She sighed. After a brief hesitation, she carefully brought out a green sapling and shared its attributes.

Cassian drew a sharp breath.

"An Ancient Tree of Life!"

First the Enlightenment Tea Tree, and now this. Was he really going to become a farming Lord for good?

Sylvara nodded sadly.

"As you may know, an Ancient Tree of Life is essential to founding an Elven Royal Court. It carries the bloodline of the Worldwood, which gives it some power to suppress the Divines."

She looked down at the little tree.

"A century ago, the Divines invaded our Court. They destroyed both our Fountain and our Ancient Tree. This sapling was all that remained."

Her fingers tightened around it.

"I’ve kept it alive with our remaining Life Water. But without a Fountain of Life, even that won’t be enough. In another ten years, it will wither away."

Cassian’s eyes brightened as he listened.

An Elven Royal Court was the equivalent of a greater Domain. This beautiful Elf had once been its Sovereign.

According to the old accounts, the ancestors of the Elves had cultivated the first Ancient Tree of Life from a great branch of the Worldwood. The Elven race had developed from it and earned its place among the myriad races.

The Tree possessed many powers. It was also the Elves’ strongest troop Building, which was why they called it their World Tree.

Cassian opened the Exchange and bought several Legendary Hero Souls. He paid the asking prices, then brought out the Souls and tossed them lightly in one hand.

"Lord Sylvara, do I look short of Legendary Heroes?"

Sylvara went still. Behind her, Fendrel could only stare.

Even their former Royal Court had possessed few Legendary Heroes. This Human had entered the Realm only a few months ago!

"It is the greatest sincerity I can offer," Sylvara said, discouraged.

"No. You have something better."

Cassian sounded helpful.

"Plant the Ancient Tree of Life in my Domain. I can promise to help you rebuild your Royal Court."

"Impossible!" Fendrel finally broke in, anger overcoming his restraint. "Lord Cassian, don’t you know what the Tree needs to grow?"

"Fendrel. Mind your manners."

Sylvara silenced him, then took a deep breath.

"Lord Cassian, I thought I had explained. Only a Fountain of Life can sustain the Ancient Tree. Unless you..."

Disbelief spread across her face.

She had been open enough to show him a Mythic sapling. Cassian decided to take a small risk of his own.

He lifted his hand and opened Folded Sanctuary.

Golden light spilled out. Rich life energy filled the space for dozens of meters around them.

"A Fountain of Life!"

Fendrel dropped to his knees. Tears filled his eyes.

Sylvara trembled from head to foot.

She had thought the Human had been lucky enough to discover a wild Fountain. Instead, he had one inside his own Domain.

Domain Buildings produced far more than their wild counterparts, whether they were troop Buildings or resource producers. But safely converting a wild Building into one required enormous quantities of high-grade resources and a Heavenwork Design of the same Quality.

Sylvara could scarcely imagine how a Lord who had only reached Rank XII had managed to build a Level-12 Fountain of Life.

With this Fountain and her own abilities, she could restore the Ancient Tree to its full strength within a thousand years.

Her mind raced.

"Lord Sylvara."

Cassian’s voice brought her back.

"Once the Ancient Tree matures, you can rebuild your Royal Court. I won’t interfere with how you govern it. If you have other conditions, tell me. We can discuss them."

The Tree could recruit Legendary troops, but those were slightly less cost-effective than his Dawnwings. Its other powers interested him far more, especially its ability to suppress the Divines through its Worldwood bloodline.

Sylvara made an effort to calm herself.

"I am ashamed, Lord Cassian." She gave a strained smile. "For a moment, I actually considered using force to make you give me a share of your Domain."

"Understandable. I judge what people do, not every thought that passes through their heads." Cassian smiled back. "Besides, Pandora is outside the Homeworld’s sphere, isn’t it? I’m sure you wouldn’t do anything so unwise."

She was silent for a moment. Then she made her decision.

"I agree. I hope you will keep your promise."

Cassian was delighted. He had stayed at home, and a Mythic treasure had come to his door.

The next notice caught him by surprise.

[Elf Lord Sylvara requests to become your Hero.]

[Upon recruitment, Sylvara’s Quality will fall to Legendary Three-Star.]

"There’s no need," he said politely. "The Ancient Tree is enough. You don’t have to lower yourself to become my Hero."

His apparent respect eased some of the strain in Sylvara’s heart.

"Please don’t trouble yourself over that, Lord. I am offering willingly."

"But..."

Cassian tried to put it gently.

"An Elf Hero wouldn’t be much use to me. How about I add a hundred million Aether, and then you’re free to go?"