The Cursed Forest Where I Was Exiled Had Somehow Been Designated As A Sanctuary. - Awakened to the Purification skill, I, Surrounded By Divine Dragons And Great Spirits, Become The King of A Nation - Episode 5

“So, in other words, you are the spirit residing in this great tree, and you are the one behind the mysterious voice that called me?”

“That perception is correct. To add, I am a Great Spirit. In other words, very important.”

The green-haired girl puffed out her chest proudly with a smug smile.

She was completely naked and was only wearing the jacket that Zess had hurriedly handed her (which had been “cleaned”), so it was quite an embarrassing sight.

However, I never would have imagined she was a great spirit…

Spirits are spiritual beings that exist in every corner of this world.

The newly born spirits are even uncertain in their existence, but gradually they develop a sense of self and become rooted in their land or objects, much like gods or land deities.

Among them, the beings known as the Great Spirits have existed since the age of the gods and possess immense power.

In the rise of a nation, it is usually a powerful spirit that is involved.

In the first place, the ritual of receiving professions and skills from the gods is a miracle that cannot be realized without spirits.

However, even in the rituals of the Arclight Kingdom, there were no spirits with a clear sense of self or existence like hers.

Recalling the ceremony from three years ago, I gaze at the girl in front of me.

Then, her bright jade-colored eyes met mine.

“…So, why did you, who reside in such a great tree, attack us?”

When Zess asked, a shadow crossed her beautiful face.

“Until just now, I was not myself. I was a wretched being, consumed by a curse, spreading poison and destruction all around.”

But, the girl smiled softly.

“You helped us. Your strength saved us.”

“Us…?”

“About her”

Saying that, the girl looks up at Haku.

“Hrrr,” Haku bowed his head towards Zess.

“She is also very grateful to you. Because she was cursed just like me.”

“Is the curse that black mist?”

In response to Zess’s question, the girl nods.

“—Shinjū. A curse left in this world by the evil gods who were defeated by the benevolent gods. Those who are afflicted by it become beings that are consumed by their own ego and spread destruction.”

“It’s like a monster, isn’t it?”

The enemy of humanity, the demon, who manipulates shadows and darkness to indiscriminately attack all living beings.

They are also said to be minions of the evil god.

“As you say. Whether it’s innate or acquired, that might be the only difference between the two.”

While affirming Zess’s mutter, the girl paused with a “and then,” and then spoke with a dignified expression.

“Your skill ‘Purification’ is the highest-level anti-evil ability that can dispel such a curse from an evil god.”

“Th-that’s not possible…”

At the truth revealed by the great spirit, Zess staggered backward unsteadily.

“…It’s no wonder. If told that they possess the power to dispel a god’s curse, it’s only natural for a human child to be unsettled.”

While listening to the girl’s words of concern, Zess held his head and muttered softly.

“My skill wasn’t just a laundry skill, was it?”

“…Are you, by any chance, an incredibly big deal or an incredibly big fool?”

◆　◆　◆

“I don’t really understand much about curses, but if I could help you, then I’m glad.”

Zess, finally convinced of the purifying ability of “Purification,” smiled at the Great Spirit and Haku.

Haku let out a small croak, and the great spirit girl sighed as if exhausted.

“Finally, you understand. …But I want to thank you again. If it weren’t for you, I would have continued as the minion of the evil god, turning this cursed forest into an even more dreadful world.”

“I just did what I wanted to do, so being thanked feels a bit awkward. Hmm, wait a moment.”

“What?”

“Furthermore… if it has turned into a more sinister world… does that mean your curse has nothing to do with the fact that many monsters inhabit this cursed forest?”

In response to Zess’s question, the girl nods.

“The power of the evil god lingers strongly in this Great Tree Sea, making it difficult for spirits to settle. That’s why monsters are likely to be born here.”

“But you’re a spirit, so aren’t you rooted in this land?”

“That’s because I was born to purify this land… but I too have been cursed by the gods.”

The body of the great spirit, looking down in regret, appears very small.

Thinking back, she must have been here all alone all this time.

To eexrcise the power of the evil god.

Perhaps it was that very loneliness that drove her to madness.

“I have a favor to ask…”

The girl murmurs softly.

It was a hesitant, troubled voice.

“I can’t protect the entire Great Tree Sea by myself… That’s why I want you, who have the skill of ‘Purification,’ to stay here. I want you to change this land with me.”

It was such a pitiful sight that it was hard to believe it was the same person who had proudly claimed to be a great spirit.

In a posture that seemed almost desperate or prayerful, Zess was momentarily overwhelmed.

“After all, it’s difficult――”

“Sure.”

“……Huh?”

“Actually, I was hoping to ask you myself. We were looking for a place to live. If it’s alright with you, we would like to live near this great tree.”

Emerald-colored eyes widen in surprise.

In the eyes that shimmered with a slight glimmer, Zess’s smile was reflected.

“Are you sure? With your power, you could attain the highest priesthood, gain honor and fame, and acquire all sorts of worldly things.”

“Well, that’s just not my style, you know? I just want to live a laid-back life. Besides, even if I leave the Sea of Trees now, I’ll probably just end up imprisoned or, well, executed normally.”

To the bewildered girl, Zess revealed his circumstances.

The great spirit, having heard everything, was trembling violently while hugging its own body with its slender arms.

“Scary, humans, scary…”

“Yeah, but I’m also that kind of person.”

Towards the great spirit who had crouched down on the spot, Zess extended his hand with a wry smile.

“That’s why I’m looking for a place to live… Is it okay if I stay here?”

“aaaaaah”

The great spirit stared blankly at Zess’s hand for a moment, then eventually broke into a flower-like smile.

“Yggdrasil”

“Huh?”

“My true name is Shinmei. Nice to meet you, Zess. Let’s live together for the rest of our lives.”

“Hey, isn’t this a bit heavy…?”

Before Zess could pull his hand back, Ygshil grabbed it with both hands.

At that moment, a strange sensation overtakes Zess.

“Huh, what? ‘Spirit’s Eye’…?”

New skills are flowing in.

“By making a contract with me, Zess was also able to see the scenery of the spirits.”

“What kind of contract?!”

While interjecting into Ygshil’s addition, Zess looked at Haku standing next to him…

Characters float above Haku’s body.

That was a status of others that normally could not be seen unless a special ritual was performed or a divine artifact was used.

Name: Haku

Race: Dragon Race

Occupation: 【Divine Dragon】

Level: 774

Muscle strength: SS

Defense: SS

Agility: S

Mental strength: B

Endurance: S

Skill

“Breath of the Dragon” “Authority of the Divine Dragon”

“White Scale of the Divine Dragon” “Spirit Body of the Divine Shadow”

Please provide the text you would like to have translated.

“…Huh, are you a god?”

Suddenly acquired skills, contracts with spirits, and what lies ahead.

In response to Zess’s mutterings, which had blown everything out of his mind, Haku spread his wings and nodded with a “Grrrr!”