“I have not yet discovered the location of the Ambrosia Tree this time around. Why is she so adamant? Can it be that the Ateleigos have aligned themselves with the four pillars and are working to further discredit me?” Astratis internalized with a frown.
The Ateleigos were powerful creatures that many wanted to draw over to their side. However, the Ateleigos were prideful and protective of their treasures.
The youngest of the three Ateleigos, Thanasia, was the Guardian of the Ambrosia Tree—a treasure tree that bore the highly coveted fruit known as Wings.
To the mortals of the Secret Realm, the fruit was useless. However, to those birthed by the Protogenos, it was something that possessed countless uses.
However, since the treasures of the Ateleigos were constantly sought after, it caused a great deal of bloodshed. In the end, the Ateleigos reached an agreement with those birthed by the Protogenos. Every month, they would hide their treasures, and those who managed to locate them could acquire a small portion.
The agreement was beneficial to all those involved and had never been broken since its establishment. That’s why Astratis was taken aback by Thanasia’s wild accusations.
“…No. The Ateleigos have too much pride to willingly submit to any of the four pillars. Besides, their lives are tied directly to their treasures. Ultimately, harming them yields no benefits.” Astratis thought to himself.
Besides the Ambrosia Tree, there were two other treasures—each protected by one of the Ateleigos.
The second eldest guarded the Endless Nectar Fountain. If the Wing of the Ambrosia Tree was considered the sun, then the Immortal Nectar that flowed from the Endless Nectar Fountain was the moon. Its value was no less than that of the Wing of the Ambrosia Tree.
As for the eldest of the Ateleigos, their treasure was the Chamnimi Lotus Tree, a treasure tree well known for its ethereal beauty and the lotus shape fruit that bloomed from its branches.
Those who consumed the fruit were believed to undergo a rebirth. There were even some legends that the fruit could transform a normal mortal into a higher being!
However, the fruit from the Chamnimi Lotus Tree was too mysterious. The few lucky individuals who did manage to find it seemed to always return with hazy memories. Though instead of discouraging others from seeking the treasure tree, it further motivated them. After all, who could resist the temptation of such a mysterious treasure?
“After a bit of trouble, I was able to procure some Immortal Nectar. The reason I came to the Ancient Wilderness was to obtain a Wing of the Ambrosia Tree. As long as I consume the two together, I can heal the wounds I received during my battle against the Teraidi. I wanted to take my time; however… Since news of my fight has already spread this far, it won’t be long before they make a move. I must recover my strength before that happens.” Astratis internalized.
Astratis understood that in his current state, having Thanasia as an enemy was inconvenient. He needed to get to the bottom of things before the situation spiraled out of control. In the end, he truly did not take any fruit from the Ambrosia Tree!
But, something bothered Astratis. It was not uncommon for fruit to be plucked from the Ambrosia Tree; therefore, even if he did take some fruit, Thanasia’s reaction should not have been so violent. If that was the case, what happened to the Ambrosia Tree that made Thanasia so furious?
“I do not know why you accuse me, but you should know that I, Astratis, have always honored the agreement. If you wish to know the real truth, I would not mind having a discussion with you. However, if you want to falsely accuse me without any proof, I will not sit back and allow you to tarnish my name.” Astratis stated.
“Enough! I grow tired of your deception. I will give you five breaths to return the Wings of the Ambrosia Tree. If you do so, I am willing to overlook this matter; however, you will be barred from the agreement for one year due to your transgressions.” Thanasia replied indifferently.
She narrowed her eyes and with a cold gaze continued, “But, should you fail to relinquish that which you have stolen, you shall be the eternal enemy of the Ateleigos.”
“Don’t go too far, Thanasia,” Astratis commented solemnly as his expression turned serious.
As the atmosphere intensified, Izroth silently observed the exchange between Astratis and Thanasia. It appeared that a fight was bound to break out at any given moment!
Needless to say, Izroth was in no hurry to reveal that he was the one who took the Wings of the Ambrosia Tree.
For one, while Izroth did not believe that Astratis was a bad person, who was to say that he would remain the same when the treasure he needed to heal his wounds was right before his eyes?
As for Thanasia, she merely failed in her role as the Guardian of the Ambrosia Tree. If he had lost his life trying to obtain the fruit, Izroth understood that he would only have his own weakness to blame.
And, the agreement? That was something made by the residents of this Secret Realm. It had nothing to do with Izroth! Therefore, it did not weigh heavily on his conscience.
That being said, Izroth was also not the type of person to allow others who had not wronged him to take the fall on his behalf.
“A guardian that failed in its duty wants to find fault in others—how amusing. If something under your protection was stolen, you only have your own lack of ability to blame.” Izroth’s voice sounded as a carefree smile found its way onto his face.
When those words left Izroth’s mouth, they immediately caught the attention of Astratis and Thanasia.
Astratis was baffled by Izroth’s statement. Even if it was true, to speak that way to a prideful Ateleigos after he gave him a clear warning—did this person take their life so lightly?
While Astratis was taken aback, on the other hand, Thanasia’s expression darkened as she gazed in Izroth’s direction.
Of course, Izroth did not meet her gaze as he remembered Astratis’ note of caution. Not to mention, Astratis himself had also kept his gaze away from Thanasia during their entire exchange.
Regardless, Izroth could feel her gaze clearly directed at him and it carried with it a deadly undertone.
“My own lack of ability…? I see. A noble remark. I am afraid I have not caught the name of this young celestial,” Thanasia said with a tinge of disdain in her voice.
Thanasia inwardly frowned when she observed Izroth. She noticed his presence from the beginning; however, the amount of Ethos in his body was so faint, that she simply did not put him in her sights.
“I-” Before Izroth had the chance to respond, Astratis stepped forward and held his arm out in front of him.
“This is between the two of us, Thanasia. This mortal has suffered from loss of the mind and does not yet remember how the world works. My previous offer still stands. Think clearly for one moment. You are well aware of my circumstances. If I had taken the Wings of the Ambrosia Tree as you claim, would I be foolish enough to continue to wander around in my current condition?” Astratis remarked.
Thanasia remained silent as if she were pondering what Astratis had to say.
Then, just as five breaths had passed since her warning, Thanasia broke her silence and said, “…Very well. If you wish to discuss, I do not mind giving the Son of Thunder some face.”
Astratis lowered his arm and released a small sigh of relief. Naturally, he did not wish to clash with the Ateleigos over a simple misunderstanding. And, although Thanasia was prideful and overwhelmed with anger, she was no fool.
“However-” Thanasia’s voice sounded.
Swoosh!
Without warning, a verdant snake formed from mysterious energy erupted from Thanasia’s feet and shot towards Izroth!
There was not much raw power behind this snake; however, it emitted a sinister feeling that caused one to fall into a state of natural uneasiness.
“This mortal must forfeit their life,” Thanasia stated without remorse.
A mere mortal dared to speak out of line to her? Who gave them such courage?!
“Is this your way of giving me face?!” Astratis’ roared as his eyes lit up, releasing a bright white light from within.
