Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent
Chapter 253 - 253: Ch 253: Saved?- Part 1

Kyle stood before the world tree, the massive source of life and energy for the elf village.

The aura that surrounded it had shifted noticeably—what was once a weak, flickering glow was now vibrant and pulsing with renewed strength.

Most of the corruption that had strangled the tree's power had been devoured by Lysander, Kyle's small dragon companion.

The relief was visible in Kyle's eyes as he exhaled slowly.

"Good job, Lysander."

Kyle praised, scratching gently behind the dragon's ears. The little dragon shivered with anticipation, basking in the warmth of Kyle's approval, its scales catching the light. A

After a moment of quiet adoration, Lysander settled down, his breathing steady once more.

Kyle approached the tree cautiously, running his fingers over the bark.

Almost immediately, a sharp flinch hit him—the once mighty tree was fragile now, dangerously so.

The long years of divine corruption had left it weak, its cellular structure brittle from constant exposure to hostile mana.

Even the slightest contact with residual corruption could cause irreversible damage.

This tree was the elves' lifeline, their source of power and vitality. Losing it would mean certain ruin.

Kyle's mind worked quickly.

To protect this fragile giant, he would need to erect a barrier—one strong enough to shield the tree from any further corruption, yet delicate enough not to harm it.

But such a barrier required time to craft, as well as rare materials not readily available here.

He needed to speak with the elf elder.

Turning away from the tree, Kyle made his way back toward the village, Lysander fluttering beside him in low circles.

The air was tense. Where before some elves had openly watched him with suspicion, now most avoided his gaze entirely.

Those who glanced at him—and the dragon perched on his shoulder—immediately flinched, eyes wide with shock or shame, before quickly looking away.

Kyle noted this but said nothing.

He had expected such reactions. The elves were still wary of him, despite what he had done. The presence of a dragon—a symbol of power and purity—was as terrifying to many of them as it was awe-inspiring.

Reaching the elder's house, Kyle was greeted with a solemn nod.

"I have successfully purified the world tree. but it will take some time before I can secure it behind a proper barrier."

Kyle began without preamble.

The elder's deep-set eyes softened, gratitude shining through his usually stern expression.

"I have felt the curse lifting from our sacred tree. You have done what many thought impossible. For this, the elves are deeply thankful."

He said quietly.

A flicker of warmth entered his voice as he extended an invitation.

"Come inside. Let us break bread and discuss the next steps. There is much to be done if we are to safeguard our future."

Kyle nodded, following the elder inside. The house was modest but orderly, filled with simple wooden furnishings and soft, glowing lanterns that bathed the room in warm light.

As they sat, the elder gestured for Kyle to eat, but the meal was more than just nourishment—it was a ceremony, a gesture of trust and alliance.

"The curse that has plagued us, was not simply a mark of divine wrath. It was a prison—designed to isolate and weaken us. Our connection to the natural and magical world has been severed bit by bit."

The elder began.

Kyle listened intently.

"Your people have suffered long under this burden."

"Yes. The sacred tree, once a beacon of hope and life, became a fragile symbol of despair. Your arrival and Lysander's intervention have given us a chance we never dared hope for."

The elder admitted.

Kyle allowed himself a small smile.

"The barrier I intend to build will shield the tree from further corruption, but I will need materials—rare stones imbued with neutral mana, and purified waters from the mountain springs. These are necessary to craft a filter that can absorb and neutralize divine toxins."

The elder nodded thoughtfully.

"We have access to some of these materials, though they are limited. I will send a group to gather what we can spare."

As they talked, Kyle sensed a shift in the elder's demeanor—from cautious respect to cautious hope. The elf chief's people were beginning to see Kyle not as a threat, but as a guardian.

Outside, the village lay quiet but watchful.

The tension was still palpable, but the seed of trust had been planted. Kyle knew it would take time—patience and persistence—to truly win the elves over.

But for now, the world tree was safe, and that was a start.

Rising from the table, Kyle looked out toward the village through the window. Lysander fluttered in beside him, the glow from the tree lighting up his scales.

"We're making progress, little one."

Kyle murmured.

The dragon gave a small chirp of agreement, eyes gleaming.

Kyle's resolve hardened. This fragile tree, this ancient people—they deserved a future free from corruption. And he would see it done, no matter what obstacles lay ahead.

______

Silvy walked through the elf village with her chin held high, an air of satisfaction practically radiating from her with every step.

The once-hostile stares from her kin had dulled, replaced now with avoidance or stiff, polite smiles that barely concealed the bitterness beneath.

She saw it all—the way their eyes flicked away when she passed, the forced greetings muttered under breath—but none of it mattered anymore.

Kyle, her guest, the one she had insisted on bringing in, had saved the village.

That truth couldn't be denied.

So when another elf gave her a half-hearted bow or a tight-lipped smile, Silvy returned it with a bright, cheerful grin that was just a little too wide, just a little too pleased.

Borderline mocking, really. The message was clear:

'You looked down on me. You doubted me. And now? You can't say a thing.'

Her boots crunched lightly against the stone path as she made her way past the merchant stalls and the now-quiet training grounds.

The elves had become eerily reserved ever since Kyle passed the sacred barrier and purified the world tree.

Many still didn't know how to feel about it. Their pride told them to resist, to find fault. But the reality was undeniable—Kyle had done what none of them could.

As she rounded a corner near the outer ridge of the village, Silvy paused when she overheard a group of young elves murmuring.

They stood close together near a large tree, their tones hushed but urgent.

"Now that the corruption's cleared, it should be safe."

"Exactly. We'll just go take a look. We have a right to see it for ourselves."

"Don't tell anyone though—if the chief finds out, we'll get scolded."

Silvy narrowed her eyes.

'Idiots.'

The purification may have cleared the visible corruption, but that didn't mean the world tree was stable.

She remembered Kyle's warning—how fragile it had become after enduring years of divine exposure. One wrong move and the elves could lose their sacred treasure forever.

A part of her wanted to confront them right there, slap sense into them if needed.

But instead, she turned on her heel and marched back toward the elder's house.

If there was anything she had learned in the last few days, it was this: acting without thinking was exactly what these fools expected from her.

She wouldn't give them the satisfaction.

If someone was going to stop that group from doing something reckless, it would be Kyle—and the chief who now owed him everything.

Her steps quickened.

'They might not respect me, but they damn well respect him.'

She thought grimly.

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