If you want to end it all, just keep committing suicide endlessly.

In any case, the forced cycle imposed on him could not last forever and would eventually wear down and collapse. It would be hard to believe that he was afraid of pain. The previous act of burning himself was an extremely slow and painful torture. Coupled with the repeated deaths and returns, even the most pain-fearing person would gradually become numb to the pain that appeared on their body and eventually stop being afraid of it.

Or perhaps, the condition itself has certain limitations? For example, is it possible to successfully crack the code only if a certain task is successfully completed?

I had a vague premonition that I had grasped the specific details.

Thinking about it carefully, it really is terrible.

Sensing that Sheng was wavering, he tried to press his advantage: "Since we were the ones who first extended the invitation for cooperation, let's lay our cards on the table. Our goal this time is the [Fountain of Purity]. What about you? The Holy Grail, or the same as us? You probably aren't, right? After all, you didn't even have to face that tough giant dragon, which made us go through a lot of trouble."

"That only shows that you are not strong enough."

"The guy who stole the Dragon Slayer Sword ahead of time is actually saying this now. I really don't know what to say."

The sword demon avoided the problem, simply sliding down the scales from the top of the giant snake's shattered corpse and landing on an open ground not far away. I clearly noticed that the soles of his shoes did not directly touch the ground, but were slightly off-center, obviously with a thin layer of aura condensed on one side of his feet, separating them from the venom.

"I'm just taking what I'm entitled to," the bastard in the black trench coat said shamelessly, then paused for a moment before uttering, "I'm here to find the seeds."

Sheng looked enlightened: "Seeds? You mean the seeds of the World Tree?"

I did hear a familiar name.

But to say it's a seed of the World Tree... that's the first time I've ever heard of such a thing. Could it be the seed of that colossal tree I know that almost blots out the sky? It's a little hard to imagine what it would be like to grow from a seedling.

Although I understand that it was originally just an ordinary tree, it has grown to a size far exceeding that of other trees. Coupled with years of continuous publicity and mythologizing, I subconsciously believe that such a giant tree that can affect the environment of a place actually appeared out of thin air, rather than growing into such a huge size step by step.

Furthermore, the inhabitants of the Sacred Tree Barrier, as well as the elves who have always lived in the space nearby, have always referred to it as the Sacred Tree. Among the elves, there is even a queen who is specifically responsible for communicating and sensing with the World Tree.

...Although it's all in the past.

However, since this is the first time I've heard this information here, I can't arbitrarily conclude that the existence they mentioned is a setting I'm familiar with in reality.

Sheng continued his explanation and questions: "The World Tree was originally a giant tree in legend that was protected and surrounded by the elves. It was said to have the function of improving the environment, regulating the ecology, and providing shelter... Are you really sure that tree is here? Furthermore, even if it really exists, do you really think that the elves, who take it upon themselves to protect the World Tree, would just obediently offer up the seeds of the World Tree?"

"Elves are very picky beings."

I chimed in, "Once they are dissatisfied with your performance, or if they harbor resentment towards you from the start, no amount of remedial measures will change their attitude."

Sword Demon said stiffly, "That's exactly what we're doing now."

I glanced at the bloodstains on the hem of his trench coat and the bloody aura swirling around the sheathed sword, and shook my head: "At least you need to get rid of the filth on you. First impressions are important."

For some reason, Sheng suddenly burst out laughing. It took him a while to stop laughing under the cold gaze. He shook his head and pointed towards the wetlands that had not yet been stained red by the crocodile's blood: "Yes, first impressions are very important."

"Look, there's a pool of water behind you. It's a bit dangerous, but it shouldn't be a problem for you, right? Go and come back quickly. And while you're at it, call those guys over."

He waved his hand, stepped on the vines that formed a path, grabbed my sleeve, and happily turned around to walk back the way we came, regardless of whether the guy gave an affirmative response.

But at least so far the communication has been going smoothly, and our goals don't conflict... Let's cooperate then.

Increased combat power is always a good thing.

The return journey was much faster than the way there. Having successfully resolved the two major issues on his mind, Sheng's mood visibly improved. Not only were his steps much lighter, but he could even occasionally hear soft humming coming from ahead.

"What are you singing?" I asked casually out of curiosity.

"Hmm? They were just some tunes I heard by chance, and I've forgotten where I heard them."

Sheng's answer was ambiguous. He frowned and thought for a while, but after failing to come up with a solution, he gave up on the matter: "Does Big Brother usually listen to any songs? I mean... before."

I shook my head: "I don't listen to it much." I'm usually busy with self-study and rest, and I've only heard Hikari and Alice hum a few short tunes when they're not doing anything.

However, neither of them were particularly enthusiastic about these things. The former preferred quiet, while the latter couldn't stand being idle. Apart from that, they were both quiet and reserved, only knowing how to bury themselves in their own things... Of course, I was the same way.

Upon closer reflection, the most chattering group in the miniature garden is actually the fairy clan living nearby. Although they claim to be socially awkward, after living here for a while, they have long since overcome their fear of this place. Every now and then, the flower fairies, as representatives or the main group, will come over for a few rounds, chatting about their situation along the way. The newly delivered bouquets have almost filled the library hall, and every corner is decorated with fresh, dewy flowers.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!