As I descended from the sky, I surveyed the White Wing Land anew. As expected of a floating continent, it was quite vast.
The first impression of the White Wing Land would likely be its scarcity of towns. In fact, the cities of the angels only exist in the central part of the floating continent. The name of the only existing city is the Heavenly Capital, **Sanzerus**. Despite having only one city, why is it called a capital? I can’t help but wonder, but since it has been passed down as such since ancient times, there’s no point in questioning it now. Regardless, this Sanzerus is said to have everything the angels need to live, including food, clothing, and shelter.
Most of the buildings are silver, with divine designs that are the complete opposite of Sera’s preferences. Well, if I say the whole city is like Delamis Cathedral, it might be easier to understand. Delamis Cathedral had a similar color scheme, perhaps they were even made of the same material? The sunlight reflects off them, making them dazzling if you’re not used to it. That might be why the divinity felt from the city is doubled… If Colette were to visit Sanzerus, she might not be able to contain her faith and start a pilgrimage in a double sense. Besides, it’s also Mel’s former hometown, so it’s even more perilous, right? Yeah, it looks dangerous… Also, the Chamber of Wisdom, where the Chiefs of Angels once resided, seems to be located in the very heart of Sanzerus.
“Even if it is said to provide for all needs, it’s not that great of a place. There were strict rules for the candidates of the next generation of gods, and the food was just bland solid meals that merely provided the necessary nutrients. For entertainment, there was nothing much to do besides meditation, acquiring knowledge in the Great Library, supporting idols— Ahem! …activities of faith towards the gods.”
“That must have been a harsh environment for Mel.”
“Exactly! Well, it’s precisely because of that past that I was able to meet you, Mmmph (blush).”
Please, don’t eat while blushing. Well, even Raphael, the organizer of the angels, was like that. It seems that ordinary angels prioritize faith, which they call supporting their idols. Mel, who left her hometown, has fundamentally different values.
“Dorothy and Kelvum, let’s see… It seems they headed straight for Sanzerus. Certainly, I can feel two large presences from within that city, but let’s see.”
With two of the Ten Authorities located there, what about the others? Ah, there they are.
The third is at the summit of that large mountain. Based on the map information I constructed with my subordinate network, it should be **Enberg Divine Spirit Mountain**, the highest peak in the White Wing Land. It’s said to be the most sacred place, closest to the domain of the gods, being the highest point on the floating continent far above the sky. However, the air is thin, or rather, almost non-existent, making it impossible even for angels to reach the summit.
“I see, they chose an interesting place for a battlefield.”
“Dahak, Mudoph, Boga, and Glostina are heading for Enberg Divine Spirit Mountain. That means…”
“Yeah, I suppose that’s the case. I’m also intensely curious, but I can’t possibly interfere with them. I’ll pass on that one. Alright, next.”
…Got it. But this one is quite far on the edge of the continent. Gerard, who has already landed on the surface, is rushing towards it with all his might, but the destination still seems distant.
“Location-wise, let’s see…”
“It’s one of the pulsating hearts of the White Wing Land. I believe it serves as the main power source. There should be several backups, but if it’s destroyed, various troublesome things could happen.”
“Gah, seriously? That brat said something crazy about crashing the White Wing Land into the surface, but if that really happened, it wouldn’t be funny.”
“With Gerard’s sluggishness, his arrival will be quite delayed. Kelvin, I’ll head towards that area as well. I have a bad feeling about it.”
“Sera, when you say something like that, it usually turns out to be true, so please don’t say such ominous things… But well, if I leave it to Sera, I can rest easy. Alright, I’m counting on you!”
“Heh heh, I accept your request!”
Sera chanted a magic spell and imbued Kelvin’s Wind God’s Foot with magic to double his speed. Immediately after, Sera enveloped herself in a crimson aura and began to race through the sky at full speed. Wow, with the Wind God’s Foot included, she’s gotten even faster.
“Did you do well to let Sera go? The presence I feel from that location is as strong as the one from Enberg Divine Spirit Mountain.”
“Well, that’s true… But if it’s that far, I’m not sure if my desires would allow me to be patient.”
“Ah, ah, I see. Especially when faced with such a feast… Then, who is the fifth person over there?”
In the direction Mel was looking, there was a clear emerald-colored lake, and in its center stood a particularly large, giant tree. Not only the lake but the giant tree itself was emerald-colored, creating a truly fantastical scene.
“That giant tree is called the World Tree, a miracle in itself. Like Enberg Divine Spirit Mountain, it is revered by the angels. Bruising its leaves is said to cure all illnesses, and if a branch is used to fix a broken limb, any fracture would heal in minutes. There are even anecdotes of the dead being resurrected by it. I often used it when I was a child.”
“What? Did something happen when you were a child? Perhaps you were sickly in the past…?”
“No, when I fell while running, I’d just grab a leaf like this.”
Mel made a gesture as if casually plucking something. The “something” was, as Mel said, a leaf from the World Tree— Wait, no, no, you’re introducing it as a miracle itself, but what are you doing so casually!? Isn’t that what being revered by angels means!?
“Even as a pure maiden, I was as mischievous as any other child back then.”
“You really…”
Learning about my wife’s new past made me feel both happy and sad. However, Shutra, who was behind me, seemed to have a completely different reaction.
“Hey, hey, Mel (Big Sister). I know about the World Tree from fairy tales too, but is this *that* World Tree?”
“Yes, it is *that* World Tree. As you can see, the White Wing Land is a floating continent, so sometimes fallen leaves from the World Tree are carried by the wind and drift down to the surface. That’s how the legend began, that there exists a legendary giant tree called the World Tree somewhere in the world! … That’s how the saying came about. It’s said to have healing effects, and its size is also the world’s largest, though it seems some regions exaggerate the description.”
“Wow, is that really true! Amazing, amazing!”
“Shutra, you’re unusually excited. Is it that amazing?”
“Yes, very! Actually, I’ve been curious since I looked at the map. If there are enemies near the World Tree, I’m going there!”
Oops, Shutra has decided on her destination too. However, there doesn’t seem to be anyone from the vanguard heading towards the World Tree. It’s a bit worrying for an older brother to let Shutra go alone.
“Mel.”
“I understand. I’ll head to the World Tree too. Shutra, get on my back.”
“Okay!”
Shutra moved from my back to Mel’s back with a wiggle.
“So, what will you do? Are you looking for the sixth person?”
“No, about the sixth of the Ten Authorities, I can’t find them no matter how much I sense their presence. They must be hiding somewhere… Speaking of which, where did Serge and Boss Shin go? I can’t sense them at all?”
“Perhaps they are searching for the sixth person in stealth mode. Or maybe they’re treasure hunting in stealth mode?”
“Ah…”
Both are possible, and since they’re both free spirits, I can’t predict. Well, I trust they’ll do at least their minimum duties, so for now, I’ll believe in them. Then, which path should I choose now?
“Alright, I’ve decided.”
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