17.Greenlight's Gift

Wheeeing!

A fierce wind swept through the forest. It wasn't just an ordinary wind, but one carrying intentional energy.

The leaves shook and rustled, and some force began to spread from within the darkness of the Great Forest.

The wolves suddenly stopped moving. The beasts that had been baring their fangs at the expedition just moments ago instantly perked up their ears and surveyed their surroundings.

The beasts' eyes trembled anxiously. It was instinctual fear. Even the giant wolf leader began to crouch and remain vigilant.

Tristan, sword in hand, observed the sudden change in the wolves.

"What is it? Why are they suddenly acting like this?"

Elina stopped reciting her spell and listened carefully.

"Someone is coming. I can feel powerful magical energy."

Rustle.

The sound of breaking branches came from far away. Eyes glinted in the darkness.

Wheeeing!

Once again, a whistling sound echoed as the wind cut through the forest. It wasn't an ordinary sound. Magical energy carried through it made the earth vibrate.

As the sound spread, the leaves began to glow and float into the air.

Lord Petriert raised his sword and took a defensive stance.

"Everyone maintain formation. Prepare for a new threat."

In that moment, the entire forest fell silent.

A man walked out from the darkness.

He was a middle-aged man wearing an old straw hat. He had brown hair and a gentle impression, but his presence was overwhelming.

Wherever he walked, a faint green light spread.

Behind him, branches moved this way and that, as if making a path for him. It was as if the forest itself was welcoming him.

He spoke to the wolves.

"These fellows are being too harsh to our guests."

His voice was low and soft, but the surrounding air trembled and the leaves shook. The wolves avoided his gaze and hesitated.

"This happened while I was briefly away. I felt the forest friends getting anxious, so I hurried back."

When he gently waved his hand, all the wolves lowered their posture and quietly retreated behind him.

"Amazing," Hallis said in a small voice. "Controlling a pack of wild wolves without magic."

"...Greenlight!" Patricia exclaimed in a surprised voice. Her eyes widened.

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The man slowly turned his gaze.

"Patricia?"

Patricia's face reddened. She averted her gaze but then looked at him again as she approached.

"I didn't expect to meet you here," she said. "You always loved nature... I guessed you might be in the Great Forest, but I never thought we'd actually meet like this..."

"It's been a while," Greenlight smiled. "Quite some time has passed since I left Luminarian. I heard rumors that you became a teacher with disciples."

Patricia smiled silently.

Patricia explained to the expedition members.

"Greenlight is a spirit mage of the forest. A magician who handles the powers of nature. He was a colleague who studied with me at the magic school in the past."

"We were friends," Greenlight corrected. "Patricia was the most outstanding student at Luminarian. I left the school to research nature magic, but she continued on the path of academia."

Greenlight looked over the expedition members and nodded.

"Then these must be your companions."

Patricia introduced Lord Petriert, Elina, and Hallis in turn.

Lord Petriert, still not letting his guard down, bowed his head in greeting.

"Thank you for your help. We were able to avoid a battle with the wolves."

Tristan and the other novice knights looked at Greenlight with curious eyes. The mages seemed surprised to feel his powerful magical energy.

"But why are you passing through the dangerous Great Forest?" Greenlight asked.

Patricia hesitated for a moment before carefully explaining the situation.

"We're heading to Hell Fortress," Patricia said. "The Dominator has returned."

Greenlight's expression darkened.

"The Dominator... so he has finally returned. I've been sensing strange energies in the forest lately. The animals have been anxious, and now I understand why these wolves have been reacting so sensitively."

Greenlight sighed, kneeled before the wolf leader, and placed his hand on its forehead.

"Old friend. These people are not enemies. Open the path for them."

The wolf leader whimpered softly and lowered its head. Greenlight stroked the wolf's head and turned to the expedition.

"These fellows are forest friends who commune with me. You are safe now. I have let them know you are 'friends'."

He gestured to the wolf pack, and they immediately retreated and disappeared into the forest. The tension around the expedition visibly eased.

The wolves no longer appeared threatening. However, other beings were watching them from somewhere in the forest.

"There are things more dangerous than wolves in this forest," Greenlight said, looking around. "You must be especially careful at night. When darkness falls, the Great Forest shows a completely different face."

"Patricia!" Greenlight exhaled deeply. "I need to treat the injured wolves. I cannot join your journey, but I'd like to offer a small help."

The expedition decided to take a brief rest. Tired soldiers gathered around the campfire and shared food.

Patricia tended to the wounded with healing magic, while Tristan and the other novice knights kept watch over the surroundings.

Greenlight called for Elina and Hallis.

"You two, come here."

The two followed him with puzzled expressions. Sunlight filtered through, but the forest atmosphere still felt heavy.

"You both handle magic," Greenlight said. "I sense a strong fire energy within you," he said, looking at Hallis.

"And you," his gaze turned to Elina. For a moment, Greenlight's eyes wavered. "You... I cannot understand. I cannot comprehend."

Greenlight regained his composure and continued.

"You handle different elements, but what you need now is the power of the forest."

Greenlight raised his hand. Suddenly, a vivid green light flared from his palm.

Small leaves floated within that light.

"Life force magic," Greenlight explained. "The core of the Great Forest and the source of my power. This magic serves to push away darkness and illuminate the path."

"This is...?" Elina asked, her eyes widening.

"The power of nature," Greenlight answered concisely.

He wrapped his hands around theirs.

At that moment, the green light spread to Elina and Hallis's hands. It moved like something alive, enveloping their bodies.

The two briefly floated in the air. The surrounding leaves swirled around them like a whirlwind, even without wind.

The forest's energy was seeping into them.

"This is a gift," Greenlight said.

"Wow... I can feel something. It's like power flowing through," Hallis said in a surprised voice.

A teal light spread from Elina's body, while a blue light emanated from Hallis's. Their respective elemental magic was harmonizing with the nature magic.

Greenlight nodded.

"This is a spell of nature magic. Magic that borrows the forest's power to push away darkness. If you harmonize with the forest, this magic will grow stronger. But if you try to use it forcefully, the power will disappear."

"Casting it together will have a greater effect," he continued to explain. "After you shout 'Lumière, Splash' and spread your hands, light will appear. You'll definitely need this in your journey ahead, so remember it well."

The two practiced the spell several times according to his instructions. At first, only small green lights appeared, but as they practiced more, stronger light spread out.

The green light gradually faded, but a warm energy remained in their hands.

"This magic isn't simply about creating light," Greenlight said with a serious look. "It's a connection to the essence of this forest. When you're in danger, the forest will help you."

The two returned to where the expedition was. Their companions were curious, but they only smiled.

Paolo approached Elina.

"What happened?"

"You'll know soon," Elina answered with a smile. "I'll show you when it's needed."

Greenlight stood before the expedition with a serious expression.

"The Great Forest is vast, deep, and dangerous. It's not an ordinary forest, but a living entity with thousands of years of history."

"Many creatures live in this forest," he continued. "Far more eyes are watching you now than you can see. Some are friendly, but others... are not."

The campfire flames flickered. It seemed as if they were responding to his words.

"The deeper you go toward the center of the forest, the greater the danger," Greenlight warned. "Especially at night, it's easy to lose your way. The forest constantly changes. Always leave markers and stay close to each other."

"I've told the forest not to harm you, but I can't control everything. The forest makes its own judgments."

Lord Petriert stepped forward.

"We'll be careful. Thank you for your advice and help."

Greenlight took out a small cloth pouch from his pocket and handed it to Patricia.

"These are special seeds. When you're in danger, throw them on the ground and they'll help."

"Thank you," Patricia said, accepting the pouch. "As always..."

His gaze softened for a moment as he looked at Patricia.

"When we meet next time, I'd like to share a cup of tea."

Patricia smiled and nodded.

Surrounded by green light, Greenlight disappeared into the forest.

In the place where he had left, small sprouts were beginning to emerge.