The Will Of The World Tree

Chapter 7 The Idea

Gazing at the orb of light that symbolized the digital world of Earth, Eve fell into deep thought.

"A shortage of souls, is it?"

She could feel her Divine Core thumping, much like a human heart in her past life.

"What if... I used human consciousness instead?"

A daring, radical idea took root in her mind. On Earth, virtual reality technology has advanced at breakneck speeds. Linking one's consciousness to a network was already the primary way people played modern games.

If that was the case, could she "borrow" human consciousness through the network tunnel?

Yes! She could bridge the minds of humans from Earth via the network, then manifest them into the world of Segas using elven bodies grown by the World Tree. It would be a different kind of elven "birth."

Other deities might find this impossible, but Eve held the unique Life Domain and possessed the exact coordinates of the digital realm. She could "develop" a game on the internet and allow humans to descend upon this world in the form of "Players."

There was no need to worry about actual casualties. Since the humans would only be using the World Tree as a conduit to link their minds to elven husks, their true souls would remain safe on Earth. If a body died, the connection would simply sever, leaving the player unharmed.

"I could create an army of players who aren't afraid of death! They could rebuild elven civilization for me!"

Furthermore, these players could assist her in gathering scattered elven tribes across the continent and even act as missionaries to spread her faith. The more she thought about it, the more exhilarated she became.

But wait—there was more!

She could modify the laws governing these new bodies. By weaving a modified version of the "War Rite" skill into their biological instincts, every time a player "leveled up," they would feed energy back to her. As they grew stronger, she would reap a steady harvest of Divine Power.

Recalling the "hardcore grinders" from her past life—players who would spend days and nights obsessing over stats—Eve felt the plan was foolproof. As long as they could level up and gain power, gamers would do anything.

"They are the ultimate free labor force! I'll handle the operations and they'll do all the legwork. All I have to do is sit back and collect the Divine Power!"

"I really am a genius!"

Eve nearly jumped into action immediately, but she checked her impulses.

"First, I need to wrap things up here."

Withdrawing from the Divine Core, Eve returned her attention to the Temple of Nature. The two elves were still kneeling piously in the hall.

Alice, the Saintess, had her head bowed in deep confession.

"How could the Mother Goddess truly abandon Alice? It was my faith that was lacking... I am a sinner. To even think such blasphemous thoughts... My prayers went unanswered only because I wasn't devout enough... Even when I turned my back on her, she did not turn her back on me. This was all a test, and I failed to persevere... I am the most unworthy Saintess..."

On the other side, the old priest was prostrate, his voice trembling with remorse.

"Mother Nature, I have sinned... I have sinned! Great Goddess, it must have been a demon tempting my heart. How could I doubt your return? I am guilty... so guilty..."

Listening to their constant muttering and feeling the sheer weight of their agony and regret, Eve felt a twinge of guilt. However, the "divine deception" had to continue, however embarrassing it felt.

She cleared her throat mentally, stirred her Divine Power, and prepared for a grand display.

"Sigh..."

A faint, ethereal sigh resonated through the hall. It was majestic and sacred, yet melodious—carrying the weight of ancient ages and a touch of profound melancholy. It commanded instant, instinctive reverence.

A pale green light suddenly illuminated the entire hall. The two followers looked up, wide-eyed and expectant, as the broken statue on the altar began to glow with a holy radiance. Basaka remained standing like a loyal sentry, though the flickering light in his large eyes betrayed his intense excitement.

As they watched, a sacred, timeless hum echoed in the air. The damaged elven statue began to mend itself. Within moments, a beautiful, holy image of the Elven Goddess stood reborn upon the altar.

Anyone who had seen the original statue in ancient times would notice that while this new image shared eighty percent of its likeness with the old Mother of Nature, it possessed its own unique character. The flowing divine gown retained the elegance of elven tradition but was infused with the aesthetic flair of Earth's modern art. The face was younger—resembling a girl in her late teens—dignified, beautiful, and profoundly noble.

Eve was a bit surprised by the result. She hadn't consciously designed the look; it had manifested naturally from her intent to "restore" her image.

“So this is my statue? The form I’ll take when I manifest? It’s... actually quite pretty,” she thought.

She felt a tether form between herself and the statue. It was now her "Focus"—a vessel through which any sapient being could pray to her and receive a response. Simultaneously, the statue would act as a conduit, absorbing the faith of followers and funneling it back to her.

Eve was satisfied, though her heart ached at the cost: 2 more points of Divine Power gone. She was down to 18.

The three followers stared at the restored statue, their eyes blurred with tears. Nothing proved the return of a True God like the awakening of their icon. Basaka joined the others in kneeling, and their voices rang out in unison:

"Praise the Great Goddess!" "Praise the Mother of Nature!" "Praise the Great Goddess of Life!" "Your humble servants—Alice, Basaka, and Samir—welcome the return of Your Supreme Majesty!"

This is actually a little embarrassing... Eve thought, suppressing a non-existent shiver. She cleared her mental throat and spoke.

"Rise"

Her voice was majestic and ethereal. The three followers trembled with fervor and gratitude. They gave a deep, formal bow to the glowing statue before slowly standing.

After a moment of silence, the grand voice spoke again:

"I have seen the plight of the Elves. Now that I have returned, I shall restore the Silver Civilization."

Alice and Samir shuddered again. They looked up at the radiant statue through a veil of joyful tears.

"Praise the Sovereign of Elves!" they choked out.

How many years... how many long years had the elven race waited for this? Their Mother was finally back. Their True God had returned!

"To rebuild our civilization and our faith, I require your strength."

The followers stood straight, their faces glowing with fanaticism.

"Praise the Mother Goddess! For Your glory, we are willing to offer our lives and our souls!"

In the year 1066 of the Eternal Era, the Immortal World Tree, the Ancient Goddess—Eve Iggdrasil—awakened.

A new chapter of Elven history had begun.